Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 27th September 2023

DIGITAL

Seeking donations

Grace Gibson Cain is the founder of Humane Animal Rescue. At the moment she and 120 other volunteers operate from their homes and go from job to job. Grace is now hoping to open a rescue space in Footscray and is seeking donations to make it possible.

“Everyone works on their own time, there are no paid employees, everyone juggles this on the side,” she said.

“I have an office which has a bed in it so we call that a rescue room, but we want somewhere more permanent.

“We are lucky to receive lots of donations of pet food and supplies but we need somewhere to hold that stock.”

The rescue space will be used for meet and greets with dogs and a spot to complete the paperwork. It will also act as a space to sell merchandise and create a revenue stream for the rescue according to Grace.

“We are looking for $40,000 in the next two months as part of the criteria through the pozible campaign.”

Railway demolition feud

By Jennifer Pittorino

The demolition of two buildings at the Newport Railway Workshops earlier this month was done without the support of Hobsons Bay council.

Hobsons Bay councillor and heritage preservation advocate Peter Hemphill said while a planning permit was not required, council did not support the demolition in the absence of a heritage assessment of the buildings. VicTrack demolished the buildings against the advice of the council.

“I am deeply alarmed by the consistent destruction of Newport’s rail heritage by VicTrack,” Cr Hemphill said.

“The destruction of the laboratory on the site follows the removal of heritage overhead power lines near the rail platform last December.

“And two years ago, VicTrack took heritage

equipment, some owned by the rail groups, to a scrap metal dealer without the knowledge or consent of the rail groups.”

Cr Hemphill said the destruction of structures and equipment significant to Hobsons Bay’s heritage was in violation of the Cultural Heritage Asset Management Principles developed by the Heritage Council of Victoria in 2007 and endorsed by the state government in December 2009.

“These are principles which require government agencies to develop an inventory of places and objects of significance,” he said.

“Government agencies are required to identify,protect,conserveandpresentcultural heritage for current and future generations.

“They are expected to take appropriate action to ensure heritage significance is not eroded. VicTrack continues to flout these requirements against the wishes of

the Hobsons Bay community and local rail groups.

“If VicTrack wants to demolish structures at the Newport Railway Workshops, it should provide a recent heritage report on those assets by an independent authority at the very least.”

Cr Hemphill called on VicTrack to release an inventory on all rail assets within the Newport Railway Workshops site, including those outside the Heritage H1000 overlay.

“VicTrack should also carry out a conservation management plan for the site,” he said.

“This government authority has also indicated it wants to demolish further structures at the workshops site, against the wishes of the local community and rail preservation groups.

“These workshops date back to the 1880s and remain a significant rail heritage site in

Australia and indeed, the world.

“Many Victorians have either worked there or had family members that have worked there. VicTrack needs to do more to protect their heritage.”

A VicTrack spokesperson said the buildings were demolished due to concerns about their structural integrity following significant storm damage, and the potential risks this posed to people working in the area. “They werenotinaconditiontoberestoredforother uses and no planning or heritage permits were required for the works,” the spokesperson said.

“VicTrack’s priority is to preserve the heritage listed buildings in the Newport Workshops precinct, which includes recent works on the heritage listed tarp shed as well as funding for the local men’s shed to undertake restoration works at the clocktower and garden platform.”

Grace Gibson Cain. (Damjan Janevski) 359488_01

Laverton land mooted for affordable housing

By Jennifer Pittorino

AparceloflandinEpsomStreet,Lavertonwill be redeveloped to include affordable housing.

Hobsons Bay council has sold the land to Housing Choices Australia (HCA), as the trustee of the Hobsons Bay Affordable Housing Trust, for the purposes of developing and operating affordable housing on the site.

The council purchased the land, the former Laverton Primary School site, in 2014, with a view to it becoming a park and potentially

social and affordable housing.

In its council meeting on Tuesday, September 12, the council provided an update on the sale of the land.

The council recently undertook community engagement in relation to its intention to sell the subject land to HCA.

Following the community consultation and a council resolution, an expression of interest has been lodged with the state government to fund the project.

Thesalewasmadesubjecttotwoconditions,

including one being the ability to secure external funding to deliver the project.

The council documents said its reason for selling the land was it was critical to the financial viability of the project.

Councillor Matt Tyler said the council is transferring the land because the trust continues to be accountable to council.

“The affordable housing at Epsom Street has been a long time in the making,” he said.

“It’saprojectthatcouncilisdrivenby,which I think is really positive, and it’s a challenge

that we know is really significant, not just in Hobsons Bay, but nationally.

“I think one of the unique things about this affordable housing development is that the ultimate intent for the people who live there is for them to have a connection to Hudson’s Bay, Which I think again is a really positive thing.”

Councillor Diana Grima said this was a great initiative and will help keep loved ones and our neighbours in Hobsons Bay.

Wheel turns on reconstruction

By Jennifer Pittorino

The reconstruction of Summerhill Road, West Footscray, will now include pop-up infrastructure to provide safer connections for cyclists.

On Tuesday, September 19, a group of 32 riders participated in a ‘Kidical Mass’ from Summerhill Road to a Maribyrnong council meeting in Braybrook, where the reconstruction of the road between Barkly and Raleigh roads was discussed.

Twelve riders spoke at the meeting pledging their support for cycling infrastructure to be included in reconstruction plans.

Councillor Bernadette Thomas moved an alternative motion under which reconstruction of the road would include pop-up style infrastructure based on the current review of bicycle infrastructure opportunities on a two-year pilot-trial basis andthecouncilwouldundertakeconsultation with the community during that period.

The motion passed 4-3.

ResidentPierreVairosaidcyclistshavebeen complaining about the state of Summerhill Road for some time.

“The plan for the reconstruction laid out in the original motion was to rebuild it in the exact same way,” he said.

“What we wanted was to include safe bike lanes on Summerhill Road, 350 metres of bike lanesinaparticularlydangerousspotofroad.”

Mr Vairo said the cyclists were surprised but very happy with the outcome.

“KidicalMassisaderivativeofCriticalMass whichisanoldcyclingprotest,KidicalMassis very much focused on safe infrastructure for kids,“ he said.

“We had many families without their kids, because no parents trust their kids to ride their bikes on our roads.

“We were all happy to tell these stories to council and let them know our concerns which are real, we really wanted to be heard.

“Notonlywereweheard,butouradvicewas adopted, it was great.”

Cr Thomas said had also rode to the meeting, saying it’s not where she feel safest

but the road is a shared space.

She said at the moment one type of road user is prioritised over the other.

“When we add bike lanes into roadways, we will actually make it safer for everybody, for the people riding their bikes, for the people walking on the footpath and for the people driving their cars,“ she said.

“Our community is advocating for that change, and I think we should be listening.”

IN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTS

The addition of the bike lane will require the removal of a car park which mayor Sarah Carter said was a substantial change and was one of three councillors to vote against the motion.

“I’m concerned because we’re hearing from one cohort, this is a substantial change which I don’t support making a decision based on hearing from one group and not the whole community.

“We need to do our due diligence, we need to consult with the community and we also need to look at what those options are.

“From a due diligence governance perspective, I can’t support this as much I want to, I want to explore the options.

“I want to hear from the community, not one cohort of the community because there is opposition to cycling lanes on the street, so we need to hear from everyone.“

More than 30 people participated in the Kidical Mass. (Supplied)

Planning changes ‘disappoint’

By Jennifer Pittorino

Maribyrnong council is disappointed with proposed changes to planning powers in Victoria following the release last week of athe state government’s Housing Statement.

Premier Daniel Andrews unveiled the statement on September 20, detailing how the state government will clear a backlog of 1400 housing permit applications that have been stuck with councils for more than six months. Residential developments worth over $50 million in Melbourne and $15 million in regional Victoria that set aside at least 10 per cent for social housing will be assessed by the planning minister rather than councils. The change aims to speed up application assessments from more than a year to four months.

Granny flats won’t require permits if they’re less than 60 square metres and there will also be new residential standards to allow council planners to quickly approve permits for houses that meet requirements.

Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said while she commends the government for the initiative, she is disappointed with the lack of control council will have over planning decisions.

“As we understand it, developers will have the option to come through council or the minister for significant developments,” she said.

“While we commend the government’s appetite to support additional housing provision, we are disappointed democratically elected councillors who represent their communities can be removed from the

decision making process on significant planningapplicationsthatwillshapeourcity.”

Cr Carter said the council continues to deal with the impacts of state intervention in significant planning applications with the former planning minister approving buildings more than double the height limit in Footscray’s Joseph Road precinct.

Cr Carter said the council looks forward to working with the Department of Transport and Planning to understand the impacts and the practical implementation of the statement and associated planning scheme amendment.

“Council receives 40-50 planning permit applications per month and has on average has less than 300 open applications at any one time with around 70 per cent determined within statutory time frames,“ Cr Carter said.

“Furthermore, there are 2424 dwellings and

Holiday fun takes flight at wetlands

The Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre hosted a series of school holiday birdwatching workshops.

Hobsons Bay council’s Mel Sheedy coordinated the workshop through Park Victoria’s Youth Volunteering for Nature Fund onbehalfoftheHobsonsBayWetlandsCentre.

“We had eight kids come down to Jawbone Reserve, with the intention to get kids out into nature,” she said.

“We wanted to do that through birdwatching workshops, to introduce kids to birdwatching and connect them with their local environment.”

Mel said the centre was able to purchase severalbinocularsandaspottingscopeaswell as a kid’s field guide with the money from the grant.

“We developed these field guides and a bunch of other guides to make a little goody bag for the kids to use throughout the workshop,” she said.

“We brought the kids out and showed them different habitats and identification skills, we taught them what to look for and how to stop and listen every once in a while.

“We wanted to create a legacy with this workshop, which was the point of the field

guide and giving the kids the chance to use equipment that they might not have used before.”

Mel said the kids were really engaged in the session.

“The types of questions that we asked were designed to get them critically thinking about whatthey’reactuallyseeingandwhattheycan be looking for.

“I asked so many questions and they took a lot away from it, I think they now know what kind of features to look for with birds and what is out there.”

- Jennifer Pittorino

28,000sqm of commercial floor space with planning permits within central Footscray alone which have not been acted upon.”

As part of the statement, the government said further work across 21 priority projects, including the Braybrook regeneration project, will continue to be developed to deliver more than 60,000 homes and 60,000 jobs.

Hobsons Bay mayor Tony Briffa said local government has not been fully consulted before these reforms were announced.

“As such, we don’t have a clear picture of how they will affect Hobsons Bay,“ she said.

“Hobsons Bay council has a long history of advocating for the delivery of safe social and affordable housing for our residents and we are keen to see details of how plans to renew high-rise public housing will impact the two facilitiesinWilliamstownandtheirresidents.“

A chance for feedback

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

Council said the draft strategy seeks to build on those overseas cultures shared by residents.

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.

Council said it is important for the community to feel empowered, be able to express and share their cultures, and to see themselves reflected in society.

Accordingtocouncil,interculturalism isthenextlogicalsteptoensureeveryone creates environments that support equality, diversity, and interaction between cultures.

Council said it is calling on the community to share their ideas on how to bring the proposed actions to life.

The community can attend the in-person events on Wednesday, October4,from9-11.30amatMaidstone Community Centre, Thursday, October 5, from 11:30am-12:40pm at Braybrook Community Hub and Friday, October 6, from 12:30-2pm at Footscray Library. Alternatively a survey can be completed at:www.yourcityyourvoice. com.au

Passport to Play a finalist in Victorian Early Year Awards

Maribyrnong council has been named a finalist in the 2023 Victorian Early Year Awards, which celebrate the work of the early childhood sector.

In partnership with Footscray Primary School, council developed the Passport to Play Project, which was designed to build community connections post-pandemic.

Council said the aim was to deliver opportunities that allowed children to share their views on what they liked to do in their local neighbourhoods.

More than 400 children aged 2-11 years were asked three core questions - where do you like to playz? what do you like to play? and with whom do you like to play?

The data was used to develop the Passport to Play resource, an interactive passport-sized booklet to support children’s development and encourage play.

The passport identifies play ideas that children and families can enjoy together and maps their favourite play venues. Passport to Play showcases the numerous ways children can actively explore through play,includingbeinginnatureandinvolvement

with animals.

The interactive format also invites children to mark their favourite places to play on the Maribyrnong map, and draw images illustrating the play activities they enjoy and who they enjoy playing with.

A range of in-person workshops were held with children aged up to 12 from various cultural backgrounds within the municipality to help guide the development of the resource and bring it to life.

Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said, “We are excited to share that council’s Passport to Play resource has been named as a finalist in the Victorian Early Years Awards.

“The awards celebrate the remarkable work that early childhood professionals do every day to improve learning outcomes of children across Victoria.

“It is an honour to recognise collaboration and co-design that went into developing the resource, with over 400 children from across the municipality participating in the development of this great resource, that encourages interactive play and community connection.”

Louie (9) and Oscar (11) at the birdwatching event. (Damjan Janevski) 362253_04

Parking petitions call for change

Hobsons Bay council has received two petitions calling for improved parking conditions in the municipality.

AtacouncilmeetingonTuesday,September 12, councillors were presented with one petition from the Altona Lifesaving Club and another from a group concerned about parking restrictions on the Esplanade.

The lifesaving club petition contained 82 signatures requesting council distribute passestoVolunteerLifesavingPatrolmembers on rostered shifts at Altona Beach throughout the registered 2023-24 patrol season.

According to the petition, the recent installation of parking metres in Altona means volunteer patrolling members are unable to park in the vicinity of the clubhouse and beach, as patrol shifts of 6-8 hours exceed the allowable parking limit.

Councillor Daria Kellander said she didn’t supporttheimplementationofparkingmetres while thanking all the volunteers who work at the lifesaving club.

“I hope that given that summer is almost here, that council prioritises it quickly and offers a solution because this is really essential

Graduating with pride

ADaughtersoftheWestgraduationceremony

on September 21 was the culmination of a 10-week journey filled with determination, resilience and individual achievement.

Daughters of the West is an initiative of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in partnership with InTouch, cohealth and WorkSafe Victoria.

The program aims to build health and fitness by instilling a sense of empowerment and fostering lasting connections between women in the inner west.

Participants embarked on a journey which covered a range of topics such as mental fitness, social inclusion, and inspirational women.

Organisers said the program nurtured bonds between participants by encouraging them to engage in conversation, education and group-based exercises that cater to any fitness levels.

Western Bulldogs manager Kashif Bourns

said, “At the Bulldogs, we take immense pride in our reputation as the AFL community club”.

“Our program’s success lies in its ability to transcend beyond Bulldog supporters and eventhegeneralfootypublic.They’redesigned tobeawelcomingspaceforeveryindividualin ourdiversecommunity,fosteringconnections and providing opportunities for all.”

Maribyrnong Mayor Sarah Carter said, “I am so proud of the partnership between Maribyrnong council and the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation; together we’re building up our local community as we educate and work on the health and wellbeing of women in the inner west.”

Among the Maribyrnong Daughters of the West graduates 57 women from the Vietnamese community.

The Daughters of the West program will commence again in July 2024.

and it’s important that we have safety on our beaches,” she said.

The second petition requested alterations to parking restrictions on the Esplanade, Altona. The petition attracted 58 signatures on paper and 61 signatures online and asked council to change metre times to 10am-4pm on the Esplanade from Bayview Street.

In addition, outside of metered hours, that kayak fishing enthusiasts be able to access the Flemings Pool area with vehicles and trailers allowing safe access to the water and avoiding thedangerousboattrafficenteringandexiting

Major closure of Wurundjeri Way and Dudley Street

In

From

the Altona boat ramp.

Councillor Marsden said the petition expresses a real dilemma for the people launching kayaks.

“A lot of these are hand carried or using hand dollies and so that they are not really suitable to launch down the boat ramp, so it is worth considering.”

Councillor Daria Kellander said kayaking brings economic activity to Hobsons Bay.

“It provides a mechanism for social connection and to improve health and well being.”

During this time, Footscray Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Shepherd Bridge and Waterfront Way. Use Dynon Road instead.

Thanks for your patience

We understand these closures may be disruptive to you. Thanks for your ongoing patience as we work as quickly and safely as possible to get the job done.

Remember to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time.

Group photo from the graduation night. (Rod Ceballos)

Vida heads home, mission done

TunnelBoringMachine(TBM)Vida’smission on the state governments West Gate Tunnel project is complete as the major parts return to its manufacturer in Germany.

The240-tonnemaindrivewasloadedontoa truck for the 4.1-kilometre super load journey from Whitehall Street to Appleton Dock for the 45-minute drive, with the truck moving at speeds of between five and 40 km/h.

TBM Vida broke through in February in Yarraville,completinga2.8-kilometrejourney from the west side of the Maribyrnong River

under Yarraville to Williamstown Road near the West Gate Freeway.

TBM Vida spent 11 months operating 24/7, excavating over 1,000,000 tonnes of rock and soil while installing more than 10,000 individual concrete segments.

The government said construction of the road deck of the twin tunnels is now over 90% complete as crews continue the important work of fitting out the electrical, lighting and safety systems to prepare the tunnel for completion in 2025.

When complete, the West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver an alternative to the West GateBridge,providingasecondrivercrossing, and removing more than 9,000 trucks from residential streets.

The departure comes as the first parts of the TBMs that will dig the North East Link tunnels have completed their journey by sea to the Port of Melbourne and have been transported to their new home in Watsonia.

Transport and Infrastructure minister

Join hospital site walking tour

Reimagining Old Footscray Hospital is a free walking tour of the Footscray Hospital site.

The event is to be held on Saturday, October 7, which organiser Kate Breen said is an opportunity for people to learn the history of the site from guest speakers.

Theguestspeakersincludeformerjournalist Caroline Milburn and heritage-brutalist architect John Jovic.

“Caroline will focus on the early history of the site and touch upon some of the medical professional connection,” Kate said.

“John is going to talk about the history of the building and what this heritage

listing means.”

Community member Pierre Vairo will also be speaking on the recent community engagement work that the group has been doing.

“We are calling this first phase community engagement led by residents, to get an idea aboutsomeofthethingsthecommunitywould like to prioritise for the site redevelopment,” she said.

“Through this engagement we will then be moreinformedtoengagewiththegovernment when they do their consultation.”

The community group has organised this walking tour to build community

understanding and connection to the site’s history.

“We want to connect people to the history and the strong community connection to this site, to then build an understanding of the scale of the site,“ she said.

“We want to inspire the community to think about the site’s future and to be part of a community conversation about what outcomes we want to see that best meet our community’s needs.”

The event is free and interested community members are required to register via https:// shorturl.at/afvQ6

Jennifer Pittorino

Jacinta Allan said, “This is another significant milestone for the West Gate Tunnel as we bid farewell to TBM Vida, the massive machine operated day and night to complete the tunnelling, and I want to thank all the crew’s working 24/7 to help deliver this important project.

“The West Gate Tunnel will transform travel in Melbourne’s west, providing an alternative to the West Gate Bridge, slashing travel times and taking thousands of trucks off local roads.”

Smart garden nominations

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) has announced the finalist projects for the 2023 Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards.

A total of 53 finalist projects that tackle litter and waste reduction, energy efficiency, wellbeing, positive Indigenous outcomes, and community engagement have put their town or city into the running for the prestigious Victorian Tidy Town or City of the Year award.

Both Maribyrnong council and Hobsons Bay council are nominated with neighbouring Brimbank council for My Smart Garden.

TheMySmartGardenprogramequips individuals from diverse backgrounds with knowledge on food cultivation, climate adaptation, biodiversity support, water conservation, and waste recycling. With workshops, localised resources, event recordings, and a monthly newsletterreachingover6700recipients.

The awards recognise, celebrate and share environmental achievements and strong community spirit across Victoria.

The awards program showcases the workofindividuals,communitygroups, and councils who are leading the way in environmental stewardship.

KABV said these initiatives not only contribute to the wellbeing of their communities but also set a precedent for sustainable practices that can be adopted nationwide.

The winning Victorian Tidy Town and City of the year will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on October 23.

Spooky jobs up for grabs at West Footscray Op Shop

The West Footscray Op Shop is once again bringing the horror back to Barkly Street with its haunted house.

Owner Pradeep Tiwari is looking for volunteers to help run the haunted house on October 28, 29, 30 and Halloween October 31.

“We are looking for some local volunteers to assist in the Halloween house with things such as jump scares,” he said.

“We need actors to play scary roles, if people are interested they can come into the

op shop and let us know.

“Last year we had someone just lay in a coffin and get up when people passed. There are different roles which we want.

“There are no age restrictions, we are open to help from anyone who is keen and wants to do some acting.”

The only requirements Pradeep said are a working with children’s check and a police check, as per legal requirements.

“The more volunteers we can get the better as we have so many roles that we can give

to them throughout the house, including outside the house, helping to network people in and out of the house, so no one spills onto the roads.”

Pradeep said the best part of running a Halloween haunted house for the community is watching it evolve over the years.

“We have renovated the entire house next door into a haunted house, which is designed to be entirely walked through.

“Last year was very successful, we had more than 1200 people turn up over the three

days,andthisyearweareexpectingalotmore.

“Comparing last year’s Halloween haunted house to this years I can see a giant leap in what we were able to achieve.”

On October 28, Pradeep said a haunted house will be held for people with special needs and disabilities.

“It will be entirely open just for them, we are running this for people with sensory issues, we will turn the lights on and limit the jump scares.”

Jennifer Pittorino

Colleen Hartland, Kate Breen and her son Jarrah (10), Janet Yeo and Pierre Vairo with their child Auggie (1). (Damjan Janevski) 360431_01

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GENERAL

Diversity is an important word

By Councillor Jorge Jorquera

The languages we speak are central to our communities and who we are in so many ways.

We all have unique words and phrases for expressing our thoughts and emotions, for connecting, sharing and expressing our values and culture.

Language influences how we look at the world and how we remember it.

It carries our collective memory and the history of our communities.

EDITORIAL

This history is especially rich in the West of Narrm Melbourne. Across the Brimbank, Wyndham and Maribyrnong local government areas, more than 54 per cent of people use a language other than English at home.

InMaribyrnongalone,wespeak82different languages in our homes, with our families, friends and neighbours.

The Language in Community Festival is about celebrating this language diversity and supporting its continuity from generation to generation and recognising that without language diversity there is no real multiculturalism.

This will be a first of its kind event for the westernsuburbsofMelbourne,anditishoped may become a regular event for multicultural communities and everyone interested in maintaining and supporting a diversity of language in our communities.

Every language community is invited to participate!Youcancontributeasindividuals, families or community organisations.

The festival will involve activities in a variety of community languages, including karaoke story time, children’s story book reading, dance and art, book-making and other workshops and information displays and stalls.

As MIT’s Ken Hale once said, “as languages disappear, cultures die. The world becomes inherently a less interesting place, but we also sacrifice raw knowledge and the intellectual achievements of millennia.”

The festival is on Saturday, December 9, at Seelaf Square, Vipont Street Footscray. Youcancontactanyofthefollowingfestival coordinatorsforfurtherinformation, Angliss NeighbourhoodHousecoordinationteam’sJo Williams, Vi?tSpeak’s Hoang Tran Nguyen or Maribyrnong councillor Jorge Jorquera. Details: info@languagesfestival.net

Lookout for Snakes

Hobsons Bay council is warning locals to be on the lookout for snakes. There are three snake species in the Hobsons Bay area, but the only one you’re likely to see is the tiger snake. The council said it is important to keep in mind that snakes will not bite unless provoked or stepped on and they are a protected species. Dogs off leash are more likely to come into contact with a snake that has not had time to get away and your dog may try to play with or attack the snake.

Hooning incident

Police have charged three teenagers in relation to a dangerous off-road hooning incident in Truganina. Three 15-year-old boys were arrested and three dirt-bikes seized after police executed search warrants at properties in Williamstown, Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit. The arrests follow an extensive investigation into an incident at Sayers Road, Truganina on July 29 where a group of about 15 off-road motorbike riders rode dangerously in front of police, circled their vehicle and sprayed dirt and rocks on officers. The three were charged with a range of traffic offences, including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, driving in a dangerous manner, careless driving, unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered motor vehicle and improper use of a motor vehicle.

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

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews

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Councillor Jorge Jorquera. (Joe Mastroianni) 220718_01

A happy birthday

Brenbeal Children’s Centre is a non-for-profit organisation which recently hosted it’s 30th birthday party.

Committee president, Sarah Bell said the event saw 200 people in attendance, including past and present families and staff.

“We had a fun day of food trucks, petting zoo, face painting, ice cream and cupcakes,” she said.

“We have a really beautiful community, run by families and volunteers, it was a great celebration.

“We hope in the next 30 years we can keep the same family, community vibe, we are so thankful to the families who have supported us in the last 30.”

Brenbeal celebrated its 30th birthday with a community day.

Flossie eating some chips.

Sam, Jeff and Anish.

Sophie and Ruby finger-painting.

Footscray MP Katie Hall and Krystyna Soprun.

Left: Leo getting his face painted. Centre: Rumi petting a guinea pig. Right: Brenbeal staff. (Pictures: Supplied)

Free icecream

MY PLACE

Young academic Sunny Nguyen tells Jennifer Pittorino about his work in the community and his connection to Maribyrnong.

Can you tell us your name, title, and where you work?

I’m 21 years old and I am a VietnameseAustralian living at Footscray. I work within the public health research space with The University of Melbourne, the Murdoch Children’sResearchInstitute(MCRI)(whichis locatedwiththeRoyalChildren’sHospital)and Deakin University.

Tell us a bit about you and what you do?

I work on quite a few different projects actually, since I have 3 different roles. I work to engage children and young people to co design resources related to disaster resilience, which is very important seeing how natural disasters are becoming more and more common with climate change. There was a project to improve how asthma is managed in Melbourne’s west going on for the past 2-3 years. I used to work at cohealth supporting communityengagementsinthatarea,butnow withtheMCRI,I’minvestigatinghoweffective that project was and what the learnings were. At Deakin, there is this new technology being developedtotestforbowelcancer,andmyrole thereistomakesurethatthetoolisusableand efficient for everyone.

TellusaboutyourworkwiththeMaribyrnong Youth Advisory Committee.

I have been with the Maribyrnong Youth Advisory Committee for about 3 years now. I’m currently the Chair, but I started off as a member that was keen to be involved in the community and help shape how council supports other young people. We are doing very interesting work, especially on topics that young people find most pressing, including climate change and wellbeing, and even how they are connected.

What’s your connection to Maribyrnong/ Hobsons Bay?

I’d say the community in Footscray is quite close, though it is changing a bit. Maribyrnong Youth Services are a very supportive team and Phoenix Youth Centre too is such an amazing space to be in as a young person.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

For me, if I wanted to change something, it would definitely be to do something about the air pollution that is so high in

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our community. It was concerning to me as a resident, but as I came into the research space, I found that my experience was true and there is a lot of evidence on how bad the air pollution is where I live. So definitely please change that!

What do you like about where you live?

I’d say I like to spend time at Footscray Park. I don’t live too close to it, but definitely a distance where I would go there to relax and have a timeout on the busy life.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. Not sure if it surprising, but it has become a hobby of mine to learn the streets and navigate around Melbourne :) Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I’d like to use this opportunity to thank everyone in my life right now. My parents, my brother, my partner, my friends that have stuck by me along the way, and everyone in my professional life that have taken a risk and given me that chance to work with them.

Sunny Nguyen. (Jacob Pattison)359327_01

$6.2m for more kinder spots

By Jennifer Pittorino

More kindergarten spots are to be made available across Hobsons Bay and Monash, two rapidly growing parts of Melbourne.

Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep

Ingrid Stitt announced up to $6.2 million to expand three kinders, creating up to 176 kindergarten places.

In Hobsons Bay, the Emma McLean Kindergarten & Daycare in Spotswood will be replaced by a three-room modular kindergarten. This will expand the service’s

overall capacity by up to 75 kindergarten places.

The Emma McLean Kindergarten and Daycare was established in 1944 as a sessional kindergarten. The centre was named after a local resident, Ms Emma McLean, who was an activist for the rights of young children, believing that they should all have access to kindergarten.

The centre is a not-for-profit Incorporated association managed by a committee of volunteer parents, employing two part-time coordinators, who work together to oversee

Yacht club fundraising

TheWilliamstownSailingClub,inconjunction with two other yacht clubs, Hobsons Bay Yacht Club and the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club (RVMYC), recently ran a social evening to raise money for the WIlliamstown Hospital.

Williamstown Sailing Club commodore Maree Fitzpatrick said the event raised $935, and hopes that this will inspire other organisations to do the same.

“The progressive dinner was something we held pre COVID for a couple of years, all of which were successful,” she said. “The aim of these social events is to allow networking and collaboration between the clubs.”

Upon meeting each other, members of all three clubs decided keeping a connection to community was vital, so Maree suggested introducing a fundraising element.

“Wewantedtoachieveagenuineconnection to the community while raising money for charity,” she said.

“I decided the charity to donate to would be Williamstown Hospital which is part of the Western Health network. I live here and it’s a fantastic service to the community.”

Each club gathered prizes and organised a raffle, which Maree said resulted in a fantastic outcome.

“Ahugepartofthenightwasalsowantingto highlightthatourpurposewastodemonstrate to the community that sailing and yachting is not just about money,” she said.

“People say the word yacht and think of money and rich people , which isn’t the case.

“All three clubs over time have done things for the community.“

A welcoming and vibrant community within a community is how Maree describes her yacht club.

“And we want to encourage as many people in the community to visit our clubs to give sailing a go.“

Jennifer Pittorino

the needs of the centre, the children and staff.

Since 2021, the government said it has entered Building Blocks partnerships with 11 councils to build 71 new and expanded kindergartens, to create up to 9,440 new kindergarten places across the state.

The state government said the $9.95 million partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council will provide up to 379 kindergarten places.

An additional $1.2 billion will be invested in the 2023/24 state budget to build to expand kindergartens state-wide.

The government said this will support the

delivery of 15 hours of free three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and 30 hours of free pre-prep each week by 2032.

Ms Stitt said, “We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services across Victoria to make sure our kids and their families can access the best kindergarten services, no matter where they live.

“Our Building Blocks partnerships are giving local families more kindergarten options and ensuring every child can attend a great kinder close to home as the state grows.”

Stroll along for basketball

Warren Roche is putting a call out to everyone to join his walking basketball team at the Altona Sports Centre.

The team started in 2019, which Warren said was created as an extra activity for the stadium.

“We had more than 40 participants throughout the year of 2019, and then unfortunately we had to shut down because of COVID,” he said.

The program was kick started again last year and now numbers are slowly increasing.

“We currently have 30 people on the list, not everyone shows up every week but when they do everyone does a bit of walking and exercising, stretching and, of course, we have a game every week.”

Warren said the program is intended for people 55 years and over, however anyone can join.

“It was created to keep them up, active and

moving around, people don’t have to have a basketball background at all,“ he said.

“It is just a fun activity and a social gathering for the group, we have a coffee and a chat afterwards.

“We also cater for people with disabilities, as well as people coming back from some sort of injury.”

The feedback Warren has received is always positive, which he said keeps him motivated.

“Alotofpeoplethoroughlyenjoyit.Wehave had a lot of good reviews from people over the period that we have run it.

“I encourage people to come down and take a look, there is no pressure on anyon , so just come as see what it’s all about.”

The program runs at the Altona Sports Centre on Fridays during the school term from 9:50-11am.

Jennifer Pittorino

(L-R) Caterina Demontis, Michelle Read, Maree Fitzpatrick, Katherine Rindfleish, Rod Austin. (Supplied)

That one big day in September

Running onto the MCG on the last Saturday in September is something many a young footy fans dream about. Next weekend that dream comes true for the 46 players who will line up in the AFL grand final. Jennifer Pittorino speaks to an ex-player and a fan about what the big day means to them.

Three-time premiership winning footballer Brian Lake said he enjoyed every minute of his three grand final experiences.

“The week leading up to the grand final is very structured, there is always something to look forward to,” said Lake who is now the Caroline Springs men’s coach in the Western Region Football League.

“As soon as you win in the prelim you think youarejustgoingtobestressedaboutSaturday, but the whole spectacle of grand final week kept me busy.”

LakebeganhiscareerattheWesternBulldogs in2002,quicklybecominga’defensivemonster’ due to his ability to out muscle his opponent and hold marks in contested situations.

In2013,LakewastradedtoHawthornwhich culminated in his first AFL premiership, when Hawthorn defeated Fremantle. It was also in this game that Lake won the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground.

Lake went on to win two more premierships at the club in 2014 and 2015, the first time Hawthorn has won three successive premierships in its history.

Lake announced his retirement after playing his last game for Hawthorn in the 2015 grand final.

Sometimes referred to as Hawthorn’s lucky charm, Lake said the trio of grand final wins might have just been a coincidence.

“Some people had mentioned it to me before I said I was the difference,” he said, laughing.

“In 2012 they didn’t make it to the end, and in 2016 they went out in straight sets, so you could say I was just a coincidence.”

In the lead up to his first grand final, Lake said he made a conscious effort to get to the ground early to absorb the build-up and atmosphere.

were already there, the big Hawthorn logo, took it all in and then before you know it was game time.“

Before he ran out to play Lake performed his pre-game ritual which he picked up at his first evergameandendedupemployingthroughout his whole career.

“I didn’t want to take anything for granted, I didn’t know I was going to play 200 games,” he said.

“That first game was a very proud moment. I made sure I went in the toilet and put my guernsey on in the mirror, so I could watch myself put it on.

“That’ssomethingthatkeptgoingfortherest of my life, so I made sure every time I put on

Hawthorn’s win in 2013 was Lake’s favourite premiership, an achievement he said he will never forget.

“To have that happen in your first year, you are absolutely blessed, it’s not easy to do,” he said.

“It was a huge feeling of relief, yes thank god we won and the game is over.”

Lake said the next two wins were different, he was able to enjoy them more.

“Even though the game wasn’t over at half time, we were in really good control and we were able to enjoy that last quarter a little bit more.

“People love watching a close grand final but it’s not as good when you are in it.”

As a coach, Lake now experiences grand finals from watching from the side lines and can sympathise with the stress and anxiety felt by fans.

Western Bulldogs cheer squad member Sharon Cutajar has been lucky enough to witnessherbelovedBulldogswinaflagin2016.

“Just walking through the MCG on grand final day was like a dream come true,” she said.

“Every single year you would watch the grand final and the parade and wonder when is it going to be our turn, are we ever going to experience this?“

Having experienced her team win the flag, Sharon said watching the season’s ups and downs now is not as stressful.

“Of course we were cheering for them this year, but it’s a completely different experience for us now because we have had our time,” she said. “We have been a part of it, we have experienced it, so it is not as hurtful now watching the grand final if we are not in it .”

Growing up Sharon and her five siblings supported the Bulldogs, and now as an adult she bleeds red, white and blue.

“It is an indescribable feeling. I see the bulldogs in everything I do, including decorating my house, which has grown and will continue to.”

Born in South Australia, Brian Lake was an Adelaide Crows supporter.

“Like anyone that lived in South Australia, we went for the Crows as soon as they came into the league.

“I remember watching Darren Jarman win that first grand final, it was very memorable.” Only one team will emerge victorious on Saturday September 30.

While Lake had hoped GWS would win their first flag, he said Collingwood was now his favourites for the 2023 flag.

Sharon Cutajar in her Western Bulldogs themed garage. (Damjan Janevski) 361035_02

Brian Lake celebrates with fans after winning the AFL grand final against the Sydney Swans in 2014. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

Solar and hot water rebate help

The state government is helping more Victoriansaccessmodernandmoreaffordable all electric homes through an Australian-first program that will deliver bulk solar panels and hot water rebates for households.

Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced on Monday the opening of the $10 million Residential Electrification Grants program – with companies providing installations to more than 50 new or existing homes eligible. The program will remove the need to apply for individual rebates, and enable new home

buyers to install solar, heat pumps or solar hot waterduringtheinitialconstruction.Thiswill savenewhomebuyers$4,600,thegovernment said.

Hot water is the second largest consumer of household energy, switching to a heat pump alone could save households up to $400 a year on their electricity bills. Homes with solar and electric hot water can save up to $1500 on their annual energy bill.

A new home with all electric appliances and rooftop solar could save at least $2,200 on their annual energy bill said the minister.

Swooping prevention

A cyclist from the west who almost lost an eye after being swooped by a magpie is encouraging other riders to wear sunglasses this season.

Christiaan Nyssen was riding his bike at Yarrawonga near the Victorian-NSW border in November 2021 when he was struck by a magpie.

He usually wears sunglasses on his rides but not on this occasion.

“I have been attacked countless times and don’t have a fear of the birds,“ he said.

“This bird turned around and went straight for the eye, did a backflip and hit me right in the eye again. A neighbour said I was the fifth person to be attacked.“

Mr Nyssen was left unable to see out of the eye from iris trauma with pupil dilation.

After being advised to wait a few months, he sought a second opinion and underwent surgery to repair the retina and remove the entire lens at Epworth Freemasons.

Mr Nyssen described it as a one in a million attack but believe s it would have been prevented by sunglasses.

“The magpie wouldn’t have had something to aim at,“ he said.

With swooping season in full swing, the rider was attacked by another magpie last week, suffering a minor ear injury.

Breeding season runs from about August to October, with magpies defending their nesting young six to eight weeks after hatching.

Other swooping prevention tactics include changing route, walking instead of running away, wearing sunglasses on the back of your head or a hat with a pair of eyes drawn on the back.

An elderly cyclist died of head injuries in September 2022 when he veered from an off-road path in Wollongong after being startled by a swooping magpie.

-AAP

This new program will enable the installation ofupto8,332solarPVandenergyefficienthot water systems.

“This program is helping to accelerating the household transition to all-electric homes on a scale not yet seen in Australia,“ said Ms D’Ambrosio.

Solar Victoria is seeking to identify new projects that demonstrate innovation in their delivery and increase access towards electrification in their homes. This could include providing easier access to renewable energy technologies, technologies that reduce

energy load during peak times or enhance network resilience.

Homeowners will receive their rebates as cash savings through their provider. Providers will be required to show evidence of completed installations to Solar Victoria before funds are allocated. The program will also help to support Victoria’s renewable economy by encouraging partners to source their solar products and services locally.

Expressions of interest are open until 24 November. Details: solar.vic.gov.au.

Cyclist Christiaan Nyssen. (supplied)

Hungry swinging serval sisters

When you can jump nearly four metres in the air and your claws dig deep, finding your dinner in the treetops is an easy feat.

Serval sisters Nanki and Morilli are enjoying an elevated dining experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo with meaty snacks hidden high and low within their habitat.

The fast felines are encouraged to use their hunting prowess to climb, jump and dig for their food, which is hidden in trees, on swinging poles, and even in the depths of

their pond.

Werribee Open Range Zoo keeper Lydia Whiteway said these scatter feeds at mealtimes allow the speedy cats to stay physically and mentally challenged.

“Instead of giving them food that they eat quickly, we want to encourage climbing, jumping and hanging so they can stimulate muscles they might not normally use,” Ms Whiteway said.

“Scatter feeds also allow them to use their keen sense of smell and encourage them to

forage for the food, which can take around 20 minutes.”

As the 14-year-old cats age, Ms Whiteway said foraging and climbing are important to maintain their health.

“In the wild, the average life expectancy for servals is 12 years. So, we want to keep our ageing cats strong, fit and mentally challenged,” Ms Whiteway said.

Servals are native to forest, savannah, grassland, and wetland regions of Africa. They are medium-sized, slender cats that

are identified by their uniquely large ears, black-spotted coats and long legs and necks that allow them to see over tall savannah grass.

In addition to being one of the fastest animals in the world, their powerful legs allow them to jump great heights into the air to catch prey.

Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors can see the servals sisters during the serval presentation along the African River Trail.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Little Athletics

Williamstown Little Athletics Track and Field season for ages 5-17 begins on Saturday October 7. A free 2-week trial is available to new members. Register at LAVic.com.au, or come along to the information session at the Newport athletics track on Wednesday October 4 at 7pm.

Newport choir

Medical research has shown that singing in a choir is good for mental health. If you enjoy singing and like Christmas carols, why not consider joining the Christchurch Newport Choir as members prepare songs for the coming Christmas season. No experience necessary. Rehearsals are on Thursday nights at 7pm commencing 5 October at Christchurch, 61 Mason St, Newport.

■ Contact: Voola 0414690448, vfh2055@ gmail.com

Williamstown book sale

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

Walking group

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

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

Computer classes for beginners

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

■ Lynne, 9397 6168

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

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Willin Wimmin choir

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

■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Altona North Combined Probus

The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each

month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.

■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

Friendship group Altona Day Voice Interest and Education of Women [VIEW] Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. Funds raised for the Smith Family Learning for life program.

■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

Diabetes support group

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

■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers

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

■ Vimi Gaoneadry, 0411 530 944

Art workshops

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

■ admin@ljac.com.au, or 9398 2511

the

West Footscray Rotary

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

■ Mike 0417 622 372

Cherry Lake Market

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

■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market or cherrylakemarket@gmail.com

Musicians welcome

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

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

Point Gellibrand Rotary Club

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

difference in their community.

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

Altona Day View Club

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

■ Marion, 9394 6557

WOODCARVING WORKSHOP

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

■ jah2802rot@gmail.com

Basic Home Maintenance course

Basic Home Maintenance meets at 7.15pm – 9.15pm at the Louis Joel Art & Community Centre, 5 Sargood Street Altona for a 4 week hands on Basic Home Maintenance course.

Book through: https://www.trybooking. com/CJIDP

■ info@imstilllearning.org or 0451 717 401

Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Ardeer Primary School students Cara and Hemi working on stop-motion movie. (Damjan Janevski) 361202_01

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community  (9)

6 Temperate (4)

10 Poem (3)

11 Armour that covers the chest (11)

12 To make more attractive (8)

13 Difficult (6)

14 Puerto Rican actor, – Guzmán (4)

15 Expresses disapproval (7)

20 Supervisors (7)

21 Landlocked West African country (4)

25 Discharge (6)

26 Producing haze (8)

28 Ornamentation (11)

29 Phone program (abbr) (3)

30 Preservative (4)

31 Visible features of an area (9)

DOWN

1 Grow rapidly (8)

2 A species of buttercup (8)

3 Heads of a monastery (6)

4 Beyond words, indescribable (9)

5 Examine (4)

7 Roma is its capital (6)

8 Dragnet (6)

9 Work; use (7)

16 Height (9)

17 Line dividing the earth and the sky (7)

18 Vista (8)

19 First name of Italian composer Verdi (8)

22 Strata (6)

23 Sudden gust of wind (6)

24 Indicates (6)

27 One of the seasons (US) (4)

9-LETTER WORD

10 words: Good

20 words: Excellent

M N A

snags

I W R

I E

A N

G N S

S

No. 152

S E N D A D D Y A W A R E M A N I A N I C E R S T E R N

QUICK QUIZ

1 What condition would you have if ice crystals formed within your skin cells?

2 The 80-foot Uniroyal tyre that was used as a ferris wheel at the New York 1964-1965 World’s Fair is now located in which US state?

3 Which Boston Celtic great was also known as ‘The Chief’?

4 What type of food is pecorino?

5 Who directed the film Dances with Wolves (1990)?

6 In which country was the world’s largest firework lit, on February 8, 2020?

7 What is the name of Stan’s sister in South Park?

8 Which English alternative rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978 and was fronted by Jarvis Cocker (pictured)?

9 In what year did superhero Spider-Man first appear?

10 True or false: the falcon can fly at speeds of over 400km per hour?

Today’s Aim: 3 LETTERS ARC ARE COL EAT GUT HAT HER HE'S HUH ILL KEN NEE NIP OAF OVA ROW SKI TIE TRY VAT VET WEB WIN YET 4 LETTERS BATS CLEF DOTE FOES HITS NEAR NEST ODES ROOT SLAY SODA TSAR YAMS YMCA 5 LETTERS ACTED ACUTE ADMIT ALIVE ALOUD ANTIC AORTA ARENA AROSE ASHES ASPEN ATLAS AVERT AWING BRUSH CARGO CASED CRASH CRUDE DAIRY GUESS HATED INPUT MAPLE MINCE MINER NEEDS OILED PASTA PATIO RHINO SAUTE SHAMS SHOAL SIEGE SLEDS SNEER SPEED SPOON SPOTS STEER SWATS SWEET THEFT TIGER TILDE TOTES TRITE TULIP WAIVE 6 LETTERS CASTER ENTERS REWARD STRINE 7 LETTERS ERASERS HOSTILE INSANER ROUTINE SARDINE TRIBUTE 8 LETTERS ALARMING DEFIANCE DESERTED SHAFTING 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 U S T P R M I Z A J G Y K D O W V B L Q N E F X C 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 29-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 319568742 631895427 127486539 874219653 548127396 463952871 256743918 792634185 985371264 easy medium hard 758426139 325784691 561837942 619375428 196253784 482691375 243918567 874169253 937542816 293765814 582417369 978143625 817324596 761938452 154682973 645891237 439256781 326579148 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. Frostbite 2. Michigan 3. Robert Parish 4. Cheese 5. Kevin Costner 6. The US 7. Shelley 8. Pulp 9. 1962 10. False

No. 152

No. 152

No. 152

assign, ASSIGNING, gags, gains, gassing, gins, nags, nisi, sags, sang,

sans, sign, signing, signs, sing, singing, sings, sins, snag,

Grabacopyof your localnewspaper...

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

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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

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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

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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

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Rifle Club Hotel Williamstown

Smooth Curves Williamstown

Coles Supermarket Williamstown

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Freechoice Williamstown Tobacco

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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

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Radio personality Chrissie Swan announced that an interview with which former sports star was the ‘worst experience’ of her career?

2. Australian runner Stewart McSweyn broke a 17-year national record at which Diamond League meeting racing event in Brussels?

3. Who will Australian Tim Tszyu fight in the highly anticipated fight on October 15th?

4. And which state will host the fight?

5. Which tennis tournament is returning to the summer season?

6. In climbing sports, what does the term ‘beta’ mean?

True or false: the Melbourne Demons were eliminated from the 2022 AFL finals season in straight sets (two losses)?

Which AFL team has never qualified for finals?

In the comedy film Dodgeball:ATrue

UnderdogStory, what was the name of the underdog team?

Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold plays for which Super League club?

Which AFL star is known by the nickname Bazlenka?

General Notices

12. Which legendary Australian athlete recently had a stand at Sydney’s Accor Stadium named after her?

13. Which NRL team used to be known by the name Eastern Suburbs?

14. Which Australian swimming star is known by the nicknames Arnie and Terminator?

15. Jamaica has won 87 Olympic medals in athletics and a single medal in what other event?

16. Which soccer coach was recently nominated for Men’s Best Coach at the annual FIFA Awards?

17. Former AFL star Dani Laidley played for and also coached which team?

18. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers was injured in his first game with which team?

19. The Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in which US city?

20. What nation is currently first place in the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Rankings?

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL LAND

Hobsons Bay City Council (Council) gives notice under section 114(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2020 (Act) and Council’s community engagement policy, that it intends to sell its land which is a section of previously discontinued road contained in Certificate of Title Volume 3385 Folio 819, Lot 1 on Title Plan 813166T, and is situated at the rear of 17 Ascot Street South and 18 Balmoral Street South, Altona Meadows (Land).

The proposal is that the Land be sold by private treaty to the adjoining owner being 18 Balmoral Street South, Altona Meadows for $2,000 plus GST.

Any person has a right to make a submission on the proposed sale.

Submissions must be received by close of business on 25 October 2023 and should be addressed to the Chief Executive

Officer, Hobsons Bay City Council, PO Box 21, Altona 3018, delivered to the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona or emailed to property@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. Submissions received will form part of the public record of the relevant Council and Committee meetings.

Any person who has made a written submission to Council may request in writing that he or she be heard in person in support of the written submission or by a person acting on his or her behalf before Council (or a Committee of Council established for this purpose) at a time and date to be advised

Any enquiries can be directed to the Property Department on 9932 1000 or via email to property@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

21. GWS Giants coach Adam Kingsley played 170 games for which AFL club?

22. Which national cricket team did India defeat to win the 2023 ACC Men’s Asia Cup?

23. Australian golf professional Lucas Herbert hails from which regional Victorian city?

24. Matildas midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross plays for which Women’s Super League club?

25. Australian mixed martial artist Jack Della Maddalena competes in which UFC weight division?

26. How many ACC Men’s Asia Cup titles has India won?

27. Which Australian golf professional won the LPGA's 2023 Queen City Championship?

28. Which national team defeated Australia, for the first time in 69 years, at the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

29. By what score did South Africa defeat Australia in their 2023 series of five One Day Internationals?

30. Australian middle-distance runner Linden Hall holds the national record over which distance?

General Classifieds Employment

12637178-AP39-23

Mid-sized SUV making an impact

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

The MG HS +EV is a mid-sized SUV from the Chinese manufacturer that is making such an impact on the Australian market.

The name can be a little misleading because it’s not fully-electric but rather a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and so comes with a petrol engine together with a battery that can be charged in the same manner as an EV.

Plug-in hybrids are an excellent concept but in practice, at least at this stage of their development, they don’t make a lot of sense. Firstly, they are typically at least $10,000 more expensive as their petrol-only equivalents.

Secondly, because they use relatively small batteries, the EV-only range is quite low and once the battery has expired, they just become another hybrid but a tad heavier due to the battery.

The MG HS +EV competes against similarly-sized PHEVs such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape and the just-released Mazda CX-60. With driveaway pricesstartingat$49,690it’sthecheapestofthe four and comes with the longest (seven-year) warranty.

MG HS +EV comes in two variants, Excite and Essence. The latter was our test vehicle.

Styling

MG HS +EV is a neat and conservative vehicle without anything to make it stand out from the SUV crowd. The front is dominated by a large honeycomb grille with the familiar ‘MG’ badge at front-and-centre. We often wonder how many buyers, especially younger ones, recognise that iconic badge and its history – we suspect not many.

The grille then flows into wide, narrow headlamps with daytime running lights above extended lower air vents, also honeycombed.

The Essence variant comes with 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, LED headlights, front foglights, puddle lights that project the MG logo onto the ground and a panoramic glass sunroof with a sunshade.

Excite only gets halogen headlights and 17-inch alloys.

Four body colours are available, all metallic: pearl white, sterling silver, black pearl and diamond red.

Interior HS +EV is a good size, with large comfortable seats, plenty of rear legroom and air vents for back seat passengers. Entry is easy to manage and there’s good interior space. Rear legroom is acceptable and there’s plenty of headroom despite the Essence’s panoramic sunroof.

Excite comes with polyurethane/PVC seats while the Essence steps up to two-tone leather front sports seats with power adjustment and heating as well as LED ambient lighting.

Boot space is a reasonable 451 litres with the rear seats in place and expands to 1275 litres with the seatbacks folded. Essence comes with a powered tailgate. The battery charging cable is stored below the boot floor meaning that there’s no room for a spare wheel, instead you’ll need to rely upon the supplied tyre repair kit if you get a puncture, a growing risk in pot-hole riddled eastern Australia.

The boot is shallow but offers a reasonable 451 litres rear seats up and 1275 litres with the seat backs folded. The Type 2 charge cable is stored under the boot floor where it doesn’t get in the way, but also leaves no room for a spare wheel (a reinflation kit is provided).

Powertrain

Power comes from a 1.5-litre 119 kW / 250 Nm turbo-petrol engine, together with a 16.6kWh battery pack and 90kW electric motor that combine to provide an impressive combined output of 189kW and 370Nm.

It is mated to a 10-speed EDU II automatic gearbox, which consists of six-speed auto for the internal combustion engine and four-speed electronic drive unit.

All-wheel drive is available in the petrol-only HS but, at this stage, the +EV is front-wheel drive only.

HS 1.5 Vibe 2WD: $32,990

HS 1.5 Excite 2WD: $35,990

HS 2.0 Excite X AWD: $38,990

HS 1.5 Essence 2WD: $39,990

HS 2.0 Essence X AWD: $43,990

HS 1.5 Essence Anfield: $41,690

HS +EV 1.5 Plug-In Hybrid Excite 2WD:

HS +EV 1.5 Plug-In Hybrid Essence 2WD:

SPECIFICATIONS

MG HS +EV Essence 1.5-litre petrol / electric plug-in hybrid five-door wagon

Battery charge time is listed at around seven hours from a normal household socket. We were able to charge from empty to full in just under four hours from our home 7kW JetCharge wall box.

Infotainment

Inside there are two large screens, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with built-in satellite navigation and a 10.1-inch multi-function high-definition infotainment colour touch screen with large user-friendly displays.

The twin information screens are easy to read and operate although, as is becoming increasingly common, too many of the most-used features needed screen taps rather than through physical knobs.

Smartphone mirroring is available through cabled Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with two USB ports at the front and another pair at the rear. Satellite navigation is standard in both variants.

The big touchscreen is impressive and provides sharp and clear vision through the reversing camera.

One side of the digital instrument cluster is devoted to the petrol engine, while the other keeps you up to date on the battery level as well as how much assistance the electric motor is providing–withthreefiguresforconsumption across the bottom.

Both variants get the same six-speaker 3D surround sound audio system.

Safety

The HS PHEV is yet to receive an ANCAP crash rating but the petrol variants were tested in 2022 and received the maximum five stars.

Standard safety features in both variants include six airbags; enhanced ABS brakes; electronic stability program; active cornering

brake control; front seat impact absorbent door padding; hill start assist; emergency automatic door unlocking and hazard light activation; tyre pressure monitoring; reversing camera; and rear parking sensors.

Essence adds a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Both models also come with the MG Pilot package which adds enhanced features such as adaptive cruise control; forward collision warning; automatic emergency braking; lane departurewarning;trafficjamassist;intelligent cruise assist; blind spot warning; rear cross traffic alert; intelligent headlamp control; and speed assistance system.

Driving

As with most hybrids the HS +EV takes off using the battery but once under moderate acceleration the petrol engine takes over. Unlike some others though it is possible to drive purely under battery power by tapping the ‘EV’ button on the centre console which ensures that the engine doesn’t activate while ever there is charge in the battery.

Fuel consumption is listed at 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres under the city cycle but drops down to just 1.7 L/100 km on the combined city/highway cycle.

Note that it does need 95 RON premium fuel and charging with a standard power point takes about seven hours using a standard 10A power point.

Maximum range under battery-power alone is a claimed 63 kilometres so the only way to get even close to the 1.7 L/100 is to stop the car every 100km and fully recharge the battery before heading off again. Not a very practical scenario.

Midway through our week in the HS +EV we did a specific test entirely in EV mode with the battery fully charged. We chose the

flattest available route and with conservative driving he got close to the 63 kilometre distance.

At the other end of scale we tested the fuel consumption with no charge in the battery and averaged 6.9 L/100km on our predominantly motorwaydrivefromGosfordtoSydneyhelped alongbytheusualbrakeregenerationfeatureof most hybrids.

These issues aside we found the plug-in MG to be a pretty impressive vehicle. The instant torque and silent running of EVs contribute to a very enjoyable driving experience. There’s little or no excitement, but that’s the norm with vehicles at the smaller end of the SUV segment. Steeringisabitontheheavysidebutresponsive enough.

The amount of brake regeneration when decelerating cannot be adjusted but we found that the level was just right, effective without being too intrusive.

The steering is okay but doesn’t provide a lot of feedback and the same can be said of the brakes which could do with more feel.

Summing up

Whether the extra $10k for the +EV over its petrol-only HS equivalents can be justified will depend on buyer’s individual circumstances. For urban buyers with short distance commutesandahomefast-ishwallboxitwould make sense.

Ataround$50kthepriceisnotthatmuchless than mainstream offerings from the Japanese, principally Toyota’s best-selling RAV4 Hybrid, which although it is not a plug-in does provide excellent fuel economy.

Importantly, with long waiting times for most of its competitors – including the aforementioned RAV4 – buyers can get into most MG models within weeks rather than waiting many months.

MG HS +EV (nee PHEV) is the Chinese carmaker’s first plug-In hybrid. (Pictures: Supplied)

Note: These are drive-away prices and include all government or dealer delivery charges.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

2023 AFL GRAND FINAL

SUPERQUIZ

1. Geelong won the 2022 AFL Grand Final by how many points?

2. Which player won the 2022 Norm Smith medal?

3. The Brisbane Lions joined the AFL in 1999 after a merger between Brisbane Bears and which other team?

4. In which year did the league change its name from VFL to AFL?

5. The International Rules series includes AFL and which other sport?

6. Charles Brownlow played for which VFL club?

7. How many rounds did the 2023 AFL season have?

8. In which year will the currently unnamed Tasmanian team join the league?

9. Not including Australia, which two countries have hosted AFL regular season games?

10. Which city hosted the 2023 ‘Gather Round’?

11. Which two teams typically play in the Dreamtime at the ‘G annual match?

12. After the MCG, what is the largest AFL stadium in Australia?

13. What was the first non-Victorian based team to make it to the AFL Grand Final?

14. In the past decade (2013–2022), how many times has a non-Victorian team won the AFL Grand Final?

15. True or false: Collingwood won the replay match of the 2010 Grand Final after the first match ended in a draw?

16. Out of the current players in the 2023 season, who has played the most AFL games?

17. True or false: Western Bulldogs have never won a minor premiership?

18. How many times have Port Adelaide been minor premiers?

19. Which team occasionally plays home matches at Blundstone Arena?

20. Which artist was the first person to perform at the AFL pre game show and the NFL Super Bowl?

21. Since 2008 which cartoonist creates the caricature for the Premiership winners that is published in the HeraldSuneach year?

22. The Alex Jesaulenko Medal is awarded each AFL season for what accolade?

23. In 1972, the highest scoring AFL Grand Final was played between which two clubs?

24. The Jock McHale Medal is named after a coach from which club?

25. The AFL Grand Final is contracted to be held at the MCG every year until when?

26. True or false: the 2022 Grand Final was the highest attended league sporting event in the world?

27. OneDayinSeptemberis a 1980 song written and performed by who?

28. Which AFL field umpire has umpired the most games, reaching 500 in July 2023?

29. What company has made all the AFL premiership cups since the inception of it?

30. Which former AFL player was renowned for a victory handstand?

CROSSWORD WORDFIND

DOWN

1 Exclamations of joy (7)

2 Carlton winner of the 2019 NAB Rising Star Award (3,5)

3 Doctor (6)

4 GWS player Stephen – (8)

5 Referee (6)

6 Star quality (7)

8 St Kilda ruckman, with the supposed ‘best smile in the AFL’ (5,8)

14 Hold back (8)

15 Sports stadium in Brisbane (3,5)

16 Opposing team conflict (7)

17 Sports-ground (7)

19 Melbourne ruckman, Brodie – (6)

21 Restless (6)

ACROSS

7 Showing compassion (6)

8 One who shares accomodation (8)

9 AFL’s best and fairest award (8)

10 Frozen formation (6)

11 Young people (8)

12 Latitude (6)

13 Location (11)

18 Door features (6)

20Scholars (8)

22 Big cat (6)

23 Crows club (8)

24 Gather Round city (4,4)

25 Conquer (6)

points

Isaac Smith

Fitzroy Lions

1990

30. Jason Akermanis

1. After the Brisbane Lions mascot Bernie ‘Gabba’ Vegas retired, which brave lion took his place?

Ray

Roy

Rick

Rob?

2. What kind of bug is the mascot of the Essendon Bombers?

Fly

Wasp

Bee

Mosquito

3. Which of these team’s mascots is not an animal?

North Melbourne

GWS Giants

Sydney

West Coast

4. What is the name of the fictional house that the AFL Mascots live in? A. Mascot Manor

Footy Farmhouse

Costume Casa

Happy House ANSWERS: 1B, 2D, 3C, 4A

Mascots

Clubbers keen to build on sucess

Yarraville Club is aiming to build on the success of last season’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior premiership.

Afternothavingmanyexpectationsheading into last season, the Clubbers fired at the right time of the season to claim the premiership.

Now having kept most of its team together and added another two key pieces, the Clubbers will again be in the frame for the top four.

Clubbers captain-coach Mitch Johnstone said it had been a really good pre-season and the group was ready to go again.

“It has come around quickly,” he said. “We’ve had really good numbers with 40-plus for the indoor sessions.

“We’re looking to have five senior teams which is really good. There’s a lot of kids who have physically and technically come on.”

The Clubbers made a couple of moves early on, signing former Victorian Premier Cricket Michael Hill, while Nathan Johnson has crossed from the Druids.

Johnstone said having the pair join the club had rounded off their squad nicely. Johnson has only just finished his football commitments and is now joining the squad fully.

“Hilly has been really good for the young batters,” he said. “He’s just finished up at premier cricket, where the others have been out of higher cricket for three, four, five years.

“He’s been serving an eye over the kids and making sure they are working hard.”

On the other side the Clubbers have lost Lachlan Campbell and Heath Beveridge to premier cricket, which Johnstone said they knew was coming.

Young star Jackson Martin will spend another season at the Clubbers though. Martin took 22 wickets last season.

“He’s grown a little bit,” Johnstone said of his spinning mate. “He will do one more year with us and then look to greater heights.

“He is a known player now having played the whole year.”

Johnstone said they would aim to continue to promote youth through the ranks and give them goes at higher levels.

Aydin Huseyin and Mathieson King are two to keep an eye on according to Johnstone.

“Oneoftheroundslastyearwehad21ofthe 44 players who were all teenagers,” Johnstone said.

While the Clubbers go in as reigning premiers, Johnstone said there would be plenty competition this season.

He said the format of nine two-dayers and three one-dayers would suit the side.

“You need to just jag a spot in the top four, which is what we did last year,” he said.

“We weren’t the best team all year and managed to sneak in and win two finals.”

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

Coates Talent League

Three Western Jets players have been named in the Coates Talent League team of the year. In the boys team, Logan Morris was named at full forward. Morris is likely to be selected in the first round of the upcoming AFL draft after kicking 30 goals for the season at an average of three a game. In the girls side Kiera Whiley was named as an on baller in the side. Whiley averaged 17.6 disposals and 6.6 tackles for the year. While Sierra Grieves was named on the interchange after leading the Jets in goals and disposals per game with nine and 23.5 respectively.

VFL

A couple of defenders claimed Williamstown’s best and fairest awards on Saturday night. Marty Hore, in his first season at the Seagulls, claimed the Gerry Callahan Medal as the side best player in the Victorian Football League team, while Emily Eaves claimed the club’s women’s best and fairest. Meanwhile, the Seagulls announced they had signed Will Fordham for next year’s VFL season. Fordham has been playing with Frankston.

A-League

Bulldogs return home

By Harper Sercombe

The Western Bulldogs are remaining positive amid a lackluster start to the AFLW season.

The Bulldogs started their 2023 campaign with four losses, however, with the Dogs young talent shining and a return to Whitten Oval scheduled for this weekend, there’s plenty to look forward to at the kennel.

Bulldogs’ wing, Rylie Wilcox, is one of the talented young guns in the side, and was recognised as such with her second rising star nomination over the weekend.

The 18-year-old gathered 18 disposals, four marks and 303m gained in the Dogs’ four-point loss to Gold Coast on Sunday.

“Obviously, it’s not been the start that we wanted,” Wilcox said.

“But I’m confident that we’ll start to get the ball rolling in the back end of the season and finish strong.

“We’re just going to keep working in and out of training.

“Lifting up the intensity and everything like that, just so we can start seeing results.”

After being selected with the Dogs’ highest

pick in the 2022 draft, taken at pick 21 from the Northern Knights, Wilcox made an immediate impression getting her first of two rising star nominations in round three last season.

Wilcox made her debut in the opening round of season seven and was nominated following 11 disposals and a goal in the Dogs’ three-point win over Fremantle. Her second nomination came as a shock.

“I didn’t expect it to be honest,” she said. “TheyannounceditontheplaneandIthought I was getting escorted off for some reason.

“It was such a good announcement, I didn’t expect it whatsoever.

“I’m just very grateful for the opportunity the Dogs have given me, and the second time which is pretty cool, I’m so grateful.”

The Bulldogs’ campaign continues on Friday night when they will return to their spiritual home at Whitten Oval to take on St Kilda.

The ground had been unusable for the entirety of season seven of the AFLW, with the Bulldogs having been on the road all of last season and the early rounds of this season.

Now the kennel is open and the anticipation and excitement is palatable.

“It’s going to be incredible,” Wilcox said. “The girls are absolutely pumped to be back underneath the lights on Friday night.

“I’mpumpedaswell,I’veonlytrainedthere, rarely trained there last year because of the redevelopments.

“I’m so pumped to be back at Whitten Oval that’s for sure.”

The Bulldogs are hoping to get their first win of the season on Friday night, taking on the St Kilda, which has also had a tough start to the year.

The Saints had their first win of the season over the weekend, with a 12 point victory against Collingwood.

“They’re going to come out firing,” Wilcox said.

“I think we’ve just got to back ourselves, lift the intensity, lift the pressure and focus on what we want to do throughout the game, which will get us on the scoreboard.

“If we play all four quarters, hopefully we see the result that we want.”

Western United young gun Jake Najdovski has committed to Western United until the end of the 2025-26 A-League season. The 18-year-old attacker is western born and bred and has progressed rapidly through the talent pathway in the Western United Academy. After impressing in both the Under 21’s and the Under 23’s, Najdovski signed his first professional contract last year and made his senior debut in the Australia Cup against Edgeworth Eagles in August.

VAFA

Williamstown CYMS’ Alessio Acquaro finished third in the Victorian Amateur Football Association women’s division 2 best and fairest. The premiership player finished on 18 votes, 18 behind winner Albert Park AFC’s Johannah Griffin. In the men’s premier B competition, no CYs finished in the top 10.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly

@starweeklynews

@star_weekly

Trent Lawford (Jacob Pattison)325608_06

Riley Wilcox (Western Bulldogs/Ruby Harkness)

Bulldogs’ rebuild adds a BBL mystery spinner

By Harper Sercombe

Plentyofexperiencehaswalkedoutthedoorof Footscray throughout the off season, however the Victorian Premier Cricket club remains excited and bullish on its finals hopes.

After finishing last season with straight set finals losses, the winter was never going to be easy for the Bulldogs, not to mention the more than 900 games of experience leaving the club.

Club great Dean Russ announced his retirement after more than 300 first XI games. Russ averaged 54 runs last season and took 15 wickets from his 15 games.

Opening batsman, Daniel Sartori also left the club, after averaging 42 runs for the season.

FrontlinebowlerJayVinecausedheadaches when he announced his retirement a few months after the conclusion of the season.

Bulldogs’ coach Dale McDonald said you’re probably never going to replace that experience.

“But in terms of youth, we’ve had some really good depth, so I think we’ll be able to replace some positions but to say that you’re ever going to replace that experience, well that’s probably not going to be close to the mark,” he said.

“We’ve got quite a strong list and we’ve recruited a number of new players which has been really good.”

One of the players the Bulldogs have been able to recruit includes mystery spinner Arjun Nair.

Nair has played first class cricket for New South Wales and BBL club Sydney Thunder. Nair played 58 games for the Thunder, taking 22 wickets, five times for NSW, taking four wickets and another 20 in his 15 List A matches.

“He replaces ‘Russy’ to an extent in that top

order and also from a bowling point of view,” McDonald said. “Last year in all formats he took about 90 wickets so he’s a fairly good replacement… he’s got that X-factor about him.”

Another recruit the Bulldogs have acquired is Jermaine Levy, a West Indian fast bowler to replace Vine as their front line quick.

WhenLevywaslastinAustralia,playingfor Bentleigh, he took 28 wickets in 16 matches at

Eagles ready to soar

By Harper Sercombe

A big season awaits Yarraville in the Victorian Sub- District Cricket Association.

The Eagles had a disappointing season in 2022-23 finishing in 11th spot, just winning six matches for the summer.

However, playing-coach Jonah Koch is remaining optimistic about the upcoming season amongst a host of fresh signings.

“We’reprettypositiveaboutthings,”hesaid.

“I’m pretty bullish about what we can achieve as a group… I think the pieces are starting to fall together nicely, I’m sure every side at this time of the year says the same thing, but hopefully, fingers crossed, we can put it together on the park.”

One of the key pieces Koch talks of is the signing of Josh Hahnel for the season.

Having tried his luck at Victorian Premier Cricket the last two seasons, Hahnel returns to his junior club where he has had plenty of success previously. In his last full season at the club in 2020-21, Hahnel made 545 runs for the season, averaging 45.42, having made two centuries.

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

Another who Koch mentioned was Ashish Mathew from Box Hill, who also has Premier cricket first XI experience.

Hahnel will take the captaincy off Koch for the upcoming season, in a mutually beneficial arrangement.

“Josh’s been pretty eager and pretty keen to get involved in a leadership position,” Koch said.

“Just having another senior head in the group eases the burden and allows me to just focus on coaching and he can manage match day which I’m sure he’ll do a fantastic job at.”

The Eagles have also welcomed a couple of English imports to the ‘nest’ to further deepen their playing list.

“We’ve got Matt [Kenvyn] and Harry [McAleer], Matt’s a batsman and Harry’s a wicketkeeper batsman, so that just adds a bit of depth in that area for us,” Koch said.

“I’m very excited to see how they go, they’re young fellas and they might take a couple of weeks to find their feet but I’m certain that the experience we have around them with Ashish and Josh coming on board,

I’m pretty confident that we can get the job done.”

One of the Eagles’ six wins came late in the season against minor premiers Spotswood, which the Koch took great confidence out of.

“I think our best cricket’s good enough, so I think if we can find that consistently this year, it’s going to be tough, but I’d like to think that we can be there or thereabouts come the end of the season,” he said.

“And once you get to that point, you create your own luck in finals I think.”

Having played their first practice game on Saturday and another scheduled for this Friday, the Eagles will be ready to go when the season kicks off in a couple of weeks time.

“A couple of hit outs should be good for the boys,” Koch said.

“Fingers crossed we can get onto the park and get into it.”

an average of 17.

“He’s played first class cricket back in Barbados, and he arrives next week, so we’re looking forward to seeing him,” McDonald said.

The Bulldogs finished second on the ladder last season and suffered two heartbreaking losses to Melbourne and St Kilda in the finals to put an end to their campaign, however, McDonald doesn’t expect the losses to bear any weight on his players’ minds.

“From a senior list point of view we identified the areas where we thought we went wrong and spoke about them, and now we’ve worked on those things during preseason,” he said.

“So I don’t think there’ll be any carry over from that.”

Within the overall club championship the Bulldogs finished the summer in sixth position, on 551 points, with a big aim of the club for the upcoming season to improve on this finish.

“We want to finish really high in the club championship, that’s really important,” McDonald said.

“We’ve got really good depth through all of our grades, not just our first XI.

“I think we’ve definitely strengthened all of our grades across the board.

“I think we’re in a pretty strong position, but I think every club would have the same answer at this time of year.”

Help! Lions struggling on season eve

Victorian Turf Cricket Association club West Newport are struggling to field a team on the eve of the summer.

Via social media the club said it is an unfortunate situation the club finds itself in.

“Itsaddensustoinformourmembers, and the broader cricketing community, that it is now dire times for us at Loft Reserve,” it said.

“A substantial decline in player availability this season has contributed to this final call out for help.

“This season simply does not go ahead without help from past players that want to help out and fight out a revival of our great club.

“Over the years we’ve seen many wonderful club people and cricketers walk through the doors but if a drastic in take and commitment doesn’t happen in the next week, it will leave us little choice.

“It is not fair on the volunteers that are trying to move the club in the right direction or the current and life members of the club that have been through the highs and lows of it all. “

The post said the club knows how much the club means to people for not only cricket but friendships, family and social aspects of cricket.

“The committee is intent on maintaining our position within the Newport community, but we need your help.

“We will work with any other clubs that may have players that may require exposure on turf that they may not be able to provide.

Even if it’s a couple games or a full season, anything to help us continue our great club for at least one more season.”

Anyone wanting to play for West Newport can contact its secretary Daniel Shanahan, 0408 518 876 or its

Arjun Nair is joining Footscray (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) 362515_01

Josh Hahnel (Mark Wilson)

A’s ready to go for the summer with a return

Altona is set for a big Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season.

The A’s finished just outside the finals in eighth last season, boasting a six and six win-loss record, to go with three draws.

To help push the club up the ladder, one of the summer’s big recruits, Ben Davies, has returned to the club. Davies played cricket at the A’s as a junior, before rising through the ranks to play Victorian Premier Cricket for St Kilda.

During his 214 games at St Kilda, Davies won six premierships, scoring 4729 runs and an average of 28.15. Including four 100s and 22 50s, with a highest score of 140. He also took 87 wickets at an average of 28 with best bowling figures of 5/28.

A’s coach Aaron Whear said Davies will bat in their top order and also bowl some pretty handy medium pace as well.

“He’s a real big recruit.”

Opening bowler Charlie Ward from England,, who won the bowling award for the club last season, taking 22 wickets at an average of 16, returns this season in a big boost for the A’s.

“He’sbackoutagain,whichisgreat,”Whear said.

“We’ve had a number of other guys come that are going to strengthen our lower grades and hopefully, push up the grades through the season.”

Promising talent Cooper Mitchell is one that has been around the club for a while but has caught the attention of Whear throughout the pre-season.

“He’s got really serious about his fitness in the offseason, he’s dropped about nine kilos,” he said.

“He got an opportunity to play in our first practice match on the weekend and took six wickets.

“There’salsoacoupleofguysthathavecome back to the club, Mitchell Grubb… and Jake Duff, so those two guys definitely go into our senior squad so they create some extra depth.”

As the west meets the north again for the 2023-24 season and with some fresh faces at the club the A’s are ready to make the jump into finals.

“Wewanttowinasmanygamesaspossible,” Whear said.

“I believe we’re capable [to play finals], so it’s a matter of us being able to put those performances on the park.

“We’ll be absolutely aiming to play finals cricket.”

The A’s will kick off their season with a two-day clash against Melton on October 7.

AFL coaching program for west women

The Western Region Football League is one of three regions to be involved in a new AFL Victorian female coaching academy.

The academy which was launched last week, is aimed at attracting more female coaches into community football.

Thefirsteditionofthefemalecoaching academy is set to start in November this year and conclude in March 2024.

The program will be piloted in three regions including the WRFL, as well as Barwon and the South East.

The program is targeted to females between the ages of 15-20.

Participants will experience five practical workshops delivered by AFL Victoriacoachdevelopersineachregion involved.

Upon completion of the tailored program, each participant will receive a foundation (level one) coach accreditation.

Striker in the big leagues

By Harper Sercombe

Local striker Jonas Markovski is into the big leagues.

TheAltonaMagicproductplayedanintegral partintheclub’sfirstNationalPremierLeague finals berth this season, scoring 19 goals and winning the league’s golden boot award.

A-League club Brisbane Roar noticed the talent and signed him just weeks before its season kicks off on October 21.

Markovski said it was an amazing feeling to sign the contract with the club.

“It’s such a good club, with good history, and it’s such a big call up into the league, so yeah it was unreal,” he said.

“It was definitely a goal [of mine].”

Markovski said his year couldn’t get any better, getting Magic into finals, coached by his dad, John Markovski, a 20-time Socceroo, who represented the Olyroos at the 1992 Barcelona Games after emerging onto the scene as a 15-year-old in the 1986 National Soccer League season with Sunshine George Cross and now his first professional contract.

“A dream come true,” he said.

“Getting the boys into finals, everyone played their part, not just myself. From the coaches, the players, the staff at that club was awesome, such a huge step forward in such a challenging league.

“I guess there’s no better coach than your old man, he’s played in the league, he’s proud.

“I’m happy to be here and I’ve just got to prove myself once again, I’ve still got a long waytogo,I’vestilldonenothinginthisleague, so I’ve got to prove myself here and make sure I cement my spot.”

The 24-year-old still has a long way to go in his career with Brisbane and beyond.

“I think the sky’s the limit,” he said.

“The most important thing for me is getting goals and wins for Brissy.

“But then from there what happens is what happens, I’d love to play for the nation, just as any player in this league would.

“For the moment, just getting involved, getting some goals, getting some wins and then from there who knows what can happen.”

Markovski has only been in Brisbane for

abouttwoweeksandislovingit.Hecompleted his first practice match with the club, a hit out againstNewcastle,inCoffsHarbourlastweek.

“It was a good experience against an A-League team,” he said.

“It’s only been a short while, there’s a lot of information to absorb, like how Ross (Aloisi) [Brisbane’s coach] wants us to play and adapting to my new teammates, but we’ll definitely get there in the end.”

Aloisi recognised Markovski’s determined mindset and believes that with his ability to score goals, he will be a great addition to the squad moving forward.

“He did really well in the Victorian Premier League in a team that finished fifth and to win the golden boot goes to show that he is a goal scorer,” Aloisi said.

“It’s something that we’re looking to bring into the team, not just a player that is going to work hard but also someone that is a proven goal scorer and winner.

“Jonas has done it over a number of years in Victoria, and he has come in and took his opportunity once arriving. Jonas should be very happy and proud.

Followingtheworkshops,coacheswill be given the opportunity to transition into a community club coaching role and will receive a match day experience in the coaches box at an AFLW game.

Program costs will be covered by AFL Victoria. The academy is built on modern coaching practices and will be tailored towards attracting women and girls who are currently playing or involved in the game, or other sports, but haven’t previously been involved in coaching Australian football.

AFL Victoria state coaching manager JenniferTaffssaidtheprogramispartof AFL Victoria’s strategic aim of growing the female coaching talent pool in community football.

“Women and girls football has gone through a major transformation and growth phase since the inception of the AFLW competition in 2017, yet female coachingnumbershaven’tkeptpacewith the growth of playing participation,” she said.

“The female coaching academy, which will be piloted in three regions at the end of 2023 and early next year ahead of the 2024 football season, has a very specific aim of developing more coaching talent and helping aspiring coaches progress into coaching roles in community football.”

Harper Sercombe

Ben Davies and Aaron Whear (Supplied) 334907

Jonas Markovski (Ljubica Vrankovic) 353162_24