Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 13th November 2024

Old Chrysler turns 100

When Williamstown’s Charmian Gaud and Ken Marriott went to a car auction in 2016, it was an old Renault they had their eyes on.

But when the bidding finished, it was a much older car the couple drove away with.

“We were caught in traffic and didn’t get there in time,” said Ms Gaud of how they missed out on the Renault.

But with a bidding ticket to use and plenty of cars still available, Ms Gaud soon spotted an alternative – a 1924 Chrysler 6, which turns 100 this year. Ms Gaud said the car’s age was just part of its historical value.

“At one time (famous opera singer) Dame Nellie Melba’s brother owned it and they put a heater in the floor near the back seat to make it more comfortable for Dame Nellie,” she said the car which was imported from the US by its first owner who lived in St Kilda.

Those wanting a closer look can see it at Motors and Masterpieces at Melbourne Showground from November 22 to 24. Details: https://shorturl. at/2Gd4P

Cade Lucas

Ken Marriott and Charmian Gaud of Williamstown with their 1924 Chrysler 6. (Damjan

Tunnel noise headaches

By Cade Lucas

Tenants at a Yarraville co-working space are growing frustrated with ongoing construction works for the West Gate Tunnel Project. Kindred Studios is situated on the corner of Harris and Whitehall streets in Yarraville, directly across the road from where construction works on the tunnel project have been taking place for more than two years.

A bandroom, cafe, dance and drumming teachers and digital services providers are among the tenants at the studios and Star Weeklyis aware of at least two who are seeking compensation from the West Gate Tunnel

Projectforlostearningsandanumberofothers who are upset with continued delays and a lack of communication.

Among them is Marmoset Digital owner Phillip Dean who is fed up with having a construction site just metres from where he works.

“It can be extremely noisy as our office faces HydeStreet,soifthey’redoingconcretingworks like grinding, it can be hard to concentrate,” Mr Dean said. “It’s been on and off for about two and a half years. I think everyone thought it would be well completed by now.”

Running a digital business, Mr Dean is able tomeetwithmanyofhisclientsonline,butsaid

face-to-face meetings were problematic.

“When we’re trying to meet with them (clients)atouroffices,italwaysendsupinsome kind of drama, like someone loosing their way or having to lug their computer gear for 100 meters because they realise they can’t park.”

Mr Dean said while he supported the tunnel project, communication between authorities and tenants had left a lot to be desired.

“A more unified single point of contact would’ve made a huge difference.”

A West Gate Tunnel Project spokesperson said they had worked with local businesses to minimise disruption as much as possible and would continue to do so.

“West Gate Tunnel construction in the area is expected to be finished over the next two months and we will continue to provide assistance to Kindred Studios and their tenants,” the spokesperson said, adding that Maribyrnong council was also undertaking works in the area.

Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddockconfirmedroadupgradesweretaking place on nearby Cowper Street.

“We’ve been working closely with all stakeholders including Kindred Studios to support visitors to continue to easily access their premises, including providing additional parking where possible,” Ms Haddock said.

Janevski) 441188_02

Play centre fined over girl’s injury

AMaidstoneplaycentrehasbeenfined$60,000 after an eight-year-old girl fractured to her spine in a fall at the venue.

Entertainment Velocity Ptd Ltd, trading as Funtopia Maribyrnong, was sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 1 after pleading guilty to two charges of failing to ensure people other than employees were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.

The company was also ordered to pay $6,000 in costs.

The court heard the girl was attending a friend’sbirthdaypartyatthevenueinJuly2022 when she prepared to climb the rope ladder

feature, a process that involved being fitted with a harness and connecting it to a self-belay device via a self-belay quicklink.

CCTV footage shows the girl correctly connecting the self-belay quicklink on her harness and beginning her climb, but the self-belay key was able to be removed from the self-belay device when the quicklink was not fully engaged.

As a result, the girl wasn’t attached to the belay system’s cable as she descended, causing her to fall about seven metres to the ground.

The girl was taken to hospital and where she was found to have suffered two compression fractures to her vertebrae.

An investigation by WorkSafe found due to excessive wear within the self-belay device, the self-belay key could be removed when the quicklink was not fully engaged.

The investigation also found there was no documented procedure for how daily tests of the self-belay system, self-belay key and self-belay quicklink should be performed.

Thecourtfounditwasreasonablypracticable forEntertainmentVelocitytoinspect,maintain and, where necessary, replace its climbing safety equipment.

WorkSafe health and safety director Sam Jenkin said thoroughly inspecting and testing climbing safety equipment and replacing

Follow the trail for bargains galore

The Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House (BMNH) is looking to give back to the community as part of Australia’s biggest Garage Sale Trail.

Garage Sale Trail is Australia’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt with over three million pre-loved items going up for sale over two big weekends of garage sales.

Last year, more than 400,000 Australians shopped or sold at more than 14,000 garage sales.

BMNH Vivienne Conn said rather than looking to drive up prices, she wanted to take this opportunity to help those in the community that are struggling to make ends meet.

“Originally we were going to sell most of our items for $1, but we’ve decided now to have the majority of it just be free,” she said.

“There is a massive range of stuff here, we’ll have ladies’, children’s and men’s clothing as well as sportswear.

“Collectibles, handbags, shoes, toys, towels, books, bedding, and bric-a-brac … there is something for everyone.”

Ms Conn said that while the items are all low cost or no cost, the quality has not been sacrificed.

“Everything is really top notch, there’s no rubbish in our garage sale,” she said. “With

everyone struggling so much we just want to help people out … that’s what we do here.

“We couldn’t have made the event possible without the help of our volunteers, they have been fantastic.”

The sale will run from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, November 16, with a sausage sizzle available between noon and 1.30pm.

There are more than 500 participating sales across the state over the next two weekends, withsustainabilityattheforefrontofeveryone’s minds.

Full map of shops: garagesaletrail.com.au/ sales

Gerald Lynch

it in the designated time frames were basic measures that, when ignored, had significant consequences.

“It is devastating to see the significant trauma and injury suffered by a young girl who should have been able to safely enjoy a fun day out,“ Mr Jenkin said. “WorkSafe continues to seeanalarmingnumberofissuesatindoorplay centres relating to the maintenance, training and supervision around climbing safety devices. With the busy summer holiday period approaching, now is the time for employers to ensure they have safe systems and processes in place to protect the public, and particularly children, from serious harm.“

Christmas events coming

Hobsons Bay will host a number of free Christmas picnics to kick off the festive season.

Community picnics at Brooklyn, Newport and Seabrook will be held across the first three weekends of December featuring live music and stage entertainment, arts and crafts and of course, photo opportunities with Santa.

Brooklyn Reserve hosts the first picnic,DecktheHall,from12pmto3pm on Sunday, December 1, before Have Yourself a Very Newport Christmas takestoPaineReservefrom5pmto8pm on Saturday, December 7.

The third picnic, Season’s Greetings, Love Seabrook, will feature at Homestead Run Reserve from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, December 14.

Food trucks will only be available at the Brooklyn and Seabrook picnics.

Along with the picnics, there will also be performances and carols events taking place throughout the municipalityintheleaduptoChristmas A special presentation of Handel’s MessiahbytheCamberwellChorale,led by local resident Doug Heywood OAM, will take place at the Williamstown Town Hall on Saturday, November 30.

Altona Carols in the Park will be held on Sunday, December 8 at Logan Reserve, Altona, followed by Newport Carols by Candlelight at Paine Reserve on December 14.

Carols by Candlelight Altona Meadows is on Saturday, December 21 at Trafalgar Reserve, while the following evening, Carols by Candlelight Williamstown will be held at Commonwealth Reserve. Come December, Christmas decorations will appear across Hobsons Bay and retail precincts will feature Christmas-themedactivitiesandevents.

Creativity to fill empty shops in Footscray from December

Empty shops in Footscray are set to get a new, creative lease on life.

Beginning in December, the Creative Places Initiative will convert several vacant shopfronts in the Footscray Central Business District into places for artists and creative businesses to showcase their work and connect with residents.

It’s hoped the pilot program supported by Maribyrnong council and funded by Creative Victoria will foster community involvement, stimulate the local economy, and address the need for accessible and affordable venues for local creatives.

Maribyrnong council chief executive, Celia Haddock, said the Creative Places Initiative would involve a variety of creative pursuits.

“Thepilotisseekingtohostarangeofcreative activities, including art exhibitions, public art installations, artisan pop-ups, and co-working spaces, offering a platform for artists and makers to connect with the community,” Ms Haddock said.

“Running from 10 December 2024 to 31 March 2025, the pilot will assess the potential for long-term activation of these creative spaces. If successful, the program could help establish permanent creative destinations in

Footscray, supporting both cultural vibrancy and economic growth,” she said.

“This initiative is a key step in building a sustainable creative economy and fostering Footscray’s growth as a cultural hub.”

Along with filling vacant shop fronts, the Creative Places Initiative will also brighten the streets themselves with a public art project displayingimagesfromalocalphotographerin large-format decals, as well as a new billboard aimed at bringing art directly to the streets.

Maribyrnong council is currently calling for expressions of interest from landlords to identify potential locations for the pilot and

have stressed that landlord engagement and support for the program is vital. It’s hoped that as the pilot unfolds, more landlords will express an interest participating in future iterations of Creative Places and establish a precedent for re-purposing underutilised spaces elsewhere. Empty shops and landbanking have long been issues in central Footscray, particularly towards the top end of Barkly Street and the area around the intersection of Paisley and Albert streets. For more information on the Creative Places Initiative, visit: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ creativeplaces

BMNH’s Jodie Barrett, Vivienne Conn, Kenny Stewart, Ken Hill, Les Edwards. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 440311_02

Parental leave problems

By Cade Lucas

Working fathers in Melbourne’s west are finding it difficult to access parental leave and those who do, claim they are penalised by their employers as a result.

TheseareamongthefindingsofTheWorking Dads: Towards Equal Care report conducted by GenWest in partnership with Preventing Violence Together (PVT).

The survey asked 155 fathers from across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, open-ended questions about their experiences balancing work and care-giving responsibilities.

According to the report, more than half of respondents reported barriers in workplace culture preventing them from providing more care, ranging from men’s parental leave not being considered normal and the prevalence of a “job comes first mentality,” through to leave forms not even containing a box for fathers to tick.

Those fathers who did access parental leave said it affected their standing in the workplace including some being passed over for promotion.

GenWest gender-based violence team leader Nisha Gull-e-Nishat helped compile the working dads report and said both outcomes reinforced outdated gender norms around parenting affecting mothers too.

“This perpetuates inequality, as women often bear the brunt of caregiving, impacting their workforce participation and long-term economic security,” said Ms Gull-e-Nishat.

“Specifically, we want to see workplaces implement comprehensive strategies that go beyond policies and actively promote culture change through leadership role modelling.

“Bynormalisingsharedcare-givingrolesand encouraging flexible working arrangements

for men, we can challenge gender stereotypes and create more equitable conditions for all parents. Ultimately, we aim for this to lead to better outcomes for women’s participation in the workforce, their financial security, and overall safety from violence. The report is also intended to inspire workplace leaders to take proactive steps toward fostering an inclusive environment where both men and women can balance work and care-giving effectively.”

The Working Dads: Towards Equal

Funding boost boxed up

Lacrosse mightn’t be a popular sport in Australia, but the Canadian version, box lacrosse, is even more obscure.

Played on a court, or box, instead of a field, box lacrosse is the preferred form of the sport in Canada where it is played in the summer months.

However, in Australia, there is only one box lacrosse facility in the entire country, the Alan Lewer Box Court in Altona North.

And thanks to $42,000 in funding awarded last month by the Westgate Neighbourhood Fund Grants program, it’s a facility that is about to get an upgrade.

“The grant is for improvements to the Alan Lewer Box Court and will go towards the installment of permanent seating,” said Altona Lacrosse Club president James Bleed of what the money will go towards.

Unsurprisingly as the only facility of its type in country, the Alan Lewer Box Court has hosted the last two box lacrosse national

championships with another one set to be played there in February.

Mr Bleed said the addition of 200 permanent seats would help the club better accommodate box lacrosse players and spectators from across the country.

“We’ve had to rent seating for $15000 for the spectators,” he said of the previous national championships they’ve hosted.

“The stands are packed every day and over the course of the week-long event you’ll have maybe a thousand people (in attendance). It also means we have a permanent set of seating allyearroundandthere’sahugecostassociated with hosting events that we won’t have to pay.”

With the funding secured, Mr Bleed said the next challenge was getting the seats installed in time.

“We’re trying to expedite the process and move quickly. They have to be in by next February.”

Cade Lucas

Fine for illegal waste

TheEnvironmentalProtectionAuthority has fined a company nearly $40,000 for transporting hazardous waste without permission to a number of sites across Melbourne, including in Brooklyn and Wollert.

Veolia Recycling and Recovery and Veolia Environmental Services was fined bytheEPAfortransportingwasteclassed as reportable priority waste, without gaining permission to do so.

Reportable priority waste can be hazardous to human health and the environment, and is only allowed in a vehiclewithappropriateEPApermission.

Veolia transported the hazardous waste to sites in Brooklyn, Wollert and Dandenong during October without permission.

“It’s disappointing to see a large company like Veolia fail to obtain the appropriate permission before transporting reportable priority waste,” said EPA compliance programs manager Zac Dornom of the offences.

Under Victorian law, the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed by a court.

Care report will be launched in an online webinar on November 20, with GenWest chief executive Dale Wakefield and gender equality commissioner Dr Niki Vincent the featured speakers and City of Melbourne chief executive Alison Leighton, Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains and Our Watch’s Cameron McDonald participating in a panel discussion.

Details: https://genwest.org.au/news-andevents/working-dads-towards-equal-care/

Along with transporting it in a permitted vehicle, those managing reportable priority waste need to provide information regarding the waste to the next person in the supply chain, report to the EPA each time the waste is exchanged, take reasonable steps to contain the waste to prevent escape or contamination and isolate the waste to enable resource recovery to occur.

VACANT BLOCK AND BROAD ACREAGE FIRE HAZARD INSPECTIONS COMMENCING SOON

Do you own a vacant block or broad acreage within Hobsons Bay?

In preparedness for the summer season, Council will be undertaking inspections of vacant blocks and broad acreage properties between Monday 2 December and Monday 16 December 2024 to assess if the property is a fire risk/hazard.

For vacant blocks, we recommend you ensure your property meets the following criteria before the commencement of the inspection period commences:

• grass, weeds or undergrowth are under 10cm in height

• tree branches, leaves, green waste and/or rubbish are not on the property

• bushes/shrubs are not excessively overgrown

• the property is free from combustible/flammable material (such as wood piles, dried grass, empty containers, and derelict vehicles)

For properties over 5 acres, a fire break of 10 metres around the perimeter of the property is required. This includes the removal of all combustible/flammable material (such as wood piles, dried grass, empty containers, and derelict vehicles).

Please note: It is important that you ensure your vacant land is cleared throughout the year to reduce fire hazards.

For more information on Council’s Fire Hazard Inspections please contact 1300 179 944

Altona Lacrosse Club president James Bleed celebrates the awarding of a grant that will fund permanent seating at the Alan Lewer Lacrosse Box in Altona North. (Damjan Janevski) 442574_04

GenWest gender-based violence team leader Nisha Gull-e-Nishat, who helped compile a report on working fathers in Melbourne’s west. (Damjan Janevski) 442402_05

Former mayors fail to win seats

By Cade Lucas

Five of the six former Maribyrnong mayors who contested last month’s elections have failed in their bids to return to council, with controversial former state upper house MP, Catherine Cumming and council’s longest serving member, Michael Clarke, among those to have missed out.

By contesting the Bluestone ward, Ms Cumming was seeking to return to Maribyrnong council where where she served for 20 years before moving to state parliament as Western Metropolitan MP between 2018 and 2022.

However, despite leading on first preference votes, Ms Cumming was defeated by entrepreneur Pradeep Tiwari 54 per cent to 45 per cent after preferences were distributed.

In Wattle ward, Mr Clarke, a three-time Maribyrnong mayor who served for 14 years across two stints, did even get that far, coming in third on first preferences with 23 per cent of the vote, well behind independent Miles Parnall-Gilbert on 31 per cent and the Greens Elena Pereyra on 30 per cent.

After preferences, Ms Pereyra narrowly prevailed, 50.8 per cent to 49.1.

In Bundap ward, after a nail biting race

where all seven candidates polled between 10 and 20 per cent on first preferences, anti-racism campaigner and social advocated Mohamed Semra won with 53 per cent after distribution over Le Thuy-Kim on 46 per cent.

In River ward, ALP aligned Susan Yengi defeated former mayor Cameron McDonald 53percentto46percentafterthedistribution of preferences.

Former mayor and sitting member Anthony Tran finished second on first preferences with 22 per cent, but failed to make the final two after distribution.

Community activist Samantha Meredith

Matilda mischief in Williamstown

A Hobsons Bay primary school has the Williamstown Theatre Company to thank for being able to perform a Roald Dahl classic for its annual production.

Williamstown North Primary School is performing Matilda on December 4 and 5 at the Centenary Theatre at Williamstown High School.

As the school’s performing arts teacher, Chelsea Adams, explained obtaining a licence to perform such a popular work by such a popular author would normally be beyond their means.

“But the Williamstown Theatre Company had a licence (to Matilda) and offered us the

rights,” Ms Adams said.

“We were extremely excited to get the opportunity.It’saspecialshowthatemphasises themes of equity fairness and kindness.”

Williamstown North will perform the musical version of Matilda with the lyrics and score written by renowned Australian comedian and musician Tim Minchin, which Ms Adams said was another reason why she chose it.

“I think amplifying Australian voices is important,” she said, adding that the students in the cast were enjoying it too.

“Roald Dahl stories are inherently a bit mischievous and the characters are larger

than life and the students really relate to it and respond to it.”

A total of 45 students are in the cast, while all students from grades three to six will class songs, meaning about 80 per cent of school’s enrolment is involved.

“In terms of props and set and costuming it’s probably the biggest,”said Ms Adams of how Matilda compared to previous Williamstown North Primary productions.

Matilda will be performed in matinee and evening shows at 2pm and 6.30pm on December 4 and 5. Tickets: https://www. trybooking.com/CQDHP Cade Lucas.

was elected in Saltwater, finishing ahead of another former mayor, John Cumming, 56 per cent to 44 per cent after preferences, while in Sheok, the Greens sitting councillor Bernadette Thomas won with a thumping 61 per cent of after preferences, well ahead of Paul Nam-Le on 38 per cent.

The one former mayor who will be on Maribyrnong council for the next four term is the most recent one, with outgoing mayor Cuc Lam easily winning Braybrook ward with 52 per cent after preferences, roughly double that of second placed Greens candidate Chris Wilson on 26 per cent, with Catherine Robertson third on 21 per cent.

Firm promises safety changes

A construction company facing charges relating to injuries suffered by workers at Level Crossing Removal Project sites, includingoneinLaverton,hascommitted to spending more than $1.2 million in safety measures.

Last month, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd had entered into an Enforceable Undertaking with WorkSafe worth $1,254,708.

The company faced seven charges of failing to provide and maintain a workplace that was safe and without risks to health in relation to incidents at Level Crossing Removal Project sites in Laverton in 2022 and Dandenong in 2021.

In January 2022, a worker was retrieving a light tower from a vehicle at a site in Laverton when he stepped back and was struck by an excavator. The worker suffered fractures to his foot and was off work for a number of weeks.

In October 2021, a worker in Dandenong was struck by a reversing dumptruck.Theworkersufferedmultiple fracturesandhadtohavetoesamputated.

In both cases, WorkSafe alleged it was reasonably practicable for McConnell Dowell Constructors to have implemented measures to prevent machinery colliding with employees and to have ensured high risk construction work was performed safely.

Among the conditions of the undertaking, the company will have to fit machinery with AI blindsight technology, fund and deliver training on people and plant separation risks and fund scholarships and safety programs at RMIT University.

The charges may be reinstated if the undertaking is contravened or withdrawn.

New councillors are set to shake up Hobsons Bay council

Hobsons Bay council is about to look very different, with just two existing councillors re-elected for the coming four year term.

Diana Grima and Daria Kellander were the only sitting members to re-contest at last month’s council elections and both were rewarded with comfortable victories.

According to results released by the Victorian Electoral Commision on Thursday, Ms Grima won the Altona Meadows Ward on first preferences, attracting 53 per cent of votes, more than double her nearest challenger, libertarian Liam Roche on 19 per cent.

Unlike Ms Grima, Ms Kellander failed to get more than 50 per cent of first preference votesinAltonaward,thoughhertotalof43per

cent was still well clear of second placed Tim Rippon on 23 per cent.

Ms Kellander easily defeated Mr Rippon and Irene Brown on preferences, securing 50.5 percent, compared to 30 and 19 per cent respectively.

As the only experienced councillors, one of MsKellanderandMsGrimaislikelytobecome the next Hobsons Bay mayor.

Joining them on council for the next four years will be seven newcomers to local government.

In Laverton, Labor aligned Paddy Keys-Macpherson secured just under 60 per cent of first preferences to easily defeat Tori Mikula on 40.7 per cent.

In Williamstown, the other two candidate contest was similarly lopsided, with independentLisaBentleyattracting57percent of first preferences, beating the Greens Ingrid Magtengaard on 42 per cent.

In neighbouring Williamstown North, local businessman Michael Disbury also didn’t require preferences, attracting a primary vote of 54 per cent, more than 30 per cent ahead of second placed independent Alex Ansalone on 23 per cent.

Spotswood was the most tightly contested ward, with community advocate Rosa McKenna securing 26 per cent of first preferences,aheadofsurgeonOmarBaarinion 24 per cent and independent Kristin Bishop on 21 per cent.

After the distribution of preferences though, it was Ms Bishop who prevailed, winning 53 per cent to Ms McKenna’s 47 per cent.

In Altona North, lawyer Rayane Hawli defeated real estate agent Alexandra Damasoliotis on preferences, 54 per cent to 45 per cent, having also secured the most first preference votes.

Five of Hobsons Bay’s seven sitting councillors, including outgoing mayor Matt Tyler and former mayors Peter Hemphill, Jonathan Marsden and Antoinette Briffa, didn’t seek re-election.

Cade Lucas

Cast members of Williamstown North Primary School’s production of Matilda. Front from left, Mey: Mrs Wormwood, Eliza: Trunchbull, Aliena: Matilda,

Bin batteries carefully

Maribyrnong households are being urged to show more care when disposing of batteries and electronic waste (e-waste).

As part of the “Bin it Better” recycling education program launched by Maribyrnong council earlier this year, residents are being warned to keep used batteries and e-waste out kerbside bins to avoid contamination.

“They contain toxic metals and can overheat or become punctured, causing rubbish loads to catch fire in trucks or at the sorting facility,” saidacouncilspokesperson.“Inrecentmonths, there have been two fires in our trucks.”

To avoid this, council is recommending that used batteries and e-waste be disposed of at one of the electrical drop off hubs located throughout Maribyrnong at Bristow Street car park, Seddon, Donald Street car park, Footscray, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, Maribyrnong, Hansen Reserve car park, West Footscray, Raleigh Road Activity Centre, Maribyrnong and Maribyrnong Community

Centre, Maribyrnong.

Co-funded by Sustainability Victoria, the “Bin it Better” campaign seeks to empower Maribyrnong residents to place the correct items in the right bins for collection to reduce the amount of contamination in both kerbside recycling (yellow lid bins) and food and garden organics (green lid bins).

To achieve this, the campaign is running education workshops across the municipality, including at local schools such as Footscray City Primary.

Workshops focusing on organics, are now taking place across the municipality and more schools are encouraged to sign up and take part in the “Bin it Better” education sessions, which further reinforce sustainable waste management practices among students.

Schools and teachers can book free workshops for their students at: maribyrnong. vic.gov.au/bin-it-better-at-school Cade Lucas.

Briefs

Altona Harbour

The annual dredging of Altona Harbour will start this week. The harbour is a designated safe harbour for Port Philip Bay and dredging of the sand is required to maintain a safe depth for boats using ramps within the harbour. Black sediment extracted during the dredging will be stored on a section of Seaholme Foreshore and the dog beach at PA Burns Reserve and local residents are warned it may create a smell.

Footscray Park

Works on the Regional Play Space and Thomson Water Gardens within Footscray Park will begin this month. In line with the resolutions from the meeting of Maribyrnong council in December 2023, the works include the removal of the play space and the restoration of the Thomson Water Gardens. Following the removal of the play space, the site will be transformed into an open area, with existing play items salvaged and repurposed. The works to the Thomson Water Gardens are aimed at improving safety, accessibility and enjoyment while preserving its historical significance. Both areas will be closed to the public and fenced off while the works are undertaken, and reopening of some areas is anticipated for February 2025.

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Enjoy complimentary coffee and food trucks while you explore our stunning display homes and take a guided tour of our state-of-the-art clubhouses. Our friendly homeowners and Lifestyle team will be on hand to answer any questions and share what makes these communities truly special. Lifestyle Deanside | 85 Mushu Street, Deanside Lifestyle Woodlea | 17 Tranquil Road, Aintree

Footscray City Primary School students Archer, Holly, Anna and Ethan with Cameron O’Malley from the “Bin it Better” campaign. (Damjan Janevski) 439567_03

In his father’s footsteps

Mawien Ariik is striving to follow in his father’s selfless footsteps. His father was killed in the war in Sudan and he was separated from his widowed mother, living in refugee camps before arriving in Australia. Now the Deer Park resident is working to improve healthcare in his family’s village, as Afraa Kori reports.

Deer Park’s Mawien Ariik is one of many war orphans alive today thanks to his father’s selfless sacrifice.

Born in war-torn Sudan and raised by his widowed mother, Mr Ariik was eventually separated from his family and spent many years in refugee camps in Uganda and Kenya before arriving in Australia in 2005.

“Ever since my father was killed in the war, I tookitpositivelyanddidn’tcryatthattime.He fought for my freedom, now I’m free, safe, and living in a great country,“ he said.

“Given the opportunities I have in Australia, hissacrificeinspiresmetogivebacktothosehe fought for and make a difference in his honour. I’m also inspired to pass forward the help that I received from people who helped me during my disruptive childhood and helped me come to Australia as a young refugee boy. I want to leave a legacy as someone who was helped and continues to help others.”

When Mr Ariik returned to his home village asanadult,hewasdevastatedtoseepeoplestill suffering after his father had fought and died for them to be free.

“I went back to Sudan in 2017 and saw that nothing has changed since I left as a little kid,” he said. “When the war was happening, it stopped people from providing basic health care services, and I thought after Sudan’s independence, these services would be delivered to people. There’s still nothing in the village where I was born and where my family lives, even in the capital city [Juba] people are sick on the floor when they go to a public hospital.

“The health conditions affected my family membersandIlostoneofmynephewsbecause

‘‘ If you see something wrong and you don’t say or do anything, then you are the same or equal to the person committing those atrocities ... it’s a collective responsibility, if we join hands that will make a difference ’’ - Mawien Ariik

oftheoutbreakofdiseaseinthevillage.Mysick grandfather was hand-carried by 10 villagers for over 10-hours to get him to medical care. Young girls are also missing a lot of days of school due to having no access to menstrual products.”

After noticing the need for sustainable healthcare initiatives and health education programmes, Mr Ariik and his friends launched South Sudanese Health Matters Incorporated (SSHMI), a non-government and non-profit organisation to improve the health and life chances of people living in Sudan. Over the course of 12 months, SSHMI supplied over 1000 sanitary hygiene kits to girls and women in Lou-Ariik village, as well as employing and training community health workers to educate the community about hygiene practices.

SSHMIisnowprogressingwithitslong-term projectstobuildandmaintainaprimaryhealth

care clinic and school within Lou Ariik.

“Before my father passed, he said he’s a chief of the orphans and the needy and that’s exactly what he did for 55 years in his village,” Mr Ariik said. “So we put a memorial clinic in his honour and hopefully expand this vision to other villages. I might not be able to impact the whole village but I’ve got to start somewhere andtheremightbeotherpeoplelateroninthat impact journey that will join me.”

For the Dhour Ariik memorial clinic, SSHMI raised $25,756 with the support of diverse communities at its first fundraiser in Braybrook.

It featured diverse speakers, including Western Health junior medical doctor Anei Ochan-Thou, Melbourne University postdoctoral research fellow, Dr Mark Deng, Shepparton registered nurse Akuot Wundit and Geelong author Kgshak Akec.

“The fundraiser’s theme was resilience and we carefully selected a young group of panellists, to discuss their experiences and their journeys, whether it’s schooling, work or life. So we were raising funds for the good cause and at the same time, motivating and mobilising the community,” Mr Ariik said.

“The goal was to leverage this to champion and advocate for basic services like healthcare, schools and menstrual products for the people in the village. If you see something wrong and you don’t say or do anything, then you are the same or equal to the person committing those atrocities or denying basic health services to the people. It’s a collective responsibility, if we join hands that will make a difference.“

Melton resident and SUDD foundation founder Ambrose Mareng is another South

Sudanese who recently visited his country of birth. He said many Sudanese-Australians will depend on SSHMI as a lifeline to bring health careservicestotheirextendedfamilyinSudan.

“South Sudanese Australians are directly affected, as they have family in South Sudan. The dire situation there – a maternal mortality rate of 1 in 10, for example – weighs heavily on them,” he said.

“To my knowledge, Mawien is the first member of the South Sudanese diaspora in Australia to initiate building a hospital back in South Sudan ... Sudanese Australians want to helpbutmaynotknowhow.Theyneedsystems in place, motivation, and encouragement. Seeing progress like this would spur them on.

“Existing healthcare facilities are primitive andfarfromtheneediestareas.Theareawhere the proposed hospital would be built is 200 miles from town and conditions deteriorate every rainy season. Heavy rains and flooding cut people off from towns; makeshift roads wash away. In emergencies, people die because there’s no way to transport patients to hospitals, even the hospitals themselves are poorly equipped.

“If the Australian community, both Sudanese and otherwise, support this effort, it could make a massive difference in the Tonj NorthAreaofWarrapState.WhiteAustralians visiting or contributing to South Sudan would make a profound impact, changing lives with their skills, knowledge, and resources. By building the hospital, we send a message that Australians care about South Sudan and want to improve their lives there.”

Details: https://southsudanesehealth.org/ donate/

Mawien Ariik. (Damjan Janevski) 431600_02

Boost for Vic maternity services

care as close to home as possible.

The taskforce will identify opportunities and address known complex challenges that can have an effect on the service delivery of Victoria’sworld-classmaternitycare,including workforce recruitment and retention.

A taskforce will be set up to help improve maternity services across Victoria.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said thetaskforcewouldfocusonensuringhospitals have the best workforce and models of care in place – so families have access to safe, reliable

It will be made up of nursing and midwifery experts–includingtheAustralianNursingand Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Vic Branch and representatives from regional and rural health services.

A targeted expression of interest process to join the taskforce is underway, with work to review Victoria’s maternity system to identify

strategies for improvement commencing shortly.

The taskforce will work with health services, community and experts to consider models of care that support women to have choice in their pregnancy and birth experiences, while strengthening rural and regional maternity workforces.

“Victoria has some of the world’s best and safest maternity and newborn services in the world – this taskforce is an opportunity to continue improving these services, so women receive the best support during pregnancy and birth,“ Ms Thomas said.

“It’s so important to ensure all of our maternity health service providers whether they are in the city or the most remote areas of Victoria – the taskforce experts will help to implement the changes we need to see.” ANMF (Victorian branch) assistant secretary Madeleine Harradence said the ANMF was looking forward to contributing to the taskforce’s work.

“Weknowtherearemultiplewaysofworking that result in sustainable and professionally satisfying workforce outcomes and enable womentoaccessmaternitycareclosetohome,“ she said.

Supportive abortion care at Northern Health

For the past six years, the abortion service at BroadmeadowsHospitalhasbeenprovidingan essential service to the community.

The service offers both early medication and surgical abortion in a pro-choice, safe, and supportive environment. Operating on Thursdays and Fridays, the clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team including clinical midwives, doctors, a counsellor-social worker, and a research midwife. Together they ensure that patients receive the highest level of care and support throughout their journey.

NorthernHealthclinicalmidwifeconsultant and clinic co-ordination Kate Chaouki said the abortion service at Broadmeadows Hospital is an integral part of Northern Health’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible reproductive healthcare services for women in the region.

“Access to safe abortion is an essential part of reproductive health care. We are proud to offer this service at Northern Health and enjoy

working collaboratively with primary health care providers and other major health services to ensure ongoing provision of high-quality abortion care to our community,” she said. Counsellor- social worker Sarah

Wotherspoon joined the abortion service in June 2023. The addition of social work has broadened the scope of the clinic and allows access to non-directive pregnancy counselling, family violence support and other vital

assistance to patients who need it.

“We knew that social work was important in thisspace,buthadnotquiteanticipatedthehigh level of demand for Sarah’s skills in the clinic. We recently celebrated Sarah’s 200th referral for abortion counselling-social work and could not provide this level of comprehensive care without her,” Ms Chaouki said.

Ms Wotherspoon said she enjoyed working in this space and consistently receives positive feedback from patients whose experience of abortion care is enhanced by her support.

“I am proud to work with this highly skilled, supportive and kind team, providing an essential health service to our patients,” she said.

Those who are pregnant and seeking pregnancy options counselling can contact 1800 My Options which is available Monday toFriday,9am-5pm,viawww.1800myoptions. org.au or 1800 696 784.

As part of Port of Melbourne’s 2055 Port Development Strategy we are seeking input from the community to ensure our roadmap for growth and development adapts to their evolving needs and to broader changes in our operating circumstances

We will be holding an online community workshop on Monday 25 Nov 6pm - 8pm.

Midwife Kylie Johnston, counsellor-social worker Sarah Wotherspoon, Dr Eliza Robinson, clinical midwife consultant Kate Chaouki and research midwife Eleanor Johnson. (Supplied)

MY PLACE

Dr Helen McCarthy is Associate Professor in Dietetics at Victoria University’s Footscray Park campus. She tells Cade Lucas about life working in Maribyrnong.

What’s your connection to Maribyrnong?

I work at Victoria University (VU) with our main campus at Footscray Park. I have worked there since moving to Australia from the UK in 2015. I am a children’s dietitian and worked inlargeteachinghospitalsintheUKforalmost 20 years before becoming a lecturer in dietetics in Northern Ireland. In 2014 I was approached about moving to VU. It was a massive step, leaving family and friends behind to come to the other side of the world. I had never been to Australia before, or even thought about it, but I don’t like to ever say ’what if....’ so I took the chance and moved. I was lucky that I had some friends that had moved out here over the previous two years. Through them, and through colleagues at VU, I have made some great new friends, and a lot of them live in Maribyrnong. I am currently Associate Professor in Dietetics at VU and look after our nutrition and dietetic courses. I am also share the role of Deputy Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching in the College of Sport, Health and Engineering which means that I get to work with some amazing people from diverse backgrounds.

What do you like about working here?

VU has a great approach to building relationships and supporting the local community. Through VU I have had the opportunity to work with some great people in the local community. This includes working with Maribyrnong council on the Gluten Free Dining project. Our students volunteer on the project to support local food businesses in completing the Coeliac Australia Gluten Free Accreditation processes. At VU I work with someamazingpeoplefromdiverseculturaland professional backgrounds. What makes them so amazing is their collegiality and willingness to go above and beyond for the students, their colleagues and the local community.

VU’s Footscray Park campus backs onto the Maribyrnong River. Its a beautiful spot, and I love to watch the river when I get into work in the mornings; I find it really relaxing.

What, if anything, would you change about the area?

The traffic and parking! I live some distance away so have to commute into Footscray. Most days, because I can end up moving to other campuses, I drive in hence why I love

to watch the river for a bit - de-stress time. Parking can also be a real challenge, especially when there are events at the showgrounds or the racecourse.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

Probably one of my favourite spots is Yarraville. I love the old houses and there are some great places to meet up with friends and socialise.

Rotary gets real spooky

Williamstown Rotary Club co-president Damien Hynes wasn’t sure exactly how many people attended the club’s Halloween event on the evening of October 31, but he knew it was a lot.

“We gave away 1000 sausages and that was by 6.30pm and we still had an hour to go,” said Mr Hynes of the annual event held at Newport Lakes Reserve.

“It’sbeenaregulareventforthelastfewyears now,” he said of the Halloween event which Williamstown Rotary decided to established as awayofbringingthecommunitytogetherafter the Covid-19 pandemic.

“And it is still serving that purpose,” Mr

Hynes said. “People are looking forward to it every year, it’s getting bigger.”

Those attending the 2024 event were able to enjoy attractions such jumping castles, aeroplane rides, an atomic slide, face painting, music and the aformentioned sausage sizzle.

Many families came down after trick or treating and Mr Hynes said the feedback he received both on the night and afterwards was overwhelmingly positive.

“The kids loved the rides and games. It is a fantastic way to bump into others in the community,” he said, repeating the message from one happy Halloween patron who added, “We can’t wait to come again in 2025.”

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?

I have a passion for history and mythology. When I travel or move somewhere new, I make a point of getting hold of books of local stories and legends. I love to understand the history and the local legends that offer insights to people’s connections to that place. I have a room at home that is floor to ceiling bookshelves full of history and mythology based books.

Left: Penny, Egie, Caitlin and Neve were dressed up for the occasion. Centre: Dressing up wasn’t just for the kids. Right: Some of the rides and attractions on offer.

Halloween themed music added to the atmosphere.

Left and centre: Kyla, Anastasia and Dave in costume. Right: Both children and adults enjoyed the Halloween festivities. (Pictures: Supplied)

Dr Helen McCarthy from VU’s Dietetics Unit. (Damjan Janevski) 436845_05

Downsizing is a smart and practical choice

Sometimes a change in circumstances is the nudge we need to reevaluateliving arrangements in pursuit of a more fulfilling retirement.

When David Dippie was left on his own in a 4-bedroom, double-storey homeafter his wife Judith moved into aged care, it didn’t make sense not to downsize.

“I looked at the options – I could get a single storey 3-bedroom place, which would still give me maintenance issues, or I could come into a lifestyle village,” said David.

Previously living in Essendon for over 40 years, downsizing to Rivervue Retirement Village on the Maribyrnong River was a smart and practical choice for David. Rivervue is a premium retirement village, with lifestyle-enhancing amenities, offering a wide rangeofoptionsforindependentseniorliving.

“Coming here took pressure off the kids because I’m not on my own in a double-storey house. I’m happy here and self-sufficient, and they don’t worry,” said David.

While David gave up the big home and high-maintenance yard, he still enjoys his 3-bedroom abode proudly overlooking the Maribyrnong River and Medway Golf Course – the perfect floorplan to have enough space for his daughter to stay when she’s down from Queensland, as well as a home office.

An active volunteer and member of the Keilor East Rotary Club, David recently came back from a trip to Tonga where they helped set up three dental clinics in the three main schools. The ability to lock-up and leave gave him peace-of-mind while he was away.

“I could just walk out the door knowing everything was safe and my plants would be watered,”said David about living in his gated community.

While David doesn’t use the resort-style facilities at Rivervue on a regular basis, he enjoys the social side of things without the pressure of having to do everything.

“I knew more people here in the first month than I did in the street I lived in for 14 years,” said David. “I’m getting involved within the community at a level that suits me. You can be involved as much as you want.”

According to David, living in a lifestyle-led retirement village is not for everybody, but something everybody should consider.

“For the right people, it’s perfect,” he said. “I’m still pinching myself that this place exists.”

JoinusforanExclusiveHighTeaexperience on Wednesday 27 November and take in the stunning elevated views of the Maribyrnong River. Discover what premium retirement living is all about as you savour delicious scones, sandwiches, and sweet treats while being charmed by the lovely Hayley Brookes.

This is your chance to experience the luxury lifestyle that Rivervue offers and find out why our residents say “Life Begins at Rivervue.”

Rivervue Retirement Village, 25 Bellavista Drive, Avondale Heights. For more information visit www.rivervue.com.au

Rivervue resident David Dippie.

Premium Retirement Living by the River

Discover what premium retirement living is all about as you enjoy a delightful afternoon with us. Savour delicious scones, sandwiches, and sweet treats while listening to the soothing sounds of the amazing Hayley Brookes.

Tour our village, explore our modern architectural homes options and take in the stunning elevated views of the Maribyrnong River.

This is your chance to experience the luxury lifestyle that Rivervue offers and find out why our residents say, “Life begins at Rivervue.”

Bring a friend and join us for an unforgettable afternoon!

Have a green, green Christmas and look after the planet

The festive season is a time for joy, but peak consumerism can have a harsh impact on our planet. Sustainable choices this festive season will be easier on your hip pocket, better for the planet and elicit gasps of joy on Christmas morning.

Wrapping

There’s no need to cut corners on your gift wrapping for the sake of the planet, because there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to wrap upagiftinawaythatshowsyourloveforboth the planet and the recipient.

Thinking about the context of the gift can help.

Gifts for the kitchen can be wrapped in a Christmas-themed tea-towel; the wrapping then becomes part of the present and can be used over and over again, rather than being thrown into landfill on Christmas night.

Otherwise, try wrapping presents in cloths, like scarves or bandannas. Again, it’s abeautifulwaytoincorporatethegiftintothe

wrapping. Add some leaves or flowers from the garden under the ribbon for a simple, cheap decoration. Old shoe boxes make terrific gift boxes and are a good way to reuse something you would normallyjustthrowout.Wrapitinnewspaper to increase your recycling credentials, or ask the kids to draw their best festive pictures on the box for that personal touch.

If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can pick up fabric scraps or old clothes from the op shop and turn them into Santa sacks, ready to fill with presents to gift to the ones you love.

Decorations

With a bit of creative nous, almost anything around the house can be turned into a decoration.

Used coffee pods, for example, make a creative adornment for presents or even the Christmas tree. Simply clean them, cut a hole in the top and thread through some ribbon or twine, and you’ve got yourself some crafty little Christmas bells, ready for hanging on a tree or decorating a gift.

Cut-up soft drink bottles can be arranged

into a boot shape and covered with Christmas-themed fabric to create stand-up stockings, ready for filling with presents.

Create one-of-a-kind wreaths using the leaves and flowers you pick up at your local park or in the garden.

The kids are sure to love getting involved in putting it together, and the majority of the materials used will breakdown naturally in the garden or compost after the season is over.

Gifts

When purchasing gifts, look for those with minimal packaging to immediately cut the environmental impact.

Hit up local op shops or see if there is anything around the house that you can re-gift to a better home.

Steerclearofcheapproductsthatarelikelyto breakbeforeBoxingDayandoptforsomething sturdier, like gifts made of wood or metal.

Farmers and craft markets are great places to pick up unique presents with less packaging and plastic - and best of all, they’re handmade, locally sourced and support small businesses.

You could also try your hand at making your own gifts for loved ones. Everyone loves home-cooked treats like jams, brownies, gingerbread or Christmas-themed slices. Decorate jars with a scrap of vintage fabric and twine for that old-fashioned feel.

If you know there is a cause dear to your recipient’s heart, there are plenty of websites that allow you to make donations to causes around the world. From education for girls to goats for villages or tickets to charity lotteries, the options are endless - and it means you’re giving a present to not just one, but two people or potentially a whole village. Why not opt for the gift of an experience they’ll never forget? A gift voucher for a delicious dinner out, a hot air balloon ride or a glamping trip is sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face.

If you are keen to buy something new, try websites or local shops offering sustainable options. Help your gift go a little further by purchasing from shops that donate some of their profits towards charitable causes like conservation or assistance for farmers.

Homemade jams make delicious and personal presents.

Look for environmentally friendly ways to wrap your gifts.

Make your own wreath using plants from the garden or local park.

What this state-of-the-art storage facility has in store

Integrity and innovation. Since opening its doors in November 2023, the state-of-the-art Wilson Storage Williamstown facility has been a champion of these values synonymous with the Wilson Storage brand.

As Williamstown locals, the friendly team at Wilson Storage Williamstown understands the needs of the community and pride themselves on providing customers with clear and catered offers and outstanding service.

The facility boasts the best storage solutions from flexible unit sizing to on-site equipment options, ensuring Wilson Storage remains the industry leader in innovative storage solutions.

So whether you’re a rental relocator or planning to buy or sell your home, as we approach the one year anniversary of the opening of this site, Wilson Storage wants to re-welcome Williamstown locals to their doors and unpack what makes this site special!

Offering flexible sizing options, with unit sizes from 2.3m² to 18m², and large drive up units, the expert team at Wilson Storage can help you find the right storage unit to suit your unique needs.

Understanding convenient storage is important to the Williamstown community. This facility offers seven-day access, with short and long term storage options. What’s more, customers will love the simplified billing, with no outgoings and no lock-in contracts.

Need a little help moving in? Wilson Storage Williamstown ticks that box too. With on-site equipment options, access to a moving van, forklift, and pallet jack are available with your unit rental.

You’ll also find everything you need to pack and store in the Wilson Storage Box Shop. With an array of moving boxes and packaging supplies available, the Williamstown Box Shop is equipped to ensure local customers have a smooth moving-in process.

Wilson Storage strives to be as efficient as it is secure. That’s why it is proud to be Australia’s only ISO-certified storage operator. What’s more, the Williamstown facility is secure and monitored, with live CCTV and nightly security patrols by Wilson Security.

Why not run your small business or enterprise from the Williamstown facility? As

Jon Larkin, Wilson Storage CEO, would say, “Your business is our business!”.

Offering brand new office spaces for rent on a monthly basis, the Wilson Storage Williamstown business hub provides workspaces with uninterrupted views of Port Phillip Bay and modern amenities, including free staff parking, WiFi, and 24/7 access.

Looking for storage?

Welcome to Wilson Storage Williamstown, our state-of-the-art facility providing locals with the very best in residential and business storage solutions!

With self storage units, drive up containers, office rentals, and on-site access to our moving van, forklift, and pallet jack, find everything at your local Wilson Storage.

• Flexible Unit Sizes

• On-site Equipment

• Office Space Rental

• Box Shop

• 7 Day Access

• CCTV Monitoring

• Patrolled by Wilson Security

Australia’s only fully certified storage provider. 274 Kororoit

Call Nadia on 03 8535 7910

With all this and so much more, there’s no wonder why Wilson Storage Williamstown has become a pillar in the local community, supporting locals with innovative solutions built upon a foundation of integrity and trust you can only get when you trust a local. Visit Wilson Storage Williamstown today or call 03 8535 7910.

By Cade Lucas

To mark the first anniversary of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) and coinciding with National Recycling Week, a new interactive installation has opened at Scienceworks.

The ‘Message in a Bottle’ installation was launched at the Spotswood museum last week and demonstrates the recycling journey of a plastic bottle.

In keeping with the name, messages written by primary school students about what recycling means to them have been placed inside the plastic bottles used to create

Road run-off threatens river health Interactive recycling message

Road run-off remains the biggest threat to water quality in the lower Maribyrnong River according to the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association (MRWA).

The MRWA is demanding authorities including Transport Victoria, Melbourne Water and Maribyrnong council do more to prevent litter and pollution ending up in the river.

“To save the rivers we need to transform the stormwater infrastructure,” said MRWA chair Helen van den Berg.

Ms Van den Berg said hydrocarbons, heavy metals and toxic tyre residue regularly washed off roads and into stormwater drains from where there was nothing to stop them entering the river.

“There’s not one freeway that even has a littler trap,” she said, arguing that litter traps and filtering systems like those used in Europe would reduce the amount of pollution in the river, improve water quality and result in more wildlife

“We could have bigger populations of rakali, waterbugs and fish if we have better quality water and that would also help the white bellied sea eagle which hunts along the river and nests in the big trees along the river.”

Transport Victoria referred inquiries from Star Weekly to Melbourne Water.

Melbourne Water acting service futures general manager Brett Anderson said water quality was monitored at numerous sites along the Maribyrnong, tracking oxygen levels, salinity, nutrients, and some heavy metals.

“Our results show water quality in the Maribyrnong catchment is generally stable but canvaryfromyeartoyear,”MrAndersonsaid.

“Wetter conditions can increase the flow of pollutants into waterways.”

the installation aimed at highlighting the importance of recycling and how it shapes the planet.

The installation was officially opened Friday, November 1, which was also the first birthday of CDS Vic.

The scheme which allows Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund at over 640 return points across the state, has recycled one billion drink containers since it started on November 1, 2023, generating $100 billion.

The CDS has also helped grassroots organisations generate nearly a million dollars in fundraising and is estimated to

have created almost 600 jobs.

Chief executive of scheme coordinator VicReturn, Jim Round, said the CDS was just getting started.

“The journey doesn’t stop here,” Mr Round said.“Wearecommittedtoseeingthescheme go from strength to strength over the next 12 months and the years ahead.”

Mr Round said the CDS’s community fundraising outreach was a key part of this.

“Across the state, we are working with community groups like Scouts and major sporting organisations like AFL Victoria and Tennis Victoria to ensure we reach as many Victorians as possible,” he said.

Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said the council had already taken measures to address the issue, highlighting the Integrated Water Management Plan that council introduced last year and existing collaborations with community environment groups such as the MRWA and Tangaroa Blue who run the ‘Let’s Strain the Drains’ project.

Those wanting to visit the Message in a Bottle installation to learn about recycling, can then put that knowledge into practice by bringing their empty drink containers and depositing them at the CDS Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) located in the Scienceworks carpark.

The interactive installation is on display until January 27 next year.

To find out more about CDS Vic and locate your nearest refund point, visit: cdsvic.org. au National Recycling Week runs from November 11-17. Details: https://shorturl.at/ O4cVO

Reservoir dogs found

Three German Shepherds that were allegedly stolen from a Footscray property on Sunday, November 3, have been found in Reservoir.

Police located the dogs during a search warrant at a Burbank Drive property about 3am on Thursday, November 7. The search warrant on the Reservoir property came after an extended follow by police 24 hours earlier.

Reservoir police officers observed an Audi sedan allegedly driving erratically before they attempted to intercept it on Dunne Street, Kingsbury about 2.30am on Wednesday, November 6.

The Audi allegedly failed to pull over for police, who with assistance from the air wing, then used stop sticks to bring the car to a halt on Lehmanns Road, Wollert about 3am.

The driver allegedly dumped the car, but was arrested nearby by the police dog squad unit. Following further investigationofthe25-year-oldReservoir man, police uncovered information about the puppies, leading to the raid on the Burbank Drive property.

A 36-year-old Reservoir woman was arrested during the search and has since been charged with handling stolen goods. She was bailed to appear before court next year.

“Furthermore, council manages a variety of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) assets to improve stormwater runoff, such as gross pollutant traps, tree pits, swales, raingardens and stormwater quality treatment wetlands.”

“Within the city of Maribyrnong this project included inserting 20 litter traps into the stormwater network at key litter hot spots, such as shopping centres, public transport terminals, and industrial and commercial precincts, then removing and auditing the pollutants to inform relevant education campaigns,” she said.

The driver of the Audi has been charged with theft, conduct endangering life, possessing a drug of dependence and traffic offences. He was remanded in custody to appear before the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on December 12

The three German Shepherds, named Barbz, Shadow and Baby, are expected to be reunited with their owner.

Cade Lucas

Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association members from left, Bill Field, Bruce Dickinson, Alex Thomas, Michele Hoyne and Helen and Jos van den Berg (holding a ‘rakali’) who want improved water quality measures put in place. (Damjan Janevski) 442203_01

Pick My Park program launched

By Cade Lucas

Premier Jacinta Allan visited Hansen Reserve in West Footscray on Monday, November 4 to launch the Pick My Park program.

The program invites Victorians to propose ideas for new parks or park upgrades in their community which the general public can then vote for.

The most popular ideas will receive grants ranging from $20,000 to $250,000 to ensure they’re delivered.

The grants will be offered in two streams, park upgrades focusing on improving existing

parks and open spaces and new urban parks whichtransformunderutilisedlandingrowing urban areas into new green, open spaces.

Pick My Park is modelled on the earlier Pick My Project program offered by the state government in 2017 where nearly 100,000 Victorians voted for 237 projects that shared in $30 million worth of funding grants.

Hansen Reserve was one of the beneficiaries of the Prick My Project - receiving a $200,000 grant for a new all-abilities bike park - which was why the premier, Suburbs Minister Sonya Kilkenny and Footscray MP Katie Hall, chose it to launch the successor program.

“Submit your idea, cast your vote, pick your park–it’sthatsimple,anditwillmeannewand upgraded green spaces for kids and families in growing suburbs across Victoria,” said Ms Allan who added that the program fit with the government’s recently announced housing policies.

“One of the great benefits of ‘gentle density’ is suburban renewal – that’s why we’re creating and upgrading some wonderful, shared spaces thatshouldbeattheheartofeverycommunity.”

Ms Hall said her electorate had benefited greatly from grants provided under the previous program.

Archie, Taiki, Oliver, Will, Nick and Liam. (Damjan Janevski)

440931_03

Bayside College gears up for big ride

The 40th edition of the Great Vic Bike Ride will start on November 23 and among the participants will be a team of cyclists from Bayside P-12 College, just as there has been for most of the event’s history.

StudentsandteachersfromtheWilliamstown school have participated in 36 of the ride’s 40 editions and this year will again be led by teacherRossShubachwho’llsuitupforhis34th ride throughout regional Victoria.

Joining him in leading the Bayside contingent will be physical education teacher Natalie Tancredi, who’ll be doing her eighth ride in the event, joined by 10 students, two former students and four parents.

Ms Tancredi said there were many benefits for the students participating in the week-long ride.

“The students are able to interact with

students at different year levels and form connections both inside and outside of school,” she said.

“Students achieve daily accomplishments with each ride. They visit the different country towns and appreciate what each town has to offer. They develop leadership skills which can be transferred into other areas of their lives”.

A keen cyclist, Ms Tancredi was first encouraged to do the Great Vic Bike Ride by hercolleagueMrShubachadecadeagoandhas participated in every one since, only missing thetwothatwerecancelledduetotheCovid-19 pandemic.

She said doing the event alongside students was also beneficial for teachers.

“It gives the staff the opportunity to see the students outside the classroom and thriving in a different environment,” she said, adding that

students had been preparing by going on bike rides after school and on weekends since the beginning of term.

Students from year 7 to 12 are taking part in this year’s ride and will miss a week of school, with all except for those who’ve just completed VCE needing to catch up on rescheduled assessment and exams.

The Great Vic Bike Ride isn’t just a school event though, with an estimated 3000 riders from all walks of life expected at the starting line in Wodonga, where the first ride began in 1984.

Riders will then make their way through Yackandandah, Milawa, Lake Eildon and Marysville before finishing in Healsville on December 1. Details: http://greatvic.com.au/

Lucas

“Hansen Reserve has become a beating heart of this community, full of families and kids making memories,” she said.

“With Pick My Park, we can do it all again –but we need your new ideas.”

Pick My Park will target areas that are building more homes and ideas will only go to a vote if they are in established areas that are growing – particularly those that have less access to open space.

Councils and organisations can also submit ideasandallprojectswillneedtomeetprogram guidelines and have the support of landowners to proceed.

Strong result for Vic Uni

Victoria University (VU) has performed well in a national higher education survey.

The QILT Student Experience Survey is the only comprehensive survey of current higher education students in Australia.

VU ranked first in Victoria in four of thesixcategoriesmeasuredinthesurvey.

In skills development, VU was ranked one in Victoria,?5th nationally? and?3rd among publicly-funded universities.

In peer engagement, VU was ranked first in Victoria and ?second nationally and first among publicly-funded universities with engagement scores nearly 20 percentage points above the national average.

Theuniversitywasalsofirstinthestate for teaching quality, fourth nationally and first among public institutions.

VU was also ranked first in Victoria for the quality of its entire educational experience, sixth nationally and fourth among public universities.

“We could not be more delighted. And we dedicate ourselves to keeping up this tremendous focus on getting even better on behalf of our more than 45,000 students,” said VU Vice-Chancellor

Professor Adam Shoemaker of the results which he attributed to the university’s block teaching model. Implemented in 2018, the VU block model involves students learning one subject at a time in four-week blocks in small, workshop style classes.

Professor Shoemaker said “The outcome is down to the stellar efforts of thousands of teaching colleagues at VU. Your work is fantastic and your care for students is legendary.”

Bayside P-12 College teacher Natalie Tancredi (front right) is competing in her 8th Great Vic Bike Ride along with some of her students

Cade

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

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

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, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

Newport Bowls Club

Now that the weather is warming up and daylight saving has arrived, during October the club will have free barefoot bowling on Fridays from 5pm. Bowls and tuition provided. Bar open from 4pm. Bistro meals available from 5 to 8pm.

 Enquiries or bookings, 0478 529 521 or info@newportbowls.com.au

Sing with WIllin Wimmin choir

Discover the joy of group singing with the friendly women at WiIlin Wimmin choir in Williamstown. New members are always welcome, no audition. The group sings contemporary, folk, choral and world repertoire in acapella style. The choir meets Wednesday evenings during school terms, 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Dennis Reserve Centre, 109 Ferguson Street, Williamstown.

 willinwimmin.org.au or contact us at willin. wimmin@gmail.com

Royal Yacht Club of Victoria Open Day

Come along to our public open day. Enjoy a drink or lunch on the deck while you watch the yachts come and go and listen to live music. Bar and kitchen open, child and pet friendly. Free entry, all welcome! Sunday, November 17, 10am to 2pm. Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, 120 Nelson Place, Williamstown.

 www.rycv.com.au

Point Gellibrand Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at a local Williamstown restaurant on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30 dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and we need new, energetic and enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in the community and join our fun club.

 www.rotarypointgellibrand.com.au or www.facebook.com/pointgellibrandrotary, or Pam, 0418 347 691 or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

100 years of Barkly Street

Barkly Street Uniting Cricket Club is preparing to celebrate 100 years this 2024-25 cricket season. The club is keen to hear from any “Streeters” (past players, family and friends of the club) who can share their memories.

 admin@barklystreetcc.org

Laverton Bowls Club

Experience the fun and skill of lawn bowls, a game which is suitable for all ages. Laverton Bowls Club is recruiting new members, so if you are looking for a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to bowl both socially or

at pennant level Laverton is the place to be. Come to the club on Tuesday or Thursday mornings for practise beginning at 10am. All welcome at 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows.

 9369 1034 or secretary@lavertonbowls.com.au

Musicians welcome

Do you play any percussion, brass or woodwind instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join their community band. Please note that rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden OAM every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Spotswood South Kingsville RSL, 59 The Avenue, Spotswood.

 Hannah Prouse, hbcityband@gmail.com or check URL www.hbcb.org.au

Fiddle group

The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group is a great place for beginners or those with some experience, to play music in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. Come on down, have some fun, make new friends, have a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. Children are also most welcome. The third Saturday of the month, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport.

 https://www.nffc.org.au/ beginner-playalong

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

Williamstown Craft Market Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors.

There will also be live music. From 10am4pm.

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

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

Little athletics

Williamstown Little Athletics track and field Season for ages 5-16 has begun. A free two-week trial is available to new members.  Register at LAVic.com.au

Westgate diabetes

Westgate Diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday each month at Altona Bowling club at 10am.

 Elaine, 0415 030 996

Altona Day View Club

Meets on the third Wednesday each Month at the Altona R.S.L. At 11am

 Jan, 0419 159 783

Free English conversation class

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

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

Willy walking group

A free walking group meets every Wednesday, during school terms, at 10.1511am, from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

 Tahlia, 9397 6168

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, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

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

Garage Sale Trail

Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood house 113 Melon Street, Braybrook, 10am to 3pm Saturday 16th November will be part of the Australia wide garage sale trail. Women’s, Children’s, Men’s clothing. Collectables, handbags, shoes, toys, bedding, towels, books and bric-a-brac. Many items brand new and many items for free. There will be a barbeque from 12noon to 1.30pm

 office@bmnh.org.au or 0428 904 068

Walking Football (Soccer)

For anyone aged 50 & over, we have participants in their 70s. Any fitness level –no running allowed. This is a social activity for fun & a bit of exercise, no experience necessary. Supported by Hobsons Bay Council & Football Victoria, this is a free activity each Wednesday Morning from 10am to 11am indoors at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive (Queens Road), Altona.  Mike, 0423 291 708

Keeping up with technology

Scams, MyGov, software, online shopping, banking, email, whatever. We all need to keep up with the internet, IT, computers, and changing technology. Join one our Computer classes, we cover the basics. Classes every day of the week , mornings and afternoons, in Williamstown and Altona North.

 Lynne, 9397 6168

Braybrook Community Centre Events Bachata Latin dance, 6-8pm, October 3 - December 12, $5 per class. Drought proofing your garden, 10am-12pm, November 14, free. A celebration of créole cuisine 10am-12.30pm, November 18, $20. Braybrook Community Centre 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook.

 9188 5800, or braycomm@maribyrnong. vic.gov.au

This week’s photographer’s choice is of Amedeo Gallicchio and his Halloween display. (Damjan Janevski) 441340_01

Get creative with ‘Lady Mohawk’

Local legend Sally ‘Lady Mohawk’ Walshe is heading to Brimbank to develop and inspire budding artists of any skill or experience level with three art courses.

The sessions are free and open to all community members of all abilities, providing a fun way for individuals, families and groups to work for a common purpose.

Starting at the Sunshine library on Monday, November18,MsWalshewillrunalinoprinting workshop from 10.30am to 1.30pm. She has been printmaking for more than 15 years and will teach people to make their own linoprints.

This three-hour course covers design techniques,transferringandcarvingdesignsas well as inking and printing original art pieces.

Participants will walk away with their own carved linocut.

Thisclassisgreatforindividuals,friendsand couples as well as a team building activity.

Later in the week, Ms Walshe will head to the St Albans Community Centre, offering a chance for day time workers to join in, on Wednesday, November 20 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm for a repurposing art workshop.

Participants will use recycled materials to create works of art, encouraging sustainability and creativity, whilst teaching people how to make art resourcefully. All art will be crafted entirely from reusable and recycled material.

Finally, she will be out at Sydenham Library on Saturday, November 23 from 11am to 2pm

for another linoprinting session.

Ms Walshe said the classes are a great blend of creativity and sustainability.

“I love to be environmental in my art classes and artwork. For the linoprinting classes, I use sustainable inks, paper and linocut and for the repurpose workshops everything is made entirely from recycled or disused materials,” she said.

“These are great ways to explore creativity as afamily,withafriend,orjustbyyourself,whilst also being considerate of the environment.”

Although classes are free, registrations are essential: creativebrimbank.com.au/whats-on

Revolution, rock and rubber gloves

“It’s a funny, feisty cabaret,” is how Newport performer Donna Jackson described her new show premiering at Kindered Bandroom in Yarraville on Friday, November 15. With a name like ‘Art Accidents and Underpants’ it seems a pretty apt description and even more so given the content.

“It’s me telling a story about all girl bands in the 1980’s and it’s about an incident where I got caught driving around with lots of girls in a car and got taken to the police station and wouldn’t tell them my name so there was a strip search involving rubber gloves,” said Jackson of the show which fortunately focuses

less on all rubber gloves and more on all girl bands.

“If we don’t tell our stories how will the next generation know there was a time in the 1980’s when women picked up guitars and set up dance parties all over Melbourne and across Australia,” she said of her motivation for writing the show.

Jackson’s band, Nice Girls Don’t Spit, were so popular at the time they were able to fly around Australia performing to huge crowds of dancing women.

However, rather than a nostalgia trip, Jackson said the show was a celebration of

a feminist movement which she recalled as ‘trying to change the world’ while dancing, singing and driving fast at the same time.

EachsceneofArtAccidentsandUnderpants covers one of these themes in what Jackosn described as a “fast moving storytelling musical slam.”

After three performances in Yarraville on November 15, 23 and 30, Jackson hopes to go back to her rock band roots and take the show around Australia.

Bookings: kinderedbanroom.com.au

Cade

Lucas

Carols by Candlelight will light up mansion

Wyndham Carols by Candlelight is returning to the great lawn of Werribee Mansion on Saturday, December 7, in what is poised to be a magical celebration of the holiday spirit.

The event, which has grown into Victoria’s largest Christmas celebration outside of Melbourne’s Christmas Eve concert over its more than 30 years of running, sold out last year with over 5000 attendees.

Renowned Australian soprano Silvie Paladino will headline the occasion, sharing the stage with Salvation Army Melbourne Staff Band who will be conducted by Ken Waterworth as his 30 plus year tenure as bandleader comes to a close.

Gates will open earlier this year at 5pm, givingfamiliesmoretimetoenjoythepre-show fanfare that includes an expanded food truck

selectionandextendedkid’sactivities,aheadof the 7pm start time. The Nativity Procession, a unique mainstay of Wyndham Carols, will be on full display down the middle of the great lawn during the evening, with real camels and a donkey to

Games for the young at heart

Whittlesea’s senior residents will be taking centre stage over the next month for the municipality’s Seniors’ Festival. The festivities will be launched on Tuesday, November 12 with the Young at Heart Games at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC), 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang.

The games for over-55s will begin with a community torch walk and opening ceremonyfrom9am,withthecompetition starting at 11am.

Epping’s The Y Leisure City will host seniors’ tennis sessions on November 14 and walking football on November 21.

Whittlesea’s first Silver Rainbows Café will be held at Laurimar Community Activity Centre on November 19, while Oz Ten Pin Bowling in Epping will host the festival on November 22.

Piano accordionist Phil Carroll will entertainthecrowdatKirripCommunity Centre in Wollert on November 26. Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centrewillholdacarpetbowlssessionon November28andtherewillbeacity-wide bus tour on November 29.

Seniors can give pickleball a try at Mill Park Basketball Stadium on December 4 or social golf at the Growling Frog Golf Course in Donnybrook on December 10. Whittlesea council said the seniors’ festival recognises and celebrates the contributions of seniors in the community.

There is something for everyone, including tennis, walking football, 10-pin bowling,carpetbowls,golf,pickleballand more.

Mernda resident, Bob Rampling, 76. is a golf enthusiast and is excited to be participating in the torch walk and golf competition.

accompany the show.

Those interested in contributing more to the festivities beyond the attendance are encouraged to reach out to Wyndham Carols via their website, while updates can be found at facebook.com/wyndhamcarols and @ wyndhamcarols on Instagram.

The Wyndham Carols by Candlelight is a non-profit event organised by the Wyndham Ministers Network that represents 17 local churches in Wyndham with support of Wyndham City Council.

All money raised will go back into maintaining the event for years to come.

Children under 12 can attend for free, while adult tickets are $18.90 and concession $13.

Tickets and information: https:// wyndhamcarols.org.au/

“The games bring people from all walks of life together, and it’s great to see everyone enjoying themselves. They provide an opportunity to try out new and different things,” he said. “It’s always good fun, good exercise, and a chance to getoutinthefreshair,talkingandmixing with like-minded people.”

Bookingsareneededandspectatorsare welcome at all events.

Donna Jackson’s new cabaret show premiering in Yarraville on November 15. (Damjan Janevski) 441277_01

Werribee Park Mansion lights up for Wyndham Carols by Candlelight. (Supplied)

Bob Rampling is excited to be participating in the Young at Heart Games. (Supplied)

Gerald Lynch

Sally Walshe at Sunshine Library, where she will lead a linoprint class. (Damjan Janevski) 442011_06

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which 25-year-old North Melbourne Kangaroos forward shockingly announced his retirement in October?

2. Name the NRL team that wears blue and gold.

3. Which Spaniard won the 2024 Ballon d’Or?

4. Which Spaniard won the 2024 Ballon d'Or

5. In 2019, former Yankee Mariano Rivera became the only man to achieve what post-career feat?

6. Giants, thunderbirds and crows are some of the sports teams of which Australian city?

7. Which regional Victorian city has a team debuting in the WNBL this season?

What do the Olympic rings represent?

Which three US horse races make up the Triple Crown?

What is the maximum number of greyhounds competing in any one

Which Australian wicketkeeper-batsman has officially announced his retirement from international cricket?

The AFL has launched an investigation into which coach’s prominent new role with a finance firm?

Legendary horse trainer Bart Cummings won how many Melbourne Cups?

14. In the closely-fought F1 championship, which team finished first in the Mexican Grand Prix?

15. The Constellation Cup is a Test series fought between rivals Australia and New Zealand in which sport?

16. Which famous Premier League soccer club has had its worst start to a season in 35 years?

17. The top-ranked horse in the world, Via Sistina, won which major race in October?

18. Which cricket team handed India a rare home defeat in a recent Test series?

19. And which Kiwi spinner unexpectedly took 13 wickets in the second match?

20. In which year did Michelle Payne win the Melbourne Cup on Prince of Penzance?

21. How many meetings was jockey Jamie Kah banned for due to careless riding on 2024's Derby Day?

22. Which AFL team won the 2024 McClelland Trophy for the best combined record across the AFL and AFLW seasons?

23. Which Australian city was the most recent to become part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series?

24. Josh Addo-Carr was recently sacked by which NRL club?

25. Which Australian track and field athlete was recently inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame?

27. And at what spot is the Australian men’s basketball team currently ranked?

28. Australia played which team in the 2024 Pacific Championships Men’s Bowl Final?

29. How many metres is the Melbourne Cup run over?

30. And which outsider was the Cup winner this year?

The

Applicants

26. Which nation is ranked second on the Men’s FIBA Basketball World Rankings, behind the US?

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every

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 Sweet sauce made with milk and eggs (7)

5 Tableland (7)

9 Gloomy (9)

10 Distort (5)

11 SleepingBeauty protagonist (6)

12 Elegant (8)

14 Mother or father (6)

15 Fur (4)

19 Web auction site (4)

20 To present (6)

24 Small blade (8)

25 Marketplace (6)

27 Town famed for witchcraft trials (5)

28 Largeness (9)

29 Ocean creature (3,4)

30 Region (7)

DOWN

1 Occasional (6)

2 A planet (6)

3 Relating to cultivated land (8)

4 Speaker’s platform (4)

5 Showing something to a group (10)

6 Movement (6)

7 Main action of a play (8)

8 Inverted (8)

13 Horrific (10)

16 Fierce storms (8)

17 Flowering shrub (8)

18 Initial service fee (8)

21 Cloisonné (6)

22 Female Arabic name meaning captivating (6)

23 Stick of wax used for writing (6)

26 Neglect (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 TheDictionaryofLostWords and TheBookbinderof Jericho are novels by which Australian author?

2 Avatar, ClashoftheTitans and HacksawRidge are all movies starring which actor?

3 What is the name of Australia’s famous portraiture art prize?

4 From which language are ballet terms derived?

5 Calcium carbonate is more commonly known as what? 6 Sauerkraut primarily consists of what?

7 What ocean lies to the west of Australia?

8 Campari, Gin and Red vermouth make up what popular cocktail?

9 What does an anemometer measure?

10 Musician Nick Cave (pictured) most often performs as part of which band?

Reviewing the Subaru WRX AWD

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

I remember the first time I took my father-in-law for a blast in a WRX.

It was the Club Spec Evo IV and it was the year 2000, or thereabouts.

“Are you ready?” I asked, preparing to floor it on a long straight.

He nodded.

Wooshda!

“Geez!” he managed, holding tightly to the armrest as he was forced back in his seat.

Tony’s dead now but nothing much has changed since those days 25 years ago.

The WRX – it’s just the WRX these days – is still one of the most exciting cars money can buy.

Competitors such as the EVO have come and gone, but the REX soldiers on. Its days must be numbered however as society moves away from the internal combustion engine.

Styling

The fifth and latest generation WRX was released in 2022.

Subaruhasstruggledtokeepthepricebelow $40K since launch in 1994, but somewhere along the line that battle was lost.

These days prices start from $44,990 for the manual or $48,990 for the auto – still very competitive.

I guess some people buy the auto, but those who fancy themselves as real drivers will be drawn to the manual, now with six gears and lockout reverse.

For $54,490 you can have the RS Manual, the subject of our review, while the top of the line tS Sport Lineartronic is $56,990 – that’s an auto.

Prices for the Sportswagon, known briefly as the Levorg, start from $49,990. All wagons are auto only.

Standard equipment is extensive across the grades. There’s cloth upholstery and two-zone climate air, 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and start, leather-wrapped tilt and reach adjust wheel, split-fold rear seats, auto lights and wipers (the LED headlights follow the wheels), electric parking brake, power-folding exterior mirrors and tyre pressure monitoring.

Our RS test vehicle ups the ante with Ultrasuede trim, power-adjust driver and front passenger seats, electric driver lumbar support, heated seats for front and outer rear seats, electric sunroof, ambient lighting, LED puddle lights, driver monitoring system, plus additional Vision Assist features including front and side view monitors.

WRX is covered by a five-year warranty, with five-year/75,000km capped price servicing and 12 months roadside assistance.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth with voice control and audio streaming, along with six-speaker audio.

The latter consists of 4 x 160mm full-range speakers, in the front and rear doors, plus two dash-mounted tweeters that we’re told not only deliver better sound than before, but bring a 15 per cent weight reduction. RS and tS sedans feature a premium Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio system with a 265mm subwoofer mounted on the rear parcel shelf.

It incorporates ‘Clari-Fi’ and ‘GreenEdge’ digital technologies designed to restore audio quality lost during compression.

The entry grade misses out on satellite navigation, but it’s standard across the rest of the range.

All score AUX, USB-A and USB-C ports in the front, while RS and tS sedans and all Sportswagons, get a second set in the rear.

Physical buttons are provided for such things as the aircon, volume and tuning as well as the demister.

And, believe it or not, our RS has a single

CD player hidden in the centre console.

But you won’t find wireless phone charging in any version of the WRX.

Safety

Oops. The safety rating for WRX expired in 2022 and it needs to be re-tested.

That said it does come with eight airbags, a reversing camera and Subaru Vision Assist which has finally been added to manual versions.

This includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and lead vehicle start alert.

There’s also Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Lane Centring Function, Lane Departure Prevention,LaneSwayWarning,Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Brake Assist, AutonomousEmergencySteering,BrakeLight Recognition and Speed Sign Recognition. Also fitted are Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), EyeSight Assist Monitor (RS), Front View Monitor (FVM) (RS), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

However, the manual still misses out on Reverse Automatic Braking.

There are dual outboard ISOFix points, and three top-tether points for child seats.

Engines/transmissions

Under the bonnet is a larger, 2.4-litre turbocharged, horizontally-opposed fourcylinder engine (up from 2.0-litres).

Surprisingly, though, it produces just 5kW more than its predecessor, with 202kW of power at 5600 rpm and 350Nm of torque from 2000-5200 rpm.

The torque output is the same as before, but it’sproducedlowerintherevrange,generating high torque from lower engine speeds.

Drive is to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission (our test vehicle), or a

CVT style auto with eight steps or gears.

But don’t be confused by all this talk of ‘symmetrical’ all-wheel drive, because it doesn’t mean full-time four-wheel drive.

Most of the time the operates in front-wheel drive – the back wheels only come into play when needed.

Driving

It’s been said before but it bears saying again that the WRX still represents the best bang for your driver buck that money can buy.

It’s difficult to imagine anyone being disappointed with the performance of this car.

If you like driving, especially along leafy winding roads, and you enjoy the sensation of braking, down-changing and getting the timing just right as the car fires out of the corner again – then you’ll want the manual.

Just be aware however that it is a commitment in traffic and sitting on hills, balancing the clutch and throttle, waiting for the lights to go green, one that becomes tiring very quickly.

And although the WRX is pretty quick off the line, it takes some practice to achieve this feat in the manual.

Our best advice is to give it a squirt and get out of first as soon as you can. After that, it’s all go, go go – but be sure to keep an eye on the tacho!

Suspension is fully independent with MacPherson struts at the front and double rear wishbones.

The ride is pretty firm, even harsh depending on the surface, but it works a treat, particularly threading corners at a rate of knots. Overtaking is a breeze.

RS rides on black 18-inch wheels with 245/40 profile rubber, producing impressive grip.

The brakes are excellent.

Fuel consumption for the manual is rated

RATINGS

Looks: 7/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 5/10

Thirst: 5/10

Practicality: 6.5/10

Comfort: 6.5/10

Tech: 7.5/10

Value: 8/10

Overall: 6.7/10

at 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle and it takes premium 95 unleaded.

We were getting 13.2L/100km after more than 400km of mixed driving including 60 minutes of getting up it.

One of the big changes with the latest Rex has been the move to Subaru’s new global platform and the improvements that brings. Stronger with less flex, it offers sharper handling and more comfort by reducing unpleasant road vibrations and shaking.

It features full inner-frame construction for high body and chassis rigidity and gives all-new WRX some 14 per cent more front lateral flexing rigidity and 28 per cent more torsional stiffness.

The sedan also incorporates a number of performance-inspired exterior design influences, including air outlets located on the trailing edges of the front wheel openings, side garnishes and a lip-style boot spoiler.

Theairoutletsattherearofeachfrontwheel enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance by drawing air from inside the guards. Inside, the cabin features stylish black and grey upholstery on the sedan and black upholstery on the Sportswagon, with red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The instrument gauges are old school, not digital — but that’s all you need.

Summing up

Like so many petrol-powered performance cars, the chances of getting your hands on a WRX are rapidly diminishing with the increasing take up of electric vehicles. They’ve already dropped the STI to concentrate on the next generation EV performance variant.

The Rex is sure to follow sooner than later, so if you’re sitting on the fence, waiting for the right moment – the time might be nigh. There’s nothing worse than missing out.

Like so many petrol-powered performance cars, the chances of getting your hands on a WRX are rapidly diminishing with the increasing take up of electric vehicles. (Pictures: Supplied)

A perfect day for a hit of cricket

Saturday was the perfect day for cricket and many teams made the most of it and were able to get some wins on the board. Star Weekly’s Ljubica Vrankovic was there to capture some of the action.

Spotswood’s Jackson Wadden. (442424_03)

Left: The Deer Park cheer squad. (442420_01) Above: Sunbury in the field. (442427_01)

Craigieburn’s Joshua Rasu. (442420_20) Right: Williamstown Imperials’ Will Metcalfe. (442427_07)

Left: Melton’s Stephen Shields. (442424_26) Centre: Keilor’s Robert Clements. (442422_04) Right: Kyle Lampery, Liam Hemkel, Todd Hughes, Akash Cheema and Dushantha Ranatunga cheer on their Epping teammates. (442418_09)

Above: Lachlan Fitzgerald celebrates a wicket. (442420_11) Below left: Westmeadows’ Rhys Gleisner. (442422_01) Below right: Epping’s Shanyn Kearney. (442418_02)

Thomas Burton named in AFL National Academy

Western Jets Thomas Burton has been named in the AFL National Academy squad for next year.

Burton is joined by three Calder Cannons withboththeboysandgirlssquadsannounced on Monday.

The squads comprise a selection of the most talented boys and girls footballers from across Australia who will take part in the program during their draft year.

The 2025 academy program will be the 28th annual intake for boys and ninth intake for girls.

Cannons’ Cooper Duff-Tytler and Jets’ Thomas Burton have been named in the boys squad.

Duff-Tytler, whose local club is Woodend-Hesket, has made the decision to focus on football full time, having previously represented Australia in basketball.

Burton, who is from Point Cook, finished in

the 10 ten in the Western Jets best and fairest this year.

He made his senior debut for Point Cook last season as a 16-year-old in the club’s grand final loss.Point Cook president Ivo Havard said at the time that Burton was an emerging star.

“Some people were skeptical about the decision to play a 16-year-old but he had a great Coates league debut (for the Western Jets) the other week,” he said.

“He’s got the X-factor, he’ll be a good player.

“Looking forward to seeing Tommy Burton in the future.”

BothDuff-TytlerandBurtonplayedunder-16 for Vic Metro last season and played on the MCG this year in the AFL futures game before the AFL grand final.

Cannons Chloe Baker-West and Jade McLay have been named in the girls squad.

Both were part of the under-18 Vic Metro squad this year as bottom age players.

The academy is a holistic program that combines football and personal development.

The program provides the next generation of stars with valuable experiences, insights and opportunities in their Draft year which will best prepare them for the next steps in their football journey.

Woodsmen bounce back

By Tara Murray

Spotswoodgotamuchneededwinwithvictory against Melton on Saturday in the Victorian Sub-DistrictCricketAssociationsouth-weston Saturday.

After uncharacteristically dropping two matches in a row, there were plenty of positive signs for the Woodsmen in their win against the Lions.

Woodsmen coach Dan Schuppan said for them it’s been a good challenge to start the season.

“It’s not panic stations,” he said. “We haven’t started the season how we would have liked to have,” he said. “We haven’t been that far away and could have had four wins out of four games. The games we’ve lost they’ve had the dominant player, but we haven’t played the cricket we would have liked.”

Schuppan said it’s always a challenge to get momentum going year in, year out and it was something they were trying to work on as they go for a third straight grand final..

With the side back to 2-2, he said they’re hoping it’s the start of some momentum growing for the group.

Schuppan said the message heading into the game with Melton was to make sure that they didn’t take them lightly despite their struggles this season.

He said they got caught out last season against Ivanhoe in a similar situation.

On Saturday, Spotswood won the toss and sent the Lions in.

The bowlers did a good job, bowling the Lions out for 139.

Schuppan was full of praise for Sandeep Mandalika,whotookfourwickets,andJackson Wadden, who took three wickets.

“Sandeep had to go back to the seconds for a couple of games,” he said. “He has a great attitude and that is what we love about him.

“He worked on his bowling craft and got anotheropportunityandtookthatopportunity.

“Jacksonisgettingbettereverygame.Hehad a year out of the game and started a bit slow.

“He got three wickets and I don’t think he bowled a bad ball.”

The Woodsmen were in trouble at 2-8 but steadied and didn’t lose another wicket as they hit the winning runs in 27 overs.

They finished 2-143.

Schuppan said the most pleasing thing is they don’t just rely on one or two batters to get the job done.

“Last week Jakson Knight made a 100 and Declan O’Brien made 90,” he said. “Jackson got a duck this week and Declan didn’t get an opportunity to bat this week.

“Taylor [Tatterson] was really good and Jarrod Martignago, who scored 800 runs last year, shows his class.

“Lachie McKenna missed out but he’s been solid the first few games.”

The Woodsmen now face Williamstown in a two-dayer this weekend.

The Seagulls took their record to 2-2 with a win against Port Melbourne, Port Melbourne was bowled out for 141, with the Seagulls making 5-143 in reply.

Content is delivered across three camps, commencing with a high-performance camp that will be held in Melbourne during December.

Two additional camps will be held during the 2025 season which will involve talent showcase matches where the Academy squads will represent their country as the Australia under-18 team.

AFL National Academy manager Tarkyn Lockyer congratulated all players on their selection.

“All players are extremely deserving of their selection and have demonstrated elite football talent and a commitment to further enhance their skillset on and off the field in a high-performance environment,” he said.

“We welcome them to the Marsh AFL National Academy and look forward to working closely with them throughout the program.”

Meanwhile, Yarraville lost to Hoppers Crossing after being bowled out for 97. The Cats finished 5-98 in reply. Altona had a big win against Ormond. Ormond was bowled out for 76, with Altona finishing 1-78 in reply.

The last remaining player from Williamstown’s inaugural Victorian Football League women’s season, Erin Meade, has chosen not to return to the VFLW competition in 2025.

After a remarkable seven-year journey, the inspirational defender has decided to take a step back from her football career at the age of 28.

Meade’stimeatWilliamstownbeganin 2018 when she joined the club’s first-ever VFLW team. She quickly emerged as a leader both on and off the field, earning captaincy from 2021 to 2023.

Her commitment then extended beyondherplayingrolewhenshetookon the position of head of development this year to nurture the younger talent.

“Mygoalforthisyearwasn’tindividual accolades or tangible success, it was simply an action to pave the way for those to come,” she said.

When announcing the news to her teammates and coaches, Meade also shared, “I’m so grateful to have played a part in this amazing club and to have been a custodian of the program for as long as I have. I’ve always said that I would stay at the club until it was in a better place, and I can sit back now and say it is just that.”

Meade celebrated her 50th VFLW game in Williamstown colours during round nine this year, becoming only the third Williamstown VFLW player to achieve this milestone.

In the club statement, it said while Meade had an impressive career and holds the record as the longest serving Williamstown VFLW player, her legacy at the club as a great leader and true Williamstown warrior will be the most lasting.

“The Williamstown Football Club extends a huge thank you to Erin for all she has done for our VFLW program over the past seven years and wishes her all the best for what comes next.”

Erin Meade. (Damjan Janevski) 442315_01

Thomas Burton. (Jacob Pattison)350020_24

Sandeep Mandalika. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 442424_10

Cameron keen to resurrect Brookers women side

New Braybrook women’s coach Harley Cameron is excited to help get the club’s women’s side back up and going.

The club previously had a women’s side but madethedecisiontopulltheteamoutthisyear due to a lack of numbers.

With interest at the club, the Brookers are workinghardtobepartoftheWesternFootball League women’s competition again.

Cameron, who plays for the men’s side, said he was excited to take on the challenge.

“I thought I would try and do something a bit different then just play footy,” he said. “My mum used to play and my missus plays.

“I got into women’s footy last year as an assistantcoachandIgottheitchtohelpdevelop women’s football.”

Cameron was an assistant coach at Keilor Park in the Essendon District Football League this year as it re-established its women’s

program.

The side made finals in division 1.

Cameron said he knows stepping into the senior coaching role will be a lot more challenging, something that he is up for.

“The first thing is to get the team together,” he said. “We roughly have 15 girls and there were a lot of girls interested last year when we didn’t have a team.

“We’ve got a few of them and we’ll try and add some more players as well. It’s about getting a team on the park, so there’s a team in the years to come.”

Cameron will continue to play next year.

He said it would be easier coaching and playing at the same club, instead of having to go between clubs as he did this year.

Cameron said the club and his teammates were getting behind him and the women’s side.

“One player has said they would be an

assistant coach and the backline coach and had another say they would be the forward coach,“ he said.

“It’s not just me wanting to buy in.

“The club is backing these girls. A lot of clubs put women’s footy on the backseat, we want to push it to the front seat”

Cameron said they were hoping to attract a few more players in the new few weeks, with anyone over the age of 16 welcome to come down,

He said they would like to build with some youth to help the club going forward.

Cameron said they would have a meet the coach day soon before pre-season starts when they are likely to train the same night as the men’s teams.

Details: braybrooksportsclub@hotmail.com

Bulls enjoy strong start

By Tara Murray

A new way of playing has been no issue for Newport-DigmanintheVictorianTurfCricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.

With a new coach in Paul Baker it has been an off season of a bit of change for the Bulls but things are going to plan so far.

Baker, who came to the club from Bacchus Marsh, said it felt like he had been at Newport-Digman for a number of years.

“I’m enjoying it,” he said. “The club has been really good.

“We have been good but we could have got some deeper scores. I’m happy with where we are at with our bowling and batting and our fielding has been quite good as well.”

Baker said his focus had been trying to get matches deeper as they aim for the top four.

HesaidnotjustthefirstXI,butallthreesides had really taken on what he was saying.

“I’mtryingtodevelopthewaythattheyplay,” he said. “They had a certain way of playing the last few years and I wanted to develop that deeper game with the bat.

“I think they were almost crying out for something different to be honest. We’ve been really strong across the club.

“There’s competition for positions. Our threes is a father’s side and have been able to step up when we’ve needed to.

“The club is heading in the right direction.”

Joining Baker at the Bulls this season is three players from Bacchus Marsh, who also made the switch.

He said they all live in Melbourne and with the club in the Ballarat association now the travel was getting too far.

The Bulls are in the middle of a contest with Williamstown Imperials with both sides looking for their second win of the season.

The Imperials made 224 as they were bowled out in the 67th over.

Bakersaiditwasasolidbowlingperformance.

“In patches we bowled well,” he said. “We let them off the leash towards the end.

“It’s still a pretty good score. They look like a good side and bowling seems pretty strong.”

Michael Formosa took three wickets for the Bulls.

AndrewHendrytopscoredfortheImperials, with 58 off 94 balls.

The Bulls will resume at 1-18. Blake Johnston is the man out.

Bakers said it was a game conducive to large scores but it will still be a challenge.

In other matches, Williamstown CYMS is in control against Sunbury.

The Imperials were bowled out for 140, with Sunbury in trouble at 5-27 at stumps.

West Newport is also in control in its match with Tullamarine.

Tullamarine is 4-41 in reply to West Newport’s 247.

In the senior division, Yarraville Club is 0-36 in reply to Sunshine United’s 204.

Mixed results for premier bowling teams

Yarraville Footscray got its third win of the season, while Altona fell short against Deer Park in Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division.

On Friday night, Yarraville Footscray travelled to Bundoora aiming to continue its strong start to the season.

The match was a thriller and went down to the last few ends, with Yarraville Footscray winning, 72 (14)-70 (4).

Brett Mahoney’s rink had a 20-18 win, while Cohen Litfin’s rink had a 21-10 win to ensure a Bulldogs victory.

Craig Mills’ rink lost 20-13 and Nathan Black’s rink lost 22-18 in the other results.

The win moves Yarraville Footscray up to third on the ladder after four rounds.

Altona had its work cut out for it against two-time defending champions Deer Park on Friday night. While Altona was able to split the rinks, the Parkers were still able to come away with a big 85 (14)-66 (4) win.

Dane McKinnon’s rink won 21-16 and Matthew Ellul’s won 26-14 to give Altona four points.

Aaron Wilson’s lost 22-12 and Nathan Wilson’s lost 33-7.

After four rounds, Altona sits just outside the top four with a 2-2 record. In round five, Altona is at home to Clayton on Saturday, while Yarraville Footscray will face top side Moonee Valley.

In division 3, section 2, Williamstown suffered its first loss of the season.

Facing Deer Park 3, Williamstown lost 89 (15)-78 (3).

Chris Hammer was the winning skip for Williamstown.

Newport bounced back after its first loss of the season, beating Altona Sports 2. It was a one-sided affair with Newport winning 102 (18)-51 (0).

Ken Luke’s rink won 28-12, Roy Crawford’s 27-15, Peter Barlow’s 24-9 and Marc Colless’ 23-15.

Newport and Williamstown sit in third and fourth respectively with a 3-1 record with the top two teams still undefeated.

Altona Sports sits bottom without a win.

Tara Murray Harley Cameron. (Supplied)

In the Isaacs Howarth Shield, Seddon was bowled out for 200 by the Altona Roosters, Footscray United is 0-33 in reply to Haig

Fawkner’s 208, Druids are 0-7 in reply to the Doutta Stars and Altona North needs 277 against Sunshine.

Shannon Clarke. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

EDFL and WFNL form new football partnership

The Essendon District Football League and Western Football Netball League have announced a co-operation agreement to strengthencommunityfootball,whichincludes the pausing of transfer of clubs between the leagues.

Thetwoleaguessaidthestrategicagreement, which was announced last week, aimed at fostering the growth and development of community football across both leagues.

This collaboration is set to bring increased stability and opportunity to member clubs, with a focus on enhancing the experience and success of players, coaches and supporters alike.

The agreement outlines key measures designed to strengthen the structure and sustainability of the competitions.

The agreement is set to provide stability and a stable framework regarding the composition of their major men’s competitions, helping clubs,players,andfansenjoygreatercontinuity

in their local football experience.

As part of the agreement, applications from clubs to join either league will be temporarily paused.

Deer Park and St Albans both made the switch across from the Western league to the EDFL in 2023, while there had been rumors about other clubs seeking to move.

“This will allow both leagues to monitor and assess the ongoing changes to competition structures and better support the evolution of local football,” said a joint release from the leagues.

“Postthisinitialtwo-yearperiod,theleagues have committed to continued upfront dialogue about potential club movement applications.“

Women’s football development is also a key part of the agreement.

The leagues will collaborate on initiatives focusedonincreasingparticipation,improving facilities, and providing pathways for female players to advance in the sport.

“By pooling resources and expertise, both leagues aim to create robust infrastructure that will sustain the long-term growth of women’s football across affiliated clubs,” the leagues said.

EDFL chair Bernie Shinners said the agreement reflects the league’s commitment to supporting the long-term stability of the EDFL competition.

United welcomes Roach

By Tara Murray

The move to Melbourne has paid off for new Western United midfielder Emily Roach as she relishes another opportunity in the A-League women’s competition.

Having played seven games with Canberra and Newcastle, Roach missed out on a contract for last season.

Having graduated, she made the move to Melbourne and joined South Melbourne in the NationalPremierLeaguewomen’scompetition where she had a really strong season.

From there it led to a phone call from Western coach Kat Smith.

“Kat reached out and I come here,” she said. “I was hoping to get back into the A-League.

“It was something that I had been working towards and I’m happy at Western United.”

Roach, who grew up on the Sunshine Coast, said Melbourne had become her second home.

Theloveofsportandthelevelofsoccerdown hereweretwothingsthatattractedhertomake the move.

Roach said having been in A-League environments before had helped her transition into Western United.

She previously played with vice-captain Grace Maher which had also helped.

Roach said the environment at Western United was different from anything she had experienced before.

“I’ve been getting to know the girls and get back into intensive training, it’s a step up from the NPLW,“ she said.

“There’s a real sense of togetherness with the club and the support in the team has been amazing.

“You don’t get that at other clubs and there’s a lot of quality girls.”

Roach started in the opening game of the season, where Western beat Wellington Phoenix 4-2.

She said it was an unbelievable experience.

“It was unreal and it was very exciting,” she said. “That atmosphere was unreal.

“I’d heard a little bit about it through the girls but experiencing it was really cool.

“The facilities and field were unreal.”

Roach said that she had wanted to try and get a start early on and thought she had a good pre-season.

She said getting the start was one thing that she could tick off.

“It’s a long season and I just want to be available whenever.”

Like the rest of the group,there’s plenty of high expectations after two straight finals series.

Roach said they felt like they were trending in the right trajectory. Personally, she has a couple that she would like to tick off.

“I would like to score soon,” she said. “I wanted to break into the team and get as many minutes as possible and grow as a player.”

“By working closely with the WFNL, we’re ensuring that the clubs and communities involved can continue to grow, thrive, and experienceahighstandardoffootball,”hesaid.

WFNL president Meredith Angwin said this wouldbenefittheleagueinafewdifferentways.

“This allows the WFNL to strengthen our competition structure in the new 12-and-12 team competition format, providing a solid foundation for future development,” she said.

“Working with the EDFL to grow female football participation is a positive step for our competitions.”

AFL Victoria supports the agreement.

AFL Victoria head Greg Madigan this would enable continued growth of community football in Melbourne’s north-west.

“The leagues are to be congratulated on taking this step to enhance interleague co-operation,forthebettermentoflocalfooty.”

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

Altona East Phoenix has announced its coach for next year’s FV state league 2 north-west season. Paul Donnelly, who took over midway through this year, will continue on in the role. “In 2024, Paul played a pivotal role as an interim coach, contributing significantly to the team’s second half of the season. Paul’s understanding of our club’s history and future aspirations, coupled with his experience as both a former player and coach, is a valuable asset that supports our club’s goals,” the club said.

A-League

Zach Clough has secured a come-from-behind victory for Adelaide United after scoring the match-winner in its 2-1 triumph over Western United in the A-League men’s competition. Western scored in the 10th minute through Kane Vidmar before Adelaide levelled scores before half time. Clough hit the scoreboard in the 71st minute when he received a clever pass from Jonny Yull deep in the box to give Adelaide the win. Western is without a win after three matches.

Baseball

Williamstown Wolves got another win on the board in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1st nines competition on Saturday, Facing Geelong, the Wolves hit four runs in the fifth innings to tie the score. The game went to an extra innings, with the Wolves winning, 5-4. Samuel Reale hit two of the runs for the Wolves. After six rounds to the Wolves are in seventh place.

VTCA

Altona Roosters had a big win against Point Cook in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s competition on Sunday. The Roosters made 2-151 from their overs before restricting Point Cook to 7-53. After four rounds, the Roosters have a 2-2 record.

Western was in action on Friday night in round

against the

starte don the bench and was unused in the 0-0 draw.

Roach said she was expecting a tough challenge and that the Mariners came in with some good form after beating Sydney.

The EDFL and WFNL have signed an agreement. (Ljubica Vrankovic)_432959_05

two

Central Coast Mariners. Roach

Emily Roach. (Supplied)

Head down to Festive Fri-Yays, and snap a photo inside our giant snow globe! Bring your dog along in their best festive outfit!

Enjoy the magic of Christmas across our City with the Braybrook Picnic in the Park, Yarraville Carols in the Gardens, baking workshops and more. Don’t miss our Augmented Reality Gingerbread Trail, and Colouring Competition.

To check out all our Christmas events, visit maribyrnong.gov.au/xmas or scan this code.