Kinder milestone
Somers Parade Kindergarten in Altona invites community members to celebrate its 60 years of operation this month.
A free, family-friendly event will be held celebrate the past and reaffirm the kindergarten’s commitment to nurturing young minds.
Centre director Liz Ryan has been at Somers Parade for 22 years. She urged past families to join in the celebration.
“In my time, I’ve seen many changes, especially a government grant for a $200,000 upgrade to the children’s playground. So many families have come through the service and we still have contact with past children and families,” she said.
The celebration will be held on Saturday, August 24, from 1pm to 3pm, andwillfeatureface-painting,children’s activities and a sausage sizzle.
Somers Parade Kindergarten, is at 4 Somers Parade, Altona.
West flood ‘let down’
By Laura Michell
A report into the October 2022 floods which inundatedpartsofMaribyrnongwasa“missed opportunity”, according to Maribyrnong Community Recovery Association president Madeleine Serle.
A parliamentary inquiry into the floods, which affected Maribyrnong and parts of regional Victoria, released its final report last week.
InquirychairandLaborMPRyanBatchelor said not all the damage done in the flood was caused by nature alone. “The impact of the volume of rain that fell was exacerbated by decisions made, often years prior, on the shape of the built environment, new physical
infrastructure, and by our planning system.”
The report made 73 findings and 90 recommendations.
“Some areas received excessive warnings fromcompetingsourceswhilstothersreceived incorrect, limited or delayed warnings,” the report said.
“In both circumstances communities experiencedconfusion,whichlimitedpeople’s capacity to make informed decisions.”
The report recommended improvements to early warning systems and flood governance arrangements for emergency services, including clarity around chains of command and communication protocols.
It also found the Flemington Racecourse floodwalldidincreasetheextentandduration
of the October 2022 flood event for residents in Maribyrnong, by an average of 1 per cent in flood extent, and 2 per cent in flood depth.
“Modelling shows these effects for the Maribyrnong Township will increase in the future in more severe flooding events,” the report said.
The report also recommended affected homeownersbeprioritisedunderaproposalto raise or retrofit at-risk residential properties.
Ms Serle said it was disappointing there was no recommendation for mitigation action to protect Maribyrnong from flooding.
“I keep reminding people that the Maribyrnong Floods in October 2022 was the largest single metropolitan disaster event –apart from Covid in over 50 years – but that
still did not translate into immediate action for mitigation,” she said. “Too few people along the Maribyrnong River appreciate that the Yarra River is mitigated to protect the eastern side of Melbourne. Over here … no mitigation – except for the racecourse.
“MCRA represents around 600 members and our growing community has been let down again.”
Ms Serle said MCRA will increase its advocacy for river communities in the west, which she felt had been treated as “second best”. “We will push innovative thinking for a better mitigated, resilient future for MaribyrnongRiverfloodvictimspast,present and future,” she said.
-with AAP
Anne Parisianne
Centre director Liz Ryan and educators Olivia Marchioni, Lisa Richards, Jacyln Farrugia and Anita May. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 421417_01
Citynews MARIBYRNONG
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Safe, efficient and sustainable transport systems are vital to helping us get around our City.
In Maribyrnong, we are faced with complex transport needs and recognise the existing transport network is under significant pressure due to a rapidly growing population, heavy commuter traffic, major construction, and the need for more facilities.
Shaping our future planning, priorities, and operations, we’re working on a new Integrated Transport Strategy, which contributes to the liveability and quality of our neighbourhoods. Underpinning the Strategy is Council’s ongoing commitment to accessible, safer, and environmentally sustainable operations.
To inform this, Council has recently unveiled a discussion paper capturing the current challenges and opportunities, along with six key directions to help inform initial conversations with the community.
We are hoping to shape transport in our City into a more connected, sustainable and coordinated system – and it is important we hear the views of our community to support and guide our work.
Council is currently seeking feedback to ensure Council’s direction benefits our community and economy You can learn and share your thoughts on the six strategic directions online or speak with us at a number of inperson events found on our website. Feedback closes midnight Sunday 15 September 2024 at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/integrated-transport
We know our community values open green spaces and better connections to nature.
It was fantastic to see our community come together to support National Tree Day event at Burndap Park last Sunday. Our community planted 4,000 trees and shrubs, providing vital shade and preserving one of our City’s most cherished natural spaces.
I am pleased to share works on Lilardia Park are complete, and the space officially opened to the community today. The Park features passive open space, extensive garden beds, tree plantings, seating, sheltered picnic space and fenced edge to the rail line.
I also want to encourage residents to get involved with Council’s inaugural ‘Winter Warrior Series’, a two week fitness challenge designed to help you stay active this winter. The series, which started last week, includes a range of recreational activities hosted across the municipality. Register online at: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/winter-warrior
Mayor Cr Cuc Lam
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‘Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam’
AUGUST COUNCIL MEETINGS
Tue20: 6.30pm Council Meeting
Tue27: 6.30pm City Development Delegated Committee
These meetings will be held at the Braybrook Community Hub and livestreamed via Council’s website. Community members can submit questions for public question time online on/or before the day of the meeting. Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings or phone 9688 0200 for more information.
Maribyrnong City Council
Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray, VIC 3012
P: (03) 9688 0200
F: (03) 9687 7793
email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
OUT AND ABOUT
the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
2. Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam and Acting CEO Lucas Gosling joined by local member Katie Hall MP, celebrated the reduced speed limit of 40 km/h between Moore Street and Hopetoun Bridge, making it safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
3. Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam and CEO Celia Haddock
met with the Hon Danny Pearson MP to discuss the impact of climate change on our City and progress our advocacy priorities.
4. Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam attended the Eid Festival held at Footscray Connectivity Centre. This festival was proudly supported by Council’s Festivals and Activations Program.
5. Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam with graduates of the Leaders of the Pack Program.
6. Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam joined Uncle Mark Brown and Footscray Hockey Club President Nicole Virtuoso at the Footscray Hockey Club’s Indigenous Round Family Day.
INTERESTED IN STANDING FOR MARIBYRNONG CITY COUNCIL?
Maribyrnong City Council needs strong and diverse leadership to represent our community. If you are a community leader or feel ready to take on an influential leadership role, consider becoming a candidate in this year’s Council elections. Nominations to be a candidate open on 9 September and close at 12 pm on 17 September.
Residents and ratepayers are also encouraged to check if they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming elections by 4pm Wednesday, 7 August.
For more information, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/News/Time-to-Stand-for-Maribyrnong-City-Council
City of Maribyrnong Councillors have been busy.
1. Cr Simon Crawford joined in NAIDOC Week celebrations at Braybrook Community Hub, to honour
Police blitz nabs drink drivers
Almost one in 60 of the drivers tested were foundtohaveexcessivealcoholintheirsystem during a pplice blitz in Altona.
As part of Operation Leviathan, officers targeted impaired drivers with 3648 vehicles stopped for testing on the Princes Freeway on the night of August 2 and 3.
Police caught 63 people drink driving with five of those also found to have drugs in their system.
Police impounded 19 vehicles as part of the operation.
One driver who was stopped by police at the booze bus, a 32-year-old Point Cook man, returned a BAC reading of .164, police said.
The man’s drivers’ licence was immediately suspended for 12 months while his vehicle was impounded for a 30 days. He will be summonsed to face court at a later date.
Policesaida28-year-oldArdeermanrolled his car at Altona Meadows while attempting to evade officers.
He was taken to hospital and will be processed at a later date.
Victoria Police is warning motorists there will be zero tolerance to drink and drug driving, with significant penalties for those who disregard the rules.
First time offenders who are fully licenced and over 26 years of age caught with a blood alcohol limit between .05 and .07 receive a $577 fine and immediate three-month licence suspension, police said.
Donate to emergency food drive
Foodbank Victoria invites community memberstosupportitsemergencycommunity food drive on August 10 and 11.
Foodbank Victoria asks community members to donate rice, pasta, pasta sauce, UHT milk, cereal, canned tuna, canned vegetables and canned fruits.
These items will help stock the shelves at the Yarraville warehouse and provide much-needed relief to those struggling to make ends meet.
Foodbank Victoria chief commercial officer Katie Fisher said there has been a steady
increase in demand for food relief in the past 12 months.
Foodbank Victoria feeds 65,000 people daily, reflecting the significant reliance on their services, she said.
She said this staggering number represents one in 100 Victorians who depend on Foodbank for their next meal.
“Every little bit helps and we can’t do this on our own. We’re calling on the Victorian community to support the Victorian community. So if people can bring those eight items into Yarraville, we will take it from
there and make sure that it’s on the tables of Victorians doing it tough this winter,” Ms Fisher said.
Community members can drop off the goods at the Foodbank warehouse, 4/2 SomervilleRoad,Yarraville,onAugust10and 11 between 10am and 3pm.
For those unable to attend the food drive in person, the virtual food drive offers a convenient way to contribute.
Details: .foodbank.org.au/emergency-fooddrive/?state=vic.
Anne Parisianne
The penalties increase substantially for those under 26 years of age, those required to have a zero blood or breath alcohol level, those caught for second or subsequent drink driving offences, and those caught over .07 or above – including larger fines, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and even jail time for the most serious offences.
Two charged after allgedly fleeing police
A 41-year-old Altona North man was one of two men charged after allegedly fleeing from police in a stolen car in Werribee on August 1.
Officers spotted an allegedly stolen red Commodore speeding on Greaves Street about 11pm.
With assistance from the Air Wing, the vehicle was followed to Tigris Close where the car was allegedly dumped, and the two occupants fled on foot.
The driver, the Altona North man, andhis28-year-oldmalepassengerwere arrested a short time later by the Dog Squad on Thames Boulevard.
The Altona North man has been charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, driving while disqualified, careless driving, exceeding the speed limit, possessing butanol, trafficking butanol, dealing proceeds of crime, fraudulent use of registration and making a false document.
HehasbeenbailedappearatWerribee Magistrates’ Court on August 7.
The 28-year-old man, of no fixed address, has been charged with conduct endangering serious injury, trafficking a drug of dependence, possessing a drug of dependence, stating a false name and failing to appear at court.
Recycle your cans and bottles in Tottenham and cash in
Drink cans and bottles can now be recycled at a new reverse vending machine refund point at the Australian Light Foundation in Tottenham.
Since the scheme commenced on 1 November2023,residentsacrossVictoriahave been collecting and recycling eligible drink bottles, cartons, and cans and returning them through CDS Vic refund points to receive 10 cents per item in return.
To date, TOMRA Cleanaway’s West Zone operation has collected more than 117 million containers in Zone 1 (regional) and over 186 million containers collected in Zone 4 (metro), putting nearly $30 million back into the pockets of Victorians.
Located at 291 Sunshine Road, Tottenham, this is the eighth refund point installed in the Maribyrnong area.
The world-leading reverse vending machine technology scans and verifies each container deposited and provides options to the user to either receive the amount through a retail cash voucher, via digital transfer direct to a bank account, or for the amount to be sent as a donation to a nominated charity or community group.
CDS Vic gives charities, community groups, schools, and sporting groups new waystofundraisebyregisteringasadonation partner.
In the Maribyrnong area, groups and
organisations are already fundraising with CDS Vic, including:
• West Footscray Neighbourhood House –Building a Stronger Future
• The Op Shop West Footscray – Fuels Change, Brings Hope & Strengthens Bonds
• Braybrook College – Funding More Sustainability & Environmental Projects Residents in the Maribyrnong area can also download the CDS Vic West Zone app to check on the live status of their local refund point, verify container eligibility, and manage and track container refunds.
Chief executive of TOMRA Cleanaway James Dorney said “We’re very excited to have landed a new CDS Vic refund point in
Tottenham, adding to the existing network of refund points in Victoria, allowing locals a location where they can conveniently drop off theireligibledrinkcontainersforrecycling. Our machines are quick, convenient, and automated, and able to be seamlessly integrated into retail and community locations.”
“All containers returned through the TOMRA Cleanaway refund point network pass through technology for audit and verification purposes, which achieves clean, source-separated commodities that support Victoria’s transition to a circular economy.”
Foodbank volunteers: Corinne, Lisa, Jacqui, Rob, Casey, Adeline, Saskia and Jenny, holding the 8 items that the Foodbank wants the public to donate. (Damjan Janevski) 421476_02
‘Powder keg’ fears aired
By Gerald Lynch
Firefights and residents alike shared concerns and frustrations over the weekend, as their pleadsforstrongerprotectionandfleetcontrol remain unanswered.
A protest outside of the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) western metropolitan office on Clark Street, Sunshine, took place on Saturday, August 3, with the community calling on greater regulation and response, after factory fires in Derrimut, Deer Park, and Footscray in the past month.
Rally organiser, Victorian Socialists’ Catherine Robertson, said she is fed up with feeling as though her safety is at risk by living in the west.
“First the explosive chemical fire in Derrimut, then Deer Park, and now ... a huge blaze at the old Kinnears factory site in the middle of Footscray,” she said.
“We want to see serious penalties imposed onthebusinessesresponsibleandthechemical industry audited. Our communities should be safe for us to live in, not powder kegs.”
Local resident Van Rudd said the uncertainty has made life uncomfortable for him and his family.
“We still don’t know the long term health or environmental impacts of these fires, you wonder if you’ll be told to stay indoors again the next time you head to work or send your kids to school,” he said.
United Firefighter Union (UFU) representative and senior firefighter Matthew Morgan fronted the crowd to voice the concerns the union has around the aging fleet of firetrucks.
“They look shiny, they’re red, but there’s bits and pieces of them falling off,” he said.
“I was one of the first responders to the Derrimut fire … we couldn’t do much, I wish I
could tell you we did all we could but we could not.
“Our teleboom, which should have been in Sunshine, was in Ringwood.”
A spokesperson for the state government said the EPA has a strong level of control to manage and test toxic facilities.
“Victorian Government reforms have delivered stronger environmental protection laws and provided more tools and powers to the EPA to strengthen its ability to do its job,” the spokesperson said.
Thespokespersonalsosaidstategovernment has provided funding to emergency services and they have the equipment they need.
“We have delivered more than $100 million to ensure our firefighters have the trucks, resources and equipment they need to protect Victorians and keep themselves safe,” the spokesperson said.
“Fire Rescue Victoria’s (FRV) vehicles and equipment are maintained by an expert team to ensure they are both safe to use and ready to respond.”
YOUR SAY
Road questions still need answers Tara Murray’s report ‘Backing for truck ban’ on the front page of the Maribyrnong/Hobsons Bay Star Weekly (31 July) was welcome in throwing a spotlight on the issue of trucks on Williamstown Road.
Much of the debate in council was sparked by a series of questions asked of council by a member of the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group (MTAG) committee.
It was only her question that prompted council to discuss the presence of freight trucks on Williamstown Road -- that issue, as she pointed out, was a glaring omission in the council’s submission to the Victorian Freight Plan.
In any follow-up story, it might be asked:
• Why did council make no call for a truck ban on Williamstown Road given both the explicit recommendation in the council’s Air Quality Improvement Plan AND a council resolution in July 2019 to advocate for a truck ban on Williamstown Road?
• Why Did Cr Sarah Carter insist at the meeting there was no council policy on a truck ban when she was present at the July meeting that voted for that policy, and also supported the Air Quality Improvement Plan?
• What measures has the council actually taken to advocate for a truck ban, given the policies adopted by council since 2019?
• Why is Maribyrnong council consenting to permit applications from truck operators to drive 36m-long road trains the full length of Williamstown Road?
Free boat reversing clinics
Recreational boaters in Altona are being encouraged to register for a free clinic to brush up on their skills ahead of spring and summer boating adventures.
The Altona clinic in October is one of several being held around the state.
The Better Boating Fund, which reinvests recreational boaters’ licence and registration fees, funds the clinics.
The clinics offer boaters of all experience levels the chance to practise their trailer reversing skills under the guidance of experts.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) chief executive Travis Dowling said the sessions would be run by the VFA’s Better Boating division with support from Peninsula Boat Training.
“Backing down the ramp can be a challenge for boaters of all experience levels, so these clinics provide hands-on experience under the watchful eyes of experts,” Mr Dowling said.
“You’ll leave with practical tips and tricks to put into practise next time you hit the water so you can make a great start to a day fishing or boating.”
In September and October, five sessions will be open to all boaters, while three free sessions will be held for females-only in conjunction with the Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB) Network.
All boaters will have access to a clinic in Altona on Sunday, October 27. Details at: www.betterboating.vic.gov. au.
• Why are local Labor MPs silent on this issue?
Freight trucks have safe routes they can and should be using to travel between transport depots and the Port of Melbourne. Those routes include the newly widened West Gate Freeway. It is unacceptable that monster freight trucks are still permitted to use a single-lane road past homes, schools and shops, sharing a road with bikes, pedestrians and school children. This is a huge issue of community safety. It’s great to see your paper cover the subject, but please focus on the real issues.
Graeme Hammond, Save Willy Road president
A large group gathered outside of the EPA office in Sunshine. (Supplied)
Breastfeeding support for all
By Oscar Parry
WorldBreastfeedingWeekisaglobalcampaign
aiming to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and the benefits it provides to mothers, children, and public health.
Running from August 1–7, this year’s theme is ‘breastfeeding for all’ – a vision for increased inclusivity and further efforts in addressing barriers to accessing breastfeeding support. Macedon-based lactation consultant Samantha Turner-Dunne is passionate about breastfeeding and its broad benefits.
“If you had to introduce one public health program to benefit the health and the wellbeing of your community the most and decrease maternal and infant morbidity – and even mortality – the most successful thing you could do is teach, educate, and promote breastfeeding, because the long-term effects on the health and wellbeing for babies and for people is profound,” Ms Turner-Dunne said.
She said language barriers are just one of the challengesmanyfaceinaccessingbreastfeeding support.
She said in many cases, women may avoid seeking support from resources such as lactation consultants because of several other issues that require time and attention.
Ms Turner-Dunne said breastfeeding also has important protective effects on babies.
“The mothers have less chance of breast cancers and … [It also] helps immunise and vaccinate the babies because it hands over all the immunoglobulins,” she said.
“They’ve realised that there [are] stem cells and white blood cells and enzymes … in breast milkandallthedifferentrolesthattheyplay… it’s profound.”
Ms Turner-Dunne said her job is rewarding, and she enjoys making a positive impact on families and public health.
“I love my job – lactation consultants are reallypassionateaboutbreastfeeding,andthat’s why we go and study and make a specialised career out of it. We try [to] create safe spaces … we just want good emotional attachment between mothers and babies and the best health outcomes for all,” she said.
She said it is important to have widely accessible support, and that while breastfeeding is not an option for many women, lactation consultants will try to help where they can.
“When breastfeeding is successful, it’s one of the most enjoyable bonding experiences of their life … for 30 per cent of women, it is a challenge and they do need support … and we’re here for them. Sometimes it doesn’t work because it can’t.”
“They’ve become refugees, or they’re so busy focussing on trauma that [breastfeeding] is just another challenge that they’ve got to put further down the food chain, [and] because they’ve got other really important things that they’re trying to deal with, they are less likely to get … support,” she said.
performing assessments.
Ms Turner-Dunne said lactation consultants sometimes have access to interpreters and interpretive services to help with their consultations, but if these are not available, consultants will still do their best to help through other forms of communication and
Low milk supply links
Low breast milk supply is being linked with low breast growth during pregnancy in a new study.
LaTrobeUniversityresearchersledasurvey of almost 500 women in Australia, the US, and the UK.
They found that women with low milk supply often did not notice an increase in breast size during pregnancy; could have breast hypoplasia; or might have been overweight as a teenager.
La Trobe PhD candidate and study lead Renee Kam said it had long been suspected by breastfeeding specialists that a lack of breast growth during pregnancy could be associated with low milk supply, but this study was the first to show evidence of this link.
“This study showed that 72 per cent of women with low milk supply reported that their breasts did not change appearance during pregnancy,” Ms Kam said.
“Most pregnant women notice that their breasts increase in size as their pregnancy progresses, so lack of change could now be considered a sign to health professionals that milk supply may become an issue after the baby is born.”
The study, conducted with the universities of Cincinnati and Bristol, also connected high body mass index around the time of puberty and a low milk supply.
Ms Kam said this was the first time such a link was made, and its connection needed to be confirmed in population-based studies.
She said the researchers did not know how many women in the study had breast hypoplasia, but more than two-thirds (about 70 per cent) reported at least one irregular-shaped breast.
Breast hypoplasia is not the same as small breasts, but refers to breast tissue that is underdeveloped and might give the breast a tubular shape or asymmetry between the breasts.
“Part of the way that … women learn to breastfeed, there’s some intuitive basis to it. There are also demonstrative [ways] you can learn things … and there can be no speech. So there’s a lot of demonstrative work that can be done that … is helpful if English is a second language.”
On the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s (ABA) website, it reports that many mothers feel a deep sense of loss, grief, and remorse when they are unable to breastfeed, and that families, friends, and counselling could be forms of support.
Ms Turner-Dunne said other resources provided by the ABA that could assist mothers include online multi-language information flyers and a network of volunteers who can provide peer-to-peer support.
DRIVERS NEEDED
Are you an early bird with a small van or good size car? We are preparing for future needs and looking for dedicated drivers to join our team!
Position: Delivery Driver
Location: Ravenhall Warehouse
Task: Ongoing delivery of newspapers/magazines to key local outlet locations
Hours: Early start, possible multiple days week
Study participants shared their experience of not being able to produce enough milk for their babies, despite seeing lactation consultants, expressing breast milk, taking lactation cookies, and drinking lactation teas.
Professor Lisa Amir from La Trobe’s Judith Lumley Centre said some women had physical andphysiologicalreasonsthatpreventedthem from producing a full milk supply.
“Like every other organ, the breast may not be fully functional in some people,” Professor Amir said.
“Weneedtosupportwomentoachievetheir optimum milk production, and make sure people don’t equate successful breastfeeding with being a good mother.”
Requirements:
Own a small van or good size car
Reliable and punctual
Strong knowledge of local area
Interested? Email us at Fermax to learn more and apply!
Lactation consultant Samantha Turner-Dunne. (Damjan Janevski) 411622_02
Grants to recognise veterans
Applications for the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and Victoria Remembers grants are now open.
Anzac Day Proceeds Fund grants support various welfare and well-being activities for veterans in Victoria.
The Victoria Remembers grants provide funds to projects that recognise veterans’ service or educate Victorians about the sacrifices and contributions veterans make.
A Victoria Remembers grant of $28,000 last year funded a documentary by This Story Australia (TSA), a non-profit enterprise, that told the stories of veterans from the Williamstown Football Club (WFC).
TSA chief executive Jeff Hughes said the documentary focused not only on veterans’
experiences and lives, but also on their stories as members of the WFC.
The documentaries serve to create a deeper community connection and preserve veterans’ legacies, he said.
“Veterans and their services should be remembered year round, not just on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day,“ Mr Hughes said.
Inastatement,WFCchiefexecutiveAshley Baker said, WFC was fortunate to work with TSA to commemorate four of their veterans with the documentaries that aired at the ANZAC Day clash against Werribee.
“The videos were played on our big screen while over 1,000 patrons stood silent and watched intently as our veterans told their
stories,“ Mr Baker said.
“This was a remarkably touching tribute to our football club and the people who have served our country.”
Victorian Veterans Council chair Greg Yorke said, “We look forward to seeing applications for projects that ensure our veterans are supported in their life – and that their stories and legacies live on for generations to come.“
Details about the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund: vic.gov.au/anzac-day-proceeds-fund.
Details about the Victoria Remembers Grants: vic.gov.au/victoria-remembers-grantprogram.
Kingsville Primary honours legends
By Max Westwood
Kingsville Primary School honoured five former students in commemoration of the school’s grand final victory 70 years ago.
In 1954, the school was a Victorian metropolitan primary school premiere, beating all other schools in the greater Melbourne area.
The year beforehand, the same team won the district premiership.
A total of six players in the team went on to play for the then Footscray Bulldogs, now known as the Western Bulldogs, with two players, Mervyn Hobbs and Ian Bryant,
playing for the Bulldogs in their 1961 VFL premiership loss to Hawthorn.
Theschoolrecentlywelcomedbacktheteam andaskedfortheplayerstogivesomespeeches at an assembly in front of 450 students.
Former student Terry O’Brien, who was among those to return to the school for the event, said he cherished being recognised alongside his former teammates.
“I appreciate it. When you’re talking about 70 years ago it obviously brought back a lot of old memories,” he said.
“Itwasaveryenlighteningdayforeveryone. We enjoyed every minute of it, we appreciate thehelpofKingsvillePrimarySchoolforwhat
they put on for us.”
Mr O’Brien said the bond they formed through sport has been kept since their victory, with the team getting together once a year to keep in touch.
Kingsville Primary School principal Emma Vasilevski said the current students were keen to learn about what school was like for former students in their era and about their accomplishments.
“Hearing the stories from the gentlemen inspired many questions and instilled the sense of lifelong friendship that we really cherish here at Kingsville Primary School,” she said.
‘Green’ plan for Bradmill development
A supermarket, mini grocer, childcare centre and medical centre will be built at Yarraville’s Bradmill site as part of an neighbourhood activity centre.
Maribyrnong councillors approved plans for the two-storey mixed use shopping centre, community facilities and recreation space on July 30.
The centre will be built at 241-259 Francis Street.
Bounded by Francis Street, McIvor Reserve and the Newport freight railway line, the site was home to the Bradmill denim factory until 2007, then rezoned from industrial to residential and mixed-use in 2011.
Councillor Bernadette Thomas said she liked the attempt to make the developmentspaceafour-stargreenstar space.
“It’s really good to see that there will be a fresh fruit and veg space here as well, which is important,” she said.
Cr Michael Clarke said the development had been a long time coming.
He said the development integrates well with the community’s historical context and aspirations.
“We do have...to make sure that any housing developments that occur are part of the history of our community and in line with the aspirations of our community and the vision we have for our city,” he said.
The first stage of the Bradmill site development, comprising 135 dwellings was approved by council in 2022.
Kingsville Primary School reunion. (Front) Gordon McColl, Terry O’Brien, Ken Beamish, John Charles and Ian Bryant; (back): Jeff McDonald (assistant principal) and Graeme Hodgart (school historian). (Damjan Janevski) 412873_01
Anne Parisianne Veteran and Williamstown Football Club former member, David Catterall. (Supplied)
DISCOVER WILLIAMSTOWN
Peachy Keen Peachy Keen is excited to be opening during theday. WewillbeofferingCodeBlackcoffee, tea, hot chocolates etc. Great venue for catch ups, meetings, mothers groups, book clubs or somewhere to just chill out. Private function bookings available. Cafe hours are weekdays 7am - 2pm and weekends 8am - 1pm.
Atelier Art Supplies
Atelier Art Supplies is located off Champion Road in Williamstown North and has been offering an extensive range of high-quality art supplies to locals and interstate businesses and schools for the past 10 years. As a trusted supplier to schools across Australia and as an independent retail outlet open to the public we offer a combined depth of knowledge in the industry of over 40 years and have the expertise and experience to ensure that you are able to embrace your every creative need! Come in and browse the wide range of art materials and speak to friendly staff to get the best advice.
Pirates Tavern
DropanchoratPiratesTavern,Williamstown’s very own pirate themed bar. Hidden behind Seaworks in a prime bayside location, the Pirates Tavern offers stunning city views over the bay. Enjoy vibrant live music every Friday and Sunday, unwind in our scenic beer garden or enjoy our kitchen’s offerings with dinner on Friday and lunch on Sunday. A proud part of the Williamstown Maritime Association, Pirates Tavern isn’t just a venue — it’s an experience. Join us and discover why we’re the most unique venue in Melbourne. Everyone is welcome at Pirates Tavern, for bookings please call Wendy on 0403 702 734.
Williamstown Automotive
Situated on Tennyson Street in Williamstown North, Williamstown Automotive is a trusted destination for automotive services. With a dedication to quality, the team offers a full range of services including mechanical repairs, electrical repairs, diagnostics, maintenance, log book servicing, and roadworthy certificates, tailoring efficient solutions to meet each customer’s specific needs. Whether you require routine maintenance, complex repairs, or specialized 4x4 upgrades and accessories, Williamstown Automotive ensures exceptional service with meticulous attention to detail. For all your automotive needs in Williamstown North, Williamstown Automotive is the reliable choice.
Stag’s Head Hotel
The recently renovatd Stag’s Head Hotel offers a new menu, a cosy, welcoming atmosphere with open fireplaces, and great service. Focusing on fresh, seasonal produce, dishes are made from scratch and the attention to detail is evident on every plate . Current specials include a free pot, glass of wine or soft drink with every main meal from the lunch menu, Monday to Thursday, 12pm - 4pm, kids eat free night on Mondays, Pot & Pie night on Tuesdays, steak night on Wednesdays and the return of live music on Sunday afternoons. Visit thestagsheadhotel.com.au for more info or call 03 9100 1955.
Melbourne River Cruises
Melbourne River Cruises operates the Williamstown ferry, transporting passengers between the city and Williamstown. This scenic voyage includes informative commentary, complimentary tea, coffee, and a fully-stocked bar for relaxation. Enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and the bay area throughout the journey. Departures are conveniently located at Southgate Berth 2 in the city and Gem Pier in Williamstown. Embrace the opportunity to bring along pets or bicycles, enhancing the experience as a delightful day excursion. Experience the charm of Melbourne’s waterways while relishing the amenities aboard this iconic ferry service.
Nelson Place, WIlliamstown.
Ferguson Street Pier, WIlliamstown.
Williamstown Foreshore.
FEATURING ... EDUCATION
Annual challenge teaches students to be money smart
The annual Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge is back for its ninth year, running from Monday, 19 August to Friday, 30 August 2024. Hosted by Financial Basics Foundation, this annual event aims to enhance financial literacy among secondary school students nationwide.
Lastyearsawmorethan9,000studentsfrom 320 schools participate in the challenge with students from Western Australia topping the leaderboard. This free national competition provides a unique opportunity for teachers to impart critical money management skills to their students.
The Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge immersesstudentsinagamebasedina‘virtual world’wheretheylearnaboutearning,saving, spending, and investing. Participants engage in various activities such as opening a bank account,budgeting,investing,workingtoearn money, selecting credit cards, and completing quizzes. The interactive platform offers a safe and engaging environment for students to practise real-life financial transactions and experience the consequences.
There is a strong need for such initiatives, as demonstrated by industry data that has revealed that 82% of Aussie Gen Zs, between 18 to 26 years old, are financially stressed, and nine in ten Gen Zs have a strong desire to boost their financial literacy.
Chief executive of Financial Basics Foundation Katrina Samios attests that the Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge is a step in the right direction for educating young Australians in building healthy financial habits.
“We believe that all Australian students deserve the right to financial education to help ensure they have the confidence and skills to navigate their financial future. From our decades of working closely with teachers and researchers, we know that developing
healthy financial habits from a young age has a positive impact throughout life, and we believe that the Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge promotes this,” said Ms Samios.
While the Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge runs annually for two weeks, the ESSI Money game, which forms the basis of the challenge, is available year-round for teachers aiming to boost their students’ financial literacy.
The impact of the game is evident with 79% of participants reporting that the new skills they learned will help them in the future and
69% of respondents achieved financial goals over the subsequent year.
Suncorp Bank executive general manager, consumer distribution, Chris Fleming, outlines the value of Suncorp Bank’s partnership with Financial Basics Foundation in developing financial literacy for the next generation.
“Our partnership with Financial Basics Foundation empowers and equips young Australianswiththefinancialknowledgethey need to build sound knowledge and healthy habits as they enter the world of banking. We are excited for the Suncorp Bank ESSI
Money Challenge to launch in August and lookforwardtoseeingyoungpeoplelearnand grow,” said Mr Fleming.
Participants in the challenge compete for a chance to win real-life prize money for themselves and their school from a total prize pool of over $11,000.
Teachers can register their classes for the SuncorpBankESSIMoneyChallengestarting 1 August.
For more information on the Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge, please visit https:// financialbasics.org.au/educator-hub/essimoney-challenge/
Dinjerra Primary School Preps mark 100 day of school
On Thursday August 1, Dinjerra Primary School’s Preps celebrated their 100 days of school.
The students celebrated by dressing up as either 100 year olds, or in their favourite costumes. They spent the day participating in a range of celebratory activities.
When you think of all that has happened over the last 100 days, our Prep students must be congratulated.
They have transitioned from kindergarten to primary school, made new friends and learnt the routines of school. Amongst all of this, our Prep students have embarked on their learning journey, which has included learning to read, write, spell and count.
All of our Preps are authors and have published their very own books. Each week, the students also attend specialists sessions of physical education, art, STEM and Spanish. Recently, the Preps went on their first excursion to the farm. This was to immerse the students in their biological sciences unit, learning about life cycles and offspring. All of this in 100 days!
The Dinjerra staff have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our precious Preps and their families. We look forward to many more celebrations with them over the next few years in their primary school journey. Congratulations to all of the Prep students from Dinjerra!
THESEAREOURPREPSCELEBRATING
100DAYS
On Thursday 1st August, Dinjerra Primary School’s Year Preps celebrated their 100 Days of School.
The students celebrated by dressing up as either 100 year olds, or in their favourite costumes.
The day was spent participating in a range of celebratory activities. CongratulationstoallthePrepstudents fromDinjerra!
MY PLACE
Community advocate Ingrid Magtengaard is involved with the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce and Life Saving Victoria as she explains to Anne Parisianne.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Ingrid Magtengaard. I’m a community advocate. I currently serve as the project lead for the diversity and inclusion committee of Life Saving Victoria and as the membership liaison at the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce. There is something lovely about creating shared memories with the same name; my grandmother, mother, daughter and I are all called Ingrid. The story of my surname, however, should start……once upon a time, there lived three Danish brothers, Mr Peterson lived on level 1, Mr Peterson lived on level 2 and Mr Peterson lived on level 3 of the same building. Mr Peterson was tired of receiving Mr and Mr Peterson’s posts, so he created a name…. ‘Mr Magtengaard’ and lived happily ever after reading his own mail. Tell us about your most recent work.
My last 12 months have been the most rewarding, working with both Williamstown ChamberofCommerceandtheWilliamstown Swimming & Life Saving Club. I have felt compelled to step forward with urgency to increase membership; to advocate on behalf of our business precinct, visitor’s economy, and iconic WS&LSC pool. Regardless of whether you’re a lifesaver, nipper, silver salty, trader, or tourist operator, together, we all build strong, healthy communities through collaboration. What work you do in the community? Myearlycareerstartedwith‘rolledupsleeves’, in a tent and four-wheel drive, growing an Aboriginal economic development consultancyinremoteAustralia.Iunderstand the strength of strongly connected communities.So, gave myself permission to be purposefully parochial and committed to volunteering in Willy. As past vice president
of Williamstown High School Board and Williamstown Swimming & Life Saving Club, Ienjoyinfluencingsuccessthrougheducation.
What is your connection to Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay?
It is the place I call home and my community
that I am part of that is something bigger than me.
What do you like about where you live?
The promise of the undiscovered, be it a new friend, another titbit of history, or a joyful, unexpected conversation in Coles. What are some of your favourite places to visit or favourite things to do in the area?
I will often take my work laptop, sit watching, and tap away at the water’s edge at Willy. As a yellow school-bus, Flying Doctors, ABC kid; born in Ceduna, I grew up playing around silos and the Port Thevenard jetty. I never tire of watching the busyness of the port from across the bay, having learnt to read the shipping news on my Dad’s lap. How has the place where you live influenced your work?
It has influenced me to keep working in the community and to get to know my village. As I came from Canberra, I no longer wanted to think in terms of international diplomacy or how best to inform our national narrative. Instead, I decided to look down at my toes and work outwards from there. My first job was at The Old Style Butcher. On my first day, I nearly fainted. Being fanned in the cool room was not how I envisaged getting to know my village. I thought it would be a great way to meet everyone, but found myself not remembering names, rather what they had ordered. No one wants to be known as ‘snags’! Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I have two Aboriginal children who are deeply connected with their Gija culture. This sustains my social justice campaigning for equity and inclusion, as our diversity is reflected in the very DNA of my family.
Ingrid Magtengaard. (Damjan Janevski) 420774_01
Superpowers for girls
Scienceworks is set to host weekend workshops, each themed around an extraordinary superpower, to inspire future women in STEM.
These workshops are created specifically for girls and non-binary tweens.
Research shows that 10-12 is a crucial age when many young girls drop out of STEM subjects and interests, and it’s vital to keep interest high with engaging and safe spaces.
On September 7, at Curiosity is a Superpower, children can learn all about design and innovation in astronomy and space.
Attendees will experience the wonder of the Melbourne Planetarium, chat with a STEM expert, and participate in a design challenge to create a place for humans to live on the Moon.
On October 5, at Kindness is a Superpower workshop, attendees will hear from an invertebrateresearcheraboutbiodiversityand
the value of being kind to the environment and spend some time thinking about the future in the Think Ahead exhibition.
OnOctober26,atCalmnessisaSuperpower, children can learn ways to calm their minds while clarifying their STEM skills.
During the workshop, participants will be delighted by a Planetarium show, chat with an expert scientist and participate in STEM activities that are good for a healthy mind, including movement, mindfulness and making.
On November 16, Strength is a Superpower, a half-day STEM workshop, will allow childrentouncovernature’shiddenstrengths. This class features hands-on physics and engineering challenges and will explore the requirements of strong materials and how clever engineering can make difficult tasks easier.
Details at: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/ scienceworks/whats-on/weekend-workshops/.
Join us for an afternoon of Rock with The Treblettes
Spend an afternoon with us to see what premium retirement living is all about.
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to rock with our special guests “The Treblettes”! This sassy local vocal trio is coming to Rivervue to perform all your favourite, iconic songs from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.
Sing along to The Andrews Sisters, groove to Motown, sway to Elvis, or twirl to Bill Haley and the Comets, and many more.
Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and tour our Village. This is your opportunity to experience luxury living, with unparalleled views of the Maribyrnong River. Find out why our residents say “Life Begins at Rivervue”.
Bring a friend and join us for an unforgettable afternoon!
Numbers
439 or visit
Briefs
Cyclist killed
A 52-year-old Altona North man has been charged after a cyclist was killed in a fatal collision in Tarneit on Thursday, August 1. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Dunraven Drive and Selbourne Avenue, where a truck and cyclist collided about 1pm. The cyclist, a 68-year-old Truganina woman, died at the scene. The driver of the truck, the Altona North man, stopped at the scene. He has been charged with dangerous driving causing death.
Take our survey
Star Weekly wants to hear from you about the health issues affecting women in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. Our 16-question Women’s Health Matters survey will help inform our reporting during our 12-month women’s health campaign. The confidential survey will take less than five minutes to complete and can be found by scanning the QR code.
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Date: Wednesday 14th August Time: 1.00pm
Scienceworks Museum, Spotswood. Grace and Lottie. (Damjan Janevski) 416336_06
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT
Rocking at Rivervue
Rivervue in Avondale Heights is hosting an afternoon of rock with The Treblettes. The sassy local vocal trio will perform all your favourite, iconic songs from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Enjoy afternoon tea and tour the village. Bring a friend for an unforgettable afternoon on Wednesday, August 14. Tour the village at 1pm and 3.30pm. The Treblettes perform at 1.30pm. Rivervue is at 25 Bellavista Drive, Avondale Heights. RSVP: 1300 298 439 or rivervue.com.au
Musicians welcome
Do you play any percussion, brass or woodwind instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join the community band. Please note that rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Spotswood South Kingsville RSL, 59 The Avenue, Spotswood.
Hannah Prouse, hbcityband@gmail.com or hbcb.org.au
Fiddle group
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 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
ParKanDo community expo
The ParKanDo community expo will be Saturday, August 17, from 10,30am to 1pm. Hear from a range of Parkinson’s experts as well people impacted by the condition. Keynote speaker for the event is one of Australia’s foremost Parkinson’s researchers, Professor David Finkelstein, from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. At Newport Community Hub, 13 Mason Street or virtually via Zoom https://parkando.org.au/
Mouth Organ Band
Yarraville Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members. Band practice is held on Friday evenings at 8pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. For great music in a friendly atmosphere feel free to
call in one Friday evening. Heather 9399 2190 or ymob1933@yahoo. com.au
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
Heritage walks
Enjoy a leisurely one-and-a-half hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Each week is a different week with a printed sheet with the route and points of interest provided each week. Walks are leisurely and usually end at a cafe for a tea-coffee. John, 0418 377 336
Altona Repair Cafe
The Altona Repair Cafe is looking for more repairers to help meet community demand for repairs at their monthly repair events. Repair cafes happen on the first Saturday of the month, noon-3pm. Danielle, 0413 434 082
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.
Girl Guides Victoria, 8606 3500- www. guidesvic.org.au
Altona North Combined Probus
The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. Lesley, 0414 481 442
Friendship group
Altona Day Voice Interest and Education of Women [VIEW] Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176
This week’s photographer’s choice pictures is of wellbeing dog, Tilly, who was celebrating her first birthday. (Damjan Janevski) 421792_01
Bands to unite for music festival
By Tara Murray
Musicians from across Melbourne’s west will have the chance to shine at the first Western Bands Festival.
ThebrainchildoftheWesternConcertBand, the festival will give concert and brass bands the opportunity to perform locally.
Western Concert Band musical director and conductorHarryMerrifieldsaidhewasexcited for the festival and hoped it could become an annual event.
“It’s been inspired by a previous festival that had happened but it was only for concert bands only,” he said.
“Thistimewehaveexpandedtheprogramto include concert and brass bands.”
Five bands will be part of the first festival.
The Western Concert Band will be joined by Suzanne Cory High School, Western Brass, Sunshine Community Brass and Westgate Concert Band.
The bands will all perform individually before taking the stage for two combined performances at the end of the festival.
Merrifield said a lot of concert and brass bands don’t get the opportunity to perform at concerts.
“It’s a great opportunity for bands to get critical feedback from a clinical professional and network without being in a competitive environment,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for each of the bands to showoffwhattheycando.Wecannetworkand there could be opportunities to work together
in the future.”
YamahaeducationoutreachclinicianDrRob McWilliams and Haileybury College head of bands Dr Joanne Heaton will assess the bands and provide them with feedback.
Health and wellness at the winery
People in Melbourne’s west who want to take control of their wellbeing are being invited to immersethemselvesintranquillityatStAnne’s Winery.
The Myrniong winery has teamed up with UrbanMarketstoruntheHealthandHarmony Expo on Sunday, August 18. The event will run from 10am to 4pm at 64 Garrards Lane.
Iftheexposeemsfamiliar,that’sbecausethis is not the first time St Anne’s has collaborated with Urban Markets to run a wellness event.
Jake Currey, who does a “bit of everything” at St Anne’s, said it was exciting to be “making a comeback after a few years of hiatus”.
Mr Currey said while they were hoping to attract the same crowd, there would be plenty of different things on offer this time around.
“We are trying to make it more of an expo rather than a market where you wander around, there are a few little fun activities for people … to make it more interactive rather than just selling products,’’ he said.
“We’re trying to get a bit of everything – the usual candle and wellness related stalls as well as some tarot card readings.”
Urban Markets owner Felicity Ashman said yoga, meditation, exercise, and natural foods were all on the table for the expo.
“We are looking to promote local businesses that support a balanced lifestyle… and any type of health and wellness,” Ms Ashman said.
MsAshmansaidthecombinationofoutdoor and indoor settings at the winery made it a prime spot for the expo.
“Itisparticularlyexcitingtobebackworking with St Anne’s – it’s such a lovely atmosphere out there and a perfect location to have something like this.”
Details:https://stanneswinery.com.au/event/ health-harmony-expo-myrniong/
Eddie Russell
Show a tribute to the ‘first lady of rock’
Wild Dreamers will put on a show dedicated to Linda Ronstadt at Newport Bowls Club on August 31.
Attendees can enjoy a captivating Saturday night immersed in the timeless classics from Ronstadt’s extraordinary repertoire.
Ronstadt is an American singer who has won 11 Grammy awards and has performed in diverse genres, including rock, country, light opera, and Latin music.
Dubbed the “queen of rock” or “first lady of rock,” Ronstadt was the top-selling female rock artist of the 1970s and one of the most artistically diverse recording artists of the last 50 years.
Wild Dreamers band will perform 20 to 25 Ronstadt chart-toppers, including When Will I Be Loved, You’re No Good, It’s So Easy, Blue Bayou, and Different Drum.
Wild Dreamers vocalist Lisa Mio said the band wants to pay tribute to Ronstadt for her remarkable contributions as a performer and a great musician.
“I don’t want people to forget what an amazing contribution she made as a vocalist and as ... an activist,” Mio said.
“She’s, you know, very politically minded and always wants to stand up for the ones that can’t stand up for themselves.”
Wild Dreamers band members include Lisa Mio on lead vocals, Jo George on backing vocals, Gary Young on lead guitar, Cres Crisp on keyboards, Nigel Davis on drums, and Phil Smith on bass guitar.
Details: .trybooking.com/events/ landing/1236786
Anne Parisianne
A Maltese tradition
The Brimbank community will come together for a weekend of festivities to mark the 41st year of the Festa Santa Marija Assunta in Deer Park.
The traditional procession is a part of the Festa Santa Marija Assunta, celebrated on August 15 each year and marks the ascent into heaven by the Virgin Mary.
It will take place on Thursday, August 15, from 6.15pm, and the service in Maltese and English will include a presentation of flowers to Santa Marija and the carrying of the statue, with a celebratory mass accompanied by the M.W.F. Philippine Choir.
Following the service, The MMG Concert Band of Victoria will be playing Marian Hymnal Marches. This will be held at the St Peter Chanel, 800 Ballarat Road, Deer Park.
ThenonSaturday,August17,theLuxor function centre on Sydenham Road will play host to the annual Santa Marija Assunta dinner dance from 6.30pm. MusicwillbeplayedbyDJDominicand traditional Maltese band Philharmonic Society inc.
On Sunday, August 18, the festivities will return to the St Peter Chanel, for a FestaDayserviceat2pm,andaprocession parade from 3.30pm.
Organiser Frank Galea said the celebrations pay tribute to the Maltese culturesomanylocalsfeelgreatnostalgia, with a strong Maltese community in the area.
Forticketstothedinnerdance,contact Frank: galeafrank@ymail.com
Gerald Lynch
Joanne George and Lisa Mio from Wild Dreamers. (Damjan Janevski) 421523_05
The festival is on August 10, from 9am-2pm, at the Suzanne Cory High School auditorium, 225 Hoppers Lane, Werribee. Entry is via gold coin donation.
The Western Concert Band will perform at the Western Bands Festival. (Supplied)
Jake Currey. (Damjan Janevski) 422618_01
A previous celebration in Deer Park. (Supplied)
Get crafty for Children’s Book Week
Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season MakingIt on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting. Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating monster bookmarks in honour of Children’s Book Week (August 17-23).
Happy crafting!
WANTED ON
SCHEME POLICY
Hobsons Bay City Council is proposing a new policy to introduce
community, and we want your feedback!
The draft policy sets guidelines for operators to ensure professionalism, safety,
with our goals for a sustainable and integrated transport system.
The introduction of these share schemes will provide residents and
options, reducing traffic congestion and promoting healthier lifestyles in Hobsons
Join our drop in sessions
Review the draft policy and share your thoughts at one of our drop in sessions:
• Sunday 11 August, 10am-11am, Williamstown Library
• Wednesday 14 August, 1pm-2pm, Laverton Community Hub
• Saturday 24 August, 1pm-2pm, Newport Community Hub
• Tuesday 27 August, 4.30pm-5.30pm, Altona Library
Have your say online
ready for Children’s Book Week by creating your own monster bookmark. (Supplied)
Monster bookmarks
Materials:
Googly eye
Marker
Coloured cardboard
Coloured yarn 30cm x four pieces
Equipment:
Template
Glue stick
Scissors
Hole puncher
1/ Can the QR right to download and print the template for the monster bookmark and nose.
2/ Use the template to cut out the monster and the nose.
3/ Create a hole at the top of the monster. Fold the pieces of yarn in half, thread through the hole and tie a lark’s head knot.
4/ Glue googly eye in place. Fold the top of the nose and glue the folded part to the monster.
5/ Glue some colourful strips at the bottom of the monster.
6/ Draw an eyebrow and a mouth for the monster. Cut out a tooth and glue it in place.
7/ Give the monster some spots by hole punching some cardboard and randomly gluing them.
Provide feedback on our engagement platform participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/sharescheme. Scan the QR code to complete the survey. Consultation closes 28 August 2024.
Together, let’s create a more connected and sustainable Hobsons Bay. Your voice matters, so have your say today!
Instagram: Steph It Up with Stephanie Tik Tok: Steph It Up with Stephanie
ACROSS
1 Quandary (7)
5 Dead body (7)
9 Demolition (11)
10 Bolt or pin (3)
11 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)
12 Apotheosis (7)
14 Island of Hawaii (4)
15 Personal items (10)
17 Dwarf (10)
19 Occurring before (abbr) (4)
20 Sink (coll) (7)
22 New Delhi native (6)
25 The Peacock Network (1,1,1)
26 Reciprocal (11)
28 Died (7)
29 Potentially guilty party (7)
DOWN
1 Prank (US coll) (4)
2 Languor (9)
3 Festival, – Gras (5)
4 Group of islands (11)
5 Digitally generated imagery (1,1,1)
6 Jogging (7)
7 White person (5)
8 Disruptive (10)
12 Efficiency increasers (11)
13 Significance (10)
16 Account of events (9)
18 Princess Diana’s maiden name (7)
21 Summary (5)
23 Ties (5)
24 Flesh (4)
27 Dowel (3)
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 Where was Queen Noor of Jordan born?
2 Who directed the 1994 film Muriel'sWedding?
3 Kendo is a Japanese style of:
Is this Honda’s best ever Accord?
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Few vehicles can match the Honda Accord for longevity.
On the road in Australia since 1977, the award-winning sedan, now in its 11th generation, shows no sign of going away anytime soon.
Surprisingly, despite it being one of the maker’s most important nameplates, the latest Accord, a petrol-electric hybrid, stands alone in its bid to keep the opposition at bay. In doing so the Accord e:HEV RS – touted as the best Honda Accord ever – claims to deliver an unbeatable combination of style, efficiency, performance and connectivity. But does it?
Hondahasturnedtotweetypeofphilosophy to describe the essence of the new Accord, saying the development team wanted to create a vehicle that allowed the ‘passionate achiever’ to express their status and help them change their mindset as they headed to their next destination.
However, when it comes to choice of models and pricing the sedan comes down to brass tacks: a single model with an eyewatering sticker price of $64,990, far above most of the opposition. The Accord e:HEV RS is covered by Honda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty with eight years for the battery.
Styling
Honda is at it again, opining that a ‘creative black tie’ concept combines individuality with thebasicsofformalwearatahighlevel,making the driver appear accomplished and appealing. Sorry, Honda, the look is just bland.
Today’sAccordissoyesterdayinappearance, evenwithits‘long,cleanbodylinesandastrong powerfulfrontend,blackedoutheadlights,and wide upright grille flanked by air curtain inlets routing cooling air through the bumper and around the front wheels’.
Longerthanitspredecessor,afactemphasised by a ‘sharp upper character line’ and swoopy roof culminating in a fastback rear with distinctive LED flush tail lamps highlighting a wide stance. Machined matte black 18-inch wheels aim for a sporty appearance but fail to elevate it to the ‘black tie’ level.
The most modern feature up front is out of sight. The active shutter system behind the upper grille, commonplace on EVs these days, opens and shuts to control the amount of air flowing through the engine radiator and air-con condenser. Keeping shutters closed cuts aerodynamic drag, hence energy consumption.
Interior
While reasons for the Accord’s exterior is obscure, the cabin, happily, comes down to reality with up-to-date design using premium materials, highlighted by a honeycomb metal mesh strip across the dashboard separating audio and information displays and climate controls, while concealing the air vents.
Front seats are designed to stabilise the body, especially in spirited driving, enhance comfort and reduce fatigue on long journeys. Bigger exterior dimensions than before ensure more rear leg room and make space for 570 litres of luggage with the single rear seatback (no 60:40 split) up.
However, head room is limited by the sunroof and steeply sloping rear, and because of the hybrid set-up, there’s only room out back for a tyre repair kit.
Infotainment
The driver is the focus of the 10.2-inch instrument display with a new interface, which includes an energy flow meter in place of the tacho.TheupdatedHondaSensingisoneofthe user-selectable features.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen gives access to a revamped range of menus including audio and air-con. Honda says fewer embedded menus are easier to access. There’s still room for improvement here.
One nice touch, however, is the ‘Experience Selection Dial’, which has a circular display
defaulting to a digital clock, providing quick controlsofair-conditioninganddriverprofiles.
The new Accord features Honda’s first application of Google built-in, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play, plus satellite navigation and live traffic updates at the spoken request ‘Hey, Google’.
New-generation Honda Connect features a refreshed app interface, improved response time and other new features. Over The Air software updates are a feature of the audio/ connectivity ECU.
An 11.5-inch windscreen head-up display incorporates speedo, navigation and driver assist features. A dial under the screen allows the driver to call up pre-selected mood profiles while driving.
Quality sound comes from the standard Bose 12-speaker audio system developed by engineers working closely with Honda from early in the design process, while Dynamic Speed Compensation automatically adjusts volume and tone based on vehicle speed.
Engines/transmissions
A fourth-generation dual-motor hybrid system is made up of a refined two-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine developing 108kW of power mated with a pair of more powerful electric motors mounted side by side. The E-CVT traction motor puts out 135kW of power and 335Nm of torque, while the generatormotorchargesthebatterypack.Total power output is 152kW. The E-CVT features
high and low speed lock-up for direct drive, a help on steep inclines.
Fuel consumption is claimed by the maker to be 4.3 litres per hundred kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle. The test car recorded five litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs and 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the motorway. With a 48 litre fuel tank this adds up to around 1000 kilometres range, depending on driving style.
Safety
The Accord features the latest iteration of Honda’s ACE body structure through the use of high-strength steel and structure designed to dissipate crash energy efficiently around the cabin.
Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance has been made possible by updated front camera and radar. Four-wheel disc brakes incorporate a four-channel anti-lock system, electronic brake distribution and brake assist.
Eight airbags include driver and front seat passenger, driver and front passenger knee airbag, front side airbag and side curtain airbags.Anouterlapbeltpretensionerisusedon front seats, with a load limiter to prevent chest injuries.Intherear,outboardpretensionersare used, along with load limiters.
Driving
The hybrid system features a shift control which apes the gear shifting on a conventional drivetrainwhentheacceleratorisfullypressed.
Half a dozen levels of slowing are available through the shift paddles on the steering column.
Thevehicleautomaticallyswitchesseamlessly between EV, Hybrid and Engine drive modes optimising performance and efficiency. An ‘e’ button has the driver switching between Auto from to EV mode for pure electric driving and Charge mode which keeps the engine running longer to keep the battery fully charged.
New drive modes include Normal for balanced fuel efficiency and performance; Econ, which shifts to lower fuel consumption; Sport, for sharper throttle response with additionalsportysound;andIndividual,driver choosing the settings.
The new petrol-electric hybrid system has pushed the Accord top speed up to 200km/h. There’s no doubt much work has been done on the suspension and steering, combining a more engaging, yet comfortably smooth and quiet drive, while NVH is complemented by a quietened exhaust note.
New soundproofing and active noise control keep out intrusive cabin noise and construct ideal surroundings for the audio and passenger conversation.
Summary
There’s no denying the new Accord has a laundrylistofthelatestautomotivetechnology, driver aids and safety systems but do they add up to the $65K asking price? I’ll leave the potential buyer to make that decision.
Accord e:HEV RS is touted as the best Honda Accord ever, but it will cost you. (Supplied)
Local results at Olympics so far
Here’s how the locals went at the Olympics during the last week.
Archery
After shooting the highest individual ranking round by an Australian since the current 72 arrow ranking, Laura Paeglis was drawn to face Caroline Lopez in the round of 32 elimination round. Paeglis led early with four points from the first two sets, but it was all Lopez after that taking the win 6-4.
Athletics
LongjumperChrisMitrevskicouldn’treplicate his form of the Australian championships at hisfirstOlympics.Havingjumpedajumpthat would have medalled in every Olympics since 1992, Mitrevski could only jump 7.79 metres in the qualifying rounds to miss the final. Amy Cashin was also in action in the 3000 metres steeplechase. She finished ninth in her heat, which included two runners breaking national records and another two getting personal bests.
Basketball
Both the Boomers and Opals are through to finals of the basketball competition. The Boomers had to rely on other results for them to qualify after losing to Greece in their final pool match.
In that match against Greece, Josh Giddey had nine points and Dante Exum had six. The Aussies now face Serbia in the quarter finals. The Opals had to win their final match with France to play finals, which they did 79-72. Tess Madgen led the way with 18 points, while Ezi Magbegor has 14 points.
Beach Volleyball
Thomas Hodges and his partner Zachery Schubert made it through to the lucky loser round of the men’s volleyball before losing to Americans Miles Evans and Chase Budinger 2-0 on Sunday, Australian time.
SPORTS QUIZ
1. How many Australians have won Formula 1 grand prix races?
2. Australian NBA player Josh Green was recently traded to which team?
3. How many points did New South Wales beat Queensland by in Game 3 of the 2024 State of Origin series?
Boxing Marissa Williamson was knocked out in the round of 16 in the women’s 66 kilogram competition. Anna Luca Hamori won 5-0.
Cycling Road cyclist Lucas Plapp withdrew from the road race on medical grounds after undergoing abdominal surgery for injuries he sustained in the individual time trial. In the women’s road race, Lauretta Hanson was the best of the Australian’s finishing in 22nd.
Judo
4. Which Australian boxer recently announced his next fight would be held in September 2024?
5. What is the only sport to have ever been played on the moon?
6. Who topped the medal tally at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games?
Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar hails from which country?
Mitch Creek recently announced he would be leaving which NBL team?
How many medals did swimmer Cody Simpson win at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games?
Australian runner Jessica Hull recently recorded a world record in which distance race?
UAE Team Emirates won which major recent event in the team classification category?
Aussie McLaren F1 driver Oscar Piastri won his maiden Grand Prix in Hungary at what age?
Aoife Coughlan won her round of 32 match with a golden score before taking on Germany’s Miriam Butkereit in the round of 16. It came down to a golden score again, with Butkereit scoring an Ippon, the highest score in judo, to claim the final and move through to the quarter finals. Katherina Haecker was knocked out of the judo women’s 63 kilogram event in the opening round. Haecker faced Great Britain’s Lucy Renshall losing 11-1.
Shooting
James Willett made the final of the trap men’s
13. Which US pop star has been announced as part of the pre-game entertainment for the AFL Grand Final?
14. Which three-time Grand Slam tennis champion will retire from singles tournaments after the Paris Olympics?
15. Which Aussie batsman scored five consecutive half-centuries for Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket T20 competition?
16. Jess Fox and Eddie Ockenden performed what duty at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony?
17. Which Australian city is the favourite to enter the NRL as the league’s 18th team in 2027?
18. Which former cyclist is the chef de mission for Australia’s Olympic team at Paris 2024?
19. Which African country qualified for the Men’s Olympic Basketball for the first time at the Paris Olympic Games?
final but couldn’t match it with the medal winners. Willett finished sixth in the six personfinalwith19pointsandwaseliminated on the second stage of the final. Great Britain’s Nathan Hales’ won with 48 points.
Swimming Johann Stickland finished in 66th spot in the men’s 100 metres freestyle heats. The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre staff member was competing for Samoa. He finished eighth in his heat with a time of 52.94.
20. The Nurburgring motor racing circuit is located in which European country?
21. Which nation did the Matildas defeat 6-5 at the Paris Olympic Games?
22. Isaac Heeney plays for which AFL team?
23. In which year did Roger Bannister break the four-minute mile?
24. Which English bowler recently retired after a 21-year career and 704 Test wickets?
25. Which singer performed on the Eiffel Tower for the 2024 Olympic Opening ceremony?
26. The coaches of which women’s national
team recently received a ban because of a drone spying scandal?
27. Which nation has the second biggest team at the Paris Olympic Games behind the US?
28. Which US city was announced as host of the 2034 Winter Olympics?
29. Emily Bates will captain which AFL Women’s team in 2024?
30. Mitch Creek recently announced he would be leaving which NBL team?
football
Jessica Hull
Cody Simpson
Tess Madgen. (Basketball Australia)
Roosters on the up as they look for finals berth
By Tara Murray
West Footscray’s upwards trend is continuing with the side already putting the pieces into place for next year’s Western Football League division 2 season.
After struggling for a couple of seasons, the Roosters have themselves in finals contention with two rounds remaining.
While coach Troy Beamond knows that it will be tough to make that top six, there’s been plenty of positives this season.
Beamond has already signed on for next season something that was an easy decision.
“We’ve had a lot of new faces over the two years,” he said. “We’ve been working towards what we are and where we want to be.
“Everyone we’ve spoken to about next year has signed on. I was happy to stay and the players wanted me to.” On Saturday, the Roosters faced a red hot Newport team.
Newport did all the damage in the first half, leading by 80 points at the main break.
After that period, it was eight goals to seven in the favour of Newport, which won 24.16 (160)-10.12 (72). “It was a tough day, especially in the first half,” Beamond said. “They are definitely better than us.
“After half time it was only eight points and we were a lot more competitive and we will take that
“We weren’t happy to be done by that much, but we fought in the second half.”
Beamond said they had 40 players either injured or unavailable.
He said he hadn’t seen anything like that before.
“To still be able to put two sides out there is really pleasing and shows that we’ve come a long way,” he said.
Matthew Turcinovich kicked three goals for the Roosters, while EJ Sharp kicked two goals.
Sharp and Samuel Hall were named their best.
For the Panthers, who sit in fourth spot, Abdul Jawad and Hussein Hasna were named
their best.
The Roosters sit in ninth spot with two rounds remaining.
They are just one game behind the Suns that sit in sixth spot.
Beamond said it was unlikely they would play finals, but they will still give it a crack.
“We have to win our two games and have results go our way,” he said. “It’s a bit unlikely with having to rely on results but we’ll focus on whatweneedtodoandthatiswintwogames.”
The Roosters face the Western Rams this Saturday. In other results, Albion was way too strong for Braybrook winning, 30.24 (204)-3.5 (23)withtheBrookersnowseventhontheladder.
Laverton got its fourth win of the season against Western Rams and North Footscray lost to Sunshine, 17.26 (128)-5.7 (37).
TheDevilssitpercentageoutsidethetopsix.
In division 1, Spotswood lost to Caroline Springs, Altona beat Hoppers Crossing and Parkside smashed Point Cook Centrals.
Yarraville Seddon had the bye.
Three teams in top comp
TheWesternFootballLeaguemen’scompetition will remain a two division competition for the next two seasons, but there will be 12 teams in the top tier.
On Wednesday, the league confirmed the structure for the competition for the next two years.
Albion, Sunshine and Newport will play in division 1 next season to increase the division from nine teams to 12.
The three teams are currently sitting in three of the first four places in division 2. Wyndhamvalewasconsideredforpromotion but were deemed to not be in an equal position as to the other three clubs.
Division 2 would also be 12 teams, with GlenOlden,whichdidn’tfieldaseniorsidethis season, included.
There will be no relegation for the 2025 season along with no automatic promotion of the division 2 premiers, with this to return the following year.
In an email from league chief executive
David Jennings to clubs, which has been seen by Star Weekly, the league outlined its plans going forward.
“The Western Football Netball League board has ratified the following senior men’s football competition structure for the 2025 and 2026 season,” it said. “Three division 2 clubs will be promoted to division 1 to make that a twelve-team competition in 2025 and 2026.
“For the league to return to a three division competition structure, we will need to have twenty-six viable senior men’s football clubs competing with both a seniors and reserves in divisional football.
“This will include the ideal model for our division1premiercompetitiontobecomprised of ten (10) teams and a division 2 and division 3 with sixteen senior clubs divided between both.”
The document said the league hosted a competition structure forum on July 22 to explore the best possible model for 2025.
It said there was a consensus from clubs to retain a modified two division competition structure for 2025 to ensure stability, an even number of teams division 1 competition and restore a competitive balance for teams in division 2.
“Thereisagenuineneedforcertaintyaround the competition structure beyond 2025 and clarity for clubs in future considerations when and if we return to three divisions,” it said.
“Competitive balance will need to be addressed when fixturing both the division 1 and division 2 competitions.
“Itisworthnotingthatitmaynotsolveallthe challenges of the clubs competing in division 2 that are struggling to generate momentum. However, having a division 3 competition would also not solve some of these issues.
“The league will employ a number of fixture equalisationmethodstofacilitateacompetitive draw for all teams across both divisions.”
- Tara Murray
Sports shorts
VAFA
Williamstown CYMS put another win on the board in the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B women’s competition on Saturday. The CYs kicked the only three goals of the opening quarter to open up a 13 point lead. Both teams struggled to score in the second half with the CYs holding on to win, 3.2 (21)-0.7 (7). Camryn Tyrrell and Kiara Palmar were the CYs best. The CYs face Westbourne in the final round.
Western FL
Parkside Spurs kept their hopes of a Western Football League women’s top four spot alive on Saturday. The Spurs had a strong 9.12 (66)-3.1 (19) win against West Footscray, their 10th win of the season. Entering the final round the Spurs sit in fourth spot, but are only percentage off second and a game off first spot. The Spurs face ladder leaders Werribee Centrals in the final round. Laverton got its second win of the season, beating North Sunshine.
A-League
Besian Kutleshi has become the youngest player to sign a professional contract at Western United after inking a three-year scholarship contract with the A-League men’s club.
The 15-year-old will arrive at Ironbark Fields after playing an important role in the Joeys’ recent success at the ASEAN under-16 Boys Championships, featuring in every match and converting in the penalty shootout in the final. Born and bred in the west, Kutleshi played his junior football at North Sunshine Eagles before moving to Melbourne City in the 2022 season.
Coates Talent League
The Western Jets had a tough day against the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League boys competition on Saturday. The Ranges were able to build on an early lead and come away with an 18.14 (122)-10.8 (68). Ayden McCarroll kicked four goals for the Jets and was named their best. Finnegan Davis and Jack Gerardi were the other standouts for the Jets. The Jets sit in 10th spot with five wins for the season. The Jets face the Murray Bushrangers on Sunday in the second last round.
Thomas Stelluto. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 410696_03
Albion and Sunshine will be in division 1 next season. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 418791_01
Seagulls poor kicking proves costly
Williamstown was left to rue some missed shots as it seems set for the wildcard round in the Victorian Football League.
The Seagulls are among a bunch of sides fighting for finals spots with only 10 points separating the top 10 teams.
On Sunday, the Seagulls’ hopes of avoiding thewildcardroundendedwithadisappointing loss to North Melbourne.
After an even first half, the Kangaroos jumped out to a 25 point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Seagulls came hard in the final quarter, but the Kangaroos lead was enough to hold on to win, 11.9 (75)-9.13 (67).
Seagulls director of coaching Jeff Andrews said they weren’t good enough for long enough.
“We played some good footy but it was patchy,” he said. “They got in front and we had some bad kicking and missed a lot of shots on goal.
“It meant we were coming back from 30 points down instead of 12 points.”
Andrews said it was an unusually calm day at Williamstown so the win didn’t have an impact on those shots.
Brodie McLaughlin was the main culprit kicking 0.5.
“Therewerealotofkickableones,”Andrews said of all of their missed shots. “You would normally mark Brodie down for 4.1.
“It was one of those days and it was the difference in the end.”
Andrews said they had worked on a few areas and they had got a lot of it right, it was justaboutfinishingthelastpieceofthepuzzle.
“It’s the bit that you have to get right.”
Joel Fitzgerald had 21 possessions for the Seagulls, while James Cousins and Riley Collier-Dawkins had 19 each.
Andrews said they had a number of good players on the day.
“Corey Ellison kicked three goals and
competed hard,” he said. “Tom Downie in the ruck was good and Riley Collier-Dawkins had 10 clearances.
“Luke Parks had 10 intercept marks. He has been sensational this year and had a couple of kids down there with him on the weekend and he really stood up.”
The Seagulls now sit in eighth spot with two weeks remaining.
They have a bye this week before finishing the regular season against GWS.
Andrews said they should get some players backthenextfewweeksbuttheyneedtomake sure that they aren’t underdone.
He said for them, finals start in the final round.
“I don’t think there’s any way that plays out that we don’t feature in the play offs,” he said. “We want to finish seventh or eighth and get a home final.”
Gators fight back to win
By Tara Murray
The Altona Gators overcame a slow start against the Bulleen Boomers to keep their Big V men’s division 1 season alive.
Facing off in an elimination final on Saturday night, the Gators had to do it the hard way trailing by 11 points at quarter time.
The Gators slowly worked their way back into the game and trailed by one point at the last break.
A 22-15 final quarter was enough to give the Gators a win and a spot in the semi finals.
Coach Josh Turton said there were a mixture of emotions during the game but he backed his group in to get it done in the second half.
He said the group wasn’t as locked in as they should have been to start the game and it reflected on the scoreboard.
“I’m very happy now,” he said. “We didn’t play great in the first half.
“At quarter time I was pretty angry and we were trying to fix things. At half time we spoke about releasing things and after that we could score a bit easily.”
Turton said with the game placed at a fast pace they were hoping it would tire out the more experienced Boomers line up.
He said they wanted to continue to be super aggressive to get the most out of their game. He said he always thought they would fight back.
“We didn’t want to leave anything out there,” he said. “We executed the best we had all season in the last quarter.
“Even when we weren’t scoring we were defensively locked into the game. We didn’t let anything get to us.”
Samson Rocker top scored with 25 points, while Nicholas Patel scored 23 points to lead the way.
Nicholas Kiefer provided a spark off the bench and played a big role down the stretch and they turned to him instead of import Brian Adams.
“Brianwasstillreallygoodandisanenergy guy for us,” Turton said. “He sees games at a high level.
“We felt Keifer was playing really good within that line up.”
The Gators are now through to the semi finals, where they will play a knock out semi final against the Whittlesea Pacers.
Thematchisarematchoflastyear’sdivision 2 grand final. Of the matches between the two teams in the past two seasons, five of the six have been decided by five points or less.
“They are the only team we haven’t beaten this year,” Turton said. “We’ve met them six or seven times in the last two years.
“They have beaten us by a combined six points this season. Last time we played well but didn’t execute in the final quarter.”
Locals named in state squads
Netball Victoria has announced its initial squads for the Victoria under-17 and under-19 teams for next year’s national championships.
Fifty players have been named for each age group which will be whittled down to select the final teams. The squads will train between now and the championships and slowly whittled down to the final teams.
The teams will then compete in the national championships next year.
City West Falcons Jacinta Todd will coach the under-17 squad having held that role this year.
Falcons Charlize Bellette and Ella Leith have been named in the squad as has Altona Netball Association’s Imogen Sexton, Manon Muir and Lucy Butcher.
Western Warriors Kiara Boyd and Emily Porter are in the squad as is St Albans and Caroline Springs Netball Association’sHaleinaTanoiandWestside Saints’ Emily Fitzgerald.
Riddell District Netball League’s ChloeEyre,whoplaysforLancefield,and NorthernNetballLeague’sAbbeyLuttick are others among the 50 players to be selected in the under-17 squad.
In the under-19 squad are Western Warriors and Darley’s Ella Closter, Falcons and Romsey’s Emily Miles, Falcons and Melton Centrals’ Elisa Butterworth-Gonebale, Melbourne University’s and Riddell’s Eliza Burge, Burge was part of the under-17 team this year that claimed a bronze medal at the nationals.
Adrian Ballantyne will coach the under-19 team.
Elisa Butterworth-Gonebale.
(Ljubica Vrankovic) 420262_02
Tara Murray
Luke Parks. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Five Gators players finished in double figures as every player got at least nine minutes court time. The Gators finish the regular season in fourth spot.
Rocker. (Jacob
United lock in youngest signing
Besian Kutleshi has become the youngest player to sign a professional contract at Western United after inking a three-year scholarship contract with the A-League men’s club.
The 15-year-old will arrive at Ironbark Fields after playing an important role in the Joeys’ recent success at the ASEAN under-16 boys championships, featuring in every match and converting in the penalty shootout in the final.
Born and bred in the west, Kutleshi played his junior football at North Sunshine Eagles before moving to Melbourne City in the 2022 season.
It was there that Kutleshi has continued to develop, incredibly making his senior Victorian Premier League 1 debut at 14 in February this year.
With all the hallmarks of a modern-day centre-back, Kutleshi possesses physical
attributes and athleticism well beyond his years as well as superb ball-playing ability, whether that be feeding progressive passes for his teammates or driving out from the back himself.
Kutleshi joins his brother Rinor at Western United, who plays in the under-14’s side, and he said he is eager to make an impact after committing his future to his hometown club.
“It’s crazy, a bit unreal. I’ve been growing up my whole life just wanting to sign a professional contract, so it’s quite an unreal experience and a dream come true,” he said.
“Being able to look into the future and see that Western United has a big focus on player development was something that drew me here. It’s exciting and it will ultimately benefit both the players and the club.”
“Representing a club from the west, where I’ve grown up and lived my whole life – it’s unreal that I’ve signed.”
United football general manager Mal Impiombato hailed Kutleshi as an incredibly exciting signing for the future.
“Besian is without doubt one of the country’s most talented young players and we are ecstatic to be able to bring him to Western United on a three-year contract,” he said.
“Especially being from the west, Besian fits our recruitment and development strategy perfectly and has the personal and footballing qualities to reach his enormous potential.
“I know our green and black family will be rubbing their hands together at the thought of seeing Besian in action. We can’t for them to see him develop and represent the club.”
Kutleshi arrived straight from Indonesia and has joined pre-season training with John Aloisi’s first-team squad while also being registered to play VPL and NPL matches.
Panthers stay focused
By Tara Murray
Newport is even hungrier to taste success in the Western Football League division 2 competition, following the news it would be promoted.
Last week, the league announced that Albion, Sunshine and Newport would all be promoted to division 1 next season as part of a competition restructure.
Panthers coach Rodney Van Riet said it was an exciting time for the club.
“There’s obviously been talk throughout the year that they were possibly looking to promote multiple clubs,” he said.
“The club wants to play at the highest level. Newport is still a relatively new club and for everyone involved in seniors, reserves and under-18s it gives us the opportunity to show what we can do at that level.”
Van Riet said while knowing what their future looks like next year it doesn’t change their focus on what they want to achieve this year.
The club is currently sitting fourth.
“It makes us hungrier to win it,” he said.
“There’s still from our own perspective that we still want to do it the right way.
“We certainly want to be hitting our straps at the right time.”
The Panthers showed in a recent two-point loss to Albion that it can match it with the top sides when they play their best.
It’s the closest any team has come to beating Albion this season.
“It did not go our way,” he said. “It was a really hard fought game and they don’t have a weakness across the board.
“We hit the front with a couple of minutes to go and the opportunity was there to win it. It gives us a really good confidence boost.”
The Panthers faced West Footscray on the weekend.
It was a big win for the Panthers, with most of the damage did in the first half. Newport got the win, 24.16 (160)-10.12 (72).
They face Sunshine Heights before facing
Locals picked for combines
ThreeNorthernKnightsandtwoCalder Cannons players have been invited to the AFL draft combine, while several others and a couple of Western Jets have been invited to the state combine.
The AFL has selected 65 draft prospectstoattendthethree-daytesting in Melbourne in early October.
The selections were based on nominations from AFL recruiters, with each clubs nominating players they would like to see do the draft testing. Those with fewer nominations are likely to be invited to respective state draft combines, with the first 25 of that group also notified.
There were 18 players from Vic Metro selected for the national combine.
That includes the Knights’ Jesse Dattoli, Thomas Sims, Gabriel Stumpf and the Cannons’ Isaac Kako and Harry O’Farrell.
Kako, who was one of the standouts for Vic Metro at the under-18 championships, is aligned with Essendon through the Next Generation Academy.
BacchusMarsh’sSamLalor,whoplays for Greater Western Victoria Rebels and Vic Country, was also invited to the national combine. He has been spoken about as a top 10 pick despite having an injury riddled year.
The Victorian state combine will be held on October 6, the same day the national combine finishes.
Newport in the final round.
Van Riet said the contest against Sunshine would be a good one and the sort of match they want to play in the lead up to finals.
They are set to blood another two under-18s this week which Van Riet said was a really positive sign for the club going forward.
“I don’t think many clubs have had as many 18s play as much as we have,” he said. “It will hold the club in good stead and help continue to build that comradery we have.”
Van Riet, who has played in many finals series with Deer Park and Keilor, said he was looking forward to his first finals series as a coach.
While he didn’t think he would play this season, he’s played five senior matches.
“I pulled the boots on and kept the competitive beasts at bay,” he said.
“We’ve looked to manage some players, so it was more to give them a rest.
“It’sabitdifferentcoaching,butit’sexciting. You can’t not only focus on yourself but you have a whole squad.”
Jets pair Lucca Grego and Lucas Impey,CannonscaptainDamonHollow and teammates Nash king and Jayden Nguyen, and Northern Knights’ Zak Johnson are among the state combine invitees so far.
Besian Kutleshi (Western United)
Gabriel Stumpf. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 410527_19
Abdul Jawad. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 421550_24
Weekend finals action kicks off
Finals action hit several football and basketball competitions at the weekend. Star Weeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic shot some finals action and a couple of key matches in the lead up to finals.
Woodend-Hesket’s Mariam Habib. 422913_17
Greenvale’s Haylea Cooke. 422916_08
Roxburgh Park’s Dakotta Liddy takes down Aislinn-jayd Taiaroa. 422902_21 Sunbury Lions’ Taylah Brady. 422897_13
Sunbury Kangaroos’ Kelsie Gill. 422902_01
Taylors Lakes and Westmeadows fly for the mark. 422890_01
Burnside Heights. 422916_33
Taylors Lakes’ Lachlan Rayner. 422890_09 Melton’s Chelsea Lapsley. 422913_01
Some supporters enjoying Coburg Districts and Sunbury Lions. 422897_03
LAST RELEASE
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