Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 3rd December 2025

Christmas 2025

Retirement feels like a permanent holiday at Rivervue

Have you ever returned from a fantastic holiday and wished it could last forever? That carefree feeling of waking up without a schedule, surrounded by beautiful scenery and plenty of ways to fill your day if you choose to. For residents at Rivervue Retirement Village, that’s often how life feels—likebeingonholidayeveryday.

Selecting a retirement village can be much like planning your dream getaway. There’s excitement in researching options, envisioning a new lifestyle and imagining howday-to-daylifemightlook.Residentsat Rivervue often talk about that same sense ofanticipationwhentheyfirstexploredthe village — walking along the Maribyrnong River, seeing the gardens, and sitting in thecommunityspacespicturingtheirnext chapter.

Just as you’d choose a holiday that suits your personal style, Rivervue allows residents to tailor their lifestyle. Some enjoy quiet mornings by the river, others start their day with an exercise class in the community centre, a dip in the pool, a visit to the beauty salon or coffee with neighbours. With no need to worry about home or garden maintenance, residents are free to enjoy a relaxed paceor fill their calendars with the many activities and socialgatheringsonoffer. Thenitcomesto takingaholidayawayfromhome,residents have the peace of mind, knowing they can lock and leave, and everything will be takencareof.

The connections formed here are often one of the highlights. As resident Margaret shared,“Ididn’trealisehowmuchI’denjoy the company. It reminds me of being on a cruise—you bump into someone, start chatting, and before you know it, you’ve madeanewfriend.”

With beautifully maintained grounds, resort-style facilities and opportunities to spend time doing the things you love, Rivervue residents often say life here feels

lesslikeretirementandmorelikeextended leave-filledwithfreedom,choice,comfort andenjoyment.

Book your permanent holiday at

Rivervue. Call 1300 298 439 to view the activity schedule, join the New Years party on the balcony and see what your next adventurecouldbelike.

Maribyrnong festive fun

Celebrate with festive fun right across Maribyrnong this December.

The festive season celebrations kick off with the Kingsville Carols on Thursday 4 December, featuring performances from local school groups, a night market, face painting, and a visit from Santa.

Up next is the annual Braybrook Picnic in the Park at the Aeroplane Park on Friday 5 December, where families can enjoy pony rides, face painting, Santa and reindeers on skates, a performance by

Manny the Magician, a free sausage sizzle and much more.

The streets will continue to come alive as local performers bring Christmas joy to the dining precincts in Footscray, Seddon, West Footscray and Yarraville over three weekends in December.

Sing along with local legends The Footscray Hotel Choir and the toe-tapping Wild Canary Xmas Cowboys.

Feel the festive spirit with The Glee Club and the fun duo Cherry and Sherry.

Toy drive is on the move

The annual Christmas Toy Drive run by western suburbs based not-for-profit, West Welcome Wagon, is underway again in an effort to ensure children fromasylumseekerandrefugeefamilies have a merry Christmas in 2025.

The toys donated during the drive will be wrapped and distributed to more than 500 asylum seeker and refugee families across Melbourne’s west so their children have presents to unwrap on the morning of 25 December.

This year West Welcome Wagon is collaborating with inner-west Bandego Bank branches for the toy drive, with donations being accepted at Seddon, Altona and Laverton and Williamstown community banks now.

Donations can also be dropped off at the Sunshine office of Fraser MP, Daniel MulinoandattheWestWelcomeWagon warehouse in Sunshine West.

West Welcome Wagon chief executive

Colette McInerney said the Christmas Toy Drive was a highlight of their year.

“Each Christmas, West Welcome Wagon delights in providing gifts to more than 1,000 children from asylum seeker and refugee families across Melbourne’s west,” Ms McInerny said.

“Thistraditionisonlypossiblebecause of the kindness of our community.

“Right now, we’re urgently needing gifts for young people aged 11 to 16.

“Anysupportyoucanofferwillmakea world of difference.”

Ms McInerney also thanked those who’vealreadydonatedtothisyear’stoy drive which began on 18 November.

“Your generosity brings joy where it’s needed most,” she said.

To find out more and to donate, visit: https://www.westwelcomewagon.org. au/

And don’t miss the enchanting Angelic, Marquisa D’or or the Princess on Skates twirling their Christmas magic.

An afternoon to remember also awaits with Friday Festive Fun at the Civic PrecinctandCommunityHubonFriday12 December from 4-7pm.

Guestscanenjoyhands-oncraftactivities, meet Santa for a holiday photo, have their faces painted, join in on the hula hoop fun, andsampleelf-madeChristmasfairyfloss.

The celebrations wrap up on Saturday

20 December with Christmas carols at YarravilleGardens.HostedbytheFootscrayYarraville City Band and supported by council’s Signature Festivals and Activations Grant Program, this free event is perfect for the whole family and a great way to mark the end of the holiday season withmusic,communityandcelebration. For more details about our festive events and activities, visit: https://www. maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/festivalcity/ Activations/Christmas-2025

Incorporating the firms of Pauline

& Associates, Perillo, Adami & Frank, Victor

West Welcome Wagon community engagement coordinator Fay Salem (left) and chief executive Colette McInerney sort through donations to its annual Christmas Toy Drive which is underway now. (Damjan Janevski) 518832_01

Doors open

By Cade Lucas

Representatives from inner-west neighbourhood houses have taken their campaign to keep their doors open to the doorofFootscrayMPKatieHall.

Coordinators from the neighbourhood houses met with Ms Hall at her Footscray office on Monday afternoon as part of the sector’s Keep Our Doors Open campaign calling for an annual $11.7 million funding increase increase from the state government.

As part of the campaign postcards containing messages from local residents about why they love their local neighbourhood houses were given to Ms Hall to pass on to Carers and Volunteers MinisterRosSpence.

Footscray Angliss Neighbourhood House coordinator Jo Williams attended themeetingandsaidthecampaignwasn’t calledKeepOurDoorsOpenfornothing.

“The Neighbourhood House

Coordination Program hasn’t increased for years despite rising wage costs, utility costs, program costs etc,” Ms Williams said.

“This is at a time when with the cost of living crisis, we’re being called on as a sectormoreandmoretohelppeople.

“Peopleneedusmorethaneveryetwe’re struggling to keep our doors open hence thename.”

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, which launched the campaign in October, said that half the state’s 400 neighbourhood houses could close unless a 25 per cent increase in core funding was delivered.

Neighbourhood House Victoria chief executive Keir Paterson said the state government could hardly find a better valueinvestment.

“Our data show that for every $1 of ongoing neighbourhood house funding received from the state government, communitiesbenefittothetuneof$21.94,”

MrPatersonsaid.

Ms Williams concurred, arguing that neighborhoodhousesprovidedgreatvalue because they offered both reactive and proactiveservices.

“We support people with food relief and material needs and advocacy and our proactive work is community education,” she said describing services that were a reaction to existing problems before highlighting those designed to prevent them.

“Community programs that connect people and provide social inclusion and bring neighbourhoods together to look after each other and build community.”

But even with the doors at Angliss Neighbourhood House remaining open, Ms Williams said the funding squeeze meantitstruevaluewasn’tbeingrealised.

“We’re open less hours than we would like to and our community needs us too,” shesaid.

“As a coordinator, I take less hours and givethosetootherstaffsowecanopenour doorsopen.

“We’resortofrobbingPetertopayPaul.” A spokesperson for Ms Hall said she was happy to meet the coordinators and would pass their postcards on to the minister.

“Katie is a strong supporter of our neighbourhoodhouses,”thespokesperson said.

Aspokespersonforthestategovernment wouldn’t commit to a funding increase, but said the Neighbourhood House CoordinationProgramreceivedmorethan $43 million annually, per-indexation, as wellasothertargetedmeasures.

“Lastyear’sbudgetdelivered$2.5million to provide food relief through more than 70 neighbourhood houses, and this year we’ve built on that with $9 million for the CommunityFoodReliefProgram–helping Victorian families get the support they need,”thespokespersonsaid.

Staff from inner west neighbourhood houses campaigning for increased funding from the state government, meet with Footscray MP Katie Hall (right) outside her office on Monday. (Damjan Janevski) 520850_02

Citynews

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

It is a privilege to serve the Maribyrnong community and to advocate for our City – one with a proud history of welcoming people from all backgrounds.

In the coming year, we will continue to push forward on the priorities our community has told us matter most – from delivering a future-ready Footscray, to improved mental health and wellbeing supports, better air quality and environmental outcomes, safer streets, integrated transport, and the community infrastructure our growing population deserves.

Importantly, we will continue to build a welcoming City where every resident is proud to call Maribyrnong home.

Reflecting on the past month, Council delivered several key outcomes for our community, including the endorsement of a Live Music Action Plan, a new Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, and funding for 21 community-led projects as part of our Community Grants Program.

We are also inviting the community to celebrate local stars – the volunteers, innovators, leaders, and quiet achievers who bring a little magic to everyday life. Nominations are now open for our annual Civic Awards, to recognise the outstanding contributions of people who live, work, study or volunteer in the City of Maribyrnong: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/civicawards2026

On behalf of Councillors and staff, I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable festive season and I look forward to the year ahead.

Cr Mohamed Semra Mayor of the City of Maribyrnong

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING

Tue 9 December: 6.30pm Council Meeting

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at the Civic Precinct and Community Hub, 61 Napier Street, Footscray and live-streamed on the Council website. Community members can submit questions for public question time online on or before the day of the meeting. 2026 meeting dates will be shared in the new year. Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings or phone 9688 0200 for more information.

Maribyrnong City Council

Civic Precinct and Community Hub 61 Napier Street, Footscray Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray VIC 3012

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT FOOTSCRAY PARK

Council’s annual family-friendly NYE celebration returns on 31 December from 6.30pm at Footscray Park’s Western Lawn. Hosted by Myf Warhurst, the night has an incredible line-up of talent from the Boonwurrung Ngargee Dance Group, Country Struts, Immy Owusu, DJ Andrew McClelland to headliner Mark Seymour of Hunter and Collectors fame. Beyond the stage, there will be carnival rides, fireworks display and plenty of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. For more information, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/nye

CHANGES TO COUNCIL SERVICES OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD

The availability and opening hours of some Council services and facilities will change over the Christmas and New Year’s period, including waste collection, customer service, libraries, community centres and the Phoenix Youth Hub.

On 25 and 26 December, kerbside bin collections will take place one day later than usual. For more details visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

FINAL CHANCE FOR FEEDBACK ON A RANGE OF COUNCIL PROJECTS

Council has a number of projects open for community feedback prior to the end of the year, including the 2026/27 Annual Budget, McIvor Reserve Dog Park draft Concept Plan, Quarry Park Master Plan review, and Footscray Park Master Plan review. To get involved, head to yourcityyourvoice.com.au

(03) 9688 0200

F: (03) 9687 7793

email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

1. Cr Mohamed Semra has been elected Mayor of the City of Maribyrnong, and Cr Samantha Meredith has been elected Deputy Mayor for the 2025/26 term.

2. Deputy Mayor, Cr Samantha Meredith with Councillors Pradeep Tiwari, Cuc Lam, and Bernadette Thomas joined Les Twentyman Foundation CEO Paul Burke, and Cherie Coon for the opening of the Les Twentyman Room at the Civic Precinct and Community Hub – a space for connection, collaboration and community that honours Les’ beliefs.

3. Mayor Mohamed Semra and Deputy Mayor Samantha Meredith are joined by fellow Councillors Bernadette Thomas, Pradeep Tiwari, Susan Yengi, Cuc Lam and Elena Pereyra at the 2025-26 Mayoral Election.

4. Mayor Mohamed Semra speaks at the at the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association’s White Ribbon Event, coinciding with the start of the 16 Days of Activism.

Balibo film five decades on

By Cade Lucas

Yarraville’s Sun Theatre will this weekend screen a film made 16 years ago based on events from 50 years ago, but which still resonate today.

Balibo, the 2009 feature directed by RobertConnollyandstarringAnthonyLaPaglia, will be screened on Sunday 7 December, the 50th anniversary of Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor.

Thedateisalsomarkshalfacenturysince the murder of the man La Paglia plays in the film, Australian journalist Roger East, who’d been sent to Timor to to investigate the mur-

ders of five other Australia journalists in the town of Balibo just over a month earlier.

The film follows East as he attempts to get to the bottom of who murdered Greg Shackleton, Tony Stewart, Gary Cunningham, Brian Peters and Malcom Rennie on 16 October 1975.

But instead of finding out who was responsible for killing the men who’d later become known as the Balibo Five, East would join them, captured by advancing Indonesia forces on 7 December and then executed by firing squad the following day.

Unsurprisingly, the events of late 1975 strained relations between Australia and In-

donesia were for years afterwards, but they had the opposite effect with East Timor as Australia became a close ally in its fight for independence.

East Timor finally achieved independence in 1999 and one of the driving forces behind it, former president and Noble Laureate, Jose Ramos Horta, is depicted in the film.

Connolly said East Timor’s eventual independence was the most important aspect of Balibo

“Despite sad elements of the story there’s a triumphant one too that this small country found it;s way to independence with the

Anthea Palmer and Victor Strages are bringing Atomic: The Songs of Blondie, back to Kindred Bandroom in Yarraville on Sunday 7 December. (Damjan Janevski) 519344_01

Blondie re-creation returns to ballroom

One of the most influential bands of the late 20th century will be celebrated at Kindred Bandroom on Sunday 7 December with a performance of Atomic: The Songs of Blondie.

The performance will offer a detailed and dynamic interpretation of Blondie, the New York new-wave band fronted by Debbie Harry who rose to superstardom in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Named after one of the band’s biggest hits, the Atomic is the collaboration betweenAntheaPalmerandVictorStranges.

Stranges, originally a drummer in the underground punk band Drunk ‘n’ Disorderly during the 1980s, had focused mainly on studio work and had not played drums publicly on a regular basis for over 35 years. When the idea of a Blondie homage arose, he fully committed to the role, drawing from his admiration for Clem Burke, Blondie’s renowned drummer who died earlier this year.

Palmer, originally from Adelaide, performed in Drama Queen with Shane Reilly before relocating to Melbourne.

Joining them on bass is Yarraville’s Stu Thomas, who has spent more than 30 years performing with artists such as Kim Salmon and Dave Graney, while Mike Dupp (The Methinks, The Futurists) and Garry Allen (Crossbones Boogie) round out the band for what promises to be an energetic and stylistically faithful performance of Blondie’s catalogue.

It’s a matinee show, with doors opening at 2pm.

Tickets: atomicweare.com

Midsumma Festival to offer summer entertainment in the west

The program for next year’s Midsumma Festival has been released, with events to again be held in the west.

Pride of our Footscray Bar will play host to two Midsumma events, beginning with a Queer Comedy Gala on 22 January.

The gala will feature a stacked line-up of seven LGBTQIA+ comedians ready to make audienceslaugh,ledby MCDollyDiamond.

While the cast has yet to be announced, past performers have included Kirsty Webeck, Zoë Coombs Marr and Tricksy Collins. Then on 31 January, Blak & Fabulous will also take place at Pride of our Footscray.

While a new years eve event, Blak & Fabulous is billed as an intimate evening of performance and discussion, hosted by Cerulean (reigning Miss First Nations Supreme Queen).

Midsumma will also venture to Hobsons Bay with 2099: Messages to our Queer Future to be displayed at Louis Joel Gallery in Altona.

Twenty ninety nine is an exhibition that openly invites artists, creatives and makers of all ages, to create a love letter to the future of queer community, explore the hopes of queer liberation in the future and showcase

help of many activists in Australia,” Connolly said.

“It’s pretty incredible really.”

The screening also acts a fundraiser for Balibo House, a charity set up to support the town.

“They’ve done such great work to support the local community there which in some ways is a positive to come out of the tragic events there in 1975,” Connolly said.

A Q&A session with Connolly will be held after the screening.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1499218

Inner-west contributes to container milestone

Families, schools and community groups across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay have helped Western Victoria reach a major sustainability milestone: more than 1 billion drink containers returned through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) since its launch two years ago.

In Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay alone, residents have returned more than 117,471 million eligible drink containers since November 2023, equating to roughly 1305 containers for every person across both council areas.

The popularity of the scheme has resulted in more than $11,747,105 going back into the pockets of local residents, charities, and community groups across both council areas.

Inner-west residents have proven to be especially enthusiastic supporters of the CDS, with the Williamstown collection depot operated by Citizen Blue officially ranked as the state’s busiest, receiving more than 50 million containers and providing more than $5 million in refunds to February 2025.

The reverse vending machine at the Yarraville Community Centre is also among Victoria’s most popular collection points, as are a number of the other 16 sites located throughout Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.

Overall, the CDS West Zone stretching from Williamstown to the Wimmera has returned more than 30,000 tonnes of material from landfill and returned $100 million in refunds to local communities since the CDS began.

Chief executive of CDS West Zone network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, James Dorney said the success of the scheme was driven by those who showed up every day, collecting containers and contributing to the circular economy.

“This one billion milestone is a testament to the power of collective action,” Mr Dorney said.

“Every bottle, can and carton returned in communities like Maribrynong and Hobsons Bay l helps keep local streets and waterways clean, reduces landfill, and provides a steady stream of funding for local charities and partners.”

a time capsule of queer culture today.

Featuring works from diverse artists, carefully curated by The Artist Known as Foot, the exhibition goes on display on 20 January before an official opening event on 24 January.

The exhibition will then continue from 27-31 January and 3-4 February.

Mindsumma Festival runs from 18 January to 8 February.

Thefullprogramcanbefoundat:https:// www.midsumma.org.au/

More than 1000 local organisations across Victoria’s west, including schools, business and sporting clubs have been supported through donated CDS refunds. To find the nearest refund point or to sign up to send refunds to charity, visit: https://tomracleanaway.com.au/victoria/locationfinder

Basketball great honoured

By Cade Lucas and Scott Cashmere

One of Australia’s most accomplished basketball figures, Brendan Joyce, was inducted into Victoria University’s (VU) Sport Hall of Fame on November 27. Joyce spent more than 40 years as an elite player and coach, beginning with the Nunawading Spectres in the inaugural season of the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1979.

For the next eight years, he juggled playing professional basketball with working as an electrician, before enrolling in a bachelor of arts (recreation) at

the Footscray Institute of Technology (now known as VU).

Joyce completed his degree in 1987, the same year he became a first-time father.

The off-field events didn’t detract from his performances on the court though.

In fact, Joyce said enrolling at VU took his game to a new level.

“I believe I played my best basketball in the NBL while attending university as a mature student,” Joyce said.

“My course gave me a greater understanding of my emotions in competition and how to manage them in a more pos-

itive way both from an individual and team perspective.”

Joyce was named an All-Star in 1988 and 1989, appeared in eight NBL finals series and was also selected as squad member for the Australia Boomers.

After 13 seasons and 289 games, Joyce retired from the NBL and went straight into coaching, presiding over a further 400 games and nine finals appearances.

He later served as assistant coach for the Australian Boomers at 2004 and 2008 Olympics and the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and was head coach for the Australian Opals when they won Bronze at

awarded

518782_01

Ian’s golden shoes are made for walking

Having already received the Heart Foundation’s Golden Shoe Award for starting a walking group, Altona Meadows’ Ian Watson has now received a second; one for each foot.

The 80 year-old was recently bestowed the Above and Beyond Golden Shoe Award for his role in organising for the Mighty West Walkers Heart Foundation walking group which meets three times a week at various locations around Hobsons Bay.

“I am deeply overwhelmed and honoured to accept the prestige Golden Shoe

Award from the Heart Foundation -this recognition means so much not just for me but to all our walking groups members,” Mr Watson said upon receiving the award.

“We strongly believe in the power of movement prevention and heart health.

“The Golden Shoe Award is more than an award - it symbolizes every step taken towards a healthier community through the walking program.”

For Mr Watson, these are not mere platitudes, but something he lives every day.

After once tipping the scales at 140kg, Mr

was encouraged by a doctor to take up walking, not just to lose weight, but save his life.

Thinking walking with others might be easier than doing it alone, he went looking for a local group to join and when he couldn’t find one, started his own instead.

In 2019 the Mighty West Walkers Heart Foundation walkers group was born.

Four years on, the number of awards and the number of steps have grown, while more importantly, Mr Watson’s weight has dropped.

New lights and fences welcome at Newport Storm Football Club

Newport Storm Football Club is set for a bright future thanks to new sports field lighting and park fencing at its home ground at AW Bond Reserve in Altona North.

AW Bond Reserve is one of the most popular sporting grounds in the area with more than 120 junior footballers training and playing at the venue on a regular basis.

The new LED lights will allow the main pitch to be used for night matches and training, helping the club attract members The lights are also energy efficient and

will have lower running costs than usual sports field lighting.

The new fencing between the playspace and football pitch also provides a safer environment for players and park users.

Williamstown MP Melissa Horne and Hobsons Bay councillors, including newly elected mayor Diana Grima and deputy mayor Lisa Bentley, recently visited AW Bond Reserve to launch the new lighting and fencing which was funded through a $200, 000 grant from the state government and $50,000 from council.

the 2014 FIBA World Cup and finished fifth at the 2016 Olympics.

In more recent years Joyce has served as head of basketball at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and took the Kaohsiung Aquas to a T1 League Championship in Taiwan in 2022.

Joyce said his studies at VU were crucial to his success.

“My university education enhanced my communication and strategic planning skills and contributed to me gaining the captaincy of two NBL teams and achieving success as a professional coach here in Australia and overseas.”

Briefs

Speedster charged

Police have charged the driver of a vehicle which was allegedly speeding in Keilor Park on 27 November. Officers caught sight of a Volkswagen Golf travelling along the Western Ring Road about 11pm. The Volkswagen was allegedly spotted at speeds exceeding 220km/h with no headlights on. Police attempted to intercept the vehicle however the driver — an 18-year old Tarneit man — allegedly failed to stop and continued driving whilst weaving in and out of traffic. Air Wing came in to assist and the Volkswagen was followed to Furlong Road in Sunshine where officers successfully used stop sticks. The man was charged with numerous offences including dangerous driving while being pursued by police.

Pedestrian killed Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Brooklyn on 22 November. It is understood a car struck a pedestrian at the intersection of Geelong Road and Docklands Highway about 4.30am. The male pedestrian, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. The driver of the car stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their enquires.

Pair arrested in drive-thru

Police arrested a 39-year old man and 35-year old Werribee woman in an allegedly stolen car at a St Albans drive-thru. Officers were patrolling Paringa Drive when they observed the allegedly stolen Subaru about 1.50am on 26 November. They continued to follow the vehicle into a drive-thru bottle shop on Sunshine Avenue and attempted to intercept the car. The Subaru came to a dead-end and allegedly reversed into the police vehicle. Realising there was no way out, the driver and passenger allegedly attempted to run off but were quickly arrested. It is alleged the Subaru was stolen from Yarraville on 22 October.

Altona death

“Football is booming across the state, and with juniors signing up in record numbers, the new lights and fencing provide more reason for the local community to join in the fun,” Ms Horne said.

“The brighter lighting around the ground means more training and night games for the clubs, with the local community also benefiting having extra time to have a kick. Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to join in with local clubs and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”

A man has died after being found with a gunshot wound in Altona. Emergency services were called to Second Avenue just after 3.30am on 25 November, where they located the man. The 26-year-old from Werribee died at the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and are yet to determine if it is suspicious.

Watson

Ian Watson has been

the Golden Shoe, the Heart Foundation’s highest award, for running regular walks in Hobsons Bay. (Damjan Janevski).

Life membership for Joe

When Carmen Gauci recently became president of the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay she was filling a very big set of shoes.

Her predecessor Joe Attard had not only held the role for 33 years, but he was the only person who had ever held it.

Mr Attard founded the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay in 1992 and served as its president right up until 9 November where he stood down aged 91.

Having long served as vice-president Ms Gauci was the obvious choice to take over, but the 71-year-old said it was only her title that had changed.

“I was doing the job more or less for a few years now, so it isn’t anything new for me,” Ms Gauci said, adding that she won’t be changing much.

“I’ll just keep it going like it is.”

A social club with between 300 and

400 members, the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay meets on Tuesday nights and holds regular trips to places across Victoria and occasionally interstate and overseas.

Like most other members, Ms Gauci was born in Malta and moved to Australia in 1976.

She joined the association when Mr Attard founded it, first serving as president of the ladies auxiliary group, before becoming vice-president when the two incorporated.

One of her first acts since taking over as president was to bestow life membership on Mr Attard who she said would still be an active member.

“He’s still coming around and if we need advicehe’sstillthereforusandIappreciate that.”

Inquiries: malteseassoc@hotmail.com

Briefs

Yarraville fire

A fire which destroyed two cars and damaged a house in Yarraville early on Wednesday morning, is being treated as suspicious. Firefighters arrived at the home on Stephen Street at 2.39am on 26 November to find the two cars parked in the driveway well alight. After the car fires were extinguished, firefighters entered the two-storey house, the front of which was alight. The three occupants of the home had already safely evacuated to the back of the property and were not injured. The fire was brought under control by 3.05am and a police investigation is underway.

Park picnic

Locals are being invited to a picnic in the park in Braybrook. Youngsters will have the opportunity to ride on a pony, get their face painted, and to say hello to Santa, while Manny the magician will also make an appearance. There will be a free sausage and the local library will be there with giveaways and fun activities too. Attendees are encouraged to bring a rug and picnic basket full of goodies. Organised by Maribyrnong council, the picnic will run from 6-8pm on Friday 5 December at Aeroplane Park, behind Braybrook Community Hub, 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

New Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay president Carmen Gauci (left) with outgoing president, life member and founder, Joe Attard. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 516224_01

Festive food drive

Footscray’s Asylum Seeker Resource (ASRC) is calling on the inner-west community to give generously at its Festive Food Drive on Sunday 7 December. Theone-dayfooddriveisbeingheldatthe rear of the ASRC’s Footscray headquarters, with donations of non-perishable food and personal care being accepted to support asylum seekers.

The ASRC claims more than 1200 asylum seekers and refugees with no access to income support or Medicare, currently rely on its foodbank service each month.

ASRC foodbank team leader Kate Quin said the ongoing cost-of living crisis hit asylum seekers particular hard and makes food drives like this weekend’s all the more vital.

“Cost-of-living pressures have hit everyone, and we’re really feeling it in our

donation levels this year,” Ms Quin said.

We’re asking the community to rally together because even one bag of pantry staples can make a world of difference for families who have nowhere else to turn.”

Among the ASRC foodbank’s most needed items are tuna in oil (any size), coconut milk or cream, spreads such as honey, peanut butter and jam and sweet and savoury biscuits.

There is also a shortage of tinned vegetables such as peas, carrots, corn and tomatoes, instant coffee and tea bags, vegetable or olive oil, dried and tinned legumes and dried fruit and nuts.

Personal care items needed for donation include toothpaste and toothbrushes, razors, deodorants and shampoo.

Those who can’t make it on the day can still contribute by donating via Coles

online or by encouraging others to donate by spreading the word in workplaces, schools or local community groups.

“We’re really calling on our community tocometogetheronSunday,”MsQuinsaid.

“This is a moment where community solidarity matters. This food drive is our chance to come together and restock the shelves so people seeking asylum can get through the festive season with dignity.“

The Festive Food Drive is held at the rear of ASRC Footscray, opposite 46 Albert Street, from 10am – 2pm.

For more information and to view the full list of items, visit: https://asrc.org.au/ festive-food-drive

To donate online, visit:https://asrc.org. au/festive-food-drive

First tunnel trains pass through west

Commuters from the inner-west were among the first passengers to ride the Metro Tunnel when it opened on Sundaymorningafternearlyadecade ofconstruction.Thefirsttrainthrough the Metro Tunnel from Sunbury entered the tunnel at 10.04am on 30 November, having stopped at stations such as Tottenham, West Footscray and Footscray along the way.

Videos posted to social media showed passengers chanting ‘tunnel, tunnel, tunnel’ as the train approached the entrance near South Kensington station before cheering and clapping when it finally entered.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams were among the passengers on the first service which departed Sunbury at 9.28am.

Ms Allan said the Metro Tunnel was thebiggestchangetoMelbourne’srail network in 40 years and would benefit commuters right across the city.

“This project is about fairness. It means getting to work, uni and home faster – saving you more time, wherever you live,” she said.

“Today belongs to the thousands of Victorians who have spent the past decade building the Metro Tunnel – without you, none of this would be possible.” Over summer Metro Tunnel services will run between West Footscray and Westall stations every 20 minutes from 10am to 3pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 7pm on weekends, with some weekend services extending to Sunbury and East Pakenham.

This timetable will continue until 1 February when the so-called ‘Big Switch’ occurs and the tunnel is fully integrated into Melbourne’s rail network, with the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines running exclusively through it.

Calendars from the inside give artists chance to shine

By Jena Carr

Calendars featuring artwork by former prisoners are helping to break down barriers for women looking to reintegrate into society after prison.

Sharon* was incarcerated for four years and said she felt prison would be safer than remaining in a domestic violence situation.

“Iwasmarriednearly40yearsatthetime, but it would have been the last 15 years of that marriage where it got really bad,” she said.

“You leave everything behind, and I’m not the only one that makes that decision, as there were a lot of people in with me who had done the same thing.

“You’re also impacted by a lot of things after prison, like to be able to get a job now is very difficult and you’re looked at differently, but the other side of the coin is worse.

“No one is saying things like ‘you’ll wear this’ or ‘you’ll do this’, so it’s totally different and I’m very lucky that I had the support of my family, which some women don’t get.”

Not-for-profit organisation Prison Network helps women reintegrate into society after incarceration and distributes calendars to prisons during December. The calendars feature artwork by women in and out of prison.

“Every year we’ll put together a hamper, that includes a calendar, so that every woman in prison gets a gift at a time that is obvi-

ously very difficult for them on the inside,” chief executive Amelia Pickering said.

“Anything that we can do to help destigmatise these women and present them as women who have got so much to offer and so much to give to society is so important.

“Nine out of 10 women in a Victorian prison have been a victim of violence and abuse, so there are a lot of tragedy, heartbreak, poverty and disadvantage that come before prison.”

Sharon’s art features heavily in the calendar and said she hoped her work would help remind women in prison that people were still there for them.

“It’s really lovely to be seen and people enjoy what they see, so I’m really happy to contribute some of my artwork to the calendar,” she said.

“Art saved my life and if I didn’t have that while I was in prison, it would have been a very different experience, and it can put you in a different headspace.”

Sharon said life after prison had been “wonderful” as she has had no contact with the alleged domestic violence perpetrator since she was incarcerated.

Visit prisonnetwork.org.au/shop to purchase a calendar or gift one to a woman in prison.

*Sharon’s name used in this article is an alias for the individual’s protection, and the details are their own words or observations.

Prison Network support workers Jodie MacCartney and Laurel Gore with artwork by Sharon. (Supplied)

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre staff (L-R) Christa Brajkovic, Guy Aldous, Walquiria Silva , Arshad Mehmood and Kate Quin get in the mood for this year’s Festive Food Drive on 7 December. (ASRC) 521127_01

One last visit to hospital

By Cade Lucas

When ABC Melbourne mornings presenter RafEpsteinbroadcastshisshowfromoutside the old Footscray Hospital on Wednesday, he won’t just be marking the end of a western suburbs institution, but also a part of his family history.

“My dad worked there for a period spanning 50 years,” Epstein said of his late father, Dr Joseph Epstein, who for decades was the directorofemergencymedicineatFootscray Hospital until his retirement in 2015. Dr Epstein died in 2022 aged 81.

Given his father’s history at the hospital, it’s unsurprising that his son has a fair bit there too.

“The current emergency department, the layout that he designed, I helped him map that out with a tape measure,” Epstein recalled of a weekend they spent there in the early 80’s.

That weekend was part of the countless hours Epstein spent at the hospital in his youth, as his father struggled to separate his work and family commitments.

“He would drop in on the way to somewhere and he’d say, ‘oh yeah I won’t be a

minute and he’d be two hours’,” he recalled, adding that he spent time there as a patient too.

“He fixed a broken leg of mine there.

“I was in grade six and when I got my foot stuck in the back wheel of a bicycle. I was being dinked by a mate.”

However, Epstein said it was treating those who were more seriously hurt, such as workers injured in industrial accidents in western suburbs factories, that shaped his father’s career.

“That’s what switched him onto emergency medicine because workers in that

Music in memory of young guitarist Max

A group of local musicians are preparing to again take to a Footscray stage to celebrate the life of a friend lost to suicide.

The fourth annual Music for Max gig is taking place on 20 December at Mama Chen’s in honour of Max Lee-Ack, a talented guitarist who took his own life in 2021.

What began as a one off gig to commemorate Lee-Ack has since become an annual concert that organiser Karla Livingstone-Pardy said was aimed at supporting other young musicians.

“Max died by suicide and while this event celebrates his life, it also aims to

raise awareness about the significance of direct community support for young people,” Livingstone Pardy said.

“We firmly believe encouraging and supporting young people’s passions, and showing them their creativity matters is a form of mental health support.”

To help achieve this, all proceeds from ticket and raffle sales will go directly to supporting young people across Melbourne to access music lessons and purchase instruments.

Scholarships and grants will be also provided through Artists for Kids Culture (AKC), a registered charity that Music for

Max is held in conjunction with.

Over the last four years, the gigs have raised $30,000 which AKC has used to support 45 young people, some for multiple years.

This year’s line-up features local western suburbs rock bands Mid Evening, Milk After Sex and Resenter, many of whose members were friends and school mates with Lee-Ack.

To see them in action and contribute to a worthy cause, book tickets at: https://events.humanitix.com/musicfor-max-westside

Lifeline: 13 11 14

part of Melbourne (the west) weren’t getting the care they needed.

“That’s why he worked so hard to turn emergency medicine into a specialty.”

With the new hospital set to open in the new year, Epstein said his show at the old one would cover the transition from one site to the other, but would ultimately focus more on people than place.

“Healthcare is more than doctors and nurses, it’s a whole lot of different people.,” he said.

“We’re just gonna try and tell their stories I guess.”

Water safety on the horizon

Police were out in force targeting water safety and anti-social behaviour in Altona on Friday 21 November during Operation Horizon.

Officers issued 11 penalty infringement notices on the day, including to a driver who returned a blood alcohol content above the legal limit and to another who tested positive for drugs.

Three people were caught without licenses, two of them driving vehicles and the other a boat, while three notices were issued for defective vehicles. The Sherriff’s Office collected more than $92,000 in outstanding fine payments.

Water Police Squad Acting Sergeant Lauren Foley said Operation Horizon was all about ensuring anyone heading out on the water did so safely.

“With summer around the corner and boating season upon us, we wanted to get on the front foot of marine safety,” Acting Sergeant Foley said. “Be aware of those around you, respect their safety and adhere to restrictions such as no boating zones and speed restrictions.

“We will continue to have a highly visible presence across summer, but we cannot be everywhere at once.

“It’s important to let someone know when you’re heading out on the water and when you’ve returned. “The last thing we want to see is a fun day out on the water ending in tragedy.

“All it takes is a split second.”

Music for Max organiser Karla Livingstone-Pardy (left) with brother Jack Pardy whose band Milk after Sex will be playing at the fundraising gig at Mama Chen’s on 20 December. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 519346_05

Delivering on Christmas

Australia Post’s Hoppers Crossing Delivery Centre is in the middle of its busiest time of year. Jaidyn Kennedy visited the team to get a peek at how they keep up with peak.

While the concept of mail itself is timeless, the way it is delivered is anything but.

AftermorethanthreedecadesatAustralia Post, Raymond Brown has seen first-hand how the delivery of mail has transformed.

“I have been in the job for 37 years, and 20 years ago, when I was a postie, your postie woulddeliveryourmail,theoddparcel,and your passport,” Mr Brown said.

“Then a guy in a van would pull up next and would deliver your parcel, another guy would deliver something else.

“Now, the postie can deliver it all. They have condensed their work area, but given them more to do in the area.“

Now the operations manager at the HoppersCrossingdeliverycentre,oneofthe busiest in that state with 141,000 addresses on its routes, devising ways to keep up with change is part and parcel of the job.

The busy season – or peak– is one of those things that keeps on changing Mr Brown said.

“Peak used to be December. Now, some years it will start in mid-November and then the next year it is the first week of November– so anytime October starts to come around, get ready for peak.”

We still have an obligation to the community because our grandma still posts a letter. We’ll get that letter to you for sure, but the rest of the community want their parcels

- Raymond Brown

Mr Brown said the global pandemic fundamentally changed consumer habits, and Australian retailers adopting the North American Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales that fall in late November super-charged online shopping.

“People stopped going to the shops – a lot of the older people still like going to the shops, but a lot of the younger ones just say I’ll shop online,” he said.

“Like anywhere in the world, someone says go a week earlier– we’ll get to the market.”

And if Australia Post’s latest quarterly eCommerce report is anything to go, the market is certainly in their catchment area.

The 3029 postcode, which includes Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina, topped the list for online shopping nationwide.

Postcode 3030, home to Point Cook, Werribee and Werribee South, wasn’t far behind in fourth position.

Postcodes 3024, 3027 and 3028 in Wyndham and a small part of Hobsons Bay also fall under its catchment.

The centre delivered more than 2.8 million articles last peak, and is expecting a 20 per cent increase this season.

Delivery manager Alex Luca, who has been with the company for more than 40 years, said rapid population growth and shopping trends equate to having to hire three new people each year.

“Last year we delivered 501,000 small parcels and 635,000 large parcels and that was just in peak–like six weeks,” Mr Luca said.

“This year the expectation is for posties with the small parcels to go up to 572,000 and for the large parcels to be 660,000 – so there’s significant growth.”

Mr Brown said growing suburbs are not easy to keep up with.

“In the growth areas it’s still difficult because there might be a house at number one and then vacant land until number 17,” he said.

“You go down one street one day and you go down it a month later and you are like there are six new houses here.”

The map he put up in his office a year ago is living proof of that.

“I made that for me because we are in the process of change and I’m trying to capture the growth as it’s growing,” he said.

“It was great when I put it up 12 months ago, but I think I might have to go back to Melways and get another one.”

And while its been a while since Mr

Brown and Mr Luca were posties, but they still haven’t lost the sense of what it takes to get the job done.

Naturally, that starts with the mode of transport.

Australia Post has been rolling out new electric three-wheel bikes with built-in canopies, aptly named Rapide 3.

The vehicle can reach 80km/h, allowing posties to alternate between main roads and pedestrian paths.

Itcancarryupto150parcelsataonce,but there’s no avoiding having to cut inventory at times.

“They can only carry so much on the vehicle, so we send it out in bags and they get to that point with the green bin, get what is left and keep going,” Mr Brown said.

The expansion of 24-hour parcel lockers have been one of the ways to meet the consumer half way – especially as their habits have changed.

“Yougethomeat7pm–postofficeisshut–ah great, I can go to the parcel locker and scan, Mr Brown said.

And as parcel numbers continue to surge, Mr Brown said Australian Post still takes its obligations to letters seriously.

“We don’t forget this [letters], but we work reallyhardtosustaintheparcelvolume,”he said.

“We still have an obligation to the community because our grandma still posts a letter.

“We’llgetthatlettertoyouforsure,butthe rest of the community want their parcels.”

Left: The senior team at the Hoppers Crossing Delivery Centre: Alex Luca, Mario Pastore, Michael Prasad, Richard Camileri, Stasie Cassar and Raymond Brown. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 518138_07 Right: Senior postal delivery officer Jack Nottelmann picking up mail for his route. 518138_01

Jack Nottelmann ready to hit the road. 518138_05

MY PLACE

Yorkshire born Sue Sharpe moved to Australia with her family in 1965 and has spent much of the time since living in Altona Meadows with her husband David. Now 75 and a great-grandmother, Ms Sharpe still works three days a week at a pharmacy in Laverton. She told Cade Lucas about her life in Hobsons Bay.

What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?

I’ve lived here for about 48 years. David was in the air force based at Laverton when I met him in 1969 and when he got out of the air force in 1977 we moved back to the area. Back then there wasn’t much here. We built our current house in 1986 and we’ve been here ever since, except for a five year stint in Echuca from 1996 to 2000. We kept hold of the house during that time.

What do you like about living/working here?

It’s central to everything. You’re 20-30 minutes from the city, you’re near Geelong and we’ve been here so long that we’ve made lots of friends. When our relatives come out from England we take them down to the beach. They can’t believe we live so close.

What, if anything, would you change about the area?

I don’t think I want to change much at all. I think we’ve got everything we need around here.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

We like eating out a lot. Being a senior with seniors meals it’s not worth cooking at home on days that I work. We support the local clubs and restaurants in this area. We do like the Werribee Italian Social Club in Heaths Road. Tellussomethingpeoplewouldbesurprised to know about you?

Very little I think, haha.

Sue Sharpe is 75 years old and a great-grandmother, but still works three

Faces of the west

Each week StarWeekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the west. Keep an eye on this new weekly section for faces you may know.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

4 December 1985

A Victoria Police blueprint has recommended that the Newport police station should be closed within 12 months or at best be reduced to a part-timesubstation.

30 years ago 6 December 1995 Hobsons Bay council is to grab control of prime Williamstown coastal land between Gem Pier and the Warmies parklandarea.

20 years ago 6 December 2005

A member of the Greens will for the first time head the Maribyrnong City Council.

10 years ago

2 December 2015

Parents are demanding a clean-up of Footscray Primary School’s asbestos-riddledovalafteritwasclosed downbytheprincipalbecauseofsafety fears.

Duke Street Community House’s Filomena Parente and Thi Do, and below, Felicia Oleka and express art workshop facilitator Augustine Ang. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 516067

John Hamilton and Nathan Shea have been recognised for their work with the B-24 Liberator Memorial Australia in Point Cook. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 518122_01

Mawout Muo is one of the faces of Respect Victoria’s campaign during the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which began on 25 November and ends on 10 December. (Damjan Janevski) 518097_01

Brothers on K owner Eli Touma, Marie ‘Gremlin’ Grima, Jenni Dunn and Andrew Cakebread are collecting toys for Wyndham children. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 517598_03

Sureway International Christian Ministries of Melton’s Reverend William Osagiede with Melton acting sergeant Joanne Mutsearts and sergeant Luke Prats Sergeant are taking part in a program to donate hampers to people in need this Christmas. (Damjan Janevski) 518725_05

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

Picnic at the park

Everyone is invited to the annual picnic in the park at Aeroplane Park. Ride on a pony, get your face painted, say hello to Santa, and reindeers on skates, be amazed with Manny the magician, get your face painted and top it all off with a free sausage and more. Library staff will be there with free giveaways and fun activities. All are welcome! Bring your rug and picnic basket full of your favourite goodies and have a fabulous evening between 6-8pm on Friday 5 December. Address: Aeroplane Park, behind Braybrook Community Hub. 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook.

Christmas On The Lawn

Live music, choir, sausage sizzle, kids activities, photo booth, barista coffee, gingerbread, fruit mince pies. Come and soak in the spirit of Christmas on Saturday 13 December, from 9.30am-1pm at Christ Church, 61 Mason Street, Newport. Free entry.

 Steve Faragher, steve@ christchurchnewport.org.au, or 0414 690 448

Christmas Carols in the Park

An annual event organised by Altona-Laverton Council of Churches. The free, family friendly event takes place at 6pm on Saturday 7 December at Logan Reserve, cnr of Pier and Queen streets in Altona. In the case of wet weather, the event will be moved to the Hobsons Bay Salvation Army at 108 Queen Street.

 tania.luca@salvationarmy.org.au

Bridge Club

The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge

sessions each week on Weds night at 7.25pm and Friday afternoon at 1.25pm for experienced players and a supervised session Friday 10am at Hobsons Bay Sport & Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road, Altona. All levels welcome and partners can be provided.  Sandi, 0417 315 760, Alan, 0430 309 255or www.bridgewebs.com/williamstown

Mainly music

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 westgatebaptist.org.au/mainlymusic/ Kingsville Carols

Kingsville Carols is happening at Beevers Reserve, Wales Street,Kingsville on Thursday 4 December. Night market starts at 5pm with carols by Kingsville, Wembley and Yarraville West Primary schools starting

at 6.30pm. This year for the first time St. Augustine’s Primary is joining the carols. Rebecca Barnard, Shane O’Mara, Richard Lewis and Debbie Lavell are also performing. A sausage sizzle will be provided by Rotary and burgers by Maple Leaf. Santa will be there giving lollies to kids. A family friendly event.

 Michael Clarke, 0428 034 871

Westgate diabetes support group

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

 Elaine, 0415 030 996

Balance and strength program

Join the free 10-week Thrive program led by healthy ageing expert Dr Liz Cyarto. Past participants improved balance by 38 per cent and strength by 25 per cent— and gained confidence for everyday life. Try it for yourself! A come and try session is on Monday 8 December, 10–11am at Seniors Exercise Park, Don McLean Reserve, Spotswood.

 Register: thehealthysenior@gmail.com or 0481 977 970

Altona VIEW Club

VIEW stands for Voice Interest and Education for Women. Altona VIEW Club has just celebrated its 26th Birthday, and is not-for-profit. The club welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join 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, or Julie, 0421 315 846

Elvis, Marilyn and Santa

It’s not often that Santa isn’t the most famous person in the room, but that was thecaseinLavertonlastweekwhenFather Christmashadtosharethelimelightwith ElvisandMarilynMonroe.

The unlikely trio came together to entertain a group of Hobsons Bay seniors at the Laverton Community Centre’s ChristmasLunchShow.

Localentertainers,andmarriedcouple, Mark and Joanne Caligiuri treated the audiencetoheart-warmingperformances asElvisandMarilyn,beforeSantamadea surprisevisit.

The Laverton Community Centre was filled with bright, cheerful and happy faces as Elvis, Marilyn and Santa went around the room engaging with every singleperson.

People were laughing and crying and some even got up and danced after years ofnotmoving.

The event provided not just entertainment, but a therapeutic experience for local seniors, many of

whom have faced increasing social isolationinrecentyears.

Bringing seniors together in a joyful and welcoming environment is known to improve their wellbeing and music is knowntosparkmemoriesandliftspirits. Both were on full display in Laverton last week as the photos provided to Star Weeklydemonstrate.

Former Hobsons Bay deputy mayor John Hogg dressed up as Santa to entertain seniors.

Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Santa, aka, Mark Caligiuri, Joanne Caligiuri and John Hogg at the Christmas Lunch Show at Laverton Community Centre.

Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima (left) with Joanne Caligiuri as Marilyn Monroe and her father John Hogg as Santa.

Marilyn Monroe entertains seniors with her iconic pose.

Mark Caligiuri as Elvis (left) Joanne Caligiuri as Marilyn Monroe, John Hogg as Santa, Laverton Community Centre chief executive Michael Perna and Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima.

Staff and seniors pose with Elvis and Marilyn.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of siblings Samuel (4) Sienna (9) and Sebastian (5) outside their home. (Damjan Janevski) 519428_01

Exploring Filipino culture

AnoriginalFilipinomonodrama,exploring themes of migration, nationhood, identity, and political history through the lens of Filipinofolklore,isopeningearlyDecember.

‘The Encounters - Mga Salubong’ creator and director Ricardo Magno said the play focusesonthreemaincharacters.

“It’s about a grandmother, a mother and a daughter … it’s largely about intergenerational relationships and family but also about migration…migrants grappling with questions regarding their identity and wanting to know more about theirfamilyandrelationships,”Magnosaid.

The play incorporates the physical theatre genre, which emphasises the

actor’s movement of their body through storytelling.

Magno said movement of the body helps Mayen Estamero, the sole performer of the play, distinguish between the three characterssheplays.

“... Really just letting the actor’s body and voiceenrichthetextandevencommunicate certain ideas that might not be in the text but intuited by the actor and their body,” Magnosaid.

Magno said the show provides an opportunity to share Filipino culture with locals, while connecting with members of theFilipinocommunity.

“Wewanttheaudiencetobeabletoknow

a little more about Filipinos — where we come from, what we go through. It’s largely aboutmigrationaswell,”Magnosaid.

“There’s a big Filipino community in Brimbank and we want to reach out to them.”

‘The Encounters - Mga Salubong’ will be showing at the Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans on Friday 5 December, from 7-8pm, and Sunday 7 December, from 6-7pm.

The show is supported by Brimbank council through its Bowery Theatre residencyprogram,andissuitabletowatch forpeopleaged14andolder.

Details:creativebrimbank.com.au

Preparing for Melton’s merry carols event

Hannah Watts Park is set to light up with festive cheer as Melton’s Carol by Candlelights returns on Saturday 13 December.

The much-loved, free family-friendly celebration will begin with a special screening of The Santa Clause movie, followed by performances from local schoolsandcommunitygroups.

Thoseplanningtoattendcanlookforward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with food trucks, market stalls, face painting, and a festive neon trail featuring large colourful lightdisplays.

The little ones can also write their own letter to Santa through a craft workshop, with the Santa Claus himself taking part in themerryevent.

Folks taking part are encouraged to bring along a picnic blanket and settle in for an evening of music and joy, with a dedicated accessible viewing area and a sensory friendly area being made available for all those to enjoy the festive fun.

Melton Mayor Lara Carli said the event is the perfect opportunity to bring the communitytogether.

“CarolsbyCandlelightisawonderfulway to welcome the festive season, enjoy each other’s company, and embrace community spirit,”CrCarlisaid.

“Carols are such an important part of Christmas, and this is one of my favourite events of the year. I can’t wait to see everyone come together for this wonderful communitycelebration.”

The event is set to kick off at 5pm on Saturday 13 December at Hannah Watts Park, 183-225 High Street, Melton, and will concludeat9.30pm.

Details:melton.vic.gov.au/carols

Saturday of the dog

Saturday 6 December will be a dogs’ day out in Yarraville with the Sun Theatre hosting a cinematic celebrationoftheWesternBulldogsto mark the club’s 100th anniversary in theVFL-AFL.

Unsurprisingly the day will begin with a screening of the iconic 1997 documentary, Year of the Dog, that captures raw passion, loyalty, and heart of the Bulldogs community as theclubgoesthroughanon-fieldand off-field transition ahead of the new century.

A much more recent documentary, Dogma, will then have its premiere screening.

The locally produced documentary offers a fresh and intimate look at the club’s cultural significance through the eyes of fans and filmmakers from thewesternsuburbs.

A panel discussion and book launch will then be held, including special guests Shaz and Carlos who feature in the film, as well as the publishers of Bulldogs Through and Through, the club’s official 100-year commemorativebook.

3AW’s and Laura Spurway will moderateasMC.

The third and final film of the day, The Outsiders, a powerful and emotional documentary chronicling the Bulldogs’ historic rise, resilience, andultimatetriumphinthe2016AFL Premiership,willthenbeshown.

Bulldog icon Bob Murphy, who was famously on the dias to help raise the premiership cup that day, will be on-stage for a panel discussion to closeoutthisdogdaytoo.

Copies of Bulldogs Through & Through will be available for purchase as will Western Bulldogs merchandise.

To book tickets and for more information, visit: https://tinyurl. com/w885mtjv

Learn to decorate gingerbread people at free Christmas workshop

As the calendar flicks over to December and Christmas decorations come out of closets and into shopping centres and onto streets, you may start to crave the taste of gingerbread.

For those more inclined in the culinary arts, making gingerbread men might be part of their festive season fun. However, even gingerbread men or ladies deserve to go out in style. Wyndham council will be hosting severalgingerbreaddecorationworkshops in Werribee and they are free for all ages.

SituatedattheWedgeStreetPiazzanear

Watton Street and the Werribee River just across the road from the Cultural Centre, the workshops will not be hard to spot. Participants will have creative control over icing and sweets, as they work towards creating their masterpieces and enticing treats.

The first session will run 3-6pm on Saturday 6 December, and is not far from the screening Home Alone 2 at Kelly Park.

Coinciding with the Twilight Christmas Market on Station Place, the second session will happen 4-7pm on Friday 12 December.

And last– but certainly not least– the

final chance to join in will be from 10am-1pm on Sunday 14 December.

No bookings are required for any of the sessions.

While in Werribee town, people can have a gander at the big Christmas tree in Station Place and snap a photo at one of the designated selfie spots to share on social media.

Those wanting to share their memories can use the #werribeecitycentre and #wyndhamchristmas hashtags.

To see all of Wyndham’s Christmas events, visit: https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/events

Melton City Mayor Lara Carli with mum Jasmine Lynch and her kids Liam, 10, and Annabelle, 12, and Carla and Derek Bendall from MPA Singers. (Damjan Janevski) 520111_03

Actor Mayen Estamero. (Damian Vincenzi)

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.

Villain (5)

Precisely (7)

Insipid (9)

15 Distressing (9)

17 Dissect (7)

18 Directories (7)

21 Bottles, windows, etc. (5)

23 Furniture item (5)

24 Laundry appliance (5)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 TheVirginSuicides (1999), Lost in Translation (2003) and Marie Antoinette (2006) are all films by which American filmmaker?

2 Stretching roughly 30,000km from Alaska to Argentina, what is the name of the longest motorway in the world?

3 Published posthumously, Ariel is a 1965 collection of poetry by which American writer?

4 Paccheri, garganelli and bucatini are all kinds of what?

5 Which animal has the largest eyes of any land animal?

6 True or false: monocytes are a type of red blood cell?

7 SpicksandSpecks is a 1966 song by which band?

8 Corsica is an island belonging to which nation?

9 Which Greek god was the twin brother of Artemis?

10 Emma Thompson (pictured) plays which character in the Harry Potter film series?

Tasman is good - it had to be

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the Kia Tasman is Kia’s first ute.

And it has a big task ahead of it as Kia attempts to acquire a chunk of the lucrative light commercial market.

Now the number four brand in the Australian market, the South Korean car maker has come a long way in the past decade.

But it can’t take the fight up to market leader Toyota without a ute as part of its arsenal – and what a ute it is.

Together with partner Hyundai, the pair arenownumbertwoinsales,withToyotain its sights.

Styling

The Tasman dual cab ute is priced from $46,490 driveaway for the 4×2 S.

There are five grades: S, SX, SX+, X-Line, andX-Pro,withallbuttheentrySfour-wheel drive.

Single Cab Chassis is offered in either S 4×2 ($38,010), S 4×4 ($45,010), or SX 4×4 ($49,520),whiletheDualCabChassiscomes as either S 4×4 ($48,240) or SX 4×4 ($52,740).

On road costs must be added to the cab chassis prices, but the following dual cab figures are driveaway – no more to pay.

TheDualCabPick-Upspansallfivegrades, from S 4×2 ($46,490) to S 4×4 ($53,890), SX 4×4 ($58,490), SX+ 4×4 ($66,490), X-Line 4×4 ($70,990), and X-Pro 4×4 ($77,990).

In this report we’re looking at the dual cab version and our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line X-Pro priced from $77,990 driveaway.

The Kia design team has deliberately shunned the familiar form language that has dominated the pickup genre for decades.

It says this fresh approach strips away the unnecessary to begin with a basic, honest form that highlights the vehicle’s sense of solid power through simple yet functional elements, without relying on the oversized styling that has come to dominate the pickup segment.

Note the X-Line and X-Pro are fitted with a differently styled grille and front bumper. Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels, cloth trim and dual zone climate air, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, dusk-sensing lights, auto wipers for SX+ and above, auto-dimming rear view mirror on SX+ and above, LED head and daytime running lights, smart key with push-button start, front and rear parking sensors,andintegratedtrailerbrakecontrol.

By the time you get to X-Pro there’s alloys with all-terrain rubber, artificial leather trim, tinted windows, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, power adjust front seats, ambient mood lighting, tilt and slide sunroof, auto-dip on reverse mirrors, front, side and reverse parking sensors as well as a tray liner – to name some features.

Tasmanincludesthebrand’s10must-have sustainability items such as a crash pad made from bio-plastics, seats crafted with recycled PET fabric and bio-PU synthetic leather, a paint composition that includes BTX-free and bio-paint, and an interior carpet is made from recycled PET material.

Tasman is covered by Kia’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with three-, five- and seven-year prepaid service plans available.

Infotainment

Kia’s latest integrated infotainment display, comprises a 12.3-inch driver screen, 5.0-inch climate control and 12.3-inch multimedia displays.

There’s also voice control, multi-connect

Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sounds of Nature background noise, six-speaker generic audio and Kia Connect with intelligent remote-control functions as well as innovative in-car services and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

SXaddsbuilt-insatellitenavigation,while X-Lineaddsdoublewirelessphonecharging and X-Pro adds eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound.

Weirdly SX+ only gets single wireless charging. Stepping up to the X-Line reverts to a double charger.

There are two USB-C ports in the front as well as a 12-volt outlet and another two USB-C ports on the side of the front seats for use in the back, along with a 240-volt outlet. The position of the front passenger seat can also be adjusted from the back.

Safety

Tasmangetsafive-starratingforsafetyfrom the ANCAP organisation, but this rating specifically excludes the X-Line and X-Pro versions of the ute which remain unrated.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

There’s also a 360-degree reversing, together with Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing and Head-On), as well as a lane-support system with lane keep assist(LKA),lanedeparturewarning(LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advancedspeedassistancesystem(SAS)are standard across the lineup.

Notably absent on the top-of-the-line X-Pro is head-up display.

Two top tether and two ISOFix child restraint anchor points are provided in the rear.

A full-size alloy spare is provided.

Engines/transmissions

The 2.2-litre engine produces 154kW of power at 3800 rpm and 440Nm of torque from 1750-2750 rpm.

It’spairedwithaconventionaleight-speed automatic transmission, including paddle shifters.

Driving

Basedonanall-newladderchassisplatform, Tasman has a kerb weight of 2237kg and is 5410mm long, 1930mm wide, with a 3270mm wheelbase and in the case of X-Pro

240-volt power outlet.

However, the plastic corner steps appear prone to damage because of their position and one had already received a scrape.

The dash with its sweeping infotainment panel is a feature of most models in the Kia lineup, but the surrounding honeycomb trim is a departure.

Separatecontrolsareprovidedforvolume and air, with other touch sensitive shortcut buttons located below the air vents.

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7.5/10

Safety: 7.5/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 7.5/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7.5/10

Value: 7.5/10

Overall: 7.6/10

stands 1920mm high.

The off-road focused X-Pro has been specifically engineered for off-road performance, with 252mm of ground clearance and an 800mm water fording ability.

It’s equipped with 17-inch gloss-black alloys with all-terrain tyres and offers enhanced off-road performance thanks to a 28mm higher ride height.

There are also no pesky side steps to get hung up on, but of course that makes entry and exit more difficult for the 99 per cent of the time it will spend on the road.

Suspension is double-wishbone at the frontwitharigidaxleandleafspringsunder the back, incorporating vertically mounted shock absorbers to ensure more effective damping and greater control, even at the extremes of suspension travel.

The suspension units are enhanced by Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology.

The brakes are ventilated discs front and back.

A gross vehicle mass of 3250kg across all variants,contributestoagrosscombination mass (GCM) rating of 6200kg.

AllTasmanscancarryapayloadinexcess of one tonne, with even the better equipped X-Pro 4×4 capable of carrying 1013kg. All grades are rated to tow 3500kg braked load.

Dual cab variants are also available with a reduced payload option specifically at meeting the criteria for novated leases, which often require a payload of under 1000kg.

Helping to make towing heavier loads as safe as possible is an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC) which integrates with Towing Mode (TBC), enabling the driver to set up specific loads and optimise all other towing related functions including Trailer Sway Control.

Dual Cab pick-up set a new benchmark for tub size, at 1512mm in length, 1572mm wide and 540mm deep, with the ability to accommodate an Australian-sized pallet.

Given its size we expected more legroom in the back, but it’s not much more than adequate.

X-Line and X-Pro feature under-seat storage with a slide and recline function for the second-row seating.

Another segment first is a folding console table on X-Line and X-Pro.

Rear bumper corner steps provide easy access to the tub which has two lights plus a

However, there’s no shortcut for the radio which we found difficult to access.

Powered by Kia’s proven R2.2 turbo-diesel, Tasman is built for durability and longevity.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes 10.4 seconds and, with an 80-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 8.1L/100km. That gives it a theoretical range of 988km.

The advanced 4×4 system includes a low-range transfer case, rear differential lock, and an intelligent traction control system – the requisite for serious off-road adventure.

A Ground View Monitor (GVM) provides drivers with a further level of confidence while traversing challenging off-road terrain.

Drive is to the rear wheels in 2H, or to all four wheels as required in 4A. Lock in 4H and Drive is split evenly between the front and rear wheels.

Moving to 4L requires stopping and putting transmission it engages, which takes only a few seconds.

Drive modes include Eco, Sport, Normal, Tow and MyDrive, plus Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock all-terrain selections.

There’s also an off-road section in the infotainment system.

It’s a lot of information to digest, so we’ve tried to keep it to the essentials.

With zero preconceptions, we found Tasman engaging and comfortable to drive, with predictable handling.

Even Mrs Riley enjoyed driving this one and she’s no pushover.

We took the time to take the X-Pro for a spin down our favourite fire trail, which includes some low range sections.

No worries. Tasman is just as enjoyable and capable to drive off-road as it is on. It feels relaxed and confident, and ride quality is impressive – even over rough terrain.

This is a real ute, not a pretend one, with the necessary credentials to take up the fight to the three established utes that are now a regular inclusion in the list of the top 10 selling vehicles in Australia.

We clocked up 534km at a rate of 8.9L/100km. A 60km run down the freeway returned 6.5L while the trip computer showed a long-term average of 11.2L after 3700km.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Summing up

Kia Tasman is good and it had to be, as Kia’s first offering in this segment of the market. It’s easier to lose customers than it is to win them back again and Tasman has all the hallmarks of a winner.

Having said that, buyers, especially ute buyers, tend to be followers of fashion – and that means they want the same Hilux or Ranger as their mates.

Tasman’sstylingwillbepolarisingandwe note both the brand and name are stamped onthetailgate,justsothere’snomistakingit for anything else.

At the end of the day there’s no point doingthesameoldthingaseveryoneelse,is there? But who’ll be the first to break ranks?

The off-road focused X-Pro has been specifically engineered for off-road performance. (Supplied)

All-Stars take on visitors

Baseball was the winner on the weekend as a combined Japan University Women’s All-Stars team faced off against a Victorian Women’s All-Stars side.

The two teams played five games across the weekend, with the first two on Saturday at Newport and then three matches at Port Melbourne on Sunday.

Despite rain on both days, the sides were able to take to the diamond with the Japanese team taking the series 4-0.

In the first game at Newport on Saturday, the Japanese team won 10-3.

Scores were 3-3 after the first innings before the Japanese side had seven runs in the second innings.

There was a ceremony in between the games with dignitaries from both countries and local MPs and councillors.

In the second game, the Japanese led throughout on the way to a 7-1 win.

Footscray’s Abbey McLellan hit the run for the Victorian team.

The first of the games on Sunday was a 0-0 tie, before the Japanese team won 5-1 in the second game and 6-2 in the third game.

Newport Rams’ Kira Kuwamoto was the run scorer for the Victorian’s in the second game on day two before scoring both runs in the final game as well.

She was one of five Rams players in the team along with Paula Doherty, Ruby Dale and Mackenzie Prentice-Evans.

Coach Dean Anglin was part of the coaching team.

McLellan, who was a player-coach, was the only representative for Footscray.

Japan’s Miura Hanna. (Photos: Ljubica Vrankovic) 520810_01

The Japanese team. 520810_12

Newport’s Leah Cornish. 520810_19

Footscray’s Abbey McLellan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520810_18

Japan’s Mizutani Aoi. 520810_09

The Japanese team. 520810_30

Japan’s Nakahara Tsuzumi. 520810_17

Japan’s Tsujimoto Yuna. 520810_07

Jamie Bastian.. 520810_31

Magpies want consistency

By Tara Murray

Parkside has gone outside the box as it aimed to strengthen its squad for next year’s Western Football League division 1 season.

The Magpies fell just short of finals this year and have been one of the big movers early in the off season with a number of new signings.

The club started back training in mid-November with co-coach Chris Muratore saying they felt they were in a good place.

“We have been adding players most years as we don’t have 18s or juniors,” he said. “We want to make sure we have two teams and the club sticks around.

“We want to have two really strong

sides. We’ve had a few players leave, but we have replaced them and we’re really happy.”

The Magpies have headed south as they’ve gone looking for new players, with several recruits coming from Tasmania.

Muratore said they needed to look outside the box.

“Sometimes everyone is going for the same pond,” he said. “It’s the same players that everyone is looking at.

“We had a few connections over there.”

Key position player Tiernan McCormack crosses Launceston having played for the Tassie Devils in the Coates Talent League in 2023

Deagan Madden fills a void in the ruck department that Muratore said they needed to desperately fill.

Madden claimed back-to-back senior best and fairest awards at Longford.

Zach Morris is a talented key position player who can impact at either end of the ground.

He has played with the Tassie Devils and featured in the Victorian Football League and South Australian National Football League.

Muratore said they would be in Melbourne full time in January.

The Magpies have also added a number of other recruits.

“The biggest thing for us was retention and we did that early when we came back into A-grade a couple of years ago,” Muratore said.

“We have built and maintained that group and we’ve got them down on points

CYs fall just short as rain disrupts play

By Tara Murray

Williamstown CYMS fell just short of victory in another Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield round marred by rain.

While day one was perfect weather for cricket, Saturday was a different story.

Heavy rain throughout the week and then on Saturday morning meant many games didn’t go ahead.

Others did, but not many had a full day of play.

For the CYs, they needed just two more wicketstogetthepointsagainstGellibrand.

CYs captain-coach Nick Duxson said in the end, there weren’t quite enough overs for either side to get a win.

“It was a weird one in the end,” he said. “Gellibrand’s ground drained well and the wicket was great.

“We were going to get on at some point. It was 77 overs to begin with and ended up being 66.”

The CYs made 235 on day one of the

match with contributions throughout the order.

Duxson said they had some opportunities but Gellibrand fought hard to make sure it played out the game.

“We got a couple of wickets early and then Jacob Macdonald got going. They had a partnership going and then the rain came and they looked to play it out.

“We got a couple of wickets after tea and it was game on with 25 overs remaining. They shut up shop and that looked like it.

“With two overs left, Alex [Risk], who normally bowls off spin, bowled medium pace and got a wicket so it was game on again.”

The CYs put everyone around the bat to make something happen, but Gellibrand was able to finish 8-165.

Macdonald top scored with 51.

Duxson said a draw was probably a fair result in the end.

Miles Bradshaw took 6-69 for the CYs off his 27 overs.

Duxson said Bradshaw bowled up wind

for the long term.

“Ninety per cent of the list re-signed. Dean Simmons, Tom Condon, Jack Condon are now one point players for the club.

“We’ve looked to fill holds.”

Muratore said the biggest thing for the group now was having that consistency to close the gap between their best and their worst.

He said there was a big gap and they hoped bringing in experienced players would help with that.

In a positive sign, the Magpies along with Ascot Vale are aiming to get an under-18s side up for next year.

Muratore said they had a couple of younger players at their first training session and were hoping they would get more come down.

Footscray United wins a thriller

Footscray United pulled off an unlikely win in a low scoring affair in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition.

The Bulldogs were bowled out for just 63 in the 16th over against Westmeadows.

Isaac Heater top scored with 17 at number 10.

The Warriors, who came off their highest score at the weekend, couldn’t keep the momentum going, bowled out for just 62.

Heater finished with 5-12 off his four overs to be the star of the show.

Also in group A3, the Druids lost to Oak Park St Francis de Sales in their round three match.

The Saints made 8-168 from their overs, with the Wizards bowled out in the final over for 117.

Sonara Pilippuhewa played a lone hand for the Wizards with 60.

In group A2 Altona North got the win against Newport-Digman.

Reigning champions Altona North made 5-186 with Dylan Achison (70) and Haydn Wilkinson (64) at the top of the order doing all the damage.

The Bulls never looked likely to chase down the runs, finishing 9-115.

In group A4, Seddon had a big win against Maribyrnong Park St Marys. The Dockers made 4-134 with opener Jacob Slator top scoring with 75 not out.

for most of the day including bowling 20 overs in a row.

The CYs sit second on the ladder after five rounds.

Duxson said they were happy with the season so far but would like a bit more consistency, especially with the bat.

“It’s been really good and we’ve had a heap of one-day cricket,” he said. “In the two-day cricket we lost to Sunbury by two runs and couldn’t get the result.

“On the weekend we were 30-40 short of where we would have liked to have been.

“We were 4-30 We did well to make 235 and who knows what would have happened.

“It would be good to get a bit of consistency with the bat we do bat all the way down. We need one or two players to go big in two-day cricket, it’s the key to success.”

The CYs this weekend face Tullamarine in a Saturday-Sunday match.

Duxson said the key for them will be having both their batters and bowlers performing in the same match.

The Lions were restricted to 8-87.

Williamstown Imperials’ good form with the bat continued as they accounted for Yarraville Club.

The Imperials made 3-202, their second score of more than 200 in the tournament. Despite some early hitting from Trent Lawford, the Clubbers fell short as they were restricted to 8-140.

In group B2, Bellbridge proved toostrongforStAndrew’sFootscray, Burnside Springs United piled on the runs against West Newport and Barkly St Uniting got home against Werribee Centrals.

In group B3, Laverton was on the winners list as it beat Point Cook Centrals and Kingsville beat Wyndham Vale.

Miles Bradshaw was the star with the ball on Saturday. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 518149_07

Finn Davis is now a Giant

By Tara Murray

Greater Western Sydney was the first AFL club to show interest in possibly drafting Western Jets’ Finn Davis.

While he would later speak to other clubs, it was the Giants that would take him in the AFL draft with pick 51.

Speaking during his first week of training for the Giants, Davis said the realisation that he had been drafted had started to settle in.

“It’s still pretty unbelievable,” he said. “I’ve still got to come back down to earth in the next week or so.

“It’s been easy to be honest, the club has made the move pretty smoothly.

“It has been nice moving in with the other two and the second year Joey [Delana]

has been great for us so far.”

Davis said it was pretty emotional to get picked up.

He said his parents had been on the phone a bit since he had made the trip up to Sydney.

“They’re definitely missing me,” he said. “They put in all the work as well.

“It’s definitely emotional as I’m the first kid to leave the house.”

The Williamstown Junior and Williamstown CYMS defender had a mixed top age year.

Injuries early meant he missed the start of the season.

Once he was on the field, Davis starred and ended up finishing second in the Jets’ best and fairest.

“I knew if I came back and played the footy that I wanted to play,” he said.

“If I could put myself in the best possible position and get drafted and make the dream come true.

“It all panned out pretty well.

“The Giants were watching closely from the start and I always knew they were in the running.”

While Davis missed some early rounds, a strong off season including time with Williamstown’s Victorian Football League side had helped him.

“It was good that I was introduced into next level,” he said. “The next level of intensity got some good training under my belt to prepare me for the Coates season.

“It is definitely still a step up from VFL to

Seagulls elated to finally be on the board

By Tara Murray

Williamstown finally got its first win on the board with a hard fought win against local rival Altona in the Victorian SubDistrict Cricket Association east-west.

It has been a rough start for the Seagulls but they finally tasted victory in what turned out to be a frustrating day two.

Seagulls’ Jordan Doyle said it was nice to finally get the win on the board.

The Seagulls made 9-253 on day one of the match.

“It was about par with a good wicket and fast outfield,” Doyle said. “It was our highest score of the season.

“It was a competitive total with a fair few contributors. Sean Sturrock led the way with 62, his highest knock for the club to put us in a winning position.”

Day two would be a frustrating day with rain meaning many matches didn’t get on and other games had teams on and off the ground all day.

“It wasn’t great, it was stop-start,” he said. “We’ve been on the poor end a couple of times.”

Doyle said they knew they had to bowl well to get the job done.

Jarrod Flood Bauce set the tone early and took the wickets for four of the A’s top five batters.

Doyle said he had the ball nipping both ways and was able to get through the batters.

While the Seagulls were on top, the A’s weren’t going to give up without a fight.

“They wanted to bat out for a draw,” he said. “The way it was going our spinners got through a lot of overs in a short period of time so we would have got through the full 80 overs.

We were able to take the ambiguity of it and took the 10 wickets.”

The A’s were bowled out for 123 in the 77th over.

Adam Yates top scored with 43 for the A’s.

Flood Bruce ended with 4-44, while Chris Duffin took three wickets.

The win sees the Seagulls claim the first Hodges-MacFarlane Shield named after George MacFarlane and Brenton Hodges.

“Credit to Altona who came up with the idea,” Doyle said. “It’s good to get our name on it first.

“It’s a shame Hodgey isn’t back until after Christmas and not out here to win the game with us.”

Doyle said they were hoping the win would kick start their season.

He said they had a couple of really winnable games before the Christmas break.

“We’re still battling availability and have not put our best team on the park,”

he said. “We’re starting to get there.” Spotswood was among the other winners on Saturday, beating Donvale. After making 7-374 on day one of the match, the Woodsmen bowled Donvale out for 81.

AFL. “It was good to get the early exposure in the pre-season helped when I came here.”

Now having taken the next step to achieving the dream he’s had since he was 11 and first started playing football, Davis is settling into life as an AFL player.

He said he was trying to get into the swing of things before Christmas and then ramp it up post-Christmas.

Helping make the transition a light bit easier is having former Jets coach and now Giants assistant Trent Dennis-Lane to call on.

“It’s a bit reassuring that having that if I need to talk to any of the coaches about anything, I’ve got that comfort with him, it’s been good.”

Sports shorts

Western FL

Newport has announced its captain for next year’s Western Football League division 1 season. Jack Pakis will step into the role next season. “After joining Newport in 2021, Jack has become a popular figure amongst the playing group.,” the Panthers said. “A leader of men - Jack is a loyal, passionate & competitive bloke. Jack loves the footy club & wants to see it thrive. At 26 years of age, he is ready to lead our club as we strive to climb the division 1 ladder.”

VMMNA

The Altona Falcons finished the regular season on a winning note in the Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association M-League on Wednesday night. The Falcons had little trouble against the Blaze, winning 86-36.The win secured second spot for the Falcons. They will this week face St Therese for a spot in the grand final with a double chance up their sleeve.

Bowls

Yarraville-Footscray had a tough day out against Moonee Valley in the Bowls Victorian weekend pennant premier division on Saturday. Moonee Valley was able to hold the Bulldogs at bay, winning 75 (17)-65 (1). Nathan Black’s rink hada a 16-all tie to get the only point for the Bulldogs. After seven rounds, the Bulldogs sit in seventh. Altona’s match with Melbourne didn’t go ahead due to the weather.

Premier Cricket

Footscray’s two matches on the weekend were decided by DuckworthLewis-Stern in Victorian Premier Cricket. With rain around, full matches were few and far between. On Saturday, the Bulldogs lost to Carlton. Carlton made 5-144 off 28 overs with the Bulldogs needing 176 under DLS. The Bulldogs finished 5-144 with Travis Dean top scoring with 43. On Sunday, the Bulldogs played Ringwood in a T20. The Bulldogs made 3-161 off 16.4 overs with Dylan Brasher making 68. The Rams finished 5-34 needing 76 off six overs.

Dan Schuppan and Jakson Knight took four wickets each. Donvale was 1-34 in its second innings when the match ended. Yarraville’s match with Box Hill ended in a draw.

Williamstown got its first win of the season. (Supplied)

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