Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 24th April 2024

Big tea for big cause

For the third consecutive year, the Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand in Williamstown is hosting a Biggest Morning Tea to raise money in support of the Cancer Council of Victoria.

Secretary and organiser Pam Barnes said the club is hoping to raise even more money than last year.

“We raised $2,500 last year from a mix of ticket sales and raffles and this year we are doing something new,” she said.

“This year we are hosting a silent auction which will include lots of prizes from local businesses and shops.

“We have some great prizes for the raffle from local businesses as well as discounts for catering proving everyone wants to help the Cancer Council.”

Tickets are $35 per head and will include a day full of activities, prizes and speakers.

The event will be held on Thursday, May 23, at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place Williamstown from 10.15am to noon.

Five more asbestos finds

By Jennifer Pittorino

The total number of asbestos-affected sites in Hobsons Bay has been finalised at 14 sites, following the confirmation of contamination at a further five sites late last week.

The five new sites mark the end of Hobsons Bay council’s current assessment of parks and reserves that have received recycled mulch.

The five new sites are Buffer Mound in Altona, Grieve Parade and Kororoit Creek Reserve in Altona North, Newport Lakes Reserve in Newport and Truganina Park in Altona Meadows.

Theotherasbestos-affectedsitesare:Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood; Crofts Reserve, Altona North; Altona Coastal Park; Hosken Reserve, Altona North; PJ Lynch Reserve, Altona North; Federation Trail, Brooklyn (managed by the Department of Transport and Planning); Laverton Creek at the rear of AB Shaw Reserve; Doug Grant Reserve, Altona; and PA Burns Reserve, Altona. Of the 21 sites inspected, seven have been cleared as being free of asbestos. Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Hobsons Bay council have determined the likely source of contamination at all but

two of the 14 affected parks as being historic dumping or legacy in situ contamination.

The EPA said it will continue to investigate the sources of the contamination in two sites: Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood, and Kororoit Creek Reserve, Altona North. Hobsons Bay council’s mulch supply chain will also be forensically examined by the EPA, focusing on contamination risk controls of those involved in transporting, handling and laying mulch.

EPA said its inspection of three mulch producers that supplied Hobsons Bay council parks showed they have appropriate controls

to prevent contamination in the end product.

An additional eight sites were cleared of asbestos contamination following testing by the EPA. They are: Laverton Creek estuary; HD Graham Reserve car park and mounds, Altona Meadows; AB Shaw Reserve, Altona Meadows; Rifle Range Arboretum, Williamstown; The Pines Scout Camp, Altona; RJ Long Reserve, Williamstown North; Armstrong Reserve, Newport; and DOW Chemicals, Altona.

Pam Barnes, Kay Didenkowski and Gael Meadowcroft. (Damjan Janevski) 401052_03

Inquiry hears of insurance woes

By Jennifer Pittorino

Maribyrnong residents impacted by the 2022 floods recently presented their stories to a Federal Parliamentary Inquiry, although members of the Maribyrnong Community Recovery Association (MCRA) feel the process was unfair.

MCRA chief executive Madeleine Serle attended the public hearings into the response of insurers held at the Maidstone Community Centre on April 17.

The hearing, convened look into the interaction between flood victims and insurance companies, was chaired by Fraser MP Daniel Mulino.

Ms Serle said while the personal stories

heard by the inquiry were powerful “there were issues with the way it was handled”.

Given only two weeks’ notice about the hearing, Ms Serle said she felt it was an inadequate amount of time to prepare statements.

“I think it reflects the insurance experience generally, but because of this I am calling for a complete overhaul of the way that the insurance industry is regulated in Australia.

“At the moment in Maribyrnong people are still not in their homes, they are still waiting for repairs, they’re still fighting with insurance and that is absolutely disgraceful. We think the insurance companies got a better deal as they were invited to Canberra over a series of days in March with all the

formality of presenting to the committee.

They would have had the assistance of corporate teams in their own organisations, they would have had months, whereas poor customers who are stuck renting houses got two weeks’ notice.”

The Insurance Council of Australia (ASIC) said it acknowledged there were failures of systems, processes and resourcing in response to the 2022 floods.

“It has been acknowledged by ASIC and other industry stakeholders during the Parliamentary Inquiry that claims handling generally was under strain, in part due to the impacts of external forces such as weather events, skilled worker shortages and supply chain issues putting significant pressure on

Demand soars for comforting meals

Since 2018, Soul Kitchen has been operating out of the Braybrook Community Hub once a week to provide those in need with much-needed meals.

Operated by non-profit charity, 300 Blankets, Soul Kitchen needs all the help it can get seeing a steady increase in numbers every month.

“We’re seeing the number of guests increase this year, from around 50-60 guests in the second half of 2023 to consistently over 80 guests this year,” said Soul Kitchen program manager Michelle Ouw.

“Earlier this month, we served 98 guests on one night which was our record night except for Christmas.”

To be able to run a successful night, Ms Ouw said Soul Kitchen requires four volunteers cooking in the kitchen, plus 10-15 volunteers on the floor.

Since 2019 Yarraville Rotary has played a crucial role in assisting in feeding the hungry.

President Jebadiah Annear said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time as a volunteer chef, calling it a privilege.

“Every Sunday, under the umbrella of 300 Blankets compassionate outreach, Soul Kitchen opens its doors to those in need,” he said.

“It’s a collaborative effort, bringing together volunteers from various walks of

life, united by a shared belief in the power of community and kindness.

“It’s about restoring dignity, fostering connections, and spreading hope.”

Even though the meals are all funded by 300 Blankets, Ms Ouw said they are always looking for more donations to help get them through.

“Things are definitely getting tight and we are seeing that pinch across the board,” she said.

“At the moment we’re spending more than we are getting through donations , and we are also struggling a little bit with volunteers.

“We have a super engaged volunteer group but availability is hard.”

the resources of insurers,” ASIC said.

“Theindustryhasbeenlookingcloselyatthe issues of concern, including claims handling, and work is underway to drive improvements to customer and community outcomes. ”

A spokesperson for Mr Mulino said “it was important to hear from insurers early so that we could test their evidence during the course of the inquiry”.

“To put things in context: the peak body for the insurance industry, the ICA, and seven insurance companies were each given about 90 minutes to explain their responses to the 303,407 claims generated by the four big flood events of 2022. The largest component of the committee’s public consultation is being devoted to community public hearings.”

Snapping up nature

April brings the arrival of this year’s City Nature Challenge, which Maribyrnong council will be participating in and competing against other councils across Melbourne.

Started in 2016 as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the City Nature Challenge (CNC) has grown into an international event.

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.

Maribyrnong council is asking residents to take pictures of wild plants and animals using iNaturalist.

During the four-day window of this challenge, locals can snap a photo of a plant or animal, or record a call, and upload it to iNaturalist making sure to include the location.

The observations will automatically be pooled to the project so council can compete with participants from cities all over the world.

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.

Results will be announced on Monday May 6.

Details: https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/ projects/city-nature-challenge-2024greater-melbourne

Fine for scrap metal recycler after worker’s arm caught in machine

A scrap metal recycler in Tottenham has been fined $40,000 after a contractor’s arm was caught in a machine which had the guarding removed.

Manhari International Pty Ltd was sentenced in the Sunshine Magistrates Court on Friday, April 12, after pleading guilty to two charges of failing to ensure a workplace under its management or control was safe and without risks to health.

Worksafe said the company was fined without conviction and also ordered to pay costs of $4132.

In August, 2021, a contractor was operating a shredding machine used to separate,

compact and cut materials at the company’s Tottenham recycling plant, when he noticed one of two conveyor belts was stopping and starting.

As he knelt next to the conveyor, the contractor fell forward, touching the belt with his left hand which was dragged into the machine up to his elbow.

He suffered broken bones and skin loss, requiring multiple surgeries and skin grafts, and is unlikely to ever regain full use of his lower arm and hand.

A WorkSafe investigation then found that the factory-supplied side guarding had been removed from the conveyor,

and that no guarding was in place, despitetheriskofexposedrollersandrotating parts being identified in a risk assessment of the machine when it was installed in May, 2020.

The court heard it was reasonably practicable for Manhari International to reduce the risks by not removing the factory-supplied guarding, installing guarding over the running in nip-points on the two conveyor belts, and having a system of work that included a safe work procedure and required workers to ensure guards were fitted.

WorkSafe health and safety executive

director Narelle Beer said anyone with control or management of a workplace had a duty to ensure that it operated safely – or risk prosecution.

“Safety guarding on plant and machinery is crucial to keeping everyone in the workplace safe and reducing the very real risk of death or serious injury,” she said.

“So it beggars belief that anyone would allow such a machine to operate without this in place.

“In this case a worker has suffered a traumatic and life-changing injury that sadly, could and should have been prevented.”

Facilitator Jebadiah Annear and Soul Kitchen volunteer Susan Hendra. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 400998_04

Calling for truck camera action

By Jennifer Pittorino

Air quality in Maribyrnong has long been an issue, one which local community group Maribyrnong Truck Action Group (MTAG) has been at the forefront of tackling.

Although the issue is not new, MTAG fights every day like it is, this week releasing a petitioncallingonthestategovernmenttoroll out electronic monitoring and enforcement for truck operators breaking curfews.

The petition is a result of recent research undertaken by MTAG. On Sunday, April 7, MTAG monitored truck movements on Francis Street , Yarraville.

In just two hours, MTAG captured video footage of 95 container trucks ignoring the weekend truck curfew which has been in place for more than 15 years.

Restrictions ban trucks from 8pm until 6am Monday to Saturday and from 1pm on Saturday until 6am on Monday.

MTAG president Martin Wurt conducted the research in preparation for the opening of the new West Gate Tunnel which the state government promised would remove 9,000 trucks per day from local roads.

The truck curfew operates on three roads, Francis Street, Somerville Road and Moore Street. A curfew has been promised on an additional three roads, Buckley Street, Blackshaws Road and Hudson Road.

“Thesetruckcurfewswereputinplaceyears ago when the community first raised concerns about the amount of trucks on local roads,” Mr Wurt said.

“The government said they were going to implement traffic monitoring cameras to monitor the curfews, but this is just a trial.”

Now years later, Mr Wurt is concerned that the trial will not be ready for the opening of the tunnel at the end of 2025.

“They’re nowhere near being ready for those cameras to be able to issue fines and really make a difference,” he said.

“Our understanding is they need millions to implement this program.

“So we are really concerned that if the funding is not in this May’s budget, then the cameras are not going to be ready for day one of the West Gate Tunnel Project opening.

“And the promises made to us about getting trucks off local roads will be a hollow promise.”

Money is at the forefront of concerns for

MTAG, with Mr Wurt saying the $161 fine is not much of an incentive to keep truck operators from breaking the curfew.

“The penalty at the moment is $161, which is less than the fine normal commuters get if they run red lights.

“Instead truck drivers are going to have to pay $27 every time they use that tunnel which is going to be a huge cost on them.

“So there will be even more pressure on those truck drivers who are already struggling to make a decent living to ignore the curfews and just keep using our residential streets.”

Mr Wurt believes that unless the government can implement proper electronic monitoring, the curfews will be ineffectual.

“We can see with the current situation that it’s a broken system, where truck drivers have been able to ignore those curfews for months and months and months without any consequences.

“In the last six months we have been hearing from the community that trucks are constantly breaking curfew,” he said.

“These long-established curfews operate from 1pm on Saturday until 6am on Monday, yet hundreds of trucks continue to run on the street overnight and throughout the weekend, with no attempt to enforce the ban.”

A NHVR spokesperson said the NHVR has an active compliance and enforcement approach of mobile patrols in the inner-west curfew zones.

“We are currently patrolling the curfew zones seven days a week,“ they said.

“We will continue to actively patrol these curfew zones to ensure operators and drivers obey the current curfews and restrictions. Any heavy vehicle directly identified and interceptedbreakingcurfewswillbesubjected to appropriate enforcement actions.“

A state government spokesperson said the government is trialling a range of measures to inform the delivery of truck bans when the West Gate Tunnel opens next year.

“This includes running an innovative heavy vehicle monitoring camera trial, installing truck advisory signs that make restrictions clearer, and a simple guide published in six languages to inform truck drivers of restrictions, penalties will apply to motorists that travel during curfew hours.”

Details: https://www.change.org/p/truckcurfew-monitoring-must-be-electronic-onpromised-24-7-bans

Martin Wurt. (Damjan Janevski) 402127_04

Reduced speed limit welcomed

By Jennifer Pittorino

The Footscray community has welcomed the reductionofthespeedlimitonWhitehallStreet surrounding St Monica’s Catholic Primary School, to 40km/h.

The reduction will apply to the section between Bunbury and Hopkins streets 24-hours-a-day.

With the change expected to take place before the end of the financial year, principal Nathan Owen said this is long overdue.

“Thisreducedspeedlimithasbeenatwo-year journey,wehavefoughtlongandhard,”hesaid.

“We have made this happen as a community with the help from Footscray MP Katie Hall and Williamstown MP Melissa Horne.”

Although Mr Owen said the school was not the first to advocate for the reduction, he believes the school’s efforts got the project under way.

“We definitely got it on the agenda, this has been a long standing dangerous road particularly for residents,” he said.

“It was first brought to my attention when I arrived here as principal in 2022.

“So I became pretty proactive with the community and petitions to bring it into the

story line with our school advisory council.

“We are highly appreciative of the unwavering support from everyone to help this happen, without support I don’t believe we would have obtained this amazing result for the school community and the community of Footscray.”

Maribyrnong council has also welcomed the news, with mayor Cuc Lam saying this is a big step in addressing safety concerns for the community.

“This is a vital improvement for our community, and the permanent reduction is appropriate considering ongoing development

Fantastic international film festival

Community-led international film festival Tilde is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, with a special lineup of events ready to captivate audiences from May 3 to 5.

Chief executive Ro Bright said this year’s festival will celebrate the decade-long run with the theme ‘Trans Collectivism’.

“We are breaking the stigma of being the only trans and gender expansive person in the room and championing individuality and connection with one another in a safe and supportive environment,” they said. Tilde will host seven sessions across three days, to honour the work of established and emerging trans and gender diverse (TGD)

artists said Mx Bright.

“The festival came out of the trans and gender diverse community wanting to see more of their stories,” they said.

“We had our very special launch back in March which was our chance to reintroduce ourselves to the community through food and drinks and hanging out together.

“So this will celebrate 10 years but also really connect with the country first, which is really important.”

Those looking to attend Tilde can expect a program of films spanning the genres of comedy, romance and drama.

The festival will also showcase dance,

music and performance through film and conversation panels.

Highlights will include a collaboration with Sapphic Flicks on the opening night, an Australian premier from Aribada from Simone Jaikiriuma Paetau and Natalia Escobar.

The Alexander Ball is an observational documentary that will also be on the radar , plus a world premier of Black Trans Miracle (2023) by Tinaye Nyathi.

Details: https://footscrayarts.com/event/ tilde-film-festival/

Jennifer Pittorino

in the area bringing additional pedestrian movements, including more school children, through the area,“ she said.

“Council is committed to ensuring the precinct upgrade works deliver a high level of amenity,withaprogramofimprovementworks identifiedincludingroadupgrades,installation of pedestrian footpaths and crossings, new traffic signals, bike lanes, landscaping and drainage upgrades.“

Council said it has been advocating for some time for the reduced speeds within the Joseph Road Precinct, along with Ms Hall, Ms Horne and the Department of Transport.

Water Week comp returns

Entries for this year’s National Water Week poster competition are now open and Greater Western Water (GWW) is inviting all primary, kindergarten and early learning students to enter.

Students across Melbourne’s west, including in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay are encouraged to apply for the popular competition.

Last year, GWW received more than 800 entries from 35 schools and early learning centres, across five age categories, with three local students going on to win statewide prizes.

This year, students are being asked to design, draw or paint a poster that reflects this year’s poster competition theme, “Water for all, inspiring action” which highlights the important role water plays in bringing individuals and communities together.

First prize winners from GWW’s local competition will automatically be entered into the state competition, with winners announced during National Water Week in October.

GWW strategy and partnerships general manager Kessia Thomson said the competition serves as a great opportunity for students to learn about the value of water.

“We’ve seen some incredible entries overtheyearsthatpromotewatersaving tips, highlight how water connects communities and the need to protect water as a precious resource,” she said.

Students can win a voucher of up to $100 for themselves or $500 for their school to spend on a sustainability project.

Therearecategoriesforeachagerange, from early learning and kindergarten to grade 6. Entries close on September 6. Details: https://www.gww.com.au/ about/community/national-water-week

Green wedge plan ‘doesn’t cut it’ in responding to threats

The state government has been criticised for its plan to protect Melbourne’s green wedge areas, with an expert saying it fails to respond to the major threats.

On March 18, the state government unveiled its green wedge and agricultural land action plan, which it said outlines a focus on preserving green wedges and agricultural land on Melbourne’s outskirts.

Greenwedgesaredefinedasnon-urbanareas of metropolitan Melbourne that lie outside the urban growth boundary. There are 12 green wedge areas across 17 municipalities, including Hume, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Melton, Whittlesea and Wyndham, which

form a ring around the city.

Retired environment and planning professor Michael Buxton said the plan fails to protect the green wedges from the threats.

“The [plan] fails to deliver on its acceptance of the need for stronger planning controls to protect the rural land uses of green wedges. This means that the [plan] fails to do what it promised – prevent the further loss of the values of green wedges to incompatible development,” he said.

Mr Buxton said the plan is full of general statements that don’t constitute commitment.

“They don’t clearly state in any measurable way what actions they’re going to take,

instead they water down [the] commitments but using vague terms … such as ‘encourage’, ‘strengthen’, ‘better direct’. These are undefined, subject to interpretation and unable to be measured or their effectiveness assessed. After six years of investigation, an action plan which defers action to future undefined measures is hardly adequate.”

Inthefirstactionoftheplan,thegovernment said it will prepare and apply a new planning scheme overlay to protect the Werribee and Bacchus Marsh irrigation districts. Mr Buxton said while the government does say it is going to bring in a new planning overlay, it doesn’texplainwhattheoverlayisgoingtodo.

“They’re very careful not to state that the overlay will be tough,” he said. “It avoids mandatory measures except for the preparation of one overlay, two prohibitions and one other mandatory measure.”

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said experts developed the plan in consultation with councils, the agriculture sector, and the Green Wedge Coalition.

“We’ve already enshrined protections into the planning and environment act and set up agriculture Victoria’s planning and advisory service and we’re now working with councils and authorities to deliver several more actions this year.”

Ro Bright at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 402029_01

Pride positions

By Cr Tony Briffa

You might have recently heard about pieces of asbestos being found in recycled mulch in Hobsons Bay.

This started after a couple of pieces of the asbestos containing material was identified at Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood over Easter.

Since then, council has been working with the EPA and a material hygienist to inspect all reserves that had recycled mulch put down over the past 18 months.

Any pieces of suspected asbestos have been removed from site and sent for testing, and any confirmed as being asbestos will see remediation work completed to ensure the site is safe.

It’s important to note that the EPA has said any pieces found have been small and are bonded asbestos, not the more dangerous friable asbestos, so any risk to the community is extremely low.

Still, we are taking this issue seriously and are working hard to have all sites re-opened as soon as possible. Please visit the council website for regular updates.

Something else that is really important to me is the Council’s LGBTQIA+ community liaison group.

The Hobsons Bay Pride group started last

year while I was mayor, and I was so proud to be involved with this great bunch of people.

The highlight of the year was the Western Rainbow Awards, which brought together people from all over the western suburbs to recognise and celebrate the incredible work being done in the LGBTQIA+ community.

We are currently looking for people to put their hand up to be part of the community liaison group this year.

Council runs community liaison groups across a wide range of areas and interests, and it’s an important way of making sure our residents have a say in the services and programs council delivers.

Supporting, fostering and creating communities is a key function of a council’s job.

Everything we do is about making life better for our people. We collect rubbish so we have a clean city to live in, we build sporting facilities so we have places to be active and to come together socially.

Supporting underrepresented parts of our community is part of that, and this group will work together to help Council put together its Pride program for the year.

So,ifyouhavegreatideasforthecommunity and want to be part of it, head to participate. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au and express your interest.

Briefs

Second man arrested

Police have charged a second man following an alleged aggravated burglary and ramming of a police vehicle in Williamstown earlier this month. A 20-year-old Altona man was arrested at Werribee train station about 4.15pm on Wednesday, April 17. He was charged with a string of offences including two counts of home invasion (firearm), two counts of armed robbery, three counts of common law assault, six counts of theft of motor vehicle and five counts of handling stolen goods.

Louis Joel opening night

The Altona pier Revue Art Prize will be hosting its free opening night on Friday, April 26, at the Louis Joel Gallery in Altona. The exhibition will showcase the work of emerging and established artists from Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, Brimbank and Maribyrnong councils, responding to Altona Pier, its history, its redevelopment, and its future. Artworks selected for this exhibition will be in the running for a number of prizes, which will be announced on opening night.

The Rainbow Awards were initiated in 2023. (Supplied)

Pesutto and Libs woo the west

At this rate, Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto will know his way around Watton Street better than Spring Street. It was down Werribee’s main drag on Thursday, April 11, that the Liberal party leader walked and talked shop with shoppers and shop owners, while a phalanx of advisers and colleagues hovered nearby.

Earlier in the day, the alternative premier visited a number of local sporting clubs and businesses where he addressed functions, posed for photos and provided a sympathetic ear to their concerns while accusing the state Labor government of taking them for granted.

Justfourdayslaterhewasbackagain,butthis time with the whole shadow cabinet in tow for a meeting at the Wyndham Park Community Centre on Monday, April 15.

The meeting featured presentations from localbusiness,communityandcouncilfigures, before a meet and greet session over lunch and a press conference where Mr Pesutto once again bagged the government for their neglect of Wyndham and the west, a message he said he’d heard during his ‘many’ visits to Wyndham in recent months.

Many visits?

A reminder: Wyndham and the broader north-west of Melbourne is an area where the Liberals hold precisely zero lower house seats, either state or federal.

The last Liberal to represent the state seat of Werribee left office when Dick Hamer was premier and in any case, the next state election is still the best part of three years away.

So why then are the Liberals regularly beating a path over the West Gate Bridge, through roadworks and traffic jams, to a place that has for decades been an electoral desert?

“I would argue that the most important reason to be out is to hear from locals about their priorities,” said Mr Pesutto when asked this question by Star Weekly following Monday’s shadow cabinet meeting.

“We understand fully that areas like Werribee are being neglected and we don’t think that’s fair or right,” he said, highlighting public transport, particularly the multi-billion suburban rail loop being built in Melbourne’s east,butwhichisn’tduetoreachWyndhamfor decades, if ever, as a prime example.

“Our concern with projects like that and blowouts on other projects is that it’s starving areas of like Werribee vital funds that they need to cater for growth. There’s enormous growth in areas like Werribee, far outstripping the growth that you’re getting in the inner suburbs. So it’s about doing what’s right and about how do we develop our state fairly.“

‘Fairness’, ‘neglect,’ ’being taken for granted’ – Mr Pesutto uttered these words and phrases almost as often as ‘and’ and ‘the’ during our conversation.

It was no accident.

The sense that voters in Melbourne’s rapidly growingouternorth-westfeeltakenforgranted by a Labor government who accept their votes but ignore their needs, is palpable and the opposition have clearly sniffed an opportunity.

A cynic might argue that they also have no other choice.

Out of office for all but four years of the 21st century and seeing their own heartland in the eastern and bayside suburbs eaten away by Labor, the Greens and the teal independents federally,theLiberalPartyhastomakeinroads into the outer north-west in order to survive, with even Mr Pesutto conceding that it hasn’t just been the ALP who have neglected the area.

“It’s because our party structure in terms of our membership hasn’t traditionally been strong out here,” he explained of why his party had performed so poorly in the area.

It’s a point backed up by Wyndham GP and former independent candidate for the state seats of Werribee and Point Cook, Dr Joe Garra.

“They (the Liberal Party) have their little branches and they just put up a candidate and you go ‘who’s this person?’ no one knows the candidate usually and then the candidate disappears once the election is over,” said Dr Garra of the Liberal’s lacklustre recent campaigns.

“I think it’s pleasing that they’re making a concerted effort to be seen locally and listen to people.”

Dr Garra was one of the people the Liberals listened to on Monday when he addressed shadow cabinet about issues affecting the health system in Wyndham such as the GP payroll tax.

ButwhiletheLiberalsaremakingmoreofan efforttolistentotheconcernsofpeoplesuchas Dr Garra, there’s still scepticism as to whether voters in Wyndham and neighbouring areas will listen to them.

Among them is pollster and former Labor strategist, Kos Samaras.

Mr Samaras said while the frustration among outer suburban voters with Labor was real, that didn’t mean the Liberals would necessarily benefit.

“There’s no real strong evidence to suggest that voter is being converted to the coalition,” hesaid,addingthiswaspartofanationaltrend of outer-suburban voters moving away from the two major parties.

“This is largely driven by what we define as millennialsandGenZ,whocomefromdiverse backgrounds. This is a complete move away from the major party system and hence, the Liberal Party is not going to capitalise on these defections.”

Rather, Mr Samaras predicts the biggest threat to Labor in the north-west, both at a state and federal level, will come in the form of well known and well funded independents.

“I suspect these communities are looking for an alternative. Sometimes that alternative manifests itself as a well known independent like we saw in the Sydney seat of Fowler (ex

Liberal turned independent, Dai Le won the seat from Labor at the 2022 federal election) and sometimes like what we saw in the state seat of Werribee in 2018.”

The independent candidate on that occasion was none other than Dr Garra, who gave long-time incumbent and state treasurer, Tim Pallas, a fright by securing almost 20 per cent of the vote and pushing the Liberals down to third.

But after contesting the neighbouring seat of Point Cook in 2022, something he now concedes was a mistake, Dr Garra saw his vote go backwards, as did other independents such as Melton candidate Dr Ian Birchnall.

“A lot of people seem to go back to minor parties rather than independents,” reflected Dr Garra on the difficulties facing independent candidates at a state level.

What all sides agree on is that there is an anti-Labor vote to be had, it’s just a matter of whether the Liberals can secure it . Afterall, the party has taken other outer suburban seats off the ALP, particularly in Melbourne’s south-east and Sydney’s west, so why not Melbourne’s north west too?

Mr Samaras said there are some key differences, particularly among migrant communities, that work against the Liberal Party in places like Wyndham, Melton and Craigieburn.

“If you think about the Indian-Australian community, for example, those Indian Australians living in Sydney are more likely to have supported the Liberal Party in the past versusthoselivinginMelbourne,”MrSamaras said,somethingheattributestohouseandland packages in these areas, being significantly cheaperthanequivalentplacesinSydney’swest

such as Camden.

“We got migrants who couldn’t afford the $1 million homes and hence were more likely to vote for Labor.”

Another hurdle for the Coalition is that for allthefrustrationandvoterfatiguewithLabor, the party still has deep roots and a formidable campaign infrastructure in Melbourne’s north-west. It won’t be surrendering it to anyone without a fight.

“The only time the Liberals pay attention to Melbourne’s western suburbs is when they’re cutting funding, closing schools and hospitals and going to war with workers,” was the typically combative response from Mr Pallas to the opposition stepping on his turf.

The government provided Star Weekly with blizzard of figures to counter the argument they are neglecting the west, including $1.5 billion for the new Footscray Hospital: $650 million to upgrade the Melton train line; nearly $700 million for upgraded roads and intersections across the west, $32 million for West Gate Bridge maintenance works; 50 new early learning centres; scores of new and upgradedschoolsanddozensof levelcrossings from Melton to Newport being removed.

Expect those and other figures to be repeated ad-nauseam between now and next state election in November 2026, when Labor will seek to win a fourth term in office while maintaining its hegemony on the north-west.

There’s no guarantee that Mr Pesutto will even make it to that election as Liberal leader, but when asked if the party will run a stronger campaign in places like Wyndham, with better candidates, more volunteers and more corflutes, he was unequivocal.

“You bet.”

Werribee MP and state treasurer Tim Pallas.

Liberal upper house member for Western Metropolitan, Trung Luu, at the shadow cabinet meeting in Werribee on April 15.

Opposition leader John Pesutto speaking with a Watton Street trader on a recent walk down the Werribee shopping strip.

Left: Mr Pesutto also visited the Werribee Football Club. Centre: GP and former independent candidate for the seats of Werribee and Point Cook, Dr Joe Garra, addressed shadow cabinet about health issues in Wyndham. (Pictures: Supplied) Right: Shadow cabinet members mingle with guests following their meeting at the Wyndham Park Community Centre on Monday April 15. (Cade Lucas) 402414_01

Marching to honour the Anzacs

The Footscray RSL hosted its annual Anzac Day march on Sunday, April 21.

Beginning at 11am, the procession began at Victoria University, completing its journey at the RSL.

Australia’s longest-running and most popular all-historic motorsport event, Historic Winton, will be held on 25th and 26th May 2024 at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla.

Spectators will see more than 40 historic car, motorcycle and sidecar races and the traditional Sunday Parade Lap of selected display vehicles.

Organised by the Austin 7 Club, the 47th Historic Winton invites spectators to bring their historic cars, bikes, trucks, buses, caravans and other vehicles for a massive car park display.

Many members of the Footscray RSL were in the procession.

The march is designed to enable those who have served Australia and its allies to re-from the ranks of their units and march. The procession was led by Footscray RSL president Loi Duong.

Percussionist Will Lawrence represented the Hyde Street Youth Band.

The annual Footscray march has been held since 2012. The march ended at the Footscray RSL.

Shoot out stalls opening night

By Jennifer Pittorino

After months of back and forth between Moon Dog Craft Brewery and Maribyrnong council, it seems there is no happy ending following a last minute decision to postpone the brewery’s long awaited opening night.

It was August when Moon Dog Owner Karl van Buuren received the green light from council to move into the former Franco Cozzo building in Footscray following months of discussions and planning.

The western themed, multi-level bar and music venue was due to open on Wednesday, April 17, however VIP guests were turned away

as they lined up for entry.

Mr van Buuren said he was forced to make the difficult decision to deny entry to invited guests following an order that the location of a fire hydrant was unsuitable.

“Councilofficerscameyesterday(Tuesday,16) andinformedusthelocationofthefirehydrant booster assembly was unsuitable,” he said.

“We worked for a number of hours trying to work with council for a temporary reprieve or permit to allow us to open.

“The fire hydrant system we have here was tested,approvedandcertifiedandiscompliant.

“It is simply a matter of fact that whilst we had plans that showed that the hydrogen was

Festival flaps its wings

HobsonsBaycounciliscelebratingIndigenous culturewithaculturalandbiodiversityfestival called Boollam Boollam Willum.

Boollam Boollam Willum means ’where butterflies live’ in traditional language and celebrates the unique connection between Indigenous heritage and biodiversity.

Council said the festival will give people an insight into the culture of First Nations people and how they have cared for the land.

The first event was held on Friday, April 12.

For those who missed out, there will be a second event on Saturday, April 27, from 9.30am to 1pm at Truganina Park in Altona.

Among the highlights of the festival are a smoking ceremony and didgeridoo performance as well as nature walks with Bunurong Elder Uncle Shane and council ranger Andrew Webster.

A basket weaving workshop, an Aboriginal art and culture workshop, native plant propagation workshop and giveaway, waterbugs with Matt McArthur and fairy freckles face painting are among other highlights.

AlsoavailablewillbeHobsonsBayWetlands Centre and Blue Carbon Lab citizen science opportunities, a free barbecue, native animal face painting and The Connies.

Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler said he attended the first event which was a great day.

“I think it’s so important that we learn about how First Nations people have cared for this environment for thousands of years so we can all help preserve these practices,” he said.

“This event is also a great opportunity to celebrate the history and culture of First Nations people of this area.”

on the footpath, that was endorsed by multiple parts of council, that particular part of the footpath is not allowed.”

However, Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock deflected blame saying the decision not to issue an occupancy certificate wasn’t made by council.

“This matter is between Moon Dog and their private building surveyor,” Ms Haddock said.

“Our understanding is that earlier this week, Moon Dog’s private building surveyor, who is responsible for issuing the relevant building permits and certificate of occupancy required for the venue to trade, had flagged issues with the fire hydrant and booster cabinet, as the

works had not been carried out in accordance with the relevant Building Regulations 2018.

“Councilisdisappointedthatthecancellation of the opening has been misrepresented by MoonDogasbeingadecisionmadebycouncil, especially given how closely we have worked with them throughout the planning and construction process.”

When asked why the occupancy certificate was left to the last minute, Mr van Buuren said he was on the phone with the Moon Dog team, the surveyor and council to see if something could go ahead until 7:30pm when council said no. When Star Weekly went to press opening night had not been rescheduled.

Jazz fest strikes a chord

The Newport Jazz festival is returning for the fourth consecutive year offering the Hobsons Bay community three days of professional jazz entertainment.

The festival will be held from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5, across four venues including the Newport Bowls Club main room and back room, the library and the Scout Hall.

Acts will include Julie O’Hara, Adam Rudegeair, Bob Sedergreen and Melbourne’s Shirazz Jazz Band.

Julie O’Hara is a jazz vocalist, composer and educator from Melbourne who has been contributing to the music scene for over 30 years.

Ms O’Hara’s musical projects have vocal improvisation as an essential element to her arranging, using her voice as a section player, soloist and lyricist.

Ms O’Hara has carved out a reputation on the Australian and international music scene for high-quality performances that are accessibletoeveryone.Shewillbesupportedby

the Adam Rudegeair Trio at this year’s festival. Adam Rudegeair is a man of many talents. Hiseclecticexplorationofthesynthesisoffunk, jazz and more experimental styles has resulted in smooth performances with spontaneous bursts of deep groove.

As musical director on the Etta James tributeshow,HeartofaWoman,MrRudegeair directed a sold out season at the Butterfly Club in Melbourne, which then went on to make its debut at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Bob Sedergreen’s impact and influence in performance, composition and education for over half a century has won the respect and admiration of recognised talents both in Australia and internationally.

Since 2009, Melbourne’s Shirazz Jazz Band has held a reputation for their raucous, high-energy trad jazz sound. They’ve become known as a must-have festival band, attracting invitations from all over the county and overseas.

Tickets:melbournejazzjammers.com.au

Adam Rudegeair, Jane Little and Bob Sedergreen. (Jacob Pattison) 391339_02

Rosalee Kennedy, Maria Palacios, Matt Tyler, Keri Chater, Tallulah Darey and Hannah Camilleri. (Damjan Janevski) 399521_01

More car parking is on the way

Maribyrnong council is examining ways to reduce future congestion and parking pressures in the Highpoint Major Activity Centre, with the area expected to accommodate an estimated 32,000 residents and 15,000 dwellings by 2041.

With a larger population living in the area and more visitors to businesses, including Highpoint Shopping Centre, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre and Robert Barrett Reserve, council said more cars will be on the road and will lead to congestion and parking pressure.

To help manage the increased congestion in and around the Highpoint Major Activity

Centre, council is commencing work on a Highpoint Parking Plan to guide future parking needs and demands that will meet the needs of residents and businesses.

Mayor Cuc Lam said council has started some thinking about how to address increasing traffic and demand for parking through an options and strategy report.

“Some initial ideas include encouraging the use of sustainable transport, supporting fair and equitable parking for all visitors to the Highpoint Major Activity Centre, and reducing the number of future parking spaces inside the activity centre to account for new residential, retail and commercial

developments,” she said.

Cr Lam is calling on community members – including residents, businesses and developers – to see if council is on the right track.

“This is an initial discussion about future plans for parking in this area. No decisions have been made at this early stage and there is no impact or change to current parking in the Highpoint Major Activity Centre,” she said.

There are a number of strategies council thinks can help improve parking in the future, including – in some instances – the potential for time-restricted parking, as well

First fast chargers arrive in the west

The first fast charges in the west have arrived in Footscray to be used by electric vehicle users.

Maribyrnong council said two cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) chargers are now online in the Raleigh Street carpark, powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.

With a 150kW capacity, the Evie Network chargers can accommodate up to four vehicles at the same time, which council said addresses the growing demand for charging infrastructure in the municipality and surrounds.

Local artist, Andy Robertson has put his stamp on the project, with a full body wrap surrounding the switch board and rectifier unit.

Titled, ’The Air Abuzz with Energy’, Robertson said the piece holds a dual significance.

“It reflects the fact the air around us as we traverse the streets is literally brimming with potential sources of energy, while metaphorically celebrating the immense energy and effort being put into the urgent task of transitioning to a society powered by renewable energy,” he said.

As more people transition to EVs, mayor Cuc Lam said the installation of these fast chargerswillsupporttheevolvingneedsofour community.

“The installation in Footscray not only embodies council’s steadfast dedication to sustainability but also champions a pivotal transition towards a cleaner, greener future in transportation,” she said.

“As motorists increasingly embrace the era offastandsustainableelectricvehiclecharging withinourcommunity,westandpoisedtolead the charge towards a more environmentally conscious future.”

The installation of the EV chargers was funded through the federal government’s Future Fuels Fund, which is administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

as advocating to the state government for improvementstopublictransport,leveraging off the new tram depot and existing bus interchange facilities.

The introduction of paid parking is not being considered as part of this project.

Feedback will help inform a draft Highpoint Parking Plan, which will be shared for further community engagement.

You can join the conversation by midnight, Sunday, May 12.

Details: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ highpoint-parking

First time for Scout camp

More than 1400 Scouts attended the first Scouts Australia Camp on the grounds of Government House, marking the first time in history that Government House has opened its doors to Scouts.

One of those scouts was Hobsons Bay resident Lucinda Tan, who is a member of the 1st Victorian Sea Scouts.

From Sunday, April 14, to Friday, April 19, Lucinda enjoyed a week of activitiesthroughouttheACTincluding ropes courses, abseiling, mountain biking, bouldering and more.

Lucinda attended the camp with scouts aged from five-25 years old, attending the trip because she saw it as a chance to meet new people, explore Canberra and pitch a tent on the Governor General’s lawn.

“I enjoy scouting as it allows me to make new friends from all over Australia and learn many new skills,” she said.

Lucinda especially liked learning about how scouting has led adventurers to solo journeys across Antarctica, during the Opening Ceremony.

Scouts had the opportunity to curate their own adventure-filled journey, selecting from a di-verse spectrum of activities that cater to a range of interests.

Activities included searching through flora and fauna to researching Indigenous history and culture, emergency services simulations, photography sessions, enthralling theatre and performing arts workshops, to challenge like helicopter simulations, archery and rogaining.

Mayor Cuc Lam. (Supplied)

Classrooms in session

By Jennifer Pittorino

After years of preparation and planning, Williamstown High School has opened two new major buildings at its Pasco campus, ready to be used by its 1500 students.

College principal Gino Catalano said after five years of delays, he was thrilled to open the VCE study centre and performing arts centre of excellence on Monday, April 15.

“In 2011 we started planning our legacy project, which was to provide first class, performing arts facilities for our students,” he said.

“We decided to create a theatre and music rooms in 2017 which have been widely used by the students and community.”

Mr Catalano said the second part of that project was to build a performing arts space complete with performing arts rooms, instrumental music rooms , band rooms , a recording studio a music classroom, and a green room.

“We knew this would be a great space for students to display their visual artwork because we know that young people are inspired in their creativity by viewing the artworkofothersaswellascriticallyreflecting on their own works,” he said.

“This new building is equipped with a large band room with plenty of space for our recording equipment, a recording studio and a purpose built classroom.”

Although most of the funds were locally raised, Mr Catalano said the state government pitched in $1 million for stage one, and for stage two it was $1.73 million.

Altogether the school contributed $4.8 million to go towards the project.

“We decided we wanted a study centre to be specifically for the VCE students which has become their second home,” he said.

“It is a mature adult study environment wheretheygowhentheyhaven’tgotscheduled classes.”

The space is also complete with screens for assemblies, kitchen facilities, co-ordinators’ offices and more.

“We consulted with the students along the way in terms of design and what they wanted,”

Mr Catalano said.

“All 250 students will benefit from the centre, at most there are usually 30 kids in there at a time.”

Mr Catalano is sure these spaces will benefit the next generation of students to walk through the WIlliamstown High School doors.

First round of grants open

The first round of community grants by the Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) have opened for organisations delivering services or programs within the Hobsons Bay community.

HBCF said the grants aim to promote a fair, inclusive and vibrant community by promoting social inclusion and fair and equitable access to community participation.

“The vision of the Hobsons Bay CommunityFund(HBCF)to‘benefitand strengthen the community of Hobsons Bay for present and future generations’ has never felt more meaningful than right now,” HBCF said.

HBCF’s committee works closely with key local stakeholders to ensure our priorities are aligned with the existing and emerging needs of the local community.

In2023,theHBCFprovided$88,021in grants to 25 local projects.

The grants benefited the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, migrants and asylum seekers, people with disabilities, and communities at risk of social isolation, as well as providing equal opportunities in education, employment and the arts.

The first-round applications close Sunday, June 30, while the second-round applications open Thursday, August 15, and close Thursday, October 31.

This year the community support grants will range from $500 up to $10,000.

Details: https://hbcommunityfund.org. au/grants-program

Campus principal Daniel Pearce, with Lachlan, Isabel, Indy, Charlotte, Thomas, and college principal Gino Catalano. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 401489_05

Fighting to clean up Footscray

Footscray MP Katie Hall believes Footscray needs some love, which is why she created a petition to Maribyrnong council asking it to clean landholdings in Footscray’s central businessdistrict(CBD).

“For too long, numerous landholdings in Footscray’s CBD have been ‘bomb sites’ with properties and permits changing hands and beingrenewed,”thepetitionstated.

“Meanwhile, the developers have done nothingtoimprovethesites.”

The landholdings Ms Hall is referring to include Forges and Little Saigon, two areas she refers to as proud institutions and attractions forFootscray.

“Ultimately these sites will need to be demolished for the permits to proceed and I have called on these landowners in Parliament to complete this basic but important work to improve safety and urban design in the centre ofFootscray,”shesaid.

“If the sites were cleared, it would allow council to activate them in a way that could be beneficial to the community, such as parks, a temporarymarketplace,orcreativespaces.”

MsHallsaidshewrotetoMaribyrnongchief executive Celia Haddock and councillors to investigate what planning controls can be used

Sleepless fest awakes

FortwoweeksinMay,Footscraywilltransform into a playground of pop-up festivities and events when independent music and arts festival,‘Sleepless’,takesoverthewest.

Beginning Saturday, May 4, until Sunday, May19,Sleeplesswillproduceadiverseline-up ofimmersiveexperiences,theatre,comedy,film screenings and captivating art installations heldinunlikelyplaces.

ArtisticdirectorTroyRainbowsaidSleepless hasreturnedtoFootscrayforthethirdyearina rowbecauseofpastyears’success.

“Being a performer and creative in the area andknowingthehugepotentialthatexistswas great,”hesaid.

“As well as the understanding that a strong community exists here and everyone bands together.

“There’safeelingthattheartisticcommunity has become a lot tighter and more open and welcoming.”

Some of the festival highlights include a nocturnal film festival, a performance piece from Lady Mohawk, a collaboration between local musicians, improv performances at Kindred Bandroom, a multi-channel video visualisation, a mobile concert and more.

RainbowsaidthefestivalwillmakeFootscraya saferandmorevibrant,night-timedestination.

“Done by bringing in and galvanising the existingcreativecommunityinFootscray, and activatingalotofunusedshopfrontsandspaces with novel art and performance experiences,” hesaid.

“We wanted to create this festival to invigorate the street space, now three years on ithasgrownalot.”

The full program can be found at sleeplessfestival.com

Some events are free and some are ticketed, andbookingsareessential.

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

toforcesomeaction.

“Thecommunityisentitledtoapublicrealm that is clean, safe and well-lit at a minimum,” Ms Hall said. “If the owners of these sites are going to sit on permits for years, they should be required to clean the sites up and work with council on providing a public realm improvementintheinterim.”

Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said council recognises there are a number of derelict and vacant sites in central Footscray as where developers have not yet commenced construction.

“Council does what it can within its

legislative powers to facilitate development of these sites, including refusing extensions to existing permits, noting that such refusals can be appealed by applicants through VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal),”shesaid.

“Council has been working with developers to facilitate action on these sites, including investigating opportunities for temporary activations.

“Council would welcome the opportunity to work with the state government to accelerate their planning for central Footscray, which theyhaveidentifiedasapriorityprecinct.”

Jennifer Pittorino Director Troy Rainbow, musician Ash Winarizal and artist Erin Adams. (Damjan Janevski) 401675_01

Running a healthy brotherhood

By Afraa Kori

While the method might be unorthodox, an inclusive run club is changing the culture of running and improving men’s health.

NasRunparticipantsmeetonThursdayand Saturdays at 8am for a 5km run at Victoria University Aquatic and Fitness Centre in Footscray.

Williams Landing local and director of Nas Run, Kuti Kalo, said he’s been running with friends for a while, but late last month they decided to involve the wider community.

“I noticed a couple of us guys were already training separately in different places and I asked ’why don’t we make this open for a lot of guys?’ I think it’s something that they could really benefit from. So we came together to invite the community, put a name to it and get guys around that.”

Mr Kalo highlighted the need for male-based programs and community-led running clubs.

“When it comes to mental health, we don’t reallyhaveanoutletthatinvitesguystoaplace where they can not just get physically fit but a place they can talk, offload whatever they feel like and they can just outsource the stresses of life. Also a place they can be a part of the community which reduces social isolation, depression, anxiety and stress. So Nas Run is a place they can come and they might not talk about their feelings straight away, but it’s a place they can at least feel safe to kind of talk about what’s going on in their lives.

“Another thing is that our youths have so muchenergyandthere’snotenoughprograms to cater to or channel that energy. Our aim is to also create a healthy outlet where they can put all that energy into working out.

“I think representation matters especially

MY PLACE

when it comes to programs. When you don’t see someone that looks like you, you’re more reluctant. So I really wanted to show that we’re not Bob and Harry from another state, we are actually guys active in the community. For example the guys running the program, the coaches look like us. I think that’s what separates us from other men’s programs, we are involved in the community, especially the African Sudanese community as a whole in Melbourne.”

A young African-Australian female entrepreneur Omnia Suleman tells Afraa Kori about her supportive community and new e-commerce business.

What do you like most about where you live?

Maribyrnong is a beautiful neighbourhood. We haveaccesstolocalrestaurantsandcafes,within walkingdistance,andafriendlyneighbourhood with a diverse community. I also really enjoy walking/running along the Maribyrnong River with my dog – Lola.

What is one of your greatest achievements?

I am very passionate about wellness and health. It has always been a goal to develop a platform to encourage and empower women to be intentional about their health journeys. I wanted to build a brand that caters to all women, especially marginalised women, that is centred around empowerment and inclusion. Runway Active was launched and operates out of Melbourne as an e-commerce business.

What have you done well with your business?

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strengths that I’ve been able to utilise in the business are my collaborative and networking skills, in working with other small businesses to build brand awareness and create content. Being intentional and inclusive with brand content and collaborations to ensure truerepresentationthatisinalignmentwiththe values of the brand.

Why is community important to you as a small business owner?

Runway Active prides itself in being able to actively engage with community in its short life spam. We have collaborated with local cafes, assisting in promoting and marketing, as well as sporting clubs, encouraging community engagement and participation. At

Runway Active, prioritising relationships and community is paramount, this is demonstrated throughmeaningfulengagement,andnurturing connections.

What impact do you want to have on your community?

Through my business I endeavour to inspire and empower all women in the community to prioritise their wellness and adopt a holistic approach to wellbeing through education.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a business owner daily?

As a business owner increasing brand awareness and marketing continues to be one ofmybiggestchallenges.Organicmarketingvia socialmediahasbeenourmainformmarketing thus far. I am currently undertaking studies and researching different marketing strategies to hence my social media and marketing skills. Balancing Runway Active, my day job, and life in general has also been challenging. I have navigated this by allocating two hours a few nights a week and one day during the weekend to work on content, research, engage in collaborations and complete orders. This allows me to time manage and still engage with family and friends, self-care activities, whilst continuing to also focus on my health journey.

What does success look like for you?

Success would be to establish a prominent presence in the fitness and fashion industry by creating an inclusive space that embraces all women, and a business that is also recognised for creating initiatives centred on promoting well-being.

more careful about what you put in your body. I’m hoping as we see more people come to our programs regularly that this will impact them in making healthy choices.”

Meanwhile Nas Run is receiving positive supportfromthewidercommunity,including female participants.

“So far we’ve seen guys and girls attend our program, which have been predominantly of African descent. We’re not exclusive to a particular race, skin color or men. It’s about whoever wants to be part of our program, but our target audience will always be men, especially men in our communities.”

Footscray photographer and loyal club member Duoth Rambang said Nas Run is “verypositive”andhelpshimwithconsistency and “has an amazing community and people behind it”.

“The word nas means people [in Arabic] or in Nuer the word ‘Naath’. Also with this new fitness journey I’m on, running was a major factor which helped me stay consistent and beat the mental barriers of procrastination and laziness. So once you combine something that’s part of my identity which is the Nuer cultureandalsosomethingthathelpsmewith my personal development and growth, it’s the ultimate combination. So yes, it does live up to its name.”

Mr Kalo said his overall aim is to impact participants’decisionmakingespeciallywhen it comes to alcohol and drugs.

“These things are contributing factors to a decline in health and wellness in our community. I was telling one of the guys that when you come to the program, I can guarantee that you will think twice about whatkindoffoodyouhave,howmuchalcohol you’re going to have and whether you want to take those drugs. When you train you’re a lot

Mr Kuti encouraged people of any fitness to give running a go.

“People think they have to be in top shape to join our club when you don’t. A run club is like a hospital– you don’t go to the hospital if you’re fit or feeling great. You go to the hospital when you need help regardless of what your illness or symptoms are like. So we see ourselves as a hospital in our community, helping people regain control of their fitness, health and wellness as a whole,” he said.

Run with purpose, run with a community and run with Nas Run Club. (Rambang Photography)

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Trekking for chances at success

Over the weekend, five purpose-driven organisations and individuals participated in a three-day fundraising trek with Western Chances.

Western Chances is a non-for-profit organisation empowering young people in the west who are facing financial barriers to achieve their potential.

The Western Chances Three Peaks Trek was held across three days from Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21, trekking through the Victorian alps to reach the summit of the three peaks; Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, and Mt Timbertop.

Activations and communications co-ordinator Anthony Tran said the Western Chances team was blown away with the fundraiser. which has already surprised its $50,000 goal.

“As it currently stands, the fundraising amount has greatly surpassed our goal of $50,000 and is currently sitting over $65,000,” he said.

“We’re anticipating reaching $70,000 by the end of it.”

All of the funds raised will go towards the Western Chances scholarship program, which Mr Tran said will fund 70 or more scholarships, as one scholarship is usually worth $1000.

“Seventy thousand dollars is equivalent to supporting three classrooms of talented and motivated young people with scholarships,” he said.

“Everyone who participated on the trek developed a lifetime bond with Western Chances, the alumni who participated were the stars of the show.”

Across the three-day trek, six teams of 20 people in total and five alumni contributed to raising $10,000 for the cause.

Sponsored by Multiplex, the other teams were Pan Pacific hotels, legal firm Maurice Blackburn, Melbourne Airport and Victoria University.

The Western Chances alumni invited were Sadiya Tabassum, Jemmah Nix, Archie Dinh, Katharine Nikolic, plus a Pan Pacific member.

“The alumni got along well with the teams and had the chance to share their stories,” he said.

“They also displayed great resilience and courage to act as proud ambassadors of Western Chances.”

One of the alumni, Ms Tabassum, led the trek on day two and three and said, “Thank you for the amazing experience, taking back the strength I didn’t know I had.

“Such great work Western Chances is doing, always ready to help young people. Thank you for the opportunity.”

The fundraiser will close on Friday, April 26.

Details: https://western-chances. grassrootz.com/westernchances-3peaks2024?tab=donations

Group shot during the trek to Mt Buller.

Group shot at the summit of Mt Stirling on day two.

Group shot at the summit of Mt Stirling on day two.

The Western Chances team and alumni during their trek to Mt Timbertop on day one. WC corporate partnerships and events manager Frank Scifo, Western Chances chair Terry Bracks, Archie Dinh, Katharine Nikolic, chief executive Zac Lewis, Jemmah Nix and Sadiya Tabassum.

Multiplex team during their trek to Mt Timbertop. Regional director Chris Szambelanczyk, regional managing director Ross Snowball, project co-ordinator Amber Shiel-Jones and design manager Lina McIvor.

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

Positions vacant

Join the Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) as a committee member to support and strengthen your local community. The fund is seeking to fill the treasurer’s role as well as other voluntary positions.

■ eo@hbcommunityfund.org.au

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 9360 8000

Hobsons Bay City Band

Do you play any percussion, brass or woodwind instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join their community band. Rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Newport Bowls Club, 4 Market Street, Newport.

■ hbcityband@gmail.com or www.hbcb.org.au

Junior surf boat rowing

Wanting to hit the water and try rowing surf boats? The Williamstown Lifesaving Club is hosting come and try days for junior surf boats. Come and try this unique experience for juniors.

■ info@williamstownslsc.org.au

Boxing

Maribyrnong Boxing Club has reopened. New and former members of the Maribyrnong Community Youth Club are welcome to attend training sessions on Monday, 6pm-8pm, Thursday, 6.45-7.45pm, and Sunday, 10-11am. Boxing for fitness classes, beginners, youth, adults and also competition available. The club premises are located under the Grandstand on Maribyrnong Reserve, on the corner of Hortense Street and Middle Road, Maribyrnong

■ nugara.david@hotmail.com or 0413 495 836

Walking Football (soccer)

For anyone aged 50 & over, we have participants in their 70s. Any fitness level is welcome. This is a social activity for fun and a bit of exercise, no experience necessary. Supported by Hobsons Bay council and Football Victoria, this is a free activity each Wednesday morning, from 10-11am, indoors at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive, Altona.

■ Mike, 0423 291 708

Small steps walking group

Are you looking for a fun and social way to stay active? Join the Braybrook Community Hub walking group. Get some fresh air, make new friends and enjoy the benefits of walking. Or come for social connections, bikkies and a cuppa every Wednesday between 10.30-11.30am.

Altona Girl Guides

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

■ Girl Guides Victoria, 8606 3500 or www.guidesvic.org.au

Meditation for stress management

Meditate under the guidance of an experienced teacher through visualisation,

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian

breath and movement. A form of mindful planning combining the psychological process of visualising, preparing for the future, and assigning action steps. Held at the Braybrook Community Hub between 10-11am on Fridays. This class will also be live streamed for you to join from home. Cost is $60 per a 10 week term or $6 per session.

Book sale

Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona. access via Coles car park, from 10am-1pm.

■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.

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

Computers, crafts, conversation

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

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

Carers’ walk and talk

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

https://ow.ly/TQ3j50PP1Ap

Computer classes for beginners Computer classes are run Every day of the week. Choice of morning or afternoons. At Altona North and Williamstown.

■ Lynne on 9397 6168.

Palliative volunteers needed

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

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Altona North Combined Probus

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

■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

Friendship group

Altona Day Voice Interest and Education of Women [VIEW] Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL.

■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

Diabetes support group

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

■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

and resources, opportunities to be active and connect with other carers, connect with nature and connect with their local community.

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

Seeking stories

Award-winning local author Dr Dominique Hes is writing a book on Newport Lakes, tracing its history, its impact and its contribution. The book will outline the story of its development, highlighting the role of consensus, courage, vision and working with nature to create a beautiful ecological and social place. Weaving in theories of biophilia, regenerative development and placemaking with local stories, it aims to provide inspiration for other communities looking at what they can do in their neighbourhoods. Locals are asked to come forward with any stories, photos, memories to be included in the book.

■ NPLbook22@gmail.com

Williamstown book sale

Friends of Williamstown and Newport Libraries hold a book sale every second Saturday of each month, 9.30am-12.30pm. The book sale is held in the friends’ room. Cash only sales.

■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Walking group

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

■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or

Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton, from 7-9.30pm.

■ Vimi Gaoneadry, 0411 530 944

West Footscray Rotary

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

■ Mike, 0417 622 372

Cherry Lake Market

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

■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona or cherrylakemarket@ gmail.com

Point Gellibrand Rotary Club

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

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

Altona Day View Club

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

■ Marion, 9394 6557

Lisa Gatenby. (Damjan Janevski) 401135_01

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”.

6

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 9/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 9/10

MG4 XPower Hatch

– is it hot or not?

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

As we began this review of the MG4 XPower the company announced that it was switching to national driveway pricing for its entire fleet.

In the case of the MG4 range the new driveaway prices replace the previous manufacturer’s RRP and equate to savings of around $3000 to $5000.

The fully-electric MG4 was added to the MG range midway through 2023.

Unlike the ZS and HS EVs which are modified versions of the respective petrol vehicles, MG4 is a dedicated EV and the first to use the innovative Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) that will underpin a new generation of MGs.

MSP features rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution and thin battery technology.

MG4 comes in a choice of five variants: Excite 51 kWh, Excite 64 kWh, Essence 64 kWh, Essence 64 kWh, Essence 77 kWh Long Range and XPower 64 kWh.

The first four models have a single, rear-mounted motor, while XPower – the one we’re reviewing here – adds a front motor for all-wheel drive.

Driveaway prices now range from $39,990 fortheRWDExcite51kWhthroughto$59,990 for the high-performance AWD XPower.

Styling

While the MG ZS and HS models follow the predictable and functional SUV styling, MG4 is easily the most attractive vehicle we’ve seen yet from the Chinese carmaker.

A sleek profile is topped by a two-tone roof and there is an active intake grille shutter – no need for an ugly radiator intrusion up front.

It rides on 18-inch alloys with aerodynamic covers, with LED rear lights, distinctive rear centre light bar and a twin-aero rear spoiler.

There is no specific badging to distinguish the XPower from the rest of the MG4 range, apart from the name being shown on the tinny orange brake calliper covers.

XPower also gets re-tuned suspension for

25 percent extra stiffness, beefier anti-roll bars front and rear, re-calibrated steering and torque vectoring.

Interior

There’s little inside the XPower to distinguish it from the rest of the MG4 range.

Only the inclusion of a Track Mode feature activated from the touchscreen allows the driver to check lap and stage times, giving a clue to its performance alter ego.

The aforementioned Modular Scalable Platform creates good cabin and storage space, bearing in mind that it’s a compact hatchback and slightly smaller than Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30 and Mazda3.

The two-level boot floor caters for 363 litres with the rear seats in place and 1177 litres when folded.

Infotainment

Infotainment features across the MG4 range include a 10.25-inch multifunction colour touchscreen, configurable 7.0-inch LCD digital instrument cluster, four-speaker audio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB and FM Radio, multi-function steering wheel controls and three USB ports.

XPower adds satellite navigation with voice control and EV trip planning, 360-degree parking cameras, six-speaker premium audio with sound field calibration, and wireless smartphone charging.

The MG iSmart system integrates car, internet and communication enhanced by voice activation and remote-control features on XPower and Essence models.

Powertrain

XPower is the only MG4 variant to have electric motors for both the front and rear axles to provide the benefit of all-wheel drive.

All others have rear-mounted motors powered by either 51 kWh (Excite), 64 kWh (Excite or Essence) or 77 kWh (Essence Long Range) batteries.

The dual-motor, all-wheel drive MG4

XPower uses the mid-range 64 kWh battery to produce 320kW (150 kW from the front motor and 170 kW from the rear).

This, together with 600Nm of torque, makes it the most powerful production MG in Australia to date, capable of 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Range is listed at 385km on the WLTP cycle. Not surprisingly that will drop down under aggressive driving.

There are four regenerative braking levels down to one-pedal mode.

Safety

MG4 received the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating when tested last year.

Standard features include six airbags, enhanced ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist, and electronic stability program, reversing camera, hill start assist with auto hold, automatic door unlocking and a collapsible steering column.

Also, standard is the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system which adds lane keep assist and departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergencybraking,trafficjamassist,intelligent headlight control, speed assistance system and driver inattention alert.

Unfortunately, MG has followed the growing trend to switch various controls to the touchscreen, including the most commonly-used audio and air conditioning.

While it might suit the stylists it takes far too much of the driver’s attention away from the road ahead.

Interestingly, there’s a move underway in Europe where Euro NCAP are planning to deduct points where certain functions are not easily accessible via physical knobs and/or buttons.

Let’s hope that Australia’s ANCAP assessors follow that lead.

Driving

The first thing that you notice when you’re

ready to set off in the MG4 is that there’s no starter button or ignition key.

Rather, the car is ready to go within a few seconds of the driver sitting down and once the ‘Ready’ light shows on the driver information screen, it’s simply a case of moving a circular knob from ‘P’ to either ‘D’ or “R’.

One of the most appealing features of all electric vehicles is the instant acceleration that can see them leap ahead of the traffic from standstill.

The MG4 XPower raises the bar even further withitsstunning3.8-second0-100km/hsprint. The jury’s still out on whether the XPower meets the hot hatch pub test.

While it clearly ticks most of the boxes in terms of its spectacular acceleration and speed, it doesn’t provide the same driver input and feedback as its petrol-powered rivals.

For a start there’s no manual gearbox – well, no gearbox at all – which is such an important ingredient for the driving enthusiast.

Likewise, while silent running is a positive feature for most EV buyers, the XPower misses out on the characteristic hot hatch engine sound track.

Ride and handling, although very good, lacks the feel of established hot hatches nor is it as balanced through corners.

Summing up

Ever since the first of the new Chinese MGs arrived here in 2018, we’ve found ourselves cringing a bit when cornered by devotees of the classic British sportscars that carried that iconic badge for decades.

Notanymore…becausetheMG4ingeneral, and the XPower in particular, can hold their own in any company.

With prices breaking through the key $40k barrier and range over 400km, depending on thevariant,theyopentheEVmarkettoawhole new customer base.

At just under $60k the XPower offers almost supercar performance at a fraction of the price.

But does it qualify as a hot hatch? We’d say no – not enough driving enjoyment.

Clubs calling for changes to the WFL structure

A Western Football League coach is among those calling for changes to be made to the competition structure, or risk losing clubs and players.

In the off season, the league moved from three divisions to two divisions. The top division increased to nine teams, while division 2 has 14 teams after Glen Orden failed to get a team up.

Concerns about blowouts in the scores were circulating before the season started and they were validated in round one.

Sunshine beat North Sunshine by 252 points, while Albion and Newport also had 100 point wins, while Braybrook won by 92 points.

Acoachofadivision2side,whodidn’twant to be named, is calling on the league to make changes now.

“Had they listened to the people, this wouldn’t have happened,” he said. “When you

have the top teams in division 2 that could comfortably beat some division 1 teams, it’s hard.

“Multiple clubs want it to be changed and it needs to be fixed before it is too late.”

The coach said that they believed that it needed to return to three divisions or if it was too hard in terms of fixturing, keep the same fixture but play two different finals series, with a finals series for the bottom seven sides.

The coach said if changes weren’t made it would have a massive impact on the competition. He said other clubs shared the same view and wanted changes.

“People are leaving straight away,” he said.

“Some teams struggled to field teams in round one.

“Tarneit was calling out for players and it’s only round one.

“We will see senior teams forfeit this season.”

The coach said he was expecting 400-plus losses during the season and that fans would turn away from turning up if they knew they were expecting big losses.

“The WFL has to act and respond to this before it’s too late,” he said. “They will kill the participation of people in sport.”

Sunshine coach Ben Chapman said after his side’s big win against North Sunshine, that top teams from division 2 should not be playing the low teams from division 3 so early in the season.

Meanwhile a petition has been set up by one fan who has accused the league of deliberately forcing lower category recreational clubs to extinction.

“The heartless decision to take away the third division in 2024 will shut the doors for multiple clubs,” the petition said.

The WFL said it wouldn’t be commenting at this stage.

Falcons roll over Waves

By Tara Murray

TheCityWestFalconstooktherollingsubtoa new level as they did a demolition job against the Peninsula Waves on Wednesday night in the Victorian Netball League championship.

Facing a winless Waves side, the Falcons had more than a win in their focus as they entered the match.

Coach Marg Lind had hinted in the lead up that she would throw the combinations around and get everyone plenty of court time and she did exactly that.

Midway through the first quarter, the Falcons made five rolling subs at the same time and it was a sign of things to come.

Every player played at least 22 minutes as the Falcons rotated heavily in every quarter.

While it prevented them from pushing towards the 100 goal barrier, the Falcons still came away with an 85-34 win.

Lind said they were happy with what they got out of the game.

“It was a bit of a test because we did roll a lot,” she said. “Our goal tonight was to get everyone on and make sure everyone got exposure in a few different positions.

“I think when you do throw as many subs, it’s really hard to maintain discipline and momentum, but that was the theme of the night to be disciplined.

“We probably achieved, because we scored a pretty tidy sum.”

Lind said despite the number of changes they made, they were happy with the pace that they played at.

She said the goaling combination of Shimona Jok and Jane Cook did a few nice things together.

Cook, the competition’s leading goal scorer last season, spent time in defence late in the game as a tall defender.

Other changes included Sussu Liai and Gena Ogier both spending time in centre.

Lind said they were still trying to find Ogier’s best position.

“I’m not certain where her position is because she came from basketball, but before that she was a bit of defence, bit of goals.”

Defensively, Melissa Oloamanu had a strong game as she continues her return from an ACL injury.

Lind said she thinks Oloamanu still has plenty of growth to go. She said she was also impressed with Lucia Fauonuku did a good job on the circle edge as they tried some different things defensively.

The win takes the Falcons to 5-1.

Lind said while they’re happy, they’re not content.

“Istillthinkourteamhasgotalotofgrowth not satisfied with where we’re at. I think we’ve probably out of all the clubs have got a bit more scope to go.

“I don’t think we’re near where we need to be.”

The Falcons under-23 suffered a one goal loss to the Waves, 41-40. It was the Falcons second loss for the season.

Lind said it was a terrible game of netball.

A league report released in September, said the WFL will work closely and provide club development staffing resources to those clubs that may need extra assistance as they move from division 3 into division 2 football.

“It is evident that youth football must be a key area of focus of the league for the future sustainability of clubs of the WRFL,” the report said.

“There are some clubs with no pathways from juniors to youth football at all, some that require strengthening of relationships between juniors and seniors and others that require assistance in recruiting and retaining players.

“There was an overwhelming amount of feedback that the grading for junior grades of football is currently not working as well as it could be.”

Tara Murray

First loss for Seagulls

Williamstown’swinningstreakendedat three in the Victorian Football League on Saturday.

The Seagulls were one of three teams undefeated entering round four, with their opponent Footscray one of the other teams.

Kicking with the wind in the first quarter, the Seagulls failed to make the most of their chances in the first quarter, kicking five behinds to trail by two points at quarter time.

The Bulldogs dominated the contest in the second quarter, kicking 6.4 to open up a 36 point lead at half time.

The Seagulls were able to close the gap in the third quarter when they had the wind, kicking the only three goals of the quarter.

The Bulldogs were able to finish the match off strongly, with five goals to two, to claim a 12.12 (84)-6.5 (41) win.

Corey Rich was the only multiple goal kicker for the Seagulls, kicking two goals.

Cameron Polson, Jake Greiser and Joel Fitzgerald all had 23 disposals each.

In the early match, Williamstown got the win against the Western Bulldogs in the VFLW competition.

Coming off two straight losses, the Seagullshadtoworkhardtogetthewin.

The Bulldogs led by five points at half time and could have been further ahead had they kicked straight.

The Seagulls kicked the only three goals of the third quarter to take a 15 point lead into the final quarter.

They finished strongly, winning 7.4 (46)-3.7 (25).

Emily Eaves, Molly Simpson and Teagan Brett kicked two goals each for the Seagulls.

Ashley Thorneycroft had 16 disposals for the Seagulls.

“I think there were 34 errors from our end, that;s not good enough. It could be a costly game.”

The Falcons this week face Melbourne University.

Shimona Jok. (Robbab Photography)

Roosters women are ready for new challenges

West Footscray coach Shane Windridge is excited by what his new look playing group can do in the Western Football League women’s competition.

TheRoosterswonthedivision2premiership last season and would have likely gone up a division had the competition stayed at two divisions.

Now with all the teams in one division, the side had a number of new challenges ahead of them.

“There’s been a lot of change with a lot of sides,” Windridge said. ”We are no different, we pretty much have a brand new side from last year.

“We don’t know how we will go until we play.”

Windridge said they had lost 20 of their 30 players from last season.

He said some had looked to start families and a number of retired after getting the

premiership they were after.

While they’ve lost a number of players, Windridge said they still had good numbers.

“Lucky for us we’re a club that gets a lot of new players turn up out of nowhere,” he said. “Some are brand new to the game and I’m excited to see what they can do on game day.

“A couple of other players have come back and we’ve got some players that have moved down to the area and will be pretty handy.”

The Roosters started the season with a big win against North Sunshine, winning 17.15 (117)-0.1 (1).

Windridge said it was nice to get out there and play with each other and give some of the new players an opportunity to learn the rules.

The Roosters faced a bigger test on Friday night, facing one of the premiership favourites in Werribee Centrals.

It was a tough night for the Roosters, with the Centurions winning, 23.16 (154)-0.0 (0).

Ashlee Carey, Kathleen Gannon and Ashton Sly were named their best.

Windridge said he expected his side to get better as the season goes on.

“It’s a big step coming up from division 2,” he said.

“We’ll definitely get better as the season goes along. The benchmark for us will be the second time we play teams and what improvements we’ve made from the first time.

“I think we’ll see rapid improvement by the end of the season.”

In other matches on the weekend, Parkside Spurs had a 28.17 (185)-1.0 (6) win against North Sunshine.

Mary Sandral kicked 10 goals in the win.

Yarraville-Seddon kicked off its season with a 19.21 (135)-0.0 (0) win against Laverton.

Tara Murray

Magpies get first win

By Tara Murray

Parkside was keen to come and show they wouldn’t be easy beats back in the top flight of the Western Football League and early on it is showing why.

After being in the game in round one, the Magpies got their first win of the season on Saturday, beating Spotswood.

There was nothing between the two teams inthefirsthalfandstillatthreequartertimeit was anyone’s game, with the Magpies leading by 15 points.

The Magpies were able to increase their lead in the final quarter to get their first win back in the top flight, winning 11.9 (75)-7.10 (52). Magpies co-coach Chris Muratore said it had been a massive day for the club being their first home game of the season and the unveiling of their premiership flag.

On field, Muratore said it was a good game of footy.

“We controlled it for a lot of the game,” he said. “We were on top in certain areas and were playing the way we wanted to play.

“It was a bit of ping pong with the ball moving around for a while. It was a good quality game.”

Muratore said he felt the difference in the end was his side’s ability to handle the bigger moments better.

He said their pressure around the ball was really good and they ran the game out well, which they didn’t do in round one.

Tom Condon kicked six goals for the Magpies and was named one of their best along with Samuel Dukic and Luke Vraca. Muratore said Condon, who crossed from Strathmore in the off season, has been massive on and off the field this season.

“We knew what we would get from Tom,” he said.

“You see what he does in the goal column but it’s the other stuff, He’s teaching the younger guys and helping them with where to stand.

“He was able to get on the end of a couple. He had one in round one but could have had five or six, he had an off day.”

Muratoresaid Dukic did a really good job on Nick Graham in curbing his influence, while Jonah Vraca found some form after an interrupted pre-season.

He said skipper Jackson Barrett again did a mountain of work.

“It was a tough game to pick votes, it was a team performance,” Muratore said.

For the Woodsmen, Kyle Blake kicked three goals and was named their best.

The Magpies this week face Caroline Springs on Saturday.

TheLakersalsosit1-1afterbeatingHoppers Crossing on Saturday.

Muratore said it had been a positive start for the side and they wanted to continue that this week.

“We were really confident that we could do it,” he said.

“A lot of people said well done on making it [division]andgreateffort.Wedon’twanttobe known for just that, we want to be known for winning games of footy.

“A win second game up, shows we’re good

Briefs

VPL

Altona City has had a change of coaches just weeks in the Victorian Premier League 2 competition.

Altona City announced last week on social media that due to unforeseen circumstances, the senior coaching staff and club, led by Michael Calandrella, had parted ways. On Saturday, Altona City had a 2-1 win against Beaumaris with Jays Ziro and Lochie Smith scoring. The win was Altona’s fourth and it sits in second spot after six rounds.

VAFA

Williamstown CYMS fell just short against Old Camberwell in the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B competition on Saturday. The CYs led at quarter time after keeping Old Camberwell scoreless, before trailing by 15 points at half time. Old Camberwell was able to keep the CYs at bay in the second half, winning 15.8 (98)-11.6 (72). Oskar Manton, Dean Cutajar and Daniel Cross were named their best. The CYs are without a win after two rounds.

A-League Western United goalkeeper

Kathrine Larsen has departed the club after the end of the A-League Women’s season. The Dane will return to Europe for an opportunity to play closer to home, joining Swedish giant Malmo FF.

Larsen joined United in late February after Hillary Beall departed to join San Diego Wave in pre-season training. The 30-year-old made her debut in United’s 4-2 win over Canberra United at the beginning of March and played again the following week against Sydney FC.

VAFA

Williamstown CYMS put out a strong performance against St Beds-Mentone Tigers in the Victorian Amateur Football Association. The CYs took a while to get going, failing to kick a goal in the first half. After the break, the CYs kicked five goals to none to run away with a 5.10 (40)-2.6 (18) win.

Kayla Woodhouse was the CYs best.

enough in this competition.”

In other results, Altona kicked off its season with a 10.8 (68)-7.7 (49) win against Point Cook.

In division 2, Newport beat Braybrook, Laverton fell short against Albanvale, West Footscray won a thriller against the Suns and North Footscray lost to Wyndhamvale.

Kathleen Gannon (Jacob Pattison)348769_01

Jackson Barrett had a good performance on Saturday. (Jacob Pattison)348749_06

The Gators continue on scoring two crucial wins

TheAltonaGatorsgottwocrucialwinsasthey try to stay in touch with the top sides in the Big V women’s division 1-2 competition. Withthecompetitiontosplitintotwointhe middle of the season, wins early in the season are important to stay in division 1.

On Saturday night, the Gators hosted the RMIT Redbacks at Altona.

The Gators started well and led by nine points at quarter time. It was a more even second quarter, with the Gators able to extend their lead to 11 points at half time.

The Gators were able to do enough in each of the third and fourth quarters to continue to build the lead, winning 69-51.

Tyla Paraha top scored with 30 points while also pulling down nine rebounds.

The Gators were back on court on Sunday, travelling to Collingwood to face the Collingwood All Stars.

The All Stars started the better of the two sides and had a small three point lead at quarter time.

The Gators jumped into gear in the second quarter and put up 34 points to lead by 16 points at the main break.

Once the Gators started they weren’t able to be stopped as they continued to pile on the points.

The lead was 34 points at three quarter time before another strong performance saw the Gators finish with a 113-64 win.

The Gators spread the load with the most minutes by a player 28, while everyone played at least 16 minutes.

Four players scored double figures led by Alicia Sciberras and Aseka Ratnayake, who both scored 20 points off the bench.

The wins have the Gators up to fourth spot with seven wins from eight games.

The Gators have a bye this week.

It was a tough weekend for the Gators men’s side, which had a big loss in the division 1 competition.

Facing the Chelsea Gulls, it was a high scoring start on Sunday.

The Gulls led by five points at quarter time and with both sides scoring more than 30 points in the second quarter, increased it by one point.

After half time, the Gulls found another level and the Gators couldn’t go with them.

The Gulls ended up winning, 134-104.

Brian Adams top scored with 28 points for the Gators.

The Gators sit in fifth spot.

The Gators host top side RMIT Redbacks on Sunday.

Magic starting to click

By Tara Murray

Things are starting to fall into place for Altona Magic in the National Premier League competition.

After an ‘ugly’ win the previous round, the Magic was able to come away with the points againstMelbourneKnightsonSaturdaynight.

Scores were level at half time before Darcy AnastovskiscoredforMagictogiveitthelead. It would be the only score of the game, giving the Magic a 1-0 win.

MagiccoachGoranLozanovskisaiditwasa really pleasing performance.

“It was a good win and we’ve now got back-to-back wins,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of clean sheets in a row which has been important.

“We’ve been working towards that the last month and it’s amazing to get that scenario.”

Lozanovski said the most pleasing thing for him was the way that the group went about it. He said they would have liked a couple more goals, but a win is a win.

“That was our best performance this year as a team collectively.”

Lozanovski said the group was hoping that the performances the last two weeks were showing that the side had started to click.

He said there was some more belief in the group as the results have started to come.

“Everyone is understanding their roles,” he said. ”We are starting to execute the game plan for 90 minutes.

“They are getting stronger and fitter. They are a bit more confident and are playing better than before.”

Lozanovski said it was encouraging that they could win in different manners, both ugly and what he said was the perfect game.

The Magic now sit in ninth spot with three winsfromits10matches.Theyareeightpoints outside the top six.

The Magic is back in action on Saturday against Moreland City.

It will be a different challenge for the Magic.

“Moreland City is last and they haven’t won a game yet,” Lozanovski said. “It will be a

Baker

joins the Bulls

New Newport-Digman coach Paul Baker is looking forward to a new challenge in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.

Baker was announced as coach earlier this month, having been coach at Bacchus Marsh in the Gisborne and District and then Ballarat cricket associations in recent years. Baker had spent 18 years as coach at the Bulls duringdifferentstintsandhasalsobeen a representative coach for the GDCA and the Central Highlands region.

Baker said he was excited for the new challenge.

“We moved down here in the middle of last year,” he said. “It was a long day travelling up to Ballarat while at Bacchus Marsh.

“Therewasabitofthatinthedecision andit’sanewchallengeanditlookslike it’s a good club.”

This will be Baker’s first foray into the VTCA. He said he watched a bit of cricket last year when he moved to the area, to get an idea of what it was like.

“I kept an eye on the season when I knew that I would possibly look at making the move,” he said.

“Ikeptaneyeontheresults.I’vecome acrossalotofplayersbefore.Sunburyis in the same division and I played and coached against them for a number of years.

tough game playing away.

“Hopefully we can make it three in a row.”

Meanwhile, Altona City has had a change of coaches just weeks in the Victorian Premier League 2 competition.

Altona City announced last week on social media that due to unforeseen circumstances, the senior coaching staff and club, led by Michael Calandrella, had parted ways.

On Saturday, Altona City had a 2-1 win against Beaumaris with Jays Ziro and Lochie Smith scoring. The win was Altona’s fourth and it sits in second spot after six rounds.

AltonaCityisawaytoPascoeValeonFriday night in round seven.

Meanwhile in FV state league 1 north-west, Yarraville Glory got its first win of the season, beating Upfield 3-1.

In state league 2 north-west, Altona East Phoenix lost to Westvale, 5-0, while in state league 3 north-west, Altona North beat Sebastopol Vikings, 5-1, Williamstown drew with Sunbury United 1-1 and Laverton had a 1-1 draw with Diamond Valley United.

“I know a lot of the players, so I’m a bit familiar with the competition.”

TheBullsjustmissedfinalslastseason in the McNamara Shield competition. The top four came down to the final round, with the Bulls finishing in sixth spot, two points outside the top four.

Baker said it shows that the group isn’t too far away in what was a close competition.

Work for next season has already begun.

“We’ve been touching base with all the players and I’ve been part of that,” Baker said.

“I think most of the list will stay on board and we will potentially add one or two more into the mix.”

The Bulls have announced the first of their re-signings with Shannon Clarke returning after taking 27 wickets in his first season with the club.

Tara Murray

Aseka Ratnayake (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Darcy Anastovski (Ljubica Vrankovic)

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