Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 8th October 2025

Gloves on for planting day

The Brooklyn Recycling Group (BRG) – a partnership of local construction and demolition recyclers based in the Brooklyn industrial estate – has invited the community to join a planting day event.

BRG members City Circle Group, Gypsum Fertiliser & Sales, Delta Group and ResourceCo are teaming up with Melbourne Water and the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek (FLKC) to plant about 700 native plants to strengthen a growing habitat corridor along the creek.

BRG said the event builds on the success of earlier community planting efforts, including a major event in June led by former FLKC president Geoff Mitchelmore.

The event will continue to ’infill’ the area to further enhance the corridor’s natural values, according to BRG. Melbourne Water’s Waterways and land officer Gerard Morel said the project will bring lasting environmental benefits.

“This location is a large corridor of nature, and will be greatly improved with these additional plants – attracting more birdlife and improving the overall health of the nearby creek,“ Mr Morel said.

Voice for change

The inner west could turn a shade of teal at next year’s state election, with the launch of a community independents group modelled on the successful federal political movement.

VoicesoftheInnerWestofMelbournehas begun advertising around Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay in the hope of emulating the voices campaigns in federal seats like Kooyong and Goldstein which resulted in teal candidates Monique Ryan and Zoe Daniel being elected.

Having been a supporter of Ms Daniel’s

campaign, Yarraville resident Anthony Warren realised the inner west was ripe for something similar.

“The inner west has similar demographics. There are a lot of inner east people coming to our area and there’s a lot of challenges in terms of our area.”

But because the state seats of Footscray and Williamstown are both Labor strongholds, Mr Warren felt that many of those challenges were not being met.

He said early feedback the group had received showed many others felt the same way.

“There was a general apathy in the sense

that they were very safe Labor seats, and that people felt the Liberal opposition prioritised the outer-west.

“The inner west is more progressive, they’re more climate minded and lot of those values tend to resonate more, ” said Mr Warren who nominated climate and integrity as well as more local issues such as flood mitigation on the Maribyrnong River and air pollution from truck traffic, as the issues the group would focus on.

Whilenocandidateshadyetbeenchosen, MrWarrensaidtheseatofFootscraywould be the primary target.

“At the last state election there was

around a 12 per cent primary swing away from (Labor incumbent) Katie Hall.

“Thatwasin2022andnowin2025,there’s a lot of demographic shifts which favour the local area being more marginal.”

Much of the swing against Ms Hall went to the Greens and Victoria Socialists, but Mr Warren said a community independent was more likely to actually win.

“There is an opportunity for leverage through the middle, for people who may not vote Green, and they may not like what the Coalition’s offering.”

He said the group would hold its first event in the coming weeks.

Friends of the Lower Kororoit Creek president Jason Hocking.

By Cade Lucas

Goldstein

Newport RSL suspended

By Cade Lucas

The Newport RSL Sub-branch has been suspended for 12 months due to ongoing governance concerns.

RSL Victoria announced the suspension on Friday, October 3, citing a lack of transparency and accountability relating to stalled construction works at the Newport Sub-branch.

TheNewportRSLhasbeenclosedsince June 2023 when construction work began on the Market Street site.

However construction stalled in August 2024 when a stop work order was issued and has not recommenced since.

RSL Victoria president Dr Mark Schröffel said the decision to suspend Newport came after spending more than a year seeking assurances from the sub-branch committee that it would improve poor governance practices relating to the project.

“Decisions like this are never easy, however the efforts of the RSL must be focused on supporting veterans and their families,” Dr Schröffel said.

Newport sub-branch committee member Jason Smith said the suspension was very disappointing, accusing RSL Victoria of not being up front about what the issue was.

“They expressed that they had concerns in the sub-branch, we asked for clarity as to what those concerns were and they have not specified,” Mr Smith said.

While conceding “we got a little bit ahead of ourselves” in beginning construction work with volunteers, Mr Smith said the club had since self-reported to council, provided financial statements to RSL Victoria and was in the process of contracting a builder and resuming construction.

“The stop work order will be lifted once we have a building permit issued,” he said.

“The building permit is conditional on ushavingasignedcontractwithabuilder.”

Kasim Khan at his Newport restaurant, Kasim’s Indian Cafe, which closed for the last time on Tuesday, September 30. (Ljubica Vrankovic_507189_01

Kasim’s cafe closes doors for final time

Kasim Khan didn’t mince words when asked why he closed down his Newport restaurant last week.

“Because my health is not very good and also business is not very good,” said Mr Khan who shut the doors at Kasim’s Indian Cafe on Mason Street for the final time on Tuesday, September 30 after 26 years in business.

“I have severe knee problems. My knee

doesn’t allow me to stand for four or five hours and cooking is always standing,” said the 63-year-old, who added that he’d been cooking for fewer and fewer customers.

Born in India, Mr Khan emigrated to Australia in 1990 to work at the former Kohinoor Indian Restaurant in Williamstown.Lessthanadecadelater,inSeptember 1999, he opened his own restaurant.

But like many small businesses, the Covidpandemicandthecostoflivingcrisis that followed proved to be the beginning of the end. “Everything got very expensive and people can’t afford it,” he said.

While sad, Mr Khan said he was grateful tothelocalcommunityforthelast26years.

“Williamstown and Newport have supported me a lot. Thanks for everything. Thank you Australia.”

Soccer club calls for Edwards Reserve drainage system upgrade

A South Kingsville soccer club is calling on Hobsons Bay council to repair the playing surfaceatitsEdwardsReservehomeground.

The Melbourne City Football Club has launchedanonlinepetitioncallingforcouncil to replace the reserve’s irrigation and drainage system, which it says is outdated. More than 220 people have signed the petition – which launched last week – so far.

In the petition, the club said the reserve’s oval has been facing “significant degradation” and had experienced poor turf condi-

tions and loss of grass coverage. It also stated that the ground is frequently closed, impacting the club’s ability to play consistently in winter.

“The deteriorating conditions of the Edwards Reserve oval pose a threat not just to the quality of our sports practice but also to the safety of all participants. Slippery surfacesandunevenplayingfieldsincreasetherisk of injuries, causing concerns for many parents and sports teams,” the petition stated.

“According to a survey of our members,

Veteran and Newport RSL member Ian Peek said he and others had been raising concernswiththecommitteeabouttransparency, accountability and governance at the sub-branch for nearly two years.

“The responses from the committee to these concerns, where they have responded at all, have been wholly unsatisfactory,” Mr Peek said.

“We look forward now to working with RSL Victoria to recover what we can from this disaster to achieve the best outcome for veterans and their families.”

The Altona and Sunshine RSL Sub-branches will provide support to veterans and their families in the meantime.

Blessings for disabled homes

Sunday morning mass at Mary Help of Christians Church in Altona came with a slight twist this week.

Along with the usual formalities, parish priest, Father Michael Kalka, blessed new specialist disability accommodation which has been built on the church grounds on the corner of Sargood and Railway streets.

“As a church we’re going to dedicate the two buildings for the care of the disabled and as a church we’re going to ask God’s blessing on everyone who will call those buildings home and also those will care for them,” Father Kalka said last week in the lead up to the October 5 blessing and opening service.

Guests, including those involved in the planning and building for the accommodation over the past five years, were invited to the service and offered a tour of the two, three-bedroom units afterwards.

Built by specialist disability accommodation provider, St John of God Marillac, on land where Father Kalka once lived, the units have an openplan layout with spacious living area, a kitchen with an adjustable bench, dining space, private ensuite and study nook, while outside are landscaped gardens and barbeque facilities.

“We’ve provided the land and they’ve provided the funding,” Father KalkasaidofthearrangementwithStJohn of God Marillac, who will also operate the accommodation on the church’s behalf for the next 60 years.

“It’s a very practical way for the local church to be engaged with the local wider community,” he said.

“I believe that specialist disability accommodation is always needed and I also believe that it needs to be provided if possible, in a wide range of suburbs and settings.

“The bonus for our site is that within 600 metres they’ve got the train, the shops, the beach, all the local services of the Pier Street area.”

over 70 per cent of members have reported ground conditions as the biggest issue facing the club in retaining players.“

Replacing the irrigation and drainage system would ensure effective water distribution and drainage, thereby improving turf resilience and playability”, the club stated.

Hobsons Bay council was contacted for comment.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/ysys63s2

With capacity for six residents, plus a full-time carer, the accommodation will welcome its first occupants in the coming weeks, with St John of God Marillac responsible for deciding who they will be.

Tree ‘vandalism’

By Cade Lucas

The cutting down of trees to make way for the Newport level crossing removal project(LXRP)hasbeendescribedas“state sanctionedenvironmentalvandalism“bya HobsonsBaycouncillor.

Cr Michael Disbury, whose ward of Williamstown North takes in Newport, slammed the removal of trees along Railway Parade from September 23-25 as part of LXRP works on nearby Maddox Road.

“Absolutely appalling wonton destruction by our state government’s LXRP agency, who has not once listened to the concerns of residents. NOT ONCE!,” wrote Cr Disbury on a Facebook post on September23.

“Andtheenvironmentalstatesanctioned vandalism in Newport continues, day two of killing our community and suburb,” he

wrote on September 24, accompanied by photos of stumps where the trees used to be.

“Apart from removing the tree canopy that the state government keeps insisting weneedtoincrease,thestategovernment’s LXRP agency has completely ruined RailwayParadetothedetrimentofwildlife, floraandfauna.”

Cr Disbury has been a vocal opponent of the Newport LXRP, especially plans to closeChampionRoadtotraffic.

However his criticism of the removal of vegetation along Railway Parade was echoed by local residents who lamented the loss of trees that some of them had plantedandweremorethan50yearsold.

“Such sadness to see our local large trees, including endangered mature native trees, gone and a vital amenity to our neighbourhood lost,” said Brendan Dowling, who coordinated tree planting

alongMarketStreetandRailwayParadefor morethan20years.

Jenny Read, who has lived in the area for 35 years, said the removal of the trees would result in more train noise and diesel emissions and make the area less visually appealing.

“No shade, no cooling effect, just more concrete,”MsReadsaid.

An LXRP spokesperson said that after consulting with local residents, it had agreed to replace the trees with more vegetationelsewhere.

“We will plant 145 large trees and more than 35,000 plants, shrubs and grasses throughout the area,” the spokesperson said.

“We have worked with independent arborists and environmental experts to minimise the number of trees being removedaspartoftheproject.“

Biketober is on the move

With the onset of October, the inner-westhasthechancetoreaffirm its status as a cycling hotbed with the start of a national program designed togetpeopleontheirbike.

Biketober2025isalreadyunderway, a fun, free, and friendly challenge that’sopentoridersofalllevels.

The nationwide challenge involves cyclists downloading the Love Your Ride app and logging in their rides from October 1-31 with the chance to win prizes while improving their physical and mental health and helpingtheplanet.

Whether competing as an individualoraspartofaworkplaceor group,themoreparticipantsride,the more chance they have to win, with a $4000holidayamongthemanyprizes onoffer.

In Maribyrnong, deputy mayor Bernadette Thomas is among those taking part and according to the area’s own dedicated leaderboard, plentyofothersarejoiningher. At time of writing, 295 riders and 16 workplaces had signed up for Biketober Maribyrnong, with WesternHealthleadingthe2000+staff category, Victoria University and cohealth leading the 400-1999 staff category and Maribyrnong council on top for workplaces with between 200and499employees.

Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, Braybrook College, Westside Cycle Club and Community Bike Hub were among the other businesses and organisationsleadingtheirrespective categories.

Nationwide, more than 5700 riders and also 400 workplaces have signed up with the 2025 challenge still in its earlydays.

Details: www.lovetoride.net/ australia?locale=en-AU

Young people front and centre at Youth Con ‘25

Young people from Hobsons Bay and around Melbourne’s west enjoyed a day of music, creativity and community spirit at YouthCon‘25onFriday,October3.

TheeventtookplaceattheWilliamstown Town Hall and catered for young people aged from 12 to 25 years and featured plentyofactivitiesforthemtoenjoy.

Locallivebandsperformed,whileyoung artistsexhibitedtheirwork,ayouthmarket and clothes exchange were held and zines workshopstookplace.

A photo booth, food stalls, games and giveaways were also on offer at the event whichranfrom3pmto7pm.

The smoke, vape, alcohol and drug-free

event was created and delivered by Westside Studio Crew, a group of community-minded young people who plan and host youth events, and supported byHobsonsBaycounciltoo.

“Events like Youth Con are a great way to engage with young people in our community,” said Hobsons Bay mayor DariaKellander.

“It gives them a chance to get out and about, enjoying something specifically for theminacontrolledandsafeenvironment.”

Star Weekly photographer, Damjan Janevski, went along to Youth Con ‘25 as well and captured some of the performancesdeliveredontheday.

Bea from the band Twisted Crust performs at Youth Con ‘25 at Williamstown Town Hall. 507702_01

Twisted Crust guitarist Zac. 507702_05

Artist Ash Cirino selling her art-works at Youth Con ‘25 on Friday. 507702_08

Adrian Larkin, coordinator of youth services at Hobsons Bay council addresses Youth Con ‘25 at Williamstown Town Hall. 507702_07

Humperdink and Tom from the band Twisted Crust perform at Youth Con ‘25 on Friday, October 3. 507702_02

Newport residents (from left) Pat and Ty Klemm, Gill Gannon, Suellen Toby and Melissa Valcic and Damien Costin in front of trees along Railway Parade which have since been cut down as part of level crossing removal works. (Damjan Janevski). 505191_04

Libs sure the west can turn

By Jaidyn Kennedy

The Liberal Party is confident a blue wave from the west can help it win control of Spring Street in next year’s state election.

Star Weekly sat down with opposition leader Brad Battin and his envoy to the western suburbs Western Metropolitan Region MP Moira Deeming at her office in Caroline Springs on Thursday, October 2.

Should the Liberals get elected, Mr Battin said his first priority in the western suburbs would be addressing crime.

“The first thing I would prioritise is probably the thing everyone speaks to

me about, crime– it’s got to be about what we are going to do to address crime,” Mr Battin said.

“We talk about it across Victoria, but the west has been hit the hardest and we have seen it too often in the media.”

The former cop also said a government he leads would invest $100 million in rehabilitation for youth offenders.

According to Mr Battin, the Liberals are still deliberating infrastructure commitments.

The pair was asked about the party’s previous difficulties attracting voters in the west.

“Probably point A is being present,” Mr

Show of support for police

Final Day did result in the blue and white decorations causing some confusion.

Battin said.

He said he meets with groups, farmers and attend forums and frequently stays in the region.

Ms Deeming said people west of the Yarra are thirsty for political change.

“We all have stakes. I have four children, this isn’t just for political power, I am worried about my children’s future. This is a really serious fight,” Ms Deeming said.

The opposition leader said funding youth mental health facilities, working to cut red tape for small businesses and working with developers to build infrastructure before residents move into new

estates were part of his plan.

He also said the Avalon employment precinct should be the “next big thing” and the Liberals would support the private sector develop to the area.

Star Weekly asked Ms Deeming what she had achieved since being appointed as the Leader’s Representative to the Western Suburbs in April.

Ms Deeming said she has been coordinating the party’s strategy in the west for infrastructure and drafting legislation, including a plan to overhaul the public service sector.

“All the things you want to achieve, you achieve in government,” she said.

for Lola Anderson.

And given her son Darren served in uniform for more than 40 years, Blue Ribbon Day on September 29, is a special occasion for her too.

And since late husband’s passing two years ago, the 86-year-old has brought the two together, decorating Peter’s memorial gazebo in Cruickshank Park in police colours to honour the work of her son and thousands of other officers, especially those killed on duty.

Unfortunately, the close proximity of Police Remembrance Day to AFL Grand

“Someone thought it was for the Geelong Football Club,” laughed Ms Anderson.

Sadly, the motivation behind Blue Ribbon Day is no laughing matter at all, especially this year, coming so soon after two police officers were killed in Porepunkah in Victoria’s high country.

“I was going to do it, but that (the killing of the two police) made it more important to do it, to let people know what the police force is there for, what they’ve got to put up with,” Ms Anderson said.

Dadstock ‘25 set to rock like it’s ‘69

A bunch of middle-aged men from the inner-west will be dusting off their electric guitars, getting their drum kits out of storage and squeezing into their skinny jeans next month, all in the name of a good cause (and nostalgia).

Dadstock ‘25 is a fundraising gig for men’s mental health at Yarraville’s Kindred Bandroom on Friday, November 14.

The brainchild of West Footscray father and former rocker, Andy Fithall, Dadstock will feature three bands made up of men who used to play before marriage, kids and adulthood got in the way.

“It’s men who either used to play and just want to get back into it, or it’s bands full of dads who are using it sort of as a

hobby,” explained Fithall, who’ll be playing in the band Dad Boddhi, alongside 5 Minute Drive and The Black Curtains who are also on the bill.

While describing Dadstock as a great excuse for dads like him to get out and play music while raising money for a good cause (all proceeds go to the men’s mental health charity, Movember), Fithall said it was also an opportunity for other parents and middle-aged people to get out of the house and back onto the sticky carpet. Tickets: https://events.humanitix. com/dadstock-25

To donate raffle prizes, contact: andy@ thegoodmachine.com.au

We’ve added hearing care to our

Book a

Given her late husband Peter was the man responsible for creating it, Cruickshank Park in Yarraville is a special place

Widow of Cruikshank Park founder Peter Anderson, Lola Anderson with Maribyrnong deputy mayor Bernadette Thomas at the Peter Anderson Gazebo which was decorated for Blue Ribbon Day. ( Ljubica Vrankovic) 506423_01

West Footscray dad and musician, Andy Fithall, is fired up for Dadstock, the fundraising gig he is organising and will play at alongside other fathers at Kindred Bandroom in Yarraville on November 14. (Damjan Janevski). 504633_08

A boarding pass to history

Australia’s first government-owned domestic airline, Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA), which later rebranded to Australian Airlines, made significant contributions to the aviation industry since its inception in 1946. The TAA museum is the sole aviation museum dedicated to preserving historic domestic aviation development in the country. Sam Porter spoke to museum president John Wren about the airline and his time working for TAA.

Tucked away in a street eight kilometres from Melbourne airport stands an unassuming museum. Models of planes, vintage airline memorabilia,artwork,mechanicalaircraft components and other inventions are displayed in what used to be the TAA/ Australian Airlines computer centre.

Museum president John Wren oversees the museum’s operations. He’s a knowledgeable and passionate spokesperson for the old airline, having worked there for 33 years from 1965.

“Iwassellingalloftheaircraftanddoing the contracts, and then getting the aircraft modified in our workshops, taking the aircraft to America and doing the deal over there, getting the check — the good part — and coming back and doing the next one,” John said.

Through his role selling aircraft, John wasinvolvedinmanyareasofthecompany and had a “good exposure” to TAA. He started in engineering and was eventually seconded to flight operations. He planned ferryflights—thetransportationofaircraft withoutpassengersorcargo—andworked with Japanese pilots to create contracts and run flight ops simulator training for them as well as working in finances and catering too.

Johnofferedatourofthemuseum,which is laid out in chronological order of the airline’s history.

TAA was established by the federal government in 1946 after it recognised a need to form a national domestic airline network post WWII. It was at this time that John’s father began working for TAA as an engine shop inspector.

“My father, he was here on day one in September ‘46 when the first flight went, and he did 33 years,” John said.

John’s brother also worked for the airline for 43 years.

“He was in sheet metal, and he was making or repairing bits of the aircraft. Anything that had aluminium on it,” John said.

Displayed in the first section of the museum is a large, framed poster of the illustrated Nola Rose, the design slightly surrealist. Nola Rose, a model who was discovered at Bondi Beach, became the face of TAA in the 1950s and for decades to follow. At the bottom of the poster reads the airline’s famous slogan, ’Fly TAA the friendly way’.

TheRoyaltourin1954markedahistorical moment for TAA as the first airline in the country to fly ruling British royalty. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip took six TAA flights as part of the tour. A signed photograph of the royal family is displayed next to a letter sent on behalf of the Queen.

Further into the exhibition, John pulled out what he said is one of the most fascinating items in the room. It’s a radio navigational sextant, also known as a periscope sextant, used to navigate flights over water in the 1950s and 1960s.

The device, fitted with an eyepiece, extendedupthroughtheroofoftheaircraft, and allowed planes to be navigated by the stars.

“Captain Cook, he used a less modern version [of the periscope sextant] but it was the same principle,” John said.

AnotherniftyinventionJohnhighlighted was the black box, invented in Melbourne in the 1950s.

TAA marked many firsts for the aviation industry across Australia and the world, however not all of them are bragworthy.

John pointed out an old newspaper clipping. The headline read ‘Bomb threat to airliner.’

During the last Brisbane to Sydney flight on July 19, 1960, a hijacker armed with a bomb and a rifle fired a shot into the aircraft ceiling after the first officer tried to calm him. Forty-three passengers and six crew members were on board and it would become the first skyjacking in Australia. The captain aided the officer with the intervention and successfully restrained the hijacker.

John seemed keen to move on with the tour.

“Notproudofitbutthesethingshappen,” he said.

Around the corner stands a row of mannequins dressed in brightly-coloured airhostessuniforms,fittedwithminiskirts and blazers. The arrival of a new decade.

Museum volunteer Elizabeth Watkins, more frequently known as Libby, worked as an air hostess for TAA and QANTAS from 1968 to 1971.

“I had to leave because I got married, which was the rule at the time. You had to leave when you got married or retire at

35,” Libby said. “We were very happy and choofed along in those days. One day you might have the prime minister on and the next day you’ve got some drunk in the back seat.”

LibbyservedSirJohnGorton,SirWilliam McMahon and Gough Whitlam during her time as an air hostess — a period when the prime minister travelled via domestic airline carriers.

“You always had to be on your best behaviour. Everyone got good service but they had to get extra special service.”

The airline’s acquisition of the Airbus A300 in 1981 brought about significant change.

John said the capacity jumped from 130 people on TAA’s previously largest aircraft to over 300 on the Airbus.

“We all got pagers to have ready if anything went wrong, to keep it going, because being a new aircraft type we wanted to give a good impression,” John said.

“The thing went for a whole year with absolutely nothing going wrong with it. It was a marvelous aircraft…and then a guy from catering [driving a forklift] ran the

forks into the door sill at the back and he ruineditsowehadtomanufactureanother one,” John said.

Five years after the Airbus acquisition, in 1986, TAA became Australian Airlines, which was subsequently purchased by QANTAS in 1992 and merged with the private company the following year.

John described the people he worked with at TAA “like a big family.”

“I got up in the morning and always was happy to come to work…and the people were ultra friendly,” he said.

The museum was started by members of the TAA/Australian Airlines 25 Year Club whowillgathernextyeartocelebrateTAA’s 80th anniversary.

“That’ll be a really big celebration from interstate and overseas too,” John said.

“We’re keen to have people come and see the history that we’re trying to keep here and explain to people if they’ve got questions.”

The TAA/Australian Airlines museum is located at 7 York Street, Airport West and is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdaysbetween10am-2pm.Admission is by a suggested donation of $5.

Main: President John Wren holding a photo of TAA’s first aircraft, the Douglas DC-3, and standing in front of a model of the airline’s last aircraft — the Airbus A300. Left: Airborne Express engineering director Al Wiseman and John Wren in 1982. (Supplied) Centre: Museum president John Wren with volunteers Eddie Creaney and Libby Watkins. Right: President John Wren holding the radio navigational sextant. (Pictures: Sam Porter)

Bus noise is ‘deafening’

By Cade Lucas

A group of residents in Altona North are threatening to block a busy bus route unless something is done to reduce the noise and pollution caused by diesel bus engines.

The 432 bus from Yarraville to Newport runs from 5am to 11pm, passing just metres from homes along McArthurs Road dozens of times a day.

Among the residents of those homes is well known Hobsons Bay identity and former Citizen of the Year, Geoff Mitchelmore, who has lived there with his wife for

more than half a century.

“The buses operate for extended hours each day, and the continuous noise is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life, particularly by causing sleep disturbance and reducing general comfort and amenity in the neighbourhood,” said Mr Mitchelmore on behalf of McArthurs Road residents.

While the 432 bus route has long gone through McArthurs Road, Mr Mitchelmore said the current problems began 18 months ago when when speed humps were installed to address safety concerns.

“While the intention was to slow down

vehicles and reduce risk, an unintended consequence has arisen: metro buses must slow down and accelerate over the speed humps, which results in a marked increase in diesel engine noise,” he said.

“It’s deafening.”

Mr Mitchelmore said one family was so disturbed by the noise that they sold up and moved into Altona.

He said he’d written to Williamstown MP and Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne, as well as Hobsons Bay council and Transport Victoria requesting the 432 bus be re-routed or electric buses be introduced and that if something

Footscray author releases fighting fiction

Being a local Footscray historian, Carmel Taig is forever ferreting about for stories that provide fresh insights into our district’s past.

“Essentially, I’m interested in the roles very ordinary folk perform in monumental dramas,” said Taig, a retired teacher who is Footscray born and bred.

“What better example than Bill Doherty, aka the Fighting Quarryman?”

Doherty or Doc as he was known, is the subject of Taig’s latest book ‘A Brick In The Ocean’ which will be launched at the Footscray City Rowing Club on Sunday, October 12.

It’s Taig’s third book, following the Yarraville Federation Project in 2001 and The Giant by the River, a history of the Yarraville Sugar Works, released in 2014.

While those two are works of history, Taig’s new book on the Fighting Quarryman is actually fiction.

She explained how the change in style came about.

“Like many an ageing champ, Doc released his memoirs in 1931.

“The Days of the Giants stands up as a good read, but it isn’t the whole story. Conveniently, the retired pug skipped all men-

tion of his wife and children.

“It’s that omission that spurred me to write A Brick in the Ocean, and to appoint, as narrator, his daughter Bea.

“At one stage, she asks her mother “Are all families the same? You know broken somehow?”

So began Taig’s challenge of interweaving domestic scenarios spun from her imagination with facts about Footscray in 1915, derived from newspapers of the day.

The end result is a book that will soon be available at The Sun Bookstore in Yarraville.

wasn’t done, a blockade of McArthurs Road would be considered.

Ms Horne said McArthurs Road was managed by Hobsons Bay council but that she had been working with residents to address noise from buses and trucks and truck bans had been introduced in the area

She said electric buses also were on the way, though it’s understood they won’t be introduced on the 432 route until the end of the current contract on July 1, 2028.

A spokesperson for Hobsons Bay council said bus routes and noise concerns were matters for Transport Victoria.

Transport Victoria was contacted

Men’s group is on the cards

Expressions of interest have opened to create a social group for men under 30 who live in the Altona Meadows, Seabrook and Point Cook areas. Brandon Hayes, one of the co-founders of the idea, said the vision stemmed from the death of several young men who lived nearby and the general state of men’s mental health.

“With all the tragedies we have had so close to home, we decided it would be a good time to try and give younger guys a bit of a space to connect,” Mr Hayes said.

“In this climate it can be super tricky navigating life, so what we have in mind is just a group that can meet first of all and plan activities as they go.

“What we need is to just see if other blokes in the area are keen to do something similar.”

Mr Hayes said what is missing for a lot of men when they leave high school is genuine face-to-face time with mates.

“Messaging people on your phone or playing video games is one thing, but it doesn’t really replace quality time with friends,“ he said.

“In times like this, I think it is way better to keep regular in-person contact and not neglect those important connections.”

If interested, email brandon. hayes@gmail.com

Footscray historian Carmel Taig with her new book ‘A Brick in the Ocean’. (Damjan Janevski). 500982_03

Riskiest roads revealed

Some of the busiest roads in Maribyrnong and Hobsons are also among Melbourne’s riskiest according to the RACV.

RACV’s new road safety map uses a globally recognised risk-rating system to help authorities identify safety upgrades to reduce road deaths and injury.

The Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) road safety star ratings covers major arterial and highway networks across Victoria and rates sections of roads between one to five stars with a lower star rating identifying a road as more dangerous.

According to the interactive map, a

500 metre section of Napier Streets in Footscray was rated as the worst stretch or road in the inner west, receiving a 1.7 star rating, the lowest level possible.

Vehicles travel approximately 2.2 million kilometres per year along the section running from the Napier Street bridge to between Cowper and Whitehall streets, with two fatal and serious injury crashes occurring there from 2019 to 2023.

A 700 metre section of Grieve Parade in Brooklyn between Dohertys Road and the Princess Highway was the next lowest rated at 2.4 stars, with 3 million vehicle movements and two fatal and serious crashes

from 2019 to 2023.

An 800 metre section of the Princess Highway between Kingsville and Brooklyn was rated 2.6 stars

With 8.2 million vehicle movements and 12 fatal or serious crashes from 2019 to 2023, while an adjoining section from Footscray to Kingsville was rated 2.7, with 7.1 million vehicle movements and six fatal or serious crashes during the same period.

A 1.1km section of Whitehall and Francis streets in Yarraville was rated 2.8 stars, with 5.3 million vehicle movements and also six fatal or serious crashes.

RACV head of policy James Williams

Milestone for Altona Community Choir

The Altona Community Choir will mark its 40th anniversary with a special concert on Sunday, October 12.

The event, which is part of the wider Seniors Festival, is at 2pm at the Altona Seniors Citizen Centre.

said the new ratings highlighted where investment was needed.

“Each additional star rating halves the risk of deaths or serious injuries,” Mr Williams said.

“AusRAP gives governments the data they need to invest with a safety-first perspective.”

RACV is calling for all major Victorian roads to be upgraded to at least three-stars and all new roads built to a four-star standard.

Viewtheinteractivemapat:https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/98420a25d82542f1b2a9922925972c28?item=1.

There’s safety in neighbours

Victorians are being encouraged to reconnect with their neighbours during Crime Prevention Month, a statewide initiative backed by RACV, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch Victoria.

Neighbourhood Watch Victoria has marked the launch of Crime Prevention Month with a new advertising campaign ‘There’s safety in neighbours’ calling for Victorians to reconnect with their neighbours to help watch out for each other.

The campaign comes as the latest Victorian crime data for the year ending June 30, 2025 showed over 33,000 motor vehicle theft offences with a total increase of over 42 per cent – the highest since 2002. Statewide, there were over 86,300 theft from a motor vehicle offences (up 39.4 per cent), with numberplates the most common item stolen, accounting for almost 40 per cent of all theft from motor vehicle offences, with almost 32,000 offences (up over 50 per cent).

Home break-ins are continuing to impact neighbourhoods across metropolitan and regional areas, with home burglary offences also up with over 30,000 incidents (up 13.9 per cent).

RACV’s insurance and roadside general manager Bill Bloodworth said the most recent stats from Insurance Statistics Australia show a claim is being lodged for car theft every 18 minutes.

“Victoria has experienced more than 12,000 motor vehicle claims totalling $223 million in the 12 months to June 2025 – the largest annual increase on record,” Mr Bloodworth said.

The choir, which boasts 32 members, including a healthy number of men, which Ms Scott said is not always the case in community choirs.

She said performing for the community was a highlight for the group.

“We get so much out of singing and being together, and we also know that

Choir secretary Linda Scott said members were excited about the event, “We’re thrilled that it started 40 years ago and it’s still going strong,” she said.

when we go to sing in nursing homes, it makes a big difference in the residents’ days. They often come up and ask us when we’re coming back,” she said.

Anyone interested in joining the choir is encouraged to attend rehearsals on Mondays, from 7.159.15pm at Altona Senior Citizen Club. Details: altonacommchoir@gmail.com

Water bill compensation considered by Greater Western Water

Greater Western Water (GWW) is proposing to waive about $75 million in unbilled charges for usage in 2024 and provide approximately $55 million in customer credits.

GWW has offered the potential solution to the Essential Services Commission (ESC), following the billing system issues that have affected many of its customers since May 2024.

The delays happened because the new billing system couldn’t create bills automatically and GWW had to check the bills it created because of problems with moving the old information into the new system.

During this time, GWW still supplied water services to all customers and advised most of the affected customers they had delayed bills.

The draft enforceable undertaking includes several measures to compensate customers for the inconvenience, including no charges for residential properties and small businesses who did have missing or delayed bills.

The water supplier is also proposing to provide direct debit credits and returning surplus payments to customers who may have been double billed.

As part of the proposed deal, GWW wouldimplementathree-yearcompliance improvement program to strengthen their billing practices and safeguard against similar issues occurring in the future.

This undertaking builds on an independent review recently conducted by the Nous Group, an international consultancy firm, which supports a bolstered billing system and appropriate restitution to affected customers.

The ESC is currently consulting on this and customers can view the draft undertaking and share feedback until 5pm on Wednesday, October 22.

CEO Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Bambi Gordon said Neighbourhood Watch’s Crime Prevention Month is all about neighbours working together and looking out for each other to make our communities safer.

“There is currently a growing concern about crime, but the reality is that most property crime is opportunistic. If we remove the opportunity, we can prevent the crime and if we watch out for each other, there’s safety in numbers,” Ms Gordon said.

“Neighbourhood Watch’s Crime Prevention Month is about teaching Victorians exactly how to do that. It’s about education and awareness — giving people the knowledge to protect their families, and their home and their communities.”

For more information about free Crime Prevention Month activities and resources, visit: nhw.com.au.

Altona Community Choir members: Wendy Barnes (piano), John Townsend, Sandra Horsburgh, John Asher, Linda Scott and Suzanne Ali. (Damjan Janevski). 507856_01

Precinct now open

By Cade Lucas

After four years and multiple stages, the Altona Beach Precinct was officially openedonFridaymorning.

Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander was joined by her fellow councillors and WilliamstownMPMelissaHorneincutting the ribbon on the $17.5 million project which was funded by both council and the stategovernment.

Encompassing much of the Altona foreshore, the precinct improves connectivity between the pier, the Pier Street shopping district and the entrance tothebeach.

The lower part of Pier Street between Queen Street and the Esplanade have been permanently closed to traffic, while sections of the Esplanade will also be closedduringmajorevents.

The main beach entrance has been upgraded, as has Weaver Reserve, while new sculptures, landscaping, lighting, seating, showers and separated bike and pedestrianpathshavebeenadded.

Theseawallhasalsobeenraisedtoreduce theimpactofkingtidesduringstorms.

“We are fortunate to enjoy some incredible natural landscapes across our city,includingAltonaBeach,”CrKellander saidinopeningthenewprecinct.

“Thisprecinctwillbecomeaplacewhere more memories are created, more time spentwithfamilyandfriendsandcontinue to bring people to spend time enjoying whatAltonahastooffer.

“I’d like to recognise our local traders whohavemanageddisruptionoverthelast fewyears,andIhopecannowbenefitfrom thesefantasticimprovements.“

President of the Altona Village Traders Association, Illch Mickovski, said the new precinctwasworthputtingupwithyearsof disruptionforandthankedthecounciland stategovernmentformakingitpossible.

“It’s a wonderful new asset for our community and visitors to use,” Mr Mickovskisaid.

Williamstown MP, Melissa Horne

WORLDMENTALHEALTHDAY

A day to focus on mental health and wellbeing

On 10 October 2025, Australia will again join the world in observing World Mental Health Day, a moment to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and promote mental wellbeing.

This year, the global theme is “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies”, drawing attention to the psychological toll of crises — from natural disasters to conflicts to pandemics — and the urgent need for accessible, community-based mentalhealthsupport.

In Australia, Mental Health Australia has adopted a complementary national themeof“Connectwithyourcommunity”, urging individuals to reach out, converse, andbuildsupportivenetworkswithintheir local environments — whether through friends,mob,schoolgroups,faithcirclesor onlinecommunities.

This reflects understanding that social connectionisaprotectivefactorformental health and can help buffer distress during timesofuncertainty.

ThroughoutOctober,manyorganisations will run events and campaigns under Mental Health Week / Mental Health Month, culminating in World Mental HealthDay.

Aroundthecountry,culturallyinclusive and targeted programs are also being promoted, such as those in collaboration with First Nations mental health bodies, youth services, and multicultural networks.

ForAustralians,WorldMentalHealthDay 2025 is not just symbolic — it’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing mental health challengeswecollectivelyface:fromrising demandforservicestostretchedresources and the invisible wounds of trauma and social isolation. It’s also an opportunity formeaningfulaction:totalkopenlyabout mental health, advocate for improved services and policy, and strengthen the fabric of community support across cities, townsandregions.

Grants to tackle motorcycle safety

Thestategovernmenthaslauncheda new round of grants to help improve motorcyclesafety.

The Safer Motorcycling Grants Program will kickstart projects across three categories including technology and intelligent transport solutions (ITS), education and research,andpolicyandlawtomake roadsaferforthesedrivers.

Motorcyclists are overrepresented in road trauma in Victoria, with 46 riders losing their lives on the state’s roadssofarthisyear.

Among them was a rider who was killed in a crash near the Princess FreewayinAltonaonJune19.

The grants program will include projects to educate and empower riders to buy high safety rated protective gear, deliver new rider and driver training and undertake research into rider behaviour and vehicledesign.

Roads and Road Safety Minister MelissaHornesaidtheinvestmentin motorcyclesafetywasbadlyneeded.

said the state government was proud to contribute.

“With a contribution of $5.9 million from the state government towards the project, combined with the complete rebuilding of the Altona Pier, we have invested significantly in the precinct that will benefit the community and traders for yearsahead,”MsHornesaid.

“Tragically, motorcyclists are overrepresentedinroadtrauma–last year, motorcycles made up three per cent of registered vehicles, but riders accountedfor22percentofdeathson ourroads,”MsHornesaid.

Under the grants program 16 organisations will receive a share of $3.5 million to deliver motorcycle safety projects, with the money coming from the state’s Motorcycle SafetyLevy.

Advertising feature

Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander (front) cuts the ribbon to open the new Atlona Beach Precinct on Friday with (L-R) Williamstown MP Melissa Horne and councillors Paddy Keys-Macpherson, Lisa Bentley, Kristin Bishop, Diana Grima and deputy mayor Rayane Hawli. (Damjan Janevski) 507636_05

Hooking kids on hockey

The Footscray Hockey Club has been recognised for its efforts in attracting young players to the sport.

The Yarraville based club was named the HookIn2Hockey club of the year at the Hockey Victoria awards on September 19.

HookIn2Hockey is the sport’s junior participation program designed to get children to take it up and out of 100 participatingclubsacrossthestate,Footscray wasdeemedtohaveoperateditbest.

PresidentNicoleVirtuosowasonhandto accept the award on behalf of the club and explained what so impressed the judges.

“The way we do that is we organise free hockey clinics at around 15 local primary schools in and around Yarraville in early term one every year,” said Ms Virtuoso, who estimates that coaches from the club see around 2500 students a week during

this period.

From that number, the club invites 150 children to three free come and try sessions.

“We hope to convert over 50 of them into brandnewmemberswhoplayinourunder6, under8andunder10competitions,”shesaid.

FootscrayHockeyClubhasbeenrunning theHookIn2Hockeyprogramformorethan 20 years and Ms Virtuoso can’t imagine the club without it.

“It’s the lifeline of our club that feeds our grassroots programs.”

The club has two come and try sessions forchildrencominguponOctober8and15 at 5.30pm.

To inquire about the sessions or to join as a mature age player, contact: come-and-try@footscrayhockey.com.au

Briefs

Williamstown stabbing

Detectives investigating a stabbing in Williamstown on June 18 want public assistance. It’s believed a man was walking along Aitken Street just after 7pm when approached by a male on a bicycle who struck him to the back of the head and stabbed him twice. The victim, a 23-year-old Williamstown man, was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries which later required surgery. The offender fled on a light-coloured bicycle and was wearing a black hooded jumper, black pants and runners. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Road closures

The Hyde Street and Somerville Road intersection will soon be closed to upgrade the traffic lights. The intersection will be closed continuously from 8pm on October 17, to 5am on October 20 and again from 8pm on October 24 to 5am on October 27. During the second weekend, the closure of Hyde Street will be extended from Berry Street to Princess Street to complete asphalting. Lanes and ramps on the West Gate Freeway between Millers and Williamstown roads will be closed overnight on October 9 and 10. Citybound closures will be from 9pm to 5am, while outbound closures will be from 10pm to 5am. Details: bigbuild.vic. gov.au/disruptions

BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Footscray Hockey Club president Nicole Virtuoso with the HookIn2Hockey club of the year award. (Supplied)

Gunlom Falls reopens: A timeless Kakadu treasure

AFTER six years, Gunlom Falls is back on the tourist trail.

Thefalls-oneoftheNorthernTerritory’s most iconic travel destinations - reopened earlier this year, marking the first time the tourism drawcard has been accessible to thepublicsince2019.

Located on Jawoyn Country in the southern region of the UNESCO World Heritage dual-listed Kakadu National Park and a much-loved location featured in classic Australian film Crocodile Dundee, Gunlom Falls offers iconic cascading falls, a breathtaking natural infinity pool with sweeping views across the escarpment, crystal-clear plunge pools and shaded picnicareas.

As the jewel in the crown of Kakadu National Park, Gunlom Falls’ reopening is being welcomed by visitors from around Australia and around the world.

Gunlom Falls’ campground is also operational again and works on a first-come, first-served basis. For many, camping is a highlight when visiting the area with relaxing walks in nature, incredible birdwatching, swimming in cooling plunge pools and opportunities to sharestoriesaroundthecampfirebeneath endless starry skies.

The journey to Gunlom Falls is all part of the adventure. To get there, it’s about a four-hour drive from Darwin or two hours from Jabiru, with sealed roads leading to the turn-off and an unsealed stretch into the campground and falls. The drive itself sets the scene: wide skies, red earth, and the changing colours of the Territory landscape.

cascade at full force against ancient landscapes below.

GunlomFallsalsositwithinalandscape rich in Aboriginal culture, where stories stretch back tens of thousands of years.

Visitors can also choose to witness the full magnitude of Kakadu National Park from above with a scenic helicopter flight during the wet season, when waterfalls

Visitors are reminded they are on Jawoyn Country, and taking time to understand this cultural context adds invaluable depth totheexperience.

For those who remember Gunlom Falls from years gone by, the chance to return feels like reconnecting with an old friend. For first-time visitors, it’s an opportunity to discover one of the Northern Territory’s mostmagicalplaces.

Either way, a visit to Gunlom Falls is the kind of experience that stays with the visitor forever.

Gunlom Falls. (Tourism Australia, James Fisher) Getaway to Gunlom. (Tourism Australia, James Fisher)

Relaxing at Gunlom Falls (Credit Tourism NT)

Enjoying the Gunlom Falls Top Pool. (NT, Jonathon Clayton)

Nature’s infinity pool at Gunlom. (Tourism NT, Jewels Lynch)

Cultural Elegance: Murray Princess River Cruise, Aida Opera & Adelaide Retreat

8 Nights

5 February 2026

Your Holiday Includes

Full-Board River Cruise

4 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing

Burke Salter Boutique Winery tasting

“Murray River Cup”

Event Experience

Ticket to Franco Zeffirelli’s legendary production of Aida at the Adelaide Oval Fully Escorted

Barossa Valley Tours

Walking tour of Swan River

Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation on entry)

Sunnydale Woolshed Show

Sunnydale Native Wildlife Shelter

Aussie Barbecue – cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the Murray River

Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park tour

Scenic tender boat ride

Hotel Stay

4 night four-star stay in Adelaide at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide with breakfast

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

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

FRANCE'S FINEST

Paris to Avignon or vice versa

15 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY

13 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: MAR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027

From $10,795pp in Standard Stateroom

From $14,095pp in Veranda Stateroom

Avignon to Lyon or vice versa

8 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY

7 GUIDED TOURS

SAIL: MAR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027

From $6,495pp in Standard Stateroom

From $8,295pp in Veranda Stateroom

Roundtrip from Paris, France

8 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY

6 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: MAR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027

From $6,395pp in Standard Stateroom

From $8,195pp in Veranda Stateroom

AVIGNON, FRANCE

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Discover sailing

The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is holding a Discover Sailing Day on Sunday, October 19. A free event that’s fun for all ages – no experience needed and all gear provided. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out on the water, try something new, and share an adventure with family and friends. Held from 10-2pm at Royals Training Centre, 120 Nelson Place, Williamstown.

 https://www.revolutionise.com.au/rycv/ events/312444

Sing with Willin Wimmin choir

Discover the joy of group singing with the friendly women at Willin Wimmin choir in Williamstown. New members are always welcome, no audition. The choir sings contemporary, folk, choral and world repertoire in an a cappella style. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings during school terms, 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Dennis Reserve Centre, 109 Ferguson St, Williamstown.

 More information at willinwimmin.org.au or contact us at willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Altona VIEW Club

VIEW stands for Voice, Interest and Education for Women. Altona VIEW Club has just celebrated its 26th birthday, and is a not-for-profit organization. The club welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join us on the third Wednesday of each month, at 11am, at the Altona RSL. Come along for lunch and enjoy the speakers each month. Other outings are arranged. Great opportunity to make new friends.

 altonaview@gmail.com. Julie 0421315846

Mahjong Mondays at Altona North

Community Library

Learn how to play Mahjong. Beginner or expert, everyone is welcome to come, chat and unwind.

 library@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or 1300 179 944

Weight loss group

A new weight loss support group has started, with meetings held every Monday night at 7pm at the Williamstown Community Education Centre, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. The sessions are run by a healthcare worker, registered nurse and counsellor, Sarah Allard, who has lost nearly 30 kilograms since commencing weight loss injections and wants to share her knowledge of the medication effects and understanding as a counsellor of the highs and lows of treatment. The group is for anyone who is battling weight loss and is using injections or considering it. It is for sharing successes and failures in a private group setting, or just showing up to listen.

 Sarah Allard, 0439 972 074, ms.sarah. allard@gmail.com

Microbusiness for makers

Microbusiness for makers level two guides learners through the process of launching a microbusiness with a creative craft or artistic practice at its core. From creating a business plan, applying for an ABN, basic accountancy skills to product development and marketing strategies, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to launch a business by the end of the course. At Braybrook CommunityHub, 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook, from 9.30am - 12.30pm on Mondays from October 6 to December 1.

 Free entry.

 03 9688 0157 or nam.nguyen@ maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Tablets and devices

This program will help people understand the different aspects of using tablets

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Overnewton Anglican Community College students rehearsing for the ‘We Will Rock You’ musical. Kiki (front), Tristan, Pearce, Carly, Isabella, Fiona and Olivia (back). (Damjan Janevski) 493855_01

(iPads and Android tablets) and smartphones. Available weekly. Held at the Braybrook Community Hub, 107-139 Churchill Avenue, on Mondays from October 6 from 1-4pm.

 03 9688 0157 or nam.nguyen@ maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Games, cards and conversation at Altona North Community Library, Scrabble, Triominos, 500, Sequence, Rummikub and more, let’s all learn together. Held from 10am-noon every Tuesday at Altona North Community Library, corner of 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

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely 90-minute walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John Becroft. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place.

 John Becroft 0418-377-336

Westgate diabetes support group

Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona bowling club at 10am.

 Inquiries, Elaine: 0415 030 996

Mainly music – Yarraville

A music-playgroup program for kids and their carers from birth to school age. Held every Thursday from 9.30-10.30am during school terms 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, 0402 769 204

Altona North Combined Probus

The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.

 Lesley, 0414 481 442

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 from 7-9pm at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton.

 Helen 0474 498 052 or aerospeakerstm@gmail.com

Footscray CWA

Meet on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9pm at Footscray Scout Hall next door to Footscray Police Station, 4a Hyde Street.

 cwaofvicfootscray@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/ CWAofVicFootscray/

Social square dancing for beginners

Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights from 7.30pm-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

Chit Chat Tuesdays

A ladies chit chat group which is on every Tuesday from 1.30-3pm at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona. As an extension of this, sometimes we host guest speaker events for women in the community.

 Dione 9398 2511 or visit: LJAC.com.au

Angling club

The Essendon Angling Club is looking for new members. If you are interested in fishing, come along and join fellow-minded anglers and help our club grow strong. The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the club rooms 44 The Boulevard Moonee Ponds. On the third 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 practice beginning at 10am. All welcome at 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows.  9369 1034 or secretary@ lavertonbowls.com.au

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings - Williamstown Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in

Art follows the curve

Delve into the inner psyche of artist Ned Brook in a free exhibition that gives internalstatesformthroughsculptures.

Brook creates his works by drawing flowing forms and then inputting them into3Dsoftware.

He then brings the art to life through 3D printing and the manipulation of metal — contorting, bending and twisting the materialintocurvedstructures.

Brook said his work is informed by his experiences living with mental illness, whichislinkedtolanguage.

“Some people meditate. I can’t meditate so I use art as a tool for expressing stuff

that’s difficult to explain with words,” Brook said. “If I can work in a space that involvesverylittlelanguagethenit’sagood spaceformetooperatein.”

Brook has experience in cattle farming, volunteer firefighting, and has worked as anarborist.

Hesaidthenaturalworldheavilyinspires hiswork.

“Ispendalotoftimeoutdoors...It’smore curves rather than straight lines. The city doesn’t really inspire me at all because it’s just concrete and steel and everything’s square because humans seem to like squarethings,”Brooksaid.

“Each exhibition for me is like a step in a newdirection.It’sanexampleofwhereI’m at at the moment… I’m always looking for thenextmove.”

‘In Plain Sight’, supported by Brimbank council, is showing at the Bowery Gallery, 33PrincessStreetStAlbans,untilSaturday, October18.

The exhibition is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 12.30pmeachSaturday.

Suspenseful thriller in Bacchus Marsh

A thrilling drama filled with suspense and mystery will be performed by a local community theatre group in Bacchus Marshthismonth.

Moonlite Theatre will perform Rope –the classic suspense play by Patrick Hamilton–acrossseveraldatesthroughout October at the Holy Trinity Anglican ChurchHall.

The play, based on a true story, is full of thrilling and edge-of-your-seat moments and follows two friends who believe they have gotten away with murder and decide tohostadinnerparty.

Moonlite Theatre vice president Tim

Hawthorne said there will be eight cast membersintheplay.

“We thought we’d do a thrilling drama ... we’vedonequiteafewcomediesasoflate,” MrHawthornesaid.

“It follows the same theme of the play –two of the main actors who think they’ve committed the perfect murder, they’ve decided to hold a dinner party … to see if anybody would pick up on the clues from what they’ve committed a few hours before,”hesaid.

“[Itwill]leavetheaudienceontheirseats withallthetwistsandturnsofwhether[the charactershavebeen]foundoutornot.”

Mr Hawthorne said that the group is always looking for new members for a variety of roles – including actors, backstagecrewmembers,orwriters.

Rope will be performed from 8pm on Friday, October 17, and Friday, October 24, and from 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, October 18 and Saturday, October 25 at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19 Gisborne Road, Bacchus Marsh.

The production is by Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French,aConcordTheatricalsCompany. Details:trybooking.com/DBPIV

Exploring the urban landscape together: Teens to

There is nothing lame about going on a walk when you do it in style– and tap into yourtalents.

On Friday, October 10, folks from Wyndham,thewestandtheworldoverare invited to Werribee for a night walk that promisesintrigue.

Nightwalks with Teenagers is a walking performance created with local youth who plan, design and lead a public walk through Werribee at night, exploring the urbanlandscape.

Focused on the power of walking together,theperformanceinvitesteensand adults to have a unique social experience

in a shared place and time, where people letlooseandarefreertobethemselves.

Theaimofthissessionistoembracethose coming on the journey with and sharing moments of silence that are not awkward butofferthechanceforcontemplation.

Developed through workshops and rehearsals with the internationally renowned Mammalian Diving Reflex, each performance is co-created with local teens, drawing on their stories, talents and personalperspectives.

MammalianDivingReflexisagroupthat crafts performances by creating theatre productionsandsocialeventswiththeaim

Stones in Kooyong re-created

Yarraville might be a long way from Kooyong and the 52nd anniversary of something doesn’t quite have the same cache’ as the 50th, but any excuse to get some of Australia’s greatest rock musicians together and recreate a legendary concert from a legendarybandiswellworthit.

That’s the thinking behind Yarraville Live presenting The Rolling Stones Kooyong Concert 52nd Anniversary show on Saturday, October11.

Featuring the exact set list that the Stones played on a sweltering afternoon at the Kooyong tennis stadium in 1973, the Monkey Men, a collective of Australian musicians including You Am I’s Tim Rogers and Davey Lane, the Wolfgram sisters and Jack Howard from Hunters and Collectors, will play a track-for-track tribute, just as they did at a sold-out show at the Corner Hotel earlier this year.

The Monkey Men, who also include formerReneeGeyerkeyboardistBruce Haymes, Even drummer Matthew Cotter, Tex Perkins bassist Stephen Hadley, guitarist extraordinaire Andre Warhurst and Ben Marsland on horns, have been playing Rolling Stonestributeshowsfor12years.

“There’s a reason why we’ve been doing this show annually since 2013, because people froth it,” said Monkey Men and Yarraville Live booker, JamesYoung.

Ticketsareonsalenow,andinclude dinner and show packages, reserved seatingandgeneraladmission.

SupportactEzraLeewillbeonstage at 8.30pm, with the Monkey Men followingat9.30pm.

Yarraville Live is held at the Yarraville Club. Tickets and information: yarravilleclub.com.au

lead a night walk

of bringing people of diverse backgrounds together.

The group and mission is named after a reflex found in mammals, which increases the chances of survival when plunged into a cold watery environment, a metaphor for surviving difficult times by trusting the body.

The group will meet out front of the Wyndham Cultural Centre for a 7.30pm start and commence the two-hour walk fromthere.

More: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov. au/whats-on/nightwalks-teenagersmammalian-diving-reflex-0

Moonlite Theatre vice president and cast member Tim Hawthorne with cast members Chantelle Fernandez, Lukas Duffy, Ashton Crewther, Isabelle Haigh Lucia Kelly, Irene Hogan, and Carl Reeson. (Supplied)

‘In Plain Sight’ by Ned Brook is showing at the Bowery Gallery until Saturday, October 18. (Ties Urie Photography)

A similar night walk in Brussels. (Bea Borgers)

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Wallabies halfback is expected to miss the rest of the season due to surgery on his injured hamstring?

2. An uproar broke out at the Brownlow Medal ceremony when which St Kilda player received just two votes during the Round 20 section of the count?

3. 2025 Ballon d’Or recipient Ousmane

4. After the US, which country finished second in the medal tally of the 2025 World Athletics Championships?

5. And how many medals in total did Australia win at the event?

6. Which WNBA player received her fourth MVP award this year, the most in league history?

7. Bad Bunny was recently announced as the headliner for which sporting event?

Which country was the winner of this year’s Women’s Rugby World

And what nickname does that country’s team go

A volleyball match consists of how many players per team?

Which Matildas star recently made her catwalk debut at Paris Fashion Week?

12. Williams driver Carlos Sainz, once with Ferrari, achieved what result at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

13. Who won the 2025 AFL Brownlow Medal?

14. And who won the 2024 NRL Dally M Medal?

15. Which Swedish former tennis player, who played in the ‘70s and ‘80s, retired at the age of 26?

16. In the preliminary final, Brisbane Lions player Dayne Zorko was fined for grabbing Collingwood’s Mason Cox’s what?

17. Which South African cricketer has ‘un-retired’ from white-ball formats and is available for international selection again?

18. Which discarded opening batsman scored a century for Australia A against India A in a first-class match?

19. Which Australian singer performed the national anthem at the AFL Grand Final?

20. Before this year’s Grand Final, how many premierships did Geelong and the Brisbane Lions each win this century?

21. The 2025 Ryder Cup golf tournament was recently held in which US state?

22. What milestone did AFL Women’s players Ebony Marinoff and Ally Anderson both become the first players to recently celebrate?

23. Which veteran Aussie cricket allrounder recently suffered a broken forearm during training, looking set to miss the T20 tour to New Zealand?

24. Which cricketing nation won the 2025 Asia Cup?

25. Which English cricketer will replace Ollie Pope as vice-captain for the upcoming Ashes tours?

26. Who won the 2025 Norm Smith Medal for best on ground at the AFL Grand Final?

27. And how many players have won the Norm Smith Medal more than once?

28. What positions did NRL Grand Finalists Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos finish on the ladder at the end of the premiership season?

29. The UFC recently held Fight Night 260 in which Australian city?

30. And which Australian stadium still holds the record for the two highest ever attendances at a UFC event?

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

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Scarcity (6)

4 Swiss family who were marooned (8)

10 Extravagant (9)

11 Vision (5)

12 Reflected sound (4)

13 Sulk (4)

14 Of birth (5)

16 Ancient harp (4)

17 Members of a trust (8)

20 Shoeless (8)

22 Widespread reputation (4)

25 Beneath (5)

26 Facial features (4)

28 Passport endorsement (4)

30 Once more (5)

31 Social exclusion (9)

32 Weather (8)

33 Facade (6)

1 Fuel oil (6)

2 Inebriating spirit (7)

3 Probe (4)

5 Proposal (8)

6 Of Jakarta, for example (10)

7 Ghost (7)

8 Anonymous (8)

9 Storage container for grain (4)

15 Choice (10)

18 Inflexible (8)

19 Pole marking scoring area (8)

21 Spread from the centre (7)

23 Building (7)

24 Tack whacker (6)

27 Container for flowers (4)

29 Faux (4)

1 What is the largest state by area in the

2 In which year was the planet Neptune discovered?

3 Esther Summerson is a character in which novel by Charles Dickens?

4 Located in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a Catholic church designed by which famous architect?

5 What is the name of the traditional Korean dish typically consisting of fermented cabbage?

6 Recipient of the 1976 Archibald Prize, SelfPortraitintheStudio is an artwork by which Australian painter?

7 Who is the

8

No.

Cheap low emissions travel

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Toyota’s small but practical Yaris is often overlooked in the rush to buy larger more powerfulmodels.

But for environmentally conscious buyers the hybrid-powered pocket rocket offersaveryrealalternativetofullyelectric vehicles.

The three cylinder hybrid powertrain offerssuperlowfuelconsumptionandwith itincrediblylowengineemissions.

In many ways, you could say it is the perfectcitycar.

Styling

Yarishascomealongwaysincethedebacle over its name when introduced as the ToyotaEchobackin1999.

It is now one of the most popular cars on the road with more than 360,000 sales over fourgenerations.

There are three grades to choose from: Ascent Sport, SX and ZR - priced from $28,990.SXtakesthepriceto$32,390while the sporty ZR enters the ledger at $34,590allpricesbeforeon-roadcosts.

The high performance, three-door GR Yarisispricedfrom$55,490.

Premium paint adds $500 and two-tone paint(blackroof)is$450.

YarisCrossisbasedonthesameplatform and starts from $31,790 plus on-roads in front-driveform.

All grades apart from the GR are poweredbythesamethree-cylinderhybrid powertrainthesedays.

The new 1.5-litre three-cylinder powertrain develops more power than its four-cylinder predecessor, while using substantially less fuel and cutting emissions.

In fact, it offers the best fuel economy of any Toyota, using just 3.3 litres of fuel per 100km and producing just 76 grams of CO2 perkilometre.

Standard kit includes cloth trim and manual aircon, 15-inch steel wheels, analogue speedo, built-in navigation, active cruise control, automatic high beam andspeedsignrecognition.

There’s also LED daytime, tail and stop lights, auto-fold mirrors with LED turn signals,andrearprivacyglass.

SX adds 16-inch alloys, climate air, premium steering wheel and shift knob, LED headlights, indicators and rear combination lights, keyless smart entry, smart-start ignition button and soft-touch instrumentpanel.

Top-of-the-line ZR gains 16-inch alloys, sports front seats, rear spoiler, head-up display,sportsfrontseatsaswellasNanoe-X airfilteringtechnology.

SX and ZR feature a 7.0-inch digital instrumentcluster.

Auto lights are standard, but the wipers are manual and so is the rear-view mirrorsowediscovered.

Toyota seems to have adopted the approach - if it’s not present then best not tomentionit.

Yaris is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometrewarranty.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of an 8.0-inchtouchscreen,withBluetooth,voice recognition, built-in navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with genericsix-speakeraudio.

What it doesn’t get is a wireless charge pad.

TherearetwoUSB-Cportsinthefrontbut noneforrearseatpassengers.

Allgradescomewith12monthsofaccess

to Toyota Connected Services, including Safety and Security features, Multimedia Connect and Driving Insights - all accessible through the myToyota Connect app.

Safety

Yaris gets a five-star rating for safety with eight airbags including a centre airbag for thefront.

It has a reversing camera plus sensors that can detect vehicles or pedestrians at intersections when making turns, active cornering assist and a secondary collision braking.

Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car and Vulnerable Road User) as well as lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW), emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are fitted as standardonallvariants.

There are also front and rear parking sensorsandaparkingsupportbrakesystem that can warn the driver of objects around the vehicle and even apply the brakes if necessary.

ZRvariantsgainBlindSpotMonitor,Safe ExitAssistandRearCrossTrafficAlert.

Engines/transmissions

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder powertrain drives the front wheels through a CVT-style,continuouslyvariableautomatic transmission.

Operating on the Atkinson Cycle, the petrol engine’s 67kW and 120Nm are supplemented by a 59kW and 141Nm electric motor-generator and a compact lithium-ionbattery.

Combined system output is 85kW (combinedtorqueisnotstated).

Driving

The all-new Yaris is shorter and sits lower than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbaseformaximuminteriorspaceand stability.

Unlike its predecessor it is available only infive-doorhatchbackform;thethree-door model is reserved for the performance-

flagshipGRmodel.

Duringdevelopmentofthecar,MrToyota himself, Akio Toyoda, stepped in to delay thelaunchofthecarfor12months.

The first draft was initially larger and heavier, which would have made it more expensive,andhewantedthefattrimmed.

A sporty exterior design comprises a prominent cascading grille, longer bonnet, sculpted door panels, dynamic character linesandashorterrearoverhang.

The interior offers an open, spacious and comfortable cabin with ample headroom, a wider centre console and an up-market ambience with combination cloth and pseudosuedetrim.

Ascent Sport has an all-black interior; SX gains silver highlights while ZR is distinguishedbysportyredinserts.

Stepping from the massive Tundra directly into the diminutive Yaris was a professionalchallenge.

The new platform permits the driver'sseattobesetlowerandfurther back, creating a more engaging driving position and helping to lower the centre of gravitybyaround15mm.

The steering wheel is set closer to the driver,withwidertiltandreachadjustment.

It’s reasonably comfortable in front, however there’s virtually no legroom in the back, making Yaris more of a 2+2 proposition.

Electric steering assistance is tuned for a light touch at low speed and a responsive feelingathighspeed.

A 270-litre cargo area incorporates a two-level boot floor, while larger items can be accommodated with a 60:40 split-fold rearseat.

A space saver spare is provided in the eventofapuncture.

Yaris hybrid can be operated in a fuel-saving Eco mode or more responsive Powermode.

As a full hybrid, it can also operate on electric power alone, which contributes noticeably to its urban-cycle fuel consumptionofjust2.8L/100km.

The hybrid transaxle adopts a compact dual-axis structure with the power-control

unit installed directly above it, resulting in asmall,lightweightsystem.

The chassis has been engineered to improve dynamic qualities, reduce body roll and improve braking stability and stoppingdistances.

The revised front MacPherson struts and rear torsion-beam layout includes reduced friction, softer springs and an increase in rearrollstiffness.

Theregenerativebrakesfeatureventilated discsatthefrontanddrumsattherear.

The thrummy three-cylinder engine in combination with the electric motor is surprisingly responsive, but a bit raucous underhardacceleration.

There’sjusttheonegear,buttheBposition provides additional engine braking when travellingdownhill.

Drivemodeselectoffersachoiceofthree modes: Standard, Power and Eco. EV mode canalsobeselectedwithadifferentswitch.

Power mode is the one you want when there’ssomeoneupyourclacker.

Because of its size elbow room is at a premium. This becomes obvious with a drink bottle in the centre cupholder betweenthefrontseats,whichmakesforan awkwardcombinationwiththehandbrake anddriver’selbow.

Believe it or not ZR even gets head-up display, but of course you can’t see it with polarisedsunglasses.

We discovered this by chance when we happened to tilt our head sideways. Until thenithadremainedinvisible.

With a 36-litre tank, Yaris takes standard 91 RON unleaded, with fuel consumption a claimed3.3L/100km.

We didn’t quite achieve this figure, but 800km at a rate of 4.0L/100km is fairly impressive.

Norangeanxietyhere.

Summing up Yaris ZR certainly packs a lot into its tiny frame.

It’s attractive, well equipped, does not usemuchfuelanddoesn’tcostmuchtobuy. Ifyou’rejustlookingforsomethingtorun aroundtownin,whatmorecouldyouneed?

Yaris ZR certainly packs a lot into its tiny frame. (Pictures: Supplied)

Cricket season is underway

The sun was out and the cricket bats were pulled from the sheds as cricket season got underway. While some competitions were called off, there was plenty of action across the region. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting the action.

Greenvale Kangaroos sit and wait. 507979_07

Mernda players waiting to bat. 507983_08

Bundoora’s Jason Kaminski. 507982_01

Mernda’s Max Russell. 507983_01

Merrifield Panthers. 507987_01

Bundoora’s Vikram Kumar. 507982_08

South Morang’s Benjamin Zychla. 507985_21

Greenvale Kangaroos’ Prabhnoor Bhalla. 507979_03

Laurimar’s Rian Boddy and Jonathon Mcaleer. 507985_01

South Morang’s Elakian Elango. 507985_04

Duo depart the Seagulls

By Tara Murray

Williamstown has suffered a blow with two of its biggest names calling time on their Victorian Football League career.

Leading goalkicker Brodie McLaughlin and ruck Tom Downie are both departing the club after playing key roles for a number of years.

After hinting his future may be up in the air at the recent VFL awards night, Williamstown announced that the club and McLaughlin had mutually agreed to part ways. McLaughlin capped off the season with 71 goals, including finals, to claim his second Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal.

The 27-year-old also finished third in the club’s best and fairest count on Thurs-

day evening.

Yet, the decision was reached in the best interests of both parties, with McLaughlin seeking to step away from VFL football and explore opportunities at other levels as he enters the next chapter of his career.

“This year has been the most fun year I’ve played to date,” McLaughlin said on the Seagulls website.

“I want to pass on how grateful I am to the Williamstown Football Club as a whole.

I’m proud to have represented Williamstown – it’s one of the proudest clubs out there.”

The club reciprocates its thanks to McLaughlin for his contribution on and off the field during his time at DSV Stadium.

“His commitment, effort, and profes-

sionalism have been greatly valued by teammates, coaches, and supporters alike,” the club said.

“Williamstown wishes Brodie every success in his future endeavours and reaffirms that he will always be warmly welcomed by the club.”

Downie is one of the club’s longest serving players over the past 10 years, playing 80 games in five seasons.

He played nine AFL games before stepping away from football to deal with some mental health concerns.

After returning to local football in 2019, he joined Williamstown in 2021 and has been a key piece of the puzzle since.

He became one of the VFL’s best rucks in his time at the Seagulls.

Historic three-peat for Willy’s Emily Eaves

By Tara Murray

Williamstown’s Emily Eaves continues to get better and better as the dream of playing in the AFLW has returned.

Eaves, who shared the Victorian Football League women’s coaches most valuable player award last month, claimed her third third club best and fairest award at the club’s awards night.

Eaves finished with 86 votes to finish ahead of India Barker (71 votes) in second and Jemima Wrigley (70 votes).

The vice-captain averaged 17 disposals, 6.9 clearances, and 6.7 tackles across 16 matches in 2025.

“It’s pretty crazy,’ Eaves said. “It still feels like my first year at Williamstown and I’ve just moved down from Sydney.

“It’s pretty cool to win three in a row. It was my most consistent season yet.”

Eaves said she had a really big off season heading in the 2025 season keen to see how far she could push herself.

She led the vote count early on but

thought she had a ‘few stinkers’ in the last few games but was able to hold on.

“It was nice to win but I also enjoyed winning it with a teammate last year,” she said.

“It’s pretty cool to see the girls who finished second and third.

“Indi Barker has been like my minion and I’ve watched her grow up.

“Jemima is one of my best mates from Sydney and she came down and we got to play together.”

Eaves said she had always looked up to Wrigley and even started playing football because she did.

Like she spoke about on the VFL awards night,EaveswasfullofpraisefortheSeagulls and the whole Williamstown community.

“It’s a big part of my life and I can’t say how much I love the club,” she said. “I wish everyone got to experience the family that I have at this club.

“They are so special and bring out the best in you. Not just the coaches but the whole community.”

Eaves, who moved down from Sydney

Williamstown coach Justin Plapp commended Downie’s character.

“Tom is the kind of player you can build a team around — dependable, consistent, and the one you trust when the game was on the line,” he said on the Seagulls website.

“We were privileged to watch his journey from GWS to becoming the Seagull he is today, and we wish him nothing but the very best for the next chapter of his life.”

The club has also announced the departures of Oscar Sasalu and Nathan Jensen. Sasalu played four games across two seasons for the Seagulls.

Jensen joined Williamstown this year but didn’t play a game with a knee injury ending season early.

Brasher goes big

A Dylan Brasher century has given Footscray the perfect start to the Victorian Premier Cricket season.

The Bulldogs kicked off their season on Saturday on the road against Kingston-Hawthorn in a one-dayer.

The Bulldogs were sent in and got off to a strong start with Mitchell Jamieson and Aiman Nadeem.

They put on 50 for the first partnership before the dismissal of Nadeem brought Brasher to the crease.

before joining the Seagulls, said she doesn’t plan on going home anytime soon with Williamstown now becoming home.

Eaves’ season had former coach Liam Cavanagh regularly mention throughout the year that he thought Eaves should be on an AFLW list.

It’s something that she’s now keen to chase.

“I wanted to get drafted but I fell in love with Willy and forgot about it,” she said.

“There’s a spark in me again and I want to get to the next level.”

Eaves is also keen to taste team success with the Seagulls, who have fallen just short of a grand final the past three seasons.

She said the group was keen to get some reward for effort.

Ï think we have wanted it so bad the last three years and just missed out,” she said. “It’ll be different with Cav not being here but I have full belief if we stick together.

“I don’t want to waste the opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Luke Parks made it back-toback wins in the Gerry Callahan Medal.

The Bulldogs put on 100 for the second wicket partnership. Dylan Kight helped put the score up as Brasher closed in on three figures. He made 100 off 94 balls before being dismissed.

After that the Bulldogs lost a number of quick wickets as they chased quick runs at the end of the innings.

The Bulldogs finished 7-263 from their overs.

Jamieson made 51 at the top of the order while Kight made 47 off 38 balls. After losing an early wicket, the Hawks were able to steady and at 2-110 were in a solid position.

When the Bulldogs got a wicket, they were able to get a second quickly afterwards to put the pressure back on the Hawks. While the Hawks fought hard, they were bowled out for 234.

Max Birthisel took 3-33 for the Bulldogs, while Bailey Toseland took two.

Footscray will be at home in round two, facing Frankston Peninsula in a two-dayer.

Emily Eaves. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 486895_06

Dylan Brasher. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 452928_06

Selsby wins Priest Medal

By Tara Murray

It couldn’t have been a much bigger week for Yarraville Seddon’s Michael Selsby.

He and his partner had a baby boy on Thursday before Selsby claimed two best and fairests in the following two days.

The first of those best and fairest awards was the Barry Priest Medal as the best player in the Western Football League division 1 competition.

He also shared his club’s best and fairest on Saturday night with West Barker to cap off a few big days.

Selsby won the Priest Medal in an exciting count with Selsby, Caroline Springs’ Cooper Pepi and Hoppers Crossing’s Josh

Pickess all in contention late.

Selsby ended up on 30 votes, one clear of Pepi with Pickess another two votes further back.

In a video message, Selsby said it was a special honour.

He said you can’t win an honour like this without the support of all his teammates each week.

“What an honour and what an enjoyable year it was,” he said. “First of all, my partner for supporting me throughout the year.

“All the partners in the room can attest to when we don’t have such a hot game, it’s not a great mood they come home to.

“I would like to thank the support crew

around the club, Yarraville Seddon Eagles themselves, everyone from the trainers to the coaching staff, you guys have been amazing this year.

“I think it’s been a really big step forward as a club. The women’s program making the granny and the men’s program making the prelim in the seniors,

“It’s a really exciting time at the Eagles, a really young crew. I look forward to next year and the following years to come as I think we’re going to do some damage in the league moving forward.”

This year was Selsby’s first season full time at the Eagles having previously been on Victorian Football League lists and juggling commitments.

Western FL’s women’s top honour shared

By Tara Murray

For a second straight season, the umpires couldn’t split the best players in the Western Football League women’s best and fairest.

After having joint winners for the first time last season, Yarraville Seddon’s Akec Makur Chuot and Parkside Spurs’ Rita Ceravolo shared the top honour this year.

In a close count, the pair finished on 18 votes each.

For Ceravolo, it’s her second league best and fairest award having won a junior one with Avondale Heights.

She also finished second in the Western count in 2023 behind Chloe Muus.

“It’s pretty crazy and an incredible feeling,” she said.

“I didn’t think I was a chance. We had two other Parkside players there and Taquila Angel had an incredible season and I thought she was going to knock me off as well.

“I just love playing the sport and my teammates keep me going every year.”

Angel also finished in the top three while Nat Pearce also polled well.

Ceravolo said the trio had formed a really good partnership together in the middle of the ground for the Spurs.

“I think I’m home there [Parkside], I love it there,” she said.

“I think we’ll keep pushing for next year and hope for the best.”

Makur Chuot returned to the football field this season, having had a break after finishing in the AFLW and Victorian Football League Women’s competitions.

She said even when she was playing at the higher level, Yarraville Seddon felt like home.

“I hardly ever win stuff. I just come to have some free food, drink some tea,” she said.

“I’m really honoured to share it with Rita even better.”

Makur Chuot said she wanted to return to the field and just have fun. She said the best and fairest award showed she had it.

“This year is about having fun, I didn’t really expect much from it,” she said.

“I hope young people can understand having fun and enjoying football and being around a good group of human beings that good things can happen.”

Makur Chuot said the Eagles, who had a surprise grand final berth, had really believed in each other and the system was keen to come back even better next year.

She said the best and fairest sits up there pretty high in her career.

“It sits second, being drafted to play in the AFLW, that is a pretty big achievement,” she said.

“To be able to come back to local leagues, it’s important for us to come back and make an impact.

“On game day, I wake up and there’s messages from young girls on the other team telling me how excited they are to play against me. “That’s nice to see young women are aspiring to play.”

The Priest medal goes with the Western Football League most valuable player award he won back in 2023.

Eagles coach Brad Juiler accepted the award on Selsby’s behalf.

“He’s had a great year,” he said. “His first full year back with us since his VFL stuff and he just gets it done week in, week out.”

Pickess claimed the most valuable player award which was voted for by the coaches.

In other division 1 awards, West Barker was named rookie of the year.

Werribee Districts’ premiership coach Chris Gilham was named the overall male coach of the year, while Tigers’ Daniel Nielson claimed the goal kicking award.

Bunjaku scores big

Altona’s Naser Bunjaku wasn’t expecting to come away with a world title at the PNG vs Rest of the World Kickboxing tournament.

Competing for his first kickboxing world title, the 15-year-old defeated Papua New Guinea’s Brendan Simbani in the 65 kilogram division to win the international title.

Now back home, Bunjaku said it was really exciting.

“I wasn’t expecting to do as well as I did,” he said. “I was happy with my training and I thought I had worked hard enough with the effort I had put in other fights.

“I’m so happy.”

Bunjaku isn’t new to competing on the world stage, he finished third at the Kyokushin World Championship last year in his first world championships. Bunjaku got back into karate when he was 10 years old and has been doing kickboxing for the last couple of years after getting back into it.

“Kickboxing is fun and karate is always tough,” he said. “I like the best of both worlds.

Bunjaku follows in the footsteps of his father Prince Bunjaku, who has claimed several world titles of his own. Naser’s belt now sits alongside his father’s at home. He has also claimed Australian and Southern Pacific titles in karate.

“He is pretty good,” he said of his dad. “I look at all the belts and think how many more can I win.”

Yarraville Seddon’s Akec Makur Chuot and Parkside Spurs’ Rita Ceravolo. (Tara Murray)

Naser Bunjaku. (Supplied)

Philipps makes WNL history

Spotswood’s Kimberly Philipps made history on Friday night as she became the first two-time winner of the Western Netball League division 1 best and fairest medal.

At the league’s awards night, Philipps polled 26 votes to finish one ahead of Sunshine’s Kiralee Collings while Caroline Springs’ Olivia Craske finished in third spot to claim the netball honour.

Philipps had no inkling that she would win the medal for a second time.

She previously won the medal in 2023. It’s the fourth straight season a shooter has taken out the medal.

Philipps had just received her goal shooting award and was doing media for

that when she stepped back in the room to hear her name called out as the best and fairest winner.

“I am a little bit shocked,” she said. “I knew I was invited and that I was at least in the top three.

“I didn’t expect it.”

It was a season of change for Spotswood, as they had a coaching change and a number of players went elsewhere.

Philipps stayed true to a club that means so much to her.

Spotswood still made finals and fell short to Sunshine Kangaroos in the semi final, by one goal. The Kangaroos made the grand final.

“We have some solid connections at

the club,” she said. “Ella [Logan], who stayed with me was captain this year.

“It cemented that the two of us needed to be there. It’s her home club and her family club and I’m associated with her.”

Philipps said this year felt like a new beginning for the club this year with all the changes.

The shooter said it was massive to get this award.

“I’m honoured,” she said. “I used to always go up against Rebecca Hicks and now I’ve got Olivia Craske, I’ve got Remi Phillips, Payton Simeki, who is 17 years old and is probably going to be winning this award four or five times in the future.”

Philipps spends much of her weekends

Haines, Stanton share Alan Smith Medal

By Tara Murray

West Footscray’s Jai Haines and Wyndhamvale’s Lewis Stanton were on the edge of their seats heading into the final round of counting in the Alan Smith Medal.

The pair were sitting equal first in the award for the best player in the Western Football League division 2 with one round remaining.

Haines had 32 disposals in a big final round win against Tarneit, while Stanton kicked eight goals in a demolition job against Albanvale.

As luck would have it, neither would poll in the final round leaving the pair to share the Alan Smith Medal after polling 21 votes each.

North Footscray’s Matthew Serafin also finished on 21 votes but was ineligible after being suspended during the season.

Haines said it was something that he hadn’t expected heading into the night.

“That obviously feels very great, something I’m very proud of,” he said. “Something I honestly didn’t expect, I will take it.

“I didn’t expect the vote count to come, I had seen all the others and they had just announced the winner, so when they started round 16 whenever it was, I did actually get a bit nervous as my name was up there in the count

“Very proud and humbled to be the recipient of the award alongside Lewis.”

It was Haines first season at West Footscray.

He said he thought he had a really good year and had a lot of support from the people around him all year.

“I want to continue my footy there next year and the years to come.”

Haines thought he had a good game in the final round and the coaches named him their best post match.

He said Stanton was also good in the final round and could have quite easily polled as well.

“We’re both deserving winners,” he said. For Stanton, the Alan Smith Medal capped off a season most players can only dream of.

After crossing from Yarraville Seddon, he kicked 125 for the season and played a key role in the Falcons claiming the division 2 premiership.

“Ëverything sort of pieced together and everything went well,” he said. “The goal was always a premiership at the end of the day, it was never of the individual awards.

“It’s sort of the dream year at the end of the day. You don’t expect to kick 100 goals, don’t expect to win the league medal.

“I’m always about the team first but it’s nice to be noticed.”

Stanton was out of the room doing media for his leading goalkicking award when the count started.

He said he had no idea what was going on when he came back in.

“I’m very happy Jai was here to share it with me, me by myself a bit weird,” he said.

“I’m very proud and privileged to win the award.”

After having a mullet all season, Stanton appeared with a shaved head at the presentation night.

on a netball court. As well as playing for Spotswood on Friday nights, she plays for Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturdays.

Philipps was going from the league awards night to Bacchus Marsh’s awards night on Friday.

“It is hard,” she said. “I can’t walk by Sunday most of the time.

“It’s extremely exhausting but also very rewarding. The clubs that get around netball, it wasn’t like that 10 years ago.

“Having two clubs that care about netball, means so much.”

Elsewhere, Glen Orden’s Rebecca Hicks was named the netball coach of the year.

Hoskin-Elliott joins Eagles

Yarraville Seddon has received a massive boost early in the Western Football League division 1 off season, signing former GWS and Collingwood player Will Hoskin-Elliott.

The Eagles announced the signing of Hoskin Elliott at their best and fairest awards night on Saturday night.

Hoskin-Elliott retired from AFL at the end of this season, having played 242 AFL games including the 2023 premiership.

Eagles coach Brad Julier said it was a massive outcome for the club.

“We’re pretty happy with that,” he said. “He lives locally and when Trav [Varcoe] played here a couple of years ago, he would come down and watch.

“We’ve been keeping an eye on him and when he was hanging up the boots. He was keen to still play and thought he had a few years left in him.”

Hoskin-Elliott started his football career in the Western league, having played his juniors with North Sunshine.

His first ever game in under-10s was at Yarraville Oval.

Jullier said Hoskin-Elliott’s experience would be the biggest thing for the club.

“We’ll look to draw on that,” he said. “He played 240-something games and played in a premiership.

“His experience on ground he’ll be like an on ground coach and ability wise we think he still has a lot to offer.”

Hoskin-Elliott will have no official coaching role, having signed on as just a player.

Julier said they would look to move Hoskin-Elliott around having played at both ends of the ground at AFL level.

He was also initially drafted as a midfielder.

Julier said the reaction had been massive with everyone excited about it.

The coach said Hoskin-Elliott fell into the type of player they were looking to add for next season, someone with experience.

He said some Mad Monday antics saw him get rid of it.

“Mad Monday I went as Bruce Doull and shaved the top of my head,” he said. “Maybe not [grow it back] but a lot of people have said they like it.

“I feel quicker with it.”

Jai Haines and Lewis Stanton. (Tara Murray)

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