The Sydney Swans VFL side have held off Premiers Werribee Tigers for a thrilling two-point victory at Blacktown International Sports Park this afternoon (Saturday, April 19) to claim their first victory of the season under senior coach Jarrad McVeigh. The red and white started their season with two losses to commence their 2025 campaign, and coming fresh off a bye, Jarrad McVeigh welcomed back AFL-listed Peter Ladhams after three games in the AFL, for immediate impact. Ladhams looked dangerous up front, kicking two crucial goals on either side of the half time break, complimenting strong performances by Matt Lloyd (three goals), Jack Buller (three goals) and Logan McDonald (one goal). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sydney Swans VFL (@swans_reserves) But it was a slow start to the home side that saw the Swans on the backfoot early, with stray kicking in the opening quarter seeing the side trail by 13-points at the first break. While the Tigers were perfect in front of goal in the opening quarter, they were held scoreless in the second term. Sydney on the other hand were impressive with ball in hand, and without, striking back with goals to Buller, a double to Lloyd and goals to Ben Edwards and Ladhams. The latter duo rewarded following strong defensive efforts and pressure acts leading to scoring shots. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sydney Swans VFL (@swans_reserves) The Swans looked to be running away with the game in the third quarter Buller and McDonald extending the lead to six-goals before the premiers began their fight back before a setting major by Jack Kluske saw Sydney hold a 23-point victory heading into the final quarter Extended highlights of the Swans and Tigers clash in round four Werribee continued to show the danger and class in their outfit and a lift in intensity showed signs of the side that saw them lift the trophy last year kicking four goals to the Swans one to start the final term who claimed the VFL Development Squad Player of the Year in 2024 ensured he saw plenty of the footy with 27 disposals while duo Angus Sheldrick (26) and Ben Paton (25) also impressed having played stints in the senior side this season There were chances for the Tigers to reclaim a lead that they hadn't had since midway through the second quarter but costly inaccurate kicking late in the game went on to be crucial for the opposition's chances Enjoy Peter Ladhams' standout VFL performance for Sydney Sydney had just the one scoring involvement in the final quarter which saw the home side hold on for a thrilling two-point victory The Swans will next face the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium April 27 from 9:25am AEST in Round Five of the competition Five Sydney Swans stars have polled votes from the coaches in Derby XXX The importance of connecting with local youth was not lost on Sydney Swans defender Nick Blakey as he reflected on his time as a junior footballer during a visit to his junior club The QBE Foundation hosted its annual Goals for Good event at Sunday’s AFL clash between the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants as we host Round 6 at the SCG on Easter Sunday but Joel Hamling finally kicks his first goal in AFL footy Will Hayward takes a great mark and kicks our fifth consecutive first quarter goal to give the Swans the dream start Corey Warner finishes off a piece of brilliant team build up to extend our lead late in the third quarter the Swans VFL side were unable to overcome the top-of-the-table Giants on Sunday at the SCG The Sydney Swans acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country across all the lands on which we operate and play our great game Elders are the knowledge keepers of our culture and we respectfully acknowledge and pay our respects to the elders past The Werribee RSL is inviting the community to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on Anzac Day Top of the bill will be the dawn service at the Werribee Cenotaph from 6.30-7.30am Secretary Richard Conn said the event serves as a way for veterans to connect and the community to pay homage to the most valiant of diggers “It’s the coming together of the veterans and that social interaction with like-minded people where they can share memories– both good and bad,” he said it’s about remembering those who have made the supreme sacrifice so that we can have the country we have today.” he said veterans can also refer each other to important resources such as case workers For those wanting to get involved in the Anzac Day effort– or contribute across the year– there are a few ways to do so which is open to anyone who wants to help out the RSL is always looking for keen members of the community perform some of the important tasks include sewing poppies and badges which helps raise money for the sub-branch to deliver vital services and veteran care all are invited back to the RSL for a breakfast of egg and bacon rolls with all proceeds supporting veteran welfare you can enjoy a traditional game of two-up between 1-5pm tune in for Collingwood versus Essendon on the big screens Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" which had shown promising early development began exhibiting concerning symptoms including lethargy This prompted an emergency examination under anaesthesia at the zoo’s veterinary hospital on Sunday Despite receiving extensive care including fluid therapy and high-density oral supplements veterinary staff determined there was no chance of recovery and made the difficult decision to euthanise the cub to prevent suffering Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here Werribee Open Range Zoo Director Dr Mark Pilgrim explained the challenges faced by the first-time mother “Although the early signs after birth were encouraging the early life stages of a cub can be quite delicate and present some natural challenges for lionesses First-time mothers can sometimes experience difficulties with lactation while they navigate the demands of motherhood,” he said Zoo staff had monitored the birth and subsequent mother-cub interactions remotely via 24-hour cameras to avoid disturbing the natural bonding process Intervention was considered a last resort due to the high risk of maternal rejection if the cub was separated from Asali A necropsy conducted on Monday confirmed the lack of milk supply was the primary issue Further tests are expected in coming weeks to rule out any other potential causes of death The loss has deeply affected the entire zoo community “This is an extremely sad time for our entire Zoo community Our thoughts are with them and all who cared for this precious cub and especially with our keepers and vets who worked tirelessly to care for the cub,” Dr Pilgrim said The zoo had been carefully monitoring Asali throughout her pregnancy and the early weeks of motherhood Staff had done everything possible to support both mother and cub during this critical period but the natural challenges of first-time motherhood proved insurmountable Werribee Open Range Zoo continues its important conservation work with African lions a vulnerable species facing population decline in the wild due to habitat loss and human conflict Find out more here. This Werribee weatherboard transformed a couple’s life and will help fund their move to Geelong First came the proposal, then came the reno and now Sean and Sarah Cross have turned their Werribee home into a $1.255m payday and are heading for greener pastures near Geelong The couple purchased the 1920s weatherboard for $670,000 in 2020 and spent two years transforming it before selling last weekend for $585,000 more than they paid it was still a bittersweet moment to farewell the home where Sean popped the question to Sarah in RELATED: Melb couple’s plan to turn dome into Airbnb riches Why housing big build could increase pressure on buyers Melb landlords in line for $780 boost “It was right in the thick of Covid lockdowns I had to work with the agent to get access early the day we settled,” Mr Cross said “Sarah thought we were picking up the keys for the first time my sister-in-law helped me sneak in that morning and set everything up she walked into a room all ready for the proposal The restored Victorian facade blends heritage charm with modern elegance after a full-scale renovation Before the transformation: the dated front of the Werribee home prior to renovation works but leaned on family experience and a clear vision and my brother runs a big landscaping and construction business,” he said “I’ve been working with him on the tools since I was about 15 “And Sarah was across all the styling and design Sean and Sarah Cross renovated the home themselves rebuilding the rear and restoring key features The kitchen was overhauled with shaker cabinetry Hockingstuart Werribee agent Samantha McCarthy said the renovation went well beyond cosmetic updates “It wasn’t a full knockdown; think of it as splitting the house down the middle,” Ms McCarthy said that beautiful original facade was preserved with all its period charm ceiling roses and original double-hung timber windows in the front bedrooms even replacing century-old terracotta stormwater pipes The extensively reworked rear of the home has gone from construction site … … to an enviable living zone looking out to a heritage fireplace and garden greenery Ms McCarthy said the result struck a chord with buyers families and downsizers looking for a high-end home with nothing left to do “They obviously saved a bit by doing a lot of the work themselves “The real value came from their attention to detail We see plenty of half-hearted renos across this corridor The couple’s two-year renovation journey added serious value to the Werribee home The home sold for $1.255m after a stylish rebuild that preserved its Victorian character Every detail from the red-brick paving to the lighting and tapware was consistent and quality.” Now with a $585,000 capital gain behind them this time in Inverleigh or the surrounding districts west of Geelong new walls and more the renovation was far beyond cosmetic The decor mixes Hamptons touches with timeless finishes and we’d been told for years that if you’re going to do it do it before kids come along,” Mr Cross said get set up in the next place before that all begins.” The couple haven’t found their next home yet but are already sketching out what their next renovation will look like We’ve got a sense of what we want to do with it,” he said “But if we could’ve picked this house up and moved it to Inverleigh Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: First-home buyers beat families, downsizers to Werribee pad Kim K’s wild $96m to cut last piece of Kanye third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. Footscray has made four changes to its line-up ahead of a Saturday afternoon clash with reigning premier Werribee Caleb Poulter and Jordan Croft also named to face Werribee The ‘Scray recorded an emphatic 126-point win over the Northern Bullants in Round 1 of the Smithy’s VFL season The first bounce will be at 1:05pm AEDT on Saturday at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval The match will be streamed live via afl.com.au/vfl with score updates available via @FootscrayVFL on X (Twitter) and Instagram VFL Round 3: Werribee v FootscraySaturday 5 April 1:05pm AEDTMelbourne Avalon Airport Oval (Werribee) Defender Liam Jones will be sidelined for a number of weeks The Bulldogs have enjoyed another clean sweep of the coaches’ votes Keep your radios dialled into Nova all week to hear from your favourite Bulldogs players A deeper dive into the stats from our win over Port Adelaide The Bulldogs will take an unchanged line-up into Sunday’s clash with Fremantle at Optus Stadium Chris Bell provides an update on Liam Jones and Jordan Croft Lou Stephenson reflects on the day of activity with Fire Rescue Victoria The Magpies and Bulldogs clash in round six Backline coach Daniel Pratt reviews the round 8 victory over Port Adelaide in Ballarat The Western Bulldogs Official App is your one stop shop for all your latest team News Scores and Stats delivered LIVE to your smartphone or tablet train and play on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation We offer our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Western suburbs voters have hammered the Labor government in the Werribee byelection with Premier Jacinta Allan conceding late on Saturday that the result in the heartland seat was too close to call where the Liberals held a narrow lead in a race that will also need to wait until next week to find a winner The Greens took the seat with a 12 per cent margin in 2022 A mishap at the Victorian Electoral Commission’s early voting centre slowed progress on the Werribee result with a leak in the roof delaying counting of pre-poll and postal votes leaving just a third of votes counted as 10pm neared officials had counted almost 75 per cent of the total votes Liberal candidate Steve Murphy had his nose in front with just over 29 per cent of first preference votes while Labor’s John Lister had more than 28 per cent Independent candidate Paul Hopper had almost 15 per cent Lister had a slender lead with just over 50 per cent at 11.30pm If the pattern of the count so far is indicative of what’s to come voters have abandoned Labor in greater numbers than at any byelection since the Andrews government came to power a decade ago Allan late on Saturday warned that the byelection remained tight and would likely go down to the wire with almost two-thirds of the total vote counted by 11pm Greens candidate Angelica Di Camillo and Liberal candidate Rachel Westaway were locked at 36 per cent of the primary vote Almost 13 per cent voted for independent Tony Lupton Westaway was ahead on a two-party preferred basis with almost 52 per cent Greens leader Ellen Sandell said the result was “on a knife’s edge” She urged the parties’ volunteers to sign up to scrutineer when counting resumes on Monday morning “We need to make sure every vote for Angelica counts,” she said Victoria’s political leaders had earlier staked out the political contest beyond Saturday’s byelections with Allan promising to do more to ease the financial pressures on families while Opposition Leader Brad Battin vowed to continue the battle for Melbourne’s west Battin said erasing Labor’s margin in Werribee was a “massive massive ask” for Liberal candidate Murphy and regardless of the result his party would continue to work to break Labor’s stranglehold on Melbourne’s western suburbs you’ve been neglected for too long and we’ll be here for you,” he said There are 11 state electorates covering Melbourne’s west Allan made her final pitch to Werribee voters at a Wyndham Vale primary school with Labor’s candidate Lister She acknowledged that families were “doing it really really tough” and promised to do more to ease pressure on household budgets “I am particularly focused on those working families who need a Labor government championing for them after greeting Labor volunteers at Saturday night’s election party at the Werribee Centrals Cricket Club “We need to keep focused on our western suburbs and our northern suburbs and keep focusing on the people we were elected to represent; hard working Victorians that are aspirational want the best for their kids and want to get home so they can spend time with their families,” he said What we do know is we have more work to do I always knew this was always going to be a very tough byelection.” a nominally safe seat held two years ago by former treasurer Tim Pallas with a margin of nearly 11 per cent was fought on the central issues of transport infrastructure at a time when support for the Allan government has crashed to a historic low Allan addressed party supporters just after 10pm at the Werribee Centrals Cricket Club and was humble in the face of a stinging voter backlash voters echoed the key concerns that had framed the campaign “Living standards are getting worse,” said Kamaljit Kaur who cast her vote at the Iramoo Primary School in Wyndham Vale a growth suburb on the western edge of the city’s urban growth boundary “Crime is also getting worse – out of control.” the flow of preferences will determine the outcome in the seat with both Greens and Liberals describing the counting as very tight Greens MP Katherine Copsey said it looked like the result in Prahran would be a close call “It might come down to preferences,” she told supporters at the party’s function before congratulating the party on being “people powered” The Prahran byelection was prompted by the resignation of Greens MP Sam Hibbins after he had an affair with a staffer Westaway said there was a “real feeling of change” The Greens have held the seat for 10 years and entered the byelection campaign with a 12 per cent margin Labor chose not to field a candidate in Prahran but former Labor MP turned independent Lupton has campaigned aggressively against the Greens which he describes as an “extremist party” that has fostered antisemitism His presence in the race and decision to preference the Liberals has boosted the chances of the inner-Melbourne seat changing hands with a complex flow of preferences expected to decide the result Liberal Party supporters gathered at the Prahran Hotel on High Street were hopeful but realistic about Westaway’s chances of flipping the seat Battin arrived with the Liberal candidate at 9.30pm to chants of “Rachel “We are here and we are ready to step up and represent the community,” he said Battin said voters had shown they had had enough but acknowledged there was a long way to go in the count Westaway said she was deeply humbled and excited to see the results a senior member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal She campaigned on Saturday next to John Pesutto the Liberal leader ousted late last year in a party room coup after the Federal Court found he defamed one of his own MPs Greens candidate and environmental engineer Di Camillo was fighting to hold on for the minor party Greens volunteers followed the count at the Local Taphouse Tensions had been high at Prahran polling places amid an anti-Greens campaign backed by right-wing lobby group Advance Independent Buzz Billman pulled his volunteers off booths on Saturday Advance rejected this and said the only bad behaviour was from the Greens The Victorian Electoral Commission confirmed one formal complaint had been made in Prahran The electoral commission separately received a complaint from the Greens alleging Advance may have used federal donations to campaign against the Greens in the state byelection The VEC separately sought an injunction against Advance in the Supreme Court over political signs repeatedly placed within 100 metres of early polling booths The action was discontinued when Advance provided an undertaking it would remind its volunteers against it but Advance claimed the action was heavy-handed and “a politically motivated attack” Saturday’s byelections were the first chance for voters to have their say following the Liberal Party’s change of leaders in December after Battin successfully challenged John Pesutto who were anticipating a big swing against them in Werribee will analyse the results with an eye to next November’s state election and Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Western suburbs voters have hammered the Labor government in the Werribee byelection, with Premier Jacinta Allan conceding late on Saturday that the result in the heartland seat was too close to call. The Greens, meanwhile, faced a serious challenge in Prahran, where the Liberals held a narrow lead in a race that will also need to wait until next week to find a winner. The Greens took the seat with a 12 per cent margin in 2022. A mishap at the Victorian Electoral Commission\\u2019s early voting centre slowed progress on the Werribee result, with a leak in the roof delaying counting of pre-poll and postal votes, leaving just a third of votes counted as 10pm neared. By 11pm, officials had counted almost 75 per cent of the total votes. Liberal candidate Steve Murphy had his nose in front with just over 29 per cent of first preference votes, while Labor\\u2019s John Lister had more than 28 per cent. Independent candidate Paul Hopper had almost 15 per cent. On a two-candidate preferred basis, Lister had a slender lead with just over 50 per cent at 11.30pm. If the pattern of the count so far is indicative of what\\u2019s to come, voters have abandoned Labor in greater numbers than at any byelection since the Andrews government came to power a decade ago. Allan late on Saturday warned that the byelection remained tight and would likely go down to the wire. \\u201CTonight it is very tight. It is too close to call,\\u201D she said. In Prahran, with almost two-thirds of the total vote counted by 11pm, Greens candidate Angelica Di Camillo and Liberal candidate Rachel Westaway were locked at 36 per cent of the primary vote. Almost 13 per cent voted for independent Tony Lupton. At the latest update, Westaway was ahead on a two-party preferred basis with almost 52 per cent. Late on Saturday, Greens leader Ellen Sandell said the result was \\u201Con a knife\\u2019s edge\\u201D. She urged the parties\\u2019 volunteers to sign up to scrutineer when counting resumes on Monday morning. \\u201CWe need to make sure every vote for Angelica counts,\\u201D she said. Victoria\\u2019s political leaders had earlier staked out the political contest beyond Saturday\\u2019s byelections, with Allan promising to do more to ease the financial pressures on families while Opposition Leader Brad Battin vowed to continue the battle for Melbourne\\u2019s west. Speaking before counting began, Battin said erasing Labor\\u2019s margin in Werribee was a \\u201Cmassive, massive ask\\u201D for Liberal candidate Murphy and regardless of the result, his party would continue to work to break Labor\\u2019s stranglehold on Melbourne\\u2019s western suburbs. \\u201CAll of these seats throughout the west, you\\u2019ve been neglected for too long and we\\u2019ll be here for you,\\u201D he said. There are 11 state electorates covering Melbourne\\u2019s west. All are held by Labor. Allan made her final pitch to Werribee voters at a Wyndham Vale primary school with Labor\\u2019s candidate Lister, a local teacher. She acknowledged that families were \\u201Cdoing it really, really tough\\u201D and promised to do more to ease pressure on household budgets. \\u201CI am particularly focused on those working families, those working people, who need a Labor government championing for them, working hard for them, fighting for them,\\u201D she said. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, after greeting Labor volunteers at Saturday night\\u2019s election party at the Werribee Centrals Cricket Club, said Allan retained his full support. \\u201CWe need to keep focused on our western suburbs and our northern suburbs and keep focusing on the people we were elected to represent; hard working Victorians that are aspirational, want the best for their kids and want to get home so they can spend time with their families,\\u201D he said. \\u201CByelections are always difficult. We always knew that. What we do know is we have more work to do. I always knew this was always going to be a very tough byelection.\\u201D The byelection in Werribee, a nominally safe seat held two years ago by former treasurer Tim Pallas with a margin of nearly 11 per cent, was fought on the central issues of transport infrastructure, cost of living and crime, at a time when support for the Allan government has crashed to a historic low. Allan addressed party supporters just after 10pm at the Werribee Centrals Cricket Club and was humble in the face of a stinging voter backlash. \\u201CI am listening, my government is listening,\\u201D she said. \\u201CWhatever the result tonight, we must remember what we are fighting for, who we are fighting for.\\u201D At the polling booths, voters echoed the key concerns that had framed the campaign. \\u201CLiving standards are getting worse,\\u201D said Kamaljit Kaur, who cast her vote at the Iramoo Primary School in Wyndham Vale, a growth suburb on the western edge of the city\\u2019s urban growth boundary. \\u201CCrime is also getting worse \\u2013 out of control.\\u201D In Prahran, the flow of preferences will determine the outcome in the seat, with both Greens and Liberals describing the counting as very tight. Greens MP Katherine Copsey said it looked like the result in Prahran would be a close call. \\u201CIt might come down to preferences,\\u201D she told supporters at the party\\u2019s function, before congratulating the party on being \\u201Cpeople powered\\u201D. The Prahran byelection was prompted by the resignation of Greens MP Sam Hibbins after he had an affair with a staffer. Westaway said there was a \\u201Creal feeling of change\\u201D. The Greens have held the seat for 10 years and entered the byelection campaign with a 12 per cent margin. Labor chose not to field a candidate in Prahran but former Labor MP turned independent Lupton has campaigned aggressively against the Greens, which he describes as an \\u201Cextremist party\\u201D that has fostered antisemitism. His presence in the race and decision to preference the Liberals has boosted the chances of the inner-Melbourne seat changing hands. It also complicated the vote count, with a complex flow of preferences expected to decide the result. Liberal Party supporters gathered at the Prahran Hotel on High Street, Windsor, were hopeful but realistic about Westaway\\u2019s chances of flipping the seat. Battin arrived with the Liberal candidate at 9.30pm to chants of \\u201CRachel, Rachel, Rachel\\u201D and he thanked the \\u201Csea of blue\\u201D. \\u201CWe are here and we are ready to step up and represent the community,\\u201D he said. Battin said voters had shown they had had enough, but acknowledged there was a long way to go in the count. Westaway said she was deeply humbled and excited to see the results, acknowledging it would be a close one. \\u201CThe Liberal Party is blossoming. We are there to represent you.\\u201D The 55-year-old mother of three was, until recently, a senior member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. She campaigned on Saturday next to John Pesutto, the Liberal leader ousted late last year in a party room coup after the Federal Court found he defamed one of his own MPs, Moira Deeming. Greens candidate and environmental engineer Di Camillo, 26, was fighting to hold on for the minor party. Greens volunteers followed the count at the Local Taphouse, nervously awaiting results. Tensions had been high at Prahran polling places amid an anti-Greens campaign backed by right-wing lobby group Advance. Independent Buzz Billman pulled his volunteers off booths on Saturday, alleging aggressive behaviour from them. Advance rejected this and said the only bad behaviour was from the Greens. The Victorian Electoral Commission confirmed one formal complaint had been made in Prahran. The electoral commission separately received a complaint from the Greens, alleging Advance may have used federal donations to campaign against the Greens in the state byelection. Advance disputes this. The VEC separately sought an injunction against Advance in the Supreme Court over political signs repeatedly placed within 100 metres of early polling booths. The action was discontinued when Advance provided an undertaking it would remind its volunteers against it, but Advance claimed the action was heavy-handed and \\u201Ca politically motivated attack\\u201D. Saturday\\u2019s byelections were the first chance for voters to have their say following the Liberal Party\\u2019s change of leaders in December after Battin successfully challenged John Pesutto. Labor strategists, who were anticipating a big swing against them in Werribee, will analyse the results with an eye to next November\\u2019s state election and, more immediately, this year\\u2019s federal poll. Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. . CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) The Sydney Swans VFL side to face the Werribee Tigers at Blacktown on Saturday afternoon has been named WATCH LIVE HERE Sydney VFL Coach Jarrad McVeigh will welcome back AFL-listed player Peter Ladams Defender Aaron Francis comes out of the side after being named in the AFL side to play Port Adelaide on Easter Sunday while VFL-listed players Byron Laws and Angus Hanrahan have been omitted Tall Logan McDonald has been named in the forward line for his second game of the season as he continues to work his way back from off-season ankle surgery VFL-listed player Oscar Davis has been named for his second game this season after he impressed against North Melbourne in Round 3 and it's pleasing to see him get a good run in our midfield and hopefully The Swans will be searching for their first VFL win this season after losses to Collingwood and North Melbourne Werribee are coming off the back of a four point loss against Footscray last Saturday VFL Round 4Sydney Swans v Werribee Lions - Blacktown International Sports Precinct 12:05pm All matches in the 2025 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW seasons will again be live streamed free via the AFL website all VFL and VFLW matches will feature commentary this season The Seven Network will continue to broadcast one Smithy’s VFL game live and free on Channel 7 in Victoria and on 7Plus nationally most weeks of the season $5 for concession holders and kids under 15 are free Some venues don't charge for entry including Tramway Oval AFL ticketing prices apply for VFL matches played as curtain-raisers and curtain-closers to AFL matches Live scoring and stats for all Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW matches will be available via the match centre on the AFL website The QBE Sydney Swans Academy U16 team have copped off a stellar season by being crowned 2025 Marsh AFL National Development Champions for Pool B The supreme sacrifice of Austalians during times of war was not forgotten in Werribee as thousands gathered before dawn to commemorate Anzac Day Tributes were paid and wreaths laid around the cenotaph as people of all ages and backgrounds honoured the men and women who have served Australia In addition to the many veterans and volunteers from the Werribee RSL younger members of the community continued to bear the torch of remembrance Student leaders from Thomas Carr College shared their personal connections to the day and what the event has come to symbolise for their cohort and generation there was still a connection to the Gallipoli landings – the very event which the date April 25 commemorates The Werribee Half Battery is a living history group which has brought the original Werribee Half Battery back to life The original Werribee Half Battery was part of Victorian Horse Artillery raised in 1889 honoured the legacy of the original Werribee Half Battery “The commander of the Victorian Horse Artillery was Major [Frederic] Hughes who went on to become a major general and he actually commanded the Light Horse at the charge at the Nek,” Major Sterling said Emphasising that Anzac Day is not a glorification of war Major Sterling said that Australians should not take the battle for freedom and political rights for granted “The freedoms we have here are something that I think so many people take for granted and we had to fight for that in multiple wars “There are a lot of threats in the world today and we just need to be aware of them.” For Battery Sergeant Major Nathan Jackson the magic of the day is the Anzac spirit itself “There are still many people who care about what the Anzac spirit means so getting people like the veterans who are here all the way down to the young school children and the scouts is great “Hearing all of them talk and getting to be a part of it is a great thing to do I have been doing dawn services here since 2015 and it just seems like every year it’s a bigger crowd.” Drive 50 minutes west of Melbourne CBD and have some fun on the ice at this fully enclosed pop-up rink in Werribee And for those living in Melbourne’s west there will also be a pop-up ice skating rink in Werribee for the very first time The pop-up ice skating rink will take over the Wyndham Cultural Centre Car Park from Friday July 4 to Sunday July 13 This new experience will run during the school holidays and will be held in place of the annual Winter Street Party so it will be suitable for all kinds of weather This family-friendly activity will be great for everyone Skate hire and learn to skate equipment will be included with each ticket cafes and other businesses,” said Wyndham City Mayor Cr Mia Shaw you can look forward to themed skating sessions DJ tunes and winter food from local traders More details about the program will be announced closer to the event the pop-up will kick off with an Opening Night on Friday July 4 $10 for adults and $25 for a family of two adults and two children Full funding has been announced for the Werribee Main Road and Princes Freeway Interchange Upgrade in a huge boost for travel through Melbourne’s booming west Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and federal Infrastructure Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King visited Werribee on Thursday 23 January to announce a joint funding arrangement The governments will invest up to $333.5 million to deliver the interchange project and the nearby Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade with Major Road Projects Victoria to deliver both The Werribee Main Road – Princes Freeway Interchange Upgrade will add traffic lights at key intersections a new roundabout at the Princes Freeway exit ramp to Wests Road  a new lane to the Werribee Main Road bridge and build an improved city-bound entry ramp The improvements at the interchange are expected to cut peak travel times by over 10 minutes every day These improvements will increase capacity while reducing bottlenecks and dangerous queuing in peak periods making it safer and easier for the 10,000 motorists who use the interchange daily The project will build on the benefits of the Ison Road Overpass and Extension the 3 projects will make travel in and around Werribee’s town centre easier and safer Planning work is continuing as the interchange upgrade moves toward construction Key activities include refining the upgrade’s design site investigations to identify underground utilities Construction timelines will be known once planning has progressed further The Werribee byelection result won’t be known until Friday with Labor’s hold on the western suburbs seat to be decided by 4111 postal votes issued by the Victorian Electoral Commission but which have not yet been returned The cliffhanger count in a seat the Liberal Party has not held for 46 years has upended the established order of Victorian politics and delivered a potent message to the Allan government which has promised to do more to ease cost-of-living pressures provide better roads and address growing concerns about crime Premier Jacinta Allan on Sunday after a big swing against Labor at the Werribee byelection.Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Strategists from both major parties expect that if the outstanding postal votes follow the pattern of those already counted Labor’s John Lister will retain his narrow lead from Liberal candidate Steve Murphy the Liberals declared victory in the Prahran byelection where former Administrative Appeals Tribunal member Rachel Westaway clinched the seat from the Greens and provided an early boost to her newly elected party leader A VEC spokeswoman confirmed that postal votes for Werribee would keep coming until 6pm on Friday early votes and postal votes already returned were counted by 12.45am on Sunday The remaining postal votes will be counted on Friday The delay to the result will frustrate both major parties which have each raised concerns about the VEC’s conduct of the Werribee byelection A VEC spokesperson defended the slow count “We always prioritise accuracy over speed when counting votes for an election to ensure an election result is trusted and stands up to scrutiny.” Rachel Westaway and Victorian Liberal leader Brad Battin outside the Prahran market on Sunday.Credit: Penny Stephens Labor’s primary vote in the electorate – vacated by former treasurer Tim Pallas – collapsed by almost 17 per cent leaving Lister with just 28.7 per cent of the vote a real estate agent who moved out of the electorate five years ago narrowly out-polled Labor on primary votes This is the largest byelection swing recorded against Labor since former premier Daniel Andrews rose to power 10 years ago Labor suffered a 10.8 per cent primary swing which preceded the fall of the Brumby government in 2010 At the close of counting on Sunday morning Lister held a lead of just 441 votes after the distribution of preferences Postal votes counted so far are running slightly in Murphy’s favour but neither party believes there are enough votes outstanding to bridge the gap Premier Jacinta Allan greeted media the morning after the byelection in her normal Sunday dress – a hard hat Standing outside one of the newly constructed stations for the Metro Tunnel project Allan said she never took a seat for granted and acknowledged there was more to do to support “working people and families” Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell hoped to win back Prahran in 2026.Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui “And that’s certainly … a message that we have heard from the Werribee community,” Allan said “The community is sending a message to government and MPs everywhere: ‘You’ve got to do more to listen to us While the Liberal Party came close to scaling Labor’s red wall in Werribee its primary vote lifted by only 4 per cent suggesting voters deserting Labor were unwilling to embrace the Liberals It is also evidence of a further fracturing of the two-party system The notion of Labor’s primary vote falling below 30 per cent in a western-suburbs seat was once unthinkable Battin said the result that mattered was the two-party preferred but took responsibility for the Liberals failing to make bigger gains on its primary support “There is a message for us as well,” he said “It is time for us to put forward our policies to be the alternative government The opposition leader also offered a blunt message for his party room, which will expand to 32 members after the win in Prahran we’ve got to pick the right candidates now and I actually think then people will come along and understand we are a genuine alternative.” Battin was exuberant after his party pulled off double-digit swings in two-party preferred terms in both Prahran and Werribee the Coalition still requires an additional 16 seats at the November 2026 election to form government congratulated Westaway on Sunday and conceded defeat in the tense contest Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell said the minor party was in a strong position to win Prahran back in 2026 It is still trying to win back Northcote from Labor and would have preferred to be turning its attention to seats like Footscray and Albert Park at the next state election Both major parties were pushing for a review into the Victorian Electoral Commission’s conduct in the Werribee byelection after confusion over ballots delayed counting and a collapsed roof contributed to a shambolic tally night It came after the VEC ordered one of its own election officials to leave a polling place earlier in the day after the official was reportedly heard telling people to vote Liberal The Greens separately flagged concerns about the low voter turnout which it attributed to the lack of absentee voting in byelections The VEC has been monitoring low voter turnouts at Victorian elections Votes from only 64.29 registered voters have so far been counted in Prahran compared with 82.7 per cent at the last state election the current turnout figure is 75.22 per cent Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter The Werribee byelection result won\\u2019t be known until Friday with Labor\\u2019s hold on the western suburbs seat to be decided by 4111 postal votes issued by the Victorian Electoral Commission but which have not yet been returned Labor\\u2019s John Lister will retain his narrow lead from Liberal candidate Steve Murphy which have each raised concerns about the VEC\\u2019s conduct of the Werribee byelection \\u201CWe always prioritise accuracy over speed when counting votes for an election to ensure an election result is trusted and stands up to scrutiny.\\u201D Labor\\u2019s primary vote in the electorate \\u2013 vacated by former treasurer Tim Pallas \\u2013 collapsed by almost 17 per cent Postal votes counted so far are running slightly in Murphy\\u2019s favour Premier Jacinta Allan greeted media the morning after the byelection in her normal Sunday dress \\u2013 a hard hat Allan said she never took a seat for granted and acknowledged there was more to do to support \\u201Cworking people and families\\u201D \\u201CAnd that\\u2019s certainly \\u2026 a message that we have heard from the Werribee community,\\u201D Allan said \\u201CThe community is sending a message to government and MPs everywhere: \\u2018You\\u2019ve got to do more to listen to us You\\u2019ve got to do more to help us\\u2019.\\u201D While the Liberal Party came close to scaling Labor\\u2019s red wall in Werribee The notion of Labor\\u2019s primary vote falling below 30 per cent in a western-suburbs seat was once unthinkable \\u201CThere is a message for us as well,\\u201D he said \\u201CIt is time for us to put forward our policies to be the alternative government The opposition leader also offered a blunt message for his party room which will expand to 32 members after the we\\u2019ve got to pick the right candidates now and I actually think then people will come along and understand we are a genuine alternative.\\u201D Both major parties were pushing for a \\u2019s conduct in the Werribee byelection after confusion over ballots Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories A last-minute bidder shocked the crowd at a Werribee auction securing this family home well above reserve in a fiercely contested sale A surprise bidder made a last-minute decision to jump into the auction at 1 Carbon Court, Werribee — walking away with the keys after the four-bedroom home sold for $517,000 The sale price was within the $500,000 –$550,000 price guide and the unexpected move capped off the auction with two active buyers on the ground YPA Wyndham City’s Kiarah Bagnato said the winning buyer hadn’t originally planned to bid RELATED: Sight unseen: Sydney buyers outmuscling locals in Melb’s west Ex-Presentation College site for sale after 2019 closure First homebuyers stuns investors in wild Frankston auction and ended up securing the property,” Ms Bagnato said which made for a really exciting auction.” Bidding opened at $480,000 before climbing up to $505,000 This updated brick home in Werribee’s older pocket drew strong interest with its generous 590sq m block and prime location near transport and shops Light-filled living meets modern updates — timber floors and a renovated kitchen made this home a standout for buyers at auction A stylish kitchen upgrade with timber benchtops and black fixtures added major appeal for buyers looking for a move-in-ready home The two bidders slowly made their way up to the eventual selling price of $517,000 Ms Bagnato said this reflected strong interest from both investors and first-home buyers in Werribee’s established market as the former in particular have begun to drive sales in recent weeks and first-home buyers are right there alongside them,” she said which can sometimes make buyers a little hesitant the home’s four bedrooms — including a separate bungalow — offered versatility for families and investors alike The winning bidder hadn’t planned to buy — until they saw this Werribee home and jumped in at auction less than a kilometre from Werribee Station and Watton St’s shopping precinct and a separate bungalow with a second bathroom Ms Bagnato said the buyer was an investor who planned to rent the home out immediately expecting a baby “any day now” and needed to sell the home The YPA Wyndham city agent said Werribee’s affordability and investment potential is in focus from buyers and competition for homes in the area remains strong A separate bungalow with its own bedroom and bathroom was a key drawcard offering rental potential or space for extended family The home’s generous backyard and quiet court location added to its appeal making it ideal for families or those looking to add value MORE: RCA: Melb Seamen’s sanctuary turned to beachfront gold Albo’s new housing ban just ‘dog whistling’ $50-a-night to $6m: Insane caravan park glow-up Café Philosophique is coming back to Werribee in May and this time will be challenging our preconceived notions of sight and perception Produced by The Little Theatre Company (LTC) and tracing its inspiration from a Parisienne intellectual tradition Café Philosophique is about exploring the hidden forces shaping our lives LTC producer Jess Fairfax said the event provides a space for people in the outer west to come together with others they may not usually encounter to have conversations that push us to see things in a new way “I think it’s important to have opportunities to question elements of our lives that have a great impact on us “Our event is also about bringing the arts into our everyday lives through creating a space where we can be reflective and creative A performance from magician and illusionist Dazzling Dan and poetry from Tariro Mavondo will help set the atmosphere for prompted creative and reflective writing Ms Fairfax said the monthly fixture has made a great return “We’ve had sound baths and silent sound walks been privy to beautiful musical performances had many aha-moments and wonderful conversations.” “It’s a space for creativity and connection something our busy lives often don’t afford us the time for.” To bridge the gap between the known and unknown make your way to The Bridge Hotel in Werribee on Wednesday Tickets: events.humanitix.com/cafe-philosophique-sight-and-perception there’s deep interest in two Victorian state by-elections being held today The first is in the inner-city seat of Prahran vacant following the resignation of former Greens MLA Sam Hibbins it is expected that the Greens will retain the seat There is greater interest in the Werribee by-election caused by the departure of former state Treasurer Tim Pallas It’s in Melbourne’s outer south-west suburbs an area where government services and capital works expenditure has been lagging rapid population growth That recent elections have seen marginal seats in outer south-east Melbourne attract greater promises than Labor’s safe western Melbourne seats has not gone without notice I won’t be doing any commentary here This post is simply a pointer to my by-election coverage page This post is to re-direct with the huge spike in visitors this site receives via Google on any night when there is an election I will be running a live results update service and providing commentary on the ABC’s elections site You can find Prahran results here. And the Werribee results here. And there is a commentary page where I will add comments on both results. You can navigate between the results pages and access the pages of background material on the contests that has been available on the site for several weeks.Read More »Live Coverage of the Prahran and Werribee By-elections Neve | Powered by WordPress A fatal car crash occurred in Werribee on Friday 18th of April The incident took place on Sneydes Road around 11:20 a.m. when the car hit a lamp post before colliding with a parked vehicle Two male passengers were also involved in the crash They were rushed to the hospital with injuries The authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident The police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or has any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. Those with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000, or to submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au North Melbourne and Werribee have announced a new partnership across their VFLW and Next Generation Academy (NGA) programs Continue below to read the statement issued by both clubs: North Melbourne is pleased to partner with the Werribee Football Club across its VFLW and Next Generation Academy (NGA) programs The three-year partnership will see North Melbourne’s VFLW team named the North Melbourne Werribee Kangaroos and play up to four games each season at Werribee’s home of Avalon Airport Oval Werribee will also expand its support for the delivery of North Melbourne’s NGA program in the City of Wyndham designed to identify and develop young multicultural and Indigenous footballers from the region North Melbourne general manager of women’s football Erin Lorenzini said the partnership was an opportunity to invest further in the game in the Wyndham region "This new partnership with the Werribee Football Club builds on North Melbourne’s long-standing connection to the City of Wyndham and is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen both the game’s presence in the region and our women’s football and talent pathway programs,” Lorenzini said "Our VFLW team will continue to train and play games at North Melbourne’s home of Arden Street Oval but will now have access to Werribee’s state-of-the-art facilities at Avalon Airport Oval "Werribee is an important hub in the City of Wyndham and we look forward to working with them to introduce more people to football and grow the pipeline of talent in the region." Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna said the partnership would support greater local participation in women’s football "This partnership will provide enormous opportunities for local female players to take that important and challenging step to the elite level and enables our club to begin our journey into women’s football,” Penaluna said "The ongoing relationship we have with North Melbourne has been beneficial to both clubs and this venture is a natural progression for both "We believe this model is the best outcome for growing the female game in Wyndham for current and future players plus others wishing to get involved in women’s football.” North Melbourne’s connection to the City of Wyndham spans more than 16 years The club’s VFL program was affiliated with the Werribee Football Club from 2008 – 2017 operating out of its satellite office at Avalon Airport Oval has delivered programs to more than 50,000 children and young people across the region since 2016 to strengthen their education and employment outcomes through the power of sport members of North Melbourne’s AFL team visited schools and hosted a clinic in the region as part of the AFL’s annual Community Camp program The North Melbourne Werribee Kangaroos - the reigning VFLW premiers - will kick off their 2025 campaign on Friday April 18 against Carlton at Arden Street Oval Gold Coast Academy’s Usher on her ACL injury rehab battles and best friend Havana Harris incredible misses and more in our look back on the April action of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership season Three-time premiership coach Mick Malthouse gives host Bharat Sundaresan the rundown on how Australian football began and how it became such a significant part of Australian culture With a challenging month of away clashes ahead Fremantle needs to find a way to win on the road if it's to seriously contend in 2025 One of footy's famous rivalries will kick off the AFLW season to mark the 10th season of the competition Check out all the action from the state leagues around the country Damian Barrett and Matthew Lloyd with the latest news and opinions from Round 8 Luke Beveridge concedes his star forward my not play in the near future Footy Feed: Sarah Olle and Riley Beveridge with the latest news Check out the Rising Star for AFL’s Round 8 Will a hard tag from Jack Viney be the reason Harley Reid leaves the Eagles Vote now on your favourite marks from Round 8 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season The Match Review findings for Sunday's round eight games are in In the spirit of reconciliation the AFL acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today Thanks for reading our coverage of the Werribee and Prahran byelections both seats are too close to call and counting is expected to continue on Monday morning but we’ll bring you the latest updates and reactions on Sunday Labor holds a slender lead on a two party preferred basis with candidate John Lister at just over 50 per cent at 11.30pm But pre-poll votes are yet to be counted in the seat that Labor has held since 1979 it’s going down to the wire,” Premier Jacinta Allan told supporters on Saturday night the Liberal Party has edged in front on a two candidate preferred basis Liberal candidate Rachel Westaway has more than 51 per cent of the two party preferred vote with about two-thirds of the ballots counted The VEC just issued an 11pm update on the count in Werribee Lister was leading with almost 53 per cent There was no change to the Prahran numbers where Greens candidate Angelica Di Camillo and Liberal candidate Rachel Westaway locked at 36 per cent of the primary vote Westaway was ahead on a two party preferred basis with almost 52 per cent Almost 13 per cent have voted for independent Tony Lupton This has been a humbling night for the Victorian Labor Party Premier Jacinta Allan and her government expected Werribee to send them a message but their ears will be fairly ringing for weeks and months to come Jacinta Allan arriving at Labor’s election night bash The size of the final swing against Labor is not yet known can hang onto a seat that hasn’t been in Liberal hands since 1979 But if the pattern of the votes counted so far is indicative of what’s to come voters have abandoned Labor in greater numbers than at any byelection since the Andrews government came to power 10 years ago if they end up losing the seat on preferences is that not enough of these same voters bought what they are selling Her remarks suggest that Allan and the Victorian Labor Party understand this is more than a customary byelection touch-up in a long held Neither Werribee nor her government are safe now Yet-to-be counted pre-poll votes could benefit the Liberal Party in Werribee as Labor sits slightly ahead after more than half the votes have been counted the Labor Party could probably get over the line which normally don’t favour the Labor Party,” Green told ABC News “And that’s why I think the premier is not prepared to call the result They [Labor] may have seen scrutineers’ figures Green also said Prahran was coming down to the wire with the Liberal Party in a slightly stronger position “Prahran looks like the Liberals have a reasonable chance of picking it up,” said the election specialist but they’re not ahead by far enough to be able to call it The Liberals are ahead in Prahran and it’s probably Labor ahead slightly in Werribee but we’re really not sure because we haven’t seen the pre-poll vote counts.” The vote count in Werribee is still too close to call tonight though Labor might be breathing just a little easier with slightly more than half of the vote counted The Victorian Liberals have wrapped up proceedings at their gathering for the party faithful at Wolf on Watton a bar overlooking a beautiful bend in the Werribee River Deputy leader Sam Groth told the room Labor had suffered a strong swing in Werribee and the Liberals were still a chance to gain the seat for the first time since the 1970s “We know there’s huge amounts of pre-poll numbers [to be counted] the swing that we’ve seen away from the government tonight we will see a change in government in Victoria.” Labor has edged slightly further ahead with 51 per cent of the votes counted John Lister has 52.72 per cent of two-party preferred votes; Steve Murphy has 47.28 per cent Groth conceded that the Liberals had disregarded the west in the past and said the party needed to work hard to demonstrate to voters in the west that they care if they are to win government at the next state election “The west is somewhere that we haven’t spent a lot of time as a party and haven’t put a lot of effort into over a period of time to come out and show that we really care about people in western Melbourne … you have our commitment that we are 100 per cent going to be back here “We know that the west is part of our path to government in 2026.” Werribee candidate John Lister also took to the stage to praise the community bonds he’s discovered after knocking on thousands of doors But this might be longer than we expected,” Lister said and Labor candidate for Werribee John Lister “This was never going to be an easy election and I was never going to take it for granted “The community has grown a lot in the last 10 years What we cannot forget is that these communities out here rely on Labor governments – strong reforming Labor governments – governments who deliver for them “While we’ve made a lot of progress out here it’s clear that the community wants and needs more That’s the message that they’ve sent tonight.” Premier Jacinta Allan has taken to the stage at Labor’s byelection function in Werribee referring to the fact that there is no result as of 10pm The premier added that byelections are a tough ask for any government and an opportunity for communities to “tell us how we’re feeling” A mishap at the Victorian Electoral Commission’s early voting centre has left the Werribee byelection too close to call A leak in the roof has delayed counting of pre-poll and postal votes leaving just one third of votes counted by 10pm Premier Jacinta Allan warned that the byelection remained tight and would likely go down to the wire Greens MP Ellen Sandell has called on Greens volunteers to sign up to scrutineer on Monday morning “We need to make sure every vote for Angelica [Di Camillo] counts,” Sandell said “Prahran is always a really tightly held race We need to make sure that here in Prahran that every single person who casts their vote is counted.” Di Camillo said there needed to be more voices outside the major parties and “nothing changes if nothing changes” “Right now we are seeing a lot of disenfranchisement from young people but all you have to do is lookout into the crowd and see … young people will get involved if they are fighting for the issues they care about “I have so much pride and gratitude for all of you We have won Prahran on a knife’s edge before and we can do it again.” The Liberal Party has just edged ahead ever so slightly in Prahran this seat will be go down to preferences and both the Liberals and the Greens are expecting this one to be very tight was now ahead on a two-party preferred basis at 50.84 per cent over the Greens candidate Angelica Di Camillo This could keep changing as more votes are counted Both the frontrunners have a primary vote of about 36 per cent This is where we\\u2019ll leave it for tonight but we\\u2019ll bring you the latest updates and reactions on Sunday it\\u2019s going down to the wire,\\u201D Premier Jacinta Allan told supporters on Saturday night while Labor\\u2019s John Lister had more than 28 per cent can hang onto a seat that hasn\\u2019t been in Liberal hands since 1979 But if the pattern of the votes counted so far is indicative of what\\u2019s to come my government is listening,\\u201D she said if it\\u2019s just on the polling day votes which normally don\\u2019t favour the Labor Party,\\u201D Green told ABC News \\u201CAnd that\\u2019s why I think the premier is not prepared to call the result They [Labor] may have seen scrutineers\\u2019 figures \\u201CPrahran looks like the Liberals have a reasonable chance of picking it up,\\u201D said the election specialist but they\\u2019re not ahead by far enough to be able to call it The Liberals are ahead in Prahran and it\\u2019s probably Labor ahead slightly in Werribee but we\\u2019re really not sure because we haven\\u2019t seen the pre-poll vote counts.\\u201D \\u201CWe haven\\u2019t given up tonight,\\u201D Groth said \\u201CWe know there\\u2019s huge amounts of pre-poll numbers [to be counted] \\u201CThe swing that we\\u2019ve seen though the swing that we\\u2019ve seen away from the government tonight if we replicate that in 21 months\\u2019 time we will see a change in government in Victoria.\\u201D \\u201CThe west is somewhere that we haven\\u2019t spent a lot of time as a party and haven\\u2019t put a lot of effort into over a period of time to come out and show that we really care about people in western Melbourne \\u2026 you have our commitment that we are 100 per cent going to be back here \\u201CWe know that the west is part of our path to government in 2026.\\u201D Werribee candidate John Lister also took to the stage to praise the community bonds he\\u2019s discovered after knocking on thousands of doors \\u201CWe knew it was going to be a close count But this might be longer than we expected,\\u201D Lister said \\u201CThis was never going to be an easy election \\u201CThe community has grown a lot in the last 10 years What we cannot forget is that these communities out here rely on Labor governments \\u2013 strong reforming Labor governments \\u2013 governments who deliver for them \\u201CWhile we\\u2019ve made a lot of progress out here it\\u2019s clear that the community wants and needs more That\\u2019s the message that they\\u2019ve sent tonight.\\u201D Premier Jacinta Allan has taken to the stage at Labor\\u2019s byelection function in Werribee \\u201CThere is still a way to go,\\u201D she says The premier added that byelections are a tough ask for any government and an opportunity for communities to \\u201Ctell us how we\\u2019re feeling\\u201D My government is listening,\\u201D Allan said \\u201CWe have to do more and we will.\\u201D A mishap at the Victorian Electoral Commission\\u2019s early voting centre has left the Werribee byelection too close to call saying it\\u2019s too close to call tonight \\u201CWe need to make sure every vote for Angelica [Di Camillo] counts,\\u201D Sandell said \\u201CPrahran is always a really tightly held race We need to make sure that here in Prahran that every single person who casts their vote is counted.\\u201D Di Camillo said there needed to be more voices outside the major parties and \\u201Cnothing changes if nothing changes\\u201D \\u201CRight now we are seeing a lot of disenfranchisement from young people but all you have to do is lookout into the crowd and see \\u2026 young people will get involved if they are fighting for the issues they care about \\u201CI have so much pride and gratitude for all of you We have won Prahran on a knife\\u2019s edge before and we can do it again.\\u201D Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) are currently conducting two planned burns near Werribee and are urging the public to take precautions The first burn started at 10:30am along the Werribee RP – Werribee River Trail The second began at 2:00pm at the Werribee RP – Werribee River located about 5km southeast of the township Crews are on site lighting the burns and will remain in place to monitor conditions and patrol the perimeter to keep fire within control lines smoke and flames may be visible for several hours Larger or forested zones may take longer to ignite fully “Some planned burns are carried out in stages Crews may return later to complete the area with further notifications issued if needed.” Residents are reminded that ember spotting can occur over short distances and crews are actively monitoring for any spread • Smoke may travel long distances and settle overnight in low-lying areas • Those experiencing symptoms from smoke should seek medical help or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 • Fire crews are accessing the burn zones via local roads • Follow traffic signage and crew directions. For traffic updates, visit VicTraffic and reserves may be restricted during and after the burns • Entry is not permitted until areas are declared safe • Latest updates are available at plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au A man has been charged with murder after a woman’s body was discovered with stab wounds in the backyard of her Werribee home Emergency services were called to the Retford Close address just after 9am on Thursday by a man known to her Neighbours said they heard a woman’s piercing screams and saw a man in blood-soaked clothing before her body was found believed to be the 42-year-old woman’s former partner Police at the scene in Werribee.Credit: Justin McManus Police said in a statement on Thursday night the man had been charged with murder and would appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday Neighbours said they saw him outside the front of the house in what appeared to be blood-stained clothing who asked not to be named because of the nature of the incident Residents said the man often came and went from the address and that a number of children lived there with their mother said: “How someone could do this to another person is beyond me” The arrested man spent the day being interviewed by police police said homicide detectives were still trying to establish the circumstances of the death Police cordoned off the street in both directions with an ambulance seen leaving about 11am before a group of forensic investigators arrived about noon A group of police and plain-clothes detectives remained at the street throughout the day Ambulance Victoria confirmed it had responded to an incident in Werribee just after 9am on Thursday but referred other questions to Victoria Police Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au. Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here. A man has been charged with murder after a woman\\u2019s body was discovered with stab wounds in the backyard of her Werribee home Neighbours said they heard a woman\\u2019s piercing screams and saw a man in blood-soaked clothing before her body was found believed to be the 42-year-old woman\\u2019s former partner Police said in a statement on Thursday night the man had been charged with murder and would appear in Melbourne Magistrates\\u2019 Court on Friday \\u201CIt was just awful,\\u201D said one neighbour said: \\u201CHow someone could do this to another person is beyond me\\u201D Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens The Werribee Library reopened to the public on Monday April 14 after being temporarily closed while works were underway on the Wyndham Cultural Centre upgrade Closed since September 2 last year due to the impact the $7.4 million upgrade was having on the daily functioning of the library upgraded air-conditioning and the toilet facilities were also fully renovated the entrance has been moved to Wedge Street and the return chute has been upgraded Mayor Mia Shaw encouraged the community to head down and visit the refreshed space and see the new layout and facilities “The staff at Werribee are very excited to welcome the community back and cannot wait to deliver the regular events and activities everyone has previously enjoyed being a part of,” she said “I know that the Werribee Library was missed by the community while it was closed and just like me the staff are so excited that it is back open.” You can visit Werribee Library at 1 Wedge Street South on Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm; Thursday 10am-8pm; Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-4pm The Wyndham Cultural Centre is expected to reopen later this year More: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/venues/werribee-library Book a date with family and friends and chill out on the lawn with a fabulous (and free!) line up of family flicks There will be pre-movie themed activities to enjoy grab dinner from a nearby business and settle in for an evening of outdoor cinema fun Please note: Movies may be cancelled or rescheduled due to poor weather, so please check the website and Wyndham City Facebook for updates These Conditions of Entry apply to this event in the Werribee City Centre.  Attendees must comply with the Conditions of Entry below so that everyone can enjoy the event in safety and comfort Live streaming or broadcasting of any element of this event is not permitted  Commercial photography is not permitted without prior permission from Council Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times Dogs may be brought to this event provided that they are on a lead and supervised by their owner at all times.  Owners must pick up after their dogs.  All other pets and animals are not permitted Attendees are not permitted to sell or offer for sale or hire any items Anti-social behaviour is prohibited.  This event is intended to be family friendly  Council requires that attendees behave in a safe responsible and courteous manner at all times Many of the free activities offered at this event are run by local businesses and organisations  Council makes no guarantee about an activity’s quality or suitability for attendees  Attendees are responsible for deciding whether an activity is suitable for them and/or their children to participate in It is recommended that attendees take proper SunSmart precautions at this event including staying hydrated and using sunscreen Attendees must comply with all current Victorian Government COVID-19 requirements Attendees are responsible for all personal property brought to this event and must not leave their property unattended  Council reserves the right to remove any property left unattended at this event Consent in relation to images and photographs attendees consent to the capturing and publishing of their image in authorised promotional photos and videos in whatever format and forum Council chooses Attendees must comply with all laws and follow any reasonable direction given by a Council officer authorised event security personnel or Police Failure to Comply with Conditions of Entry Failure to comply with these Conditions of Entry may result in an attendee being removed from the event and refused re-entry to this event and/or future Council events. Council reserves the right to change these Conditions of Entry at any time. Attendance at and/or participation in activities at this event is entirely at the risk of attendees. To the extent permitted by law, Council accepts no liability for any claim for loss, harm, damage, costs or expenses which may arise as a consequence of any such attendance at and/or participation in this event. He’s been mayor of Whittlesea for just nine weeks, and now Aidan McLindon has his sights set on representing the people of Werribee in state Parliament. Cr McLindon – who said he won’t step down from the city’s top job while he contests the state election – believes his campaign will help shine a spotlight on issues impacting Whittlesea. They are the proposed waste to energy plant in Wollert, the state government’s Local Government Act reforms, payroll tax and Australia Day. “I think we have an opportunity to really say Whittlesea is not going to be taken for granted,” he said. But Whittlesea councillor Lawrie Cox disagrees. He can’t understand the mayor’s reasoning for contesting a by-election in the west. “The only relevance is that Whittlesea and Werribee both start with a ‘W’,” he said. “As a councillor in the City of Whittlesea, I have no idea why someone thinks there are going to have an impact standing in a western metropolitan seat rather than a northern metropolitan seat.” Cr Cox said Cr McLindon should step aside as mayor to ensure “the interests of the City of Whittlesea are protected”. He said while there is no legal requirement for Cr McLindon to step aside, there was a precedent. “Precedent has shown that prospective candidates do stand aside to ensure there is no conflict of interest,” he said. Brimbank councillors Virginia Tachos and Maria Kerr and former Brimbank councillor Trung Luu, former Melton councillor Moira Deeming, and then-Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher all took a leave of absence from their respective councils to contest the 2022 state election. However, Cr McLindon said he was confident he could carry out his responsibilities as mayor while also contesting the by-election. He noted there was no Whittlesea council meeting until after the by-election on February 8. “People who know me on council know that I work from sun up to sun down,” he said. “I will meet all the responsibilities of my role and go to all council briefings.” The Werribee by-election is not the first time Cr McLindon has stood for state Parliament. He contested the 2022 election in Mulgrave against former premier Daniel Andrews. He also served as a state MP in Queensland. Cr McLindon said he had a wish list for the Werribee by-election which he wanted Premier Jacinta Allan and opposition leader Brad Battin to agree to. He said he will give them one week to respond to his wishes before deciding where to direct his preferences. “I do believe I could find myself in a situation where my preferences are determining the outcome of the seat,” he said. One of the items on Cr McLindon’s wish list is for the state government to withdraw plans for four waste to energy plants in Melbourne’s outer suburbs at Wollert, Dandenong South, Laverton North and Lara. The Wollert plant proposed by Cleanaway and currently being assessed by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Transport and Planning has drawn widespread criticism from the community and has been opposed by Whittlesea council. “I can put the incinerator on a much higher platform and help my neighbouring councils,” he said. Cr McLindon said the government also needed to review changes made to the Local Government Act, which he said were “restrictive” and impacting the ability of councillors to interact with the community. “The councillor code of conduct is exhaustive. If I put something on Facebook and someone makes a derogatory comment, the onus is on me to remove it, but often you don’t see it,” he said. “You can’t banter or talk out policy … robust local representatives are restricted.” When announcing the reforms in November 2023, the state government said the changes would improve the performance and accountability of councillors. Also on Cr McLindon’s wish list is for a minute’s silence to be observed on Australia Day; for small businesses with a turnover of $10 million or less to be exempt from payroll tax as long as they employ an extra person; and for retired Werribee MP Tim Pallas to face a public inquiry over his travel expenses, including $72,683 spent on a trip to the UK and Europe just weeks before he resigned. 1) 0ms;transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;font-size:1.5rem;}.mui-13xs5pt{width:100vw;max-width:100vw;margin-top:1px;}.mui-68tkgc{width:100vw;max-width:100vw;margin-top:1px;}.mui-1i0sejk{min-width:200px;border-radius:4px;}.mui-o2bopd{text-align:center;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;font-size:1.5rem;padding:8px;border-radius:50%;overflow:visible;color:rgba(0 0.54);-webkit-transition:background-color 150ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 150ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;padding:12px;font-size:1.75rem;}.mui-o2bopd:hover{background-color:rgba(0 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58 the council failed to make a timely determination leading to an appeal being filed with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal according to documents now before the council.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe site was last sold in December Wright Investments Pty Ltd owns ALFIE77 Pty Ltd that is listed as the applicant for the project on council records.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Urban Developer\u003c/em\u003e contacted Ian David Wright \",\"alt\":\"IN8 Architects' render for the Werribee water tower project at 3 Tower Road \",\"imageDesc\":\"IN8 Architects' render for the Werribee water tower project at 3 Tower Road Lendlease’s third residential building in the Collins Wharf precinct of Victoria Harbour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 28-storey building at 971 Collins Street in Melbourne’s Docklands will deliver 312 homes in a mix of one two and three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses and penthouses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to Lendlease the project has already secured more than 50 per cent in presales.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHickory is the construction contractor—it completed the precinct’s first development in 2019 and is also working on LendLease’s second tower Regatta.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor Ancora Hickory is implementing several technical construction methods including various piling techniques and precast concrete solutions that enable a parallel-track construction program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe building’s facade designed by architect Warren and Mahoney uses a three-stage design incorporating double-glazed glass and textured precast concrete with Reckli and brick finishes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe structural design transitions from a solid podium base to lighter upper levels “reflecting a maritime theme” aligned with the Collins Wharf design objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncora will connect to the neighbouring Regatta development via a podium allowing resident access to shared amenities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned as an all-electric building that includes electric vehicle infrastructure the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star certification Completion is expected in 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegatta including build-to-rent and build-to-sell units.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtensive wharf works including remediation of pre-existing wharf piles installation of raker piles and construction of the extension to Australia Walk are also part of the project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical challenges include constructing on the finger wharf and co-ordinating extensive above-wharf road reserve and public parkland works.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Collins Wharf precinct will ultimately comprise six residential buildings of more than 1800 homes surrounded by over 5000sq m of parks and community space.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease is developing the parkland concurrently with the residential components including the extension of Australian Walk that forms part of the City of Melbourne’s Greenline project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease executive director of development Adam Williams said Collins Wharf “is fast becoming a sought-after address .. which took just a handful of hours to emerge on Saturday night the Coalition’s failure to sway voters has come under intense scrutiny.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts lack of policies around property that resonated with voters has been a large part of that criticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong those policies was a $5-billion infrastructure program to unlock up to 500,000 new homes was greeted with no small amount of scepticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coalition also campaigned on its previously revealed plan to allow first home buyers to draw down on their superannuation giving access to up to $50,000 to help fund mortgage deposits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile that proposal had won some support it got the thumbs down from many of Australia’s top economists who said the measure could prove highly inflationary among other issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly its plan to allow mortgage interest for first home buyers to be tax-deductible was roundly criticised for its likely inflationary and regressive effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt has also been pointed out that the Coalition’s rejection of the Green’s policies around housing supply affordable housing and help for renters did it no favours.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ALP went to the polls spruiking an extension of schemes introduced during its previous term including a $10-billion promise for its first-home buyers’ scheme to encourage 100,000 more homes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt also had its Help to Buy shared equity scheme under which the Government pays up to 40 per cent of the house price to point to.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf it was these policies per se or the lack of detail and depth to the Coalition’s the nation's ready for the Albanese government to act.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is clear been endorsed to follow through on its policies and fix the crisis that is crippling the Australian property sector.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive\u0026nbsp;Tom\u0026nbsp;Forrest has pointed out it is time for the Federal Government to get back to work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Housing affordability and housing supply featured large during the campaign,” Forrest said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The key now is for the Government to strike while the iron’s hot.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“If legislation is needed to support the delivery of Labor’s $10-billion 100,000 new homes commitment—then pass it through the parliament now and get on with it.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe states have made many changes to how they enable home development The Federal Government’s support of that is crucial to its success material supply assistance or any other factor that affects getting homes out of the ground.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis has been a pivotal election Then Cities for Total Fan Immersion\",\"slug\":\"billionaire-arsenal-rams-denver-nuggets-sports-anchored-precincts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-30T00:00+10:00\",\"tags\":[],\"summary\":\"Why your next home might be stadium-adjacent; sports are the hook The plans for the 9596sq m site at 3 Tower Road now comprise 60 townhouses as well as minor internal changes to layouts A heritage-listed water tower on the site was incorporated into plans designed by IN8 Architects and filed in March of 2022 The townhouses would be sited behind the tower and a one-storey office building next to it Earlier, the council failed to make a timely determination, leading to an appeal being filed with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The proposal was then amended and a planning permit granted in March of 2023 Initial costs for developing the project were estimated at $15 million but the new amendments take that to $17 million according to documents now before the council Wright Investments Pty Ltd owns ALFIE77 Pty Ltd that is listed as the applicant for the project on council records The Urban Developer contacted Ian David Wright Werribee and other suburbs within the City of Wyndham are experiencing an increase in development as it grows The region is well positioned as a commuter centre while the City of Greater Geelong grows and the City of Melbourne reshapes how the CBD and surrounding suburbs will look This is probably not the page you’re looking for Werribee Library, located at 1 Wedge Street South, Werribee has reopened to the public following a temporary closure due to critical renovations linked to the Wyndham Cultural Centre upgrade The library now boasts a refreshed layout and improved facilities urged the community to explore the revamped space Another new feature is that the entrance is now on Wedge Street and the returns chute has better accessibility for everyone,” Cr Shaw explained The Mayor acknowledged the community’s anticipation for the reopening She also emphasized the importance of libraries in the community citing their role in providing access to information and education fostering social cohesion and cultural understanding and serving as venues for events and activities that promote physical and mental health wellbeing The staff at Werribee Library are eager to welcome back the community and resume the regular events and activities that patrons have previously enjoyed. To find out what’s on at Werribee Library, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/venues/werribee-library The library’s operating hours are Monday to Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm The Wyndham Cultural Centre, which is still undergoing upgrades, is set to open later this year own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU View all partners Byelections occurred on Saturday in the Victorian state seats of Prahran and Werribee. The Liberals gained Prahran from the Greens by a 51.6–48.4 margin a 13.6% swing to the Liberals since the 2022 state election Primary votes were 36.2% Liberals (up 4.8%) the Labor member for Prahran from 2002 to 2010 Labor did not contest after winning 26.8% in 2022 In Werribee Primary votes are 29.0% Liberals (up 3.7%) 14.7% for independent Paul Hopper (up 8.8%) 5.5% Legalise Cannabis (new) and 4.4% Family First (up 1.9%) but the Liberals were not the main beneficiary There were just enough preferences from left-wing sources (Greens Socialists and Legalise Cannabis) to put Labor over the line The large majority of outstanding votes at these byelections will be postals. In postals counted so far in Werribee and they will need to increase that margin on remaining postals to erase Labor’s current lead But later postals are usually better for left-wing parties than earlier ones the Liberals lead the Greens on postals counted so far by 65–35 Later postals will probably be better for the Greens but the Liberals will still win this byelection the Greens should have been able to overcome a shift against them on preferences with an improved primary vote which they have held since the 2014 state election Labor is likely to retain Werribee, but the slump in the Labor primary vote validates the recent Victorian Resolve poll that had Labor’s statewide primary vote at just 22% and the Liberals in a clear election-winning position Since winning government at the November 2014 election Labor has done nothing to reform the upper house electoral system The upper house still uses group ticket voting (GTV) which is no longer used in any other Australian jurisdiction GTV was scrapped in New South Wales before the 2003 election in South Australia before 2018 and in Western Australia before this year’s March election The artificially strong preference flows produced by GTV can allow parties with very low vote share to win seats through preference deals by overtaking parties with a much higher vote In a system where voters direct their own preferences Analyst Kevin Bonham wrote on Friday that the parliamentary Victorian Electoral Matters Committee had recommended scrapping GTV, but the government has delayed any response until after the Committee publishes its final report in December. By this time, it will be difficult to make changes so that they can be implemented for the November 2026 election. Station Place in Werribee is the current home to a giant swing installation, known as SWING, available for public interaction until April 11. The bright yellow structure, standing eight metres tall, has been designed by artist Ian Pidd and is open daily from 10.30am to 5pm. SWING provides a thrilling experience, as participants are secured with two wrist straps before being sent soaring. The installation is suitable for individuals aged nine and above who are taller than 120cm. It also offers wheelchair access, ensuring inclusivity for all. Before its arrival in Werribee, SWING has previously been featured at the Melbourne Fringe Festival and Mental Health Month in Adelaide, captivating audiences at both events. A smaller swing has also been set up nearby for younger or smaller visitors, ensuring everyone can partake in the fun. Safety is a key component of the SWING experience. The swing seat can hold up to 140kg, while the wheelchair platform can support up to 400kg. It’s strongly advised not to stand up on the swing or attempt to exit while it’s in motion. Visitors with heart conditions, abnormal blood pressure, recent surgeries, or any condition that could be exacerbated by motion such as vertigo, motion sickness or dizziness are advised not to use SWING. No bookings are needed to experience SWING.  Allan’s deflections are no solution to Victoria’s economic messThe result in the Werribee byelection is a hopeful sign of a growing public appetite for the rational approach to dealing with Australia’s long-term economic challenges SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe At the close of counting on Saturday night in the Werribee byelection in Melbourne’s western suburbs the two-party preferred swing against the Victorian Labor Party stood at 10.4 per cent The 17 percentage points fall in the primary vote from the 2022 state election in a formerly safe heartland seat is a repudiation of Victorian Labor’s 10 years in power Labor appears likely to hang on and deny the Liberal Party its first win in Werribee since 1979 the dramatic drop-off in support for the long-term Labor government in Victoria is “a king hit” director of ALP-aligned polling firm RedBridge Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Read MoreThe AFR ViewOpinionLatest In PoliticsFetching latest articles the brigade begins planning months before the day itself taking into account where members will be stationed transport for the day and most importantly who will be cooking the fish on the BBQ to keep them fueled.   Having raised well over $1 million for the cause over the years the Appeal is a key event in the brigade’s annual calendar.  Werribee Fire Brigade Captain Michael Wells has been a CFA member for 36 years and has fond memories of fundraising with the brigade in the late 1980s right through to today He said fundraising is a joint effort between the brigade itself and the wider community.   “We rely on our members to get involved both in the lead-up to and on the day itself and we rely on our community to be generous enough to allow us to do that,” Michael said.  “Everyone gets behind the cause and it really inspires us to keep doing this.”  fundraising for the Appeal is a proud extension to their volunteerism with CFA.  we often see devastation that can occur and incidents where children might end up needing the services of The Royal Children’s Hospital whether it’s a burn or an injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident,” Michael said.  “We volunteer with CFA because we are community-minded and like giving back so this is just another way we can contribute We understand the importance of having the best facilities available and if we can contribute to this in some way with many brigade members using the services of The Royal Children’s Hospital over many years.   Werribee Fire Brigade firefighter Mick Davie is one of those members Mick has done everything and more over his last 20 years of fundraising to sitting on the organising committee.   "My family has a long history with both CFA and the Good Friday Appeal Both my kids and my wife get there early in the morning with me and we spend the day helping to raise as much money as we can for the cause,” Mick said.   “We’ve seen the impacts the Appeal can have firsthand with both of our kids needing treatment.  has needed two head reconstructions and our daughter is currently going through cancer treatment We can’t speak highly enough about them and what they have done for our family.  “We are so lucky to have the Royal Children’s Hospital so close and accessible to us The staff there are the best in the world at what they do they are so good at finding the best treatment for each individual and what will work best for each child.  “There is a reason that people come from around the world to see specialists there.   “We need the hospital to have the best gear possible so our kids can be looked after.  “You can see the impact that the Good Friday Appeal can have as soon as you visit The Royal Children’s Hospital It is really important to keep the support going.”  CFA volunteers are aiming to surpass $40 million in total funds collected for the Good Friday Appeal across 74 years.    CFA brigades will be fundraising online for those who don’t get a chance to donate in person. Find brigade fundraising pages at Good Friday Appeal: Find a Fundraiser.   View all stories View more contacts The Facebook feed is contained within an iframe and as such is not available via keyboard access. Please visit our Facebook page directly to view the latest feeds. The Instagram feed is contained within an iframe and as such is not available via keyboard access. Please visit our Instagram page directly to view the latest feeds. Tweets by CFA_Updates We are currently experiencing issues with our embedded Twitter feed We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land Copyright 2025 CFA (Country Fire Authority) Paul Hopper says the reason behind the collapse of Labor’s primary vote in the Werribee byelection is simple – people in Melbourne’s rapidly growing western suburbs have had enough of being overlooked Eighteen brand-new social housing homes have been completed in Wyndham, offering stability and security to families in need. Located in Werribee’s Riverwalk Estate the homes are part of the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build initiative aimed at increasing high-quality and sustainable housing across the state Delivered by Housing Choices Australia in partnership with Homes Victoria and EveryOne the project includes two- and three-bedroom homes built to Livable Housing Australia Silver Level standards With an impressive 7-Star NatHERS energy rating these homes will help residents save on energy costs while reducing environmental impact the homes demonstrate the success of strong collaboration between government and industry in delivering social housing where it is needed most Housing Choices Australia will provide tenancy and property management services along with programs to help residents engage with their local community said the project was a vital step in addressing housing needs in the area “This is an important investment in our community ensuring more families have access to safe Housing Choices CEO David Fisher also praised the project “These homes provide much-needed stability The Riverwalk Estate is a master-planned community by Development Victoria The site is also well-connected to public transport this milestone represents another significant step in addressing housing insecurity and ensuring more Victorians have access to safe The Victorian State Short Range Championships returned to Werribee for the first time in 15 years on Sunday held at the Werribee Archery grounds at Lawrie Emmins Reserve brought together 116 archers from across the state Archers travelled from all corners of Victoria and various clubs in the Melbourne metropolitan area to compete in the event the athletes persevered and there were some impressive scores achieved across all age groups with athletes ranging from 11 to 77 years old Werribee president Irene Norman said they were particularly proud of their local athletes that excelled on the day earning an outstanding five gold and four silver state medals,” she said three other club members finished in the top ten in their respective divisions This remarkable performance demonstrated the strength and skill of Werribee Archery’s competitors.” was Lily Helleren who won the under-16 female compound event and Sophie Helleren who won the under-18 female compound event Ayaan Qureshi and Arjun Guha went one-two in the under-16 male barebow recurve event while Tim Lu won the under-16 male recurve event Norman said the championships were a remarkable success showcasing not only the competitive spirit of archers from across the state but also the warmth and hospitality of Werribee Archery “This was one of the largest and most successful state championships in recent years,” she said “It was a privilege to host such a talented group of athletes A huge thanks to our dedicated volunteers who helped organize and execute this professional and inspiring event “The club looks forward to hosting future events and continuing to support the growth of archery in Victoria.” Archery Victoria president Ross Gooding and board members Malcolm Barker and Marcus Anear presented Norman with a plaque for her 15 years of dedicated service on the Archery Victoria board Players looking to take their Victorian Football League opportunities travel all over the state and some even interstate to get their opportunities Noah Tullio he just needs to make the five minute journey up the road Tullio signed with the Tigers after a three week trial period where he impressed the club Tullio said being able to play at the club that is right around the corner is pretty special He said it was something he had thought about growing up “It’s pretty surreal to be honest,” he said “I was training at Port Melbourne at the time and it was just an opportunity to train closer to home Some of the boys are travelling for two hours and I’m five minutes down the road the boys were pretty welcoming and they wanted to get to know you.” Tullio joins the Tigers after playing with the Geelong Falcons in the Coates Talent League He played his juniors at Werribee Districts before joining Geelong Football League side Newton and Chilwell since 2015 Tullio said going to school in Geelong it made sense for him to join a local club down there He said he loved his time with the Falcons “It’s where I enjoyed my football the most I have,” he said “I made lots of friends and enjoyed playing footy.” Tullio knows it won’t be easy to break into a Werribee side that won the premiership last year Tullio has found other ways to have an impact on games “I’ve got to find what will take me to the next level,” he said Tullio is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Bior Malual and Jack Riding who have been signed after the three week trial period previously Both are premiership players with the Tigers and Riding named in the team of the year last year in just his first season at the club Tullio said seeing what they had done was inspiring and it was now cool to be training with those players said pre-season training had been really good He said he would take things as they come in the lead up to the season “The senior boys are encouraging the younger boys and taking the time to give feedback and make sure we are benefiting,” he said “I think training will take care of itself [in terms of playing] I’m not getting my hopes up of playing in round one.” Joining Tullio on the Tigers list is his Geelong Falcons teammate Cooper Ward Ward had a standout season with the Falcons where he finished fourth in their best-and-fairest and booted 27 goals in 16 games Tullio said it was cool to continue their journey together Rounding out the club’s new signings is another Falcon who continues the Kershaw name at the club was assistant coach for five seasons under both John Lamont and Mark Williams Armed Crime Investigation Squad detectives are looking into a firearms incident that occurred in Hoppers Crossing on Wednesday Police were called to Durham Crescent shortly after 9am following reports of an injured man in the area Officers conducted a search of the vicinity but were unable to locate anyone with visible injuries A smashed upstairs window at a nearby property appeared to draw particular attention from police Detectives were seen examining the exterior and later speaking with a woman outside the home What appeared to be her vehicle was also searched by officers at the scene Around three hours later, at approximately 12pm, a 31-year-old Werribee man presented to a local hospital with a suspected gunshot wound to the lower body His injuries are not considered life-threatening A blood-stained vehicle was also located and seized near the hospital The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being clarified and police are continuing to follow up several leads Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au The new link will help enhance connectivity improve safety and  reduce congestion pedestrians and cyclists in late 2026 to help meet growing transport needs in Wyndham’s west with over 29,000 daily journeys on the road expected by 2036 We’ll also deliver another 2 projects that will further ease congestion and improve travel times in Wyndham’s west, with detailed design underway for the Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade and planning underway on the Werribee Main Road - Princes Freeway Interchange Upgrade Drivers will be able to use the new link by the end of 2026 Sign up to receive email and SMS updates for this project as well as large scale urban renewal precincts.  Explore our interactive project map and see where our projects are located We create vibrant places to live and work across Victoria through diverse and strategic property development and urban renewal projects Our approach combines extensive development project management and urban renewal experience with strong relationships across government and industry technical capability and commercial thinking.With an emphasis on environmental sustainability our goal is to create vibrant places that enrich the local area – with diverse and affordable homes Join our team of experienced industry professionals and develop your capability in a diverse and collaborative workplace.    Zoos Victoria’s herd of Asian Elephants has made the move to their new home at Werribee Open Range Zoo marking the completion of the project’s expansion delivered by Development Victoria in partnership with Zoos Victoria includes a purpose-built elephant habitat viewing area overlooking the elephant pools and landscapes for priority conservation species Development Victoria’s Acting Group Head of Civic Infrastructure Benjamin Delaney said it was a very exciting and complex project for our team to be involved in We are proud to have worked closely with Zoos Victoria and Fairbrother Constructions to successfully deliver this important asset for Werribee Zoo The new 21-hectare habitat, which is the equivalent size of five MCGs, has been specially designed to meet the needs of elephants, offering larger spaces for roaming, foraging, and socialising. This move aligns with Zoos Victoria’s commitment to provide the highest standard of care and wellbeing for these incredible animals The herd of nine Asian Elephants moved to their new home in February and have spent time settling into their new environment View more images and find out more on the Werribee Open Range Zoo Expansion project page Development Victoria respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria We recognise their continuing cultural heritage and connection to land Yinga Biik Birranga-ga (Sing land and Country) Connect with us to stay up to date on the latest developments Werribee overcame the heartbreak of a near miss in 2023 and the departure of a host of stars to produce one of the all-time great premiership triumphs and end a 31-year drought Position: PremiersW-L-D (%): 18-3 (139.9%)Players used: 36Played every match: 6 – Riley Bice Bior MalualEx-AFL players: 6 (58 matches)Debutants: 0 Best and Fairest: 1st: Dom Brew (212 votes) Riley Bice (5)Coaches MVP Award: Dom Brew (103 votes Nathan Cooper (24)Leading Goalkickers: Hudson Garoni (49) Zac Banch (16)Smithy’s VFL Team of the Year: Riley Bice (interchange) (Averages – minimum 6 matches)Disposals: Dom Brew 28.6 Nick Coughlan 19.9Contested possessions: Dom Brew 18.0 Kye Declase 14.1Handballs: Jack Henderson 10.8 Hudson Garoni 0.2Clearances: Dom Brew 10.0 Angus Hicks 3.4Rebound-50s: Nick Coughlan 7.7 What went right: Only one thing comes close to standing out more than the final siren at IKON Park on Sunday where the Bees added their second VFA/VFL premiership with a thrilling six-point win over Southport in the Grand Final And that would be Dom Brew – the hardest working and most respected player in the VFL winning almost everything there was on offer in 2024 The star midfielder claimed a premiership medal the Liston Trophy by such a big margin that they called off the count three weeks early the captaincy of the VFL in its first State game for seven years And it was only the match-winning brilliance of his right-hand man in Jack Henderson that cost him the Norm Goss Medal as well Henderson was another star to find another gear when the midfield was handed over to him in the off-season Off-season recruit Riley Bice took the competition by storm and ended the year as a Sydney Swan while Aidan Johnson went from a one-game fringe player to an AFL draftee with Melbourne Hudson Garoni booted 49 goals and Jay Dahlhaus kicked 33 in career best efforts and Nathan Cooper finally broke through for a VFL Team of the Year guernsey after being the league’s best full back for quite some time Jesse Clark and Louis Pinnuck remain seriously underrated outside Avalon Airport Oval but that’s only because they have so many champions around them What went wrong: How do you fault a team that broke a 31-year premiership drought and had two more players added to AFL lists at the end of the season Having star wingman Kye Declase depart mid-season could have derailed the Tigers but didn’t Losing captain Nick Coughlan to a VFL career-ending foot injury could have derailed the Tigers but didn’t Losing big man Sam Paea for half the season to a shoulder injury could have derailed the Tigers but didn’t 13 members of the 2023 Grand Final team did not take to IKON Park on the big day in 2024 How many clubs could lose so much quality and experience out of one team and still win the premiership But this is a special club that was building to this moment for many years under the guidance of the great Mark Penaluna and to be a part of the first VFL Grand Final between two standalone clubs since the AFL reserves teams arrived in the competition in 2000 is another amazing achievement After the heartbreak of a near miss in 2023 against arguably the most powerful team of the modern era in the Gold Coast Suns picked themselves up off the canvas and stayed in touch early before dominating the competition in the second half of the year They also fought back from an ordinary first half of the Grand Final to grab a handy lead and then hold on to finally get their hands on the Holy Grail AFL Fantasy Classic champion Chris Burnham joined The Traders to discuss some potential selections and strategy for 2025