Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 10th July 2024
Get active
Residents of Melbourne’s west are invited to join the Daughters of the West program, a free health initiative that will return to Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong next week.
The 10-week program is open to women and those who identify as women, aged 18 and over, living or working in the region.
Organised by the Western Bulldogs community foundation in partnership with councils and community health services, the Daughters of the West program aims to enhance women’s health and wellbeing through workshops, presentations, and healthy activities. Each week, participants will meet in local community groups for two-hour sessions. These sessions will include interactive discussions led by guest presenters on topics such as nutrition, mental fitness, and health screenings. In addition to educational workshops, the program offers group-based exercise sessions tailored to various fitness levels, ensuring that all participants can benefit. The program will commence at the Laverton Community Hub on Monday, July 15, RecWest Footscray on Tuesday, July 16, Brooklyn Community Hall on Wednesday, July 17, and Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre on Thursday, July 18. Vietnamese speakers can join Vietnamese Daughters of the West at RecWest Footscray on July 16.
Details:https://shorturl.at/
Help write next chapter
By Anne Parisianne
Maribyrnong council is inviting the communitytoconsiderifitwillneedtorebuild or relocate the Yarraville Library.
Council said the challenge is how the library can continue to meet the needs of a growing community given the size constraints of the current building.
During a community engagement in late 2023, respondents told the council that they liked the collections and programs offered at the library.
While they enjoyed the intimate
surroundings, they agreed that the current space was too small to deliver on their aspirations.
Just over half of respondents wanted their future library to include more community spaces, and over a third (38.9 per cent) wanted spaces to support quiet study and collaborative work.
The rebuild option would involve the demolition of the current Wembley Avenue location to facilitate the construction of a new library, including exploring the addition of a second storey.
This option is currently unfunded and
would be considered as part of the council’s 10-year asset plan, with a view to construction commencing in 2034.
Relocationwouldenableanewpurpose-built library to be constructed around 600 metres from the existing facility as part of the redevelopment at Bradmill.
For this option, the developer would fund the construction, and the council would only be responsible for fit-out costs. This option wouldresultinaanewlibraryopeningin2028.
Eitheroptionwouldprovidesomeadditional capacity – potentially delivering a library that is three times larger at the existing location
or five times larger if relocated – increasing the ability to deliver more services, including a larger book collection and more study space. However, both options would limit outdoor space. Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said, “Council understands libraries are an important part of our social fabric and provide an important place to meet and connect. This is why it is so important that we hear from you about your preferred option for the future of Yarraville Library”.
Daughters of the West participants Roo Bekhuis and Abigael Sosi. (Damjan Janevski) 415219_02
Illegal net fishers fined
Two men from Altona Meadows have been convicted and fined nearly $16,000 for illegally netting fish in Port Phillip last year.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) educationandenforcementdirectorIanParks said a 78-year-old man and a 43-year-old man had pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates Court to several charges, includingtheunauthoriseduseofcommercial fishing equipment, illegally selling fish and dealing in the proceeds of crime.
“The older man, who was fined $5500, is one of eight remaining commercial licence holders in Port Phillip, permitted to catch fish on long lines, but not with nets, which were phased out from the bay in April 2022. The
A navy ship in Williamstown shipyard. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 417013_02
younger man was fined $10,300,” Mr Parks said.
The six-month investigation began in June 2023 when fisheries officers located a large quantity of mesh net hidden along a remote section of shoreline on the western side of Port Phillip.
Following months of surveillance and probing, officers identified one of the men as a licensed commercial long-line fisher in Port Phillip, working with his son.
To remain undetected, the duo had been fishing with up to 844 metres of the net in darkness,oftentravelingdangerouslywithout navigation lights on their boat.
Having launched their vessel, they would
collect hidden nets from the shoreline, catch a variety of fish, then stash the nets back ashore before returning to the boat ramp with their haul, which included snapper, gummy shark, and bream.
The men were apprehended in November 2023 as fisheries officers executed a search warrant at their residence to secure evidence and seize the commercial fishing vessel used to commit the offences.
Officers also determined that the illegally caught fish had been sold at least five times to a seafood wholesaler in Melbourne.
To report illegal fishing in Victoria, call: 13FISH (133474).
Reporters can remain anonymous.
Councillor floats shipyard sale option
A Hobsons Bay councillor has questioned whether could buy Williamstown’s shipyard.
The shipyard is up for sale eight years after the last vessel descended the slipway, marking the end of shipbuilding at the nearly 17-hectare site.
The vacant yard has a potential price tag of up to $200 million.
Positioned between the Williamstown Marina and the Mobil refinery’s fuel tanks, the shipyard is approximately three kilometres from the Port of Melbourne, the nation’s largest container port.
Historically significant, the site was the original location of the Victorian Navy before
the Federation in 1901.
Shipbuildingcommencedtherein1913and was taken over by the Commonwealth during World War I.
British military hardware and technology giant BAE Systems has owned the yard since 2008.
During council’s June 25 meeting, Cr Antoinette Briffa inquired whether the councilplanstosecurethelandforpublicuse, including exploring options for compulsory acquisition by the state government.
Cr Briffa also inquired about the requirements for including Williamstown’s shipyard site in a public acquisition overlay.
Sustainable communities director Rachel Lunn said the council is aware of the sale but has not made any decisions regarding the acquisition.
Ms Lunn said that if the council were to consider buying the shipyard, it would not be a decision it could make alone.
BAE Systems Australia was contacted for comment, with a spokesperson said, “BAE Systems Australia is selling the eastern portion of the Williamstown site while retaining the western portion for ongoing business use”.
Anne Parisianne
Call for mental health inquiry
Access to support for youth mental health is becoming increasingly difficult, as there are few to no free or low-cost services available in Hobsons Bay, according to councillor Jonathon Marsden.
Cr Marsden raised a notice of motion during the June council meeting, calling on council to make supporting youth mental health crises a key priority.
Cr Marsden said that in 2021, 10 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds in Hobsons Bay reported having a long-term mental health condition and psychological distress.
“It is higher among young people in Hobsons Bay than in Western Melbourne and Victoria overall,” he said.
“Young women in Hobsons Bay aged 15-24 were most likely to be hospitalised for psychological distress, with 1792 per 100,000womenpresentingtoemergency departments for mental and behavioural disorders.
“I’ve spoken to young people in my term as mayor about how, particularly duringtimesofstressaroundexamtime, people fronting up to the emergency ward because there’s no option otherwise.”
Cr Marsden urged council to conduct an inquiry into the mental health of young people, aged 12 to 25, in Melbourne’s inner west, specifically in the communities of Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.
“Secondly,undertakeanassessmentof the support services available for young people in Melbourne’s inner west and consider investment in any additional measures and funding to ensure that young people have access to more local, timely and affordable youth mental health services in the inner west,” he said.
According to Orygen executive director Professor Patrick McGorry, in May 2023, 726 young people were currently on a waitlist for treatment at headspace centres in Melbourne’s north-west.
Anne Parisianne
In mid-July 2024
Mental health needs revealed
By Laura Michell
More women than men living in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs experience anxietyanddepression,whiledepressionisone of the top mental health conditions diagnosed by GPs in the region, a new report into the mental health needs has revealed.
The North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) Mental Health – Health Needs Assessment report examined the mental health and care needs of the 1.9 million people living in the network’s 3200 square-kilometre catchment, which comprises 13 local government areas, including
Wyndham, Hume, Brimbank and Melton.
The report synthesises data from various sources such as the Australian Bureau of Statisticscensus,mentalhealth-relatedhospital admissions and emergency department presentations, general practice mental health diagnoses, demand for appointments and community health service use and demand.
It also includes detailed insights from conversations with more than 170 people, including community members with living experience of mental health issues, carers and representatives from 68 health care organisations.
The report identified Hume, Wyndham, and
Let’s work together
EveryMonday,whenthesunnearlydisappears from the horizon and the weather gets colder, Randa Beirouti and other volunteers from ReachingOutintheInnerWestofMelbourne’ get ready in Footscray Mall to share meals with hundreds of people in need.
The demand is really high, Ms Beirouti said.
Ms Beirouti, who has been volunteering for 13 years, said the demographic of those they help has shifted significantly.
Initially, their services were primarily for homeless individuals, but now, they also assist older people, public housing residents and international students.
On Mondays, the organisation shares about 700 to 800 meals, including homemade baked goods and fresh produce, to about 500 people.
Mr Beirouti said the group relies on community donations and support from various individuals and companies.
The group also shares frozen meat on Wednesdays at the Footscray Baptist Church and gives food (including fresh produce and frozen meat) on Fridays at Unison Housing.
The help they provide is not limited to food, as the group also donates drinks, jackets, and blankets,offersfreewashing,andprovidesfree haircuts whenever volunteers are available.
Ms Beirouti invited the community to help.
“If we can continue working in the community with compassion and no judgment, through totally selfless service, we can achieve a lot more by working together,” she said. “We never ask for money, we never ask for funds.
“If people are about to throw foods … we’re getting them. But (these foods) are totally fine. They’ve been frozen. So, let’s work together selflessly to support people in need.”
Anne Parisianne
Careers for young women in sport event inspires many
Victoria University hosted the Careers for Young Women in Sport event at the Footscray Parkcampus,attracting213girlsfromyears10, 11 and 12 across the state.
Theeventaimedtoinspireandeducateyoung women about the various career opportunities in the sports industry.
The day began with a warm welcome and acknowledgment of the Country by the university’s deputy vice-chancellor of external relations and partnerships, Wade Noonan, followed by an opening address from Professor Clare Hanlon.
Keynote speaker Bianca Chatfield, a former professional netballer and current media presenter, shared her experiences and insights into the sports industry.
Ms Chatfield, who is also a director of the MCG Trust and The Ready Foundation, inspired the students with her journey from being one of the youngest netballers to play for Australia to becoming a Commonwealth Games Gold and Silver Medallist and World Champion.
The event featured a panel discussion on the barriers and enablers for women in sport, followed by morning tea and networking sessions. A series of masterclasses covered topics such as sports coaching, injury and rehabilitation, data analytics, strength and performance, sports facility management, public relations, sponsorship, and community engagement.
The panelists included businesswoman and advocate for girls in sport Susan Albert AC, Hall & Wilcox head of markets Kate Price, and a Victoria university graduate in sports management/business Elizabeth Gilmore.
Professor Hanlon emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers and increasing opportunities for women and girls in sports.
“We were thrilled to have over 230 young women from year 11 and 12 and their teachers, fromthroughoutVictoria,attendajam-packed fun-filled day,” she said.
“As well as our keynote presentation and guest panel, students were treated to a series of interactive Masterclasses led by women graduates in sport now working in the industry.
“Feedback was warmly received by students on how new knowledge was gained on the opportunities that exist to have a career in sport, awareness was raised on roles they did not know existed, and a sense of confidence knowing what Vic Uni has to offer to kick-start their career.”
Brimbank as having the highest quantified mental health need.
Anxiety and depression were the leading self-reported chronic mental health conditions across the north-west, with depression being more prevalent in adults aged over 80 than any other age cohort.
The report found that Maribyrnong experiences a high rate of hospitalisations driven by schizophrenia and depressive episodes coupled with elevated emergency department presentation rates due to suicidal ideation.
“[This] indicates significant and complex mental health needs within this population,
that require tailored care,” the report stated. Similarly, high emergency department presentations due to suicidal ideation and high mortality rates by suicide in Hobsons Bay highlighted the need for tailored interventions in that community, the report found.
NWMPHN service development and reform executive director Jag Dhaliwal said the report was a key tool in understanding where mental health services are most needed.
“It allows us, with the broader health care sector, to allocate resources more efficiently and economically, delivering better care to the people who need it, and driving value for taxpayer money at the same time,” he said.
Randa Beirouti. (Damjan Janevski) 416967_03
Elizabeth Gilmore, Bianca Chatfield and Kate Price. (Supplied)
Boost to women’s health hubs
Women in Melbourne’s north-west will have improved access to sexual and reproductive health, following the announcement of four healthcare hubs in the region.
The women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs will be established in Kyneton, Melton, Wyndham Vale and Broadmeadows and will join Victoria’s network of 20 women’s healthcare hubs across the state that are providing free or low-cost care including contraception, medical abortion, referral for surgical abortion and sexual health testing and treatment.
The Kyneton hub will be operated by Central Highlands Rural Health, while Western Health will operate the Melton hub and IPC Health will run the Wyndham Vale hub. DPV Health will operate the
Broadmeadows hub.
Thestategovernmentsaidthehublocations were selected following extensive sector consultation and are expected to help at least 4000 more girls and women access sexual and reproductive health services every year.
Part of a $153 million women’s health package, the hubs will transform the way women’s health issues are treated – breaking down barriers women and girls face in accessing affordable and comprehensive care, the government said.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the hubs would help women to feel safe and supported when accessing the care they need, including medical and surgical abortion
The workforce supporting the hubs will also benefit from the government’s Women’s
Health Scholarship program, helping to address existing skills and knowledge shortages when it comes to women’s health.
More than 100 scholarships will be delivered, offering chances to upskill in areas like IUD insertion, sexual and reproductive health, pelvic physio training, menopause and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The scholarships will also fund training to promote cultural safety and remove existing barriers for First Nations women, women from migrant and refugee backgrounds and LGBTIQA+ communities.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the hubs would help to bridge the gender health gap.
“With these hubs, we’ll help make sure more women can get the affordable and accessible care they need,” she said.
Mum’s worst nightmare
By Jennifer Pittorino
Solo mother Michelle Galea’s worst nightmare is her son losing his only parent. In September last year, she was forced to confront that fear after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Altona mother was 49 when she discovered a pea-sized lump while scratching her breast one morning.
She said she knew immediately that something was wrong.
Shetriedtomakeabreastscreenappointment but was advised to see her GP instead because of the lump.
“Icouldtellitwaspositive,youcantellbythe way people talk to you,” Michelle said. It took a week for Michelle to get the results, which filled her with anxiety.
When Michelle heard that she had breast cancer, she began to worry about her son, Charlie.
“My first thoughts went to my son,” Michelle said. “Who would look after my child if I died? What would happen to him? Who would care for him?
“Being a solo mother, these thoughts come into our minds earlier than most two parent families.”
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in 57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every single day, equating to over 20,000 Australians each year.
“I was quite shocked, I didn’t think I would be in that position to be quite honest,” Michelle said. “I thought it was something that happens to everyone else.”
The next several months were filled with scans, visits to a surgeon, and surgery to remove the cancer.
“I had the lump removed and I also had some lymph nodes removed out of my arm,” Michelle said
“Because they took some lymph nodes out , I had a lot of problems with my arm swelling.”
After surgery, Michelle met with her oncologist to work out the next steps.
“The surgeon organised an MRI done on both breasts to check if it was anywhere else,” she said.
“After it is removed, that is when you see the oncologist who works out your plan of action.”
Michelle’s oncologist recommended a test, known as an Oncotype DX test, which determines whether further treatment is needed.
Michelle said the test isn’t funded in Australia and her test needed to be sent to the US for analysis. It recommended she start chemotherapy.
‘‘ I have
created a great village for
my son ... I know my village will
be there for
my son in case I die ’’ - Michelle Galea
“Unfortunately to do that test, it’s $5000 out of pocket, Medicare does not fund it at all,” she said.
“I reckon I am close to $20,000 out of pocket because I went private,” she said. “My surgeon alone was $5000 out of pocket. That is just one bill. I haven’t even added it all up.”
Michelle underwent chemotherapy and radiation and is battling ongoing problems with her arms due to the lymph node removal.
“Ihadtoseeaspecialphysiotwiceaweek,and again that is not funded by the government,” she said. “I couldn’t afford that. The average person couldn’t afford it. We are talking about $150 each time you go.
“The government only gives you six sessions subsidised through a care plan.”
Withthesupportofherparents,wholenther money for several tests, and the support of her siblings who attended her appointments with
her, Michelle has come out on the other side.
“I am on hormone treatment now, which is a tablet which I take everyday. I am on that for [the next] 10 years,” she said.
In the midst of her battle, Michelle was also running a nationwide support group she started in 2013, called Australian Solo Mothers by Choice. It has more than 3700 members across the country.
“Itwashardespeciallyasasolomother,when you get diagnosed with something like that it takes a couple of weeks for you to get your head around it,” she said.
“Luckily, I have created a great village for my son. I have made sure he is connected and lovedbyfamilywhowillcareforhim,andmost importantly, I know he will feel safe and not scared to live with them.
“So I know my village will be there for my son in case I die.”
Women’s health issues a key priority
GPs are calling for greater action to better address women’s health issues.
It follows the release of the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) guidelines for preventive activities in general practice.
Known as ’the Red Book’, the guidelines were first published in 1989 and supports preventive activities in general practice.
The latest edition strongly focuses on women’s health issues, including new content on pregnancy, conception, perinatal mental health and post-menopause care.
RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins welcomed the release of the guidelines and called for action.
“On the women’s health front, Australia has come a long way, but we also have a long way to go,” she said.
“As a special adviser to the Albanese Government’s National Women’s Health AdvisoryCouncilandaGP…addressing health inequalities for women and girls in Australia is something I’m passionate about. There are so many areas where we can and should do better.
“Too many women are still suffering severe effects from endometriosis and not being properly listened to, let alone given the care they need. Change must happen now, too many girls and women are missing out.”
Red Book executive committee chair Danielle Mazza said the latest edition contained key guidance on women’s health issues.
“We want all pregnant women to have their first antenatal visit within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Regular antenatal care that starts early in the pregnancy is associated with better maternal health and positive outcomes for the child. Unfortunately, just over 20 per cent of women don’t access antenatal care in their first trimester, and mothers are more likely to fall into this category if they are younger than 20 years of age, smoke during pregnancy, use illicit substances or live remotely. So, compared to most countries around the world we are doing well, but we still have room for improvement,” Professor Mazza said.
“Our Red Book contains useful guidance for GPs conducting this care, including screening for mental health concerns, smoking status and exposure to second-hand smoke, and clinical risk factors for pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous complication characterised by high blood pressure.”
Solo mother Michelle Galea was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. (Damjan Janevski) 412955_01
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Premier Jacinta Allan. (Supplied)
Teacher is fondly remembered
Tributes have flowed for a former school principal who died after falling through a skylight while working at St Margaret Mary’s School, Spotswood.
Paul Hogan is believed to have been retrieving balls from the roof when he fell through a skylight more than three metres to the concrete ground below about 2.30pm on June 28.
The 61-year-old was taken to hospital with critical head injuries, where he died.
WorkSafe is investigating.
Mr Hogan devoted his career to Catholic education. His first role was in a classroom and he taught at many schools in Melbourne’s north-west.
He became principal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Sunbury, in 2009.In 2016, he was appointed principal at St Mary’s School in Ascot Vale, until his retirement six years later in 2022.
Mr Hogan continued working as a part-time
and casual relief teacher at St Anne’s School, Sunbury, St Mary’s School, Ascot Vale, and St Margaret Mary’s School, Spotswood.
The Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) released a statement saying the community is deeply saddened by Mr Hogan’s death.
MACS executive director, Dr Edward Simons, said Mr Hogan was a highly regarded educator and leader.
“WeextendoursincerecondolencestoPaul’s family, friends and colleagues, and we hold all of those impacted in our hearts and prayers,” he said. ‘Paul was a friend and mentor to many inourMACScommunity,andhewillbedearly missed. May perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.
Community members and sporting clubs from across Sunbury and the north-west pay tribute to him.
Rupertswood Football Club said he was a much loved person at the club as an umpire for
FIDA and reserves teams.
“Paul spent many hours helping team managers and our assistant coaches. An amazing mentor to our juniors during 2014-2018 seasons, as well as helping out
412026_02
Community choir members wanted
Hobsons Bay residents have an exciting opportunity to lift their spirits and connect with their community through the power of song.
With One Voice Hobson’s Bay community choir is actively seeking new members and offers a free introductory session to visitors who are curious to learn more.
The choir prides itself on being an inclusive community where no auditions or prior experience are necessary.
It’s open to all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures, and genders, providing a nurturing environment for everyone to find their voice.
Choir member Henry Zun said it’s
convenient to have a community choir whose members are welcoming and friendly.
“As a singer and guitarist I have performed many gigs, been involved in liturgical music and was a guitar teacher at different stages spanning 50 years. Now in retirement, I still wanttobroadenandmaintainmyinterestand involvement in music,” Mr Zun said.
“By coincidence, I read an article in the Star Weekly about 12 months ago concerning the launching of the Hobson’s Bay Community choir in Altona and decided to join the choir in July last year.
“I enjoy the variety of the music genres at choir rehearsals and gigs, such as blues,
folk rock, pop and the wonderful harmony arrangements produced by our talented music director and conductor, Steph Payne. There is just something special in being part of a choir. It’s the social setting, the sharing of banter and laughter. It’s the joy and exhilaration in the joining of voices to produce wonderful sounds.”
With One Voice Hobson’s Bay community choir meets on Fridays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at the Louis Joel Centre in Altona.
A new road bridge will be built over the Werribee train line at Maidstone Street, Altona,aspartoflevelcrossingremovalworks.
Designs for the removal of the level crossing were recently released by the state government and show a road bridge with one lane in each directions.
The bridge will also feature a pedestrian footpath and lighting.
Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with the level crossing expected to be removed by 2027.
The state government said building a road bridge would avoid disrupting important undergroundutilitiesandthenearbyprotected Maidstone Street Grassland, facilitating a quicker removal of the crossing.
According to the government, 48 trains pass
A road bridge will be built over Maidstone Street, Altona, as part of the level crossing removal works. (Supplied)
through the level crossing daily, including freight services, while more than 14,000 vehicles drive through the crossing each day.
The state government said the boom gates at the crossing are down for more than 20 per
around the club and volunteering his time when he could.”
InapageforpastOurLadyofMountCarmel School students and teachers, people spoke about Mr Hogan being an amazing principal and “wonderful understanding person” and a “genuine nice person”.
St Margaret Mary’s School’s sister school, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Newport, also paid tribute.
“On behalf of the Sacred Heart school community, I extend our deepest sympathies to our sister parish school, St Margaret Mary’s Primary School, on the sudden passing of your colleague, Paul Hogan,” they said in a statement.
“We especially pray for Colleen McCambridge, [the] SMM principal and dear friendofPaul’s,thestaffandallthoseimpacted by Paul’s passing. We are thinking of you and sending strength and comfort at this difficult time.”
New recycling point at Highpoint
Highpoint Shopping Centre has become the latest location to feature a reverse vending machine refund point as part of the state government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic).
The new refund point is the sixth installation in the Maribyrnong area, and will be operated by TOMRA Cleanaway.
Since the scheme’s commencement on November 1, 2023, Victorians have been actively collecting and recycling eligible drink bottles, cartons, and cans, returning them to CDS Vic refund points to receive 10 cents per item.
TOMRA Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said the new refund point will provide locals with a convenient location to drop off their eligible drink containers for recycling.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said Victorians have returned more than 500 million containers in just six months.
TOMRA Cleanaway operates 174 deposit sites across the CDS Vic west zone and plans to increase the deposit to 180 by August this year.
Users can choose to receive their refund through a retail cash voucher, digital transfer to a bank account, or as a donation to a nominated charity or community group.
CDSVicofferscharities,community groups, schools, and sporting organisations new fundraising opportunities by registering as donation partners.
cent of the morning peak.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said removing the crossing would enhancesafetyandprovidemorereliabletravel times.
“The release of this design takes us one step closer to making the Werribee Line level crossing free by 2030 – changing the way people live, work and travel,“ he said.
“We’re thrilled to see another level crossing going in the west and invite the community to provide feedback to help shape the designs of this important project.”
Williamstown MP Melissa Horne urged the community to view the level crossing designs and provide feedback to the government.
As of July 27, over 1100 charities and organisations have registered within the west zone, including the Maribyrnong Park Football Club and theMaribyrnongRiverandWaterways Association.
Maribyrnong residents can download the CDS Vic west zone app to check the live status of their local refund point, verify container eligibility, and manage and track container refunds.
The app also provides a unique opportunity to donate container refunds to numerous charity partners involved in the scheme.
Anne Parisianne
With One Voice Community Choir. (Damjan Janevski)
Paul Hogan. (Supplied)
Winter fun time at Scienceworks
Scienceworks is set to transform into an experientialwonderlandforfamilieslookingto stay warm and entertained during the winter school holidays.
Until Sunday, July 14, visitors can engage in various captivating activities designed to make learning fun for all ages.
Scienceworks is currently running a variety of engaging programs, including Air Playground, Air Palooza, Guided Highlights Tours, FlushBack, Planetarium Shows, The Glow Show, and Pumping Station and Collection Store Orientations.
In the Air Playground, visitors can levitate objects, navigate vibrant flags through a network of pipes, bounce on inflatable sculptures, and launch balls with compressed air.
The Air Palooza show brings science to life withfogcannons,mist-filledbubblesandother eye-popping demonstrations that showcase the invisible forces of air.
For those interested in a more curated experience, the guided highlights tours offer a deeper dive into Scienceworks’ treasures.
The Planetarium offers a unique look at the night sky with its daily shows.
The Lightning Theatre’s Glow Show, held at various times throughout the day, delves into the science of luminosity with visually stunning demonstrations.
Daily orientations of the Pumping Station and the Collection Store offer visitors a closer look at Melbourne’s engineering history and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of Scienceworks’ 100,000 collection items.
Winter has come to Williamstown. Until July 14, Commonwealth Reserve is hosting an ice-skatingrinkofferingicyschoolholidayfun for kids and families. The rink is open daily from noon, with skating sessions running until 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and extending until 8pm from Thursday to Saturday. StarWeeklyphotographer Damjan Janevski stopped by last week to caputre some of the fun.
Anwar takes to the ice. (Damjan Janevski) 417123_03
Erin enjoyed the icy fun. (Damjan Janevski) 417123_05
Serene gives skating a try. (Damjan Janevski) 417123_04
Zarah was rugged up (Damjan Janevski) 417123_06
Lyla, Ava and Ella, ready for ice skating. (Damjan Janevski) 417123_01
Jungyi Seo and her daughter Sua. (Damjan Janevski) 17123_02
Bela and Paritosh Thanki with daughter Anika took part in the family-friendly fun. (Damjan Janevski )417123_07
School holiday fun at Scienceworks. Pictured top row: Yinn, and Brooke and Ava. Bottom row: Grace and Lottie, and the McManus family.
(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 416336
Disaster recalled
By Councillor Jorge Jorquera
If you lived in the inner west at the time, you will never forget the day in August 1991 when the Coode Island disaster unfolded on our doorstep. The Coode Island storage tank facility exploded, spreading a plume of toxic smoke across Melbourne for two days.
It was one of Melbourne’s biggest disasters.
About 8.5 million litres of organic compoundsburned,creatingatoxiccloudover nearby residential suburbs, which was only dispersed, fortunately, by strong winds.
The history of the Coode Island disaster has not been forgotten, not least because there continuestobestorageofdangerousgoodsand chemicals near suburban populations in the inner west of Melbourne.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is currently considering a new licence application for the storage of dangerous goods in Coode Island, 1.6km away from Yarraville Village. The proposed facility will store approximately230tankscontainingfoodstuffs, combustible liquids and dangerous goods.
The EPA will assess the licence application over the next few months, with a decision expected later this year. It is critical that residents in the City of Maribyrnong take the time and review the information to make an informed assessment of the potential hazards involved in the proposal.
Airpollutioncanbecausedbyhuman-created factors–from dust storms, coal odour, wood heaters, heavy industry, to traffic emissions.
Intheinnerwest,itisacombinationofheavy industry (18 per cent of land is industrially zone) and 20,000 container trucks which travel through local streets every day. Our inner west community also experiences serious adverse health effects of exposure to poor air quality, including higher rates of lung cancer,
asthma attacks–particularly in children–and heart failure and disease. According to Environmental Justice Australia, Yarraville and Brooklyn rank seventh and eighth in Australia for air pollution concentrations.
Caring for our environment and our community in Maribyrnong is important for maintaining a city with a healthy, safe and liveable environment.
The starting point for solutions is for our community to be aware of the air pollution levels they are currently exposed to and have a better understanding of where it comes from.
Council’s Air Quality Improvement Plan is a goodplacetostart–itprovidesacomprehensive action plan that address environmental concerns brought about by the poor air quality in our city and impact on the health of the Maribyrnong community–you can find a copy here: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/airquality.
Air quality and pollution monitoring and reporting should also be more accessible to the public–similar to weather reporting. And, of course,realpenaltiesshouldbeimposedonthe corporations that break regulations.
Our community deserves better and should not be treated like a toxic waste dump.
Briefs
School holiday police blitz
Police will set up a mobile police facility at a number of shopping centres, train stations and community hubs in the west as part of a school holiday blitz. During the school holidays, police will patrol popular locations in Footscray, Werribee, Altona, and Maribyrnong to engage with youth and deter antisocial behaviour. Officers, often paired with a youth worker as part of Victoria Police’s embedded youth outreach program, will proactively engage with youth to build rapport and ensure they are safe. Police will also be there to deter and detect any antisocial behaviour in high foot traffic locations.
Community grants open Applications are now open for Maribyrnong council’s community grants program, aimed at empowering groups and organisations to make a positive difference in their neighbourhoods. There are three categories of funding, catering to projects of varying scales. Small grants of up to $1000, medium grants up to $15,000, and for larger-scale initiatives, the program offers grants of up to $25,000. Applications close 4pm, Thursday, August 22. Details: http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ communitygrants
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The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund was established by the Victorian Government to support communities in the Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong Council areas during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project.
The $10 million fund seeks to build capacity and connection within these communities. Applications are now open for the latest round of West Gate Neighbourhood Fund offering grants of up to $100,000 that will deliver a lasting benefit to the community now available.
If you have an idea that brings people together, we want to hear from you.
Applications close 3pm, Tuesday 30 July 2024
For more information and to apply, scan the QR code or visit westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/neighbourhoodfund
Cr Jorge Jorquera. (Supplied)
Protecting pollinators
For a group of Macedon Ranges residents, beekeeping is more than a hobby. The members of the Woodend Bee-Friendly Society are committed to providing the best environment for their bees while also protecting the environment. Oscar Parry spoke to beekeepers to find out more about the role pollinators play.
Beekeeping is more than a hobby –affectionately known as ‘the littlest livestock’, beekeepers are committed to providing the best environment for their bees. Considering the important role pollinators play, including native bees, beekeepers are searching for ways to achieve the most sustainable practices.
TheWoodendBee-FriendlySociety,anaction group of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, holds monthly meetings for beekeepers to learn from each other and provides several beekeeping courses.
Woodend Bee-Friendly Society action group lead Tino Corsetti said the group’s focus is to promote the best care and hive practices for honey bees, and create a sense of community among keepers in the region.
‘‘ It brings a connection to the natural environment in ways that few other hobbies do ’’ - Tino Corsetti
“The name of our club – the Woodend Bee Friendly Society – is somewhat light-hearted, but at its core, there is a mission we take quite seriously – we want to be friendly to bees and we want to be friendly to each other,” he said.
“Being friendly to our bees means developing the knowledge and skills within our membership so that they can monitor the health and wellbeing of their bees. This includes things like monitoring bee nutrition and, when necessary, providing supplemental feed. It also includes regular hive inspections to check for symptoms of weakness, disease or pests.”
Along with caring for their honey bees, which play an important role in pollination for agriculture, the group also recognises and educates keepers about the potential environmentalthreatsthatescapedhoneybees can pose.
“Swarm management is a subset of sustainable beekeeping. A beekeeper is responsible for managing their hives to try andpreventswarming.Ifandwhenswarmsdo occur, the beekeeper is responsible for trying to capture and rehome that swarm,” Tino said.
“By the late 1800s, reports indicate that feral honey bee colonies had become endemic in the Australian bush. Feral colonies occupy natural spaces, such as hollow tree trunks, that might otherwise provide a home to native mammals or birds. By working to control swarms from managed apiaries, beekeepers can help limit the number of new feral colonies.”
Because of this, Tino said that responsible beekeeping requires planning and commitment.
“Ifyoudecidetogoon[holiday]inthespring,
summer or autumn for more than two weeks, you would need to think about who is going to inspect your hives while you are away. What happens if your bees swarm while you’re on vacation? Do you have someone who can deal with that situation in a safe and responsible manner?”
Despite these considerations, Tino said the hobby is active and engaging for participants, promoting an appreciation for bees and their colonies.
“It brings a connection to the natural environment in ways that few other hobbies do,” he said. “Beekeepers come to appreciate how sophisticated and advanced honey bee colonies are at responding to their natural environment and being able to thrive against adversity.”
In the Macedon Ranges, Tino said beekeeping comes with challenges, especially due to the cold climate.
“Because of our cold winters and annual variations in the eucalypt flowering cycles, beekeepingisquitechallengingintheMacedon Ranges,” he said.
“The beekeeper needs to understand the role of genetics from different lines and races of queen bee, the availability of sunshine throughout the day and, most importantly, the cycle of plant and tree flowering … to ensure thatbeeshaveaccesstohighqualitynectarand pollen in spring, summer and autumn.”
Thesocietyalsoaimstoeducatememberson
native bees and conservation, where it will be hosting a talk in October on the topic.
Ecologist and native bee researcher Clancy Lester said because native bees play a crucial role in pollinating flora, it is important to consider the environment where you keep honey bees.
“If you’re in an area where there are no limitations with pollen, so say you’re in an area with lots of different flowering plants within a close proximity, then the honey bees won’t compete as heavily for resources with native bees,” Clancy said.
In Australia, there are more than 2000 species of native bees, and they play an especially important role in pollinating the country’s wildflowers and native plants.
On Australian charity, The Wheen Bee Foundation’s website, it reports that “very few of Australia’s 2000 native bee species have been investigated … for their potential contribution to Australian agriculture,“ with honey bees being the chosen pollinator for agriculture-related purposes.
Clancysaidinsectnumbers,includingnative bees, are declining globally due to factors like unregulated or unrestricted pesticide use, urbanisation, and climate change with its effects on plant flowering times.
He said one of the most effective ways to help native bees at home is to plant pollinator-friendly and indigenous flower gardens.
“There are lots of resources, like … the Wheen Bee Powerful Pollinator Planting Guide, and there’s … one for the volcanic plains in [the] west of Melbourne”
Clancy also said that building ‘native bee hotels’ is a way of helping pollinators in your own backyard – with Clancy himself creating guides on how to build these at home.
He recommends using native and untreated hardwood to simulate native bees’ natural habitat of gumtrees, banksias, and wattles, and using reeds, bamboo, and pithy stems to create habitat for cavity nesting bees.
Clancy said that for efficient pollination, having a diversity of bee species pollinate a flower is most effective.
“If you have 10 different species of pollinator pollinating a flower, that’s going to be more efficient and more effective pollination than if you had 10 visits of the same bee species” With some native plants, such as kangaroo apples and flax lilies, requiring buzz pollination,creatinghabitatfornativebeescan have broad environmental benefits.
“There are species of plants in Australia … that are buzz pollinated … and this is a thing thatonlynativebeescandothroughsonication – when they vibrate their flight muscles really fast without actually flying.”
Clancy said whether you are a beekeeper withhoneybeesoryoucreatehabitatfornative bees in your backyard – both are ways for people to observe pollinators at work.
Members of the Woodend Bee-Friendly Society, including action group lead Tino Corsetti (left). (Pictures: Supplied)
Engineered stone ban ‘too late’
By Matthew Younan
A state government ban on the manufacturing, supply and installation of engineered stone benchtops is “too little, too late”, according to thefamilyofaSydenhammanbattlingsilicosis.
The government introduced the ban on Monday, July 1, to prevent workers from being exposed to deadly silicosis.
The family of Fawzy Tawadros has been calling on the government to act for years.
Beshoy Tawadros said his dad is battling silicosis, an incurable disease meaning he must fight for every single breath he takes.
‘‘ Specialists told me, “I’m looking good on the outside but inside I am cooked” ’’
- Fawzy Tawadros
He has also been diagnosed with a much rarer condition, scleroderma or systemic sclerosis which is scarring fibrosis throughout the whole body, not just the lungs.
Both conditions are a result of working with engineered stone.
Beshoy said it was tough seeing his dad suffering.
“Dad’s had his heart impacted, his lungs, his bowel, his colon, his oesophagus, his skin, his eyes and mouth, so it’s a very far reaching and devastating disease. And there’s no cure for it,” he said.
“He has pulmonary hypertension and scarring in his lungs both caused from silicosis and scleroderma, so he has a double whammy in that aspect.
“Dad’s digestive system doesn’t work from his oesophagus to his bowels.
by one, I lost them all,” he said. “I was feeling constantly tired, fatigued very quickly, had a runny nose badly. My hands and legs felt cold. My fingers and hands were really painful.”
In 2016, Fawzy was diagnosed with scleroderma after having shortness of breath and heart issues.
In 2019, the then 59-year-old collapsed while out with his family. Fawzy’s family rushed him to hospital.
AfterbeingreleasedfromFootscrayHospital the next morning, Beshoy took his father to The Alfred where he stayed for more than five weeks while the scleroderma was investigated.
The 64-year-old said he continues to suffer.
“I’ve done five operations on my fingers in the past 12 months, they remove excessive calcium – they had to cut really deep to remove it,” he said.
The stonemason’s lungs have also been destroyed by tiny toxic dust particles
“It’s a terrible disease,” Fawzy said.
“Specialists told me, “I’m looking good on the outside but inside I am cooked.”
“Icouldn’tswallowfoodproperly.Ionlyhave onemealadaytoreducethepainbecauseevery time I eat, it is very painful.
“I take 38-42 tablets every single day.” He said the government’s decision will help younger tradies.
“Unfortunately, it’s too late for me.”
“He is now on oxygen as well due to the damage on his lungs due to exertion. He’s had five heart procedures and a pacemaker installed.
“What dad is going through is very life changing. One day he was fine and then the next day, he was hospitalised for months.
“He is on constant medications to try and help him, he’s lost his teeth and had several dental treatments.
Ready, set, box well
Breath Move Relax (BMR), in collaboration with Parkando, is launching an innovative approachtothehealthandwellbeingofpeople with Parkinson’s.
The Rock, Steady, Boxing program is a non-contactboxing-stylefitnessprogramthat can help improve the movement, flexibility, posture, gait, balance, and strength of people with Parkinson’s disease.
BMR owner Kimberley Peden said these exercises can improve physical fitness, boost confidence, and improve participants’ overall quality of life.
“Anyone with Parkinson’s at any stage of the condition, as the program exercise will be adapted for all levels of fitness,” Ms Peden said.
Ms Peden was inspired to run this program by her volunteer experience at a Parkinson’s retreat in Arizona, where she witnessed the positive impact of boxing on participants.
The pilot program, supported by a Hobsons Bay council grant, will take place at 2/15 Bentley Street, Williamstown North.
With a capacity of 15 participants per group, the program’s success relies heavily on the support of volunteers, including carers, paid support workers, and friends of the participants.
The pilot program is offered at a subsidised cost of $60 for the entire six weeks.
“The only thing that hasn’t been impacted is his kidneys, liver and brain – essentially everything else is effected. His whole body is effected.”
Fawzy said he was suffering for years before doctors diagnosed him.
“From the early 2000s, I suffered symptoms. SometimesIcouldn’teatbecausemyheartburn was too bad. My teeth all came loose and one
While welcoming the decision to ban the manufacturing, supply and installation of engineered stone, Beshoy said the government should have acted sooner.
“It’s about time they made this decision,” he said. “We had the asbestos epidemic, and it took them a long time to ban that. You would think we would learn from the past. But it also took a long time to ban the manufacturing, installation and fabrication of engineered stone.”
YOUR NEW CAREER
... starts here
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
Rock, Steady, Boxing program participants Pam West, Mimi Morgan and Michelle Mendes. (Damjan Janevski) 416593_04
Fawzy Tawadros has silicosis as result of working with engineered stone. (Damjan Janevski) 417262_01
Melton’s best kept secret garden?
It’s a Thursday morning and a group of fluoro-clad, hat wearing volunteers are gathered under an expansive, shady eucalyptus tree near the lake within Melton Botanic Garden (MBG) enjoying a morning tea break with freshly baked goods and a cuppa. As a volunteer for over a year for the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden, I am but one of many who have played an active role in developing and maintaining the garden.
Thegardensencompassa25-hectarearea of naturalbeautyandendlessdiscoverymadeup of indigenous plants and exotic plants from similar climatic conditions. Melton Botanic Garden can be discovered tucked in between Melton’sHighStreetandthefreeway.Theland onwhichthegardenisdevelopedisonKurun jang balug land of the Wurundjeri-willam clan, a clan of the Woi wurrung people. These rich, diverse gardens celebrated their 20th anniversary earlier this year.
The garden is very popular with dog walkers,peopleexercisingandyoungchildren exploring the nature space playground which is beautifully designed with natural materials and overlooking the lake. Many community groups visit on a regular basis to enjoy the peaceful public space.
I work in the Koori Student Garden, a space originally designed by a team made up of a landscape designer and a group of Melton primary and secondary Aboriginal students. The garden is designed around a serpentine-type shape with gravel paths leading into circular spaces and planted throughout with indigenous species of Melbourne’s Western Plains.
A typical day might find me pruning the correas, cutting back the rampant salt bush
varieties and mulching the garden beds with the pruning cuttings in a method called ‘chop and drop’. There is very little irrigation throughoutthegardenandplantsarewatered onlyduringtheirestablishmentphase,forthe first year or so.
While it is impossible to do justice to the variety and expansiveness of the whole garden, some of the plant collections include: Dryland Eucalypts, West Australian, South Australian, Eastern Australian Dryland, Southern African, Mediterranean region, Californian, Central and South American, Victorian Volcanic Plains and Bushfoods.
A fantastic resource developed in 2011 is theGardenExplorer|MeltonBotanicGarden on which you can explore the specific name and details of all the plants found within the garden. There is even an extensive plant
nursery on site where you can pick up plants for your own garden. Opening hours for the nursery are 9.30am-12.30pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and 2nd and 4th Sundays.
In the South African beds, you can find Cussonia paniculatas or Highveld Cabbage Trees. This distinctive evergreen tree is striking in the garden, especially against the backdrop of rocks and boulders. The cabbage tree has an unusual shape, interesting, gnarled bark and stunning, large, grey-green leaves.ThetreeisprimarilyfromSouthAfrica and can grow up to 5m in height although it tends to be slow growing. Did you know that the Zulu name, Zoeloekiepersol, refers to the cabbage tree as goats’ food?
From January to April cabbage trees bear small, green, stalked flowers; in short dense spikes, making up a large, branched
inflorescence at the end of the trunk or branches. Flowers are followed by fleshy and purple-maroon fruits, which mature in May to June. The flowers produce a sticky nectar that birds love to devour. The thick root can be peeled and eaten raw as food or as a source of water (Van Wyk & Gericke 2000). Pruning is completed in autumn and the new growth of leaves emerge from the pruning wound on the plant. The best method of propagation is by means of seed harvested from fresh ripe fruits. Remember to allow room for the tubers to develop in the propagation pots. Seedlings can be transplanted at about 4 months but be very careful not to damage the fleshy roots when transplanting.
MeltonBotanicGarden –APublicCarPark is located at 40 Lakewood Boulevard, Melton.
In the South African beds, you can find Cussonia paniculatas or Highveld Cabbage Trees. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 411705
Treatment plant to open to public
For more than 20 years, a massive land art project at the Altona Treatment Plant has been closed to the public but those people who have ever wondered what it looks like will have the chance to take a peak.
In 1998, New York-based environmental artist Agnes Denes created A Forest for Australia at Greater Western Water’s Altona Treatment Plant and it has not been accessible to the public ever since.
The land art, spanning eight acres, uses 3700 native trees to create five circular spirals.
Theforestsculptureremainedinaccessibleto the public and had fallen into serious disrepair with many of the trees unfortunately dying as whilst they were native to Australia, they were not native to the region.
The treatment plant had a dilemma with parts of the artistic community called for it to be saved whilst others felt the artwork should be able to naturally decay.
The work was significantly updated in 2015 andwillbeopentothepubliconJuly27and28 as part of Open House Melbourne.
The tour of the artwork will also include a tour of the treatment plant not normally open to the public.
The Open House Melbourne weekend is the country’s largest architecture and built environment festival, celebrating the importance of good design in shaping communities.
More than 60,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event and explore unique and intriguing spaces in every corner of the city and suburbs of Melbourne.
Open House Melbourne’s executive director and chief curator Dr Tania Davidge explained this year’s theme, ‘RE/DISCOVER your City’ hopes to encourage Victorians to see Melbourne in a new light. “Open House Melbourne Weekend is a chance for the
curious at heart and lovers of architecture to discover new places and spaces in their city, to re-examine what they have perhaps overlooked and reconnect with beloved favourites. This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of
Desperate for donations
Long-standing local charity. West Welcome Wagon. needs the help of the community this winter, to ensure their doors stay open and residents in need get the help they require.
The charity, based in Sunshine, currently supports 630 asylum seeker and refugee households in Melbourne’s west, with essentials such as food, clothing, and bedding, but as grant funding has dried up, the charity is struggling to keep up with the high demand for help.
West Welcome Wagon chief executive Collette McInerney said as the demand from the community grows, and funding runs out, the need for donations is greater than it has ever been.
“We desperately need monetary donations at themoment…topaytherent,putpetrolinthe van, and keep us going,” she said.
After a multi-year grant ended in May, West Welcome Wagon has been propped up
Victorian Heritage Register; an important milestone for the many significant places and objects protected by the Register, many of which are in this year’s program,” she said.
The former Williamstown Morgue, Alton
Homestead, Footscray Heritage Theatre Tour, Footscray Park, Jacks Magazine and Williamstown Hall are also part of this year’s Open Melbourne. Details: www.openhousemelbourne.org.
by some smaller grants from council and philanthropies, but the need is ever increasing.
“It’s made things very difficult for an organisation like ours that provides material aid to have a longer financial forecast,” Ms McInerney said.
‘We are looking to our generous supporters toconsiderbecomingregularmonthlydonors.”
For people unable to donate in a monetary way, the organisation is always seeking more volunteers to help out in the warehouse and in an administrative capacity.
Further, the highest items of donation priorityatthemomentarecarseatsandbooster seats,aswellasprams,strollers,andadultsized beds and bedding.
Unopened children’s socks and underwear from sizes six and up are also in high demand.
Donate: https://www.westwelcomewagon. org.au/
Gerald Lynch
A view from the Agnes Denes Forrest. (Supplied)
The Altona Treatment Plant from above. (Pictures: David Murphy)
Kate McConville, Dianne Smith, Fay Salem, Mary Barron, chief executive
Collette McInerney, Danilla Durante, and Anne Baudinette at the Sunshine warehouse. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 414812_03
Time for Meta to face the music
By Andrew Schreyer, Country Press Australia president
Just last month, the US Surgeon General called for social media to have warnings attached to it over mental health concerns for users.
It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time that rather than tackle unacceptable elements and accept responsibility for the damage caused by providing the habitat for such scornful matter, Meta has instead opted to diminish the presence of the real news and of truth by continually adjusting its algorithms and rendering public interest news content more and more difficult to find.
The federal government has the News Media Bargaining Code at its disposal, a mechanism established to ensure social media platforms can be held to account and that media organisationsaretreatedfairlyintheirdealings with the social media giants.
Should the government designate Meta under the code, the company is likely to block news sites from its platforms just as it has done in Canada. And in that country, it’s been regional and rural publishers who have been negatively impacted the most.
Inthisinstanceweencouragethegovernment to insert a ‘must carry news’ clause in the code forcing them to negotiate with publishers or impose a 20 per cent tax on Meta’s Australian revenue.
Proceeds from the tax can be used for mental health programs to assist young people negatively impacted by social media, and a component distributed to publishers as compensation for Meta’s use of their content. If Meta refuses, they should be banned from Australia.
prosper on Meta’s platforms takes things to another level.
We believe that as a corporate citizen, Meta has a responsibility to do what is right, just as we as publishers do. Meta’s commercialisation of the negativity it allows to fester on its platforms is a scourge upon that company and has created significant hardship and misery for many Australians.
To suit its narrative and justify its agenda, Meta claims its users don’t go to Facebook for news, however the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report: Australia 2024 released in June found that 49 per cent of Australian users of Facebook use it for news and one in four rely on it as their main source of news – our trusted, independent and professionally written news Meta no longer wants to pay for.
The digital news report shows this year, there was actually a surge among young people turning to social media to get news.
Sixty per cent of Gen Z say social media is their main source of news, a 17-percentage point increase on last year.
Meta’s Facebook has little, if any, checking mechanism prior to content and comments being published. Its algorithms serve up
Meta is a publisher just like our members; however, their platforms are not subject to laws including defamation and contempt of court, editorialstandardsandregulatoryframeworks. If they were, I would not need to write this opinion piece and there would be a lot less social harm and mental health issues in our community today.
content based on popularity regardless of what may be appropriate for the audience. It has no transparent complaints process, is not held to account in any way and isn’t required to respond to complaints.
It’s one thing to rip billions of dollars out of our economy, but the social, mental and physical damage caused by what is allowed to
In line with the increase in the use of social media platforms for news, concern about what is real and what is fake on the internet has skyrocketed to 75 per cent. This is an increase of 11 percentage points in the past two years and echoes an increase in the global rise of six percentage points over the same period. It suits Meta to claim Australians don’t use the company’s platforms to read the news and for it to be allowed to continue to ride roughshod over our communities. But it suits the rest of us for Meta to be held to account.
Andrew Schreyer is the President of Country Press Australia, and publisher of the Warragul & Drouin Gazette.
Winter runs hot in the west
The month of July in Melbourne’s west promises a line up of events and activities to check out before the school holidays are over.
Winter in Williamstown is returning to Commonwealth Reserve every day until July 14. With DJs, light projections, and most notably an ice-skating rink, head down and catch it before it melts. Open from noon daily.
Eynesbury is keeping to the cool theme, with theWinterFestivalbackforitthirdyear,witha rink of its own and lots of other attractions for the whole family, including a fireworks display.
The ultimate dinosaur adventure awaits at Werribee Open Range Zoo. See large, animatronic dinosaurs come to life in a setting like no other.
Forthoseafteranartsandcultureexperience, proud Makwarra Paakantji and Wiradjuri songstress LEO will be performing at the Braybrook Community Hub, Wednesday, July 10, from noon as part of NAIDOC Week.
Thereisalsoanewpublicartworklightingup the night sky in Footscray throughout winter.
‘Welcome to Footscray’ serves as a gateway leading into the Footscray CBD, created by acclaimedWiradjuriandNgunnawalartistand long-time Footscray resident Brook Andrew.
For sport buffs, the Melbourne West Special Olympics will be hosted this weekend at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre.
OnSaturday,July13,athletesfromacrossthe statewillbecompetinginbackstroke,freestyle, and butterfly races.
For those travelling on the train this month, have a listen to the Storytowns Podcast’s Railway Stories, a number of geo-located podcasts that offer commuters and visitors to explore Melbourne’s west by train.
The series covers local history, culture, and attractions, including intriguing facts such as a Sunshine-made harvester sold to a Russian Tsar, the taste difference between Northern Pho and Southern Pho in St Albans, and the international significance of the Cheetham Wetlands in Point Cook. Rug up and enjoy all the west has to offer this winter.
CPA executive director Peter Kennedy, committee chair Kate Thwaites MP and CPA president Andrew Schreyer. (Supplied)
The ice rink in Williamstown is around until Sunday, July 14. (Supplied)
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1 Cutting tool (8)
5 Germinate (6)
10 Common fruit (5)
11 Gradual and harmful (9)
12 Duty list (6)
13 Bishop’s district (7)
14 Flying hero (8)
15 Capital of Macedonia
18 Sickness (6)
20 Canned fish (pl) (8)
21 German city (7)
24 Oval, edible nut-like seed (6)
27 Publish simultaneously (9)
28 Primitive (5)
29 Building level (6)
30 Game bird (8)
DOWN
1 Bandy (4)
2 Unrehearsed (9)
3 Separate metal from ore (5)
4 Train network (8)
6 Security device (7)
7 Gas layer in the stratosphere (5)
8 Bland (9)
9 Employed (4)
14 Combination into a whole (9)
16 Land jutting into the sea (9)
17 Home of Jesus (8)
19 Learned (7)
22 Tropical fruit (5)
23 Metric unit (4)
25 Holy city for Muslims (5)
26 Joke (4)
you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 Founded in 1925, which weekly US country music stage concert takes place in Nashville, Tennessee?
2 What is the largest state in the US by area?
3 Andrew Garfield (pictured), Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley all starred in which 2010 film adaptation of a Kazuo Ishiguro book?
4 What colour is the beginner belt in karate?
5 In which two months of the year does London Fashion Week take place?
6 Which artist’s No.1 hits include Think Twice, It’sAllComing Back to Me Now and I’m Alive?
7 The animated sitcom The Jetsons originally aired in which decade?
8 What is the official language of the Faroe Islands?
9 What is the longest river in Australia?
10
No. 193 No. 193
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
Point Gellibrand Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at a local Williamstown restaurant on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and it needs new, energic, enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in their community to join it.
The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group is a great place for beginners or those with some experience, to play music in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. Come on down, have some fun, make new friends, have a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. Children are also most welcome. The third Saturday of the month, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport.
■ https://www.nffc.org.au/ beginner-playalong
Willin Wimmin Community choir, Discover the joy of group singing with the friendly women at WiIlin Wimmin choir in Williamstown. New members are always welcome, no audition. We sing contemporary, folk, choral and world repertoire in acapella style. The group meets on Wednesdays during school term, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at The Bridge Church hall, 119 Douglas Parade, Williamstown. The first two evenings of attendance are free.
■ www.willinwimmin.org.au or email willin. wimmin@gmail.com
Prep for employment course
Seeking a change in career or how to improve your employability? Receive face-to-face help with job searches, resumes, interviews, upskilling and more in a prep for employment course. Register today. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.
■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.
au
Intro to computers course
For beginners and those looking to refresh skills. The computer lab is fully equipped for interactive and hands-on learning. Accessing information, resources, file management, emails, Microsoft Office, AI and online safety. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.
■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.
au
Positions vacant
Join the Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) as a committee member to support and strengthen your local community. It is seeking to fill the treasurer’s role as well as other voluntary positions.
■ eo@hbcommunityfund.org.au
Everyday English language course
For women of all ages and backgrounds with English as a second language. Practice speaking English in different situations, and make new friends. Fridays, 10am-noon. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.
■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.
au
Laverton Community Choir
The choir is welcoming new members, especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir, come
along and try out your vocal cords with this fun and welcoming group of singers. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton, from 7-9pm.
■ Sue, 0418 386 147, or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com
Mouth Organ Band
Yarraville
Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members. Band practice is held on Friday evenings at 8pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. For great music in a friendly atmosphere feel free to call in one Friday evening.
■ Heather 9399 2190 or ymob1933@ yahoo.com.au
Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon-2.30pm.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesdays at 7pm, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems.
■ 1300 22 22 22, or www.aatimes.org.au
Wednesday walking group
The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea.
■ 9397 6168
Williamstown Craft Market
Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am4pm.
stay active? Join the Braybrook Community Hub walking group. Get some fresh air, make new friends and enjoy the benefits of walking. Or join for social connections, bikkies and a cuppa every Wednesday between 10.30-11.30am.
BINGO at Laverton Bowls Club
Bingo is held every Wednesday night at the Laverton Bowls Club, 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows. Ticket selling starts at 7.30pm, eyes down at 8.00pm. Cost $8.00 set of books (3). Contact (03) 9369 1034, or email secretary@ lavertonbowls.com.aus.
Meditation for stress management Meditate under the guidance of an experienced teacher through visualisation, 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.
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.
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 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
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
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
This week’s photographer’s choice is of ringmaster Allanah Le Du, hand balancer Tiffany Lee and clown Jojo from Circus Latino in Watergardens. (Damjan Janevski) 416384_02
This week’s photographer’s choice is of ringmaster Allanah Le Du, hand balancer Tiffany Lee and clown Jojo from Circus Latino in Watergardens. (Damjan Janevski) 416384_02
Fashion flourishes in The Dress
By Cade Lucas
Independent theatre company, Essence Productions, is back with another historical play at Werribee Mansion.
Set in late 19th century Melbourne, The Dress is on at the mansion on July 20 and 21 and again on August 24 and 25.
Essence Productions is well-known for performing another historical play, WhatWas That? , at Werribee Mansion.
“It’s a period piece but it’s very different from the WhatWasThat? show said Essence Productions chairperson, Alaine Beek, of The Dress, which she wrote and also stars in.
“This one is performed seated downstairs off
the grand hallway at Werribee Mansion,” said Beek who added that unlike WhatWasThat? , this play could be performed elsewhere too.
“We wrote it so it’s not dependent on being at the mansion. We have performed it for a few runs at Werribee Park but also performed as part of a spectacular masquerade ball event at Hotel Windsor in the CBD in March.”
Beek plays Hannah Bryden, a widow who lives alone in sprawling mansion where her dressmaker,theflamboyantandsharptongued Bertin (played by both Scott Jackson and Scott Middleton), is her only company.
When changes in the fashion industry threaten Bertin’s livelihood, he hatches a plan to save both of them from obscurity. Hannah
will relaunch herself as one of Melbourne’s leading socialites at an upcoming masquerade ball by wearing the most jaw-dropping dress Bertin has ever attempted.
As its name suggests, Beek said fashion was one of the main attractions of the play.
“The one unique part about The Dress is the costuming. Because it’s set in the late 19th century, it’s about the Melbourne fashion industry at that time.”
Alaine Beek and Scott Middleton star in TheDress (Supplied)
Artist moves from hobby to exhibition
“You don’t have to be a professional to create art.” That’s the message Zofia Lickova hopes people will take away from her exhibition at the Melton Library and Learning Hub.
The Melton resident’s This is Freedom exhibition is on display at the library until September 30, showcasing paintings she has created in recent years.
The exhibition features artworks offering Lickova’s unique perspective on landscapes through geometric shapes.
Theartisticjourneytraversesthreecountries significant to Lickova’s life: her upbringing in Slovakia,pastexperiencesinScotland,andher current settlement in Australia.
Lickova said painting has always been a part
of her life, “on and off”, but she found there were always something “more important than hobbies”.
That all changed during covid, with Lickova allowing herself the time to explore her art.
Lickova said she wanted to exhibit her work locally to ignite community interest in local art and celebrate hobby painters.
She began researching local opportunities after visiting Melton library soon after moving to the area about 18 months ago from Scotland.
“I saw paintings on the wall and I was way too shy to ask the librarian how I could get my paintings on the wall, so I did some research,” she said.
The result is ThisisFreedom, a collection of works primarily created with acrylics.
The collection invites viewers to delve into the beauty of colour palettes and experience a visual journey influenced by renowned abstract masters, from W Kandinsky to the Cubism of Kazimir Malevich and Frantisek Kupka, as well as the expressionism of Lyonel Feininger. She also draws inspiration from her uncle, Blazej Balaz, an art professor.
This is Freedom can be viewed at Melton Library and Learning Hub, McKenzie Street, Melton, during the library’s opening hours.
Details: https://shorturl.at/Mg6lI
Laura Michell
Screening celebrates 10 years of dance
To celebrate 10 years of L2R Dance, a documentarywillbescreeningattheendofthe month in St Albans, showcasing the journey of the group.
L2R is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit organisation, providing free hip hop dance programs, arts education opportunities and employment pathways for young people throughout Melbourne’s western suburbs and beyond.
L2R offers culturally safer, creative spaces for young people aged between six to 25 experiencing barriers to entering creative opportunities.
L2R nurtures creativity, transforming lives through the power of dance.
The documentary was directed, shot, and edited by local creative Kimberly Summer, and interviews group founder Jacinda May on the
trials and tribulations of running a grassroots community group, which started at Western English Language School, and has now expanded to a thriving community of young
Experience the magic of ‘Odyssey’
The Inner West Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) invites you to its upcoming concert, Odyssey , on August 3. Odyssey explores the evocative landscapes of Nordic nationalism and the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.
The concert will feature masterpieces by legendary composers Jean Sibelius, Edvard Grieg, Camille Saint-Saëns and, the highlight of the evening, Gustav Holst’s, ThePlanets Andrew Leach will lead the performance.
Leach is a conductor, trombonist and pianist who has recently served as the director of music and performing arts at Westbourne Grammar School.
“Our second concert, Odyssey , is a journey through the Romantic to late Romantic period,” he said.
“The event provides us another opportunity to grow and retain our audience, inspiring and connecting them with accessible, dynamic orchestral music.”
IWSO assistant concertmaster and violin player, Yilin Wang said, the group has been practicing since after its first concert in April 21.
“It’s going to be full of energy and will definitely take you on a journey, whether you’re a classical lover coming to hear the full suite of The Planets or someone looking to experience a live symphony orchestra for the first time,” Wang said.
“I’m strangely looking forward to feeling those pre-performance nerves and also reliving and sharing concert moments with our friends and family afterwards.
“The audience makes a concert, so we would dearly love your support.”
people and artists celebrating street dance across Melbourne’s West.
“Join us as we commemorate our big 10th birthday and the founding of L2R with a night of reflection, reconnection, food, film and, as always, dance,” May said.
“This night is just as much about us as it is you, our community. We couldn’t have done the last 10 years without you, so please, come and join us.”
Tickets are free, but limited, so booking is heavily encouraged.
ThescreeningisonWednesday,July31,from 6pm to 7.30pm, at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans.
The IWSO, a non-profit organisation, was established in mid-2023 by three Yarraville music teachers.
They founded the orchestra to fill a gap in classical music opportunities in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Since then, the ensemble has grown rapidly, attracting over 60 musicians ofvariousages,skilllevels,ethnicities, neuro and gender diversities, and physical capabilities.
Odyssey will be performed at Williamstown Hall on Saturday, August 3, at 7.30pm.
Footscray, Vic, 3011 or visit our website: www.BestFlowersMelbourne.com.au
You can also call us on (03) 9969 2400 between 9am - 5pm and email us at: enquiries@bestflowersmelbourne.com.au
Volvo EX30 off on power walk
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
WiththenewEX30electricSUVVolvoappears to be walking the talk toward its being a solely electric vehicle manufacturer by 2030.
The Chinese owned Swedish automobile maker’s smallest sport utility vehicle has the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo to date.
The EX30, the company claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced, with its leather-free interior featuring recycled and renewable materials such as flax, wool, and denim upholstery, the last made from waste fibres of denim recycling.
At the heart of the EV is a high voltage 400V lithium-ion battery, with its three Australian models, incorporating single or twin motors, running on a 69kWh battery, offering ranges of an estimated 480km with the single motor and 460km with the twin option.
The three variants are EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus, at $59,990; EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra $64,990; and EX30 Twin Performance Ultra $69,990. All are plus on-road costs.
The Plus variant is well equipped with digitalkey,wirelesscharging,Harman/Kardon Premium Sound, power tailgate, parking sensors, welcome/farewell light and auto dimming mirrors.
The Twin Motor Ultra adds fixed panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, Park Assist Pilot, power seats, four-way lumbar support, tinted rear windows, heated front seats and steering wheel and 20-inch alloy wheels.
AllEX30sarecoveredbyafive-yearunlimited kilometre warranty, eight-year battery cover and eight-year roadside assistance package and two-year service intervals.
Styling
Five exclusive exterior colours are contrasted withanOnyxBlackmetallicroofandmatching gloss black details. Up front, Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’sHammer’headlampshavebeenupdated in a segmented design with extra width and narrower look.
The new look also extends to the rear with lightingnowfittingflushwiththebody,helping the car stand out in all light conditions on the road.
The fixed panoramic glass roof of the Ultra model adds a further level of prestige to the car, while providing an airy feel to the interior. I’m notafanoflargeglassroofs.Tintedglassmight stop the sun’s rays but heat is a different matter. However, I’m told the EX30 has an insulated retractableroofblindasanafter-marketoption.
Interior
While on the subject of passenger wellbeing, Volvo is famous for its cabin climate control, with a two-zone system filtering hazardous gases from the EX30. Using a Volvo app, the cabin air can even be cleaned before entering.
As well as environmentally friendly surroundings, seating has been designed to the requirements of that in larger luxurious cars. Ergonomics have been applied from shoulder tothightoensurecomfortandsafety,especially on long drives.
Integrated front seat headrests enhance the sporty feeling of the ride, while the seat backs are concave contributing to increased legroom for rear passengers. Storage is particularly inventive, with multi-use areas at floor level between the front seats.
A sliding unit with twin cupholders is part of the centre console and with a soundbar replacingspeakers,doorpocketscanbeutilised to the maximum.
Infotainment
The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch tablet-style full colours touchscreen display
with embedded Google apps at the fingertips (not always the easiest to access). Only minimum controls are on the steering wheel or column. Updates are regularly updated via the Over The Air system.
As mentioned above, a soundbar introduces a new concept to in-car audio. Standard across the EX30 range the Harman/Kardon bar stretches across the top of the dashboard the width of the cabin, producing sound equal to that of many speaker systems.
Near Field Communication technology can be used to access and start the vehicle via a smartphone with a downloaded digital key swiped over an NFC reader.
Engines/transmissions
The Single Motor Extended range delivers 200kW and 343Nm, while the Twin Performance, with motors front and rear pumps out 315kW and 543Nm. Depending on the DC peak charging power, both variants are capable of charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.
Safety
Volvo has a history of being at the forefront of automotive safety and the EX30 carries on the tradition. Active safety includes lane keeping assist, oncoming lane mitigation, run-off road mitigation, blind spot monitoring with steer assist, intersection auto brake, collision avoidance (braking and steering), plus cyclist and pedestrian detection.
Also included are road sign information, intelligent speed assist, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane change assist, park assist camera, rear view and rear door opening alert.
Driving
Spirited acceleration, especially good on overtaking, plus almost silent running was disturbed only by road noise on some course surfaces and the heated steering wheel was a welcome surprise on a rare nippy early morning get-go.
Claimed energy consumption is 18kWh per 100 kilometres. When I last looked, the test car had recorded 18.5kW per 100 kilometres. As for refuelling on a public fast charge station, the EX30 went from 40 percent battery charge to 80 percent in 32 minutes.
Volvo would not say this too loudly but at 3.6 seconds for zero to 100 kilometres per hour, the EX30 is in some very sporty company. Fortunately,thepowertrainandall-wheeldrive handle the excess energy with aplomb. The lane-keeping assist also deserves some praise, reacting to any drift out of the centre of a lane with a gentle (yes, gentle) nudge on the steering wheel, unlike some of its ilk.
Summary
The EX30, Volvo’s smallest (and quickest) car, may be big on style, performance and equipment, but as is the wont with EVs, pricing is out of proportion. However, remember what the WRX of the 1990s did for Subaru?
The EX30, Volvo claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced. (Picture: Supplied)
Snapping around the grounds
There was plenty of action on Saturday both on the field and courts across Melbourne’s north-west. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was in the thick of the action.
Whittlesea’s Taidhg Bland. 417487_24
Mernda’s Lachlan Taylor (right) goes up in the ruck (Ljubica Vrankovic)_417489_01
The Craigieburn Eagles warm up. 417498_13
Mernda’s Zach Racovolis. 417489_12
South Morang continued on its winning ways. 417491_12
Whittlesea United’s Kemal Irdem. 417492_17
Craigieburn Eagles’ Max Viitala. 417498_31
Thomastown’s James Lucente. 417487_05
Whittlesea United’s Facundo Echeverria. 417492_01
Laurimar’s Joel Lawson evades two South Morang players. 417491_07
Haecker is primed for Olympics
Kingsville’s Katharina Haecker is hoping to break through for a medal at the Olympics Games.
Haecker equals the most Olympic judo appearances by an Australian woman at her third Games after being named in Australia’s three person team.
She will compete in the 63 kilogram division.
Haecker enters the Games in good form having won Grand Prix silver and bronze this year.
Haecker said it feels amazing to be officially selected to her third Olympic team. She made the round of 16 at both the Rio and Tokyo Games and is hoping to go even further this time round.
“This time I feel very prepared,” she said. “I’ve had some amazing results over the qualifying period, and I am feeling ready to
step it up in Paris.
“A lot of hard work goes into competing in judo.
“The sports require a lot of commitment, discipline and just trusting the process. When I step out in Paris, I want to give my best, do myself justice and get that medal.”
Haecker was born in Germany to an Australian father and a German mother.
She was introduced to the sport of judo in Hamburg when she was six and throughout her youth won a number of junior titles.
Haecker said she had been at the sport for a long time.
“My mum got me into the sport,” she said. “Moretodo,anykindofsportandIfellinlove with Judo.
“[I] just loved it straight away and I just stuck with it.”
She moved to Australia after high school
for a year and gave the sport a break before moving home and returning to the sport.
She began fighting for Australia and got selected to represent the green and gold at the 2014 Oceania Championships, which she went on to win.
She has since represented Australia on a number of occasions since, including winning bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
In her Olympic bio, it says that Haecker believes she was not born naturally talented at judo, but it is her love for the sport that has gotten her so far.
“[It] takes a lot of hard work,” she said. “So much… A lot of commitment.
“I would say commitment is the most important thing. Discipline [and] trust the process and just stick to it.“
Tara Murray
Falcons keep on winning
By Tara Murray
City West Falcons continue to try things as they prepare for Victorian Netball League championship finals.
Having already secured top spot, the Falconsdon’thavemuchtoplayforinthefinal three rounds.
The first of those rounds was on Wednesday night, with the Falcons beating Melbourne University Lightning, 65-52.
Falcons coach Marg Lind was reasonably happy with the win.
“It was a good start to the game again,” she said. “We set it up.
“We threw things around with a few defensive combinations. We had a lapse after half time.
“We took our foot off the accelerator. Melbourne University got it back within six before we got it back out to 10.”
Lindsaid they werereallylikinghow they’re starting games so feel and are really hitting circle edge and feeding Jane Cook well.
She said that would look at the periods where they drop concentration
“We get a bit complacent,” she said. “There’s a fine line between pushing them too hard nowandthenwerunoutofsteamcomefinals.
“We want to keep everyone rolling on and keeping everyone injury free. We still have Lucia [Fauonuku] to get back onto the court and Uneeq [Palavi] will be back as well.”
Cook finished with 55 goals to lead the way in attack for the Falcons.
Lind said Maggie Lind and Montana Holmes both played well in attack, while Sussu Liai had a really strong game in defence having struggled against the Lightning the first time they played.
One change the Falcons did make was playing Mel Oloamanu playing some time out in wing defence.
“It gives us more options defensively,” she said. “She played WD for Samoa and we thought we would have a look at it.
“She was excited to play there and got a few intercepts.
“WehaveMel,SussuandSophie[Hanrahan] are all playing well. We might need to throw Soli [Ropati] into centre, so that gives us four agile defenders who can play in the circle and
Briefs
VSDCA
Spotswood has announced the return of Jackson Wadden for the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season. A member of Spotswood’s premiership team in 2022-23, he had a season off. “Jacko who had a season off is back ready to fire and hopefully set a pathway for him to go to the next level in cricket,” the club said. “Jackson knocked back many big offers to come back to Spotty to set his cricket career up and work with our experienced players along the way.”
NPL
Altona Magic pulled off an upset win against Avondale in the National Premier League competition. The Magic opened the scoring in the first half through Daniel Fabrizio and the Magic was able to lead by that goal at half time. Neither team could score in the second half, giving the Magic the win. In the Victorian Premier League 2 competition, Altona City had a 1-1 result with Beaumaris.
Big V
The Altona Gators lost a thriller against the Warrandyte Venom in the Big V men’s division 1 competition on Saturday night. The Venom got out to a big lead in the first half before the Gators fought back into the game only to fall just short, losing 84-82. Brian Adams scored 28 points for the Gators. The Gators sit in fifth spot. The Gators women had a bye.
VTCA
at wing defence.”
The Falcons under-23 team suffered a 63-52 loss.
Lind said they had some really good moments but couldn’t put it together for three quarters.
“They did well for three quarters,” she said. “We led at half time and it was even at three quarter time.
“We went back to the bad mistakes that we’ve been making. There is some progress there.”
The Falcons remain in fourth spot, two games clear of the Geelong Cougars in fifth.
The Falcons need to win one of their last two games to make finals. If they lose both, it could come down to percentage.
The Falcons this week host the Western Warriors at the Altona Sports Centre.
Lind said they were hoping to have a big crowd for their final home game of the season.
They will have a couple of school holiday clinics earlier in the week, as well as an exhibition game on Wednesday before the VNL games, starting at 6pm.
The Williamstown Imperials have announced the signing of Jarrod Milczak for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 season. Milczak joins the club from Pasco Vale Hadfield where he was captain. Last season he took 22 wickets at an average 16 and 400 runs at an average of 39 and captain of the VTCA team of the year.
Sussu Liai had a good game on Wednesday. (Robbab Photography)
Katharina Haecker. (Supplied)
Cricket tragic new West Newport coach
West Newport has turned to a self confessed ‘cricket tragic’ to lead it into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 season.
The Lions announced that Amit Padwal would coach the side for the 2024-25 season.
Padwal, who has been at the club the past two seasons, said he’s looking forward to the new challenge.
“I’m excited to take on the role,” he said. “I was helping coach the team last year as an assistant coach.
“I’ve been playing cricket for 30 odd years and I’m at the stage with my career that I have to give up playing myself and look to take on a coaching role.
The Indian played in overseas tours in the United Kingdom and Kenya, as well as representing Bombay as an opening bat and keeper.
AftermovingtoMelbourne,herepresented Essendon in Victorian Premier Cricket seconds and thirds before playing Victorian
Sub-District Cricket.
Padwal said he wants to share his knowledge and passion for the game. He said he wants to bring the best of his players and aspire them to get better.
“It’ll be a pleasure to hand down some of my knowledge and pass it on to some of the youngsters,” he said.
“I’m very excited. Everyone is different and I see each person’s differences as positives. I want to play to their positives and try and do something with them.”
Padwal said the club was in a good position withastrongclubculturesetupbyitsleaders.
The club is hoping to recruit some players, withPadwalsayingtheywerelookingatsome players from the sub-district competition.
He said they were hoping to build on what they did this season, after initially looking like they may not field a side.
“I’mnotonlylookingtomakethetopfour,” he said. “After the last two seasons where
we’ve made the semi finals and couldn’t go further, my role the next one of two years is to take the club to next levels.
“We want to eventually get to senior division o the VTCA.”
The Lions said in their announcement that Fadwal has shown his experience in all facets of the game.
“Most notably, the display of both his patience and explosiveness as the situation required.
“His dedication and hard work has not gone noticed and we can’t wait to see what he can do with our group on and off the field.”
Brock Davey-Smith has been appointed assistant coach.
Tara Murray
Seagulls to go again
By Tara Murray
Williamstown will have to do it the hard way if it’s to make the Victorian Football League women’s grand final.
The minor premiers fell short in their semi final against North Melbourne on Saturday, with the Kangaroos progressing straight into the final match of the year.
The Seagulls will now try and make the grand final through a preliminary final win.
On Saturday, the Seagulls led by seven points at quarter time.
The second quarter would be the difference in the two sides. The Kangaroos kicked six goals to one to open up a 24 point lead at the main break.
The margin would be too big with the Kangaroos winning, 8.5 (53)-5.5 (35).
Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said they were made to pay for a poor period in the second quarter.
“We gave it away in 14 minutes,” he said. “We won every stat in the first, third and fourth quarters and scored heavily.
“Our layers weren’t right in the second quarter and they scored six unanswered goals. They are good on the inside and then getting to the outside, we weren’t able to stop it during that period.
“It rained heavily [in goals].”
Sharnie Whiting kicked three goals.
Ash Thorneycroft and vice-captain Emily Eaves had 16 disposals each.
Cavanagh said it was their leaders that really stood up.
He said Eaves really showed her leadership, Teagan Brett played one of her best games playing up the field more.
White was good up forward while Thorneycroft also had a good game”
Cavanagh said they would take a lot out of the loss.
Wehave achance tobe betterfor it,” hesaid. “The way we came into it was if we were good enough we would go straight in. If we weren’t good enough, we have another game under our belt.
“The good thing is we made the errors we did in a dame where we had a second chance.”
The Seagulls will face the Western Bulldogs for a spot in the grand final on Sunday at ETU Stadium.
The Seagulls beat the Bulldogs in the first week of finals.
“It’ll be a game of chicken and whether anyone will change anything,” he said. “They had the winning formula on Saturday and we won last time.
“We want to get it on our terms and make it contested. If we give them too much space it will hurt us the other way.”
Meanwhile,theSeagulls’men’ssidesuffered a second straight loss on Saturday.
Giddey, Exum, Madgen named
Josh Giddey, Dante Exum, Ezi Magbegor and Tess Madgen have been named in Australia’s Olympic basketball squads.
Twenty-eight basketballers have secured their place on the Australian Olympic team with the Australian Olympic Committee announcing the Boomers, Opals and 3x3 Gangurrus squads for Paris 2024 on Sunday.
Giddy and Exum have been named in the Australian Boomers squad. The pairgrewupinYarravilleandSeabrook respectively.
Twenty-one-year-old Giddey will make his Olympic debut in Paris.
“It’s an absolute honour to represent my country,” he said. “To make my debut in Paris is a childhood dream and I can’t wait to get on the court in front of my family and friends who have all made this journey possible for me.
“To be part of the Boomers legacy, well it’s everything. We have a really great group, we know what we need to do and we are just ready to get into it.”
It will be Exum’s second Olympics.
Madgen, who lives in Williamstown, will captain the Australian Opals squad.
Craigieburn-raised Magbegor will be part of her second Olympic team. She is currently playing in the WNBL with the Seattle Storm.
Opals Captain Tess Madgen drew on the legacy of the Opals to inspire the team going to Paris.
“I can’t believe I’m talking about going to my second Olympics, it feels very surreal,” she said. “I’m beyond honoured and excited to represent Australia, everyone who knows me will tell you that it brings me to tears, every time.
“We have the absolute best team of athletes, we are much more than a team, we are a sisterhood and we carry with us all the Opals from the past and we draw on their strength. Every time I put on the green and gold it gives me goosebumps, it’s hard to really put into words what it means. We are all so grateful to be here and make no mistake we are very hungry so bring on Paris.”
West Newport’s Amit Padwal. (Supplied)
The side headed up to Queensland to face the Gold Coast Suns. There were only three points in the game at half time, before the Suns kicked eight goals to four in the second half to win, 11.18 (84)-8.9
(57). Brodie McLaughlin was the only multiple goal kicker for the Seagulls with three.
The Seagulls have slipped to ninth on the ladder, but are only a game behind fourth.
Chloe Bain. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
CYs finetuning back part of season
Williamstown CYMS will finetune things in thebackpartoftheVictorianAmateurFootball Association women’s premier B season.
The CYs sit undefeated after 11 rounds and have not lost a game since the 2022 season.
After entering this season as a bit of an unknown after going up a division, coach Lawrence Henry said he couldn’t be prouder of the group.
“I’m really pleased with how it is going,” he said. “I feel like we are capable at this level after playing everyone and seeing where we sit with other teams.
“We know what their strengths are and what wearecomingupagainstwhichisimportantin the lead up to finals.
“We know if we turn up on the day and do ourbestwecancompetewitheverybody.There are some really good teams and I’m proud of howwehavebeengoingandwe’vebeengetting
betterastheseasongoesonandhopefullywe’ll have a good crack at finals.”
Henry said one thing they’re learning is that good teams find a way to win when they aren’t playing their best.
On several occasions the CYs have been tested but done enough to come away with the four points.
He said like most teams at this time of year they have injuries, illnesses and people overseas.
The club’s depth has been on show.
“Other players have come up and played roles when our depth has been tested,” he said. “It has gone well which is exciting. They are applyingthemselvesandtheykeeponlearning.
“We’ve got some girls playing their first year of senior footy from juniors.”
Henry highlighted Lara Davie and Holly Naden as two players who had really stepped
when given the opportunity.
Also helping the CYs depth is having a reserves side for the first time this season.
Henry said the group was exciting to be around and that they want to make sure that they can sustain having two sides in the long term.
The CYs had the weekend off due to the interleague bye.
This week they face Old Geelong in a top of the table clash on Saturday.. Old Geelong’s only loss for the season came against the CYs.
Henry said enjoying their football was the first point of order for the rest of the season.
“The seniors are on top and are undefeated and likely to play finals,” he said.
“We want to refine some little bits and pieces and hopefully we can achieve the best outcome.”
Vikings stun the Eagles
By Tara Murray
Altona’s season is back on track as it starts to rack up wins in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
TheVikingsfoundthemselvesbottomofthe table earlier in the season but are now just two points outside the top four after 12 rounds.
On Saturday, the Vikings produced one of their best performances of the season to shut down Yarraville Seddon.
The Eagles struggled to score, with the Vikings winning, 9.7 (61)-4.7 (31).
Vikings coach Travis Varcoe said it’s always nice to be on the winning side of things.
“The first half of the season we weren’t getting the results, but the tide is turning,” he said. “We’ve started to get our continuity together. We haven’t had our best 22 on the park.
“It’s been nice to find a couple of other players to play various roles in the side.
“It’s starting to come together now.”
Varcoe was thrilled with his side’s defensive effort on Saturday.
He said they were a side when they looked at the start of the season that they expected to be in the mix come the end of the year.
“For us to keep them to 31 points against a really strong outfit was really good,” he said. “We did what we needed to and scored ourselves.”
James Callaway, Bailey Smith and Mitchell Van Den Berg kicked two goals each for the Vikings.
LukeDyke,EthanTaylorandCallawaywere named their best. Varcoe also highlighted Luke Whatman and Jay Hansen as standouts. Varcoe said a lot of their senior players stood up and the group was really starting to share the leadership on field.
“It was an even contribution.”
For the Eagles, Jess Varsamakis was the only multiple goal kicker with three goals. Darcy Grieves and Blake Green were named their best.
With other results, the Vikings are now just two points outside the top four. They have a game in hand on Hoppers Crossing which sits in fourth spot.
“That is great for us,” Varcoe said. “We thought we might have shot ourselves in the foot with a couple of results.
“We take a holistic view on it and every game is important. It’s so condensed outside of Werribee Districts and Caroline Springs that have gone ahead.
“Everymatchcangoany way andyoumight be able to get there or have to rely on results.
“It’s a great thing for the competition, it’s so close.”
Not all doom and gloom for Bulldogs
Footscray’s season in the Hockey Victoria men’s premier league has gone from bad to worse.
Having suffered four consecutive losses, Footscray had a 3-1 victory over Camberwell in round 10.
But after a 4-1 drubbing to the Hawthorn the following week, Footscray finds itself squandering down the bottom of the ladder, with 10 points from 13 games. While Footscray has a great deal of work ahead of it coach Daniel Mitchell says it’s not all doom and gloom at the club in 10th spot.
“A lot of the stuff we’ve done at the club has been pretty positive from the men’s perspective,” he said.
“We’ve beaten two of the top six sides. We lost four games by one goal.
“Although results have not really gone our way, it’s the nature of the competition that it’s pretty close and pretty tight at the moment. We just need to improve in a few little areas and that will get us over the line.”
The Bulldogs had the week off and Mitchell said he thought it was a good opportunity to let the boys relax and unwind while building team camaraderie.He said an increase of games had had an impact this season.
“It’s put a lot of strain on the boys who are physically not ready to play 22 games,” he said. “We have three blocks of three games in six days.”
Mitchell says there are still lots of positives to take out of the season.
“Our strength is everyone playing their role in the games we’ve needed to,” he said. “Our captain Oscar Allan has been really good, leading from the top.”
He said the consistent contributions from each player has been pleasing to see, highlighting Jayden Shram as one player who has done well.
Mitchell said they’re bracing themselves for a physical encounter against arch-rivals Altona in the local western derby this week.
While Mitchell hasn’t given up hope of making finals this season, it’s a year of growth for his young team.
in the
Spotswood had a disappointing outing against Point Cook Centrals, losing 7.10 (52)-4.11 (35).
“Our focus this year is to look not too far ahead and just keep growing as a group,” he said.”
Matthew Younan
Tara Murray Paras Paton. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403543_54
This week the Vikings face Spotswood, while Yarraville Seddon faces Point Cook Centrals.
Varcoe said he expected Spotswood to come out firing after a shock loss on Saturday.
“Every game is an eight point game.”
In other matches on Saturday, Parkside and
Hoppers Crossing played out the third draw of the season.
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