Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 19th August 2026

WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST, 2026

Try trugo at open day The Footscray Trugo Club has had a big year. Not only did the club move into its new pavilion at the end of March, but 2026 is also its 100th birthday. So what better year for locals who’ve long heard about this unique game that’s native to the western suburbs but never played it to head down to the Footscray Trugo Club and give it a try? And what better time in this, the club’s centenary year, to do so than at its annual open day on Sunday 30 August? Held at the club’s headquarters on Buckley Street from 11am-3pm, the open day will offer newcomers the chance to have a “tonk” for the first time and for more experienced players to challenge their family and friends to a trugo shoot-out. The club will be running teaching sessions and games on the day as well as a barbecue. Entry is free. For more information: footscraytrugo@gmail.com Victorian Trugo Association president Paul Thomas (left) with Footscray Trugo Club members Michele Mercier, Jon Ellis and Stuart Lucca-Pope ahead of the club’s open day on 30 August. (Damjan Janevski) 570601_01

Traffic mall call By Cade Lucas Footscray MP Katie Hall has floated the idea of reopening the Nicholson Street Mall to traffic in an effort to revitalise the area and improve public safety. Following a spate of violent incidents in the mall last week, including the Maribyrnong mayor and chief executive being threatened with a knife, Ms Hall has written to council asking it to investigate the possible reintroduction of traffic. The section of Nicholson Street between Paisley and Barkly streets has been closed to vehicles since the creation of the

mall, the fi rst of its type in the country, in 1971. In the letter, Ms Hall said the mall was created for the retail environment of the early 1970’s, which the development of shopping centres like Highpoint and the more recent move to online shopping, had made obsolete. “Nicholson Street Mall is not generating the level of activity, visitation and business investment needed to support a thriving central Footscray,” Ms Hall said, adding that despite the best efforts of traders, council, the state government and police, the problem of violent and anti-social behaviour in the mall remained.

“I believe it’s time to consider a different approach,” she said in asking council to investigate if reopening the mall, along with the northern end of Albert Street, between Paisley and Barkly streets, would improve the area. In response, Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said the reintroduction of traffic to Nicholson Street was one of a number of options being assessed as part of the Footscray Structure Plan project currently underway, “Once the feasibility of the various options has been assessed, council will undertake community engagement before considering the fi ndings and determining

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a preferred approach,“ Cr Semra said. However, one of Cr Semra’s predecessor’s as mayor, Fred Maddern, slammed the idea of reopening the mall to traffic. “It would be a retrograde step,“ Mr Maddern, who was Footscray mayor when the mall was created, said. “It’s conceding defeat.” While acknowledging that the Footscray CBD was in a “terrible state,” Mr Maddern said council should consider moving into the mall itself. “If they take over a shop in the mall to provide council services, it would provide a greater visible safety presence,” he said.

NEWS

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More west homes needed By By Sebastian Conidi Melbourne’s west is facing a homelessness crisis that has outpaced the traditional service system, according to the region’s peak advocacy body. Analysis commissioned by LeadWest reveals 15,025 people sought homelessness assistance in Melbourne’s west in 2024-25. The region has a homelessness rate that is 50 per cent higher than the national average, the data showed. LeadWest has attributed growing pressures to rapid population growth, low levels of social housing and worsening housing affordability which they say is driving increasing demand for homelessness

support. Additionally, high living costs and mortgage – among the highest in Melbourne’s west – are placing further pressure on households and raising concerns about future increases in homelessness. LeadWest said the data highlighted the challenges of the housing crisis with homelessness rising as housing supply struggles to keep pace with population growth. LeadWest is calling for state government support for communities and councils in Melbourne’s west through: ■ Increased investment in public and community housing appropriate to local needs; ■ Funding assertive outreach services across all municipalities in Melbourne’s west;

■ Supporting integrated local service coordination across housing, health, mental health, alcohol and other drug, and family violence systems; and ■ Investing in improved local homelessness data to better understand need, inform planning and support evidence-based responses. “Melbourne’s west is now recording the highest demand for homelessness services in Australia. That should be a wake-up call for governments at every level,” LeadWest chair, Cr Susan Yengi said. “Melbourne’s west needs targeted investment to ensure people have access to safe, secure and affordable housing close to jobs, services and community. “By increasing investment in social and

supported housing, funding local outreach and coordination, and supporting placebased responses, governments can make a real difference for people experiencing homelessness while relieving pressure on communities and services.” The state government said it was committed to supporting those sleeping rough. “We’re investing more than $79 million in Brimbank-Melton and broader western suburbs of Melbourne this year, including new assertive outreach workers to help rough sleepers get support and find housing,” a government spokesperson said. “Every year we support more than 100,000 Victorians at risk of homelessness - because we know how important a safe, secure home is for people.”

Call for increased violence services

Yarraville Glory FC secretary Con Giatas with founding member Achilles Tsaousidis ahead of the club’s 60th anniversary at McIvor Reserve on 22 August. (Damjan Janevski) 569558_02

Glory to celebrate 60th anniversary Yarraville Glory will celebrate its 60th anniversary on 22 August with a legends game at McIvor Reserve. Club secretary Con Giatas said dozens of past players had been invited back to the club to participate in the game and mark the milestone. “Some we haven’t seen for 10 years, 20 years, 30 years,” Mr Giatis said. “There will also be a birthday cake with a photo of all past past presidents and VIPs cutting the cake and we’ll have a one minute silence for all previous participants who’ve passed away.”

Founded by Greek migrants in 1966, Yarraville Glory has been a fixture of the inner west community and Victoria soccer ever since. Mr Giatas said some of those who helped established the club six decades ago will be in attendance. “There’s a few who are still around. They were in their 20s then and now they’re in their 80s,” he said of the club’s founders. While retaining its Hellenic roots, Mr Giatas described today’s Glory as a “multicultural club but with Greek

roots”. That diversity is reflected in participation numbers approaching 500, though unfortunately such strength hasn’t translated onto the pitch during Glory’s diamond jubilee year. “Our senior team is gonna get relegated this year so that’s not going with the script, but what can you do. That’s football.” Mr Giatas said. The celebrations take place place from noon-4pm and are open to the public. Details: info@yarravillegloryfc. com.au

Footscray electronic music festival funded by state government Footscray electronic music festival The DOT has been awarded a share of the more than $640,000 worth of grants distributed in the latest round of the state government’s Live Music Festivals Fund. The Maddern Square festival recently joined events such as Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Abbotsford’s LuliePalooza, and Mt Martha’s First Peoples’ music festival: Our Survival Day in receiving grants from the fund which is aimed at supporting jobs for artists and crew while also making live music accessible to people of all backgrounds.

“Festivals are so important to Victoria’s music ecosystem,” Music Victoria chief executive Fiona Duncan said in announcing the recipients of the latest funding round. “They create opportunities for artists and music professionals, bring communities together through shared live music experiences, and play an important role in the cultural and economic life of towns and cities across the state. “This investment will help festivals continue to sustain, support local talent, and give audiences across Victoria the chance

2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

to experience so much great live music.” Having previously been held indoors, The DOT was held outdoors for the first time earlier this year when the likes of Delta Heavy, DJ Hype, Emily Makis, and Simula performed in Maddern Square on 3 January. The funding grant is expected to help an even bigger, but potentially very different festival return to Maddern Square in January 2027, with the date and line-up to be announced in the coming months. For the full list of recipients or more information, visit: creative.vic.gov.au

The Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (WestCASA) is demanding state election candidates across Melbourne’s west commit to addressing the lack of sexual assault and family violence services in the region. A not-for-profit sexual assault counselling service operating across the western suburbs, WestCASA claims victim-survivors in the area face significant barriers to accessing support, including long waitlists, workforce shortages, limited culturally safe services and significant gaps in early intervention, prevention and community education. According to the organisation, more than 35,000 people in Melbourne’s west are expected to be impacted by sexual violence in 2026–27 alone. Yet while demand is rising rapidly, WestCASA claims service capacity in the west remains constrained, leading to what it calls an “increasingly dangerous mismatch.” Along with calling on candidates for November’s state election to make the issue a priority, WestCASA chief executive Annette Vickery said the current government didn’t need to wait until after polling day. “The Victorian Government has an opportunity to make a meaningful investment now, before unmet need becomes greater, waiting lists become longer and the human and social costs of inaction become even harder to reverse,” Ms Vickery said. “Melbourne’s west cannot continue to grow without the services and infrastructure needed to keep its communities safe.” WestCASA is warning that the consequences of not acting are significant, arguing that victim-survivors who can’t access support can experience negative impacts across their health, relationships, families, education and employment. In particular, WestCASA is demanding extra funding for itself, claiming it is the smallest sexual assault service in the fastest growing region in Victoria. “We acknowledge and genuinely appreciate the investment and support provided by government to date. But current investment does not reflect the size of the population we serve, the scale of violence experienced in our communities, or the rapidly growing demand for specialist support,” the statement said. “This is about more than funding one organisation. “It is about whether people living in Melbourne’s west have an equitable right to safety, support, justice and recovery.”

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WE DESERVE BETTER

Frontline support for west Protective Services Officers (PSOs) will soon begin patrolling local shopping strips and the state government’s Community Connectors Program will be expanded to Sunshine and St Albans stations, the state government has announced. The government said it would recruit an additional 150 PSOs and change regulations to enable them to patrol shopping strips. It will also establish a $10 million Local Community Safety Infrastructure Fund for councils to purchase practical upgrades such as CCTV and improved lighting, and it will allocate $7 million to expand targeted harm reduction responses in communities that need it most. The government said this would provide high-visibility services to Maribyrnong and Brimbank. The announcements follow the death of Sunshine trader Van Viet Truong who was assaulted outside his store on 1 August.

There was an outpouring of grief among the Sunshine community in the days that followed, with locals taking to the street on 9 August to protest escalating youth crime and demand legal reform. The mayors of the five western suburbs councils – Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham – also took a stand on 3 August, calling for more police on the beat in the west. In announcing the new PSOs and regulation changes, Premier Ben Carroll said people will see more police where they are needed. Victoria Police said the additional PSOs will support the existing presence on the public transport network, as well as assisting in hospital guard and crime scene duties to help free up police. “The additional PSOs will play a crucial role in ensuring our community is safe and feels safe,” Chief Commissioner Mike Bush

said. “This approach not only helps us detect crime but stop it happening in the first place.” Brimbank council welcomed the announcements and thanked the government for listening to the community’s safety concerns.“Getting more PSOs on the streets to improve safety on suburban shopping strips is a step in the right direction. We look forward to working with police and the government to ensure these new PSOs have an ongoing presence in Sunshine and across Brimbank,” mayor Virginia Tachos said.“The expansion of the proven Community Connectors program into Sunshine will make a real difference. This program will deliver critical frontline outreach to respond to anti-social behaviour and link vulnerable people with the help they need.“Making grants available to councils across the west for safety improvements to our public spac-

es will improve amenity, community confidence and make people feel safer.” Cr Tachos said mayors from across Melbourne’s west met with police to discuss crime concerns. Council said it was also making adjustments to Hampshire Road, Sunshine, to improve community safety. “Council has also listened carefully to the trader and community concerns about changes needed to improve safety on Hampshire Road. In response, we have removed furniture that had become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour,” Cr Tachos said. “This is just one of the practical steps council is taking to improve safety and restore our community’s confidence in the Sunshine CBD. “I want to assure our community that council will continue to work to make our streets safer because we all deserve to feel safe where we live and work.”

Early intervention is ‘crucial’ In the wake of the death of trader Van Viet Truong following an assault in Sunshine, Sebastian Conidi spoke to the Les Twentyman Foundation to investigate what is driving youth crime and what can be done to prevent it. Early intervention services are crucial to tackling youth crime according to Les Twentyman Foundation chief executive Paul Burke. The foundation was started by legendary youth worker Les Twentyman and has been working with at-risk youths for more than 30 years. Its work focuses on keeping children and young people engaged with their education, families and connected to the community, building hope and ensuring they do not end up homeless, living on the streets or engaged with the youth justice system. “As a society we have under-invested in early intervention services when it comes to young people. That plays a big part,” Mr Burke said. “Evidence shows that when you have high quality intervention services, you don’t have young people making such bad decisions.“ The foundation provides programs such as School Outreach Support Services working to re-engage young people who have have or are in danger of disengaging from education, family and the broader community. “We’re able to work with the young person. We’re able to work with their family, their parents, their guardians, their siblings, their friends,” Mr Burke said. The foundation also runs the state government-funded program, Youth Support Service, which provides case management for young people aged when they enter the justice system. “Eighty per cent of the young people we support through that program do not re-engage with the justice system.” Mr Burke said law enforcement was important for perception and making the public feel safe. However, he argued that early intervention “is the key”. “The Productivity Commission said in Victoria it costs the taxpayer $2.6 million a year to lock someone up. For

Carlos Vieira inspects the damage to his Maidstone martial arts gym. (Supplied)

Carlos mounts a comeback

Social workers are a core part of early intervention services. (Supplied)

$2.6 million I can get social workers to work with hundreds of young people,” he said. “They are one of the keys to

reducing youth crime, to making our community feel safer and to making people feel safer.”

As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) black belt and reigning world masters champion, Carlos Vieira, has plenty of experience getting up after being knocked down. But recovering from the blow he received early on the morning of 6 August is proving especially tough for 48-year-old Brazilian-born martial artist. Vieira received a phone call on 13 August at 3am informing him that his martial arts gym in Maidstone had been destroyed by fire. Vieira and wife Michelle were just weeks away from celebrating the 10th anniversary of their business CIA Paulista, a martial arts gym specialising in BJJ and judo, when they learnt it had been gutted by a fire, which police believe was deliberately lit. Emergency services arrived at the business park on Hampstead Road at about 12.30am to find the three-storey building CIA Paulista shared with another tenant, engulfed in flames. It took firefighters more than an hour to control the blaze which police believe was the result of a targeted arson attack on the neighbouring business above. Cruelly, it was Vieira’s business below which bore the brunt, with the ground floor gym completely gutted. But being collateral damage hasn’t just cost Vieira his business. It’s also wiped out any trace of his 30 year BJJ career. “I had over 150 medals hanging on the walls,” he said. With 200 children and 180 adults on the books, Vieira is hoping to restart in a temporary venue soon . “As a fighter, I’m not gonna let this put me down. I’m gonna get back on my feet as soon as possible.” To donate: https://gofund. me/5e837328S

Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3

NEWS

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Airport looks to the future Melbourne Airport has unveiled a 20-year vision for Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway, with plans to enable better connections to Australia, the world and nearby neighbourhoods. The draft master plan 2027 outlines how Melbourne Airport will expand to accommodate increases in passenger numbers It puts forth upgrades to the domestic terminals and safeguarding infrastructure with a promise to strengthen links to the airport. The draft plan also formalises the Eastern

Extension Project, a 345-metre extension of the east-west runway, to account for shortening at its western end required for construction of Melbourne Airport’s third runway. The airport’s third runway project previously sparked community concerns over how increased air traffic would negatively affect resident’s health. In July, Brimbank council secured legally binding measures with Melbourne Airport reporting they had reached a legal agreement to “work together to deliver initiatives that support community

wellbeing and deliver tangible benefits to the local community.” Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said the draft plan would help ensure the airport has the infrastructure it needs to serve Melbourne’s growing population over the coming decades. “We need to plan ahead to ensure we have the airfield, terminal and ground transport infrastructure in place to adequately service the growing number of travellers, exporters and importers who are using Melbourne Airport,” she said. “As we continue to work with the state

and federal governments to deliver their airport rail connection to Sunshine, we also need to plan for better local bus services to our surrounding communities.“ Locals can have their say on the plan until 4 November. Details: www. melbourneairport.com.au Melbourne Airport has also introduced a Noise Sharing Plan for the third runway as required by the government with public consultations open until October. Th is can be viewed at https://www. melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au/ noise-sharing-plan

Call for snapshots of Seddon

Complete your Census now. It‘s not too late.

Inner-west photographers are being encouraged to get snapping with the Snapshots of Seddon competition underway for another year. Run by the Seddon Village Traders Association (SVTA), the photography competition features five categories: Kids 13 and Under; Youth 13-20; Open; People’s Choice and Old and New - Recording Seddon’s History. Entries for each category are open until 6 September, and SVTA president Chris Gooden said judges were looking for images that were “iconically Seddon”. And what’s that exactly? “It’s whatever people think is iconically Seddon,” Mr Gooden said, adding that organisers kept the defi nition as broad as possible in order to attract as many entrants as possible, whether they be seasoned photographers or just people who take pics on their phones. “It’s a way to get people out and about and to stop and appreciate the streetscape and appreciate some of the unique vistas in Seddon,” he said. Winners for all categories will receive Seddon Village gift cards worth $50, except for the people’s choice winner who will score a voucher worth $100. From mid-September until the end of October, all entries for the People’s Choice category will be printed out and displayed in shopfronts around Seddon, and people will be able to vote for their favourite at select locations that are still to be confi rmed. The winners of all categories will be announced in November. Details: https://www. seddon-village.com.au/snapshots

Census night was Tuesday 11 August. It’s compulsory for each household to complete the Census to help plan for Australia’s future. For help, visit census.abs.gov.au or call 1800 181 227.

Seddon Village Traders Association president Chris Gooden is encouraging locals to enter the Snapshots of Seddon photography competition. (Damjan Janevski) 570693_01

Every answer matters. Authorised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra 12870548-MS34-26

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BOOK WEEK

Book characters come alive Schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and libraries across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs are celebrating Children’s Book Week. The annual week, which this year runs from 22-28 August, celebrates children’s literature. The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘symphony of stories’. Star Weekly asked librarians to share their favourite children’s books.

Romsey Library acting manager Rae Good.

Lalor Library branch manager Alan Sewell dressed as Willy Wonka for Book Week. (Damjan Janevski) 571192_02

Lalor Library branch manager Alan Sewell’s favourite children’s book is James and Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. “James and the Giant Peach is my favourite children’s book because it is full of adventure and ridiculous imagination. I love how James goes on an amazing journey with the giant peach and meets lots of weird and wonderful characters along the way. I also enjoy how James becomes braver and more confident

Melton Librarian Camie Wu. (Damjan Janevski) 571635_03

throughout the story, which is a great theme for young people. Roald Dahl’s books explore resilience, friendship and being true to yourself. Dressing up as Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is so much fun! He is an unapologetically quirky and creative character and is immediately recognisable to young and old alike. He embodies the importance of imagination and the magic of stories.”

Melton Library literacy and learning facilitator Camie Wu’s favourite children’s book is Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae. “It is about Gerald the giraffe who longs to go to the Jungle Dance, but his skinny legs and crooked knees make it hard for him to move smoothly. It is great to see Gerald fi nally fi nd the courage to be himself and to dance his own way to the music he loves. I love the encouraging and uplifting messages of this picture book. It teaches young children ‘just be yourself’, ‘embrace your differences’, and ‘treasure your unique value’. Anyone can succeed if they fi nd their own rhythm and a method that works for them.”

Romsey Library acting manager Rae Good’s favourite children’s book is The House That Walked Away by Simon Howe. “Th is is from a local author and illustrator in the Macedon Ranges, and he did the pictures and the story of this book. It’s just a beautiful story about belonging and fi nding your place in the world, and that could be wherever you land, as long as you land there with the right people and family. It’s written from the point of view of a house that is lonely and goes searching to fi nally fi nd a family to live in it.”

Lerderderg librarian Sam Hartwig.

(Damjan Janevski) 570968_06

(Damjan Janevski) 570968_05

Lerderderg librarian Stevie Fisher’s favourite children’s book is Pages & Co by Anna James. “Pages & Co by Anna James is my favourite children’s book/series because it captures the magic of reading, being able to step inside the stories you love and meet characters who feel like old friends. It’s a beautiful celebration of books, imagination and everything that makes being a reader so special.”

Lerderderg librarian Sam Hartwig’s favourite children’s book is The Wrong Book by Nick Bland. “Th is is one of the fi rst books I read to children at story time that ‘breaks the fourth wall’. It quickly became an instant favourite. The illustrations bring the book to life, and it’s such a fun story that children of all ages will love. Also, a simple book week costume idea to dress up as Nicholas Ickle!”

Hobsons Bay Libraries family engagement and learning librarian Tace Kelly with some of her favourite children’s books. (Supplied)

St Albans librarian Sarah Gardiner. (Damjan Janevski) 571438_02

Lerderderg Librarian Sophie Kuyper’s favourite children’s book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss. “My favourite book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss, it brings back my memories of reading it to my dad all by myself in our garden.”

Lerderderg librarian Stevie Fisher.

Hobsons Bay Libraries family engagement and learning librarian Tace Kelly’s favourite children’s book is Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love. “I absolutely love the illustrations. They’re painted on brown paper, which is pretty unusual for a picture book, and they’re so gorgeous that I even have a print from the book hanging at home! I love the message about being yourself, celebrating creativity and self-expression, and having the confidence to embrace who you are. And the relationship between Julian and his Nan gets me every time. It reminds me so much of my own nanny, who was always so imaginative, playful, loving and supportive. It’s such a beautiful, joyful story about love, acceptance and letting people shine exactly as they are. It also makes for great inspiration for a Book Week costume!”

Lerderderg Librarian Sophie Kuypers. (Damjan Janevski) 570968_08

St Alban’s children librarian Sarah Gardiner’s favourite children’s book is Neville’s Great Escape by Sean E. Avery “My number one pick right now is Neville’s Great Escape. It is a brilliantly silly picture book by Australian author and illustrator Sean E. Avery, and my current favourite since I had the pleasure of discovering it last year. Neville is a bold, brave risk taker of a penguin who never gives up. One day a killer whale leaps up from the icy ocean depths and eats him in one big bite! But don’t worry, this is not the end of Neville’s story. “His increasingly ridiculous attempts to escape from the whale are packed with visual gags and deadpan humour. I also love Avery’s use of interesting and unexpected vocabulary. He doesn’t underestimate young readers or shy away from giving them wonderfully expressive words to play with. I love Sean’s playful storytelling, expressive illustrations and celebration of determination and creative problem-solving. We could all be a little more like Neville! It was also named a 2026 CBCA Notable Picture Book.”

Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 5

BEHIND THE NEWS

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A day with the dead People can be funny about death - it’s uncomfortable, dreary, and solemn, but we must all face it one way or another. For those caring for Maddingley General Cemetery, they face death straight in the eyes every day, but to them, it’s their whole life. Jack O’Shea-Ayres spent a day with those behind the plots, headstones, and ashes, which all make up Maddingley General Cemetery.

Maddingley General Cemetery Trust member Rick Dickson and chairperson Allan Comrie. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 561735_01

T

here’s a strange contradiction happening at Maddingley General Cemetery. It is a place defi ned by death, yet, it is constantly animated by life. Families carry flowers, mourners gather beside graves, children run between generations of headstones, an abundance of different religious and cultural communities gather in the hundreds, and visitors search for the names of ancestors which have survived decades, sometimes centuries. And behind it all are the people who keep the cemetery alive and moving. For more than 160 years, Maddingley General Cemetery has served Bacchus Marsh and surrounding rural communities, with the fi rst recorded burial taking place on 15 October way back in 1857. Today, the cemetery is a sprawling and carefully maintained resting place, but according to chairperson Allan Comrie, much of what visitors see today has been built by generations of volunteers, including Mr Comrie himself. “When I fi rst came here, there was nothing,” Mr Comrie recalled. What began as little more than a piece of land surrounded by rudimentary fencing has since evolved alongside Bacchus Marsh itself. Mr Comrie has spent decades involved with the cemetery, fi rst beginning his term as chairperson back in 1982, helping to construct roads, install fencing, establish water infrastructure, and develop the grounds where the dead are laid to rest. The physical transformation mirrors the transformation the community has taken beyond the cemetery gates, however the work has never really stopped, and neither has the steady stream of people walking through its gates. For Mr Comrie, that is one of the most striking things about it – it’s not a silent place in the traditional sense by a long hot. It is busy – in fact, it’s one of the busiest places in Bacchus Marsh, according to trust member Rick Dickson, Mr Comrie’s main partner in crime at the cemetery. “I still say that this is the best tourist attraction in Bacchus Marsh,” Mr Dickson said. “How else do you get 1400 people here over two days in the one spot?” There can be multiple funerals in a day, while people arrive separately to tend graves, search for relatives, or simply spend time with those they have lost. “See that?” Mr Comrie points to a thick folder containing this year’s burials, sitting as a tangible reminder of the cemetery’s growing workload. “That’s burials this year. Each one is an interment.”

Headstones are scattered among the trees, where history surrounds both the man-made and natural structures behind the cemetery gates.

You’ve got to sit there and listen. You’ve got to feel their sorrow. That’s the only way you can deal with it - Allan Comrie Yet the demands of the job extend well beyond maintaining lawns and digging graves. Some people who walk into the cemetery office are often confronting death for the fi rst time. “They’re in an emotional state to begin with,” Mr Comrie said. “Most of them have never had to face a burial.” That means the people behind the cemetery need to understand more than just regulations, plots, and paperwork – they’re required to understand grief. “When they come in, they’ve got no idea what they want,” Mr Comrie explained. “You’ve got to sit there and listen.” For Mr Comrie, empathy is not an optional part of the job.

6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

“You’ve got to feel their sorrow,” he said. “That’s the only way you can deal with it.” It’s an observation which reveals something about the morality of cemetery work –the people responsible for administering a burial ground are dealing with people at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. An abrupt response, an inflexible interpretation of a rule, or an unwillingness to listen can easily become part of someone’s memory of losing a loved one. Mr Comrie believes the people who work at Maddingley have to meet mourners where they are – and in some funny way, Mr Comrie was born for it. “I like talking to people, dealing with people…I always have,” he said. His philosophy surrounding care not only for the grounds but for the people who walk them, as well as those buried beneath them, becomes especially important as the cemetery increasingly serves communities from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Mr Comrie describes seeing Muslim and other migrant communities practicing burial rituals that differ massively from other traditional Australian funerals which many of us may be more used to. Some communities stay for hours after a burial, gathering around the grave rather than leaving immediately after the service. On one occasion, Mr Comrie recalls, 1400 people attending two funerals across two days. For the trust, the numbers demonstrate not only how much the cemetery has grown, but how deeply it has become woven into the region’s changing social fabric. “All walks of life now come through those gates,” Mr Comrie said. It’s also become quite the repository of stories. Some are carefully recorded in registers, while others are etched in stone. Mr Comrie tells stories of headstones whose inscriptions have been rediscovered after decades of neglect, revealing connections between families that even the people tending the cemetery didn’t know existed. “There’s stories all through the place,” he said. That is perhaps the cemetery’s most enduring and endearing role. Both Mr Comrie and Mr Dickson explained the grave is more than a marker for someone who has died, but more so evidence for someone who has lived. A name, a date, a photograph, or a weathered inscription can become a bridge between generations. For the people working at Maddingley, preserving those markers is about more than appearance. When plaques were stolen from the

cemetery, Mr Dickson recalled the shock of discovering empty spaces where memorials had stood, with nothing but the ashes left behind. “They left the ashes alone, thank goodness,” he said. The theft was particularly confronting because the plaques belonged to people who could no longer speak for themselves –whose families had entrusted the cemetery with their memories. Their response was practical but also deeply symbolic: replacing the missing plaques and repairing the damage –it was a simple administrative task approached with care and emotional stewardship that defi ned the volunteers’ relationship with the cemetery. There are oddities, too – Mr Comrie, Mr Dickson, and their fellow volunteers have witnessed strange encounters, unexpected visitors, and the occasional surreal moment that could only happen behind the gates of a cemetery. There are funeral traditions that vary wildly between cultures, people who arrive looking for graves decades after a relative’s death, flowers stolen from one grave and placed on another. And then there are the moments of genuine tenderness. For the volunteers, every visitor arrives with a story, whether they share it or not. It makes the cemetery a place where morality is lived out in small, often invisible acts: listening to a grieving family, maintaining a neglected grave, protecting ashes, preserving a headstone, keeping the grounds immaculate, or simply opening the gates. Mr Comrie’s own connection to the cemetery has lasted for decades. He has watched Bacchus Marsh grow from a much smaller rural community into a rapidly expanding region, while the cemetery has grown alongside it, yet the essential purpose has remained unchanged. People still come to say goodbye, to remember, and to look for those who came before them. For people like Mr Comrie and Mr Dickson, that history creates an obligation to keep the cemetery standing. “People don’t understand what this place is,” Mr Comrie said. But walk through Maddingley General Cemetery slowly enough and the scale of its story becomes apparent. More than 160 years of names, families, grief, celebration, remembrance, and ritual exist within the cemetery gates, and behind the manicured grounds are people like Comrie and Dickson, who have spent decades making sure the stories of the dead are not forgotten. While the cemetery is where people are laid to rest, it is also where their lives continue to speak.

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NEWS

Cassandra Connolly with her bulldog Frank who she got last year though Mini’s Bulldog Rescue Club. Ms Connelly is organising a fundraising quiz night for Mini’s in Footscray on 29 August. (Damjan Janevsk:

Pier Street in Altona will be closed to traffic from the end of this month while works are done between Blyth and Railway streets. Starting on 31 August and running for about 12 weeks, the works will involve upgrades to pedestrian crossings, drainage, lighting and signage. But while Pier Street will be closed to traffic during this time, local shoppers are reminded that businesses along the street will remain open and that there will still be pedestrian access. Traffic detours will also be put in place, but buses and delivery vehicles will still have access.

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Quiz night in Bulldog country When asked why she decided to hold the Mini’s Bulldog Rescue Club’s fundraising quiz night in Footscray, event organiser Cassandra Connelly had a pretty convincing answer. “It’s bulldog country.” That it is, and given the demand for tickets to the fundraiser on Saturday 29 August, bulldog country clearly means more than just supporting sporting teams with that moniker, but actually caring about the welfare of the animals themselves. “The original tickets were booked, but we have managed to get four more tables in,” Ms Connelly said of the quiz night to be held at the Footscray Park Bowls Club, whose nickname is, of course, the bulldogs. But it’s not club mascots, but real-life bulldogs that stand to benefit from the fundraiser, with all proceeds going towards Mini’s – an organisation that cares for, rehabilitates, and rehomes them

with foster families. Among those rehomed bulldogs is Frank, the rescue dog Ms Connelly and her husband Fred got through Mini’s a year ago and which inspired her to do something to help the organisation in return. “I just saw how much work they (Mini’s) do in rehabilitating and rehoming the dogs and I thought I could organise a fundraising event to support their work,” Ms Connelly said of where the idea for the quiz night came from. She’s hoping the event will raise between $5000 and $10,000 to help fund foster homes for other bulldogs like Frank. To book quiz night tickets, go to: https:// events.humanitix.com/mbrc-quiz-nightfundraiser For more information about Mini’s Bulldog Rescue Club: https://www. minisbulldogrescue.com/

Art finalists The finalists of the Woods Street Youth Art Prize 2026 have been announced. More than 50 young artists from across Melbourne’s west have been shortlisted for the prize and will have their works displayed in a two week exhibition at the Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton next month. The winners of this prize will be announced on the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 4 September, while the winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced on the closing day, Saturday 19 September. For a list of finalists and and more information about the prize, visit: https://www. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Home

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Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 7

NEWS

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Hall defends data centre vote By Cade Lucas Footscray MP Katie Hall has defended voting against a moratorium on new data centres despite publicly supporting the idea. On Tuesday 11 August, Ms Hall joined her government colleagues in voting down a private members bill from Greens leader Ellen Sandell to place a moratorium on data centre approvals in Victoria by amending the state’s Planning and Environment Act. Despite receiving support from her fellow Greens MPs and members of the Opposition, Ms Sandell’s bill was defeated 50-31,

with all members of the government voting against. Ms Hall’s vote against the moratorium came just two days after she spoke in support of the idea at an anti-data center rally in West Footscray on Sunday 9 August. In correspondence with Star Weekly, Ms Hall justified her vote, saying it wasn’t against the idea of a moratorium, but the private members bill of which it was a part. “It’s a standing government rule that we don’t allow the introduction of non-government bills into the lower house because it stalls the government’s legislative agenda,”

she said. “The minor parties know this and don’t agree with it so sometimes these bills are introduced knowing that ultimately they will fall over procedurally and are used for social media or campaign purposes.” However, this justification was dismissed by one of the other speakers at the anti-data centre rally, Peter Gartside. “That’s not gonna fly with the community,” Mr Gartside, one of the organisers of the rally and a member of Footscray activist group Borderlands Collective, said. “What the community has seen is some-

one who said she’s against something and then didn’t take the opportunity to vote that way. She spoke on the Sunday and on the Tuesday voted the other way. “It’s not a good look and no one understands the private members’ bills stuff. “I think it’ll come back to bite her.” Ms Hall said she still supported a moratorium on new data centres so regulatory guardrails could be put in place and that she’d recently met with new AI Minister Anthony Carbines to advocate for one. “We need an AI policy that puts workers and communities first,” she said.

Pride summit

Maribyrnong local Simon Banks is swimming in some of Australia’s coldest waterways to help children living in poverty. (Damjan Janevski) 571440_05

Freezing for funds to give kids a chance Few people will be looking forward to the end of winter quite like Simon Banks. Every Sunday since the beginning of July, the Maribyrnong local has been taking the plunge into some of Australia’s coldest waterways, including Williamstown Breach and the Bright and Warburton rivers. On Sunday 30 August, his two month challenge will end with a dip in Port Philip Bay at St Kilda Beach. Fortunately, these freezing cold-water swims have been in aid of a very worthy cause: helping children living in poverty

gain an education. A longtime volunteer with the Australian charity I am Someone, Mr Banks has been doing the Sunday swims as part of their annual Freeze for a Future campaign, and is aiming to raise $15,000 to provide education for 15 children in Uganda, Sierra Leone and Kenya. “Education changes everything,” he said of the motivation behind the campaign. “Every child deserves the chance to go to school, to dream about their future and to reach their potential. If enduring a few icy swims can help make that happen,

then it’s a challenge worth taking.” Mr Banks first became involved with I am Someone as a volunteer at the charity’s Rose Street Artists’ Market stall in Melbourne. After seeing the impact the charity has had on the lives of children, he wanted to do more. “I’ve seen first-hand how much can be achieved by a small charity with passionate supporters. This challenge is my way of giving children opportunities they otherwise may never have,” Mr Banks said. Donate at: https://iamsomeone.org.au/ current-campaigns/freeze-for-a-future/

Employers, community leaders, allies and LGBTQ+ people are invited to a day of connection, storytelling and shared learning at the Maribyrnong civic and community centre on 24 August. Jointly hosted by Maribyrnong council and Pride In Diversity, Belonging at the Intersections is a free summit to be held as part of Wear it Purple Week. Informed by the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) people, the daylong summit will explore barriers to inclusion, the importance of belonging, and opportunities to create culturally safe, welcoming and empowering spaces. The summit’s morning session from 9am-noon will feature a discussion on understanding LGBTQ+ CARM experiences, followed by LGBTQ+ awareness through a CARM lens. This will be followed by a lunch and roundtable networking event from noon -2pm where the topic will be building belonging. To close out the summit, the afternoon session from 2pm-5pm will include workshops on empowering allies and creating visible signs of inclusion, before finishing with a LGBTQ+ CARM community voices panel. The summit is designed to provide for practical learning and meaningful discussion on how workplaces and communities can better support LGBTQ+ culturally and racially marginalised people. Attendance is free; however, registrations are essential. Details: https://events.humanitix. com/pride-in-diversity-lgbtq-culturally-and-racially-marginalised-summit

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NEWS

MY PLACE Since recently moving to Sunbury, Margaret Leary and her husband have very quickly settled into the community. Georgia Tacey caught up with her to hear more about why she loves living in Sunbury. What is your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? My connection to Melbourne’s northwest is familial; my family home was in Strathmore and my siblings and I went to school in Essendon. Later, I taught at Oak Park High. My husband, Mike, and I are very close to my brother, sister-in-law, and a niece who have lived in Sunbury for many years. What do you like about where you live? Mike and I love living in Sunbury with its friendliness, accessibility, and well-maintained public spaces. An outstanding public library is a font not just of knowledge and entertainment from books, but also a space to enjoy puzzles, newspapers, and friendship, all while drinking free coffee! Sunbury Square is a great place for mingling, drinking coffee, eating and shopping, and multiple other cafes and restaurants help make “downtown” Sunbury vibrant and attractive. The presence of medical clinics, imaging and laboratory outlets, and chemist shops is very helpful. Local amenities include a swimming pool, gyms, tennis and pickleball, and a skate and BMX park. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? The only thing we’d change is to lower the cost of housing, a problem for many

Margaret Leary. (Damjan Janevski) 569566_06

people, and quite a shock after living and owning property in Texas. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? My husband has mobility issues, but I like to walk, visit the Nook, a beautiful park off Macedon Street with Jacksons Creek running through it, and enjoy the fountain on Stawell Street and the gardens behind it. We both enjoy meeting people for coffee at

FEATURING ... MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Sunbury Square, visiting thrift stores, and reading newspapers, selecting books, and doing puzzles at the library. Why did you decide to join the Sunbury Combined Probus Club? When we came to Sunbury, I had not lived in Australia for many years, and my husband, a Texan, had never lived here, so we set out to become involved in community activities. We joined a church

then the Sunbury Combined Probus Club, and I signed up for three classes at U3A, which I’ve enjoyed immensely. Joining the Sunbury Combined Probus Club seemed a natural step as my brother and sister-inlaw have been involved with the group for many years. The club’s commitment to fun, friendship, and fellowship for retired and semi-retired people ... seemed a good way to start integrating ourselves into the social fabric of Sunbury.

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How to alleviate winter foot and leg pain The cold weather can affect our bodies in various ways, particularly impacting our feet and legs, which are crucial for much of our daily activity. But why is this the case? One of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists, Dr Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, gives insights into how cold weather affects pain and injuries and what you can do to help. “Winter doesn’t have to be synonymous with increased foot and leg pain; however, cold temperatures can impact pain and injuries, particularly in weight-bearing structures such as the feet, ankles, and knees. Cold weather can constrict blood vessels, reduce blood flow and circulation, and because we are often less active during the colder months, we may experience increased joint and tissue stiffness, as well as aggravated injuries and arthritic conditions. Wet and icy conditions also heighten the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, if joints and tissues aren’t warmed up properly before exercise, there is an increased risk of injury,“ says Dr Dowie. To combat these issues, Dr Dowie recommends the following: ■ Stay active: Rug up and get out walking, go to the gym or indoor heated pool, or use a home exercise bike. Exercise improves blood flow and circulation, which helps alleviate aches, pains, and stiffness. ■ Stretching or Yoga: These activities can assist flexibility and mobility of joints and tissues. ■ Use Support Products: For existing injuries, consider using knee & ankle braces or strapping. ■ Caution Outdoors: When conditions are wet or icy, wear shoes with good traction and support. ■ Wear Proper Footwear Indoors: If you’re spending more time at home, wear com-

fortable, supportive shoes. Avoid socks and slippers that may contribute to poor foot posture or increased risk of slips and falls. ■ Dress Appropriately: Wear warm, layered clothing, thermal socks, hats, and waterproof footwear to maintain body heat. ■ Seek Professional Advice: If you experience persistent or recurring foot or leg pain, consult a lower limb musculoskeletal expert. If you need assistance with foot and leg pain, injuries or arthritis, you can see Dr Dowie at his Williamstown clinic or other locations across Melbourne. Call 1300 328 300

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NEWS

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

20 August, 1986

21 August, 1996

16 August, 2006

17 August, 2016

Housing Minister Frank Wilkes will visit Williamstown council for next week’s council meeting.

The forced closure of the beleaguered Altona District Hospital could see the building turned into a large medical clinic or surgery.

Organisations at the Point Cook RAAF base found out last week they face eviction.

Hobsons Bay councillors have been spared the sack despite the Local Government Inspectorate indicating they were due to be disqualified within a fortnight.

Victorian Trugo Association president Paul Thomas and Footscray Trugo Club member members Michele Mercier, Jon Ellis and Stuart Lucca-Pope. (Damjan Janevski) 570601_01

Salesian College students Xavier (front), Archie and Sierra with teacher Kate McIntosh. (Damjan Janevski) 568919_06

Faces of the west Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s north-west.

The Melton Men’s Group members Les Chitts and Trevor A. Boyd-King. (Damjan Janevski) 570003_03

Werribee River Association and Victoria University have launched the second phase of Platypus Watch. (Damjan Janevski) 568749_03

Anna Le Masurier and Judith Atkinson at Concern Australia (Damjan Janevski) 569846_02

10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

Sunbury Superoos Basketball Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Pictured are Billy, 8, mum Ashlee Ross and life members Mick Betson, Bert Bekker and Gary Thomas. (Damjan Janevski) 568571_01

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NEWS

Fundraiser for Colombia For the second time in less than two months, Footscray will host a fundraising event for victims of a South American earthquake. Following the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake which struck western Colombia on Monday 10 August, killing almost 300 people, a fundraiser will be held at Footscray’s Latin American food park, La Esquina, on Saturday 22 August. Held at the food park on the corner of Gordon Street and Ballarat Road from noon-9pm, the celebration of Colombian food and culture will kick-off a broader campaign that is aiming to raise $50,000 for earthquake victims.

A similar amount was raised in a fundraiser held in Footscray last month for victims of the twin earthquakes that struck neighbouring Venezuela in late June and which have killed more than 6000. That fundraiser on 9 July was hosted by Hopkins Street Venezuelan restaurant Papelon and La Esquina co-owner Johan Ehrhardt said they will also support Saturday’s event as well joining Latin American businesses from across the country in committing to the overall fundraising campaign which has its own GoFundMe page. “We’ve contacted business from all

around Australia and we’re joining forces to make a big fundraiser,” Colombian-born Mr Ehrhardt said. “The businesses involved—we have hairdressers, accountants, and cleaning companies—will be providing money to the GoFundMe.” All funds from the GoFundMe page will go towards assisting earthquake victims and helping with the recovery process. Mr Ehrhardt said he and his fellow organisers, Santiago Alvarez and Eliana Munoz, were liaising with the Colombian Embassy to ensure the donated funds went to where they were needed most.

“We just want to do everything in our power to have an impact and help people.” Colombia’s third-largest city, Cali, has borne the brunt of the earthquake, and while Mr Ehrhardt isn’t from there and doesn’t have family or friends affected, he said it wasn’t hard to find members of Melbourne’s Colombian diaspora who do. “We’ve heard stories from our partners where their families have been affected—not physically, but they’ve lost their homes and businesses,” he said. Donate: https://gofund.me/b3879b663

Ang’s career and prolific output is a collage of inspiration Off-Grid

Arts with Sebastian Conidi In a new monthly series, Star Weekly reporter Sebastian Conidi profiles the many interesting and innovative artists working off-grid in the north-west. Sydenham local Augustine Ang is not deterred by form. A paper collage artist, paper animator, collage workshop facilitator and arts therapist, Ang’s passion for all things visual art is demonstrated through his prolific output. Growing up in Taylors Lakes and Keilor, Ang said he was inspired by his environment. “A lot of my materials come from op shops in Brimbank,” he said. These days Ang says his biggest inspiration is nature. “I get inspiration from visiting natural areas. I love the Organ Pipes (National Park) and the river near Horseshoe Bend.” Since hosting his first exhibition at St Albans, Ang has continued to work extensively across the community. Though Ang shifts across different mediums, his current focus is collage. His artist bio lists his interests as mystery and the absurdity of life and death; dancing with a balance of structured order and fluid play; and importance of movement and body in creative practice. “I found I was able to use it in a way to help me process and understand things about myself,” Ang said. “I began to meet art teachers and therapists and discovered art therapy as a career.” Following that thread, Ang completed a

Augustine Ang. (Damjan Janevski) 571135_03

master of therapeutic arts. He now runs a workshop at Duke Street Community House in Sunshine. “A lot of the work I’ve done is in community houses, neighbourhood houses. It certainly has a big impact on health and wellbeing. Community groups really benefit from the social aspect and the art aspect gives everyone access and space that they might not otherwise have.”

Ang has presented solo exhibitions including ‘Abundant Attention’ which took place at St Albans Community Art Centre in 2021 and ‘Still moving’ staged in Northcote in 2023. He has contributed to exhibitions held in Coburg, Footscray, Fitzroy, Brunswick East, Geelong and St Kilda since 2023. Ang has recently begun running INfuse Lab at St Albans Community centre. It is an

open studio-style session where budding artists can come together to work on projects, socialise with others and embrace creativity in a supportive environment. “People can bring a project they are working on and be in space together. It’s a chance for people to meet fellow artists in the area,” he explained. The session is free to attend every Wednesday from 3.30pm to 6pm.

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Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY

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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. Free lectures The Footscray Mechanics Institute will be running a free lecture on the last Friday of each month until the end of October. The program includes: book launches, discussion of books and authors, and community guest speakers. The lectures will take place at the Footscray Mechanics Institute, 209 Nicholson Street, Footscray. ■ 9687 1935, info@fmi.org.au The IT Club A free, informal weekly drop-in workshop designed to build digital skills. Participants can bring their phone or digital device to learn from each other and work through tech challenges together. Held at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street Williamstown on Mondays, 10-11.30am. No bookings necessary. ■Kaye, 9397 6168 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 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, https://www.l2r.org.au/ dance-programs Discover new skills Join Outlets Newport Community Education Centre for classes in English conversation, computers, devices, sewing, crafts and more at 43 Mason Street, Newport. All welcome. ■9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.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 850 or outlets@outletsco-op.com. au Altona VIEW Club VIEW stands for Voice Interest and Education for Women. Altona VIEW club welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join us on the third Wednesday of each month, at 11.00am, at the Altona RSL. The club is closely affiliated with The Smith Family and sponsors ten children through the Learning for Life program. Great opportunity to make new friends. ■ Julie, 0421 315 846, altonaview@gmail. com

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of the cast of Lalor Secondary College’s The Addams Family. (Damjan Janevski) 570731_01

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, westgatebaptist.org.au/mainlymusic/ Hobsons Bay Altona Garden Club Come along to the garden club and enjoy an afternoon of discussions and talks about gardening. Guest speakers will discuss what is happening in the garden - keeping and looking after bees and the environment. Meetings are held at the Youth Hall on the corner of Civic Parade and Sugar Gum Drive, Altona on the third Monday of the month at 1pm. New members welcome. ■Kay, 0411 793 534 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, aerospeakerstm@ gmail.com Social square dancing Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights

12 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

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, contact@essendonsquares.com Free English conversation classes Those with English as a second language who want to improve their English language skills can practice speaking with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive group sessions held every Monday at 1-3pm. The sessions take place in the meeting room at Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona. ■Jill MacKenzie, 0439 994 705, jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com Chit Chat Tuesdays A ladies chit chat group held from 1.303pm every Tuesday at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona. ■ Dione, 9398 2511, 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 Altona North Combined Probus The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

Footscray CWA Meets on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9pm at Footscray Scout Hall next door to Footscray Police Station, 4a Hyde Street. ■ cwaofvicfootscray@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/ CWAofVicFootscray/ B r ay b r o o k and Ma i d s t o n e Neighbourhood House Playgroup every Monday from 10am-noon, walking group every Wednesday at 9.30am, mosaic and art class every Wednesday at 10am, $4 per-session. All programs run during school terms at the neighbourhood house, 113 Melon Street, Braybrook. ■ 9317 5610, jodie@bmnh.org.au Computer classes Daily computer classes covering scams, MyGov, software, online shopping, banking, email and plenty more besides. Both morning and afternoon classes held in Williamstown and Altona North. ■ Lynne, 9397 6168 Laverton Bowls Club Experience the fun and skill of lawn bowls, a game which is suitable for all ages. Laverton Bowls Club is recruiting new members and offers a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to bowl both socially or at pennant level. Practices are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10am. All welcome at 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows. ■ 0419 536 148, lavertonbowls@gmail. com

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ENTERTAINMENT

What happens when artificial intelligence decides who you are, what you do and even who you should love? That’s the question at the heart of D/ Vision, the latest original production created through Western Edge’s long-running Edge Ensembles program. For almost 30 years, Western Edge has provided young people in the west with opportunities to make theatre, build creative skills and tell stories on their own terms. The free Edge Ensembles program brings together people aged 18 to 30 for weekly creative sessions, where participants collaborate with professional

artists, develop their craft and create work for public performance. This year, the program has turned its attention to a future where AI efficiency has taken control of everyday life. In D/Vision, autonomy is taken at birth. Citizens are assigned their occupations, social points and even romantic partners, while emotions are considered inefficient and sunglasses become a way to hide what people really feel. Those who fail to follow the rules lose points and risk being sent to The Unmasking, a gladiator-style event where emotion is allowed to erupt for one night only.

Meanwhile, all citizens are expected to perform for YOUR A VISION, a global talent contest where they must represent their country and bring glory to the winning nation. With questions about conformity, technology, identity and resistance at its centre, D/Vision asks audiences: would you conform, perform or fight against the system? The production will be performed at Bowery Theatre, St Albans, on Saturday 29 August at 7pm, before heading to Bluestone Church in Footscray on Saturday 12 September at 2pm.

Van band and church to make holy trinity The historic Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Williamstown has been a space where people have gathered to worship, pray and enjoy music for almost 200 years. That tradition will continue next month when a pair of concerts are held at the church overlooking Hobsons Bay. However, those thinking of attending shouldn’t expect to hear the sound of hymns bouncing off Holy Trinity’s bluestone walls. Instead, it will be the music of Van Morrison, played by the appropriately named Trinity Roots Band, that will reverberate through the venue on the night of Friday 18 September and the afternoon of Saturday 19 September. The idea for the church concerts came from Trinity Roots Band singer and guitarist and lifelong Van Morrison fan, Hayden Jones. Jones said Morrison’s music had a spiritual and mystical quality which had connected with generations of listeners and made a church the ideal place to perform his songs. “We hope Van Morrison will speak to you on a deep level - soulful, hopeful, and strangely familiar,” he said in encouraging people to come along. “The show will be an experience not to be missed; so please come along, enjoy the sounds of Trinity Roots Band and join us as we take you on a highly accessible journey ‘into the mystic’. As well as Jones, the Trinity Roots Band comprises Liz White (backing vocals), Scott Phillips (vocals, piano), Chris Ringrose (vocals, guitar), Cherryll Courtney (bass and flute) and Laurence Gray (drums). Details and tickets: https://events. humanitix.com/trinity-roots-concert-inthe-church

The Trinity Roots Band will play the music of Van Morrison at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Williamstown next month. (Supplied)

Ruby Gill and Rainbow Voices set for Kyneton show A special performance is coming to the Kyneton Town Hall as part of Wear it Purple Day. Joburg-born and Melbourne-based musician Ruby Gill is headed for Kyneton for a special afternoon performance with local support. Gill has gained millions of streams for her lyricism, honesty and deadpan wit, earning her the reputation of unmissable. Her Australian Music Prize-nominated debut record, ‘I’m gonna die with this frown on my face’ landed at number five

on the AIR Independent Album charts in September 2022. Gill will be supported by local musician Adam Prezwlocki and the Rainbow Voices Community Choir, who will collaborate for an afternoon of harmony, heart, and spirit of connection. Rainbow Voices Community Choir is a LGBTQIA+ friendly choir in the Macedon Ranges, and since its inception in 2021 has quickly become a place of unity and expression. Gill will also be supported by opening act Annie-Rose Maloney, who will be

performing songs from her recently released debut album, ‘Circle Walking’. Maloney will bring her alternative-folk and country-ish sound to the Kyneton stage. Ruby Gill, the Rainbow Voices Community Choir and Annie-Rose Maloney will be performing at the Kyneton Town Hall on Sunday 30 August from 4pm to 5.30pm. Tickets cost between $45 to $35, and are available online. Details: mrarts.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/salesevent/157681

(Damian Vincenzi)

Young artists take on AI

Raise a stein in Myrniong Myrniong is set to enjoy a taste of Bavaria this September, with St Anne’s Winery raising a stein to celebrate the fi rst official day of Oktoberfest. The picturesque winery will transform into a German-inspired celebration on Saturday 19 September, welcoming visitors for an afternoon of Bavarian food, live music, and authentic German beers. Running from noon to 5pm, Oktoberfest at St Anne’s Winery promises to bring plenty of festive cheer to the vineyard, with guests encouraged to gather their friends, embrace the atmosphere, and enjoy a taste of Germany in the Moorabool countryside. Live German-inspired music will provide the soundtrack to the afternoon, while traditional Oktoberfest fare and authentic German beers will give guests plenty of reasons to say “Prost!”. Set among the vines at 64 Garrards Lane, the event offers a relaxed country setting for those looking to celebrate Oktoberfest without travelling far from home. Entry is free, however guests are asked to register ahead of time so St Anne’s Winery can properly prepare enough food, drinks, and German hospitality for the expected crowd. Whether you are a dedicated Oktoberfest enthusiast or simply looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, St Anne’s Winery is inviting everyone to join the celebrations. With steins raised, German-inspired tunes playing, and the vineyards providing the perfect backdrop, Myrniong will be joining the global Oktoberfest festivities from day one. So gather your friends, bring your appetite and get ready to raise a glass on Saturday 19 September. Details: https://stanneswinery. com.au/event/oktoberfest-st-anneswinery-myrniong-2/.

Oktoberfest at St Anne’s Winery.

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4. Kade Kolodjashnij, brother of Geelong defender Jake, played for which two AFL A clubs?

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Roger Federer

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25. Is the term ‘sherpa’ named after a job title, ethnic group or a piece of climbing equipment? 26. What does ESPN stand for?

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ADULT SERVICES

Barro Group do not get to

landfill Landfill operations at Sunshine walk away from the site and leave after the are set to permanently cease (EPA) taxpayers to foot the bill Environment Protection Authority licence. Victoria revoked Barro’s operation - Joss Crawford on The EPA announced its decision Monday 27 July . However, Barro Group said the decision and was to cease operations was voluntary that it driven by the community’s message at the doesn’t want operations to continue landfill. said it In a statement, Barro Group it had notified the EPA on 3 April that decided to voluntarily cease accepting landfill waste on a permanent basis at the its surrender voluntarily and wished to operating licence for the landfill. been Underground landfill fires have , burning since 2019, with residents calling Brimbank council and local MPs of years. for the site’s closure for a number strong In December, the EPA took the duty regulatory action and notified the holder of its intention to suspend Group licence because it believed Barro risks was unable to effectively manage landfill to the community arising from operations at the site. The EPA said through this process, demonstrate to the Barro Group failed risks to it could effectively manage the landfill the community from ongoing to the operations and did not respond would be permanently closed. were delighted to hear that the landfill notice of intention to suspend. Siovhon Brister and Nicole Power its right Diane Capelli, Noelene Wattie, “Instead, Barro Group conceded and (Damjan Janevski) 568522_03 to work to continue the landfill operations Barro has stated it will continue where we have been the EPA has revoked its operating licence,” with EPA and Brimbank council to foot the bill. We Sunshine community than 50 years,” he said. closely a direct site and leave taxpayers and ultimate remediate the operating for more EPA said. “[Monday’s] outcome is our in regards to remediation EPA have directed them to fully “Having a strong relationship with operation. result of the strong regulatory action community, the closure of the landfill intends to continue and as a landfill site,” she said. been neighbours, the broader commenced in December 2025 Barro Group said it “We know local communities have and the EPA is and toll the Brimbank City Council result, the landfill will never reopen.” operating its concrete batching plant frustrated and understand the to us. and Rock The EPA said Barro Group must continue landfill has taken on community members. extremely important large resume operation of its Concrete site “Last year we conducted a in Recycling Facility (CRF) at its Sunshine no in us left The community can now take comfort which permissions being again community survey and the subject to necessary knowing that Barro Group will never doubt our surrounding neighbours EPA. did not want obtained from the operate a landfill at the Kealba site. EPA’s hotspot local community in general Residents have welcomed the “We look forward to the day the continue operations. to council landfill the Brimbank while us and decision, is out, and the landfill is remediated.” “This is an important decision for director a “significant win” for the managing Group Barro see it for what described it as took its we hope the community in rebuilding community. Raymond Barro said the company in it is – a show of good faith the responsibilities to all the communities our relationship with our neighbours, More coverage: Page 4. which it operates extremely seriously. of the community and stakeholders.” “Barro Group is a proud member

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Landfill closed By Tara Murray and Sebastian Conidi

5 AUGUST, 2026

Band to make annual stand

Hobson Bay City Band has been going strong for 30 years and will mark the milestone its annual concert on Sunday 23 August with at the Altona City Theatre. Billed as ‘Light and Colour’, the concert promises a big afternoon of exciting live band music ranging from popular artists such as Adele, Beach Boys and The Doors to classic and evocative band music. Conductor Wayne Bowden has put Australian Dental Prosthetists (Victoria) Associationtogether a diverse and challenging 12832170-LD30-26 program and said the band had so far risen to the challenge. “I am very impressed with the way in which the musicians have accepted the challenges put to them for this fabulous variety of repertoire,” Bowden said of the band he has led since 2018. Bass clarinet player Murray Smith said he loved the the challenge of playing a wide range of music and the camaraderie amongst the band members. “Wayne has been working with us to reach a higher and higher standard and we’re proud of the music we’re making,” Smith said. Details: www.hbcb.org.au Hobsons Bay City Band members (L-R) Queenie Lim, Wayne Bowden, Murray Smith and Robin Zakharov are preparing for their annual concert on 23 August. (Damjan Janevski) 568810_06 4 AUGUST, 2026

proudly serving Melton and Moorabool

Shirt stirs storm Established in 1981 as the

By Cade Lucas

“There’s problems all over Melbourne, but that doesn’t mean that you need to resort to blaming people who live in an

The owners of a Footscray record store have defended the suburb after the previous occupant of their shop released a T-shirt emblazoned with ‘Footscray is a Shithole’ and claimed he had to close due to the area becoming an “absolute dumpster fire”. Kynan O’Meara and Jason Richmond opened their record store and cafe Coco Bananas in Chambers Street, between the Nicholson Street Mall and Maddern Square, in October 2023 after the closure of Counterweight Vinyl and Espresso. On Saturday 25 July, a picture of a white T-shirt splashed with dark blue, baseball-style font denigrating Footscray

Team Wonderland captain Elizabeth

“There’s every reason to be proud to do business in Footscray,” he said, adding that he and Mr Richmond held no hard feelings

Wonderland goes west

“I do believe that he gave it a really good shot and he was believed by the people of

Nearby venue Pride of Our Footscray Bar has since launched T-shirts with a Porter, Elizabeth locals positive Bacchus Marshmore spin on the suburb such as Barby, and Elizabeth Renee Pedretti,“Footscray is Character will Building,” and better known as Team Wonderland, on take off on this year’s Variety Bash Tuesday 18 August, raising vital funds for children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage, or are living with disability. The 10-day, 5200-kilometre journey will take them from Halls Gap in Victoria to Exmouth in Western Australia, featuring a colourful convoy of classic visit vehicles and inviting participants to schools and community organisations way. the along “Every dollar raised helps create it brighter futures for children who need most,” Ms Porter said. “Participants experience the incredible landscapes of Australia while seeing has firsthand the impact our fundraising on families and communities.” Since its inception in 1985, the Variety for Bash has raised millions of dollars children’s programs across Australia. This year marks Team Wonderland’s eighth event in its ‘85 Mercedes Benz 280SE sedan, with hopes of raising

Porter and Renee Pedretti with their

car and sponsors for this year’s Variety

Bash. (Damjan Janevski) 567662_05

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for an urgent council’s has Hawke MP Sam Rae has called secretary Tash Wark condemned A council spokesperson said, “Council and the ASU. with affected meeting with council decision. any away maintained communication “While I have not received “Melton council has decided to walk work groups and union representatives communication from Melton Council on Established care in our in community, 1981 as theand it’s and does not from aged processSunbury the serving these proudly first,” she throughout and Macedon matter, I was concerned to hear thisRanges breached workers who are paying the price accept the allegation that it has said. 4 AUGUST, 2026 said. the Enterprise reports,” Mr Rae with days its obligations under “I have sought an urgent meeting “Around 95 people who spend their ASU to discuss on their Agreement”. was both Melton Council and the caring for older residents, checking Mayor Lara Carli said the decision detail.” at home receiving these matters in more wellbeing and keeping them safe made in the best interest of those Council reassured residents currently are now facing an uncertain future.” personal leaving care. receiving CHSP services, including Ms Wark slammed the council for “This change will ensure our community care, respite care, meals, social support process. flexible out of the decision-making before can continue to access appropriate, under and domestic assistance, will continue to “Council didn’t consult the union available 2027. a clear and comprehensive care receive services as usual until 30 June, making this decision, and that’s she said. the to under the new aged care system,” Ms Wark said the ASU would fight lightly taken breach of what they’ve committed been not has “This decision the enterprise agreement,” she said. a detailed review decision. We’ve on the by our council, and follows “This decision needs to be reversed. “Workers found out their jobs were in an increasingly this.” did, after of our ability to operate raised a dispute with the council over line the same way everyone else complex and changing aged care system.” the fact.”

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Voluntarily plunging into an Nick Danoucaras and Sam Robertson ice bath, reservoir and the ocean in the middle Kathy Danoucaras, 192 Main Road East, St Albans 9364 3677 of KND Denture Clinic, 8361 9722 winter just once sends a shiver down the Also at: Suite 8, 242 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs. spine of most of us – but how about 70 such dips in 70 days? That’s the challenge Sunbury woman Brigid Evans set herself as part of this year’s 40th anniversary of Daffodil Day on 20 August, a fundraising event to support life-saving cancer research and stand alongside those affected by cancer. And Brigid, 36, has a very personal reason for immersing herself in cold water 70 times as she edges closer to her goal of raising $7000 for the cause. On 18 August last year, her “incredibly fit and healthy” father, Les, suddenly died after battling through a bowel cancer diagnosis he received just before his 70th birthday.

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There just has to be a better way. My goals in all this are to help research for better treatments and support - Brigid Evans

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Brigid was in hospital herself at the time, having just given birth to her and her husband’s first child, Melody, three days earlier. “Dad was usually the person looking after everyone else,” Brigid told Star Weekly . Brigid Evans is dipping in cold pools “He had been declared cancer-free, and ice baths 70 times to raise money for Daffodil Day, in memory of her but dad, Les. (Damjan Janevski) 566309_01 the chemotherapy treatment proved too Brigid, who has a doctorate harsh on his body, and he had in philosophy. “Melody is such a livewire now, and a sudden “My goals in all this are to help research she sailing spot, Lake Eppalock. downturn, then a heart attack after adds another layer into all this … more for better treatments and dad only While there will no doubt be tears support.” gastro-intestinal issues,” she said. got to meet his first grandchild over mixed After launching her Daffodil Day a video in with the cold winter An avid sailor on Lake Eppalock quest phone call just before he water of Eppalock near with her first dip on 31 May, passed, but I’m when the final Bendigo who also kept fit on Brigid is due sure he would be proud dip is done, Brigid says she a rowing to notch up dip number of me.” will not be done – she not only 50 as Star Weekly machine every day, Les had also As the 2026 Daffodil Day date gets plans to donated went to press – dips closer, continue cold water dipping that have included Brigid said his plasma hundreds of times and, after Daffodil she had some special dips Day at the many 6C ice baths at Thrve because of the health benefits, time of his diagnosis, wasn’t even in Sunbury, planned for the last but due for in the ocean down the week, when she will has promised coast, in Macedon take annual his routine colonoscopy to check to also shave her hair if she leave from her Disabilities reaches for bowel Reservoir and during swimming lessons Victoria policy her $7000 fundraising goal. problems. and research role. for herself and Melody at Sunbury Donations In the end, Brigid said, it wasn’t to Brigid Evans’ 70 dips in Aquatic A group of her close friends will join the and Leisure Centre. her 70 days winter challenge cancer that took her dad’s life on the weekend of 15 and 16 August can be made and she “I’ve found the ice baths good for a at https://www.daffodilday.com.au/ believes the harsh concoction of chemicals for my dip in Macedon Reservoir, mental health and learning to swim while mum fundraisers/brigidevans/daf as part of his treatment was a major has Leonie – who recently moved fodil-dayfactor. been a positive out of a to Sunbury dip-2026 dark period,” she from Bendigo “There just has to be a better way,” – will be by Brigid’s side on 22 70-dip and you can also follow Brigid’s said journey at www.instagram.com/

12824633-JV48-25

TO LET

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

4 AUGUST, 2026

North West

SWA6566B

Find it in the

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

12652832-AI48-23

12423634-SN31-19

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

PROFESSIONAL

Star News Group is an independent, Australian, family-owned media company and a leading provider of trusted local journalism. We publish newspapers and digital news services across Melbourne’s south east, the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Melbourne’s west and north, as well as selected regions in Queensland. Our network also includes a growing portfolio of niche and specialist titles. With a strong commitment to digital innovation, Star delivers news across multiple platforms – print, ePapers, websites aligned to each masthead, newsletters and thriving social media channels. As a progressive publisher, we continue to invest in quality local journalism and products that strengthen community connection. About the Role A rare opportunity exists to join our newsroom as either an experienced journalist or a graduate/cadet entering the industry. These positions are based at our Keilor Park office and form part of a broader network of newsrooms producing weekly newspapers and daily digital content. Our journalism is hyperlocal – focused on the stories, people, issues and decisions that shape the day-to-day life of our communities. You will work within an experienced independent publishing team with strong editorial leadership and a commitment to publicinterest reporting. What We’re Looking For We are seeking motivated and community-minded reporters – from experienced journalists to high-potential cadets – who can demonstrate initiative in news gathering and a passion for storytelling. Key duties include: • Reporting on general news, community issues, local government, sport and events • Producing engaging digital and print editorial content • Supporting special features and sponsored editorial as required • Covering events across the region (including occasional after-hours commitments) • Meeting deadlines and working within weekly production cycles • Assisting with proofing and preparing content for print Qualifications & Experience • We’d love to hear from applicants who have: • A tertiary qualification in journalism, communications, media, marketing or similar (or currently completing) • Strong writing skills and excellent command of the English language • A news sense and curiosity about local people and issues • The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a busy newsroom To apply please send your resume and cover letter to Laura Michelle: laura.michell@starweekly.com.au

16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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advert, aver, avert, avid, dative, davit, DEPRAVITY, diva, dive, diver, divert, drive, pave, paved, private, privet, privy, rave, raved, rive, rived, rivet, vapid, varied, variety, vary, verity, very, vide, vied, viper

WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ACT AGE APT ARE BUY DAD DIM EGO END ERR IDS IOU OPT ORE OUR PAT PEN PET ROD SAP SEA SEE SET TEE

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ERRED ERROR EXITS GRATE GROOM HEADS HOARD KOALA LIONS LURID LYING ORBIT PASSE PEARS PEERS PUTTY REMIT REVUE ROADS ROPES SCARE

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SENSE SLEET STYLE SWEET TINGE TRADE TROLL WATER WEEDS 6 LETTERS ALLURE OLDEST PADDLE PRISES

8 LETTERS RELAXING RELEASES RETAILED UGLINESS

21-08-26

No. 410 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

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QUICK QUIZ

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Which animal is associated with a thought experiment devised by Erwin Schrödinger?

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Which Australian singer starred as the titular character in the 2005 film Hating Alison Ashley?

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In the Halloween franchise, whose likeness inspired Michael Myers’ mask?

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Anna Funder’s biography Wifedom is about which 20th-century author’s wife?

What three-letter title is bestowed upon the highestranking student in a graduating year?

9

Which actor is Shania Twain (pictured) not impressed by in her song That Don’t Impress Me Much?

4

In basketball, what is it called when the ball is stuck between the rim and the backboard?

5

New Zealand-born pop singer Rosé is a member of which South Korean girl group?

6

Pastafarians are followers of which modern religious deity?

10 A colloquial expression for a hangover remedy is the ‘hair of’ what animal? ANSWERS: 1. Cat 2. William Shatner 3. George Orwell 4. A wedgie 5. BLACKPINK 6. The Flying Spaghetti Monster 7. Delta Goodrem 8. Dux 9. Brad Pitt 10. Dog

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H E A D S P U T T Y A B A T E O R B I T A G R E E L U R I D A R O M A S L E E T L Y I N G B A S I S I O U A G E R O D D R E W C E N T S P R I S E S A P T E L E C T E D G R A T E S E E R S K E W R E L E A S E S M U S S O R E D E C L A R E O V E R R A N O U R S P A T R E T A I L E D M E T E C A F E R O A D S N O S T R I L P E N P A D D L E T R A D E S E T S E R R D A D E X I T S A R E R E M I T A P R O N E R A S E R O P E S A G E N T C A L L S S W E E T B O N G O S T Y L E

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DECODER

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Seraglio (5) Reproduce (9) Holy person (5) Brittle (7)

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Abode of the dead (5) Brotherly (9) Copy (7) Voyaging (7) Keeps (9) Trick (5) US intelligence agency (1,1,1) Armour that covers the chest (11) On paper, say (11) Mister (3) Japanese delicacy (5) South American nation (9) Power plug (7) Regular payment (7) Eradicate (9) Autographs (5)

Z

easy

Helps (7) Relating to a bishop (9) Gullible (5) Measure of interstellar distance (5-4) Monaco, Singapore or Vatican City, for example (4-5) Lawyer (9) Replying (9) Greek restaurant (7) Hollow and curved (7) Intelligent (5) Regions (5) Bottomless gulf (5)

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ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 14

No. 303

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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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

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No. 303

H A D E S F R A T E R N A L A U A R S P A I S A I L I N G R E P L I C A L N G I S V H E M A I N T A I N S C H E A T C L T O Y B R E A S T P L A T E C I A T A A N A I T H E O R E T I C A L S I R Y R A O W S U S H I V E N E Z U E L A M S E C O R B T A D A P T O R A N N U I T Y T R E N V E N S E X T I R P A T E S I G N S

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

Corolla sets the benchmark By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring RATINGS

Launched here in 2022, and given an upgrade in mid-2025, the Toyota Corolla Cross is – as the name suggests – an SUV crossover version of the all-time world’s biggest selling motor vehicle. Corolla Cross is the largest of Toyota’s three-model range of compact SUVs above the smaller Yaris Cross and the sportier C-HR. It shares the same platform as the C-HR and Corolla. On test was the GXL front-wheel drive model. The original Corolla Cross was available with the choice of petrol or petrol/electric hybrid powertrains but, in line with Toyota’s electrification policy all variants are now hybrid-only. There are six Corolla Cross variants, 2WD GX priced at $37,440, 2WD GXL ($41,190), GXL AWD ($44,190), 2WD Atmos ($47,990), Atmos AWD ($50,990) and added with the 2025 update a new performance flagship AWD GR Sport, also selling for $50,990. On-road costs need to be added. All Toyotas now come with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. This can be extended to seven years on the engine and driveline, and 10 years on the hybrid battery, subject to all scheduled servicing being done at Toyota dealerships.

Styling Corolla Cross sits on the same platform as the Corolla hatch and sedan but with a different body as befitting an SUV. The styling is quite conservative but that’s unlikely to deter the typical Toyota buyer who prefers function over fashion. While it shares much with the Corolla its outer appearance is more mini-RAV4 than maxi-Corolla with a snub-nosed grille featuring the Toyota logo, with blue highlights in the centre indicating its electric component. As well as the addition of the GR Sport, the 2025 update added extra equipment and a refreshed exterior design to the rest of the range. This included a new integrated mesh grille and high-grade LED headlights for GXL grades and up. GXL and above add enhanced LED headlights, rear privacy glass, front foglights and roof rails. Atmos and GR Sport get a two-piece panoramic moonroof. GX and GXL roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, Atmos steps up to 18-inch while GR Sport gets darkened 19-inch wheels. Corolla Cross is available in seven exterior paint colours, with availability depending on trim level. High-grade variants like the Atmos and GR Sport can also be optioned with a contrasting black two-tone roof.

Interior We tested the latest Corolla hatch recently so had no problem adapting to the dashboard layout of its Cross sibling because, apart from the new touchscreen, they are all-but identical. We’ve loved the stylish yet functional Corolla design. Everything is in easy reach and there are physical switches and buttons for commonly used features audio volume and climate control rather than the reliance on touchscreens that have become increasingly prevalent, especially in Chinese vehicles. The SUV conversion over the Corolla adds more headroom throughout and decent leg and foot room in the rear seats. The centre console box is very narrow and limits many of the usual items that would normally be stored there. We couldn’t even fit two glass cases there. Interior trim graduates, from fabric in the GX, to leather accents in the GXL and

Looks: 8/10 Performance: 8/10 Safety: 8/10 Thirst: 9/10 Practicality: 8/10 Comfort: 8/10 Tech: 7/10 Value: 7/10

Atmos with suede with silver stitching and highlights in the GR Sport. Atmos and GR Sport come with a rear seat folding centre armrest complete with twin cupholders. Boot space varies according to driven wheels and powertrain, ranging from 380 litres in the AWD variants up to 425 litres in the 2WDs. The 2WD models come with a space-saver spare wheel, AWD has a tyre repair kit. Atmos is the only variant to provide a powered rear hatch and kick opening feature.

services components, Toyota Connected Services, after a one-year free trial requires a subscription.

Driving

Powertrain Under the bonnet, there’s a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle non-turbo petrol engine with outputs of 112kW and 188Nm. It’s teamed to a single electric motor on the front axle or both front and rear motors depending on variant for a combined maximum power output of 146 kW. Power is linked to either two or four wheels via a sequential ten-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT). GR Sport has paddle shifters. Corolla Cross is the first local model to get the 5th generation Toyota hybrid powertrain which combines a lighter lithium-ion battery with a more powerful main electric drive motor.

Safety Corolla Cross was tested by ANCAP in October 2022 and received the maximum five-point rating. The GR Sport has yet to be tested but will presumably get the same rating. Standard safety features start with eight airbags including at front centre, side chest and driver knee coverage. Also standard are advanced ABS brakes, stability and traction control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, hill start assist, and Isofi x child seat anchors. The latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package adds a comprehensive list of features including active cruise control, a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, an external low speed pedestrian warning system, emergency driving stop, lane trace and departure alert with steering assist, lane change assist with deceleration assist, intersection turn assist, road sign assist, door exit warning and automatic high beam. In addition, GSX and above get parking support braking with vehicle and object detection and a panoramic view monitor.

18 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

Corolla Cross as the benchmark in what is a large and highly-competitive category. (Pictures: Supplied)

Infotainment Corolla Cross is the first Toyota in Australia to get the brand’s new multimedia system. The entry-level GX uses an 8.0-inch touchscreen. GXL and Atmos get a 10.5-inch touchscreen with inbuilt satellite navigation. Screen resolution is sharp and responsive with the option of voice activation. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless. There’s a single USB-C port in the front console of the GX and two in the centre and rear consoles of the higher-spec models. GX and GXL have a 7.0-inch colour digital instrument cluster, Atmos and GR Sport step up to a 12.3-inch display. Importantly, the audio and air-conditioning controls are physical knobs rather than being built into the touchscreen. All but the GX get a wireless smartphone charging pad. Corolla Cross comes with the latest version of the Toyota Connected Services communications system that uses the myToyota Connect smartphone app to allow owners to do such things as remotely check the status of the doors and lights, access information such as the vehicle’s last known location and recent trips, or start the engine or climate control. Note that, apart from the emergency

The extra height when compared to the Corolla sedan and hatch provides easier access although the high seat bolsters could not suit everyone. There is however, unlike many other new vehicles, a grab handle for the driver. Multiple drivers in the GX and GXL will have to adjust their seat manually or pay nearly eight grand more for the Atmos. External vision is excellent with a high driving position, large windscreen, side windows and mirrors together with a relatively narrow A-pillar all contributing. On the negative side the rear window is quite narrow. There’s a solid feel to the Corolla Cross and it’s easy to drive and park around the urban environment which is most likely to be its home territory. Minimum turning radius circle is 5.2 metres. There’s plenty of power when needed and it cruises smoothly and quietly on the open road. Steering is well weighted and provides direct, positive feedback to the driver. Suspension is well-balanced although we did get knocked around when maneuvering through a badly-cratered section of our drive courtesy of some recent flooding. There is an EV only option as well as three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Power. Toyota has for long been at the forefront of hybrid technology and fuel consumption from the Corolla Cross is impressively low. On the combined urban/rural cycle it’s listed at 4.2 litres per 100km from the 2WD variants and 4.4 with the AWDs. We averaged 4.8 litres per 100km during our week-long test of the GXL 2WD.

Summing up Looking for a reason to buy a Corolla Cross? Start with the base of Australia’s top-selling brand for the past 26 years. Add a nameplate that’s been around here since 1967 and accumulated more than 1.6 million local sales. Then bulk it up to get into the booming compact SUV market, and top it off with the latest in fuel-saving hybrid technology. There are cheaper competitors in its segment but when you factor in the long-term fuel savings together with the overall quality we rate Corolla Cross as the benchmark in what is a large and highly-competitive category.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Lancefield after the siren. 567238_19

Calder Cannons’ Olivia Goldstein. 571649_03

Calder Cannons’ Scarlette Guarino, Tilda Sinclair, Felicity Mahoney and Holly Clough. 571649_14

Macedon’s Taya Konias. 567238_07

South Morang’s Kobe Van Zwienen. 571704_01

Footy finals action galore Some premiers were decided while others secured their spot in the next week of finals.

Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.

Keilor Park’s Talisa Bartolo. 571651_06

Rohan Buzzini lays a tackle. 571704_05

Burnside Heights and Keilor Park players fly for the mark. 571651_07

Laurimar’s Janus Waldron at the bottom of the pack. 571648_02

Mernda’s Christian Evans. 571648_03

Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 19

SPORT

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Seagulls claim big scalp By Tara Murray Williamstown produced one of its best performances of the Victorian Football League women’s season to beat North Melbourne in a top-of-the-table clash. The Seagulls showed some of their best football as they moved a game clear on top of the ladder with a 9.4 (58)-3.3 (21) win on Saturday. Seagulls’ coach Paul Groves said they did a lot right against the Kangaroos. “It was a really positive performance,” he said. “There were facets of the game that were better that we had worked really hard on and we felt a lot of it was coming together. “We didn’t have it all our own way, they

are a really good team.” Groves said the Kangaroos had moments of momentum in the game, but they were able to find the answers when they needed them. He said what was pleasing was that the players were able to problem-solve out on the field. “We’ve worked through some things, the six or seven weeks before last week,” he said. “We really looked at areas of growth as well. “Defending as a team and teams are finding it challenging to get through us. “We’re defending the ground pretty well.” Groves said a performance like that against the two-time defending champions

gives the playing group plenty of confidence ahead of finals. It was the first time the two teams had played this season. “The belief factor is pretty high speaking to them post game,” he said. “We feel like everyone is on the same page and it’s a good place to be in.” Mia Zielinski, Lilu Hung, Emily Eaves and Teagan Brett kicked two goals each for the Seagulls. Groves said Eaves, who had 25 disposals as well, was a standout. “It was her best game all season,” he said. “She stood up in the contested pressure.” Naomi Ferres, Bella Smith and Dalia Edward all had strong games in the middle of the ground as well.

The Seagulls had two Western Jets girls step up and make their debuts, Addison West and Kiara Boyd. West, who is the daughter of 200-game men’s player Troy West, had 23 possessions, while Boyd had 11 disposals. Groves said both did really well and while they would like to have them in the near future, he hopes not to see them for at least 10 years due to playing at the higher level. “For a lot of AFLW clubs, that was an important piece to tick off,” he said. The Seagulls are a game clear of Collingwood and the Kangaroos with two rounds remaining. The Seagulls have a bye this week, before facing Collingwood in the final round with a top two spot on the line.

Georgie Prespakis (right). (Dylan Burns/ AFL Photos)

AFLW star joins Eagles

Kobe Tehau King-hawea. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 559190_19

Gators stay calm to move into grand final By Tara Murray The Altona Gators held their composure late to win through to the Big V women’s division 1 grand final. The Gators trailed by as many as 10 points half way through the final quarter against the Whittlesea Pacers on Sunday. The Gators hit the lead as the game entered the final minute and were able to hold on as they won, 77-75. Gators’ coach Randy Shanklin said it was a pretty nerve-wracking final few minutes. “They [Whittlesea] didn’t make it easy, that is for sure,” he said. “Credit to the girls. They say players win games and coaches lose games.” For the first three quarters, there was not much between the two sides at the breaks. The Gators led by two points at quarter time and that was the margin at the next two breaks. Shanklin said they allowed the Pacers to stay in the game. “Whittlesea is a four-headed monster with plenty of contributors,” he said.

“It definitely wasn’t easy. “The game was a bit closer than we thought it would be. There were a couple of times we looked like we would pull away and then we shot ourselves in the foot. “We gave them opportunities to come back. With a little bit of scoreboard pressure we stopped executing and they started executing.” The Pacers went on a run early in the last quarter, with Shanklin saying the margin was 10 points when he called a timeout. He said there was no panic in the group. “I still wasn’t worried,” he said. “The way the game played there were no massive swings. “We weren’t that concerned. “It was things that we could control.” Shanklin said the first basketball after the timeout was massive. The Gators managed to score and get a turnover to give the Gators some hope. They hit the front with 48 seconds remaining. Shanklin said they showed a bit of resilience in the last few minutes. “It was strange the last couple of min-

20 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

utes,” he said. “There was divine intervention. “It was the most focused we had been for the whole game, it was really good to see.” Shanklin said they had a couple of players stand up and shoot above their season average of points per game. Kobe Tehau-King-hawea top scored with 21 points for the Gators as five players scored double figures. The Gators will face Melbourne University in the grand final. Melbourne University is aiming for the perfect season. Shanklin said the past four seasons, the number one ranked team in the grand final has lost. “We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “They’ve had us in three games. They’re a fantastic team and well coached. “We know each other well.” “We’ll look to have a big week at training.” The Gators women are going for their first Big V championship since 2010. Their last grand final was in 2022 when they lost in division 2.

Yarraville Seddon’s plans to field an under-19 girls side for the first time has received a boost, with an AFLW star appointed coach of the side. The Eagles announced that Geelong star Georgie Prespakis would coach the Eagles under-19 team as they look to provide a pathway through from juniors through to senior women. “Fresh off representing Australia against Ireland, the two-time All-Australian, two-time Geelong best and Fairest and 2025 AFLW best and fairest runner-up brings elite football experience and coaching credentials, including roles with Geelong’s VFLW [Victorian Football League women’s] side and Next Generation Academy,” the Eagles said on social media. “The introduction of our under-19 girls team is a major milestone for the club, completing the female pathway from under-10 all the way through to senior womens. “Having one of the country’s best midfielders leading our inaugural under-19 team is an incredible opportunity for our young footballers to learn, develop and most importantly, continue their football journey.” The Western Football League club said on social media that the club had been building a women’s and girls pathway. “From juniors through to senior women, we’re creating genuine pathways for girls to develop, thrive, and fall in love with footy at Yarraville Seddon Eagles,” the club said. “If you’re interested and want to be part of something special, this is your opportunity.” The Eagles women will face Point Cook Centrals in an elimination final on Saturday in the women’s division 2 finals. Details: womenandgirls@yseagles.com.au

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Seagulls sneak into finals By Tara Murray Williamstown’s Victorian Football League season is still alive after a final round win against Frankston on Saturday. The Seagulls entered the final round in 11th spot, two points outside the top 10, so needed to win and hope results fell their way to play finals. They were able to run away from the Dolphins in the second half to record a 16.14 (110)-10.8 (68) win. It meant the Seagulls finished the season in eighth, earning a home final in the wildcard round. The Seagulls were made to work hard for their spot, as they trailed by one point at half time on Saturday. Four goals to one in the third quarter opened a 19 point lead, before they finished

with another five goals in the final quarter to lock in eighth. Speaking on the Seagulls social media, assistant coach Danny Ryan said they were given a scare by the Dolphins. “We were able to steady ourselves in the last quarter,” he said. “Just be calm and play composed and our ability to find some marks and actually control the ball and absorb a bit of their heat.” Angus Seivers kicked five goals for the Seagulls, while Nathan Colenso kicked four goals. Jake Greiser had 34 disposals for the Seagulls, while Toby Triffett had 33. Ryan said the group felt like they could handle the pressure heading into the wildcard game, having been tested throughout the season. Williamstown will play Carlton in the

Angus Seivers. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 546142_13

wildcard round. The Blues finished two points behind the Seagulls. The two teams played each other back in round one with the Seagulls winning, 12.12 (84)-12.7 (79). “We’ve played in a lot of close games this year,” he said. “Just stick to the process and control what we can control.

“The game will unfold and take care of itself. “Have a really good week on the training track, learn some lessons out of today [Saturday] and celebrate some successes and put them into play and play the Willy way next week.” Sydney will face Frankston in the other wildcard round, after the Dolphins finished percentage ahead of Coburg and the GWS Giants. Meanwhile, the Footscray Bulldogs finished their season with a loss to Carlton. The Blues got the jump on the Bulldogs and were able to maintain a lead through the rest of the game on the way to a 13.13 (91)-9.6 (60) win. The reigning premiers finished the season in 14th spot with eight wins and 10 losses for the year.

Deeble signs on

Joshua Smith. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 481369_04

Panthers stun Eagles after emotional week By Tara Murray It was grand final-like scenes as Newport upset Yarraville Seddon in the Western Football League division 1 competition. After an emotional week with coach [Ali Hamad] announcing that he wasn’t continuing next season, the Panthers produced one of its best wins in division 1. Having shown they are one of the best finishers in the competition, the Panthers had to again come from behind. This time they kicked six final quarter goals to beat the ladder leading Eagles, 12.15 (87)-9.13 (67). Hamad said it was a special day for the club. “I was always said to the boys that we play to beat the likes of Yarraville Seddon and Werribee. “We don’t want to be another number, we want to be in the top two. “Our style and strategy as a coaching group holds us in good stead to beat a top team. “It felt like a grand final with the elation after the game.” Hamad said as the season had progressed

things had slowly come together and they were able to gel. He said they felt they had the right mix of experience and youth that supports their season. Hamad said they knew the Eagles still had plenty to fight for, with top spot in the week off in the first week of finals still up for grabs. They knew they had a long way to come back after losing the Eagles comfortably earlier in the season. “We’ve played them three times since coming into division 1, we knew their strengths and weaknesses.” After trading the lead across the first three quarters, it was the Eagles that led by 20 points heading into the final quarter. Hamad said they didn’t panic at three-quarter time. “We knew the last few weeks we were one of the best in the competition at coming home hard in games,” he said. “We kicked 10 goals against the Sharks [Point Cook Centrals] and six against Werribee Districts. “It’s now 22 goals in final quarters in the last three weeks. It helps when you have a

young team and they have so much energy.” Ahmed Saad kicked seven goals for the Panthers and was named among the best with Harry Gardner-Solomon and Mohamed El Hawli. The win was the Panthers fifth on the season. For the Eagles, it knocked them off the top of the ladder. They face Werribee Districts in a top of the table clash to finish the regular season. For Hamad, he’ll be hoping to finish his time as Newport coach on a high against Sunshine. Hamad said he felt it was time for someone else to take the group forward. He said he would possibly coach elsewhere. “You can’t coach in the same place forever,” he said. “It was a new build after we finished fourth in division 2 and come up. “It’s been two years but feels like it’s been about five years. Someone will take on the role and make the club and community proud. “I look forward to coming back here and there and watching the results.”

Melbourne Aces’ all-time winningest manager Jon Deeble will return for his eighth season at the helm of the club in 2026-27. The Australian Baseball Hall of Famer and seven-time World Series champion guided the Aces through a successful first international campaign in 2025-26. Melbourne finished with the best overall record at the KBO Fall League in Ulsan, South Korea, before returning to Melbourne Ballpark and securing series victories over KBO powers the kt wiz and Hanwha Eagles, along with the New Zealand Diamondblacks. The Aces finished the campaign with an outstanding 22-7 record. The 64-year-old remains heavily involved in baseball throughout the Australian winter as one of Major League Baseball’s most respected international scouts. Deeble currently a Asia-Pacific Scouting director for the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. He has been part of three championship campaigns with the organisation since 2020. Deeble’s seven World Series rings date back to 1997, when he managed Minor League talent within the Florida Marlins organisation during its first championship season. He later joined the Boston Red Sox as Pacific rim scouting coordinator, helping the club end its 86-year World Series drought in 2004 before adding further championships in 2007 and 2013. The Melbourne native also understands the importance of grassroots development after representing Australia as a pitcher from 1983 to 1995. Deeble competed at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, earning the win on the mound in Australia’s first Olympic baseball victory. His impact continued as manager of the national team at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics. In Athens, Deeble guided Australia to its historic silver medal—the country’s greatest achievement on the international baseball stage. He also managed Australia at four World Baseball Classic tournaments between 2006 and 2017. He later led the Aces to back-toback Claxton Shield titles as manager in 2019-20 and remained part of the coaching staff for Melbourne’s championship defence in 2020-21.

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Magpie’s double chance By Tara Murray Playing finals and having a double chance is just a bonus for Laverton in the Western Football League women’s competition. After not having a team last year, the Magpies didn’t know what to expect as they returned to the field. The Magpies finished the season in sixth spot, which earned them a double chance in the division 2 finals. The top four teams will play off in the division 1 finals, while the next four in division 2 finals. There was a bye on the weekend before finals get underway. Magpies coach Tony Jofre said they were excited by the opportunity. “We’re excited, it’s the first year and it’s a

good result,” he said. “We’ve had the players consistently being there and they have done extremely well. “We were unlucky as it looked like we would make the division 1 finals, which would have been good.” Jofre said being their first year back, they were just happy to have a team on the field. They finished the regular season with a 50 per cent winning record. Their eight wins for the year is their equal second highest in the history of the club’s women’s program. “Being our first year back, we were just happy to have a team,” he said. “To get wins on the board this year, let alone getting into finals is massive.” The Magpies will face the Suns in the division 2 qualifying final for a spot in the grand

Laverton will play finals. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 547345_07

final. Jofre said they weren’t looking too far ahead. “We have nothing to lose,” he said. “There’s excitement and the girls are energetic. “They have bonded really well and it’s ex-

citing times. “We’ll take it one week at a time and at least we’ve made finals and we have a double chance as well.” Jofre said they would look to use the experience of their experienced players in the finals. Yarraville Seddon will face Point Cook Centrals in the division 2 elimination final. While the Magpies women will play finals, it was a tough year for their men’s side. They finished winless in division 2. Jofre, who is also club president, admits it has been a struggle but they keep turning up each week and trying their best. “We have a young team,” he said. “These things happen in football and we’ll battle to get through as we always do. “We definitely developed this year.”

Family ties motive West to play her best By Tara Murray With football in her genes, it’s no surprise to see Western Jets’ Addison West making her mark on the football field. Having played for Vic Metro at the national championships earlier this year, West recently received an AFLW state combine invite. The teenager made her Victorian Football League women’s debut for Williamstown on Saturday against North Melbourne Werribee. It’s a club close to her family’s heart. Her dad Troy West is a club legend at the Seagulls having played 208 games and captained the club. He is currently a club vice-president. “I’m so excited,” Addison said ahead of her VFLW debut. “We trained with Williamstown two weeks ago through the Jets. They said it could happen and I’m so excited. “My dad was so excited, he told me I’m a bit emotional actually. He’s got three daughters and thought none of us would play.” Addison doesn’t remember her dad’s playing career but has spent plenty of time at the club with him still being involved. In the jumper presentation, Troy said Addison’s debut was in his top five football moments, with the premiership sitting at the top. While West has put herself on the radar of AFLW clubs, she wasn’t playing football not that long ago. “I only started four years ago with Willy juniors,” she said. “I played netball and basketball growing up. “I stopped playing basketball and my friends were playing footy and I started playing footy for fun. “I started taking it more seriously and I just love running with the ball and the open field, along with the social aspect.” West made her Western Jets debut in 2024 and continued to develop. This year she was selected in the Vic Metro squad this year. “It’s the first time being in a metro team,” she said. “It was such a professional environment. I felt out of place at the start, but got some confidence after a few games. “I felt like I played better.” West said it didn’t come as much of a shock to her family that she loved football, as she was aggressive on the court. While her dad made his mark, there’s quite a family legacy. Her uncle Scott West played 324 games for the Western Bulldogs and won seven club best and fairests. Her cousin Rhylee West has played more than 100 games for the Bulldogs,

Imogen Sexton. (Ties Urie) 568967_09

State netball squads named

Addison and Troy West. (Supplied)

while Levi West, another one of Scott’s sons, is at the Calder Cannons and hoping to get drafted. Addison’s great-grandfather Allan Hopkins is another Bulldog legend and won the 1930 Brownlow Medal. It’s no surprise that West is a Bulldogs fan and would love to be drafted by the Bulldogs. “That would be so cool with all the family history and I have gone through

22 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

them for my whole life.” Adding to her family connections, cousin Neve Crowley, plays for Williamstown in the VFLW, with the two playing together on Saturday. West said she was keen to finish her Talent League season on a high before thinking about the combine and the draft. “I want to have fun in the last few games of the year with the Jets,” she said. “Hopefully all the hard work pays off.”

The next generation of stars from the City West Falcons and Altona Netball Association have been named in the Netball Victoria under-19 and under-17 state squads. The top 50 for each of the age groups were announced by Netball Victoria, which said the selections highlight the outstanding talent emerging through the pathway. The state under-17 and under-19 teams for next year’s national championships will be selected from the squads. A number of other players with local connections have also been named in the squads. Named in the under-17 squad includes, Altona Netball Association’s Amelie Connelly, Mieke Pretorius, Olivia Kostadinovic, Sheba Tupai and Zoe McNamara. Included in the under-19 are City West Falcons’ Abhi Sanjeev and Amalani Fauonuku, with Emily Fitzgerald, Imogen Sexton, Layla Pretorius, Manon Muir and Emily Fitzgerald who are part of the City West Falcons and the Altona Netball Association. Muir was part of the Victorian under-17 team this season and was co-captain. Sexton was also part of the under-17 team this year as well. Others from Melbourne’s north-west named in the squads are Lilah Kinderis, Tilly Allen, Lily Sherman, Charlize Bellette, Kiara Boyd, Payton Simeki, Amelia Haxby, Natalie McDonald and Phoebe Priest. Bellette and Simeki play in the Western Netball League.

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SECTION

ROUND 24, 2026

TIPPING 2026 LW 9

LW 9

LW 9

Leo Dardha Woodards GWS Brisbane Carlton Port Adelaide Richmond Western Bulldogs St Kilda Sydney Hawthorn

Chris Byrne Yarraville Club Adelaide Collingwood Carlton Port Adelaide Geelong Melbourne St Kilda Sydney Hawthorn

Benny Nguyen OBrien Adelaide Brisbane Carlton Essendon Geelong Melbourne St Kilda Sydney Hawthorn

PH: 8387 0555

PH: 9689 6033

PH: 9366 8188

Benny Nguyen

143

Chris Byrne

140

Rod Gaut

140

John Verduci & Alex Karlis

139

Gayle Williams

138

Leo Dardha

128

ROUND 24 THURSDAY, AUG 21 – SUNDAY, AUG 23

LW 9

LW 8

LW 9

Rod Gaut Wyn Active

John Verduci & Alex Karlis River Edge

Gayle Williams Star Weekly

Adelaide V GWS (AO)

Adelaide Brisbane Fremantle Port Adelaide Geelong Melbourne St Kilda Sydney Hawthorn

Adelaide Collingwood Carlton Essendon Geelong Melbourne St Kilda Sydney Hawthorn

Adelaide Brisbane Carlton Essendon Geelong Melbourne St Kilda Sydney Hawthorn

Collingwood V Brisbane (MCG) Carlton V Fremantle (MRVL) Essendon V Port Adelaide (MRVL) Geelong V Richmond (GMHBA) Melbourne V Western Bulldogs (MCG) St Kilda V Gold Coast (MRVL) Sydney V North Melbourne (SCG) West Coast V Hawthorn (OS)

R I V E R E D G E R E A L E S TAT E T H E

PH:5261 8734 5678 PH: 9391

P R O P E R T Y

P E O P L E

PH:5261 9488 0588 PH: 9391

PH:5261 818 5777 PH: 9391

*Correct at time of publishing

GROUNDS KEY: (AO) Adelaide Oval, (AS) Accor Stadium, (BA) Blundstone Arena, (G) Gabba, (GS) Giants Stadium, (M) Mars Stadium, (MRVL) Marvel Stadium, (MCG) Melbourne Cricket Ground, (MS) Metricon Stadium, (SCG) Sydney Cricket Ground, d (OS)O (OS) Optus OOval,l (T)TIOS (T) TIO Staduim, d i (UTS)U (UTS) University i i Of OfTTasmania i Stadium. S di

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