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SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Tributes flow for ‘Melli’ By Goya Dmytryshchak ‘Melli’s Memorial Wall’ at Williamstown Beach has grown with flowers and other tributes amid a community outpouring at this month’s sudden death of global lacrosse legend Sue ‘Melli’ Sofarnos. Her husband John and daughters Hayley and Jess have shared their agonising heartbreak after the Australian Women’s Team player and coach died unexpectedly on September 19. The family has started the Sue Sofarnos Foundation in support of the Australian Women’s Team, which raised more than $100,000 in three days. Jess shared on social media that she had lost her best friend, who shortly before had gone for her regular morning swim at her beloved Williamstown Beach. She said her mum had parked her car to drop off flowers, chocolates and a card to her friend’s mother stuck inside because of COVID-19. “Her last words to me, around 8.30am, was her telling me to check in on our family friends whose grandpa is now in palliative care,” Jess said. “For whatever reason, my mum didn’t make it out of the car. “The flowers were still on the passenger seat.” Jess said, “If anyone can take anything from this tragic, awful loss, it’s to be more like Sue. “Be more open. Be more kind. Be more empathetic and compassionate. Do things for others ‘just because’. Tell the people around you that you love them, because you don’t know when they might be gone. She won’t be spoken of in the past tense because I know she’s still here with me, and she always will be.” Hayley posted that when COVID-19 restrictions eased, her family would host “The Biggest Celebration of Her Life in Williamstown”. “The Tribute Wall at Williamstown Beach is unbelievably amazing and to see so many messages, photos, flowers, Newport Ladies Lacrosse Club black and yellow ribbons, along with Australian Lacrosse colours and her beloved Carlton Football Club paraphernalia is overwhelming and truly fitting for our ‘Melli’,”she wrote. Ms Sofarnos first picked up a lacrosse stick 49 years ago at age 10 and in January had been awarded an OAM for her service to the sport. From Newport Ladies Lacrosse Club, Ms Sofarnos became one of the most decorated

Locals leave tributes at ‘Melli’s Memorial Wall’ at Williamstown Beach. Inset: Sue Sofarnos. (Joe Mastroianni) 203493_02

Australian lacrosse players and coaches in history and was general manager of the 2021 team set to compete in the World Lacrosse Women’s World Championship next summer in the US. John shared that the family was “incredibly thankful and overwhelmed by the generosity, love and support of Sue’s legacy” to raise nearly $80,000 in under 48 hours, guaranteeing a portion of players’ costs are now covered. Ms Sofarnos in January had told Star Weekly her love for lacrosse stemmed from her aunt, ex Victorian netballer Jeannie Matthews. “She was involved with the Newport lacrosse club and that’s why despite living in Williamstown

all my life I’ve been a lifelong member, player, coach, administrator of Newport,” she had said. Newport Ladies Lacrosse Club thanked all who had contributed to the tribute wall. “We’ve all benefited from having a place to visit, reflect and grieve, spend time with others and share memories and to find some comfort while we’re living with restrictions,” it posted. Mount St Joseph Girls’ College also mourned the passing of its former school’s sports co-ordinator of six years, remembering Ms Sofarnos as “a passionate and vibrant sports leader who loved nothing more than mentoring, encouraging and supporting the young women in our community”, one post read.

Lacrosse Victoria said very few people “touch a sport and a community so deeply”. Australian Lacrosse Association said Ms Sofarnos’ “leadership and support of everyone was part of what she was and her care factor to those around her was unsurpassed.” World Lacrosse posted: “In Australia hearts are broken, and the pain is immense, but the lacrosse fraternity must move forward, cherishing every wonderful moment we had the privilege of sharing with Sue, for there were very few people she didn’t touch in some way. “There will never be another Sue Sofarnos – the sport of lacrosse is richer for having had Sue as a participant … she will never be forgotten.”

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2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

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Small steps towards reopening metro Melbourne By Esther Lauaki, Goya Dmytryshchak and Benjamin Millar Thousands of Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay employees have returned to work as the state moves another step closer to COVID normal. Metropolitan Melbourne took its second step towards reopening on Sunday, allowing permitted industries to return to workplaces and children to return to childcare, after the state government eased more restrictions as case numbers continued to fall. The curfew has been lifted, although the fine for gatherings, having visitors to homes or meeting outdoors in big groups has increased to almost $5000. On Monday, Melbourne recorded just five new COVID-19 cases, the lowest number since June. The rolling case average dropped to 20.3, a week ahead of scheduled projections and well below the 30 to 50 threshold for restriction easing. Of Sunday’s 16 new cases, four were in Hobsons Bay, including three linked to an

outbreak at Opal Hobsons Bay nursing home in Altona North. There were a total of 32 active cases in Hobsons Bay and 13 in Maribyrnong. Twelve active cases have been linked to Footscray Hospital, the site of 20 total cases. Premier Daniel Andrews said the latest modelling showed that the state’s strategy was working. “Not only have we been able to drive down cases from the hundreds – we’re well on track to hit single digits in the next few weeks,” he said. “That allows us to make some small, but significant changes.” Supermarkets and food distribution centres are returning to full capacity and abattoirs, seafood and meat processing plants will increase to 80 per cent capacity. Groups of five people from no more than two households can socialise outdoors for two hours. Onsite learning for VCE and VCAL will resume on October 5 while primary school pupils will go back to classrooms from October 12. Outdoor pools can open, private inspections for real estate and weddings can take place with

Outdoor swimming pools are allowed to reopen in metro Melbourne this week.

up to five people, and the rules around visiting hospitals and care facilities are slightly relaxed. Mr Andrews said moving to the third and last steps out of COVID would no longer be defined by dates but would be reviewed based

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solely on reaching case number targets. “None of these changes though are a sign we can take our foot off the pedal,” he said. “Every day, every Victorian is getting us that much closer to the other side.”

Cash boost for local businesses

A complaint about visitors to Opal Hobsons Bay not wearing masks has been referred to the Commonwealth Department of Health. (Supplied)

Visitors spark complaint By Goya Dmytryshchak An Altona North nursing home linked to a COVID-19 outbreak is the centre of a complaint about visitors not taking adequate precautions. Opal Hobsons Bay in Rymill Court has 25 active cases out of a total 42 cases, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday. Of those infected, 22 are residents, 13 are staff and seven are close contacts. An Altona North resident, who asked not to be named, has complained to the DHHS that numerous visitors have been gathering without masks and talking through flywire windows. A DHHS spokeswoman confirmed the complaint had been referred to the Commonwealth Department of Health. An Opal Hobsons Bay spokeswoman said the home had been in lockdown since September 6 and allowed “window of love” visits through an external window. The complainant told Star Weekly he had

‘‘

Sometimes the same window would have multiple groups - Complainant

’’

observed “a number of visitors attending this facility and talking to residents through open windows without observing distancing or mask-wearing regulations”. “One of the photos I took via my iPhone … shows a nursing staff member walk right past a visitor at a window,” he said. “The visitor turns to the member, returns a greeting, then turns back to the window – all with the visitor’s face mask being worn on the chin. “I would watch visitors daily talking to residents through open windows, covered only with flywire screens, and the visitors wore no face masks. Sometimes the same window would have multiple groups of people turn up

during the day to speak to residents, plus these groups would sometimes be seen to go to other windows.” The Opal spokeswoman said the home had taken actions to address the complaint. “We are working closely with the DHHS and have put in place additional safety measures for window visits including: visitors are required to check-in at the care home entrance where they are provided with a safety checklist for their visit; provision of high-quality N95 masks on arrival which we recommend are worn during the visit; … reminders both on arrival and via our daily phone calls with families that windows remain closed and spatial distancing must be practiced at all times during visits. “These are extremely challenging times, especially for those whose loved ones are affected by COVID-19. We would like to thank the families of our residents, the local community and our health partners for their tireless contributions as we continue to balance safety and compassion in everything we do.”

Businesses are being urged to band together to apply for $250,000 in grant funding as part of the council’s Hobsons Bay Business has Heart program. With retail and hospitality set to reopen from October 26, the initiative aims to encourage residents to shop local at one of the more than 6000 businesses in the municipality in its post-COVID recovery. Grants of up to $15,000 are available to support “high impact projects” that will benefit local businesses and encourage residents to support their local shopping precinct. Traders are being urged to band together by either location or industry to apply for grants. Businesses will also have access to council support in areas such as marketing and branding, graphic design and promotional opportunities. It comes with the launch of the Hobsons Bay Community has Heart program, offering ‘Community Connector’ links between trained council staff and community members in need of services. Support being offered includes food hampers, pet food, medication, nappies, cleaning supplies and masks. People are also being helped with employment and training information, counselling, family violence services, and support for seniors and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Business grants will be open until until March 2021 or funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. For more information, visit hobsonsbaybusiness.com.au/ hbbusinesshasheart or join Hobsons Bay Business Network on Facebook. To access Community Connector support or to help, email communityconnector@hobsonsbay. vic.gov.au or call 1300 179 944 and ask for the Community Connector. Goya Dmytryshchak

3 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

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Crime rises to four-year high By Benjamin Millar Crime has surged by almost 14 per cent in Maribyrnong over the 12 months to June this year, hitting its highest level since 2016, according to new Crime Statistics Agency data. The area recorded 9388 offences in the 12 months to June 30, a 13.5 per cent rise from the 8275 offences recorded in the 12 months prior. Hobsons Bay continued the longer-term downward trend it has been experiencing since 2016, sliding a further 2.6 per cent from 6264 offences to 6100. Footscray remained the Maribyrnong suburb with the most offences at 2736, followed

by Maribyrnong (1765), Braybrook (1691), Maidstone (1056) and Yarraville (898). Theft from a motor vehicle remained Maribyrnong’s top offence, accounting for 1574 offences. Other theft (822), criminal damage (598), shoplifting (547) and deception offences (542) rounded out the top five. Just under half (49.7 per cent) of all offences remained unsolved. There were 1120 crimes against the person, up from 1090 the year prior and the highest number in at least a decade. Property crimes were also up from 5450 to 6150, the highest level since 2016. Robbery jumped from 137 to 175, property damages rose

from 622 to 659 and theft from 3489 to 4049. Drug use and possession charges surged from 328 to 468, the highest level since 2012. Weapons and explosive charges also jumped to a record 322, up from 194. Public nuisance offences hit a record 126, more than triple the 36 recorded in the year prior. In Hobsons Bay, almost 42 per cent of crime remained unsolved. Altona North accounted for 1243 of the total offences. Altona Meadows (1021), Williamstown (933), Altona (657) and Laverton (621) rounded out the top five suburbs. Theft from a motor vehicle was the leading offences at 861, followed by other theft (759),

Taskforce to tackle waste crime A new taskforce bringing together more than 70 specialist officers will target illegal dumping and the build-up of dangerous waste such as that linked with the 2018 Tottenham fire. Environment regulator Environment Protection Authority has embarked on a hiring blitz to staff the new Waste Crime Prevention Inspectorate tasked with targeting the state’s waste crime problem. The recruitment – the largest in the EPA’s history – is bringing in more surveillance officers, intelligence analysts and environmental protection officers, as well as forensic accountants to tackle illegal phoenix activity. The Waste Crime Prevention Inspectorate will work alongside WorkSafe Victoria, Victoria Police, emergency services agencies, local government and other regulators in targeting activities such as illegal waste dumping and unsafe storage of waste material. The state government has promised an extra $71.4 million to improve efforts to prevent and detect waste crime and beef up investigations and prosecutions for rogue operators in the state’s waste and recycling sector. EPA chief executive Cathy Wilkinson said the EPA takes a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime. “These new specialists will join our existing workforce to protect the community and our environment from illegal and unsafe storage, transport, and disposal of waste.” Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said other initiatives include using drones to detect illegal activity and a new electronic waste tracking system to better track hazardous waste. “These new experts will detect, combat and help prevent waste crime, and hold waste criminals to account,” she said.

breach of a family violence order (528), criminal damage (488) and drug possession (330). Crimes against the person dropped to a three year low of 945, down from 1015, with assault down from 571 to 484. Property offences climbed from 3401 to 3637, driven by a rise in theft from 2208 to 2334. Drug offences hit the highest level in at least a decade at 397, up from 389. Victoria’s overall number of recorded offences increased by 30,659 to 544,237. CSA chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said that in the last six months there have been significant impacts from COVID-19 and the public health response.

JobKeeper cuts hit hard

The 2018 Tottenham fire. (Marco De Luca)

“The Waste Crime Prevention Inspectorate will have forensic accountants and intelligence analysts, who will work hard to keep Victorians safe and the environment protected.” Legislation due to come into effect in mid-2021 will also reclassify the EPA as a “law enforcement agency”, boosting its powers

to conduct covert surveillance and stage unannounced raids. The changes come as taxpayers face a multi-million dollar clean-up bill for the site of the toxic 2018 Tottenham blaze.

Almost $14 million in JobKeeper support payments is being ripped out of the pay packets of inner-west workers each fortnight under cuts to the scheme coming into effect this week, according to analysis by a research institute. McKell Institute last week released a report on the impact of the federal government’s decision to cut JobKeeper payments from the previous rate of $1500 to $1200 each fortnight for full-time workers and to $750 for part-time workers. The scheme will cut payments further from the start of January, down to $1000 for full-time workers and $650 for part-time employees, then cut out entirely on March 28. McKell Institute policy director Edward Cavanough said the JobKeeper program has been essential in enabling employers to retain staff in preparation for a return to a degree of economic normality following COVID-19. “From September 29, the Commonwealth government will spend $1.52 billion less on JobKeeper per fortnight than if the JobKeeper rate remained at its original level,” he said. “By Christmas, this represents a $9.9 billion reduction … than would have occurred if the Commonwealth maintained JobKeeper at its original rate.” Analysis showed the cuts will impact across the inner-west, with fortnightly losses topping $2 million in postcode 3011, taking in Footscray and Seddon, and postcode 3032, taking in Maribyrnong. Postcode 3016 (Williamstown and Williamstown North) was found to be the hardest hit in Hobsons Bay with almost $1.6 million cut each fortnight. Benjamin Millar

Benjamin Millar

Man jailed for ‘significant, sophisticated’ crop house The mastermind behind a hydroponic cannabis crop grown in Braybrook has been jailed and his cousin ordered to perform community service for his role in assisting the operation. Corey Parry and Dylan Psaila were sentenced in the County Court this month over a police bust last year that uncovered 660 cannabis plants growing in a Braybrook factory. Parry, 30, pleaded guilty to charges of cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis, electricity theft, possessing drugs including cannabis and ecstasy, and possessing weapons including a shotgun and taser. Psaila, 24, pleaded guilty to charges of cannabis cultivation and driving whilst suspended.

The court last month heard that police raided the factory being leased by Parry in June 2019, discovering seven rooms containing cannabis plants being grown hydroponically with stolen electricity. Police seized 660 cannabis plants weighing 102 kilograms and the taser. A search of Parry’s home uncovered more drugs, a double-barrel sawn-off shotgun and several shotgun rounds hidden in the roof. The court heard that although Psaila was not involved in setting up the cannabis crop, he had been running errands for his cousin and delivering items to the factory. Judge Gavan Meredith said that although Psaila had knowledge that Parry was cultivating

4 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

cannabis and had assisted in the cultivation, the prosecution had conceded that they could not establish beyond reasonable doubt that he was aware of the quantity being cultivated. “Whilst your guilty plea is an acknowledgement of all of the elements of the offence, the prosecution concede that they are unable to prove precisely what your state of knowledge regarding the extent of the cannabis under cultivation was,” he said. Judge Meredith told Parry that the scope and nature of his 660-plant cannabis crop was “significant and sophisticated”, coming in at close to seven times the commercial quantity. “Self-evidently, yours is a significant example of this offence,” he said.

He told Psaila that whilst it was undeniable that he had been within the factory premises, his actual knowledge of the operation was “somewhat obscure” and his culpability was “significantly less” than that of Parry. Parry was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of two years and nine months, of which he has already served 456 days pre-sentence detention. Psaila was sentenced to perform 150 hours of unpaid community work as part of a Community Correction Order on top of the 196 days already spent in custody on remand. Benjamin Millar

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Munitions history project lauded By Benjamin Millar A project revealing Maribyrnong’s rich munitions heritage across a series of public panels has been shortlisted for a prestigious history award. The Munitions Industry Commemoration Heritage Panels, installed around Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West at Pipemaker’s Park, have been shortlisted for the Victorian Community History Awards and Premier’s History Award for 2020. The panels tell the story of the area serving as the site of the first ammunition factory in Australia and the leading ammunition factory for both world wars. They document the important role the factories and their workers played in supporting Australia’s war efforts. The award shortlist includes books, articles, exhibitions, websites and a digital tour that tell the stories of WWII. Public Record Office Victoria director Justine Heazlewood said each project and publication reveals aspects of Victoria’s rich history. Government Services Minister Danny Pearson said the 48 projects and publications shortlisted from 176 entries recognise and celebrate the contributions made by Victorians who are preserving the state’s rich and diverse history. “Congratulations to all the local historians who have worked so hard to bring Victoria’s diverse and fascinating history to life – especially in such challenging times,” he said. “I am so proud to see how adaptive and innovative historians have been to deliver their work remotely this year.” A total of 32 publications and 16 history projects are vying for prizes ranging from $500 to $2000, with the overall winner to be awarded the $5000 Victorian Premier’s History Award major prize. Final award winners will be announced online in October as part of History Month. Details: historyvictoria.org.au

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5 6

1/ Fuses are very sophisticated mechanisms requiring work by chemists and physicists. Each fuse can contain many small components and a wide variety of alloys. 2/ Women working on machines drawing out brass to make cartridges, one of the many steps in making a bullet. 3/ The fuse was a crucial component of larger shells fired from big guns. 4/ Wally Jack. 5/ Miss K. Tyack, one of the three women to first operate an electric crane in the heat treatment of large bombs. 6/ Women munitions workers sorting bullets at the Ammunition Factory, Footscray in 1942. 7/ The separate cubicles that the women worked in for increased safety. 8/ 3.7 inch anti-aircraft guns nearing completion at the Commonwealth Ordnance Factory in 1941. 9/ Looking over Jacks Magazine towards the city.

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(John Gollings)

5 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

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Laverton north fire

PHONE \ 03 8318 5777

Fire crews were called to a conveyor belt fire in Laverton North shortly before 1pm on Sunday. The fire at the Hume Road premises is believed to have started from combustible material inside a hopper and friction.

LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

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The Hobsons Bay Seniors Festival kicks off on Monday, October 5. For the full program visit: www.hobsonsbay.vic. gov.au/SeniorsFestival2020 or contact 1300 179 944.All events are free but bookings are essential.

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Salt n Pepa Cafe owner Chris Galea. (Damjan Janevski) 216412_02)

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Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

New way of trading Some Hobsons Bay traders are seeking to permanently change the way they do business to safely serve food and beverages as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Ilch Mickovski, speaking on behalf of Altona Village Traders Association, Laverton Traders Association, Newport Traders Association and Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, said businesses were seeking to change the rules to adapt to COVID. “We need council to be bold and innovative and allow businesses to be able to trade in a different capacity than prior to COVID,” he said. “The current regulations around footpath access issues wouldn’t allow businesses to be able to trade in a takeaway front window concept if it wasn’t for COVID. We need to be

looking at the rule book to allow these guys to be trading and to be viable in the future.” Salt n Pepa Cafe owner Chris Galea was among the first to quickly convert to serving customers via a front window in Altona’s Pier Street. It’s something he hopes to continue even when onsite dining is allowed again. “It was really well received,” Mr Galea said. “I see an apprehensiveness to be in a confined space with multiple people – a lot of people are feeling that. People will always take the safer option, which will possibly be grab and go. “There’s always going to be dine-in custom – that will always exist – but it gives people options to do it a different way.”

Police are appealing for public assistance after a man was located unconscious in Footscray on Saturday night. Investigators have been told a passerby found the man lying on the ground at the back of shops off Barkly Street about 5pm. The 33-year-old Niddrie man was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition. It is unclear how the man sustained his injuries at this stage. Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Full field contests Stony Creek A bumper field of 41 candidates will be vying for one of just seven councillor roles in October’s Maribyrnong local government elections. Benjamin Millar meets the candidates who have nominated for the Stony Creek Ward, where there are two vacancies. 1: Minh Quan Nguyen I am an independent candidate. There has never been a year as bad as this in our history. As a local resident in Maribyrnong all my life, I want to help our community to have a better way of living. If elected, I will strive to work to address all the longstanding issues in our community related to crime, graffiti, lower council rates, parking and maintenance of the central business districts. Most importantly, I will passionately work to build a better city with a harmonious, prosperous, fair, decent and inclusive community. 2: Rajdeep Kaur Kang I promote community inclusiveness and believe that all members of the community should have a voice. I was born and raised in Braybrook, so can empathise with the needs of my community. During these challenging times, I want to help my community by supporting them through the COVID recovery. I am an acupuncturist and counsellor, so the issue of mental health, especially in youth, is close to my heart. I believe that providing more open spaces will assist our community to reconnect and heal through community connection. 3: Edward Merrifield I was born and raised in the western suburbs and continue to be an active member for the community and advocate on behalf of residents on a number of issues, with a particular focus on accountability, transparency, responsiveness and increased community security and safety. I continue to work actively towards improving street lighting, reducing graffiti and rubbish dumping and improving the local roads, footpaths, drains and trees. Residents need good representatives that ensure management becomes customer-focused. 4: Pradeep Tiwari I have been a proud local for over 30 years, and I run a local small business in West Footscray, which has been running since 1991. I have always tried to bring community

together through events and highlight our local businesses, these include the Festival of Lights, Festival of Colours, West Footscray Carols, West Footscray Trash n Treasure market. I am the president of the West Footscray Traders. My campaign aims at promoting mental health awareness, assisting traders and developing a post-COVID plan. 5: Judy Hang I am an independent voice who will always put community before politics. I am a born and bred proud daughter of the west. I’ve lived, studied, worked and volunteered here my whole life. My parents were Vietnamese refugees who called the west home, having been benefactors of a generous community – I am a firm believer in giving back where I can. I want to invest in our community by creating more local jobs and supporting local businesses. I want to invest in our youth and community health. 6: Megan Bridger-Darling It has been an absolute honour to be your representative over the last 15 months on Maribyrnong council as your Labor-endorsed candidate. I live in Braybrook and it’s no coincidence that in the past year we’ve had increased investment in our local streets and parks. One of my first actions was to ensure that council meetings were broadcast live to all residents, removing barriers to participation. I am a strong voice for local sports. I bring experience to Maribyrnong. 7: Cuc Lam Community is so important to families like mine. When my family chose to live here after

we left Vietnam, support from this diverse, welcoming community and our council made a big difference. On council, I’ve helped provide facilities for parks, sports grounds and services like the new childcare centre on Church Street, all places where people connect. I would like to see council make it safer for our children to cycle to school, and do more to support fresh food market and community gardens, as well as a pop up park in Footscray West. 8: Mohamed Semra I believe council works best when it is working with the community. I am a social entrepreneur, UN Peace Ambassador and proud Maidstone resident. As your independent councillor, I will listen and seek to amplify the voices of all our residents and ratepayers. Rates are on the rise, small businesses are bleeding, youth unemployment is the highest it’s ever been, and a growing number of people are expressing concern about their mental health. I will fight to expand our green spaces, advocate for more cycling paths, champion local jobs, and open Maribyrnong for business. 9: Ken Betts I am proud to be standing as a third-generation, truly independent candidate born and raised in Footscray and Braybrook. Since retirement 13 years ago, I have been advocating for fairness and justice in the west. I am a strong believer in no politics in local government. My activist record of achievements over the past 10 years includes successfully organising a campaign protest to Fix Footscray Hospital, ultimately resulting in the government agreeing to build a new multimillion-dollar hospital complex.

10: Andrew Charles I’m a climate scientist and trade unionist. I’ll defend public services. I opposed the council’s recent decision to privatise aged care services. I want to mandate affordable and public housing in all new developments. I support rate discounts for pensioners and people experiencing financial hardship. I’ll work with community groups to protect and expand open green space. I’ll push for council to divest from fossil fuels, to improve air quality, and to establish low-emissions zones around schools and childcare. I want to create a permanent arts precinct with free studio space. 11: Cameron Bolton Having recently settled in West Footscray, and previously living in Yarraville, I am standing as an independent with an interest in all ideas and an ear for all opinions. My multicultural heritage and diverse socio-economic experiences have afforded me exposure to a wide variety of life-experiences to draw on. I am a strong advocate for the pursuit of fact and truth and developing solutions with human rights and ethics at the forefront. 12: Bernadette Thomas I am the Greens-endorsed candidate for Stony Creek. I’m a long-term resident who loves the area and people. I have campaigned for a safe and clean Maribyrnong, and am an active volunteer for local groups dedicated to improving the environment and the lives of people living in the area. If elected, my priorities will be to respond to the climate emergency with local action; work to find innovative ways to ensure housing for all.

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7 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

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Out and about As spring blooms and Melbourne slowly emerges from its winter chill, locals have been making the most of COVID-19

JOHN AND HUGO, 11

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 215966

restrictions easing to spend some time at Yarraville Gardens. Photographer Damjan Janevski caught up with some of them.

OLIVER, 20 MONTHS

EVERYTHING WE’RE DOING IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Thank you Victoria. As hard as this is, every sacrifice we’re making is making a difference. But we can’t stop now, or lose everything we’ve worked for. We will get through this together.

For details go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12463397-NG40-20

8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Four councillors call it a day By Goya Dmytryshchak Four Hobsons Bay councillors will not recontest October’s election, including Australia’s first Maltese-born female mayor. Cr Angela Altair, a three-time mayor, is leaving after six terms and 21 years on council. Also leaving are current mayor Colleen Gates, deputy mayor Sandra Wilson and councillor Michael Grech. Cr Altair, a mother-of-three, said it had been a privilege to serve and thanked the community for their support all these years.

‘‘

I love where I live and will never cease to care

’’

-Sandra Wilson “Getting on council opened so many new doors. And a whole new career: I took a master degree at RMIT to help me with my environment portfolio and qualified company director,” she said. “You’re constantly deciding on things that make life worthwhile and shape the quality of your daily life, like rubbish collections, beautifying parks and beaches, putting a crossing at a busy intersection, finding a better footy ground for the Auskick kids, building libraries, running baby health centres. You’re so much better off than some opposition backbencher counting heads.” “Seeing pet projects finally come to life, like the restored Ann Street footbridge and refilling the Botanic Gardens ornamental pond gave me great satisfaction. And the Newport skatepark. “For my first mayoral project, I launched the art and culture coastal trail depicting our city’s rich history. “And of course there’s the WillyLitFest I

Sandra Wilson, Colleen Gates, Angela Altair and Michael Grech will not recontest October’s election. (Pictures: Supplied)

helped found with vital support from the council, and in 2012 we finally saw the opening of the fabulous new Williamstown library.” Cr Gates said she felt privileged to have served for the past eight years, including two terms as mayor. “I am extremely grateful for the time spent with people, whether that was meeting residents to ‘walk the ward’, supporting community-led events and projects, volunteering or being spokesperson where I had a voice to make a difference. “I would like to also acknowledge the amazing team of dedicated staff at council who

support what we do.” Cr Wilson, also on the council eight years and mayor twice, said one of her proud legacies was “bringing calm and considered leadership to enable many great enhancements to be delivered for our community”. “I am now supporting other good people to stand up and serve Hobsons Bay with integrity – it’s what we deserve, it’s what we should choose. The relationships I have made are treasured and many will endure. I have led with respect and I have always worked to grow trust. “My service and contribution to my

community will continue in a different vein because I love where I live and will never cease to care. There is an enormous number of people to connect with and thank – that time will come.” Cr Grech said in his four-year term he had wanted “to deliver large infrastructure projects like I promised in my social media posts prior to coming into council”. “The aquatic centre with gym, hydro pool and a water park in Laverton once completed will be major assets that will be used by the community for many years,” he said.

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9 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Meet your Hobsons Bay candidates Shavita Kotak

Dominique Dybala

David Dawson

Daria Kellander

Cherry Lake Ward

I am standing as an independent candidate. I want to help build a community that works together to get through COVID-19 and beyond. I’ve lived in Altona since 2008 with my husband and two children. After 18 years in the corporate world of banking and financial planning in England and Australia, I wanted to make a difference and moved to a large not-for-profit organisation. In 2008, I founded a health and wellbeing business and in the first lockdown transitioned online to provide a free service to the community. I’m committed to helping people facing mental, physical and financial challenges. I stand for: mental health support; safe areas for our community to exercise; a well-maintained environment; support for local businesses in COVID-19 recovery; utilising council funds strategically for community benefit; and listening to and supporting disadvantaged residents.

I have been a resident of Altona for nearly my whole life. I have grown up participating in this community. I started Altona Community Gardens with a group of passionate community members. I helped shape the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision, defining council’s priorities for the next 10 years. My vision is a thriving community that is responsive to the needs of residents and businesses. I want it to be a place that showcases and enhances our incredible natural resources. It is the responsibility of council to work towards improving the overall quality of life for everyone and to deliver the services that meet all our needs. It is especially important as our community responds to the changes caused by COVID-19 that our council works with us. My vision is a council that truly collaborates with the community, inviting us all to participate in creating the place we want to live and work in.

I am a chartered accountant committed to good, ethical governance and I am proud to be the Greens-endorsed candidate for Cherry Lake ward. My vision is to build a cohesive, climate ready and economically prosperous community. I am committed to ensuring that every rate dollar is used wisely through this challenging pandemic and in the recovery. If elected, my priorities will be: assist the community through the COVID pandemic and recovery; revitalise our shopping strips with the Green New Deal; provide low-cost green electricity to drive economic recovery and cut pollution; make our paths, cycleways and roads safer while improving public transport; and planting 50,000 trees to refresh the industrial landscape and give us all clean air, soil and water. I enjoy chatting with people and looking for ways to solve everyday problems with an eye to the future.

I have been a Hobsons Bay resident my entire life. As a mum, I am passionate about doing my best to engage our community to make Hobsons Bay a place we’re all proud to call home. I’m a chartered accountant and if elected I’ll use my skills for our community’s benefit to ensure council’s financial decisions are sound. I will: oppose rates and fee rises, especially during COVID-19; advocate for an Altona North/Brooklyn train station; drive initiatives to support businesses, residents and sporting clubs through COVID-19; ensure spending is responsible and based on community needs; invest in initiatives to provide safety, protect and promote our environment, improve air quality, and support wellbeing of our community; support a review to provide an effective bin system; bring a family and community focus to council; and advocate for residents requiring aged care and disability support.

Cherry Lake Ward

Augustin Kadende

Amanda Hill

Ranbri Lambra

Cherry Lake Ward

Wetlands Ward

I’m a councillor, former mayor and genuine independent. I have lived locally all my life and raised my foster children in Hobsons Bay. I am a Justice of the Peace and have a long history of supporting community groups. My history on council shows I am accessible to the community, speak out on important issues and work hard to improve our parks, playgrounds, foreshore, boat ramp, lake, creeks, sporting facilities, community centres, youth centres, libraries, roads, footpaths, drainage, parking and shopping precincts while opposing dirty industry that impact our amenity and health. I continue to fight for improved facilities and services, a train station in Altona North; and air quality and traffic solutions for Altona North and Brooklyn. I opposed the recent increases to rates and other charges, and successfully fought for rate waivers and support for businesses. I work collaboratively with people.

Ever since coming to Australia as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, this community has been there for me and provided me with the opportunity to excel academically, socially and culturally. I went to primary school at St Leo’s the Great and attended high school at Emmanuel College (SPC), finishing my final year there as college captain. This community has allowed me to grow into the man I am today; please allow me to serve and repay you. I was fortunate to be named Hobsons Bay Young Citizen of the Year for my work surrounding mental health. I believe having a young person on council will give council the stimulus it needs to become a critical part of our democratic system. I would like to represent the voice of the future. I want to preserve what Hobsons Bay has stood for, and to evolve and meet the demands of these changing times.

I live in Altona Meadows and am co-convenor of the Hobsons Bay Residents Association. Experienced in regulation, compliance and administration with a degree in animal welfare, I currently manage a large not-for-profit sporting club in Melbourne. I support the environment and sustainability and led the community campaign for a weekly rubbish collection to be reinstated while supporting improved recycling. As an independent candidate I strongly believe council needs to refocus on basic services and consultation before any major financial investment is a must. I will advocate for better responsible pet ownership programs, community social justice and providing support for families, elderly and most vulnerable. I am passionate about maintaining open green spaces and ensuring the wetlands remain preserved. I will do my best to stand up and represent you.

I am running as an independent candidate for Wetlands ward. I am an immigration consultant and have lived in the area since 2006 with my family of four. I embrace community values and stand by our community to resolve any ongoing problems and issues. I want to assure my community that I am open to listen and ready to represent any community group or individuals irrespective of age, gender, colour, religion, origin or ethnicity to resolve the issues affecting our community. I stand for: lower rates; introduction of an efficient waste collection system developed with community consultation; support for local businesses affected by pandemic; better support system to help recover our community from COVID-19; local jobs creation; community engagement in planning and decision making; better infrastructure; and representation for all ethnic groups and individuals.

Tony Briffa

Stephen Currie

Grant Richey

Diana Grima

Graham McGuire

Matt Tyler

Wetlands Ward

I am a Wetlands ward local and independent candidate. I am seeking election because I love our community and want to help residents be heard. My aim is to help deliver services and facilities that residents want, advocating for a fair return for our rates. I am passionate about open spaces, making sure residents of all ages and interests can enjoy them; pedestrian and cyclist safety, especially crossings near schools and facilities; more hygienic solutions to waste and more bins where we need them; supporting businesses to create jobs; and reducing traffic on roads. I believe strongly in equality and delivering reliable essential services, including providing the facilities we need to ensure we grow as a caring, inclusive community. I will fight to protect the environment we live in.

It is my privilege to announce my candidacy to represent Wetlands ward. I live in Seabrook with my wife, our eight-month-old son, and dog and cat. I work in emergency management with a volunteer-led statewide service and have, until recently, been involved with the running of a local small business. I like basketball, playing music and riding my bike. I am running for council because I believe I have something to give back to my community. The most important role of local government is to represent the stake of the community objectively and without prejudice. It is crucial to approach all local issues with a high degree of community consultation and engagement. I truly love living in Hobsons Bay, and am honoured to be considered to represent my community.

With four councillors not contesting at this election we have a great opportunity to improve outcomes for Wetlands ward and with your support, I am committed to this mission. I have grown up in this community and am playing an active and leadership role in local organisations and want to do more by serving on council. Key issues include rates freeze and reduction; increasing general waste collection without charging; Comben Reserve planning with full consultation; the lack of secondary school student placements available, which I am currently discussing with the state government; the expansion of youth services; continued environmental improvements including Skeleton and Laverton creeks; and continuing to support and establish new sporting facilities.

I am a fifth-generation resident of Hobson Bay; I am lawyer and was a former councillor and mayor with the City of Williamstown. I do not represent any politic party or group. Council needs to ensure that when an individual has a grievance with a decision or policy, that they can come to the council to review their individual circumstance. For too long Williamstown has received the largest part of the budget. Our ward needs to receive its fair share. I will look at every item of expenditure at budget time to make sure we get value and affordability for ratepayers. There is a need to help our pensioners by increasing their rates concession from $50 to $200. My major project is to beautify every street in our ward. Council needs to meet fortnightly(for quicker answers to your queries).

As your Labor candidate for Wetlands ward, I’ll ensure my to-do list reflects your priorities. Now more than ever, we need councillors who are relentless in their representation. In short, I’ll listen then act. Council can deliver better value for your rates. I was raised by a single mum and know what it’s like to do it tough. That’s why I’ve dedicated my professional life to making government work better – from my time at Harvard focused on child and family services, to my current role as executive director at a large non-profit preventing mental ill-health and family violence. I want to see council: deliver on the basics including weekly bin collection for those that need it; decrease financial burden on ratepayers and community groups; support businesses and provide quality services for mental health and aged care.

10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Ahead of next month’s council election Star Weekly asked candidates why residents should vote for them.

Damian Giri

Helen Whooley

Lisa Bentley

Jonathon Marsden

Strand Ward

Having moved here over 12 months ago to live with my partner Jon, I couldn’t be more proud to be a LGBTIQ and Liberal Party member and call this beautiful part of the west home. I want to be a voice for local residents and get council back to representing the community. If elected, I will ensure we have: no rate increases; review the waste management debacle and ensure residents have the right size bin for their needs, at no cost; fix our unsealed laneways; create the best open space solution for Spotswood and South Kingsville communities; more support for our local businesses and ensure we get people back to our great restaurants and cafes along Nelson Place; and be a councillor for the community – I will host a monthly town hall for residents and businesses to hear direct from you. It’s time for change in Hobsons Bay! I want to be your voice on council and together, let’s make Hobsons Bay even greater!

I am a teacher and a trainer in the construction industry and running in the Strand ward to make a stand against privatisation of council services. COVID-19 has shown the social and economic disasters created by privatisation. Hobsons Bay council has been notorious in the past for privatising local government services. Privatisation leads to poor quality services, loss of jobs, less efficiency and ultimately more cost to the ratepayer. How do these decisions get made? Is there enough community consultation about these decisions? Is this something you would really vote for if you had all the information? I will oppose any further plans for privatisation of services. I will campaign for increased services and job creation programs through environmental programs, aged care programs, childcare programs and more.

I am your independent candidate for the Strand ward in Hobsons Bay. My family is fourth generation Williamstown and I grew up supported by the government housing commission here. Today, I give back by supporting local families as a mental health practitioner at TreeHaus Williamstown. I will advocate for better mental health support services for our community so we can take care of everyone affected by COVID-19; engaging local businesses when it comes to our economic recovery; higher standards for roads and traffic management; lower density residential and commercial developments; improved air quality and environmental protections; affordable rates; and regular rubbish collections that meet community expectations. I am passionate about supporting, improving, and advocating for our great community. I believe in respecting and listening to constituents.

My wife and three-year-old daughter are my life and the foundation of my commitment to community service. I am a sitting councillor, first-term mayor, ex-Army helicopter pilot, transport analyst and Williamstown local. I take my responsibilities seriously, always making decisions in the best interests of the people of Hobsons Bay. We now face twin crises: climate change and COVID. Council will need to drive economic recovery and restore community morale. We will: roll out a council-operated solar power plant to cut costs and emissions, linking solar panels across our city to provide low cost green electricity; plant 50,000 new trees to provide shade and habitat and draw down atmospheric carbon to meet our target of zero carbon emissions by 2030; revive our high streets and support our hard-hit traders by reducing costs and by bringing people back to the shopping strips.

Pamela Sutton-Legaud

Angus Ward

Wajde Wade Assaf

Daniel McKinnon

Strand Ward

I am proud to stand as an independent in Strand ward where I have lived for almost 20 years. With the COVID-19 crisis, it will take strong leadership to help us thrive. I hold a master of business administration and have worked with small businesses and non-profit community for nearly 30 years, helping to raise funds and grow businesses. I am a Victorian Telstra business award winner so I know the challenges we face to keep our businesses going, our community healthy and focused on the future. I will bring compassion and strong governance to the council chamber. I support: a rates freeze in the next budget; a review of the waste management strategy encouraging recycling; creation of more green spaces and better use of vacant land; a bike strategy to improve rider and pedestrian safety; protection of our heritage buildings; more mental health services; more community consultation.

I represent the ratepayer, the people who pay ever increasing rates and fees. I am fighting for fair for every resident in Hobsons Bay and I would like to see us living happier lives with money to spend on the things that matter – family, memories and maybe paying off the car. Reducing rates is an important first step in stopping the ever-increasing taxation of Australians and that is what I stand for. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful and wealthy city and I know we can do it. Our bins system is a great initiative and we have seen more of our plastics and glass being recycled. Let’s keep it going, but allow the option of weekly landfill for those that need it! Businesses and residents are hurting. I will do my best to give them as much support as a council can give. In these trying times we need to come together and show support for our neighbours. That is what I will fight for – our community.

Former Australian Defence Force member. My 10-point plan: rubbish collected every week; no increase to rates; repair roads, footpaths and street gutters; more child, aged and disability services; pensioners and low-income earners to pay less rates; equal rights for all; plant 70,000 trees; build an indoor sports stadium at Newport oval; build an all-weather bus shelter in Newport; and build an Australian Christian Centre. I am 61, married with four children, two grandchildren and lived in Strand ward for 51 years. I successfully lobbied to plant trees along Market Street in Newport and helped to stop hazardous chemical waste being stored in residential areas. I was a founding member of the Antiochian Christian Orthodox Church in the west. I’m involved in mental health research for obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Hobsons Bay needs new skills and ideas now more than ever. As a professional accountant, I’ve had a long career in business and not-for-profits. I helped create Mission Australia Housing, and set up a 66-unit affordable and social housing facility in Footscray. I served for many years as chairman of the board of Ethiopiaid Australia, a charity which provides reproductive health services to women in Ethiopia. I now run my own accounting and migration services business in Williamstown. I’ve been heavily involved in Save Williamstown and local sport clubs. I first joined Labor when the Kennett government privatised our electricity and water assets. My priorities are: deliver on the basics; decrease the financial burden; a large COVID recovery project with links to state and federal programs; and quality services for maternal health, childcare, mental health and aged care etc.

Ross Alexander

Peter Hemphill

Daniel Kade

Lachlan Christie

Strand Ward

I’m one of your Labor endorsed candidates for Strand ward. Growing up and going to school in Williamstown has embedded in me the desire to give back to my community, and through standing for council, I want to represent the community we all love. My family has run local businesses and instilled in myself and my brother the ethos of a hard day’s work and the desire to create something lasting. I see in my generation a new wave of optimism rising from the host of challenges we as a society face. I want to harness that optimism and translate that into a new way of government, focusing on the needs and challenges of a diverse and growing society. Only through coming together as a community can we resolve to face the challenging circumstances before us. The 2020s will be a new and exciting era for Australia, I want our council and our community to be at the forefront of this era.

With four councillors opting not to stand again, it is more important than ever to have stability and experience retained on council. I have served more than 21 years on council and have always worked in the best interests of the community. Experience will count as council continues to roll out services but also respond to the COVID pandemic. Council will need to remain agile to respond to the needs of our businesses and residents if further problems emerge. I have advocated for a more efficient council to increase ratepayers’ money going into capital works. In the past two years, council has boosted its capital works expenditure to about $67-72 million, well above traditional levels of $30-40 million. Evidence of that is the work on ovals, reserves, the innovative solar virtual energy network and the huge increase in tree planting about to start. A steady hand is needed to ensure the good work continues.

I believe that government needs to act in the interests of the community, be transparent and accountable. If elected I promise to be available to listen to your concerns and have meaningful discussions about the best ways for government to help. I will also act against excessive government and unnecessary spending. My career is in civil engineering, working in local and state government delivering community infrastructure such as roads and bridges. I have an extensive education that includes a master of commerce and a bachelor of business administration/civil engineering. I believe this experience and an extensive education, along with a commitment to putting the community first, makes me an ideal candidate.

I stand for the five Rs: Roads, Rubbish, Reducing Rates and (COVID) Recovery! Businesses and families are suffering. Council should be getting back to basics and reducing rates. We can start by fixing up our rubbish collections. While well-intentioned, bi-weekly landfill collection has failed to meet the needs of the community. Recycling is great, but we can always do more by expanding the amount of materials that can be recycled. Bringing back weekly landfill will also reduce the risk of contaminating our recycling, and litter from overflowing bins. Council should concentrate on creating a responsible budget to take the burden off ratepayers. I am professional and passionate. I was born in a family that values community, hard work and entrepreneurship. I am in this for all the right reasons – to fight for what is right, to make the city a better place, and to be a voice for all residents.

11 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

FEATURING ... EDUCATION CHOICES

Supporting students through the pandemic

A raft of changes has been introduced so senior students are not disadvantaged by the coronavirus pandemic. (iStock)

This may include assessing the individual impact of coronavirus on each student, including school closures, direct impacts on the health of a student, students dealing with substantial extra family responsibilities, ongoing issues with remote learning and mental health challenges.

This will then be used to calculate a student’s final VCE results and ATAR rank, ensuring that our kids’ final results take into account not only their performance in an exam – but their courage and commitment in the face of huge adversity. This adds to the steps already taken by the

VCAA, such as reducing course content for Unit 4, rescheduling the General Achievement Test (GAT) and extending Term 4 for VCE students with exams to be held later in the year. The ATARs received by Victorian students will be equivalent to those received by students in other states.

12460590-RC37-20

For Victorian students in their final years of school, as well as their parents, carers, families and teachers – this has been a year like no other. The Victorian government has announced more support for VCE students, stating every student will be individually assessed, and any adverse impacts of coronavirus will be reflected in ATAR rankings as part of a wide-ranging process to ensure fair and accurate results in this unprecedented year of school – taking a huge mental load off students and their families as we head towards exams. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) will introduce a wide-ranging “Consideration of Educational Disadvantage” process to calculate VCE scores, taking into account disruptions to learning caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This new process will mean the only thing impacted students need to focus on is their exams – and doing their best. Minister for Education James Merlino says: “With this additional support, we’ll make sure every student at every age has the support to be their best.” In a normal year, individual students are assessed for special consideration on a case by case basis. This year, schools will provide the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) with information on every single one of their students. These reforms will reach every year 12 VCE student in the state, ensuring the experiences of the class of 2020 are factored into their results. The VCAA will consider a range of data alongside exam results, including a student’s expected achievement levels before the impact of coronavirus, school assessments completed prior to remote and flexible learning, the General Achievement Test (GAT) and a range of statistical analyses to calculate final results.

12 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

FEATURING ... EDUCATION CHOICES

Added mental health support for students More secondary school students will soon have access to the school-based mental health support they need, thanks to the Victorian government. Minister for Education James Merlino recently announced the timeline for the 2021 roll-out of the Mental Health Practitioners initative for Victorian government secondary schools to receive extra support. In recognition of the increased mental health challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the roll-out has been brought forward to be completed by the end of 2021. Under the initiative, schools will benefit from access to additional mental health support for their students next year. The $51.2 million initiative, which began in July last year, provides funding to schools to recruit a mental health practitioner. It will see qualified mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and mental health nurses, in every government secondary school campus across the state. Mental health practitioners offer counselling and early intervention services, and co-ordinate support for students with complex needs, linking them with broader allied and community health services. All government secondary schools will receive between one and five days a week of support from a mental health practitioner depending on its size and requirements. This builds on the $65.5 million investment in student health and wellbeing initiatives in schools, including the Victorian Anti-Bullying and Mental Health Initiative, the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support program, as well as increased investment in allied health and nursing services. All Victorian government school students, whether they are learning remotely or attending

All Victorian government school students have been able to access mental health and wellbeing support during the pandemic. (iStock)

school on-site, have been able to access mental health and wellbeing support during the pandemic. Secondary school students can access counselling via a voice call or video conference through the headspace counselling partnership or via their school-based mental

health practitioner. Mr Merlino says: “So many of our young people are experiencing mental health challenges – this will make it easier for them to access the support they need at school. “This is one of the biggest issues raised with

me when I talk to students, parents and carers and schools. “We know that when our kids are happy and well supported, they can focus on their learning, succeed in their education and excel in life.”

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13 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

F th kid

TODAY Message us on Facebook to share your recipes and activity ideas.

Cook it

Find it

LEMON RIND BISCUITS Ingredients 150g butter 1 3/4 cups caster sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence

Grated rind of 1 lemon 300ml sour cream 5 cups self raising flour 2 cups icing sugar

Method 1. Cream butter and caster sugar using electric beater. 2. Add eggs, vanilla essence, lemon rind and beat until mixture is fluffy. 3. Add sour cream and mix well. 4. Fold in self raising flour (use hands to mix). 5. Leave in an airtight container in fridge overnight. 6. Next day: Preheat oven to 160 degrees. 7. Roll mixture into balls. 8. Roll each ball in icing sugar and place on a tray lined with baking paper. Add an extra sprinkle of icing sugar to the top. 9. Bake for 10 minutes or until biscuits start to brown on top. 10. Let biscuits cool and enjoy!

fun fact

Recipe supplied by Emma, tested by Aurelia, 2 (pictured).

n be sharpened 17 On average a pencil ca s long and can write times, draw a line 56km words. approximately 45,000

Make it

KINETIC SAND Ingredients 5 cups of sand 1.2 cups of corn flour 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid 1 cup of water (approx.) 1 teaspoon tea tree oil (optional)

Method 1. Put 5 cups of play sand in a container. 1. Add 1.2 cups of corn flour and mix. 2. Mix 3/4 a cup of water with 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and mix through. Add tea tree oil if using (tea tree is antibacterial and will keep it smelling fresh and lasting longer). 3. If mixture is too dry, add 1/4 cup water. If mixture is too wet, leave it sitting out for a while and it will dry. 4. Store in an airtight container. Recipe from www.mouthsofmums.com.au

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STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Sudoku

Quick crossword 1

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

9 10

Across 1. Looking, but not buying (6-8) 10. Obliterate (5) 11. Purpose (9) 12. Routine (7) 13. Afternoon social gathering (4,3) 14. Conditions (5) 16. Weaken, gradually destroy (9) 19. Canine copper (6,3) 20. Unforeseen drawback (5) 22. Buying and selling (7) 25. Income from an investment (7) 27. Persecuted (9) 28. There it is! (Fr) (5) 29. The spreading of rumours and fearDECODER (14)

Down 2. Opening, introductory (9) 3. Inhabit (5) 4. A collection of money (colloq) (4-5) 5. Setback (5) 6. Eulogy (9) 7. Fool (5) 8. Upper edge of a ship’s side (7) 9. Confidential (6) 15. Blasphemy (9) 17. Situation where people ruthlessly pursue their own interests (3,3,3) 18. Instinctive understanding (9) 19. Poignant, moving (7) 21. At the peak, in your prime (6) 23. First letter of Greek alphabet (5) 24. Enthusiasm (5) 26. At no time (5)

DECODER

Decoder

WordFit

Each number represents a different letter of the alphabet. Write the given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Now work out which letters are represented by the other numbers. As you get the letters, write them into the main grid and the reference grid. Decoder uses all 26 letters of the alphabet.

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

17 26

2 14

12 12

E 4

1 14

15 12

13 4

17 1

3 LETTERS ADO ANY AVE AXE DIM DYE EAR EMU EWE HEN IRE LOW NAG NET NUT PAN RED ROE RUE SHY SKI SUE TOE USE

17 6

19 1

12 7

2 5

ABCDE FGHIJKL MNOPQRSTUV WXYZ

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 F E SOLUTION TO DECODER 16:

Quick crossword solution

WordBuilder WordBuilder

417

E V I R L

5 LETTERS ADULT AGONY AIDES

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word. Good 7 Very Good 11 Excellent 16

AMASS AMIGO ARCED AURAL AWARE BEIGE CROSS DEEDS DENSE DESEX DRESS EMBED EMEND ENDUE ENSUE EXCEL FLUNG FRANC INANE

IVORY JAMES LANCE LEMUR MINDS NEAPS OOMPH ORATE PUREE REELS RENAL SAMOA SAXON SCENE SEAMY SEATS SHARE SINCE SLABS

IMMENSE MUSICAL PANDORA RANSACK

SLEDS SLYER SPRAG STEEP TONAL UNITE UVULA WARMS ZEBRA

8 LETTERS BARNACLE ELEVENTH EMERGENT HARANGUE

6 LETTERS CAESAR CREASE GLOSSY NAILED 7 LETTERS ANAEMIA DYNAMIC

Sudoku solutions

Decoder S

15 2

16 3

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

A U R A L

C R O S S

T O N A L

S L A B S

R E N A L

F L U N G

S E A M Y A W A R E A M I G O

N C U R T E A S S H E Y A E M N A D S U S E B T E O A E R

E W A E I D E S D Y N A M I C

J A U V D E O S P D U I D A L E M E R G E N T

I M M E N S E M U S I C A L

E S L A E X V O E N N T H A P G E N D U S S S E U E E P

D O Z R Y E D I N R A A N N E S A N C A K I L E D

R E S S O M P H E B R A E A R E D G E M E A P S N G U E D O R A N E T D Y E S Y E S A R I R E A N C E X C E L E E D S

WordBuilder

SOLUTION TO DECODER 16:

4 LETTERS AMID APED BEAR CASE DIAL DOZY DYES EDGE GENE GNUS JUDO SEEP SPUD STAY

S P U D

Across: 1. Window-shopping, 10. Erase, 11. Intention, 12. Regular, 13. High tea, 14. Terms, 16. Undermine, 19. Police dog, 20. Catch, 22. Trading, 25. Annuity, 27. Oppressed, 28. Voila, 29. Scaremongering. Down: 2. Inaugural, 3. Dwell, 4. Whip-round, 5. Hitch, 6. Panegyric, 7. Idiot, 8. Gunwale, 9. Secret, 15. Sacrilege, 17. Dog eat dog, 18. Intuition, 19. Piteous, 21. Heyday, 23. Alpha, 24. Gusto, 26. Never.

WordFit

PUZZLES

G evil, ire, lei, lev, lie, lire, live, liver, rev, riel, F rile, rive, veil, vie, vier, vile, viler, vlei

EASY

MEDIUM

HARD

SOLUTION TO DECODER 17:

L D

1. Dyspepsia, 2. 1880, 3. France, 4. The Rosetta Stone, 5. Clarinet, 6. Stephen King, 7. The main group of cyclists in a race, 8. Bette Davis, 9. Tony Roche, 10. Elizabeth Taylor.

I N

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down. Note: more than one solution may be possible.

Pepsi was originally sold as a cure for what? In what year was Australian outlaw Ned Kelly arrested and later executed? Which country gave the Statue of Liberty to the USA? What famous black basalt slab was the key to the translation of Egyptian hieroglyphics? 5. Which instrument represents the cat in Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf? 6. Whose 1987 horror novel is titled Misery? 7. What is a peloton? 8. Kim Carnes sang about which film star’s eyes? 9. Who partnered John Newcombe to win 12 men’s doubles Grand Slam titles? 10. Which female film star’s first starring role was in National Velvet, aged 12, in 1949? 1. 2. 3. 4.

E L I T E

S L I N G

5x5 solution E I D E R

Quiz

B R A V E

5x5

O G R E S

Quiz solution

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Motoring section of Network Classifieds. 17 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

SPORT O’Keefe makes the transition to Burras coach New Diggers Rest Bulla coach Shannon O’Keefe was keen to give back something to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club. Having been part of the club for more than 30 years, including playing in four first XI premierships, O’Keefe decided to put his hand up for the coaching role when it became vacant. “I’ve been associated with the club for over the last 30 years now,” he said. “It’s quite an honour to have been there for so long. “It’s good to give something back to them and it’s an exciting time for the club.” O’Keefe said he had always thought about coaching, but had never put his hand up before. He thought it was a good time to make the transition this season.

While he is inexperienced in the coaching side of things, he knows that there’s plenty of support around him. “There’s a lot of support from the volunteers and on and off the field,” he said. “I’ve known a lot of these guys since they were kids. I’ll be looking for their support and I’ll be looking to support them.” O’Keefe replaces Rasika Batepola who has left the club to return to play turf cricket with PEGS. He’s one of two big losses from of last season’s side. Indika Massalage, who is one of the premier players in the competition, has joined fellow McIntyre Cup side Sunbury United as its coach. O’Keefe knows they will be hard to replace. “They’re a big loss for us experience-wise,” he said. “What they have taught the guys the last

few years makes my job a lot easier.” The Burras are hoping to finalise a few recruits in the coming weeks, with O’Keefe saying that they had spoken to a few past players who were of McIntyre Cup level. He is also hoping for some development from the players in the lower grades. “There’s a few guys who were in the seconds last season who are looking to step up,” he said. “There’s a lot of depth and a lot of natural talent in the seconds. There’s a lot of younger players. “Hopefully a few of those guys can become more consistent players in the ones. I’m looking to give them plenty of opportunities.” The Burras will enter this season with plenty of motivation, with the side missing out of the chance to play in last season’s grand final. They were due to play Gisborne in the grand

Tsapatolis’ AFL dream By Tara Murray One of Australia’s rising basketball stars Paul Tsapatolis is turning his back on the sport with his eyes firmly on an AFL career. Despite offers to head to America for college or play professionally in Greece in front of his family, Tsapatolis is set to be on an AFL list before the year is out. He last played football with Yarraville Seddon Eagles in under-13s, meaning AFL clubs can take him as a category B rookie without going through the draft. Tsapatolis said he had started to think about football a lot more over the past two years, despite representing Australia in recent years at underage level in basketball. “From a very young age when I was playing under-13s footy, I always loved footy and I wish I never gave it up,” he said. “Basketball was always trying to push you towards playing one sport. It was a no brainer for me at the time, but if I had the mindset I have now back then, I would have stuck with footy. “When I first started with the footy, mum and dad were like you look so happy and look relaxed and like you’re enjoying yourself. “Basketball I enjoyed, but nothing compared to what I do with footy.” The Point Cook resident has spent the COVID-19 lockdown period working on his skills and getting in plenty of strength and fitness work. He said his skills were terrible a couple of years ago when he picked up the football again, but they had improved out of sight. “With basketball, you have to be at a court, while with footy you can go and kick the footy at the park or an oval. “I’ve been kicking pretty much every day.” AFL clubs have shown interest in Tsapatolis the past 12 months, with Adelaide and Sydney both flying him over to train with them. “When I was in Adelaide and up in Sydney, the environment of the team is so team-orientated. “Even though basketball is a team sport, everyone gets around each other in footy, that’s what I really miss in footy. “When I was training with Adelaide, it was a great experience. I truly figured out what the clubs were like, how the boys reacted in normal day life as I stayed with Reilly O’Brien and Jake Kelly. “I got the true feel of what the day in the life of a footballer is and it blew my mind.” The AFL website recently reported that Adelaide and Geelong are both interested in taking him as a rookie. Tsapatolis said both those clubs and a couple of others had shown interest. A final decision will be made once list sizes and the salary cap are released. He said hearing that club’s were

‘‘

not once have I looked back

’’

- Paul Tsapatolis

Paul Tsapatolis has switched from basketball to AFL. (Joe Mastroianni)

interested in him had started to make the dream feel a bit more real. Tsapatolis said he will treasure the basketball memories including making the All-star five team as Australia claimed gold at the Oceania championships. He has been told that he will

18 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

always be welcomed back at Keilor Thunder, should he ever change his mind. But at this stage, he’s just focused on football. “Footy is what I want to do and I knew I wouldn’t regret it and not once have I looked back to say … I should stay with basketball.”

final, before it was cancelled due to COVID-19. Gisborne was awarded the premiership after going through the season undefeated. “The boys are keen to go one better this season.” O’Keefe said the side would look at returning to training as soon as possible. As they are a metro team, they currently can’t train. Regional sides can train and are set to play games for no points from October 17. A proper season will start when all teams can play. “We would love to be training now,” he said. “We should be starting the normal season in two or three weeks. Everyone is keen so we will get out there as soon as we get the call that we can.” Tara Murray

O’Sullivan steps back at Romsey Outgoing Romsey coach Corey O’Sullivan believes the club can have success in the Riddell District Football League in the next couple of years. O’Sullivan, who has coached the side for the past four years, has been instrumental in helping the club return to being a premiership contender. Despite what looks likely to be an exciting future, O’Sullivan decided that his time as coach was up. “I couldn’t make a commitment at the moment and I didn’t want to stuff around the club while I made a decision,” he said. “I’ve always wanted the club to advertise every year I’ve been the coach, as there’s potentially someone out there better. I couldn’t give them an answer now and they’ve advertised.” O’Sullivan looks back at his time as Redbacks coach as a successful one, which saw the club finish sixth in 2018 and second in the 2019 regular season, before being knocked out in straight sets. He said while they didn’t win a final, it didn’t tell the whole story on and off the field. He said the club is close to having cleared its debts, if not debt free. “We made finals and while we didn’t win one it might look like a fail, but it doesn’t represent the changes that have been made. We went into every game with 23-24 player points, which is really good for a local club. “Romsey is used to success and everyone wants to win and play finals. While we won premierships in 2014-15, it set the club back financially. “The committee was fantastic to stand up and make a decision to take a different direction. “I’m pleased and there are a lot of young fellows coming through.” O’Sullivan, who is planning to help out when he can, said the club could have success soon if it could keep the list together. He said the club had the right mix of players. “It is a fantastic list and experienced senior players who are fantastic fellows at 22-23 years old. “Then you’ve got blokes in the middle of their careers and 16, 17, 18-year-olds coming through.” The club has also advertised for coaches in all netball grades. Tara Murray

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SPORT

Hawks Fastpitch named softball club of the year Forty years of hard work has paid off for the Hawks Fastpitch Softball Club after it was named the Softball Victoria club of the year for 2019-20. The Hawks, who play in the Werribee Softball Association, were named the club of the year earlier this month, recognising the hard work of volunteers. A change of direction in the past 12 months, which included the club rebranding from Altona Hawks to Hawks Fastpitch and moving from Hobsons Bay to Wyndham, resulted in a 49 per cent increase in membership growth last year. While the award recognises the work the committee has done over the past 12 months, president Jason Kriehn was quick to say it goes a lot beyond that. “We’ve been so successful over the last years, rather than just a single season,” he said.

Hawks Fastpitch softball players. (Supplied)

“This is for everyone who has been involved over the years. I’m so happy for everyone. “With it being our 40th anniversary last year, the award has come at a perfect time. We can’t celebrate the award now, but we will look to later on.” Kriehn said he believed it was the first time

that the club had won an award such as this. The club fielded eight teams last season– three juniors, three women’s and two men’s sides – and showed some really good signs on the field. Kriehn said much of the growth last season was getting former players back to the club. “We reached out to a lot of past players,” he said. “A lot said that they wouldn’t mind coming back for a bit of a hit which then led to a lot of others then coming back too. “We want to build on the ideas we have for the future, and hopefully after this pandemic period, we’ll be able to get more people involved in softball.” The club has also increased its social media presence to connect with current and former players. As well as being named Victorian club of the year, the club finished third in the Softball

Pritchard’s AFLW dream By Tara Murray Western Jets’ Isabelle Pritchard is starting to feel the nerves ahead of the upcoming AFLW draft. Having played just three NAB League games before the season was cancelled Pritchard, like many other draft hopefuls, has had a year like no other. The Spotswood player is trying not to think too much about what might be ahead. “It’s pretty scary,” she said. “I’m just trying to keep busy with school work and stuff like that to keep my mind off it, so I don’t get too nervous. “It is pretty nerve-racking as we get closer and closer.” Pritchard, who started playing football in 2016, put her name on AFLW recruiters’ watchlists the past couple of seasons, with her performances earning her a spot in the AFL Women’s National Academy. In the few games that Pritchard did play for the Jets this year, she showed her versatility by playing in the midfield. “I moved into the midfield this year from the backline,” she said. “I really enjoyed playing there and being around the ball a bit more. “We were doing really well as a team which was really encouraging, it’s kind of a shame the season ended up getting closed off. “What we were doing was really exciting, I would have loved to see how we went this season.” Pritchard said while she feels more comfortable in defence, she would like to continue working on playing in the midfield.” With no football due to COVID-19, Pritchard has focused on her year 12 studies as that ramps up. For her, football has been an outlet. “I’ve been trying to keep as fit as I can,” she said. “Now the combine is approaching I’m trying to get ready for that, which is a bit hectic. “As I’m in my office all day, doing school, going down to the park for an hour is my favourite part of the day. “It’s really weird as I haven’t been able to practice, but it’s been good I’ve got a friend [Emma Keily] from the Jets who lives in my street, so I’ve been able to go down to the park with her and trying to keep some of my fitness and skills up.” While she only got to play three games this year, Pritchard did manage to get away with the academy early in the year. The academy has proven to be a valuable asset. “We went on a camp at the start of the year to Darwin, during the summer, which was really fun,” she said. “Got to train in the heat and got to practice with some really good coaches. We had [Geelong footballer] Aasta O’Connor as our head coach, which was really cool. “Being in the academy, you get such amazing

Western Jets Isabelle Pritchard. (Shawn Smits) 205915_08

access to coaches and really great facilities and get all this wisdom, which is amazing. “We had access to the coaches throughout the year, but it’s more than that. “The friends I made at the academy, they’ve been really good to have contact with and I’ve been able to see what they’re up to in terms of footy and their lives.” Pritchard has been selected for the AFLW state combine. While hopefuls are still unsure if they will test, being selected shows that clubs are interested in them.

Pritchard has had interviews with several AFLW clubs. With a spot on an AFLW list possible in the near future, she admits she never thought she would get this far. “For me it’s always been about being with my friends and enjoying it and trying to be the best I can and try and improve. “I never expected any of this to happen when I first started a few years ago … Playing AFL is the dream and it’s amazing, but if I can keep improving and keep trying hard, that’s the goal.”

Australia’s Homeplate Ladder Program, which recognises clubs and associations for implementing best practice governance and management, as well as membership growth and retention. Kriehn said the club was starting to plan for the upcoming season. With restrictions due to COVID-19, they were unsure when they would start. He said anyone was welcome to come down and join the club. “Normally the season starts at the start of October,” he said. “We’re in the process of planning for the season and hopefully building on last year. “It’s a good opportunity for players that didn’t get to play winter sport and want to play a sport over summer.” Tara Murray

Cricket season inches closer Cricket matches are a step closer for both regional and metro zones, with season start dates being floated. Teams and competitions in regional zones are set to kick off as soon as October 17, with step two restrictions allowing them to start training. The Ballarat Cricket Association, which includes Darley, has set a season kick-off date of October 17. Darley has already started training. The Gisborne and District Cricket Association will have games start on the same date, however, with several of its teams based in metro Melbourne, the first four rounds will be for regional teams only and not played for points. Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, Woodend, Riddell, Wallan, Macedon, Kyneton, Malmsbury, Hanging Rock, Blackwood, Lancefield and Trentham are all based in regional areas. Players from regional teams who live in metro Melbourne will have to wait until metro teams are allowed to train and play before they can join their teams. GDCA president Rob McIntyre said it’s important that the association commences some form of competition now while waiting for the metro region. “Players are desperate to play sport after being starved of community competition for the past six months. “Our clubs have already seen increased interest in people wanting to play cricket and this is reflected in the 73 senior teams nominated for this season, up from 66 last season.” In metro Melbourne, a start date in late November is the aim with some associations aiming for November 14 and others November 21. It gives players three weeks training from October 28, when it’s hoped restrictions will ease to step two of the state’s reopening. The start dates come as Cricket Victoria released a 25-page document of guidelines for a return to train and play for clubs and associations to adopt last Friday. It is recommended that all matches be played as one-day fixtures. Training will be conducted in groups of 10 to ensure any infection is confined to a particular group and does not impact all players in a club. Matchday and training session protocols require participants to turn up just before a game or training starts and leave immediately after it finishes. Players will be limited from using changerooms and there will be limited access to social facilities. Tara Murray

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