A win for residents
By Cade Lucas
Justovertwoyearsafterittriedtoevictthem, Hobsons Bay council has decided to allow some of the residents at Williamstown’s Techno Park estate to stay.
On Thursday, council announced it had approvedtheexistinguserightsapplication forresidentslivinginblock11oftheTechno Park estate, after they proved they’d been living there continuously for 15 years.
“Thisisagreatoutcomeforthoselivingin this section of Techno Park,” said Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander.
“I’m really pleased that they now have more certainty over their future.”
The approval ends a two-year ordeal for the 25 residents of block 11, who along with residents of Techno Park’s other four blocks, were served with eviction notices by Hobsons Bay council in May 2023.
At the time, council argued that the former migrant hostel was situated on industrial zoned land and that the surrounding fuel storage tanks posed a safety risk.
The Save Techno Park campaign was formed in response, forcing council to pause its eviction attempt, and in February 2024 the state government altered planning laws, allowing residents to apply for existing use rights if they’d lived in their property for 15 years.
With a new council elected in last October’s municipal elections, hopes
were high that Techno Park residents would be allowed to stay, but campaign spokesperson Lara Week said Thursday’s decision was still a relief.
“We’re extremely relieved and so happy,” said Ms Week, adding that the feeling extended throughout the estate.
We’re extremely relieved and so happy ... it’s such a win for all of us - Lara Week
“We’ve all been working together across these last two years to make sure that everyone’s home is protected. And so even though this decision only applies to one block so far, it’s such a win for all of us.”
Ms Week said the application for block 11 included more that 100 documents of evidence and the case for the other blocks was just as strong.
“We’ve got residents, both past and present, who’ve written stat decs (statutory declarations)withallthedetailsoftheirlife at Techno Park. We’ve got people’s photos of their homes, bills, years worth of pet registrations from the council.”
Hobsons Bay council said it was expecting applications for existing use rights from residents of other Techno Park properties and that they had until January 16, 2026 to submit.
Skating up roller derby fun
Footscray is all set to rumble as four powerhouse roller derby teams clash in an action-packed triple-header, led by the west’s own WestSide Roller Derby.
Victoria University Community Sports Stadium will transform into a battleground for round two of the metro season on Saturday, July 19, with the first game starting at 1pm. It will mark the return of competitive roller derby to Melbourne’s west, with teams rolling in from across Melbourne and Sydney.
Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played on roller skates. Each team’s designated “jammer” scores points by lapping
opposing strikers, while “blockers” try to stop them.
WestSide Roller Derby skater Massica Jones, aka Jessica Hunt, said “Footscray has always had a gritty and passionate spirit, so we are super thrilled to bring derby back to the west, where it belongs.”
The event features three back-to-back games, headlined by WestSide Glory versus Sydney’s Inner West Roller Derby Skatecrashers.
Limited seating is available, however spectators are encouraged to bring a camp chair, cushion or picnic rug for the best experience.
WestSide roller derby members Jessica Hunt aka ’Massica Jones’ and Mel Buttigieg aka ’Bleeder of the Pack’ will compete in the metro roller derby. (Damjan Janevski) 484215_03
Citynews
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
We’ve endorsed our 2025/26 Annual Budget, committing $145 million to support essential services and community initiatives over the next financial year. Shaped by two stages of community engagement with residents across the City of Maribyrnong, this budget reflects the priorities and feedback we’ve heard over the past year. It represents our ongoing commitment to what matters most – maintaining the assets our community relies on, progressing major multi-year projects, and continuing to deliver the vital services that support daily life.
At our June Council Meeting, standing orders were suspended to unveil the Mayoral robes of former Mayor and Councillor Sarah Carter , proudly presented by her family , in recognition of her significant contributions to our community. This follows an earlier resolution at the April Council Meeting to consider naming the newly developed kindergarten, located within the Maribyrnong Community Centre, as the Sarah Carter Kindergarten. Community feedback was invited through Your City Your Voice, with a report on the outcome expected in the second half of 2025. Additional tributes to Sarah’s tireless work include a contemplative seat forged by Waterside Metal Art to be installed at Footscray Wharf, and a new Sarah Carter Gender Equity category in the Civic Awards.
We also renamed a meeting room in the newly refurbished Footscray Town Hall as the ‘Les Twentyman Room’ to honour Les’ legacy to social justice, particularly among young people in Victoria. The accessible ground floor meeting room at the heritage-listed Town Hall is available for community bookings, offering an inclusive space to foster connection, collaboration, and inspire collective action for lasting change
We’re now seeking community feedback on several important draft plans that will help guide the future of our city. These include the draft Council Plan, draft Asset and Financial Plans, the draft Municipal ublic Health and Wellbeing Plan, and an updated Community Vision. Each of these documents plays a vital role in shaping future service delivery across the municipality. That’s why it’s so important we hear from as many community members as possible – to ensure our direction reflects your needs and aspirations.
Keep an eye on our socials and website maribyrnong.vic.gov.au for more information.
Mayor Cr Pradeep Tiwari
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
Tue22July: 6.30pm Council Meeting
Tue29July: 6.30pm City Development Delegated Committee
These meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at Footscray Town Hall, 61 Napier Street, Footscray and live-streamed on the Council website. Community members can submit questions for public question time online on or before the day of the meeting. Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings or phone 9688 0200 for more information.
Maribyrnong City Council
Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray, VIC 3012
P: (03) 9688 0200
F: (03) 9687 7793
email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
OUT AND ABOUT
1. Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, alongside Councillors Cuc Lam and Susan Yengi, attended a morning tea at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre to mark Refugee Week and show support for our refugee and asylum seeker communities.
2. Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, joined local entrepreneurs and innovators at the Cotton Mills Business Association Networking Event, celebrating collaboration and the growing energy of our local business community.
3. Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, joined The Art Room for their Open Day and Member Exhibition, celebrating the vibrant creativity, expression, and talent that defines our thriving local arts scene.
PLASTIC FREE JULY
4. Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, stands beside the Mayoral robes of former Mayor and Councillor Sarah Carter – now permanent on display in the Council Chambers, honouring her enduring service to the City of Maribyrnong.
5. Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, joined Deputy Mayor, Cr Bernadette Thomas , and Cr Susan Yengi to celebrate the 2025 Sons of the West Graduation, recognising the achievements of participants and the program’s positive impact on men’s health and wellbeing.
6. Deputy Mayor, Cr Bernadette Thomas, alongside Councillors Elena Pereyra, Samantha Meredith and Cuc Lam, took part in a meaningful Talk on Country aboard the Blackbird Cruise Boat.
Maribyrnong City Council is encouraging residents to take part in Plastic Free July – a global initiative helping millions reduce their use of singleuse plastics. Throughout July, we’ll be hosting a range of community activities to support more sustainable choices and help reduce waste. By signing up and entering your postcode, you’ll be making a personal commitment and helping us measure and celebrate our collective local impact. Together, we can reduce plastic waste, ease pressure on recycling, cut landfill, and take meaningful steps in the fight against climate change. More information on this can be found at: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/plastic-free-july-2025
NATIONAL TREE DAY
We’re proud to support National Tree Day – a celebration of our commitment to the environment and our dedication to creating a sustainable future for generations to come. Join us at Pipemakers Park on Sunday 27 July from 9am, as we come together to plant around 4,000 native plants, helping to restore important habitat for local wildlife along the Maribyrnong River. There’s something for everyone – including a live wildlife show, plus free coffee and a BBQ lunch as a thank you to all our amazing volunteers. More information on this can be found at: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/national-tree-day
Feedback changes budget
By Cade Lucas
Community feedback and state government legislation prompted some changes to the 2025-2026 Hobsons Bay budget, which was adopted last week.
After being left out of the draft version, strong community feedback resulted in the reinstatement of funding for Writers Out West Hobson Bay, a new sports field fence for Altona’s AW Bond Reserve, a fence along Newport’sJohnListonLane,upgradesatthe BayFit Swim Centre and $250,000 for the Substation in Newport.
The reinstatement of funding for the
Substation for a further 12 months pending a review, proved contentious, with Newport ward representative, Cr Michael Disbury, moving an alternative motion to cut the arts centre’s funding to $225,000, arguing it was privately run and had already received $4 million in council funding in the past.
Cr Disbury’s motion failed 5-2, as did his second alternative motion calling for the inclusion of $50,000 for design works on upgrades for Loft Reserve in Newport.
Cr Lisa Bentley was the only councillor to support Cr Disbury’s alternative motions and both councillors were later the only two to vote against the budget itself.
While these reinstated items added to expenditure, changes in state government legislation relating to the adoption of LED lightsresultedincouncilsavingmoney,with private power companies now charged with the responsibility of adding LED fittings to street lights.
Otherwise the key figures in the draft budget remained, with $63 million allocated to capital works projects, including $21.95 million for roads, $3.37 million on drains and $2.26 million for footpaths and cycleways.
There is $12.4 million for recreation and open space including parks, leisure and
Maribyrnong goes plastic free during July
Maribyrnong council is calling on the communitytotakepartinPlasticFreeJuly (PJF) – a global campaign aimed at reducing single-use plastics.
The campaign involves participants choosing one plastic item to swap with a reusable and then signing up with their postcode so the collective impact of the campaign can be measured.
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said PFJ served as a powerful reminder that everyday actions can lead to lasting change.
“By signing up with your postcode, you are not just making a personal commitment – you are helping us track and celebrate Maribyrnong’s community-wide action against plastic waste.“
Arange of activities have been organised throughout the month, beginning with pop-up roadshows at Maribyrnong libraries.
There will also be workshops offering hands-on ways to get involved in the campaign, with Phoenix Youth Centre hosting a beeswax wrap-making session for young
people on July 22, while similar sessions will be held at Yarraville Seniors Centre on July 25 . On July 23 and 29 ’Flags to Bags’ workshops will take place at Maidstone Community Centre, a community-led circular materials project where retired city gateway flags are transformed into reusable bags.
ThecampaignwillthenwrapuponAugust 1 with the Plastic Free July community celebration at the Maribyrnong civic precinctandcommunityhubinFootscray.
Details: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/
Final design released for the level crossing removal in Altona
The state government has released the final designs for the removal of the level crossing at Maidstone Street in Altona.
Construction is set to begin within coming months.
“We’re getting on with removing every level crossing on the Werribee Line, to slash congestionandimprovesafetyforbothdrivers and train passengers,” Acting Transport InfrastructureMinisterSonyaKilkennysaid.
The new road bridge will feature patterned and textured surfaces finished in
earthy browns, oranges and muted purples, while windows will give pedestrians views of the surrounding grassland and You Yangs.
According to the government, removal of the level crossing and building of a road bridge will increase safety, slash travel times and give drivers a more reliable journey through the industrial area.
A new pedestrian path will be built along the west side of the bridge in order to create safer pedestrian connections.
community facilities, as well as $7.13 million for sporting and recreational facilities, part of $14.45 million allocated towards buildings.
Residential rates will increase by an averageof2.18percent,belowthethreepercent rate cap set by the state government, while free parking will be available throughout winter to help with cost of living pressures and attract shoppers.
“This budget focuses on getting us back to basics,” said mayor Daria Kellander.
“This budget puts us in a position to best provide services for our community now and into the future.”
Breaking language barriers at school
Language is no barrier for students at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College who are learning Japanese by speaking directly to pupils in Japan.
The Palaygo program, created by the Language Discovery Company, allows the students in Braybrook to communicate face-to-face, in real-time, with peers from the Jonan Gakuen school in Osaka.
Switching between English and Japanese, students practise newly learnt words, phrases and pronunciations with their overseas counterparts through one-on-one chats, using the platform.
Language Discovery Company chief executive Frank Noda said students’ reactions to the program have been positive.
“When students use the language they’ve learned in real-life situations with peers of a similar age, they become genuinely excited and engaged,” said Mr Noda.
“They begin to see language not just as a subject, but as a fantastic tool for expressing their thoughts and interests.”
The educational partnership between the two schools was launched at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College on Tuesday, June 17, with the Consul General of Japan, Tokuro Furuya, and Maribyrnong mayor Prideep Tiwari making appearances at the event.
Mr Furuya said he was pleased to see the students engaging with the program.
“I’m happy that many students are learning Japanese and about Japanese culture, as it forms the foundation of Japan-Australia relations,” he said.
The program has benefitted from the similar time zones of Australia and Japan too, providing students with more opportunities to connect with each other.
Year 9 Caroline Chisholm Catholic College student, Adrian, said his Japanese language skills have improved since using the technology.
“The aides in Palaygo help us to pronounce words as well as knowing what we are pronouncing, making it easier to communicate, especially as we have just learned the language,” he said.
Also included in the design are new street lights over the road bridge as well as landscaping featuring over 70 native trees and 12,000 plants, shrubs and grasses.
More than 14,000 vehicles travel through this level crossing every day, with the boom gates down for around 20 per cent of the morning peak according to government data.
The boom gates should be gone by 2027, ahead of the Werribee Line becoming level crossing free by 2030.
“We are able to build connections with native Japanese speakers, talking to them dailyacrosstheworldandthishashelped me to understand a lot more about their culture.”
Mr Noda said there are plans to expand Palaygo “to include Chinese language learners and schools across Chinese-speaking regions in Asia and beyond.”
Maribyrnong deputy mayor Bernadette Thomas promotes Plastic Free July at a Footscray cafe. (Damjan Janevski) 482729_01
Childcare worker charged
By Cade Lucas
Babies less than six months old are among the eight children allegedly sexually abused by an employee at a Point Cook childcare centre who also worked at 20 other centres across Melbourne’s north and west.
Point Cook man Joshua Brown, 26, was arrested on May 12 and has since been charged with more than 70 offences relating to the alleged sexual abuse of children, which occurred while he was an employee at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre, Point Cook, between April 2022 and January 2023.
The charges against Brown include the
sexual penetration of a child under 12, attempted sexual penetration of a child under 12, sexual assault of a child under 16 and producing and possessing child abuse material for use through a carriage service.
He was remanded in custody and will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 15.
Police said the families of the eight victims have been notified and have been provided with all available support services.
Brown is believed to have worked at 20 different childcare centres between 2017 and 2025, and the Department of Health is recommending 1200 children who may have come into contact with him during this
period be tested for infectious diseases.
Most of the centres where Brown worked are in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.
They include Only About Children – Williamstown (October 28, 2020 - March 30, 2021) and D.O.T.S Occupational Therapy for Children – Footscray (March 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024).
Acting Commander Janet Stevenson said establishing Brown’s employment history and identifying all the alleged victims was the reason for the lag time between him being arrested and it being made public.
“This is an incredibly distressing and confronting investigation for all involved
Ganyeka is lapping up the start to winter. (Supplied)
Rainy day fun for residents at the zoo
An exuberant gorilla at Werribee Open Range Zoo is challenging the belief that this species dislikes the rain – and he’s making quite a splash doing it.
The 25-year-old silverback, Ganyeka has been caught on keeper cameras lapping up the start to winter.
and I know many members of the community will hear this news and feel enormously concerned,” she said.
“The most important thing for our investigators was that we needed to identify the victims involved. These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community and the conversations police have had to have with their families were no doubt life changing in the worst possible way.”
As part of the investigation, detectives are also examining evidence of an allegation of offending at a second childcare centre in Essendon.
Details: https://www.vic.gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation
Sarah Carter’s memory lives on
Almost 12 months on from her sudden death, the legacy of former Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter continues on, not just in the inner west but also in the South Pacific.
Along with serving 16 years on Maribyrnong council, Ms Carter was also a long-time employee of Save the Children and had just returned from a work trip to Vanuatu when she died in August 2024.
Ms Carter had been in Vanuatu as part of the Australian Regional Leadership Initiative, a Save the Children program that gives Australian politicians a firsthand experience of the country’s aid programs. Following her death, Ms Carter’s family and friends encouraged donations to Save the Children in her honour so that her work on the island nation could continue.
Late last month those fundraising efforts culminated in two portable cardiovascular ultrasound system devices being delivered to the children’s ward at Vila Central Hospital in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila.
Purchased with the donations made in Ms Carter’s honour, the two devices, are designed to provide high-resolution imaging of cardiac functions, making it easier for doctors to detect and diagnose heart conditions in newborns and children.
“I would like to thank Save the Children through the donation made by Sarah Carter for its continuing support to children’s health in Vanuatu,” said Vila Central’s head of paediatrics, Dr Orelly Thyna.
“Weseehimrollingaroundonhisback, rubbing the water in his hair and getting it down his shoulders,” African river trail keeper Kristina Sleeth said.
“We know he’s really enjoying it when his toes are curled up in the air too.
Ms Sleeth clarified, while viral videos often show gorillas dramatically avoiding the rain with expressive reactions, their behaviour is not one-size-fits-all.
“Meantime, [Ganyeka’s] brother Yakini, will be the first gorilla to run under a shelter when it rains to hide away.”
Ms Sleeth revealed that Ganyeka’s rainy-day revelry is even more intriguing as he seems to only indulge when no one is watching.
Feedback sought on the future of Maribyrnong’s libraries
Maribyrnong residents can have their say on the future of the municipality’s public libraries during July.
Maribyrnong’s five library branches house roughly 140,000 items and host more than 1600 free programs for adults and families.
But in order to map out what the future of the service will look like, council is holding a series of in-person events and activities as well as running an online survey to get communityfeedbackthatwillinformitsnewfive
year library plan.
“We want your ideas, experiences and feedback to ensure the plan reflects what matters to our community,” said Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari of why public feedback was being sought.
“We want to know if there’s something missing, you’d like to see us offer.”
Residents don’t have to be regular library visitors or even have a library card in order to provide feedback, they just need to attend any of the three in-person events, starting at
Central West Shopping Centre in Braybrook on Thursday, July 10, followed by Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre on Monday, July 14 and Lilardia Park, Footscray on Saturday, July 19.
For those unable to attend, a short online survey will be open to the public until Sunday, July 27.
To complete the survey and to find out more about the new library plan, visit: https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ your-library
“The portable cardiovascular ultrasound machines will be handy for my team to not just to use in our Vila based children’s ward but can take out to the communities in the rural areas as well,” Dr Thyna said.
Ms Carter’s mother Gaynor Morris said encouraging donations to Save the Children in her daughter’s honour felt like the most natural way to carry forward her life’s work.
“We wanted her legacy to live on and couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute than funding life-saving equipment for the Children’s Ward at Port Vila Central Hospital in Vanuatu,” Ms Morris said.
“We miss Sarah deeply every day, but there is some comfort in knowing that Sarah’s mission lives on in the children whose lives will be saved because of this gift.”
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Enter the ghost sign realm
Published last year, ‘Melbourne Ghost Signs’ – created by cultural archaeologist and former Seddon resident Sean Reynolds – presents images of old and often hand-painted signs across Melbourne and the stories behind them. His ghost signs fascination started in the west, where Oscar Parry met him to talk about some of the signs and their significance.
A‘ghost sign’ might sound like something haunted or related to the undead, but in the eyes of cultural archaeologist and former Seddon resident Sean Reynolds, these relics are full of life, humanity, and tales of community.
Ghost signs are old and often hand-painted signs that have been preservedorleftonbuildings,andalthough some are more faded and degraded than others, Reynolds makes sure to keep their stories clear and preserved.
There’s an artistry to them … they’re hand-painted signs, they have … almost a humanity to them
- Sean Reynolds
He created a book called ‘Melbourne Ghost Signs’ that was published by Scribe Publications last year and includes a collection of photographs and accompanying stories behind these spectral signs.
In the book, these have been split into chapters across Melbourne’s CBD and the west, south, east, and north.
It was in the west that Reynolds took his first step into the realm of ghost signs, where he now hosts regular ghost sign photography walking tours with the Footscray Traders Association.
First becoming fascinated with the signs after noticing them on repetitive daily lockdownwalksin2020,hesaidtheybegan to catch his eye.
“I’d walked past a lot of these signs dozens and dozens of times and never thought about them, but then I started noticing them … they’re kind of beautiful in and of themselves,” Reynolds said.
“There’s an artistry to them, and there’s kind of almost like this human touch to them – they’re hand-painted … so many signs now are big vinyl or big plastic signs, but these hand-painted signs, they have … almost a humanity to them,” he said.
“[I] wasn’t happy just photographing the signs, I wanted to know the story behind them, and it just kind of spiralled out from there.”
Creating an Instagram account initially just for his own records, his account now has more than 30,000 followers and has attracted interest for several reasons.
“People will comment, and they’ll tell their stories … they’ll have a family connection … you know, ‘my dad worked at that factory,’ … ‘hey, that was my milk bar when I was growing up.’ And then, some of it is just kind of collective nostalgia or stories,” Reynolds said.
“The Skipping Girl sign – that’s such an icon of Melbourne, and people … almost without fail, someone’s got a story about it. And a lot of it is from their childhood – they remember seeing the Skipping Girl sign … they were coming in from country Victoria to visit their grandma or something like that,” he said.
Through sharing ghost signs online, Reynolds has met other enthusiasts, with people from across the globe documenting the signs in their own communities.
AthisFootscrayghostsignwalkingtours, Reynolds said that people of all ages come along for various reasons.
“You look at these old signs and stories and you’d think it skews older because the signs are older, the buildings are older – but I’ve found a lot of young people are interested in their community,” Reynolds said.
“A lot of young people have grown up, and spent their adult lives – and their childhoods now – everything’s digital, so everything’s online … I think there’s a bit of this kind of push collectively for people to really start to understand their community … so I’ve had a lot of young people show up to these tours, or I’ve had people [show up] who’ve never been to Footscray,” he said.
Reynolds said personal stories are often
shared at his tours, such as a man whose parents moved to Footscray in the 1940s and who remembered an Italian-only cinema in the suburb.
“Footscray’s always been a suburb of immigrants, so you had the Irish and then Italians and Greeks moved here and then … Vietnamese people and Chinese people and now we’ve got a lot of people from Ethiopia and Africa and the Middle East … with that has always been industry,” Reynolds said.
He said along the Maribyrnong River, there were plenty of textile plants, wool mills, and slaughterhouses.
“What you start to find is Footscray, in particular, was such a huge part of industrial Melbourne … it’s kind of the rise of that and then by the 1970s, that kind of globalisation takes over and we start to see these places closing down … I try to be fairly agnostic about it – I try not to put too much political spin on it – but there’s no questionthatweusedtoreallymakethings here, and now we don’t as much,” Reynolds said.
To those interested in hunting for ghost signs themselves, he recommended searching through alleyways and at the backs of buildings, as frontage signs are often painted over or covered up.
“I think it’s important though to document these things to remember the stories behind them, because the stories behind them are very human – they’re human stories,” Reynolds said.
“Just kind of being aware of what was here before, that everything has a story – I think that’s it.”
Details: instagram.com/melbourne_ ghostsigns
A ghost sign on the Yarra Coffee Palace building in Yarraville. (Sean Reynolds)
Cultural archaeologist and former Seddon resident Sean Reynolds in front of a ghost sign for one of the oldest Vietnamese bakeries in Footscray. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 483010_01
Win trip of a lifetime
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Departing Basel, Switzerland on 22 November 2026, the journey winds along the romantic Rhine River through France, Germany and the Netherlands, revealing centuries of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. From charming villages to grand cathedrals, the trip includes six guided tours and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, providing unforgettable insights into European heritage.
Travellers will enjoy a Category F Stateroom, complete with elegant
ENTERTAINMENT
After a decade, Circus Latino is returning toSunshineMarketplaceintimeforschool holidayslocatedat80HarvesterRoad.
The dynamic and exciting show aims to thrill and captivate all ages. With talented performers from South America and Australia, you will be amazed at daring aerial acts, marvel at the tricks with fire and hoops, laugh at the hilarious clown and maybe even become part of the show byvolunteeringtocomeonstage.
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Detectives are appealing to the public to assist with their investigation into an unlawful assault on a replacement bus in Maribyrnong on May 8. The bus was travelling towards Moonee Ponds at about 4.15pm when it’s alleged a man approached a 17-year-old girl, produced a silver pointed object and placed it in front of her chest. It’s believed the victim and man then got off the bus on Ascot Vale Road but he did not approach the girl again. The offender is perceived to be of Middle Eastern appearance, 40-50 years of age, with a broad build, dark eyes, a strawberry blonde/brown scruffy beard and was wearing glasses with a thin gold frame. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
First aid
St John’s Ambulance is holding a discounted first aid course for young people in Newport on July 9. Running from 9am to 5.30pm at the Newport Community Hub, participants will learn skills like CPR, and how to respond to burns, asthma, anaphylaxis, and more. The cost is $75 and includes lunch and snacks. Participants must be aged 16-25 and have a link to Hobsons Bay. Register at: https://bit.ly/43WTpO9
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
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A Viking Longship passes the Gymir Bridge Towers in Cologne.
Speak up to save beach
By Paul Austin
Williamstown’s beloved beach is about to change forever – and for the worse – unless residents, ratepayers, and everyone else who loves Williamstown speak up now.
Hobsons Bay City Council is about to rule on a planning application for a major redevelopment of the Williamstown Swimming & Life Saving Club at the west end of the beach.
It’s great that that wonderful community asset is being expanded and modernised. Butthepresentredevelopmentplansarefor an enormous two-storey warehouse-like building that will destroy the ‘village’ feel of historic Williamstown, overwhelm the existing heritage clubrooms, and overshadow the beautiful beach.
For generations, this charming little beach has been a magnet for artists and movie-makers.Theclubhousehasfeatured in iconic Australian TV shows including the ABC’s SeaChange (you may remember it as the Pearl Bay Court House) and the children’s classic, Round the Twist. But if thisredevelopmentgoesahead,thatcharm will be gone, snuffed out by a brutalist building wildly out of place in this town and on this beach.
Under the present redevelopment proposal, the bottom storey is new storage
space for the club’s essential life-saving equipment, and training facilities for the admirable club members who volunteer their time to keep the beach safe over summer. But the top storey is an unnecessary extravagance. It will not be usedforlife-savingpurposes–itwillhouse agymandabignewevents/entertainment/ party space, with seating for 80 diners, standing room for hundreds, and opening out onto a vast balcony so that the noise will travel far and wide.
What that means is that if this plan becomes reality, it will change Williamstown beach and damage community amenity forever – more noise, more traffic, more alcohol, and more late-night hooning and dangerous behaviour on the Esplanade and Victoria Street, which as the local police will tell you is already a notorious hooning hot spot in the west.
Residents and visitors heading to the beach from beautiful Victoria Street (or Hannan or Bayview Streets, or anywhere from the west) will be confronted as they turn the corner into the Esplanade by a vast double-storey shed with a row of roller-doors – a bit like a Bunnings on the beach but without the logo. Sadly, but inevitably,‘theGreatWallofWilliamstown’ will prove irresistible for graffiti artists.
The proposal is too big: it will turn Williamstown beach into ‘Party Central’.
Thesolutionissimple:councillorsshould rejecttheproposedsecondstorey.Thatway, thisoverdueupgradeofthelife-savingclub won’t assault community amenity.
At the moment this is a win-lose proposal: the club wins not just all that it needs but all that it wants – it’s an ambit claim. But residents, visitors, and the heritage values of Williamstown all lose as the historic clubrooms get overwhelmed and overshadowed, and the amenity of the area gets destroyed.
Pulling the plans back to a single-storey redevelopment would turn this into a win-win: the club could get all that it needs, but without unnecessarily harming the interests of residents, ratepayers, and visitors to this precious place.
Together, we can save Williamstown beach.
Just as people power saved the life-saving club’s bayside pool – which was to fall victim to an earlier version of the redevelopment plans – now people power can save the beach, by speaking up against these new redevelopment plans.
Here’s what you can do:
1/ ContactHobsonsBayCityCouncil(phone 9932 1044 or email customerservice@ hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au) to register your
opposition to the proposed second storey. The council staff are very approachable, helpful, and efficient.
2/ Writedirectlytothemayorandtheother six local councillors, letting them know of your concerns (their phone numbers and email addresses are available on the council’s website at www.hobsonsbay.vic. gov.au/Council/Mayor-and-councillors/ Your-elected-Councillors, and in the council newsletter that is dropped in your letterbox). Please be respectful and constructive.
3/ Sign up to the Save Our Beach community group, so we can build extra momentum behind this campaign. Our email address is SaveWillyBeach@gmail. com.
To be clear: we support the life-saving club, we support redevelopment of the club, and we celebrate the fact that a people-power campaign has saved the club’s pool and beachside lawn. But we do not support Bunnings by the beach – an overbearing, extravagant two-storey party venue in this beautiful part of our town. Please speak up to save Williamstown beach.
Paul Austin is a longtime resident of Williamstown and a convenor of Save Our Beach(SaveWillyBeach@gmail.com).
An artist’s impression of the redevelopment planned at Williamstown beach. (Images courtesy Hobsons Bay Council)
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From film to stage
As Elle Woods says in the cult film Legally Blonde, ‘Believing in yourself never goes out of style’.
Thatsentimenthasbeenfullyembraced by youngWilliamstownperformerArchie Newbegin,whoisamongthecastforanew stage version of Legally Blonde opening later this month.
Newbegin, 18, plays the role of Nikos, a pool boy who is a key witness in the murder trial which is central to the plot.
“It’s a pretty minor role but I’m also involved in the ensemble as well,” Newbegin explained.
“Ive been in the ensemble for a few shows pre-Covid but this is my first with my own role.”
Acting and singing is something Newbeginenjoysasacreativeoutletwhile he studies space science at RMIT.
“I’ve always been into musical theatre but it’s more of a side thing that I do.”
Intheleaduptotheshow,Newbeginand the rest of the cast have been rehearsing three times a week.
The role of Elle is played by Tasmanian Emily McDougall. McDougall and Newbegin join a dynamic cast that brings together fresh faces and seasoned performers, highlighting some of Melbourne’s finest emerging performers.
The award-winning musical follows the journey of Elle Woods as she tackles
stereotypes, defies expectations, and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style!
The powerful messages from the show and film have stood the test of time and elevated the character of Elle Woods to a celebrated feminist icon who defies traditional stereotypes of women - as she rises to the challenges placed in front of her. Elle fearlessly demonstrates that femininity and intelligence can coexist, and that women don’t need to sacrifice their identities to succeed.
“It’s a really fun show, lots of really incredible dance numbers and the cast is absolutely incredible so it will be a really fun experience for the whole family,” said Newbegin.
Legally Blonde: The Musical, is presented at the The National Theatre in St Kilda for a limited season from July 12 by independent musical theatre group Theatrical Inc.
Tickets are now on sale for Legally Blonde:TheMusicalathttps://booktickets. com.au/legallyblonde/
Travel back in time to learn about dinosaurs
Learnabouttheancientworldofdinosaurs at the Wyndham Cultural Centre these schoolholidays.
Dinosaur Time Machine will teach youngsters about the science of dinosaurs throughpuppetry,theatreandcircus.
This fun and educational show is aimed atchildrenagedthreetonineyearsoldand featuresalife-sizedT-Rex.
Twoshowswillbeheldat11amand1pm, running for 50 minutes each. Plus, there will be a hands-on workshop at 2.30pm –sign up for this on the day after the second performance.
Make sure you also check out a special visitor who will takeover the forecourt of thecCentre… a breathtaking 10-metre inflatable plesiosaur, by artists A Blank Canvas.
Dinosaur Time Machine is among the shows gracing the stage of the refreshed culturalcentrethroughoutJuly.
The centre was temporarily closed late last year for refurbishment and maintenance works to the building with a new modern bar, foyer and amenities, upgrades to seating and improvements to the theatre including a hearing loop and new audio-visual equipment as well as refurbished dressing rooms and back of housefacilitiesforperformers.
Powerhouse bands King Stingray and ElectricFieldswillbethefirsttoexperience therevampedcentre,takingtothestageon Saturday,July5t7pm.
Perón and
pirouettes
An upcoming youth ballet productionwillsharethestoryofEva Perón,withrehearsalsinMeltonand aperformanceinMooneePonds.
A group of 38 young dancers from several schools across the western suburbs and rural Victoria will perform EVA – sharing the story of former Argentinian first lady Eva Perón.
Herstorywillbepresentedthrough a blend of classical ballet, tango and Latinrhythms.
Eva Perón, nicknamed Evita, was an Argentinian activist, politician, actress, and philanthropist who served as First Lady of Argentina from1946beforedyingin1952.
AproductionbytheWesternBallet Project, the cast for EVA was formed three months ago and will all meet forthefirsttimeonlyfivedaysbefore show day – an incredible feat from choreographersanddancers.
Western Ballet Project artistic director Sophie O’Donnell said that when choosing the topic for this production, she was first drawn to themusic:tango.
The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra will mesmerise and enchant audiences with performances including the Australian debut of a forgotten concerto and string orchestrahighlightsonSaturday,July12at 7.30pm.
Essence Theatre Productions and Nga Matai Purua Inc will bring audiences a newworkinspiredbyeventsatPortPhillip PrisononJuly26and27.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said, “The opening program kicks off in July and is full of entertaining and diverse shows and performances. There is something for everyone”.
To see the full listing of performances and programs and to book tickets, visit: www.wyncc.com.au
Dance the night away and raise funds for charity
OurLadyofMountCarmelParishwillhost adinnerdancefundrasier.
Proceeds will be donated to two local charities - Give Until it Hurts Wednesday Kitchen and the Winter Night Shelterwhich both assist those in the community whoaredoingittough.
On the night, expect good food, live music from John Curran and plenty of fun entertainment.
Community members can make donationsonthenight,orbeforetheevent, of goods like pantry essentials, toiletries, blankets, beanies, gloves, socks and sleeping bags. The grateful charities will distributethegoodstothoseinneed.
Cashdonationsarealsoaccepted.
“The dinner dance is a great way to
support the activities of GUIH including the Wednesday Kitchen and the Winter Night Shelter, whilst having a fun dinner out with your friends and family,” GUIH president and co-founder Garnet Jacob said.
“It’s a FUNdraiser with a difference, yummy food, live music, dancing, a raffle andprizestobewon.”
The Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 6.30pm at St Anne’s ParishHall,101RiddellRoad,Sunbury.
Tickets will be $20 for adults and $10 for childrenagedsixto12.
Dinner includes rice with black bean beef,currychickenorvegetariannoodles.
For more information, contact Garnet Jacobon0411286428.
“Tango was born in the working-class neighbourhoods and port cities of Argentina. Tango was a danceofthepeople–raw,passionate, andattimes,rebellious.OnceIlearnt of the tango’s origins, Argentina, it instantly made me think of Evita,” O’Donnellsaid.
“After more research, I found I was drawn to the life of Eva – not as a famous figure, but as a young woman who rose from poverty with incredibledetermination.Eva’sstory is about resilience, ambition, and finding your voice in a world that doesn’t always welcome you,” she said.
“I knew this was a message our young dancers, and our audiences, coulddeeplyconnectwith.”
Staying true to the story of Eva, severalofthedressesinacttwoofthe productionareauthenticoutfitsfrom the1930s.
The rehearsals for EVA will be held from 9am–4pm from Tuesday, July 8 toSaturday,July12atGalacticDance andEventsinMelton.
The show will be performed at 6.30pm on Sunday, July 13 at The ClocktowerCentreinMooneePonds. Ticket pricing and options are availableonthecentre’swebsite.
Details: clocktowercentre.com.au/ western-ballet-project-eva
Dance Effects (DFX) Ravenhall dancer Anita (15) at the Melbourne Academy of Performing Arts in Spotswood. (Supplied).
Williamstown performer Archie Newbegin. (Damjan Janevski) 481115_03
The event will help support the Wednesday Kitchen, supported by volunteer Levitt De Andrade. (Damjan Janevski) 485859_01
Learn about dinosaurs at Wyndham’s libraries with librarians Damion Monk and Ruth Terry. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 483588_01
Sustainable Fiji
KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH
Pr/ Travel Writer/podcaster
Www.travellingsenorita.com
It’s a short plane ride across the South Pacific for an island getaway on Malolo Island, Fiji.
It’s a place where you are welcomed by the Fijian charm the locals are known for, crystal clear waters and groves of tropical palms - the smell of fresh seafood fills the air.
From Nadi International Airport, take a ‘fast’ 40 minute boat ride to the dreamy Likuliku Lagoon destination, and quickly realise there’s more to this luxe resort than meets the tourists eye- like their conservation program.
Likuliku (meaning calm waters) is an adults only and ultra luxurious island resort, armed with an environmental team specifically engaged to adopt clean and green practises-to preserve the island, the local village and its people.
The resort is located in a pristine, natural landscape and is part responsible for the coral reef rejuvenation, water filtration and solarpowerforthevillageandguests,along with preservation of the Islands iguana-an endangered species. Word has it, there was only one Iguana left on Malolo Island, then the Likuliku team developed the breeding program, spotted another and presto the iguana population lives to fight another day.
Likuliku is home to one of Fiji’s first overwater bungalows, spacious and sustainable in design with the pristine environment in mind.
The rooms are styled with local artists waresanddelightfullyinvitetheoutsidein. Relax on the expansive deck, with a sunset
cocktail in-hand, as swarms of tropical fish and a baby shark swimming on by outside the door – mmmm there’s a song in that.
An active coral rejuvenation scheme has been implemented by the resort’s conservation team, inspired by the success of the Maldives program.
The scheme is partly funded by Mars Confectioner. A chocolate company collaborating with a coral reef? Yep makes sense to me.
Large steel and sand encrusted webs are delicately placed on the ocean floor to entice the coral to rejuvenate and in turn-multiply, similar to garden beds on land.
Along with supporting an education centre, solar power and a water filtration plant in the neighbouring village of Yaro,
the resort-is leading the way in sustainable tourism from the sea up. The active coral nurseries and thriving iguana sanctuary, add to the beauty of the vast dry forest that covers the Island.
Before heading back to the mainland after our stay we take a short boat trip to visit the village of Yaro and immerse in the culture, meeting the friendly community and admiring their local handicrafts along the way. We support local and buy beaded jewellery gifts and a set of coconut cups, ideal for our kava ceremony that evening.
Checking out of Likuliku Lagoon Resort, the committed team encourage guests (in a gentle, Fijian way) to pledge support for their growing iguana population or you canbuyacoralwebtoaddtotheseagarden floor, we opt for the latter.
responsibility for preserving the region into the future.
EAT
FIJIANA RESTUARANT
SALUWAKI RESTAURANT
SOLIS RESTUARANT DENARUA ISLAND
PLAY
• MOCIU PRIVATE ISLAND PICNIC
• TATADRA SPA STAY
SOFITEL FIJI RESORT
LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT
As the sun sets on Malolo Island, we reflect on time spent snorkelling straight off our bure deck, Fijian fire feasts by the beach and pop-up picnics on secluded islands- a knowing that the Likuliku team are taking
Warriors.
A view to the restaurant from the hammock.
Overwater Bure view from lounge.
Artisan breakfast breads.
The fresh seafood.
Meet the endangered Iguanas.
Overwater from overhead.
Full-Board River
3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing
Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat
Taste Riverland food and wine
Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour
Hotel Stays
3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast
1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fully Escorted Barossa Valley Tours
Full day Barossa Valley tour with
lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout and Vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre
Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours
2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park and Flinders Chase National Park
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Enjoy unhurried days in Barcelona, Rome or Venice. Wander storied streets, savour local flavours and absorb the city's unique rhythms. Our city stays include breakfast daily, airport transfers and a dedicated Viking Host to assist you.
Enjoy a seamless transition from hotel to ship. Then step on board your elegant Viking ship and begin a new journey of discovery. Be warmly welcomed by world-class staff, settle in and relax, knowing everything you need is included. The journey continues with a new destination. Spend three days in timeless Istanbul or float above Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys. Our destination experiences include flights, transfers and are fully escorted by a Viking Tour Director.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT
Heritage Walks
Enjoy a leisurely 90 minute walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John Becroft. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place.
John Becroft, 0418 377 336
Westgate diabetes support group
Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona bowling club at 10am.
Elaine, 0415 030 996
Altona day view club
Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Altona R.S.L. at 11am.
Jan, 0419 159 783
Williamstown Seniors
The group meets every Tuesday at 1-3pm at Denis 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.
Marlene, president/secretary, 0402 769 204
Royal Yacht Club of Victoria
Enjoy midweek lunch specials each Wednesday: $10 entrée, $20 main course. RYCV 120 Nelson Place, Williamstown.
Reservations: www.rycv.com.au
Altona North Combined Probus
The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.
Lesley, 0414 481 442
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
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 from 7-9pm at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton.
Vimi 0411 530 944 or aerospeakerstm@gmail.com
Footscray CWA
Meet on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9pm 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 7.30-10.30pm 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
Free English conversation classes
If English is your second language and you want to improve your English language skills, practice speaking with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive group sessions held every Monday at 1-3pm in the meeting room at
Altona Library, 123 Queen St Altona. Light refreshments provided. Come along and make new friends!
Jill MacKenzie 0439 994 705 or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com
Walking group
The Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House are holding a walking group 9-10am every second Wednesday. The walking group is open to everyone and starts from the neighbourhood house at 113 Melon Street, Braybrook. 9317 5610 or jodie@bmnh.org.au
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.
Angling club
The Essendon Angling Club Est 1903 is looking for new members. If you are interested in fishing come along and join fellow minded anglers and help our club grow strong. The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at the club rooms, 44 The Boulevard Moonee Ponds. On the 3rd Wednesday of the month there is also a social get together where people talk about fishing and make some great friendships
president@essendonanglersclub.org.au or 0432 744 802
Laverton Bowls Club
Experience the fun and skill of lawn bowls, a game which is suitable for all ages. Laverton Bowls Club is recruiting new members, so if you are looking for a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to bowl both socially or at pennant level Laverton is the place to be. Come to the club on Tuesday or Thursday mornings for practise beginning at 10am. All welcome
at 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows.
9369 1034 or secretary@lavertonbowls.com.au
Musicians welcome
Do you play any percussion, brass or woodwind instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join their community band. Please note that rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden OAM every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Spotswood South Kingsville RSL, 59 The Avenue, Spotswood.
Hannah Prouse, hbcityband@gmail.com or check URL www.hbcb.org.au
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support for anyone who wants to stop drinking. Regular in-person AA meetings 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. 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.
https://williamstown.aagroup.org.au/, aawilliamstown@gmail.com or 1300 222 222
Chit Chat Tuesdays
A ladies chit chat group which is on every Tuesday from 1.30pm until 3pm at Louis Joel Arts & Community centre in Altona. As an extension of this sometimes we host guest speaker events for women in the community.
Dione, 9398 2511 or LJAC.com.au
Willin Wimmin choir
Join the wonderful women at Willin Wimmin choir in Williamstown for some singing fun! Term 1 begins on Wednesday January 29 and goes through to April 2. 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 7.30-9.30pm 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 across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or https://cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/
Everyday English language course
For women of all ages and backgrounds with English as a second language. Practice speaking English in different situations, and make new friends. Fridays, 10am-noon. At 43 Mason Street, Newport. 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
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
Woodcarving Workshop
Held weekly at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, but women are welcome too. Aimed at all levels of ability in the ancient, international crafts of carving, whittling and chipping. Starter gouges and timber are available, but participants are advised to bring their own tools and projects if possible. Held on Tuesdays, 9.30am to noon, 280 Queens Street, Altona. John, jah2802rot@gmail.com
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is Augie, 4, trying out a tiny tots circus class in Footscray. (Damjan Janevski) 486806_01
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 Vehicle propelled by explosive thrust (6)
4 Send (8)
9 Relation (5)
10 Outsiders (9)
11 Smell (5)
12 Speak impiously (9)
13 Irritated skin bubbles (8)
15 NSW capital (6)
16 Get the better of mentally (6)
18 Lacking footwear (8)
23 Central American country (9)
24 Spotless (5)
26 Protected (9)
27 Sun-dried brick (5)
28 Brought together (8)
29 Actor, – Irons (6)
DOWN
1 Common crumble ingredient (7)
2 Chocolate tree (5)
3 Refined (7)
5 Cerumen (6)
6 Extensive collection (7)
7 To that (arch) (9)
8 Stockings and socks (7)
10 Sword (US) (5)
14 Travelling (2,7)
16 Continuing (7)
17 Frozen sheet (3,4)
19 Give (5)
20 Place or group different from those surrounding it (7)
21 Leather factory (7)
22 Farm animals (6)
25 Summon (5)
1 Robert Downey Jr. played Larry Paul in which TV series?
2 Who became president of the US after Richard Nixon resigned?
3 What weapon appears on the flag of Barbados?
4 True or false: The Whale (2022) is based on a true story?
5 Julianne Hough (pictured) played which character in the 2011 version of Footloose?
6 The 1930 Salt March, an act of civil disobedience, took place in which country?
7 Ni is the symbol for which element on the periodic table?
8 What is the name of Ed Sheeran’s 2023 album?
9 Which ancient city is adjacent to the mountain of Jabal Al-Madbah?
10 The Tatra Mountains form a natural border between Poland and which other country?
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which car manufacturer recently won the Le Mans 24 Hour race for the third consecutive year?
2. Which Australian rock band played at Game Two of the State of Origin series in Perth?
3. Which New Zealand batter scored 151 from 51 balls for the San Francisco Unicorns in a Major League Cricket T20 match?
4. Which team defeated Essendon by 95 points in Round 14 of the AFL season?
In baseball and boxing, what is the name for someone who uses their left hand more than their right hand?
Which Mercedes F1 driver won the Canadian GP, the team’s first victory of the season?
Which English former soccer player was recently knighted?
Which Australian cricketer dislocated his finger during the World Test Championship final at Lord’s?
Which former Sydney and Brisbane forward has been banned from AFL matches after alleged inappropriate behaviour at last year’s Grand Final?
10. In ancient Greece, the messenger Pheidippides ran from where to Athens to deliver important news?
11. Who was the first Aboriginal footballer to play 200 AFL games?
12. How many current NRL clubs have never played in a Grand Final?
13. Who has replaced Ange Postecoglou as coach of the Tottenham Hotspurs?
14. Cactus Jack, Mankind and Dude Love are personas of which former professional wrestler?
15. Since 2003, Patrick Johnson has held the Australian record in the 100m dash with what time?
16. What is the most populous country to never win an Olympic medal?
17. In which sport would you use a foil?
18. Which country won the last two Rugby World Cups?
19. After converting to Islam, what did athlete Lew Alcindor change his name to?
20. Western Bulldog Tom Liberatore has tattoos featuring characters from which TV series?
21. Formerly of Russia, tennis player Daria Kasatkina will represent which nation at Wimbledon?
22. Jed Stuart recently debuted for which NRL club?
23. Justin Longmuir is the current coach of which AFL club?
24. In what year did Australia last play Zimbabwe in a Test cricket match?
25. Nicolas Cage will play which NFL legend in an upcoming biopic?
26. St Louis was awarded the 1904 Summer Olympics after which other US city had to relinquish them?
27. Which team was victorious in the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs?
28. Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds recently became co-owners of a team that competes in which sport?
29. Which State of Origin coach was forced to apologise for recent comments he made in the media?
30. In what year was the first Wrestlemania event held?
Daria Kasatkina
Q4 e-tron offers top value
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
I had zero expectations of the Audi Q4. I hadn’t driven one before, let alone an electric one.
I later learned Q4 comes only as an EV and is available in compact SUV and Sportback coupe form.
Launched in 2021, the five-seater shares a platform with sibling the Q5 e-tron along with cousins the Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.4.
Interestingly, the Q4 e-tron is the first Audi to be built in the city of Zwickau since the pre-war era of the company. It is here that Audi and its predecessor Horch were founded before the two brands merged to become Auto Union way back in 1932.
There endeth the history lesson.
Styling
Audi says the Q4 e-tron is more than just a new model; “it represents the future of driving”. It also happens to be the smallest and most affordable of its EVs so far, and as such has a big job to do.
The Q4 was a long time in gestation and Audi has played with the spec so it could duck the Luxury Car Tax and qualifies for an exemption under Fringe Benefits Tax. As a result of this manoeuvring the price is enticingly low, starting from $84,9000 plus on roads for Q4 45 e-tron (524km); the Sportback from $86,500 (540km).
The Sportback is extra presumably because it gets the S line treatment. Moving further up the ladder we come to the higher performance Q4 55 e-tron quattro (488km), priced from $105,900; Sportback 55 e-tron quattro (503km) from $107,500.
Our test car the Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron was also fitted with the optional $2200 Comfort package which adds electric front seats, 360 degree camera, adaptive cruise assist with stop and go, active lane assist and emergency assist, park assist plus, with memory settings for driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, bringing the price to $88,700 plus on-roads.
The S line interior package is a no cost option, consisting of sports front seats, combination fabric and artificial leather, black cloth headliner, dark aluminium inlays, stainless steel pedals, illuminated front door sills and a flat bottomed sports steering wheel. Metallic paint is also a no cost option.
The Sportback is a sexy beast, with a stubby front end, sloping back and a muscular stance.
The coupe-like roofline adds a healthy dose of style, finishing in a spoiler that splits the rear window horizontally – a la the first Eclipse Cross.
Our test vehicle was finished in pebble grey and rides on 20-inch, five-spoke alloys, with the S line body kit, a radiator grille finished in titanium black with horizontal aluminium slats, and lower air intakes in matt platinum.
Although it’s an EV, the design of the Q4 has not made the complete transition to electric vehicle as it retains a blanked out radiator grille. Why? Ditto the old style instrument cluster and inset touchscreen inside which remain separate entities. And the instrument cluster is somewhat cluttered and difficult to read.
Range could be a deciding factor, stretching from 488km to 540km (the latter for our Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron).
Standard equipment includes leather appointed upholstery, three-zone climate air, twin-spoke leather steering wheel, power-adjust driver’s seat, heated front seats with four-way lumbar
support, ambient interior lighting and a power-operated tailgate.
There’s also LED exterior lighting, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera,autodimminginteriormirror,auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, plus auto folding/dimming/ heated exterior mirrors with kerb-side dip on passenger side.
Q4 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with 6-year roadside assistance and eight-year/160,000km coverage for the battery. Service intervals are every 24 months/30,000km.
Infotainment
TheMMIinfotainmentsystemiscontrolled from an 11.6-inch touchscreen with a separate 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
It offers the usual array of features, including Bluetooth, voice control, built-in navigation, AM/FM radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is provided by an in-house eight speaker 180 watt audio system.
There’s also wireless phone charging, twoUSBportsinthefrontandanotherpair in the back plus a couple of 12 volt outlets (one in the boot).
Notice we didn’t mention DAB+ digital radio – the jury is out on that one.
Safety
Q4 scores a full five stars for safety but we weregobsmackedtoseeitisfittedwithrear drum brakes. Remember them? WTF?
Driver support systems include Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Backover) as well as a lane support system withlanekeepassist(LKA),lanedeparture warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and blind spot monitoring (BSM) are standard.
Not all safety systems are standard, however. Q4 55 comes with a more comprehensive form of adaptive cruise control, as well as active lane assist, 360 degree camera and park assist plus.
The Q4 55 can also be optioned with augmented reality head-up display, projecting new intuitive directions to the headupdisplaywithinthedriver’seyeline.
Powertrain
Motivation comes from a single electric
motor that provides 210kW of power and 545Nm of torque in this model, with drive to the rear wheels through a single-speed two-stage planetary gearbox.
Driving
Sitting between the Q3 and larger Q5, the Q4 e-tron is Audi’s shooting star, quickly becoming its best-selling electric vehicle since its belated launch here late last year.
At 4591mm in length and with a kerb weight of 2240kg, it’s a mid-sized SUV in practical terms if not name, with a flat interior floor, generous legroom and good-sized boot that offers 535 litres of storage – plus underfloor storage for charging cables. However, there’s no spare tyreofanykind–justapuncturerepairkit.
Dark tones produce an unnecessarily sombre atmosphere in the cabin, but this has been a complaint of Audi’s cars since the beginning of time.
Cabin storage is good with front bottle holders that are angled and located high on the inside of the front doors, instead of down low where you can’t see them. However,thefloatingcentreconsolewhich juts out obscures the lower storage area, particularly the USB ports and 12-volt outlet.
The start button is located on the far side of the gear selector, with a similarly sized audio control of some kind on the near side. Further back is a small, difficult to reach drive mode selection button. Gear selection is achieved via a small fore and aft toggle with a separate button for park, but we were never quite sure whether the car was actually switched off when it came time to exit.
The steering wheel controls are touch sensitive and as usual the small cruise control stalk is difficult to see and work
out once you’re driving, and takes some mastering.
Separate air-con and seat heat controls are provided below the centre screen, with separate controls in the back for rear seat passengers. There’s a number of drive modes and regenerative braking can be modulated with paddles on the steering wheel. No, they’re not for changing gear.
Power is stored in an 82 kWh battery (77 kWh useable), with energy consumption thatisratedat16.9kWh/100kmandarange of540kmforthismodel(WLTP).Weclocked up 617km at a rate of 15.7 kWh/100km. Charging from a household power point takes up to 30 hours, while a 7.2kW single phase AC Wallbox reduces this figure to 11 hours. DC charging capacity has been upgraded to 175kW and this means the car can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 28 minutes. Yeah, right.
The Q4 e-tron does not offer V2L functionality.
Rear-drive Q4 45 e-tron, SUV and Sportback, are capable of reaching 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. The all-wheel drive quattro Q4 55 e-tron does it in 5.4 seconds.
It’s not what you’d call lightning quick, but it’s quick enough to be a bit of fun. Ride quality is good, but tends to the wrong side of firm which becomes quickly apparent on our deplorable back roads. Handling is also pretty good, but there’s thosedrumstoconsider,sowewouldn’tbe going in too hard.
We’re surprised adaptive suspension is not fitted, but bearing in mind this is primarily a city-focused car, it’s hardly surprising.
Remember too Audi was focused on reducingtheprice–something’sgottagive.
Summing up
Ifnothingelse,theAudiQ4e-tronisagreat alternative to Elon Musk’s best-selling Tesla Model Y.
The range is almost on par with the Tesla and it is stylish, unlike Tesla’s lookalike range, particularly the bulbous Y.
The dynamic Q4 Sportback e-tron has come a long way since the first Audi to carry the e-tron tag.
It’s surprisingly spacious and sporty to drive, and quite frankly, we expected it would cost a lot more.
If nothing else, the Audi Q4 e-tron is a great alternative to Elon Musk’s best-selling Tesla Model Y. (Pictures: Supplied)
The sun was out and the wind was calm making it the perfect day for football on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer
LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Perfect weather for footy
Werribee Districts’ Daniel Nielson and Newport’s Sam Macafee go for a mark. 486901_06
Hoppers Crossing’s Anarkiikonda Van Wills. 486904_13
North Melbourne-Werribee’s Charlotte Blair. 486895_08
North Melbourne-Werribee’s Nyakoat Dojiok and Williamstown’s Georgia Howes. 486895_29
Point Cook Centrals’ Corey Muscat and Jalen Jaimangal tackle Hoppers Crossing’s Thomas Rowland. 486904_03
Werribee Districts’ Joshua Puli goes for a fly. 486901_13 Western Jets’ Chloe Kropman. 486897_02
Western Jets’ Grayson Lafaialii. 486900_03
Western Jets’ Rani Pavlidis. 486900_15
Western Jets’ Tayla Olivieri. 486897_05
City West Falcons’ solid win
By Tara Murray
The City West Falcons continued on their merry way as they accounted for the Casey Demons in a high scoring affair in the Victorian Netball League.
The Falcons knew they entered the clash with the fourth placed Casey Demons on Wednesday night with a challenge on their hands.
The Falcons were able to do enough in every squatter to win, 73-64.
Falcons coach Marg Lind was pretty happy with the performance.
“I think we said before the game that they would score about 60-something and we just need to make sure we outscore that, which we did,” she said.
“It was very similar to last time. I thought they were a little bit more organised and a bit more settled.
“It was a good game from both teams.”
Lind said both sides played a similar style of setting it up to go over the top to a tall shooter, who likes to post up.
She said it can be tricky.
“You’re playing yourself,” she said. “It’s not as easy, when you’re giving away a bit of size as well.”
Lind said she felt the difference in the game was that they went a little bit more ball focused in defence rather than playing on the body.
“As soon as we went ball focus, we got some more balls out the front, rather than wait until the last moment to pick it
off in the air,” she said.
“We did pick one off from Emma, it was like two minutes to go. The defensive thought process of going for more out the front, closing off a bit harder.”
Lind said she thought they valued the ball pretty well saying that the attack end was pretty solid.
She said the defence end did what they had to do.
One small downside for the Falcons was Montana Holmes rolling her ankle. Lind said Chelsea Imansani did a good job when she came on to replace her.
Jane Cook finished with 68 goals for the Falcons. She is now 78 goals from scoring 1000 for the season.
It was a big week for Cook, who was
North Footscray’s renewed focus pays off
AweekwasalongtimeinfootballforNorth Footscray in the Western Region Football League division 2 competition.
After an upset loss to Braybrook last week, the Devils used the week to reset ahead of the biggest challenge, an undefeated Wyndhamvale.
The work paid off as they were able to get their biggest win of the season and end the Falcons winning run, 11.13 (79)-8.9 (57).
Devils coach David Battistella said they had spoke about how things could change quickly during the week.
“Last week wasn’t as bad on the inside,” he said. “Braybrook has played some good footy.
“We’ve had a lot of games which could have gone either way and we’ve got away from them in the end.
“We couldn’t get away. It was a learning curve. I told them it was just a loss and it wasn’t the end of the day.”
Battistella said the Falcons hadn’t given a side a look in until Saturday’s game. His side were able to lead at each of the
breaksbuttheFalconshadstayedinreaching distance.
The margin was 23 points at three quarter time.
While the Falcons won the last quarter, the Devils had done enough to get the win.
“We had a plan to utilise against Wyndhamvale,” he said. “It seemed to work.
“It was a physical game and it could have gone either way.
“We defended a little bit better or had a bit of luck that got us over the line.”
Barney Sianos kicked three goals for the Devils, while Jarrod Spry and Archie Thomson kicked two goals each.
Battistella said he could have listed every player in the best as everyone played their roles.
Adam Petridis, Kyle Rodgers and Sianos were named the best three online.
Daniel Duggan, Lachlan Peterson, Thomson and Mathew Serafin were others mentioned by Battistella who had good days out.
Battistella said the result would give the young group plenty of confidence that
called up to be a replacement player for the Sunshine Coast Lightning SSN side.
Meanwhile, the Falcons 23 and under side also had an important win in the fight for a finals spot.
City West got the win, 71-47.
Lind said they knew it was a really crucial game and did a lot of separate work during the week to focus on what they needed.
She said they also bought in a couple of youngsters as they look at the future.
The Falcons now sit six points clear in sixth spot.
The Falcons play the Geelong Cougars on Sunday in the next round in Ballarat.
Mixed results for the Seagulls
Williamstown fell short in its biggest test so far in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition.
The Seagulls were facing ladder leaders and reigning premiers North Melbourne-Werribee on Saturday. Both sides entered the match equal on points. It was a hard slog in the first quarter with neither side able to kick a goal in the opening quarter.
Two goals in the second quarter opened up a lead for the Kangaroos to lead by 14 points at half time.\The lead slightly increased to 16 points at threequartertimeasbothsideskicked a goal each.
The Kangaroos made sure they got the win with another goal in the final quarter to win, 4.9 (33)-1.6 (12).
when they get things right on the day they are a hard team to beat.
He said they need to keep the same mindset heading into their future games.
It was a good day for the club with the reserves also entering the Falcons unbeaten start to the season.
North Footscray remains in second spot, butthegaptotheFalconsisjustfourpoints.
The Devils face the Western Rams this Saturday.
Battistella said it would be a big day for the club.
“It is our past players day,” he said. “We have also contacted Beyond Blue.
“One of my ex-teammates took his life a few years ago. It’s a good way to recognise him and get the message out there that it’s OK to say that you aren’t OK.”
In other results, West Footscray beat Braybrook, 16.21 (117)-15.4 (94).
Laverton lost to the Suns, 17.12 (114)7.12 (54).
Meanwhile, Yarraville Seddon and Spotswood got wins in division 1, while Altona and Newport suffered losses.
Emily Eaves was the goalkicker for the Seagulls.
Jemima Wrigley had 19 disposals for the Seagulls, with Eaves having 17 and Ruby Mahony with 14.
The loss sees the Seagulls slip to fourth on the ladder, a game off the Kangaroos in first and two points behind second. The Seagulls face Port MelbourneonSaturdayastheylookto bounce back
IntheVFL,Williamstown’swinning streak continued on Saturday.
Facing the Sandringham Zebras, the Seagulls lead at every break on the way to a 17.7 (109)-14.14 (98) win.
Hugo Hall-Kahan and Joel Fitzgerald had 30 disposals each for the Seagulls, with Lachie Gollant was the only multiple goalkicker with two.
The Seagulls sit sixth on the ladder. They also face Port Melbourne on Saturday as they club’s play off in a double header.
Barnaby Sianos. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Georgia Howes lays a tackle on Renee Tierney. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 486895_31
Kennedy makes CYs history
By Tara Murray
It seems somewhat fitting that Scarlett Kennedy was the first to play 100 games for the Williamstown CYMS program.
Part of the CYs first senior team in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, Kennedy kicked their first goal.
She won the first best and fairest and was part of the side’s first premiership, while last year she won the club’s first female reserves best and fairest as well.
Kennedy said it was pretty special to be the first to achieve the milestone for the club.
“Thereareonlytwoofusthathaveplayed since we started,” she said. “Tess Beagley will play her 100th later in the season.
“It’s been a running joke between us which one will get there first.
“It’s really special being there from the start. It’s pretty cool with the family connection with my grandfather playing there.
“The club has played a huge part in my life.”
Kennedy played junior footy in 2011 before focusing on hockey.
When the women’s team started at CYs it was the start of something.
“I went to one training session and that wasit,”shesaid.“Youlooknowwehavetwo teams and juniors coming through.
“It’s very different from when I started out when we were giving away 50 metre penalties and didn’t know what we were doing.
“There’s now juniors and a large group playing in VFLW [Victorian Football League Women’s], it’s completely different to when it started.”
Kennedy said winning the premiership was special for the club and it cemented the program’s spot at the club.
She said it was a big turning point for them, with their photo etched on the club room walls forever.
Even more important have been the friendships.
“My friends are really important,” she said. “Almost all my closest friends I met here.”
Kennedy has taken on coaching the reserves side now.
She said that first game and first win as
Altona Gators women have found their feet
Things are coming together for the Altona Gators but there’s still plenty of work to be done in the Big V women’s division 1.
The Gators are up to second on the ladder as the back part of the season gets underway and has had some big wins in recent rounds.
Coach Randy Shanklin felt they were starting to play some really strong basketball.
“We had a rocky start,” he said. “We have seemed to have pushed forward with some things, but we are still a long way from where we want to be.
“The new players who joined us have a little more confidence on how we compete and some of the systems.
“Some things we’ve done pretty well and stepped up.”
Shanklin said they had been working on some things that might get overlooked at times to have them sorted before the season ends.
He said they have a tough run home.
“We would rather be up the top now, then trying to fight to get up there,” he said. “The run home is definitely a massive test for us.
“There is no easy game in there and people want to beat us and there’s teams that beat us at the start that we want to beat,”
The Gators faced Westernport on Sunday.
Speaking before the game, Shanklin said despite beating them the last two times they played each other, it wouldn’t be an easy match.
“They had the weekend off as well,” he said. “They have to come up here.
“They’re always tough physically. They are older and more mature.
“We have a fair idea what to expect but playing it is two different things.”
The Gators were able to keep their momentum going against the Steelers, winning 63-41.
It was a slow start for the Gators, who scored just four points in the first quarter, before they kicked into gear and came away with the convincing win.
Jessica Rarity top scored with 15 points for the Gators.
The Gators sit second on the ladder with a 10-4 record.
As well as their women’s side being on track for finals, both their youth league sides are also playing well.
Their youth league women lost to the Kilsyth Cobras, 79-73 on Saturday night before losing to the Keilor Thunder on Sunday, 75-59.
The youth league men’s side beat the Wallan Panthers, 86-73. The side sits on top with 14 wins for the season.
Shanklin said it was exciting for the future.
“They are awesome and they’ve had some good individual performances to get the win,” he said of the girls.
“It’s really exciting for the club that the youth league men are undefeated. It’s a big deal for us.”
coach is up there with the memories.
“The girls have made it easy to be able to coach,” Kennedy said. “After playing footy it’s nice to be on the other side.”
As the club’s program continues to grow and progress, Kennedy said they felt they had found its place in the top flight.
She said they were up to the challenge and it was another turning point for the program.
After so many firsts, is there any more on the cards for Kennedy?
“I think that will do,” she said. “I just want to enjoy being out there.
“I haven’t kicked a lot of goals between now and then. I kicked my first in three years on the weekend.
“I might have to play more up forward.”
Sports briefs
VSDCA
Altona has announced Liam Keating as the club’s coach for the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season.Keating made his senior debut at the club in 200-021 and had played 289 games for the club. He also played at Victorian Premier Cricket club Footscray, and has held captaincy roles at both clubs. Keating, a qualified school teacher, will make his first foray into coaching at the A’s.
FV
Newport Storm kept its winning momentum going with victory against Maidstone United on Saturday in the FV state league 5 west competition. The Storm has been a revelation in its first season in the state league competition and it continued on Saturday with a 2-0 win. Both goals came in the second half. The Storm sits top the table, six points clear of Bendigo City having played 12 matches. Maidstone sits in fourth spot. In other results, Footscray Rangers lost to Bendigo City, 7-0.
NPL
Altona Magic came away with the points against Green Gully in the National Premier League on Friday night. It was the Cavaliers who led 2-1 at half time before the Magic scored early in the second half through Anthony Frangie to level the scores. Alexander Gust scored the winner in the 90th minute, with the Magic winning 3-2. The Magic sits 10th on the ladder after 20 rounds. In the Victorian Premier League 2 competition, Altona City had a 4-2 loss to North Geelong Warriors.
WFL
Parkside Spurs were able to overcome inaccuracy and Yarraville Seddon to get the win in the Western Football League women’s competition on Saturday. The Spurs were wasteful in the first half as they kicked 3.9 to lead by 26 points at half time. The goalkicking problems continued in the third quarter before they finished strongly to win, 6.16 (52)-2.1 (13). The Spurs sit second on the ladder, with the Eagles remaining in fourth.
and Jalen Salon top scored with 20 points. The Gators sit in ninth spot with three wins for the season.
Meanwhile. the Gators division 1 men’s side lost to the Steelers, 102-86. Nick Formosa
Jessica Rarity. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Duxson’s coaching move
By Tara Murray
It will be something a little bit different for new Williamstown CYMS coach Nick Duxson in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
Having grown up playing the sport and having worked in cricket, Duxson will take on a senior coaching role for the first time.
Duxson said it was exciting to get the opportunity to step into coaching.
“I did some little bits and pieces a long time ago,” he said. “I did some junior coaching roles but then I didn’t have the time.
“Even with playing, I could only play half the games and can’t get to training
and commit each Saturday.
“It’s been nice the last couple of years to be able to be more involved.”
Duxson replaces Brad Robertson, who has returned to Werribee to take on the coaching role there.
Duxson said the CYs role popped up and it resonated with him.
Being close to home and with most of the sides in the Steve McNamara Shield in close proximity it worked perfectly.
“When I popped up, I thought I wanted to see what that side was about,” he said. “It seems like a close knit, community club.
“A lot of guys have played throughout their journey. They are one of the few clubs that I haven’t played with or played
against, so it’s a clean slate. It seemed the right fit for me and for them.”
Duxson said there was a real ambition from the group to win something together and improve.
He said there’s a lot of young guys who want to take that step.
“I’ve come on board and I’m still wrapping my head around everyone and what they do,” he said.
“They’ve been working on bringing some guys in and looking to bring in one or two overseas guys.”
Duxson said former first XI captain Jack Sutter would return after not playing last season.
They’re hoping a few other former play-
VTCA remains focused on improving all areas
Plenty is happening behind the scenes in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association off season.
Coming off its biggest season, the competition is set to increase again for the 2025-26 season.
All top grade sides will return this season, with Glenroy making a return to the competition after not being able to field a side last season.
It will resume in division 5.
VTCA president Zoran Havranek said they were investing in the association in a number of different ways.
He said they’ve had to knock back some clubs increasing the number of sides that have due to not having enough grounds.
“We are landlocked and don’t have the grounds,” he said. “Cricket is the loser here.
“We haven’t had one side drop off. We don’t like having clubs fold and don’t like to see mergers either.
“For that reason we are doing what we can to accommodate them. We’ve worked closely with clubs before on the brink to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
Havranek said there were clubs in the
growth areas that could join the competition in the coming years as they want to move onto turf,
He said they had changed their points system in recent seasons to try to attract players from other competitions, rather than take from other sides in the competition.
“There’s a lot of overseas players who want to play given how good the competition is,” he said.
“The points are in place to ensure clubs go outside to get good talent to come in.
“It’s the beauty of a good competition.”
Having formed a partnership with Vanuatu cricket last season, they will continue that as well as having formed a new partnership with Japanese cricket.
Havranek said improving their umpiring had been a focus the past few seasons.
“We’re doing a lot of training with our umpires,” he said. “It used to be when you went to an umpires meeting there were only 15 people attending, now there are over 60.
“With Frogbox we are getting footage of our umpires and they can see what is happening.
“We’ve had more umpires rotate through the senior division. They’ve been able to educate captains of the standards of senior cricket and it’s kept them on their toes as well.
“The senior players have given good feedback and it’s one way to improve the game overall.”
Havranek said they were looking at having umpires for second grades this season as well this season.
One area they are looking at is improving the slow over rate.
The association’s junior academy has continued to grow in the past two years.
A coaching academy is now being put in place as well in partnership with the Western Region Sports Club.
“It’s three to four weeks with some coaches from the senior division to help division 2, 3, 4 and 5 coaches with planning, what the season looks like, how to recruit and running training drills,” Havranek said.
“There will be some sessions before the season and follow ups in the season.”
ers will return as well.
The CYs finished in seventh spot in what was a close division 2 competition last season.
Duxson said he can’t wait to get into it.
“I’m excited to get back into community sport,” he said. “One of those things I loved been involved in but haven’t been fully invested as I haven’t had the time the last decade.
“It’s a good opportunity at the CYs to bring the group up and be competitive and hopefully be in a position to play off in finals and play in some big games.
“Hopefully I can help them get better and achieve what they want to and they pick up a couple of things along the way.”
Jets battle it out with the Chargers
The Western Jets boys and girls teams were put to the test by the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League competitions.
The Jets headed out to Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval to face the Chargers in perfect conditions for football.
First up was the girls match.
It was tough going getting on the scoreboard, with the Chargers leading by 16 points at quarter time having kicked the only two goals of the first quarter.
It was one goal apiece in the second quarter as the Jets kept in touch heading into the main break.
The Chargers were able to extend the lead slightly in the third quarter with the only goal of the term.
They saved their best for last to come away with a 7.9 (51)-2.3 (15) win. Polly Conway and Charlie O’Connor Moreira were the goalkickers for the Jets.
The Jets have one win for the season.
In the boys match, the Chargers won 15.12 (102)-10.12 (72).
The Chargers broke open the game in the first quarter with seven goals to two to lead by 31 points at quarter time. That would be the difference in the game.
The Chargers won the second quarter three goals to two, before the Jets won the third quarter by that. The final quarter was fairly even, with both sides kicking three goals each.
Jake Miller kicked four goals for the Jets in his under-18 debut. Miller was named the Jets best along with Jacob Marron and Finnegan Davis.
Trent Lawford. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 465587_22
Grayson Lafaialii looks to get a kick away. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 486900_05
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