Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 29th November 2023

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Art therapy helps heal Residents at McAuley Community Services for Women in Footscray have freshened up the roof top kitchen garden as a part of an art therapy program designed to give women practical, hands-on opportunities to create and express themselves.

Yarraville Community Centre art teacher Anna Kolusniewski oversaw the project.

“Seeing a student arrive nervous and hesitant about art and becoming addicted to it after a few sessions is very rewarding. It gives the woman a sense of achievement through creating art and learning a new skill, and takes their minds away from issues that are bothering them,” she said.

A McAuley services spokesperson said the women used several different mediums, including painting and wire sculptures.

“Art therapy creates time for social connection in an informal setting and provides a creative outlet. By working as a team, the sessions provide residents an opportunity to work on their communication skills while also gaining craft skills and experience.”

Artist Anna Kolusniewski, Paddy McGreal and Theresa Duncan from McAuley Community Services. (Damjan Janevski) 370758_05

Petition pleads for pool

By Jennifer Pittorino A petition has been created in a bid to save the old pool at the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club.

The ‘Save Our Pool’ petition, which has 1200 signatures to date, asks Hobsons Bay council to halt plans to remove the outdoor pool, the kiosk and the members’ lawn.

The works are part of a $14.3 million redevelopment of the WSLSC which will also involve retention of the pavilion, improved storage areas and amenities, a new cafe and public toilets, a new observation tower, gym, sauna and meeting spaces and improved landscapes.

Club member and lead petitioner Sarah Vincenzini said while the club does need funds for an upgrade of the pool and life saving functions, the council’s current plans would alter the capabilities and culture of the club.

“We oppose the new designs which are not fit for life saving purposes, member purposes or swimming purposes which are the core functions of WSLSC,” she said.

“I ask that the current funds are retained but the design is fully reconsidered with all of our concerns and extensive knowledge of our club taken into account.”

Opened in 1962, Ms Vincenzini said the club has provided the community with a

social hub for nearly 60 years.

“We strongly oppose the plans to bulldoze the club pool, which has taught generations of local school kids how to swim, and provided an invaluable space for life savers and members to develop their water safety skills for the good of the entire community.

“It is a place for young people to get together and have a positive social outlet and it’s super important because we don’t have any in the area.”

Ms Vincenzini said the change.org petition resonates with not only current members but also the wider community.

“Many people have an emotional connection to that pool and have great

memories and an important relationship with the club.

“For this reason we hope the council will listen to their community and live up to their promises.

“We are very optimistic because we believe that the council and the committee do want to act in support of the members in the local community.”

Hobsons Bay council said it was unable to respond until it received the petition.

Details: https://www.change.org/p/saveour-pool-williamstown-swimming-lifesaving-club ■ Club asks members for their views. Page 7

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Police focus on summer safety

By Jennifer Pittorino Williamstown police are gearing up for a busy summer period with their new summer policing strategy.

Senior Sergeant Vanesa Tzounas said as the warmer weather approaches, the waterfront areas will have an increase in patronage and with it an increase in community concern over anti-social behaviour.

She said Williamstown officers are ready to implement Operation Summer Safe, which will provide a proactive approach to crime and public order issues within the Williamstown and Altona beach precinct.

This framework will encompass both early engagement and a zero tolerance approach which Senior Sergeant Tzounas said will involve lots of planning and working with local traders and Hobsons Bay council.

“This way we can identify what their concerns are and have a collaborative approach to the summer policing period in terms of the proactive approach and enforcement approach,” she said.

From a policing point of view, Senior Sergeant Tzounas said they will be looking to reduce crime and manage public order issues.

“We are also aiming to increase public confidence and safety in the community and surrounds,” she said.

“The key focus for us in terms of policing will be to have a highly visible police and early engagement focus within individuals or groups who we know will frequent the area.

“We will be focusing on anti social behaviour in that area to make sure that the people that are visiting are having a great time and feeling safe and supported

in the community.”

Hobsons Bay council has appointed Victoria Police as authorised officers, which Senior Sergeant Tzounas said will allow police to enforce local laws.

“We will be able to give out penalty notices for drinking and those types of infringements,” she said.

“This is not something new, we do this year after year, but I think we’ll be able to build on the successes and the learnings from previous years to make sure that we have a really successful summer policing period here in Hobsons Bay leading to the communities feeling safe and supported.”

Senior Sergeant Vanesa Tzounas.

(Damjan Janevski) 369793_03

Petition heavy council meeting

Megan Walls and event organiser Kathy Mechenbier. (Jacob Pattison) 374396_01

It’s beginning to feel like Christmas With Christmas fast approaching, community groups and locals are organising events to help spread festive cheer.

The Williamstown Community and Education Centre is bringing back its Christmas in Williamstown event on Friday, December 8.

Williamstown Chamber of Commerce events chair Megan Leanne, said this year’s event is going to have the same charm as previous years with new fun.

“We are going to have Santa at his Grotto in Commonwealth Reserve where he will be riding around in a vintage fire truck at

different times throughout the day,” she said.

“Outside different businesses, tables will be set up for face painting and other arts and crafts.”

To keep the crowds entertained, live entertainment, music and special promotions from local traders will be scattered throughout the duration of the event.

Christmas cards, book signing, face painting and sip and shop will be available on Douglas Parade.

Glitter tattoos, kids and dogs photo fundraiser, arts and crafts, wine tasting and a chocolate fountain will be among the fun on

Ferguson Street.

“There will be mini hubs set up around as well as spots for people to do their shopping and then have the opportunity to get them wrapped on the day,” Ms Leanne said.

“We are joining the three main streets together by having these mini hubs set up and we all have more entertainment this year than ever before.”

Ms Leanne said they are expecting upwards of 1000 visitors to attend, which she said is great for local business.

Maribyrnong council accepted three petitions in its council meeting on Tuesday, November 21.

The three petitions titled, ‘Bring Back our Footscray Street Traders’, ‘Paintback Proposal Objection’ and ‘Eliminate Illegal Activity and Public and Private Nuisance on Suffolk St and Surrounds’, were brought to the council for consideration.

The traders petition received 1281 signatures asking the council to consider a solution that ensures an ongoing safe space for mini green market’ traders along the Leeds Street footpath in Footscray, that meets work health and safety requirements.

The Paintback petition received 310 signatures asking the council to reject Paintback’s planning application to build a facility, which will involve the crushing of paint cans and the release of post-processed fumes into the surrounding area, on Graingers Road, West Footscray.

The grounds for the petition is the alleged misuse of the existing site in breach of planning regulations and significant adverse impact to the amenity and health of the local community.

The third petition received 207 signatures.

The petition asked the council to lead the engagement of police and other legislative bodies in relation to the alleged activities and behaviour at a property on the corner of Suffolk and Montgomery streets, West Footscray.

The petitions will go to the chief executive for consideration.

Jennifer Pittorino

Contribute to new, 10-year Maribyrnong nature plan Maribyrnong council is asking locals to contribute to its first nature plan, a 10-year plan to help the council protect and enhance habitats and strengthen biodiversity across the municipality.

According to the council, prior to settlement, Maribyrnong was predominantly an open grassland, home to a diversity of vegetation, which created habitat for native wildlife such as the fat-tailed dunnart and were once ecologically rich communities of native orchids, daisies, lilies, peas and grasses.

The council said there is a close link

between preserving biodiversity and its goal of reaching zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, given biodiversity loss contributes to and is affected by climate change.

A council spokesperson said currently that much of the natural environment is endangered, including the Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, which once covered much of Victoria but of which there is now less than five per cent left.

“With the Maribyrnong River defining the north-eastern boundary [of the municipality], enjoying biodiversity and

2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 29 November, 2023

protecting our natural environment plays a key role in daily life in the municipality,” they said.

“Approximately 10 per cent of the municipality is open space, including sections located along the Maribyrnong River, which are thought to contain the majority of the municipality’s higher quality publicly accessible biodiversity values.”

Mayor Cuc Lam is encouraging residents to become involved.

“A healthy biodiversity brings multiple benefits including food and shelter, clean air

and water, improved mental health, increased recreation options, and safeguarding us against the impact of climate change,” she said.

“If we are to reap those benefits, we need to find ways to better protect and manage our natural habitat.

A community drop in session will be held on December 9, from 9am-1pm at the SloFo WeFo Farmers Market.

Feedback closes December 15.

Details: https://www.yourcityyourvoice. com.au/nature-plan

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Council locks in trader meetings

By Jennifer Pittorino Quarterly meetings been Hobsons Bay council and local trader groups will be held to issues and build relationships between all parties.

In its meeting on Tuesday, November 14, the council moved the motion to introduce the meeting with representatives of the Hobsons Bay trader associations, councillors and council’s senior leadership team.

This decision comes after a meeting took place on October 5, between councillors,

council officers and trader group presidents who expressed that the relationship between traders and council needed to improve to achieve better outcomes for the sector.

According to the council, the traders believe a collective meeting of presidents and council representatives would allow council to gain a better understanding of the economic climate the sector is facing and go a long way to forming a partnership approach to resolve issues affecting traders.

Councillor Peter Hemphill said traders want a better relationship with council.

“This should provide better outcomes for the traders associations but also their memberships and council,’ he said. “As we’ve heard, things are pretty tough for traders at the moment.”

“I think this will benefit all, I would certainly like to see council supporting small businesses, making sure that we do everything we can to make them prosper because they are such a big employer in the municipality at the moment.”

Councillor Daria Kellander said in her first two years on council, traders participated in

a monthly meeting called coffee with the mayor which were cancelled last year.

“Without these meetings the request to discuss items such as outdoor trading suffered,” she said.

“This disconnect and lack of communication needs to be resolved so we need meetings to continue.

“I’m happy to support this to bring back those meetings and make a commitment to continue having that two way discussion with council incorporating executives alongside our traders.”

Rescission call Three councillors want to rescind a motion by Maribyrnong council to support peace in Gaza.

At the November 21 council meeting, it was resolved that “council mourns the tragic and horrific loss of civilian lives in the current conflict and condemn all attacks that target civilians”.

Other recommendations included recognising that the constant bombing and the total siege of Gaza is traumatising for many Maribyrnong residents who have relatives in the region or have come from war-torn countries.

Councillors Anthony Tran, Cuc Lam and Michael Clarke have since put a recission motion into the chief executive which will be considered at the next council meeting.

Councillors Lam, Clarke and Sarah Carter all voted against the motion at the November 21 meeting, while all other councillors, including Cr Tran, voted in support of the motion.

As part of the motion, the councillors recommended they receive a report to explore options for the council to cancel contracts with companies that support Israel’s occupation of Palestine or profit from it, especially companies which supply equipment to the Israeli Defence Force. The motion also committed council to raising the Palestinian flag at the Braybrook Community Hub in the week following December 10, which marks International Human Rights Day. The council motion also included “writing to the prime minister and foreign minister strongly condemning the war crimes being carried out by Israel against the Palestinians in Gaza” and calls for “an immediate ceasefire and end to Israel’s indiscriminate bombing”.

Laverton Community Hub volunteers Lynne Naumovski, Lorraine McCarthy and Sophie Kocev.

Help out with Christmas hampers Hobsons Bay residents are being called on to help share the joy of Christmas and help those in need these coming holidays.

Hobsons Bay council has partnered with Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS) and the Hobsons Bay Crisis and Emergency Relief Committee to provide Christmas hampers for those that are most in need.

Each year local not-for-profit organisations help hundreds of individuals and families in need in the Hobsons Bay community and this year more people are needing a helping hand than ever before.

The council is calling for donations with all

non-perishable donations are welcome, but at this time the council is encouraging special donations to bring joy on Christmas.

These can include Christmas puddings, mini panettone, Christmas bon bons, pancake mix, relishes-jams-nut butters, sweet or savoury snacks, pasta and pasta sauces, instant noodles-soups, long life milks, teas and coffee, tinned fruit-beans-tuna-salmon, drinks which are non-alcoholic and toiletries.

Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler said Christmas is a special time, but it can be really challenging for many people.

“Particularly at the moment when so many are doing it tough financially,” he said.

“We have an incredibly generous community, and contributing to these hampers is a great way of bringing a little joy and hope to those in need.

“As the committed staff at LCIS well know, even a little can go a long way, so if you can, I encourage people to think about contributing to this appeal.”

The Hobsons Bay Crisis and Emergency Relief Committee is comprised of local organisations and service providers who assist those in need in the Hobsons Bay community.

Donations will be collected until December 8.

For a full list of drop off points: https:// shorturl.at/fnAB2

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Medical study takes next steps The next stage of the nation-leading Generation Victoria (GenV) research initiative is underway, with more than 110,000 of the littlest Victorians signed up to help inform the future of healthcare.

Medical Research Minister Ben Carroll recently visited the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in St Albans, to mark the next phase of the study as researchers continue Australia’s first and only study of the post-COVID generation.

The Gen V study was first launched in late 2020, with Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s as the first site in Victoria.

While face-to-face recruitment is now complete, the families of babies born during the eligibility period – from October 4, 2021, to October 3, 2023, – are encouraged to sign up as the study moves forward.

GenV is one of the world’s largest birth and cohort studies, and asks families involved to share information about themselves and the health and development of their newborn, via surveys and the collection of samples.

The next phase of the study will see researchers build a data repository and create data linkage to be used in trials and contribute to significant advancements in Victoria’s medical research field.

The study will provide insights into the impacts of the pandemic on the new generation of Victorians, exploring answers to complex health issues such as asthma, allergies, obesity and mental illness in children, and give insights into how genetic, environmental and other factors can influence GenV’s health.

Associate Professor Joanne Said says the study will produce “huge benefits” to the community in Melbourne’s west.

“We will be able to learn more about the long term impacts of conditions like gestational diabetes, one of the commonest conditions in pregnancy which affects nearly one in four pregnant women who we treat. And of course,

Associate Professor Joanne Said, mum Jazmin Cruz with daughter Sofia, and senior area manager Simone Quinton at the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s hospital. (Damjan Janevski) 375230_01

with recruitment occurring over the past two years, we will learn more about the long term health impacts of COVID in pregnancy.

“This study will help us understand much more about the health of mothers and babies and allow us to research medications, treatments and interventions over longer time periods and with a large group of people.”

Headquartered at the Murdoch Children’s

Research Institute the research also includes a bank to store biological samples provided by participants, such as breast milk and saliva, for further analysis and to support other research projects that will help better inform antenatal care providers.

Of the total participants, more than one in five are from regional Victoria and more than 7,000 live in a home where a language other than English is spoken, with more than

70 different languages represented across the study.

Participating families will receive regular communication to ensure they are fully aware of the project’s progression, how data will be used, and they can opt out of the study at any time.

For more information about GenV or to learn how to get involved retrospectively, visit genv.org.au.

Open your home and heart to a seeing eye dog Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs is asking Aussies to give back this holiday season by becoming carers for the latest litters of seeing eye dog puppies.

Each year, Seeing Eye Dogs breeds more than 200 puppies that enter the Seeing Eye Dogs program, providing life-changing support to Australians who are blind or have low vision.

According to Seeing Eye Dogs’ puppy development manager Jane Bradley, volunteer puppy carers play a vital role in preparing the pups for formal training and putting them on the right path to becoming future Seeing Eye Dogs.

“Puppy carers are an integral part of the training and development of seeing eye dogs.

Carers take puppies into their home when they’re about 12 weeks old and care for them until they enter formal training at around 12-15 months old,” she said.

“With carers, the focus is on the pups learning basic cues and socialisation skills; carers aren’t expected to have an extensive knowledge of dog training, but simply provide their time and love at no cost to them.

“We are there for our volunteers and the pups every step of the way. Our team provides everything the carers need, from puppy food through to covering vet bills and expert training advice.”

Not only do carers get to welcome an adorable seeing eye dogs puppy into their

home, they also get to feel good knowing they’ve helped to potentially change the life of someone who is blind or has low vision.

“The earlier we can place a puppy with a carer, the earlier they start learning the skills and behaviours needed to be a Seeing Eye Dog. Delays in placing puppies with carers have a flow on effect on the matching process between future seeing eye dogs and a person who is blind or has low vision,“ Jane said.

“For many of our clients, a Seeing Eye Dog is their key to being an active and independent member of the community.

Without the support of our puppy carers, we wouldn’t be able to train and develop the number of Seeing Eye Dogs we require to meet the needs of our client base.”

Princes Freeway inbound overnight closure in December In early-December 2023

The Princes Freeway inbound between Kororoit Creek Road and the M80 interchange is due to be closed overnight in early-December 2023.

This is so crews can safely remove an overhead gantry. Plan ahead and check the exact closure date and time at bigbuild.vic.gov.au More freeway closures will be happening over the coming months. Stay up to date at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12652347-RR48-23

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Leashes out for puppy training

By Councillor Daria Kellander If you’re like me and are lucky enough to have a dog, you’ll know what a special part of your family they are.

They’re not only great companions, they also help keep us active and get us meeting and interacting with people when we’re at the local park, cafe, beach or just down the street.

Our blue heeler puppy named Bluey, has been in the wars a bit lately after breaking her leg, so I can’t wait to see her back healthy and happy again as summer arrives.

Having our pups well trained is not only good for their safety and ours, it also just makes life so much easier.

I am pleased that Hobsons Bay council are coordinating some free group dog training sessions over summer to help equip local dog owners with skills to safely manage their pups in public.

Sessions are on December 2, January 13, and February 24 at the back of the Civic Centre in Altona.

In addition to training, they’ll be serving up coffee, a sausage sizzle, showcasing local businesses and offering giveaways.

Bookings are essential so please check out Dogs in the Park, on the council’s website for details.

If you’re hanging out locally over the summer period there are lots of fun, free, family-friendly events to look forward to.

The first big one is the Always Live music festival in Williamstown on Saturday, December 9, with many more events to follow.

Don’t miss our Christmas Carols,

Briefs Pedestrian death A pedestrian died following a collision in Footscray on Saturday, November 25. It’s believed the pedestrian was struck by two separate vehicles at the intersection of Hallenstein and Hopkins streets about 10pm.

Emergency services performed CPR but the woman died at the scene. The drivers of the two vehicles involved were uninjured and are assisting police with their enquiries.

Christmas events

Councillor Daria Kellander with Bluey. (Supplied)

Movies by the Bay in Altona, Seabrook and Williamstown, and the return of the Summer Sounds program kicking off in late January.

Please jump online or contact council customer service to find out the details of these free events.

Finally, I want to mention the issue of parking permits for our lifesavers at Altona and Williamstown.

Our lifeguard volunteers provide a vital service, and I fully support their request for parking permits while they’re volunteering to patrol our beaches. At the November meeting I raised the matter in ‘urgent business’ to resolve that council officers prepare a policy that considers the parking needs of our lifesaving clubs to be brought back to the December meeting where hopefully a positive outcome can be reached.

I am looking forward to being able to give our lifesaving clubs a permanent solution to address their parking needs. As the summer Christmas holidays approach, beach safety is paramount.

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Maribyrnong council is hosting the opening of Santa’s Workshop on Friday, December 1 at the Metro West Shopping Centre, from 12-2pm and 5-7pm. Visitors can enjoy a free hot drink and mini cinnamon buns at the lunch time opening party, or head to the evening session for more Santa pics, free face painting and a performance by the Glee Kids Choir. On Friday, December 8, the Braybrook Community Hub will host a picnic featuring Santa, a free sausage sizzle, a Wild Action Zoo wildlife show, Western Bulldogs activities, and Manny the Magician. For the third year in a row, council will be using the magic of AR to entertain and engage residents and visitors this Christmas.

These experiences include a search and find adventure for six cheeky AR elves in Yarraville, and a magical gingerbread hunt in West Footscray.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Social justice feedback wanted

By Jennifer Pittorino Maribyrnong council has approved a draft of its Social Justice Framework, which will now go to the community for public consultation.

At a meeting on Tuesday, November 21, council approved the framework for community consultation.

According to council, the draft Social Justice Framework 2023-2033 focuses on council’s role in advancing social justice and upholding human rights.

Councillor Bernadette Thomas said this is an important document for a community like Maribyrnong.

“Ours is built on issues of social justice,

working class communities, migrant communities, refugee and asylum seeker communities who all feel comfortable living in Maribyrnong,” she said.

“I would really encourage people to have a look at the document and give us your feedback, because social justice crosses almost everything that we do every day.

“It has major implications for where we live, how we live, how we relate to each other, how we connect to the natural environment and how we recognise the impact of colonisation of First Nations peoples.”

Councillor Michael Clarke said the framework has three goals, equity, inclusion and resilience.

“This is a great thing for our council, and a greater thing for our community,” he said.

“It aligns with our evolving health dynamics, our policy shifts and our commitment to human rights.

“It does this by upholding human rights and responding to council plans and objectives by providing a roadmap for equity and inclusion.“ Cr Clarke said the framework demonstrates councils care, compassion and concern for the Maribyrnong community.

“It comes from the grassroots, from the people, it comes from local government, what a wonderful thing.”

Mayor Cuc Lam finished the discussion

by saying this is top priority for people who come from different backgrounds and groups.

“These being, Aboriginal, LGBTQ, people with disability, children, older people, women, migrants, refugee people, and those experiencing poverty and homelessness,” she said.

“There are many people in this disadvantaged group, so we rely heavily on community consultation. We are here and listening to them.”

Following the public consultation process, council officers will incorporate feedback and seek endorsement of the final framework in March 2024.

A blooming joyful concert

Karen Ingram with the new community pantry. (Jacob Pattison) 369591_01

Community pantry opens it doors The Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona is the latest location in Hobsons Bay to receive a community pantry.

Manager Karen Ingram said it has become apparent that many people in the community are struggling.

“We see all kinds of people being a busy community centre, there are some people who are really struggling,” she said.

“Single people, young people, young families, they are all people who need a bit of a hand.

“They might not be able to make the money they are earning last for a full pay period, so

it is good to know they can come to us for help.”

The community pantry is located on the deck overlooking the veggie patch, accessible during business hours.

“We are aware that some of the other food pantries are accessible on a footpath at all hours, our aim is to have people engage with us so they feel like they have a sense of belonging and community,” she said.

“Of course if people don’t feel like talking they can just go straight through.

“We just want them to know they have the option to come and see our art exhibitions if

they choose to do so.”

The community pantry has been supplied

by ExxonMobil which asked the centre what it could do to help.

“People are starting to bring some items in, we have already seen a little bit of turnover already but we just want people to know it is there,” Ms Ingram said.

“Members of the community are welcome to drop off non perishable goods, preferably for the kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

“It would be great if the items could complement our edible garden produce which we get from the beds in our garden.”

The Westgate Concert Band is hosting a concert to celebrate the festive season.

Social media manager Philippa Saunders said 29 performers will play at the event, which she described as a symphonic celebration of all things that are spring and summery.

“We will have favourites from the symphonic wind repertoire that we really love playing, and it’s also going to have some recognisable classic corrals that people will recognise,” she said.

“We’ve got highlights from other shows that people will definitely know like the Greatest Showman and Hamilton, hopefully there is something in there for everyone. We hope people will be uplifted by the experience.”

Philippa said she hopes the show will entice more people to join as the band is always looking for new members.

“We accept people of any capability, we have people who are quite new and we have more experienced players,” she said.

“This works well because the new ones get mentored which is lovely and sweet.”

The group is made up from members ranging from 15-years-old to 74-years-old.

“We are a real intergenerational ensemble and community group.”

The event will be held at the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Saturday, December 2.

The Westgate Concert Band. (Supplied)

Donate blood and help save a life this festive season Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is hosting one last pop-up blood donor centre in Williamstown this year.

According to Red Cross, one in three people in Williamstown will need blood during their lives.

The pop-up centre will run from December 18 to December 29 at the Williamstown Town Hall.

Red Cross said booking beforehand is important if you are a donor or organising a Lifeblood Team.

This can be done through the app or on 13

14 95, it is recommended you get in early to grab the best time.

“Local legends like you are more important than you could ever guess, by spreading the word out in your backyard, you give life and hope to so many people across Australia,” said a Red Cross spokesperson.

“That’s worth a pat on the back.”

The Red Cross said cancer treatment, emergency surgery, road trauma and bleeding during childbirth are some of the most common uses for donated blood in Australia.

6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 29 November, 2023

A blood donation appointment takes around an hour.

The pop-up centre will be open December 18, 12.30-8pm, December 19, 20 and 21, 12-8pm, December 22, 8am-3 pm, December 26, 9am-3.30pm, December 27, 12-8pm, December 28 and 29, 8am-3pm.

There is also a pop-up centre running at Highpoint from December 5 through to January 5.

Details: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/ blood/donate-as-a-group#team-resultstallies

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Have your say on redevelopment

By Jennifer Pittorino The Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club (WS&LSC ) is seeking community feedback on plans to redevelop the club.

The Board of Directors said the survey is intended to gather past and current members’ views relating to the redevelopment concept designs that were released in October.

The $14.3 million redevelopment will involve retention of the pavilion, improved storage areas and amenities, a new cafe and public toilets, a new observation tower, gym, sauna and meeting spaces and improved landscapes.

The old pool will be demolished and removed.

The project is jointly funded by the state government, which pledged over $11.3 million in funding in 2021, and Hobsons Bay council which committed $3 million.

Past and current members, as well as members of the public are invited to participate.

This survey presents a series of questions to participants about member/public priorities, the current proposed concept plans, and the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the board.

President Claire Howell said the WS&LSC board and representatives have been working with state and local government over several years to lobby for and secure funding for the redevelopment.

“The current member survey is the first opportunity WS&LSC has been given to reach out to members,” she said.

“Council is running a Participate Survey but the board wanted more detailed insights from those who use the club facilities on a day to day basis to give weight to input to the design amendment process.

“It is important for the membership community to have a voice and for the WSLSC board to be in a position to advocate for the members.“ The public consultation process will continue until Saturday, December 9, during which time both members and the public can have their say through the Participate Hobsons Bay website.

Ms Howell said the survey provides an opportunity for the diverse membership to share their insights to inform the redevelopment process.

“Our priority is to continue to provide emergency services and for our volunteers to be able to execute their duties in a fit-for-purpose and adaptable operational space,“ she said.

“A space that reflects our own rich history as a Lifesaving Club and will sustainably support generations of Lifesavers to come, as we steadfastly keep our Williamstown community safe.”

This survey will be open until 11:59pm on Wednesday, November 29.

Details: https://participate.hobsonsbay.vic. gov.au/williamstown/wslsc

Footscray fireworks

The recipients of Slow Food’s Snail of Approval. (Jacob Pattison) 370631_01

Awarding food that is clean and fair food and beverage professionals who are maintaining the Slow Food philosophy.

“The usual mantra is food should be good quality, clean and chemical free and offering a fair price to customers, this accreditation recognises the people who fulfil those criteria,” she said.

“We started this year with groups which we have relationships with already, made through our farmers market and people we have been involved with at different times.

“We have ongoing relationships with these chefs and restaurants, so we wanted to give this round to those who we know.”

The winners of the three categories - chefs,

food artisans and primary producers - keep the accreditation for the whole of 2024.

The winners were Luigi Pozzoli and Sue Yong from Gigis Gelato, Jacqui Henshaw and Keith Smith from Travelling While Standing Still Gin, Tony Siciliano and Angelo Siciliano from Rose Creek Estate, Julie Bennett and Matt Wilkinson from Montalto, James Mele from The Meat Room, Lina Siciliano from Villa Varapodi, Rosa Mitchell from Rosa’s Canteen, Monica Carvasan from Lard Ass and Daniela Mollica from Isola Chianina.

Jennifer Pittorino

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Slow Food Melbourne has awarded 18 recipients with a stamp of approval and recognition of the work they do to promote local producers via the Snail of Approval program.

Footscray MP Katie Hall presented the awards to the recipients Tuesday, November 21.

Slow Food is an international movement originating in Italy. Slow Food Melbourne is a branch of the organisation which celebrates good, clean and fair food for all.

President Alison Peake said the Snail of Approval program recognises producers, artists, makers, chefs, restaurants, cafes and

Maribyrnong council hopes locals will head down to Footscray Park on Sunday, December 31, to see in the new year.

Proceedings will begin at 9:30pm when the family friendly fireworks go off , offering families and visitors a chance to revel in the festivities without the late-night city crowds.

A traditional Welcome to Country ceremony will take place next, followed

by Cool Out Sun. Next up, The Merindas will entertain with disco-pop tunes, followed by popular Australian band, Regurgitator.

Council said there will also be roving acts Sway and Indirect Objects, carnival rides, and games to keep the whole family entertained until the grand fireworks display.

Afterwards, Yacht Rock Revival is said to take the crowd back in time with their rock hits of the late ’70s and early ’80s.

Guiding the night will be MC Lizzy Hoo, a celebrated Australian comedian renowned for her unique humour and vibrant performances.

Families will have the option to pack a picnic and bring their own food or have the option to choose from an array of food trucks.

Council also encourages visitors to bring refillable bottles and reusable containers as this is a’ single-use plastic free’ event.

Mayor Cuc Lam said, “We’re thrilled to host what I’m sure will be another memorable New Year’s Eve event at Footscray Park”.

“A place that holds a special place in our community’s heart.”

Wednesday, 29 November, 2023 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 7

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Residents taken for a ‘free ride’

By Hannah Hammoud Residents in Melbourne’s west are calling the state government’s bluff, demanding urgent reform to the bus route network.

The Sustainable Cities collective has been actively campaigning for better buses in the west for two years. Now armed with a petition of more than 200 signatures, organisers are insisting the state government commit to a pilot reform in the west.

In May this year the state government announced changes to the process for recontracting bus companies, moving away from one-on-one negotiations to instead putting contracts out to a public tender for bus companies to bid on.

Sustainable Cities Collective coordinator Elyse Cunningham said the changes were highlighted by the state government as a way to make reforms to the bus network easier.

“The state government said that something they identified as a blocker to bus reform in the past was the fact that there were so many different bus operators that were running one to two routes across different parts of the network,” she said.

“In some parts of metropolitan Melbourne that was the case and we could see how that could be an issue that might make reform more difficult. But in the western suburbs, one company – CDC Victoria, runs the majority of the bus routes. So now we’re asking, if this one company is dominating most of the network in the west, why can’t the state government work with that contractor to reform routes in the west so that we can get bus reform now?”

Ms Cunningham said the organisation is calling for a “complete overhaul” of the bus network in the west.

“We don’t just want one or two new bus

Sustainable Cities Collective coordinator Elyse Cunningham at the Sunshine bus interchange. (Hannah Hammoud)

routes, we want a complete reconfiguration of the routes so that they will run along logical straight and direct paths and actually connect people to where they need to go.”

Ms Cunningham said for residents in Melbourne’s west, the average bus trip can take twice as long or more in comparison to other parts of Melbourne.

“In our experience the blame is always shifted from the state government, to the department,

to the bus company, and they all just point the finger at each other and really we just think it’s come down to a matter of political will,” she said.

“We think that consecutive Labor governments have taken the west for granted for decades now and it’s getting to a point now where the community in the west are starting to get really frustrated with this and they’re really sick of being taken for granted.

“That’s why we’re working with communities in the west to build that momentum for better buses and demonstrate to Labor that people aren’t going to let them take advantage of them …they’re sick of being taking them for a free ride.”

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams and former Transport Minister Ben Carroll were contacted for comment.

PFAS Independent Review Call for submissions Public submissions for the Australian Government’s Independent Review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination opened 9am AEDT Monday 23 October 2023 and close 9pm AEDT Sunday 3 December 2023.

The Review will focus on communities around RAAF Base Williamtown (NSW), Swartz Barracks (formerly known as the Army Aviation Centre Oakey) (QLD) and RAAF Base Tindal (NT). However, other communities affected by Defence’s historic use of PFAS are also able to make submissions.

In addition to calling for submissions, public hearings have been held at the three sites, details for remaining hearings are below.

Learn more about the public hearings on our website.

Andrew Ioannou, Christie Brill, Josie Cervini, Veence Liew, Sussan Woolley, Fatema Khatun, Abdoul Ba. (Ljubica Vrankovic) _373725_01

Upcoming public hearings:

Tree for giving to others

Details on how to join the virtual hearing will be provided upon registration.

Virtual hearings Wednesday 29 November 2023 • Session 1: 10am – 1pm • Session 2: 5:30pm – 8pm

Learn more and register Scan the QR code or visit the website below to learn more about the Review, including how to make a submission. Scanning the code will also provide details to register to speak at a public hearing or attend as an observer. www.pfasindependentreview.com.au Contact 1800 879 142 (9am – 5pm, Mon-Fri) pfas.submissions@defence.gov.au PO Box Q1084 Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230

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8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 29 November, 2023

BIG W shoppers in Maribyrnong will once again be able to donate to the annual Giving Tree at Highpoint Shopping Centre.

The spirit of the Giving Tree invites customers to share in the spirit of Christmas and support families needing a little extra support this year.

From now until Christmas Eve, customers can place an unwrapped gift under the Giving Tree.

BIG W has partnered with Good360 Australia to match all 177 stores with a local charity, this year the Giving Tree will support 106 organisations across Australia including women’s shelters, youth centres, homeless shelters and children in hospital.

In 2022, the Giving Tree initiative saw BIG W customers and staff collect and distribute over 10,000 gifts nationwide, with popular donations including toys, books, games, stationary and puzzles.

In addition to The Giving Tree Initiative, BIG

W is once again also supporting five children’s hospitals around the country by selling $2 and $5 tokens to raise much needed funds for life saving and life changing programs.

The Victorian proceeds of the tokens will benefit the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI).

Store manager Abdoul Ba said the store is thrilled to welcome back BIG W’s annual Giving Tree.

“It’s an initiative that embodies the true spirit of Christmas, giving our customers and BIG W team an opportunity to come together to give back in a meaningful way,“ he said.

“We’re dedicated to supporting Aussie families and making a real difference this Christmas.

“Last year we were able to generously distribute 10,000 gifts nationwide to a cross section of charities and we’re hoping to go above.”

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Honouring the Anzacs One bright student from Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, Braybrook, has been awarded the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize (SOAP), in the annual competition open to year 9-12 students.

Year 11 student Devansh Attrey is one of only 12 students out of 100 applicants who has been awarded the prize, and will embark on a trip to Turkey to retrace the steps of the Anzacs.

Students will go on a journey to explore Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping history, on the fully funded study tour to significant war heritage sites, connect with veterans and the ex-service community.

For his application, Devansh wrote an essay for submission, after being notified of the competition through his principal Robert Brennan and teacher Bernard O’Keefe.

At first, Devansh said he was shocked to receive the award but after having time to reflect he was left overwhelmed with joy.

“To be considered a winner of this award, means so much to me,” he said.

“As it gives me an opportunity to learn so much more than I have already known, in terms of Australia’s peacekeeping and wartime history.”

Earlier in November, Devansh had the opportunity to meet his fellow winners at Parliament House which was a a chance to get to know each other before the trip next year.

“I am absolutely thrilled to learn and grow further with my fellow prize-winners, as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

In the midst of his exams and other school priorities, Devansh managed to submit the essay for consideration, something he said he could not do without support from his parents, teachers, principal and friends.

“I am extremely proud to represent

Altona Pier takes shape

Devansh Attrey with his 2023 Premiers Award. (Damjan Janevski) 375019_03

my school and be a part of this diverse community.

I would encourage younger students to

NEWS

take on many opportunities and not miss them.”

Jennifer Pittorino

The Altona Pier is rapidly taking shape ahead of opening this summer.

The state government said the 310-metre long structure is well advanced, with all piles in place from The Esplanade foreshore into Port Phillip Bay, with decking installation underway.

According to the state government, the $11.9 million redevelopment will deliver improved accessibility and safety features including lighting, handrails and an emergency vehicle turning bay.

The pier’s precast concrete headstocks are almost all installed, with hardwood timber decking laid along much of the pier.

Works are also progressing to demolish and remove the old pier. Suitable timber is being salvaged for reuse in the Altona Foreshore Redevelopment and other public projects.

Parks Victoria said it is continuing to work closely with stakeholders and the community to minimise impacts while work is underway.

The government said extensive community consultation revealed support for preserving the old pier’s history - the use of salvaged timbers will be prioritised for projects within the precinct including a new pier entrance.

Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne said “It’s exciting to see the progress of Altona pier, with summer just weeks away, this will be a fantastic attraction for the community, tourists and traders”.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Advertising feature

Clinical psychologist and director of Mums Matter Psychology, Frances Bilbao.

(Jacob Pattison) 372507_01

Mental health help maternal and child health centres.

“I noticed a gap in the treatment services out there for people who may not be as acutely unwell where they would need high level public service, but also for those not able to afford a private practice setting either,” Ms Bilbao said.

“A pivoting point for the practice came with COVID-19 and the introduction of Telehealth that allowed for another level of accessibility.

For many women in this perinatal period it is difficult to get to healthcare appointments especially with a new baby.”

Ms Bilbao said it is an honour to have the dedicated efforts of her team be recognised with this award.

“Initially it started as just myself working half a day a week. Now we have grown to a team of 65 clinicians operating across Australia via Telehealth and servicing more than 2000 clients a year,” she said.

“We hope to continue offering services to more and more women.”

At Walsh-Brown Property Buyers, our track record is a testament to our commitment to excellence. We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch service without compromising integrity.

Get merry with the Irish A Celtic Christmas by Australian Irish dancing company Pace Live Entertainment will tap its way into Williamstown this December bringing an all-singing, all dancing, family-friendly treat.

The story centres around two star-crossed lovers who twirl beneath the mistletoe to award-winning Irish musicians.

The cast features Irish dancing legend, Sean Michael McHugh, who has just concluded 15 years with Lord of The Dance to become the Pace’s dance director.

Sean will perform alongside world-class musicians and exceptional Irish dancers to bring Australian audiences the very best in the industry.

Joining Sean will be the 2022 Senior Ladies World Champion in Irish Dance

Ciara Loughran.

The show delivers a heart-warming performance that will leave your feet tapping, eyes shining and your soul wanting more. Immerse yourself in the traditional Celtic landscape and let the magic of Christmas in Ireland transport you.

With a powerful mix of traditional tunes, heartfelt ballads and all your favourite carols, A Celtic Christmas combines incredible rhythms with jaw-dropping talent in an unforgettable night of storytelling.

This is a star-studded spectacular that you won’t want to miss. It’s at the Williamstown Town Hall on 3 December 2023.

For tickets head to https://www. atasteofirelandshow.com/

A Newport boy my whole life, I grew up at Sacred Heart Primary School and graduated high school at St. Pauls College, which is now known as Emmanuel College. I was born into a Maltese/Greek family and have a strong connection to my heritage.

Walsh-Brown Property Buyers is a trusted player in Melbourne’s residential property market, assisting both homebuyers and investors.

I love everything about the inner west – our community, lifestyle, parks and beaches.

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If you are looking to connect with me as a person, even before we talk real estate, give me a call.

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Leading perinatal psychology practice Mums Matter Psychology has won a 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards, taking out the award for championing health.

Clinical psychologist and director Frances Bilbao created the practice in 2015 with the aim of helping all women experience meaning and fulfilment in motherhood, as well as a positive relationship with their child.

The award acknowledges businesses focused on innovative solutions, improving health outcomes for every Australian. Ms Bilbao said the practice seeks to provide specialised psychological therapy to help support women’s mental health during the transition to parenthood, with an emphasis on making services both accessible and affordable.

Dedicated to providing affordable quality mental health care for pregnant and new mums in Melbourne’s western suburbs, the practice partners with three councils, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Brimbank councils to deliver face-to-face services from

The show delivers a heart-warming performance that will leave your feet tapping.

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MY PLACE Community leader and Hobsons Bay 2023 Citizen of the Year Nas Khan tells Jennifer Pittorino about her work in Seabrook and her connection to the inner west.

Can you tell us your name and title?

My name is Nas Khan and I live in Seabrook.

I moved from Singapore to Melbourne in the late 80’s to study and loved it so much that I stayed here. I came to live in Seabrook in 2005.

Tell us a bit about you and what you do?

I’m an autism teacher and am very passionate about my work. I just love seeing the gains the children make. This is a field I have been in for about 40 years now.

I’m also a huge animal lover and very passionate about animal advocacy and responsible pet ownership. I have had three Staffordshire bull terriers in the past and now have two Tenterfield terriers. We also enjoy the company of our neighbour’s cat who thinks she is the owner of the house . Often I would come home to find her sleeping with my dogs!

Tell us about your work in the community?

It all started when when I tried to get drinking fountains for dogs installed in the park. From there, it took off to bigger things. Some of the things I have done with the collaboration of the community.

This involved putting submissions in to council to get things such as a mural at Seabrook Shopping centre, a monthly coffee cart at our monthly community event and upgrades in the parks.

I run our local community group with three other wonderful people, we hold events such as Easter, Christmas, the Seabrook garden

Nas Khan. (Supplied)

produce meet, the monthly coffee cart, Dawn service and so many more.

I love seeing the community connected , the brainstorming , the development of friendships and the collaboration to make

Seabrook a wonderful and vibrant community.

How did it feel to be awarded citizen of the year I am grateful to be chosen and awarded Citizen of the Year. I am embarrassed by

the attention it has brought as I like to work quietly behind the scenes. I don’t really see what the fuss is about because I’m the sort of person who springs into action as soon as I see an issue and work to rectify it.

What are your goals for the coming year?

Plenty! There are still a few projects I have in mind and would like to put in place.

What’s your connection to Maribyrnong/ Hobsons Bay? What do you like about where you live?

I bought my first house in Seabrook about 18 years ago.

We are a small community in Hobson Bay but we are very connected. Our community is also multicultural and recently, we started organising a few multicultural events to educate the community about different cultures, customs and traditions.

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

The traffic. The traffic is just crazy !

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

I love going the beach or walking along Skeleton Creek with my dogs and my camera.

I also quite a homebody, listening to music ,pottering around in the garden or just being with my dogs.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

That I’ve never had dogs in my life and was afraid of them.

Community grants encourage local participation

By Jennifer Pittorino More than 20 groups in Maribyrnong will benefit from $255,000 worth of grants from Maribyrnong council’s community grants program.

The council have awarded grants to 24 groups for special projects and one-off events after an independent panel reviewed 61 applicants.

A number of themes were evident across all applications received this year including building connections in the community, supporting mental health and wellbeing, opportunity for play for young people and families.

The recipients are the Australian Multicultural Community Services, Laneway Learning, VietSpeak, One Ball, Rawcus Theatre Company, Polyglot Theatre, Western Region Ethnic Communities Council, East African Women’s Foundation, I’m Still Learning, Jane Hearn, The Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House, Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association, Angliss

Charlotte Cameron, Hannah Veljanovska and Emily Bartush from Genzine. (Jacob Pattison) 357783_01

Neighbourhood House, Indochinese Elderly Refugees Association VIC, Association of Senior Filipino-Australians of Victoria

Inc, Maribyrnong Truck Action Group (MTAG), , Bruh Tesfa Ethiopian Youth and Parents Association Inc, Tigrian Community

Association in Victoria, Macedonian Pensioners Association of Footscray, Heads Together for ABI and the Association of Filipino Australian Families of Melbourne Social Club.

Genzine, which received two grants for separate programs, is a global grassroots media community for young voices strives to educate readers on a variety of social issues.

The two grants are for the projects titled Gen-Generator and rainbow yoga, chat and chai.

Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam noted the grants program is a fantastic opportunity to reinvigorate the city at a grass roots level.

“From hands-on basic home maintenance courses, to Friends of Maribyrnong Social Cafe and VietSpeak’s Languages in Community Day, there are a number of projects and events that not only highlight the vibrant and diverse culture of our city; but celebrate our community and encourage participation,” she said.

“I am looking forward to seeing the successful applicants bring their ideas to life.”

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Desperate walk for visa equality Twenty-two refugee women were welcomed home on Sunday, November 19, after walking 640km from Melbourne to Canberra calling for an end to 10 years of visa uncertainty for 10,000 refugees living in Australia. Liam McNally went to the homecoming and heard about their plight and hopes for a permanent future in their adopted home.

H

arini Rathnakumar, spent her formative years in Melbourne’s west – going to school, making friends and working in Sunshine, which she calls home.

It wasn’t until after high school when she attempted to attend university to become a doctor that she learnt the difference between a “normal” Australian citizen, and someone going through the Fast Track visa system.

“That’s the moment that I realised that I’m not a complete Australian,” she said.

“That’s when I came to know that Australia didn’t really want me here.”

Now 21, Harini fled the Sri Lankan civil war with her family when she was just three.

Her Tamil family first sought refuge in India where they were constrained to what Harini called a “limited, poor life” and at 10 years old she left her siblings and mother behind to come to Australia with her father.

She hasn’t seen her mother and siblings since.

Despite having been in Australia for nearly a decade, when she wanted to apply for university she was asked to pay the international student fee of $95,000.

Even with the expensive fee and not having access to loans, Harini managed to enter a biomedical science degree, but due to rising costs and her father falling ill, she fell behind on payments and had to pull out of the course four months before finishing.

“The only thing I had was my education…

I was going to give back to Australia by becoming a doctor but they didn’t give me the opportunity,” she said. “We want to be a part of this country, it is our home.”

Early this year the federal government announced it would provide a pathway to permanent residency for 10,000 refugees with Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV).

At the time, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said it makes no sense - economically or socially - to keep people who pay taxes, start businesses, employ Australians and build lives in our communities “in limbo”.

However the Resolution of Status (Ros) visas offered to these refugees was not offered to Harini, and about 10,000 others on Bridging Visas and engaged in the ’Fast Track’ visa process.

Once it became clear to Harini her family would not be offered RoS under the change, she found it difficult to speak to her family in India, who were expecting to finally see her.

“That kind of caused a drift between me and my mum because I didn’t want to shatter her hope,” she said.

“I kind of distanced myself from my family.

They would ask me when they can see me. I used to talk to them very often. I used to be very hopeful. I used to give my mum hope that she

Left: Harini Rathnakumar. (Barat Ali Batoor) Top right: The 22 women pictured with Senator Janet Rice, Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele O’Neil, HACSU state secretary Paul Healey and Human Rights Law Centre acting director Sanmati Verma. Right: Refugee Women’s Action for Visa Equality on their 640km walk. (Barat Ali Batoor)

would be able to see me very soon… I don’t talk to them as often now.”

It was these experiences that inspired Harini to join the Refugee Women’s Action for Visa Equality group, made up of 22 Tamil and Iranian women united by living under the limitations of short term bridging visas, in walking for 27 days from Melbourne to Canberra.

On September 22 they embarked on the walk because of the desperation they said that they and about 10,000 others affected by Australia’s ’Fast Track’ visa policy feel after waiting for more than a decade for permanent visas.

The group battled blisters, snakes and weather along the way. Harini said that there were days she woke up dreading another 30km walk, but she was determined to finish the journey.

“It was very physically challenging, but my will pushed through all that, I wanted to bring it out into the light, I wanted our voices to be heard,” she said.

On their arrival to Canberra on 18 October, the women met with a number of politicians to express the devastating impacts caused by the lack of permanent visas.

Independent Senator David Pocock spoke about their plight in parliament shortly after meeting them.

“An hour ago I had the privilege of meeting a courageous group of women who’ve just finished an epic 640 km journey on foot from Melbourne,” Senator Pocock said.

“They have come to this place, parliament house, the people’s house, to ask us for safety, security and certainty to rebuild their lives.

“Here with them are their daughters and granddaughters, many of them born in Australia. After 10 years living in our communities, working, learning, and growing together with all of us, their home is here. “…so many young people who have grown up here feel like they’re not being appreciated despite wanting to contribute, desperately wanting to be part of Australia and contribute.”

On November 19 a homecoming event was held for the group at Trades Hall in Carlton co-hosted by the Refugee Advocacy Network, Rural Australians for Refugees and the Health and Community Services Union, three of the groups which supported the women.

The evening included speeches from Greens Senator Janet Rice, Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele O’Neil and a discussion around how to continue momentum and advocacy action.

Samira Zadeh, an Iranian refugee from Mill

Park, said she came to Australia in 2013 because of the lack of freedom and safety for women in Iran.

“It breaks my heart that I have not been able to see my mother for 10 years. Without permanent visas, my children will never be able to meet their grandmother,” she said.

“We all have such pain in our hearts. Without permanent visas, none of the 10,000 can ever be reunited with family overseas. We worry every day about whether we will see them again.

“Our three beautiful children were born in Australia but they don’t have access to Medicare. My 4-year-old twins don’t even have bridging visas and can’t attend childcare.”

Harini said she had a message for Andrew Giles.

“We were forced to flee our countries… I have come to call Australia home, and I don’t want to be separated from this country. I want to belong here,” she said.

“This has become our country, we have friends and families and we’re a part of this community. Why does he not see that?

“I want him to step into our shoes for a minute… It just takes him one signature to change all our lives.”

Andrew Giles was contacted for comment.

from an outlet near you

It's FREE CHECK THEM OUT

12643460-ET43-23

14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 29 November, 2023

SCAN TO FIND YOUR OUTLET

starweekly.com.au/find-my-newspaper

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Musicians welcome Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join the community band.

Rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden OAM every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport.

Visitors and interested musicians any age most welcome.

■ Hannah Prouse, hbcityband@gmail.com or www.hbcb.org.au

Williamstown book sale Friends of Williamstown and Newport Libraries hold a book sale every second Saturday of each month 9.30am-12.30pm.

The book sale is held in the friends’ room.

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 and 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 https://ow.ly/TQ3j50PP1Ap

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of MaryJane Amos who was awarded a scholarship to help her business, Muvebox - a sustainable alternative to cardboard moving boxes. (Damjan Janevski) 374073_01

Computer classes for beginners Computer classes are run on a wide range of times and days, at both Altona North Community Centre, and Joan Kirner House in Williamstown.

■ Lynne, 9397 6168

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

Palliative volunteers needed

Art workshops

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

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

Willin Wimmin choir Williamstown-based women’s community choir Willin Wimmin is currently welcoming new members. The group meets each Wednesday evening in school terms in the Church of Christ hall at the corner of John Street and Douglas Parade, Williamstown from 7.30pm-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. ■ 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

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

■ Mike 0417 622 372

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

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

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-2.30pm.

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 or cherrylakemarket@ gmail.com

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

■ 9397 6168

Free community morning tea A free community meeting tea occurs every Wednesday at 11am in Joan Kirner House foyer, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Williamstown Craft Market 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

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

There will also be live music. From 10am4pm.

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

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 dinner

Musicians Wanted Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? The

Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am to noon at Braybrook College.

■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Free walking group A free walking group meets every Wednesday, during school terms, at 10.15am from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

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

■ John, 0418 377 336

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

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

Altona Repair Cafe The Altona Repair Cafe are looking for more repairers to help meet community demand for repairs at their monthly repair events!

We are particularly looking for people with skills in repairing electricals and textiles!

Repair cafes happen on the first Saturday of the month, 12-3pm.

■ Danielle, 0413 434 082

Social card games Interested in playing social card games?

Canasta, poker and/or others. Weekday mornings or afternoons at 43 Mason Street, Newport.

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

Wednesday, 29 November, 2023 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 15

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.

easy

2

5 9 4 3 1 3 7 1 6 2 9 3 2 4 6 7 5 8 3 2 4 5 1 9 5 3 6 7 9 4 medium

8 2 3 4 9 2 3 6 3 2 2 4 6 9 1 6 9 7 2 8 5 3 4 8 9 6 2 1 6 8

QUICK CROSSWORD

Defeat (9) External forms of something (6) Copies data (9) Pink, wriggly creature that lives in soil (9) Express regrets (9) Official collection of data on a population (6) Jail (6) Machine for shaping wood (5) Fad (5) Pacifier (5)

8 10

ACROSS Plague insect (6) Coffee (8) Open shoes (7) Engine (7) Direction (11) Hormonal disease (8) Circumvent (5) H2O (5) Valuable hand-me-down (8) Keyboard instrument (11) Creates (7) Athletic ground (7) Extremely hot (8) Cure (6)

1 4 9 11 12 13 15 18 19 22 25 26 27 28

No. 161

13 14 16 17 20 21 23 24

DOWN Looped rope (5) Close friend (9) Country (5) Apex (6) Storyteller (9) Seasoning (5)

1 2 3 5 6 7

DECODER

No. 161

hard

8 7 7 5 6

2

1

8

8

9

10 11 12 13

23

24

25

26

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 25 words: Very good

N

E

3 LETTERS ACE ALL APT ARE ASH ASK BAD BAN CAR CAT DNA EBB END GNP HIM ODE RUE TNT TOO USE WOK YEN

* ( < 6 ( 5 6

ARENA CANON CELLO COCOA COMAS CORDS DENIM DOUSE DRONE ELUDE ENTER IDEAL INCUR ITEMS MEDAL MELTS NAVEL NOVEL OKING PACED

4 LETTERS DAIS DASH DISC EYES HATS SICS STEP STOW TSAR WRAP 5 LETTERS ABIDE ACIDS ADULT ALIBI AORTA AREAS

PASSE PAVED RISEN ROSES SAGAS SCABS SELLS SENSE SLABS SLEWS SMEAR STEAM SWATS TONNE TRADE TREAT TURNS UNCUT URGES WADED

INGRAIN PATTERN VERSING

WASTE WATER 6 LETTERS ACUMEN CEASES NEARER RIGOUR SCORER SNIPES 7 LETTERS DIARIES GEYSERS GIRDERS

8 LETTERS ALLERGIC AROMATIC VENERATE VETERANS 10 LETTERS PRECEDENTS ROTISSERIE

01-12-23

No. 161 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

16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 29 November, 2023

1

3

R E A S

Y

H E S S O R T A A R E S

A

QUICK QUIZ

2

A

S

S

D D L Y

R

O

O

T

C

N

No. 161

condense, CONDENSED, cone, coned, cones, conned, cons, dense, descend, done, donee, donned, dons, encode, encoded, encodes, ended, ends, need, needs, neon, node, nonce, none, nose, nosed, once, scene, scone, second, seconded, seen, send, sodden

2 4 3 9 5 6 8 7 1 8 1 9 3 4 7 2 5 6 7 6 5 2 8 1 4 3 9 3 9 4 7 6 8 1 2 5 6 8 1 5 3 2 7 9 4 5 7 2 4 1 9 3 6 8 4 3 7 8 9 5 6 1 2 9 2 6 1 7 4 5 8 3 1 5 8 6 2 3 9 4 7

S

D

C A C

8 1 3 2 4 6 5 9 7 6 2 7 8 9 5 4 3 1 9 4 5 3 7 1 6 8 2 7 6 1 9 5 8 3 2 4 3 9 2 4 6 7 8 1 5 4 5 8 1 2 3 9 7 6 2 8 4 5 1 9 7 6 3 5 3 6 7 8 2 1 4 9 1 7 9 6 3 4 2 5 8

5 1 8 6 2 9 4 7 3 4 9 2 3 7 1 5 8 6 6 3 7 8 4 5 2 9 1 2 4 3 5 8 6 7 1 9 7 8 1 9 3 2 6 4 5 9 5 6 7 1 4 3 2 8 8 6 5 2 9 7 1 3 4 3 7 4 1 5 8 9 6 2 1 2 9 4 6 3 8 5 7

E

1

E

D

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

D

22

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

34 words: Excellent

hard

R

21

medium

O

20

9-LETTER WORD

4

easy

O

7

S U 19

1 5

C

6

18

5

C

5

17

4 8

4

5x5

4

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

3

9 2 1 5 8 2

3

XQ T J D K A R H L Y Z G

3 6

2

E P O F I N V WM B C S U

6

16

9

15

5

14

4

WORDFIT

4 5

Pedro Pascal (pictured) and Bella Ramsey star in which TV series adapted from a video game?

What are the two ingredients that form the Italian cheese burrata?

Who is the captain of the Port Adelaide Football Club?

Which radio station hosts the annual Hottest 100?

Who won the 2022 Australian Open Men’s singles title?

What is the heaviest bird in Australia, weighing up to 76 kilograms?

7 The Great Sphinx of Giza has the head of a human and the body of a what?

8 Who plays Saul Goodman in the TV series Breaking Bad? 9 For which US state did Kamala Harris serve as attorney general?

10 In which year was the luxury sunglasses company Ray Bans first released?

6

ANSWERS: 1. The Last of Us 2. Mozzarella and cream 3. Tom Jonas 4. Triple J 5. Rafael Nadal 6. The cassowary 7. A lion 8. Bob Odenkirk 9. California 10. 1937

No. 161

6 & $ % 6 : $ ' ( ' 6 : $ 7 6 $ / , % , & 2 & 2 $ 0 ( ' $ / ( / 8 ' ( 6 / $ % 6 2 . , 1 * $ / / : $ 7 ( 5 & $ 5 ' 1 $ & ( $ 6 ( 6 5 2 7 , 6 6 ( 5 , ( 7 . * ( < 6 ( 5 6 3 $ & ( ' 5 , 6 ( 1 + $ 7 6 $ 5 2 0 $ 7 , & 6 , & 6 5 8 ( 3 $ 7 7 ( 5 1 9 ( 5 6 , 1 * ( 1 ' 6 7 2: 9 ( 7 ( 5 $ 1 6 ' $ 6 + 8 5 * ( 6 3 $ 6 6 ( , 1 * 5 $ , 1 < ' $ & 8 0 ( 1 3 5 ( & ( ' ( 1 7 6 $ 3 7 ' 5 2 1 ( $ 5 ( % $ 1 , 1 & 8 5 6 7 ( $ 0 1 2 9 ( / $ 2 5 7 $ , ' ( $ / ' 2 8 6 ( 5 2 6 ( 6 0 ( / 7 6 ( 1 7 ( 5

SUDOKU

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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CALL 1300 666 808 Wednesday, 29 November, 2023 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORTS QUIZ 1. What is the mostwatched sport in the US?

4. Emma Kearney plays for which AFLW team?

2. Founded in Germany, the IRF is the international federation for which sport?

5. Why are hockey pucks frozen before games?

6. At the Cricket World Cup, Virat Kohli broke the record for most ODI centuries; who previously held the record?

3. The Tour Down Under is a cycling race that takes place in which Australian state?

7. Name the first Australian to play in the NBA. 8. Ginga is the name of the rhythmic sidestepping footwork in which martial art?

9.

In board sports, does someone who is goofy-footed lead with their left or right foot?

10. Who was the number one draft pick at the 2022 NAB AFL draft, and which team did he go to?

11. An albatross in golf is how many strokes under par?

12. Travis Head is from which Australian city?

David Beckham

Serena Williams

14. Who is the current captain of the Gold Coast Suns?

15. LA King Jordan Spence is the first ice hockey player with what citizenship to play in the NHL? 16. Controversially, who won the 2019 Cricket World Cup final?

17. And why was it controversial?

24. Which young footballer did West Coast select with the number one pick in the 2023 AFL draft?

18. What is the nickname of Ottawa’s NHL team?

19. The Jillaroos are which Australian sports team?

25. By what scoreline did Australia defeat Bangladesh in their recent World Cup qualifier?

20. When did Serena Williams win her first singles title?

21. How many times has Australia won the Men’s Cricket World Cup?

23. Which bowler took the most wickets for Australia in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final?

29. For how many NBA games was Draymond Green suspended, for a recent incident involving Rudy Gobert?

30. In which boxing weight division are Dylan Biggs and Nikita Tszyu set to compete for an Australian national title?

26. What year is Football Australia’s recentlyannounced National Second Division set to kick off in?

22. Which batsman topscored for Australia in the Men’‚s 2023 Cricket World Cup final?

28. Jacob Jackomas most recently coached which NBL team?

27. From May 2020 until November 2023, Hamish McLennan served as chairman of which national sport governing body?

1. American Football 2. Rafting 3. South Australia 4. North Melbourne 5. To reduce bounce 6. Sachin Tendulkar 7. Luc Longley 8. Capoeira 9. Right foot 10. Aaron Cadman, GWS 11. Three 12. Adelaide 13. 2013 14. Jarrod Witts 15. Japanese citizenship 16. England 17. The winner was decided by the boundary count-back rule after a tie 18. Senators 19. Women’s rugby league 20. 1999 21. Six 22. Travis Head (137 runs) 23. Mitchell Starc (three wickets) 24. Harley Reid 25. 7-0 26. 2025 27. Rugby Australia 28. Illawarra Hawks 29. Five 30. Super welterweight

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

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MOTOR

It’s a case of carry on, Corolla

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring When the first Corolla made landfall in Australia in 1966, few people would have predicted half a century later the tiny vehicle, through sedan, hatch and wagon, becoming the world’s most popular car.

Former Toyota Australia executive Rex Gilham, one of the men responsible for bringing Corollas Down Under, says just 15 cars were in the first shipment in November 1966, the first vehicles to be exported from Japan.

These went on sale in 1967. A year later, first locally produced models left Australian Motor Industries’ plant in Port Melbourne, which previously had built Standard Triumph and Mercedes-Benz vehicles among others.

Now, along comes a Cross version, a family-friendly small SUV squatting alongside the C-HR between the smaller Yaris Cross and family favourite RAV4. The all-new Corolla Cross comes to market in three grades – GX, GXL, and Atmos – in petrol and petrol/electric hybrid and two- or all-wheel drive.

Prices open at $33,000 for the GX petrol 2WD, with hybrid adding $2500. Then comes three GLXs in petrol and hybrid in two- or all-wheel drive and on to range-topping Atmos, again in petrol and hybrid, signing off at $49,050. All totals are without on-road costs.

On test was the GX hybrid at $35,500, which like all Corolla Crosses, is the first Toyota in Australia to feature the new-generation Toyota multimedia system.

The Corolla Cross is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, which offers up to five years unlimited kilometre coverage extending to seven-years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000 km and each 12-month/15,000 km service costing $230.

Something old, something new, there’s no stopping the latest Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. (Pictures: Supplied)

Styling The GX is distinguished on the outside by 17-inch alloy wheels, LED head and tail-lights, automatic high beam, daytime running lights, heated and auto retractable door mirrors and a shark fin antenna.

Character lines flow from the bonnet to the taillights. Black wheel arch and sill mouldings denote the vehicle’s SUV intent with a hatch-top spoiler adding a sporty look.

The trapezoidal radiator grille is repeated at the rear with the taillight shape, while the rear fenders present a flared and tapered look, not least to the narrowed roofline and shape of the tailgate around the numberplate. A two-tone black-and-silver bumper completes the rear end.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Corolla Cross GX Petrol: $33,000 Corolla Cross GX Hybrid 2WD: $35,500 Corolla Cross GXL Petrol: $36,750 Corolla Cross GXL Hybrid 2WD: $39,250

Interior The Corolla Cross cabin mostly mirrors the Corolla hatch and sedan, with a roomier and airier space that retains the sharp styling and convenient layout of its siblings.

The GX comes standard with automatic climate control, a 7-inch digital multi-information display, electric park brake, smart entry and start, fabric seats, 60:40 split-folding rear seats and a luggage cover.

The interior offers a wide, spacious feel, thanks to extra headroom and greater vision of the Corolla Cross. Compared to the sedan, the eye level for drivers sits 130mm higher, allowing for excellent visibility all round.

An extra 43mm of front headroom is available compared to the sedan, with an additional 81mm for rear passengers. Corolla Cross offers 436 litres of boot space with the rear seat-backs in place in GX and GXL petrol models. For Atmos petrol, and GX and GXL 2WD hybrid, rear boot space is slightly less at 425 litres.

Corolla Cross GXL Hybrid AWD: $42,250 Corolla Cross Atmos Petrol: $43,550

Through the myToyota Connect app, owners can undertake such things as remotely checking the status of the doors and lights, access information such as the vehicle’s last known location and recent trips, or start the engine or climate control. The first 12 months are complimentary, thereafter a basic connection fee of $9.95 a month or $12.50 including multi-media functions.

Engines/transmissions Hybrid 2WD versions of the Corolla Cross employ a 2-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine teamed with an electric motor on the front axle for a combined maximum power output of 146 kW. The all-wheel drives add a second electric motor on the rear axle, with consumption, according to Toyota, staying as low as 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test.

Infotainment The Corolla Cross is the first Toyota in Australia to feature the new-generation Toyota multimedia system. This can be controlled via an 8-inch touchscreen display or steering wheel controls, and offers wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio and quality sound reproduction from a six-speaker audio system.

Safety The upgraded Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features new technologies including lane change assist and safe exit assist.

Eight airbags and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection adaptive cruise control including curve speed reduction, auto high-beam, lane

departure warning, lane keep assist and lane trace assist (centring), speed sign assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and reversing camera lead to a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid 2WD: $46,050 Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid AWD: $49,050 OPTION Premium paints $675 SPECIFICATIONS

Driving Family friendly fits the bill here. As mentioned above, driving the Corolla Cross compared to its sibling sedans and hatchbacks takes on a new level of comfort and convenience through extra cabin dimensions and cabin glass. Ease of handling at low speeds adds to the confidence of parking in small spaces.

Pity about the absence of parking sensors and 360-degree camera.

On the road, the Corolla Cross gets under way under electric power, the petrol motor cutting in to lend a hand with any load increase and to help charge the battery, the latter continues under deceleration and braking. Revving hard the motor is noisy. Mated with a CVT, there’s nothing spectacular, just a competent feel.

Fuel consumption of the test GX, with help from only one electric motor, returned values of between 4.3 and 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres over a range of town-and country driving conditions. Needless to say, the maker claims the lower value on the combined urban/

Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol / hybrid, CVT, RWD SUV

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

highway cycle.

The ride is comfortable and there is a lack of surprises in handling capability. The steering is light but accurate in pointing the car in the right direction.

Summary Issues such as the pandemic, semiconductor chip shortages, plus supply chain problems have stopped manufacturers like Toyota keeping cars flowing into Australia. The Corolla Cross is no exception, with wait times from six months for the 2WD petrol, extending to two years for the range-topping Atmos AWD Hybrid. It’s a far cry from the smooth Toyota terrain of the past, more’s the pity.

Wednesday, 29 November, 2023 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 19

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Hitting runs across the grounds There was plenty of local sporting action across Melbourne’s north-west including in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICIA VRANKOVIC managed to capture some of the action.

Brenton Cook (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Ben MacRae (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Devin Leay (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Dean Russ (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Geeth Alwis (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Saaransh Mahay (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Jeremy Young (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Dilum Weerarathna (Ljubica Vrankovic) 20 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 29 November, 2023

Dilum Weerarathna (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Thilina Masmulla (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Deakyn McIntyre (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Jordon Young (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Kaushik Jagannathan (Ljubica Vrankovic)

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Bilszta is tough under pressure Rosie Bilszta competes in a sport that is only fed into our lounge rooms every four years.

The 15-year-old competes in artistic swimming, which is formerly known as synchronised swimming, and recently returned from Greece after competing in the 2023 FINA Youth Artistic Swimming Championships where Australia finished 14th out of 36 teams.

“I was one of 12 selected to represent Australia following a series of training camps,” she said.

“It was an amazing experience, one that I will build on to fulfil my dream of representing Australia at the Olympics.”

Bilszta loved gymnastics, dance and swimming as a young girl growing up in West Footscray but wanted to try something different and fell in love with artistic swimming.

She has an infectious tone and is full of passion for her sport. She said that it’s anything but easy.

“Two girls in the championships had to be saved by pool lifeguards after getting into difficulty completing the routine,” she said.

Like aerial skiers, artistic swimmers do most of their training on land with a typical week

consisting of four nights a week.

All of the water routines are practiced on land.

“We are then into the pool for two to three hours of rehearsal and practice,” Bilszta said.

“Once in the water our warmup includes sprint training and then sync based routines called sculling, which is treading water and using your arms to stay afloat making figure eight patterns.”

Bilszta’s strength is her strength with her role in the team to push or lift up the support swimmer with the performer on top of her.

What she doesn’t tell you is for the whole routine her feet cannot touch the bottom of the pool.

“If our feet touch the bottom of the pool we are immediately disqualified,” she said.

“My body strength is required to push others up and out of the water.”

Bilszta is part of a team based at Victoria University run by Anna Nepotacheva.

Bilszta’s success has come off the back of some very hard work and undeniable talent.

In the past two years alone, her team has won state and national titles in the various

forms of artistic swimming, including first place in the free routine 13-15 year old state championships earlier this year.

“My aim is to represent Australia at an Olympic Games, whenever that might be,” she said. “The current Australian team consists of team members who range in age from 18 to 25.”

Bilszta currently attends the Maribyrnong Sports Academy where her coaches work hand in hand with strength and conditioning staff at the college to help her develop her performances.

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bendigo Bank, the Deer Park Club, Medway Golf Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact wrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

Peter Howe

Like father, like son

Jeka surprised to land at Geelong

By Harper Sercombe Calder Cannons’ forward-ruck Jordan Croft is officially a Western Bulldogs player.

The Bulldogs matched the Sydney Swans’ bid at pick 15 in the AFL draft on Monday night, securing the athletic tall forward as a father-son prospect, after formally nominating the Dogs as his preferred destination last month.

The 18-year-old booted 33 goals in the talent pathway this year, representing both the Cannons and Vic Metro.

Croft is also a product of the Maribyrnong College, and is the school’s second ever first round draft pick, following in the footsteps of Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters.

While Croft’s nerves weren’t as palpable as some of the other draft hopefuls on Monday night, with his fate through the father-son system somewhat decided, he said it was a relief when his name was read out.

“It’s a bit of a weight off my shoulders now,” he said.

“It’s so exciting to join the club I’ve been involved in from such a young age, I just can’t wait to get stuck into it.

“It’s a special club for the family, to be able to represent them is something that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. It’s been a goal from a young age for me as well as the family.

“It’s definitely special, growing up watching your favourite players with your brother and siblings, it’s going to be an honour to be able to pull on the jumper and play for the team you’ve been barracking for your whole life.”

The son of utility Matthew, who managed 72 goals from 186 games in the red, white and blue across 14 seasons, said his dad has always been an inspiration for him.

“He’s been a role model throughout my life and I’ve always wanted to follow what he does, and to have the opportunity to do that now is going to be really enjoyable,” he said.

His dad shared the sentiment, as he said he was proud to be able to share the Kennel with his son.

“Being a one-club player myself and then for Jordan to get the opportunity to play at the same club, it’s very special,” Matthew said.

However, it was not a dream ride to the draft for Croft, with his football skills and ability all ‘clicking’ within just the last 12 to 18 months.

“Through junior footy at Maribyrnong Park it’s always been a place to have fun and I really enjoy playing football with your mates, but when you get to that next level through the Calder Cannons I think that’s the footy where I thought ‘that’s a real opportunity’ to step up to the next level,” he said.

Jordan Croft (Ljubica Vrankovic) 356244_26_ 41

Even though the Dogs just missed out on finals in 2023, their list is exciting and ready to strike, providing Croft with plenty of things to get excited about.

“I’m excited to play with them all (Dogs’ players) but players like Cody Weightman,

Rosie Bilszta. (Supplied)

Aaron Naughton, they’re really crafty forwards and I’m really keen to learn off them and improve myself,” he said.

Western Jet forward Logan Morris was also picked up in the draft, taken by the Brisbane Lions.

Former Altona junior Emerson Jeka has got a second life as an AFL footballer, taken by Geelong in the rookie draft.

Geelong selected the former Hawthorn tall with pick seven in Wednesday’s AFL rookie draft.

Standing at 198 centimetres tall, Jeka was initially selected by Hawthorn in the 2019 rookie draft. Jeka made seven appearances at AFL level, before being delisted at the end of the 2023 season.

He played 33 games across three seasons with Hawthorn’s Victorian Football League affiliate Box Hill Hawks, kicking 37.28, including 23 goals from eight appearances in 2021.

Prior to the draft Jeka had committed to Essendon’s VFL side and was expecting to play there in 2024.

“It’s been really interesting, I was really committed to Essendon,” he said. “I had a session with them on Monday, so I was fully committed to there and I didn’t think that I would end up there.

“I got a call about five minutes before [the draft] saying ‘we’re going to pick you up’, I was initially shocked but I’m really happy to be here.

“I think it’s going to give me the best opportunity to be a really good footballer.”

Jeka said he had more to give to the AFL with injuries derailing his 2023 campaign.

“Injures this year haven’t helped but I’m really fortunate that Geelong gave me an opportunity and I can really take that and give it 110 per cent,” he said.

The versatile player is still unsure what position he will be utilised in at the Cats. A key forward he has also had an impact down back for the Hawks.

“Wherever Chris (Scott, Cats’ coach) wants me to play,” he said. “I feel like that’s a strength of mine, I can play at both ends which is great.

“So, wherever they need me to play, I’ll do that.

“I feel like I play my best football down back, but I can be versatile and I can play some good football up forward.”

Wednesday, 29 November, 2023 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 21

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Westgate takes step into Big V with youth team It’s been a number of years in the making, with a dream now a reality for Westgate and having a Big V team.

Basketball Victoria has announced that Westgate will field a youth league men’s division 2 team next season for the first time.

Westgate vice-president Sarah Simpson said it was a massive moment for the club which is currently based at RecWest in Braybrook.

“We’ve been working towards this for the last few years,” she said. “We are 10 years old and we’ve got juniors who have been at the club since under-12s and it’s nice for them to have somewhere to go after they age out of the junior competition in terms of representative basketball.”

Simpson said they had been in discussions with Basketball Victoria for a few years about having a Big V side and the the announcement of a new stadium at McIvor Reserve had played a massive role in helping that happen.

She said there had been little opportunities

for basketballers in Melbourne’s inner west to play at that level with players having to go to other clubs.

“There’s a growing basketball community,” she said. “We’re maxed out with courts already.

“Youth league doesn’t impact junior competitions being on Saturday nights and Sundays.

‘We can now have that pathway. We’ve noticed the last few years… A lot of under-18s leaving seeking a pathway into a semi professional competition in Big V.” Simpson said they had seen record numbers for try outs for all their sides and it was reflecting in the rankings of their sides in the Victorian Junior Basketball League competition.

The club was named the medium association of the year in the VJBL for the 2022-23 season which helped them gain entry into the Big V competition.

Simpson said they were hoping the youth league men’s side was only the start

of the club’s representation in the Big V competition.

The club is hoping to also have youth league women’s and senior men’s and women’s teams.

“Our junior girls program started a couple of years after the boys and it’s probably a couple of years behind in development” she said.

“We need another year or two to continue to nurture the program. Hopefully next season [2025] or the season after that we can have a youth league women’s side.

“RecWest will be home for the youth league program. Hopefully the next year or two the McIvor development will happen and we’ll have Big V men’s and women’s sides on top of youth league as well playing there.”

Tara Murray Troy Hezel will be part of Westgate’s first Big V team. (Supplied)

Druids competitive start

VFLW Williamstown has signed one of the stars of the Essendon District Football League competition for next year’s Victorian Football League Women’s season. The Seagulls announced that Never Crowley will join the club next season on the back of a standout 2023. Crowley, who has played for the Calder Cannons, was the EDFL rising star, league division best and fairest runner-up and grand final best on ground. Mikayla Plunkett also joins the club from the Darebin Falcons.

By Harper Sercombe The Druids are hoping to bounce back in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season on Saturday as they will bowl to win against Craigieburn.

The Wizards were sent in to bat on Saturday afternoon and got off to a bad start, losing three key wickets early in the innings.

Things began to turn as Charith Mendis made 59 batting at five, and a strong seventh-wicket partnership between coach Andrew Brennan (56 not out) and Shehriyar Cuttlerywala (29) helped the Druids reach 8-217.

“The pitch was two paced and they won the toss and bowled, so I think 217 is probably around par,” Brennan said.

“We probably would have taken that at the start of the day so it was good. It was also the first time we have batted 80 overs this season and it’s always good to put a score of over 200 on the board.

“The ball was moving around a little bit early, they bowled really well in the first half of the day, and the pitch was a little bit challenging for some of our batters to play on, but thankfully across the day the conditions got a little bit easier to manage.

“Charith Mendis who’s joined the club this season batted really well and got his second consecutive 50 for the club which is awesome.

“Cuttlerywala is one of our younger players and stood up with a quick fire 30 hitting three sixes which was great too.”

This week with ball in hand, Brennan said his side will have to be on their game to take away the points.

“We will definitely need to bowl and field well, we’ve dropped a few catches this season which has cost ourselves a chance to be a bit more competitive,” he said.

“So we need to focus on fielding and doing the team aspects really well and hopefully we’ll be able to be in the game for a long time on Saturday.”

Coming off a disappointing loss to St Albans in the previous round, the Druids will be hoping to use Saturday as a spring board for the rest of their season.

The Druids will also be in action on Sunday in their rescheduled round one clash with Sunshine United.

“In the last couple of seasons, we’ve started off with a couple of losses and ended up being quite competitive across the season, so hopefully we’re able to put in a good performance this Saturday and take it from there,” Brennan said.

In other matches on Saturday, Yarraville Club was bowled out for 241 against St Albans.

Sports shorts

NWMCA Altona Sports opened its account in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association T20 competition on Tuesday night. Altona Sports batted first against Flemington, making 8-156 with Thomas Miller making 67.

In reply, Flemington was bowled out for 72. Altona Sports sits seventh after two rounds.

VTCA Williamstown Imperials got the win against Point Cook in the opening round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition. Facing off in the Paine group, the Imperials batted first and made 3-142 from their 20 overs with Shane Jones top scoring with 68 not out. It was all single wicket takers for Point Cook Point Cook fell just short as late wickets fell, finishing 9-137. Dasith Jayatilake top scored with 44. Ryan Schaufler took three wickets.

WRFL Parkside will have co-coaches for next year’s Western Region Football League division 1 season. Premiership winning coach Chris Muratore will be joined by Michael Licciardo, who joins the club.

“After winning a senior premiership together in 2014 both Michael and Chris will lead the chargers to division 1 next season,” the club said on social media. “Chris isn’t going anywhere but with VFL commitments and a young family Michael is the perfect person to support Chris and drive the club together into new heights.”

Druids’ Dhanushka Dharmasiri (Luke Hemer) 200780_03

Big hitter Trent Lawford top scored with 63 off 58 balls before being run out.

In division 1, Footscray United is 2-21 in

22 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 29 November, 2023

reply to Altona North’s 254, while Seddon’s match with St Francis de Sales didn’t go ahead after heavy rain in the lead up the match.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Fox steps up as coach to lead the Eagles in ‘24 The Yarraville Seddon Eagles have welcomed experienced coach Emily Fox for the 2024 season.

Fox has taken the reins at the Eagles as they launch their campaign into next year’s Western Region Football League women’s season.

Fox comes with a wealth of experience, including in the Victorian Football League, where they played and coached and Williamstown. They also played and coached at the St Kilda Sharks in the South Eastern Women’s Football League and coached Melbourne University in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

Now they are ready and excited to come back to their local community and coach the Eagles.

“I’m really excited to be a part of this club, it’s obviously got a great history in the Yarraville Seddon area,” Fox said.

“Now being a local for years, I’m really looking forward to seeing what next steps

the club can take, especially for the women’s program.”

With pre-season now well underway, Fox and the club have big plans for their women’s program.

“We’ve been running around at our home away from home at McIvor Reserve for a few weeks now,” Fox said.

“We’re really excited to get more numbers down to training, we’ve got a really good group coming in so far, but we’re hoping to run two teams in 2024.

“Our training sessions are really focused on building connection and community and all those benefits in terms of skills and fitness just comes from that.

“I was really fortunate enough to spend a couple of years at Williamstown and that experience and that understanding of what people need and desire from their football is something that has become really important to me and my philosophy as a coach.

“There are aspects of what we are doing

that may not have been seen quite often in community football, but I certainly think that it’s going to be better and our players will enjoy a new way to approach their training.”

The Eagles finished one spot out of finals this season with four wins from their 16 matches, while Fox is bullish on their side for next season, they said the wins and loss ratio won’t define them.

“I think the biggest thing we’re trying to do is get all of the players to recognise their opportunities to rise and grow,” Fox said.

“If everyone is feeling more comfortable with that, then hopefully the Ws will come, but we’re definitely not putting a ceiling on where we want to be this year.

“Ultimately in the long term we see ourselves being a very successful team for a long time.”

Anyone interested in playing next season can contact the club at gabby.menabue@ outlook.com.

Harper Sercombe

Emily Fox (supplied)

WRFL set for changes

The Pirates (Supplied/Facebook)

The Pirates draw level The Footscray Pirates remain undefeated in Ice Hockey Victoria’s summer division 4 season, tying their second game of the season on Saturday night.

The Pirates conceded early against the Ice Wolves Grey Wolves at the O’Brien Icehouse in the low scoring affair.

The Pirates were able to tie up the score in the third period with Daniel Gibson putting one in the back of the net. However the game remained as a 1-1 tie.

Both goalkeepers were fantastic in the game with Ricky Goode from the Wolves saving 26 of the 27 shots taken at his goals, while the Pirates’ goalie saved 14 shots.

Pirates’ player Allan Frith said it was a tough physical match.

“Older players playing against younger players,” he said.

“We’re doing alright… it’s going to be a hard fought season, we’re playing against players that are half our age so I think we’re doing pretty well.

“We play in the summer competition which

isn’t as formal as the winter competition because there is a limit on the amount of teams and clubs allowed.”

The Pirates team has an average age of players well into their 50’s who have re-joined the club and played competitively for over a decade after the club was shut down in the mid 80s.

“When the Footscray ice rink closed in 1986, the Pirates had nowhere to go… we reformed 12 years ago when the Docklands rink opened up,” Firth said.

“When that opened up we had a reunion and put the team back together. So half the team is made up of players in their 50s and 60s that were once kids playing for the Pirates in the 70s and 80s.”

Even the coach is the same from when Firth was a junior at the Pirates, with Alan Adamson still at the helm.

“He’s 91 years of age, he first started playing with the Pirates a long, long time ago,” Firth said.

“We have two coaches, Allan Sefton is team

manager and co-coach too.”

The games come thick and fast in the summer competition with the Pirates playing against the Demons on Monday night, after deadline.

When they played the Demons in the season opener Gibson was also amongst the scorers putting in one and assisting another in the 5-4 win. Sharon Orgad, Tim Ferguson and Tommy Bawden all scored one each and had an assist and Ferguson had two assists.

The Pirates play again on Thursday against the Monash Monarchs, who had one win and one loss to start the season as of Monday afternoon.

On Saturday, the Pirates will play their fourth game for the week, this time against the Red Wolves at the Olympic Ice Skating Centre in Oakleigh.

The Pirates can then enjoy two weeks off games, before returning to the rink on December 18 for the last time in 2023.

The Western Region Football League is set for divisional changes but not as first thought. A report commissioned by the league and reported on by Star Weekly in September proposed division 1 change to a 10-team competition.

The report named the Western Region Football Netball Review Draft Recommendations also called for division 3 to be scrapped.

However, Star Weekly understands the report’s recommendations are not going to be fully endorsed by the league, with multiple clubs confirming to this masthead that division 1 will instead be a nine team competition Hoppers Crossing coach Jared Polec confirmed his side would remain in division 1 despite finishing bottom this year. Division 2 premiers Parkside will make the jump up, but unlike in the proposal Albion will remain in division 2. Division 1 teams are set to play 16 matches, with every club playing each other twice, and the top five playing off in finals, up from the top four system that has been in place this year. For the 2025 season the league is expected to increase the top flight to 10 teams with 2024’s division 2 premiers to make the move up. The number of teams in division 2 next year is still yet to be determined if it remains two divisions.

Currently there are 13 teams, however there are two teams making a push to enter the league.

Riddell District Football League club the Western Rams have also expressed their interest in having a senior side in the league next season. Current WRFL clubs are set to vote on if the Rams join the league at its annual general meeting on December 5. As of November the current proposed division 1 teams are, Werribee Districts, Point Cook, Altona, Yarraville Seddon Eagles, Caroline Springs, Spotswood, Point Cook Centrals, Hoppers Crossing and Parkside. Division 2 would consist of Albion, Newport, Sunshine, Wyndhamvale, North Footscray, Braybrook, Suns, Albanvale, Sunshine Heights, West Footscray, Tarneit, Laverton Magpies and North Sunshine.

The WRFL was contacted for comment.

Wednesday, 29 November, 2023 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 23

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