Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 20th November 2024

New page for story hub

Braybrook’s Dinjerra Primary School has teamed up with youth literacy program 100 Story Building to create a dedicated story hub to help inspire students’ creative writing.

Situated in the school library, the story hub will be officially launched on Tuesday, November 26, following an eight week collaboration between grade 5-6 students, story hub facilitators and artist Benjamin Adler.

“They’ve transformed the library space using ideas from students across the school and then they worked with an artist (Adler) and they shared their creative process with him and he used the narrative that they’d written to design the story hub,” said Dinjerra teacher and story hub facilitator Nazlia Edwards.

The hub will be open for all students at the school, including at lunch times and despite being in the first of a three year partnership with 100 Story Building, Ms Edwards said it would remain in the school library for the foreseeable future.

“It’ll stay like this for a long time,” she said.

“It’s an absolutely amazing example of student voice and agency.”

Back to back break-ins

By Cade Lucas

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is counting the cost of two robberies in the space of two days.

Thieves allegedly broke into the ASRC’s Footscray headquarters about 7am on Tuesday, November 12 and again about 2am on Wednesday, November 13, damaging property and stealing thousands of dollars worth of goods and essential supplies the charity provides to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in need.

“The first one was opportunistic and the second one was planned,” said ASRC founder andchiefexecutiveKonKarapanagiotidis,who believes the Tuesday robbery happened when thievesbrokeinthroughasideentranceduring

rubbish removal.

He said CCTV footage of the following morning’s break-in showed it was much more deliberate.

“We can see them leaving with trolley suitcases and backpacks full of stuff. You don’t just happen to have that stuff,” said Mr Karapanagiotidis of the Wednesday robbery which he and his staff found particularly upsetting.

“The first time you think maybe they don’t know they’re robbing a charity, but after the second one, you’re like, they know what they’re doing which makes you feel even worse,” he said. “I know a lot of people are doing it tough, but you don’t rob from a charity. You shouldn’t steal from anyone, but especially not from a charity.”

Police are currently investigating both robberies which Mr Karapanagiotidis said were the first to occur at the ASRC’s Nicholson Street offices since they moved there 11 years ago.

He said while the charity’s operations hadn’t been disrupted, both staff and the families they support had been left frightened and upset.

He also said police took 11 hours to respond to the Wednesday morning robbery.

“Icalledthemjustafter4.30amandtheydidn’t comeuntil3pm,”saidMrKarapangiotidiswho addedthatheunderstoodpoliceresourceswere stretched, but that the delay had put he and his staff at risk.

“What was hard was that we didn’t know if intruders were still in the building, so after three hours I went in with a colleague and

swept the building. We had to know if anyone was there and see for ourselves.”

Police didn’t respond to questions from Star Weeklyaboutthelengthoftimeittookthemto arriveatthescene,thoughMrKarapanagiotidis said once police did arrive, their response was excellent.

He said he and his staff would respond with compassion not anger, but asked those responsible to think about the consequences of what they’d done.

“I need you to reflect on the harm you’ve done to a charity. You’ll hurt families who are doing it tough just like you might be.”

To donate: https://donate.asrc.org.au/donate Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Dinjerra Primary School students Ryan 11, Claire 11, Oscar 12 and Anushka in front of the new school’s new story hub. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 10 442398_03

Melbourne Disability & WorkAbility Expo

At the Melbourne Disability & WorkAbility Expo you can discover a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services and employment options designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities. From cuttingedge technology and adaptive equipment to healthcare services and educational resources, there's something for everyone.

We are very excited to have Ellie Cole as our Expo Ambassador this year. Ellie will be on stage at the Expo from 11am, Friday 22nd November 2024.

The Melbourne Disability Expo is the first event to integrate the Melbourne WorkAbility Expo.

WorkAbility Expos are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, and designed to help people with disabilities find meaningful employment.

At the Melbourne Workability Expo, you’ll find a variety of activities to support your employment journey. Here’s what you can expect:

• WorkAbility Consultation Lounge: Meet potential employers who believe in inclusivity and are eager to discover your talents.

• Practical workshops: Participate in workshops to get you job-ready and provide advice on how to start your own business.

• Support services: Support services

to help you get into the workforce. From training organisations to dedicated service providers, we provide you the opportunity to find the help to support you on your employment journey.

• Networking opportunities: You’ll have the chance to connect with employers who are committed to inclusive hiring practices and support services who are there to help you along the way.

• Learn from your peers: You will get to meet people with disability who have started their own business or who are already in the workforce.

• Workplace accommodations: Learn how to access workplace accommodations to ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

• Resources: Lots of resources to help you find and keep a job.

• Legal rights information: Knowledge about your rights in the workplace and how to advocate for yourself.

• Funding information: Knowledge about what funding is available to support you in the workplace.

The Melbourne Disability & WorkAbility Expo offers a wide array of Exhibitors offering services such as mobility aids, home modifications, accessible travel options, financial advice, employment services and more. It's a one-stop shop for enhancing your quality of life. Enjoy the ease of having everything under one

roof so you can spend your day gathering information and making connections all in a single, convenient venue. Experience an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere where everyone is valued and respected. Our event is designed to be fully accessible, ensuring that all attendees can comfortably participate and engage with exhibitors and activities. Don't miss out on this exciting integrated event! With interactive exhibits, engaging presentations, and opportunities to

network with others in the disability community, our expo promises to be an inspiring and empowering experience. Join us and be part of a supportive community that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Melbourne Disability & WorkAbility Expo, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 22nd & 23rd Nov www.melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au and www.workabilityexpo.com.au

Land banking concerns raised

The owner of a long derelict ‘eyesore’ in central Footscray is in the sights of a newly elected Maribyrnong councillor who wants them to develop or sell it.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said new Greens representative for Saltwater ward Samantha Meredith of the former Forges building on Adams Street.

“It’s in the heart of Footscray.”

The one hectare property opposite Footscray Plaza has been unoccupied since 2009 and owned by the Banco Group since 2012 and is often used as an example of Footscray’s land bankingproblem,aninvestmentstrategywhere parcelsoflandareboughtanddeliberatelykept

empty or undeveloped.

Prior to being elected, Cr Meredith, as a member of the Footscray Community Action Group wrote to both the Banco Group and Planning Minister Sonia Killkenny to try and get the Forges building and other properties suspected of being land banked, developed.

“It just goes around in circles,” said a frustrated Cr Meredith of the responses she received,whichhavebothbeenseenbythe Star Weekly

InalettersentonJuly2,BancoGroup’sMario LoGiudice said the company had a “rich legacy of enhancing communities in Victoria” and remained committed to developing the Forges

Educators get together

It’sanexampleofjusthowbusyearlychildhood workers are that a government funding grant was required to organise a get together.

Laura Pearce and Alexandra Pallikaros from Williamstown’s Robina Scott Kindergarten had been holding regular catch ups with other early childhood workers from across Hobsons Bay for two years.

However due to their heavy workload, getting leaders in their field to attend proved difficult.

So Ms Pallikaros came up with an idea to applytotheWestgateNeighbourhoodFundfor a grant to hold an early childhood leadership celebration day.

Ms Parllikaros was promptly awarded the grant and late last month the celebration day took place at the Williamstown Bowls Club.

This time, Ms Pallikaros and Ms Pearce had no problem getting their industry colleagues to attend.

“We had just under 50 people from Hobsons Bay, from council to early childhood services to local government,” said Ms Pearce of the celebration day. “It was a complete success.”

With morning tea and lunch provided, attendees were given six different presentations on day including talks from preschool field officers Angela Browne and Joanna Cooper, and a keynote address titled “Taking care of youtotakecareofothers”fromearlychildhood consultant, Sarah Louise Gandolfo.

Ms Pearce said the most valuable part of the daywassimplybeingabletomeetwithsomany of her peers.

”It was all about networking and meeting withotherleadersIhaven’tmetwithbeforeand sharinginoursuccessesandalsothingsthatwe find difficult,” she said.

building site. In 2017 Banco Group secured a planning permit for a mixed use development on the site that included an aged care facility, supermarket and cinema.

Thatpermitisbelievedtohavebeenextended four times and now expires in 2026.

In the letter, Mr LoGiudice wrote that issues with operators and tenants and the impact of inflation had delayed the developed and it was currently being revised.

However, he denied land banking the property, saying it was not part of Banco Group’s approach.

Cr Meredith is unconvinced.

“It’s all about money,” she said. “That’s what

frustrated me about that email from Banco. They say they are all about the community and I’m like ’no I don’t think so.’ They’re all about money.”

Mr LoGuidice and Banco Group were contacted for comment.

In a response from Ms Killkenny sent on October 13 and seen by Star Weekly, the minister said the issue of land banking was a ultimately a council matter.

It’s one Cr Meredith is keen to take up.

“I’d love to see housing there, I’d love to see the development of shops there as well. It’s an incredibly important site.”

ARTIST IMPRESSION LOCATED

CHAMBERS ROAD, ALTONA NORTH.

Early childhood workers Laura Pearce (left) and Alexandria Pallikaros (right) with Williamstown MP

Melissa Horne (centre) at the early childhood leadership celebration day at Williamstown Bowls Club. (Supplied)

‘Blown away’ by award

By Cade Lucas

Science is full of things that are small in stature but big in impact and Footscray’s St Monica’s Catholic Primary School just might be another of them.

Despite having fewer than 100 students, St Monica’s has recently taken on and beaten much larger schools in science competitions, including being named the top performing independent school in Victoria in the science talent search competition.

St Monica’s recently received the prestigious Peter Craig award for it’s achievements in the talent search which included a project entered by the kitchen science class as well as entries from individual students.

“For a little school of 90 students to beat all the top independent schools in Victoria is an incredible achievement,” said St Monica’s kitchen science teacher Jodie Donaghey.

“I’m blown away.”

Making St Monica’s achievements all the more impressive is the fact that this is the first time the school has entered the science talent search competition.

“We had our very first science fair this year and from there some of the students were selected to go to the science talent search competition representing St Monicas,” said Ms Donaghey explaining how it came about.

“We also entered a class project. In kitchen garden science class some of the students noticed that the water was running straight off the soil and wanted to know why, so they investigated what hydrophobic means and how to fix the soil to make our garden more productive.”

After designing and conducting a range of experiments over the course of a whole term, thestudentscameupwithanunusualsolution.

Twentyman youth award

Maribyrnongcouncil’sYouthLeadership Award has been renamed in honour of the late Les Twentyman in recognition of his lifelong advocacy for Victoria’s most vulnerable communities, particularly in the area of youth justice.

Mr Twentyman died in March aged 76.

The Les Twentyman Youth Leadership Award is one of eight civic awards that recognise local heroes and businesses for their contribution to Maribyrnong.

Nominations for the 2024 awards are now open and local residents are invited to put forward the names of community members they think are worthy of recognition.

Along with the Les Twentyman award and the top prize of Citizen of the Year, awards for volunteering, arts, community strengthening and LGBTIQA+ leadership are also on offer.

Nominations can also be made for the Active Maribyrnong Sporting Awards, with clubs, teams and individuals involved in community sport all eligible.

Combined with 10 St Monica’s students receiving bursaries for their individual entries, itledtotheschooltakingouttheoverallaward.

St Monica’s has also received national recognition, with the kitchen class project

“They discovered that worm casting or worm poo was the most effective treatment for rectifyinghydrophobicsoil,”saidMsDonaghey oftheprojectwhichreceivedamajorbursaryin the talent search competition.

coming second prize in the national science week competition.

Money won in both competitions will go towards buying more science equipment so St Monica’s students can conduct more experiments.

Ms Donaghey said the ultimate aim wasn’t winning competitions though.

“We’re trying to encourage the students to

The Enterprise Maribyrnong Awards for local businesses have three sub-categories open for nominations: contribution to business, innovative business and new and emerging businesses.

Award nominees will be invited to a civic event to be held in early 2025 where recipients will be presented with their awards.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, December 13.

St Monica’s Primary School kitchen science teacher Jodie Donaghey (right) and students Missy, Carlos and Hannah celebrate the Footscray school’s recent science awards. (Damjan Janevski) 443418_01

*Price and information correct as at 28 October 2024. Photographs are for illustrative purposes and may depict decorative items not actually

New councillors back Techno Park

By Cade Lucas

Two incoming Hobsons Bay councillors have declared their support for residents of the Techno Park estate.

Independent candidates Lisa Bentley and Michael Disbury were elected to represent Williamstown and Williamstown North wards respectively at last month’s election, among five new councillors elected for the next four years.

In May last year Hobsons Bay council moved to evict the 50 residents of the Techno Park, sparking fierce community backlash with Daria Kellander the only sitting councillor to speak out against it.

Councillor Kellander was one of just two councillors to seek re-election last month, winning Altona ward.

‘‘ We’ve had the same councillors for a long time, over 20 years in some cases ... we now have a fresh voice and a new generation of councillors ’’ - Lisa Bentley

She’ll no longer be a lone voice on the issue.

“I’m in support of Techno Park and in support of the people living there and not kicking them out but allowing them to stay,” said Councillor Bentley, who won in her second attempt at running for council.

Councillor Disbury, a local businessman, also confirmed to Star Weekly that he

supports allowing Techno Park residents to stay.

Bothcouncillorshadearliersignedapledge from the Save Techno Park campaign that they supported allowing residents to stay, as did Cr Kellander and the winner of Altona North ward Rayane Hawli.

Neither Cr Kellander or Cr Hawli responded to StarWeekly’s inquiries.

The other elected councillors, Paddy Keys Machpherson in Laverton, Kristin Bishop in Spotswood and returning councillor Diana Grima in Altona Meadows did not sign the pledge and have yet to make their views on Techno Park clear.

None of the three candidates responded to StarWeeklybefore deadline.

However, Cr Bentley did and expressed her excitement at being elected.

“We’ve had the same councillors for a long time, over 20 years in some cases, and we now have a fresh voice and a new generation of councillors who want to make a difference,” she told Star Weekly, highlighting better basic services, the removal of paid parking from Williamstown and lowering fees and charges as other areas she would focus on.

Cr Disbury also expressed frustration with the previous council and said he just wanted better governance and efficiency.

“I’m a fresh new face, I’m well qualified with an MBA, I’m a small business owner and I’m someone who lives locally and is fully connected to my local community,” he said, adding that keeping Champion Road open and traffic issues on Mason Street and Maddox Road were among his other priorities.

Clarke calls time as new Maribyrnong era begins

Maribyrnong’s longest serving councillor, voted out at last month’s election, has called time on his local government career.

Three-time former Maribyrnong mayor Dr Michael Clarke could only manage third place in his bid for re-election in Wattle Ward, finishing behind independent Miles Parnall-Gilbert and eventual winner Elena Pereyra of the Greens.

“This does bring a close to what sort of started 22 years ago,” said Dr Clarke, adding that this was always going to be his last election whatever the result.

“If I got back in I’d only do one more term and if I lost that would be it.”

The long-time Labor councillor said he knew re-election in Wattle would be an uphill battle with a strong field and the area around Yarraville trending towards the Greens.

He congratulated his successor on her election.

“Elena Pereyra is a highly credible person,” Dr Clarke said.

“Every person who ran in the Wattle Ward I considered to be a credible candidate.”

The 69-year-old nominated the expansion of parks and sporting fields, incorporating local history into council’s planning scheme and making Maribyrnong a ‘festival city’ as his proudest achievements, while not being able to see through his solar city plan was his

Maribyrnong City Council election

Declaration of results

The following candidates were elected to Maribyrnong

Bluestone Ward

TIWARI, Pradeep

Braybrook Ward

LAM, Cuc

Burndap Ward

SEMRA, Mohamed

River Ward

YENGI, Susan

Saltwater Ward

MEREDITH, Samantha

Sheoak Ward

THOMAS, Bernadette

Further details about the results are

Neville Healey Election Manager

13 November 2024

Wattle Ward

PEREYRA, Elena

biggest disappointment.

Just two sitting councillors, former mayor Cuc Lam and the Greens’ Bernadette Thomas,

Hobsons Bay City Council election Declaration of results

were re-elected to Maribyrnong council, with the other five Mohamed Semra, Samantha Meredith, Pradeep Tiwari, Elena Pereyra and Susan Yengi all first-time councillors.

New Blustone ward representative Cr Tiwari said Maribyrnong had chosen change.

“My priorities are first and foremost for providing the community with a transparent and fair community consultation process, so that no one is left behind,” Cr Tiwari said.

Community activist Cr Meredith won Saltwater ward for the Greens, increasing their representation on council to three at an election where they otherwise went backwards.

A resident of the much maligned Joseph Road precinct, Cr Meredith she would advocate for her fellow residents there and across central Footscray.

“There’s been a lot of discontent with a lack of action in Footscray. I will be very active and action orientated,“ she said.

The new council has already been sworn in and a new mayor will be elected at its first meeting on Tuesday, November 19.

The following candidates were elected to Hobsons Bay City Council at the general election held in October 2024:

Altona Meadows Ward

GRIMA, Diana

Altona North Ward

HAWLI, Rayane

Altona Ward

KELLANDER, Daria

Laverton Ward

KEYS-MACPHERSON, Paddy

Spotswood Ward

BISHOP, Kristin

Williamstown North Ward

DISBURY, Michael

Further details about the

Maree Fitzpatrick

Williamstown Ward BENTLEY, Lisa

Authorised by S. Bluemmel, Electoral Commissioner, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

Cade Lucas

The new Maribyrnong council Mohamed Semra, Bernadette Thomas, Susan Yengi, Cuc Lam, Pradeep Tiwari and Samantha Meredith. (Elena Pereyra absent). (Supplied)

150 years of learning

Williamstown North Primary School celebrated its 150th anniversary on Sunday, with staff and students both past and present gatheringtomarkthemilestone.

“Wehadafantasticday,despitetheweather,“ said assistant principal Sarah Nobbs of the celebrations which were held at the school’s MelbourneRoadpremises.

Amongthoseinattendancewas96-year-old Arthur Leibert, believed to be the school’s oldestsurvivingstudent.

Ms Nobbs said other former students spoke at the event and reminisced about their experiences.

“Iris Whitehurst spoke from a past student perspective, outlining some of her memories, includingmakingteafortheteachers,dancing for the Queen in 1954 at the MCG when she toured Australia and having her two children andtwograndchildrenattendtheschool.”

At the other end of the spectrum, year six students Jemma and Nelly spoke about currently attending Williamstown North whichbothhavedonesinceprep.

Current school principal Richard Buckingham also spoke and read the perspective of assistant principal Wendy Emin, who has worked at the school since 1998.

Williamstown MP Melissa Horne attended and spoke highly of the school’s community andachievementssinceitsfoundingin1874.

Unsurprisingly, there were families at the celebration event who had multiple generations attend the school, however there wasonethattoppedthelot.

Current student Thea Roberts is the sixth generation of her family to have attended Williamstown North, following her mother Tara Dixon (1987 to 1993), aunty Alisha Napolitano (1984 to 1990), grandparents Camille Dixon (1961 to 1967) and Trevor Dixon (1957 to 1963) great-grandfather Stanley Whear (1922 - 1928), great-greatgrandmother Martha Briscoe and her mother and Thea’s great-great-great-grandmother HarrietShield.

Cade Lucas.

Briefs

Laser arrest

Two crew members sustained injuries to their eyes when a laser was shone at the police helicopter above Footscray just after midnight on Sunday, November 17. Shortly after a 53 year old Footscray man was arrested and a laser seized from his home. He is expected to be charged on summons with endangering the safe operation of an aircraft, possessing a dangerous article, reckless conduct endangering life, recklessly causing injury and assaulting an emergency worker. The two injured crew members received medical treatment following the incident.

Sailing rescue

Children participating in a sailing regatta were rescued from shipping channel waters between Williamstown and Port Melbourne on Sunday after their boats capsized. Police were called to help rescue the children just after 11.15am on November 17. The shipping channel was closed while police, the St Kilda coast guard and the Life Saving Victoria rescue chopper and jet skis conducted the rescue. More than 60 people, mainly children, were participating in the regatta and set sail in more than 40 boats from Williamstown when strong winds upturned their vessels. The childre were brought safely back to land.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Bringing together our vibrant North West communities, our open day will showcase the very best of Lifestyle Communities®

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

Williamstown North Primary School principal Richard Buckingham, current students Nelly

Taranto’s long road to recovery

By Cade Lucas

One of the hallmarks of the rise of women’s sport over the last decade, is the sense that it is different.

Rather than just men’s sport played by the opposite sex, female competitions attract a different crowd, have a different atmosphere and a different sensibility.

Another somewhat less positive difference though, is the disparity in injury rates between male and female athletes, particularly in the football codes.

Put simply, female footballers get more injuries, more often, especially knees, and especially knees where the dreaded anterior-cruciate ligament (or ACL’s as they’re known in sporting parlance) are ruptured.

One of the most debilitating injuries in all of sport, ACL’s require a full reconstruction of the knee and require roughly nine months to recover from, ending the season of those who suffer them.

Sports medicine specialist, Dr David Bolzonello, works with both the men’s and women’s teams at A-League club Western United.

He said the difference in the rate of ACL’s suffered across the two teams was stark.

“We’ve had an ACL per season (two) in the girls and we’ve had two in five (seasons) for the men,” said Dr Bolzonello who added that this disparity wasn’t just confined to soccer.

“Thereisahigherincidence,acrossallsports,

of anterior cruciate ruptures and that’s got to do with predominantly the anatomy of the femalehipandpelvisandthetendencythenfor thekneetodropinwardsinchangeofdirection moments.”

One of the two United players to have ruptured an ACL since its women’s team was established in 2023, is Adriana Taranto, who is nearing a return to action after sustaining the injury during pre-season training in March.

“Rehab has been going well,” said Taranto who praised the the club for its support.

“From the beginning I had the best people around me to ensure I was getting everything I needed both physically and mentally to get through this tough time.

“I have been highly motivated to get back to paying as safely and quickly as possible and everythinghasbeengoingwellsofar,hopefully I’mnottoofarawayfrombeingbackoutonthe pitch.”

Taranto has been working with Dr Bolzonello and United’s physio and strength and condition staff during her rehab, often alongside players from the men’s team also recovering from injury.

She said while their respective treatments were largely the same, the differences between male and female players in recovering from ACL’s and other injuries, weren’t physiological.

“The only difference is the fact that the men are full-time, so they are seen by a physio or strength and conditioning coach pretty much every day,” said Taranto, who like her teammates and the rest of the women’s A-League, isn’t fully professional.

“Even when the main team travel for games or don’t have training for some reason, those injured players or even players who need top ups will still come in and have a session, that is something we don’t have the luxury of doing as we are part-time,” said Taranto, who works as a school teacher when not wearing United’s black and green.

While research is being done into how to reduce the higher incidence of knee and other injuries in female athletes compared to men, Dr Bolzonello agreed that economics were also part of the solution.

“I hope that our game evolves to where the club has the resources to look after these girls as full time professional athletes.”

FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

Demystifying foot and heel pain

Foot, heel and arch pain are so common they are said to be amongst the most frequently reported and treated conditions world-wide. Yet,thereismuchmisinformationaboutthese conditions often leading to misdiagnosis, resulting in incorrect and inappropriate treatment.

One of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists and foot, knee and leg pain expert, Dr Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, provides some insight.

“Allfootandlegpainneedstobediagnosed and managed correctly by determining the contributing factors, not by simply addressing the symptoms. Even your local GP, orthotist or general podiatrist may not diagnose and treat foot and leg pain and injury correctly, as their scope of practice tends to be more generalised and not specific to lower limb musculoskeletal medicine,” he explained.

With over 25 years of experience, Dr Dowie explainsthatplantarfasciitisisoneofthemost commonly misdiagnosed foot complaints, with misdiagnosis often occurring when tissue thickening evident on diagnostic scans is misinterpreted as inflammation. In such cases anti-inflammatory treatments and cortisone are often incorrectly prescribed, which can make the condition worse.

“Most foot, heel and arch pain occurs when theplantarfascia(connectivetissuesrunning along the bottom of the foot) becomes overloaded, resulting in degeneration of the tissues and/or irritation of the nerves. These conditions are NOT inflammatory in nature, so should not be treated as such and this is where misdiagnosis can become very problematic - as degenerative and inflammatory conditions require very

different treatment. Most foot, heel and arch pain is a result of faulty foot function or lower limb biomechanics and environmental factors, and that is what needs to be treated - not inflammation. Hence, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for that diagnosis is paramount in achieving long-term healing,” Dr Dowie explains.

If you’d like expert advice about any foot, knee or leg pain, you can book an appointment with Dr Dowie at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinic in Williamstown. Call 1300 328 300.

Western United midfielder Adriana Taranto is nearing a return from a serious knee injury. (Supplied)

Will my hearing keep getting worse as I get older?

Many seniors in Australia wonder, “Will my hearing deteriorate over time?”

Experienced audiologists Cris Ivanidis and Amanda Nguyen at Active Audiology explain the natural progression of hearing loss, as well as the impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline.

The natural progression of hearing with age: As we journey through the golden years, hearing changes become a common part of the experience.

“Ageing brings shifts in hearing,” explains Amanda Nguyen, an audiologist at Active Audiology.

“Seniors frequently observe a decline in their hearing acuity, a normal part of ageing.”

Cris Ivanidis, another seasoned audiologist at Active Audiology, adds perspective: “Age-related hearing changes can result from diverse factors—genetics, lifelong noise exposure, and various health conditions. These variables collectively influence how one’s hearing evolves with time.”

The impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline: Recent research makes a significant connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Studies suggest that unaddressed hearing loss can elevate the risk of memory issues and conditions like dementia.

“Clients with progressive hearing loss sometimes report not only diminished hearing but also compromised memory and cognitive function,” Amanda Nguyen emphasises.

“It underscores the urgency of addressing hearing issues proactively.”

Reflecting on his experiences with patients, Cris Ivanidis shares, “I’ve encountered patients initially hesitant about addressing

their hearing loss. Yet, once they embraced hearing aids, they noticed improvements not only in their hearing but also in mental acuity. This underscores the pivotal role hearinghealthplaysinmaintainingcognitive well-being in our senior years.”

So‘willmyhearinggetworseasIgetolder?’

— the answer, in general, is affirmative; hearing often undergoes a decline with age. However, the rate and extent of this decline can vary markedly from person to person.

“Agerelatedhearingloss,”AmandaNguyen reminds us, “is part of the ageing process, but it’s vital to recognise that everyone’s hearing journey is distinct.”

Cris Ivanidis echoes this sentiment saying “The good news is that many seniors can effectively manage age-related hearing changes with appropriate solutions, such as hearing aids. Regular hearing checkups are pivotal to staying connected and engaged in our senior years.”

In conclusion, while age-related hearing loss is a common aspect of growing older, it doesn’t have to be a hindrance to enjoying life to the fullest. The key is proactive hearing health management. Schedule regular checkups to explore suitable solutions tailored to your individual needs. With early intervention, you can continue to hear all the sounds that matter to you, all while potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

For more info about Active Audiology or to make an appointment, visit www.activeaudiology.com.au or call 9398 3331

Cris Ivanidis also speaks on the podcast Hearing What Matters, available on Apple andSpotifyPodcast

‘‘

Regular hearing checkups are pivotal to staying connected and engaged in our senior years ’’

Experienced audiologist Cris Ivanidis.

- Cris Ivanidis

Recapping 16 days of action

As Zonta Clubs throughout the world fulfil an extensive and thought-provoking calendar of events throughout their 16 Days of Activism Campaign to eliminate violence against women, it is interesting to look back on how this event came about.

From Monday, November 25 to Tuesday, December 10, communities will come together with the encouragement and organisation of these Zonta Clubs for specialist days including A Day of Envisioning, A Day of Knowledge, a Day of Remembrance, A Day of Listening, A Day of Allyship, A Day of Advocacy and of course A Day of Orange as the colour orange symbolises a brighter future, free from violence and is the colour for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The history behind the 16 Days of Activism is both compelling and heartbreaking with the International Women’s Development Agency

On November 25, 1960, sisters Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa Mirabal, three political activists who actively opposed the crueltyandsystematicviolenceoftheTrujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic, were clubbed to death and dumped at the bottom of a cliff by Trujillo’s secret police.

The Mirabal sisters became symbols of the feminist resistance, and in commemoration of their deaths, November 25 was declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in Latin America in 1980.

This international day was formally

recognised by the United Nations in 1999.

In June 1991, the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL), alongside participants of the first Women’s Global Institute on Women, Violence and Human Rights, called for a global campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The 16 days begins with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends with International Human Rights Day on 10 December– highlighting thatviolenceagainstwomenisafundamental violation of human rights.

A far cry from Australia, but the sisters’ legacy has reached all corners of the globe and kicks off the 16 days of activism calls for an end to violence against women.

The dates for the campaign were chosen to link violence against women and human rights and emphasise that gender-based violence against women is a violation of human rights.

Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women began in November 2012 and Zonta International’s ongoing efforts to end violence against women and girls at the international level are carried out through the Zonta’s International Service Program and through Zonta’s partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies.

Since the program’s inception in 1999, more than US$32.7 million has been provided to support projects to improve women’s health, provide better economic opportunities and prevent gender-based violence in 66 countries.

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

Tackling gendered violence

As an organisation that works to advance the status of women and advocate on their behalf, it’s no surprise that Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West (Inc.) is heavily involved in the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against gendered based violence.

The Hobsons Bay based club has two events planned for the 16 day campaign which begins with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Monday, March 25.

On Saturday, December 7, the club is hosting an information session on coercive control at Altona Library.

Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West board member Faye Juetz said the session was about educating people about coercive control which she called a “silent issue”.

“Domestic violence we usually regard as physical violence, whereas coercive control is just that,” said Ms Juetz.

“It involves stalking, financial control, emotional abuse, distancing from friends and

family. It’s takes many forms that we can’t readily see.”

A specialist from family violence support service Gen-West will speak at the free event which runs from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

On Tuesday, December 10, the club and Hobsons Bay council will host a morning tea to raise awareness about the themes of family violence featuring lived experience speaker Sunenna Bella Sharma.

Ms Juetz said the morning tea event at the Laverton Community Hub will be especially valuable for migrant women and those from non-english speaking backgrounds.

“StudentswhoarelearningEnglishinseveral local community centres are invited to come along and also the general public who might be interested” she said of the event which will run from 10am to 12pm.

For more information on the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West events, visit: https://www. zontamelbwest.org.au/ Cade Lucas

Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West members Wendy Forrest and Faye Juetz are preparing for two events the club is running during the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. (Damjan Janevski) 443719_01

Wilson Storage is partnering with local businesses

DrivingdownKororoitCreekRoadandpassing by their local Wilson Storage is a day-to-day occurrence for many residents. You can’t miss it! But what Williamstown residents might not know is that this Wilson Storage site is also a state-of-the-art business hub.

We all know that the Wilson Storage Williamstown facility is an industry leader in innovative storage solutions, but why should local business owners choose Wilson Storage for their business?

From offices with uninterrupted views of Port Phillip Bay, to a range of cost-effective solutions and services to help local businesses grow, and of course, the best commercial storage solutions around, Wilson Storage Williamstown has everything needed to operate your business.

Whether you’re a start-up or an enterprise, partnering with Wilson Storage for your business storage can bring you peace of mind knowing your inventory, tools, or archives are secure, monitored, and accessible whenever you need them.

With simplified inventory management, an understanding of seasonality and changes in supply and demand, and a focus on your business’s growth, partnering with the Wilson StorageWilliamstownbusinesshubmeansyou can spend more time improving your business and less time worrying about storage space and logistics.

Wilson Storage strives to be as efficient as it is secure. That’s 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.

The Wilson Storage Williamstown business hub boasts flexible sizing options, with large units and drive up containers available. The facilities are modern and spotless, perfect

for storing sensitive items requiring stable conditions. Storing your business needs with Wilson Storage Williamstown is convenient, with 7-day access and affordable short or long term agreements.

The friendly on-site staff at Wilson Storage Williamstown are locals themselves and understandtheimportanceofqualityinventory storage and management. They are dedicated to answering your questions and requests with efficiency.

Looking

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

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

If that wasn’t enough, Wilson Storage Williamstown offers BusinessPlus services in addition to your storage. From admin support and the receipt and dispatch of goods to on-site

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

equipment options, including access to a moving van, forklift, and pallet jack. The best part? With flexible terms on each service, you only pay for the services you use. With so much on offer, there’s no wonder why local businesses trust Wilson Storage Williamstown for all their business needs.

Visit the Wilson Storage Williamstown business hub today or call 03

12723108-AV47-24

2024 AGM

25 November 2024 at 3pm

The Board of Western Health is pleased to invite interested members of the public to attend its 2024 Annual General Meeting.

Join us online to hear about the year that was and what’s ahead.

Add a festive personal touch

Household items or trinkets that mean something to your family could make for some spectacular Christmas decorations in 2024.

Getting into the festive spirit need not be very expensive or labour intensive with a few ideas to help you create your own decorations to wow your guests.

Giveyourguestsadramaticwelcome:Apair of inexpensive plastic urns from the garden centre instantly dress up a front doorway. Place a tall foam cone in each urn, anchor it with sand, then use florist sticks and wire to attach greenery and Christmas balls.

Make an easy table topper centrepiece by buying a garland of greenery available at garden centres to run down the length of your table.

Send your kids out to collect pine cones, and use them as rustic toppers. You can also buy pinecones at garden or craft stores.

Another festive idea could be to load a simple glass jar or bowl with multiples of the same fruit, nut, or monochromatic ornament. Trifle bowls filled with red apples and green baby artichokes - the colours of Christmas and walnuts look especially festive. Or you could try bowls of lemons and limes as an alternative.

For a subtle outdoor decoration, gather pine cones of various sizes and arrange them in a window box or in pots on your porch, sprinkling the tiniest ones on top. The weatherproof display should last until next season.

Instead of the traditional evergreen, try a homemade wreath of citrus fruits. Start with a circular piece of florist’s foam, then use wooden florist’s picks to secure large items, such as oranges, first. Continue with smaller fruit -persimmons, clementines, limes and tie with a thick velvet ribbon.

A patch of grassland paradise

In the heart of Sunbury sits a grassland considered to be the best left in Melbourne, as Oscar Parry discovered.

What might first appear as an overgrown paddock in the middle of Sunbury, the Evans Street Grassland isconsideredthe“crownjewel”ofMelbourne’s grasslands, and is a sanctuary for native and endangered flora and fauna.

This is part of the message Grassy Plains Network facilitator Adrian Marshall wants to impart.

“It really is like a living museum in a way. We’re down to only one per cent of our grasslands left, and most of that one per cent isn’t nearly as good as what you find at Evans Street,” Mr Marshall said.

Not appearing too visually attractive from a distance, he said the beauty of the site is what you see once you are among the vegetation.

“I use the analogy of snorkelling – it’s like when you’re standing there on the beach or knee-high in the water, all you see is water, but as soon as you put on your mask and put your face down underneath the water, suddenly … you see all of this amazing stuff,” he said.

About 10,000 years old and forming in the previous ice age, the Evans Street Grassland is rich with native flora and fauna species, with many at risk of local extinction.

“Ithas,Ithink,150orsospeciespresentthere … and a dozen or two dozen that are listed as threatened under state or federal nature laws … if we lost Evans Street Grassland, there would be 17 species that would no longer be found in the City of Hume … it just shows how fragile the thing is,” Mr Marshall said.

He said Victoria’s grasslands are mostly found on the Victorian Volcanic Plain – a largeareaofabout500volcanoesthatstretches from the Yarra River to the South Australian border

“Sunbury is a volcano. Often they don’t look particularly like massive Mount Etna things or anything.”

Dominated by Kangaroo Grass, a sign of a healthy grassland, he said other key flora species include Wallaby Grass, Spear Grass, Silky Bluegrass, and rare species of Pelargonium, Pimelea, rice flowers, pea flowers, and more.

He said a botanist walked through the site about 30 years ago and was amazed by what he saw, writing to the government to advocate for its protection – with a local environment group soon joining in on its protection.

Despite this, Mr Marshall said there were attempts to develop the site, including a proposal for a car park.

The site is now permanently protected by a Trust for Nature conservation covenant.

“It’s got a nice fence with [no] gates, you can just walk in … there’s a nice sign that tells you all sorts of good stuff about it. There’s a nice bench you can sit on, you can have your lunch there. It’s just incredibly inviting … all of that just tells people that this is an important place, there’s value here,” Mr Marshall said.

With the introduction of sheep and cattle to Australia, much of Victoria’s native grasslands were decimated.

“When John Batman arrived here in 1835, his surveyors and explorers basically saw incredibly lush pastures all the way to the border and there was a grass rush. So within 16 years of John Batman arriving, there were 16 million sheep in Victoria,” Mr Marshall said.

“Theyjustthrivedonthisbeautifulgrassland, but they also ate it all, they brought in weeds, they compacted the soil, and there were a whole lot of cascading things that happened because of that. So now the grasslands that we have are pretty much the most endangered ecosystem in Victoria,” he said.

However, he said livestock held intermittently at the Evans Street site “accidentally” maintained it by preventing excess thatch.

“Grass doesn’t get rid of its dead leaves, it just keeps growing new leaves. So all those dead leaves can get thicker and thicker, and when that thatch gets so thick, it can stop light and water getting down to those thick tussock

spaces between the tussocks. And that means all the [flowers] aren’t getting the light and water they need … and when they die out, they leave a weed-shaped hole, and weeds can come in ... and then the whole cycle can go to hell, pretty much,” he said.

One third of the Evans Street site is burnt eachyeartodistributetheeffectsonsectionsof the land, with a large increase in native flowers booming in the months following a burn.

Mr Marshall said thatalong with these appeals, grasslands “punch above their weight” in storing carbon and can absorb water, promote pollination, and clean the air –all contributing to “urban resilience.”

He said species at the Sunbury site could be hundreds of years old, with a dense and branched out root system under the ground.

Mr Marshall held a tour at the site with the Victorian National Parks Association on Wednesday, November 13.

The entrance to the Evans Street Grassland is adjacent to Timins Street in Sunbury –but tread carefully as you walk through this important site.

‘‘ If we lost Evans Street Grassland, there would be 17 species that would no longer be found in the City of Hume … it just shows how fragile the thing is ’’ - Adrian Marshall

Grassy Plains Network facilitator Adrian Marshall at the Evans Street Grassland. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski). 443458

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

Volunteers needed

Join the Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) as a committee member to support and strengthen your local community. It is seeking to fill the executive office role, (secretarial, governance and event management skills) as well as other voluntary positions.

 eo@hbcommunityfund.org.au

Lawn bowls

The Altona North Bowls Club is open 7 days a week 11am until late. Barefoot bowling is available all week at a minimal cost. With full bar, kitchen and barbecue facilities and drinks at very reasonable prices, come down to the club and enjoy a roll in a very relaxed atmosphere at 217 Mason Street, Altona North.

 Enquires or bookings, 0452 560 342 or altonanorthbowlsclub@gmail.com

Festive function

Williamstown Community and Education Centre is holding a free festive season function at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson St. Williamstown on Wednesday December 18 at 12pm. Free food, door prizes, Santa visit, and more. No RSVP required, just turn up. Everyone welcome.

 9397 6168.

Walking gootball (soccer)

For anyone aged 50 & over, any fitness level – no running allowed. This is a social activity for fun and a bit of exercise, no experience necessary. Supported by Hobsons Bay Council and Football Victoria, this is a free activity each Wednesday Morning from 10am to 11am indoors at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive (Queens Road), Altona.

 Mike, 0423 291 708.

Computer classes

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

 Lynne, 9397 6168

Braybrook Community Centre

Bachata Latin dance, 6-8pm, October 3 - December 12, $5 per class. Braybrook Community Centre 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook.

 9188 5800 or braycomm@maribyrnong.vic.gov.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 St Williamstown.

 willinwimmin.org.au or willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Point Gellibrand Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at a local Williamstown restaurant on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and 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

This week’s photographer’s choice is of Newport performer Donna Jackson who has a new cabaret show. (Damjan Janevski) 442708_01

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

Prep for employment course

Seeking a change in career or how to improve your employability? Receive face-to-face help with job searches,

resumes, interviews, upskilling and more in a prep for employment course. Register today. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.  9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.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

Laverton Community Choir

The choir is welcoming new members, especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir, come along and try out your vocal cords with this fun and welcoming group of singers. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton, from 7-9pm.  Sue, 0418 386 147, or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com

Mouth Organ Band

Yarraville Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members. Band practice is held on Friday evenings at 8pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. For great music in a friendly atmosphere feel free to call in one Friday evening.

 Heather, 9399 2190 or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au

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

Westgate diabetes

Westgate diabetes support group meets at 10am on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona Bowling Club.

 Elaine, 0415 030 996

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

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 10.15- 11am, 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, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

Djerriwarrh Fest makes a return

The City of Melton’s biggest family festival is back with a bang when Djerriwarrh Festival returns on Saturday, November 23, with its family-friendlyvibesandjam-packedschedule.

Celebrations will kick off with the annual Djerriwarrh Festival Street Parade at 11.30am withfloatsanddancesandcostumesgaloreand continue until 9pm when, weather permitting, the festival concludes with a dazzling fireworks display.

From noon, High Street will spring into life with live music, market stalls, food trucks, and many more activities to keep the kids and the family entertained.

The world comes to Melton as the city’s multicultural communities showcase their traditional dance and music with a series

of interactive and vibrant intercultural performances on the main stage.

Melton council chief executive Roslyn Wai saidthefestivalisjam-packedwithgreatthings to see and do for the whole family.

“With a colourful street parade, loads of market stalls, food trucks, activities, and an excitinglivemusicline-upitpromisestobefun and entertaining,” she said.

“This is a great chance to plan to meet up with friends and family to create some new memories at this much-loved local festival.’’

Along High Street, Melton’s intercultural communities will be showcasing traditional dance, food, and music while the more adventurous can meet local wildlife and even a dingo over at the pet expo.

There will be roving performers, art installations, and lots more happening throughout the day including the new fit and informed zone where local businesses and sports clubs will showcase their wares.

Sustainability Village is the place to go to find tips and tricks on how you can make the world a more sustainable place for the future.

Don’t miss the market stalls where you are sure to find something special to take home.

There are also plenty of options to tempt the taste buds with more than 20 different vendors specialising in a variety of food and drinks.

The Superjesus will be the headline act on the main stage in a line-up that also features Bachelor Girl, Sara Berki, and Charlie Needs Braces.

Williamstown to become dog town

Dogs will have their day at Commonwealth ReserveinWilliamstownonSunday,December 1.

It’swheretheRotaryClubofPointGellibrand will be holding its annual Dog Day in Dog Town event from 10am until 2pm.

An afternoon to be enjoyed by the whole family, not just the dog, the event consists of a dog parade and walk to Pier Farm and back, followed by dog competitions such as cutest dog, smallest dog, biggest dog, most obedient, best costume, best dressed, best tricks and best fairy dog.

There will even be competitions for the canine that most resembles their owner and

the one the most looks like a famous movie character.

All dog breeds are welcome, though they must be friendly and socialise well with other dogs.

“Bring your friends, kids and anyone who wants to show off their pooch at this event,” said Point Gellibrand Rotary Club’s Gael Meadowcraft encouraging Hobsons Bay locals and their dogs to come along.

Admission is $20 which includes entry to the dog parade and dog competitions as well as giveaways.

“There are lots of lovely grassy spots to relax, stalls and information regarding dog rescue

organisations and dog adoption agencies,” Ms Meadowcraft said.

A sausage sizzle will also be on offer and if they’re lucky, there might even be a snag or two for dogs as well as their owners.

All money raised from Dog Day in Dog Town will go towards the many local charities supported by Point Gellibrand Rotary.

There is more information on the Rotary Club of Pont Gellibrand Facebook page or by emailing: rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com.

Tickets are available at: https://www. trybooking.com/CWGPG

Cade Lucas

Ceramics exhibition in the Macedon Ranges

The Old Auction House in Kyneton is hosting Buttlejorrk’s annual art show in conjunction with Macedon Ranges Potters, featuring the stunning work of local artists across pottery, ceramics, sculpture, and more.

The exhibition showcases the talent of several local artists from the two groups, with all works also for sale.

Pieces will include stoneware, raku, porcelain, sculpture, and ceramic pieces.

Old Auction House owner and gallery director Rhain DiPilla said that the exhibition presents a diverse range of styles, glazes and approaches.

“We love seeing … how each artist can sort of meld the same materials to very different finishes and outcomes and uses,” Ms DiPilla said.

Get festive at Point Cook

ShareinthejoyofChristmaswhenthe 18th annual Christmas at the Lakes makes its way back to Breezewater Reserve, Point Cook, on Saturday December 7

Between 4pm-10.30pm, guests will be treated to a series of performers, carolsandafiercedisplayoffireworks, as local residents, businesses and groups gather for one of the area’s biggest events of the year.

Those who want to be taken for a ride– in the good way– will be spoilt for choice with a series of amusement rides on offer for all ages and excitement thresholds.

Among the stars will be Point Cook’s own magnificent and multi-talented Taysha Farrugia, who is riding the momentum of her debut single ‘Fearless’.

The Cross Culture Choir will lead the carols because Christmas would not be Christmas without a choir, so have your singing voices ready. It will be gastronomy galore with food trucks and stalls treating taste buds to a variety of multicultural cuisines.

The sweet tooths in attendance will certainly not be neglected, with showbags available at the admin marquee.

Anyone who wants to help spread the holiday spirit and join the committee are invited to message Christmas at the Lakes on Facebook.

Entry is a gold coin donation, which helps ensure that Christmas at the Lakes can be enjoyed for years to come.

On-site parking will be available for $5 per car, with cash and card both being accepted.

More: www.facebook.com/ XmasattheLake

Jaidyn Kennedy

Connected with the exhibition, Macedon Ranges Potters will also launch their book titled The Potters Kitchen, featuring members’ favourite recipes and including photographs of their handmade plates, cups, and dinnerware at work.

Originally formed in 1976, Buttlejorrk is a collective of artists from Macedon Ranges and Sunbury, with the name Buttlejorrk referring to the area located to the west of Sunbury.

Buttlejorrk’s annual art show will run until Tuesday, December 24 and The Potters Kitchen book will launch at an event on Saturday, November 30, from 2–4pm at the Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton. Thevenueisopeneverydayfrom10am–4pm. Details: https://www.theoldauctionhouse. com.au/

The Cross Culture Choir will lead this year’s carols. (Supplied)

Point Gellibrand Rotary Club members Gillian Partington, Roger Goga, Gael Meadowcroft, Sally Jandric and Ron Coleman with their dogs ahead of their annual Dog Day in Dog Town event on December 1. (Damjan Janevski) 442321_03

The Old Auction House gallery owner Rhain DiPilla. (Damjan Janevski). 443499_05

Melton’s jam-packed Djerriwarrh is back with a bang.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Kaylee McKeown is a champion in which sport?

2. Which of these is not an athletic event: triple jump, double jump, long jump, high jump?

3. True or false: badminton and pickleball courts are the same size?

4. Ange Postecoglou is the current coach of which

5. How much money did the Victorian government pay to the Commonwealth Games Federation for reneging on hosting the 2026 Games?

6. Marking a major shift for the league, the 2024 AFLW Grand Final will be held at what time of day?

7. In the world of tennis, the ATP Tour comes to an end each year with which event?

And where will that event be held until 2025?

The AFL Integrity Unit opened an investigation after a melee broke out at the end of an AFLW game between which two teams?

How many current AFL teams have animal-based nicknames?

Which horse won the 2024 Melbourne Cup at long odds?

Which team scored a double-podium finish in the São Paulo Grand Prix?

13. Which cricketer’s lifetime leadership ban was recently lifted?

14. And which team will he captain in the upcoming Big Bash League?

15. Sporting Lisbon defeated which English club 4-1 in a recent Champions League match?

16. AFL umpire Leigh Haussen has been banned from the opening round of next season after dressing up as which terrorist leader?

17. Which AFL club’s new logo represents the shape of the state from which they hail?

18. Which team recently beat the Yankees to claim their eighth MLB World Series victory?

19. The defunct Tour DuPont cycling race was initially sponsored by and named after which US political figure?

20. Which highly-rated wicketkeeper-batsman is captaining Australia in the international T20 series against Pakistan?

21. The Intuit Dome is a newly opened arena that plays host to which NBA team?

22. Which Australian sporting league recently had a power outage during a game?

23. How many teams qualify for the AFL Finals each year?

24. Which AFL team holds the current record of playing 14 seasons without a final?

25. How many hundreds of millions is Shohei Ohtani's 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers worth?

26. What state does Australian Test cricket hopeful Nathan McSweeney play for?

27. Who is the only player to have won the AFL Women’s Best and Fairest Award twice?

28. How many races will make up the 2025 Formula 1 season?

29. And how many Australian drivers competed in the 2024 Formula 1 season?

30. What is the name of both a Winter Olympics host city and a 1999 crocodile movie starring Bill Pullman?

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

To solve a Sudoku

1 Vision-related (5)

4 Major sale (9)

9 Camper (7)

10 Relating to the natural emblem of a clan or tribe (7)

11 Thoughts; ideas (7)

12 Made sense (5,2)

13 Well pleased (9)

15 Bag (4)

17 Just (4)

19 Pain in a nerve pathway (9)

22 Common crumble ingredient (7)

25 Forbidden (7)

26 US state home to the Grand Canyon (7)

27 Scrutinise (7)

28 Designer of goods and structures (9)

29 French painter, Edgar – (5) DOWN

1 Wearer of rose-tinted glasses (8)

2 Conveyance through (7)

3 Settler (9)

4 Danish writer, Hans – Andersen (9)

5 Unneeded (5)

6 Valued (5)

7 Travelling from place to place (7)

8 Break loose (6)

14 Undeniably (5)

15 Right side of a ship (9) 16 Loss of hair (8) 18 Hurting (7)

20 Getting bigger (7)

21 Polished (6)

23 Bedeck (5)

24 Hold responsible (for something bad) (5)

7 Which reality series did singer Kesha (pictured) appear in before she rose to fame?

8 In the first instalment of the Curious George children’s book series, who is George’s companion?

9

10

New MG HS is bigger and better

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

The MG HS is the Chinese importer’s largest vehicle.

A mid-size SUV, it competes - although not toosuccessfullysofar-againstwell-established models like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sportage.

MG HS has been on sale here since late 2019 andhasjustbeenreplacedbywhatiseffectively an all-new model. It’s larger in length, width and with a longer wheelbase than before, all of which contribute to providing extra interior space. Indeed, it’s larger in most dimensions than most of its rivals.

There are three variants: Vibe, Excite and Essense with prices ranging from $33,990 to $40,990 driveaway. Although these prices are around $3000 more than the previous models they are still at the lower end in its category.

The top-spec Essence was our test vehicle.

On release, the new HS only comes with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine but with both a conventional petrol/electric hybrid (HEV) and plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) due to follow early in the new year.

Styling

Styling for this second-generation HS is a step up from the fairly conservative design of its predecessor with a much more attractive premium look.

The front grille is wider than before with a new design featuring a combination of brushed aluminium and piano black.

MG is making full use of the original British company’s iconic badge attached to the front of the bonnet, tailgate and wheels as well as inside on the centre of the steering wheel and on the key fob.

All HS models have full LED automatic headlights with manual levelling together with LED daytime running lights and LED tail-lights.

Rear fog lights are also standard but only Excite and Essence get them at the front.

The entry level Vibe comes with 18-inch alloys, Excite and Essence get 19-inch alloys.

Interior

MG HS is longer, wider and with a longer wheelbase than most of its direct competitors andthistranslatesintoexcellentinteriorspace.

Entry is easy to manage and the additional wheelbase and width improve on the already capacious interior space.

There’s a real feeling of quality and prestige inside the MG HS that gives the impression it could easily be a much more expensive vehicle. It has a really solid feel, fit and finish is excellent, with well-crafted soft touch surfaces mixed with piano black.

At the front there are two USB-A ports, a 12V power outlet and a wireless smartphone charger in the Essence. Storage space is limited with two cupholders sitting right behind the gear selector level and no easy spots for phones, wallets and the like.

There is a sunglass holder.

Rear legroom is excellent and there’s plenty of headroom despite the Essence’s panoramic sunroof. The extra width together with a flat floor, air vents, twin USB ports, grab handles with lights and map pockets make for a comfortable space that’s just about suitable for three adults rather than the usual two plus a child in most cars of its size.

Boot space is 507 litres with the seatback in place, expanding to 1484 litres when they are folded. There is some useful storage space under the bootlid and a space-saver wheel below that.

Infotainment

One of the biggest improvements in the new HS are the twin 12.3-inch screens. There’s a virtual driver cluster display behind the steering wheel and the colour infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. Both screens are easy to read and operate. Smartphone mirroring is available through cabled Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with two USB ports at the front and another pair

at the rear. Satellite navigation is standard in both variants.

Satellite navigation is standard in the Excite and Essence.

Engines/transmissions

As before, the new HS is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine but with increased power and torque: 125 kW (up from 119 kW) and 275 Nm (from 250 Nm).

The engine is mated to a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission feeding power to the road via the front wheels.

Running on 91 RON fuel with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle.

Safety

One of the main reasons that the early Chinese entrants into the Australian market struggled was because of poor safety equipment. That’s no longer the case and, although the new MG HS has yet to be tested by ANCAP, the previous model had been tested in 2019 and achieved the maximum five-star rating.

ANCAP test criteria has tightened since then but so has the range of safety features in the new HS so there’s little doubt that it will get the top mark when it is tested next.

Standard features include seven airbags, enhanced ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist, and electronic stability program, reversing camera, hill start assist with auto hold, automatic door unlocking and a collapsible steering column. Also standard is the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system. A comprehensive package of safety equipment, it features active emergency braking with pedestrian and cycle detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic

jam assist, intelligent speed limit assist with traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, driver attention alert and intelligent high beam assist.

Unfortunately,MGhasfollowedthegrowing cost-saving trend of switching a majority of controls to the multimedia touchscreen, including the most commonly-used audio and air conditioning.

There are numerous alarms and warning sounds that often work together, often without a visual explanation of the reason for the warning. There is also an alert telling the driver to keep their eyes on the road when, as often as not, they are looking at the screen to try and find out why another alert is being sounded.

While many of these alerts can be turned off it’s only temporary. As soon as the engine is re-started they return as default settings.

Driving

Access to the cabin was relatively easy. We were able to slide across into the driver’s seat without any undue bending or climbing easily with the power seat adjustment in the Essence there if needed. Driving position can be optimised with tilt and reach adjustment to the steering wheel. while many drivers will choose to turn off the aforementioned features prior to taking off. The 360-degree camera in the Essence has a number of settings and will be worth the extra cost for those who spend the majority of time around in urban areas.

Large windows and side mirrors provide excellent all-round visibility while the three-spoke steering wheel had the top half clear to allow an unrestricted view of the driver’s information display.

While the drivetrain of the new HS is essentially the same as the previous model,

the extra size has added weight to the vehicle so performance isn’t a strong point. Most mid-sized SUVs are much the same, primarily designed for family transportation.

Having said that, there’s enough power for comfortable motorway cruising and sufficient torque when needed on hills or overtaking.

The ride is noticeably firmer than the outgoing HS and certainly enhanced the driving experience.

Likewisethesteeringfeelhasbeenimproved although there’s a bit of body roll in corners.

Summing up

Like early generations of Japanese and Korean vehicles, MG broke into the Australian market largely through cheap prices. As history showed, that would change with quality and reliability improvements being matched by price increases.

We’re now seeing the same thing happening with Chinese vehicles. This is particularly noticeable with the recent launch of the MG4 and significant upgrades to the MG3 and HS. Despite price rises all three of these vehicles remain are still cheaper than competitors in their respective market segments.

The new MG HS is a major step forward in terms of its styling, build quality and technology. For potential buyers it’s certainly worth including their mid-sized SUV shortlist.

MG has taken a new approach with its standardwarrantywiththeprevioussevenyear / unlimited distance coverage now extended to 10 years but with the distance cut back to 250,000 kilometres. Unlike Mitsubishi’s conditional 10-year warranty MG vehicles do not need to be serviced at their dealerships but just require logbook conditions to be followed.

The new MG HS is a major step forward in terms of its styling, build quality and technology. (Supplied)

Battling the elements

It was a typical Melbourne weekend as local sports people battled both the heat and then the rain as they tried to hit some runs. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out in the heat on Saturday shooting the action.

Footscray’s Dylan Brasher. (443942_01)

Werribee Giants’ Joe Jaco. (443946_05)

Above: Yarraville’s Alexander Wood. (443945_01)

Right: Altona’s Luke Medlock. (443945_06)

Footscray’s batters waiting to come in. (443942_04)

Top right: Yarraville Club’s batters. (443951_20)

Above: Footscray’s Dylan Brasher. (443942_01)

Left: Altona North’s Aiden Elkington. (443948_10)

Left: Seddon walk on the field. (443948_01) Centre: Yarraville Club’s Viraj Lakshitha. (443951_05) Right: Sunshine in the field. (443953_14)

The Dockers could be a top four side says coach

Seddon is hoping some consistency in its batting line up will help kick start its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaacs Howarth Shield season.

The Dockers are without a win after the first five rounds, with three washed out, but have shown patches of good form early on. OnSaturday,theylosttotheAltonaRoosters.

The Dockers were defending 200 which they had made on day one of the match as they were bowled out in the 79th over.

Jack Luxton top scored with 34. TheRoostersgottherunswithease,finishing 4-201 in the 64th over.

NadeeraThuppahimade105fortheRoosters. It was all single wicket takers for the Dockers. Dockers president Leigh Davies said it was a disappointing result.

“We still think we are a good side,” he said. “We made 290 in the first week before the game was called off.

“We haven’t had a settled side yet with some of our bats having been missing each week. Hopefully we’ll start to have a settled side from this week.”

Davies said they were happy with the squad they had put together and felt they had plenty of depth in the squad.

He said they had set some key goals that they wanted to achieve this season.

“We want to make the top four,” he said. “Last season we were a bit slow off the blocks and again we have been this season.

“We believe we have the talent and we have a couple of UK lads out here. We think we have a top four side.”

Davies said across the club things were going well.

The club has increased from 12 teams to 18 this season across seniors, juniors and all-abilities.

The club has three all-abilities sides this

season, the most in the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association.

Davies said the increase of teams was due to the hard work off the field to get some more players to the club.

Off field, the club has received funding from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to get some new nets.

Davies said they were hoping it would help attract some more players to the club.

“There’s only a couple of premier clubs that have them,” he said. “Once we have some facilities, we’ll hopefully attract some better players.

“The nets will allow us to do pre-season there.”

In other VTCA Isaacs-Howarth results, Footscray United beat Haig Fawkner, Druids lost to Doutta Stars and Altona North lost to Sunshine.

Tara Murray

Eagles blood new talent

By Tara Murray

youth is learning on the go in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west.

The Eagles have blooded a number of young players already this season but with it has come some tough results with just one win from the first five games.

Eagles captain-coach Michael Sheedy said things haven’t fallen their way as of yet.

“We have 27 new players across the whole club,“ he said. “We had just four players on the weekendinthefirstXI,whowereplayinginthe first XI last season.

“With seven new players in the first XI we’re learning the way we want to play. It’s taking time to gel.

“We have a good mixture of youth and experience, we’re just not winning some of the key moments.”

Sheedy said it had been exciting to see some of the younger players get their opportunities early in the season.

SamarPartapSinghisjust13andSheedysaid they believe he is the youngest ever debutant in Subbies first XI.

He said that he is a really special talent.

Jett Thomas has been bowling well, while Kamal Singh has also made his first XI debut.

“We’ve got some talent there,” Sheedy said. “They just need some senior cricket under their belts.”

On the weekend, the Eagles lost to Altona.

Many matches ended in draws on Sunday following rain meant late starts and reduction of overs.

After playing until 7.20pm, Sheedy said they would seek clarification about the rules of playing after 6.30pm due to some of the other results.

On day one, Altona made 234 after deciding to bat.

Matthew Turcinovich top scored with 60.

AkshatBuchtookfourwicketsfortheEagles, while William Sheffield took three.

The Eagles were in trouble early with the bat and most of their top and middle order failed.

There was a late comeback by the tail but it fell short as the Eagles were bowled out for 201.

Buch, who came in at number 10, top scored with 60.

Sheedy said it was disappointing not to get the job done after working hard to get back into

Sports shorts

VAFA

Williamstown CYMS has appointed Xavier Smith as its women’s coach for next year’s Victorian Amateur Football Association season. Smith brings a wealth of experience from his roles as backline coach for North Melbourne’s Victorian Football League women’s team and as a junior girls coach in the elite talent pathway at the Western Jets. His strong track record of player development and community engagement through his work as head of sport and recreation at North Melbourne’s The Huddle program. The CYs said his arrival starts an exciting new chapter for the club.

Netball

City West Falcons Amalani Fauonuku has been named in the Victorian Institute of Sport and Netball Victoria netball development program. The program, which is run by the VIS, is designed to accelerate the careers of up-and-coming Victorian netballers with access to high-performance resources. The VIS recently hosted the induction camp for the 18 athletes, spanning three days and immersing athletes into the services provided at the VIS, such as a psychology profiling session with performance psychologists and a supermarket shop with performance dietitians.

Bowls

the game.

“We were 8-80 and in trouble,” he said. “Buch and myself tried to knock off as many as we could.

“I got caught in the deep. Had I had been caught, I think we would have chased it down.”

Sheedy said they had made a focus on partnerships and trying to break records, with that partnership almost a club record.

Tom McConville took three wickets for Altona.

In other matches, Spotswood just missed out on victory against Williamstown.

The Woodsmen made 265 after deciding to bat with Lachie McKenna cashing in and making 104.

Jarrod Martignago also had a long stay at the crease, making 74.

Seagulls captain Sean Sturrock took 5-54.

The Seagulls innings struggled to get going with only two partnerships above 40.

They finished the day at 9-181, to ensure they took home three points.

Brent Hodges top scored with 46 for the Seagulls.

Dan Schuppan took six wickets for the Woodsmen.

Yarraville Footscray and Altona both had wins on Saturday in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division competition. Altona defeated Clayton, 84 (16)-64 (2), with Nathan Wilson and Matthew Ellul’s rinks both having nine shot wins. Yarraville Footscray had a dominant display against Moonee Valley, winning 105 (18)-72 (0). Craig Mills’ rink won by 15 shots.

Football

A new partnership has been formed between the Newport Power Junior and the Westbourne Grammarians football clubs to strengthen female pathways. Through this partnership, the Power’s girls will now have a seamless transition into senior footy with Westbourne Grammarians in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

Jack Luxton. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 443948_13

Akshat Buch. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 443945_12

Yarraville’s

Netball competition will host 70 teams next year

The Western Netball League is continuing to grow with the league set to have more than 70 teams next season.

Big plans are in place for the continued growth of the competition for this season and beyond according to netball and events coordinator Jordan Dalliston.

Dalliston said they were looking at 75 teams next year for the first time ever with no club failing to get sides the following season.

There were 59 teams across teams this year.

Werribee Districts, Hoppers Crossing and Sunshine Heights will all have sides next season, while the Hobsons Bay Netball Association becomes the first non-aligned club to join the competition.

“All the clubs netball wise are strong and thriving on the back of the league’s support,” she said. “We have signed a contract for courts

at the State Netball and Hockey Centre for division one to three and division four to seven at Whitten Oval.

“We’re looking to try and hone in on a third venue as well. We’ll look to have 10 to 12 teams

in a division and we’re looking at not having as many byes.

“We’llhavea16roundcompetition,butitwill be more spread out to maximize involvement.”

Dalliston said they were looking to have a pre-seasontournament,whichwouldhelpwith grading.

There will be a number of theme rounds throughout the season, with Pride Round to be one of the biggest focuses.

The league’s interleague program will also expand to two teams, up from one this year.

The league is working on changing the structure of the umpiring system in the competition and has a new netball coordinator, Woody Tangaroa.

They will continue to follow the Netball Victoria structure that is in place and will remain without player points to facilitate

Travis Dean. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 443942_06

Bulldogs on the board

By Tara Murray

Footscray is finally on the board in Victorian Premier Cricket.

Having had no results and a couple of draws,theBulldogswereabletogetacrossthe line on Saturday against Kingston Hawthorn.

The Bulldogs needed 263 from the win on Saturday, having bowled the Hawks out for 262 on day one of the match.

It took the Bulldogs nearly 92 overs but they got there, finishing 8-263.

Bulldogs coach Dale McDonald said it was nice to get a win on the board.

“We hadn’t lost one, but it was nice to finally get the win,” he said. “Credit to them they bowled well.

“We would have been nice to close in on victory with everyone chipping in and playing their role.”

McDonald said they got off to an OK start through Travis Dean and Dylan Brasher both falling.

The Bulldogs then had a number of

contributors throughout the day as seven batters scored 18 or better.

Jay Vine, who has already produced one handy knock this season, and Aaron Harding guided the side to victory.

“Presty [Jack Prestwidge] made 48 and it was nice for him to have a hit in his first game,“ McDonald said.

“Dylan Kight scored 60 and Bailey Toseland made 40 odd. It was good for both of them to spend some time in the middle.”

McDonaldsaiditwasnicetoseePrestwidge finally take to the field for the first time this season.

“The guys grow another leg when he is out there,” he said. “He’s joyous to be around,” he said.

“He was our big recruit for the club and he’s been unlucky with a couple of injury setbacks.

“He was nervous for the first few before hitting some clean ones.”

McDonald said he had been bowling in the nets the past few weeks off a shorter run

growth.

Dallistonsaidtheywantedtobeawelcoming competition for everyone.

The competition had 20 non-binary or trans people play this season.

“It’s about inclusion,” she said. “We follow the rules and regulations in place from Netball Victoria.

“We welcome all trans and non-binary players, no questions asked. They just need to get a clearance from the league.”

Dalliston said the league was focused on growth in the future.

The league was looking at a junior competition in 2026 with games to be played midweekandlookingatrepresentativefootball. She said they were also looking at a men’s competition in 2026.

Tara Murray

New signings for Seagulls

Williamstown has locked in some new faces for both their Victorian Football League men’s and women’s programs. TomMundycomesbacktotheSeagulls after some strong form at local level.

Originally from Tasmania, Mundy was listed with Williamstown in 2019 and 2020. Competing in the Essendon District Football League in 2023 and 2024,thehardworkingmidfielderearned Deer Park’s 2023 best and fairest in its premiership year, before finishing top 10 this year..

Hugo Hall-Kahan has made the move to Williamstown after playing with Sandringham this year. The dynamic 21-year-old, previously spent time with the Sandringham Dragons and was picked up by Sydney in the 2022 mid-season draft. He played 30 VFL games while at the Swans before returning home after the 2023 season.

Carter Michael was the third new signing announced for the Seagulls last week. The 22 year old defender from Queensland started his journey with the Brisbane Lions after being selected as an academy pre-selection in the 2020 AFL rookie draft.

Making his VFL debut with the Lions in 2021, he’s developed an impressive long-rangeleftfootandastrongabilityto read the play.

Carter made his AFL debut in round 17 of the 2022 season where he showed plenty of promise down back while also slotting a goal.

up and they were hoping he would bowl in a game in the next few weeks.

He said with a young group that extra experience was vital to help them further develop.

The Bulldogs are now up to ninth on the ladder.

McDonald said they’d had a solid season so far.

“We drew a lot of confidence out of the Camberwell game. We had to fight to get back into the game and not lose.

“The drawn game against Essendon was more disappointing not to win that one.

“Everyone is playing their part at the moment.

“We’re still a little bit away from our best cricket.”

The Bulldogs this week face Northcote in a one-dayer. Northcote sits in fifth sport with two wins for the season so far.

McDonald said they were a good side that was in form so far this season and it would be another good test.

The Seagulls announced the signing of Ruby Mahony would make the move to the club for next season. The Western Australian product joins the Seagulls after a stellar VFLW debut season with Essendon where she played every game and finished runners-up in the club’s best and fairest.

The Seagulls said her explosive speed will bring a new dimension to their midfield.

Another former Bomber, Ellie Huggard is also crossing to the Seagulls. Huggard proved her elite skill, drive and standards during her time in the Williamstown program in 2023 after crossing over from two seasons with the Western Bulldogs VFLW side.

Fresh off two standout seasons at Aberfeldie, where she claimed the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division best and fairest in 2023, plus a strong 2024 season with Essendon VFLW she returns to the Seagulls.

JemimaWrigleyalsojoinstheSeagulls, crossing from the Southern Saints.

The Western Netball League competition continues to grow. (Local Legends Team and Sports Photography)

Donnelly to continue on at Altona East Phoenix

Altona East Phoenix coach Paul Donnelly is excited to build on what he did in the second part of the FV state league 2 north-west season. Donnelly took over as a caretaker job through this year and has now been appointed coach for next year’s season.

The club said Donnelly played a pivotal role as an interim coach, contributing significantly to the team’s second half of the season.

Itsaidhisunderstandingoftheclub’shistory and future aspirations, coupled with his experience as both a former player and coach, isavaluableassetthatsupportstheclub’sgoals.

For Donnelly, he said he was excited to take on the role full time at a club that means a lot to him.

“It’sagoodclubthatIplayedalotofyearsat,” he said. “I want to help them go up the leagues again.

“I got a call from the president last year and it was awesome. I love the club and it’d be good to get a bit of success for them.

“They’re working hard off the field and the juniors are doing well as is the women’s side. Hopefully we can get some success for the men’s side as well.”

Donnelly said having had half a season with the side was a big bonus coming into next year.

The Phoenix finished in fifth spot this year, nine points away from the promotion zone.

Thissidehasbeenaroundthemixforthelast three to four years without having success.

“We were able to work on what we needed,” he said. “We were able to set a good foundation to build on.

“About half way through last season we realised that we weren’t going to be in the top two so we started to let go of players that probably weren’t going to be there next season.

“We finished the season with a smaller list.”

Donnelly said they were in the middle of their recruiting period and were looking to add some quality players, along with more depth. He said they had a good young side that they wanted to build on.

“We’ll have a massive pre-season and try to get off to a good start and be in a position to try and get promoted.

“The foundation is there, we just need more depth and quality. That is what we are working towards at the moment.”

Donnelly said they would start pre-season in early January and have a 12 week period before the season kicks off.

Joining Donnelly in the coaching team is Micky Douros. Douros has been an assistant coach the past two seasons.

T20s kick off

Altona North’s Asela Aluthge was the star of the show as the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition got underway.

The competition launched with a new format, with less groups and more teams in each group.

There are now five pool rounds instead of three.

In the Waugh group, Altona North was too strong for Wyndham Vale.

Aluthge made a massive 135 from 71 ballsinaninningsincluding14foursand eight sixes as Altona North made 4-211. Nathan Griffiths took two wickets for Wyndham Vale.

Rams come from behind

By Tara Murray

Newport Rams had to do it the hard way in the Baseball Victoria summer league women’s premier 1 competition on Saturday.

Facing Essendon, with both sides entering the match with two wins apiece, the Rams did enough to come away with a 10-6.

Rams coach Dean Anglin said they didn’t have it all their own way.

The Rams had a bye for the midweek game.

“It was tougher than we thought,” he said. “We gave up runs in the second innings and we had to fight our way back into the game.

“It wasn’t how we wanted to play but we were still able to get the win.

After trailing 6-3 early on, the Rams got five runs in the fourth innings to take the lead. They capped it off with another two in the sixth innings.

KiraJansen,ShioriHoshino,KiraKuwamoto and Saeko Suzuki scored two runs each in the win.

Anglin said it was good to see the side fight their way through the game to come away with the points.

The win has the Rams in third spot after six rounds.

Anglin said it had been an inconsistent season so far for the side.

“It’s been pretty good, but we’ve been a little bitupanddown,”hesaid.“We’renotplayingas well as we would have liked

“We’ve been a little inconsistent. In our last match we lost 14-4 which wasn’t a great result. It was nice to bounce back.”

After making the grand final in their first season in the top flight, Anglin said they were hoping to be in the mix come finals time.

“With it only being a small competition with five teams, you always face similar competition year in, year out,“ he said.

“We are seeking to be at the top end at the pointy end of the season and make sure we’re

in there come finals.”

The Rams second women’s side is also undefeated. Anglin said they had to come from behind on Saturday against Essendon as well.

In other results, Footscray lost to Springvale, 7-1. Springvale led all game after scoring three runs in the first innings.

Inthewomen’sstate competition, Footscray had a 5-5 draw with Port Melbourne.

Inthemen’scompetition,itwasthefirstweek of the midweek games for the men’s premier league 1st nine competition.

On Tuesday night, the Rams lost to Sandringham 5-4, before having a comprehensive 15-4 win against the Berwick Cougars on Saturday.

Williamstown has a 7-3 loss to Doncaster on Tuesday night and then had a 13-13 draw with Upwey Ftg on Saturday.

The Rams are up to seventh on the ladder with a 4-3 record and Williamstown a position further back.

After putting on 29 for the opening partnership, the Vales struggled to connect.

They were bowled out for 91.

Joe Harrison took three wickets.

Intheothermatchesinthatpool, Point Cook Centrals beat Newport-Digman and Point Cook was too strong for Williamstown Imperials.

Newport-Digman made 8-101 from their overs with Josh Kingston top scoring with 25.

The Sharks made the runs with more than four overs remaining, finishing 6-102.

Meanwhile, Point Cook made 6-143 from its overs with skipper Max Rouvray continuing his good form with 70 off 51 balls. Lachlan Elmore took three wickets for the Imperials.

The Imperials were bowled out for 124 in reply. Joshua van Zyl top scored with 56 against his former side.

In the Border group, Seddon was too strong for Werribee Centrals. The Centurions were bowled out for 112 in the final over.

Seddon hit the winning runs in the 16th over, finishing 5-116. Tom Foulds top scored with 49 not out off 35 balls. In the Bradman group, West Coburg St Andrews beat Footscray United The Redbacks made 8-142 from their overs with Janith Wijesekara top scored with29.JamesDeasyandDanielMelican took two wickets each for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs were bowled out for 52 in the 17th over.

IntheLawriegroup,FootscrayAngliss forfeited against St Albans.

In the Pointing group, Laverton upset Sunshine United. Laverton made 5-138 fromitsovers.TheTigerslostwicketslate and was restricted to 6-127.

The Druids won against Grand United in the Taylor group.

Tara Murray

Altona East Phoenix coach Paul Donnelly. (Supplied)

Saeko Suzuki. (Jacob Pattison) 395269_01