SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
One down, one to go
Above: Footscray’s VFL team celebrates its second premiership in three seasons on Sunday. (Shawn Smits) Right, top to bottom: Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy. (Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images); Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli, Dale Morris and Josh Dunkley celebrate victory. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images); Elated midfielder Jack Macrae after kicking the goal that sent the Western Bulldogs to the AFL grand final. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Let’s drape the town red, white and blue – in celebration and in anticipation. This is the week that Western Bulldogs fans have dreamed about for 55 years. The Bulldogs are heading to the AFL grand final, where they will meet the Sydney Swans in a fight to the death at MCG on Saturday. The Dogs already have reason to celebrate, having ended a preliminary final hoodoo dating back to 1985. They have suffered through seven losing preliminary finals – but will suffer no more. The memories of so many wasted opportunities and heartbreaking moments can finally be replaced by Jack Macrae’s calm match-winning set shot in the triumph over GWS Giants at Spotless Stadium on Saturday evening. That was not the only cause for celebration for Bulldogs fans at the weekend. After invading Sydney, the convoy moved to the more familiar surroundings of Etihad Stadium for the VFL grand final on Sunday. The Dogs produced scintillating football in a 31-point mauling of Casey Scorpions to win the flag. Lance Jenkinson
Weerama plays to crowd By Adem Saban Weerama will be back next year, but organisers are appealing for support and sponsorship to ensure the festival’s success. Festival president Marcel Mahfoud said the committee would not be able to apply for funding as it has in previous years. He said this was due to the timing of the festival (March) and changed deadlines for grant applications while the council is in caretaker mode pending October 22 elections. The committee has decided to launch a
crowdfunding campaign to raise the cash needed to run a successful Weerama festival. “We’re crowdfunding, and we’re going to look at other fundraising methods, such as sausage sizzles and sponsorship,” Mr Mahfoud said. “We’re calling out to the community … this is your festival. “We need the community’s help to support the community’s festival.” He said the committee is also seeking in-kind support from businesses to cover security services and insurance. Despite a cloud over the festival funding, Mr
Mahfoud said he is confident next year’s event – now in its 48th year – will live up to residents’ expectations. “We’re going to have a two-day festival with all the traditional elements, plus stage music and fireworks,” he said. “We’re also putting a lot of effort into the parade. We want more vehicles in the parade from more community groups.” He said the committee also needs more volunteers to help plan the festival. Weerama has a jaded past when it comes to funding. The committee applied for a $60,000
grant as part of the council’s 2014-15 annual grants round, but received only $25,000. Shortly afterwards, the festival committee pulled the plug on the 2015 event, hoping to use the funds to fix up governance issues, such as administration and book-keeping. The council rejected its funding request, withdrew its pledge, and the festival did not go ahead. It returned this year, however, backed by the council with a $30,000 grant. The 2017 festival is scheduled for March 18 and 19. Donations: www.gofundme.com/2r6dwjns
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