Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 29th April 2026
Ending the shame
By Cade Lucas
When asked about how important public housing has been to her, Williamstown womanJoalPresinculadoesn’tmincewords.
“I would say that public housing saved my life,” Ms Presincula said.
“Without public housing I wouldn’t have a stable home and therefore a foundation to start my life.”
Ms Presincula grew up in public housing in the western suburbs and after spending part of her teenage years living on the streets, returned in her early twenties.
She’s spent the past 15 years living in public housing estates in Williamstown where she’s raised two teenage children and retrained as a social worker who now helps others access the sort of crisis accommodation she once needed
It’s a success story mirrored by scores of current and former public housing tenants across the country, including its most powerful person no less.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was famously raised in public housing in Sydney’s inner-west by his single mother Maryanne.
But while the PM repeatedly refers to these humble origins as part of his political messaging, others with similar backgrounds are often not quite so forthcoming.
Despite its many successes, public housing in Australia still carries a stigma thatequatesitanditstenantswithviolence, crime, filth and various other undesirable traits.
It’s a stigma that leads many people to have a dim view of public housing and for those who rely on it to feel ashamed.
For many years, Ms Presincula was one of them, but is now lending her voice to a campaign launched by the Victorian Public Tenants Association (VPTA) to end the stigma and discrimination towards people in public housing.
“I don’t want to care what people think. I want to break down this stigma,” Ms Presincula said of why she joined the VTPA’s‘PublicandProud’campaignwhich promotesthesector’smanysuccessstories, while calling on the state government to fundaNationalPublicHousingStigmaand Discrimination Reduction Strategy.
Williamstown’s Joal Presincula grew up and still lives in public housing and is lending her voice to a campaign to remove the stigma associated with it. (Damjan Janevski). 548702_03
“This misconception, or stigma has a negative impact on all areas of their lives.”
Ms Presincula knows this better than most, recalling how as a kid she would walk long distances home rather than beingdroppedatthedoor,incasesomeone might see where she lived.
This continued into adulthood where shewouldasktogetpickedupafewstreets away when going out with friends and would prevent her daughters from inviting other children over.
“There’s a lot of internalised shame,” Ms Presincula said of being a public housing
“On a daily basis public housing renters have to deal with the very real fact that the general perception of public housing is negative,” VPTA chief executive Raoul Wainwright explained of why the strategy was needed.
tenant, something she attributed to public housingstockbeingpoorly maintained.
“Because they’re not maintained very well, you don’t feel house proud enough to tell people where you live and that’s where the stigma comes,” she said, adding that an improved maintenance could be part of the stigma reduction strategy, alongside better public housing allocations to improvesafetyandgreaterpromotionofits positives and benefits.
On that front, the VTPA could hardly ask for a better success story than the current PM,whoisprofiledalongsideotherfamous formerpublichousingtenantsinits‘Public and Proud’ campaign.
A spokesperson for the state government wouldn’t commit to adopting a public housing stigma and discrimination reduction strategy, but said it was working with community housing organisations, councils, media and community groups to improve the perception of social housing as a whole.
“Everyone living in social housing deserves respect, safety and understanding, and we all play a role in challenging negative stereotypes that fuel discrimination,” thespokespersonsaid.
The VTPA’s ‘Public and Proud’ campaign can be found via: ‘https://vpta.org.au/ publicandproud26/
Short timeframe slammed
By Cade Lucas
Maribyrnong council has hit out at the state government for the lack of time it was given to assess the proposed expansion of a massive data centre in West Footscray.
Council objects to expansion of the Indwe Street data centre operated by Brisbane based company NEXTDC, due to the risk it would pose to nearby Stony Creek.
Council’s submission to the planning application for the proposed expansion by was endorsed at its meeting 21 April and included a letter from city development manager Rory MacDonald, to the Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, where he criticised the
short timeframe council were given to assess the application received on 25 February.
“Firstly, we would like to express our frustration and disappointment at the short time afforded to council to make a submission in response to this application,” Mr MacDonald wrote.
“Irrespective of the minimum requirements for a notice period set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (the act ), this application is for a regionally significant use and development which requires council to undertake a detailed assessment and seek internal advice from multiple different departments and teams.”
Mr MacDonald said while council appreciated being given an extension, the time frame to was still inadequate.
Council’s submission was sent on 31 March and objects to the proposed expansion of NEXTDC’s existing data centre because it would bring it to the edge of Stony Creek which runs along the eastern border of the property.
InJanuarythisyear,NEXTDC’sconstruction partner Kapitol Group Pty Ltd was fined $6000 by Environment Protection Authority Victoria for allowing building sediment to leak into Stony Creek.
The submission also included 81 objections from nearby residents concerned
Williamstown’s Alex Formosa is preparing to run more than 100km around the Newport athletics track to raise money for
(Damjan Janevski) 534112_02
Going the distance for dementia awareness
Williamstown’s Alex Formosa describes himself as passionate about fitness, endurance challenges and inspiring others to push themselves.
Which is just as well, given that the 23-year-old apprentice plumber is about to take on a fundraising challenge that involves all three.
On 23 May, Formosa will be running more than 100kms around the Newport athletics track to raise money and awareness for Dementia Australia, the national
peak body for people living with dementia and their families.
“My grandmother has been living with it for years now and to see her slow decline is something I truly believe no family should ever have to go through,” he said.
“The disease itself is brutal but I also feel somehow even a bit more strongly for the family members of the person suffering.”
In 2024, Formosa ran the Melbourne Marathon to raise money for Dementia
Australia and is now hoping to raise even more by running more than twice the distance.
In fact, having committed to running an extra kilometre with every $1000 donated, Formosa could yet end up doing almost three marathons. “At this stage I’ve raised $4500 and so I’m running 104kms.
I’m hoping to raise $25,000 meaning I’ll run 125kms,” Formosa said of the challenge he expects to take 8-14 hours.
Details: https://shorturl.at/2bn6e
PSOs expand daytime patrols at Footscray train station
Train stations across Melbourne’s northwestincludingFootscray,Broadmeadows,St Albans, Sunshine, Watergardens, Sunbury, Tarneit and Werribee are among 32 metropolitan stations receiving a boost in protective services officer (PSO) presence from 9am until the last service.
The changes, which came into effect on Sunday 19 April, are part of Victoria Police’s efforts to increase presence, based on police intelligence, aimed at detecting and preventing crime in high-risk areas.
Assistant Commissioner Mick Hermans said the changes are about deploy-
ing PSOs where and when they’re needed most.
“It makes no sense to have PSOs stuck at smaller, less busy stations when they could have more impact aboard the train at these locations,” Assistant Commissioner Mick Hermans said.
“This approach also frees PSOs to conduct more intelligence-led patrols across the network where and when we know crime is occurring.That includes during the day when we see spikes in crime in the mid-morning and afternoon, including after school.”
Police said the train stations were prioritised based on patronage, crime rates, police callouts and proximity to shopping or licensed venues.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said no station is losing PSOs.
“What’s changing is how they work, with constant mobile patrols to cover more places, more often,” Mr Carbines said.
He also announced an additional 50 extra PSOs to boost resources.
The full rollout is expected to take six months.
about air, noise, water, heat and light pollution from the expanded data centre and recommended that updated management plans for these areas be submitted and endorsed by council before any expansion went ahead.
“The objections from the community reallyexpressedtheirdesiretoliveinahealthy environment,” Cr Bernadette Thomas said speaking in support of the submission.
“This is not about opposition development, it’s about what is appropriate for the location,” Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra added.
NEXTDC and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny were contacted for comment.
Council workers to walk off job
More than 1000 council workers will walk off the job on 5 May in what the Australian Services Union (ASU) is calling the largest strike of local government workers in Australia’s history.
Eight councils, including Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Hume, have been facing a disruption of services in April as part of a wider ASU fight to win wage increases for council staff.
The union said workers will converge on Parliament on the state budget day, with the stoppage expected to cause significant disruption to garbage collection, street cleansing, mowing, library services and aged care as workers across the eight councils.
ASU Victoria and Tasmania secretary Tash Wark said while services have now returned to normal, this was not the end of their campaign.
“Undertaking a city-wide strike is a last resort. Our members take immense pride in serving their communities, but after 18 months of being ignored, they have been left with no other choice,” she said.
“It is a total failure of leadership that councils continue to turn up to negotiations unprepared to offer wage increases during this cost-of-living crisis.”
The ASU is calling for an initial 10 per cent pay increase followed by annual increases for its workers.
The eight councils are currently under the multi-employer bargaining process, with around four meetings held so far.
All eight councils have issued a response, and said negotiations continue with the union in good faith to achieve an agreement that benefits employees, councils and communities.
The councils also said they aware of the next planned strike.
“This withdrawal of industrial actions will be a welcome reprieve particularly for our communities most affected by the ASU’s industrial action, particularly in Darebin, Merri-bek and Hume,” the statement said.
“There have been many missed bin collections across these three council areas and now there will be opportunity to catch up on these collections.
“Councils respect the ASU’s right to take protected industrial action, and we’re working to minimise disruption to our community where possible.”
The councils said they will continue to keep communities informed on any updates and developments, including any potential disruptions to services on 5 May.
Dementia Australia.
Footscray welcome crew plan
By Cade Lucas
Private security guards patrolling the Footscray CBD could soon be replaced by a welcome crew after Maribyrnong council unveiled its new place management and activation plan for the area at its meeting on 21 April.
In February, Maribyrnong council voted to end a trial of security guard patrols in central Footscray by the middle of the year and then transition to a ‘civic led’ approach. In a proposal presented at its meeting on 21 April, the civic led approach was revealed intheformofthe‘FootscrayWelcomeCrew.’
Described as a “visible, on-street presence that is welcoming, approachable and community-focused” , it’s proposed that the welcome crew will patrol the Footscray CBD from either 8.30am-4.30pm or 9am-5pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 11am-7pm, Thursday to Sunday, connecting people with appropriate services, supporting the vulnerable and helping traders, residents and visitors with queries or issues.
While crew members will be trained in areas such as mental health first aid, conflict de-escalation and cultural awareness, the proposal makes clear that is not an outreach service or substitute for police and mem-
bers will not have enforcement powers.
However, it is hoped the welcome crew will help improve the overall perception of safety and amenity in the Footscray CBD, the perceived lack of which led to the adoption the security guard trial in September last year.
While the presence of security guards has been welcomed by local traders, opponents claim they have made the area less safe and in some instances, resorted to intimidating or even violent behaviour.
Council’s decision at its February meeting to not end the security guard trial, but instead extend it until June, drew an angry
Planting days help green Braybrook Park
Locals looking to contribute to greening Braybrook Park can attend upcoming community planting events organised by Friends of Braybrook Park (FBP) and Maribyrnong council.
FBP president Shohre Mansouri said while the park has great canopy cover, there is still a lot of room for other plant growth. “There’s so much potential when it comes to having different levels of understories. At the moment we have beautiful tall trees but no ground covers or bushes or anything,” Ms Mansouri said.
Commuters
“We were thinking if we introduce more layers to the understory it will be better for the biodiversity, and a better place for people to come and hang out and for children to play.”
Ms Mansouri said youngsters from a nearby kindergarten also benefit from greenery at the park through ‘bush kinder.’
“It’s an idea of kindergartens taking the children out in nature and playing with plants and rocks and things. They learn about nature and Aboriginal culture,” she said.
can have their say
Local commuters in Melbourne’s west are being asked to give feedback on improving one of its busiest local bus routes.
The 408 bus currently operates between St Albans Station and Highpoint Shopping Centre, via Sunshine Station, connecting locals in St Albans, St Albans East, St Albans South, Sunshine North Sunshine, Braybrook, West Footscray, Maidstone and Maribyrnong to the busiest shopping centre in Melbourne’s west. St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman, La-
response from the public gallery.
However, there was no such rancour at the 21 April meeting, with councillors expressing cautious optimism that the welcome crew proposal had struck the right balance.
“This is a first cut,” Cr Susan Yengi said of the draft proposal.
“This probably won’t tick the box for everybody, but hopefully with community feedback we’ll get a model that will work for everyone.”
The proposal is open for public feedback until 17 May at: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ footscray-cbd
Coffee and careers at hospital cafe
A new cafe’ at the new Footscray Hospital is creating jobs and training opportunities for young people in Melbourne’s west as part of a growing social enterprise movement.
Located within the Federal Building in the new hospital precinct, The Little Social was officially opened on Tuesday 21 April, the fifth cafe’-social enterprise operated by youth outreach charity, Youth Projects.
Social enterprises are businesses that put profits towards particular causes and missions rather than shareholders and for Little Social cafes, that cause is providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
Youth Projects chief executive Trent Miller said it was a cause that was more important than ever.
Ms Mansouri said the events are also a great opportunity to connect with the community, contribute to local green spaces and enjoy time outdoors.
The community planting day events run from 10am-noon on Sunday 3 May and from 2-4pm on Sunday 14 June at Braybrook Park next to the tennis courts, 107 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook.
No prior experience is needed and everyone is welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear closed shoes, comfortable clothing, and sunscreen.
on plans to improve bus route 408
verton MP Sarah Connolly, and Footscray MP Katie Hall are calling for locals in the St Albans, Laverton and Footscray electorates to have their say on improving the 408 bus route.
Ms Suleyman announced the survey on social media.
“It’s important that you have your say on your experiences and what you would like to see improved on this important bus service,” she said.
According to the state government, the
details of the survey will be shared with the Public and Active Transport Minister to help advocate for route 408 changes, including providing a frequent service all days of the week.
The state government recently announced it would extend free public transport until 31 May and halve full fares from $11.40 to $5.70 until the end of the year.
The online survey is available in English and Vietnamese and commuters can have their say via the link: shorturl.at/h18gd
“Youth unemployment is becoming more entrenched, with one in five unemployed young people now out of work for over a year, double what it was a decade ago,” he said. “The long-term impacts are significant, contributing to cycles of poverty, homelessness, and poor mental health.
“Social enterprises like The Little Social at Footscray Hospital are part of the solution, creating jobs and pathways for young people who are often locked out of the labour market.”
This issue is particularly acute in Melbourne’s west where cost of living pressures and inadequate access to training and transport act as barriers to meaningful employment.
With the Footscray Hospital cafe’ joining the Little Social at Wyndham Law Courts as the second in the west, Youth Projects head of social enterprise, Celeste Norris, said more job opportunities would be created through both outlets’ everyday operations.
“Every order helps young people gain skills, confidence and experience. This is what social enterprise looks like when it’s embedded into the community,” Ms Norris said.
The cafe was officially opened by Footscray MP Katie Hall, with Youth Projects chair Melanie Raymond and Footscray Hospital project chair Kelvyn Lavelle also present.
Friends of Braybrook Park member Jo Schloss, president Shohre Mansouri with members Janet McAlister and Lucy Cuzzupe at a recent mulching session. (Damjan Janevski). 548127_01
The Little Social cafe and social enterprise was opened at Footscray Hospital on Tuesday 21 April. (supplied)
Rates up in draft budget
By Cade Lucas
Maribyrnong council will borrow an extra $15 million to pay for the RecWest and Shorten Reserve redevelopment, while increasing rates by the 2.75 per cent maximum allowed by the state government under its 20226-2027 draft budget endorsed at its meeting on Tuesday night.
The draft budget also includes a $20 municipal charge for all rateable properties, an increase in the pensioner rebate to $6.30 and no change to the waste service charge.
The $245 million draft budget includes $145 million for services and $91 million for capital works, of which roughly $31 million will be funded by rates.
Almost $30 million of the capital works budget will go towards major projects, while $19 million will go to aquatic centres and $11.5 million to roads and footpaths.
The most expensive item in the capital works item is the redevelopment of RecWest andShortenReserveinWestFootscray,with the addition of $15 million in new borrowings bringing the total amount to be spent on the project next financial year to $22.5 million.
Two million for the renewal of nearby Summerhill Road and $1.5 million for neighbouring sports and recreation facilities, means Bluestone ward will receive more than $29 million, almost a third of council’s entire capital works budget.
Another $15.6 million for the Maribyrnong Aquatic and Leisure Centre Splash Park accounts for the bulk of the $23.3 million allocated to River ward, with upgrades to the Pipemakers Park Visitor Centre also receiving $1 million.
Design and planning for the Creative West project and upgrades to the Footscray CBD pushed funding for Sheok ward to just under $13 million, while Saltwater, Wattle, Braybrook and Burndap wards all received less than $4 million each.
Spending on road infrastructure accounted for more than half of the capital works budgets of Saltwater, Burndap and Braybrook wards, including funding to design upgrades at dangerous intersections in
Fashion, fun and fundraising for west women
Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West members will be strutting the catwalk in the name of charity later this month for the 2026 Fashion Show and Auction in Celebration of Women in the West.
The fundraiser supporting Zonta’s work in the local community will be held at Kindred Studios in Yarraville from 6.30pm-9.30pm on Saturday 30 May.
Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West spokesperson Cassandra Fraser said that after the fun everyone had taking part in last year’s fashion parade fundraiser, it was an easy decision to do it again.
“We had incredible success in build-
ing unity, celebrating our community members and ultimately raising critical funds to continue our work in building a better world for women and girls,” Ms Fraser said of last year’s event which provided funds for education scholarships, cushions for breast cancer survivors, birthing kits for mothers in remote areas, and home starter packs for women surviving homelessness and family violence.
“Funds also went to support our advocacy programs around family violence education, and empowering women through financial education,” Ms
Fraser added.
Founder of Iridis Cosmetics, Peta Gai McLaughlin, will once again MC the event which will involve local community champions walking the runway and sharing their stories.
They’ll be modelling garments donated by local fashion outlets which guests can then bid for in a silent auction.
Details: https://shorturl.at/JIESt
Maidstone and the Joseph Road precinct in Footscray.
In Wattle ward, $1.1 million for parks and gardens took up the bulk of its $2.4 million allocation.
Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said the council received almost 1500 responses to help shape this year’s budget, which gave precise insights into your vision for the coming year.
“This has helped ensure our spending considers financial constraints, community needsandfutureneedsofourmunicipality.”
The draft budget is open for public feedback until 15 May.
Feedback: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ budget
Celebrating Vietnamese migrants
The contribution of Vietnamese migrants in Hobsons Bay will be recognised at a special event in Laverton.
‘Migrant Melbourne: celebration of Vietnamese culture’ will be held at the Laverton Community Hub on 2 May and will include a free Vietnamese lunch and an oral history workshop.
the children of refugees.
“I belong to the same generation and age cohort as Andre’s parents: those who lived through the war, fled Vietnam, and rebuilt their lives in silence. This places me squarely within the parent generation his work seeks to understand,” Ms Nguyen said.
The headline attraction though will be a conversation between Vietnamese migrants of different generations when president of the Vietnamese Association of Hobsons Bay and Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year 2020, Myly Nguyen, interviews author Andre Dao’ Ms Nguyen, who arrived in Australia as a refugee in 1980, said she was honoured to discuss the book with someone from the following generation of Vietnamese migrants -
“Our dialogue is therefore not only an interview about a book. It is a rare encounter between a second-generation voice and someone who could stand among the parents in Anam - carrying memories shaped by war, displacement, and the long work of survival,” she said.
“Our conversation makes visible the space between generations and the bridge forming across it.”
Details: https://shorturl.at/JSMWi
Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West members Cassandra Fraser, Maria Maikovsis, Karen Dunham and Isabella Fraser at Kindred Studios in Yarraville where the club’s fashion parade fundraiser will take place on Saturday 30 May. (Damjan Janevski) 548607_01
Vietnamese Association of Hobsons Bay president Myly Nguyen with the novel Anam by Andre Dao’ which she will discuss with the author at a Vietnamese cultural celebration event in Laverton on 2 May. (Damjan Janevski) 548538_04
MY PLACE
From working in libraries in her native US to running a gym in Melbourne’s inner-west, the life of Altona Meadows’ Chelsea Hughes has changed markedly in the last two decades. She talks to Cade Lucas about living in Hobsons Bay.
What’syourconnectiontoHobsonsBay?
I live in Altona Meadows with my husband and two daughters. We are originally from America and arrived in Australia in 2012. We moved to Altona 11 years ago and love livinginHobsonsBay.Ialsoownabusiness in Altona, Altona Bay Training, a group fitness gym that provides strength and conditioning training to our community.
Whatdoyoulikeaboutlivinghere?
I love that life here in Hobsons Bay provides so many opportunities to be active - seaside walks, swimming, beach volleyball, cycling, community sports - the list is endless. And it’s all at our doorstepyou never have to travel far to find a bit of fun and adventure.
What, if anything, would you change aboutthearea?
If I could change anything, I would create morevibrancyandvibeinAltonaMeadows.
It’s a lovely quiet suburb but sometimes feels a bit too quiet. It would be great to have more exciting restaurants, festivals and entertainment options. I’d also like to see more investment in infrastructure to reduce car dependency (e.g. more proper bike lanes and pedestrian crossings on busy roads).
Where is your favourite local place to spendtime?
I would have to say my gym, Altona Bay Training,notonlybecauseIlovetoexercise but also because I have the privilege of helping to build a beautiful community of people coming together to improve their health and wellbeing. It’s such a unique
environment where everyone has such an infectious enthusiasm to build a better life for themselves, now and in the future. They are an inspiration to coach and train
alongside! Tell us something people would be surprisedtoknowaboutyou?
For 25 years I worked as a librarian before opening my gym. Although perhaps it isn’t a surprise - the librarian glasses are a dead giveaway!
Anzac Day a family affair
By Cade Lucas
There were plenty of service medals on display at the Anzac Day dawn service at the Spotswood Kingsville RSL early on Saturday morning, put few people had more ‘gongs’ pinned to their chest than Army Warrant Officer Brenton East.
A 23-year Army veteran now based at RAAF Base Williams in Laverton and living in Point Cook, Warrant Officer East had enough medals to cover one side of his khaki uniform.
“I’ve served in Afghanistan twice, Iraq twice, East Timor and on counter terrorism,” the 41-year-old explained of how some of those medals were earned. He was joined by other active service members from RAAF BASE Williams at the Spotswood service, where one of their colleagues was serving in the Cafalaque party.
“We just came down to support him. It was a beautiful service,” he said, adding thatAnzacDaywaslessaboutreflectingon hisownserviceandmoreabouttheservice of those who came before him, including a number of close relatives.
“Both my grandfather’s served in World War II, my great-grandfather was in World War I and my father was in the Navy.” Standing beside Warrant Officer East at the service was another family member: his seven year-old daughter, Erica.
Despite his own achievements, he has some convincing to do if his daughter is going to keep up the family tradition.
“No way,” Erica said when asked if she wanted to join the Army like her father.
“I wanna become a singer.”
The dawn service at Spotswood Kingsville RSL was one of number of commemorations held across the inner west early on Anzac Day.
smaller than the thousands of people who attended dawn services at the Williamstown cenotaph and outside the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre in Altona, the
Altona Meadows resident and gym owner, Chelsea Hughes. (Damjan Janevski) 546195_04
Army Warrant Officer Brenton East and daughter Erica at the Anzac Day dawn
at the Spotswood
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Free lectures
The Footscray Mechanics Institute will be running a free lecture on the last Friday of each month until the end of October. The program includes: book launches, discussion of books and authors, and community guest speakers. The lectures will take place at the Footscray Mechanics Institute, 209 Nicholson Street, Footscray. 9687 1935 or info@fmi.org.au
Art classes
Bek & Jayne (Flipperfrog) are community artists who are offering art and collage classes at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. The classes will run from 7.15pm-9pm every third Wednesday of the month. The workshops explore different types of collage, mixed media paint and lots of play with colour and mark making. All materials are supplied, with attendees asked to bring an apron and a picture or photo which can be incorporated into their work. The classes cost $25 per session in order to cover materials and venue hire. Walk-ins are welcome but places are not guaranteed.
Flipperfrog.com or 0400 693 025
Hip hop dance program
L2R Dance is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit and social enterprise proudly based in Melbourne’s west. L2R makes dance accessible to children and young people who can’t access commercial dance opportunities and draws from the history of hip-hop culture with its aims to empower and critique social issues that affect young people in Melbourne’s West and beyond. L2R’s free Next-Gen dance program is held at Phoenix Youth Hub, 72 Buckley Street, Footscray (Auditorium). Classes will be held from 4.30pm- 6.30pm each Tuesday during term.
https://www.l2r.org.au/dance-programs or 0490 811 605
Community story time
Every Friday during term from 8-8.30am at the blocks behind Alfa Cafe Yarraville Free to attend and a free babychino with every coffee purchase, when you mention storytime.
9314 5996 or office@sayarraville.catholic.edu.au
Book sales
Friends of Altona Libraries (FOAL) hold monthly book sales at the rear of Altona Library during the first week of each month. Books no longer required by the library are sold for as little as $2. All money is returned to the Library to support community programs. New members who
are happy to volunteer to help organise and sell books for only a few hours per month are welcome.
Ann Nicol, 0408 460 062
Cards and conversation
Do you like cards and games? Whether its Canasta, 500 or board games, come and join us weekly at Altona North Library. All levels welcome. Tuesdays from 10am-noon. Free of charge, morning tea provided and no bookings required. Altona North Library Corner of Millers and McArthurs Road, Altona North. 1300 179 944
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga Classes are running at Brooklyn Community Hall and the Healing Garden Williamstown. Classes are held every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Classes are costed for the community: $8-$25 per class. Star Weekly readers can get a complimentary first session to try it
out. Yin Yoga is a gentle, passive practice that invites stillness and subtlety - offering up powerful physical benefits by targeting the body’s connective tissues, joints, and fascia. For all bodies - stiff, sore, injured or just in need of deep release! Hong, 0412 112 422 or yogawithhong.com
Free playgroup
Ages 0-5, every second Friday during term, beginning Friday 1 May, from 1-2.30pm. Run by the children of St Augustine’s Primary School in the school library. Free. library@sayarraville.catholic.edu.au
Chit Chat Tuesdays
A ladies chit chat group which is on every Tuesday from 1.30-3pm at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona. As an extension of this sometimes we host guest speaker events for women in the community.
Dione, 9398 2511 or LJAC.com.au
Altona VIEW Club
VIEW stands for Voice Interest and Education for Women. Altona VIEW Club has just celebrated its 27th year and is not-for-profit. The club welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join us on the third Wednesday of each month, at 11am, at the Altona RSL. The Club is closely affiliated with The Smith Family and sponsors ten children through the “Learning for Life” programme. Come along and join us for lunch and enjoy the speakers each month. Other outings are arranged. Great opportunity to make new friends.
altonaview@gmail.com or Julie, 0421 315 846
Westgate diabetes support group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona bowling club at 10am. Elaine, 0415 030 996
Mainly music
A music-playgroup program for kids and their carers from birth to school age. Held every Thursday from 9.30-10.30am during school terms at Westgate Baptist Community, 16 High Street, Yarraville. The cost is $7 per family, per week. Jenny, 0401 651 012, Ruth, 0409 635 468 or westgatebaptist.org.au/mainlymusic/
Social square dancing
Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights from 7.30-10.30pm to learn social square dancing for beginners in a safe and friendly environment. The teaching is in a group but is self paced so there is no pressure to maintain a rate of learning.
Janine, 0421 371 883, or contact@essendonsquares.com
Free English conversation classes If English is your second language and you want to improve your English language skills, practice speaking with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive group sessions held every Monday at 1-3pm in the meeting room at Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona. Light refreshments provided.
Jill MacKenzie, 0439 994 705 or jill. mackenzie111@gmail.com
Williamstown Seniors
The group meets every Tuesday at 1-3pm at Denis Reserve. It is a small group looking for more seniors both male and female. Members enjoy two hours of singing as well as afternoon tea. Cost is $5 for the afternoon.
Marlene, 0402 769 204
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of film reviewer Evan Turok. (Damjan Janevski) 547798_01
Amarco Apartments are a cornerstone of camaraderie
Max Woolcock lives in a comfortable two-bedroom apartment with a sun drenched balcony at Uniting AgeWell’s Amarco Apartments in Kingsville.
It’s more than well-designed bricks and mortar. It’s become a community and a safe haven.
Max and his wife Margaret moved in over a year ago and made friends in the caring community right away. Sadly, she passedawaythisyear,butMaxhaschosen to stay.
“I’m not alone,” he explains. “Every afternoon I pop down to the lounge for afternooncoffeeandbiscuitswithagroup of up to 10 other residents. We’re all a similar age, and while we’re all different, there’s so much to chat about. The news, the weather, you name it … If I want to talk about Margaret, I do. Everyone is very kind. If I want to be on my own, I don’t have to join in. It’s all so easy.”
Max is a retired minister and has made greatfriendswithanotherretiredminister who lives there.
“We’ll often sit together in the Club Lounge and have all sorts of theological discussions – or even wind up talking about the footy,” laughs Max.
When you move into Amarco Apartments, you become part of a thriving, secure community in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant inner west.
The concierge at the front door offers peace of mind, while the apartments themselves are modern and spacious, with smart sustainability features.
It’s not just the features that make this property a home, but the facilities. Lounges, a library and newspaper reading room, a BBQ area and snooker table and gymnasium – community is all around
you. If you’re feeling social or quiet and contemplative, there is a space for you.
“WhenwelivedatourhomeinSunbury, we’d have to phone up friends, arrange to meet them and then drive over. Now I just walk down the passage!” says Max.
Another big factor in Max and Margaret choosing Amarco was the continuum of care.
Amarco abuts Uniting AgeWell’s Kingsville Community which presents an option for residents to prioritise choice as
care needs change.
MaxandMargaretweremarriedforover 40 years and like so many share a blended family scattered across the world.
“The kids have all got their own busy lives to lead, and Margaret and I were always pretty independent,” says Max.
“We did 26 cruises after we retired you know!”
Max,whostilldrives,lovesbeingableto head off to the shops nearby and enjoy the lovely scenery in the neighbourhood.
Enjoy connected retirement living in Kingsville
“Sometimes I order the hot evening meal from Kingsville,” explains Max. “It’s mains, soup and dessert, delivered to my door and very reasonably priced. It makes a nice change from popping frozen meals in the microwave!”
Find out more about living at Amarco at 1300 783 435 or visit https://www. unitingagewell.org/our-services/ independent-retirement-living/ amarco-apartments
Max Woolcock and Amarco community manager Lynda Brosnan. (Supplied)
Dogs bask in 2016 triumph
A spate of injuries might’ve dented their hopes of winning it this season, but the Western Bulldogs have spent the weekend marking the 10th anniversary of their last AFL premiership: the 2016 grand final triumph over the Sydney Swans.
Players,coaches,staffandboardmembers involved in that remarkable victory, just the second VFL-AFL premiership in the Bulldogs’ entire history, reunited at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night to watch them again play the Swans.
Unfortunately, the 2026 Bulldogs were unable to emulate their predecessors from a decade earlier, losing by 66 points.
The disappointing scoreline didn’t dampen the mood at the reunion though, where almost all of the 2016 team had gathered, including some who hadn’t been back to the club in years.
“I reckon there’s some I actually haven’t seen since I left the Doggies,” small forward Luke Dahlhaus told the club’s website.
Dahlhaus left for Geelong in 2019, but said returning to the Bulldogs felt right.
“It’s awesome to be here. It makes you feel like you’re at home again.”
One of the heroes of the 2016 premiership was Tom Boyd who’s running goal from the centre square in the last quarter set up the win.
“It keeps getting longer every year,” Boyd laughed when asked about his iconic goal, adding that it’s not even his favourite memory from that period.
“The family day at Whitten Oval, 45,000 people,wewerelikerockstarsandthatreally wasthefirstdaywegotsomeappreciationof what it meant for the suburb and of course the broader Footscray community.”
Briefs
Road upgrades
Hobsons Bay residents are invited to have their say on planned upgrades for a section of Point Cook Road in Seabrook. The planned upgrades between Jamieson Way and Dunnings Road are aimed at improving safety and catering for population growth in the Seabrook and Point Cook area. The upgrades are part of the state government’s Big Build infrastructure program and are open for public feedback until Sunday 10 May. Details: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/ roads/point-cook-rd-and-central-aveupgrades/stages/point-cook-roadupgrade
Customer feedback
Maribyrnong council is seeking public feedback on its draft customer service strategy. A draft version of the Putting Customers First Strategy was unanimously endorsed by Maribyrnong councillors are their meeting on 21 April. The draft four-year strategy aims to make council’s customer service clearer, faster, more reliable and respectful. Have your say until midnight on Tuesday 19 May. Details: https:// www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/cs
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
The Western Bulldogs 2016 premiership team reunite before the club’s clash with the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on Thursday 23 April. (Supplied)
Faces of the west
Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the western suburbs.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
40 years ago
30 April, 1986
The eyes of millions of people around the world will focus on Altona North in November when St Leo the Great Parish will play host to a visit by Pope John Paul II.
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
30 years ago 24 April, 1996
A six-metre high concrete wall topped with barbed wire and an electronically censored chain mesh fence will be the main security features of the new men’s prison in Laverton North.
20 years ago 25 April, 2006
Traffic congestion on Footscray Road is set to decrease when the Dynon Port Rail link is complete.
10 years ago 27 April, 2016
Thieves have used a stolen identity to empty an online fundraising account for a Williamstown North boy with a brain tumour.
Kassia Jack, Sacha Koltun, Jamie Hobbs, James Pullin and Maddy Marshall at Hobsons Bay Yacht Club. (Damjan Janevski) 547315_06
Kirsty Wesner has just returned from the Philippines where she had life-saving surgery. She is pictured with daughter Isla, 11, and Michael Dowling and Keith Stephen from Melton Valley Rotary Club. (Damjan Janevski) 546594_04
First Nations artists Hayley Millar Baker. (Damjan Janevski) 547621_01
David Tsardakis is the new Werribee Riverkeeper. (Damjan Janevski) 545706_04
Odai Affotey, from African Drumming, leads a workshop at Watergardens Town Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 546377_02
Tui returns to Royal Hotel
There’s something electric brewing on the dancefloor at the Royal Hotel in Bacchus Marsh and it’s coming straight from one of the town’s own.
OnFriday1May,localfavouriteDJRenee Tui is bringing the beats back to the Royal Hotel for another night of music, nostalgia and community spirit.
Byday,she’sabusymumoffourrunning her own hair salon, but when the sun goes down, she swaps the scissors for the decks. While she’s quick to downplay her skills, her growing following says otherwise.
“I’m no superstar DJ,” she said.
“I just love playing all types of music and watchingeverybodyhavingagreattimeon
my dance floor.”
And it’s that exact passion which has struck a chord with the local community, with Renee hosting her themed DJ nights monthly at the Royal.
From 80s and 90s throwbacks, to disco and club classic, each event brings a different vibe, with next month’s R’n’B theme already generating plenty of buzz and excitement.
With more than 30 years experience in hairdressing and a side hustle as a DJ and karaoke host, Tui all about creating spaces where people can let loose and enjoy themselves.
Soifyou’relookingforyournextnightout
withalocaltwist,followthemusicdownto the Royal Hotel, and meet DJ Renee Tui on the dancefloor. The event is free and open to all 18 years and over.
A personal photography exhibition exploringfamilialrelationships,maternal love, separation, migration and memory is on display in Brimbank.
Through a series of photographs, Brimbank resident Minh An Pham captured moments with his mother and family, recreating memories from the past.
Pham said he has always been close with his mother whom he visits regularly in Vietnam.
Moving to Australia at 15 years old, Pham didn’t realise how much time he would eventually spend away from his family.
He said his photography project was a way of documenting his mum’s life whenever he went back to visit her.
“I came to understand my mum more not only through the photographs but through the time we spent together,” Pham said. “I also reflect on my family’s past and history and the sacrifice of my mum as a single mother who worked really hard to raise me and my brother.
“Photography is the greatest way for me to seize those moments again.”
Phamrecentlywonthestudentcategory at the 2026 Australian and New Zealand Photobook Awards for his work.
He hopes the exhibition encourages viewers to slow down and reflect on their own lives and families.
“I hope that people care more about their family because I think time flies so fast,especiallywhenyouturn20,”hesaid.
“We also forget that our families are always there.”
Someday I Will Lose You will exhibit until Saturday 6 June at Bowery Gallery, 33 Princess Street, St Albans.
The exhibition is free to attend. Details: creativebrimbank.com.au
A photograph in Minh An Pham’s exhibition with him and his mother, Thi Tuyet Nga Nguyen.
Show a tribute to iconic Diamond
Jason Taylor and the 14-piece Hot August Night Show Band will be rocking the Wyndham Cultural Centre on Sunday 31 May with The Neil Diamond Story. From 2pm, you will be treated to 150 minutes of baritone brilliance, brass excellence and powerfully captivating musicianship.
Taylor will be far from the only voice that emanates, as The Diamond Sisters –Caroline Hawke, Tracy Tuhakaraina and Donna McConville – will be backing him with style.
Of course there will be crowd pleasers like Sweet Caroline, Cherry, Cherry and Solitary Man, but they have got the way to move you with more of Diamond’s catalogue.
The Neil Diamond Story is billed as Australia’spremiertributetothelegendary American singer-songwriter who has been on our radios for more than 60 years.
Theactguaranteestocapturetheessence of Diamond’s iconic hits with remarkable accuracy, passion and heart.
Withallthebuzzsurroundingtherecent biopic Song Sung Blue starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson and Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, there isn’tabettertimetobeltoutSweetCaroline.
While he’s probably more famous forhisTVandradioworkthesedays, iconic Australian comedian Dave Hughes cut his teeth doing stand-up atcomedyclubsandpubsacrossthe country and it’s these roots he’ll be heading back to when he performs in Altona next month.
Fresh off another triumphant run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Hughes will perform at the Altona Sports Club on Wednesday 13 May in a show presented by Comedy House Au. Famous for his nasal drawl and deadpan delivery, Hughes’ tales of everyday foibles combined with his laconic persona have made him one of Australian comedy’s biggest names this century.
His success on stage has been matched by that on TV, including his current role as a judge on the Network10’s TheMaskedSingerand regular appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox, Would I Lie To You? Australiaand TheHundred Hughes also had a highly successful stint on commercial radio, mostly notablyalongsideKate Langbroek on the Nova network. Supporting Hughes in Altona will be local comedians Joe White, Katie Wainhouse and Bart Freebairn and with all four coming off recent festival runs, the routines will be well honed and the laughs constant.
The event is strictly 18-plus, with photo ID required for entry.
Pre-show early dinner available at the Altona Sports Club Bistro, with bookings required.
DJ Renee Tui will be turning up the volume at Bacchus Marsh’s Royal Hotel on Friday 1 May.
(Supplied)
Australian comedy star Dave Hughes will perform in Altona on 13 May. (Supplied)
Jason Taylor covering Neil Diamond. (Supplied)
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Musically short, clipped and separate (8)
5 New York City neighbourhood (6)
10 Clear (5)
11 Cattle (9)
12 Minister (6)
13 Town in France with a shrine to St Bernadette (7)
14 Military unit (8)
15 Ill-gotten (6)
18 Constabulary (6)
20 Fauna (8)
21 Central Italian region (7)
24 Steering device (6)
27 First meal (9)
28 Established truth (5)
29 Widespread dominion (6)
30 Quaint houses (8)
DOWN
1 Senior barrister (coll) (4)
2 Divine being of high rank (9)
3 Military student (5)
4 Open-minded (8)
6 Attack (7)
7 Father of Beau and Jeff Bridges (5)
8 Be logical or comprehensible (4,5)
9 Wickedness (4)
14 Respectable (9)
16 Hanging around (9)
17 The text of an opera (8)
19 Savoury biscuit (7)
22 Woolly mammal (5)
23 Chinese currency (4)
25 Preliminary drawing (5)
26 Flightless birds (4)
3
AURAL
4
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
Today’s Aim:
16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 33 words: Excellent
5 Evan Peters (pictured) plays which Marvel hero in the liveaction X-Men universe?
6 In which 2025 film are four misfits sucked through a portal to the Overworld, where they meet a man named Steve?
7 In which decade was the first 3D printer invented?
8 Eventually replaced by Mickey Mouse, who was Walt Disney’s first major animated character?
9 In 1858, which two Melbourne schools competed in what is often recognised as the first organised Australian rules football match?
10 Chestnut, jack o’lantern and chicken of the woods are all kinds of what?
No.
DRAFT ANNUAL BUDGET SUMMARY 2026-27
At its meeting on Tuesday 28 April 2026, Hobsons Bay City Council resolved to endorse and place its Annual Budget 2026-27 Summary on public exhibition. Annual Budget
In accordance with sections 93 and 94 of the Local Government Act 2020 and regulations 7 and 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2020, Council gives notice that it has prepared a Draft Annual Budget 2027-28 Summary for the financial year commencing 1 July 2026. Public inspection
The Draft Annual Budget 2027-28 Summary can be viewed online at: participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
The document is available for inspection in person at:
• Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona
• Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona
• Altona North Library, cnr Millers and McArthurs Roads, Altona North
• Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, Central Square Shopping Centre, Altona Meadows
Feedback on the Draft Annual Budget 2027-28 Summary can be provided until 5pm, Wednesday 27 May 2026 by completing the Draft Annual Budget 2026-27 Survey via participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
All feedback received on the Draft Annual Budget 2026-27 Summary may be included as part of a report to Council and published on Council’s website for an indefinite period. A hard copy will also be made available for inspection by members of the public at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre.
Council proposes to adopt the Annual Budget 2026-27 at
Enquiries should be directed to Olivia
Hobsons Bay City Council (Council) gives notice under section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020 of its intention to enter a new lease with BlueFit Pty Ltd ACN 127 508 230 and BlueFit Group Pty Ltd ACN 623 370 552 (BlueFit) that includes both the Altona Leisure Centre and the Laverton Swimming and Fitness Centre (the Proposal).
Industry special BlueFit has a current lease with Council to operate the Altona Centre ending on 31 July 2032. BlueFit also has an interim lease to operate the Laverton Centre ending on 27 April 2026 which can be extended until the new ongoing lease is in place. A previous notice of intention to grant a lease for the ongoing operation at the Laverton Centre was published on 11 February 2026. Following further assessment, Council intends to grant a new single lease that includes both Centres on the terms below. The new lease arrangement will provide administrative efficiencies and secure consistent, safe and compliant operations across both Centres for the benefit of the Hobsons Bay community.
Both Centres are located on Council Freehold Land.
Principal terms of the proposed new lease to apply across both Centres will be:
Commencement date: 1 August 2026
Expiry date: 31 July 2032
Further terms: nil
Property addresses: Altona Leisure Centre, corner of Mills and Mason Streets, Altona North VIC 3025; and Laverton Swimming and Fitness Centre, on part of 26-62 Jennings Street, Laverton VIC 3028.
Permitted use: Operation of a gymnasium, aquatic centre and leisure centre and other activities normally associated with the operation of a fitness and leisure centre including at the Altona premises a health and wellbeing centre (with therapeutic and sports medical services) and café.
Feedback on the Proposal must be lodged in writing to the Property team at property@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
The closing date for providing feedback is 5pm on Wednesday 27 May.
Any enquires regarding the Proposal should be directed to the property team at property@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Figure 1. Proposed Lease Area for the Altona Leisure Centre – as shown hatched on the plan.
2. Proposed Leased Area for the Laverton Swimming and Fitness Centre – as shown hatched on the plan
Figure
YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
Anzac Day sporting moments
While Anzac Day is normally about the big MCG clash between Essendon and Collingwood, Saturday was a chance for clubs from across Melbourne’s north-west to get involved. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting the action.
Darley showed why its premiership favourites.
The ruck battle.
Bacchus Marsh’s Ella Logan. 546151_02
Darley’s Jamie Smith and Bacchus Marsh’s Eliza Moodie. 546151_06
Sunbury Lions’ Dasha Taylor. 548784_09
Melton’s Tiarnah Lloyd-Roeby. 548784_01
Melton’s Brody Sullivan. 546152_01
Sunbury Lions’ Fraser Ampulski. 546152_05
Whittlesea Pacers’ Hayley Sparks. 546137_09
Challenges for Altona City
By Tara Murray
It’s been an up and down start to the Victorian Premier League 2 season for Altona City.
Altona City has shown when its playing well and it match it with any side and is the only side to beat ladder leaders Malvern City.
But consistency has been an issue so far.
Coach Chris Gresham said they had been challenged this season.
“We had a disrupted pre-season with lots of injuries,” he said.
“Of our seven or eight of our most experienced, prolific players, we’ve had long term injuries to five of them in the pre-season.
“They are some of our more attacking threats. One returned in round two and nine minutes in did his other calf and is now out for 10 weeks.
“We lost one player for the season. Every time we get one back, one is out, it’s like a revolving door.
“It’s our experienced part of the team that is getting injured.”
Gresham said they needed to look outside the experienced core and let other players take ownership.
He said they still had a number of other experienced players that could step up.
Gresham said it was about making sure they played out the whole 90 minutes to try and lock in the points.
“We lost 2-1 in one game and lost that
in the last five minutes, which is experience,” he said.
“The week before it was 0-0 and a draw with five minutes to go.
“That’s the nature of having an inexperienced team. We’re playing young guys and they do make mistakes and it has cost us points.
“We’re not scoring enough goals to allow those mistakes.
“We’re disappointed and we’re not getting the job done against teams that are in the mid-low tiers of the ladder.”
Saturday’s loss to the Essendon Royals was another case of losing in the dying minutes.
Scores were locked 0-0 after 80 minutes with the Royals scoring twice late to claim a 2-0 win.
Big weekend for the Magpies in the WFL
By Tara Murray
Things are slowly coming together for Laverton in the Western Football League.
The Magpies men’s seniors and reserves sides got their first win of the season on Saturday, while their women’s side made it two in a row.
Magpies’ president Tony Jofre said it was really good to see all three sides get wins on the board.
“It was really good for the boys and we’re happy that they were able to get the win,” he said.
“They have been competitive without getting overline so that was good for them.
“The women’s side has started well and there are no expectations on them.”
The women’s side started the day against Point Cook Centrals.
After trailing at quarter time by 12 points, the Magpies kicked three goals to one to take a narrow three point lead into the main break.
The Mapgies were able to continue to build the lead, winning 9.14 (68)-5.4 (34).
Molly Pianta kicked five goals for the Magpies.
Sina Mason, Madeline Moloney and Kayla Ravanello were named the Magpies best.
Jofre, who is also coaching the women’s side, said it was exciting to see what the group was doing.
The side has re-entered the competition this season.
“There’s no expectations,” he said.
“We’re working really hard and gelling together.
“We were able to shift gears which was really good.
“We’re taking it week by week and we’re just happy to have a women’s side up and going.
“We haven’t played any of these teams before.”
In the men’s division 2 competition, it was a hard battle between the Magpies and Tarneit.
Both sides were looking for their first win of the season.
The two sides traded the lead through the first three quarters, with the Magpies leading by four points heading into the final break.
The Magpies kicked four goals to three in
There wasn’t much rest for Altona City which was back in action on Tuesday night in the Australia Cup-Dockerty Cup, after deadline.
Gresham said they then had four big league games in the next month.
“It’s really important for us to get a couple of wins,” he said. “They are all against teams around us points wise.
“At the halfway mark we will reassess how we are looking.”
Meanwhile in the National Premier League, Altona Magic had a 1-1 draw with Caroline Springs George Cross.
The Georgies equaliser came in the 96th minute.
ound us points wise.
“At the half way mark we will reassess how we are looking.”
Sport shorts
VTCA
Altona North has announced its first new signing for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season. Ben Seabrook will join the club, with the Englishman now based in Australia. “Ben is a top-order batter from Cambridge, UK, joining us after a dominant stint across the bridge at Bentleigh,” the club said on social media. “Over four seasons, he piled on nearly 3,000 runs, including 22 fifties and four centuries. Before arriving in Australia, Ben played ECB Premier League cricket for Bury St Edmunds and was in elite touch for Cambridgeshire County Cricket Club in the NCCA One Day Trophy, averaging 76.75 with a strike rate north of 100.”
Big V
Altona Gators continued their winning start to the Big V women’s division 1 season. The Gators headed to Mildura on Saturday to face the Mildura Heat and were able to come home with an 84-56 win. Monique Marcetic-vaotangi top scored for the Gators with 19 points as five players scored double figures.
Western FL
the final quarter to hold on for a 12.8 (80)11.8 (74) win.
Jofre said the side would take some time.
“They just played so well as a team,” he said. “There’s a lot of young men.
“It will take some time with many being 16-17 years old. Our average age is 21.
“We are planning for the long term, rather than the short term.
“The work rate is there and they’re giving 100 per cent. They’re developing as a team.”
Jordan Lynch kicked five goals for the Magpies in the win.
Lynch was named the Magpies best along with Kade Sullivan and Corey Vandermeer.
Both the men’s and women’s sides will face Wyndhamvale this Saturday.
In other division 2 matches, North Footscray won the local derby between West Footscray, 13.14 (92)-8.6 (54).
West Footscray also won the women’s match between the two teams, 25.10 (166)0.0 (0).
Janelle Sammut kicked six goals and Emily Gillespie kicked five.
Braybrook got its first win of the division 2 season, beating the Suns, 17.19 (121)-9.11 (65).
Parkside and Spotswood were among the winners on Saturday in the Western Football League division 1 competition. The Magpies had a big 20.12 (132)-6.7 (42) win against Newport at Mer Hughes Oval. The Magpies set the tone in the first quarter when they led by 23 points at the break. Zachary Morris kicked five goals for the Magpies, while Justin Cappelletti was named their best. Hussein Kadour was named the Panthers best. Meanwhile, Spotswood had an 16.15 (111)-6.13 (49) win against Altona. Jackson Williams was named the Woodsmen’s best.
FV
Williamstown had a tough day out in the FV state league 2 north-west competition on Saturday. Williamstown was at home to Uni Hill Eagles and a poor first half proved costly. The Eagles scored five goals in the opening 45 minutes. The final score was 5-1. Elsewhere, Altona North had a 2-2 draw with Mill Park.
FOR MORE SPORT VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklysport @star_weekly
Molly Pianta. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 547345_17
Falcons finding their form
By Tara Murray
The City West Falcons overcame a slow start to make it two in a row in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night, beating the Wilson Storage Southern Saints.
The Falcons have now levelled their season ledger at 3-3 and are back with the pack after a slow start to the season.
On Wednesday night, the Falcons trailed by four goals at quarter time before leading by nine at the main break.
The Falcons were able to maintain the lead in the second half and came away with a 69-50 lead.
“The Saints were really good for a half, it took us a long time to shake up,” Fal-
cons coach Marg Lind said.
“We got there in the end.
“We didn’t have the right match ups early. We bought Achel [Yout] back on into goalkeeper and she was just a little bit more physical on Rahni Samason.
“Sussu [Liai] to goal defence was a better match up. We needed to be a bit more dynamic and that certainly worked.”
With the match in the Falcons control they were able to rotate their bench a bit more in the second half.
Georgia Berry played her first game for the season having returned to the club in the offseason and looked good in defence.
“We had some fresh legs in the second half,” Lind said.
“We needed that and we were able to rest Maggie [Lind] in the last quarter.”
Lind said the form of Lara Turner, Yout and Lani Fauonuku, their three youngsters in the side was really pleasing.
Turner was restricted to a half as they needed her as cover in the 23 and unders match.
“Achel is starting to find her feet,” she said. “She’s realised that she’s got a good opportunity and grabbing it with both hands, that’s promising.
“It’s a bit of a changing of the guard. Lani was good as well, two young ones that we’ve given an opportunity are doing well.
“Lani fed really well tonight. [Wednes-
Mollison’s world championships joy
By Tara Murray
When Footscray Lacrosse’s Sarah Mollison did her ACL late in 2024, making the Australian team for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championships drove her recovery.
Having played in five world championships previously, Mollison wanted to finish her international career on one of the biggest stages.
Mollison made it back late in 2025, playing in another premiership with Footscray, and was last week named in the Australian team for the world championships.
“It’s been a lot of hard work and I’m excited to go to Japan,” Mollison said of the selection,
“It will be the last time that I play for Australia and I’m just trying to stay in the moment.
“I’m excited by it but know the sad part of it is walking away.
“It’s an amazing legacy to be part of with how competitive the team has been and how our results have improved over the years.
“I will walk away knowing that I’ve done everything that I could and hope to leave the sport in a better place than when I first got there.”
Mollison said when she did her knee in 2024, she knew immediately that she wanted to come back and give it another crack.
The injury cost her a chance to represent Australia in box lacrosse, something that is close to her family.
Her dad had played box lacrosse while she had played it in America.
She said playing in the 2025 state league grand final was her first aim, which she achieved including scoring a goal in a one goal win.
Then it was the world championships.
“There was a lot of hard work and the rehab. I was aggressive and got back in 11 months,” she said.
“I would have liked to have contributed a little more in that game … I’ve lost so many grand finals, so it was good to come back and win another one.”
Mollison said she and the playing group were keen to bring home a medal this year.
“We want to finish in the top three again,” she said.
“In the last two events we lost the bronze medal game which is a little bit disappointing.
“You invest so much money and time, you want to finish in the top three.
“We would love to win gold.”
Mollison is one of seven Footscray players named in the squad.
Joining her are Stephanie Kelly, Theadora Kwas, Rebecca Lane, Georgia Latch, Sarah Smith and Bonnie Yu.
On top of that, Ebony Newman has been named as an alternative, while coach Max
day]. We were able to give Maggie a rest and out Maddie Gray [Romios] to wing attack,
“It’s time to give Lani the responsibly.”
Jane Cook shot 63 goals for the Falcons at 100 per cent.
The Falcons’ 23 and under side fought hard to come from behind to beat the Saints, 53-48.
Lind said they fought hard to get the win and their fitness in both divisions played a big role.
The move of bringing Turner on the in the second half in the midcourt was a key for the Falcons.
The Falcons face the Gippsland Stars this week in round seven.
Madonia is head coach.
“Everyone is buzzing,” Mollison said. Also in the squad is Mollison’s cousin
Danielle Mollison. It will be the first time the two have played together for Australia.
“We are a big lacrosse family,” she said.
“Playing, coaching and on the committee.
“Dad was involved with Lacrosse Australia for 25 years.
“Danielle has worked really hard to play
for Australia.”
Mollison said as well as success at the world championship, she was hoping to have more success at Footscray and maybe end her career on a high.
Former Footscray player Colleen Dawson is the side’s assistant coach.
Newport Ladies’ Grace Fujinaga and Williamstown Ladies’ Lauren Hunter and Miriam Sures-Jury have also been named.
Seagulls slip up
Williamstown suffered its first defeat as Werribee came out on top in the local western suburbs in the Victorian Football League on Saturday.
The two long time rivals again did battle on Anzac Day, which has been a tradition the past few seasons. It was the Tigers, who were able to make it two wins in a row, winning 14.13 (97)-11.6 (72) at DSV Stadium.
Werribee led by three points at quarter time and was able to increase the margin to 11 points at the main break. Four goals to two in the third quarter was able to extend the Tigers lead to 26 points heading into the final quarter.
While the Seagulls were able to win the final quarter, it was only by point as the Tigers did enough to cement the win.
Kallan Dawson kicked three goals for the Seagulls, while Diesel Moloney and Josh D’Intinosante kicked two goals apiece. Joel Fitzgerald continued his good form and led the way in disposals with 23.
The loss sees the Seagulls slip to sixth spot with a 3-1 record.
The Seagulls face Essendon this weekend.
Meanwhile, Footscray Bulldogs also suffered their first loss of the season on Friday. Having lost several players with injuries in the AFL side, the Bulldogs had a big challenge against the Sydney Swans.
The Bulldogs led by 12 points at quarter time, before the Swans kicked 10 goals to one in the second quarter to take control of the game.
Footscray was able to to peg back the margin in the third quarter before the Swans finished strongly to come away with a 14.7 (91)-9.8 (62) win. Harvey Gallagher and Jack Billings kicked two each for the Bulldogs.
Sarah Mollison. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 499386_15
Joel Fitzgerald was busy on Saturday night. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 546142_08
Phoenix upsets Thunder
By Tara Murray
A half time rev up spurred Altona East Phoenix to one of its biggest wins in recent seasons in the Dockerty Cup-Australia Cup on Tuesday night
The Phoenix was the underdogs entering the match against National Premier League side Dandenong Thunder.
The Thunder scored the only goal of the first half, to lead 1-0 at half time.
“I think we gave them too much respect in the first half,” Phoenix coach Paul Donnelly said.
“I gave them a rev up at half time about trying to win the game.
“The second half we came out all guns blazing and were fortunate to get a couple of goals.”
The Phoenix won 2-1 with Arthur Lomax-Jones scoring in the 68th minute and Christian Inglese two minutes later.
Donnelly said the atmosphere at the club after the win was pretty massive.
There was a big crowd to watch the match.
“It was great for the club,” Donnelly said. “This is the furthest we’ve gone in the Australia Cup.
“Everyone was buzzing and it was a good atmosphere.”
The Phoenix now sits and waits to find out which side it plays in round six.
It will be either another NPL side in Heidelberg United or Yarraville Glory, who are set to play Tuesday night.
“Heidelberg United went on a deep run last year and made the grand final,”
Donnelly said.
“Playing Heidelberg would be a great ask.
“For me as a coach I would like to see Yarraville Glory knock them off and have a local derby.”
While excited for that challenge, Donnelly said their attention was back on the FV state league 1 north-west season.
The Phoenix faced Geelong on Saturday.
The two sides entered the match sitting 3-1.
Donnelly said they had spent Wednesday night recovering ahead of the big task.
“The most important game of the week is against Geelong,” he said before the match.
“It will be a tough game and we want to
New era in men’s netball begins in the west
By Tara Murray
A new era of men’s netball kicked off on Friday night as the Western Netball League’s men’s competition got underway.
The men’s competition is the first to be run by a football-netball league and gives top netballers in the state another opportunity to take to the court.
Some of Australia’s best men’s netballers are part of the eight team competition. Australian Kelpies goaler Brodie Roberts is part of Albanvale’s program, which will have two sides.
Roberts, who started his netball journey in Williamstown, said being a western suburbs competition made it even more special.
“It is so cool,” he said. “I didn’t see the first announcement and then saw some information and thought about what was going on.
“I was out of the loop and then I had a few teams reach out to see if I was keen.
“To see the league going the extra mile to support us, it’s very cool.”
Roberts is no stranger to football-netball leagues but had never imagined that he would get the opportunity to play.
He said there was something special about the connections within the club.
“I’ve been umpiring football-netball for
so long and I love the connection to the club and the area,” he said.
“Everyone hangs around afterwards, it’s such a unique experience in sport.
“I was envious of how fun it looked,”
The competition is set to fill the void in the middle of the year between state and national commitments and the M-League which normally kicks off in August.
It will also see some players get paid to play netball for the first time.
“I’ve been playing netball for 23 years and Friday night will be my first ever pay check, which is crazy,” Roberts said.
“It was never the dream as it was never something that I thought would happen.”
The Cobras have set up a strong men’s program which was something that attracted Roberts to the side.
He said coach Rhiannon Reti brings a New Zealand style of game was another thing which he was keen to learn.
Roberts will also get to play alongside some friends he doesn’t get the chance to play with in M-League due to player points.
Roberts will form part of an Australian goaling line up for the Cobras, alongside Liam Killey.
“It’s a different league against different defensive combinations,” Roberts said.
“It’ll bridge the gap following nationals and trials in August.
get the result.
“I’ve seen them a couple of times and they are a good football side, it’ll be a good contest.”
The Phoenix weren’t able to back up its midweek performance, losing 2-0.
Geelong scored both goals in the second half.
The Phoenix now sits fourth on the ladder, with Geelong on top.
In other state league 1 north-west matches, Yarraville Glory lost to Upfield on Friday night.
Upfield scored three goals in 22 minutes to lead 3-0 leading into half time.
The Glory managed to peg two goals back in the second half.
A red card to Stefan Georgiou halted the Glory’s momentum and it lost 3-2.
CYs tough day out
It was a tough weekend for Williamstown CYMS in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.
In the men’s premier B competition, the CYS lost their first game of the season. The CYs were at home to the Collegians on Saturday.
The Collegians opened up a 10 point lead at quarter time before kicking five goals to one in the second quarter to lead by 33 points at half time. That lead was extended in the third quarter as the Collegians kicked six goals to two.
“You’re meant to be preparing for selection for nationals, but there’s nowhere to play netball.
“We’ll be able to work on our combination.”
Roberts said they felt they had put together a strong squad and could beat any team on the day if they put it all together
Reti said it was massive to have a competition like this available to men’s players.
She has already been coaching in the M-League
“I’m so pumped,” she said. “There’s a space for men to play football-netball and it’s been a long time coming.
“There’s only been one men’s league and that runs August to December. Women can play seven days a week if they wanted to.surrounding the competition
“I love watching men’s netball.”
League netball manager Jordan Dalliston said she never believed the competition would get off the ground.
“It’s been a really huge 18 months of build up from announcing to now,” she said.
“I can’t believe that round one is here and it’s a lot to get to this point. I’m really proud of what is going to take court.
“It has taken back the support that we’ve had. I don’t think I realised how big a think this was.”
The CYs had their best quarter of the game in the final quarter, with four goals. While they were able to win the final quarter, it wasn’t enough with the Collegians winning, 16.10 (106)-8.11 (59).
Harrison Miller, Brad Tucker and Calvyn Vicino kicked two goals each for the CYs. Lachlan Downey, Robbie Cockerell and Keshava Raju were named the CYs best.
Meanwhile, the CYs premier women faced Kew on Saturday.
The CYs were at home for a second straight week. It was game on at half time with just six points separating the two teams despite Kew having had six more scoring shots.
The CYs had kicked two goals in the second quarter, their first goals for the season.
After the main break it was all Kew on the scoreboard.
It kicked five goals in the third quarter to break open the game, before finishing with three final quarter goals.
Evie Karakiozakis and Sharnie Whiting kicked the goals for the CYs.
Alexandra Woodhead, Isabella Andrews and Chloe Perrett were named the CYs best. Both senior CYs teams will travel to Geelong in round three to take on Old Geelong.
The inaugural Western Netball League men’s players. (Tara Murray)
Brad Tucker. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 405183_16
TIPPING 2026
Leo Dardha Woodards
Benny Nguyen OBrien
Chris Byrne Yarraville Club Rod
CASH FOR UNWANTED GOLD & JEWELLERY!
Turn your unwanted jewellery and gold and precious items into CASH
Your Questions Answered
HOW DO I DO THIS?
Show your items to our expert buyers. After we have calculated the price based on its resale value, you can then decide to sell them to us or just walk away with a free assessment of your jewellery!
WHY SELL?
Is it worth keeping old jewellery that you will never wear again? The extra cash may help now or in the future rather than unwanted jewellery sitting in your drawer!
We buy all gold Jewellery, Antiques & Contemporary Jewellery Diamonds, Silver Jewellery, Gold Sovereign Coins and other coins, Precious Stones, Including Broken Jewellery and Watches and unusual Items.
Jewellery maybe worth a lot more than what you think!” Friday 8 May 2026 - 11am to 3pm th
