Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 19th July 2023

Hands off our homes

By Jennifer Pittorino

Hobsons Bay councillors have called for state government intervention to help residents of an industrial estate who face eviction from theirhomesfollowingthesuddenenforcement of a 30-year-old zoning decision.

Council received a petition from the distraughtresidentsduringahighlyemotional council meeting on Tuesday, July 11.

More than 100 people live in Techno Park Drive, Williamstown, which sits adjacent to a Mobil fuel storage site on Kororoit Creek Road.

The residents received letters from council in May telling them to cease living at Techno Park immediately.

The residents protested outside the council chamber on July 11 to support their petition, which has been signed by more than 600 people.

The petition reads, “council’s decision to threaten people with eviction and legal action now, in a time of housing crisis, is heartless, bureaucratic, arbitrary, and wrong”.

Cr Daria Kellander showed her support for the community as she struggled to hold back her tears, moving a motion to accept the residents’ petition.

“As a lifetime resident of Hobsons Bay, I have always known that people live at Techno Park Drive, it’s been no secret,” she said.

“These residents are already doing it tough, residents at Techno Park Drive include children, elderly residents, migrants, LGBT+ and first nations people.

“Ifeelpowerlessinchanginganoutcomefor these residents, I’m not going to accept this as being OK because it’s not OK.”

Directing her speech to the gallery, which included Techno Park residents who were also in tears, Cr Kellander added: “We’re in the midst of a housing crisis and a cost of living crisis.

“There are many locations across Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong where homes are literally across the road from petrol tanks, you can throw a stone from your front door and hit one in these locations, and the homes at Techno Park are no different.

“I have family and friends who lived in thesehomeswhentheyemigratedtoAustralia as refugees, they were built as homes.

“Housing is recognised as a human right in

the universal declaration of human rights, I’ll let that sink in.”

Techno Park Drive has housed migrants since it was built in the late 1960s, but the land was rezoned as an industrial area in the late 1980s,meaningnoonecouldlegallylivethere.

The land was rezoned because of its proximity to the Mobil refinery.

However, people have been living in the apartments in the three decades since.

A council spokesperson told Star Weekly council was aware that people have been living illegally at Techno Park Drive.

“Although Mobil is no longer refining fuel at its Altona site, it remains a state-significant fuel terminal and a major hazard facility that stores fuel,” the spokesperson said.

“The risk to people living in the immediate area if there is an incident is too great, rezoning this land [to residential] would not be

appropriate given the significant safety risks.

“It would be unconscionable for council not to act and ensure people are not living in the area, we understand this will cause hardship for some residents and we have encouraged them to speak with us if they need more time to relocate. We will do what we can to assist them with relocating.”.

■ Continued: Page 3

Techno Park residents facing eviction. (Supplied)

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Techno Park residents home in on zoning shock

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HobsonsBaysustainablecommunitiesdirector Penelope Winslade told last week’s meeting it was ‘not practical’ to rezone the land. “It’s technically possible to rezone the land, but in a practical sense, it’s extremely unlikely that the state government would agree to a rezoning of this land because of its proximity to what’s known as a state-significant petrochemical site,” she said.

When asked if the state government would consider rezoning the land, a spokesperson said, “This is a matter for Hobsons Bay council”. According to the government any rentersorhomeownerscancontactConsumer Affairs Victoria for information about their rights regarding a ‘notice to vacate’ that has been served or about the sale process they experienced.

Cr Peter Hemphill asked exactly how close

Techno Park homes are to the fuel tanks, to which Ms Winslade responded that they are immediately adjacent.

Ms Winslade also acknowledged there are other nearby housing properties within the same perimeters of Techno Park, that are allowed to remain because they are listed as residential.

“Essentially, it’s a different legal position when you have land that was zoned residential alongside a major hazard facility, than when you have the current situation, Techno Park, which was never zoned residential, so it’s a different scenario,” she said.

Cr Matt Tyler sobbed as he spoke about his own father’s experience with homelessness.

“We must continue to ask every question we can with regards to zoning,” he said.

“We’ll do our very best on this, and I’m really sorry.”

Affordable housing draft enforced

Hobsons Bay council has moved to address the ongoing housing crisis after adopting its Draft Affordable Housing Policy Statement.

During council’s meeting on Tuesday, July 11, councillors said putting the draft policy statement on public exhibition has come at an important time.

The draft policy was adopted by councillors during the same meeting which featured emotional debate about the future of those living in Williamstown’s Techno Park Drive, which provides affordable housing.

During the discussion about Techno Park, councillor Daria Kellander spoke about her concerns around evicting people from their affordable housing during “a housing crisis and a cost of living crisis”.

Residents stand strong

By Jennifer Pittorino

“I am not leaving my home and we as a group have no intention to leave our homes.”

That is Techno Park resident Lara Week’s message to Hobsons Bay council.

MsWeek,whoistheTechnoParkgroup’slead petitioner,residesinoneofthe91householdsin the affordable housing block in Williamstown that have been faced with immediate eviction of their homes. With so many people facing immediate homelessness, Ms Week said she is in disbelief over the situation.

“Moving people from their safe and wonderfulhomesanddumpingthemtoother services that are completely overwhelmed is ridiculous,” she said.

“There is a waiting list for public housing that is 20 years overdue.

“Our residents who have wonderful homes that they love would be taking places of the people who need those homes.”

Resident John O’Hagan said he was devastated by Hobsons Bay council’s eviction letters.

“Obviously we are devastated, going from thinking we have secure accommodation to then having it taken away in an instance, and for it to happen to a whole community is devastating,” he said.

“All while we are in the worst housing situation and for no reason, there is no explanation for the immediate and sudden

eviction.”

Mr O’Hagan and his wife bought their property with their two kids six years ago, because at the time it was cheap and what they could afford.

“We own but we will obviously not get our money back if we sell it, it will be like starting all over again if we have to buy something new, and it won’t be in this area” he said.

“I feel sorry for the vulnerable people who have been able to get some stable housing that they can afford.”

Neighbour Ross Brenan has been a resident at Techno Park for 14 years and was left shocked and rattled to receive the eviction notice on Sunday, May 28.

“The notice told us to vacate immediately, Ifthat’sthecasewhatalternativehavecouncil provided to us, where do we go?” he said.

Mr Brenan feels he is in a position where he will be OK if he needs to move, unlike some of the other residents.

“I am 50 and still working, there are a lot of people who are not in the same situation,” he said.

“Manyofthemareelderly,havedisabilities, and are migrants who can’t speak English, they have nowhere else to go.”

Many residents of Techno Park have openly shared their appreciation for landlord John Link who has been renting out accommodation at very low prices.

“A

by John, we all know and respect him, he goes out of his way to provide low cost housing to people who need it,” Mr O’Hagan said.

“He could make more money if he wanted, it’s his way of giving back to the community.”

Mr Link has owned properties at Techno Park for more than 25 years, all of which he has rented out at half the price of normal rent.

“Techno Park houses some of my offices but all of these residents are our friends, it’s a gated community and it’s safe and we get along very well,” he said.

“It’s an extraordinary community where people all look forward to living with each other, Techno Park is a large group of people who are friends as they have done for many years.”

Mr Link is one of 800 people who have signed a petition asking council to withdraw the eviction notices and the second to commit to working in partnership with the residents of Techno Park to find a permanent solution that allows them to remain in their homes.

Ms Week said she has been open about residing at Techno Park, where she plans to remain.

“I have written to counsellors, to Williamstown MP Melissa Horne, we are all speaking to lots of people,” she said.

“We have engaged planning lawyers and expect a legal opinion this week.”

Speaking about the draft affordable housing policy statement, councillor Matt Tyler said it is good to see council putting the document forward.

“This is tightly linked to what we have just been discussing at Techno Park Drive,” he said.

“We do face a huge challenge as a municipality and as a society in this country in regards to affordable housing.”

Council said the Draft Affordable Housing Policy Statement has been developed to guide council’s efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing in Hobsons Bay.

It follows council’s prior efforts which have been guided by the Affordable Housing Policy Statement 2016, which focused on advocacy for affordable housing.

According to council, social and affordable housing is a council priority and there is an urgent need for more affordable housing to support households on very low, low and moderate incomes in Hobsons Bay.

Feedback will be sought on the draft policy statement for six weeks in July and August.

Following public consultation, feedback will be reviewed and an updated policy statement will be presented to council for consideration and adoption.

Jennifer Pittorino

Residents from Williamstown’s Techno Park protested outside Hobsons Bay council chambers on Tuesday, July 11. (Jennifer Pittorino)

Crime gangs behind arson spree

Police have announced an operation targeting disputingorganisedcrimesyndicatesbelieved to be linked to a recent series of arson attacks within Maribyrnong and across Melbourne.

Authorities are linking at least 11 incidents dating back to Saturday, June 24, believed to be linked to ongoing disputes between two criminal groups with links to Middle Eastern organised crime entities.

Including an incident at about 7.40pm on Tuesday, June 27, where a car parked at Pipemakers Park on Van Ness Avenue in

Maribyrnong had its windows smashed and was set alight.

Detectives are still working to determine the motive for the overall ongoing dispute and are speaking further to the residents and business owners of the addresses, as well as any associates, in order to try and understand the reason for the attacks.

Other incidents include ones in Oakleigh, Fawkner, Caroline Springs, Fraser Rise, Port Melbourne, Collingwood, Hume and Ravenhall.

Running for bright cause

Williamstown’s Sofi Barac and her daughter Natalija participated in Run Melbourne on Sunday, July 16, to raise funds for NextSense, which holds a special place in the family’s hearts.

NextSense is a not-for-profit organisation thatsupportspeoplewithhearingand/orvision loss, one of those families being the Barac.

“My daughter was born with bilateral profound hearing loss which was picked up at her newborn screening test,” she said.

“Natalija began accessing services from NextSense after her official diagnoses at four weeks of age, and had cochlear implant surgery at10months,whichallhelpedherreachherfull potential.

“Through therapy and support from NextSense, Natalija who turned nine this month, now speaks and hears like her hearing peers.” A team of 18 participants known as the NextSense Legends ran with Ms Barac and her daughter, raising more than $6000.

“Last year we had a team of nine individuals

and raised over $4000, so It’s great to have even more people on board this year to help raise awareness and funds for children with hearing and/or vision loss,” Ms Barac said

“This year held an even greater significance, as we celebrated Natalija’s birthday by having her actively participate in the run and relish in the enjoyment.

“She wholeheartedly embraces the opportunity to contribute towards raising awareness and assisting others.”

According to Ms Barac, Natalija’s hearing loss has never hindered her from reaching her full potential. “Natalija attends a mainstream primary school alongside her brother, and actively participates in basketball and soccer, as well as being a part of the junior nippers program at the Williamstown Lifesaving Club.

“That’s all thanks to the early intervention and support we received from NextSense.”

Details: https://runmelbourne23.grassrootz. com/nextsense/natalija-mladenovic

Jennifer Pittorino

On the majority of occasions, no one was present at the property when it was set on fire and no one was psychically injured during the fires, however almost all of the fires caused significant damage.

Police are looking at whether any other incidents are linked to this series, however at this time they do not believe a number of recent fires at tobacco stores are connected.

Arson and explosives squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said it is lucky no one has been killed by these attacks yet.

“A fire can very easily get out of control and effectively cost innocent parties either their lives or their livelihoods. It’s behaviour that is utterly reckless and completely criminal,” he said.

“The use of arson by criminal groups to target and intimidate others has a significant impact on the whole community and won’t be tolerated.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure those involved are held to account.”

Details: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Local art on display

Two talented Footscray artists have their art on display in the biennial Footscray Art Prize list.

Along with 41 other artworks selected out of 500 submissions.

Both Fleur Brett and Giordano Biondi are thrilled to have their pieces featured in this year’s prize.

Brett’s piece, ‘Hunting The Tiger’ took months to complete, given the size and type of skill required.

“The technique I used to create this piece is called rug hooking, it’s a new technique I learnt five years ago in a workshop in Tamborine Mountain in Queensland,” she said.

“The technique mimics old colonial rug making, using primitive rug hooks as well as hessian which is used in the background.”

The inspiration for Brett’s piece stemmed from her love for animals.

“Cruel practices around hunting and farming interest me, so I took inspiration from the extinct Tasmanian Tiger for this work,” she said.

Biondi’s piece similarly shares the topic of dead things, with his piece titled ‘Dead Ghost’.

Dead Ghost is part of Biondi’s photographic series that he has been working on in which he uses composite materials and a digital scanner to create the illusion of 3D objects.

“The photos depict ghosts, aimed to create an idea of what a ghost is as an entity,” he said.

“To me this piece best represented the idea of the inanimate object and on an aesthetic level that stuck out to me.”

Both pieces will be on display until September 17, at Footscray Community Arts.

The $20,000 main prize has been awarded to artist Roberta Joy Rich for her video installation, ‘Though Buried, They Echo’.

Jennifer Pittorino

Sofi Barac and her daughter Natalija participated in Run Melbourne on Sunday, July 16, to raise funds for NextSense. (Damjan Janevski) 345160_01

Footscray artists Giordano Biondi and Fleur Brett. (Jacob Pattison) 346087_01

Police sniff out major drug bust

A 37-year-old Altona man is one of three men charged following the largest seizure of ketamine in Australian history on Tuesday, July 11.

The 37-year-old Altona man was charged with importation of a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely ketamine, attempting to possess commercial quantities of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs, namely ketamine, possess commercial quantities of border controlled drugs, namely ketamine and dealing in money or property that is proceeds of indictable crime of value

$100,000 or more.

A 32-year old Hoppers Crossing man and a 33-year-old Sunshine North man were also arrested at a Lara property and are accused of facilitating the import of 80kg of ketamine hidden in tubs of cement sent from Spain to Australia.

A search of the Lara property uncovered another 80kg of suspected ketamine buried in the ground, while subsequent raids on properties in Altona, Yarraville and Williamstown found a further 14 kilograms of ketamine, 25 kg of suspected MDMA,

100 days of school

Laverton P-12 College had some 100-year-old visitors to celebrate its prep cohort’s first 100 days of school on Friday, July 14.

Only the senior citizens were not century-old locals, but the prep kids dressed up in their best elderly get up.

Graduate teacher Rebekah Hawkins said parents, teachers and kids spent the day participating in activities focused on being 100 years old.

“All of the students got an award for their new achievement, we also put on a presentation for the parents to show them what their kids have done throughout the year,” she said.

“Students enjoyed writing on the whiteboard with the help of their parents to show us what their favourite memory of prep has been so far.

“Maths was a stand out favourite of the kids, as well as the bucket fillers activity which promotes emotional learning.

“Some of the achievements include the kids starting to write on their own, the kids learning how to be friends with one another and learning how to make sure everyone is happy and safe.”

Jennifer Pittorino

high-powered gel blasters and an estimated $210,000 in cash.

In total, 174kg of ketamine was seized with an estimated wholesale value of $6.9 million.

The raids were conducted as part of Operation Woodgate which began in May after the AFP were tipped off by Spanish authorities about suspicious cargo sent to Australia.

AFP officers conducted a controlled operationwhichinvolvedthe80kgofketamine being delivered to a property in Merrimu near Bacchus Marsh.

It’s alleged the Sunshine North man then

transported it to Lara where the other two syndicate members were waiting and all three were arrested.

The men face the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.

AFPDetectiveSuperintendentTransnational Serious and Organised Crime Anthony Hall, saidseizingsuchalargeamountofdrugswould prevent community harm and send a message to international drug syndicates.

The three men were expected to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, July 12.

Laverton P-12 College hosted 100 days of prep on Friday, July 14, Kristian, Estella, Nathan, Fatima, Shadya, Hannah and Mohsin were all there to celebrate. (Damjan Janevski) 342219_01

Westies share their arts

Sally Walshe launched her community focused art exhibition, called ‘Show Your WEST-SIDE’ last week.

Walshe, who is also known as ‘LaDY MoHaWK’ said the opening night had an outstandingattendancewithabout400people showing up to see what art the Maribyrnong community can produce.

“People loved it, the community are obviously very in need of more art exhibitions and events in the inner west,” she said.

Walshe compiled more than 210 artworks which all came from westies of all skill levels, including kids.

Three westies, 37-year-old Yoonjung

Kim, 32-year-old Johanna Reveka Hurtado and 47-year-old Elzette Bester, all said the exhibition was a great idea.

Footscray’s Kim submitted her work titled, ‘Supreme ribbon and Australian animals’, was painted to reflect her relaxed state of mind which changed when she moved to the west.

“It’s so good to have this platform to be able to share my work in a professional setting and meet other artists.”

Hurtado has lived in the west for about a year, after migrating from Venezuela.

Her piece titled ‘Where I’m at’ takes the form of letters which she sent out to her neighbours for them to express their best memories of living in the neighbourhood.

“I am really impressed that the west has a lot of emerging artists,It was great to have the space and to not be able to be rejected,” she said.

Bester designed her artwork titled, ‘Community Bank Seddon’.

“I have lived in the western suburbs for a long time, so it was a wonderful opportunity to get people talking and getting to know each other.”

The exhibition will run until August 11 at the Footscray Connectivity Centre.

Jennifer Pittorino

is now available

over $50,000 that will deliver a lasting benefit to the community. For the first time, Active Community Grants of up to $100,000 are also available for local sport groups, scout clubs and girl guide groups.

If you have an idea that bring people together, we want to hear from you.

Sally Walshe with Johanna Reveka Hurtado, Yoonjung Kim and Elzette Bester at the Connectivity Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 345025_01

Paintback ‘no industrial hazard’

By Jennifer Pittorino

Paintbackishopingtochangethemindsofthe

Williamstown community about its proposed facility on Robbs Road.

Chief executive Karen Gomez believes there is a misunderstanding regarding the usage of the proposed facility.

“I think there is a misunderstanding that what we are proposing is a hazardous material facility, which it is not,” she said.

Ms Gomez said Paintback has chosen the

site because of its industrial zoning.

“We are not being an industrial nightmare, what we’re trying to do is ensure that the industrial footprint of household paint is minimised,” she said.

The community have expressed concern in regards to the additional truck movements in the area, but Ms Gomez said Paintback has completed assessments to look at the trucks coming in and out.

“We think there will be three to five trucks

moving in and out per day and none of those truckswillbemovingalongresidentialroads,” she said.

Ms Gomez said Paintback has also been looking closely at the noise that is likely to come from the plant.

“Some equipment is noisy and we have been looking at that and how that sound may move from outside the building,” she said.

“We are designing with qualified noise consultants and will be complying with the stringent requirements of the [Environment Protection Authority] to stay within the noise

Safety need for cyclists, says group

Footscray-based BikeWest members are asking Maribyrnong council to improve the road conditions for cyclists, in a campaign called safe on Summerhill.

Locals, including Pierre Vairo, are campaigning for the addition of bike lanes on Summerhill Road.

“There’s no bike facilities at all along Summerhill Road, it’s narrow and there are no opportunities for drivers to safely overtake cyclists,” he said.

“Kids are either riding on footpaths which are also narrow, or riding on the road with their parents who feel unsafe.

“By making bike lanes we open up travel

opportunities for people riding as well as drivers who don’t need to lag behind cyclists.”

Mr Vairo and BikeWest have put forward a proposal to council that removes some parking from a section of the road that has ‘onerous no standing restrictions’.

“Wesawinthebudgetcouncilisgoingtogive $2 million to repair Summerhill Road which is currently in bad condition,” Mr Vairo said.

“We thought if you are going to rebuild it better than what it was before, do it so that it caters for everyone.”

Mayor Sarah Carter said council is looking at the options.

“The development of Maribyrnong’s cycling

network is guided by the Maribyrnong Bicycle Strategy,” she said.

“This includes improving routes, reducing vehicle speeds, and upgrading bicycle infrastructure to improve bike network connectivityandsafety.Aspartoftheproposed upgrade to Summerhill Road, council is investigating options to improve safety outcomes for all road users including cyclists.

“The Summerhill Road upgrade will see a complete reconstruction including new road surface, footpath, nature strip and kerb and channel which will benefit thousands of users on one of councils busiest roads.”

Jennifer Pittorino

conditions to ensure amenity is not negatively impacted.”

Maribyrnong council displayed the hours of operation for the plant on a notice for 7am-11pm but Ms Gomez said this is not standard practice.

“Our intention is for the plant to run a single shift, five days a week and occasionally on a Saturday,” she said.

“Our intention is to operate the plant between 7am and 3pm each day, we require flexibility to be built in for later times to account for possible delays.

Become a community liaison

Expressions of interest are now open for passionate community members who wish to become part of the new liaison group for the recently redeveloped Brooklyn Community Hall.

The newly expanded and refurbished multi-use facility is due to reopen shortly, and will provide a wide range of uses for Brooklyn and the wider community, according to Hobsons Bay council.

Council said in order to ensure the new hall best serves the community, it is seeking community members to be part of an operations liaison group and community leadership program.

The group will be supported by council as it establishes sustainable management, administration and financial security of the hall and gardens. The redevelopment occurred following consultation on draft concept plans that were endorsed following community consultation.

Council established a community Stakeholder Reference Group (consisting of representatives from a range of groups in Brooklyn) to develop the final concept plan.

Details: https://shorturl.at/cjrNV

Jennifer Pittorino

Hobsons Bay council is looking for community members to become part of its liaison group for the Brooklyn Community Hall.

Good news for Foodbank in podcast’s ‘pick-me-up’ fundraiser

Podcaster Andy Fithall believes that no news is not good news.

That’s his mantra for describing the guests on his podcast, as well as his personal statement which is ‘don’t let the name deceive you’.

“All the guests I bring on the show have storiesbuttheyaren’tallgoodstories,”hesaid.

“Some have really deep and personal issues but they have found a way to do something good.”

A West Footscray local, Mr Fithall is the host and producer of the ‘In Other Good News’ podcast that launched in February.

“Back in March 2020 we created a good

news show, the purpose was to tell good news stories and provide hope and joy in a bad time,” he said.

“Then in August 2020, during the second wave of COVID, the good news went back on air and we decided to do more good.

“We created our own brand of coffee beans, for the sole purpose that every sale generates money raised to go to Foodbank.”

Mr Fithall and the podcast recently reached a $20,000 milestone, all of which has been donated to Foodbank.

“That’s 40,000 meals which we have created.”

“We know with rising costs so

many more people need food, so it just made sense.”

Given the current climate, Mr Fithall said they have no plans to stop production on either venture.

“Given how Foodbank is so crunched it would be silly to stop now,” he said.

“As for the podcast, in other good news has always been community focused.

“My main goal is to give people a longer listening experience so they can slow down their day by listening to inspirational stories.”

Jennifer Pittorino

Podcaster Andy Fithall in his studio. (Damjan Janevski) 347327_03

Residents of Summerhill Road who are campaigning for bike lanes. (Jacob Pattison) 346176_01

Liaising endorsed to keep road

Hobsons Bay councillors expressed their surprise at the proposed closure of Champion Road, when they endorsed the establishment of Level Crossing Removal Community Interest Groups.

At a council meeting on Tuesday, July 11, councillors showed support for the Williamstown community which is working tirelessly to keep the road open.

The liaison group will work with council on issues arising from the forthcoming removal of several level crossings in the area.

Councillor Pamela Sutton-Legaud

confirmed the announcement to close the level crossing at Champion Road was done without prior consultation with council or the community.

Cr Sutton-Legaud asked infrastructure and cityservicesdirectorSanjayManivasagasivam if there was any community consultation before the announced closure, to which he replied no.

The proposed closure of the major thoroughfare has resulted in significant local interest and concern about the likely reduction in connectivity between Newport

Championing a local link

Williamstown residents are frustrated, disappointed and confused over the proposed closure of busy Champion Road for level crossing removal work.

Resident, local business owner and spokesperson for community group, ‘Keep Champion Road Open’, Gill Gannon is advocating for the road to remain open.

“We are trying to help them (the state government) explore other options rather than closing the road down, given how much it is used by the community,” she said.

“The frequency with which we use the road is extreme. There are nearby schools, pedestrians, cycling traffic, there is a cemetery nearby, all which attract thousands of vehicles a day.

“The biggest issue we have is with the proposed roads which the traffic will need to flow onto, being Maddox Road, Kororoit Creek Road and Mason Street, all of which are already heavily used and congested.”

Ms Gannon was shocked when on Friday, June 2, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan sent out letters to key focus groups reiterating that the closure would go ahead. All while the project is still in the community consultation phase.

According to the government there are no feasible options to remove the adjacent level crossing at Champion Road without closing the thoroughfare.

The government said the proximity of the levelcrossingtoMaddoxStreetmeansthatthe crossing can be closed with associated traffic network improvements to improve safety and reduce travel times.

“It’s frustrating, it’s upsetting, it’s a simply lazy solution,” Ms Gannon said.

“We will keep doing everything we can to keep it open,. If a good solution is not offered and the road is closed, people will cross those tracks regardless of whether it’s safe or legal.”

Jennifer Pittorino

and Williamstown.

Cr Sutton- Legaud recommended locals give feedback via the online survey, which he has done herself.

“It is unfortunate to do consultation after the decision has been made. One wonders if anything will change based on the survey, but I hope it will.”

Cr Johnathon Marsden said that he has never seen so much community opposition to a transport project.

“This is an urgent piece of work because of the sudden appearance of this unwelcome

announcement,” he said.

“We want to start collecting people from the community who have expertise, insight, passion and interest, who are directly affected by the crossing removals so that they can help inform council’s position on these projects.“

Cr Daria Kellander acknowledged the work that community group ‘Keep Champion Road Open’ is doing.

“They are headed up by some great community leaders, I’ll keep this short by ending with the words keep champion road open.”

Williamstown residents campaigning to keep Champion Road open. (Tom Gannon)

Congratulating the river groups

By Councillor Simon Crawford

I want to congratulate the newly formed Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association on the recent launch of its inauguralstrategy,websiteandfilm.

LedbytheYarraRiverkeeper,theassociation is a selection of environmental groups and individualsalongtheMaribyrnongcatchment wanting to bring about much-needed improvementstothehealthofourriver.

The three-year strategy is ambitious for a newly formed association. However, for a group as strong and a river in such need of urgentrepair,itisonlyrighttobeambitious.

With goals such as undertaking academic research; engaging government, community andtraditionalownergroups;communicating with the masses; and raising almost one million dollars in funding, the association is going to need all the help it can get. So if you can support it in anyway, please do so – you willbeingoodcompany.

I encourage you to watch the film, Maribyrnong,Mirrangbamurn:Maribyrnong RiverandWaterwaysAssociation, to better understandhowimportantitistoprotectour river.

This beautifully crafted Stephen Curtain film,producedbytheMaribyrnongRiverand Waterways Association, features storytelling by Uncle Dave Wandin, Helen Van Den Berg, and our own councillor Bernadette Thomas. Youcanaccessitviavimeo.com/823301439.

In the end, all of us have a role to play in helping the river and its associated catchments, like Stony Creek. If you wash

Briefs

Arrest after Footscray evade

Police have arrested a 48-year-old Footscray woman following allegedly evading police in Footscray on Wednesday, July 12. It is alleged the woman exited a vehicle and pushed it into the Maribyrnong River before also entering the water. Units attended and retrieved the woman from the river. She was taken to hospital for treatment to pre-existing injuries while the vehicle came to rest against the Hopkins Street Bridge.

Two Birds goodbye

yourcar,ensureyoursoapsudsaren’trunning down the drain, don’t litter waterways (including blowing leaves and grass clippings from your garden) and if you see anyone allowing pollutants to enter our waterways (especially industrial pollutants), please report it to the Environmental Protection Agency immediately, by phone on 1300 372 842oronlineatepa.vic.gov.au.

It is also important to proudly support initiatives to improve the waterways, such as buildingwetlandsandraingardens.

For more information about the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association, visit maribyrnongriver.org. au (still being developed) or get in touch to see how you can be involved in helping rehabilitateourmightyMaribyrnongRiver.

Dynon Road between Dryburgh St and the CityLink inbound exit ramp will be closed in both directions from 8pm Friday 16 June to 5am Thursday 31

As a final way for Two Birds Brewing to give back to the community, it has decided to donate its sales to four local community groups. The profits from all beer and merchandise sales both online and over the bar at The Two Birds’ Nest, will be donated. The four community groups who will be receiving the donations are West Welcome Wagon, Share the Dignity and Our Hood Spotswood and Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. Locals have until Friday, July 21 to get to The Nest for a final beer to support the three community groups.

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

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Thanks for your patience

We’re widening the bridge at Dynon Road over the rail lines to build new connections to the city as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project.

Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au for more information, including detour routes and closure times. Please note that dates and times are subject to change.

Councillor Simon Crawford

Workshop Pier safety works

Restoration works at Williamstown’s Workshop Pier are under way.

Williamstown MP Melissa Horne recently visited the pier with Seaworks senior executives to mark the start of the works, which are required to keep the pier safe and operational.

Ms Horne said the $6 million package announced in the Victorian Budget 2023-24 would breathe new life into the pier, ensuring themuch-lovedlocallandmarkcanbeenjoyed for generations to come.

“We’re making this Williamstown

landmark safe and accessible, so residents and tourists can again enjoy the best our suburb has to offer, including exploring the rich maritime history,” she said.

“Across Victoria, we are continuing the revitalisation of our important piers and jetties – ensuring they can be enjoyed by communities, boaters, anglers and tourists for generations to come.’’

Workshops Pier has long been a focal point in Williamstown and is part of a working port that showcases Victoria’s maritime history –however, the pier was closed in 2021 in the

Disabled and proud

Larissa MacFarlane acquired a brain injury 24 years ago, which she said allowed her to become the artist she is today.

“Ihadabraininjurywhichliterallychanged my brain, I had to learn how to talk and walk and through that I also became an artist, which I had never done before,” she said.

MacFarlane showed her most recent art in an exhibition at the Sunshine Arts Space.

The exhibition titled ‘Practising our pride, remembering our ancestors’, featured a series of framed lino cuts.

“Through this exhibition I am trying to find new ways to practise disability pride and one of those ways has been looking at disability rights history,” MacFarlane said.

“I have made portraits of some of our disabled ancestors who have died recently, all who have made massive contributions to the rights and the lives of disabled people in

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Australia and beyond.”

July is Disability Pride Month, which is of great significance for MacFarlane.

“My work over the years has explored disability pride and trying to change the ways we see people with disabilities through a negative lens. I am trying to re frame thatinlinewiththesocialmodelofdisability,” she said.

JenniferPittorino

FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

interests of public safety.

The decision to close the pier was based on recommendations in a draft engineering report about the safety of the pier.

Workshops Pier is managed by Seaworks and Parks Victoria, with the site acting as Melbourne’s key berthing location for visiting tall ships and large vessels.

The restoration works follow the recent upgradeofnearbyGemPierinWilliamstown, which has resulting in the installation of new fenders to provide safe access for berthing vessels and commercial ferries, ensuring it

remains an accessible destination for boaters.

Seaworks chair Patsy Toop said the Seaworks Foundation warmly applauds the work being done to the pier.

“We have long been campaigning for investment to restore our pier infrastructure, and we are grateful to our local MP the Hon Melissa Horne for her tireless work on behalf of our community,” she said.

“We now can look forward to one day re-opening Workshops Pier to the public and once again providing berthing facilities to local maritime businesses.”

Cold temperatures can impact your pain and injuries. (Supplied)

How winter effects foot pain

The cold weather can affect our bodies in various ways, but it can have a particular impact on our feet and legs, which we rely on for so much of our daily activity. But why? We spoke to one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists, Dr Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, to get some insights on how the cold weather affects pain and injuries and what you can do to help.

“Winter doesn’t have to be synonymous with increased foot and leg pain. However, cold temperatures can impact your pain and injuries, particularly in the feet, ankles, and knees. Cold weather can constrict blood vessels, reduce blood flow and circulation, increase joint and tissue stiffness, aggravate pain, injuries, and arthritic conditions, affect mobility, and increase the risk of injuries. Wet and icy conditions also increase the risk of slips and falls,” says Dr Dowie.

To combat these issues, Dr Dowie recommendsthefollowing:

■ Staying active: Rug up and walk, go to the

gym, an indoor heated pool, or use a home exercise bike. Exercise improves blood flow and circulation, assisting with aches, pains, and stiffness. Stretching or yoga can assist flexibility and mobility of joints and tissues.

■ When outside, be cautious of slippery surfaces and wear shoes with good traction and support. Consider support products for existing injuries e.g. knee / ankle braces or strapping. Even if you’re spending more time at home, indoors, make sure you wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Socks and slippers can contribute to bad foot posture or slips and falls.

■ Dress appropriately by wearing warm, layered clothing, thermal socks, and waterproof footwear to maintain body heat.

If you have persistent or recurring foot or leg pain, seek professional advice from a lower limb musculoskeletal expert.

If you need assistance with foot and leg pain or injuries, you can see Dr Dowie at his Williamstown clinic or other locations across Melbourne. Call 1300 328 300.

Larissa MacFarlane with her exhibition. (Damjan Janevski) 345205_04

Jack embraces his fighting spirit

Jack Jenkins’ rise in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has shown the world that he is no underdog. Jenkins spoke to Liam McNally from Las Vegas when he was just off the back of his June 25 UFC win against Jammall Emmers in Jacksonville, Florida.

From a young age, Jack “Pharjack” Jenkins knew he had the talent to make the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The Bacchus Marsh fighter’s rise has been littered with bouts in which he has been proving to the world that he is no underdog.

Now he is preparing to cement that in the minds of the fighting world in his third UFC featherweight fight in Sydney on September 10.

Jenkins described his upbringing as a typical Bacchus Marsh childhood, with his parents and three siblings. His early interests in sport wereAussierulesandrugby,butitwasatage13 his brother’s interest in kickboxing influenced Jenkins to start training at Ziggys Gym in Maddingley.

A couple of years later, a mixed martial arts (MMA)gymopenedinMelton,Metamorphica, and the keen 15-year-old would have his brother, Ben, drop him off there on his way to work with the Melton police, and pick him up after his shift finished.

Jenkins said Metamorphica is where his life-path was forged.

“[Metamorphica owners] Heath and Kelly Attard are exceptional people. Ben and I formed a really good relationship with them,” he said.

“Heath would coach me in the morning and then he would take me back to his house and he’d feed me, let me play the Xbox, and then he would take me back to the afternoon classes.”

“That set the foundation for me … Heath told me from an early stage that I had the talent and the drive to get to the UFC, that set me on path to where I am now.”

At 21, Jenkins returned to Australia from a stint living in Canada, which is when he decided it was “go time” for his MMA career.

He went straight into the professional fighting in Australia’s Hex Fight League, and in his first three fights earned three first-round wins.

He suffered two losses in his next two bouts, after which he said Attard “graciously” decided Jenkins needed to find a gym that had a bigger stable of fighters and had the scope to take him to a higher level.

Jenkins joined Absolute MMA, beginning with a scholarship in Thailand, then at its gym in Collingwood where Simon Carson and Andrew Colgrave were “big catalysts” in instigating the nine-fight winning streak that he is still on.

Jenkins said the next big turning point in his career was getting the call to fight Diego “El Pantera Negra” Pereira for the Australian title in 2020, with just two weeks’ notice.

“I was the big underdog,” he said.

“The way the commentators were talking was essentially that it was Diego’s night to win his title and I was just there to be the canon fodder.

“I obviously had different ideas about that. I wentintothatfightwithareallyviolentattitude and I ended up breaking his jaw and breaking his leg and finishing him in the fourth round. At that point, people started to pay attention.”

Jenkins defended his title over the next two years, breaking more opponents legshe’s currently at five of his last seven fights -

including taking revenge against Jesse Medina, the victor from Jenkins’ first MMA loss.

“I took every fight opportunity I could get, every training opportunity I could get … When I could, I was sleeping on the floor at the gym…Whentheopportunitytofightcameup I was making sure I was ready,” he said.

Jenkins said this period of his career culminated in March, 2022 when he was matched against Rod Costa, who was on a big fight winning streak.

“I opened as a 2.60 underdog,” he said.

“I met the bookmaker who was doing the odds for that and I said ‘hey, your analysts have got this wrong, I should be a 1.50 favourite’.

“So I ended up putting on my social media, ‘everyone go put a big bet on me because I’m gonna smoke this guy’. So many people put this bet on that they actually closed the market down and stopped allowing bets on me.”

Jenkins said he dismantled Costa over five rounds and that was when he was told he was ready for the world scene.

Jenkins’ first international fight was in Dana White’s Contender series, in which regional superstars get one chance to prove themselves in a fight. He said his gritty third round total knockout earned him a UFC contract.

“It’s just like, validation from 10 or more years of work. I’d been training for most of my life and you sacrifice…I missed out on weddings, I missed out on going out with my friends, I missed out on family events and you do that all with the chance you still might not ever get there,” he said.

Jenkins said one of the best moments of career was in February this year, walking out for is first UFC fight against Don Shainis in Perth.

“I was a bit nervous out the back and then as soon as my music came on and I started walking, the crowd just erupted, it was so loud in there, the ground was shaking when I

walked out,” he said.

“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. That point for me was the culmination of it, and it made all [the work] completely worth it.”

The match ended with Jenkins’ first UFC win, and another opponent with a broken leg.

On June 25, Jenkins had his second UFC bout against Jamall Emmers in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jenkins won by split decision, but wasn’t confident the vote would go his way.

“It was a really close fight, it was a bit of a chess match,” he said.

“I’m not gonna say I’m wrapped with the performance because I expect a little bit better of myself… but I’m happy I got the win.

“I took a lot from it as a learning experience and a growth experience, being in there with a guy who was so good and getting a full 15 minutes with him.”

Now, Jenkins’ eyes are on Sydney where he aims to give a “breakout performance” on September 10.

“...Where I can really start to show people that I’m world-class and I’m going to be one of those top guys for a long time.”

Jenkins said MMA fighting is “simultaneously the scariest thing and the best thing that you could ever do”, but in between all the adrenaline, his hometown still keeps him grounded.

“In some ways [life since joining the UFC has] changed drastically and then in others it’s exactly the same,” he said.

“I pretty much know everyone I see in Bacchus Marsh anyway and they’ve all known me since I was a kid so nobody treats me any differently there, and at the gym we’re all on that same path.”

“I’m just managing to keep my head down and sticking to the formula that got me here rather than trying to change or get my head up in the clouds.”

Jack Jenkins. (Jacob Pattison) 347351_01

Jack Jenkins fighting Jamall Emmers on June 25. (Supplied)

‘‘ I went into that fight with a really violent attitude ... At that point, people started to pay attention ’’ - Jack Jenkins

Council in green waste initiative

By Jennifer Pittorino

Maribyrnong council will be taking part in a green waste trial for multi-unit dwellings, in a project funded by Sustainability Victoria with the state government.

In addition to the ongoing roll-out of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) to standalone houses, council is partnering with nine other councils to trial the delivery of a FOGO service to multi-unit dwellings.

The Best Waste Management Practices in Multi-Unit Dwellings project, which is being

ledbycirculareconomyexpertsReground,will involve collaborating with residents.

Council said the residents will come from six dwellings in Maribyrnong to trial ways to divert waste from landfill through increasing recycling rates and reducing contamination.

According to council, this project aims to establish sound foundations for ongoing best waste practices to roll out to other multi-unit dwellings in the future. Council said it aspires to become a resource smart city that shifts away from the paradigm of a ‘take, make, waste’society, and instead advocates and

McIvor Reserve lights up

New competition lighting at McIvor Reserve has been switched on.

Williamstown MP Melissa Horne joined representatives from Yarraville Glory to flick the switch and officially launch the 200 lux LED pitch lights, costing more than $176,000 from the World Game Facilities Fund.

Ms Horne said the new lights are a game-changer that will provide more time on the park for the local community to play the sport they love.

“With football as popular as ever, we’re ensuring local clubs like Yarraville Glory have a place to grow and communities can come together,” she said.

With the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup rapidly approaching, clubs like Glory have seenagrowthinfemaleparticipationandmore demand for pitch time.

The new lighting means more opportunity for local teams to ramp up their training and games, as well as opening up the venue to more

communityuseincludingcasualplay,andlocal events.

McIvor Reserve currently services more than a dozen sporting clubs and groups including Yarraville-Footscray Bowling Club, Footscray Baseball Club, Footscray Hockey Club,YarravilleGloryFootballClub,Yarraville Auskick, Yarraville Seddon Eagles Football Club, Footscray United Cricket Club, Sunshine Druids Cricket Club, Sunshine YCW Cricket Club, Kingsville Cricket Club, St Andrews Cricket Club, Seddon Cricket Club and Yarraville Cricket Club.

Council recently conducted meetings with tenant clubs and user groups which identified a range of improvements to be made when it comes to the current sporting facilities at McIvor Reserve, including the quality of the open sports field, the need for competitionstandard lighting, access to toilets, increased parking, storage and seating and upgrades to existing pavilions.

supports a system of ‘make, use, return’.

The six selected Maribyrnong properties will receive educational signage installations to encourage correct recycling practices, and five will also receive Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins for the duration of the trial. Lime-green lidded food and garden waste bins were rolled out to 21,000 stand-alone houses throughout the municipality during 2021 as part of an expansion of council’s green waste service. According to council this multi-unit dwelling trial supports councils actions in its towards Zero Waste Strategy.

The strategy outlines council’s plans to target the diversion of all waste to landfill by 2040, which is part of it’s vision to become a city that generates minimal waste and considers that waste as a valuable resource to be managed sustainably. Mayor Sarah Carter said: “The reduction of food waste from multi-unit dwellings will help lower emissions of greenhouse gases, ultimately creating a healthier community for our residents.

“This trial will help council plan for an effective FOGO service for residents in these additional households in the future.”

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One of the teams set to benefit from the new lighting at McIvor Reserve with Williamstown MP Melissa Horne and Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter. (Supplied)

England (ENG)

Haiti (HAI)

enmark (DEN)

China PR (CHN)

GROUP E USA (USA)

Vietnam (VIE)

Netherlands (NED)

Portugal (POR)

GROUP F France (FRA)

Jamaica (JAM)

Brazil (BRA)

Panama (PAN)

GROUP G

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(ITA)

(KARG)

A new sponsorship program

By Jennifer Pittorino

Greater Western Water (GWW) has announced its new sponsorship to bring funding and support to the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s Nallei Jerring Koori leadership program.

This is the first strategic community sponsorship selected through Greater Western Water’s Thriving Communities grant and sponsorship program, which funds local projects, events and activities that make our region a great place to live.

The new sponsorship involves GWW providing $75,000 over

three years to the foundation as a support partner of the Nallei Jerring Program.

The Nallei Jerring program offers activities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 13-15, designed to enhance their cultural knowledge, leadership, teamwork, resilience, communication, support networks and connection to community.

StartingMonday,July17, theprogramtakes participants through a six-month program of events, workshops and speaker presentations.

GWW managing director Maree Lang said the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation was the perfect

Hot win for a cool head

Fifty-three year old disability support worker, Andrea McEwan, from Altona, won $20,000 on MillionaireHotSeat, with which she plans to open her own counselling business.

Ms McEwan is currently half way through completing her online remote masters degree in counselling through Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia.

“I’m hoping in a year’s time when I graduate to work as a qualified counsellor and possibly open my own business,” she said.

“It would be a dream of mine to work for myself or from home.”

Ms McEwan has always worked in service jobs where she helps people including those with disabilities, domestic violence victims, and chronic pain patients.

“The ideal plan is to put the money towards starting up my own wellness retreat that provides counselling services.”

Ms McEwan applied to be a contestant on the show and heard back fairly quickly to go to a group audition.

“Not long after that I got called in as a standby contestant for one of the tapings, we got to watch three episodes being filmed,” she said. “We sat in the audience and watched , we didn’t get on that day but it was good fun.”

To prepare for her turn, Ms McEwan said she recorded the show and watched it every night as often as she could.

“I was planning to do lots of trivia research, I bought a few trivia games but I didn’t do a great deal, it was all a bit of luck,” she said.

”To celebrate, Ms McEwan hosted a family watch party at her house, in addition to receiving an abundance of messages while the show unfolded.

Pittorino

recipient for the first strategic community sponsorship.

“Our organisations are both committed to serving the communities of the west and ensuring we all share a thriving, healthy and exciting place to live,” she said.

“We’re committed to working in respectful partnership with First Nations people and learning from their leadership. Partnering on the Nallei Jerring leadership program is a powerful way to do this.”

Western Bulldogs general manager Kashif Bouns said the program aims to educate, engage and empower young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participants

through increasing understanding and connection to community, culture, positive self-identity, and leadership.

“We’re so grateful for Greater Western Water’ssupportofourNalleiJerringprogram. The west is at its best when we work together, and this partnership is a prime example of that,” he said.

”Both of our organisations are committed to bettering the lives of those in our community and to join forces to continue to provide opportunities for First Nations young people is something we’re really excited about.”

Andrea McEwan with her cheque. (Jacob Pattison)345924_03

Jennifer

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

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 Street, Williamstown.

■ Liza, 0416 268 959

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.

■ 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 the Friends’ Room – entrance from deck on Ferguson Street. Cash only sales.

■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

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.

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

Computer classes for beginners

A wide range of times and days, at both Altona North Community Centre, and Joan Kirner House in Williamstown.

■ Lynne, 9397 6168

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

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Willin Wimmin choir

Williamstown-based women’s community choir Willin Wimmin is currently welcoming new members to take part in a free no-obligation try out session. The group meets each Wednesday evening in school terms in the Church of Christ hall at the corner of John Street and Douglas Parade in Williamstown from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music.

■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Altona North Combined Probus

The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.

■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

Friendship group

Altona Day Voice Interest and Education of Women [VIEW] Club meets at 11am on

the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. Funds raised for the Smith Family Learning for life program.

■ Janet, 9394 6522, or 0412 010 176

Diabetes support group

The Westgate Diabetes Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am.

■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

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.

■ 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.

■ 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 12.30pm until 2pm.

■ Mike 0417 622 372

Cherry Lake Market

Set between Millers Road and the stunning Cherry Lake in Altona, this market has something for everyone. The market hosts more than 60 stalls selling plants, bric-a-brac, handcrafts, hot jam donuts, tools, clothing and much more. There is live music every month from the Cherry Lake Cultural Series, showcasing local musicians from across Hobsons Bay. From 9am- 1pm on the first Sunday of every month.

■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/

Whats-On/Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market or cherrylakemarket@gmail.com

Musicians welcome

Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join its community band. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport.

■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au

Point Gellibrand Rotary Club

Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and needs new, energetic, enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in their community.

■ www.rotarypointgellibrand.com.au, Pam, 0418 347 691, or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Altona Day View Club

The Altona Day View Club meets on the third Wednesday each Month at 11am , at the Altona RSL 31 Sargood StREET, Altona VIC. Funds raised for Learning for Life program. New Members Welcome.

■ Marion, 9394 6557

Woodcarving workshop

The woodcarving workshop meets on Tuesdays at 9:30-noon at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, 280 Queens Street, Altona. All levels of ability in this ancient, international craft are welcome, women included, starter tools and timber available.

■ jah2802rot@gmail.com

Basic home maintenance

Basic Home Maintenance meets at 7.15pm – 9.15pm at the Louis Joel Art & Community Centre, 5 Sargood Street Altona for a four-week hands on basic home maintenance course. Book through: https://www.trybooking. com/CJIDP ■ info@imstilllearning.org, or 0451 717 401

Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble

If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon to 2.30pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous –Williamstown

Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesday at 7pm and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems.

■ 1300 22 22 22, or www.aatimes.org.au

Wednesday walking group

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

■ 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 car park, 10am-1pm.

■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries

Williamstown Craft Market Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. From 10am- 4pm.

■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market

Women Talk – Conversational English

The Women Talk Group will be held on Mondays at 10am for women to learn and practice speaking English in the classroom and the local area and make new friends in an all-women class.

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Point Cook personal trainer Chevy Lowndes who collects sneakers and gives them to homeless people. (Damjan Janevski) 346254_01

PUZZLES

No. 142

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

1 Condiment (7)

5 Advise (7)

9 Exactly the same (9)

DECODER WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

15 words: Good

23 words: Very good

31 words: Excellent

U H S

O T S

L E

E

I N G B N

begin, begun, being, bend, bending, benign, bide, binge, binged, binned, budge, bunged, debug, deign, dine, dune, ending, enduing, ennui, gibe, gibed, ginned, guide, gunned, indue, nine, nude, nudge, unbend, UNBENDING, unending

No. 142

F N S S W E A R C H A S E O A T H S F L E E T F E N D S

QUICK QUIZ

1 WalkinginMemphis was a 1991 hit song for which musician?

2 Who were the invading force that utilised the wooden horse to enter Troy?

3 What is the name for the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold?

4 What is the title of influential sci-fi author William Gibson’s 2020 novel?

5 Oxides of which two metals are used in most sunscreens?

6 Which group performs the rap breaks in the Gorillaz song Feel Good Inc?

7 Which Japanese garage punk trio played themselves in the 1999 film Wild Zero?

8 Which Celtic mythological creature shares its name with a breed of dog?

9 What year was Al Green (pictured) ordained as a minister?

10 Anton Szandor LaVey founded which religious institution?

Today’s Aim: 3 LETTERS ADO AVO BRA DIP EEL EGG EKE ERR FAN IRE IRS KEN MRS NEE NOR PAR PRO RPM SET TIE TOT TRY TUG 4 LETTERS ACRE BEST BOSS DAFT EGOS EYES GETS MA’AM MERE ODES SAPS SICS SONS STEP VICE 5 LETTERS ABOUT ADORE AFOOT ALLOT AMASS AREAS ARENA ASIAN BASTE BLASE BROAD BUSTS DATUM DONOR EATER EDGES ENTER EVILS FONTS FORGE FROZE GAUZE GENIE GOUGE GREET INANE IVORY MATTE MEETS MINUS NOTES ROUGE SANER SCENE SHARK SLAYS STAKE STATE TIGER TORSO TWEET TYING ULTRA UNITY URGES VASTS 6 LETTERS EASIER ENGAGE STEREO UNSAFE 7 LETTERS COMFORT GOADING MILEAGE MONSTER NEITHER ROOMIER 8 LETTERS ARMOURED DEMEANED SADISTIC UNAWARES 11 LETTERS COMMISERATE VACATIONING 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 N C D X J P T W E O Z S I F L R M Y A B V K U G H Q Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible 21-07-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 136247958 628351749 391564827 749815632 973426581 267183495 582639174 415798263 854972316 easy medium hard 617235948 864952173 243619857 428791635 352167489 975824361 539486712 791348526 186573294 837629451 423961578 194356827 645718932 578432619 782194365 219543786 961875243 356287194 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 GQ ANSWERS: 1. Marc Cohn 2. Greece 3. Kintsugi 4. Agency 5. Zinc and titanium 6. De La Soul 7. Guitar Wolf 8. Kelpie 9. 1976 10. The Church of Satan

No. 142

No. 142

No. 142

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Tennis professional Victoria Azarenka represents which Eastern European country?

2. Aussie cyclist Jai Hindley won which stage of the 2023 Tour de France?

3. Who is captain of the Australian Women’s cricket team in the 2023 Ashes Series?

4. Which Australian sporting stadium recently announced a proposal for a $2.7 billion upgrade?

5. Firmin Lambot, the oldest cyclist to win the Tour de France, was from which country?

6. Who is the only Gold Coast Suns player to have won a Brownlow Medal?

Which three countries will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Which Australian tennis player had her first round match at Wimbledon disrupted by protesters?

What piece of equipment was made mandatory for NFL players in 1943?

The Adelaide Thunderbirds made the 2023 Super Netball Grand Final, their first since what year?

With a scoreline of 60-59, which team did the Adelaide Thunderbirds beat in the 2023 Super Netball Grand Final?

In which year did cyclist Cadel Evans become the first Australian to win the Tour de France?

13. Headingley Cricket Ground is located in a suburb of which West Yorkshire city?

14. Which Australian golf professional won the 2023 LIV Golf London tournament?

15. Runner Ollie Hoare holds the Australian record for fastest time over what distance?

16. Which basketball player was traded from Brooklyn to Houston, Oklahoma City, then Atlanta during the 2023 NBA free agency?

17. Australian racing driver Oscar Piastri finished in what place at the 2023 British Grand Prix?

18. Whose record for most V/AFL games played by an Irish-born player did Geelong’s Zach Tuohy break?

19. During a Round 19 try celebration, players from which NRL team made fun of English cricketer Jonny Bairstow’s Ashes stumping dismissal?

20. Which five-time NBA Champion recently had an image of his girlfriend tattooed to his face?

21. In what year did Andy Murray win the US Open?

22. Which US city does MLB team the Mariners and NHL team the Kraken play out of?

23. Mason Mount recently signed with which Premier League club?

24. How many shots under par is an eagle?

25. Who is the current captain of the Adelaide Thunderbirds?

26. In what year did the Carlton Football Club last win an AFL premiership?

27. True or false: volleyball and beach volleyball were introduced in the same year at the Olympics?

28. Filming for Brad Pitt’s upcoming movie took place at which sporting event recently?

29. After beating the Gold Coast Suns in Round 17, Port Adelaide extended their winning streak to how many games?

30. Which Supercars driver is currently competing in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series?

Reno 'Tarzan' Tanti

Trek drives into familiar territory

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

‘‘Haven’t we met somewhere before?’ sprung to mind on my first encounter with the Subaru Crosstrek, for there is a lot in common here with the company’s XV sport utility vehicle.

In fact, says Subaru, the newly named compact is the latest iteration of the popular XV, including two petrol / electric hybrid models, aimed at anyone who wants a versatile, reliable, and stylish small SUV.

Priced from $34,990, the all-wheel drive Crosstrek comes in five variants - AWD 2.0L, AWD 2.0R, AWD 2.0S, AWD Hybrid L and AWD Hybrid S - offering those with an active lifestyle a versatile, reliable, and stylish small SUV.

However, there is a major point of difference between the Crosstrek and its antecedent. The Crosstrek has benefitted greatly from a visit to the doctor - a whole team of medics, in fact. Subaru collaborated with a medical school to study the structure of the human body and what causes driver discomfort, fatigue and lower back pain behind the wheel.

Results found ride comfort is not solely affected by the vibration of the vehicle, but also by sounds and changes in visual information because of jerking and head swaying during driving.

Hence seats have been redesigned to reduce shaking of the head and roof damping has been improved to help reduce sound pressure fluctuations in the cabin.

Meanwhile, vehicle health is in the hands of Subaru’s standard five-year / unlimited kilometre warranty and 12 months complimentary Subaru Roadside Assistance.

The mid-range Crosstrek AWD 2.0R, selling for $38,490, plus on-road costs, was the test vehicle for a week and confidently took on widely varied road and weather conditions well during that time.

Styling

Once the domain of predominantly white or silver exteriors, or in this case ‘Subaru blue’, these days, subtle shades of colour are taking to streets around the world. Take for example the test Crosstrek with its Magnetite Grey Metallic paint job and dark machine finished 18-inch wheels. Who would have thought ‘dull’ could look so classy?

While the all-round appearance of the Crosstrek is generally a carry-over from the XV, the bonnet and radiator grille come in for a complete redesign, the latter maintaining the signature hexagonal shape, but in a larger more aggressively styled honeycomb.

Use of lightweight aluminium enables a newly designed bonnet to contribute to improved pedestrian protection with a softer headimpactzoneandasavingoftwokilograms in front fenders optimises weight distribution all round.

LED headlamps, plus cornering lights, improve visibility at night and add to power savings, while LED rear combination lamps feature a sharp 3-D C-shape. Rear-view mirrors are smaller, improving aerodynamics and presenting a less obstructive view.

Interior

The ‘doctors’ orders’ seats, clothed in premium material, provide exceptional comfort during longer drives (try 200-plus kilometres as we did), while leaving ample room for passengers to stretch out and relax.

Standard roof rails top off generous storage possibilities. However, a cramped cargo compartment weighs in at a stingy 291 litres with the rear seat backs up, and a maximum of 1278 litres with them folded. Under the floor sits a temporary spare wheel.

Infotainment

A fourth-generation infotainment system features, in the central dash, a large high-definition 11.6-inch portrait tablet-style touchscreenfocusingonentertainment,vehicle information and control switches within the centre display. Gone is the instrument strip

atop the dashboard, duplicating many of the functions displayed directly in front of the driver.

All Crosstreks feature full wireless Apple CarPlay and wired or wireless Android Auto connectivity, as well as AM, FM and Digital Radio, while WD 2.0L, 2.0R and Hybrid L come with a high-quality six-speaker system with 160 mm full range speakers in both the front and rear doors, as well as tweeters in the front instrument panel. Buyers can ‘turn up’ the sound with a premium harman / kardon systemonlyintheAWD2.0SandAWDHybrid S variants.

A 2.4-amp Type-A and one 3-amp Type-C USB port are located in front of the gearshift to power mobile devices. Two additional power supply USB ports are also provided for rear passengersatthebackendofthecentreconsole.

ForthefirsttimeinaSubaruvehicle,wireless charging of smartphones and other devices is on hand through a centre console tray.

Engines / transmissions

The petrol-only Crosstrek variants are powered by an upgraded version of Subaru’s 2.0-litre directinjectionFB20four-cylinderhorizontally opposedengine,deliveringmaximumpowerof 115 kW at 6000 rpm and top torque of 196 Nm 4000 revs.

An upgraded continuously variable transmission with more than 80 per cent new components compared with the previous generation XV, results in improved drivability. Best fuel consumption on test was a whisker under 5 litres per 100 kilometres. A combined 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres is claimed by the maker.

Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0L $34,990

Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0R $38,490

Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0S $41.490

Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid L $39,590

Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S $45,090

SPECIFICATIONS

Subaru Crosstrek 2.0R 4-cylinder petrol, CVT automatic, AWD SUV

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

Safety

Crosstrek benefits from Subaru’s commitment to achieving no fatal road accidents in any of its vehicles by 2036 through the four pillars of primary, active, preventive and protective safety.

These already include advanced vehicle dynamics control with electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake forcedistribution,brakeassist,tractioncontrol, active torque vectoring, a brake override and limited slip devices. Much more, no doubt, is on the way.

Driving

For some reason, the Boxer engine, on occasions, had some difficulty in settling when first accelerating, with a resulting surge in revs. A warmed-up motor showed no such stress.

At low-speed throttle openings, gear changeisinfinitelyvariableasinaconventional CVT, but at higher throttle openings it automatically adopts an eight-speed step control, creating a more conventional sound and feeling of acceleration, as well as holding engine speed higher for a sportier and more satisfying drive.

With its hallmark all-wheel drive system in fullaction,theCrosstrekhandledsomeextreme wetweatherontest,resultinginasmoothstable ride and confident handling. Not so positive was the driver monitoring system, which was able to give far from 100 per cent accuracy with its observations on distraction.

Front and rear springs and dampers have been retuned and optimised for improved ride comfortanddrivingstability,whilerecalibrated coil spring rates result in improved road bump absorption and body movement control.

Class-leading ground clearance of 220 mm encourages trips off the bitumen with rough rutted roads holding little angst for the driver. All variants feature X-Mode, a system that operates below 40 km/h and has two modes to take on deep snow and mud, or snow and dirt.

Hill Descent Control (under 20 km/h) helps maintain the speed the vehicle is travelling at ontakingthefootoffthegasorbrakingtoallow the driver to fully concentrate on steering. This operates in forward or reverse.

Summary

It seems the Crosstrek refuses to let go of the past completely with styling cues to the XV. However, there is no lagging with upgrades to tech and comfort but the underpowered engine performance has not managed to keep up.

Subaru rings the changes of the XV for its new Crosstrek compact SUV. (Pictures: Supplied)

History, community shown in CYs homecoming day

Williamstown CYMS Football Club will celebrate its history while marking its relationshipswithinthecommunityataspecial ‘homecoming’ day.

July 22 will be homecoming day for the club with several activities in place, with six of their seven senior sides in action at either Fearon or Lofts Reserve that day.

There are two key themes for the day.

The first is to recognise the history of the club, with the senior men and women’s, and under-19s team all wearing special retro tops that represent the 1960s-70s.

The second is to highlight the ‘Football Williamstown’ pathway with visible links to Williamstown’s Victorian Football League team and Williamstown Junior Football Club.

Senior men’s captain Rob Chan said the playing group was getting quite excited about it.

“It’ll be nice to have a bit bigger crowd and wear the old heritage jersey,” he said. “There’s plenty of excitement for the boys.

“It’s a big occasion and it gives us a chance to give back a little to the community that gives us so much.

“It’s a special day to say thanks for staying around us.”

The club has been sharing tales of its

history on social media, giving the players the opportunity to find out more about the club and those who represented the jumper in the past.

Chan said having been about the club for a number of years he had heard a lot of the stories, but for the younger group it provides

some good insight.

“Wehadapastplayersroundafewweeksago and a lot of the old boys were around the club and mixing with the players,” he said.

“It’s a good opportunity to acknowledge them and get back to the grassroots.”

The Williamstown Junior Football Club will

alsobeinvolvedintheday,withactivationareas for the children, while there will be games at half time of the reserves and women’s matches.

Chan said the two clubs had a really good relationship and wanted to further continue it.

“A lot of the boys have come through the program, but there hasn’t always been an established pathway.

“When I was younger and coming out of under-16s I wasn’t sure of the CYs and what they were about.

“It will be highlighted with the juniors running around at half time in a couple of weeks time.”

On field, the CYs had a bye at the weekend with interleague for both the men’s and women’s.

Theseniormen’steamissittingeighthonthe ladder with four wins.

Chan said things were coming together.

“We were an unfamiliar team at the start, especially losing a couple of key players in our captain and vice-captain heading overseas,” he said.

“It took a few weeks to gel and really develop an identity and get to know the group better.

“We are taking it step by step and I’m really proud of the group the last few games.”

Details: https://ow.ly/Uc1q50P976W

Angie Beard’s World Cup dream

By Tara Murray

There’s light at the end of the tunnel for Western United’s Angie Beard after two of the hardest months of her life mentally, with a FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.

Having joined United part way through the A-League Women’s season, Beard had to watch her side from the side lines in their grand final defeat.

Beard said the whole United set up was extremely special and had been a big part of why she came home, signing with United until the end of next season.

“I loved playing professionally in Europe and it’s not the last time you’ll see me over there,” she said. “It’s been great to be closer to family, but it’s always hard leaving a club and connections you’ve made.

“Leading into the World Cup, Mark Torcaso and Amanda Stella (along with everyone at Western) gave me a lot of support in finding my form and playing left back in an aggressive, attacking way.

“The club from top to bottom prioritised the women in a way I’m not sure I’d seen before”

The disappointment of missing the grand final was tough for Beard with a foot injury.

She said while Sydney FC was too strong in the grand final, there’s always a case of what might have been.

“It was hard to be on the side line with a couple of our girls, especially Chloe Logarzo and Jess McDonald,” she said.

“I’d like to think we would have made a difference if circumstances had been different. But that’s football.

“Injuries are an inevitability and with experience and support around you, you learn to take it in your stride and focus on recovery first and foremost, then focus on supporting the team in the ways that you can.

“The after effects of my foot injury and surgery and the timing of it all, I probably had two of the hardest months of my life mentally. With the big picture in mind, I’m lucky and grateful for the medical team at Western United for getting me back to full fitness before the World Cup. I won’t be wasting this opportunity.”

Havingrecoveredfromsurgerywiththehelp of the United medical team, Beard has been named in the Philippines team for the FIFA World Cup starting this week in Australia and New Zealand.

Beard, who had played three friendlies for

the Matildas, will represent the Philippines for the first time at the World Cup.

She joins fellow Western United star Jaclyn Sawicki in the squad.

“It was a long process that started around 15 months ago, right after the Asian Cup,” she said. “[Alen Stajcic] Staj reached out to me and we had our first conversation about it, and at the time I didn’t even know that it was an option.

“I’ve worked with Staj before, him being head coach at the time when I received my first Matildas training camp call ups at 18 years old.

“I trust him, I respect him as a coach and the coaching staff as a whole here make me feel valued and respected as a player.

“I was still being called into Matildas camps against Spain, Sweden and for the Canada games, I had to sit with it and really decide what I wanted for my football and for my life before ultimately placing my allegiance with the Philippines.”

Beard said while she cherishes her time at the Matildas, the Philippines are just as much a part of her as Australia.

Her mum was born and raised in Cebu City with her family still living there. She said she feels like she made the right decision to switch her allegiance to the Philippines.

“We didn’t have that much money growing up so the opportunities to travel and spend extended periods of time with my family in the Philippines were limited,” she said.

“My football career has taken me to a lot of places, Europe for a few years now, champions league, other national teams.

“ItfeelslikeItrulybelong.Thewomeninthis squad are very talented and Staj is developing them to a place where their potential can really shine.

“Not only that, I feel like I’ve been a part of this team for a long time.

“I know that there have been whispers about my change for a little while now so the fans

have just been waiting and waiting for the officialannouncementandit’sbeenkindoflike a “so when is this thing finally happening?!” situation.

Beard said this was the biggest stage for players in the sport and knows it’s something that might only come around once.

“It’s been intense,” she said.

“Personally, I believe I have developed myself into a player that should be playing international football.

“I’m at a point in my career where my experience and age is now pushing me more to step up on and off the field.

“The pressure can definitely be felt at times but nevertheless,

“I’m also really enjoying the experience with this team. I’ve been working a lifetime to get this opportunity and we’re all excited to show the world what the Philippines is all about.”

The Philippines first match is on July 21 against Switzerland.

Angie Beard will feature in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

Senior captain Rob Chan, women’s captain Anais Lipski and under-19 captain Ned Sayers in the heritage jersey. (Jacob Pattison) 346585_03

Falcons cement another strong win

The City West Falcons threw the bibs around as they sealed another win in the Victorian Netball League championship division.

With top spot already secured, the Falcons ran their full squad as they looked at different combinations and trying to get everyone qualified for finals.

Despite all the changes, with 12 players taking to the court, the Falcons came away with a 70-58 win.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said the amount of changes made it a challenging match.

“We ran with a lot of rolling subs,” she said. “We were trying to qualify Soli [Ropati], Kim [Borger] and Molly [Kennedy].

“It was a bit revolving, but we got there. When you’re sitting 10 points clear on the ladder, you can have a look at every combination.”

Lind said they played well for three of the four quarters, but admits to pulling too many changes in the third quarter.

She said all the changes weren’t necessarily comfortable for the players, as they couldn’t get settled in one spot.

Every player spent time on the bench, which is unusual for that side, showing how much they rotated.

Jane Cook shot 34 goals for the Falcons, while Uneeq Palavi shot 22 goals.

Lind said it would have been hard for the umpires to decide the best on court with so many changes.

She said there weren’t really any standouts for them.

“Montana [Holmes] had a good game in patches,” she said. “Kim had one of her best games for us and combined well with Maggie [Lind] on the line.

“Maddie [Gray] and Jane [Cook] were solid. It was hard to settle. We had another look at the Sophie Hanrahan and Zoe Davies, goal defence-wing defence combination as well

“Soli played all three positions in the mid court and she’s getting into form.

The match was enough for Ropati to qualify for finals, with Borger, Kennedy and Olivia Cameron, who has been playing division 1, needing to play in the final round

to hopefully qualify.

Lind said for a while they didn’t think their plan would come off. The Falcons have four players who will be away at the World Cup.

“It’s a miracle,” she said. “Around the halfway mark of the season I had a light bulb moment about Olivia.

“We already had Kim lined up, but Olivia could cover both grades. Hopefully it all pays off.”

The Falcons other two sides both had wins.

They all finish the regular season against the Casey Demons.

City on the improve

By Tara Murray

Melbourne City is set to finish in the top half of the FV state league 4 west competition, showing the improvement the side has made.

Having put together a strong squad, City had hoped to make some inroads on the competition this year.

President Toby Colgrave said it had been a relatively good season for the club so far.

“The last few years we’ve been near the bottom,” he said. “We’re sitting in fifth spot and we’re expecting to finish fifth out of 12 teams.

“This season we want to push for the top four, thereabouts. Whatever happens in the last few games will dictate if we achieve that.”

Colgrave said they had a different playing group from what they had previously, with the club expanding their player base.

He said traditionally their playing base had been from South American backgrounds, but had welcomed a number of new players from different backgrounds this season.

“We still have South American players, but we have other players who have come to the club and it’s a good mix.

“The coach has brought them all together. We are better disciplined as well, we haven’t had as many cards.”

On Saturday, City had a 2-2 draw with Barwon which sits one spot below them on the ladder.

Barwon hit the lead in the 37th minute after converting a penalty.

City levelled the scores in the 53rd minute, before Barwon hit the lead for a second time.

City found an equaliser late to take home one point.

Colgrave said they were disappointed not to walk away with the three points.

“It was a tight match and it was one of those games you go into expecting to get a positive result,” he said.

“Barwon has picked up a few players and have quality on the park. We had a few chances in the first half to put the game away.”

Colgrave said they had been strong defensively all season, but hadn’t been able to make the most of their opportunities at the attacking end to close the gap on the top sides.

City this week faces a big test, taking on top side Laverton.

The match is a local derby.

“We want to try and play our game,” Colgrave said. “We want to keep it tight in defence and get a goal of two and hopefully slow them down and change their tactics.

Colgrave said the rest of the club was going from strength to strength. After having no children’s sides in 2019 they are up to 145

Cavanagh extends stay

Williamstown has locked in Victorian Football League Women’s coach Liam Cavanagh until the end of 2025.

Last week, the club announced that Cavanagh had agreed to add an extra year to his deal, which means he’ll be at the helm for at least the next two seasons.

Cavanagh joined the club this year and took the VFLW program to finals for the first time in its history, after finishing third during the home and away season with nine wins, the most in the club’s history.

Williamstown chief executive Ashley BakersaidthedecisiontoextendLiam’s contract was an easy one after the side played finals for the first time.

“Liam has done a wonderful job in taking our VFLW program to the next level in his first year as senior coach,” he said.

“We invested additional resources into our VFLW program and that coupled with a great support network facilitated Liam in building a winning culture and deliver strong on field results this year.

“Playing finals football for the first time in the program’s history was a remarkable achievement and I look forward to working closely with Liam over the next two years to achieve further success.”

Cavanagh is equally as enthused on returning to the Seagulls in 2024 and then in 2025. He wants to continue to build on the program.

“I’m really grateful to have the supportoftheclubandtheopportunity to be at Williamstown for the next two years,” he said.

“This year has been an incredible introduction to the Williamstown Football Club, and the support from the board, club and our members has been fantastic. I’m really proud of what we did this year, but we also know that our potential reaches a lot further than where we finished up.

childrenthisyearandhaveanumberofjunior sides including their first girls team.

“It’s going really well,” he said. “It’s really positive and we are really inclusive. Anyone can come down.”

Meanwhile in state league 1 north-west, Altona City continued its good form with a

1-0 win against Strathmore.

A goal in the 27th minute was enough for Altona City to come away with the points.

Altona City sits six points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand.

Yarraville Glory had a 1-0 win over bottom side Keilor Park. Glory sits in ninth spot.

“Iammostexcitedtojustbespending more time with the wonderful people who make up our VFLW program, it has been a pleasure to be their coachand I look forward to making massive strides together over the coming years.”

Melbourne City’s Gabriel Zalewski. (Joe Mastroianni) 322193_08

Montana Holmes. (Robbab Photography)

Tara Murray

New under-19 netball competition on horizon

A new under-19 netball competition is in the works to fill a void left by changes to the Victorian Netball League.

TheAltonaNetballAssociationandWaverley NetballCentrearedrivingthenewleague,with expressions of interest for the new competition being put out.

There would be two conferences, one based at Altona and one at Waverley, with an overall winner crowned.

Teams could come from VNL clubs, while local associations are also being sought to express their interest.

City West Falcons coach Marg Lind, who is heavily involved in the Altona association, said there needed to be a competition to bridge the gap for young athletes.

ChangestotheVNLmeansfromnextseason therewillonlybeachampionshipandunder-23 competition,insteadofchampionship,division 1 and under-19s.

The Falcons won the under-19 title last year and will again feature in finals again this year.

“We are hoping to bridge the gap for those

who will miss out with no under-19s,” Lind said.

“We want to give hope to those in the west and east that there’ still opportunities. We are really keen to keep the amazing pathway out here.”

Lind said there had been offers for under-19s fromtheVNLclubstoplayatParkville,butthey would be competing in open age competitions.

She said there needs to be an under-19 competition for these athletes.

Lind said there had already been about five expressions of interest with the west competition, possibly going as far as Warrnambool and Ballarat.

The competition in Altona is set to run on Thursday nights.

Lind said there were also potential sponsors looking to come on board.

Waverley Netball Centre centre manager Michelle George said they already had athletes

Panthers sneak home

ByTara Murray

Newport got out of jail against North Footscray in the Western Region Football League division 2 on Saturday.

The Panthers needed everything they had to get past a determined Devils side, winning 12.12 (84)-13.5 (83).

Panthers coach Josh Russo isn’t quite sure how they came away with the four points.

“It was a really lucky one,” he said. “To be fair, credit has to go to North Footscray, they were the better side on the day.

“We got out of jail and kept our season alive.”

The Devils led at every break, but weren’t able to break the game open to put the Panthers on the back foot.

Russo said the group continued to work hard and in the end it was what got them across the line.

“We never gave up,” he said. “We were down by a couple of goals and sometimes you can only play as well as the opposition lets you.

“We were able to get a couple of goals to get a couple of points ahead and we were able to hold on.

“You have to win when you’re not playing well.We’regratefultostillgetthefourpoints.”

Jack Papachatzakis kicked four goals for the Panthers, while Kamal Badra kicked three goals.

Russo said no one dominated all day, but they had a lot of players who tried hard all day.

He highlighted the back line played well led by Salahudin Saaoud and Nayef Hamad, while Papachatzaki, Badra and Khaled Jawad also had good games.

The win was massive in the context of the Panthers season. The Panthers sit in fifth spot, equal on points and win percentage with four placed Wyndhamvale.

Sunshine remains a game clear after upsetting top side Parkside.

The Panthers this week face Wyndhamvale in a match that could decide the two side’s finals chances.

Russosaiditwouldbeagoodchallengethey

were looking forward to.

“With Sunshine beating Parkside, it seems like it will come down to this game,” he said. “Ifyoudon’twingameslikethis,maybeyou’re not good enough to play finals.

“We’ll challenge the group and hopefully have a good week on the track and hopefully go down to Wyndhamvale and get the win.”

Meanwhile,Parksideremainsontopdespite its loss to Sunshine. The Kangaroos led all day in the 16.8 (104)-11.10 (76) win, handing the Magpies their first loss of the season.

In the other match, Wyndhamvale beat Braybrook, 26.11 (167)-5.2 (32).

In division 1, Altona proved no match for WerribeeDistrictsinthetopofthetableclash. The Tigers built the lead throughout, winning 12.10 (82)-4.6 (30).

Caroline Springs beat Spotswood, 10.15 (75)-7.8 (50), to increase the gap between the two sides in fourth and fifth.

The Yarraville Seddon Eagles finals hopes remain alive after a 22.17 (149)-9.5 (59) win against Point Cook Centrals.

and teams from across the east and as far as Gippsland playing in their competitions.

“We want to do something to bridge the gap between the 17 and under rep programs that most associations already have in place and the under-23 VNL competition,” she said.

“We need the players playing against players inthesameagegroupandasimilarplaceinthe pathway.

“We want them still playing at a good level and we’re already had some interest.”

Georgesaidthecompetitionwouldbeagood way to grow the sport and keep more players playing in a high performance environment.

How the competition will look will be decidedoncethetwoassociationsgetanideaof the number of teams.

Both Lind and George hope this is only a starting point to ensure a strong pathway remains.

Sports shorts

Big V Altona Gators’ finals hopes took a hit with a loss to the Mildura Heat on Saturday in the Big V women’s division 1 competition. The Gators led after three quarters, but weren’t able to hold on as the Heat came home strong, winning 80-76. Kayla Salmon top scored with 18 points for the Gators. The Gators remain in fifth despite the loss. The Gators men also lost to the Heat in division 2, losing 93-89. It was only the Gators third loss of the season.

WRFL

Spotswood continued its good form in the Western Region Football League women’s division 1 competition with a big win against Parkside Spurs on Saturday. The Wolves had no issues at all, winning 10.11 (71)-2.3 (15). Hannah McMahon kicked three goals for Spotswood. Point Cook Centrals got its first win of the season, beating the Yarraville Seddon Eagles, 7.4 (46)-5.9 (39). Caroline Springs was the other winner.

Hockey

Altona did its top four hopes no harm with victory against Hawthorn on Saturday in the Hockey Victoria premier league men’s competition. Returning after two weeks off due to a competition wide bye, the Seagulls beat Hawthorn, 5-1. Footscray suffered a 7-3 loss to Waverley. Altona sits in fifth spot and Footscray in 11th. In the women’s competition, Altona lost 7-0 to Hawthorn, while Footscray beat Waverley, 1-0.

Cricket

Cricket Victoria has confirmed changes to its player pathway model for junior cricketers across the state ahead of the 2023-24 season. Victorian Premier Cricket clubs will be part of an under-18s competition, while the existing Victorian Premier Cricket representative competitions of the Dowling Shield and Marg Jennings Cup will be shifted to younger age groups.

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The City West Falcons 2022 under-19 premiership team. (Tara Murray)

Khaled Jawad (Jacob Pattison) 346086_02