Kangaroo great Anthony Stevens writes exclusively for Star Weekly
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Four in a row for Falcons
A second half comeback has earned the City West Falcons a remarkable fourth straight Victorian Netball League championship.
The minor premiers were down and out for the count in the first half against the Hawks in the grand final on Wednesday night.
But the Falcons rallied to turn their fortunes around, with Jane Cook sealing in the win in the dying seconds of the match. The Falcons won the game 60-58.
For more of the Falcons’ incredible win, turn to page 20.
‘Ghost’ transport
By Cade Lucas
Commuters in the western suburbs are being fooled by so-called ‘ghost buses’ that appear on the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) app, but never arrive.
The bizarre practice was uncovered in responses to a survey on bus services Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershankconductedwithhisconstituents earlier this year.
Almost 240 residents responded to the Legalise Cannabis MP’s survey, with many claiming they’d been left waiting for buses that the PTV app said were coming, but which didn’t actually exist.
“Ghost buses!” said one respondent who coined the phrase describing the practice.
“Countless times buses just don’t show up, but the apps to track them don’t reflect the bus service has been cancelled,” the respondent said.
“This happens almost weekly … Real-time tracking of buses is a reasonable thing to expect and when services are cancelled for operational or whatever reason, just update the app!”
Another respondent said the reverse happened too.
“I’ve seen the app showing no bus available,butthenanemptybusrockedup taking two passengers to the train station.”
Mr Ettershank said it was a bad joke on the western suburbs.
“Who are you not going to call? Ghost buses, but the people relying on public transport are not laughing and Public Transport Victoria needs to take responsibility and invest in installing trackers on buses so the PTV app can accurately track their journey.”
ADepartmentofTransportandPlanning spokesperson said traffic disruptions were to blame.
“We always try to inform bus passengers with the most up to date information and the PTV app incorporates live data from each vehicle – however these times can
be impacted by unexpected delays on our road network,“ the spokesperson said.
Public Transport Users Association spokesperson Daniel Bowen said public transport apps and websites had be better at highlighting disruptions, particularly in areas like Melbourne’s west that lack services.
“If you know exactly where you’re going and your service is frequent and on time every time, then it’s easy.
“But for unfamiliar trips, or services that are less frequent and not reliableincluding in many parts of the western suburbs – high quality real-time information is a must.”
The City West Falcons celebrate their fourth straight championship. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 495489_92
Inner-west drug deaths rise
By Cade Lucas
Fatal drug overdoses in the inner-west rose in 2024, contributing to a 10-year high in the number of overdose deaths in Victoria.
The Victorian Overdose Deaths report released by the Coroners Court last week revealed that in 2024, 20 people died of drug overdoses in Maribyrnong, an increase of three on the previous year, while six people died in Hobsons Bay, one more than in 2023.
In Maribyrnong, 13 of the 20 fatal overdoseswerefromheroin,fourmorethanthe previous year, while methamphetamine
accounted for seven fatalities, up from five in 2023.
Across the western suburbs there were 102 fatal overdoses last year, while statewide there were 584, the highest figure in a decade and 37 more than in 2023.
The amount of fatal overdoses involving illegal drugs also rose, accounting for 65 per cent of deaths in 2024, up from 58 per cent in 2023.
In 2015, illegal drugs accounted for less than half of all fatal overdoses.
Heroin contributed to the highest number of overdose deaths in 2024, with 248, the most in a decade. Several other illegal
drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine, also reached a 10-year high in the number of overdose deaths they contributed to.
Victorian State Coroner, Judge John Cain, said the rise in overdose deaths causedbyillegaldrugswasconcerningand underscored the need to for more harm reduction efforts.
“We have seen some genuine progress in harm reduction initiatives recently, including the commencement of Victoria’s drug checking trial,” Judge Cain said.
“Ensuring that Victorians can access supports,treatmentandeducationisvital.”
A big gig for Hobsons Bay City Band
The Hobsons Bay City Band (HBCB) is busy rehearsing for its biggest gig of the year, with its annual concert taking place at the end of this month.
HBCB’s 28th annual concert will be held at the Altona Civic Theatre on Sunday, August 24.
While the band, comprising woodwinds, brass and percussion, plays dozens of gigs throughout the year, president Roger Lewis said most of these shows involvedplayinglightentertainmentmusic.
“For our annual concert we also play some of the really challenging pieces that we could spend months rehearsing,” Mr Lewis said. “The annual concert is where we can really showcase our musicianship and teamwork resulting from months of hard work.”
That hard work is being put in on Monday nights at Spotswood Kingsville RSL, where HBCB’s 25 to 30 members have been busy rehearsing everything from medleys featuring Elvis Presley, Eric
Search is on for Hobsons Bay
Hobsons Bay council is seeking applicants for its vacant chief executive position.
The council has been without a permanent leader since longtime chief executive Aaron van Egmond was suspended in January pending an investigation into workplace safety issues at the council.
Mr van Egmond resigned in April.
Former Wyndham, Maribyrnong and Municipal Association of Victoria chief executive Kerry Thompson has been acting in the role since February.
On Monday, Hobsons Bay council an-
IPC Health operations and clinical care general manager Jason Hodge said reducing drug dependence required an integrated, holistic and community based approach that was tailored to the individual.
“Because every person’s circumstances are different, there is no single solution,” Mr Hodge said.
“We work to understand the root causes and connect clients with a full spectrum of support—including within IPC Health and through referrals—so that everyone, regardless of regardless of background, has the opportunity to be well for life.”
‘Great potential’ for swimmable rivers
Rivers and waterways in Melbourne’s west have the potential to be opened to swimming according to a swimming rights advocate.
Swimmable Cities co-founder Matt Sykes said the transformation of sections of the River Seine in Paris into swimming zones should be used as inspiration in Victoria.
The River Seine underwent an extensive regeneration program in order for it to be used for aquatic sports in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Swimming had been banned in the river since 1923 due to pollution, but it was opened to the public for the first time on July 5.
“While the Yarra River (Birrarung) has received a lot of attention through our local urban swimming movement, our vision is bigger and this includes the future of the Maribyrnong and Werribee Rivers,” Mr Sykes said.
“Australians love swimming, we go to the beach and swimming pools, but swimming in rivers and harbours isn’t so common.
“We’ve actually been taught to turn our backs on the urban waterways upon which our families, communities and livelihoods depend.”
Mr Sykes said that swimmable rivers would bring particular benefits to localities such as Wyndham and Melton, of which have many adults learning to swim.
Clapton and Aretha Franklin to suites by Japanese, American and European composers.“There’s something for everyone, and many of these can only be heard at this concert,” said Mr Lewis.
“Ourpiecesareforalltoenjoy,tobeinspiredby,andtalkabout.It’saperfectway to spend a cold Sunday afternoon.”
Tickets to the annual concert are $20 or $15 concession and the show begins at 3pm.
Details: https://hbcb.org.au/
council’s new chief executive
nounced that it was now accepting applications for a permanent chief executive, with thesuccessfulcandidatetohaveahighlevel of financial acumen, comprehensive understanding of the local government sector and a track record leading a large service delivery based organisation.
The incoming chief executive will also be required to foster a culture of trust and collaboration, drive organisational performance and re-establish governance excellence at the council.
“Appointing a CEO is one of the most im-
portant roles of a council and is a role the councillor group takes very seriously,” said Hobsons Bay Mayor Daria Kellander.
“We will be looking for a person who models authentic, values driven leadership and someone who can build trust with councillors, community and staff.
“I look forward to meeting some great candidates to find the right fit for Hobsons Bay.”
Applications close on August 31.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://hobsonsbay.bigredsky.com
“One of the things I’ve noticed visiting cities around the world is how swimming as a life skill can’t be taken for granted,” he said.
“Many adults just haven’t had the chance, because of cultural reasons or sheer lack of access.”
However, Mr Sykes said that natural waterways should not be treated as a replacement for pools and aquatic centres.
“This is an ‘and’ not ‘or’ conversation. Of course, public swimming pools can be expensive to operate so urban waterways present cost and energy savings once they’re cleaned up,” he said.
“But diversity of swimming access points are key, so that everyone in our community can access and connect with water.”
For now, Mr Sykes said the focus should be on cleaning up urban waterways and transforming how we think about them on a societal level.
Swimmable Cities is an alliance of global water organisations that champions the right to swim and making it possible to do so in urban waterways.
Hobsons Bay City Band members Roger Lewis (left) and Robin Zakharov rehearse for the band’s upcoming annual concert on August 24. (Damjan Janevski). 494741_01
Bans ‘baffling’ to truckers
By Cade Lucas
The bulk tanker industry is making a last ditch effort to restore access to some soonto-be-barred roads in Melbourne’s innerwest, warning that consumers will otherwise pay the price - literally.
The long-overdue completion of the new West Gate Tunnel early next year is projected to remove more than 9000 trucks a day from local roads, while a 24-7 truck ban is soon to be enforced on Francis Street, Somerville Road, Buckley Street, Moore Street, Hudsons Road and Black-
shaws Road.
But the National Bulk Tanker Association(NBTA)saidthisisinefficientgiventhe network’s close proximity to Melbourne’s ports and that tolls and fees trucking companies will have to pay to use both the new tunnel and the existing West Gate Bridge, will hurt both the industry and consumers.
“This is the one of the most baffling things I have seen in my professional career,” NBTA chairman Justin Keast said.
“To build a new toll road, then close all existing routes for heavy vehicles to access these port and bulk facilities – routes that
havebeeninexistencesincethedaysofthe horse and cart – just beggars belief.
“As a result, from the day the new toll road opens, nearly every item you buy will increaseinpricegiventheindustrynowhas noalternativeroutesotherthantolledones.
“That is not what anyone needs in the current cost-of-living crisis.”
The NBTA has written to Freight Victoria asking for alternative dangerous good routes and toll exemptions.
However, their complaints drew little sympathy from the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group (MTAG), which has been cam-
Images offer arty edge to aged care home
The walls of a Footscray aged care facility are now much brighter and more interesting thanks to images of local landmarks that have been mounted on them.
The Footscray train line, the skyline behind the Maribyrnong River and flowers from the Williamstown Botanic Gardens are among the places featured in 12 large photos that have been hung throughout the Doutta Galla aged care home on Geelong Road.
The photos are the idea of Footscray resident and Doutta Galla volunteer, Sarah Littleton, who remembered seeing some-
thing similar when she used to visit her nanna at an aged care home in Geelong.
“The facility had huge photos of landmarks from Geelong and surrounds - and I noticed that the residents would point to the images and say ‘hey a grew up near there’ or ‘I remember visiting there’. I thought it was a really powerful form of art in an aged care facility particularly for people dealing with memory loss.”
As the photos have gradually appeared at Doutta Galla Footscray throughout this year,MsLittletonhasnoticedasimilarimpact.
“Residents were talking about the photos from day one,” she said.
“Some residents were also telling stories about their experiences with some of the landmarks.
“The photos are already showing how powerful imagery can be to take people who may be suffering from dementia to a happier place.”
Ms Littleton is one of a number of volunteers at Doutta Galla Footscray who spend an hour or two there every two weeks.
Inquiries: http://www.micare.com.au/
paigning for the removal of trucks from inner-west streets for years.
“Massive tankers carrying flammable loads do not belong on narrow residential streets running past our schools and community facilities and homes,” said MTAG president Martin Wurt, adding that the new tunnel was built for this reason.
“I have never heard the tanker industry advocating for support for community health costs caused by truck exhaust, the cost of doing their business is theirs to meet, not for us to pay with our health and loss of amenity.”
Inner-west motorists will again have to deal with disruptions as the long-awaited West Gate Tunnel Project nears completion.
From Monday, August 18, the West Gate Freeway was reduced to three outbound lanes for the installation of drainage and kerbing between Williamstown and Millers roads to be completed.
To undertake these works the Williamstown Road outbound entry ramp and the Millers Road and Grieve Parade outbound exit ramps will also be closed from August 18.
Theworkswillbecompletedwith a full outbound West Gate Freeway closure for asphalting, with all outbound lanes and ramps between Williamstown and Millers roads to close from the night of August 29 to 5am on September 1.
Major Road Projects Victoria acting chief executive Paul Roth thanked motorists for their patience.
“These works will deliver upgraded lanes, critical road facilities and create safer road conditions for Melbourne’s west,” said Mr Roth, adding that the same applied to the entire tunnel project. “The West Gate Tunnel Project will provide a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, widen the West Gate Freeway from eight to 12 lanes and take 9000 trucks off local roads.”
Drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow up to 90 minutes extra travel time.
Detours and details: bigbuild.vic. gov.au/wgtp-disruptions.
Upcoming overnight West Gate Freeway outbound closures
Plan ahead for overnight closures on the West Gate Freeway outbound, in sections between Williamstown Road and the M80 Ring Road interchange, as we test freeway management systems ahead of the West Gate Tunnel opening in late 2025. Delays are expected – plan ahead and check for updates before you travel.
Photographer Nicholas Walton-Healey (left) with residents Bruce Webster, Hugo Cuchilla and Harold Leigh Kear, in front of some of his photos of the inner west which have been displayed at the Doutta Galla aged care home in Footscray. (Damjan Janevski). 494759_01
Book for the Bulldog faithful
To celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary in the VFL/AFL, ‘Bulldogs Through and Through: The history of the Western Bulldogs’ was recently published. Cade Lucas spoke to co-authors Darren Arthur and Andrew Gigacz about their own history with the Bulldogs and how they went from the outer at the Western Oval, to writing the official account of the club they love.
As most football fans would now be well aware, the Western Bulldogs, along with North Melbourne and Hawthorn, are celebrating centenaries this year.
But as somewhat less football fans seem to be aware, or care, these centenary celebrations come with an important caveat: all three clubs are well over 100 years old.
Rather,2025marksthe100thanniversary of the Bulldogs, Kangaroos and Hawks being admitted into the then Victoria Football League from the rival Victoria Football Association (VFA) in 1925.
Of course, it’s still a significant milestone and given the VFA no longer exists (ironically now known as the VFL) and there’sbarelyanyonealivewhoremembers when these three clubs were part of it, it’s understandable that the pre-VFL history of each club has been largely overlooked.
Fortunately, the recently updated official history of the Western Bulldogs is an exception.
While published to mark 100 years in the VFL/AFL,‘BulldogsThroughandThroughThe history of the Western Bulldogs’ covers every year of the club’s existence, going all the way back to its founding in 1870 ... something.
“If you go right back it’s probably 140 plus,” said club historian and co-writer Darren Arthur of how many years the Bulldogs have been in existence.
Arthur tackled the club’s murky origins in the book’s aptly titled first chapter “Shrouded in Mystery.”
“It may well have been 1876 or 1880, not the currently believed 1883. We may never know,” he writes in the sub-heading.
Opposite is a full-page black and white photo of two Footscray footballers – the Bont and Libba of the 1870’s – clad in blue, red and white striped lace-up guernseys, full length pants and hooped socks, with oneofcarryingafootballunderhisarmthe size of a balloon.
It’s one of dozens of striking images filtered throughout the book alongside an era-by-era breakdown of the club’s history, profiles of on-field and off-field greats, quirky facts and figures, the origin of its colours, name and jumper and a complete list of every player to have ever pulled one on.
It’s an exhaustive work that is at once a handsome coffee table book, a potted history Melbourne’s west and absolute a must for all Bulldogs tragics, which is unsurprising given it was written by two of them.
Despite growing up in Glen Waverley, ArthurwasbornintoaFootscraysupporting family and trips with his father across the West Gate Bridge to the Western Oval cemented his love for the club he’s been official historian of since 1992, wrote his masters thesis about and whose museum and heritage committee he’s involved in.
It’s through the latter than he met freelance writer Andrew Gigacz, who was born in the Bulldog heartland of Sunshine, but who scandalously spent his early years barracking for the Bombers.
“The truth is I didn’t become a proper Bulldogs support until my teenage years,” said Gigacz who blames his Bomber blasphemy on an Essendon supporting big brother.
“When I was nine I went to my first game at the Whitten Oval as an Essendon fan and the Bombers got smashed and from that point we started going to Footscray games every two weeks and it became like a second home.”
By the early 80’s Gigacz’s allegiance had crossed the Maribyrnong River. where it’s remained ever since. It made him the logical choice to write the chapters on the club’s most recent decades.
As the club historian, Arthur took charge of writing the rest, including a 1924 match against his co-author’s former team that might just be the most important in the club’s history.
“There was a championship of Victoria charity game played between the VFA and VFL premiers in 1924,“ he said.
“We defeated Essendon and that was crucialtoourentrytotheVFLcompetition.”
Upon joining the VFL the following year, Arthur said Footscray soon developed a large following and benefited from being the only club west of the Yarra.
“It (the western suburbs) was quite isolated at the time and had a huge area and a population that took their football seriously.”
Despite this, the club had to wait nearly 30 years until they beat Norm Smith’s all conquering Melbourne in the 1954 Grand Final, for its first VFL flag.
It would wait more than twice as long for its second.
The team featuring club and western suburbs icons, E.J ‘Ted’ Whitten and captain coach, Charlie Sutton, achieved only a fleeting greatness.
The Footscray made another Grand Final in 1961, where they lost to fellow VFA alumni Hawthorn, but even with Whitten, the man who’d become known as ‘Mr Football’ and who was recently named the club’s greatest ever player, the Bulldogs’ fortunes slowly declined.
The club were still able to recruit champions, but they were increasingly players who shone brightly but briefly.
Among the brightest was Kelvin Templeton, a lanky kid from Gippsland who grew into a dynamic key forward that dominated the VFL in the late 1970’s.
“Probably the most brilliant I’ve seen,” said Arthur of Templeton, who won a Brownlow Medal, kicked more than 100 goals in a season and once scored an an astonishing 15.9 at the Western Oval.
Champions like Doug Hawkins, Christ Grant, Brad Johnson, Scott West and Scott Wyndplayedfortheclubduringthisera,in teams that were sometimes very good, but never great.
But as Gigacz takes over the story as the club heads towards the new millennium, it’s clear two most significant Bulldogs of the time were off-field: Gordon and Smorgon.
“Its fair to say without both of them the club would not exist today,” said Gigacz who interviewed both men.
“Both acknowledge the other the same way. They’ve had a lot of disagreements over the years, but despite that they were glowing of their praise of the other.”
“I was only a young kid and I was doing the paper round,” said Arthur of why he missed the momentous feat.
“Someonetoldmehekicked15andIsaid “oh rubbish, no one kicks 15.”
Templeton injured his knee soon after and then joined the likes of Barry Round and Bernie Quinlan on the growing list of champs the Bulldogs sold to other clubs to balance the books.
Money problems reached a crescendo in 1989 when clandestine attempts to merge the club with Fitzroy were discovered on thenightoftheclubbestandfairest.Allhell broke loose and then so did an uprising: Fightback.
The story of how Footscray supporters campaigned to save their club has been well documented, but Arthur said it’s too pivotal to not detail again.
“Fightback was hugely significant because we may not have existed,” said Arthur of the campaign led by a young FootscraybornlawyercalledPeterGordon.
GordonassumedtheBulldogspresidency post-Fightback as the 80’s became the 90’s and the VFL became the AFL. A few years later, Footscray became the Western Bulldogs as Gordon handed over the presidencytobusinessmanDavidSmorgon in 1997.
After 16 years at the helm, Smorgon handed the presidency back to Gordon in 2012 as the club embarked on what has become its greatest era, culminating in the drought breaking 2016 premiership.
Gigacz, who was at the MCG the day the Bulldogs defeated Sydney, said he could sense something was different once Luke Beveridge was appointed coach the previous year.
“It was the first time in my life as a supporter that I had the belief that this was a side that should win a premiership,” he said.
Equally as significant was the establishment of the Bulldogs AFLW team a year later, who then won a then a premiership of their own in 2018.
Women’s football has a whole chapter devoted to it, while there is a profile on Ellie Blackburn, the only female included in the club’s 25 greatest players which was announcedata100thanniversaryfunction in July.
Gigacz still shakes his head at being invited.
“I thought this is totally surreal, having been a nine year old kid attending his first game in 1974 having no concept he might one day be writing a history of the club and sharing a room with the greats.”
‘Bulldogs Through and Through - The HistoryoftheWesternBulldogs’,byDarren Arthur and Andrew Gigacz is out now through Slattery Books.
Andrew Gigacz and Darren Arthur have co-authored a book on the history of the Western Bulldogs to mark its centenary in the VFL/AFL. (Damjan Janevski)
Western Bulldogs AFLW star Ellie Blackburn poses with her picture that features in the club’s official history book ’Bulldogs Through and Through - The history of the Western Bulldogs’.
(Ruby Harkness)
Attack victim’s visa extended
By Cade Lucas
An Altona Meadows man who nearly lost his arm in a horrific machete attack last month has thanked the federal government for extending his visa on compassionate grounds.
Indian migrant Saurabh Anand, 33, was on a temporary visa when he was attacked outside the Central Square shopping centre in Altona Meadows in the evening of Saturday, July 19.
Mr Anand suffered gruesome injuries to his forearm after being slashed with a machete, leaving him bloodied on the
ground.
Since being released from hospital, the energy retail worker has been recovering at home, but with his temporary visa set to expire on August 25, Mr Anand was concerned that recovery would have to continue in his native India.
But after lobbying from federal Gellibrand MP Tim Watts and and state Western Metropolitan MP Moira Deeming, the federal government last week ensured that wouldn’t happen.
“I am relieved that the government supported me by extending my visa and giving me a pathway to permanent resi-
dency as it will allow me to stay in Australia for my treatment and recovery,” said Mr Anand, whose two-year visa extension was signed at a recent meeting with Assistant Citizenship Minister Julian Hill.
Mr Watts helped arrange the meeting and said his office had been doing everything possible to support Mr Anand during such a traumatic time.
“When I met with Saurabh I had one message for him: You’re not alone,” Mr Watts said.
“I’m relieved that thanks to this ministerial intervention, he no longer has to worry about his visa status and can now
494994_01
Lions club call for youth contestants
The Footscray Lions Club is calling on youngpeoplefromacrossthewesternsuburbs to enter its annual Youth of the Year competition.
The competition is open to young people aged between 15 and 19 years-old who are in years 10 to 12 in high school.
Students who either live or study in the western suburbs are eligible, with entries closing at the end of the current school term on September 19.
Footscray Lions Club secretary Vanessa Black, said there were a variety of benefits for young people who entered the competition.
“It’s a good experience for confidence building and skills and development building,” said Ms Black, who is also the competition coordinator.
“It looks good on your resume for university or work and it’s great for meeting other students and networking and making connections.”
Ms Black said the competition was essentially a leadership development program split into two sections: the application and interview section and a public speaking event.
“The application focuses on initiatives inside and outside school which are things
like sporting achievements, academic achievements, cultural and community involvements,” she said.
“The public speaking event is where students do a prepared speech of their choice for between four and five minutes and answer two impromptu questions as well.”
A maximum of five students can enter, with the winner advancing to a regional competitionandthenpotentiallystateand national competitions.
Those who are interested in entering are urgedtocontactVanessaBlackat:vanessajaneblack@gmail.com or call 0403317577.
focus on his recovery.”
Ms Deeming, who’s been lobbying for Mr Anand’s visa extension since he first approached her for assistance, said she was honoured to have been able to help.
“I was so happy I nearly cried,” Ms Deeming said of her reaction upon learningthevisaextensionhadbeenapproved.
Mr Anand, who sustained multiple fractures, nerve damage, and severed muscles and tendons in his left arm, estimates his recovery will take at least 12 months.
Five teenagers have charged in relation to the alleged attack.
Doctor to care for small business
Western suburbs doctor-turned-businesswoman, Dr Suji Sanjeevan, has been appointed chair of Victoria’s newly re-established Small Business Ministerial Council.
The state government announced Dr Sanjeevan’s appointment, as well as that of the council’s six other members, on Tuesday, August 12. The council has been brought back by the state government in an attempt to ensure the small business sector is heard and consulted on key issues.
Originally from the UK, Dr Sanjeevan is the founder and director Wyndham-based scent marketing company BrandScent and boutique candle maker, Light and Glo Designs. Joining her on the council is principal engineer at MKPro Engineering, Dr Michael Akindeju; founder and managing director of The Regional Development Company, Susan Benedyka; founder and principal broker of GB Financials, Niti Bhargava; chief executive of Little Rocket and director of First Nations Network, John Burgess; dairy farmer and founder of Naturally Goat, Orianna Edmonds and founder of Engineering Equilibrium, Claire Elkin.
“Having an expert council representing our small businesses is yet another way we are strengthening a sector that contributes so much to Victoria, ” said Small Business and Employment Minister Natalie Suleyman.
HAVEAWINNER
The Footscray Lions Club is seeking contestants for the 2025 Youth of the Year competition. From left, club vice president Ruth Roa, club member Bert Jessup, current Youth of the Year Aaron Goyal club secretary and competition coordinator Vanessa Black and club members Pauline and Robert Pace. (Damjan Janevski).
Call for security rethink
By Cade Lucas
More than 100 people attended a community safety forum in Footscray on Thursday,demandingMaribyrnongcouncil pauseplanstouseprivatesecurityguardsto patroltheFootscrayCBD.
The August 14 forum was organised by Footscray Community Response, an organisationopposedtoplansforasecurity crackdownintheCBD.
Those in attendance voted in favour of calling on council to pause the security programsoitcanconductmorecommunity consultation and provide more evidence thatitwillbeeffective.
The security program, which allows for private security guards and council by-lawsofficerstoconductpatrolsincentral Footscray, was endorsed by Maribyrnong councilatatmeetinglastmonth.
Maribyrnong council did not respond to inquiriesbeforedeadline.
“There is a history in Maribyrnong of using by-laws in ways that harm vulnerable community members,” Footscray Community Response spokesperson and former Maribyrnong councillor, Jorge Jorqueratoldtheforum.
“It’s not a question how ‘nice’ the security guards are, the overall model of using by-lawsagainstvulnerablepeopleiswrong.”
Ride takes heart and soul
A remarkable Aussie has made a quick stopoverinBraybrookaspartofa200-day, 20,000km duathlon across the country to raiseawarenessandfundsforhearthealth.
Forty-year-old Dawn Beaumont, also known as the queen of hearts, is hoping to raise $2 million for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Heart Foundation research team as part of the 200-day running-cyclingjourney.Beginninginher hometown in Adelaide, Ms Beaumont has travelled through every Australian state andterritory,andwillheadontoTasmania afterpassingthroughVictoria.
Aspartoftheepicfeat,MsBeaumontwill consume 8000 calories daily and churn through 16 pairs of runners. She said the causemotivateshertokeeppushingon.
“There’s definitely been days where it’s
been rough. It’s all for a good cause so that gets you moving and you’re going ‘this is bigger than what I’m doing, it’s what I’m tryingtodoitfor’,”MsBeaumontsaid.
MsBeaumontwasinspiredtotakeonthe run-ride challenge after she successfully performedCPRonhermumwhowentinto cardiacarrestattheageof53.
“That’s definitely opened my eyes to cardiovasculardiseaseandthefactthatitisthe biggestkillerofwomeninAustralia,”shesaid.
“It’s one of those silent killers, unfortunately.It’simportanttoknowwhat yourheartisdoing.Evenifyouthinkyou’re okayitdoesn’thurttogetitchecked.”
Details: https://www.dawnbeaumont. com.au/donate
Mr Jorquera was joined by other guest speakers at the forum including South Sudan Child First Education executive directorMalualDeng.
“Footscray is special to African communities,”MrDengtoldtheforum.
“We want to be part of the solution. This placeisourhome.”
However another representative of the local African community claimed forum organisers cut her off when she spoke in supportofmoresecurityinFootscray.
United Nicholson Street African Traders Association representative and local restaurant owner, Nagwa Yassin, said she was highlighting the safety threat posed to
womenrunningbusinessesalongNicholson Street from drunk and intoxicated men, whenshewasshutdown.
“I did not get my message across,” Ms Yassinsaid.
“When you are representing an organisation you should be given enough time to speak. But because we were going against their argument they did not want to hearit.”
MrJorqueradeniedthis,sayingMsYassin was only cut off because she exceeded the three minute time limit afforded to all speakersfromthefloor.
Vision of the forum seen by Star Weekly confirmedthis.
Dawn Beaumont will run and cycle 20,000km across 200 days to raise awareness and funds for heart health. (Damjan Janevski). 496579_05
Finals fever
By Cr Paddy Keys-Macpherson
As winter nears an end and the sun begins to poke its head out for spring, that can only mean one of the more exciting times oftheyearishere–sportfinals.
Whether it’s footy, netball or a range of other winter sports, there’s always somethingspecialaboutthistimeofyear.
I’d like to wish all clubs across Hobsons Bayagreatfinishtotheendoftheirseasons, and good luck to all teams competing in finals.
Sports clubs are a vital part of our community, driving volunteerism and fosteringasenseofbelonging.
LastmonthIhadtheprivilegeofchatting with members of the Laverton Magpies Football Netball Club as we officially openedupgradesatLavertonPark.
It was great to see the excitement on their faces with an upgrade in facilities, including a new deck and change rooms, as well as the installation of a digital scoreboard.
Ilookforwardtoseeingtheclubmakethe mostofthenewandimprovedfacilities.
There’s plenty of work happening across the sport and recreation space in Hobsons Bayatthemoment.
We’ve seen completed works such as those at Laverton, the new Altona Hockey Club pavilion and box lacrosse training court at Williamstown’s Fearon Reserve, but there is quite a bit happening behind thescenestoo.
This year we endorsed a review of our existing aquatic strategy, with a focus on ensuring our long-term planning and delivery of aquatic facilities continues to meettheevolvingneedsofourcommunity.
FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING
How to conquer foot pain
Experiencing foot pain? Chances are, you’ve received a diagnosis of one of the following conditions: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, bunions, bursitis, arthritis, Morton’s neuroma, Plantar heel pain, Severs disease (in children), or flat feet. While these foot issues are prevalent andtreatedworldwide,theyarefrequently misdiagnosedandimproperlymanaged.
Dr Paul Dowie, renowned musculoskeletal podiatrist with over 25 years of experience in diagnosing and treating foot, knee, and leg conditions provided some insight. According to him, it is common and unfortunate that many people receive incorrect diagnoses and ineffective treatments, which can worsen conditions. His Foot and Leg Pain Clinics successfully treat such conditions daily and have highlighted three of the most common scenarios for misdiagnosis and ineffectivetreatments:
• Misread diagnostic scans: Thickened tissue on diagnostic scans is often confused with inflammation, leading to inappropriatetreatment.
• Treatment of symptoms without addressing underlying causes: Without understanding causes and targeting contributing factors, treatments can be ineffective,temporaryorevenharmful.
• Lack of understanding of intricate foot and leg biomechanics: This can lead to pooradviceandoutcomes.
Dr Dowie emphasises, “it’s important for people to know that most foot and leg pain is treatable, even the most complex conditions. Too often people are told there is nothing that can be done or that they have to expect, and just put up with,
certain conditions due to ageing, and this is often incorrect. With an accurate diagnosis, understanding of contributing factors, and in-depth knowledge of lower limb biomechanics and musculoskeletal medicine, many concerns can be swiftly and effectively addressed. This includes injured, arthritic and degenerated joints andtissues.”
If you’d like personalised guidance and advice from Dr Dowie, you can consult him at his Williamstown clinic or other locations across Melbourne. Simply call 1300 328 300.
Work is also under way on a sport infrastructure action plan, helping to guide what investment is made into sport andrecreationinthecomingyears.
Council has also started developing a policy about facility allocations and charges for sports clubs, a policy that will be important for the relationship between councilandsportsclubs.
Community input will be important for all of these, so keep an eye out on how you can get involved and have your say in the comingmonths.
Briefs
Armed robbery
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an armed robbery in Footscray on Tuesday, May 27. It’s believed two unknown male offenders, including one armed with a pocketknife, approached the victim as he was sitting in his vehicle at approximately 11.15am near Gordon Street. It’s also believed the offenders armed with a pocketknife made demands for the victim’s mobile phone. After the victim complied and handed over his mobile phone, both offenders left on foot.
Police forum
Footscray police are holding a neighbourhood policing forum at the Footscray Town Hall on Wednesday, September 3. Current crime trends and crime prevention, family violence, young people, drugs and drug related crime and road policing will be among the topics discussed at the forum, with those attendance also having the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to police directly. Neighbourhood policing forums are designed to allow police officers and local residents to engage and discuss community safety concerns. The forum will run from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and bookings are required. For further information, email: MARIBYRNONGNEIGHBOURHOOD-POLICING-MGR@ police.vic.gov.au
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Hobsons Bay councillor Paddy Keys-Macpherson. (supplied)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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
Mahjong Mondays
Join us to learn how to play Mahjong. Beginner or expert, everyone is welcome to come, chat and unwind with us. Altona North Community Library, corner Millers and McArthurs roads, Altona North
library@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or 1300 179 944
Games, cards and conversation
Do you like playing games? Canasta, Scrabble, Triominos, 500, Sequence, Rummikub and more, let’s all learn together. Held 10am-12pm every Tuesday at Altona North Community Library, corner Millers and McArthurs roads, Altona North. Entry is free, no bookings are required and morning tea is provided.
library@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or 1300 179 944
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 9.30-10.30am during school term at Westgate Baptist Community, 16 High Street, Yarraville. The cost is $7 per family, per week.
Jenny, 0401 651 012, Ruth, 0409 635 468 or https://westgatebaptist.org.au/ mainlymusic/
Williamstown seniors
The group meets every Tuesday at 1-3pm at Denis Reserve. It is a small group looking for more seniors both male and female. Members enjoy two hours of singing as well as afternoon tea. Cost is $5 for the afternoon.
Marlene, president/secretary, 0402 769 204
Royal Yacht Club of Victoria lunch
Enjoy midweek lunch specials each Wednesday: $10 entrée, $20 main course. RYCV 120 Nelson Place, Williamstown.
Reservations, www.rycv.com.au
Altona North Combined Probus
The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.
Lesley, 0414 481 442
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club
The AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club welcomes all who want to improve their communication, leadership and public speaking skills. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of every month 7-9pm at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton.
Helen, 0474 498 052 or aerospeakerstm@gmail.com
Social square dancing for beginners
Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights
7.30-10.30pm to learn social square dancing for beginners in a safe and friendly environment. The teaching is in a group but is self paced so there is no pressure to maintain a rate of learning.
Janine, 0421 371 883 or contact@essendonsquares.com
Free English conversation classes
If English is your second language and you want to improve your English language skills, practice speaking with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive group sessions held every Monday at 1 pm -3pm in the meeting room at Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona. Light refreshments provided. Come along and make new friends!
Jill MacKenzie, 0439 994 705 or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com
Chit Chat Tuesdays
A ladies chit chat group which is on every Tuesday 1.30-3pm at Louis Joel Arts & Community centre in Altona. As an extension of this sometimes we host guest speaker events for women in the community.
Dione, 9398 2511 or LJAC.com.au
Angling club
The Essendon Angling Club Est 1903 is looking for new members. If you are interested in fishing come along and join fellow minded anglers and help our club
grow strong. The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at the club rooms 44 The Boulevard Moonee Ponds. On the 3rd Wednesday of the month there is also a social get together where people talk about fishing and make some great friendships.
president@essendonanglersclub.org.au or 0432 744 802
Laverton Bowls Club
Experience the fun and skill of lawn bowls, a game which is suitable for all ages. Laverton Bowls Club is recruiting new members, so if you are looking for a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to bowl both socially or at pennant level Laverton is the place to be. Come to the club on Tuesday or Thursday mornings for practise beginning at 10am. All welcome at 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows.
9369 1034 or secretary@lavertonbowls.com.au
Women’s Health Week walks September 1-5, 2025 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 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
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in-person meetings in Williamstown. If you think you may have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend. Friends and family members supporting
a loved one are also encouraged to come along.
https://williamstown.aagroup.org.au/, aawilliamstown@gmail.com or 1300 222 222
Willin Wimmin choir
Join the wonderful women at Willin Wimmin choir in Williamstown for some singing fun! Try us out for free for two weeks to see if it’s your thing. The group is all about the joy of group singing, and we welcome new members. There are no auditions required. Members sing a mix of contemporary, folk, choral, and world music in acapella style. The choir meets on Wednesday evenings during school terms 7.30-9.30pm at The Dennis Reserve, 109 Ferguson Street, corner Melbourne Road, Williamstown.
willinwimmin.org.au or willin.wimmin@gmail.com
Women working together
A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or https://cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/
Musicians wanted Westgate Concert Band, Established in 1979 is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am-noon at Braybrook College.
westgateconcertband@gmail.com
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Bert Candusio who is organising the 2025 National Insect Expo, held in October. (Damjan Janevski) 496468_01
Pride film festival is a first
The Melbourne International Film Festival mightbeunderwaynow,buttheinner-west will soon play host to a unique film festival all of its own.
The inaugural Pride Short Film Fest will take place on August 28, September 3 and September 10 at the eponymous Footscray bar on Barkly Street.
As the name suggests, the Pride Short Film Fest will be a celebration of local queer filmmakers, with six movies shown each night and introduced by the director or a member of the cast and crew.
Festival director Tom Nguyen said the
idea for the festival was inspired by the regularfilmnightsheldatthebarfeaturing Hollywood movies popular with queer people.
“I’ve worked on movie projects around Melbourne and I know that there’s a community of people that not only love watching movies, but making them as well and a lot of them are gay and queer,” Mr Nguyen said.
“My Idea was to find local queer films and filmmakers and show their work to the audiencewealreadyhaveandalsocreatea spaceforthemtomeeteachotherandmeet
the audience.”
Pride of Our Footscray manager Mat O’Keefe said the festival would feature a broad range of films.
“It’s got everything from camp horror to social commentary on Melbourne’s fascination with cool cafes,” Mr O’Keefe said.
“It’s rare to have a film festival in a bar such as this and you get to meet the directors so it’s more personal than going to Hoyts.”
Details and bookings: https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1416708
Students bring Spamalot to the stage
Do you like to look on the bright side of life? If so, you should see St Albans Secondary College’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot.
Spamalot takes the classic story of King Arthur and his knights and turns it on its head. The quest for the grail is a series of hilariously chaotic events which highlight theabsurdityofepicjourneys.
St Albans Secondary College musical appreciation club director Melissa Tamraz said students have poured their hearts into rehearsalsfortheshow.
“They are bravely uncovering their
comedictalents,ignitingtheirinnerjoy,and unlockinghiddendanceabilitiestheynever knewtheypossessed,”MsTamarazsaid.
She said the production is sure to make peopleofallageslaugh.
“Inspired by Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is full of funny one-liners, silly situations, and hilarious parody,” Ms Tamrazsaid.
“The show pokes fun at musical theatre, with exaggerated songs, sparkling costumes, and even knights dancing tap. It makes fun of the genre in a loving way, whilealsoshowingwhatmakesitspecial.
“Beneath all the silly moments, the show is really about friendship, never giving up, and following your dreams, your own ‘holy grail.’ It’s funny, but also warm and full of heart.”
Justbewareofanykillerrabbits.
Monty Python’s Spamalot, performed by St Albans Secondary College, will be showing at the Bowery Theatre from Wednesday, August 20 to Friday, August 22 at7pmeachevening.
Tickets are $15 for adults and children. Familyticketsare$55.
Details:creativebrimbank.com.au
The Addams Family prove to be spookier than ever
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, they’re mysterious and spooky.
They’re all together ooky, so clap twice and welcome Point Cook P-9 College’s performance of The Addams Family.
Fresh on the acting scene, Irene is embracing life as Morticia the macabre queen.
“This is my introduction to acting, and the character I am playing is very distinct from my natural character,” Irene said.
“I have a very bubbly personality and Morticia is super dark.”
Morticia’shusbandGomezisnostranger to romance, but Dylan, who plays him, is.
“He is a very passionate person I would say, perhaps a little too romantic–especially for me,” Dylan said.
“Simply when Gomez talks to Morticia, words like darling get me. It is very hard to be romantic at 14.”
Abigail has no intention of fixing what isn’t broken when she transforms into Wednesday Addams.
“I have tried to mostly keep it the same, I have read about the character and stayed mostly on track with being Wednesday, because I am the opposite.
“I am always laughing and smiling, so I struggle with keeping the deadpan look.
Go back in time
Travel back in time and experience film in a whole new way with The Sounds of Silent.
Back by popular demand, the Lancefield Mechanics Institute will bring back The Sounds of Silent for a vibrant and entertaining musical andmovieeventforthewholefamily.
On the night, catch a 1920’s classic silent film alongside a live jazz performance from The Sounds of Silent.
This time the institute will be showing the 1926 silent comedy The General, starring Buster Keaton. The film was inspired by the Great Locomotive Chase, which happened in 1862 in America, and filmed towards the end of the silent era.
Also on the night, catch a Laurel andHardyshortforafunnightoutin yesteryear.
Lancefield Mechanics Institute committeeofmanagementpresident John Sevenson encouraged the community to come on down.
“Come along to a family friendly night and enjoy how entertainment used to be in the 1920s enhanced with a modern jazz band, The Sound of Silent,“ he said.
The Sounds of Silent is a five piece ensemble, featuring some of Melbourne’s most versatile and accomplished musicians. Recreating the silent movie experience all over Melbourne, they’re once again coming back to Lancefield and bringing another classic experience with them.
The Sounds of Silent will be performing on Saturday, August 23, at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute. Doors will open at 6pm, for a 7pm start. The night is BYO drinks and nibbles, however popcorn, choc tops and drinks will be available to purchase.
Tickets will be $10, and are available online at https://tinyurl. com/599u8d5w
“My favourite part is how my friends have been helping me, and it has basically just been a staring showdown.”
The youngest of the bunch, Geronimo was the right man to channel Pugsley.
Pugsleyhasbeenagreatwaytofindinner strength and empathise with a character’s sibling rivalry.
“He has different ways of being himself, and I mean, yes he does have lots of problems with his sister,“ Geronimo said.
“But if his sister went away, he’d miss her.”
Place, date and tickets: https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1395423
Year 7 Abigail (front), year 9 Irene, year 6 Geronimo and year 9 Dylan will star in Point Cook P-9 College’s The Addams Family. (Damjan Janevski) 494484_02
St Albans Secondary School production of Monty Python’s Spamalot, featuring students Paul (front), Luca, Cindy, DT, Talia, Thien, Ryan and Xai. (Damjan Janevski) 495084_02
Pride of Our Footscray manager Mat O’Keefe and festival director Tom Nguyen. (Damjan Janevski) 494919_04
Working to tackle violence
By Cade Lucas
One organisation supports asylum seekers and the other supports victims of family and domestic violence.
And now, the Footscray-based Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) and the statewide Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, have collaborated to support multicultural communities impacted by family and domestic violence.
Jointly funded by the federal and state governments, the Working Together project aims to increase awareness among migrant and refugee communities of the family and domestic violence support that is available.
Deputy director of humanitarian pperations at ASRC, Tia Di Biase said people from migrant and refugee communities,includingthoseinFootscray and the western suburbs, often struggled to access crisis support services and those that did often found them not culturally appropriate.
“This project addresses that gap by combining Safe Steps’ expertise in family anddomesticviolenceservicesandASRC’s experience working with people from refugeeandasylum-seekingbackgrounds,” said Ms Di Biase, who added that language and cultural barriers and issues like visa insecurity meant family and domestic violence in these communities was widely under-reported.
“As such, the true number of people affected is likely to be far higher than available data suggests, making this
project both timely and essential.”
Safe Steps chief executive Suzanne Paynter said even when cases were reported, dealing with domestic and family violence in migrant and refugee communities was especially complex.
“Perpetrators often exploit immigration status to control victims, especially those on temporary visas, while financial and social dependence increases vulnerability.
“Refugees and migrants also face unique challenges such as traumatic pre-arrival experiences and the stresses of resettlement, which can exacerbate family violence and hinder help-seeking.”
Ms Paynter said while the partnership would help frontline staff from both organisationstodealwiththesesituations, the ultimate beneficiaries would be the communities themselves.
“Most importantly, it will benefit members of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities who seek our services, ensuring they receive tailored helpthatrespectstheiruniqueexperiences and needs,” Ms Paynter said.
The two year Working Together project is underway now.
Contact Safe Steps at: https://safesteps. org.au/about-us/
Contact the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre at: https://asrc.org.au/
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre’s Kiara Fourie is the program manager of the Working Together project, a collaboration with family and domestic violence support service, Safe Steps. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 490120_01
Hobsons Bay volunteer lifesavers receive awards
Volunteer lifesavers from Altona and Williamstown lifesaving clubs received high accolades at Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence on August 9. Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club’s under-23 female surfboat team was named the under-17 to Open Team of the Year, and Stacey Barrand from Altona Life Saving Club was named Emerging Official of the Year.
Surfboat team members Chloe Robinson, Emily Davey, Eloise Pearce, OliviaLongleyandsweepTimMcFarlane, were on hand to accept their award in front of more than 500 people at the ceremony at the Sofitel Grand Ballroom in the Melbourne CBD.
StaceyBarrandwasalsotheretocollect her accolade which was presented by Life SavingVictoria’sdirectorofaquaticsport, Aaron Green.
The annual awards celebrate the
excellenceandoutstandingachievements of those charged with keeping the Victorian community safe in the water.
Among the other big winners on the night was Sas McNamara from Portsea SLSC who won the John Wishart Memorial Medal for Lifesaver of the Year.
The Beaurepaire Shield, awarded for Club of the Year, was won by WarrnamboolSLSCandtheGraemeLong MemorialMedalfor VolunteeroftheYear went to Anglesea SLSC’s David Marsh. Sandringham LSC were awarded the JanetJonesOAMInclusionAwardfortheir Sunday Community Swim, a program for all ages and abilities to build connection, and confidence in the bay.
Paid lifeguards, aquatic industry professionals, water safety educators and organisations that contribute to water safety were also commended.
Simplyregistertodayand
Williamstown U23 surfboat team members Chloe Robinson, Emily Davey, Eloise Pearce and Olivia Longley with sweep Tim McFarlane (centre) after receiving the Life Saving Victoria Team of the Year award. (Nish Paranavitana)
The snowfields of New Zealand
NEW Zealand’s winter season kicked off with a bang, with lots of early snowfall setting the stage for an exciting few months on the slopes.
This year, Cardrona Alpine Resort has beenatthecentreofthebuzz,launchingits much-anticipated Soho Basin expansion and officially becoming New Zealand’s largest ski resort.
On 14 June, Cardrona’s 2025 ski season began with perfect conditions: a stunning sunrise above the clouds, crisp temperatures, and no wind in sight.
Snowmaking guns fired at full blast as the resort team worked to open even more terrain and lifts in the coming weeks.
Eager skiers and snowboarders wasted no time - some lined up at the bottom of Cardrona’s access road from 1am, hoping to snag the coveted “First Chair” t-shirts. By 5:30 am, when the road opened, it was a race to the McDougall’s Chondola lift line, where six lucky riders earned braggingrightsasthefirsttorideupforthe season.
While experienced skiers carved their first turns down McDougall’s, newcomers and families made the most of the Beginners’Area,soakingupthefreshsnow and bluebird day.
“It’sincredibletokickoffthe2025season and see so many happy people out there,” Chief Mountains Officer for Cardrona and Treble Cone Laura Hedley said.
This year’s Opening Day also marked the culmination of one of the biggest development summers in modern New Zealand ski history.
The resort’s transformation includes the new Soho Basin and Soho Express lift, adding 150 hectares of terrain for guests
to explore. Opening at the start of July, the new Soho Basin saw its first excited riders test untouched slopes, mostly ungroomed andrecommendedforadvancedskiersand boarders.
The “Soho It Begins” t-shirts were claimed by the first six to load the new lift, marking the start of an exciting new era.
“It’sahugemilestonefortheAotearoaski industry,” Hedley said.
“To open this terrain after decades of dreamingisaprettyemotionalmomentfor our team.”
Alongside the new terrain, Cardrona has unveiled a new base building with an atrium, expanded dining and retail options,anewt-barforworld-classtraining facilities, upgraded snowmaking, sealed lower access road sections, and improved carparking.
“It was down to the wire,” said Hedley. “Our team worked late into the night to have the new spaces ready. We’re so stoked with how it’s turned out and can’t wait for everyone to enjoy these new facilities.”
With winter now well underway, Aotearoa New Zealand’s long ski season, typically through to spring, has been primed for one of its biggest yet.
New Zealand’s snow season typically runs right into spring.
Snow much fun.
On the slopes.
New Zealand’s ski fields.
All pictures courtesy of Belle Grace / Cardrona Alpine Resort and Chris Kay / Cardrona Alpine Resort.
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
MARRIAGE CELEBRANT MELBOURNE
“My
passed away but some of his patients still come in for a check-up. Not only is this inspirational, it also demonstrates that good surgery outlasts the surgeon,” Dr Stubbs says.
A specialist who helps people who have been advised they are unsuitable for laser surgery, Dr Stubbs is also committed to demonstrating that age, corneal distortion or astigmatism are no barriers to eliminating the need for glasses.
One of my best moments was treating a 12-year-old girl who was struggling at school because of poor vision due to congenital cataracts even with the use of thick glasses. Now 10 years later, she still has 20/20 vision without glasses. That inspires me.
“Seeing my patients’ bright smiles after surgery, as they stop squinting and can read without glasses, is definitely the best part of my job.”
No referral is needed and no out-of-pocket
options available to be considered.
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which swimmer recently equalled Ian Thorpe’s record of 11 World Championship golds?
2. What song plays at the Gabba when Charlie Cameron kicks a goal?
3. Who scored the most points in the 2024–25 NBA season?
4. For the first time, the final stage of the Tour de France this year included a climb of which Parisian landmark before the regular sprint finish at the Champs-Élysées?
5. Known for his big smile, AFL umpire David Rodan played for which three AFL clubs between 2002 and 2013?
British athlete Ellie Kildunne was named World Player of the Year in which sport?
Actor Jason Statham was a member of Britain’s national team competing in which water sport?
What is signalled by a cricket umpire raising both hands above their head?
Which former Melbourne Storm player has been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame?
Sunisa Lee is an Olympic gymnastic gold medallist from which country?
In November, six exceptional athletes will be inducted into which prestigious Australian institution?
12. Australian golfer Marc Leishman won a LIV Golf tournament in April in which US city?
13. Which AFL coach was sacked in early August, despite winning the premiership just fours ago?
14. Jen Pawol is the first woman to umpire in which major US sporting league?
15. In cricket, India defeated England by how many runs in an epic finish to the fifth Test?
16. And which English batsman was named player of the series with 481 runs?
17. Which horse won last year’s Melbourne Cup?
18. Vietnamese-Australian Jayden Nguyen debuted for which AFL team in Round 21?
19. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot won which major cycling event in July–August?
20. What does the word ‘hundred’ refer to in England’s T20-inspired The Hundred cricket competition?
21. Who is the current caretaker coach of the Melbourne AFL team?
22. NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch recently broke what part of his body while celebrating a race win?
23. Which A-League club was recently stripped of its licence due to financial issues?
24. Which canoeist won more Olympic medals at the Paris 2024 Summer Games: Jess or Noémie Fox?
25. Which soon-to-retire AFL player has played the most career games without reaching 400 total games?
26. The City2Surf is a running event held in which city?
27. The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is being hosted by which country?
28. And how many teams will be competing in this year’s tournament?
29. Which NRL team recently had one of their trainers banned and received a $50,000 fine?
30. Which Collingwood AFL legend recently signed to play on for a 21st season?
Key details Expressions of Interest opens: 9am, 20 August 2025
Expressions of Interest Closes: 5pm, 20 September 2025
How to apply: Email your application to community@melair.com.au
We encourage individuals from a range of backgrounds, including:
• Local and neighbouring communities to the airport.
• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups
• Local businesses and industry
Experience in aviation, public health, stakeholder engagement or environmental matters is welcomed but not essential.
Successful applicants will be appointed for a three-year term and are expected to attend regular meetings and actively participate in discussions.
For more information and to apply, visit: www.melbourneairport.com.au/community/cacg
Help shape the future of your airport – apply today!
Expressions of Interest are invited from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to provide canteen services to our multi-campus college from 2026.
Williamstown High School
A tour of both facilities will be conducted on Tuesday 26 August commencing at 2.30pm at the Pasco Campus. Expression of Interest documentation may be obtained from via the school website www.willihigh.vic.edu.au from Tuesday, 19 August.
Closing Date: 4pm Friday, 29 August 2025. Email Expressions of Interest to Tess Duerden, Business Manager, williamstown.hs@education.vic.gov.au
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 1 September 2025
Presentations from shortlisted applicants will be held on 5 September 2025
YOUR NEW CAREER
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
Ian Thorpe Ian
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1 Celine Dion appears in which 2023 rom-com?
2 What three colours appear on the Armenian flag?
3 Lydia Tár, played by Cate Blanchett, was the chief conductor of which orchestra?
4 Who played Atticus Finch in ToKillaMockingbird?
5 Is the maximum length of a male or female orca larger?
6 US television personality Michael Strahan (pictured) played which sport professionally?
7 In what year did a structural fire break out at the Notre Dame?
8 Which country borders Nicaragua to the north?
9 Where was the 1976 Summer Olympics held?
10 In which century was the British Museum established?
Final spots are on
It’s shaping up to be a thrilling final round of football, with several clubs still needing towintocementtheirplaceinthetopeight – and others fighting to secure a coveted top four double chance.
The 2025 AFL season has delivered a brilliant run into September, full of twists, high-quality contests, and dramatic finishes. Round 24 promises more of the same, with a true marathon of must-win clashes that will decide the fate of multiple clubs.
Below is my snapshot of the weekend’s match-ups – the merry-go-round of who wins, who loses, and where they are likely to finish in the top eight.
Round 24 Match Stakes –
One Week Out from Finals Essendon (15th) vs Carlton (12th): Both eliminated. No finals implications. Carlton wins.
Collingwood (4th) vs Melbourne (14th): Pies must win to lock in top four. Collingwood wins.
Port Adelaide (13th) vs Gold Coast Suns (9th): Suns must win to jump into top eight and stay alive. Gold Coast Suns wins.
North Melbourne (16th) vs Adelaide (1st): If the Crows win they are minor premiers. North Melbourne wins – upset of the round.
Richmond (17th) vs Geelong (2nd): CatsmustwintokeeppressureonAdelaide for top spot and secure top two. Geelong wins.
West Coast (18th) vs Sydney (10th): Swans cannot reach finals. Sydney wins.
GWS (6th) vs St Kilda (11th): Giants still a top four chance if they win and percentage swings. GWS wins.
Western Bulldogs (8th) vs Fremantle (7th): Dogs win = finals secured. Dockers win = possible top four finish. A real elimination-style clash. Western Bulldogs wins.
Brisbane (3rd) vs Hawthorn (5th): Both fighting for top four-top two. Winner could move into top two; loser may slide into elimination bracket. Brisbane wins.
Gold Coast (9th) vs Essendon (15th) –midweek: If Suns beat Port, this becomes a win-and-in finals decider. Gold Coast Suns wins.
Key One-Week – Out Finals Scenarios Adelaide: Win and finish minor premiers. Geelong: Locked in top two if it beats Richmond.
Brisbane v Hawthorn: Could shape the top two-top four order.
Collingwood: Win over Melbourne = top four guaranteed.
GWS / Fremantle: Win plus results its way could lift them into top four. Western Bulldogs: Win and stay in. Lose and Gold Coast can pinch their spot. Gold Coast: Winbothround24games(Port and Essendon) = first ever finals berth.
Final Word –
The Countdown to September Round 24 isn’t just the end of the home-and-away season – it’s effectively the first week of finals in disguise. With so much still on the line, every contest carries weight, from the Bulldogs fighting for survival, to the Suns chasing history, to Adelaide and Geelong battling for the minor premiership. The rare Wednesday nightclashbetweentheSunsandBombers – a hangover from the opening round scheduling disaster – means the finals race won’t be officially settled until the very last bounce of the season. After 23 weeks of twists and turns, it all comes down to this: one last stop before finals – and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Bright future ahead for Kangaroos says former captain
Former North Melbourne captain Anthony Stevens has seen the highs and lows over the years at his beloved Kangaroos. Now supporting the Roos on the sidelines, Stevens is positive about what the future holds for his former club.
I can say with absolute conviction, North Melbourne are not far away from success.
Just as in the 1970s and 1990s, when premiership glory united our club, the building blocks are there.
After 16 years as a player for North Melbourne,followedby12yearsawayfrom the club, I returned to contribute through the NMFC Past Players Association before serving a further three years on the board until mid-2024. Across this timeparticularly during my board tenure - I have developed a deep understanding of our football department under Todd Viney and Alastair Clarkson, from the playing list and coaching set-up to the unwavering passion of our diehard supporters.
A recent media article by Collingwood and Carlton great Mick McGuane, one of the most astute football minds in the AFL,
Success isn’t far away for the Kangaroos, believes former great Anthony Stevens.
(AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
struck a chord with me. In his article Mick was spot-on: the modern game is built on processes and structures. If players don’t buy into them and execute with discipline, the side is on the back foot from the
opening bounce.
No coach - even a four-time premiership coach like Clarkson - can succeed without that on-field commitment. Yet in today’s commentary climate, it’s the coach who often wears the brunt of the criticism.
From watching the 2025 season unfold, I believe our leadership group must take greater accountability. Leadership isn’t just about a title or an armband - it’s about setting and upholding standards every single day, both on and off the field. It’s about ensuring that our structures are more than diagrams on a whiteboard; they are lived, executed, and reinforced until they become second nature.
Can you blame our senior boys in the leadership group? No - they’ve remained loyal and committed to the club through some of its most challenging years,
enduring multiple coaching changes and significant shifts within the football department. But when I watch them of late, especially with several senior players sidelined through injury, I see a tendency to slip back into old survival-mode habits.
Inthosemoments,theystartchasingkicks, believing it’s what’s best for them and the team - but in reality, it’s not.
We’ve seen what North Melbourne can achieve when everyone is aligned and committed. The pathway back to the top is clear: embrace the processes, lift our standards, back our coaching team, and demand accountability from within.
To our loyal fans - keep the faith. The climb is tough, but with unity, discipline, and a fierce commitment to our values, we can return to the level of success that defines our great club.
The Bulldogs’ finals hopes are still alive thanks to a thumping win over West Coast. Rhylee West takes a mark on Sunday. (AAP Image/ Rob Prezioso)
Anthony Stevens is the principal of Anthony Stevens Real Estate. Phone 0459 924 164.
Falcons fly to historic win
The City West Falcons added another piece of history to the record books as they won a fourth straight Victorian Netball League championship title. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting all the action and celebrations.
Montana Holmes, and below, Maggie Lind.
Maddie Romios. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 495489
Olivia Cameron with her daughter, and right, Charity Nasalio.
The Falcons fans, and below, Jane Cook and Marg Lind.
The Falcons celebrate.
Chelsea Imansani, Maddie Romios and Sussu Liai.
Jane Cook.
Lucia Fauonuku.
Sophie Hanrahan.
Co-captain Lind overcomes injury for premiership joy
By Tara Murray
It would have taken a broken leg for City West Falcons co-captain Maggie Lind to have missed the Victorian Netball League grand final on Wednesday night.
A stalwart of the Falcons and the VNL competition, Lind has battled her way through lower leg injuries for the last part of the season.
She looked done after her side’s shock semi final loss to the Hawks a couple of weeks ago before playing all 60 minutes in the preliminary final.
Lind backed it up with another 60 minutes in the grand final to help her side come from nine goals down to win, 60-58. “It was very ugly and it was probably the worst game of the year,” Lind said postgame.
“We got the win, so that was good. “It will sink in later.”
Lind admitted her calves weren’t in a great way after the game.
Privately,hermumandcoachMargLind, hadsaidforanumberofweekstheyweren’t
sure how she would get up each week.
They had adjusted the way they played to allow Maggie to get the most out of herself.
“They are pretty f***ed,” Maggie said of her legs. “I think both my calves are off the bone at this stage
“Definitely the last six weeks, it has been pretty tricky. We were hoping to go straight through so I could have a week off, it didn’t happen.
“I was on a pretty strict routine and I’m pretty heavily strapped at the moment. It has been really tough.
“I said last week that if they fall off the bone, who cares, I’ve got six months to recover.”
Lind said in hindsight she probably shouldn’t have played the Hawks in the semi final.
Herdeterminationthoughsawhergetup each week to at least give it her best shot.
“I was brought up pretty tough, it would take a lot for me to not be out there, especially in a grand final,” she said.
“There was no chance that I wasn’t playing in a grand final
“I would have to have a broken leg, It was never had doubt that I wouldn’t get up to play.”
Lind said despite being nine goals down in the second quarter, she always had faith in their playing group.
She said she never panicked when they were on court.
“Even when we were playing terribly, we’ve got a lot grunt in this group and we
don’tgiveupwhichisoneofourstrengths,“ she said.
“This year has been a bit tricky. We haven’t really been pushed that much, whichIthinkisanegativegoingintofinals.
“Losing the final was good for us and it made us bounce back.
“Nine down, you do go holy s***, but it’s a long game.”
The championship is the Falcons fourth in a row, with Lind having played in all of them.
Montana Holmes, Lucia Fauonuku and Jane Cook have also been part of all four.
Lind said they were all special.
“All different, this one is good, but nothing beats the one against Geelong when we eight games in a row after we’d had a pretty poor season.
“We have a target on our back every week, we love the pressure, every win as good as the last.“
Lind said despite her injury concerns she’s keen to continue on next season.
“Definitely, nothing better to do,” she said. “As long as my calves hold up.”
Four straight for Falcons
By Tara Murray
The City West Falcons had to use every trick in the book to claim a remarkable fourth straight Victorian Netball League championship on Wednesday night.
Already the most successful club in VNL history, the Falcons pulled off a second half comeback that will go up among their best in history.
The minor premiers were down and out for the count in the first half against the Hawks in the grand final.
After losing to the Hawks in the semi finals, the side’s only loss of the year, the Falcons found themselves down by nine goals in the second quarter on Wednesday night.
The young Hawks were up and about and the Falcons looked headed for grand final heartache.
That’s the beauty of the team. Everyone got on, everyone played a role
- Maggie Lind
There was a pulse and things started to turn to the Falcons way.
It was back to just three goals at the final break with the Falcons crowd getting into the game.
The Falcons hit the front in the last quarter before it was back on the centre pass.
It gave the Hawks the opportunity to win the game in the final minute.
But a missed shot from Jessica Tetley was rebounded by Charity Nasalio and it was quickly done to Jane Cook to put the Falcons in front.
Cook would score the sealer in the dying seconds, with the Falcons winning 60-58.
Falcons coach and birthday girl, Marg Lind, said it was pretty incredible what they had done.
“I can’t believe that,” she said. “It nearly caused a heartache on the bench for a number of the staff.
“All the homework we did, we threw out the door as it wasn’t working. We had to swallow our pride and rethink it
“I thought we were done and was philosophising on the bench thinking we weren’t going to come back from this.
“Then just this little piece of hope and it came.”
Lind said she felt quite confident coming into the game that they would win, but was rethinking her thoughts midway through the game.
She said the Hawks came ready to play.
“I thought they were outstanding and they played a really smart game in the first half,” she said. “We didn’t react early enough, it was that momentum in the second half.
“We got a bit of momentum and I think our experience in the end really counted for something in that last five minutes.
“It was really hard to watch.”
Lind said the message to the group at half time was about reducing the margin to four goals heading into the final quarter to give themselves a chance, which they did.
While they had momentum, Lind wasn’t suretheywouldhavethelegstorunoutthe game.
Adding to the drama, Falcons centre Montana Holmes left the court with a foot injury in the third quarter.
Lind admitted afterwards they believe that Holmes had torn her plantar fasciitis.
Maggie Lind has been battling a tibialis
posterior muscle injury and shouldn’t haven’t been playing.
Jane Cook revealed after the game that she had also injured her hamstring in the Hawks semi final loss.
“We were cooked and I think they were cooked too,” Lind said. “Everyone threw so much at it, the last quarter was just a drag.
“It was who could get the opportunity when it counted. We got that one little opportunity.”
Lind said the moment she felt they would get the win was when goal attack Olivia Cameron picked up a turnover late in the piece.
Cameron finished with four goals from five attempts after playing three and half quarters was named player of the match.
“I thought Jane [Cook] and Liv were our two best on,” Lind said. “We beat Boroondara with Maddie [Romios] and really did not give Liv much opportunity but tonight [Wednesday] it was the reverse.
“That’s the beauty of the team. Everyone got on, everyone played a role.”
The move of Lucia Fauonuku into wing defence in the second quarter also played
a key in the turnaround. Cook finished the game with 55 goals for the Falcons.
Lind was full of praise for the crowd.
“When they started shouting defence we started to get a little bit more turnover,” she said. “We knew we needed a good crowd and we prepped that as well.
“Altona Netball Association, all their staff were sitting behind the nets.
“The feeling of community makes the club special and helped us get the win.”
Lind admits she could have never imagined winning four straight premierships at the start of the season.
Soli Ropati and Mel Oloamanu both missed the whole season with injuries, while Uneeq Palavi didn’t play a game due to SSN commitments.
“It’s really rewarding,” Lind said. “It’s been a great team this year, going undefeated [in the regular season.
“Theyaregoodfriendsthatpaidoffinthe end.”
It’s the first time they won four in row and it’s their ninth top flight championship overall.
Maggie Lind. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 495489_52
The CIty West Falcons celebrate with fans, and Maggie Lind, Olivia Cameron and Jane Cook embrace after the final buzzer. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 495489
Olivia Cameron was named best on court.
Williamstown’s season ends
By Tara Murray
Williamstown was blown off the park in the first half and was made to pay as its Victorian Football League women’s season came to an end.
For a second straight season the Seagulls faced North Melbourne Werribee in the semi finals, but this time round there was no second chance for the loser.
The Kangaroos showed why they have been one of the teams to beat all season
Jumping out of the blocks, the Kangaroos led by 16 points and increased that to 28 points at half time with the Seagulls yet to hit the scoreboard.
The Seagulls showed some positive signs in the second half but it was too
late, as the Kangaroos won, 41.7 (41)-2.5 (17) to move through to the preliminary final.
Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said it was the side’s worst first half of the season.
“It wasn’t the result we were after, but that’s footy,” he said. “They started well and had us chasing our tails against them. We were better in the second half so that was good.
“If we flipped them around we have the momentum and the lead.”
Cavanagh said they conceded a lot of territory in the first half before being able to win that stat in the second half.
He said they allowed North to beat them in the first half in the areas they
knew were their strengths and what they had prepared for.
Cavanagh said their defenders fought hard.
Georgia Howes and Neve Crowley were the goal scorers for the Seagulls.
Jemima Wrigley had 17 disposals while Cat O’Bryan and Ash Thorneycroft in their final VFLW games were also among the top possession getters.
Cavanagh said it was hard to assess where their season was after having made a preliminary final last year.
“It’s a funny old one,” he said. “There has been some improvement and some plateauing as well,” he said.
“We win one more game and we get the double chance. There was the element of
Seagulls secure a wildcard finals spot
It took until the final game of the final round for Williamstown to seal a Victorian Football League wildcard play off spot, but now it all begins again.
Seagulls have had an up and down season with losing streaks and an eight game winning streak thrown in the middle.
The Seagulls season all came down to Sunday afternoon as they faced Richmond at DSV Stadium.
A win meant the Seagulls would finish 10th, a loss would mean Coburg would remain in 10th spot.
Seagulls coach Justin Plapp said they were happy to come away with the win.
“It was a pretty tough game and a bit of inaccuracy made it a bit harder than it should have been,” he said.
“It was clearly about player motivation and it was more about them than the vibe. We know we’ve done a lot of work for 2224 weeks to get to this position.
“It was more about the team putting out the pressure that was needed and I thought the players were really good in that area.”
The Tigers led by 10 points at quarter time before the Seagulls kicked four goals to one in the second quarter to lead by 13 points at half time.
The margin was reduced to 11 points at the last break before the Seagulls had plenty of chances in the last quarter.
While they didn’t make the most of them, the Seagulls did enough to win, 9.19 (73)-8.4 (52).
Brodie McLaughlin kicked four goals to take his tally to 67 goals for the season.
It was enough for him to claim his second Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal for the league’s leading goal kicker.
Plapp said he had another good season.
“It’s a great achievement for him,” he said. “When the team is playing well they are finding him and it’s a byproduct of that.
“He’s had a terrific season again and is one of the real quality forwards in the competition.”
Jake Greiser had 32 disposals for the Seagulls while Mitch Cox had 24 and Joel
some injuries throughout the year.
“We have 12 players on the injury list and other teams have about two or three.
“There’s been some inconsistency throughout the year. Our team of the year skipper from last year, Eliza Straford didn’t play until round 12.
“Our team of the year centre half back Lori Stepnell didn’t really get going. It was a bit of a challenge and we found we were still a really good team.”
Cavanagh said the most pleasing thing was to see the youth come through and they would only get better.
Kiera Leare, Neve Crowley, Megan Smart and Camryn Bux were four he mentioned had really stepped up this season.
United granted extra time
Western United has been granted an extension of time to lodge an appeal of Football Australia’s decision to withdraw its A-League licence.
As reported by Star Weekly, the club’s current ownership have been unable to satisfy the financial criteria required to maintain their licence, and had seven days to appeal the decision to strip the club of the licence.
That seven days has passed, with United putting out a statement on Monday afternoon.
“Western United Football Club confirms it has today been granted an extension of time to lodge an appeal of Football Australia’s decision to withdraw its A-League licence,” the statement said.
“We’d like to thank our loyal fans, members and partners that have rallied around the club in the past week. The support and love for the green and black from the community has been overwhelming. It is these supporters that we will continue to fight for.
“As this is a regulatory process, the club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Previously an FA spokesperson said that the First Instance Board (FIB) – an independent body established under the National Club Licensing Regulations – has convened and determined that Western United has failed to meet the criteria required to be granted an A-League license.
Fitzgerald had 21.
The rest of the season is do or die for the Seagulls as they aim to keep their premiership hopes alive.
Plapp said they might get three or four players back this week, led by co-captain Cam Polson, who has again had a horrible run of injuries.
Jovan Petric made his return on Sunday for a knee injury in another positive.
The Seagulls will face Collingwood in the wildcard round on Sunday.
Plapp said they take plenty of confidence into that match.
“We played Collingwood two weeks ago and felt like we should have won that game.
“Some inaccurate kicking and poor errors late hurt us. We’re not fearing them and I think it will be an even contest.
“We feel going into the game that if we play our best footy we can put on a real good show.”
Footscray finished on top of the ladder and will have the week off.
“As such Western United FC’s license has been withdrawn, effective immediately,” they said at the time.
“Western United FC can appeal this decision to the appeals body established under the regulations on certain grounds outlined in the regulations. “This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia’s ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders.”
Western United said at the time the club would fight the stripping of their A-Leagues licence. “The club will be exercising its right to appeal the decision immediately, with confidence of a positive outcome as the sale of the club and injection of capital from KAM Melbourne continues to progress,” it said.
-with AAP
Jake Greiser. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 475540_02
Altona North in the box seat
By Tara Murray
Altona North is sticking to the task at hand in the FV state league 3 north-west competition.
Sitting atop the table, Altona North is in the box seat to claim the championship and also a much-wanted promotion.
After missing out on promotion on goal difference last season, Altona North has lost just one game for the season so far.
Coach Bob Stojcevski said it was a case of ‘so far, so good’ and things had gone to plan.
“It is nice to have it,” he said of having their fate in their own hands.
“We spoke about the challenge ahead and the objectives we’ve set for ourselves
not just as a team, but as a club[ at the start of the season],” he said.
“We’ve been achieving those objectives from the start of the year. Nothing’s a done deal yet, but we are on track.”
Altona North had one of its biggest challenges of the season on Saturday after having a bye, facing Surf Coast in a top of the table battle.
Surf Coast is the only side to defeat Altona North this season.
With third and fourth also playing on the weekend, a lot was on the line for the side’s looking for promotion.
Altona North got the result it was after with a 3-1 win.
Altona North led 2-0 at half time after Alex Vlassis had scored twice.
An own goal made it 3-0 before the Surf Coast got a late consolation goal.
Speaking before the game, Stojcevski said it was a really important game for them.
“We set ourselves the challenge that we wanted to make our home ground a very important ground,” he said.
“We had a bad defeat at Surf Coast and it was our only defeat of the season.
“We want to make amends at home, it means a lot to us.”
Altona North still needs to play now second placed Sunbury United on the run home as well, with Stojcevski saying every match was just as important.
“It doesn’t mean anything if we win this week and then lose to the bottom team,”
Eagles secure a finals double chance
Yarraville Seddon Eagles have ticked the next box as they locked in a top three spot in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
The Eagles have continued to grow the past three years and have taken an extra step this season.
Coach Brad Julier said things had gone to plan so far for the side.
“It’s a great result to lock in the top three and we can now plan for finals,” he said. “We’ve given ourselves a double chance.
“Once we locked in finals, this was another tick for us. We’ve seen that improvement again from last year and we want to continue on to win a final now.”
For Eagles, finals came early on Saturday as they faced reigning premiers Hoppers Crossing.
Like the Eagles, the Warriors have been keen to lock in a double chance as well. Julier said they approached the game with the Warriors like a final.
“It was going to be that type of intensity,” he said. “It was good to get the win. “It was a seesawing contest in the first
half and we were really happy.
“Hoppers come in the third and fourth quarters and we knew they would.”
The Eagles led at each of the breaks, but that meant for little when the Warriors levelled the scores in the last quarter.
After the Warriors kicked their third in the fourth quarter at the 14 minute mark, it was all the Eagles in the run home.
They had the last six scoring shots, including kicking four goals, to ensure they came away with a 13.10 (88)-8.14 (62) win.
“It was satisfying to see that fight when we were challenged,” Julier said. “They drew level and had the momentum.
“It was pleasing to finish with the momentum.”
Daniel Snell kicked five goals from the midfield in a best on ground performance for the Eagles.
Lachlan Green, who kicked three goals, Riley Anderson and Kobe Cikala were among the other standouts for the Eagles.
The Eagles, who are pretty much at full strength, will face Point Cook Centrals in the final round.
he said.
“It’s one of those things we’ve talked about. Every game is worth three points irrespective of who we are playing, we need to be consistent all the time in the league.
“Don’t underestimate anyone.”
A championship and/or promotion would add to what is set to already be a big celebration at the end of the season with the club marking its 50th year celebrations.
Stojcevski said it was going to be a special event.
In other results, Laverton drew with Plenty Valley.
In state league 2 north-west, Altona East Phoenix lost 1-0 to Geelong Rangers.
The Phoenix is now four points off Lalor United at the top of the table.
Palavi earns a SSN contract
City West Falcons’ star Uneeq Palavi has earned her first full time SSN contract after being elevated by the Melbourne Mavericks.
A training partner the past two years, Palavi has been named as one of 10 contracted athletes for the 2026 season.
After joining the Mavs family during the club’s inaugural year as a training partner, Palavi made her SSN debut with the New South Wales Swifts in 2024, when the team was looking for a shooter as a temporary replacement player (TRP).
Palavi returned to Melbourne and the Mavs as a training partner in 2025, and ended up being named in the playing squad of 10 for all 14 Mavs games, as a TRP for injured English international, Eleanor Cardwell.
Palavi officially gained her Mavs wings when she threw her first ball for the Mavs in round one of the 2025 season, and quickly showed the SSN world just what she can do.
The 23-year-old has worked effortlessly to assert herself as a leading athlete in the world’s top netball league, shooting 37 Super Shots across the 13 games she took to the court in the 2025 season –the equal fifth highest tally in the league.
The Sharks sit bottom with two wins for the season.
Julier said they wanted to finish off the regular season in good form.
“We want to get the win there and start preparing for finals,” he said.
“They’ll be hoping to get another win and get off the bottom”
Meanwhile, Spotswood is set to play finals despite a loss Parkside on Saturday.
The Woodsmen led by one point heading into the final quarter before the Magpies came home strong.
The Woodsmen sit in fifth spot a game clear of Parkside and Albion but are nearly 24 ahead in percentage.
In other matches, Newport beat Altona. Division 2 finals are locked in with Braybrook getting the final spot.
The Brookers beat the Suns to ensure they finished fifth, with the two sides to face off in an elimination final this weekend.
North Footscray will face West Footscray in the qualifying final with Wyndhamvale having the week off.
The Melbourne-born Tongan-international is also a force on the world netball circuit, having played 51 tests for Tonga.
She has been part of the City West Falcons pathway for a number of years.
She didn’t play a Victorian Netball League game this season due to SSN commitments.
Palavi said she’s really exciting to solidify her position with the team.
“The girls, the coaches and the fans have absolutely wrapped their arms around me throughout the last season in particular, and it’s been the most welcoming environment to really hone in on my game,” she said.
“ I can’t wait to continue to work with the team and see what we can achieve in 2026.”
Riley Anderson. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 475545_07
TIPPING 2025
Leo Dardha Hocking Stuart Yarraville
Chris Byrne Yarraville Club
Lauren Comazzetto Braybrook Hotel
Barry Harrison Wyn Active
Polan Peachy Keen
