Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 6th September 2023

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Greek spirit in Footscray

The Footscray community has collaborated to celebrate Greek culture in the west, with the unveiling of a new mural in Yewers Street. The team at Greek Youth Generator has been working on ‘Footscray’s Hidden Hellenism’ for the last two years.

Project manager Dean Kotsianis said the mural, which was unveiled on Saturday, September 9, celebrates the suburb’s forgotten Greek history.

“We conducted a large- scale community consultation to encapsulate storytelling in a mural,” he said.

“This mural uses real photos, real memories and real people to show the realest representation of that story.”

The community consultation involved Dean and the team meeting people in their houses, looking at family archives and collecting imagery to then compile into the mural.

“We commissioned a design which we thought celebrated their successes and some of their hardships , things that are undeniably part of Footscray’s Greek history.“

Spanning 250 square metres, the mural represents 10-12 families.

‘Wakeup call’ on poverty

By Jennifer Pittorino

Eighteen per cent of people in Braybrook are living in poverty.

This is one of many statistics revealed by the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) that shows around 3100 people in Braybrook are living in economic disadvantage.

The ‘Mapping Poverty in Victoria’ report conducted in conjunction with economic modelling group, NATSEM, found there are over 600,000 people living in poverty in Melbourne, including 164,600 children.

VCOSS spokesman Ryan Sheales said people living in Braybrook have a poverty rate

almost double the surrounding area.

“The highest rates of poverty in Braybrook are among people living alone, solo parents and unemployed people,” he said. “These figures should serve as a wakeup call.”

VCOSS chief executive Emma King said people in the outer suburbs faced more pressures having to travel for work, not being close to public transport and services which impacted people financially.

Ms King said with the changing environment since the last census including the cost of food, energy and other essentials rising dramatically means it is likely there are more people living in poverty than the report

indicated.

“If the census was done tomorrow, there would be more people living in poverty in Victoria,“ she said.

She said changes in the workforce have pushed many in the outer suburbs into casual jobs, further aggravating their economic disadvantage.

“Finding a job that pays enough and has enough hours to make ends meet is hard. If they’re on income support they are more likely to be in poverty.”

The nearby suburbs, Maribyrnong (11 per cent) and West Footscray (10 per cent) had the next highest poverty rates, while further

south in Altona North (14 per cent) showed similar results, recording the highest poverty rate in Hobsons Bay.

In a statement, The Salvation Army said it has been experiencing a growing demand on services since the pandemic.

“In June this year the Salvation Army assisted more than 20,500 people nationally and provided more than 27,000 sessions of care to those in need of emergency relief and material aid,” he said. “This represents a 14 per cent increase in the number of people assisted and 21per cent increase in sessions of care provided to people in need compared to the same time last year.”

Project manager Dean Kotsianis with the community mural in Footscray. (Damjan Janevski) 357413_02

Citynews

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Our city has a thriving multicultural community – one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse in Victoria with our residents coming from more than 135 countries and speaking over 80 different languages. This diversity sets us apart from many other municipalities and is valued by so many in our community. It is a hallmark of our city that we are keen to preserve, strengthen and celebrate.

The draft Intercultural Maribyrnong Strategy 2023/2026 has been released for comment and I encourage all residents to take a closer look and share their views in coming weeks. We know that the way we interact, learn, and share with one another changes and shapes our community as we continue to grow. This is why Council is building on its multiculturalism to expand our intercultural capacity.

I hope our community’s high acceptance of diverse cultures, beliefs and faiths will translate into wide participation during the current engagement on the draft document.

Be sure to check out the great new video on our Your City Your Voice engagement platform for inspiration. Many thanks to all those who willingly participated on camera to share a glimpse of what culture means to them.

Culture exists in all of us. From the way we look, where we come from, our family, the language we speak, and our beliefs, we each have a story that shapes Maribyrnong. That is why it is important to ensure every voice is reflected. We need to hear from individuals and groups from across our diverse communities.

Please take this opportunity to share your vision for a culturally rich future and the ways you think we can best support and celebrate our rich cultural history.

You can get involved by:

• Watching the video on our engagement webpage

• Reading the draft strategy (you can access online translations)

• Completing the online survey

• Sharing your ideas online or sending back the postcard distributed in the recent Maribyrnong Messenger

Visit: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ intercultural and please share any comments before midnight Sunday 8 October 2023.

Mayor Cr Sarah Carter

SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS

Tue 12 – 6.30pm Council

Tue 19 – 6.30pm City Development Delegated Committee

These meetings will be held at the Braybrook Community Hub and livestreamed via Council’s YouTube channel. Community members can submit questions for public question time online on the day of the meeting. Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings or phone 9688 0200 for more information.

Maribyrnong City Council

Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray, VIC 3012

OUT AND ABOUT

P: (03) 9688 0200

F: (03) 9687 7793

City of Maribyrnong Councillors have been busy.

1. Mayor Cr Sarah Carter joined Sugar Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Paul Gregory and Katie Hall MP for a factory tour and a sweet treat to celebrate Yarraville-based CSR Sugar’s 150th anniversary.

2. Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, Tim Watts MP, Hobsons Bay Councillor Matt Tyler and Mayor of Maribyrnong, Cr Sarah Carter were among the attendees of the Youth Mental Health Forum.

MY VIEW

3. Deputy Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam welcoming Maribyrnong’s newest citizens at the August Citizenship Ceremony.

4. Cr Bernadette Thomas joining locals to dig deep on National Tree Planting Day.

5. Story Time guest reader Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter delighted the audience at Braybrook Library recently.

6. Cr Bernadette Thomas celebrating the launch of the first heritage sign installed by Friends of Stony Creek.

Before embarking on my journey as a councillor, I was a lifeguard. For this very reason, I have seen first-hand the significant role that aquatic facilities play in community life and in promoting physical wellbeing. From the young to the elderly in our community, the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre is a place of gathering, and more importantly, a place to learn vital swimming skills and a place of rehabilitation for many of those who are often isolated at home and have no place to go.

Council is proposing upgrades to the 17-year-old Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC) to meet aspirations for modern-day aquatic facilities. The draft Maribyrnong Aquatic Strategy recommends upgrading the existing Council-owned facility to enhance the current offering. We want to hear your thoughts on the proposed upgrades for our muchloved MAC. To view the draft Strategy and to provide your feedback, visit: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/aquaticstrategy

Cr Anthony Tran River Ward

email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Addressing the overdose ‘crisis’

By Jennifer Pittorino

More than 56 people died of unintentional drug overdoses between 2017 and 2021 in the Maribyrnong area, according to a new report by the Penington Institute.

Data from the report shows that 38 people died in the 2007-2011 period, decreasing in the 2012-2017 period to 25, and then rising dramatically in the last three years.

Western Health Addiction Medicine unit head Dr Jon Cook said the population in Melbourne’s west is increasing rapidly but drug use levels are not declining.

“The statistics in the Penington Report are

more than just numbers to us,” he said.

“Tragically, many families in the Maribyrnong area have lost a loved one in the four-year period covered by the report. Any loss of life through overdose is a tragedy.

“Addiction can affect people from all walks of life. The sooner we can get people into treatment, the more lives we can save.

“We can do this by reducing the stigma of druguse,raisingawarenessoftheservicesand supports available in the west, and boosting service capacity, especially in high growth areas such as Melbourne’s west.”

Mr Cook said the social stigma of drug use can make people hesitate to come forward.

“Our message to the community is to seek the help that you need, when you need it –whether it’s for yourself or someone close to you,“ he said.

“Remember that help is available to treat long-term addiction, and if you are with someone who you believe has overdosed, call for medical help straight away.”

Nationally, there were 2,231 drug-induced deaths reported in 2021, with 75 per cent of these deaths being unintentional.

Penington Institute chief executive John Ryan said the report findings are cause for concern for all Australians and called for immediate action to address the nation’s

Hobby club needs railway volunteers

The Altona Miniature Railway (AMR) is looking for new volunteers to ensure weekly train rides are a regular occurrence.

AMR is a hobby club run by members that provide miniature train rides on scaled steam and diesel engines over a 1.5 km track.

Secretary Matthew Rawles-Allen has been a volunteer for 23 years. He is among the many other volunteers who run the non-for-profit.

“Since coming out of COVID, we are looking for more participation in volunteering to help with the tasks, whether that’s maintaining our trains, or giving rides

to the general public,” he said.

Matthew said being an entirely community run organisation, AMR has a wide range of people who help out.

“We have a group of retirees who usually help out twice a week with maintenance on the train,” he explained.

“As well as some teenagers who come down and run their model trains as well as the large trains”

Since 1985, Matthew said the miniature railway has been extremely popular with the community.

“It has allowed people to get out and enjoy

a low-cost activity.

“It also gives our retirees a chance for a social outing within the local community. They get to benefit from the social aspect while undertaking activities together to benefit the wider community.”

Matthew said the feedback the group receives shows AMR is still going strong.

“In the current economic climate we are a very attractive low cost activity for family entertainment. We’re trying to meet the demand we see because of that, while trying to increase our volunteers.”

“overdose crisis”.

“Overdose deaths in Australia have exceeded the road toll since 2014, and we see little to no action to demonstrably change this,”he said.

“Thisisoneoftheworld’sworstpublichealth crises, with a devastating toll on individuals, communities, and economies the world over. And yet, with the right interventions, overdose deaths are preventable.”

Mr Ryan urged governments, healthcare providers, and communities to take urgent action.

“The time to address this national crisis is now.”

Call out to stall holders

The Maribyrnong Community Centre is calling out to all stall holders to come and hold a place at their upcoming community market.

Centre facilitator Jezebel Young said the market will be held on November 24, inside the Centre in the Main Hall and Dining Area.

“We are excited to have our first market back since 2019 and welcome returning and new stall holders,” she said.

“The aim of the community markets is to provide an opportunity for local artists to show and sell their crafts and small local businesses to promote and sell their products.

“While also providing a venue for community members to engage with each other.”

Jezebel said there will be a capacity of 25 -30 stalls , while on the day the centre will provide children’s entertainment, food and coffee trucks outside in the car park.

“Weareveryexcitedtoberelaunching post COVID in the summer when the weather is good, it is a great time of year for people to be shopping and buying gifts.

“If successful, we hope to return to bring the community more markets in 2024.”

If you would like to apply for a market stall reach out to maricomm@ maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or 9032 4305.

Dynon Road reopens after Big Build construction blitz

Dynon Road has reopened after an around the clock construction blitz .

The state government said over the past 11 weeks, crews have worked over 30,000 hours to strengthen and widen the Dynon Road bridge over the rail lines including replacing dozens of old steel beams and barriers from the existing bridge and pouring concrete to finish the new deck.

Metal structures weighing over 400 tonnes have been lifted into place for future cycling and pedestrian paths that will make

it easier to get across Dynon Road bridge and connect to the broader cycling network.

According to the government the Dynon Road transformation is a crucial part of the project as it prepares for opening at the end of 2025.

Work will continue to widen the West Gate Freeway , which according to the government will cut travel times by up to 20 minutes.

The government said there will also be several overnight closures of the West

Gate and Princes Freeways in alternating directions to install overhead gantries that will hold directional signs and electronic speed limit signs, and motorists are advised to plan ahead.

Transport and Infrastructure MP Jacinta Allan said, “A strengthened and widened Dynon Road brings us closer to building the new city connections for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in Melbourne’s west”.

“The West Gate Tunnel Project will slash travel times, take more than 9,000 trucks off

local roads, and get families home safer and sooner.”

Footscray MP Katie Hall thanked the public for their patience.

“During the closure of Dynon Road we carried out these critical works as quickly and safely as possible, transforming the road network in the west.

“We thank the community for their patience and understanding while we get on with this important work to significantly improve Victoria’s transport network.”

Dennis Lee, Matthew Rawls-Allen and Peter Lockwood (Jacob Pattison)355399_01

Reducing risks of more trauma

By Cade Lucas

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience for any victim, but it doesn’t always end with the incident itself.

Disclosing sexual assault to others can also be a source of trauma if not handled correctly, something the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Violence (Westcasa) and Victoria University (VU) are hoping to prevent.

The two organisations have entered into a partnership to deliver a range of training programs on how to respond to someone

disclosing a sexual assault.

“That they feel safe, feel believed, that there’s no judgement and that the person who is supporting the victim survivor is able to offer avenues of referral and options to seek further professional assistance,“ said Westcasa’s Head of Operations Karen Woolford on what victim survivors disclosing sexual assault need and what participants in the training program would learn.

MsWoolfordaddedthathowpeoplerespond has a huge impact on victim survivor recovery.

“Studies have shown that the first three

Pasta for the people

Chef Domenic Zema has always donated meals where he can to charities and non-for-profit organisations, which he said is his way of giving back to the community.

“I have owned my restaurant for 10 years. At the beginning I donated to Vinnies Soup Van every couple of weeks for a few years,” he said.

“Then two years ago I saw Reaching Out food service on one of the Facebook groups, and loved the concept.

“I have been donating between 30-50 meals every two weeks since then.“

Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne is a group solely run by volunteers who have delivered a food service every Monday night since 2005, primarily run by Randa Beirouti.

Domenic owns an Italian restaurant called Casa Di Tutti in Seddon. He provides fresh Italian food to the service.

“I make pasta to give 99 per cent of the time. I will always make fresh pasta and fresh sauce

to go together,” he explained.

“Sometimes it might be a risotto or something different but it will typically be whatever I feel like making on the day.”

Domenic said he has noticed the increasing need in the community so he enjoys helping where he can.

“This is my way of giving back. There is so much need out there so if I can provide a few meals for people that are really struggling it is worth it.“

Despite his selfless donations, Domenic admits sometimes he struggles himself.

“I won’t lie, some weeks it is a bit tough, running a small business now is just as hard as it was during COVID.

“However,thisissomethingIampersonally fortunate enough to do, and I love what I do.

“Thirty to 40 meals doesn’t cost me the world, so this is what I do to help out.”

Jennifer Pittorino

months post-sexual assault is the best time to elicit the best outcome in terms of recovery, but that first experience of disclosing sexual assault, how it is received, has a huge impact on their therapeutic recovery and their decision to access services.”

Given many sexual assault disclosures are about historical cases that are revealed years after they occurred, the training also covers how to respond to these cases, though Ms Woolford said the approach was similar.

“Even if it’s something that happened in childhood or a longtime ago, the disclosure

and reception of that is still very important in the healing process.”

While open to students, the half day training program is mostly aimed at staff and is hoped to one day be an annual requirement for all employees, similar to a first-aid course.

Victoria University students needing counselling or further information can call 03) 919 5400 or email student.counselling@ vu.edu.au.

For 24 hour sexual assault crisis care, call: 1800 806 292.

For emergencies call Triple Zero.

Domenic Zema at work. (Jacob Pattison)356137_05

Cultural roadmap draft on display

Maribyrnong council is seeking feedback on its first Intercultural Strategy, which council said is designed to build a culturally rich roadmap for the municipality for the future.

According to council, with nearly 40 per cent of the population born overseas, Maribyrnong has long been recognised as a multicultural city with many cultures, beliefs and faiths.

Councilsaidthedraftstrategyseekstobuild on those overseas culture shared by residents. By empowering the community and promoting learning, dialogue and

relationships between cultures, while including ways residents can better connect, share and grow together.

The community’s acceptance of diverse culture is high, according to council with 60 per cent of residents surveyed in 2018 believing diversity makes life better.

Mayor Sarah Carter said she hopes this will translate into wide and diverse participation during engagement on the draft document.

“Culture exists in all of us. From the way we look, where we come from, our family, the language we speak, and our beliefs, we each

have a story that shapes Maribyrnong. That’s why it is important to ensure every voice is reflected,“ she said.

“For that to happen we need to hear from individuals and groups from across our diverse communities.

“So please take this opportunity to share your vision for a culturally rich future and the ways you think we can be involved in helping learn and share stories with others.”

Council said it is committed to facilitating the development of the municipality as an ‘intercultural city’ that promotes inclusivity

Raising stakes in run from poverty

Three Hobsons Bay locals have returned from participating in Run From Poverty, a fundraising challenge by non-for-profit One Heart, which took place in Kenya.

Williamstown local, founder and chief executive of One Heart Dean Landy raised $12,700 on this year’s run.

Father of two teenagers Cain Speakman raised $27,230 on his fourth Run From Poverty trip.

Northern African born personal trainer Karina Sorelli, who lives in Laverton, raised $8,440.

The Run From Poverty experience took place over eight days which included high

altitudetrainingatIten,personaldevelopment challenges, visits to a One Heart village farm and school, volunteering at the One Heart Village, the marathon challenge and a three-day safari through the Masai Mara.

Dean said the run is unique and life changing and this year the group raised close to $230,000.

“It is designed to push people out of their comfort zones, allow them to look at the world from a different perspective, and be part of a team making a direct and tangible impact in the lives of hundreds of children in East Africa.”

Williamstown’s Cain Speakman described

the run as extremely challenging on body and mind but the personal challenge was his favourite part.

“It’s the underlying reason we run that I love the most, that being the kids of Kenya that One Heart Foundation supports and the funds we raise as part of the experience.”

Karina said the kids and the One Heart story pushed her to participate.

“I’m not a runner. I actually don’t like running. Doing it to help kids fight poverty and get an education in East Africa is all worth the pain I went through,” she said.

Jennifer Pittorino

and diversity and began the journey to develop an intercultural strategy as part of its part membership of the council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme.

The draft Intercultural Maribyrnong Strategy 2023/2026 outlines the guiding principles, key themes, objectives, and proposed actions to support its implementation, the community can now view the draft and discover ways to share comments.

Details: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ intercultural

Pier Street

Pearls returns

An exhibition celebrating the history of Altona’s Pier Street returns to Hobsons Bay going on display at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre during September.

Pier Street Pearls, curated by locals Bronwen Gray and Alan Young, is being brought back due to popular demand after its initial exhibition in June.

The exhibition will be available to view 9am to 5pm each weekday from September 1-28 in the civic centre foyer.

The exhibition includes photos from Pier Street’s early days as a shopping precinct at the start of the 20th Century all the way through to the shopping, dining and business area it is today.

To launch the exhibition, Bronwen and Alan will tell some of their favourite stories that make up the rich history of Pier Street in a special event at the Civic Centre on Friday, September 1, at 1pm.

The Pier Street Pearls book written by Bronwen and Alan was made possible through the Make It Happen grant.

HobsonsBaymayorTonyBriffasaidas a local she shares many memories of Pier Street.

“This exhibition is a wonderful trip down memory lane, and a great way to learn about the history of our area.”

Details: arts@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.

Pier Street Pearls was curated by locals Alan Young and Bronwen Gray. (Jacob Pattison) 338610_01

A heads-up: Councils to host youth mental health forum

Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong councils hosted ministers, local MPs and young people from the community at a forum discussing the urgentneedformorementalhealthservicesfor young people in the west.

OnTuesday,August29,bothcouncilshosted Assistant Minister for Mental Health and SuicidePreventionEmmaMcBride,Gellibrand MP Tim Watts and Fraser MP Daniel Mulino to The Substation in Newport.

Also present were Cr Matt Tyler from Hobsons Bay and Mayor Sarah Carter from Maribyrnong.

Attendees heard first-hand from local young people, who shared deeply personal stories about how they have struggled to find mental health supports close to them.

All called for more local, timely and affordable support services, such as headspace services in the west. According to council, like many communities, young people in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong are experiencing an ever-increasing need for specialised support services.

Despite being close to the CBD, there is an acute shortage of any mental health support

servicesforyoungpeopleinthesecommunities.

Both councils have advocacy campaigns calling on the federal government to fund headspace services in the west.

Hobsons Bay councillor Matt Tyler said he was pleased the importance of mental health is being recognised.

“Here in Hobsons Bay, there is an urgent need for affordable, specialised mental health services for our young people. As it stands, the closest headspace is in Werribee or Sunshine, with young people facing significant waiting lists to access services.”

Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said mental health and access to adequate and timely supports remains one of the biggest concerns for Maribyrnong young people.

“In this, and other forums we have heard directly from those with lived experience that young people in our community continue to experience considerable distress and their ability to remain resilient and engaged is being heavily impacted.

“Having the opportunity for the assistant minister and other MPs to hear directly from young people is very welcome.”

The team at the start line. (Supplied)

Reaching out on R U OK? Day

By Councillor Daria Kellander

Over the past few years, I think we’ve all become tmore aware of how important it is to look after our mental health.

It’s so encouraging to think of how far we’ve come in talking about mental health issues.

We’ve broken down a lot of barriers that previously held people back from talking about their struggles.

But we can only continue to break down these barriers if we keep being open and encouraging to people who we think might need to talk.

Next Thursday, September 14, is R U OK? Day.

You might have heard about it before, it’s a national day where we are encouraged to check in on someone who might be struggling and ask them if they’re OK.

It’s a simple question, but it could start a conversation that changes that person’s life.

The statistics around mental health issues and suicide in Australia are still confronting.

In Australia every day, 8.6 people take their lives. An estimated 65,000 people attempt suicide every year.

Clearly,westillhaveadeepneedtocontinue talking and supporting each other.

Of course, R U OK? Day is not just about asking people on one day a year.

It’s a reminder that it’s something we should be thinking about all year round.

I hope you take the opportunity to ask someone close to you if they are OK and start those conversations.

Also on next week, we’re hosting a

Briefs

Detox your home

Maribyrnong council is joining neighbouring Moonee Valley council for residents to participate in an upcoming Sustainability Victoria ‘Detox your Home’ event.

Council said ’Detox your Home’ is a free and convenient service for householders to safely dispose of unwanted and toxic chemicals. Waste disposal is free at this event, but disposing of waste at the transfer station outside of this event will incur a cost to Maribyrnong residents. The event will run on Saturday, September 9 from 8am-2pm, at the Moonee Valley Transfer Station, Aberfeldie.

Details: https://bit.ly/3sqKowt

Man charged

community sports open day on Saturday, September 16.

Sports clubs all over our city, and from many different sports, will open their doors to welcome people in.

If you’re interested in trying a new sport as a participant, volunteer, or just a supporter, this is a great way to make those first connections with people from the club.

To check out which clubs will be opening their doors, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ sportopenday

Before I go, I’m sure I’m like many mums who know school holidays are just around the cornerandarealreadylookingforthingstodo.

As always, Hobsons Bay libraries have a greatlineupofprogramsandactivitiestokeep your little ones entertained.

Take a look at the full program at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/libraries.

A man has been charged after police located various homemade parts used in the manufacturing of firearms, as well as a scope and two conducted energy devices in a Kingsville house. Police searched the man’s house on Wednesday, locating a scope, various rounds of ammunition, two conducted energy devices, three firearm cylinders, two homemade firearm slides, a homemade silencer and two other homemade firearm components. The 52-year-old Kingsville man faces numerous charges and was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 16.

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

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Cr Daria Kellander.

EPA wants Cleanaway feedback

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Maribrynong Council want feedback from those in the community who may be affected by the Cleanaway site proposed for Tottenham.

Cleanaway Solid Waste Pty Ltd (Cleanaway) has lodged a licence application to set up two warehouses to support the state government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), at 416 Somerville Road, Tottenham.

Maribyrnong council has received a planning permit application to use the site for the purpose of Industry (transfer station) in

accordance with the new CDS.

TheMaribyrnongPlanningSchemeexempts applications from public notice which is why council said it was looking at other ways to alert the community to the proposal.

Councillor Bernadette Thomas said ordinarily council would advertise or notify neighbours of planning permit applications.

“This one is exempt. Under the planning scheme there is a whole exemption for the container deposit scheme, so council can’t do public notices,” she said.

“This is really the only opportunity that the

Service’s sweet aroma

Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year Nasz Kahn has continued her exceptional community service by helping bring Seabrook locals the joy of coffee.

Nasz said the Seabrook community has in the past felt isolated from local coffee shops, which led them to ask for a pop-up coffee cart to frequent the area.

“The thing about Seabrook is it is very isolated, we’re far away from a lot of the coffee placesandalloftheshoppingcentres,”shesaid.

“We are a very residential and very quiet suburb.

“In our community Facebook page, the locals thought it would be nice to have a coffee van or a little coffee cart come to Seabrook for people to meet and socialise.

“So one of the main incentives for the coffee cart was to boost community engagement to give everyone the chance to socialise.”

Nasz approached Hobsons Bay council with the idea, which acknowledged the need and

came up with a solution.

“I put in a submission for it and council suggestedthevancometoourSeabrookgarden every month, which has been an ongoing community activity for the last two years.

“Now once a month on our garden produce day, the coffee van will come and make everyone coffees at a subsidised price.”

On the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 12pm, Homestead Run in Seabrook is visited by the coffee van.

“Now locals can have coffee, participate in a herb garden workshop and a local food exchange,” Nasz said.

“This is a real collaboration with council, which will be on trial until the end of the year.

“Wehopethiswillcontinueaswearealready speaking with the barista about coming to the community park on weekends.”

community has to submit ideas, objections or support, all through the EPA process.”

According to Cr Thomas, the proposed Cleanaway site is located within the Industrial 1 Zone land and is approximately 700 metres from the nearest residential zone.

Cr Thomas said the site will collect and sort approximately 20 tonnes of light recyclables per day, seven days a week, and receive approximately 96 tonnes of glass bottles per day.

Cleanaway proposes to collect and sort recyclable material from the CDS onsite,

no dismantling, processing or cleaning of materials will take place on site.

“It can be a really confusing process, we don’t want people to ask why council isn’t telling them about it.

“If people are putting in an application or a submission, they need to make sure that they are responding to the licence issues so they can all be taken into consideration.”

SubmissionsforfeedbackcloseonThursday, September 7.

Visit engage.vic.gov.au/Cleanaway-SolidWaste-Pty-Ltd-app027407

The Sun welcomes comedy

A former employee of the Sun Theatre will soon be the one entertaining live audiences, with the first live stand-up comedy show hitting the theatre on September 13.

Sweeney Preston was born and raised in the west. He started comedy in 2015 and is now co-producing this show.

“I started comedy through a program called Class Clowns, which is run by the comedy festival,” he said.

“But I didn’t fully kind of give comedy a proper crack until maybe like the last couple of years.“

SweenysaidpostCOVIDpeoplearelooking for different things to do to shake up their routine.

“We find people are looking for something a little bit different that they haven’t done before that really takes them out of their usual bubble.“

The show sold out in 72 hours, but Sweeny said locals should not be concerned about missing out as they will be adding two more

dates.

“People of the west clearly responded well, I grew up in Seddon so it’s a nice sort of homecoming for me.

“It’s something new, it’s something fresh, all the comedians are going to make you laugh in a setting that you won’t have experienced before, which I think is the real key part of this.

“We are doing something that we all know and love, going to stand-up comedy, having a good laugh with our mates, but we’re doing it in a new space.”

Sweeny said his show reflects on his past experiences.

“I love telling stories, and I love playing them in a way that can make people feel like theyarealongwithmefortherideonpersonal experiences.

“We have so many great comedians, there will be a lot of variety in terms of what people will experience on the night.”

Sweeney Preston. (Damjan Janevski)

Jennifer Pittorino Seabrook locals enjoying their coffee. (Jacob Pattison)355748_01

Williamstown Specialist Centre

Williamstown Specialist Centre is located in the lovely seaside suburb of Williamstown, which is approximately 10 kilometres south west of the Melbourne CBD. The centre is surrounded by free parking spaces both on the main and adjoining streets. All-day parking spots can sometimes be found on Lyon Street or Electra Streets.

Specialists include - Ear Nose and Throat, Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, General Paediatrician, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Respiratory Physician, Sleep Physician, Vascular Specialist and Endovascular Specialist, Urologist and Musculoskeletal Sports Podiatrist.

If you are considering renting one of the centre’s spacious spaces, rooms are available on a sessional basis.

Mortgage Choice

Despite rising rates and cost-of-living pressures, the property market remains active and competitive. Property prices are holding steady and expected to be 4 per cent higher at the end of 2023, and the lack of housing stock andpopulationgrowthisaddingmorepressure to aspiring homeowners looking to get a rung up on the property ladder.

Expert advice can make a difference when navigating deposit challenges and the complex home loan application process.

Located on Douglas Parade, Mortgage Choice Williamstown offers independent lendingadvicetohelpyousecureyourproperty and lifestyle dreams. Whether you’re a first home buyer, seasoned investor, or seeking a better interest rate, our friendly team is here to take your wealth strategy further.

Westside Smash Repairs

Westside Smash Repairs is a small business located in the heart of Williamstown North. It has been providing locals in the west with high quality vehicle repairs and paint work since

At Westside Smash Repairs no job is too big or small. The workshop is fully equipped to provide a complete range of services to all makes and models. From full restorations and major accident repairs to minor wear and tear.

The friendly team welcome you for a free quote on all private, insurance and fleet work with a replacement vehicle and useful help to manage your needs during repairs. Staff can even help with your claim, making your experience stress-free!

To find out more about the services on offer or for urgent repairs, call now on 0425 844 802.

Williamstown MP Melissa Horne

You can participate in the community consultation led by Parks Victoria for two significant projects that will shape the future of our maritime heritage.

The Williamstown Local Port Area Plan Project outlines priorities for investments to ensure the enduring vitality of our local port. It is our responsibility to safeguard this jewel that liesattheheartofourcommunity.Withafocus on on-water components, the plan addresses issues such as pier futures, access channel sedimentation, and provisions for large vessels.

Parks Victoria is also initiating a Waterway Rule Change in response to concerns raised by

our local boating community. This change is informed by a 2022 study, aimed at mitigating ’wave, wash, and surge’ issues. Lastly, let’s extend our support to the Altona traders as works continue at the Altona Pier.

ATP Automotive

Looking for a reliable and professional automotive service? Look no further! ATP Automotive is here to rev up your car-care experience!

Adrian is a skilled and certified technician and is passionate about cars and dedicated to delivering top-notch automotive services. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, Adrian and the team have got you covered.

At ATP Automotive trust is the foundation oftherelationshipwithcustomers.Staffbelieve in complete transparency and will always discuss findings and the necessary repairs before getting to work.

The team understands the importance of your time and strive to provide swift and efficient service without compromising on quality. The goal is to get you back on the road safely and quickly.

Squires Loft

Welcome!SquiresLoftWilliamstownisraising the stakes with new owners/operators leading the way. The business has a new updated menu with premium angus and wagyu steaks paired with a new wine list including premium wines. The classic grill house serves hearty portions of grass-fed steaks, the Squires Loft famous eight day marinated pork/beef ribs, wagyu burgers, lamb, chicken, salmon and prawns as well as vegetarian options and more.

The team follows a philosophy of delivering the perfect meal every single time through consistency and quality, along with a touch of good old-fashioned customer service, is definitely a winning approach. Staff have a clear focus on providing excellent food and maintaining the highest standards.

Williamstown beach is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Seaworks at Williamstown is a drawcard.

Move to Lifestyle Communities and do what you love

Picture this - you find yourself stranded in a sea of wrapping paper and ribbon, keeping an ear out for the gingerbread in the oven and running through your mounting to-do list in your head.

You’ve heard each Christmas carol about a billion times each, and you still haven’t oiled the deck, fixed that hole in the wall or raked the garden.

We’re all familiar with what a whirlwind the lead-up to Christmas is, and no, you’re not dreaming, it’s nearly time to do it all again!

It isn’t just the stress of all the planning, shopping, catering and present-buying, it’s thatnaggingfeelingthatsurelyit’simpossible for time to pass so quickly. Well, we say no more! No more crazy Christmas chaos! No more panic at the passing of time!

When your days are spent doing things you love, you’ll never look back and wonder where the time’s gone. And when you’re living in a sparkling, brand new home, you can wave goodbye to the stress of gardening and home maintenance and say hello to no council rates and a lower cost of living.

Now that’s a Christmas present that won’t be re-gifted!

At Lifestyle Communities, life is what we do. Lifestyle Communities is about opening up new opportunities, experiences and connections for the people who live in its communities.

Why wait when a low-maintenance home and a low-stress life could be yours today?

Give yourself an early Christmas present – a life of opportunity, of peace, and of knowing that the best things in life come to those who reach out and grab them!

Call to speak with one of the amazing team – 1300 50 55 60.

Essential tips for those living with hearing loss

In a world full of lively conversations and meaningfulconnections,goodcommunication is really important. But if you have trouble hearing, it can be tough.

The good news is with the right help, you can get better at it.

In this article are some helpful tips for people who don’t hear well. Experts at Active Audiology, Chris Ivanidis and Amanda Nguyen, bring not only expertise but also unbiased, personalised advice that caters to your lifestyle needs.

They emphasise the importance of regular hearing checkups to enhance your hearing health.

Communication Tips for People with HearingLoss

1. Look at the Person: When someone talks to you, look at their face. This helps you understand better by seeing their expressions and lips.

2. Find Quiet Places: Try to talk in places with less noise. It’s easier to understand when there’s not a lot of background noise.

3. Speak Clearly and Slowly: Speaking clearly and at a moderate pace can make a big difference. No need to shout, just talk like usual.

4. Use Different Words: If you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to ask for different words. This can help you grasp what’s being said.

5. Use Your Hands and Show Things: Incorporating hand gestures or visuals can enhance understanding. Sometimes, it’s more than just words.

6. Be Patient and Kind: Patience is key. If you’re struggling, ask again. And if someone asks you to repeat, be patient with them.

7. Try Hearing Aids: If you have a hearing loss that can be assisted with amplification – hearing aids can make a world of

difference. The only want to know is to see an audiologist for advice on what is suitable.

ExpertIndependentAdvicefromChrisand

Amanda

Seeking help from experts is crucial and Chris and Amanda, independent audiologists from Active Audiology, bring a unique perspective. Unlike some other places, they’re not tied to specific brands or products.

This means their advice is unbiased and tailored to what’s best for you. Chris and Amanda take into account your lifestyle, preferences, and hearing needs.

Their goal is to help you unlock better communication and help you hear what matters again.

ImportanceofRegularHearingCheckups

While these tips can help, seeing experts like Chris and Amanda can make a big difference.

They have helped hundreds of people in the community and know how to improve your hearing experience. Getting your hearing checked is like checking your eyes or teeth. Regular checkups help catch any issues early and ensure your hearing health is in top shape.

For more info about Active Audiology or to make an appointment, visit www. activeaudiology.com.au or call 9398 3331

Audiologist Chris Ivanidis has helped many in the community improve their hearing. (supplied)

Kicks and cuddles on dad’s day

The Altona Early Education Centre celebrated Father’s Day early on Friday, September 1, with a Father’s Day and Footy Colours Day event. Centre director Sarah McAnulty said they encouraged more than 40 dads, grandads and male figures in the children’s lives to come down to the oval.

“We set up a few games and everyone had a kick of footy’s and soccer balls,” she said.

“It was nice for the dads to be able to network and socialise like mums do.

“We had raffles, donations and party food, after the oval everyone came back to the centre and completed activities with their kids.”

Sarah said they raised $600 in donations for Footy Colours Day which works to raise money to fight children’s cancer.

Dylan Quinnell and son Noah (4). 354493_08

Dan Pantarotto and son Lando (2). 354493_05

John Foley and his kids Betty (3) and Georgina (18 months old). 354493_04

The Altona Early Education Centre hosted its annual Fathe’rs Day colourful footy event on Friday, September 1. (Damjan Janevski) 354493_10

Grandpa Peter Howarth and grandson Sebastian (3). 354493_06

Aaron Hughes and son Ned (15-months). 354493_07

Glen Beasley and son Parker (3). 354493_03

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

Book sale

Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona, access via Coles carpark, from 10am-1pm. ■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.

Yarraville Mouth Organ Band

Yarraville Mouth Organ Band will be celebrating its 90th anniversary on Sunday 24 September, 1-5pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Visitors very welcome to enjoy the music, have a cuppa and catch a glimpse of history in photographs up to 90 years old.

■ Heather, 9399 2190, or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au

Altona Girl Guides

Altona Girl Guides currently has vacancies for girls aged five-plus who would like to learn new skills, gain confidence,and expand their friendship circle while having fun.

■ hobsonsbay@guidesvic.org.au

English lessons

Want to learn English in a fun and relaxed setting? Build your English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). AMEP now available in Williamstown. Laverton Community Education Centre now offers free AMEP classes to eligible clients at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. Classes are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-3pm. Childcare is available for children who are under school age. Laverton Community Education Centre is a Not -for -profit organisation. The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

■ 9369 2726

Computers, crafts, conversation

Whatever your learning interests and needs, Outlets Newport Community Education Centre has hands-on, face-to-face classes for you or a friend. Contact the centre today to find something for you!

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

Carers’ walk and talk

A collaboration between the state government, Interchange Outer East and Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL), the Pathways for Carers program is launching a monthly walk in Footscray on the third Thursday of each month. The goal of each group is to provide carers with peer-based support, information, services and resources, opportunities to be active and connect with other carers, connect with nature and connect with their local community.

■ lauren.mcalpine@bsl.org.au or www.pathwaysforcarers.com.au

Wednesday walking group

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

■ 9397 6168

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. There will also be live music. From 10am4pm.

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

Musicians Wanted

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

■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Free English conversation class

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

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

Free walking group

Every Wednesday (during term dates) at 10.15am from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Free community morning tea

Every Wednesday at 11am in Joan Kirner House foyer, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Heritage walks

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

■ John, 0418 377 336

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

Newport Folk and Fiddle

The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner

Play Along Group will be held on Saturday, August 19, at the Newport Scout Hall, 6 Market Street Newport at 6:30, ,All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun.

■ Danny, 0425 769 253

Community Education Centre

Laverton Community Education Centre has started free AMEP classes in Williamstown Community Education Centre/ Joan Kirner House, onTuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30 am -3.00 pm. Participants can build English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

■ 9369 2726

Gum Nut Bead Workshop

The Gum Nut Bead workshop is free, with all materials supplied to make a set of hand painted beads, held at Walker Close Community Centre, 180 Millers Road, Altona North Workshop 1: August 15, 10.30am –12.30pm Workshop 2: August 22, 10.30am –12.30pm

■ 0404 951 095

The InterGen Program - GenZine

he team at GenZine are hosting a workshop as part of the upcoming InterGen Program on Saturday, August 12, from 1-3pm at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre. Discussions will centre on understandings of gender and how to incorporate creativity into community care.

■ 9398 2511 or admin@ljac.com.au

Altona Repair Cafe

The Altona Repair Cafe are looking for more repairers to help meet community demand

for repairs at their monthly repair events! We are particularly looking for people with skills in repairing electricals and textiles! Repair cafes happen on the first Saturday of the month, 12pm to 3pm.

■ Danielle, 0413 434 082

Social card games

Interested in playing social card games? Canasta, poker and/or others. Weekday mornings or afternoons at 43 Mason Street, Newport.

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

Seniors Outdoor Exercise Program

Seniors Outdoor Exercise Park Program is offering a free six week program sponsored by Williamstown Community and Education Centre, and facilitated by local exercise physiologist Dr Liz Cyarto. At Donald McLean Reserve Spotswood, starting Monday October 2.

■ Liz, lizcyarto@gmail.com

Seabrook Community Centre

Seabrook Community Centre is offering free tax return help with a Tax Help volunteer. This program is for people who have earned under $60,000 and are pay as you go employees. This program runs until mid October. 15 Truganina Avenue, Seabrook.

Social Dancing

Social dancing in Maribyrnong for all ages and experience levels on Thursday evenings beginning on the 14th of September at the Maribyrnong, at the Community Centre from 7.30pm-10.30pm.

■ Janine, 0421 371 883

Art and craft fair

St Stephens Church Williamstown is holding a great craft display. Felting, embroidery, quilting, painting sand more. Craft demonstrations and workshops will be held. Great stalls of homemade items. Huge stocks of fabric, wool, threads, haberdashery, books and patterns for sale on Saturday September 23 from 9am to 3pm.

■ triciasalau@outlook.com.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Nick Wilson with the ‘Snuff Puppets’, appearing in a new show called ’Swamp’. (Damjan Janevski) 356507_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 19 76 85 659 82

QUICK CROSSWORD

43 851 49 13 37

48 4827 49 2

easy 52 1 94 48 7

DECODER WORDFIT

52 26 4 423

medium 81 2 1895 26 3

23 6 5239 82

hard

645 48 7 98

21 words: Good

T E A

I E

31 words:

G

A C I A L

agar, agate, agile, alga, algae, argil, cage, cagier, cartage, CARTILAGE, cigar, crag, gait, gaiter, gala, gale, garlic, gate, gear, gelt, gilt, girl, girt, glacier, glare, grace, grail, grate, great, grit, lager, large, raga, rage, regal, regalia, taiga, tiger, tragic, tragical, triage, trig

No. 149

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

QUICK

S N E D E A N S R E C A P A R O M A W I R E D S E N S E

2 In medical science, what is the equivalent of gynaecology for men?

3 Panama is bordered by which two countries?

4 What word in English is formed by two words that end in -gry, and is also a combination of their meanings?

5 The astronomical theory that the planets revolve around the sun is known as what?

6 Dhivehi is the official language of which country?

7 Viola, Olivia and Sebastian are all characters in which Shakespearean play?

8 The city of Darwin (pictured) has had to be almost entirely rebuilt twice as a consequence of what two events?

9 Which religion follows the Eightfold Path?

10 And what is the country of origin of that religion?

Very good 42 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: 3 LETTERS ACE AGE ASH ASK ATE AWE AYE BAN BAT EAR ERA EWE FRO NEW NIL NOR OIL ORE OUT ROT RUG SAT SOW TWO 4 LETTERS ARCS BAWL ELKS ELSE ESKY HOWS KERB LYRE OBOE PANG STAB TEST TRIP YARD 5 LETTERS AORTA APPAL AWAIT BATON BEERS BENTS BRINE CLEAT CORNY CURSE DOUBT EAGER EARLY EARNS EDGES EGGED ELDER GRITS NERVE OFTEN OUNCE PARKA PASSE PASTA PEACE REUSE RINSE RIVET ROUND SCABS SCARE SECTS SORTS SPEAK SPOTS STEEL STEER STEWS STYLE SWEAT TORSO TREED TRIBE TROUT TSARS TULIP WAIST WEDGE WREST YOU’RE 6 LETTERS BANNER RETYPE STEREO YEASTS 7 LETTERS AEROSOL ARSENAL ROOSTER ROSTERS SPONSOR WARPING 8 LETTERS ALLIANCE APPOINTS ASTUTEST CLOSURES 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 D S Q N T J F K U I C Z B R W G Y E L O P V M X A H 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 08-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 847529163 931672584 264987315 523861497 752418639 198253746 619734852 486395271 375146928 easy medium hard 523814679 368579214 734265198 186957342 271346985 659781423 947632851 495128736 812493567 786139524 318274956 429856731 932645178 594361287 653917842 145782369 267598413 871423695 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 XH ANSWERS: 1. Billy Idol 2. Andrology 3. Colombia and Costa Rica 4. Hangry (angry and hungry) 5. Heliocentrism 6. Maldives 7. NightTwelfth 8. Japanese air raids during WWII and Cyclone Tracy in 1974 9. Buddhism 10. India

No.

Made

PLEASE NOTE

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

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

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Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre Altona

Kooringal Golf Club Altona

Convenience Store Altona

City of Hobsons Bay Altona

Chemcare Wellness Pharmacy Altona

Altona West Newsagency Altona

Borgs Cakes Altona

Bendigo Bank Altona

Altona IGA plus Liquor Altona

Altona Newsagency Altona

Chemist Discount Centre Altona

Central Lotto Altona Meadows

Benetas St George's Altona Meadows

Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre

Altona Meadows

Westgate Health and Fitness Club Altona

North

Altona Fresh Altona North

The Circle Pharmacy Altona North

Borrack Square News & Lotto Altona North

Altona North Community Library Altona North

Altona Gate Shopping Centre Altona North

Altona North Community Centre Altona North

Gifts & Lotto Altona North

Jolly Miller Cafe & Patisserie Altona North

Woolworths - Miller Junction Altona North

Altona East Newsagency Altona North

Coles - Avondale Heights Avondale Heights

Central West Plaza Braybrook

Braybrook Hotel Braybrook

Braybrook Library Braybrook

Deer Park Newsagency Deer Park

French Baguette Cafe Footscray

Footscray Community Arts Centre Footscray

Pheonix Youth Centre Footscray

Jim Wong's Restaurant Footscray

Footscray Hospital Footscray

Caltex Petrol Station Footscray

Maribyrnong City Council Footscray

Tatts Lotto Footscray

Wards Newsagency Footscray

Footscray Mechanics Institute Library

Footscray

Health Works Footscray

Footscray Library Footscray

Paisley Clinic Pharmacy Footscray

Coles Footscray Footscray

IGA West Footscray Footscray West

Neighbourhood House Footscray West

Kingsville Newsagency Footscray West

BP Petrol Kingsville

Laverton Newsagency Laverton

Bendigo Bank Laverton

Laverton Community Hub Laverton

MJs Café Maidstone

Fix at Mick's Motors Petrol Station Maidstone

Maidstone Milk Bar Maidstone

Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre Maribyrnong

Maribyrnong Community Centre

Maribyrnong

Supanews Lotto Maribyrnong

Gloria Jeans Maribyrnong

Plush Think Sofas Maribyrnong

Forty Winks Maribyrnong

Focus On Furniture Maribyrnong

Adriatic Furniture Maribyrnong

Snooze Maribyrnong

Suave Furniture Maribyrnong

Spotlight Maribyrnong

Alex's Furniture Maribyrnong

Koala Living Maribyrnong

Bev Marks Maribyrnong

Bedshed Maribyrnong

James Lane Maribyrnong

Pet Barn Maribyrnong

Barbecues Galore Maribyrnong

Beds N Dreams Maribyrnong

Carpet Call Maribyrnong

Newport Newsagency Newport

The Substation Newport

Newport Library Newport

Seagulls Nest Club Newport

IGA Newport Plus Liquor Newport

Cellarbrations Newport

Newport Newsagency Newport

Newport General Store Newport

Seabrook Community Centre Seabrook

Seddon Newsagency Seddon

ALFA Café Seddon

The Happy Apple Supermarket Seddon

The Vin Wine & Spirits Seddon

South Kingsville Community Centre South

Kingsville

Westgate Golf Club Spotswood

Spotswood Newsagency Spotswood

Spotswood Kingsville RSL Spotswood

Scouns Pharmacy Spotswood

Milk Bar Tottenham

Tottenham Central LPO and Newsagency

Tottenham

Steam Packet Hotel Williamstown

Newsagency Riffle Range S/Centre

Williamstown

Rifle Club Hotel Williamstown

Smooth Curves Williamstown

Coles Supermarket Williamstown

Williamstown News and Lotto Williamstown

Freechoice Williamstown Tobacco

Williamstown

Get the News Williamstown

Hobsons Bay Visitors Centre Williamstown

Woolworths Yarraville Metro Yarraville

IGA Yarraville

Yarraville Newsagency Yarraville

Coracle Cafe Restaurant Yarraville

Pizza d'Asporto Yarraville

Yarraville Community Centre Yarraville

Coles Supermarket Yarraville

Rocco's Delicatessent Yarraville

Yarraville Club Yarraville

Liquor Legends Yarraville

Wembley Convenience Store Yarraville

Real Estate Agents Everywhere

Plugging the generation gap

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Mazda sports utility vehicle sibling rivalry just got hotter, with a reborn five-year-old CX-8 refitted out and snapping at big brother CX-9’s heels, while fending off the challenge of the mid-size CX-5.

Available in six grades - Sport, Touring, Touring Active, GT SP, Asaki and Asaki LEwith petrol or diesel power front or all-wheel drive, the entry-level Sport FWD petrol comes to market at $42,060, plus on-road costs, while the Asaki LE diesel AWD tips the scales at $71,410.

Rearranging the chairs, the Touring Active takes over where the old Touring diesel stood, while the GT SP fills the gap left by the absence of the petrol and diesel Touring SP and GT models. On test was the GT SP petrol, which takes in premium touches such as power sliding and tilting sunroof and burgundy or black leather seat trim.

Mazda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with roadside assistance, applies across the model range, with service intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

Styling

Mazda designers have modernised the CX-8 exterior with bold new front and rear bumpers, and tailgate, LED headlamps and tail lights, while a new front grille maintains the company’s Kodo - Soul of Motion design tradition.

New signature wings add a premium quality feel, a metallic finish reflecting light in motion, enhancing vehicle dynamics, maybe the colour too,inthiscaseSoulRedCrystalMetallic.Black metallic and machined finish 19-inch wheels give a lift to the sleek styling and sophistication of the GT SP.

Interior

Three rows of seats, with quality finishes, offer enough space to fit all but the most broad-beamed family members comfortably on short trips or long journeys. Massive rear doors open to almost 90 degrees - there are sun shades too - but there’s still some clambering to do to settle in the third row.

Once in, the upright back rest and the cramped knee situation are not conducive to long-distance comfort. There’s limited head room here but the GT SP does have the power adjustment and rear seat heaters of upper

specced variants.

A non-too generous 209 litres of cargo space is available with all seats in operation.

A removable base boots capacity to 242 litres. With the third row folded the total rises to 775 litres.

Infotainment

Call me out of touch but I remain a fan of the switch-and-knob style of control of in-cabin tech. There is nothing worse than sticky fingerprints on the touchscreen. The CX-8 centre-console rotary control set-up is my kind of connection.

Some previous CX-8s had only half-smart levels of phone mirroring. Mazda has fixed this and updates now offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. Also newly included is wireless device charging and 10-speaker Bose audio.

Engines / transmissions

On offer is the choice of two engines - a 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol or 2.2 litre turbodiesel - both mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The test vehicle included the former, which came up with maximum power of 140 kW at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 252 Nm at 4000 rpm.

Diesel versions boast all-wheel drive, while petrolmotorshavetomakedowithfront-wheel operation only.

Safety

The Mazda CX-8 was a five-star rating when it was introduced in 2018. As little has been significantly changed the Australasian New

MODEL RANGE

Mazda CX-8 G25 Sport FWD: $42,060

Mazda CX-8 G25 Touring FWD: $48,960

Mazda CX-8 D35 Sport AWD: $49,060

Mazda CX-8 D35 Touring Active AWD: $56,910

Mazda CX-8 GT SP G25 FWD: $58,560

Mazda CX-8 Asaki G25 FWD: $61,810

Mazda CX-8 GT SP D35 AWD: $65,560

Mazda CX-8 Asaki D35 AWD: $68,810

Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE D35 AWD: $71,410

SPECIFICATIONS

Mazda CX-8 GT SP 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol, 6sp automatic, FWD SUV

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

Car Assessment Program says it will not be retesting the latest version.

Includedareblindspotmonitoring,lane-keep assistance, rear-cross traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic sign recognition and Isofix child seat anchors for two of the rear seats. A reversing camera is standard across the range but only in the Asaki and LE is there a full 360-degree system.

Driving

The 2.5 litre four-cylinder motor sends a

maximum 140 kW of power and 252 Nm of torque to the front wheels only, putting the brake, so to speak, on top-notch towing.

Maximum rating is 1800 kg.

The six-speed transmission is left behind by rivals with more cogs but it doesn’t seem to affect the CX-8 unduly, producing a smooth run through all but the upper echelons of the rev band. Engine noise is the downside here.

Fuelconsumptionisclaimedtobeanaverage of8.1litresper100kmforthepetrolfront-wheel drive on the combines urban / highway cycle. The test vehicle came up with 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburban work and 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on motorway cruising. With a bit of heft to handle, the ride can be hostage to some bumps and bangs over bad roads. Steering responds with feeling and is particularly efficient in parking manoeuvres at lower speeds.

Front-wheel-drive versions of the CX-8 miss out on the Mazda Mi-Drive switchable driving modes allowing the driver to choose between Normal, Sport, Off-Road and a towing mode. All-round vision for the driver is limited by large rear-view mirrors and a slim rear window but I do rate the clarity of the head-up (any head-up) windscreen display.

Summary

Fitting in can be a challenge to anyone going through adolescence. Doing a person’s best for elders can be elusive and so could be the case of the CX-8. Thankfully Mazda has taken the large SUV and planed off some of the prickly sides to its character, leaving an acceptable member of a growing family.

The upgraded Mazda CX-8 does well fitting into the shape of Mazda’s range of SUVs. (Pictures: Supplied)

Roosters hold on to clinch a grand final berth

West Footscray only just managed to hold on to its lead to send them through to its first Western Region Football League women’s division 2 grand final.

In windy conditions at Pennell Reserve on Sunday afternoon the Roosters started well, leading by 14 points at the first break.

In the second term it was Spotswood’s turn with the wind and it made the most of it, taking back the lead, and getting two points ahead at the main break.

In the third term it seemed like the Roosters had done enough, kicking away putting the margin out to a game high 27 points at three quarter time.

However, the Wolves’ weren’t going to die wondering,cominghomewithawetsailinthe last quarter kicking three goals, and missing four shots to get them within six points.

With little time on the clock the Wolves had one last chance to send the game into extra time but the ball drifted across the face sending the Wolves home and the Roosters into the big dance.

Jemma Hay and Krystyn Raymundo kicked

two goals in the 6.11 (47)- 5.11 (41) win, Roxana Sefton was named the Roosters best on ground. Roosters’ coach Shane Windridge said it

was just a matter of trying to hold on.

“They just kept coming and coming,” he said. “Lucky for us the siren blew when it did. We didn’t want it to go too much longer.”

Hungry Seagulls swoop

By Harper Sercombe

Williamstown is through to the Victorian Football League semi finals following their defeat of Collingwood on Saturday afternoon.

Fresh off a week off the Seagulls were ready for September football jumping out of the gates booting three goals to none in the first term.

The Pies only managed one goal in the first half, with the Seagulls taking a 42 point lead into the main break.

Neither side was able to get going in the third quarter, with the only goal falling to the Pies. In the last the Seagulls were able to open the game back up, kicking four goals to give them a huge 12.10 (82)-3.9 (27) win.

The win left Seagulls’ director of coaching Jeff Andrews very happy after the game.

“It was a great day for the club, we had a massive crowd, our biggest VFL crowd for a long time,” he said.

“We were playing Collingwood, but we certainly felt like we had the majority of the support.

“It was good on many fronts, the footy, the club, everything was good.”

The Seagulls had another great spread of goal kickers, with Josh Pickess, Joel Ottavi, Jack Noonan, Corey Ellison and Mitch Cox booting two each.

“It can be easy to stop one but when you’ve got a spread it makes it a lot harder from an opposition point of view,” Andrews said.

“So that was definitely pleasing.”

StarruckTomDowniewasenormousonthe weekend, dominating the air with 35 hitouts, 24 disposals, four marks and five tackles.

Andrews said Downie was terrific.

“He gave us first use of the ball, he took contested marks, everyone would want a ruckman like Tom, he led from the front, he was terrific.”

Keeping the Pies to just the three goals once again showed how stingy the Seagulls can be on defence, with particular thanks to their new recruits and dynamic defensive duo in Marty Hore and Oscar McDonald, who were both included in the VFL team of the year squad.

“It probably wasn’t a great spectacle in the defensive aspect of the game, but we were really pleased,” Andres said.

“It was pretty similar inside 50s, against an AFL affiliate side, on a really nice day, in great conditions, to keep them to three goals.

“They certainly missed a few goals that they probably could have kicked but even do it was an excellent defensive effort.

“We’re big believers in defence and contest standing up in finals and it did yesterday.”

Now with their sights set on Brisbane in the upcoming semi final, the Seagulls will be able to take great confidence out of their round 21 win against the Lions.

“When we played them it was a tough game,” Andrews said.

“It was tight all day, it was sort of see-sawing and we just got there in the end but it was pretty close.

“So we wouldn’t be expecting anything different this week.”

The Seagulls will face the Lions on Saturday afternoon in Brisbane, with the winner going through to a preliminary final.

The Roosters have managed to get into the grand final without the double chance, while kicking out the Wolves in straight sets.

“Last year we were in their boat, we had the double chance and lost both finals, so we were hoping to rectify that,” Windridge said.

“To get into finals is a pretty good effort with us, it’s been a pretty tough year with injuries and everything.”

Now the Roosters are at full strength, bar a couple of season ending knee injuries from early in the season.

“We got plenty of our players back towards the end of the season,” he said.

“We got our ruck back on the weekend, which made a big difference to our side. They just really dominated the ruck and just a real big body allows us to play a couple of other talls in key positions.”

With Wyndhamvale now the task for the Roosters on Sunday morning, where they are embracing the underdog mentality.

“If we can bring our best footy I don’t think there will be too much in it.”

Harper Sercombe

Locals make team of year

Williamstown, Western Bulldogs and Footscray players are among those named in the Victorian Football League squads for team of the year selection.

A squad of 40 has been selected for the team of the year for the men’s competition and 30 for the women’s.

Williamstown had three players from both of its teams in the squads and the Bulldogs had two in each.

In the VFL, the Seagulls finished the home and away season in fifth spot, bouncing back from second last in 2022. The Bulldogs finished in sixth, also returning to September action.

Marty Hore, Tom Downie and Oscar McDonald were all included from the Seagulls.

Hore was a rock in defence all season averaging 22.9 possessions, 10.2 marks and 8.6 rebound 50s.

McDonald was another key pillar in defence for the Seagulls, averaging 5.7 rebound 50s, 8.3 marks and 16.7 disposals.

Downie has been a dominant force in the ruck averaging 35 hit outs, 13.3 disposals and 4.9 tackles.

For Footscray, Lachlan Sullivan and Jordon Sweet are in the mix for the team.

AFL-listed player Sweet averaged 13.2 disposals, 4.6 clearances and 5.2 tackles.

VFL skipper Sullivan averaged 30.7 disposals, 7.7 clearances and 6.2 tackles.

In the VFLW, the Seagulls finished in third spot and were knocked out in the first week of finals, losing to Carlton. The Dogs finished in second last.

From the Seagulls, Sarah Cameron, Emily Eaves and Sharnie Whiting are all in contention.

Cameron played 15 games for the season, averaging 1.3 goals, 3.0 score involvements and 9.5 disposals and was the competition’s leading goal kicker.

Eaves also played 15 games, with averages of 10.9 contested possessions, 8.5 groundballs and 4.7 clearances.

Whiting averaged 14.9 disposals, 4.3 intercepts and 0.9 goals.

The Bulldogs, Jorja Borg and Dominique Carbone were both a part of the squad.

In the ruck, Borg averaged 30.5 hit outs, 8.0 hit outs to advantage and 10.4 disposals.

Carbone averaged 19.2 disposals, 11.3 contested possessions and 5.1 clearances.

Kathleen Gannon (Jacob Pattison) 348769_09

Jack McHale. (Jacob Pattison) 357619_25

Lakers into their fourth straight grand final

After finishing without the double chance Caroline Springs is through to the Western Region Football League women’s division 1 grand final.

Aiming to make a fourth straight grand final, the Lakers had their work cut out for them against Werribee Centrals, who were aiming to make their first grand final.

Shekeine De Satge and Caitlin Pretty kicked twogoalsinthewin,whileAshleeWallis,Alana Ellis and best on ground Jordin Williamson all kicked one.

The Lakers came home strong on Sunday morning winning, 7.10 (52)-4.5 (29).

“It was a great team performance today against a strong opposition,” Lakers’ coach Alex O’Shea said. “During the game when we were challenged, it was positive to see a range of players stand up and play their role for the team.

After beating Spotswood in the 2022 grand final the Lakers will be keen to repeat history

on Sunday night at Yarraville Oval. Spotswood won the 2019 grand final between the two sides, with both teams keen to move ahead on the ledger.

“[We’re] very excited to be in the grand final,” O’Shea said. “Obviously, each team’s end goal is to play in that final game of the season and to have that opportunity this year we are beyond grateful and can’t wait.

“As a team, we were proud to be in finals contention again. We knew that finishing third meant no second chances.

“Our focus has been one week at a time, and knowing that there was no ‘next week’ without winning.

“Each week, the team has continued to show the Lakers style of footy, persisting through the challenges that were presented.

“As a coach that’s all that you can ask for.”

Spotswood has sat at the top of the ladder all season and fresh off a week off following their win over Werribee Centrals in the first

week of finals.

“It’s a grand final, last game of the season, pretty much says it all. It’s going to be another tough, competitive game,” O’Shea said.

“Wewillprepareforthegame,likewehaveall year, and be ready to go from the first bounce.”’

Thesideshavemetthreetimesthisyear,with the Wolves getting the better of the Lakers on the first two occasions.

However, the last time the sides met was in round 13 at Taylors Run Oval, the Lakers got the best of the Wolves, winning by five points.

In women’s division 2, West Footscray defeated Spotswood’s second team to put it into the grand final.

The Wolves were down by 27 points at three quarter time and came within a goal of the Roosters in the 6.11 (47)- 5.11 (41) match.

The Roosters will now face Wyndhamvale in the grand final on Sunday morning.

Seagals flying high after victory

By Harper Sercombe

For the first time in its brief history Williamstown CYMS women’s team are premiers.

TheSeagalsweretheteamtobeatthroughout the entirety of the Victorian Amateur Football Association division 2 season, which no team was able to do.

The CYs’ boasted a perfect record of 17 wins and no losses, with a massive percentage of 737.5, at an average winning margin of 60 points.

On Sunday, it was more of what the competition had come to expect from the Seagals, a confident and controlled win.

While the match was an arm wrestle in the first half, when Parkdale had its turn with the wind the stingy defence of the CYs’ allowed the Vultures just one scoring opportunity as they took a 13 point lead into half time.

In the third, with the wind favouring the Seagals the game began to break open, booting seven goals and shutting the door on the Vultures premiership aspirations.

The Vultures had their opportunities in the final term but it was all too little too late, with

the CYs’ winning 10.9 (69)-2.11 (23).

It is the Seagals sixth year in the VAFA and coach Lawrence Henry has been at the club from the start.

“We’re all so thrilled… it’s super exciting,” he said. “I’m so proud, it’s amazing. It’s hard to put into words actually.

“So many feelings, a bit of relief and excitement and joy and satisfaction, feeling just so happy for the players and all the players that have come through over the last six years.

“They’ve all had a part of it and a little piece of contributing to get it to this point and it’s just thrilling for them that they got to have their moment and enjoy something that the men in our community have been enjoying for 130 years and now it’s their turn which is just amazing.”

Amongst the CYs best were Sofi-Kristin Georgas, Alessia Acquaro and Camryn Tyrrell who all hit the scoreboard and had massive influences on the game.

“Georgas, kicked four goals, she was absolutely outstanding and she really broke the game open for us early with good kicking in the first quarter,” Henry said.

“Acquarowhokicked49goalsfortheseason,

she kicked three and brought high pressure to the game when it was low scoring early, she was bringing the ball to ground and then tackling and keeping it in our forward line.

“When the game eventually broke open it went her way and she was able to kick a few herself.

“Tyrrell who kicked two goals, she ended up winning best on field [medal], and the goals were just the beginning of it for her. She was just amazing through the midfield, just a clearance machine all day.”

The senior women’s side flag to go with the junior clubs three girls premierships in 2023 demonstrates the power of work that goes into women’s football within the bayside suburb, which has opened the door for another female side to join the VAFA in 2024.

“We just want to keep Williamstown girls in Williamstown jumpers,” Henry said.

“The community team won a premiership and the VFLW team made it to the finals for the first time, so footy for girls and women in Williamstown is booming and we just want to provide more opportunities for girls to be able to play.

“Just keep building on the success and

excitement and enthusiasm for the girls.”

The challenge doesn’t get any easier for the CYs with not only a jump into division 1 a certainty but the possibility of a jump straight into the premier B division is on the cards.

“It’s exciting, it’s kind of like a double jump, it’s really exciting our men’s team plays in premier B and it’s a really high level of footy so we’re super pumped to be going up,” Henry said.

While the jump will be a difficult one, Henry said he is hopeful the strong contention the CYs have with the Williamstown Victorian Football League Women’s program will hold them in good stead.

Former CYs and Williamstown player Ruby Tripodi made her AFLW debut on Sunday.

“We’ll keep working with them to provide talent that we develop and also maybe have a home for some of the girls in their program that are looking for somewhere to go,” Henry said.

“But for us it’s about providing a welcoming place for everybody, no matter their skill level, whether they have elite ambitions or whether they just want to have a kick with their mates, we’ve got an environment that welcomes everybody.”

Stephanie Thompson (Jacob Pattison) 328702_01

HarperSercombe

Premiership captain and coach 358413_01

Penalties shoot down Seagulls in drawn out match

Altona’s year came to an end in the cruellest way, knocked out of the Hockey Victoria premier league men’s finals in a penalty shoot out.

Facing Doncaster in the semi finals on Saturday, the Seagulls had to fight hard after Doncaster took control in the middle part of the game.

The Seagulls managed to force the game to overtime, with scores locked at 2-2 at the end of regular time.

The match would go to a penalty shoot out, with Doncaster winning 4-3 on penalties.

Seagulls president Alex Tyrrell said the group would be disappointed for it to end that way.

“It was a really good game,” he said. “It was a super high quality game and I thought we were better early in the game.

“We let them score and they led 2-0 and were really on top in the game. We then managed to score an equaliser with one or two minutes to go.

“We fought back well before losing in the shoot out.”

Cooper Burns continued his good form, scoring both of the Seagulls goals in regular time. The young Australian star finished with 40 goals for the season from 15 games.

Tyrrell said the coach was rapt with some of the performances of the young guys in the game and the way they were able to respond.

The semi final appearance backs up a preliminary performance last season, having won two finals on penalty shoot outs to get there.

“It was a bit of a shame though to go out the way that we did,” he said.

“Overall it’s been a positive season and we played some good hockey yesterday

[Saturday] “They will be disappointed not to go further.”

It was a tough weekend for Seagulls reserves side which lost its semi final to Doncaster, 7-0 having caused an upset win in the first week of finals.

Tyrrell said overall it had been a strong season for the club, with both their premier men’s sides making finals and their premier women’s side finishing just outside of finals and avoiding relegation.

In women’s premier league, Footscray’s finals run is over in straight sets.

Having lost in the first week of finals, the Bulldogs faced Southern United in a knockout semi final on Saturday.

Despite having won the only game between the two teams in the regular season, the Bulldogs lost 2-0 to be knocked out of the finals.

United one of eight left

By Harper Sercombe

WesternUnitedisthroughtotheAustraliaCup quarter-finals for the first time after downing Gold Coast Knights 2-0 in a thrilling round of 16 clash on Wednesday night.

The Knights started the match much more comfortably on their home turf, immediately putting United under pressure in the opening exchanges.

It was an end-to-end first half but despite plenty of chances at both ends, the game was still awaiting its first goal when the referee blew for half-time.

The opening to the second half was nowhere near as chaotic as the beginning to the first half with United able to calm things down and hold more possession early on.

A brilliantly worked free kick finally found the opening goal at the 72nd minute mark as Lachie Wales clipped the ball to Josh Risdon at the back post and the captain put his header in a brilliant position across the face of goal. A

Dragons usher Jets’ boys out of finals

The Western Jets boys Coates Talent League campaign came to a close on Saturday afternoon, while the girls also wrapped up their home and away season.

The boys played the Sandringham Dragons in the wildcard round with a spot in finals up for grabs.

The Dragons were on top throughout the day booting six first term goals to give them a 25 point lead at the first break.

It was more of the same in the second quarter, with the Dragons lead growing to 35 points at half time.

The lead grew by another 10 points at the three quarter time break.

The Dragons were then able to kick away in the last, giving them a 20.11 (131)-11.11 (77) win.

Draft hopeful Logan Morris was again amongst the Jets best, slotting three goals, to go with 19 touches.

Lucca Grego and Massimo Raso were the leading ball winners for the Jets with 22 and 21 possessions respectively.

The Jets have now finished their 2023 campaign with a win loss record of four and ten.

The girls were the first to play on Saturday, coming up against Calder Cannons at Skinner Reserve in a round 17 clash.

They were competitive early, trailing by just four points at quarter time.

Knights defender slid in knocking the back to the back of the net as it went down as an own goal.

In injury time young midfielder Matthew Grimaldi put the ball into the bottom right corner thanks to a Michael Ruhs assist following a fast break to give them the 2-0 win.

The goal capped off a good night’s work for United, who navigated a difficult test to come away with the victory.

United midfielder Seb Pasquali said it was a toughtaskbutonethatwasexpectedatthislate stage of the tournament.

“We showed a bit of character, it was a really good hit out for us so early in our pre season preparation, so we’re all pretty happy to move onto the next stage,” he said.

“Theywereputtingafairbitofpressureonus and we just had to sustain it.

“Stick to our structure and ultimately at the end we were able to capitalise on some of the chances we created.”

United will face fellow A-League side Sydney

FC away from home in the last eight as the race for the first trophy of the season continues.

“Sydney are always tough opposition,” Pasquali said.

“We expect nothing less than a tough game. We’ve just got to bring our best and bring the right attitude and mentality.

“Continue with our pre season preparation and view it as another opportunity to win.”

With United’s A-League campaign kicking off on October 21, every win will build momentum as the season gets closer.

“Pre-season’s been great so far,” Pasquali said. “We’ve been training really hard, we’re developingsomereallygoodteamcamaraderie.

“We’re really building on our game style and ourgameplaywithallthenewplayerswhohave come into the club this year, they’re all getting accustomed to the way we want to play and enter the culture that we want to develop.

“It’s really quite positive and energetic.” United will face Sydney in the semi finals on Wednesday, September 13.

Cannons lead grew to 19 points at the main break.

The Jets showed they weren’t going to just roll over and began to mount a comeback in the third term, cutting Cannons lead to eight with a quarter to play.

However, the Cannons jumped out of the gates adding on three goals to give them the 7.13 (55)-4.2 (26) win.

Tamara Henry from the Jets slotted two majors in the loss.

The Jets leading disposal getters were Zoe Attard with 24 and Stella Cossey with 23.

The Jets finished the regular season in 14th with three wins and 10 losses unable to repeat the premiership from the season before.

Tara Murray

‘‘ We fought back well before losing in the shoot out.’’

- Alex Tyrrell

Seb Pasquali. (David Campo/Western United)

Altona’s season is over. (Supplied)

Vikings advance determined to defend their title

Altona remain in the hunt to defend its title as thechampionsoftheWesternRegionFootball League division 1 competition.

The Vikings were ready to prove their doubters wrong on Sunday afternoon against Yarraville-Seddon Eagles in the knockout semi final and started on fire kicking the first six goals of the game.

The Eagles stopped the bleeding just before halftime with two goals of their own to bring the margin back to 29 points at the break. However, inaccuracy hurt the Eagles missing six shots in the second term which could have really really bring them back into the game.

It was the Vikings turn for Inaccuracy in the third term, missing nine of their 11 shots on goal, however they were still able to extend their lead to 40 points at three quarter time.

In the last, with the wind behind them, it seemed like the Eagles were ready to fly, keeping the Vikings scoreless, while having 11 of their own shots on goal. Unfortunately for the Eagles, only three of them were

majors.

TheVikingsheldonandwon,9.14(68)-6.18 (54).

“We felt confident going in,” Vikings coach Corey McCall said. “We’ve got our list to a point where we’re fit and healthy for finals which is great.”

With the Eagles charging hard and the Vikings a couple of men down McCall said he was confident his side had done enough work early.

“After halftime we had a big load on some of the young guys that we had out on the football ground,” he said.

“We probably played silly and went away from what we were doing, which gave them the opportunity to keep launching in and hit the scoreboard.

“We executed really well for the first half… but we’ve got to look at that and how we get better with the way we finish the game.”

Former Richmond and North Melbourne AFL player Connor Menadue was once again

best on ground for the Vikings, with his two goals.

“Connor has had an injury plagued season, but that’s one player that we need in finals if we’re going to go further,” McCall said.

“He really stood up yesterday, he’s such a competitor, he played a great game.”

The Vikings will now face Point Cook in a preliminary final. The Bulldogs are coming off a 51 point loss to Werribee Districts in the other semi final.

“[I’m expecting] a response for sure,” McCall said.

“Most people would say that the team that loses that double chance, usually bounces back and comes back into a grand final.

“We’ll be looking to put a stop to that.

“Our mindset is ‘win and advance’, we’ve won one and advanced, if we can win another we get a shot and that’s half the battle is getting there.”

Roosters win

West Footscray is through to a preliminary final following its semi final win against Sunshine Heights in the Western Region Football League division 3 on Sunday.

The Dragons came into the match as favourites having won three more home and away matches than the Roosters.

It was a tight contest early in the game with only a point splitting the sides at the first break.

The Roosters started to run away with the game in the second term, enjoying a three goal lead at the main break.

In the third the Dragons proved they were up for the fight, coming out hot, booting five majors and bringing the lead down to just six points at the 25 minute mark of the third quarter, thanks to a James Vella major.

The effort was only good enough to slice seven points off the half time margin, with the Roosters adding four goals of their own.

In the last the Roosters added another four goals to seal a preliminary final spot, with a 15.10 (100)- 12.10 (82) win.

For the Roosters, Thomas Stelluto, Nathan Smith and Matthew Turcninovich booted three goals each and Joshua Bird kicked two.

Coach departs after Panthers’ loss

By Harper Sercombe

NewportisoutoftheWesternRegionFootball League division 2 finals series following a nail biting loss the Albion.

The Panthers were strong early in their first division 21 preliminary final, enjoying a 14 point lead at quarter time, but the Cats were up for the fight, kicking three majors in the second, while only allowing the Panthers one behind.

The Panthers made their way back into the contest during the third quarter as they took a four point lead into the last.

The game began to crack open for the final term, with the Cats adding four foals to the Panthers three, giving the Cats a 10.10 (70)-10.6 (66) win.

Munir El Houli was amongst the Panthers’ best with three majors while Jack Papachatzakis and Jawad Jawad kicked two each.

Following the loss, Panthers coach Josh Russo informed his players of his decision to

not coach in the 2024 season so he can spend more time with his young family. Russo was a player, assistant coach before he was made head coach at Newport.

“After joining the club in early 2018, Josh has played a massive part in the continued growth of this footy club, culminating in our first senior finals campaign which ended on Saturday,” the club said via a release.

Russo said while the loss was disappointing this season has exceeded his expectations.

“You always want the chance to have a crack at a granny, it’s been a pretty solid year,” Russo said.

“I just thought Albion was the most consistent side… we probably had our chances at different stages as they did and they took them.

“In a close game like that if you don’t take any chances, the opposition gets up and you pack up and go home.

“But I was really proud of the boys yesterday [Saturday],itwasn’talackofeffortoranything like that, we just ran into a good side and fell

a bit short.

“If you told me in January that we’d be in a prelim, I would have taken it.”

Russo said he’s been hugely impressed with the boys and how they’ve gone about it and the effort and the way as a club we’ve bandied together and played some really good footy at the end of the year.

With the season now done, the club’s focus will quickly turn to recruiting in an effort to make that next step, although Russo won’t be a part of the recruiting process he suggested some areas the club may look into.

“From a club point of view, [try and recruit] probably a bit more experience, and we probably lacked a genuine key forward, obviously everyone looks for a ruckman,” he said.

“So I think a bit of seniority and leadership, as well as a key position player will be really handy.

“It will do a lot for the club and the young group coming through, that guidance and leadership is going to be huge.”

Nathan Howard was named their best, while Bird and Michael Oddie were among other standouts.

James Vella led the way with three goals for the Dragons, while Kyall Parker, Dylan Pascoe and Blake Toseland kicked two goals each.

Jack Agius was named the best for the Dragons.The Roosters will now play Albanvale in a preliminary final where the winner will face the Suns in the big dance.

The Suns won through to the grand final with a 15.8 (98)-9.13 (67) win against the Cobras.

Harper Sercombe

Nicholas Howard (Ljubica Vrankovic) 344654_15_54

Harper Sercombe Cooper Atchison (Jacob Pattison) 354746_03

Jawad Jawad (Jacob Pattison) 357616_16