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Witchcraft by the water Seaworks in Williamstown will host WitchFest, one of Melbourne’s largest public celebrations of contemporary witchcraft, on Saturday 21 November. The event is split into two parts: a free, all-ages festival and market during the day, and a ticketed adults-only carnival at night. The daytime festival runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm and features over 60 stalls showcasing witchy makers, traders, psychics, readers, food, carnival games, and entertainment. A highlight is the famous Spell Bar, where visitors can collaborate with a witch to create a custom spell to take home. From 5pm, the venue transforms into a nocturnal carnival featuring DJs, drag performances, magicians, mentalists, roving performers, bars, and carnival games. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and enjoy fortune readings, shopping, dining, dancing, and exploring the occult. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend this unique celebration of witchcraft and alternative culture. Tickets to the WitchFest Carnival are now on sale.
High Priestesses of WitchFest, Leela Cosgrove, is hosting one of Melbourne’s largest celebrations of contemporary witchcraft at Seaworks in Williamstown next month. (Damjan Janevski) 582450 03
Hospital site shock By Cade Lucas The state government has announced plans to rezone the former Footscray Hospital site so it can be developed for housing, retail, commercial and community uses. A draft amendment to the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme to rezone the site at 160 Gordon Street from public use to mixed zone was announced on 8 October and will remain open to public feedback until 30 October. The draft amendment also proposes rezoning the road reserve at Marion Court to housing choice and transport
zone and applying development plan and environmental audit overlays to the 6.6 hectare site. Changes to various clauses of the planning scheme are also proposed so the property can be nominated as a strategic redevelopment site for substantial housing change. Thursday’s announcement caught many local stakeholders by surprise, including community group Reimagining Old Footscray Hospital which claimed it was contrary to information provided during recent meetings with the state government agency managing the redevelopment.
“Development Victoria just finished consultation where they repeatedly told us it was ’too early’ to give any information on proposed rezoning and development,” Reimagining Old Footscray Hospital said in a Facebook post on Thursday morning. Group spokesperson Fletcher Bubb accused the state government of rushing the project ahead of next month’s state election. “It is extremely concerning that the state government is seeking to fast-track the redevelopment of the former Footscray Hospital through an exceptional planning exemption process, without first securing the public benefits this community has
spent years advocating for,” Mr Bubb said, criticising the lack of available studies on traffic, population density, schools, services and community infrastructure needed for the development. “The community deserves proper planning, not a fast-track process that asks us to surrender our safeguards and trust that the public benefits will come later.” Development Victoria was contacted for comment, but directed inquiries to the state government, which has yet to respond. To read the draft amendment and provide feedback, go to: https://tinyurl. com/3k9hxyzv
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Pavilion deferred, again By Cade Lucas Sporting clubs based at West Footscray’s Hansen Reserve have expressed frustration and disappointment at Maribyrnong council’s decision to again defer funding for a new pavilion, just months after it was overlooked in this year’s budget. In an update to the Hansen Reserve master plan released on 1 October, council announced that funding for a new pavilion would be deferred to the 2027-28 budget process, while temporary structures promised when the project wasn’t funded in the recent budget, will now be installed in March next year instead of November.
Hansen Reserve is home to the Yarraville Club Cricket Club (YCCC), Footscray Rangers Soccer Club and North Footscray Football Club, with all three sharing the reserve’s existing pavilion which is considered dilapidated and inadequate. In a Facebook post responding to the recent update, YCCC president Darren Cain said he was deeply disappointed that the new pavilion had been deferred, temporary structures delayed and upgrades to cricket nets unfunded. “Our club continues to grow, particularly in junior and women’s cricket, yet our players, volunteers and families continue to operate with facilities that fall well short
of what a modern community sporting club deserves,” Mr Cain said while calling on council to commit to a clear delivery pathway for the project. He said the lack of private toilets and women’s changerooms made it hard to attract female cricketers. “These are fundamental requirements for an inclusive sporting environment, not optional extras that can be indefinitely postponed.” North Footscray Football Club treasurer Andrew Borlase said the state of the facilities hurt the club’s reputation. “We‘ve had to call plumbers out half a dozen times over the last two years on
game days because the toilets are blocked. That’s not good,” Mr Borlase said. Footscray Rangers Soccer Club said the deferral was a “major blow”, particularly given its large junior program. Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said the Hansen Reserve pavilion remained a council priority, but budget constraints and competing projects meant it had to be deferred. “While construction of the pavilion is delayed, we are continuing with other works as part of the Hansen Reserve Master Plan to ensure they are ready when funding becomes available,” Cr Semra said.
Tobacco stores in the west caught in crackdown
Young Braybrook filmmakers Alexis, 8, and Charlie, 6, capture footage on their smart phones. Along with their father Tez. (Tez Vi Truong)
Filmmaking family is festival bound A filmmaking family from Maribyrnong is heading to the Sydney Opera House next month for the 2026 SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3). Three members of Braybrook’s Truong family, eight-year-old Alexis, six-year-old Charlie and their father Tez Vi Truong, (professionally known as Tez Frost), have had their films named as finalists at the annual smart phone film festival. Both Alexis and Charlie have been named finalists in the SF3 Kids section for their films ‘My Great Grandfather’ and ‘Charlie’s Secret’,
while Tez’s short film ‘No. 08.’ has been selected for the prestigious Gala Final category. A former Disney screenwriter and Guinness World Record breaking filmmaker, Tez has previously won the Best AI Film award at SF3 and when Alexis entered a storytelling competition at a local library several years ago, he encouraged her to turn it into a short film. My Great Grandfather is now Alexis’ third film and captures moments with her 101-yearold great-grandfather and reflects on his life from her perspective. Charlie’s Secret is her younger brother’s
second short film and was made when he was just five years old. Charlie’s first short, Looking for Parking, was also previously selected for film festivals. “For me, the best part is that filmmaking has become something we can create together as a family,” Tez said. All three of the Truong’s films will screen at the Sydney Opera House on 1 November where the 2026 SF3 SmartFone Flick Fest will take place. For more information about the festival, visit: https://sf3.com.au/
Government promises school upgrades if re-elected Multi-million dollar upgrades will go ahead at two Hobsons Bay primary schools if the state government is re-elected at next month’s state election. On Wednesday 7 October, Williamstown MP Melissa Horne announced that a re-elected Labor state government would invest $4 million towards upgrading Spotswood Primary School. The upgrades, outlined in stage two of the school’s redevelopment masterplan, would deliver a new gym, music room, canteen, work area, bathrooms, and shared spaces for staff, students and families.
The works would build on stage one of the Spotswood Primary redevelopment masterplan involving the refurbishment of classrooms, new toilets blocks and a new storeroom, which was completed between 2017 and 2021. “This upgrade will give students at Spotswood Primary School the facilities they need to learn and thrive,” Ms Horne said in announcing the election commitment at the school on Wednesday morning. The announcement came a day after her colleague and MP for the neighbouring seat of Point Cook, announced that a $19.1 mil-
2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
lion redevelopment of Altona Green Primary School would go ahead if the government was re-elected. Under the proposed redevelopment, the Altona Meadows school will get new classrooms, specialist learning spaces, a new gym and upgrades to existing learning spaces. “These upgrades will be incredible for the Altona Green Primary School students and broader community, and they continue on our record of delivery for Altona Meadows,” Mr Hilakari said in announcing the proposal on 6 October.
Tobacco stores across the western suburbs are among the dozens closed statewide since the introduction of new enforcement powers last month. The new enforcement powers came into effect on 9 September under the Tobacco Act 1987 and allow Victoria Police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria (TLV) to issue 90-day closure notices to any store found to be selling illicit tobacco. In the last four weeks, police from the VIPER Taskforce and TLV personnel have closed 61 stores linked to organised crime caught selling illicit tobacco, including in Footscray, Deer Park and Werribee. More than two million illicit cigarettes, 40,000 vapes, 120kg of loose tobacco and $500,000 in cash have also been seized in the last month. The VIPER Taskforce was established by Victoria Police to specifically target illicit tobacco stores linked to organised crime, including syndicates with offshore leaders. VIPER Taskforce Detective Inspector Anthony Gasparini said organised criminals are only driven by greed and have no regard for the harm they cause. “There is no doubt these profits derived from the sale of illicit tobacco would be used to fund further criminal activities,” Detective Inspector Gasparini said. “Alongside our partner agencies, we will continue removing their ill-gotten gains and dismantle their ability to create further opportunities to cause harm. “We will deploy resources throughout the state at short notice including outside of business hours and on weekends. If you’re selling illicit tobacco, you can expect to see our VIPER members or our partner agencies come through your door.” TLV chief operating officer Bree Oliver said the crackdown was far from over. “Tobacco Licensing Victoria continues to monitor and adapt, working closely with Victoria Police, broader law enforcement agencies and regulatory partners to share information and intelligence and target illicit tobacco,” Ms Oliver said. “All our inspection and enforcement action is guided by intelligence, risk assessment and operational priorities.”
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New HQ request renewed By Cade Lucas The Hobsons Bay SES has reiterated its demands for a new unit headquarters, after a leaking roof almost prevented it from responding to flooding incidents during rainstorms on Thursday 1 October. “We got called out to a couple of flood rescues and when we went to respond to those we noticed leaking at the building”, Hobsons Bay SES unit controller Mel Smith said of when water was found coming through the roof of the facility on Sugar Gum Drive in Altona. “It was substantial enough to cause
damage to some equipment in our communications room,” Ms Smith said, noting that the unit was lucky the rainstorm wasn’t any bigger. “If the event had been larger that’s (the communications room) what would’ve become our incident control point but we had to turn the power off.” The roof is known to leak whenever there is heavy rain, but Ms Smith said it is far from the only problem with a facility that was no longer fit for purpose. “The building is over 40 years old and just doesn’t allow for the service delivery that we want to give to the Hobsons
Bay community. Part of it is the age of the buildings and the other part is the 200-metre dash to our shed from the main building,” she said, referring to the distance between where the unit’s personnel were based and where their vehicles were parked, a situation caused by a lack of space in the main building and one which causes an estimated six to eight minute delay in each incident response. Yet despite repeated demands for a replacement, Ms Smith said Emergency Services Minister Paul Ederbrook wrote to the unit last month indicating that planning for a new facility wouldn’t begin until 2030.
“That’s planning, not building,” Ms Smith said. “On that timeline, Hobsons Bay residents could wait until 2040 for a fit-for-purpose unit.” Mr Ederbrook said the government had built 16 new SES units during its tenure. “We will continue working closely with VICSES to monitor demand, volunteer capacity and facility needs, backing our volunteers with a record $102 million this year,” he said. Liberal Party candidate for Williamstown Paul Lindemann was contacted for comment.
Couple’s ‘Crapbox’ collaboration with the couple, said. The four short plays are written by celebrated Australian playwright Kevin Nemeth, and given he lives in Castlemaine, it’s no surprise that Crapbox, narrated by a recently widowed man who has discovered that his ‘tree change’ home is haunted, is set in regional Victoria. In Early Morning, a couple wake too early and are beset by anxieties and paradoxes as they lie in bed - hoping that the other one will get up and make the coffee. The Letter is a bright memory-picture sparked by a long-lost letter, and the final text, Good Daughter, is a wry look at the muddy terrain of assisted dying. For information and tickets, go to: www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/crapbox
Kingsville acting couple Peter Houghton and Anne Browning are starring in, and directing each other, in a series of short plays in St Kilda from 28 October-7 November. (Damjan Janevski) 582285 01
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Kingsville thespian couple Peter Houghton and Anne Browning will soon be starring alongside each other in a series of short plays at the Explosives Factory in St Kilda. From 28 October to 7 November, Houghton and Browning will join veteran actor Tom Gutteridge in performing the short plays Crapbox, Early Morning, The Letter and Good Daughter. But while it’s not so surprising that an acting couple would share the same stage, Browning and Houghton, as well as Gutteridge, will take turns directing one another as well as acting. “I’m excited for Annie to direct me in Crapbox - and then to direct two of the sharpest, funniest actors around in the other plays is a dream,” Gutteridge, a long-term colleague and collaborator
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Locals fight for green space An area of green in West Footscray will no longer be used for construction works on the Melbourne Airport Rail (MAR) project following a community campaign. A group of West Footscray residents, known as Rupert Street Community, launched a campaign to stop a strip of green space running between the street and the edge of the West Footscray rail corridor from being used as a construction laydown area while the MAR project is being built. Rupert Street Community claimed approximately one third of the existing strip could be occupied by construction infrastructure, potentially until 2030, resulting in the loss of public open space, as well as trees
and vegetation that act as a buffer between their homes and the rail corridor. Rupert Street Community spokesperson Julie Nunn said the group supported the MAR project, and understood that living alongside an existing railway corridor came with certain impacts. However, Ms Nunn said the group questioned why trees and vegetation needed to be removed, when there was a gravel overflow car park further along Rupert Street that was largely empty. “Residents estimate the overflow parking is operating at approximately five per cent capacity. There are also existing laydown areas further along Rupert Street near Tot-
tenham Station,” Ms Nunn said. However, a MAR spokesperson told Star Weekly the program had been “altered” to not use the land. “We recognise the importance of the remaining green space on Rupert Street to the local community - and we’re protecting it.” “We’ve met with residents, listened to their concerns, and have altered the program to not utilise the land for construction wherever possible.” Star Weekly understands the green space will not be required for the construction laydown area. Safety fencing will be required near First Street for three weeks to protect trees during
construction. Star Weekly also understands that tree removal in the green space on Rupert Street, previously proposed for the construction laydown area, will no longer be required. The strip of green space between Rupert Street and the rail corridor is owned by VicTrack but maintained by Maribyrnong council. Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said council had raised community concerns with the MAR team. Footscray MP Katie Hall is also believed to have raised resident concerns with MAR and advocated for as much green space to be retained as possible.
Call to demolish Borrack to stop dumping
Kaliope Vassilopoulos is the new president of the Zonta Club of Melbourne’’s West. (Damjan Janevski) 575569_03
Zonta president calls women of the west For Point Cook’s Kaliope Vassilopoulos, becoming president of the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West in July was a full circle moment. Ms Vassilopoulos first came into contact with Zonta as a student in 1994 when she received the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship that allowed her to complete her PHD in aerospace engineering. From there she went into academia and at one point was the only female academic in her university’s engineering faculty. But after moving to Point Cook and joining Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West
eight years ago, Ms Vassilopoulos recently took over as president, overseeing efforts to support women similar to those which benefited her more than three decades ago. Reflecting on her first few months in the role, the 55 year-old said the biggest challenge was transitioning from club member to leader. “I was happy to go with the flow and support our activities but now leading the women and understanding what they want to do and what the community needs, that’s a different challenge,” she said, adding that attracting new members
to the club was also an issue. “Its a great way to connect with people in the community and make a difference to the community,” Ms Vassilopoulos said of why women should join, highlighting supporting domestic violence survivors and women experiencing homelessness as among the club’s key priorities. “But there’s also international projects too like birthing kits which get sent around the world,” she added. Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2026. Details: https://www.zontamelbwest. org.au/
VEC statewide campaign to make sure all voices are heard Victorians aged 18–44 years of age will have a very strong voice this state election, making up 44 per cent of the vote on Saturday 28 November. The youth vote is key to deciding this election, Gen Z (age 18–29) and Millennial voters (aged 30–44) represent 44 per cent of enrolled Victorians, while 24 per cent are Gen X voters (aged 45–59) and 32 per cent of voters are above the age of 60.1 Along with strong youth representa-
tion, 30 per cent of Victorians are born overseas and 52 per cent have either one or both parents born overseas. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said more than 4.6 million Victorians are being asked to make their voices heard in the 2026 state election this November. “We are urging all eligible Victorians to make sure they participate at this state election and have their say,” Mr Bluem-
4 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
mel said. “Voting is our democratic right, and while it is compulsory in state elections for those living in Victoria who are Australian citizens aged 18 years and over, voting is also a privilege that allows each of us to have a real say in our future. “Every vote counts, so make sure you’re enrolled, understand your voting options and plan ahead to cast your vote by 6pm on election day, Saturday 28 November.”
An Altona North resident fed up with repeated rubbish dumping at Borrack Square has suggested bulldozing the ageing shopping centre as a way of dealing with it. Former Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year Geoff Mitchelmore lives on McArthurs Road, not far from where Borrack Square is located at the intersection with Millers Road. Mr Mitchelmore said illegal rubbish dumping on the McArthurs Road side of Borrack Square, opposite Bayside P-12 College, was such a persistent problem that raising it to the ground should be considered. “Maybe it’s time to demolish the entire square and replace it with housing,” he said, adding that the loss of Borrack Square’s Woolworths supermarket in 2024, and the three shooting incidents that have occurred there so far this year, meant locals could do without it. “This eyesore does nothing for the long suffering Altona North community who are subjected to this rundown and now a third world like shopping centre.” However, Mr Mitchlemore said it was the ongoing rubbish dumping from shopkeepers at the centre that remained the biggest issue, along with the failure of Hobson Bay council to clean it up. He pointed to a pile of rubbish recently left on the McArthurs Road side of the square for almost a month as a prime example of the problem. “The residents in the area are up in arms with this issue not having been resolved, especially since the council is doing works opposite this dump and have ignored what is obviously a health and safety issue.” In a statement, Hobsons Bay council confirmed that the rubbish had since been collected and the area cleared, but that the concerns of local residents and retailers were understandable. “Illegal dumping is an ongoing challenge in several locations across Hobsons Bay, and we acknowledge community frustration when repeat incidents occur,” a council spokesperson said. “Given the history of recurring dumping at this location, we are currently reviewing a range of options to help prevent similar situations from reoccurring, and will continue to monitor the site while longer-term solutions are assessed.” Borrack Square management was contacted for comment.
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Plea to preserve parking The owner of a Footscray laundromat claims she will go out of business if Maribyrnong council proceeds with plans to remove parking spaces from a section of Barkly Street to make way for bike lanes. Hong Tran has owned and operated Footscray Superwash at 350 Barkley Street, in between Gordon Street and Geelong Road, for more than 20 years. Situated on the northern side of Barkly Street, its location, especially the one hour free parking out the front, has made Footscray Superwash a popular destination for locals who want to do their laun-
dry without having to dodge traffic while carrying washing baskets full of clothes across the street. “My customers, 70 per cent come here by car,” Ms Hong said of how important the free parking out the front was to her business. Which is why plans to remove the parking spaces from out the front of her business as part of broader upgrades to Barkly Street have her so concerned. “It will kill me,” Ms Hong said of what the removal of on-street parking from out the front of her laundry would mean for
the business. “I’ll become homeless.” Under draft plans endorsed by council at its meeting in July, 34 on-street parking spaces will be removed from the section of Barkly Street between Summerhill and Geelong roads to make way for new bus stops and separated bike lanes. The draft plans were subject to community feedback until 30 August and still need to return to council to be formally adopted before the upgrades can go ahead. Ms Hong has rallied her customers in an attempt to retain the parking spaces
outside her laundry, submitting a petition with 183 signatures calling on council to reconsider the plans at its meeting last month. “The road is wide enough that they can keep the parking and have the bike lanes,” she said. Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said council representatives had met with Ms Hong to discuss the issue and that her concerns were being taken into account alongside other feedback on the proposal, with council to consider final plans in the coming months.
Liberator’s lasting legacy
Women’s Circus performers (L-R) Simone Nelson, Bridget Roberts, Kiara Martin, and Mishkah Rali are part of the cast for Murmuration which is on in Footscray from 18-28 November. (Jessica Connell)
Murmuration to mark circus milestone Footscray’s renowned Women’s Circus marks a historic milestone this November with Murmuration, an epic and deeply personal new circus and physical theatre work. Celebrating 35 years, the circus’ latest production brings together a massive, intergenerational ensemble of over 60 performers aged 19 to 77. Directed by award-winning performance maker Christy Flaws, Murmuration transforms three and a half decade’s worth of collective memories into a display of physical beauty and sublime soundscapes. To help achieve this, the production utilis-
es the cast’s own written reflections and actual memories of their time within the organisation. The result is an ever-evolving community telling its own story, in its own words, and with its own bodies. “Every Women’s Circus show is different, that’s kind of the nature of what they do,” Flaws said of Murmuration. “But with this one, the whole show has come straight from the ensemble - their actual memories of being part of Women’s Circus. So, it’s really personal. It’s not a story we’ve imposed from the outside, it’s the current community telling its own story. 35 years of it.”
Backed by live music and immersive soundscapes, the 90-minute spectacle is running for a limited time from 18-28 November at The Drill Hall in Footscray. Performances are from Wednesday to Saturday at 8pm, with a Saturday matinee at 3pm. Auslan Interpreted Performances will take place on Saturday 21 November at 8pm and on Saturday 28 November at 3pm. Tickets are on sale now and are expected to sell out. Bookings: www.womenscircus.org.au/ performances/murmuration
Police reassure residents after spate of car arson attacks Police have moved to reassure the public following a spate of car fires across the Melbourne’s north-west this month, including in Maidstone. It’s believed as many as 12 vehicles have been torched in arson attacks since Monday 5 October, including four in Reservoir on Thursday 8 October. On Wednesday 7 October, a Maidstone townhouse was destroyed when a car parked inside the garage of the Dunedin Street home was set alight just after 6am. Police are still investigating the car fires,
but believe all are linked to organised crime. “We are seeing arson being used as means to intimidate people generally within organised crime across Victoria,” Acting Commander Troy Papworth from NorthWest metro region said at a press conference on Thursday. Acting Commander Papworth speculated that arson was being used because it was quick and easy and that cars were likely being targeted for the same reasons. “A car parked out the front of the house might be an easy opportunity to intimidate
6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
somebody rather than go right up to the house,” Acting Commander Papworth said. While acknowledging community concern about the recent fires, he said police had already made progress in curbing the problem since launching Operation Phoenix in July. “Those members involved in operation phoenix have been involved in 165 arrests to date, which is an astonishing amount of work,” Acting Commander Papwrioth said of the night time operation stretching from Werribee to almost the eastern suburbs.
At 101 Merv Schneider, who was an aircraft radio navigator on the B-24 Liberator during World War II, is keen to see a new Werribee community centre named in honour of the mighty aircraft. Wyndham council is currently conducting a community poll to determine the name of its soon-to-be-built community centre in the Riverwalk precinct. ‘Liberator’ is one of three options being considered. The community centre is located in the vicinity of the hangar where the only remaining B-24 Liberator in the southern hemisphere is being lovingly restored. It’s one of only eight airframes that still exist in the world. Flying Liberators during the war, RAAF crews conducted long-range strikes against Japanese targets including air bases, bridges, and military installations in the South Pacific and north of Australia. Speaking from his home in the Victorian country town of Nhill, Merv said that the B-24 was strong and had a long range, enabling it to get to enemy areas and back home. “It was Australia’s answer to the Lancaster Bomber in England. But it was pretty uncomfortable, pretty cold and windy and noisy. “Naming the centre after the Liberator would be a fitting and lasting tribute to this magnificent aircraft which played such a pivotal role in defending Australia during the war,” he added. Work on restoring this aircraft, in an historic hanger in Werribee, has been an incredible 35-year labour of love by many skilled volunteers. “Merv was one of the first to get involved in the project back in the late 1990s. He would travel down from Nhill, in his holidays, as he was still working, and, with other keen veterans, determine what was salvageable from the rusted remains of a fuselage that had been retrieved from a farm in Moe. They did an amazing job,” explains Graham Collis, secretary of the B-24 Liberator Museum. Now, with 90 per cent of the airframe complete along with 70 percent of the furniture and fittings, an extensive fit-out of the nose, cockpit, bomber bay, waist gunners and tail sections is underway. The museum is open to the public three days a week. As well as seeing the fuselage up close, visitors can listen to the roar of operational engines during occasional engine running sessions. To vote: https://theloop.wyndham. vic.gov.au/help-name-new-community-centre-coming-werribee
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Dr Bill Madytianos, a dentist, is running Healthy Smiles, a free oral health session at Yarraville Community Centre on 12 November. (Damjan Janevski) 582195 01
Healthy smiles for free
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A free oral health session for parents and carers of children aged 0-2 is returning to Yarraville next month. Dr Bill Madytianos, a dentist and clinical lecturer in dentistry at the University of Melbourne, will be running the Healthy Smiles session at Yarraville Community Centre on Thursday 12 November. The free session will cover all the practical dental questions that families ask most: teething, building a brushing routine, preventing tooth decay, when to see a dentist for the first time, and what to do in a dental emergency. “My session focuses on the years before school, when parents are establishing the everyday habits that can have a lasting impact on children’s oral health,” Dr Madytianos said.
“Access to dental care can also be a significant cost for families, which makes prevention and accessible oral health education particularly important. Initiatives like this can help parents build confidence around caring for their children’s teeth, recognise problems early, and understand when professional dental care is needed.” Along with the advice provided during the session, an optional take-home pack including Dr Madytianos’ recently published title, Tools for Teeth, will also be available to those in attendance. The Healthy Smiles session runs from 2.30-3.30pm and places are limited. Details: https://www.ycc.net.au/shop/ kids-youth/healthy-smiles-an-oral-healthsession/
Voters in the Williamstown electorate will have the chance to hear directly from those contesting the seat at a special ‘Meet the Candidates’ event at Newport Bowls Club on Sunday 18 October. Six candidates have been invited to appear at the panel discussion, including incumbent Labor MP Melissa Horne, the Liberal Party’s Paul Lindemann, the Greens Ben Hocking, independent Tony Briffa, the West Party’s Gill Gannon, One Nation’s Catherine Loughnan and Victorian Socialists’ Oskar Martin. Members of the audience will be able to ask candidates about local issues Doors will open at noon, with the panel discussion beginning at 1pm. Register: https://events.humanitix.com/seat-ofwilliamstown-meet-the-candidate
Melbourne Road Motorists travelling along Melbourne Road in Newport will experience lane and street parking closures until early next month while road works are completed. Lane closures are currently in place on sections between Blackshaws Road and Paine Street from 7am-7pm each day until Monday 9 November. Northbound street parking between Wilkins and Paine streets is closed until 7pm on Thursday 15 October.
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A proud Clydesdale heritage There’s a piece of Scottish history living quietly in Melbourne’s west. For more than 70 years, Haylands Clydesdale Stud has carried on a tradition that began in Rockbank in 1953, when the late Hugh Barrie established the stud at his farm on Greigs Road. Today, the horses are being bred, raised, and shown by the second, third, and fourth generations of Barrie’s family, through Plumpton local Barbara Ford, her daughter, and her eight-year-old granddaughter now helping to carry the tradition. For Ms Ford, the connection has always gone above a hobby or business - it’s the horses who make her family, as she tells Jack O’Shea-Ayres.
“I
’ve always been attracted to them,” Barbara Ford explains, talking as she combs out the tail of her mare preparing to foal. “That’s a lot of what I can remember as a kid – always wanting to be out with them, mucking around with them. Her father grew hay and straw at the Rockbank property, with the farm earning its Haylands name from the product being hauled out. It was a working farm in an era when horses still dominated as an important part of everyday life. The family worked, growing straw and stacking thousands of bales in sheds, which were transported into Melbourne during winter for dairies that still relied on horses. Near what is now Melton South railway station, a chaff mill once operated, adding to the network of horse-powered industries which once shaped the region. For Ms Ford, horses simply formed that same everyday routine during her time growing up. When her father was showing Clydesdales, Ms Ford was taken along from a young age, and by 13 years old, she was showcasing horses herself, developing a particular knack for dealing with horses that were less than cooperative. “I got the job as the ‘horse whisperer,” she recalled. Standing at the horse’s head, she would calm it, while others would work around it. That practical knowledge, developed as a child, has always stayed with her. “There’s not many shows I’ve missed,” she said. These days, much of Ms Ford’s focus is on breed classes, where the horses are judged on their conformation and adherence to the characteristics of the breed. But the purpose of showing Clydesdales, largely considered the gentle giants of the horse world, stretches back to a time when the breed had a much more practical role. When horses were still being used for heavy work, shows gave breeders an opportunity to demonstrate their animals and improve the quality of their breed. Clydesdale horses were exported from Scotland to Australia during the 19th and early 20th centuries to serve as the backbone of the country’s growing agricultural and transport industries, used to breed with Australian stock and increase size and improve their suitability as working animals. Clydesdales became prized for their strength, intelligence, and temperament. They were highly valued by milk cart operators, employed for their ability to travel familiar routes with little instruction, while asparagus growers appreciated their ability to move through crops without causing the same disruption as heavy machinery. However, the rise of the motor vehicle gradually brought an end to the horse-powered working life. As roads became busier, accidents involving horse-drawn carts increased and horses were eventually replaced by trucks across many of their working roles. For Ms Ford, that history remains an important part of why the breed deserves to survive. “They’re a bit of living history,” she said.
Barbara Ford with Haylands Harvester. 581713 10
The latest edition to Ms Ford’s family: a colt foaling born 5am on Thursday 8 October from Lacy - the last of Haylands Souvenir’s foals. (Supplied)
Haylands Kristin. Barbara Ford with her winning Clydesdale horses, Haylands Harvester and Haylands Kristin.
581713 09
(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 581713 01
“They’re something that kids could see – a reminder of what history was like.” At the Melbourne Royal Show in September, Ms Ford’s yearling colt, Haylands Harvester – affectionately known as Harvey - won his class and was awarded the Pat Arnold Trophy for best yearling colt bred and owned by the exhibitor. Her three-year-old filly, Haylands Kristin, also placed second in her breed class before winning a sweepstakes class. Kristin was named in memory of a Clydesdale family Ms Ford knew in Tatong near Benalla, after a tragic accident claimed the lives of the breeders. For Ms Ford, naming horses is another way of keeping connections and stories alive. Ms Ford’s own stallion, Haylands Souvenir, carried bloodlines back to Flashdale, a stallion imported from Scotland in the 1920s that helped bring quality into Australia’s Clydesdale breeding. Souvenir died at 23 on 7 November last year, on Ms Ford’s birthday. Now, his final foal has just been born from a mare Ms Ford bought from Tasmania, Weetreeda Chantilly Lace, known simply as Lacy. Her foal’s arrival acts as another gentle reminder of the fragility of the continuation of such a spectacular breed of horse. Clydesdales are famously not an easy breed to maintain, requiring
8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
space, time, and considerable practical knowledge, particularly when it comes to breeding and foaling. Ms Ford still checks on her mares throughout the night, using an alarm system to alert her when her mare lies down, allowing her to respond quickly if something were to potentially go wrong – work that would be difficult to undertake without the necessary experience accumulated over decades of caring for horses. But Ms Ford believes the future of Clydesdales depends not only on experienced breeders, but on bringing younger generations into the fold. Ms Ford is a committee member of the Victorian branch of the Clydesdale Society, which hosts an annual show at Werribee Park, featuring breed, harness, and working draft horses. There are also dedicated horse events elsewhere in Australia, including up in Barellan in New South Wales, where thousands gather to celebrate the working horse heritage. The interest demonstrates that while the number of Clydesdale classes at country shows may have declined, the fascination with the breed has not disappeared, with people showing they remain interested in learning about the animals that once powered farms, dairies, businesses, and above all else, Australia. Ms Ford’s own family provides
perhaps some of the strongest evidence that tradition can continue, with her eight-year-old granddaughter Denia recently helping lead one of the largest horses at Melbourne’s Royal Show. Four generations are now involved, and for Ms Ford, that’s something worth celebrating. “It’d be nice if my father were still alive to see it,” she said. “But I suppose I’m pretty proud to see that what I’m doing is being passed on to another couple of generations.” She hopes they will continue breeding the horses, showing them and passing on the knowledge that comes with them. Because for her, the Clydesdale fever deserves to extend beyond the paddock. Each has its own personality. Each carries a bloodline, a story and a connection to generations of breeders who came before. “I just love them,” she said. “And I feel like they love me back.” That affection may be one of the most important things keeping the Clydesdale alive. In a part of Melbourne that has transformed from farms and horse-powered industries into sprawling suburbs, the great horses remain a living link to the landscape that came before. Quietly, patiently, and one generation at a time, Ms Ford and her family are making sure that link is not lost.
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NEWS
Upper house candidate named Xavier Menta has announced he will contest the seat of Western Metropolitan for Legalise Cannabis at the upcoming state election. Mr Menta, who said he has lived in the west his whole life, he has spent his recent years involved in community campaigns across Melbourne’s west. He will also inherit the campaigns championed by outgoing Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank, including his push for greater scrutiny of the rapid expansion of data centres across the west, opposition to waste-to-energy incinerators near residential communities, and calls for communities to have a greater
say in major developments affecting their neighbourhoods. “David has put issues affecting the west on the floor of Parliament that weren’t getting the attention they deserved. He led the Sunbury waste-to-energy campaign and was the first politician to ask questions about data centres in Parliament,” Mr Menta said. “I want to build on that work. These campaigns don’t end because David’s leaving Parliament and the communities living with these decisions still need someone willing to stand up and fight for them.”
Mr Ettershank said ensuring those campaigns continued after the election was important to him. “We’ve spent the past four years working on more than just Cannabis reform, we’ve been listening to communities across the west and taking their concerns into Parliament. We were often their only voice in the room,” Mr Ettershank said. “Xavier knows these communities and campaigns. I’m delighted to be handing the baton to someone who will keep asking the difficult questions and making sure the west isn’t ignored.” Mr Menta said people in Melbourne’s
west were tired of having to fight for basic infrastructure and a say over what happened in their own neighbourhoods. “Better public transport, a say over what gets built next to their homes, clean air and decent infrastructure shouldn’t depend on your postcode,” he said. “Young Westies like me don’t want to just complain about decisions being made for us anymore. The government has neglected the west for years and I don’t think the Liberals or One Nation really care about what happens in our suburbs. I’m ready to be our voice in parliament and make sure the west is not forgotten,” he said.
Kids help bring festive cheer A group of inner-west kids recently spent their school holidays volunteering to help a local not-for-profit prepare for its annual Christmas festival. Altona-based Australian Solo Mothers by Choice (ASMBC) is holding its 13th annual Christmas Festival in Port Melbourne on 22 November, with more than over 150 families expected to attend. The Melbourne festival will then be followed by a similar event in Sydney on 5 December, as well as celebrations and gifts being sent to solo mothers and their children in South Australia, Queensland Tasmania and the Northern Territory in the lead up to Christmas Day. To help get ready for the month-long festivities, kids gathered at the Altona home of ASMBC founder and chair,
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Michelle Galea, to wrap more than 600 Christmas presents, as well as putting together gift bags to be distributed to families during the festival event. “It’s a really beautiful example of kids giving up some of their school holidays to help other families and learning firsthand what volunteering and giving back to the community is all about,” Ms Galea said of their contribution. With presents and gift bags sorted, Ms Galea is now turning her attention to finding sponsors for both the Christmas festival and to help ASMBC continue running programs and supporting solo mothers and their families throughout the year. Contact Michelle Galea on 0411 605 598 or via email at: Michelleg@artfam.org.au
Inner-west 12 year olds (L-R) Jacob, Quinn and Charlie with Santa Claus and Mrs Claus helping Australian Solo Mothers by Choice (ASMBC) prepare for its annual Christmas festival during the recent school holidays. (Damjan Janevski) 580695 02
MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Expert advice on foot and leg pain relief Every step should feel easy. But for thousands of people in our community, it doesn’t. Foot and leg pain has a way of creeping in — slowing you down, changing how you move, and stealing the joy from even simple daily activities. Too often, people try to tough it out. They assume the pain is just part of aging, a side effect of long hours on their feet, or something they’ll “walk off.” But here’s the truth: ongoing pain isn’t normal, and it doesn’t have to be permanent. At Foot & Leg Pain Clinics, the focus is on getting to the root of the problem — not just masking the symptoms. Expert musculoskeletal podiatrist Dr Paul Dowie, uses advanced diagnostics, treatments and personalised plans to address everything from
plantar fasciitis and heel spurs to neuropathy, tissue injuries, arthritis and joint pain. Whether your discomfort is mild or severe, chronic or sudden, Dr Dowie has the tools and expertise to help you move freely again. Patients often describe their results as life-changing. Many feel relief after just a few visits. More importantly, they regain confidence with every step they take — without constant aches or pain holding them back. So don’t let pain set the pace of your life. Take that first step toward lasting relief. Contact Foot & Leg Pain Clinics in Williamstown today to schedule a consultation and get back to living the active, comfortable life you deserve. Because when your feet and legs feel better, everything does. Call 1300 328 300 12588202-AV15-23
Wednesday, 14 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 9
NEWS
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Accept the help: Survivor By Nykita Van Den Berg In July 2025, osteopath and single mother of two Sheryl Llanda was diagnosed with breast cancer three months before her 40th birthday. Ms Llanda thought she was perfectly healthy until she woke up one morning and found a lump on her chest. Initially unconcerned, she decided to get it checked out believing it was just a cyst. “I was in the middle of a separation at that time,” she said. “I didn’t really feel too concerned because of my health background, we all are told lumps, you know, a serious lump is more firm, it’s really immovable, but this one was very [full of] fluid.” It was believed to be a standard cyst and she was referred to a specialist for drainage by her general practitioner. “When she did drain it, though, the fluid turned out to be blood,” she said. The specialist informed Ms Llanda it was unusual and more tests needed to be done. “I was just saying, okay, I’m okay, like, I’m young, [it’s] not going to happen to me.” But the fluid came back immediately and when she went in for another drainage there was more blood and the lump was growing. She needed to have a mammogram. “This was all within like a two-month time span,” Ms Llanda said. “Getting a mammogram before the age of 40, it was tough because the healthcare system wouldn’t bulk bill anyone before the age of 40.” The mammogram did not reveal anything and she was then informed she needed an MRI. Due to the lump being on her sternum it was hard to see what exactly was wrong and she had to have a biopsy. “It was inconclusive again,” Ms Llanda said. With doctors concluding it as a ductal carcinoma she had surgery on 23 October, 2025, and she thought that was the end of it.
Breast cancer survivor Sheryl Llanda, 40 with son Levi, 8, and daughter Noa, 5. (supplied)
However Ms Llanda got a call a few days later and was informed she found triple negative breast cancer, and while it was all removed during the surgery, she would need to start chemotherapy straightaway. “I was devastated,” she said. “I was about to turn 40 a month after that.” Her surgeon allowed her to start treatment after her birthday on 23 November, with her chemotherapy starting on 28 November, 2025. “I’ll never forget the day when it hit midnight on my birthday, my 40th, I was with my friends and I just, I remember crying be-
cause I was just scared,“ she said. Ms Llanda went through six months of chemotherapy, with four doses of the “red devil” (doxorubicin) and 12 weeks of the taxol medication. She experienced all the symptoms; fatigue, hair loss, pain as well as a symptom she didn’t know about – her nails turned black at the cuticles. What got her through all of it was the support of her family and friends. “What got me through were the kids,” she said. “My son said to me ‘you, me, and [Noa], we are a triangle and triangles are the stron-
gest shape.’” After her treatments she needed to take the last step in her journey, a double mastectomy and a reconstruction, which she received in May 2026 at Sunshine Hospital. Now in recovery one message she would like to share with other women struggling with cancer is; “Accept the help. There will be days where it’s just absolutely so hard and there will be days when you don’t want to be positive“. “It’s been a really positive journey and there’s ups and downs but I just take it day by day. I feel happy and lighter.”
For me, this is not about political parties. Whichever government is in office, I believe infrastructure and essential services should keep pace with the needs of the community. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? I enjoy our local cafes because they are places where you can relax, meet friends and see the community around you. I regularly enjoy places around CS Square, including The Jolly Miller, and cafes such as LeLunar in Taylors Lakes. I also enjoy Caroline Springs Lake and the surrounding walking areas. What I like most is that there are now so many local places where people can
meet, socialise and enjoy their surroundings without having to travel into the city. How did it feel to pursue law later in life? It was challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Returning to study later in life meant adapting to technology, online learning, legal research, assignments and a completely different way of studying. There were times when it was difficult, but every challenge made completing the journey more meaningful. Being admitted as a lawyer at 69 gave me a great sense of fulfilment. It reminded me that retirement or getting older does not necessarily mean personal growth has to stop.
MY PLACE Washington Escano has lived in Melbourne’s northwest for almost four decades. After a career as a nurse, Escano sought a radical change of pace at age 69 completing a Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University. Sebastian Conidi spoke to the Taylors Hill resident about life, his connection to Melbourne’s north-west and starting anew later in life. What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? I have been living in Melbourne’s northwest since 1987. We bought our first home in Keilor Downs and later built our current home in Taylors Hill. I have seen the area grow enormously over that time. I am also a proud member of the Caroline Springs RSL, where for a period I served as a volunteer supporting veterans and members of the community. I am grateful to be part of an organisation that honours the service and sacrifice of veterMns and continues to support them and their families. As a Catholic, I regularly attend Mass at St Catherine of Siena Parish. What do you like about where you live? I like the progress and vibrancy of the north-west. There are more businesses, cafes, restaurants, community facilities and opportunities than there were when we first moved here. I also appreciate the diversity of the community. People from many different cultural and religious backgrounds live together, work together and contribute to the character of the area. There is a real sense that the north-west is continuing to grow and establish its own identity. I enjoy
Washington Escano. (Damjan Janevski) 575835_01
seeing new businesses open and new families make the area their home. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? Growth is inevitable, and in many ways it is very good for the community, so I would not I want to stifle progress. But growth should be matched by properly planned infrastructure. Traffic congestion is one concern, particularly as the population continues to increase. I would also like to see continued attention given to community safety, including a visible police presence and consideration of adequate 24-hour policing services as the population grows.
10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
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SECTION
OBrien Real Estate is proud to support breast cancer awareness and stand with everyone affected by this important cause. Together, we can make a difference. Contact Benny Nguyen for all your real estate needs
0417 349 884
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benny.nguyen@obre.com.au
Wednesday, 14 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11
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
15 October, 1986
16 October, 1996
17 October, 2006
12 October, 2016
Fire caused damage estimated at $30,000 to former Olympian Peter Norman’s house in Tobruk Cres, Williamstown on Saturday morning.
The proposed $15 million oceanarium on the Newport foreshore could be operating within two years, subject to state planning approval.
The Western Region Health Centre will tackle the rise in HIV infections among drug users with a $86,000 grant from the state government.
Rundown Footscray Hospital should be refurbished or rebuilt within 15 years, according to a new infrastructure blueprint for Victoria.
Samantha Dutch, Zoltan Banyai, Dan Kenny and his daughter Ada, 10, are pushing for Sunbury to leave Hume. (Damjan Janevski) 581251 04
ParKanDo is a peer support group for people with Parkinson’s. (Damjan Janevski) 577613 04
Footscray Hospital, therapy dog volunteer Toni Goodlet with her dog Willow. (Damjan Janevski) 581798 06
U3A art show curator Vivian Axelson. (Damjan Janevski) 582348 03
Faces of the west Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. Williamstown Jazz Festival organiser Danilo Rojas. (Damjan Janevski) 582274 02
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Dynamic Performers production of The Music Man. (Damjan Janevski) 578796 04
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WE DESERVE BETTER
Bail in Victoria explained As part of Star Weekly’s ongoing We Deserve Better campaign highlighting crime in Melbourne’s west and north, and the push by six councils to improve safety in the region, Sebastian Conidi takes a closer look at Victoria’s bail laws. Recent incidents however have garnered more attention leading to broader discussions about crime and how a community responds to it. The topic of bail and whether it should be strengthened, remains at the centre of the dialogue. But what actually does bail actually include – and why does it play such a large role in discussions on crime? What is bail? Bail is when a person charged with a crime is allowed to stay in the community while waiting for their court hearing or trial. If bail is refused, the person remains in custody until the court hears and decides on their case. The bail laws are governed by the Bail Act 1977. What are the conditions of bail? If the accused person is granted bail they usually have to follow a set of rules called conduct conditions. Common conditions include reporting regularly to police, living at a specific address, staying away from specific people or places, and staying home during certain hours under a curfew. Another common condition is a bail guarantee where another person provides cash or security against a property for the accused person. Victoria Police say this is to ensure the accused person complies with bail and attends court. A bail guarantee is not required in all cases and is usually up to the bail decision maker.
Who decides bail? In Victoria, bail can be decided by police, a bail justice or a court (magistrate or judge). If police refuse bail then the matter must go to a bail hearing where a bail justice or court decides on bail. Only courts can decide bail for someone accused of the most serious offences. How is bail decided? Bail can be decided through a range of legal tests. Victoria Police say that tougher bail tests are used for more serious crimes. Many offences require the unacceptable risk test where the decision maker considers whether a person is likely to miss their court hearing, commit a serious offense while on bail, interfere with witnesses or evidence or risk the safety and welfare of others. What additional tests are there for bail? There are a range of other tests usually for more serious offences. One test asks that the
accused person must show a compelling reason for bail. Another test requires that a person show there are exceptional circumstances for being granted bail. What happens if a person breaks bail conditions? A person can be arrested and taken straight to court for a bail hearing, have bail conditions changed or cancelled and even face up to three months in prison. What happens if a person commits a crime while on bail? Recent bail reforms added a new bail test for a person accused of a very serious crime while on bail for another very serious crime. To be granted bail again, the bail decision-maker must be satisfied there is a high probability the person will not commit another serious offence. Victoria Police says this is in place to make it difficult for the person to be granted bail again. How is bail different for young people?
The same bail tests apply for children and young people accused of crime. There are however special considerations applied to the decision-making process. These include considering the child’s age, maturity and stage of development at the time of the offence, how they will be supported in education, training or work, and any health issues or disabilities they may have. How have bail laws in Victoria changed? In March, the state government implemented what it called “Australia’s toughest bail laws to come into effect”. The ‘second-strike’ rule was enforced, meaning people on bail for an indictable offence would face tougher consequences if they commit a further indictable offence whilst on bail. The government said the laws were necessary to ensure there were “more people in jail, not on bail.” What are the arguments against stronger bail laws? When the state government announced new laws in March, Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) released its own statement arguing that tightening of laws would have a “ have a disproportionate and detrimental effect on people already dealing with poverty, homelessness and the impacts of trauma.” VLA said putting more people in custody is a “band-aid” approach and that instead “we need to take meaningful action to reconnect children to their communities and education, and to address the underlying causes of crime.” VLA proposed “increasing access to bail support programs and early intervention and prevention programs, which have been shown to significantly reduce re-offending and improve other health and well-being outcomes in children and families.”
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COMMENT
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Bullying: The questions schools seem to keep avoiding Ian Findley is a retired teacher, school counsellor and chaplain with more than 40 years of experience working with young people in schools. Throughout his career Ian specialised in understanding, preventing, and responding to school bullying. He has also written two books on bullying. Ian writes for Star Weekly about practical strategies to help students build the confidence, resilience and skills to become less vulnerable to bullying. After more than 40 years working in schools as a teacher, counsellor, chaplain and bullying consultant, I’ve become convinced of one thing. Bullying is one of the most misunderstood problems in education. That may sound like a bold statement, but if we truly understood bullying, wouldn’t we be seeing much better outcomes by now? Every school has an anti-bullying policy. Schools care deeply about student wellbeing. I have worked alongside dedicated teachers, counsellors and school leaders who want every child to feel safe. Many schools struggle to know what do when bullying is reported. Bullying remains one of the most persistent problems in education today. s the question ’How do we stop bullying?’ or should we be asking ’Do we have a good enough understanding of the problem we’re trying to deal with?’
Bullying Is a Complex Issue For decades schools have toyed with a variety of responses. Some schools view bullying primarily as a discipline issue. Others see it simply as a breach of school rules. Such schools focus on justice and consequences. Others rely on classroom education, awareness campaigns, guest speakers, or social-emotional learning programs. More recently, restorative approaches have become increasingly common. Yet despite these efforts, bullying continues to thrive, affecting the
repeatedly while others are rarely targeted? This is not victim blaming. Far from it. It’s recognising that, just as we teach children road safety without blaming pedestrians, we can teach young people personal safety skills without blaming victims. Confidence. Assertiveness. Body language. Social awareness. Emotional resilience. These are life skills. Helping vulnerable students develop these strengths doesn’t excuse bullying—it reduces vulnerability. Surely that is something every school should want.
confidence, mental health, and educational outcomes of countless young people.
Are we addressing the right problem? For years we’ve asked ’How do we stop bullying?’ Maybe the better question is: Do we really understand the problem we’re trying to solve? That single question changes everything. Another question needs to be voiced. When facing a bullying incident, ’What Is the School Trying to Achieve?’ One lesson I’ve learned over many years is this: Schools are often quick to choose a strategy before deciding what success actually looks like. When bullying is reported, what outcome are we hoping to achieve? Do we want justice? Do we want consequences? Do we want accountability? Do we want the victim to feel safe again? Do we want to change the behaviour of the student who bullied? Do we want to restore relationships? Do we want to teach responsibility? Or do we want all or some of these? Until a school answers that question, it is impossible to know whether its bullying procedures are succeeding. In my own work, I eventually simplified the objectives to three clear priorities: First, stop the bullying behaviour. Second, ensure the victim is safe and feels safe. Third, provide the support both students need so lasting change can occur.
A Final Challenge
South Morang author Ian Findley.
Everything else should work towards these three outcomes.
The Question We Rarely Ask One question has fascinated me throughout my career. Why are some children bullied
After working with both students who bully and students who are bullied, I have become convinced that bullying is not simply a behaviour to punish. It is a behaviour to understand. When we understand it, we can change it. When we misunderstand it, we simply repeat the same responses and hope for different results. Schools don’t need more policies. Most already have excellent policies. Schools need clear objectives. Consistent procedures. Well-trained staff. Leadership prepared to ask difficult questions. And the courage to admit that, despite decades of effort, there is still much to learn. Every child deserves more than a policy promising safety. They deserve adults who know how to restore it when it is lost. More information is available at www. ifindbooks.com.au.
Mini monsters Materials Coloured fabric 10 x 15cm Fairy floss fill Googly eyes Yarn, pipe cleaners or any other decorations
Monster Halloween craft Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity. Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting. Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary. This month, Stephanie is creating mini monsters – just in time for Halloween!
Scan the QR code and follow the links for more creative fun.
Equipment Needle and thread or sewing machine Fabric scissors Craft glue Step 1: Cut two pieces of fabric, each measuring 10 x 15cm. Step 2: Place the fabric pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening on one side. Step 3: Carefully turn your monster the right way out through the opening. Step 4: Fill with fairy floss until your monster is nice and soft and cuddly. Sew the opening closed. Step 5: Now it’s time to get creative! Glue on some googly eyes and add a funny mouth, teeth, spots or anything else you like. Use pipe cleaners, yarn or other craft supplies to create some wild and wonderful monster hair.
Stephanie Martinez.
14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
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NEWS
Vietnamese Museum a first By Sebastian Conidi Australia’s first national museum dedicated to the Vietnamese refugee journey will open its doors in Sunshine in the coming days. The Vietnamese Museum Australia will officially launch at 119 Durham Road on Saturday 17 October at noon, featuring stories of survival, resilience and settlement. Funded by the state and federal government, the $20 million museum celebrates Vietnamese culture and history while honouring the community’s contribution to Australia. Museum chief executive Tammy Nguyen said the project was “a long time com-
ing” after receiving support from across the country and overseas. “This is an opportunity to capture valuable stories. In the museum there are stories of survival and resilience. We want to make sure the stories don’t get lost through the passage of time,” she said. The project also facilitated collaboration with Australian Vietnam war veterans. “Part of the journey is to highlight their story,” Ms Nguyen said. While the museum has compiled an extensive archive, community members can still submit stories and memories through its website. Ms Nguyen said the site would also
serve as a major destination for the west. “This is really going to bring a lot of visitors to the area,” she said. “It could definitely increase visitation and economic development.” The three-storey space also include a number of galleries, a dedicated education and resource centre and an event space for up to 300 people. The museum’s design includes tall, red panels resembling bamboo, uniquely arranged to reflect towering waves. This distinctive exterior represents the fusion of Vietnamese culture, the arduous refugee journey by sea, and the iron-rich red soil of Australia.
The opening coincides with the launch of Wominjeka Plaza, a new civic space next to the museum developed by Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL), Brimbank council and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. Brimbank council described the event as a celebration of two of the region’s most influential cultures. The opening ceremony will run from noon to 1.30pm, followed by museum tours. Durham Road will be closed to traffic for the day, with food trucks and coffee available on site. The standing-only event is open to the public.
Braybrook sport ground upgrades promised
Chris Gooden from Seddon Village Traders Association with some of the entries in the Snapshots of Seddon photo competition which are on display in shopfronts around the suburb. (Damjan Janevski) 583460 02
Look for Seddon snapshots in shopfronts Entries have now closed for this year’s Snapshots of Seddon photography competition, but locals who want to contribute still have plenty of time to do so. Voting on the Snapshots of Seddon people’s choice award is open until 1 November and local residents are being encouraged to choose their favourite and submit their vote at a number of local traders. To help them do this, all 37 entries in this year’s competition have been put on display in select shopfronts around Seddon.
Seddon Deadly Sins Cafe on Victoria Street, Seddon Physio on Gamon Street, Fig & Walnut Cafe on Bellairs Avenue, Charles Street Butcher and Far Fetched Designs on Charles Street and the shopfront on the corner of Victoria and Charles streets are all displaying entries, with many also hosting ballots and voting boxes as well. “We’re encouraging people to walk around Seddon and look at all the photos on display,” a statement from competition organiser Seddon Village Traders Association (SVTA) said.
“Once the person has chosen their favourite, they can go to one of four locations to vote.” The winner of the people’s choice award, as well as the competition’s other categories, including kids under 13, youth 13-20, open and old & new, will be announced next month. For more information where to find the submissions, how to vote, and on the Snapshots of Seddon competition itself, go to: https://www.seddon-village.com.au/ snapshots2026
Sports grounds on either side of Ballarat Road will receive upgrades if the state government is re-elected next month. Laverton MP Sarah Connolly has promised $2.5 million worth of upgrades at Pennell Reserve, home of the Braybrook Sporting Club and St Andrews Cricket Club, and to nearby Kinder Smith Reserve, home ground of the Sunshine Kangaroos Football Netball Club and the Sunshine YCW Cricket Club. The bulk of the funding will go towards Pennell Reserve, with the state government committing $2 million towards a major redevelopment of the facility if it wins a fourth term on 28 November. “Pennell Reserve is a major community sporting facility that supports two major sporting clubs and community events,” Ms Connolly said in announcing the funding commitment. “This investment will ensure that the facilities here are up to scratch and deliver real improvements for these clubs.” On the southern side of Ballarat Road, a re-elected state government will spend $500,000 on refurbishing the pavilion at Kinder Smith Reserve. “Sunshine Kangaroos Football Club is a fast-growing and much-loved local sporting club in our community, and committing to this pavilion upgrade will ensure that the club has the facilities needed to grow and thrive,” Ms Connolly said.
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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. Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand The club meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6pm for a 6.30pm start at Pelicans Landing, Syme Street, Williamstown. Everyone is welcome to attend just contact the club beforehand. ■ Pam Barnes, 0418 347 691, rotarypointgellibrand.com Community jumble sale The annual community jumble sale will be held in the church hall in Montague Street, Yarraville on Saturday 7 November from 9am-3pm. There will be 36 stalls (run by local community groups or individuals) featuring clothing, trash ‘n’ treasure, vinyl, artwork, collector cards, plants and much more. There will also be a barbecue. Money raised will be donated to Need For Feed which helps farmers nation-wide affected by natural disasters such as bushfires or floods. ■ ghodgart13@gmail.com Founding members call out Williamstown Toastmasters is turning 30 this year and planning a celebration on 31 October. The club is currently trying to contact founding members to invite them to attend the event. The people the club is trying to reach are: Kevin Holland, Joy Leslie, Edward Magan, Marilyn Martyn, Joye Carver, Bernadette Cooper-Ellis, Ludwina Dautovic, Barry Fordham, Stephen Goss, Patrick Moran, Dennis O’Bryan, David Payne, Clive Seiffert, Dianne Seiffert, Sandra Wilson, Heather Whittingham, Ross Whittingham and Marion Young. ■ Tara, 0411 899 086 or vppr-9088@toastmastersclubs.org 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 Art classes Bek & Jayne (Flipperfrog) are community artists who are offering art and collage classes at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. The classes will run from 7.15-9pm every third Wednesday of the month. The workshops explore different types of collage, mixed media paint and lots of play with colour and mark making. All materials are supplied, with attendees asked to bring an apron and a picture or photo which can be incorporated into their work. The classes cost $25 per session in order to cover materials and venue hire. Walk-ins are welcome but places are not guaranteed. ■ 0400 693 025 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.
his week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Fencing program in the west coach Laura E. Goodin and Kaizen, 9. (Damjan Janevski) 582454 01
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 St Augustine’s Primary School Playgroup Free playgroup for ages 0-5 held from 1-2.30pm every second Friday during term at the St Augustine’s Primary School library. ■ library@sayarraville.catholic.edu.au Community story time Every Friday during term from 8-8.30am at the blocks behind Alfa Cafe Yarraville. Free to attend and a free babychino with every coffee purchase, when storytime is mentioned, ■ 9314 5996, office@sayarraville.catholic. edu.au Whitten Oval AFLW The Western Bulldogs have one more home game left at Whitten Oval for the 2026 AFLW season. The Bulldogs host Melbourne on Saturday 24 October at 7.15pm. ■ https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/ news/2136288 Seniors Drama Club A fun and welcoming weekly group with drama games, creativity, laughter and social connection. Mondays 10.30–11.30am at Outlets Co-op, 43 Mason Street, Newport. No experience needed. ■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au Cards and conversation Play cards and games at Altona North Library every Tuesday from 10am-noon. Free of charge, morning tea provided and no bookings required. Altona North Library corner of Millers and McArthurs roads, Altona North. ■1300 179 944
16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
Altona North grandparent playgroup A friendly weekly opportunity for grandparents and their grandchildren to play, have a cuppa, cake and chat. Held from 10am-12pm on Mondays during school terms at Eastona Park Community Facility, 13 Collins Avenue Altona North (old kindergarten venue). Entry $5. ■ Marnie, 0478 011 981 Free walking basketball Love basketball, but not the running? Join the Westgate Basketball Association’s walking basketball program. Walking basketball is ideal for those returning from injury, looking to get back into fitness and perfect for seniors and active adults. A great way to connect with others. Register your interest now. ■Penny, 0409 014 121, westgatebasketball. com.au/walking-basketball-1 Sing with WIllin Wimmin choir Discover the joy of group singing with the friendly women at WiIlin Wimmin choir in Williamstown. New members are always welcome, no audition. The choir sings contemporary, folk, choral and world repertoire in acapella style. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings during school terms, 7.30-9.30pm at the Dennis Reserve Centre, 109 Ferguson Street, Williamstown. ■ willinwimmin.org.au, willin.wimmin@ gmail.com 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 City Band Come and play with the friendly musos at Hobsons Bay City Band. We play a varied band repertoire under the baton of Wayne Bowden OAM. We welcome new players, all ages and experience – woodwind, brass and percussion. Rehearsals are on Monday nights 7.30pm at Spotswood Kingsville RSL in South Kingsville. ■ 0414 930 568 or hbcityband@gmail.com Walking group The Mighty West Heart Foundation Community Walking Group meets at 10am on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Discover the many health benefits of walking, talking, and enjoying post walk coffee and chat together. Walks can take up to 60 minutes and explore Hobsons Bay, its history, coastline, and inland scenic walks. Walks can be done at your own pace. ■ 0411 566 862 Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in-person meetings in Williamstown. Those thinking they may have a drinking problem are welcome to attend and can bring along friends, family and loved ones to offer support. ■ 1300 222 222, https://williamstown. aagroup.org.au/, aawilliamstown@gmail. com Women Working Together A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay. ■ 9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@cotavic. org.au
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ENTERTAINMENT
Get spooked at homestead It’s time to gear up for a spooktacular Saturday this Halloween as Eynesbury Homestead transforms into a spectacular world of ghosts, glamour, and Halloween entertainment, as Ms Peacock presents The Haunted Homestead. Running from 7pm to midnight on Saturday 31 October, this adults-only event will combine the atmosphere of a lavish vintage Halloween party with the darker history and ghost stories of one of the region’s most historic properties. Guests are invited to dress for the
occasion and step inside the historic Eynesbury Homestead for a full evening of live entertainment, Halloween theming, roaming performers, music, cocktails, surprises and a special two-hour Lantern Ghost Tour. The night will include a live DJ, LED and roaming performers, a 360-degree photo booth, Halloween cocktail specials, full venue theming and additional entertainment throughout the evening. A horrifying highlight includes the
Lantern Ghost Tours’ exploration of the homestead after dark, sharing stories of its history, former residents, and reported paranormal encounters. Guests are also encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit, with a costume competition offering $500 worth of prizes for categories including Best Overall, Best Couple, and Most Terrifying. Lantern Ghost Tours said the event was designed to offer something beyond the traditional Halloween party. “Eynesbury Homestead already has
incredible atmosphere and history, particularly after dark. We wanted to create an event where guests can enjoy the glamour and spectacle of a Halloween party while also discovering the darker stories connected with the property.” Ms Peacock Presents: The Haunted Homestead will take place at Eynesbury Homestead on Saturday 31 October from 7pm–midnight. Bookings are available through Lantern Ghost Tours on 1300 390 119 or via www. lanternghosttours.com
Afternoon of music
From the Mouth musicians: (clockwise from front) Bart Willoughby, Tina Kopa, Michael Havir, David Murphy, John O’Hagan and Excelsior Maze. (Leo Dale)
Music and film from the mouth to the fringe From the Mouth is a unique film and music project inspired by the landscapes, ecology and stories of the Kororoit Creek mouth. Bringing together seven local musicians, filmmakers and artists, the project explores the connection between people and place through creative storytelling. Drawing on the natural environment, local histories and community experiences of the Kororoit Creek area, each artist offers a different perspective on this significant waterway and its surrounding landscape.
Across two evenings of live music, short film screenings and community conversation, audiences are invited to experience new creative works that celebrate environmental awareness, cultural connection and the rich character of the local area. Each night will also feature food from the nearby Kolapasi Indian Kitchen. The event also includes a facilitated discussion with participating artists and a Hobsons Bay council conservation officer, offering audiences the opportunity
to learn more about the creative process, the ecological significance of the Kororoit Creek mouth, and the role art can play in strengthening our connection to place and community. Presented as part of the 2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival and supported by Hobsons Bay council’s Make it Happen Grants program, From the Mouth is on at the Wood Street Art Space in Laverton on Friday 16 October and Saturday 17 October. For more information and to book, go to: https://tinyurl.com/5n7jf962
Join the Macedon Ranges Truth and Reconciliation Group (MRTRG) for the First Nations Music Afternoon. MRTRG invites the community to join together on Wurundjeri Country for a Welcome to Country and to hear the soul-stirring songs of First Nations songstress LEO (Leonie Whyman). A multi-disciplinary artist, Whyman currently features on ABC TV’s Deadloch Series and its soundtrack. LEO is a proud Makwarra-Barkindji and Wiradjuri songstress. Inspired by her own spiritual journey and drawing on her experiences as a First Nations woman in this day and age, her lyricism will take you on a journey of healing and empowerment. LEO strives to make music to heal hurting hearts, make the audience think and feel deeply and use her voice as a platform to shed light on hard topics. After performing at venues and festivals across Melbourne, LEO is bringing her talents to Gisborne for this special afternoon performance that can’t be missed. The First Nations Music Afternoon will be held on Saturday 17 October from 2.30pm at the Gisborne Mechanics Institute Hall. Tea, coffee and cake will be provided at the event. Tickets are available now and will range from $15 to $60, with First Nations people free. Details: https://tinyurl. com/3td2a9ve
Literature history takes centre stage in St Albans At 95, Liz Hicklin is proving that it is never too late to take centre stage. The writer, poet, comedian and performer will bring her extraordinary life story to Bowery Theatre in St Albans on Tuesday 27 October with Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend — a funny, fierce and deeply personal production about love, loss and finding your voice. Hicklin was just 20 when she fell in love with young poet Ted Hughes. Their 18-month relationship ended when Hughes met American iconic poet and novelist Sylvia Plath, setting the course for one of literature’s most famous
relationships. Hughes’ letters to Hicklin are now held by the British Library, but Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend is determined to look beyond the literary archives and tell the story of the woman behind them. The production traces Hicklin’s life on her own terms — from a young woman caught up in a literary world dominated by famous names to a 95-year-old performer embracing a new chapter. Hicklin began performing stand-up comedy at 92 and has since appeared at the Flinders Fringe and Glen Eira Storytelling Festival, become a sought-after keynote
speaker, appeared on ABC Radio Melbourne and won the Clunes Booktown poetry slam in 2023. Written by Hicklin and Jacinta Parsons, and directed by Sarah Sutherland and Parsons, the production promises Brimbank audiences an entertaining and inspiring afternoon with a woman who has spent a lifetime becoming the author of her own story. Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend is at Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans, from 2.00pm-3.00pm on 27 October. Entry is free, with bookings required
LEO (Leonie Whyman) will be performing in Gisborne. (Supplied)
Wednesday, 14 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17
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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which former NRL player is head coach of Australia's men’s national rugby league team?
3. Which Sydney Roosters player of the match was awarded the Karyn Murphy Medal at the 2026 NRLW grand final?
2. Which soccer position did Peter Crouch play?
4. Which Premier League club was found guilty of most of the 115 charges it faced for breaching financial regulations? 5. Which Sydney Roosters player of the match was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal at the 2026 NRL grand final? 6. What sport features in the 2002 film Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch (also known as Air Bud 4)? 7. Which former AFL player is head coach of the North Melbourne women's team? 8. The emblems for the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics are inspired by species of what type of parrot? 9. Jamaica has won 93 Summer Olympic medals in athletics and a single medal in what other event?
Peter Crouch
10. Which former AFL player is head coach of the North Melbourne men's team?
Armand Duplantis
11. Former Essendon captain Zach Merrett is set to play for which AFL club in 2027? 12. What is the name of the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Circuit? 13. And who won the 2026 race there? 14. Which Australian team is often referred to as the Baggy Greens?
21. What is a billy cart known as outside of Australia?
27. The Sydney sports arena previously known as Qudos Bank Arena is now known by what name?
22. Which Women’s Super League club does Ellie Carpenter play for?
15. Which sport is Armand Duplantis famous for? 16. Wallabies player Max Jorgensen is the son of which 90s Wallabies player?
28. Which Russian-born Kazakhstani tennis professional became the No.1 ranked women's singles player in September 2026?
23. Jesse Hogan joined which AFL team during the 2026 Trade Period?
17. Who scored two tries in the 2026 NRL grand final?
24. Which former cricketer was the host of Channel Seven’s Who Dares Wins?
18. Who eliminated Alexander Zverev at the 2026 China Open?
25. The Major League Baseball team the Athletics are moving to which US city in 2028?
19. Complete the title of this 2001 Hong Kong sports comedy film: Shaolin – 20. What was the margin of victory in the 2026 NRL grand final?
29. Philip Noel-Baker is the only person to have won an Olympic medal and what other prestigious award?
26. The Melbourne Aces baseball team withdrew from the ABL in 2025 to align themselves with an international league from which country?
30. Which popular Australian female singer featured in the 2026 NRL grand final pre-game entertainment?
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1. Kevin Walters 2. Striker 3. Tarryn Aiken 4. Manchester City 5. James Tedesco 6. Baseball 7. Darren Crocker 8. Cockatoo 9. Cycling 10. Jaymie Graham 11. Hawthorn 12. Baku City Circuit 13. George Russell 14. Australian men’s national cricket team 15. Pole vault 16. Peter Jorgensen 17. Mark Nawaqanitawase 18. Novak Djokovic 19. Soccer 20. One point 21. Soapbox car 22. Chelsea 23. Collingwood 24. Mike Whitney 25. Las Vegas 26. South Korea 27. Afterpay Arena 28. Elena Rybakina 29. Nobel Peace Prize 30. Amy Shark
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9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in 's'.
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Today’s Aim: 12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent
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No. 418 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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4 LETTERS ARCS DEFY EATS ERGO IMPS LYRE RELY REST SACS SARI SEEP SLAB SLIM YELP
emir, lien, lime, limner, line, liner, lire, lyre, merlin, mien, mile, miler, miller, milliner, MILLINERY, mine, miner, mire, myelin, rein, rely, rile, rime, yell
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Volume (4) Helper (9) Conical tent (5) Revenge (11) Backside (3) Falls on the US-Canadian border (7) Sound (5) Obstinate (10) Great playwright (11) In peril (10) Tradesperson (9) Pariah (7) Citified (5) Combine (5) Frozen flakes (4) Deity (3)
20 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
QUICK QUIZ
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5 LETTERS ABATE ALONE ALTAR ALTER APRIL AROMA ATONE AWARE BACON BASTE BROOM CHEEP CLING CLOCK COLIC COVET CURES EATER EERIE ERASE GENII
ICIER IDEAL INCUR LARVA LOOSE MELTS OATHS PANDA PETAL PLEAS PORTS PRICE REALS RENTS RHINO RURAL SEARS SEEDS SLITS SNOWY SPARS SPATS
SPECK TAINT TELLS TEMPO TILDE TOKEN WRENS
7 LETTERS BLATANT FERTILE FORELEG PANCAKE STIMULI TOTALLY
6 LETTERS CRAFTY OTTERS PIGEON ROASTS
8 LETTERS ALLOCATE HONOURED HYGIENIC LOADABLE
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1 What colour is amethyst? 2 How many cards are in a standard deck of cards, excluding jokers? 3 True or false: in Greek mythology, Cupid is the god of love? 4 Which arm on the Statue of Liberty is raised to hold up a torch?
7 Which Marvel superhero does Tom Holland (pictured) play? 8 Name the author of To Kill a Mockingbird. 9 In the solar system, which is the fifth planet from the sun? 10 Which country is the movie Slumdog Millionaire set in?
5 What kind of animal is Stuart Little? 6 How many wings does a ladybug have?
ANSWERS: 1. Purple 2. 52 3. False, Eros is 4. Right 5. Mouse 6. Four 7. Spider-Man 8. Harper Lee 9. Jupiter 10. India
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Agricultural aid (7) Under (7) Ancient Middle East (11) Biological blueprint (1,1,1) Too (2,4) Times of the year (7) Close (4) Island nation east of Mozambique (10) Permitted (10) Stern (4) Chowhound (7) Very poor person (6) Chest bone (3) Mountainous Islamic country (11) Gave away (7) Hair above the eye (7)
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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. 311
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SUDOKU
RATINGS Looks: 7/10 Performance: 8/10 Safety: 7/10 Thirst: 9/10 Practicality: 7/10 Comfort: 7/10 Tech: 8/10 Value: 9/10
BYD’s Atto fills SUV gap By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring The spectacular growth of Chinese vehicles in the Australian market continues. In the first seven months of 2026 vehicles sourced from China total sales totalled 208,785, well ahead of the 170,722 coming from Japan. Leading the way is BYD (aka Build Your Dreams) which has moved into second place behind Toyota in July 2026 YTD sales. Our review is on the Atto 2, a fully electric compact SUV. Atto 2 joins the slightly larger Atto 3 which pioneered the BYD brand back in 2022 and the smaller Atto 1 and comes in two variants, Dynamic and Premium, priced at $31,990 and $35,990 plus onroad costs respectively. Both variants are powered by a 130kW electric motor delivering 290Nm of torque, paired with a 51.3kWh Blade Battery that offers up to 345km of WLTP range. Fast DC charging from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 39 minutes, with a peak charging rate of up to 82kW. The extra four grand for the Premium provides extra equipment including LED lighting, larger wheels (17-inch over 16-inch), panoramic glass roof, roof rack, 360-degree camera, front parking sensors and powered side mirrors. Inside, there is a larger touchscreen, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, wireless smartphone charging, and an immersive eight-speaker audio system. BYD’s six-year 150,000km vehicle and eight-year 160,000km battery warranties apply to the Atto 2.
Styling First time EV buyers not looking to stand out from the crowd will be perfectly happy with the conservative styling of the Atto 2. Design is more old-school SUV, tall and square, without the sloping roofline of its Atto 1 and Atto 3 siblings. There are full LED projector headlights above slim daytime running lights and turn indicators, also LED. At the rear there’s a full-width LED lightbar with a twirly bit on either end. The Premium spec adds roof rails, panoramic glass roof with a sunshade and powered side mirrors.
Driving
There’s a choice of four exterior colours, again likely to suit conservative buyers: Ski White is standard; Grey Mist, Harbour Grey and Cosmos Black are all cost options.
Interior No colour choice inside, just darkish grey. The front seats are manual in the Dynamic, powered in the Premium. The glass roof on the Premium variant is fixed but does come with a powered sunshade. Premium adds powered front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear occupants are well catered for with a flat floor, dual map pockets, adjustable air con controls, USB-A and USB-C inputs, a wide folding armrest with twin cupholders and a parcel shelf behind the seatbacks. Boot space is 380 litres to 1320 litres. There’s no power tailgate, not that a car of this size really needs one. There’s no front storage area (aka Frunk or Froot) although the boot floor does lift off for a lower level to keep charging cables and the like.
Powertrain Power is sent to the front wheels via a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) BYD Blade Battery. The name comes from its long, thin and flat blade-shaped cells that are built into the structure of the vehicle and lower its centre of gravity. Outputs are 130kW and 290 Nm with a zero to 100km/h speed of 7.9 seconds. Battery capacity is 51.13kWh and can charge using a 7kW Type 2 AC port from zero to 100 percent in just over eight hours. Using a CCS2 DC charging port that drops to 38.6 minutes from 10 to 80 percent or from zero to 100 percent in 68 minutes. For campers or picknickers, vehicle to load (V2L) is standard and both a V2L discharge adapter and Mode 2 charging cable are provided. The charge port is at the front on the driver’s side which will probably suit most owners but not for those charging from the roadside.
Safety Atto 2 has yet to be tested by ANCAP but all other BYD vehicles, including the Atto 1 and Atto 3, have received the maximum five-star rating.
The neat little Atto 2 is likely to be a big seller for the booming Chinese carmaker. (Pictures: Supplied)
Atto 2 comes with BYD’s Cell-to-Body technology which integrates the vehicle’s battery with its body for increased structural safety. Standard are six airbags, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and correction, automatic emergency braking, forward and collision warning, intelligent cruise control, intelligent speed limit warning and control, blind spot detection, rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. Premium adds front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.
Infotainment Atto 2 Dynamic has a 10.1-inch touchscreen and Premium 12.8-inch. Both are landscape, the portrait rotation gimmick no longer in fashion. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless with a wireless phone charger in the Premium. The sound system in the Dynamic is basic with four speakers, six in the Premium.
For a relatively small car, access is easy with large doors, tall roof and slide-over into the seats with a minimum of stooping and bending. While many of the controls, as is the norm nowadays, are operated through the touchscreens, most come with an array of shortcut tabs. Even better, there are sensibly positioned physical controls on the driver’s door and steering wheel, with an audio volume control roller and brake regeneration toggle button on the central console. The digital instrument cluster is easy to read and can be customised to suit. Atto 2 is easy to manoeuvre around town with light steering and the smooth and linear acceleration expected from an EV. There are the usual intrusive features that annoy keen drivers such as lane interference, speed sign alerts and driver attention warnings. No doubt many will be quite content with them, otherwise they can be turned off – temporarily. There are three driving modes, Normal, Eco and Sport. As we expect most buyers to do, we spent most of their time in Normal. Driving range under the WLTP standard is listed at an acceptable 345km with many of its competitors, albeit more expensive, covering more than 400km.
Summary While it’s not likely to be a vehicle on which owners will build their dreams, the neat little Atto 2 is likely to be a big seller for the booming Chinese carmaker. And, fortunately, BYD no longer sees the need to plaster that phrase across the rear windows of their vehicles as they did when the Atto 3 pioneered the brand back in 2022. Savvy urban buyers in particular will be drawn to Atto 2’s functional body style, clean energy credentials and sharp pricing. With BYD snapping at the heels of Toyota the Atto 2 is looming as a potential alternative to Corolla especially with the imminent arrival of a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) version called the Atto 2 DM-i, for Dual-Mode Intelligent. Pricing and specs are yet to be released but it is likely to be in the low to mid $30,000s.
Wednesday, 14 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 21
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East Sunbury’s Nathan Dent. 582792 01
Diggers Rest Bulla players. 582792 12
Diggers Rest Bulla’s Jacob Grant. 582792 03
Alex Hannah. 582791 09
A beautiful day for sport Sport fans made the most of the beautiful Sunshine on Saturday, with plenty of cricket and basketball action across Melbourne’s
north-west. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out and about capturing the action.
Melton’s Maddison Brady. 582780 02 Rockies’s Kiralee Collings. 582780 04
Lilly Storer. 582780 13
Kyneton’s Ella Jeffrey in action against Bacchus Marsh. 582783 04
22 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
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Druids set sights on finals By Luke D’Anello Druids have set their sights on a return to Victorian Turf Cricket Association finals this season after a productive off-season. After finishing fifth last summer, the Wizards have secured the signing of Paxino medallist and former captain-coach Michael Hay in a boost to their hopes of climbing the ladder. South African Hay returns are stints with Premier Cricket clubs Footscray and Northcote and is set to give bowlers in division 1 plenty of sleepless nights. The star batsman made two tons and three half-centuries during his time in the Premier Cricket ranks. Hay hammered 460 runs at an average of 51.11 in his last season at Druids in 2021-22 when the club was in Senior Division. He has 3682 runs at 35.07 from 126
matches for the Wizards. “Michael’s obviously a massive in. He played eight years at our club, starting as a 19-year-old, before he went off and played some Premier Cricket,” coach Jared Andrews said. “He’s just turned 30 so he’s definitely at the peak of his powers and experience right now. So without wanting to put too much pressure on him, we know what he’ll bring to our batting line-up and to be able to strengthen that up.” Hay will bolster a batting line-up which last season was led by club champion Charith Mendis, who logged 421 runs at 38.27. But Andrews is keen for Druids not to be too heavily reliant on their guns. “Like a lot of teams, we don’t want to rely on your two bonafide stars,” he said. “We want to really push the rest of the
guys. There’s a few guys who had lean years in their own books last year and the potential is definitely there and I’m expecting a lot more push through the middle order. “The young fellas are there and they can contribute, but we lacked that little bit of experience at the top level, whereas this year we’ll obviously be able to bring in a little bit more experience, and hopefully that gives us that push up the ladder. “Obviously another step forward would be ideal and that’s what the whole group’s pushing for. We’ll be very disappointed if we couldn’t make the top four, to be honest.” Asela Aluthge is also back after a stint at East Keilor, while Andrew Walstab is set to feature more often in the first XI. Andrews said Dulaj Ashen (173 runs last season) would be a player to watch in 2026-27.
“He was fresh off the plane from Sri Lanka I think a month or two before we started (last) season,” he said. “He took a while to find his feet. He’s very good, solid bat and you can see the talent he’s got... but his pre-season has been super strong and I expect his batting numbers to push up and really solidify the side.” Wicketkeeper-batsman Sonara Pilippuhewa is also set to make an impact. “He’s definitely got the potential to make the runs in the middle order and I feel that this year there’s a little bit more pressure off him and he’s just really starting to hit his straps again,” Druids suffered a convincing defeat in Saturday’s season opener, losing to Williamstown CYMS by 92 runs. They are scheduled to face Sunshine away from home this weekend.
Baker appointed Seagulls coach
Jakson Knight. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 510981_04
Woodsmen bolster attack with Edwards By Luke D’Anello Spotswood’s bowling line-up is poised to provide myriad headaches for rivals after the club secured one of the big-name signings of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket off-season. Former Northcote paceman Michael Edwards will form a devastating one-two punch with Dan Schuppan as the Woodsmen look to add to their maiden VSDCA flag from 2022-23. Edwards claimed 141 wickets at 28.72 apiece from 116 matches in the Premier Cricket ranks, including a best first XI haul of 6-21 against Camberwell in 2021-22. The left-armer was a Victorian under-19 representative and will open the bowling this season. Spotswood captain Jakson Knight described Edwards as a “huge” inclusion. “He’s fit as a fiddle. He’s a genuine athlete, so he’s going to be a massive inclusion for us with the new ball and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do,” Knight said. “He’s got some good Premier Cricket experience, genuine good bloke as well and he’s got some good connections with the club. “He’s a family man, so he fits into the club
really well and brings a lot of experience for us, which is awesome.” Schuppan collected 40 wickets at 14.48 last summer and was well supported by Sam Hope (27) and Sandeep Mandalika (19). Left-arm off-spinner Jacob Pawlowicz, who has experience at Essendon and Greenvale Kangaroos, is another noteworthy addition. Knight said an improved bowling line-up would be key after the club bowed out in the semi-finals last season. “I think we definitely needed to deepen our bowling stocks, so that’s one thing we’ve been able to do this year, which has been huge,” he said. The Woodsmen have regained Taylor Tatterson, who scored 363 runs in his only season with Stratford. Former Melbourne University wicketkeeper-batsman Jarrod Martignago is also fit after a knee injury restricted him to four games last season. “It’s going to make it tight for selection this year, which is a great problem to have,” Knight said. Lachlan McKenna, who was the club’s leading run-scorer in 2025-26 with 629 at 48.38, and Seamus Lynch (532 at 33.25) have departed. However the Woodsmen still boast plenty
of threats with the bat, headlined by Blayde Baker and Knight, who both posted more than 500 runs last season. The Woodsmen also have some young players who will push for spots in the top team. “James Stewart played a chunk of cricket with us last year. He’s a young 17, 18-yearold kid, exciting prospect and bats and bowls,” Knight said. “He’s going to be one to look out for as a bit of a bolter this year. “We’ve got some really good kids coming through our junior programs as well who might get a taste this year (in the first XI).” Spotswood has established itself as a strong VSDCA club, contesting finals in three of five seasons since joining the competition “We’re hoping to compete pretty hard again. We’ve had a good off-season with some good recruiting done,” Knight said. “More than anything, it’s about coming good at the right time of the year in March. That’s the key thing for us to be competing late in the year and winning those big games.” Knight (100 not out and 3-16) and Martignago (78) started their seasons in style as the Woodsmen scored a seven-run win over Strathmore on Saturday.
Torin Baker has been named the new coach of Williamstown in the Victorian Football League. Baker joins the Seagulls with an extensive coaching background spanning elite development, talent pathways and senior football, including roles with Carlton and Hawthorn at AFL level. Most recently, Baker has worked with the Carlton Football Club as an AFL development coach, a position he began in 2021, and during that time founded the Carlton College of Sport Football Development Program. Prior to joining Carlton, Baker spent two seasons as a development coach with Hawthorn, working within Alastair Clarkson’s coaching panel after six years at the helm of the Western Jets in the TAC Cup, now the Talent League. During his time with the Jets, Baker led the program to three finals campaigns and recorded 41 wins across his six seasons, with numerous players he coached progressing into AFL careers. Baker’s coaching journey is complemented by an extensive background in education, having spent more than a decade working in teaching alongside his football career. He is also an accredited AFL level three coach. His coaching experience extends across VFL, country, suburban and underage football, following a 17-year playing career across those levels. The Seagulls said across his coaching career, Baker has developed a reputation for building strong relationships, developing players and creating environments centred around communication and growth. Williamstown chief executive Ash Baker said Baker’s experience across talent development and AFL environments would provide a strong foundation for the club’s VFL program. “Torin brings an outstanding breadth of experience across football, from developing young players through the talent pathway to working within AFL environments,” he said. “His experience at Hawthorn and Carlton, combined with his six years leading the Western Jets, gives him a strong understanding of player development and what it takes to prepare players for the next level. “We’re excited to have Torin lead our VFL program and look forward to seeing the impact he can make across our playing group and broader football program.”
Wednesday, 14 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 23
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