Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 3rd June 2026
The first two of five monumental artworks have officially commenced at Spotswood Yards, in what is believed to be Melbourne’s largeststreetartinstallation.
Spanningfiveresidentialtowers,theproject willdeliverartworksacross32floorsandmore than 1257 square metres of façade space, positioningtheSpotswoodYardsdevelopment as one of the most ambitious contemporary mural commissions ever undertaken in Australia.
The first two artworks, by internationally renowned Spanish artists Aryz and Belgian artistNean,arenearingcompletion.
Nean’s work repositions the West Gate Bridge as a symbol of transition and renewal, transforming its image into a gateway to a “newwest”.
Aryz’s mural portrays a monumental artist figurepaintingasweepingviewofMelbourne’s west, a perspective drawn directly from the elevated vantage point occupied by the artists themselves while suspended seven stories above the city on swing stages during production.
DeveloperBlueEarthisdeliveringtheproject in collaboration with Juddy Roller, founder of Australia’s internationally recognised Silo Art Trail. The remaining three artworks are scheduledforcompletioninApril2027.
Skyhighart
Bridge spans 32 floors. (Juddy Roller)
Rising from the ashes
By Cade Lucas
To say the fire which gutted a Spotswood business park last week has cost Cameron Thompson everything would be an exaggeration, though only a slightone.
The 67-year-old is one of the dozens whose lives have been in turmoil since an arson attack on a lawyers’ office became a raging inferno that destroyed the converted factory on Hudsons Road and the small businesses withinit.
Along with the law firm that was ram raided before being set alight, the building housed everything from hat manufacturers, panel beaters and debt collectors, to artists and therapists, to Mr Thompson’s own business, Westgate CoffeeMachines.
Unlike most of these other tenants though, 55-59 Hudsons Road didn’t just house Mr Thompson’s business, it housed him.
Or at least it did until the early hours of 26May.
“I was woken at a quarter to two in the morning by what sounded like a loud bang,”herecalledofthemomentarsonists attacked the building where he’d lived for almostadecade.
Less than 10 minutes later, Mr Thompson’s home of 10 years was gone.
“I went down stairs without clothes, justadressinggownbecausetheheatwas becoming unbearable. The place was just going up,” he said of the moment he and the building’s other five residents were forcedtoevacuate.
Continued page 3
The soaring mural of the West Gate
Citynews
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
National Reconciliation Week, held from 27 May to 3 June, was an opportunity for all Australians to come together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait
continue throughout June, as we acknowledge the many contributions of refugees and consider who we are
This June, Council will mark the week with the Our Shared Humanity exhibition at the Metro West Connectivity Centre on 18 June, featuring 20 artworks these works speak to the character of our City – who we
We are also gearing up for Plastic Free July, empowering our community to reduce single-use plastics as we challenge helped to avoid 290 million kilograms of plastic waste worldwide – a powerful reminder that small Personally, I am looking to replace single-use coffee cups
OUT AND ABOUT
WHAT’S ON
FOOTSCRAY STREET SOUNDS
12-2pm, Tuesdays in June
There are also several opportunities for you to share your feedback this month, including the Footscray Structure Plan, Children’s Strategy Action Plan, and how we support
To explore current projects and get involved, visit
Mayor Cr Mohamed Semra
Follow me on Facebook ‘Mohamed Semra for Burndap Ward’
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING
Tue 16 June: 6.30pm Council Meeting
Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at Footscray
Community members can submit questions for public Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings or phone 9688 0200
Maribyrnong City Council
Civic Precinct and Community Hub 61 Napier Street, Footscray Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray VIC 3012
Australia at Government House in recognition of her
Haddock celebrating World Africa Day at an
children at a local childcare centre as part of National
CAT CURFEW GETS PAW OF APPROVAL
Following extensive community consultation, Council has endorsed a new cat curfew
Cats will need to be kept at home between some getting used to, especially for cats that
Our focus will be on helping residents through the transition with clear information,
maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/cat-curfew
P: (03) 9688 0200
F: (03) 9687 7793
Footscray CBD and Footscray Station Plaza Award winning musician, Ania Reynolds will present a series of free lunchtime street concerts
FIFA WORLD CUP LIVE SCREENING 2-4pm, Sunday 14 June
Maddern Square, Footscray
Bring your crew, your energy, and BYO chair, for a family friendly screening of international football
OUR SHARED HUMANITY EXHIBITION
6-8.30pm, Thursday 18 June
Metro West Connectivity Centre, Footscray
Join us for a Refugee Week exhibition presented by cohealth, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) and Council, featuring 20 artworks that share stories of resilience, creativity and
PLASTIC FREE JULY COMMUNITY LAUNCH
2-4pm, Friday 3 July
Civic Precinct and Community Hub, Footscray
Join us for the launch of Plastic Free July with workshops, upcycling activities, stalls and maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/plastic-free-july
For full event details, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/events
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt, and Katie Hall MP at the opening of the
Demand for new stadium
By Cade Lucas
The Westgate Basketball Association is pleading with Maribyrnong council to commit to funding a new stadium, arguing its current facilities are too old and too small to meet exploding demand.
The association claims it has more 200 children on a waiting list because it doesn’t have enough courts, while its main stadium at RecWest Braybrook, is more than 30 years old and badly in need of an upgrade.
Association members rallied outside a meeting of Maribyrnong council last week demanding that funding for a new stadium at McIvor Reserve in Yarraville be included
in this year’s budget.
“Our association is asking for commitment not delay,” president Glenn Casement said,
“Maribyrnong council can demonstrate that commitment by a dedicated (contingent) line item in their coming budget for the building of the McIvor Reserve Stadium.”
The cost of the project is estimated at $60 million and would require contributions from state, and possibly federal, governments as well as council in order to be built.
Mr Casement said council approved a masterplan for the project in 2023 and that includingitinthisyear’sbudgetwouldpres-
sure its state and federal counterparts to contribute as well and get the project moving.
“Therehasalreadybeentoomuchdelay,” he said, adding that upgrades to RecWest Braybrook were also urgently needed.
“RecWest was build in the early 1990’s and needs an overhaul to return it to its former glory.”
Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra acknowledged the chronic shortage of indoor facilities in the inner-west and said the McIvor Reserve Stadium was one of the council’s key advocacy priorities.
“However, we can’t meet demand for the stadium alone,” Cr Semra added.
554513_02
Petition calls for more off-leash dog parks
FootscraydogownerAshLinghaslaunched a petition calling on Maribyrnong council to provide more off-leash areas, including - ideally - directly opposite her house.
“The area out the front of our house is a beautiful open space that is mixed use,” Ms Ling said of Grimes Reserve.
“It’s a great place to meet and make friends and for the dogs to run around.”
Run around with a leash on that is.
As most dog owners know, letting their pooch run around attached to a leash is about as practical as driving a car with no
wheels. Ms Ling said the petition wasn’t about her interests, but the interests of the growing number of people and their dogs, moving to the area.
“There’s so many apartments that have gone up in the Joseph Road precinct nearby and there’s gonna be more in the future and more people with dogs. We need more safe spaces for dogs to run and exercise,” she said, adding that the nearest offleash area was in Yarraville Park, a 30-40 minute walk away.
Ms Ling said while Grimes Reserve
was an ideal location, any nearby reserve would do as long as there were more dog parks in the area.
Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said Grimes Reserve wasn’t considered an appropriate an off-leash zone, but agreed that more were needed, especially near the Maribyrnong River.
A list of off-leash dog zones can be found at: https://shorturl.at/k7LVo
The petition can be found at: https://c. org/LZrXNYkHky
Inaugural community recognition award winners announced
The winners of the inaugural Hobsons Bay Community Recognition Awards were announced on Saturday night.
Six awards were presented to individuals and groups at a ceremony at Williamstown Town Hall.
Among the winners was Jo Farguson who received the Helping Others Award for volunteering as the head chef of the Laverton Community Cafe since 2017.
Rhonda Collins won the Change MakerAwardforavarietyofcommunityroles,
including supporting youth experiencing homelessness as manager of Latitude: Directions for Young People.
The Sporting Spirit Award went to the the Williamstown Women’s Lacrosse Club, while the Community Strengthening Award was won by Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS).
Hteepoe Ri won the Young Leader Award for his work with youth programs at Laverton College and his involvement with council’s Youth Change Makers
“Council is advocating for the state and federal governments to partner with us and provide funding to ensure the stadium is delivered, and we have committed a $2.5 million investment for detailed design, if matched funding is received from the government,” he said.
Footscray MP Katie Hall and and Williamstown MP Melissa Horne are understood to be lobbying for funding.
Fraser MP Daniel Mulino was contacted for comment.
Cr Semra said while RecWest Braybrook needed upgrades, the new RecWest Footscray and McIvor Reserve Stadium were council’s priorities.
Rising from the ashes
From p1
While they all got out of the building safely, Mr Thompson did so with only the dressing gown on his back, the wallet, phone and passport he’d remembered to gather, and nothing else.
Speaking to Star Weekly less than 48 hours later, his situation had only slightly improved.
“I’ve just been shopping today,” Mr Thompson said from Torquay where he’d gone to stay with his daughter after spending his first night in a Laverton motel.
“We bought some new clothes and toiletries.”
But like the Laverton motel, his daughter’s place was only a stop-gap.
Mr Thompson has since moved in with friends while his search for a more permanent home continues.
“That’s my next hurdle” he said.
Fifty firefighters spent more than two hours tackling the blaze which affected several neighbouring properties and forced residents of nearby apartments to be evacuated.
Thick smoke forced fire crews to wear breathing apparatus while three aerial appliances provided support from above. The fire was deemed under control by 4.45am, but firefighters continued to battle small pockets of flame in the hours following.
Acrid smoke could still be smelt in the area near Spotswood station by early afternoon as police cordoned off Hudsons Road between Hall and Bernard streets to begin their investigation.
Police believe the fire started when arsonists reversed a utility vehicle into the frontentranceoftheofficebeforefleeingthe scene in the same vehicle.
challenge.
Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West president Irena Kaluski won the Community Leader Award for her 45 years of volunteer service to the Zonta network, providing practical support and awareness across issues affecting women and girls such as education equity and gender-based violence.
Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said it was a privilege to be part of the very first awards.
Senior Constable Frances Deague from Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation said the incident could easily have been far worse.
“The law firm and other businesses have been affected, but more concerning is that it appears that local residents that live in the vicinity of this fire have been affected,“ Senior Constable Deague said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Mr Thompson at: https://gofund. me/58231e65f
Those wanting to offer accommodation can contact him at: cameronthompson1959@gmail.com
Footscray friends Ash Ling and Emma Robertson with their dogs Snoop and Sage. Ms Ling has launched a petition calling for a dog off-leash area in Grimes Reserve. (Damjan Janevski)
Police cordon off Hudsons Road in Spotswood on 26 May following a fire that destroyed a converted factory. (Cade Lucas)
Snow tunnel mystery solved
By Cade Lucas
It’s set to snow in Braybrook.
A month after it was announced that a giant indoor skiing facility was coming to a warehouse somewhere in Melbourne’s west, the team behind Snow Tunnel have confirmed that Braybrook will host its pilot site, with construction already underway.
During an investor webinar and Q and A on Wednesday 27 May, Snow Tunnel co-founder Daniel Portelli joined the meeting from inside a warehouse where a four-storey high, 16 metre long rotating tunnel is currently being assembled, with the aim of it being filled with snow and
open to skiers by early next year.
While Mr Portelli declined to reveal the exact address, the warehouse is believed to be the former home of the Rampfest Indoor Skatepark on Hillary Street, near Central West Shopping Centre.
The skatepark closed at the end of April and its ramps have since been removed.
The interior of the warehouse behind Mr Portelli matched that of the former Rampfest site.
Confirmation that Snow Tunnel is coming to Braybrook ends the monthlong mystery of exactly where the Australian-based start-up’s first ever pilot site would be located.
Amid much fanfare, Snow Tunnel announced on 1 May that its world first facility would be built in Melbourne’s west, approximately 11km from the Melbourne CBD.
While the distance and direction made Braybrook or West Footscray the most likely locations, Maribyrnong council said it hadn’t received any planning application or had even been made aware of the proposal.
Community
Janevski) 552242_03
Demand for food drives extension
Unprecedented demand has forced an inner-west food drive to be extended.
The Seddon Community Bank has been accepting food donations on behalf of local charity, Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne, which runs weekly food outreach services in Footscray. The bank’s community engagement and marketing manager Suzanne Saunders said the food drive was originally set to conclude at the end of May, but the scale of demand has
forced it to be continued.
“We’ll extend it until the end of June,” Ms Saunders said, adding that Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne needed all the help it could get to provide food to those in need.
Charity organiser Randa Beirouti said its Monday night food outreach service in the Nicholson Street Mall continued to grow as rising fuel prices and interest rates further erode household budgets.
“With everything happening globally, we are probably up to serving 700 people,” Ms Beirouti said.
To help address that need, donations of food items such as pasta, rice, noodles, cereal, tinned vegetables, tinned fruits, tinned legumes, soy sauce, long life milk, two minute noodles, tinned baked beans and spaghetti can be made at the Seddon Community Bank’s Charles Street branch from 9.30am4pm, Monday to Friday.
Williamstown Mechanics Institute to remain in council hands
Hobsons Bay council will retain ownership of the historic Williamstown Mechanics Institute as part of a recommendation endorsed at its meeting on Tuesday 26 May.
The possible sale of the 166 year-old building on Electra Street was one of a number of options canvassed in an updated masterplan passed by council last year, a move strongly opposed by threetime former mayor Peter Hemphill.
“I was horrified that that was even an option,” Mr Hemphill told the Star Weekly of the mechanics institute’s potential sale last July.
But that option is now off the table, with a recommendation that the mechanics institute remain a council asset included in a motion containing the findings of a feasibility review and business case into the restoration of the building which has been closed since 2018.
The feasibility review proposes repairing and refurbishing the mechanics institute to allow the Williamstown Historical Society to return as its main tenant, its main hall to operate as a rehearsal space and theatre and for its museum and other spaces to be available for hire.
Initial estimates put the price tag for the project at $13 million.
With the review and business case endorsed, concept designs for the restoration will now be developed.
Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said she was thrilled that progress towards the restoration of the mechanics institute was finally being made.
“This is a terrific step in the right direction for what is one of Hobsons Bay’s most historic buildings,” Cr Grima said.
But with Braybrook now confirmed and construction underway, it’s still unclear as to what, if any, planning process Snow Tunnel has been subject to.
Maribyrnong council were contacted for comment.
The pilot site is expected to soft launch by the end of the year, before opening to the public in early 2027, with flagship sites in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth set to follow.
With Snow Tunnel modelled on the UrbanSurf wave pool near Melbourne Airport and with its former chief executive, Damon Tudor an investor of the Snow Tunnel, Tullamarine was speculated as a possible location. A planning application for an indoor recreation facility had been lodged with Hume council, who refused to rule it out when asked by Star Weekly.
Research building opens at new hospital
Research trials into urgent health needs are already underway at Victoria University’s (VU) new research building in Footscray, which was officially opened on Tuesday 20 May.
Located in the new Footscray Hospital across a footbridge VU’s Footscray Park Campus, the $63 million, 2000 square metre space spans four levels and will allow researchers to increase community participation in clinical trials by up to 50 per cent. Research into health issues such as muscular skeletal conditions, obesity, and metabolic diseases including diabetes, sleep disorders and mental health, will be conducted in the new building which features body composition and vascular research labs, eight consultation rooms and a large commercial kitchen for nutrition and diet intervention studies.
VU vice-chancellor, Professor Adam Shoemaker said the opening of the new facility was a moment of great pride for the university.
“Five years in the making, this new space will accelerate the pipeline of skilled health professionals and applied research – unlocking the incredible potential of our people and delivering solutions for healthier communities,” Professor Shoemaker said.
Among the researchers who will use the new facility is the executive director of VU’s Institute for Health and Sport, Professor Alex Parker.
Professor Parker, whose research looks at mental health impacts from exercise and movement, said the new space offered enormous opportunities.
“VU’s research facilities enable us to investigate better treatment options for mental health concerns that often co-occur with physical illnesses,” she said.
“We’ll be able to investigate how movement and mindfulness interventions can complement other treatments, to increase the benefits for communities in the west of Melbourne.”
VU’s deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Andy Hill will also use the facility for his research into Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Hill said the opening was a milestone moment for VU research.
“Having this state-of-the-art building physically embedded in the heart of Melbourne’s west for the community we are proud to serve and beyond, will further influence our health research,” Professor Hill said.
“It also signifies our growth and the upward trajectory of research which is impacting, influencing and improving the lives of our communities.”
For more information on the new building and current trials, visit: https://tinyurl. com/5eha6jvn
Esha Shrestha and Angela Benedict from Seddon
Bank with some of the food items that have been donated as part of its food drive. (Damjan
New awards
By Cr Paddy Keys-Macpherson
It might not be said enough, that the heartbeat of any strong community are people who go above and beyond for the benefitofusall.
Peoplewhoareselfless,puttinginhours of work often without receiving much in return.
It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the people and groups who make a meaningful difference across our cityeveryday.
The new awards were designed to recognise a range of contributions to HobsonsBay,withsixawardcategories.
From volunteers and sporting clubs to young leaders and community advocates, theawardshighlightthepassion,careand commitment that exist right across our municipality.
The Helping Others Award was about recognisingthosegoingaboveandbeyond to support others through kindness, mentoring, volunteering and community connection, while the Change Maker Award celebrated those leading positive change and championing inclusion, equalityandnewideas.
Our Sporting Spirit Award highlighted the great work of sports clubs and leaders, while the Community Strengthening Award recognised those helping build a more connected and inclusive Hobsons Bay.
It was also inspiring to celebrate the next generation of leaders through
the Young Leader Award, recognising young people making an impact in our community and the Community Leader Award acknowledging individuals whose dedication and leadership continue to inspireothersandcreatepositivechange.
I’d like to congratulate not just the winnersofthesixawards,butallnominees for their ongoing commitment and dedicationtoourcommunity.
And to our winners, warm congratulations for your recognition, you shouldbeincrediblyproud.
The awards also came at a fitting time, following National Volunteer Week, a time toremindusjusthowimportantvolunteers aretothestrengthofourcommunity.
Theircontributionoftenhappensquietly and without recognition, yet it has an enormousimpact.
These awards are an important way of saying thank you to the people who give their time, energy and compassion to make Hobsons Bay such a welcoming and vibrantplacetolive.
Briefs
Footscray fire
A plume of black smoke could be seen rising above Footscray late on 26 May due to a house fire on Newell Street. Firefighters arrived at the two storey home at 4.45pm after multiple callers to triple-0 reported seeing flames coming from the rear of the property. Fire crews arrived on scene within five minutes to find the back of the house fully alight and the blaze stretching from a shed at the rear of the premises to inside the ground floor. The fire was soon contained and the situation deemed under control by 5.13 pm. All occupants of the home were accounted for. Police, Ambulance Victoria and power and gas companies were also in attendance.
Train disruptions
Late night commuters on the Werribee line should expect disruptions during June as new trains undergo testing. Replacement buses are currently operating from Newport to Werribee, between 11.55pm and the last service, until Thursday 4 June. Replacement buses will return for same time frame on Sunday 7 June and then from Tuesday 9 June to Thursday 11 June. Passengers are reminded that buses will only replace trains from Newport to Werribee during these times, not on the opposite direction.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
The new Tottenham Station. Artist’s impression – subject to change.
The new Albion Station. Artist’s impression – subject to change.
Cr Paddy Keys-Macpherson
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
40 years ago 4 June, 1986
Angry Newport residents have called for the resignation of Williamstown mayor Jack Madigan and Victoria ward councillor Lucy Plata over the council’s controversial decision to use Newport Lakes’ north west hole as a tip.
30 years ago 5 June, 1996
Hobsons Bay council will not join the Western Region Sports Assembly until it gets an extensive service agreement detailing benefits for the municipality.
20 years ago 6 June, 2006
The Nicholson Street Mall redevelopment in Footscray was given an additional $1.5 million under the state government budget handed down last week.
10 years ago 1 June, 2016
CCTV cameras installed in 2011 have failed to reduce the sale or use of injecting drugs on Footscray streets, research has found.
Boutique Townhouse Development
In a small complex of only 4 townhouses, this reverse style living abode enjoys a plethora of natural light and space whilst offering 2 bedrooms, main bathroom and upstairs comprises combined living/dining/kitchen room with a north facing balcony. Located within 4km to Highpoint Shopping Centre, Victoria University and the new Footscray Hospital . Some minor cosmetic works required, making this a great opportunity for first home buyers.
Auction Saturday 27th June @ 12:30am Contact : Terry Cooper 0411 852
Lit fest returns to the west
The2026WillyLitFestisalmosthereandfor co-program directors Alice Reid and Rita Horányi, it will be their first at the helm of thewesternsuburbs’premierliteraryevent.
A librarian at Williamstown High School, Reid takes on the role having directed the Odyssey Literary Festival in 2024 and founding the online literary magazine Two WolvesDigest in2023.
Horányi has a PhD in Comparative Literature and previously served as artistic director of the Northern Territory Writers Festival.
Both are also writers themselves and are understandably excited about the line-up they’ve curated for the weekend of 12-14 June.
“Shaun Micallef in-conversation with Marieke Hardy about his new book De’Ath Takes A Holiday,” Reid said when asked to nominate what she was most looking forwardto.
“Shaun is a Williamstown local, so we’re stokedhe’sontheline-upthisyear.“
Clara Brack, Sam Elkin, Maxine Beneba Clarke and Andy Griffiths are among the many other writers from the west at this year’sfestival.
“The inner west really is fertile creative ground,”Reidadded.
Horányi nominated an event featuring esteemed food writer Stephanie Alexander celebrating the 30th anniversary edition of her book The Cook’s Companion as one of herhighlights.
“I’m also really excited about our panel event, Acts of Resistance, which brings together some exceptional writers –Evelyn Araluen and Micaela Sahhar chat with André Dao – about how writing can be a form of resistance against colonial violence, displacement and erasure,” she said.
WillyLitFestissupportedbyHobsonsBay council. For more information and to view the full program, visit: https://www.willylitfest.org. au/
2026 Willy Lit Fest program co-director Alice Reid outside Williamstown Town Hall where the most of the festival will take place from 12-14 June. (Damjan Janevski) 555144_06
Exciting developments ahead for St Aloysius College
St Aloysius College continues to grow as a vibrant co-educational Catholic school, building on a proud Mercy tradition that has shaped young people for more than 135years.
Sincewelcomingitsfirstco-educational Year 7 cohort in 2023, the College has embraced a new chapter, responding to the needs of families in Melbourne’s inner north-west seeking a values-based education for both sons and daughters. Thetransitionhasbeenwarmlyembraced by students, staff and families, creating a dynamic learning environment where young people are supported to flourish academically,sociallyandpersonally.
Grounded in the Mercy values of compassion, service, justice, hospitality, kindnessandcourage,StAloysiusCollege offers an education that extends beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to develop not only strong academic foundations, but also the character, confidence and resilience needed to navigatearapidlyevolvingworld.
The College’s broad curriculum is complemented by the Universal Learning Program (ULP) and a rich range of co-curricular opportunities across STEAM, sport, languages and the Arts. This holistic approach empowers students to discover their passions, think critically, collaborate effectively and develop skills that will serve them throughouttheirlives.
A strong focus on individual wellbeing remains the cornerstone of education at St Aloysius College. Recognising that every student is unique, the College fosters a culture of belonging where young people are known, valued and supported to achieve their personal
best. In a co-educational environment, studentslearntoengagerespectfullywith diverse perspectives, build meaningful relationships and develop the confidence toleadwithintegrity.
An exciting milestone awaits in Term 3 thisyearwiththeopeningoftheCollege’s
dedicated Senior Years Campus on Boundary Road. Purpose-designed for the demands of the VCE curriculum, the new campus will provide contemporary learning spaces and a distinct senior school experience that supports students as they prepare for their futures beyond
secondaryeducation.
Enrolments for Year 7, 2028 are now open, with applications closing on Friday 14 August 2026. Families are invited to attendacampustourtolearnmoreabout theCollege.
St Aloysius students are empowered to explore their curiosity in an environment that nurtures the individual.
Police out in force over the King’s Birthday long weekend
RoadSafe Westgate is proud to support Operation Regal 2026, the statewide road policing campaign led by Victoria Police ahead of the King’s Birthday long weekend.
With increased traffic expected across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria,policewilllaunchahighlyvisible enforcement and education blitz aimed at preventing road trauma and saving lives.
WhenisOperationRegal2026?
Operation Regal will run from Friday 5 June2026toMonday8June2026,covering the entire long weekend, a traditionally high-risk period for serious and fatal crashes on Victorian roads.
Why This King’s Birthday Holiday Matters
Holiday periods mean more vehicles on the road, longer trips, unfamiliar routes and tighter travel schedules. Historically, the highest risk periods occur when drivers are:
• Leaving for holiday destinations
• Returning home
• Driving while fatigued
• Travelling at speed on freeways and regional highways
Police intelligence shows that single acts of non-compliance and basic driving errors contributed to more than half of fatalities in 2025 - including low-range speeding, distraction, drink driving and failure to obey road rules.
WhatPoliceWillBeTargeting
During Operation Regal 2026, Victoria Policewillfocusonthedrivingbehaviours most closely linked to deaths and serious injuries:
•Speeding-includinglow-rangespeeding
• Distracted driving - particularly illegal mobile phone use
• Seatbelt and child restraint offences
• Fatigue and drowsy driving
serious injuries on Victorian roads. The operation will be conducted throughout all operational Police Regions and Police Service Areas during the four days.”
He added that drivers should expect to be tested anywhere, anytime throughout the holiday period.
ACommunityResponsibility
ChairofRoadSafeWestgate,JimGiddings, reinforced the importance of shared responsibility.
“Speed is a factor in most serious crashes. Driving safely isn’t just about obeying the law. It’s about respect — for yourself,yourpassengers,yourfamilyand the broader community.”
Road trauma does not only affect those directly involved. It impacts families, friends, emergency services and communities — often for a lifetime.
If you witness dangerous driving, report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you plan to have a drink then plan to not drive, taking a big risk like drinking and driving is just not worth endangering your live or that of other road users.
Fatigue remains one of the leading contributors to serious crashes. If you are tired, stop and rest.
• Alcohol and drug-impaired driving Policewillbehighlyvisibleacrossmajor freeways, arterial roads and regional routes.
Senior Sergeant Stephen O’Connell, Road Policing Advisor from Westgate Highway Patrol said “We will be out in force, both educating and enforcing. Our aim is simple: prevent lives lost and
Enforcement Will Be High. The Stakes AreHigher. Speedsters and drivers who flout the road rules have been put on notice. This King’s Birthday break, enforcement will be visible and sustained - but the ultimate goal is not fines. It is preventing tragedy.
Road safety is not someone else’s responsibility. It is yours.
Enjoy your holiday break with family and friends and travel so you arrive safely.
DRIVING IS NOT A GAME!
Senior Sergeant Stephen O’Connell of the Westgate Highway Patrol. (Damjan Janevski) 534095_06
Essendon royalty visit ‘Bomber Tragics’ at Rivervue
When six current players from the Essendon Football Club walked through the doors at Rivervue recently, it wasn’t just a football event, it was a celebration of community, connection and lifelong passion.
Residents,familiesandlocalfootballfans gathered for a memorable afternoon with someoftheEssendontopplayers.Captain Andy McGrath was joined by teammates Darcy Parish, Archer Day-Wicks, Angus Clarke, along with AFLW legends, Madison Prespakis and Steph Cain. The players shared stories about their football journeys,childhoodmemoriesofthegame
andthechallengesofelitesport.
This relaxed Q&A session hosted by Rivervue’s much-loved “Bomber Tragics” group (or affectionately known as RBT), a socialgroupofresidentswholoveAFLand the camaraderie that comes with it. While many proudly wear the red and black of Essendon, members also barrack for clubs across the league, including the Bulldogs, MagpiesandKangaroos.
The event highlighted something many locals already know, footy has a unique way of bringing generations together. Over recent years, the RBT Hall of Fame has continued to grow welcoming a
remarkable line-up of guests to the Rivervue Community Centre, including Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy, former Bombers great Simon Madden, AFLW SeniorCoachNatalieWood,AFLhistorian BarbaraCullen
OAM and several former players and clubofficials.
In June, former Essendon player Mark Bolton is set to speak at the next RBT gathering.
But as residents say, it’s about far more than the game itself. It’s about friendship, belongingandstayingsociallyconnected. EventsliketheEssendonplayervisitalso
showcase a changing face of retirement living. Modern retirement communities like Rivervue are increasingly focused on active lifestyles, social engagement and meaningful experiences that keep residents connected to the wider community.
From sporting events and trivia afternoons to travel clubs and wellness programs, Rivervue has built a vibrant calendar designed to encourage residents tostayactive,involvedandinspired.
To find out more call Rivervue on 1300 298 439.
Where living well comes naturally Where well comes
Come and see why everyone is talking about retiring at Rivervue.
Just 9km from the CBD, we have stylish 2 & 3 bedroom homes with stunning views of the Maribyrnong River & Medway Golf Course.
WEDNESDAY 17TH JUNE 11AM - 1PM
Andrew McGrath, Angus Clarke, Archer Day-Wicks, Steph Cain and Madison Prespakis. (Pictures: Supplied)
Andrew McGrath, Angus Clarke and Archer Day-Wicks with Elizabeth Tweedly.
Steph Cain poses with young Bombers fans.
Fight for base takes flight
By Jaidyn Kennedy and Cade Lucas
The fight to save Air Force bases at Laverton and Point Cook shows no signs of abating, with residents and some local councillors opposing their planned sale.
In February, Defence Minister Richard Marles revealed RAAF Base Williams in Laverton and RAAF Base Point Cook were among 67 military sites to be fully or partially divested as per the recommendations of a defence audit.
While the audit recommended the partial divestment of RAAF Base Williams, it recommended that RAAF Base Point Cook, the birthplace of the Royal
Australian Air Force, be sold entirely.
Mark Pilkington of the Point Cook Heritage Site Trust Working Group is among those campaigning to retain the bases for community and tourism use.
“We would lose an important operating field regardless of its heritage, but we also undermine the value of the site as a cohesive heritage tourism opportunity to visit various education and engineering fields,” Mr Pilkington said.
“The whole history of that corner of Wyndham and Hobsons Bay is very tied to early aviation.
“Rather than capitalising on it just how Sovereign Hill makes Ballarat the
Doctors are ready to run
The Run Melbourne half marathon returns on19July,butforthefirsttime,runnerstackling the 21km course, or the shorter 10km and 5.5km courses, can do so while fundraising for the Western Health Foundation.
The Western Health Foundation has signedonasgoldsponsorforthe2026event, meaning it joins dozens of other charities thatrunnerscannominatetoraisefundsfor.
Among the runners set to do just that are a number of Western Health employees themselves.
Dr Dean Kotsianis, Dr Samko Jamriska and Dr Alicja Orloska all work at the new Footscray Hospital and are all busy training for Run Melbourne, the largest winter running event in the state.
Dr Kotsianis, a resident medical officer
with Western Health since the beginning of 2024, explained why he and his colleagues were so keen to lace up their running shoes and take to the streets on the third Sunday in July.
“We’ve got a lot to give back, and a lot to gain, by interacting with our community and we can’t wait to do so,” Dr Kotsianis said.
The Run Melbourne half marathon begins at 6.30am on 19 July, with the 10km event starting at 9.30am and 5.5km at 10.40am.
Regardless of distance, all events start at Batman Avenue and finish at Melbourne Park.
To donate or register to run, visit: https:// runmelbourne.com.au/
gold capital of Australia, we lose the opportunity to brand Hobsons Bay and Wyndham around the heritage.”
Mr Pilkington said that transferring the management of the sites into a community trust would be the best way to preserve them as tourist destinations.
While members of Wyndham council have been vocal in their opposition to the divestment plans, a spokesperson for Hobsons Bay council said it had not yet reached a formal position on the partial divestment of RAAF Base Williams.
“Given the land’s proximity to Hobsons Bay, council would engage through any future precinct planning or develop-
ment proposals to get the best outcomes for our community in relation to the site,” the spokesperson said.
A Defence spokesperson said the department was implementing the recommendations of the Defence Estate Audit in accordance with government direction.
“The Australian Government recognises the significance of RAAF Base Williams Point Cook to service members, veterans and the community, and is committed to both preserving the site’s heritage, including the museum, and opening it up to the public,” the spokesperson said.
Western Health employees Dr Alicja Orloska, Dr Samko Jamriska and Dr Dean Kotsianis are ready to run for charity in the Run Melbourne half marathon on 19 July. (supplied)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Free lectures
The Footscray Mechanics Institute will host 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
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.
Lucila, 9397 6168
Mystery music sessions
Held at Altona Senior Citizens, 2 Sargood Street, every Tuesday afternoon from 1.30pm. The sessions feature performances by local musicians, including solo artists, duos and groups. Entry is free to both members and non-members.
9932 1311
Marriage course
The Marriage Course at Christ Church Anglican, Newport, is an opportunity to spend eight weeks strengthening and growing your marriage through sessions that have been designed to engage you in conversation with your spouse over topics such as good sex, the art of communication and resolving conflict. The first night will be held in-person before shifting to an online format over the following seven weeks. Held on Wednesdays from 7.30-9pm, 10 June-29 July.
This year marks a century since Christ Church Newport’s red brick church on Mason Street, Newport was established. As part of celebrating this milestone, the church is seeking any photos people might have of events which have taken place in the building. These can include photos of weddings, baptisms, kids clubs, community events, and more. Those who have photos to share, or who would like to highlight notable key dates, are encouraged to get in touch.
100years@christchurchnewport.org.au
Braybrook and Maidstone
Neighbourhood House
Regular programs: Playgroup every Monday from 10am-noon, walking group every Wednesday at 9.30am, mosaic and art class every Wednesday at 10am, $4 per-session. All programs run during school terms at the neighbourhood house. New programs: Zumba classes are now held every Wednesday from 1-1.30pm and community connect and good times are held every Thursday from 1.30-2.30pm, with bingo games and afternoon tea afterwards. Both are held at the neighbourhood house, 113 Melon Street, Braybrook.
9317 5610, or jodie@bmnh.org.au
Laverton Bowls Club
Experience the fun and skill of lawn bowls, a game which is suitable for all ages. Laverton Bowls Club is recruiting new members, so if you are looking for a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to bowl both socially or at pennant level Laverton is the place to be. Come to the club on Tuesday or Thursday mornings for practice beginning at 10am. All welcome at 77-87
Hall Street, Altona Meadows. 0419 536 148, or lavertonbowls@gmail.com
Musicians welcome
Do you play any percussion, brass or woodwind instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join their community band. Please note that rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden OAM every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Spotswood South Kingsville RSL, 59 The Avenue, Spotswood. hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au
The Mighty West Heart Foundation Community Walking Group
The walks begin at 10am on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Discover the many health benefits of walking, talking, and enjoying post walk coffee and chat together. Walks can take up to 60 minutes and explore Hobsons Bay, its history, coastline, and inland scenic walks. Walks can be done at your own pace. 0411 566 862
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in-person meetings in Williamstown. If you think you may have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend. Friends and family members supporting a loved one are also encouraged to come along. 1300 222 222, https://williamstown. aagroup.org.au/, aawilliamstown@gmail. com.
Women Working Together
A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay. 9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, https://cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/
Musicians Wanted Westgate Concert Band, Established in 1979 is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am-noon at Braybrook College. westgateconcertband@gmail.com
Walking football (soccer)
For anyone aged 50 and older and any fitness level – no running allowed. This is a social activity for fun and a bit of exercise, no experience necessary. Supported by Hobsons Bay Council and Football Victoria, this is a free activity each Wednesday, from 10-11am, indoors at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive, Altona. Mike, 0423 291 708
Fiddle group
The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group is a great place for beginners or those with some experience, to play music in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. Come on down, have some fun, make new friends, have a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. Children are also most welcome. The third Saturday of the month, from 6.30-8.30pm, at 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport. https://www.nffc.org.au/ beginner-playalong
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
Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon-2.30pm.
Woodcarving workshop
Held weekly at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, but women are welcome too. Aimed at all levels of ability in the ancient, international crafts of carving, whittling and chipping. Starter gouges and timber are available, but participants are advised to bring their own tools and projects if possible. Held on Tuesdays, 9.30am-noon, 280 Queens Street, Altona. John, jah2802rot@gmail.com
Computer classes
Scams, MyGov, software, online shopping, banking, email, whatever. We all need to keep up with the internet, IT, computers, and changing technology. Classes every day of the week, mornings and afternoons, in Williamstown and Altona North. Lynne, 9397 6168
Footscray CWA
Meet on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9pm at Footscray Scout Hall next door to Footscray Police Station, 4a Hyde Street.
cwaofvicfootscray@gmail.com, or https://www.facebook.com/ CWAofVicFootscray/
Williamstown Seniors
The group meets every Tuesday at 1-3pm at Denis Reserve. It is a small group looking for more seniors both male and female. Members enjoy two hours of singing as well as afternoon tea. Cost is $5 for the afternoon.
Marlene, 0402 769 204
Altona North Combined Probus
The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. Lesley, 0414 481 442
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Yarraville actor Scott Middleton, who is playing Groucho Marx in Between The Lines – The James Joyce/ Groucho Marx Letters. (Damjan Janevski) 555176_01
TUN
THIRD PLACE
Embrace the arts in winter
Woodend will come alive as the annual WinterArtsfestivalmakesitsreturn.
Over four days, Australia’s longest running winter arts festival will return to the region with a jam packed program of music, performance, words and ideas, which artistic director of the festival Dr JacquelineOgeilsaidissellingoutfast.
“We’ve got some really big names coming,”shesaid.
“In the words and ideas program, we’ve got David Marr coming from Sydney who runsLateNightLive,we’vegottheamazing socialpsychologistHughMackay,andwe’ve got Anna Goldsworthy who’s publishing
an article with Quarterly Essay on AI and creativity.”
Other highlights across the long weekend include Alan Finkel who will be hosting a talk on AI, Rosalie Ham who will talk about her latest book, Look After Your Feet and piano masterclass with Tamara-Anna CislowskaandElenaKats-Chernin.
Students from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School will perform, with the student ensemble taking over St AmbroseHallforashow.
Dr Ogeil will also perform at the festival, and said there’s something for everyone overthefourdays.
“Things are selling out really quickly, our ticketsarethebestinourhistorysofar,”she said.
“We hope that continues because David Marrhassoldout,HughMacKayisaboutto selloutandsoisAlanFinkel.
“People shouldn’t leave it to the weekend to make a decision, they really need to get in now because they are intimate performancesandshows.”
Woodend Winter Arts will take place at venues across Woodend on the King’s Birthday long weekend, 5-8 June, with tickets for plenty of shows still available. Details:woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au
Winter solstice by the sea
You can do magic!
Celebrate the longest night shortest day of the year at Seaworks when the Winter Solstice Festival is held at the historic maritime precinct in Williamstown on Friday 23 May.
Marking the start of the winter season, the winter solstice has its roots in ancient traditions and has been celebrated by different cultures around the world for thousands of years. It is often associated with the rebirth of the sun and the return of light after the darkness of winter. However, the rebirth of the sun and return of the light will feel a long way away
by the end of June when the festival takes place, with the longest night of the year likely to have already begun by the 5pm start time.
The early darkness and frigid temperatures won’t prevent an exciting and entertaining evening though, with giant puppets, circus acts, face painting, ghost tours, theatre, dance and live music all on offer.
The line-up includes the Willin Wimmin Singing Choir from 6.30-6.50pm and again from 8.30-8.50pm, The Highland Dance Group from 7-7.10pm and 7.50-8pm and
theSwayPolePerformersfrom7.10-7.20pm and 8pm-8.10pm.
Jamaican Reggae from DJ Stick Marboo and Zare Demus will then close out the festival from 9-10pm.
Art exhibitions, market stalls and the Seaworks Maritime Museum will be open throughout the night, as will a variety of food and wine vendors.
Entry is free and the event is open to all ages.
The Winter Solstice Festival is supported by Hobsons Bay council and the state government.
Little River is bracing for fun when Dazzling Dan The Magic Man comes totown.
The magician and all of his exciting moves will dazzle the Little River MechanicsHallonMonday29June.
Dan Bingham has been plying his trade for more than 35 years and assures everyone that his show is not justabouttrickingfolk.
“WhenIwassixyearsoldIwasabit of a class clown and prankster so my mum thought magic would be a little less annoying,” he said. “Then I met a magician in high school who said I shoulddoitforpocketmoney.”
Youcanexpectthingstoappearand disappear, but you’ll be more than a spectatorifyoufeelthemagic.
“I love getting people up on stage and performing, as it keeps it really engaging rather than just having themsitthereandwatch.
“People love magic for different reasons, getting them involved is a way to bridge them from observer to fan.”
“For me magic is combining science, maths and the intellectual thingswithcreativity.”
Consideringitwillbeschoolholiday time, this is particularly dazzling eventforfamiliestoenjoy.
“Itisanicewaytoswitchgearsfrom the school routine to family holiday,” MrBinghamsaid.
Hit the dance floor for a boogie at the Blackwood Disco Inferno
Blackwood is gearing up to turn the heat on this winter, with the return of the much-lovedBlackwoodDiscoInfernonext month.
Thesecondannualeventwilllightupthe BlackwoodTownHallonSaturday13June, promising a night packed with glitter, dancing, and community spirit.
Created by five friends with a shared passion for music, dancing, and “excessive sparkle”, the disco quickly became a standout event on the local calendar after its debut last year drew a colourful and diverse crowd from across the municipality.
Organiser Anna Perry said last year’s
event proved disco fever knows no age limit.
“Our favourite thing about last year’s disco was the diverse crowd that it drew: kids, teens, adults, recent arrivals to the town, residents of 30 plus years, people from nearby towns, and friends from further afield,” she said.
“Everyone was there for a good time!”
And this year’s celebration is set to be even bigger, with attendees encouraged to dust off their sequins, bring their dancing shoes,andpreparetoboogieintothenight.
The event will once again showcase local talent and businesses, with DJs from the area providing the soundtrack for the
evening and Trentham food truck Jinky’s serving up dance-floor fuel.
Guests can also look forward to disco tarotreadings,dancedemonstrationsfrom the Lauriston Body Bop crew and drinks from Spring Hill’s Merth Winery.
To top it all off, the dance moves don’t go without a good cause, with funds raised going back into the community through helping to support a playground project at the Blackwood Cricket Oval.
So,grabyourcrew,bookyourticketsand dust off those disco outfits as Blackwood’s annual Disco Inferno returns.
Seaworks executive officer Glen Jones prepares to host the Winter Solstice Festival under a full moon on Friday 23 June. (Damjan Janevski) 555141_01
Get down and boogie at Blackwood’s Disco Inferno as it returns Saturday 13 June. (Supplied)
Woodend Winter Arts Festival committee members Madeline Blake, Jacqueline Ogeil and Irene O’Duffy. (Damjan Janevski) 475634_01
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the
ACROSS
1 Plant of the genus that includes cabbage (8)
5 Prizes (6)
10 Riverside embankment (5)
11 Central American country (9)
12 Tallies (6)
13 I don’t know (coll) (5,2)
14 Inverted (8)
15 Alliance (6)
18 Round, red root; salad vegetable (6)
20 Masters (8)
21 16th US president (7)
24 Common fruits (6)
27 Garrulous (9)
28 Popular aquarium fish (5)
29 Peril (6)
30 Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8) DOWN
1 Light globe (4)
2 Publicly supported (9) 3 Slur (5) 4 Box (8) 6 Hub for military planes (7)
7 Recommends (5)
8 Brazen (9)
9 Crust formed over a cut (4)
14 Not connected by kinship (9)
16 Clothed (9)
17 From Osaka, e.g. (8)
19 Repository (7)
22 A tough synthetic polymer (5)
23 Fastener (4)
25 Father (Lat) (5)
26 Counterfeit (4)
Today’s Aim:
12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 25 words: Excellent
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”. E I I G T W N N R
3
1 New Zealand singer Ella Yelich-O'Connor is better known by what name?
2 In Roman mythology, who is the goddess of peace?
3 True or false: the US states Kansas and Arkansas share a border?
4 What kind of animal is the satyr tragopan?
5 Is euchre a type of oil paint, card game or woodworking tool?
6 How many points does a pentagram have?
7 What do we call the exercise also known as a ‘jumping jack’?
8 In which year did ABBA win the Eurovision Song Contest: 1969, 1974 or 1980?
9 Ending its run in 2011, The OprahWinfrey (pictured) Show started in what year?
10 What is the capital city of Kenya?
No. 324
No. 292
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Azzi Fudd, the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, plays for which team?
2. The Big Freeze fundraiser is associated with which sporting league?
3. And which teams face off in the annual Big Freeze match?
4. The late US racing driver Kyle Busch competed in what form of car racing?
5. Which team did Auckland FC defeat to win the 2026 A-League Men Grand
11. The first Enhanced Games multi-sport event took place in which US state?
12. Which two teams competed in the 2026 NBA Western Conference finals?
Which two teams competed in the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference
Tom Huber recently became the first Australian signed to play what Division 1 college football position?
8. Which country is set to host the opening match of the 2026–27 Big Bash League?
After 12 NBA seasons, which Australian former NBL player has signed with Melbourne United?
13. What nationality is tennis star Talia Gibson?
14. Which Formula 1 driver has reportedly been banned by Mercedes from competing at the Nürburgring in the near future?
15. In baseball, what term is used to describe a straight hit with little to no arc, usually not far above the ground?
16. Which NBA Hall of Famer is known by the nickname ‘The Big Ticket’?
17. Which AFL team recently broke the record for the highest-scoring third-quarter in VFL/AFL history?
20. Which two expansion teams are set to join the NRL in 2027 and 2028?
21. In which year was the first Dreamtime at the ‘G AFL game held?
22. And how many times has it been played somewhere other than the MCG?
23. Which brand provides the official game balls for the NBA?
26. The Australian women’s basketball and netball teams are referred to as which gems, respectively?
27. Which other league is the concept of the NRL’s ‘Magic Round’ derived from?
28. What is the nickname of San Jose’s MLS team?
29. How many points is the blue snooker ball worth?
Adelaide-born Curtis Mead plays for which Major League Baseball
18. And how many thirdquarter goals did they score?
19. The Tempo are a WNBA team based in which city?
24. What is the name of the racing championship in the movie Cars?
25. In cricket, what is the position of short leg also known as?
30. In which year was women’s ice hockey first featured at the Winter Olympics?
Top of the range, and pricey
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
You can understand why Japanese and Korean car makers continue to rollout petrol-onlymodels.
Notallbuyerswant,orcanafford,thecost of an electric vehicle, although that is the waythemarketisultimatelyheading.
With a barrage of competition from cheaper Chinese rivals, anything they can do to pick up a few extra sales is fast becomingessential.
And so, we have the top of the range Outlander Exceed Tourer, powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, withallthebellsandwhistlestomatch.
In fairness, Mitsubishi also offers hybrids or more specifically plug-in hybrids, for the Outlander and Eclipse Cross, but naturally theycostmore–quiteabitmoreinfact.
Styling
Before proceeding, it should be pointed out that Outlander shares its underpinnings with the Nissan X-Trail, so you might want toshopbothvehicles.
Prices for Outlander start from $39,990 for the five-seat, front-wheel drive petrol Outlander ES. It’s followed by LS, Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer, the last topping out at $57,990 plus on-road costs, with two or all-wheel drive and five or seven seats an optionwithsomegrades.
If you’re feeling a little guilty about pumping unnecessary hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, the Exceed Tourer in plug-inhybridformtakesthepricetoalofty $74,490plusonroads.
At a savings of $17,000, our test vehicle wasthepetrol-powered,five-seat,all-wheel driveExceedTourer.
Launched in May 2025, the latest Outlander features local steering and suspension tuning, reportedly adopted for markets around the world because it’s so good.
Minorstylingchangeshavebeenmadeto freshen up the car, with updated bumpers and lower garnish, designed to create a modernlookwithimprovedaerodynamics.
The lights have also been upgraded with the rear combination units featuring a ‘smoked’ clear outer lens and a ‘black tone’ inner.
Rear turn indicators and reversing lights arenowLED.
The profile benefits from updated wheel designs, with 18s for the ES and LS, and a more complex 20-inch design for Aspire, ExceedandExceedTourer.
Exceed adds such goodies as cooled and heated front seats, aluminium pedals, frame-less rear-view mirror (with digital monitor), memory and auto tilt in reverse for exterior mirrors, along with front door puddlelightsandarearcargofloorboxwith lid.
The icing on the cake for Tourer includes two-tone exterior paintwork, full-size alloy spare, quilted brown semi-aniline leather trim, massage front seats, heated second-row seats and the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system with 12 speakers.
Outlander is covered by a five-year/100,000km warranty or 10 years/200,000km provided you get it serviced by Mitsubishi – plus 10-year cappedpriceservicing,plusuptofouryears ofcomplimentaryroadsideassistance.
Infotainment
The new 12.3-inch infotainment system featureshigherresolutionandanenhanced response rate, with another 12.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster, plus two selectablethemes.
There’s Bluetooth with voice control,
AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, built-in navigation, wireless CarPlay and Android AutoandinthecaseoftheTourer–Yamaha premiumaudio.
Thisincludes12speakersandisdesigned to deliver a rich, cinematic experience, with a subwoofer, dual amps and Yamaha’s Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with Finite Impulse Response, delivering 1650 watts of powerforanimmersivesoundexperience.
There’s also wireless charging and five USB-C ports (two front, two back and one consolebox),with12-voltoutletsinthefront andluggagearea.
Outlander is the first model to get MitsubishiConnect.
Five-star safety includes refinements to the haptic brake warning, blind spot interventionandlanedepartureprevention systems.
Autonomous emergency braking (Car to Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping(ELK)arestandard.
There’s also driver monitoring, camera-linked rear automatic braking, 360-degreemonitor,trafficsignrecognition with active cruise control and speed limit link.
Acentreairbagprovidesaddedprotection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes,butthethirdrowmissesoutonside airbagprotection.
Engines/transmissions
Apart from the PHEV, all grades get the same proven 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinderpetrolengine.
Paired with a CVT style transmission, it generates 135kW of power at 6000 rpm and 244Nmfrom3600rpm.
Driving
The new model is 4720mm long, 1862mm
wide and 1745mm high, with a 2706mm wheelbase and 11.2 metre turningcircle.
The interior has been redesigned, with higher quality materials throughout, and stitched and quiltedpart-leathertrim.
An updated centre console sees the cup holders relocated, while centrestoragehasgrown45percent.
With a 55-litre tank it takes standard 91 unleaded with fuel consumption a claimed 8.1L/100kmforthismodel.
Getting into the Outlander for the first time we were impressed by the fit and finish, generous space and comfortable seats, along with the way the chunky steeringwheelsatsnuglyinourhands.
The cabin is a nice, relaxing place to wile awaythehours.
The non-turbo, non-hybrid 2.5-litre engine feels more than adequate around town, with gear change paddles and eight stepsorsimulatedgearstoplaywith.
At the same time, it could do with some more grunt, especially when it comes to mergingorovertakingoutontheopenroad.
This is where the gear change paddles come into play, allowing you to quickly dropbackasteportwo.
But,withafullcomplementofpassengers and their gear for a trip away, it could struggle.
GivenMitsubishi’sboastaboutAustralian input into the ride and handling, we were expectingbigthings.
The experience on our favourite rural drive route, which features plenty of rise and fall and sneaky potholes to dodge, wasn’t bad – but it’s not what we’d call life-changing.
RATINGS
Looks: 8
Performance: 7
Safety: 7.5
Thirst: 7
Practicality: 7.5
Comfort: 7.5
Tech: 7.5
Value: 7.5
Overall: 7.4
In the second row, new padding improves support and the seat back itself hasbeenlengthenedforadditionalcomfort.
For the first time cooled front seats are offered up front for Exceed and Exceed Tourer. They’re also heated – not just the front seats but the outer, second-row positionsinTourer.
Allinteriorlightingisnowtouch-sensitive LED.
Australian and overseas research and development staff worked closely to refine the updated Outlander’s ride and handling balance.
Working on roads throughout Australia and Japan, the group developed new suspension components and a steering maptoensureOutlanderdrivesbetterthan before.
Updates include re-calibrated front and rear shock absorbers with changes to both bump and rebound tuning, and a smaller-diameterfrontanti-rollbar.
The electric power steering has been re-mapped to provide improved on-centre feel and a more linear response when turning.
Finally,thewholepackagewascalibrated to work in conjunction with a new Bridgestonesummertyre.
The updated model also benefits from several chassis and body updates designed toreducenoise,vibrationandharshness.
For example, a new isolator was added to the transmission tunnel, while the use of steel for the bonnet further reduces sound intrusion.
Inall,18structuralpointswereidentified and addressed to enhance the passenger experience.
High-end Exceed and Exceed Tourer feature Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel drive.
Furthermore, 20-inch wheels with low profile 255/45 series rubber reduce roll in corners but they are just not that absorbent when it comes to bumps.
The wagon crashes through potholesandevenbecomesatad bouncyatspeed,butfortunately doesn’tgetoutofshape.
Acentrerotaryterraincontrol offers a variety of scenarios to selectfrom.
Dynamic we assume is Mitsu-speak for Sport and locks inall-wheeldrive.
Foranyoneseriouslyconsideringheading off road in the Outlander, it’s an SUV not a 4WD, and ground clearance is a moderate 210mm.
But it will happily take you down a rough dirtroadwithouttoomanydramas. Keep away from sand – it’s hard on transmissions.
If the Japanese helped with ride and handling, the Chinese seem to have infiltrated the driver assistance systems, with a constant and unexpected barrage of irritatingwarnings.
Braked towing capacity by the way is 1600kg and it comes with a full-size alloy spare(tick).
Rated at 8.1L/100km. we were getting 8.6L after close to 400km of driving. The long-term average, for more than 5000km, was9.0L/100km.
These figures are not outrageous, but by the same token are not really up to expectationsinthisdayandage.
Summing up
Outlander Exceed Tourer is a classy, accomplishedmotorcar.
It will appeal to a wide cross-section of buyers, but the main problem is cheaper, arguablybetter,competitors.
For the price of this car, you can get into a full-blown, plug-in hybrid Chinese SUV, thatinatleastonecasehasalsobeentuned forlocalroads.
They offer stronger performance, better fuel economy and an equally impressive equipment list and buyers are starting to takenotice.
The Yamaha sound system is a keeper though and adds a welcome point of difference.
Outlander Exceed Tourer is a classy, accomplished motor car. (Pictures: Supplied)
Football season heats up
Therewereplentyofbigcontestsandupsets across the Melbourne’s north-west on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.
Camryn Bux. 550554_07
Emily Eaves. 550554_12
Tamika Fabri. 550557_04
The Western Jets girls. 550557_08
Angus Tippett.550559_20
A puppy watches on at Yarraville. 554921_05
Kristian Adorno tries to stop his opponent. 555805_02
Werribee Centrals’ Jack Stephenson. 555805_08
Cooper Millar lays a tackle. 550559_16
Werribee Districts’ Lachlan Smith. 554921_18
Coming together for Jets
By Tara Murray
The work the Western Jets have been putting in on the track is starting to come to fruition in the Talent League girls competition.
The Jets got their third of the season on Saturday, as they were able to account for the Geelong Falcons at DSV Stadium.
After leading early the Jets were able to build on the lead throughout the game.
The Falcons were kept goalless after quarter time as the Jets ran away with a 10.13 (73)-1.5 (11) win.
“It was good to get the win on the board,” Jets’ coach Kathryn Chatelier said.
“We’ve worked hard on a few things, individually and as a team.
“We had the bye last weekend and we focused in on those things and the result was good and we’re setting some progress on the things we’ve been working on the last few weeks.”
Chatelier said they had been really focusing on their brand of football and how they wanted to play.
She said they had been focused on playing an exciting brand of football and making sure they were playing as a team and not individuals.
“It was a positive step forward but there’s still work to do. It was good to see the progress that we’ve made so far.”
Alana Dambrosio kicked four goals in the win for the Jets, while Paige Hutchison and
Leilani Petaia, Jacinta Chalista Eteuati and Ruby Jones were named the Jets best in the win.
The Jets had a number of changes to their team with a number of players either playing their first or second games for the Jets.
Chatelier said it was exciting to see the talent that they had on the list and that they all came in and had an impact.
“There was the opportunity to play so many new players,” she said.
“That is part of the Talent League and there’s a whole range of talent coming through and there’s opportunities throughout the season to show their best footy.
“Footy is strong in the west. It makes it
Muir named in world championship team
By Tara Murray
Williamstown Athletics’ Dash Muir hoping that making the Australian under-20 athletics World Championship team will open up more doors for him.
Muir had set his eyes on making the World Championships for the past year and was named as part of the 4x400 metres relay.
Muir said it was pretty crazy that it had come true.
“It’s surreal, it’s been a goal for a while,” he said. “I’ve been working towards that for a while and it’s kind of happened, it’s really special.
“It’s a strong pathway in my development. It opens a lot of opportunities and pathways and possibly college in the US.
“It’s pretty big as an athlete, just having that achievement is pretty special.”
Muir said when he heard that he’d made the team came as a relief as there were a number of runners who had made the time.
Muir thought he had done the best he could to get into that team, running a season’s best at nationals.
“I’d run a lot of relays,” he said. “And I keep running well at nationals.
“You can have the time and run it in January, Feb, March but if you don’t perform well at nationals… I peaked at the right time of the season in that national final.
“I’ve done it before. It’s good to have that reassurance that I’ve done it before.
“I can trust myself to prep for that race and be more calm.”
Muir said he was hoping to enjoy the trip to America..
He said they have a strong relay team and he thought it was a special team that could possibly break an Australian record.
Muir really broke onto the scene last year when he made the final of the Stawell Gift beating Australian star Lachlan Kennedy.
While the track has been a big focus, Muir has still been on the gift circuit.
“It has kind of helped me build some momentum,” he said.
“I just finished year 12 last year and that was pretty hectic. I was a bit all of the shop in October and November, but I knew I didn’t need to be too full on trying to run a time then.
“Starting in January to April, I ran a 400 just about every week.
“Doing the gifts was pretty good. You back them up quickly and you have to run a pretty good race every time.”
Following the world championships, Muir is considering heading to college in America and hopefully open more opportunities.
While Muir is focused on his running, his other sporting love is still in the background.
Muir played football with Spotswood and was previously part of the Western Jets. He’s stepped away from football for the
moment, but hasn’t ruled out returning to the sport later on.
“I’ve been missing it,” he said. “Footy will always be here in Aus, build up some credentials in athletics and I can always come
easier [when players are pushing for selection]. We want to make sure they are bringing out the best in each other and if they’re at their best at training, they are making other players better.”
The Jets now sit eighth on the ladder.
They head to Ballarat this weekend to face the GWV Rebels, who have won one game for the season.
Chatelier said it would be another good challenge for them.
After the Rebels game, the Jets have two weekends off with the national championships getting underway.
The Jets have five players in the squad and one train on player in another positive sign for the talent in Melbourne’s west.
Gulls bounce back
Williamstown returned to the winners list with a big win against Essendon in the Victorian Football League women’s competition on Saturday.
The Seagulls headed to Windy Hill to face the Bombers and it was a strong four quarter performance.
It was seven scoring shots to none in the first quarter in the favour of the Seagulls, but they only led by 17 points after not making the most of their opportunities.
The Seagulls extended the margin to 27 points at the main break.
Similar the first quarter, the Seagulls weren’t able to make the most of their opportunities.
They had eight scoring shots for the quarter, but kicked just two goals. The Seagulls finished off strongly, winning 9.15 (69)-2.4 (16).
Mia Zielinski and Neve Crowley kicked three goals each for the Seagulls.
Naomi Ferres and Emily Eaves had plenty of the ball, with 29 disposals each.
The Seagulls will face Port Melbourne on Sunday in round four.
Meanwhile, the Seagulls lost a second straight game in the VFL, losing to Coburg on Sunday.
The Lions led at every break and had the answers when the Seagulls came hard in the final quarter.
The Lions won, 12.19 (91)-10.13 (73).
Jack McHale and Nathan Colenso kicked three goals each for the Seagulls.
Jake Greiser had 22 disposals for the Seagulls, while Luke Parks had 18 possessions and took 10 marks.
The Seagulls slip to seventh on the ladder with a 5-3 record.
back and use them to get in some teams.”
Muir’s coach Shaun Bassett will be running some school holidays camps, which Muir is set to attend, to help raise funds for Muir to head to the World Championships.
Williamstown will face Port Melbourne on Sunday in the second match of the double header between the two sides.
Tannah Pawlowski kicked two goals each.
Dash Muir. (Supplied)
Neve Crowley leads in the foot race. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 550554_03
Rangers making progress
By Tara Murray
Footscray Rangers feel they aren’t fair away from their first win of the FV state league 7 north-west season.
The Rangers are fielding a senior men’s team in the state league competition for a second straight season and are keen to continue on building on what they did last season.
President Nathan McLean said they had seen some really positive signs this season.
“We’re still not very successful at the moment, but the club has had some good moments,” he said.
“We think a win is not that far away. It’s been a lot better than last year.
“There’s definitely more talent this year, we’ve done that on the back of recruiting new blood,”
“We’ve invested more heavily in staff
for the club.
“The support is there, and they are absolutely pushing them to the limit to see what they want to achieve.”
The Rangers had a tough match on Saturday against Old Trinity Grammarians.
The Grammarians scored in the fifth minute to take the lead. Two goals in six minutes after half time made the lead 3-0.
The Rangers hopes of a comeback were dashed when they went two men down after two red cards early in the second half.
Footscray sits 12th on the ladder.
While the Rangers men’s side is still searching for its first win, the Rangers women’s side is continuing to go from strength-to-strength.
It’s the third season the Rangers have had a state league women’s side.
“They are in the top four of state league north-west 8 division,” McLean said.
“Sophie Hayden and Liliana De Giusti
have been our two star players, “The coach Jack Shipway has led them to on field success sar far. They are gun-
Eagles swoop on Tigers in last quarter
By Tara Murray
Yarraville Seddon produced one of more stunning final quarters of the season to upset Werribee Districts in the Western Football League division 1.
The Tigers looked on track at three quarter time to continue their unbeaten start to the season, leading the Eagles by 29 points having been down by one point at half time.
The Eagles came home strongly with nine goals in the final quarter to overrun the Tigers as they won, 19.13 (127)-17.9 (111).
Eagles’ coach Brad Julier said the win keepsthemintouchwiththetoptwoteams.
“It was a good win to come from behind and get the four points,” he said.
“We had to get that one to keep in touch with Werribee and Caroline Springs.”
Julier said they were disappointed at three quarter time that they were down by that much having thought they were well and truly in the game.
He said the Tigers had been able to put on a few goals in the third quarter that resulted in the margin.
Julier said they still had confidence that they could get the job done.
“I don’t know the last time someone kicked nine goals in a quarter like that,” he said.
“We got them exposed and were able to score against them.
“We played with a bit more freedom and we took the game on. We were a bit more offensive.”
Will Kliszewski and Michael Selsby kicked four goals each for the Eagles.
Julier said the pair were good up forward in a really strong team performance.
He highlighted Travis Varcoe’s leadership on field as another key part of the win.
The Eagles remain third on the ladder, but are now only percentage behind the Caroline Springs and Werribee Districts, who sit above them on the ladder.
There’s a competition wide bye this weekend for the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Julier said while it would have been nice to continue the momentum after the win against the Tigers, they had a number of sore players.
ning for promotion this year.
“They are a very talented squad.”
The Rangers suffered a 2-0 loss to Maidstone United on Sunday. McLean said overall the club continued to grow in such a short period of time. It now has 450 players and is continuing to row.
“Each year we’re getting bigger and bigger,” McLean said.
“We’ve got plenty of physical space to use but the masterplan has been delayed so it’s been challenging trying to find space for all the balls.
“We’ve been more involved in the community with free school programs in West Footscray and we have an all-abilities program that runs every week.”
Meanwhile in men’s state league 6 north-west, Maidstone United beat Docklands Athletic, 4-1.
Maidstone sits atop the table.
Sports shorts
VTCA
Footscray United has suffered a blow with James Deasy departing the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaacs Howarth Shield club. Aberfeldie announced that Deasy was returning after a number of seasons away at Essendon and Footscray United. The opening bat played a key role in the Bulldogs making the division 1 grand final last season.
Western FL North and West Footscray continued on their winning ways on Saturday in the Western Football League division 2 competition, while Braybrook lost a thriller. North Footscray accounted for the Western Rams, 24.27 (171)-5.9 (39). William Markovski was named the Devils best in the win. West Footscray beat Laverton, 26.17 (173)-1.8 (14) with Matthew Turcinovich kicking seven goals. Elsewhere, Braybrook lost to Albanvale, 8.14 (62)-8.10 (58). North Footscray remains in second spot, West Footscray in third and Braybrook slips to sixth.
“It comes at a good time,” Julier said.
The Eagles face Albion after the break before taking on bottom side Point Cook Centrals.
Julier said it would be another challenge against the Cats, who are fighting for a finals spot.
“Hopefully we can keep the momentum going.”
In other results, Parkside cemented fourth spot on the ladder with victory against Hoppers Crossing.
A 10 goal second quarter set up the 19.8 (122)-8.8 (56) win.
Zachary Morris kicked five goals for the Magpies, while Deagan Madden was named their best.
Spotswood returned to the winners list, beating Point Cook.
Justthreepointsseparatedthetwoteams at three quarter time before winning, 15.13 (103)-11.15 (81).
James Cleaver and Harley Walshe kicked four goals each for the Woodsmen.
Elsewhere, Newport lost to Sunshine, 18.13 (121)-13.6 (84) and Altona lost to Albion, 17.9 (111)-4.6 (30).
Yarraville Seddon came away with a strong win against Laverton in the Western Football League women’s competition. After an even start, the Eagles kicked away with eight goals to three after quarter time, winning 9.13 (67)-.4 (28). The win was the Eagles fourth and they now sit fifth on the ladder. Elsewhere, West Footscray lost to the Suns, 5.5 (35)-3.5 (23), North Footscray lost to Werribee Centrals, 25.18 (168)-0.0 (0) and Parkside Spurs beat Caroline Springs, 1614 (110)-0.0 (0).
Big V
The Altona Gators continued their good form as they beat the Craigieburn Eagles on Saturday night in the Big V women’s division 1 competition. The Gators set the 75-60 win up in the middle two quarters as they outscored the Eagles, 44-24. Monique Marcetic-vaotangi top scored for the Gators with 19 points. In the division 1 men’s division, the Gators upset Craigieburn, 96-77.
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Sajan Basnet. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 492154_08
West Barker. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 554921_16
Falcons ‘a work in progress’
By Tara Murray
The City West Falcons continued to pile on the goals on Wednesday night in the Victorian Netball League, but it wasn’t enough to get the job done against the Boroondara Express.
The Falcons have been the highest scoring team in the competition but have conceded the second most goals.
On Wednesday night, despite scoring the second most goals for the round, the Falcons lost to the Express, 73-70.
Falcons’ coach Marg Lind said they left too much work to do in the last quarter.
“That’s the second time we’ve scored 6970 goals and lost, which is not great,” she said.
“Certainly in the last quarter we really shuffled the deck and tried some different things to get a bit more positivity in the defence.
“That worked and we pulled back a 12
goal deficit but we ran out of time. We needed a couple more minutes.”
“We’ve definitely got the firepower capacity, but we’re not there defensively.”
The Falcons had a surprise member in their line up, with Melbourne Mavericks shooter Uneeq Palavi part of the team.
The Mavericks wanted to get some more court time for Palavi, who is a premiership player with the Falcons.
“It would be hard for Uneeq coming back in,” Lind said. “We had to change things around to bring her back in.
“We love her to death and she’s part of the club. We gave her a run at goal attack and a run at shooter.”
After having a rare break on the bench, Jane Cook played a big role in the Falcons last quarter comeback as they scored 24 goals.
Cook finished with 54 goals for the game.
Lind said it was a line up that they hadn’t
used before and it worked for them.
She said Lani Fauonuku who only played the last quarter had a good impact in the last,
AFL dream realised for Williamstown duo
By Tara Murray
Williamstown duo Joel Fitzgerald and Hugo Hall-Kahan were all selected in the AFL mid-season draft.
Thepair heard their names called out on 26 May as 18 players found their way onto AFL lists.
Eleven players were selected from Victorian Football League clubs, while six from South Australian National Football League clubs,
The 22-year-old has spent the first half of 2026 turning heads for Williamstown in the VFL with speed and line-breaking runs.
Hall-Kahan, who stands 188 centimetres tall, rose through the junior ranks as a forward but has spent time for the Seagulls honing his craft in defence.
The Sandringham Dragons product also arrives with experience at the elite level, having spent 18 months on Sydney’s list in 2022 and 2023.
Adelaide national recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie said Hall-Kahan is a mature, ready-made player.
“We’re really pleased to have Hugo joining us,” he said.
“We went into this mid-season draft with our eyes solely on him, and when we saw his name still available at Pick 10 we jumped at
the chance.
“A forward in his junior years, he’s spent a lot of time with Williamstown down back and has picked up the defensive craft really well.
“He’s someone who can add value right now and we believe has the potential to be a long-term player for the club.”
Hall-Kahan’s Williamstown teammate Joel Fitzgerald was selected by Melbourne at pick 16.
Following an impressive run of form at VFL level, Fitzgerald arrives at Melbourne after successfully transitioning from defence into the midfield this year. After spending time in Essendon’s VFL program before moving to Williamstown ahead of the 2024 season, Fitzgerald has emerged as one of the competition’s leading ball-winners
while Georgia Berry looked strong when she moved into goal defence.
After 11 rounds, the Falcons sit fourth on the ladder with a 6-5 record.
“It’s a tight season, and it’s all over the shop,” Lind said.
“We’re a work in progress. We have to keep going as it will be a tight end to the season.
“We’ve got a really hard run. We play them [Boroondara], we play Casey again and we play the Hawks again.
“It’s made it interesting for us.”
The Falcons 23 and under side had a one goal win, 60-59, against the Express after getting off to a slow start.
Lind said Holly Adams-Alcock played really well and had improved a lot this season.
She said she was someone they would look to elevate into the championship side moving forward.
Ring returns to Williamstown
By Tara Murray
Murray Ring didn’t expect to return to Williamstown but is excited for the challenge after becoming the Victorian SubDistrict Cricket Association club’s coach.
Ring has been appointed coach for the next two seasons, replacing Sean Sturrock, who has stepped down from the role.
Ring said it was a challenge that he was looking forward to.
“It’s not something that I thought would happen,” he said.
“I was at Footscray as an assistant coach and I ruptured my achilles last year, so I was coaching and not playing.
“I now figured I couldn’t do that at premier level, so I decided to come back home to Williamstown and coach and play at the same time.”
Ring said having been around the club makes it easier to step into the coaching role.
SincehistimeatWilliamstownlasttime, he also coached at Ormond for five years.
He said the Seagulls are in a similar positiontowhatOrmondwaswhenhejoined the club.
“There’s a lot of junior talent coming through,” he said.
in 2026. He is averaging 34 disposals per game, the third-highest figure in the league, including a standout 40-disposal, two-goal performance.
Fitzgerald also played junior football at South Morang.
Demons recruiting manager Jason Taylor said Fitzgerald continues to get better and better,
“He’s never suffered from not finding the ball Joel even back at Northern Knights back in covid years, he played as half back then, always got his hands on the ball 20-plus times a game,” he said.
“Very clean and doesn’t fumble, sees the game well more recently transfer his game into the midfield under Justin Plapp and Danny Ryan at Williamstown.”
Speaking on Melbourne’s website, Fitzgerald said it was an unreal feeling.
He started training on Wednesday.
“I was at training with all the boys and I got off the track, went inside and a few of the boys were watching it and I sort of had a peak,” he said.
“Lucky enough to hear my name called out and the boys got around me, it was good.”
Fitzgerald said he thought he was a 50-50 chance of being selected and it was a relief to hear his name.”
“I thrive in that environment and there’s a good young core and some senior players there as well.”
Ring said looking at last season, when the Seagulls finished 12th, that their good was really good and their bad was really bad.
He said they needed to find a bit more consistency from week to week and throughout games to close the gap.
While Sturrock has stood down as coach, he will remain as captain.
Ring said it would give Sturrock an opportunity to focus less on other things and more on his own game.
“Sean is a superstar,” he said.
“The longer he plays for us the better. He’ll be able to focus on the capability to make runs and take wickets.”
Ring said he was aiming to be part of the first XI side as well adding more depth to the squad.
He said they were looking to bring in some more talent, as well as look to give the younger talent more opportunities.
“We want to build around the kids as well as having players they can learn from,” he said.
“We’d like to add a few more batters, I think our bowling is in good stead.”
