Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 6th May 2026

Lauren’s fundraiser for mum

Three years after her late mother Leigh died from breast cancer, Maribyrnong’s Lauren Philpot is continuing her quest to fulfil her mum’s dying wish.

Ms Philpot is once again organising the Mother’s Day Classic Maribyrnong, a fundraising fun run for cancer research on Sunday 10 May.

Following a successful debut last year, Ms Philpot said the fun run would now be an annual event in Maribyrnong, with the overall aim of honouring her late mum.

“My purpose is for the local community and wider public to unite in support of the cause to help me achieve my promise with mum of zero deaths caused by breast cancer by 2030,” she said of the Mother’s Day Classic which will raise funds for breast and ovarian cancer research.

Taking place this Sunday morning at Coulson Gardens in Maribyrnong, the fun run will feature both a 10km run and 4km walk as well as market stalls, food vendors and entertainment on course.

Participants are encouraged to wear either pink or teal to the event.

Details: www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/ event/mothers-day-classic-maribyrnong/home

Where in the west?

By Cade Lucas

Mystery surrounds the exact location of giant indoor skiing facility that has suddenly been announced for Melbourne’s west.

Australian urban skiing start-up Snowtunnel announced on Friday that it had secured a location approximately 11km from the CBD where its first indoor snow park will open by the end of 2026.

“Securing our first site in Melbourne is a definitive milestone,” Snowtunnel chief executive and co-founder Scott Kessler saidinannouncingthenewfacilitywhich willbebasedaroundthemassiverotating snow-filled cylinder after which his

company is named.

Roughly four-storeys high and 16-metres long, the Snowtunnel will serve as the snow park’s main attraction and also a showcase for the company’s patented ‘endless mountain’ technology.

“We’ve spent years engineering the magic of the mountains into a city-based experience,” Kessler said.

“By choosing Melbourne’s west, we are making the thrill of alpine adventure accessible to a massive, sport-loving population just minutes from the city centre. This isn’t just a concept anymore, it’s becoming a reality.”

Exactly where that reality will be based is less clear, with the company refusing

to divulge its address, suburb or even council area.

Renderings released by Snowtunnel showitlocatedbesideariver,possiblythe Maribyrnong, though a spokesperson for thecompanysaidtheseweren’tindicative of the actual site.

The Maribyrnong River is also much less than 11km from the CBD.

The suburbs that are roughly that distance west of the city are Braybrook and Tottenham, but Maribyrnong council said it hadn’t received a planning application for Snowtunnel’s facility in those suburbs or anywhere else in the municipality.

Neighbouring Brimbank council said it hadn’t received a planning application

either.

However,thereisaplanningapplication with Hume council for a large indoor recreation facility in Tullamarine.

Despite not being in Melbourne’s west and being much further than 11km from the CBD, Tullamarine is where the UrbanSurf wave pool is located, a facility the Snowtunnel modelled on and whose former chief executive, Damon Tudor, is an investor.

Hume council declined to answer questions about Snowtunnel when contacted by StarWeekly but didn’t rule out being the eventual host of the facility. A spokesperson for Snowtunnel said more details would be released later in the year.

Lauren Philpot, whose mother died from cancer three years ago, is again organising the Mother’s Day Classic fun run in Maribyrnong.

(Damjan Janevski) 549123_04

Citynews

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

When we talk about a Future Ready Footscray, we envision a vibrant activity centre where people feel safe, connected and welcomed.

That vision is shaped directly by what we heard from residents, traders and visitors. In response, Council is introducing a new place management and activation model designed to support Footscray’s CBD in a coordinated, respectful and people focused way.

Known as the Footscray Welcome Crew, the visible, on-ground presence will work alongside local traders, residents and services to deliver better services into the precinct. A key part of the Crew’s role is early connection – helping people access the right support before issues escalate, and ensuring Footscray remains an inclusive and thriving place for everyone.

Each year, Council prepares an Annual Budget to balance the ongoing challenge of maintaining ageing infrastructure while delivering essential services, within the constraints of population growth and state imposed rate caps. This year’s proposed budget is set at $245.28 million, of which $91.45 million is for our capital works program – infrastructure like roads, parks, buildings and footpaths.

Looking ahead, our new four year Putting Customers First Strategy 2026-29 sets out how Council can work

that better meet the needs of our diverse community want to know if we got it right.

Share your feedback on both the Customer Service Strategy and Proposed Annual Budget 2026/27 by 15 May on yourcityyourvoice.com.au

Mayor Cr Mohamed Semra

Follow me on Facebook ‘Mohamed Semra for Burndap Ward’

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING

Tue 19 May: 6.30pm Council Meeting

Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at Footscray Town Hall and live-streamed on Council’s website. Community members can submit questions for public question time online on or before the day of the meeting. Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings or phone 9688 0200 for more information.

Maribyrnong City Council

Civic Precinct and Community Hub

61 Napier Street, Footscray Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray VIC 3012

CAT CURFEW GETS PAW OF APPROVAL

Following extensive community consultation, Council has endorsed a new cat curfew starting 1 July 2026.

Cats will need to be kept at home between 7pm and 7am. We understand this may take some getting used to, especially for cats that are used to roaming at night.

Our focus will be on helping residents through the transition with clear information, practical tips and helpful resources. Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/cat-curfew to learn more.

P: (03) 9688 0200

F: (03) 9687 7793

email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra, Councillors and CEO Celia Haddock welcomed Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, to Maribyrnong.

Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra and Cr Cuc Lam joined Buddha’s Day Festival at Fo Guang Shan Melbourne to celebrate our multicultural and multi-faith community.

Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra alongside CEO Celia Haddock and Friends of Cruickshank Park visited the Rotunda dedicated to Peter Anderson at Cruickshank Park to admire the beautifully knitted poppies ahead of ANZAC Day.

Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra attended the ANZAC Day dawn service at Sunshine RSL, joining President Gary who served.

Cr Samantha Meredith, Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra, Patrick Jess, Director of Infrastructure and Katie Hall MP celebrated the completion of Foo cray Wharf Toilets.

WHAT’S ON

WORLD AFRICA DAY

25 May

Celebrate World Africa in Maribyrnong, featuring a range of activities including a book display at Maribyrnong Libraries, a drumming session as part of the Big Bang program, and African themed Story Time sessions.

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK PANEL

1 June at 9.30am

Join Truth, Listening and Action: A National Reconciliation Week Community Panel Discussion. Guided by this year’s theme, ‘All

shared responsibility.

IN FOCUS FESTIVAL

On now until 31 May

In Focus Festival showcases striking photography across the streets, laneways and public spaces of Maribyrnong.

Intersection upgrade impasse

Maribyrnong council and the state government remain at loggerheads over who is responsible for upgrading a dangerous intersection in Footscray.

At its meeting on 21 April, Maribyrnong council reiterated its demand that the state government help fund the installation of traffic lights and other upgrades to the intersection of Hopkins, Hallenstein and Moreland streets near the Joseph Road precinct.

The intersection has been the scene of numerous incidents in recent years, including the November 2023 death of Filipino student Frances Jeyann Ramirez.

In October last year, a coroner’s report

found inadequate lighting at the intersection contributed to the 22-year-old’s death and recommended both council and state government collaborate on upgrades including traffic signals.

Maribyrnong council has long maintained it cannot afford the estimated $10 million price tag alone, and that with Hopkins Street being a state-managed road, the state government should contribute.

This point was reiterated at its meeting on 21 April where councillors endorsed a response to an earlier notice of motion from deputy mayor and Joseph Road resident, Samantha Meredith.

“State funding is needed to deliver this upgrade,” Cr Meredith told the meeting.

However in a Facebook post on 28 April, Footscray MP Katie Hall claimed council already had enough money to deliver the project itself.

“This funding (and a list of projects to be delivered by council) is spelled out in the Joseph Road Precinct Developer Contributions Plan (DCP). One project listed is traffic signals on the intersection of Hopkins Road and Hallenstein Street,” Ms Hall said.

“Moving a motion at a council meeting doesn’t change who is responsible to deliver a project, but it does frustrate ratepayers

Company comedy coming to Altona

The Williamstown Musical Theatre Company (WMTC) is preparing to stage its May production, Stephen Sondheim’s Company: A Musical Comedy, from 8-23 May at the Altona Theatre.

Sondheim’s ground-breaking 1970 musical explores adult relationships through bachelor Robert’s 35th birthday. Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks and even a wedding, Robert contemplates his unmarried state as his friends – “those good and crazy people

[his] married friends” – explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse.

The habitually single Robert is forced to question his bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions with five married and three girlfriends.

Given the subject matter, it’s only fitting that the WMTC production of Company will be directed by married couple Tyson Legg and Rachel Rai.

“The irony is not lost on us … being a real-life couple directing a show about

real-life couples,” Legg said. “The entire cast, the production team, crew, and everyone who lent their considerable talent to this show have brought nothing but honesty and integrity into the room.” RaisaidthefactthatCompanydoesn’t often appear on Victorian stages, makes the upcoming production all the more special. “Company was written over 50 years ago and it still holds up. It feels just as sharp, relevant, and impactful today,” Rai said. Details: : wmtc.org.au

Seagulls and Tigers pay tribute to late Damien Christensen

Williamstown and Werribee are among the many football clubs mourning former coach and player Damien Christensen who died on 28 April after battling a rare form of cancer. He was 62.

Originally from Lara, Christensen played 17 VFL/AFL games for Geelong from 1983 to 1986, before arriving in Werribee in 1989, winning the winning the club best and fairest from just 14 games.

“Our players, staff and members send their deepest condolences to Damien’s family and friends,” Werribee Football Club said in a statement.

“Our side will wear black armbands this

Sunday against Port Melbourne in Damien’s honour.”

Christensen’s Werribee career was brief. In 1990 he returned to his home club of Lara to begin a coaching career that would last for more than 25 years.

In 1995 he was coaxed into coaching Williamstown by club president and fellow police officer, the late Kim Walsh.

The Seagulls were struggling at the time, so much so that Christensen pulled his boots back on and played 14 games in what turned out to be a winless season.

“Damien, we thank you for guiding our club through such a tumultuous season and

the Club’s sincere condolences are extended to Karen, Georgia, Alexandra, Brendan and the extended Christensen family at this sad time,” Williamstown Football Club said in a statement.

Christensen later coached a Geelong Falcons side featuring future AFL champions Luke Hodge, Gary Ablett Jr and Jimmy Bartel to a premiership in 2000, followed by stints with Box Hill in the Victorian Football League and Newtown and Chilwell in the Geelong Football League.

He served with Victoria Police for 35 years.

who rightfully just want it to be done.”

Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said developer contributions were collected over time, not delivered as a lump sum.

“In the Joseph Road Precinct, council has collected $12.59 million in developer contributions and spent $8.06 million to date on local infrastructure with $4.5 million remaining,” Ms Haddock said, adding that this was well short of the amount needed.

“Any major changes like new traffic lights or intersection upgrades on state managed roads require state government approval, coordination and funding.”

No return for stolen statues

The sculptor of two bronze statues stolen from Laverton last year, does not want them recast or replicated.

Dean Bowen’s statues, The Walking Figure and The Car, were stolen from Bladin Street in June 2025, the latest in a series of attacks on his artworks, which along with a third statue, The Bus, made up the Linking Laverton series he was commissioned to make by Hobsons Bay council.

From 2017 to 2025, the Linking Laverton sculptures came under constant attack from thieves and vandals, with The Walking Figure stolen and then recast 2018, The Bus stolen and recast in 2023 and The Car damaged and needing to be repaired following the same incident.

Following the theft of both The Walking Figure and The Car last year, council removed The Bus from display and have since kept it in storage.

Despite a police investigation, neither statue has been recovered and Hobsons Bay council have since received an insurance payout which will be used to fund future public artworks.

At council’s February meeting, Laverton ward representative, Cr Paddy Keys-MacPherson, moved a motion demanding a report be conducted into the stolen statues and their possible replacement.

Cr Keys-MacPherson’s motion was endorsed and the report into the stolen artworks was tabled at council’s meeting on 28 April.

It concluded that the statues couldn’t be recast or replicated this time because the artist no longer supported it.

Responding to the report, Cr Keys-MacPherson said with council no longer using bronze for public artworks and the artist not working with other materials, Bowen had requested that his artworks not be recreated.

“A little disappointing but understandable,” Cr Keys-MacPherson said of the outcome.

Bowen also requested that the remaining statue, The Bus, only be displayed indoors from now on.

It’s understood the statue will be displayed at either the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre or Laverton Community Hub from June.

When contacted by Star Weekly, Bowen said he was pleased that his statue would now be protected, but sad that this was necessary.

“I know everyone was sad about the vandalism and theft of the sculptures as I am of course,” Bowen said.

Husband and wife Tyson Legg and Rachel Rai will co-direct Stephen Sondheim’s study of adult relationships,

Budget ‘back to basics’

By Cade Lucas

A so-called ‘back-to-basics’ draft budget was endorsed by Hobsons Bay council at its April meeting on Tuesday 28 April.

The draft budget projects a small operating surplus of $2.3 million for 202627 in what council claims is a return to financial sustainability and a focus on improving service standards and accountability.

Revenue is projected at $185 million and expenses at $182.7 million, while council is expecting to collect $152.3 million in rates, more than 80 per cent of total revenue.

This is based on an average rate increase of 2.75 per cent across all properties, the maximum allowed under the state government’s rate cap.

But the council says rates for residential properties will increase on average by 1.82 per cent and commercial property owners will experience a slight decrease.

Waste service charges will rise by 7.5 per cent, resulting in waste removal bringing in more income than its costs for the first time in many years.

Ratepayers in houses with four bins will see about a $26 increase.

The extra money will to be used to pay down the waste management debt of

$2.75 million.

A capital works program of $50.6 million is expected for the year, including more than $4 million worth of unfinished projects carried over the previous year.

Road works account for $16.7 million of the program , while just over $11 million will go towards buildings, including sporting and recreation facilities, heritage buildings and community centres, and $11.5 million will go to recreation and open spaces such as parks, streetscapes, bridges and off-street carparks.

Footpaths and cycleways have been allocated $4.2 million and there is $2.1 million for new drains.

“This draft highlights council’s commitment to getting the basics right for our community,” Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said of the draft budget, which is the first one put together under the council’s new two-stage engagement model.

“From previous feedback, it is clear where our residents want to see us invest to continue to develop our city.

“I invite our community to read and engage with the draft budget summary document, so we can continue building a strong and sustainable future together.”

Details: participate.hobsonsbay.vic. gov.au

Maribyrnong bucks tribute traffic trend

Fewer than 10 motorists were caught committing traffic offences in Maribyrnong during a three-day road safety blitz coinciding with Anzac Day.

Operation Tribute involved police targeting high-risk driving behaviour across Victoria’s roads from midnight on Friday 24 April to midnight on Sunday 26 April.

While more than 4000 offences were detected statewide during the operation, just nine were in Maribyrnong, with three offences accounting for all of them.

Four motorists were found driving unregistered vehicles, three were caught speeding and two were driving while disqualified.

Common traffic offences such as drink and drug driving, driving while unlicensed, driving without a seatbelt on and using a mobile phone while behind the wheel, were not detected at all.

Locals

Olives to Oil returns to the west for 2026

CERES’ much-loved Olives to Oil program returns this May and June.

The community-powered initiative invites residents to collect olives from their own trees, or rescue fruit going to waste in local streets and parks, and have them pressed into fresh extra virgin olive oil.

Across Melbourne’s suburbs, olive trees planted decades ago by migrant families have endured. In the 1950s, arrivals from Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Malta, Lebanon and Syria brought with them a culture of growing and preserving food, filling backyards and nature strips with fruit and nut trees, including olives.

As neighbourhoods changed, many of these trees remained, but the knowledge of how to harvest and use them was lost.

Each year, tonnes of olives fall unused. CERES Olives to Oil program is changing that. Last year, 3036 people, supported by more than 200 volunteers, collected over 28.5 tonnes of olives, producing around 4000 litres of oil.

Beyond the numbers, the program has become a rare kind of city ritual: neighbours meeting over ladders and buckets, families harvesting together, and communities reconnecting with traditions of growing and sharing food.

Olives to Oil launches on 3 May. Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Melton residents can attend olive dropoff days on Sunday 17 May outside Visy Cares Hub, Sunshine, Sunday 24 May at Newport Community Hub, Newport and Sunday 31 May at McNish ‘Dinosaur Park’ Reserve, Yarraville. For those without access to olive trees, a free community festival will offer preserving demonstrations, pruning workshops, live music, food stalls and activities for children, and will be held on 18 July, at Burnside Children’s and Community Centre, Burnside. Details: www.ceres.org.au/olives-to-oil/

State budget funding to flow for inner-west schools, buses

Inner-west schools, roads, public transport and health care have all received funding in the 2026-27 state budget.

Maribyrnong College has been awarded $14.3 million for new learning spaces, including an upgraded theatre.

Yarraville West Primary gets $493,000 for existing works, while funding has also been provided for a new kindergarten opposite Footscray North Primary School on Rosamond Road.

The surrounding suburbs of Maidstone and Maribyrnong will also benefit from

increased services on the 408 bus route, with buses to run longer and more frequently, particularly on Sundays.

In Hobsons Bay, funding had been provided for a more direct link between Laverton and Aircraft stations on bus routes 496 and 498, while on water, money has been allocated to keep the Westgate Punt from Spotswood and Port Melbourne going.

Drivers will notice a cleaner West Gate Freeway with it included in a $36.9 million funding package to clean up the state’s 10

busiest roads, while Seddon is one of five locations chosen to host supportive housing sites.

Western Health is one of five health providers to share in $50.1 million to deliver 4000 additional planned surgeries for kids.

Funds for the new Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) facility in Maidstone have been reprioritised, though the exact amount is unknown.

The completion date for the SES infrastructure program it is a part of has been pushed out to mid-2028.

However, it was a different story further south in Hobsons Bay where 37 traffic offences were detected during Operation Tribute, four times as many as in Maribyrnong.

Speeding was the most common traffic offence in the municipality with nine, the same amount that its neighbour to the north had in total.

Drink driving was the second most common offence with eight, while mobile phone offences and vehicle impoundments occurred five times each.

Four motorists were caught driving unregistered vehicles, three were caught driving disqualified, while unlicensed driving and driving without a seatbelt were detected once each.

There was also one cycling offence.

Statewide, speeding was by far the most common offence with 1783 drivers caught exceeding the speed limit, while 339 were found in unregistered vehicles and 302 were either disqualified or unlicensed.

There were 178 drink driving offences detected from 68,610 preliminary breath tests and 101 drug driving offences from 1,663 roadside drug tests.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Justin Goldsmith said the amount of impaired drivers caught was concerning.

“We do tend to see a spike in impaired driving over Anzac Day and disappointingly, this year was no exception with hundreds of drivers caught under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” he said.

“If you drive impaired, not only is your chance of being involved in a collision significant, but your chances of being detected by police is far greater – so why anyone would take such a risk is difficult to comprehend.”

at a previous Olives to Oil event. (Supplied)

Three west teens charged

By Cade Lucas

Three teenagers from the western suburbs have been charged with a string of attempted home invasions and kidnappings, with police investigating whether the incidents could be linked to recent attacks on hospitality venues.

Three 17-year-old males, one from Hobsons Bay and two from Wyndham, were taken into custody after police executed search warrants at properties in Melbourne’s north-west early on Wednesday morning.

Detectives have since charged the trio in relation to six incidents at homes in

Templestowe, Wollert and Malvern earlier this month where police allege they were targeting the promoters of a weekly event at a South Melbourne venue.

The alleged incidents include: an attempted kidnapping from a Templestowe address on 9 April and an aggravated home invasion at the same address on 10 April; an attempted aggravated carjacking at a Wollert address on 12 April and an attempted aggravated home invasion at the same address on 13 April; and an aggravated home invasion and kidnapping – believed to be a targeted incident but at the wrong address – in Malvern on 14 April.

The three males have each been

Role a first of many for Imogen

Whether it be a sport, a musical instrument, computer games or some type of organised activity, most 12 year olds have hobbies and interests that will likely remain just that.

But for Altona North’s Imogen Young, the interest in acting, dancing and singing that she developed at a young age has already propelled her onto the stage as a professional performer.

With several local productions already under her belt, the Bayside College student will soon enter the big time when she takes on the role of Ivonka in the Melbourne season of Once The Musical, the award-winning theatre adaption of John Carney’s 2007 film.

“I am super excited about being cast as Ivonka in Once and thrilled to be

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working in an adult cast,” Imogen said of her first professional role.

Taylor plays Guy, a Dublin-born busker and vacuum-fixer who meets a young Czech mother with a faulty vacuum cleaner named Girl, played by Fuller.

Once follows the pair as Girl reinvigorates Guy’s passion for music.

“I love the show, it is a beautiful story which makes it even more fun to be in,” Imogen said.

Once The Musical is at Chapel On Chapel Wednesday to Sunday until Saturday 30 May.

Details: https://booktickets.com.au/

It has been a busy first quarter of the year with Mobil’s Melbourne Terminal team working hard to support Victoria’s fuel supply and strengthen Australia’s fuel security.

The Melbourne Terminal is one of Australia’s largest fuel import and distribution terminals and plays a critical role in supplying around 40% of Victoria’s fuel needs.

We continue to invest in projects at the terminal aimed at enhancing our fuel supply chain and maintaining safe and reliable delivery of fuel where and when our customers need it.

Mobil is uniquely positioned to supply Australia from its wholly owned and operated Singapore Refining Complex, one of the largest in the world, and is backed by a global scale fuel refining circuit. We remain committed to leveraging our global supply chain expertise and meeting customer demand at terminals we operate, including Yarraville Terminal which services Victoria.

With fuel sourced from ExxonMobil’s largest integrated refinery in Singapore, cargoes arrive at Gellibrand Marine Terminal in Williamstown, the only deep-water port in Melbourne that can receive

charged with numerous offences, including multiple counts of aggravated home invasion, attempted aggravated home invasion, attempted kidnapping, intentionally causing injury and committing indictable offences while on bail.

In addition, the 17-year-old from Hobsons Bay was charged with assault, kidnapping, possessing drugs, weapons and unlicensed ammunition, handling stolen goods, theft of a motor vehicle, setting fire to a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. He will face more than 30 charges in total.

One of the 17-year-olds from the Wyndham area also faces charges for setting fire to a vehicle and possessing unlicensed am-

munition, while the other was also charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, motor vehicle theft and resisting police.

The trio would appear at a children’s court at a later date.

The charges came a day after police established Operation Eclipse to investigate the recent spate of arson attacks on hospitality venues.

Police will work with officers from Operation Eclipse to determine if the six incidents they are investigating are linked to the broader series.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

long-range vessels. The fuel received is then sent down pipelines to Altona Terminal, where it is stored in some of Australia’s largest tanks.

One long-range vessel can carry enough fuel to fill half the cars in Victoria.

We also import fuel via Holden Dock, which is located next to our Yarraville Terminal. While the situation in the Middle East is affecting fuel supply worldwide and remains dynamic, currently all our import cargoes have and continue to arrive within schedule.

We’re actively contributing to fuelling the State and the Australian economy and, as you may have seen in the media, this includes securing five cargoes from the US Gulf Coast, with most of these arriving over the past fortnight.

Melbourne Terminal Manager, Nick Diaz, said, “Our team has been working incredibly hard to deliver continued fuel security during these challenging times. It has been fantastic to see the team working so closely to proactively respond in this dynamic environment.”

Mobil’s Melbourne Terminal team is working hard to support Victoria’s fuel supply and strengthen Australia’s fuel security, with the terminal playing a critical role in supplying around 40% of Victoria’s fuel needs

Bayside College student Imogen Young is appearing in the upcoming Melbourne season of Once The Musical. (Damjan Janevski) 549515_03

Bridging the dancing gap

The Western Ballet Project is bridging the gap between star-class ballet and theatre productions and its accessibility in the west. Founded by artists director Sophie O’Donnell, the Western Ballet Project is a youth ballet production company which instructs out of studios and theatres in Melbourne’s western suburbs and across regional Victoria, and it’s ensuring more people are getting into it with every Plié, Tendu, and Relevé, as Jack O’Shea-Ayres discovers.

On any given Sunday, it’s probably not unusual to spot families living west of Melbourne inching across the city in slow-moving traffic, dance bags in the boot and with hairpins scattered acrossthedashboard,enroutetoeliteballet training located far enough away to make thesometimesweeklytripuncomfortable.

For years, that commute has been the quiet cost of access. Be it time, fuel, missed weekends, opportunities for quality time with family, and a sense that the pathway to high-level performance sits somewhere “overthere“.

The Western Ballet Project is working to changethat.

Founded by artistic director Sophie O’Donnell, the youth ballet production company has emerged as a rare cultural bridge for dancers in Melbourne’s west and neighbouringregionalareas.

The youth ballet and theatre company works to bring intensive, high-quality ballet training and performance opportunities directly to the doorstep of local communities, and the impact has run deeperthanthegeography.

“I thought there must be a better way,” O’Donnell said, reflecting on years of watching her students travel east for opportunities, which often demanded entire Sundays over the course of a school term.

It’s a feeling many avid dancers and theatreenthusiastsknowwell.

“With two children, committing a whole Sunday for 10 weeks is a massive commitment,notjustforthedancerbutfor thewholefamily,”shesaid.

O’Donnell’s solution goes against the traditional models, flipping drawn-out weekly rehearsals into a condensed single, immersiveweektakingplaceduringschool holidays.

Students audition months in advance, then rehearse intensively for five consecutive days before performing on the sixth, offering a fast-paced, demanding – and often for many – transformative approachtoballetandtheatreproduction.

Thatwasthecasefor CharlotteStevenson from Ballan, who was recently involved in the Western Ballet Project’s stage-show presentationofCleopatra.

“It helped improve my confidence and reaffirm for me that we can chase passions and still continue to grow and improve in our dance training even as adults,” Stevensonsaid.

“From auditions to the performance it was a well thought out schedule especially for the production being all adults who all havebusylives.”

The program is open to performers and dancersagedroughlyeightto19,offeringnot onlystagetimebutindividualisedfeedback, technical coaching, and workshops designed to deepen their understanding of classical ballet and physical awareness, while also offering a rare sense of artistic community in an area often overlooked by majorperformingartsinstitutions.

For families in the west, the proximity mattersthemost.

Accesstoeliteartstraininghaslongbeen unevenly distributed across the city, with inner and eastern suburbs traditionally hosting the lion’s share of established schools, companies, and performance pathways. For aspiring dancers in growth corridorsinthewest,thebarriersaren’tjust financial,butlogistical.

Long travel times can limit participation, particularlyforyoungerstudentsorfamilies

balancing work and multiple children. O’Donnell saw first-hand how that strain coulddilutetheexperience.

“When I saw the ballets, as good as they were, I didn’t see enough stage time for the students considering the amount of time sacrificed,“shesaid.

Stage time is central at the Western Ballet Project, with dancers cast in original productions, spanning epics like Excalibur and The Suffragettes, to culturally inspired works such as Chang’e, Goddess of the Moon.

Upcoming productions continue that trend, with a winter-themed ballet set to closeafestivalseasoninBallarat.

The creative approach is deliberate, building on the roots of The Western Ballet Project’s dedication to world-class ballet and theatre training delivered right on the doorstep of Melbourne’s dramaticallygrowingwesterncorridor.

Rather than relying on traditional and at timesoutdatedballetnarratives,O’Donnell draws inspiration from history and strong, overlookedfigures,particularlywomen.

“Whilst the traditional ballets are beautiful and timeless classics, I find no inspiration from someone waiting for a princetosaveher,”shesaid.

“My inspiration comes from learning about different cultures and history-changingpeople.”

The storytelling process inspirationally shapes not only the performances but the trainingitself.

Dancers are encouraged to experiment, connectemotionally,andtakecreativerisks inasafe,supportive,andopenenvironment.

“Iliketocreateapositiveandhard-working environment with a feeling of camaraderie andstorytelling,”O’Donnellexplained.“To

create a story that the audience can easily interpret, dancers have to work together andfeelsafetomakemistakes.”

The compressed rehearsal period intensifiesthatverydynamic.Withjustfive days to build a production, dancers must quickly form bonds, trust one another, and take responsibility for every aspect of their performance, from props and costume changes to entrances and exits, a model which mirrors the realities of professional dance more closely than traditional youth programs.

“Dancers have to take responsibility for their own roles, just like a professional show,”O’Donnellsaid.

And the emphasis on independence extends beyond the stage, with students encouraged to manage their own preparation, from sewing pointe shoes to organisinguniforms,allskillswhichworkto fosterdisciplineandself-reliancealongside artisticgrowth.

For O’Donnell, those lessons are rooted in her own training in the UK, where she begandancingatsevenandlaterperformed professionally on cruise ships around the world at just 18. Her early teachers, she said, instilled a sense of structure and accountability which continues to shape herapproach.

“I often find myself saying some of their little phrases without even realising,” she laughs.

Since launching, the Western Ballet Project has began carving out tangible pathwaysforitsdancers.

Somehavegoneontoprestigioustraining institutions,includingtheAustralianBallet School and other elite programs, while others return year after year, building confidenceandrefiningtheircraft.

Equally significant is the program’s sense of continuity, with former youth participantsbeginningtoreturnasadults, taking part in expanded offering that includeproductionsfordancersaged19to 99, a development O’Donnell describes as oneofherproudestachievements.

“Creatingsomethinginoneplacecreates acommunitythatispriceless,”shesays. The community extends beyond the dancers themselves. Performers are designed to engage a broader audience, notjustballetenthusiasts.

In itself, it extends ballet to an even wider audience, going above and beyond its ability to reach the goal the Western Ballet Project set out to achieve in the first place. It bridges that gap in more ways thanone.

“Icreatetheballetsforanon-ballet-loving audience,”O’Donnellsays.

“If the dads can be entertained for 45 minutesandleavewantingtowatchmore, thenit’sagoodshow.”

In Melbourne’s rapidly expanding west, where cultural infrastructure is still catching up with population growth, initiatives like the Western Ballet Project are doing quiet but significant work, training dancers close to home while also building a local ecosystem for creativity, expression,andopportunity.

And while O’Donnell insists she has no grand long-term plan - “As to what the future holds, you’ll just have to wait and see,” she said, the project’s trajectory suggests a model that could reshape how regionalandouter-suburbancommunities engagewiththearts.

For many young dancers, the dream hasn’t changed, but it’s been made a lot easiertoreach.

Top left: The Western Ballet Project’s performance of Cleopatra, The Last Pharaoh at the Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs (CRCCS) Performing Arts Centre last month. Top right: Charlotte Stevenson fully dedicated in her Cleopatra attire. Left: Gordon local Laura, 8, during her audition last year. Right: ArtisticdDirector Sophie O’Donnell with candidates from the most recent auditions in the 11-13 years of age category. (Pictures: Supplied)

My day with Princess Di

By Cr Lisa Bentley

There’s something special about when a member of the royal family comes to town. In recent weeks we saw Prince Harry spend time here in Melbourne’s west, even giving footy a go down at Whitten Oval.

It’s quite fitting that at the same time as Harry’svisit,Irecentlytooktheopportunity to reflect on another royal visit – that of Princess Diana and the then-Prince (now King) Charles, 43 years ago.

As a young girl, growing up in social housing here in Hobsons Bay, I adored Princess Diana.

She was everything you could have asked for in a princess – beautiful, personable and full of care for those she met.

I was in grade six at the time, and our school ran a competition. If you wrote a story, you could be selected to be out the front when the motorcade with the prince and princess drove by. I was so excited that, of course, I wrote a story and won the competition.

When we heard Princess Diana would be visiting some new social housing in Altona North, I actually took the day off school just so I could see her again.

Not only did I see her, I had the enormous privilege of receiving a hug from her. She was so welcoming and friendly, and everyone was just in awe of her being in the same vicinity as us.

It is surreal to sit here today as deputy mayor of Hobsons Bay, coming from a place of social housing, to have been lucky enough to have had that experience.

And more than 40 years on from Princess Diana’s visit, the need for social housing in Hobsons Bay remains significant. With cost of living on the rise, it’s important we continuetoadvocateforaccessiblehousing options.

What made the visit so special, coming from living in a commission flat, was having the most famous princess in the world visit us where we lived.

Somorethan40yearson,Ilookbackwith fondness on the day I had with Princess Di.

Yarraville fire

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at an unoccupied unit on Williamstown Road, Yarraville early on 29 April. Fire crews responded to several calls of a fire on the top floor of a two-storey unit about 3.45am. Williamstown Road was shut in both directions while firefighters wearing breathing apparatus attacked the blaze and prevented it from spreading to adjoining units. The fire was brought under control by about 4am. No one was injured.

Cat clinic

RSPCA Victoria are bringing their low-cost cat clinic back to the inner west this month. The cat clinic will be at West Footscray Neighbourhood House on Friday 8 May from 9.30am–3pm. Low-cost vet checks, vaccinations and professional cat health advice are on offer at the clinic, all for a small fee. The F3 vaccination for cats will be available at the clinic. Spaces are limited so bookings are essential with a maximum of two cats per person allowed. All cats must come in a secure carrier and should only be brought in if they are healthy and well. The RSPCA’s low-cost dog clinic will return to West Footscray Neighbourhood House on Wednesday 10 June. Bookings: events. humanitix.com/west-footscray-catclinic-may-2026

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Young Lisa Bentley (far left) and Princess Diana. (Supplied)

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 Williamstownl. The classes will run from 7.15-9pm every third Wednesday of the month. The workshops explore different types of collage, mixed media paint and lots of play with colour and mark making. All materials are supplied, with attendees asked to bring an apron and a picture or photo which can be incorporated into their work. The classes cost $25 per session in order to cover materials and venue hire. Walk-ins are welcome but places are not guaranteed.

Bookings: Flipperfrog.com or 0400 693 025

LGBTQIA+ community wellbeing panel

A community-led panel, where local LGBTQIA+ community members and experts will share and discuss practical ideas for strengthening wellbeing and social connection in Hobsons Bay will be held at Newport Community Hub on Wednesday 20 May. The discussion will focus on sharing experiences, perspectives, and approaches that individuals may find useful in fostering social inclusion and community support. Patrons should arrive 6.30pm for light refreshments before the panel commences at 7pm. 9932 1290, or https://www.hobsonsbay. vic.gov.au/Libraries/Whats-on-at-the-library

Hip hop dance program

L2R Dance is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit and social enterprise proudly based in Melbourne’s west. L2R makes dance accessible to children and young people who can’t access commercial dance opportunities and draws from the history of hip-hop culture with its aims to empower and critique social issues that affect young people in Melbourne’s West and beyond. L2R’s free Next-Gen dance program is held at Phoenix Youth Hub, 72 Buckley Street, Footscray (auditorium). Classes will be held from 4.30-6.30pm each Tuesday during term.

https://www.l2r.org.au/dance-programs or 0490 811 605

Discover new skills

Join Outlets Newport Community Education Centre for classes in English conversation, computers, devices, sewing, crafts and more. All welcome. 9391 8504 or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

Sing with WIllin Wimmin choir

Discover the joy of group singing with the friendly women at WiIlin Wimmin choir in Williamstown. New members are always welcome, no audition. The choir sings contemporary, folk, choral and world repertoire in acapella style. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings during school terms, 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Dennis Reserve Centre, 109 Ferguson Street, Williamstown. willinwimmin.org.au or willin.wimmin@gmail.com

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/

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

The AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club welcomes all who want to improve their communication, leadership and public

speaking skills. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of every month from 7-9pm at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton. Helen, 0474 498 052, or aerospeakerstm@gmail.com

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

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 11.00a.m, 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

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

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/ Walking group

The Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House are holding a walking group from 9.30am every second Wednesday. The walking group is open to everyone and starts from the neighbourhood house at 113 Melon Street, Braybrook. 9317 5610 or jodie@bmnh.org.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of St Albans Tin Shed manager Tamara Carr. (Damjan Janevski) 549182_01

Golfers tee off for charity

More than 100 golfers took to the fairways of Kooringal Golf Club in Altona on Friday 1 May for the 2026 Rotary

Altona City –Community Bank Altona and Laverton

Charity Golf Day. StarWeeklyphotographer Damjan Janevski went along to to capture the charity golfers in action.

Gillian Theodore takes part on the Altona Rotary Charity Golf Day at Kooringal Golf Club on Friday 1 May. 546677_02

Kayne Hamer prepares to tee off. 546677_06

Altona Rotary Charity Golf Day participants (L-R) Daren Hellmann, Andrew Whitson, Martin Fletcher and Mick Doyle at Kooringal Golf Club. 546677_07 Mark Halis in full swing.546677_05

Garry Kavelham and Kayne Hamer were among the 128 golfers who took part. 546677_03

Noah Yiqian Chua from Very Special Kids one of the charities players were raising funds for. 546677_04

Faces of the west

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the western suburbs.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago 7 May, 1986

Williamstown council is refusing to let the State Electricity Commission wriggleoutofitsobligationstodevelop theOldNewportPowerStationsite.

30 years ago 1 May, 1996

Cat owners angry at the cost of registering their pets have prompted HobsonsBaytoreviewitscharges.

20 years ago 2 May, 2006

Union representatives and teachers launched the western metropolitan leg of their campaign to improve the education system last Thursday in Footscray.

10 years ago 4 May, 2016

Parking meters in central Footscray and Yarraville are likely to remain switched off until after the October localgovernmentelection.

Myly Nguyen. (Damjan Janevski) 548538_05

Michelle and Felix Tripodi. (Damjan Janevski) 547190_06

Friends of Braybrook Park’s Shohre Mansouri, Jo Schloss, Janet McAlister and Lucy Cuzzupe. (Damjan Janevski) 548127_04

Wyndham Central College students Tyler, Elma and Tahlia (above), Madison, Miyah, Tereza and Willow (above left), and Julien, Sheiler and Julia (left). (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 548679_02 / 548679_03 / 548679_04

Africa’s Got Talent returns

Get ready for a night of rhyme, rhythm and raw talent as Africa’s Got Talent returns to Brimbank for its seventh year.

The talent show, hosted by Africa Day Australia (ADA), will showcase the creativity and skill of young performers aged between 13 to 25 within the African Australian community.

ADA president Qiniso Dube said the show provides a great opportunity for exposure.

“It gives them hope and keeps them interested,” he said.

Performers range from singers and

dancers to musicians and poets.

“We are always open to anyone within the creative space,” Mr Dube said.

On the night, judges will adjudicate the performances and award the top three spots of the competition.

“We try as much as we can when it comes to judges to have someone in the industry. That way they can pass on that knowledge,” Mr Dube said.

The talent show’s 2024 winner, Wanwue Tarpeh, made it into the top 10 of the most recent Australian Idol season.

Mr Dube said the ADA team is proud

to have been part of her journey.

“Those kinds of success stories for me mean a lot,” he said.

Head to the Mount this May for a dramedy

The Mount Player’s second show of the year is about to debut.

Mr Bailey’s Minder, a dramatic comedy by Debra Oswald, is set to open on 8 May.

Leo Bailey, an abusive, cantankerous and boozed burnout, is said to be one of Australia’s national treasures. A gifted painter and chronic alcoholic, he can no longer take care of himself.

His resentful daughter Margo has been through a succession of minders, until Therese comes along, fresh out of jail and

Where

determined to make a go of her limited options.

Mr Bailey’s Minder is a tough, funny but big-hearted play. It’s about shame and judgement, about who deserves to be loved and forgiven. It looks at how people exploit each other and where they find the beauty; and the qualities of transcendence, letting go and forgiveness.

Mr Bailey’s Minder is showing at the Mountview Theatre in Macedon for a limited run from Friday 8 May until Sunday

24 May.

Shows will be held across Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with matinee and evening performances held on the weekend.

Ticketcostsare$30-$35,whichincludes a complimentary sherry on arrival, as well as a tea or coffee during interval. The bar will be open to purchase drinks before and after the show, and during interval.

Details and tickets: themountplayers. com

is that Green Sheep? Find out at Wyndham Cultural Centre

A beloved children’s book is set to come to life in Werribee this month.

Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek and will be performed at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on Tuesday 19 May.

Blending puppetry and animation, this beautiful production invites young audiences to join our three farmers on their quest to find the elusive green sheep.

You will meet Blue Sheep who loves blue flowers and Red Sheep who loves to cart-

wheel in the fields, Bath Sheep who loves bubblesandBedSheepwholovestobounce ... but where will you see that Green Sheep?

Co-created with students from Bankstown West Public School, this production integrates their voices as narrators, ensuring the work resonates deeply with young audiences.

The production will be delivered by the Monkey Baa Theatre Company whose mission is to ensure that more young people have access to inspirational Australian stories, helping them navigate and shape their

Africa’s Got Talent, supported by Brimbank council, will run from 6-9pm on Saturday 16 May at Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans.

Parental guidance is recommended for attendees under 16.

“This is real talent that we have,” Mr Dube said.

“We encourage young people to connect afterwards. Who knows what collaborations will come out of there.”

Details: creativebrimbank.com.au

Enjoy

an evening with Steve Kilbey in Yarraville

Better known as the bass playing front man for Australian music luminaries, The Church, Steve Kilbey will be replacing four strings with 12 when he plays a solo show at Kindred Bandroom on Tuesday 14 May.

The show is part of a run of Victorian dates that Kilbey will play early next month, offering the rare chance to see one of the country’s most revered songwriters in an intimate setting armed with nothing more than a guitar, his signature voice and catalogue of songs drawn from 26 albums with The Church and 14 solo records.

Among the 1500 odd songs included in these and other Kilbey recordings are classics like UndertheMilkyWay,TheUnguarded Moment and Almost With You, tracks which will undoubtedly get an airing at the Yarraville show.

Speaking in a video posted to his social media, Kilbey said there’ll be plenty more besides tracks which are still a staple of radio stations across Australia and abroad.

own worlds.

This production contains the use of a mini smoke fog machine that is used twice in the performance creating a small amount of smoke.

The show will run 10.30-11.15am, can be viewed by anyone who wants to unravel the mystery, but is best suited to audiences aged between one and six years and their families.

All tickets cost $15.

Details: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov. au/whats-on/where-green-sheep

“I will be doing the hits the misses, the covers, the deep cuts, the shallow cuts, tall tales and true from my legendary past, me and my 12 string guitar can’t wait to see all of you, any of you,” Kilbey said, adding that after nearly half a century on stage, he’s confident of putting on a good show.

“I think it’s gonna be a good night. I think I’m getting better at this.”

Details: https://kindredstudios. com.au/

Performer Ongegu Ndubi from Africa’s Got Talent in 2025. (Samuel Muzinda)

Cast of Mr Bailey’s Minder. Pictured is Robert Wallace, Ruben Cameron, Melissa Forge and Tania Knight (Karlana Santamaria).

Steve Kilbey. (supplied)

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

ERRORS AND ANOMALIES AMENDMENT – C145HBAY

HOBSONS BAY PLANNING SCHEME NOTICE OF THE PREPARATION OF AN AMENDMENT – C145HBAY

The Hobsons Bay City Council has prepared Amendment C145hbay to the Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme. Amendment C145hbay proposes to correct errors and anomalies in the Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme. The land affected by the amendment is:

• various parcels of land throughout the Hobsons Bay City Council municipality.

• overlay mapping changes affect:

○ 16 Cecil Street, Williamstown.

○ Kororoit Creek Road (adjacent to the Altona Gardens Industrial Estate, formerly 361-399 Kororoit Creek Road Altona). The amendment proposes to:

•Amend Schedules 1, 2, 3, and 5 to Clause 37.01 Special Use Zone to be consistent with the latest state and local policies.

•Amend Schedule 2 to Clause 37.02 Comprehensive Development Zone to correct formatting and clause reference anomaly.

•Amend Schedule to Clause 43.01 Heritage Overlay to reference correct year for all incorporated Heritage Design Guidelines.

• Amend Schedule 11 to Clause 43.02 Design and Development Overlay to:

○ replace Map 1 with a new map that reflects all land affected by DDO11 (include 23 Ann Street, 26 Windsor Terrace, and 28 Windsor Terrace Williamstown which were previously omitted).

○ delete duplication from section 6.0 decision guidelines.

• Amend Planning Scheme Map 19DDO to remove DDO11 from the rear of 16 Cecil Street, Williamstown.

•Amend Schedule 14 to Clause 43.02 Design and Development Overlay to reference Council’s updated background document Social Impact Assessment Guidelines: Residential (Hobsons Bay City Council 2022).

•Amend Planning Scheme Map 8PAO to remove Public Acquisition Overlay 1 from Kororoit Creek Road in the section adjacent to the Altona Gardens Industrial Estate, formerly 361-399 Kororoit Creek Road, Altona.

•Amend the Schedule to Clause 66.04 Referral of Permit Applications under Local Provisions to reflect updated referral authority. You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:

•the Hobsons Bay City Council website at: https://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/amendment-c145hbay

•and/or during office hours at the office of the planning authority, Hobsons Bay City Council Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona, Victoria 3018.

• at the Department of Transport and Planning website https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-schemes/amendments

Any person who may be affected by the amendment may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make. Name and contact details of submitters are required for Council to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend Council meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions. The closing date for submissions is by 5pm 17 June 2026. A submission must be sent to the Strategic Planning Unit – Amendment C145hbay, PO Box 21, Altona, Victoria 3018, or by email at: amendments@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au (please use ‘Amendment C145hbay – Submission’ in the subject line).

The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or on its website for any person to inspect free of charge for two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

Should an independent Planning Panel, appointed by the Minister for Planning, need to consider submissions, the following panel hearing dates have been tentatively set for this Amendment:

• Directions hearing: week commencing Monday 24 August 2026

• Panel hearing: week commencing Monday 21 September 2026

Hector Gaston Director Sustainable Communities

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 Egyptian solar deity (5)

4 Learning; erudition (9)

9 Slavic language (7)

10 African nation bordering the Mediterranean (7)

11 Dutch city (9)

12 Japanese dish (5)

13 Biological blueprint (1,1,1) 14 Excessive grief (11)

16 Question (11)

19 Minor falsehood (3)

21 File (5)

23 Sandwich meat (9)

25 Scholarly (7)

26 Breach of law (7)

27 Therapy (9) 28 Clip (5) DOWN

1 Top US university (7) 2 Impervious (9) 3 Seasoning (5)

4 Realm (7)

5 Former Turkish empire (7)

6 Visible features of an area (9) 7 CDs (5) 8 Avoidance (7) 14 Thief (9) 15 Pull (9)

16 Investigation into an unexplained death (7)

17 Indecent (7)

18 Plane hub (7)

20 Cause of annoyance (7)

22 Dodge (5)

24 Puts through a sieve (5)

Today’s Aim:

19 words: Good

29 words: Very good

39 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”. S R D U E Y L S A

urea, used, user, uses, yule

3 LETTERS

5 LETTERS

1 Who is often referred to as the Queen of Soul?

2 Does the Greek alphabet have more or less letters than the English alphabet?

3 The majority of the world's vanilla is produced in which Indian Ocean island country?

4 Alexander Skarsgård (pictured) plays the titular character in which sci-fi TV series based on books by Martha Wells?

5 ‘Business in the front, party in the back’ is a colloquial description of which haircut?

6 What is the only stadium in the world to have hosted the Olympic games more than once?

7 The Gulf of St. Lawrence is located in which country?

8 The sport borden ball is also known as what?

9 What colour is the roughlytextured rind of a lychee fruit?

10 Wagashi is a traditional confection of which country?

New Palisade got sexier

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Releasedherein2020,Palisadeisthelargest of Hyundai’s SUVs – not counting the electricIoniq9.

Palisade is targeted at buyers of large SUVs who want a more car-like driving experience than that offered by traditional 4WDs.

It’s available in seven and eight-seat configuration, with two standalone ‘captain’s chairs’ occupying the second row intheseven-seatversion.

That leaves three people to squeeze into the split-fold third row of seats, making it more of a six-seater but six-seaters have neverdonewellinAustralia.

The Kia equivalent of Palisade is the Telluride, but unfortunately that is not available here, which is not to detract from thePalisade.

There’s not much to dislike, apart from the price. The more interesting question is whether to get one of these or the excellent Kia Carnival people mover which in top gradeisalsosumptuouslyequipped.

Styling Hyundai has just added a more budget friendlyElitegradetotherangepricedfrom $76,500.

The Calligraphy eight-seat is $89,900, while the top of the range seven-seater is $90,900 and the subject of our review – all pricesbeforeon-roadcosts.

It’s been five years since our last drove this car and Palisade has become a whole lotsexierandmorerefinedinthattime,with animpressivefaceandAmerican-styleroad presence.

Clearly, the message from Hyundai is why fork out a lot more for a Euro when you can drive home one of these babies that is optionedtothehiltandbuyasecondfamily carwiththechange.

The V6 has been replaced by a more frugal hybrid with drive on demand to all four wheels and a six-speed automatic transmissionacrosstheboard.

Launched in 2024, the current second-generation Palisade boasts a bolder look,sleekerprofileandcleanersheetmetal tocreateastrongyetluxuriousflagshipSUV.

Revised proportions include a shorter front overhang, more upright windscreen, an extended wheelbase and a lengthened rearoverhang.

An elevated bonnet flanked by vertical DRLs creates a confronting impression, with silver-coated hidden headlights featuring a grille-style graphic seamlessly tying into silver mouldings, rear lights, and roofrails–foraunifiedlook.

Standard kit includes just about anything you can think of as standard, right down to fingerprintrecognitiontostartthething.

Other goodies include a digital mirror, smart phone lock/unlocking, traffic sign recognition, auto high beam, hands-free parking, side, front and rear parking sensors, two sunroofs, electric tailgate, Nappa leather trim, heated and cooled seats, power-adjust and heated steering wheel, power-fold second and third row seats,andthree-zoneclimatecontrolair.

In fact, packed to the gills and heading down the coast for a week away with the kids, we finally found a use for the loathsome digital mirror which showed what was behind, despite the fact the rear windowwascompletelyblockedbyluggage. But it’s only good for a glance – anything more is liable to make your car sick as your eyesstruggletoadjust.

Palisade is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, provided you service the car with them – otherwise

it’sfiveyears.

The hybrid battery is covered for eight years/160,000km – most people do more than20,000kmayear.

Infotainment

Infotainment extends to navigation-based connected car services and incorporates advanced technologies such as biometric andvoicerecognition,allpresentedthrough anew,intuitiveuserinterface.

There’s satnav, voice control, Bluetooth which can accommodate multiple phones, AM-FM/DAB+ digital radio, plus wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless phonecharging.

Bose premium audio delivers a rich, true-to-life audio experience through an externalamplifierand14speakers.

There are three USB ports in the front (1 x data, 2 x charge), two more for the second row (2 x charge) and another two for the thirdrow(2xcharge),butbearinmindthey are all USB-C, which rules out most flash drives.

There’s also 12-volt outlets in the front and rear as well as a 240-volt socket in the luggagearea.

Safety

With a five-star ANCAP safety rating, Palisade features a suite of eight airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and a front centresideairbag.

A comprehensive suite of safety features, includes navigation-based smart cruise control, lane following assist 2, highway driving assist 2, and driver monitoring that we’re told improves ADAS accuracy and reliability.

Navigation-based cruise automatically slows the vehicle in anticipation when approachingbends.

Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car,VulnerableRoadUser,Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist(LKA),lanedeparturewarning(LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advancedspeedassistancesystem(SAS)are standard.

The third row caters for small children with ISOFix and top-tether anchor points provided, but a supervision mirror would notgoastray.

Engines/transmissions

The 2.5-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain is paired with a six-speed automatic and delivers 245kW of power and 460Nmoftorque.

Driving It looks big because it is big. At 5065mm it’s 70mm longer than the previous model, and at2970mmhasa70mmlongerwheelbase.

The bigger, blunter facade features an activeairflapthatcloseswhencoolingisnot

needed, reducing wind drag by up to eight percent.

The latest self-charging hybrid setup improves on the traditional transmissionmounted electric drive system with its innovativedual-motordesign.

Greater efficiency is achieved by dedicating one motor to the regeneration of energy and the other to driving the wheels, rather than using a single motor for both functions.

Enhanced regenerative braking combined with an efficient petrol engine extendsall-electricrangeandenhancedfuel efficiency,inarefinedandenvironmentally sustainablepowertrainpackage.

And here’s one just for the parents out there. Stay Mode lets occupants remain comfortable and connected even when parked, say at the weekend sport, drawing onthehigh-capacitybatterytosafelypower the infotainment system, climate control and other features – all with the engine switchedoff

Meanwhile, you can place personal items such as your phone, wallet and keys in the centre console box, push a button and they willbesterilisedusingultravioletlight.

Wealsolikethesensorthatkeepstherear cameraclear,sprayingitwithfluidwhenthe rearwiperisoperative.

The 2.5-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic, delivers more power and torque than either the previous 3.8-litre petrol engineorthe2.2-litreturbo-diesel.

It delivers 245kW of power and 460Nm of torque,butwithlowerfuelconsumptionata claimed6.8L/100kmonthecombinedcycle. Outstanding.

Ride and handling benefit from local tuning, with evaluation of different suspension components, including springs and anti-roll bars. This led to Aussie passive damper and steering tunes, which have beenadoptedaroundtheworld.

Multi-link rear suspension features passive self-levelling dampers to maintain reartravelwhenheavilyladen.

Noise-reduction measures include acoustic foam-lined 21-inch tyres, layered soundproofing and new, 70 percent larger acoustic cabin floor insulation, plus a new rearquarterpanelacousticpad.

Acurved panoramicdisplayincorporates two 12.3-inch digital screens, one for the infotainment display and the other for the instrumentcluster.

In addition, 12-inch head-up display projects key driving, navigation and safety information onto the lower area of the windscreen.However,tothisday,itremains almost invisible if you wear polarised sunglasses.

Moving the gear selector to the steering columnfreesupspaceinthecentreconsole that houses two cupholders, wireless

charging pad, three USB ports, fingerprint sensorandtheUVsterilisationbutton. Mountedontheright,youtwisttheendto changefromdrivetoreverseandvice-versa, which prevents accidentally selecting the wrong gear – but it can be confusing at times.

All-new Palisade features relaxation comfort seats for the first and second row, with third-row powered seats with fold and dive,slide,andreclinefunctions.Seven-seat variantsalsofeatureawalk-intiltfunction.

The driver’s seat uses air pockets for optimal fit while dynamically adjusting lateralsupportbasedondrivingconditions.

While remote smart parking assist literally lets users complete perpendicular, parallel, and diagonal parking manoeuvres fromoutsidethecarusingthesmartkey.

AlthoughPalisadeisanSUVandall-wheel drive, the focus is on comfort rather than off-roadability.

Thisisavehiclethatwillhappilynegotiate rough and even muddy dirt roads and tracks,butwewouldn’tbetacklinganything morechallengingbecausethatisnotwhatit isdesignedfor.

Itdoeshowevercomewithafull-sizealloy spare, unlike the majority of hybrids which giveoverthisspacetothebatterypack.

There are three drive modes from which to choose: Custom, Eco, and Sport, but we found the latter a little sharp and happily left it in the default Eco mode which was plentyresponsive.

It’s a quiet cabin with very little engine noise unless pushed hard, but at around 2.3 tonnes it feels heavy and at times cumbersome, and the steering could do withsomeadjustmentoptions.

Itssizecanalsomakeitdifficulttopark. As well as buttons on the seats, there’s a control panel located on the left inside the back which takes some time to learn how to useproperly.

Both second and third rows slide and luggage space is abundant with the third rowfolded,andacavernous2081litreswith bothrowsstowed.

Moving the rear seats backwards and forwards for third row access is slow and theopeningcreatedisnothuge,sothethird rowisbettersuitedtochildren–twonimble adultsatbest.

The second-row passenger side seat sometimes failed to move at all and that’s the seat that needs to do all the work, becauseit’ssafertoenterfromthecurbside. With a 72-litre tank it takes regular unleaded and has a range of more than 1000km.

After 1120km we were averaging 7.3L/100km, sometimes even lower than thisfigure.

It’sself-chargingandthe1.65kWhbattery seemstohoveraroundthe60percentmark. Norangeanxietytobefoundhere. Oh, and Palisade has a braked towing capacity of only 2000kg, way down on the benchmark3500kg.

Summing up

If you need to put bums on seats, the Kia Carnival is a no brainer. But if you want an SUV with the option of seating seven or eight (and can afford the ticket), then the Palisadecouldfitthebill.

However, the regular doors and slow-moving power-operated rear seats make entry to the third row tedious for adults, while the Carnival with its sliding reardoorsmakesshortworkoftheprocess. One other point to keep in mind. If you needtoseatthreeinthebacktheeight-seater is a better option as a third passenger in the six-seat version alienates valuable luggage space.

If you want an SUV with the option of seating seven or eight, then the Palisade could fit the bill. (Supplied)

TIPPING 2026

Leo Dardha Woodards

Benny Nguyen OBrien

Chris Byrne Yarraville Club

Last

the warm weather

There was plenty of sporting action on the field on Saturday as Melbourne’s north-west enjoyed the last of the warm weather.

StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting the action.

Parkside Spurs’ Jessica Byrnes. 550526_02

West Footscray’s Kaila Ducret. 550526_23

Spotswood’s Charlie Barnes spoils Yarraville Seddon’s Riley Anderson. 549690_04

Balmoral’s Nelson Salvatore. 550297_10

Spotswood’s Lincoln Sieben. 549690_19

Point Cook’s Jalen Jaimangal. 549687_09

Hoppers Crossing’s Lee Allen. 550297_01

Wyndhamvale’s Tyler Tessari in game 400. 549686_17

Jordan Lynch and Brodie Meadows go up in the ruck. 549686_34

Werribee Districts’ Jack Winship. 49687_23

Falcons slip against Stars

By Tara Murray

City West Falcons will have to regroup after a disappointing loss to the Gippsland Stars in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night.

After winning their last two games to get their season back on track, the Falcons were tested by the Stars.

The two teams traded the lead throughout the first three quarters, with scores level heading into the final quarter.

There was still nothing in it with two minutes to go as scores were still level.

TheStarswereabletoscorethenextthree to get the mini break and that would be the difference, with the Stars winning 69-67.

Falcons’ coach Marg Lind said it was a pretty disappointing result.

“Definitely a slip up,” she said. “Our score rate was fantastic, 67 goals and we lost the game. “We have to really function a bit better defensively.

“I thought we conceded too much today [Wednesday]. We played a bit negative and there was no communication.

“We barely turned the ball over. A few rebounds and a couple of tips, but I don’t think we connected at all.”

Lind has said all season that their defensive end would be the question mark after losing several players from their premiership team in the off season.

She said the inconsistency in defence was to be expected with a whole new defence end.

“It reared its ugly head when we didn’t want it to,” Lind said.

“That was probably a really important game. The ladder looks really tight though, we have to stay on task and see if we can build a few more games in.

“It’s just going to take time.

“I think the championship group will get

Zirafi has a fourth national title in his sights

By Peter Howe

At just 16, April Don Deeble nominee Orlando Zirafi is a three-time national boxing champion.

He’s passionate and dedicated to his sport, as well as humble and disciplined.

“I don’t like getting punched in the head and that’s why I work hard to get better every time I fight,” he said.

“I played footy when I was younger, but I had to be kept busy.

“My dad suggested I try boxing. From the moment I walked into the gym I fell in love with it.

“I loved the vibe, the people and the discipline required to get very fit.”

Zirafi started boxing with his brother and some friends and was in classes with adults.

He didn’t mind as he just wanted to get better.

Zirafi started at Moreland City Boxing Gym where he had his first eight fights before moving to Lionsden Boxing Academy. His first fight was in 2022.

“It wasn’t good, I lost,” he said. “I was nervous but it taught me what training and effort was required to win, I wanted to win, to get that victory.

“I watched that fight back many times to improve.”

Zirafi has since won three national times

in three different weight divisions.

Now in the 55 kilograms division, he’s going for his fourth title and has a fighting record of 17 wins and 7 losses.

“Boxing is very tactical,” he said. “Remaining calm and preserving energy to maintain control is vital.

“You do get nervous, but you must use those nerves as fuel when you fight.”

Last year was a big year for Zirafi.

He fought in the Tri-Nations Tournament and won both fights in the first round in his first international experience.

Zirafi then backed that up later in the year.

“In September I fought in Darwin as a 15-year-old in the under-19 nationals, that’s where I went on to win my third Australian title by stopping both opponents in the first round.”

So committed to boxing, Zirafi and his family visited Floyd Mayweather’s gym on a trip to America.

While Mayweather was not there Zirafi and his brother were permitted to use the gym and were coached by former Olympian Fareed Samad.

“I wanted to see the gym of one of my boxing heroes,” he said.

“I want to learn about different boxing styles and how different countries train their boxers. It was an amazing experience.”

there, but It’s obviously frustrating.”

Lind said she thought 67 goals would be enough to get the win, but it wasn’t the case.

She said she was happy with how the attack end played.

Jane Cook finished with 60 goals for the Falcons.

The Falcons sit seventh on the ladder after seven rounds with a 3-4 record.

In the 23 and under competition, the Falcons made it three wins in a row with a 6554 win against the Stars.

Imogen Sexton shot 34 goals for the Falcons in goal attack.

Lind said while they are playing well, being so young they don’t have any really put pressure on the championship team for spots.

“It was a good win,” Lind said.

The Falcons face the Western Warriors in round eight this week.

Williamstown through in cup

Williamstown is one of the lowest ranked teams left in the DockertyAustralia Cup after the round five matches.

Teams from as low as FV state league 7 were in action in round five, but many of the top ranked teams showed why they play in the higher divisions.

Williamstown is through as well to the next round after beating Old Scotch.

Old Scotch plays in the FV state league 1 south-west competition.

Neither side scored in the first half before Craig Mathieson scored for Williamstown in the 61st minute.

Jose Arancibia made it 2-0 not long after for Williamstown and that would be enough for a 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, Yarraville Glory’s run came to an end against Heidelberg United, as the National Premier League romped home a 5-0 win.

After an upset win in round four, the Glory wasn’t able to take another scalp against one of the National Premier League powerhouses in round five.

Zirafi said Australian Jason Mallia is another hero of his.

Zirafi lists his strengths as his mental approach, his boxing knowledge and ability to adapt in a fight to what his opponent is doing.

Two hours a night, five days a week you will find Zirafi in the Lionsden Boxing Academy involved in running and resistance drills, boxing technique and sparring sessions.

There’s also strength and conditioning sessions.

As a member of the Victorian Junior Futures program Zirafi attends Sunday camps with about 30 other athletes to learn and hone his craft.

While school is a priority for the year 10 student, he has big goals.

“I am focussed on representing Australia in the Olympics and then turning professional.

“I’d love to be good enough to fight for a world title one day.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, contact: swrsportsclub@gmail. com or 0408 556 631.

Heidelberg did most of the damage in a 13 minute period as they scored four goals from the 20 minute mark to lead 4-0.

Both sides made plenty of changes at the half, with the game all but over.

Marcus Humbert scored his third and Heidelberg’s fifth in the 72nd minute to put the icing on the cake.

Williamstown is one of two FV state league 2 north-west teams left in the competition, along with Uni Hill Eagles.

Both teams will also be part of the Cecil Earley Plate, which is for the last eight state league teams left in the Dockerty-Australia Cup.

AltonaEastPhoenix,astateleague 1 north-west side, is also through to the finals of the plate having won in the first week of round five action.

The three are the only state league sides through to round six.

In round six of the Dockerty-Australia Cup, Williamstown will face Caroline Springs George Cross.

Altona East Phoenix will face Heidelberg United in the next round in one of the club’s biggest ever matches.

Jane Cook shot 60 goals on Wednesday night. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 495489_43

Orlando Zirafi. (Archive Photography)

Devils are sitting pretty

By Tara Murray

North Footscray continued on its winning ways as it set up a juicy Western Football League division 2 grand final rematch with Wyndhamvale.

Both sides will enter the round five clash undefeated and both coming off big wins on the weekend.

The Devils were impressive in their match against Albanvale.

They hit the scoreboard early and led by 27 points at quarter time and the game was all but over at half time with the margin out to 67 points at the main break.

It was much the same in the second half, with the Devils winning, 21.9 (135)-6.9 (45).

Speaking on the club’s social media, coach Robbie Hudson said he was surprised

to win by that margin.

“I think today [Saturday] we worked really hard and I knew that Albanvale was going to chuck everything they had at us,” he said.

“You could probably see early that they were here to do a job and really give it to us pretty hard.

“I think the boys did quite well weathering the storm, bracing for what they wanted to bring today [Saturday].

“Credit to us, we stuck to our structures.”

Hudson said that it would be a longer game in the sense that teams would try to go with them and they would have to back themselves for four quarters to put the game away.

Lynden Dunn starred up forward for the Devils with seven goals.

He already has 30 goals for the season

with bags of five, 11, seven and seven so far.

“I think he has brought another whole different dimension to the footy club,” Hudson said on the Devils social media.

“You have to remember the bloke has played lots of games of AFL football.

“At his age and being able to do what he

Macdonald named player of the year, again

By Tara Murray

Jacob Macdonald made it three league best player medals in the space of three years in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association on Friday night.

Playing for Gellibrand. Macdonald claimed the Clark Shield player of the year in 2023-24 and the Roy Picone Shield player of the year in 2024-25.

Having gone up to the McNamara Shield in the recent season, after back-toback premierships, Macdonald was again crowned the player of the year, making it a hat-trick of wins..

“It is pretty good,” Macdonald said. “Heading up divisions and still progressing as a team.

“It’s been nice to have some success as a club.

“I didn’t think that I would win the first medal, let alone three.”

Macdonald said stepping up into division 2 this season was a new challenge.

He said there were more quality players in each team.

“Some of the players are really good,

they are guns and to be up there with them, I’m quite privileged.

“I didn’t think I would win this year. Last year, I thought I was a good shot but we finished sixth on the ladder this year and I thought there were players that were more deserving.”

Personally, Macdonald thought he had his best season of the three last season.

He finished with 545 runs at an average of 54.5, second best in the division.

Macdonald finished 10th in the wicket taking with 26 wickets at an average of 16.35.

“As a club we didn’t make finals so it was a bit bittersweet,” he said.

“It was something exciting to work our way up the ranks but the team couldn’t play in finals.

“We didn’t do enough in the big games to make it.”

Macdonald will take on a new challenge next season, having signed with senior division club, St Albans.

His former Gellibrand captain-coach and now Saints coach Paul Hetherington was a key to getting him across.

does week in week out, is huge for us guys

“He’s another one that has fit in well.”

Hudson said they thought they were strong down back with the return of Jackson Ryan having an impact.

Kyle Rodgers and Lachlan Peterson were a couple of other standouts.

The Devils will now host Wyndhamvale this weekend in a top of the table clash.

Hudson said they were looking forward to the challenge.

“That is a game that we have circled, considering the result last year,” he said.

“We’re just really excited for the opportunity again,

“It will be a good measuring stick, they’re tip top and top of the competition.”

Meanwhile, the Devils women’s side had forfeited its match on the weekend.

Seagulls add experience

Williamstown has added five players who have been on AFLW lists to its squad for the Victorian Football League women’s season.

The Seagulls announced the signings ahead of the season kicking off on the weekend of 16 May.

Naomi Ferres brings AFLW premiership experience to the Seagulls.

After being picked at number three in the 2017 AFLW rookie draft, Ferres had been on the Bulldogs list and was part of the Bulldogs premiership team in 2018.

“Now 28, she offers leadership, experience, and inside-ball strength through the midfield,” the Seagulls said.

“The Seagulls are eager to see Ferres’ professionalism and winning mentality elevate the group.”

LillyPearcejoinstheclubfromGeelong.

The ruck was listed with Richmond in 2023 and then Geelong in 2024. She has also played VFLW for Collingwood.

“Known for her competitiveness in the ruck and developing around-the-ground impact, she brings both athleticism and height to the Seagulls,” the Seagulls said.

“With her best football still ahead of her, the club is excited to see her continue to grow and establish herself as a key presence in the ruck division.”

Bella Smith joins the Seagulls from Geelong, having spent two years at the Brisbane Lions before that.

She played 12 AFLW games.

“That will be good to reunite with Paul,” he said. “I spoke to Paul towards the end of last year.

“I had spent 10 years at Gellibrand and each time we won a flag, I decided to stay around.

“I thought I would challenge myself and see what happens.

“Some of the players are up there and are former premier cricketers, Australian players or ex-Big Bash.

“I’m not expecting to win a fourth competition medal by any means.”

Joining Macdonald in making the move to the Saints is his brother, Brayden Macdonald, who was also named in the division 2 team of the year.

Jacob said playing with his brother was part of the decision to move across and they wanted to help the Saints play finals in one of the best competitions in the state.

Others in the McNamara Shield team of the year included Williamstown Imperials’ Andrew Hendry, Callum Herron, Joshua Van Zyl and Kendrick Hatton, and Williamstown’s CYMS’ Alex Browne.

The Seagulls said her ability to hit the scoreboard and apply forward pressure makes her a valuable attacking asset.

Maighan Fogas arrives at Williamstown with a wealth of football experience across multiple levels.

The 30-year-old finished runner-up in Geelong’s 2018 VFLW best and fairest before being drafted to the AFLW later that year, debuting in 2019.

Most recently, she has been playing with Southport during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

TheSeagullssaid20-year-oldLiluHung shapes as one of the most exciting young additions to the list.

The 176 centimetre key forward and former Brisbane Lions Academy prospect joins from St Kilda, bringing strong marking ability and versatility as a utility.

The Seagulls also announced the signing of Ellie McLinden, who adds leadership and experience to Williamstown’s defensive unit after four strong seasons with Box Hill in the VFLW.

The 28-year-old has played more than 50 games at the level and captained the side in 2025.

Sebastian Turnbull. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Jacob Macdonald. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 518149_03

Macdonald does it again Don Deeble nominee Brookers finding form

Eagles are still building

By Tara Murray

Yarraville Seddon was without some of its stars but it mattered little as it accounted for Spotswood in the Battle of the Bridge in the Western Football League division 1 competition.

The Eagles moved to 3-1 on the season with a strong second half against the Woodsmen, getting the win, 20.16 (136)-16.4 (100).

Eagles’ coach Brad Julier said it was a good game of football.

“It was a fast paced game and really high scoring,” he said. “It was nice to be on the right end of it.

“There was a breeze that favoured one end as we had it to start the game.

“Spotswood fought back in the second quarter before we controlled it in the second half.

“Into the wind in the third quarter we made the most of it before we defended in the last quarter and limited them with the breeze.”

Kane Sexton kicked five goals for the Eagles to take his tally to nine goals in four games.

West Barker and Darcy Grieves were other standouts according to Julier. He said pleasingly the younger players

were stepping up when needed.

“[Will] Hoskin-Elliott and [Travis] Varcoe were out and we have some injuries,” he said.

“We have depth and there’s younger guys to fill the roles and step up with more opportunities.

“We have great depth … It makes it harder come team selection.”

The former AFL pair are set to return this week along with reigning league best and fairest winner Michael Selsby.

For the Woodsmen, James Cleaver kicked four goals with Harley Walshe kicking three.

The pair along with David Iaccarino were named the Woodsmen’s best.

The Eagles sit in fifth spot after the first four rounds, one of four teams with a 3-1 record.

Werribee Districts sits top and are undefeated.

The Woodsmen are in eighth with a 2-2 record.

Julier said they still had a lot of work to do as they again look to make it deep into finals.

“I don’t think we’ve played our best footy yet, but we’re working towards that which is plenty pleasing,” he said.

TheEagleswillfaceAltonathisSaturday in round five.

“Altona away is another hard one,” he said.

“Hopefully we keep our work rate up and match it with them.”

Altona enters the game on the back of a big loss to Caroline Springs, 15.16(106)-5.1 (31).

After leading by 13 points at half time, the Lakers kicked 12 goals to three after the break to run away with the win.

William Crittenden and Levi Vizintin were the Vikings best.

Elsewhere, Parkside and Newport both suffered losses.

The Magpies lost a thriller to Sunshine, 13.18 (96)-13.14 (92).

The Kangaroos kicked the winning goal in the 22nd minute with both sides having chances after that.

Newport remains without a win after losing to Hoppers Crossing on Saturday, 13.11 (89)-10.10 (70).

The Warriors set the win up in the first quarter as they led by 29 points at quarter time.

By Tara Murray

Braybrookisstartingtoputthepieces together in the Western Football League division 2 competition.

It’s been a tough start to the season for the Brookers but after winning their last two games, they have managed to level the ledger.

Brookers’ coach Geoff Maddern saidithadbeennicetoseetheresults start to fall their way. “We played three of the top four teams from last year in the first three weeks,” he said.

“It’s been a challenging start and the boys are starting to gel. “To get things back to even we are pretty happy with that. It has been fun.”

Maddern said they were competitive the first couple of weeks before opening their account against the Suns last week. On Saturday, the Brookers faced a Tarneit side that just fell short of its first win of the season the previous week.

“Tarneit has shown some signs of improvement,” Maddern said.

“They’re a better side than the last couple of years.

“They were competitive and were able to put score on the board, especially in the final quarter.”

The game and result though was never in doubt as the Brookers won, 26.14 (170)-5.3 (33).

Maddern said it was a good game forhissideandhewashappywiththe performance for the most part.

Chase Wassell kicked 11 goals for the Brookers in a standout performance up forward.

Captain Nathan Spackman and Jayden Danaher again showed their leadership in the win, as the usual names stood up.

Having levelled the ledger, the Brookers are now focused on continuing to build in the coming weeks. The Brookers face Sunshine Heights this Saturday in round five.

“We are happy and hopefully we can sneak into the finals,” he said.

“We’ll see how we go.

“We have a young side and there will be tests throughout the year.

“Hopefully the structure and game planwillholdupandplaylikeateam.

“They [Sunshine Heights] are a good team and we will have to hold them. It’ll be a good test.”

In other results on Saturday, West Footscray and North Footscray both had wins at the weekend.

The Roosters had a big win against the Suns, 24.14 (158)-10.11 (71).

The Devils also had a big win, accounting for Albanvale, 21.9 (135)-6.9 (45). Lynden Dunn kicked seven goals in the win, while Kyle Rodgers was named their best.

Elsewhere, Laverton lost to Wyndhamvale, 29.20 (194)-3.3 (21).