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Cold comfort A safe and fun way to boost physical and mental health is on offer at Williamstown Beach. The Melbourne Open Water Swimming Club is hosting cold water immersion therapy sessions every Tuesday and Friday at 6.30am and 9.30am. Coach Amy Paterson said as long as cold water immersion therapy is practised safely, the benefits outweigh any risks. “Port Phillip Bay has some of the coldest coastal waters in Australia,” she said. “It is a cold-water swimming mecca.” Ms Paterson said on top of the physical and mental benefits of boosting one’s focus, mood and energy levels, it is also a welcoming social activity. “Cold water swimmers are very welcoming and friendly,” she said. Ms Paterson said with Williamstown’s waters currently at nine degrees, it is important to take the appropriate precautions and only stay in the water for a short period of time. “For every one degree Celsius, stay in for a minute,” she said. Details:williamstownopenwaterswimco aching.com Matthew Sims

Front to back: Emm Carew-Reid, Amy Paterson and Linda Kopans are enjoying taking part in cold water immersion therapy sessions twice a week at Williamstown Beach. (Damjan Janevski) 296044_01

Rail plan gaining traction By Matthew Sims Discussions have ramped up around a proposal for a new railway which would connect the western suburbs with the CBD. As reported by Star Weekly, the Rail Futures Institute [RFI] has put forward the Melbourne East-West Rail proposal, which would combine the first stage of MM2 with the Western Rail Plan. The proposed rail system would provide access points between the CBD, Spotswood and Melton, as well as a connection to Wyndham Vale. Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the council has been part of a number of

discussions with other councils about the proposal, including Wyndham, Brimbank, Melton, Port Phillip and Melbourne. “There’s increased interest in that for us,” he said. The proposal has also outlined the construction of a key underground interchange station at Spotswood, which would be constructed beneath the current Spotswood station, and connections to Laverton, Werribee with Deer Park and Melton. Cr Hemphill said with Hobsons Bay’s population set to increase due to the upcoming Precinct 15 development in Altona North, the need for effective public transport in the area was urgent. “If we don’t do something in the next 10 to

15 years, you won’t be able to get on a train in Newport,” he said. “We believe that the government should defer the Suburban Rail Loop.” Cr Hemphill said ongoing discussions within local governments was a “good first step” to implementing the plan. “The municipalities of Melton, Wyndham and Brimbank are going to grow so fast,” he said. “The government needs to plan for it and plan very quickly.” RFI president John Hearsch said discussions were under way to build support for the plan ahead of the state election in November. “This is a project that’s badly needed,” he

said.“We’re suggesting they should slow it (the Suburban Rail Loop project) down. “We think it’s got a lot of potential flaws.” Mr Hearsch said the East-West Rail proposal aimed to reduce the “enormous” disparity between public transport in the west and the east of Melbourne. A state government spokesperson said the planned Metro Tunnel, Suburban Rail Loop and Western Rail Plan developments were continuing and satisfied the aims of the proposal. “The government’s current solutions provide the benefits that this plan purports to achieve and it is happening right now,” the spokesperson said.

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Metro to the rescue

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A much-loved Yarravi has been rescued lle cat, Mooncake, by after wandering from Metro train workers his Mooncake was spotted home. injured near Seddon train station . A driver alerted authori sed officers who found Moonc ake and drove him to U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital where he underwent emerge fractured skull and ncy surgery for a jaw. Mooncake lost an eye, but his owner says he is recovering and adapting well. Lesley Friend said thank Metro’s train she wanted to driver and authori sed officers for saving Moonc “We’re very thankfu ake. Mooncake back and l that we got that he’s alive and that he [the train driver] basically saved his life,” she said. “He’s a big part of our Metro’s Wayne Boyd family.” said the safety all public transpo rt users, including of cats, was a priority. “We saw that little immediate help and Mooncake needed didn’t waste any time,” he said. “I was really pleased when I heard that Mooncake had pulled through.”

(Joe Mastroianni)

New million doll ar suburbs

Goya Dmytryshchak

By Goya Dmytryshch ak

marking the highest growth rate since Altona and West 2010. July director Wayne Footscray have joined Sweeney said “it million dollar club, the “The value was due to $1.516 happen”. with the median million ($266,000 price cracking $1 million house hit a record of the national dwelling market “We’re talking inner high in January Mr Sweeney said over reserve). 2021, and The May median house. city, Altona by the continued to hit Altona and West bay value a fresh record high has and the generous allotments for Altona $1,022,585 (up from in Altona,” he said. Footscray’s proximity to the city each $983,599 12 months was month since. “West Footscray is were big drawcards. and $1,018,794 (up a different suburb ago) “The wealth effect Footscray central from $919,227) for of house value increas Topping the list in , where you’re gettingfrom Footscray, CoreLo West has likely Melbourne were Brighto es gic’s Million Dollar bigger been the with a May blocks as well. a key component n Markets consum report for June shows. median house value of elevated er confidence, “A of $3,316,986 lot of (up the prices from and Austra these days, unless “The current upswin economic recovery there’s $3,168,364 $2,785,108) and Deepdene at g in the Austra from strict social distanclia’s something substantial on it, housing market (up lian restrictions from it’s $3,804, all about the ing land. 921). through 2020.” Among newcomers extraordinary results, has produced some Altona and West ” the report states. “It’s all about the land were Mount Macedo to the millionaire’s club Footscray made the “In the 12 months value.” 40 million-dollar n at $1,319,881 (up Sweeney’s recent markets in metrop top $961,49 from 5), dwelling market values to May 2021, national Melbourne. sales Blairgo include 1/13 Essex wrie at $1,318,730 olitan Street, West increased 10.6 per (up from $915,370), Footscr cent, Sweeney Estate auction for $1,130, ay, which sold before $872,743), Somers at $1,270,800 (up from Agents William 000 and 206 Blyth St stown Altona, which Street, from $867,95 Andrews Beach at $1,185,135 (up this month sold at 2 and Balnarring at auction for from $1,172,911 (up $880,200).

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Altona Altona Sports Club 11 Altona Road Altona Altona RSL 31 Sargood Street Altona Kooringal Golf Club Wilga Avenue Altona Convenience store 41 Civic Parade Altona City of Hobsons Bay 115 Civic Parade Altona Chemcare Wellness Pharmacy 8 Harrington Square Altona Altona West Newsagency 12 Harrington Square Altona Borgs Cakes 20 Harrington Square Altona Sweeney Real Estate 54 Pier Street Altona Bendigo Bank 64 Pier Street Altona Altona IGA plus Liquor 103/110 Pier Street Altona Altona Newsagency 84-86 Pier Street Altona Chemist Discount Centre 88-90 Pier Street Altona Meadows Sweeney Real Estate - Altona Meadows Shop 10a, 1-23 Central Avenue (Cental Square Shopping Centre) Altona Meadows Central Lotto Shop 14, 1-23 Central Avenue (Cental Square Shopping Centre) Altona Meadows Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre 2 Newham Way (Central square Shopping Centre) Altona North Sweeney Real Estate - Altona North 15 Borrack Square Altona North Westgate Health and Fitness Club Corner Grieve Parade & Dohertys Road Altona North Altona Fresh 62-76 Second Ave 9399 1390 Altona North Borrack Square Lotto & Gifts 32 Borrack Square Altona North The Circle Pharmacy 53 The Circle Altona North Hunter French Real Estate 21 Borrack Square Altona North Altona North Community Library Corner Millers Road & McArthurs Road Altona North Altona Gate Shopping Centre Lvl.2/ 124-134 Millers Road Altona North Altona East Newsagency 63 The Circle Braybrook Central West Plaza 65-67 Ashley Street Braybrook Braybrook Hotel 353 Ballarat Road Braybrook Braybrook Library 107-139 Churchill Avenue Deer Park Deer Park Newsagency 823 Ballarat Road Footscray Trimson & Partner Real Estate 169 Barkly Street

• Footscray French Baguette Cafe 181 Barkly Street • Footscray Whitten Oval 417 Barkly Street • Footscray Footscray Community Arts Centre 45 Moreland Street • Footscray James Barker House Aged Care 64 Buckley Street • Footscray Pheonix Youth Centre 72 Barkly Street • Footscray Burnham Real Estate - Footscray 273 Barkly Street • Footscray Jim Wong’s Restaurant 259-261 Barkly Street • Footscray Greg hocking Real Estate 145-147 Geelong Road • Footscray Footscray Hospital 160 Gordon Street • Footscray Caltex Petrol Station 62-68 Gordon Street • Footscray Foosctray Police Station 66 Hyde Street • Footscray Maribyrnong City Council 61 Napier Street (Cnr Napier & Hyde Streets) • Footscray Tatts Lotto 81 Nicholson Street • Footscray Wards Newsagency 100 Nicholson Street • Footscray Footscray Library 56 Paisley Street • Footscray Paisley Clinic Pharmacy 85 Paisley Street • Footscray Coles Footscray Albert Street (Footscray Plaza Shopping Centre) • Footscray West IGA West Footscray 511 Barkly Street • Footscray West Neighbourhood House Level 1,539 Barkly Street • Footscray West Compton Green Real Estate 1/240 Geelong Road • Footscray West Kingsville Newsagency 339 Somerville Road • Kingsville BP Petrol 88 Williamstown Road • Laverton Laverton Newsagency Shop 12-14 Aviation Road • Laverton Bendigo Bank Shop 3/28 Aviation Road • Laverton Laverton Community Hub 95-105 Railway Street • Maidstone MJs Café Unit 9/72 Hampstead Road • Maidstone Fix at Mick’s Motors Petrol Station 95 Rosamond Road • Maidstone Maidstone Milk Bar 154 Ballarat Road • Maribyrnong Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre 1 Aquatic Drive • Maribyrnong Maribyrnong Community Centre 9 Randall Street • Maribyrnong Supanews Lotto Shop 2138/120-200 Rosamond Road (Highpoint Shopping Centre) • Maribyrnong Gloria Jeans - Maribyrnong Shop 3/120-200 Rosamond Road (Highpoint Shopping Centre) • Maribyrnong Plush Think Sofas Shop 3 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Forty Winks Shop 4 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Focus On Furniture Shop 5 / 179

Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Adriatic Furniture Shop 6 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Snooze Shop 7 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Suave Furniture Shop 8/179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Spotlight Shop 9-10 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Alex’s Furniture Shop 11 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Koala Living Shop 12 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Bev Marks Shop 13 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Bedshed Shop 14 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong James Lane Shop 15 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Pet Barn Shop 16A / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Barbecues Galore Shop 16A/B / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Beds N Dreams Shop 16A/C / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Carpet Call Shop 17 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Newport Newport Newsagency 48 Challis Street • Newport The Substation 1 Market Street • Newport Newport Library 13 Mason Street • Newport Seagulls Nest Club 1 Mason Street • Newport IGA Newport Plus Liquor 2 Mason Street • Newport Cellarbrations 25 Mason Street • Newport Newport Community Centre 43 Mason Street • Newport Newport Newsagency 6 Hall Street • Newport Newport General Store 10 Hall Street • Seddon Ray White 156 Victoria Street • Seddon Seddon Newsagency Mar-00 Charles Street • Seddon ALFA Café 97 Victoria Street • Seddon The Happy Apple Supermarket 176-178 Victoria Street • Seddon The Vin Wine & Spirits 180 Victoria Street • South Kingsville Dukkah Restaurant 23 Vernon Street • Spotswood Spotswood Newsagency 81 Hudsons Road • Spotswood Scouns Pharmacy 17D Vernon Street • Tottenham Milk Bar - Tottenham Sara Grove • Tottenham Tottenham Central LPO and Newsagency 159 Sunshine Road • Williamstown Steam Packet Hotel 13 Cole Street • Williamstown RT Edgar Real Estate 94 Douglas Parade

• Williamstown Newsagency Riffle Range S/Centre Shop 8 , 71 -79 Kororoit Creek Road 9397 1822 • Williamstown Hazeldean Transition Care 211 Osborne Street • Williamstown Williamstown Hospital 77b Railway Crescent • Williamstown South Pacific health club The Strand & North Road • Williamstown Smooth Curves 2A Wellington Parade • Williamstown Coles Supermarket 29 Douglas Parade • Williamstown Williamstown News and Lotto 16 Douglas Parade • Williamstown Sweeney Real Estate Shop 1-3 Douglas Parade • Williamstown Crompton Green Real Estate 29 Ferguson Street • Williamstown Freechoice Williamstown Tobacco 31 Ferguson Street • Williamstown Williams Real Estate 75 Ferguson Street • Williamstown Get the News Unit 8/9 Kororoit Creek Road • Williamstown Porters Williamstown 49 Nelson Place • Williamstown Hobsons Bay Visitors Centre 1 Syme Street • Yarraville Woolworths Yarraville Metro 6 Anderson Street • Yarraville IGA Yarraville 12 Anderson Street • Yarraville Yarraville Newsagency 59 Anderson Street • Yarraville Coracle Cafe Restaurant 63 Anderson Street • Yarraville For The Health Of It Natural Health Products 73 Anderson Street • Yarraville Hocking Stuart Real Estate - Yarraville 33 Ballarat Street • Yarraville Coles Supermarket - Yarraville 1 High Street • YARRAVILLE - Sweeney Yarraville 346 Williamstown Road • Yarraville Antipasti Deli & Cafe Shop 3/1 High Street • Yarraville Rocco’s Delicatessent 122 Roberts Street • Yarraville Yarraville Club 135 Stephens Street • Yarraville Liquor Legends 6 Wembley Avenue • Yarraville Wembley Convenience Store 8 Wembley Avenue

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2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 31 August, 2022

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Laverton social housing support By Matthew Sims Plans for a new social housing project in Laverton took one step closer to becoming reality, with Hobsons Bay council providing approval for the Hobsons Bay Affordable Housing Trust to apply for state government funding. During a meeting on Tuesday, councillors approved a motion to endorse the design guidelines for the project, which would see low-to-medium-rise dwellings built at 7-45 Epsom Street.

Council purchased the former Laverton Primary School site in 2014 with the potential to use it for affordable housing and open space and then later bought an adjoining residential lot at 45 Epsom Street. Council then delivered the first stage of the project, with e opening of the Curlew Community Park, with the housing proposed to be built at the north and south ends of the park. Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the new housing would provide an affordable option for those with low-to-medium incomes.

“We all know cost of living pressures are rising and rent increases in Hobsons Bay over the past decade are adding to that stress for many of our residents,” he said. “Delivering more social and affordable housing will help make Hobsons Bay a safer, healthier and more equitable place to live, work, study, and play, and the Epsom Street development is a key project in helping us deliver on the priorities we set in our Hobsons Bay Council Plan 2021-25.” Hobsons Bay Wetlands Ward councillor Matt Tyler said the current design guidelines

were the result of community consultation held in March. “Extensive community consultation has helped guide the proposal to what it is today, with revised design guidelines based on community feedback, including changes to building height, improved car parking arrangements, vehicle access and a clearer delineation between the housing and the public park,” he said. “There will be further opportunities for input from the community in the future.” Details: participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ epsomstreetaffordablehousing

Share your dreams for Seddon

Altona Meadows early childhood Olivia Marchioni is excited to release her first children’s book ‘No Way Bay’.

(Damjan Janevski) 294996_01

Mum shares stories of parenthood Altona Meadows resident Olivia Marchioni is realising her dream of writing and releasing a book. Telling the story of a fussy child who refuses to eat any of his mum’s food, her first book ‘No Way Bay’ is now available for pre-order. As an early childhood educator and parent, Marchioni said she appreciates the value of reading for young children. “I’ve always loved reading, there’s something magical about curling up with a good book and being transported into another world, painted by the authors words,” she said. “Publishing a book of my own has been something I’ve wanted to do for a really long time. “I find reading to young children such a

great way to support attachments and spark conversations that otherwise might not take place.” Marchioni said the book features illustrations from her friend Elyse Kalade. “Working together on this project has been such an amazing experience,” she said. “We have been through so much together throughout the years and I’m so thankful to be able to share this achievement with Elyse.“ Marchioni said her experience raising her eldest child Sawyer is the inspiration for the book “Sawyer is the inspiration behind ‘No Way Bay’ as I used my personal struggles to create a family-friendly book that encourages out of the box thinking to meet the individual needs

of each child,” she said. “Becoming a parent, no one really prepares you for how much of yourself is put on hold, or at least I wasn’t prepared for it. “Becoming a mum is my greatest achievement by far and so rewarding, however, there have definitely been times over the years I’ve felt a loss of identity.” Marchioni said the writing and publishing process is “exhilirating”. “I couldn’t be prouder,” she said. Kingsville-based publisher Aly Walsh is publishing the book. Details: www.alysbooks.com/olivia_ marchioni.html

Seddon residents are encouraged to share their hopes and dreams for the community to support the development of Maribyrnong council’s draft Seddon Neighbourhood Plan, which will build on the 2010 Seddon Urban Design Framework. Seddon’s population is forecast to continue to grow by a further 30 per cent by 2051, with the plan aiming to accommodate for this increase in terms of housing and associated amenities. The plan will also outline improvements to publicly accessible spaces, such as streets, squares, parks and open spaces. Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran said the hope of the review of Seddon’s plan is to retain the suburb’s “small town vibe”, while allowing for its growth. “More people will ultimately mean more changes to both the landscape and streetscape,” he said. “To help plan for Seddon’s future needs, we want to understand how you would like to see it grow and develop. “When formulating your vision think about things like the character of the area, how you want to move around it, how you would like to relax/recreate and the spaces you might want to see developed.” Seddon residents are also urged to nominate a preferred location for the establishment of a new public toilet block being delivered under the Maribyrnong Public Toilet Plan. Community consultation on the plan closes at 5pm on Sunday, September 11. Details: www.yourcityyourvoice. com.au/seddon Matthew Sims

Matthew Sims

Maribyrong votes down Yarraville dwelling development The Maribyrnong council City Development Delegated Committee has not granted a permit for the construction of multiple dwellings on a lot at 336 Nicholson Street in Yarraville. The permit application sought approval for the construction of four dwellings on one lot, with each dwelling consisting of three bedrooms, open plan living areas and two car spaces. Despite being presented with a motion including a number of conditions resolving issues with the street setback and site coverage, the committee voted against the motion, with

the motion being lost five votes to two. Additional conditions included that amended plans be submitted back to Maribyrnong council for approval, which would be modified to satisfy a number of clauses within the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme and vehicular crossings must be constructed and/or modified to the road to suit the proposed driveways. Maribyrnong council city places manager Ashley Minniti said the permit applicant has notified council they opposed the additional conditions. “At this point in time, they haven’t been able

to prepare a draft plan that would actually respond to these,” he said. Speaking for the motion, councillor Michael Clarke said the conditions were “quite reasonable”. “There will be a development, but it really has to be in keeping with expectations and guidelines as specified by this council,” he said. Speaking against the motion, Maribyrnong deputy mayor Sarah Carter said she would not support the motion if the permit applicant would not support the outlined conditions. “If we look at it as it exists, it is an

overdevelopment,” she said. “It’s not sympathetic to the community.” Cr Jorge Jorquera said he agreed that the permit application was an example of overdevelopment and voted against the motion. “Sometimes, messages have to be sent,” he said. Maribyrnong council received more than 10 objections against the permit application due to a number of concerns, including overdevelopment and the built form across the length and width of the site. Matthew Sims

Wednesday, 31 August, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Hospital embraces Safewards Footscray Hospital’s cardiac care unit has been providing a more personal connection with patients, as part of a trial of a new program. Western Health rolled out the trial of the Safewards initiative as part of the state government’s Safer Care Victoria program at Footscray Hospital in May, after the initiative was implement at Sunshine Hospital’s 2A ward late last year. Western Health has become one of the first Victorian health services to formally introduce Safewards in general medical wards

The trials have included a number of strategies, including ‘Knowing Each Other’, which aims to encourage staff and patients to get to know each other better to establish a more personal relationship and introducing calming methods, such as the provision of iPads to patients to help keep them entertained and engaged during their time in hospital. Western Health Safewards manager Elisa Illarda said the initiative aimed to reduce conflict and restrictive interventions and build on therapeutic relationships.

“The benefits of Safewards include improved safety for staff, as well as improved patient care and staff experience,” she said. “Research into the ‘Knowing Each Other’ intervention supports the fact that when staff have a busy routine, finding the time to know more about their patient during an admission can be difficult. “However, we know that building a therapeutic relationship can aide in a patient’s recovery and ease the fears and frustrations that can lead to aggression.” Ms Illarda said the initiative was a simple

way to break down the barriers between health providers and patients. “When staff show their human, less clinical, side, and when staff are able to know the personal side of the patient, this can assist with everyone feeling more comfortable,” she said. “It helps to create conversation topics and balances the colder side of a hospital experience. “The ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ intervention is a quick way of staff and patients to build on these elements of humanising the hospital experience.”

Tottenham traffic study needed: MP

West Footscray Neighbourhood House’s Tania Jorquera, Jodie Barrett and Jess Taylor are excited for the Chatty Cafe program to go out and about on West Footscray’s streets. (Damjan Janevski) 295950_02

Step out for a West Footscray stroll West Footscray community members can now connect with their neighbours while going for a stroll through the township. West Footscray Community House community programs co-ordinator Tania Jorquera said the goal of the Chatty Cafe sessions is to foster healthy relationships between community members. “West Footscray Neighbourhood House started the Chatty Cafe at the end of last year

during lockdown,” she said. “We started the Chatty Cafe with the aim of giving the community the opportunity to stay connected, so we kicked it off over Zoom and then transitioned to face-to-face weekly sessions. “Due to some community feedback, we are now making the transition to the Chatty Cafe Walk and Talk to support community members to stay healthy whilst still getting

the opportunity for social connections.” The Chatty Cafe Walk and Talk will be held from 9am to 10am on the first Monday of each month until the end of the year, with each event taking participants down a different route. Details: wfnh.com.au/content

Western Metropolitan MP Catherine Cumming has called for the responsible ministers to authorise a traffic study on Ashley Street and Sunshine Road near the Tottenham train station underpass to support the widening of the underpass from two lanes to four lanes. In an adjournment matter during parliament on Tuesday, August 16, she called on Roads, Road Safety and Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll to look into ordering the traffic study. “This is an important north– south route, linking Braybrook and Tottenham, but it also affects all the traffic from the port and from the east, from Footscray into Sunshine and through the west,” Dr Cumming said. She said that having traffic merge into a single lane often led to a “bottleneck” along Ashley Street. Dr Cumming said Mr Carroll has confirmed that the Ashley Street corridor does have a public acquisition overlay along key sections which secures additional land for future road widening, which could allow for an additional lane each way along Ashley Street. “The minister also confirmed that the upgrades completed as part of the regional rail link project considered the need for future road widening and that the newer part of the underpass was designed to leave space for those additional two lanes,” she said. “If a traffic study is completed, I am sure it would confirm that opening up the underpass is a priority.” Matthew Sims

Matthew Sims

New university partnership will help boost autism support Victoria University and Autism Spectrum Australia [Aspect] have joined together to aim at increasing the workforce of those who support those on the autism spectrum. Set to begin in October, the partnership would offer VU students training in areas such as speech pathology, social work and community services at both the TAFE and higher education levels to participate in placements, internships and formal employment opportunities with Aspect. The partnership would also offer partipants to atain a recognised qualification with VU,

while VU researchers in health, wellness and sport will also look at oppportunities to undertake collaborative research with Aspect’s Research Centre for Autism Practice to present evidence-based solutions which address the barriers faced by people on the autism spectrum. NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said the alliance was an “excellent” example of how the future disability workforce can be appropriately trained. “I hope to see more of this kind of collaboration between educational institutions

4 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 31 August, 2022

and disability organisations,” he said. The better trained disability workers are, the better care they will provide to Australians with disability.” VU vice-chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the partnership would demonstrate a shared commitment to empower communities. “We’re particularly excited that part of the agreement will see VU qualifications offered to members of Aspect and the broader community we serve,” he said. Aspect chief executive Jacqui Borland said the partnership would be an “amazing

opportunity” for all those wanting to take on a career working in specialised education or therapy or those on the autism spectrum. “I am really excited to see how we can further develop our relationship to better support people on the autism spectrum and their families, both on campus and in the wider community,” she said. VU and Aspect have been working on finalising an agreement to deliver a new autism service hub to be established at VU’s St Albans campus. Matthew Sims

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Maidstone to house tram hub By Matthew Sims The old Victoria University site in Maidstone is on track to be revived as a tram maintenance and stabling facility early next year to house and maintain the next generation of Melbourne’s tram fleet. The state government is planning on constructing the new facility at the site on the corner of Williamson and Hampstead roads in Maidstone to help the roll out of the new tram fleet, with works expected to start early next year and trams to roll out from the

facility from 2026. Cleaning, maintenance and stabling of the new fleet will take place at the new facility, as well as housing tram operations and administration staff. Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said the new trams will help make public transport more accessible for all Victorians, with capacity for up to 150 passengers. “Melbourne’s new next generation trams will be the most accessible, comfortable and energy-efficient trams ever,” he said. “Building this new state-of-the-art facility

will ensure the world’s largest tram network continues to run safely and reliably for years to come.” With a low-floor design, the new trams can use about 30 to 40 per cent less energy per passenger compared to an E class tram. The project will create 280 new jobs during construction and for ongoing maintenance and the supply chain, with local suppliers set to provide materials and services. Footscray MP Katie Hall said the ew facility will be a win for Melbourne’s west.

“Locals have been eager to see the Maidstone site revitalised and this project will create jobs and improve services for passengers in this part of Melbourne,” she said. The facility is part of the state government’s $1.85 billion investment into 100 next generation trams. Further feedback is welcome on the project, with a previous survey highlighting 65 percent of respondents used public transport, with trams the most popular, followed by buses and trains. Details: engage.vic.gov.au/maidstone

Wheels set in motion Altona cyclist Jamie Thomas is gearing up to take a trip around the entire Port Phillip Bay coastline as part of the United Energy Around the Bay bike ride. He said this will be the first time taking part in the 210 kilometre Around the Bay ride. “I tried last year but COVID had other ideas,” Mr Thomas said. “I started riding in 2018 because I was involved in a fundraiser ride to support and raise funds for MND Victoria. “My mother-in-law has MND and is still suffering with the beast.” The available rides are 20 kilometres, 50 kilometres, 100 kilometres, 200 kilometres, the classic 210 kilometre loop and 300 kilometre ride distances, with free entry for children under 15 years old available for the 20 kilometre and 50 kilometre rides. Mr Thomas said he is enjoying training in the Altona and St Kilda regions when he can depending on the weather.

“Bike riding for me has given me an option for staying fit and healthy as I move through my fifties,” he said. “It gives me time to think, explore areas of Melbourne and rural Victoria.” The event will support The Smith Family’s efforts to provide children with practical essentials such as school books, shoes, bags, uniforms and further support. Details: www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/ rides-and-events/around-the-bay Matthew Sims

Altona’s Jamie Thomas is busy training for October’s Around the Bay ride. (Damjan Janevski) 294967_01

ASK THE EXPERTS AT OUR FREE INFORMATION SESSION If you’re considering a move to a retirement village, our free information session is the perfect opportunity to hear from our panel of industry experts and have all your questions answered. • Michael Beaton from Prompt Legal Services will give you legal advice to ensure your rights are protected as a purchaser moving into a retirement village.

Understanding Retirement Living

• Lauren Wilson from OzPlan Financial Services will provide you with good financial advice about selling your home and maintaining a full or part pension. • Erden Karakurt from Nicholas Scott Real Estate will discuss the best way to sell and market your property. • Annette Simpson-Rial from Classic Moves is an expert in downsizing and decluttering and can help you relocate to your new home.

Thursday 1 September, 1pm Rivervue Retirement Village RSVP by 31 August 2022 Scan to RSVP

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Keeping active in Hobsons Bay By Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud

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Sometimes, we all need a little bit of extra motivation to get out and get active, and return to being the social creatures we were a few years ago. A great program in our city is the Daughters of the West program that started mid-July, run by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council and sponsored by Worksafe. It’s a weekly, two-hour session at the Newport Community Hub giving women of our community a free and easy way to learn more about their health, do some exercise and meet new people. It provides a rare and much-needed safe and inclusive space to talk about women’s health, and the guest speakers have been incredibly informative and engaging. I attended last week’s session where Naomi Fitzgerald from the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation interviewed Western Metropolitan MP and Early Childhood, Pre-Prep and Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt about her life and career as part of a series of interviews of leading women. It’s wonderful to see our community recovering and reconnecting as we move through the impacts of the pandemic, thanks in part to 101 successful Hobsons Bay Make It Happen grant applications. I’m a huge advocate for us all getting out and involved in our community, and these grants are an effective way for groups to access the support they need to get their event, program or activity off the ground.

NEW

Briefs Accessibility upgrades Newport train station users will soon have more accessibility options for getting on and off the train network safely, with works set to be funded using a share of a $57.7 million funding package for accessibility works at train stations in the 2022-23 state budget. Williamstown MP Melissa Horne and Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll visited the site on Monday, August 29 to announce works will get under way later this year. Ms Horne said the state government was looking forward to working with residents on the proposal.

Footscray burglary Police are seeking to identify a man following an aggravated burglary in Footscray in May. Police have alleged a previous tenant let a man into the apartment building on Moreland Street at about 11am on Saturday, May 21. “The male has then used a master/ maintenance lift key to access various floors of the building,” a police spokesperson said. “The male then travelled to the top floor where he jumped a fence and accessed the penthouse apartment by an unlocked door about 3.15am on Sunday, May 22. A female victim saw the offender’s torch-light and yelled at the man who then fled the apartment and building.” Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud.

(Supplied)

There are plenty of events coming up that have received Make It Happen funding, including the HMAS Castlemaine’s 80th anniversary in Williamstown on Sunday, October 9. I encourage you all to get out and make the most of these great community events.

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Helping women connect By Matthew Sims East African women across Melbourne’s west are nearing the end of a 10-week pilot Daughters of the West program. The joint program from the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Victoria University’s Stronger Communities Innovation Hub and the East African Women’s Foundation, the program is targeting mental health, reproductive health, rights at work, nutrition and connection to local community services. This year is the first edition of the program tailored to 25 women from Eastern Africa.

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Community programs like this connect women and make a real difference - Fartun Farah in their lives

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VU lead investigator Associate Professor Camilla Brockett said the pilot program is connected to the Sons of the West and Daughters of the West program, as well as a similar program recently held for Vietnamese people in the west, and allows for those within the East African community to access health information in their language. “Community voice is at the heart of this participatory action research – identifying barriers and enablers for program participation to create accessible programs that meet the needs and cultural values of community, with the ultimate aim of reducing health inequity in the west,” she said. Western Bulldogs Community Foundation community health and wellbeing manager Alyce Vella said the project is providing an opportunity for women who may otherwise

East African Daughters of the West participant Kafia. (Supplied)

have faced barriers to health education and physical activity. “At the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, we are deeply aware of the need to provide culturally safe spaces for members of our community, and we are also cognisant of the fact that this needs to be developed in partnership with the community,” she said. East African Women’s Foundation chairperson Fartun Farah said the program is making a “huge impact” on participants.

“The women enjoy the social connection while being involved in physical activity and having fun,” she said. “Community programs like this connect women and make a real difference in their lives.” The program is also possible thanks to the support of Maribyrnong council. Details: https://www.eastafricanwf.org or www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/ programs/daughters-of-the-west

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Boost for CALD youth support The Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network [MMVLLEN] has received a grant of more than $20,000 through the state government’s Emerging Stronger grants program to support its Youth Mentoring Career Pathways [YMCP] program. MMVLLEN chief executive Boyd Maplestone said the network was aiming to attract more mentors from culturally and linguistically diverse [CALD] communities to assist 16-to-24-year-olds in low socio-economic circumstances to access career pathways. “We have a very comprehensive mentoring strategy,” he said. “We do a comprehensive training program. “We’ve got an opportunity to engage with a more diverse community.” Mentors in the YMCP program must be able to commit two hours per fortnight for nine months. According to an evaluation of the program looking at the 2018 to 2020 period, 70 per cent of participants moved into employment whilst involved in or upon completion of the program. The YMCP program has also enabled its participants to participate in 10-day work placements and skill-building workshops. Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister Colin Brooks said: “Volunteers are vital to a vast array of essential services and community activities. Volunteers are also healthier and happier through social connection and the sense of purpose and achievement it provides”.

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Councillor stands for the Greens By Matthew Sims Maribyrnong councillor Bernadette Thomas has launched her campaign as the Greens candidate for a seat in the Western Metropolitan region. She has been living in the inner west of Melbourne for the past 15 years and working at Hume council for the past 12 years, including as the sustainable environment manager for about 11 years. “As a volunteer, advocate, and councillor I’ve made a positive impact on the local community, and I’m ready to have a positive impact on the wider western metro region,” she said. “I have experience working on social and

Bernadette Thomas. (Supplied)

environmental issues, and I’ll bring the Greens plan for real climate action, affordable housing and integrity in government to life for residents in Western Metro. “The west is an exciting place to live, and it would be an honour to represent these

communities in Parliament.” Elected as a Maribyrnong councillor in November 2020, Cr Thomas said she was hoping to bring her experiences into a new role. “I think I’ve done quite a good job,” she said. “I can bring real world experience of working successfully as a local politician and achieving positive results with and for the community. “As a councillor, I’ve worked across the political spectrum to improve lives in our community.” Cr Thomas said the highlights of her time with council have included helping to develop council’s LGBTQIA+ strategy and action plan and reducing gambling harm within the community.

“I’ve really pushed hard to raise an advocacy voice,” she said. “The west is a great place to live and it has a broad, diverse and active community of communities. “Wherever you go in the west, you will meet active people in the community brining about change. “I look forward to bringing my experience to the Parliament with a bigger Greens voice in the Upper House and will help hold the government to account.” Cr Thomas also chairs Maribyrnong’s Active Transport, LGBTQIA+ and Arts advisory committees and is the deputy chair of LeadWest. Details: greens.org.au/vic/person/

Shady trail for walkers Altona Meadows trail users now have more shade on their trips, after Hobsons Bay council planted 320 native species along Skeleton Creek trail and Bay Trail West. The new eucalyptus melliodora trees, also known as Yellow Box, has been planted from mid-August to September, providing shade along the trail enjoyed by cyclists and pedestrians. Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the new plantings would contribute to the council’s Urban Forest Strategy to increase the city’s tree canopy to 30 per cent by 2040. “Creating a greener Hobsons Bay is a key priority for council and this planting will further improve what is already a popular spot for anyone wanting to go for a bike ride, walk or run in the area,” he said. “Providing more shade along these pathways will encourage

more people to get out and use them in warmer months, creating a more active and socially connected community.” The trees has been planted with 10-metre spacings and would be regularly pruned. The plantings followed on from last year’s planting of 200 mature trees along the Skeleton Creek Trail to the west as the first stage of planting in the area. Details: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ OurUrbanForest Matthew Sims Hobsons Bay deputy mayor Diana Grima and councillor Matt Tyler are excited to see 320 native trees along Skeleton Creek grow to provide further canopy and shade for trail users. (Damjan Janevski) 295122

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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.

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

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“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

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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.

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Marking the IVF miracle By Matthew Sims Altona Meadows resident Emily Toby has thanked the team at Monash IVF’s Sunshine clinic for helping bring her son Damian into the world. She started her in vitro fertilisation (IVF) journey due to a number of fertility issues, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]. Ms Toby was one of a number of new mothers, IVF babies and those who were born via IVF from the western suburbs, who came together last month to celebrate more than 50 years of Monash IVF. She said the experience with Monash IVF was “wonderful” from choosing a sperm donor to talking to a specialist psychologist. “It was just very welcoming,” Ms Toby said. “It can be an up and down rollercoaster.” For her, the journey involved a number of ups and downs, including being diagnosed with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome during the process, but she received support from Dr Gareth Weston, her mother Shirley and her partner Jessica Brophy, who she met two weeks before the embryo transfer. Ms Toby said she was grateful to all Monash IVF staff for helping her bring Damian into the world. “He is very healthy and happy,” she said. “Monash helped me achieve a dream.” Ms Toby said while she was “lucky”, it was worth for anyone considering IVF to research the potential risks and rates of success. “Don’t doubt yourself if it doesn’t work the first time,” she said. Monash IVF chief executive and managing director Michael Knaap said the past 50 years of IVF’s history has seen it transform from an experimental procedure to having one in 20 Australian children born via IVF.

Altona Meadows resident Emily Toby and her son Damian celebrated more than 50 years of Monash IVF providing reproductive treatments with IVF ‘babies’ Shelby and Morgan Wilson. Right: Shelby and Morgan say hello to Damian. (Pictures: Supplied)

“Starting a family isn’t always easy and for some people, it can take a good deal of bravery to become parents,” he said. “After delivering more than 50,000 babies over the past 50-plus years, we understand that better than most and why it’s important to support people who want to become parents.”

NEWS

Shifting nature strip scope Maribyrnong council has started the process in reviewing its Naturestrip Landscape Policy and Guidelines to consider the wishes of individual property owners and the broader community interests. At a council meeting on Tuesday, August 16, councillors passed a motion to endorse the proposed scope of the review for the purposes of community engagement. Through a permit process, residents have been able to apply to plant out their nature strips with a range of ground cover plants and low growing shrubs, including herbs and vegetables. Maribyrnong councillor Jorge Jorquera said the review would take into account the growing expertise and enthusiasm of residents around ecological issues. “Hopefully, that enthusiasm can be brought to bear across the city, as we explore through this engagement process what people are interested in,” he said. “I think this is a great initiative.” Cr Bernadetter Thomas said with nature strips making up a significant proportion of open space within Maribyrnong, it would be “exciting“ to see the potential scope around nature strips be expanded. “I’m sure we are going to get some good feedback because we know that there are a lot of people out there who want to transform their nature strips into something that the whole community can be proud of,” she said. Matthew Sims

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New e-bikes at Lifestyle – a wheelie great initiative

Since introducing its e-bike initiative, Lifestyle Communities’ oldest peddler (so far) is 77 years young!

oldest peddler so far is 77 years young, and loves the freedom, fun and convenience that the e-bikes offer. This initiative is just one feature in a suite of innovative wellness and lifestyle initiatives

implemented at all Lifestyle communities. From group fitness activities and outings to community buses and electric cars, Lifestyle Communities is committed to enhancing homeowners’ everyday lives in more ways

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Lifestyle Communities is thrilled to introduce top-of-the-range electric bikes to all its communities. The e-bikes are free for homeowners to use at their leisure: to explore their local neighbourhood, ride for fitness, or just head out for some fun with friends and neighbours. Designed for recreational riders, these modern machines allow users to comfortably cruise up hills and cover longer distances much easier than traditional bicycles, enabling riders to feel fresh as a daisy when they reach their destination. Lifestyle Communities is passionate about empowering its homeowners to live fun-filled and active lives. It loves providing facilities that create great living experiences, and is also committed to introducing initiatives that offer environmental benefits. The communities’ electric bikes are just one of the ways Lifestyle Communities does this. The team at Lifestyle is confident that this smart, stylish and fun mode of transport will enhance wellness for homeowners by creating more opportunities for movement and laughter. They also hope it will encourage more homeowners to leave their car at home when they’re running quick errands or seeking to explore the local area, helping to support the environment one pedal at a time. “This has been such a great initiative across all our communities,” says James Kelly, managing director at Lifestyle Communities. “It’s a testament to our commitment to putting our homeowners’ needs above all else, and the smart thinking and innovation from our intelligent team.” Lifestyle homeowners all have one thing in common – they have an infectious zest for life and look for adventure in their everyday lives. As a result, these electric bikes have been a total hit since their introduction. Lifestyle’s

Wednesday, 31 August, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11

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Volunteers fear for the future Volunteers across the state are feeling the heavy strain of increasing service demands and the burgeoning cost of living, and some fear they will soon be forced to give up dedicating their time for financial security, as Fatima Halloum learns.

“Y

ou wouldn’t hit someone’s pet dog while you’re driving and keep going, would you?” It’s a rhetorical question asked by Sue Anderson, a Wildlife Victoria volunteer for more than 22 years. Part of Ms Anderson’s role in the organisation involves responding to call outs relating to hurt or distressed animals, like a displaced kangaroo in suburbia or ones that have been injured by being hit by a vehicle. “A lot of people don’t even bother ringing, they’ll hit them and they leave them, [but] If they saw what I saw, they wouldn’t do that,” Ms Anderson said. “If a vehicle hits them in the face or smashes their jaw, the poor things will starve to death slowly. As they get sicker and weaker I have even seen the foxes starting to eat them alive. “[If] they break their legs, the bones are often protruding or the injury might swell up with infection to double the size and eventually go black and get covered with maggots.” Often joeys are left alive in the pouches of the females and will die from hypothermia if not found in time.

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It’s almost become a full-time thing because of … the number of rescues we’re getting lately

’’

- Trevor Crawford The Wildlife Emergency Response Line is a free service offered to all Victorians, and volunteers are on call each day, seven days a week. As we move into the busy spring-summer period, the organisation is expecting to receive about 300 calls a day, placing additional strain on an already fragile service. “There’s more people, they’re expecting more from us … there’s not enough [volunteers], because most people have to go to work to survive and pay their bills,” Ms Anderson said. Ms Anderson works with many volunteers across the state, including Trevor Crawford, who says he joined Wildlife Victoria because he loves animals. “I find that it gives me direction and a purpose to be out there helping,” he said. “It tends to take up your entire day most days, but unfortunately that also means no time to work, so you have zero money coming in and no financial support to do these rescues.” Mr Crawford also runs his own security company which he often takes a backseat to his animal rescuing. “It’s almost become a full-time thing because of … the number of rescues we’re getting lately,” he said. “I get calls all the way to Daylesford, through the outskirts of Ballarat, the outskirts of Geelong and Melbourne’s western suburbs.” Altercations with native wildlife was once reserved for dusty gravel roads deep in the Australian outback, but as housing development pushes further into animals’ habitats, their contact with humans is becoming more regular. “Talking to rescuers who have done this for 20-plus years, they all are saying that rescues have never ever been anything close to this busy before,” Mr Crawford said. “We have such unique native animals … people travel from all over the world to see them and yet we look at them as if they’re a pest. “But also they’re suffering, they’re … lovely to be around … and to leave them on the side of the road with their legs smashed to bits, dying slowly over days or weeks, nobody would want that for their family pet.” Mr Crawford believes the volunteers’ work is essential, but says it’s unfortunate their work is unrecognised.

Above: Trever Crawford caring for a distressed wallaby. (Sue Anderson) Right: The organisation responds to calls for many types of animals, such as an Eagle. (Bernie McRitchie)

“The people that take the calls and send the people out is funded by donations, but rescuers aren’t [paid],” he said. “The problem is the only people that are able to [volunteer] are people who have that financial backing behind them already, or people that are retired, so they’re not going to be rescuing for very long anyway.” Younger volunteers tend to rescue until they run out of money, Mr Crawford says, and with inflation affecting food, gas and mortgage, many volunteers are already struggling. “It’s not sustainable for us … I think at a bare minimum costs need to be covered, you’re at least breaking even, then you’re not chewing into your savings,” he said. A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning said the department believes the work that wildlife shelters and foster carers do is “critically important to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife”. “To give them a hand helping, the Victorian government is providing $230,000 to support wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria as part of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants program,” the spokesperson said. “Wildlife shelter operators and foster carers can apply for grants of up to $3000 for equipment, infrastructure, consumables, education and training.” Currently, the organisation relies on funding from, businesses, philanthropic trusts and foundations, bequests, project grants and the kindness of individual donors. There are non-monetary ways people can help too. If you witness an animal in anguish, there are

12 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 31 August, 2022

a few ways to make the rescue process easier for volunteers. “We can search for hours and hours and not find the animal because it’s lying in the grass,” Mr Crawford said. “If you see an animal, stop, mark your location [by] getting a pin drop on google maps or tying something to a tree ... and then call Wildlife Victoria, it makes it a hell of a lot easier for us.” Details: 8400 7300.

The volunteers say many rescues take place in areas with high development.

(Sue Anderson)

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NEWS

Healthy tips from soccer legend By Matthew Sims Former Socceroo player Archie Thompson discussed the importance of eating and drinking healthy foods and drink, during a visit to the Maidstone United Soccer Club to launch the Vic Kids Eat movement within the club. During a special event on Thursday, August 18, the former Melbourne Victory player talked to the club’s players and their parents about his insights into healthy eating and sports.

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By offering healthier food and drink options ... we can promote positive - Marlon Pereira health

’’

Vic Kids Eat Well has supported sports clubs, schools, out-of-school hours care and community organisations to boost healthy food and drink options to give every child a healthy start. Junior club president Marlon Pereira said the club had been integrating healthier food options, such as a fresh food game-day spit and salad. “We’re delighted that an elite player like Archie Thompson could join us for our club dinner and share his insights into healthy eating and on-field performance,” he said. “By offering healthier food and drink options at games and our regular weekly dinner, we can promote positive health and wellbeing to all our members. “The simple steps and healthy swaps that we can do with Vic Kids Eat Well fits the bill

Left: Former Socceroo and Melbourne Victory player Archie Thompson and Maidstone United junior club president Marlon Pereira joined junior player Angus Robinson on Thursday, August 18 to launch the Vic Kids Eat Well movement. Right: Junior player Miles Pham enjoyed meeting Archie Thompson. (Pictures: Supplied)

perfectly and will help fuel our kids to be their best on and off the sporting field.” cohealth health promotion officer Zoe Cetinich said cohealth would support the club in its efforts to provide healthy food and drink. “cohealth is looking forward to helping

Maidstone United SC kick some healthy eating goals as it progresses through Vic Kids Eat Well,” she said. “They’ve already made some healthy changes that include saying goodbye to the deep fryer and changing up the menu for weekly dinners

with healthy meals that celebrate the club’s diverse culture. “I’m also working with them to reduce sugary drinks sold in their canteen and promote water as the ultimate sports drink.” Details: vickidseatwell.health.vic.gov.au

Active fun at Billy Button

The kids at the Billy Button Children’s Centre enjoyed doing yoga. Pictured are Martyn (top left), Tenzin and Kiyaan (top right), and Matilda and Olivia (above left). (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 293813

Moving to the beat and keeping active has been one of the main highlights on the schedule for the recently opened Billy Button Children’s Centre in Footscray. Sparkways operations manager Amy Carr said the centre’s regular dancing, dress-up and yoga sessions aimed to allow the children to have fun and express themselves. “Repetition is really important to help children with their language skills – and singing is also fun to do, so that then adds to their social skills, they feel a part of a group which is really helpful for their wellbeing,“ she said. “We are just so delighted to see the children jumping up and down to their favourite tunes again and we know that with every dance move, they’ll be skill building for life every step of the way.” Ms Carr said the dancing sessions have also reinvigorated a sense of fun for the children and teachers after two years of COVID-19 lockdowns. “As educators, we know these activities are so beneficial and now that we’re coming back out the other side of COVID restrictions, it’s good to see our services have jumped back into music and movement really quickly,” she said. “We understand that these were necessary steps to take, but it’s something many of our early childhood educators have really missed because it can be just so much fun and it can do so much to help children’s learning outcomes.” Matthew Sims

Wednesday, 31 August, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 13

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

Free English conversation Is English your second language? Do you want to improve your English language skills? Practice speaking English with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive group sessions. Light refreshments provided. Weekly each Monday during school terms from 1-3pm ■ Jill Mackenzie on 0439 994 705 or vintage@esc.net.au or Joe Pellone on 0431 915 970 or joepellone@gmail.com

School holiday programs Yarraville Community Centre is hosting a range of school holiday activities for those aged between three and 17. STEM Birds Coding and Robotics (6-12 years) Monday, September 19, 9.30am-4.30pm - $125. Hip Hop Dance Class (7-12 years) - Monday, September 19, 3.30pm-4.30pm - $20. Youth Fest - Youth Day (12-17 years) - Wednesday, September 21, 10am-2pm free. School holiday program (6-12 years) - Wednesday, September 21, 9am-4pm $140. School holiday program (3-6 years) - Tuesday, September 20 and Thursday, September 22, 9am-2pm - $70. ■ www.ycc.net.au/product-category/schoolholiday-program

Spice making A fragrant morning of spice blending. In this workshop, participants will create two blends of spices using cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cumin, coriander, ginger and turmeric. Participants will get to take a blend of spice home. They will also make beautiful lentil soup using the spice blend, which participants will eat together. 10am to noon. Tuesday, September 13. $10. Braybrook Community Hub, 107 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook. ■ www.trybooking.com/CASOR

Dragon trainer Lyall Morris ahead of the Twilight Market at Seaworks – Bizarre Bazaar. (Damjan Janevski) 295173_01

■ Eveline

Bennett, 0400 639 852

Williamstown book sale Friends of Williamstown Library holds a book sale every second Saturday of each month, 10am-12.30 pm. The book sale is held at Williamstown library in the Friends room, which can be accessed through the front desk. The event is cash only. ■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Cherry Lake Market Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market is held on the first Sunday of the month. Set between Millers Road and the stunning Cherry Lake in Altona, this market has something for everyone. The market hosts more than 60 stalls selling plants, bric-a-brac, handcrafts, hot jam donuts, tools, clothing and much more. There is live music every month from the Cherry Lake Cultural Series, showcasing local musicians from across Hobsons Bay. From 9am to 1pm. Cherry Lake, Millers Road, Altona. ■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market or cherrylakemarket@gmail.com

Folk beginners welcome After a COVID interrupted year, The Newport Folk and Fiddle Group has started up its beginner play along sessions again. If you are an absolute beginner or have decided to pick up that dusty or unused instrument or have some experience and want to try a new instrument in a safe, casual and welcoming environment, then come down and have some fun, share a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. Saturday, September 17. 6.30pm to 8.30pm. 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport. ■ www.nffc.org.au/beginner-playalong

Cobber Club Cobber Club provides exercises suitable for seniors, including chair exercises. The club meets on Mondays at 10am at Oz Tenpin at 2 Linmax Court, Point Cook on the first Monday of each month, Altona RSL at 63 Sargood Street, Altona on the second and fourth Mondays and at the Altona Badminton Centre at 271 Mason Street, Altona North on the third Monday of each month. New members welcome.

at regular times to provide support and assistance to job seekers, with referrals and resume-job interview help. Community Employment Connector – Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, Wednesdays noon-2pm, during school terms. Jobs Victoria Advocate – Altona North Library Community Library, Thursdays 10-11am.

Alcoholics Anonymous - Williamstown Drop In Chess, Cards and Scrabble If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon-2.30pm.

Carers’ Walk and Talk Pathways for Carers is running free walking events in Laverton. The state government funded project which is supported by Interchange Outer East meets once a month for a walk followed by complimentary morning tea with a guest speaker who provides informal information about services relevant to carers and the local community. Carers who participate in the groups are defined as unpaid and caring for a loved one with a disability, mental illness or an elderly person. The goal of each group is to provide carers with peer-based support, information, services and resources, opportunities to be active and connect with other carers, connect with nature and connect with their local community. Second Tuesday of each month. Meet at 9.45am for a 10am start, at Favor and Grace cafe, 87 Railway Avenue, Laverton. ■ lauren.mcalpine@bsl.org.au or www.pathwaysforcarers.com.au

Woodcarving workshop Aimed at all levels of ability in the ancient and international craft of woodcarving. Women are welcome. Bring your own tools and projects if possible. Or do you have Grandpa’s old gouges to donate? Tuesdays, 9.30am to noon. 280 Queen Street, Altona. ■ jah2802rot@gmail.com

Job seeker assistance Hobsons Bay Libraries have partnered with Jobs Victoria and a Community Employment Connector (CALD focus) who base themselves at Hobsons Bay Libraries

14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 31 August, 2022

Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesday at 7pm and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems. ■ 1300 22 22 22 or www.aatimes.org.au

Heritage Walks Enjoy a leisurely walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Place. ■ John, 0418 377 336

Wednesday Walking Group The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are warmly welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea. ■ 9397 6168

All Aboard Club The All Aboard Club has been going for 85 years. It is a social club which works for charities, with speakers, theatre and trips. It meets in the chambers at Williamstown Town Hall at 1.30pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month. New members welcome. ■ Wendy, 0421 747 040

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The

group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7-9.30pm. ■ Vince Camilleri, 0413 734 707

Altona book sale Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street, Altona, access via Coles carpark, 10am-1pm ■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries

Women’s choir Willin Wimmin choir welcomes new members. It meets every Wednesday in term time from 7.30-9.30 pm at Church of Christ Hall in Douglas Parade, Williamstown. There are no auditions and members don’t need to be able to read music. ■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Walking group Altona Meadows and Newport residents are invited to take part in a Heart Foundation walking group that meets on Wednesdays and Fridays. The group walks for 60 minutes, and is a great way to socialise and get active at the same time. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation to join. ■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862, or www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and-NewportHeart-Foundation-Walking-Groups

Williamstown Craft Market Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am to 4pm. ■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market

Diabetes support group The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

PUZZLES

6 2

5 7 hard

4 1 9 7 2 8 3

5 4 6

10 11 12 13

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

2 7

U B 20

3 9 2 6 5 7 8 4 1

1 6 3 7 8 4 5 2 9

8 2 4 3 5 9 6 7 1

7 5 9 6 1 2 4 3 8

3 7 5 2 4 8 9 1 6

Today’s Aim: 18 words: Good 27 words: Very good

No. 096

5 LETTERS ABOVE AGILE

QUICK QUIZ

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

S M O T E I

N S

O A S T D U C E I D E R

8 4 1 9 5 3 6 2 7

6 3 2 1 9 7 8 4 5

5 8 1 4 6 3 2 9 7

5 7 2 4 6 8 1 9 3

6 5 9 7 8 2 3 1 4

4 2 7 1 3 5 8 6 9

4 LETTERS ACRE BANK BOSS DEER DESK GABS GRAM MERE MEWS MUGS OVEN RELY SLAG TICK

ALERT ANGLE AROMA ARSES BAGEL BINGO BLASE CASES CLEAR DEBIT EAGLE EDGER ELEGY GALAS GENES GLIDE GOADS IRATE ISSUE KNEES LEADS LEASE

LEGAL LINER LINGO MILKY OCTAL OGLED OXIDE RAKES RANGE RAVEL SEEKS SLANG SPECK START STEAK TASKS TIARA TIPSY TREKS TRUCK UPEND URINE

GIRDLED PETTING VILLAGE

VENUE WAFTS WANTS YESES

8 LETTERS DEMANDED DOGGEREL RELAPSES SUFFIXED

6 LETTERS ARTIST DRAGON ERECTS LESSON 7 LETTERS ANGRIER AVOWING ENTRIES

02-09-22

4 9 7 8 2 5 1 6 3

T E A

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

achy, ahoy, ashy, canopy, cony, copy, cosy, cyan, cyst, hasty, hays, hypo, nasty, nosy, pansy, panty, pasty, patchy, pays, pony, posy, python, scanty, shanty, soapy, soya, spay, stay, stony, SYCOPHANT, synth, syphon, tansy, toys, yacht, yaps

9 4 6 5 7 1 3 8 2

4 8 6 2 9 1 5 7 3

1 7 5 4 3 8 9 6 2

9 2 1 3 4 5 7 8 6

8 6 4 1 7 2 3 9 5

7 5 3 8 6 9 1 2 4

5 3 9 7 2 6 4 1 8

2 1 7 5 8 4 6 3 9

6 4 8 9 1 3 2 5 7

1 8 3 6 9 4 7 5 2

9 6 4 8 2 7 5 3 1

7 3 8 5 1 9 2 4 6

2 1 5 3 4 6 9 7 8

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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”.

36 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

9-LETTER WORD

2 1 6 7 3 4 9

S I K Y E C R T HG X Z A

5x5

N J F MP OQ L D VWU B

In which year was Stonehenge (pictured) roped off from the public as a result of serious erosion?

Which four days each year, however, does English Heritage still permit access to the site?

Under Italian law, dry pasta can only be made from either of which two ingredients (and water)?

The Ishihara colour test is used to test for what?

What is the floral emblem of Queensland?

How many teams play in the National Rugby League competition?

What species originates from the lake underlying Mexico City and is sold as a pet under the name 'wooper looper' in Japan?

Pteromechanophobia is a fear of what?

What is the official currency of Nauru?

10 At 44 hectares and with a population of around 900, what is the smallest country in the world by both area and population?

ANSWERS: 1. 1977 2. Summer and winter solstice, spring and autumn equinox 3. Durum wheat flour or durum wheat semolina 4. Red-green colour deficiencies (in sight) 5. Cooktown orchid 6. 16 7. Axolotl 8. Flying 9. Australian dollar 10. Vatican City

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3 LETTERS ADD ALL AND ANT ARE DDT DUE EAR EWE EYE FEW GEE GEM IRE LAY OAR PEA RYE SAG SEA SPA TAG TIN TOP

No. 096

5 $ 9 ( /

1 9 3

WORDFIT

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No. 096

$ / $ 6 / ( 5 7 / $ 6 ( 6 ( $ ' ( 6 . ( % 2 9 ( , ; ( ' 7 , 1 * ' 8 ( ' ( ( 5 ' 7 , 6 7 6 3 $ $ 6 ( 6 5 8 & . ( ( . 6

DECODER

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5 7 ( 5 / ( $ . 3 6 6 ( 6 8 3 0 ( ( 1 5 ' ( 5 7 ( $ / * <

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24 26 27 28 29

17 19 20 21 22 25

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

3 ( $ $ * , / (

9 8

Underground railway (6) Cutting tool (8) Female name (5) Christmas plant (9) Overturn (5) Compile (9) Room for cleansing (8) Prosper (6) Engaging (6) Buyers (8) First screen of a video game (5,4) Scent (5) Light-headed (9) Finished (5) Finish (8) Central Asian fruit (6)

$ / ' ( ' 6 6 * 2 ( 1 0 % : , $ 1 1 * 7 2 6 % * 2 ( 6 ( 6

easy

Cover (6) Stain (7) Unduly prominent (9) Ghost (7) Very small (5) Waterproof canvas cover (9) Relating to a mystical Jewish movement (7) Inborn (7) Periods of 60 minutes (5) Tableland (7) Wrap a baby tightly (7) Exceeding (6) Ancient (5)

5 6 7 8 10 14 16

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 18 23

No. 096

* ( 1 ( 6

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

8 5 , 1 (

No. 096

0 , / . <

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 31 August, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 15

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Trades & Services V Deadline

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12563717-JW34-22

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

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12451851-NG25-20

All Foliage/Rubbish Removed

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12553408-SG23-22

Call 0447 739 997 Inspector@pool-pass.com.au www.pool-pass.com.au

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals

Andrew 0425 852 621 | Froggys.com.au | info@froggys.com.au

G6084690AA-dc12Jun

Pool-Pass offers the following Pool & Spa Services • VBA registered Inspectors • Technical Inspection to assess Barrier compliance with Australian Standards. • On-site explanation of the Inspection • Written & Photographic Inspection Report • Identiﬁcation of remedial works necessary to satisfy State & Legislative requirements • A Certiﬁcate of Barrier Compliance (Form 23)

12533274-HC09-22

V Builders & Building Services

Ensure your pool is compliant with the current Laws, this summer

V Garden Services

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0418 560 978

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Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 2:30pm Tuesday.

Time For a Clean Up? We Are Open For Business 6 Days A Week

ALTONA BAY ELECTRICAL P/L 1172065-KC10-15

Leon 0409 637 712

Walk in bins 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 & 20m3

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

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12561969-JC32-22

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12490425-AV15-21

Ph: 9360 0466

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V Pets & Services

SERVICE

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. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKER

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Contact: Ally 0416 803 026www.sunny pine.com.au

Real Estate

Buy, rent and sell in our section of Network Classiﬁeds.

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RBP-24841

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ANTENNA MAN SAME DAY SERVICE

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

Environment Protection Act 2017 Development Licence Application Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has received the following application to issue a development licence which permits prescribed development activity. APP016941 Advanced Recycling Victoria Pty Ltd 541-583 Kororoit Creek Road, Altona VIC 3018 Advanced Recycling Victoria is proposing to establish a plastic resource recovery plant in Altona, to convert end-of-life plastics into liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. The liquid products can be used as feedstock ÁÎ º »Ý ØÝÎ§»¡ ËÎÁ Ý ØÒ §» Ø¥ Ë´ ÒØ§ Ň ¥ º§ ´ Î ċ»§»¡Ň » ÒË¥ ´Ø industries. The gaseous product can be used as a fuel. The proposed plant will process approximately 20,000 tonnes of end-of-life plastic feedstock per year. ÁËí ÁÎ ÒÝºº Îí Á Ø¥§Ò ËË´§ Ø§Á»Ň ÁºË »í§»¡ Ë´ »ÒŇ ÒË §ċ Ø§Á»Ò and other information can be downloaded from https://engage.vic.gov.au/epadevelopment-licence-applications Anyone may, within 15 business days of the date of advertisement, comment in writing on the application. Each person who makes a submission about the application for the development licence will be »ÁØ§ċ ç§Ø¥§» ċæ ÝÒ§» ÒÒ íÒ § K § Ò ØÁ §ÒÒÝ æ ´ÁËº »Ø ´§ » Ō

Find local work in the

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section of Network Classiﬁeds.

Motoring V Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W

All comments must be made at the EPA Victoria website above, or by mail to EPA Victoria GPO Box 4395 Melbourne Victoria 3001. Please note that any comments received will usually be made publicly available. Further details please contact 1300 372 842.

12469374-CG46-20

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Wednesday, 31 August, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

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Summit a new high point for Jeep

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Some would say, not before time, Jeep has brought back an extra row of seats to its Grand Cherokee large sports utility vehicle range, turning it into a full seven-seat SUV. While at it, the maker has boosted its iconic off-roader with more technology. The replacement for the big five-seater, the long wheelbase L comes in three versions, beginning with the Grand Cherokee L Night Eagle, selling for $82,250, plus on-roads, then the mid-range L Limited ($87,950) and the L Summit Reserve ($115,450). The flagship Summit Reserve (on test) included Palermo quilted leather, 21-inch wheels, a McIntosh premium sound system, front-seat ventilation and massaging, four-zone climate control and air suspension, while a $5500 Advanced Technology Group, with head-up display, wireless phone charging, night vision camera and front interactive passenger display, was added, taking the price to more than $120 grand, before on-road costs. A new-generation five-seat model - with the same technology and styling as the seven-seat L - will follow to Australia later this year, with the option of 4xe plug-in hybrid power.

Styling For a vehicle so big, at more than five metres long, the Grand Cherokee L Summit is well proportioned - width more than two metres, yet height well under two metres - gives the SUV a bold yet sleek aerodynamic coupe character. One onlooker compared the test car looks to a Range Rover, which in this case, was a bit of a stretch, literally. Indeed, at more than 5.2 metres long, the ‘L’ is easy to find in a crowded car park, as it inevitably sticks out from the standard car space. The front consists of an upper metallic grille with Jeep’s trademark seven slots flanked by LED headlamps. Below is a full grille-width air vent incorporating LED daytime running lights. From the rear, the SUV belies its bulk with simple horizontal lines incorporating wraparound tail lights and twin alloy tipped exhaust pipes. Side on, 21-inch polished painted alloy wheels, a standard fitment on Summit, support a sporty street presence.

AT A GLANCE Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve: $115,450 Options: Advanced Protech Group: $5500 Premium Paint: $1750 SPECIFICATIONS Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve 3.6L V6 petrol, 8sp automatic, 4WD

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Jeep dealer for driveaway prices.

The Grand Cherokee has become grander, with increased dimensions, seven seats and boosted technology. (Pictures: Supplied)

lane management. All these use a selection of loud warning beeps at times hard to pinpoint the source of the potential trouble, while driving assistance, such as active lane management, can be over-intrusive.

Interior

Driving

The increase in the horizontal exterior allows for a boost to the wheelbase and cabin space in general, something not lost on occupants aboard the test vehicle. In a first for Jeep, the Grand Cherokee L boasts Uberesque seating for a driver and six passengers in space and comfort. All three rows are easily accessed, even the power-operated third row, with the second row tumbling well out of the way, leaving the back to weigh in with adult leg room. Carry-on bits and pieces find a home in a range of storage spaces, including a deep box in the centre console and bottle holders in the centre and doors all round. Rear passengers have the advantage of retractable blinds, just in time for summer heatwave predictions. Luggage is not left behind in the storage stakes, with 487 litres available with all three rows in use, leading up to a cavernous 2395 litres with the two sets of rear seatbacks folded flat. There’s a cabin-wide cubby under the floor where the jack is stored.

Infotainment A state-of the-art McIntosh audio is now offered for the first time in a full-size SUV. It is made up of a 17-channel amplifier producing up to 950 Watts of power through 19 custom-made speakers, including a 10-inch sub-woofer.

18 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 31 August, 2022

Apple CarPlay wireless support means an iPhone can be connected without having to plug it into the vehicle. The system brings contacts, audio apps, Apple Maps and more on board, all through the Uconnect system. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster looks after sat nav, along with mechanical features such as tyre pressure monitoring and driving aids. There’s a roof-mounted rear facing ‘kid cam’ camera that will police questionable behaviour in the back two rows. It even has a zoom mode.

Engines / transmissions All models are powered by the tried-and-tested 3.6 litre Pentastar naturally aspirated V6 engine, delivering 210 kW of peak power and 344 Nm of maximum torque to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The flagship Summit adds a more advanced four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case.

Safety Top-shelf safety features take the Grand Cherokee L Summit to new heights. These include adaptive cruise control with stop/go, full speed collision warning with autonomous braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection. Then there’s blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert and, last but not least, active

At on-road cruising speeds the engine is refined and powerful. However, intrusive wind noise is a bit of a blow and the expansive exterior mirror stands out as a blind spot for the driver on negotiating such obstacles as roundabout kerbing. Fuel consumption is a downer - it’s premium unleaded petrol - which nudged over 14 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburban work. This was trimmed to 12 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway run. The Summit boasts ground clearance of up to 276 mm, while higher levels of articulation work to keep all four tyres on the ground to maintain stability. Off road, Jeep 4x4 systems ensure the right tyre has traction when needed. Precision steering and optimal wheelbases enable all L models to negotiate tight spots and manoeuvre around rocks. As for wading, high air intakes and special water sealing, combined with the Jeep Quadra-Lift suspension, can take the vehicles through up to 610 mm of water.

Summary The Grand Cherokee L Summit is sold by Jeep on the pretext of its size and advanced technology. If that floats your boat and you have a lazy $100 grand-plus lying around, this could be the SUV for you.

Sawicki new Western United recruit Filipina star Jaclyn Sawicki is the second international to sign with Western United for its inaugural A-League Women’s season. Sawicki was a key member of the Philippines team that won the the AFF Women’s Championship winning team for the tournament for teams from South East Asia. Sawicki said she is beyond excited to join Western United in the inaugural season “I can’t wait to meet and begin working with the rest of the squad, and hopefully this group can set the tone and pave the way for those players who will come after us in this club,” she said. “My mum and I have talked about going to Australia for years, literally. “We found out Australia was one of the

hosting nations for the World Cup in 2023 and now, I am currently fighting for a roster spot. “My first camp with the (Philippines) National Team was also in Australia and now I’m going to get settled in here leading up to the tournament so it is all just kind of a funny coincidence. Sawicki said she was confident that United would give her a platform to learn and grow as both a player and individual and hopefully, United coach Mark Torcaso said he had been impressed by the Philippines team, with Sawicki standing out to him as a player he would love to work with. He said Sawicki had been very impressive the last 12 months. “We’ve certainly taken notice and identified Jaclyn as someone that will bring a lot of

quality into our midfield. “With her big-game experience and the level she’s played at overseas, she’ll be a big part of our team and I can’t wait to work with her.” Born in Canada to a Polish father and Filipina mother, Sawicki represented Canada at youth level and made one senior appearance in 2011 before changing allegiances to the Philippines. With stints in Sweden, Japan and Canada under her belt, Sawicki joins with a wealth of experience in international and domestic football. Sawicki joins American attacker Hannah Keane as the first two international players to join United. The season starts in November.

Belief gets Altona home By Matthew Sims Altona have taken one step closer to securing premiership glory in the Western Region Football League division 1 competition, defeating Deer Park 96 points to 75 points in a qualifying final. Altona coach Corey McCall said Deer Park kicked away in the first quarter, with the margin at the sound of the first siren at 25 points, with Deer Park ahead at 40 points to Altona’s 15 points. “They kicked six goals in the first quarter,“ he said. “We sort of played some dumb footy. “We made a couple of plays.” Altona chipped away at the margin over the second quarter but still ended up with a 23-point margin at half time. McCall said scoring seven goals to Deer Park’s two points put them ahead by 20 points at the end of the third quarter, with the seven straight goals putting them at 77 points to the Lions’ 57 points. “We flipped the game,” he said. McCall said the team had to regroup at half time to turn the game around and fight back control. “They forced us to play a type of game we didn’t really want to play,” he said. “We made some small adjustments. “It was just more a belief in our abilities.” McCall said the team also came out of the first 10 minutes firing, scoring a further three goals to Deer Park’s two points, stretching the lead to 36 points. However, Deer Park clawed back 16 points to reduce Altona’s lead at the final siren to 21 points, finishing up with a 14.12 (96)-10.15 (75) win. McCall said the team’s key players on the day included Connor and Joel, who each kicked three goals a piece and Thomas Szanyi, who defended against Lachlan Smart. He said Saad El-Hawli also helped with the team’s ball movement around the midfield. “It really was a lot more of a team effort than five or six players,” Mr McCall said. Altona has now started to gear up for their semi-final against Caroline Springs next Saturday, September 3, while Deer Park faces Werribee Districts on Sunday, August 4 in their semi-final. McCall said with Caroline Springs finishing up with a minor premiership this year and Altona finishing in second place, Altona would have a difficult four quarters ahead of them. “We respect them highly,” he said. McCall said there were a number of points of difference between some of the key players across all positions on the field, so they would have to take a detailed look at the whole field to turn the state of play to their advantage.

Jaclyn Sawicki.

(Supplied)

Gators suffer first loss of grand final The Altona Gators’ Big V women’s division 2 team will have to fight back to win the next two games against the Mornington Breakers, after suffering a 24-point loss in the first game of the grand final series on Sunday. Gators coach Cameron Wilkosz said despite the Sunday being the team’s fourth loss against the Mornington Breakers this season, it was an extra blow having it as their biggest margin this year, a 70-46 loss “They’ve got some really talented players,” he said. Wilkosz said the two teams were pretty evenly matched at the end of the first period at 11 points a piece and Altona were only seven points down at half time at 21 points to Mornington’s 28 points. “They had a ripping third quarter,” he said. “We just couldn’t make a basket.” At the end of the third period, Mornington were up by 19 points with 48 points, while Altona had 29 points on the board. Altona’s top players during the match included Sharna Appleby, who scored the most points with 18 points, consisting of eight field goals, seven two-pointers and one three-pointer scored. Wilkosz said another key player was Jessica Rarity, who scored 13 points, as well as securing 17 rebounds. He said ahead of their game against the Mornington next Saturday, September 3, especially on their home court, they would be looking at increasing their offensive intensity and speed. If the Gators win on Saturday night, they will force a game three to be played the following day. “We just got to make sure we finish better around the rim,” Wilkosz said. He said the team would be giving it their all to keep their hopes at taking out the grand final series alive. “We’ve got nothing to lose,” Wilkosz said. Matthew Sims

Altona’s Matthew Trzeciak and Deer Park’s Tyson Wills. (Joe Mastroianni) 296107_01

“We definitely need to concentrate on ourselves at lot more,” he said. “(Previous games) have been really close.”

McCall said the team were hoping for a win to place them directly in the grand final on Saturday, September 17. Wednesday, 31 August, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 19

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