11 NOVEMBER, 2026
Jessica Morabito is concerned her family business, Charlies Pizza Shop, could close if parking is removed on Droop St, Footscray to make way for a new tram stop. (Damjan Janevski) 589213 07
Parking loss bites By Cade Lucas The owner of an iconic Footscray pizza shop fears the removal of car parking from out the front to make way for a new super-sized tram stop will force her to close down. Jessica Morabito runs Charlies Pizza Restaurant at the top end of Droop Street near the intersection with Ballarat Road. Established by her late father Charlie in 1974, the Morabito family have been making pizzas at the same location for more than half a century, with the only break coming after his death in early 2025. After inheriting Charlies Pizza and reopening in October last year, Ms Morabito is worried that construction of the new tram stop in January and February could be the beginning of the end for the family business. “It will take the customers away,” she said of the removal of car parking spaces on both sides of Droop Street, not just during construction of the new tram stop, but permanently.
“All our customers are by car. Where are they gonna park? “Basically we’ll have to shut.” Ms Morabito said neighbouring traders along the small shopping strip at the northern end of Droop Street, as well as some nearby residents who relied on on-street parking, shared her concerns. Eight parking spaces will be removed from directly out the front of the shopping strip, another three from across the road, and a further two in front of homes to the south, to make way for the new level boarding tram stops needed to accommodate the larger G-class trams which will soon begin operating on route 82 between Footscray and Moonee Ponds. The two-metre long trams can carry up to 150 passengers, almost twice the capacity of trams currently operating in the west, and will serve as a key public transport link to the Footscray Hospital nearby. But while bigger trams carrying almost twice as many people stopping directly out the front would appear a potential bonanza
for Charlies Pizza, Ms Morabito said a recent customer survey she conducted suggested otherwise. “None come off the tram to come here,” she said of the responses she received. As for the percentage who arrived by car? “All of them,” Ms Morabito said, adding that while loyal, Charlie’s Pizza’s customer base had aged with the restaurant, making change difficult. Rather than easing her concerns, Ms Morabito said consultation with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) had been confusing and inconsistent, and only made matters worse. “I’ve had a number of meetings with Transport Victoria. They’re not on the same page. It’s like they’re unaware of what the last person said.” A DTP spokesperson said as much effort as possible had been made to minimise the impact on traders and residents. “We have engaged extensively with the local community, businesses, accessibility groups, and council to ensure we strike a balance between delivering a safe and
efficient tram service while meeting the needs of passengers,” the spokesperson said. It’s believed some parking space removal was unavoidable due to the extra space needed to provide level access stops and passenger waiting areas. Maribyrnong council and cycling advocacy ground Bike West have also expressed concern about the tram stops, particularly the design of bike lanes which will be added once construction is complete. Last month Maribyrnong council voted in favour of writing to DTP asking for the lanes to be redesigned. Maribyrnong council was contacted for comment. Ms Morabito questioned the need for a new tram stop outside her business at all, especially when another, larger tram stop is going to be built just down the street, closer to the hospital. “It doesn’t make sense,” she said. “After being here for so long, it’s like they’re just taking it away from you.”
QUALITY DENTURE CARE HEALTH FUND REBATES PROMPT APPOINTMENTS • New Full and Partial Dentures • Implant Retained Over Dentures • Metal Framed Dentures • Sports Mouthguards • Repairs • Relines • HICAPS Available • Veteran Affairs • Victorian Denture Scheme Accepted
www.knddentureclinic.com.au Like us on Facebook KND Denture Clinic
Follow us on Instagram @knd_denture_clinic
Kathy Danoucaras, Nick Danoucaras and Sam Robertson
KND Denture Clinic, 192 Main Road East, St Albans 9364 3677
Australian Dental Prosthetists Association (Victoria) 12832175-EA36-26
NEWS
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Data decisions deferred By Cade Lucas Whoever becomes planning minister after this month’s state election will face a backlog of decisions on data centre proposals, including a number in Melbourne’s west. Despite the urging of both proponents and opponents, outgoing Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny declined to decide on nine outstanding data centre proposals before the state government entered caretaker mode on Tuesday 3 November. A spokesperson for Ms Kilkenny confirmed the decision to defer data centre proposals seeking approval through the government’s fast-track Development
Facilitation Program until after the 28 November poll. No reason was given for the deferral, though it’s understood some of the proposals were not considered ready for assessment. Among the projects left in limbo are Stockland’s $2 billion proposal for a data centre on Francis Street, Brooklyn; GreenSquare’s proposal for a data centre in Symock Avenue, Spotswood; and NextDC’s controversial plan to almost double the size of its existing data centre in Indwe Street, West Footscray. The decision to defer has been cautiously welcomed by some data centre
opponents who see it as an opportunity to make data centres an election issue. Rosa McKenna from Spotswood based community group, Better West Inc. said while they had been calling for a moratorium on data centre developments, the extra time afforded by the deferral wasn’t a bad thing. “Data centres also need to get EPA and Worksafe development and operation licenses for energy and fuel storage or ensure compliance with conditions of permits and licenses already issued. These applications are also still under consideration,” Ms McKenna said. However, the chief executive of Data
Centres Australia, Belinda Dennett, said the industry was frustrated by the deferral. “Certainty around approval timeframes has been one of Victoria’s strengths in attracting investment,” Ms Dennett said. “Data centre operators have submitted applications consistent with the planning regulations and would have hoped they could rely on the well-documented process for approval. It is disappointing that the timing of the election has caused disruption to this. Data centre investment has been one of the only sectors investing in Victoria and leading economists have said the state is at risk of a recession without it.“
Phoenix expands
Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association co-executive officers, Nicole Kowalczyk and Angela Clarke, (Damjan Janevski). 587759 03
Float and walk for more water to help river An event aimed at celebrating the Maribyrnong River while demanding more water for it, has been rescheduled for Saturday 21 November. Originally set for Sunday 25 October to coincide with the end of National Water Week, bad weather forced the event organised by the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association (MRWA) to be postponed. Despite the change of date, the intent of the flotilla and parade will remain the same: to demonstrate the community’s love and care for the Maribyrnong and to
campaign for more water in the creeks and tributaries that flow into it. As the name suggests, participants can do this by either floating down it or walking alongside while carrying signs emblazoned with with the slogans Deliver for the River or Know, Love and Care for the Maribyrnong. “Together, we can show just how many people care about the waterways in the Maribyrnong catchment, and the remarkable creatures that depend on them,” MRWA co-executive director Angela Clarke said.
Beginning at 10am outside the Footscray Rowing Club, those taking part in the parade will walk along the Maribyrnong Trail, while those who want to join the flotilla can register for a seat on the Tramboat or a spot on a shared paddle board. Those with their own canoes, kayaks or other watercraft can also join the flotilla. “Send a message to our politicians about how much we want the Maribyrnong to be known, loved and protected,” Ms Clarke said, encouraging locals to take part. “Come make a splash with us.” Details: https://tinyurl.com/367zszxv
Christmas compassion to drive donations in Hobsons Bay Compassion and the Christmas spirit is at the core of the Hobsons Bay Christmas Drive as it returns for another year to help families and community members in need. Delivered by Laverton Community Integrated Services, with support from Hobsons Bay council and other local partners, the drive is accepting donations of non-perishable food items and toys until 11 December. Donation boxes are located at all council libraries and community centres as well as Altona police station, BayFit Leisure Centre in Altona North and Jim’s Self Storage in Williamstown. The donated food and toys will then be packaged into hampers and distributed to local people experiencing hardship ahead
of Christmas. Laverton Community Integrated Services community services manager Emily Wright said while Christmas should be a time of joy, for many families it’s a time of financial pressure. “Our Christmas hampers are about easing some of that pressure and letting local families know their community is here for them,” Ms Wright said. Last year, almost 3400 food items and 415 gifts and toys were donated, resulting in 95 hampers being distributed. Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima urged local residents to make sure this year’s drive helped even more people across the municipality.
2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 11 November, 2026
“I’ve been fortunate enough to see the generosity of our community from their donations in previous years, and I call on them to step up again to help those in need,” Cr Grima said. “We get feedback on just how much these hampers mean to people. Last year we heard the story of a single mum who was brought to tears when she was choosing gifts for her children. She was so grateful they would have something to unwrap on Christmas morning. “Embrace the spirit of Christmas this year and get involved with the Christmas Drive.” Details: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ChristmasDrive
A police operation targeting arson attacks in Melbourne’s north-west is being expanded across the entire city. Operation Phoenix was established in July targeting extortion-related arsons, drive-by shootings and associated offending across the western and northern suburbs. Since then officers have conducted roughly 10,000 overnight patrols and made 236 arrests, with many directly linked to organised crime. Among them was a 25-year-old man who police arrested while patrolling the street of a Brooklyn tobacco store. Officers intercepted the male driver after observing him behaving suspiciously in his vehicle. A subsequent search of his vehicle located more than 330 cartons of illicit tobacco and a conducted energy device. The man – who has known links to Middle Eastern Organised Crime groups – was charged with a range of offences. Phoenix officers also arrested two men, aged 38 and 35, with extensive links to organised crime, after observing them driving a stolen vehicle while on patrol in Werribee. Police subsequently seized a firearm from one of the men, who was also wanted and charged for an extortion at a tobacco store in Footscray where he allegedly claimed to be a police officer and demanded the owner close the store. From Sunday 8 November, these patrols will expand across Melbourne, including the CBD and the city’s southern and eastern suburbs. As part of the changes, resources from Operation Trinity - established in March 2023 to target aggravated burglaries and vehicle thefts - will be integrated into Phoenix. “By bringing Operation Trinity into Phoenix, we’re creating a larger, more agile operation with the flexibility to respond to both established and emerging crime trends,” Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said in explaining the move. “As crime trends change, so does our response. We’re directing our resources where they can have the greatest impact on community safety. “We’re targeting everyone involved, from those commissioning and tasking the crime, to those carrying out the attacks. There will be no place for offenders to hide.“ The operation will also work alongside Operation Eclipse, which targets the criminal entities responsible for planning, facilitating and directing extortion-related offending. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com. au.
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS
Creek receives brotherly love Two inner west brothers are spearheading efforts to clean up one of the area’s most polluted waterways. Chris, 15, and Lennon, 12, from All Kids Junior Landcare started a petition to clean up a neglected part of Stony Creek near two critically endangered grasslands at Matthews Hill Reserve and Braybrook Grassland. While other parts of Stony Creek have benefitted from years of native planting, rehabilitation and community care, this section hasn’t seen the same benefits because it can’t be safely investigated or cleaned
up by the community. As a result it is often polluted by litter entering the waterway through stormwater run-off. In 2022, while living near Merri Creek, Chris and Lennon completed waterwatch training with Melbourne Water and started volunteering along the creek. The training gave them a good understanding of waterway health and how catchments affect creeks. So, when they later moved house closer to Stony Creek, they applied their learnings there. Documenting conditions and speaking with locals who use and care for the creek,
Chris and Lennon became aware of the challenges faced by the community, so they established a petition to ask the responsible organisations to investigate and act. In September, Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank raised the boys’ work and petition in parliament. “It is great to see our next generation of young activists taking the lead to better their community,” the Legalise Cannabis MP said while asking the minister for water to direct Melbourne Water to undertake the necessary works to restore that section of Stony Creek. Not only did Mr Ettershank receive
a response the following month, but on 29 October, he and the boys met with representatives from Melbourne Water on the banks of the creek near the area of concern. As a result of the meeting, Melbourne Water agreed to provide a report on current management of the creek and options to improve water quality in the future. “What a great win for these young local activists,” Mr Ettershank said. To read more about Chris and Lennon’s petition and the work of All Kids Junior Landcare, go to: https://allkids.com.au/petition.html
Cumming attempts election comeback
Inner West Symphony Orchestra artistic director and conductor Andrew Leach, has put together the program for the orchestra’s biggest concert to date: The Cinematic Score on 21 November. (Damjan Janevski) 587704 01
Music and movies combine at concert More than 100 musicians and choristers will fill the Williamstown Town Hall on Saturday 21 November, when the The Inner West Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) stages its biggest production to date: The Cinematic Score. A celebration of music in movies, the The Cinematic Score will feature some of the most evocative and powerful music ever written for film, including Howard Shore’s iconic score from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Ennio Morricone’s themes from The Mission, John Williams’ stirring
Hymn to the Fallen from Saving Private Ryan, Bruce Rowland’s much-loved music from The Man from Snowy River and Bernard Herrmann’s suspense-filled score from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Put together by IWSO artistic director and conductor, Andrew Leach, the production is set to have broad appeal- for families, orchestral music lovers and film buffs alike. Fans of Lord of the Rings and other works by JRRTolkien fans will get an extra buzz with cosplayers dressed as hobbits, elves
and wizards expected to be in the audience for the two shows, with a matinee from 2-4pm and the evening show from 7-9pm. As with other IWSO concerts, The Cinematic Score will be staged as an immersive experience, with the orchestra seated close to the audience on the floor of Williamstown Town Hall and accompanied by dynamic lighting and visual projections. Tickets for The Cinematic Score are available now at: https://events.humanitix. com/cinematic-score For more information, go to: iwso.org.au
Leaking leisure pool to reopen on 14 December after repairs A pool at the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC) that has been closed since it was found to be leaking in September, will reopen before Christmas. Maribyrnong council has announced that the leisure pool at MAC will reopen on Monday 14 December, almost three months after it was closed on 20 September following the discovery of multiple leaks. The leaks were uncovered during works on MAC’s water slides and splash park development when a significant amount of treated water was found in the construction
area. The water was traced back to two major leaks in the leisure pool located near the MAC’s main entrance which is often used for learn to swim programs. In order for the leaks to be repaired, the leisure pool had to first be completely drained, a process that took roughly six weeks. Since then, repair works have been underway on the two leaks and are now expected to be finished in time for the summer holidays.
“We’re grateful to our community and regular swimmers for their flexibility throughout this closure,” Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said in announcing the leisure pool’s reopening. While final repairs on the pool are completed, MAC’s 50m pool, warm water pool, and spa will remain open. MAC members will receive emails with more information as the repair works wrap up. For more information, go to: https://tinyurl.com/3nmphjuf
Former Maribyrnong mayor and upper house MP, Catherine Cumming has joined a crowded field contesting the seat of Footscray at the state election. Ms Cumming’s campaign signs began appearing around the electorate last week and in an interview with Star Weekly she confirmed she was standing as an independent and running to win. “I would not stand if I didn’t believe I could win,” Ms Cumming said of the once safe Labor seat which is now considered marginal after incumbent MP Katie Hall suffered a near 12 per cent swing in 2022. Ms Cumming joins fellow independent Jess Marsh, The Greens Elena Peryra, The Liberals Tim Chang, One Nation’s Alex Lopez, the West Party’s Minh Quan Nguyen and Victorian Socialists Jasmine Duff in fighting to end the ALP’s stronghold on the electorate. “To be the member for Footscay is my dream job. I hope that by nominating it gives the people of Footscray the chance for real change for the first time in 100 years plus,” she said. A Maribyrnong councillor for 20 years and mayor in both 2013 and 2017, Ms Cumming was elected the upper house MP for Western Metropolitan for Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party in 2018. Later becoming an independent, her bid for re-election in 2022 failed amid controversy after telling a crowd of protesters that then premier Daniel Andrews should be turned into “red mist.” The comments were widely criticised as incitement to violence and appeared to have ended her political career. “I have moved on,” Ms Cumming said of the incident, noting that police later cleared her of any wrongdoing. “I did nothing wrong.” After four years as a flight attendant, medic and defence contractor, Ms Cumming said she had unfinished business in state politics. “I had one great year in parliament in 2019 and then the pandemic hit and three years were wasted on Covid where I could’ve been spending that time on immediate community issues and concerns,” she said, adding that this time her efforts would be focused on the Footscray electorate rather than the entire west and that she had experienced her opponents lacked. “They may be part of a political party but I have the experience and knowledge.”
Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3
SECTION
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
12909606-JR46-26
4 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 11 November, 2026
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS
Clear counselling backlog By Cade Lucas An inner-west woman who experienced family violence as both a child and adult, is advocating for children experiencing family violence today to receive the support she never had. Lauren experienced family violence as a child growing up in Melbourne’s west, yet never received counselling or support. “My childhood trauma and experiences of abuse shaped who I am as an adult,” Lauren said. “I did not receive any intervention or support for my experiences of family violence, and I have spent my adult life at-
tempting to retroactively heal what that support might’ve provided me.” Lauren is now a member of the survivor advisory group with Footscray based family violence support service GenWest. “GenWest’s services would have changed my trajectory, they would have helped a young, scared Lauren learn not to fear the world,” she said. However, a recent evaluation of GenWest’s Children’s Counselling Program found that demand was far outstripping supply, with more than 100 children currently on the waitlist and wait times of up to eight months. GenWest are calling for an additional
$500,000 in funding to clear the waitlist and ensure children impacted by family violence can access specialist support sooner. “Eight months is a long time in any child’s life,” GenWest chief executive Dale Wakefield said. “When we know this support can make a meaningful difference, children shouldn’t be left waiting for it. We need investment that matches the level of need.” Both the Labor and Liberal parties contesting the state election were contacted for comment. Despite the backlog, GenWest’s evaluation found the program was effective. Among children surveyed after receiving
counselling: 54 per cent felt “much more” optimistic about their future; 39 per cent were much more able to talk about the violence they had experienced with trusted adults; and 56 per cent had much greater awareness of where to seek help if needed. Lauren said children who received counselling were much less likely to experience family violence as an adult, as was the case with her. “Experiencing abuse as a child interrupts your development, she said. “So what counselling does is help you to re-explore or re-define the impacts of abuse. You then have the support and resilience to explore healthy relationships.”
Hospital site sale slammed
Vision impaired three-year-old Finn Gemes with mum Claudia at Highpoint Shopping Centre where he learnt to navigate his surroundings (Damjan Janevski) 588967 04
Fundraiser makes Finn’s Christmas extra special Like most other three-year-olds, Footscray local Finn Gemes is excited for Christmas and Santa Claus’ impending visit. But this Christmas is set to be an extra special one for Finn who was diagnosed with a form of blindness shortly after his first birthday. Thanks to support from Vision Australia, Finn was able access early intervention and specialist support through donor funding, ensuring he didn’t have to wait for his NDIS funding to be approved. With the help of Vision Australia’s orientation and mobility team, he soon started get-
ting about using a small white cane. “Vision Australia is the safety net, the support and the family we have,” Finn’s mum Claudia Gemes said of the not-for-profit. “The thought of not having them would be catastrophic. It would be a very scary world.“ Vision Australia’s biggest annual fundraiser is the iconic Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The connection has already made Christmas more meaningful for the Gemes family, but this year even more so, with nearby Highpoint Shopping Centre hosting a week-long
gift-wrapping initiative in support of the fundraiser. Not only is Highpoint their local shopping centre, but as Claudio Gemes’ explained, it’s played a big role in improving Finn’s mobility. “Highpoint was actually one of the first public spaces that Finn learnt where to use his white cane, so it feels incredibly special that they’ve chosen to support Vision Australia,” she said. The gift-wrapping initiative started on 7 November and all proceeds will go towards supporting specialist services for children who are blind or have low vision like Finn.
Energy Safe lays charges over unsafe battery installations An electrical contracting business and its sole director are facing dozens of charges relating to the installation of unsafe batteries at a number of properties, including in Williamstown. Energy Safe Victoria has charged Shepherd’s Field Electrics with 14 offences and electrician Nidal Qumsieh with nine offences under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 for permitting or carrying out non-compliant electrical work, failing to comply with a rectification notice, and submitting false or misleading information to the regulator. Energy Safe began investigating after receiving two separate reports of electrical
defects at three homes. During Solar Victoria’s 2023–24 audit program, unsafe battery installations were found at properties in Williamstown and Preston, while in August 2024 a licensed electrical inspector found safety issues with a home battery at a property in Drouin. The alleged offending relates to defects that did not comply with Australian Standards for solar and battery installations, as well as an alleged failure to rectify those defects after being directed to do so by the regulator. Energy Safe alleged that at one proper-
ty, an unsafe installation left the potential for metal taps to be electrified in certain circumstances, creating a risk of electric shock for anyone who touched them. Energy Safe further alleged that the accused provided a series of photographs claiming to show completed rectification work but instead appeared to depict a different property and installation. At the time of the alleged conduct, the offences carried maximum penalties ranging from $19,231 and $46,230 per charge. Shepherd’s Field Electrics and Mr Qumsieh will appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 11 November.
The old Footscray Hospital has become a state election battle ground with the Liberals and Greens releasing contrasting visions for the site and Labor claiming only it can protect it for the community. On Friday 6 November, opposition leader Jess Wilson announced that a Coalition government would sell the old Footscray Hospital to pay down state debt. Under the proposal, the 6.6 hectare Gordon Street site would be sold to private developers, as would other old hospital and school sites currently managed by Development Victoria, as well as the East Werribee Employment Precinct and 565 Lonsdale Street. The opposition said the divestment plan had been costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office, and would reduce state debt by $1.3 billion and save $266 million in interest over four years. Ms Wilson said selling the properties to private developers would also lead to more homes being built quicker. “Labor’s land banking means fewer homes and a smaller economy,” she said. “Our plan means more land for new homes and economic development as well as a $1.3 billion saving for the budget.” The Liberal’s announcement came shortly after the Greens unveiled its plans for the old hospital, including a $21 million public park and 30 per cent allocated for public housing. Greens candidate for Footscray and sitting Maribyrnong councillor Elena Peryra said while she hadn’t read opposition’s plan, selling the old hospital to pay down debt was a bad idea. “The opportunity cost is too high and it;s not good economic or social planning,” Ms Pereyra said, adding that the Greens’ plan would integrate both the state government and council owned parts of the site. “People are fed up with the piecemeal approach to housing development and community infrastructure and so our desire is to set the benchmark that green space and community infrastructure is delivered before housing so it can support the existing community and we don’t have residents moving in and waiting years for the rest of the public amenities to be delivered.” Current Footscray MP Katie Hall savaged both proposals, claiming only Labor could develop the old hospital as a community asset. “The Greens can’t and the Liberals won’t,” Ms Hall said.
Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 5
BEHIND THE NEWS
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Maribyrnong’s Truong siblings Alexis and Charlie shoot their smart phone films.
Tez Vi Truong with children Alexis and Charlie at the Sydney Opera House for the SF3 Smart Fone Film Festival on 1 November.
Alexis and Charlie pose for the paparazzi after being announced as finalists in the 2026 SF3 Smart Fone Film Festival. (Pictures: Supplied)
Film festival a family affair Armed with nothing more than their phones, a heap of ideas and a tonne of enthusiasm, a western suburbs family is making films on small screens that are being shown on big screens. Cade Lucas reports.
I
n an era where many parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend staring at screens and often seek to limit or even prevent them from accessing smart phones and tablets, it’s fair to say Maribyrnong’s Truong family go against the grain. Not only do Tez Vi Truong and his wife Doris allow their children Alexis, 8, and Charlie, 6, to use smartphones, they actively encourage it. The Truongs, especially dad and the two kids, probably spend more time using their smart phone devices than just about any family, let alone those with kids aged under 10. Far from it being detrimental, recent evidence suggests that the Truong’s smartphone fanaticism is paying dividends. After all, how many primary school students, when asked on a Monday morning what they did on the weekend, are able to answer that they attended a film festival at the Sydney Opera House and were awarded first prize? Well, the answer is at least two, because that’s exactly what happened to both Alexis and Charlie Truong at the 12th annual SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3) on Sunday 1 November. One of the world’s largest and most prestigious smart phone film festivals, the 2026 SF3 attracted a record 400 entries from around the globe, including 19 feature films and 16 AI films, all vying for a share in $50,000 in prizes. While finalists in the festival’s ‘Mini’ and Feature Film sections were screened and winners announced at the White Bay Power Station in Rozelle on Halloween, both the SF3 Kids and Gala Finals sections were held on Sunday at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse. Alexis and Charlie won the Best Documentary and Touch Finished on
Alexis Truong’s 102 year-old great-grandfather Chiec Thau Ngo, the subject of her award winning smart phone film ‘My Great-Grandfather.’ (Supplied)
Mobile categories, respectively, in the kids section announced on Sunday morning. Not to be outdone, their father won his second consecutive Best AI Film award at the festival’s grand finale held on Sunday night. While Tez Vi Truong thought he stood a good chance of winning again, he wasn’t banking on his two children making it a Truong family trifecta. “Absolutely ecstatic,” the proud father said when asked how he was feeling the day after. “The kids winning was really unexpected.” Proving good things come in threes, not only did all three Truongs take home prizes, but this was the third year in a row they had all entered SF3 together. Truong said having witnessed how far
6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 11 November, 2026
smart phone filmmaking had come in that time made Alexis and Charlie’s triumphs all the more meaningful. “Last year and even the year before, the quality of the work was great, but this year the quality was really fierce. Some of the people from last year didn’t even get accepted (into the festival) this time. Not only are we proud of them getting accepted but winning, that’s next level.” Alexis Truong was named joint winner of the best documentary award for her short film, ‘My Great Grandfather,’ a two-minute celebration of the life of Chiec Thau Ngo, the Truong family patriarch. The 102-year-old is still alive, though at the time of writing he’d not yet been made aware he was now the star of an award-winning film. “We haven’t seen him yet but we’re about to,” Truong said of his grandfather and his daughter’s great-grandfather. Alexis shared the award with Wolfe and Lucette Meisner and students from Scarborough Public School in Wollongong for their film ‘Between the Mountains and the Sea.’ Younger brother Charlie also shared his prize, having been named joint winner of the Touch Finished on Mobile Award for his autobiographical film ’Charlie’s Secret’. As the name suggests, Charlie reveals some of his biggest secrets and takes the audience on a fun, honest, and unexpected journey through his imagination and personal world in the film he recorded when he was just five. He won alongside students from the Hills Drama School in Rouse Hill near Sydney for their film ‘The New Prisoner.’ Truong was named the sole winner of the Best AI Film award for ‘No.08’ which he described as: “basically it’s an exploration of what we perceive as values and what we consume.”
Coming it at 4:44 in duration, No.8 is more than two minutes longer than Alexis’ or Charlie’s films and joins Truong’s 2025 film “The 5-Minute Empire” in winning the best AI film category. In contrast to other categories, Truong said AI films didn’t involve any camera work and were generated solely on smart phones rather than being edited on other devices. A former screenwriter at Disney, Truong has a background in the film industry but said filmmaking became a family affair after Alexis entered a storytelling competition at a local library. “She didn’t get into (the storytelling competition) so then we looked for other avenues for her work and stumbled upon SF3.” While offering them guidance here and there, Truong said Alexia and Charlie generate their own film ideas and execute them themselves. And while she mightn’t have any awards to her name, mum Doris also plays a significant role. “She’s the backbone,” Truong said of his wife who organises the logistical side of the family filmmaking along with various other off-camera roles. “She’s even involved in the production design and make-up with the kids.” After taking a break for the festival, the Truongs are now busy brainstorming more film ideas and hope to eventually screen some of their work at home in Victoria. With screenings mostly confined to festivals such as SF3, Truong said the best way for people to keep up to date with the family’s work was via his Instagram page at: https://www.instagram.com/ tezfrost/?hl=en To learn more about SF3, go to: https:// sf3.com.au/
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Briefs
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
CONTACT US
Emergency preparedness Emergencies can affect everyone differently. Being prepared and having the right support in place can make a big difference. That’s why Maribyrnong council is holding an information session focused on emergency preparedness for people with a disability and older people on Thursday 3 December. Taking place at the Maribyrnong civic precinct and community hub from 10.30am-1.00pm, the session will explore how to plan ahead, consider individual needs and make sure the right support is available during an emergency. Registration is essential. To register, go to: https:// tinyurl.com/2tddktum
PHONE \ 03 8318 5777 LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au
ADVERTISING GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au GENERAL REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES reads@starweekly.com.au
EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au
Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au
NEWS
West 3012 Business Association secretary Armand du Plessis. (Damjan Janevski) 589588 01
McCormack Park
Maker’s market party West 3012 Business Association is preparing to host its first major event since its relaunch and rebrand earlier this year. The association is hosting a launch event for its new pop-up shop, Maker’s Market by West 3012, on Saturday 14 November at the old WellBeing’s Pet Supplies store at 586 Barkly Street. Held from 11am-2pm, the launch party will feature live music, face painting, a sausage sizzle, cold drinks and prizes, as well as the creations of local makers, artists and small businesses which will be on sale for shoppers searching for gifts in the lead up to Christmas. West 3012 Business Association committee member Emily Re explained the rationale behind the maker’s market. “By turning a vacant Barkly Street shopfront into a curated, staffed market,
we give independent creators a low-cost, low-risk way to reach new customers, and give our community a place to shop local, discover new talent and spend time in the heart of West Footscray,” Ms Re said. “You don’t need to staff a stall. Our team sells your goods for you, so you can focus on making.” Formerly known as the West Footscray Traders Association, West 3012 Business Association was relaunched under a new name in June following a transition period brought about by its founder and president, Pradeep Tiwari, being elected to Maribyrnong council in late 2024. For more information about the association, Maker’s Market by West 3012, and to apply for a stall space, go to: https:// www.west3012.com.au/makers-market/
The grand opening of Hobsons Bay’s largest inclusive playground at Laverton’s McCormack Park has been rescheduled for Sunday 15 November. Running from 10am-12pm, families are invited to attend the free opening event which will have attractions such as face painting, a wildlife show and tree giveaways, as well as the state-of-the-art playground itself. McCormack Park is located on Jennings Street, Laverton and parking will be available at the Laverton Swim Centre car park.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Maidstone’s Jonasi Singehebhuye, the founder of Acts of Random Kindness Victoria, is a finalist in Australia’s Kindest Person 2026. (Damjan Janevski) 589101 01
Jonasi is keen on kindness Having founded Acts of Random Kindness Victoria (ARK-VIC), a western suburbs not-for-profit assisting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, it’s no surprise that Maidstone’s Jonasi Singehebhuye is in the running to be crowned Australia’s Kindest Person 2026. In fact, given ARK-VIC was established in 2012, and according to Mr Singehebhuye has helped an estimated 57,000 people across Victoria since, it’s a wonder he hasn’t won it already. “For more than a decade, I’ve worked quietly. I never imagined campaigning for an award,” Mr Singehebhuye said in explaining why. “I preferred to let the work speak, and I worried that recognition could distract me from the reasons I started.” He’s clearly not worried anymore. Mr Singehebhuye is one of 15 finalists for this year’s award and stands to win $50,000
if judged the overall winner, with half the money going to a charity of his choice and the other half his to keep. If successful, Mr Singehebhuye said he’ll use the $25,000 to buy a van for ARK-VIC’s food outreach program. “This is a God given opportunity to fund the van I have been seeking for over three years,” he said. Mr Singehebhuye is also running for the $2000 Kindness in the Community category prize, as well as the $6000 People’s Choice Award which is voted on by the public. Voting closes on Thursday 12 November and the winners announced on World Kindness Day, Friday 13 November, at a gala event on the Gold Coast. “Australia, I’m stepping forward—and I would be grateful for your support,” he said. To vote:https://australiaskindestperson. events/
813/188 Ballarat Road, Footscray
Private Sale Ready to Occupy - one of Footscray’s most Premiere Developments. Available for living or renting, this light filled apartment exudes space and modern conveniences for today’s high velocity lifestyle. Comprising 2 bedrooms, open plan kitchen/dining/living area, vary spacious west facing balcony, laundry, bathroom, car park and storage cage. An inspection will impress and ownership will delight! Terms of sale: Strictly 10% deposit, 30 days settlement. https://riveredgerealestate.com.au/property-details/?property_id=73&sr=sale
Further details, contact Terry Cooper 0411 852 508 W www.riveredgerealestate.com.au | P 9488 0588 12909561-MS43-26
Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 7
COMMENT
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
A reckoning and a player Romsey movie buff Evan Turok is Star Weekly’s film reviewer. Each month he shares his take on recent releases, cult classics, modern favourites and everything in between. The Player
Evan Turok.
1992’s ‘The Player’ features Tim Robbins playing Griffin Mill, a studio executive in charge of separating the thousands of yearly film ideas from the mere 12 that will be produced. With an apathetic indifference to the countless writers he rejects on a daily basis, it becomes impossible to know which of them has begun to send death threats his way. What follows is a witty and tense comedy thriller supported by technical filmmaking excellence. Having to constantly crush the dreams of writers is sure to lead to some enemies. Soon after being the last straw to an unstable writer, Mill becomes embroiled in a murder mystery in which he himself is the main suspect. What worries me is that, with the waves of unwatchable garbage that we already have to sift through to find something enjoyable, I can’t help but lose sleep imagining what kind of ideas couldn’t even get a look in! Director Robert Altman opens with an incredible nine minute single shot sequence. Choreographing a series of actors, a camera, a crew, as well as
NEWS
(Damjan Janevski) 545799_04
hundreds of extras is not only wildly impressive, but is the heart and soul of directing a film. Blocking a scene from start to finish allows the audience to witness the dynamic nature of a well written scene. Altman uses this long take to make the world of the film feel lived in, as if each character is only a small piece of the puzzle in the lively yet mysterious world of Hollywood.
The Social Reckoning Written and directed by the writer of the original, Aaron Sorkin, The Social Reckoning continues on from the 2010 film ‘The Social Network’. We follow Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), an ex-employee of Facebook who attempts to expose the media conglomerate’s greedy willingness to promote hateful content.
What was once an unnerving, gripping thriller has become a melancholic math mission with no personal emotional weight. The fact that ‘private message shares carry a 3.2x higher algorithmic weight than a standard passive reaction’ means nothing to me and should not be the sort of statistics that become the sole focus of the film. (If it means anything to you, please call me and explain. Talk slowly.) My point being, the detrimental difference between the two films is that the original understands that human connection is much more valued to an audience than a series of facts and statistics. None of the characters have any distinctive personality besides the mutual fast talking wittiness found in all Aaron Sorkin dialogue. Unfortunately, when every single character has the same personality trait, it ceases to be one at all. Visually, there was nothing defining about Sorkin’s vision, a simple dot-to-dot approach that lacked a style and failed to do its part to create desperatel needed tension to enhance this so-called ‘thriller’. Jeremy Strong plays Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg with an uncanny perfection. His presence on screen is the clear highlight but not enough to save this ‘colour in the lines’, non offensive but emotionally void film.
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
40 years ago
30 years ago
20 years ago
10 years ago
12 November, 1986
13 November, 1996
14 November, 2006
9 November, 2016
Williamstown schools have lost out in an Education Department reshuffle of community programs.
More than 500 people are expected to rally outside the Altona District Hospital on Friday in a final, desperate effort to keep the facility in community hands.
The Bracks Government will support City of Maribyrnong initiatives to cut container truck numbers in the inner-west - if it is re-elected.
A community backlash has forced the scrapping of plans for a West Footscray halfway house put forward by a developer with an extensive criminal history.
8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 11 November, 2026
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS
E-bike gang wrecks wicket By Cade Lucas Police are investigating after a gang of e-bike riders damaged the turf wicket at a Williamstown cricket oval on Saturday night. It’s understood multiple youths on e-bikes rode on the centre wicket area of an oval at Fearon Reserve about 10pm on 31 October, causing significant damage to pitches used by the Williamstown CYMS Cricket Club. “It’s just really really unfortunate” Williamstown CYMS head coach Nick Duxson said of the vandalism which occurred just hours after the club hosted day one of its
two-day clash with Seddon. Duxson said the severity of the damage to the turf wicket had put day two of the match, scheduled for Saturday 7 November, in doubt. “Given we’re midway through a two-day game, trying to present something comparable to last week is gonna be difficult,” he said. “Our curator Damian Grigg spent a heap of time on the square yesterday just trying to see what he could do. Definitely seen some improvement but that damage is considerable. “He’s a miracle worker if he can get us
back on that.” Fortunately the oval, one of two at Fearon Reserve, wasn’t scheduled to be used the day after the attack, meaning Williamstown CYMS didn’t face any immediate disruption on Sunday 1 November. “Our thirds and 18’s play one-day competitions on Sundays but thankfully they were both fixtured to play away yesterday,” Duxson said. With no games scheduled, the centre wicket area on Williamstown CYMS’ oval was left uncovered. In contrast, the centre wicket area on the neighbouring oval used by Williamstown
Imperials Cricket Club was covered due to a game being played there the next day. It was left alone. Saturday night’s incident occurred a few weeks after a similar attack by vandals on turf cricket pitches in Caroline Springs. Duxson said he hoped the incidents weren’t part of a growing trend. “For the volunteers of small community clubs, who put so much time and effort into getting facilities up, it’s incredibly disappointing,” he said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
From Point Cook to Telluride By Ella Burns For Point Cook filmmaker Ravi Chand, telling multicultural Australian stories is deeply personal. After reconnecting with his grandmother he thought had died decades earlier, he rediscovered his language, culture and identity, a journey that inspired his short film, Coconut. The 12-minute comedy has travelled from its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) to the prestigious Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, one of the world’s most respected film events. Written, directed and produced by Chand as part of his master of film and television studies at the University of Melbourne and Victorian College of the Arts, Coconut follows 19-year-old Dev, who unexpectedly becomes best friends with his non-English-speaking grandmother after the death of his grandfather. While the film is packed with humour, its emotional core stems from Chand’s own life. Chand migrated from Fiji to Melbourne in 1982 and grew up near Moorabbin Football Ground, barracking for St Kilda and embracing Australian culture. “I was obsessively playing Aussie Rules footy and developed an Australian accent stronger than Mick Dundee,” he said. But despite feeling Australian, Chand said he rarely saw people who looked like him.
Point Cook filmmaker Ravi Chand. (Damjan Janevski). 586231 01
Fast forward to today after 15 years living in Point Cook, he is surrounded by what he describes as a “wonderfully diverse” community. “When I see children who remind me of myself when I was their age, it brings home why the stories I tell exist,” he said. The inspiration for Coconut came after Chand discovered his maternal grandmother, who he believed had died decades earlier, was in fact still alive in Fiji. The reunion reconnected him with a language he had barely spoken for about 30 years. After being laughed at for speaking Fiji-Hindi as a child, Chand stopped using the language altogether. His grandmother, who speaks Fiji-Hindi, Tamil and iTaukei but no
English, helped him reclaim that part of his identity. “My grandma never judged me or cared how I sounded. She was just overjoyed to have her grandson back and hear him talk,” he said. Having lost his mother in a car accident shortly before his 12th birthday, Chand said hearing his grandmother’s voice felt like reconnecting with her. “Whenever my grandma spoke it was like having my mother whisper in my ear,” he said. Now speaking with his grandmother in Fiji-Hindi every week, Chand said the experience continues to shape the feature-length version of Coconut, which he is currently developing.
The film is also a love letter to Melbourne’s west, with locations including Point Cook, Werribee, Altona, Newport and Yarraville deliberately selected to act as a “silent character” in the story. Chand spent an entire summer exploring the region, narrowing more than 40 potential locations down to six. “When people from around the world are struck by the locations, it’s a great feeling,” he said. The film’s success has resonated beyond Australia, drawing messages from Fijian-Indian communities across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Fiji and beyond, proving that a story born in Melbourne’s west can connect with audiences around the world.
Keeping up to date with your local news has never been so easy... Simply register today and get our latest news articles and Digital Editions in your inbox for FREE
Sent to your inbox every Wednesday 12665650-KG10-24
Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 9
NEWS
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
MY PLACE Derrimut mortgage broker Niti Bhargava is a powerhouse in the financial world. Through her work, she empowers migrant women toward financial independence. She chats with Jack O’Shea-Ayres about her pride as a long-time resident of the west. What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? Melbourne’s north-west is home for me. I have lived in Melbourne’s west for almost two decades, and over the years I have built not only my business here but also deep personal and community connections. My career in finance and banking spans around 18 years, and I have seen first-hand how access to the right financial information can change the direction of a family or a business. My connection to the west goes well beyond finance. I am passionate about creating opportunities for people, particularly women and migrant communities, to build financial confidence and independence. Through financial literacy workshops and community programs, I have supported hundreds of people across Melbourne’s west, including migrant and culturally diverse women, young people and small business owners. I am also the co-founder of Business Women of Melbourne, a grassroots network created to connect, support and celebrate women in business across Brimbank, Melton and surrounding communities. What do you like about where you live? What I love most is the sense of community. The west is incredibly diverse, ambitious and entrepreneurial. You meet people from different cultures, backgrounds and walks of life, but there is often a shared desire to build something better for their
families and their community. I also love that people here genuinely support local businesses. As a business owner myself, I understand how meaningful it is when someone chooses to support a local business, refer a friend or simply says, “I know someone who can help you.” There is a real sense that the west is growing and evolving, while still retaining that strong community spirit. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? I would love to see even more investment in opportunities for local people, particularly young people, women and small business owners. The west has enormous talent and entrepreneurial energy. I would like to see more accessible mentoring, business education, financial literacy programs, networking opportunities and pathways into leadership. I also believe financial wellbeing should be treated as an important part of community wellbeing. Understanding money, credit, debt, home ownership and business finance can have a profound impact on people’s lives. Niti Bhargava.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time? For me, it is often the places where people come together rather than one particular destination. I love attending local community events, networking with women in business, meeting local business owners over a coffee and being involved in
(Damjan Janevski) 577609 01
events across Brimbank and Melton. Some of my favourite moments have simply been sitting with another local businesswoman and hearing her story, talking about her
challenges and working out how we can support each other. Those conversations are often where the most meaningful connections happen.
Faces of the west
Above: Sharon Murphy from Keeley’s Cause. (Damjan Janevski) 585064_04 Left: Ekram Hassan-Ali is the One Wyndham recipient for October. (Damjan Janevski) 584723 03
Right: Karen Spaull and Gisborne Golf Club general manager Brett Campbell. (Damjan Janevski) 584822 05
Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.
Sunshine Hospital palliative care unit director Maria Coperchini with staff Sacha McDonald, Carmen Camilleri and Mariana Grgat. (Damjan Janevski) 587239 04
InFUse Lab participant Millie Sanchez Montoro, program facilitator Augustine Ang and participant David Soderlind. (Damjan Janevski) 587195 04
10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 11 November, 2026
Altona Meadows Primary School students Max (front), Ethan, Ayman, Emily, Imogen, Liam and Rose. (Damjan Janevski) 585921 05
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS
Steps to reducing violence As part of Star Weekly’s ongoing We Deserve Better campaign about crime in Melbourne’s west, Glenn Fisher takes a look at the state’s new Violence Reduction Unit and how it operates. The noise from the community has been getting louder over the past few years. Noise about rising violence and crime rates, with a particular focus on ‘out of control’ youths in our midst. When the state government appointed Youth Justice Commissioner Andrea Davidson as chief executive of the new Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) 12 months ago, her goal was to set up a reference group to bring together local organisations and community leaders to guide the government on the challenges and opportunities facing the VRU. The VRU says its focus is on stopping violence before it starts, working with young people, families, schools, community organisations and government agencies to address the underlying causes of violence. The VRU model, which is based on similar units in Glasgow, Scotland, and London, England, but is tailored to Victoria, has seen the state government partner with Blue Light Victoria, which already has a successful youth mentoring program operating in schools to address the issues of school disengagement, isolation and limited access to positive role models. More than $30 million has been invested in the VRU, with recent announcements including $10 million towards 17 new violence prevention programs in communities most affected by youth crime, the launch of
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny (left) and Werribee MP John Lister (centre) were at Werribee station recently with outreach workers for the expansion of the VRU’s Community Connectors program. (Supplied).
a $13 million targeted grants program called Ground Up to help organisations already doing the work on the ground, and $9.5 million to boost Blue Light Victoria’s youth mentoring program. “There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to violence prevention,” Ms Davidson said. “By supporting local programs to deliver solutions that work for them, we can make communities safer for everyone.” The new violence prevention programs will help deliver early intervention in schools and communities, including knifecrime prevention, homework clubs and
youth mentoring, with programs such as the Melton-based Airtime Cobblebank Basketball Program already giving young people a positive place to connect and keep them away from bad influences. Another VRU initiative involves community organisation 1000 Generations providing youth drop-in centres across Brimbank and Melton that will give young people a dedicated place to build strong positive relationships, access education, employment, wellbeing and community support services, and to develop practical life and employment skills. Blue Light Victoria may be remembered
by older generations for its popular police-run discos in the 1970s and ’80s, but it’s much more than that these days with its youth mentoring and early intervention programs such as Blue EDGE. Run in partnership with police and emergency services, Blue EDGE blends fun fitness activities with life skills to boost resilience, encourage healthy and safe decision making, and strengthen community connection in the 10-21 age group. Train stations in Melbourne’s west have also benefitted from VRU funding, with Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny visiting Werribee late last month with Werribee MP John Lister to announce the expansion of the Community Connectors program. Community Connectors are specialist outreach workers who patrol train stations and provide proactive support to community members to prevent incidents arising. Two outreach workers will be based at Werribee station by the end of 2026, providing on-the-ground support for people experiencing challenges such as homelessness, mental health concerns, trauma, family violence, alcohol and other substance issues. The outreach workers build meaningful connections with the people they’re there to help, and also provide training, mentoring and support to Metro Trains staff in managing people with complex needs. Werribee is the third station funded through the VRU, with Community Connectors also present at Sunshine and St Albans. Outreach workers were also introduced at Footscray and Broadmeadows stations earlier this year. Details: https://www.vic.gov.au/what-violence-reduction-unit-vru
Order now on www.aussietoysonline.com.au Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11
COMMUNITY
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-forprofit 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. Twightlight trivia Twilight Trivia 2026, is a fun-filled night supporting the Evie Gamble Foundation. The foundation was created in memory of its founder’s beloved daughter, Evie, who tragically passed away from sepsis at just nine. The foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and help prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak. As well as trivia, enjoy a fantastic silent auction, mystery bags, games, raffles, door prizes, and a photo booth to capture the memories. Desserts and soft drinks will be available to purchase, and tea and coffee will be available by donation. Wear purple for the chance to earn bonus points for your team! Bring a team or come on your own, we will make sure you have a team to join! The event will be held on Friday 13 November. Doors open at 6.30 pm; trivia starts at 7 pm at the Laverton Community Hub. Tickets are $25 per person includes table snacks and you can BYO anything else. Ages 16-plus. ■ www.givenow.com.au/event/586 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 Club, The Esplanade, Altona. ■ history@altonalsc.com.au 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, 0418 347 691, rotarypointgellibrand.com A Holiday Affair A Holiday Affair is a free community Christmas carol event at Footscray Library on Thursday 10 December. Doors open at 10.30am for an 11am start. Suitable for the whole family. ■ Victoria, littlepinetreeproduction@gmail. com Dementia-Friendly Walks Join the West’s first guided nature walks for people living with dementia and their carers, led by Dr Liz Cyarto. The walks take place from 10am-12 pm at Williamstown Botanic Gardens, on Thursday 12 November and at Newport Lakes on Saturday 14 November. The walks are free but registration is required. ■ Dr Liz, 0481 977 970 or thehealthysenior@gmail.com Art classes Bek & Jayne (Flipperfrog) are community artists who are offering art and collage classes at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. The classes will run from 7.15-9pm every third Wednesday of the month. The workshops explore different types of collage, mixed media paint and lots of play with colour and mark making. All materials are
This week’s photographer’s choice pic is of an Australian king parrot at Mt Macedon. (Damjan Janevski) 588000 01
supplied, with attendees asked to bring an apron and a picture or photo which can be incorporated into their work. The classes cost $25 per session in order to cover materials and venue hire. Walk-ins are welcome but places are not guaranteed. ■ 0400 693 025 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. ■Alex, 9397 6168 Mystery music sessions Music performances are held each Tuesday afternoon from 1.30-3pm at the Altona Senior Citizens, 2 Sargood Street. Entry is free. ■ 9932 1311 Hip hop dance program L2R Dance is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit and social enterprise proudly based in Melbourne’s west. L2R makes dance accessible to children and young people who can’t access commercial dance opportunities and draws from the history of hip-hop culture with its aims to empower and critique social issues that affect young people in Melbourne’s West and beyond. L2R’s free Next-Gen dance program is held at Phoenix Youth Hub, 72 Buckley Street, Footscray (Auditorium). Classes will be held from 4.30-6.30pm each Tuesday during term. ■ 0490 811 605, https://www.l2r.org.au/ dance-programs St Augustine’s Primary School Playgroup Free playgroup for ages 0-5 held from 1-2.30pm every second Friday during term at the St Augustine’s Primary School library. ■ library@sayarraville.catholic.edu.au Community story time Every Friday during term from 8-8.30am
12 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 11 November, 2026
at the blocks behind Alfa Cafe Yarraville. Free to attend and a free babychino with every coffee purchase, when storytime is mentioned, ■ 9314 5996, office@sayarraville.catholic. edu.au Seniors Drama Club A fun and welcoming weekly group with drama games, creativity, laughter and social connection. Mondays 10:30–11:30am at Outlets Co-op, 43 Mason Street, Newport. No experience needed. ■9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au Cards and conversation Play cards and games at Altona North Library every Tuesday from 10am-noon. Free of charge, morning tea provided and no bookings required. Altona North Library corner of Millers and McArthurs roads, Altona North. ■1300 179 944 Altona North grandparent playgroup A friendly weekly opportunity for grandparents and their grandchildren to play, have a cuppa, cake and chat. Held from 10am-12pm on Mondays during school terms at Eastona Park Community Facility, 13 Collins Avenue Altona North (old kindergarten venue). Entry $5. ■ Marnie, 0478 011 981 Free walking basketball Love basketball, but not the running? Join the Westgate Basketball Association’s walking basketball program. Walking basketball is ideal for those returning from injury, looking to get back into fitness and perfect for seniors and active adults. A great way to connect with others. Register your interest now. ■Penny, 0409 014 121, westgatebasketball. com.au/walking-basketball-1 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 us on the third Wednesday of each month, at 11.00am, at the Altona RSL. The club is closely affiliated with The Smith Family and sponsors ten children through the Learning for Life program. Great opportunity to make new friends. ■ Julie 0421 315 846, altonaview@gmail. com Westgate diabetes support group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona bowling club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996 Free English conversation classes Those with English as a second language who want to improve their English language skills can practice speaking with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive group sessions held every Monday at 1-3pm. The sessions take place in the meeting room at Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona. ■Jill MacKenzie, 0439 994 705, jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com Chit Chat Tuesdays A ladies chit chat group held from 1.30-3pm every Tuesday at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona. ■ Dione, 9398 2511, LJAC.com.au 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. ■ Marlene, 0402 769 204 Laverton Bowls Club Laverton Bowls Club is recruiting new members and offers a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to bowl both socially or at pennant level. Practices are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10am, at 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows. ■ 0419 536 148, lavertonbowls@gmail.com
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
ENTERTAINMENT
Family bootscootin’ night Dust off your boots and get ready for a night of country fun at the Commercial Hotel in Ballan. Country music, line dancing, and family-friendly fun will take over the Commercial Hotel in Ballan this month, with locals invited to dust off their boots for a lively country night out. Family Country Night will take over the Commercial Hotel on Friday 13 November, promising to bring a taste of country hospitality to Ballan from 5 to 10pm. The evening is set to kick off with free face painting and pony rides for the kids,
before the dancing gets underway. The Boot Scooting Society will lead a free line dancing session from 7pm,
welcoming everyone from seasoned dancers to first-timers keen to learn a few new steps. Live country music will follow, with performer Tristan Ross taking to the stage to keep the country atmosphere going throughout the evening. Entry to the live music costs $10 per adult, while the line dancing session and children’s activities are free. Organisers are encouraging families and friends to come along, get involved and enjoy a night of entertainment close to home. Those planning to stay for dinner are
encouraged to contact the hotel ahead of time to secure a table. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or at the venue. So bring your friends, round up the family, and join in on the fun for a boot-scootin’ good time! Family Country Night will run from 5pm to 10pm on Friday 13 November, at the Commercial Hotel, 151 Inglis Street, Ballan. Details and tickets: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/line-dancing-countrymusic-night-at-the-commercial-hotelballan-tickets-2003750484639.
Explore your creativity with Way Out West
Organiser of storytelling salon, Between The Lines, Aud Pitch, at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop in West Footscray where the monthly event is held. (Damjan Janevski) 554512_01
Saturday night live storytelling salon Live storytelling salon, Between The Lines, returns for the final time in 2026 on Saturday 28 November at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop in West Footscray. Held on the last Saturday of each month, Between the Lines is an invitation for people to share something true to a room full of strangers who are there to listen. You don’t need to be a writer, a poet, a performer, or really anything other than
someone willing to tell a story that is true, that is your own and which is in keeping with a chosen theme, which for November is ‘the long day.’ You must register beforehand and then on the night wait and your name is drawn at rundown from a storytelling pool. If it is, you will get handed the mic and the attention of the audience for 10-12 minutes to tell them your story. Selected speakers also get a glass of wine on the
house to ease any nerves. If it’s not, you get to remain a member of the audience and enjoy a night of bold, honest, and unfiltered storytelling. Whether on stage or in the crowd, everyone pays for a ticket in order to keep the event fair and sustainable. To register, book tickets and learn more about Between the Lines, go to: https:// events.hu ma n it i x .com/bet ween-t helines-storytelling-salon
Raise a glass to the 35th annual Budburst festival Get ready for a weekend of food, wine and country hospitality as Budburst Wine Festival is back in the Macedon Ranges celebrating 35 years. Every year, the wineries of the Macedon Ranges region come together, open their doors and showcase their cool climate wines and local food. Budburst not only features the region’s established cellar doors but also producers not normally open to the public, small batch wines and special releases. The event spans across Saturday 14 November to Sunday 15 November, from 10am to 5pm, with tastings, curated good menus, live entertainment and the chance to chat with the winemakers at every stop.
Passes start from $39 with weekend passes $55. Tickets come with a keepsake Plumm crystal Macedon Ranges wine glass, a festival passport with all the details you need for the weekend and wine tastings across participating wineries. The festival welcomes all and is a family friendly event with designated drivers and children under 18 are invited to join the festival for free. Participating venues will offer visitors the chance to taste their wines, hear their stories and learn what makes the region so special. Details: https://www. macedonrangeswineandfoodfest.com.au/
Lyons Will Estate owner and winemaker Renata Morello celebrating the upcoming Budburst Festival. (Damjan Janevski) 586977 04
Deaf and disabled artists across Brimbank are being invited to unleash their creativity, develop new skills and connect with fellow artists through Way Out West (WOW), an inclusive multi-arts studio presented by Arts Access Victoria. Open to artists aged 18 and over, Way Out West provides a welcoming and supportive space for people to experiment with different art forms, share ideas and explore new ways of creative expression. The program offers opportunities to explore visual arts, performance, installations, music, animation and video. Participants can combine traditional art techniques with digital technology, including iPads, musical instruments and sound-making equipment. More than simply a place to make art, WOW is about building connections, sharing stories and celebrating the diverse experiences and creative talents of deaf and disabled artists. Artists can work alongside others, explore their individual interests and develop their artistic skills in an environment that encourages collaboration, experimentation and creative freedom. For Brimbank residents interested in exploring their artistic side, the workshops offer an opportunity to try something new, build confidence and become part of an inclusive creative community. The final Way Out West workshops for 2026 will be held on Saturday 21 November and Saturday, 5 December at St Albans Community Centre, from 10am - 4pm. Way Out West welcomes deaf and disabled artists aged 18 and over, whether they are experienced creatives or looking to take their first steps into the arts.
Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 13
SECTION
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
networkclassifieds.com.au networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services DEADLINE
TRADES BUSINESS PROFILE
PAINTERS/DECORATORS 12416368-CG17-19
Placing your classified advert is so easy...
seaview
Grow your business with
(include your name, address and phone number)
VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)
Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.
12435709-SG03-20
Deadline for all classifications is 2:30pm Tuesday.
12682149-SM16-24
AIR CONDITIONING
GOVERNMENT REBATE*
ovals enance & Rubbish Remnin g A1 Garden Maint Pru • ging Rubbish Removal • Hed
• Lawn mowing • s gravel • Mulching e Lopping • Screening and lots more • Gutter cleaning • Tre ss gra tic l and synthe • Installation of natura
FREE Quotes
Call Mick 0417 352 040 Blocked Drains/CCTV Water Leaks Gas Repairs Hot Water Repairs Toilet Repairs & More! Seniors Discount
1800 962 224
0 170 - 7 days
Call Sam 0450 82
$5000 Call 1300 666 808
Same Day Service Life Time Warranty* Affordable Pricing Charged By Job Not By Hour Family Owned Business
ON DUCTED AIR CONDITIONING
12699782-HP27-24 12682265-KO17-24
12710699-FC34-24
12586003-MS03-23
ALTONA BAY ELECTRICAL All Types Of Electrical Work • Switchboard Upgrades • Free Quotes • Smoke Alarms • Pensioner Discounts • Safety Switches • Reasonable Rates • LED Lighting • No Job Too Small • Sweep Fans & Power Points • 24hr Service TV Outlets & Antennas REC 12351
0418 361 298
MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
Grass mowed Trees cut Rubbish removed Weeds pulled HANDYMAN SERVICE -Any odd jobs done -No job too small -Free quotes 12900395-KA38-26
Contact Adam 0422 250 675
FREE SMOKE ALARM Registered Building Practitioner
ROOFING
AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning
‘It’s All In The Name’ • Roof Repairs & Replacement • Gutter Repairs & Replacement • Fascia & Eave Repair & Replacement • Tile Roof Restoration
Family holidays a thing of the past!
*Conditions: 1) Private sellers only. No refunds once sold. 2) Maximum of 10 lines including heading.
Looking to upgrade your boat?
3) Extra charge for extra lines above 10. 4) Extra colour pics only $5.50 each.
Phone our friendly classified staff on
1300 666 808
14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 11 November, 2026
G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14
Call Sam 0450 820 170 - 7 days
sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
$
• All Metal Roofing • Architectural Cladding • Senior Discounts • Family Business
12 - Year Warranty Open 24/7 Free Inspections
From
9702 4952
56 *
with photo
We accept
202627008-RV26-26
12853324-RV12-26
All Types of Bricklaying Restoration Work • Brick Fences • Repair Work
ALL SUBURBS ★ RAISING ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED
• Lawn mowing • Rubbish Removal • Hedging • Pruning • Gutter cleaning • Tree Lopping • Screenings gravel • Mulching • Installation of natural and synthetic grass and lots more
Your advertisement will be published in the Classified section for 15 weeks. Advertise your car, motorbike, truck, tractor, trailer, caravan, campervan, machinery or even your boat (with trailer), houseboat or other water toys. Include a colour photo for no extra charge.
AK BRICKLAYING
NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE
A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals
Ca$h deal for your wheels!
BRICKLAYERS
Reg No 8659
PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193
Free Quotes
Time for a new car?
LIC 33201
REBLOCKING/UNDERPINNING
Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days
Showroom by appointment only We specialise in full bathroom & kitchen renovations WE DO NOT DO REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE T & C’s apply
www.topedgekitchens.com.au
www.craigsgas.com
TOM’S GARDENING SERVICE
12682149-SM16-24
BATHROOM & KITCHENS
• One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. • Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. • Appliance packages available. • Mobile Ensuite Available • Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom.
Phone: 9379 1733
GARDEN SERVICES
0414 832 922
ELECTRICIANS
Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations
Carbon Monoxide Testing Specialists I[hl_Y[ je :kYj[Z >[Wj[hi" MWbb <khdWY[i" IfWY[ >[Wj[hi Ijel[i El[di" >ej mWj[h H[fW_hi H[fbWY[c[dj >ej MWj[h Kd_ji" >[Wj[hi Ijel[i F[di_ed[h Z_iYekdji
1152992-LB36-14
Specializing in: • Kitchens • Wardrobes • Vanities • Custom Built Storage Space For a free quote please contact Andy 0408 081 888 Showroom: 45 Knight Ave, Sunshine North Email: aacabinets@outlook.com.au
12912453-JR44-26
0488 816 557
AA CABINETS
SAME DAY TV ANTENNA SERVICE
FAST FRIENDLY EFFICIENT Phone 7am-8pm | installmyantenna.com.au
Gates & Pergolas Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739
Specialising in quality kitchen facelifts Re-laminating existing bench tops & doors New cabinets-Kitchen, Laundry, Bathroom
ANTENNAS • 40 Years Family FR Owned & Operated QUO EE TES • 25 Year Warranty • Senior/Pensioner Discount Altona’s Trusted Antenna Experts
Lou’s Colorbond Fencing
KITCHEN REVIVAL Call Chris 9399 8104 or 0419 329 550
General Plumbing No Job To Small
FENCING & GATES
General Classifieds section of Network Classifieds.
12681352-MS15-24
BOOK YOUR FREE QUOTE TODAY!
CRAIG’S GAS & PLUMBING 12428149-SN40-19
CABINET MAKERS
1300 850 696 Hoppers Crossing & surrounding suburb contact@surefreeze.com.au www.surefreeze.com.au
8348 5441
Lic No: 110483
FROM
• Ducted Air Conditioning Installation • Repairs & Services • Whole Home Comfort • Cooling & Heating 12901370-EB39-26
Lic 35031
• General Plumbing & Maintenance • Spouting & Roofing • Hot & Cold Water Services • Gas work
”A1 garden maintenance & rubbish removals would like to express our gratitude for the excellent coverage to local communities.” - Sam
Powerful. Efficient. Whole home comfort. Perfect for every season.
12831318-KF01-26
MIRMIC PLUMBING
12402755-RA44-18
DUCTED REFRIGERATED AIR CONDITIONING
PLUMBING
From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.
Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...
Stay Cool.
0439 858 298
TRADES & SERVICES
We accept payment by:
HOPPERS CROSSING,
12530339-JW02-22
Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
Painting Services
SPORTS QUIZ 1. 2026 WNBA Finals MVP Gabby Williams won the award playing for which team?
3. The 2026 Liz Ellis Diamond was recently awarded to which Adelaide Thunderbirds player?
10. 2026 World Series MVP William Contreras won the award playing for which team?
2. Which country’s men’s national rugby league team is known as The Cedars?
4. American sports identity Pat McAfee played his entire career with which NFL team?
11. Who is the current captain of the Jillaroos? 12. In what place did Australia’s Haftu Strintzos finish the 2026 New York City Marathon?
5. Which horse did jockey James McDonald ride to victory in the 2026 Victoria Derby?
13. In June, high diver Molly Carlson made history as the first woman to dive off what?
6. The Connecticut Sun has been sold and will relocate to which Texas city for the 2027 WNBA season? 7. Australia’s national wheelchair rugby league team is known by what nickname?
20. What is the maximum number of free throws you can be awarded at once in basketball?
15. Which of these singers has run a marathon: Bruno Mars, Harry Styles or Mick Jagger?
21. How many teams qualify for the AFL Women's Finals Series each year? 22. Steve Smith suffered an injury to which part of his body during the recent Test cricket series against South Africa?
17. Pencak Silat is a class of martial arts that originated in which country?
23. English soccer team Fleetwood Town defeated which iconic EPL team in a recent EFL League Cup match?
18. Sensei, in karate, is equivalent to what role in kung fu?
9. Anthony Ippolito portrays which famous actor in a 2026 biographical drama based on the development of a 1970s sports film?
25. Which state has won the most Sheffield Shield titles?
14. What is the only country with a single FIFA World Cup win?
16. Who is the youngest F1 World Champion in history?
8. Former Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan recently joined which AFL club as Director of Coaching?
Alex De Minaur
Steve Smith
24. The Socceroos are scheduled to play which two nations in the Middle East this month?
19. Who defeated Alex de Minaur in the 2026 Vienna Open final?
26. In 1972, who became the first woman to win five individual swimming medals at a single Olympic Games? 27. In soccer, the penalty spot is how many metres from the goal line? 28. What is the highest score you can get in a single turn of darts? 29. Which Australian city is currently hosting the inaugural SWIM GP event? 30. Karen Rolton Oval is a cricket venue in which Australian city?
1311
1. Golden State Valkyries 2. Lebanon 3. Georgie Horjus 4. Indianapolis Colts 5. Stormy Marco 6. Houston, Texas 7. The Wheelaroos 8. Carlton 9. Sylvester Stallone 10. Milwaukee Brewers 11. Isabelle Kelly 12. Fifth 13. A free-standing iceberg 14. England 15. Harry Styles 16. Kimi Antonelli 17. Indonesia 18. Shifu (or sifu) 19. Carlos Alcaraz 20. Three 21. Eight 22. Neck 23. Arsenal 24. Qatar and Jordan 25. New South Wales 26. Shane Gould 27. 11 metres 28. 180 29. Melbourne 30. Adelaide
Rainbow Club
FREE QUOTES
Trees Pruned Reshaped Grubbed out. All Foliage/Rubbish Removed Fully Insured $20m Pensioner Discount
Free Quote 7 Day Service 50 yrs exp.
C & D Schroeder 9337 3695 or 0415 816 882
General Notices PUBLIC NOTICES AND EVENT
Want to place an ad but not sure where to start? Call our helpful classified team between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri for FREE advice!
Environment Protection Authority Victoria | Environment Protection Act 2017
Notice of application for development licence EPA Victoria has received an application for a development licence. We are seeking comments and submissions from anyone who may be affected by the proposal. APP051639 APPXXXXXX Proposed site
LAOP SOV 3 Pty Ltdname] [insert application 251-305Address, Maidstone Street and 471-513 Kororoit Creek Road [insert Altona VIC Suburb VIC 3018 3XXX]
Visit engage.vic.gov.au/epa-development-licence-applications to view the application. Comments and submissions must be made via the Engage Victoria website before the closing date, which is at least 15 business days after publication of this notice. For a translation service, call Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to contact EPA Victoria on 1300 372 842 quoting the application number.
12916693-AG46-26
[Insert the description here: The applicant proposes to construct two engineered retention cells to Itpermanently can be approximately 8 lines, with 100 wordssoil or at around 570 characters for this store asbestos-contaminated the former Qenos Altona paragraph. Youretention can keep cells it short conceise, with a thorough description outlining Complex. The willand be designed to contain asbestos-contaminated the main points which mentioning all important peices of information. soil that cannot reasonably be cleaned or treated using standard asbestos For example - The application proposes theainstallation a new capacity sulphur of 170,000 removal methods. The two cells will have combined of storage removal processing and associated equipment. Thethe unit uses toin the cubic metres. Only unit asbestos-contaminated soil from site willhydrogen be stored remove sulphur from gasoline blend components. It will produce ultralow sulphur retention cells. Waste from other sites will not be accepted. gasolinerom gasoline blend components etc.....................]
epa.vic.gov.au
Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au
sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
1300 666 808
$110/ 30mins Open 7 days 48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 0468 693 833
MASSAGE THERAPISTS
WANTED TO BUY
WRECKING
ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE
CARS wanted. $$$$ Paid. Buying all years and models. Call 0455 776 443 LMCT 12395
FREE CAR REMOVAL
Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
Professional Services
ADVERTISERS, in this sec- Find it in the tion are qualified practi- Celebrations tioners and offer non- section of Network Classifieds. sexual services.
Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W
7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on
0435 904 818
WANTED TO BUY
CARS WANTED ANY MAKE • ANY MODEL • ANY CONDITION
Employment
TOP CASH PAID $$$
Jacob 0422 076 298
12913422-GS44-26
ANY TREES LOPPED
PETS & SERVICES
12423634-SN31-19
ALL TYPES OF RUBBISH REMOVAL
12652832-AI48-23
ADULT SERVICES
12731469-JB47-24
TREE LOPPING/SURGERY
12449427-FA21-20
RUBBISH REMOVAL
Motoring 12321532-HM36-16
General Classifieds
SWA6566B
Trades & Services
PROFESSIONAL
DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.
NEED WORK
Find local work in the
Employment section of Network Classifieds.
LOCALLY? 202530001-KF29-25
Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 15
PUZZLES
easy
8 3 9 2 4 6 7 5
2 8 3 6 2 3 3 1 5
7 6 1 8 8 9 1 6 4 5 7 9 8 4 6 medium
2 7
8 1 9
4 7
3
1
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 14 16 17 19 20
Spectacles (7) Scope (5) Indulge, – on (7) Makeshift bed (6) Accounts (7) Custom (9) Stung (7) Herb (5) Relating to a large company (9) Exits (7) Having three dimensions (7) Be overcome by a sudden fear (5) Sean Connery starred in The Hunt for Red – (7) Majestic (7) Young cat (6) Bird jaws (5)
9
10
11
12
21 22 25
DECODER 16
8
26
19
19
6
16 20
No. 347 13
6
2
11
8
6
21
16
1
13
24
13
13
26
A
8
21
13
8
7
2
17
11 8
19
22
13
14
A 25
7
19
8
H 2
24
11
20
9
11
5
8
8
19
17
8
10
23
10
13
18
13
17
25
11
17
21
6
26
11
24
13
10
21
A
8
26
26
A 16
17
13
13
1
A 24
24
13
14
5
H 16
24
26
8
16
16
16
A
hard
13
22
12
11
16
25
1
13
17
26
H
8
13
17
17
9 25
A
2
26
15
17
H A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
2
16 3
17 4
18 5
19 6
20 7
21 8
22 9
23
24
25
26
J L O B E 10
11
12
13
6 8 3 9 1 4 2 7 5 2 7 1 5 8 3 6 4 9 4 9 5 6 2 7 3 1 8 8 6 7 2 3 1 9 5 4 9 1 2 8 4 5 7 3 6 3 5 4 7 6 9 1 8 2 7 4 8 3 9 6 5 2 1 1 3 6 4 5 2 8 9 7 5 2 9 1 7 8 4 6 3
5 9 4 2 1 6 8 3 7 7 3 2 8 4 5 1 9 6 1 6 8 7 9 3 5 4 2 6 8 1 3 2 7 9 5 4 3 2 7 4 5 9 6 8 1 9 4 5 1 6 8 2 7 3 2 1 3 5 8 4 7 6 9 4 5 6 9 7 1 3 2 8 8 7 9 6 3 2 4 1 5
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in 's'.
A
Today’s Aim: 12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent
C
T
N E S
I
P T
No. 422 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
R O P E D A B O D E D E I G N A S S E T R E E D S
I
I
O
apricot, atop, captor, carp, copra, crop, optic, pact, pair, part, patio, patriot, PATRIOTIC, pica, picot, pita, pitta, port, rapt, tapir, topic, trap, trip, tropic
2 4 5 7 8 6 1 9 3 6 1 9 3 5 2 8 4 7 7 8 3 4 9 1 2 5 6 1 2 6 9 4 3 5 7 8 3 5 8 1 2 7 9 6 4 4 9 7 5 6 8 3 1 2 5 6 2 8 1 4 7 3 9 9 7 4 2 3 5 6 8 1 8 3 1 6 7 9 4 2 5
D D
E
7
15
R
6
3
4
5
6
16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 11 November, 2026
14
16
7
8
15
17
18
19
20
21
22 23
24
26
27
28
25
29
WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ACE APE AVO AWE BIN BYE DAD DOE ERA FOX ICE IRE MOB ODE ORE OUT PIE RAM REV SIT TON TRY
ATLAS ATONE AWAIT AWARD BLADE BRACE CLASP DELTA DIETS EAGLE ERRED FENCE FREER GREEN HABIT HERDS INANE LASER MOANS MOLAR NICER OPERA
4 LETTERS EDGY ERRS EYED GODS LEWD MESH PEAR RAMP SAME SHIP 5 LETTERS ABOVE ADORE ALIBI AORTA APPAL ARROW ASIDE
QUICK QUIZ
No. 315
M O B
1
P
S
21
13
R
Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
D
11
9-LETTER WORD
hard
B
3
R Y U S X P W T M F N H A
2
medium
R
24
H A
easy
5x5
8
A
G K Z Q V D C I
2 9 1 2 1 4 3 8 9 5 6 2 8 1 9 7 2 3 9 4
9 4 7
26
14
13
14
5 7
21
2
DOWN
Gaudy (6) Manages (8) Cancel (5) Warm knitted hood (9) Daub (5) Common chewing gum flavour (9) Covertly (8) Spotted (6) Illegal compulsion (6) Names (8) Test period (9) Shinbone (5) True to life; practical (9) Slow (5) Bee activity? (8) Frigid (6)
13 15 16 18 23 24 26 27 28 29
4
2 4 8 1 7
8 2 3 2 9 6 2 5 4 5 6 7 9 2
ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12
No. 315
PIECE POWER PROXY RELAX SEARS SEEDS SEXES SHARP STAFF STEAL SWABS SWEET TAPES TENOR TOMBS TYPES WAIVE WATER YARDS
6 LETTERS BREATH LEAVES PERTER SABRES SPIDER TARTAR 7 LETTERS CHOLERA INSPIRE ISTHMUS PIRANHA
PURPLER VOYAGER 8 LETTERS PARTICLE REBELLED RESORTED SEASHORE 10 LETTERS PRECLUDING PROMOTIONS
13-11-26
1
Which nursery rhyme characters travelled by sea in a pea-green boat?
7. Commemorated with a famous basilica, who is the patron saint of Venice?
2
What is the term for a male duck?
8
What is the southernmost point of the Australian mainland?
9
Not counting re-recordings, The Life of a Showgirl is what number studio album by Taylor Swift?
3. In what year was the first Samsung Galaxy phone released? 4. Gillian Anderson (pictured) portrayed which historical figure in The Crown? 5. Moose Jaw is a city in which country? 6. How many total players are on the court in a game of volleyball?
10 The Orionids meteor shower is associated with which wellknown comet? ANSWERS: 1. The Owl and the Pussy-cat 2. Drake 3. 2009 4. Margaret Thatcher 5. Canada 6. 12 (six per side) 7. Saint Mark the Evangelist 8. Wilsons Promontory 9. 12th 10. Halley’s Comet
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
S H A R P A S I D E T O M B S W A T E R T E N O R A D O R E L A S E R R E L A X A B O V E B I N C L A S P S I T A C E S T E A L S H I P S A B R E S O U T O R E T R Y A W A R D B R E A T H E D G Y P A R T I C L E R A M P E R A P I R A N H A P U R P L E R G O D S R E S O R T E D A V O L E W D L E A V E S M O A N S A P E M O B F O X S P I D E R E Y E D T Y P E S T O N R A M A L I B I I R E A W A I T E A G L E O P E R A S W E E T N I C E R F E N C E F R E E R H E R D S S E E D S
No. 315
G A R I S H O P E R A T E S A P A E R M L B A L A C L A V A A N N U L S G U A L O D R S P E A R M I N T S M E A R G I T D T E E S E C R E T L Y E S P I E D O O D U R E S S A P P O I N T S E P P K A C T T I B I A P R O B A T I O N R T T I O E T A R E A L I S T I C B R A K E T A E E K L T F R O S T Y S P E L L I N G
SUDOKU
Tiggo super in name only By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Let’s get something straight. Wheels magazine (is it still a magazine?) may have recognised the Chery Tiggo 9 as Australia’s best value large SUV. But they’re talking about the top of the range Ultimate model, not the entry Elite which is the one most punters will end up buying at this end of the market. And the Elite is a quite different beast, front-wheel drive, with a smaller battery, less powerful drivetrain, less electric only range and of course less equipment. But it costs less and it still seats seven.
Styling There are two grades, Elite FWD (our test vehicle) priced from $52,990 and Ultimate AWD priced from $59,990. Although both are described as ‘super hybrids’ with the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, Track has two electric motors, while the Ultimate adds a third motor and larger battery. This means more power and greater range. Standard kit for Elite includes synthetic leather trim and two-zone climate air with rear outlets, heated power-adjust front seats, acoustic glass for windscreen and front doors, colour selectable ambient interior lighting, cooled console box, power tailgate and a tilt-slide panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade. There’s also 19-inch alloys, puddle lights, pop-out door handles, walk-away locking, LED head, tail and daytime running lights, auto high beam, auto lights and wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. Ultimate adds 20-inch wheels, real leather, auto dimming mirror, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooling for both the front and rear seats, massage for the front seats, head-up display, automatic parking assist, additional side parking sensors, and a 14-speaker Sony system. Tiggo 9 is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus an eight-year battery warranty, with capped price servicing and roadside assistance for seven years. Service is due every 12 months or 15,000km, with servicing capped at a total of $3174 for the first seven years.
Infotainment Infotainment consists of a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch instrument display, with Bluetooth, intelligent voice control, built-in navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is provided by an eight-speaker Sony sound system. There’s also 50W wireless phone charging, USB-A and -C ports front and back, 12-volt outlet front.
Safety Tiggo 9 has not been rated for safety yet but features an array of active and passive safety features. There are 10 airbags that include front, front side and centre, rear side, driver knee and side curtain airbags. The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) incorporate the likes of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – just to mention a few.
Engines/transmissions Powering the Tiggo 9 Elite is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces maximum 105kW of power
driving on electric power alone (1250km combined). Driving mainly in normal HEV or hybrid-electric mode, we clocked up just under 400km at a rate of 6.0L/100km. In our defence, sometimes it is not convenient to charge the battery, but it’s great to have the option. AC charging is limited to 6.6kW, but with a fast DC charger it can be charged at a rate of up to 41kW. Access to the car is via walk-up/ walk-away locking, with pop-out door handles and a drivetrain that powers up automatically in readiness for departure. There’s no start/stop button. However, before the transmission will engage, you must have your seatbelt fastened. It sounds like a great idea, but in practice it wears thin fairly quickly. Surprisingly at this price point the steering wheel is power-adjust, but disappointingly offers very little range of adjustment. You can also choose between Comfort and Sport settings in the system that alters the amount of steering effort required. Of note, sometimes the transmission wouldn’t go into gear and at other times it jumped out. This happened on more than one occasion. RATINGS Once up and running however the Tiggo is an Looks: 7 easy, inoffensive car to drive Performance: 7.5 and that is a compliment. Safety: 7.5 It accelerates briskly and even handles pretty well Thirst: 7 as we discovered, pushing It’s expensive, but the Tiggo 9 is decent value, but with some drawbacks. (Pictures: Supplied) Practicality: 6 hard through a few corners. Comfort: 7.5 By rights it should have been and 215Nm of torque, together with two Ride and handling is a electric motors, both of which are located switched to the other side as most pleasing balance of comfort Tech: 7.5 at the front – delivering 75/170Nm and manufacturers normally do. and control and it doesn’t Value: 7.5 Third, returning the access seat 90kW/220Nm apiece. porpoise the way some Overall: 7.2 Combined output is 225kW of power and to its original position proved SUVs do on undulating problematic, requiring the driver’s 315Nm of torque. roads. With three electric motors, Ultimate, in seat to be moved all the way forward before The Tiggo just feels a little disconnected, it too could be moved all the way forward. comparison, delivers 315kW and 580Nm. but that won’t be a problem for the majority This unlocks the seat and allows it to be of drivers. Torque is the more significant figure because it’s the stuff that gets you moving returned to its original position. Talk about Three-level regenerative braking is quickly and makes short work of hills when a major pain in the butt. offered, but there doesn’t seem to be a way Once ensconced, there’s just enough to adjust it that we could find. the car is fully loaded. In the Elite driving force is sent to the room for smaller children and even On a downhill run you can actually see front wheels via a three-speed dedicated then, some negotiation may be required the battery level begin to rise. with those in the second row. Adults can hybrid transmission. Thankfully, most of the driver assistance forget it. stuff isn’t too intrusive. The Chinese seem The seat adjustment, by the way, is to be getting better at this stuff. Driving You’re buying this car primarily for the located on the door, like a Mercedes. A complete lack of physical controls With the seats in use there’s little room however became annoying after a while. seven seats, right? So, let’s have a look at leftover for luggage, as is the norm for most the seats first. Want to change the temperature? See the The key figures are the length and seven-seats SUVs, but at least the third-row touchscreen. Turn the radio down. wheelbase which dictate how much room packs flat when not required. Touchscreen. Anything else. Cargo capacity is limited to 143 litres, Touchscreen. it has inside. The Tiggo 9 is 4.8m long with a with 819 litres when the second row is 2750mm wheelbase. Not only is it annoying, it is also difficult To give this some perspective, Toyota’s folded, or 2021 litres with both rows folded. once you’re on the move. There’s no spare under the rear floor soft road Kluger is 166mm longer with a Limited control is accessible via the 100mm longer wheelbase, which means either, just a tyre repair kit. steering wheel buttons, but these can be Four driving modes are available, difficult to see in strong sunlight. more room for longer legs. There’s a smaller Tiggo 8 that seats accessed by a large circular control knob Alternatively, there’s always voice seven too, but at 4724mm/2694mm it has in the centre console: pure electric, series, control, but after a minute trying – like us – even less legroom – it is however $10K parallel, and energy recovery. you’ll probably give up, swearing. Despite the fact it plays second fiddle cheaper. We’ve been doing this job for a long time. Other alternatives include the Jaecoo to the Ultimate in terms of power, the Once upon a time glitches in test vehicles J8 or fancier Omoda 9 (also produced by front-drive Elite with its single electric were rare. motor is by no means a slouch. Chery). These days they have become Chery doesn’t provide acceleration commonplace, and point to a lack of But back to the Tiggo 9. Getting in and out of the third row figures, but it feels around the 8.0 or 9.0 research and development. second mark from 0-100km/h. presents some challenges. Of course, you need some charge to Summing up First, to raise the two third row seats with the straps provided, you need to slide the receive assistance from the battery. Is the Tiggo 9 value for money? Sure. With a 70-litre fuel tank the Tiggo takes second row forward to provide clearance Is it cheap? Not really, not when you premium 95 unleaded and has claimed consider that it costs almost $60K to put on for the headrests. Second, the single, second row, tilt and fuel consumption of 1.5L/100km, but that the road. slide seat that provides access is located depends on keeping the battery topped We wonder when this became the price on the driver’s side of the vehicle, not ideal up – otherwise it reverts to normal hybrid point for a family wagon? in our neck of the woods where it exposes operation. The quality of Chinese vehicles may have Power consumption is 15.6kWh/100km. come on in leaps and bounds, but so too those getting in and out to the risk of You can expect to get about 77km (WLTP) has the price. What next? passing traffic. Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17
SPORT
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
PEGS’ Charith Sylvester. 589009 15
Woodend’s Thomas Robson bowls to Gisborne’s Keaton Jennings. 589012 02
Woodend’s Harrison Sheahan. 589012 12
Weather again plays havoc It was another wet and windy day on Saturday, leaving many cricketers on the sidelines yet again. Star Weekly photographer Valerius Boenawan was out shooting some of the action that went ahead.
Yarraville Club players wait around. 589004_02
Point Cook Centrals’ Max Pritchard bowls to Melton South Royals’ Steven Szabo.
Caroline Springs celebrate a wicket. 589009 06
Williamstown’s Jarrod Flood Bauce bowls to Ralf Beer. 589005 17
Point Cook Centrals’ Mitchell Waugh. 589006 07
18 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 11 November, 2026
Williamstown’s Sean Sturrock. 589005 02
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
SPORT
Sports’ Dutch connection By Tara Murray Altona Sports is extending its connection with Netherlands cricket, with a couple of young guns joining the club for the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association T20 competition. Having had former Netherlands captain Scott Edwards put on a show for the club in recent seasons, two 19-year-olds, Cedric De Lange and Tim de Leede, are joining Altona Sports for the season. The pair have grown up playing cricket together in the Netherlands and it’s the first time a couple of younger players have come out to play in Australia. “Cedric has just made his first interna-
tional 100,” Altona Sports president Liam Brennan said. “Tom is the brother of the now captain of the Netherlands and the son of Netherlands’ all-time greatest player de Leede “We’re extremely excited to have both players join Scott at the club for the T20 season. “They come across to both play district cricket and T20 cricket with us.” Brennan said it was a good pathway for Netherlands cricketers to come out to Australia to further progress their games. De Lange in his first game in Australia made 78 off 30 balls in Melbourne University’s second XI match. He hit nine fours and five sixes.
For Altona Sports, it’s an opportunity to see some really talented players mix with their playing group. There’s a mix of players through Altona Sports T20 sides with players from their top side down to their division 11 side. Altona Sports is also hoping another Dutch player, Noah Croes, who has been playing for Melbourne University, will play a couple of games as well in the tournament. “We’ve made a couple of finals the last couple of years,” Brennan said. “To have them along with Scott will be great for our own players and their own personal development. “We’ve identified that the batting was something that we needed to improve and
Recovery has its rewards
Seagulls add two
By Tara Murray Taylors Hill volleyball player Denise Chan has a new found love of spending time on the court. After a back injury ruined a lot of her 2025 season, Chan has found her way back to the court and started to show why she is one of the best young talents in the country. “It was really tough, mainly mentally tough,” she said. “No matter what I did physically I just couldn’t get back on the court which was really hard. “I got through it, and it’s really great now.” Chan said her weekly rehab routine included pilates, swimming and going to the gym three times a week. Once she was back on court it was slow going. “When I was trying to get back on the court it would be 30 minutes of volleyball and that wouldn’t even be on the court,” she said. “It would be easy touches.” Chan, who has already played for Australia, returned to the court in November last year and was quickly back winning gold, helping her school, the Maribyrnong Sports Academy win a competition. She admits to being rusty, but had a good team around her. Chan’s focus then turned to making the Victorian squad for the national championships in September. She didn’t know what to expect. “I was really hoping to,” she said. “I just did a lot of training and had to focus throughout training as I couldn’t fully train, I could only do two a week. “I had to make the most of what I had. “I was honestly really stressed out and worried if I would get in, but I did and it worked out and I’m really happy about that. “I wasn’t fully expecting it, but I was trying my best.” Chan said it was special to play with all of her friends at the national championships. Victoria won gold but it wasn’t without drama for Chan. “I had a flare up on my back,” she said. “During warm up I went to pick up a ball and I bent over and had a spasm in my back and I felt like I couldn’t move. “I had to sit out two games and work with the physio, do pool recovery. “I ended up getting to play the semis and final for a little bit and won gold which was great.” Chan, who is currently doing rehab, knows that she will have to continue to watch her back throughout her career. She’s now turned her attention to year 12
looked at bringing in more T20 focused players.” Altona Sports has five T20 sides in the competition this season, with the club aiming to have a strong season. It’s the most sides of any club in the competition. Altona Sports will have a couple of marquee games during the competition to highlight the games where Dutch players will be playing. One will be an Australia Day game against last season’s champions, Tarneit Central. Altona Sports was in action in its second round match against Glen Orden Thunder on Tuesday night, after deadline.
Denise Chan. (Supplied)
exams. Then she’ll start thinking about what comes next. “I’m getting back my full fitness,” she said. “I’m just trying to improve and see where I can go to. “I’m looking at US colleges potentially,
or trying to get to the highest level again. “I’ll do whatever makes me the best player I can be. “Whether that’s in the US, trying and playing at the highest level in college or back in Australia and representing Victoria and Australia in the future.”
Williamstown has added a former mid-season number one draft pick, as it boosts its tall stocks for next year’s Victorian Football League season. The Seagulls announced that Jacob Edwards would join the Seagulls for next season. Standing at 202 centimetres, Edwards spent three seasons at North Melbourne after being taken at pick one in the 2021 AFL mid-season rookie draft. “A product of the Sandringham Dragons, Edwards was recognised for his versatility as a key forward and ruckman, with his contested marking, strong reading of the play and ability to impact around goal among his key strengths,” the Seagulls said. “Following three seasons with the Kangaroos, Edwards returned to local football, joining Cheltenham in the Southern Football Netball League. “He has since played in three consecutive grand finals, claiming two premierships, while also sharing the club’s best and fairest award with former AFL player Jack Lonie. “After rediscovering his passion for the game and continuing to develop his craft at local level, Edwards now makes the move to Williamstown, where he will look to make an immediate impact in the blue and gold.” The addition of Edwards will help offset the departure of Alex Mirkov, who is returning to the AFL with Greater Western Sydney. Darcy Hogg will also join the Seagulls, crossing from Carlton’s VFL side. A product of the Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League, Hogg has developed into an exciting and consistent performer across his time in the VFL, having made his debut with Carlton in 2023. The forward enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, before continuing that form into 2026, where he featured in 13 matches, averaging an impressive 21.9 disposals and kicking eight goals. “At just 22 years of age, Hogg brings valuable VFL experience, attacking flair and further potential to Williamstown’s forward group,” the Seagulls said.
Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 19
11, NOVEMBER, 2026
Altona Sports Dutch focus
Chan’s a rising star
Bulls’ close call By Tara Murray The new era for Newport-Digman got a massive boost as the side defended a small total in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield, to open its account. After a tough season so far, the Bulls showed some resolve against the Altona Roosters the past two Saturdays. Defending just 81, the Bulls were able to get the job done in a thriller. “It was massive,” Bulls’ president Tiernan Coll said. “We have a lot of young kids in the team and I’m so proud of them to be able to fight back and bowl them out for 64 after making 81 was an incredible effort.” Day one of the match was one of the bowlers. After the Bulls were bowled out for 81, the Roosters were nine down and still needing 16 runs for victory. Coll said the playing group was confident of getting the last wicket early on day two to secure victory. Co-coach Rhys Watson did that shortly after play resumed, with the Roosters bowled out for 64. Watson finished with four wickets and Billy McGregor took 5-34. The game wasn’t over though, with the Roosters sending the Bulls back in as they went in hunt of a reverse outright victory. “We wanted to get out there in the second innings and put the runs on,” Coll said. “There was always talk about the reverse outright before day two, but we didn’t give them a chance and were able to fight it out.” The Bulls finished 7-119 in their second innings to ensure they took the win. Alex Chisholm top scored with 32 not out. It’s just his third game in the first XI. McGregor is another youngster who is at the start of his first XI career as well this season. Coll said the pair were making the most
Alex Chisholm is one of Newport Digman’s rising stars. (Ties Urie) 584734 01
of their opportunities. He said bringing through more kids had been part of the plan for a few years. “The last couple of years they’ve come through the third and second XIs, while playing junior cricket. “There’s talent there ready for the big time this season.” It was an off-season of change for the Bulls with seven players retiring from the first XI with 15 to 20 years in the first XI. Coll said they had worked hard to bring
players into the club and it also aligned with giving the next generation an opportunity. “There is an opportunity if they are performing in the lower grades to move up, which hasn’t been there for five-plus years.” Coll said co-coaches Watson and Nick Strangio have been doing a really good job working with the younger kids to help them take the next step. He said things were going well across the rest of the club, with the club having a
strong junior program. In other matches on the weekend, Williamstown Imperials had a massive win against Gellibrand. Having made 395, the Imperials then bowled Gellibrand out for 84. Joe Kingsley-Smith took 3-15 for the Imperials. Searching for an outright win, the Imperials sent Gellibrand back in. Gellibrand finished 3-68 in its second innings.
Woodsmen get off to a flying start with four solid wins By Tara Murray Spotswood is ticking along nicely in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west competition. The Woodsmen sit 4-0 after the first four rounds and have played some strong cricket in the early rounds. Woodsmen coach Paul Baker said they were happy with where things were at. “For me it’s brand new as we’ve only played north sides,” he said. “So far we have been competitive. The weather has been challenging the last two games. “We’ve been able to add to the list and we’re doing quite well.” Baker said the weather had meant that
they had to change the way they played a little bit. He said with an experienced line-up they had, the playing group was quick to be able to adjust where they need to. Baker said Saturday there were concerns about whether they would get on the ground against Brunswick in a one-dayer. “The wind took the rain to the north where we were playing at Brunswick,” he said. “We thought we might not get on until really late or not get the game going at all. “We were stalled for an hour when we were about to get on.” The Woodsmen made 3-172 after being sent in.
Jakson Knight top-scored with 73, with Blayde Baker making 59. “We needed up to 160-plus runs,” Baker said. “That was going to be hard to get and in the end we needed every single one of them.” Brunswick batted well and took the game to the final over. Baker said they batted with intent and there were a few nervous moments late before they were able to get the job done. Brunswick finished 9-166. “Mick Edwards picked up three quick wickets and it put it out of reach,” he said. “They needed 13 off the final over and if they got away a couple early it would have made it a bit more nervous. “Jakson Knight bowled really well and
they didn’t score off the first three to four balls.” Edwards finished with three wickets for the Woodsmen. The Woodsmen sit top of the ladder as one of two undefeated sides. They face a big test this weekend as they face Werribee in a Saturday-Sunday clash. “We played them last year in a semi-final and we respect them gratefully,” Baker said. “Their good players are up and about and hopefully it will be a good battle.” In other matches, Yarraville beat Preston, Altona got home against Ivanhoe, while Williamstown lost to Kew.