The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has overturned Wyndham council’s bid to prevent the building of a three-storey commercial complex in Sanctuary Lakes.
The challenge, launched by Sanctuary Lakes Village Pty Ltd, came after council refused to grant a planning permit for the 76 Greg Norman Road site in September.
Included in the proposed precinct are a medical centre, an adjoined pharmacy, six food and drink premises, a convenience store,
two retail premises and a bottle shop.
Star Weekly reported in September that several residents urged council to reject the plan due to fears increased foot traffic around the site would impact their lifestyles and the service of alcohol would encourage unruly behaviour.
Council made the refusal on the grounds that the plans were inconsistent with noise regulations, light emittance regulations and did not provide enough parking spaces to accommodate the traffic the precinct
would generate.
In their submissions to the VCAT, several residents said serving alcohol on site late into the evening might lead to an increase in confrontations with intoxicated patrons.
VCAT rejected the claim that the service of alcohol at the food and drink premises would alter the social fabric of the area.
The ruling contended that there was insufficient evidence to suggest increased anti-social behaviour would arise.
The bottle shop, proposed to operate
Screen Australia backs podcast
Hoppers Crossing comedian Ciang Ajeic will be tickling more funny bones as season two of his web series Justice and Crime is about to be funded by Screen Australia.
Justice and Crime follows two disgraced ex-cops on a chaotic hunt for a missing influencer.
Desperate to redeem themselves, they take a deep dive into internet culture, small-town secrets and get drunk on their own delusions of fame.
Artistic recognition is not something Mr Ajeic takes for granted.
“Having someone believe in what we’re
creating feels amazing,” he said.
“After our first grant got rejected we put in the work to prove our idea with the first season, showing just how much people are craving a comedy web-series like justice and crime.”
However, his work is not just about showcasing his own talents.
“With funding, the team wants to showcase some of the new generation of African-Australian comedians and portray African characters in all their complexity and humour – the heroes we need on Australian screens,” Mr Ajeic said.
“The goal for justice in crime is to continue developing the brand and take stepping stones from a web series to TV and film.”
Withvideogamesandanimationamongthe future ambitions, focusing on the immediate tasks at hand until he and his crew build up a consistent production and development cycle is the priority.
The first season was almost entirely improvised with no written script. Season two will be totally different as it has a full production ready script written in collaboration with some of television’s best new writers.
until 10pm Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and until 11pm Friday-Saturday, was also deemed a reasonable part of the precinct, due to the alcohol being served for take-away consumption, VCAT found.
VCATdidconcedethattherewastechnically a cluster of premises licensed to sell alcohol in the area, but that it was not unreasonable to permit another site to operate as well.
The tribunal did not agree with council’s claim that the machinery and generators used attheprecinctwouldviolatenoiseregulations.
New
St Vincent’s Private Hospital (SVPH) Werribee has announced it will open a new operating theatre this week.
The new operating theatre is expected to allow for approximately 2000 additional surgeries to take place at the hospital during the next year.
Orthopedics, general surgery, ear, nose and throat (ENT), gastroenterology, urology, gynaecology and pain management, will be among the specialities that the new theatre will accommodate.
SVPH Werribee assistant director Rachael Cassar said the move was important to keep up with growing demand for surgery at the hospital.
“Opening the new theatre ensures we’re not only keeping up with community demand, but staying ahead of it,” Ms Cassar said.
“It also allows for more operating space, greater availability and the opportunitytowelcomemorespecialists to our growing team.”
Also included in the most recent upgrade of the hospital is the refurbished day infusion centre, which is now located on level one. Nurse unit manager Rachael Simpson said the new, larger unit has been redesigned to create a more calming, purpose-built environment for patients receiving regular treatments such as cancer care.
“We know how important comfort and dignity are for patients undergoing ongoing treatment and the new unit will enhancebothcomfortandcareforthese patients and their families,” she said.
Renewed Wyndham Cultural Centre to reopen in July
The Wyndham Cultural Centre will re-open to the public in July, more than a year after it closed for maintenance and refurbishment works.
Included in the revamped centre will be a new bar, a new foyer and upgraded seating for guests attending theatrical performances. New audio-visual equipment, improved sound for the hearing impaired, refurbished dressing rooms and back of house facilities for performers are also among the upgrades.
The last performance held at the venue was on May 18 last year, before it was closed for
upgrades to the tune of $7.4 million.
Alaine Beek, who runs the local Essence Theatre Productions, said the reopening was important for performing arts in the area.
“The challenges in Wyndham, we are unique only having one theatre, so we had to go outside of the area [to perform],” Ms Beek said.
“Once a twice a year we would get to use it, so it was definitely missed not being able to do our big showcase performances.”
She welcomed the upgrades and said it was the perfect opportunity for people to book
tickets and support theatre locally.
“They have quite a variety of offerings, so the community should attend more. It is a really good theatre.
“Even if you don’t know what the show is about, you should still give it a shot.”
Two acts will kick off the centre’s new era on Saturday, July 5.
At 7pm, King Stingray, which has been described as a blend of rock’n’roll and the IndigenoustraditionofManikay,willperform on the back of a recent international tour.
Their debut album earned 5 Australian
Recording Industry Association (ARIA) nominations and won ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Best independent Rock Album’ at the 2023 Australian Independent Record (AIR) awards.
They will be followed by electronic music duo Electric Fields, which is known for combining modern electric-soul music with Aboriginal culture, and sing in Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara and English.
To see the full listing of performances and programs and to book tickets, visit: www. wyncc.com.au/
SVPH staff in new operating theatre in Werribee (Supplied)
Ciang Ajeic’s ‘Justice and Crime’ just got funding for its second season. (Damjan Janevski) 475613_02
Better HG care ‘not a huge ask’
By Laura Michell
“We maybe don’t have a cure and the meds might be hit and miss, but it is possible for HG sufferers to receive empathy and care – and fluids!”
That desire to ensure women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) are taken seriously and receive a standard level of care, regardless of where they live, their background orsocio-economicstatuswasoneofthedriving forces behind Caitlin Kay-Smith’s decision to found the charity Hyperemesis Australia.
Ms Kay-Smith suffered HG for the first time when she was pregnant with her daughter in late 2017-18.
HG is characterised by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting that impacts the daily life of sufferers. It often leads to substantial weight loss and dehydration, with sufferers unable to eat or drink properly.
Ms Kay-Smith began struggling with the condition when she was about seven or eight weeks pregnant and was hospitalised for the first time at nine weeks.
She spent the next 30 weeks moving between her bed and the emergency department, never really receiving the care she needed and deserved – and never being told that there was actually a name for what she was experiencing.
“If I had more energy, I would have been enraged,” she said.
“IwassurprisedIwasexperiencingthisthing
that everyone was telling me was absolutely normal or would end soon.”
In the late stages of her pregnancy, Ms Kay-Smith found a Facebook group of fellow sufferers and UK charity Pregnancy Sickness Support – and realised that she wasn’t alone.
“That was a light bulb moment,“ she said,
“There was a name for what was happening tome…anditwasn’tOKanditwasn’tnormal.”
After the birth of her daughter, Ms Kay-Smith turned her thoughts to establishing an Australian hyperemesis charity.
Having emailed a “laundry list of the ways they failed me” to her delivery hospital – resulting in changes to how the hospital managed HG – Ms Kay-Smith realised it was possible to make a difference.
“That made me realise that for every person I had met along the way who had been wilfully dismissive … there were … people who just didn’t know any better,” she said.
Hyperemesis Australia was set up in August 2018 and gained charitable status in January 2019. Since then, Ms Kay-Smith has worked
Trading in on tariff pain
By Jaidyn Kennedy
When US President Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs swept across the globe on April 2, many Australian businesses had to adjust the way they traded with US-based customers and companies.
Caught in the global trade pandemonium that resulted in most Australian goods entering the US being hit with a 10 per cent tariff was a different form of trading – the trading of cards.
The Hobby, a Point Cook business that sells a variety of cards ranging from Pokemon to US sports, had to stop providing some of its key services when the tariffs hit.
The biggest service that the business paused was sending trading cards over to the US to be graded on their customer’s behalf, a process done to verify a card’s authenticity and condition for resale.
Manager Connor Pain said the decision to suspend the service was to avoid customers being hit unexpected expenses, while he tried to make sense of the situation with the businesses he works with in the US.
“We weren’t willing to risk any of our customer’s cards being hit with any sort of tariff or having any delay in shipping,” he said.
“So we made the decision to just pause and restart once we had a clear understanding of the necessary procedures.”
“We just had to ride it out as best we could.”
Mr Pain said the company felt the most financial pain in the initial two weeks after the tariffs were announced, but have business has since returned to normal.
However, he said there are still concerns about selling cards to the US via Ebay.
“There haven’t appeared to be any major impacts yet, though it may affect Australian card sellers as a whole going forward – but we
still regularly attend shows in the US to buy, sell and trade cards,” he said.
“So now, theoretically, anything we now sell
to educate people about HG and empower sufferers and their loved ones to advocate for better care.
“So many of us are told this is a normal thing that happens,“ she said.
The charity also provides advice on treatment, diet and nutrition, mental health, postpartum recovery and how to support someone with HG.
Ms Kay-Smith said sufferers often reach out “in the depth of despair” asking for advice.
They are directed to the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) guidelines on HG.
While the guidelines are “hard for practitioners to dismiss”, they are not used by hospital, obstetrician or GP around the country.
Ms Kay-Smith said Australia needed statewide guidelines on medications for HG and treatment options such as IV fluids –which sufferers regularly report being refused – to ensure a standard level of care.
She also wants an end to the “doubt or scepticism“ women face when presenting to hospitals, GPs or pharmacies for treatment, and for it to be acknowledged that HG is a condition that needs a significant level of care.
“I would like to get to a place where no womanchangesthenumberofchildrenshehas because of HG,” she said.
“A place where no woman feels the need to end the pregnancy because of HG.
“These are not huge asks.”
Ms Kay-Smith said the HG community was “very realistic” and wasn’t expecting a magical cure to be found, but just wanted to be heard and properly cared for.
“We are just asking for a bag of fluids.”
Details: https://www.hyperemesisaustralia. org.au
Work at YMCA
Work is about to start on the new yard at the YMCA Point Cook Early Learning Centre, in a development that is expected to give children more space to play.
The upgrades include new shade sails, fresh landscaping, and play zones tailored to different stages of child development.
The outdoor space was designed in nature-based fashion and to facilitate active learning so children can build physical confidence, social skills, and a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Centre manager Will Simpson said he is excited about the development.
“We want children to feel free to move and try new things in a space that’s been designed just for them,” he said.
“At the Y, we see the outdoors as an extension of the classroom.”
The new outdoor areas will include climbing equipment, a sensory sandpit with water play, spaces for ball games and group activities, and quiet sensory zones designed to support all children.
A new tee-pee, an upgraded cubby house with an accessible climbing platform were included to help children engage in imaginative play, while the shade sails will offer year-round protection from the sun.
The designs were reviewed by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to help ensure children of all abilities can take part and feel included.
online and ship to customers in the US will be hit with a 10 per cent tariff, which is an ongoing concern.”
The upgrades are supported by funding from the state government’s Building Blocks Grants Inclusion stream, which provides funding to kindergartens to upgrade early childhood buildings and facilities.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is usually treated with a range of medications and IV fluids.
The Hobby’s grading manager Connor Pain had to temporarily pause sending trading cards to the US. (Damjan Janevski. 475755_01)
A Passage to Home
Passage to Home is one of those stories that is both unique and universal.
Point Cook filmmaker Aaron Cilmi’s seven-minute documentary about his grandparents’journeyfromGreecetoAustralia started as a university assignment, but is now screening across the globe.
On Wednesday, May 7, the short film was showcased at the Touchstone Independent Film Festival in Florida.
Three days later, it screened a little closer to home – the Setting Sun International Film Festival in Yarraville.
Currently studying in The Netherlands, Cilmi said he still can’t wrap his head around the momentum the film has gained.
“Going from a university assignment to being screened internationally still blows my mind,” he said.
Turns out condensing the journey of a lifetime into a seven-minute video is no easy task.
“This was one of the hardest parts post-production– I had roughly 90 minutes of pure interview footage with them.”
“To try and go through it all and create a compelling story without undermining their past was really challenging.
“Itwasalittleconfrontingtohearaboutwhat their lives were like and how little they had in Greece after the war.”
“I gained a new level of respect and appreciation for the decision they made.”
SixtyyearsafterhisgrandparentsleftEurope, Cilmi says he expects it to screen at several festivals across the continent later in the year.
To watch: https://youtu.be/ OvgGGR2E4P8?feature=shared
Briefs
Wyndham Vale woman injured
A 36-year-old Wyndham Vale woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a collision on Citylink in Burnley on the morning of Friday, May 9. Emergency services responded to reports of a car, that police believe the woman was driving, travelling against the flow of traffic before colliding with a truck about 2.10am. The truck driver, a 51-year-old Aintree man, was not injured. Police said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam/CCTV footage from the area prior to the collision can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Garbage truck blaze
Firefighters responded to a rubbish truck fire on Parramatta Road, Werribee on Thursday, May 8. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) firefighters arrived on scene at about 12.45pm to find the rear of the rubbish truck alight. Crews attacked the fire after the truck released the rubbish it was carrying on to the road. Crews needed two hours to fully extinguish the flames before the fire was deemed under control at 2.58pm. Resident Allan Calleja said he saw fire damage to the body of the vehicle. The EPA was also notified of the incident. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Wyndham Business Awards open
Cedar Woods’ commitment to the Wyndham Business Awards is not just about showcasing success, it is about building a stronger community that is backed by a vision.
The company has been an integral part of Wyndham since 1998, when it acquired the land that it would later transform into Williams Landing.
Nearly three decades on, Williams Landing is a vibrant community with four residential estates, a shopping centre and a bustling business precinct.
James Bovell, who is the state manager for the company’s operations in Victoria, said that sponsoring the business awards for the ninth year in a row was a no-brainer.
“A lot of local businesses obviously operate out of Williams Landing that participate in the awards, so it’s great to be a part of that,” he said.
“Supporting the event also aligns with our principle of creating community connections.”
Ensuring businesses in Wyndham have a platform to be recognised is only one way Cedar Woods contributes to the community, but the gala night of nights for local entrepreneurs holds special significance.
“It’sgreattogetoutandmeetbusinessesthat are doing wonderful things for the Wyndham community,” Mr Bovell said.
“To be part of the recognition of the businesses and the important role that they play in our community is something that brings us great satisfaction.”
Mr Bovell said the gala presentation evening, to be held this year on Friday 12 September, was a fantastic opportunity to network and and hear local success stories.
“A lot of these businesses have been born out of garages and to see them transition into a professional work setting is something we
Cedar Woods is proud to sponsor the Wyndham Business Awards for the ninth consecutive year. Excited to hear which businesses will triumph this year are team members Karen Huong, Sophie Zhou, Laurence Hutt, Anna Notari and James Bovell. (Damjan Janevski) 476389_02
appreciate and we find fulfilling as well.”
Cedar Woods has long supported new business ventures, which are crucial in creating local jobs. From Boston Commons to the newly built Hudson Hub, those with the passion to grow their business have a home at WIlliams Landing.
“The Wyndham community is so tight-knit, so the exposure that’s garnered from the
awards is something really fantastic,“ Mr Bovell said.
“I would urge everyone to participate.”
Entries for this year’s awards are now open and close on Friday, June 13. Business Awards Information Sessions will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 9am-10.30am, and Wednesday, June 4, 1pm-2.30pm.
Whether you’re a small startup, an
established enterprise, or a local leader in your industry,theWyndhamBusinessAwardsoffer an incredible opportunity to gain recognition and celebrate the impact your business has made. For more information or to enter go to wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/ business-investment/business-awards-
The story of Point Cook residents Peter and Fotini Giantsis’ journey to Australia is screening across the world. (Damjan Janevski) 475567_06
Basel — Eurovision Central
This week the world’s eyes will be on Basel, Switzerland where performers from all over Europe plus Australia are gathering for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, screening here live and in prime time from 14-18 May exclusively on SBS and SBS On Demand.
Basel can look back on more than 2000 years of history - there has been a settlement there since Celtic times. Its geographic location between Vosges, the Black Forest and the Jura Mountains gives the city an exceptional amount of sunshine and one of the warmest climates in Switzerland.
But with the world’s biggest song contest in town, the historic city’s population –usually about 190,000 - is expected to swell as thousands of people from all over the world arrive to watch the 36 contestants, including Australia’s own Go-Jo (Marty Zambotto), compete for the coveted glass trophy.
There is no permanent home for the contest which is hosted by the country that wins the year before with the host city chosen from a group of bidding cities – competition is fierce with international exposure on the line and so when Switzerland’s Nemo won in Mamo, Sweden in May 2025 Basel, Bern, Geneva, and Zurich all officially declared their interest.
Eurovision fans wait with bated breath to see where it will be and are quick to book tickets and accommodation when the host city is announced. And while last year 2.2 million Australians watched Eurovision on television in 2024 – there were hundreds maybethousandsmoreonthegroundsoaking up the atmosphere.
Going to Eurovision is a holy grail for many – something that long-time Sydney-based fan Henry Yau and his wife Lauren Davis finally achieved two years ago when Liverpool hosted for war-torn Ukraine. It was a long-held ambition for Henry, who had been a fan since 2004, originally planning to go to Rotterdam in 2020.
“Having been a fan for as long as I have, I suppose it had always been on the bucket list. And so, when we were planning the wedding and the honeymoon to follow – and given that my wife Lauren is also a fan, thanks to my influence – it sort of became an opportunity to actually go there and do something,” he said.
“We needed something as extravagant and celebratory as a honeymoon to kind of justify the not-insignificant expense of the international travel, as well as the tickets to the event itself. And of course, for the past few years Eurovision has been hosted in countries that tend to not be particularly affordable to travel to, and then you add Eurovision on top
of that….
“But my wife and I got married in March of 2020. So, we were originally planning on going to the Rotterdam contest – with the idea of spending a week in the Netherlands, a week in Germany and a week in the UK –and that fell through. We weren’t really feeling comfortable with the international travel for a few years after that, which meant that we ended up going to Liverpool 2023 instead.”
Of course, Eurovision wasn’t the only reasonforHenryandLaurenchoosingtheUK for their honeymoon.
“It certainly wasn’t the only drawcard, because both my wife and I are big Anglophiles,” he explained.
“There were plenty of things going on in the UK that we were very keen on –pop culture stuff, just lots of little nerdy things that we’re interested in.
“TheUKwasalwaysgoingtobeonthecards for our honeymoon, even before we knew they were hosting, because there was so much stuff that we were interested in that we wanted to check out. So, we spent time in Manchester, in Liverpool, in Cardiff, in some more
village-y parts of the south of England, and in London.
“I’m not sure if we would have visited Liverpool necessarily if Eurovision had been hosted in some other part of the country, but that said, the time that we spent there, it seemed like a really lovely place. Like we’re not Beatles fans particularly, but just the fact that we’re big Doctor Who fans, and there have been some scenes and episodes shot in Liverpool, meant that we were able to knock that out – two big things in the one city.”
Liverpool’s event was a special moment for Eurovision – a real coming together with UK hosting geographically but culturally the event was about Ukraine.
“TherewereallthesereallylovelyUkrainian cultural touches dotted throughout the city, with Eurovillage at Liverpool Pier Head being the kind of centrepiece for that,” he said. He said the circumstances made the event “really something special.”
And was being emersed in the Eurovision culture what he expected?
“There’s a big difference between watching it at home, and maybe talking about it with some mates or colleagues afterwards, and seeing how an entire community can get behind this event,” Henry said.
“Ithinkthesheerscaleofthat–eventhough you sit at home and you’re aware that there are people that are really passionate about it, and there’s a huge community, and there are lots of fans, and it brings a lot of people together –you’re not really prepared for the scale of how it impacts things.”
TANIA PHILLIPS
Beautiful Basel will be on display for the world to see this week when the Swiss city hosts the Eurovision Song Contest. (SBS: Julien Mayer)
Basel will be on display this week as it hosts Eurovision. Look out for the “postcards” for each artist during the semi-finals and finals for more glimpses of Basel and Switzerland. (SBS)
Basel by night. (SBS)
Eurovision comes to Basel. (SBS)
More of the beauty of Basel. (SBS)
Escape to super Switzerland
IS it time for Switzerland? What does the name summon up? Pristine Swiss Alps, chocolate tasting, panoramic sightseeing cruises, cable cars, glaciers, train rides through the alps, glaciers, chalets, and fondue?
Anyone who has travelled to Switzerland will agree the reality is every bit as good as the guidebooks say and by far one of the most stunning and luxurious ways to explore this pristine country is with Viking.
From the Rhine River, Viking offers unparalleled journeys through Switzerland to discover the country’s scenic beauty among the Alps.
Whether it’s a Basel walking tour or a day spent among the rich culture of alpine Switzerland with a drive to the charming village of Brienz travellers never fail to thrill at the beauty of the country.
Holidaymakers can pedal through the beautiful Alsatian countryside, following its famous wine route to quaint villages.
Savour the taste of Switzerland with a delicious cheese fondue dining experience. Fondue is a meal of bread dipped into a hot pot of cheese flavoured with garlic and a dash of wine and is synonymous with Switzerland.
Derived from the French word fonder, meaning “to melt,” fondue has its origins in the 18th century as a way for Swiss farmers to stretch their limited food stocks during the winter months.
From its simple origins, fondue has become a winter tradition and the national dish of Switzerland.
Guests of the Viking Rhine and Main Explorer cruise can experience this tradition. Travellersleavetheirstunningroomsonboard toboardatramforashortridetooneofBasel’s Beiz to dine on national and local dishes. Swiss hosts love to show guests more about cheese fondue as they dip their bread into the mouthwatering concoction, accompanied by a glass of white wine or beer and a shot of Kirsch.
Take the opportunity to explore Zürich’s charm with its stunning lake setting and exceptional architecture with scenic alpine views from the traditional Swiss town of Lucerne.
Viking guests can take advantage of extension tours before or after selected cruises with a favourite being the four Nights in Geneva and Zermatt extension which is an ideal option for those seeking to take in more of the beauty of the region.
On this extension guests have the chance to breathe in the pure mountain air of Zermatt, a
car-free haven high in the Alps set at the foot of the famed Matterhorn and explore the rich culture and stunning setting of Geneva.
The Glacier Express train from Zurich to Zermatt passes through dramatic mountain tunnels, and up and down alpine slopes with breathtaking vistas and soaring peaks, and wide green valleys.
Guests rest for the night at the Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt before they jump on board a cogwheel train to the summit of Gornergrat.
Strollitsnarrowlaneslinedwithchalet-style buildings and venture into the surrounding countryside, with its high meadows and breathtaking views.
On day three head to Lausanne to enjoy the impressive Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, the largest continuous vineyard in Switzerland. TasteChasselaswinewithlunchthentravelon to Geneva for a two-night stay at the elegant Intercontinental in spacious, well-appointed accommodation within walking distance to the Botanical Gardens.
Another extension choice is ‘Five Nights in the Swiss Alps’ where guests explore Switzerland’s renowned lakeside cities of Zürich, Lucerne, and Geneva.
Guests love the two-night cruise extension in Basel where they discover the city that stands at the point where France, Germany and Switzerland meet.
Here travellers can enjoy the lovely Middle Bridge, the Basel Cathedral and the winding cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses and colourful fountains and explore the museums and art galleries.
The opportunities are endless and now is time to talk to one the Viking staff about a trip to Switzerland in 2025.
For further information please visit www. viking.com or phone 138 747 to plan the trip of a lifetime.
LEE MCCARTHY
Zermatt, the car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Spectacular sights in Switzerland - rated as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
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Zara, 6, is on the search for elephants. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 475097_02
A gigantic elephant hunt
Nine Asian elephants are running loose in the middle of Werribee and there is a mad rush to confirm their whereabouts. While that first sentence is misleading, it’s not entirely false.
TocelebratetherecentopeningofWerribee Open Range Zoo’s (WROZ) new Elephant Trail, there are nine elephants hidden in the business windows in Werribee city centre. Along Watton Street and between Wedge Street and Cherry Street, the tiny counterparts of the multi-tonne grey titans are waiting to be spotted.
The self-guided activity can be done on any date or time during the competition period–and with anyone.
In February, moving the nine elephants that now live in their new oasis at Werribee Zoo took an incredible logistics team of 21 elephant zookeepers, veterinarians and the support of cranes and trucks.
Once you find one of their mini-mes, make suretoscanoneoftheQRcodesinthevicinity and enter their whereabouts on the site.
If you manage to find all nine, you’ll enter
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
the draw to win a family prize pack valued at more than $800.
The ‘staycation’ prize includes a WROZ family pass, a night at Holiday Inn for two adults and two children and $300 worth of vouchers at local restaurants. It might not be the world-class 21-hectare trail that the crew at the zoo live at, but it is far from shabby.
Entries close at 10am on Saturday, May 31. Fill in your entries at: https://www. visitwerribee.com/findtheelephants
Night out for the family
A night out under the stars is set to be a family affair for Sunshine Heights Football Club’s outdoor movie event.
The club has opened its junior fundraiser on May 24 to the community and is hoping that people of all ages will come along and enjoy the night. at Ainsworth Reserve.
Junior coordinator Hailey Attard said they want to get their juniors involved in their fundraising event.
“It’s catered for all ages,” she said. “We do junior functions in the past and have done things like trivia nights and have been pretty much for the parents.
“I kind of wanted to do something kid orientated.
“I seen it advertised on line and took it to the committee and they all loved it and we’re running with it.
Attard said all the families at the club were excited and had posted the event in school newsletters as well.
They are now opening it up for the wider community.
Attard said they were hoping a night like this would encourage more people to get involved with the club.
“Hopefully we can get more juniors involved in the season as well,” she said. “The cut of for registration isn’t after until after the movie night.
“Hopefully they all come to the ground and they see hey this is actually family orientated club. They are more likely to join our junior sides as well.
The decision on what movie will be shown is still to be decided, but there were hoping it would be a movie that caters for all ages.
Tickets are $15 per person and it includes a bean bag, some popcorn and fairy floss. Tickets have to be purchased by May 17. Details: 0450 998 456
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Adult drumming classes
If you ever wanted to try out your rhythmic skills, the first class is free and concessions apply for other classes. All hand drums supplied or BYO. No experience required, just bring an open heart and mind and enjoy making some great rhythms together. The class is friendly and welcoming to everyone. Thursdays, 7.30-8.30pm, during school terms, at Saltwater Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Parade, Point Cook. 0411 028 077 or bfmusic15@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
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 Wednesday of the month, 10-11am, at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they 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
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
Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus
Do you like to sing? The Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus wants you! Be part of a rewarding fraternity of fellow amateur musicians serving the community, sharing comradery and having fun. Rehearsals at 7pm Tuesday evenings at St. James Church, Hoppers Crossing.
Chris, 0400 414 215
Beekeeping group
Werribeeks is a group for beekeepers in and around Werribee and surrounding suburbs that meet every third Monday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre to share information, tips and ideas on beekeeping..
https://www.facebook.com/ WerriBeeksClub
Dementia Carers Group
IPC Health Dementia Carers Group is held on the first Tuesday of the month, from 12.30-2.30pm. The group is for people who care for someone with dementia or a similar condition associated with memory loss. It empowers carers through education, social connectedness and emotional support while socialising and meeting people in similar situations. Registration is essential.
Leah Hewitt or Joyce Chan, 1300 472 432 or https://bit.ly/48QFwBa
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.
admin@werribeeriver.org.au, or www. werribeeriver.org.au
Wyndham Park Community Shed
A place to connect, share skills, get hands on, and have fun. New members and volunteers are welcome. Men’s Shed open Tuesdays and Thursdays, Women’s Shed open Monday and Shed for All Abilities open Sunday. The Tool Library is open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
0437270791 shed@wyndhamparkcc. com.au
Don’t shoot the messenger: MD
OPINION
By Paul Thomas Star Weekly managing director
In the final days of the federal election campaign, Peter Dutton’s decision to lash out at the media was not just desperate, it was dangerous. Labelling the ABC and Guardian Australia as “hate media” and accusing journalists of being “activists” rather than reporters echoed the tired, toxic playbook of Donald Trump: when you’re behind, don’t reflect, just shout “fake news”.
Australians saw through that. No amount of spin, deflection or blame shifting could hide the truth. Voters rejected the Coalition’s message. Shooting the messenger doesn’t change the message.
Media scrutiny is not the enemy of democracy; it’s the oxygen that keeps it alive. A free press questions power, challenges spin and asks uncomfortable questions. That’s not bias, that’s journalism.
Sure, when journalists get something wrong, call it out. Point to it. Demand a correction. Any credible newsroom will make
Paul Thomas.
one. But blanket accusations, unsubstantiated claims and outright falsehoods aimed at delegitimising the media are not just
cheap politics, they actively erode trust in institutions that underpin democracy.
We see this tactic far too often, not just at a federal level but in local councils, including one our newsroom currently covers. Rather than engaging with the facts or addressing legitimate public concerns, some in power choose the easy path: Attack the media. But in doing so, they expose themselves, not the journalists.
That’s why strong local media matters now more than ever. Local newspapers and newsrooms remain one of the last truly independent and accountable sources of community information. They report on councils, expose local corruption, celebrate community success and give a voice to residents. Yet their very survival is under threat.
Digital platforms and social media have stripped local media of its commercial foundations, and worse, they have helped legitimise the kind of rhetoric Dutton and Trump rely on. By feeding audiences personalised echo chambers and monetising outrage, they have weakened the public’s trust
in credible journalism, while doing little to support its production.
Those who benefit from journalism must also help sustain it, and that includes the massive digital tech companies who have profited enormously from republishing, aggregating and monetising news content without paying fair value.
Now, artificial intelligence platforms are doing the same, scraping content, harvesting the work of journalists and training their models on material they never paid for. It’s the same pattern we’ve seen for years with social media - extract the value, deny responsibility, and undermine the industry you depend on.
This cannot continue. Everyone who profits from journalism must help fund it. That includes readers, advertisers, governments - and yes, the tech giants and AI developers whose empires have been built in part on the work of others.
On Saturday, Australians made it clear they won’tbefooledbyleaderswhoblameeveryone but themselves. Let’s hope they also recognise the essential role of a strong, independent media and are willing to fight for its future.
Entries now open for Wyndham Writing Awards
Grabyourpens,pencilsandmostimportantly your imagination, because the Wyndham Writing Awards are now open and there are prizes to be won.
Open to all Victorian adults aged 18 years and older, the aim of the event is to inspire, encourage and recognise Victorian adult writers and literary creators.
Prizes will be awarded for unpublished works in three categories: short stories
The total prize pool is $3600 and the awards will be judged by Melbourne-based author Katherine Kovacic
Each category has a cash prize for an overall winner and a second cash prize for a Wyndham Local Encouragement Award. All shortlisted entries will be published
in the 2025 Wyndham Writing Awards Anthology.
For those looking for some writing tips and tricks, council will be hosting several free workshops for adult writers of any ability or experience.
Michelle Wright will teach flash fiction at theHoppersCrossingLibraryonWednesday, May 14 between 6.30-8.30pm.
Amra Pajalic will host an online crash
course for short stories on Thursday, May 22 from 6.30-8.30pm.
Dr Chris Ringrose will cap off the workshops when he teaches the art of poetry at the Point Cook Library on Wednesday, May 28 between 6.30-8.30pm.
Bookings are essential for all workshops. Entries close on Sunday, June 30. To enter the awards visit: www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/writingawards
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community (9)
6 Majestic (4)
10 Possessive pronoun (3)
11 Notorious dispute (11)
12 Of cooking (8)
13 Situate (6)
14 Without (arch) (4)
15 Hitchhiker'sGuide author, – Adams (7)
20 Enterprise (7)
21 Not genuine (4)
25 Invisible (6)
26 Tied up (8)
28 Offender (11)
29 Special effects (1,1,1)
30 US university (4)
31 Not at all sleepy (4-5)
DOWN
1 Patience (8)
2 US state, North – (8)
3 Climb (6)
4 Closest to the centre (9)
5 Duration (4)
7 Package (6)
8 Wild dog native to North America (6)
9 Infested (7)
16 Clothed (9)
17 Erased (7)
18 US actress who portrayed Allison Dubois, – Arquette (8)
19 News title (8)
22 Provide, furnish (6)
23 Of the stars (6)
24 Himalayan mountain person (6)
27 The bow of a ship (4)
The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, UK is home to which annual tournament? 3 In Norse mythology, what is the name for the world tree?
4 Elizabeth Barrett Browning was an English a) poet, b) singer or c) actress?
5 What does the phrase ‘per contra’ mean?
6 TheJazzSinger (1927) starring Al Jolson was the first of what
7 In what year did the division of Korea take place?
8 Which famous gem was extracted from the Kollur Mine in Guntur, India in the 17th century?
9 What is the name of the town in the Netflix TV series StrangerThings? 10 Karen Gillan (pictured) plays which character in the Marvel cinematic universe?
The sun was out and so were the fans as local sport seasons continued to heat up. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica
was out shooting some of the action.
The perfect weather for sport
Vrankovic
Hume City’s Erdeniz Yildiz. 458912_07
Whittlesea United’s Mert Tuna. 476969_09
Keilor’s Ruby Gibson. 476974_17
Hoppers Crossing’s Dylan Lee. 476972_03
St Albans’ Fletcher Mcfarlane and Hume City’s Josh Bingham. 458912_17
Plenty Valley Lions’ Daniel Peluso. 476972_11
Bundoora’s Liam Kolar. 476968_15
Keilor’s Olivia Lacy. 476974_07
Whittlesea United’s Jack Marth. 476969_01
St Albans’ Gideon Arok. 458912_01
South Morang’s Brandon Compt. 476968_12
Bundoora’s Liam Mallia. 476968_01
Jayarathna rewarded for strong season with bat
Point Cook Centrals’ opener Rasanjana Jayarathna was rewarded for his strong Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield season sharing the player of the year award.
Jayarathna in his second season with the club shared the division’s top honour with Gellibrand’s Jacob Macdonald.
Jayarathna said it was really good to share the award.
“It’s a very proud moment for me and it’s very good,” he said. “I was very happy [with how he played].
“We were unlucky not to get the championship as well, hopefully next year.”
Jayarathna made 447 for the season at an average of 26.69 while also taking three wickets.
He said that he had always been an opening batter since under-13s.
Having joined the club from East Keilor for the 2023-24 season, the Sri Lankan said he loved being involved in his home club.
“It’s a really good club and really good people,” he said. “They always support me and
I love it down there.”
Jayarathna thanked his wife, family and the club for helping get the medal.
He said stepping up into division 3 this season was really good.
“It was more competitive and hard working,” he said. “It was really good.”
Sharks’ Brett Talbot said he thought it was the first men’s competition best and fairest award for the club.
He said Jayarathna was a key player in what they were doing.
“He has been one of our better players,” he said. “He won our player of the year last season.
“He’s just an exciting top order batsmen who really values his wicket and bats time in the middle.
“He loves being out there.”
Talbot said they didn’t expect Jayarathna to win the medal, having missed a few games when he went back to Sri Lanka.
It was a nice reward for him too.
“He’s a big part of the future of the club,” he said. “He is one of our leaders and best
players.”
Having fallen in the semi finals, Jayarathna already has his eyes on next season and winning the premiership.
Sharks teammate Krishan Alang finished equal third in the player of the year.
Jayarathna was named as an opener in the team of the year.
In the Evans-Clark Shield, Bellbridge’s Hendro Dias shared the player of the year award with Melton South Royals’ Praveen De Silva.
Dias and Jeffrey were named in the team of the year alongside Centrals’ Luke Simpson and Bellbridge skipper Dillon Hinge.
Elsewhere, Wyndham Vale’s Jay Dolliver finished second in the Russell Pollock player of the year.
Dolliver was named in the team of the year as well.
Tara Murray
Devils’ rebuild pays off
North Footscray has turned its program around in the Western Netball League. After struggling to have enough numbers to get one side on the court each week last year, the Devils are now fielding three sides this season.
Netball coordinator Nikki Genio said there had been a lot of hard work put in during the off season to get the side to where it is now.
“It’s been a bit of a rebuild,” she said. “We were hopeful of getting three teams on the court, we had not had that for a long time. “The girls are only just starting to find their feet.”
Genio said they had 30 new players come into the club this season and they were learning to come together as teams as the season starts to progress.
She said new coach Ashley Trantor, who
crossed from Braybrook, had played a big role in that.
“We had a new head coach come across and a lot of people followed them,” she said.
“They have a great reputation and players come from all over wanting to play under them.
“It’s amazing for us, we have been able to get three teams.
“We had three teams a couple of years ago and things didn’t pan out and we lost a lot of girls.
“We’ve built the program back up from scratch.”
TheDevilshaveteamsindivision1,division 4 and division 7 following grading.
Genio said they had kept their aims simple this year as they focus on ensuring they have a stable program in the long term.
“We just want the girls to enjoy themselves
Sports shorts
VAFA
It was a good day for the Westbourne Grammarians on Saturday in the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B women’s competition. Facing Marcellin, the Grammarians came away with an 8.15 (63)-3.5 (23) win. Hannah McMahon and Stephanie Williams kicked two goals each for the Grammarians. The win moves the Grammarians up to fourth spot.
VPL
Werribee City had to share the points in its Victorian Premier League 2 match with Pascoe Vale on Friday night. Looking to get back on the winners list for the first time in a month, the Bees had to settle for a 2-2 draw. The result leaves the Bees with a 3-5-4 record.
Western FL
Parkside Spurs claimed the first upset of the Western Football League women’s season, upsetting reigning premiers Werribee Centrals on Friday night. After an arm wrestle in the first three quarters, the Spurs kicked two final quarter goals to seal the 4.4 (28)-1.4 (10) win.Yarraville Seddon was also on the winners list on the weekend, as it beat Wyndhamvale on Saturday, 12.9 (81)-1.2 (8). West Footscray and Point Cook Centrals played out a draw, with the Sharks kicking three final quarter goals to finish locked at 4.6 (30) apiece. In the other match, Caroline Springs beat the Suns, 12.9 (81)-1.0 (6).
Western FNL
and have a ball, that is the main thing,” she said.
“It’s a bit of a bonus if we get any wins. It we were to make finals tat would be amazing.
“We have three solid teams and extra girls. We want to build and get girls here and enjoying themselves.
“We know wins will come.”
It’s a big year for the club overall as it celebrates its 90th anniversary and there will be a big celebration later this year.
Like the netball program, the football program is now thriving after struggling 12 months ago.
“We’re going from strength to strength in football and netball,” Genio said. “Twelve months ago we were in trouble.
“People are giving us a chance and taking a risk and it’s paying off.”
Tara Murray
The Western Football Netball League is set to develop a women and girls football growth strategy. Through funding support from AFL Victoria, the WFNL have enlisted the services of former AFL player and AFLW Western Bulldogs coach and now leadership consultant Nathan Burke to lead the development of the strategy. The league said the aims of developing the strategy include to engage women and girls to gain much needed feedback on all of its programs to improve its competition structures, development programs, clubs and league.
Rasanjana Jayarathna. (Jacob Pattison) 392482_01
North Footscray’s division 1 side. (Supplied)
Hawks continue to build on strong program
Glen Orden continues to focus on getting the basics right in the Western Netball League competition.
After all six teams made grand finals last season, including winning five premierships, the Hawks program has continued to grow.
Hawks coach Rebecca Hicks said the momentum continues to build at the club.
“We’ve got seven teams this year, last year we had six,” she said. “This year we have increased off the back of the success we had last year.
“A lot more players have gravitated towards us, so I’ve had to put in another team, our division 7 team. Overall I think we are tracking well.
“The quality of players we have this year is a lot higher than what we had last year and I’ve
actually had to reshuffle my teams quite a bit.
“It’s very exciting this year with how we are tracking and what we’ve been putting out on court the last few weeks.”
Hicks said for the club to be attracting so manyplayerswasreallyexcitinganditshowed how far it had come in the past few years.
She said a lot had changed.
“Culture is a big thing for us on and off the court,”shesaid.“BehindthescenesI’veworked really hard to put a team together to help me create something special.
“To see everyone want to come and be a part of that, it’s very exciting and very grateful that everyone has seen us now.
“Forusitwasaboutbuildingabetterculture, building a club that everyone wants to be part ofandourkidswillhopefullygrowupandplay for the same club that we all played for.”
Hicks,astarshooterofthecompetitionsince itbegan,hadbeenfocusedonjustcoachingthis year, but has returned to the court after some injuries and unavailabilities.
After six grand finals last season, the Hawks are just focusing on what they do best.
Centurions relieved
By Tara Murray
It was more relief than anything on Saturday as Werribee Centrals got on the board in the Geelong and District Football League.
The start to the season for the Centurions was less than ideal as they dropped their first four matches after coming off a finals appearance last season.
On Saturday, the Centurions found the winning feeling as they accounted for Corio, winning 18.12 (120)-13.5 (83).
Centurions coach Rhys Prismall said getting a win on the board was the most important thing. He said there was more relief than excitement for the side after the result.
“Our first two games were against one and two from last year and we lost both games by three points,” he said.
“The pressure starts to build and we then lost a third game under a goal. The fourth game we lost.
“When you are 0-4 and expect to be top
three, the pressure builds. It wasn’t super pleasing on Saturday, but we kicked a good score.
“Getting the win was the most important thing.”
The Centurions set the win up in the first half as they led by 47 points at half time.
Primsall said they probably should have won more and that they took their foot off the pedal in the second half.
Prismall kicked three goals for the Centurions along with Bradley Carlton and Carmelo Saliba.
Carlton was named the Centurions best along with Michael Culliver and Max Murdock.
Prismall said they were hoping that with a win on the board it would realise the mental pressure from the group and let them play with a bit more freedom.
Now behind the eight ball, he knows they can’t have too many slip ups from here on in.
The Centurions sit in 10th spot now.
“Fromthirdtoninth,theyenteredtheround on wto wins,”Prismall said. “The competition is so even and the good sides will drop games to mid of the table sides.
“We have to take care of what we can. You can’t predict who will beat who, which is stressful as a coach.”
The Centurions will face Geelong West Giants this Saturday. Like the Centurions, they have only one win for the season so far.
Primsall said pre-season it was one they would have penciled in as a likely win, but they know they pushed the top side within two goals on the weekend.
“We will treat them like any other side,” he said. “We can not take anyone lightly any more.”
In the A-grade netball, the Centurions also got on the board with a 27-10 win.
Bella Mountain shot 14 goals from 15 attempts for the Centurions.
The win moves the Centurions to 10th o the ladder.
Their top side is again one of the teams to beat in division 1.
“I think for us, we focus a lot on the basics,” Hicks said.
“We play simple netball. We train the girls very hard and drill the basics into them.
“I always say basics will win you games, you don’t have to play fancy netball to win.
“To do the basics right we are going to reap the rewards at the end of the season, so for us doing the basics right and making sure we have the right coaches coaching these girls is important.
“My coaching staff are amazing and all on the same page and all want the same things out of this season, which is very good.”
Tara Murray
Wyndham men on the
board
Wyndham has opened its account in the Big V men’s championship competition, with not one but two wins on the weekend.
After being close in previous contests, Wyndham was finally able to get the job done. Wyndham started the weekend at home on Saturday night against RMIT University, with a 92-90 win.
It was an even first half before Wyndham opened up a 12 point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Redbacks came hard late, but Wyndham managed to stay in front all quarter to get the win on the board.
Junior Garbah top scored with 24 points for Wyndham. There was no rest for Wyndham as it was back in action on Sunday against Wyndham.
It was an up and down game as both teams pushed the scoreboard.
Scoreswerelockedattheendofregular time and then again after the first period of overtime.
Wyndham scored the first bucket of second overtime and then didn’t give up the lead as it won 131-124.
MalikMillertopscoredwith34points, while Garbrah scored 31 points.
Coach Stuart McMurray said it was a brilliant effort on the second game of a back-to-back to push through and get a double overtime win against a resilient Blackburn team. Meanwhile, Wyndham’s championship women fell short against the Sunbury Jets, losing 79-73 on Saturday night.
Briana Bailey put up 30 points and had eight rebounds, four assists and three steals in the loss.
Coach Jason Bryant said after giving the Jets a head start they were able to stay close for the rest of the game.
“Afterthreeclosequarters,thegirlsgot a small lead midway through the fourth quarter,” he said.
“Unfortunately, Sunbury were able to take it back and get the win.”
Bryant said it was another strong performancefromBailey,whiledebutant Amber Ross had a good game with a double-double.
On Sunday, the women’s side lost to the Sherbrooke Suns, 81-68.
Bryant said their much younger group showed great resilience keeping in touch but losing out to a far more experienced team.
Glen Orden during pre-season. (Supplied)
Kai Gomes Pattiyage. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 475479_09
