Star Weekly - Wyndham - 27th March 2024

Cooking up kindness

By Cade Lucas

When Werribee’s Craig Bisson logged onto Facebook earlier this year, it was to try and sell something and make a quick buck.

Instead, the 52 year old has ended up giving stuff away for free, as well as donating a lot of his own time and effort.

“I got onto this page of Wyndham City Community noticeboard and saw a lot of generous comments there,” said Mr Bisson whose mind quickly changed from how much money he could make to what he could donate to others.

“I thought, well, if I can give back by doing my cooking and then maybe try and work out some sort of a way where everyone helps each other rather than any money changing hands.”

Six weeks on and Craig Bisson’s Facebook page has become a makeshift charity as other members of the Wyndham City Community page donate all manner of things that are then given to homeless people living in and

around Werribee.

“Some people do donate money that goes towards shoes or clothing, but the majority of it goes towards home cooked meals” he said

Mr Bisson, a divorced father of three who lives with one of his daughters, isn’t a trained chef, but grew up in Kyneton where his family ran hotels and knows how to whip up hearty pub grub.

“Casseroles lots of vegetables, fruit,” he said of type of meals he puts together in his home kitchen with food donated by local producers, restaurants and supermarkets.

“I constantly have two or three slow cookers on the go.”

The recent donation of a commercial freezer has allowed Mr Bisson to donate even more meals to the needy.

The freezer came courtesy of Phillip McDonald, another altruistic Werribee local, who through his organisation, Feeding Families, provides meals to more than 100 homeless people across Wyndham seven nights a week.

“He stated he needed help from me and I said,’look, mate, no problem,” said Mr McDonald of how they joined forces.

Via the Feeding Families distribution network, Mr Bisson now feeds about 30 homeless people a night in central Werribee, allowing Mr McDonald to focus further afield.

“Craig’s taking on helping with the meals at night for the homeless guys and girls in the streets in front of Coles, that’s been a big ease for me because that’s one place I don’t have to worry about distributing anymore,” he said.

It was out in front of Werribee Coles that Craig Bisson came across homeless person needing more than just a hot meal.

“About a month ago I noticed a gentleman outside of Coles and he was homeless with exposedfeet.Hehadnoshoes,”saidMrBisson who quickly put a call out on Facebook.

“And sure enough, within two and a half hours, we had a brand new set of shoes for him.”

Happy Easter

That was how Mr Bisson met Greg - he preferred not to give his surname - who now not only has shoes on his feet, but a roof over his head, with Craig putting him up in his Werribee home.

When asked the obvious question as to why he was doing all this, Mr Bisson said giving had always been in his nature, but his struggles over the past 15 years had supercharged his desire to help those in need.

A bout of cancer left unable to walk and in need of a mobility scooter and the resulting depression led to a battle with alcohol abuse.

Back on his feet and living in regional NSW,helosteverythingintheBlackSummer bush fires.

After moving to Wyndham to be close to his 90- year old father, Mr Bisson has found his home and his calling.

“Everyone’s got their own story,” he said of the outlook he now has on life.

“I don’t judge people by how they look or what they wear because I’ve certainly been down there.”

Werribee man Craig Bisson is putting up homeless people in his house and helping feed and clothe them too. (Damjan Janevski) 396471_04

Car break-ins drop in Wyndham

By Cade Lucas

Fewer vehicles were broken into in Wyndham lastyearaccordingtothelatestCrimeStatistics Agency data released on Thursday.

FortheyeartoDecember2023,1970stealing from a motor vehicle offences were recorded in Wyndham, down from 2144 in 2022.

Stealing from a motor vehicle was the only major crime category to decline in Wyndham last year, resulting in it not being the most common offence recorded for the first time since 2020. Other theft recorded the most offences in Wyndham for 2023, with 2085, up from 1780 the previous year.

Breaching family violence orders was the third most common offence with 1702, a slight increase on the 1668 recorded in 2022.

Criminal damage and stealing from a retail store rounded out the top five.

Overall, 18,574 criminal offences were recorded in Wyndham during 2023, an increaseof5.2percentor926offenceson2022.

When population growth is factored in, Wyndham recorded an offence rate of 5,746.8 per 100,000 people to December 2023, up from 5,709.0 at the corresponding point in 2022.

While both figures were up on the previous year,theywerestilllowerthanresultsstatewide where recorded offences increased by 8.4 per cent and the rate of offending per 100,000 people was 7.689.2.

AspokespersonforVictoriaPolicesaidwhen adjusted for population growth, the overall crime in Wyndham remained steady, and that noticeable drops in areas such as residential

and car break-ins showed their approach was working.

“On top of 24/7 patrols, Wyndham police conduct a whole range of proactive operations to keep the community safe.” the spokesperson said. “This includes Operations Shows, a regular nightly operation which sees general dutiesandspecialistpolicetargetbreak-ins,car thefts and high risk driving. Since launching in January 2022, Operation Shows has led to Wyndham police catching up with more than 720 offenders and impounding more than 160 vehicles from the roads.“ Police also said relationships with stakeholders such as local government, migrant communities and schools had contributed to the positive results.

Werribee was again the Wyndham suburb with the most offences, recording 5136 for

Fun run returns, raising key funds

Wyndham Rotarians are limbering up for one of their biggest fundraisers of the year, with their annual Fun Run taking place on April 28. Held at Wyndham Park, the 2024 event will feature 10 kilometre and five kilometre races, with runners raising funds for Mercy Hospital and Australian Rotary Health.

Wyndham Rotary’s Andrew Caracoglia said everyone was welcome to come along, whether they planned to run or not.

“Weextendanopeninvitationtoeveryonein the community to be a part of this memorable day,” he said.

“This event is a platform for local businesses,

families, and individuals to connect, enjoy a day outdoors, and support meaningful causes. Whether participating in the run or walk, enjoying the entertainment, or simply soaking in the community vibe, your presence contributes to our collective effort to make a difference.”

Along with the fun run itself, the event will also feature a dedicated stage that will host performancesbythelivebandPineappleHead, alongside dance performances by local talents.

Attendees can explore marquees featuring local businesses, offering a great opportunity to network and discover local products and

Trio hurt in Tarneit shooting

Police are investigating a shooting in Tarneit that left three men injured.

Police were initially called to Friendship Place shortly before 11.50pm on March 19 following reports of gunshots.

A search of the immediate area was conducted, however no one could be located. A short time later, police received reports of a man with gunshot wounds to his upper body at a McDonald’s on Derrimut Road, Tarneit.

A 23-year-old Truganina man was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries and is believed to be in a critical but stable condition.

Emergency services were then called to an address on Tarneit Road, Tarneit just after 1am on Wednesday March 20.

Paramedics treated a 25-year-old Tarneit man for a hand injury and he was also taken to hospital.

A 28-year-old Tarneit man then self presented to a Melbourne hospital just before 3am with an arm injury.

Police believe both men were involved in the previous incident on Friendship Place where it’s understood an altercation took place between two groups, however the exact circumstances of the shooting are still being determined.

Detectives are treating the incident as targeted and the parties involved are known to each other.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

2023, up from 4972 in the previous year and more than 2000 ahead of second placed Hoppers Crossing on 3004. Tarneit, Point Cook and Truganina recorded the next three highest totals. Houses were again the most common location, though were slightly down on 2022, with 6958 recorded compared to 7034 the previous year. Streets, lanes and footpaths were the second most common, more than 4000 behind, with 2398 recorded, the exact same figureas2022.Shoppingcomplexes,driveways/ carports and other retail were the other locations in the top five, with all recording less than 1000 and driveways and carports decreasingby140overtheyear.Familyviolence incidents in Wyndham also increased in 2023, with 4496 up from 4299.

Dog ban for animal cruelty

A 31-year-old Truganina man has been found guilty of five counts of animal cruelty over the mistreatment of a dog.

ThemanpleadedguiltyintheWerribee Magistrates Court to inappropriate confinement of an animal, beating an animal and failing to provide veterinary treatment relating to his dog.

After receiving a report of animal cruelty at the man’s home in 2022, the RSPCA Victoria inspectors attended the property to find the dog living in a small temporary pen with concrete flooring, without weatherproof shelter, and a build-up of excrement in the pen and feeding area.

Inspectors issued two Notices to Comply, instructing the man to provide clean living conditions and appropriate confinementforhisdog,andtoarrangea veterinary exam. The man failed to do so and surrendered his dog to RSPCA.

services.

A selection of food trucks will be on-site providing meals and refreshments and there will also be a selection of activities and entertainment for children.

The day will kick off at 8:30am with a motivational warm-up and finish with presentations for race winners and placegetters as well as an award for the largest team.

For more information visit www. wyndhamrotaryfunrun.com.au or contact info@wyndhamrotaryfunrun.com.au

Cade Lucas

Veterinarians found the dog was suffering from infected wounds and untreated physical injuries, in addition to metal prongs from an electric shock collarembeddedinhisneckandfractures in his cheekbone, skull and vertebra.

MagistrateJuliaBarlingsaid,“Hearing that summary made me feel sick, you are very lucky I am not sending you to jail. I am appalled by your behaviour”.

The man has been convicted and sentenced to a Community Correction Order for 18 months. He must complete an animal cruelty program and is banned from owning dogs for ten years. Costsof$352.69wereawardedtoRSPCA Victoria.

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Wyndham Rotary Fun Run organiser Andrew Caracoglia, Bill Buack, event chair Benjamin Harrington, and Cheryl Carlton and Rob Westwood from First National Westwood at Wyndham Park. (Damjan Janevski) 395300_04

More chances open up

Students at state secondary schools in Melbourne’s west will have more learning and development opportunities for outside the classroom with a $100,000 grant awarded to Western Chances.

Western Chances, is a charitable foundation with a focus on empowering people in Melbourne’s western region to achieve their potentialthrougheducationalscholarshipsand life changing opportunities.

Since 2006, Victoria University (VU) has been associated with Western Chances as they provide scholarships, opportunity programs and ongoing support to students in Melbourne’s west.

VU said it is proud that Western Chances will increase its presence at the Footscray Nicholson Campus as part of a new ‘flipped campus’ agreement.

Western Chances founder and chair Terry Bracks said VU becoming a major pro bono partner of Western Chances was an important next step for the two organisations.

“Through this major alliance, we are poised to create new opportunities for our young people and pave the way for increased access to education, skills, learning pathways, and employment,” she said.

“At the heart of this partnership lies a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and our profound love for the west.

“That’s why we have worked so well together over the past 18 years and are looking forward to the incredible journey ahead.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding which will empower young people through access to opportunities to nurture and grow their talent and leadership.”

This builds on the successful VU initiatives such as access scholarships, which provides an additional$1000toWesternChancesrecipients studying at VU, while bringing secondary

school students onto campuses to experience university life, and student engagement opportunities.

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said equity in education was a strongfocusintherecentlyreleasedUniversities Accord and the elevated partnership with Western Chances speaks to that point.

“The expanded space at Footscray Nicholson

Campus will enable Western Chances staff, students and volunteers to really elevate their support of young people in the west of Melbourne,” he said.

“VU is famous for providing the highest quality of equitable opportunities for all. We are delighted to continue this proud tradition withWesternChancesnow,tomorrowandinto the future.”

2025 school zones out

The state government has released next year’s school zones on the Find my School website, making it easier for families to enrol in their local government schools for 2025.

The updated website will help give families certainty as they begin the process of enrolling their child in a government school.

Next year, 25 school zones in Victoria will change to improve accessibility and accommodate six new schools that will open.

As enrolment processes start to begin in early Term 2, the updated 2025 school zones will give families with children starting primary and secondary school next year the most up to date information.

The Find my School website allows families to find their designated neighbourhood government school and other government schools nearby – giving them clarity on what their government school options are for their children.

Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name or categories such as primary,secondary,orspecialistschool.

The 2024 school zones are still available and should be used for any further enrolment decisions for the 2024 school year.

To find your local school zone, visit findmyschool.vic.gov.au and to learn more about the enrolment process, visit vic.gov.au/starting-school.

Professor Adam Shoemaker, Footscray MP Katie Hall, VU student Karlee McCulloh, with Terry Bracks AM, Founding Chair Western Chances with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. (Supplied)

Council clarifies $36m in funding

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham council has denied that millions of dollars in developer contributions for Point Cook were overlooked or went missing, claiming the money has always been reflected in the council budget.

In a social media post last week, Wyndham councillor Susan McIntyre claimed $36.16 million in legacy developer contributions had been ‘unlocked’ for Point Cook following an investigation by council officers.

Hailing it as a “great result for our community”CrMcIntyresaidtheinvestigation came about after she inquired how much

money in developer contributions remained for Point Cook while seeking funding for the redevelopment of the Jamieson Way sports hall in August 2021.

News that nearly $40 million in unspent money had been discovered for Point Cook led to other social media users questioning council’s accounting and speculating as to what the surplus money could be spent on.

Both Wyndham council and Cr McIntyre have since been forced to clarify how the surplus of developer contributions came about.

“WyndhamCity’sbudgethasalwaysreflected unspent developer contribution moneys collected for Point Cook,” said a spokesperson

‘Remarkable mesh of

From responding to a call out for local artists to attracting over 300 people to her first solo exhibition, it’s been a whirlwind start to the artistic career of Wyndham artist Melissa Lazaridis.

Lazaridis’ debut exhibition, Synaptica, proved a huge hit on the weekend of March 16 and 17 at the The Annex in Werribee, with her artwork and installations exploring the inner-workings of the brain, stimulating the brains of those who witnessed it. She even curated a particular playlist to stimulate certain sections of the brain; making candles with scents that evoke memory; the bowls themselves were an imprint of her own hand resembling touch.

Lazaridis describes Synaptica as a memoir of determination and struggle and her journey to bring it to fruition is certainly testament to that.

for Wyndham council.

Accordingtocouncil,thesurplus,whichwas built up over 20 years, was due to a number of factors including: VicRoads funding some road upgrades that developer contributions were collected to fund; some projects not being able to proceed due to insufficient land being available or underground pipelines unable to be relocated; projects coming in under budget.

The spokesperson said these factors were not considered when plans were initially drafted morethan20yearsago,butassuredPointCook residentsthattheyhadnotbeenshortchanged.

“Wyndham City has always met its obligations to deliver community centres and

After The Annex launched an EOI program which asked for local artists to use the space, Lazaridis submitted an application which was eventually accepted.

The resulting work is deeply personal

POINT COOK RETIREMENT

first-hand account of living with people with brain connectivity disorders and her own pursuit to understand brain plasticity and inspire the experience of connection.

“Each component of the installation

recreation facilities in Point Cook and will continue to do so.”

As for how the money will now be spent, legal advice provided to Wyndham council indicates that it can be used to fund any type of infrastructure as long it’s in Point Cook, the same area where it was collected.

The council spokesperson said Point Cook residents would know more soon.

“Wyndham City is currently considering which community and infrastructure projects in Point Cook this money will be allocated to, some of which will be announced in the upcoming 2024/25 Council Budget.”

Cr McIntyre was contacted for comment.

represents love and dedication around the notion of connection and the consequences of disconnection,” explained Lazaridis who expanded on what she meant by connection in regards to the brain.

“Weallhaveacomplicatedtangleofneurons, dendrites and axons activating synapses to spark and communicate. This forms a remarkable mesh of energy.

“Therearemillionsofconnectionscircuiting along familiar and new pathways that create an intricate map of who we are as individuals, and how we operate in this world. It seems that all life forms instinctively search and seek to connect.”

The fact 340 people came to see her exhibition, many of them strangers who were keentosharetheirownstoriesandexperiences with her, bears this out.

Cade Lucas

Melissa Lazaridis (centre) in coversation during her exhibition ’Synpactica’. (Supplied)

Freight hub ‘concept’ meetings

By Cade Lucas

In person consultation meetings held over the weekend have failed to quell opposition to a proposed rail freight terminal in Little River. Rail freight operator Pacific National conducted face to face meetings with Little River locals on Thursday evening and Saturday morning to discuss its plans to build a 500 hectare intermodal freight hub on land next to the town.

The proposal has encountered fierce opposition from local residents concerned about its impact on local wildlife, nearby grasslands reserves, green wedge zones and air pollution. The two meetings follow a webinar with Pacific National representatives last month that opponents described as ‘farcical’. According to Emma Sutcliffe from opposition campaign group PNGF, the face to face meetings were no better.

“These were loaded with Pacific National’s overpaidconsultantswhoallmadesympathetic faces at our extreme distress, but gave vague, wildly differing accounts of how their plans will actually impact our town and everyone in

Melbourne’s west,” said Ms Suctliffe.

“There were no direct answers to our questions; we keep hearing ‘it’s just a concept, we want to hear about your concerns.”

AspokespersonforPacificNationalprovided a different version of events, saying the drop in sessionswerewellattended,withlocalresidents keen to know more about the proposal.

“Community members were interested to understand more about the proposed project including potential traffic, lighting and noise impacts and the approval process more broadly.”

Roughly 80 people attended each meeting, with patrons encouraged to register and only attend once, though it’s believed a number of unregistered people came to both sessions.

“Community members who registered were respectful, engaged and provided constructive and detailed insights into how the potential project may impact them that will now be able

The D’Mello family’s Fiat fundraiser

When Wyndham Vale’s D’Mello family embark on a fundraising drive to Sydney and back next month, they won’t be doing so just to honour a family friend, but because of him.

On April 14 Maria and Danny D’Mello and their two kids will set off on the Fiat-tastic fundraiser, a two week journey to Sydney and back, in their Fiat 500 to raise funds for the Werribee Mercy palliative care unit.

Itwasatthatsamepalliativecareunitwhere close family friend, Rob Costa, spent his final days battling a rare form of cancer before it took his life in December 2023.

Maria D’Mello works at Werribee Mercy in a non-clinical role and often kept Mr Costa company during his final months.

It was during these morning visits that she told him of her husband Danny’s plan to take the family on an interstate odyssey in his Fiat.

“I’d say ‘Rob, my husband’s got this crazy idea. He wants to drive our Fiat with me and the kids all the way to Sydney,” recalled Maria who mentioned it to Rob, a mechanic and car nut himself, in the hope he would talk her husband out of it.

Instead, he did the opposite.

“He goes nah don’t worry it’s a great idea, do it,” said Maria of Rob’s encouragement to which he added a poignant coda: “you only live once.”

Rob Costa passed away shortly after,

convincing the D’Mellos to not only do the drive, but fund raise along the way too.

“We would love some VR (virtual reality) goggles,” said Maria of what they hope the funds will buy for palliative care unit.

“The goggles take you to another world that you can experience without leaving (the unit).”

The D’Mellos will depart from Wyndham Harbour on the Sunday afternoon following a fundraising car meet in the morning and will travel to Sydney and back along the coast via the Princes Highway.

To donate visit: https://fundraisemercyhealthfoundation.raisely.com/t/ maria-dmellos-team

to be incorporated into the preparation of the EES (Environmental Effects Statement) by the project team,” said a spokesperson for Pacific National.

Victoria’s Department of Transport and PlanningisconductingtheEESintothefreight hub proposal which Pacific National unveiled in October last year and aims to complete by 2026 . The company’s lease on its existing freight hub in West Melbourne expires in 2029.

EmmaSuctliffesaidwhatevertheoutcomeof theEESoranyfurtherconsultation,opponents of the proposal wouldn’t go away.

“Our concerns are that the proposal will destroyrareremnantnativegrasslands,further endanger already threatened species and wetlands,clogroadsthroughoutWyndhamand Geelong with an extra four truck movements a minute, damage local heritage-listed bridges and buildings, ruin forever the look and character of Little River.”

Hospitals need Easter blood

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an appeal for blood and plasma donors in the lead up to Easter amid growing demand by hospitals.

The need for blood is 3 percent higher than the same time last year, while demand for platelets, the clotting agent in blood, is at a record high. Platelets are taken from blood donations and are a vital part of treatment for cancer patients and road trauma victims.

Lifeblood executive director, strategy and growth Stuart Chesneau said 1000 donors are needed every day across Australia every day between now and Easter Monday to ensure hospitals receive the blood they need.

“Blood and blood products will be required every 18 seconds this Easter long weekend and throughout the school holidays by trauma and emergency patients, mums delivering babies, people with blood conditions and cancer patients,“ he said.

“And every person who comes in and makes a donation can save up to three lives.

“A blood donation only takes one hour, with just 5-10 minutes on the couch, while a plasma donation takes 90 minutes.”

Lifeblood has a record 49 Lifeblood donor centres open throughout Australia on Good Friday and most centres are open on Easter Monday, providing plenty of opportunities to donate.

To book an appointment call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.

Oil spill in Werribee River under investigation by the EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency is investigating an oil spill in the Werribee River last week.

The spill was first noticed in the section of river near the Maltby Bypass in Werribee on March 19, with the source suspected to be from or above the Concorde Avenue industrial estate.

Thissectionoftheriverisaknownhabitatof the isolated Werribee population of platypus, the southernmost population in Melbourne.

Spills of this nature are known to kill off invertebrates or bugs which platypus feed on in order to survive.

Werribee riverkeeper John Forrester

expressed concern at what the spill could mean for platypus and other species that live in or around the river.

“Our latest reports tell the story of how important that reach of the river is for platypus, and the crucial role that part plays in recruitment of young platypus for the lower Werribee River, all the way up to Tarneit.’

The Werribee River Association (WRA) wasalsoalarmedbythespill,butcommended the EPA for their efforts in protecting the river.

“The EPA responded promptly and conducted an assessment of the spill, with details yet to be confirmed,” said the WRA’s

Lisa Field.

“The WRA has inspected the now cleaned up site, and is cooperating with these agencies in order to avoid future mishaps of this nature.”

Melbourne Water has also responded to the spill by cleaning the affected area downstream of the Maltby Bypass, and installing a hydrocarbon boom to catch any further spillage.

The exact location of the spill and those responsible are still being investigated.

The EPA and Melbourne Water were contacted for comment.

CadeLucas

A banner expressing opposition to the Little River freight hub proposal hangs outside the the town hall ahead of consultation meetings last week. (supplied) 397597_01

Werribee Riverkeeper John Forrester inspects an oil spill in the river that was discovered on Tuesday. (supplied)

Danny and Maria D’Mello are holding the Fiat-tastic Fundraising Car Meet meet on April 14 at Wyndham Harbour, before embarking on a two week drive to Sydney and back. (Damjan Janevski) 395500_05

Good Friday fundraiser

Sports stars across three national codes have tangled with two young veteran fighters in Tarneit to raise money for this week’s Good Friday Appeal and The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Matilda and Western United skipper

Chloe Logarzo, Geelong AFLW star Georgie Prespakis and NBL rising star Owen Foxwell had to be on their mettle when they traded ball skills and threw hoops with feisty Joshua Chalmers, 5, and Emily Cook, 10, at the appeal’s Charity Auction Home in Tarneit’s Alamora estate.

Joshua first underwent open-heart surgery at17hoursold,withmoreatthreemonthsand hisfirst100daysoflifeinTheRoyalChildren’s Hospital. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome meant the left side of heart didn’t develop properly, leaving him essentially with just half a heart. Joshua is staring down the barrel of more open-heart surgery in coming months,

but things are shaping up well and Joshua’s parents Sharon and David are confident the medical magicians at The Royal Children’s will soon have their little boy on track.

Emily has been a patient at the Royal Children’s since she was very young, receiving life-saving treatment for cancer in her brainstem

Emily’s lesion is a rare type of brain tumour called a ganglioglioma. The location of the tumour is not only the most difficult part of the brain to operate on, it’s also the most dangerous as it controls everything her body does. Emily is likely going to have this tumour for the rest of her life.

This year’s Good Friday Appeal home, the 7-star Lily 352-D38 by Henley Homes, will go under the hammer on Good Friday at 2 pm in a no-reserve auction.

Link: www.gfacharityhouse.com.au

Briefs

Stolen

A man is assisting police with their inquiries after being arrested in relation to a stolen car in Werribee. The arrest occurred after police located an alleged stolen vehicle on Inglewood Drive about 8pm on Saturday, March 23 Police followed the vehicle to nearby Coolbina Avenue, where the driver was arrested.

He is currently cooperating with police as the investigation into the matter continues.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Stabbing

A Wyndham Vale boy was taken to hospital after being stabbed in Tarneit last Tuesday night.

Emergency services were called to parkland at the intersection of Butterfly Boulevard and Papillion Parade about 7.15pm on March 19. Soon after their arrival, police found the 17-year-old victim with lacerations to his upper and lower body. No arrests have been made but the police investigation remains ongoing. The boy was last listed as being in a serious condition.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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St Leonards – The Shores

With the beach and local town just 5 minutes away, join us for a site tour of our second community in St Leonards.

Hop on the bus, catch all the construction action and see the development take shape right before your eyes. It’s the perfect way to meet our team and learn more about our vibrant community.

When

Tours depart at 3:30pm and 4pm

Wednesday 27th March and 24th April

Where

Lifestyle St Leonards The Shores Customisation Hub

1 Chestnut Way, St Leonards

Bookings are essential to secure your spot. Contact Linda on 0488 932 111 with your details and preferred date and time.

Western United player Chloe Logarzo, NBL rising star Owen Foxwell and Cats AFLW player Georgie Prespakis with Emily and Joshua. (Barefoot Media)

Green Wedge plan ‘ineffective’

By Anne Parisianne

Environmentalists are concerned the state government’s latest plan to protect green wedge areas on Melbourne’s fringe is “ineffective“ and won’t stop urban creep.

Earlier this month, the state government released its Green Wedge and Agricultural Land Action Plan which seeks to ensure the city’s expansion accommodates the growing need for housing without sacrificing productive agricultural land and access to nature.

The government announced planning reforms will be introduced to provide better permanent protection for the green wedge areas from over-development and inappropriate use through controls for agricultural land.

The government claims that the plan, which alsoencompassesculturalheritagesites,water catchments, conservation areas and quarries, will protect areas responsible for supplying 41 per cent of metropolitan Melbourne’s food needs, including 80 per cent of its vegetables.

Green Wedges Coalition coordinator Rosemary West said the action plan shows the government’s good intentions but said, “we are concerned that the action plan fails to address the perennial problem of urban uses encroaching into the green wedges“.

She said they fear that green wedge protection will still largely be left to local residents, environment and green wedge groups.

“It has no actions to limit the spread of urban uses, like schools, places of worship or secondary dwellings, in the green wedges.“

The plan also indicates more flexibility for farmgate sales, which means “agricultural land will continue to be lost to urban uses, and the green wedges will still be threatened by death from a thousand cuts,“ Ms West said.

“We are disappointed that the very moderate proposals in the 2020 options paper––which require schools and places of worship to be located adjacent to the UGB [urban growth boundary] on a main road with access to public transport and not in a Bushfire Management Overlay––have been dropped.

“Since the main purposes of the green wedges are to protect the natural biodiversity, agricultural land and rural open landscapes, we are surprised there is no action proposed to protect the environment, which is left to councils to look after via their green wedge

A wheelie good ride to school

Students at Wyndham Vale’s Dohertys Creek P-9 College took to the streets on Friday as part of Ride2 School day.

A nationwide program facilitated by the Bicycle Network, Ride2School day is designed to empower, and encourage schools to promote physical activity among students during their journeys to school.

This year more Wyndham students participated in Ride2 School day than ever before, with Dohertys Creek among a number of local schools that have collaborated with Wyndham council to help spread the active travel message to the wider community.

Despite only opening in 2019, Dohertys Creek now has more than 1700 students, about 35 per cent of which actively ride, scoot or walk to school each day.

The rise in both student numbers and those actively travelling, has put a strain on infrastructure, with Doherty’s Creek’s two bike sheds filling up most days.

To help address these challenges, the school conducts regular surveys to find out how children are travelling to and from their homes, which is then provided to Wyndham council to help make improvements.

A spokesperson for Wyndham council said

it was great to see students at Doherty’s Creek and other schools participating in the March 22 event.

“It is fantastic to see students riding to school and post-Ride2School Day it will be great to see more students choosing to actively travel to school,” the spokesperson said.

“As students ride to and from school each day under the guidance of their parents, it provides them with confidence that they can leave the car at home and allow their child to ride, scoot or walk to school.”

Cade Lucas

management plans.

Hume residents David and Gwen Chandler said the plan is ineffective in protecting the green wedge.

“Ithinkit’smissedthepointtosomeextent,” Mr Chandler said. “The key issue… Green wedges has, is more and more industrial blocks occurring around the outer edge,” he said.

“[The plan] is doing very little to protect… the rural landscape and the environment,” Mrs Chandler added, Planning Minister Kilkenny said from the iconic wine regions to market gardens, the green wedges contribute not only to the economy but make Melbourne one of the best cities in the world. “More housing doesn’t have to come at the expense of our green wedges,” she said. “That’s why we’re providing better permanent protection for these areas against over-development.”

Police careers go on show

Police are inviting Wyndhan residents to a “landmark“ recruitment event.

TheVictoriaPoliceCareerExpo,tobe held at the Melbourne Convention and ExhibitionCentreonSaturday,April13, will showcase the many career pathways working in policing can provide.

The careers expo will feature general duties police, including officers from regional Victoria, as well as specialist units.

Victoria Police’s recruitment team will be on hand to provide advice about the application process including preparation tips.

The medical advisory unit, including psychologists, will attend to address medical queries one-on-one.

Victoria Police is embarking on its biggest recruitment drive ever, with applications since January surpassing 1800.

While Victoria Police continues to look to people with life experience for much of its recruitment pool, it is reminding suitable younger people including those who have recently finished secondary school or taken a gap year they can also be considered.

Applicants no longer need to have completed the VCE and don’t need an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.

The benefits of joining the force include seven months paid training, nine weeks paid leave and the opportunity to make a difference in the community.

The expo is free but attendees are asked to register online.

Attendees can also learn about working as a protective services officer or police custody officer.

Foster carer shortage described as a ‘perfect storm’

A leading family services agency is calling on families in Wyndham and the western metro region of Melbourne to consider fostering a child, amid a drop in foster enquiries to a 20-year low.

Child and family services organisation Berry Street has about 600 carers, and need at least another 60 to 70 across the state.

Executive director of strategic engagement Heidi Reid said Berry Street is ‘desperate’ for at least five more careers in Wyndham.

“In Hume, Wyndham and Melton in particular, the team was saying they are desperate for about [15] new carriers across those areas,” Ms Reid said.

“They are after five new careers in Hume, five in Wyndham and five in Melton. They’re really keen for carers that can do short term or long term.”

Ms Reid said that with more than 500 of the 12,000 plus children in government care in Victoria living in non-home-based care options, immediate action was needed.

“Everychildhastherighttoasafe,nurturing childhood,” she said.

“There is a critical need to provide a community of support for at-risk children and young people and we want to ensure they knowthattheirrighttosafetyandstabilityare a priority.”

Ms Reid said the increased need for careers isn’t because people don’t want to help, but it’s due to a range of factors including cost of living pressures, post-COVID uncertainty and different home working environments.

“The economic uncertainty and the increased cost of living is playing a part in people perhaps being not as confident in making large decisions that impact their family.

“So it’s a little bit of a perfect storm and that we’ve got more kids needing carers and more people perhaps holding off on decisions because of uncertainty and challenges in their own environment.

“We are… finding that there has been a drop in the enquiries that are coming through for people to become foster carers. It’s at a 20-year low at the moment.”

Ms Reid said anyone can foster, and encouragedcuriousresidentstofindoutabout the different opportunities available.

“Historically people think that you have to haveapartner,youhavetohavekids,youhave to not have kids… and that’s not true at all.

“We actually want the carers to reflect [the] diversity that exists in the community.”

Zoe Moffatt

Doherty’s Creek P-9 school students Maddy, Navya and Luka participating in Ride2 School day on March 22. (Damjan Janevski) 396422_01

Vigil honours Swetha

By Cade Lucas

Dozens of people gathered on Friday night for a vigil in honour of Point Cook woman ChaitanyaMadhaganiwhosebodywasfound in a bin by a road outside Geelong earlier this month.

MembersofthelocalTelugucommunity,of which Ms Madhagani was a part, along with friends, work colleagues and representatives from Wyndham council were present at the vigil held at the amphitheatre at Saltwater Reserve in Point Cook.

President of the Telugu Association of Australia, Chakri Chayanam, addressed the vigil and remembered Ms Madhagani, also known as Swetha, as remarkable woman who

touched the hearts of many.

“She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering strength,” said Mr Chayanam.

“Though she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will forever illuminate our lives. We will cherish the memories we held and find comfort in knowing that her love will continue to guide us through the darkest of days.”

The 35 year old’s body was discovered in a wheelie bin on a roadside near the town of Buckley, about 40 kilometres from Geelong, on Saturday March 9.

Homicidesquaddetectivesareinvestigating her death, with Ms Madhagani’s 38 year old husband, Ashok Raj Varikuppala, considered

a person of interest.

Mr Varikuppala and the couple’s three year old son, Arya, are believed to have left for India in the days before his wife’s body was discovered.

A gofundme page set up to help repatriate Ms Madagani’s body to India and to support her son, has raised more than $21,000.

Mr Chayanam thanked those who had donated and attended the vigil.

“Your commitment to standing with us during this difficult time is deeply appreciated,” he said. “Together, we find strength in each other’s company as we navigate through this period of mourning and healing.”

Break-in at victim’s home

Two people have been arrested after allegedly breaking into the Point Cook home of Chaithanya Madhagani, just days after her body was found in a wheelie bin on the outskirts of Geelong.

It’s alleged the offenders broke into the Mirka Way property about 10.30am on Wednesday March 13 and stole a vehicle from the address.

At about 1pm that afternoon police arrested a man and a woman at an address on Keily Way, Werribee and also located the stolen vehicle.

A 32-year-old Werribee man was charged with burglary and theft of motor vehicle and has been remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 5.

A 32-year-old Werribee woman was released pending further enquiries and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police do not believe the burglary at Ms Madhagani’s home is connected to her death, which is being treated as a homicide.

The 35-year-old shared the Mirka Way home with her husband Ashok Raj Varikuppala and three-year-old son Arya,untilherbodywasdiscoverednear the town Buckley, about 40 kilometres outside Geelong, on Saturday March 9.

Mr Varikuppala fled to India with his son in the days prior to wife’s body being discovered.

Police investigating Ms Madhagani’s murderhopetospeaktothe38-year-old.

Mourners gather in Point Cook on Friday evening for a vigil in honour of Chaitanya Madhagani. (Supplied)

Market is on the hop for Easter

Ever wondered where independent grocery stores source the fruit and vegetables that go into your favourite Easter dishes, or where florists buy the bouquets of cut flowers used to create colourful Easter table decorations? Anne Parisianne went to the Melbourne Market to find out.

Walk around Melbourne Market in Epping at 5.30am, and chances are you will see buyers busily moving goods from sellers’ establishments into their trucks using small forklifts.

Melbourne Market is Victoria’s wholesale vegetable, fruit and cut flower trading centre.

The market, built on a 67-hectare site, is one of six central fresh produce markets in Australia.

From midnight until dawn, around 2,750 businesses use the market as a base to sell fresh produce for distribution to independent greengrocers, supermarkets, restaurants and foodprocessorsacrossVictoriaandAustralia.

John De Muri, one of the three brothers who owns Gazzola Farms, has been selling vegetables at the Melbourne Market for many years. Lettuce, celery, broccoli and pak choy are a few varieties of leafy vegetables available direct from his farm.

Gazzola Farms plans ahead of time as some crops can take up to six months to grow. And by getting the growing cycle timing right, Mr De Muri and the farm can produce a high-quality product.

“What we do is an art,” he said while standinginsideacubicleinfrontofhismarket stand.

Like everyone who works at the market, Mr De Muri wears a green vest to ensure safety.

Gazzola Farms also sells vegetables from other farmers.

“In the winter time, we get all our leafy vegetables from Queensland, cauliflower from Werribee, carrots from Tasmania and Mildura, parsnips from South Australia and Brussels sprouts from South Australia and Western Australia.”

Certain vegetables in the market come from other Australian regions due to seasonal weather or the specific growing conditions required by the vegetables.

When Star Weekly visited, Mr De Muri had been at the market since midnight.

He and his brothers typically work 50 to 60 hours per week, which shows their dedication to the business they love.

Mr De Muri, who had been working in the industry for around 50 years, reminisced about how the farming and wholesaling industries had been the best places for him to learn.

“When you come to a market and people give you money, [then] you know how to count. If you go home and you haven’t counted properly, you make a mistake. So you make sure you do it right the first time.”

Inside the Melbourne Market, not all traders grow their own fruit and vegetables.

CK Tropical Produce acts as an agent for Asian types of fresh produce.

CK Tropical Produce owner Henry Huynh explained that “our mangoes… dragon fruits are from growers in Queensland”.

And some of the trader’s goods, such as apples, pears and coconuts, come from overseas.

CK Tropical Produce sells fresh produce to restaurants and retail shops in Victoria.

Before joining the family business eight months ago, Mr Huynh was a civil engineer designing bridges and tunnels for ten years.

MrHuynh’spassionforthebusinessstarted when he helped his parents-in-law last year for a few days while they were away.

“I really like the sales aspect… getting to know [people] and building relationships with all the customers,” he said.

“It’s been quite enjoyable coming to a completely new industry—one that I’ve never been exposed to before.”

Walk past the fruit and vegetables section, and you enter the Flower Centre.

According to the Melbourne Market’s website, the Flower Centre serves as a crucial trading hub for fresh flower producers, with

Victoria contributing approximately 40 per cent to Australia’s national demand for cut flowers.

Grown Farm Fresh owner George Ambatzidis sits on a chair inside his flower-stand area.

His friendly smile adds brightness to the colourful cut Australian native flowers displayed around his market stand.

Mr Ambatzidis said flower demand increases slightly in the lead up to Easter.

“We will be doing a lot of chrysanthemum posies [for Easter],” he said.

“[These flowers] will be filling up churches. We supply these flowers to shops as well.”

Mr Ambatzidis said there was strong demand year round for native flowers, such as protea, waratah, banksia, and silver spurflower.

When asked about people’s preference for native flowers, Mr Ambatzidis said, “It’s probably because we want to go back to our

basics, to our ground roots here”.

While the sellers wait for customers, some buyers are ready to leave.

At around 6am, one of Eden Garden’s owners David Hanno, has finished loading fruit, vegetables, and flowers into a truck.

Eden Garden Fresh Market is an independent supermarket in Mernda that offers various products including fresh produce, flowers, frozen foods and deli meats.

And for its fresh produce and flowers, Mr Hanno and his business partner, Antonio Nissan, buy from the Melbourne Market’s traders.

“Sales toward Easter generally usually go a little bit up,” Mr Hanno said while enjoying an early morning cup of coffee.

“People buy more citrus fruit like mandarin now, because the weather has changed to slightly cooler toward Easter.

“In Australia, we’re so lucky because we get a good amount of produce that can cover

everybody’s [needs].”

Mr Hanno says the products he stocks in his shop are of a quality he would personally choose to consume.

“We do our best to give people the quality and the service, and [at] a lower price, too.

“We work very hard to make that happen.”

His vision for the business is for more than just profit. Mr Hanno cares about the satisfaction of Eden Garden’s customers.

“When people come and appreciate you for what you’ve done… it’s more of a reward.

“This[business]isnotjustaboutmoney,it’s about passion and the love you put into it.”

As the sun comes out, the frenetic activity inside the market subsides.

Buyers’ trucks leave the market, taking vegetables, fruit, and flowers to grocers and restaurants across Victoria.

The ingredients for your next Easter meal may have come from the Melbourne Market in Epping.

Henry Huynh (right).

John De Muri (left), and George Ambatzidis. (Pictures: Supplied)

Meet the Principal

Chris Caldow

Mr Chris Caldow commenced at MacKillop College midway through 2023, on Monday 10 July. His journey seems a conventional one of hard work and personal objectives leading the way, coupled with a driving need to do the most amount of good for the most amount of people. Now a Principal of a school with over 1700 students, Mr Caldow continues to prioritise student wellbeing and education above all else.

Guided by the College’s namesake, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Mr Caldow is dedicated to leaving the College and its students a legacy whereby they are in a better place to where they were when he joined the community. He brings with him a steadfast commitment to growth and evolution, and hopes to see students and staff thrive. Similarly, standing within the Josephite tradition, Mr Caldow places no small amount of emphasis on the faith and education of our students, intent on building on the foundations already in place. With nearly a full year on from when he started, Mr Caldow’s impact has already been felt and his commitment to forging and fostering closer relationships with the community through more local outreach is beginning to gain ground. Partnering with a wider range of community organisations, thereby benefitting our students and our community, also continues to be an objective.

For those new to the community, or considering a place at MacKillop College, please do not hesitate to get in touch to organise a meeting or tour with our Registrar.

Our next Open Day is on Wednesday 1 May. All are welcome and no bookings are required. The student run tours start at 4:00pm, with the final tour starting at 5:30pm.

MACKILLOP COLLEGE WERRIBEE

1-29 Russell St, Werribee, VIC 3030

Phone 8734 5200 | www.mackillop.vic.edu.au

Rod Kendall

Acting College Principal Mr Rod Kendall is very proud of the students and staff at his school. He commented that the Graduating Class of 2023 should be very proud of their results, with a 98% pass rate and a top ATAR of 97.0.

Furthermore, an analysis of Year 7 to 9 NAPALAN growth showed that the College had the second-best growth over the last 5 years from all government, catholic and independent schools in all Wyndham. The students also indicated in their annual student survey, collected by the Department of Education, that they rated the College above the state average, all schools in Wyndham and like schools to the College in 24 of 36 indicators. Areas such as Simulated Learning, High Expectations, Classroom Behaviour and Experiencing Bullying were just some of the indicators that were above other schools.

As the school concludes a $10 Million building program, where an additional Gymnasium and Performing Arts complex is being built and all Science and Food Technology classrooms are being refurbished, he said that the students would have some of the best facilities in Wyndham in these areas. With a school enrolment of 1500 students, the College is one of the largest in Wyndham meaning that the breadth of subjects allows for a great deal of student choice.

Mr. Kendall also said that the College School Improvement Policy, where students had been able to redo major assessment pieces after receiving feedback, had been a major factor in the wonderful academic performances of their students as they were able to build on their knowledge and confidence in all subject areas. We look forward to meeting you at our upcoming Open Day on Tuesday 5th March – bookings available via our website: https://hopcross.vic.edu.au

12677399-AP13-24

2 Fraser Street, Hoppers Crossing, Victoria, 3029

Phone (03) 9974 7777 | www.hopcross.vic.edu.au

MY PLACE

Dr Hassan Younes is an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, business coach, publisher and keynote speaker. He’s also a Wyndham resident. He tells Cade Lucas about his life.

What’s your connection to Wyndham?

In 2005, I moved with my young family of three children at that time, to the Hoppers Crossing area and have lived in Hoppers Crossing ever since. My connection with Wyndham is through its friendly and diverse multicultural community.

What do you like about where you live?

I just love how Wyndham has such a vast and diverse set of businesses that cater for all the various needs of the community. Living in Wyndham is so convenient as everything that we need as consumers and residents is located within close range of the municipality.

What,ifanything,wouldyouchangeabout where you live?

The only element that I would change in Wyndham, especially near the area where we live, is the road infrastructure. Some roads are unable to cater for the increased level of traffic in the area.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

We love the state rose garden park in Werribee. It is a beautiful place to relax, unwind and soak the beautiful nature of Werribee and its gardens.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?

I am a spontaneous person who loves to travel and be on the move, to see new places, admire new environments, meet new people and new experiences, in Australia and abroad.

Dr Hassan Younes at Arndell Park Early Childhood Learning Centre in Truganina, one of his many business interests. (Jacob Pattison) 392381_04

Road police will be out in force over the Easter break

OperationNexusisastate-wideRoadPolicing Operation over the Easter holiday period. It aimstoincreasedriverawarenessandjourney planning, while reducing road trauma during this high risk time on our roads.

This 5-day Road Policing Enforcement Campaign will run from Thursday 28 March to Monday 1 April 2024.

Road Policing Advisor Acting Senior Sergeant Kristy Briffa of Westgate Highway Patrol said the operation will be conducted throughout all operational Police Regions and Police Service Areas during the five days, using all available personnel from local road policing units, general duties and other regional resources.

ActingSeniorSergeantBriffasaidtheEaster holiday period provides an opportunity for families to free themselves from their usual commitments and it is anticipated that large numbers of people will use Victorian roads, often driving long distances in unfamiliar driving conditions. The times of highest risk are when people are leaving for holiday destinations and returning home.

Police will be targeting the main causes of fatalities and serious injuries in crashes which are:

• Excessive speed

• Driverdistractionandvulnerableroadusers (cyclists, solos and pedestrians)

• Restraint and seatbelt non-compliance

• Fatigue

• Impaired driving (alcohol and/or drug) Police will be out in force both to educate drivers and to enforce road rules, with a view to preventing lives lost and serious injuries. We’re watching your speed. Are you?

Motorists are requested to stay within the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, leave your mobile phone out of reach, wear your seatbelt, and make sure you are well rested.

Speed Cameras will be rostered in known high collision locations.

Fatigue is one of the major causes of loss of lives on Victorian roads Acting Senior Sergeant Briffa said. Drivers are requested to

plan their trip, be patient and ensure that you take at least a 15 minutes break at least every two hours and don’t drive if you are tired. Drivers planning to travel during this period can expect to see an increase in

vehicles on major freeways and highways throughout the state.

Road trauma isn’t just about the lives that are lost– it’s about the enormous impact on the community from the family members, to the emergency services workers who have to deal with these tragedies on a daily basis, and the police who have to deliver the devastating news to loved ones.

All of the community has a responsibility and a role to play in reducing road trauma.

Remember, travel safely so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Easter Holiday weekend

RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council chairman Jim Giddings said it has been demonstrated time after time that speed is a contributing factor in most road crashes. Therefore stay within the speed limit and drive to suit the conditions you face.

Speeding affects both the risk of a crash happening and the severity of injuries sustained when a crash does happen.

Mr Giddings said the work of his group along with initiatives like Operation Nexus during the 2024 Easter Holiday period would hopefully reduce the number of serious road crashes.

Heaskedthecommunitytoreportspeeding drivers to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 If you plan to have a drink, then plan not to drive. Taking a big risk like drink and driving isjustnotworthendangeringyourlifeorthen lives of other road users.

Holiday driving has its challenges and drivers should drive in the hours they are normally awake, take regular breaks to reduce fatigue and allow extra space between vehicles. Drivers need to adapt to the conditions of the road. The onus is always on the driver to suit the conditions they are facing, and that includes the quality of the road.

Sergeant Justin Holland, Acting Senior Sergeant Kristy Briffa and Leading Senior Constable Aaron Chavasse will be among the police out in force over the Easter break. (Damjan Janevski) 393855_01

Tennis taking over Truganina

Truganina is becoming a tennis hub.

The Truganina Tennis Club recently celebrateditsfirstanniversaryandhasquickly gained popularity with local residents.

The club’s junior instructional program was launched in April 2023 and now boasts 86 participants with 36 of these young racket swingers now competing in the regional WRTA weekend competitions.

Under the guidance of head coach Patrick Henson the club has also recently launched several adult programs including Wednesday social tennis, Thursday doubles interclub, cardio tennis and an early bird breakfast club on Saturday mornings.

Truganina are also now participating in WRTA senior competitions too.

It was players at the other end of the age spectrum who were on court when Star Weeklyvisitedlastweek,withtheclub’sjunior Trug Bug program taking place.

Star Weekly photographer Jacob Pattison captured some of the action.

Left: Coach Patrick Henson with Sakeena, 9, Swara, 9, Jayden, 9, Anish, 10, Eden, 10, Marsilius, 8, and Zac, 9. Above right: Zac with a forehand; Coach Patrick Henson with Tiana. Right: Coach Patrick Henson with Firat, 6. (Pictures: Jacob Pattison) 396023

Above, left to right: Anish shows his touch; Swara takes a single handed approach; Jayden at full stretch; Tiana, 5, works on her double handed backhand.

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Successful fundraising push

It was a day of large figures at the Wyndham athletics track on Saturday when it hosted the Cancer Council’s annual Relay For Life fundraising event.

More than 400 people from 33 teams spent 10 hours running, walking and even being pushed around the track as part of what is the world’s largest cancer fundraiser.

The Wyndham event raised $54,000, with the team from Crossroads Uniting Church topping the leaderboard, achieving a total of $6663, well above its original target of $5000.

Alamanda College, Mortgage Choice Marvels, Specsavers Werribee and JJ’s Army rounded out the top five, with donations still being accepted in the hope the fundraising goal of $65,000 can still be reached.

Beginning at 10am on March 23, the relayers circumnavigated the track at Victoria University, Werribee until 10pm that night, with live music and dance performances keeping them entertained between stints and a candlelight ceremony providing a moment of reflection and remembrance for loved ones lost to cancer.

Nationwide, the 2024 Relay For Life has so far raised nearly $10 million for the Cancer Council, with all proceeds going towards research, prevention and support programs.

The Wyndham Relay For Life organising committee. (Supplied)

Relay participant Michael Grayling puts in the hard yards. (Paul Orfali)

Relay participants made their way around the track anyway they could. (Paul Orfali)

Relay participants made their way around the track anyway they could. (Paul Orfali)

Families were involved too. (Paul Orfali) A local dance troupe provided entertainment. (Paul Orfali)

Dancers in full flight. (Paul Orfali)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Laverton Community Choir

The choir is currently welcoming new members - especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir - come along and try out your vocal cords with our fun and welcoming group of singers. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton from 7-9pm. ■ Sue, 0418 386 147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com

Live Well for Life

Live Well for Life is a free five-week program that provides support and information to Wyndham residents 18 and older, on a number of issues including how to make healthy behaviour changes, heart disease, diabetes and stroke, healthy eating, physical activity and sleep. The program will run at IPC Health, 117-129 Warringa Court, Hoppers Crossing in April and May. Registration is essential and participants must be able to attend all sessions.

■ livingwell@ipchealth.com.au or 1300 472 432

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

With One Voice Wyndham Choir

With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for

an hour and then have a cuppa. The first two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings 7-8:30pm at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee.

■ wyndham@withonevoice.org.au

Adult community garden group

The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month 10-11.30am at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as we maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.

■ 8742 3688

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

Diabetes Support Group

The Werribee Diabetes support provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on 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

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus

The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips.

■ 0408 123 669

Sunrise Social Groups

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges.

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

Seniors House of Fun

The Grange Community Centre invites 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

U3A Werribee

The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes-activities specifically designed for seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes-activities are held at Wyndham community centres.

■ Rick, 0402 299 220.

Lions Club

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

■ Jorge, 0433 566 575

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm.

■ 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club

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

■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus

Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month.

■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

Wyn FM

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

■ 9919 8089 or wynfm.org.au

Wyndham Combined Probus Club

Wyndham Combined Probus Club has been providing friendship and fun for retired people for 22 years. They have recently moved to a new home at Iramoo Community Centre in Wyndham Vale and offer speakers, lunches, brunches, shows, trips and tours. Newcomers are welcome on the second Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm.

■ Judy 0411 034 311

Werribee River Association

New volunteers to support Landcare work along the Werribee River. A great way to give back, get outdoors and work at your own pace.

■ Lisa Field Community & Business Development Manager, 0433 559 530, admin@werribeeriver.org.au, or visit the Werribee River Association website www.werribeeriver.org.au

Holy Family Parish

The Holy Family Parish in Maidstone is hosting an Alpha Night. Free meal and chance to chat. People from all backgrounds, faith, and walk of life are welcome at the events which will run every Wednesday from March 6 to May 22, at 6.45-8.45pm, at Holy Family Parish Small Hall, 15 Lyons Street, Maidstone..

■ Angelo Ramnac 0409 406 611 or aramnac@bigpond.com

Everyday English language course For women of all ages and backgrounds with English as a second language. Practice speaking English in different situations, and make new friends! Fridays 10am-noon..

■ 9391 8504 or outlets@outletsco-op.com.

au or visit 43 Mason Street, Newport.

This week’s photographer’s choice is the Ultimate Harry Potter experience at Wyndham Cultural Centre featuring Lily Phung and Ryan Jordan. (Damjan Janevski). 395593_01

Easter Eggstras

A-MAZE ME

The Easter Bunny has lost his basket of goodies. Help him navigate his burrow and find the treats.

KIDS’ QUIZ

1 Brioche, ciabatta and focaccia are all types of what?

2 What type of creature is SpongeBob SquarePants’ best friend Patrick?

3 Madrid is the capital city of which country?

4 Sci-fi is an abbreviaion for what?

5 Where in the body would you find a cornea?

6 In which city is the Disney Pixar film Ratatouilleset?

7 True or false: a professional ballerina can go through an average of two pairs of pointe shoes (pictured) per week?

8 Marie Antoinette was the queen of which country?

9 How many bones are in a giraffe’s neck?

10 Who was the first woman to become Australia’s prime minister?

BUNNY BUSTERS

Q. How can you make Easter shopping go faster?

A. Use the eggs-press lane!

4x4

©Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

JNR CROSSWORD

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter phrase will be spelled out.

1 The number of eggs in a carton

2 Cadbury egg with white and yellow centre

3 Baby hen

4 Greeting word

5 Sunday dinner meal

6 Caramello –

7 Spring flower

8 Lift up

SOLUTION: Dozen, Creme, Chick, Hello, Roast, Koala, Tulip, Raise (DECORATE)

MINI MATH

Use the numbers 1-4 (once each) to fill out the equations going across and down.

Solution:

DRAW ME

Can you copy the image below to the larger grid?

ACROSS

1 Initiative (4)

5 Ripped (4)

6 Blackguard (4)

7 Bee-like insect (4)

DOWN

1 Put away (4)

2 Roman garment (4)

3 Strays (4)

4 Spy (4)

Q. Why did the baby chick cross the road?

A. To meet up with her peeps.

Solution:

FUN FACTS

Q. How do dinosaurs usually celebrate Easter?

A. They don’t – they’re eggs-tinct.

1. Cadbury Creme Eggs were invented in 1923.

2

. The tradition of decorating eggs at Easter time was started in Ukraine.

3. Instead of the Easter Bunny, eggs in Switzerland are delivered by the Easter Cuckoo.

PUZZLES QUICK CROSSWORD

To solve a Sudoku

ACROSS

1 Baby dog (coll) (3)

3 Linguistic (10)

10 Zeppelin (7)

11 Bedbound (7)

12 Stimulus (9)

13 That following (4)

15 African horned animal (10)

17 Agricultural land (4)

19 Old sailor (coll) (4)

20 Taking over leadership (10)

23 German automobile manufacturer (4)

25 Work independently (9)

27 Speech (7)

28 Ships (7)

29 Expert (10)

30 Idiot boxes (3)

DOWN

1 Act of stealing other’s work (10)

2 Narrow-minded (9)

4 Pleasure (9)

5 Doubly (5)

6 Gulch (6)

7 Sepals of a flower (5)

8 Vein of metal (4)

9 A Japanese religion (6)

14 Literary assistant who copies manuscripts, etc (10)

16 Us (9)

18 Relative position (9)

21 The best at (6)

22 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)

24 Father’s brother (5)

25 Ultimate (5)

26 Inserts (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

3 LETTERS

9-LETTER WORD

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

No. 178

The process of writing in shorthand is known as what?

How many petals do geranium flowers usually have?

What river runs through the city of Budapest?

Teresa Palmer (pictured) and Nicholas Hoult starred in which 2013 film based on a novel by Isaac Marion?

What is an adze?

Where is the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center located?

Kevin Bartlett played 18

8 Who is the protagonist of H. Rider Haggard’s 1885 novel KingSolomon’sMines?

9 What number was the last Apollo mission?

10 Which part of the lamb is known as the ‘fry’?

No. 178

No. 178

No. 178

Any person who may be affected by the

may object or make a submission to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or;

-Online: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/planningobjection

- Email: mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au

An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and how the objector would be affected.

If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision.

Council must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

Lexus Luxury lives up to name

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Effectively an upmarket version of the Toyota LandCruiser, the Lexus LX large premium SUV has been around since the mid-1990s.

The latest (fourth generation) LX arrived here at the end of 2021 shortly after the new LC300. It comes with petrol or diesel power, four equipment variants, three seating options and a host of new safety and tech features.

ThefourvariantsarebaseLX,SportsLuxury, F Sport, and Ultra Luxury. The first three are available with either petrol or diesel engines, the Ultra Luxury is petrol only.

Prices range from $151,561 for an LX500d seven-seaterthroughto$213,561fortheLX600 Ultra Luxury.

Styling

There’s not a lot of scope for adventurous styling in large 4WD/SUVs such as the LandCruiser, Nissan Patrol or Lexus LX, so much of the work on differentiating between them goes into the grille.

In the case of the LX the designers certainly haven’t pulled any punches. The well-established Lexus spindle grille is huge and dominates the front of the vehicle.

In the entry-level LX, Sports Luxury and Ultra Luxury variants it features seven brushed chrome horizontal bars. To our eyes such so much chrome in such a large grille doesn’t look like it belongs in a premium luxuryvehiclesuchasthis.Wemuchpreferthe more subtle black mesh fill used in the F Sport models. Other we talked to had the opposite opinion so it’s very much down to personal taste.

In profile there’s little to distinguish the LX from its LandCruiser sibling. The base LX models rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels; the higher-specvariantsallget22-incherstogether with a standard moonroof.

The rear features an eye-catching full-width LED light bar with LED taillights.

Interior

The LX comes with the choice of four, five or seven seats depending on the grade. Our test car was the flagship Ultra Luxury and the name says it all. With just two individual rear seats, it’s clearly aimed more at the corporate rather than the family market.

The rear occupants are seated in twin captain’s chairs with 48-degree reclining; massage function; deluxe headrests; passenger-side ottoman, and exclusive quilted upholstery. The central touchscreen between the rear seats allows passengers to control the seats as well as the rear climate control.

Unusually, although the rear seats can be reclined, they do not have length adjustment and legroom can be restricted for taller passengers. The problem can be alleviated, subject to the agreement from front seat occupants, with the seat tilt mechanism moving the front seats forward.

Safety

Standard safety features across the LX range include 10 airbags; autonomous emergency braking including for pedestrians and cyclists; active traction control; dynamic radar cruise control; lane departure warning and correction; intersection turn assist; road speed sign assist; downhill assist control; hill start assist; crawl control; front and rear parking sensors and support brake; reversing camera with washer; pre-collision safety system with emergency steering assist; multi-terrain select and monitor; blind spot monitoring; rear cross traffic alert; adaptive high-beam System; 360-degree camera; and tyre pressure warning.

Engines/transmissions

The previous V8 petrol and diesel engines are gone, replaced by the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel, as used in the LandCruiser, but also with the option of a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol.

Both engines have smaller capacities than their superseded equivalents but with

significantly more power and torque but lower fuel consumption. Specifically, the petrol unit petrol V6 puts out 305kW at 5200rpm and 650Nm from 2000-3600rpm; while the diesel produces 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque from 1600-2600rpm.

Bothenginesarepairedtoa10-speedtorque converter automatic transmission.

Infotainment

Three screens come into play for the LX. In the centre console There’s a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen for infotainment features including satellite navigation and smartphone mirroringofwiredAppleCarPlayandAndroid Auto.

Directly below there is a 7.0-inch display that controls the off-road settings as well as air conditioning. In front of the driver is an 8.0-inch LCD screen with normal dashboard information.

There are USB-A and USB-C sockets below the centre console as well as in the rear where there is also a HDMI input. There is a wireless phone charger located in the rear armrest / control panel with two more USB-C ports inside the armrest.

There are touchscreens mounted to the back of the front seats which allow rear passengers

to access AM, FM and digital audio as well as their choice of entertainment through either USB or HDMI using wireless headphones.

Audiophiles will be blown away by the premium Mark Levinson Reference sound system with, believe it or not, 25 speakers.

Driving

Getting into and out of the big LX is a bit of a climb but is helped by side steps, interior grab handles and height-adjustable suspension which enables the vehicle to be lowered by 27mm. Then, depending on the drive mode selected, it can be raised to a maximum of 103mm.

The push-button start / stop button has been enhanced and now comes with a fingerprint sensor for added security. It can cater for up to 10 different drivers

LikeitsLandCruisercousinthesheerbulkof the Lexus LX doesn‘t really suit it to the urban environment. Having said that the range of cameras, sensors and safety features such as rear cross traffic alert and lane departure warning should keep most drivers out of trouble.

The turning circle of 12.8 metres is impressively tight for such a vehicle of its size.

Once out into open territory the LX600 was

a delight to drive. It’s smooth, comfortable, refined and powerful with impressively low noise levels. No matter what the road surface the big Japanese 4WD simply loped over it with never a sign of it being unsettled.

The ride is relatively firm which will satisfy most Australian drivers.

The 10-speed gearbox is seamless and almost seems able to anticipate when changes are required.

During our night drive we were able to test the Lexus BladeScan system which adjusts the high beam on the LED headlights to provide optimum lighting without affecting other drivers. Once we got used to the blue high beamlightfluctuatingonandoffonthedriver’s display screen, we found it worked well.

The big Lexus is a thirsty beast with fuel consumption listed at 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres. We averaged 12.9 L/100km during our test.

Summing up

Giventhatitwasourtestcar,we’vedeliberately concentrated on the LX600 Ultra Luxury in this review but will be getting into the family-oriented seven-seat LX500d shortly and will take it out onto our favourite off-road route.

Large spindle grille is the standout feature of the Lexus LX. (Pictures: Supplied)

New sports seasons kicking off

It was a mixture of the summer sports seasons coming to an end on the weekend and the winter sports seasons starting to ramp up. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out on Saturday capturing some of the action.

Alana Ellis.

Brittney Gray.

Calvin Jazmin.

Larissa Walsh scores goal.

Williamstown warms up.

Ellen Cox.

Mami Ambo.

Stefon King.

Mark Berezdecky.

Angelo Emmanuel and Dean Russ.

Falcons continue to build with second a win

The City West Falcons showed some improvement on Wednesday night, but there’s still a way to go for the Victorian Netball League championship side.

The Falcons got their second win of the season against the Bendigo Strikers, 70-52.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said it was a good performance.

“It was a pretty good win,” she said.

“There is still a lot to work on.

“We had a really good start and we were able to build slowly through the game.

“It was a strong game.”

The Falcons made the most of the rotating substitution role, making plenty of changes throughout the game.

Lind said they were keen to see all the different combinations in action. All 13 players had at least 15 minutes of court time.

Lind said she was happy with what she saw with some of the combinations.

“We wanted to give players as much touch as possible,” she said. “I think Uneeq [Palavi] and Jane [Cook] and going well with Uneeq at goal attack. Shimmy [Shimona Jok] showed a lot, both are getting better and better.”

“We saw Lucia [Fauonuku] and Mel [Oloamanu] in defence together for the first time in a long time. They played state netball together.

“They also showed a bit, there’s good signs.”

Lind said it was a really good team performance and didn’t single out any standouts but was impressed with how Sussu Liai is fitting into the side.

She said they needed to keep making improvements to stay with the top teams.

“There’s still a lot of improvement,” she said. “The team is still fairly new and there’s more improvement than other years.

“There’s a lot of danger games moving forward.”

The Falcons under-23 side also got its second win of the season, also beating the Strikers, 53-41

Lind said after seeing the first few rounds they were one of the younger teams in the competition.

Wyndham shakes Big V

Wyndham will have a new look line up when the team takes to the court for the Big V championship men’s season.

Four of the team’s starting five will be new faces, as the club looks to build on last year’s early exit from finals.

After a positive regular season that resulted in it finishing top of the table with 17 wins and four losses, the Lucas Allen-coached Wyndham side fell short in the second week of finals.

Allen said he’s focused on building around thefoundationsoflastyear’sgameplan,rather than tearing the whole system down.

“Two of the biggest things for us was increasing the versatility of the playing group and trying to build our culture in the right direction,” he said. “We’ll still play a similar style of game.”

The club’s marquee signing of the offseason was Myles Thomas, who joined Wyndham after spending four years at Tuskegee University in Alabama in the United States.

Thomas has also spent time in Europe playing in competitions in Kosovo, Malta and most recently Romania.

Allen said he was attracted to Thomas given his size, versatility and ability to score in different scenarios.

Allen said he was also excited to see what Troyce Manassa could do for his side, after picking him up from Hume in the off-season.

The pair developed a relationship when they were previously both based at the Southern Peninsula Basketball Association.

Manassa was dominant across the board for Hume last season, leading the team in scoring with 21 points per game, to help Hume finish inthirdplace.Healsoaveragedeightrebounds and five assists.

Darrien Herbert will move into the starting point guard role.

The team will however be without its two mostprolificscorersfromlastseason,Maurice Howard and Kavione Green.

Howard was named grand final MVP in Wyndham’s 2022 grand final triumph is a five time all star in the league.

Last season he was the league’s fourth most prolific scorer, averaging 26 points per game along with four assists.

The loss of Green will be a shake up for Wyndham on the defensive end. Last season Green averaged nine rebounds per game and was previously named defensive player of the year.

The club has put their faith in Allen’s leadership, signing him on to a new contact that will see him stay in charge until at least 2026.

Andwith37winsfromapossible42regular season matches, Allen said he’s eager to continue the culture of winning.

“I work at the club as well so [signing a new contract] was a no brainer for myself,” he said.

“It’s great to have the support of the club as we’ve turned the program around.”

Wyndham’s first match of the season will be against Shepparton at the Shepparton Sports Stadium on Saturday.

“We’ve gone with a lot of under-19s and our oldestis21,”shesaid.“Thatgivesusabittoplay with going forward if nothing changes.

“We will be tough this year though.”

TheFalconschampionshipsidehasabyethis week, while the under-23s play Gippsland.

Lind said she would look to use the week to freshen up the championship players with a lot of netball to come in the following weeks.

Meanwhile, the race of the Mavericks 10th spot is still open.

The Mavericks have locked in South African shooter Rolene Streutker as a training partner alongside Falcons pair Jok and Palavi.

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

VFL

Werribee has a competition-high eight players named in the Victorian Football League representative squad which will face the South Australian National Football League during the AFLGather Round next month. The VFL squad features many of the best VFL-listed players with 19 of the 21 clubs represented. Dom Brew, Nathan Cooper, Kye Declase, Hudson Garoni, Nick Hayes, Jack Henderson, Sam Paea and Louis Pinnuck are the Werribee players in the squad, A final squad of 23 players to represent the ‘Big V’ in the league’s first representative appearance in seven years will be announced closer to the match.

Coates Talent League

It was a tough start for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League boys competition on Saturday. The Jets kicked off their season against the Northern Knights at Trevor Barker Oval. The Knights led by three points at quarter time before being able to extend that at every break on the way to a 19.9 (123)-12.8 (80) win. Jackson Daley, Lachlan Fazzolari and Jack Gerardi kicked two goals each for the Knights. Oskar Ainsworth and Lucca Grego were named the Jets best. The Jets face the Cannons on Good Friday in round two.

A-League

It was a night to forget for Western United in the A-League women’s competition on Saturday night against the Western Sydney Wanderers. Hannah Keane put United in front after a dominant start to the game, before the Wanderers levelled before half time. The Wanderers scored early in the season half before a serious league injury to Keane, which halted play for more than 10 minutes. The Wanderers were able to score a third to seal the win. United sits in third spot heading into the final round.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly

@starweeklynews

@star_weekly

Dom Brew (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Troyce Manassa will line up for Wyndham in 2024. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Jets’ girls mix new and old for Talent League

Western Jets’ girls coach Hayley Gossow is pleasedwiththemixtureofnewandreturning players selected for the 2024 Coates Talent League season.

On March 18, the final squads for the girls and boys representative sides were announced. In her second year as head coach and fourth year at the club, Gossow said she was looking forward to putting the team to the test.

“At the end of the day we’re a talent pathway competition, but if you do win a premiership, it’s an added bonus,” she said.

She said there are opportunities for players stillinthesystemtogrow,butforthemostpart, each year is a blank slate. Sierra Grieves is one of those more experienced players returning to the side, after being named on the interchange in the last season’s team of the year. Grieves is part of the AFL National Academy.

Greives and Lou Lou Field were both part of

the Vic Metro summer training squad.

Caitlyn Volpe, Mira Diab, Rylee Driscoll, Chloe Kropman, Mia Gordon and Sharni Battye from Caroline Springs were all selected to the side.

Keilor have the most selections with 18 across the boys and girls squads.

This includes four girls, Estelle Grimaud, Dakota Reynolds, Lexi Kerry and Olivia Castello. Last year the Jets finished in 14th place with three wins and 10 losses.

The Jets’ development program was well represented at the AFLW’s draft night in December,withthreeplayersselectedtoplayat the highest level.

Most notably, Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner went with the number one overall pick to the Western Bulldogs.

Starting her football journey at Sunshine Heights, Weston-Turner became a stand out

player at representative level. Darley’s Tamara Henry went at pick 28 to the Adelaide Crows while Kiera Whiley from Caroline Springs went at pick 10 to St Kilda.

Gossow said it was a pleasure to be able to watch her players develop.

“That’s the best part of being a part of this program, is seeing kids achieve their dreams,” she said.

“They’ve worked hard throughout the year… they deserved it off their own bat, it’s very exciting.”

The club won its only premiership in 2022.

The girls’ side start their season on April 16 on the road against Sandringham Dragons after having a bye in round one. The Jets boys were in action on Saturday morning against the Northern Knights, after deadline.

This week the Jets face the Calder Cannons on Good Friday.

Cleveland joins elites

By Oliver Lees

It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to share your passion with your heroes, but up-and-coming athletics prospect Lucy Cleveland had that opportunity earlier this month.

The 15-year-old from Point Cook was invited to race alongside Australian Olympic athletes Catriona Bisset and Linden Hall at a Victorian Milers Club event held at Doncaster on March 14.

Hall and Bisset hold Australian records in the 1500 metre and 800 metre running categories respectively.

“It was pretty incredible because I was actually on the start line with Linden, it was amazing to be near such amazing athletes,” Cleveland said.

“And to race against them in the end was so cool, most kids wouldn’t get the chance.”

Cleveland’s invitation to participate in the exhibition race was earned off the back of impressive recent performances in competition.

Competing in the under-17 category at the Victorian Track and Field Championships at Albert Park, she won gold in the 800 metre, 1500 metre and 3000 metre events.

In the 3000 metres she ran a personal best time of nine minutes and 50 seconds.

In February, Cleveland took out silver in the VictorianOpenWomen’sMileChampionship finish behind World Championship representative Melissa Duncan.

The past six years Western Athletics running coach Stu Macaulay has had a box seat watching Cleveland’s development.

Macaulay said he’d been extremely impressed by her hard work on and off the track, which went to another level during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

“It was my advice that she take on some longer style running because I thought that was where she was better suited,” he said, “She’s very easy to coach, always wants to learn.Shenotonlywantstoknowhowshecan do something better, but also why she’s doing it, which is an excellent thing.”

Throughout the extended periods of Melbourne’s lockdown measures, Cleveland and her mum Cath would regularly run together to break up the monotony and keep on top of their training.

Cath is a handy runner in her own right, having won Victorian Masters medals, but admits the gap in speed between herself and her daughter is getting wider.

“She’s way too fast for me now, I can’t keep up with her,” Cath said.

She said despite all the recent success her

daughter has made for herself as an athlete, what she’s most proud of is the kind and professional manner in which she carries herself.

“Lucyisreallywellknownforacknowledging to all of her competitors, giving everyone a high five or a handshake,” she said.

“She recently won a cross country event and waited for every person to cross the line to acknowledge them.”

In the short term, Lucy is focused on

Hoppers start with loss

It was a less than ideal start to the FV state league 2 north-west season for Hoppers Crossing on Saturday.

In their first game under new coach Kevin Smart, the Reds faced the Whittlesea Ranges, who were relegated in the off season having been in the National Premier League competition not long ago.

The Reds were unable to come after the points with the Ranges winning 3-1.

Liam Zacharias was the goal scorer for the Reds.

The Point Cook Jets started their season with a draw against Diamond Valley United on Saturday.

Diamond Valley was in front 1-0 at half time before Reng Tung scored for the Jets to level the scores.

Neither side could find a winner, with the match finishing 1-1.

In state league 4 west, Truganina Hornets had a 2-1 loss to Melbourne City after scores were 0-0 at half time.

Van Lal Sang Bualthang was the goal scorer for the Hornets.

It was a tough start for West Point in the state league 4 west competition.

Having been promoted in the off season, West Point started its season on Saturday with a 2-0 loss to Barwon.

In state league 5 west, Wyndham and Tarneit United both suffered first up losses.

Wyndham fell short against Surfside Waves, 2-1 after leading 1-0 at half time.

EmmanuelAbionawasthegoalscorer for Wyndham.

Tarneit started its season against Spring Hills, going down 1-0.

There is no state league action this weekend due to Easter with round two the following weekend.

the upcoming national championships in Adelaide.

Butsheadmitsshealsohasgreaterambitions down the road, firstly to push for selections in world under-20s in 2026, and then set her sights on the biggest accomplishment in athletics.

“I would really like to go to the Olympics one day, I have the goal of going to 2032 Olympics in Brisbane,” she said.

Several teams though will be in action in the fourth round of the knock out Australia Cup. This the first round NPL and Victorian Premier League teams, including Werribee City, will be in the competition.

Hoppers Crossing will face state league 1 side Brimbank Stallions on Thursday night, while Werribee City will face Bentleigh Greens on Saturday night.

Western Jets’ Sierra Grieves. (Joe MastroiannI). 268325_07

Lucy Cleveland, Linden Hall and Catriona Bisset. (Western Athletics)

Werribee on the board in 2024

By Tara Murray

Werribee showed no rust as it kicked off the Victorian Football League season in winning fashion against Geelong on Saturday.

There’s a little bit of unknown for Werribee this season with a new coach and changes to the playing squad that made last year’s grand final, but the side showed positive signs to start the season.

Werribee was able to build the margin in each quarter to come away with a 16.7 (103)7.8 (50) win against the Cats.

Werribee coach James Allan was happy with his first game in charge.

“Theperformancewasprettygood,”hesaid. “Our practice match form was really solid and we were really confident.

“The pressure was great while we were a bit sloppy with the skills but we were able to create enough opportunities to get the result.”

Allan said he was pleased with how the group responded when they were challenged in the second quarter.

He said after half time they were able to play some really good footy.”

Allan said while there was a little unknown heading into the season, they felt confident they had a squad that could go deep into the season.

“There’s a lot of talk about the experienced guys that we have lost,” he said. The guys we have bought into the side make us better and some of the other guys will start to get more opportunities and get more confidence.”

It was Werribee’s leaders that led the way in the win.

Dom Brew had 30 possessions, while Kye Declase and Jack Henderson had 27 disposals each.

Hudson Garoni led the way up front with four goals.

“They played the way we wanted to play footy,”Allansaid.“Wegotagoodcontribution from our leaders.

“Nick Coughlan was outstanding after not having much pre-season, Nathan Cooper was solid in defence and Dom plays the way he plays.

“KyewasoutstandingonawingandHudson kicked four. As leaders they bring everyone else along and we had 23 contributors on the day.”

One of the new recruits who was among the best was Daly Andrews, who had 27 disposals.

Allan said Andrews, a Werribee local, was one of the players they would help fill some of the void of the key departures of Matt Hanson, Tom Gribble, Michael Sodomaco, Sam Clohesy and Shaun Mannagh.

“We talk about some of the midfielders we’ve lost but we have got some really good depth in there,” he said.

“Cooper Whyte, Corey Preston, Daly Andrews have all come into the side and will be significant contributors throughout the year.”

Allan, who previously played at the club, said he was enjoying his return in a coaching capacity.

He said the club was in good shape on and off the field which made things a lot easier coming back into the club.

The vision for a vibrant Tarneit is outlined in the draft Tarneit Major Town Centre Urban Design Framework which Wyndham City has released for community feedback.

The Tarneit Major Town Centre is designed to be a hub of economic prosperity, that is beautifully designed with green corridors, and has the capacity to accommodate a centre for art, health and education.

It offers quality recreational and retail opportunities and housing while celebrating the area’s Indigenous and cultural heritage – making it a dynamic destination of choice.

Allan said an early road trip was something they were looking forward to.

“There’s a lot of support,” he said. “We got a pretty solid win first up and it’s given us a bit of confidence that we know what we can do.” Werribee will hit the road this weekend facing Southport in round two on Saturday at 1pm.

“When we saw the draw and saw we had a road trip reasonably early on we were happy.

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

“We’re a really tight knit group and this will bring us even closer.”

been selected in the VFL representative squad to face a South Australian National Football League side on April 6.

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

Meanwhile, eight Werribee players have

“They had a good win and it shapes as a really good clash which we’re happy to win,” he said.

•

Allan said it was good for the players to be part of the squad and would love to see as many as possible in the final team.

Please register for an information session to find out more:

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

Jay Dahlhaus celebrates a goal. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Werribee celebrates the win. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

ROUND 3

THURsDAy MARCH 28

Brisbane V Collingwood (G)

FRIDAy MARCH 29

North Melbourne V Carlton (MRVL)

Fremantle V Adelaide (OS)

sATURDAy MARCH 30

Essendon V St Kilda (MRVL)

Port Adelaide V Melbourne (AO)

sUNDAy MARCH 31

Western Bulldogs V West Coast (MRVL)

Richmond V Sydney (MCG)

MONDAy APRIL 1

Hawthorn v Geelong (MCG)

*Correct at time of publishing

LW 6

LW 6

LW 5

LW

LW 5

Live well with choice and peace of mind

Care and support tailored just for you with Uniting AgeWell

Help at home

Get assistance with personal and clinical care, household chores, assistive technology and transport

Community support and wellbeing

Remain connected with social groups, outings, and carer services

Independent living

Enjoy connected retirement community living at Amarco Apartments in Kingsville

Residential care

Call the Uniting AgeWell team today to find out how we can support you to live well with choice, independence and peace of mind as you age.

1300 783 435

unitingagewell.org

Specialist 24/7 care and support, including dementia and palliative care and respite stays, at the safe and caring Manor Lakes Community in Wyndham Vale 12677755-KO13-24