Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 2nd October 2024
African library may close
By Afraa Kori
Australia’s first African library, arts and history museum, Baai Alkebulan House, is at risk of closure after being launched in Footscray last year.
The sanctuary was founded by Tarneit’s Magang Reech assisted by the collective effort of Melton’s Titan Debirioun, Tarneit’s Ephraim Kassu, Agum Reech, Toto Reech and Matur Reech, Derrimut’s Guled Ilyas and Bishop Laryea from Sydeny’s AYI Centres, all of whom have been instrumental in shaping the library’s vision.
The library’s supporters all came from a war-torn country and were raised in Australia and see Baai Alkebulan House as their way of giving back to the community.
The word ’Baai’ means ‘house’ or ‘home’ and ‘Alkebu-lan’ is one of the ancient names for Africa, meaning ’Mother of Mankind’ or ’Garden of Eden’.
“We chose this name to honour Africa as the birthplace of civilization and to reflect our mission of providing a home for all and for African history and culture in the community,” Magang explained.
“What makes Baai Alkebulan unique is its holistic approach to preserving and promotingAfricanandFirstNationshistories, while actively fostering intergenerational connections. We are more than just a museum or library — we are a dynamic space where African music, family development, and cultural heritage are at the forefront.
“Moreover, Baai Alkebulan serves as a bridge between the African diaspora and First Nations peoples, highlighting their shared experiences of colonisation, resistance, and resilience. Through art, literature, music, and programs, we don’t just preserve history — we make it a living, breathing experience that connects past, present, and future generations in meaningful ways.”
Baai Alkebulan offers a range of art exhibitions, educational workshops, oral history projects, programs, cultural performance, legal training and excursions.
Magang is concerned there is a lack of sustained support and is calling on parents, educators, community leaders and policymakers to step up and champion its cause.
“Without immediate financial support, we risk closure, which would be a tremendous loss to the community and the heritage we seek to preserve,“ he said.
“Baai Alkebulan is a vital cultural hub that nurtures identity, education, and unity. We need the community’s help to continue
preserving African and First Nations histories and to provide a space for future generations to learn and grow.
“We realised Baai Alkebulan was at risk when we encountered significant delays in receivingcriticalfunding.However,weremain committed to seeking new partnerships and opportunities to secure the support needed to keep Baai Alkebulan thriving.”
Hoppers Crossing teacher Asmait Reta has done important work in the six months since Baai Alkebulan’s opening and has seen a shift in young people, many of them at risk.
“The worst thing is when you don’t know where you come from or who you are. But when you know who you are, you’ll be proud ofwhereyoucomefromandthat’swhyIteach the kids about our culture. I also teach them how to live in harmony with other people and how to respect their family. When you tell kids a story, most of them ask questions which means they are interested and happy to learn something new. In the beginning, there weren’t too many kids coming, but at the moment, we had a lot of kids,” she said.
“I have met some parents at the library and
they have thanked me for preparing their children for the future. For adults, we discuss what is going on in our life, share ideas and learn from each other because we want to be good citizens and parents.”
Director of Pam Disability Service and Truganina resident, Puononyuom Mathiang said migrant families have found healing and hope for a brighter future through Magang’s work.
“Magang is one of the most hardworking people I have met in my life. He has put his heart and soul into this. Not for his own benefit but for the benefit of the wider community. From babies, adolescents, young adults, parents and the older community, having a space like this gives us parents comfort and a break knowing our children are connecting, learning and enjoying themselves in a safe environment and off the streets,“ Puononyuom said.
“As a parent from my background, there is a disconnect between wanting and how to raise my child ’Australian’ and ’Sudanese’. I find it hard to find a community. Baai Alkebulan provides that experience. You can connect
with other cultures, other people, parents and children alike have the opportunity to get together. Meeting other young mothers and understanding that we are all in this together is important.”
The closure of Baai Alkebulan House would disproportionately affect parents like Puononyuom.
“There is no other library that provides culture specific learning that I am aware of or have access to. I would miss having the chance for my son to meet other young African kids, and myself other young African mothers,” she said.
“Young children and young adults would be at home or on the streets not doing anything productive in their lives. The culture would be lost. I have seen some of the young boys that would normally be stereotyped as ’thugs’ in that library reading and helping Magang set up. It provides volunteering opportunities to keep everyone busy. Like I said, it is a community that would be lost.”
To help save Baai Alkebulan House www. gofundme.com/f/baai-alkebulan-urgentfundraiser
A space that strengthens identity, unity, and social harmony. Back: King Sunday, Magang Reech, Ben Jydo Mayor and Viet Hai Pham. Front: Aynalem Kassu, Nasrine, aged 10, Sydney, aged 9, and Matur Reech. (Ljubica Vrankovic)_433679_06
Citynews
SPRINGTIME IN MARIBYRNONG
Spring has sprung in the City of Maribyrnong, bringing with it a variety of exciting events and celebrations as we transition into the warmer weather.
CELEBRATING SENIORS
Seniors Month is a special time to recognise the invaluable contributions older community members have made and continue to make to our vibrant City.
A number of free and fun activities will be held in the City of Maribyrnong for the Seniors Festival throughout October. There’s something for everyone, with 14 Council and community-led events taking place, including a yarning circle, community BBQ, pickleball, and theatre and art workshops.
Council’s library service has also organised a series of educational and inclusive activities, such as Grandfriends Storytime, Makers Morning, and calming Qigong and Tai Chi sessions.
This year’s Seniors Festival is filled with opportunities to explore, evolve, and engage with our City. A full calendar of activities can be found on our website, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/seniors-festival
FRINGE WESTSIDE RETURNS
Fringe Westside returns to Maribyrnong with a captivating program of live performances as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, running from 1-20 October 2024.
Don’t miss the free family-friendly aerial performance ‘Free Fairy Floss’ at Madden Square in Footscray on 13 October. More details can be found at festivalcity.com.au
GET ACTIVE WITH THE GO FAMILY SOCCER PROGRAM
Join the newest Active Maribyrnong initiative, GO Family – an innovative six-week program designed for families to get active together through football (soccer) this October. The program runs weekly from three local parks from 8 October–14 November 2024. To register, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/go-family
A GUIDE TO THE 2024 ELECTION PERIOD
Local government elections will be held this October with seven councillors to be elected to represent seven wards in the City of Maribyrnong.
The 2024 election will be conducted via a postal vote by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC), with ballot packs sent to enrolled voters from 7 October onwards.
In addition, Council has entered an election period until 26 October 2024. For more information and to view the Election Period Policy, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/About/2024-Council-Elections
For matters relating to the election process or receiving your postal election package, please visit the VEC website at vec.vig.gov.au or phone the VEC on 131 832.
OCTOBER COUNCIL MEETING
Tue15October: 6.30pm Council Meeting
A Council meeting has been scheduled during the Election Period, for the statutory purpose of Council adopting the 2023/24 Financial Statements and Annual Report. This meeting will be held at the Braybrook Community Hub and livestreamed via Council’s website. 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
SENIORS FESTIVAL
YARNING CIRCLE
Wednesday 9 October, 10am-12pm
Scovell Reserve
BUTTERFLY HOUSE
Monday 21 October, 10am-12pm
Yarraville Senior Centre
THEATRE PROGRAM – VOICES OF MARIBYRNONG
Every Monday and Wednesday for the month of October, 6-8.30pm Yarraville Senior Centre
MORNING TEA AND MELODIES
Wednesday 2 October, 10.30am-12pm Braybrook Community Hub PICKLEBALL
As part of the Civic Precinct and Community Hub Redevelopment, a new community park surrounding the Hub and Footscray Town Hall is being created. The park will include an accessible walking path, stairs and a ramp, making it safer and easier for pedestrians to move through the Precinct and to get to the nearby Footscray Railway Station and schools.
A Gathering Circle as part of a First Nations art installation is underway, further enriching the park’s role as a central gathering place for all.
In keeping with the park’s focus on sustainability, a 60-kilolitre rainwater tank has been installed to store and recycle stormwater, which will be used for irrigating gardens or flushing toilets.
This week, the community park welcomed 150 new plantings, comprising of 39 tree and native plant species.
The historic Seaworks precinct in Williamstown is counting the cost of two break-ins that occurred on one night at the heritage-listed venue.
On the night of Thursday, September 19, thieves carrying chainsaws and believed to have arrived by boat, broke into the precinct and cut off timber from one of its piers.
The following morning, Seaworks executive officer Glenn Jones was on his way into work when he received a call from Parks Victoria, informing him of the incident.
“The fenders on the side of the pier they’ve
chopped off and also the capping which holds down the actual pier planks, they’ve removed parts of that and chopped into that as well,” said Mr Jones of the redgum timber which the thieves took from the Commissioners Pier.
“People have been suggesting they’ve been selling it at market, but it’s more likely just for firewood,” he said of the possible motive.
The Commissioners Pier, along with the other piers at Seaworks, is currently closed due to being structurally unsafe.
Mr Jones said the thieves were lucky not to injure themselves while stealing the timber.
“It is quite an unstable pier so it’s dangerous to be on it and they’ve made it even more unstable now.”
The incident was reported to police who are currently investigating both it and an earlier break-in where a group of youths vandalised the precinct courtyard and damaged seating.
“Senseless vandalism really,” said a frustrated Mr Jones of the incident which is believed to be unrelated to the theft of timber from Commissioners Pier.
“It’s quite brazen when you’re right next door to a police station.”
2nd Footscray Scout Group leader Michelle Wightwick is organising 100th anniversary celebrations and calling for new leaders. (Ljubica Vrankovic)_433861_01
Scouts set to celebrate centenary
The 2nd Footscray Scout Group is inviting ex-members to join them to celebrate the group’s centenary next weekend.
A 100th anniversary dinner will be held on Saturday, October 12 at the Riverside Kitchen and Bar in Ascot Vale and group leader and event organiser Michelle Wightwick said she’d searched far and wide to get former members to attend.
“I’ve managed to contact well over 300 past members,” said Ms Wightwick, who is expecting about 60 to attend.
Among those she’s hoping will attend the 100th birthday celebrations is Wal Hopkins, believed to be 2nd Footscray’s oldest
supporter who is even older than the group itself.
“He actually turned 100 earlier this year,” said Ms Wightwick, who attended his birthday celebrations.
For those who can’t make the October 12 dinner, there is still another opportunity to celebrate the group’s centenary, even if it will actually occur in it’s 101st year.
“Next year we’re going to have an open day at the scout hall,” said Ms Wightwick.
“We received quite a substantial grant to do hall renovations and upgrade so we thought we’d do it when it’s all completed.”
Along with organising the anniversary
events, Ms Wightwick is also on the lookout for more scout leaders, something she said wasn’t a new problem.
“It’s one of those ongoing things. I’m reading minutes and notes and newsletters from the 80’s and they were calling for leaders,” she said adding that leaders don’t need to have children in scouts and nor do they have to be male. You just need to have interest in the outdoors and the community.”
To inquire about becoming a scout leader with 2nd Footscray, email: gl.2ndfootscray@ scoutsvictoria.com.au For details on the 100th anniversary dinner, go to: https://www. trybooking.com/CTPWK
The presence of the Williamstown Police Station next door to Seaworks clearly isn’t a deterrent, with the break-ins becoming a persistent problem at the precinct and not just from thieves and vandals.
“Fences are constantly being cut by fishermen wanting to get out and fish,” said Mr Jones, who warned trespassers that were not only breaking the law, but putting themselves at risk.
“They’re taking their life into their own hands because the piers are unstable.”
VEC retires candidates
One Hobsons Bay council candidate has been disqualified from running in the upcoming local election by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
Paula Morgan, who was standing in the Laverton Ward, was among 16 candidates across the state deemed ineligible to run.
The VEC said that many of the disqualifications were the result of the Department of Government Services and Local Government Victoria cross checking the VEC’s candidate list with the register of local government candidate training.
AsofSeptember30,12candidateshad not completed the training as declared in their nominations.
It is a legal requirement for candidates tocompletethetraininginthetwoyears before election day to be eligible for nomination.
As part of the nomination process, candidates must declare they have completed the training and specify a completion date for the training. According to the VEC over 99 per cent of candidates successfully completed the training.
Before retiring each candidate, the VEC provided them with an opportunity to respond to the intention to retire them, as required by legislation.
As a result, some candidates were matched against the register of local government candidate training and not disqualified.
Another four candidates were retired just after the close of nominations after being found ineligible to run.
The current number of candidates standing state-wide is 2,215.
Footscray Road citybound between Dock Link Road and Appleton Dock Road will close from 8pm Friday 11 October to 5am Thursday 31 October. Footscray Road will then close in both directions overnight between Pearl River Road and CityLink from 8pm Saturday 12 October to 5am Sunday 13 October
Paul’s parking problem
By Cade Lucas
Saturday, September 14 was a tough day for Sunshine man, Paul Whelan.
He and his family had gone to Pennell Reserve in Braybrook to watch their son play for Albion in the Western Football Netball League division two reserves grand final against Sunshine.
Not only did Albion lose the reserves (and the seniors) and everyone get drenched in the rain and hail storms that swept across the ground that afternoon, but Mr Whelan and his son Ross returned to their cars to find $119 parking fines issued by Maribyrnong council.
“It’s not 20 dollars, it’s pretty substantial,” said Mr Whelan of the fine that he has until the end of next month to pay.
While the cost is significant, Mr Whelan is more annoyed by the lack of warning, saying he’d parked in the same grassed area just off Cranwell Street at earlier finals without being fined.
“When they played Sunshine in the preliminary (final) that area was packed as well, but they didn’t fine anyone,” he said, adding that there were no signs warning motorists not to park on the grass either.
Mr Whelan accused Maribyrnong council ofusingthegrandfinalcrowdtoraiserevenue.
“They’re holding a major event there and there’s very limited parking,” he said.
“I just think it’s a bit rough.”
Mr Whelan said he drove around the ground multiple times to find a suitable park, but that the grass was the only option with his wife’s mobility issues making a spot close to the ground a necessity.
“My wife can walk a bit of distance but not 200 meters or something, it’s a bit of a struggle for her.”
Bird lovers open day
BirdloversareinvitedtocelebrateWorld Migratory Bird Day next weekend at the Truganina Explosives Reserve in Altona.
The Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre is holding its annual open day there to celebrate the day which signifies the time of year that migratory birds return to the area after breeding in the Northern Hemisphere.
Taking place from noon to 4pm on Saturday, October 12. There will be a coffee cart onsite as well as a free barbecue and free activities, including children’s art workshops, music, citizen science, water bugs under the microscope and guided walks.
Environmental organisations and friends groups will also be there demonstrating conservation and protection techniques.
“Over many years, people have come along to the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre open days to enjoy nature-based, creative activities and to learn about the wetlands and the various critical ecosystems of western Melbourne,” said Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre chair, Dr Marilyn Olliff.
In a statement to Star Weekly, Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock dismissed claims of revenue raising.
Hobsons Bay City Council postal election
My council, my vote
An election will be held for Hobsons Bay City Council.
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 7 October.
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.
“Pennell Reserve is one of several locations regularly patrolled within the municipality, and infringements are issued to vehicles breaching road safety rules, including on 7 and 14 September at this location,” she said,
adding that grassed areas don’t require no parking signs.
“Under Section 127 of the Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017, vehicles cannot stop on nature strips, paths, dividing strips, and painted or traffic islands. As this is a violation of state road rules, signage is not required.”
A key attraction on the day will be guided walks through the wetlands where experts will explain the biodiversity of the area while allowing people to see the birds, who have flown all the way from the Arctic Circle to the Laverton Creek Estuary, up close.
“Western Melbourne is incredibly fortunate to have this amazing natural space at its doorstep,” said Ms Olliffe.
How to return your ballot pack
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hours to:
Hobsons Bay Civic Centre 115 Civic Parade Altona
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and councilenrolled voters.
If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid excuse, you may be fined.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6 pm Friday 25 October.
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
A touch of the highlands
For a Saturday later this month, Hobsons Bay will be transformed into the Scottish countryside as it plays host to the Williamstown Highland Celtic Gathering.
Taking place at the Seaworks precinct on Saturday, October 26, the third annual event organised by the Melbourne Highland Games &CelticFestivalIncistheonlygatheringofits type in the city.
Highland and Celtic dancers from across Melbourne and interstate will perform on the day, as will folk musicians and pipe bands.
Cultural displays, stalls and lashing of whiskey will also be on offer.
Alongside the music and culture will be the serious business of highland sports events taking place, with athletes competing part in heavy events such as the caber toss, stone put and hammer throw.
Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival treasurer, Dianne Cowling, said the competitionswouldbemorethanjustcultural displays.
“Williamstown is the precursor to our big
games in Croydon each year in March,” Ms Cowling said.
“NextMarchthiswillbeatrulyInternational Games as we have athletes coming from the UK, Europe and North America accompanied by a TV crew who will be broadcasting the event live for their international audience.”
The music line-up on the day is being presented in conjunction with Victorian Folk Music Club and performances will take place indoors at Seaworks’ Pirates Tavern venue.
The Newport Folk and Fiddle Club Celtic Group, The Newport Bush Orchestra, Celtic vocal and dance group Saoirse and solo performer Elizabeth Sutherland are among those who will take to the stage.
The Williamstown Highland Celtic Gathering runs from 9am to 4pm on October 26.
The Newport Bush Orchestra will be performing at the Williamstown Highland Celtic Gathering on October 26. (supplied)
Paul Whelan standing on the spot at Pennell Reserve in Braybrook where he was fined for parking while watching a local football grand final . (Ljubica Vrankovic)_433844_01
Data shows inner west crime up
Crime in the inner-west is on the rise according to the latest data released by the Crime Statistics Agency on Thursday.
Results for the year to June showed recorded offences rose by nearly 15 per cent in Maribyrnong and almost 14 per cent in Hobsons Bay.
A total of 10,631 offences were recorded in Maribyrnong, 14.9 per cent higher than the 9255 offences recorded to the same point a year earlier.
Hobsons Bay recorded 6416 offences, a 13.8 per cent increase on the 5640 recorded to June 2023.
In Maribyrnong, Footscray recorded
the most offences with 3804 compared to 3048 a year earlier and more than second place Maribyrnong (1740) and third placed Braybrook (1574) combined.
Streets lanes and footpaths overtook houses as Maribyrnong’s most common location for crime, with 2131 offences recorded, up from 1727. Crime in houses actually fell, dropping from 1954 to 1718.
Stealing from a motor vehicle remained Maribyrnong’s most common crime, with 1684 offences recorded, up from 1445.
Other theft was next on 1316, ahead of stealing from retail (740), criminal damage (717) and motor vehicle theft (572).
Girls hit cricket for six
With football finished, the cricket season is now almost upon us and local clubs are looking for new players to fill out their teams.
In the case of the Footscray Angliss Cricket Club, it is on the lookout for female cricketers as it gets set to launch its first all-girls team.
Footscray Angliss president Michael Cox said the under-13 junior girls side that will compete in the Western Region Junior Cricket Association (WRJCA) would hopefully be the first of many female teams at the club.
“We want to be an all inclusive club. We wanna provide opportunities for cricketers of all abilities and ages and obviously women fit into that,” said Cox of the reasoning behind the new team.
He said while the club had long had female players in mixed teams, its lack of a dedicated female program meant they were often lost to other clubs as they got older.
But it was a group of young girls at club who wanted to remain friends while they went to different high schools, that ultimately brought about change.
“Basically the girls came to me with the idea (of starting a junior girls team) and we thought it was fantastic and that we could provide them with the opportunity.”
While the club is looking for girls who will qualify for their under-13 team, Cox said women of all ages and abilities were encouraged to join, with mixed cricket suiting some female players.
‘The girls actually want the opportunity to play against the boys as well, they want to play in the mixed teams,” he said.
Footscray Angliss train on Wednesdays from 4pm at Angliss Reserve in Yarraville.
The WRJCA season begins in mid-October. Cade Lucas
Poetry to flow in Footscray
Amid all the doom and gloom some good things did emerge from Melbourne’s pandemic experiences – working from home, new hobbies and in the inner-west, poetry.
Born during the early days of the pandemic, Liquid Amber is a small press and poetry hub based in Seddon that since 2020 has provided opportunities for established and emerging poets to read their work, listen to others and be published.
And on Saturday, October 26, Liquid Amber will host its first live in-person event at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray.
“If you enjoy ‘listening to art’ and experiencing the charge that comes with great poetry, join us for this ‘best in the west’ afternoon of literature” said Rose Lucas, the founding editor of Liquid Amber Press.
The festival will be opened by poet and novelist Francesca de Torescan, before a variety of readings and panel discussions held across the afternoon, including Angela
Williamstown was again the suburb with the most offences in Hobsons Bay, recording 1366 compared to 1052 to June 2023.
Altona North came second with 1113, ahead of Altona (748). which leapfrogged Altona Meadows (714) into third place.
Houses remained by far the most common crime location, with 1741, ahead of streets lanes and footpaths on 1127.
Other retail was the only location to record a reduction in offences, dropping from 233 to 208.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police blamed the increase on property and deception offences, which jumped by nearly 10 per cent
in Hobsons Bay. However the spokesperson pointed out that Hobsons Bay still had the fourth lowest crime rate of any council area in Melbourne and that most crime types in Maribyrnong remained steady.
Family violence incidents in Maribyrnong dropped by 8.1 per cent.
However, Hobsons Bay recorded a 3.7 per cent increase and the police spokesperson said the issue required constant vigilance.
“That’s why our specialist family violence detectives are out every day to proactively target and apprehend wanted family violence perpetrators and ensure the safety of victim-survivors.
Costi, Nathan Curnow and Anne Gleeson exploring the theme ‘Territories of the Heart’ and Dominique Hecq, Ross Gillett and Diane Fahey discussing ‘Conversations: Poetry in dialogue with other texts’.
There will also be readings by Melbourne poets Alison J Barton, Gayelene Carbis, Isabella Mead, Es Foong, Lesh Karan, Alana Kelsall and Emilie Collyer.
Collyer will also launch Stephanie Powell’s new poetry collection Invisible Wasp.
“Reading Invisible Wasp is like spending time with your cool friend who helps you navigate life’s strangeness,” she said.
“I keep returning to this shimmering collection and every time I find something new.”
Tickets for Liquid Amber Poets and Friends include afternoon tea from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Details: www.liquidamberpress.com.au/events
Cade Lucas
election
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 7 October.
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.
How to return your ballot pack
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hours to: Unit 14 61 Wattle Road Maidstone
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and councilenrolled voters.
If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid excuse, you may be fined.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6 pm Friday 25 October.
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Footscray Angliss Cricket Club players (back from left) Gauri, 13, Lucy, 14, Frida, 12, and (front) Emma, 13, want more girls to join them. (LjubicaVrankovic)_431065_05
Rose Lucas, editor of Seddon based poetry publisher Liquid Amber Press, which is holding a live poetry festival in Footscray on October 26. (Damjan Janevski) 432762_01
An
will be held for Maribyrnong City Council.
Survivor wants her breasts back
By Afraa Kori
After living in survival mode, Cobblebank cancer survivor Melanie Kuyl’s road to self-discovery and healing is never ending.
Thebattlebeganin2020,whenaGPdelivered her triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis over the phone while she was buying nappies. This led to chemotherapy and double mastectomy, which was a very isolating and lonely experience during lockdown.
While she’s “incredibly grateful to be here today”, she is seeking breast reconstruction surgery to restore her physical appearance and identity.
“Every time I look in the mirror, it takes me back to feeling damaged and incomplete. I see nothing but scars! It’s something that I face every single day and it’s not something that’s getting easier. It’s probably something that the longer I wait for the surgery, it’s getting harder and harder and taking more of a toll, emotionally,” she said.
“Everyonesays,‘ohmyGod,you’resostrong’. But there’s nothing else you can be when you’re put in that situation! You’ve got no choice but to be strong. You’re a mother and you’re a wife and you’ve got to keep going. You’ve got to keep being strong for your family. But at the same time, everything that makes you feel like a woman is taken away from you, especially when you have to have a double mastectomy andfacetheworldwaitingforareconstruction. So everything that makes you feel womanly and motherly and feminine is gone.
“I’velearnedaboutthestrengththatmybody has given me. It’s grown and nurtured through children and it’s gotten me this far. But at the sametime,it’sveryfragileandthere’sscarsthat I’d rather not look at when I’m looking in the
mirror. I just want to be put back together and be whole again.”
Just for Melanie to be “a whole person again” shehastoexposeherscarsinthe“literalandthe emotional sense” through a public GoFundMe appeal.
“Unfortunately, despite being a category 3 patient—where I should have only waited within 12 months—I’ve been languishing on the public waiting list since November 2022. I’ve been left with no other option but to seek this surgery through the private healthcare system.
“I never thought I’d be in a position where I would need to ask for financial help for a medical operation here in Australia, but this surgery is essential for me to move forward in my life after cancer.
“It’s not something that’s done out of anythingelsebutnecessitytoprotectmyfamily from the $20,000 in costs for gap fees and from what I’ve been told, even more than that with follow-up surgeries and things that need to be done.”
When cancer survivors turn to GoFundMe due to healthcare gaps, “it’s incredibly uncomfortable, daunting, and embarrassing”.
“As a taxpayer and someone who’s paid for
private health insurance for 20 years and paid over $90,000 for health insurance, I shouldn’t havetoputmyselfouttherethisvulnerablyjust to have surgery to be put back together,” she said.
“There’s been workmates, friends, followers on Instagram and even some local businesses who have shared my story and said that I shouldn’t be having to do this to access what’s necessary in Victoria. They can’t believe I have to do this, but they’re really supportive of me reaching my goal.”
However Melanie encourages women battling breast cancer and seeking financial help to never give up.
“It’s difficult being vulnerable and putting your story out there, but for the most part, the people looking at your suffering and the fact that we have to do this, they actually want us to succeed.
“Sometimes hope is all we’ve got and if you keepputtingyourselfoutthereandtellingyour story, then you can bring about change and inspire other people.”
Although she hasn’t reached her fundraising goal, Melanie is grateful to have a community of big-hearted Aussies.
“I just can’t believe the generosity of people
andeventhemessagesthathavecomethrough. There’s other survivors that have donated, there’s people I know and total strangers that have wished me well.”
Her journey has also been bittersweet, it has resonated with and united many women in the same boat.
“I’m really hopeful because I’m raising awareness of the bigger picture and the issue facing survivors that hopefully it’ll continue to get me to the point where I can actually reach my goal.
“Other survivors and so many breast cancer patients have reached out and said I’m so brave in sharing my story, and by doing it, I’m highlighting it for all of them and what they’re going through.
“Cancer is the gift that nobody wants to receive, but it gives you an awful lot of perspective. The community of people who are goingthroughtreatmentandwhoaresurvivors of cancer is one that is really supportive and builds each other up and helps you get through it.Ifollowlotsofothercancersurvivorsandwe support each other through our good days and our bad days.”
On a personal level, breast cancer taught her family that tomorrow is never promised.
“When I had a chemo infusion, I was having bone pains, nauseous and resting a lot of the time in bed. So if it wasn’t for my parents, my husband and my cousin who supported me, I wouldn’t have got through it at all. The mental tollisthatit’saveryfast-movingandaggressive cancer. I didn’t think I was going to be here to see my children grow up. I’m still not positive because until you get to five years clear of it, there’s no guarantees.
“There’s lots of challenges in life but you try to continue to push through them. Breast cancer has definitely brought my husband, my parentsandmychildrenclosertogether.Wetry to live each day as it comes and really enjoy the momentandmakememoriesasafamily.That’s what I’ll continue to do with my family.”
Homb nurtures and empowers new mothers, striving to prevent postnatal depression and anxiety.
Founder Larissa Leone is also working to change the ubiquitous baby-first narrative and make mums the priority.
Speaking to StarWeekly , Larissa pointed to baby expos as an example.
“There’s no postpartum stands,” she said.
“Everything is for the baby. Everything is still for the baby. All they want is your love and your attention. Spend your money on yourself being able to provide that wholeheartedly.
“It’s really difficult to convey that knowledge and information because (pregnant) women don’t want to know. They are focused on the fluffystuff.“Thesystemorsocietydoesn’tvalue that. What it now seems is indulgent.
“Homb has been referred to as a postpartum hotel. “For the most part, sure, that’s what it is. But it sounds so transactional. There’s so much more depth to what we offer and what we provide. This is a solution. The healthcare system has to get on board.
“The spend on the recovery and the response to postnatal depression is huge compared to the spend on preventative care. “We’ve got stats staring us in the face, on postnatal depression and anxiety. One in five.
“We seemingly have all of this help but the stats are still increasing.
“Is it that we’re talking about it more and women are coming forward more, or is it that themoneyraisedisn’tgoingtotherightareas?”
Homb was born from Larissa’s experience after welcoming her first child.
“I had a very successful business, I had all my ducks in a row, I was very in control of
everything in my life,” she said.
“I had a great pregnancy, no complications. Even my birth was great, there was nothing overly stressful or traumatic about that.
“But from that first moment, I just felt very out of control and very ‘this person now is relying on me and I don’t know if I can do this, am I going to do this well enough?’.
“There was already a lot of self-judgement.
“Whenitdidn’t,itreallycatapultedmeintoa world of anxiety and really deep worry.
“Itjustcontinuedtospiral,themoreItriedto coverallthosefeelingsupandtriedtointegrate into society.”
She reached out to her husband for help when her daughter was about six months old.
“I was having very dark thoughts. I was thinking about self-harm,” she said.
“I thought ‘if I hurt myself enough but not too much then I can go to hospital and have a
couple of nights where I’m not with the baby and I can have some sleep and some rest’.
“I knew somewhere in me that that wasn’t normal.”
They contacted a mothercraft nurse – who cares for newborns and provides advice and training to parents – and waited four weeks to see her. “At that point it was still not help for me, it was help for the situation,” Larissa said.
“With the benefit of hindsight, I should have been straight to a psychologist.
“It’s interesting that the go-to was still not caring for me as the mother.
“I said to my husband, ‘why is there nowhere that I can go that I can be helped through this without it being a hospital?’. “I was just astounded that there was nowhere I could go that was a more homely environment.”
Larissa was retrospectively diagnosed with postpartum depression after having her son
two years later, and her desire to affect change intensified.
“I just didn’t want any other woman to experience what I had experienced,” she said.
“The health care system has pulled us away from our innate knowing of how to birth.
“Largely I think we’ve over-medicalised something that is innately natural.
“It’s just become a huge marketing thing and women don’t trust themselves anymore.
“The essence of Homb is really trying to bring back that confidence and trust within a woman to have the confidence to make those decisions for herself, with the guidance and supportofpeoplewhoareintrinsicallyinvolved in maternal health.”
Homb’s team includes registered nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, naturopaths, nutritionists, doulas, birth trauma practitioners, gentle sleep consultants, and more. “We are mother-led,” Larissa said.
“If a mother has a way she wants to do things we follow that.”
Women who need support have the opportunity to access the service at low or no cost. “Starting the charity arm was a huge part of it for me, because I understood the costs –having midwives and incredible staff doesn’t come cheaply,” Larissa said.
“I knew it was not accessible for the majority of women.”
Thefeedbackhassurpassedherexpectations.
“It’s been quite extraordinary and certainly the most fulfilling thing I will ever do in my lifetime,” she said.
“Consistently, they feel like they can breathe again.”
- Casey Neill
Melanie Kuyl receiving treatment in hospital. (Pictures: Supplied)
Helping keep the west clean
Yarraville’s Evan McLean is showing that a little bit of recycling can go a long way in keeping your local area clean.
The 10-year-old year 5 student has had a long fascination with recycling around the house, an interest that started with a love for garbage trucks and the sound of crashing glass.
“At a young age, and now as well, I liked garbage trucks and bins,” he said.
The introduction of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) last year turned the hobbyintosomethingmoreprofitableforEvan.
While making some extra pocket money is great, for Evan it is a bonus to know nothing is wasted in landfill.
“I like that you can get a bit of money for cashing in cans, and most importantly I know that it’s always getting recycled.” he said.
Evan discussed some reasons others might
want to get involved.
“I guess it’s a great novelty to get some money, exercise and help the environment- in all aspects a very good way to get money.”
He was asked the inevitable question that many kids loathe- what he might like to be when he grows up?
“Probably a garbage truck driver, that’s my number one passion at the moment.”
While buying the occasional game, Evan said he makes sure to save his money.
TOMRA Cleanaway’s Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) covers Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs and has refunded more than $21 million across 114 sites.
For your nearest CDS west point: https:// cdsvic.org.au/locations
Jaidyn
Kennedy
ADVERTISEMENT
head in here 30pt
Building a stronger
Briefs
Road closure
The inbound exit from the West Gate Freeway to Williamstown Road has been closed until November 17 as part of works on the West Gate Tunnel project. To reach Yarraville or Spotswood, motorists are advised take the earlier exit at Millers Road, and allow up to 15 minutes extra for the detour via Geelong Road or Blackshaws Road. If drivers miss the earlier exit, they must continue over the West Gate Bridge, and u-turn using Cook Street and Todd Road to make the return trip over the bridge. During the seven-week closure, crews will undertake pavement works, and will construct the new walking and cycling path to connect with paths on Fogarty Avenue, Yarraville and Hyde Street, Spotswood.
Boat fire
Police are investigating a boat fire in Altona on Thursday, September 26. Emergency services responded to reports of a boat engulfed in flames near the Altona beach boat ramp about 12.45pm. The 11-metre cabin cruiser, believed to have been stolen from a Docklands mariner, sustained extensive damage. The circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to established. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
community, with reliable services and an active local government.
Leaving home at 15 the following years were accompanied by consistently unpleasant experiences with a range of government affected services, things like Centrelink, social housing and so on. I went on to become one of 14,000 renters in the city of Maribyrnong. All these experiences have driven a passion to make change and a deeper passion for social justice.
I have learnt the importance of a strong community with great community infrastructure. Right now in Footscray the existing infrastructure is not properly cared for. One such example is the Community Arts Centre, which lacks the required operational funding, meanwhile the local government looks to build an entirely new theatre building. It’s so crucial we protect what we’ve got, and I am absolutely committed to properly funding the Community Arts Centre.
As a non-binary person and someone who has accessed gender affirming healthcare following a 2-year waitlist, I have experienced how crucial it is to provide more gender affirming healthcare services especially in the west. I am committed to fiercely advocating for increased Queer healthcare services in the west. I know we need to celebrate our queer history, and I am planning to work with local business and the arts centre to hold an annual festival celebrating the LGBTI+ community in the western suburbs.
Importantly I have seen the neglect which plagues Footscray’s CBD, and whilst working people struggle to find suitable housing, Footscray and the whole of Maribyrnong house more than 4000 vacant properties. For people with mobility issues the footpaths are inaccessible and even dangerous. Local business is struggling impacting jobs and the local economy. During a climate crisis when all branches of government need to do more, the western suburbs are home to the lowest tree canopy cover in Melbourne, and our existing pockets of native biodiversity are threatened by a lack of consideration and consultation by the current council. This is why I plan to plant more native trees promoting biodiversity, repair and upgrade footpaths, and revitalise Footscray’s CBD.
I believe Footscray and the City of Maribyrnong are beautiful places, home to incredible communities, whilst the current council has neglected the local government area, there is significant potential for change.
Evan, 10, doing his bit for the environment. (Damjan Janevski)
Barb uncovers quirks of history
By Cade Lucas
When asked how she became an amateur historian, Williamstown’s Barb McNeill credits her school teachers with firing her interest in the topic.
“If you’d been to school in the 1950s you’d know why everyone hated Australian history, itwasthemostboring,tediousthingyoucould imagine,” she remarked with a backhander that Roger Federer would be proud of.
‘‘ One thing history teaches you is that human beings do not change ... the same human behaviours keep repeating in all their greatness and stupidity ’’
- Barb McNeill
“It was just facts and figures like how many thousands of tonnes of wool we were exporting in 1850 and all this garbage,” Barb added before turning her ire on having to redraw maps by explorers such as Burke and Wills and Hume and Hovell.
“I thought it was stupid because the Aborigines had already been there. I hated it.”
Fortunately for her history teachers, Barbs’ disdain for their lessons made her 1963 discovery of the book ‘Scandals of Australia’s Strange Past’ by journalist and author George Blaikie a revelation.
“They were just so wonderfully bizarre and entertaining,” she said of Blaiklie’s stories which were originally published as columns in the Brisbane Courier Mail.
“I was totally hooked from then on.”
So hooked, that Barb’s fascination with Australian history has endured for more than 60 years, to the point where she is now emulating her hero George Blaiklie by writing a weekly newspaper column on it.
“There were a lot of loonies running the show,” she laughed when asked about her fascination with this period.
“I think Britain got rid of all their mad people and sent them over here.”
However, Barb pointed out that in the long run, this had proven to be a good thing.
“We actually benefited from the convict
Barb’s first ‘Quirky History’ column appears in this week’s edition of the Star Weekly and like most of her writing, it focuses on Australia’s colonial era from 1788 to 1901.
era,”shesaid.“Itbredanegalitarianismwhich is still with us.”
As for what a lifetime reading and studying history had taught her?
“One thing history teaches you is that human beings do not change,” Barb said.
“Technology does, but the same human behaviours keep repeating in all their greatness and stupidity.”
Pillage, plunder and a Williamstown gold heist
On 2 April, 1852, the Nelson, a 603 ton barque commanded by Captain Walter Wright, was anchored near the Williamstown breakwater, ready to sail to London.
In the ship’s lazarette were 23 packages containing over 8,000 ounces of gold dust and nuggets on consignment from Geelong, where some of the crew had jumped ship to head off to the Mount Alexander diggings.
Arriving at Williamstown, Captain Wright went ashore, leaving on board Chief Officer Henry Draper, Second Mate Carr Dudley, the cook, the cabin boy, the carpenter and two seamen, plus Second Mate William Davies, who was visiting from another moored vessel.
Strangely, Captain Wright left no instructionsaboutsecurityforthegoldorwho was to keep watch, even though, according to maritime law, bullion had to be safely guarded on the eve before sailing. Draper, Dudley, and Davies whiled away the hours with cards and drink. At 11pm they retired for the night.
At about 2 am, the cook, then strolling on the deck, was shocked to see two whaleboats in the gloom, rowed by muffled oars. With no time to raise the alarm, he shinned up the rigging and remained quietly there. The ruffians, whom he estimated to number a dozen or more, quietly climbed a ladder left hanging over the side.
The first mate was awoken by a lantern in his face and a snarling voice demanding to know where the gold was.
A man of integrity, Draper refused to say a word.
A pistol held to his head, a sword jabbed into his ribs and a bullet fired at his thigh soon persuaded him that being a hero was a most unwise course of action.
The ship swarmed with men who were heavily armed and with handkerchiefs tied around their faces. Draper was forced to surrender the 23 gold boxes. The leader of the pirate gang was in a generous mood and held out one of them.
“Here,” he allegedly said to Draper. “Help yourself. Nobody will be any the wiser.”
Draper refused.
All on board, except the hidden cook, had their hands tied behind their backs and were forced into the lazarette and the hatches fastened. . Weapons were seized and heaved overboard, including the cannons, which created a mighty splash as they struck the waters of Hobsons Bay.
The heist was carried out with customs, water police and 40 other ships at anchor nearby, but nobody saw or heard a thing.
All valuables - including cash, watches and bank drafts - had been seized, the ship had been completely disarmed, nobody had been killed, and, though some face masks had slipped now and then, they were confident that they could never be recognised.
Judging it safe to move, the cook scrambled from the rigging and released the prisoners trapped in the lazarette. The quarter boat was lowered, and the crew headed to the Williamstown Police.
At sunrise, a search commenced with boats scouring the shorelines. There being no telegraph at Williamstown, messengers on horseback were dispatched to alert the Melbourne authorities and troopers galloped away to seek the pirates and their treasure.
The whaleboats were discovered on
Williamstown and St Kilda beaches. Not a speck of gold was in either.
The plan had gone off seamlessly, but judging by their post-piracy antics, the perpetrators were not very bright.
ThefirstarrestoccurredonTuesday,6April.
Second Mate Davies was enjoying an ale at Williamstown’s Ship Inn, when he spotted John Johnston hanging around Nelson Place. Davies ran to inform the police that one of the pirates was still in Williamstown.
Inspector George Lovell of the Williamstown Water Police grabbed Johnston boardingaSydney-boundvessel,andmarched him off to the watch house to examine the two carpet bags he carried. They contained a suit of black clothes. Forced to change into them, Johnston was identified by Davies as resembling a similarly- attired pirate he’d seen on the Nelson.
In court, Johnston’s solicitor, Mr Read, begged for his client to be bailed.
“Mr Johnston was nowhere near the Nelson when the robbery occurred,” he informed Justice of the Peace, Mr Hull.
“He had been at the Queen’s Theatre in Melbourne, and later went to the St John’s Tavern, where he bravely assisted in quelling a riot.”
Strangely unmoved by the defendant’s commendable public spirit, the J.P. refused bail.
Soon afterwards, four men, all dressed in dark clothing and with a team of pack horses, arrived at the Ocean Child tavern outside of Geelong. The landlord, James Knight’s suspicions were immediately aroused by the unusual quartet.
Having first ensured that his guests paid up-front for the night’s lodgings and hoping to claim the plump reward offered by agents for the Nelson, the canny host quietly sent a servant to notify the police.
While still sleeping , the four were captured by Chief Constable Carman and Sergeants Grant and Wallace.
“Where’s the gold?
“We sold it! Thirty shillings an ounce!”
“To whom?”
“A buyer who’s now on his way to England,” was the smirking answer.
“What’s his name? What ship is he on?”
“Sorry, we can’t remember.”
“Right. You’re all under arrest and going to Geelong.”
Realising that the police couldn’t physically drag them to Geelong, the thieves decided to stay put.
But police have ways of dealing with stubborn crooks. A dray was soon produced and all were handcuffed and thrown into it for a rough ride to the Geelong lock-up.
Others fared no better in Geelong. One silly fellow, quite forgetting that the gold had been originally loaded onto the Nelson in Geelong, offered to sell a handsome nugget to the very merchant who owned it and had shipped it on consignment to Williamstown. Recognising his property, the man howled for the police, and another villain was thrown into the cells.
Four more arrests soon followed.
On the somewhat shaky evidence of eye witnesses and voice identification, nine men were tried, by Justice William A’ Beckett in Melbourne, and Justice Redmond Barry in Geelong.
Only five were convicted; all were sentenced to 15 years working on the roads in heavy chains.
Thrilling rumours flew around the colony for years, but the mastermind was never found. No admissions were ever made by members of the chain gang, and 90 percent of the haul disappeared forever.
Williamstown’s Barb McNeill is the Star Weekly’s new history columnist. (Damjan Janevski) 432421_05
DISCOVER WILLIAMSTOWN
Pirates Tavern
Drop anchor at Pirates Tavern, 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 the scenic beer garden or enjoy the 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 the team and discover why the tavern is the most unique venue in Melbourne. Everyone is welcome at Pirates Tavern. For bookings please call Wendy on 0403 702 734.
Atelier Art Supplies
Atelier Art Supplies is located off Champion Road in Williamstown North and has been offering an extensive range of high-quality artsuppliestolocalsandinterstatebusinesses 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, Atelier offers a combined depth of knowledge in the industry of over 40 years and staff 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.
Little Ginger
Little Ginger is a modern industrial events venue in Akuna Drive, Williamstown North. Whatever your celebration or event, Little Ginger has the perfect function space and package for you. Fully staffed, private licenced bar, range of catering options and all the guest comforts including AC/heating and onsite parking. The venue provides you and your guests with the service of a reception centre, and provides you with the flexibility of a blank canvas venue. If you are looking for a space for your next family occasion or somewhere to host a business event, get in touch with Nikki to secure your booking 0478 418 227
Portside Dental
At Portside Dental, Dr Cindy Lay and Dr Meredith Metin are committed to providing gentle, compassionate care to all their patients. The business’s motto, ’Dentistry Reimagined’, reflects a commitment to transforming the dental experience from clinical to comfortable, ensuring every patient feels at ease. Portside Dental offers a comprehensive range of services, including sleep dentistry for nervous patients, Invisalign for straighter smiles, and expert carefromtheskilledoralhealththerapist.The team is dedicated to delivering high-quality dental care tailored to your needs, including cosmetic and restorative treatments. Visit the website www.portsidedental.com.au or call 9967 6131 for more information.
Williamstown Foreshore.
Nelson Place, WIlliamstown.
Time Ball Tower, WIlliamstown.
Joan’s life has been child’s play
Ninety year old Altona author Joan Healey is proof that age is just a number, publishing her first book on the 50th anniversary of the beginning of cubbies, Australia’s first adventure playground in Fitzroy. Afraa Kori reports.
As a former journalist, the writing skills were there and the path was paved, but Joan Healey’s journey to becoming an author was a surprise twist.
Onanoverseastraveladventureinthe1970s, Joan worked in an adventure playground in London’s East End.
After returning home to Melbourne, she agreed to run an adventure playground as part of a short term holiday program in Fitzroy.
“It started as a six-week holiday program, and for various reasons, I stayed on and it kept going,” she explained.
“So I wasn’t inspired by anything, it just happened accidentally.”
Joan’s book, ‘The Cubbies The Battle for Australia’s First Adventure Playground’, is based on her personal experiences and observations.
‘‘ Kids don’t want their parents around all the time ... you’ve got to let kids go, it’s necessary for healthy development ’’
- Joan Healey
According to Newsouth Books, Joan’s book is “the rollicking tale of Australia’s first true adventure playground when children were allowed to use a ptach of public land as their own backyard, to play in freely as they wished not as adults directed them”.
The playground comprised scavenged materials used to build cubbies, experimental gardens, boats and whatever other flights of fancy overtook chidren’s imaginations.
The book details the struggle to make the adventure playground permanently accessible to children and her concerns that today’s children are missing out on the freedoms enjoyed by past generations.
“I just wanted to write a story about the resilience of children. I was driven to publish my experiences because of society increasingly putting the lid on kids with regulations, rules and helicopter parenting, which is curtailing their opportunities to play freely and take risks,” she said.
“Kids don’t want their parents around all the time and that’s one of the difficulties now. Their parents want to hover around and make sure they’re all right. So I hope people can see that you’ve got to let kids go, it’s necessary for healthy development. They need that freedom andweshouldbesupportingthespiritofkids.”
According to the Newsouth Books, “The Cubbies is a tale of battles with local police and the Catholic Church, but also shows visionary politicians and bureaucrats on both sides supporting children, while others made
devious attempts to close the place”.
“Playground workers, struggling with on and off funding, steadfastly continued to support children in their right to play freely, while becoming entangled in defending the cubbies. After trials, tribulations and questionable adventures, it became Australia’s first true adventure playground, inspiring the creation of others in the county.”
When Joan launched The Cubbies in August at Fitzroy Library, she was overwhelmed by the support of colleagues and the community.
During the launch, Play Australia chief executive Robyn Monro Miller awarded a Lifetime Achievement award to Joan, and announced a new scholarship for those working in the adventure playground field, in her name, for playwork training.
“Joan bought adventure playgrounds to Australia, and has been a constant in the lives of so many children. I spoke to one gentleman in his sixties that attended the cubbies and he said it was life changing for him. Her lifetime achievement award is recognition not just of the impact she had on Play Australia 50 years ago,butthat50yearslatersheisstilladvocating and championing it,” Robyn said.
“Play Australia’s mission is to build healthy communities through the power of play,
and Joan’s work is a tangible example of how play not only is essential for children’s healthy development but through adventure playgrounds play a sense of belonging and builds social cohesion.”
Dr Ro Roberts, who worked with children and families at the cubbies, said not many people can publish a book like Joan, especially in the modern risk-aversion climate of bureaucracy, rules and regulations.
“Joan has been a colleague and close friend for 50 years. I supported her in finishing her book and with early editing. I and other colleagues joined with Joan and the publisher to plan the book launch. Joan is a wonderful woman–anunsungheroine.She is an inspiration as a community worker dedicated to children’s play.
“The book describes how the adventure playground puts into practice Play Australia’s goals, mission and values. This is not easy in such a risk-averse, fearful and over-regulated, over-structured culture.
“The book documents the institutional barriers to providing free play
spaces as parents, community and society grow ever-more fearful of litigation and personal responsibility. It is a very readable, straightforward and humorous account that puts the children first as the creators of the Fitzroy Adventure Playground. As Joan says: it is the children that did it and own it. They had a place where they were in charge of making their own decisions.”
Joan encourages others to be true to themselves and chase their dreams regardless of their age.
“I’vealwaysfollowedwhatIwantedtodo,I’ve wandered around the world and experienced different lives and things. I would say that you’ve got to believe in yourself and follow your passion as much as you can, particularly before you’ve turned 90 when the wheels falloffthetruck.Idoadvisethatif you’re going to do things, do them before you turn 90, as you can get physically tired by this stage. But I think the only way to keep alive is to keep moving, one way or the other.”
Joan’sbookisavailableatvarious retailersaswellasthroughAmazon for $36.99.
Joan Healey has written a book called The Cubbies, which is about the battle for Australia’s first adventure playground. (Damjan Janevski) 424275_01
Explore fun and friendship with the Rivervue Passport
This Seniors’ Month, Rivervue invites you to embark on an exciting journey with the Rivervue Passport, a special event series running from October 7 to 23.
Discover our thriving community while enjoying a fantastic lineup of free activities thatpromisetoinspire,connectandentertain.
Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet new friends, or simply enjoy some fun, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at tai chi, dance the day away, get creative with crafting, or enjoy a relaxed coffee with new companions. There are over 50 free events and activities to join in. Best of all, for every event you attend, you’ll earn a ticket in our prize draw with fantastic rewards to be won!
On Monday, 7 October at 11 am, we’re kicking off with the Morning Melodies BrunchwithPatPerri.Thislivelyperformance will take you back to the golden era of music, featuring hits from icons like Dean Martin, The Diamonds, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Elvis. Pat’s dynamic show will have you dancing and singing along, followed by a delicious brunch and a chance to explore the luxury lifestyle at Rivervue. It’s the perfect way to discover the picturesque village, with elevated views over the Maribyrnong River.
Then, on Wednesday, 23 October at 11:30 am, don’t miss Beats and Bubbles on the Balcony, where Arnie Grives will transport you back in time with songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Enjoy a barbecue and a glass of bubbles while soaking in the panoramic views of the river – a perfect way to relax and celebrate senior living.
Spaces are limited for these exciting events, so make sure to RSVP today by calling 1300 298 439 or visit www.rivervue.com.auto see the full program. Come experience the joy and community spirit at Rivervue – and see whyourresidentssay“lifebeginsatRivervue”. Rivervue
residents Des and Jean enjoying brunch on the balcony at Rivervue. (supplied)
2024 AFL PREMIERS
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
2nd Footscray Scouts 100th anniversary
Past members and supporters of the 2nd Footscray Scout Group are warmly invited to a fun and entertaining evening to celebrate the group’s centenary year. Come and reminisce about the good old days and discover the exciting developments ahead as 2nd Footscray looks forward to the next 100 years! The dinner will be held on Saturday, October 12 at the Riverside Kitchen and Bar, 75 Newsom Street, Ascot Vale VIC 3032.
For full details and to purchase tickets please go to: https://www.trybooking.com/ CTPWK
Halloween Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable day of family fun and community spirit at the much-anticipated Halloween Festival in Altona Meadows on Sunday October 27. Organised entirely by dedicated volunteers, this fourth-annual event takes place from 2pm to 7pm at the AB Shaw Reserve in Hall Ave, Altona Meadows. Entry is absolutely free and everyone is invited to enjoy the vibrant onstage entertainment throughout the afternoon.
?Jodie Martin 0418464524 altonameadowsca@gmail.com
2024 U3A ART EXHIBITION
This year marks the third year of the U3A Hobsons Bay/Williamstown Art Exhibition from October 15-30.
The exhibition brings together a number of art groups within U3A, including a drawing group, two painting groups and an abstract art discussion group.
These groups are part of U3A Hobsons Bay/ Williamstown which provides educational, creative and leisure activities for seniors. The artworks produced by the art groups are varied, driven mostly by individual’s choice and interest. As well as producing impressive artworks, the groups share ideas, critique each other’s work and socialize. There are lots of laughs and new friendships created. U3A always welcomes new members of all ages and abilities (including absolute beginners). As they say, you are never too old to start a new activity!
For more information about joining U3A and getting involved in the art groups, or any other activities, visit: https://u3ahbwilli. org.au/memberships/ or call 0437 622 602 or email info@u3ahbwilli.org.au
Stony Creek Music Festival
Rebecca Barnard and Shane O’Mare and some of the finest musos in the country will entertain with classic Rolling Stones hits. The day’s line up includes The Black Curtains, Rosaries, Bowlos, and Introducing Delsinki and the Quiet Coachman. The day will also feature Belle the princess on roller skates, face painting and lots of yummy food, and so much more. It’s a family day so bring a picnic. Saturday 19 October, from 1pm to 6pm at McNish Reserve, Court Street, Yarraville.
Michael Clarke 0434 473 734
Garden club
The Hobson’s Bay Garden Club is looking for new members. All new members who are keen gardeners and looking to make new friendships are welcome to join. Meeting consists of listening to guest speakers, taking part in the trading table, and most importantly enjoying afternoon tea while doing so. The group meets on the third Monday of the month at the Youth Hall on the corner of Civic Parade and Sugar Gum Drive at 1pm. The annual spring show will be held on Monday, October 21 at 1pm at the hall. All Welcome.
Enquiries Kay 0411 793 534
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
Alcoholics Anonymous
Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesdays at 7pm, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems.
1300 22 22 22, or www.aatimes.org.au
Wednesday walking group
The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea.
9397 6168
Williamstown Craft Market
Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am4pm.
Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month, from 6pm, for a dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and needs new, energetic, enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in their community.
www.rotarypointgellibrand.com.au, Pam, 0418 347 691, or rotarypointgellibrand@ gmail.com
Altona Day View Club
The Altona Day View Club meets on the third Wednesday each Month at 11am, at the Altona RSL 31 Sargood Street., Altona.
Jan, 0419 159 783
Woodcarving workshop
The woodcarving workshop meets on Tuesdays at 9.30am-noon at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, 280 Queens Street, Altona. All levels of ability in this ancient, international craft are welcome, women included, starter tools and timber available.
jah2802rot@gmail.com
Social card games
Interested in playing social card games? Canasta, poker and/or others. Weekday mornings or afternoons at 43 Mason Street, Newport.
9391 8504, email outlets@outletsco-op. com.au
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
Community Jumble Sale
Saturday, November 9, 9am – 4pm at Pilgrim Uniting Church hall, Cnr Bayview Road and Montague Street, Yarraville. Entry from Montague Street.
Barbeque, music and 30 tables of pre-loved games, books, clothes, plants and homewares.
Ros Harris 0401 932 414
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian Damian Callinan. (Damjan Janevski) 433201_01
A body of knowledge and youth
The Bowery Theatre in St Albans is hosting one of the most unique performances of Melbourne’s Fringe Festival this week.
The Body of Knowledge meditation experience involves teenagers from different locations outside of the theatre phoning remotely from their own individual homes.
Each audience member is given a mobile phone on arrival to facilitate their conversations with the young people.
As an inter-generational conversation unfolds, the teacher and the student, the adult andthechild,theperformerandtheaudience, begin to shift and entangle.
At the direction and instigation of the youngtelephonecallers,theaudiencegivenan immersive insight into the sights and sounds of Generation Z.
As the work progresses, the young people giveinstructionstotheaudiencetoreimagine the theatre space around them.
The conversation that is set in motion creates an opportunity to rethink the ways in which knowledge is produced, acquired and shared.
It delves into issues of changes to bodies, changes in attitude, and changes to life.
The production was created by Samara
Hersch, an artist and theatre director working between Europe, Australia and Asia.
Her practice investigates the encounter between contemporary performance and community engagement and her research explores intimacy as a political act, imagining different modalities that can be inhabited by non-professional performers and the public together.
The show kicks off on Saturday, October 5, and runs each night through until Thursday, October 10.
Tickets: melbournefringe.com.au/event/ body-of-knowledge/ Body of Knowledge is a unique experience, prompting curiosity. (Supplied)
Dylan debut discussion in Footscray
TheFootscrayMechanicsInstitutemightseem
an odd venue to host a talk on Bob Dylan, but that’s precisely what will happen on Friday, October 4, when his 1962 self-titled debut album will be the subject of a free discussion. But according to institute librarian Cameron Borg, the combination of venue and subject matter isn’t as unlikely as it might seem.
“Mechanics institutes had their origin in the 19th century and were basically set up as working a people’s library or club,” Mr Borg explained.
“It was basically to give working class people an education back at time when they couldn’t afford one. Public libraries only came
into being post World War II in Australia.”
By contrast, the Footscray Mechanics Institute (FMI) was established in 1856 and hasbeeninitscurrentlocationatthesouthern end of Nicholson Street since 1913.
Over that time the FMI library has built an extensive and eclectic collection of books, which Mr Borg said was where the idea of hosting a Dylan discussion came about.
“The thing with Dylan is we’ve got a collection here of books on his life and work,” he said.
“We’ve got his biography and others that deal with his music and songs, so this event, byfocusingonaspecificpartofhiscareer,will hopefully promote the books in our collection
and get people to come in who want to learn more about him.”
Mr Borg said the talk would focus on Dylan’s debut due to the fact that unlike the rest of his catalogue, it features only two original compositions.
“The rest were covers of legendary blues and folk artists, so that gives us a lot to talk about,” he said.
“There’s a lot of little rabbit holes we can go down.”
TheBobDylandiscussionbeginsat12pmon Friday, October 4 at the Footscray Mechanics Institute, 209 Nicholson Street.
Cade Lucas
Learn to recycle textiles at free workshop
Pat and Jeans Place will host a free textile recycling workshop and used clothes swap at the Eco Living Centre in Wyndham Vale on Saturday, October 19.
The workshop will run from 2-3pm, while the clothes swap will take place from 3-4pm.
Founder Sarah Girn, who opened Pat and Jeans Place in May and regularly hosts educational textile workshops, will run the events.
Centred around sustainability, the workshop will help show participants how to use things around the house to reduce the use of cling wraps and plastic bags.
“For the environment, we are better to first use what we have, then look at recycling
clothing,” she said.
Stressing the importance of recycling textiles in avoiding the negative health consequences of microplastics, Sarah invoked Dr Karl Kruszelnicki’s warning that the average 45-year-old has a microplastic volume 0.5 per cent in their brain in terms of weight.
“If we need to buy new clothing or things for the home, where possible, we should use natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool, linen, hemp and jute,“ she advised.
While free, those who attend the workshop will have priority at the clothes swap.
Information: https://patandjeansplace. co.site/
School holidays means late nights, and what better way to spend a late night than armed with a torch in the bushland of Eynesbury?
From 7pm on October 5, locals in Melbourne’s west can go looking for wildlife on the Woodland Night Walk withtheEynesburyEnvironmentGroup.
President Chris Lunadi said attendees can expect to see everything from “spiders to stars” while strolling through the Grey Box Forest for the guided spotlight tour.
“We are looking for a variety of nocturnal animals: owls, possums, bats, and more,” he said.
“It’s a special forest… it’s not everyday you get to explore at night-time and see critters that come out after dark.
“It is a great opportunity for people to seethewildlifethatemergesafterweflick the TV on or go to bed.”
The 90 minute walk, which takes place every year, is a popular school holiday event and open for anyone to come along and enjoy a ‘relaxed’ evening.
“We’ve had everyone from little toddlerstoelderlypeople[come];families get a real kick out of the experience,” said Mr Lunadi.
Eynesbury Environment Group is made up of volunteers who come together “out of a love and desire” to raise awareness of the special and unique natural environment.
“It is a rapidly growing community now and we want to help them connect with the natural areas,” said Mr Lunadi.
“Our goal is for those on the night walk to develop an appreciation for the woodlands, because there is a whole world that goes on out there.”
The tour meets outside the Eynesbury General Store, located on 473 Eynesbury Road, and people are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing.
RSVP: eynesbury.environment. group@gmail.com
Footcray Mechanics Institute librarian Cameron Borg with some of the Bob Dylan collection. (Damjan Janevski) 428784_04
Sarah Girn is the founder of Pat and Jeans Place, and she will be running two textile workshops. (Damjan Janevski) 431596_03
AA CABINETS
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which city will host Super Bowl LIX in 2025?
2. And which performer will headline the halftime show?
3. Which 20-year-old Gold Coast Suns swingman has signed a nine-year contract extension, reportedly worth over $12 million?
4. In which year did Tom Hawkins play his first
5. Ryan Webb will step down from his role as CEO of which NRL club in April?
6. Graham Arnold stepped down as the head coach of which national football team in 2024?
7. And who was announced as his replacement?
8. Dustin Martin has reached out to which club following his retirement from Richmond?
Which AFLW team does Jasmine Garner currently play for?
And which club did she play for when she scored the first-ever AFLW goal in the inaugural match?
The 2024 AFL finals will be the first to feature no Victorian teams since what year?
What is the only nation to beat South Africa in the 2024 Rugby championship?
13. Who recently became the first MLB player to score 50 homeruns and steal 50 bases in a single season?
14. Who was unanimously awarded 2024 WNBA rookie of the year, and 4th place in MVP voting?
15. What is the title of the annual rugby union competition between Australia and New Zealand?
16. How many regular season games will each AFLW team play this year?
17. Which current F1 driver shares an unusual first name with a Star Wars character?
18. What does NASCAR stand for?
19. What is the fastest growing sport in the US?
20. Which NRL team won the 2024 minor premiership?
21. What sport will return to the Olympics in 2028 for the first time since 1900?
22. How many Australian PGA Championship titles has Cam Smith won?
23. Which Brisbane Lions player dislocated his shoulder twice in the Preliminary Final win over Geelong?
24. Josh Addo-Carr played for which team in 2024?
25. Former Adelaide player Tony Armstrong recently announced his departure from which ABC show?
26. The fastest recorded tennis serve was by which Australian player?
27. How many seperate pieces of wood are in play at any given time in a cricket match?
28. Which former English cricketer recently withdrew a membership application for an exclusive golf club after backlash?
29. Which country has won the most (5) FIFA World Cups?
30. How many AFL teams are named after birds?
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Basketball league (1,1,1)
3 A permanent administrative office (11)
9 Supervisors (7)
10 Country in Horn of Africa (7)
11 Income streams (8)
12 Conventions (6)
14 Bad (3)
15 Possibly (11)
17 Curse (11)
19 Type of palm (3)
20 Board rider (6)
21 Hats, helmets, etc. (8)
24 Accepting without resistance (7)
25 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)
26 Representing an abstract meaning (11)
27 Deity (3)
DOWN
1 Egyptian queen (9)
2 Touchdown (7)
3 Boy’s name (5)
4 Theoretical (10)
5 Simple (4)
6 Acknowledgement (9)
7 Forbidden by law (7)
8 Streetcars (5)
13 Disinfectant (10)
15 Earlier (9)
16 Not seasonal (4-5)
18 Sunshade (7)
19 Titanic sinker (7)
20 Prefix meaning above (5)
22 Amusingly odd (5)
23 Close (4)
1 What is the name of Holly Golightly’s cat in Breakfasta tTiffany’s?
2 Mageirocophobia is the fear of what? 3 Who designed the dome in St Peter’s Basilica?
Which Victor Hugo novel was adapted into a Disney film in 1996?
5 Name the infamous warren of streets buried beneath the city of Edinburgh. 6 Founded in 1949, what does the abbreviation NATO stand
7
8 Juno Temple (pictured) stars as model Keeley Jones in which sports comedy-drama series?
9 In which country does the autosnelweg system operate?
10 Which art period is named
Corolla Cross goes hybrid only
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Launched here in 2022 the Toyota Corolla Cross is – as the name suggests – an SUV crossover version of the everlasting Corolla sedan/hatchback.
It’s the largest of Toyota’s three-model range of compact SUVs above the smaller Yaris Cross and the sportier C-HR.
The original Corolla Cross was available with the choice of petrol or petrol/electric hybrid powertrains but, in line with Toyota’s recent decision to discontinue petrol-only variants where a hybrid alternative is available, the petrol versions are now being phased out.
Althoughexistingstocksofthepetrolmodels willnodoubtstillbeavailable,we’llconcentrate on the hybrid models in this review.
There are five Corolla Cross variants, 2WD GX priced at $36,480, 2WD GXL ($40,230), GXL AWD ($43,230), 2WD Atmos ($47,030 and Atmos AWD ($50,030). On-road costs need to be added.
Styling
Corolla Cross sits on the same platform as the Corolla hatch and sedan but with a different body as befitting an SUV. The styling is quite conservative but that’s unlikely to deter the typical Toyota buyer who prefers function over fashion.
While it shares much with the Corolla its outer appearance is more mini-RAV4 than maxi-Corolla with a snub-nosed grille featuring the Toyota logo, with blue highlights in the centre indicating its electric component.
GXL and Atmos add front foglights, enhanced LED headlights and roof rails.
The Atmos also gets a two-piece panoramic moonroof.
GX and GXL roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, Atmos steps up to 18-inch alloys.
Interior
Anyone stepping up from the latest Corolla hatch or sedan will have no problem adapting to the dashboard layout of the Cross because, apart from the new touchscreen, they are all-but identical.
That’s not a criticism because we’ve always loved the stylish yet functional Corolla design. The SUV conversion over the Corolla with more headroom throughout and plenty of leg and footroom in the rear seats for all but the tallest of occupants.
On the downside – literally – we found the bolstering on the front seats much too high and rigidtotheextentthatweneededasoftcushion to rise above the bolsters.
Only the Atmos comes with a folding centre armrest complete with twin cupholders. Boot space varies according to driven wheels and powertrain, ranging from 380 litres in the Atmos AWD hybrid up to 425 litres in the 2WD GX and GXL. Atmos comes with a powered rear hatch and kick opening feature.
Powertrain
Power for the Corolla Cross Hybrid 2WD comes from a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with outputs of 112kW and 190Nm. It’s teamed to an electric motor on the front axle for a combined maximum power output of 146 kW.
Corolla Cross is the first local model to get the 5th generation Toyota hybrid powertrain which combines a lighter lithium-ion battery with a more powerful main electric drive motor.
The GXL and Atmos Hybrids add a second electric drive motor on the rear axle.
Power is linked to either two or four wheels via a sequential ten-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Safety CorollaCrosswastestedbyANCAPinOctober 2022 and received the maximum five-point rating.
Standard safety features include eight airbags, advanced ABS brakes, stability and traction control, blind spot monitoring, rear
cross traffic alert, reversing camera, hill start assist, and Isofix child seat anchors.
Also standard across the range is the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package which adds a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, emergency driving stop system, active cruise control, lane trace and departure alert with steering assist, lane change assist withdecelerationassist,intersection turn assist, road sign assist, door exit warning and automatic high beam.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 7/10
In addition, GSX and Atmos get parking support braking with vehicle and object detection and a panoramic view monitor. Atmosaddspedestriandetectiontotheparking support brake feature as well as advanced park assist.
Infotainment
Corolla Cross is the first Toyota in Australia to get the brand’s new multimedia system. The entry-level GX uses an 8.0-inch touchscreen. GXL and Atmos get a 10.5-inch touchscreen with inbuilt satellite navigation. Screen resolution is sharp and responsive with the option of voice activation.
There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto along with a single USB-C port in the front console of the GX and two in the centre console of the GXL and Atmos.
Behind the steering wheel
there’s a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster in the GX and GXL, with a much larger (12.3-inch) display in the Atmos. Importantly, the audio and air conditioning controls are physical knobs rather than being built into the touchscreen as is becoming far too common.
Only the Atmos gets a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Corolla Cross comes with the latest version of the Toyota Connected Services communicationssystemthatusesthemyToyota Connectsmartphoneapptoallowownerstodo such things as remotely check the status of the doorsandlights,accessinformationsuchasthe vehicle’s last known location and recent trips, or start the engine or climate control.
The extra height when compared to the Corolla provides easier access although the aforementioned aggressive seat bolsters could cause discomfort to some occupants.
External vision is excellent with a higher driving position, large windscreen, side windows and mirrors together with a relatively narrow A-pillar all contributing.
On the negative side the rear window is quite narrow.
There’s a solid feel to the Corolla Cross and it’s easy to drive and park around the urban environment which is most likely to be its
home territory.
Steering which is relatively light but direct and intuitive.
Apart from the battery-only start and silent running,theGXHybridthatwetestedhadthat sharp acceleration that we enjoy in all vehicles with an electric component.
Suspension is well-balanced although we did get knocked around when manoeuvring through a badly-cratered section of our drive courtesy of some recent flooding.
Fuel consumption on the combined urban/ rural cycle is listed at 4.2 litres per 100 kilometresfromthe2WDvariantsand4.4with the AWDs. We averaged 5.1 L/100 km during our week-long test of the GX 2WD.
Summing up
Everything about the new Corolla Cross points to it being a major success for Toyota. Start with the base of Australia’s top-selling brand for the past 25 years, add a badge that’s been around here since 1967 and accumulated more than 1.5-million sales. Then bulk it up to get into the booming compact SUV market, and top it off with the latest in fuel-saving hybrid technology. All Toyotas now come with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. This can be extended to seven years on the engine and driveline, and 10 years on the hybrid battery, subject to all scheduled servicing being done at Toyota dealerships.
Everything about the new Corolla Cross points to it being a major success for Toyota. (Pictures: Supllied)
Hard work pays off for winners
Finals fever hit Melbourne’s north-west the last six weeks, with sporting finals across a number of different sports including football, netball, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, tennis – and the list goes on. Here’s a few reader snaps of the sporting achievements in the finals.
Albion under-12 girls
Albion’s under-12 girls were determined to build a great team in 2024 in the Western District Football League division 2 competition.
In their first year, 2023, they bravely turned up despite losing every game by an average of 12 goals, at times, struggling to get numbers.
Come the start of 2024, with half 2023 players, and half who had never played before, the girls worked hard in a big pre-season.
Baseball
It was a brilliant start for the Point Cook Baseball and Softball Club. Having formed a club after the development of new facilities in Point Cook, the Aviators had two sides in the winter season.
Playing in the Melbourne Winter Baseball League, the Point Cook Aviators started the season in E-grade before being promoted to D-grade after round one. They made the grand final and faced Waverley.
The Av’s, led by coach Marty Marek and the pitching of Jack Nottelmann, swapped leads with Waverley throughout the game including a late game-tying home run by Ben Loveridge.
Unfortunately, Waverley had a walk-off RBI [runs batted in] single in extra innings to win the championship, 8-7.
Coach Kane Roach, assistant Rachel Collins and a host of dedicated parents, created an inclusive and supportive culture, with the core values of try your best, be a great teammate and have fun.
Keeping their opponents to an average of just over five points a game, Albion became fierce rivals for first place with the Truganina Thunder.
Their three games were decided by less than a goal.
Showing passion and commitment to be all in,thegirlsdefeatedTruganinatowinthrough to the grand final, facing Werribee Districts. At half time, scores were level at one point apiece.
WerribeehadthrowneverythingattheCats.
Surrounded by a host of Albion supporters, including the whole Albion senior men’s team, cheering them on, the Cats showed their grit, making history, to win the first ever female premiership for Albion, 3.4 (22)- 0.2 (2).
Riddells Creek under-17 football
Riddell and Woodend had played some close ones during the season, with each team getting a win by three points. The Bombers won the semi final by that margin before winning the grand final, 12.5 (77)-9.5 (59).
The Bombers did the damage in the middle two quarters, kicking six goals to two to go from trailing by two points to leading by 29 heading into the last quarter. Ben Taylor was named the Bombers best, while Kristian Savage kicked four goals.
Western Athletics set a new record as it claimed the Athletics Victoria Tan Relays men’s event, while also claiming the Athletics Victoria premier division state title.
On September 14, the team of Will Lewis, Zayd Al Sayd, Abdillhaziz Haji Ali, Cody Shanahan, Ben Chamberlain and Liam Cashin competed in the Tan relay event. They ran a time of 1:06.54 to beat Box Hill’s record which had stood since 2012. This cemented their position at the top of the premier men’s ladder, winning the XCR (Cross Country Roadracing) premier division state title by 21 points.
It was a hard earned feat made possible by theeffortsof16athleteswhocompetedduring the cross country roadracing season.
It showed the depth of the club to be able to share the load when injuries, work and other commitments impacted athletes.
The sixteen athletes who competed throughout the season were Al Sayd, Peter Boyle, Chamberlain, Cashin, Luca Di Conza, Callum Drake, Daniel Dunstone, Brett Ellis, Haji Ali, Matthew Hussey, Lewis, Brandon Muscat, Nathan Pearce, Cody and Kirk Shanahan and Daniel Verlado.
Riddells Creek under-11 netball
Riddells Creek had a strong Riddell District Netball League season in the under-11 division 1 competition, losing just one game for the season.
The team finished the season off with a 17-7 win against Melton South in the grand final.
Two weeks later these same girls had another grand final for the Riddell Ravens in the Macedon Ranges Netball Association winter season.
The Ravens had two players ruled out with gastro as well as their coach. The side played a player short, but still won the grand final against the Possums, a team which they hadn’t beaten all season.
Western Athletics. (Tania Shanahan)
Riddell Creek’s under-17 footballers. (Supplied)
Albion’s under-11 girls. (Supplied)
Point Cook Aviators. (Niomi Loveridge)
Athletics
Westgate Imperials to have youth league side
The next step in Westgate Imperials’ Big V journey is underway with the club given approval to enter a youth league women’s side next year.
TheImperialsenteredtheBigVcompetition this year for the first time with a youth league men’s side having set up a strong program in recent years.
Westgate tasted instant success, winning the youth league 2 men’s title. They will have the opportunity to play off for division 1 next season. The club had been keen on adding a women’s youth league side to further develop their program.
Vice-president Sarah Simpson said it was exciting to get the go ahead. The club announced they had been given the go ahead on Tuesday.
“It was awesome,” she said. “That was the plan to grow into having youth league womens.
“Our female program has gone from strength to strength having started it a year or two after the boys program.
“Itisreallygoodandsomethingwe’rehappy about,” she said. “We’ve strategically held back some growth in the boys programs to maintain space for the girls’ sides.
“There’s been some high quality growth and there’s a very big trend of girls wanting to play basketball.”
The Imperials had considered looking at entering a open men’s team for next year, but Simpson said they decided to wait a year and then look to apply in 2026.
Simpson said many of the youth league players would age out then and they would be in a good position for the club to make that next step.
TheImperialshavenowopenedapplications for the coaching role for the youth league women’s side.
“That opportunity is now presenting for next season.”
The Imperials under-18 girls recently won the Victorian Junior Basketball League 1 competition showing they already have talent
“We wanted to have that pathway for our girls and there’s so many young females excited about playing youth league.
within the club.
Next season the club is hoping to have two under-18 girls, three under-16, five under-14 and three under 12 girls teams in the VJBL competition.
Simpson said there had been massive growth in their girls program in recent years.
Paech claims top award
By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs’ Alex Paech has claimed his first Barry Priest Medal being named the Western Football League division 1’s best player.
Paech was named the winner of the league’s highest honour at the competition’s annual awards night on Thursday night.
Paech finished on 16 votes, two clear of two-time winner, Werribee Districts’ Dillon Viojo-Rainbow.
Parkside’s Tom Condon and Yarraville Seddon’s Michael Selsby finished in equal third on 12 votes.
Caroline Springs Ryan Allan and Hoppers Crossing’s Josh Pickess round out the top five on 10 votes.
Spotswood’s Matthew Paynes also polled 10 votes but was ineligible.
It was Paech’s first season at the Lakers and in the Western league. He had previously played in the North Eastern Australian Football League and in the Coates Talent League for the Murray Bushrangers. He was named ruck in the WFL division 1 team of the year.
Paech, who happened to be in Melbourne for the awards night, said it was a pretty special honour.
“It’sbacktorealitynow,”hesaidonMonday. “I start the NT [Northern Territory} season on Friday.
“It was a massive honour and you don’t play for those sorts of accolades. They brought me in as a FIFO [fly in, fly out] player this season and to see the rewards for all those efforts is nice.”
Paech played just eight games during the regular season, the majority in the first half of the season.
He said he thought he could poll some votes early but others would overrun him, but with it being a low count he was able to hold on.
Paech said you have to have a really positive attitude to be a player that flies in for games.
“I flew in for eight games,” he said. “It’s not too bad if you have the right attitude.
“It can be tough and it can be tiring, but you have to stay positive.”
In the division 2 best and fairest, Albion’s Christopher Tomazos led home a Cats trifecta to claim the Allan Smith Medal.
Tomazos polled 20 votes to finish two clear of Caleb McPherson and a further two clear of Jesse Cavanagh, who didn’t play in the regular season after round 12.
Tomazos polled just four votes last season and was illegible, while McPherson also finished in the top 10 last year.
All three were named in the team of the
year this year.
Wyndhamvale’s Liam Scarborough and Laverton’s Antony Pasqua finished equal fourth on 15 votes.
It was a massive effort from Pasqua, who finished seventh in the division 3 best and fairest the previous year.
Inthewomen’sbestandfairestwasathriller with two players sharing the award.
The Suns’ Akima Manoah and Werribee Centrals’ Jessica Spall finished on 21 votes each.
It’s one better for Spall, who finished equal second last year in the then division 1 competition.
Manoah, who started playing football with Burnside Heights in 2019, played for the
Western Jets the last two years while she also played six Victorian Football League women’s games including two this year.
Former winner, Caroline Springs’ Dijana Vasilevska, finished in third spot on 16 votes, while Parkside Spurs Taquila Angel and Rita Ceravolo finished in fourth and fifth spot respectively.
It’s back-to-back top five finishes for Ceravolo.
In the division 1 netball, Sunshine’s Malia Seumanutafu won the best and fairest on 19 votes, one clear of Caroline Springs Kyra Ballantyne.
Spotswood’s Kimberley Phillips, who won it last year, and Hayley Cran finished equal third.
Simpson said they had a couple of coaches they were looking at, while also keen to see who else is out there.
Tryouts will commence soon for the team.
Details on the coaching role: https://www. linkedin.com/jobs/view/4032584957
Tara Murray
Sports shorts
VNL
City West Falcons trio Lucia Fauonuku, Beyonce Palavi and Melissa Olomanu have helped their countries qualify for the Netball World Youth Cup. Fauonuku and Palavi, who were part of last year’s senior World Championships, were part of the Tonga team and Olomanu was part of the Samoan team. The youth world cup will be held next year in Gibraltar.
AFL
Former Altona junior Emerson Jeka has been delisted by Geelong. Jeka, who was originally picked up by Hawthorn, was picked up by Geelong in the 2023 rookie draft. He failed to play an AFL game, but played 19 VFL games this year. He was one of seven players delisted. Jeka had signed on with Essendon’s VFL side before being picked up by the Cats.
VTCA
Williamstown CYMS has announced the signing of Will Metcalfe for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield season. He’s a top order bat, from the United Kingdom, where he has previously played with Bath, Crook and Malden Wanderers among others. Metcalfe is an accredited coach and will be taking the reins of one of their junior teams. The CYs start their season on Saturday against West Coburg St Andrews in a one-dayer. It’ll be a new challenge for the CYs after earning promotion last season.
Coates Talent League
Sunshine’s Xavier Kardachi and Yarraville Seddon’s Sierra Grieves took out the top awards at the Western Jets best and fairest awards night. Kardachi won the boys best and fairest on 20 votes, one clear of Keilor’s Thomas McGuane.and Lucca Grego another vote back. In the girls best and fairest, Grieves finished on 30 votes, three clear of Maribyrnong Park’s Alex McBride-Loane with Keilor’s Olivia Castello in third
FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Alexander Paech. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 430075
Westgate Imperials under-18 girls team. (Supplied)
Captain De Berry re-signs for Western Bulldogs
Western Bulldogs captain De Berry has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension.
It will see the 26-year-old remain in the red, white and blue until at least the end of the 2026 season.
“Getting pen to paper was pretty exciting for me – it just means I’m locked away so we can continue to get down to business and make this program really special,” Berry said.
“I want to keep leading this group into the next phase of where we’ll take our footy and our program.
“I was pretty keen to get the extension done – I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
BerrywhostartedhercareeratMerndaand spent time at the Calder Cannons, said one of her favourite things about being a Bulldog was the love and support from not only the playing group, but the wider community of the west.
“This group means a lot to me ... they’re like family to me. I just love each and every single one of those girls,” she said.
“Playing for the Bulldogs is just such an inclusive environment. You come here and can be who you want to be. The support you get from everyone far and wide – everyone is so equal and so supportive.
“You feel connected to the community here in Footscray too - everyone that comes to our games are not only supportive of AFLW, but also supportive of Mission Whitten Oval and Footscray itself. That’s what I love most about being here.”
AFLW Bulldogs list manager Dan Fisher said it was pleasing to secure the skipper’s services for seasons to come.
“We’re so excited to have De commit until 2026,” he said.
“On-field, her class and ability to drive out
of stoppage are vital components to our ball movement. She’s continually improving so we believe her best is yet to come.
“As a premiership Bulldog and foundation AFLW player, she provides invaluable experience to our young group and emerging leaders. Her leadership has flourished over the years and her connection to the playing group has been further enhanced since becoming captain.”
Berry was initially drafted to Melbourne with Pick No.9 in the inaugural AFLW draft, before crossing to the kennel via a trade ahead of the 2018 season.
Berry told the Bulldogs media team that being put up for trade really shocked her and made her learn resilience.
Shehasplayed53gamestodate,celebrating her 50th milestone match against West Coast earlier this season.
Williamson’s hard road
By Tara Murray
Each week during football season, Megan Williamson makes the trip up and back from Swan Hill to Williamstown multiple times. While some would step away from playing in the Victorian Football League women’s due to that commitment, Williamson’s love of the club and the sport keep bringing her back.
On Thursday night, Williamson claimed her second Seagulls best and fairest medal, finishing tied with Emily Eaves.
The count went down to the wire.
“It went down to the final votes in our final in our prelim,” Williamson said. “It was lovely to share it with Emily Eaves as well.
“Idon’tthinkthere’sanyonemoredeserving than her.
“Williamstown is such a lovely club, so to be associated with any award that has your name and has the Williamstown name on it is special, something I hold in such high regard.
“It’s nice to know that my form isn’t dropping as I get older too.”
Williamson entered the count in front as it headed into finals, with Eaves claiming the club’s best finals player.
Eaves tied the votes heading into the preliminary final, before they polled the same votes in the final round.
Williamson said the final few votes were nerve wracking and she struggled to keep up as she realised she would have to make a speech.
She said she’d been happy with how her season had turned out.
“There’s always an element of disappointment when you lose a prelim, you kind of forget about your individual performances,” she said.
“You wish there was a better result at the end of it. I kind of hadn’t thought too much about my individual season.
“The thing I was most proud of was I gave it everything that I had, there wasn’t much left in the tank by the end.
“Proud that I left everything out there, but I wasn’t expecting the best and fairest at the end.”
After winning the 2019 medal, Williamson hadabitoftimeawayfromWilliamstownand moved away from Melbourne.
She said it’s such a big commitment for her to play each season.
“I live in Swan Hill and I work full time here,” she said. “I travel down on a Wednesday for our main training session and then come back on a weekend.
“Down to Melbourne on a Wednesday, back to Swan Hill on a Thursday and back down to Melbourne on Friday and back home on Saturday.
“Certainly super busy. I just love the club so much and no one in their right mind drives four hours to training unless they think it’s the greatest team in the world.
“It’s the club and it’s the people. Two of my
greatest friends brought me back to the club as well in Eliza Straford and Erin Meade.”
Williamson was full of praise for Eaves and her game.
“She is incredible,” she said. “The best part of her is that football doesn’t define the type of person she is and we’re incredibly lucky to have her on the field.
“She s to talented and we’re always in awe of the things she can do. Beast on the field and then off it, sunshine.
“She was our vice captain… There was a lot
Two in a row for the Dogs
The Western Bulldogs made it two wins in a row with hard fought win against Sydney on Friday night in the AFLW.
After breaking through for their first win against Collingwood the previous weekend, the Bulldogs showed plenty of composure late.
There wasn’t much between the two teams all day, with the Bulldogs controlling the ball in the final quarter to secure a 5.9 (39)-5.2 (32).
Bulldogs coach Tam Hyett said it was a nice feeling to get their first win at Whitten Oval in more than 900 days.
“We knew if we were structurally sound across all three lines, that would give us a good opportunity to have some time in the forward half.”
The ball lived inside the Bulldogs’ attacking 50 down the stretch as Britney Gutknecht’s first goal of the season midway through the fourth term - the only goal of the quarter - put the hosts in front for good.
TheDogsstartedstrongly,highlighted by smart-snapped goals to Sarah Hartwig and skipper Deanna Berry, but their bench was shortened at the 13-minute mark when ruck Jorja Borg injured her left knee.
“It doesn’t look good at this stage,” Hyett said.
“She’ll go in for scans Saturday morning - but not great.”
As a result, Alice Edmond rucked solo against Morphett, and the athletic 189cm Bulldog acquitted herself superbly, combining neatly with onballer Jess Fitzgerald.
Sydney, spearheaded by Laura Gardiner (31 disposals), regularly looked more slick on the outside and more clinical in attack but they became beset by poor decision-making and execution errors late.
The Swans started the second stanza by streaming out of the centre-square with three goals in the first six minutes before Ellie Bennetts got one back for the Dogs after converting a 50m penalty.
of respect for her. She’s the glue that holds the whole team together.”
Williamson said there was plenty of hunger in the group following the disappointment of falling just short of a grand final.
She said it was quite emotional afterwards and it feels like the one we let slip.
“It makes me nervous for how hard pre-season is going to be,” Williamson said. “It was probably our line in the sand season that we don’t lose finals any more.
“We’ve just got to win this next one.”
The lead changed hands throughout an engrossing third-term arm wrestle before Morphett’s exit and a sharp declineintheSwans’skilllevelpavedthe path for a strong final flourish from the Bulldogs, who won the fourth-quarter inside-50 count 12-2.
With Steve Barrett, AAP
De Berry. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Megan Williamson. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 344640_30
Luke Parks holds on to claim best and fairest
Williamstown defender Luke Parks was a nervous onlooker as the Williamstown best and fairest count was underway.
The first year Seagull led the count before going down injured in the wildcard game and missing the club’s two finals.
He was able to do enough to hold on, to claim his first Gerry Callahan Medal ahead of Corey Ellison.
Brodie McLaughlin, Jack Brown and Joel Fitzgerald finished in equal third.
Parks said it was a massive honour to claim the medal.
“It was a good night and I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” he said on Monday. “It’s a good honour.
“I didn’t think too much about it. I had played well and had so much fun playing that it kept me going and that was a byproduct of it.
“I got injured fairly late there. While I was
watching the count I thought I was going to get rolled over.
“Somanyplayershadgoodgameslateinthe year, but I somehow held on to it.”
Parks made the move to the Seagulls in the off season from Carlton’s VFL program.
He said the opportunity to play at a stand alone club had really attracted him to the club and it allowed him to thrive.
“Justin [Plapp] understood how I played my footy and was keen to allow me to play to my attributes,” he said.
“I think being able to play in such a great team and having connected so well with the coaches and the team helped me a lot.”
Parks said the decision to come to Williamstown started after a conversation with director of coaching Jeff Andrews.
He also spoke to a couple of past players.
“They spoke about the culture and the respect you get at the club,” he said. “I was
keen for a change and they were a standalone clubwithagreattrackrecordandIwasexcited to get to Willy.”
The Seagulls were knocked out in the semi finals for a second straight year by the Brisbane Lions.
Parks didn’t play that game but the club flew him up to be part of the atmosphere.
He said the Lions were able to play their game for longer in the end.
Parks said the group was keen to further develop next year.
“Talking to a few older players it was one of the more progressive years we’ve had,” he said.
“We’ll go into next year thinking we’re in the window of opportunity. We’re headed in the right direction.
“Retention is the key and looking like a fair few of the core and coming back including the leaders which helps.”
Coach, Houli locked in
By Tara Murray
Newport has signed a new coach and a three-time AFL premiership player as it prepares for life in Western Football League division 1.
The Panthers last week announced that this season’s coach Rodney Van Riet wouldn’t return to the club next year.
They then announced Ali Hamad would take over as coach followed by the news that former Essendon and Richmond star Bachar Houli had signed on to play for the club.
Hamad said he jumped at the opportunity to take on the role at Newport.
He thanked the people who had left the club in a good state to move forward.
“I’m very excited and more so excited that it is my community club,” he said. “My relatives are here, my nephew is here and my mum and dad go here.
“It was a no-brainer when it came up and I’m looking forward to it. Everyone from the local Muslim-Lebanese community goes here.”
Hamad has never held an official role at the club, but it has always been close to his heart. He said the new challenge of being in division 1 was something he was excited about.
“There’s a good crop of young kids coming through,” he said. “I want to help that transition into division 1.
“We had three senior teams this year and had 10 players in under-18s who are stepping up. They made finals in division 1. It will be a new build and we want to be competitive in division 1 and I’m looking forward to it.
“We want to shake it up as much as we can.” Hamad had been co-coach at East Keilor the past 18 months and has been an assistant coach at Western Jets previously.
He said his time at East Keilor had allowed him to get a good idea of what senior men’s football is about.
“It was good to be able to see how adults operate,” he said. “You’re coaching against the likes of Mick McGuane.
“The game is quicker and if you turn it over they punish you. The WFL is a little bit different to the EDFL, but I’m looking forward to it and I feel like I’m well equipped.”
The signing of Houli is the perfect start for Hamad as coach.
Houli played 232 AFL games, was All-Australian in 2019 and won three premierships with Richmond.
Hamad said it was pretty special to have him on board.
“He is a legend,” he said. “He plays a big role
in our community. “We have the most passionate supporter base and they have the conversation with him whenever they see him.
Zimmerman ready to fire
Catherine Zimmerman is set to explode in the A-League women’s competition after signing on for her second season with Western United.
The American attacker had a season cruelly interrupted by injuries in 2023-24 but showed her star power as soon as she took to the field.
Zimmerman scored twice in five appearances in the latter stage of the season and as she heads into pre-season training fully fit, the star striker will be aiming to reach new heights.
Committed and raring to go for season 2024-25, Zimmerman is motivated to make up for lost time and help bring success to Ironbark Fields.
“I’m really excited to be back with the team. I’m looking forward to playing with the core group of girls from last season as well as the new players that have come into the squad,” she said.
“Last season was definitely not the season I wanted to have, but the constant was this group of girls who were there for me no matter what.
“When I got back to playing, I really wanted to play for them and help the team like they helped me. I think I have that same mindset this year. I want to hit the ground running with this group – have fun, play good football and win games.”
Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato is boisterous about the prospect of a full season’s impact from Zimmerman in Tarneit.
“Catherine’s quality was on show at the back end of last season and we are all extremely excited to see her on the pitch from day one this year,” he said.
“Whilst working through her rehab, Zim had a fantastic impact on our group with her exemplary attitude and leadership continuing to drive our team culture.
“He will not just be great on field, but with the off field stuff as well.
“There’s a lot of respect for him and we will work around his availability.”
“With her experience and physical presence, we anticipate Zim playing a big part in 2024-25 and she will no doubt have our fans on their feet at Ironbark Fields this season.”
