Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 19th April 2023

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Art waiting to be seen

A journey into contemporary Balinese art is now open at Footscray Community Arts.

Running until June 25, Sekala Niskala or The Seen and Unseen features works from Agus Saputra, Kuncir Sathya Viku, Ni Luh Pangestu Widya Sari, Satya Cipta and Septa Adi. Exhibition curator Mara Sison said the concepts of the seen and the unseen are integral to Balinese life.

“In Bali, there is a strong belief in Sekala, the ‘seen’ or tangible – what you can visibly see in the physical world, and the Niskala, the ‘unseen’ or intangible – the supernatural forces behind the Sekala,“ she said.

“For the Balinese, the seen and the unseen are inseparable, a belief strongly intertwined in their way of life.“

Presented in collaboration with Project 11, the exhibition includes opportunities for audiences to join in the magic through line drawing and linocut workshops run by the artists on Saturday, April 22 from 11am to 2.30pm for $15.

Details: footscrayarts.com/event/ sekala-niskala

Flood submissions close

By Matthew Sims

Melbourne Water has closed submissions into its review of the October 2022 Maribyrnong River flood.

The review received more than 60 submissions, including submissions from the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), Maribyrnong council and Melbourne Water (MW) itself.

Melbourne’s Water submission to the review outlined a number of questions requiring investigation, including the impact of the operation of the river gauge network on flood forecasting, the performance of the mitigation works to counter for the impact of the Flemington flood wall and planning decisions in relation to Rivervue retirement village.

The submission outlined MW has already takenactiontoimproveits services,including updatingtheMaribyrnongRiverfloodmodels and revising flood modelling in light of climate change projections.

Former Federal and Victorian Supreme Court judge Tony Pagone AM has stepped up to lead the review.

The review would include an examination of the causes and contributors to the flood event, including any potential impacts of the Flemington Racecourse flood wall and any impact of prior works or activities in the urbancatchmentonfloodlevels,whilespecific policy responses, future potential mitigation measures, overall emergency responses, flood recovery, and broad planning matters would be outside the scope of the review.

At 8.15am on Thursday, October 13, MW sent the first major flood warning for the upper Maribyrnong catchment to the Bureau of Meterology, with MW then sending a moderate flood warning for the lower Maribyrnong to the bureau after receiving a revised rainfall forecast.

At about 12.30am on Friday, October 14, Melbourne Water identified that the actual height in the Maribyrnong River exceeded the levels that models had predicted, with MW upgrading the flood warning to ‘exceeding major’ at 2.16am, which was issued by the bureau at 2.27am.

Melbourne Water’s submission made no claimsinregardstotheimpacttheFlemington Racecourse flood wall had on the flood event, outlining that at least 12 months of modelling

would likely need to occur.

“Acomplexhydraulicandhydrologicmodel would need to be completed,“ the submission read.

Maribyrnong flood victim Lee Lanzafame was in the process of renovating his Clyde Street home, which his grandfather built in 1974, when 1.1 metres of water breached the walls with little to no warning whilst he and his family were sleeping.

“The money and time they spent on doing their own submission should have been spent on door-knocking the 606-plus properties to obtain their experiences, to observe the damage, and to show some empathy,“ he said.

Details: yoursay.melbournewater.com.au/ maribyrnong-river-flood-review

Sekala Niskala exhibition curators Mara Sison and Army (centre) with artists Ni Luh Pangestu Widya Sari, Agus Saputra, Satya Cipta and Septa Adi. (Jacob Pattison) 328000_02

North Altona East Newsagency 63 The Circle

• Braybook Central West Plaza Management 65-67 Ashley Street

• Braybook West Central Properties Shop D2, 67 Ashley Street

• Braybook Braybook Hotel 353 Ballarat Road

Division over sports plan

• Braybook Braybook Library 107-139 Churchill Avenue

• Deep Park Deep Park Newsagency 823 Ballarat Road

• Footscray Trimson & Partner Real Estate 169 Barkly Street

• Footscray French Baguette Cafe 181 Barkly Street

• Footscray Whitten Oval 417 Barkly Street

• Footscray Footscray Community Arts Centre 45 Moreland Street

• Footscray Phoenix Youth Centre 72 Barkly Street

• Footscray Di Natale Real Estate 225 Barkly Street

• Footscray Mig Real Estate 329 Barkly Street

• Footscray Nguyen Real Estate 11/158 Barkly Street

• Footscray Greg Hocking Real Estate 145-147 Geelong Road

• Footscray Footscray Hospital 160 Gordon Street

• Footscray Caltex Petrol Station 62-68 Gordon Street

• Footscray Maribyrnong City Council 61 Napier Street (Cnr Napier & Hyde Streets)

• Footscray TattsLotto 81 Nicholson Street

• Footscray Victoria University at MetroWest 138 Nicholson Street

• Footscray Wards Newsagency 100 Nicholson Street

• Footscray Health Works 215 Nicholson Street

• Footscray Footscray Library 56 Paisley Street

• Footscray Paisley Clinic Pharmacy 85 Paisley Street

• Footscray National Hearing Care 123-125

• Paisley Street

• Footscray Coles Supermarket Albert Street (Footscray Plaza Shopping Centre)

• Footscray West IGA West Footscray 511 Barkly Street

• Footscray West Neighbourhood House Level 1, 539 Barkly Street

• Footscray West Compton Green Real Estate 1/240 Geelong Road

• Footscray West Kingsville Newsagency 339 Somerville Road

• Keilor Park Star Weekly Office Unit 6/1-9 Thomson Road (Cnr Keilor Park Drive)

• Kingsville BP Petrol 88 Williamstown Road

• Laverton Laverton Newsagency Shop 12-14 Aviation Road

• Laverton Bendigo Bank Shop 3/28 Aviation Road

• Laverton Ace Real Estate Shop 4/4 Neville Avenue

• Laverton Laverton Community Hub 95-105 Railway Street

• Maidstone MJs Café Unit 9/72 Hampstead Road

• Maidstone Fix at Mick’s Motors Petrol Station 95 Rosamond Road

• Maidstone Maidstone Milk Bar 154 Ballarat Road

• Maribyrnong Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre 1 Aquatic Drive

• Maribyrnong Maribyrnong Community Centre 9 Randall Street

• Maribyrnong Supanews Lotto Shop 2138/120-200 Rosamond Road (Highpoint Shopping Centre)

• Maribyrnong Gloria Jeans Shop 3/120-200

Rosamond Road (Highpoint Shopping Centre)

• Maribyrnong Plush Think Sofas Shop 3 / 179

Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Forty Winks Shop 4 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Focus On Furniture Shop 5 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Adriatic Furniture Shop 6 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Snooze Shop 7 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Suave Furniture Shop 8 / 179

Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Spotlight Shop 9-10 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Alex’s Furniture Shop 11 / 179

Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Koala Living Shop 12 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Bev Marks Shop 13 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Bedshed Shop 14 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong James Lane Shop 15 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Pet Barn Shop 16A / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Barbecues Galore Shop 16A/B / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Beds N Dreams Shop 16A/C / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Maribyrnong Carpet Call Shop 17 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Homemaker Centre

• Newport Newport Newsagency 48 Challis Street

• Newport The Substation 1 Market Street

• Newport Newport Library 13 Mason Street

• Newport Seagulls Nest Club 1 Mason Street

• Newport IGA Newport Plus Liquor 2 Mason Street

• Newport Cellarbrations 25 Mason Street

• Newport Newport Community Centre 43 Mason Street

• Newport Newport Newsagency 6 Hall Street

• Newport Newport General Store 10 Hall Street

• Newport Barlow McEwan Tribe 344-346

Melbourne Road

• Seddon Seddon Newsagency 74 Charles Street

• Seddon ALFA Café 97 Victoria Street

• Seddon The Happy Apple Supermarket 176-178

Ready to remember the Anzacs

By Matthew Sims

About 50 years after Australia’s participation in the Vietnam war came to an end, Williamstown resident Bruce O’Brien said the mental scars of his time have never disappeared.

“There’s not a day where I don’t think about it,” he said.

With Anzac Day being celebrated across the country on Tuesday, April 25, Vietnam War veterans and other veterans will reflect on their time at war.

The Newport Returned and Services League (RSL) member and the past president of the now-closed Williamstown RSL was conscripted into service in 1967 and served as a radio operator for nine months in the Royal Australian Army 104th Signal Squadron at the Nui Dat 1st Australian Task Force base.

Mr O’Brien said his family were distraught to see him off, not knowing if they would ever see him again.

“Dad was devastated,” he said.

“He was a New Guinea veteran.”

Lasting from 1954 to 1975, the Vietnam

War pitted the communist government of North Vietnam against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States.

Mr O’Brien said he did not regret his participation in the war.

“I’m not disappointed that I went,” he said.

“I felt that we were there for the right reasons.

“We were there to defend the oppressed.”

The Newport RSL is hosting a dawn service at the Williamstown Cenotaph at 5.30am, followed by a ‘gunfire breakfast’ of coffee or tea with a splash of rum, an afternoon service

at Paine Reserve in Newport from 1pm and entertainment at the Newport RSL, with proceeds going towards the Hayden Butler Foundation for suicide prevention efforts. The Altona RSL is hosting a dawn service at 5.45pm, followed by a general service and breakfast at 8am at the Altona War Memorial. Friends of Cruickshank Park members have also installed wreaths at Cruickshank Park, honouring the fallen soldiers and animals ahead of Anzac Day.

You’re invited to be pampered at Point Cook Village

We would love the opportunity to spoil you by offering free personalised treatments from students at the Tamarua Beauty Academy in Altona, who specialise in making people feel good and look fabulous.

Come along and get your hair, nails or make-up done after a short tour of Point Cook Village where you can meet the vibrant community, view the spacious apartments and villas, and see all there is on offer.

If you are planning your retirement and considering your next move, your search begins here!

Bookings essential.

RSVP by calling the team on 9394 6799 today.

BY RCA VILLAGES

“Living in Point Cook Village was not something I had planned for myself, but it is the best move I have ever made.” Point Cook Resident

Vietnam War veteran Bruce O’Brien. (Jacob Pattison) 329010_05

Friends of Cruickshank Park members Lola Anderson and Sherrie Ogden have been hard at work preparing wreaths to pay respect to the soldiers and animals who have died at war ahead of this year’s Anzac Day. (Damjan Janevski) 328942_03

Budget action

By Cr Jonathon Marsden

Over the past few years, council has been working to redevelop Dennis Reserve in Williamstown.

It’salreadyseenfournewtenniscourtsbuilt and a great upgrade of the play space at the southern end of the reserve.

Inthenextfinancialyear,thethirdandfinal phase of the project will be completed – the building of a new multipurpose community facility.

Council’sproposedbudgethasallocated$3.2 million to complete this community-designed project.

I can’t wait to see the building in action.

It’s easy to think of a council budget as just a set of figures.

But each of those figures represents something that will be of value to us as a community.

It might be a new park or community centre like the Dennis Reserve redevelopment.

It might be the resurfacing of a local street to make it safer, or it might be one of the more than 100 services council offers.

From maternal and child health to youth services, libraries, arts and culture, vital services for older people, every one of those figures in that budget will go towards making the lives of our residents better or safer.

You can help shape the proposed budget.

Go to participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au to view it and have your say.

While you’re on the Participate website, you can also help us review our Fair Hobsons Bay For All policy.

This is a policy that makes sure all of council’s decisions and activities are fair and inclusive for all of our residents, and supports groups who are more likely to experience disadvantage based on age, cultural

Briefs

Woolworths proposal on display Maribyrnong council will hold a drop-in information session concerning Woolworths’ proposal for a supermarket, speciality retail, a childcare and medical centre, a commercial space and basement parking in West Footscray. Set to be held at RecWest Footscray from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, April 27, the session will be an opportunity to view plans, speak to a council planner and provide feedback. Please see below for details.

Details: urbanplanning@maribyrnong. vic.gov.au or 9688 0200

Fatal crash

background, ability, gender or sexuality.

Finally, a quick mention that our Arts at your Doorstep program starts on April 26 with Fred Smith’s Sparrows of Kabul – a song cycle on Australia’s 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.

The whole idea of Arts at your Doorstep is to bring great art into Hobsons Bay so we don’t have to travel to the city or beyond to experience it.

Details: hobsonsbaytickets.com.au

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Yarraville on Sunday. Emergency services were called to the crash in a carpark off High Street on Sunday, April 16 just after 1pm. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still being established. However, police said they were told a man was reversing his car into a car park when he accelerated forward. The vehicle struck a woman before hitting a wall and stopping a short distance away. The 38-year-old Werribee woman was taken to hospital where she later died. Police interviewed the 48-year-old Werribee driver and released him pending further enquiries.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

MARIBYRNONG’S HERITAGE REVIEW

PROTECTING OUR CITY’S UNIQUE HERITAGE

We know heritage is important to our community, particularly First Nations, natural and built heritage assets which were identified as community priorities during our first conversation.

Informed by the feedback received during this first conversation, we have prepared a Challenges and Opportunities Paper.

We’re keen to hear your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities presented. This will help inform the development of a new Heritage Strategy to guide heritage management in the municipality which is aligned with community values.

You can find out more and share your thoughts or register to attend one of our events during National Heritage Month at: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/heritage

Feedback closes midnight Sunday 14 May.

P: (03) 9688 0200

F: (03) 9687 7793

email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Hobsons Bay councillor Jonathon Marsden. (Supplied)

Legacy honours promise to look after veteran families

It all started with a promise...

In the trenches of the Western Front during WW1, a soldier made a promise to his dying mate “to look after the missus and kids”. For 100years,Legacyhasdeliveredonthepromise to help the families of veterans like Melanie* and her two children Max* and Chloe*.

Melanie is incredibly proud of her ex-husband’s service to Australia in the Army, but sadly her young family paid the ultimate sacrifice when his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) reached crisis point. After 20 years together Melanie no longer felt safe living under the same roof and she and the children had to leave.

Legacy was able to step in and have been able to provide food vouchers and get the kids the support they needed. Chloe and Max were falling behind quickly at school, but with tutoring paid for by Legacy and financial assistance also provided for school fees, laptops, and textbooks, the kids are now exceeding.

“It means the world to me that my kids can just be themselves,” Melanie said.

“They can grow and have space and freedom and opportunities. Because it was really hairy there for a moment. We were going down a very, very different path and, without Legacy, we wouldn’t have come out as unscathed as we have.”

Every April 25, Australia pauses to reflect on the brave sacrifices of its servicemen and women. This Anzac Day you can also help keep the promise made in the trenches by donatingtosupportveterans’familiesinneed and ensuring that no child is disadvantaged due to their parent’s service. Scan the QR Code, head to Legacy.com.au/donate or call us on 1800 LEGACY to donate.

*names have been changed for privacy reasons

Melanie with her children Max and Chloe.

Waste charges hiked in budget

By Matthew Sims

Hobsons Bay residents are encouraged to shape the future of the region, with Hobsons Bay’s proposed budget for the next financial year now out for comment.

At its meeting on Tuesday 11 April, Hobsons Bay council approved the proposed budget 2023-24 to be released for community consultation. The proposed budget is based on an operational surplus of $15.5 million, which will be directed to a $58 million investment, while rates for residential properties will have

an average increase of 0.88 per cent.

Some of the major projects included in the capital works program were $5.24 million for construction of the Bruce Comben Reserve southern area and design of the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre in Altona Meadows and $1.6 million to complete Better Places Laverton initiatives.

Hobsons Bay councillor Peter Hemphill said $478,000 of capital grants which council would receive in 2023-24 is a “very disappointing amount of money“.

Service charges for the collection, disposal

Life-changing surgery

By Matthew Sims

A 25-year-old woman from Indonesia has returned to her home town of Jayapura in Papua with a new look on life, thanks to the support of the Rotary Club of Williamstown. Living with neurofibromatosis since she was two and surviving an attempt to kill her, she was left with a severe leg deformity and benign tumors across her body and face.

Natalia was first discovered by a missionary dental surgeon Dr Miguel Lopez, who discovered local children stoning her as an 11-year-old child because of her appearance. With the support of a number of Rotary clubs, including Williamstown and Bendigo South, she received surgery for her facial disfigurement in 2019. With the support of Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), Natalia was brought back to Melbourne for leg surgery to correct the results of an untreated break in her left leg.

As Natalia’s operation was complex it was not known whether amputation of her lower leg was necessary.

However, the surgeon, performed the operation free of charge and successfully without amputation.Natalia then recovered and learnt to walk at a Child First Foundation retreat in Kilmore. After being fitted with orthotics, she was able to walk unassisted and returned home to Jaypura earlier this month.

Rotary Club of Williamstown’s Peter Gray said Natalia was “overjoyed“ with the success of her surgeries and the support from Williamstown and other clubs across the country.

“Without Williamstown’s assistance, we wouldn’t have been able to the things we did,”he said.

Mr Gray said club members Jo Walker, Norm England and Damien Hynes were especially generous towards Natalia during her stay in Victoria.

and processing of garbage, recycling, glass, garden and food waste and hard waste will increaseby7.7percentin2023-24tohelpcover council’s investment to introduce a four-bin system, adding an extra $941,000 across rates.

Despite voting in support of the motion, Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud criticised the fact that the budget only included an allocation of $50,000 towards all historic buildings within Hobsons Bay, with the current state of the Williamstown Mechanics Institute was of particular concern.

“We’veletitfallintosuchacompletestateof

disrepair,” she said.

Hobsons Bay mayor Tony Briffa said all feedback from the community is welcome.

“Importantly, the council is still investing in great community assets that make Hobsons Bay a better place to live and will continue delivering vital services that improve the physical, mental and social health and wellbeing of our residents,” she said.

Public consultation closes at 5pm on Sunday, May 14.

Details: participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ budget2023-24

Rotary Club of Williamstown president Daniel Keas, club member Peter Gray and Rotary Club of Bendigo South’s Greg Penno bid farewell to Natalia after her surgeries. (Supplied)

United joy as grand final looms

By Tara Murray

Western United is daring to dream as it moves one step closer to an A-League Women’s championship in its first season.

United only took one match to show it wouldn’t be easy beats this season, but that underdog mentality remained throughout the season.

On Sunday, United despite having 12 players in their squad who had never played A-League, let alone A-League finals took it to minor premiers Sydney FC for a spot in the grand final.

Golden Boot winner Hannah Keane gave United the lead in the 26th minute and that was the margin at half time.

The Sky Blues continued to put the pressure on, having 26 scoring shots to eight and having 12 shots on target to United’s three.

But United’s defence stood tall as it had all season, continuing to block out Sydney’s attack. Goalkeeper Hillary Beall showed why she is one of the best players in the competition, denying Sydney that equaliser.

United would still lead 1-0 at the end of 90 minutes,butwitheightminutesofinjurytime it needed to hold on.

It did, securing a remarkable grand final spot.

United coach Mark Torcaso said in the post game broadcast that he never imagined being in this position.

“We worked extremely hard in the off-season to get this team right and this club right in regards to the girl space,” he said.

“To be in this moment right and to be playinginagrandfinalisabsolutelyamazing.”

Speakinginthepostgamepressconference, Torcaso said it was pretty incredible to see where the group had come from.

Torcaso along with players Alana Cerne, Adriana and Melissa Taranto, Emma Robers, Julia Sardo, Aleks Sinclair, Natasha Dakic, Alyssa Dall’Oste, Stacey Papadopoulos,

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Raquel Deralas and Harriet Withers were all with National Premier League side Calder United, this time last year.

“It’s unbelievable because a lot of these girls come from an NPL set up and have never been exposed to this,” he said.

“Twelve girls have never been exposed to an A-League environment. I love it just for them that they get that opportunity to play in a big game like today and another big game in two weeks time.

“It’s an amazing achievement for the club and those individuals.”

Torcaso said he had been concerned about jitters entering the match, but there had been noneonshow.HesaidthelikesofAngieBeard

HEALTHY LIVING

Help overcoming pain

At Axis the team strives to achieve the best outcomes by working with, educating and guiding patients on how best to manage pain and injuries.

The Axis team believes that a healthy and active lifestyle is important in keeping on top of pain, so aim to provide patients with the guidance they need to achieve their goals. Hands-on treatments and management are tailored to each individual.

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy

that takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. It focuses on the importance of the musculoskeletal system in a person’s health and aims to support the body’s self healing capacity by considering how the skeleton, muscles, joints, bones, connective tissue, nerves, circulation and organs of the body function together as a unit.

Axis treats people of all ages and also accept clients through WorkCover, TAC, DVA & Enhanced Primary Care Plans.

and Chloe Logarzo had been really good in helping the others.

Torcaso said the result highlighted the strength of the state league game in Australia and particularly in Victoria.

Both Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory also made the final four.

“We’ve got a lot of talent here,” he said. “In our first season to be able to have that, have a number of players play in big games.

“[We were] close to the top of the ladder all year. The game has definitely come on leaps and bounds and it’s only going to get better with the World Cup coming up.”

Torcaso paid tribute to the staff that had put together a program that allowed the girls to

compete week in, week out, He said no matter what, they just worked hard each week.

“It was just about grinding out games week in week out, we knew that we would not be overly entertaining in watch,” he said.

“We’re definitely give a fight and we’re going to work hard for each other every game, literally just fight to the end.”

Torcaso said nothing changes for them in theleaduptothegrandfinalwhichisonApril 30. They will face either Sydney or Melbourne Victory.

“Always had this one day, one week at a time and it will be the same.”

Western United players celebrate after Hannah Keane scored on Sunday. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

Hands-on treatments and management are tailored to each individual.

December finish for lawn work

Maribyrnongcouncilhasupdatedthetimeline of works on Footscray Park’s Western Lawn. Despite ongoing delays, Maribyrnong council aims to have the grass laid to take advantage of the peak growing season to be able to return an improved Western Lawn to the community by December 2023.

Maribyrnong council closed the Western Lawn to the public late last year to enable a multi-million dollar upgrade to support an increase in a range of cultural, recreational and sporting opportunities at Footscray Park. The floodwater inundation across the

area during the October flood event closed a number of the council’s parks and reserves for some months, including Footscray Park, delaying the start of planned works. Given the site’s history, the council had anticipatedacertainlevelofsoilcontamination and planned to remove soil as part of the reconstruction to improve drainage.

Following the flood event, council staff members have also had to deal with the additional challenge of encountering a layer of silt between one and five centimetres thick which was deposited across the entire site.

Maribyrnong council has reviewed geotechnical investigations undertaken at the commencement of the project and additional testing was undertaken to understand appropriate management.

Maribyrnong council has been conducting further soil sample results over the previous week to assist with planning, but results to date indicated no additional health risks which were not already advised at the time of the flood.

Another well-loved asset impacted by the floods was the playground at Footscray

Park, with damage to several sections of the boundary fence, various play equipment, and the ground coverings, with temporary fencing remaining in place until Maribyrnong council can address the damage from the flood.

Footscray residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the delays to the media. The ponds would continue to remain fenced off following two accidents which occurred in 2021 and are still under investigation by the Coroner.

Details: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ Works-and-projects/Western-Lawn

Exhibition highlights Footscray’s unsung heroes

Some of Footscray’s most significant contributorsarefeaturedinapublicexhibition at the new Footscray Hospital site.

A joint art commission between Plenary Health and official arts partner Footscray Community Arts, the Faces of Footscray exhibition features eight large-scale portraits of hospital staff, volunteers and community members along the Geelong Road hoarding.

Launched by Footscray MP Katie Hall on Monday, April 3, the project combines video and photography by local visual artists Mika Tran and Thuy Vy.

Featured members of the Footscray community are Betty Millett, Ray Pereira, Larissa MacFarlane, Paw K’Pru Say Kaw, Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, Uncle Larry Walsh, Dr Emina Hajdarevic and Mohamed Semra.

Plenary Health Footscray hospital project chair Kelvyn Lavelle said the exhibition celebrates the stories of people who help make

the west a healthy and vibrant community.

“WeareworkinghardtomakesuretheNew Footscray Hospital will be a welcoming and

safe precinct for everyone,” he said.

“By sharing their individual stories, our Faces of Footscray are helping connect

the western suburbs community to their new hospital.”

Situated on the corner of Ballarat Road and Geelong Road and delivered by the Plenary health consortium in partnership with Western Health and the Victorian Health Building Authority, the new Footscray hospital is set to open in 2025.

FootscrayCommunityArtsartisticdirector Daniel Santangeli said they are pleased to support the project to promote art and creativity.

“As one of Australia’s leading community arts centres, we are excited to play such an important role in connecting the community to art and creativity through Faces of Footscray and integrated art throughout the new hospital,” he said.

Details: footscrayarts.com/event/ faces-of-footscray

Matthew Sims

Coaxing out creative talents

Altona residents with a creative streak or those wanting to foster their interest in art are encouraged to attend a new program at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre.

Delivered in partnership with Hobsons Bay council, the Fridays by the Bay sessions are running from 10am to 1pm every Wednesday.

Centre manager Karen Ingram said the program features guest speakers and excursions.

“It’s really targeted at residents between the ages of 18 and 55 who are experiencing isolation in the community,” she said.

Ms Ingram said recent excursions has included a trip to the Ian Potter Centre at the

National Gallery of Victoria.

“Itwasaverybigandexcitingday,”shesaid. The cost of the session is $6.50 per week, with lunch included.

Other monthly sessions at Louis Joel Arts andCommunityCentreincludedthemonthly Death Cafe, which is running on the last Saturday of each month from 2pm to 4pm.

Rather than being a grief support or counselling session, the Death Cafe is aimed at people who are also interested in talking about death openly in a safe and supported setting.

Details: 9398 2511 or www.ljac.com.au

Matthew Sims

Artist Amanda Neville is helping to run the Friday by the Bay program at Louis Joel Arts and Community Gallery in Altona. (Damjan Janevski) 321444_01

Footscray MP Katie Hall joined with some of the featured community members in the Faces of Footscray exhibition to launch the exhibition on Monday, April 3. (Supplied)

Caroline Chisholm is dedicated to learning excellence

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College proudly supports the secondary education of students in Melbourne’s inner west.

The college’s unique offering sees students learn in a single-sex environment during their formative years at separate all-girls and all-boys campuses, before moving to the senior co-educational campus. Being close to many public transport options in the area makes it a school of choice for families.

The college is dedicated to learning excellence in an engaged, faith-filled and supportive environment giving students ample opportunities to succeed during their timeatthecollege.Staffencourageallstudents to participate in a range of activities outside of academics including sport, music programs, the yearly college musical production, social justice initiatives; just to name a few.

Students have a wide variety of opportunities across the academic curriculum, including VCE, VET and VCE VM (Vocational Major) programs, as well as a comprehensive co-curricular program. Pathways are extensive, giving all students the opportunity to succeed in their education and beyond.

Students develop knowledge and skills, such as communication, teamwork and critical thinking, to allow them to be ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. They will gain skills to adapt to an ever-changing world to make it a better place and become successful life-long learners.

“The college has always embraced a more holistic approach to our studies by offering a variety of leadership opportunities to me and all students to illuminate us with the new skills we can build upon throughout our high school life. From leadership formation days to official forums where student leaders can discuss concerns and new ideas, the school

provides a true perspective into leadership and becoming a voice for your peers.” –Izabella, 2023 College Captain.

Why not see the college for yourself? Join

staff for an Open Day on Sunday 21 May from 11am – 2pm. All three campuses will be open and student led tours will occur throughout the day to give you the opportunity to see

what the wonderful Caroline Chisholm community can offer your child. Register your interest today by visiting the website: www.cccc.vic.edu.au

Pathways are extensive at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College.

Builders hit by ‘a perfect storm’

The manager of a west Melbourne building company said that rising costs, COVID delays, and trade shortages have created a “perfect storm”ofpressureinthebuildingindustry,but there is “light at the end of the tunnel”.

The Melbourne building industry has taken significant hits this year, with Porter Davis going into liquidation and leaving more than 1500 homes unfinished, and Hallbury Homes and Lloyds Group also entering into administration.

Keogh Homes is a family owned custom builder based in Hoppers Crossing that

servicesMelbourne’sCBD,west,north,andout to Geelong and Ballarat. Keogh Homes general managerPatrickKeoghsaid“buildersaregoing bust left, right and centre” due to fixed-price contracts being outpaced by inflation.

“I won’t sugar coat it, it’s affecting every builderinthestate,”hesaid.“[Thecosttobuild] a house with four bedrooms, two living areas, has gone up between $120,000 and $150,000 in the last four years.

“Working on fixed price contracts we’ve got nowiggleroomifthere’spriceincreasesthatget passed on from material suppliers or trades.”

MrKeoghsaidsecondaryissueswereworker shortages and COVID-delays.

“There is just a lot of work out in the ground atthemoment,andnotenoughtradesoutthere to do it,“ he said.

“Thevolumebuildersrelyonsmallermargins but greater volume of work, and they rely on getting through jobs quicker… But because of all these delays on site that’s obviously pushed them out and they’ve felt the pain from that.”

Mr Keogh believes that with such large companiesgoingunder,theindustrywillbegin to correct itself.

Future of live music is in the west

Hotel Westwood co-owner James Young has high hopes for the future of the western Melbourne live music and hospitality scene, despite the hangover from the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors pressuring him putting the business up for sale.

“ItrulybelievethefutureofMelbourneisin the west,” he said.

Formerly known as the Reverence Hotel which closed its doors in 2019, Mr Young and his group Cult Leader aimed to reopen Hotel Westwood in April of 2020.

“We were very badly struck by timing,” he said.

“We were the first to be closed and the last

to be opened.”

Mr Young said despite having success in attracting renowned live bands, the kitchen was lacking.

“I made a significant mistake in that I took on a pub and never had the money to finish the kitchen,” he said.

Mr Young said the hospitality and entertainment industries were one of the worst-hitduringMelbourne’slonglockdowns.

“The ripple effect will be felt for at least five years,” he said.

“It’s brutal having to pay the rent.”

MrYoungsaidtheincreasingcostsofpublic liabilityinsurancewasanotherpressureonthe

livemusicindustry,ashiscostshaveincreased from $6000 per month to $33,000 per month.

“There is a crisis in the scene,” he said.

However, Mr Young said he was hopeful for Hotel Westwood’s future.

“That place is a seedling just waiting to blossom,” he said.

Mr Young said he was keen to support people wanting to host and promote live music and hospitality and the west.

“I’m very happy to share my skill set with the west,” he said.

“I believe there’s a revolution going on.

“Footscray’s going to be the new heartland.”

Matthew Sims

“With what’s happened to the other builders who have gone bust recently there is going to be a bit more of an influx of trade availability so in the next few months that’s going to make things a lot easier and get jobs moving.

“And then obviously every contract that we’ve signed in the last six months has been based on current prices and inflated prices that we expect to come through in the next few months. Unfortunately that means increased prices that we have to pass on to the clients but obviously that’s what we need to do to remain viable.”

EPA issues fine over concrete dust

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined a concrete, aggregates and concrete products supplier after it allowed concrete dust and slurry to escape onto streets near its Footscray premises.

The EPA fined Holcim (Australia Pty Ltd) $3698 after EPA officers attended the Footscray premises on Sims Street and saw trucks leaving the site and tracking the slurry along Sims Street and into Dynon Road.

EPA west metro regional manager Steve Lansdell said any rain event would run the waste down the storm drains and then out to the Maribyrnong River.

“Concrete had solidified on kerbsides and will affect that local area for some time,” he said.

“The Holcim website has many examplesofwherethecompanyprides itselfonbeingagoodcorporatecitizen and points to multiple environmental and community projects.

“We expect them to lift their game and we will be monitoring their future performance.”

MrLansdellsaidtheEPAhasissued an environmental action notice, which requires the company to install further controls by Tuesday, June 6.

“It’s everyone’s duty to act to prevent harm to the environment and Holcim was not doing that,” he said.

“If EPA officers had not been so quick to act, we could have seen a far worse outcome.”

Easter long weekend traffic offences spike to the dismay of road police

Victoria Police detected 49 traffic offences across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay over the Easter long weekend as part of Operation Nexus.

The five-day road policing operation saw an increased police presence across the state from 12.01 am on April 6 to 11.59 pm on April 10, in an effort to reduce road trauma.

In Maribyrnong, police detected two speeding offences, seven unregistered vehicles, two disqualified driving offences, two mobile phone offences, two disqualified drivers, three unlicensed drivers and carried out one impoundment.

In Sunbury, there were six speeding offences,fiveunregisteredvehicles,onedrink driving offence, two disqualified drivers, four offences of disobeying signs/signals and two impoundments.

Across the state, about 8000 traffic offences were detected with two fatalities following separate single-vehicle collisions.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said the amount of detections showed a blatant disregard for road rules.

“It is extremely disappointing that we’ve detected almost 8000 motorists in a five-day period for a range of traffic offences,” he said.

“This just shows a blatant disregard for road rules and for the safety of all road users.

“Considering the start to the year we’ve had, we would hope that more people would heed the warnings and make a conscious effort to drive safely.”

More than a third of the 8000 offences detected were for speeding, and mobile phone offences jumped 31 per cent from last year’s Easter policing operation, with 343 mobile phone offences detected. Assistant Commissioner Weir said risky behaviours such as speed, impaired driving and mobile phone distraction contribute to road trauma.

“Time and time again, it is those behaviours… that are contributing to road trauma, yet we continue to detect thousands of motorists for these offences,” he said.

“Everyone thinks road trauma won’t happen to them, until it’s too late.

Don’t let your complacency be the reason for another death or serious injury on our roads.”

Police said they would continue to be active across the state throughout the school holiday period and the unofficial Anzac Day long weekend.

Hotel Westwood co-owner James Young and Gualberto Casas from Del Barrio. (Damjan Janevski) 283633_05

Pitch upgrade

A renewed pitch for Seaholme’s H.C. Kim Reserve is coming, with Hobsons Bay council approving a $1.4 million contract for redevelopment and irrigation upgrades.

At its meeting on Tuesday, April 11, councillors passed a motion to award the $1,410,392 contract to Green Turf Pty Ltd for the complete redevelopment of pitch one and irrigation upgrades to pitches two and three and associated minor works at H.C. Kim Reserve.

The project would involve the full redevelopment of pitch one, including a re-shape, a new gravel drainage layer, a new irrigation system, sand, and couchsodturf,aswellasfullirrigation upgrades to pitches two and three.

Setting sail for Belgium

By Matthew Sims

Seddon’s Zac Sayle and Charlie White are ready to tear through the water in Belgium later this year, with the pair preparing to be one of the eight-boat team representing Australia in the International Cadet Class 2023 World Championship.

Running from Thursday, July 20 to Friday, July 28, the championship will include the best junior sailors from all continents racing in one of the most iconic boats in the world: the Cadet two-seater.

The Cadet is a class of sailing dinghy designed to be sailed by two children up to the age of 17.

Zac said while he had been sailing in Cadets

for six years since he was 10, Charlie had not sailed a Cadet before they started sailing together last February.

“Whensailingwithapartner,youformnew friendships with other people, and you learn valuable life skills such as working with other people for a common goal,” he said.

Charlie said a positive rapport with Zac is essential to their success on the water.

“When one of you is having a bad day, the otheroneistheretocheeryouupandmotivate you to do well,” he said.

“We both have separate jobs in the boat and you develop a level of trust and understanding that the other can be relied upon to do their job.”

Zac said he and Charlie are excited to

represent Australia on a world stage.

“I know that even being selected to represent my country at a world Championship overseas is a big achievement and something which only very few people ever get the opportunity to do, let alone at such a young age,” he said.

“I see this opportunity as being very special.”

Charlie and Zac are raising money for their journey, with the fundraising total at $1245 at the time of publication towards their $2700 goal.

Details: www.mycause.com.au/p/304451/ help-zac-and-charlie-conquer-the-cadetworlds

The motion followed on from council awarding a $5,006,584 contract to Loaram Construction for the demolition and rebuild of the H.C. Kim Reserve Pavilion during its meeting on Tuesday, March 14.

In 2022, council received $300,000 through the state government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund for the redevelopment of the sports grounds at HC Kim Reserve.

H.C. Kim Reserve has been home to the Altona City Soccer Club since 1965, with the club’s membership and activities increasing rapidly in recent years.

Hobsons Bay council’s H.C. Kim Reserve Master Plan endorsed in 2014 and its Sports Facility Needs Analysis endorsed in 2018 both supported the redevelopment of both the field and pavilion.

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Zac Sayle and Charlie White are excited to compete in the upcoming championships. (Jacob Pattison) 328035_04

Hoping for a place to call home

Anne Margaret lives at the St Albans Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) centre after experiencing homelessness. This is the first time the 23-year-old has fully lived away from her family home.

Ms Margaret said she is hopeful that with support she can still achieve her goals, despite the uncertainty of her current predicament.

“It’s the best thing, just to have a place that feels like home,” she said.

“I feel good living here and I hope that things work out for me.”

Across three locations, including a site in St Albans,cohealth’sYouthResidentialRecovery (YRR)programisprovidingahomeforyoung people where they can be themselves and work on their recovery goals in a supported, inclusive environment.

The nine-bedroom St Albans site provides a safe space for people aged 16 to 25 years to pursue their mental health recovery.

With their own room, shared spaces and the opportunity to take part in all kinds of activities and group events, the residents work side by side with their mental health and wellbeing coaches to set and meet their personal goals.

Residents are required to pay a service fee of $80 per fortnight for program costs.

Ms Margaret said walking into the unit is like walking into someone’s house.

“You have your personal space and your freedom,” she said.

“It’s helping me not rely so much on other people but to be more independent and to be the best version of myself.”

Ms Margaret recommends the YRR program to other young people in the area.

“If you’re not social, it will help you be more social and more active in the community,” she said.

“It will help you be positive about life.”

Fellow YRR client Cass (they/them) said they feel “relaxed and safe and included” by the YRR team.

St Albans YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Maya Sheppard said the program welcomes people of all backgrounds.

“We at YRR welcome young people into the

program from all walks of life and I am really proud of this commitment,” she said.

“I feel really proud of the way our staff can support young people to make their houses feel more like their own.”

MsSheppardsaidhavingagoodorientation process allows young people to feel comfortable while they are transitioning out of homelessness or insecure housing.

“Our approach is client driven and collaborative,wherebystaffwilloftenorganise careteamsmeetingswiththeirothersupports, to make sure we are collaboratively working together to better outcomes and support the young person through orientation,” she said.

YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Aidan Rossiter said the focus of the program was valuing clients’ capabilities first.

“We take young people as they are,” he said.

“We accept and value all the young people who enter the YRR program.”

TheSalvationArmynorthwestmetroyouth services manager Ralph Salera said the Salvos are actively supporting about 150 young people who are experiencing homelessness across the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne.

“I’ve worked in the sector for over 16 years and certainly today’s housing crisis is the most difficult we have encountered,” he said.

“Lack of options and cost of living is contributing to family stresses and impacting young people.

“Theyoungpeopleareeithersleepingrough, in crisis accommodation, couch surfing or in temporary supported housing.”

Young people aged 12 to 24 make up 23 per cent of all homeless people across the country. On Wednesday, April 19, Youth Homelssness Matters Day is encouraging discussion and awareness of issues relating to youth homelessness. Matthew Sims spoke to a number of people experiencing youth homelessness and those supporting them.

‘‘ It’s helping me ... be more independent and to be the best version of myself ’’

- Anne Margaret

Resident Anne Margaret with youth engagement worker Jarryd Cooper. (Supplied)

Mr Salera said services were currently stretched across the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne.

“We are seeing wait lists for support increasing,” he said. “In Brimbank alone, we have 20 plus young people waiting for allocation to support services.”

About 40,000 young people aged 15 to 24 years presented to a homelessness service across Australia in 2021-22, with about half experiencing mental ill-health and more than one third experiencing domestic and family violence.

The 2021 Census data showed there was a 31.26 per cent increase in youth (12 to 24 years ofage)homelessnesscomparedto2006figures, jumping from 21,945 in the 2006 Census to

28,804 in 2021.

The 2021 rate of homelessness was highest within the 19 to 24 age group, with 91 out of 10,000 respondents indicating they were experiencing homelessness.

HopeStreetYouthandFamilyServicesoffers the Hope Street in Melton program, which supports transitional housing for young people andyoungfamilieswhoareprovidedwithsafe, secure and affordable accommodation for 12 months to two years.

Hope Street supported 255 young people and young families in the Melton area in the 2021-2022 financial year across the First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Service and the First Response Youth Refuge.

The family unit at the First Response Youth

- Ralph Salera

Refuge in Melton supported two siblings, Ade andPals,whoarrivedinAustraliainNovember 2021.

They came from Ethiopia with no English language skills.

Hope Street supported them to access educational courses to assist with their language development, link them both into the local Ethiopian community, supported them with cooking, living skills and using public transport.

They are now both able to converse in English and have successfully obtained a property where they are thriving and continue to develop their English and adapt to life in Australia.

IPC Health Homeless and at Risk of

Homelessness Response (HaRH) team manager Eliza Mead said the team provided assertive outreach strategies, providing holistic health and wellbeing assessments, facilitating and supporting referrals into IPC Health’s services and/or into external services, such as MelbourneCityMissionortheSalvationArmy.

“There is a collaborative and co-ordinated service response,” she said. “We work really closely with those organisations.”

Mrs Mead said a number of factors led to people experiencing homelessness, including extreme financial disadvantage, lack of immediate response to critical needs, a lack of local and accessible services and limited technical literacy.

“Since July to March, we had 53 rough sleepers,” she said.

“We do know there are likely a number of other health and wellbeing needs for them.

“We have built some very solid relationships within that community.”

The HaRH program has been successful in registering 280 clients between July 2022 through to March 2023 and in collaboration with Tenants Victoria, IPC Health has door-knocked 96 rooming house properties and engaged with 75 tenants, of which 64 are now HaRH clients. IPC Health has also held outreach engagement and support activities at Rockbank Caravan Park, the Tin Shed in St Albans, Melton South Community Centre and Salvation Army Social Housing Service in Sunshine.

Details: www.yfoundations.org.au/ yhmd-2023

(Shutterstock)

‘‘ We are seeing wait lists for support increasing ’’

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

April 26, 1983

The Angliss Meatworks site was sold to the Ministry of Housing last Thursday for $2.75 million.

30 years ago

April 21, 1993

Monthly festivals of music, street stalls, performers and Sunday trading are likely to liven up Yarraville.

20 years ago

April 23, 2003

Maribyrnong council will investigate the possibility of having more apartments in Footscray central business district (CBD).

10 years ago

April 24, 2013

The biggest expansion of inner west truck curfews in a decade is facing stiff opposition from major industry and VicRoads.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Choir leader needed

The Laverton Community Choir is seeking a relaxed, fun and community minded musical director volunteer to guide the choir in song. The not for profit, non-audition all-abilities choir has been singing for many years and enjoy a handful of performances a year within the local and surrounding community areas. With full support from the committee and members, the successful applicant will have sound musical experience (competent pianist, ability to read, interpret and arrange music), an inclusive and open leadership style, with a commitment to having a positive relationship with all members and a desire to work with the committee to develop and implement a long-term plan for the choir. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm (with a 15-minute supper break at 8pm) during the school terms. The position will be effective from term 3, 2023. However, earlier involvement from June with the outgoing musical director would be encouraged. n samgerc@bigpond.net.au

New choir launch

A new community choir in Melbourne’s west will launch on Friday, April 28. With One Voice – Hobsons Bay will meet at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre at 5 Sargood Street in Altona each Friday afternoon from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, followed by tea and coffee and a chat. The choir is open to people of all abilities, cultures, backgrounds, vocal ranges, ages and genders. No auditions and no sheet music.

n www.withonevoice.org.au/choirs/ hobsonsbay

Food relief markets

Yarraville Community Centre will be hosting a food relief market for those in need of assistance with food and essentials. The market will be held in the car park located at 59 Francis Street in Yarraville between 10am and 12.30pm on Wednesday, May 17. Visitors can select their own food including fresh fruit and vegetables as well as pantry staples, use family and individual support services, select clothing, toys and homewares from West Welcome Wagon, access health advice.

Children’s activities are also on offer. n Bettina, 0411 954 774 or btwyman@ ycc.net.au

Flower workshops

Want to learn how to do professional flower arrangements in a fun and relaxed program? Flowers, vase and snacks included. Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson St, Williamstown. n Liza, 0416 268 959

Newport folk and fiddle

Have you thought of taking up an instrument or dusting off that guitar or ukulele or other instrument recently? Then join the Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group. Absolute beginners or those with some experience are welcome to come along and play in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. Come on down, have some fun, make new friends, have a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy and appreciate music. Children are also welcome. The group is led by Danny, who creates a welcoming and casual environment. Saturday, April 29. 6.30pm to 8.30pm. 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport. n www.nffc.org.au/beginner-playalong

Seeking stories

Award-winning local author Dr Dominique Hes is writing a book on Newport Lakes, tracing its history, its impact and its contribution. The book will outline the story of its development, highlighting the role of consensus, courage, vision and working with nature to create a beautiful ecological and social place. Weaving in theories of biophilia, regenerative development and placemaking with local stories, it aims to provide inspiration for other communities looking at what they can do in their neighbourhoods. Locals are asked to come forward with any stories, photos, memories to be included in the book.

n NPLbook22@gmail.com

Williamstown book sale

Friends of Williamstown and Newport Libraries hold a book sale every second Saturday of each month 9.30am to 12.30pm. The book sale is held in Friends’ Room – entrance from deck on Ferguson Street. Cash only sales.

n libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely one-and-a-half hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Each week is a different week and a printed sheet with the route and points of interest provided each week. Walks are leisurely and we usually end at a cafe for a tea/coffee.

n John, 0418 377 336

Walking group

The Altona Meadows and Newport Heart Foundation Walking Group is a local community of men and women committed to walking together, socialising together with a post-walk coffee and chat and enjoying the natural beauty and birdlife that is to be found throughout Hobsons Bay together. Anyone is welcome to join the group on Mondays 10am at Altona Beach, Wednesdays 10am at Altona Meadows (Jolly Miller Cafe) or on Fridays

10am, at Newport Lakes. The group walks for 60 minutes and enjoys the physical and psychological benefits of walking together in clean, fresh air rain, hail or shine, at its own pace and according to individual abilities. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation in order to join. Hobsons Bay resident Ian Watson established the walking group four years ago under the Heart Foundation’s umbrella, and, in 2021, was awarded the Heart Foundation’s Australia wide Golden Shoe Award for Courage and Commitment.

n Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or www. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and-NewportHeart-Foundation-Walking-Groups

Palliative volunteers needed Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.

n 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Musicians Wanted

Established in 1979, the Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am to noon at Braybrook College.

n westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Free English conversation class

Is English your second language? Do you want to improve your English skills and meet new people? Practise English conversation in informal interactive group sessions. Light refreshments provided. Mondays during school terms from 1pm to 3pm at the Altona Library meeting room at Queen Street, Altona.

n Joe Pellone, 0431 915 970, or joepellone@gmail.com, or Jill Mackenzie, 0439 994 705, or jill.mackenzie111@ gmail.com

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

Would you like to develop confidence

in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing?

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7-9.30pm.

n Vimi Gaoneadry, 0411 530 944

Art workshops

The Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre presents MonArt. Workshops for people of all abilities facilitated by community art specialist Amanda Neville, Mondays 10am-11.30am. Cost: $5 casual fee each week.

n admin@ljac.com.au, or 9398 2511

West Footscray Rotary

The Rotary Club of West Footscray meets at the Medway Golf Club in Maidstone for lunch, fellowship and guest speakers each Wednesday from 12.30 until 2pm.

n David, 0416 497 398

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Place.

n John, 0418 377 336

Wednesday walking group

The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are warmly welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea.

n 9397 6168

Altona book sale

Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona, access via Coles carpark, 10am to 1pm. n libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of West Footscray resident Bill Marshall as ‘Captain W.N. Fish’, who is a producer of the Festival of Surrealisms. (Damjan Janevski) 328234_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 61 48 3 21 54 85 64

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Drafted Russian cavalry soldier (7)

5 Windfall (7)

129

3 Appraised (8)

4 Grunge musician Cobain (4)

5 Personal items (10)

6 Medical professionals (6)

7 Nightwear (8)

8 Haughty (8)

34 27 49 71 45 62 1

9 Inherited from one’s family (9)

10 Exactitude (5)

11 Pick (6)

12 Going in (8)

14 Greek oracle (6)

15 Nasty (4)

19 Paradise (4)

20 Type of brandy (6)

24 Relating to cultivated land (8)

25 Maximum (6)

27 River flowing from Tibet to the Arabian Sea (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Vote in again (2-5)

30 Gnawing animals (7) DOWN

1 Opportunity (6)

2 Aid (6)

53 24 7 81 3

easy 148 5 914 7 546

28 1 83 6 69

13 Expert (10)

16 The way one acts (8)

17 Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8)

18 Being admitted to a church (8)

21 Fictional castaway (6)

22 Spindle for thread (6)

23 City of the 2004 Olympic Games (6)

26 Declare (4)

67 3 68 19 47

81 52 32 37 9

medium 61 7296 86

hard

DECODER WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

No. 129

38

N O C I E D 19 words: Good 28 words: Very good

cent, codeine, coin, coined, concede, conceit, CONCEITED, cone, coned, conic, decent, denote, dent, dine, dint, docent, done, donee, encode, entice, enticed, icon, into, need, nice, niece, node, note, noted, notice, noticed, occident, once, tend, tine, tone, toned, tonic

No. 129

C A S A E A O E I E P E S C R A B S L A B E L A D O R E S I D E D P O E T S

QUICK QUIZ

2 Video game storefront Steam is owned by what company?

3 The ‘evil Santa’ Krampus has the horns of what animal?

4 What is the title of Susanna Clarke’s 2020 fantasy novel?

5 What is the heaviest organ in the human body?

6 The world’s oldest tree, a bristlecone pine, is located in which US state?

7 The condor is the common name for which two species of bird?

8 Which of the following authors does not have a Nobel Prize: Alice Munro, Peter Carey, Albert Camus or Gabriel García Márquez?

9 Justice Smith and Herizen F. Guardiola (pictured) starred in which musical drama Netflix series?

10 Which former Hawthorn player has the most AFL Premierships?

No.

No. 129

Trades & Services

General Notices

PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 2023-24

At its meeting on Tuesday 11 April 2023, Hobsons Bay City Council resolved to place its Proposed Annual Budget 2023-24 on public exhibition.

Proposed Annual Budget

In accordance with section 94 of the Local Government Act 2020 and regulations 7 and 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2020, Council gives notice that it has prepared a Proposed Annual Budget for the financial year commencing 1 July 2023.

Public inspection

The Proposed Annual Budget can be viewed online at: participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/budget2023-24

The document is available for inspection in person at:

• Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona

• Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona

• Altona North Library, cnr Millers and McArthurs Roads, Altona North

• Council+ Pop-Up Library, Central Square Shopping Centre, Altona Meadows

• Newport Community Hub, 13 Mason Street, Newport

• Williamstown Library, 104 Ferguson Street, Williamstown

Public comment

Anyone can comment on the Proposed Annual Budget by 5pm, Sunday 14 May 2023:

• Written submissions via participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/budget2023-24

• Or, addressed to Hobsons Bay City Council, Reply Paid 21, Altona Vic 3018 (no stamp required).

All submissions received for the Proposed Annual Budget 2023-24, including any personal information provided, will be included as part of a report to Council and published on Council’s website for an indefinite period. A hard copy will also be made available for inspection by members of the public at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre.

Council proposes to adopt the Annual Budget 2023-24 at its meeting on Tuesday 20 June 2023 at 7pm.

Enquiries should be directed to Mr Andrew McLeod, Director of Corporate Services, on 1300 179 944.

AARON VAN EGMOND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

V Professional

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

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Phoenix cruising along hoping to go one further

Altona East Phoenix is keen to build on last season and go one step further in the FV state league 2 north-west.

After exceeding expectations last season and being in the promotion mix until the last round, the Phoenix have assembled a squad it believes can challenge again.

Having claimed three wins and a draw from the first four matches, Phoenix coach Terry Antoniadis is pretty happy to start the season.

“It has been an encouraging start,” he said before round four. “We’ve got seven points from nine in the first three games.

“The fixture was pretty tough in the opening three rounds and we’re really pleased to get the season off on the right foot, but we understand there is still a lot of work to be done.”

Antoniadis said there weren’t any easy games in the competition this season, with early rumblings and matches showing about seven teams pushing for promotion.

He said they were keen to be one

of those teams.

“There looks like there will be at least seven quality teams going for promotion and only two slots to fill,” he said.

“We want to be one of those teams in the mix. We went really close last year and we just fell short.

“There is some disappointment from getting so close last year and missing out. We will keep taking it week to week and focus on what is in front of us and not look too far ahead.”

Antoniadis said knowing they were that close last year they didn’t want to change too much squad wise.

He said they had been able to maintain the majority of last season’s squad which says a lot about the environment at the club.

The Phoenix then also added some more experienced players to the squad.

Antoniadis said to take the next step we needed to add that extra bit of experience and quality to the squad.

Former Green Gully captain Jay Davies has joined the club and brings plenty of experience to the club.

Marko Delic has crossed from Dandenong City, with former professional English footballer, Sam O’Halleron has also come across as had Jose Portillo.

James Stefanou is another to join the club according to Antoniadis brings a different perspective.

“James has played at a high level and has been over in the states as a kicker at college over there,” he said.

“He has been around that professional environment and we’ll look for him to instil that professionalism and experience.”

Antoniadis said while they have a really strong culture at the club, these guys they’ve added came to help with the little things to help them go to the next level.

On Saturday, the Phoenix beat Altona North, 4-0.

Seagulls on the board

By Tara Murray

It’s taken a few weeks longer than hoped, but Williamstown is finally on the winners list in the Victorian Football League.

After a couple of close calls in recent weeks, the Seagulls were able to kick away in the second half against the Darebin Falcons on Saturday.

TheSeagullshittheleadinthethirdquarter, before kicking the only two goals of the last quarter to seal the 5.13 (43)-3.3 (21).

Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said it was nice to get some reward for all the hard work that they’ve put in.

“It’s a little overdue,” he said. “We took a while to get going and credit to Darebin. They would have come in knowing we were without a win and thinking we were gettable, and we were in the same situation.

“I think we are better than the results show and we had the belief that we would run the

game out really well.”

Cavanagh said looking at the data they were on top in many aspects of the game throughout. One of the main areas was inside 50s, with the Seagulls having an extra 35.

“We didn’t execute the way we would have liked,” he said.

Cavanagh said there was a period in the third quarter where they started to take control and get some good looks in high percentage areas and were able to convert.

He said it was nice to let the win sink in, in the dying minutes of the games.

“There was faith that it would come,” he said. “It took a little while to get there.”

“It’s nice to have the monkey off the back.”

Eliza Straford and Sara Cameron kicked two goals each for the Seagulls.

Jasmine Kawa led the way with 24 disposals with Cavanagh said she was one of their best.

He also highlighted Perri King in her game for the club, who had 13 possessions and nine

tackles, and said Zoe Fay was their best player.

“She was BOG,” she said. “She played the anchorrolewithnothinggettingpastherafter quarter time.”

Cavanagh said they would look to review the first month this week and was interested to see what the playing group said.

He said they expected them to be eye opening,withwheretheysitinthecompetition with many of the stats.

“If we stick together we’re confident that we can beat anyone,” he said. “It’s about playing four quarters.

“We’ve got new players and a new coach.”

The Seagulls this week Carlton.

Cavanagh said it would be a good test for the side.

“Carltonisthebestteaminthecompetition,” he said. “It’ll be good to see if we take right up to them.

“It’ll be good to see how we stack up.”

Sports shorts

Australia Cup

Williamstown was knocked out of the Australia Cup last week by the North Sunshine Eagles. The Eagles opened the scoring in the 24th minute, before doubling the score in the 83rd minute. The two goals were enough for the Eagles to get the win 2-0. The draw for the next round has been released with Altona Magic to face the winner of Brimbank Stallions and Gippsland.

VAFA

Williamstown CYMS started the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B competition with a loss. The CYs faced St Bernards in the opening round. The match was over at quarter time, with St Bernards leading 11.4 (70)-1.0 (6). St Bernards extended the lead in the rest of the match, winning 21.17 (143)-8.6 (54). Daly Andrews was named the CYs best. VFL Williamstown’s good form continued in the Victorian Football League, making it three wins in a row on Saturday. Facing Coburg, the Seagulls come away with the win 16.14 (110)-8.8 (56). Corey Ellison and Nicholas Ebinger kicked three goals each for the Seagulls. James Cousins led the way with 39 disposals and Harry Jones had 30 disposals.

Vic Metro

The next generation of female footballers will be on show during the AFL under-16 National Development Championships. The championships, which started last week involve 10 teams from across the country, each playing two games each. Western Jets coach Hayley Gossow is the coach of the Victoria Metro team. Two of her Jets players Jazmine Dalli and Caitlyn Volpe have been named in the squad as well. The two Victorian teams played each other on Thursday, with Vic Country winning by four points. They will each play their second match at Arden Street Oval on Sunday, April 23, with Victoria Country to take on Western Australia at 10.45am, before Victoria Metro plays South Australia at 12.45pm

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Jay Davies is one of the key signings for Altona East Phoenix (Supplied)

Danica Pederson (Supplied)

Altona Magic is ‘moving forward’

Altona Magic produced the sort of performance it hasn’t for a number of years on Friday night in the National Premier League.

The Magic left the St Albans Saints stunned with a 5-1 result at home, showing the improvement of the side this season.

The Magic led 2-0 at half time before increasing the lead to 4-0 in the 73rd minute.

The Saints got one back, but a goal from Jonas Markovski in injury time was the icing on the cake for the Magic.

Magic coach John Markovski said it was a pretty pleasing performance all round.

“We were switched on for the whole 90 minutes which is great,” he said.

“We had plenty of shots on goal. They haven’t had a performance like this for a few years, it’s really pleasing to see we are at least moving forward.”

One of the most pleasing things about the performance was the spread of goal scorers.

Leading into the match, the Magic had

scored 10 goals for the season, with six of them coming from Jonas Markovski.

On Friday night, they had five separate goal scorers.

“He is doing exceptionally well,” Markovski said of his son. “We’re now getting other players coming into it, rather than one player scoring which is great.

“JustinMicallef,CianCuba,RobertHarding and Tommy Semmy all scored which is great.” Markovski said while it had taken them a little longer than they would have liked to settle, they were now heading in the right direction. This is Markovski’s fourth stint as coach of the club.

“We’re starting to be competitive week in, week out and hopefully it continues next week,” he said.

“We have 11 new players from last year, They continue to rise. They are very technical and talented players.

“They’re learning the style we want them to

play. It’s pleasing to see they are heading in the right direction, so good, so far.”

Now up to sixth on the table, Markovski said consistency was the focus for the next few weeks.

This week they face the Oakleigh Cannons, who have won the last two titles.

“We just want to continue to do our job and play well,” Markovski said.

“We want to be competitive.

“Oakleigh is a quality side that has won the last two years. On the day anything can happen.”

In the NPL2, Western United lost 1-0 to Langwarrin.

Langwarrin scored in the 34th minute to hit the lead.

Despite the loss, Western United remains on top.

Johnson crosses to Clubbers

Yarraville Club has poached one of the top bowlers in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.

Fresh off another premiership, the Clubbers announced on Thursday that Nathan Johnson was crossing from the Druids for the 2023-24 season.

“An aggressive fast bowler and hard hitting middle-lower order batter, Nathan has taken 81 wickets in 49 games with Druids in the senior division,” the club said in the announcement.

“Prior to his time in the VTCA, Nathan played 17 games of Premier 1st XI cricket with the Greenvale Kangaroos across two seasons, taking 17 wickets, including a five wicket haul against a strong Footscray side.

“Nathan also featured on the Renegades Recruit last year, and made it to the final three contestants.

“He was also a key figure in the VTCA’s representative game against the DDCA [Dandenong District Cricket Association] in the summer just gone, starring with both bat and ball.”

Shock call up for bowler

By Tara Murray

After not being selected for three of the last four games of the Sheffield Shield season, representing Australia A was the last thing on Jordan Buckingham’s mind.

With South Australia going with just three fast bowlers, the young Victorian was the man to miss out as the Redbacks having an experienced line up.

He went back to grade cricket and made the team of the year, with his games and stats on the radar of those picking teams above.

Buckingham soon received a surprise call up to the Australia A team to face New Zealand.

“It was awesome,” he said. “To be honest I didn’t expect it.

“Post Christmas I didn’t get picked in three of the four games. I was told a couple of weeks ago that I was reserve, but I didn’t expect to go.

“After the grade semi final, which we lost, I was told that I was being picked and I couldn’t believe it. I was one of the youngest in the team.”

Buckingham joined the likes of Peter

Handscomb, Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Swepson on the plane to New Zealand.

Buckingham wasn’t selected in the first match, but was given his chance in the second game which was ultimately drawn.

It became a dream debut for his country, producing his best bowling figures.

“You don’t walk into a game thinking you will take six wickets every game, let alone in one innings.

“And to be the top six as well. You feel like all the hard work over the time has paid off. “

While Buckingham didn’t get a wicket in the second innings, he walked away proud of what he had been able to do.

“It was a massive learning curve and it indicated a lot of things with my game,” he said. “It was a really good opportunity and hopefully I’ll get another opportunity and hopefully go up one level more.

“Hopefully it will hold me in good stead.”

Buckingham said the opportunity to pick the brains of Scott Prestwidge who has been involved in the Australian women’s program, had been invaluable.

He said not only was he able to pick up some tactics, but also tips on bowling with the duke

ball, which he was doing for the first time.

The former Greenvale and Footscray cricketer said the move to South Australia had been the best one of his career.

He said he loved it over there and had recently signed a new contract to stay at the Redbacks. He’s hoping that he will be more of an automatic pick next season.

“Learning the craft from [Jason] Dizzy Gillespie and Ryan Harris, is really good,” he said.

“Dizzy’s record speaks for itself and so does Rhino’s as a fast bowler. I enjoy working with them.”

WhilehelovesSouthAustralia,Buckingham is quick to praise his former Victorian teams and what they did for him as a cricketer.

After a big summer of cricket, Buckingham now plans to have some time off. A trip to England to play county cricket could be on the cards and ruin those plans.

“I could potentially play in England,” he said. “There’s a few things in the works.

“Nothing has been offered, so I’ll put the bat and ball away for a bit and see what happens.

“For a fast bowler, playing with the duke ball in England is really exciting.”

The announcement said Johnson was good mates with Clubbers all-rounder Trent Lawford and the club was looking forward to the pair leading their bowling attack.

The signing of Johnson is the second big signing for the Clubbers in the off season.

The club has previously announced the signing of Michael Hill.

Hill has been a star at Victorian Premier Cricket, after having played statecricketforVictoriaandTasmania.

The club has also announced the re-signings of premier stars, Sangaran Nandhalal, Lawford, and Chinthaka Jayasinghe.

Nathan Johnson (Supplied)

Tara Murray

John Markovski (Supplied)

Jordan Buckingham in his first Australia A match. (AAP Image/Joseph Johnson/via Photosport)

Geoff Maddern steps up the guide the Brookers

Geoff Maddern was thrown into the coaching hot seat at Braybrook just weeks out from the Western Region Football League division 2 season.

John Mangos, who coached the side to a division 3 premiership as a caretaker coach last season, stepped down just weeks out from the season. Maddern, who was working at the club as a specialist coach, was asked to put his hand up and the rest is history.

“It’s only been the last couple of weeks,” he said. “It’s probably not ideal.

“I’ve been in touch with [president] Anthony [Dunlop] the last few years after finishing up with Airport West in the EDFL [Essendon District Football League]. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Anthony and what he is trying to do at Braybrook. “John’s work commitments took precedence and they offered for me to

take the lead.” While Maddern’s only previous experienceintheWRFLdatesbacktocoaching the Flemington Colts in under-10s and under-12smanyyearsago,he’shadasuccessful coaching career in the EDFL. He coached at Essendon Doutta Stars, before coaching Airport West including to a premiership in 2018.Maddern said it had been a little bit of a surprise to be a head coach again, but said that it was always in the back of his mind.

Maddern said while it was still early in the piece, he’d seen some good signs on the track.

“I had a few weeks with the players to go through some things John had wanted to to workon,”hesaid.“Theboysareworkingreally hard and have worked hard from November. There’s a good size of the group, really well and learning and listening.

“It’s always a big challenge going up a

division, we’ll see how we go.”

Maddern said he was still unsure of a lot of the players’ playing history, but said the group they’ve got is really tight knit.

The Brookers started their season on Saturday against Parkside, which finished runners up in division 2 last season.

It was a tough day with Parkside winning, 23.20 (158)-2.3 (15). Maddern said he didn’t know much about the other sides and was relying on others at the club to help him.

He said at this stage, it would be too early for him to set expectations.

“As with any one who is coming up, we hope to be competitive against the top sides,” he said. “Hopefully we can pick up a couple of wins throughout the year and consolidate our spot in division 2.”

Hahnel returns to Yarraville

Yarraville has added to its batting line up, welcoming back Josh Hahnel for the next Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season.

Having tried his luck at Victorian Premier Cricket the last two seasons, Hahnel returns to his junior club where he has had plenty of success previously.

Hahnel first made his senior debut in 2013-14 before becoming a key player in the Eagles line up.

In his last full season at the club in 2020-21, Hahnel made 545 runs for the season, averaging 45.42, having made two centuries.

Hahnel has spent the last two seasons playing with Melbourne University.

He played in the third XI in the recently completed season, having played in the second XI the previous season.

His highest score was 105 last season.

The club said they were thrilled to welcome him back.

“Well known to and admired by many at the club, Josh returns after two seasons at Melbourne University,” the club said on social media.

Roosters crow over win

By Tara Murray

There was plenty of emotion on Saturday as West Footscray returned to the winners list for the first time in 1311 days in the Western Region Football League.

After a tough couple of years, which ended in relegation to division 3, the Roosters were able to sing the song after beating Laverton on Saturday.

Roosters coach Troy Beamond said the result was massive for the club.

“It was a great result,” he said. “Obviously for a lot of guys, but more so the commitment and off field people and the supporters.

“There were plenty of emotions following the game. It was pretty good.”

The match wasn’t the prettiest and one for the neutral spectator with the conditions not the best.

Beamond said it turned out to be a really scrappy game of football.

“It was pretty breezy and slippery,” he said.

“You get these sorts of games in round one, everyone comes out in round one and is trying

to find their feet.”

The Roosters led for most of the match, but the Magpies kept coming at them. The Roosters eventually got the job done, 11.4 (70)-7.7 (49).

Beamond said he was proud of how the group kept fighting and didn’t let the Magpies get too close.

“Laverton has improved a lot,” he said.

“We managed to kick out to a four-plus goal lead on a couple of occasions.

“We would have a couple of minutes of sloppiness and they would kick two goals and get back in the game.

“The last quarter we were able to get a lead and were able to hold on to it.”

Joshua Barker and Thomas Stelluto kicked three goals each for the Roosters.

Barker, who was acting captain, was named his side’s best along with ruck Nicholas Howard.

Beamond said the pleasing thing is they know they will only get better as the season goes on.

“There was a lot of calibre who weren’t there round one,” he said.

“We had eight from our best side not playing, our captain and some key recruits.

“It gives us some confidence. We are only going to get better from there.”

Beamond admits there were some nerves in the last quarter, but it will take time to get used to being in winning situations.

“We need to start finding that winning mentality and get back the experience of winning.”

The Roosters this week face Sunshine Heights, which lost to Albanvale.

Beamond said it would be a good challenge to see where they are at.

For the Magpies, Nathan Gannon was named their best.

In division 1, Spotswood proved no match for Werribee Districts, losing 19.17 (131)-5.8 (38).

Reigning premiers Altona got its defence off to a win against Yarraville Seddon Eagles, winning 9.8 (62)-5.10 (40).

In division 2, Parkside smashed Braybrook and Wyndhamvale was too strong for North Footscray.

“Previously an A.V. Perussich medallist and VSDCA team of the year member, we are excited by the prospect of Josh scoring runs again at Yarraville Oval.”

The club said it has also signed another new player that would help set it up nicely to build on the momentum it started this season.

The Eagles finished 11th in the 2022-23 season with six wins for the season.

Josh Hahnel returns to Yarraville. (Mark Wilson)

Tara Murray Geoff Maddern (Supplied)

West Footscray is back on the winners list. (Joe Mastroianni). 282002_07

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