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WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER, 2026

A haunting good time Could West Footscray be the unofficial Halloween capital of Melbourne? Elaborate decorations and spooky displays are popping up at dozens of houses across the suburb in the hope of wowing – and scaring – trick-or-treaters. And for those looking for even spookier fun – the Halloween Hell House will be open on Barkly street all weekend.

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Lindy O’Brien with her ‘House of Abandoned amd Dismembered Dolls’. (Damjan Janevski) 586254 09

Closures bank up By Glenn Fisher More than 100,000 Hobsons Bay residents – most of them elderly – are set to be severely impacted by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s decision to shut down another three of its branches in the area. The bank announced in early October that it will close its Altona, Williamstown and Altona North (Borrack Square) branches on 20 November but that it would open a new branch at Altona Gate Shopping Centre in the future. When added to the recent branch closures in Newport and Spotswood, it is estimated more than 100,000 people in Hobsons Bay will have to travel to Braybrook, Footscray or Point Cook to visit a physical CommBank branch and deal with personal banking matters.

Even that is under a cloud, with the Footscray branch listed as ‘temporarily closed’ on the CommBank website. Many locals are upset with the decision and also say they have not been officially advised of the closures, with Hobsons Bay resident Brian Haynes leading the charge. Mr Haynes told Star Weekly that up to 40 per cent of the population had a CommBank account or accounts, and there were many senior residents living in the Hobsons Bay area who did not or could not use internet banking and who instead withdrew money from a bank teller inside an actual branch. “Many seniors do not drive or may have reduced capacity to safely use buses, plus there are no train stations near those suburbs,” he said. While there were, at present, local post

offices for very basic person-to-person deposits, withdrawals and bill payments, “the queues in any post office these days are always very long”, he said. When the CommBank branches closed at Newport and Spotswood, that put an emphasis on Williamstown as the nearest branch, but with no other branches save for Altona Gate in the future, that is well over 100,000 people affected, Mr Haynes said. “The main comment I’m hearing from Commonwealth Bank customers is ‘what are we going to do now?’ ” With the very recent announcement that NAB will be slashing 2500 jobs by June next year, including 1500 before Christmas, Mr Haynes said that could also have an impact locally and changing banks would become less of an alternative. The only unconfirmed positive was that

Mr Haynes said Altona CommBank branch staff told him an ATM would remain on site after the branch closed. Altona-Village Traders Association posted on Facebook following the CommBank closures announcement, encouraging local traders and residents to instead bank with Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank Altona. “When you bank with Bendigo Bank Altona, you’re doing more than managing your money – you’re helping support the local community and the people, businesses and organisations that make our village such a great place to live,” the association wrote. Community Bank liaison officer Kate Wheeler said the bank also invested part of its profits back into the community by supporting local initiatives, charities, sporting clubs and other organisations.

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Crossing contracts awarded The removal of boom gates at two innerwest level crossings is a step closer, with a contract awarded for the projects. An alliance comprising Acciona, WSP, Metro Trains Melbourne and VIDA Rail has been awarded the contract to remove the boom gates at Anderson Street in Yarraville and Hudsons Road in Spotswood. According to the state government, the Anderson Street crossings is one of the most dangerous level crossings remaining on Melbourne’s metropolitan rail network. It has been the site of one fatality and four serious injuries since 2006, and 26 near misses since 2016. The government said more than 6000 pedestrians use the crossing each day, with boom gates down for half of the twohour morning peak.

Along Hudsons Road, more than 6600 vehicles use the crossing each day. Four rounds of community engagement have been held, and early designs for the Anderson Street crossing were released in May. As reported by Star Weekly, community group LXRAY Anderson Street Champions organised a community rally in September as part of its campaign calling on the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) to stop and review the project. Unlike most other level crossing removals which have involved rail lines being either lower or elevated in order to separate them from traffic, the Yarraville project will keep the Werribee line tracks where they are and close the western part of Anderson Street to traffic to create a pedestrian plaza.

Two tunnels, one next to the station and the other 170 metres to the north near Murray Street, will be dug to provide pedestrian and cycling access. The project will also create new open space on Anderson Street for outdoor dining, seating and public artwork. Following community feedback, the level crossing removal will feature increased car parking – improving access to the busy Yarraville Village precinct. The project will deliver recommendations from an economic assessment commissioned by Maribyrnong council, projected to boost trader sales by up to 12 per cent. Final designs will be released, and construction will start next year, with the project complete in 2029.

Footscray MP Katie Hall thanked Yarraville traders and residents, who she called “the lifeblood of the village” for their feedback. “It will continue to shape this project as we remove this dangerous and congested level crossing,” she said. “This project will make Yarraville Village more walkable and open, with significantly more space for outdoor dining, seating and public artwork, along with more parking than exists today.” The Hudsons Road crossing is expected to be removed and the new Spotswood station opened by 2028. Williamstown MP Melissa Horne said the project, along with banning trucks on Hudsons Road, would “transform Spotswood making it safer for the community”.

Councillors object to townhouses

The ‘Spirited Away’ house on Khartoum Street. (Damjan Janevski) 586254 03

West Footscray brews up spooky fun West Footscray residents are putting their heart and soul into making their suburb the spookiest place to be this Saturday. The suburb could be Melbourne’s unofficial Halloween capital with almost a dozen streets embracing the ghoulish celebration. Houses across West Footscray will be decked out in elaborate decorations and spooky displays, with trick-or-treating encouraged. Among the streets taking part is Khartoum Street, which is visited by thousands

of people each year. Other highlights include the House of Abandoned and Dismembered Dolls on Blandford Street and the West Footscray Halloween Hell House at 594 Barkly Street, run by The Op Shop. Maribyrnong councillor Pradeep Tiwari, who helped kick-start the suburb’s Halloween celebrations in 2020, said the community had embraced All Hallows’ Eve. “It has just become the place to visit for Halloween. Plenty of streets have become

Halloween crazy,” he said. “The kids love it, the parents love it. “The whole community comes together, which is why they love it.” Cr Tiwari will spend Saturday night volunteering at the hell house – which he said is open all weekend and is a must-visit. “It has become a big attraction,” he said. Entry to the hell house is by gold coin donation. The West Footscray Halloween map can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/4b4wxk4n

More tree plantings promised to help cool the western suburbs More shade is on the way for Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, with more trees to be planted and local shopping strips receiving a green makeover to help keep suburbs cool. The $3 million state government-investment will deliver 23 projects across two programs. The first will result in more than 100,000 trees planted across 13 projects, with $1.5 million going towards suburbs with less tree cover and greater exposure to heat. Planting will stretch from Werribee, Altona and Braybrook, to Craigieburn, Sunbury and Broadmeadows, and Pakenham, Cran-

bourne and Keysborough in the south-east. Some of the biggest projects include 16,000 trees across Hume, 14,000 at Cranwell Park in Braybrook and 15,000 along the Maribyrnong River and nearby reserves. The trees will provide more shade, cool neighbourhoods and create more habitat for native wildlife. Another $1.5 million will give busy shopping strips and streets a green makeover through 10 separate projects. These include shopping streets in St Albans, Sunshine West, Brunswick, Clarinda and Chelsea Heights, as well as streets in

2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 October, 2026

Richmond, Southbank and Melbourne’s CBD. The extra greenery will cool busy shopping areas, making them more comfortable places to spend time, the government said. Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes said the government had already planted half a million trees across Melbourne’s west. “Now another 100,000 are on the way to suburbs that need them the most,” she said. “From the local park to the shops down the road, we’re making the places Victorians use every day greener, cooler and better places to spend time.”

Maribyrnong council will backflip on a backflip and object to an application to build hundreds of townhouses at the former Australian Defence Industries site. At Tuesday night’s meeting, councillors overrode a draft submission from council officers supporting developer Orion West’s application to the planning minister for approval to build 232 townhouses at 291 Gordon Street, Maribyrnong. Orion West’s original proposal for a townhouse development on the former landfill site was rejected by Maribyrnong council in 2019 due to contamination risks and the use of a public reserve for vehicle access. Orion West is now seeking approval through the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and in their draft submission, council officers argued the developer had made significant efforts to address earlier issues and that it now supported the application. However, when the matter came before council on 20 October, Cr Bernadette Thomas moved an alternative motion calling on council to maintain its opposition. “Contrary to the officer recommendation I’ve just moved a motion saying that council should object to the planning scheme amendment and to the permit application,” Cr Thomas said, noting that there was significant community opposition to the proposal and that despite technical work done by the applicant, it was still in the wrong location. “When you look at the plans you can see it is clearly out of place within the landscape adjacent to the river, next to Frogs Hollow, up the road from Pipemakers (park) and Jacks’s Magazine,” she said, adding that its lack of affordable homes meant the development wouldn’t ease Maribyrnong’s housing shortage either. “This development doesn’t offer what many in our community need in terms of housing provision which is access to housing which is affordable for people living on a low income.” Deputy mayor Samantha Meredith said construction work would threaten nearby wildlife and building atop an old landfill could burden future residents with the cost of cleaning up contaminated soil. Cr Meredith said there were plenty of sites nearby that were more suitable for housing. “We’ve got 22 sites in Footscray and the old Footscray Hospital too.” The motion was carried unanimously and it’s understood council’s submission will now be amended. Orion West declined to comment.

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Student making a difference By Ella Burns It was a year 5 market day at Newport Lakes Primary School that sparked young Brandon Winkworth’s determination to raise money for charity. After putting forward Bread Hub Victoria (BHV) as his chosen charity for the market’s proceeds to go towards, Brandon and his friends created a basketball shooting stall and began raising money. Unfortunately, another charity received more votes for the school to donate to and BHV missed out. This was where 10-year-old Brandon’s motivation began. “I rallied my friends and family to raise money after that didn’t work,” he said. The driven student’s efforts saw him raise $500 to donate to BHV, which is an organisation co-founded by west-born Brendan Murphy. Mr Murphy started the charity alongside his mother three years ago. BHV supports more 5000 people each week. “Brandon’s willingness to help fundraise for this project shows wonderful leadership and community qualities to help others and is much appreciated,” he said. The funds Brandon raised will contribute to a local partnership between BHV and Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS) to provide opportunities and access for disadvantaged locals in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham. The money will go towards BHV’s swim and gym project, providing vouchers to access facilities at Laverton Community Hub and Bayfit. LCIS Chief executive Michael Pernar said the help from Brandon and Mr Murphy won’t go unrecognised. He said that funding for opportunities like this takes time and fundraisers and partnerships are something that really help see it succeed. “Through this program, we have been able to connect a lot of people and give them the opportunities to do things to keep fit,” he said. “We have a lot of sports places but they

Laverton Community Integrated Services chief executive Michael Pernar, Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima, student Brandon Winkworth and Bread Hub Victoria co-founder Brendan Murphy. (Ella Burns)

cost money. If you want to play sports, you have to have the money to play.” The partnership was connected through Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima. “Privileged” was the word she used to describe the feeling of being able to help and support the cause and connect the two organisations. “It’s going to support people who actually need these services such as swimming, leisure, and social well being,” she said.

“To see a young child like Brandon who works so hard, it motivates you, but it’s also an eye opener to everyone, you need to start listening to everyone because when we listen, we learn, and seem to go in the right direction.” Brandon was paid a visit at school by Mt Murphy, the mayor and Mr Pernar on Thursday 22 October, during which the money he raised was matched by BHV and doubled to $1000. Brandon presented a cheque he

made to be signed by everyone, witnessed by his proud father. “It feels good because then it will allow people to access the pool and the gym unlike they have before,” Brandon said. Brandon said fundraising had taught him that encouraging people to donate can be challenging, but he was proud of what he had achieved. His advice to others wanting to make a positive change was simple: keep going and never give up.

Breaking down barriers 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 spoke with chief Blue Light Victoria chief executive Elissa Scott. Blue Light Victoria is a youth charity that originated as the Blue Light Disco initiative. It supports young people aged 10 to 21 through prevention and early intervention programs designed to build personal capabilities, strengthen social connections and encourage positive life choices. Chief executive Elissa Scott said that when it comes to youth crime, there isn’t a single cause. “There are a myriad of factors. Disengagement from school, mental health challenges, social isolation, and the lack of positive adult role models,” she said. Ms Scott said a key initiative of Blue Light was connecting young people with police and emergency services. “Its about breaking down barriers between young people and police. It allows young people to see police as humans and for police to see the amazing things young people are doing. These officers often only interact with youth when they are in crisis.” The organisation works in partnership with police and emergency services across all its programs, providing opportunities

for young people to develop safe, positive and trusted relationships with emergency service personnel. This approach aims to engage young people early and provide support during key stages of their development. Whilst Ms Scott emphasised the importance of police and emergency services, she reiterated the need for early intervention and preventative initiatives. “The key is intervening before offending occurs. We need to keep young people connected with education. It is a real protective factor. They need connection with positive role models. It’s also good to foster awareness of alternate pathways,” she said. Blue Light Victoria delivers a range of school-based and experiential learning programs, including Blue EDGE, DASH, CoRE and Frontline. These programs incorporate physical activity, life skills development, mentoring and engagement with emergency services to promote confidence, connection and positive decision-making. “It’s about ensuring young people are engaged with education. Young people are different and they all have different needs,” Ms Scott said. Its programs are tailored to young people across primary and secondary school settings, as well as TAFE, with the aim of supporting their development, wellbeing and engagement in their communities.

Blue Light Victoria chief executive Elissa Scott. (Supplied).

Wednesday, 28 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3

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Reserve upgrade promised

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G F Stirling Reserve in Altona Meadows will have the play space redeveloped if the state government is re-elected at next month’s election. The state government said it will invest $250,000 in the reserve for the upgrades. Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari said the upgrades will further improve enjoyment across the community.

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Dr Liz Cyarto is organising free guided walks in Hobsons Bay for people living with dementia and the family who care for them. (Damjan Janevski) 584852 03

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Dr Liz’s dementia walks

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One of the things Dr Liz Cyarto’s mum loved most was walking amongst the trees. Dr Cyarto’s mother and grandmother both had dementia. Now Dr Cyarto is inviting other families to join a walk just for them. From Tuesday 27 October, four, free guided walks in Hobsons Bay offer people living with dementia, and the family who care for them, two unhurried hours outdoors. The guided walks may be the first of their kind in Melbourne. “People don’t realise how stressful dementia can be for a family,” Dr Cyarto said. “When you are in it, you are in it. You forget to take time to do things that are nurturing for both of you.” For many family carers, that time barely exists. In the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Living with Dementia Carer

Survey, the first national survey of its kind, most of the 1,648 carers who took part reported low wellbeing, and about 30 per cent spent more than 70 hours a week caring. Dr Cyarto’s walks are slow, short and mindful, with people invited to notice sounds, textures, smells and sights before ending with a cup of tea. Dr Cyarto hopes carers leave with something they can take home: a wellbeing practice they can repeat on their own in any outdoor space. “Research is showing that spending time in green and blue spaces is good for you,” she said. “Victoria now has two dementia-sensory trails, and I hope to have a permanent trail in the west soon. Dementia is a growing health challenge in Melbourne, and this is welcome respite.” Register at: https://bit.ly/walkwithdrliz

A re-elected Labor government will invest $400,000 towards lighting and an additional netball court at Bryan Martyn Reserve, Newport. The reserve is home to the Newport Power Netball Club, Newport Power and Junior Football Club and Newport-Digman Cricket Club. The upgrades to lighting will increase player safety and visibility, while also allowing the club to extend training times and enable night-time training for all community sports.

Enrol to vote Victorians have less than one week left to make sure they’re enrolled to cast their vote at the 2026 state election on Saturday 28 November. The Victorian Electoral Commission is urging voters to check their enrolment details online before the close of roll at 8 pm on Tuesday 3 November. Details: vec.vic. gov.au/enrolment

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Tree vandalism bill tops $10,000 in Hobsons Bay

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4 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 October, 2026

More than $10,000 worth of damage was done when 28 newly planted trees were destroyed at Cyril Curtain Reserve in Williamstown last month. The tree vandalism, which occurred across two separate incidents in September, will cost Hobsons Bay council more than $12,000, including the lost trees and their replacements. The damaged trees were among 51 advanced coastal banksias planted along pathways behind the Williamstown Cricket Ground. Council said the incident has been reported to police. The trees were selected to provide future shade and cooling benefits in a highly used part of the foreshore, council said. Hobsons Bay is recognised as having one of the lowest amounts of tree canopy cover or natural shade of all Victorian municipalities. “When trees are destroyed, not only is public money wasted, but the shade, cooling, habitat and amenity benefits they would have provided are lost or delayed for many years,” council said. “Low tree coverage contributes to heating up of suburbs and impacts the health of residents.” Mayor Diana Grima said it was incredibly disappointing to see efforts to build the municipality’s tree canopy and improve the quality of life of residents attacked by a handful of individuals. “While damaged trees may be replaced, many years of growth and establishment are lost,” she said. “We hope that through education

One of the vandalised trees. (Supplied)

and highlighting the importance of tree planting across our city, we can see fewer incidents like these in the future.” Tree vandalism is investigated by council’s local laws team, and where it is found that a person has breached the local law, an infringement notice per affected tree is issued.

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Forty years in bloom The Victoria State Rose Garden in the grounds of Werribee Park will celebrate its 40th anniversary on 9 November. But the state’s first specific and now most popular rose garden only reached this milestone thanks to a dedicated group of local volunteers who saved it from being bulldozed in the early 1990s. Glenn Fisher reports.

he original concept for a State Rose Garden was raised in 1976 when Victoria was declared The Garden

State. After much hard work and lobbying by a few dedicated members of the National Rose Society, particularly Jim Priestly OAM, it became a reality 10 years later. Mr Priestly and Mervyn Danker co-designed a plan for the garden that was accepted by the state government of the time and was to be developed by the Public Works Department in four stages. On 9 November 1986, the official opening of Stage One of the Victoria State Rose Garden was performed, with the 4.6-hectare garden shaped like a giant Tudor Rose.

The Victoria State Rose Garden is an internationally recognised rose garden of which we are very proud - Kingsley Cochrane However, an official opening did not guarantee that work on the garden would continue. Changes of state government in late 1992 saw Jeff Kennett the newly elected premier and his government’s economic rationalisation strategy of that era left no doubt that the State Rose Garden was about to be engulfed and terminated. A petition against the move garnered many hundreds of signatures supporting the garden’s completion, but the state government would only agree if it could be proven there were sufficient volunteers to carry out the work involved to maintain both the current garden and any extension. So, in June 1993, the Victoria State Rose Garden Supporters Werribee Park Inc was registered, becoming not only the saviours of the garden but the tireless voluntary grunt behind the scenes.

The supporters group now has a membership of about 80 people, with more than 50 of those actively helping out as regular volunteers in the garden every Wednesday and Saturday morning. The Werribee Park tourism precinct site is managed by Parks Victoria, which maintains the lawns and grounds around the garden and Werribee Mansion, with the volunteer group continuing to look after the rose garden. Current group president Kingsley Cochrane told Star Weekly the group’s membership fees paid for the upkeep of the garden, with great support from Neutrog biological fertilisers and from Treloar Roses of Portland and Wagner’s Rose Nursery in South Australia with the purchase and donation of new rose breeds. “The Victoria State Rose Garden is an internationally recognised rose garden of which we are very proud to be a part of,” Mr Cochrane said. “We now have more than 2000 different roses in about 500 garden beds, with every colour and variety you could think of – climbing roses, creepers, bush roses, standards.” The Tudor section of Heritage Roses was the start, then in late 1997 with the help of Werribee Park staff and a grant from Parks Victoria, 44 varieties of climbing species and old roses were planted to form a hedge on the fenceline between the mansion and the rose garden by creating a heritage border. In 1998, a front row of bush heritage roses was planted consisting of 49 varieties, with many of those being species roses with historical ties to the modern rose, while in 2000, another 400 metres of border was planted, giving Victoria one of the best collections of heritage roses and David Austin varieties in Australia. Mr Cochrane, who has been a supporters group member for almost nine years, said the average age of the volunteer group was in the 70s, with two members aged 95 and two others who just turned 90. “We welcome anyone of any age into our

group and we’ve been particularly pleased to see a younger generation now coming along to our Saturday morning working bees,” he said. “We’ve now got people in the 18 to 35 age group attending, and that’s a positive sign for the future of the garden.” Mr Cochrane said the 40th anniversary would be the perfect time to showcase the rose garden, with late October and November when the roses were at their best. A special morning meet-up, garden tours and calendar sale event will be held on Sunday 8 November to celebrate the occasion, with group members on hand. Entry to the Victoria State Rose Garden is free, though a gold coin donation

is highly encouraged to support the dedicated volunteers. The garden is open daily 9.30am to 6.30pm, with plenty of car parking, picnic and barbecue facilities in the Werribee Park grounds at Gate 2, K Road, Werribee South. The Victoria State Rose Garden Supporters meet every Wednesday (7am to noon) and Saturday (7am to 11am), with more details via email info@ vicstaterosegarden.com.au Mr Cochrane said there was one ‘rule’ to remember when joining the other volunteers … “come when you can and leave when you have to”. Okay, not a rule. A reminder how friendly and welcoming the group is. Blooming marvellous.

Kingsley Cochrane, president of Victoria State Rose Garden Supporters. (Damjan Janevski) 585874 01

Wednesday, 28 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 5

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MY PLACE Louis Lucente is an actor, musician, and writer who lives in West Footscray with his wife and two young sons. He spoke with Cade Lucas. What’s your connection to the north-west of Melbourne? I’m a north-west guy originally. I grew up in Greenvale and went to school around Essendon, although I’ve lived interstate, overseas, and in just about every corner of Melbourne since. A few years ago, when my wife and I started looking for a place to call our own, we kept coming back to the inner west. We eventually found a real “renovator’s delight“ in West Footscray, rolled up our sleeves, and now live here with our two young boys. We even got married at home in a surprise wedding ceremony last year. The plan was to do it in the backyard, but Melbourne’s summer weather had other ideas, so we ended up in front of the fireplace instead. What do you like about living-working here? I love that the west still has a bit of grit and personality. It’s not overly polished or trying too hard to be something it isn’t. There’s a great mix of cultures, fantastic food, independent businesses, and a real sense of community. People seem to share a similar down-to-earth outlook, and there’s a genuine pride in the place. My wife and I are also suckers for old homes, so we love wandering the streets admiring the well-maintained weatherboards and little shopfronts that have been given a new lease on life. There’s so much history in this area, and I hope we never lose that. What, if anything, would you change about the area? I’d love to see more investment in local

West Footscray actor Louis Lucente. (Damjan Janevski) 571833_07

arts and culture, particularly live theatre. Melbourne has a world-class performing arts community, but so much of our professional theatre is concentrated around the CBD or other areas. There are brilliant artists and audiences out west, but relatively few dedicated spaces for professional theatre. I’ve actually been exploring the idea of establishing a permanent, intimate professional theatre in the west. A home for independent producers and performers to stage ambitious work, whether that’s new Australian writing, neglected plays, or even smaller-scale musicals and cabaret. I’d love to see a culture spot that people from across Melbourne would travel west to visit, rather than us always having to head into town. Why shouldn’t we have

FROM THE ARCHIVES

something like that here? Where is your favourite local place to spend time? We love a movie at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville, usually after a delicious meal at Tzaki. I’m also a big fan of The Chestnut Tree Bookshop in West Footscray. I’ve even won a few books they’ve donated as trivia prizes at Harley & Rose! With two young boys, there’s also plenty of time spent running around Hansen Reserve, grabbing coffees and milkshakes at Brother Nancy, or heading down to Whitten Oval to catch some AFLW. Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

I once appeared completely naked on stage at the Sydney Opera House! It was in a production of Hair, I should add, so it was all in the name of art. I’ve also appeared in HBO’s The Pacific and been lucky enough to work on everything from big commercial musicals to intimate independent theatre. This year, I played Mark Antony in Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s Cleopatra & Antony and De Guiche in Cyrano de Bergerac. I’m also working on my first full-length play, an Italian-Australian family drama set in the western suburbs. So even when I’m not performing, I seem to be finding new ways to make theatre. (Thankfully, my wife is very understanding.)

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

29 October, 1986

30 October, 1996

25 October, 2006

26 October, 2016

Firefighters fighting a blaze in Footscray on Sunday had a close brush with death when they stumbled across a box of gelignite, detonators and inflammable liquids at the height of the blaze.

The Bulldog’s taskforce leader, Mr David Smorgan, branded Footscray “third-rate” in a tirade of insults aimed at the area and its community last week.

Altona Sports Centre’s $3.5 million redevelopment is off and running, thanks to a $500,000 announcement from the state government.

A 15-year-old Newport boy has died and two girls are fighting for their life after a car crash in Sunshine West.

6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 October, 2026

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Stay safe on Victorian roads this Melbourne Cup long weekend RoadSafe Westgate is proud to support Operation Furlong 2026, the statewide road policing campaign led by Victoria Police ahead of the Melbourne Cup long weekend. With increased traffic expected across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, police will launch a highly visible enforcement and education blitz aimed at preventing road trauma and saving lives. When is Operation Furlon2026? Operation Furlong will run from Friday 30 October to Wednesday 4 November, covering the entire long weekend, a traditionally high-risk period for serious and fatal crashes on Victorian roads. Why This Melbourne Cup Long Weekend Holiday Matters Holiday periods mean more vehicles on the road, longer trips, unfamiliar routes and tighter travel schedules. Historically, the highest risk periods occur when drivers are: ■ Leaving for holiday destinations ■ Returning home ■ Driving while fatigued ■ Travelling at speed on freeways and regional highways Police intelligence shows that single acts of non-compliance and basic driving errors contributed to more than half of fatalities in 2025- including low-range speeding, distraction, drink driving and failure to obey road rules. What Police Will Be Targeting During OperationFurlong 2026, Victoria Police will focus on the driving behaviours most closely linked to deaths and serious injuries: ■ Speeding- including low-range speeding ■ Distracted driving- particularly illegal mobile phone use

Senior Sergeant Stephen O’Connell, Road Policing Advisor from Westgate Highway Patrol.

■ Seatbelt and child restraint offences ■ Fatigue and drowsy driving ■ Alcohol and drug-impaired driving Police will be highly visible across major freeways, arterial roads and regional routes. Senior Sergeant Stephen O’Connell, Road Policing Advisor from Westgate Highway Patrol, warned police would be “out in force, both educating and enforcing“. “Our aim is simple: prevent lives lost and serious injuries on Victorian roads. The operation will be conducted throughout all operational Police Regions and Police Service Areas during the six days.” He added that drivers should expect to be tested anywhere, anytime throughout the holiday period.

A Community Responsibility Chair of RoadSafe Westgate Jim Giddings reinforced the importance of shared responsibility. “Speed is a factor in most serious crashes. Driving safely isn’t just about obeying the law. It’s about respect — for yourself, your passengers, your family and the broader community,” he said. Road trauma does not only affect those directly involved, it impacts families, friends, emergency services and communities — often for a lifetime. If you witness dangerous driving, report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. If you plan to have a drink then plan to not drive, taking a big risk like drinking and

driving is just not worth endangering your live or that of other road users. Fatigue remains one of the leading contributors to serious crashes. If you are tired, stop and rest. Enforcement Will Be High. The Stakes Are Higher. Speedsters and drivers who flout the road rules have been put on notice. This Melbourne Cup long weekend break, enforcement will be visible and sustained - but the ultimate goal is not fines. It is preventing tragedy. Road safety is not someone else’s responsibility. It is yours. Enjoy your holiday break with family and friends and travel so you arrive safely.

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Summer beach patrols Police will patrol Altona and Williamstown beaches this summer as part of a “zero-tolerance” approach for those looking to cause harm to others or put themselves at risk. Victoria Police said it was expected that people would flock to Victoria’s beaches and foreshores in the coming months amid predictions of a unseasonably hot and dry summer. Police said the increase in people attending beaches would result in an increased risk of poor behaviour. To prevent as much harm as possible, officers will conduct several simultaneous operations from 1 November, targeting unsafe and antisocial behaviour, Acting

Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert said. Local uniform officers will be bolstered by Water Police, the Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol, Transit Safety Division, the Mounted Branch and the Dog Squad, with dedicated presence in foreshore areas and nearby activity hubs. Mobile policing units deployed across busy areas will serve as a central hub for residents and visitors to engage with police, while also enabling officers to monitor antisocial behaviour. Patrols will also operated in St Kilda, Half Moon Bay, the Surf Coast, Bass Coast and Mornington Peninsula.

“We know people let their hair down in summer. The sun’s out, school’s out and the vibes are high. But we also know this means some people may overindulge in alcohol and cause trouble unnecessarily, increasing the likelihood of bad decisions being made and people getting hurt,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Gilbert said. “Alcohol, drugs and waterways can be a deadly combination. One stupid decision on a jet ski could see you, your passenger or a swimmer killed in a split second.” Jet ski riders will again be a focus for police on the water, to ensure they adhere to speed limits and restricted areas and keep clear of swimmers close to shore. Multiple

operations will be conducted from Lorne through to Geelong, St Kilda and Portsea. Riders will be drug and alcohol tested by Water Police, and their vessels may be seized. While Victoria Police will be doing everything it can to reduce harm, residents and visitors are reminded that safety is everyone’s responsibility. “Victoria has incredible beaches and events throughout summer. We want people to enjoy everything our state has to offer, but we want them to do so safely, so everyone can come back and enjoy it again next year,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Gilbert said.

Copper theft: It’s more than metal

Altona Meadows Primary School students Max (front), Ethan, Ayman, Emily, Imogen, Liam and Rose. (Damjan Janevski) 585921 03

Student reporters on the beat for a decade After a decade in production, Altona Meadows Primary School will celebrate the 10th edition of its internal news program, AMP NEWS on Thursday 29 October. Getting a taste of what it’s like to be a reporter, the year five and six students film, write and edit stories on topics such as fetes, special days and sports events. “I personally wouldn’t mind being a news reporter when I’m older,” budding reporter Ethan said. Two episodes are produced per term made up of multiple segments that feature teachers and students.

Liam said his top picks were a feature on the school’s new chickens and a segment on a dance group that visited for NAIDOC Week. Started by a former teacher in 2016, teacher Sarah Capri took over the program in 2017 and has run the show for nine years. She said the program is also a way to document the school’s history. “It’s one of a kind,” Ms Capri said. “It’s very unique to our school.” Ayman said he enjoys sharing the “awesome events” that happen at school. Imogen said she enjoys interviewing

students and teachers. This year, about 60 students were part of AMP NEWS. “My favourite was the movie night and the coverage was really good,” student Rose said. As a student driven project, Ms Capri said “It’s their show, it’s their input and it’s their voice coming through.” Emily said her confidence has grown since joining the program while Max enjoys stories about school excursions as he likes to see his fellow students having fun. “Also the bloopers are really funny,” Max said.

Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police have joined forces to launch a new statewide campaign aimed at disrupting copper theft, as incidents continue to rise and cause widespread disruptions to essential services and critical infrastructure across Victoria. There were 2747 copper and scrap metal property items stolen across Victoria throughout the year ending June 2026, with Wyndham (287), Casey (278) and Melton (217) the three local government areas with the highest number of incidents. The campaign, Copper Theft: It’s more than metal, encourages Victorians to report information about copper theft offences in the community. Thieves are increasingly targeting power poles and pits, kiosk substations and other infrastructure containing copper, causing disruptions to essential services that communities rely on, including hospitals, public transport, sporting facilities, communication services and street and traffic lighting. Copper thieves are looking to profit from the current market value of copper, which is up to $20 per kg. However, the damage they cause to critical infrastructure is vast and estimated to cost the Australian economy $100 million each year. The new campaign focuses on two key objectives: encouraging the public to report suspicious activity and increasing awareness of the far-reaching impacts of copper theft.

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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. Looking Back Over a Century The Altona Life Saving Club invites all past and present members, life members, and families to gather for a celebratory club picnic. As the club looks back over a century of service on the beach, you’re invited to reconnect with old friends, share cherished memories and club history, view skills demonstrations, and participate in activities. The picnic will be held on Sunday 15 November, 11am – 3pm at the Altona Life Saving Clubrooms, The Esplanade, Altona. 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 Houdini lecture The Footscray Mechanics Institute will hold its final free lecture of the year on Friday 30 October with Harry Houdini – A Retrospective. The lecture will begin at 1pm and will be held in the library reading 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 d ifferent types of collage, mixed media paint and lots of play with colour and mark making. All materials are supplied, with attendees asked to bring

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Bhawana Sapkota, Ankita (15), Riya (15) and Jamina Rijal who will entertain at the Diwali festival at South Morang. (Damjan Janevski) 585167 01

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 The IT Club A free, informal weekly drop-in workshop designed to build digital skills. Participants can bring their phone or digital device to learn from each other and work through tech challenges together. Held at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street Williamstown on Mondays, 10-11.30am. No bookings necessary. ■Kaye, 9397 6168 Hip hop dance program L2R Dance is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit and social enterprise proudly based in Melbourne’s west. L2R makes dance accessible to children and young people who can’t access commercial dance opportunities and draws from the history of hip-hop culture with its aims to empower and critique social issues that affect young people in Melbourne’s West and beyond. L2R’s free Next-Gen dance program is held at Phoenix Youth Hub, 72 Buckley Street, Footscray (Auditorium). Classes will be held from 4.30-6.30pm each Tuesday during term. ■ 0490 811 605, https://www.l2r.org.au/ dance-programs St Augustine’s Playgroup Free playgroup for ages 0-5 held from 1-2.30pm every second Friday during

10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 October, 2026

term at the St Augustine’s Primary School library. ■ library@sayarraville.catholic.edu.au Book sales Friends of Altona Libraries (FOAL) hold monthly book sales at the rear of Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, during the first week of each month. Books no longer required by the library are sold for as little as $2. All money is returned to the Library to support community programs. New members who are happy to volunteer to help organise and sell books for only a few hours per month are welcome. ■ Ann Nicol, 0408 460 062. Heritage walks Enjoy a leisurely one-two hour walk around Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.30am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. ■ John Becroft, 0418 377 336. Altona VIEW Club VIEW stands for Voice Interest and Education for Women. Altona VIEW club welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join the clob on the third Wednesday of each month, at 11am, at the Altona RSL, 31 Sargood Street, Altona, The club is closely affiliated with The Smith Family and sponsors 10 children through the Learning for Life program. Great opportunity to make new friends. ■ Julie 0421 315 846, altonaview@gmail. com

Hobsons Bay Altona Garden Club Come along to the garden club and enjoy an afternoon of discussions and talks about gardening. Guest speakers will discuss what is happening in the garden - keeping and looking after bees and the environment. Meetings are held at the Youth Hall on the corner of Civic Parade and Sugar Gum Drive, Altona on the third Monday of the month at 1pm. New members welcome. ■Kay 0411 793 534 Social square dancing Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre, 9 Randall Street, on Thursday nights from 7.30-10.30pm to learn social square dancing for beginners in a safe and friendly environment. The teaching is in a group but is self paced so there is no pressure to maintain a rate of learning. ■ Janine, 0421 371 883, contact@essendonsquares.com Williamstown Seniors The group meets every Tuesday from 1-3pm at Denis Reserve. It is a small group looking for more seniors both male and female. Members enjoy two hours of singing as well as afternoon tea. Cost is $5 for the afternoon. ■ Marlene, 0402 769 204 Altona North Combined Probus The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club, 11 Altona Road, Altona. Meetings include a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a f riendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

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Killer carnival a horror show Sunbury’s house of horrors is back this Halloween, bringing a killer night of fun. Patrick Blume has transformed his house into a Cannibal Carnival, in a new interactive experience that even scares himself. “I’m actually not a big fan of clowns, they creep me out,” he said. “So what better thing to do than to give the clowns a bit of a go. “I’m giving it a bit of a twist with a Cannibal Carnival to make it a bit more gory.”

Mr Blume has planned a frighteningly fun night, with killer clowns ready to spook and scare. Also new this year to fit the theme, there will be interactive carnival games with plenty of prizes for those brave enough to take on the challenge. “The big change this year is that we’re going to be very interactive to make the carnival work. We’ve actually got carnival games planned the kids can participate in,” he said. “I’ve built a life-sized operation

game … I’ve made a real human sized game and you’ve got like barbecue tongs and you have to lift it out and a buzzer goes off if you touch the sides. “I’ve got an eyeball toss game into little rotating cups and I’ve got displays so you can actually walk around and be part of the whole carnival atmosphere.” He said he’ll still have the same walkthrough haunt as well, with actors ready to scare, and a food truck ready if you still have an appetite.

A berry good time in Bacchus Marsh

Explore the backside of television

Comedian Mitch McTaggart will host an event exploring the backside of television at Altona Meadows Library on 29 October. (Supplied)

Saturday 24 October to Saturday 31 October is the UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week and to celebrate it, Hobsons Bay Libraries are hosting a special event to discuss the state of broadcast television in the age of streaming. Hosted by comedian Mitch McTaggart, the writer and presenter of ’The Last Year of Television’ and ’The Back Side of Television,’ the event will be held at Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre on Thursday 29 October. Armed with a sharp wit and

impeccable research, McTaggart will guide the audience through the Australian television landscape, past and present, and question where its future is heading. Whether you are someone who is still glued to the gogglebox each night or are shrinking your screen time, the evening promises to be a fascinating and entraining look at the backside … of television. The one hour presentation will take place from 7-8pm and is suitable for all ages, though those under 18 will require

parental supervision. Entry is free, but places are limited and reservations are essential. For more information and to book, go to: https://tinyurl.com/yvpudsdy The UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week is an annual event aimed at raising awareness and celebrating the progress achieved towards media and information literacy for all. For more information about the week, visit: https://www.unesco.org/en/ weeks/media-information-literacy

Talent on full display in a Supa Dupa Fly showcase Dancers and dance enthusiasts are encouraged to step inside the Bowery Theatre for a Supa Dupa Fly celebration of L2R’s free dance programs – a showcase of the dance talent in Melbourne’s west. The event will take place Saturday 28 November from 3pm-4pm. It is inspired by the legendary Missy Elliott, female pioneer, hip hop icon and the blueprint for moves that hit differently. Inside the four walls, L2R dancers will take stage alongside very special guests bringing the heat, heart and culture. L2R Dance is a not-for-profit and social enterprise based in Melbourne’s west aimed at making dance accessible to children and young people who may face

Mr Blume said the event is free, minus the food truck, making it a perfect stop on your trick-or-treating. “I just want people to rock up, have fun, have a laugh and a fright, and go home happy [with some] free candy and prizes,” he said. If you dare, come along to 3 Donelly Close, Sunbury from 3pm to 10pm on Saturday 31 October. Mr Blume said to get there early, as wait times may be long.

financial and social barriers. The program was first established in Braybrook and aims to give young people a fun and social aspect to their learning, whilist offered an opportunity to make friends and connect in a safe environment.

The group brings over two decades of experience in casting, choreography, workshops and performances across iconic Australian events. Dance programs include Panda Squad for children aged 6-12 in the west, Lil Legends that teaches free weekly Hip-Hop classes to youth in St Albans and Breaking which is run at the St Albans Tin Shed and provides free weekly breaking classes for children and youth, The work is grounded in the Street Dance ethos of “each one teaches one”. Programs are designed as a continuous cycle, welcoming the emerging generations whilst paying respect to pioneers who paved the way. L2R believes in one language, dance.

Victoria’s strawberry and cherry growing season is here, and it deserves celebrating as the Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival returns for three huge days in November. One of Bacchus Marsh’s biggest annual celebrations, the festival pays tribute to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and its famous fresh produce, filling the town centre with market stalls, food trucks, live entertainment, carnival rides, and loads of family activities. Fresh strawberries and cherries are naturally a highlight, with local farms also opening their doors to fruit picking at various times across the festival weekend. Festivities kick off on Friday 13 November with food trucks, entertainment, and the carnival at Village Green, before the festival takes over Bacchus Marsh across Saturday and Sunday. Main Street and Graham Street will come alive with market stalls, while the public hall will host Devonshire teas made by the Country Women’s Association’s and community arts activities. Around Eddie Toole Park you’ll find family attractions including an animal farm, face painting, Scouts boulder-wall climbing and smaller carnival activities. Roving Morris dancers will also be getting visitors involved in workshops. Saturday 14 November marks the festival’s biggest day, with entertainment continuing into the evening and culminating in a fireworks display scheduled for 9.30pm. A shuttle bus will operate between Bacchus Marsh railway station and the festival areas on Saturday and Sunday, with a gold coin donation welcomed. The 2026 Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival takes place in Bacchus Marsh from 5pm on Friday 13 November through until 4pm Sunday 15 November. Details: https://tinyurl. com/2s9eeuae.

The 2026 Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival kicks off in Bacchus Marsh from 5pm on Friday 13 November. (Supplied)

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SPORTS QUIZ 4. Josh Giddey will play for which NBA team in 2026/27?

1. English snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan is known by what nickname? 2. What is an oche? 3. Who is the highest-paid active boxer in the world?

5. Queanbeyan-born Heather McKay is often described as the greatest female player in the history of which sport? 6. Which driver was leading the 2026 Bathurst 1000 until his car ran out of fuel during the race's final lap? 7. Which two teams competed in the 2026 WNBA Finals? 8. Which horse did jockey John Allen ride to victory in the 2026 Caulfield Cup? 9. Marcus Windhager plays for which AFL club? 10. Which US professional wrestler appears as Guile in the 2026 film Street Fighter? 11. Mike Ditka was a legendary coach in which sporting league? 12. Is it possible for a goalie to score a goal in ice hockey?

Ronnie O'Sullivan

King protea

14. What is unique about athlete Muggsy Bogues? 15. Which player broke his arm in the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup? 16. Did the Rugby League World Cup opening match or the Bledisloe Cup Game Two have more people in attendance in Sydney recently?

21. A sports emblem, the king protea is the national flower of which country?

17. Which Australian NBA player suffered a seasonending torn Achilles in a preseason warm-up?

22. How many teams are taking part in the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup?

18. Which Australian stadium has the third-highest crowd capacity?

23. And how many teams in the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup? 24. The MotoGP of Australia will be held for the final time in what location in 2026?

19. Breakthrough tennis player Maja Chwalinska recently captured her first career title by winning what tournament?

25. The proposed Hobart AFL stadium will be only the second AFL stadium to feature what?

20. Serbian tennis player Stefan Milicevic was suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency for how many years?

27. What is the title of the Amazon Prime documentary series focusing on the Australian cricket team? 28. Which three AFL teams have won at least four premierships each since the year 2000? 29. And how many current AFL teams have not won a premiership post-2000? 30. Which NBA team is doing a promotional partnership with the video game Grand Theft Auto VI?

26. Queenie the Queen Ant is the offical mascot of which WNBL team?

1. The Rocket 2. Throwing line in darts 3. Canelo Álvarez 4. Chicago Bulls 5. Squash 6. Anton De Pasquale 7. Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream 8. Kingswood 9. St Kilda 10. Cody Rhodes 11. NFL 12. Yes 13. Kalgoorlie Golf Course 14. Shortest NBA player of all time 15. Kalyn Ponga 16. Bledisloe Cup Game Two 17. Ben Simmons 18. Optus Stadium 19. Wuhan Open 20. 24 21. South Africa 22. 10 23. Eight 24. Phillip Island 25. A roof 26. Tasmania Jewels 27. The Test 28. Geelong, Hawthorn and Brisbane Lions 29. Seven (Adelaide, Carlton, Fremantle, GWS Giants, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, St Kilda) 30. Miami Heat

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Wednesday, 28 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 13

PUZZLES

DECODER 7 21

9 4 3

hard

1 6 4 8 9

8 9

2 11

2 16

I R

26 13

2 1 3 5 7 6 8 9 4 9 5 4 2 1 8 3 7 6 7 6 8 9 4 3 1 5 2 3 9 7 1 8 4 2 6 5 6 8 2 7 3 5 4 1 9 5 4 1 6 2 9 7 8 3 1 7 5 3 6 2 9 4 8 4 2 9 8 5 1 6 3 7 8 3 6 4 9 7 5 2 1

1 3 8 2 9 5 4 7 6 7 9 4 3 8 6 2 5 1 6 2 5 7 1 4 3 9 8 3 1 9 4 6 7 8 2 5 4 6 2 8 5 1 9 3 7 8 5 7 9 3 2 6 1 4 9 4 3 1 7 8 5 6 2 2 7 6 5 4 3 1 8 9 5 8 1 6 2 9 7 4 3

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'.

Today’s Aim: 18 words: Good 27 words: Very good 36 words: Excellent

P L

13 14

20 22 23

26 27

WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ADO AGE ANT ART AVO BEE BOA DAY DEW EAR EAT EEL END ERR GAG HEM ILL LAP LID PAT TOE TOW TWO WAR

No. 313

B E E 5 LETTERS ABOUT ADOBE AGILE AGREE ALGAE AWARE BELOW CAVED CLINK CLUMP CRUDE DELTA DEMON DOLES DRESS EAGLE ELUDE EVILS FACTS FIGHT GRAPE

4 LETTERS BLOT BONE BYTE CASE DINE ESKY GLEN HOPE IDOL ISLE SEWS SPOT STAY TIDE

GRUEL HEADY HEART IGLOO LARGE LATCH LAYER LINGO MAPLE OCEAN ODOUR ORDER PERIL PIVOT PRONE RENEW RINSE SERUM SLAYS SLEPT STEPS STERN

STRUT TASTE TOMES TONAL TREES VIRAL WEDGE

7 LETTERS ANAEMIA ASTRIDE AVOCADO CHORTLE ENAMELS SHUNNED

6 LETTERS LEAPED SOLDER TEPEES WELLED

8 LETTERS FLAGPOLE LICORICE PARALLEL YOURSELF

30-10-26

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

The book-gifting program Imagination Library was founded by which musician?

Dannebrog is the name for the national flag of which country?

The 2014 song Bang Bang by Jessie J features Nicki Minaj (pictured) and which pop artist?

Which poet has won the Pulitzer Prize the most times, with a total of four awards?

QUICK QUIZ

Which airline has been rated the ‘World's Best’ in the Skytrax World Airline Awards the most times?

L U S T A L P H S T E E E R A S R A K E

S A L E S

14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 October, 2026

No. 420

crept, cusp, cutpurse, erupt, erupts, lupus, pelt, pelts, pert, pest, plus, puce, pule, pules, pulse, pure, purest, purl, purls, purse, pursue, pustule, puts, scruple, sculpt, SCULPTURE, slept, slurp, spelt, spruce, spur, spurt, step, super, upset, usurp

1 7 6 4 5 2 8 9 3 8 9 2 3 7 6 4 5 1 5 4 3 1 9 8 2 7 6 2 6 4 7 8 5 1 3 9 9 3 1 6 2 4 5 8 7 7 8 5 9 3 1 6 4 2 3 2 8 5 6 7 9 1 4 6 1 7 8 4 9 3 2 5 4 5 9 2 1 3 7 6 8

16 16

5x5

20 20

hard

medium

easy

5 9

2 5 3 7 8

22 25

F E X N Z J B Y D T A Q P

8 5 3 8

V G O K M S C L U W H I R

2 6 1 3

23 17

9 2

2 9 3

6 5 4

6 2 5 9

No. 345 19

16 18 21 22 24 25

8 6 2 7

8 9 14

1 3 7

29 30

medium

23 25 27 28

2 6 7 6 8 9 4 5 3 7 6 5 7 5 5 4 7 3 7 6 2 9 4 8 4 1 6 4 2

6 8

Built by children on the beach (10) Nightmares (3,6) Heading to one's job (3,2,4) Protruding teeth (5) Posture (6) 1988 animated Japanese sci-fi film set in Neo-Tokyo (5) Swarm (4) Submissive (6) People who holiday on Saturday and Sunday (10) Make reprisals (9) Blood type (1-8) Cordial (6) Postpones (6) Fragrance (5) Italian sauce containing basil (5) Contraction for ‘is not’ (3’1)

1 2 4 5 6 7

3 9

easy

DOWN

Backup (coll) (3) Competitor (10) Dozes (4,3) Holiday destination (7) Hallways (9) Blue printing colour (4) Tony Hawk’s ride (10) Uncommon (4) Drunk (4) Pad of drawing paper (10) Storm (4) Rhythmic vibration (9) Rainfall events (7) US singer, dancer and actor, Fred – (7) Displaces (10) Emergency rooms (abbr) (3)

1 3 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 20

In Mario Kart games, what colour shell automatically targets and attacks the lead racer?

What name is the biennial Test match between Australia and England known by?

The Head of Franz Kafka is a kinetic sculpture located in which city?

What is the endpoint of the Melbourne Marathon?

10 What is the second highest rank of British nobility? ANSWERS: 1. Qatar Airways 2. Dolly Parton 3. Denmark 4. Ariana Grande 5. Robert Frost 6. Blue 7. The Ashes 8. Prague 9. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) 10. Marquess

ACROSS

No. 313

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

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

No. 313

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

SUDOKU

RATINGS Looks: 7.5 Performance: 5 Safety: 5 Thirst: 8 Practicality: 7 Comfort: 6 Tech: 7 Value: 8.5 Overall: 6.7

Suzuki’s swift move to hybrid Suzuki Swift remains a capable, affordable and economical vehicle, especially with its move to hybrid mode. (Pictures: Supplied)

By Marque Motoring Suzuki has lagged well behind most of its rivals in the introduction of hybrid and fully electric vehicles. At this stage there are three petrol/ electric models available in Australia, the Fronx Hybrid, a compact crossover SUV, Vitara Hybrid mid-sized SUV and Swift Hybrid small hatchback. A hybrid version of the Jimny SUV is believed to be coming later. There’s only fully-electric Suzuki, the e Vitara that we reviewed recently. This time we’ve been testing the Swift Hybrid. The new Swift Hybrid comes in three variants: Swift, Plus and GXL. Prices start at $24,490 for the entry-level Swift with manual transmission and $25,490 as a CVT. Both the mid-spec Plus and the GLX are CVT only and are priced at $28,490 and $29,490. All prices are driveaway.

Styling Looks of the latest Swift are neat and attractive and come with a new-style piano black grille and L-shaped lights that merge into flowing body lines. GLX adds 16-inch polished alloys. The Swift Hybrid maintains the wheelbase, width and height of its predecessor, but gains 15mm in length and more cargo space through the push-back of the rear hatch. Seven colours are offered. There’s pure pearl white, premium silver metallic, flame orange pearl metallic and a two-tone with blue pearl metallic with black pearl roof. Only the white is standard, metallics add $645 and the two-tone $1145.

Interior Inside, the black and grey colour scheme pulls together all elements of the driver’s controls. Front seats have been reshaped, while a 9-inch infotainment display sits atop the central dashboard offering USB and wi-fi connections, featuring satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ audio. Also displayed are vehicle performance data, including fuel level, cruising range, warnings and rear-view camera vision.

Other features include steering-wheelmounted audio and phone controls, trip computer, keyless start, leaving headlight function, privacy glass on rear windows, traffic sign recognition; Type A and C USB ports on the Swift Hybrid Plus and GLX; high beam assist and LED daytime running lights. With no centre console to speak of, storage space for small things is pretty much non-existent. The rear mounted cupholders are difficult to access and not sufficient to accommodate a sports bottle. While physical air-con controls have been retained, they are now toggle switches rather than rotary dials. A pair of buttons under the infotainment screen provide access to volume control, with a volume switch on the steering wheel for the driver. Boot space is a modest 265 litres with the rear seat backs upright increasing to 589 when folded. Beneath the boot there is no spare wheel, just the dreaded tyre repair kit.

Engines/transmissions Power comes from a three-cylinder 1.2-litre non-turbo engine that generates 60.8kW at 5700rpm and 111.8 Nm of torque at 4500rpm) with a mild-hybrid system. The latter have electric motors that aren’t powerful enough to propel the vehicle alone. Most operate at 48 volts, with an electric motor that can add about 10kW under hard acceleration. The system in the Swift Hybrid runs a 12-volt system, 75 percent less than this, with an electric motor that can only supply up to 2.3kW. Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT-style automatic with seven simulated gear ratios.

Infotainment Pride of place in the cabin goes to a new, larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, satellite navigation, Bluetooth and AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio. Great but the audio is let down badly by an off-the-shelf six-speaker sound system which does not do the technology justice. The large screen is impressive, but is sluggish to respond while the built-in

Driving

navigation is not up to the job. The touchscreen can also be used to display performance data, including fuel level, cruising range, warnings and rear-view camera vision. Up front are a 12-volt socket, plus USB-A and USB-C ports, and in the GLX, a wireless phone charging pad.

Safety The biggest issue with the safety features is its three-star ANCAP rating. Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags are standard. The lack of the preferred two stars are because a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is not available nor is AEB Backover. Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction Assist) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and a speed assist system (SAS) are standard. All Swift Hybrids are covered by a five-year warranty, which also takes in the lithium-ion battery. Suzuki considers major rivals to include MG3, Mazda 2 and Yaris across all age brackets, probably with those looking for a little more room as in the new Swift.

The front seats have been redesigned with a new decorative centre pattern. They are heated, but flat and lack power adjustment, even in the GLX. Tilt-and-reach steering wheel adjustment delivers a comfortable driving position. Swift Hybrid is capable enough in its urban natural habitat, less so outside in the outside motoring jungle. With a kerb weight of just under 1000kg, it’s sharp off the mark and agile in traffic. It is easy to park with a 9.6-metre turning circle. On the open road it struggles to keep up speed on steepish hills and with its light weight can get buffeted in windy conditions. While the underbody now incorporates for the first time sound deadening material designed to minimise engine, transmission and road vibration in the passenger cabin there is still some intrusion when the Swift is wound up. Claimed fuel consumption is an impressive 4.0 litres per 100km. We averaged just under 5.0 litres per 100km during our week-long test. Note that it does require premium unleaded fuel. A light on the dash tells the driver when the battery is being charged, while the instrument display also shows what mix of petrol and electric power is driving the wheels.

Summary Suzuki Swift has been on Australian roads since the mid-1980s and was a popular small hatchback that was typically bought by singles or couples with young families… including ours. We had a couple that served us flawlessly for almost 20 years, moving through the generations of both the car – and its drivers. The small compact hatchback market has dwindled in recent years, being replaced by similarly-sized but more functional SUVs both in the Suzuki range and the overall market. Nevertheless, Swift remains a capable, affordable and economical vehicle, especially with its move to hybrid mode. We’d leave to see it keep on keeping on as before.

Wednesday, 28 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 15

SPORT

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Melton South’s Ahsan Waheed. 586351 01

Laverton’s Khalid Farooq. 586351 09

Craigieburn’s Brock Orr to Sydenham-Hillside’s Thomas Barlas.

Darley’s Ben Longhurst.

Play goes on despite weather Despite heavy rain falling on Saturday, plenty of sporting action was still able

to get underway in between the downpours. Star Weekly photographer Valerius

Boenawan was out shooting some of the action.

Craigieburn’s James Portou. Bacchus Marsh Lions’ Zak Martinez puts a shot up over Melton Thoroughbreds’ Nicholas Hooper.

Melton Thoroughbreds’ Floyd Brooks.

16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 October, 2026

Melton Thoroughbreds’ Amos Brooks and Bacchus Marsh Lions’ Lunyjock Nien.

Mt Clear celebrates a wicket against Darley.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

CYs, Bulldogs lose thrillers By Tara Murray Williamstown CYMS and Footscray United both lost thrillers that went down to the final ball, while Seddon had a day out with the ball in the Isaacs Howarth Shield on Saturday. The CYs were looking for their second win of the season, against a Sunshine side that had won both its matches. After the match was delayed following rain in the morning, the match got underway with 26 overs a side. The Crows made 7-204 from their overs with Chenutha kavinda Wickramasinghe top scoring with 79. Hamish Cooper was the only multiple-wicket taker with two for the CYs.

Alex Browne put on a show to give the CYs some hope of victory. Browne made 125 off 83 balls to put the CYs in sight of the target. The loss of Browne and three other quick wickets, saw the CYs go from 2-197 to 6-202. With two wickets coming in the final over, it left the CYs needing three to win off the final ball. Udara Ranasingha held his nerve and bowled a dot ball, to ensure his side got the win. The CYs finished 6-202. Elsewhere, a four off the final ball gave Maribyrnong Park St Marys victory against Footscray United. After being sent in, the Bulldogs made

9-225 from their overs. Suresh Thelge top scored with 56 as there were plenty of contributions throughout the order. It came down to the final over, with the Lions needing five for victory. They got four runs off the first five balls of Rajesh Magar’s bowling to level the scores with one ball remaining. Ben Ware hit a four off the last ball to give his side the win as it finished 7-229. It was a one-sided affair as Seddon bowled the Tigers out for just 58 in 27 overs. Adrian Neill and Max Healey took four wickets each for the Dockers. The Dockers then needed just 10 overs to get the runs, finishing 2-61. Meanwhile, the Druids were able to

bounce back against Aberfeldie. Batting first, the Wizards made 7-221 from their overs. Dulaj Ashen made 72 at the top of the order, while Sonara Pilippuhewa chipped in with 55 off 48 balls. After being 2-115 in reply, Abers lost frequent wickets and were unable to keep up with the run rate. Abers finished 9-209. The win was the Druids’ first of the season. In the senior division, Yarraville Club got the win against St Albans. The Clubbers made 7-225 before restricting the Saints to 8-180. Altona North’s match with Airport West St Christopher’s was abandoned.

Sports shorts Western FL West Footscray has announced its first new signing for next year’s Western Football League division 2 season. Oscar Gordon joins the club having played division 1 football with Caroline Springs and Yarraville Seddon. “His running capacity and ball use through the middle will be of great value for us, and we can’t wait to see him integrate into the side next year,” the Roosters said. Spotswood has locked in a key signing for next year’s Western Football League division 1 season. Lachie McGrath comes to the Woodsmen from Tatyoon having originally come from Western Australia where he had five seasons playing in the Western Australian Football League. “Known for his marking and kicking ability, Lachie will be a focal point in our attack going forward as he covers the ground exceptionally well for his size,” the Woodsmen said on social media. “Skills, presence and knowledge of the game are all traits we are ecstatic to add to our side for our 2027 campaign.”

Oliver Bergin. (Supplied)

Young baseball tragic is hitting home runs By Peter Howe If passion is a prerequisite for success, then October Don Deeble Sports nominee Oliver Bergin has it in spades. The 18-year-old baseballer is not only a baseball tragic, but he has loads of skill and an extensive resume of representative baseball to back it up. “I track my stats both on and off the diamond,” reflected Bergin as he drove home a game. “I got a hit today, it was so nice. “When I am playing, I feel calm, I feel like me. I don’t enjoy other games like that. My favourite moments are when I am playing baseball, the field at Williamstown is like home.” Bergin, despite trying lacrosse at an early age, was destined to play baseball as he followed his older brother Jacob into the sport. His whole family played baseball, but it was never the determining factor. “I simply fell in love with the sport and never want to leave it.” Like all young aspiring talent, Bergin started playing T-ball aged four. His first foray into competitive baseball was as an eight-year-old playing for Williamstown Baseball Club in the under-12s. Bergin first tried out for the representative team, the Diamond Backs, but because of his age he made the minor team.

They had immediate success, winning the state championship in that division. He continued to play with that team until he was 11 years old and was promoted to the majors. Unfortunately, Covid put an end to those championships. Bergin was tragically cut down when he was 14 when he suffered a stress fracture to his back forcing him out of baseball for more than six months. “It did have one positive impact on reflection,” he said. “It taught me how to manage my body and not overdo it even though my brain said yes, but my body said no. “I must admit it drove me absolutely crazy not being able to play.” As a student at Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Bergin has a very structured approach to his training and playing routines. He completes gym sessions during his lunchtimes at school and works two early morning sessions and then trains at night with his club. On weekends, he plays two games and then coaches a junior team on Sundays. “I can catch, play infield, I am used as a pitcher when required and of course I can bat,” he said. His brother Jacob said his strengths were the little things that go unnoticed by everyone other than his teammates, his commu-

nication, his calming words, his situational IQ that help others to be the best they can be. Bergin has represented Victoria and Australia twice overseas. The first time was for the Victorian Kookaburras that competed in an American tournament. At the end of 2025 Bergin represented Baseball Victoria in Taiwan to compete in a high-level international series. “The tour provided me with valuable international experience and certainly improved my development,” he said. Bergin predominantly plays the summer season with his focus on winter training to get bigger and stronger for his rise in baseball ranks. “My long-term aim is to get the best result I can in my year 12 exams and force my way into a college scholarship in the USA,” he said. “I hope to study engineering and take my baseball as far as I can. I just can’t imagine my life without it.” The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail. com or 0408 556 631.

VFL Williamstown vice-captain Jack Toner is departing the Victorian Football League club. The Seagulls announced that after six seasons at the club, he was leaving to pursue an opportunity in Western Australia in 2027. “Since making his debut in 2021, Jack has been a valued member of our playing group and leadership team, earning the 2024 players’ player award and 2025 best in finals award,” the Seagulls said on social media. “We thank Jack for his dedication, leadership and contribution to the Club and wish him every success in his next chapter.”

Baseball Williamstown Wolves and Newport Rams both suffered losses in the Baseball Victoria premier 1 first nine competition on Saturday. The Wolves lost to Melbourne 8-4, while the Rams lost to Waverley, 10-7. After four rounds, the Wolves have one win and the Rams have two wins. Both sides were back in action on Tuesday night, after deadline, with midweek games starting this week.

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

Wednesday, 28 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

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Jin Woodman recognised By Tara Murray Maribyrnong Sports Academy star Jin Woodman has capped off a breakout year on the tennis court, being named Victoria’s top tennis player. Tennis Victoria hosted its annual awards night on Sunday night, with Woodman claiming not one, but two of the major awards. Firstly, Woodman was crowned the most outstanding athlete with a disability, which he also won last year. Woodman, who trains at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre, was then crowned Victorian tennis player of the year. After being a finalist for the major award last year, Woodman beat out Matthew Dellavedova, Daria Kasatkina, John Peers and

Marc Pulmans to claim the top honour. It’s been a big year for the 17-year-old. The quad wheelchair player broke into the top five despite being half the age of some of his opponents. The teenager made doubles finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon, before claiming his first grand slam title at the US Open as he paired up with Sam Schroder. It’s been a big few months for Woodman as he claimed his first singles title at an integrated tournament, winning Eastbourne earlier this year and followed it with a breakthrough victory over nine-time major champion Niels Vink at Roehampton. While in America, Woodman also claimed the JTCC Wheelchair Championships singles title. He recently won his fourth singles 500

title and still has the Masters to come this year. Woodman, who trains at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre, was then crowned Victorian tennis player of the year. After being a finalist for the major award last year, Woodman beat out Matthew Dellavedova, Daria Kasatkina, John Peers and Marc Pulmans. In a video from The Drink Break and shared on Tennis Victoria’s social media pages, Woodman highlighted his top five moments from 2026. “Number one is making all four grand slams,” he said. “Fortunate to win the US Open in doubles with my fellow doubles partner Sam Schroder. “Number three was joining the Dylan

Alcott Foundation and Nike Academy which is a huge thing for me because I was with Dylan from the very start. “Number four is probably winning against one and two at a grass tournament in Eastbourne and Roehampton. “I think my fifth one is being able to do a whole tour worth because last year I fractured my femur, so I couldn’t play the whole year. “This year was a huge step. I’m really glad because the results I had this year means a lot to me.” The Maribyrnong College Academy student, who was recently named as one of the academy’s students of the decade, is now a finalist for the top individual honour in Australian tennis, the Newcombe Medal, which is awarded to Australia’s most outstanding tennis player and ambassador.

Dunn departs Devils

Tayla Olivieri. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 486897_05

Tayla Olivieri’s quick rise through the ranks By Tara Murray Western Jets’ Tayla Olivieri quickly fell in love with football and is now hoping come the end of the year she’ll be on an AFLW list. Olivieri didn’t start playing football until she was 14, but it hasn’t stopped her being on the radar of AFLW clubs to be taken in the draft later this year. “I started footy at 14 and did it just for fun as my friends wanted to play,” she said. “I wanted to tag along with them and after the first year of playing footy with them, I wanted to take my game to the next level. “I wanted to be elite with how I treat footy and not just do it for fun, although I still play footy as I enjoy it and have fun with my mates. “I think I’ve taken it to another level and something that I really strived for. “All the hard work that I have put in over the last couple of years, has led to where I am right now and I have just one more goal to tick off.” Olivieri started playing football with her twin sister at Keilor, while she had some battles in the backyard with her brothers growing up.

In the short time since she has picked up the football, Olivieri has started to make her mark. Having represented Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships earlier this year, she recently tested at the AFLW state combine. “I think it’s been a really big year for me,” Olivieri said after the combine. “I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the Jets program for the last couple of years. “I think just this year I’ve taken my game to another level being part of Metro and being at the higher level and working on what my coaches have been telling me to work on and being consistent with it.” Olivieri knows that the opportunities that she has gotten this year, will help hold her in good stead for the future. She said the draft combine was stressful to start with, but she soon just trusted her preparation. “I think it’s a really big thing in the lead up towards the draft and getting the combine invite,” she said. “To even get the combine invite, it’s pretty special. Most girls don’t get the invite and some still end up getting drafted so I think it’s a great opportunity that I

18 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 October, 2026

have been given.” Olivieri said speaking to different AFLW clubs at the combine was a different experience and really embraced it. “It was really fun, I enjoyed all the interviews I had,” she said. “Each and everyone was different in their own way, some were fun, some pretty serious. It was pretty special, as not many get the opportunity to speak to a few clubs.” Olivieri, who can play forward and the midfield, said she thought she fitted in well with the Vic Metro squad earlier this year She played three games, including kicking goals in one game. Olivieri said Keilor has had a massive impact on her career. “One of the biggest parts of my football journey, starting there, the first club it’s a pretty big “They treat training and game days at a really high level for a local club. “I was playing under-18s as a 15-16 and even got to play in a grand final with they have looked after me pretty well, thankful for them.” Olivieri said between now and the draft would continue to work on her strengths and weaknesses.

North Footscray has suffered a couple of key blows as it moves in Western Football League division 1 with its two key forwards signing elsewhere. Albanvale announced that Mathew Serafin had joined its side from next year’s season. “Joining us from North Footscray, Mat arrives as one of the competition’s most dominant forwards, boasting an incredible 800-plus career goals to his name,” the Cobras said on social media. “His recent form has been nothing short of outstanding, kicking 88 goals in 2025 and a further 80 in 2026 to help lead North Footscray to consecutive grand final appearances and a senior premiership this season. “Across his career, Mat has earned multiple Team of the Year selections and featured prominently in club and league best and fairest counts, including polling the equal-highest vote tally in the league medal count in 2025.” Shaun Ujcich and Harley Cameron are also joining the Cobras from North Footscray. The news was followed by Whitehorse Pioneers announcing that Lynden Dunn has signed as a director of coaching and playing assistant coach. Dunn kicked 73 goals for the Devils this season. “Lynden brings an immense wealth of football experience and elite standards to Springfield Park, having played 198 AFL games across distinguished careers with both Melbourne and Collingwood,” the Pioneers said on social media. “Lynden is still involved with Collingwood’s NGA Academy, and also brings experience as a senior assistant coach in Collingwood’s VFL [Victorian Football League] program. “Over the past few seasons, Lynden has also applied his playing and coaching craft in local footy as a playing coach at Caulfield Bears and most recently spearheading North Footscray - booting 73 goals on the way to securing a Senior Premiership. “In this dual role, Lynden will help drive coaching standards across our entire club, while linking up once again with new Senior Men’s Coach Matt Nicholson as a player and assistant coach.” Nicholas Papakalodoukas is also departing the club, having signed with the Suns.

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Magpies have clear vision By Tara Murray New Laverton coach Chris Metcher is focused on building a strong culture as his new club aims to get back on track in the Western Football League division 2 competition. The Magpies had a tough 2026 season with just one win for the year and were on the end of some big losses. After a long playing career, including spending time at Deer Park and Burnside Heights, Metcher steps into coaching. “I’ve always had a passion for coaching and in my heart I knew it was the direction that I wanted to go,” he said. “It’s 10 years earlier than I thought it would be, but when the opportunity pres-

ents itself, you take it. “I was first drawn to the role by [president] Tony [Jofre] and the vision he is selling. He’s got a good vision and it drew me in. “They are backing me in despite only having junior coaching experience.” Metcher, who did help out Phil Crea at Glen Orden previously, said there’s a time when you know that you can help and this is one of them. He said having been involved with the club from a sponsorship standpoint, he knew the club was doing a lot of things right. Metcher said the first thing for him was the culture and building on that. He said they were looking to have a whole new image.

“We don’t have the same money as other clubs,” he said. “We are trying to sell the journey and the younger players have been really good. “The club has had so many rebuilds that have not worked. The club is 103 years old. “It’s about backing what led the club to get that old. The old school values. “I hold that in higher regard. People buying into the idea is important and action speaks louder than words.” The Magpies have added some experienced players to their squad having had a young playing group this year. Jacob Kavanagh crosses from Deer Park, while Habib Hosni makes the move from Burnside Heights. Rhys Caulfield and Josh Foster have

joined from the Suns. Metcher said Kavanagh was high on his list of players who he wanted to get across when he was appointed coach. “People like Kav, who has been part of Deer Park, has been a one club player,” he said. “His dad John was club person of the year, they had the right values. “That is what we are after, 44 players each week who want to play. The results will take care of themselves.” Metcher said they wanted to be more competitive and weren’t setting a bar of what they could achieve. “Whatever happens, we just want everyone to be excited to play and they don’t feel like they are rolling through the emotions.”

Galea new Altona North coach

Dylan Brasher. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 443942_01

Bulldogs’ inform captain stars with the bat By Tara Murray Footscray captain Dylan Brasher again showed his class as he helped the Bulldogs to its first win of the Victorian Premier Cricket season. Having lost a high-scoring affair in their first match of the season, the Bulldogs were keen to make sure there was no repeat on Saturday. Dandenong set the Bulldogs 362 for the win, having declared at 4-361 after 96 overs. The Bulldogs lost an early wicket before they settled on Saturday. While Brasher was the star with 162, three other players made half centuries as the Bulldogs reached the runs in the 86th over, finishing 6-362. Bulldogs’ coach Dale McDonald said the group batted really well. They also made 300 in the previous round but couldn’t get the job done. “Brasher got 162 and had a really good partnership with Henry [Pearson],” he said.

“It was really pleasing to see after losing an early wicket.” Pearson came into the side for his first XI debut, having made a 100 in the second XI the week before. McDonald said they wanted to give him a chance at opening after his performance the previous round. “Aiman Nadeem dropped down to number seven and we’re developing him into more of an all-rounder role and hopefully he can find some form as well,” he said. “Whether it’s Henry or Aiman opening the batting or batting at seven, it deepens our batting order and we have the luxury to switch those two.” Pearson made 55, while Nadeem made 59 not out. Veteran Travis Dean also scored a half century. The story of the day though was Brasher, who made his 15th premier XI century at just 25 years old. “It’s pretty amazing,” McDonald said. “The guy still has so much ahead of him and hopefully at a higher level. “He is fifth all-time for runs at Footscray.

Dean Russ, who holds the record, had 17 100s. “He’ll pass Russy with more than 17. “Hopefully he’ll make 100s at the higher level.” There was no rest for Brasher, who is playing for Victoria’s second XI in Mildura this week as he pushes his case to the return to the state team. Bulldogs bowler Daniel Wilczynski is also part of that team having made his state second XI debut earlier this season. The Bulldogs top side was the bright spark for the Bulldogs on Saturday, the only team to get the points. McDonald said there had been some positive signs across those grades that they will take out of the results. The Bulldogs face Carlton in a two-day match the next two Saturdays. Carlton has won both its matches so far. “That is a huge challenge,” McDonald said. “They are a star studded team. “Jagga [Jagadeswara Koduru] is in hot form with a couple of 100s. We need to be at the top of our game.”

Altona North has announced a new coach following the decision of Bob Stojcevski to step down following the FV state league 2 north-west season. The club said that Stojcevski had made a difficult decision to step down for the role. “Bob has spent just over three years at the club with the highlight, delivering an outstanding SL3 [state league 3] championship and promotion year in 2025 coinciding with the club’s 50 year anniversary. “Bob conducted himself with the utmost integrity and club first approach throughout his tenure and made a significant contribution to the club both on and off the pitch, including the ability to drive a healthy culture at ANSC. “It is an understatement that Bob is an absolute gentleman and departs on great terms with the club.” Altona North finished the state league 2 north-west season in 10th spot, only narrowly missing relegation. Altona North finished only goal difference ahead of the Geelong Rangers. With Stojcevski stepping down, Altona North has announced that Mark Galea will take on the coaching role next season. For Galea the move is somewhat of a homecoming having played at the club many years ago. “Mark comes to us as a highly credentialed coach, currently completing his AFC [Asian Football Confederation] A Diploma and with a long history of coaching, including NPL [National Premier League] junior and senior levels, NPL2 senior assistant coach, SL1 and SL2 senior men’s head coach and a variety of key roles including youth academy program director, technical director, youth coach development, and academy lead coach. “In 2026 he was the Northcote FC head coach of under-20 VPL [Victorian Premier League] 1 and assistant coach of the under-23 VPL1 squads and held a key role with the senior men’s academy coaching panel. “Mark’s football background and technical knowledge speaks for itself, and just as importantly, his general football and coaching philosophies closely align with our club’s objectives and culture.”

Wednesday, 28 October, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 19

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