Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 16th July 2025

Threat to history

By Cade Lucas

A former Hobsons Bay mayor and long-time councillor has expressed alarm at the possible sale of the Williamstown MechanicsInstitute.

Selling the historic building on Electra Street was one of a number of options included in an updated masterplan that was passed at a meeting of Hobsons Bay councilonJuly1.

Built in 1860, the Williamstown Mechanics Institute has been closed since 2018 and requires significant repairs, includinganewfloor.

While the sale of the building was one of six future options included in the updated masterplan, along with exploring private partnerships, minimal, moderate and full restoration or leaving it as is, former Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said it shouldn’thaveevenbeenconsidered.

“I was horrified that that was even an option,” said Mr Hemphill, whose 25-year stint on Hobsons Bay council, including threetermsasmayor,endedlastyear.

“No one ever raised it with me that we would ever consider selling it and I would’verecoiledatthatifsomeonedid.”

Mr Hemphill said he had no problem with council exploring various options for thebuilding,butnotasale.

“Williamstown’s heritage should not be up for sale, particularly for public buildings. I’ve always maintained that we have to preserve Williamstown’s heritage becauseitisauniquepartofMelbourne.”

Mr Hemphill’s views were backed up by the Williamstown Historical Society who said in a Facebook post that it was “horrified”toseethesaleoptionincluded.

Those concerns were echoed by

sitting councillor’s when the update was presentedattheJuly1meeting.

“I hope that’s not the option that we choose,”saidCrLisaBentleyofthepossible sale.

Cr Michael Disbury also expressed opposition to selling the institute and said the most obvious solution – relaying

the floor – hadn’t been included in the masterplan.

CrKristenBishopsaidgiventhefutureof theinstitutebuildinghadbeeninlimbofor solong,itwasworthexaminingallpossible outcomes.

A council spokesperson said any renewal or refurbishment works on the

Williamstown Mechanics Institute would cost between $10-$15 million and given that level of investment, it was prudent to examine all options, including a possible sale.

“It is anticipated that council will considertheoutcomesofthisworkinearly 2026,”thespokespersonsaid.

Former Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hempill is upset at the possible sale of the Williamstown Mechanics Institute. (Damjan Janevski) 489429_01

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 86 already gone. We’re also putting the finishing touches on the new West Gate Tunnel, an alternative to the West Gate Bridge.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Werribee Line

8.30pm to last train, 8 AugustNewport to Werribee 16 August to 17 August

From 8.30pm 8 August to 17 AugustLaverton to Werribee

8.30pm to last train each night, 11 to 13 August North Melbourne to Werribee

8.30pm to last train, 15 August

Williamstown Line 8.30pm to last train each night, 11 to 13 AugustNorth Melbourne to Williamstown

8.30pm to last train, 15 August

Geelong Line Each night, 9 to 10 AugustSouthern Cross to Waurn Ponds Each night, 13 to 15 August

16 to 17 August

Southern Cross to Geelong

Warrnambool Line 15 August Geelong to Warrnambool

16 to 17 August

Road disruptions: Closed lanes

West Gate Freeway, Spotswood Until late August

Southern Cross to Warrnambool

Outbound lanes between Williamstown and Millers roads

Support cuts cruel: Mayor

By Cade Lucas

Cuts to support programs for new parents in this year’s state budget have been described as a “cruel blow” by Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander.

Cr Kellander recently wrote to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn calling for the funding cuts to group-based sleep and settling programs to be reversed, saying she herself benefited from them following the birth of her daughter.

“I know first-hand how important they are to mums and families,” Cr Kellander said.

“These services are not a luxury –they are a lifeline. Without them, we risk pushing exhausted parents to breaking point and putting babies’ wellbeing in jeopardy.”

According to Cr Kellander, sleep and settling group programs had proven popular in Hobsons Bay, with more than 90 families using them last year alone.

Among the local parents to have used themisAnnaGilmore,whosaidthesleep and settling programs were incredibly helpful to her as a new mum.

“To have experts providing key advice at a time where you are learning so many

new things was something I really appreciated,” Ms Gilmore said.

“The advice we got through this program was so important for supporting our own mental health and our relationship during this period.

“I feel for parents who might not be able to receive some of this important informationiftheprogram’sfundingiscut.”

In response, the state government wouldn’t be drawn on whether the cuts would be reversed, but it’s understood funding for sleep and settling programs hasbeenextendedtoAugust19following feedback from councils and the Munici-

489309_01

De-stash your craft supplies for cash

TheFootscrayCWAisgivingcraftenthusiasts the chance to get rid of unwanted materials and buy new ones at its craft de-stash market on Sunday, July 20.

President Doris Borg said members ofthecommunitywhowanttogetridof their stash of craft items can hire a stall table on the day and sell their wares

So far 17 of the 20 stall tables for hire have already been sold, with all

Go behind the

proceeds going towards the Footscray CWA.

The proceeds from sales on the day will then be kept by the stallholder.

“We will also be having our own table there at the event, plus a cake stall and preserve stall and we’ll also be offering Devonshire tea and coffee and cakes,” said Ms Borg, who said money raised by the organisation would go to-

wards initiatives supporting children and women in the inner-west.

“Over the last 10 years we’ve raised approximately 26 thousand dollars through various fundraisers thanks to the western suburbs community.”

The market is at the Yarraville Seniors Centre, from 10am to 2pm.

Details: cwaofvicfootscray@gmail. com

scenes of the west’s most fascinating buildings

Ever wanted to go behind the scenes of some of the biggest places in Melbourne’s west?

Open House Melbourne Weekend has unveiled one of the largest programs in its history, with almost 200 buildings, places and experiences open to the public to explore.

On July 26 and 27, Victorians will be granted access to some of Melbourne’s most fascinating buildings, new projects and private homes that the public cannot usually see as part of Stories of the City.

This year’s program will feature some of Melbourne’s most high-profile architecture and public-infrastructure projects.

In Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, therewillbeaFootscrayheritagetheatres, tours of Footscray Market, Footscray Park and Footscray Townhall, access and tours of Whitten Oval and the Sun Theatre.

There’s site tours for the Altona Treatment Plant, Altona Homestead, Scienceworks and the Substation.

There will also be a site tour of new Veloway on the West Gate Tunnel Project,

pal Association of Victoria (MAV).

A state government spokesperson said sleep and settling programs could still be accessed through statewide maternal and child health services and early parenting centres.

“Our growing network of 13 early parenting centres provides free, specialised sleep and settling support – offering expert advice, practical strategies and tailored programs to help families build healthysleeproutines,”thespokesperson said.

“Once complete, the network will support over 5000 families each year.”

New mental health clinics for the west

More free mental health care is coming to the western suburbs, with Maribyrnong and Wyndham among the seven locations where new clinics will be opened from the end of this year.

The state government announced the expansion of its network of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals on Thursday, July 10, with Maribyrnong and Wyndham to receive clinics alongside Mount Alexander, Darebin, Port Phillip, Maroondah and Cardinia.

The new services build on the 15 existing mental health local clinics that were a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

The local clinics are designed to act as a ‘front door’ to the mental health system and offer support – delivered in-person, by outreach services or via telehealth – to people experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction.

The support is delivered with a care plan designed to reflect a person’s goals and preferences and family, carers and supporters can also be involved.

Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt visited the Brimbank mental health and wellbeing local clinic on July 10 to announce that the seven new clinics would soon open across Victoria.

“We are delivering the biggest mental health reform in our nation’s history – and our Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are key to making sure all Victorians can access free and compassionate care, close to home,” said Ms Stitt, adding that the expansion of the network was needed to meet growing demand.

“Victorians have embraced mental health and wellbeing locals, with more than 23,000 people already accessing support, and soon even more Victorians willbenefitfromthisserviceintheirlocal community.”

Laverton MP Sarah Connolly said she was thrilled that people in the western suburbs would be able to access mental health support in their own communities.

Open House Melbourne’s executive director and chief curator Dr Tania Davidge said this year’s theme and how the event would shine a light on Melbourne’s hidden histories.

“Stories of the City underscores the idea that the city is more than just bricks and mortar, Melbourne is about people and place,” she said.

“Open House Melbourne Weekend is your best time to explore the secret histories of our city hidden behind closed doors.”

“This is an incredible service, staffed by highly qualified and compassionate mental health professionals,” Ms Connolly said.

The seven new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are expected to open from late 2025.

For more information on the mental health and wellbeing locals, visit: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal

Footscray CWA members (L-R) Lee Kennedy, Michelle Mercier, Shelley Tanti, Rosie Gordon and her daughter Ivy, 11, prepare for their craft de-stash market on July 20. (Damjan Janevski)

Altona clean-up welcomed

By Cade Lucas

Rubbish dumped illegally on critically endangered grasslands in Altona will be removed after funding for the clean up was allocated in Hobsons Bay council’s recent budget.

Council’s 2025-2026 annual budget, which was adopted late last month, included $650,000 for the removal of rubbish from the Burns Road grasslands in Altona, considered one of the largest pieces of native grassland in metropolitan Melbourne.

As reported in the Star Weekly in June, about 100 cubic metres of domestic and

commercial rubbish had been dumped at the 37 hectare site since 2015, with local politicians and environmentalists demanding it be removed to protect the grasslands’ fragile ecosystem.

Among them was West Metro MP David Ettershank, who welcomed council’s budget commitment to the clean up.

“It is wonderful that Hobsons Bay CouncilisspendingthemoneyontheBurnsRoad grasslands, as it’s one of the best remnant areas of native grassland in Melbourne’s west,” said Mr Ettershank.

The Legalise Cannabis Party representative also thanked Dr Adrian Marshall from

the Grassy Plains Network for campaigning for the Burns Road clean up and highlighting the value of native grasslands.

“Dr Marshall tells me Burns Road is the only place in Hobson’s Bay with a surviving population of the endangered striped legless lizards,” said Mr Ettershank.

Dr Marshall himself also thanked Hobsons Bay council for funding the clean up and said he hoped the Grass Plains Network would be invited to take part.

“The dumpers have driven into the grassland and left tracks, which is very destructive for the endangered fauna and flora that call Burns Road grasslands home,” Dr Mar-

Daughters of the West returns for 2025

Daughters of the West is back in 2025 to help women in Maribyrnong improve their health, fitness and wellbeing, while having fun and making friends at the same time.

Modelled on the Sons of the West program aimed at improving the health, fitness and wellbeing of men, Daughters of the West is also an initiative of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and is run in conjunction with Mariby-

rnong council. The free 10-week health and wellbeing program is designed for women of all ages and features tailored exercises, nutrition and mental health advice and access to local health and fitness experts.

Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said Daughters of the West was a valuable program for women in our communit

“This free program helps women from all backgrounds access support and to make their health and wellbeing a priority,” he said.

Registrations for the 2025 Daughters of the West program are now open, with sessions scheduled to begin between July 21 and 24 depending on the venue.

Details: www.westernbulldogs.com. au/foundation/programs/daughters-ofthe-west/registration/

Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay mark NAIDOC Week’s 50th year

A wide range of events were held across the inner-west to mark the 50th annual NAIDOC Week from Sunday July 6 to Sunday July 13.

To mark its half-century, this year’s NAIDOC theme was ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’ which was reflected in the many activities that took place throughout Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay. InMaribyrnong,theweekwaskicked-off on July 7, with a ceremony outside the civic and community hub where the Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised.

On July 9, a community planting and cultural celebration took place at Millennium House Community Centre, in Seddon, where 300 Indigenous seedlings were planted and First Nations-led art and craft activities took place.

Also on July 9 was a NAIDOC Family Day at Braybrook Community Hub, featuring a Welcome to Country by Uncle Boots Cooper and an animation for kids workshop conducted by Wiradjuri animator and art-

shall said.

“We have the expertise to help with the rehabilitation.“

Dr Marshall said the grasslands were dominated by kangaroo grass, an extremely rare species of grass, as well as a wide array of native flowers.

“It also has spiny rice flowers and early Nancys, a native lily that flowers in September – one of the first native flowers to come out in the spring season. Creamy candle flowers also grow there,” he said, adding that the native flowers could make the Burns Road grasslands a tourist destination, like grasslands in Western Australia.

A donation made from the heart

One year on from surviving a cardiac arrest on a West Footscray street, Kellie Delaney is helping improve the chances of others having the same positive outcome.

On June 23 last year, the quick action of two bystanders who noticed her collapsed on the footpath, helped save the mother-of-two’s life.

Sessional academic Justen Petch and cafe owner Stacey Earsmen called triple-0 then performed CPR on Ms Delaney until paramedics arrived and used a defibrillator to re-start her heart.

As a tribute to her two heroes, Ms Delaney has made a generous donation to Ambulance Victoria (AV) to help more community members learn how to give CPR like Mr Petch and Ms Earsman.

“I was trying to think of a way to give back after what happened to me, because I consider myself so lucky to have had people around who knew what they were doing when I had my cardiac arrest,” Ms Delaney said.

“So I thought I could help someone else in the future who goes through the same thing to have someone there who knows how to do CPR.”

Ms Delaney’s donation has funded a new CPR training manikin, which is currently being used at AV-run Call, Push, Shock training sessions in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

These sessions teach community members the three simple steps anyone can follow to save a life – call triple-0, push hard and fast on the middle of the chest to give CPR, and shock with an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.

“When I found out the CPR manikin was being used, chills went down my back and I had a little bit of a tear as well just knowing that I could be helping somebody else,” Ms Delaney said.

“On top of that, it’s helping in my local community. It’s where I live, where I’ve grown up and where my family all are as well.”

ist, Dylan Singh.

In Hobsons Bay, A NAIDOC cultural talk by Elder, artist, and facilitator Merilyn Duff, was held at the Laverton Community Hub on July 8.

On July 10, a flag raising ceremony, smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country and was held at the Altona Civic Centre, while in the foyer, the ’Volcano Dreaming’ exhibition highlighting the endangered wildflower grasslands of Victoria’s volcanic plains, was on display until July 13.

More than 100 people have already benefitted from the manikin at CPR training sessions across Melbourne, with plenty more to come, according to AV. In January, Ms Delaney reunited with Mr Petch and Ms Earsman, who were both presented with AV commendations for their heroic intervention.

To donate to AV and learn more about CPR training, visit: https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/donations

Daughters of the West participants (L-R) Angela Leeng, Nita Shields, Kim Shields, Wendy Kostraby and Pinna Mistry are looking forward to the 2025 version of the free health and wellbeing program. (Damjan Janevski). 488265_02

Set sail on the journey of a lifetime with Viking

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Departing Basel, Switzerland on 22 November 2026, this unforgettable voyage visits four beautiful countries –Switzerland, France, Germany, andtheNetherlands.

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Tobacco fire

Police are investigating if a fire at a Footscray tobacco shop early on Monday morning is linked to previous fires at the site. Officers patrolling the Footscray CBD came across the fire at the Paisley Street shop at about 12.45am on July 14. Investigators believe the offenders deliberately backed a silver Holden Astra into the front of the shop and set both the car and building alight before fleeing the scene. It’s believed to be the second such fire at the same shop in just over 12 months.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Kinnear’s fire

Firefighters responded to a suspicious fire at the old Kinnear’s ropeworks factory in Footscray on Sunday, July 13. Fire crews arrived at the scene on Ballarat Road shortly after 2pm and found the blaze covering an area approximately 40 metres by 40 metres in an abandoned warehouse. began attacking it, but was The fire was deemed under control by 2.10pm and no occupants were affected. With the fire deemed suspicious, the scene was then handed over to Victoria Police.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Footscray woman charged over Israeli restaurant clash

By William Ton, AAP

TheownersofanIsraelirestaurantthatwas targeted by protesters have broken their silence, detailing the “profound impact“ of the incident as police charge more people, including a Footscray woman, over the incident.

The demonstration outside Miznon in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday was one of several incidents targeting Melbourne’s Jewish community in recent days, with protesters smashing a window, upending tablesandthrowingchairs.

About 20 protesters converged on the

restaurant, some chanting “death to the IDF” in reference to the Israel Defence Force.

Police on Tuesday July 8 charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage afteranotherpersonwasarrestedandthen releasedforhinderingpolicethatnight.

The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants.

“The events on Friday evening had a

profound impact on our restaurant and staff,” the owners said in an Instagram post.

“We are a restaurant, a place of hospitality, of warmth and welcome ... we respect everyone’s right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same.”

The group Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest, saying the venuewaschosenbecausetheownerwasa spokespersonforanIsraeliaidorganisation that“weaponisedaid”.

“While politicians in so-called Australia

Call for solidarity

By Cade Lucas

The Archbishop of Dili, Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, is one of the Catholic church’s most powerful figures in the Asia Pacific, a region where it has more than 100 million followers.

In early May the East Timorese cardinal took part in the papal conclave, an elite group of cardinals charged with selecting the new leader of the world’s Catholics following the death of Pope Francis.

He’s a man who is addressed as “your eminence.”

Yet onTuesday morning las tweek, barely two months on from the conclave in Rome, Cardinal Da Silva and his private secretary, Father Carlos Roben, weresittinginthemodestrectoryatMary Help of Christians Parish, in Altona.

Rather than red robes, Cardinal Da Silva was wearing a black puffer jacket to ward off Melbourne’s winter chill.

When asked why he’s traded tropical East Timor for winter in Melbourne’s west, Cardinal Da Silva nodded to the man sitting next to us, Altona parish priest Father Michael Kalka.

“He’s become a friend. He’s come to Timor a few times and this is the second year that one of the priests from the Archdiocese of Dili has studied here at Australian Catholic University and stayed here in Altona.”

Not only do Timorese priests come to study in Melbourne, but many Timorese immigrants have come to live here, with more than 1000 of them attending the Cardinal’smassinAltonaonSundayJuly 5.

“Some travelled three or four hours

last Sunday for the mass,” said Cardinal Da Silva of the local Timorese diaspora, which he explained came to Australia in three waves.

“Once came to Melbourne in 1975 and are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

“The second was in 1986 and the last is the seasonal workers. A great number of the community are seasonal workers.”

That’s particularly true of Timorese immigrants in Mebourne’s west, particularly those living in Wyndham.

With the diaspora comprising three distinct groups and East Timor having a short but tumultuous history, Cardinal Da Silva said his main message was one of unity.

“Put our differences behind and encourage solidarity, fraternity and unity as Timorese people here in Melbourne.”

clutch their pearls over one meal that was interrupted, we ask people to refocus their attention on Israel’s genocidal reign of terror over the Palestinians,” the group saidonInstagram.

Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront the protesters at the restaurant and an independent officer will review the overall response.

A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after a string of incidents including an arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue thatforced20worshippersinsidetoflee.

The state government has insisted the soon to open West Gate Tunnel Veloway will make cycling from the westernsuburbstothecityeasierand safer, despite criticism that it will be difficultforbikeriderstoaccess.

As reported by Star Weekly, Bike West vice president Pierre Vairo, said there is no safe way for cyclists from the western suburbs to get onto the 2.5kmveloway.

“It’s like opening a brand-new freeway but forgetting to build the on ramps,”MrVairosaid.

A spokesperson for the state government said the point of the elevated bike path was to get cyclists offFootscrayRoad.

“The 2.5 kilometre veloway will significantly improve safety for cyclists on Footscray Road, removing the need to cross six busy intersections,“ the spokesperson said.

The veloway is expected to open by the end of this year, as is the West GateTunnelprojectitisapartof.

Three timber net structures at the tunnel’s entry and exit points were recently completed, while more lane androadclosureswilltakeplacefrom mid-July as the project’s finishing touchesareapplied.

From July 13 until mid-August, the West Gate Freeway outbound will be reduced to three lanes between Williamstown Road and Millers Road,socladdingcanbeinstalledon thesoutherntunnelexit.

From mid-August to late-August, the freeway will remain reduced to three lanes between the Williamstown Road entry ramp and Millers Road, as drainage, kerbing andbarriersareinstalled.

Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva (centre) with his private secretary, Father Carlos Roben (right) and Mary Help of Christians parish priest, Father Michael Kalka (left) at the Altona rectory last week. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 488645_06

An upgrade for the future

By Joel Godde, president of the Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club

Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club is proud of Williamstown’s heritage, andweareequallycommittedtoitsfuture. WSLSChasservedthecommunityforover 105 years and with this redevelopment we plan to serve the community for the next 100 years.

The WSLSC impact goes beyond rescue work – we deliver a nippers program for 400 children each summer and a schools program for many hundreds more providingwatersafetyandlifesavingskills tothenextgeneration.Wesupportfamilies with a sense of belonging – for many families the club is a place to connect, learnandgrowandweareproudtobethat safe and welcoming environment for so many.

Over recent years, as part of the detailed design process, hundreds of hours have been spent engaging with a variety of stakeholders. This includes our members, our neighbours and the wider community that we serve. This feedback process has included dozens of structured workshops and feedback sessions where any member ofthecommunityhasbeenabletoprovide feedback on the project. We thank those that have engaged in the process.

The WSLSC redevelopment has been designed and refined after a thoughtful and thorough community consultation and planning process in conjunction with all key stakeholders. It represents a practical response to the growing needs of our diverse community, the demands of modern lifesaving operations and the

importanceofprovidingawellmaintained and useable space for our more than 1,700 members. Our membership is inclusive and affordable with any member of the community from any background welcome to join at any time of the year.

The WSLSC redevelopment incorporates both heritage values and amenity. It is designed to meet the needs of our volunteer lifesavers, support public safety services, and remain sensitive to the local environment. Our priority is a safe, functional facility for members, the community, and visitors. We continue to positively consult with Hobsons Bay City Council,stateandfederalgovernmentand all key stakeholders to deliver a balanced outcome.

Thenewgroundlevelspacesareessential

Farewell to our former Altona refinery facilities

Soon you may notice a gradual change to the Altona North skyline as we begin to demolish a number of tanks, former refinery process units and associated infrastructure at our Altona site.

In 2025, the Mobil Melbourne Terminal team continues its focus on supporting Victoria’s fuel supply and strengthening Australia’s fuel security.

Since works to transition our Altona site to a world-class terminal began in 2021, Mobil has refurbished a number of tanks at the Altona site, increasing our fuel storage capacity by almost 250 million litres to ensure we can meet the federal government’s

forstoringlifesavingequipmentincluding more than 150 nipper boards and rescue boards as well as IRB boats and jet skis used to rescue swimmers from our waters every summer. A new observation tower with an elevated position over the beach willbebuilttoensureoptimalvisionofthe beach during patrols. This means easier, smoother,quicker,andsaferoperationsfor patrolling.Anewfirstaidroomwillalsobe built to care for the injured and sick. The current toilets and change room which are falling apart will be replaced and will have full accessibility and wheelchair access. The upper level will provide a multi-purpose space for education of patrollersandessentiallifesavingtraining as well as an administration office. There will be a multipurpose social and

community space and the current health and wellbeing community activities that are held throughout the year at WSLSC will continue. The redevelopment is designed as a flexible space for the diverse needsofthecommunity.Buildingheights, materials and landscaping have all been carefully considered with regulatory authorities and refined to fit within our coastal and historic setting.

Over many years WSLSC has worked closely with Hobsons Bay City Council, community stakeholders and heritage consultants to enhance the design and visualimpactofthebuilding.KeyChanges have been made to respond to community feedbackandwiththecommunity’sproud and passionate support we have saved the pool, lawn and kiosk!

The design has been thoughtfully and carefully considered to fall within the context of the site, deeply respecting heritage sensitivity. Consideration has been given to the long and decorated history of our proud club as part of the design, and we have worked closely with the community, council and all key stakeholders. This is evidenced by the re-work undertaken to ‘save the pool’. The 105yearoldfacadeoftheoriginalbuilding will be retained and renovated back to its former glory. The upgrade is a much needed investment in our club’s tradition and heritage, not a departure from it. We want to assure our community that the WSLSC redevelopment is a vital step forward in preserving and enhancing the integrity of the dilapidated current building and our local legacy, ensuring our beach remains safe and well equipped for a strong and viable future.

minimum fuel storage requirements, as well as maintain our vital role in supplying around 40% of Victoria’s fuel needs.

Now it’s time to say goodbye to the former refinery facilities. Soon you may start to notice a gradual change to the Altona North skyline as we demolish a number of tanks, former refinery process units and associated infrastructure at our Altona site. These facilities were part of the Altona refinery operations and are no longer needed to support our reliable supply of fuel to Victoria.

Demolition of former refinery infrastructure is a complex task, and we expect work to commence in August 2025 and continue through to the end of 2027.

Mobil has carefully planned the demolition to ensure it is managed safely.

Given the nature of the works, there may be a noticeable increase in noise from the site from time to time. Mobil will implement measures including completing most work during the day and using dust suppression to minimise any impacts on our neighours.

“We are working closely with regulators to obtain the necessary approvals and will carefully plan the demolition works to minimise impacts on our neighbours,” said Melbourne Terminal Manager, Rhys Kelly.

“We will also closely monitor the works so that we can quickly respond to any unexpected impacts if they occur.

“We look forward to working with relevant stakeholders as we develop plans to make some parts of the site available for alternative uses in future, subject to rezoning,” said Rhys.

For more information please send an email to

Photo: Mobil will soon begin to demolish former Altona refinery facilities.

An artist’s impression of the redeveloped Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club.

(Picture courtesy Hobsons Bay council)

Sports cuts ‘inexcusable’

Two programs aimed a boosting gender equity in sport have had their funding cut by the state government. The move has been labelled as “a kick in the face” to women and gender diverse people and have prompted a local MP to launch a petition calling for the funding to be reinstated, Sam Porter reports.

The state government’s decision to cut funding for two major programs aimed at improving gender equality in sports across all levels has sparked significant backlash.

Northern Victorian MP and Macedon Ranges resident Georgie Purcell launched a Legislative Council petition last month –alongside The Kyneton Women’s Football Club, Women’s Sport Australia and Not All Clubs – calling on the state government to reinstate the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation (OWSR) and reverse cuts to gender equality and violence prevention programs.

The petition currently has over 1200 signatures.

Ms Purcell said the cuts will have “disastrous impacts on women and girls“ and are “completely inexcusable”.

“We are in the grips of a gender-based violence epidemic nationally. We know the consequences of gender inequality are as clear as day,” she said.

“This isn’t just about cuts to sport – it’s a major roadblock in our fight against gendered violence.”

It feels like we’re going backwards in a space where we know we need these programs and this funding more than ever

- Natalie Korinfsky

The OWSR was established in 2017 and aimed to boost the participation of girls and women in sports, as well as in leadership roles at clubs.

ItdidthisbyprovidingChangeourGame grants to local clubs.

Clubswereabletousethesequick-release grants to make community sport a more welcoming environment for girls and women, by upgrading equipment and facilities, developing coaches and staff to work better with women, and increasing the number of women in club leadership positions.

The second program cut from the budget wasthePreventingViolenceThroughSport Grants Program, which provided funding for partnership programs addressing gendered violence in sporting clubs.

Kyneton Women’s Football Club president Natalie Korinfsky said she is “devastated and disappointed” by the cuts.

“We’re having to fight for something that we feel like should just be in place to support women and girls in sport,” she said.“Thesearereallyimportantprograms … to see [the funding] taken away just feels like a bit of a kick in the face to women and girls and gender diverse people across our state.”

According to OurWatch, 39 per cent of women have experienced violence since the age of 15 in Australia.

On the sporting field, this violence can take form through gender stereotyping, sexist comments, spectator abuse, and physical and sexual assault.

“Something isn’t going right in communitysport…womenandgirlsaren’t feeling safe enough to stick around and keep playing,” Ms Korinfsky said.

“We want women and girls to feel safe. We want them to feel like they’re getting a fair go.”

Ms Korinfsky said that at local sporting clubs, women’s teams tend to receive

ill-fitting uniforms and second-hand equipment, and are often given the last choice for training sessions and match timeslots too.

These slot structures sometimes do not allow for proper recovery time, leading to an increased risk of injury, she said.

“You’re always getting the fringes of what everyone should be entitled to,” Ms Korinsfky said.

“We need a broader campaign and supporttohelpshiftthisbecauseitisn’tjust about shifting it at clubs, it’s shifting it at a culturallevel,it’sshiftingitatacommunity level and we feel like it is the responsibility of the government to be pitching in, to be helping change that rhetoric.

“It feels like we’re going backwards in a space where we know we need these programs and this funding more than ever.”

TheviewissharedbyLaTrobeUniversity Rural Health School associate professor, Dr Kirsty Forsdike.

Dr Forsdike’s research focuses on organisational responses to gender-based interpersonal violence.

TheprogramsheleadsincentralVictoria was one of the 12 collaborations funded through the Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program, which has now been cut.

The program’s evaluation reports were initially due at the end of May – about the time the funding cuts were made by the state government.

“[The state government] wouldn’t have had a chance by any manner of means to go through all those reports and really fullyassessthebenefitofthatprogram,”Dr Forsdike said.

“It’s like they haven’t cared about what’s been achieved.”

Aspartoftheprogram,DrForsdikebrings together a range of stakeholders – council, sports administrators, researchers, sports players, and family violence and sexual assault services – to review research findings and to discuss main issues and priorities to reduce gender-based violence in sports.

These discussions guide the program towards developing tangible solutions to make women and girls feel safer in community sports.

One of these solutions is to implement appropriate training for staff at Regional Sports Assemblies to better handle incidents of gender-based violence reported by clubs.

Regional Sports Assemblies, which only exist in the state of Victoria, are hubs that provide support, services, information and opportunities to community clubs in

regional and rural areas.

Providing formal training for sports club leaders was also identified as a necessary step in reducing incidents of violence against women.

“Sometimes we forget the culture of sport in Australia – how important it is to Australian culture but also how it’s a space that’s often been male-dominated,” Dr Forsdike said.

“Whilewe’veseenadramaticincreasein women and girls playing sports brilliantly, as we should, they’re often going into spaces that perhaps aren’t well set up for them to be there safely.”

A state government spokesperson said the functions of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation would continue to be held within Sport and Recreation Victoria.

“We will always support women and girls’participationinsportandrecreation,“ the spokesperson said.

Dr Forsdike said the programs were “huge” and “absolutely unrivalled anywhere else.”

“We were the pinnacle. You could hold up Victoria as the way to do things and that’s all been obliterated by just one decision,” she said. “I’m yet to see the Victorian government change its mind [on the cuts] and I really hope that they do. It’s a misplaced decision.”

Left: Northern Victoria MP Georgie Purcell and Kyneton Women’s Football Club president Natalie Korinfsky. Right: Amber Gajic (top) and Chiara Dickens were among the footballers who wore red armbands during matches in protest of the state government’s funding cuts. (Pictures: Ties Urie)

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Heritage fruit tree festival

OneofAustralia’slargestgatheringsoffruit tree lovers is just around the corner. Sunday, August 10 is the date for this year’s Winter Heritage Fruit Tree Festival at Werribee Park Heritage Orchard. The festival is set to delight gardeners, history buffs, and curious visitors of all ages. Held between 10am to 3pm in the heart of the historic Werribee Park precinct, this unique one-day event offers a rare chance to explore the orchard’s rich past, learn

practical gardening skills, and take home your own piece of heritage.

The orchard dates back to the 1870s, when pastoralist Thomas Chirnside planted an extensive array of fruit trees including apples, quinces, pears, plums, grapes, peaches, walnuts, olives, and the area’s first figs.

Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and WPHO (Werribee Park Heritage Orchard) — a community group

formed in 2010 in partnership with Parks Victoria — the orchard has been lovingly restored and is once again thriving.

Enjoy live music, grab a bite to eat and browse the stalls selling all things gardening.

All activities are free, with a gold coin donation for parking.

Thefestivalisa’must-attend’eventforall gardeners, from novice to seasoned green thumbs.

Here and There explores a sense of space

Old mates, painter John Anrep and photographer Bob Gilpin, are again taking centre stage, this time with artist Jill Pung Clifford at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre.

The trio will host the Here and There exhibition, following on from the Journey AcrosstheBay’sexhibitionfromAnrepand Gilpin last year.

The exhibition explores our relationship with a sense of place, through comparison and contrast, in scale and medium. This exhibition will take you from familiar and meaningful images, to a sense of wonderment for images of the world we

only dream of seeing.

Anrep’s experience of his first exhibition was an overwhelmingly positive one and as a result he is getting ready to do it again.

In his mid-fifties Anrep suffered a stroke whichendedhispreviouscareerofworking as a chef. This led to him to turn to other pursuits and ultimately, painting.

Gilpin is from Scotland, but migrated to Australia with his parents and siblings, they then settled and lived in Altona.

Afterleavingthecorporatelifehebought a camera and learnt how to take photos, leading to his love for photography.

Pung Clifford describes Australia as becoming the canvas on which she could explore a spectrum of passions after moving from Malaysia.

She hopes that through her art she hopes to inspire others to embrace life fully and describes her journey as one of determination, reinvention and courage.

The Here and There exhibition begins on Saturday, July 19, with a launch event startingat4pm,andrunsuntilWednesday, August 6.

The exhibition is free and will be open during regular Louis Joel Gallery opening times.

Dance the night away with singer Julee Johnson

Rock ’n’ roll fans should get ready to clear their Saturday night schedule and put on their dancing shoes.

A free music performance by A Blonde Momentissettogetpeoplemovingtosome classic tunes at the Sunshine City Club on Saturday, July 19.

“It’s one of my favourite places to play. It always has a great crowd,” said Julee Johnson, the performer behind A Blonde Moment.

Johnson will entertain audiences alongside guitarist Joe Mandica, singing covers of popular songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

“The music depends on the crowd. We cater to all styles and all styles of dancing,” she said.

“WhateverIgiveoutonstageIgetitback tenfold from the people that are dancing

Step right up and see the show

Stop clowning around and make your way down to the circus these school holidays.

Eroni’s Circus has arrived in Sunbury and set up camp in the Golf Driving Range, offering up multiple shows of family fun for the first time in eight years.

Expect a show-stopping performance filled with glamorous costuming, lively original music, immaculately presented animals and traditional circus clowns in a show full of nostalgia.

Acts and performers promise to wow, with tight wire walking, whip cracking, illusions, juggling and trapeze acts. Baby goats will keep you entertained with their antics, while the stars of the show, the palomino horses, will keep you captivated.

The show is perfect for all ages, and with two hours of non-stop entertainment, its a must-see these school holidays.

Shows will be running every day except Wednesdays, with Monday and Tuesday shows running a 1pm, Thursday and Friday running at 7pm, Saturday at 1pm and 7pm, and the last show, Sunday, July 20, running at 1pm.

Tickets cannot be prebooked, so make sure you arrive before showtime to guarantee your spot. Tickets can be purchased at the door from one hour before each showtime.

Tickets range from $25-$40, depending on seating and ages. Kids under three are free if sitting on a lap.

Carnival food will be available on site, as well as games to play and souvenirs to purchase.

and the people that are enjoying the music.”

Johnson fell in love with music from a young age, taking to the stage at six years old.

She later started writing original songs with a band and toured the country with them.

Overhercareer,Johnsonhasalsoworked as part of a trio – performing covers six to seven nights a week – and as a singer with the Brian Fitzgerald Band in the 90s.

Johnson said she loves to get a crowd dancing when she performs.

“If an audience isn’t dancing there’s something wrong,” she said.

The free performance by A Blonde Moment will start at 8pm on July 19.

Details: www.sunshinecityclub.com.au/ whats_on

Julee Johnson will perform as A Blonde Moment at a free event in Sunshine. (Supplied)

Photographer Bob Gilpin and artists Jill Pung Clifford and John Von Anrep with some of their artworks that will be showcased in the exhibition. (Supplied)

Winter Heritage Fruit Tree Festival.

Step behind the curtain at Eroni’s Circus. (Supplied)

Olivier’s European odyssey

BY LEE MCCARTHY

Noosa-based Olivier Miller is owner and principal of four Laguna real estate offices on the Sunshine Coast and Gympie and specialises in prestige and waterfront properties.

She and her husband Ian have travelled extensively by sea and land throughout Olivier’s40-yearrealestatecareer.

They have recently returned from the 23-day Viking ‘European Sojourn’ sailing three rivers and eight countries and said shewouldabsolutelyrecommendit.

OlivierandIanaddedanextensionoption before and after the Sojourn, so they spent an extra two nights in Amsterdam prior to catchingthecruiseandtwodaysafterthey embarkedtoexploreTransylvania.

The cruise included nineteen guided toursacrossAmsterdam,Vienna,Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania and more, cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers through eight unique countries.

Olivier said they flew into Amsterdam and were met at airport and transported to accommodation by Viking staff and spentacoupleoffabulousdayssightseeing includingatriptotheimpressiveVanGogh museum.

“The accommodation was five stars, right in heart of the tourist spot and the Viking representative was based at the hotel to serve all clients needs which was greatfornewtravellersandoldertravellers especially,”shesaid.

“We had a lovely room with food and breakfastincludedanditwasfantastic.”

“We were transferred to the ship after two days touring the city and had booked a suite and I would definitely recommend doingthesameagain,howeverifyoudoall the tours, you don’t spend a lot of time in

theirroom.

“The embarkation was really good, and they have two dining situations; sit down waiter service in the dining room with excellentserviceandtheotheroptionisthe alfrescodiningwhichwasmypreference.”

ThecouplemetupwithNoosafriendson the boat and although they sat and dined with them, dining was a wonderful way of mingling.

There were only one hundred and eighty guests on board, around fifty were Australian and two dozen of mixed cultures the rest were from America and Canada. She said most were retirees of mixedfitness.

“I would highly recommend the tours, but many people choose not to and just

relax,“shesaid.

“Everydaytwoorthreetourswereoffered andratedbymobilitysoyoucanstillgoout andenjoytoursormorevigoroustours.

“They had it all covered. I enjoyed some of the leisurely tours which for me was perfect for this trip while my husband and his friend hired bikes on a few occasions andreallyenjoyedthat.”

“The food and people in Germany were very hospitable. We did visit the war camps on our own, which was actually quite awful. We hired a car, and it was just something we wanted to do and see the museum where you really get a sense of whathappenedtothesepoorpeople.

“We hopped off the boat for tours in Cologne, Miltenberger, Wurzburg,

Bamberg, Nuremberg, Passau, and Melk in Germany and we made sure we saw the mostandthebestofit.

“We decided we only wanted to do a morning or afternoon tour so we could do abitofrelaxing,andwefoundthatworked really well so we would have a morning or afternoonoffeachday.

“Sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau was beautiful with castlesontheriverandlovelytosee.

“We loved Vienna, we had a lot of fun. The buildings were absolutely amazing and had a look at those – you just don’t see anythinglikeitinAustraliaandtherewere lotsofofferingsinregardtovarioustours.”

* The second part of the story will be published in next week’s Travel Today feature.

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3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast

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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

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

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 lunch specials

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 pm -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

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

Willin Wimmin choir

Join the wonderful women at Willin Wimmin choir in Williamstown for some singing fun! Try us out for free for two weeks to see if it’s your thing. The group is all about the joy of group singing, and we welcome new members. There are no auditions required. Members sing a mix

of contemporary, folk, choral, and world music in acapella style. The choir meets on Wednesday evenings during school terms from 7.30-9.30pm at The Dennis Reserve, 109 Ferguson Street, corner Melbourne Road, Williamstown.

 willinwimmin.org.au or willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Walking group

The Mighty West Heart Foundation Community Walking Group meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am. Walk at your own pace for up to 60 minutes. Discover the many health benefits (physical and psychological) of walking together. All welcome.

 0411 566 862

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/ 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

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, from 10am to 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

Williamstown Bridge Club

The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge sessions each week on Wedneday 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, from 7-9pm.

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of the Ice Queens cheerleading team members Taylor Hallas, Laura Yildirim, Emily Hopkins and Bridget Bayliss. (Damjan Janevski) 488505_01

To

ACROSS

1 Alehouse (3)

3 Compulsory (10)

10 Examines (7)

11 Part (7)

12 Unconvinced (9)

13 Align (4)

15 Absurd (10)

17 Edible rootstock (4)

19 Undiluted (4)

20 Methodical (10)

23 Minute skin opening (4)

25 Canadian city (9)

27 Suggests (7)

28 Fragile (7)

29 Reinforce (10)

30 Point (3) DOWN

1 Note written after the writer’s signature (10)

2 Person who serves alcoholic drinks (9)

4 Essentially (9)

5 Urge (5)

6 Check (6)

7 Bulb used in cooking (5)

8 Tug (4)

9 Marked by great excitement, activity, confusion, haste (6)

14 Synchronous (10)

16 Insupportable (9)

18 Triggered (9)

21 Short-sighted (6)

22 Decorative pattern; plan or sketch (6)

24 Of equal value (2,3)

25 Call on (5)

26 Area on the body consisting of pelvis and upper thigh bones (4)

1 Thanatology is the scientific study of what?

2 What is the only Tim Burton movie to star Christoph Waltz (pictured)?

3 How many countries do the Alps cross?

4 Which small lizard ‘chirps’?

5 Lokum is the traditional name for what confection?

6 The star Polaris is more commonly known by what name?

7 Where in Spain is the Alhambra Palace located?

8 Who directed the 2009 film Bran Nue Dae?

9 At what age does a filly become classified as a mare?

10 What are the prongs of a fork called?

SPORTS QUIZ

1. The 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games in August will be held in which country?

2. In which year was the first Tour de France held?

3. Following the closure of Optus Sport, coverage of the EPL in Australia is moving to which streaming service next season?

4. Which AFL ground has been heavily scrutinised for its poor playing surface?

5. Which Pakistani fast bowler was the No.1 pick in cricket’s BBL draft?

6. In which year’s British GP did a kilted Irish priest run onto the track, into the path of F1 cars travelling at 280 km/h?

The British & Irish Lions defeated which Super Rugby Pacific team 54–7

Britain’s current No.1 female tennis player, Emma Raducanu, won the 2021 US Open at what age?

Which three AFL clubs have each won four premierships so far this century?

National cricket head coach Andrew McDonald played how many Test matches for Australia?

11. At the start of July, the WNBL team Geelong United changed their name to what?

12. The 2025 Tour de France commenced in which city beginning with ‘L’?

13. What French term is used to describe the rider or riders leading a Tour de France stage?

14. Two-time sport climbing Olympic gold medallist Janja Garnbret is from which European country?

15. Which VFL/AFL club has played in the most drawn games since the league’s inception?

16. Which Australian sports venue has a Paddington End and a Randwick End?

17. France’s Catalans Dragons compete in which international sports league?

18. What is the best finish Fiji has achieved in the Rugby Union World Cup?

19. Which former NHL player is nicknamed ‘the Great One’?

20. Name the swimmer who broke an Australian 800m freestyle record and a Commonwealth 1500m freestyle record at the world championship trials in June.

21. How many seconds was Oscar Piastri penalised in the recent British Grand Prix?

22. Name the captain of the Wallabies.

23. Which AFL team had the best percentage after Round 17 of the 2025 AFL season?

24. Which Australian player was named man of the match in the recent second Test against the West Indies?

25. The son of which Australian tennis legend won a recent match in the boys’ singles at Wimbledon?

26. Name the respective brand sponsors of the Matildas and Socceroos.

27. How many times has competitive eater Joey Chestnut won the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

28. And what place did Aussie James Webb finish in this year’s contest?

29. Which three countries will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

30. How many times have the West Indies won the ICC Cricket One Day International World Cup?

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Nathan's Hot Dog

Oscar Piastri Oscar

Ice Age lingers with Pajero

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Inthefaceofthered-hotadvanceofelectric power, one internal combustion engine vehicle is moving at glacial pace to extend the Ice age.

The Pajero Sport landed Down Under more than a decade ago and, with its long-standing diesel motor, is sticking steadfastly to the fossil-fuelled task.

The MY24 large seven-seat family SUV is betting on competitive pricing and the slow-to-thawroll-outofpublicfastcharging infrastructure for the EV upstarts, leading to a pandemic of ‘range anxiety’ among owners.

The ladder-frame Pajero Sport competes with other rugged pickup-based SUVs such astheFordEverest,IsuzuMU-XandToyota Fortuner and Prado.

The five-seat Pajero Sport GLX comes in all-wheel drive only these days and costs $51,540, plus on-road costs. The GLS, adds a third row of seats, plus power tailgate, satellite navigation and six-speaker audio, and is from $56,890.

The latter carries the option of a $2250 Deluxe pack, which includes leather seats (a mix of real and synthetic), powered front seats and surround-view camera, while the range is topped off with the Exceed 4×4 at $60,690 and GSR 4×4 ($64,840).

The Pajero Sport GLS is about $6000 cheaper than a mid-range Isuzu MU-X LS-U and about $10,000 cheaper than a mid-range Ford Everest Trend.

Mitsubishi leads the segment with its 10-year warranty and capped price servicing, which carries a distance limit of 200,000km. All Mitsubishis are sold with 12 months of roadside assist for up to four years if the vehicle is serviced on schedule at an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.

Styling

With a premium leather three-spoke steering wheel, equipped with intuitive paddle shifters for seamless 4WD mode transitions, Mitsubishi says the MY24 Pajero is designed with functionality and elegance equally in mind.

With latest enhancements such as new 18-inch wheels, grilles, bumper garnishes and black headlamp extensions there’s no shortage of street presence or off-road vs versatility.

Interior

For a seven-seater the GLS does not have theroomiestcabin,nordoesitlackinrather dated surroundings. However, it does have its compensation. The driver can enjoy longer drives courtesy a seat lumber power adjustment.

Bothfrontseatsaddtheluxuryofheating, while the revised interior, including a three-spoke leather steering wheel, has things covered with superior support for the long haul.

ConveniencestartswiththePajeroSport’s advanced power tailgate. Go hands-free by simplywavingafootundertherearbumper, or use the intuitive smartphone app. The automatic tailgate is put into operation on approaching or leaving the vehicle.

In five or seven-seat configurations there’s no excuse for leaving anything behind. packed to the rafters for a weekend escape or looking to load up the boot with work gear, Pajero Sport cargo capacity has it all covered.

Cargo space is 131 litres, and with the second row in place expands to 502 litres for the GLS, Exceed and GSR. With all seats folded, it amounts to 1488 litres for all seven-seat versions.

There’s a 12V power socket, a small

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 6/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 8/10

underfloor compartment, a full-sized spare wheel, and Exceed and GSR boast an automatic power tailgate.

Infotainment

The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, with its pixelated graphics and basic set of features supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface feels dated. Also, a little old fashioned are the navigationsystem,DABradio,plusachoice of audio outputs.

Engines/transmissions

This Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is powered by a 2.4 litre turbodiesel engine producing 133kW of power at 3500rpm and 430Nm of torque at 2500rpm delivered to the front or all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to maker Mitsubishi, expect the Pajero Sport GLS 4WD seven-seat vehicle to go through eight litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the combined city andhighwaycyclewhileputtingout212gof CO2 every kilometre.

Safety

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport received a five-star rating from ANCAP in 2015,

which means it has lapsed due to dated construction.

However, all models include forward autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a speed limiter, reversing sensors, and trailer stability control, as are dual front, front-side and curtain airbags and driver’s knee.

Forexample,forwardcollisionmitigation detects obstructions ahead and issues a visual and audible alert when there is a danger of collision and automatically applies the brakes to avoid collision or reduce impact speed and severity.

Blindspotwarningandlanechangeassist helps lane changing with confidence, the lane change assist sounding an alert and displaying a blinking warning in the door mirrors when the system detects a vehicle moving in the same direction within 3.4m.

Adaptive cruise control uses radar technology to detect any cars ahead in the samelaneandadjuststhespeedofyourcar while maintaining a safe distance set by you.

Rear cross traffic alert uses the rear side radar sensors to detect another vehicle approaching from the side when reversing. The system operates when the vehicle is in

reverse at speeds below 8km/h.

MitsubishiMotors’MultiAroundMonitor providesa360-degreebird’s-eyeviewofthe car.

Driving While the Pajero Sport’s 2.4-litre MiVEC diesel engine, with an all-aluminium alloy block and a sophisticated common-rail direct injection system, delivers marked fuelefficiencyandminimalCO2emissions, the word ‘Sport’ in terms of on-road performance is sadly misplaced. The car is no race circuit record breaker. The test GLS was hesitant off the mark and slow to get into its stride. Once there, however, the eight-speed auto shifted intelligently under varying loads and road conditions.

Off-road is a different matter: designed for versatility, the Super Select 4WD II featuresfouroff-roadmodes–Gravel,Mud/ Snow, Sand and Rock – each calibrated for complete driver confidence.

Summary

A cool reception for the ‘prehistoric’ Pajero Sport. Best to wait for the next Triton-like Pajero round the corner.

A cool reception for the ‘prehistoric’ Pajero Sport. (Pictures: Supplied)

There was no shortage of sporting action on Saturday across Melbourne’s north-west. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

Plenty of sporting action

Macedon’s Molly McGrath. 489391_01 Melton Centrals’ Imogen Sexton and Woodend-Hesket’s Georgia Bowkett. 489385_30

Riddell’s Benjamin Borg. 489394_28 Rupertswood’s Mitchell Johnson. 489393_05

Woodend-Hesket’s Hayley Rogers. 489385_05

Sunbury Kangaroos’ Bradley Collins. 489393_21

Rupertswood’s Tom Markey and Sunbury Kangaroos’ Mitchell Streiff. 489393_11

Melton Centrals’ Imogen Sexton. 489385_01

Macedon’s Katie Clarke. 489391_18

Kyneton’s Caleb Perini. 489394_06

Kyneton’s Angus Nolte kicks goal. 489394_22

Altona City primed to attack

By Tara Murray

AltonaCityisprimedtoattackthebackpart of the Victorian Premier League 2 season.

The side sits out of the top six and finals spots by just goal difference with five rounds remaining in what has turned out to be a close competition this season.

Coach Nick Georgopolous said the group had turned around their season and had found some really good form.

They’ve won five of their last six matches with the only loss coming to ladder leaders North Geelong.

“It has been good,” he said. “There is still plenty to play for and it’s a competitive league.

“Three teams get promoted and three

teams get relegated, so every game there is something on the line.

“We’re in the sweet spot.”

Altona City had the weekend off due to a catch up round.

Georgopolous said they were still looking to train to try and keep the group really connected as they aim for a finals spot.

He said they would have been happy to keep playing.

The top two teams get automatically promoted, while the next four fight out for one promotion spot, with the team getting promoted needing to win two matches.

Georgopolous said there was a key reason for the side’s turnaround in form this season.

“Once we got everyone back on the park

and changed our foundation a little bit, things have turned around,” Georgopolous said.

“We’d had a few injuries and a couple of suspensions. Our captain has returned and we’ve played with a little more freedom.

“We’ve also got a couple of new players during the window that have boosted the squad. Everyone is competing for spots.”

Georgopolous said it had become hard to pick their match day squad with everyone having returned and some players playing really well.

He said last week was the first time they’d had all 22 players on the training track at the same time which is a good sign for the rest of the season.

Parkside taking steps in the right direction

Every game is a mini final for Parkside in the run home in the Western Football League division 1 competition.

The Magpies sit outside the top five, with a number of upsets in recent weeks making every game important in the finals race.

On Saturday, the Magpies were able to get the job down against Sunshine despite not playing their best football, winning 15.11 (101)-12.4 (76).

Magpies co-coach Chris Muratore said they were wary of the position they had found themselves in.

“We have sort of put ourselves in a position that every game is crucial,” he said. “We play games against the sides that are around us, so every game is an eight point game for us.

“A couple of results early in the season have hurt us a little bit now.”

Muratore said they wanted to improve on what they did in their first season in the top flight.

He said whether they play finals or not, they feel like they are talking steps forward

this season.

One of those key improvements was on show on Saturday against the Kangaroos.

The Magpies led at each of the breaks, but it wasn’t until the final quarter they were able to break it open.

Muratore said even a month ago they would have lost that sort of match.

“It was a frustrating game,” he said. “I thought we were always in control of the game and knew we would win.

“The fundamentals let us down and let them get easy ball and resulted in goals.

“We were in a position we should not have been in, but credit to us we didn’t lose the match.

“We took some big steps and were able to grind it out and the moments were going to come.”

Muratore said their key players stepped up in those moments they needed to.

Hesaidthebiggestthinginthegroupthat had changed recently was mindset.

“It’s the belief in each other,” he said. “We had a good season and there might have

“It’s pushing them and giving them an extra leap in their step. We need to do what we need to and we should be OK.

“We are focusing on taking it one game at a time.”

Altona City faces Springvale White Eagles on Friday night in its return to play.

In the NPL, Altona Magic will face South Melbourne on Saturday night.

The Magic sits in 11th spot, six points above the relegation zone. Meanwhile on Sunday, Altona City had a 3-2 win against Ballarat City in the FV state league 1 north-west women’s competition.

Altona City sits third on the ladder, just four points off top and two points off second.

Seagulls suffer twin losses

Williamstown’s winning streak came to a shock end against the Northern Bullants in the Victorian Football League.

The Seagulls entered Sunday’s match up as one of the form teams of the competition, while the Bullants had just one win for the season. The Seagulls started the better of the sides at Cramer Reserve and led by 23 points heading into the first break.

The Bullants used the wind well in the second quarter to bring the margin back to 10 points at half time.

Four goals to none in the third quarter had the Seagulls in front by 34 points heading into the final quarter. The final quarter was all the Bullants. They had the front in the 27th minute with their sixth goal of the quarter.

Will Elliott kicked his fourth in the 33rd minute to put the icing on the cake for the Bullants, as they won, 13.7 (85)-11.11 (77).

Brodie McLaughlin kicked three goals for the Seagulls, while Heath Ollington and Nathan Colenso.

The Seagulls remain in sixth spot, one of five teams from fourth to eighth equal on points.

The Seagulls face ladder leaders Box Hill Hawks on Sunday.

In the VFL women’s competition, the Seagulls slipped to their third straight loss.

been that thought it would roll on and happen for us.

“It’s taken a little bit of time to work out what is important for us as we weren’t performing the way we wanted to.

“It was about finding a way and being content and hopefully finding some success.”

Tom Condon kicked four goals for the Magpies, while three other players kicked two goals each.

Dean Simmons, Ned Fraser and Jy Lambley were named the Magpies best.

The Magpies sit in seventh spot, a game outside the top four.

They face Altona this Saturday.

Muratore knows how important this game is.

“We let it slip the first time,” he said. “We had five or six extra scoring shots and were the better side for three quarters.”

In other games, Spotswood remains in fifth spot after beating Newport, 16.22 (118)5.5 (35), while Altona lost to Hoppers Crossing, 12.19 (91)-6.12 (48).

The Seagulls were on the road against the Darebin Falcons and started strongly with four first quarter goals.

The margin was reduced to five points at half time, before the Seagulls slightly increased the lead to seven points at the final break.

The Falcons kicked the only two goals of the final quarter to take the front and eventually the lead, winning 6.2 (38)-5.4 (34).

Sharnie Whiting and Talia Motta kicked two goals each for the Seagulls. Motta was making her debut.

Emily Eaves had 14 disposals for the Seagulls, with Eloise Freeman having 13.

The Seagulls have slipped to fifth on the ladder and are now just four points clear of seventh placed Essendon.

The Seagulls face third placed Hawthorn this Sunday at DSV Stadium.

Dean Simmons. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

George returns for the Aces

By Tara Murray

Melbourne Aces have locked in one of their all time greats as it embarks on the start of a new era.

The Aces announced that games record holder Darryl George would be returning to the club which he has called home since 2011.

George, a third baseman and prolific hitter, has played 392 games for the club and holds a club record 44 home runs. He also has the most career hits for the club, 373. George said re-signing for the Melbourne Aces was a no brainer.

“This is my club; I have been playing here

since 2011 and just could not think about playing anywhere else,” he said.

“Clubs have tried to poach me over the years, and I am flattered they have asked the question, but leaving Melbourne to play ball just never seemed right.”

Aces general manager Justin Huber says the Aces would never be the same without George, the first player re-signing that had been announced by the club.

“He is the heart and soul of this team, when he comes out to bat, he gets the loudest cheer, when he makes a play, the crowd react in a way that they are in awe,” he said.

“Whenever our coaching staff have picked a team, Darryl George is always one

of the first put up on the whiteboard.

“Darryl George is an integral part of the Melbourne Aces. It is great to see that it will remain the same.”

The Aces will play in the KBO Fall League in October this season with matches at Melbourne Ballpark throughout November to February.

The club pulled out of the Australian Baseball League citing a number of issues.

The Aces said in April that after years of discussions with the ABL regarding unresolved concerns, they had made the difficult decision to withdraw from the league.

Huber said there would be a few more Melbourne Aces fan favourites signing on

Teenage runner’s star continues to rise

season for rising

has seen him claim another honour, winning the Victorian Athletics League’s athlete of the year.

Muir, who trains at Williamstown Athletics, was a revelation on the gift scene while having some good performances on the track as well.

The teenager, who is still in year 12, said he was shocked to have claimed the honour of athlete of the year.

“It has gone so quick, so much has happened,” he said. “I had a big appetite to have a good season.

“I wanted to drop some time so I dropped cricket and focused on the 400 metres and pro-running.

“With the season I had, I think they looked at my 400 metres on the track and that kind of got me over the line [to win the award].

“I don’t think it has sunk in how much of a good season I had, it was surreal.”

Muir said he had a good off season heading into the pro-racing events, which resulted in three second places.

While happy with that and starting to get his name out there, Muir knew that he could go even quicker.

“I was in the mix and not getting pulled back [handicapped],” he said. “I refined my start and next thing I’m winning Beachside Gift.

“I won the 70 metres along with that and it gave me huge confidence for Stawell. I was able to lock in Stawell and I was able to relax a little bit and put my head down.”

Qualifying for the Stawell Gift was a big opportunity for Muir, who quickly turned out to be one of the favourites.

He beat Lachlan Kennedy, who would later become the second Australian man to run under 10 seconds for the 100 metres, in the semi finals.

“I was pretty nervous with the draw and sensed it was a huge task,” he said.

“There was a lot of hype around it and all these people had come down. All these runners were getting around me to keep my head up.

“I had to tell myself to look back at the season that I’d had and that I could win and I had confidence that I could do it.”

Muir said making the final at Stawell was a surreal feeling and that he zoned out during the race.

While Muir had success at pro-racing the 400 metres on the track remains his big

for this season.

“As the summer gets closer, we will be naming a lot more of the Melbourne Aces players we know the fans want to see.”

George said it would be a different summer in the new competition but it was something that he was looking forward to.

“The opportunity of playing games in Korean Stadiums in front of Korean crowds is so exciting. “The Koreans are so into their baseball, and I hope we can win a few of them over with our style of attacking baseball.

“And to know I will be doing it again with a Melbourne Aces Jersey on makes me happy.”

Aloisi going nowhere, Western sign goalscorer

By Joseph Ibic

Western United coach John Aloisi has signed a new two-year contract to remain in the job.

The former Socceroo is Western United’s longest serving coach surpassing 100 matches in charge during the A-League men’s 202425 season. It was a record-breaking season for United which enjoyed its best-ever season in terms of wins, points and goals scored.

The 2022 finals series and grand final victory remain at the very top of Aloisi’s achievements. Aloisi brings a renewed motivation for success with his reappointment.

“The reason I re-signed is I still see so much growth left on and off the pitch and I can’t wait to continue this journey together as a club, with the support of our fans who have stuck by us through the highs and the lows,” he said.

“First season at Ironbark last season, and we already started to make it our fortress. It was so special to play there in front of our home fans and I’m eager to see them all there again cheering our boys on.

“I am super excited to continue working with this group of players, we played some great attacking football last season and I know this group is still hungry to keep learning and improving.”

focus.

He is hoping to qualify for the World under-20 championships next year.

Muir finished third in the under-20 400 metres event at the Victorian state titles earlier this year.

“I want to continue all the distances, but focusing mainly on my 400 metres,” he said.

“I have to be good at 100 metres and 200 metres for the 400 metres.

“I’m back into training now and locked in and motivated to qualify for the world championships.”

Muir said he would likely still look to run some pro-races next season.

While athletics is his main focus at the moment, Muir has another sport he would like to take to a higher level as well.

“I’m playing footy with Spotswood and training with the Western Jets,” he said. “Athletics only goes for six or seven months a year.

“People preparing for the draft have been focused on that, while I was preparing for Stawell. I’m aiming for AFL in a couple of years.

“I’ll stay in athletics and look to continue my good form for the next few years.”

Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato labelled Aloisi a difference maker for the club.

“Since he joined the club, John has revolutionised the culture from our football department through to the admin office and left an indelible impression everyone at the club. We firmly believe we have one of the brightest Australian coaches and leaders at our club and we are delighted to have John guiding our group into an increasingly exciting future,” he said.

Aloisi is straight back on the training track, as the team prepares for their Australia Cup clash against Sydney FC later this month.

Meanwhile, Jaiden Kucharski will bring blistering attacking flair to Western United after signing a two-year deal with the club.

The 23-year-old adds bona fide goal-scoring and creative prowess to the squad with seven goals and five assists for Sydney FC.

A breakout

athletics star Dash Muir

Dash Muir is a rising star of Australian running. (Damjan Janevski) 487785_03

The Falcons continue to fire

By Tara Murray

City West Falcons are continuing to lift their level with one of their best performances of the Victorian Netball League season.

Undefeated heading into the final two rounds, the Falcons have already started prepping for finals having locked in top spot.

On Wednesday night, the Falcons were at home at Altona in front of a big crowd and they put on a show against the North East Blaze.

The Falcons led by 10 goals at quarter time and were able to keep the momentum going.

The Blaze ended up winning the last

quarter, but the Falcons had put the cue in the rack having already secured the victory.

They ended up winning 73-55.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said it was nice to put out a performance like that at home.

“It was probably one of our better ones,” she said. “We had good ball speed and played at a good pace.

“They were physical and it’s not easy to move fast. We got a good start and kept that going.

“We played pretty fast and moved the long ball well.”

The Falcons were looking at the scoreboard in the first part of the game as Jane Cook approached the 1000 goal milestone.

Lind said it came earlier in the game than they expected after she shot 20 goals in the first quarter.

Having achieved the milestone in three less games this year, Lind said they had improved their scoring rate after setting some big targets and it had paid off.

With the game in control, the Falcons changed things around as they have done for a lot of the season.

“Maggie [Lind] had a tight calf and she only played the start,” Lind said. “We had a few sore from Sunday backing up and we were mindful of that.

“Everyone had a good run and there was no player that didn’t come off.”

Lind said it was another good strong

Cook on target again to shoot 100 goals

City West Falcons’ Jane Cook continues to hit new benchmarks and make history as she scored 1000 goals for a second straight Victorian Netball League season.

After becoming the first player to score 1000 goals in a season at VNL level last year, she has continued to find the bottom of the net this year.

Cook entered Wednesday’s match with North East Blaze needing 33 goals to mid the 1000 benchmark.

She needed only until the second quarter to make that happen.

Cook finished with 57 goals for the game as she got a well earned rest in the final quarter with the Falcons well ahead of the North East Blaze.

Cook said there wasn’t a lot of build up heading into the match.

“It was just another game for us, still going with the same tactics and same mindset, a nice little extra challenge,” she said.

“I always go out with my own individual goals each season and I definitely am trying to push better each season, not only for my own personal goals through the season but also for the team.

“Me shooting 1000 goals is not an individual thing. I could not do it without all my teammates on the court and an absolute credit to them and it’s a pretty cool achievement as a team.”

Cook hit the 1000th goal mark last year in the final round of the regular season, her 20th game for the year.

This year it took her just 17 games.

Cook said it was pretty cool to beat her own record.

She said the two seasons were completely different.

“I think the vibe and skill set and the level we are putting out on the court is just as high as last season, if not pushing for more,” she said.

“I think every year brings a different aspect to our team, different development and more growth, definitely some differences and some similarities.”

It’s been a big year for Cook, who was recently called up as an injury replacement for the Sunshine Coast Lightning for Cara Koenen.

Cook had been involved in the SSN competition since 2017 when she played for the Adelaide Thunderbirds. She was also a training partner for Collingwood in 2018.

“It was a really cool opportunity and I certainly thank them for welcoming me into that environment,” she said.

“I enjoyed every second getting another glimpse into that space and it was really good to work alongside and be part of that elite space with some really cool athletes.”

Cook said while she’s put up some big numbers the past couple of seasons, there’s still more areas that she could improve on, both on and off the court.

Making Cook’s efforts this year even more remarkable, she has missed just 34 shots for the season.

Cook admits she loves a safe shot.

“I don’t want that on my head [if I miss],” she said.

“I used to shoot a little bit from long range, [but] my job is to get it and be 100 per cent reliable and a 100 per cent shooter,

“If I can get that close to the post and make that easier, I may as well.”

Focus for the Falcons now turns to fi-

performance from the side with everyone having some good moments.

She said Charity Nasalio had a good game after being rested a bit on Sunday.

Lind said they were wanting to make sure they were fully prepared for finals.

The Falcons 23 and under side lost 4944 to ladder leaders North East Blaze.

Lind said the side had some opportunities to win the game and would take some learnings out of the game that they can match it with the best.

The Falcons finish their season on Wednesday against the Peninsula Waves. Lind said they would treat it as they were facing a side that they would play in finals.

Briefs

FV

Yarraville Glory’s future in FV state league 1 north-west is on an edge with side sitting in relegation terrority. With only three wins for the season, the Glory sits second last, five points behind third played Corio. On Saturday, the Glory faced Western Suburbs which has been in that relegation territory. It was Western Suburbs that came away with the important win, winning 2-0 to move further ahead of Yarraville Glory.

Western FL

North Footscray won the battle of Footscray as it defeated West Footscray in the Western Football League division 2 competition on Saturday. North Footscray led all day and had to fight hard in the last quarter as the Roosters came home strongly. The Devils did just enough to win, 12.7 (79)-10.12 (72). The Devils are not two games clear of West Footscray in second spot. Braybrook moved into the top six with victory against Albanvale.

A-League

Western United coach John Aloisi has signed a new two-year contract to remain in the job. The former Socceroo is Western United’s longest serving coach surpassing 100 matches in charge during the A-League men’s 2024-25 season. Aloisi brings a renewed motivation for success with his reappointment. “The reason I re-signed is I still see so much growth left on and off the pitch and I can’t wait to continue this journey together as a club, with the support of our fans who have stuck by us through the highs and the lows,” he said.

FV

Newport Storm suffered a rare loss in FV state league 5 west on Saturday. Facing Bendigo City, the ladder leading Storm suffered a 3-0 loss. It closes the gap at the top of the ladder between the Storm and Bendigo to three points. Elsewhere, Maidstone United had a 2-2 draw with Wyndham. Footscray Rangers had a bye.

nals, with just one round left of the normal season.

The Falcons will finish top no matter what the result of their final round match with Peninsula Waves.

“I think we have put ourselves in a really good position through the season,” she said.

“We definitely know finals is a completely different ball game, players play differently, teams come out firing and a lot on the line in finals.

“We’re feeling good, feeling prepared.”

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Jane Cook. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)

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