Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 13th August 2025
A healing memoir
By Cade Lucas
The title might refer to terror attacks in the Indonesian capital, but the genesis of Grant Dooley’s memoir, ’Bomb Season in Jakarta’, is another more personal attack that the Williamstown born former diplomat suffered.
“I had a big panic attack in 2019,” said Dooley, who has also been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“One way to deal with it, suggested by the counsellor, was to journalise my experiences because I couldn’t talk about them.”
And journalise Dooley did, a process which not only helped his mental health, but resulted in author being added to diplomat, financier, linguist, sailor and Williamstown Football Club committee member on a long and impressive resume.
However it’s Dooley’s time as a diplomat at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta that forms the basis of the book and from where it gets its name.
Dooley moved to the Indonesian capital in 2004 after his wife, also a diplomat, got postedthere. Atthetime,Indonesiawasin themidstofawaveofterrorattackscarried out by Islamic extremists, including the bombing of Jakarta’s Marriott Hotel year earlier and most infamously, the Bali bombings in 2002. After securing work at the Australian Embassy himself, Dooley wastakingabreakfromlanguagetraining when the terrorists struck again.
“It was a truck bomb that killed 11 people,” said Dooley of the attack on the AustralianEmbassyonSeptember9,2004. That it occurred at the same time of year as the previous bombings became a source of black humour for embassy staff.
“They were all in August, September and October so we’d ask each other what we’re doing for bomb season.”
While it became the title of his book, the bombings only formed a small part of the “shit” that Dooley experienced and which resulted in him writing it.
In fact the embassy bombing was just the start.
“We had the bombing, the (Boxing Day) tsunami, the plane crash in Yogyakarta that killed five Australians,” recalled Dooley of the plane full of Australian diplomats and journalists trailing then Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, which crashed in March 2007.
Dooley was supposed to be on board but changed his flight the day before. His friend who took his seat was killed.
Then there was a riot out the front of the embassy that he and his colleagues got caughtupinandthediscoveryofawebsite identifying the best places to assassinate Australian diplomats.
“It was like the frog in boiling water, we thought we were coping and we weren’t,” said Dooley of the cumulative effect of
these experiences which finally caught up with him years later.
As well as a coping mechanism, Dooley said he wrote the book to change the perception of Australian diplomats representing the country overseas.
“It’s not all canapes and champagne,” he said of working for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Dooleyjoinedthediplomaticranksfrom the Navy, where he worked as a linguist,
having joined as a 16 year old fresh out of Williamstown’s Paisley High School. Thesedayshe’slivingbackinMelbourne working in finance, having left diplomacy more than a decade ago.
He still comes back to Williamstown to watch the Seagulls (his sister Meredith is the president), sail at the Hobsons Bay Yacht Club and visit his elderly mother. Bomb
in Jakarta is out now through Affirm Press.
Season
Williamstown-born former diplomat Grant Dooley has released a new book, Bomb Season In Jakarta. (Damjan Janevski: 494886)
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 Until 17 AugLaverton to Werribee
8.30pm to last train 13 AugNorth Melbourne to Werribee
8.30pm 15 Aug to 5am 16 Aug
5am 16 Aug to 17 AugNewport to Werribee
Williamstown Line
8.30pm to 13 AugNorth Melbourne to Williamstown
8.30pm 15 Aug to 5am 16 Aug
Sunbury Line 10pm to 4am 16 AugNorth Melbourne and Sunbury 1am to 4am 17 Aug
8.30pm to last train 17 Aug 16 to 17 AugPassengers change at Footscray StationforWerribeeandWilliamstown 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
Princes Freeway, Altona North 15 to 16 AugCitybound between Kororoit Creek Road and the M80 interchange 28 Aug 29 to 30 Aug
Arden Station
House has power to help
By Cade Lucas
The Yarraville Community Centre (YCC) has long provided assistance to people in need, but soon that assistance will extend to helping people reduce their power bills.
THe YCC is one of 250 community centres and neighbourhood houses across Victoria selected by the state government to help roll out the next round of its power saving bonus program from August 25.
The fifth round of the power saving bonus program, which received $50 million of funding in this year’s state budget, will provide $100 payments to eligible con-
cession card holders to help with their energy bills.
But in order to access the payments, concession card holders will first need to apply, which is where YCC and other neighbourhood houses involved in the program, come in.
“Our purpose really is to support people who can’t access technology at home or who need help with the process because of language barries etc,” said YCC chief executive Jessie Dean.
“We’ll be able to sit down with people and support them to apply for the bonus.”
To be eligible for the power saving
bonus, applicants must provide a recent residential electricity bill and must hold a health care, pensioner concession, veterans’ affairs pensioner concession or veterans’ affairs gold card.
Ms Dean said she and some of her colleagues would soon undergo training to help them provide assistance specific to the application process.
Those who do have access to the internet can apply for the power saving bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC)websiteandwhilstthere,cancheck to see if their current deal provides value for money and if not, switch providers.
Altona Village Traders Association’s Ilch Mickovski presents long-time Altona hairdresser Cheryle Johnson with a
493331_04
Cheryle is ready to make her final cut
Cheryle Johnson has been cutting hair at her Altona salon for so long, she’s not sure when she started.
“I reckon it might’ve been 61 or 62,” said Ms Johnson when asked what year her Pier Street salon opened.
Born in 1946, Ms Johnson turned 79 recently and claims to have opened the salon with the support of her parents when she was 16, meaning it must’ve been 1962. But then she said she’d had the business for 64 years, meaning 1961 must’ve been the starting point.
But while the date she opened is uncertain, the closing date isn’t. At the end of this month, Ms Johnson will hang up her scissors for the final time, retiring from the only job she’s ever had.
“I’m really sad to be going, but it’s just time for me to pull back a little bit,” said Ms Johnson whose last day of trading will be August 29.
“I’m going to turn into a hobby for family and friends.”
As a great-grandmother, Ms Johnson has enough family and friends to
Operators announced for mental
The service providers for new mental health clinics in Maribyrnong and Wyndham have been revealed.
Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt announced that cohealth would be the lead service provider or the two mental health and wellbeing local clinics to be located in the western suburbs, with the Maribyrnong service to be operated in partnership with Western Health and the Wyndham service to be operated in partnership with Mercy Health.
The two clinics are among seven new mental health and wellbeing locals which
According to the state government, consumers who did this last year saved roughly $240 per year.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said both the power saving bonus and helping consumers switch energy providers, would provide cost of living relief for households.
“While private energy companies keep raising their prices and put profits first, we’re on the side of working families and Victorian households,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
To apply for the power saving bonus, visit: compare.energy.vic.gov.au.
Ambulance response times are improving in the inner west
Ambulance response times to emergency cases in Maribyrnong have improved by almost 90 seconds on average according to the latest quarterly data released on Thursday.
From April 1 to June 30, 2025 Ambulance Victoria paramedics responded to code one cases in Maribyrnong at an average time of 14 minutes and 26 seconds.
The result was not only well below the 15 minute target time for code one cases requiring lights and sirens, but was 86 seconds better than the 15 minutes and 52 second average achieved in the same quarter in 2024.
The percentage of code one cases responded to within the 15 minute target time also improved, with 69 per cent in the year to June 30, compared to 63 per cent 12 months earlier.
However, improvements did come from a lower case load, with 1173 code one call-outs to Maribyrnong for the quarter, down from 1312 a year earlier.
Hobson Bay experience more marginal improvements, with an average code one response time of 16 minutes and six seconds for the quarter, a four second drop from the 16 minutes and 10 seconds to June 30, 2024.
still keep her busy, though maybe not the Tuesday to Saturday schedule she’s been working since the days of beehives and rollers.
Despite trends and technology changing, she said most important aspect of hairdressing remained the same: conversation.
“It’s a massive social life, it’s wonderful,” she said.
health clinics in the west
the state government recently announced would be established across metropolitan Melbourne by the end of this year.
The new services will add to the 15 existing mental health and wellbeing locals, operating across 17 locations, that have already been established since they were recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
“Easy access to mental health care without needing a GP referral or Medicare card is another step closer – with these trusted providers set to deliver these important new services in communities across Victoria,”
Ms Stitt said.
“More than 23,000 Victorians have already turned to mental health and wellbeing locals for support – and with more locals on the way, even more Victorians will have access to this vital service close to home.”
The clinics are designed to act as a ‘front door’ to the mental health system, by offering support and treatment for Victorians experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction.
Details: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal
Despite the improvement, average response times remained more than a minute slower than the target time for code one cases, however the percentage of responses within 15 minutes rose to 60 per cent from 58 per cent.
As with Maribyrnong, the results were achieved from a smaller case load, with 1297 call-outs compared to 1443 in 2024.
The improvements were reflected statewide, with an average code one response time of 15 minutes and 27 seconds for the quarter, 10 seconds quicker than at the same point a year earlier, though still outside the 15 minute target time.
The percentage arriving within 15 minutes rose marginally from 64 to 65 per cent, but like the inner west, came from fewer cases as Ambulance Victoria acting regional operations executive director Michael Georgiou explained.
“April to June last year was AV’s busiest three months on record – with 102,419 code one emergencies,” Mr Georgiou said.
“Across the same period this year, we’ve responded to 98,874 code one cases.“
retirement gift . (Damjan Janevski).
FROM ROLLING SOLO TO LOCALLY BACKED
Local Business Bankers with personalised insights and on-the-ground support
West features in film fest
By Cade Lucas
Melbourne’s west will star at this year’s MelbourneInternationalFilmFestival(MIFF) with the premiere of Westgate, the second full-length feature from West Footscray filmaker Adrian Ortega.
Set in and shot in and around Footscray, Westgate is the semi-autobiographical tale of Ortega and his Italian-Australian single mother on a single day in 1999.
“It’s really actually my mothers story from my perspective,” said Ortega who wrote and directed the film.
Stylish
“The perspective of the film is hers, but I’m telling from what I witnessed and heard and felt and saw at the time.”
At the time Ortega was 12 and so to is Julian, the the character based on him who sharesaWestFootscrayhomewithNetta,the character based on his own mother.
NettaisstrugglingtolookafterJulianwhile confronting ghosts from her past, namely the the 1970 collapse of the West Gate Bridge, which killed scores of Italian migrants, including her own father.
“Everybody knew somebody who knew someone who died on the bridge,” said Orte-
ga of the impact the West Gate disaster still had on the inner-west Italian community when he was growing up.
On the day in question, the 30th anniversary of the disaster is less than a year away and when a series of financial, family and health issues come to a head at once, Netta is forced to finally confront the grief she’s been running away from for nearly three decades.
Despite her central role in the film, Ortega said his mother was still waiting to see Westgate like everyone else.
toad’s kindness message for kids
A rogue toad inspired a Sunshine author’s heartwarming celebration of individuality, acceptance, and kindness.
Kelly Brodie-Brown hopes picture book The Style Secrets of Gareth McGreen leaves readers feeling “a little bit braver, a little bit bolder in how they want to present themselves to the world.”
Gareth landed on bookshop shelves in August after leaping into her imagination during a holiday, a toad staring up at her from a puddle.
“Toads tend to get a bad rap in stories,” she said.
“I thought, what if this little guy was a super suave style icon!?”
The tale of a stylish amphibian crafting dazzling outfits for animals of all sorts soon took shape.
It’s a lovely way to teach childrenentertaining them, and hopefully making them laugh
- Kelly Brodie-Brown
A shy young possum teaches Gareth to look past the fabric and frills to discover the real secret to feeling fabulous.
Kelly’s daughter, Astrid, 6, listened to manyiterationsofGarethasKellypainstakingly crafted her idea into a succinct, rhythmic, and lyrical story.
“Finding my way into picture books came from reading to Astrid,” she said.
“It’s a lovely way to teach childrenentertaining them, and hopefully making them laugh. The heart of this book is the big celebration of diversity and the spirit of individuality.
“What makes the world an interesting place is that we’re all different.
“It’s about finding your own style and finding your way of expressing yourself.”
Kelly would love to write a second Gareth story, but for now, she has two new picture books due for release next year.
“There’ll be plenty of locations westies recognise,” he said, before offering his opinion on why the area is chosen for so many film shoots.
“I think people are drawn to stories about working class people and in Melbourne it doesn’t get anymore working class than the west.”
Westgate’s MIFF screenings are sold out, but Ortega is hopeful a third will be added. Details: https://miff.com.au/program/film/ westgate
“She read the script and loved it but we’ll have to wait and see how she responds to the film,” said Ortega who shot Westgate in June last year.
Braybrook language school fined
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has secured $14,145 in penalties in court against a weekend community Chinese language school, which operates out of a site in Braybrook, and its former volunteer chairperson.
The penalties were imposed in response to the Western Chinese Language School failing to comply with a notice that required it to calculate and make payments to four workers, in respect of their outstanding minimum entitlements, that it employed as Chinese language teachers for various periods between October 2016 and June 2021.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court has imposed a $13,320 penalty against Western Chinese Language School and an $825 penalty against Baoquan Chen, who was chairperson of the school’s board on a volunteer basis.
Mr Chen was involved in the failure to comply with the compliance notice.
The court ordered the school to take the actions required by the compliance notice, including calculating and making payments to the employees in relation to their outstanding minimum entitlements, plus superannuation and interest.
TheFWOinvestigatedafterreceivingrequests for assistance from the four affected teachers,whowereengagedonapart-time or casual basis.
A Fair Work inspector issued a compliance notice to the school in September 2022 after forming a belief the school had failed to pay Saturday and public holiday penalties and accrued but untaken annual leave entitlements at the end of one employee’s period of employment.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said employers who failed to act on compliance notices needed to be aware they could face court-imposed penalties on top of having to back-pay workers.
“As this case demonstrates, legal action can be taken against both the employer and any individuals legally involved in the contraventions, including those who hold volunteer positions with the employer,” Ms Booth said.
“Employers must meet all their obligations to their workers and people in senior leadership positions must ensure that compliance is a high priority for those organisations.”
E-bike operation launched as police target reckless riders, compliance and safety
Victoria Police has launched a new operation targeting reckless e-bike riders.
Operation Consider, involves members from Victoria Police’s State Highway Patrol and Solo Unit teaming up with the North West Metro Bike Patrol in Melbourne’s CBD to crack down on e-bike compliance and safety.
It comes as the number of collisions involving e-bikes has increased signifi-
cantly year-on-year.
New police data shows 79 e-bike collisions were recorded in 2023, jumping up 82 per cent the following year with 144 e-bike collisions recorded in 2024.
Provisional analysis of 2025 collision data indicates there were at least 113 e-bike collisions as of July 30.
The operation will involve police members patrolling on foot and using bi-
cycles, motorcycles and highway patrol vehicles to target riders using overpowered and illegal e-bikes.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said the increasing popularity of e-bikes had unfortunately been mirrored by an increasing amount of road trauma incidents involving the vehicles.
“Nine times out of 10, the e-bikes in-
volved in these collisions are either overpowered, non-compliant or they are not being used in accordance with the road rules,” Mr Weir said.
“We acknowledge there may be some confusion among the community when it comes to e-bikes, however the onus is on riders to ensure they understand and comply with the rules before using their e-bike.”
MY PLACE
Evan Maddox was born in Williamstown in 1943 and has lived there ever since. Now in his 80s, Mr Maddox recently released a book, ‘Memories of Growing up and Working in Williamstown’ detailing his life and times in the bayside suburb. He spoke Cade Lucas about the place he calls ‘Willy’.
What’s your connection to Williamstown?
I was born in Williamstown during the Second World War, attended Willy Primary and then Willy Technical School. I served an apprenticeship as a diesel fitter-mechanic, then worked at Hobsons BaydockandandtheMelbourneHarbour Trust as a fitter ,then leading hand and foreman. I was also, for a time, the secretary of the shipbuilding and ship repair committee of the metal worker union.
What do you like about living/working here?
I loved every minute of my time in Willy growing up and as a teenager then as an adult. Willy had so much to offer in activities such as swimming, football, parks and gardens and more.
What, if anything, would you change aboutthearea?
Willy has certainly changed from a sleepy quiet town, to now a busy congested city far from my earlier memories. Changes fromlivinginahometomanyapartments and townhouses and traffic congestion has spoiled a lovely backwater.
Where is your favourite local place to spendtime?
save that
The waterfront and the botanic gardens. Tell us something people would be surprisedtoknowaboutyou? During the 70’s and 80’s my involvement as a union secretary in the ship building and ship repair industry meant trying
and the surrounding area. But it was to no avail as governments failed in their support and now all is lost.
Libraries host National Science Week celebrations
NationalScienceWeekisbeingcelebrated across Hobsons Bay this week with free andfunactivitiesatlocallibraries.
From space-themed story times to LEGO building sessions and thought-provoking science talks with a comedictwist,alltastesandinterestswillbe catered for at Hobsons Bay libraries from August 11 to 16.
Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander said the week-long science celebration was somethingeverymemberofthecommunity could enjoy.
“It’s great that we can engage with an occasion such as National Science Week to lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and literacy of science from the earliest years,” Cr Kellander said.
Altona Library kicked off National Science Week with a LEGO space challenge on Monday, August 11.
Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski was there to capture local kids and their parents joining in the fun.
Aaliyah, 6, and her
mum Sarah Krstev concentrate on their space creation. 494827_05
Harvey, 10, with a a LEGO space shuttle he made at Altona Library on Monday. 494827_06
Mateo, 3, and Teddy, 3, join forces. 494827_03
Mateo, 3, shows off his LEGO creation. 494827_02
Michael, 9, with his LEGO space challenge creation. 494827_07
Teddy, 3, takes part in the the science week LEGO space challenge at Altona Library on August 11. 494827_01
to
industry from its demise as a large employer of people in Williamstown
Evan Maddox outside his childhood home in Williamstown with the book he wrote about living and working in the suburb. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 463533_04
Checkout the food bins
Grocery shoppers in Hobsons Bay will now notice something different when they approach the supermarket checkout.
Food collection bins have been placed at Coles in Williamstown and Woolworths outlets in Altona North and Spotswood as part of Williamstown Community and Education Centre’s (WCEC) food relief program.
Whetherdoingtheirweeklysupermarket shop or just picking up a few items after work, shoppers can now help those in need too by donating nonperishable food items into the collection bins located next to the checkout area.
The donated items are then packaged in mixed nonperishable food bags and distributed to disadvantaged members of the community by volunteers.
Food relief can also be accessed at the WCEC’s headquarters at John Kirner House in Williamstown from 10am to 1pm
on Mondays and Fridays (ask for Tahlia) and at Altona North Community House on Thursdays from 9am to 12.30pm (ask for Lara).
For perishable items, a fruit and vegetable swap is held in the foyer of Joan Kirner House, while fresh bakery items are available there each morning.
“The generosity of locals is outstanding” said WCEC chief executive Dr Mark Brophy of the reason why the organisation had been able to grow and refine its food relief program over the past few years.
“Every donation makes a substantial difference to locals in need.”
Dr Brophy also acknowledged local businesses, organisations and not-for-profits who had donated to the program such as the Country Women’s Association, Healthcare Foundation, The Village Williamstown, Share the Dignity, Mobil, and EMILY’s List.
Briefs
Machete
charge
A fifth teen has been charged in relation to a machete attack on a man in Altona Meadows last month that almost severed his arm. A 15-year-old boy from the Hobsons Bay area was arrested on August 7, and charged with robbery and other offences. He has been bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. Four other teens have already been charged in relation to the incident which occurred at Central Square shopping centre about 8pm on July 19 and left 33-year-old Saurabh Anand in hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matter.
Spotswood fire
Residents of a Spotswood apartment building were forced to evacuate when a fire broke out in the bedroom of one of the units late on the afternoon of August 5. Fire crews arrived at the apartment building, believed to be in the Union Square complex, to find residents already evacuating. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to attack the blaze which was deemed under control by 5.57pm. The unit suffered fire, smoke and water damage in the blaze which is still being investigated.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
two-bedroom units, across the road from Queens Park and a short stroll to vibrant Puckle Street. Active and social onsite community with walking and
WCEC food relief volunteers Bobby Pearce, Maryann Wenzel and Mary Caldwell next to a food collection bin at Coles in Williamstown. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 494144_01
I teach them not just swimming, but selfcompassion ... In order to be good at something you have to be bad first
- Barbara Murotake
Taking a dive later in life
Many adults in Melbourne’s western suburbs are learning how to swim. Jaidyn Kennedy speaks to a few of those taking the plunge later in life and explores how more of the west can be made swimmable.
Many people take swimming lessons, but not many people take swimming lessons on the cusp of their eighth decade.
Anne Young had her first formal swimming lesson at the age of 70 after moving to Williamstown – a suburb people flock to for its beach.
“I had my first lesson at 70 because I could swim to save myself but no one else,” Anne said.
“I have always loved the water and to swim, and as the eldest of seven kids, my parents couldn’t afford swimming lessons.
“Then as things went on, I thought I would love to be able to swim with my head in the water.”
Daily strolls along the shore and seeing beachgoers enjoy themselves was what finally pushed her to take the plunge.
“Therewasanadvertforseniorswimming lessons and I thought why not, so I got into the pool and learned the strokes and how to breathe correctly,” Anne said.
“At the end of five or six lessons, I was presented with a beach towel for the most improvement.
“It was just enough to give me the confidence of going into the open water.”
Transmitting that confidence to others has become something of a calling and now she volunteers to help children with disabilities learn how to swim.
“That is so rewarding, just the pleasure of getting the kids in the water to start with – and then you can’t get them out,” Anne said.
“Its a bit of a cliché, but it really does give me joy.”
Anne warns that there may be no turning back once you jump in the water.
“It’s very addictive and the only side effects are that it gives you adrenaline and sets you up for the day.”
Growing up in India, Shailaja Samudrala harboured a persistent fear of water and drowning.
“Actually, I wanted to be able to survive in water during an emergency – I started as a newbie because I didn’t learn to swim as a child,” Shailaja said.
“Comingoverhere[toAustralia]Iwanted to overcome my fears and I always had this sense of waterphobia.”
In her mid-thirties at that stage, the inspiration to learn came from quite close to home.
“I saw my kids learning, so I thought why not? Why can’t I learn how to do it?,” she said.
“I got inspired and thought let’s do it this time – even I can overcome my fears.”
Themissionisnowmakingsureeveryone in her household knows how to swim.
“I keep telling my husband you should give it a try, there is no harm in giving it a shot,” Shailija said.
“Water survival is a must for everyone, you never know what is coming your way.”
Sometimes it can be the good things in life that come your way, too.
“I have made heaps of friends and have gone on coffee dates and holidays,“ Shailija said.
OneofthosefriendsisBarbaraMurotake.
While both proficient swimmers, the pair still take lessons to hone their skills and strokes at Shawn’s Swim School in Hoppers Crossing.
“I had just moved to Melbourne from Canberra and didn’t have many friends in thewest,soIwasabletomakefriends through swimming,” Barbara said.
“Shailaja and I have become good friends and that has been something really awesome.”
Barbara teaches adults how to swim – but it was never something she set out to do.
“I decided to become a swim teacher, because it sounds really weird, but I really wanted to either havemorekidsorgobacktoschool,” she said.
“I think the decision I made was to learn something new and still be around kids.
“That was this year actually, I wasn’t really comfortable with teaching adults swimming, I am a socially awkward person and sometimes I can’t
pick up on social cues.”
Turns out it wasn’t as daunting as she thought it would be.
“I find it really engaging to teach adults swimming – a lot of them are there because they really want to learn to swim, often to be with their kids or improve their fitness,“
Barbara said.
Imparting lessons that go beyond the pool is what she has come to love most.
“The thing I find really good about adults is learning how to play, it’s okay to mess up, or trip, you can always find it next time,” Barbara said.
“So I teach them not just swimming, but self-compassion, and just to be gentle with yourself.
“In order to be good at something you have to be bad first.”
Many people are taking the plunge later in life. (Jan De Groen)
Anne Young enjoying a dip in Williamstown.
Shailaja Samudrala and Barbara Murotake share an aquatic and terrestrial friendship. (Damjan Janevski) 490621_04
Neighbourhood safety move
By Cade Lucas
After 22 years away Alister Dias and his wife Neeva recently moved back to Williamstown.
With two of the couple’s three adult children also returning to live in Hobsons Bay, it was an easy decision for the Dias’s tomake.
“I simply believe that these are all fantastic suburbs, full of history, culture anddiversityandthere’snowhereonearth I’dratherlive“MrDiassaid.
But as pleased as they are to be back, the couple have also noticed some aspects
of Hobsons Bay that have changed for the worse,mostnotably,crime.
“Car burglaries and thefts, house break ins, vandalism, firebombing of businesses and a very confronting story in the news when a 92 year old woman was brutally assaulted in broad daylight,” said Mr Dias of the incidents he’s noticed since returningtothearea.
Surprised and concerned, Mr Dias took to a local Facebook group to ask if his neighboursfeltthesameway.
“I posted a general message of concern and asked the question ’what can we do as a community to help prevent and stem
someofthiscrime?’
“There was a lot of response, mainly comments of support but also comments of anger towards the government, police andcouncil.”
With the release of crime statistics showing crime in Hobsons Bay had risen by 35 per cent in the year to March 30, Mr Dias and some of those who responded to hisFacebookinquiry,decidedtoact.
They’re in the process of establishing a Neighbourhood Watch group for Williamstown and surrounding suburbs which they hope to launch by the end of thismonth.
Dogs get behind food drive with a big bark
The Western Bulldogs have joined forces with Foodbank Victoria to kick off the hunger relief organisations’s biggest ever food drive.
Bulldogs player Caleb Poulter joined Foodbankstaff,includingsomedressedas food items, at their Yarraville warehouse to launch the 2025 food drive on Tuesday, August 5.
Taking place on the weekend of August 16 and 17, the food drive is set to be Foodbank’s biggest ever in order to meet unprecedented demand.
For the year to June, Foodbank claimed demand for its services surged by more than500,000mealsandthatalmost70,000 people relied on its support every day.
Unsurprisingly the not-for-profit food relief service is struggling to keep up, arguing its warehouses are short of essentials like pasta, rice, cereal milk and other basic ingredients most people take for granted.
Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said the shortage of supplies made this year’s food drive more important than ever and urged people to emulate the Western Bulldogs and show their support.
“If you’re a fan of helping Victorians in need, we’d love you to get behind our food drive-justlikeourincrediblefriendsatthe Western Bulldogs,” said Mr McNamara.
“Their support is helping us kick off something truly powerful.”
Mr McNamara said the ultimate goal of this year’s drive was to ensure their warehouses were fully stocked.
“Every can, box, and bag you donate puts food on the table for someone who might otherwise go without.
“With 69,000 Victorians relying on us every single day, chances are someone you know is affected.
and
An information session for the new group is being held at Newport Bowls Club onAugust13.
“There are still some confusing perceptions about what Neighbourhood Watch is,” said Mr Dias of why the informationnightwasneeded.
“It is certainly not groups of people roaming around at night like vigilantes, its more about a series of safe practices where neighbourslookoutforeachotherandhelp tokeeptheirstreetandtheneighbourhood safe.”
To attend email nhw.com.au with ’Williamstown’inthesubjectline.
Cruise through four countries, explore historic towns and UNESCO sites, and enjoy Viking’s signature cultural experiences. Scan this QR code to enter.
Entries close soon
Time is running out to win the journeyofalifetime!
Entries close at noon on Thursday, 14 August, so don’t miss your chance to win an eight-day Viking “Rhine Getaway”rivervoyagefortwo,valued at$16,190–includingreturnairfares. Thanks to Viking and this local newspaper, one lucky reader will enjoy a luxurious cruise departing Basel, Switzerland on 22 November 2026.
“This event is about making sure we’re there with food whenever and wherever it’s needed.”
Somerville Road, from 10am to 3pm on both days.
Foodbank nominated tuna, pasta, pasta sauce,rice,cereal,UHTmilk,cannedfruit and canned vegetables as the food items needed most, with people able to drop them off at the Yarraville warehouse on
Thosewhoareunabletoattendinperson are still able to help out via Foodbank’s virtual food drive, with donations accepted online anytime at foodbank.org. au
Cruise through four countries, explore historic towns and UNESCO sites, and enjoy Viking’s signature culturalexperiences.
Have you entered yet? Act now before it’s too late! Visit starnewsgroup.secondstreetapp. com/Win-a-European-river-voyagewith-Viking
Western Bulldogs player Caleb Poulter (centre) is joined by Cherie Rayner, Sourabh Sood, Justin Scotti, Renee Belsey
Daniel Parsons-Jones (front) in launching Foodbank’s 2025 food drive on August 5. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 494099_04
Sesame St circus dream
Families and kids of all ages can watch their favourite Sesame Street characters perform live alongside professional circus performers in Watergardens this month.
Elmo’s Circus Dream Live director Damian Syred said the show follows the story of a sleeping Elmo.
“It’sallaboutElmo’sdream,“hesaid. “He falls asleep and takes you on an adventure about finding where he fits in the circus.”
When asked for more details about Elmo’s journey, Mr Syred said he didn’t want to give too much away.
“You’ll have to see the show to see what
Elmo’s act is,” he said.
Elmo appears alongside other Sesame Street friends including Cookie Monster, Abby, Grover, and Bert and Ernie.
The show features all sorts of circus acts — from daredevil motorcycle stunts to aerialist acts to illusions and magic tricks.
Mr Syred said the performance is captivating for all audiences, regardless of age.
“We just finished up our first season in Caulfield,“ he said. “We had a great response from families in that area.
“There’s really something for everyone.
It’s a good way to get out of the house, take the family and experience something you’ve probably never seen before.
“We are excited and anticipating great things.”
Elmo’s Circus Dream Live, produced by Circus Royale and Showtime Attractions, will be performed under the big top at Watergardens Town Centre, Taylors Lakes, from August 8 to 31.
Ticket prices range from $25 to $55 with options for VIP passes and family packages.
More info: sesamestreetcircus.com.au
Exhibition with an important message
Point Cook is about to host an exhibition that celebrates Wyndham’s grasslands, rivers and encourages cat owners to keep theirfelinefriendsinside.
Artist and Werribee River Association volunteer Kath Jessop moved to Wyndham in late 2016 and fell in love with the place – in no small part because of the natural environment.
“I learned about the incredible biodiversity, people don’t know we have one of the best birdwatching spots and an ancientriversystem,”shesaid.
Thesecanbedifficulttospotifyouaren’t looking.
“When people go through their day to day lives, I don’t think there is a great deal of attention paid to what is around them,” Ms Jessop said. “Wyndham is not just an LGA,itisahabitat.”
She said that often the destruction cats can cause is through ignorance and not maliciousintent.
“I want to assure people a bit there is something you can do, so my key message is keep your cat inside, because it has an immediate impact on your local environment.
“It could be the difference between a nativespeciesthrivingandgoingextinct.
“It’snotaboutthekoalasorthekangaroos that everyone knows, it is about all the amazing animals you wouldn’t know about.
“I really hope my exhibition sparks curiosity because what we have is magnificent, but if we don’t care for it we loseitanditwillbegoneforever.”
The exhibition launches at Saltwater Community Centre between 6.30-8.30pm on Friday, August 15 and will run until September25.
Thursday avo gigs are back at Kindred StudiosinYarraville.
The second installment of the Thursday arvo gig series began on August7withCatherineMcQuadeand her Latin infused, 60’s inspired trio, featuringMichaelDavisondrumsand JimSwainstononguitar,previewinga few tracks from her forthcoming third album’TheCorruptionofMemory.’
The series then continues on August 14 when legendary duo Dave Graney and Clare Moore return to the bandroom to play tracks from their career spanning four decades and includingbandssuchastheMoodists, The Coral Snakes, The Lurid Yellow MistandMistly.
On August 21, IS, a three piece riff based dance jazz unit featuring Leo Dale (baritone and tenor sax), Moses Carr (digital accordion and keys) and Quinn Knight (drums) will play two funkedupsetsofimprovisedgrooves.
The following week on August 28 it will be the turn of Melbourne pop artist and self-styles queen of patio rock, Tanya-Lee Davies take to the stage.
Rounding out the run of shows is Melbourne two-piece, Mt Blushmoor onSeptember4.
Combining award-winning chanteuse Edwina Blush and gold-selling CousteauX songwriter Davey Ray Moor, Mt Blushmoor are described as The Carpenters singing David Bowie songs with Burt Bacharach on piano in a David Lynch universe.
All Thursday arvo gigs are free and take place from 1pm to 3pm at the Kindred Bandroom inside Kindred StudiosonHarrisStreetYarraville. There are discount drinks at the bar forseniorscardholders.
For more information, visit: kindredstudios.com.au
Celebrating Maltese traditions at Festa Marija Assunta in August
Brimbank locals can enjoy a weekend of festivities as part of the upcoming Festa Santa Marija Assunta, running from August15to17.
Celebratingits42ndyearofbeingheldin Deer Park, the traditional Maltese festival marks the Virgin Mary’s ascent into heaven.
Festival organiser Frank Galea said the festival is a special time to attend church, pray and contemplate the history and teachingabouttheVirginMary.
“I also relish the sight of the packed church, consisting of a happy community in prayer and contemplation during festa
time…itisadayofprayerandobligationto attend church on the day for all Catholics allaroundtheworld,”hesaid.
Mr Galea said the event brings Maltese/ Gozitan and other cultural communities togetherinaharmoniousfestivespirit.
“There is also the cultural tradition aspect of the festa — entertainment, enjoyment and merriment…the colourful festa procession parade with the artistic statue carried aloft on the shoulders of eight strong men for the duration of the procession, amid the fanfare of the brass band accompanying the procession parade.”
Celebratory masses will be held over the weekend accompanied by the Philippine Eucharistic Choir, with additional musical performances by the MMG Concert Band and the Maltese Own Band Philharmonic Society.
Locals can also enjoy traditional Maltese cuisine which will be available for purchase.
The Festa Santa Marija, supported by Brimbank council, will run from Friday, August 15 and end with the Festa day on Sunday,August17.
Details:https://events.brimbank.vic.gov. au/
Local artist Kath Jessop loves Wyndham’s nature.
(Ljubica Vrankovic) 493712_02
Elmo’s Circus Dream Live will be showing at Watergardens Town Centre. (Supplied)
New scenic river voyages
Debuting in Late 2027, the new Viking Brahmaputra will sail the company’s first River Voyages in India and as with everything Viking, the trip will be a stunning journey discovering the senses of this amazing country.
The Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel has been designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River. Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in late 2027, the Viking Brahmaputra will set a new standard for modern river voyages in India. The ship will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India. In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
“With its rich heritage, deep cultural traditionsandfascinatingnaturalwonders, India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said.
“In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travellers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort.”
ThenewVikingBrahmaputrawillhost80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the signature Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda. Guests on the three-deck Viking Brahmaputra will also enjoy a range of amenities, including a Spa andFitnessCentreandanopen-airSkyBar on the Upper Deck.
The fifteen-day Wonders of India itinerary program will operate round-trip from Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that bracket an eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage, sailing east or west, respectively.
With thirteen included tours, guests will be immersed in India’s cultural treasures and will have the opportunity to experience as many as ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guests will delve into the rich history of India’s Golden Triangle, exploring Agra’s fabled Taj Mahal, strolling through Old Delhi’s winding streets and glimpsing Jaipur’s ornate Palace of Winds.
India, including Delhi (two nights), Dubai (three nights; fully guided), Kathmandu (four nights; fully guided) and Cochin and Mumbai (five nights; fully guided).
For additional immersion opportunities, Viking is also offering a variety of new preand post-land extensions for Wonders of
While sailing the Brahmaputra River, guests will see Guwahati’s temple, encounter the thriving villages along its banks, search for the one-horned rhinos andbuffaloofKazirangaNationalParkand discover the cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.
Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers
with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences ’For The Thinking Person’ and has more than 450 awards to its name. For further information on this exciting new cruise and the extensions on offer, please visit Viking at www.viking.com or call 138 747.
The new Viking Brahmaputra will sail the company’s first river voyages in India in 2027 and it’s time to book for great discounts.
Window views and comfortable seating ensures dining is a pleasure on board the newest ship in the Viking fleet.
The comfortable and charming Lounge aboard the brand-new Brahmaputra. (Supplied)
A comfortable relaxed and immaculate Explorer Suite aboard the Viking Brahmaputra.
A stunning Veranda Stateroom aboard Viking Brahmaputra.
LEE MCCARTHY
Full-Board River Cruise
3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing
Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat
Taste Riverland food and wine
Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour
Hotel Stays
3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast
1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fully Escorted Barossa Valley Tours
Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including:
Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement
Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours
2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
SCANDINAVIAN DISCOVERY
Oslo to Stockholm or vice versa
8 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 6 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027; MAY-AUG 2028
From $7,895pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $9,595pp in Penthouse Veranda
SCENIC SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC JEWELS
Bergen to Stockholm or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 12 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027; MAY-AUG 2028
From $14,595pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $17,995pp in Penthouse Veranda
Uncover the long history and rich culture of Bergen, encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, and take in the setting that inspired the Viking sagas.
From $1,399 per person
ICONS OF THE VIKING AGE
Bergen to Copenhagen or vice versa
22 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 17 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: JUN-AUG 2027; MAY, JUN, AUG 2028
From $21,295pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $26,395pp in Penthouse Veranda
BERGEN, NORWAY
SPORTS QUIZ
1. The father of which NBA star is the current head coach of NBL’s Illawarra Hawks?
2. Which 2006 comedy film stars Will Ferrell as a NASCAR driver?
3. What sport is the focus of the PBR Monster Energy Origin Series, a competition between New South Wales and Queensland?
4. Kaylee McKeown recently came first in which 100m finals event at the Singapore 2025 World Aquatics Championships?
5. Which country was the winner of the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship?
6. What country is NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki originally from?
What sport was Sonny Liston known for?
AFL anthem UpThere was originally written for what purpose?
What is the name of the Australian women’s national field hockey team?
10. In what sport might a halo save your life?
Which Australian batsman scored 102 not out from 37 balls in the third T20 international against the West Indies?
Which Geelong forward scored a career-best 11 goals against North Melbourne in Round 20 of the AFL season?
13. Which Slovenian cyclist won the Tour de France for the fourth time in 2025?
14. Which team has won the Stanley Cup NHL ice hockey trophy for the last two years?
15. Which Wallabies veteran retired from international rugby after the Third Test against the British & Irish Lions?
16. Which English cricketer scored a century and took six wickets in the drawn Fourth Test against India?
17. Which is the only AFL team never to ‘win’ a wooden spoon in its history?
18. In which year was the English Premier League football competition founded?
19. The Supercars Championship stages its final round each year at a former Grand Prix circuit in which city?
20. Which Australian spinner played his 100th T20 international in game five of the West Indies series?
21. How many periods are there in a standard ice hockey match?
22. The 1992 comedy Ladybugs revolves around which sport?
23. Which English cricketer recently notched up his 39th Test century?
24. How many points did the Melbourne Vixens beat the West Coast Fever by in the Super Netball Grand Final?
25. How many AFL players have played 400 career games?
26. And how many AFL players have kicked more than 1000 goals?
27. How many games did the British & Irish Lions win during their 10-match tour of Australia?
29. In what year did Russia last compete at the Summer
30. What is the nickname of the Australia women’s national rugby union team?
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
28. The South African cricket tour of Australia in August featured two games in what capital city?
Olympic Games?
Kaylee McKeown
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Hobsons Bay City Band
What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon that listening to live music?!
Please join the members of the Hobsons Bay City Band as they celebrate the 28th Annual Concert with some incredible music. The performance will be held on Sunday 24 August 2025 at 3pm at Altona City Theatre. Adults $20, concession $16, tickets through hbcityband@gmail.com or at the box office on the day. 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. Visitors and interested musicians any age most welcome.
hbcityband@gmail.com or URL www.hbcb.org.au
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
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 Meadows.
Mike Hamilton, 0423 291 708
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.
Elaine, 0415 030 996
Altona day view club
Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Altona R.S.L. at 11am
Jan, 0419 159 783
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 Street, Yarraville. The cost is $7 per family, per week.
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.
Marlene, president/secretary, 0402 769 204
Hobsons Bay City Band Annual Concert
What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than listening to live music?!
Please join Hobsons Bay City Band’s 28th Annual Concert is on Sunday August 24,
2025 at 3pm at Altona City Theatre. Adults $20, Concession $16.
Tickets are available through hbcityband@gmail.com or at the box office on the day. Musicians interested in joining the band can email hbcityband@gmail.com or go to www.hbcb.org.au
Women’s Health Week walks
September 1-5 is the Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week and the Mighty West Heart Foundation Walking Group is hosting three walks for women of all ages, followed by coffee and a chat on the following days: Monday September 1, Altona Beach aalk, meet at the pier at 10am; Wednesday September 3, Skelton Creek walk meet at Jolly Miller, Central Square, Altona Meadows at 10am; and Friday September 5, Williamstown Botanical Gardens walk meet at main gate at 10am. Promotional material and women’s health brochures will also be available.
0411 566 862
Altona North Combined Probus
The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.
Lesley, 0414 481 442
Footscray CWA
Meet on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9m at Footscray Scout Hall next door to Footscray Police Station, 4a Hyde Street.
cwaofvicfootscray@gmail.com, or https://www.facebook.com/ CWAofVicFootscray/
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.
9317 610 or jodie@bmnh.org.au
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!
Jill MacKenzie, 0439 994 705 or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in-person meetings in Williamstown. If you think you may have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend. Friends and family members supporting a loved one are also encouraged to come along.
https://williamstown.aagroup.org.au/ email: aawilliamstown@gmail.com or 1300 222 222
Women Working Together
A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or https://cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/ Musicians Wanted Westgate Concert Band, Established in 1979 is seeking new members. Rehearsals
are held on Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am-12noon at Braybrook College.
westgateconcertband@gmail.com
Everyday English language course
For women of all ages and backgrounds with English as a second language. Practice speaking English in different situations, and make new friends. Fridays, 10am-noon. At 43 Mason Street, Newport. 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Laverton Bowls Club
Experience the fun and skill of lawn bowls, a game which is suitable for all ages. Laverton Bowls Club is recruiting new members, so if you are looking for a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to bowl both socially or at pennant level Laverton is the place to be. Come to the club on Tuesday or Thursday mornings for practise beginning at 10am. All welcome at 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows. 9369 1034 or secretary@lavertonbowls.com.au
Laverton Community Choir
The choir is welcoming new members, especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir, come along and try out your vocal cords with this fun and welcoming group of singers. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton, from 7-9pm.
Sue, 0418 386 147, or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com
Mouth Organ Band
Yarraville Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members. Band practice is held on Friday evenings at 8pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. For great music in a friendly atmosphere feel free to call in one Friday evening. Heather 9399 2190 or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Overnewton Anglican Community College students rehearsing for the ‘We Will Rock You’ musical. Kiki (front), Tristan, Pearce, Carly, Isabella, Fiona and Olivia (back). (Damjan Janevski) 493855_01
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Sharpshooter (8)
5 Aggressive maniac (6)
10 Relish (5)
11 Incapable of being seen (9)
12 Latin name of England (arch) (6)
13 Forest workers (7)
14 Endured (8)
15 Sickness (6)
18 Conviction (6)
20 Float (8)
21 Blasphemous (7)
24 Inflated (6)
27 Waxy secretion of sperm whale (9)
28 Prickle (5)
29 Cricket team (6)
30 Fire-resistant fibre (8)
DOWN
1 Extremely big in size, importance, etc. (4)
2 Indignant (9)
3 Multitude of fishes (5)
4 Brings to life (8)
6 First name of William Shakespeare’s oldest child (7)
7 Metal rope (5)
8 Hyperbolise (9)
9 Declare positively (4)
14 Conquer (9)
16 Taker of blame (9)
17 Fierce storms (8)
19 Declare one’s approval (7)
22 Wall with pointed roof (5)
23 Anecdote (4)
25 Measure of length (5)
26 Singles (4)
Using the nine letters in the
four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or
1 What was the first film to be released in the Barbie franchise?
2 Which living mammal is the only one covered in scales?
3 Which 20th-century writer is known for their works titled The Trial, TheJudgment and The Castle?
4 What colour is smaragdine?
5 Regarding the character trope in movies, what do the letters MPDG stand for?
6 Which Australian men's doubles pair won the 2023 Australian Open title?
7 And which Australian pair won the 2022 title?
8 What is the ancient Egyptian underworld called?
9 In which country is the Lotte World theme park complex located?
10 Name J. K. Simmons' (pictured) recurring character who appears in both the original Spider-Man trilogy and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Cannon difficult to ignore
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
As the price of 4×4 sports utilities continue to climb, Great Wall’s Cannon ute is an attractivealternative.
It’s not just a little cheaper but a lot cheaper than the front runners of the segment, and not at the expense of build qualitythesedays.
While Toyota’s Hilux tops out at more than$70,000andtheFordRangerRaptorat morethan$90,000,youcangetintoatopof the line Cannon XSR for as little as $49,990 -that’sdriveaway.
And that’s becoming difficult to ignore.
Styling
GWM has rationalised the Cannon lineup, pruning the seven models to just four, all packing the same 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel.
The range kicks off with the Lux priced from $40,490, followed by Ultra from $43,490, Vanta from $45,490 and XSR from $49,990 - all prices drive away for private buyers.
The larger Alpha variants come with the same 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, with the Lux priced from $51,990 and Ultra from $57,990.
The Alpha is also available as a hybrid andplug-inhybrid.
Our test vehicle was the second cab off therank,theCannonUltra.
The Cannon has been given a mid-life makeover with a more sophisticated look andfeel.
Standard equipment includes artificial leather and single zone climate air with rear outlet, power-adjust driver seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel and ambient cabin lighting andfoldouttailgatestep.
There’s also auto high beam, LED front and rear lights, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto wipers, rear privacy glassandapoweredsunroof.
Side steps and a chrome sports bar are standardandthereartailgatenowfeatures large embossed GWM branding for a strongerroadpresence.
Cannon is backed by a seven-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped priceservicing.
Infotainment
Infotainment is accessed through a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Autoandsix-speakeraudio.
There’salsowirelessphonechargingplus front (1 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C) and rear (2 x USB-A) and a USB-A port for dashcam along with three pre-wired 12v accessory buttons.
Safety Cannon carries a five-star safety rating, with seven airbags and features a suite of advanced active and passive safety technologies.
Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car and Vulnerable Road User) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistancesystem(SAS)arestandardonall variants.
There’s also blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert with brake, driver fatigue monitoring system, door open/vehicle approach warning (DOW), 360 degree
overhead camera and front and rear parkingsensors.
The rear seat has two ISOFix mounts and toptethersforchildseats.
Engines/transmissions
A 2.4-litre single turbo-diesel four-cylinder enginedelivers135kWofpowerat3600rpm and480Nmoftorquefrom1500-2500rpm.
It features an ‘advanced’ variable geometry turbocharger which GWM says optimises the aspect ratio at both low and high revs, reducing turbo lag while maintaining efficiency at higher speeds.
The diesel is paired with an in-house nine-speed conventional torque converter auto,withgearchangepaddles.
Driving
You’ve seen one ute, you’ve seen them all. There’s not much to differentiate them, apartfromtheirsize.
Their purpose dictates their shape and there’s not much scope to do anything with the rear, with vertical style tail lights almostmandatory.
All the action can be found up front and the only company that has tried to do anythingremotelydifferenthereisMazda.
Butitssmiley-facedBT-50gotthethumbs down from conservative buyers and a ‘bolder’lookfollowed.
All this leads us to the fact that Great Wall’s Cannon does not stray far from the formula and we reckon it bears a passing resemblancetotheHilux.
At 5416mm in length with a 3230mm wheelbase and 2630mm long tub, Cannon isnoshrinkingviolet.
Nowhere is its size more evident than in the large 13.1 metre turning circle. That meansplentyofthree-pointturns.
At least it’s not as large as the silly ‘full-size’ American pick-ups however that seemtobegainingtractionhere.
Rear legroom in the Cannon is generous, the tub has a moulded liner and there’s a handy pop-out step that makes access to the tub easier (but there’s nowhere to hang
on).
Also, the driver side support cable protruded from the gap between the body andthetailgateinourtestvehicle.
The tub has four tie-downs, but no light andnopoweroutlet.
There are side steps and all doors get grab handles to make entry easier, while the overhead handle on the driver’s door has morphed into a weird sunglass holder. The centre console has two cupholders, a storagetrayandcooledconsolebox.
The engine and transmission are a lift fromthelargerCannonAlpha.
It features an ‘advanced’ variable geometry turbocharger which GWM says optimises the aspect ratio at both low and high revs, reducing turbo lag while maintainingefficiencyathigherspeeds.
There’s up to seven drive modes, depending on grade, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud, and Sand. Ultra scores Normal, Eco and Sport, as well as lowrange(4L).
There are also three steering settings, which helps make lighter work of the large turningcircle.
The four-wheel drive system is a full-time, torque on demand system with anelectronicallyactivatedreardiff.
Easilyengagedviaacentrallylocateddial, the Borg Warner transfer case optimises traction,stability,andperformance.
XSR and Cannon Alpha models add a front locker, offering enhanced traction andcontrol.
Ground clearance is 232mm and wading depth is 500mm, but the plastic side steps will be a limiting factor off road (and easily damaged).
With a 78-litre tank, fuel consumption is aclaimed8.4L/100km.Weclockedupmore than 300km, but can’t tell you what we got because the trip computer refused to give upitssecrets.
Ultra can carry a 995kg payload while brakedtowingcapacityhasincreasedfrom 3200toaclassstandard3500kg.
Straightlineperformanceisexemplary.
But there’s some turbo lag and the boost when it comes on is strong and unpredictable. Plonk the accelerator and
you’re never quite sure what is going to happen. Sometimes it fires, sometimes it doesn’t, which can make pulling out at intersectionsnervewracking.
Lifting off the accelerator on the other handdoesnotalwaysdeliveranimmediate response, with some throttle overrun - or is that turbo overrun? The first-second, second-first change invariably produces a clunk.
The lane keeping software is intrusive andinsistent.We’vefoundwithexperience thatitisbestnottofightthewheel,because in theory the car knows best. It’s a lot less strenuoustodrivethiswaytoo.
However, giving the Cannon its head can result in the car over correcting and crossing the inside line which happened more than once. Ultimately this could lead to running off the road - so keep an eye on it.
Suspension is independent at the front withleafspringsundertherearandvented disc brakes at all four corners and 265/60 profileroad-biasedrubber.
The GitiXross HT71 tyres are designed for highways and light off-road trails, delivering durability and a quieter ride for SUVsand4WDs.
The ride quality is generally good, but not what we’d describe as Parramatta Rd friendly.
This is particularly evident compared with an SUV that has benefited from local suspensiontuning.
It’sagoodideatoslowdownfordriveway entry and the like which can be a bit calamitous.
Inside the dash is stylish and well laid out, but lacks functionality for simple often-usedfeatures.
Cannon is fitted with two computer screens: a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainmentandasmaller7.0-inchscreen for instrumentation which sits in front of thedriver.
The screens are not concealed behind a single,one-piecehousing,butsitseparately. The centre screen provides a rear and overhead view when reversing, with dynamicguidelinesforbacking.
Atleastit’ssupposedto.Ononeoccasion, the reverse camera refused to display anything for a couple of minutes when reverse was selected. This is simply not acceptable.Strikeone.
As mentioned, the trip computer also playedup.Wewereunabletocyclethrough the various screens using the buttons providedonthesteeringwheel.Striketwo.
A row of physical buttons below this screen provides shortcuts to various functions.
There are fan speed buttons, but not temperature adjustment. However, we discovered that pressing the heated seats button provides access to temperature controls.
All cars fitted with CarPlay and Android Auto need a home button because once you’re in Android world it is often difficult to find your way back, to do such things as setthecabintemperatureandflickthrough radiostations.
Also, you cannot access volume control unlessyoureturntothehomescreen.
Summing up
Apart from one or two niggles, the Cannon Ultraisacompellingproposition.
It must be the stuff of nightmares for the likes of Ford and Toyota who want big moneyfortheirvehicles.
People seem happy to stump up the price.However,it’snotacaseofifbutwhen the dual cab bubble will burst - wouldn’t yousay?
Apart from one or two niggles, the Cannon Ultra is a compelling proposition. (Pictures: Supplied)
Perfect sporting weather
There were grand final spots on the line, seasons coming to an end and other teams fighting for a finals spot and survival among Saturday’s sporting action. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting the drama.
Burnside Heights’ Holly Mcgregor. 494545_01
Craigieburn’s Daniel Perry and Hillside’s Jaksyn Grant. 494547_07
Craigieburn’s Harry Albon. 494547_03
Craigieburn’s Jacob Aquilina. 494547_20
Craigieburn’s Myra Wood. 494544_03
Old Paradians’ Tom Cooper. 494937_02
Thomastown’s Nick Jolly. 494937_19
Westmeadows’ Gemma Wright. 494545_09
Whittlesea Pacers’ Brendan Hughes. 494934_13
Whittlesea Pacers’ Taylah Scott. 494544_25
Whittlesea’s Angus Fischer. 494934_02
New era for West Newport
By Tara Murray
The turnaround at West Newport continues with the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield club in the best position it’s been in years.
After struggling putting a call out not that long ago for numbers to ensure they had enough players for one side, the Lions aren’t that far away from having enough numbers for four sides this season.
Assistant coach Brock Davey-Smith said the club was in a really good position.
“We don’t have a big budget but we pride ourselves on our culture and that people want to come down and don’t want to leave,” he said.
“We’re a few players short of having fourths this year. We’ve had some guys come down from Maribyrnong Park and it looks like it should be an exciting year.
“Anyone who wants to play is welcome to get in touch, it’s an exciting time for West Newport.
“We’ve done the rebuild and now want to take the next step.”
Jarryd Daries has been appointed the Lions new coach.
The South African is currently in England and will arrive in England.
Davey-Smith said Daries was keen to make more of an impact on the club this season.
“He has a bit of experience behind,” he said. “He came to us at the end of last year from St Andrews-Footscray.
“He fitted in really well with the group and was doing coaching on the field. He nearly played with us a few years ago and the stars didn’t align then.”
Davey-Smith and captain Trent Jones, who is also part of the coaching panel, are heading up training in the meantime.
The Lions have started announcing some recruits, with more to come.
The first two fell in their lap.
“We’ve got two English boys,” he said. “They got in touch with us to play cricket while they are out here for the Ashes and speaking to them they’re chomping at the bit.
“Luke Friend does everything and tears it up.
“Oliver Speake is making his way back from injury and played a lot of two. He’s a
win the struggle, season still alive
Williamstown won the defensive battle to keep its Victorian Football League women’s season alive.
It’s do or die for the Seagulls for the rest of the season having finished the regular season in fifth spot.
They started their finals campaign on the road against the Sandringham Zebras on Saturday.
It wasn’t an easy battle but the Seagulls did enough to come away with the win and seal a semi final spot, winning 2.6 (18)-0.6 (6).
Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said it was a bit of an arm wrestle.
“We hit the front and then it became a prettydefensivegame,”hesaid.“Itwashard for us to keep executing what we wanted to.
“We were really happy with how we defended and to keep them goalless was nice. It’s a bit of a credential for our backline.
“They did such a good job with the team defence. It wasn’t the perfect game by any means, but we were able to fight it out.”
Cavanagh said they had worked hard on trying to have a really attacking game and
take risks to have a high scoring entertaining game.
He said the Zebras were more a defensive side that liked to put players behind the ball and make it hard for opposition forwards.
That’sexactlywhattheydidonSaturday.
“We got some clean possessions and were able to get enough shots to get the win, so we’ll take it,” he said.
“Two or three of our misses were really gettable. Neve Crowley missed two shots she would normally kick, but nailed one under pressure.
“We never looked like the extra pressure was getting to us. It was nothing we hadn’t felt before.”
Isabelle Khoury was the other goal scorer for the Seagulls.
Cavanagh was full of praise for two of his leaders.
“Ash Thorneycroft had 21 tackles and was huge for us,” he said.
“Emily Eaves had her best game for the year with 23 possessions and nine clearances.
spinning all-rounder.”
Raghav Sabharwal joins the club having previously played at Laverton and Endeavour Hills.
He is currently playing in the UK.
After just missing out of finals last season, Davey-Smith said they were keen to take at least one step further this season,
“Every year we want to make finals in both the top grades,” he said. “Our twos had a difficult year but our ones just missed out.
“It wasn’t a failure but it was a less successful season than we were hoping for. It would be disappointing not to make finals this year.”
Any interested players can contact, 0411 594 630 or through the club’s social media pages.
Sports shorts
Western FL
Yarraville Seddon has locked in its first Western Football League women’s finals appearance. The Eagles were in action on Saturday against the Suns, the other side fighting for fourth spot. The Eagles dominated the game early and it was over by half time with the Eagles leading by 45 points at the main break. They continued on in the second half to come away with a, 13.13 (91)-1.2 (8) win. In other results, West Footscray lost to Werribee Centrals, while Parkside Spurs were too strong for Point Cook Centrals.
Netball
Netball Victoria has named its top 50 player under-19 and under-17 squads. The squads which will be later reduced to pick the state teams for next year have a range of talent from across the state. The under-17 squad includes St Albans-Caroline Springs’ Lilah Kinderis and Payton Simeki, and City West Falcons’ Emily Fitzgerald, Ella Leith, Imogen Sexton and Manon Muir. Among the under-19s are Western Warriors’ Kiara Boyd, Eva Ryan and Amelia Sharp, and the Falcons Amalani Fauonuku and Olivia Powell.
VTCA
“If she’s not putting her hand up for AFLW, I don’t know what she’s doing.”
Thorneycroft’s continued dominance comes despite announcing that she will be retiring from VFLW at the end of the season.
Cavanagh said they didn’t think they would get her to change her mind for a second straight season on deciding to retire.
“She’s leaving everything out there,” he said. “We could not ask for more from her.”
Cat O’Bryan has also announced she is retiring at season’s end.
Before that, the Seagulls have at least one more match.
They will face North Melbourne Werribee in a knockout semi final on Sunday.
Cavanagh said the playing group were excited to take on the minor premiers.
“You don’t go into a finals series where we don’t play them [if we’re to win],” he said. “We go in there with good form and scoring really well.”
Williamstown’s men’s side, which had the bye, has slipped to 11th heading into the final round.
Seabrook has signed Hamish Stephenson for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association season. Stephenson brings a wealth of experience, having played junior rep cricket and been part of the Spotswood Craig Shield squad in 2021. Stephenson is a skilled national level wicketkeeper and a handy left hand batsman, who has represented Australia in under-16 and under-18 indoor cricket teams and is currently in the Victoria under-22 indoor cricket squad. He’s also coached under-14 rep teams for the past two years and runs a coaching academy for young keepers.
VAFA
Williamstown CYMS remains narrowly in the Victorian Amatuer Football Association premier B top four. The CYs suffered a narrow 14.15 (99)-14.7 (91) to Caulfield Grammarians on Saturday, The result has the CYs sitting in fourth spot, narrowly ahead of Old Camberwell on percentage with three rounds remaining.
Umpire makes WFL history
When Eliana Watters-Cowan was told she was umpiring a Western Football League men’s division 1 match, she didn’t think much about it.
Only when she was told that she would be the first female to be a field umpire for a division 1 match did she realise the significance.
“I was happy, I was like oh that’s really cool,” she said. “Then [director of umpiring] Lachlan [Harty] got on to me later on and said I was probably the first female umpire debuting, unless there was an exchange program with a female.
“As soon as I heard that, I was like ‘oh my gosh, what?’ That made it a bit more exciting.”
In her first season in the Western league, it never crossed Watters-Cowan’s mind that she might create some history when she stepped onto the field for the Spotswood and Hoppers Crossing game.
She said it made it even more special.
“I’ve come from New South Wales and in my league down there, we have female coaches, I was just following in the steps of other female umpires,” she said.
“It’s pretty important for other females to see what they can do.”
As well as Watters-Cowan being part of the umpiring team for that match, there was a full complement of female boundary and goal umpires for the game.
Goal umpire Rachel Holmes and bound-
ary umpire Grace Murray also made their division 1 debuts.
Watters-Cowan said she had umpired with an all female umpiring panel in the Hunter region in New South Wales which was also pretty special.
She said she wants to help inspire other umpires.
“Knowing that there’s umpires coming through that they now know, they can do it and it’s actually possible, it is great.”
Watters-Cowan umpired for eight seasons in New South Wales and has also done a season in the Northern Territory before joining the Western league.
She said Western league had been really good.
Falcons’ premeiership dream still alive
The City West Falcons dreams of a fourth straight premiership remain alive in the Victorian Netball League.
After their most disappointing performance in years in the semi finals, the Falcons didn’t waste their second opportunity against the Boroondara Express.
There would be no blow out like in the first week of the finals between the two sides, but it would be the same result.
The Falcons started well and led 5-1 early on before the Express settled.
It was goal for goal for most of the first two quarters with the Express leading by one goal at the first break and two goals at the main break.
The Falcons came out hard early in the third quarter to regain the lead.
They threatened to break it open more than once but the Express kept it close.
City West had all the answers in the final quarter as they locked in a 61-55 win and a date with the Hawks in the grand final.
Falcons coach Marg Lind said they weren’t going to drop the match.
“We’ve given ourselves a chance,” she said. “That was the goal this week to get there a lot of work to do.
“I think it took until today [Wednesday] to get over it. I wasn’t feeling confident until we got messaging today.”
Lind said they started well before they threw a few balls away and couldn’t turn the ball over.
She said they played around with their defensive structure and it took them a while to get going.
“Once they got their heads on what we wanted to do and stuck to it, it definitely made a difference and we started to get hand to ball,” she said.
“We got them to get a few misses and you have to take every turnover that you can get and a rebound is a good one.
“I still think we can do better defensively, there’s more to come.”
Lind said one thing she was really happy about was the playing group showing anger and that really got them going in the third quarter.
“They gritted their teeth,” she said. “Cookie [Jane Cook] chased a loose ball, we didn’t get it but it was a little bit of a catalyst for the others to think, we’re going to go.
“I think that is where we broke the game open. I believe that was the turning point.”
Lind said they thought they fed Cook, who shot 53 goals, well early before making a couple of errors which they will need to tidy up in the grand final.
They ran the goaling combination of Cook and Maddie Romios for most of the game, with the connection in the attacking third working well.
Olivia Cameron in her couple of min-
utes in the first quarter did cop a corkie which also played a role in that decision.
“I thought Maddie got herself into the game, so well that we couldn’t take her off,” Lind said. In a bonus for the Falcons, co-captain Maggie Lind played the whole 60 minutes as she continues to struggle with a leg injury.
Her mum said it was a miracle to get
“The Hunter Central Coast has a really strong female presence, Western has a great female presence as well,” she said.
“It was a bit of a change up knowing I was one of a few that were senior field umpires. It is great to debut and all of that.”
Watters-Cowan has been doing division 2 men and division 1 reserves throughout the rest of the season.
She was also part of the league’s interleague women’s match which was another amazing experience.
“I had a few comments from players saying it was great to see a female umpire doing one of their games.”
Watters-Cowan said she wants to see how high she can take her umpiring.
Gators bow out
Altona Gators championship hopes came to an end on Sunday, with a poor final quarter proving costly in the Big V women’s division 1 competition.
The Gators were at home on Sunday to the Western Port Steelers in a knockout semi final.
There was nothing between the sides in the first half with the Steelers leading by two points at the main break, after winning each quarter by one point.
A 15-9 third quarter turned the game in the favour of the Gators to give them a four point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Gators weren’t able to keep the momentum going in the final quarter with the Steelers coming from behind to claim a 58-54 win.
The Steelers won the final quarter 12-4 with the Gators not scoring in the last two and half minutes.
Monique Marcetic-Vaotangi top scored for the Gators with 19 points, while Jenna Mae Ellsworth scored 15 points.
The Steelers will now face the Whittlesea Pacers in a preliminary final, with the Craigieburn Eagles awaiting the winner in the grand final after winning the other semi final.
It was a tough weekend for the Gators with their youth league men’s side losing the grand final to Wallan Panthers on Saturday night.
her up and she made just one error for the game.
The Falcons now face the Hawks in the grand final. The Hawks beat the Falcons in the semi finals, their only loss for the season.
“We were so bad against the Hawks,” Lind said. “We can never ever be that bad again.”
The Panthers started the better of the two sides and led by 10 points at quarter time.
The Gators were able to reduce the margin to six points heading into half time.
There wasn’t much between the two sides in the third quarter before the Panthers finished off strongly to win the championship, 67.-50.
Jane Cook. (Michael Baker/Netball Victoria)
Jessica Rarity. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Phoenix in the box seat
By Tara Murray
Altona East Phoenix is continuing to take it one week at a time despite what is on the line in FV state league 2 north-west season.
The Phoenix sit second on the ladder, just one point off Lalor United in the battle for the championship with four rounds remaining.
The top two teams will both be promoted, with Uni Hill Eagles hot on the tails of both sides in third spot, five points behind the Phoenix.
Phoenix coach Paul Donnelly said they know they’ve put themselves in the box seat to earn promotion.
“We’ll see what happens as anything
can happen in sport,” he said. “We’ll take it one week at a time.
“It’s been a really pleasing season. We’re the top goal scorers in the league and have the best defence in the league.
“We have had 11 clean sheets which is kind of unheard of.”
Donnelly said it was nice to still be fighting for something at this time of the season and it had been the highest the club had been for a long time.
“It does keep us going,” he said. “Training has been good and they are working hard and still keen.
“The whole squad has been handy and bought into what we are doing.”
Donnelly said they had been keen to
build on what they had done last year when he came into the club and it had gone to plan so far, which was really pleasing.
The Phoenix’s promotion and championship hopes sit in its own hands.
The first challenge for the Phoenix is this weekend against the Geelong Rangers, which is in the relegation battle.
Donnelly said that with relegation spots still open, everyone had plenty to play for and there were no easy matches.
The Phoenix then take on Lalor United in the top of the table clash.
Also among its four matches, is a final round clash with Uni Hill Eagles.
“We know going in that the championship could be on the line,” Donnelly said of
Dreams come true for Altona lacrosse pair
Altona lacrosse duo Jett Lewer and Lincoln Struhs are trading in the pitches at Altona for the world stage.
The pair have been selected as part of Australia’s team for the U16 APLU Lacrosse Sixes Championship in Korea later this month.
The duo started their lacrosse journeys in 2015 under the watchful eye of Jett’s dad, Alan Lewer—a former Australian player whose influence has shaped much of their development.
The two currently play under-18s with Footscray Lacrosse Club and compete at the highest senior level in Victoria men’s—with Altona Lacrosse Club.
Their talent and dedication has earned them selection in four Victorian representative teams together, playing in championships around Australia.
Lincoln said it’s such an honour to be part of the team.
He is known as a left handed goalie whose sharp reflexes and composure under pressure set him apart.
“It’s such an honour to be recognised to be the best of the best in this country and feels even better that the hard work I have been putting in is reflected by this selection,” he said.
“I definitely have had some ups and downs over the years but this selection reinforces my ability to me,
“I’m expecting to have a great time with the team, build new friendships and play some high quality lacrosse with some of the best players in the world.”
Jett said that it’s a dream come true to make his first Australian team.
Jett is known for his explosive athleticism and one of the most powerful shots in the league, constantly challenging defenders and goalies alike.
He said they were hoping for a good tournament.
“To have fun, meet other players and hopefully bring home the championship,” he said of what he wanted to achieve.
“I am ready to give it my all and make the most of this opportunity.”
Lincoln was born into the sport with his mum’s family at Altona Lacrosse Club as it was the closest sporting family to his grandma’s house.
It wasn’t always a love affair.
“When I first started playing it, I hated it but then my coaches (which includes Jett’s dad) put me in goals, I have never looked back.”
Jett has always played as well with his dad putting a stick in his hands as soon as he could.
Both said getting to play at this level together was pretty special.
“Only four Victorians were picked in the side and two are from Altona Lacrosse Club,’ Jett said.
Lincoln added, “Ever since 2015 Jett and I started playing and we have always been on the same team so it feels pretty awesome that both of us got selected.
“Jett is a fantastic shooter so training with him always improves my ability as a goalie.”
the clash with Lalor United.
“Hopefully we’re not going out there [to Uni Hill] in the last game worrying about something [being online the line].”
There was a competition bye on the weekend for the Dockerty Cup and Cecil Earley Cup, while it’s also the catch up round for matches that have been postponed.
Donnelly said it came at the perfect time for them with a few sore bodies.
“We’ll have an easy week and may have an intra club match to give some of the guys game time on the weekend.”
In other matches, Williamstown will play the Western Eagles.
Williamstown sits in eighth spot.
Woodsmen’s important win
Spotswood has moved a game clear in the battle for fifth in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
The Woodsmen upset Hoppers Crossing on Saturday to give their finals hopes a big boost.
It was Spotswood in front at each of the breaks at Donald McLean Reserve, but the Warriors stuck close all day.
The margin was as close as seven points early in the final quarter, but the Woodsmen had the answers every time.
The two sides went goal for goal in the final quarter with Spotswood doing enough to win, 13.16 (94)10.12 (72).
Sam Cross kicked six goals for the Woodsmen including two in the final quarter.
Kyle Blake and Chris Seymour were named the Woodsmen best.
With Albion losing to Caroline Springs, there is now a game between the two sides that are fighting it out for the last finals spots with two rounds remaining.
In other matches, Yarraville Seddon did enough to get the job done against Newport.
The Eagles jumped out to a 31 point lead at the first break and that would be the key to the win.
The Panthers were able to reduce the margin back to seven points at the final break.
It didn’t get any closer with the Eagles winning, 11.12 (78)-9.8 (62).
Tyson Brazel, Michael Selsby and Daniel Snell each kicked two goals for the Eagles.
West Barker was named their best.
Nayef Hamad, Jackson Fullerton and Darcy Cassar were named the Panthers best.
With the Warriors loss, the Eagles are now up to second on the ladder. Elsewhere, Parkside beat Point Cook Centrals, 22.10 (142)-3.13 (31).
Jy Lambley kicked six goals in a best on ground performance.
Altona proved no match for Werribee Districts, losing 19.11 (125)6.8 (44).
Both want to keep playing as high as possible with playing college lacrosse and making other Australian teams among their dreams.
