Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 8th September 2021

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8 SEPTEMBER, 2021

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Established in 1875 as the

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Some assembly required

(Damjan Janevski) 249398_02

It’s a tonic for troubled times.

Footscray bar Trouble in Dreams is offering cocktail kits called ‘Some Assembly Required’ to avoid the possibility of people gathering in the street for a drink in breach of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Story: page 6

‘TROUBLE IN DREAMS’ OWNER CHAD PARKHILL.

New vaccine hubs pop up Two major vaccination hubs have been established in Altona North and Newport as an Altona North man in his 60s became the third Victorian in a week to die with COVID-19.

As of Tuesday, there were 166 active cases in Hobsons Bay, 141 of them in Altona North and Newport.

A pop-up hub at the Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) in Newport opened on Tuesday and will deliver up to 270 doses a day from Monday to Friday until September 20.

A vaccination ‘surge centre’ at the Altona Badminton Centre in Altona North was

trialled on Saturday and will operate for at least one month.

Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden has pleaded for more vaccine doses.

“The Altona North and Newport communities are now dealing with over 140 active COVID cases and in Hobsons Bay we have more than 50 exposure sites,” he said.

“This is a grave concern for residents and council.

“We know vaccine doses need to be shared across the state but there is a critical urgency to increase availability in Hobsons Bay to help contain this current outbreak.”

The surge centre at 217 Mason Street is led by the Commonwealth Vaccination Centre

run by Mukesh Haikerwal.

It will offer Pfizer and AstraZeneca to people aged 12 and over. At the Australian Islamic Centre at 23-27 Blenheim Road, Western Health staff will administer Phizer and AstraZeneca to people aged 16 and over.

AIC board secretary Azzam Barakat said the centre had been built to “welcome everyone in our society with open arms in good times and challenging times”.

“Today and in partnership with Western Health we welcome and invite our community in Hobsons Bay and the western suburbs of Melbourne to come to the centre and receive their COVID-19 vaccine,” he said.

“We are pleased to be working with the

Victorian Department of Health to bring the vaccination closer to people in a setting that’s familiar to them.”

There will be Arabic-speaking doctors and translators onsite.

Williamstown MP Melissa Horne said vaccination dates were expected to be extended, “depending on the amount of need”.

“The most important thing is, everyone please get tested and please get vaccinated – it is our pathway out of this,” she said.

“It’s so encouraging to see that people have flocked to the Altona North and Newport facilities to get vaccinated.”

Check for updates at: http://www. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

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By Goya Dmytryshchak

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AROUND THE BAY Hobsons Bay Ward News Cherry Lake Ward

Strand Ward

Wetlands Ward

Altona, Altona North, Altona Meadows, Brooklyn, Seaholme

Altona North, Newport, Spotswood, South Kingsville, Williamstown, Williamstown North

Altona Meadows, Laverton, Seabrook

Cr Tony Briffa JP

Cr Peter Hemphill

Cr Diana Grima

0418 398 906 // tbriffa@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/CrTonyBriffa

0419 762 266 // phemphill@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/PeterMHemphill

0499 600 476 // dgrima@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/diana.hogg.79

Deputy Mayor Cr Daria Kellander

Mayor Cr Jonathon Marsden

0499 600 438 // dkellander@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/CrDariaKellander

0419 868 009 // jmarsden@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/jonathon.marsden.greens

Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud

Cr Matt Tyler 0407 748 235 // mtyler@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/CrMattTyler

0499 600 834 // pslegaud@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/CouncillorPamelaSuttonLegaud/

Newport Lawn Bowls Club new fence

Kororoit Creek Shared Trail viewing platform Construction of the Kororoit Creek Shared Trail viewing platform is complete. The structure was open to the public last month and is being well received. The platform, in GJ Hosken Reserve at Altona North, consists of a 265 square metre deck and provides a vantage point for visitors to the creek and wetlands. It looks over Kororoit Creek, with seating and picnic facilities, safety rails and landscaping.

The platform connects to the Kororoit Creek Shared Trail and the deck is constructed from recycled timber and recycled plastic. Visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ KororoitCreekReserve

Council is replacing the east, west and north boundary fences of the Newport Lawn Bowls Club, as the last piece of the Paine Reserve upgrade. The fencing on the east boundary along Market Street and the west boundary opposite the Newport Community Hub and carpark will be replaced first. An artistic mural, known as the ‘Puzzle Fence’ will then be installed along the northern boundary, alongside Paine Reserve. Access to the reserve via Mason Street will be maintained throughout the project. Works are expected to be complete by 3 December, COVID restrictions dependent. For details, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ PaineReserve

Altona Tennis Club upgrade

Donald McLean Reserve update

The refurbishment of the Altona Tennis Club has hit a major milestone with the new synthetic courts being laid.

The project, which is co-funded by Council and the state government, will include five new classic clay courts and six red porous courts complete with new fencing, irrigation and LED lighting. Once complete, the new courts will be available for use by the general public through the booka-court system. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2021.

Construction works on the cricket nets at Donald McLean Reserve have commenced. The works include nine turf wickets and four synthetic wickets. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of October, with part of the project including the turf wickets due to be completed by the end of September. Work is also progressing on the upgrade to WH Couch Pavilion, which will complement work already completed at the reserve, including the installation of floodlighting, irrigation and turf works on Ovals 1 and 2. Details: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ donaldmclean

Brooklyn tennis courts renewal The resurfacing of the Brooklyn tennis courts is under way with the warmer weather. Combined with the patching works undertaken earlier this year, these courts will be ready for use late September (subject to COVID restrictions).

Protect your kids, your neighbours, local businesses and yourselves Getting on top of COVID means doing things that are hard for everyone. A heartfelt thanks to the Hobsons Bay community for playing its part in getting on top of this outbreak. We need to keep going!

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If you have been to an exposure site, or have symptoms, get tested and isolate until you have the results.

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If you need to isolate or quarantine there’s lots of help available to get you through it. You may be eligible for a $450 payment to stay home and isolate after getting tested (or getting your kids tested) or the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment if you receive a positive result and must quarantine.

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Getting vaccinated reduces the spread and impact of COVID and protects our health system. A vaccine surge hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Williamstown traffic improvements Road safety improvements around the Williamstown Primary School precinct are continuing. The works include improved footpaths, raised zebra crossings and traffic calming to improve safety. Works will continue over the coming month, with some elements already delivered, including the raised zebra crossing and road hump at the Giffard Street, Hanmer Street and Electra Street intersection. centre has been set up at the Altona Badminton Centre to run immunisation sessions by appointment.

Chat to your local GP, or for information on support services, a list of local testing sites and vaccination information, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus

Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards The biennial Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards have opened for nominations. The awards will recognise achievement in five categories; Excellence in Customer Experience, Creating Social Change, Excellence in Sustainability, New Start Up Business, and Pivoting During COVID-19. While they may look different this time due to the usual gala ceremony being held online due to COVID restrictions, the 2021 awards take on a special significance because of the difficult times local businesses are currently navigating. Nominations are open until 11pm Sunday,

facebook.com/HobsonsBayCityCouncil

Take care of Skeleton Creek and Cheetham Wetlands birdlife We love our local birdlife so it’s important we don’t give them food that is bad for them. Bread and other processed food contain preservatives and chemicals which are not present in a wild bird’s natural diet and can lead to serious health problems. Feeding wild birds changes their physical and behavioural development and it causes problems with water quality. Also, it causes the birds to become dependent on artificial food sources and makes them more vulnerable to predators, as well as attracting and supporting feral birds, rodents, and pest fish. Love our native birds, but don’t love them to death. Visit www. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ConservationReserves

Seabrook Street Library in demand for Book Week The Seabrook Street Library at the Seabrook Community Centre is a busy place. The street library is one of more than 30 across Hobsons Bay that operate under the motto, ‘Share a book, take a book, leave a book’. Seabrook Community Centre has responded to numerous requests for a street library, including a submission to Council’s Pitch Your Idea program. Since its installation, the street library has been restocked many times over, most recently with children’s books for Book Week. To find your nearest street library, go to www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/StreetLibraries.

Still time to have your say on parks plans Don’t forget to have your say on the Love Laverton Parks program and McCormack Park Master Plan. The submission periods have been extended to 30 September. For more information, go to participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

3 October, via the online applications form at www. hobsonsbaybusiness.com.au/awards. The awards will be presented online on Thursday, 11 November.

Solar on a roll for Hobsons Bay The Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, Newport Community Hub and the Mesh Mash building in Laverton are the latest Council-owned community facilities to host their new ‘solar system’, joining over 40 local buildings to be fitted out with solar panels as part of Council’s large scale Virtual Power and solar panel roll out. The rooftop panels will generate renewable energy required onsite, and surplus green power will be moved to other sites within the system reducing Council’s reliance on the power grid. Once all installation sites are complete in the coming months, the system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 4,000 tonnes per year, which is the equivalent of taking almost 600 homes off the grid.

twitter.com/HobsonsBayCC

1300 179 944 12511346-NG37-21

2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 8 September, 2021

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Work on Seddon Square to start

By Goya Dmytryshchak and Benjamin Millar A multi-storey apartment and townhouse project for about 1000 people on the former Transdev bus depot in Seddon is scheduled to start next year.

The rezoned 1.4-hectare site at 43-57 Buckley Street was sold in 2015 to a developer for a record $20.9 million after the state government reportedly sold the block to Melbourne Bus Lines in 1998 for $2.8 million.

The site is next to Victoria University and bounded by Buckley, Walter, Arran and Albert streets.

Melbourne developer ANPLUS has announced the launch of Seddon Square,

“ We’re expecting construction to start early to mid next year ” - Francis Wong with stage one including 77 residences, stages two and three including 15 townhouses and 168 apartments, and stage four including 142 apartments.

When completed, the roughly 400 dwellings, up to 10 storeys, will house about 1000 people, increasing Seddon’s population by about 20 per cent.

Plans for the site include a 1700 square metre

park with playground on the south-western corner.

ANPLUS development director Francis Wong said the site was bought with the intention of bringing “a vibrancy back to it through a residential neighbourhood”.

“Right now we’re, unfortunately, in a COVID lockdown,” he said.

“We were planning on launching it about a month ago but, as you can understand, with everyone locked down in their house we weren’t able to launch the project.

“We’re expecting construction to start early to mid next year … and the entire development will be completed around a five year, six year timeline.”

A render of Seddon Square.

(Supplied)

Better boating floated for all

Lauren Brack and her dog Diesel are participating in Petember.

(Joe Mastroianni).

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Pair make a paw-sitive impact Yarraville’s Lauren Brack is hoping she and her dog Diesel can raise money for a good cause this month by taking part in Petember.

The event is a month-long fundraiser that has participants dress up their canine companions to raise money for Variety assistance dogs, which help kids living with autism, anxiety and epilepsy.

Each week in September, owners dress up their dogs in line with the theme they are given, and the public gets to cast their vote for their favourite. Ms Brack said she stumbled

across the fundraiser by chance.

“I found it while I was scrolling through Instagram, didn’t know much about it,” she said.

“They were looking for people to sign up.

“I’m always taking photos of [her dog Diesel] anyway, so I thought why not.”

Ms Brack has set herself and Diesel a goal of raising $100 for the fundraiser.

“If we don’t reach that goal, I’ll donate the money myself,” she said.

Ms Brack said she’s been enjoying the time

in lockdown with her furry friend - which has provided time for photoshoots - although not as much as Diesel has.

“I think they [dogs] are enjoying it more than anyone,” Ms Brack said.

“He’s been a lifesaver.

“The only thing keeping us connected to society is trips to the park.”

Details: https://fundraise.variety.org.au/ fundraisers/laurenbrack

Recreational boating is about to become cheaper and more accessible for all Victorians thanks to a $33 million cash splash from the state government.

The Victorian government will invest the funds in the Better Boating Fund, which in its first year will contribute to enhanced infrastructure and facilities, maintenance and management, improved access, safer waterways, boating destinations, enhanced data, and boating promotion.

Fishing and Boating Minister Melissa Horne said the fund would improve areas the boating community has identified as most important.

“The Better Boating Fund will upgrade boat ramps, improve safety, establish a dredging program and provide much needed upgrades across the state for boaters, local businesses and regional tourism operators,” Ms Horne said.

“We’ve undertaken some of the most extensive consultation with the boating community so they can determine how their license and registration fees will be spent on improving boating facilities for all Victorians.”

The Department of Transport along with Better Boating Victoria will manage the distribution of funds.

The process will be guided by the Victorian recreational boating strategy, as well as the review of boating facilities’ management across Port Phillip and Western Port.

The draft strategy is out now for its final round of consultation, and once complete will underpin annual action plans for Better Boating Victoria.

Details: www.engage.vic.gov.au/recboating-strategy Michaela Meade

Michaela Meade

Laverton man arrested over suspicious disappearance A woman and six men have been arrested over the suspicious disappearance of Adelaide man Kerry Giakoumis.

Taskforce detectives arrested the six men and woman in a series of raids across Melbourne’s north and west on Thursday morning.

Warrants were also executed in conjunction with the arrests at residential properties in Keilor Downs, Mernda, West Melbourne, St Albans, Laverton and Diggers Rest.

Police arrested a 44-year-old Keilor Downs man, a 21-year-old West Melbourne man, a 23-year-old Mernda man, a 22-year-old St Albans man, a 26-year-old St Albans man, a 25-year-old Laverton man and the 46-year-old

Diggers Rest woman.

Earlier this week, police executed a warrant at the Hells Angels club house on Lipton Drive in Thomastown.

No one was arrested, however a number of items including weight benches were seized and are still being forensically examined.

Police have been searching the Jacksons Creek area in Diggers Rest over recent weeks in an effort to locate Mr Giakoumis’s remains.

The 29-year-old was last seen at the Hells Angels club house in the early hours of June 10 last year.

A taskforce established to investigate Kerry’s disappearance and suspected murder includes

officers from the Homicide Squad, Echo Taskforce and Missing Persons Squad.

Crime Command Detective Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said detectives would also like to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Jackson’s Creek area around the time Kerry went missing.

“Today’s arrests are as a result of a significant operation over the past 15 months involving police from specialist units working together as part of the investigation taskforce,” he said.

“The Hells Angels is a group well known for significant violent offending and on this occasion, it’s left a family without their beloved son and no answers as to why.”

Detective Superintendent O’Halloran said that every avenue of inquiry in relation to the disappearance will be followed up by investigators.

“We’ve said previously that investigators are of the strong belief that Kerry has met with foul play and every piece of information we have just supports this,” he said.

“I can assure those responsible that taskforce investigators will be unrelenting in their efforts to hold those responsible to account. There will be people out there who have information about what happened to Kerry and who is responsible, and again I am appealing for those people to come forward and speak to police.”

Wednesday, 8 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3

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Solar system program powers on Hobsons Bay council is rolling out solar panels in the race to become the nation’s first council providing cheaper green electricity to the community.

The council is carrying out a large-scale roll out of its virtual energy network by installing solar panels on more than 40 of its buildings.

Hobsons Bay Civic Centre and Laverton’s Mesh Mash social enterprise are the latest council-owned buildings fitted with solar panels.

The council has partnered with Enervest

and Circle Energy on the project, which will generate nearly four megawatts of solar power or enough to power about 1000 average households.

Mayor Jonathon Marsden said the project could be replicated statewide.

“Our virtual power project provides substantial environmental, community and economic benefits, as well as creating local jobs,” he said. “Importantly, it has the capacity to be expanded or replicated across the western region, Melbourne or Victoria,

stimulating the same surge of benefits in communities across the state.

“We look forward to future opportunities to partner with the state government to expand the impact and benefits of this program.

“When the community gets out of lockdown, we are confident our community will enjoy using our facilities even more knowing they are fuelled by homegrown, renewable energy.”

The system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 4000 tons per year, which is equal to taking 600 homes off the grid.

Jonathon Marsden

(Joe Mastroianni) 214109_01

Celebrating Probus

Cr Jorge Jorquera and mayor Michael Clarke holding a street sign saying no to racism.

(Damjan Janevski) 249389_01

Racism is not welcome

By Goya Dmytryshchak Community members are being invited to have their say on where to put anti-racism street signs as Maribyrnong becomes the first Victorian council to adopt the Racism Not Welcome campaign.

The campaign was started by Sydney’s Inner West Multicultural Network, which erected street signs to combat racist attitudes.

Signs were placed in busy inner-city streets to encourage locals to call out racism.

Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke said the community was being invited to help determine the wording for similar street signs

and identify suitable locations.

“The aim of the campaign is to spark conversations within the community and promote positive change, though this will only be possible with strong community buy-in, which is why council is engaging the community to take ownership and shape the campaign’s look and feel – as well as the ability to nominate their street as a location to have a sign erected,” he said.

“Our community is wonderfully welcoming and diverse, which is exactly what makes Maribyrnong a great place to live, work and play.

“We know they will want to come forward

and get on board to stamp out prejudiced behaviour and reinforce that racism is not welcome here.”

Maribyrnong residents hail from more than 135 different countries and speak more than 80 languages.

Cr Jorge Jorquera said the COVID pandemic had led to an increase in racist attacks.

“According to a report co-authored by Victoria’s Asian Australian Alliance, during the pandemic Victoria has had the second highest number of recorded racist attacks, after NSW,” he said.

To have your say, visit Your City Your Voice.

Alesha Capone

Support Local

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

Doing things differently during covid-19?

Application PA2149075 (241 Queen Street, Altona) Effie Tangalakis of ASK Planning Services has lodged a planning application for a double storey dwelling in a Design and Development Overlay and vary restrictive covenant 1744388 contained in Certificate of Title Vol. 06329 Fol. 785 by removing the wording related to materials and deleting the following: ‘nor will we or our heirs executors administrators or transferees use any material other than brick and/or stone or other material approved by the said N.S.W Realty Co. Limited (In Voluntary Liquidation) for the main walls of any such main dwelling house without the consent in writing of the said N.S.W. Realty Co. Limited (In Voluntary Liquidation).

The application and supporting documentation may be inspected via Council’s online permit management system ‘Greenlight’, at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. If you do not have internet access contact Council on 1300 179 944 between 8.30am and 5.00pm to make other arrangements. Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Council in writing by 23 September 2021, including the reasons for an objection and stating how the objector would be affected. Objectors will be advised of the decision.

For further information, please contact Daniella Raso on 1300 179 944.

www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au 12511478-SN37-21

4 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 8 September, 2021

Probus clubs across the nation aim to provide fun and friendship for retirees and semi-retirees.

With Probus Day approaching on October 1, the theme for this year is ‘Celebrate Probus – Do a friend a favour’.

All Probus clubs are formed or sponsored by a Rotary Club, although anyone can join Probus, not just Rotarians.

The Sanctuary Lakes Point Cook Probus Club (SLPCPC), which is one of several Probus clubs in Wyndham, has 120 members.

The SLPCPC is auspiced by the Rotary Club of Laverton Point Cook.

Fay Lunn is a member of the Rotary Club, the SLPCPC and the Laverton Probus Club.

She is the membership representative for both of Probus clubs and also the “caring person” for the Laverton club, who sends cards and well wishes to any ill members.

Fay said that outside of lockdowns, Probus members participate in activities such as day and interstate trips, events, lunches, dinners, excursions, cruises and attending the theatre.

The SLPCPC also has monthly guest speakers and a member of the club has been sending out regular newsletters to keep members connected during COVID. The SLPCPC is so popular that it has a waiting list of people who want to join, when existing members resign or move.

“I just think we have been very blessed, many members of the committee have been with us since day one and we’ve become really good friends,” Fay said.

For more information about Probus, contact Probus South Pacific on 1300 630 488 or visit www.probussouthpacific.org

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Health worker’s plea to vaccinate

By Goya Dmytryshchak A Western Health worker on the COVID-19 frontline has spoken of colleagues’ fears of returning to a situation like last year and pleaded with people to get vaccinated.

Kylie Fisher said Western Health, which operates hospitals at Sunshine, Footscray, Williamstown and Sunbury, had more than 400 patients hospitalised with the coronavirus in 2020.

‘‘

I saw tears. I saw exhaustion. I saw nurses consoling nurses

’’

- Kylie Fisher

“I’m privileged to be able to work with a group of nurses called the critical care outreach team, the ICU liaison nurses at Western Health,” Ms Fisher said. “Last year they helped prevent hundreds of admissions to our intensive care units by acting as an extension of the ICUs. “They helped support our ward nurses to support our patients and our communities.

“They would often come to me overwhelmed, sometimes in tears.

“They were worried. They would come to work worried.

“They were worried about their colleagues.

“They were worried about how they would support their colleagues on the wards, looking after overwhelming numbers of acutely unwell patients – patients that we usually don’t see admitted to the wards.”

Ms Fisher said staff were worried about their families when not at work.

“They would go home after 12-hour shifts, long shifts,“ she said. “They would have showers before they would leave work.

Kylie Fisher (front left) with members of her team on the COVID-19 frontline at Western Health. (Supplied)

“They’d drive home, get out of their cars, get changed out of their scrubs in their garages, have a shower again, before they would go in and speak [to] or hug their families and their loved ones.

“I saw tears. I saw exhaustion. I saw nurses consoling nurses.

“I saw blood across the ridges of their noses and their ears from wearing PPE for 12 hours at a time.

“Long shifts on their feet.

“Kilometres and kilometres of k’s they’d clock up responding to emergency calls and calls for assistance on the ward.”

She said staff would come to her and say the situation was like nothing they’d ever seen.

“These patients are young, they’re fit … they’re well and then the next minute we’re taking them to ICU,” Ms Fisher said. “… As their manager, I’m worried I’m going to have to ask them to stand up and do it again – and they will.

“These are senior ICU nurses who have seen it all before, they’ve done it all before, and I have to probably have to ask them to do it all again.

“They will but they shouldn’t have to.

“So, I’m asking – we’re lucky, we’ve got science, we’ve got a vaccine – please, if you haven’t already, get yourself vaccinated.

“Make that appointment.

“Keep yourselves safe, keep your family and your loved ones safe, keep the community safe.”

FEVER OR COVID FEVER? The only way to be sure is with a test at the first sign of any symptom.

For testing locations, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

Wednesday, 8 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 5

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Shaking up COVIDSafe cocktails Goya Dmytryshchak Footscray bar Trouble in Dreams has gotten into the COVIDSafe spirit by offering IKEA-style cocktails to prevent the possibility of people gathering outside for a drink.

The cocktail kits are called ‘Some Assembly Required’.

Bar owner Chad Parkhill said the move was in response to the infamous Richmond pub crawl.

Last month, a ‘Walk. Talk. Sip’ event advertised on social media became a takeaway pub crawl in Richmond, resulting in numerous fines for COVID-19 lockdown breaches.

Mr Parkhill said his bar subsequently

moved away from offering takeaway cocktails in sealed coffee cups to offering deconstructed drinks that could be assembled at home.

“I was looking online and taking the temperature and it became pretty apparent that there was actually quite a lot of community anger being directed at these venues and the people organising the pub crawl,” he said.

“It pretty quickly became obvious that the way we’d been doing things would be untenable and that we had to make a call about whether or not we’d continue operating for takeaways, and if we did we’d have to pretty radically conceptualise what we do.”

With the cocktail packs, “all of the “hard work’s been done”.

“It’s just that last little step of putting

everything together and getting it to the right temperature that you have to do at home,” Mr Parkhill said.

“It’s all based around IKEA and IKEA instructions.

“I think public health needs to come first.

“I certainly wouldn’t want to be contributing to an environment where people are transmitting the coronavirus.

“As a business owner, I’d much rather that we get the lockdown over with as soon as possible.

“I’d rather be able to operate as a normal drinking bar than have this extended lockdown scenario that we’re seeing up in New South Wales.”

Deliveries are currently within the local area but may be expanded.

Owner Chad Parkhill with a cocktail. (Damjan Janevski) 249398_05

West roads undergo major resurfacing

Willow and mum Melissa with Rocket.

(Joe Mastroianni)

249367_03

Rocket is a paw-fect ambassador Border Collie puppy Rocket has a very im-pawtent role in the community.

The four month-old cutie is “community dog” at the Laverton and Altona Community Banks and Point Cook Business Centre, which are run by Bendigo Bank.

Rocket’s owner Melissa Longo is the community banks’ marketing and events co-ordinator.

Rocket shares the community dog role with another Border Collie, named Fergus, who belongs to a bank board member.

Ms Longo said that apart from starring in posts on the community banks’ social media, Rocket and Fergus’ main role was to

lift people’s spirits by attending events and visiting local businesses.

“He (Rocket) is always happy for a bit of attention and a belly rub,” Ms Longo said.

“He mostly just specialises in stealing the show.”

Rocket and Fergus are helping to raise awareness of the bank’s Community Grants Program, which is open for applications until October 31.

The program has resulted in the community banks distributing $5.3 million to local causes and organisations over the past 21 years.

Charitable and not-for-profit organisations in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham can apply for

funding for projects and activities that benefit for the community, such as building social capital, community welfare, environment, health, education and culture.

“Our focus, especially last year, was ensuring whoever we are supporting were supporting the community at large,” Ms Longo said.

“Lots of people are struggling at the moment and we want to help as many people as possible.”

Details: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/ community/community-funding/ or bdm@ hobsonsbaycfs.com.au

About 38,000 tonnes of asphalt has been used to resurface roads between Werribee and Footscray over six months.

The works have been carried out as part of a 20-year maintenance program, under the state government’s $1.8 billion Western Roads Upgrade.

About 260 kilometres of arterial roads in the west will receive ongoing routine maintenance until 2040, delivered

by Netflow under a public private partnership with Major Road Projects Victoria.

Crews completed about 80 kilometres of resurfacing work between January and July this year, including on Duncans, Melbourne, Sunshine, Heaths, Ballarat, Maidstone and Boundary roads.

Rolling pavement repairs will also continue across the next few months.

About 100 tonnes of material is being collected off the roads every month, as part of road sweeping activities.

Werribee MP Tim Pallas said: “This maintenance program will provide certainty for communities in the west that the roads they rely on everyday will receive ongoing care and maintenance.

“This means less disruption, and smoother and safer journeys for all.”

The Western Roads project has delivered upgrades on eight priority roads across Werribee, Point Cook, Truganina, Tarneit, Laverton North and Hoppers Crossing, as well as resurfacing works on 37 roads between Footscray and Werribee.

Cyclists and pedestrians are also enjoying safer and better-connected journeys with more than 50 kilometres of new walking and cycling paths, as well as three new overpasses along the Federation Trail.

Alesha Capone

Jail term cut for offender who injured a police officer A man who injured a police officer with his vehicle has had his sentence reduced on appeal.

Andrew Hutchison, 21 at the time of offending in 2018, had his sentence cut by the Supreme Court due to reduced moral culpability because of impaired mental functioning.

Hutchison was originally sentenced to four years and nine months’ jail with a three year minimum.

This was cut to three and a half years with a two-year minimum.

On November 20, 2018, Hutchison told his then-partner he did not want to be here anymore and that it was his “last day”.

She contacted his brother who called triple-0.

Hutchison, with his then-partner, drove to Altona cemetery.

Police had identified the car’s location and Hutchison’s then-partner got out of the car

6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 8 September, 2021

and ran to the police.

Police tried to stop Hutchison from leaving the cemetery but he escaped onto Princes Freeway and drove through Geelong and onto the Great Ocean Road almost to Aireys Inlet.

At times, he was driving at high speeds on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic.

A police sergeant who had parked to deploy stop sticks saw Hutchison’s car coming towards him and ran behind his vehicle to

protect himself.

Hutchison’s car hit the sergeant’s car, pushing it into the officer and throwing him about 10 metres.

He suffered a fracture foot and forefinger as well as abrasions and avulsions.

Hutchison had been travelling at 134km/h and had stepped on the brakes just before hitting the sergeant’s car.

Goya Dmytryshchak

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Briefs Truck curfews lifted Truck curfews have been lifted by the state government to support deliveries to Victorian pharmacies and supermarkets during the current COVID-19 restrictions. Heavy vehicles can pass time-based ‘no trucks’ signs when delivering groceries to supermarkets or personal hygiene products to retail outlets. The exemption applies until 11.59pm on September 23.

Help with bills Not-for-profit organisation Good Shepherd is helping people access the state government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus. Victorians with a valid health care card, who are receiving a payment such as Youth Allowance, JobSeeker or Austudy, are eligible for the Power Saving Bonus. Call the Good Shepherd hotline on 1300 026 500 for help with a step-by-step application process to access the payment.

Foster care info Anglicare north west region is seeking foster carers for short-and-longterm. A Zoom information session will be held on September 22 from 6.30-7.30pm. Details: 9301 5200 or carer.info@anglicarevic.org.au

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

NEWS

‘We will get through this’

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

CONTACT US PHONE \ 03 8318 5777 LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

By Cr Tony Briffa This is such a difficult time for many of us and I understand people being fatigued and stressed with the ongoing lockdowns. Families are feeling the hurt of being separated from loved ones, being required to stay home for very long periods, trying to educate, entertain and care for children at home and only essential workers permitted to go to work. It is a hugely challenging and stressful time and I know people are hurting.

The latest COVID outbreak in Altona North is also a cause of concern locally. I’m confident we will get through this. We all need to try our best to do the right thing and, as hard as it is, I urge people to focus on what they can do to make a difference rather than what other people are doing.

If you have been to an exposure site or have any symptoms, please get tested right away and isolate. My wife and I are fully vaccinated, and I encourage you to get vaccinated, too, if you can. I appreciate this is a personal choice and is subject to your own medical advice.

The more people vaccinated the better the situation we will be in when restrictions start to ease.

If you need to isolate, there’s lots of help available to get you through it, including food relief, mental health assistance, financial aid and crisis intervention support. Visit www. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus.

In news across Cherry Lake ward, the new and improved HW Lee Reserve in Altona is now finished and ready for community use!

So, too, is the car park at PA Burns. The new

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Tony Briffa

(Supplied)

carpark features 116 car park spaces, three accessible parking bays and areas for horse floats.

The ‘Doggy Beach’ is such a wonderful place for those of us lucky enough to have fur babies!

There are also big things coming up in Brooklyn in coming weeks, including the release of the urban forest strategy’s canopy delivery plan, which will feature presentations from revered tree expert Ian Shears, as well as Better Places Altona North and Brooklyn.

As always, connect with me via https://briffa. org/ or www.facebook.com/CrTonyBriffa

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

Major construction on the West Gate Freeway this Spring Friday 17 September to Monday 18 October

From Friday 17 September to Monday 18 October 2021. These works will improve traffic flow and access to the West Gate Freeway from these busy interchanges.

What to expect Ramps and lanes will be closed: • Princes Freeway to Geelong Road ramp • West Gate Freeway inbound entry ramp at Grieve Parade • Grieve Parade southbound lane

Thanks for your patience • West Gate Freeway outbound exit ramp at Williamstown Road (no left turn) There will also be regular overnight closures of the West Gate Freeway outbound exit ramp at Williamstown Road.

We understand that these closures may be disruptive to you. We thank you for your ongoing patience as we work as quickly and safely as possible to get the job done.

Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au for more information, including detour routes and closure times.

Keep in mind there are other disruptions in September and October. Find a detailed list at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Wednesday, 8 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 7

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Time once again to ask R U OK? Goya Dmytryshchak A mate of a young veterinary surgeon from Williamstown has become an R U OK? community ambassador to raise awareness of mental health struggles.

A few years ago, Albion resident Jack Levitt started ‘Flynn’s Walk’ to raise funds for suicide prevention in memory of his friend, Dr Flynn Hargreaves.

Mr Levitt said ‘Flynn’s Walk’ was aimed at raising awareness that the rate of suicide among vets was four times higher than for the general population.

“It can be really tempting to jump in and try and fix someone’s issues but just being there … can make a world of difference ” - Jack Levitt Mr Levitt has since become an ambassador for R U OK?, a harm-prevention charity that aims to inspire and empower people to

connect with friends, family and colleagues who might be struggling with life.

This year, R U OK? Day on Thursday, September 9, serves as a reminder that every day is a day to start a conversation.

“I have found myself having an ‘are you okay?’ conversation more than once and have seen the benefits of asking, listening, encouraging action and checking in,” Mr Levitt said.

“I love the R U OK? message because it is simple and anyone can use it.

“It can be really daunting starting a conversation with someone but you don’t

have to have all the answers.

“It can be really tempting to jump in and try and fix someone’s issues but just being there in a time of need can make a world of difference.”

Conversation tips and crisis support contacts can be found at www.ruok.org.au.

Anyone needing support may contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit ruok.org.au/ findhelp for a full list of support services.

Noyan, 3, drives himself to theatre.

(Penny Stephens/Western Health)

Driving away the nerves

Lia and her daughter Michelle.

(Damjan Janevski)

Playgroups go on in a virtual world Activities such as playgroups are being held online across Melbourne, as the state lockdown continues to restrict the reasons people can leave home.

Point Cook resident Phebe Yeo, who runs the community learning service 8SENSES, facilitates free online playgroups and learning activities for children aged up five years old in a safe environment.

Outside of lockdowns and pandemic restrictions, Phebe runs the CUTEKids Playgroup at the Point Cook Community Learning Centre, the Arndell Park Community Centre and Mainview Boulevard Family Learning Centre in Truganina.

In the playgroup name, CU stands for

“culturally”, T is from “together” and E is “experience”.

Being unable to meet in-person, Phebe has continued hosting playgroups online.

She has also been recording songs for families who belong to the Mainview Boulevard Family Learning Centre’s Facebook page.

“Currently I am doing these free extra online activities for families from the community, not necessarily those who are currently attending my on-site playgroup sessions,” Phebe said.

“This lockdown may go on longer than expected and even if I can help a child or mum be encouraged, it is good for me.”

Altona Meadows mother Lia and her daughter Michelle are participating in the online playgroup sessions.

“Michelle is enjoying the singing with Phebe, some days they also do games like Simon Says and taking things from the home in a certain colour, doing counting or numbers,” Lia said.

Lia said that outside of lockdowns, she “absolutely loved” attending the playgroup sessions in-person – as well as the excursions that Phebe organises to parks and Werribee Zoo - as this allows her to meet other parents.

She said it was also important for Michelle to learn social skills and how to share toys.

Details: https://8senses.com.au/index.html Alesha Capone

A mini ambulance is calming the nerves of some of Western Health’s littlest patients before surgery.

Young children who are set for surgery at the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital are driving themselves to the operating theatre in a remote-controlled car in a bid to make surgery less scary.

The ambulance, which features lights and sirens and a walkie talkie, was donated to the hospital by Werribee’s Smile and Ride Australia.

Nurse unit manager Simone Cooley said children ride in the car on the last leg of the journey from the holding bay to the operating theatre.

“They are often cold, hungry and scared and parents are also quite stressed,” she said. “It is a great distraction for all.

“Staff often line the corridor and even though children feel like they are driving the car, more often than not, it is one of our staff members using the remote control to move them safely to theatre.”

Research shows that riding in a toy car can reduce preoperative anxiety in preschool children undergoing surgery, Western Health said.

Tara Murray

Author’s boyhood adventures in Seaholme inspire new children’s book Alistair Pirie is sharing his childhood memories of Seaholme in a creative way, with the release of his children’s book, ‘Billycan’s Tail of Two Crocodiles’.

The book tells the story of five children who meet a mysterious stranger who directs them into a tunnel to discover an underground river system.

A series of adventures follow, making the kids aware of the environmental damage caused to coastal wetlands.

Mr Pirie said his own experiences living near Seaholme’s esplanade inspired the story.

“There was a lot of environmental destruction that we saw as kids,” he said.

“For example, there was a beautiful swamp … which was gradually filled. “We used to play there as kids, it was so fun.

“It became an industrial site, so this swamp was basically buried beneath ash.

“That was, I suppose, the bee in the bonnet.”

Mr Pirie said that beyond the book being “good fun” to write, he wanted to pass on his knowledge for his family. “[The book] gave my grandkids a bit of family history,” he said.

“It’s also a story that I wanted to tell.”

Using his other profession as a sculptor, Mr Pirie has designed a special gift to go along

8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 8 September, 2021

with every book.

“Everyone that buys the book, they get a laser cut model of a crocodile,” he said.

“I thought it was an interesting thing to include, especially with my artistic background.”

‘Billycan’s Tail of Two Crocodiles’ is available for purchase both online and in bookstores, once COVID-19 restrictions allow.

Michaela Meade Alistair Pirie, author of ‘Billycan’s Tail of Two Crocodiles’. (Supplied)

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

MY PLACE Altona resident and Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre manager Kim Reilly speaks with Goya Dmytryshchak.

What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay? I moved to Altona 30 years ago and bought a 1960s ‘shoebox’ house just before I met my husband, Graeme. Neither of us knew very much about Altona and the area but when we were asked where we would like our babies to be born, we chose Altona Hospital – not knowing Georgia and Nick would be among the last babies born there before it closed in 1996.

What do you like about Altona?

I love the ‘country town’ feel about Altona – we got to know lots of people quickly and felt we had found our place. The beach being so close is a bonus – not that I’m a beach person but I love the sea air and seeing the stunning coastline that changes through the seasons and throughout the day. I appreciate the birdlife, especially the swans and pelicans, and I’m one that doesn’t mind the smell of seaweed (after I found out it was a natural phenomenon)!

What would you change or what could be improved?

There is not much to change. Whilst I don’t enjoy fighting the tourist traffic during summer, Altona is a such a destination that it was bound to be visited by others. The economic development for the businesses in Altona is certainly good to see over the summer months but I do find it hard to share our quiet little seaside town.

What’s your favourite local cafe/restaurant?

Some years back I discovered a fabulous cafe in Altona that had the same brand of coffee I had been enjoying in Newport (before school and train drop offs, we would go to Leroys most mornings) and when the cafe moved to another location, we followed and have been

with Adrian Davey at Birdcage in Harrington Square since then.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

I suffered postnatal depression for many years after our youngest was born. It was undiagnosed for at least four years. My self esteem plummeted as the ‘advice’ being given kept me thinking it was something I could control and that I was essentially choosing not to be in control. When the diagnosis was finally made and a rational explanation given to the symptoms I was experiencing, I was incredibly relieved to know that I really wasn’t well and that I could be treated and, thankfully, I recovered.

How your life has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Life during the pandemic has been difficult and challenging – as it has been for everyone to some degree. For me, it has been a time to rest a little and to appreciate all that I have. I have very little to complain about and so much more to be thankful for. I offer what support I can to several people in my life who need it. As a family, we made the commitment to buy goods and services from local businesses.

Every payday, I send what money I can to support charities here and as much as I can to support the women I work with in Uganda.

The level of need can feel overwhelming, so I support the causes that mean most to me – supporting women and children, whether they are here or in Uganda.

You’re a passionate patchworker and founding member of Seabreeze Quilters?

I love everything about the process and the people I get to share my passion with.

We make so many quilts and gifts for those

Kim Reilly.

249131 (Damjan Janevski)

who need them – last year we delivered nearly 200 gifts to the recipients of meals on wheels in Hobsons Bay. It’s doing for others that makes

my life more meaningful and what makes my heart happy.

Debbie Lee joins Hall of Fame

By Tara Murray Women’s football icon Debbie Lee hopes her induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame will pave the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.

Lee became the first female inducted in the hall of fame, joining greats of all aspects of the game.

It’s recognition of someone who has done just about everything in women’s football.

Lee played 302 Victorian Women’s Football League games, claiming the league best and fairest award five times.

She was a three-time premiership player and represented Victoria in 16 games.

Off field, she’s been coach, committee member, club and league president, member of the AFL Women’s Advisory Group and is currently Western Bulldogs women’s football general manager.

Lee said being inducted into the hall of fame was nice recognition.

“I was surprised actually, I didn’t expect it,” she said.

“It was never on the radar with lots of things to think about and put our energy into. It never crossed my mind to be honest.

“The nice thing is I think that women’s football has been inducted into the hall of fame, which is really nice.

“What it will do moving forward, it will allow other women to progress and be involved in the hall of fame which is really important.”

Despite all the hard times and challenges along the way, Lee said the journey to getting the AFLW had been a fun one.

She said she always knew there was a bright future for the women’s game.

She said being able to work in the sport and be involved off field was so rewarding and an opportunity to invest in people.

“I always had confidence and I understood who these women were,” she said. “There was never a time I waived on that.

Debbie Lee has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

“I knew they could play the game. I knew their passion for the game and it was a matter of time for it to actually evolve and we could really present it to the decision makers.

“We were able to do that in the exhibition series. I knew once a greater community was exposed to it, I was really confident that we would be fine.”

Lee’s impact on female football in Melbourne’s west can’t be underestimated.

In 1993 she formed the Sunshine YCW Spurs, the first female team in Melbourne’s west. It would later become the St Albans Spurs and now known as the VU Spurs, who

(Supplied)

are based behind the university in Footscray.

“It was certainly challenging,” she said of forming a club.

“It was difficult to recruit … People weren’t really forthcoming around playing football and you weren’t patted in the back if your focus was to play football.”

Lee said the Spurs first premiership in 2004 was special.

She said driving past football fields and seeing young girls and women kicking the footy was amazing.

“Driving around the western suburbs and go past Kinder Smith Reserve and seeing

people kicking the footy and its young girls, their mums and sisters and that’s the great beauty of it.

“That’s the measure of success. Young girls and women now feel comfortable kicking the footy publicly which i never experienced in my early days.”

Lee may be the first female in the hall of fame, but knows she doesn’t want to be the only one.

“There are so many women out there not only players and coaches, administrators and media, women are represented across a number of different facets.”

Wednesday, 8 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 9

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Sheds are a vital wellbeing tool The coronavirus pandemic may have kept Victoria’s Men’s Sheds locked up for lengthy periods, but the strong bonds that have been formed have held firm throughout. Benjamin Millar looks at the important role the sheds continue to play across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.

F

or Melton’s Joe Doyle, the local Men’s Shed is a home away from home.

Along with his wife Carole, Mr Doyle was instrumental in the Melton Men’s Shed’s formation a little over a decade ago.

As a team leader, the Vietnam veteran was a familiar face at the shed week in, week out, until the COVID-19 lockdown hit.

Mr Doyle, 76, is just one of thousands of men around the country who find the sheds a welcoming place to ply their craft or simply have a chat, staying connected with their communities during a stage of life many men otherwise find themselves adrift.

“My wife Carole had an idea about starting up a Men’s Shed in Melton like so many other suburbs were doing,” he said.

“I’ve got PTSD, I was a Vietnam veteran, so it’s been a great place to go and meet other people and to get out of the house.

“I used to be isolated at home and didn’t want to go out or anything, it gave me an out, somewhere to go and look forward to it.”

Joe Doyle has been part of Melton Men’s Shed since it started a decade ago.

(Damjan Janevski) 249607_01

‘‘

It’s a place for likeminded people to come and have a coffee or a chat - Joe Doyle

’’

Over the past 10 years the shed has gone from strength to strength, attracting men of all ages to join activities throughout the week, from woodwork and cooking to cycling and games.

Describing himself as “a bit of a handyman” who likes working with his hands, prior to lockdown Mr Doyle could often be found tinkering on his own projects, helping other people with repairs or training up others in the use of the machinery.

While the practical side is certainly part of the attraction, it’s the camaraderie that Mr Doyle has grown to cherish.

“It’s a place for likeminded people to come and have a coffee or a chat, we don’t discriminate against people, we take people as they are,” he said.

“I’m 76, but it’s all different ages, you don’t have to be an old bugger like me.”

That welcoming attitude can be found across the growing number of Men’s Sheds scattered across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.

John Owen from the Taylors Hill Men’s Shed was in a similar boat to Mr Doyle, looking around for something to keep his hands and mind occupied after retirement.

“I’ve always been a very busy person and very practical, so when the Men’s Shed started here about at about four years ago I thought I would give it a go,” he said.

“It provides a good community, you are able to chat with the guys and talk about your issues and problems without judgment and that’s great.

“A lot of the guys that are there are lonely, perhaps they’re widowed and they find it good to be able to go somewhere and be able to talk.”

Mr Owen, 80, said one of the things he is proudest of is the mentoring program the shed runs for children who are struggling a little bit at school.

“We spend two hours a week for six weeks with them and during that time we get them to do a little project like a pencil case or a small table with legs that fold out that they can give to their mum,” he said.

“There was one boy who was struggling to go school, after he started with the program with us he totally changed, his mother came around one day and said they couldn’t believe the difference.”

More than 1200 Men’s, Women’s and Community Sheds have now popped up

2

1

3

4

5

1/ John Owen from the Taylor’s Hill Men’s Shed. 2/ Whittlesea Men’s Shed president Phil Berchdolt. 3/ Romsey Men’s Shed president Steve Goodman, vice president Douglas Tozer and members Laurie Bellingham and Stevan Janusko at the shed’s opening earlier this year. 4/ Rod Jackson working in the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury workshop. 5/ Barry Burbridge tending the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury vegie gardens before lockdown. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski and supplied) across the country, providing meaningful connections that help stop people fall through the gaps in their later years.

Speaking during Men’s Shed Week (August 30 to September 5), Australian Men’s Shed Association chairman Paul Sladdin said the fundamentals of Men’s Sheds are connection, community and camaraderie.

He said while the lengthy lockdown has made it difficult for people to meet in person, participants have found ways to stay connected throughout.

10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 8 September, 2021

“The pandemic has certainly got in the way of Shedders getting together in person as much as they’d like to over the last 18 months,” he said.

“But like us, Men’s Sheds around the country have found ways to stay in touch and to support their mates by other means and that’s what we’re celebrating this year.”

Mr Doyle said even though nobody has been able to head down to the Melton shed sessions, the men have still kept in touch and regularly check in on each other.

“The telephone is our go-between, we’re not allowed out so we can’t go visit, so we keep in contact on the telephone,” he said.

He’s nevertheless looking forward to returning to the shed once restrictions ease and thinks the men aren’t the only ones looking forward to the day.

“When I first started a lot of the wives told their husbands to ‘get down to that Men’s Shed and give me peace’,” he said.

“It gets the men out of the house so the women can have some peace.”

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMENT

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

MS volunteers The Multiple Sclerosis Community Visitors Scheme is seeking female Maltese and Italian volunteers to make a weekly visit to aged care residents in Altona Meadows and Point Cook.

■ Sue, 9845 2744 or volunteer@ms.org.au

Book worms Young readers are being encouraged to be book critics as part of the CBCA Book of the Year awards. Readers can download the Beanstack app and earn badges for writing a review of the one of six shortlisted titles in the ‘2021 CBCA Book of the Year Awards: Younger Readers’ category. Entries go into the draw to win a $30 book voucher. The challenge runs until September 30.

■ https://www.beanstack.com/

Guided walk Enjoy a leisurely 90 minute walk with guide, John, starting at the Williamstown Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place, each Tuesday starting at 9.20am. Each week covers a different route in the local area.

■ John, 0418 377 336

This canola field near Truganina caught the eye of photographer Damjan Janevski. (248986_01)

Diabetes support group Additional needs support MyTime at Tweddle Newport is a peer support group for parents and carers of children with additional needs. The group meets each Friday at 10am during term three in the community room at Newport Gardens Early Years Centre, 51 Maddox Road, Newport.

■ kim.mace@tweddle.org.au

The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am.

■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

setting up a MyGov account (November 7). Workshops are at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Renee, 9397 6168

Hobsons Bay band Free computer workshops Williamstown Community and Education Centre is running free computer workshops on internet banking (October 6) and

The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join the community band.

Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 7.30pm at Newport Lakes Primary

School, Elizabeth Street, Newport.

Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com

■

Altona North Combined Probus The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.

■ Lesley, 9369 1785

415-417 MELBOURNE ROAD, NEWPORT 3015 Tel. (03) 9391 6573 • Fax (03) 9399 1424 Email: newportre@bigpond.com

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ACN 005 205 998 • ABN 75 005 205 998

LICENSED ESTATE AGENTS • PROPERTY MANAGERS • CONSULTANTS

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$ 280.00pw

$ 1,214.00cm

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$ 1,604.00cm

Bright 3 bed WB home with carport. Large size kitchen & dining area. W/W carpets, lounge with gas heater, fully tiled bath.

Close to schools , shops & public transport Hansen Street

$ 430.00pw

$ 1,864.00cm

Very neat 3 bed W/B home. Kitchen with gas stove, polished floors, Lounge with gas heater, B.I.Robes, w/w carpet, bathroom. Walking distance to pub.transport & shops. Off street parking.

KINGSVILLE Kingsville Street

$ 250.00pw

$ 1,084.00cm

Freshly repainted 1 bed ground floor flat. Sep. kitchen with lots of cupboards. B.I.Robe, w/w carpet, gas stove. Off street parking.

PRIVATE SALE

AUCTION

U2- 1 EDWARD AVENUE, ALTONA NORTH. 3025.

Look No Further

16 ROSSHIRE ROAD, NEWPORT. 3015.

11th September, 2021 at 11:30am Attention Home Buyers, Investors or Developers

This is a perfect opportunity for first home buyers or investors.

Bright & cosy double storey town house with large garage.

Comprising: 3 bedrooms (2 with B.I.R. and air-conditioners).

Open plan kitchen & dining area, lounge overlooking compact back yard / garden. All gas appliances, polished floor boards.

Storage under stairs and outside water tank .

Situated in the quiet pocket of Altona North, walking distance to Altona Gate Shopping Centre, West Gate Bridge and bus transport.

Inspections strictly by appointment only.

SOUTH KINGSVILLE

Older type of brick home with garage.

• Comprising: 3 bedrooms, family size lounge with gas heating, kitchen & dining area, neat fully tiled bathroom.

• Large front and back garden. Fantastic corner location.

• Ideal for development. S.T.C.A. • Land size 21.60m x 50.20m = 1,084.30 sq/m approx.

• (71.30’ x 165’ = 11,764.50 sq/feet approx.)

Inspections strictly by appointment only.

For further information please contact: Metka McDonald

Kernot Street

$ 265.00pw

$ 1,149.00cm

Repainted 2 bed villa unit with B.I.Robes. Kitchen with gas stove, Lounge, bathroom. Off street parking. Handy to all facilities and only minutes to Westgate Bridge.

Truman Street

$ 275.00pw

$ 1,192.00cm

Freshly repainted 2 bed flat with B.I.Robes. Parquerty, lounge, \kitchen with elec. stove, new blinds, new front sec. door.

Car space.

ALTONA MEADOWS 188A Merton Street

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Wednesday, 8 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Tips to lighten your mental load

By Adjunct Associate Professor Christopher Carter Ceo, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network Construction workers, including tradespeople, are twice as likely to die by suicide as their peers, and have twice the rate of anxiety and depression.

This might come as a surprise if you buy in to the ‘tradie’ stereotype. That is, a ‘she’ll be right’ bloke with an easy job and few cares in the world, beyond keeping the knock-off beers ice-cold.

Yet this kind of thinking has allowed us to overlook the significant contributions and sacrifices tradespeople make, and the pressures they face.

Here’s one scenario. You’re self-employed, with two young children at home. Money is tight, and cashflow erratic. You’re working long physically demanding hours onsite, often by yourself, or with responsibility for others less experienced, and still need to come home at night and manage the business – including sustaining a pipeline of work so you can keep paying the rent.

The industry tells us that scenarios like this are common. Job security, financial pressures and the nature of solo work, as well as other life stresses, affect male and female tradespeople of all ages. Stigma about mental health, and alcohol and drug dependence, are also common issues.

On top of this, sole-traders and their families often don’t have access to the support that medium and large businesses, unions or trade organisations can provide. And Melbourne tradies have faced increased pressures due to issues created by COVID-19, such as having to limit work to emergency or vacant premises during lockdown.

A new mental health campaign aimed at tradies features Nathan, Zane and Jacob showing that sharing the load helps everyone.

As anyone on a worksite knows, if you need to carry something heavy, you get help. Sadly, this logic is not applied when we are carrying heavy emotional loads, with tradies much less likely to seek help early than the general population.

That’s why we’ve created the ‘Lighten the Load’ campaign, and enhanced our HeadtoHelp service to better meet the needs of

tradies. Check out Headtohelp.org.au/tradies.

Staff at HeadtoHelp – a free, 100 per cent confidential service – are now trained to support tradies, their mates or their families.

All you need to do is make a free call to 1800 595 212. You’ll talk to a professional, who’ll listen carefully to understand what’s going on, and give you advice or connect you to what you need. This might be mental health support

(Supplied)

including counselling at one of the HeadtoHelp hubs, which is also free.

As a tradie in one of our ‘Lighten the Load’ videos says: ‘The longer you carry stuff, the heavier it gets … So talk to someone who can help, before it really weighs you down.’

Details: HeadtoHelp 1800 595 212 (free call), 8.30am – 5pm weekdays (excluding public holidays). Call triple-0 in an emergency.

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Champion for women

By Goya Dmytryshchak

Champion for women A Williamstown woman who has received an Australia Day honour for significant service to women with ovarian cancer has recalled her own diagnosis, which brought heartbreak but also gratitude.

Paula Benson, who formerly chaired Ovarian Cancer Australia, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

‘‘

still so much more to do and we can’t rest until it’s done - Paula Benson

’’

“She sent me straight off that morning for a transvaginal ultrasound and she got me in to see a gynaecological oncologist that night and I had the surgery the next week.

“No one thought that I would have ovarian cancer because I was young, I was 34 – largely, it’s women in their 50s, 60s, 70s who are diagnosed – and I have no history of ovarian or breast cancer in my family.

“So, no one suspected that it could be ovarian cancer; they could see that I had a large cyst attached to one of my ovaries and that the ovary was damaged and that the cyst and the ovary would need to be removed.

“When I woke up, my gyne-oncologist told me that she was very sorry but she’d found ovarian cancer and had to undertake a radical hysterectomy.

“It was very shocking for a young woman to have that experience but I know my cancer was diagnosed early, it hadn’t spread and I know how lucky I am.”

Ms Benson said she knew her story was not typical for most women with ovarian cancer, which prompted her to offer her services to Ovarian Cancer Australia in 2006.

The same year, she and spouse Stephen Conroy, a former Labor senator, had baby girl 12459042-CG36-20

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit maribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au/ subscribe 12 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 8 September, 2021

Paula Benson. (Joe Mastroianni). 226296_02

Isabella with the help of a surrogate mother and a separate egg donor.

“I do have a beautiful daughter,” Ms Benson said. “She’s 14 now.

“I was very fortunate. One of my girlfriends donated eggs and another girlfriend carried her for me, so I’m very lucky to be a mum.”

On learning of her Australia Day recognition, Ms Benson said she hoped it would raise more awareness of ovarian cancer.

“When I first found out about it I felt quite

emotional really thinking about everything that we at Ovarian Cancer Australia have achieved over the past decade,” she said.

“But I was just reflecting today, the same week that I found out about potentially receiving the award, I heard about another friend of mine who’s just been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer and it was very grounding.

“We’ve achieved so much, we’ve done so much and I’m so proud of that but there is still so much more to do and we can’t rest until it’s

done.”

Ovarian Cancer Australia said under Ms Benson’s stewardship the organisation had achieved significant milestones, including developing and implementing Australia’s first national action plan for ovarian cancer research, securing $3 million federal funding for the Traceback ovarian cancer prevention program and the commitment of $20 million for ovarian cancer research from the federal government’s Medical Research Future Fund.

12481548-SN07-21

By Goya Dmytryshchak

A Williamstown woman who has received an Australia Day honour for significant service to women with ovarian cancer has recalled her own diagnosis, which brought heartbreak but also gratitude.

Paula Benson, who formerly chaired Ovarian Cancer Australia, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 34 in 2003.

“I know I am one of the very lucky ones because my GP did all the right things for me,” Ms Benson said.

“When I went to her, I had this unexplained abdominal bloating, changes in my urinary and bowel habits and I felt really full after eating not very much.

Pier St IGA has recently undergone a series of extensive renovations designed to better suit the post-COVID needs of customers.

Independently owned and operated, Pier Street IGA is now providing an even wider range of products, in addition to the everyday groceries and liquor already on offer.

Renovations began in June this year and have recently been completed.

Pier Street IGA has recently introduced a general merchandise and hardware range for its customers’ convenience providing over 1000 additional lines of products.

Owner Hitesh Palta decided he wanted to upgrade his store to better suit the needs of customers now that COVID has become part of everyday life.

“With lockdowns, hardware stores like Bunnings only have a click and collect service. We now stock a variety of items among our normal range to suit customers in need of small renovation items,” Hitesh says.

After many excited requests from customers,

Pier St IGA has also added a brand-new freezer which has catered for an additional 300 new lines to extend its already broad product range.

The store also has in place a ’Grab and Go’ solution.

“Tradies, office people or other workers in Altona and the surrounding areas can come, grab their lunch and go, getting on with their day and also having something great to eat,” says Hitesh.

Operating since January 2020, Hitesh and his business have been conducting a variety of community-led initiatives including continued work with the Lions Club and Community Chest Program.

Pier Street IGA was also the first store in Australia to open set trading hours for the elderly when the COVID pandemic began.

So, come in for your one stop shop and see the new upgrades at Pier St IGA – 103/110 Pier Street Altona. Alternatively, check out Coffee Wala on Menulog or Deliveroo today.

FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

Advertising feature

Dancing for older Australians: go on, give it a whirl Elle Cecil Dancing for older Australians: give it a whirl The health benefits of dancing for seniors range from improving your physical health to creating strong social connections that increase your sense of wellbeing.

A 2018 study by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) showed a positive relationship between dancing and the physical and emotional health of older Australians.

Participants in the study experienced improved flexibility, boosted energy levels and better posture. Further studies have found that dancing can slow or even reverse the signs of ageing in the brain.

Among these benefits, older Australians are likely to experience an improvement in balance, coordination and spatial awareness, which in turn could reduce their likelihood of falls.

Dancing also provides an increase in heart rate, encouraging the movement of oxygen throughout the body. This has shown positive effects on heart and lung condition, and has the potential to lessen the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Regular dance also assists in weight management, toning muscle, improving strength and reducing joint pain.

The benefits of dancing aren’t just physical.

Regular dancing has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain responsible for spatial navigation and memory formation.

Not only did study participants enjoy a range of physical and mental progress, they also experienced a shift in overall mood, self-esteem and confidence. This is attributed to a combination of the effects of physical exercise and the social interactions and

connections formed during the dance classes.

Some things to consider Are you looking to dance on your own or with a partner? Perhaps you’d like to join a group dance class, or maybe you’d prefer private lessons. What sort of dance style are you looking to engage in? The options are endless. Ballet, line dancing, Latin or

Trugo Place a

home

salsa dancing, waltzing, tap dancing, dance aerobics and even seated dance classes are all popular styles you can choose from.

Before you pull on your dancing shoes, it’s important to consult your doctor or medical professional. They can provide you with proper advice tailored to your health needs.

Once you’ve got the go ahead, you should

make sure that you hydrate properly before, during and after you dance. Warming up and cooling down is also crucial to avoid stiffness or injury.

Take care not to over work yourself on the dance floor. Remember, it’s all about getting active and having fun. Now get out there and bust a move!

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14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 8 September, 2021

PUZZLES No. 045

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.

easy

2

8

9 1 6 3 6 5 1 6 2 9 1 9 7 4 5 3 4 7 8 4

7 9 2 3 6 8 3

9

5 7

medium

5

9

3 2

2 3 8 1 3 1 5 7 4 5 6 2 9

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Constable (9) Matures (4) Eggs (3) Booking (11) Pseudonyms (3-5) Project (6) Wildcat (4) Teased (7) Expresses disapproval (7) Tract (4) Come back (6) NY theatre district (8) Bases (11) Bedridden (3) Artist, — Ono (4) Adorn with glitter (9)

1 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

No. 045

Punctually (8) Studying (8) Grain (6) Be naughty (9) Benchmark (4) Ushered (6) Did wrong (6) Axe (7) Infamous (9) Gatecrash (7) Surfing (the web) (8) Colour (4,4) Sly (6) Hit (6) R&R spot (3,3) 27 Wound with a knife (4)

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24

DECODER

No. 045

5 1 4

9 5 4 9 8 9 2 5 1

6 hard

6 3

9

3 2 7

7 3

1 5 7 9

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Q J

6

24

25

26

3

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

N

Today’s Aim: 20 words: Good 30 words: Very good

I

E

T

4 6 8 2 7 5 1 3 9

9 4 1 6 8 7 3 2 5

No. 045

SOME TALC VAST 5 LETTERS ADULT ALLAH ALONE ASSET AWAIT CAMPS DELTA DEPTH EDICT ENSUE ERODE FELTS GASES GASPS HEELS IDEAL

4 LETTERS ARTS BABE CAPE DYES FAME GATE HERO INNS LADS ONCE ONES RIDE ROOK SARI SECT

STONE TEASE TERSE TILDE VEILS VILLA YESES

IDIOM IDLER INLET LADEN LINER MANOR METRE MULTI NAMES NOSED PLIED PLODS POLIO RADIO SAVER SEEMS SLIDE SMITE SOLAR SORRY STEAL

6 LETTERS ELEVEN ENTITY 7 LETTERS ERRATIC EXPANSE

FALSITY LATTICE ORDERED TYPESET 8 LETTERS CHASTISE DIABETIC STOCKADE TIRELESS 10 LETTERS HENCEFORTH PRINCESSES

airy, angry, baying, betray, BETRAYING, binary, brainy, bray, braying, briny, byre, byte, entry, eying, gaiety, gantry, gayer, gentry, grainy, grey, gyrate, gyre, nary, nearby, rainy, raying, retying, tangy, teary, tiny, tray, trey, trying, tying, tyre, yarn, yean, year, yearn, yeti 10-09-21

1

'Two houses, both alike in dignity' is the opening to what play?

7

Approximately how many points (pts) are there in a millimetre: 1.83, 2.83 or 3.83?

2

For approximately how many hours per day do sloths sleep?

8

3

In what year was the first Stella Prize awarded?

Which 2020 film directed by Spike Lee stars Detroy Lindo, Clarke Peters and Chadwick Boseman (pictured)?

4

Which social media platform was founded first: Twitter, Tumblr or Instagram?

9

Who won the 2020 Hugo Award for Best Novel?

O Z E N

C

5

E A R S N M A P R A Z E

Y U C

8 3 7 1 5 2 6 9 4

6 2 5 9 3 4 8 7 1 8 9 2 4 5 7 3 6 1

To what continent is the succulent vine string-of-pearls native?

6

With which medium does street artist Chinagirl Tile predominately work?

No. 045 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

E R T

T

G

R

L

5 9 3 4 1 8 7 6 2

3 8 6 5 2 1 9 4 7 5 3 7 6 8 1 2 9 4

E

A

Y

3 LETTERS ACE ADO ADS AGE ALE ARE ATE AXE BOA COO DIE DOE EEL ERA EWE HER NIP ODE OLD RAM RUM SAC SAT TEE TEN VIP

QUICK QUIZ

A

2 5 1 4 7 6 8 3 9

1 7 2 3 9 6 4 5 8

E

1

7 5 9 8 4 3 2 1 6

2 1 4 7 6 9 5 8 3

6 1 4 3 9 2 5 8 7

3 5 9 8 1 4 6 7 2

2 6 8 5 7 9 4 1 3

A E

23

S A

3 4 9 8 2 5 1 6 7

6 8 7 9 3 1 4 5 2

8 7 2 1 5 9 6 4 3

7 4 1 2 6 3 9 5 8

4 8 5 1 2 6 7 3 9

1 7 3 9 4 5 8 2 6

O

22

C

21

A N

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 words ending in “s”.

B

4 9 6 3 8 2 5 7 1

5 1 3 6 4 7 2 9 8

1 6 8 7 9 4 3 2 5

9 2 4 5 1 3 7 8 6

7 3 5 2 6 8 9 1 4

9 2 6 7 3 8 1 4 5

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

Y

9-LETTER WORD

40 words: Excellent

hard

20

medium

19

easy

18

8 9

17

8 1 2

16

6

A

6

4

1

5x5

5

15

2 9

4

C U D Y E BWK N R G X H

7

3

T S Z L F I VMAO P Q J

8

7

2

14

3

1

WORDFIT

10 Suzy Wilson is the founder of which Australian charity?

ANSWERS: 1. Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare 2. 15 3. 2013 4. Twitter 5. Africa 6. Ceramics 7. 2.83 8. Da 5 Bloods 9. Arkady Martine, for A Memory Called Empire 10. Indigenous Literacy Foundation

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 8 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 15

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

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Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online!

16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 8 September, 2021

12358692-EPJ30-17

DC GILBERT ELECTRICS

T V CONCRETING GSpecialising in all types of concreting.

Specializing in: ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Vu 0458 748 413 · Andy 0408 081 888 ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Call Chris 9399 8104 or 0419 329 550

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Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739 ฀

12469374-CG4

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Doug 0410 227 974 or Brent 0416 913712

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• General Carpentry • Decking • Carports • Pergolas • Re-roofing, Home Renovations and Alterations (Local Tradies)

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228 0409 888

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CUSTOM DECKS & PERGOLAS

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Ph: 0416 033 003 or 9338 3669 (AH)

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Apprentice Fitter & Turner VET in Engineering required.

ConTecH is a growing Australian Owned Company with a world wide customer base.

ConTecH are suppliers to the food processing and packaging industries.

In return you will be given above award wages, overtime when avail, monthly RDOs, protective clothing & footwear, after a 3 month trial period.

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We have several factory positions available for

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• Assemble all types of commercial cabinet joinery from kitchens, reception counters & board room tables for high-end commercial fit outs and refurbishments

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

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NEED

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12507111-HC33-21

PCC Plumbing • General plumbing • Roofing • Downpipes and Spouting • Sewer Blockages

Trees Pruned Reshaped Grubbed out.

All Foliage/Rubbish Removed Fully Insured $10m Pensioner Discount

Free Quote 7 Day Service 45 yrs exp.

EMERGENCY 24/7

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ANY TREES LOPPED

Paul Catoggio 0448 411 593 pccplumbing@outlook.com

Ph: 9360 0466

Employment

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

• Repairs to tap wares and replacement washers/ceramic • Same day hot water service replacements

• Blocked Drains • Drain Camera • Burst Pipes • Hot Water Services • Roof Repairs • Gas Servicing

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David Sheridon 0412 311 148

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SINGLE BED MATTRESS & BASE good condition $60 the lot. Ph: 0421 930 114.

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Lic No. 28336

Phone only between

9am-3pm Monday-Friday 9338 6644

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• Carbon Monoxide Testing • Hot Water Services • Burst Pipes

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26 Hosking St. Williamstown. 3016 • Gas Leaks • General Plumbing • Blocked Sewers

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section of Network Classifieds.

section of Network Classifieds.

General Classifieds

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section of Network Classifieds.

Contact Simon:

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9309 0700 - 0411 174 000

0439 858 298

PROCESS WORKER

Please email CV to: admin@contechengineering.com

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For Mobile canteen in Altona area. Must have manual licence.

Ph: 0418 922 293

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C159mari to the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme.

The Amendment came into operation on 27 August 2021, which is the date notice of its approval was published in the Victoria Government Gazette.

The Amendment corrects 25 zoning map anomalies related to the Public Parks and Recreation Zone in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme to ensure the correct zones are applied to the land.

A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/ public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the Amendment documentation.

A copy of the Amendment can also be inspected on the Maribyrnong City Council website at www.maribyrnong. vic.gov.au and free of charge, during office hours at the offices of the Maribyrnong City Council, Corner Hyde and Napier Streets, Footscray.

G6638324AA-dc18Feb

� Carpentry � Doors � Painting � Wallpapering � Tiling � Flat Pack Assembly � All Odd Jobs No job too small - Free Quotes

G6254323AA-dc28Aug

JOHN’S HANDYMAN SERVICES

Planning and Environment Act 1987 MARIBYRNONG PLANNING SCHEME Notice of Approval of Amendment Amendment C159mari

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• Painting • Plastering • Carpentry • Gardening • Window Sashes • Fences • Odd Jobs • Pensioner Discounts Please Call 0424 705 970

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TONY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

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Employment

12499141-CG24-21

Trades & Services

ConTecH is a growing Australian Owned Company with a world wide customer base.

ConTecH are suppliers to the food processing and packaging industries.

The successful applicant must be able to read drawings and work with minimal supervision, site installation may be required.

In return you will be given above award wages, overtime when available, monthly RDOs, protective clothing & footwear, after a 3 month trial period.

Please email CV to: admin@contechengineering.com ***Only qualified people need apply 12499136-HC24-21

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Wednesday, 8 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

The upgraded Mazda6 sedan’s swoopy coupe looks belie its mid-range passenger car status.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Mazda’s new mid-range offering

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring While SUVs and pickup trucks reign supreme on the world’s automobile markets, the humble sedan can only stand by, looking on in envy.

One such observer, the Mazda6, has paid the price for this fickle sales atmosphere.

Despite this, the company has persisted with its mid-range passenger car in sedan and wagon form, while simplifying it to four variants - Sport, Touring, GT SP and Atenza.

New kid on the block is the GT SP, which according to Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, brings a distinctly sporty character to the range and builds on the local GT SP portfolio alongside the CX-9.

The GT SP, along with the range-topping Atenza, take on a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine used across the range, developing 170 kW and 420 Nm. The Sport and Touring make do with the naturally aspirated unit delivering 140 kW and 252 Nm. As well as engine enhancements, the GT SP boasts 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive front lighting and leather upholstery on heated front and rear seating. The sedan sells for $46,690, plus on-road costs, the wagon $47,990.

The entry-level sports sedan comes to market at a competitive $34,590, plus ORCs, the wagon $35,890. We were given a taste of the upgrades with the former.

Styling This is no white-bread model. In looks alone, the Mazda6 Sedan has earned the right to stand shoulder to shoulder with prestige product with a price sticker above and beyond its own.

With its sleek, coupe-style profile and 17-inch alloy wheels, the car commands attention.

The Mazda signature radiator grille is flanked by LED headlamps and daytime running lights, while rear lighting repeats the reliance on LED technology.

Interior Despite showing its age in decor, black cloth upholstery sets the scene with its look of quality, complemented by a leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifts. An electric park brake features a hold function.

Rear seat leg and shoulder room is good and dual zone climate control incorporates rear vents but getting in and out of the back is a chore because of a pinched door opening due to the swoopy nature of the sedan. Boot space is a usable 474 litres.

Infotainment An 8-inch full colour touch screen atop the central dashboard displays info from the car’s MZD Connect system, including embedded satellite navigation. Bluetooth is hands-free capable and USB-audio input ports are iPod compatible. There’s a USB charging port in the rear seat armrest.

Engines / transmissions Sport and Touring sedans and wagons feature Mazda’s well-respected Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.

The set-up produces 140 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4000 revs. On 91-octane unleaded petrol, fuel consumption is a claimed 7 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle.

Safety A five-star safety rating is 2018 vintage. It includes intelligent speed assistance, smart city brake support, front and rear, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and driver attention alert.

Also fitted are rear parking sensors, high beam control, rear view mirror with

18 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 8 September, 2021

auto dimming, reverse camera, traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring.

Driving The Mazda6 Sport Sedan offered up a quirky welcome, with a nod to the past in that the doors are unlocked by use of a key fob button - no modern touch of the door handle here and then discarded for a dash-mounted push button start to the engine.

A further minor beef is fitment of the old 8-inch Mazda MZD Connect infotainment system and not the newer Mazda Connect as in the Mazda3 and CX-30. However, the familiar Command Control knob on the centre console does make access to info easy while the vehicle is on the move.

Having said that, the entry-level Sport does what a mid-size passenger sedan is supposed to: carry occupants in comfort and safety and be a pleasure to drive. No worries.

The six-speed automatic transmission did much to do this smoothly and efficiently, while the suspension was up to taking the rough and tumble of some scratchy roads no matter what load the car was carting.

Don’t take the word ‘Sport’ literally.

Performance is not the prerogative here. For that a step up is needed to the GT SP or Atenza, with the turbocharged 2.5-litre unit generating 170 kW at 5000 rpm and a robust 420 Nm at a low 2000 rpm.

Mazda claims the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine of the Sport uses 7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The test car recorded 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the CBD and suburbs and 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the motorway.

Summary For those interested in buying a mid-size passenger car (are there any out there?) the Mazda6 Sedan serves the segment well.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Mazda6 2.5 Sport Sedan automatic $34,590 Mazda6 2.5 Touring Sedan (a) $38,890 Mazda6 2.5 GT SP Sedan (a) $46,690 Mazda6 2.5 Atenza Sedan (a) $50,090 SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE: Capacity: 2.488 litres Configuration: Four cylinders in line Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 6000 rpm Maximum Torque: 252 Nm @ 4000 rpm Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.0 L/100km BRAKES: Front: Ventilated disc Rear: Disc STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.

Risdon puts injury woes behind him

By Tara Murray After a forgettable season, Western United defender Josh Risdon is hoping to return to his best and put his name back in front of national selectors.

Risdon played just three games last season, with two major injuries leaving him on the sidelines for most of the year.

He admits it was a frustrating season.

“It was pretty tough for me last season, obviously being injured for most of it,” he said.

“I had two bad injuries. The first one kept me out for six to seven months which was the most frustrating thing.

“I obviously wanted to play games and sitting on the sidelines was not very fun. I got myself back fit from that initial injury and feeling really good to get my second one third game back wasn’t ideal.

“We tapered off towards the end of the season and it was hard to watch not being able to help to get the team into finals.”

Risdon said he had worked hard to get his body right and he had been fully fit from the start of pre-season. He said things were going along nicely under new coach John Aloisi.

“I think we’re six or seven weeks in now,” he said. “The body is holding up good and I’m staying injury free which is nice.

“There’s a lot of new faces, new players and staff. Aloisi being the new coach and he wasn’t here from the start as he had to quarantine.

“Once he came in he brought in Hayden Foxe as well and they are really driving the sessions and it’s been great.

“I know a lot of the guys are impressed with the sessions that we’re doing and the intensity.

It’s a long pre-season but they’re keeping it enjoyable for us.”

Risdon, who became a father for the first time this year, said his first aim this season was to try and play some consistent soccer.

“That’s my first and foremost goal,” he said.

“I want to do more than that, I want to stand out a big part of helping this team do well.

“I think we’ve got a really good squad this year and we can challenge for a trophy.

Being part of that and now being one of the experienced boys in the team, now I’ve got to help out the younger boys and be a leader at the club.”

Risdon also has his eyes set on a recall to the Socceroos squad. He was part of the Socceroos team at the last World Cup. “A big goal of mine when I came to Western United was to get back into the Socceroos squad,” he said. “I got into a camp last year, but obviously things were out of our hands with COVID-19 situation.

Josh Risdon at Western United training.

(Supplied)

“Towards the back of end of last year they started to play some more games and then being injured wasn’t ideal as I hadn’t played enough games.

“It’s definitely a goal of mine to get back fit and get my name in and among the national team again. We have the World Cup next year and going to that last one has made me hungrier to go to another one.

“Hopefully I can stay injury free and put out some good performances and get to go again.”

Lockdown ends seasons

Adam Marcon

(Supplied)

Marcon hangs up boots

By Goya Dmytryshchak Williamstown and VFL legend Adam Marcon has hung up his boots.

The Seagulls skipper played 161 VFL games over nine seasons, including 106 for Williamstown, where he arrived in 2014 after three seasons with Northern Blues. He was selected by Richmond in the 2015 AFL rookie draft and played two AFL games in 2016 before returning to Williamstown in 2017.

“I felt this year was always going to be my last and therefore I was able to appreciate every moment knowing that it may end abruptly as it has,” Marcon said.

“I am so grateful for the games we did get to play this year, in particular my life membership game in round three against Port Melbourne.

“I’m now really excited to spend more quality time with my family and give them the support that they have afforded me over my journey.”

Marcon captained Williamstown from 2018 and was a 2015 premiership player with the club in the Gulls’ triumph over Box Hill.

Also in 2015, he took out the FothergillRound-Mitchell medal as the most promising young player in the competition.

“I’ve made some great friends on and off the field at the club, and I can look back at my VFL career knowing that I gave it my all,” he said.

“The last four years as captain have been so rewarding and I hope that I led by example along the way.

“It was an absolute honour to be part of this amazing club.”

Marcon’s awards during his VFL career

also include four Team of the Year selections – including three as a Seagull – in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017.

He won club best and fairest awards at Northern Blues in 2012 and Richmond in 2016, and the Frank Johnson Medal playing for Victoria in 2014.

Williamstown chief executive Jason Reddick said Marcon left a lasting legacy.

“History will no doubt recognise Adam as a player highly respected by his peers and a great leader who has made an enormous contribution to our club,” he said.

“Aside from his individual and team achievements, it is his profoundly positive impact on the people at Williamstown Football Club which will be the lasting legacy he leaves behind.”

Premiership and championship dreams came tumbling down for many local sports players of all ages last week.

The extension of the COVID-19 lockdown to beyond September 23 has left many of the winter sporting competitions with no option to bring to a close their seasons.

It’s a bitter blow for many, after most players didn’t get to play at all in 2020.

Basketball Victoria issued a statement saying that the Victorian Junior Basketball League, Big V and National Basketball League 1 south competitions would be cancelled. No champions will be declared in those competitions.

In the Big V competition, Keilor Thunder men and Altona Gators women were the minor premiers in their respective divisions.

Whittlesea Pacers, Craigieburn Eagles, Sunbury Jets and Hume City Broncos all had senior teams set for finals.

Basketball Victoria’s under-12 skills days and identification camp have been postponed.

The eight metropolitan football leagues issued a joint statement on Thursday announcing the leagues had mutually decided to cancel all competitions for the 2021 season.

Among the leagues are the Essendon District and Western Region football leagues, the Northern and Riddell District football netball leagues and the Victorian Amateur Football Association. The netball competitions for the relevant competitions have also been cancelled.

“All leagues have been working diligently in the hope of enabling the remaining games in the 2021 season to be played,” the statement said.

“However, it is now apparent this will not be possible in the current environment.

“All leagues are committed to working closely with their member clubs, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria to manage the associated issues related to the cancellation of all 2021 competitions and working towards a return to play next season.”

The extended lockdown is also set to impact the summer sports, with many seasons set to start in early October.

Wednesday, 8 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 19

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