Patrol backlash
By Cade Lucas and Tara Murray
A security crackdown in central Footscray is doomed to fail and could make the area less safe, according to a new community groupestablishedinoppositiontotheplan.
Footscray Community Response, a collection of more than 30 community, religious,socialandwelfaresectorleaders, met for the first time on July 23, the day after Maribyrnong council endorsed a six-month security program for the FootscrayCBD.
The group is demanding the council pause the trial program pending a comprehensive consultation process and reviewoftheevidence.
Footscray Community Response spokesperson and Borderlands Cooperative co-ordinator Jorge Jorquera said the council had not learnt from the recent tragic death of local resident Abdifatah Ahmed, who was shot by police inApril.
“Social and health problems require social and health responses,” the former councillorsaid.
“Private security will only inflame tensionsinFootscray.”
Another member of the group and Footscray Hospo Workers Unite convenor, Monty Green, said while she sympathised with those who had experienced violence in the Footscray CBD, particularly the NicholsonStreetMall,theonlywaytomake the area safer was to involve the entire community, including those considered to bethesourceoftheproblem.
service provider with a demonstrated extensive community human-centred and culturallyappropriateapproach.
Cr Thomas also advocated for consultation with the community, trader groups and interested traders in Footscray throughouttheprogram,aswellasregular meetings with health providers and community development organisations to ensure a health and wellbeing-first approach.
After several changes to that motion, it justpassedwitha4-3vote.
The program will follow on from a security guard trial by local businesses earlierthisyear.
At the end of that trial, more than 20 businesses advocated to council to fund the ongoing presence of security guards in theFootscrayCBD.
Councildocumentsshowtherehasbeen a26percentincreaseincriminalincidents in Footscray from 2024-25, after rising 29 percentintheprevious12months.
Cr Thomas said Footscray traders have toldcounciltheyarefeelingunsafe.
“There’s a lot going on in the Footscray CBDandsomeofitisnotgreatandsomeof itisfantastic,”shesaid.
“Basicallyjustgetthepeopleintheroom who are the real stakeholders, so that includes business owners and patrons. but it also has to include people from marginalised communities and who are roughsleeping,becauseanyothersolution justwon’twork.Itwon’thavethescopeand nuance to really address the root cause,” shesaid.
Maribyrnong councillors debated the details of the program for more than an hour during the council meeting on July
22. The trial is expected to cost between $70,000and$100,000.
The debate came to an end after chief executive Celia Haddock said councillors were close to breaching local governance laws.
Eventually, councillors voted on an amendedmotionbyCrBernadetteThomas, which included hiring a suitable security
“We know over the past 18 months or so global and national stresses have moved intoFootscrayandarehavinganimpacton peoplewhovisit,liveintheCBD.
“Despite everything that council is and has been doing, the systems that support people living on the margins of our community are failing and/or overloaded and people are falling through the cracks.
“A security-first approach or security onlyapproachwon’twork.”
Sally Thompson, Malual Deng, Monty Green, Terri Soumilas and Jorge Jorquera are calling for council to pause its security patrol trial in Footscray. (Damjan Janevski). 492078_05
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.
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Werribee Line 8.30pm 8 Aug to 5am 9 AugNewport to Werribee
5am 16 Aug to last train 17 Aug
8.30pm 8 Aug to last train 17 Aug Laverton to Werribee
8.30pm to last train, 11 to 13 AugNorth Melbourne to Werribee
8.30pm 15 Aug to 5am 16 Aug
Williamstown Line 8.30pm to last train, 11 to 13 AugNorth Melbourne to Williamstown
8.30pm 15 Aug to 5am 16 Aug
Sunbury Line 15 to 17 AugPassengers change at Footscray Station for Werribee and Williamstown line trains to and from the city
Road disruptions: Closed lanes and ramps
West Gate Freeway, Spotswood Until late AugOutbound lanes between Williamstown and Millers roads
West Gate Freeway, Brooklyn Mid to late AugOutbound exit ramps to Millers Road and Grieve Parade
Williamstown Road, Spotswood Mid to late AugOutbound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Arden Station
Council bows to residents
By Tara Murray
Maribyrnong council has bowed to community pressure and will reinstate a notfor-profit clause in a Western Bulldogs lease on a Footscray childcare centre.
Following lobbying from the Bulldogs, in June Maribyrnong council adopted a notice of motion to remove the clause stipulating that the Bulldogs Childcare Centre could only be operated by a not-for-profit.
The Western Bulldogs pushed for the change after expressing dissatisfaction with the centre’s current not-for-profit operator, Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS).
The initial decision caused community
backlash with many parents raising concerns.
As reported by Star Weekly, Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari last week announced that the council would move to reinstate a not-for-profit clause on the centre which is located on council-owned land next to the club’s Whitten Oval headquarters
On Tuesday night, the council chambers were filled by those calling for the initial decision to be overturned.
Several questions were raised during question time by residents, while a petition of 2573 signatures calling for the decision to be overturned was tabled.
All councillors, with the exception of Cr
Mohamed Semra who wasn’t in the room due to a conflict of interest, voted to terminate the current community engagement process and the proposed lease will not proceed in its current form.
A further report will be presented to the council later this year addressing the council’s options for the proposed lease, inclusive of the retention of the not-forprofit condition on sub-leasing and the removal of the first right of refusal in the new lease.
Cr Cum Lam said council had listened to the community and what it wanted.
She said she believed ending the current community engagement will help prevent ongoing confusion and distress.
Power through the winter blues with art
An award-winning artist and art therapist is harnessing the power of painting to help conquer the winter blues.
Xiang Li’s ‘100 Days ART YOU OKAY?’ will showcase a selection of small pieces ofarteachcentredaroundapositivemental health word.
Li, who also runs her art therapy practice at The Doctors Werribee working with adult clients who are experiencing personal hardship, will incorporate themes
such as mindfulness, calm and connection.“The cold and shorter days of winter have been a challenge to many of us, both mentally and physically,” Li said.
“To manage this, I’ve been creating one small piece of art a day around a positive word. It is a way to stay grounded, reflect, and bring a little light into each day.”
The display will feature at the Positives and Negative Spaces at the Louis Joel Gallery in Altona from August 9-28.
She will feature alongside fellow artist and environmentalist Ariel De Ramos whose acrylic landscapes illustrate the importance of small, daily actions such as pausing for a while or painting can help achieve emotional balance. “We wanted to create an experience that feels like sitting under a warm winter sun,” Li said.
Li will also run workshops, encouraging people of all skill levels to create one mindful artwork a day this winter.
Footscray High to open oval to community after school hours
Footscray locals will be able to access the open spaces at Footscray High School’s Pilgrim campus after hours as part of a pilot scheme launched by the state government.
The pilot scheme will provide communities across Melbourne’s west will access to ovals and gyms in recently opened schools once class is out for the day.
The scheme launched on Wednesday, July 23, and is aimed at providing more valuable space for after school activities like local sports, language and music classes and other community-run extracurricular activities.
The government said the $1.4 million investment would fund a dedicated support team to help the schools in facilitating community use of their spaces, co-ordinating community outreach and managing associated administration.
Support would include promoting and identifying opportunities for community groups, negotiating and managing agreements and helping arrange additional cleaning of school facilities, the government said.
Cr Bernadette Thomas said the public outcry could have been avoided had the council accepted an alternative notice of motion in June.
That alternative motion didn’t remove the not-for-profit clause and removed of the right of refusal clause that was being proposed.
“If all councillors had anticipated the community response and voted for the motion that I moved… We wouldn’t be here again talking about the issue and the community would have avoided a month of stress and uncertainty and anguish,” she said.
“The council is in the business of care and not profit.”
Removal of councillor questions questioned
A former Hobsons Bay mayor has claimed the proposed removal of councillor question time from monthly meetings is an attempt to muzzle councillors.
The removal of councillor question time from the council meeting order of business is included in Hobsons Bay’s draft governance rules which were endorsed at a meeting on July 1 and are currently open to community feedback.
Under the draft rules, councillor question time has been replaced by an expanded public question time which will run for at least 30 minutes in an attempt to give members of the public more direct participation in meetings.
However Mr Hemphill, who served on council from 1999 to 2024 and spent three terms as mayor, said this shouldn’t come at the expense of councillor question time.
“Councillor question time is essential for transparency and good governance at Hobsons Bay,” Mr Hemphill said.
“It allows councillors to raise issues on behalf of ratepayers and the questions are usually on issues that are not covered by reports in the agenda of that meeting.”
Mr Hemphill said some of the biggest issues affecting Hobsons Bay in recent times were first raised through councillor questions.
“There’s chemical leaks in our waterways, another one is the asbestos in our parks, Techno Park Drive.”
He also argued that councillor questions were one of the few ways where code of conduct designations could be publicised, referring to his own experience as an example.
“People would not have known that a code of conduct hearing against myself was held in my absence,” said Mr Hemphill, referring to a dispute during the pervious council term that resulted in his suspension.
“ I only got that message out through a councillor question.”
A spokesperson for Hobsons Bay council defended the proposed changes.
The government said that out of Victoria’s 1580 government schools, two-thirds currently share their grounds for informal use by the community.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll said the move enable community members to enjoy the gyms, ovals, playgrounds and open spaces in schools.
“This move will mean everyone can enjoy our record investment in schools – turning them into thriving local hubs that encourage people to get active and learn new skills,” he said.
“Council meetings are primarily for decision making,” the spokesperson said.
“Councillors will still be able to ask questions of council officers regarding agenda items.”
The changes to governance rules proposed by council officers are aimed at refining the order of business, clarifying rules and procedures and removing ambiguous or redundant provisions.
The draft rules are open for public comment at: participate.hobsonsbay.vic. gov.au/governance
Artists Xiang Li and Ariel De Ramos Molina are hosting an art exhibition aimed at improving mental health during winter. (Damjan Janevski).
Intersection anxiety
By Cade Lucas
ResidentslivingnearanotoriousMaidstone intersection claim it is a constant source of anxiety.
Software engineer Shakir Meah Mohaseen and his wife have lived near the junction of Hampstead Road, Emu Road and Crefden Street for nearly four years.
“We have witnessed numerous near-fatal incidents at this intersection, and it is a constant source of anxiety,” Mr Mohasseen said.
“It’s the story of every local resident who navigates this dangerous crossroads.”
According to Mr Mohassen, that’s a daily necessity for local residents in order to access essential services.
“Nestlednearbyareachildcarecentre,an agedcarefacility,agym,dentalandmedical clinics, a kids swim school, bustling local businesses, and a key bus stop that links us to Footscray station,“ he said.
“These amenities bring together residents of all ages, from the very young to the elderly, making pedestrian safety of utmost importance.”
But with lane closures caused by construction of the new Maidstone tram depot and a drive-through fast food outlet also opening, Mr Mohasseen said the intersectionhadrecentlybecomeevenmore dangerous, forcing he and his neighbours to launch a petition calling on the state government and Maribyrnong council to install safety features.
“A pedestrian crossing would be a start, but it wouldn’t make it safe for vehicles, so the ideal solution would be traffic lights,” said Mr Mohassen of what he’d like to see done, adding that there was currently
nothing.
“There’s a give way sign and that’s it.”
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said Hampstead Road was an arterial road that was the responsibility of the state government, but that council had been working with the Department of Transport andPlanningonoptionssuchaswideningit or adding traffic lights.
“The project will be partially funded
by developer contributions, however additional funds are required to deliver this project,” Cr Tiwari said.
“Council continues to advocate for funding from the State Government to support the upgrade of this intersection.”
ADTPspokespersonsaidthedepartment was working with Maribyrnong council on possible short-term and long-term improvements.
New SES unit design revealed
Designs for the new Footscray SES unit have been revealed.
The state government committed funding in the recent state budget to provide a more suitable home for the unit. The $14 million new facility on Hampstead Road in Maidstone will have room for 90 volunteers, feature five motor bays, dedicated training rooms, communications and wellbeing rooms and modern office spaces.
The 5000-square-metre site also holds strong local significance, having previously housed the Maribyrnong Migrant Hostel, which helped resettle thousands of displaced people after World War II.
Footscray is one of the busiest units in Melbourne’s west, having led a massive response to the 2022 floods. It respondstomorethan500requestsfor help each year.
Construction is set to begin once projectapprovalsareinplacelaterthis year. Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward said Footscray SES’s current home is not up to scratch for the demand it is under.
Unit controller Mike Bagnall previously told StarWeekly that the funding was a pleasant surprise.
“People have lobbied for many years,“ he said.
“The Footscray unit has had a temporary unit within the Maribyrnong city council works depot and that’s been the case for about 11 years now. It’s not tenable.“
Clothes to get job ready
Young people in Hobsons Bay seeking to look sharp on their way to landing a job are invited to participate in a new free program.
FutureFIT, a collaboration between Big Group Hug and Ready Set, will provide clothesforjobseekerstoweartointerviews.
Anyone aged 15-24 and who is experiencing financial hardship that prevents them from purchasing interviewappropriate clothing are eligible.
The program has been designed to make the process less intimidating and more accessible.
Upon arrival, two volunteer stylists will greet the young person and help them explore clothing options, offering tips on styling for interviews.
BigGroupHugchiefexecutiveBernadene Voss saiD helping young people look their best was important.
“I have seen the data around unemployment in the west, so my aim
is for everyone in the west to have the opportunity to get a job,” she said.
“You won’t have to know somebody and you can get it on your own merit.”
Ms Voss said the next stage of the program will be to enlist more business, such as hairdressers, to volunteer their time to help job seekers.
Youth aged 15–17 should attend with a responsibleadult,suchasafamilymember or a caseworker.
FutureFIT will start as a pilot for six months and be run out of Big Group Hug’s Tarneit hub on Wednesdays between 1-4pm.
Self-referrals are not accepted and must come from professionals in employment, education, health, or welfare services who can also support the young person if additional assistance is needed.
Referrals: https://www.readyset.org.au/ referring-agencies-registration
Big Group Hug chief executive Bernadene Voss, staff member Sonal Dang and volunteer Chris Pope. (Damjan Janevski). 490985_01
Shakir Meah Mohaseen. (Damjan Janevski). 490384_02
Disney lovers dare to dream
Disney lovers in Hobsons Bay are in for a treat next month when the Williamstown Musical Theatre Company (WMTC) performs “Dare to Dream Jr” from August 1to10.
A new musical featuring more than 20 songsfrom100yearsofDisneymoviesand musicals, Dare to Dream Jr is the WMCT’s junior production for this year and will be performed at the Altona Theatre by cast membersagedfromeightto18.
The musical follows an eager group of Disney imagineers on their first day at a fictionalWaltDisneyStudios.
“An imagineer is a creative professional at Walt Disney, responsible for designing and developing attractions, theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other Disney entertainment experiences,” explained directorStuartDodge.
Throughout the show, the young
imagineers work together to discover the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible, a process that results in them regularly breaking out into song.
Fan-favourites from Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Coco, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Encanto are among those includedinthe90-minuteshow.
“Dare To Dream Jr is full of Disney musicalfavourites,”saidDodge.
“The diverse offering of classics and more modern Disney songs have been so funtobringtolifeonthestage.
“The dedication the team show to the production and the wellbeing, development and enjoyment of the Junior cast is something to be admired.”
For more information and tickets, visit www.wmtc.org.auorcall1300881545.
Briefs
Police blitz in Footscray Police made five arrests during Omni operation in the Footscray CBD on July 25, including a 35-year-old Footscray woman who had failed to appear at court for burglary and criminal damage offences. She was later remanded for failing to appear at court while on bail. A 22 year-old from Donnybrook, a 21 year -old from Cheltenham, a 26 year-old from Springvale South and a 24 year-old from Weir Views were charged with theft and drug possession offences. The Sheriff’s Office collected more than $26,000 in unpaid fines and wheel clamped six vehicles which had outstanding warrants against them.
Armed robbery charges
Four people have been charged after an alleged series of armed robberies in Melbourne’s west. It is alleged the group were involved in four robberies at bottle shops and service stations in Tottenham, Derrimut and Tarneit on July 22. It’s alleged during each of the incidents, the group presented at least one edged weapon and made demands for cash, cigarettes and stole alcohol, before fleeing in an alleged stolen Audi sedan. A 20-year-old Glenroy man, a 19-year-old Wallan man, an 18-year-old Werribee man and 17-year-old boy from the Merri-bek area were charged with armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and driving offences.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
RETIREMENT LIVING
Join us at Doutta Galla Queens Park Retirement Village and experience how fulfilling retirement living can be! Tour our beautiful apartments, just steps from the picturesque Queens Park lake and vibrant cafes. Meet friendly residents, enjoy free light refreshments, and consult with our retirement expert about personalised living and in-home care. Discover secure, comfortable living in a location you’ll love.
Saturday 9 August, 2025 from 11am to 1pm Spaces are limited – RSVP now! Call or Text Ida on 0402 225 140 or use the QR code to reserve a spot.
Dare to Dream Jr cast members (back L-R) Connor, Leikny (front L-R) Aarya, Emily and Mason. (Supplied) 492807_01
Bulldogs mark 100 years
The late, great EJ ‘Ted’ Whitten has been named the greatest player to play for Footscray and the Western Bulldogs across 100 years in VFL-AFL.
The club held a special Centenary Gala at Mission Whitten Oval on Monday night as part of the club’s celebrations to mark a century since joining the VFL-AFL.
It acknowledgedthe25greatestBulldogs of the past 100 years after the historic selection was made by an expert panel.
Whilethelistof25waspresentedwithout rank, a top five was selected in order and revealed on the night.
Whitten was declared the greatest Bulldog ahead of current captain Marcus Bontempelli.
Chris Grant, Gary Dempsey and Doug Hawkins rounded out the top five.
Ted Whitten Jr, accepting the honour on behalf of his late father, said it was hard to describe what it meant to his family.
“To have dad receive this accolade in front of so many wonderful past and current players is an amazing feeling.” Whitten said.
“I’m tipping he’d be pretty stoked with this accolade. To be here at this ground which is named in his honour, I think he’d be pretty proud himself and I know all his family are.
“He’s been a wonderful ambassador for the western suburbs and the football club. If anyone had a crack at him about the Bulldogs, look out. He would protect them with his life. If you had cut his hand he
would have bled red, white and blue.”
Speaking on stage at the event, Bontempelli said he was lost for words at his ranking. He is one of three current Bulldogs along with Tom Liberatore and Ellie Blackburn to be named in the top 25.
“I sit here and listen to the stories of the gentlemen who’ve come before us who have set the fabric of what it means to play for this football club,“ Bontempelli said.
“We hug and embrace, it does feel like family. The thing that shines through for me about being a part of this football club is it feels like all these blokes are like my uncles.
“Because they’ve been here, they’ve worn the jumper, they’ve set the standard for so many of us who are currently playing and get the privilege of wearing the jumper now and especially what it stands for.
“The thing I’ve loved about playing my football for the Western Bulldogs Football Club is its never say die attitude, you’re never out of it and your actions speak louder than your words.
“I’m still in shock to be up here and a part of tonight, let alone in the position that I am so it’s going to take some time for that to sink in, but it’s a true honour and a privilege to be sitting here.”
The Greatest Bulldogs have been defined by the club as those who have represented the red, white and blue with irrefutable distinction on the field and made the most considerable positive impact on the club’s history.
Above: Doug Hawkins and Scott West. Left: Representatives of the Schulz, Sutton and Morrison families.
Irene Chatfield.
Ted Whitten Jnr and Nigel Carmody.
Nigel Carmody and Ellie Blackburn.
Left: Ellie Blackburn, Robert Murphy and Matthew Boyd. Centre: Brad Johnson, Simon Beasley and Kelvin Templeton. Right: Dale Morris, Bob Murphy, Matthew Boyd, Brad Johnson and Tom Liberatore.
Doug Hawkins, and below, Gary Dempsey. (Pictures: Andrew Hobbs/Western Bulldogs)
Soccer players face court
By Emily Woods, AAP
Two soccer players have faced court accused of winning more than $18,000 in corrupt bets involving yellow cards.
Former A-League player Riku Danzaki, 25, of Kingsville appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday accused of betting fraud.
The midfielder played 49 games with Western United and departed the club when his contract concluded at the end of last season.
Danzaki is facing 10 charges accused of engaging in corrupt conduct involving yellow cards he received at four matches in April and May.
Court documents allege he placed a $250 bet with Bet365, at odds of $6.50 and won a
profit of $1375, involving an April 27 game against Sydney Football Club.
It is alleged he used information to place the bet knowing he “would deliberately receive a yellow card, and knowing that, or beingrecklessastowhether,theinformation was about conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome“.
Danzaki is accused of attempting to win another $3250 on May 22 after an alleged attempt to place a $1000 Tabcorp bet, by using alleged corrupt conduct information.
Police allege that while playing against Melbourne City he deliberately received a yellow card knowing that the conduct could corrupt the betting outcome.
He is further charged with entering into an “agreement or arrangement“ over the alleged corrupt conduct and accused of
intending to obtain financial advantage.
Danzaki’s lawyer told the court on Monday he was asking police prosecutors to consider his client for a diversion, which would allow him to avoid a criminal conviction.
The prosecution must accept Danzaki’s proposal for a diversion before it can be put to a magistrate.
The matter was adjourned until mid-August to give prosecutors time to consider the diversion.
Another suburban soccer player, Yuta Hirayama,alsofacedcourtonMondayafter being charged with 18 offences relating to betting fraud involving Danzaki’s yellow cards.
The Bayside Argonauts striker is accused of pocketing more than $17,000 in profit
for betting on matches where Danzaki was handed yellow cards between April and May.
The bets allegedly ranged from $66 to $500.
Court documents allege Hirayama, 27, possessed information in connection to several matches that Danzaki would receive a yellow card.
He is further charged with an attempt to place a $1000 bet when he could have won $3250 in the game between Western United and Melbourne City on May 24.
Hirayama’s matter was adjourned alongside Danzaki’s to Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 13.
Both men have yet to enter formal pleas and remain on bail.
NationalGamblingHelpline1800858858
Kicking off a new chapter bringing football to more girls
By Casey Neill
AFLW star Libby Birch is moving the goal posts for Australian girls, releasing the first children’s book about female footballers.
The Maribyrnong local’s great-grandfather played for AFL club St Kilda so she grew up supporting the Saints, but she still overlooked footy when it came to taking up a sport.
“I was a competitive little kid,” Birch said of her childhood in Ascot Vale.
“I remember my dad saying ‘you can’t play footy because there’s no elite level for girls’.
Girls deserve to see themselves in stories where they’re not just participating, but leading, thriving, and being celebrated
“So I fell in love with netball.
“I could actually see women playing on the bigger stage. That made it real for me.
“If I knew I could play football at the highest level…”
Writing Libby’s Footy Adventures is one way Birch is working to change this narrative for future generations.
A friend tried to buy a picture book for a footy-loving girl back in 2023 but could only find stories featuring male players, so Birch set about spotlighting a female footy star.
the book looked, but how it felt.
“Every young girl or woman’s body type is their own and has their own strength and power,” she said.
“In the men’s comp, everyone looks the same. In W, you’ve got so many shapes and sizes and they all do incredibly amazing things on the football field.
“That’s what I wanted to highlight in the illustrations.
“You don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest, you just have to be you.”
Birch’s talent on the netball court took her to the Victorian and Australian institutes of sport, and caught the eye of former AFLW player and current coach Daisy Pearce in 2016.
Birch had never even kicked a footy but eventually joined Pearce at her local club, the Darebin Falcons, to give the sport a go.
“I was in awe of what these amazing footy players had done and what they’d continued to push for even though there was no elite level,” she said. “They fought for something they couldn’t even see.
“I had to learn from scratch.
“Today, we’ve got all these young girls thatcanhaveafullpathwayintotheAFLW.
“I’m really excited about where W can go going forward.”
“Girlsdeservetoseethemselvesinstories where they’re not just participating, but leading, thriving, and being celebrated.”
Birch said footy might become a lifelong passion or career for some kids.
“For others, it may simply be a joyful,
“I’ve done a mountain of work to get this over the line and it’s all for the kids and for the sport,” she said.
grounding part of childhood - a place where they feel safe, free, and connected to others,” she said.
“That’s just as valuable.
“I wanted to write a story that honoured all of those pathways.”
Birch worked closely with illustrator
Robin Tatlow-Lord to shape not just how
The 27-year-old hasn’t missed a game since the inaugural season and has won three premierships with three different clubs.
“It’s been a wild ride. I’ve loved every minute of it,” she said.
The physiotherapist will play for North Melbourne in the 2025 season, which kicks off on 14 August.
Libby’s Footy Adventures is available from 29 July.
Footballer and author Libby Birch. (Supplied)
- Libby Birch
West’s invasive weed war
Serrated tussock is a drought-tolerant weed of national significance, and as reported by Star Weekly, the Victorian drought is exacerbating the issue of its spread in some areas including Moorabool – adding to the challenges faced by local landholders and farmers. Oscar Parry spoke with members of the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) about the wide-reaching impacts of the weed.
Amass of slender, grassy leaves with flowerheads that produce a purple colour towards late spring –serrated tussock might sound appealing, but the many challenges it poses to local landholders, its damage to native grasslands, and its bushfire risks are devastating.
In areas of high concentration, including Moorabool and surrounds, many landowners and farmers are dealing with high numbers of the weed as its stronghold increasesduetorecentdroughtconditions.
Listed as a weed of national significance, thishighlyinvasiveplantcoversmorethan amillionhectaresacrossNewSouthWales, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT.
According to the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) – a community-managed organisation that aims to reduce the harm of the weed –serrated tussock has been described as causing a greater reduction of pasture and grazing carrying capacity than any other weed in Australia and is estimated to have cost more than $40 million per year in control and lost production – with $5 million per year spent for its control in Victoria alone.
The organisation states that the biodiversity of native grasslands are threatened by its spread, concentrations of the weed can be a significant risk in bushfires due to the flammable nature of theplantanditsseedheads,andonfarms,it can drastically affect pastures for livestock and cause death if eaten, attach itself to machinery and vehicles, and require large amounts of time and money to address.
Native to countries in South America –including Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Peru – and it is thought to have first been introduced to Australia in the early 1900s.
According to the VSTWP, a patch of about10acreswasfirstrecordedinVictoria in 1954 in Broadmeadows.
VSTWP extension officer Ivan Carter has conducted extension projects in Clarkefield, Riddells Creek, Sunbury, Gisborne and Bullengarook and provided one-to-one extension to over 1000 land owners for serrated tussock infestations.
He said the core area of infestation of serrated tussocks in Victoria includes the areabetweenBacchusMarshandGeelong, Melton, and most of Moorabool.
“That’s close to where the first serrated tussock was found in Victoria, which was in Rowsley Valley … just over the back of Maddingley – and the reason for that is that it prefers a slightly drier climate where there’s less competition in the grasslands or the pastures,” Mr Carter said.
“Once you get out further west and north of Moorabool – closer towards Ballarat – it actually doesn’t compete well with good ground cover … further towards Ballan even … the most dense areas are definitely around Wyndham Vale, Bacchus Marsh, Rockbank, and Werribee.”
Mr Carter said there can be storms of airborne serrated tussock seeds, created when the weed numbers build up, they dry out,andahotwind–usuallyaroundmidto late spring – causes all of the seeds to fly off and rain down on other areas.
“I would be predicting one [this year] for sure – it’s just been a super dry 12 months, and it … means that a lot of farmers have gone into winter without much cover because there wasn’t rain early enough, so the pastures are a bit behind what people would normally prefer – so, of course, what pops up first? The weeds,” he said.
That’s when we see people on the verge of just giving up – because they don’t have any community support around them
- Ivan Carter
As the weeds can harbour up to 100,000 seeds per year, Mr Carter said local governments have begun to encourage landowners to de-seed their plants when they cannot control numbers.
He said that as the seeds can spread through the wind, and then remain in soil forsevenyears,landownerscanbeaffected by the properties around them – even if they are effectively managing serrated tussock on their own properties.
“There’s just so many priorities for landowners and primary producers that they have to deal with, and I think for some people, serrated tussock can be the straw that breaks the camels back – particularly when their neighbours aren’t managing their tussock,” Mr Carter said.
“That’s when we see people on the verge of just giving up – because they don’t have any community support around them.
“That’s the most common question we have…howtoidentifyit…thesecondmost common thing is ‘what do I do about my neighbours that aren’t doing anything?’”
MrCartersaidhefeelsthemainchallenge with dealing with serrated tussock is that it’s not identified early enough most of the time, where it builds up in numbers – and by that stage, it usually becomes expensive and time consuming to manage.
In an example of its financial impacts, he
said a landowner in the Rowsley Valley at one stage had a pile of receipts that totalled over $200,000 in just treatments alone.
“That was just in buying herbicide and controlling tussock, not even the time it took, but just the financial costs,” he said.
Mr Carter said the VSTWP can help landowners to identify serrated tussock, encouraging those who are unsure to contact the organisation
“Once you know what it is, you’ve sort of taken the first step to doing something about it,” he said.
Pentland Hills Landcare Group and VSTWP community representative Joe Lesko said the damage caused by invasive weeds like serrated tussock can have wide-reaching effects on landowners.
“Personally, we’ve had our farm for 40 years, and … it becomes, basically, a part of you,” Mr Lesko said.
“Maintaining and having it well managed is like an extended indicator of your own health, physically and mentally, so it’s important to your health that you can manage and be on top of it.
“If our neighbours in close proximity aren’t doing the same, we face continued re-emergence of the seed … flying in from other people’s properties. That’s why … a total approach is the only thing that can ever [succeed].”
Mr Lesko said under a community of practice model, landowners and all government departments play a role in combatting the weed.
“For start, compliance is actually like a fallback position basically under the communityofpracticemodel–landowners areencouragedtofulfiltheirresponsibility willingly, but for various reasons, there’s almost a certain percentage of people who … do nothing even though they are
responsible for control of … tussocks on their land,” Mr Lesko said.
“Non-compliance to the land act threatens the good work done by all those who have fulfilled their responsibilities … so compliance basically is … the last resort to getting action.
“We can only encourage people to take it seriously and get the work done – so it’s basically up to the state government who [has] the major compliance … responsibilities … in some areas they do follow it too, but other areas they don’t.”
Mr Lesko said he would like to see more government recognition of the importance of managing the issue, and more of a budget allocated to it.
“It means federal, state government, and local government. The three levels of government can have roles to play if they all work it out,” he said.
“BacchusMarsh30or40ofagohadthree orfourofficerswhoserolewastogooutand encourage people … and those positions don’t exist any more in Bacchus Marsh.”
He said he believes Landcare is a key element for success, and the VSTWP hopes to link and combine with the Landcare movementtocontinueaddressingtheissue under the community of practice model.
Melton director of city futures Sam Romaszko said the council takes biosecurity and the management of invasive weeds seriously and is committed to sustainable environmental practices across the municipality.
“We proactively engage with the [state government], who is responsible for enforcement, and we also provide support to landowners to assist with managing serrated tussock,“ Ms Romaszko said.
The state government was contacted for comment.
Pentland Hills Landcare group member Peter Shilton and Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party community representative and Pentland Hills Landcare group member Joe Lesko. (Damjan Janevski) 484728_05
$16,190 valuedat including airfares
Viking &yourlocalnewspaperinviteyoutoexperiencetheeleganceandserenityofarivervoyage.
ENTERNOW foryourchancetowinan8-day“RhineGetaway”cruisefortwo,departingBaselon 22November2026,includingreturnflights.Therivervoyagewilltakeyouthroughfourenchanting countries,offeringsixguidedtours,allonboardmeals,andenrichingculturalexperiences.
Prizeinclusions:
CruiseDuration:8days,7nights
Accommodation:Standard(CategoryF)Stateroom Destinations:4countrieswith6guidedtours
CulinaryDelights:Allonboardmeals,withbeer&wineservedduringlunchanddinner CulturalExperiences:VisitstoUNESCOWorldHeritageSitesandViking'sCultureCurriculum Amenities:Allportcharges,freeWi-Fi,andallonboardgratuitiesincluded Flights:IncludedEconomyClassreturnflightsfromselectedmajorAustraliancities (upto$5,000percouple)
TotalPrizeValue:$16,190percouple
EntryandtravelConditionsapply(ScanQRcodeforT&C’s)
Cultural centre doors open
The Wyndham Cultural Centre is back in action and the community is invited to see someofthebestentertainmentonoffer.
The refreshed space features a new modern bar, foyer, upgrades to seating and improvements to the overall theatre experience including new audio visual equipment.
The centre offers a varied program of music,contemporaryvisualart,exceptional theatre,andanunforgettableline-upoflive performancesfortheremainderof2025.
A new entry to the Werribee Library from Wedge Street has been added to the centre and visitors can ponder the
dedicated collections space for the visual artcollection.
ThepowerofideaswillenchantWerribee for three hours on Friday, August 7 when the The Green Room Project Showcase is putonfulldisplay.
The high energy new initiative, in partnership with Melbourne Writers’ Theatre, features emerging writers who have developed original ten-minute plays that explore powerful ideas and unique voices.
Plenty is coming up for those in need of a good laugh, and on Saturday, August 23 that will be in the form of Brown
Women Comedy. The laugh out loud show will feature award winning besharam (shameless) line-up of Indian and South Asian comedians living in Australia. No topicwillbeofflimitsforthesewittyladies–and audiences are being warned—these womendon’tholdback!
Traditional family expectations will be turned on their head and everyone will be able to relate to the wonderful and whacky waysfamiliesoperate.
To see what is on at the Wyndham Cultural Centre , check the schedule at https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/venues/ wyndham-cultural-centre
Poetry through painting on show in Ballan
An outdoor exhibition in Ballan will present “poetry through images,” with colourful artworks inspired by daily observations.
Presented at Moorabool’s outdoor galleryspaceMAPPUpinLightsinBallan, ‘The Poetry of Life’ by artist Min Chiang will present works that depict interactions between people, animals, nature, and evenwithoneself.
Chiang said the exhibition was inspired byherdailyobservations.
“Iwantedtoturnordinarymomentsinto poetic visual stories … these scenes may look simple, but they hold deep emotional connections,”Chiangsaid.
“I use bold blocks of colour to create atmosphere, and layered lines to express emotions and the feeling of being intertwined – just like how we naturally show different emotions when we’re with differentpeople.
“For me, it’s like writing poetry through images. Each of us is creating our own life poem through relationships with others andwithnature.”
Chiang enjoys exploring a wide range of materials and techniques and has worked with oil, watercolour, acrylic, ink, cotton, linen, wood, stone, paper, ceramics, printmaking,andmore.
“Each material brings its own energy, andIlovediscoveringhowdifferentforms can shape the way an idea is expressed,” Chiangsaid.
“For me, the most important part of making art is keeping an open mind. The medium is simply a tool – what matters is using it to communicate something authentic.
“What I enjoy most about art is the freedomitgivesme.SinceEnglishisn’tmy first language, expressing complex ideas throughwordscansometimesbelimiting. But with art, I can connect with people acrosslanguagesandcultures.”
ToChiangartisanaturalwaytorespond tolifeandexpressthoughtsandemotions.
“When I started this series, I really wanted to explore the small but meaningful interactions we have with the worldaroundus.”
Chiang’s works will be exhibited at MAPP Up in Lights Ballan at AA McLean Reserve,FiskenStreet,Ballan,fromJuly31 untilAugust31.
Monthly music and puppet nights in Footscray
Snuff Puppets are opening a new music and arts bar, Snuff Salooon, at the historic FootscrayDrillHall.
The first Snuff Salooon headlines electro-dub band High Pass Filter, known for their unconventional instruments, including looped tape machines, conch shells, telephone receivers, air tubes, and toys.
Drummer, composer, and producer Maria Moles will perform a solo improvisationondrumkit.
Six Snuff Puppets puppeteers, with over 100 years combined performance experience, will create unique acts on stageandinthecrowd.
Drag artist Jetstir showcases their character, Rodney Rattus, connoisseur of
chaos,businessratwithaloveforredwine. GuestartistSausageWomanwillperforma human-sizedMotherpuppet.
Live drawing by Chris Ferric will be projectedabovethedancefloor.
Future monthly Snuff Salooons will present different themes, including The Body, End of the World, Circus, and culminating in a wild Snuff Party in December.
Nick Wilson, Snuff Puppets co-artistic director, said “We can’t wait to open our salooon and share our love of music and artwithhundredsofpeople”
TheinauguralSnuffSalooonwillbeheld at 7pm on Saturday August 2 at Footscray Drill Hall, 395 Barkly Street, Footscray. Tickets:$20-$35-snuffpuppets.com
Telling First Nations’ stories
An exhibition highlighting the often forgotten stories and histories of First Nations people in Melbourne’s west is currently showing as part of a collaboration with Melbourne’s LivingMuseumoftheWest(MLMW) andCreativeBrimbank.
MLMW Aboriginal cultural officer, and Aboriginal cultural leader and storyteller Uncle Larry Walsh wrote the story for ‘Still Here — a brief history of Aboriginal people in Melbourne’swest,’whichistoldfrom aKoorieperspective.
Uncle Larry also researched, directed the exhibition’s design, and provided the majority of the content forthepanels.
He worked closely with MLMW committee member and artist Dr Kerrie Poliness over two years to create the exhibition, which was first exhibitedin1996.
Dr Poliness said the exhibition is about giving voice to First Nations people’s stories and histories that mightusuallybeleftout.
“At that point in time [in 1996], there was a perception that there were no Aboriginal people living in Melbourne’s west. The history was invisible. So the exhibition title is addressingthatperception,”shesaid.
Dr Poliness organised the overall design and production of the exhibition as well as the catalogue andpresentation.
“[Back then] there was no kind of graphic design, desktop publishing, photoshop…The photographs are physical photographs that were printed and glued to the panels… it was really important to include the [copied] physical documents,” said DrPoliness.
The exhibition is made up of 14 panels, which tell stories covering a range of subjects through displays of historical document copies and photographs.
“[The panels] could fit in the back of the car and be taken to different events, set up outside, set up anywhere,”saidDrPoliness.
“It was the first exhibition in Australia to use the word ‘invasion’ andcallitaninvasion.
“Itwasanamazingexperience,and anenormouslearningcurveformeas a non-indigenous person to find out stories about what had happened to people,“saidDrPoliness.
‘Still Here — a brief history of Aboriginal people in Melbourne’s west’ is a free exhibition showing at theBoweryTheatreinStAlbansuntil Saturday,August16.
Artist Min Chiang will present ‘The Poetry of Life’ at MAPP Up in Lights Ballan from July 31 to August 31. (Supplied).
Snuff Puppets lyrebird. (Cameron Grant)
Wyndham Cultural Centre Arts Assist chair Jan Goates. (Damjan Janevski). 489639_04
Romantic realisation of dream
A lifelong dream to visit Egypt and the Valley of the Kings is now a reality for Carl Green and wife Judy who will embark on a Pharaohs and Pyramids adventure starting in Cairo in March 2026.
Their twelve-day round trip organised by Tamara Tavasci from Helloworld Travel Gympie, is everything they hoped for including a three-day extension in Cairo to see more of the city before they join their cruise.
They will join the state-of-the-art brand new Viking Thoth specifically built to cruise the Nile after exploring Egypt’s exhilarating capital on 28 March.
The boat designed in the clean, elegant Scandinavian aesthetic Viking is known for, offers the ultimate in comfort with only 82 guests, 48 crew, 236 feet in length and only built in 2025.
“I don’t know why we have never got there as it’s a place I’ve always wanted to see,especiallythepyramidsandpharaohs, the Sphinx, Giza and the Nile,” Carl said.
“I have wanted to do the Nile since I was a kid, and we felt the easiest way was to go on a cruise.”
“I am actually really excited because we aregoingtolunchatthesameplaceAgatha Christie wrote Murder on the Nile.”
Their itinerary will give the Greens and another couple they are travelling with, the chance to witness the majestic pyramids from a camel, explore the Temple of Karnak’s 136 soaring pillars, visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens, skim the waters of the Nile by traditional felucca, enjoy the fragrances of Aswan’s spice market.
On board is Viking’s Egyptologists who offers guests their expert knowledge on the history of this fascinating country.
According to Viking, it has been said of Egypt’s exhilarating capital, “He who has not seen Cairo has not seen the world.”
Thebrochuresays“Certainly,theheartof the nation beats with an unbridled passion inthiscitymadeprosperousovermillennia as a stopover for Sahara caravans on trade routes to Byzantium. Amid the stimulating strum, the insistent beauty of everyday life reigns here, with the serene Nile sliding throughlikeanentrancingserpent.Cairo’s very age mesmerizes; its monuments have stood here for more than 5,000 years.”
“Tamara recommended this trip as it basically did everything we wanted it to do,” Carl said
Tamara said she has booked a lot of
Viking cruises for people before, and she was confident recommending this particular cruise and company to Carl and Judy.
Shesaidthefeedbackfromherclientshas always been positive with most booking
further trips with Viking. She believes it is the standard of ship and the destinations that bring travelers back for more.
Carl and Judy are no strangers to international travel taking many overseas trips since their marriage in 1989 but they
have only been on one three-night cruise out of Brisbane before.
Carl said these days travel is so much moreenjoyableashehashandedthereigns of their company over to son Jack.
Carl and Judy own Green RV with yards in Forest Glen on the Sunshine Coast, Gympie,Toowoomba.Brisbane,Newcastle (Heatherbrae). They started the business in 1997 in Gympie because there was a gap Inthemarketandnowhaveabout125staff.
“Now that Jack’s taken over, I can relax straight away instead of always trying to get Wi-Fi reception and taking phone calls,” Carl said.
His packing tips are simple too - “get the wife to do it”.
Carl and Judy’s Egyption adventure is called Pharaohs and Pyramids by Viking and is a twelve-day cruise starting at Cairo and stopping at Luxor, Qena, Esna, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, back to Luxor and Cairo.
Find out more about this cruise and other destinations at www.viking.com or phone 138 747.
LEE MCCARTHY
Travellers to Egypt become immersed in the past with a visit to three of the most iconic. landmarks of ancient Egypt.
Enjoy a fascinating time exploring Egypt’s capital city and learning about the region’s vast history.
Explore Cairo with a three day extension prior to joining your cruise.
Gain a deeper understanding of Ancient Egypt’s history at The Grand Egyptian Museum.
Carl and Judy Green are making a dream come true with a twelve-day cruise on the Nile with Viking.
The Viking Pharaohs and Pyramids cruise of Egypt is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Gympie couple Carl and Judy Green.
UP TO $2,400 PER COUPLE^
Your Holiday Includes Cruises
7 night all-inclusive river cruise on board Mekong Navigator
Visiting: Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Opopel Village - Wat Rokakong, Phnom Penh (overnight in port), Long Khánh Island - Mỹ An Hưng A, Sa Đéc - Cái Bè, Mỹ Tho (overnight in port)
1 night full-board luxury cruise on board the Indochine Junk Boat visiting Lan Ha Bay, Hạ Long Bay Hotel Stays
Four-star hotel stays in Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hội An, and Hanoi
All hotel stays include breakfast
Escorted Tours
Angkor Archaeological Park
Củ Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City tour
Hanoi city tour featuring Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hội An city tour with Bánh xèo cooking demonstration and tasting
Huế city tour
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Overnight flight
JOURNEY FURTHER
ICONS OF THE VIKING AGE
Uncover vibrant Oslo and its fascinating history, viewing iconic sights such as Akershus Fortress and the Royal Palace, and learn about Norway’s rich maritime heritage. Then embark on arguably one of the world’s most scenic train rides, the Bergen Railway, over Europe’s highest mountain plateau.
VIKING HOMELANDS
Bergen to New York City or vice versa
29 DAYS | 5 COUNTRIES 17 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: JUN-AUG 2026; JUN-AUG 2027
From $26,695pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $32,995pp in Penthouse Veranda
Bergen to Copenhagen
22 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 17 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
From $21,295pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $26,395pp in Penthouse Veranda
Bergen to Stockholm or vice versa
15 DAYS | 6 COUNTRIES 11 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: APR-AUG 2026; MAY-AUG 2027
From $13,395pp in Veranda Stateroom
From 15,895pp in Penthouse Veranda
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
End of life discussion
Dying to Know Information Afternoon to be held on Sunday August 10, 12pm - 4pm. Afternoon tea provided. Anyone curious about death, dying and end of life most welcome. The Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre is at 5 Sargood Street, Altona.
Writers’ Success Summit
Level up your writing career at the West’s first Writers’ Success Summit! Join emerging and established writers from 9am - 4pm on Saturday, September 6 at the Altona Civic Centre. Gain expert tips, skill-building workshops, and valuable industry contacts. Hosted by Writers Out West for Hobsons Bay residents. Limited spots available—register now to secure your place among Melbourne’s writing community. https://bit.ly/WritersSuccess
Western Athletics
Western Athletics is celebrating 30 years since the amalgamation of Werribee, Footscray and Sunshine athletic clubs. A function will be held on 18 October at the Yarraville Club. To express your interest or send updated contact details please forward to info@westernathletics.com.au.
Heritage Walks
Enjoy a leisurely 90 minute walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John Becroft. Walks start at 9-20 am 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. Inquires, Elaine: 0415 030 996
Altona day VIEW Club
Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Altona R.S.L. at 11am Inquires Jan: 0419 159 783
Mainly music – Yarraville
A music-playgroup program for kids and their carers from birth to school age. Held every Thursday from 9.30am to 10.30am during school term at Westgate Baptist Community, 16 High St, Yarraville. The cost is $7 per family, per week. Contacts: Jenny 0401 651 012, Ruth 0409 635 468 or https://westgatebaptist. org.au/mainlymusic/
Williamstown Seniors
The group meets every Tuesday at 1pm-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.
Phone Marlene, president/secretary on 0402 769 204,for any more information.
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 7.00-9.00pm at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton.
Contact: Vimi 0411 530 944 or aerospeakerstm@gmail.com
Social square dancing for beginners Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights from 7.30pm to 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!
Contact Jill MacKenzie 0439994705 or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com
Braybrook and Maidstone walking group
The Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House are holding a walking group from 9am to 10am every second Wednesday. The walking group is open to everyone and starts from the neighbourhood house at 113 Melon Street, Braybrook. 93175610 or jodie@bmnh.org.au
Computer classes
Scams, MyGov, software, online shopping, banking, email, whatever. We all need to keep up with the internet, IT, computers, and changing technology. Classes every day of the week , mornings and afternoons, in Williamstown and Altona North. Lynne, 9397-6168.
Chit Chat Tuesdays
A ladies chit chat group which is on every Tuesday from 1.30pm until 3pm at Louis Joel Arts & Community centre in Altona. As an extension of this sometimes we host guest speaker events for women in the community.
Dione 9398 2511 or visit: 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 7 pm at the club rooms 44 The Boulevard Moonee Ponds. On the 3rd Wednesday of the month there is also a social get together where people talk about fishing and make some great friendships
Email president@essendonanglersclub. org.au or phone 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 email : 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
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
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings - Williamstown
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. For more information: Visit https:// williamstown.aagroup.org.au/ email: aawilliamstown@gmail.com or call 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, 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, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport. https://www.nffc.org.au/ beginner-playalong
Prep for employment course
Seeking a change in career or how to improve your employability? Receive face-to-face help with job searches, resumes, interviews, upskilling and more in a prep for employment course. Register today. At 43 Mason Street, Newport. 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Williamstown Bridge Club
The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge sessions each week on Weds night at 7.25 and Fri afternoon at 1.25 for experienced players and a supervised session Fri 10.00 at Hobsons Bay Sport & Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Rd, Altona, 3018. All levels welcome and partners can be provided.
Sandi 0417 315 760, Alan 0430 309 255 or visit 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, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Woodcarving Workshop
Held weekly at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, but women are welcome too. Aimed at all levels of ability in the ancient, international crafts of carving, whittling and chipping. Starter gouges and timber are available, but participants are advised to bring their own tools and projects if possible. Held on Tuesdays, 9.30am to noon, 280 Queens Street, Altona.
Contact John: jah2802rot@gmail.com.
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Tala Clarete, who spent her 18th birthday hosting a tree planting session. (Damjan Janevski) 491011_01
To
nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Common carbohydrate (6)
4 One to whom money is owed (8)
9 Andrew Lloyd Webber
musical (5)
10 Water fowl (9)
11 Electronic read (1-4)
12 Yellowish-green colour (4,5)
13 Astonishment (8)
15 Roma is its capital (6)
16 Equestrians (6)
18 Ovine insecticide (5,3)
23 Infectious disease (9)
24 Body organ (5)
26 Comparisons based on similarities (9)
27 Might (5)
28 Hated intensely (8)
29 Varied mixure (6) DOWN
1 Equal; even – (7)
2 Type of acid (5)
3 Savoury biscuit (7)
5 Seldom (6)
6 Dry spell (7)
7 Journeyed (9)
8 Domed building (7)
10 Components of a dollar (5)
14 Superfluous (9)
16 First given name of Ringo Starr (7)
17 Bases (7)
19 Tips (5)
20 Overshadow (7)
21 Depict (7)
22 Separate into parts (6)
25 Sound pronounced with an open vocal tract (5)
What colour is Postman Pat's
Which city had the world's first subway?
By what stage name was actor Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland better known?
4 Which character narrates How I Met Your Mother?
5 As of 2025, how many studio albums has pop singer Lily Allen (pictured) released?
6 Dhaka is the capital of which Asian country?
7 What does a garbologist study?
8 Is an ibex a type of a) goat,
9
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Who did Iga Swiatek defeat 6–0, 6–0 in the 2025 Wimbledon women’s singles final?
2. And what bread-related nickname does this scoreline bear?
3. True or false: Tiger Woods has never competed at the Olympic Games?
4. In which city will the 2026 Tour de France begin?
5. Which prestigious sports award is named after Herbert Henry Messenger?
6. Cross-code athlete Sheridan Gallagher plays in which two Australian sports leagues?
7. Which current AFL coach was named in the 2004 Greek Team of the Century?
Championship was held in which US state?
And which US state has hosted the most PGA Championships, including the first iteration in 1916?
Which team won the 2024 AFLW Grand
How many consecutive VFL grand finals did Hawthorn contest in the 1980s?
Norwegian Olympic bronze medallist Audun Grønvold recently died after being struck by what natural force?
13. In chess, how many types of pieces can be moved diagonally?
14. Which Sauber F1 driver scored a podium finish at the British GP, his first in 239 career races?
15. What score were the West Indies dismissed for in their second innings of the third Test against Australia?
16. And which popular Australian fast bowler took a hat-trick in the process?
17. After his Wimbledon victory, how many grand slam titles has Jannik Sinner now won in total?
18. Courtside is a new retail and recreation business in Melbourne founded by which two current NBA players?
19. Which thoroughbred horseracing and breeding operation sold over $2 million worth of readyto-race horses in July?
20. Actor Adam Driver portrayed which legendary motor racing icon in a 2023 biopic?
21. How many golfing major championships has Scottie Scheffler won?
22. The Australian Opals defeated which nation in the final of the recent FIBA Women’s Asia Cup?
23. What stadium is hosting the 2025 Super Netball Grand Final?
24. What sport does the athlete awarded the largest sporting contract of all time play?
25. The sport of dragon boating originated in which country?
26. In which year will Papua New Guinea join the NRL competition?
27. The British & Irish Lions recently played in which Australian city for the first time since 1888?
28.
30. True or false: women were not allowed to compete at the first modern Olympic Games in 1896?
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Who captained the First Nations and Pasifika XV in their recent match against the British and Irish Lions?
29. Rum’un is the mascot of which future Australian sporting team?
Jaecoo J7 – China’s best yet?
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Another name to grapple with as the surge in Chinese imports gathers strength and they not only come with quantity but also quality.
This time we’re looking at Jaecoo, which joins Omoda and Tiggo as sub-brands within the giant Chery group, the fourth-largest of China’s plethora of manufacturers and, along with SAIC, one of its largest exporters.
Although Chery did make a brief and unsuccessful attempt to enter the Australian market about 10 years ago, it hasonlyjustre-launchedhereandremains largely unknown. Which is a blessing in disguise because these early models were awful and bear no comparison to the quality vehicles that are coming here now.
First out of the blocks for Jaecoo is the J7, a mid-sized five-seat SUV. It shares much of its components and dimensions with its Omoda 5 and Tiggo 4 stablemates, but is aimed at more upmarket buyers.
There are four Jaecoo J7 variants: Core, Track and Ridge. All are powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The Summit SHS is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with a 18.3 kWh battery.
Driveaway prices range from $34,990 for theCorethroughto$47,990fortheSummit SHS.
We reviewed the Summit hybrid recently so will concentrate on the three petrol models this time around.
Styling
It’s hard for any vehicle in the highly-competitive and congested small/ midsize SUV market to stand out from the crowd but, in our eyes at least, the J7 just does that.
The front is the standout feature of the J7’s design dominated by what Chery describes as a Waterfall Grille with 20 vertical chrome and piano black bars and the Jaecoo name in the centre.
The grille is flanked by twin stacked LED headlights below slimline LED daytime running lights.
Core and Ridge run on 18-inch machine finished alloy wheels. Ridge steps up to 19-inch multi-spoke alloys.
J7 Ridge adds red brake calipers, panoramic sunroof, privacy glass and puddle lights.
There are five exterior colour options, three with optional carbon black roofs.
Interior
The quality and premier feel of the Jaecoo J7 extends into the cabin.
The synthetic leatherette-trimmed seats are large and supportive. All front occupants get powered seats while the driver in the Ridge adds a memory function, powered lumbar support and seat perforation and ventilation.
Also standard across the range are a premium steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment.
Headandlegroomareaboveaverageand a panoramic sunroof with tilt-and-slide function, really opens up the area, letting in light and, with blind closed, keeping out much of the sun’s heat.
There are plenty of storage spaces with cup holders and phone charger in the centre console, a deep cubby with cooling and a convenient slot for the keyfob. Beneath the floating centre console is a large area to store phones, handbags, wallets, etc out of sight.
Maximum boot capacity in the Core and Track models is 424 litres up to the cargo cover and 584 litres to the roof. With the
rearseatbacksfoldedthatincreasesto1349 litres but down to 340/1265 litres in the Ridge.
Core and Track have a space-saver spare wheel. Ridge gets a full-size spare.
Engines/transmissions
All three petrol Jaecoo J7 models are powered by a fifth-generation 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, putting out 137kW at 5500 rpm and 275Nm from 2000 to 4000 revs.
Transmission is through a seven-speed dual clutch unit sent to the front wheels in the Core and Track and all four wheels in the Ridge.
Safety
Jaecoo J7 was tested by ANCAP in May 2025 and received the maximum five-star rating.
Standard features include eight airbags, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, various lane keeping alerts and corrections, adaptive cruise control, driver monitoring system, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic alert and braking.
Variants above Core add a driver’s knee airbag, front parking sensors and 360-degree around view monitor. Disappointingly, only Ridge comes with a head-up display.
Infotainment
Unlike most other current vehicles which use a landscape-orientated display screen, Jaecoo has opted for portrait mode, 13.2 inches in the Core and Track and 14.8-inch in the Ridge. The portrait screen, unlike the swivelling one in BYD, makes a lot of sense because it comes closer to the driver.
Tabletuserswillhavenotroubleadapting to the screen.
There’s also a 10.25-inch digital
instrument cluster in front of the driver. Both screens are crisp, clear and easy to access. There’s inbuilt satellite navigation that can be displayed on both screens.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless.
There are USB-A and -C in both the front andrearwhiletheTrackandRidgevariants each have a 50w wireless smartphone charger.
Core has a six-speaker sound system, Track and Ridge get an eight-speaker Sony system with both having controls on the steering wheel as well as voice control.
Driving
There are retractable handles on all four doors that open automatically when the key fob comes in range. Unlike most other vehicles with such door handles that can be awkward to open, those in the J7 open fully square for easy opening.
One safety feature that impressed us was that the car will not move unless the driver’sseatbeltisfastened.Greatidea,let’s hope that others follow the lead.
Not such a good idea, but something that’s becoming increasingly prevalent is that almost all vehicle functions are accessed through the touchscreen rather than using physical controls.
Then there are the various alerts including lane deviation warnings, speed limitanddriverinattentionwarning.While theseareamongthemanyimportantsafety features in the vehicle, and no doubt many drivers will appreciate them, they can be quite intrusive and frequently require the driver to look at the touchscreen instead of the road ahead.
They can be turned off although with most vehicles they then default back on when the engine is stopped. Fortunately, with the Jaecoo that’s not the case and, apartfromthedriverdistractionalert,they remain off until turned on again.
There’s nothing special about the Jaecoo’s drive experience, but that can be
RATINGS
Looks: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 7.5/10
Thirst: 8/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 7.5/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 8/10
said about most vehicles in the medium SUV field. Having said that it does what the typical family owner wants and does it well. It provides a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride both around town and on the motorway.
Steering is light and responsive.
The dual-clutch automatic takes a bit of getting used to. It’s a bit slow to respond, especially when shifting through lower gears.
Core and Track have three drive modes, Normal, Eco and Sport. The AWD Ridge adds Snow, Mud, Sand and Offroad modes and a full-size spare wheel.
Summary
Chery, somewhat ambitiously, describes Jaecoo as its luxury premium sub-brand but after spending a week behind the wheel,thetagisn’tasfaroffthemarkasyou would think.
Obviously, it doesn’t have the badge prestige of European vehicles of similar size but, with prices starting from $35k driveaway it offers incredible value for money.
It fits perfectly within the mid-sized family SUV category that’s proving so popular at the moment.
Chery’s designers have done an amazing job to craft together a look that’s simple but elegant and one that proved to be a real head-turner wherever we drove. Often followed up by the need to explain that Jaecoo was the upmarket version of the Chinese carmaker Chery.
Jaecoo offers a comprehensive warranty package of eight years/unlimited kilometres, plus capped price servicing and up to eight years roadside assist.
The J7 certainly gets our nod as one of the best offerings yet from China, certainly the best SUV. The combination of its understated but stylish looks, excellentinteriorspaceandcomfort,safety equipment and pricing make it well worth checking out.
Jaecoo fits perfectly within the mid-sized family SUV category that’s proving so popular at the moment. (Pictures: Supplied)
There was rain, wind and chilling temperatures on Saturday as the local sporting competitions took to the fields and grounds. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was braving the cold to shoot some of the action.
Battling the weather gods
Altona’s Colby Redpath tackles Grant Williams. 492302_30
Altona’s James Callaway gets a handball away. 492302_09
Altona’s Samuel Tipper and Spotswood’s Grant Williams. 492302_07
Footscray Rangers. 492154_02
It was the battle between the new teams in Footscray Rangers and Newport Storm. 492154_21
Laverton’s Ben Mccann. 492301_02
Newport Storm’s Rashidi Edward. 492154_10 Laverton’s Brandon Devlin. 492301_26
Sunbury Kangaroos’ Mia Briggs and Carly Blythe tackle Courtney McCormack. 492156_19
Sunshine Heights’ Arian Sarandis tries to get away from Rohan Crawley. 492301_17
Taylors Lakes’ Sarah Sullivan is tackled by Sunbury Kangaroos’ Carly Blythe. 492156_04
Taylors Lakes’ Rebecca Foggie. 492156_30
New season, new beginning
By Tara Murray
St Andrews-Footscray is hoping the 202526 Victorian Turf Cricket Association season will be the start of a new beginning.
It’s been a tough few years for the club, with its top side finishing bottom last season of the Evans-Clark Shield and being relegated.
But with a new president and new co-coaches, Mark Rhodes and Simon Krygger, the club is positive about the future and what it might bring.
President Thomas Stoneham said it was pretty exciting to see what was happening at the club.
“I’ve been vice-president for the last
two years and I thought I would step up to the next level to help set the club up going forward,” he said.
“It’s a new era for the club. We’ve got two life members, two club legends taking on the coaching.
“Mark and Simon have played some high level cricket. They have good knowledge of the game and where we want to go as a club.”
Stoneham said it was an easy decision to appoint Rhodes and Krygger as coaches for this season with both wanting the club to succeed.
He said both already had the respect around the local community and the club having been part of the club for a long pe-
riod of time.
“They are always winning to offer advice,” he said. “It was an easy choice to have them as coaches.”
Stoneham said while it was disappointing to drop down to division 5 for this season, they would look to use it as a chance to reset.
The side won just one game last season but were competitive in several other games. The season before it also finished bottom of division 4, but managed to avoid relegation.
“It has been a struggle getting that winning culture,” he said. “We’ve looked to recruit a few players and we want to be more competitive in division 5.
Nicola Morris is cycling for success
By Peter Howe
This month’s Don Deeble nominee Nicola Morris decided when Covid hit that she would like to participate in triathlons.
Nothavinganyrealexperienceonabike apart from riding around on her mountain bike, her family went looking for options.
“Brunswick Cycling Club had come and try junior clinic on a Sunday morning, so I went and loved it,” reflected Morris who already loved swimming and running.
“In 2022 my mum entered me into my first race which was Alpe De Buffalo which consisted of three races, a time trial, criterium and road race up Mount Buffalo as part of the Victorian Junior Road Series, it was so much fun.”
Next was the Victorian Junior Track Academy at the Darebin International Sports Complex velodrome.
“The velodrome track is very steep, so it was fair to say I spent my early learning at the bottom of the slope, but I have gradually become more confident.”
Not to be deterred, another discipline of cycling was offered to Morris and she tried Cyclocross, which is a form of off-road racing that combines elements of road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase.
Like a duck to water, Morris took first place in the 2022 Victorian State Cyclocross Championship under-15 women and went on to finish second in the Australian Championships.
She won gold at the Australian Championships the next year.
“I just love the challenge that cycling provides,” she said. “You have to push yourself because it is you against the field, but I also like to challenge others. I have two older brothers who are also into sport, and we like to boast about who’s the best.”
Triathlons were not put on hold despite her growing love affair with cycling.
Morrisisintheswimmingpoolat5.30am twice a week, she spends up to three hours per week on her stationary bike.
One of her favourite sessions is riding behind an old postie motorbike ridden by one of her favourite coaches, Cam McFarlane.
“He is known by most as Postie Cam and has had a positive impact on so many bike riders over the years.
There’s then a three hour riding session on Sundays.
Morris was recently selected for the under-17 Australian track development team that went to Malaysia to train and compete in the YSD Track Series.
She is also starting to collect an array of medals.
In 2024 she won gold in the under-15 girls points race at the National Championships.
She finished second in the National Road race and first in the National Cyclo-
Nicola Morris. (Supplied)
cross Championships.
In 2024 she was named the AusCycling Victorian women’s junior track rider of the year.
This year Morris won three bronze medals at the Victorian Track State Championships, represented Victoria at the National Track Championships and finished second in the National Gravel Championships.
Morrishasalsorecentlybeenselectedto race in the New Zealand 2025 Yunca Junior Tour of Southland in September as part of
“Hopefully this will be a good stepping stone and we can get that winning culture back and more people around the club coming down and supporting us.
“Hopefully we can make finals and get back up to division 4 as soon as possible. We want to get and back up a division and even to division 3 to play at a higher level.”
Stoneham said they had already locked in an import from the United Kingdom, who is an opening bat.
He said they were pretty happy with the signing and felt he would be more than handy at this level.
Stoneham said while they want to build a winning culture, they want to ensure that they having a bit of fun with it as well.
Sports shorts
Western FL
Laverton is trying to reestablish its women’s side in the Western Football League. After not having the numbers this season to have a team, the Magpies are trying to get the team back up and running. The club said it’s ready to create new opportunities, welcome new players, and build something special for the women of its community. Details: https://forms.gle/ PHjZ92RFUhYo8LtJ6
VTCA
West Newport has appointed Jarryd Daries, a talented South African all-rounder, as its coach for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield season. The club said that Daries brings a wealth of playing experience, having represented clubs in South Africa, England and Australia. “His all-round skills and international perspective are a fantastic addition to our club, and we’re thrilled that he’ll be guiding sharing his knowledge with our playing group,” the club said.
BBL
Two Footscray players have been named in squads for the upcoming Top End T20 tournament to be held in Darwin in August. Dylan Brasher, who has been part of the competition for a few years, has been named in the Melbourne Renegades squad and Max Birthisel, who was part of the Stars team last year, will again represent the Stars this time. In the fourth time the two Melbourne teams have competed in the competition.
VAFA
Williamstown CYMS fells short against Old Ivanhoe in the Victorian Amatuer Football Association premier B competition on Saturday. Old Ivanhoe led early on and was able to maintain that lead heading into half time. A nine goal to three third quarter blew open the game with Old Ivanhoe going on to win, 16.10 (108)-10.16 (76). Ned Sayers, Aidan Williams and Oliver Becroft were named the CYs best. The CYs sit in third position after 13 rounds. In the premier women’s competition, the CYs had a bye.
the AusCycling Junior Pathways Program and has been offered a position with the AusCycling Victorian Road Development Academy.
The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly.
If you would like to nominate someone or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@ gmail.com or 0408 556 631.
Burton steps up at Imperials
By Tara Murray
Williamstown Imperials didn’t have to look far to lock in their new coach for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.
Star all-rounder Tom Burton, who has been at the club the past two seasons, will step up into the coaching role.
He replaces his best mate Andrew Hendry, who is one of four assistant coaches who will support Burton.
Burton said he was looking forward to the new challenge.
“I can not wait to start, it will be fun,” he said. “I coached previously at Mazenod for five years there.
“I have thought about it [coaching
again] but it was nice just turning up and just playing.
“As soon as they asked at the back end of last year about coaching, as soon as the seed was planted it has grown on me.
Burton said they wanted to go down a different path this season with the coaching group.
He said gone were the days of having just one coach, you needed to have a whole group to support the playing group to get the best out of them.
Matt Grose, Stan Alsop and Jack Blythman are the other assistant coaches.
“We’ve got a lot of quality at the club,” Burton said. “Andrew is my best mate and working together on this journey is going to be fun.
“We want to have a lot of fun next year and hopefully win a premiership would be good.”
Burton said the Imperials was a great place to play and playing besides the beach was always added to the joy.
He said the club had been a good place to settle down at and he was keen to have more success.
After winning the Roy Picone Shield in 2023-24, the Imperials won the minor premiership in the Steve McNamara Shield last season.
It was a disappointing end to the season as they were knocked out in the semi finals.
“We had a disappointing end in the semi finals,” he said. “We’re building a strong
Godwill Basha. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 492154_14
Storm is hoping for a strong end to season
Newport Storm is hoping to keep the momentum going and claim the FV state league 5 west championship in its inaugural season.
The Storm has been the team to beat all season and sits atop the table with five rounds remaining are three points clear of Bendigo City.
Storm’s Zayed Halloum said they were pretty proud of the efforts of the squad and coaching staff this season.
“They have produced some amazing results,” he said. “The football has been entertaining and we’ve faced a few challenges and we have been very resilient to overcome them.
“In the second half of the season other teams have paid attention to us and everyone is looking to beat the team at the top of the table.
“It’s been challenging, but I’ve been so proud of them.”
Halloum said they were always hopeful of having a strong first season feeling they had the right team and right coaching
group in place.
The side has lost just two games so far.
“I’m not going to say that I’m surprised as I know the quality we have in our players and coaching staff,” he said.
“We’ve overcome a lot of hurdles, even in games and been able to come back and get the result in a couple of really tough games.”
Halloum said they weren’t getting too far ahead of themselves and were taking it a game at a time as the end of the season quickly approaches.
He said they wanted to to ensure they continued to play the way that they have for the season so far.
While normally promotion would come with finishing in the first couple of spots, a competition restructure means that is the case.
The top two teams will play in the new state league 5 north-west competition.
Halloum said it would be a good achievement to remain in state league 5, with teams from that current to drop into
team united and have good team bonding.
“We want to give it another crack.”
“Hopefully we’ll build and improve. Hopefully we’ll go one or two better and win another flag.”
Burton said they were looking at adding a couple of overseas players to their list.
The Imperials said they were thrilled to have Burton as coach.
“Tom has been an integral part of our club for the past few years and now steps into the head coach role with a strong background and proven success, including multiple premierships in previous coaching tenures,” the club said.
“His leadership and experience will be key to our continued development and success.”
Hit to finals hopes
Williamstown’s finals hopes have taken another hit as they suffered a third straight loss in the Victorian Football League.
After a winning streak to bring them back into the finals mix, the Seagulls have gone back to the pack in recent weeks.
On Saturday, the Seagulls had the big test of trying to get the job done against the Southport Sharks up in Queensland. The Seagulls started the better of the two sides and led by 13 points at quarter time.
Southport got going in the second quarter with six goals to one to lead by 20 points at the main break.
state league 6 and 7 competitions.
Winning the championship would be the icing on the cake for the season.
“The title was the objective at the start of the year,” he said. “We wanted to be as close as we could be to the top of the ladder.
“I think the team deserves it, the players deserve it after a long tough season. We’ve worked hard to get the results.”
The Storm claimed another win on Saturday, beating the Footscray Rangers, 3-1.
Halloum said the Rangers results don’t show how competitive they have been this season.
“It was a competitive game with a bit of a tense start,” he said. “We were able to take the lead and you saw that reflected in the first half and it was relatively comfortable.
“We conceded one just after half time and it puts the pressure back on you.”
In other matches, Maidstone United beat Ocean Grove, 2-1.
In state league 4 north-west, Melbourne City lost to Balmoral 1-0 and Barnstoneworth United lost to Melton Phoenix, 2-0.
Another six goal quarter further extended the lead for the Sharks with the margin 34 points at the final change. The Seagulls came home hard and finished with their best quarter of the match, with six goals, but they couldn’t stop the Sharks from scoring.
The Sharks did enough to come away with a 17.10 (112)-14.6 (90) win.
Brodie McLaughlin kicked five goals for the Seagulls, while Hugo Hall-Kahan, Nathan Colenso and Riley Collier-Dawkins kicked two goals apiece. Hall-Kahan won plenty of the ball with 29 disposals, while Jake Greiser had 27 and Toby Triffett had 25.
The Seagulls now sit in 10th spot and are just a game ahead of 11th placed Coburg Lions in the battle for a finals play off spot. The Seagulls face Collingwood on Saturday.
Williamstown’s women’s side, which had a bye at the weekend, also face Collingwood this Saturday.
Hugo Hall-Kahan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 475540_10
Spurs ready for finals series
By Tara Murray
Parkside Spurs are better prepared for a tilt at the Western Football League women’s finals this season.
The Spurs currently sit second on the ladder with just one loss for the season, back in round three to Caroline Springs.
Spurs coach Callum Tenabel said thingshadbeentrackingalongreallywell.
“The growth we’ve had has come from the under-16s at Ascot Vale,” he said. “We’ve typically playing five or six under-15 girls.
“I think a couple of them would be in the best 22 come finals time. The under-16s and women’s teams train together.
“The under-16s team is gaining matu-
rity and skills at a higher benchmark than they usually would.
“They’ve been performing well on the track and given the women’s team more depth.”
Tenabelsaidwithhaving30-40attraining each night they were able to extend what they did at training.
He said fitness had improved and the skills were better as they were more connected from doing more match play.
“I think so much of that is to do with depth,” he said. “Last year we had 14 to 15 in each game.
“We now have a full bench most weeks.
“Having a full squad has been the main thing. Everyone is fit and available for selection.”
With three matches reaming, Tenabel
said they were focusing on the key areas that they would need come finals.
Goalkicking and forward movement is one area they want to keep improving, while they want to stabilise the backline and have rotated a lot of players through there.
Tenabel said they were slightly disappointed not to play Caroline Springs again during the regular season to test themselves before likely playing them in finals.
He said on the one occasion they they did play this season they had only 15 players and led by 10 points at half time before being overrun.
“We want to challenge them with a full squad,” he said.”
The Spurs had a bye on the weekend after having a big win against North Sun-
Falcons move step closer to VNL grand final
The City West Falcons produced one of its best quarters of the Victorian Netball League season to take another step closer to the grand final.
The Falcons faced Boroondara Express on Wednesday in a battle of one and two, and also the past two grand finals.
It couldn’t have been a much better first quarter from the Falcons, who led 12-2 early.
At 22-6 at quarter time, the match was all but done.
The Express showed some fight in the second and third quarters with the margin still 18 goals at three quarter time.
The Falcons finished off strongly to win 72-48.
Falcons coach Marg Lind said the first quarter was definitely not what they were expecting.
She said they had been waiting for finals for a number of weeks, having locked in top spot weeks ago.
“We just went for it,” Lind said. “That set us up.
“Theywereprettymucherrorfree,converted off every turnover which made a lot of difference.
“We did a lot of homework on the opposition, been prepping for a while and it paid off.”
Lind said they know there’s a lot of pressure on them and was pleased to see the playing group stand up to that pressure.
The Express fought back in the middle two quarters which Lind thought would happen.
She said they were still happy with how they played the middle two quarters.
“I think we did a good job defensively adjusting to their patterns,” she said. “They also switched a few players in and did a bit of prep on all of them.
“We switched up quickly which we haven’t done against them and in attack we moved the ball really well.”
With the margin blown out, the Falcons rotated some players around with Chelsea Imansani and Lucia Fauonuku coming on and doing well.
Lind said they were mindful that it was a longer finals series.
Jane Cook shot 55 goals for the Falcons, before getting a rest late in the game.
The Falcons 23 and under side upset theHawksintheireliminationfinal,55-51.
Lind said they got off a good start and were in front, which they hadn’t been against the Hawks this season.
“We were pretty steady,” she said. “They didrespondbuttheydidalotofhomework on them and we tidied up a few things in our attack and they definitely helped.”
Lind said she thought Lani Fauonuku, who shot 37 goals, played well and Liv
Powellgotinvolvedwhenitreallycounted. Lind said they just focused on taking it one week and a time and chipping away.
The championship side will now face the Hawks for a spot in a grand final this week, with a double chance.
shine in the previous round.
With the Roadrunners struggling for numbers, the Spurs rotated some of their players through the opposition to allow them to have a game.
Tenabel said they used the opportunity to play their midfield against each other. In results on Saturday, West Footscray had its second draw against Point Cook Centrals.
On this occasion, the Sharks kicked the only scores of the final quarter to seal a 4.2 (26) apiece result.
ErinPorter,KathleenGannonandKaila Ducret were the Roosters best. Yarraville Seddon lost to Caroline Springs, 17.14 (116)-1,2 (8). Maggie Logan, Akec Makur Chuot and Rosie RonanYates were the Eagles best.
Spotswood took another step to wards securing a finals spot, while dinting Altona’s finals hopes in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
A lot was on the line for both sides heading into the match between the two long time rivals.
There was not much difference on the scoreboard at the first break with Vikings leading by three points at the first break.
Five goals to one in the second quarter opened by a 21 point lead and they were able to continue to extend the lead to 46 points at the last break.
Spotswood continued to show its strength with six final quarter goals to come away with a convincing 17.18 (120)-6.9 (45) win.
TheWoodsmenremaininfifthspot, while Altona is in ninth spot now three games behind the Woodsmen.
In other matches, Parkside’s finals hopes also took a hit as they lost to Caroline Springs.
Both teams had their chances early, with the Lakers making more of theirs to lead by 28 points at quarter time. They were able to extend the lead at 35 points at half time.
Lind said the Hawks, who only lost by two goals last time they played, were a good aggressive team.
The 23 and under side will face Melbourne University Lightning in a knockout semi final.
The margin stayed steady in the next two quarters with the Lakers able to come away with a 13.13 (91)-8.10 (58) win.
Yarraville Seddon remains in third spot after beating Sunshine, 12.19 (91)-8.5 (53).
Lucia Fauonuku. (Dave Callow/Netball Victoria)
Chris Seymour takes a strong mark. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 492302_12
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