A ‘toxic’ culture
By Cade Lucas
Sexual harassment, bullying, a drinking culture and an excessive workload were some of the issues that made Hobsons Bay councilatoxicworkplace,anewreporthas found.
A listening and support process into council’s workplace culture was established at the beginning of this year following a series of complaints by employeestoWorksSafeaboutsafetyissues at the council, resulting in the suspension ofthenchiefexecutiveAaronvanEgmond.
MrvanEgmondhassinceresigned.
The listening and support process, led by former Mitchell Shire chief executive Brett Luxford and former Court Services VictoriaexecutiveJewilFulton,releasedits finalreportonJuly1afterhearingfrom138 currentcouncilemployees.
Based on their testimonies, Hobsons Bay council was deemed to have a “toxic” workplace culture in which employees felt unsafeandfearful.
Oneofthecontributingfactorswassexual harassment, including six incidents that were directly reported and several others reportedbybystandersandwitnesses.
Sexual comments and repeated requests for dates and drinks were among the examples cited, but none of the victims were prepared to make formal complaints and witnesses and bystanders felt fear or retribution if they spoke up, the report
stated.
Insteadtheysoughttoprotectvictimsby alertingthemtothepresenceofthealleged harrasserandmakingsuretheywerenever alonewiththem.
Systemic bullying was also observed, including the existence of a so-called ‘blacklist’ of employees that members of council’s leadership group wanted to force outoftheorganisation.
The consumption of alcohol, both onsite and offsite, was highlighted, with participants reporting feeling pressured to join in, while racist and derogatory language, a lack of cooperation between departments, excessive workloads causing employee burnout and out of date policies and procedures were among the other issuesidentified.
“This report highlights significant concerns about behaviour that are, quite simply, unacceptable in any organisation,” saidHobsonsBaymayorDariaKellander.
“Iknowthatstaffwanttoseerealchange, and we are committed to the ongoing change and healing process that is in place.”
The report made a series of recommendations, including that council immediately implement a ‘culture change program’ centred around employee empowerment, safety, and high performance and emphasise integrity and governance in hiring its new chief executive.
Women get a home start
Women in the west who’ve experienced domestic violence and or homelessness, will receive much needed support from two organisations dedicated to doing just that.
For the past three years the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West (Inc.) has been helping McAuley Community Services for Women to provide home starter kits for women in the western suburbs who are leaving crisis accommodation to live independently.
This year 10 kits are being distributed, each paid for through
Zonta Melbourne West’s fundraising efforts. The kits consist of basic cooking equipment, dining items (a setting for four) and some essential cleaning items, all contained within a laundry basket.
The home starter kits are distributed to not only help women set up their homes with new and useful items, but in the hope that this will encourage them to continue living healthy lives.
For more information, visit: www. zontamelbwest.org.au or email zontamelbwest@gmail.com
Wendy Forrest and Maria Maikousis from the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West with home starter kits they’ve prepared for women leaving crisis accommodation. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 485896_02
We’re building the Metro Tunnel and there will be disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line
Until 13 JulyNorth Melbourne to Sunshine
First train to 9.30pm, 25 July 28 July
From 9.30pm 25 July to 27 July
Werribee and Williamstown lines
From 10pm 25 July to 27 July
Road disruptions: Closed lane and roads
Calder Park Drive, Calder Park
Sunshine to Sunbury
North Melbourne to Sunbury
North Melbourne to Newport
Until late JulyAt the level crossing
West Gate Freeway, Spotswood 13 July to late AugustOutbound lane between Williamstown and Millers roads
Holden Road, Calder Park From 23 JulyPermanently closed at the level crossing
Arden Station
Veloway connection concern
By Cade Lucas
While the West Gate Tunnel veloway is expected to open by the end of this year, a western suburbs cycling campaigner is warning bike riders that they might have trouble accessing it.
Vice president of cycling advocacy not-for-profit Bike West, Pierre Vairo, said while the veloway was great, the lack of dedicated connections to it were not.
“They don’t exist,” Mr Vairo said.
“For residents of say Footscray, West Footscray, Maidstone, there’s no real safe way to get to the veloway.
“It’s like opening a brand new freeway but forgetting to build the on ramps.”
Built as part of the West Gate Tunnel project, the bright green cycling path runs for 2.5km between Footscray to Docklands, sitting beneath the new freeway and above Footscray Road.
While the veloway will allow cyclists to avoid six busy intersections along Footscray Road where cyclists have been killed in the past, Mr Vairo said the lack of connections to it would still put bike riders at risk.
“Access is by either walking your bike across Footscray Station, or you mix with
trucks on Napier and Buckley streets and there’s a third option, a 1.5km detour via Seddon.”
Mr Vairo said the situation was especially frustrating as the most obvious solution - dedicated bike lanes along Napier and Buckley Streets - was once proposed by the current Prime Minister when he was in opposition.
“Anthony Albanese himself in 2019 (during the federal election) felt that this was required but he didn’t win that election.
“It was gonna link West Footscray Station to the Footscray Road bike path.”
Gothic fiction based on author’s real life
While it’s described as a work of literary gothic fiction, ‘The Women in the Well,’ the new book by Williamstown author, DmetriKakmi,drawsheavilyonhisown life.
“Magnolia is really me, just in a different guise I suppose,” said Kakmi of the book’s protagonist, an Afghan-Aboriginal lesbian.
“She represents all the difficulties of people who grow up in one culture but live in another.”
Funding
Born to Greek parents in Turkey and then emigrating to Australia where he later came out as gay, Kakmi knows those difficulties better than most.
Given gothic fiction is just a glorified term for horror, exaggerations are to be expected, but Kakmi said the feedback he’d received suggested readers thought it’s more of a hybrid novel that mixes crime with fantasy and horror and transposesthatontotheAustralianlandscape.
This includes Magnolia being Indig-
enous and the influence of Indigenous folklore and mythology on the story, something Kakmi said stemmed from his childhood.
“I found the Aboriginal people who lived along Merri Creek where I grew up far more welcoming towards us wogs,” Kakmi said.
“Then in high school, I started to read Indigenous histories and I just became fascinated.”
for greater tree coverage projects to help cool the west
A turning lane will be realigned on Williamstown Road between West Footscray and Seddon to make way for green space.
The project is one of four projects announced by the state government as part of the More Trees for Cooler, Greener West program in partnership with councils in Melbourne’s west, including Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham
Another of the projects in partnership with Yarra Trams will have two urban ar-
bours will be installed in spaces at tram stopsinMaribyrnongandMooneeValley.
The other project which will be delivered with Metro Trains, is an urban arbour will be installed on a platform at Glenbervie Station in Essendon.
Urban arbours are structures that plants can grow around to provide shade and greenery in urban landscapes.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said they’re partnering with councils and public transport providers to make commutes more comfortable, communities more
Fraser MP and Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino didn’t respond to requests for comment on whether the federal government still supported funding dedicated bike lanes along Napier and Buckley streets.
According to Mr Vairo, Footscray MP Katie Hall had indicated support for the bike lane proposal but said no money was available for it at a state level.
Ms Hall is on leave and inquiries to her office were passed onto the Transport Infrastructure and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams, who didn’t respond before deadline.
Participants wanted for diabetes study
Regular exercise is among the most common recommendations given to people with type 2 diabetes (TD2) as a way of managing the condition and improving their overall health.
Now those with TD2 have the opportunity to do regular exercise that could improve the health of others with the condition as well as their own.
Researchers at Victoria University are calling on people with TD2 to take part in their study looking into how exercise impacts bone, muscle, and fat interactions in those with the condition.
In order to find out, researchers require participants in the study to come to VU’s Footscray Park campus for regular high intensity, interval training (HIIT) sessions.
“They do it three times per week for 10 weeks,” explained researcher and PhD candidate Jiawen Huang of how often participants will have to train, adding that muscle and fat biopsies and full body scans will be required as well.
“We want to find out the combination between the fat and muscle and how the body uses them to regulate the blood glucose level.”
Ms Huang and fellow research assistant and PhD candidate Rhiannon Healy are conducting the study under the supervision of Professor Itamar Levinger from the VU Institute of Health and Sport.
Professor Levinger said the main aim of the study is to uncover the role of bone hormones known as osteokines in the prevention, management and treatment of TD2 and if this role is sex specific.
“We know that individuals with T2D have lower levels of osteokines and osteokine levels also appear to be sex-specific,” Professor Levinger said.
“Because we know that bone density is different between men and women, we would like to see the effect of exercise on those bone hormones is sex specific.”
climate-resistant, and Melbourne’s western suburbs more liveable.
Williamstown MP Melissa Horne said, “by planting more trees in Melbourne’s west we are creating a cooler environment with more green coverage that improves the quality of our public spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulossaidthegovernmenthasalreadyplanted more than 419,000 trees across Melbourne’s western suburbs and they’re on track to plant 500,000 by the end of 2026.”
Participants for the study are still needed, with professional health assessments and gift cards worth up to $100 on offer for those who sign up.
It’s hoped the study will be completed by the end of this year.
Those interested in participating should email Ms Huang via jiawen.huang1@live.vu.edu.au
Williamstown author Dmetri Kakmi with his new novel ‘The Woman in the Well’. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 482834_06
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Childcare quality control call
By Casey Neill
Fearful parents are calling for a backflip on privatisation plans for Bulldogs Community Children’s Centre.
But the Western Bulldogs Football Club is “not currently satisfied” the existing non-profit management “provides the best possible care and facilities”.
Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS) has been running BCCC for 15 years under a sub-lease from the Bulldogs.
Maribyrnong councillors, at their June 17 meeting, agreed to a request from the Bulldogstoremovetherequirementforthe sub-lessee to be not-for-profit.
This would open the door for a private provider to take over the Hocking Street centre.
The community can comment on the move until July 22 before councillors consider submissions and lock in their decision at their August 11 meeting.
“We hope the council will listen to the community’s voice and continue to prioritise public good over private profit,” ECMS acting chief executive Kate Smith said.
West Footscray parent Dylan Alexander said the change would shift the purpose of communityfacilitiesawayfromequityand access and towards commercial interest, setting “a dangerous precedent for how
New Rotary president
The Rotary Club of Footscray has entered a new era, with Elizabeth Drozd OAM taking over as president.
Ms Drozd was named the club’s 88th president at it’s annual changeover meeting on Thursday, July 3, replacing Footscray cardiologist, Dr Bob Newman. A Maidstone resident since 1997 and an advocate for Melbourne’s west for more than three decades, Ms Drozd was most recently the chief executive of Australian Multicultural Community Services and oversaw the transformation of its Millennium House headquarters in Seddon.ShewasaVictorianMulticultural Commissioner between 2008 and 2015. Given this background, Ms Drozd said she wants to make Footscray Rotary
more inclusive for migrant and refugee communities.
“Rotaryisnotjustaclubtojoin,butrather an invitation to endless opportunities,”
Ms Drozd said. “ As members, we join leaders from all continents, cultures and occupations, exchange ideas, and form life-longfriendships.”
Ms Drozd said she also wants to foster stronger connections with other service clubs, and engage with projects that serve bothlocalandglobalneeds.Thiswillinclude the continuation of many of Footscray Rotary’s existing initiatives, ranging from youth scholarships, international exchanges, and environmental action, to localartssupportandglobalhumanitarian projects.
Puppets bring ‘wonder’ to Braybrook
More than 100 students, teachers and family members from the Association for Vietnamese Culture Studies in Braybook attended a community puppet workshop, which explored how giant puppets are made.
The event on June 28 was co-presented by Vietnamese Australian Arts and Culture (AVAC) and Snuff Puppets — an arts organisation based in Footscray that specialisesinthecreationofgiantpuppets.
Participants had the chance to meet puppeteers and discuss ideas for the forthcoming showcase in October, which will bring Vietnamese stories to life through puppets and celebrate the year of the snake.
President of AVAC, Mai Nguyen, said families reacted to the giant puppets “with amixofwonder,fascinationandawe…and some fear.”
“Most of [the participants] had never been to these workshops before… never seen or touched giant puppets. It captured the whole group’s attention…” she said.
“Everyone was excited and had so much fun.”
A giant snake puppet was also featured as part of the workshop.
“Everyone seemed surprised by the size of the snake… the actual fabric skin was removed, showing all of the skull and bones of the snake too. It was just fascinating!”
To create a giant puppet, artists first consider the puppet’s size, shape and how it will be controlled — such as by hand, by a rod or with strings.
Materials, such as foam, are then chosen to shape the puppet which is then covered by fabric.
Artistsmayalsoincorporatemechanisms into a puppet to create extra movements
public assets are used”.
“Early childhood is a time when trusted relationships and routine matter most,“ he said.
“There is worry about what will happen next, about whether the educators our children love and trust will stay, and about whether the culture of care we value will be maintained under a commercial provider.”
A Western Bulldogs spokesperson said the club requested the change “to provide certainty and flexibility regarding the continuation of childcare services”.
“This process is entirely motivated by a desire to facilitate the best possible care and facilities for children at BCCC, and our
choice of provider will have to guarantee this, regardless of their ’for-profit’ status,” they said.
“Wefullyappreciatetheconnectionsand relationships that children and families haveformedwiththeexistingproviderand its educators.
“However, we are obliged to assess the BCCC holistically and consider all options to ensure that it provides the best possible care and facilities.
“We are not currently satisfied that this is the case.”
The spokesperson said ECMS had the opportunity to bid in the current tender process and commit to the improvements the BCCC site and its services required.
A $4 billion investment by the Australian and Victorian governments to untangle Melbourne’s most complex rail junction outside the CBD.
We’re seeking your feedback on planning matters, including:
– project boundary
– environmental management
– amenity
–traffic and access
– tree and vegetation removal
– construction-related impacts
– heritage impacts
An attendee at the Association for Vietnamese Culture Studies’ puppet workshop. (Supplied)
The new president of the Rotary Club of Footscray, Elizabeth Drozd OAM. (Damjan Janevski) 488028_03
Two worlds, one life
Essence Theatre Productions (ETP) and Nga Matai Purua Inc. (NMP) proudly bring audiences a gripping new work inspired by events at Port Phillip Prison, now set to close in 2025 amid major prison reforms.
Based on NMP president Tyson Tuala’s real-life experience, at the heart of The Yellow Line stands Jordan - a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested prison inmates. As Jordan walks the metaphorical (and literal) yellow line that separates guard from prisoner, this compelling new Australian work asks ’What does redemption look like when you carry the weight of culture, identity, and justice on your shoulders?’
Co-written by Berne-Lee ’Nana’ Edwards, Alaine Beek and the ensemble cast - which includes first-time performers with lived experience - The Yellow Line delivers visceral honesty, unforgettable performances, and deep emotional truth.
importantinsightintotheVictorianjustice system through a Maori andPasifikalens,delvingintothesystem and its impact within these communities. It shines a crucial spotlight on the human stories often buried behind headlines - particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by incarceration in Australia.
“The experiences that shaped The Yellow Line come from a part of my life I never expected to revisit - let alone reimagine for the stage,“ said NMP president Tyson Tuala.
Exhibition delves into concept of nature as home
A story of humour, vulnerability, and connection, The Yellow Line also shares
“Even though the focus is Maoriculture, all cultures will deeply connect with this play”, adds co-writer/co-director Alaine Beek.“It’sbasedonaspecifictruestoryand audiences will be immersed into the Maori culture in a thought-provoking way. Each character is based on a real person and although dealing with a very significant topic, so much comedy shines through in the production.”
“This show is not about me. It’s about all the people - seen and unseen - who carry their culture with them into places that were never built for it. It’s about Maori and Pasifika men behind bars and the power of Wairua, haka, and music to reach through concrete and steel.“
The Yellow Line will run for three performancesonlyatthenewlyrefurbished Wyndham Cultural Centre on July on 26 and 27. To book go to www.essencetheatre. productions/the-yellow-line-1
Museum treasures for children to explore
Take a deep dive into the wonders of the oceans and beaches at the fun and informative pop-up museum coming to Whittlesea for the school holidays.
Museums Victoria will be staging the pop-museum at two locations on Friday, July 11 called the Ocean Wonders.
The first of of those is Riverside Community Activity Centre in South Morang, from 10.30-11.30am and Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre, from 2-3pm.
The pop-up museum will showcase real objects from the Melbourne Museum, helping kids learn all about incredible marine creatures while getting a close-up look at shells, sharks and ancient sea animals.
Highlights include a taxidermied green sea turtle and seagull, a tiger shark jaw andwhalevertebra,aswellasatoothfrom a Megalodon, one of the largest sharks to ever exist.
The pop-up museum is free, but bookings are essential.
The museum is for children aged between three and 13.
Other school holiday activities happening in Whittlesea include youth taking over Mill Park library, girls day out, NAIDOC youth event and 2000’s Nostalgia.
To book tickets to the muesum: https:// tinyurl.com/3pee4476
Is caring for the Earth and caring for each other any different? It’s an existentialquestionwhichisexplored in a new exhibition that opened in Hobsons Bay last week.
NatureisaHomeisanexhibitionat the Louis Joel Arts and Community (LJAC) centre in Altona from June 28 to July 16 and features artworks that questionourrelationshipwithnature and responsibility to nurture it.
Coinciding with LJAC’s 20th anniversary, Nature is a Home featuresartworkinarangeamediums like ceramics, photography, paint and painting, sculpture, written text, film, paper and found materials which artists have used to to give voice to their artistic expression.
Those artists are all based in Melbourne’s west and include Ariana Lim,AugustineAng,ElijahCristiano, Dovey Dee, Julee Latimer, Lan Pagliaro, Fatima Measham, Petra Tomecko, Nandita Nadkarni and Jenny Rütsch.
Also from the western suburbs is the exhibition’s curator, Jasmeet Kaur Sah, a writer, editor and arts programmer who has previously worked at Footscray Community Arts, Melbourne Writers Festival and Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne.
KaurSahiandLJACmanagerKaren Ingram are inviting locals to come and view the exhibition, particularly on Saturday, July 12 when a special public program will be held at the LJAC gallery from 11.30am to 1pm. The public program features a range of free events, including floor talks, a workshop and exhibition prize announcements. Entry is free but bookings are encouraged.
Details: https://www.ljac.com.au/ natureisahome/
A pop-up museum is coming to Whittlesea. (Melbourne Museum)
Louis Joel Arts and Community centre manager Karen Ingram and curator of the Nature is a Home exhibition Jasmeet Kaur Sahi. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484023_04
Jordan is a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested prison inmates. (Supplied)
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Busy winter
By Cr Daria Kellander
It has been another busy year here in Hobsons Bay, and the last few weeks have been no exception.
I recently wrote to the Victorian Minister for Children to advocate for the reinstatement of funding to a vital sleep settling program for new parents.
Their decision to cut this funding came with little warning - council was given just six weeks’ notice of a major change to our maternal and child health services.
This program has long served as an essentialsupportandeducationalresource for new parents, and its sudden removal is deeply concerning.
Having personally benefited from a group-based sleep settling program when my daughter was young, I know just how valuable this support can be.
It gave me the reassurance that I was doing the best for both her and myself.
I truly empathise with new parents who may now miss out on this level of support and guidance.
That’s why we’re calling on the government to reverse their decision and continue funding this critical service.
In other news, the recent approval of the certificate of compliance for Block 11 at Techno Park is incredibly positive.
This marks a significant step forward for the residents of Techno Park.
Since this issue first arose during the previous council term, I’ve been a vocal advocate for the Techno Park community.
Everyonedeservestofeelsafeandsecure in their home, and I’m pleased that Block 11 residents can now go about living their lives.
I commend the residents for their resilience, and I am proud to have supported them in their efforts to remain in their homes at Techno Park.
While I’ve got you, here’s a little winter bonus - parking meters are switched off right across Hobsons Bay this season. It’s our way of making things a bit easier and encouraging everyone to get out, explore, and support our fantastic local traders.
GRUFFALO PLUSH & BOOKS
Briefs
Games festival
Hobsons Bay council is hosting the new Festival of Games these school holidays. Taking place at the newly opened Games Discovery Centre in Altona North, the festival is a series of programs and events for people of all ages to play video games and board games. From learning to play chess to figurine painting, or experiencing the wonders of 3D virtual reality, there are no shortage of activities to keep patrons entertained. The festival runs throughout the winter school holidays, with some programs requiring bookings ahead of time.
Details: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ FestivalOfGames
Yarraville fatality
A man, 88, riding a mobility scooter was killed in a collision in Yarraville on Wednesday, July 2 . It is understood a truck driving along Francis Street and the man’s mobility scooter collided outside the entrance to his home near the intersection of Francis and Ballarat streets about 11.35am. The victim died at the scene. The collision was initially thought to be a hit-run, with the driver of the truck failing to stop at the scene. However, it’s now believed the truck driver was unaware the collision had occurred. He was later tracked down by police and assisted them with their inquiries.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander.
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Fighting friends remember
As he prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his fight of the century with Barry Michael and help him launch his biography, Lester Ellis tells Cade Lucas about his great foe turned friend.
In 1985, Essendon won back to back flags under Kevin Sheedy, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix took place around an Adelaide park not Albert Park, the Australian Open tennis was still played on the grass courts of Kooyong in November and 15/1 shot What a Nuisance won the Melbourne Cup.
But arguably Melbourne’s biggest sporting event of that year occurred not on the grass of the MCG, Kooyong or Flemington, but under the bright lights of an old pavilion wedged beside the train tracks in west Melbourne.
Festival Hall might’ve hosted the likes of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra, but it didn’t become known as the “HouseofStoush’byaccident,andthefight held there 40 years ago between Lester Ellis and Barry Michael - two English born boxers from the western suburbsfor the IBF Super Flyweight World Title, is the biggest bout the venue, the city and arguably Australian boxing, has ever seen.
“It was a massive,” recalled Ellis in an interview with Star Weekly ahead of the 40th anniversary on July 12.
“All the judges got together and put it as the fight of the century in Australia. That’s a big rap innit? ” asks the now 60-year-old rhetorically from his home in Taylors Hill which is festooned with belts and trophies from his 22-year career in the ring.
That career brought him a world title and arecordof 41winsfrom49fights,including 28byknockout,butit’soneofhisonlyeight defeats that he’s most remembered for.
The same could be said for the man who defeated him, Barry Michael, who went onto defend his world title another three times in a distinguished career that included win 48 times from 60 fights, but which is often boiled down to those 15 gruelling rounds in what is now known as Australia’s ‘fight of the century’.
Thereasonsforthisaremanyandvaried.
One is that, like all great sporting contests, the bout was a product of its time.
Havinggonethroughthedoldrumsinthe 1970’s,Australianboxingwasexperiencing a revival by the mid-1980’s with the likes of Jeff Fenech and Ellis at the forefront.
With most fights happening overseas, the prospect for an all Australian world title fight in sport-mad Melbourne was box-office dynamite.
But beyond that Ellis vs Michael was a classic case of friends turned foes.
Both were ten pound poms (Ellis was born in the northern seaside town of Blackpool, while Barry Michael was born Barry Swettenham in Watford, just outside London), both were from families that settled in Melbourne’s west (Ellis in Sunshine and Michael in Williamstown) and both displayed brilliance in the ring, rising quickly though the ranks at similar weights.
The only real difference was age, with Michael 10 years Ellis’s senior and already a seasoned pro by the time the younger man started to make his name.
“I loved him, I loved the ground he walkedonmate,”saidEllisofhisthenhero, who he first shared a ring with as a kid.
“He [Michael] was a 24-year-old, Australian lightweight champion. I was a 14-year-old Australian flyweight amateur champion, and he used to come down and spar me.
“And I’m thinking what’s he wanna spar me for? I asked him one day, he goes, ‘oh, you’re fast, you’re clever, sharpen me up. You help me, you know.”
Given their profession, it’s unsurprising that these friends would eventually come to blows, but even by the low standards of the fight game, Ellis and Michael’s falling
I hated him that bad on the night, I just wanted to knock his block off ... I wasn’t thinking about boxing him and trying to get the points - Lester Ellis
out was both fast and furious.
Likeallgoodfeuds,theexactreasonforit is hard to decipher, but it seemed to begin when Ellis, then just 19, greatly offended Michael by winning a world title before him by beating South Korea’s Hwan-Kil Yuh in March 1985.
To add insult to injury, Michael’s American trainer, Dana Goodson, then walked out on him only to appear in Ellis’s corner soon after.
“I was filthy on him, which I was entitled to be,” said Michael of Goodson in an interviewwith Star Weekly earlierthisyear.
Seeking to settle the score Michael immediatelydemandedfirstcrackatEllis’s new world title, something the champ didn’t appreciate.
“I was a little bit disgusted when he challenged me for my world title,” said Ellis, hinting that jealousy on the older man’s part played a role too.
Ellis however, wasn’t so disgusted to turn Michael down and soon contracts were signed and Australia’s biggest boxing blockbuster was booked.
While he believes most of the bad blood in the lead up stemmed from his opponent, Ellis admitted to bearing plenty of ill-will towards Michael by the time they entered the ring.
“I hated him that bad on the night, I just wanted to knock his block off,” Ellis said of his approach which he believes cost him the fight.
“I wasn’t thinking about boxing him and trying to get the points.”
By contrast, the eventual winner credits
Ellis and Goodson with giving him motivation he needed.
“When I got in the ring I said, ‘thanks for the title Lester,” said Michael. He was good to his word.
After starting out behind the young champ, the raucous crowd of 7500 at Festival Hall slowly swung behind the old challenger, as Michael’s years of experience, guile and fitness took over.
“I’d never come across somebody that could talk for 15 rounds. He never shut up,” recalled Ellis of the fight in which Michael bashed his ears as well as his body.
After 15 gruelling rounds, Michael was announced the winner by unanimous decision, becoming world champion for the first time at 30 and ending Ellis’s reign after just four months.
The ex-champ spent the rest of the night peeing blood.
“Every time that I went for a wee [after the fight] it was just purple, red blood from the kidney shots.”
Fortunately, Ellis has been able to console himself in the years since with the knowledge that, contrary to reports, he didn’t actually lose.
“Watching the fight [back], up into the 10th round, I thought I was in front.
“In the last five rounds, I gave three to him and two to me, so with me being the champion, I should have got the result,” he said, adding that Michael’s father influenced the judges.
Michael scoffed incredulously when I relayed this to him, retorting that Ellis’s brother got to the judges too and that he’s since has admitted he wouldn’t have won a re-match.
There of course wasn’t a re-match, something which briefly extended the bad blood between the pair (and contributed to Michael’s bashing by notorious gangster Alphonse Gangitano) but which has been consigned to the past.
The pair have long since returned to being friends, something Ellis said began in the immediate aftermath of the fight.
“I was proud that he won the fight so instead of him waiting for the belt to come from America and getting it a couple of months later, I gave him my belt on the night so he could get photos with it,” he said of the arrangement which lasted a few months longer than expected.
“I wanted my belt back, so I rang him up, ‘Barry,where’smyfuckingbelt,mate?’That was my belt, buddy.”
Just a few months after fighting at Festival Hall, the two men met at the Deer ParkHotelwhereMichaelreturnedthebelt and they buried the hatchet.
“I gave him a cuddle and said ‘you deserved it,” said Ellis.
On July 12 the two old foes will meet at another western suburbs establishment, Pelican Waters in Williamstown, to mark the 40th anniversary of their fight of the century and launch Michael’s biography for which Ellis wrote the forward.
‘Last Man Standing: The Barry Michael Story’ is published by New Holland.
To attend the launch and pre-order the book: https://shorturl.at/vZ7W0
Boxing legends Lester Ellis and Barry Michael reunite ahead of the 40th anniversary of their fight of the century. (Damjan Janevski) 486471_01
Referee Gus Mercurio watches challenger Barry Michael connect with a right to Lester Ellis’s head during their world title fight in 1985.
(David Johns)
What do Viking guests love?
MANY readers have been introduced to the magic of Viking and their outstanding cruises through articles here and in the quarterly Travel Today magazine.
The cruise line, which celebrates ten years of ocean voyages in 2025, provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world and designed for curious travellers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine,
Some have taken the plunge and booked a long-awaited dream holiday, while many areontheirsecondorthirdadventurewith Viking and offer accolades to the company andthemanywaystheycontinuallyriseto exceedexpectations.
Viking offer ‘Destination Focused Dining’ where regional cuisine is provided by passionate chefs for guests dine as they dineonboardateachlocation.
Onboard at the Chefs Table, known for its culinary experience savouring gastronomic delicacies, the sommeliers andculinarymasterscreatetheperfectfood and wine pairings during a multi-course tasting, enjoyed in the restaurant or in a privatediningroom.
Oneguest,BenH,recentlyreturnedfrom the Mediterranean Odyssey cruise with plentyofgreatmemories.
“So many memorable nights at the Chefs Table on Viking, an intense dining experience that goes beyond just great food,“hesaid.
“Eachcoursewaspartofathemedtasting menu highlighting different regions of the world and paired perfectly with wines selectedtobringoutthebestineverydish.”
Other guests have enjoyed the thoughtfully curated shore excursions offered in every destination some only offeredtoVikingguests.
GuestKimP,whorecentlyreturnedfrom theItalianSojournitinerary,saidsheloved goingashoreandseeingthesites.
“What I enjoy most about the cruises are the excursions and here we visited the historic town of Trogir, which not surprisingly was a backdrop for the city of Qarth in the show Game of Thrones and more importantly a UNESCO World HeritageSite,“shesaid.
“But the best excursion was continuing on to the charming small village of Jurlinovi Dvori in Draga, where we visited the farmhouse of a retired priest who welcomedustohishomeandchapelwitha tastingofhisfigsandalmondsgrownthere
aswellasahomecookedmealandmusic.”
ThoseinEuropenowhavebeenenjoying the warm season with guests enjoying a romantic Danube experience with iconic World Heritage sites, stunning sunsets and sunrises on the Trades Routes of the Middle Ages itinerary, or a guest favourite, theRhineGetaway.
Recent guest Juliana B said it was a wonderful time to savour the Rhine in full bloom with a Rhine and Main Explorer itinerary which offers a blend of culture historyandnaturalbeauty.
“Wevisitedsomanycutetownsthisweek enjoying the architecture, art museums, castles, churches, palaces, gardens and more.Wealsoenjoyedrelaxingontheship watchingthescenerychangeandsampling regional dishes and delicious meals from thecomfortofourhomeawayfromhome,” shesaid.
As first time Viking cruiser Joe A loved the way the Rhine Getaway cruise was handled.
“OurfirstcruiseonViking,“heenthused.
“It was an awesome experience.
Everything runs so smoothly, and they handlethelogisticssowell.”
A firm favourite for guests on the Ocean Ships is the Kitchen Table, an onboard cooking school where guests experience firsthand how to prepare regional dishes. Onportdaysguestsareinvitedtohandpick ingredientsatalocalmarkettocreatethree courseregionalmealswiththechef. Is it time to book a dream holiday where all the boxes are ticked? Then it’s time to contact Viking on 138 747 or visit www.viking.com.
Dark sky over Cologne aboard Viking on the Rhine.
The Acropolis in Athens is on many guests ‘must see’ list.
Viking ships offer comfort, attention to detail and is called the thinking persons cruise. While on-board settle in and have a glorious spa included in the trip.
LEE MCCARTHY
Full-Board River Cruise
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
Lisbon to Istanbul or vice versa
36 DAYS | 10 COUNTRIES | 29 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAR, APR 2027
From $32,995pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $40,495pp in Penthouse Veranda
MEDITERRANEAN’S ICONIC SHORES
Barcelona to Istanbul or vice versa
29 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 23 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAR-NOV 2026; FEB-MAY, JUL 2027
From $24,095pp in Deluxe Veranda
From $28,395pp in Penthouse Veranda
3 NIGHTS CAPPADOCIA
Explore the epic natural beauty and ancient history of captivating Cappadocia. Take to the skies for a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia and journey through the Dervent Valley admiring the “Fairy Chimney” rock formations. In Istanbul see historic landmarks such as the “Blue Mosque,” the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the Topkapi Palace.
Venice to Istanbul or vice versa
15 DAYS | 5 COUNTRIES | 12 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAR, APR, JUN, AUG, OCT, NOV 2026; MAR, APR, MAY, JUL 2027
From $11,795pp in Deluxe Veranda
From $13,695pp in Penthouse Veranda
CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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
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
Footscray CWA
Meet on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9m at Footscray Scout Hall next door to Footscray Police Station, 4a Hyde Street.
cwaofvicfootscray@gmail.com, https:// www.facebook.com/CWAofVicFootscray/
Social square dancing for beginners
Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights 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
Chit Chat Tuesdays
A ladies chit chat group which is on every Tuesday 1.30-3pm 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
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 7pm 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 (AA) Meetings Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in-person meetings in Williamstown. If you think you may 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
Walking football (soccer)
For anyone aged 50 & over, any fitness level – no running allowed. This is a social activity for fun and a bit of exercise, no experience necessary. Supported by Hobsons Bay Council and Football Victoria, this is a free activity each Wednesday, 10-11am, indoors at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive, Altona.
Mike, 0423 291 708
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, 6.30-8.30pm, at 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport.
https://www.nffc.org.au/ beginner-playalong
Musicians Wanted Westgate Concert Band, Established in 1979 is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am-noon at Braybrook College.
westgateconcertband@gmail.com
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, or 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, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Williamstown Bridge Club
The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge sessions each week on Wednesday 7.25pm and Friday 1.25pm for experienced players and a supervised session Friday 10am at Hobsons Bay Sport & Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road, Altona. All levels welcome and partners can be provided.
Sandi, 0417 315 760, Alan, 0430 309 255 or www.bridgewebs.com/williamstown
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
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, 7-9pm.
Sue, 0418 386 147, or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com
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, noon-2.30pm.
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-noon, 280 Queens Street, Altona.
John, jah2802rot@gmail.com.
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Emmanuel College students: Sam, Maja, Matthew and Kayleigh who took part in a winter sleepout. (Damjan Janevski) 487099_01
ACROSS
1 Infatuated (8)
5 Portable computer (6)
10 Separately (5)
11 Authorise (the use of) (9)
12 Colour points of a digital image (6)
13 Area of level high ground (7)
14 Death notice (8)
15 Seas (6)
18 A sheep’s coat (6)
20 Calamity (8)
21 Water well (7)
24 Clamour (6)
27 Arranged (9)
28 Silly; pointless (5)
29 Formally inspect (6)
30 Vegetation (8)
DOWN
1 Prejudice (4)
2 Keep steady (9)
3 Heading (5)
4 Revelation (8)
6 Old (7)
7 Doubly (5)
8 Forerunner (9)
9 Aid (4)
14 Obtrusive; meddlesome (9)
16 Sub (9)
17 Unruliness (8)
19 Purify (7)
22 Sucrose (5)
23 Bird’s bed (4)
25 Strong thread (5)
26 Refute (4)
1 In which decade was Tutankhamun's tomb discovered?
2 Approximately how long does it take for the moon to orbit the earth: 18, 27 or 40 days?
3 Which two TV personalities were Australia's commentators for the Eurovision Song Contest from 2017 to 2024?
4 Name the Japanese shrine famous for its rows of red torii gates.
5 Sarah Burton, the designer of Kate Middleton's wedding dress, is the creative director of which
6 True or false: horses can't breathe through their mouths?
7 To which demographic is the annual Stella Prize awarded, and for which sector of the arts?
8 The pasta dish cacio e pepe translates to what?
9 In which Australian New Wave film did Jacki Weaver (pictured) appear as maid Minnie?
10 What is the chemical symbol for lead?
Elite package but pricey
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Launched by Hyundai in 2017, the second-generation Kona was revealed in December, 2022.
It is available with petrol, mild hybrid, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, while the earlier diesel engine option is no longer offered.
Unlike the first version Hyundai claims second-generationKonawasdesignedfirst and foremost as a battery-electric vehicle before it was then adapted for use as other variants.
Whichever way it swings, it has been designed to blend in with the current environment, with no discernible radiator grille regardless of what’s under the bonnet. Still, accommodations must have been made during the design process which means some compromise.
Styling
In effect, there are three electric versions of this car, Kona Electric Standard Range ($54,000), Kona Electric Extended Range ($58,000) and Kona Electric Premium Extended Range ($68,000), all of them front-wheel drive.
The basic version comes with a 99kW electric motor and 48 kWh battery, with a range of 370km.
The extended range is $58,000 and has a 150kW motor, larger 64kWh battery and range of 505km. Premium extended range with the 150kW motor and larger 64kWh battery as standard has a range of 444km, due to the fact it has larger 19-inch wheels.
You can’t get the Standard Range in Premium trim.
The sporty N Line option pack brings the priceofthebasicversionto$62,000andthe Premiumto$71,000.Anycolourotherthan white or green adds $595. The optional Meta blue of our car appears mauve in some light. N Line includes body-coloured cladding, exclusive bumpers, skid plates and side effects, wing-type rear spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels and N Line badges/ wheel centres
Our test vehicle was the top of the line Kona Electric premium with 19-inch wheels, premium paint and optional interior trim, priced at $68,890 plus on-road costs. Standard features include 17-inchalloywheels,LEDheadlights,DRLs and tail lights, dual-zone climate control, interior Vehicle To Load (V2L) power outlet, heat pump cabin heating, battery conditioning and a wireless smartphone charger.
Premium adds 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery, powered, heated and ventilatedseating,aheatedsteeringwheel, headupdisplay(HUD),Boseeight-speaker premium audio, remote smart parking, wide glass sunroof and a power operated tailgate.
Onanothernote,KonaElectricisthefirst EV in its segment to come standard with a spare tyre, which is comforting when it comes to longer journeys.
Kona Electric is covered by a five-year/ unlimited-kilometre warranty, with a separate eight-year/160,000km warranty on the battery. Service is due every 24 months or 30,000km.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of 12.3-inch touchscreen together with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster that sit behind a single seamless glass panel.
It has a long list of features including Hyundai Bluelink and Over-the-Air update capability, improved natural language-based voice recognition, and a
dedicated EV user interface.
Other features include Bluetooth with multi-connect, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A 240-volt three-pin socket can be found at the rear of the centre console, which we used to power a car fridge.
There are two USB-C ports in the front and another two in the back, but there’s no power outlet in the actual luggage area.
Safety
Despite an extensive list of active safety and driver assistance features Kona scores only four stars for safety.
It falls short in two key areas: safety assist and vulnerable road user protection, achieving only an adequate result in the performanceofitsautonomousemergency braking system in tests with pedestrians and cyclists.
Powertrain
The electric powertrain in the extended version produces 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque, with drive to the front wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.
Driving
Second generation Kona Electric is bigger and roomier, 18cm longer with a 6cm longer wheelbase than its predecessor. This means a bigger boot and more legroom, with 7.7cm more legroom and 1.5cm more headroom in the back. Seating is comfortable without being inviting and perhaps a bit narrower than before.
Heating comes from an energy-saving heat pump, with physical temperature controls below the touchscreen.
Up front you get two retractable cupholders, a 1.5-litre drink bottle holder in each door and generous centre console storage. In back there’s 700ml bottle holders in each door and a fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders.
The luggage area has grown by 33 litres to407litres,witha27-litreplasticfrunkup front which is handy for stashing charge cables.
Never quite rising above its humble origins, hard plastic abounds in the cabin, disguised by soft touch material in such places as the armrests. Lifting the tailgate exposes a luggage area that looks
oh-so-average in generic grey felt.
The look is distinctive with a long thin light bar that spans the breadth of the bonnet, matched by a tail light strip at the rear, which together give the car a space-aged appearance.
Both strips of lights are underpinned by large separate head and brake light assemblies. Studded, pixel-like inserts at the front and bottom of the rear bumper underline the futuristic look.
But to get the cooler, high-flying rear spoiler you need to shell out for the N Line kit.
Someiterationsofthecarlookabitgoofy, butfromHyundai’spointofviewthere’sno mistaking the Kona for anything else on the road.
An ‘active’ air flap opens and closes to reduce wind drag at the front and, believe it or not, extended range versions are pre-wired for towing and can pull a 750kg brakedtrailer.Evenmoreincredibleisthat this EV actually comes with a spare wheel, albeit a space saver - unlike the rest of its kind.
On a lesser note, Kona Electric is built on 400-volt architecture, so it does not offer the faster charging speeds of other Hyundai EVs.
Therearefourdrivemodes-Eco,Normal, Sport,Snow-plusiPedalone-pedaldriving (no need to brake separately).
With395Nmoftorquethefirstgeneration could accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds. Heavier and with less torque, this one does it in a slower 7.9 seconds.
Steering wheel mounted paddles can be used to control the level of regenerative braking (lesser or greater brake drag). There’s also a smart mode.
With a DC fast charger, Hyundai claims 10-80 per cent charging can be achieved in 41 minutes, compared to 18 minutes for some of its 800-volt models.
The liquid cooled, high-performance lithium-ion battery is incorporated in the floor plan, maximising interior space and providing a flat floor.
Putting the battery down low gives the car a lower centre of gravity which enhances ride and handling, and sees it sit flatter through corners.
The charge port is located at the front of the car where it is arguably more convenient to use. The capacity of the onboard AC charger has been boosted
to 10.4kW, compared with 7.2kW in the previous generation. But that requires a home with three-phase power and higher charging rates are really not required for overnight charging.
With single phase power and a 7.2kW EVSE, the 48W standard range version can be fully charged in 6.75 hours, while the 64kW extended range will take up to 9.0 hours.
Plug it in when you get home and it will be ready to go again in the morning.
Topping up the car from a 300W Tesla Supercharger took much longer than expected and never even came close to the promised 100kW level.
Kona also provides vehicle-to-load (V2L) support, but leveraging the full capability means buying a $600 V2L connector. Energyconsumptionforthisspecversion of the car is a claimed 16.7 kWh/100km. Our test vehicle was showing the long-term equivalent of 16.1 kWh after 2480km. We say equivalent because the tripmeterwassettokm/kWhnottheusual kWh/100km, and we could not find how to change it - not for lack of trying.
Moving from the Ioniq 5 straight into the Kona Electric was enlightening. They share the same twist-style transmission lever which is located on the right of the steering column and same basic layout. The big difference is in the way Kona rides and handles. Although tuned for Australian roads, the ride is noticeably harsher and it is less able to absorb road shock, due mostly to its smaller size.
ThebouncethatcharacterisesEVsisalso present and sees the car bob up and down when it encounters a large bump such as a speed hump.
Rather than sporty the Kona Electric is easy and relatively comfortable to drive around town, but we suggest it is better suited to shorter trips. Its size will make it tiring to drive over longer distances and country roads are likely to produce a choppy ride. It’s quiet inside, but there’s some wind noise, even at lower speeds. Head-up display is almost invisible to those who wear polarised sunglasses.
LiketheIoniq5,theover-speedwarnings are often wrong and can be annoying, but arereportedlyquieterandcanbeswitched off - though they must be disabled each time.
A ‘Virtual Engine Sound’ (like a Tesla) is emitted from a front-mounted speaker to warn pedestrians of the car’s approach, andaddstothespaceypersona.Itwasloud enoughtodrawanaudiencewhilewewere doubled-parked, and trying to load some gear into the back.
AndroidAutothrewusacurveballwhen we were unable to navigate back to the car radio screen and select a band and station to listen to.
Summing up
Kona Electric is a well-engineered, well equipped small crossover style wagon that doesn’t cut many corners. But the result of this strategy is an unexpectedly high price tag, perhaps too high.
Tick all the boxes and the Kona is just over $77,000 by the time you put it on the road. And that’s before you start thinking about installing a Wallbox at home which is really the only practical solution to charging.Itmeansyouwon’tbeconstantly worrying about when and where you can charge your shiny new toy.
At this point thoughts will probably turn to cheaper Chinese alternatives. Kona’s MainrivalistheBYDAtto3whichtopsout at $47,499 plus on-roads. Over to you.
Kona Electric is a well-engineered, well equipped small crossover style wagon that doesn’t cut many corners. (Supplied)
Sporting around in the sun
There was plenty of action across the north-west on Saturday from the footy fields to the soccer pitch and basketball court. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out in the winter sunshine shooting the action.
Epping’s Marc Tartaglia and Mernda’s Declan Felle. 488180_19
Rupertswood’s Jackson Cardillo. 488178_09
Rupertswood’s Clayton Bonello. (488178_08
Keilor Thunder’s Adetomi Ayilara. 488186_01
Bernie Harrower in the coaching hot seat. 488185_09
Epping’s Corey Middleton. 488180_04
Lalor United’s Diego Miranda Ciudad Real and Whittlesea Rangers’ Nuoman Aliy. 488179_17
Whittlesea Pacers’ Chloe Crompton in defence mode. 488181_02
Keilor Thunder’s Daniel Foster. 488186_13
Lalor United’s Deon Roumeliotis. 488179_02
Whittlesea Pacers’ Isabella Ryan goes up for a shot. 488181_15
Keilor Thunder’s Penina Davidson. 488185_20
Falcons continue winning
By Tara Murray
The momentum continues to roll on for the City West Falcons in the Victorian Netball League.
Undefeated as the season hits the pointy end, the Falcons weren’t troubled against the Geelong Cougars on Sunday in Ballarat.
The Falcons jumped out to a 10 goal leadatquartertimeandwereabletomore than double that heading into half time.
It was more of that in the second half with the Falcons winning 71-39.
Falcons coach Marg Lind was pretty happy with the performance.
“It was a good win and we were able to roll some combinations,” she said. “They
were undermanned and missing three defenders.
“We weren’t great in the first five minutes but Geelong is always tough early.”
Lind said once they worked out how to counter the Cougars defence with Stephanie Boyce matching up well against Jane Cook, they were able to get on top.
With the margin blowing out, the Falcons were able to rest Montana Holmes, Maggie Lind and Cook at stages later in the game.
“We wanted to have a better scoring rate. We ran Liv [Olivia Cameron] and Maddie [Romios] in the last quarter and it was much better rate in the final quarter.
“Chelsea [Imansani] came on in the midcourt and did a good job.”
Lind said they were wary of having a short turnaround with their next match on Wednesday.
She said they would have a lesser load heading into Wednesday’s game with the short turnaround.
Not for the first time this season, Lind couldn’t pick some standouts on the court astheyputoutanotherteamperformance.
She said she prefers it that way and is hoping that it continues.
The Falcons 23 and under side locked in their finals berth with a win against the Cougars, 49-38. They moved up to fifth with the win, which is as high as they can finish.
Lind said they were really starting to find their feet. Imogen Sexton got anoth-
Panthers stun Hoppers Crossing in big upset
Newport may have stunned Hoppers Crossing and the Western Football League division 1 competition with a big win on Saturday, internally it was no surprise.
After being smashed by Werribee Districts the week before, the Panthers produced the upset of the season against the Warriors, winning 11.3 (69)-7.21 (63).
Panthers coach Ali Hamad said they knew a performance like this was coming.
“Itwashuge,”hesaid.“It’seasilythebiggest win in the club’s history, being in division 1 and beating the reigning premiers.
“It might have been a shock externally, but it was no surprise internally. We knew it was coming, it had to click together.
“The club, supporters and community are over the moon.”
HamadsaidlastweekagainsttheTigers, there had been a few injuries and a few other things in the club that affected that result.
The return of a couple of players helped buoy the Panthers and turn things in their favour.
Newport led at quarter time before the
Warriors kicked four goals to take a lead into the break.
The Panthers accuracy proved vital in the second half as they kicked seven goals straight to the Warriors, 2.11
Hamad said they had really locked in on their defence in recent weeks to reduce the opposition scoring impact.
“WewentintothegamerespectingHoppers Crossing, they are the reigning premiers,” he said.
“We knew they were going to have shots on goal, so we wanted to do the right plays andspacingandnegatewhatwegivethem.”
Joel Freeman kicked four goals for the Panthers, while Hussein Hansa kicked three goals.
Hamad said they could have named all 22playersinthebestaftertheperformance.
He said Nathan Dowdy in the ruck was clearly best on ground.
Freeman, Nayef Hamad, Josh Smith, Amin Naim, Darcy Cassar and Fawi el Danawi were other standouts.
Hamad said the win would just continue to build on the belief in the club.
er opportunity, with Lind saying it was pleasing to see the pathway athletes getting their chance.
The Falcons now face the North East Blaze.
It will be a big week for the Falcons who will be hosting the games at Altona, in their last home round of the season.
“We have a two-day clinic which is full, so hopefully we’ll have good support from the locals” Lind said.
A highlight set to feature in the championship game is Jane Cook shooting her 1000th goal in a season for a second straight season.
She needs 33 against the Blaze to hit that mark, having scored more than that in every game so far.
Berry remains Bulldogs captain
Deanna Berry will continue as Western Bulldogs AFLW captain in 2025.
The 27-year-old was first appointed last season, becoming just the third captain in club history.
Berry said it was an honour to be handed the reins once again.
“Being chosen to lead this group again is super exciting,” she said. “I learnt a lot about myself and the group last year, so I’m just super stoked to see where we can take our footy this season.
“The biggest lesson I learnt was that you don’t have to do everything yourself… leaning on the support around you is so important, and that’s not only the girls in the leadership group but also everyone in the team.”
She will again be supported by vice-captain Ellie Blackburn, with Lou Stephenson and Elisabeth Georgostathis added to the player leadership group for the first time.
They join returning members Elle Bennetts, Isabelle Pritchard, Jess Fitzgerald and Isabella Grant.
“It’s a real privilege for our playing group to be surrounded by such strong leaders,” head coach Tam Hyett said.
“It’s such a unique environment, the belief and spirit is always there,” he said. “There is more confidence in what we are building.”
ThewinhasthePanthersagameoutside the top five along with percentage.
Hamad said anything can happen and were very wary about the percentage situation and needing to shut down opposition scoring.
The Panthers play fifth placed Spotswood this week.
Hamadsaidalothadchangedsincethey played each other in round one.
“We were up by 20-something points and they kicked 10 goals in the final quarter,” he said.
“We have learned a lot and grown a lot and we’re looking forward to the challenge this week.
The Woodsmen enter the game on the back of a close loss to Werribee Districts, 10.14 (74)-8.13 (61).
Elsewhere, Yarraville Seddon beat Albion, 17.16 (118)-3.4 (22), while Altona lost to Caroline Springs, 10.5 (65)-5.9 (39).
“De led exceptionally well in her first campaign as captain, and havingthatyearunderherbeltwillonly benefit her moving forward. We’re excited to see her continue to grow while helping drive our values and standards.
“We’ve got some really experienced leaders in De, Blackers, Elle and Lou, and also a group of emerging leaders in Lizzo, Pritch, Fitzy and Granty.
“Given they each have differing levels of experience, we want to make sure we are not only providing the opportunity for our senior leaders to continue growing their own skills, but also for our next generation of leaders to develop, which is an exciting prospect for the future of our Club.”
“Having Lou and Lizzo recognised with formal leadership titles proves how much they are already valued by the team, and we have no doubt their qualities will complement our existing mix perfectly.”
Joshua Smith. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 481369_04
Keating steps up at Altona
By Tara Murray
New Altona coach Liam Keating is in the coachinghotseatsoonerthanheexpected, butisexcitedforthechallengeaheadatthe Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association club.
Keating, who has played at the club for more than 25 years, steps into the role replacing Aaron Whear who decided to stepdownattheendoflastseason.
Keating said he was really looking forwardtothechallenge.
“It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “It’s still the winter months at the moment and we’relookingforwardtogettingstuckinto it.
“I’ve been here since I was 14 and been hereformorethan25years.Itwillfeelabit different, but there’s a really good group and support network around me at the club.”
Keating,whohasateachingbackground,
said he hadn’t really thought about coachingatthisstage.
Still playing and with a young family, he wasfocusedonthat.
With a passion for teaching the next generation he decided to take on the role now.
Keating has played nearly 300 games for the club and also spent time at Footscray in Victorian Premier Cricket, where he captainedthethirdXI.
The reaction around the club and from past players to his appointment had been reallypositive.
“I’vegotagoodrelationshipwithalotof former players, guys who were in the ones when I was coming through,” Keating said.
The A’s will be hoping for a bit of luck underKeatingafteracoupleofnearmisses thepastcoupleofyears.
Last season, they were in a winning position in the first week of finals before
the game was washed off and they were eliminated.
The season before they fell just short in a semifinaltoeventualpremiersKew.
Keating said they had faith in the group attheclubtohelptakethenextstep.
“The first XI group has played together forafewyearsnow,”hesaid.
“We have the nucleus there and I still see there’s a lot of improvement coming throughthegrades.
“We’re a young club with lots of depth in the23-24agegroup.”
Keatingsaidtheywouldlookatpossibility recruiting,itwasn’ttheirkeyfocus.
He said James Grubb, who has been captain, would be like a new recruit after missingmostoflastseason.
As well as a new coach, the club has a new president with Adam Lewis stepping intotherole.
Keating said the pair had a good relationshipwhichwouldbeakey. James
Footscray guns on the world stage
What’s better than representing your country in the sport that you love, doing it alongside four people you have grown up playing the game with.
Five current or past Footscray players have been named in the Australian women’s sixes side to compete at the Lacrosse World Games next month.
Bonnie Yu, Steph Kelly, Theodora Kwas, Georgia Latch and Rebecca Lane have been named in the team.
Yu and Kelly currently play with Footscray, which Kwas, Latch and Lane are currently based in America at college.
Kelly said it made it even more special to play alongside teammates that she knows very well.
“It is so special that there are five of us and there’s 12 spots headed to China,” she said.
“Wegrewupplayingtogetherandnow we’re playing on the world stage.
“It’s the most special feeling to play together.
“We’ve got such a god connection and we’ve played with one another for all
those years.
“When you step out on the field it feels like you’re stepping out on Angliss Reserve, not in China or Baltimore or wherever we are.”
Kelly will represent Australia for a second time at the World Games, while the other four will represent Australia for a third time.
The group has played a large part of the success at Footscray, which Kelly said translates out onto the field for Australia.
“You know their tendencies and they do,” she said. “You look for what they do without looking.
“We play so many times together and get the opportunity to play on the national level together as well, not many others have that opportunity.
“It seems so right playing with them.”
It’sbeenabigcoupleofyearsforKelly.
She recently became the first player to win back-to-back Shelley Maher trophies, which is awarded to the best women’s player in Australia.
Sports shorts
AFL
Victoria
Victoria’s 20 state and metropolitan football governing bodies have aligned with AFL Victoria to formally endorse a unified strategic direction for the game’s future. The newly established Victorian Community Football Charter is a culmination of more than two years of collaboration. It marks the first time the state’s football bodies have aligned under a shared philosophy that through strong relationships, clearer governance, and effective structures, Victorian community football can thrive.
NPL
Altona Magic has said goodbye to Saad Moukachar and Iliya Shalamanov-Trenkov who have secured moves to Bulgarian first league side Spartak Varna. The club said it was proud of the pair taking the next stage of their careers and heading to the European stage. Meanwhile on National Premier League competition on Saturday night, Altona Magic had a 2-0 loss to Heidelberg United.
VTCA
In 2024, she scored 41 goals and had 23 assists for Footscray at state league level and claimed the Victorian best and fairest by a large margin.
Kelly said it was a shock to claim that trophy again.
“I didn’t expect it,” she said. “It’s such an honour.
“We had just had the national championships and I was with my teammates. There were other girls from other states who were up for it as well.
“It’s a really proud moment.
“I came home from college and got back to my roots. It’s a proud moment bringing it back to Footscray.”
Kelly said she was focused on continuing to get better, fitter and stronger.
She has big aims for the World Games.
“We want to come home with a gold medal,” she said.
“We want to put Australia back on the top podium.
“We’ve set the bar high and we’re ready to go there.”
The Williamstown Congs have appointed Josh Lanciana as coach for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield season. The club in the announcement said that Lanciana brings a wealth of experience, energy, and leadership to the role, having been a dedicated member of the Congs family and a passionate contributor both on and off the field. “As captain-coach, Josh will guide our senior squad with a focus on development, accountability, and club pride,” the club said.
A-League
Western United striker Michael Ruhs is headed for a new opportunity after his A-League Men’s contract finished. Ruhs departs Western United after two-and-a-half years, after being a deadline day signing in February 2023 and went on to register 51 games for the club. Ruhs scored eight goals in that time, most notably bagging a brace in the first-ever men’s match at Ironbark Fields in Tarneit.
Clockwise- Theo Kwas, Steph Kelly, Georgia Latch, Bonnie Yu, Rebecca Lane (Karen Burns/Dennis Yu/Lacrosse Australia)
Grubb (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Bulldogs keep Derby Cup
By Tara Murray
Footscray has retained the Western Derby Cup as the match up with Altona again went down to the wire in the Hockey Victoria premier league competition.
The two western suburbs clubs in the premier league have played for the cup the past two seasons which is decided on the results of the four premier league matches
Being played for the fourth time, the two sides split the matches with two wins apiece.
It came down to goal difference, with Footscray winning by two goals.
Footscray president Nicole Virtuoso said it was a big day for both clubs.
“We were able to keep the cup,” she said. “It was a really exciting day with Altona hosting at their new pavilion open. It’s the first premier league games at the venue this year.
“There were a lot of people there.”
Footscray won the men’s premier league 4-2 and the women’s reserves match 6-0.
Altona won the women’s premier league 3-0 and the men’s reserves 3-0.
Virtuoso said the results of the senior games weren’t what they were expecting heading into the day and thought it might have been the other way round.
“It’s more tricky to win it [the cup] away from home,” she said. “Altona won it the first time and we’ve won it the next three times.”
She said with national championships on currently that they were missing some players from their sides.
The men’s side is on track to play finals this year, currently sitting in fourth spot.
“We’re really pleased with the men’s side under Daniel Mitchell,” she said.
“We want to go deep into finals. We’ve had an extremely solid season so far.”
The women’s side sits in eighth spot and still mathematically in the relegation battle.
Virtuoso said they were focused on the future with that group.
“We have a really young side,” she said. “The average age of the team this year is the youngest we’ve ever fielded in the premier league in 12 or 13 years.
Taranto called up to the Matildas squad
United’s
Taranto thought a message that would lead to one of the biggest phone calls of her life was spam.
The message was anything but as she soon found out and the phone call would take her a step to achieving a dream.
Taranto was left shocked by the news she was selected for her first Matildas squad. On Saturday, she made her Matildas debut as she come off the bench.
“It was pretty crazy,” she said before the weekend. “I had finished doing a gym session and was going home in the car, got a little Whatsapp message from the team manager, asking for a call.
“I thought, is this a scam? What is this? I said sure and got the call and they said on behalf of Joe [Montemurro] we would like you to come into camp.
“I was a bit like, why? Are you sure? I was absolutely stoked.”
Taranto said she didn’t even realise on the radar of the new Matildas coach.
She only returned from an ACL injury in January.
“I think this year for me I was really focused on my rehab,” she said. “Just getting myself back to playing and the way I was pre-injury.
“Try and get my confidence back. I did
get quite a few games in with Western which I was really happy about.
“In the end, I did feel a lot more confident in playing in my body, but I didn’t really think Joe was maybe taking note.
“I just think for me, in my head I was building back up season and see what happens.
“It was a very, very nice surprise.”
Taranto, who is now in camp with the Matildas, said it was slowly settling in that she is part of the environment.
She is part of the squad that will play two games against Panama which started on Saturday.
“Sometimes I walk out to training and I look around and think what am I doing here?“ she said.
“Once we got that first session out of the way, I settled in a bit more.
“You do all the introductions and once that is all out of the way, it has been pretty smooth, I would say that it is getting there [in believing it].”
Taranto becomes the first player from the Calder United pathway through to Western United to be selected in a Matildas squad.
She said that was a pretty special moment with both clubs having a big impact
“It’s exciting for the future. We have to hold while we are developing.
“We’re aiming to finish the season strongly.”
Virtuoso said their program continued to attract players from interstate and internationally and they’ve been able to have three internationals in their women’s side this season.
Numbers have been strong across the board with the men’s program adding an extra side this year and set to increase to eight next season, the same as the women’s.
It’s a busy week for the Bulldogs, as they share the hosting duties of the junior state titles this week.
Another Gulls win
Williamstown defeated arch-rivals Port Melbourne in the Victorian Football League by 17 points at North Port Oval on Saturday. The Seagulls led at every break and for most of the match, except for parts of the second quarter.
The win was setup in the third quarter where the Seagulls kicked six goals to Port’s four goals, taking a 23-point lead into the final change.
Despite Port’s best efforts in the final quarter, they could only close the margin to 17 points, 14.5 (89)11.6 (72).
on her life.
“Those two clubs, Calder and Western, have been a big part of my career and who I am as player. Everyone there Mark [Toscano], Amanda [Stella] and the coaches have been there have really helped me get to this point.
“The success we’ve had at Calder and even at Western, as team, has allowed me to build my game and learn, definitely helped me get to this point.
“Very proud to have played at both of them.“
Taranto said she has come into the camp trying to soak in as much as she can from the coaches and the staff.
She said she was loving the camp so far and being in the that professional environment.
“I want to show off a little bit of what I have got, and why I was bought in,” she said. “Just enjoying the camp and if I get to get on the pitch, it will be the cherry on the top.“
Taranto is one of two Western United players in the squad with Chloe Berryhill getting recalled.
She has taken Taranto under her wing and that they are so proud of each other to be in the spot they are.
Brodie McLaughlin continued his strong form in front of goals booting five majors for the Seagulls, with Nathan Colenso and Blake Coleman also having a good day out kicking three goals each.
Riley Collier-Dawkins was the major ball winner for Williamstown racking up 24 disposals and an impressive 10 clearances, with Jake Greiser and Toby Triffett also getting plenty of the ball.
The win leaves Williamstown sitting in 5th spot just outside the top four on percentage.
It was a less successful outing for Williamstown’s women’s side as they went down to Port Melbourne by 31 points earlier in the day, 9.4 (58)-4.3 (27). The Seagulls were outplayed for majority of the match and they especially struggled to contain Port’s Courtney Bromage who scored the Borough’s first four goals of the game and finished with five for the match.
The loss means the gap between the two sides on the ladder narrow sto just two points, Williamstown are in fifth place and Port Melbourne in sixth.
Western
Adriana
Adriana Taranto. (Football Australia)
Toby Triffett. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 475540_09
