Star Weekly - Wyndham - 13th December 2023

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13 DECEMBER, 2023

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2W WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

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Reclink’s Peter Cullen wants people to donate sporting goods ahead of Christmas.

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Gift unused sporting gear Sporting goods are among the most common presents unwrapped on Christmas Day, but this year Wyndham residents are being asked to gift balls, clubs, bats and apparel to people on Saturday December 16 rather than the 25th. The significance of the earlier date is that it’s when Reclink will be running its annual Christmas sporting good donation drive, where unused or unwanted sporting equipment can be given to those less fortunate.

“We just think that like food, sports equipment is wasted,” said Reclink founder and donation drive organiser, Peter Cullen.

“Why waste sports equipment in these times when families are doing it tough?”

Following the donation drive the goods will then be distributed to disadvantaged communities, including those in Wyndham.

“I’ll go out in a vehicle leading into Christmas and give it (donated sporting equipment) out in front of various shops, which I do every

year,” said Mr Cullen, adding that with the cost of living crisis biting, the donation drive was more important than ever and would help kids get outside and get active.

“It’s an opportunity over the holidays for children to get fitter through sports equipment. People can’t afford always to be part of sporting clubs and most kids are not part of sporting clubs, so it’s important, like the old days, that they play informally, that they have an opportunity to go down to the local outdoor courts and play with a really decent ball and get together with their neighbors and experience the physical and mental benefits then in the sense of inclusion with each other.”

All types of sporting equipment will be accepted as long as it’s in working order and can still be used.

The donation drive runs from 10am to 3pm on Saturday December 16 at 11-13 Gerves Drive Werribee.

Morning carols for kids Wyndham residents will have one last chance for a Christmas get-together prior to the big day itself, with Dreambuilders Church in Hoppers Crossing holding a Family Fun Carols event on Christmas Eve, December 24.

Unlike most Christmas carols events which occur at night, Dreambuilders Family Fun Carols doubles as a morning tea, making it ideal of young children for whom evening events are too late.

“We’ve got a colouring competition for children under 12 and Santa will be there and you can have your photos taken with Santa,” said Dreambuilders Church spokesperson Debra Thompson.

“And of course we’ll be singing carols, a mixture of traditional ones that can be sung along to and some modern versions as well.”

This is the sixth annual carols event Dreambuilders Church has held and Ms Thompson said it provides an opportunity to remind people of the origins of Christmas.

“It is a bit forgotten,“ she said.

“People tend to think of Christmas as Santa and presents. We believe that Jesus came to save lives.”

Along with celebrating the birth of Jesus, the event acts as end of year celebration for participants in the church’s various community, youth group and rehabilitation programs.

“We work with people who feel that their lives are out of control and we do programs that help and support them. It’s about thinking differently and being differently,” Ms Thompson said.

“The people we’ve been working during the year are all invited to attend. Everybody is invited to attend.“ Beginning at 10am, the event will be held in the main auditorium at Dreambuilders Church in Graham Court, Hoppers Crossing.

Entry is free, though bookings are essential.

To reserve a spot visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CMDIJ

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Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3W

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Poinsettias are an iconic Christmas bloom.

Santa during one of Werribee Fire Brigade’s previous Christmas Eve lolly drops. (supplied)

Festive blooms to enjoy Floral arrangements are a perfect way to add some colour to your 2023 Yule time table.

Lilies Lilies and amaryllis are always a popular choice at Christmas in a variety of colours.

Many varieties have a beautiful scent that will perfume your home. They can be placed in an arrangement with other flowers or in a vase on their own and prefer to be kept away from direct sunlight in a cool environment.

Remember though that lilies are extremely toxic to cats, causing acute renal failure, so think twice before gifting them to friend and keep them out of reach of your own felines.

Poinsettia The poinsettia has come to symbolise Christmas, and with its bright red and green

foliage it’s not hard to see why.

They are commonly found in pots, ready to adorn a table or bench in your house.

However, they can be finicky; they don’t like too much water, but take care also to not let them dry out.

If the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off, you may not be watering it correctly.

They’re native to Mexico, so they also prefer warmth and light, and make sure to protect them from wind and draughts to keep them happy for the Christmas season.

Rosemary This Mediterranean herb is perfect for an Australian Christmas. It’s easy to grow and care for, and fills the air with a mouth-watering perfume.

Christmas lolly drop One of Wyndham’s Christmas traditions will take place again this year, with the Werribee Fire Brigade running their Christmas Eve lolly drop on December 24.

Accompanied by Father Christmas himself, members of the brigade will climb aboard their fire trucks and traverse the streets of Werribee, throwing lollies to kids and their parents and wishing them a Merry Christmas along the way.

Lieutenant Rohan Rizzoli from Werribee Fire Brigade said the longtime event will take place at the same time as in previous years.

“What we’ve traditionally done is go around the streets of Werribee from mid afternoon” said Lt Rizzoli.

While the lolly drop has been a Christmas

Eve staple for many years, Werribee’s continual growth led the brigade to consider downsizing or changing the event.

But while the exact route hasn’t yet been formalised, Lt Rizzoli confirmed that they’ll again try and drop lollies to all parts of the suburb.

“We will continue to reach everyone across Werribee,” he said, provided, of course, that their day job doesn’t intervene.

“The brigade endeavors to get to everyone, although this may not be possible due to emergency incidents.”

Families wanting to know when they should expect Santa are encouraged to check the Werribee Fire Brigade’s Facebook page for updates.

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4W WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

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Left: Moira Deeming (second from left) with Danny and Karen Ellis from Mend It Australia and Joe from growwithjoe.org. Right: Western United Football Club – Women’s Team, Community Day.

It’s a privilege to serve the people of the west: MP budget, or break promises or fail to do their jobs.

As an MP, I value being able to connect with residents. It has been an absolute privilege this year to meet many amazing people working and living out in the west – like the mums and dads who love their kids and just want them to be healthy, get a good education and make a life for themselves.

Like the amazing volunteers who selflessly

run all our local sports clubs, just because they want to help kids develop their character and enjoy the thrill of the game. Like the multicultural communities who cherish Australian democracy and proudly throw their lot in with ours.

Thank you for standing with me and I promise that I will keep standing up for you – the hard-working people of the west!

As the year draws to a close, however you

and your family spend this time – Christmas parties, end-of-year parties, the Boxing Day Test, Boxing Day sales – I wish you and your family all the best. My office will be closed for the holiday break but please reach out in 2024 if I can be of assistance to you, your family, business, school, sporting club or community group.

Moira Deeming, MP

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Although my first year as an MP has been – let’s just say, tumultuous – advocating for my constituents of Western Metropolitan has been an honour.

I’ve called for fair funding in the west for roads, schools and community health centres; for fair taxes and laws that protect workers, parents, women, and children; as well as for the government to be held to the same standards that ordinary people are when they go over

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Moira DEEMING MP MEMBER FOR WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION

Standing for Freedom, Fair Laws & Family

Suite 1 & 2, Level 2, 13-15 Lake St Caroline Springs VIC 3023 Phone: (03) 8363 0288 Email: moira.deeming@parliament.vic.gov.au Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 5W

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Puppies as Christmas presents? Maybe think twice If you’re thinking about giving your loved one a puppy as a gift this Christmas, Dogs Australia urges you to “think twice”.

“Puppies can’t be exchanged, returned or put in the cupboard if the Christmas present isn’t the right fit,” said Dogs Australia president Hugh Gent.

“And sadly, many impulsively bought gift puppies will end up in shelters. There’s a huge misconception that pets make great Christmas gifts when, in fact, they don’t. Sure, it’s exciting to see someone’s face when they first see their gift but once the novelty wears off and the reality of owning a dog sinks in, it’s often a different story. Owning a dog is a big responsibility.

“Remember, you’re gifting an obligation – and you need to be confident the recipient will be able to provide for the dog beyond puppyhood and for many years to come. Dogs require commitment and they depend on us 24-7 for their care and they need a lot of exercise and attention.”

Mr Gent said it’s best to have someone choose their own dog – if they want one – rather than selecting one you think will be a good fit as it’s crucial to ensure a good fit between dogs and their people.

“Dogs have personalities just like we do, so it’s important to research the right breed that best suits your personality, your family and lifestyle,” he said.

“At Dogs Australia we promote responsible dog ownership – and animal shelters are already packed with homeless animals – and sadly, since the pandemic, more dogs have been surrendered because people can’t cope with them, don’t have time to look after them, can’t afford them, or have just lost interest.

Never surprise someone with a puppy – it could backfire spectacularly.”

Six reasons why you shouldn’t give a puppy as a Christmas present: 1/ Dogs are a long-term commitment.

Owning a dog is more of a responsibility than a gift.

2/ Dog ownership is time intensive. A dog’s not an ornament to be left in the backyard or a toy you can play with until you get bored.

3/ Owning a dog can be expensive. A dog requires food, toys, trips to the vet, medicine, pet insurance, training, holiday boarding, grooming and more.

4/ Are you sure they want a dog? They might be allergic to dogs, not have the time or patience to care for a dog, can’t afford to care for a dog, do a lot of traveling, and they might not even like dogs!

5/ You might accidentally end up buying from a puppy farm. If you are excited by the idea of buying a puppy as a Christmas gift, you might accidentally end up buying from an illegal puppy farm rather than a legitimate, reputable breeder.

6/ Returning the dog could jeopardise its life. If your loved one doesn’t want a puppy, they might end up surrendering it to a pet shelter.

Owning a dog is more of a responsibility than a gift. Not only do they need a lot of care and training, but they also come with a lot of expenses.

Add a personal touch

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Come and visit our farm produce store or order your eggs online at www.farmeggsonline.com.au to have your farm fresh eggs delivered straight to your doorstep.

A variety of foods available at our shop in Werribee: poultry, chicken fillets, chicken pieces, quail, mulch, spatchcock, turkey, rabbit, fresh pasta, pastizzi, cheese, ricotta, deli products, milk, drinks, pies, cakes, gelati, lollies, nuts, Italian biscuits, panettone, finger foods, a selection of honey including Manuka honey and much more!

Fresh fruit and Werribee South vegetables and a selection of fresh herbs and seasonal veggies grown in our veggie patch on the farm are also available!

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Come down to Casaccio Egg Farm, it’s been Wyndham’s “best kept secret” since 1966.

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6W WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

Household items or trinkets that mean something to your family could make for some spectacular Christmas decorations in 2023.

Getting into the festive spirit need not be very expensive or labour intensive with a few ideas to help you create your own decorations to wow your guests.

Give your guests a dramatic welcome: A pair of inexpensive plastic urns from the garden centre instantly dress up a front doorway.

Place a tall foam cone in each urn, anchor it with sand, then use florist sticks and wire to attach greenery and Christmas balls.

Make an easy table topper centrepiece by buying a garland of greenery available at garden centres to run down the length of your table.

Send your kids out to collect pine cones, and use them as rustic toppers. You can also buy pinecones at garden or craft stores.

Another festive idea could be to load a simple glass jar or bowl with multiples of the same fruit, nut, or monochromatic ornament.

Trifle bowls filled with red apples and green baby artichokes - the colours of Christmas and walnuts look especially festive. Or you could try bowls of lemons and limes as an alternative.

For a subtle outdoor decoration, gather pine cones of various sizes and arrange them in a window box or in pots on your porch, sprinkling the tiniest ones on top. The weatherproof display should last until next season.

Instead of the traditional evergreen, try a homemade wreath of citrus fruits. Start with a circular piece of florist’s foam, then use wooden florist’s picks to secure large items, such as oranges, first. Continue with smaller fruit -persimmons, clementines, limes and tie with a thick velvet ribbon.

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A lesson in payphone use Grandchildren nationwide can now connect directly to the North Pole with Telstra’s Free Calls to Santa until December 24, by dialling # HO HO HO (#464646) for free from any of Telstra’s 14,500 payphones across Australia to speak directly with Santa.

Telstra’s Free Calls to Santa hotline is an interactive activity that allows children to enjoy the magical experience of speaking directly with Santa about anything they want, from asking about the weather in the North Pole, to what the reindeer like to snack on before their big Christmas Eve adventure, and even share this year’s wish list.

For those looking to avoid shopping centre crowds with their grandchildren, dialling Santa from any payphone across the country offers an easy and cost-free alternative. Plus, taking kids to a payphone to call Santa is a great way to teach them how to use and locate their nearest payphone in case of an emergency.

Last year there were more than 11,000 calls made from Telstra payphones to the North Pole on Christmas Eve alone. This year Santa’s elves have also helped us liven up a special selection of payphones.

Here are some handy payphone tips this holiday season.

For kids, calling Santa also provides a fun and easy way to learn how to use and locate their nearest payphone in case of an emergency.

Some handy tips: • Use Free Calls to Santa to show kids how a payphone works and remind them that they can use one when it’s needed.

• Fun fact: Every payphone has a unique number you can dial from your mobile.

This is a great way to show kids what an old-fashioned phone sound like.

How to call Santa: 1/ Head to any Telstra payphone around the country from November 15 to December 24.

2/ To find your nearest payphone, hit search on Google Maps – for example- Payphones Melbourne CBD and surrounds - Google My Maps 3/ Dial #HO HO HO (#464646) 4/ Make sure you’re ready with a few questions for Santa, and to tell him what’s at the top of your wish list.

A message from Santa and a lesson in life.

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Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7W

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Established in 1902 as the

proudly serving Wyndham

13 DECEMBER, 2023

Repeated exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin cancer, including melanoma

WHEN YOU GO OUT DON’T LET CANCER

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Enjoying all the action There was plenty of colour and excitement as the Werribee Cup returned for 2023. While many were there to watch the horse racing, others were more interested in the Fashions on the Field and spending the afternoon with friends and family.

■ For more coverage, turn to page 16

Fashions on the Field winner, Michelle Robinson. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Pokie policy spoils lunch

By Cade Lucas Wyndham council’s anti-gambling policies are having unintended consequences on a weekly lunch gathering designed to get elderly residents out of the house.

According to volunteers and participants in the ‘Lunch with a Bunch’ program, a Wyndham council ruling that the lunches can’t be held at venues that have pokie machines, has resulted in more expensive meals and less participants.

Wyndham council helps run the program by providing a bus to transport participants to and from the lunches, which have been operating three times a week for the last 17 years.

For program volunteer Margaret Bennett, the impact of the anti-pokie policy has been stark.

“When I first started it, they were always full buses,” said Ms Bennett.

“We used to go to the Werribee RSL and have a two course meal for $5.50. At the Hoppers Club, it was a two course meal for $8.60 which was so affordable.”

Pokie machine venues, especially RSL and sporting clubs, generally offer cheaper meals and drinks thanks to subsidies from gaming revenue.

But after returning from the COVID-19 break , Wyndham’s anti-gaming venue policy was enforced meaning Lunch with a Bunch had

to find new, more expensive venues, eventually settling on The Bridge Hotel and The View in Werribee.

“The Bridge Hotel is $23 for one course meal and a glass of lemonade or Coca Cola,” Ms Bennett said.

“The View ranges from $17.50 up to $25 up if you have dessert.”

While some attendees can pay the increased prices, Ms Bennett said most were pensioners and couldn’t afford to come as often or at all.

“Numbers have dropped dramatically,” she said.

In a statement Wyndham council confirmed it had required Lunch with a Bunch to move venues.

“Wyndham City has a Gambling and Harm Minimisation Policy which does not allow any council events to be held at venues with gaming machines,” said a spokesperson.

“Of course, residents can attend venues which include gaming machines either individually, or in a group, outside of council-run programs.”

Lunch regular, 84 year old Pat Conport of Werribee, said few of the participants even played the pokies, but that it should be their decision whether they did or not.

“We may be elderly, but we’re not stupid,” Ms Conport said.

“We’re not children and we really should be able to have a choice.”

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Sunday 17th December 9am to 2pm WERRIBEE RACECOURSE • ENTRY VIA BALLAN RD

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We’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and there will be disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge.

We’ve finished tunnelling for the West Gate Tunnel, which will create better connections across our city and make it quicker and easier to get to and from the west. As works continue, there will be road disruptions.

West Gate Tunnel Project Footscray Shepherd Bridge

Nearly nine hectares of new parks and wetlands and 17,000 new trees

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Widening the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 lanes

Altona North

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South Kingsville

To find out more about disruptions in the west scan the QR code or visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/innerwest 12655547-HC50-23

2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

Yarraville

Maribyrnong River

New 4km outbound tunnel

town Rd Williams

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New 2.8km citybound tunnel

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Works progress in the west

While we work, road disruptions could affect your travel

Major works are progressing on the West Gate Tunnel Project. The vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge will give drivers a choice – the tunnel or the bridge – and provide direct port access for the freight industry, taking thousands of trucks off local roads.

Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps

Between October and December, we completed the first stage of extending Wurundjeri Way over Dudley Street to create a new city bypass with the construction of the foundations for a new bridge.

West Gate Bridge

26 December to 4 January

Lanes closed

West Gate Freeway

Mid-January to early March

Lanes and ramps closed

Wurundjeri Way

Mid-January to early March

Between Dudley and Bourke streets

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West Gate Freeway to M80 Ring Road outbound ramp closed

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Also, from mid-January to early March lanes and ramps will be closed on the West Gate Freeway between Millers Road and the M80 Interchange for asphalting and gantry installation, bringing us one step closer to delivering four extra freeway lanes.

Significant delays are expected.

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Over 14km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths including a new 2.5km elevated veloway

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The second stage of work underneath the bridge will mean Wurundjeri Way will need to be closed in both directions from mid-January to early March.

The Department of Transport and Planning will also be carrying out important maintenance work on the West Gate Bridge from Boxing Day.

SECTION

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DOCKLANDS Lorim er

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Avène Sunscreen* A Lotion SPF 50+ Face & Body 100ml B Face Emulsion SPF 50+ 50ml

Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm 400ml

QV Gentle Wash 1KG < In one transaction. While stock lasts.

Participating stores only.

Cetaphil Sun* SPF 50+ Ultra Light Lotion 100ml

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 SPF15 Day Cream 50ml

Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Creamv 50gm

SPECIALS ON SALE FROM 13TH - 27TH DECEMBER 2023. IN STORE ONLY. AVAILABLE AT PARTICIPATING DISCOUNT DRUG STORES. NOT ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM ALL STORES. FAILURE BY SUPPLIER TO DELIVER OR OTHER UNINTENTIONAL CAUSES MAY RESULT IN SOME ITEMS IN THIS CATALOGUE BEING UNAVAILABLE. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED ACCESSORIES SHOWN ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CORRECT PRINTING ERRORS. VALUE CALCULATIONS ARE BASED ON RECOMMENDED RETAIL VALUE AS PROVIDED BY SUPPLIERS. ALL CATALOGUE PRICES ARE GST INCLUSIVE. PRODUCTS MAY VARY FROM STORE TO STORE AND ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. ^SAVINGS CALCULATED BASED ON THE RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE AS PROVIDED BY THE SUPPLIER AND NOT NECESSARILY PREVIOUS IN STORE PRICE. * SUNSCREEN IS ONLY ONE COMPONENT OF SUN PROTECTION. PROLONGED HIGH-RISK SUN EXPOSURE SHOULD BE AVOIDED. FREQUENT USE AND RE-APPLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH DIRECTIONS IS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE SUN PROTECTION.

Tarneit Discount Drug Store 4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

Tarneit Central Shopping Centre, 14/540 Derrimut Road, Tarneit 3029 Phone: (03) 9039 6571 tarneit@discountdrugstores.com.au

OPEN 7 DAYS

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NEWS

Better buses urgently needed A faster, fairer and better-connected bus network is needed for Melbourne, especially in “under-serviced outer growth areas”, according to new research from the state’s independent infrastructure adviser.

Infrastructure Victoria released a report last week on the state of Melbourne’s bus network, and made 10 recommendations to the state government - beginning with increasing the frequency of bus services in outer and growth area suburbs.

Infrastructure Victoria acting chief executive officer Dr Allison Stewart said Melbourne’s growth suburbs need good public transport now and buses are the best way to deliver it.

“Unless they live in areas near train and tram corridors, most Melburnians must rely on a slow and patchy bus network. Average wait times for buses are about 40 minutes during a typical weekday and 50 minutes on Sundays,” she said.

Other recommendations in the report include priority bus lanes, bus rapid transit routes, extended operating hours and lower fares, with suburbs such as Tarneit, Point Cook and Werribee mentioned as areas that would benefit from their implementation.

The report was welcomed by Point Cook’s Senthill Sunbaram, the founder and president of public transport campaign group, Wynbus.

Mr Sunbaram said the recommendations echoed what Wynbus had been calling for for years.

“We have already been campaigning for 10 minute frequency buses on arterial roads and supported by mini buses on the interior roads which act as feeder buses to the arterial roads and other transport hubs,” he said.

“We’ve also been campaigning for priority bus lanes on arterial roads so they don’t get clogged by other traffic.”

Mr Sunbaram said with no trams, few trains and rapid growth, the need of better bus services in Wyndham was especially urgent and that the status quo couldn’t go on.

“Currently commuters are forced to walk up to five kilometres to even catch a bus which runs at a frequency of 40 minutes to one hour during off-peak times,” he said, adding that those, such as the elderly and disabled, who cannot drive, were particularly disadvantaged.

In response, the state government acknowledged the importance of bus services.

“Through a range of initiatives including improving existing routes, adding new bus routes and supporting a transition to zero-emissions buses, we are making sure buses play a stronger role in a transport network critical to growing a more liveable and more connected Victoria.”

Artist travels full circle

By Cade Lucas The Ceramics Showcase at Wyndham Park Community Centre is the culmination of a year’s work from the centre’s ceramics students.

But for their teacher, Melissa Murphy-Vella, the exhibition represents her whole artistic career coming full-circle.

“My interest in ceramics began when I was quite young, maybe 10 or 11 years old.” said Ms Murphy-Vella, who lives in Manor Lakes.

“My mum used to be a participant in classes similar to what I’m teaching. Then I went onto high school and had an amazing art teacher who was really encouraging.”

The encouragement from that teacher resulted in Ms Murphy-Vella studying ceramics and then teaching it herself for more than 20 years and now, passing her skills onto

the woman who sparked her interest to begin with.

“She’s now one of my students” she said of her former teacher, local Wyndham artist Melissa Lazardies.

“She’s expanding her skills. It’s been lovely reconnecting with the teacher who inspired me to take up art.”

Ms Lazarides is one of 37 participants in Wyndham Park’s ceramics program who will have their work exhibited from December 3 through to February 7.

Ms Murphy-Vella said there’s a broad range of ceramics on display.

“Everyone’s got their own style,’ she said.

“Because it’s very learner-focussed, our students were able to work on their own themes and the exhibition is very diverse.”

Details: wyndham.vic.gov.au/venues/ wyndham-park-community-centre

Ceramics teachers Melissa Murphy-Vella and Olga Kurbienko preparing for the Ceramics Showcase at Wyndham Park Community Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 378194_01

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Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 5

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Pokies get nod despite council Wyndham council has expressed disappointment at the Victorian gambling regulator’s decision to approve extra pokie machines at a Tarneit hotel.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission last week ruled in favour of Hotel 520’s application to install an another 12 electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at the venue after Wyndham council voted against the proposal in October.

The hotel’s owners, Sayers Property Holdings, took its application to the VGCCC, where Wyndham council again opposed the

application on the grounds that the extra gaming machines would increase gambling related harm in the municipality.

However the commission found that any social and economic harm caused by the 12 new machines wouldn’t outweigh the benefits, meaning the application satisfied the ‘no detriment’ test required for approval.

The commission concluded that the impact of the 12 new machines “will not be detrimental” and that it was satisfied their approval would result in an impact that is ‘finely balanced and neutral.”

Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera disagreed, arguing that Hotel 520’s 65 existing pokie machines already made it the fourth most lucrative gaming venue in the municipality.

“Wyndham City opposed the application, noting that residents had lost more than $13.4 million on gaming machines at the venue in the 2022/23 financial year alone,” she said.

“We recognise the costs of gambling which include financial loss and the impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and businesses. Gambling-related harm has a big impact on our residents.”

The addition of the 12 machines will take the total number of EGMs at the Sayers Road venue to 77, the fourth most in Wyndham.

Despite approving the application, the VGCCC imposed strict conditions on Hotel 520, including an annual payment of $125,000 to community organisations and measures to protect problem gamblers.

“Importantly, the decision is subject to a detailed set of conditions, in line with the commission’s focus on harm minimisation,” a VGCCC spokesperson said.

Concrete fine

Thomas Deng (back, third left) brother Nhial (back left) and former Melbourne Victory player Kenny Athiu (back right) at The Grange P-12 College on Thursday. (Supplied)

Socceroo Deng goes to school Aspiring soccer stars at Hoppers Crossing’s The Grange P-12 College, got to rub shoulders with the real thing last week when Socceroos defender Thomas Deng came to watch a game and meet and greet with students.

The Japan-based defender is in town to to spend Christmas with his family following the end of the J-League season and visited The Grange courtesy of his older brother Nhial Deng who works there.

“We both enjoy it” Nhial said of bringing his famous brother to work, particularly to a school where many of the students share a

similar background.

“We come from the African community and we were both born in Africa and went through the whole process as refugees that many of the kids and their parents will have gone through.”

The Deng brothers were born in a refugee camp in Kenya, but their family originally came from South Sudan.

After arriving in Australia, both Thomas and Nhial took up soccer, but it’s the former who has made it their career, winning an A-league title with Melbourne Victory,

representing Australia at the World Cup and Olympics and now playing professionally abroad.

Nhial, who plays locally in the NPL and works as a soccer coach and student mentor at The Grange, said bringing athletes like his brother to the school was hugely beneficial.

“It’s extremely important for aspiring athletes to meet people who are doing what they want to do. You can’t be what you can’t see.”

Cade Lucas

The Environmental Protection Authority has fined a Laverton North concrete company for allowing construction materials to flow into nearby waterways.

Aerolink Property Construction Pty LTD was fined $1,923 after EPA officers found concrete gravel and dust was allowed to escape into kerb side gutters and stormwater drains running along the construction site boundary on Holcourt and Plummer Roads, Laverton North, on 23 October 2023.

“Construction materials like this get into stormwater drains and can find their way into our waterways, such as the nearby Cherry Creek.

This can impact the amount of oxygen, sunlight and other important things our aquatic life depends on,” EPA Western Metropolitan Regional Manager Steve Lansdell said.

“Aerolink, which also traded as Midway Concrete & Garden Supplies, is operating a professional company and should know better.

They know their site and business and ought to know how to easily prevent hazards like this occurring.

They, like everyone in Victoria, must act to protect the environment and they clearly were not doing so.

This fine is an important penalty and reminder.

We have also issued an improvement notice that requires further investigation of the stormwater drainage and risks at the site due in February and May of 2024.”

The EPA has said it will continue to monitor local businesses such as Aerolink to protect local waterways.

Anyone who sees pollution or businesses requiring information and guidelines, are encouraged to contact the EPA at 1300 372 842 or epa.vic.gov. au

West Gate and Princes Freeway overnight closures In mid-December 2023

The West Gate Freeway between the Millers Road ramps and the Princes Freeway inbound between Kororoit Creek Road and the M80 interchange will be closed over two nights in mid-December 2023.

This is so crews can safely install an overhead gantry. Plan ahead and check the exact closure dates and times at bigbuild.vic.gov.au More freeway closures will be happening over the coming months. Stay up to date at bigbuild.vic.gov.au /disruptions Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12652362-HC50-23

6 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

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Wyndham councillor suspended

By Cade Lucas A Wyndham councillor suspended for serious misconduct, has claimed she’s the victim of a ’political machine’ that wants to remove her from office.

An emotional Cr Jasmine Hill made the claims while addressing a meeting of Wyndham council on Monday night where a motion to approve her suspension was passed.

Last week Victoria’s Councillor Conduct Panel found Cr Hill had engaged in serious misconduct by bullying two council officers during 2021 and 2022 and suspended her for four months. A motion noting the suspension was passed by a majority of councillors, with only Cr Hill and Cr Heather Marcus abstaining.

Cr Marcel Mahfoud was absent.

Cr Hill’s suspension takes effect from December 12 and will finish in April next year.

Speaking before the vote, Cr Hill denied the bullying allegations and defended using an estimated $60,000 in ratepayers’ money on legal counsel, arguing she was entitled to do so under legislation.

She said she forgave those she believed had used the council disciplinary process to silence her.

“This should not be used as a tool for any political machine to stop elected representatives from carrying out their roles in keeping the council accountable and combating corruption,“ Cr Hill told the chamber to loud applause from the gallery. Earlier, the motion to approve the suspension of Cr Hill was moved by deputy mayor Josh Gilligan who was also the applicant in the matter.

Cr Gilligan told the chamber that being the applicant was “one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my professional life“ but that it made the findings of the panel “even more powerful”.

Jasmine Hill (Supplied)

He said Cr Hill was guilty of “conduct that would see a worker in any workplace in the state of Victoria get the flick and rightly so”.

The panel found Cr Hill screamed and shouted at two council staffers on multiple occasions, affecting their health and underminding council operations.

On one such occasion, during a telephone call with one of the staffer son April 14, 2022, Cr Hill screamed: “why can’t you do your job properly?” and “You should hire new staff from culturally diverse backgrounds because the staff you have won’t accommodate other cultures“.

The staff member said Cr Hill screamed “I am not a communist” over and over during the 40 minute conversation which was so loud she had to turn down the volume on her Bluetooth.

In giving evidence to the panel, the staffer described the situation as “awful“.

Both staff members have since resigned, citing Cr Hill’s behaviour as a major factor in their decisions.

Of the 19 allegations made against Cr Hill, the panel found six occurred, while five were dismissed and one had no finding made.

Seven allegations were not heard because they allegedly happened more than 12 months

before the application was made by Cr Gilligan in October 2022.

In a statement, Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera accepted the panel’s findings and said improving council’s workplace environment was of utmost importance.

“Staff have the right to feel safe when coming to work and this is a priority for Wyndham Councillors and the CEO,“ Cr Barerra said.

“This has been a very difficult process for all involved however the utmost priority is ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for our staff whilst we represent the best interests of the community.”

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Synnot Street crash

GENERAL REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES reads@starweekly.com.au

A woman was critically injured following a single vehicle crash in Werribee on Monday.

Police have been told the car was seen travelling on Synnot Street when it left the road and crashed into a power pole and tree at about 2.25am on December 11. A woman aged in her 20s, who was a passenger in the car, has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The male driver, also aged in his 20s, has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the crash after witnesses described hearing the car coming.

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Commander David Clancy and Lieutenant Graeme Bisby. (Supplied)

50 years with the CFA

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A Mount Cottrell CFA volunteer has been recognised for 50 years of protecting Victorians from disaster.

Lieutenant Graeme Bisby was recently presented with a 50 year service award signifying half of a century spent volunteering at the Country Fire Authority.

Lieutenant Bisby has served as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Lieutenant at Werribee Fire Brigade and held the positions of Group Officer and a number of Deputy Group Officer positions at the Mt Cottrell Group of Brigades.

Lieutenant Bisby has previously been awarded a CFA Life Member award.

His new recognition was cemented in front

of his peers as a part of the CFA District 14 Headquarters Brigade awards.

CFA District 14 Mt Cottrell Group Commander David Clancy presented the award and commended Lieutenant Bisby for his service.

“Graeme is the epitome of the CFA’s values and has assisted Brigades in their development and sustainability during his various roles,” he said. “As part of CFA’s peer-mentor program for new Captains Graeme stepped up to the mark and undertook the role of mentor assisting new officers in developing the skills required to manage a fire brigade and emergencies,” he said.

Police are investigating following a robbery at a Tarneit service station earlier this month. Investigators have been told an unknown man attended the Sayers Road service station about 4.15pm on December 2. The man purchased a drink before grabbing the attendant and making demands for cash. He then fled the scene with a small sum of cash in a grey Toyota Yaris sedan with no registration.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Tarneit container deposit danger

By Cade Lucas Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme has been introduced to reduce waste and litter, but according to one Wyndham resident, it could be putting the public at risk too.

Tarneit’s Margaret Just said the location of the container deposit scheme’s refund point at Tarneit West was far too close to nearby traffic.

“At the shopping centre at Tarneit West, corner of Tarneit and Hogan Road, one of the new recycling machines has been erected right at the entrance from Hogan Road,” Ms Just said.

“I think it’s a very dangerous situation and

needs something to be done about it ASAP. Someone is going to get hurt there before too long.”

The car park at the Tarneit West Shopping Centre hosts a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) one of three different types of container refund points used by the scheme, which came into operation on November 1 and offers a 10 cent refund for every eligible can, carton and bottle returned.

Margaret Just said even though the vending machine had been in use for little over a month, it was clear its location was inappropriate.

“Children as well as adults are turning up there with garbage bags full of empty cans,

even wheeling them there in trolleys etc. They dash out between cars that are moving in and out of the car park,” she said. “ At times it’s absolutely horrendous.”

Ms Just said the other side of the car park, near Tarneit Road, would be a much safer spot for the vending machine.

The position of the RVM is the responsibility of Tomra Cleanaway, the west zone operator for the container deposit scheme which includes Wyndham.

A spokesperson for Tomra Cleanaway said a thorough audit and assessment process was conducted prior to choosing the location of each refund point.

“The Tarneit West RVM site was thoroughly assessed prior to placement and was an approved location by the site host,” the spokesperson said.

When contacted, shopping centre management said they had no say in where the RVM was placed, but that a number of shoppers had expressed concern about it.

Tomra Cleanaway said refund site locations were constantly under review to ensure their safety and suitability and Tarneit West was among those being assessed.

“There is an additional site assessment that is presently being undertaken to ensure site safety,” the company spokesperson said.

EPA fine for tyre dumping

17 year old Aakriti Malhotra was named Dux of Suzanne Cory High School with an ATAR score of 99.8. (supplied)

Aakriti scores an ‘awesome’ ATAR For someone who just scored 99.8 out of a possible 100 on her ATAR score and was named Dux of one of Victoria’s select entry public schools, it would seem learning comes easy to Seabrook 17 year old Aakriti Malhotra.

Not so said the Suzanne Cory High School student after receiving her stunning results yesterday.

“It’s been a pretty tough two years in VCE and as much of a workaholic as I am, I think it’s an understatement to say that VCE is difficult,” said Ms Malhotra, the daughter of Indian immigrants who is among a cohort of students who had their studies interrupted by

Covid19. That wasn’t reflected in the results at Suzanne Cory High though, which received the best results in it’s 13 year history, with 57 per cent of it’s Year 12 students receiving scores of 90 or above. With results like that, many will be joining Ms Malhotra in studying medicine at university.

Becoming a doctor will also be an option for Westbourne Grammar Dux, Xinyu (Stephanie) Yang, who achieved a score of 99.15 in what the school said was its second best ever VCE result.

At Wyndham Secondary College, Manu Malempati received the top ATAR score

of 97.25, closely followed by his peers Aditi Muthukumar on 96.6, Badrinath Madhusudhan on 96.45 and Thomas Truong on 94.2.

For all their success, the college’s head of Year 12, Tayla Clayton, reminded school leavers that ATAR scores were ultimately just a number.

“If you’re passionate about your field of interest and determined to succeed, there are so many pathways you can take to achieve your goals”.

A Hoppers Crossing business has been fined nearly $20,000 after being caught on a litter enforcement camera ditching 80 tyres by the side of the road in Wyndham. Wyndham council issued a fine of $9,787 under the Environment Protection Act and the shop was also fined $9,616 by the EPA for failing to use the Waste Tracker app.

Movement of priority waste, which includes tyres, is required to be entered into the app.

It is the EPA’s live-tracking system for ensuring that reportable priority wastes are disposed correctly by businesses at a lawful place, and not illegally dumped in the community.

Wyndham councillor Susan McIntyre said tyre dumping was on the increase and needed to stop.

“We see close to 500 tyres dumped in Wyndham a month and we’re taking a strong position on cracking down on this behaviour,” she said.

“We understand that restrictions introduced by the Australian Government regarding the export of used tyre waste has increased recycling costs and in some instances set minimum tyre collection amounts per a business – but dumping in Wyndham is not the answer to these challenges and we will be working closely with the EPA to deter this behaviour.”

EPA compliance program manager Dan Hunt said this action sends a very clear message to would-be illegal dumpers; getting caught will cost you dearly.

“The fine is one thing, but the clean up costs still have to be met by the business as well.”

He said it was also an important reminder that businesses disposing of tyres or other hazardous wastes must use Waste Tracker app as a requirement of law to ensure they are taken to a lawful place.

Cade Lucas.

V/Line strike looms causing chaos for country travellers Wyndham commuters are being warned to brace for disruptions to the V/Line network on Wednesday as workers plan to walk off the job.

The Rail, Train and Bus Union (RTBU) notified V/Line of its intention to take industrial action involving a full network closure between 3-7am on Wednesday, December 13.

V/Line said it is currently working to finalise a plan for replacement coaches and will notify passengers of these plans as soon as possible.

10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

The industrial action will affect commuters across the network including the Ballarat and Geelong lines.

RTBU branch secretary Vik Sharma said the union is focused on minimising the impacts of industrial action on the travelling public, but make no apologies in their fight to secure decent conditions for members.

“Members are fighting for what all workers across Victoria deserve – job security and decent conditions,“ he said.

“V/Line needs to stop blindly driving this corporate cowboys’ train and listen to its

workers,“ Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) spokesperson Daniel Bowen said while the strike action will only last four hours, it is likely there will be disruptions throughout the rest of the morning as crews and trains will be out of position when services resume “The stop work will have big impacts for residents in Melbourne’s west, given some areas such as Wyndham Vale, Tarneit, Caroline Springs and Deer Park rely on V/ Line for their suburban train service,” he said.

V/Line chief executive officer Matt Carrick

said the organisation has been negotiating with employee representatives and the union in good faith and urge the union to reconsider industrial action which could potentially disrupt tens of thousands of passengers.

“We will work hard to minimise the impacts of disruption on passengers,“ he said.

Information about service changes will be published on the V/Line website, mobile app and social media, with commuters urged to check for updates before travel.

Liam McNally

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

A nun pays tribute to the dead outside the Daylesford Hotel. (AAP Image/James Ross)

Man accused of ignoring alerts

By William Ton, Kaitlyn Offer AAP A man charged with killing five people after a car rammed into a pub beer garden is accused of ignoring repeated alerts to treat his low glucose levels for almost an hour before the crash.

William Swale, 66, was charged with five counts of culpable driving causing death, two counts of negligently causing serious injury and seven counts of reckless conduct endangering life.

Emergency services responded to reports an SUV mounted the kerb and hit several patrons on the front lawn area of the Royal Daylesford Hotel just after 6pm on November 5.

Pratibha Sharma, 44, her daughter Anvi, 9, and partner Jatin Kumar, 30, and their friend Vivek Bhatia, 38, and his son Vihaan, 11, all died.

The Mount Macedon man appeared in Melbourne’s Magistrate Court via video link from a police station on Monday.

In his summary to the court, Sergeant Peter Romanis said Swale had been returning from a clay shooting tournament in Clunes when he stopped in Daylesford.

Swale, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1994, was wearing a blood glucose monitoring device which sends an alert to his phone when his glucose levels are outside the normal range.

It is alleged he scanned his blood glucose levels at 5.17pm on the day which returned a low reading and an alarm sounded one minute later indicating he should check his levels.

CCTV footage showed him entering a restaurant opposite the pub a few minutes later asking for a table but he returned to his car as there were none available, Sgt Romanis told the court.

Swale was then seen on CCTV at 5.42pm driving his car around the area, performing a U-turn to drive down another street, before it crashed into the pub patrons about 6pm.

Prosecutors alleged he received and ignored nine alerts leading up to the crash.

“The decision to return to his vehicle

and continue to drive whilst knowing his blood glucose levels were low and without sourcing the required treatment has caused catastrophic and fatal consequences for all the families involved,“ Sgt Romanis said.

Swale’s defence lawyer said his client often monitored his glucose levels and put to the police informant the possibility Swale was already in the midst of a medical episode.

A nun lays tribute to the crash victims (file image) Swale’s decisions caused catastrophic and fatal consequences for the families, the prosecutor said. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS) “Other than he had a low reading, you don’t know whether he was in a position to adequately understand the reading,“ the defence said.

“We don’t know what condition he was in other than that he was driving, performing U-turns and went to a restaurant.“ He pointed to his client’s clean criminal history barring the more than 30 driving infringements.

Sgt Romanis recounted first responders finding the 66-year-old in his car sweaty, hot and clammy, and unable to effectively communicate. Swale had been approved for a conditional driver’s licence for two years in the months before the crash with a medical report handed to VicRoads stating his condition was well controlled.

Information downloaded from his monitor pointed to Swale checking his glucose levels eight times between 6.58am and 5.17pm on the day.

“The data indicates that when the blood glucose levels dropped to a low level, they began to rise quickly owing to intervention by the accused,“ Sgt Romanis said.

Mr Bhatia’s wife, a 36-year-old woman, and his other son, aged six, were injured and taken to hospital, and have since been released.

A 43-year-old Kyneton woman, a 38-year-old Cockatoo man and an 11-month-old baby boy were taken to hospital and have been discharged.

Swale was remanded in police custody until his bail hearing on Friday.

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Connect with your community The number of volunteers in Melbourne’s west is declining according to Volunteer West, and following International Volunteer Day on December 5 they’re encouraging people to see what community organisations could use a hand.

Volunteer West is a division of Australian Multicultural Community Services that acts as a volunteer resource centre.

Volunteer numbers dropped five per cent from 2019 to 2020 according to ABS data.

Volunteer West project officer Jack Fawcett said numbers in the west are still lower than pre-COVID, and people are generally opting for more casual roles than long-term commitments.

“Overall, there’s been a downturn,” he said.

“People are a lot more time poor…

Everybody’s worrying about getting their mortgage paid and that means that they have less time for themselves and more time they need work.”

Despite this, Mr Fawcett said there are still pockets of positivity with people fueled by the want for reconnection post-lockdowns.

One example he pointed to was the stong volunteer culture at Plumpton’s Dal Baba Bidhi Chand Ji Khalsa Shaouni Sikh Temple.

“The west is a super diverse part of Melbourne and there are these amazing groups of communities that are really resilient

and work well together,” he said.

Mr Fawcett said groups across the west he’s seen that could benefit from volunteers include the Friends of the Melton Botanic Gardens, Caroline Chisholm Society, Women and Mentoring and Multiple Birth Volunteer Support.

“I think volunteering is an amazing thing, what it can do for the community… whether you’re a regular volunteer, or you just do one-off little stints, you’re impact is huge,” he said.

“It’s just a great way to connect with your community. There’s a lot of talk these days about how we’re becoming more isolated, we’re losing touch with, you know, our human

side, our social side. This is an amazing antidote for that.

“You end up spending time with people you might not necessarily meet in your normal day to day life. I’m definitely better for my volunteering experiences. If you [want to] have a bit of a change in your life, volunteering is amazing way to do it.”

Mr Fawcett said if you’d like to volunteer but aren’t sure where to start, you can contact Volunteer West for help finding roles you’re interested in.

Details: https://www.volunteerwest.org.au/ Liam McNally

Son helps raise funds for mum’s cancer battle A Long Forest teenager has set up a gofundme and is calling on the community to aid his doctor mother in her own health battle.

Elena Litovski is a general practitioner of 15 years who until recently worked in Tarneit.

Two years ago she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive metastatic eye cancer, uveal melanoma.

The mother of three said her treatment options are limited and aren’t all available in Victoria.

Dr Litovski has already traveled to the US for a procedure to save her eye, her immunotherapy is only partially covered by her insurance, and she hopes to continue hyperthermia treatment in Queensland.

“In total, I spend about $100,000 a year on treatment,” she said.

Dr. Elena Litovski and her 15-year-old son, Ivan. (Damjan Janevski) 376602_02

“While I could work, I paid for it myself… the therapy I’m doing now has many side effects and my health does not allow me to

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go to work.”

Dr Litovski said it’s her family that has kept her fighting her illness.

“It is a difficult physical and psychological state when you are sick with such a serious fatal disease,” she said.

“On the one hand, it’s hard, of course, when you have small children. On the other hand, there is someone to live and fight for. “ It was one of her children, 15-year-old Ivan, who also stepped up to fight for his mum.

He first tried to save his own money to help pay for her treatment, contributing $100, before turning to the internet to start a gofundme, which has already reached $16,000 of its $100,000 goal.

“I love my mother very much and I want her to be around us,” he said.

Details: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ jh4g7a-a-beacon-of-hope-dr-elenas-battleagainst-cancer

New partnership is ready to take-off and fly Jobs and internships for students alongside significant research projects are at the heart of a new partnership between Victoria University (VU) and Melbourne Airport.

In the first ever university partnership for the airport, students in the west will have the chance to contribute to one of the biggest economic drivers in the state.

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker acknowledged the opportunities expected to stem from the partnership.

“Airports are where global ideas intersect, acting as a vibrant crossroads where diverse cultures, perspectives and innovations converge. This partnership sets a new standard by aligning Victoria University’s research expertise and education programs with Melbourne Airport’s vision for the region,” he said.

“It goes beyond enhancing opportunities for VU students and researchers to emphasise our shared commitment to protect country by prioritising First Nations knowledge and sustainability across all our endeavours.

“We are excited about the meaningful contributions we can make together in advancing education, research, and community engagement.

In addition to job and placement opportunities for VU students, the three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will seek to enrich the visitor experience to the airport through a First Nations education framework, and research and advocacy projects around the proposed third runway.

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said the partnership with VU would enable student placements, job and tertiary learning opportunities each year.

“We’re excited to create formal education

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus and VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker. (Supplied)

and training pathways with Victoria University, giving local students exposure to our staff and aviation specialists which could lead to exciting careers in aviation,” she said.

“The projects delivered under the MOU will help guide our future planning and we look forward to working with young people in the community under the three-year agreement.”

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What distinguishes Dr Snell is his dedication to identifying solutions for his patients tailored to their individual needs. He believes in offering honest advice, ensuring that every individual receives personalised care based to their specific circumstances and situations.

As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), Dr Broughton Snell conducts consultations at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Werribee, bringing his surgical procedures and services to the local community.

For any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact his friendly patient care team at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery by phone on 1300 599 990 or via email at enquiries@cocoruby. com.au. For those ready to take the first step towards, appointments with Dr Snell can be arranged by phone.

Whether you’re considering hand surgery, face surgery, skin surgery, breast or body surgery, Dr Broughton Snell is here to guide you through the process with empathy and

Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Study reveals COVID’s lasting toll The COVID-19 pandemic extracted a profound toll on the psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers. Now, an Australianfirst study undertaken by Western Health and Deakin University reveals the significant and persistent negative impact on the wellbeing of health professionals over a 22-month period. Hannah Hammoud explains.

T

he research, led by senior research fellow Dr Sara Holton from the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research-Western Health Partnership, delves into the experiences of 1,470 Australian clinicians. Through a series of surveys conducted at three critical junctures during the pandemic, the study measured feelings of depression, anxiety and stress.

Staff were asked to complete surveys across three timepoints during the pandemic (May-June 2020, October-December 2020 and November 2021-January 2022).

Key findings expose a stark reality – the proportion of healthcare workers reporting moderate to extreme symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress surged from just more than one in 10 to approximately a third as the pandemic unfolded.

Dr Sara Holton noted that nurses, midwives and allied health staff bore a particularly heavy burden, reporting significantly worse psychological wellbeing than their doctor counterparts.

The intensified stress experienced by nurses and midwives could be attributed to their constant bedside presence, managing high-stress situations and prolonged exposure to patients infected with COVID-19.

“We think that this might be the case because these are the staff who are at the bedside all the time, and they are having the most contact with patients, whereas doctors have more limited face-to-face contact with patients,” explained Dr Holton.

“Nurses also had to wear a lot of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, which also had an impact on them being able to communicate with patients.

Things such as wearing a mask sometimes made it really hard to communicate with patients – and Western Health has a high proportion of patients who come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, English is not always their first language, and so the nurses spoke about their experience of having to try smile with their eyes and do a bit of pointing and gesturing to try get their messages across.”

14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

Senior Research Fellow Dr Sara Holton, and Adjunct Profesor Shane Crowe. (Damjan Janevski) 378148

The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers. As the hospital halted services, many staff were redeployed to unfamiliar areas, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and stress.

Yet, amidst the challenges, a positive insight emerged. The study revealed that healthcare workers living with school-aged children exhibited lower levels of depression and anxiety, suggesting that familial support acted as a protective factor for psychological wellbeing.

Dr Holton attributed this finding to the social support within households during a time of heightened stress.

“We think in fact it’s about social isolation, you weren’t living by yourself and there were other people at home. Perhaps that was an opportunity to debrief, talk about it, or an opportunity to hang out together when everyone was isolated,” she said.

Dr Holton said the study also underscored the persistent challenges faced by healthcare workers on the frontlines, at a time where many in the wider community consider the pandemic to be in the past.

“Lots of people in the general community think that COVID-19 is over, but we’re still having high levels of patients in the hospital, and staff are still having to care for COVID-19 patients – for them the pandemic hasn’t really stopped yet,” she said.

‘‘

We were able to adapt our strategies ... what we weren’t able to stop was the unrelenting demand that occurred on our staff

’’

- Shane Crowe Western Health executive director of nursing and midwifery Adjunct Professor Shane Crowe, who was also on the research team, said at the time Western Health managers were “very cognisant” that it was the staff at bedsides that were the ones who were most affected.

“It wasn’t just because of their life at work, but these people also were as impacted as the rest of the population in terms of lockdown, restrictions, and the uncertainty of everything else that was occurring,” professor Crowe said.

“These were the people who were at the frontlines who had huge amounts of uncertainty about the dangers associated with COVID-19, and whether they were going to be putting themselves at risk. But also, what a lot of our staff said was that they were most worried about bringing it home to their loved ones.”

This awareness informed wellness strategies and interventions to support

frontline staff in managing their fears and frustrations. Professor Crowe detailed efforts to help staff positively navigate the challenges, acknowledging that despite ongoing efforts, the toll on the workforce persists with unresolved issues and lingering fatigue from the past few years.

“At the start, what we knew is that we didn’t know a lot about it. There was a mixture of good information and misinformation with COVID-19, particularly earlier on, and so we were trying to filter out what was good quality information versus what wasn’t,” Professor Crowe explained, reflecting on the initial stages of the pandemic.

“In the beginning we knew that we needed to over communicate, so we did that. We set up robust communication channels for people to have things in writing to keep people abreast and on top of what was happening and why we’re doing what we’re doing.”

As the situation evolved, strategies were adapted to provide on-site psychologists, group debriefing sessions, and other support mechanisms.

However, Professor Crowe acknowledged the unrelenting demand on staff.

“As things got harder as time went on, we were able to adapt our strategies, but that being said, what we weren’t able to stop was the unrelenting demand that occurred on our staff at the time.”

Professor Crowe said longitudinal studies were a crucial tool for engaging with the workforce.

“The findings of the research have been used to directly inform the way health services support staff now and into the future,” he said.

The latest paper from the research team, which was published in the Australian Health Review Journal, found that hospital clinical staff would benefit from ongoing and continued wellbeing support during and after pandemic waves.

And the research team is not resting on its laurels. Plans are underway to continue collecting data in an effort to help unravel the long-term impacts of the pandemic on healthcare workers.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Push for more Indian tourists Melbourne’s west is home to one of the largest Indian communities in the country, but now efforts are being made to attract Indian tourists to the region rather than just those looking to make it their home.

Namaste Westside is an initiative of Western Melbourne Tourism that has recently secured a Victorian government Visitor Servicing Fund grant to create a visitor service program for the growing Indian tourism market.

The project centres on the development of a ‘Namaste Westside’ mobile app and customised digital platform offering curated information tailored to the cultural preferences of Indian visitors to Melbourne’s west.

Development of the project will include research to gain an understanding of the travel patterns and motivations of Indian travellers, along with any gaps in the market and barriers to travel.

Extensive outreach and engagement with the western suburbs Indian diaspora will also be conducted with the aim of gaining insights and advice that will enhance content on the digital platform and app.

Western Melbourne Tourism chair Scott Chapman said Namaste Westside could reap enormous benefits for the western suburbs.

“This project taps into the exponential growth in Indian visitation through deep cultural

insights and community co-creation,” he said.

“We see this as an incredible opportunity to elevate the visitor experience and drive further growth of this important market.”

Mr Chapman said the western suburbs large Indian population was a great asset for the region.

“The local Indian community will play an integral role in shaping authentic, inspiring content for Namaste Westside,” he said.

“This, combined with service standards certification, promises to foster greater respect and understanding of Indian culture across Melbourne’s tourism industry, while boosting the economy.”

Mr Chapman said the project could potentially be replicated in Melbourne’s other large migrant communities.

“As the cultural diversity of our region continues to expand, the Namaste Westside approach can serve as a blueprint for building bridges across communities to promote social cohesion. We foresee Namaste platforms tailored to multiple international target markets on the horizon,” he said.

Western Melbourne Tourism is coordinating the project in partnership with Wyndham, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Hobsons Bay councils,, Vic Uni and multicultural consultants Culture Kite.

Midsumma to go west Victoria’s premier queer cultural festival, Midsumma, comes to Melbourne’s west early next year with the Queer Photo exhibition Held in conjunction with PHOTO 2024 International Festival of Photography and Creative Victoria’s Go West program, Queer Photo will feature large-scale outdoor artworks, gallery exhibitions and an interactive public performance program by local and international artists in Werribee, Newport and Footscray.

PHOTO 2024 curator Brendan McCleary described what those attending the exhibition can expect.

“Queer PHOTO celebrates 17 LGBTQIA+ artists, each in their own way using queer thinking to consider potential scenarios that lie ahead, and how current actions and activisms are creating future realities – from advances in technology, through to

responding to climate crisis, and connecting with Indigenous ways of thinking,” he said.

“There is a beautiful community found within these works, highlighting the incredible ways in which queer voices are shaping a better tomorrow.”

Wyndham Art Gallery, Werribee Mansion and Werribee Station will host events in Wyndham. Among exhibiting artists are Queer Wiradjuri woman Karla Dickens who will use black humour to interrogate race, gender and injustice in ‘To See or Not to See’ at Werribee Park Mansion and Peter Waples-Crowe will perform ‘Affirm’ based on his 25 years as a community health worker within Aboriginal and LGBTQIA2+ communities, at Werribee Station.

The exhibition runs between January 27 and March 24.

Artist Karla Dickens will perform ‘To See or Not to See’ at Werribee Mansion. Photo. (Sean Barrett)

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Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Winning stakes at Werribee Cup Thousands of people flocked to Werribee Racecourse for the Werribee Cup on Sunday.

While dark clouds hung over the event, they managed to stay away allowing the crowds to enjoy the racing, the food and drink. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was there to catch some of the action.

MC Casey Bruce

Women’sfashion on the field participants.

Emma Scodellaro, Michelle Robinson, Doris Jovic and Peta Bell.

Jessica Odgers.

Fashion on the field judges Melissa Davis, Jessica Odgers, Steven Giofches and Kelly Carty.

16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Fashion on the Field Men’s, Daniel

Fashion on the field girls winner, Charlize.

Creswick Football Club

Players from Creswick Football Club.

Pawinee.

SUMMER 2023

Parents wake up

To sleep support Why Hamish Blake is

Our top dad

12654298-RR49-23

Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Deeming takes Pesutto action

By Liam McNally with William Ton, AAP Former Liberal MP Moira Deeming has launched defamation action against Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto.

Mrs Deeming’s lawyers on Tuesday filed a statement of claim against her former boss in the Federal Court.

The Western Metropolitan MP and former Melton councillor was expelled from the parliamentary Liberal Party after taking part in a rally in March that was gatecrashed by a

group of masked men who performed Nazi salutes.

The rally, Let Women Speak, was hosted

by UK anti-trans campaigner Kelly-Jay Keen-Minshull, along with Ms Deeming, Angie Jones, and Katherine Deves.

The event on the steps of Parliament sparked counter-protests and required a heavy police presence.

About 30 members of the neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network attended the protests, repeatedly performing the nazi-salute with their faces covered.

At the time, Ms Deeming condemned the Neo-Nazi presence after the event, but Mr Pesutto said in a statement his primary concern was Ms Deeming associating with Ms Keen-Minshull, who he accused of having connections with far-right extremists including Neo-Nazis.

Ms Deeming was first suspended from the Liberal party, but was expelled in May after issuing a defamation concerns notice to the party leader. Ms Deeming issued several defamation concerns notices to Mr Pesutto, alleging he publicly accused her of being a Nazi

sympathiser and used the claim to bully and threaten her with expulsion.

Mr Pesutto denies he accused the now-independent MP of being a Nazi or having Nazi sympathies.

Attempted mediation failed after Mrs Deeming sought an exoneration from Mr Pesutto, financial restoration and her return to the party room.

Mrs Deeming and Mr Pesutto have committed not to use party funds to fund their legal cases, with Mr Pesutto saying he will pay his legal costs if he must.

Illuminating upgrade

Wyndham Harbour general manager Tevita Lesuma, ahead of the first triathlon to be held there this Saturday. (Damjan Janevski) 378046_04

First triathlon for Wyndham Harbour

By Cade Lucas Wyndham will get a taste of elite triathlon action this weekend with the inaugural Wyndham Harbour Triathlon taking place.

Featuring para and vision impaired triathletes, as well experienced and novice able-bodied competitors, the event will be held in and around Wyndham Harbour in Werribee South on Saturday December 16.

After a junior national triathlon event was held at Werribee South Beach early last year, Murray Newham from Aus Triathlon said the time was right to bring senior competition to Wyndham and the western suburbs.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the west where the triathlon participation footprint is low,” Mr Newham said.

Adding extra prestige to the event is that it doubles as the Australian Paratriathlon and Australian Intellectual Impairment Championships.

Both national title races kick off the day at 9am and will be contested over the sprint distance of 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

Community races will then follow, featuring experienced and novice triathletes as well as teams, competing over the super sprint distance.

“We are hoping the community event provides people an opportunity to give triathlon a go over shorter distances and in a safe environment,” said Mr Newham of the super sprint races, which while shorter, still require a 375m swim, 8km bike and 2.5km run.

Entries for the community event close on Friday December 15, but for those just wanting to spectate, Mr Newham recommended Quay Boulevard in Werribee South as the best vantage to point from which to view the action.

For more information visit: https://www.triathlon.org.au/vic/ wyndhamharbourtriathlon/

A Hoppers Crossing shared user path has received an illuminating upgrade.

Wyndham council has installed 44 solar lights along the drain reserve shared user path between Dowling Avenue and Heaths Road to improve visibility and safety for people using this path at night.

The works also included lighting along the shared user path leading to Westmill Drive.

Wyndham councillor Susan McIntyre said the new lighting allowed for increased use of the shared user path outside of daylight hours for commuting, recreational, and exercise purposes.

“This section of the D1 drain reserve shared user path connects key destinations within Cambridge Reserve and is well-used by the Hoppers Crossing community,” she said.

“The inclusion of solar lighting enhances community safety by offering pedestrians and cyclists with clear visibility when out at night.”

These works have been delivered as part of Wyndham council’s active transport strategy, which aims to improve footpath and shared path network to make it easier for residents to get around on foot or bike.

Other active transport enhancements this year have included closing missing links between a series of existing paths around Sanctuary Lakes and Saltwater Coast Estate in Point Cook, to provide better connectivity for walkers and bike riders.

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It's FREE CHECK THEM OUT

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18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

SCAN TO FIND YOUR OUTLET

starweekly.com.au/find-my-newspaper

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Point Cook VIEW The Point Cook Day VIEW Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Point Cook Library 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook. New members welcome.

■ Catherine, 0407 726 852.

Watton Group A support group providing a social space for carers to get together in a safe and compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at the Eco-Living Centre at 10am every fourth Tuesday of the month.

■ Patricia, 0434 487 360 or wattongroup131@gmail.com.

All Abilities Netball All Abilities Netball for 10 to 25-year–olds is run by Wyndham Netball Association every Saturday morning during school terms from 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, with stadium entry $2.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Walking Netball Walking Netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. Sessions are run every Thursday during school terms from 8pm at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.

■ 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

Friends of Presidents Park The Friends of Presidents Park meets from 10am-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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of players Bronwyn Gell, Connor Wilson and Jessica Curnow from the Werribee Giants Baseball Club ahead of their Pride game. (Damjan Janevski) 377219_01

diabetes and to engage with other diabetics Meetings are at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month.

■ Bob, 0409 252 872

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/

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus

9.30pm. 11 Altona Road, Altona.

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

■ 9398 2283

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 Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month.

■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

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

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

Lions Club Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club, 2a Synnot Street, Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm.

■ Jorge, 0433 566 575

Christmas On The Lawn

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday. Eyes down from 12.30-2.30pm.

■ 9741 5525

Christchurch Newport is hosting their Christmas event for all to enjoy. Come along and soak up some Christmas cheer with live music, Christmas Choir, Barista coffee, fruit mince pies, gingerbread, sausage sizzle, kids crafts, on Saturday, 16 December, 9.30am-1pm, at Christ Church, 61 Mason Street, Newport ■ steve@christchurchnewport.org.au

Diabetes Support Group

Western Budgerigar Club

Carols By The Bay

The Werribee Diabetes support group has been active in our community for more than 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

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

Altona Sports Club are Hosting “Carols By The Bay” on December 14, 2023 starting at 7pm. The free event will be headed up with the great Australian musician “Mr Rick Charles” along with the “Glee West Choir” and the “Ringwood Pipe Band”.

There will also be a fireworks display at

Seniors club The Werribee Senior Citizens Club 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

Bingo for all

Musicians welcome Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join their community band.

Rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden OAM every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. Visitors and interested musicians any age most welcome.

■ Hannah Prouse, hbcityband@gmail.com or www.hbcb.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) Williamstown.

Laverton Community Education Centre now offers free AMEP classes to eligible clients at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown.

Classes are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-3pm. Childcare is available for children who are under school age.

■ 9369 2726

Boxing Maribyrnong Boxing Club has reopened.

New and former members of the Maribyrnong Community Youth Club are welcome to attend training sessions on Monday 6pm-8pm, Thursday 6.45-7.45pm and Sunday, 10-11am. Boxing for fitness classes, beginners, youth, adults and also competition available. The club premises are located under the Grandstand on Maribyrnong Reserve, on the corner of Hortense Street and Middle Road, Maribyrnong.

■ nugara.david@hotmail.com or 0413 495 836

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 Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

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

easy

1 6 7

3

4 5 8 8 2 3

9 4

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

1 8

6

2

QUICK CROSSWORD Messages sent on holiday (9) Matured (4) Organ used to hear (3) Thing found disgusting or vile (11) Words of the same meaning (8) Rupture (6) Naked (4) Post (7) Rubeola (7) Thunder god (4) Voice box (6) A doctor’s customers (8) Acknowledgement (11) Centre (3) Edible rootstock (4) Question and answer session (9)

12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

Those sharing a house (9) Send (4) A stringed musical instrument (6) Small rowboat (6) Dead and putrefying flesh (7) Psychiatrist (9) 13 to 19 (7) Chinese east coast city (8) Medieval weapon (8) A red wine (6) Food retailer (6) Meal (6) South Pacific island (4)

4 5 7

ACROSS 1 6 10 11

No. 163

8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27

DOWN Game bird (8) Love song (8) Bondage (6)

1 2 3

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No. 163

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No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

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

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No. 163

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7 LETTERS ELASTIC ENEMIES EROSION FOOTAGE ORIENTS RIVETED 8 LETTERS HANDRAIL INCITING INSTANCE POWERFUL

15-12-23

No. 163

QUICK QUIZ

1

Of the 2023 Academy Award Best Picture nominees, which film did Frances McDormand (pictured) produce and star in?

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

2

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

3

Laos, Thailand and Vietnam surround the borders of which other country?

4

Originating from a collection of fables, The Boy Who Cried Wolf is credited to which ancient Greek storyteller?

L

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A N A S

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20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

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

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

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WORDFIT

5

True or false: Earth is the only known planet where a fire can burn?

What are Nepalese dumplings more commonly known as?

6

Chopine, opanak and plimsoll are all what type of apparel?

7

Which noble gas has the capacity to work against gravity?

8

Charlie Mackesy's bestselling illustrated book features a mole, a fox and what other animal?

9

Which cosmetics brand was founded in 1984 by two Canadian men named Frank?

10 'Radii' is the plural form of what?

ANSWERS: 1. Women Talking 2. True 3. Cambodia 4. Aesop 5. Momos 6. Shoes 7. Helium 8. A horse 9. MAC Cosmetics 10. Radius

No. 163

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Unai Emery has managed which two English Premier League clubs?

12. The Australian tennis team is nicknamed what when playing the Fed Cup?

4. Name the 2023 film about the Boomers’ journey to achieving their first international medal.

2. Italy defeated Australia in the 2023 Davis Cup final; which country did the same in 2022?

13. How many overs is each player allowed to bowl in a cricket ODI?

5. Tom Brady’s 2015 four-game suspension was due to his alleged involvement in which NFL ball-tampering controversy?

3. Australian baseballer Curtis Mead was promoted to which major league team in August 2023?

14. Anze Kopitar recently surpassed the most games-played record for which NHL team?

6. Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a lawsuit for his involvement in which controversial company?

15. In which year did North Melbourne last win an AFL grand final?

16. And who did they beat?

7. The Matildas took out which prestigious award after their iconic FIFA World Cup run?

17. Chicago Fire are a team that plays which sport?

18. Which two players have been announced as the West Coast Eagles’ co-captains for the 2024 AFL season?

8. Which AFLW team faced their first ever Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions?

9. Which of these AFL teams did TV host Tony Armstrong not play at during his career: a) Adelaide, b) Sydney or c) St Kilda?

19. Matthew Farrelly is the real name of which Australian professional wrestler?

20. In which year was karate introduced at the Olympics?

10. What nationality is professional golfer Connor Syme?

Ashleigh Buhai

Cristiano Ronaldo

21. Which team won the 2023 AFLW Grand Final?

11. Which US soccer player is Matildas captain Sam Kerr engaged to?

22. Name the sisters who play for the Brisbane Lions AFLW team?

23. Which men’s national rugby sevens team did South Africa defeat to win the 2023 Dubai Sevens?

28. Golfer Lachlan Wood, winner of the 2023 Australian All Abilities Championship, is from which country?

24. Which women’s national rugby sevens team did Australia defeat to win the 2023 Dubai Sevens?

29. Which medal did aerial skiier Danielle Scott win at the Freestyle Ski World Cup event in Ruka, Finland?

25. Adam Doueihi last played for which NRL club?

26. Golfer Joaquín Niemann, winner of the 2023 Australian Open, hails from which South American country?

30. Which medal did snowboarder Belle Brockhoff win at the Snowboard World Cup event in Ruka, Finland?

27. Golfer Ashleigh Buhai, winner of the 2023 Women’s Australian Open, is from which African country?

1512

1. Arsenal and Aston Villa 2. Canada 3. Tampa Bay Rays 4. Rose Gold 5. Deflategate (deliberate deflation of game balls) 6. Binance (cryptocurrency) 7. Don Award 8. North Melbourne 9. c) St Kilda 10. Scottish 11. Kristie Mewis 12. Cockatoos 13. 10 14. LA Kings 15. 1999 16. Carlton 17. Soccer 18. Liam Duggan and Oscar Allen 19. Grayson Waller 20. 2020 21. Brisbane Lions 22. Cathy and Ruby Svarc 23. Argentina 24. New Zealand 25. Wests Tigers 26. Chile 27. South Africa 28. Australia 29. Silver 30. Bronze

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MOTOR

Ford Everest reaches a new high

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Some of Ford Ranger’s magic must have rubbed off on Everest because it’s now one of the top 10 best-selling cars in Australia, second only to the Toyota Prado in its segment.

The last time we drove Everest we were pleasantly surprised by the wagon and the latest, third generation model is no exception, in keeping with the market response.

It’s ironic because sometimes we critics can bag the crap out of a car, then stand back amazed as it sells its socks off.

Go figure.

Styling Everest adopts the same ‘tough’ look as the Ranger, bluff and squared off where the previous model was rounded.

It’s more muscular in appearance and targeted at blokes, and is light years from the Ford Territory that pioneered this segment for the brand 20 years ago.

The rear is obviously different, with broad, strong horizontal lines.

The Sport grade has proved popular and is now available with a choice of 3.0-litre V6 or 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesels, together with rear- or all-wheel drive.

Sport is readily identified by the black treatment that everyone seems to want these days, with black trim, black wheels and black raised lettering for the badges. And it’s the only grade available in the exclusive colour Blue Lightning, as pictured.

Inside there’s two-zone climate air, with part-leather, Sport-embossed front seats that are heated and cooled.

The driver seat is 10-way power adjustable with memory setting while the front passenger seat is eight-way power-adjustable.

All grades apart from Ambiente come with three rows of seats.

Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys, side steps, LED head, tail and daytime running lights, electric parking brake, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, auto high beam, speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors.

Prices start from $53,490 for the 2.0-litre rear-drive Ambiente.

Trend is priced from $60,990, Sport from $62,990, Wildtrak from $72,804 and Platinum from $77,000, all before on road costs.

Our test vehicle was the rear drive Sport with the 2.0-litre engine. If you want all wheel drive, it’s packaged with the V6 and comes at a cost of $70,590.

Prestige paint adds $700 (everything but white) and the tow pack is $1700.

Everest is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, roadside assistance if you get it serviced by Ford and a pre-paid service plan is available at a cost of $1200 for the first four general services for up to four years or 60,000km.

Infotainment Pride of place in the cabin goes to the SYNC4A infotainment system with voice activation and a huge 12.0-inch Tesla-like vertical touchscreen with 10-speaker audio.

The system features Bluetooth, built-in satnav with one year of connected navigation services, DAB+ digital radio, both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging.

There are two USB ports in front (USB-A and USB-C), two in the back (USB-A and USB-C) plus a 12-volt outlet in the front console box and another unlabeled outlet in the luggage area.

The FordPass app allows you to view vehicle status. You can also remotely unlock the vehicle, activate zone lighting where fitted, and start the vehicle to activate the climate control.

Engines/transmissions The four produces 154kW of power at 3750 rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1750-2000 rpm, while the larger 3.0-litre V6 delivers 184kW at 3250 rpm and 600Nm from 1750-2250 rpm.

Best buy – rear-wheel drive Sport. (Pictures: Supplied)

Both are paired with a 10-speed auto, with four drive modes in the rear-drive Sport: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE 2.0 Ambiente RWD: $53,490

Safety ANCAP says Everest’s five-star safety rating is based mainly on test results for the Ford Ranger utility on which it is based, with supplementary information from Ford (not sure why).

It has nine airbags, including driver and passenger knee airbags along with the latest centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard.

There’s also a rear-view camera, Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and AEB Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard. There are five top tether child seat anchors and another two Isofix anchors.

Driving Everest is big, at 4914mm long and 1842mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2900mm.

It has 230mm of ground clearance whether it’s the 4x4 version or not and this model tips the scales at 2295kg.

The dimensions are roughly the same as before, with a 50mm increase in track and wheelbase.

The changes have been made to accommodate the V6 and the new hybrid when it finally arrives.

The longer wheelbase means more space inside, but the height of the vehicle also means getting in and out could be problematic for short people, particularly less athletic ones.

There are only 259 litres of space behind the third row of seats, rising to a healthy 898 litres with the third row stowed.

Everest comes with a choice of engines depending on the grade. There’s also rear and all-wheel drive to factor in.

Ambiente and Trend kick off the range with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel, while Wildtrak and Platinum bring a Ford-sourced 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel.

Mid-range Sport can be had with either – RWD with the four, AWD with the six.

This model is fitted with 255/55 series Goodyear Wrangler Territory HT road tyres. A full-size alloy spare is provided.

Whichever model you choose, it can tow a 3500kg load, but there’s a thing called gross combined mass to consider and the V6 is probably the better option for towing.

Like most cars these days starting Everest is accomplished via a button that takes the place

2.0 Ambiente 4WD: $58,490 2.0 Trend RWD: $60,990 2.0 Trend 4WD: $65,990 2.0 Sport RWD: $62,990 3.0 Sport 4WD: $70,590 3.0 Wildtrak 4WD: $72,804 3.0 Platinum 4WD: $77,000 SPECIFICATIONS Ford Everest 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon

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

of a key. In Everest that button literally takes the place of the key mechanism in the barrel on the steering column.

It’s a bit of an oddity and had us looking for a button each and every time we started the wagon – either in the console or to the left or right of the wheel.

The instrument cluster is part digital in this model with a rather unimaginative 8.0-inch squared off display that sits between traditional analogue gauges. It’s not until you get to the top of the line Platinum that it’s flashier and all digital, with a 12.3-inch screen.

Looking and running your hands over surfaces in the cabin reveals plenty of hard, cheap, generic plastic trim, detracting from the ambience.

The honeycomb air vents are a case in point.

But most eyes will be focused on the Tesla-like touchscreen which provides plenty of real estate for satnav and secondary controls, although we’re not sure why it is necessary to have both physical and electronic controls for the aircon.

The system can be slow to boot and at one point the screen blacked out for 30 seconds during which it remained unresponsive.

Wireless Android Auto worked flawlessly.

The four-cylinder twin turbo diesel is basically the same unit that powered the Raptor five years ago with a little tweaking.

In that context and producing 500Nm of torque from a low 1750 rpm, it is anything but disappointing. The V6 is just icing on the cake.

Unlike most diesels, the four feels smooth and quiet, with a real spring to its step.

Changes are smooth and those 10 speeds make sure the engine is always where it needs

to be, but it feels a little busy at times.

Adaptive cruise control works all the way down to a dead stop, before going again, and with intelligent speed assist active will automatically change to the current speed limit.

Rear suspension is different to that in the ute, more sophisticated to make things more comfortable for rear seat occupants.

But our passengers still complained about ride quality in the back and the ride quality is generally a little jiggly and not as good as a sedan.

It’s good to see plenty of rear air outlets, located in the roof, which will stop the kids from getting sick.

Auto engine stop-start is fitted and cycles down the aircon with the engine. The result can be stifling on a hot day and freezing when it’s cold, but can probably be turned off. Try as we may, we couldn’t get hot air into the back on a brisk Canberra day.

The cabin is a nice, quiet place to be on the road, thanks to an acoustic windscreen and well sound-proofed engine – but there’s no mention of noise cancelling technology this time around.

There are no gear change paddles. Instead, a thumb-controlled rocker switch at the top of the shift lever performs the same function. It’s okay for occasional changes, but no good for long term use.

The steering has gone from light to hard work, mainly because of the lane-centreing assistance. Take your hands off the wheel and the car will steer itself for a good few seconds, including bends, before you’re warned to put your hands back on the wheel.

It wants to do the work and the trick is to let it do most of the work instead of fighting the wheel which can become tiring – or simply turn it off with a switch conveniently located on the wheel.

With an 80-litre fuel tank, combined fuel consumption for this model is a claimed 7.1L/100km. We were getting as little as 7.8L/100km after almost 1200km of mixed driving. That’s pretty good for a vehicle this size.

Summing up Women may not like the styling and the heavy steering made my wife’s arms ache, but overall, it’s pretty good.

The rear-wheel drive 2.0-litre Sport could be the one to get, because it’s visually appealing and comes with everything you want and nothing you can’t do without. It represents a considerable savings over the off-road version which the majority of people will never use anyway.

Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Women’s focus for Westbourne

By Tara Murray Westbourne Grammarians women’s program will be the club’s focus in the Victorian Amateur Football Association in the near future.

The Grammarians didn’t field a side in 2023 due to a shortage of numbers, but kept things ticking behind the scenes.

The club recently announced that it would be fielding at least one women’s side this season, having appointed premiership winning duo Ian Allan and Chris Grant as coaches.

The pair join the club from Spotswood, where they guided the club to a Western Region Football League division 1 premiership this year.

Grammarians president David Hudson said the club would look to get men’s sides back up and running but that was unlikely to happen in 2024.

“We’ll probably hold off on a men’s team for the time being,” he said. “We’re not looking to put in a team in 2024, we’re looking to start from scratch.”

Hudson said the first aim in getting their men’s program up and going would be having an under-19s.

“It didn’t quite work out this season and we’ll go down that path again,” he said.

“Whether its in 2024 or 2025, we’re not in a huge hurry.

“We need to set up a men’s program that will be sustainable into the future and we haven’t been able to achieve in the last 20 years.

Hudson said they were really focused on setting up a strong female program with plenty of opportunities for female footballers in Melbourne’s west.

He said women’s football was the club’s focus and would stay that way even when they got the men’s program back up and running.

Westbourne’s female program will be its focus. (Supplied)

He said there was plenty of excitement about the program which they wanted to be sustainable in the long term.

“How that looks yet, I don’t know,” he said.

“We want to set up an elite program and be in one of the best in the VAFA. “It’s a high quality standard and there’s a high level of depth so you can attract a higher level of players.”

WIN

see players running around in the jumper.

“It’s a vibrant place and everyone is excited.

The school it very excited to have us back up and running and VAFA is super excited as well.

“We could have been an irrelevant club and not we have some relevancy playing at a pretty decent standard of footy in the Ammos.”

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24 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

Hudson said to be able to have a team back on the park next season, was something they were really proud of, with many clubs not coming back out of recess.

“The club has been going 30 years and it would have been a real shame to finish like that,” he said.

“Everything the guys and girls have put in over the 30 year period. People are excited to

The Western Rams are the Western Region Football League’s newest side.

WRFL clubs voted at its annual general meeting on Tuesday night to decide the fate of the struggling Rockbank-based team.

Member clubs of the league officially voted in the Rams which will enter both their football and netball operations into the league.

The club hasn’t won a senior football game since 2018 which prompted decision makers at the club to question whether it should seek an exit from the Riddell District Football League in October.

Rams’ president Stephan Lalli-Cafini said to be officially a part of the WRFL is a relief.

“It was a late decision to go but it was still two to three months of really, really hard work and close work with the WRFL,” he said.

“As soon as we got that nod it was certainly a weight of the shoulders.

“We’re super excited, we’ve been preparing as if we were going into the WRFL, we were uncertain about our future in the RDFL, player wise.

“So we went out and went hard to retain as many players as possible, but in saying that when speaking to new recruits it was based on going to the WRFL because it wasn’t worth saying we might go.

“It was here’s your contract, it’s a WRFL contract, if it doesn’t work out then you’re free to go and explore options elsewhere.

“So it’s definitely a lot less stressful now knowing that all the players are locked in.”

Lalli-Cafini said it is a bonus that the club has been able to gather enough numbers for two football sides for next year, something that he said they were confident of being able to do.

“We were confident that we would gather interest if we moved to the WRFL, now we’re there we’re confident that two teams and two really competitive teams, is what we’re after this year,” he said.

Rams coach Ash Pritchard.

“It’s a year to build and a year to see where we’re at in our first year of divisional football since 1999.

“It’ll give us an opportunity to see where we are at as a club and where we need to improve going forward.”

Not only has the club locked in a lot of its playing list but it has also secured a senior and reserves coach. Experienced coach Ash Pritchard was announced as senior coach last month.

The Rams will play in division 2, with the WRFL confirming it would only have two divisions next season.

WRFL chief executive David Jennings said a lot of work had been done to get the Rams into the league.

“We have worked closely with the RDFNL and diligently with the Western Rams over the past two months on their application to join the WRFL and we are now delighted to welcome the club to league,” he said.

“The Western Rams are a family club with a proud one-hundred-year history and we are pleased with an outcome that will ensure the club has a long-term football and netball future with the WRFL.” Harper Sercombe

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

League confirms division changes for 2024 The Western Region Football League has confirmed its divisional changes for the 2024 season.

Following the WRFL review into the structure of its senior football program, and the successful application from the Western Rams to join the WRFL, the league’s board has ratified changes for the upcoming season.

As reported by Star Weekly, 2023’s division 2 premiers Parkside is moving to division 1 to make that a nine-team competition. This will be stage one of a two-year process to form a division 1 ten-team competition.

Next year’s division 2 premiers will be promoted into division 1 with no relegation out of division 1 to happen next season.

All division 3 clubs and the Western Rams will be moved into division 2.

WRFL clubs voted at its annual general meeting on December 5 to decide the fate of the former Riddell District Football Netball League club.

Member clubs of the WRFL officially voted in the Rams which will enter both their football and netball operations into the league.

WRFL chief executive David Jennings welcomed the Western Rams and thanked

Parkside will play in division 1.(Ljubica Vrankovic) 359359_05

the RDFNL and AFL Victoria for their collaboration and support in the application.

“We have worked closely with the RDFNL and diligently with the Western Rams over

the past two months on their application to join the WRFL and we are now delighted to welcome the Club to League,” he said in a statement.

Smith back with United

Sports shorts VTCA Point Cook Centrals sealed its spot in the next round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition.

The Sharks made it two from two last Tuesday night, beating Werribee Centrals. The Centurions batted first making 8-118 from their overs. The Sharks chased down the runs with one over remaining, finishing 5-120.

By Harper Sercombe Kat Smith has been appointed as the replacement for Western United inaugural coach Mark Torcaso.

Torcaso made the decision to resign from his position in order to focus fully on his role with the Philippines women’s national team.

Returning to the A-League, Smith said she is champing at the bit to be back home in Melbourne and coaching once again.

Smith joins United as just its second women’s coach and first female to be at the helm.

Smith brings a wealth of knowledge on a majority of the playing squad having come up against United while leading the Western Sydney Wanderers side last season and also coaching Alamein FC and Geelong Galaxy in the women’s National Premier League.

It’s a full circle moment for Smith to return to the Western United environment after she was a part of the first ever Western United women’s development squad.

“I’m really excited, the weather has been turned on in Melbourne and I’m back at home doing what I love, being on the grass coaching,” she said.

“I’m really stoked to get this opportunity to work with this group, obviously some strong foundations have been laid.

Commencing in 2021, the women’s development squad was the precursor to Western United’s A-League team, bringing professional training standards to a select group of talented players in Victoria.

That group featured the likes of Alana Cerne, Adriana and Melissa Taranto and Natasha Dakic, all of whom went on to secure A-League contracts. Smith said she is now eager to reunite with familiar faces.

“That’s the drive you get from coaching, seeing players progressing and reaching their dreams and helping them with their ambition,” she said.

“To have the opportunity to work with the club prior to moving to Sydney I think coming back and being able to reconnect with those players again and help them on their journey here.”

Smith coached her first match at United on the weekend, talking before the game she said fans shouldn’t be expecting massive changes.

“The group’s got a really good foundation,” she said.

“We are obviously going to put a bit of my flavour on things that we’ll tweak but I think the real focus and priority will be for players

“The Western Rams are a family club with a proud one-hundred-year history, and we are pleased with an outcome that will ensure the club has a long-term football and netball future with the WRFL”.

“It took a collaborative effort to arrive at this point and I would like to thank the RDFNL, in particular CEO [chief executive] Jordan Doyle, and AFL Victoria for their incredible support throughout the process of the Western Rams application”.

Glen Orden is also set to make its return to the WRFL with the league revealing it as one of 15 teams in its division 2 for 2024.

The Hawks will return to the competition after failing to put out a senior or reserves side for the 2023 season.

Next season’s division 1 teams will be Werribee Districts, Point Cook, Altona, Yarraville Seddon Eagles, Caroline Springs, Spotswood, Point Cook Centrals, Hoppers Crossing and Parkside.

While division 2 will consist of Albion, Newport, Sunshine, Wyndhamvale, North Footscray, Braybrook, Suns, Albanvale, Sunshine Heights, West Footscray, Tarneit, Laverton Magpies, Glen Orden, North Sunshine and Western Rams.

NAB League Western Jets Lou Lou Field and Sierra Grieves are among those named in the Vic Metro girls summer training squad. The squad will take one in two high-performance training camps over the summer months to further assist players in their preparation for the 2024 Coates Talent League season.

Grieves is already part of the AFL national academy program. Vic Metro’s first camp will be held on December 19-20 at the Hangar in Tullamarine.

VPL Fixtures for the Victorian Premier League competitions have been released. The VPL1 and 2 have replaced the National Premier League 2 and 3 competitions. The VPL1 will get underway on the weekend of February 9, while the VPL2 will start a month later. In VPL1, Werribee City will start its season against North Geelong Warriors on February 9.

Western United will kick off its season two days later at home to Kingston City.

VFL

Kat Smith. (Western United)

to have clarity in terms of their roles and responsibilities.

“I don’t want to change too much because like I said there’s a good foundation and good principals… it’s just redefining a little bit of the language and a little bit of the purpose and intent for the ball.

“Our style of play is going to start with the ball, every team likes to control possession,

we’ll be like that but also really aggressive about how we play forward.

“We’ve got some really good technical players in this group and their strengths and their dominant qualities are going to come.

“And of course we’ve got to have a good work ethic and desire of every player to make sure that we can support each other around the ball.”

Werribee has locked in Olly Northam for next year’s Victorian Football League season. The young ruck joins the club from St Joseph’s in the Geelong Football League, having also played for the Geelong Falcons.

Meanwhile, the club announced the re-signings of Aidan Johnson and Sam Paea. Paea kicked 28 goals this year to help the side to a grand final, while Johnson is hoping to put two injury interrupted seasons behind him.

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Keats romps home to claim the Werribee Cup The Werribee Cup caught the eyes of the west despite gloomy conditions, as Keats took out the top honour on Sunday.

In a thrilling display of resilience, Keats, guided skillfully by jockey Linda Meech, emerged triumphant in the prestigious $150,000 Werribee Cup. Under the expert training of Gavin Bedggood, the favourite, priced at $3, showcased his class in the 1600-metre race, following a strong third-place finish in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes at Caulfield just a week prior.

Keats arrived in Werribee in some good form, placing in each of his past four races, but came in on a winning drought, dating back to last October.

Despite facing a formidable contender in the well-supported Junipal ($3.10), Keats seemed momentarily overtaken in the straight. Positioned just off the pace in a race where the trailing horses had minimal impact, Keats rallied hard under the strong guidance of Meech.

In a gripping showdown unfolding over the

last 100 metres, Keats displayed unwavering resolve, surging ahead once more in the final stages.

With a decisive half-length advantage, Keats crossed the finish line, leaving Ascension trailing by two lengths in a well-fought third place.

Trainer Gavin Bedggood spoke elatedly after the race on racing.com, praising the hardworking horse.

“If they all tried as hard as him it’d make my job very easy,” he said.

“I was a little bit worried (late in the race), but he’s just honest, he loves a dog fight and he doesn’t know when to lay down.

“He’s a more than deserving winner of a race like this.”

Bedggood said he was extremely proud of Keats’ resilience, throughout a period of coming up frustratingly short.

“It means a lot, he hasn’t won for a little while and there’s probably a couple people who questioned how genuine he is,” he said.

“Everybody does a great job at home, and I’m sure it’ll be a great pick-me-up for the stable.”

Winning jockey Linda Meech claimed her second Werribee Cup, after previously winning in 2021, and it’s safe to say she was thrilled to come away with another title.

“He (Keats) just didn’t give up, he kept fighting, and I was pretty happy to beat Harry (jockey of second placed Juinpal),” she grinned while also speaking on racing.com.

“I’ve got a few goals I hope I can get through, I’ll just keep on riding winners and people can say what they like.”

In other results, the combination of Tony and Jacob Newman won the first on Herbert Park, before Danny O’Brien and jockey Liam Riordan claimed the second on Cheval Chic.

Wiremu Pinn guided trainer Michael Kent’s Willabillo for the win in the third race, while Billy Egan guided Jenny The Beaver to victory in the fourth for Ben O’Farrell.

Race five produced another different winning combination with trainer Jamie Edwards and jockey Daniel Moor winning on Reddivo.

In race six, Jye McNeil rode Margie’s Boy to victory for Peter Gelagotis and Tony Noonan

There was plenty of action on track on Sunday.

(Ljubica Vrankovic)

got his second win of the day in the last, with Dakotah Keane riding Toff Choice to victory.

Gerald Lynch

open Kiera’s selection dream Sharks accounts

By Harper Sercombe

It’s been a long time in the making for Kiera Whiley but her life-long dream could become a reality on Monday night.

Whiley has been playing football for more than half of her life and her hobby could soon be her career if her name was to be read out on December 18 at the AFLW draft.

“It’s quite nerve wracking coming this close, it feels like there’s been such a long build up to it and then suddenly it’s right around the corner,” she said.

“It’s kind of always been the dream pretty much since I started before there was even a girls league around I decided this is what I wanted to do. “[If I got drafted] it would honestly be the most insane thing ever, it’s been quite a few years watching other people get up and get their dream finally.

“Looking back at little nine-year-old me just playing footy with the boys and watching those boys get their name read out, it would just mean the world to me to have that opportunity.

“So many years in the making and just this opportunity to make a career out of something that I’ve always wanted.”

From playing junior footy with Caroline Springs in the Western Region Football League, Whiley quickly graduated to the Coates Talent League joining the Western Jets at just 14. She is now aligned with Hillside.

“It’s been a bit of a weird adjustment no longer being a part of it, I’ve been there forever so it was such a normal part of my life and I’m really grateful that I was able to be in that program for so long,” she said.

“It really taught me a lot and there are so many habits that I’ve developed from just being a part of my life that I think have made a big impact on where I am now.

“Even in the earlier years watching the girls go off and play Vic Metro and bring back what they learnt, I think being around people while growing up is such an important thing.”

Whiley then went on to make her own mark at the Vic Metro level, playing for them in the two most recent carnivals. She also made her Victorian Football League debut this year for the Western Bulldogs in round seven against Williamstown.

“It really opened my eyes. It’s another level up again, just the professionalism and then amount of fun and enjoyment that the girls are still able to bring into it but being able to flick the switch when necessary to get the most out of training,” she said.

“While captaining the Jets, my goal was always to be leading by example so being able 26 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023

Kiera Whiley (Graham Denholm/AFL Photos)

to bring back what I learned and setting the standard was quite beneficial I think.”

While Whiley has been touted heading into Monday’s draft as a bona fide midfielder, she isn’t too sure that description is the most accurate of her abilities.

“I’ve always valued being quite versatile, while I do enjoy midfield I think naturally I’m a halfback at heart, I’ve always really enjoyed that position,” she said.

“Also the wing is something that I’ve spent a bit of time doing and I really do enjoy that

as well. But I value versatility so I think any of those positions my skills can translate across.”

Like many other girls in the same position as Whiley she has opted into the national draft, declaring she would be grateful to land at any of the 18 clubs in the competition.

“A lot can be said for that independence and my parents have always been very supportive so I know that it still won’t be too far and they’re just a phone call away,” she said.

“I still feel very supported if my name happens to get called for a team interstate.”

Point Cook Centrals had no issues with accounting for Frankston Women’s in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition on Sunday.

Playing their first one-day match of the season after a bye in round one, the Sharks were able to get the job done with first the ball and then with the bat.

The Sharks got early wickets and then were able to restrict Frankston to 9-103.

Emma Beaton, Sharvi Bellur and Jasmin Shah all took three wickets each.

The Sharks started well with the bat and made it to 63 without loss. The Sharks then had a slight stumble, going from 1-83 to 4-95.

They were able to steady, finishing 4-104 with more than six overs remaining.

Sharon D’Silva top scored with 37, while Amelia Smith made 26.

While the CVWCCC went ahead, it was mixed news for the other women’s competitions following heavy rain on Friday and Saturday.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association made the call to cancel their competition for a second straight week.

The North West Metropolitan Cricket Association went ahead, but not all matches were able to get underway due to the weather.

In division 4, Bellbridge was able to get the win against Sydenham-Hillside.

The Panthers made 3-145 from their 20 overs with Karla Templeton top scoring with 57 not out at the top of the order.

The Storm was able to keep wickets in hand, but struggled to hit the boundary as it was restricted to 2-102 from its 20 overs.

Templeton was the pick of the bowlers, taking 1-14 off her four overs.

Point Cook Centrals’ match with Gellibrand didn’t go ahead, while Hoppers Crossing had a bye.

Bellbridge sits atop the ladder after eight rounds with six wins and only one loss.

The teams have one more match, this Saturday, before the break over the Christmas period.

Tara Murray

United go down 4-0 to Mariners Western United’s losing streak has extended to six in the A-League Men’s competition, following a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Central Coast Mariners on Friday night.

United’s lack of aerial presence was evident early on in Gosford, as Mariners defenders Daniel Hall and Brian Kaltak helped themselves to a goal each from corners, giving the home side a 2-0 lead inside 25 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for Western, as Central Coast attacking midfielder Marco Tulio put away a third goal just before the break. Former Olyroo Alou Kuol came on off the bench late in the game, and capped off a brilliant home team performance with his third goal of the season. Despite a poor run of form, United coach John Aloisi has previously remained upbeat about his side’s ability to get out of its slump, however this week he labelled the performance “unacceptable”.

“The performance was nowhere near good enough,” he said. “On set pieces we were always second best, we were never in the game.

“We have gone on a bad run of results but the performances have been good… but tonight, it was nowhere near good enough.

“I have to take responsibility, because I’m the coach… but since I’ve been at this football club that’s the worst performance I’ve been involved in.” A triple-substitution was activated at half time by Aloisi, but he said he wished he could’ve changed more.

“I could’ve changed all 11,” he said. “It had nothing to do with any individual, it was everyone as a whole.”

A dejected Aloisi recognised the situation his side finds itself in, but said sticking to their process is now key to finding a return to form.

“We need to go back to the basics of being able to compete and fire, and having some

pride.” Western United sits last on the table with just three points, earned all the way back in the opening round.

United is now seven points outside of the top six, with the season quickly slipping away.

It returns home this week, with a Friday night at AAMI Park that has been dubbed the ‘Aloisi derby’ awaiting them with John facing his brother Ross Aloisi in the coaches box.

After an international break, Western United women returned to winning ways, with a convincing 3-1 victory away from home over Adelaide United.

A brace from Adriana Taranto saw United take a 2-0 lead halfway through the second half, with a Hannah Keane sealer in injury time ensuring the points came home.

It will be another week on the road for the girls, heading to Newcastle for a Sunday clash.

Gerald Lynch

Werribee streak ended

By Harper Sercombe Werribee lost its undefeated record in Baseball Victoria state league firsts losing to a winless Essendon outfit on Sunday.

The Giants lost in a close one 7-6.

The sides last met in round one the Giants took home a 20-7 win and speaking before the clash coach Andrew Christou said he was hoping for more of the same.

“I’m sure they’ll be ready to go, we’re almost halfway through the season now so they’ll be all fired up,” he said.

“When you’re on top everyone is going to play their best against you and try and beat you so we’ve got to be nice and consistent and show up again.”

With the 9-0 start Christou said he was pleased with the way his side has begun the season.

“Sitting on top with two more games left before Christmas, so I’m very happy with how it’s started so far,” he said.

“It’s been a good mixture of both offence and defence.”

“We’re the highest scoring team in the league at the moment, so a bit more production on the offensive side has been really good.

“From top to bottom we’ve had good standout performances in each game, it’s kind of been a couple of different guys each week putting their hand up and scoring the runs or knocking them in.

“It’s been a really good team effort to score a bunch of runs each week really helps, takes the pressure off the pitchers, they can give up a couple of runs and still have a lead which is good.”

The Giants currently have scored the most runs in the league with 82, while conceding the least at 35.

“It makes it pretty easy to manage the team when everyone is performing,” Christou said.

“Selection is pretty tough at the moment, our twos are playing pretty well for a young side so there’s a lot of people trying to push up into the ones which is really good.

“But unfortunately for them the ones are also playing pretty well so it’s hard to push anybody down.”

While there is an “injury bug” going around the Giants base at the moment, the Christmas break has arrived at the perfect time for Christou’s side as he begins to dream of premiership glory.

“I’d say [winning the championship is the goal], we need to finish the season as well as we can and take it one game at a time in finals,” he said.

“We’re just trying to get everyone back on the park and everyone should be back after

It is now six straight losses for Western United. (supplied)

Rain causes washouts in bowls again Palm Lake was the big winner in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 3, section 1 competition on Saturday.

For a second week in a row, rain played havoc across the competition with matches being washed out left, right and centre.

The majority of matches across the competition were called off, with some teams having not played the last two rounds.

Palm Lake’s match with Deer Park 3 was the only one to go ahead in division 3, section 1.

Palm Lake claimed three rink wins on the way to a 73 (16)-66 (2) win.

Neil Nicholas’ rink won 25-14, Desmond Tudor’s rink won 22-15 and David Gibson’s rink won 17-13.

David Manning’s rink thought had a tough day, losing 24-9.

The win moves Palm Lake to three wins for the season and slightly reduced the gap with the top four.

The side sits in seventh spot, 21 points behind fourth placed Werribee 2.

All other sides got nine points each.

This week Palm Lake faces Altona 3 on the road, Werribee 2 plays Deer Park 3 and Hoppers faces Yarraville Footscray.

Meanwhile, Werribee was stuck on the side lines in division 2, section 1.

The Bees match with Keilor was washed out.

The only match to go ahead was Bacchus Marsh’s match with Buckley Park, with Bacchus Marsh keeping its unbeaten record intact and extending its lead at the top of the table.

Werribee faces City of Melbourne this Saturday in the final round before the Christmas break.

In division 4, section 1, all matches were washed due to the weather.

This Saturday, Point Cook will host Werribee 3 in a local Wyndham derby.

The two teams sit atop of the table.

The Werribee Giants lost their first game on the weekend (Supplied)

Tara Murray Christmas, we’re kind of crawling to the break.

“But we’ll gear up next year and try to make

a big push towards finals.”

The Giants top women’s side had the bye on the weekend.

Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 27

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