Children across Melbourne’s western suburbs, including Harrison, 9, are eagerly counting down the days until the big man in red arrives. As the end of 2024 draws near, the team at StarWeeklywould like to wish readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and safe and happy 2025. The first edition for 2025 will be out on Wednesday, January 8.
By Cade Lucas
A controversial proposal to expand a Yarraville cement processing plant has been rejected by Maribyrnong council.
A meeting of council’s city development delegated committee on Wednesday, December 11 voted unanimously to refuse planning approval for the proposal brought by Steel Cement Pty Ltd.
The $180 million expansion proposal of Steel Cement’s existing facility on Whitehall and Francis streets, involved the construction of two new sheds, a workshop and two grinding mills to allow for the processing of clement clinker 24 hours a day.
The proposal drew fierce opposition from the local community with 109 objections received against it, many on environmental and amenity grounds.
Speakingbeforethevote,LiselThomasfrom theMaribyrnongTruckActionGrouptoldthe chamber that pollution from heavy vehicles was already a huge problem in Yarraville and the expansion would encourage even more trucks to the area.
She said this would undermine council’s efforts to improve air quality in Maribyrnong.
“We think that issuing a permit for this expansion would make mockery of council declaring a health emergency,” she said.
Steel Cement executive general manager
Damian Garlick told the meeting that as a cement recycling business, the company produced sustainable, ‘green’ building products that were increasingly in demand and an expanded processing plant would actually provide an environmental benefit.
He also said the proposed expansion would create jobs and that being situated close to the Port of Melbourne meant it would actually remove trucks from the roads.
“Our location actually eliminates the need for 1500 truck movements for every ship that arrives.”
In moving the motion to refuse planning approval, councillor Elena Pereryra said development proposals had to enhance the
livelihood of people in Maribyrnong.
“This falls short,” Cr Pereyra said.
Speaking in support of the motion, deputy mayor Bernadette Thomas said Steel Cement’s promise of jobs and its cement recycling efforts outweighed her concerns about the expansion
“I fully support the circular economy but not at the expense of our community,” Cr Thomas said.
Following the vote, a spokesperson for Steel Cement said the company would consider its options.
“Steel Cement is disappointed but not surprised by council’s decision,” the spokesperson said.
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel. Work is underway with the fit out of five new underground stations at Anzac, Town Hall, State Library, Parkville and Arden. We’re now testing trains through the tunnel and fitting out the station interiors, making sure they operate smoothly, safely and they’re accessible to all.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line 1.30am 2 Jan to 3am 12 Jan
North Melbourne to Sunbury
Road disruptions: Closed road, lanes and ramps
Watsons Road, Diggers Rest Until late 2025At the level crossing
West Gate Freeway, Spotswood 9pm 6 Jan to 9am 17 Feb
Outbound lane from Williamstown to Millers roads
Outbound exit ramps to Millers Road and Grieve Parade
9pm 6 Jan to 5am 8 Mar
Citybound lane from Millers to Williamstown roads 5am 15 Feb to 5am 8 Mar
Williamstown Road, Spotswood 9pm 6 Jan to mid Apr
Millers Road, Brooklyn 5am 15 Feb to 5am 8 Mar
Grieve Parade, Brooklyn 5am 15 Feb to 5am 8 Mar
Citybound exit ramp to Williamstown Road
Outbound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Citybound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Citybound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
By Cade Lucas
A public high school in Hobsons Bay scored a rare trifecta in this year’s ATAR results.
Williamstown High School had three studentsachieveanATARscoreof99orabove.
Despite all three achieving scores that would almost guarantee them being named dux at most other schools, two of the students had to settle for spots on the podium, with Charlie Muilet’s score of 99.5 securing him the award.
WilliamstownHighprincipalGinoCatalano said the whole school had performed strongly.
“We had some amazing results with 38
ATARs over 90 … 20 of these were over 95,” said Mr Catalano, who made special mention of student, Excelsior Madden, who achieved an ATAR score above 90 while juggling performing arts commitments such as being the lead vocalist in the State Schools Spectacular.
Balancing study with extra curricular activitieswasalsoafeatureofstudentsatsports school Maribyrnong College.
Among them was soccer player Emily Rutkowski,whoachievedascoreof93.85while being contracted to A-League club Melbourne Victory.
Australian junior taekwondo representative Beau Breceley scored 90.8.
Footscray High School had four students score above 95, 12 over 90, 23 over 80 and 42 per cent of VCE students over 70, putting them in the top 30 per cent in the state.
Ava Harpur was named dux with a score of 97.45.
WhilepointingoutthatVCEscoreswerejust one measure of a school’s success, Footscray High’sactingexecutiveprincipalJillianEnglish said she was delighted with the results.
“Our learning community supports every student to combine their interests and passions
Burlesque will take over Footscray’s Bluestone Church Arts Space early next year when award-winning stand up comedian Lauren Bok brings her solo show ‘Boklesque’ to the venue.
Described as a sexy clown show that is Dita Von Teese meets The Muppet Show, Boklesque is a variety show featuring a range of Bok’s characters, including a hula hooper with invisible hoops, a balloon dancer with a fear of balloons, a kinky dominatrix with a squeak fetish, and a washed up cabaret singer with very poor English.
After a successful run at the Melbourne InternationalComedyFestivalandMelbourne Fringe, Bok said she was delighted to bring Boklesque to the Bluestone Church as part of next year’s Midsumma Festival.
“It’s such a great space for a banging burlesque show,” she said of the Hyde Street venue.
“I am stoked to bring this hilarious, silly, proudly queer work to the west where I live.”
Running from Thursday, January 30, to Saturday,February1,Boksaidthoseinterested in coming to the show better get in quick.
“It’s stripping, it’s art, it’s empowering, and maybeyes,anexcusetoogleasparklycostume and a bit of skin,” said Bok of burlesque.
“It explores the intersection of drag, cabaret and comedy to deconstruct social constructs, reclaiming ownership over different bodies, poke fun at the patriarchy and celebrate queerness.”
Details: https://www.laurenbok.com/ Cade Lucas
with their studies, encouraging and inspiring students to pursue the career of their dreams,” Ms English said.
Xiao Lynn Chia was named dux of Braybrook College with a score of 99, while Olivia Buttigieg achieved the top score at Altona’s Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College with an ATAR of 98.5.
“ We are incredibly proud of Olivia and her achievements,” said principal Kate Dishon, adding Ayan Owais was named dux of Williamstown’s Bayside P-12 College with a score of 96.55.
Bayside fun for the
Young people in Hobsons Bay will have no excuse to be bored this summer thanks to a wide range of events, picnics and entertainment scheduled as part of the Summer in the Bay series.
Organised by Hobsons Bay council, the series returns for 2025 with no-cost or low-cost activities aimed at young people aged 12 and over across January and February.
Whether it’s playing games by the beach,tacklingescaperooms,interacting with wildlife or exploring nature, all tastes and interests will be catered for in the more than 30 events and activities scheduled.
“We’re putting on a great program this summer,” said Hobsons Bay mayor, Daria Kellander, encouraging local residents to get involved.
“Our Sustainable Communities Youth team are providing over 30 activities and events at this year’s Summer in Bay series.”
She said the series was designed to be affordable so all young people in Hobsons Bay could join in.
“You can meet new people and learn about a range of exciting topics without breaking the bank.”
The Summer in the Bay series kicks off onJanuary8withatouroftheCheetham Wetlands, followed by a wildlife display in Newport, badminton in Altona, art in Altona Meadows and beach hangouts in Williamstown on January 14.
Movies, games nights, street art tours and escape rooms are among the activities on offer during the series.
Some events do require advanced booking, while age restrictions vary depending on the activity.
The growing demand for reprieve from the cost of living crisis has left the Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House (BMNH) with a lengthy waiting list for its services.
Every Monday at 9am, the self-funded, self-run neighbourhood house offers free bread donated by the Bakers Delight in Sunshine.
Manager Vivienne Conn said the evolving demand for the program has limited the neighbourhood house’s ability to cater for the community.
“Sometimes we used to have [the bread] till 2pm. But the demand has got so much bigger that we had to take the time off and just say ‘till it’s gone’,” she said.
On Tuesdays, BMNH runs a fruit and vegetable hamper drive, an emergency relief
program that supports 59 families each week. However, the service has reached capacity, leaving many others on a waiting list.
“We can’t even put any more people onto our waiting list. The demand has got so high that those waiting to get on the list will be waiting quite a long time,” she said.
“A lot of people that are on the list (of receiving hampers) stay on the list for quite some time, until things improve for them.”
BMNH partners with SecondBite, which supplies donated fruit, vegetables, and canned goods from major supermarkets.
Despite this support, the amount fluctuates week to week, leaving the centre to rely on community donations.
Families placed onto the waiting list also are often given frozen meals to help keep food on the table.
“We run this emergency relief program with
no funding whatsoever,” Ms Conn said. “We’ve just got to find our own way. People in the community also donate to us, which is lovely … not just food, but also clothing and other items we can hand out to those most in need.”
The surge in demand has been building over the last five years, with 2024 marking an especially significant increase.
“This year, we’ve had a lot more people calling out for fresh fruit and veggies and needing support with lots of other things as well,” Ms Conn said.
“The cost-of-living rises are affecting a lot of people, not only those who are unemployed, but also people who are working.”
By Cade Lucas
Williamstown farewelled one of its most familiar and friendly figures on Monday, with the funeral of Peter “Tich” Taylor held at Altona Memorial Park.
The 75-year-old known universally as Tich or Tichy, died on December 4 following a long illness.
Ironically, Tich’s illness related to complications with a doubled lung transplant he had in 2017, the moment that led to him becoming a beloved local identity in the first place.
“When he got the transplant he really just went ‘I’ve got a second chance at life and I’m
gonna run with it,” said his daughter, Georgia Taylor.
Inordertoembracehisnewleaseonlifeand to get his new lungs functioning, Tich began walking along the Williamstown foreshore twice a day, everyday, his grey beard, shaggy hair and cheerful manner becoming as much of a fixture as the fort or the football ground.
“He just met all of Williamstown,” said Georgia of his daily walks which began with a briskversionat5.30am,beforeamoresociable stroll a few hours later.
“He just talked to everybody, saying hello.”
The impact this had on others was made clear when a Facebook post announcing Tich’s death was flooded with tributes.
“Loved meeting Tich during my lockdown walks. Always a happy exchange,” wrote broadcaster and Williamstown local, Fee-B-Squared.
“IusedtoseeTichwhenrunningandalways got a wave,” wrote Toni Burton.
“A wonderful part of our community who will be missed,” added Sam Parker.
When not walking, Georgia said her father spent his later years helping.
“I was at his house one day and he was just in and out, in and out. He’d say, ‘I’ve gotta help this person’ or ‘I’ve gotta walk someone’s dog’.“
Born in Williamstown in 1949, Tich worked in the merchant navy before working as a
The Setting Sun International Film Festival (SSIFF)iscallingforentriesforits12thannual edition to to be held in Yarraville next year. The 2025 festival will take place in May at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville, with screenings alsoheldattheGreekCentreintheMelbourne CBD and online.
Organisers of the culturally diverse festival are looking for short and feature length films that tell a great story and entertain, with the judging panel also evaluating the creativity, originality, dialogue and production values of each entry.
Entrants will have a chance to win $10,000
in cash and prizes in categories such as best film, best film by a female director, best youth film and best western suburbs film.
Winners at the 2024 festival included Greta Nash who won best Australian film for ‘Heart Throb’ and Katrina Mathers and Leigh Hobbs who won best western suburbs film for ‘Mr Chicken Goes To Mars’.
“Last year, we delivered a great program of events and films,” said festival director Anna Bourozikas calling for entrants.
“We encourage everyone, amateur or professional, to get involved in the fun.”
Youth sessions, question and answer sessions and The Rogue Program for female film makers will also feature in next year’s festival.
Entries close on January 31 and to be eligible, all films in all categories must have been completed no earlier than February 1, 2023 and must not have been screened in the western suburbs prior to the festival.
The 2025 Setting Sun International Film Festival runs from May 8 to May 18.
Details: settingsunshortfilmfestival.com.au/
Cade Lucas
boiler attendant.
In 1987 he became a single father to Georgia and her two older brothers, after the death of their mother.
Even in the midst of tragedy, Georgia said her father’s positivity shone through.
“Dad would say ’Marvellous!’ to whoever asked ’how are you’?,” she recalled, before reciting Tich’s favourite saying.
“I’m happy every day when I open my eyes ... If you open your eyes each morning, that’s a miracle.”
Peter ‘Tich’ Taylor is survived by children Damien, Lewis and Georgia and grandchildren Roscher, James, Lilly and Harry.
The state’s environmental watchdog is warning businesses and construction sites closing for the Christmas holiday period to make sure their sites, facilities and equipment are properly secured.
The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) said factories, warehouses, construction sites and many other businesses needed to ensure their operations were secure so they don’t pose an environmental risk.
Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay are home to some of Victoria’s largest industrial precincts.
EPA chief executive Lee Miezis said everyone had to act to prevent pollution.
“That means taking the necessary steps to ensure machinery is properly turnedoff,chemicalsareproperlystored and there are no leaks escaping the site to stormwater drains,” Mr Miezis said.
“It also means security and fire management systems such as alarms andsprinklersareworkingandfirewater containment systems are operational.”
Mr Miezis said building sites should also be managing any litter they create.
“That can often be as simple as making sure the skip bin lid is closed and that waffle slab styrene in particular is properly tethered on site,“ he said.
“EPA officers are working over the holiday period and will enforce compliance, with heavy penalties for anyone not talking their responsibilities seriously.“
EPA has published a guide for workers in the construction industry whose role involves site planning or environmental management, to help them meet their environmental and public health obligations.
Details: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ about-epa/publications/1834
The proposed closure of Champion Road as part of the Newport level crossing removal project (LXRP) and air pollution, particularly from the new West Gate Tunnel, occupied much of the agenda at the first full meeting of the new Hobsons Bay council on December 10. OppositiontotheNewportLXRPprovedan especially hot topic, with a notice of motion, an update on the matter, as well as it taking up both public and supplementary question times and the delegation of councillors to committees.
The new representative for Williamstown North ward – where the proposed level crossingremovalislocated–MichaelDisbury,
used his first council meeting to lambast the proposal on two occasions.
Cr Disbury called designs for the LXRP, including the closure of Champion Road, “a disaster waiting to happen” in moving that he be appointed chair of the Newport Community Interest Group.
After his appointment was carried, Cr Disbury moved a notice of motion to keep Champion Road open and reaffirm council’s opposition to it in a letter to the government.
“The community fear that the headlong rush to get this project completed before the next state election will significantly put our community at risk of traffic and pedestrian accidents,” said Cr Disbury speaking to the
motion.
He also highlighted environmental concerns such as the leaking fuel pipes along thetrainlineandthelackofdisabledaccesson a proposed pedestrian bridge, in his criticism of the LXRP proposal.
The motion was carried unanimously Deputy mayor Rayene Hawli then introducedanoticeofmotiononairpollution, whichcalledonthestategovernmenttoinstall filtersonventstacksfortheWestGateTunnel.
“I been contacted by many community members especially parents, who are extremely concerned about the impact on their families,” said Cr Hawli of vehicle pollution from the tunnel if the pollution
filters are not installed.
The state government has repeatedly said pollution filter technology is in its infancy and not suited to the project.
Cr Hawli’s motion also called on council to write to industrial operators in Altona North and Brooklyn, asking them what they are doing to prevent industrial odour.
“TherearetimeswhenI’vebeeninBrooklyn and Altona North where the smell has been unbearable,” said Cr Hawli, who noted that industrial odour was classed as pollution under the EPA Act.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Cade Lucas
Seddon resident, and international student advocate Gary Lee has been recognised for his contribution to multiculturalism with induction into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll.
Mr Lee received the accolade at the MulticulturalAwardsforExcellenceceremony at Government House on December 4.
Born in Malaysia, Mr Lee arrived in Melbourne as an international student himself and more than two decades later is the international education manager with the City of Melbourne.
“I feel extremely proud as this honour reflects the collaborative efforts of many,
including my exceptional team, the various community groups I am involved with and the community, especially international students that I am engaged with,” reflected Mr Lee on his induction, the latest in a long list of accolades he’s received for his work in international education, including being named the Australian Day Council’s ‘New Australian of the Year’ in 2016 and recently being awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
Not that here’s any chance of Mr Lee resting his laurels.
“I feel very humbled and enthusiastic, and this milestone has no doubt fuelled my passion and commitment to strive for even
better successes with and for the community.”
That passion and commitment is reflected in the numerous advisory committees and boards Mr Lee sits on, including North Melbourne Football Club’s The Huddle, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Regional Advisory Council, Crime Stoppers Cultural Inclusion Reference Group and the African Music and Cultural Festival.
“My goal is to inspire people that no matter how busy, we can always find time to give back, one way or another,” he said of the heavy workload.
It’sagoalMrLeehaswellandtrulyachieved
Cade Lucas
By Cade Lucas
Hobsons Bay council said it was working to mitigate safety risks along the Bay Trail bike pathinAltonaaftercriticismthatatemporary detour was dangerous.
The section of the trail between Altona and Racecourse roads has been closed for six months while a new bridge is built over Kororoit Creek, replacing the previous crossing which was dilapidated and prone to flooding.
A detour along Millers and Kororoit Creek roads has put in its place, but western suburbs cycling safety advocacy group, Bike West, has claimed the amount of traffic, especially trucks, on the temporary route, as well as the double lane roundabout where the two meet in Altona North, put cyclists at risk.
A council spokesperson insisted the route was safe, but said improvements would be considered.
“Council has engaged a road safety auditor to validate use of this route and is also undertaking further risk assessment work to identify if any further temporary measures need to be implemented to mitigate any safety concerns,” the spokesperson said.
Bike West vic president Pierra Vairo called the detour “manifestly inadequate” and said numerous cyclists had been involved in accidents along the route in the past decade.
“Our position is that a floating bridge could’ve been used at Kororoit Creek,” said Mr Vairo of Bike West’s preferred alternative.
“The construction site is still passable. There’s a little temporary bridge for the workers to cross the creek and our position is that it wouldn’t have been very difficult to put a little temporary bridge for walkers and pedestrians to cross as well.”
The council spokesperson said this option was looked at but wasn’t feasible.
“Utilisation of the existing bridge structure or a temporary pontoon was not deemed safe due to the level of flooding in the area and instability during construction work,” the spokesperson said.
“When taking this into consideration utilisation of the designated cycling route along Millers Road and Kororoit Creek Road as a detour was deemed the most appropriate solution.”
Mr Vairo said he feared the Bay Trail detour could have a similar outcome to a detour on Dynon Road in Kensington where a cyclist was left a paraplegic after being hit by truck in May this year.
“We know that dangerous detours kill and destroy lives,” he said.
Morethan20organisationswillsharein more than a quarter of a million dollars in funding next year, after Maribyrnong council announced the successful recipientsofits2024CommunityGrants Program at a meeting on December 10.
The successful recipients were recommended by an independent review panel and endorsed at council’s first full meeting since the October elections and the last for 2024.
Among the successful applicants were Her Connection-Her Run who were awarded $25, 000 to run a wellness and fitness program for young multicultural women, the Community Bike Hub which received $11,499 for bike maintenance workshops and Women’sCircusLimitedwhichreceived $14,774toholdtrainingandcommunity connection sessions.
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said “From enhancing intercultural connection, LGBTQIA+ community arts exhibitions, disability education and advocacy and more, this year’s grantrecipientsareworkingtohighlight connection in our diverse community in unique and innovative ways.”
The community grants program supports projects that encourage and remove barriers to participation, build and strengthen networks, support community wellbeing and allow for intergenerational and-or intercultural connection.
Applications for the 2025 grants program are scheduled to open in July next year.
Details: www.maribyrnong. vic.gov.au/Community/Grants/ Community-Grants
From early January to March 2025
Summer works on the West Gate Freeway between Grieve Parade and Williamstown Road will see lanes reduced in sections and ramps closed 24/7 from 9pm Monday 6 January to 5am Saturday 8 March. Delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected with detours in place. Check before you travel and allow extra time.
By Tara Cosoleto, William Ton AAP
Former Melton councillor and expelled Western Metropolitan Region MP Moira Deeming says she wants to rejoin the Liberal Party after the leader who banished her was found to have defamed her.
Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto lost the Federal Court battle on Thursday, after Justice David O’Callaghan ruled he did defame Mrs Deeming by implying she was associated with Nazis.
Mr Pesutto made the defamatory comments in media interviews and a party expulsion motion following a March 2023 rally Mrs Deeming attended.
Mrs Deeming, who was expelled from the Liberals in May 2023, said she wanted to be let back into the party.
“I was unjustly expelled,“ she told reporters on Thursday afternoon.
“I have every right to be there. All the accusations that were made about me – they were just disproven in court.“
Mrs Deeming launched the legal action againstMrPesuttoinDecember2023,claiming he defamed her by suggesting or implying she was a Nazi or Nazi sympathiser following the Let Women Speak rally.
The trans-critical event in March 2023, which Mrs Deeming addressed and helped organise, was attended by men in black who performed the Nazi salute on the steps of state parliament.
Justice O’Callaghan found Mr Pesutto defamed Mrs Deeming in a media release, two radio interviews, a press conference and in a party expulsion motion following the rally.
Mr Pesutto implied she was unfit to be in the parliamentary Liberal Party because she was associated with Nazis, the judge ruled.
He also implied Mrs Deeming participated in the rally and knowingly worked with other organisers to help promote a Nazi agenda and white supremacist views, Justice O’Callaghan found.
“The imputations that I have found to have
(AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
been carried are very serious ones,“ he said in his judgment.
“They were inherently likely, using mass mediatocommunicateamessagetothegeneral publicinVictoria,tocauseseriousharmtoMrs Deeming’s reputation.“
JusticeO’CallaghandeterminedMrPesutto’s defences of public interest, honest opinion and qualified privilege had failed.
He also rejected Mr Pesutto’s submissions thatMrsDeemingalreadyhadabadreputation prior to the rally.
“The evidence established that she, like all politicians, has her detractors on the other ’side’ of politics,“ the judgment said.
“That may be a reflection of what nowadays passes for political debate, but it is not ... evidence of the fact that Mrs Deeming has hateful views or gives succour to them.“
The judge ordered $300,000 in damages be awarded to Mrs Deeming.
WhenaskedbyreporterswhetherMrPesutto should remain leader of the Victorian Liberals, MrsDeemingsaiditwasn’tupforhertodecide.
“I don’t think he has proven himself to be trustworthy but it’s not up to me to make that call,“ she said.
MrPesuttosaidtherulingwasdisappointing but he would not step down as Liberal leader.
“I’ve always been a fighter and I’ve always
been a fighter for the right reasons and for the right people - the Victorian people,“ he said on Thursday afternoon.
“That’s why I will continue in this role now, more than ever.“
MrPesuttostareddownapossibleleadership coup earlier in October, but a spill motion was not ultimately put to the partyroom after MPs were unable to agree on a replacement candidate.
Mr Pesutto could face another leadership challenge following Thursday’s outcome. Mrs Deeming was initially suspended from the Liberals in March 2023 then expelled two months later.
The world’s best ocean photography is coming to Williamstown in an exhibition opening in January.
The Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition will be held at Seaworks in Williamstown displaying more than 100 photos recently judged as the best in the world by Britain’s Oceanographic Magazine.
Oceanographic Magazine director and OceanPhotographeroftheYearWillHarrison said he was thrilled to be collaborating with Seaworks to bring the exhibition to Melbourne.
“Theoceanisthebeatingheartofourplanet anditsstoryisonethatimpactsusall,whether we live by the sea or not,” Mr Harrison said.
“Of course, the people of Melbourne are lucky enough to call the coastline their home, so I’m sure OPY will resonate especially deeply with them.”
The Melbourne exhibition is being held in conjunction with Hobsons Bay council, the
Seaworks is developing a permanent exhibition space in its maritime complex on the waterfront in Williamstown and will host the annual Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition until 2029.
It follows Steve McCurry “ICONS” photography exhibition held at Seaworks earlier this year, which according to Seaworks Foundation chairman Warwick Norman demonstrated the appetite of Victorians to view some of the best photography in the world.
“The Ocean Photographer of the Year display is of a similar calibre but with a strict ocean flavour to it,” Mr Norman said.
“It is aligned with Seawork’s vision of celebrating all things maritime. From
Westgate Basketball Association vice-president Sarah Simpson, has been named the sport’s administrator of the year for Victoria.
Simpson was awarded the Jack Carter memorial award by Basketball Victoria late last month in recognition of her work at Westgate, an association she joined seven years ago when her two sons began playing.
“I was very surprised because there’s a lot of great people who do a lot of great work,” Simpson said.
“Basketball is powered by volunteers.” Simpson said her work in establishing
Westgate’s junior representative teams and advocating for the construction of a new stadium, were what led to her recognition.
“Our junior representative program in the inner west has doubled in size,” she said.
“We launched our first ever Big V team (Westgate Imperials) last year, which is a youth men’s team and they actually won the grand final in their inaugural season and we’ve received approval for a Big V women’s team next year.”
Simpson also helped get support from Maribyrnong council for the concept plan of new indoor stadium at McIvor Reserve in
Yarraville.
With all this coming on top of her day job in product management, Simpson, unsurprisingly, doesn’t have much time to herself.
“Easily 20 hours or more a week,” she said of how much time her administrative work takes up.
Fortunately, the rest of her family are involved too.
“My husband is a coach and my children play, we’re very much a basketball family.”
turtles, whales and puffins to awe-inspiring underwater photography, it will be one the whole family will enjoy, particularly during the summer holidays. It will also appeal to conservationists, scuba divers, surfers and anyone who just loves the water.”
Mr Norman said the ICONS exhibition drew crowds of 10,000 a month and Seaworks hoped this would bring similar numbers to Williamstown.
“We would encourage people to pre-book tickets when they come on sale,” he said. The exhibition will open January 29, 2025 and tickets will go on sale during December.
Details: www.seaworks.com.au
To view entries in this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year awards, visit: https://oceanographicmagazine.com/ winners-gallery/
Alex Lopes is a pelvic health physiotherapist, the director of Pelvic Health Melbourne in Altona North, and past national chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Women’s Men’s and Pelvic Health Group. This week she explores pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain is an umbrella term to describe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic and intimate areas.
The pain is usually caused by:
• painful periods (35-50% )
• endometriosis or excessive uterine tissue in the abdominal cavity (10%)
• adenomyosis which is when glandular tissue of the uterus goes into the uterine wall (20-50%)
• polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) the symptoms of which are possible high testosterone, irregular periods, cystic ovaries, increased hair growth, weight gain, acne (8-12%)
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which can cause constipation, diarrhea or both with pain (3.5-10%)
• overactive bladder when you get the urge to go more often (12 %).
Overtimetheseconditionscandeveloppain sensitisation where you become more sensitive to pain.
How can I fix my pelvic pain?
With pelvic pain it is important to have the right team around you and, thankfully, in Australia the government has invested significantly in developing endometriosis
and pelvic pain clinics. Your pelvic health physiotherapist will be a part of this team.
The physical stuff
Your pelvic health physiotherapist can help.
• How often are you clenching your body? Tension and gripping behaviours can aggravate your pain. Draw a big circle on your hand and every time you see this circle scan you body for tension and take notice. Are you gripping? Where? What percent? LET IT GO!
• Ice or heat can also help
• Breathing and stretches. Try box breathing –
Western Health welcomed former volunteer Marie Marchant back to Footscray Hospital to celebrate her 100th birthday last week, hosting asurprisemorningteaonFriday,December13. It was arranged by fellow long-time Western Health volunteer Les Mather, along with the volunteering team.
Marie turned 100 in early December.
Marie worked as a volunteer at Western Health from 1998-2022. She mainly did administrative work but also worked in the outpatients department at Footscray and Sunshine hospitals, and day oncology at Sunshine Hospital.
Marieretiredasavolunteeratage98,buthas remained a cherished member of the Western Health team.
She thought she was attending a volunteers reunion, but instead dozens of her friends and former colleagues at Western Health visited her in the Mavis Mitchell Room at Footscray Hospital.
Marie said she was very surprised to see so many people turning up for the “lovely”
morning tea.
She said the secret to her longevity was her daily crosswords – “cryptic is my favourite” – and her favourite part of volunteering at Footscray and Sunshine hospitals was helping people.
“I really like talking to strangers. You see people come in and they are not sure where to go, and I like to help them”.
Western Health community engagement and volunteers manager Kerry Shanahan said, “Marie is very professional. She’s just the epitomeofresilience–it’s‘keepcalmandcarry on’. As a volunteer she loved watching people. She loved studying people’s characters“.
Fellow volunteer Les Mather, who started as a volunteer just one year before Marie in 1997 and who arranged the surprise party, said Mariewasverywellknownforherwit,andwas loved by many at Western Health.
Marie, a long-time Deer Park resident, signed up to the hospital’s volunteer program in 1998, the year her husband Ted died there after suffering cardiac arrest.
in for 4, hold for 4 out for 4 and repeat.
• Stretches – refer to the Pelvic Pain Australia website for great stretches https://www. pelvicpain.org.au
• TENS – electrical current over your painful area to help calm the nerves
• Massage, dry needling, spinal mobility, exercises for pain and movement
The mental stuff
• Try to limit the amount of time you are thinking about your pain
• If you do think about your pain try saying to yourself “I will get better”
• Challenge yourself to stop avoiding activities due to pain. Gently push your boundaries
• Mindfulnessandmeditation,whateverworks for you to relax and breath
The biological Seeing your GP or a pain physician for appropriate pain medication can be the turning point - this is not codeine or opiates but medication that works on the brain and spinal cord to help normalise the pain signals to your body. We wish you well with your pelvic health journey and know that help is now out there.
2024 has been a hard slog! We’re fighting for better outcomes for the West — and we’ve had a few wins this year. Thanks to our hard work, medicinal cannabis prescription holders will be spared automatic loss of licence if they test positive to THC at a roadside drug test from March 1, 2025.
We’ve driven the debate on better public transport in the West and expect to see positive changes next year. Plus, we stopped a giant multinational from destroying highly sensitive grasslands.
Next year we’re redoubling our efforts to bring about sensible cannabis law reform, with a parliamentary committee set to investigate our model for change.
See you in 2025!
David Ettershank MP
The Deeble family is synonymous with baseball in Melbourne’s west and across the world. Tara Murray chats with Jon Deeble, who has just returned to Australia after winning his sixth Major Baseball League World Series championship.
Jon Deeble is living the dream as he spends his year chasing the baseball seasons.
Deeble, who grew up in Melbourne’s west, was raised around baseball and has continued his father’s legacy.
He is currently the coach of the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League, while also a director with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I’m sort of on the road for half the year around the world,” he said. “I’m in Melbourne for a couple of months, coaching the Melbourne Aces.
“I’ve been doing it for eight years. I come home and do the Melbourne Aces in the off season, and then get back on the road.”
Deeble said it can get busy going from one to the other but it’s something he loves.
It’s been a long journey for Deeble since his first visit to America in 1993.
Coaching in Melbourne at the time, Deeble initially said no to moving to the states when he was first asked.
“IwasplayingwiththeMelbourneMonarchs down at Altona, then their licence was taken away,”hesaid.“IplayedfortheWaverleyReds for a couple of years, then the Monarchs were coming back into existence and they were owned by the Western Bulldogs and they were going to be affiliated with the Florida Marlins.
‘‘ I got to LA and thought, ‘what am I doing as an Australian guy teaching Americans how to play baseball?’ ’’ - Jon Deeble
“They asked me to coach the Melbourne Monarchs. From there, John Boles and Rick Freeman, who were both with the Marlins, offered me a job in the states.
“The first year I didn’t accept it, as I was working with the Bulldogs, but ended up going over there the next year.
“I got to LA and thought, ’what am I doing as an Australian guy teaching Americans how to play baseball?’
“So that is why it started.”
Deeble was with the Marlins when he won the world championship in 1997 before he moved to the Boston Red Sox when the Marlins owner bought the Sox.
He was there for 16 years and won three more championship rings, before he was head hunted by the Dodgers.
“I coached Major League in 2005. I’ve spent a lot of time coaching in the minor leagues and at the same time scouting Asia.
“I’ve sort of had multiple jobs.”
The Dodgers recently won the World Series Championships to give Deeble his sixth championship ring and second at the Dodgers.
Deeble said every ring was different.
“At the start it was really exciting and it’s still really exciting, because you want to win,” hesaid. “MypartofitistheAsiandepartment, director of the Asia Pacific.
“We had Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitch the second game of the World Series and he dominated, he’s one of the guys that I’ve signed.
“Shohei Ohtani is another. We’ve been very active in the Asian region, not just with major league guys, but minor league guys as well.
“That part of it is really interesting and exciting.”
Deeble said he could have never imagined where his career would take him when he first started out.
He said how it has ended up as a dream come true.
“It’s all I’ve known for work for the past 33 years,” he said.
“Tommy Lasorda, who is a legend of the Los Angeles Dodgers, passed away a couple of years ago. He is the original Mr Dodger and
he signed a photo of himself and gave it to me in 1978 and it said ’Jon, a future Dodger’.
“I’ve still got the photo which is really unreal that I would end up working there as an Australian guy.
“It’s been a great ride and I’ve met a lot of people and I have a lot of friends in the states. It’s been a hell of a ride, the Dodgers have been an unbelievable organisation.”
It’s no surprise that Deeble entered into baseball when he was young.
His father Don Deeble played for Australia and was among the first inducted into the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame.
Star Weekly is a sponsor of the Sunshine and
Western Region Sports Club’s Don Deeble award which recognises him.
Jon Deeble is also a member of the hall of fame, while his brother Michael Deeble also played for Australia.
“I’m sure he would be pretty proud,” Jon said of his father. “He was also one that was very quiet, never one to pat you on the back.
“He was very quiet or never gave any advice, he just stayed out of it to be honest.”
Deeble said he’s happy with where his career is and doesn’t want to climb any higher up the ladder in the states.
Among his achievements is coaching the Australian Olympic baseball team for 19 years.
For now, Deeble is focused on the Aces’ season. It hasn’t been the ideal start with rain affecting several of their games, but the Aces were still sitting in second spot heading into the weekend’s matches which were after deadline.
“Expectations were to win everything, win the final and that has not changed,” he said.
“The first week we lost our Australian players, they were away on the Australian team that is six players.
“That was a little tough, now home for two weeks it will start to tell the tale, we need to get better.”
By Cade Lucas
While air pollution is a long standing problem in the inner-west, much of the focus has been on the effects noticed outdoors.
But now thanks to a PhD student at RMIT, indoor air quality (IAQ) in homes in the inner-west is about to get a lot more attention. Indian born mechanical engineer Muthukumar Maragathamayil is conducting a study which aims to measure the IAQ in detached homes in Yarraville, Brooklyn and Altona North.
The study will be conducted in two phases –summerandwinter–andinvolvesparticipants being interviewed, their daily activities being monitored and and the temperature, humidity and pollution levels inside their homes being recorded.
“Thisintendstounderstandhowtheleakiness of the home from outdoor air pollutants, and the types of appliances that could impact indoor air quality,” said Mr Maragathamayil of the purpose of the study which he said was inspired by the Maribyrnong council’s Air QualityImprovementPlanandthe2020report
by the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group (IWAQCRG) titled “Air Pollution in Melbourne’s inner west”.
“These reports highlight how the inner west suburbsofYarravilleandBrooklynexperiences poor air quality, disproportionately compared to the rest of Melbourne.
“Yarraville and Brooklyn were ranked seventhandeighthinAustraliaforairpollution concentrations, leading them to be known as ‘hot spots’ for air pollution in Victoria.”
Describing himself as “passionate about energy efficiency in buildings”, Mr
The first-ever Australian Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) exhibition match will be held in Melbourne on Saturday, December 28 and some of its superfans in Melbourne’s north and west cannot wait.
For those not already in on the craze, Kabaddi is a contact sport played between two teams of seven players and traces its origins to northern India.
The sport’s main objective is to grab points by raiding into the opponent’s court and touchingasmanyopponentplayersaspossible without getting caught on a single breath.
Williams Landing resident Kamaldip Kahma said the sport was popular among Australia’s India diaspora.
“It’s an aggressive game – it’s a mixture of
a couple of games and that’s what people want to see,” he said.
“When two bulls fight, it is like that, so that is why everyone loves it.
‘Kabaddi is in our blood.”
The gladiatorial nature of the sport may grab the attention of spectators, but the skill required should not be dismissed.
“It’s not an easy game, you need a lot of stamina, strength and even a lot of techniques as well,” Mr Kahma said.
“The hardest part is how the players have to save themselves from injuries, a lot of injuries happen in this match.”
Describing Kabaddi as “a non-stop thrill,”
Werribee resident Vijay Sahora said the game has grown in popularity.
“It has grown massively – Kabaddi players are coming from everywhere.”
“Now it’s got more popularity because they are showing it on the TV, earlier they didn’t have that much reach.
Saying that he enjoyed teamwork and sportsmanship, Kuldeep Singh from Aintree showed that much of the sport’s appeal stems from the camaraderie.
The Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid will be held at John Cain Arena on December 28, following day three of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the MCG.
PKL was launched in 2014 and is the most popular professional kabaddi league in the world.
Jaidyn Kennedy
Maragathamayil has experience working on construction projects in the Middles East and has a masters in building services engineering from Brunel University London. He said he wants to use his expertise in mechanical buildings services to improve energy efficiency and air quality indoors.
However, Mr Maragathamayil said his study was also about finding out whether inner-west’s air pollution problems follows people indoors. The research will be conducted over a one week period in February and July.
Victoria Police are issuing a zero-tolerance warning as new analysis reveals December is the worst month for drink driving on our roads.
Over the past three years, 2591 drink driving detections were recorded in December, 20 per cent higher than November with 2154.
December also posted the highest number of collisions where the driver was over the blood alcohol limit, with 321 recorded for the month across the three-year period, 18 per cent higher than November’s total of 272.
It is collisions where the driver was over the limit during the three-year period.
As a result, police are warning they will have an increased focus on alcohol and drug testing this December.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said the final month of the year was a danger period for drink driving on Victoria’s roads.
“Not only do we have more alcohol detections,wehavemorealcohol-fuelled collisions than at any other time of the year,” Assistant Commissioner Weir said . He urged motorists to not risk drink driving heading into the holiday period, saying they would be tested and caught.
“Police are ramping up our focus on drink driving right through Christmas and into the New Year. We’ll be out conducting alcohol and drug testing anywhere, any time – so if you think you won’t be caught, think again,” he said.
First-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.07 will be fined $595 and have their licence immediately suspended for three months, with harsher penalties for high-range and repeat offenders.
By Cr Daria Kellander
Thank you all for re-electing me to serve the community of Hobsons Bay for another four years. It is an added honour to lead as mayor for the next 12 months. I thank my fellow councillors for putting their faith in me.
We have an exciting opportunity ahead of us with a new-look council providing fresh ideas and dedication to get the best results for our community.
This year sets the foundation and the vision for what we deliver for our community, in line with what our community has told us they clearly want – a council that always puts our community first.
Acouncilthatenhancesourservicedelivery, strengthens, and supports our local economy. One that protects and preserves our natural environmentsuchasourparks,wetlandsarea, lake, creeks, and foreshore areas that make Hobsons Bay so unique. A council that is open and transparent.
We heard loud and clear during the election that our community want council to get the basics right. With cost-of-living pressures hurting many residents, it is important that we work hard to deliver the best value for our ratepayers’ money.
I’m looking forward to working with our community and new council to continue to find ways to make Hobsons Bay an even better place to live, work and visit.
As the year draws to a close, there is still plenty to do and see across Hobsons Bay, with plenty of activities to get into the Christmas spirit.
The three community Christmas picnics at Brooklyn, Newport and Seabrook were great successes. It was fantastic seeing plenty of people out and about enjoying this special time of year.
My family joined plenty of others in meeting Santa for a photo and there will be another chance to get your yearly Santa snap at Newport’s Paine Reserve this Saturday. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without carols. Get those vocal cords ready for carols at Altona Meadows and Williamstown this weekend.
You can find details on council’s website. I wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas, full of special time with family and friends.
A motorcyclist injured in a collision in Spotswood on Thursday, has died. The 24-year-old Werribee man died in hospital on Friday afternoon from injuries sustained in the collision on the West Gate Freeway. Police said the motorcyclist was struck by two trucks near the Williamstown Road exit about 4.30pm on December 12. It’s believed the motorcyclist was attempting to lane filter between the trucks when the collision occurred. Police said one truck driver stopped at the scene, while the other did not and was last seen travelling west bound on the freeway. The collision delayed traffic in the area for several hours.
Three men were arrested during Operation OKAMI in central Footscray last week. Police arrested a 45-year-old Docklands man allegedly in possession of methyl amphetamine and cannabis, a 32-year-old Footscray man allegedly in possession of synthetic cannabis and a 25-year-old male from Footscray allegedly in possession of ketamine, during the operation targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour on Tuesday, December 10. The 45-year-old and 32-year-old were both charged with drug possession and bailed to appear in court at a later date. The 25-year-old man was issued with a drug diversion.
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Melbourne’s west is full of excitement this summer, offering a mix of festive celebrations, live music, and unique experiences that highlight the region’s charm. From rooftop cinemas to family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Celebrate Christmas with a magical dinner at Overnewton Castle in Keilor.
This three-course feast, accompanied by live entertainment, is the perfect way to embrace the festive spirit on December 19 and 20.
For last-minute Christmas shopping, visit theEynesburyChristmasMarketonDecember 22, featuring artisan stalls, fresh produce, and gourmet treats in a picturesque setting.
New Year’s Eve promises fun for all ages in Melbourne’s west.
Grazeland in Spotswood is offering a night of food, drinks and music leading into the new year, with a prime fireworks viewing position.
Footscray Park offers a family-friendly celebrationwithliveperformancesfromAussie legends Tim Rogers and Lance Ferguson.
Bring a picnic, enjoy the food trucks, and watch a dazzling fireworks display at 9.30pm. Alternatively, head to Melton Entertainment Park for a lively evening with dining packages, kids’ rides, a DJ, harness racing, and fireworks to welcome 2025.
Music and festival lovers won’t want to miss Let Them Eat Cake on New Year’s Day at Werribee Park Mansion.
The festival is boasting an impressive line-up of international and local acts in a stunning outdoor setting.
Later in January, Boiler Room x Sugar Mountain Festival celebrates its 10th
Karina ‘Frenchie’ Sorelli is an independent film maker from France who has lived in Melbourne for 15 years. She tells Cade Lucas about her life in Hobsons Bay.
What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay? All together, I have lived in Laverton for about six years and recently moved back on this side of town because I love this area and beingclosetothebeachandmyclosestfriends which I call my adopted Australian family.
What do you like about living here?
I love that it offers a lot of green spaces like parks. And I love the diversity of the community. I’m originally from France with an Algerian background and I grew up with diverse cultures around me and for me that was the best childhood! So finding that here in Hobsons Bay brings back those memories and inspire me as a writer and director.
What, if anything, would you change about the area?
I wouldn’t change anything but I’d definitely add more opportunities for the community regarding creativity and the arts. Maybe some monthly workshops about acting or filmmaking.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
I spend a lot of time training so there’s the climbing place in Altona, ClimbWest and The LTYB gym in Williamstown.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’maactor,stuntactor,writer,director.I’vejust finished directing my first short film, Proof of Concept, that is part of a feature film that I’ve also written. It was shot here in Laverton. And it will go to the film festival circuit by the end of this month which I’m really excited about!
is a
from
who now lives in Laverton. She’s just written a new short film and is submitting it to film festivals. (Damjan Janevski)
A Victorian early childhood literacy program is seeking to tackle low literacy rates in Altona Meadows, Newport, Altona, Spotswood, Brooklyn, and Laverton by putting more books in the hands of preschool children.
During the next two weeks, the organisation Reading Out of Poverty Inc (ROOP), will be supplying preschools in lower socio-economic areas in Hobsons Bay with Christmas gifts of books and reading resources.
ROOP executive director Andrew Kay said the recent Naplan test results highlighted the depth of falling rates of reading, writing and numeracy in the area.
“We have identified parts of the region with lower literacy rates that would benefit from a program targeting preschool children,” Mr Kay said.
“Our research found that 61 per cent from low-income backgrounds didn’t own a single book. The goal is to improve literacy outcomes as they move through primary school and beyond,” he said.
Mr Kay said a child’s earliest years are crucial to their development and life chances, with learning to read especially important.
“It is essential for their future academic achievements and career, but even at preschool age, it ignites their imagination, sparks their curiosity, and broadens their understanding of the world around them.”
It’s estimated that in 2024, more than 185,000 five-year-olds in Australia started school without the necessary literacy, communication, and language skills, increasing their chances of strugglinginsecondaryschoolandbeing unemployed by their 30s.
To donate to the ROOP Christmas Appeal, visit: www.roop.org.au
The end-of-year holiday period can be heaps of fun – an opportunity to catch up with friends and family and generally celebrate the good things in life.
But it can also turn into a time of stress, exhaustion and sadness.
However, there are ways to manage the different demands at this very busy time of year. Here is our handy guide to taking care of your mental health as 2024 ends and 2025 begins.
Don’t be afraid to say no: From work functions to family gatherings, the holiday period can be full of invitations and expectations. Opportunities to catch up with colleagues, friends or relatives can quickly turn into a packed social schedule.
When the prospect of a get-together makes you feel more worried than excited, then it’s probably time to gently decline the invitation.
Practice self-care: What do you like to do to relax? Perhaps you like to go swimming, or ride a bicycle, or read a book, or do yoga. It’s
or disappoint yourself. And you know what? It doesn’t matter. Forgive yourself. Let go of the idea of perfection. Enjoy the moments
and end-of-year work dinners can be stressful for people with dietary restrictions. What you choose to eat is no one’s business but your own.
Take time before each event to gently let hosts know of your food needs. You’re not being picky or fussy – you’re being true to yourself.
Remember, not everyone has a family: This time of year is full of family catch-ups, but not everyone is connected.
For some members of your community, this can be a time of loneliness and isolation. Perhaps think about reaching out and checking in on your acquaintances, making sure they are okay.
Reach out when you need to: At this time of year, it’s not unusual to feel lonely or sad. Friends and family can sometimes provide help – but sometimes too it’s good to reach out to others.
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 a 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.
0452 560 342 or altonanorthbowlsclub@gmail.com for any enquires or bookings.
Walking football (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 Rd), 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.
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 contact us at 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 6.30 dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and we need new, energetic and enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in the community and join our fun club.
Go to www.rotarypointgellibrand. com.au or Facebook page www. facebook.com/pointgellibrandrotary, or call Pam on 0418347691 or email rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com
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
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 email : 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
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
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/WilliamstownCraft-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.
contact Elaine 0415 030 996.
Barefoot bowls
The Altona North Bowls Club is open seven days a week 11.00am until late. Barefoot bowling is available all week at a minimal cost. With a full bar, kitchen and barbeque facilities and drinks at very reasonable prices, why not come down to the club and enjoy a roll in a very relaxed atmosphere. The club is located at 217 Mason Street Altona North.
0452 560 342 or altonanorthbowlsclub@gmail.com
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
The Williamstown Bridge Club Bridge sessions are held each Wednesday night at 7.25pm and Friday afternoons at 1.25pm for experienced players and a supervised session on Friday mornings at 10.00am at Hobsons Bay Sport and Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Rd, Altona. The last games for 2024 will be on Friday December 20 and 2025 sessions will begin on Wednesday, January 8. In 2025 there will be lessons for beginners starting in May.
For more information and to play, call Carol on 0401731260, Alan on 0430 309 255 or visit: www.bridgewebs.com/ williamstown.
Prep for employment course
Seeking a change in career or how to improve your employability? Receive face-to-face help with job searches, resumes, interviews, upskilling and more in a prep for employment course. Register today. At 43 Mason Street, Newport. 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com. au
Social card games
Interested in playing social card games? Canasta, poker and/or others. Weekday mornings or afternoons at 43 Mason Street, Newport.
9391 8504, email outlets@outletsco-op. com.au
Women Working Together
Employment Support Program
A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
Contact: 03 9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@cotavic.org.au, https://cotavic.org.au/our-programs/ employment-support/
Werribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) is the place to be this Christmas Day, with the zoo open from 9am to 5pm with a full schedule of fascinating keeper talks and walking paths.
Guests can gander at gorillas, lions, hippos, monkeys and all types of African wildlife doing their thing on the savannah.
The iconic safari buses will be shuttling to-and-fro, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about species like giraffe, zebra and antelope.
If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Jabulani– the 3-month-old southern white rhino calf who has become something of a celebrity these days.
Christmas will be jolly, but the fun will last all summer.
From January 26, the splash park will be in full swing at Hippo Beach where kids can beat the summer heat and play in the water while looking out at the three gorgeous hippo girls.
There will also be a kid-friendly DJ playing jungle beats at hippo beach daily.
Every Saturday from January 4 to March 8, WORZ’s iconic Sunset Safari event will also be up and running.
Visitors will be able to adventure onto the savannah for an intimate, extended safari tour in the evening and delight in immersive Africanperformances,whileenjoyingcocktails
and snacks at Hippo Beach or feast with family and friends on a traditional African braai barbecue.
Christmas may be a holiday for us, but Zoos Victoria wants the public to know it is important to respect other creatures.
While research suggests that anthropomorphising wildlife may increase visitor-animalconnection,itrisksperpetuating the idea that the animal would make a good pet.
Giving animals in captivity the control and choice is key to maintaining their positive welfare.
Jaidyn Kennedy
For 30 years, Melton local Sandra Brogan has spread Christmas cheer around her neighbourhood with an annual Christmas display at her home.
The annual display started when Sandra’s dad started decorating for Christmas with some blow-up reindeer and Father Christmas at his home, and when he moved to Melton, he continued to do it for the kids in the neighbourhood.
Three decades later, Sandra continues the tradition.
“One Christmas Eve, we had nearly 300 people come,” Sandra said. “You can’t get a park in our street or the street opposite me.
“Theyparkaroundthecornerandwalkback.
“It’s really quite nice.”
The theme changes yearly – this year’s is white Christmas – but one consistent part of it is her daughter, Kelli, performing carols.
“Growing up we didn’t have expensive decorations,” Kelli said. =“As a family we made decorations, always had a Christmas tree and always celebrated together.
“WewouldwatchChristmasmoviesandtalk about how cool it must be in America to see the houses decorated.”
Last year, she released her Christmas song, Joy When we Believe, to celebrate the holidays.
“My family’s love of Christmas was the inspiration for my song Joy When We Believe,” Kelli said. “The lyrics describe the pleasure and wonder we see in children at Christmas time and the togetherness of families at Christmas.
“EverythingIexperiencedasachildandeven now at Christmas is what I tried to capture in the lyrics of that song.”
Kelli said she loves performing at her mum’s house for Christmas.
“In the past, when I was living at mum’s, I performed most nights during December,” she said. “I will perform this weekend and every night from next Thursday through and including Christmas Eve.
“It is always so much fun as the community enjoys the live music and the atmosphere it creates while looking at the lights.
“Some even have requests, as they come back each year.”
Besidesthedisplayandmusicalperformance byKelli,Sandrahasalsopreparedasurprisefor the children.
“On Christmas Eve, we have characters coming,” she said. “This year, we have Bluey and Bingo, Father Christmas, The Grinch, Mother Christmas is coming.
“We’re also having Olaf and Elsa from Frozen.”
Faith Macale
Hobsons Bay isn’t short of locations to bring in the new year, but few are as refined as the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV) in Williamstown.
On December 31, the RYCV will open its clubroomsandtheirexpansiveviewsofthecity to revellers who want to bring in 2025 with a touch of elegance.
RYCV food and beverage operations managerSimoneKiencsaidNewYearsEvewas an opportunity to enjoy the finer things in life.
“It’s the perfect evening to indulge in delicious seasonal produce, paired with some delicious drops from across Australia, while enjoying live music from DJ Retro Red and the best seat in Melbourne to watch the fireworks light up the night sky.”
Whiletheclub’soutdoordeckofferstheideal vantage point to view the midnight fireworks, Ms Kienc said the kitchen and dining room
Set the date in your calendar’s now, as the busy Sunshine shopping precinct on Hampshire Road is set to be overrun by The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival on Sunday, January 26. Presented by the Sunshine Business Association, the free multicultural event runs every year, celebrating the lunar calendar, a time of renewal and for friends and family to come together to celebrate the start of a new year.
The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival or Tét Festival will bring the culturally diverse community together in a safe and fun environment.
A huge day of free family fun, live entertainment, children’s rides, street performers, music, dancing, street food, face-painting, magical Lion and Dragon dancing, red-pockets and firecrackers ending with spectacular fireworks.
A large performance stage with seating area will burst with exciting musical acts, live multicultural bands and dance groups will entertain the communityandshowcasetheircultural heritage and talented musicians.
A wide array of street food stalls of many nations, super fun small and large children’s rides including the massive Ferris Wheel, face-painting, showbags, street-performers cultural kid’s activity zone will take over Hampshire Road.
Sunshine’s favourite local sporting groups will also attend and present fun kid’s activities.
A vibrant Lion and Dragon dance complete with long string fireworks will take place at 6pm at the stage ending with a traditional Lunar New Year display of fireworks at 9pm. Hampshire Road, between Devonshire and Foundry Roads will be closed to traffic on the day.
were where the evening’s most spectacular highlights would take place.
“Our chef sources the freshest ingredients and food sustainability is at the heart of our kitchen,” she said.
“Chef Leicester O’Loughlin brings you delicious flavours which change with the seasons and is creating a feast for NYE. Our bonza barbecue buffet will include a selection of top quality proteins, vegetarian delights, fresh seasonal salads, and an array of house made condiments.”
Entry is $85 for RYCV members, $95 for non-members, $30 for kids, with indoor, outdoor deck and picnic table seating options available.
Roaming canapes will be offered from 6pm followed by a bonza barbecue buffet and fireworks at 9.30pm and again at midnight.
Bookings: https://bit.ly/bookrycv
1. The Mighty Jills compete for Australia in which sport?
2. Former AFL players James Hird, Gary Ablett Snr and Nathan Buckley all wore what number guernsey?
3. A standard game of table tennis is a race to what score?
4. Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry are famous players of what sport?
5. Who is the current interim coach of the Matildas?
6. Which high jump technique was popularised by a US gold medal winner at the 1968 Olympics?
7. Originating in Finland, which humorous hobby sport is most popular with teenage girls?
8. The PWHL has announced teams will play how many regular-season games, an increase from their inaugural year?
The festive 2024 rom-com ChristmasintheSpotlight is inspired by the real-life relationship of which famous athlete?
Before starting her career as a rugby player, NZ powerhouse Portia Woodman played which other team sport professionally?
11. Which Australian racing driver made his Formula One debut in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi?
Which Australian fast bowler missed the second Test against India due to a side strain injury?
13. How many goals did the Brisbane Lions score in their loss to North Melbourne in the AFLW grand final?
14. Basketballer Bryce Cotton scored how many points in an NBL game in the Perth Wildcats’ win over New Zealand?
15. True or false: Australia finished ahead of France in the Paris 2024 Olympics medal tally.
16. Which Aussie Rules club was known as the Prince Imperials in 1880–81, named in honour of Napoleon III’s only son?
17. South African-born Brydon Carse took 10 wickets in a match representing which Test cricket nation?
18. Which Kookaburras legend has retired from hockey with a record 451 international appearances for Australia?
19. Grey’sAnatomy star Patrick Dempsey finished in what position in the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hour motor race?
20. Gout Gout is the name of a 16-year-old Australian competing in which track and field discipline?
21. Olympic medallist skateboarder Arisa Trew was recently given which pet animal as a reward for her win?
22. The International Cricket Council recently criticised Australia for refusing to play which nation?
23. How many Matildas players scored their first international goals in their first friendly match against Chinese Taipei?
24. Which Australian city recently withdrew its bid for the 2030 Gay Games?
25. Jerry West is the player silhouette featured in the logo of which sporting league?
26. The NHL has a new team in 2024/25 based in which US state?
27. How many teams are competing in the 2024/25 WNBL season?
28. How many games did the North Melbourne AFL Women’s side lose in the 2024 season?
29. The late Neale Fraser was a champion in which sport?
30. With her 2024 win, how many consecutive Best and Fairest awards has AFLW player Monique Conti now won at Richmond and the Western Bulldogs?
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Rule (3)
3 Request form (11)
9 Determination (7)
10 Bestowed (7)
11 Negatively charged subatomic particle (8)
12 Reddish metal (6)
14 Tavern (3)
15 Means (11)
17 Regions (11)
19 Possess (3)
20 Eight-legged animal (6)
21 Resonant (8)
24 Realm of an independent Islamic chieftain (7)
25 Grain from cassava (7)
26 Leader of a cause (11)
27 Prosecute (3)
apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
DOWN
1 Thief (9)
2 Cowboy literary genre (7)
3 Assign (5)
4 Extraordinary thing (10)
5 Formerly Persia (4)
6 Comparative conclusions (9)
7 Thoroughgoing, exhaustive (2,5)
8 Lowest point (5)
13 Rotorcraft (10)
15 Suppress (9)
16 Painting of the countryside (9)
18 Wetter in terms of weather (7)
19 Redolent (7)
20 Sugary (5)
22 Of equal value (2,3)
23 To dispense, to – out (4)
1 Riga is the capital of which country?
2 Actor Ryan Reynolds (pictured) is co-owner of which UK soccer team?
3 Which film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2001?
4 Where in the human body does carpal tunnel occur?
5 How many times was England's King Henry VIII married?
6 In chess, how many different game pieces are there?
7 Which Brontë sister wrote the 1847 novel AgnesGrey?
8 And under what pseudonym was it published?
9 In what century was Genghis Khan born?
10 Which Chinese city is situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River?
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 5/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 6/10
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Intheidealautomobiletrifectaofperformance, economy and little nasty pollution Alfa Romeo has its money on plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, with the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 carrying top weight.
The new edition to the premium SUV line-up has form – sprinting from rest to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, the ability to travel up to 60 kilometres on electric power alone with 34g/km CO2 tailpipe emissions. Top speed is 135km/h in full electric mode and 206km/h in hybrid.
While the figures speak for themselves, like SUVs of this ilk, the Veloce spec vehicle comes at a hefty price – from $77,500, plus on-road costs. Options of 20-inch alloys add $1500, or two premium paint finishes $1600 or $2500 respectively.
Equipped with the Alfa Q4 all-wheel drive system, the front wheels are powered by the petrol engine, the rear wheels by an electric motor, providing up to 208kW of power. The car takes advantage of a 7.4kW AC on-board charger and a Type 2 Smart Charging Port that enables home AC or public AC charging.
The Tonale Veloce Plug-in Hybrid Q4 is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and Alfa Romeo roadside assist support package.
Styling
On the outside there’s plenty going on with Dark Miron body kit with matte inserts, Dark Miron ‘Scudetto’ front grille finish, Veloce badging and in line with the ‘electrification’, Alfa’s historic logo has been reinterpreted in an elegant elettro-biscione serigraphy on the dark tinted privacy glass left rear window.
Automatic LED matrix headlamps with adaptive beam and dynamic turn indicators share space with gloss black painted power foldingheatedexteriormirrorswithItalianflag.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid rolls on 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with stand-out Brembo red brake callipers.
Inside the cabin is luxury all round with perforated black leather-accented seats with embroidered Alfa Romeo logo and dark grey doublestitching,plusdarkgreyaccentstitching on front centre armrest and door trims. Front seats are heated and ventilated.
Aluminium door sills, steering wheelmounted shift paddles and floor pedals add a sporting touch, while customisable ambient lighting has found its place on board from post-September models.
Infotainment
A 10.25-inch touchscreen taps into infotainment and navigation, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto join Alfa Connect services and DAB+ digital radio being fed through a supreme 465W 14-speaker Harman/ Kardon sound system. There is a wireless charging pad and front and rear USB-A and -C ports.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 powertrain combines a 132kW 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission providing traction to the front axle with an electric motor supplying 90kW of peak power and 250Nm of torque to the rear axle.
A 306V 15.5kWh lithium-ion battery is good
for up to 60km electric range or in tandem with the petrol engine. A 7.4kW AC on-board charger and a Type 2 Smart Charging Port enables domestic AC charging or public AC charging.
Alfa Romeo says it takes less than two-and-a-half hours to fully charge the battery from the on-board system. The test car battery was topped up by 20 per cent in 90 minutes through a home three-pin plug set-up.ThelocalType2publicchargerrequired a BYO cable. Sadly, this Tonale was bereft of one.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid has earned a five-star Euro safety rating. Nothing from ANCAP yet. Autonomous driving features include active blind spot assist with rear cross trafficalert,adaptivecruisecontrolwithstop and go, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane support system, and driver behaviour alert. There’s a 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines, front, rear and side parking sensors and Magic Park, plus traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed control.
Driving
Alfa Romeo has attached to the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid that much (over)used term DNA to describe a series of driver assistance systems
that point the way to an incomparable driving experience.
From the get-go there’s a hint of excitement from the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Plug-in Hybrid, with its instant torque electric motor. And there’s no letting up with a surprising rangeofadvancedautomobilesystemsonoffer. For example, with its rotary drive selector, it is capable of calling on Dynamic, Natural or Advanced efficiency (DNA), plus ESC Off modes, to arouse the interest of any driver. Dynamic has the petrol engine and electric motor combining for sporty performance; Natural produces optimum power with minimum fuel consumption; and Advanced Efficiency uses electric power only for low emissions in city traffic. ESC Off has the driver in full mechanical control of the vehicle in Dynamic mode. Alfa Link stumps up the suspension with variable damping for optimum handling and comfort, and rear axle geometry comes into action on fast cornering. Then there’s e-Coasting Descent, which intervenes in place of the exhaust brake, even when the throttle is released, to recover energy when slowing, even when the brake pedal is released.
Summary
AlfaRomeohastakentheTonaleVelocePlug-in beyond the range of the run-of-the-mill petrol/ electric hybrid.
The summer season is finally heating up and with it there has been some cracker matches including on Saturday. StarWeekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shootingthesomeoftheaction.
By Tara Murray
Someofthemosttalentedathletesinthewestern suburbs will be vying for the prestigious 2024 Don Deeble Sports Star award next month.
The Deeble committee will reveal the name of this year’s champion athlete at an awards dinner on the last Wednesday in January.
The first nominee was Mia Gordon, a multi-talented rising star in cricket and football.
The scholarship holder at Maribyrnong Sports Academy has spent three full years in the under-16 cricket program and had been hoping for a spot in the under-19 program. She was also named in the Western Jets squad for this year.
Golfer Jesse Trembath was the second nominee for the year.
Trembathtookupgolfwhenhewasfouryears old under the guidance of his grandmother Susan.
Playing on local courses at Kooringal and Sanctuary Lakes, Trembath continued his
improvement and was soon identified by Golf Victoria.
Another golfer, Georgia Schwartz was the April nominee.
“I tried swimming and tennis for a while, but I got bored with them pretty quickly,” she said. “I didn’t feel they suited me, I need to be challenged.
“I went to the driving range with dad and really liked the challenge of hitting the ball.”
MaynomineeRubyGortonwasmadetoplay hockey.
With her dad heavily involved, she was soon playing herself and has never looked back.
Gorton’s skills blossomed in 2019 when she was selected in the School Sport Victoria under-12 team and the regional team, the Western Wildcats under-13s.
Gortonhasnowbeenselectedinthoseteams every year including the 2024.
June nominee Taye Ragheb had a big 2024 on the cards. Ragheb attends the Maribyrnong Sports Academy where he spends six hours a week training.
He then heads to the Victorian Institute of Sport three times per week for his performance pathway training and then his club training at Notorious Taekwondo a further three nights per week.
July nominee Lucy Cleveland is a running star.
She is now the holder of more than 30 Western Athletics club records and has competed at state and national level and is looking to represent Australia.
AugustnomineeRomanCooteisabaseballer like the man the award is named after In the summer of 2017, Roman Coote was asked by one of his primary school friends to come play baseball at the Williamstown Baseball Club and the rest is now history.
“For me, 2023 was certainly my breakout year. I went from just your average player to making the under-16 Australian team.
October nominee Reikken Brodie was a frustrated kid for years watching his younger sister,Honor,trainandplaynetball,coachedby their mother Mary.
He finally got his chance on court as a fill-in inunder-13sandhe’snowpartoftheAustralian under-20 team.
October nominee Sierra Grieves is set to live her AFLW dream this week.
Grieves started playing in an under-nines boys team as a seven-year-old.
She would start training with the Western Jets as 13-year-old but could play until she turned 15.
This year she became one of the star players of the Coates Talent League and under-18 championships.
Sliding door moments are as true in sport as in everyday life, just ask November’s Don Deeble nominee, Astin Hewett.
HewonascholarshiptoMaribyrnongSports Academy for football and he was focused on that dream.
After all, his extended family connections had made AFL lists and he was playing in the Coates Talent League with the Western Jets. Life was a dream, his targets had been set until he was introduced to gridiron.
Ten elite young western suburbs athletes will be vying for the prestigious 2024 Don Deeble Sports Star award next month.
Mia Gordon
School/Club: Maribyrnong
Sports Academy/Western Jets
Sport: Cricket/football
Achievements: Western Jets under-18 and Cricket
Victoria’s Vic Metro under-16 emerging players squad.
Quote: “I really enjoy playing both sports and all of my coaches are very supportive of me playing the two sports at the moment,” Gordon said. “Cricket is number one, but AFL is right up there.”
Jesse Trembath
Club: Kooringal Golf Club
Sport: Golf
Achievements: He holds the current course record at Kooringal Golf Club shooting a 63 in April last year, while he was a 2023 state team member, Golf Victoria high performance team member and a Callaway Next Program representative.
Quote: “I learned very quickly that if you are not having fun you get down on yourself and you stop playing well,” he said.
Georgia Schwartz
School/Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/ Medway Golf Club
Sport: Golf
Achievements: Won the Bendigo Junior Open and was second at the Royal Melbourne Junior Open as well as the Portarlington Junior Open.
Quote: “I always want to get better, but I am wanting to win as well.”
Ruby Gorton
School: Footscray Hockey Club
Sport: Hockey
Achievements: Gorton has been selected in Footscray’s women’s premier league team since she was 13. This year she competed in the under-16 outdoor and indoor teams and under-15 outdoor team to play at the Australian Games at the Gold Coast in June.
Quote: “I think I have karma on my side now with my parents spending their time taking me to club, regional and state training.”
Taye Ragheb
Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/Notorious Taekwondo
Sport: Taekwondo
Achievements: Ragheb has travelled to two overseas competitions.
Quote: “I was very competitive and loved being able to improve. When I started winning medals in competitions I liked it even more.”
Lucy Cleveland
Club/School: Western Athletics
Sport: Athletics
Achievements: A qualifying standard for the World under-20 Track and Field Championships. Earlier this year, Cleveland won gold at the Victorian championships in the 3000 metres, 1500 metres and 800 metres in the under-17 state age group.
Quote: “Running against Olympic athletes gave me the confidence to know I can compete at that level and be successful.”
Roman Coote
Club: Williamstown Baseball Club/ Maribyrnong Sports Academy
Sport: Baseball
Achievements: In September, Coote played Team Australia in the Under-16 Perfect Game World Series.
Quote: “The baseball club is like family. The senior players are like my older brothers and my coaches just got involved to make us all better. It is a good place to be.”
Reikken Brodie
Club/School: Mackillop College Sport: Netball/Football
Achievements: Brodie was then selected to play for the Australian under-20 team, His single crowning moment was being awarded the most valuable player in the under-23 division as a 17-year-old.
Quote: “I love them both, footy gives me a good fitness base which definitely helps me on the court, and netball gives me that 360 awareness in tight spaces which conditions me for the midfield on the footy ground.”
Sierra Grieves
School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/ Yarraville Seddon
Sport: Football
Achievements: Grieves was named the player of the national championships this year, while also winning the Vic Metro most valuable player award. Part of the AFLW Academy.
Quote: “I just love the challenge of playing the best game in the world to the best of my ability.”
Astin Hewett
School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/ Western Crusaders
Sport: Gridiron
Achievements: Captained the Australian Outback gridiron under-20 team this year.
Quote: “It was an amazing experience,” he said. “Unfortunately, we only won one of our three games, but it was the first time an Australian team had won a game in a tournament for many years.”
Footscray United Rangers will take the next step in their journey having been accepted into the FV state league 5 west competition.
The Rangers, who first formed the club in 2017, had sought to move into the men’s state league competition, having had their women’s side make the step this year.
After a meeting with Football Victoria, club president Nathan McLean said they had received the news they were after.
“It is massive,” he said. “There hasn’t been a state league men’s team in Footscray since 1989,” he said.
“We’re bringing back soccer to the suburb 26 years later. The club’s journey to state league, we didn’t do on our own.
“We have a lot of good sponsors and members at the club and members of the local community.
“They’ve helped us grow and we want to
thank you. Hopefully they’ll come and watch some games now.”
McLean said they had received some really good feedback from Football Victoria about the direction the club is heading.
He said they had been pleased with the growth of the club and they had a lot of things in place which is needed a community level.
McLean said having both their women’s and men’s sides in state league competitions would only help the club grow further.
“We want Footscray at the highest level that we can,” he said. “It’s exciting.
“There’sbeenalotofplayerinterestandalot of people have seen our women’s side and seen that we are a well run club and a legitimate club.
“Hopefully there’s greater interest in being part of the club going forward.”
The club is now in talks with Maribyrnong
council about what time slots work best of home games at Hansen Reserve.
McLean said they looking at organising some pre-season games ahead of February 16, when they will be part Australia Cup.
AchilleMellinihasbeenappointedtheclubs men’s coach bringing a range of experience including coaching with the Bulleen Lions, Brunswick Zebras, Altona City and most recently with the Truganina Hornets.
“It’s nerve-wracking,” he said. “It’s our first cup game in the FV competition.
“There’s a lot of nerves from some guys who will be representing Footscray at the highest level they can.
“Hopefully we can have a good cup run and show the community what we are about and hopefully score lots of goals.”
Tara Murray
By Tara Murray
It’s been a whirlwind six months for Western United goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln which has been capped off with a Matildas debut.
The youngster had set her focus on the under-20 World Cup earlier this year, but hadn’t thought much beyond that.
While in the midst of that preparation she made the move to Western United.
She then received her first Matildas call up and then received a second not long after. In the fourth of four games in Australia in November and December, Lincoln got her chance to make her senior debut for her country.
“I don’t think it has yet [settled in],” she said a week later. “It was pretty surreal and such a quick turnaround as I had a club game the next day as well.
“It was sort of a whirlwind but I’m still over the moon to be honest.”
Lincoln said she had been given the heads up that if things went to plan in the Matildas game with Chinese Taipei that she might get her opportunity.
She said she couldn’t stop smiling when she finally got out there.
“I was trying to focus and go through the motions and warm up,” she said. “I was trying not to smile, but I was so excited I was getting an opportunity.
“My goalkeeper coach mentioned if all goes
to plan, it might happen, see how it goes a couple of hours before the game.
“Half time he was like be ready, 60th minute. It all sort of happened, a bit of a blur to be honest.”
Lincoln didn’t have time to celebrate her debut as she started for Western United the next day in its match with Sydney FC, something that hadn’t been done in Australian professional levels for 27 years.
“I love playing for Western with those girls, the debut and go beat Sydney is pretty special to be honest.”
Lincoln said the last six months had been a bit of a whirlwind but it had been really special at the same time.
First, she moved to Sydney to prepare for the under-20s World Cup.
“It was an incredible tournament to be part of,” she said. “Very, very cool.
“I went to the last one in Costa Rica, but didn’t get to go on the pitch. To be out there playing and with the Columbian crowd was just incredible.”
Lincoln said she hadn’t thought much beyond that, let alone a Matildas’ debut.
Shesaidithadbeenadreamofherssinceshe could kick a ball.
“Definitely didn’t think it was this close on the horizon,” she said. “My year sort of stopped at the under-20 World Cup and I didn’t really think about what was next.
“To have an opportunity to go and do that
Spotswood got another win on the board, but Williamstown, Altona and Yarraville all suffered losses in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west on Saturday.
TheWoodsmankeptintouchwiththe top six with victory against Elsternwick. The Woodsman resumed at 1-18 in reply to Elsternwick’s total of 196.
A Lachie McKenna century was the key to the Woodsmen’s innings as they chased down the runs in 65 overs.
The Woodsmen finished 6-197 with McKenna making 101 not out.
Spotswood sits three points outside the top six.
Williamstown’s total of 192 wasn’t enough against Brighton.
Brighton resumed at 0-11 and took control of the game as it reached 1-94.
A few wickets started to fall to give the Seagulls some hope, but Brighton did enough to finish 7-194.
JarrodFloodBaucetookthreewickets for the Seagulls.
Yarraville again fell short despite having a solid total on the board, this time against Taylors Lakes.
Defending 218, the Eagles got an early wicket on Saturday but it was tough going after that.
is pretty special and I hope that I can keep coming into that space and keep pushing to get more game time.
“I would love the opportunity to do that again.”
As well as her big international schedule, Lincoln decided to make the move down to Melbourne to play for Western United.
She said starting having chats with the club not long after the last season finished.
“It seemed like a really positive move,” she said. “To dive into a more professional set up and the facilities that are available.
“The club having its own home and the coaching staff were incredible. It just seemed like a positive environment and keep growing and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”
Lincoln started the season as Western’s second keeper, but has quickly moved into the starting spot.
She said she’s very excited to be starting and said that she won’t be taking it for granted as there’s pressure on for spots.
OnSaturday,WesternlosttoWesternSydney Wanderers5-1inadisappointingperformance.
Lincoln said before the game that they weren’t taking any opposition lightly.
After a big 2024, Lincoln has already looked at areas that she can improve on in the future.
“It’s helped me form my goals, to keep coming into the matildas set up and keep pushing myself at Western and keep playing more and more games there.”
The Lions made the runs with more than six overs remaining, finishing 6-223.
Akshat Buch and William Sheffield took two wickets each for the Eagles.
Altona managed to avoid an outright loss to Oakleigh.
Oakleigh resumed at 0-9 in reply to Alton’s 114. Oakleigh easily made the runs and declared at 7-205.
Altona was sent back in and finished the day at 3-66.
Williamstown, Altona and Yarraville all sit outside the top six.
This Saturday is a T20 round before the competition stops for the Christmas break.
Grieves and Lou-Lou Field have followed the same journey through their football careers.
Both have played at Yarraville Seddon, the Jets and been part of Victoria Metro squads including this year.
On Monday night, they took the next step in their careers after being selected in the AFLW draft.
Grieves, who was earlier named as the National Championships most valuable player among other awards, was selected by Richmond at pick 11.
Grieves said it was a remarkable feeling.
“Honestly it’s great, I’m grateful for this opportunity,” she said on the draft broadcast after being invited to the draft. “Honestly it has been great and all the programs I have been in I’ve learned so many new things. “It’s been awesome.”
Grieves told Star Weekly earlier this year that she had started to take her footy seriously
after Covid having been with the Western Jets since she was 13.
“It was a bit tough at the start,” she said on the draft coverage. “I knew I wanted to play midfieldandIwentawayandworkedonitwith my brother especially who was a big help.”
Grieves played her local football at Yarraville Seddon, where her family has a number of connections. She lives in Tarneit.
Grieves’ biggest inspiration on the football field has been Richmond star Monique Conti.
Like Conti, Grieves went to school at Maribyrnong Sports Academy. It was Conti that presented Grieves with her jumper.
“I can’t believe it,” she said.
Field, who says her game is like North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney, was taken by the Blues at pick 46.
Speaking before the draft, Field said it was a dream come true to get drafted.
“It is crazy. I’ve played footy my whole life and the next level is literally just around the corner.”
Field was also a talented cricketer but her loveoffootballsawherstickwiththeovalball.
She played junior football at Werribee Districts before moving to the Eagles.
CarltonheadofAFLWAshNaultysaidthey
By Tara Murray
Williamstown CYMS put itself in a good position to achieve its goal of being in the top four at Christmas in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.
Sitting outside the four heading into the final round before the break, the CYs task looked set to be a difficult one against top side and local rival Williamstown Imperials.
After day one of the clash, it’s the CYs that are top.
The Imperials won the toss and decided to bat. They were bowled out for 162 in the 48th over,withCallumHerrontopscoringwith54.
CYs president Bill Millar said they were happy to keep the Imperials to that total.
“It was a good result for us,” he said. “Brad Robertson, our captain-coach, had a day out taking 7-33.
“He had them in trouble all day.”
The CYs managed to reach 3-53 at stumps.
Will Metcalfe will resume on 23 not out and Luca Zavattiero on 10 not out.
Millar, who also plays in the first XI, said they would have ideally liked to have been
only one wicket down at stumps.
Millar said they were confident they could get the runs this Saturday.
“We’ve been batting really well this season,” he said. “We’ve got 110 to get and we back ourselves in.
“Anything can happen though, but hopefully we get a good win.”
Millar said it had been a mixed season for them with the weather making it really frustrating.
He said if the results got their way, they will be in the top four at the break.
“We feel like we’ve played some pretty good cricket,” he said. “Some washouts have cost us a couple of results.
“Against Grand United we had them on toss before we collapsed in the last bit of the innings.
“Overall we’re playing pretty well, just unlucky. It has been one of those years.
“We have some tough games after Christmas, so it’s a big one this week to get over the line.”
Elsewhere for the CYs, their women’s side has also had a really frustrating season.
were really happy to have Field join Carlton saying she was someone who has been on draft radars ever since her first Coates Talent League game three years ago.
“A prolific defender, Lou-Lou has really impressive intercept ability, but what stands out most is her football IQ and her understanding of the game. She’s played footy ever since a young age and some of the traits she has are hard to teach.
“She’s a natural leader at just 18, having captained the Jets this year. We feel like we’ve added some exciting talent to our backline and we’re really looking forward to seeing what she can achieve in Navy Blue, working under the likes of Kerryn Peterson and Mimi Hill.”
The Western Bulldogs have looked within their Victorian Football League Women’s program for one of their picks, selecting Keeley Hardingham.
The young ruck was named the VFLW rising star this year.
There was plenty of action in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition on Tuesday night.
All teams played their third round matches on Tuesday night with some teams in action for the first time.
In the Border group, Gellibrand and Yarraville Club both had wins against Seddon and Werribee Centrals respectively. Seddon made 8-150 against Gellibrand with Tom Foulds top scoring with 56. Jacob Macdonald took three wickets for Gellibrand.
Gellibrand put on 90 for the first wicket to set up the win, finishing 5-151.
William Blair made 64.
The Clubbers made quick work of the Centurions bowling them out for 56.
Joel Russell, with 15, was the only player to score double figures. Supreeth Reddy Bhimavarapu took four wickets. The Clubbers got the runs in nine overs, finishing 2-57.
In the Bradman group, Doutta Stars got the win against Footscray United. The Bulldogs made 9-121 with Sanju Jayasekara top scoring with 37. The Stars got the runs in 18 overs, finishing 4-123.
West Coburg Andrews defeated Aberfeldie in the other match on Tuesday night.
In the past five weeks, they’ve played just one game due to weather, a bye and a forfeit on the weekend in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association western region competition.
At the break they sit atop the table undefeated.
Captain Emma Bradwell has been the star of the show.
“In seven straight games she has had to retire,” he said. “She has scored almost 300 runs without being dismissed which is unbelievable.
“She’s always been a handy bat for us, but she has gone to another level this year.”
In other Steve McNamara Shield matches, West Newport is 4-37 in reply to Greenvale Kangaroos’ 207.
In the senior division, Yarraville Club will need 303 for victory after Westmeadows made 9-302.
In the Isaacs Howarth Shield, Footscray United made 7-309 against the Altona Roosters, the Druids were bowled out for 143 against Oak Park St Francis de Sales, and Seedon made 8-192 against Altona North.
In the Ponting group, Deer Park beat Laverton. The Lions made 6-160 with Upul Bandara top scoring with 47. Laverton was bowled out for 100 with an over remaining. Shannon Gill took three wickets for the Lions.
In the Taylor group, Sunshine got the win against the Druids. The Wizards finished their overs at 9-98 with the Crows making 6-99 in reply.
In the Waugh group, Point Cook Centrals beat Altona North. Altona North made 8-96 from its overs with Trent Frydas top scoring with 28. Three players took two wickets each for the Sharks. The Sharks made 5-99 in reply in nearly 15 overs.
Newport Digman also got the points, beating Williamstown Imperials. The Bulls made 5-153 from their overs with Shannon Evans top scoring with 60 not out. Ryan Schaufler took three wickets for the Imperials. The Imperials fell just short, finishing 9-148. Joshua van Zyl top scored with 40. Wyndham Vale forfeited its match against Point Cook.
