Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 17th April 2024

An artistic stamp

What started out as a labour of love 18 months ago, has turned into a new career for Ascot Vale local Mick Slocum, as he revamps red heritage post boxes one at a time.

His latest stop was none other than Footscray, where he cleaned off the graffiti and retouched the sparkling paint.

“I was driving home one day when I passed a pillar which had always bothered me. I wanted to do something about it so I cleaned it up and then a lightbulb went off,” he said.

After the decision to keep going across the inner suburbs like WIlliamstown, South Melbourne and Elwood, Mr Slocum eventually got support from Australia Post itself.

“They couldn’t believe what I was doing for free, so after a meeting with their bosses they decided to pay me a set free per box,” he said. “I am doing good work for Australia Post and they’re really behind me, so It’s really taken off.” At 75-years-old and with two other jobs keeping him busy, Mr Slocum has no plans to slow down and is determined to conquer all 123 post boxes state wide.

“I have done 30, so I have 90 to go. They’re beautiful pieces of work and have been around since 1880, right for restoration.”

Techno future still in limbo

By Jennifer Pittorino

“A welcome first step” is what Techno Park resident Lara Week had to say about an open letter from Hobsons Bay council advising residents that council is pausing efforts to evict them from their homes.

The letter dated Friday, April 5, is the latest form of communication from Hobsons Bay council addressed to the roughly 100 residents living at the former Wiltona Migrant Hostel. It reads, “Council advises that it will not take any further enforcement action at Techno Park until it has concluded its legal review and fully considered its obligations and the best way forward following Ministerial changes to state

planning rules about existing use rights“.

The existing use rights discussed in the letter refer to the small but significant change to the planning scheme by the state government in February. The planning scheme amendment opens up a path for Techno Park residents to stay in their homes by claiming existing use rights.

Techno Park, which has been zoned Industrial 1 since 1988, sits beside Kororoit Creek opposite a row of fuel storage tanks, a kilometre from a former fuel refinery owned by Mobil.

Ms Week said residents are frustrated Hobsons Bay council is continuing along this pathdespitethechangetotheplanningscheme.

“It is frustrating that council is choosing to continue to create so much uncertainty and insecurity for people,when the planning scheme is clear that council cannot extinguish people’s existing use rates once 15 years have accrued,” she said.

“Council’s own internal documents, which we’ve now seen through Freedom of Information, show that when council sent the eviction notices they knew that people had livedatTechnoParkformorethan15yearsand were entitled to existing use rights to remain living in their homes, regardless of zoning.

“They show that council deliberately attempted to extinguish those rights, and to force a mass eviction of Hobsons Bay residents

from their own homes. Now the planning minister has intervened to say a council cannot dothat. Councilneedtorecogniseourexisting use rights and just let people live in peace.”

With no time frame for the pause outlined in the letter, Ms Week feels this is causing more anguish for residents.

“They’regivennosenseofanytimeframefor this pause, which I think must be because they know they have no grounds to evict anyone from their home,” said Ms Week.

“But what I don’t understand is why they won’tjustcomeoutpubliclyandsaythat,rather than continuing the same hostile position against us by saying there is a pause and there is more still to come.”

Mick Slocum at the Footscray post box. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Asbestos confirmed at six sites

Jennifer Pittorino

Asbestos has been found at six sites in Hobsons Bay, while several sites in the area are still being actively assessed as of Monday, according to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Eight sites have had potential asbestos-containing material collected for testing, with results expected Tuesday, April 16, for seven sites, and one later in the week.

The six confirmed sites are: Altona Coastal Park; PA Burns Reserve, Altona; GJ Hosken Reserve, Altona North; Crofts

Reserve, Altona North; PJ Lynch Reserve, Altona North; and Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood.

Allsixsitesareunderrestrictedaccesswith the erection of signage and fencing while council implements its remediation plan.

The eight sites which are awaiting test results are: Truganina Park in Altona Meadows, Doug Grant Reserve in Altona, LavertonCreekattherearofABShawReserve in Altona Meadows, Newport Lakes Reserve in Newport, Grieve Parade in Altona, Cherry Lake Buffer Mound and Wetland in Altona, Kororoit Creek Reserve in Altona North and

Federation Trail in Brooklyn.

EPA has now inspected 21 parks and reserves where mulch has been laid in the last 18 months.

Investigationshaveclearedthreeproducers of mulch used by Hobsons Bay council.

“While investigations continue, it appears that the two most likely sources of asbestos contamination are deposits after mulch is laid or it was already on the site and mulch laid over it, including new mulch that has been deposited on top of older mulch still present at the site,” the EPA said last week.

Hobsons Bay council has said the

Repairs ride in during the holidays

The Footscray Community Bike Hub held two special school holiday sessions to continue the work it does repairing recycled bikes for repurpose.

Facilitator Andrew Johnstone said the interactive workshops were a success.

“We had three kids on Tuesday and three on Wednesday, which both went really well,” he said. “They signed up because they were interested in learning some skills and how to repair their own bikes and also to contribute to what we’re doing here in terms of fixing up

bikes for refugees and new migrants.”

While fixing bikes which will be used by those in need, one of the kids was able to bring his own bike and learn how to fix it himself.

“We taught them how to repair a few things and worked on some donated bikes to help fix those up,” Mr Johnstone said

“They were able to complete two bikes that we were able to put on our donation list.”

Throughout the year, the bike hub has fostered a successful partnership with Footscray High School where the kids attend sessions every

weektolearntheseskills,whichMrJohnstone said has been going well.

“I always talk to teachers who think it is a positive thing because these days a lot of young people don’t necessarily learn any practical practical skills,” he said.

“So just to have that different experience can be helpful and help understand why contributing to the broader community is helpful. “It’s a real opportunity for social connection and belonging to part of a community.”

community should be reassured the parks are safe.

“Contaminated materials have only been found in recycled mulch which is used within some garden beds,” the council said.

“Any playground closure has been precautionary to safeguard the community.

Playgrounds use a different type of mulch which has not been found to be contaminated.”

To report potential asbestos call EPA on 1300 372 842.

-With AAP

Bargain book hunting event

The West Footscray Neighbourhood House is hosting a second-hand book sale on World Book Day to raise much needed funds for the neighbourhood house.

This year, World Book Day will be held on Tuesday, April 23, which centre manager Marianne Wangira said was the perfect opportunity for the sale.

“We have boxes of books sitting here, plus I have multiple boxes of books in my garage so we thought it was a really good opportunity,” she said.

“Books available will be a real mix including children’s books, current affairs, politics, fiction and non fiction novels.

“We really wanted to try it and see how we go to celebrate World Book Day, all the books will be on sale for $1.

“If there’s books remaining at the end, we might continue the sale for longer.”

Although there is no clear driver for the fundraising, Ms Wangira said the day will be used as a general fundraiser to purchase resources.

“The money will all be used to help us support the development of new programs,” she said.

“This can help get us a sensory toy library set up as well as the chance to allow us to purchase a new resource for childcare.”

The sale will run from 9.30am to 2.30pm in the foyer downstairs near the library at 539 Barkly Street, West Footscray.

Asbestos task force not needed according to the EPA

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) hassaiditdoesnotneedthehelpofataskforce to tackle the growing asbestos issue across the west, despite pleas from Hobsons Bay council.

On Tuesday, April 9, Hobsons Bay council voted to write to the premier calling on the state government to emulate NSW in establishing an asbestos taskforce.

Councillor Daria Kellander raised the urgent item stating it is a “really serious issue affecting the neighbourhood and residents“.

However, on Thursday, April 11, EPA’s DuncanPendrightoldABCRadioMelbourne, “We don’t need any more resources to address it.”

“We’re addressing it extremely well at this point in time,” he said.

“There’s no need for us to ask for any more resources for responding to the issue as we see it at the moment.“

With five sites across Hobsons Bay now confirmed and a further two awaiting test results, Cr Kellander believes there is no time to waste.

“Our next council meeting will be in a month’s time, the issue is obviously pressing,” she said.

“It’s a very serious issue at this point in time and I believe that we need to hear it today.”

Cr Kellander said it is a systemic problem

between reaching recycling goals and turning the nasty stuff away.

“It’s a dangerous trade off and there is nothing sustainable about putting asbestos into recycling,” she said.

“Tomethisseemslikeanothercostshifting exercise in the absence of real policy.This is a big task and we don’t know how far this will extend” she said.

“We don’t know how much it will cost to remediate in full or who will bear the cost and I believe that a task force would help alleviate this.”

To avoid further damage, Cr Kellander said submitted the matter as urgent business.

“I submitted this matter of urgent business as I want to do my permit to make sure that no parks, playgrounds or community options are put at risk in future,” she said.

The confirmed sites as of Thursday, April 11, are PA Burns Reserve, Altona, GJ Hosken Reserve, Altona North , Crofts Reserve, Altona North , PJ Lynch Reserve, Altona North and Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood.

When asked on Wednesday, Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas was non-committal on whether the government would follow through on council’s request. Jennifer Pittorino

Conor, AJ, Samuel and Gregory. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 400098_08.

Rates set to rise in line with cap

By Jennifer Pittorino

Hobsons Bay council won’t seek variation to the state government’s rate cap in its 2024-25 proposed annual budget, with an average rate rise of 2.75 per cent on the cards for residents.

Meanwhile, waste charges would increase by 7.5 per cent under the draft budget which was released on April 9.

Council said this year’s rates will be based on new 2024 valuations, meaning rate increases will vary across the differential rating categories and individual properties.

“Inflation has reduced council’s real level of income from rates when compared to the increasesincoststhathaveoccurred,”areport to the council meeting stated.

“This has created significant pressure on council’s ability to deliver services and infrastructure projects.

“This is a challenge that has been carefully considered in forming the budget in 2024-25 and the rate increase in line with the cap.”

In the draft budget, council will spend $13.42 million on buildings, $17.9 million on recreation and open space, $10 million

on roads and $1 million on footpaths and cycleways.

Support for older residents, younger people with disabilities, and carers will also receive $3.6 million, while universal primary health (maternalandchildhealth)andimmunisation services will receive $3.57 million.

Council has also allocated $1.6 million to support young people with a range of social activities,leadershipdevelopment,andmental health and support services.

The total capital works budget will be $54.1 million. The highlights of the capital

Small art packs emotional punch

The 10th annual 5x7 Art Prize is currently on display at the Louise Joel Arts & Community Centre,withanotheryearofwinnersincluding Seabrook resident Franciska Howard.

This is the third time Howard’s artwork has won an art prize, but this time her artwork inspired by her granddaughter.

Her piece titled ‘Let it Go’ won her third place and $200, plus the thrill of having her work on display.

“[My granddaughter] came over during the Christmas holidays and was singing ‘Let It Go’ from Frozen, so I snapped a photo

and later when the theme was announced I thought of that image,” Howard said. “I thought about how nice it would be to have a picture of Eliza with her little costume on singing the song with a small bird flying out of her hand.”

Exhibition co-ordinator Kirsten Craggs said her piece was selected by the judges for its artistic merit within the theme of this years’ event ‘that song.’

More than 80 artists have supplied over 230 pieces to the exhibition, which will be on display until Wednesday, April 24.

Fine over asbestos spill

A man who left 150 kilograms of industrial waste containing asbestos exposed on a Spotswood demolition site in violation of environment protection regulations has been fined $25,000 by a magistrate.

Ali Barakat, who runs Image Demolition, was filmed as he spilled litres of dangerous chemicals by crushing plastic drums with earth digging equipment onto a demolition site in Watt Street, Spotswood, and left the asbestos open on the ground.

When Environment Protection Authority (EPA) officers attended the site in December, 2021, he refused to take any responsibility.

EPA served a formal notice requiring him, amongst other things, to develop a formal clean-up plan.

However instead of complying, Barakat produced an asbestos clearance certificate to

show the ground was now clear of any visible asbestos but he was unable to prove that the asbestos had been removed, and if so, where it had been taken.

the landowner proactively cleaned up the site contamination left by Barakat at a cost of $100,000, which is much more than Barakat would have needed to pay given his expertise in demolition and access to equipment.

EPA chief investigator Greg Elms said, “At a time when Melbourne is very sensitive to the subject of asbestos, those who do not dispose of it properly should see this as a warning that EPA will prosecute and it will cost you.

“It is easy to do the right thing with clear information and support available at asbestos. vic.gov.au.”

Barakat will also pay EPA’s legal costs of almost $6000.

works program include $8.5 million towards the construction of the Altona Beach entry and Esplanade closure project, $1.85 million to upgrade the Altona North Community Library to a Centre of Excellence and $1.3 million towards the Laverton Football Club pavilion and scoreboard upgrade.

Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler said the budget is financially responsible and sustainable.

The proposed budget will be available for feedback until Sunday, May 12.

Setting sun seeks entries

The 11th annual Setting Sun International Film Festival (SSIFF) is calling for entries for its annual festival.

This year the festival will be held from May9-17attheSunTheatreinYarraville, Kindred Studios, and the Greek Centre.

Festival director Anna Bourozikas said the western suburb’s culturally diverse festival is seeking short and feature length films that tell a great story and entertain.

“The 2023 festival was well attended with sold out sessions over 10 days that included a dense program of films, from emerging and established filmmakers,” she said.

“Program highlights included a female filmmakers’ program, hosted by Women in Film and TV (Vic), a selection of short films from the Athens Short Film Festival, and dedicated French language, LGBQTIA+ and access cinema programs.”

Following on from the 2023 festival, SSIFF will again partner with Filmonik Kabaret.

ThefestivalisalsoofferingaVictorian feature filmmaker the opportunity to have their film premiere during the festival with a question and answer session to follow.

“People are welcome to visit and vote for their favourite painting which will be announced at the end of the exhibition, most of them are on sale too and are quite achievable.”

In previous years, Howard has won both first and second place, inspiring her to continue her passion for art.

“Last year I sold all three of my pieces, which was really great. It is nice to know that someone appreciates your work and thinks it is good enough for them to take home and display,” she said.

Ms Bourozikas said anyone interested in making a short film will have the opportunity to work with others to make as many short films as possible, over a 72-hour period.

The films will then be screened as part of the festival at Kindred Studios in Yarraville.

“This is a non-competitive fun weekend open to amateur and serious filmmakers, where applicants have a chance to win $10,000 in cash and prizes.“

Franciska Howard. (Damjan Janevski) 400622_01

‘Divide’ delays lifesaving plan

By Jennifer Pittorino

Williamstown swimmers have created a petition asking Hobsons Bay council to provide more public facilities in response to published concept plans for the redevelopment of the lifesaving club and west end of Williamstown Beach.

Open Water Swimmers coach Jason Bryce believes there is a strict divide between lifesavers and private members of the club which is causing delays to the redevelopment.

“This development has been stalled by the social membership who aren’t interested in lifesaving,” he said.

“The change rooms are out-of-date and in the wrong place yet the development is continuously stopped because the social members are obsessed with their members only fence and pool that never gets used.

‘‘ This development has been stalled by the social membership who aren’t interested in lifesaving, ’’

- Jason Bryce

“We just want to get the consultations done, and get on with fixing the west end of the beach.”

The change.org petition asks that Hobsons Bay council to allocate some of the $14.5 million in government funding for the project to improving public facilities.

“There are no extra toilets, showers or change rooms and the existing change rooms and showers are still around next to the street, not near the beach,” Mr Bryce said.

“Meaningyouhavetowalkaroundtheclub to get to the showers and the change rooms and then line up for 40 minutes because on a busy day two change rooms isn’t enough.”

Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club (WSLSC) president Claire Howell said the development has been halted a number of times to incorporate evolving community consultation.

“The original timeline has been amended a number of times over the journey to reflect the changing inputs and drivers,” she said.

As discussed, WSLSC is working with counciltoincorporatethewidermembership base input into the design brief for the lifesaving club itself, as a volunteer-run operational lifesaving facility and a community hub.”

Ms Howell said the public toilets, showers and change area parts of the redevelopment

Speculative fiction shortlist success

Yarraville author Andrew Lyall, has been shortlisted for an Aurealis Award for his speculative fiction novel.

TheLasttoGoisdystopianfictionsetinthe sugarcane fields of Far North Queensland. Lyall said it tells the story of a group of survivors trying to avoid predatorial scarecrows who have arisen after a virus decimates the world.

Lyall said this a dream come true for his debut book.

“I am so excited, these awards are the top speculative fiction awards for Australia, judged by a judging panel,” he said.

“They’ve been around since 2005, and I’ve followed them for a long time and have been really interested in the winners and the finalists.”

The book is one of six nominees for Best Science Fiction Novella 2023.

“The[other nominees] are pretty established, one of them is Garth Nix who is a very established Australian author, and Kaaron Warren is also an incredibly prolific and successful Australian author,” Lyall said. “So to be up against those two is just a real privilege, to see my name against them.”

Lyall published the book in August, 2023, after focusing all his time on writing during COVID.

His next work is an illustrated science fiction short story, Laika’s Robot, aimed at young adults, which will be published in the second half of this year.

Winners of the Aurealis Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Jasper Hotel in Melbourne in May.

The Last to Go can be purchased online from Yarraville’s The Sun Bookshop: www. sunbookshop.com.

are not part of WSLSC brief.

“Any input directed to council on this matter is with our ‘members of the public’ hat on,” she said.

“I can’t speak on behalf of others but anyone who uses the beach during busy periods would advocate for more public toilet , showers, change facilities.

“Ibelievethiswasrelayedtocouncilduring the community engagement period.”

A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said council has not accepted the petition because it does not meet council governance rules.

“Even though the submission was not accepted as a formal petition, it has been formally included as part of the consultation process that council has been undertaking with the residents of Williamstown and users of the Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club,” council said.

Young accused killer moved

A 12-year-old accused murderer says she is keen to be moved to new bespoke accommodation, as a judge formally ordered her relocation.

The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, allegedly fatally stabbed a 37-year-old woman at Footscray, in November.

She has been charged with murder and bailed to a secure welfare facility.

A psychiatrist is assessing the child’s age of criminal responsibility, also known as doli incapax.

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, as the child’s guardian, has been renovating bespoke accommodation for the girl to be securely housed while she is assessed for the murder charge.

The girl has made threats to kill staff and other children since being housed at a secure welfare facility, including that she would “burn the place down”, the court heard previously.

She appeared by video link in the Supreme Court on Monday, where the court was told police had inspected the new accommodation and found it to be suitable.

“Victoria Police are now satisfied the facility is secure,” a prosecutor told the court.

The 12-year-old’s lawyer said she was “very keen” to take up her new accommodation.

Justice James Elliott ordered the child’s bail be varied to allow her move to the new location on Monday afternoon.

She will return to the court on May 16.

Maribyrnong lodges its state and federal budget wishlists

Funding for a performing arts theatre, library rebuildandnewparkincentralFootscray,better bus services and air quality improvements top Maribyrnong council’s wishlist ahead of the 2024-25 state and federal budgets.

The state budget will be handed down on Tuesday, May 7, while the federal government will deliver its budget on Tuesday, May 14. Maribyrnong acting chief executive Lisa King said state and federal budget funding is always a welcome announcement, as it helps support the council’s vision for the community’s future.

“Council will continue to advocate, as we did last year, for funding to support a detailed business case and feasibility study for Creative West – formerly known as NeXT.

“Which will include a performing arts theatre, library rebuild and a new park all to be located in central Footscray.

“Melbourne’s metropolitan west only has one purpose built +500 seat performing arts theatre, and Creative West aims to fill this gap.”

Ms King said council will continue to seek funding to support the design and delivery of

active transport improvements, including the implementation of strategic cycling corridors to improve safety and connectivity.

“This year, we are also advocating for better buses in Melbourne’s west, highlighting that bus reform must be prioritised in the west to address existing public transport service inequities,” she said.

“Wearealsoseekingtoworkwithalllevelsof government to enact climate action initiatives that will support emergency mitigation and air quality improvement.”

Ms King said council welcomed the $10

million for the upgrade of Shorten Reserve and RecWest in Footscray last year.

“Council also welcomed the funding to support the development of new mental health and wellbeing programs for young adults in the inner-west, which council advocated for through LeadWest, an alliance between five metropolitan Melbourne councils.

“We also welcomed the $20 million investment to improve air quality in the inner-west,forthedevelopmentofprogramsto modernise trucks.”

Jennifer Pittorino

- AAP

Andrew Lyall. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 398980_03

Community flood group formed

By Jennifer Pittorino

A community-run flood recovery group has been formed to help those who are still battling ongoing problems caused by the 2022 floods.

Maribyrnong Community Recovery Association (MCRA) president Madeleine MF Serle said the group has only existed for a few months and has already grown to 400 members.

“MCRA is concerned with representing who was flooded by the Maribyrnong floods,” she said.

“This includes Avondale Heights, Ascot Vale, Kensington and Darraweit Guim, we have a ‘whole of catchment approach to flood recovery.”

Ms Serle formed MCRA at the end of last year after leaving Maribyrnong council’s Community Recovery Committee in October.

“It became quite clear that the community needed an independent voice and to not have a recovery committee which was inside council,” she said.

“I realised I took a different view of what the importance was of defending the community, I saw it as having a role in advocating for the community and being active.”

Upon leaving the CRC, two other members came with her: Pauline Ashton who is now MCRA vice president and Linh Nguyen.

“I also brought in two experts, one being Dr Faye Bendrups who is an emergency management advisor, Geoff Crapper who is a hydrological advisor, as well as Stan Korkliniewskiwhoistreasurer,”MsSerlesaid.

“We all have shared interests and shared issues,butobviouslyhavedifferentexperiences on October 14, nevertheless our management going forward will be very similar.

“We all have very similar experiences in

resilienceandrecovery,soIthinkourstrength will be to work together as a community.”

Ms Serle said the MCRA is being supported through corporate social responsibility and localbusinesses,aswellashavingpartnerships with key social agencies like Anglicare and cohealth.

“Highpoint Shopping Centre also donated us a room to work from, which we are using,” she said.

“MCRA is based on really old-fashioned grassroots advocacy, so I have developed three parts which we will focus on.”

Ms Serle said the first part is home, safe and dry,whichisallaboutgettingpeoplebackinto their homes.

“This is about making sure they are getting

insurance assistance, so we are lobbying and working with social agencies to make sure people are getting whatever financial and psychological help they can get,” she said.

“That is the human part, we are putting humans first.”

The next part is emergency management and planning.

“We are absolutely clear that there is no emergency management plan and we will move to show that fairly soon as we issue our first position paper on that,” Ms Serle said.

“We think there needs to be a return to a community based system of awareness and engagement with the responsible authorities.

“Emergency management starts with getting the community aware because it will

A prime location for your ‘style of life’.

happen again and people need to be ready and prepared and they absolutely are not.”

The third part is mitigation resolution, which Ms Serle said is the most strategic role for considering how to live and work safely in Maribyrnong.

“We are engaging with environmental groups, business groups and other areas to work out a reasonable compromise for a healthy return to safe life,” she said.

“When I set it up, I specifically created categories of membership that are residents, families, friends of residents, and interested partieswhojustthinktheyneedtosupportit.”

Thoseinterestedinjoiningtheinitiativecan contact MCRA.

Details: contact@mcra.au

“We followed the kids down the Surf Coast after our friends told us about Armstrong Green. To our surprise, many residents in the community in our beautiful new village also came from the North West. So join us in 2024.”

(L-R) Pauline Ashton, Stan Korkliniewski, Dr Faye Bendrops, Geoff Crapper and Madeleine MF Serle. (Damjan Janevski) 399652_01

Conflict of interest accusation

By Jennifer Pittorino

Members of the Palestine community in Hobsons Bay have issued a complaint to Hobsons Bay council over a petition submitted to council in February and a potential conflict of interest by councillor Antoinette Briffa.

As reported by Star Weekly, community group Hobsons Bay for Palestine (HBFP) submitted a petition “calling for the council to show support for Palestine” for review at its February 13 meeting.

During the item, Cr Briffa raised a notice of motion titled ‘support for Hobsons Bay residents impacted by overseas conflict’, which HBFP believes goes against council’s governance rules.

Spokesperson Sarah Baarini said since the

meeting, the group has focussed on the issue that the petition was not handled properly.

“The motion shouldn’t have been considered given the process wasn’t followed,” she said.

“Weurgecounciltoacknowledgetheerrorin process and rectify this as a matter of priority.

“We hope and expect that the council will attempt to remedy this by revoking the motion and putting forward a new motion which adequality responds to the petition and complies with governance rules following adequate consultation and feedback.”

In a letter to mayor Matt Tyler and chief executive Aaron van Egmond, the HBFP states Cr Briffa is employed at Leonardo, an Italian aerospace, defence and security company which the group claims supplied weapons to Israel.CrBriffaisthecompany’sheadofquality

and safety in Australia.

Cr Briffa said she is a human rights activist and believes Israel’s sustained military response is “disproportionate and excessive.”

“I personally support the position of the United Nations and the Australian Government in relation to Palestine and Israel including a ceasefire and return of the hostages taken by Hamas.

“I do not believe a motion as presented by that group would have been passed by the council.

“I therefore workshopped a motion that I hoped had a better chance of being passed by the council, and it was.

“No councillor moved the motion drafted by the Hobsons Bay for Palestine Group.

“On reflection it would have been easier for

Tips on ageing well the Finnish way

An event was held on Friday, April 12, celebrating active ageing the Finnish way. The event, organised by HUR Australia, celebrated the Finnish way of improving health and wellness in Hobsons Bay, with the installations of HUR strength and balance training equipment at the Avanti Health Centre, as well as a Lappset seniors exercise park by Lark Industries as part of the Donald McLean Reserve, both in Spotswood.

Event organiser Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman said Hobsons Bay is the leadingwayinprovidingtheopportunitiesfor

the best health and wellness for everyone. The event was held at the Avanti Health CentreHobsonsBaywhichisagymandhealth facility dedicated to the over-50s community.

“To celebrate these Finnish companies, His Excellency, ambassador of Finland, Arto Haapea, and Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler both attended,” she said.

“This event celebrated the longstanding friendship of Finland and Hobsons Bay is extended by the utilisation of Finnish innovationtowardsactivatingtwositeswithin Hobsons Bay.

“We now have two Finnish companies within Hobsons Bay which is why I wanted to host this event.”

For 50 years the Finnish Society has been locatedinAltona,withDrKaraharju-Huisman sitting on the board for 20 years

“Now I get to combine my passion for Finland with active ageing, so it is all about the health and wellness space,” she said.

“WeareappreciatingtheFinnishinnovation towards active ageing that Hobsons Bay is providing for everyone.”

me if I didn’t try to assist in this matter because they wouldn’t have been happy with anything less than their prescribed motion.”

A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said, “Cr Briffa’s notice of motion was related but independent of the petition, and was presented in good faith and made with regard for the concern and wellbeing of all residents.

“Local government has no role to play in international politics, as advised by the minister for local government.

“Council is unaware of any conflict of interest in respect of employment, which is a private matter.

“The determination of a conflict of interest is a matter for the individual councillor and council is unaware of any intention to rescind the motion.”

Pride group positions open

Hobsons Bay council is calling for applications for the 2024 Hobsons

Bay Pride Community Liaison Group (CLG).

Council said the group will be established to help design and implement Hobsons Bay Pride, an initiative of the 2024 Mayoral Program.

“Hobsons Bay Pride explores programs, services, resources and ways for the LGBTIQA+ community to connect in Hobsons Bay,” council said.

“The purpose of the CLG is to bring togetherlocalknowledge,expertiseand networks, including to contribute ideas and contacts, and to guide engagement with the community.”

Council is seeking expressions of interest from people who can meet one or more of the following criteria: A personal or professional link with the Hobsons Bay LGBTQIA+ community, particularly with 25-40 year olds; commitment to making a positive contribution in the community; interest in community engagement including in the western region; or experience in designing programs like workshops and social gatherings.

Those who make it into the liaison group will help create programs like workshops and social gatherings for the period of April through until November.

Councilsaidtheselectionofmembers for the CLG will be guided by diversity, skills, geographic representation.

Details: https://shorturl.at/jqzKS

New Orygen program for students to tackle suicide and self-harm

Leading youth mental health organisation Orygen is preparing to start a new program, which will work with international students to build a digital program to bring down disproportionately high rates of suicide and self-harm among that cohort.

Orygen Youth Health is a mental health service for young people aged 15 - 25 in the western and north-western metropolitan region, which specialises in youth mental health research, education, advocacy and policy organisation.

Program lead researcher, Dr Sam McKay, leads the international student suicide prevention research programs on a number of

things, the latest being this new program.

“We know that international students report more suicide attempts than domestic students even if they have similar amounts of thoughts to domestic students,” he said.

“And we also did another piece of research that showed there’s no evidence based suicide preventionprogramsavailableforinternational students.

“So this is like a major gap in available prevention programs. And that’s particularly concerning given the risk of suicide attempts.”

Dr McKay said with three separate grants, Orygen will create a new suicide prevention, digital programs specifically co created with

and for international students.

A $75,000 grant from the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program will continue, Suicide Prevention Australia has donated $99,000 and the University of Melbourne provided Orygen an early career researcher grant for $38,000.

“There’salittleover$200,000todothework, which is pretty exciting,” Dr McKay said.

“The aim is to start the co-creation process thisyearwithourprogramandhaveaworking prototypebytheendofthisyearwithtestingto happen in the first part of next year.”

InternationalstudentslivinginMaribyrnong orHobsonsBay,theywillhavethechancetobe a part of the program and get paid while doing it.

“We will be spending a lot of time with international students and people from the sector to create something that’s adapted to their needs, that makes sense and is approachable,” he said.

“We’re going to be looking for a lot of international students, so if they’re living in that area that can be great for them to join the program, work with us and get paid for it.”

Dr McKay is happy to be contacted through the Orygen line for those interested.

Details: 9966 9100

Jennifer Pittorino

Finnish ambassador Arto Haapea, Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman and Avanti Health Centre chief executive Darryl Grundy. (Damjan Janevski) 398362_01

‘Icon’: Les Twentyman honoured

By Hannah Hammoud

Victoria has said its final goodbye to Les Twentyman, a “true son of the west” and a champion for youth across the state.

Family, friends, political leaders and the public gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday morning to bid a final farewell to Les who died in late March at age 76.

By his own words, Les described himself as a “well-known troublemaker” and “mad stirrer” from the west.

And as his younger brother Garry took to the podium to deliver his tribute, it was clear that Les had always marched to the beat of his own drum.

“It was very handy being brought up in Braybrook [and] having a brother that was three years older than me. Because he could actually tell me all the things that you could actually get away with, and those that wouldn’t work. And it saved me a hell of a lot ofheartache,andwemanagedtogetthrough,” Garry said.

“Les was one of the first inmates at Braybrook High School back in 1960 … the teachers quite frankly thought they were in control of the school – but I’m quite sure Les was. Les and his cronies basically went to school to fill in time between social events and sporting events.”

Les’ sister Sandra shared stories of the Twentyman household where the five children were raised in Braybrook.

Their parents ran a fruit shop on South Road and Sandra said they did everything they could to put food on the table.

“We found out at a very early age that pride was a useless emotion when you were poor,” she said.

“... [He was] darkly funny, fiercely honest and always playing down the enormous difference he made.”

and the people whose lives were changed and helped by Les could fill that mighty ground several times over,” he said.

Premier Jacinta Allan addressed the service as she remembered Les and the lives changed by his work.

“We all know Les was a man with a big heart and his absence leaves an even bigger hole,” she said.

“... Les was put to work on a paper round as soon as his legs were long enough to reach a pedal on his second hand bike created from scraps from the Sunshine tip – my father’s favourite playground.”

Maribyrnong MP and close friend of Les, Bill Shorten, said Les’ life changed the course of many others.

“Les was a true son of the west. Les was a Victorian to his core. I think he was as much a part of this great city as our mighty MCG,

“That’s what mattered to him. Not fame or fortune. Not clenching fists or throwing in the towel. Not bothered about looking good, focussed on doing good.

“... Les became an icon but he was never an ornament.”

The late Les Twentyman was remembered as a veteran youth worker who advocated for disadvantaged and vulnerable Victorians, tackling issues such as youth homelessness, drug abuse, prison reform and social welfare. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Home dilemma

By Cr Simon Crawford

Across the state, people are grappling with the high cost of housing. At a local level, approximately 30 per cent of residents living in Maribyrnong, Braybrook, and Footscray are experiencing rental stress, and 32.8 per centofhouseholdswerepayinghighmortgage repayments ($2,600 per month or more ) according to the ABS, Census of Population and Housing 2021. With the median house price at $957,750 last year and higher interest rates, we can expect these figures to be significantly higher in today’s market.

Council recently considered a planning application for a residential development in Footscray. It was generally a good application with an environmentally sustainable design, lots of bike parking and not much car parking to encourage active transport, along with a significant amount of affordable housing.

But when we say affordable housing, what does that mean? Policymakers often speak of ‘affordable housing and social housing’ and ways to boost their supply – but the terms are often interchangeable and poorly understood.

In Victoria, affordable housing is supposed to meet the needs of households with a very low, or moderate income, and includes social housing. According to the Planning and Environment Act 1987, individuals earning up to $20,770 fall in the very low income range, $29,710 to $47,630 is the low income range, and $47,631 to $71,450 is considered moderate income.

Many of these people include our essential workers (e.g. teachers, nurses and police officers), we need to ensure housing for these people or we will not be able to provide essential services. Government should probably just ensure these workers are paid better but that is another matter.

Cr Simon Crawford.

Giventhehighmedianpriceofhomes,once you crunch the numbers, only individuals in the moderate income range would have been able to afford the ‘affordable housing’ supplied in the residential development planning application we recently considered. However, this isn’t a criticism of the developer – they are using the state government’s guidelines on what is considered affordable.

Lack of affordable housing remains an issue in all corners of the country, this is not a matter council can resolve. I am also aware there is a trend appearing of skilled tradespeople not working in their trade and doing unskilled labouring jobs on the big build for higher wages, there needs to be equity for trades people and government has a role to facilitate this.

Governments also need to work together to ensure land owners actually build on their land instead of ‘land banking’ (including the governments themselves).

Recognising the confusion surrounding the term ‘affordable housing’, there needs to be better guidelines in place to ensure homes are truly affordable. Let’s ensure that ‘affordable housing’ is accessible to those in the lower end of the income range – we need places where everyone can rent or buy on lower incomes.

Briefs

Garden workshops

Maribyrnong council is hosting a free My Smart Garden workshop on Saturday, April 20. This workshop is a Habitat Gardening workshop where attendees will learn about how indigenous animals are struggling the effects of urbanisation and removal of habitat and how you can help. This event will be held at 21 Yardley Street, Maidstone, from 10am-noon. Hobsons Bay council is also hosting a free My Smart Garden workshop on Sunday, April 21, about composting systems. Attendees can bring any surplus produce, seeds, cuttings, plants, gardening magazines and more to share. The event will be held at Homestead Run Reserve, Seabrook, from 10 am-noon. Tickets can be purchased through Humanitix.

Nature challenge

April brings the arrival of this year’s City Nature Challenge. This year’s challenge will run from Friday, April 26, to Monday , April 29 and involves councils competing to log the most species of flora and fauna in their municipality. To get involved, download the iNaturalist app and take photos or capture sounds of as many animals, fungi or plants and add these images and videos to the Maribyrnong project and the Greater Melbourne project.

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Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

‘Living grief’ confronting families

Gisborne’s Tamara Wilson says watching her daughter battle an eating disorder was a form of ‘living grief’. With eating disorders on the rise, more and more Australian families are confronting this distressing health issue as Zoe Moffatt reports.

When Gisborne mother Tamara Wilson sat with her daughter at the Royal Children’s Hospital in 2012 she felt an overwhelming sense of grief start to wash over her. Grief that she was losing her then 14-year-old daughter Brooke to an eating disorder.

Sitting next to her mother, Brooke would have bruising on her back from sit ups and excessive exercise, her eyes would be sunken in and dark, and her lips would start to turn blue.

For Tamara and Brooke, the next 20 or so monthswouldinclude22hospitaladmissions, regular ambulance rides, feeding tubes, fights atmealtimes,missedschooltimeandcopious appointments with healthcare professionals.

Butthetoughestpartforthemother-of-three was the grief that she was losing her daughter.

“I remember sitting in ward rounds next to Brooke and [she] was just a shell of [a] person,” Tamara said.

“A shell of the person that I had given birth to and brought up and, and loved and continued to love but she just wasn’t there anymore.

‘‘ I was shocked and devastated and felt like I had neglected her, like that I should have seen all of this sooner ’’ - Tamara Wilson

“Therewasalivinggriefthatcomes with it as a carer or as a parent, which is – and took a lot of time to accept –that this was going to be our life.”

While this reality may seem far flung from most Australians, it is a reality that is creeping its way into more and more lives. A recent report from the national eating disorder charity only supports this.

The Butterfly Foundation report released in February estimated 1.1 million Australians, or 4.5 per cent, are currently living with an eating disorder.

The report estimates 10.5 per cent of Australians will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. If there are nine other people near you, take a look around because statistically one of you will be affected.

For Tamara however, this was a circumstance she never thought would enter her life.

When Tamara noticed Brooke was losing a lot of weight quickly she took her to doctors, but after an unhelpful and dismissive appointment, Tamara said she started to do her own research.

“[I felt] more confused and more lost. [Brooke] continued to lose weight.

“I looked up eating disorders, and got an information page that I printed out and read. I then sat down with Brooke and said, ‘I think this is what we’re dealing with’.”

When talking about this timeline, Tamara admits she probably didn’t approach the conversation the best way and was “quite judgemental”.

Two days later Brooke was taken to the emergency department and admitted to hospital for the first time on what became a long journey.

“IwasshockedanddevastatedandfeltlikeI had neglected her, like that I should have seen all of this sooner.

“I honestly thought it would be a case of they’ll pop her on a drip, they’ll rehydrate her, they’ll put some food into her, and we’ll come home and it’ll all be better.

“Completely naive to the journey that we were on.”

Tamara runs Gisborne health promotion charity P.S. My Family Matters.

Tamara said Brooke still struggles with her weight but is thriving.

In the following years Brooke would go on to finish year 11 but not complete her final year of schooling.

“Shespentmoretimeinhospitalinherteens than she did at home. We had an ambulance at our house every week that she was home,” Tamara said.

Tamarawouldalsohavetoshutdownalarge portion of her business to care for Brooke, but thanks to the generosity of one client she was able to keep up with her mortgage.

“They paid for my mortgage for six months, they put a cleaner in my house for six months and they continue to employ me at the same rate.

“I don’t think I would have survived without that support.”

Fast forward to today, Brooke is a registered nurse and has an 11-month-old baby, and

“The pregnancy was particularly difficult for her. She still exercises and she has a very, very rigid routine around food and exercise but she lives a very normal life,” Tamara said.

“I call her my little miracle. We treasure every second of life with her and celebrate all of our successes.”

While Tamara and Brooke’s experience with eating disorders can be rounded out to two people who are thriving, the same cannot be said for a growing number of Australians who are affected.

The Butterfly Foundation’s report is the second edition of ‘Paying the Price’ after the first edition in 2012, and reveals a 21 per cent increase in the number of people with eating disorders.

In 2023, there were 1273 deaths due to an eating disorder.

It also found 27 per cent of individuals with an eating disorder are aged 19 years or younger, an increase of 12 per cent since 2012.

Tamara said it’s appalling that it has taken more than a decade for another report of this kind to be published.

She said the thing that peaked her interest was that more people died from an eating disorder last year than the road toll, which was 1266 fatalities.

“There is so much put into saving people in the road toll and reducing that, yet eating disorders are neglected. I think it’s terrible.

“I support a lot of families within the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury that have children with eating disorders, and it’s so challenging, they don’t know where to go.”

Tamarasaidtheotherthingthatshenoticed from the report is that early intervention needs so much more attention.

“Trying to get that early intervention is really challenging because you can’t get the really good services until you’re critical.

“I have families that are waiting for admissions… [those affected] are skin and bone and the parents are just watching them die.

“It’s swept under the carpet and there still is a huge stigma – it is a mental illness, there is still stigma around mental health and mental illness.”

Education works hand-in-hand with early intervention, and Tamara said there needs to be education in schools and education to parents on how to model healthy eating behaviours.

If you or someone you know needs support with an eating disorder the Butterfly Foundation can be contacted on 1800 334 673, or via an online chat or email. Details: https:// butterfly.org.au/

Tamara Wilson, and left, Tamara looking at the recent report into eating disorders. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 396886

Trust IPC Health to help you find the care you need

Would you like assistance with daily tasks to help you stay in your home for longer? Are you struggling to understand and access aged care services and don’t have anyone who can help you through the process? The IPC Health Care Finder Service can guide you through all this and more!

The flexible service means that care finders can meet you wherever you feel comfortable – like your home, the local library or your favourite cafe. We’ll help you understand what aged care services and supports are available for you, including My Aged Care.

Your care finder will ask questions to understand your situation, walk you through the assessment process and assist you to connect with services that best suit your needs. We can also help you find other supports in the community to build social connections, working with you every step of the way.

Once your services are up and running, we’ll continue to check in with you to make sure you are getting the support and care you need. If circumstances change or your services are no longer meeting your needs, we can help you make changes to better support your journey.

“The IPC Health Care Finder Service is a great program to connect those older people in our community that would otherwise have fallen through the cracks. It allows for support at all stages of the aged care journey,“ said Lauren, IPC Health Care Finder Service team member.

IPC can get you set up with services that will help you with:

• personal care like showering and getting dressed

• meal preparation

• shopping

• gardening and home maintenance

• transport

• in home nursing or health care

• health and wellbeing services like podiatry, dietetics, physiotherapy and counselling

• community and social activities

The IPC Health Care Finder Service can support people who:

• are eligible for aged care services; that is people aged over 65 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50

years and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

• Don’t have anyone who is able or willing to help them, or who they can trust

• Find it difficult to understand information, make decisions, need help with reading or writing in English and/or speak a language other than English

• LiveinBrimbank,HobsonsBay,Maribyrnong, Melton, Moorabool or Wyndham.

IPC care finders speak a range of languages and can also organise a free interpreter when needed.

“My care finder Celestine has been wonderfully supportive and has given me easy to understand plain English information about the service system. She made me feel listened to and valued as a person,“ said one IPC Health Care Finder Service client.

Our care finders will support you every step of the way in your journey. Find out more online at www.ipchealth.com.au/services/carefinder-service.Callustodayon1300895589or email the team at carefinders@ipchealth.com. au.

IPC Health is your local community health care provider in the west, offering a range of integrated services to improve and support our diverse communities’ health and wellbeing needs. With six local campuses and extensive community partnerships, we can help you identify and reach your goals through integrated and personalised care.

From mental health and family services to volunteering and GP clinics, we also provide outreach, support groups and group classes.

Visit the website at www.ipchealth.com.

au for more information and get in touch on 1300 472 432 to see how we can move your health and wellbeing journey forward, together!

Feeling foot or knee pain?

Foot and knee pain are two of the most common human health complaints, yet successful treatment with long term outcomes can be hard to find.

Until fairly recently the only options commonly available have been to rest for extended periods, refrain from activities, resort to long-term medications or in severe cases, undergo surgery. Some find hands-on therapies like physio or osteo helpful but treatment may need to be consistent or ongoing to remain effective. So, what can we do about persistent foot or knee pain?

Well thanks to the latest advances in medical science, ongoing and recurring foot, ankle, knee and hip pain can be a thing of the past. Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists and lower limb pain and injury experts, are having enormous success assisting people with conditions such as: general pain, soft tissue injuries (new and old), degenerative conditions like arthritis, tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, nerve impingements, and

children’sgrowthanddevelopmentconditions. Their clinically proven treatment plans have helped thousands to alleviate pain, heal injuries, improve mobility and assist arthritic anddegenerativejointconditions.They’veeven assisted many to avoid surgery such as knee replacements.

Foot and Leg Pain Clinics’ Dr Paul Dowie, who is one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists and foot and leg pain experts, says “The latest medical research has provided us with a better understanding of thebodyandhowwecanassistIttohealitself.If we look past the surface symptoms to un-cover contributing factors like faulty foot function, repetitive stress patterns, biomechanical weaknesses and lifestyle factors - then utilise the very latest treatments and management strategies, we can relieve stress on joints and tissues, improve function, enhance mobility, decrease or eliminate pain and even assist soft tissue repair and regeneration”.

To a see Dr Dowie in Williamstown call 1300 328 300.

MY PLACE

Award winning local author Louise Karch tells Jennifer Pittorino about her new book.

Tell us why you decided to come to Australia from Canada.

I had to see if your toilet bowl water really spiralled down the opposite direction. After that, discovering life without sleet, slush and wicked snowstorms had me at G’day.

Tell us about your latest book.

I looked in the mirror and got nostalgic for my youth. Truthfully, after I co-wrote the global bestseller ’The Carbon Almanac: It’s Not Too Late’ with 300 authors from 41 countries, I needed to escape with the fairies. ’First Aid for Fairies: From Rain to Rainbows’ is a tiny book that gives young adults micro-resilience tools. These are little tips to manage hard moments at the moment.

Why this book now?

Recent Australian research on young people, aged from 10 to 24, found over a third of them experience depression and/or anxiety. I wrote a ‘help others book’ so they could support their friends when they wobble. One of my careers was as a trauma counsellor/advocate. I learned tools that help people shift from the sympathetic nervous system – fight and flight – to their parasympathetic system – rest and digest. The parasympathetic, think of a parachute softy lowering, is the calmer, wiser part of ourselves.

What is an example of a tool?

The eight tools in the book spell the word R.A.I.N.B.O.W.S. For example, the letter A stands for aquatherapy, the importance of drinking enough water. The tip says: “Stress dehydratesyou,theexpertsagree.Dehydration strains a body in need. This sharp downward spiral is yours to stop. You know what to do. Drink up buttercup.” I chose the voice of a steampunk fairy godmother because this age group needs someone cool and caring in their corner.

I chose steampunk because the west has a proud history of industry. Plus, the Victorian era saw massive technological and social change from the light bulb and telephone to rapidurbanisation.Youngpeopletodayseethe rise of AI, global conflict, housing shortages and climate damage. They need a strong inner

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

voice that combines grace and grit, hope and resilience. Mashing together steampunk and a fairy godmother is a novel way of bringing light to what some feel is a dark time.

Tell us about the Hobsons Bay Homegrown Authors Program (HBHAP)?

Anything that matters happens with others. Parts of my books have been written at Hobsons Bay Libraries, particularly

the Newport Community Hub and the Williamstown Library. There are over 100 authors in Hobsons Bay. This program gives us opportunities to connect and celebrate book launches.

As an author, where do you go for inspiration? Creatives need space to just be. My new favourite spot is under the stunning Golden Elm tree in Williamstown Botanic Gardens.

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

April fun in the west

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

The month of April is packed with live music, top-notch comedy, and heaps of school holiday activities in Melbourne’s west.

Music will fill the air of the western suburbs as the Whitlams Black Stump and Eskimo Joe stop in town later this month. Bringing the laughs, international comedy phenomenon The Umbilical Brothers will pay a visit to the Wyndham Cultural Centre on April 17, for their performance, The Distraction: enabling your screen addiction.

Locals can connect with the past during this year’s Australian Heritage Festival running up until May 18. Melbourne’s west is humming with events as part of this nationwide program, with exhibitions, workshops, tours, presentations, children’s programs, and events. Visit local haunts, step

back in time, and discover the stories behind our iconic and common places and spaces. For a celebration of culture, head on down to the St Albans Community Centre for a community festival to commemorate Buddha’s Day, an alms giving, ethnic gifts, food stalls, multicultural performances, special blessing ceremonies and more on April 27.

Or check out captivating theatre ’Inner Sanctuary’, an experience of poetry, music and projection. Set in the western suburbs, the theatre explores community, ecology, and freedom in a chaotic world. Tickets are on sale for April 27 at the Bowery Theatre, St Albans. To discover all the events lined up in Melbourne’s west visit, https:// melbourneswest.com.au/about/our-region/

The Australian Heritage Festival is running up until May 18 featuring iconic landmarks of Melbourne’s west. (Supplied)

Louise Karch. (Dr Liz Cyarto)

Where to honour the Anzacs

As citizens throughout Australia and New Zealand pause on April 25, for Anzac Day, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay residents will be able to choose between a range of local services to attend.

The Altona RSL is hosting a march and commemoration service at the Altona RSL on Sargood Street, Altona.

This will be held on Saturday, April 20, beginning with the march at 2.45pm .

The service at the Cenotaph will be held at 3pm. Dawn services will be held in Altona, Williamstown, Seabrook and Spotswood on Anzac Day.

Beginning at 6am, the Altona service will takeplaceattheAltonaCivicCentreCenotaph.

Williamstown Dawn Service attendees are asked to arrive at the Williamstown Cenotaph at 5.30am for the hour-long service.

Starting at 6,30am, the Seabrook Dawn Service will take place at Homestead Run Reserve, with attendees asked to arrive at 6am, followed by refreshments after the service.

The Spotswood Kingsville Dawn Service will take place at the Spotswood Kingsville RSL.

The dawn service will be held in the Memorial Garden from 5.50 am.

Also at the Spotswood Kingsville RSL, a family commemorative service will take place at 11am.

Newport will be hosting a commemorative service at Paine Reserve from 1pm.

The Footscray Cycling Club will host a Bob Robson Memorial Criterium at Perry Street from noon.

Maribyrnong council said there are no council organised events, however Footscray RSL will host its annual march on Sunday, April 21.

It will begin at 11am at Victoria University, onthecornerofBallaratandGeelongRoads,to be completed at the RSL.

The Williamstown Cenotaph.

This Anzac Day, Thursday 25 April, we remember all the men and women who have served Australia in uniform and we commemorate their sacrifice.

Thank you to all the members of the Australian Defence Force and our veteran community for their service to our country.

Footscray RSL’s Anzac Service will be held on Sunday 21st April. There will be a March from Footscray Memorial Garden, corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads. Please assemble at 10.30am for the March.

The Commemorative Service will begin at 11am at Footscray RSL: 1/48 Geelong Rd, Footscray. We pay special tribute to all of our veterans and we acknowledge the outstanding service they have given our country in wartime and in peace.

Marching for justice at Techno

More than 80 members of the Hobsons Bay community marched on Tuesday, April 9, in support of Techno Park residents currently at threat of eviction by Hobsons Bay council. Organiser and long-time resident of Techno Park, Matt Robinson, said the peaceful march was a huge success.

“It was really good, the overall outcome was great,” he said.

“The people who were there were really strong supporters and a lot of them had been to our first rally six months ago so it was good to see them again.”

After some speeches the group began the march,chantingtheir‘SaveTechnoPark’song from Logan Reserve to the council chambers.

Resident Lara Week said the family friendly march asked council to recognise their rights. “What has been clear in this time is how much our local community is behind us,” she said.

“People have just been absolutely sickened to see the way that the council has attempted to evict people from their own homes and not be transparent about why.”

Traditional music was played as residents and allies marched. Kids of all ages attended the family friendly march.

Two of the young Techno Park residents facing eviction. After several speeches, the march began.

This is the second time Techno Park residents have marched to Hobsons Bay Council chambers.

More than 80 people attended on Tuesday night. (Pictures: Supplied)

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

Folk and Fiddle play along group

The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play

Along Group is a great place for absolute beginners or those with some experience, to play music in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed, where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. Children are also welcome.

■ The group is led by Danny who creates a welcoming and casual environment. At 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport, Saturday, April 20.

Dementia-cise

Fitness for her is offering a free, low-impact group class for individuals with dementia to maintain communication and social engagement. A six-week term starts Thursday, May 9, and will offer 30-minute exercise classes for people living with dementia and their carers at Central Square Shopping Centre, Shop 46-47, Newham Way, Altona Meadows.

■ Register: www.fitnessforher.com.au or 93608000

Sing with WIllin Wimmin choir

Come join the wonderful women at Willin Wimmin choir in Williamstown for some singing fun. Term two begins on Wednesday, April 17. Try out for free for two weeks to see if it’s your thing. The group os all about the joy of group singing, and welcomes new members. There are no auditions required. The choir sings a mix of contemporary, folk, choral, and world music in acapella style. Meet Wednesdays during school terms from 7.30-9.30pm at The Bridge church hall, 119 Douglas Parade, Williamstown.

■ willinwimmin.org.au

Holy Family Parish

The Holy Family Parish in Maidstone is hosting an Alpha Night. Free meal and chance to chat. People from all backgrounds, faith, and walk of life are welcome at the events which will run every Wednesday until May 22, from 6.45-8.45pm, at Holy Family Parish small hall, 15 Lyons Street, Maidstone..

■ Angelo Ramnac, 0409 406 611 or aramnac@bigpond.com

Women Talk: Everyday English language course

For women of all ages and backgrounds with English as a second language. Practice speaking English in different situations, and make new friends. Fridays 10am-noon.

■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com. au or visit 43 Mason Street, Newport.

Laverton Community Choir

The choir is welcoming new members, especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir, come along and try out your vocal cords with our fun and welcoming group of singers. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton from 7-9pm.

■ Sue, 0418 386 147, or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com

Newport Jazz Festival

Running from May 3-5, this year’s festival will feature a stellar line-up of musicians in 38 bands, with headliners jazz legend Bob Sedergreen, dynamic traditional band Shiraz, the groovy Adam Rudegeair plus Newport’s own and Melbourne’s sweetheart vocalist Julie O’Hara. For further band line-up and ticket information, visit:

■ www.melbournejazzjammers.com.au

Free parent support

Hobsons Bay council’s new support group, ’Tuning in to Teens’ is designed to help parents with a range of teenage topics. These include understanding your teen better, helping your teen to manage difficult emotions, helping to prevent behavioural issues in your teen and teach your teen how to deal with conflict more effectively. Tuning in to Teens is a free six-session parenting program. The next term will run on Mondays from 6.30-8.30pm, commencing May 20, running online.

■ 9932 4000 or youth@hobsonsbay.vic. gov.au

Mouth Organ Band

Yarraville Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members. Band practice is held on Friday evenings at 8pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. For great music in a friendly atmosphere feel free to call in one Friday evening.

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

Altona Day View Club

The Altona Day View Club meets on the third Wednesday each Month at 11am, at the Altona RSL 31 Sargood Street., Altona..

■ Marion, 9394 6557

Woodcarving workshop

The woodcarving workshop meets on Tuesdays at 9.30am-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

Laverton Community Choir

New members who would enjoy singing in a friendly group are welcome. No experience necessary and no auditions. The choir meets on Thursday evenings during school term from 7-9pm at Laverton P12 College (enter via gate 1,) 91 Bladin Street, Laverton.

■ Sue, 0418 386 147

Form support

New and free at Williamstown Community and Education Centre. Need help filling in forms? Passport applications, Centrelink forms, housing assistance, medical, service provision, etc.

■ Lara, 9397 6168

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.

Alcoholics Anonymous –Williamstown

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

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

Wednesday walking group

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

■ 9397 6168

Williamstown Craft Market

Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am4pm.

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

Musicians wanted

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-noon at Braybrook College.

■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Free English conversation class

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

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

Willy walking group

A free walking group meets every Wednesday, during school terms, at 10.15- 11am, from Joan Kirner House, 14

Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

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

Heritage walks

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

■ John, 0418 377 336

Women Talk – Conversational English

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

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

Laverton Community Education Centre

Laverton Community Education Centre has started free AMEP classes in Williamstown Community Education Centre at the Joan Kirner House, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-3pm. Participants can build English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

■ 9369 2726

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, noon-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, email outlets@outletsco-op. com.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian Lisa Gatenby AKA ‘Winni Wizard’ (Damjan Janevski) 399755_01

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Richmond player will miss a portion of the 2024 AFL season after sustaining a hamstring injury in a round three match?

2. After a recent contract extension, which surfing competition will continue to be held at Bells Beach until 2028?

3. What is the name of the NRL’s centralised in-game

4. This year, Jeff Dunne and Rachael Gunn will become the first Australians to compete in which sport at an Olympic level?

5. Who is the current Minister for Sport?

6. Is Mitchell Johnson a former fast bowler or spin bowler?

7. The Brisbane Bandits, Canberra Cavalry and Melbourne Aces all play in which sporting league?

How many balls are used in a game of snooker?

How tall is Chuanxing Liu, the tallest ever man to play in the NBL?

An injury common in tennis and volleyball players, adhesive capsulitis is also known by what other name?

11. Which English Premier League club famously won the premiership at long odds in 2015–16?

12. Before joining Port Adelaide, footballer Aliir Aliir played 64 games for which AFL club?

13. Which former Australian Test cricket wicketkeeper recently retired from the first-class format?

14. In which year did Australian cyclist Cadel Evans win the Tour de France?

15. Which Argentine soccer player won the 2023 Laureus Sportsman of the Year award?

16. How many majors did Australian golfer Greg Norman win in his career?

17. What is the nickname for the Australian women’s rugby league team?

18. What nationality is 2024 Australian Open tennis champion Jannik Sinner?

19. In which year was the Monaco Grand Prix motor race first held?

20. Cricketer Glenn Maxwell has scored how many T20 International centuries for Australia?

21. Which men's Under-18 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 Albert Schweitzer Tournament?

22. Tanzania-born teenager Nestory Irankunda plays for which A-League Men's club?

23. The foal of which champion racehorse sold for $10 million at the 2024 Inglis Australia Easter Yearling Sale?

24. Which women's 3x3 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup?

25. Which men's 3x3 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup?

26. Australian runner Oliver Hoare competes in which middle-distance event?

27. Welsh-born Australian rugby league footballer Keith Barnes was known by what nickname?

28. The Hawthorn and Geelong AFL match on Easter Monday was halted due to what weather event?

29. Briony Akle coaches which Super Netball team?

30. Broden Kelly, member of surrealist comedy group Aunty Donna, barracks for which AFL club?

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.

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 nouns ending in “s”.

1 How many Oscars did EverythingEverywhere All at Once win in total?

2 Established in 1839, which suburb is the oldest in Melbourne?

3 Who wrote and directed TheShawshankRedemption?

4 The meaningless repetition of spoken words or phrases is known by what term?

5 What is the national plant of Ireland?

6 Which country was the footwear company Crocs founded in?

7 Painter Frida Kahlo died in Mexico in what year?

8 Who wrote the poems Funeral Blues, TheAgeofAnxiety and AsIWalkedOutOneEvening?

9 Florence Welch (pictured) is the lead vocalist of which indie rock band?

10 What do tulips, daffodils, irises and hyacinths have in common?

Performance: 9/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 5/10

Practicality: 6/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Get in quick for Audi RS Q3

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

One of the most popular pastimes in the world, Monopoly, and the Audi RS Q3 sports utility vehicle have much in common.

The board game deals with high finance and real estate, the SUV high performance motoring; both rely heavily on figures.

Thelatterhasjustaddedalotmoreofthelatter to the list with its RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years, as the suffix suggests with reference to its decade of success. Audi is making only 555 specials in celebration, with a ‘healthy number’ slated for Down Under.

“This edition pays great tribute to the best of SUV performance in the RS Q3 Sportback,” saysAudiAustraliadirectorJeffManning,who has no doubts about the sales success of the anniversary edition in this country.

“Australia as a market is so performance focused and I have no doubt that owners will enjoy exclusive RS touches in this special model,” he adds.

The RS Q3 Sportback 10 Years is based on the storied RS Q3 with a raft of unique features inside and out, not least the award winning 2.5 TFSI turbocharged five-cylinder motor, producing an unrivalled bass note.

Inkeepingwiththisisanexclusivecollection of accoutrements such as black 21-inch alloy wheels, matching Audi badging and brake callipers, plus race-inspired front bucket seats with contrasting copper honeycomb stitching.

TheRSQ3SportbackEdition10Yearscomes with Audi’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion. Owners also receive membership during the warranty period to the Audi Experience with access to exclusive events, Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.

Styling Stand-out exclusive colours are Dew Silver matt or metallic Chronos Grey, the latter providing a strong base for darkened matrix LED headlamps, with dynamic turn indicators and matching wing mirror housings. A glossy black roof frame, window rims, and doortrimpointthewaytocopycatfrontspoiler blades and diffuser insert. The Audi four rings

clingtothesingleframeradiatorgrilleandrear together with the model lettering.

Interior Race-style front bucket seats have a lot going for them – big bolsters for snug lateral support (handy on dramatic direction changes) and covered in leather and Dinamica, black with contrasting copper coloured honeycomb stitching and backrest in matt carbon.

Here’s the bad news: while both seats are heated,theyarereducedtomanualadjustment; nopowerhere.Thisisnotwhatwehavebecome used to in a $100,000 car.

Never mind, the RS sport steering wheel makesupfortheabsence,beingclothedinsexy suede-style Alcantara with copper stitching, which is repeated in the gear lever gaiter. Ambient LED lighting adds the finishing touches to the luxe surroundings.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Saying the car is a five-seater is stretching things; the rear is short on width. The boot will take 530 litres of cargo with the 60:40 rear seat backs up, expanding to 1400 litres with them folded. An electric tailgate includes gesture control.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Infotainment

The set-up features MMI navigation through a 10.1-inch touch screen, Audi Connect Plus, Audi phone box light and wireless smartphone charging.

There are two USB-C power outlets up front, along with a 12V plug down by twin cup holders.

Audi virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3-inch display can be configured to present the driver with several layers of easily accessible information to maximise the driving experience, or not.

Engines/transmissions

The award winning TFSI five-cylinder engine pumps out 294 kW of power, 17 per cent more than the previous RS Q3 motor. Maximum torque of 480 Nm, on tap between 1950 and 5850 rpm runs the quattro permanent all-wheel drive via a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission.

Safety

ANCAP safety is not rated, as is the case with many sports specials. However, there is no skimping on active safety, with adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go function, Audi pre-sense front with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

The 360-degree cameras, plus rear and front parking alarms instil confidence when faced with crowded car parks.

Driving

AndsototheAudiRSQ3SportbackEdition10 Years figures. The Car can hit 100km/h from standstill in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h. Audi claims fuel consumption of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle.

Thetestcarrecordedjustover10litresper100 kilometres in city stop/start motoring and 6.4 litresper100kilometresonamainlymotorway run. That apart, it’s the accompanying exhaust note that really takes the cake.

The odd number of cylinders with their unique firing order of 1-2-4-5-3 deliver a deep sonorous sound via twin barrels with exhaust flap control and gloss black oval tailpipe trims. The RS sport suspension with adaptive dampers has the car on best behaviour around city streets but still gets a grip when things are set loose on fast bends or sharp corners.

Bits to play with include driving modes, powertrain monitoring and performance tracking. Positive steering is backed up by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, while braking has the heft to pull up the vehicle with the assurance the driver demands of a high-performance sports car.

Summary

TheanniversaryRSQ3isavailableinSportback only, the SUV not given a guernsey, which is how it should be. Buyers will have to be quick to join the celebrations.

Audi is making only 555 Audi RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years vehicles. (Pictures: Supplied)

Seagulls start to find form securing another win

Williamstown showed glimpses of what it can do in the Victorian Football League on Saturday against Southport.

While the Seagulls entered the match undefeated, they had been anything but convincing in their first two wins.

On Saturday, it was a good battle for the first half, with only one point separating the two teams at the main break.

The Seagulls found another level in the third quarter to break open the match. That would prove the difference in the 17.10 (112)-8.18 (66) win.

Seagulls director of coaching Jeff Andrews said not only were they happy with the win, but the way they went about it.

He said having the week off between rounds two and three had really helped.

“It was what we needed,” he said. “We gelled significantly better and came together well.

“We had a few meetings during the last couple of weeks. As we’d played a couple of Friday games we had only trained once a week.

“We were able to train for things and give the players a bit more clarity on how we want to play and that is what we did.”

The difference in the game would be the third quarter when the Seagulls kicked eight goals to Southport’s none, with the margin going from one point to 45 points.

Andrews said while on the scoreboard it was one quarter that was the difference, overall their performance was muchstronger.

“The effort and intensity was there for four quarters,” he said. “We broke down a little bit by not hitting the last kick.

“The intensity and the pressure wasn’t there for four quarters in the first couple of matches and that was our focus and we were happy to get the result.”

Corey Rich kicked three goals for the Seagulls, while Jovan Petric, Noah Gadsby, Nick Ebinger, Blake Coleman, Josh Browne and Jack Brown kicked two goals each.

Andrews said it was crucial to have a spread of options which makes it harder to

match up on.

Star recruit Brodie McLaughlin will be back either this week or next to add another option up forward.

Aiden Bonar had 24 disposals, while Finn O’Dwyer and Riley Collier-Dawkins had 22 possessions.

Andrews said Bonar, O’Dwyer and Luke Parks had good games in defence, while Jack Toner was good in the middle.

He said Rich up forward along with Jack Brown, who was making his debut, were also good.

The Seagulls have another task this weekend, facing the Footscray Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs are also undefeated after three rounds.

“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve beaten them in a couple of years.”

In the VFLW, Williamstown lost to ladder leaders, the Box Hill Hawks, 4.7 (31)-3.3 (21).

Tara Murray

Falcons show good form

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons came out on top at home against Geelong Cougars in front of a big crowd in the Victorian Netball League championship.

In one of their home matches at Altona Sports Centre, the Falcons slowly built into the match before coming away with a 62-47 win on Wednesday night.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said it wasn’t their best performance but they were able to come away with the points.

“It took a while to get there,” she said. “They are a good outfit and they have a rotating circle and are hard to defence.”

Lind said they didn’t make the most of their opportunities with the ball and had several turnovers that they normally wouldn’t have. She said they tried to find the right combinations again and it took some time.

“We’re still trying to find the right mix,” she said. “It was a bit better with using Genevieve [Ogier] off the bench and giving Uneeq [Palavi] a bit of a break

“We didn’t help Jane at all and we put her under a lot of pressure and we were running an extra ball to get her at a better angle.”

With the connection to Cook not working, Shimona Jok had her best game for the Falcons.

She shot 37 goals in 41 minutes on court, not missing a shot.

Lind said with Jok having a bit more agility than Cook it seemed to work better.

It’s been a big week for Jok, who was on Thursday officially named as the Melbourne Mavericks 11th player for the Suncorp Super Netball season. She could get called up any time during the season to be part of the Mavericks match day squad.

Lind said it was something that Jok had been aiming for.

Overall, Lind said it was a team effort on Wednesday night with no standouts.

“We had to grind it out a bit,” she said. “ We were our own worst enemy at times though.”

After six rounds, the Falcons sit in third sport, with four wins and a loss.

The Falcons under-23 side also had a good win, beating the Cougars, 53-42.

“They played really well,” Lind said. “It was an interesting game with both sides having three players at nationals.

“Our development girls int he under-19s having been playing in the super series and they were ready to go .

“All three come in and got a run, which is good for our pathway,”

The Falcons this week face the Peninsula Waves on Wednesday night.

The Waves championship side is the only one in championship division without a win.

“They are still shooting about 50 goals a game,” she said.

Wins all round for Gators

The Altona Gators have shown their development already in the Big V men’s division 1 season with a win against Gippsland United on Saturday night.

Having lost to United in round one, the Gators were able to turn the tables on Saturday night, winning, 81-77.

Scores were level after the first 10 minutes, before the Gators jumped out to a nine point lead at half time.

The margin was increased to 11 at the last break.

United came hard in the final quarter, but the Gators were able to hold on, winning 81-77.

Samson Rocker top scored for the Gators with 16 points as four players scored double figures.

The win was the Gators second and now brings them to 2-2 for the season.

The Gators faced the Chelsea Gulls in round five.

In the women’s division 1-2 competition, the Gators won both their matches on the weekend.

On Saturday night, the Gators had a night out against Melbourne University, winning 74-39.

The Gators jumped out of the blocks and led by 12 points at quarter time and then 22 points at half time.

There was no letting up in the second half with the Gators keeping the pressure on and winning every quarter.

The Gators shared the minutes around with four of their five starters scoring double figures.

Alysha Carden-David and Jordan Wilson top scored with 14 points each.

The Gators were back in action on Sunday against the Craigieburn Eagles. It was another fast start for the Eagles, who led 26-5 at quarter time.

The Gators won the next two quarters to lead by 31 points heading into the final quarter.

The Gators rotated their players in the last quarter and eventually won 72-47.

Wilson top scored with 23 points, while Jessica Rarity had 16 points.

The Gators sit in fourth spot after four rounds.

“It’s a good opportunity to run a different line and run some players that we need to get time into.

“We don’t underestimate any of them.”

Genevieve Ogier. (Robbab Photography)

Jake Greiser (Jacob Pattison) 357619_08

Seagulls get bragging rights in hockey rivalry

The Footscray and Altona rivalry had an even greater meaning in the Hockey Victoria premier league on Saturday.

The two western suburbs teams in the premier division, the clubs got together in the off season and decided to put something on the line every time they play.

The two clubs will play for the Western Trophy, which is decided by the results of the premier men’s and women’s matches, along with the premier reserves men’s and women’s matches.

The trophy added to the first round match up between the two sides as the season got underway on Saturday.

The final points were equal at six points each at day’s end after two wins and two losses each.

The decider went down to goal difference which resulted in Altona took out the trophy by a goal difference of two.

Altona won the men’s premier league match

4-0,whileFootscraywonthewomen’spremier league match, 2-1.

Footscray president Nicole Virtuoso said they were quite excited by the trophy which had come out of a conversation between her and Altona president Brian Fanning.

“We are two premier league clubs,” she said. “There’s been a good friendly rivalry over a number of years.

“The trophy will be decided by the results of the four premier matches across the day. The trophy will be silver and will also have some royal blue, which both clubs have on their uniforms.

Virtuoso said there was normally a big crowd when the two teams faced each other and they were hoping to see more of that this year.

Altona president Brian Fanning said while the two clubs are opposition sides, they both share a lot in common.

“In terms of geography, they are our closest

premier league side,” he said.

“It’s always a big home game for both clubs so we thought we would formalise it with a trophy.

“Thetrophyisreflectiveofthewholepremier league program and the club as a whole.” Fanning said there were a number of people that had gone between the two clubs over the years.

“We’ve had a bit to do with each other,” he said. “Both are in the same zone for junior development.

“We generally sit and talk through things. We’re in the same business and it benefits Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong have really strong clubs.”

In round two, Footscray plays Waverley, while Altona faces Greensborough.

Season over for United

Western United’s elimination final with the Newcastle Jets on Saturday night in the A-League Women’s competition had everything but the result United was after.

Hosting its first final at Tarneit, United was hoping to knock the Jets off for the first time this season and continue deeper into finals.

The Jets opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Alana Cerne levelled the scores for United.

The Jets again hit the lead just after half time, before the lights went out, with a more than 20 minute delay ensuing.

Catherine Zimmerman soon levelled the scores for the home team again.

Scores finished locked at 2-2 at the end of regular time, sending the match into extra time.

Melina Ayres gave the Jets the lead again in the 101st minute, before Sophie Hoban sealed the win for the Jets in the 113th with her side’s fourth goal.

That would be the final score with the Jets winning, 4-2.

United coach Kat Smith said she was proud

of how the group had been able to keep their composurethrougheverythingthatoccurred.

“How about the drama?” she said. “Wasn’t expecting lights out, maybe use it as a metaphor and knocking a team out of the finals.

“It actually happened, given all of those different circumstances that happened within the game.

“Thelightsgoingout,agoaldisallowedafter we’d celebrated and then returned for the kick off.

“A few of those things could really throw a team but the girls remain focused when you know they came over and came up to those hurdles they overcame them.

“I certainly thought that we had enough chances to win the game.”

Smith gave credit to the Jets for the win and their season that they’d had.

Smith said it was disappointing the disallowed goal and such a delay in making that call was unfortunate and said she wanted to understand the process a bit better.

Smith said she didn’t think that they had

Clubbers add two more

Yarraville Club has continued to add more pieces ahead of the next Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season.

Having already announced the signing of Matt Doric, the club has now signed Josh Eaton and Viraj Lakshitha

Eaton has signed for two seasons.

“Aslingyleftarmfastmediumbowler, Josh is well known in VTCA circles having been the leader of the attack and 1st XI captain of Craigieburn CC in recent seasons,” the Clubbers said. “Josh is also an excellent fielder and more than capable lower order batsman.

“Earlier in his career, Josh played nine 1st XI games for Essendon CC in Victorian Premier Cricket, taking 11 wickets at 25.09. Josh has also represented the Victorian Indigenous team in the Imparja Cup on numerous occasions and also spent a summer with theMelbourneStarsastheircommunity rookie a decade ago, where apparently hechewedformerWestIndiangreatViv Richards’ ear off in the dugout.”

Viraj Lakshitha has also signed on for the next two seasons coming across from Haig Fawkner where he has played the past three seasons.

run out of legs in extra time.

“We had 15 minutes left to play and we wanted to give everything in terms of giving us an opportunity to go all the way in and win the match,” she said.

“We have had significant injuries but that’s not an excuse. We have a squad for the whole year that we look to prepare and you know, makesurethey’reaspreparedastheycanbeto step up and fill a shirt when their time comes.

“Significant amount of experience not available is a challenge. But you know that’s not a reason why you win or lose.

“We take a lot of learnings away from that and the players have had an opportunity because of those circumstances they’ll be better for it and then as a club will be better for it going forward.”

Smith, who re-signed during the week said they had been really clear on what they need to be successful and there’s a core group that they want to retain.

“The direction of the club is very strong and clear on what they want. We’ve got the opportunity to grow on what we have so far.”

“Capable of batting in any position, Viraj played 48 first class games for the Sri Lanka Army Sports Club, making close to 2500 runs with three centuries and a highest score of 152. He also played 37 List A and domestic T20 games before moving to Melbourne to ply his trade in the VTCA.

“Viraj will complement an already strong batting line up comprising of Michael Hill, Trent Lawford, Chinthaka Jayasinghe and Sangaran Nandhalal (among others), and his leg spinners will give our bowling attack a point of difference.”

Stacey Papadopoulos. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Josh Eaton (left) has joined Yarraville Club. (Supplied)

Altona and Footscray played for the Western Trophy. (Alex Tyrell)

Tara Murray

Former AFLW player Guest lands at Eagles

Yarraville-Seddon has bolstered its list ahead of the Western Football League women’s season, with the signing of former AFLW player Ashleigh Guest.

The club announced the signing on social medialastweekaheadoftheEaglesfirstmatch of the season against Laverton on April 20. New Eagles coach Emily Fox said Guest will add a touch of class across all aspects of the football department.

“It’s fantastic to have a player of her calibre, we’re really excited by the experience she’ll bring as a player and a coach,” she said. “Ashleigh currently is a coach with the Western Jets.

“She will be working alongside our team and our juniors and within her coaching role she will be helping players access programs and transition into higher level football.”

Guest played a total of 40 games across five seasons in the AFLW, playing at Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and finally the

Western Bulldogs.

In 2022, her final year in the competition, Guest averaged 11 disposals for the Bulldogs playing as a defender.

But Fox said Guest’s on-field placement could differ from week to week.

“For Ash, it’s going to be what balance we need on the day, most of our players will play across multiple positions,” she said.

Since being hired for the senior position in October, Fox has looked to continue to build the women’s program.

“PeterLazzarooverthelastfewyearshaslaid downaverystrongfoundationforthiscluband given the players an opportunity to develop,” she said.

“So a lot of what I’m doing now is building on to that.”

Atotalof18newplayershavesignedwiththe Eagles for the season, giving them as many as 36 players to choose from in round one.

According to Fox, some players joined the

club expecting to play in a women’s masters team, but that never eventuated.

“Those players will still remain with our program, so I think we’ll be able to hit the ground,” she said.

TheEagleswilltakeontheMagpiesinround two on April 20 after a bye in round one.

Last year the Magpies played in division 2, but a decision was made at the end of the year tocombinebothcompetitions,creatingarange of new matchups in 2024.

Fox said this context made it difficult to prepare a game plan.

“We’re certainly going into that game with a focus on our program and our structures, because we have no idea what we’re going to be up against,” she said.

In round one results, Parkside Spurs lost to the Suns, West Footscray smashed North Sunshine and Laverton lost to Wyndhamvale.

Eagles start with a win

By Tara Murray

A dominant second half proved the catalyst for Yarraville-Seddon’s opening round win against Caroline Springs in the Western Football League division 1.

After a fairly even first half, the Eagles were able to shut down the Lakers attacking options, while scoring at the other end to come away with a 17.15 (117)-6.9 (45) win.

Eagles coach Brad Julier said it was always nice to get a win in round one after a long pre-season.

“The first half was an arm wrestle,” he said. “Wewerethreegoalsupathalftimeandinthe second half we got on top and were able to run away with it.

“We knew it would free up a bit and we cleaned up our ball use in the second half and were able to make the most of it.

LachlanGreenwasthekeytargetupforward for the Eagles, kicking five goals, while Lewis Stanton chipped in with three goals.

Julier said the back line dominated all day

while the likes of Akol Deng in the ruck, Stanton, Green and Connor Dalgleish all had good games.

He said overall it was a really strong team performance.

The win kicks starts the season for the Eagles,whoarelookingtobuildonlastseason.

The Eagles returned to finals last year after a number of years.

“There’s a bit more motivation,” Julier said.

“We made finals but we were disappointed with the way that we went out.

“We want to get better and the expectation is to play finals again this year. We’re making sure we’re doing the work on the track.”

Julier said they had been pretty confident with the squad that they had, so they hadn’t gone out and recruited too many players.

He said there was also plenty of depth within the club.

“We’ve added a couple of players in areas that we needed to,” he said. “Our 18s won the premiership and we’ll bring a couple through during the year.

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A-League

Alana Cerne has become the first player to sign on for Western United’s A-League Women’s 2024-25 season. The 21-year-old was United’s inaugural signing and now becomes the first player to put pen to paper for season three. Cerne has relished the opportunity to shine in the West and will strive to help Western United build. “I was lucky enough to be given the first contract for Western and start building with the club. Hopefully next season it’ll be more of an opportunity for me to be a leader.”

AFL Vic

Eight Western Jets players played in the 2024 Victorian Diversity All-Stars matches that were held on Wednesday. The teams comprised of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and players from multicultural backgrounds who are currently not part of Coates Talent League under-18 programs. Caroline Springs Leilani Petaia and Nartasha Elbayeh were part of the girls match, while Khaled El souki, Sam Esokni, Adem Muhedin, Isaac Gawne, Hok Marial and Isaac Abbay were part of the boys side.

VTCA

“With the kids, the recruits and who we’ve retained, we’re really happy with the list.”

The Eagles will get an early test of where they are at, facing last season’s premiers Werribee Districts on Saturday. Julier said it was something they wanted early in the season.

“We want to see where we are at,” he said. “We want to know what we can work on, whether we beat them or need to catch them.”

In other round one clashes, Spotswood started with a win against Hoppers Crossing. Both teams struggled in front of goal, with the Woodsmen winning 13.14 (92)-7.16 (58). Harley Walshe led from the front for the Woodsmen.

Parkside in its return to the top grade, fell just short against Point Cook, 7.16 (58)-5.10 (40).

Jack Condon in his Parkside debut was named its best. Altona had a bye.

In division 2, North Footscray, Braybrook and Newport all got wins.

Footscray United has announced that Ali Hussain won’t continue on as coach for the next Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 season. Hussain took over coaching this season and helped the club stay in division 1. The Bulldogs paid tribute to his time at the club for the last three seasons as he embarks on his next chapter.

VAFA

It was a tough start to the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B season for Williamstown CYMS against Old Geelong. Old Geelong started well and the CYs were wasteful in front of goal. The CYs won the final quarter but with Geelong won on the day 15.11 (101)-8.15 (63).

Oliver Lees Former AFLW player Ashleigh Guest has signed with Yarraville Seddon. (Gabby Menabue)

Akol Deng (Ljubica Vrankovic)