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proudly serving Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay
4 AUGUST, 2021
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Giddey excitement
It’s a dream come true for Yarraville basketballer Josh Giddey. The 18-year-old will join Oklahoma City Thunder after being the sixth pick in Friday’s NBA draft. He shared the moment with his parents Warrick and Kim, who both played professional basketball. Giddey says he can’t wait to get started. ■ Full story: Page 22
A ‘beautiful soul’ lost By Goya Dmytryshchak The family of a woman who died in a house fire at Laverton has described her as a beautiful soul who still smiled during the toughest times. Sharon Smith, 61, didn’t make it out of her Badge Court family home after a fire took hold just after midnight on July 26. Her partner Matt and son Keon were hospitalised. Matt remains in hospital. Firefighters rushed to the house in just over four minutes but it was completely engulfed in flames. It took 25 firefighters more than an hour to bring the inferno under control. A GoFundMe page has been established to
help Ms Smith’s family with funeral costs and provide them with the most basic needs as they rebuild their lives. “Sharon was a loving, caring and devoted daughter, partner, sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother,” her family said in a statement. “She was, importantly, a great friend to many. “Sharon was pulled from an accidental electrical house fire in the early hours of Monday morning, which started in their lounge room while everyone was asleep. “Sadly she didn’t make it out to her family due to smoke inhalation. “She was a beautiful soul that cherished
spending time with her nearest and dearest. “She always had time for a chat and shared loads of laughs and great times with everyone she met. “She endured a rough life but still managed to smile, even during her toughest times. “Now, her partner and son are left with nothing but devastating mourning of their loved one who cared so deeply for them. “With this, I ask if you could please help us support them during these hard times as we help them with funeral costs as they rebuild their lives and keep her memory alive.” The GoFundMe page is at gofundme.com/f/ support-for-the-family-of-sharon-smith
Sharon Smith. (Supplied)
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