Salehi kicks karate goals
Pouya Salehi might have been born and bred in Iran, but the 35 year old exponent of Kyokushin Karate now lives in West Footscray and kicks for Australia.
Salehi recently helped his adopted home retain the prestigious International Cup team event, by defeating Kaito Yoshioka of Japan.
It’s the latest in a long list of accolades of Salehi, who was a 12 time Iranian national karate champion, a two time world championship bronze medalist and in 2011 completed the gruelling 100-man kumite.
“An extreme physical and mental challenge involving 100 consecutive fullcontact fights,” explained Salehi of what the kumite involved.
The husband and father of two now trains out of the Chikara Dojo in Footscray under the guidance of Shihan Judd Reid, and is preparing to representing Australia at the 2025 Full Contact Karate World Championship in Tokyo.
“This is the most prestigious and competitive full-contact karate tournament in the world, featuring the best fighters from every continent,” said Salehi. “Representing Australia in this global arena is both a great honor and a major personal milestone.”
Twentyman vote ‘insult’
By Cade Lucas
Three Maribyrnong councillors who voted against a proposal to name a meeting room at the council chambers after Les Twentyman, have defended their decision, arguing the late youth worker deserves better recognition.
Greens councillors Bernadette Thomas, Samantha Meredith and Elena Pereyra sparked outrage when they voted against the proposal at a council meeting on April 15.
The proposal was carried 4-3, but Mr Twentyman’s widow, Cherie Coon, who was presentatthemeeting,expressedangeratthe councillors who opposed it.
“It was disgraceful and an insult to the memory of Les who has given so much to
the community in Maribyrnong,” said Ms Coon who added that mayor Pradeep Tiwari apologised to her afterwards.
Les Twentyman Foundation chief executive Paul Burke was also present and saiditwasdisappointingtohavebeeninvited to what should have been a celebration of Mr Twentyman’s life and legacy, but instead became a topic of debate.
“We are stunned that three councillors would vote against a memorial for such a significant local community figure, whose work over many decades has helped thousands of kids in Maribyrnong to a brighter future – for that discussion to happen in front of his widow was appalling.”
Speaking on behalf of the three Greens councillors, Cr Thomas said Mr Twentyman
deserved a memorial that reflected his decades of youth work in the community.
“We fully support doing more to honour his legacy, and given his life-long dedication to youth work, would love for the memorial to be really visible in spaces young people use,” Cr Thomas said.
“We wanted to see the council choose a different location than a meeting room, in consultation with young people in our community, his family, and the foundation. If that isn’t possible, we still support the memorial.”
Cr Thomas and Cr Pereyra made similar arguments at Tuesday night’s meeting where both appeared via video link.
They argued naming a basketball court at Rec West in Braybrook after Mr Twentyman
would be a more fitting, but Cr Cuc Lam, who moved the motion, disagreed, saying it wouldn’t be appropriate.
CrMeredithwastheonlyGreenscouncillor present at the meeting, but did not speak on the proposal, later telling Star Weekly she was not afforded time.
Cr Meredith said she wanted more time to discuss a better memorial for Mr Twentyman and that she tried to explain this to his widow, Ms Coon.
She said the Greens councillor’s voted independently and not as a block.
The Les Twentyman Foundation is expected to meet with the three councillors to discuss the matter.
Mr Twentyman died in March last year aged 76 after a long illness.
Pouya Salehi is a former Iranian national karate champion, but now represents Australia.
(Damjan Janevski) 471678_01
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line 26 to 27 April
North Melbourne to Sunbury 10 to 11 May
Road disruptions: Road closed
Ferris Road, Melton 4am 3 May to 11.59pm 4 May
North Melbourne to Sunshine
Arden Station
Maribyrnong rates set to rise
By Cade Lucas
Maribyrnong ratepayers will be slugged with an average rate increase of three per cent in the next financial year, according to council’s proposed 2025-2026 budget.
Both the proposed budget and draft revenue and rating for 2025-2029 were passed at a meeting of Maribyrnong council on April 15 and are now open for public comment.
The $144.78 million budget, projected to have an underlying surplus of $12.4 million, is based on a three per cent increase in rates which is in line with the state government’s imposed rate cap.
Council argues the rate increase is needed to maintain services and infrastructure while
dealing with increased costs.
The extra revenue will help pay for a $63.9 million capital works program of which more than $20 million will go towards aquatic, sports and recreation facilities and major projects.
Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre will receive nearly $10 million for the continuation of the Splash Park project and to convert its energy supply from gas to electricity.
A new pavilion at Hansen Reserve in West Footscray will receive $5 million, while the demolition of RecWest Footscray and upgrade of Shorten Reserve has been allocated $2.5 million.
The design and planning process for the proposed Creative West performing arts
centre in Footscray will receive $1 million.
Traffic management and road rehabilitation willreceive$15.5million,includingjustunder $10 million for projects such as distributor roadupgradesalongSummerhillRoadinWest Footscray and Mitchell Street in Maribyrnong and designs for the next phase of upgrades at the Joseph Road precinct in Footscray.
Just under $9 million has been allocated for parks and gardens and $6 million for streetscape improvements including Barkly Village, Clark Street Park and Bunbury Street in Footscray.
Master planning for Pipemakers Park, Yarraville Gardens and Footscray Park will receive $4 million.
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari
thanked members of the public who contributed to the budget by sharing their spending priorities during community consultation late last year.
“We have – as much as possible – considered what is most important to you in our decisions, while balancing both the cost of living challenges for ratepayers and the challenging economic climate in which we all operate,” Cr Tiwari said.
More community feedback is now being sought on the proposed budget and draft revenue and rating plan, with both open for comment until midnight on Wednesday, May 14.
Details: https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com. au/budget
Arsonists attack Yarraville restaurant again
The co-owner of Greek restaurant in Yarraville damaged by a suspicious fire on Easter Monday said it’s devastating to have suffered a second arson attack in less than a year.
A white SUV was rammed into the rear entrance of Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar on Canterbury Street and set alight shortly before 4.30am on April 21.
Fire crews arrived soon after and required breathing apparatus to enter the building and prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring businesses.
The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire which is being investigated by police.
The attack on the restaurant came just days after it hosted the launch of co-owner Eleftheria Amanatidis’ memoir and cookbook, Ela na Fame, which she wrote while the businesses was closed following an arson attack on June 28 last year.
On that occasion, arsonists attacked the front entrance of the restaurant on Yarraville’s Anderson Street shopping strip, causing extensive damage which tool until November to repair.
In a statement, Ms Amanatidis said the latest attack was far less serious with only an outdoor dining area affected.
“The main dining room and kitchen of Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar, along with Jimmy’s Deli next door, have not been damaged,” she said, adding that all customers with bookings had been contacted and they were working to reopen as soon as it was safe to do so.
“Resilience is in my blood,” Ms Amanatidis declared.
“Our family has been running businesses in Yarraville since 1971, and that 54-year history gives us the determination to face whatever challenges come our way.”
Ms Amanatidis opened Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar 2018 and co-owns it and the
neighbouring Jimmy’s Deli, with her sister Natalie.
Their grandparents Jimmy and Eleni ran a tavern and a butcher shop in Yarraville in the 1970’s, before Jimmy became the long serving president of the Yarraville Glory soccer club.
Their great grandfather Antonios
Amanatidis was the founding priest of the nearby St Nicholas Greek Orthodox church.
Speaking to StarWeeklyat the book launch last week, Ms Amanatidis said writing it provided a welcome distraction following last year’s fire.
“Obviously that was such a hard time for me and I was struggling to pick myself up and the book sort of reaffirmed for me that this is why I am doing what I am doing,” she said.
“That’ssortofmysilverliningoutofthefire.”
Cade Lucas The SUV which was rammed into the rear entrance of Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar in Yarraville and set alight early on Easter Monday morning. (Supplied)
Election battle to bypass Fraser
By Cade Lucas
A host of marginal seats across metropolitan Melbourne could decide the outcome of the May 3 federal election, but the western suburbs seat of Fraser isn’t among them.
Held by Labor’s Dr Daniel Mulino by a margin of more than 16 per cent, the seat covering all of of the Maribyrnong council area, most of Brimbank, and following a redistribution, some northern parts of Hobsons Bay, is one of the Albanese government’s safest, immune to even a historic swing against it.
That hasn’t stopped five candidates from across the political spectrum lining up to take on Dr Mulino in the seat named after for Liberal Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser and which was only created in 2018.
The Greens Huong Truong, the Liberal Party’s Satish Patel, Jasmin Duff of the
Victoria Socialists, Rob Rancie of Family first and One Nation’s George Rozario will join Dr Mulino on the ballot on May 3.
Buoyed by their strong performances in Footscray and Maribyrnong at both the last state and council elections, the Greens campaign has been particularly enthusiastic, with a $4 million dollar public art gallery at the Footscray Community Arts Centre their bigges proposal so far.
The Victoria Socialists also performed strongly in Footscray at the 2022 state election and their candidate Jasmine Duff has been joined by the party’s senate candidate, affordable housing advocate and Tik Tok star, Jordan van den Lam, aka Purple Pingers, on the campaign trial.
Like the Greens, the Victoria Socialists are benefiting from the continued gentrification of Footscray and the addition of inner-west suburbs like Spotswood and Yarraville from
neighbouring Gellibrand.
Further west in the the old industrial suburbs around Braybrook, Sunshine and St Albans, the Greens and Victoria Socialists are likely to be less of a threat to Labor, which is committing $2 billion to the redevelopment of Sunshine Station, by far the biggest election promise in the seat so far.
The Sunshine Station funding is opposed by the Liberal Party, making the job of its candidate, Satish Patel, even harder.
A candidate for Wyndham council at last year’s municipal elections, Mr Patel was only announced as Liberal candidate for Fraser on April 7, more than a week after the election was called.
Thedelaywascausedbytheparty’sprevious candidate, Luan Walker, having to stand down in March after being found in breach of Section 44 of the constitution by having dual Vietnamese citizenship.
What the Fraser candidates say
Huong Truong - Greens
I’m the daughter of Vietnamese refugees and a local mum. As a policy-maker, I’ve worked for decades to protect our environment anbd the livability of our suburbs. As a community organiser, I know when our diverse communities see a need, we’ll find a way. Only the Greens have a plan to tax the billionaires and invest in the West. Let’s get dental and mental health into Medicare; stop unlimited rent rises and bring down mortgages; ensure no new coal and gas. The Greens never take dirty corporate donations. So I’ll always work in our communities best interests. This election, Vote 1 Greens.
Rob Rancie - Family First
I know what hard work, family, and common sense look like. I started a financial planning business over 40 years ago—now it’s run by my three sons and employs over 10 staff. With a degree in economics and years spent as a school teacher, I bring real-life experience to the table. My wife and I raised ten children, spent four years in China doing charity work and I’ve also been a local church pastor. I’ll work to bring down power prices by scrapping net zero, protect faith-based schools, and stand up to radical gender ideology being pushed in our classrooms.
Daniel Mulino - Australian Labor Party
It’s been a privilege to represent Fraser for the past six years. It’s a vibrant, hard-working community and you’d struggle to find more generous people than those who call the West home. But we have our fair share of challenges. I am asking for your vote so we can meet those challenges together and continue to build on the progress we’ve made since the last election. More access to bulk-billed GP appointments; more affordable housing; $2 billion for Sunshine Station. This election, Australians face a choice: Dutton’s cuts or a Labor government committed to a brighter, fairer future for all.
Jasmine Duff - Victoria Socialists I’ve spent years as a community activist, and I’m running for Fraser because I can’t stand watching the rich get richer while working class people struggle to put roofs over our heads. It doesn’t have to be like this. I’ll fight for price controls on staple goods, lower mortgage interest rates and caps on rents to make housing affordable. We need a rapid expansion of public housing, free and accessible childcare and to reverse privatisation of core services. If I’m elected, I will only take the wage of an average nurse and donate the rest to community campaigns
George Rozario - One Nation I’m running for Fraser because our community deserves a strong, honest voice in Canberra—someone who puts Australians first. As your One Nation candidate, I will fight for secure borders, lower living costs, better local services, and real support for working families and small businesses. I stand for free speech, traditional Australian values, and accountable government—not political games or global agendas. Fraser needs a representative who listens and acts with integrity. I’m ready to stand up for everyday Australians—no spin, just straight talk and action. Let’s bring real change to Fraser - together.
Satish Patel - Liberal Party
Labor’s cost of living crisis is hurting the entire Fraser community. Rent is up, housing is up, groceries are up, electricity is up, insurance is up. Only a Coalition government led by Peter Dutton has a plan to provide sustainable cost of living relief. We will cut petrol tax by 25 cents a litre, saving families with two cars $1,500 a year. And we will deliver most Australians up to $1200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return for the upcoming 2025-26 financial year. Australians cannot afford another three years of Labor. It’s time to get Australia back on track.
“surprising”
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has confirmed it will not place any voting information advertisements in local community newspapers across Melbourne ahead of the upcoming federal election, sparking outrage from local publishers and community leaders.
The decision means crucial details about where and how to vote will be absent from dozens of free local community newspapers that serve Melbourne’s diverse and often disadvantaged outer suburbs.
The AEC claims that information for these areas will be “covered by the metro papers.” However, this ignores the fundamental role local community newspapers such as Star Weekly play in reaching culturally and linguistically diverse communities, newly settled residents, and those who may not access or trust mainstream media.
“Our democracy relies on everyone knowing how to vote correctly and being informed about their options,” said democracy campaigner at the Australian Democracy Network, Ray Yoshida.
“Local community newspapers can be a vital source of trustworthy information, so it’s surprising to hear that the AEC has cut election advertising to these outlets.
“Given a number of seats in Melbourne’s west could decide the election outcome, why is the AEC cutting down on advertising in local papers that serve those areas? These voters – including many first-time voters –need more information about the electoral process, not less.”
Star Weekly managing director Paul Thomas said the move was discriminatory and undermined democratic values.
“The AEC’s decision effectively disenfranchises the very communities who need support the most. Our local community newspapers are trusted, local voices— cutting them out of the electoral process is indefensible,” he said.
Many publishers of local community newspapers have expressed frustration at the AEC’s unwillingness to reconsider the move, noting that fringe suburbs are home to large populations of migrants, elderly voters, and young first-time voters—groups traditionally under-represented at the ballot box.
Community groups and media organisations are calling on the AEC to reverse its decision and include local community newspapers in its election advertising campaigns, ensuring every Australian has fair and equal access to voting information.
Requests for clarification from the AEC were not answered directly.
The electoral map for the seat of Fraser. (Supplied)
Police shooting sparks outrage
By Cade Lucas
Outraged Footscray residents are demanding more support services and less police in the areaafterofficersshotdeadamanwhocharged at them with a knife on Thursday night.
Somalian refugee Abdifatah Ahmed, 35, was shot and killed at about 9pm on April 17 near the corner of Paisley and Albert streets in Footscray.
Mr Ahmed, of no fixed address, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.
Commander Tim Tully said two officers called to the scene told the man to drop the weapon.
“I’m told he didn’t, and charged at police armedwithaknife,”saidCmdrTullyonFriday.
“At that point, I’m told both police officers shot the man, causing fatal injuries.“
Homicide squad detectives will investigate the shooting with oversight from Victoria Police’s Professional Standards Command, the internal anti-corruption division.
Cmdr Tully said the shooting was a “tragic incident“ but stood by both officers’ actions.
“In these circumstances the members deemed that the firearms were appropriate,“ he said.
“I have certainly informed both members that they have my full support with respect to their actions that they’ve been forced to take.“
ThedeathofMrAhmed,whowaswellknown on the streets of Footscray and believed to have suffered from mental illness, has sparked anger among locals, some of whom linked it to a beefed up police presence in the suburb announced as part of a crime crackdown just days earlier.
“One week ago we had a release from the Victoria Police where they said they were going to have a heavy response in Footscray, they were gonna have a tough show of force
and it took less than a week for us to have a community member dead,” said Footscray resident Gemma Carafella at a candlelight vigil shehelpedorganiseoutsidetheFootscrayPlaza shopping centre on Friday night, less than 24 hours after Mr Ahmed’s death.
About 80 people gathered for the vigil, with many holding placards reading ‘Community CareNotCops’,‘ServicesNotBullets’and‘Stop Police Killings’.
Crime in central Footscray has surged over the past 18 months, with Mr Ahmed’s death
occurring in almost the exact spot where a young man suffered life threatening injuries in a stabbing on February 21.
Ms Carafella said simply throwing more police at the problem was exactly the wrong approach.
“It’s absolutely appalling to have such uninformed response to what is a social and health issue,” she said.
“Weneedinvestmentincareinthisarea.We need investment in housing, in health and in community mental health and instead of that
we’ve got police with police dogs and weapons and now within a week, someone dead.”
Ms Carafella spoke at the vigil alongside others including Maribyrnong councillor Mohamed Semra, social activist and African community leader Dr Berhan Ahmed, local resident Maree Pardy and Ilo Diaz from the Centre Against Racial Profiling. Another protest was planned for Tuesday, April 22.
- with AAP
Dr Berhan Ahmed addresses the vigil on the corner of Paisley and Albert streets in Footscray on Good Friday evening.
Vigil organiser Sam Elkin lights candles in front of Footscray Plaza on April 18. (Cade Lucas: 473327)
Footscray resident Maree Pardy addresses a vigil on Friday night for Abdifatah Ahmed who was shot and killed by police on April 17.
Fear spreads of Russian invasion
In 1854, Melbourne’s main topic of conversation was the Crimean War and the brutal atrocities of the Russian Army.
Whentheconflictbeganin1853,Melbourne became very wary of Russians. After all, Victoria had vast goldfields that no enemy could resist plundering, so the authorities asked Sydney to spare some troops, and Sydney responded by sending a small force to protect the southern city.
The continuing hostilities in the Crimea convinced Melbourne that the Russians would soon be on their way to commit wholesale pillage of the colony.
Companies of eager volunteers were organised to repel the enemy, fortifications were hastily thrown up along the coast, and the population settled down to await the inevitable invasion.
Shortly after nightfall on 7th September 1854, the unmistakable sound of cannon fire boomedoverHobson’sBay.Itwasimmediately followed by showers of rockets exploding in the sky, and sharp bursts of artillery fire. All over Melbourne, homes and pubs were rapidly emptied as the cry went up: “The Russians are here!”
Terror-stricken mobsin Port Melbourne pointed to a sinister red glow in the sky.
“Look- they’re burning Williamstown!”
Volunteers scurried to their assembly points
while the regulars marched to their posts, determined to defend Melbourne to the last man. Civilians charged around collecting an impressive assortment of muskets, waddies and pitchforks and by the time the news reached Governor Hotham and Captain Lonsdale, the city was armed to the teeth.
Captain William Lonsdale, formerly of the 4th Regiment, immediately mounted his horse and galloped importantly into Melbourne, which reverberated with rockets and guns blasting away all over the port.
Stopping a fear-crazed civilian who brandished a shovel at him, Lonsdale sharply asked for the latest news.
“Russians,” the fellow babbled.
“They landed at Williamstown, but the 40th Regiment beat them off. Now they’re coming up the Yarra!“
“They’ve sunk most of our ships,” panted a passer-by.
“The boys at the Williamstown breakwater have killed hundreds of them.”
Everywhere Lonsdale looked, he saw frenziedpreparationsforwar.Innkeeperswere handing out free grog to the gallant troops on their way to the front.
Prepared for a long siege, women were hauling in food supplies, and several elderly gents were practising duelling with enormous enthusiasm.
Believing that it was only a matter of time before the city was overrun by wild Tartars and sword-waving Cossacks, Lonsdale took his horse at full steam to Port Melbourne.
En route, it struck him that despite the terrible bombardment going on, the Russians were very poor shots indeed. For a city that was being sacked and burned, Melbourne appeared to be remarkably intact.
With a grunt, Lonsdale reined in at the beach of Port Melbourne, where an enormous crowd was demonstrating its willingness to die in defence of the city. They were joined by the 12th Regiment, who, with a squeal of fifes, announced that they, too, were ready to sacrifice their lives. Drums throbbed, bugles blew, and the lads took up a fighting stance with fixed bayonets.
Screams of rage and terror burst out as more cannon fire rocked the beach. Ladies wept and bade farewell to their doomed lovers, and one poor young volunteer, finding the situation intolerable, disgraced himself by bursting into tears and howling for his mother.
Lonsdale remained on his horse, drumming impatient fingers on the pommel. Straining his eyes in the gloom, he shouted, “Where are the confounded Russians!?”
As the hysteria of the crowd made it clear that no intelligible answer was forthcoming, the captain angrily forced his way through the swarm and ferreted out the habourmaster, who was happily drinking rum in the comfort of his office.
To Lonsdale’s curt query, the fellow laughed his head off. “Russians? Bless you sir, it’s only the Great Britain celebrating her arrival.”
The iron-hulled Great Britain, until 1853 holding the crown as the world’s largest passenger ship, was the most reliable of all emigrant vessels. Her principal engineer was the famous Isambard
Brunel; his assistant the aptly named Thomas Guppy.
The ship wasn’t guaranteed unsinkable, but nervous voyagers felt reassured when told about these wonderful men.
Lonsdale’s enquiries revealed that the Great Britain, on her third voyage to Australia
and with hundreds of passengers on board, had recently spent three tiresome weeks in quarantine at Portsea, owing to a smallpox scare after a passenger had died.
The dread yellow flag had been hoisted and the ship docked at the Sanitary Station where isolation was so strict that passengers and crew were not allowed even to post letters to their loved ones.
Everyone was vaccinated. No sympathy whatsoever was shown to the whingers who grumbled about the inconvenience to seven hundred people that had been created by one passenger’s death. Either you submitted to the jab, or you were marooned at Portsea for the rest of your days. It is a moot point if any of their descendants were amongst those who groused about the Covid lockdowns in Melbourne...
As soon as it was confirmed that there were no further cases of the terrible disease, the Great Britain thankfully sailed to Melbourne.
On seeing the friendly lights of Hobson’s Bay, her skipper, the amiable Scotsman, Captain John Grey, felt so happy to be back in civilisation that he decided, without first asking anyone’s permission, to fire his cannons.
The crews of anchored ships, delighted to relieve the boredom, responded with their own cannons, as well as rifles, rockets and flares.
Blissfully unaware of the terror that reigned on shore, they were enjoying the impromptu display immensely.
Satisfied that no Russians were lurking in Hobsons Bay, Captain Lonsdale rode off to report to Governor Hotham, and the troops packed their rifles and went quietly home.
Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she writes of the panic that spread through Williamstown and surrounding suburbs in the 1850s when residents thought Russian invaders had arrived to pillage the colony.
Barb McNeill in her Williamstown study. (Damjan Janevski) 432421_03
Letterbox material ‘hateful’: MP
Police are investigating disturbing material placed in letterboxes throughout Melbourne’s north western suburbs after being alerted by a Federal MP .
Gellibrand MP Tim Watts took to social media on Friday April 11 to condemn what he called “hateful material” that had been found in the letterboxes across his electorate which covers Hobsons Bay and parts of Maribyrnong and Wyndham.
Mr Watts said the material had been distributed by people from outside the local community and that he’d reported the matter to both state and federal authorities.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police
confirmedtheyhadreceivedthecomplaintand were investigating.
“There is absolutely no place in our society for racist or hate-based behaviour,” the spokesperson said.
A complaint was also lodged with the AustralianFederalPolice(AFP)whichdeclined to comment.
It’s believed the material was distributed by far-right groups and not linked to any candidates running in the current federal election.
“Iknowthismaterialhasbeendistressingfor the people who have received it because it’s an attack on our values as a community,” said Mr
Watts in a message posted to his social media post on Friday, April 11.
“If you receive this distressing material - bin it - and remember that our diversity is part of what makes our community great,” he added.
Mr Watts declined to comment any further on the matter, saying he did not want to give those behind it any more publicity.
“There’s no need for anyone to share this rubbish anywhere.”
If this issue has caused you distress or concern,contact:
Lifeline at 13 11 14
beyondblue at 1300 22 4636
MensLine 1300 789 978
fund
Labor to fund Islamic Centre upgrade
The Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) in Newport will receive an upgrade to its sports and activity facilities if the Labor government is re-elected next month.
Federal Youth Minister Dr Anne Aly joined Gellibrand MP Tim Watts, Williamstown MP Melissa Horne and members of the AIC executive at the Newport centre on Monday April 14 to announce $385,000 in funding for the upgrade should Labor win the May 3 election.
The funding will pay for the construction of a roof over the AIC’s existing outdoor sports and activity area, meaning it can be used regardless of the weather.
The space will cater for Muslim and
multi-faithgroupsinNewportandsurrounds, many of whom attend the AIC’s mosque and use its facilities including a school, library and sporting clubs.
In making the announcement, Mr Watts said he was proud to represent one of the most multicultural electorates in the country, but that multiculturalism worked best when it was invested in.
“This project will build on AIC’s excellent work to bring our community together, fostering activities for our multicultural faith groups, women and youth to come together, celebrate together and play together,” Mr Watts said.
Greens candidate for Gellibrand, Ponraj
Pollution fine increased
An environmental pollution event that led to the death of tonnes of fish, the pollution of Cherry Creek and lake and the loss of the community’s use of the waterway for several weeks has ended with a $120,000 fine in court.
An original fine of $8,000 was successfully appealed by the director of public prosecution in consultation with EPA Victoria as too low given the magnitude of the damage, inconvenience and cost incurred.
InMarch2022,asmallfireintheMelbourne Transport and Warehousing (MTAW) facility in William Angliss Drive, Laverton North, that was managed with on site fire protection, led to the discharge of thousands of litres of chemicals to Cherry Creek.
A major clean up effort was put in place that lasted several weeks.
In November 2024, the court imposed
a fine of $8,000 and prosecution costs on MTAW which was appealed. In Court on 15 April 2025, His judge Lewis imposed a fine of $120,000 and a conviction. MTAW will also pay $80,000 in costs to the EPA. .
“EPA consulted with the DPP which lodged the appeal. It’s important to send a clear message to all industry that there will be meaningful penalties for failing to protect the environment,” said EPA CEO Lee Miezis.
“While fire management on site at MTAW preventedamajorblaze,therewereinadequate controls to stop chemicals discharging into a public waterway, at great cost to the community.
“Emergency services, EPA and Melbourne Water all moved quickly to minimise damage but more should have been done before there was an emergency to manage.”
Krishna Pandi, welcomed the promised investment, but said Labor had failed the Muslim community during the war in Gaza by not holding to Israel account for its alleged war crimes and refusing to recognise a Palestine as a state.
“Announcements like this appear to be part of a broader damage control effort, rather than a genuine commitment to justice or long-term community empowerment,” Mr Krishna Pandi said.
The AIC was contacted for comment as were the other candidates for the seat of Gellibrand, which is considered one of Labor’s safest, with a 11.5 per cent.
Legalactionhasbeenlaunchedagainsta Yarraville estate agency and its director for allegedly breaching the state’s underquoting laws.
Nicholas Skapoulas and his agency, Nicholas Scott Real Estate, will face a VCAT hearing after Consumer Affairs Victoria’s underquoting taskforce initiateditsfirstdisciplinaryproceeding. Disciplinary proceedings can lead to the suspension or cancellation of an estate agent’s licence.
After reviewing multiple sales campaigns managed by Nicholas Scott, the taskforce will allege that Mr Skapoulas and his agency committed several breaches of underquoting laws for 11 separate properties they were engaged to sell.
The alleged breaches include repeatedly supplying statements of information that did not comply with the law such as advertising an indicative selling price lower than the estimated selling price they’d given the seller. Statements of information are documents designed to help a buyer assesswhethertheycanaffordaproperty or not and usually include the indicative sellingprice,themediansellingpricefor properties in the same suburb, and the details of three comparable properties recently sold.
Under Victoria’s underquoting laws, statements of information must be provided for all properties for sale.
Nicholas Scott is also alleged to have failed to comply with a statutory notice issued by taskforce officers.
ThematterhasbeenfiledatVCATand will be heard at a date to be determined.
From left: Williamstown MP Melissa Horne, Australian Islamic Centre College principal Majida Ali, Minister for Youth Dr Anne Aly, Gellibrand MP Tim Watts and Australian Islamic Centre board members Malek Houli, Mohamed Alhawli and Azzam Barakat at the announcement on Monday that Labor would
an upgrade of sporting facilities at the Newport centre if re-elected. (Supplied)
Gellibrand MP, Tim Watts. (Supplied)
Bert’s screen odyssey
Kingsville filmmaker and projectionist Bert Murphy’s career has come full circle, or in keeping with the theme, full reel as Cade Lucas reports.
It was Murphy’s love of going to the cinema and watching movies that first got him into being a projectionist and then a filmmaker.
And it was that love of film and film projectors that eventually led him to making a feature length documentary, one that finally saw him projected onto screens rather than being the one doing the projecting or sitting in the cinema watching.
That documentary is Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey, originally released in 2022, but which is now streaming on SBS On Demand where it will remain for the rest of the year.
Part biography, part cinematic and cultural history and partly a tale of how one of the world’s most famous directors and his newly released blockbuster were lured to an independent Yarraville movie theatre, Splice Here is centred on the movie business’s early 2010’s transition from film to digital.
“I guess, in a nutshell, it’s about the survival oftheprojectedfilmexperience,”saidMurphy who as a projectionist - the person in bowels of the theatre operating the arcane machinery that transports a movie from a film reel to a cinemascreen-hadbothavestedinterestedin and a ringside seat to, the most consequential change in motion picture history.
“Itreallycoversthe10yearsofthetransition from protecting film to digital, so it goes into all of the arguments that occurred at the time, and still carry on, about what’s the difference, why is it better or why is it worse and why should we hang on to it?”
Such arguments are hardly unique to cinema. From music to photography to television and even journalism, the 21st Century has brought about a change from analogue to digital formats and the array of pros and cons that come with it.
But with film, this change is much more definitive.
Given the size, expense and complexity of analogue film making and projecting equipment, the scarcity of theatres able to accommodate them, and the fragility of the film reels themselves, the move to digital has meant vast swathes of movie making history, quite literally, being thrown in the bin.
And while most movie goers were unaware this fundamental change was occurring, for a film nerd like Murphy, it was a moment in time that just had to be captured.
“When the transition to digital started, I kind of felt like I just wanted to document what we’re about to lose.”
At the time Murphy was working as a projectionist and filmmaker at Yarraville’s Sun Theatre, a role he still has today and which proved pivotal in allowing him to make the documentary.
The owner of the Sun Theatre, Michael Smith, would eventually become executive producer of Splice Here and remembers working alongside Murphy when he first had the idea.
“My memory of it is that the project came about organically because when we started removing film projects - I have another business installing projectors - and all of a
sudden we found ourselves going around removing machines in some cases been around for 50 years to replace them with electronic projectors that we knew wouldn’t last as long,” recalled Smith.
“Bert, as an inquisitive filmmaker, thought thatthiswasamomentoustimeinfilmhistory and it needed to be recorded.”
With assistance from producer and cinematographer, Joanne Donohoe-Beckwith, Murphy set about doing just that while weaving in his own story and a potted history of Australian cinema, as well.
The film begins by retracing Murphy’s own path into film making and projecting, from a Star Wars obsessed teenager living on Melbourne’s outskirts in the late 70’s, to later becoming a regular at grand old Melbourne theatre houses such as the Valhalla in Richmond and the Astor in St Kilda, in the 1980’s and into the industry proper in the 1990’s
Murphy then ventures back further still to the halcyon days of the 1940’s and 50’s and venues like the Regent Theatre on Collins Street, which was the only Australian theatre equipped with cutting-edge ‘Cinerama’ technology that used 35mm projectors to project images onto a deeply curved screen, turning movie going into a theatrical event.
He also travels around Australia and overseas to interview fellow projectionists and film industry luminaries such as director Douglas Trumbull and reviewer Leonard Maltin.
And of course there’s footage of Murphy and his fellow projectionists on the job, performing the precise, labour intensive and complex work of projecting a film onto a screen.
But according to Smith, the crucial point in the development of the documentary and the story it tells came in 2016, courtesy of one of the world’s most famous directors.
“The turning point is Quentin Tarantino deciding that film need to be saved at all cost and the Hateful Eight came along and turned everything round again.”
A western thriller starring Samuel L Jackson and Kurt Russell, the Hateful Eight was Tarantino’s ninth movie and in keeping with the director’s enigmatic, Hollywood history buff reputation, he decided a longer
Theatre to be one of them and the latter half of the documentary follows his quest to find and install a 70mm projector in order to secure a screening and, hopefully, an appearance from Tarantino himself.
As the documentary shows, he also had to overcome Smith’s pessimism.
“I was enthusiastic, but we were doing it not even knowing if we would get a print, so we proceeded cautiously,” said Smith, who was also preparing for a solo flight around the world at this point, also the subject of a documentary.
Fortunately, Smith returned from his round the world flight to good news; they’d secured a 70mm projector and a screening.
The Hateful Eight screened at the Sun Theatre in January 2016, with Samuel L Jackson and Quentin Tarantino making the trip as well.
“Ohmygoodness,diditworkout,”declared Smith almost a decade on.
“It put us on the map.”
After the screening, Tarantino made his way up to the ‘box’, the booth where Murphy had been at work on the 70mm projector, putting the Hateful Eight on screen.
“He came up and said hello afterwards and I had 15 minutes alone to chat with him, which was lovely,” said Murphy of his conversation with Tarantino, some of which was filmed for the documentary which the man himself showed great interest in.
“Hesaid,‘thedocumentarysoundsfantastic and if you can get over to LA, you know, I’ll give you an interview,’ recalled Murphy.
“And of course, that didn’t happen because of COVID-19 and so forth.”
Even getting Tarantino to sign a release form allowing his image to be used at all, proved difficult, until a chance encounter that reads like a movie script.
“I tried for years, and I could not get to him (Tarantino) and then, quite by chance, I was in LA, and I got into an Uber, and the guy who was driving said ’I used to work for WME’ which is Tarantino’s agency. And he said, ‘ I can get this for you.’ And he did!”
versionshoton70mmfilmwouldbesubjectto a limited, roadshow release in select theatres worldwide.
Murphy was determined for the Sun
It sounds like scene out of another of Tarantino’s movie’s : Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey is streaming now at: https://www.sbs.com.au/ ondemand/
Western suburbs filmmaker Bert Murphy has made a documentary about the end of film which features Quentin Tarantino’s visit to Yarraville’s Sun Theatre in 2016. (Damjan Janevski) 468099_04
Top: Producer and cinematographer Joanne Donahoe-Beck at work on the documentary. Centre: Bert Murphy pictured on set during the filming of his documentary Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey. Bottom: A picture of a projector taken during the filming of Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey, which depicts the phasing out of such machines during the transition from analogue to digital film making. (Pictures: Supplied)
Where to remember
April 25 will be a busy day across Hobsons Bay with no less than six Anzac Day events and serviceshappeningacrossthemunicipality.
As usual, commemorations will begin well before the sun rises with dawn services at Williamstown, Altona, Spotswood and Seabrook.
The dawn service at the Williamstown Cenotaph in Nelson Place is set to draw the biggest crowd, with commemorations starting at5.30amandrunningthroughuntil6.30am.
Motorists are advised that road closures will beinplacearoundtheeventsite.
In Altona, a march led by three pipers and airforce cadets will start from the RSL and finish at the cenotaph outside the civic centre, whereadawnservicewillthentakeplace.
Events will run from 5.45am to 6.30pm and roadclosureswillbeineffectfrom5amto7am.
A later dawn service will take place at Homestead Run Reserve in Seabrook, with commemorations beginning at 6.30am and
ANZAC DAY 2025 Hobsons Bay
Services and events
Altona RSL March and Commemoration Service
Saturday 12 April
Altona RSL and Civic Centre Cenotaph
March Time: 2.45pm (Leaves Altona RSL)
Service Time: 3pm to 3.30pm (at Cenotaph)
Seabrook Community Commemoration
Friday 25 April
Homestead Run Reserve
Time: 6.30am to 7.30am
Williamstown Dawn Service
Friday 25 April
Williamstown Cenotaph
Time: 5.30am to 6.30am
Altona RSL March and Dawn Service
Friday 25 April
Altona Civic Centre Cenotaph
March Time: 5.45am (Leaves Altona RSL)
Service Time: 6am to 6.30am (at Cenotaph)
Spotswood/ Kingsville RSL Dawn Service
Friday 25 April
Spotswood Kingsville RSL, 59 The Avenue, Spotswood Time: 5.50am to 6.20am
Newport RSL Commemorative Service
Friday 25 April
Paine Reserve, Newport Time: 1pm to 2pm
Spotswood/ Kingsville RSL Family Commemorative Service
Friday 25 April
Spotswood Kingsville RSL, 59 The Avenue, Spotswood Time: 11am to 12pm
For more information please call 1300 179 944 or visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
concludingat7.30am.
The Spotswood Kingsville RSL will hold a dawn service in its memorial garden from 5.50am to 6.20am, and then later in the morning a family commemorative service will beheldattheplacefrom11amto12pm.
In the afternoon, the Newport RSL will hold its commemorative service at Paine Reserve from1pmto2pm.
In Maribyrnong there will be no official Anzac Day services, with residents advised to attend those in Hobsons Bay, Brimbank or at theShrineofRemembranceinthecity.
The Footscray Cycling Club will be holding their traditional Anzac Day criterium, the Bob Robson Memorial, however the 64th edition of the race will this year be held in Hoppers Crossing.
Racing starts at 1pm, at the Victoria University (VUT) Skills Training Centre in Hoppers Lane, with the main women’s race heldat2pmandthemen’sraceat3pm.
Briefs
Speed signs
There will be new portable solar powered speed advisory signs in Footscray thanks to funding from the latest round of the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program (LGGP). Maribyrnong council is one of 38 local governments who will share more than $2.5 million from the latest round of grants announced on April 16 by Roads and Road Safety Minister, Melissa Horne. Due to the amount of trucks and bike riders travelling through the municipality, cyclist and pedestrian safety is a particularly big issue in Maribyrnong and it’s hoped the new signs will ensure all road users are more aware of speeds on local roads.
Waste fine
A Braybrook company was fined $5,928 by EPA Victoria over a stockpile of industrial waste found on a property at Gisborne. EPA officers fined First Choice Demolition Pty Ltd for failing to comply with an official order called an Environmental Action Notice (EAN). Officers issued the EAN after the CFA reported the stockpile as a potential fire hazard. The stockpile included construction and demolition waste, most of it waste timber in scattered piles. Report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or online at epa.vic.gov.au/ report-pollution/reporting-pollution FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Keeping women’s hearts healthy
By Oscar Parry
Australia’s national heart health awareness week Heart Week, May 5–11, is a chance for people to consider their heart health and take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of illness and death among Australian women, taking more women’s lives than breast cancer each year.
Almost every hour, an Australian woman dies of heart disease and women are more likely to face worse outcomes after a heart attack compared to men.
Heart Foundation senior manager of healthcare programs and clinical strategy
Natalie Raffoul said that while chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women, data shows that women are more likely than men to have non-chest pain symptoms, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; pain that radiates down thearm,shoulders,back,neck,orjaw;dizziness or a faint feeling; sweating or cold chills; and nausea or vomiting.
“We know that women are less likely to be recognised in terms of their symptoms of heart attack,” Ms Raffoul said.
“These symptoms often are overlooked or are not triaged as fast as they are for men … so,
as a woman, you experience greater delays in accessing treatment when experiencing a heart attack compared to men,” she said.
“Sadly,wealsoknowthatwhenwomendoget treated after experiencing a heart attack, they are more likely to experience worse outcomes – higher rates of mortality and complications compared to men.”
Ms Raffoul said that while further research is needed, possible reasons for these worse outcomes could be under-recognition of symptoms, delay in getting to hospital, or possible complications relating medicines and
procedures that are used to treat heart attacks that need to be studied further.
“Historically, not a lot of women are represented in clinical trials in this research area.So,someofitmighthavetodowithbetter understanding how women respond to the treatment strategies available in hospitals,” she said.
She said that while research has improved in this area, there is still room to improve.
Ms Raffoul said this could be anything that helps researchers prioritise the presence of women in their clinical trials and “research that’s funded to specifically answer questions about how women respond to treatments,” includingthoseatriskorpronetocertaintypes of heart conditions.
She said that risk factors among women for a higher chance of cardiovascular disease down the track may relate to complications during pregnancy – including a life-threatening high blood pressure experienced during pregnancy called preeclampsia, which can put women at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease even years later.
“Another complication experienced during pregnancy is gestational diabetes, and now there’s some really strong data to suggest that … if you experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your risk of developing a heart condition yourself is significantly higher down the track. Even five to ten years down the track,” Ms Raffoul said.
She said that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has also been linked with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and premature menopause or early menopause put women at higher risk of cardiovascular conditions in
the future – due to the changes in hormones that women experience at that time, impacting their cholesterol levels and heightening their heart attack risk.
Ms Raffoul said the “traditional risk factors for heart disease absolutely apply to women too,” including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and being overweight or obese.
As part of Heart Week, Heart Foundation is calling on anyone aged over 45 to see their GP regularlyfora20-minute,Medicare-subsidised heart health check – with some people eligible for these checks earlier, including First Nations people from 30 years and people living with diabetes from 35.
“For women, we’re absolutely calling out that if you have or do experience any of those conditions mentioned above … it’s even more important for you to see a doctor for that heart healthcheck,andthatmightmeanseeingthem earlier than the age of 45,” Ms Raffoul said.
“People appreciate that heart disease is terrible and it might be our leading cause of death, but often they don’t recognise how personally relevant the condition is to themselves until it’s too late – until they’re unfortunately having an incident themselves,” she said
“We know only about half of eligible adult Australians even have their risk factors screened as they regularly should … people need a sort of a prompt to get them thinking about their heart health and prioritising it.”
Further details about Heart Week and other resources, including a heart age calculator, are available on the Heart Foundation website.
Details: heartfoundation.org.au/heart-week
New health clinic now open at Sunshine Hospital
Women across Melbourne’s west can access free, comprehensive care and support under one roof as part of the new Women’s Health Clinic at Sunshine Hospital.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas toured the clinic on Monday April 14.
The new Western Health clinic will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ experience – enabling women to receive services or advice on issues from contraception to menopause and pelvic pain. The clinics will facilitate access to interdisciplinary care for women, girls, and gender diverse people.
The Sunshine clinic is already improving access to outpatient gynaecologist appointments and medical abortion via specialised GPs.
These services are delivered by health professionals including gynaecologists, urologists, specialist GPs, specialist nurses and allied health support – all under the one roof, for medical abortion, conditions including
pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception and menopause services.
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman, who accompanied Ms Thomas, said the new
additiontoWesternHealthwouldbebeneficial for all local women.
“The new clinic at Sunshine Hospital is already improving access to care for women in the west and will help to remove the barriers
many women face for different health concerns throughout their life,” she said.
Theclinicsarepartofa$153millionwomen’s health package that includes a mobile women’s health clinic, Aboriginal-led clinic and virtual women’s health clinic.
As part of those virtual clinics, women and gender diverse people accessing the service via phone or video consultation will be connected to a specialist nurse who will provide an initial health assessment and treatment, and, if required,connectpatientswithaGP,specialist, or other health practitioner as close to home as possible.
Thevirtualclinic,settocommenceoperation in 2025, will provide sexual and reproductive health services including contraception and medical termination of pregnancy.
It will also include specialist services for endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, perimenopause and menopause care, breast health care, and cervical screening.
Heart Foundation senior manager of healthcare programs and clinical strategy Natalie Raffoul. (Supplied).
Dr Corrine Glenn, Daniela Gashi, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Cynthia Chaffey, Tania McKellar, Kat Theophanous, Russell Harrison, and Lisa Smith. (Supplied)
Unique nomadic adventure
SCROLLING Facebook in the middle of the night, I came across the profile of a lady with an eagle on her arm. She was mounted on a horse. The post said, “If you can’t stop thinking about something, it’s a sign from the universe you should do it…”
The following morning, I woke and wondered if I had imagined the horseriding-eagle-lady. I found her. “We still have a place or two available on The Great Noman Expedition starting First of July in Mongolia. -Come ride with us from the bottom to the top by camel, horse, yak and reindeer…”
No way, it was seriously 19 June! I hadn’t ridden a horse in about four years. MymumlivesinMelbourne,Icalledher. “Only you would be crazy enough to ride a reindeer from China to Russia right about now, Amelia!” Laughing, I reassured her, “It’s ok mum, the Russians are looking the other way!”
As a last-minute wild card entry, I joined the expedition.
Ten ladies from across the world met in Ulaanbaatar, ready for the trip of a life time! Three Aussies, five Kiwis, a Canadian and Yank. I know it sounds like the start of a joke, but these women had the grit to ride over 1200kms across the desert, the steppe country, mountains, valleys and up into thesnowwherewestayedinatee-peenear the Russian border.
Ten Mongolian men were hired to put up our ‘ger’, cook our food, catch and saddle our animals and help us across the countryside. Every 30-40kms we would change animals, the dozen or so horses we were riding would be herded back to their family and we would ride on.
Over three weeks, we camped in beautiful places and stayed with nomadic families. At the end of another 100km day in the saddle, we rolled out our little mattresses in their circular tents tied up with horse hair and lined with animal skins and blankets for insulation. Stacked in like sardines, us riders were warm and cosy in homes that are full of love.
The families showed us their best hospitality, blessed us with their home-made vodka and shared their meat and milk products. They entertained us withdisplaysofhorseracing,archeryanda groupoflocaldancersperformedaconcert for us is in the desert.
They shared their double clotted cream on bread, rhubarb jam and milk tea. They
sacrificed goats for us and we were blessed in their country. Our translator, relayed back to us their words of kindness, “We wish you gold and silver and we hope you live until you are one hundred years old,” followed by the jokes and laughter, they added, “Not even Mongolians are crazy enough to ride four different types of animals across our country!”
We survived saddle sores, sprains, strains, squat toilets and minimal showers for three weeks on the trip of a lifetime.
We have a new appreciation for the stamina and striking beauty of everything Mongolian. The gentleness of their Bactrian two humped camels, their
spectacular yaks which were like riding big hairy cows who would shy every time they caught a glimpse of their rider on their back. The horses were fast paced and phenomenal endurance animals, trotting and cantering non-stop for 2.5 to 3 hours at a time.
Andfinally,thereindeerwhowouldgraze the snow as we walked along, listening to the clicking of their tendons making a snaping noise over the sesamoid bones in their feet, which was an amazing adaptation to hear where the rest of their herd are in a blizzard.
For me, The Great Nomad Expedition was a soul-searching experience where
music is like medicine.
Mongolians sing for the baby camels until they drink from their mothers, they sing to bless the last horse in a race.
One of the most beautiful experiences was listening to a dad hum in the middle of the night to put his baby girl back to sleep so she wouldn’t wake us up as we slept on the floor of their tent.
Nearly a whole year later, it really does feel like a fairy tale…and my goodness as a culture, we have so much to learn.
For further information please visit The Great Nomad Expedition at thegreatnomadexpedition.squarespace. com
Three Aussies, five Kiwis, a Canadian and Yank booked a spot on the adventure.
AMELIA OLSEN
A journey on camel, reindeer and horse.
Traditional Mongolian dress.
The Great Nomad Expedition guests travelled 100km each day.
Your next journey awaits
VIKING has launched its new ‘Discover More for Less’ sale, providing Australian and New Zealand travellers with new booking incentives across Viking’s extensive range of 2025, 2026 and 2027 river, ocean and expeditionvoyages.
From now through until 30 June 2025, the company is offering savings of up to 30 percentonselectriverandocean*voyages, as well as savings of up to $2,400 per couple on expedition voyages. (*Excludes ocean voyages, World Cruises and Grand Journeys.)
Michelle Black, Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Viking said, “Now is the perfect time for agents and theirclientswhoareplanningtripsin2025 andbeyond.”
“With only limited space still available on 2025 sailing dates of our most popular itineraries, we recommend booking early to ensure the best possible value and the widest choice of sailing dates and stateroomcategories.”
Viking explores all seven continents, with river, ocean and expedition voyages calling in more than 500 ports in more than85countries.
Highlightsofthemostpopularitineraries include:
15-day Grand European Tour from Budapest to Amsterdam or vice versa is priced from $6,895 per person in a Standard Stateroom, with savings of up to $4,800 per couple. On this tour guests will get admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle and sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and ponder Nuremberg’s World War II history. Indulge the senses on this fifteen-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between thewindmill-dottedwaterwaysofHolland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, withengagingencountersateverybend.
8-day Rhine Getaway from Basel to Amsterdam or v.v. is priced from $2,995 per person in a Standard Stateroom, with savings of up to $4,800 per couple. Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and stunning scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region’s renowned white wines, therootsofitsterracedvineyardsreaching back to Roman times. Savor the various
culinary traditions of Alsace. With calls in Amsterdam, Cologne and Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty andculture.
8-day Iconic Western Mediterranean from Barcelona to Rome or v.v. is priced from $4,195 per person in a Veranda Stateroom,withsavingsofupto$2,400per couple.France’sfamedsoutherncoastand Italy’s Renaissance treasures take centre stage on this eight-day Mediterranean sojourn. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. In the South of France, call on historic Montpellier and picturesque Marseille,andvisitMonteCarlo,Monaco’s glamorouscitybythesea.
15-day Far Eastern Horizons from Hong Kong to Tokyo is priced from $14,195 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savingsofupto$4,400percouple.Unravel themysteriesofoneofthemostcaptivating corners of Asia. Mingle with merchants at Hong Kong’s famed Stanley Market. Learn the nuances of Taiwan from a local. Hear about the recovery of Nagasaki and
Hiroshima from residents who connect guests to their rebirths. And make sense of the dazzling cultures of Shimizu and Tokyowiththehelpofthosewholivethere. Overnight stays in four ports let guests to delvedeeply.
13-day Antarctic Explorer round-trip from Buenos Aires is priced from $17,995 per person in a Nordic Balcony Stateroom, withsavingsofupto$2,400percouple.This ultimate adventure takes travellers to the Antarctic peninsula, to witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes,
immense icebergs and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. In the footsteps of explorers such as Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott, guests will be one of the few to discovertheworld’slasttrulywildfrontier. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changingweather.
For further information on these or any of Vikings exciting adventures please visit websitewww.viking.comorcall138747for furtherinformation.
LEE MCCARTHY
Visit stunning Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city on route to Antarctica. (Supplied)
The stunning Hilltop Palace and Harbour of Monte Carlo.
Far East Panorama of the Business District in Hong Kong.
Viking Longships travel along the Rhine; Cathedral Towers of Cologne.
Visit the magnificent Vatican City.
EUROPEAN SOJOURN
Amsterdam to Bucharest or vice versa
23 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 19 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: APR-OCT 2026; MAY-OCT 2027
From $13,495pp in Standard Stateroom
From $18,495pp in Veranda Stateroom
GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR
Amsterdam to Budapest or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 12 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; APR-NOV 2027
From $6,895pp in Standard Stateroom
From $11,695pp in Veranda Stateroom
Discover More FOR LESS
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Our voyages are meticulously crafted to offer you immersive experiences, exceptional service and everything you need included.
Save up to 30% on selected river and ocean voyages booked by 30 June 2025*.
RHINE GETAWAY
Amsterdam to Basel or vice versa
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SET SAIL: JUN-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027
From $2,995pp in Standard Stateroom
From $4,195pp in Veranda Stateroom
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Luxury Cunard Voyage from Singapore to Sydney
Discover Hong Kong
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Your holiday includes
Full-Board Cruise
23 night full-board cruise on board the BRAND-NEW Queen Anne
The brand-new Queen Anne is a luxurious cruise liner offering opulent accommodations, fine dining, and exquisite service, promising an unforgettable voyage of elegance and indulgence on the high seas.
Complimentary Hotel Stay
2 night four-star hotel stay in Singapore at the PARKROYAL on Beach Road with breakfast
25 Nights | 20 February 2026 | Prices fr $7,299pp
Enjoy a two-night stay in Singapore before embarking the newest addition to Cunard’s fleet, Queen Anne, for the voyage to Sydney.
From the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay to the cultural intrigue of Chinatown, Singapore remains one of the most fascinating destinations in Southeast Asia. Discover the island-state’s beautiful botanical gardens and colonial landmarks during a two-night hotel stay ahead of a 23-night voyage on board Queen Anne as she sails to Sydney.
The newest member of the Cunard fleet, Queen Anne promises everything that makes a Cunard cruise so special, from Gala Evenings to a ernoon teas and enriching guest lectures. Enjoy a night in port in Hong Kong before sailing to Manila and onwards to Darwin. The sunshine of Queensland beckons next, from Airlie Beach to Brisbane, before your cruise culminates with a night in port in Sydney.
Visiting: Singapore, Hong Kong (overnight in port), Manila, Bitung, Darwin, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney (overnight in port)
Complimentary Outbound Flight, Taxes & Transfers
Singapore, Hong Kong (overnight in port), Manila, Bitung, Darwin, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney (overnight in port)
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Department (6)
4 Sequence (6)
10 Paunch (5)
11 Grant (9)
12 Belonging to a thing by its very nature (9)
13 Sound (5)
14 Habitations (6)
15 Border (4)
19 At the top (4)
20 Dramatics (6)
24 Perfume (5)
25 Tequila cocktai (9)
27 Exhibition rooms (9)
28 Indigenous people of New Zealand (5)
29 Foil (6)
30 Harmony (6)
DOWN
1 Of the Bible (8)
2 Link (8)
3 Whenever (7)
5 Improve (7)
6 Roma is its capital (6)
7 Appeared (6)
8 Video discs (1,1,2)
9 Candied citrus peel (7)
16 Obsolete email service (7)
17 Guests (8)
18 Relating to cultivated land (8)
19 Hobbyist (7)
21 Monty Python member, Graham – (7)
22 Trapped (6)
23 Succeed (6)
26 Flower (4)
included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 What is the longest river entirely within the state of Queensland?
2 Which 2008 movie did Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson (pictured) film in Queensland?
3 What is the original national animal of Canada?
4 Steinway is famous for selling which musical instrument?
5 What shape is the national flag of Switzerland?
6 In which fictional town did the characters of Dawson's Creek live?
7 Which season is coming, according to the Starks in Game of Thrones?
8 Dushanbe is the capital city of which Central Asian country?
9 What breed of dog did Queen Elizabeth II favour?
10 Who created the characters Ali G and Bruno, among others?
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Williamstown Seniors
The group meets every Tuesday at 1pm-3pm at Dennis Reserve. It is a small group looking for more seniors both male and female. Members enjoy two hours of singing as well as afternoon tea. Cost is $5 for the afternoon.
Phone Marlene, president/secretary on 0402 769 204 for any more information.
AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club
The AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite people who want to develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills, to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month. The club meets from 7.00-9.00pm at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton,
Contact: Vimi 0411 530 944 or aerospeakerstm@gmail.com
Heritage Walks
Enjoy a leisurely 90 minute walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John Becroft. Walks start at 9-20 a.m. each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place.
John Becroft 0418-377-336
Footscray CWA
Meet on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9m at Footscray Scout Hall next door to Footscray Police Station, 4a Hyde Street.
cwaofvicfootscray@gmail.com, https:// www.facebook.com/CWAofVicFootscray/
Social square dancing for beginners. Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights from 7.30pm to 10.30pm to learn social square dancing for beginners in a safe and friendly environment. The teaching is in a group but is self paced so there is no pressure to maintain a rate of learning.
Janine 0421 371 883 or contact@ essendonsquares.com
Braybrook and Maidstone walking group
The Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House are holding a walking group from 9am to 10am every second Wednesday. The walking group is open to everyone and starts from the neighbourhood house at 113 Melon Street, Braybrook.
93175610 or jodie@bmnh.org.au
BIGGEST MORNING TEA
Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand is again hosting a fundraising event as part of the Cancer Council of Victoria’s Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday, May 22. This year’s venue is the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria which will host the morning tea from 10am to 12pm. The cost is $40.00 per head which includes sandwiches, fruit platters, savoury and sweet treats plus tea and coffee. There will also be a guest speaker, silent auction, raffle, and table prizes. All proceeds go towards supporting cancer research. Tickets can be purchased at TryBooking. Book now to reserve as place as the event always sells out quickly.
https://www.trybooking.com/CZIBZ
Walking group
The Mighty West Heart Foundation
Community Walking Group meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am. Walk at your own pace for up to 60 minutes. Discover the many health benefits (physical and psychological) of walking together. All welcome.
0411 566 862
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support
This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Iva Rosebud who is starring in Club Kabarett, Melbourne’s bold new circus-cabaret. (Damjan Janevski) 471695_01
for anyone who wants to stop drinking. Regular in-person AA meetings are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown –Wednesdays at 7:00 PM and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport – Thursdays at 6:30 PM and Saturdays at 8:30 AM. If you think you have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend. Friends and family members supporting a loved one are also encouraged to come along.
For more information: Visit https:// williamstown.aagroup.org.au/ Email: aawilliamstown@gmail.com or call 1300 222 222
Willin Wimmin choir
Join t he wonderful women at Willin Wimmin choir in Williamstown for some singing fun! Try us out for free for two weeks to see if it’s your thing. The group is all about the joy of group singing, and we welcome new members. There are no auditions required. Members sing a mix of contemporary, folk, choral, and world music in acapella style. The choir meets on Wednesday evenings during school terms from 7:30pm to 9:30 pm at The Dennis Reserve, 109 Ferguson Street, corner Melbourne Road, Williamstown.
willinwimmin.org.au or email willin. wimmin@gmail.com
Women Working Together
A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women
from 10am to 11am, indoors at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive, 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.
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
across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or https://cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/
Musicians Wanted Westgate Concert Band, Established in 1979 is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am to 12noon at Braybrook College.
For more information email westgateconcertband@gmail.com
Williamstown Bridge Club.
The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge sessions each week on Wednesday night at 7.25pm and Friday afternoon at 1.25pm for experienced players and a supervised session Friday 10.00am at Hobsons Bay Sport & Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Rd, Altona. All levels welcome and partners can be provided. Bridge lessons start on Friday, May 2 at 10.00am.
Sandi 0417 315 760, Alan 0430 309 255, lessons Serita 0410 599 323 or visit www. bridgewebs.com/williamstown
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,
The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group is a great place for beginners or those with some experience, to play music in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. Come on down, have some fun, make new friends, have a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. Children are also most welcome. The third Saturday of the month, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport. ? https://www.nffc.org.au/ beginner-playalong
Prep for employment course
Seeking a change in career or how to improve your employability? Receive face-to-face help with job searches, resumes, interviews, upskilling and more in a prep for employment course. Register today. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.
9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Everyday English language course
For women of all ages and backgrounds with English as a second language. Practice speaking English in different situations, and make new friends. Fridays, 10am-noon. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.
9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Mouth Organ Band
Yarraville Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members. Band practice is held on Friday evenings at 8pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. For great music in a friendly atmosphere feel free to call in one Friday evening.
Heather 9399 2190 or ymob1933@ yahoo.com.au
Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon-2.30pm.
Walk and talk in Footscray Park
Footscray Park is a well known part of the inner-west,thoughaccordingtoStevenWilson, it’s not well known enough.
“Itamazesmehowmanypeoplehaven’tbeen down there,” said Mr Wilson, the secretary of the Footscray Historical Society.
It’sasituationMrWilsontakenuponhimself tochange,byhostingtwohourhistoricalwalks through the park on the weekend of April 26 and 27.
Thewalkandtalkswilltakeplacefrom10am to 12pm on both Saturday and Sunday and will involveMrWilsontakingparticipantsthrough the park and through its history from 1911 to the present day.
He said there will also be particular focus on certain features of the park and the stories behind them.
“There’s the Henry Lawson statue and the pagoda built by Footscray tech students and I’ll also talk about the nature of the park,” said Mr Wilson who noted that it was probably the most intact Edwardian Park left in Australia.
“It was built towards the Edwardian Park scheme which includes bluestone edging, wandering paths and secluded alcoves.”
The walks are free of charge, though a gold coin donation is recommended, as are bookings.
Mr Wilson said numbers were limited and encouraged those interested to email the society now.
“There’s a maximum of around 25 otherwise it gets too big for me to talk to people”
To book, email: footscrayhistoricalsociety@ gmail.com
Drop in to the Dromkeen Gallery
DromkeenGalleryisprovidingarangeofevents this month, offering art and entertainment to Riddells Creek residents and beyond.
The beauty of nature is on display at the gallery, with the work of 30 Macedon Ranges artists displayed in a fundraiser exhibition towards repairs of the historic Dromkeen Homestead.
Open from 10am–5pm every day until Sunday, April 27 the exhibition – titled The Wonder of Nature – depicts natural splendor
through a variety of media including painting, woodwork,photography,textilesandsculpture.
A small commission from each sale will go towards restoring the building’s side decking, which has degraded over time.
On Saturday, April 26, travel sketch artist Alissa Duke will provide a nature sketching watercolour pencil class from 11am–1pm.
Attendees can bring along their own sketch pad, watercolour pencils, and brush, but a sketch kit can be bought on the day.
Then, from 7–9pm on Friday, May 2 pop legend Issy Dye will perform two sets of hits by Elvis Presley and Johnny O’Keefe in full costume.
The audience is invited to show up dressed in a rock’n’roll outfit, with a prize for the best costumeofthenightanddoorprizesforothers.
Further details on pricing and booking for these events are available on the Dromkeen Gallery website.
Details: dromkeen.com.au/whats-on/
Yes, Yes, Yes a nod to healthy relationships
A theatre show for young people will take centre stage on May 9 in Brimbank exploring themes around sex, consent and relationships.
Part documentary, part confession, part open conversation, Yes Yes Yes is a showcreatedspecificallyforyoungadults exploring the knotty and necessary topicsofhealthyrelationships,desireand consent.
Featuring in-depth interviews with teenagers, the show is emphatic, empowering and engaging.
Accordingtoperformerandco-creator oftheshow,KarinMcCracken,whileYes, Yes, Yes deals with some heavy issues, it also has lighthearted moments.
“It was made with teenagers in mind, but really it’s for anyone,” she said.
“It’s a solo performance with a lot of laughs in it, despite some of the more delicate material around consent and bodily autonomy.”
Ms McCracken said that viewers will be able to take “lots of things” away after watching the show.
“At the very minimum, we want everyone to walk away feeling they saw a compelling piece of theatre,” she said.
“I think people have a sense that theatre for social good or education generally sucks, so we really tried to make something quality and not-condescending.
“In terms of consent, people will walk away with actual usable skills about talking to friends and family about consent, and what to do if someone discloses sexual violence to you.”
Yes, Yes, Yes will be playing at the Bowery Theatre from 6 to 7 pm. Details: creativebrimbank.com.au/yes-yes-yes
Drums herald the return of Point Cook’s African Festival
Whether you’re tasting your first bite of injera, learning the rhythms of west African drumming, or supporting a local artisan, you will definitely discover something new when the Africa Festival returns to Point Cook on Saturday, April 26.
Presented by Junubi Wyndham, it will cost nothing to immerse yourself in the beating drums, the bright colours of traditional dressesandexperiencethevibrancy,warmth, and richness of African cultures.
From dances that tell ancestral stories, to soulful songs that stir the heart, to the tantalising aromas of African cuisine
drifting through the air, the event is about bringing people together.
Junubi Wyndham program manager Poly Kiyaga said it is a space where conversations are sparked and African-Australian businesses proudly showcase the best of themselves.
“In a world where division can often dominate the headlines, the Africa Festival is a living, breathing reminder of the power of cultural exchange to build bridges between communities,” Mr Kiyaga said.
“This festival is about bringing a piece of Africa to Wyndham, but more importantly,
it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, seen, and connected. That’s what community is all about.”
In its third year, the festival is quickly becoming a beloved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar.
As Wyndham continues to grow in diversity, events like the Africa Festival remind us that when we celebrate each other’s cultures, we grow stronger together,” Mr Kiyaga said.
The Africa Festival will run between 2-9pm at the Point Cook Town Centre and is part of Kaleidoscope 2025.
Dromkeen Gallery artist and curator Kathy Madbury, artist Robyn McIntyre, and owner Bernadette Joiner standing with works from The Wonder of Nature art show. (Damjan Janevski). 472066_01
Footscray Historical Society secretary Steven Wilson (centre) with Ian and Betty Johnson at Footscray Park. (Damjan Janevski) 470882_01
The Africa Festival will return to Point Cook. (David Mullins)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. With a UFC 314 win, Australian mixed martial artist Alex Volkanovski reclaimed his title in which weight division?
2. Which Northern Irish golfer won the 2025 Masters Tournament?
3. Which Australian state has been home to the NRL's annual Magic Round since 2019?
4. Which Australian state has been home to the AFL's annual Gather Round since 2023?
5. How many points did Luka Dončić score the first time he played against his old team, the Mavericks, in Dallas?
6. Australian golfer Jason Day finished the 2025 Masters Tournament tied for what top 10 position?
Suffering from lingering concussion symptoms, which 27-year-old has announced his retirement from cricket?
And which Australian state or territory did that player represent in first-class
Via Sistina recently matched the record set by Winx with how many Group 1 race wins in a season?
Retired professional wrestler Jesse Ventura was governor of which US state from 1999 to
Which two clubs started the 2025 AFL season with five losses?
12. US golfer Ryan McCormick used what unusual method to manage his anger at the recent Korn Ferry Tour event?
13. Which current AFL assistant coach is set to take over from Ken Hinkley as head coach of Port Adelaide in 2026?
14. Which new event has replaced equestrian in the modern pentathlon at the 2028 Olympics?
15. Matildas goalscorer Mary Fowler plays for which club in the English Women’s Super League?
16. Why were Gout Gout’s two sub-10-second 100m sprints at the recent Australian Athletics Championships considered ineligible for official records?
17. Which major golf championship forbids the presence of mobile phones on tournament grounds?
18. Which country’s national soccer team lost twice to the Matildas in a pair of friendly games played in early April?
19. Who recently broke Raelene Boyle’s national under-18s record for the 100m sprint, which has been held since 1968?
20. Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith is in hot water after doing what to a fan following a win against the Adelaide Crows?
21. Which NBL team shares its name with a popular fictional movie team?
22. In what year was badminton officially included in the Olympic program?
23. Who won the Brownlow Medal in 2008?
24. Which state won the Sheffield Shield most recently?
25. And after how many years since their last win?
26. Super Rugby team the Waratahs are from which Australian state?
1. Indara and Optus have received development approval for a new mobile telecommunications facility at the Kooringal Golf Course, along the Queen Street frontage.
2. The approved works under Planning Permit PA241320 include:
• One new 25m Indara monopole, finished in pale eucalypt green;
• Three Optus panel antennas and six active antenna units, on a headframe at the top of the pole.
• One Optus outdoor equipment cabinet at ground level.
• Ancillary equipment associated with operation and safety of the facility, including but not limited to remote radio units, rejection filters, cabling and safety equipment etc.
• A 2.4m chain-link security fence surrounding the 12m x 8m compound.
• A vehicle turning area and double vehicle crossover onto Queen Street.
3. Tree Removal Permit TR250196 allows for the removal of two trees.
4. Indara and Optus intend to proceed with construction of the facility from 2 June 2025.
5. Indara and Optus have appointed CPS Technology and Infrastructure as planning consultants to undertake community notification on their behalf.
6. If you have any questions or require further information, please direct your enquiries to CPS Technology and Infrastructure, (02) 9300 1700, planning-vic@cpstech.com.au, and Unit 1 Level 15/356 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
28.
27. Current Collingwood captain Darcy Moore debuted in which year?
True or false: regular season NHL games can end in draws?
29. The Cincinnati Reds play which sport?
30. Which WWE wrestler has the nickname ‘The Viper’?
Mary Fowler Fowler
Luka Dončić Luka 2504
Big brother gives Prado a lift
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
TheprideoftheToyotaSUVparade,thePrado, is showing off a new stiff upper lip thanks to TNGA-F architecture shared with its bigger LandCruiser300Seriessibling.
Also on board is the latest in the company’s on and off-road driver assistance technology, including a new 48-volt V-active powertrain matedtoaneweightspeedautomaticshifter.
The pedigree has its origins in the iconic LandCruiser with all its on- and off-road capability and functionality. The latest generation consists of five members – GX, GXL,VX,AltitudeandKakadu–allfeaturing the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatictransmission.
Withthestifferladder-frameunderpinnings the LandCruiser family members have grown compared to the previous generation. Wheelbase is now 2850mm, 60mm more than before and front and rear track widened to 1664mm, 79mm and 83mm, respectively, up on previously. Overall length is stretched, providingmorecabinspace.
The range is priced from $72,500, plus on road costs, for the entry-level five-seat GX. Up a notch to the GXL adds a third row of 50:50 split seating for $79,990. The mid-range VX seven-seater (on test) comes in at$87,400,whiletheoff-roadfocusedAltitude ($92,700)issecondonlytotheflagshipKakadu ($99,990.
The Toyota Warranty Advantage sets up each Prado buyer with five years unlimited kilometre cover and five years’ capped price servicingforthefirst10servicesoversix-month intervals or 10,000km, whichever comes first. There is also the option of a full-service lease throughToyotaFinanceAustralia.
Styling
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past, while retro design characteristics offer substantial functional benefits. For example, a low beltline, flat bonnet and extensive glass allow good visibility in tight off-road situations, while chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps keepclearofpotentialdamage.
The VX wears a black vertical grille with Toyota bullhorn branding, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, 20-inch alloy wheels and high-grade LED headlights with automatichighbeamandauto-levelling.
Interior
While the cabin has undergone an extensive makeover to ensure up to five or seven occupants, according to the grade, are carried in comfort and safety, it does have a twist. Look, we know the md-hybrid battery needs ahomebutwhybuilditsuchaquirkycorner.
Toaccommodatethis,thethirdrowofseats does not fold flat. It sticks up above the load floor leaving a narrow gap to the tailgate. Toyota’ssolutionistofillthegapwithaskinny removable storage box with lid that takes shoppingbagsthreeabreast.Itmakesforquite alifttoloadandunload.
The rear fares no better with occupants. Despite the Prado’s bulk comfort for even the average build occupant is at a premium. However, access is just the opposite, with the single pull of a lever freeing one of the second-rowseatstotumbleforward.
A single USB-C outlet and a pair of cupholders on each side await borders and there’s a 220V/120W outlet in the adjoining boot area. There are also air vents in the roof. There is 182 litres of load space behind the third row, expanding to 906 litres with it folded and 1829 litres with the second row foldedaswell.
The VX boasts leather accented upholstery with black/tan colour schemes, driver’s lumbar support with memory, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, power adjustable steering wheel, carpet mats, refrigerated centre console cubby, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-terrain monitor, 14-speaker JBL premium audio and tyrepressuremonitor.
Infotainment
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
All variants are fitted with the latest gen multimedia system accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen or via steering wheel-mounted controls.OnhandarewirelessAppleCarPlay or Android Auto, plus Bluetooth, AM/FM/ DAB+ radio and embedded cloud-based satellite navigation.
Engines/transmissions
The Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine putting out 150kW between 3000 and 3400rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1600 to 2800rpm. A new eight-speed automatic transmission has a broader spread of ratios than previously and feeds a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual range transfer case and a lockable centre limited-slip differential.
Safety
Prado occupant safety is testament to Toyota’s Safety Sense technology and Toyota Connected Services which supplies a wealth inbuilt of vehicle information via smartphone app. Driver assistance applies on- and off-road through an improved camera-cum-radar system that scans the road with greater accuracy and at longer distances.
Other advanced technology includes autonomousemergencybrakingpre-collision system, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency stop and driver camera,
along with front and rear parking sensors and nine airbags.
Driving
The tried-and-tested 2.8-litre diesel donk is given a hand by 48-volt V-Active technology, adding smoothness, driveability and fuel economy to the Prado on bitumen and in the rough. Toyota claims diesel usage of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the VX on the combined urban/highway cycle. The test vehicle managed 9.6 litres over a week of mixed driving, tending towards city usage.
Driver assistance systems span on- and off-road going with vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist and crawl control, while across-the-board trailer sway control and integrated towbar pre-wiring harness frees the Prado’s increased 3500kg braked towing capacity. With double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension, enhanced handling and ride comfort have come via the addition of adaptive variable suspensionThebrakingandsteeringsystems showed an improved response and feel, the latter through the debut of electric power steering. Pity about the squeaky brakes in reverse.
Summary
For those who like the idea of genuine off-road capability the new Prado has the goods wrapped in a ‘modern’ retro design to have city dwellers drooling. The mid-range VX is the way to go.
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past. (Pictures: Supplied)
Parkside Spurs are ready to take the next step
ParksideSpursarehopingabitmoredepthwill helpthemclosethegapintheWesternFootball League women’s competition this season.
The Spurs played finals last season, but were hurt by a lack of numbers as they struggled to run out the games late in the year.
Coach Callen Tenabel said they were excited to see where they would go this season.
“We have a bit more depth,” he said. “We’ve hadacoupleofplayersretireandacouplecome out of retirement and a few transfers.
“Last year we had plenty of games where we would only have 14 players and that was where we lost in finals.
“The quarters dragged out to 25 minutes and the midfield got tired.”
In an exciting boost for the Spurs, they’ve signed a memorandum of understanding with Ascot Vale Panthers Junior Club.
The Panthers under-16s girls side will flow
into the senior side, giving a pathway for both clubs.
“We expect to start to bring in juniors from Ascot Vale, the next few weeks,” he said.
“They play start to play some games through the side and its how we build the future at Parkside
“They train together, Parkside women’s and under-16s. There’s a pretty good connection that makes it much better for both groups, a lot of youth and lots of experience and everyone benefits.”
It’sbeenaninterruptedstarttotheseasonfor the Spurs.
Theyhadabyeinroundone,playedinround twoandthenhadtheweekendoffduetoEaster.
Tenabel said it’s a bit hard to see where they fitatthemomentbutsaidtheywerehappywith their one match so far.
In that game the Spurs beat West Footscray,
17.16 (118)-0.0 (0). Stacy Rigon and Danielle Speranza kicked five goals each.
“The way we moved the ball was definitely an improvement on last year, we had better structure going forward,” he said.
“Two of our better players weren’t there. We kicked goals from the midfield and the girls moved the ball how they wanted to move the ball.
“We’ve got three players trailing at VFLW [Victoria Football League women’s]. We’ve done a body of work in the pre-season. They are fitter and more experienced.”
Tenabel said they would get more of an indication of where they are at after their next game, against Caroline Springs.
He said Caroline Springs was the team to beat.
Tara Murray
Laverton’s big Anzac Day
By Tara Murray
Laverton is excited to be on the big stage as its host Tarneit on Anzac Day in the Western Football League division 2 competition.
The match is one of three division 2 matches that will be played on Friday, with the Magpies asking to host a match on one of the biggest days of the season.
President and co-coach Tony Joffre said it would be a great day for the club.
“It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to have a match like this,” he said. “It is really good and we have four men’s sides now.
“We’ve got under-18s for the first time in 15-20 years and a thirds side for the first time, this is an exciting way to show the growth at the club.
“It will be a good day out.”
The day will start with under-18s before reserves, seniors and then thirds take to the field for their first ever match. The first three matches are against Tarneit, with the thirds
against Wyndhamvale.
Jofre said the seniors and reserves sides will have an Anzac service between their two matches with the crowd to be involved too.
Off the field, the supporters will have the chance to share a pot of beer to pay tribute to someone who served the country and is no longer here.
“This is more than just a day of footy,” he said. “It’s about honoring our past, celebrating our club’s journey, and coming together as one community. Let’s make this a day to remember.”
The Magpies are hoping to top off the day with its first win of the season in the senior competition.
The Titans are also winless.
“We are growing off field and we hopefully can get the win,” Jofre said. “We’ve been really competitive as the quality of the league has improved heaps this year.
“It’s a lot more even across the board. It’s healthy for the competition and we haven’t
Sports shorts
Football
Five Western Jets featured in the 2025 Victorian Diversity All Stars matches, featuring emerging Indigenous and Multicultural footballers on Wednesday. The showcase matches for boys and girls provide opportunities for talented players, most of whom are not currently listed by a Coates Talent League under-18 team, to experience a talent pathways program and showcase their ability against talented peers. Kai Malou, Nartasha Elbayeh and Ella Royston were part of the girls Vic Metro side, while Maahi Patel and Isaac Gawne were part of the boys Vic Metro team.
VFLW
The Victorian Football League women’s squads have been released with several locals among them. Williamstown CYMS’ Bella Page, Carryn Tyrrell, Jemmika Douglas, Loren Mills, Teagan Brett, Zoe Day, Sharnie Whiting Williamstown, Zoe Attard, Ella Tyson and Megan Smart are all on lists. Parkside’s Jemma Stokes has signed with Carlton, while Mary Sandral with Footscray. Yarraville Seddon’s Madeleine Patterson is on Port Melbourne’s list.
Australia Cup
been out of either game.”
Jofre said they are a very new group and young group that will get better as the season goes along.
“It’s good for the future,” he said. “It was the focus to bring in young players and look towards the future and long term.
“We’ve got the right people at the club and the young kids are coming through. Having under-18s, in a joint side with Manor Lakes, has been really good.”
The Magpies had the weekend off due to the Easter break.
In other Anzac Day matches, North Footscray hosts West Footscray in the local derby, while Braybrook hosts Albanvale.
The rest of the round will be play on Saturday with Sunshine Heights at home to Wyndhamvale and the Suns playing the Western Rams.
In division 1, Werribee Districts will play Hoppers Crossing on Anzac Day in the grand final rematch.
Altona City got some revenge against Springvale White Eagles in its round four Australia Cup clash. Just days after the Eagles won the Victorian Premier League 2 clash between the sides, Altona City was able to get the win this time, winning 3-2 in extra time. Scores were locked at 1-1 at half time and then 2-2 at full time. Altona was able to find the winner during extra time. Altona Magic’s campaign ended at the hands of Dandenong Thunder. The Magic trailed 3-0 at half time. The side was able to find two late goals in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as it lost 3-2.
VFLW
Williamstown has named its leadership group for the Victorian Football League women’s season. Eliza Straford remains as captain with Emily Eaves vice-captain again. Zoe Day and Megan Williamson return as part of the new leadership group and are joined by third-year Seagulls Eloise Freeman and Phoebe Chisholm.
Rita Ceravolo. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 410706_14
Matthew Vorbach. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403540_12
Vikings focus on their home-grown talent
Altona is backing in its young playing group to get the job done in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
The Vikings didn’t add too many players to their squad in the off season, with the focus on the group that made finals last season.
They started the season with split results, a loss to reigning premiers Hoppers Crossing before a thrilling win against Parkside.
The Vikings then had Easter weekend off.
Senior assistant coach Nathan Moon said it was nice to get the win in round two after missing an opportunity against the Warriors.
“It was good to get some of the hard work to pay off after the first week,” he said.
“They [the Warriors] are quality opposition and we got to see where you are at.
“We definitely think that we will be around the mark. There’s some quality teams and there will be no easy games, that’s for sure.”
Moon said they had a quiet off season compared to some other clubs, with not many
players coming into the club.
He said they were focused on their home-grown talent.
“We’ve kept a bit of stability this season,” he said.
“Hopefully being the second season under Trav [Travis Varcoe] we’ll continue to work and continue to grow the way we want to play footy.
“Hopefully we can take the next step after being knocked out in the first week of finals.”
The biggest signing for the Vikings in the off season was former AFL player Emerson Jeka.
After stints at Hawthorn and Geelong, Jeka returned to the club where he played his junior football.
“For him to come back to his junior club is good,” he said. “It’s good to see former AFL players come back after being at the top level.”
The Vikings also had another former AFL player line up in round two, with Varcoe pulling on the jumper in the reserves.
It was his first match for the club.
“Trav in the twos was good,” said Moon, who is also the reserves coach. “He got through three quarters.
“With a young group to have someone with that experience running around providing that feedback is invaluable.
“Hopefully he’ll play some of the 2pm games and make the opposition have to plan.”
Moon said having a week off was mixed as they wanted to continue on after a good win, but the break would do them well.
The Vikings are in action this Saturday against Spotswood in round three.
“They gave us a lesson last time,” he said. “These are the games we have to win, they are eight point games.
“It will give us a little bit of a break. We won’t want to be chasing like we did last year after an average start.”
Tara
Seagulls start with a win
By Tara Murray
Williamstown passed one of two early tests in the Victorian Football League women’s season, kicking off the year with victory against the Western Bulldogs.
After making a preliminary final last season, the Seagulls have drawn last season’s grand finalists in the opening two rounds.
The first of those tests came on Sunday against the Bulldogs.
Scores were level at quarter time before the Bulldogs kicked the only goal in the middle two quarters to lead heading into the final break.
The Seagulls kicked three last quarter goals to come over the top for a 4.4 (28)-2.6 (18) win.
Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said it was a good test early on and said the group wanted to see where they were early in the season.
“We took our time and finished strongly,” he said. “It was confidence boosting, what we did as we were beneath our best.
“The Dogs played hard in the middle two quarters and challenged us. We missed opportunities particularly in the first and third quarters.
“We had shots on goal and other times we were in good positions but couldn’t get that kick inside 50.”
Cavanagh said they felt late in the third quarter that they were doing a lot right and it started to come on the scoreboard in the final quarter.
He said they will take a lot of lessons out of the game that they showed a lot of character as a team.
Teagan Brett kicked two goals for the Seagulls and was one of their best.
Cavanagh said that Laura Blue was outstanding at full back while Neve Crowley had her best game for the club at the other end of the ground.
Emily Eaves and Ruby Mahony were both strong in the middle of the ground.
Cavanagh said they were seeing the benefit of 12 months in the program in a number of their players.
“There’s six second year players who have locked in the team,” he said. “Neve, Kiera Leare, Ella Tyson, Mia D’Agostino.
“They are young players who are growing and making the club better. Bluey, [who was injured in her first year at the club] takes the pressure off being down back.”
Cavanagh said the side was eager to face reigning premiers, North Melbourne Werribee, on Anzac Day.
“We’re pretty keen to be honest,” he said.
“Hopefully we can figure out where we set.
“It’s a really big day and we’re expecting a really big crowd.”
Muir makes gift final
Williamstown Athletics’ Dash Muir beat one of Australia’s fastest men on the way to the Stawell Gift final on Monday.
After winning the 400 metre event last year, the Williamstown High School student made the final of the pet event, the 120 metres.
While Muir finished fifth in the final, it was a still a massive weekend for the teenager.
Muir made it through to the final after winning his semi final.
Running off 7.75 metres, Muir finished with a time of 12.177 to beat home the pack including Lachlan Kennedy.
Kennedy, who recently ran 10 seconds flat for the 100 metres, was racing off 0.25 metres.
Speaking to Channel 7 on the broadcast after his semi final win, Muir said that his background in the 400 metres had really helped.
“They’re all coming from the back, just run,” he said of his mindset in the race.
“That’s [400 metres] where I get my confidence and race power. Having that in my mind I can finish it well and trust myself to get there.”
It’s been a strong season for Muir with winning the Beachside Gift and finished second in the Bay Sheffield event.
Muir said when he won his first gift, he thought why not aim for Stawell. He said his coach Shaun Basset had been a key in his career so far.
“Shaun makes it fun for me and got me to where I am. Made it really enjoyable.”
tough
Murray Spencer Johnson. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 410694)
The Seagulls
run in the VFL continued, losing to Coburg, 18.11 (119)11.2 (68). It’s Coburg’s first win against the Seagulls since 2008.
Teagan Brett. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Dash Muir (in yellow) before the final. (Luke Hemer)
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