Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 15th May 2024

Fundraising for cancer

The Braybrook Community Hub is once again rallying the community together to help make a difference to Australians affected by cancer.

The Cancer Council reports that almost one in two Australians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. And it is on a mission to change that statistic.

The hub is preparing to host its annual Biggest Morning Tea on May 22, with a fundraising goal of $500.

Braybrook Community Hub team member Saida Mohamed said the team hosts a morning tea every year.

“The highlight of the morning tea each year is just chatting with different people,” Ms Mohamed said.

“Some of the people that come are going through cancer themselves or have a family member who is. Just talking with each other is the highlight.” Locals are invited to join in the event, which will run from 10am-2pm at 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook. Attendees can expect a delicious spread of homemade treats generously provided by staff members of the hub. For those unable to attend in person but still eager to contribute, donations can be made online at https://shorturl. at/gqvC8.

Share a cuppa with the Braybrook Community Hub on May 22. (L-R) Bhagya Sham, Alice Brush, and Saida Mohamed. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 405702_01

‘Serious’ cycling issues

By Jennifer Pittorino

BikeWest is “horrified” and “not surprised” thatacyclistwasinvolvedinahit-runcollision on Dynon Road last week.

Victoria Police said the cyclist was hit by a truck about 8.55am on May 8 and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police said the truck driver left the scene of the accident and that the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Community organisation, BikeWest, has

been advocating for safe cycling infrastructure in Maribyrnong since 2016, amid “serious safety issues” with existing bike lanes on Dynon and Footscray roads – the two roads that carry the most cycling traffic from the inner west to the city.

“Broadlyspeakingweareaskingforsafebike lanes everywhere, but especially on two big roadsfromtheinnerwesttothecity,”BikeWest spokesperson Pierre Vairo said.

MrVairosaidthatoverthepastyear,BikeWest had been campaigning for improvements to Dynon Road and for its intersection with

CityLink to be fixed urgently. Cyclists are given a green light to move through the intersection at the same time as cars.

“We are not surprised in any way that [the hit run] has happened,” an emotional Mr Vairo said.

“Wearejusthorrifiedthattheseintersections still exist.

“We are calling for this intersection to be fixed, but we are also highlighting problems at the other end which we want fixed.

“Wewantasafecorridorforpeopletobeable to do a simple activity like ride from the inner

west to the city without dying.

“Why do we have to wait for people to be killed or seriously injured on each of these black spots before we do something.

“We can proactively go and fix these things, we don’t have to wait to run people’s lives.”

A Department of Transport and Planning spokespersonsaid,“We’reworkingcloselywith Victoria Police to support their investigation and to better understand the circumstances of this crash”.

The state government was contacted for comment.

Long-awaited bridge funds flow

By Jennifer Pittorino

HobsonsBayresidentshaveemergedvictorious following the handing down of last Tuesday’s state budget, which included $12 million for a long-awaited cycling bridge.

Altona and Altona Meadows residents like Dorothy MacKechnie have been campaigning for a footbridge along Queen Street for more than 11 years, which is why Ms MacKechnie was ecstatic to hear the state government had finally listened to the wishes of residents.

“It’s wonderful news that the funding has been approved,” she said.

“Members of the community will hopefully soon be able to cross from Altona Meadows to Altona safely.”

The$12millionwillbeusedtobuildashared user path over Laverton Creek in Queen Street, Altona.

The pedestrian and cycling bridge will ease the minds of the many residents who currently make the journey walking in the bike lane as cars drive alongside them at 60km/h, with no more than a painted line separating them.

Between 2016 and 2021, 26 crashes occurred on Queen Street between Victoria and Maidstone streets, 10 of which involved cyclists and four resulted in serious injury.

Ms MacKechnie said pedestrians also need a safe crossing to get from one side of Queen Street to the other.

“This will help people get safely across to the bus stop, and to be able to continue on the cycle path on the other side of Queen Street,” she said. “Once the bridge is in place, it will also enable people to cross the road to use the bridge.”

Williamstown MP Melissa Horne was pleased to hear a petition, which she created with Point Cook MP Matthew Hilakari, had paid off.

“Today marks a significant win for Altona residents,” she said.

“Through this funding allocation, we are taking decisive action to address safety concerns and enhance local connectivity.

“This investment reaffirms our commitment

Olive oil production branches out

Westies are scouring their backyards, local parks and greenspaces to collect olives in the thousands ahead of the annual Olive to Oil event later this month.

Organised by CERES, the event brings the community together in a celebration of local produce.

Participants bring their olives to one of CERES’drop-offsites,whicharethendelivered toBarfoldOlivestobecomeafruityandunique blend of oil. On collection day, participants return home with the fruits (or oils) of their labour.

Altona North resident Laura Jenkins said her local area is a “Mecca” of olive trees, where many nature strips are dotted with goods.

“There are not many places you can walk without being far from an olive tree,” she said.

Ms Jenksins said the annual event brings out a special kind of community spirit.

“Last year we had a really beautiful experience where we were picking one of the olive trees and a neighbour came out and said ‘follow me’ and took us out the front of their house where they had two enormous trees laden with olives,” she said.

“They didn’t speak English and we didn’t speak their language. We had a huge communication barrier but it didn’t matter.

“They went and got ladders out of their sheds and helped us pick the olives ... and we ended up with a really lovely interaction with our neighbours.”

Thisyear,MsJenkinsanticipatesabitmoreof a challenge due to it being an off year for olives, asolivetreestypicallyproducefruitbi-annually. Nevertheless, she is looking forward to taking on the olive-picking adventure with her family and friends, relishing the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors.

Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Wyndham residents are invited to take part in the event, with the drop off date scheduled for May 26, at Sunshine Place carpark, outside Visy Cares Hub.

The pick up day will take place on June 23 at Werribee Park Community Farm.

Details: https://ceres.org.au/olives-to-oil/

Hannah Hammoud

Loved book brought to life at film festival

Fans of popular children’s book, ‘Mr Chicken Goes to Mars’, will now have the chance to see the characters in action, as they are brought to life in a new animation at 11th annual The Setting Sun Film Festival.

Leigh Hobbs originally created the book in October, 2023, and is now excited to be able to work on the characters in a new way, with the help of filmmaker Katrina Mathers.

“This film has enabled myself to bring my characters alive in a film, Kat has enabled me to show the people that like my books and my characters this is how I make them move,” he said.

The short, three-minute animation will debut on the festival’s opening night, where attendees will have the chance to chat with Mathers and Hobbs.

With the help of a grant from Creative Victoria, Hobbs hand-painted everything ready to be put together animation software.

“I knew it would result in a film with a start and finish that we could show people and kids especially,” Mathers said.

“And they would love it because there are lots of fans of Mr Chicken around the world already from the previous book.”

Born and raised in Williamstown, Hobbs

has always had a passion for writing and illustrating children’s books.

“I did animation at art school but the technology has changed since then, however I still know how to make the characters move,” he said.

“It is an animated moving version of how I draw them in the book, it is the same story, just a slightly simplified companion piece to the book.”

The festival will run from May 9-20 at a range of venues.

Details: https://settingsunshortfilmfestival. com.au/ticket-sessions-and-programme

to improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler said he was pleased to hear of the funding win, which will impact the more than 19,000 vehicles which use the existing bridge everyday.

“Council and the community have been advocating for this project for many years, so it is a significant win for our community,” he said “We have been working closely with the Department of Transport and Planning on the design of the new bridge, and we look forward to seeing works begin and our community having a safe passage between Altona and Altona Meadows.”

West plastic plant concerns

The inner-west has once again been the decided as a location for a multi-milliondollar facility which is causing concern from residents.

Australia’s first soft plastics and e-waste recycling facility has opened in Tottenham and will turn hard-to-recycle items into a new concrete material.

Nearby Brooklyn resident Carmen Largaiolli said she was worried about the impact of the $2.5 million facility given Maribyrnong’s existing pollution.

“The operation is approximately 1600 metres north of Brooklyn which is already one of Australia’s pollution hotspots,” she said.

“And adjacent to Sunshine residential homes and a major shopping centre.”

Ms Largaiolli said she only heard about the facility for the first tome last week and questioned whether there was any community consultation about the development.

The state government said the CDRC Global facility will process soft and hard plastics found in e-waste into an environmentally friendly product called RESIN8 that can be used in concrete, masonry bricks, blocks, pavers and asphalt.

According to the state government, at full capacity the facility will process about 6650 tonnes of hard and soft plastics each year, the equivalent of about 330 garbage trucks which Ms Largaiolli said she doesn’t believe is accurate.

“Idon’tbelievethe330figure.Ithinkit will be something like double,” she said.

The state government said RESIN8 is being trialled by Hobsons Bay council, where 1350 kilograms of soft plastics will be turned into asphalt for a local road project.

Hobsons Bay council , Maribyrnong council and the state government were contacted for comment.

Katrina Mathers and Leigh Hobbs. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403674_05

Laura Jenkins is gearing up for the Olive to Oil event. (Damjan Janevski) 404461_01

Budget boost for truck curfew

By Jennifer Pittorino

Dreams have come true for Maribyrnong residents who have been campaigning for truck monitoring for more than eight years, following last week’s state budget.

Inner-west residents breathed a collective sigh of relief following the handing down of last Tuesday’s state budget, as a long standing promise to enforce a truck curfew on local streets was made possible with $10.2 million

funding for camera technology to help enforce the state government’s 24-7 truck ban on roads in the inner west .

“Therehasalwaysbeenadarkcloudhanging over the promise to enforce 24-7 truck bans,” Maribyrnong Truck Action Group (MTAG) president Martin Wurt said.

“This announcement has given us faith that they are going to keep their promise and keep trucks off local streets.”

Since 2017, MTAG has been campaigning

Stepping out to school

Students from Maribyrnong’s St Margaret’s Primary School took an important step forward, participating in the National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, May 10.

In its 25th year, the Pedestrian Council Australia-run initiative continues to raise awareness to the health, road safety, and environmental benefits of walking or using other active modes of transport as an alternative to getting to and from school for children.

Pedestrian Council Australia chief executive Harold Scruby said the day helps to promote physical activity as the country battles with rising obesity levels.

“The best form of physical activity for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at the end of their day.”

He encourages parents to continue the practice of having their children walk to

school outside of the annual initiative and to do it as often as possible, but also urged that all children under 10 must be closely accompanied by an adult when crossing the road.

He says morning exercise has a favourable impact on children’s cognitive and academic performance.

Walk Safely to School Day also encourages positive environmental action, better use of publictransportwithreducedcar-dependency and encourages parents and carers to walk more, reducing dangerous traffic congestion around schools.

Acting principal Vicky Augello said the school encouraged families to park further away from the school and then walk to school with their children.

Saint Margaret’s Primary School students Makenzie, Elektra, Leonardo and Messina. (Damjan Janevski) 406450_01

for electronic truck monitoring in the west.

“We know how vital these cameras will be when the [West Gate Tunnel] opens in late 2025,” MTAG said in a statement.

“For this project to fail in removing thousands of massive trucks from our streets was never an option.”

As reported by StarWeekly , recent MTAG research revealed 95 truck broke the weekend curfew during a two-hour window.

Mr Wurt said MTAG thanked the state

government for the funding and said it will continue the fight to reduce truck emissions in the inner west.

“We are going to continue monitoring the existing truck curfews which are going to be in place until the West Gate Tunnel project opens, which is not projected until late 2025,” he said.

“Given the recent footage MTAG captured breaking truck curfews, it shows me need to keep up that pressure.”

offer, is now more affordable than ever.

Petition requests rate reduction

By Jennifer Pittorino

A Hobsons Bay resident has created a petition asking council to reduce rates in the municipality, which he believes will ease the cost of living crisis.

Ranbir Lambra felt compelled to create the petition after noticing council’s uptick in expected revenue was raised by $2 million.

“Despite an initial forecast of $134 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year, council now eyes a heightened revenue of $136 million,” he said.

Mr Lambra said he discovered this figure in the recent revised budget.

“Why do we have to pay $2 million more when all the estimates had been done earlier,” he said.

“This uptick is unacceptable, especially with the current economic climate and cost of living crisis.”

MrLambraisaskingwheretheextramoney will be coming from in the community.

“They have decided to take $2 million more from the pockets of an already struggling community,” he said.

“The people are struggling, interest rates have gone up, rent has gone up, everything is expensive.

“And instead of getting any relief from council to the ratepayers, they decide to take more money from them.”

In the petition, Mr Lambra said there are additional concerns being felt by the community.

“To rectify this, council must wield its fiscal prowess by trimming operational costs by 1.5 per cent.

“This prudent move would yield a $2 million efficiency, curbing the impending rate hike without compromising service quality or availability.”

In addition to asking council to spend its

Brave shave to support brain cancer

Leanne Naylor and 10 other members and friends of the Altona Bowling Club will be shaving their heads to raise money for Cure Brain Cancer.

Ms Naylor decided to pick up the clippers when she learnt one of their members had been diagnosed with brain cancer.

“He has always been super fit so this diagnosis came out of nowhere,” she said.

“It is one of those things that go undetected for a long time so he is not going to make it.”

After discussing the idea at the club, many other members decided to jump on board for the big shave which will occur on Sunday, May 19, at the Altona Bowls Club.

“We spoke to the manager and said this is what we want to do and they were completely on board with everything,” she said.

“We put up announcements and made sure we got the Brain Cancer Foundation site up and running.”

The other members and friends are Debbie Clarkson, Sarah Bradie, Donald Whitehead, Cheryl Paul, Ron Dingey, Hugh O’Reilly, Jacques Steenkamp, Ollie Gray, Hari Dhakal and Tam Weenn.

Unfortunately this is not the first time Ms Naylor has dealt with someone’s brain cancer diagnosis, losing a family friend a few years back.

“He was also super fit and within months he was gone.”

Although the $1000 goal has already been reached, Ms Naylor encourages all to get down to the club by 1pm to watch the show and donate to the good cause.

“There will be music and a raffle as well as a donation box, I am really looking forward to it actually.”

Details: https://curebraincancer.org.au/ fundraising/the-bald-and-the-beautiful9179eef4

Jennifer Pittorino

money more “sensibly”, Mr Lambra also asks for more transparency.

“I think council needs to be more transparent and empathetic to the people because council is our basic level of government and we need to know what’s going on.”

So far the petition has amassed 95 of its 100 signature goal.

Hobsons Bay council said it was unable to comment on the story because the petition had not been addressed by council.

Details: https://shorturl.at/ltDTW

Safety boost at Highpoint

Maribyrnong police say they can understand why the local community is feeling unsafe due to the recent crime activity, however they are adamant they have remained on top of it.

Maribyrnong Acting Inspector Megan O’Sullivan said, “We completely understand the concern felt within the community when knife crime occurs in public places”.

“That’s why we have boosted both vehicle and foot patrols at Highpoint Shopping Centre, with officers from the Transit Safety Division and Public Order Response Team providing ongoing support.”

Victoria Police said although the Crime Statistics Agency doesn’t directly report on knife crime, the public should be aware that most stabbings occur behind closed doors and between parties known to each other, including family violence and intra-criminal incidents.

And more than half of all assaults in the Maribyrnong area over the last year have been common law assaults, which are minor assaults usually with no injuries.

“We’ll also be staging a mobile police unit this week to ensure our presence remains highly visible,” she said.

“On top of this, we have a number of proactive operations coming up in the Footscray area to target those in the community who think carrying a weapon is acceptable.

“Safety in public places remains a key priority for us and we will continue to focus our efforts on ensuring the community not only is safe, but feels safe.”

Video memoir captures the charm of historic Altona pier

The Altona Pier Revue Art Prize has inspired Hobsons Bay locals to share their passion for the area in more ways than one, as Seabrook resident, Veena Rathnam, celebrates her special video memoir.

“I came across these people in the community who had so much to do with the pier growing up, so I came up with the idea to record them talking about the pier,” she said.

As a cultural heritage specialist, Ms Rathnam was excited to try her hand at exploring Altona’s history in this project.

“I first heard about the art prize last year and decided this would be a good way to get my foot back in the door after having two kids,” she said.

Out of the many expressions of interest she received, Ms Rathnam decided on six people who she interviewed and recorded to compile into a 20-minute video memoir.

‘A Walk Down Altona Pier’ is a video memoir featuring locals who have grown up or lived in and around Altona, filmed at the Altona Meadows Library.

Made at the time of the pier’s renewal the memoir is a repository of personal stories and recollections, focusing around the historic Altona Pier.

After living in Hobsons Bay for almost eight years, Ms Rathnam has decided that her favourite part of Altona is no doubt the pier like many others.

“My favourite thing about the video is all the personal memories people shared as well as the history.”

The project was supported by Louis Joel Arts & Community, Mobil, Altona-Laverton Historical Society Inc and Hobsons Bay council.

The video is available to watch on YouTube. Details: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=lyoJblPjEyQ

Jennifer Pittorino

Leanne Naylor, Sarah Bradie, Donald Whitehead and Cheryl Paul. (Damjan Janevski) 405161_05

Producer Veena Rathnam with locals Lorraine Rogers and Edna Mignot. (Damjan Janevski) 406273_01

Call to upgrade laneway

By Jennifer Pittorino

Several Footscray residents have long been engaged in a battle with Maribyrnong council over an unsealed and unlit laneway.

Greenwood Lane sits behind Cowper Street, a two-minute walk from where resident Chris Wheelhouse lives.

MrWheelhousehasexperiencedmanyissues with this laneway backing onto his house, such as finding syringes and rubbish dumping.

“It has a problem of drug paraphernalia, it’s had a problem of dumping and it has also been the only vehicular access for a property which requires disability access at the rear,” he said.

“It is not safe to walk down, it’s not safe to get down there in a wheelchair or with any disability impairments.

Two years ago, then Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter confirmed a proposal to light and seal the laneway had been considered in the 2022-23 budget.

When nothing came of the budget, Mr Wheelhouse and majority of residents who used the laneway decided they were willing to help pay for the sealing and lighting.

“Council has not been able to attribute what percentage of cost contribution each property would take, no one knows and they still can’t answer it,” he said.

“I had also presented council with 43 signatures asking for the laneway to be sealed and paid for by the council.

Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said sealing and lighting of Greenwood Lane did not receive any allocation in council’s proposed budget for the 2024-25 for several reasons.

“Council is responsible for managing and maintaining approximately 328-kilometres of sealed roads (including laneways), 18km of unsealed roads (including laneways), and

541km of footpaths,” she said.

“In line with our asset plan and within a limited budget, it must assess and prioritise

projects based on asset condition and factors such as safety, usage, and overall community benefit.”

New location for Cleanaway

A new reverse vending machine refund point has been installed at the Croatian House in Footscray, as part of the state governmentsContainerDepositScheme with Tomra Cleanaway.

Located at the Croatian House, 72 – 82 Whitehall Street, Footscray, this is the sixth refund point installed in Maribyrnong.

InFootscraygroupsandorganisations already fundraising with CDS Vic include the Footscray Lacrosse Club, The Footscray United Rangers Football Club, Footscray United CC, West Footscray Football Club, The Op Shop West Footscray and West Footscray Neighbourhood House.

Tomra said residents of Maribyrnong can download the CDS Vic West Zone app to check on the live status of their local refund point, verify container eligibility, and manage and track container refunds.

The CDS Vic West Zone app also allows customers the opportunity to donate their container refund to many charities that have joined as charity partners for the scheme.

There are currently 166 deposit sites across the CDS Vic West Zone, with the planfor180refundpointstobeinstalled by August.

Tomra Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said, “We’re very excited to have landed a new CDS Vic refund point in Footscray, adding to the existing network of refund points in Victoria.”

Chris Wheelhouse. (Damjan Janevski) 406526_01

Spoiling mum on Mother’s Day

All 201 kids at Dinjerra Primary School in Braybrook had access to the special Mother’s Day stall held across two days.

Presents available were flower and heart keyrings and plants and pots donated by Sunshine Bunnings and potted up by school council president Kylie Kirk.

Other presents available were necklaces, photo frames, jewellery and tote bags, jewellery boxes and mugs with chocolates.

Ms Kirk said all the children loved choosing a special present for their mums, and some even snuck in a present for themselves.

Bird lovers flock to open day

The Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre hosted its ‘Connecting Communities in Nature’ open day on Saturday, May 11.

Volunteer Jane Harris said it was a terrific day.

“We had a great crowd engaging in all the activities that were created to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and Hobsons Bay’s diverse community.”

MsHarrissaidthedaywasanopportunityto celebrate the Hobsons Bay community, where people enraged with cultural performances, guided walks through the wetlands, bilingual story time and environmental stalls.

The Vietnamese Association in Hobsons Bay reached 1000 Origami Cranes, a symbol of peace, which resident Myly Nguyen said symbolises peace, good health, longevity and healing in many Asian cultures.

“As I folded, I learnt that the paper crane was a symbol of hope and healing,” she said.

The cranes will be displayed across Hobsons Bay libraries.

Kids were able to buy all sorts of gifts for their mums.

Front row: Chloe, 9, Akira, 9, Elieen, 9, Isabella, 9, and Aarush, 8. Back row: Benjamin, 9, Janavi, 9, and Sameer, 10.

Above: Volunteers Sue Marmo, Kylie Kirk, and Megan Mcnally. Below: Sameer with one of the many gifts on offer. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 405708

Amy and Idelia Saia.

Author Claire Saxby and Author Sally Nansen.

Hobsons Bay Vietnamese Association President Myly Nguyen and Hobsons Bay Deputy Mayor Pamela Sutton-Legaud. Myly Nguyen.

Julie Clemence.

Mila Kerr, Ismo Tyrrell, Vicki Tyrrell.

Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre gathered for its ‘Connecting Communities in Nature’ Open Day. (Supplied)

Events galore

By Mayor Cuc Lam

As we head into the cooler weather, there is still so much to do in Maribyrnong.

This week is Neighbourhood House Week, a time to honour the invaluable contributions of our seven neighbourhood houses and community centres. These important spaces offer our community a safe, inclusive and accessible place to meet and connect.

Under the theme ‘Stronger together,’ we invite you to celebrate with us at any of the events planned across the municipality, from family morning teas to home decluttering workshops, there is something for everyone. For more information, visit maribyrnong.vic. gov.au/nhw

Meanwhile, our home grown Setting Sun International Film Festival is now in its eleventh year, showcasing stellar works from independent filmmakers across Australia and beyond. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore diverse cinematic experiences from now until May 20.

The remainder of the program will take place at Kindred Studios in Yarraville and The Greek Centre in Melbourne. For tickets and program details, visit settingsunshortfilmfestival.com.au

Looking ahead, Maribyrnong is gearing up foritsinauguralLivingFutureExpothisJune. This celebration of sustainability is a free and family-friendly expo which will showcase a range of Council initiatives, community exhibits, workshops, and interactive experiencesdesignedtoeducateand motivate attendees. Learn more about this exciting eventatmaribyrnong.vic.gov.au/living-future expo

At our recent council meeting, we had the honour of hosting members of the Les Twentyman Foundation and his family. We

proudlyannouncedtherenamingoftheYouth Leadership Award in his memory. Raised in Braybrook, Les Twentyman was a beacon of hope – a local hero, youth advocate, and community stalwart. His legacy, embodied by the foundation bearing his name, continues totransformthelivesofyoungVictoriansand their families.

The newly named ’Les Twentyman Youth Leadership Award’ serves as a tangible tribute to his extraordinary impact, inspiring future generations to embody his spirit of service and compassion. Les embodied the best of humanity, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Digital licence now available Victorians now have the option to carry their driver’s licence on their phone. Eligible Victorians will be able to access their digital licence after setting up their profile via the myVicRoads and Service Victoria apps.

Family jams

Hobsons Bay council is partnering with Family Jams to bring three free family-friendly live music gigs to venues around Hobsons Bay throughout the colder months. Family Jams brings original, live music to kids, young people and their elders, making these gigs the perfect opportunity for all ages to come together. The gigs will feature Nikodimos and Adrian Eagle, Charlie Needs Braces, David Arden with the Australian Art Orchestra, Mindy Meng Wang, DJ Sikander and more. Activities will include beat-making workshops for teens, and storytime from masters of ancient traditions

The Spotswood- Kingsville RSL will host on jam on Sunday, May 19. The Altona Theatre will host the second event on Sunday, June 9, and The Woods St Arts Space will host the final event on Saturday, June 20. Bookings are essential and can be made through the council website.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Mayor Cuc Lam.

Learning lessons from the past

By Hannah Hammoud

In 1954, at just 16 days old, Trevor Cunningham and his family were some of the first residents of a new suburb; Braybrook.

In his recent book, ‘Social Housing: Braybrook’s Story’, published by Australian Scholarly Publishing, Cunningham delves into the intricate history of social housing in Braybrook, tracing its origins back to the 1950’s when the Housing Commission of Victoria initiated the development.

Cunningham’s family were on the housing commission waitlist for a home when they were allocated the three-bedroom house in Braybrook. Having lived in the suburb for 21 years, Cunningham said misconceptions about the suburb persist till this day.

“The perception and reality of Braybrook are two different things – and probably always have been,” he said.

“I grew up there and thought it was a great place to live. I enjoyed it … I think like every suburbithadissues,butthat’snotuncommon. But I think as of late the suburb has had a poor image and that was one of the factors that motivated me to do the research and write the book – I felt that people were making judgements without understanding what the suburb was really like. And without knowing its history, and how that came about, it’s hard to make a judgement.”

Throughmeticulousresearch,Cunningham sheds light on the challenges faced by early residents, including inadequate infrastructure and substandard housing.

“The commission built houses but it didn’t provide the infrastructure,” he said.

“That’s a major issue with town planning and development in Australia generally. We build the homes and then the infrastructure followslater.Itshouldbethereverse,wherethe

infrastructure is established as an incentive to go and live in that area, and governments don’t seem prepared to do that.

“Whatcameoutofmyresearchwastheway the housing commission so poorly managed the estate. I always knew that getting maintenance in our house was difficult, but the attitude of the housing commission came through in my research. It was not a benevolent landlord at all, and the Royal

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

Commission that was held into the operation of the housing commission revealed exactly that, that the commission’s attitude seemed to be ‘pay your rent, we’ll leave you alone, and don’t bother us.’ And that’s as far as it went.”

One of the key lessons gleaned from Cunningham’s book is the vital role of community in shaping Braybrook’s identity.

“The people who lived in Braybrook

in the early days, made the most of their community,” he said.

“They built a community. The commission built houses, but the people built the community and they did a pretty good job of it.Theyprovidedwhatthegovernmentdidn’t.” Cunningham’s book, ‘Social Housing: Braybrook’s Story’ can be found in local bookshops or purchased directly from the publisher, Australian Scholarly Publishing.

Lots of May entertainment

The month of May in Melbourne’s west promises a line up of events and activities to check out, and Western Melbourne Tourism has curated a list of highlights.

SleeplessFestivalisreturningtoFootscrayfor athirdedition.Thisfestivalofpublicart,music and unexpected activities brings dormant laneways and forgotten indoor spaces to life, transforming them into inviting nightscapes.

RSL. Featuring Nikodimos and Adrian Eagle, Charlie Needs Braces, DJ Sikander and more. For those after an arts and culture experience, the west’s very own international film festival will be back in May until the 20th, presenting quality, award winning films from independentfilmmakersaroundAustraliaand the world.

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

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

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

TheheartofFootscrayplayshosttoaseriesof adventurous events celebrating the world-class diversity and creativity coming out of the west.

Running until May 19, the festival includes music,filmscreenings,artinstallations,theatre and more.

HeadovertotheBoweryTheatreinStAlbans for the ‘Resonate’ music series, which brings contemporary Australian music to the west.

PBS Radio DJ MzRizk programs a diverse line-up inviting audiences to discover new artists across genres. On at the Bowery Theatre on May 17, and May 31.

CheckoutLive&Local:FamilyJamsonMay 19, from 1-5pm at the Spotswood Kingsville

Now in its eleventh year, the annual Setting Sun International Film Festival screens shorts and features at The Sun Theatre Yarraville, Kindred Studios, the Greek Centre as well as online.

Steve McCurry’s ICONS exhibition is on display at the SeaWorks Maritime Precinct in Hobsons Bay until May 25. With more than 100 large-format photographs, ICONS is one of the most comprehensive retrospectives of McCurry’s career.

Mark your calendars for the Williamstown Literary Festival, a beloved annual event celebrating storytelling with author talks, paneldiscussions,andwritingworkshopsfrom June 14-16.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

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

Local author, Trevor Cunningham. (Damjan Janevski) 405330_02

Laffan hits it for six in Vanuatu

It’s been a big 12 months for Chris Laffan who has gone from coaching Craigieburn to taking charge as the head coach of the Vanuatu cricket program. He chats with Tara Murray about the journey and the incredible result that got the world talking.

When Vanuatu’s women’s team upset Zimbabwe at the women’s T20 cricket World Cup qualifying tournament last month, among those watching from the side lines was Craigieburn’s Chris Laffan.

Laffan, a former player and coach at Craigieburn, has had a big role to play in the Vanuatu program in recent times.

LastMayhewasappointedVanuatucricket’s high performance manager and national coach, and it has been a massive 12 months since.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” he said. “All starting to come together and I can start to see some of the things that have been put in place and that’s really pleasing.

“I guess that 12-month mark gives you a good time to make an assessment on a lot of that as well.”

Laffan said the role had been a learning curve as he’s made the transition across from Australia.

He said he’s had to wear several different hats to make everything work.

“Sometimes you’re a little bit jealous of some of the other [sports] coaching staff and numbers that they have, thinking what you coulddowiththosesortsofnumbers,” hesaid.

“Weknow,Iandwhoevertakesuptheroleat Vanuatu … wear a lot of hats.

“But at the same time that’s one of the enjoyments and something that definitely drives you from a passion point of view to get up in the morning and know that you know, it could be a bit of a different focus and where we’ve got to drive our energy from.

“Whether that’s, you know, conversations around from a nutrition point of view or fitness point of view and back to cricket games and skill.

“It’s been a great experience so far.”

Laffan said when he came into the role he knew that while soccer often dwarfs cricket in termsofpopularityintheVanuatu,cricketwas the highest-ranked sport in the country.

That is based around the women’s program which is ranked number 30.

At the recent World Cup qualifying tournament, the Vanuatu side beat Zimbabwe which is ranked 12th in the world.

To even get to the qualifying tournament, they had to beat Papua New Guinea, which is ranked number 11 in the world and a team Laffandescribedasthe‘gatekeeper’ofwomen’s cricket in their region.

Laffan said the win was massive for the team and the country as a whole.

“To see us be able to take that forward and go somewhere we haven’t been before, is so pleasing from my point of view,” he said.

“But also from the support. The country has been able to jump on board and it’ll hopefully be able to ignite the passion into young men

and women to take up the game and see it as a really great pathway to get on the international stage.”

Laffan said they had a really young group that were happy to be there and take on these opportunities.. He said the group was just there to learn and get better and improve.

“I think it really shows the mentality of the group that you know, they’re not really going to get lost in that one win which is fantastic,” he said. “To put out their best foot forward to continue and while they got beaten quite convincingly two days later … There were so many pleasing signs against a world class side.

“We spoke about it in our build up and how important it was about creating history, we managed to do that.”

Vanuatu finished with just one win for the tournament but it’s put the side in a good place to move forward.

On the other side the men’s team came off a disappointing tournament in Malaysia, missing out on qualifying for the Challenge League, which is a step to trying to qualify for the 50-over World Cup.

The loss will have an impact on funding for thewholeCricketVanuatuprogram,including all staff and many programs that run.

Laffan said it was a huge shake up but was one that they didn’t see coming.

“To finish off where we did, “We made the super six stage.

“There were some pleasing results, we got into some positions that we could have gone through.

“There’ssomefantasticprogressionthorough the men’s side at the same the overhanging piece of disappointment front he last tough not securing the funding and go through.”

Now with 12 months nearly under his belt, Laffan is keen to see where the journey takes them next.

Vanuatu’s women’s side with coach Chris Laffan (pictured right). (Pictures: Supplied)

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

Fiddle group

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

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

Sing with WIllin Wimmin choir

Do you like to sing? Join a supportive and welcoming group of women who sing with heart. The group welcomes anyone who identifies as a woman. No auditions, singing experience or music background necessary. The group meets on Wednesdays during school term, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at The Bridge Church hall, 119 Douglas Parade, Williamstown. The first two evenings of attendance are free.

■ www.willinwimmin.org.au

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

Intro to computers course

For beginners and those looking to refresh skills. The computer lab is fully equipped for interactive and hands-on learning. Accessing information, resources, file management, emails, Microsoft Office, AI and online safety. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.

■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.

au

Positions vacant

Join the Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) as a committee member to support and strengthen your local community. It is seeking to fill the treasurer’s role as well as other voluntary positions.

■ eo@hbcommunityfund.org.au

Dementia-cise

Fitness for her is offering a free, low-impact group class for individuals with dementia to maintain communication and social engagement. A six-week term started on Thursday, May 9, and will offer 30-minute exercise classes for people living with dementia and their carers at Central Square Shopping Centre, shop 46-47, Newham Way, Altona Meadows.

■ www.fitnessforher.com.au, or 9360 8000

Holy Family Parish

The Holy Family Parish in Maidstone is hosting an Alpha Night. Free meal and chance to chat. People from all backgrounds, faith, and walk of life are welcome at the events which will run every Wednesday until May 22, from 6.45-8.45pm, at Holy Family Parish small hall, 15 Lyons Street, Maidstone.. ■ Angelo Ramnac, 0409 406 611 or aramnac@bigpond.com

Willy walking group

A free walking group meets every Wednesday, during school terms, at 10.1511am, from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

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

Laverton Community Choir

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

■ Sue, 0418 386 147, or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com

Free parent support

Hobsons Bay council’s new support group, ’Tuning in to Teens’ is designed to help parents with a range of teenage topics. These include understanding your teen better, helping your teen to manage difficult emotions, helping to prevent behavioural issues in your teen and teach your teen how to deal with conflict more effectively. Tuning in to Teens is a free six-session parenting program. The next term will run on Mondays, from 6.30-8.30pm, commencing May 20, running online.

■ 9932 4000 or youth@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.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.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous

are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesdays at 7pm, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems.

■ 1300 22 22 22, or www.aatimes.org.au

Wednesday walking group

The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea.

■ 9397 6168

Williamstown Craft Market

Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am4pm.

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

Musicians wanted

Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? The Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am-noon, at Braybrook College.

■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Free English conversation class

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

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

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely one-and-a-half hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Each

week is a different week with a printed sheet with the route and points of interest provided each week. Walks are leisurely and usually end at a café for a tea-coffee.

■ John, 0418 377 336

Community morning tea

A free community meeting tea occurs every Wednesday at 11am in Joan Kirner House foyer, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Woodcarving workshop

The woodcarving workshop meets on Tuesdays at 9.30am-noon at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, 280 Queens Street, Altona. All levels of ability in this ancient, international craft are welcome, women included, starter tools and timber available.

■ jah2802rot@gmail.com

Women Talk – Conversational English

The Women Talk Group will be held on Mondays at 10am for women to learn and practice speaking English in the classroom and the local area and make new friends in an all-women class.

■ 9391 8504 or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

Laverton Community Education Centre

Laverton Community Education Centre has started free AMEP classes in Williamstown Community Education Centre at the Joan Kirner House, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-3pm Participants can build English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

■ 9369 2726

Altona Repair Cafe

The Altona Repair Cafe is looking for more repairers to help meet community demand for repairs at their monthly repair events. Repair cafes happen on the first Saturday of the month, noon-3pm.

■ Danielle, 0413 434 082

Social card games

Interested in playing social card games? Canasta, poker and/or others. Weekday mornings or afternoons at 43 Mason Street, Newport.

■ 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Star Wars characters visiting sick children, including six-year-old Tiana, at Sunshine Hospital to help brighten their day. (Damjan Janevski) 405369_01

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9

1 Underground railway (6)

4 Water-surrounded land (6)

10 Chickens, pigeons etc. (5)

11 Social exclusion (9)

12 Provider of information (9)

13 Rainforest vine (5)

14 Of Troy (6)

15 Over (4)

19 Currency unit (4)

20 Antelope with lyre-shaped horns (6)

24 Happen (5)

25 Encouraging (9)

27 Male name (9)

28 Proclaimer (5)

29 Proof-corrector (6)

30 Fruit (6)

Temperance (8) 2 Shoeless (8)

3 German-speaking country (7) 5 Mollusc (7) 6 Shoe brand (6) 7 Humiliate (6)

8 Scottish island (4) 9 Law (7)

16 Bed-bound person (7) 17 Italian church (8) 18 Large marsupial (8) 19 Procession (7) 21 North African country (7)

22 Deadbeat (6)

23 Outline (6)

26 Sham (4)

3 LETTERS

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

Today’s Aim:

20 words: Good 30 words: Very good 40 words: Excellent

2 Riley Keough (pictured) plays the title character in which 2023 series based on a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid?

3 And which music icon is she the granddaughter of?

4 The quetzal is the official currency of which country?

5 In which Australian state is Gulf St Vincent? 6

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which A-League Women’s soccer club finished on top of the ladder at the end of the home-and-away season?

2. What is the colour of the middle top ring of the Olympics logo?

3. In which year did Australia last win the Rugby Union World Cup?

4. Which AFL team remained undefeated after the first seven

5. Which Australian allrounder scored 124 not out in a recent IPL cricket match?

6. Which famous soccer stadium was home to Tottenham Hotspur from 1899 to 2017?

7. Australian Hannah Green is a professional athlete in which sport?

8. Which car manufacturer will be entering the Formula One World Championship in 2026?

Which NFL team were the first Super Bowl champions in 1967?

Jason Gillespie was recently named Test coach of which national cricket team?

Which team selected quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft?

Which team selected Australian punter Tory Taylor with the 122nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft?

Which year was the NBA founded?

14. In which form of car racing was Josef Newgarden stripped of a win for misuse of the push-to-pass overtake button?

15. Which Australian netball legend was recently appointed to the board of Netball Australia?

16. How many games did the Phoenix Suns win in their 2024 NBA playoffs series versus the Minnesota Timberwolves?

17. Which former Adelaide Crows captain retired recently after a 255game AFL career?

18. Australian journalist Paul Kent played one first grade game for which now NRL team?

19. Which three-time premiership player (currently a Rooster and formerly a Rabbitoh) has announced the 2024 NRL season will be his last?

20.Which team signed Australian tight end Thomas Yassmin to a three-year rookie contract after the 2024 NFL draft?

21. What is the Australian Men’s national hockey team nicknamed?

22.Former tennis player Serena Williams is married to the co-founder of which social media site?

23.Famous ice skating duo Torvill and Dean are from which country?

24.Which Australian golf professional won the LPGA Tour's JM Eagle LA Championship in both 2024 and 2023?

25.Name any four of the nine animals that are featured in current NBA team names.

26.Who has been awarded the most (eight) Ballon d’Or trophies?

27. Which Super Rugby team recently lost four games in a row for the first time in their history?

28.Which snooker player holds the record for a fastest maximum break?

29. In what time frame did Joey Chestnut famously eat a world-record 76 hot dogs?

30.Kabaddi is the national sport of which country?

Futuristic Staria is a head-turner

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

The Hyundai Staria people mover and Staria Load commercial van arrived here in mid-2021 toreplacethepreviousiMaxandiLoadvehicles.

Both come with a strikingly futuristic look with a steeply sloping front with a wide body-colouredradiatorgrilleflankedbylow-set LED headlights and a full-width horizontal LED strip above comprising a centre lamp and daytime running lights.

Comparisons have been drawn to the now-defunct Space Shuttle.

Both Staria models are engineered from the ground up on a dedicated platform shared with the Santa Fe.

We’ll focus on the people mover here.

Styling

While it may polarise opinions, the Staria certainly has the most imaginative design we’ve ever seen in either a people mover or commercial van. During our week behind the wheel of the Staria people mover it drew almost exclusively positive comments.

The same body colour is used for all the Staria’s frontal parts. It has a low belt line and large side windows. The rear has vertical tail lights and a wide rear window. It’s not all about style – the rear bumper is low to help make it easier to load and unload.

Three equipment levels are available, each with the choice of 3.5-litre V6 petrol or 2.2-litre diesel power: Staria, Elite and Highlander – starting at $49,900, plus on road costs, for the Staria petrol and rising to $67,000 for the Highlander 2.2-litre diesel.

The three petrol variants are front-wheel drive, the diesels are driven by all four wheels.

Interior

As with the previous iMax, the Staria is an eight-seaterThelowerbelt-linesandpanoramic side windows provide excellent all-round visibility and create a feeling of openness in the large cabin. The Highlander lets in even more light via a front and rear sunroof.

Ifthat’stoomuchlight,secondandthirdrow sunshades can be used to reduce glare and heat of the sun. Sliding second-row seats have long runners for easy access and a step and ‘walk-in’ device sliding function for the second row creates extra foot clearance for easy third row access.

Two USB-A charging ports for each rear row, along with 10 cup/bottle holders and second-row seatback storage pockets make for happy families on the road.

With all seats occupied, there is 831 litres of cargo space in the rear, while this can be expanded to a massive 1303 litres with the second and third row folded. Access is via power side sliding doors or ‘smart’ power tailgate, the latter that closes automatically when the smart key is no longer detected.

Engines/transmissions

The all-wheel drive 2.2-litre CRDI diesel generates 130 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is listed at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine gets 200 kW and 330 Nm.

On test was the range topping Staria Highlander 2.2-litre petrol diesel.

Infotainment

Entry level Staria comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Elite and Highlander a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Likewise, only the two higher-spec models get satellite navigation with live traffic updates digital radio.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia unit is integrated into the top of the dash and provides a clear view of navigation, audio and other info, including wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.

All models have a 10.25-inch colour LCD screen in front of the driver but partially blocked by the steering wheel when we were driving. It displays a digital speedo, trip

RATINGS

Looks: 9/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 5/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 9/10

Value: 6/10

information, tachometer and visual warnings and system status updates from Hyundai SmartSense and other safety systems.

Engines/transmissions

Staria is offered with the choice of petrol and turbo-diesel engines, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front or all-wheel drive.

The 3.5-litre V6 produces 200 kW and 331 Nm and drives the front wheels, while the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel dishes up 130 kW and 430 Nm through an all-wheel drive system.

Both engines are mated with an eight-speed torque convertor automatic transmission and can tow up to 2500kg with a braked trailer.

Safety

In addition to seven airbags – front, front-side, front-centre plus curtain bags on the A- and B-pillars – standard active safety across the range features include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection and junction assist, blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist and lane following assist.

There’s also multi-collision braking, driver inattention monitor, safe exit warning, rear cross-traffic assist and surround view monitor. The Elite adds safe exit assist and 3-D view surround-view camera.

The range-topping Highlander incorporates a blind spot view monitor, which projects a live feed of what’s in the blind spot to the instrument cluster.

There are IsoFix child seat anchors on the outboard second-row seats, plus top-tether anchors. There are no anchors in the third row.

Driving

With such a difference in load characteristics over eight seats, fuel consumption could be expected to have ranged wildly around the maker’s claim of 8.2 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle. Our test vehicle used a combined 9.8 L/100 km.

There’s a choice of four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and Smart – offers a range of powertrain responses to suit driving conditions. Annoyingly they are selected by tapping a number of times on a lower screen thus diverting attention from the road.

Eco and Sport are at either end of the performance spectrum, with Normal the balance between the two.

Smart mode works with a driver profile system to tailor Staria’s performance to their preferences. That’s clever.

Despite its size Satria doesn’t feel it and it’s smooth and comfortable drive experience with ride and handling that’s up to class-leading standards.

Summary

All-new Staria is a head-turning eight-seater people mover alternative to the perennial class-leading Kia Carnival. It comes with all the safety, comfort and convenience technology customers expect in a modern passenger vehicle.

All models come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, complimentary roadside assist for 12 months, 1500km complimentary first service, a dedicated customer care centre and an exclusive owner website.

Owners servicing with Hyundai also receive a 10-year satellite navigation update plan, plus roadside support for up to 10 years or more.

All-new Staria is a head-turning eight-seater people mover alternative to the perennial class-leading Kia Carnival. (Pictures: Supplied)

There was plenty of sporting action on the weekend and StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out and about shooting some of the great grabs, kicks and handballs.

Action from around the grounds

1/ Kain Hall.

Payton-Ani Ozols.

Kaitlyn Portelli. 406467_16

Nathan Parkes and Sam Gilmore. 406464_11 6/ Charlie Goodwin. 406467_08 7/ Harry Butterworth and Sam Green. 06463_10 8/ Tye Hall. 406469_18 9/ Erin Robinson. 406471_18 10/ Bundoora against Heidelberg. 406463_14

Seagulls come home strong after a slow start

Williamstown took three quarters to get going against Essendon in the Victorian Football League but saved the best for last on Saturday. While the Seagulls were at home, it was the Bombers that handled the conditions better in the first three quarters.

The Bombers held a 20 point margin for much of the first three quarters, before the Seagulls started to get going in the final quarter.

Six goals to one in the final quarter turned a 19 point deficit into an 11 point win, winning 13.12 (90)-11.13 (79).

Seagulls coaching director Jeff Andrews said it took them a while to get going.

“There was a breeze that wasn’t going to the normal end,” he said. “Essendon had plenty of speed.

“We have some quarters where everything clicks and we can kick six to eight goals and that happened.”

Andrews said they knew they had plenty of experience on the ground to help come from behind.

He said they knew their fitness would also

hold them in good stead.

“It was only a two to three goal breeze we had for the final quarter,” he said. “When we’re 19 points down we needed everything to go our way and we were able to kick six goals to one.

“The effort was there all game, the polish was not there.

“We backed the players in and they were able to do it.”

Nick Ebinger kicked three goals for the Seagulls, while Jack Toner, Brodie McLaughlin, Darby Henderson and Corey Ellison kicked two goals each.

AndrewssaidWillFordham,whotoppedthe disposal count with 33, Riley Collier-Dawkins and Toby Triffett did an outstanding job of keeping Dylan Shiel and Elijah Tstatas quiet.

Aiden Bonar down back and Henderson were other standouts according to Andrews.

The Seagulls remain in second spot on the ladder with a 6-1 record. Their only loss came to ladder leaders, the Footscray Bulldogs.

Andrews said they were happy with how things were sitting as they approach the half

way mark of the season.

“We have Carlton next week and then the bye,” he said. “It’s almost the half way mark and it gives us an opportunity to finish the year off in a good spot.

“We have not been in that situation in some other years.”

Andrews said Fin O’Dwyer, James Cousins and Ryley Stoddart are all on track to return for the next couple of weeks to further strengthen their side.

Meanwhile, the Seagulls women had a win against North Melbourne.

The lead switched throughout the close match with the Seagulls winning, 4.8 (32)-4.4 (28).

Tara Murray

The Brookers dig deep

By Tara Murray

Braybrook had to dig deep to come away with the points against West Footscray in the Western Football League division 2.

TheBrookersplayedthesecondhalfwithout a bench after some first half injuries, but it meant little as they were able to maintain their half time lead.

After leading by four goals at quarter time, the margin was slightly extended to 29 points at the main break.

The margin stayed steady in the second half, with the Brookers winning, 16.14 (110)-11.12 (78).

Brookers coach Geoff Maddern said it was a pretty nice win.

“It was pretty hard and a lot of tough contests,” he said. “There was some good outside play as well.

“It was played in good spirits and it was a good day and we were ultimately able to go on a run.

“We were able to get the ball in our hands early and they missed a few shot. We were able

to hold the ascendancy for a lot of the day.”

Maddern said he was proud of the efforts of thegrouptobeabletogetthejobdonewithout having any rotations in the second half.

Luke Zammit is one of the main ones to be injured, hurting his collarbone, while one player had concussion.

Maddern said Matthew Condo, Jayden Danaher, Harley and Ricky Cameron had strong games along with their skipper Aidan O’Rafferty.

He said they had good solid contributions from everyone.

For the Roosters, Jaycob Doyle and Otis Storti-Ljubas and David Tonini were named their best.

The win takes the Brookers to 3-2 after five rounds and sit in fifth spot.

Maddern said they were where they expected to be at this point of the season.

“We’re where we should be with how we recruited and the draw we had,” he said.

“Albion and Newport within five days of each other was a real trial.

“Theteamswhohavecomeupfromdivision

3 have given some good contests and they’ve been games we’ve expected to get up in those games and we’ve got those results which is outstanding.”

The Brookers this Saturday face an undefeated Wyndamvale.

Maddern said it would be a really good test for them.

In other matches, Newport was no test for Sunshine in its biggest test so far.

Sunshine came away with a big win, 18.19 (127)-5.8 (38).

Laverton ad no issues against North Sunshine, winning 31.27 (213)-2.6 (18).

North Footscray was also on the winners list, beating Tarneit, 19.18 (132)-4.4 (28).

In division 1, Yarraville Seddon beat Parkside, 13.14 (92)-10.11 (71). Kobe Cikala and Darcy Grieves were named the Eagles best, while O’Neill Moncrieff was named the Magpies best.

SpotswoodfelljustshortagainstPointCook, losing 11.13 (79)-10.12 (72), while Altona lost to Werribee Districts, 19.11 (125)-10.10 (70).

Sports shorts

Athletics

Celeste Mucci has recovered from injury to be named in the Australian team of the Oceania Athletics Championships. Taking place from June 1-8, the Oceania Athletics Championships will include 20 different countries. Mucci was named to compete in the 100 metre hurdles.

NPL

Altona Magic overcame Manningham United in a high scoring affair in the National Premier League competition on Saturday. The Magic led 1-0 at half time before it was a goal scoring fest in the second half. Both teams scored four second half goals, with the Magic’s first half score enough to get it the 5-4 win. Bul Juach scored a hat trick for the Magic. The Magic sit in eighth spot with five wins after 13 rounds.

VAFA

Williamstown CYMS’ win less start in the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B competition continued on Saturday. Facing Caulfield Grammarians, the CYs trailed early and the margin grew to 24 points at half time. The margin grew to 29 points at three quarter time. Both sides struggled to score in the final quarter with the Grammarians winning, 12.10 (82)-6.13 (49). Jordan Busuttil was named the CYs best.

VAFA

Williamstown CYMS is the premiership favourites in the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B women’s competition. The CYs faced Old Geelong in a top of the table clash with both sides sitting undefeated. The CYs trailed at quarter time before leading by 12 points half time. The margin grew to 30 points at three quarter time, before Old Geelong came hard in the last quarter, but the CYs had done enough to win, 8.10 (58)-5.12 (42). Loren Mills and Paras Paton were named the CYs best.

Luke Parks. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Nathan Spackman. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 353178_07

Burton tops off season with player of year gong

Williamstown Imperials’ Tom Burton had the perfect end to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield season, claiming the player of the year medal.

Having played a massive role in the Imperials premiership, Burton was claimed the division’s best player at the recent awards night.

Hepolled16votestofinishthreevotesahead of Caroline Springs’ Damith Priyadarshana and Pascoe Vale Hadfield’s Jarrod Milczak.

Burton said it was a nice way to end the season.

“It was good,” he said. “It was unexpected I thought the spinner from Maribyrnong Park [St Marys] would take it out, he had a really good year.

“It’s good nonetheless. I had been told a couple of days before the awards night that they thought I’d won.”

Burton said he thought he had a slow start to this season, taking a couple of games to get

into it.

He said the back end of the season was good, but he was also helped by his teammates performing.

The season was the first at the Imperials for Burton.

“I loved it,” he said. “I got to play with my best mate, Andrew Hendry.

“He’d been nagging me for a couple of years and I only live five minutes down the road.

“For me it was a great move and getting to play next to the beach is fun.”

Having won the premiership as well, it’s been the perfect season for Burton.

He said it’s nice to get the individual recognition, it’s the team’s success that is more important.

His teammate Tristan Alsop was also named in the team of the year.

“We had a really good group and came together at the start of the year,” he said. “This year we didn’t know each other.

“After the first loss we went undefeated and I got to play alongside guys who are now my mates.

“It was nice to see it bear fruit.”

The Imperials will move up into division 2 next season. Burton said they were looking forward to the challenge.

“We have got a couple of local derbies now,” he said. “We’re excited to take the next step up, that’s for sure.”

In the division 2, Grand United’s Leniko Boucher claimed the best player award. Newport Digman’s James Muirhead and Shannon Clarke, Altona Roosters’ Tharanga Indika and Nadeera Thuppahi, Williamstown CYMS’ Jarion Hoyte and West Newport’s James Usher and Trent Jones were named in the team of the year.

In division 1, Altona North’s Connor Smith shared the player of the year medal with PEGS Jordan Cook.

Tara Murray

Falcons score solid win

By Tara Murray

City West Falcons came away with a solid win against the Wilson Storage Southern Saints in the Victorian Netball League championship on Wednesday night.

Facing one of their bogey sides, the Falcons were able to come away with a 61-51 win while managing minutes for some players and looking at different combinations.

Falcons coach Marg Lind was pretty happy with the win.

“Ithoughtwerotatedprettycleverlytonight,” she said. “I thought we used our bench really well and rotated at the right times.

“The Saints are always a bit of a nemesis for us.

“They’re very physical, you know they’re there and they catch the body a lot. So I think 10goalsisaprettygoodresult.I’mprettyhappy with that actually.”

Lind said captain Maggie Lind was still sore in her calf which limited her the week before so they didn’t want to overuse her and rotated her and Chelsea Imanisani for most of the night.

The Falcons bought in Olivia Cameron, who played in their division 1 side last year, as some cover in the goaling circle.

Uneeq Palavi was only restricted to a half by the Melbourne Mavericks, where she is a training partner.

“I think using Genna [Ogier] and Olivia Cameron worked well too. Uneeq was only allowed the two quarters and Cookie [Jane Cook] wasn’t actually feeling well, I think she stood up well.”

“We know Olivia is experienced and handy and we thought moving forward if we miss any of our Tongans or Samoans, which we potentially could for Pacific Games, she would be really good cover.

“She fits in well. The first moment we didn’t useherwellwhenweboughtheronthesecond time, she was impactful moving forward.”

Lind said it was defender Sophie Hanrahan was the standout on the night, getting them out of jail on several occasions.

She liked the move of Soli Ropati late in the game to wing attack, while Sussu Liai worked well in wing defence later on.

Cook finished with 42 goals for the Falcons. The win keeps them second on the ladder. The under-23s made it two in a row, beating the Saints, 50-46.

Lind said they had a good performance but needed to look at their rolling subs and being a bit more considered with changes.

“I think once Holly Adams-Alcock just settled down and took the front hold that made a big difference,

Still a little bit wasteful there, they are still young. I thought Maddison Mckiernan was good and lead the time pretty well and Mikayla [Minns] had some good patches too.

“I think when Molly Kennedy gets more involved in the long court, we are better.”

The match was the first time Minns has played big court minutes having been sick since returning from under-19 nationals. She’s trained just once since.

Phoenix shine

Altona East Phoenix had a day out against Uni Hill Eagles in the FV state league 2 north-west competition.

Sitting midtable, the Phoenix needed awintohelpgetitsseasonbackontrack.

The Phoenix led 1-0 at half time before continuing its dominance in the second half to come away with a 3-0 win against the Eagles.

The Phoenix now six in sixth spot, with four wins and three losses for the season.

The tough season for Yarraville Glory in FV state league 1 north-west continues.

The Glory lost to Whittlesea United 4-1 on Friday night.

Whittlesea, which sits on top of the ladder, did most of the damage in the first half, leading 3-0 at the break.

Despite going a man down in the second half, Whittlesea had done enough to win 4-1.

The Glory sits last after seven rounds with just one win and a draw from seven matches.

In state league 3 north-west, Laverton lost its first game of the season, defeated by Williamstown on Friday night. Williamstown stunned early to lead 2-0 at half time. Williamstown was able to ice the game in the second half with another goal to win 3-0.

Jacob Butler scored twice for Williamstown.

Laverton sits in second spot and Williamstown one spot further back.

On Friday night, Altona North had a 2-0 win against Epping City.

Altona North scored both goals in the first half. The side sits fifth on the ladder.

In state league 4 west, Melbourne City beat Moonee Ponds 1-0 on Saturday, while Barnstoneworth United suffered a 9-0 loss to the Surf Coast.

In state league 5 west, Maidstone United had a 4-4 draw with Gisborne.

Hayden Kanjo. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Tom Burton (Ljubica Vrankovic)

The Falcons sit third on the ladder. The championship side has a bye this week, while the under-23s face the Gippsland Strikers.

Lind said it was good chance for the championship side to freshen up.

Sophie Hanarahan had a really strong game. (Robbab Photography)

Seagulls’ impressive start to season

Altona has made a blistering start to the Hockey Victoria men’s premier league but knows there’s still plenty of work to be done. Afterfiverounds,theSeagullssitundefeated as their defence has stood strong and been really hard to score against.

Coach Greg Drake said he can’t complain at this stage.

“We are going along OK,” he said. “Being a new coach you never know how things will go. “Pre-season was excellent and credit to the players so far, the results have been excellent.

“It’s still very early and it’s a long season. There’s 22 rounds and we’ve only played five.

“I can’t complain.”

Drake said he was surprised how well the defence has started, conceding just four goals in the first five rounds.

He said they have a completely different defensive structure this season.

“It was not on my radar,” he said. “The

commitment to playing without the ball has been the key to the success.”

On Sunday, the Seagulls beat the KBH Brumbies 3-2.

Drake said it was a different match compared to their other wins this season.

“It’s the first time we’ve had to come from behind,” he said. “We’ve led in the other matches.

“We had to show some different character and we were nice and patient. We eventually got control of the game and overran them.”

Drake said it was good to see some different qualities, with challenges set to be thrown at them throughout the season.

One thing the Seagulls have had to battle is some early season injuries.

The biggest is a fractured foot to Australian squad member Connar Otterbach.

Drake said that’s a big loss for them.

“He’s had no luck,” he said. “He’s such a

valuable player and a great human as well.

“You hate to see him not being able to play for us. He was there on the weekend and he was there at training.

“He’s been really supportive of us. He’ll miss three months”

While they have a perfect record so far,

Drake said they were nowhere near being a finished product.

He said the results flatter them so far.

“There are some things we will look to improve,” he said. “We have to get better with the right ball movement.

“We need to balance when you attack and when you don’t.”

Altona’s next match is on Saturday against Essendon.

The Seagulls women’s side had a 2-1 loss to KBH Brumbies. The Seagulls sit in 11th spot with one win.

Gators ready to step up

By Tara Murray

Altona Gators are making the most of the learning curves in the Big V men’s division 1 competition.

Last season’s division 2 champions, have had a mixed start to the season sitting 3-4 after eight rounds.

Coach Josh Turton said division 1 was a lot different to division 2.

“It’s been a whole different beast this year and we’ve been hit by the injury bug a little bit,” he said.

“We’ve been lacking that consistency a bit. It’s been a good learning curve, a good experience and we’ve had to find ways to win games.

“We’ve stayed competitive in games, but we haven’t been able to win games. We know no one is happy being 3-4 though.”

Turton said games they were winning last year in division 2, were now five to 10 point losses in the higher division.

He said they know they are a better team as the season goes along and are hoping to be able to turn those results around.

“We know we’re a July and August team,” he said. “We know what the results can look like and what the long term goals are.”

Turton said they were hoping for a bit more luck in the injury department to fully come together as a team.

Samson Rocker missed a game early in the season while Tom Georgiadis missed a couple of weeks early and Rhys Hislop has also missed games,

Turton said the biggest thing had been how it had impacted the consistency of their side.

The Gators had the bye on the weekend. Turton said it came at the perfect time for the group.

“We’ll give the boys a bit of a rest,” he said. “We always break the season down into chapters.

“Chapter one is done and it gives us a good chance to reflect. We’ll have dinner together and spend some time together.”

Turton said the next chapter was a number of key matches in a short period of time. This weekend they face the Warrandyte Venom and Chelsea Gulls.

Last time the Gators faced the Gulls they lost by 30 points.

“We want to show how far we’ve come in the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“I thought we had a handy fixture last year and I feel like we have one this year with getting rest at the right times.

“I’m really excited for the next couple of weeks.”

Meanwhile in the women’s division 1-2 competition, the Gators had an 88-76 loss to the Mildura Heat. The Heat won the game in the final quarter, outscoring the Gators, 27-17.

Tyla Paraha top scored for the Gators with

Macdonald named player of the year

Winning the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 player of the year is icing on the cake for Gellibrand’s Jacob Macdonald.

Having helped his side breakthrough for a premiership after a number of close calls in recent years, Macdonald was crowned the division’s top player at the recent awards night.

Macdonald finished ahead of Bellbridge’s Daniel Spencer and his Gellibrand teammate James Ryan finished in third.

Macdonald said while it was nice to claim the award, he had already got the one that he wanted.

“To win the flag which I wanted to do in Gellibrand was really good and it’s nice to get some success,” he said.

“Mycaptain-coachPaulHetherington was pretty hopeful of my chances of winning it. We had a few players come the end of the year that had good seasons and thought we might have had a decent chance.”

Macdonald said Ryan, who is Gellibrand’s new coach for next season, was the perfect opening partner.

Macdonald made 642 runs at an average of nearly 50 for the season, while Ryan 331 runs for the season.

Another top order batter Jason Hibbert was named in the team of year alongside Macdonald.

Hetherington was named captain of the team of the year.

For Macdonald it was the first time that he had opened the batting in a long time.

“I met up with the coach a month out before the season and said I wanted to open the batting and wanted to take on some more responsibilities and leadership. I got a bit lucky and hit a century in the first game, otherwise I would have ended up back batting at number six.”

Now having managed to get a premiership at the club where his dad played more than 200 games, Macdonald is keen for that to continue next season in division 3.

“We’ll look to recruit some players and we think we’ll have a good chance when we get up there.”

Tara Murray Altona is undefeated after five rounds. (Alex Tyrell)

17 points.

The Gators now sit in fourth spot with seven wins and three losses.

In youth league men’s division 2, Westgate beat RMIT and Wallan on the weekend.

Samson Rocker (Jacob Pattison)352944_11

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