Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 17th June 2026

Artwork you can wear

By Cade Lucas

The recent deaths of a number of black swans on the banks of the Maribyrnong River has led to a new community group being established to protect local wildlife from discarded fishing gear.

Maribyrnong River Wildlife Protection (MRWP) is a coalition of local friends of groups and community members that has formed due to growing concerns about the impact of fishing on the safety of wildlife from Footscray Wharf to Solomon’s Ford.

Of particular concern to MRWP are the deaths of three black swans from the same family group in Footscray, which nested in wetlands by the river in late 2025.

One cygnet was euthanised in April; a

second cygnet and an adult female swan were then euthanised eight days apart in May.

It’s believed all three deaths were caused by entanglements with fishing hooks and fishing line and that only two members of the swan family remain.

“The loss of this swan family has been devastating for many people in the community who have watched these birds grow and thrive along the river,” an MRWP spokesperson said in a statement.

“These swans were well known to people who regularly walk, volunteer and spend time along the Maribyrnong River. Their loss has been deeply felt.”

The spokesperson said the swan deaths highlightedbroaderconcernsaboutrisksto wildlife safety along the river, particularly

from discarded fishing gear.

Inner-west artists have had their work displayed everywhere from galleries to murals and hallways to laneways. But now local artists are being ered the chance to have their work displayed on their fellow residents through the Seddon Tshirt Competition.

Inner-we everywh la offered th on their f shirt Com the com to subm Seddo T-sh rece tion a yo und Mon an ext

Run by the Seddon Village Traders Association, the competition invites inner-west residents to submit T-shirt designs representing what Seddon means to them. The winning design will be emblazoned across an official Seddon T-shirt, while the winning artist will also receive a cash prize. This year, the competition has been split into two categories, with a youth competition for artists aged 16 or under and an open competition. The deadline for submissions has been extended to Monday 22 June, giving prospective entrants an extra weekend to come up with a design.

Stop swan deaths

“Community members should not be regularly finding fishing hooks, fishing line and rubbish in important wildlife habitats.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) said recreational fishers were stewards of the state’s waterways and most cared deeply about the natural environment.

“Most fishers do the right thing and dispose of waste in bins or utilise our ‘Seal the Loop’ program with Melbourne Zoo to secure fishing gear in handy containers,“ the spokesperson said.

The MRWP wants stronger stewardship oftheriverandsaidithadstartedengaging with the VFA as well as other authorities including Maribyrnong council, the state

government and Parks Victoria in order to achieve this.

Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said efforts to reduce fishing waste and protect wildlife were underway.

“We are currently working on plans to install new fishing line bins to help people do the right thing, and an education program to raise awareness of the consequences of careless fishing practices like abandoning tackle,“ Cr Semra said.

Footscray MP Katie Hall said she had raised the issue with the Environment Minister Enver Erdogan, while a Parks Victoria spokesperson said the agency would support any action to manage litter and reduce the risk to birdlife on the Maribyrnong.

The judging panel for this year’s Seddon T-shirt Competition (L-R) Jess McDonald, Chris Gooden and Suzanne Saunders run their eyes over some of the entries. (Damjan Janevski) 558946_01

Maritime history guru dies

Well-known Williamstown identity Geoffrey Dougall is being remembered as a maritime historygurufollowinghisdeathonFriday12 June aged 80.

The author and publisher of several history books, Mr Dougall founded the Williamstown Maritime Association, was a site manager at Seaworks, the secretary of the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club and a member of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria.

He was also elected to Williamstown council and made Life Governor of Williamstown Hospital, all while running his own printing company for more than 25

years.

“Geoff was a much-loved part of the Williamstown and maritime community, and his loss will be deeply felt by so many,” Seaworks executive officer Glenn Jones wrote in a tribute posted on online.

“Geoff played an important role in the early days of Seaworks, serving as site manager from 2010 to 2013, helping shape the place and spirit of what it has become today. He was also deeply passionate about the Seaworks Maritime Museum, where he volunteered. Geoff cared deeply about the museum, its stories, and its place in preserving William-

stown’s maritime heritage, and he was fiercely protective of it.”

In a tribute on its Facebook page, The Pirates Tavern Williamstown, which is located within Seaworks, credited Mr Dougall with helping establish both it and the entire precinct.

“He played a key role in managing the site under the umbrella of The Williamstown Maritime Association Inc (WMA) and was heavily involved in establishing the clubrooms that became known as The Pirates Tavern in 2004,” the post read.

“Geoff will be missed as The Maritime History Guru.”

More food for bank at Altona warehouse

With more and more Victorians seeking emergency food relief, the state’s largest food charity has chosen a good time to move into a much bigger warehouse.

Foodbank Victoria’s new 10,000 square metre warehouse in Altona is four times the size of it’s predecessor in Yarraville, with capacity for 250,000kg of food and groceries to be delivered there every week.

The Kororoit Creek Road facility was officially opened on Wednesday 11 June by Governor of Victoria and Foodbank patron, Professor Margaret Gardner.

“That Foodbank has quadrupled in size, is a testament to almost the century of work that’s been involved, and it has depended on community

service and volunteerism throughout the state,” Professor Gardner said.

“What you do ensures that caring hands reach out to those in need all across Victoria. Today, 76,000 Victorians will sit down for a meal they might otherwise have missed,” she said referring to the record number of people Foodbank Victoria now feeds everyday.

That figure represents a five per cent increase in just the last month alone.

Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said while having more storage space would help the food relief charity meet rising demand, the new warehouse would allow them to work smarter too.

“Foodbank’s new Altona warehouse delivers the community a state-of-the-art facility for storing and distributing food across Victoria in a safe, efficient and impactful way,” he said.

“The centre provides the technology, the efficiencies and the scale to meet the demands of communities across Victoria,” he said, before cautioning that coming events will put that to the test.

“But with the fuel excise coming back on very shortly, if it were to replicate the impact that it had last time, we are nervous about another 10 per cent in demand.”

Footscray man charged with thefts from CBD retail stores

A Footscray man has been charged with stealing more than $30,000 worth of goods from retail outlets in the Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs.

The 38-year-old man was arrested in Carnegie on 4 June and later charged with 44 counts of shop-lifting between October 2025 and May 2026.

It’s alleged the man stole goods including vitamins, medicines, sanitary goods, perfumes, baby formula and luxury handbags from supermarkets, department

stores and other retail outlets.

Police believe the goods were then onsold to a third party buyer.

The man has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 December.

His arrest was made by officers from Operation Stand, a police team established in 2024 to crack down on retail theft.

The team has since made more than 230 arrests and laid 1335 charges against

Telethon marks 25 years helping refugees

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is preparing for its annual World Refugee Day Telethon on Saturday 20 June.

But for the Footscray based charity, the 2026 telethon carries extra significance as it also marks its 25th anniversary.

The ASRC was founded in 2001 by its current chief executive Kon Karapanagiotidis, who back then was a lecturer in welfare studies at the nearby Victoria University of Technology (now Victoria University).

“We’ve been a grassroots organisation since day one, and are grateful to everyone who has supported our journey and cause throughout this quarter of a century,” Mr Karapanagiotidis said in reflecting on the centre’s history.

The theme of this year’s Refugee Week is ‘A Million Stories’ and one of the many success stories to come out of the ASRC over the last quarter of a century is also one its 2026 telethon ambassadors.

Senada Suljagic is a now a lawyer and business owner, but in 2001 she was a child refugee who, along with her mother, brother and grandmother, had recently arrived in Melbourne after fleeing the aftermath of the Bosnian war.

Struggling to access basic needs, including buying groceries, setting up a home, and enrolling into school, the Suljagics sought help from the newly formed ASRC, then located across the road from its current headquarters in Nicholson Street.

Rather than offering hampers like other charities, Ms Suljagic remembered how the the ASRC’s food relief service enable them to choose their own food that suited their culture, taste, and routine.

“It just felt like going shopping,” she recalled.

Ms Suljagic has since gone on to assist newly arrived refugees as a lawyer, something she said underscored the challenges faced by her own family.

“I remember helping someone set up a washing machine and we went to a hardware store to buy a little plug. And I was thinking, who did this for my mum? Who would have gone to a hardware store with her?”

recidivist retail thieves in the city centre and inner suburbs.

Operation Stand Acting Sergeant Brendan Mason said their work was far from done.

“Operation Stand remains committed to holding to account prolific and aggressive retail thieves,” Acting Sergeant Mason said.

“Anyone thinking of coming into the city to steal for profit should know it won’t belonguntilwe’reknockingonyourdoor.”

This year’s telethon will be broadcast live on YouTube and social media from 7am-11pm on 20 June.

Donate by calling 1300 692 772 (1300 MYASRC) or online at: donate.asrc.org. au/telethon

Williamstown maritime historian Geoffrey Dougall died on Friday aged 80. (Supplied)

Governor of Victoria Professor Margaret Gardner AC (centre) opens Foodbank Victoria’s Altona warehouse on 11 June with (L-R) Seabrook Primary School students Ma’arij Hossain and Olivia Shyu and Yarraville Community Centre chief executive Jessie Deane. (Foodbank Victoria)

History saved

By Cr Michael Disbury

When I was seeking election to council nearly two years ago, one of my top initiatives was to advocate for the WilliamstownMechanicsInstitute.

Ithastakenussometime,butI’mthrilled toseeprogressmadeonthisissue.

Dating back to the 1860s, the Williamstown Mechanics Institute is one of the oldest, most historically significant and most treasured historic landmarks in ourcity.

For too long this icon of Williamstown has sat empty with its future uncertain. That’s why I’m pleased we have taken steps in the right direction to getting this buildingbacktowhere it needs tobe.

Ihaveadeeppassionforboththehistory of Hobsons Bay and Williamstown, and I strongly believe it’s vital we protect and foster the places that tell the story of our community.

Generations of residents have walked throughtheinstitute’sdoors,andformany locals,itholdsfondmemoriesandremains an important gathering place in the heart ofWilliamstown.

That’s why the proposed restoration is so important.Itwillhelpprotectthecharacter and significance of the building while improving its functionality and usability for the community.

It’s about respecting our history while ensuring these spaces can continue to be enjoyedandutilisedwellintothefuture.

There is a clear passion for this building amongourcommunity.

You need only look as far at groups like Save Our Mechanics Institute and Williamstown Historical Society for the

Help dig deep for reserve

The Friends of Williamstown Wetlands (FOWW) is inviting the community to take part in a major restoration project attheJawboneFloraandFaunaReserve.

The project, Grasslands for People and Wildlife, is set to restore a degraded section of coastal grassland within the Jawbone reserve, one of Hobsons Bay’s mostsignificantnaturalareas.

Funded by a Healthy Cities Landcare Grant recently awarded to FOWW, the initiative will improve habitat for native wildlife while enhancing a popular public space enjoyed by walkers, swimmers, snorkellers and birdwatchers.

Restoration work at the site has already begun, with invasive weed control undertaken in partnership with the BunurongLand Council.

The next step is to plant more than 3000 indigenous grasses and groundcover at the reserve through a seriesofcommunityplantingevents. It’shopedthegrassesandgroundcover

planted at these events will help rebuild habitat and improve ecological connectivityacrossthe reserve.

“Jawbone is one of Williamstown’s mostcherishednaturalspaces,” FOWW spokesperson Melanie Scaife said in encouraginglocalstogetinvolved.

“This project will help protect one of Victoria’s most threatened ecosystems while creating a healthier and more resilient environment for wildlife and thelocalcommunity,”MsScaifesaid.

The first community planting day will be held at Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve on Sunday 28 June from 10am-noon.

Those interested in taking part are advised to meet near the Jawbone Arboretum and look for the Friends of WilliamstownWetlandsflag.

All tools and morning tea will be provided.

Participants can register via FOWW’s Facebook page: https://shorturl. at/7UVnH

advocacytheyhavedoneuptothispoint. Their hard work has ensured we at council take steps to preserving this importantfacility.

This project was also highlighted as a priority in council’s advocacy plan, recognising the importance of work to be done. The next stage will be completing designworks.

I look forward to a time when our communitycanvisitagain,listentostories ofthepastfromthehistoricalsociety,enjoy ashoworperformance,andseeitreturnas avibrantcommunityhub.

Briefs

Library closure

The Footscray Library will be temporarily closed until Friday 26 June while minor refurbishments are carried out. The return chute will be closed during this time, and all Footscray Library loans will be extended by two weeks. It will reopen on Saturday 27 June.

Party application

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has received an application from The West Party for registration as a political party. According to the VEC, parties must have at least 500 members on the Victorian electoral roll, who are not members of another registered political party or another party applying for registration. Valid reasons for objection include: the party is not an eligible political party as defined under the Electoral Act 2002 (the Act), the application does not meet the requirements of section 45 of the Act or the proposed name should be refused under section 47 of the Act. Objections must be sent to rppregistration@vec.vic.gov.au or posted to the VEC, Level 11, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic, 3000 by 12 July. Objections must be signed and include the objector’s address. All details will be made available to the applicant.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Cr Michael Disbury (Supplied)

Melanie Scaife from The Friends of Williamstown Wetlands wants locals to join her for a community planting event at Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve on 28 June. (Damjan Janevski) 559176_02

Maritime history captured

Fifity years ago next week, Laurie Dilks had a front row seat to one of the most dramatic events in Williamstown’s history and has the photos and the memories to prove it. He spoke to Cade Lucas.

As a shipwright with the former Victorian Ports and Harbours Branch in Williamstown, Laurie Dilks didn’t normally bring a camera to work.

“I never carried a camera normally unless I thought there was something worthwhile to take a photograph of,” Mr Dilksrecalled.

Sowhenhemadesuretopackhiscamera before heading to work on the morning of 23 June, 1976, Mr Dilks clearly knew he was about to witness something worth capturing for posterity.

“I thought I’ll get a photograph of this,” Mr Dilks, now 81, recalled thinking that morningnearlyhalfacenturyago.

“AndI’mverypleasedIdid.”

So too are many other people, especially those with an interest in maritime history of which Williamstown and Hobsons Bay hasplenty.

But of all that history, few moments resonate like the one Mr Dilks photographed 50 years ago next week: the burning down of the Point Gellibrand Pile Light.

It’s a moment that locals who were alive at the time can recall like it was yesterday and even those who weren’t are still well awareof.

The images Mr Dilks took that day are a bigreasonwhy.

He and his fellow shipwrights were standing on a boat about 25 metres from the historic lighthouse, roughly a mile off Williamstown’s Shelly Beach, when the fire began at about 11am on a sunny, still Wednesdaymorning.

Floating nearby were a number of other craftincludingonepackedwithjournalists fromtheeveningTVnewsandMelbourne’s thenafternoonpaperofrecord,TheHerald.

They all watched as the lighthouse, perched above the water atop 33 wooden piles, its living quarters surrounding the bottom of the tower and its pile light at the top, became enveloped in smoke, then engulfedinflames.

Then the tower and its pile light, which had guided ships into Hobsons Bay since 1906, preventing them from crashing into Gellibrand Reef, crashed into the water itself.

“Thesupportaroundit(thetower),which was the house, diminished and it fell into thewaterandwastrappedbythepilesthat held up the lighthouse so it didn’t go to the bottom,”MrDilkssaidofthetowerandpile lightwhichwouldlaterberecovered.

The pile light itself now sits on display at the Seaworks Maritime Precinct in Williamstown, near where Mr Dilks and his fellow Ports and Harbours shipwrights used to work and where a Winter Solstice Festival will be held on 19 June that will double as a 50th anniversary commemorationofthelighthousefire.

“Of all the iconic structures that Williamstown’s history has produced, the Gellibrand Light must be the most cherished and best known” Seaworks executiveofficerGlennJonessaid.

“Not only by seafarers, for whom it had a special significance, but by the thousands of residents and tourists. After a long journey from the bottom of the bay, to besidethePollyWoodsideandevencentral Victoria, it’s now back in Williamstown andSeaworksisitshome”.

Along with seeing the pile light itself, those attending the winter solstice festival can also visit a special display on the lighthouse inside the Seaworks Maritime Museum.

Included in the display are some of the dramaticimagesMrDilkstookthatday.

While the photos capture the pile light’s

fiery end, they don’t explain how it came about; how the state government of the day found itself in the extraordinary position of having to set fire to a beloved historic landmark.

Fortunately, Mr Dilks’ memory remains asvividashisphotos.

“I was working in the depot and the officer in charge, a Mr Jack Manser, came out into the yard where I was working with a couple of other fellows,” he recalled of the morning two days before the fire on Monday21June.

“He said ‘I’ve heard the Gellibrand Lighthouse has been struck by a ship’. He said apparently it’s been quite extensively damaged and we’ll have to get out there andhavealookwhenwecan.”

Thiswasabout8.30am.

Roughly an hour earlier, the Melbourne Trader, a 7000 tonne roll-on roll-off cargo ship, had ploughed into the Point Gellibrand Pile Light while returning from itsregularruntoTasmania.

The thick fog that blanketed Port Phillip Bay that morning and was already blamed forthecollisionandwasalsopreventingMr Dilksandhiscolleaguesfromimmediately headingouttoinspectthedamage.

Oncethefogclearedlaterinthemorning and they did get out to the pile light, not muchofaninspectionwasrequired.

“It was severely damaged,” Mr Dilks recalled.

“Manyofthepileshadbeenbroken.”

With the many of the piles supporting thelighthousesnappedoffatthewaterline, itstowerwastiltingbadlytooneside.

The lighthouse keeper’s residence at the base of the tower was also badly damaged, though, remarkably, the keeper himself wasunscathed.

He’d spent the night ashore, a decision whichprobablysavedhislife.

Returning to the depot, the shipwrights reported what they’d seen to Mr Manser whothensentitupthechainofcommand.

Thingsweremovingquickly.

Thenextday,MrDilksandhiscolleagues arrived at the depot to be told that a decision on the pile light’s future would be madelaterthatday.

Inthemeantimetheyweretogobackout thereandstripitofanyofanyvaluables.

“Wehadtobeverycarefulbecauseit(the lighthouse) was on a precarious angle and the boat landing there was underwater,” Mr Dilks said, adding that once on board they removed and took whatever they could, though some items would soon go missing.

“We got up and removed the windvane of the tower but we don’t know what happenedtothat inthe end.”

Theyalsoclearedoutthekeepersquarters whichMrDilkslikenedtoafloatinghome.

“It was a unique situation as seaborn lighthousesare,”hesaid.

“Before the current lighthouse keeper, on occasion there had been others who’d lived there with their wives. It was a house withabathroom,kitchenandbedroom.”

Sadly,liketherestofthestructure, itwas also damaged beyond repair and given its

importance to nearby shipping lanes, it had to be removed and replaced as soon as possible.

Before the shipwrights left for home that day,their bossdelivered the news.

“Mr Manser had told us that the lighthouse was to be burnt at 11am on the morning,23June,1976,”MrDilkssaid.

“It was a unique situation, but we understood that was what the government hadordered.Itwasasadsituation.”

With camera in hand, he and his colleagues returned to the pile light for the finaltimethefollowingmorningtoprepare itforburning.

They were joined by another crew from Ports and Harbours who’d travelled up by boatfromQueenscliffe.

Mr Dilks suspects it was they who finally setitalight.

“Theyhadasmalldrumofkerosenewith them and were sprinkling it around when meandmyworkmatesrealiseditwasclose to11amand we’dbetter begetting off.”

From there, it took about 20 minutes to destroy70yearsofmaritimehistory.

A navigational light was installed in place of the lighthouse and there hasn’t beenanothercollisioninthe50yearssince.

Mr Dilks lamented that if only today’s shipping technology was available back then,thePointGellibrandPileLightwould stillremain.

“Unfortunately that incident happened because in that era they didn’t have the navigationalaidstheyhavenow,”hesaid.

“At the time everyone wished it hadn’t happened but it did and thank goodness nobody was injured.”

Above: Seaworks executive officer

Glenn Jones and former shipwright Laurie Dilks below the pile light from the Point Gellibrand Lighthouse which was burnt down 50 years ago.

(Damjan Janevski) 557888_01

Right: Workers prepare the damaged pile light to be burnt. (Laurie Dilks)

residence at the

h p

Laurie Dilks took this photo of the burning pile light from a boat 25 metres away. (Laurie Dilks)

The Gellibrand Pile Light fire on the morning of 23 June, 1976. (Laurie Dilks)

Sacred Heart celebrates

Sacred Heart Primary School and the SacredHeartParishinNewportcelebrated their125thanniversaryovertheweekend.

The celebrations kicked off on Friday 12 June at the Newcastle Street school where staff, students and family members gatheredforawhole-schoolevent.

Then on Sunday 14 June a special mass was held at the neighbouring St Joseph’s Parish Church followed by morning tea and an open school, where community members will be invited to walk through the school, revisit memories and explore displayscelebratingourhistory.

FOCUS

It was on the school oval on Friday morning though that current Sacred Heart studentswereabletomarktheoccasionby takingpartinavarietyofactivities.

Therewasasausagesizzleandfoodstalls aswellasaspeciallybakedbirthdaycake.

Allthoseinattendancethengatheredon theovalandlookeduptowardstheskyasa drone hovering above took pictures of the entireschoolcommunity.

Also there capturing images of the celebrationswasStarWeeklyphotographer DAMJAN JANEVSKI.

ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

How to conquer foot pain

If you’re experiencing foot pain, there’s a goodchanceyou’vebeendiagnosedwitha conditionsuchasplantarfasciitis,Achilles tendinopathy, bunions, bursitis, arthritis, Morton’sneuroma,heelpain,orflatfeet.

While these conditions are common, they are also frequently misdiagnosed or mismanaged.

According to Dr Paul Dowie, one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists with more than 25 years of experience treating foot, knee, and leg conditions, inaccurate diagnoses and ineffective treatment plans cansignificantlydelayrecovery.

Dr Dowie highlighted three common reasonsfootpaincanpersist:

1.DiagnosticScansAreMisinterpreted Changesorirregularitiesseenonimaging scans are commonly misunderstood. For example, thickened tissues are often mistaken for inflammation, which can lead to treatments that target the wrong problem.

2. The Symptoms Are Treated, Not the Cause

Many treatments focus solely on relieving pain rather than identifying why the pain developed in the first place. Without addressing contributing factors, relief is often temporary and the condition

canreturnorcontinuetoprogress.

3.Biomechanicsinexperience

The foot and lower limb are complex structures,soathoroughunderstandingof lowerlimbbiomechanicsisoftencriticalto achieving lasting results, and this requires extensivestudiesand/orexperienceinthis area.

Dr Dowie believes it is important for people to know that most foot and leg conditions can be improved, including many complex, chronic, arthritic, and degenerativeproblems.

“Toooftenpeoplearetoldthattheirpain issimplyaresultofageingorwearandtear, and that they must learn to live with it,” saysDrDowie.

“Others are led to believe that anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, arthroscopies, or surgery are their only options. In many cases, that simply isn’t the case. The key is identifying what’s really driving the pain and then developing a treatment approach that addressesthoseunderlyingissues.”

Iffoot,ankle,knee,orlegpainislimiting your daily activities, you can consult Dr Dowie at Foot and Leg Pain Clinics locationsthroughoutMelbourne,including Williamstown.Forappointments,call1300 328300.

Parent Vicki Foord with some cup cakes baked for the birthday celebrations. 559142

Sacred Heart Primary School staff (L-R) deputy principal Erin Stone, principal Kaylene Carlin, Josephite Sister Lorraine and deputy principal Cath Palmer celebrate the Newport school’s 125th anniversary on Friday 12 June. 559142_01

Deputy principal Erin Stone with some celebratory cup cakes. (Damjan Janevski) 559142_04

Principal Kaylene Carlin presents the birthday cake. 559142_06

Sacred Heart Primary School staff (L-R) Erin Stone, Kaylene Carlin, Sister Lorraine and Cath Palmer with a birthday cake to mark the occasion. 559142_02

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago 18 June, 1986

Newport Action Group, formed by concerned locals in the area, will hold a public meeting this Sunday over the Newport Lakes issue.

30 years ago 19 June, 1996

Sales tax increases on government cars could mean serious cuts to Hobsons Bay council services, mayor Steven Kingshott warned last week.

20 years ago 20 June, 2006

The tug of war over a Williamstown laneway intensified last week with Hobsons Bay City Council considering submissions and Supreme Court action mooted by one of the claimants.

Faces of the west

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the western suburbs.

10 years ago 15 June, 2016

Work has started on a dramatic revamp of a notorious traffic bottleneck and cycling blackspot in Footscray.

Cassandra Ame is releasing her debut single, Home.

(Damjan Janevski) 555813_06

Dean Lewis, former member of the Australian Defence Force, with his restored a 1942 World War II Ford Jeep. (Damjan Janevski) 557049_04

Above: Valerie Agu. (Damjan Janevski) 556641_05 Right: Laverton Community Choir is gearing up for its annual concert. (Damjan Janevski) 556461_05

Jennifer Kearney, OAM. (Damjan Janevski) 557528_02

Betty McGuire, 91, received a Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to softball. (Damjan Janevski) 557417_02

More young Aussies understand AI but they still fear it

By Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, AAP

Almost two in three young Australians think artificial intelligence will be used to eliminate jobs and only two per cent think it will create them.

Despite their concerns, more Aussies say they have a strong understanding of the technology and regularly use it to study and complete assignments.

Microsoft, KPMG and career platform Anywayrevealedthecontradictionsfroma survey of more than 1000 people under the age of 25, which found AI use had grown significantly since 2023.

The study comes after Pope Leo XIV recently called on governments and companies to carefully regulate AI technology, and weeks after the federal governmentlaunchedaNationalAICentre to guide its adoption.

The study, called Young Australians and theAIWorkforceTransition,surveyed1029 people between the ages of 15 and 24 years about their AI use.

It found more young people were confidentaboutAI,with45percentcalling their understanding of the technology excellent or very good compared to 27 per cent in 2023.

Two in five respondents said they used AI tools in their studies, with the most popular uses summarising information, researching assignments, and studying for exams.

ButAIusedroppedto15percentintasks related to work or career development, which Anyway co-founder Will Stubley said could limit their potential.

“It’s great to see so many young Aussies trying out AI but what we’re seeing is they’re not always being supported to

actually apply that in a career context,” he said.

“There’s a bit of a gap between learning and doing.”

Young Australians were also concerned about AI’s impact on the jobs market, the study found, with almost one in three participants (63 per cent) saying it would eliminate roles.

Onlytwopercentthoughtitwouldcreate jobs, while 35 per cent thought it would have no impact.

Almost half of those surveyed (47

per cent) were also worried about AI automation of early-career tasks and more than half (57 per cent) expressed concern about the ethics of the technology.

Some concerns could be addressed by providing greater professional assistance to school-leavers, Mr Stubley said.

“Fear will continue to own the narrative aroundAIunlessindustryandgovernment work together to create clear career pathwaysandguidanceforstudentsduring the school to work transition,” he said.

Young Australians pursuing careers in

technology, science and government were more likely to use AI, the study found, while those in rural areas and from low socio-economic backgrounds were less likely to do so.

This gap should be addressed, Microsoft Australia AI national skills director Tim Allen said, to ensure young workers were not disadvantaged.

“It’s important that everyone, regardless of where they live or the path they choose, has the opportunity to build these skills,“ he said.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Mystery music sessions

Held at Altona Senior Citizens, 2 Sargood Street, every Tuesday afternoon from 1.30pm. The sessions feature performances by local musicians, including solo artists, duos and groups. Entry is free to both members and non-members.

9932 1311

Marriage course

The Marriage Course at Christ Church Anglican, Newport, is an opportunity to spend eight weeks strengthening and growing your marriage through sessions that have been designed to engage you in conversation with your spouse over topics such as good sex, the art of communication and resolving conflict. The first night will be held in-person before shifting to an online format over the following seven weeks. Held on Wednesdays from 7.30-9pm, until 29 July.

https://www.christchurchnewport.org.au/ marriage-course

Church centenary

This year marks a century since Christ Church Newport’s red brick church on Mason Street, Newport, was established. As part of celebrating this milestone, the church is seeking any photos people might have of events which have taken place in the building. These can include photos of weddings, baptisms, kids clubs, community events, and more. Those who have photos to share, or who would like to highlight notable key dates, are encouraged to get in touch.

100years@christchurchnewport.org.au

Hip hop dance program

L2R Dance is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit and social enterprise proudly based in Melbourne’s west. L2R makes dance accessible to children and young people who can’t access commercial dance opportunities and draws from the history of hip-hop culture with its aims to empower and critique social issues that affect young people in Melbourne’s West and beyond. L2R’s free Next-Gen dance program is held at Phoenix Youth Hub, 72 Buckley Street, Footscray (Auditorium). Classes will be held from 4.30-6.30pm each Tuesday during term.

0490 811 605, or https://www.l2r.org.au/dance-programs

St Augustine’s Primary School Playgroup

Free playgroup for ages 0-5 held from 1-2.30pm every second Friday during term at the St Augustine’s Primary School library. library@sayarraville.catholic.edu.au

Community story time

Every Friday during term from 8-8.30am at the blocks behind Alfa Cafe Yarraville Free to attend and a free babychino with every coffee purchase, when you mention storytime. 9314 5996, or office@sayarraville.catholic.edu.au

Learn digital devices

Know someone who needs help with their mobile phone or tablet? Outlets Newport Community Education Centre offers small, weekly classes that teach all the basics, tips and tricks to meet your needs. Register now. Classes are Mondays 10am-noon at 43 Mason Street , Newport. 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

Cards and conversation

Do you like cards and games? Whether its Canasta, 500 or board games, come and join us weekly at Altona North Library. All levels welcome. Tuesdays from 10am-noon.

Free of charge, morning tea provided and no bookings required. Altona North Library Corner of Millers and McArthurs Road, Altona North. 1300 179 944

Altona North Grandparent Playgroup

A friendly weekly opportunity for grandparents and their grandchildren to play, have cuppa, cake and chat, $5. During school terms, Monday 10am-noon at Eastona Park Community Facility, 13 Collins Avenue, Altona North (old kindergarten venue).

Marnie, 0478 011 981

Free walking basketball

Love basketball, but not the running? Join the Westgate Basketball Association’s walking basketball program. Walking basketball is ideal for those returning from injury, looking to get back into fitness and perfect for seniors and active adults. A great way to connect with others. Register your interest now.

Penny, 0409 014 121, or westgatebasketball.com.au/walkingbasketball-1

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely one/two hour walk around Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.30am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place.

John Becroft, 0418 377 336

Westgate diabetes support group

Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona bowling club at 10am. Elaine, 0415 030 996

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/

Altona VIEW Club

VIEW stands for Voice Interest and Education for Women. Altona VIEW club has just celebrated its 27th year and is not-for-profit. The club welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join us on the third Wednesday of each month, at 11am, at the Altona RSL. The Club is closely affiliated with The Smith Family and sponsors ten children through the “Learning for Life” programme. Come along and join us for lunch and enjoy the speakers each month. Other outings are arranged. Great opportunity to make new friends.

Julie, 0421 315 846, or altonaview@gmail.com

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

The AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club welcomes all who want to improve their communication, leadership and public speaking skills. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of every month from 7-9pm at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton. Helen, 0474 498 052, or aerospeakerstm@gmail.com

Social square dancing

Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights from 7.30-10.30pm to learn social square dancing for beginners in a safe and friendly environment. The teaching is in a group but is self paced so there is no pressure to maintain a rate of learning.

Janine, 0421 371 883, or contact@essendonsquares.com

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in-person meetings in Williamstown. If you think you may have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend. Friends and family members supporting a loved one are also encouraged to come along. 1300 222 222, https://williamstown.aagroup.org.au/, or aawilliamstown@gmail.com

Free English conversation classes

If English is your second language and you want to improve your English language skills, practice speaking with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive group sessions held every Monday at 1-3pm in the meeting room at Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona. Light refreshments provided.

Jill MacKenzie, 0439 994 705,or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com

Chit Chat Tuesdays

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

Dione, 9398 2511, or LJAC.com.au

Williamstown Seniors

The group meets every Tuesday at 1-3pm at Denis Reserve. It is a small group looking for more seniors both male and female. Members enjoy two hours of singing as well as afternoon tea. Cost is $5 for the afternoon.

Marlene, 0402 769 204

Musicians Wanted Westgate Concert Band, Established in 1979 is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am-noon at Braybrook College.

westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Craft, laugh and connect

Join us for a fun, calming session filled with creativity and connection. All craft styles and skill levels are welcome. Bring your favourite craft - knitting, drawing, colouring, puzzle, anything that brings you joy (no painting please). It’s a great way to meet people, connect with your library and explore new creative activities.The craft sessions are held at Altona North Library from 1-3pm. Free of charge and no bookings required.

9932 3005, 0407 247 087, or https:// www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Libraries

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Seaworks chief executive Glenn Jones. (Damjan Janevski) 558131_0

Metal bands make a noise

Five local heavy metal bands will take a stand against war when they play a charity gig in Footscray on the afternoon of Saturday 20 June.

Metal Against War is a multi-artist show at Mama Chen’s hosted by the Workers’ Weekly Guardian.

Allprofitsfromtheshowwillgotowards the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA), an organisation that places clinicians from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific in Palestinian hospitals.

Taking to the stage at Against War will be Melbourne thrash outfit Electric

Funeral l who are no strangers to voicing their opposition to war and calling for peace.

Electric Funeral recently released a version of Men Behind The Wire in protest of Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia in February.

“We’re very troubled by intensification of violence and repression over the past few years, particularly towards the people ofPalestine,Iran,Lebanon,Sudan,Congo, andVenezuela,”abandspokespersonsaid explaining why they were playing the gig .

“We think that as westerners living within the imperial core, it’s our

responsibility to not only make our ideological opposition to this clear, but also to materially contribute to the wellbeingofthesepeopletothebestofour ability.”

Joining Electric Funeral on the bill will be young Melbourne outfit Dehumanizer, death metal and grindcore act Hand of Fear, industrial death metal band Knife andso-called“crustydeathmetalsatirists ”Küntsqüad (pronounced Kountskard).

The first band starts at 1pm.

Tickets are available online now and will also be sold on the door.

Details: https://mammachens.com.

505720_02

Ballan plays host to a country hoedown

Ballan is set to go full country on Saturday 20 June, with the Ballan Bakehouse and Bar hosting an all-day Country Hoedown packed full with live music, dancing, and plentyofwestern-styleflair.

The festivities kick off from 12.30pm as Bryan Sadler takes the stage with live music to get the crowd warmed up. Then, from 4pm, Dean Smith will keep the tunes rolling into the afternoon, creating the perfect soundtrack for a laid-back country gathering.

From 7pm, the hoedown shifts into high

gear as bootscooting takes over the venue, with guests encouraged to dust off their cowboy hats, pull up their boots, and slip into their flannels to hit the dance floor for an evening of country-style line-dancing andwesternfun.

The event promises a relaxed atmosphere wherelocalsandvisitorscanrounduptheir friends,grabacolddrinkandenjoyaclassic SaturdaydayandnightoutinBallan.

Organisers say the hoedown is all about goodmusic,greatcompany,andembracing abitofthatcountryspirit.

Whether you’re a seasoned line dancer or just looking for a fun night out, the Ballan Country Hoedown is shaping up as one of the town’s standout entertainment events thiswinter.

So get on down to Ballan Bakehouse and Bar,locatedat110InglisStreet,Ballan,from 12.30pm for a jam packed day of country andwesternshenanigans.

Details: https://welcometomoorabool. com/events-bacchusmarsh-ballan-gordonblackwood-greendale/country-hoedownat-ballan-bakery-and-bar.

Somaia explores the Ranges

AnewartististakingoverTheGallery thisJunetoshowcasehernewhome.

Itta Somaia recently moved to the MacedonRanges,with herexhibition showcasing the dramatic beauty of hernewhome.

Anavidhiker,Somaiaregularlysets out with her painting kit, stopping to recordfleetingmomentsofcolourand lightthatdefinethelocallandscape.

Somaia said she is deeply influenced by the impressionist movement through her family of artists, prompting her to develop a bold intuitive style beginning with acrylic under-painting before completingeachpieceinwater-based oils.

She favours palette knives to build a rich textured surface and incorporates oils for the vivid colours andblazingsunsetsshe’sseenaround theMacedonRanges.

Her exhibition features a mixture of large and small works, with all pieces celebrating Somaia’s mission to bring abundant colour and light intohomes.

She invites the community to visit her exhibition and experience the Macedon Ranges as seen through the eyes of an artist who walks its trials andpaintsitsjoy.

Somaia’s exhibition is on display nowuntilSunday5July.

The Gallery is open 10am to 4pm Friday to Tuesday at 684 Mount MacedonRoad,MountMacedon.

There’s plenty to do in Brimbank in June to ward off the winter blues

From pickleball to the magic of butterflies, Brimbankhassomethingtoencourageyou outofthehousethiswinter.

As part of Men’s Health Matters on Wednesday 17 June, visit the Tin Shed in St Albans for a men’s health information session, circuit workout, a coffee and a relaxed chat.

On the same day, learn how to play pickleball at West Sunshine Community Centre.

On Thursday 18 June, Westvale

Community Centre will host Brimbank’s Men’s Health Day event from 11am-2pm.

Attendees can hear from former AFL footballer Russell Robertson, enjoy a fresh haircut from the barber, relax with a massage, grab a coffee from the barista, anddigintoasausagesizzle.

There’llalsobegiveaways,healthservice information,andmoretoexplore.

On Tuesday 30 June, an interactive educational and hands-on school holiday butterfly incursion will take centre-stage

at Westvale Community Centre in Kings Park.

Butterfly Kidz will demonstrate the fascinating life cycle of these amazing creatures.

Children will also have an opportunity to observe butterflies up close inside a special butterflytent.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said Brimbank’s jam-packed June events calendarhas something for everyone.

“With cost-of-living pressures at the

front of all of our minds, I’m really looking forward to the food dehydration workshop at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness CentreonSaturday20June,”shesaid.

“Sustainability educator Anna the Urban Nana will guide you through all the techniques.You’llalsoenjoysomesamples and make your own blend of dehydrated foods to take home, so it should be a lot of fun.”

Details: www.events.brimbank.vic.gov. au

Hanging around the Rock by Itta Somaia is on display now at The Gallery. (Supplied)

Melbourne thrash outfit Electric Funeral will play at Metal Against War at Mama Chen’s in Footscray on 20 June. (Supplied)

The Neon Cowboy himself Edward Kays will lead the Country Hoedown at Ballan Bakehouse and Bar on Saturday 20 June. (Damjan Janevski).

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which two ice hockey teams competed in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final series?

2. Which American golfer recently won the 2026 US Women’s Open?

3. For which club was Carlton coach Josh Fraser the first pick in the 1999 AFL draft?

4. Australian athlete Kurtis Marschall competes in which track and field event?

11. Which German tennis player won the 2026 French Open men's singles title?

12. What sport is also known as ‘the sweet science’?

Which two Big Bash League cricket franchises are reportedly set to

13. In which film does Tom Cruise star as a sports agent?

Which Russian tennis player won the 2026 French Open women's

14. Who was the only previous Grand Slam champion to play in the quarterfinals at the 2026 French Open?

Defensive end Myles Garrett was recently traded to which California-based

Defensive end M Garrett was rece to California-bas

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper is the son of which five-time NBA champion?

Oscar Piastri recently appeared operating a tractor on which television series?

15. Which three AFL clubs reportedly have over 100,000 club members each in 2026?

16. What was the only world record broken at the 2026 Enhanced Games?

17. As well as performanceenhancing drugs, what else contributed to breaking the record?

18. Mat Hoffman is considered one of the greatest athletes to ever compete in which sport?

20. In 2026, who became the lowest ranked tennis player in history to reach the French Open final?

21. Which arena does the Canberra Brave play ice hockey out of in the AIHL?

22. What is the nickname of Jacksonville’s NFL team?

23. How many points is the black ball worth in snooker?

26. Wilhelm Steinitz is the first universally recognised champion of which sport?

27. True or false: tug of war was once an Olympic sport?

28. Which four Premier League teams have ‘United’ in their names?

29. Which company provides the official game balls for the WNBA, NBA and NCAA?

Which soccer superstar left PSG before the club went on to win back-to-back Champions League

19. Which soccer player gained five million followers after an influencer labelled him the least known player at the FIFA World Cup?

24. Which two NBA teams did Australian Andrew Gaze play for?

25. In which year did the Matildas reach the semifinals at the FIFA Women’s World Cup?

30. Who won the first AFLW Best and Fairest award?

Matildas

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Meagre (6)

4 Egyptian god of the afterlife (6)

10 Principal singer, – donna (5)

11 Pink, wriggly creature that lives in soil (9)

12 Unduly prominent (9)

13 Lord (5)

14 Made (6)

15 Comely (4)

19 Casserole (4)

20 Lengthy recitation (6)

24 Propelled (5)

25 Hosiery (9)

27 Elusively (9)

28 Take place (5)

29 Creations (6)

30 Losses (6) DOWN

1 Assumed (8)

2 Aircraft pilots (8)

3 Ordinance (7)

5 See 6-down 6, 5-down Oxford student (6,7) 7 Seethe (6) 8 Prefix meaning half (4) 9 Store (7)

16 US dictionary maker (7)

17 Wooden panelling on the lower part of a wall (8)

18 Ugly buildings (8)

19 From Stockholm, say (7)

21 Irritating (7)

22 Word modifier (6)

23 Empty talk (coll) (3,3)

26 Black quartz (4)

Today’s Aim:

12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent

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”. O E R V H R C A E

3 LETTERS ACE ADS ALL AMP AND BEE ELM ERA EVE GAL HAS IMP IRE MIX

5 LETTERS ABOUT AGILE ALONE AMAZE ANGLE APING ARENA ARIAS AROMA BACON BASTE BEGUN DEEDS DEFER DOZEN DRESS EDGES EERIE EXERT FROND GIRTH GRAPE HATES HYENA

INANE LEAPS LINEN MENUS OARED OLIVE OUGHT PENCE REEFS REUSE ROADS SALAD SARIS SINEW SIZER SLEDS SPENT SUEDE TANGS TEENS TENSE TRADE TSARS USUAL WAVES ZONED

1 What comes between iridium and gold on the periodic table?

2 What is white embroidery on white material with eyelet and cutwork designs known as?

3 Bathurst Island lies off the coast of which Australian state or territory?

4 By what nickname is 1960s model, singer and actor Lesley Lawson more commonly known?

5 What is the term for the study of insects?

6 Complete this 1987 film title:

7

6 LETTERS ARBOUR GOATEE HURTLE LEASES

7 LETTERS

is a polygon with 12 angles and 12 sides?

No. 326

No. 294

Best value plug-in electric

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Inwhatisamajormilestone,monthlysales figuresreleasedbytheFederalChamberof Automotive Industries have shown that, in February,ChinabecameAustralia’slargest sourceofnewvehiclesovertakingJapanfor thefirsttimesince1998.

The data also showed four Chinese brands now sit in the top ten positions led by BYD, now the sixth biggest seller, ahead of GWM (7th),Chery (9th) and MG(10th).

Almost half of BYD sales are of its four-model Sealion SUV range, with either fullyelectricorplug-inhybriddrivetrains.

The most recent arrival, and our review here,istheBYDSealion5.At4.7metresit’s around the same size as Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson but unlike them, it’sa plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Marginally larger than the Sealion 5 is the Sealion 6, also a five-seat PHEV, but withtheoptionofasecondmotor,therefore AWD. The Sealion 7 is slightly larger again, still with five seats but EV only with single or dual motors. Top of the range is the Sealion 8, a seven-seat premium PHEV peoplemover.

RATINGS

Looks: 7/10

is barely noticeable and can be operated manually through a small switch on the centreconsole.

We were able to take the Sealion 5 over a couple of our favourite rural drives including plenty of hills, hollows and bends. As with most mid-sized SUV’s it doesn’t have any sporting pretensions but handlingissafewithlittlebodyroll.

Suspension is relatively firm but not at theexpenseofcomfort.

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 9/10

While there are the latest safety and convenience features that are now commonplace in the latest vehicles, many use physical controls rather than through the screens. Those that do are easy to locate and rather than the usual beeps and bongs most of the alerts are by voice and we found that the only feature we bothered turning off was the lane correction.

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 9/10

The Sealion 5 PHEV comes in two variants.Theheadlineactistheentry-level Essential which, with a price of $33,990 plus on-roads, is currently the cheapest plug-in hybrid vehicle on the Australian market.

The other variant, Premium, which comes with a larger battery and extra features is priced at $37,990 plus onroad costs.

Styling

Design of the Sealion 5 is relatively conservativeincomparisontootherrecent BYD offerings. It’s a relatively old-style boxywagonwithamildlyslopingroofline.

The front features what BYD calls a ‘Dragon Face’ design dominated by a wide boldgrilleflankedbyrecessedthree-beam LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Above the grille is a full-width satin metallicbarwithanintegratedBYDlogo.

Both variants get 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

The rear features a full-width LED taillight strip and an integrated roof spoiler.

Sealion 5 Premium adds a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, one-touch powered tailgate, heated and powered folding side mirrorsandauto-dimminginteriormirror.

There are four colour options: Aurora White, Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey and HarbourGrey.

Interior

Synthetic leather seats with orange stitchingarestandard.Thechunkysteering wheel also gets the same finish. The driver andfrontpassengerbothgetpoweredseats with the driver’s also adding heating and ventilation.

Both models get a 8.8-inch digital instrumentpanel.Essentialhasa10.1-inch infotainment screen compared to the 12.8-inchscreeninthePremium.The resolution is sharp and clear on both screensbutareletdownseriouslybyavery smalltypeface.

The centre console has a cylindrical gear selector. It’s in piano black with the gear selection difficult to read in bright sunlight. The start/stop button start sits below it with a number of physical buttons oneither side.

There’s a large storage box as well as someextraspacebelowtheconsole.

Premium addsa wirelessphone charger.

The 2.7-metre wheelbase together with the underfloor battery location provides excellent rearseat space.

There are large, easily adjustable air ventsbothatthefrontandrear.

Boot space is 463 litres with the rear seatbacks in place, 1410 litres with them folded. There’s some partitioned storage space beneath the boot floor but no spare wheel, just the rarely reliable puncture repair kit.

Powertrains

Both Sealion 5 variants combine a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a choice of two BYD Blade LithiumIronPhosphate(LFP)batteries.

The Essential’s battery has a 12.9 kWh capacity and a claimed 71km EV driving range. The Premium’s 18.3 kWh battery extendsthatrangeto100km.

However, these numbers come from the outdated NEDC testing method. Using the more real world WLTP system range drops toabout62kmand86km.

Power and torque from the engine are a modest72kWand122Nm.

During low-to-medium speed driving andwhenasurgeofaccelerationisneeded, both the engine and battery supply power tothedrivemotorinparallel.

Transmission is through BYD’s DM-I Super Hybrid system where the engine charges the battery and, most of the time, themotorpowersthevehicle.

Sealion5hasatowingcapacityof750kg, bothbrakedandunbraked.

Safety

Sealion5hasyettoundergoANCAPtesting but has a similar range of safety features as the Sealion 6 and 7 models which have gained five-star ratings so should achieve the same.

Active safety features include front and rear collision warning, electronic brake force distribution, lane-keep assist and lane-change warning, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and an intelligent high beamsystem.

Infotainment

Premier gets a nine-speaker HD sound systemcomparedtothesix-speakersystem inthe Premium.

Other features are shared including satellitenavigation,wirelessAppleCarPlay andAndroidAuto,voicecontrols,frontand rear USB-A and USB-C ports, DAB radio and4Gcloudservices.

The BYD app provides a range of connected services including pre-setting climate control, unlocking and locking the doors, opening the sunroof, monitoring of charge levels and system functions, checking tyre pressures and Over The Air (OTA)updates.

Driving

Fellow Boomers often find getting into and out of vehicles challenging so we were delighted to be able to slide into the front seatoftheSealion5withminimaleffort.

External visibility is excellent all round withalargewindscreenandsidewindows.

Likewise, the rear windscreen is large with low-slung headrests. Kids will appreciate the low sills on the rear windows.

Sealion5isarelativelyheavyfamilySUV so,whileithastheusualsharpacceleration that we expect from a battery powered vehicleit’smoresedatethanpureEVs.

Once underway the Super Hybrid drivetrain provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The transition from electric to hybrid and back

BYDclaimsacombineddriving rangeof1001kmwiththeEssential and 1030km from the Premium. Like the claimed electric only ranges quoted earlier these are based on the older NEDC test method. On the more realistic WLTP methodthesedroptoaround800km. Both variants only come with an AC charging port, with the Essential grade able to achieve maximum battery charge inaroundfourhours,thePremiumwithits largercapacitybatterynearsixhours.

A Vehicle to Load (V2L) function is standard, enabling the onboard battery to be used as a power source for external appliances,lightingorcamping.

Plug-in hybrids make a lot of sense, combining the economy of an EV but without the stress of being stranded away fromachargingpoint.

Regular readers can skip the next bit because each time we review a PHEV we need to explain how the manufacturers come up with extremely low fuel consumption numbers. In the case of the Sealion 5 Premium that we tested its around1.3litresper100km.

Such a number can only be achieved by starting with a fully-charged battery and driving until, when battery power drops below 25 percent, the vehicle switches to hybrid mode for the remainder of the 100 km trip To continue to achieve that 1.3 L/100km it will now be necessary to stop and fully recharge the battery. Without DC charging this isn’t an option so recharging on long-distance trips will typically be at overnight stays.

To its credit BYD does quote the fuel consumption after the battery drops out as 4.5 L/100km. Perfectly respectable usage foratypicalhybridSUVofsimilarsize.

Summary

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are still relatively rare in Australia. Indeed, during our week-long test of the Sealion 5, we often found ourselves having to explain the technologytofellowroad users. While its combination of EV economy without the risk of being stranded makes perfect sense, the price surcharge of previous PHEVs above conventional petrol and hybrids kept budget-conscious buyers away.

That barrier disappears with the price of Sealion 5 sitting around and even below those of well-established mid-sized non-PHEVSUVs.

The lack of DC, or even fast AC, charging is disappointing but owners will no doubt build their routines around these limitations.

BYDlookstobeonarealwinnerhere.

BYD looks to be on a real winner with its Sealion 5. (Pictures: Supplied)

TIPPING 2026

Leo Dardha Woodards

Benny Nguyen OBrien

Chris Byrne Yarraville Club Rod

Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action on Sunday, with plenty of action on the court and on the field.

Melton’s Blair Murphy. 559189_02

Melton’s Rajwant Siolhu. 559189_14

Sunbury Jets’ Abby Hildebrand. 559186_02

Sunbury Jets’ Chloe Hildebrand. 559186_13

Altona Gators’ Jenna Mae Ellsworth. 559190_23

Footscray’s Emily Prentice. 559195_01

Newport’s Taylah Comeadow. 559195_08

Wyndham women’s team. 559190_01 Newport watches on. 559195_04

Battaglia’s special day

By Tara Murray

After umpiring more than 1400 football matches, you wouldn’t expect 83-year-old Paul Battaglia to get nervous.

ButthisSaturday,ashestepsbetweenthe goal posts for the Western Football League division 1 match between Spotswood and Sunshine on 20 June, it’s anything but a normal game.

Battaglia will umpire his 500th division 1 match, with the league saying that it is an unprecedented record.

“It is special,” he said ahead of the milestone.

“I’ve heard from a lot of other umpires and I’m getting a bit nervous.

“I normally just go and do the game and not worry about anything. There will be

people that are coming to watch me, which I’m getting nervous about.”

Battaglia officially umpired his first match in 1995.

But he was umpiring before then.

“I’m a life member of the Kingsville Football Club, which is now Yarraville Seddon,” he said.

“I used to do boundary umpiring for the club. One of the field umpires in the under-17s on a Sunday, said why don’t you run the boundary, you’d get A-grade games.

“I thought who wants to be an umpire. A year later I went down.”

While he liked running Battaglia decided thatbeingagoalumpirewasforhimandthe rest is history.

“I’m lucky to do it,” he said. “I do two games on a Saturday, seniors and reserves,

and used to do a lot of games on a Sunday “IwasgettingoldsoIcan’tdothatmuch.”

Battaglia said his love of umpiring keeps him coming back each year and he wants to continue on for as long as he can.

Before umpiring, Battaglia was a trainer for Kingsville. He didn’t really play football

Devils ready for second half of the season

By Tara Murray

The serious stuff starts now for North Footscray in the Western Football League division 2 competition.

The Devils finished the first half of the season 8-1, with the side’s only loss coming to ladder leaders Wyndhamvale.

Speaking on the club’s social media, Devils’ Robbie Hudson said they were happy with how the season had gone so far.

“The first half is out of the way now and I think we are looking forward to the second half,” he said.

“Like I said to the boys earlier in the week, the hard work has been done in the first half, the serious stuff starts now.

“We’re starting to lock in. We had a great break, now the real stuff starts.”

On Saturday, the Devils were able to account for Sunshine Heights, which is trying to push into the top five.

After an even first quarter on the scoreboard, the Devils kicked five goals to two in the second quarter to lead by 25 points at half time.

With not great weather, scoring became hard in the second half.

The Devils were able to maintain their lead for the rest of the game, winning 13.17 (95)-8.8 (56).

Mathew Serafin kicked four goals for the Devils in the absence of Lynden Dunn.

Hudson said having Dunn in the forward line had helped Serafin this season.

“[He[ gives him a spell and we have another avenue to score goals.

“It has been great having him here on field and off field.”

Harrison Seeliger, Saxon Whittaker and Jordan Cochrane were named the Devils best.

Cochrane, who joined the side this season, has been one of the new additions to the backline along with Nicholas Papakalodoukas with the pair both having an impact.

The Devils face bottom side Tarneit this Saturday.

In other matches, West Footscray cemented its spot in third with a big win against Tarneit.

The Roosters blew the game open after quarter time, winning 18.16 (124)-2.3 (15).

Captain Matthew Turcinovich kicked seven goals in the win. Jaycob Doyle and Murphy Lockwood were named the best

and only took to the field in the reserves whensomeonedidn’tturnupandheplayed under their names.

Battaglia said the friendships were the biggest thing for him out of umpiring.

“It’s the friends around me that I love,” he said.

“I’ve been coached by some good coaches. I’ve been lucky in my life. My wife looked after me… Everything was done when I came home.

“It was good.”

Umpiring on the MCG is among the other highlights for Battaglia but for him, every game is a game no matter where it is played.

“I just go out there and do the best I can in the game,” he said.

“Umpiring is one thing, friendship is another thing.”

Phoenix into Cecil Earley Plate final

Altona East Phoenix is through to the final of the Football Victoria Cecil Earley Plate.

The Phoenix was set to face the Uni Hill Eagles in a semi final on Tuesday night, but its opponent, the Uni Hill Eagles forfeited the match.

The forfeit gave the Phoenix a 3-0 win and a spot in the final.

“A fantastic achievement by this group to reach the final,” the Phoenix said on social media.

“Now it’s time for one last challenge on one of Victoria’s biggest stages.

“Save the date, wear your black and white, and let’s get behind the boys.”

The Phoenix will face Williamstown in the final on 8 August at the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora.

The Cecil Earley Plate, was introduced last season, and rewards state league clubs which go deep in the Dockerty Cup and Australia Cup.

The Phoenix along with Williamstown and the Uni Hill Eagles were the last state league sides left in the two competitions.

All three were knocked out in round six of the competition.

in the win.

Elsewhere, Braybrook had a big win against Laverton.

The Brookers won every quarter on the way to a 25.16 (166)-6.5 (41) win.

Sam Clifford, Joel Croswell and Jayden Danaher kicked three goals each for the Brookers and were named their best.

Corey Vandermeer and Ben McCann were named Laverton’s best.

The Brookers sit sixth on the ladder, a game outside the top five.

The Magpies sit in ninth spot with one win.

Meanwhile in division 1, Yarraville Seddon, Parkside and Altona were on the winners list.

The Eagles were too strong for Albion, winning 14.6 (90)-7.17 (5(), while Parkside beat Point Cook Centrals, 22.21 (153)-6.3 (39).

Altona got the job done against Point Cook as it won, 15.13 (103)-11.3 (69).

Elsewhere, Spotswood lost to Hoppers Crossing, 10.17 (77)-7.10 (52), while Newport lost to Caroline Springs, 11.14 (80)10.12 (72).

Sunshine upset Werribee Districts in the other game.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix got a win on the road in the FV state league 1 north-west competition on Saturday.

The Phoenix headed to Ballarat to face Ballarat City and came away with a 2-1 win.

Neither team scored in the first half before the Phoenix took the lead through Mario Barcia in the 68th minute.

Benjamin Zilic made it 2-0 seven minutes later. Ballarat got one goal back not long after, but couldn’t find an equaliser.

The Phoenix sit fifth on the ladder after 11 rounds.

It has six wins, a draw and four losses and sits eight points off top.

Elsewhere, Yarraville Glory had a 4-1 loss to Sydenham Park.

The Reds scored three second half goals in regular time, before both sides scored in injury time.

Paul Battaglia in action during his career. (Western FNL)

North Footscray has had a strong start to the season. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 499334_04

Falcons upset the Hawks

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons are no longer going under the radar in the Victorian Netball League.

The four-time reigning championships had a slow start to the season after a number of changes in the off-season.

Having started to string some wins together, the Falcons inflicted ladder leaders, the Hawks, first loss of the season on Wednesday.

In a close match all night, the Falcons did enough to win, 70-65.

Falcons’ coach Marg Lind was happy with the four quarter performance from her playing group.

She said it was one match that they thought would be difficult to get the win.

“Much better defensive effort all over the court,” she said.

“It was a good defensive effort. I thought the attack end picked their moments in the last quarter when it really

counted.

“We had gone three or four up in each quarter, and threw a stupid ball. We talked about at the break, if we got to two or three up we had to value the ball at the top.”

Lind said they were put under a fair bit of physical pressure and had been able to stand up under it.

Jane Cook shot 65 goals at 100 per cent for the Falcons.

Lind said they didn’t rotate their side as much as they normally would, which allowed players to settle.

Pleasingly, their three younger players Lani Fauonuku, Achel Yout and Lara Turner all had really strong games.

“I thought Lani had a coming out game,” Lind said.

“She only maybe a quarter in total, she was really steady and it was really important for her moving forward.

“I thought Achel did well. Again another young one that turned the corner.

“Lara was lucky with Soli [Ropati] a bit

tight in warm up. We went with Lara and her mum and her identical twin sister had come down for her 21st. I thought she was

Seagulls win in wet, challenging conditions

By Tara Murray

Williamstown went back to the future as the weather turned for its Victorian Football League women’s clash with the Sandringham Zebras on Saturday.

Rain started to fall before the women’s matchandcontinuedthroughoutthegame and made the conditions challenging.

The Seagulls were able to handle them the best on the way to a 5.9 (39)-1.0 (6) win.

Seagulls’ coach Paul Groves said it was a very different game from what they’ve had this season.

“The heavens opened up about an hour before the game,” he said.

“Itrolledinandwechangedafewthings. The ground was soggy and it became about who was prepared to do the fundamentals well and we did that.”

The Seagulls led by eight points at quarter time before extending it to 16 points at half time.

They were able to continue to build on the lead in the second half.

Groves said at half time they spoke

about how they were having to play a bit more like they had the past couple of seasons.

He said they had to go back to what they had done well those couple of years.

“It was very tough and very combative,” he said.

“It was very challenging throughout. It will hold us in good stead.”

Emily Eaves kicked two goals for the Seagulls. She also had 24 disposals and 18 tackles to lead the way.

Megan Williamson had 17 disposals, while Laura Blue had 15 possessions.

After five rounds, the Seagulls sit third on the ladder with four wins and one.

Groves said they had been really happy with the start to the season.

“Looking back at the loss, we were in a position to win that game,” he said. “We had a shot after the siren.

“All the staff are making sure we have most of the girls available which is putting pressure on the girls playing and the girls trying to get into the team.

“It makes it tougher to try and break into

good and made just one passing error.”

Lind said they had looked at ways to try and get some more intercepts and turned over the ball, which has worked so far.

After 13 rounds, the Falcons sit fourth on the ladder with eight wins and five losses.

Lind said they wouldn’t take their foot off the pedal.

“We are still a work in progress,” she said. “We coached pretty technically tonight which is a different approach.

“We also swapped our attacking and defence coaches the last two weeks just to change it up a bit.

“We figured you have to win nine games and we are aiming to get there and see what happens.

“If we don’t improve, we won’t go far in finals.”

The Falcons 23 and under side had a 64-52 win against the Hawks.

The Falcons face the Geelong Cougars this week.

Sports shorts

Western FL Yarraville Seddon, West Footscray and Parkside Spurs were all on the winners list in the Western Football League women’s competition on Saturday. The Eagles had no troubles against North Footscray, winning 26.14 (170)-2.0 (12). Akec Makur Chuot kicked six goals, while Mackenzie Findlay and Katelyn Kissack kicked five goals each. West Footscray accounted for Point Cook, 6.10 (46)-2.1 (13) and the Spurs were too strong for Wyndhamvale, winning 9.7 (61)-2.3 (15). Elsewhere, Werribee Centrals beat Laverton, 5.4 (34)-4.5 (29).

VPL

Altona City had to settle for a draw in the Victorian Premier League 2 competition on Saturday. Facing Springvale White Eagles, Altona City opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Ethan Brooks before the Eagles levelled the scores before half time. Altona City again took the lead in the second half, but weren’t able to hold on as the Eagles levelled the scores to come away with a 2-2 draw. Altona City sits 13th on the ladder.

VAFA

the team. We’re forging that identity of how we want to play and we’re working a lot on our offensive ball movement.”

Groves said while they’ve been working hard on the attacking side of the game, they still have a bit of work to do.

The side is already showing the impact on the scoreboard the new game plan has had.

“I don’t think the forward half game has full continuity,” Groves said.

“It hasn’t clicked yet and that comes with a lot of time. Hopefully get that rolling and be a pretty high scoring team.

“It’s something we’re working on to solidify and it’s a bit more fun as a team.”

The Seagulls will face Casey this Saturday at Williamstown.

The Seagulls returned to the winners list in the VFL, beating the GWS Giants, 14.9 (93)-11.17 (83).

Aftertrailingby21pointsathalftime,the Seagulls kicked eight third quarter goals to take a 13 point lead into the final quarter.

They were able to hold that for the rest of the match.

Williamstown CYMS was unable to overcome a slow start in the Victorian Amatuer Football Association premier B competition on Saturday. The CYs trailed De La Salle y 30 points at the first break. While the CYs were able to eat into the lead a little, it proved too much as they lost, 13.8 (86)-10.9 (69). Lachlan Warren and William Bokma were named the CYs best. The CYs now have a 3-5 record. In the women’s premier B competition, the CYs beat Port Melbourne Chargers, 9.8 (62)-4.9 (33).

Williamstown CYMS trio Jordan Busuttil, Will Bokma and Keshava Raju have been named in the Victorian Amatuer Football Association initial Big V premier B-division 3 men’s senior qquad to face the Goulburn Valley League at Revo Fitness Park on 11 July. Forty-seven players have been named in the squad which will be coached by former Old Ivanhoe coach Jarrod Gieschen.

FOR MORE SPORT VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Achel Yout had a strong game on Wednesday night. (Tania Hardin) 559116_15

Emily Eaves put on a show on Saturday. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 550554_12

Seagulls flying

By Tara Murray

Western Crusaders’ Astin Hewett believes he’s the man to step into the number one quarterback role for the American Football Australia senior tacklefootballside.

Hewett earned senior selection last year for the first time, having played at theunder-20leveltheyearbefore.

After spending last year learning from quarterback Jared Stegman, Hewett has the opportunity to make therolehisownthisyear.

“It’sprettycoolandveryexciting,”he said. “Two consecutive years and I’m prettykeentogetanotherrunatit

“I’m a little bit more experienced, that is for sure. I had the national championshipswiththeVictoriaside,I didn’thavethatopportunitylastyear.”

Hewett said after being the back up to Stegman last season, he has set his sightsonthenumberonerole.

He’s one of two youngsters vying for theopportunity.

“Jared was the Australian quarterbackforthelast15-16years,”he said.“Igottolearnalotoffhim.

“I’ll definitely put my best foot forwardtotryandgainthestartingjob. I do think I’m the right person for the job.

“I’ve had a year in the system and started in the under-20s and have Australian experience having competedoverseas.

“It would be really cool. I don’t think that it has sunk in yet [that he could be starting].“

Hewett said there would be different challenges this year with a new coach and new squad, meaning a different playbook.

The teenagers rise up the ranks has beenaquick.

Ahandyfootballer,includingplaying with the Western Jets, he started playing gridiron in 2021 and has never lookedback.

AbigkeyinthathasbeentheWestern Crusaders.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have a really good mentor at the Western Crusaders,”hesaid.

“Glenn Parker was quarterback for Australiawhenheplayed.

“He taught me the ropes and I;ve

Hewett eyes number one spot

developed from there, it’s been pretty quick.”

The Crusaders have won eight Vic Bowl championships in a row and are the number one team in the state.

Despite so much talent within the squad, it’s Hewett that is the side’s startingquarterback.

“Theyaresuchasuccessfulfranchise andthey’vetrusteda19-year-oldkidto gooutthereandlead,“Hewettsaid.

“I’m super grateful for not only trustingme,butfortheplayersandthe fanswehave.”

Hewett will head to Sydney for a training camp in July before heading to New Zealand for the Festival of Football, which will once again bring together teams from across the region in a multi-format showcase of AmericanFootball.

Hewetthasafundraisingpagesetup to help with the cost of his travel, with limited funding to help players travel withtheAustralianteam.

To donate, https://asf.org.au/ campaigns/astin-hewett/astin-hewett-gridiron-tour-2026

Umpiring milestone

Locals on their way to Glasgow

By Tara Murray

It’ll be a family affair at the Commonwealth Games for the Coughlan family, as four Resilience Training Centre stars are set to shine onthebigstage.

Reigningwomen’sjudo70kilogram CommonwealthGamesgoldmedalist Aoife Coughlan has been named in theAussiesquadfor2026assheaims todefendhertitle.

HeryoungersisterMaeveCoughlan willmakeherCommonwealthGames debut after being picked to represent Australia in the 63 kilogram women’s event.

Aoife said Birmingham remains a defining memory, but her focus has alreadyshiftedtowhatliesahead.

“Winning gold in Birmingham was a memorable moment in my career andIlookforwardtotheopportunity to defend my title” she said. “To be able to share this experience with Maevemakesitevenmorespecial.”

For Maeve, selection marks the culmination of years of dedication and a chance to step into the international spotlight alongside someone who has helped shape her journey.

“I was in the crowd in 2022 when Aoife won, now I’ll get to compete alongside her in Glasgow. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of and I really look forward to,” she said.

The pair’s older brother Eoin previously competed for Australia as well, including at the 2016 Olympics.

Speakingbeforethe2024Olympics, Aoife said her sister was one of her maintrainingpartners.

“My sister Maeve is one of my main training partners and she keeps me accountable and we push each other to be better every day,“ she told Star Weeklyatthetime.

“I hope I’m as good a role model for her as our brother is. I’m hoping we canqualifytogetherforLA2028.”

Joining the two Coughlans in the Commonwealth Games team is another Resilience Training Centre athletes, Tinka Easton and Danny Vojnikovich. The Resilience Training CentreisbasedinFootscray.

Easton, who will compete in the women’s 52 kilograms event, is also defendinghertitle.

Vojnikovich is making his Commonwealth Games debut and will compete in the men’s 90 kilogramsevent.

Judo Australia performance and pathways general manager Maria Pekli said “This team is the result of years of consistent investment in our pathway and high-performance system. We are incredibly proud of this group and excited for what they canachieveinGlasgow.”

Astin Hewett in action for the Western Crusaders. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520090_50