Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 9th August 2023

Crazy fun Logie win

By Jennifer Pittorino

An unexpected win at the Logie Awards for MostOutstandingChildren’sProgramhasleft show writer Nicholas Verso over the moon.

Verso, who grew up in Williamstown, directed and wrote the ABC horror comedy series, CrazyFunPark

The show follows a shy teen who desperately wants to fit in and enjoy his high school years. Yet he is faced with challenges brought by his dead best friend and a posse of rotting ghouls.

“The show is held in an abandoned theme park.IchosethissettingbecauseIhavealways loved exploring abandoned spaces,” Verso said.

“I loved amusement parks and took the themes of the old parks that we saw back in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.”

Verso said the ABC was looking for a show for boys which dealt with grief, which set the scene for the plot.

“I worked with a writers room to develop a range of diverse characters, who came together and fought for each character and brought them to life.

“Iusedtheoldthemeparksonthemeritthat they weren’t quite as safe as things are today as well as how kids used to be more reckless.

“We decided to write the show in a horror comedy lens with the intention to hold onto the tween boy audience.

“Now, we have found that girls are loving it just as much, and so are the parents given the 80’s themes.”

Verso and his team shot the first season of the show in the western suburbs in February and March last year.

“Our production designer built the theme park in an old shed in Altona, as well as an elaborate disorienting mirror maze.

“We also shot some sequences in Williamstown, including a Halloween sequence and a seance.”

Despite feeling confident in his writing, Verso never expected to win a Logie.

“We were hoping we stood a chance to be nominated but we definitely didn’t

expect to win.

“Especially up against Bluey, which has just blown up, it’s so massive on the global stage, and one of Australia’s most successful shows, so it was a huge honour to win.”

The success of CrazyFunParkhas left Verso hoping for a second season.

“We are hoping to continue the show, we have already plotted out season two so we just hope we can run with it.

“It’s lovely that this win has brought a whole new audience to the show because we didn’t get to do much marketing.

“Our numbers have gone up significantly so it’s great to be able to see our show being enjoyed and for our big crew to enjoy.”

The cast of Crazy Fun Park. (Supplied)

Writer of Crazy Fun Park Nicholas Verso. (Supplied)

Push for mental health services

By Jennifer Pittorino

Hobsons Bay council is urging residents to join a community campaign to address the lack of mental health services for young people in the inner west.

According to council, 10 per cent of 15-to-25-year-olds in Hobsons Bay identified ashavingalong-termmentalhealthcondition, council is encouraging the community to support a new campaign to bring specialist youth mental health services to the area. Accordingtocouncil,thereareveryfewfree or low-cost mental health services for young people in Hobsons Bay.

The nearest headspace centres in Werribee and Sunshine are more than an hour away by public transport and have an average waiting time for an appointment of 12 months.

Council said it is calling on the state and federal governments to fund free or low-cost, ongoing mental health services in Hobsons Bay for young people needing accessible, affordable and timely support.

This could be a psychologist-run mental health support service such as headspace provided by the federal government, or additional funding for other mental health services to reach more young people in the area.

Council also said it is keen to partner with the state and federal governments to provide more support services for young people that are easily accessible by public transport and complement council’s other youth-oriented services.

Mayor Tony Briffa said securing vital mental health services for young people is a key advocacy priority for Hobsons Bay council.

“We are calling on the state and federal governments to partner with us to ensure young people in Melbourne’s inner west, including Hobsons Bay, have access to local, timely and affordable mental health support

Altona student flings off to Scotland

It is not everyday 15-year-old Alice Gill has the chance to represent Australia, but this month she will be.

Alice will represent her country in a highland dance competition in Scotland, after winning the Australian national highland dancing title in her age group.

“I won two titles at the competition which were great,” she said.

“There were a lot of people there for the national and international competitions so it is definitely a big thing for me.

“So it felt great to win, especially because I had won before so it was a great feeling to keep

my title running.”

Alice attends Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College in Altona, and has lived in Newport her whole life.

She has been doing highland dancing since she was eight years old.

“I love the way it challenges you, it’s just a beautiful way of style and dancing,” she said.

Alice began to feel drawn to the dance after seeing professional dancers come to Melbourne.

“When I was younger, I always used to attempt the dance, even when I knew nothing about it,” she said.

Spotswood sewer works underway

Tunnelling work to build a new sewer pipeline in Spotswood has begun.

Almost 65 years after the original sewer was built, the new 670-metre Hobsons Bay main sewer stretches from Westgate Park, Port Melbourne, to Scienceworks in Spotswood, under the Yarra River.

The sewer is responsible for the transfer of 30 per cent of Melbourne’s waste water, which is now reaching the end of it’s service life and requires updates.

Melbourne Water said the $206 million critical sewage infrastructure project allows sewage to continue to flow to its Western Treatment Plant.

‘Lucey’, Melbourne Water’s tunnel boring machine, was named by the students at Spotswood Primary School. The students named the machine after Lucey Alford,

the first female bacteriologist and scientist employed by the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works.

Melbourne Water managing director Dr Nerina Di Lorenzo said this project ensures the infrastructure keeps up with demand.

“TheHobsonsBaymainsewerprojectforms part of a broader Melbourne Water capital infrastructure program that will enhance the reliability of our sewerage network and services for the benefit of Melburnians today and for generations to come,” she said.

According to Melbourne Water, The Hobsons Bay main sewer pipeline will be located at depths between 24.5 and 27 metres below the surface of the Yarra.

The pipeline will be positioned alongside its existing twin and will provide a significant increase in sewer capacity.

“It wasn’t until the international tattoo came to Melbourne when I was eight that I really got into it.

“Seeingthedancersinpersonwasinspiring, it really pushed me to try to mimic the dancing.”

Following the professional performance of highland dancing, Alice found a studio in Kensington and began her long running passion.

“Iwouldliketopursuedancinginthefuture for sure, there are many options and I think it would be cool.”

Jennifer Pittorino

when they need it,” she said.

“Council officers and I met with the federal minister’s senior advisers while we were in Canberra for the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly.

“The establishment of a local headspace service would be a tangible way for the federal government to demonstrate that it shares our commitmenttofillingthegapinyouthmental health services.”

Details: youthmentalhealthinnerwest.com. au

Footbridge works start

Ground and structural works have started on a pedestrian footbridge that will connect the new Footscray Hospital to Victoria University.

WorksontheBallaratRoadfootbridge began on Monday, July 31 and included the installation of piling, foundations and in-ground services.

These works will take place behind the temporary hoarding on the Victoria University campus side of Ballarat Road east of Hoadley Court.

The pedestrian footbridge will be constructed on site, with staged works taking place over the coming months to prepare for the bridge lift over Ballarat Road towards the end of this year.

Pedestrian access to Victoria University Buildings C&D will remain.

Locals have been advised trucks will enter the work zone from the corner of Hoadley Court and Ballarat Road and exit at Ballarat Road.

Groundworkswilltakeapproximately four weeks.

Structural works will follow for six to eight weeks, when the pier for the northern landing of the footbridge will be built.

Works will take place between 7am-5.30pm on weekdays and 8am-3.30pm on Saturdays.

By Wishing Well Productions

Alice will be representing Australia at the highland dancing world championships (Damjan Janevski) 351561_01

Mental illness impacts us all

By Councillor Matt Tyler

You’d be hard pressed to find someone in Hobsons Bay who hasn’t been impacted by mental illness – either themselves or their family and friends. I’m no exception.

I’vestruggledinthepastandhavesupported both family and friends as they’ve battled anxiety as well as depression.

We’ve made incredible progress talking about mental health. Through hard work by so many folks, understanding has improved, and stigma has been addressed head on.

This progress has translated into significant funding increases. Off the back of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System,thestategovernmenthasmaderecord investments, leading to greater numbers of mental health workers, including across schools.

The federal government is investing to address workforce training and has increased the base rate for Job Seeker payments while also supporting an increase in the minimum wage – financial security is intricately linked to poor mental health.

Yet, there’s so much work left to do. One of the first questions I asked of council staff after being elected was whether the needs that have emerged in our community in recent years are being adequately met by the mental health services that exist. The clear answer is no.

There are substantial gaps in services for young people in particular. One in 10 people aged 15-24 in Hobsons Bay have been identified as having long-term mental health issues.

Briefs

Hip Hop event

Maribyrnong council is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop with an evening of free entertainment in the Nicholson Street Mall. Families are invited along to take part in a youth aerosol workshop with Tommy Sea from West Footscray’s The Corner Studio. The event will host tunes by Bgirl and this year’s Section 8 Beat Battle winner, DJ Naru, while L2R Dance masters teach break dance moves. The event will be held on Friday, August 11, from 4-8.30pm.

Details:

Breastfeeding Week

Hobsons Bay council is supporting

Andyet,theclosestheadspacecentresarein Werribee and Sunshine. If you can’t get there by car – which is the case for many young people – it’s a hike by public transport. And that’s when you can get an appointment.

Council plays an important role supporting the mental health of our community. This includes classes to support new parents and promoting social connection through our Make It Happen grants. We also offer generalist youth counselling services that can referresidentstorelevantspecialistservicesas needed. These specialist services are funded by other levels of government.

This is where you come in. We’re advocating for increased funding for youth mental health services including a headspace in Hobsons Bay. I urge you to visit youthmentalhealthinnerwest.com.au and share your perspectives.

Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Breastfeeding Week across the municipality. Council said breastfeeding has many rewards but can be challenging. If you have decided to breastfeed your baby, council has a range of resources to support mums and families. Council encourages mums to keep an eye out for Breastfeeding Welcome Here stickers in libraries, community centres, sporting facilities and participating Hobsons Bay businesses. Businesses are also welcome to join the Breastfeeding Welcome Here campaign, where businesses can register for a free sticker to display in their storefront.

Public dental wait times grow

By Jennifer Pittorino

Thewaittimetoaccesspublicdentalcareinthe

west has continued to grow, according to data obtained by the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB).

The ADAVB obtained data under freedom of information from Dental Health Services Victoria, shows the wait time to access general dental care at cohealth Footscray was 15.2 monthsinthe12monthsfromJuly2022–June 2023.

cohealth said it is always looking to reduce waiting times, and has asked state and federal governments for help.

“We know that the longer people wait for

dental care, the worse their dental health becomes,” a spokesperson said.

“With the demand for public dental care at an all-time high, we would encourage greater state and federal governments investment in the public dental system.”

According to cohealth, in June this year it made a submission to the inquiry by the Senate Select Committee into the Provision and Access to Dental Services in Australia.

In its submission cohealth recommended an increasedfederalandstateinvestmentinpublic dental care.

An increased investment in oral health promotion and early intervention to improve people’s oral health and reduce the need for

more complex care, and to ensure public oral health funding models and enterprise bargaining agreements deliver competitive employment conditions for oral health practitioners.

“We recently joined with Dental Health Services Victoria to take dental vans to public housing high rises across Melbourne to offer check-ups, dental information and connect people to follow-up treatment,” cohealth said.

“The success of this program demonstrated theimpactofbringingservicestocommunities where people live.

“This program recognised the barriers that exist for public housing residents and empowered them with information about their

Hard work pays off for VCE achiever

A Maribyrnong student from Haileybury has been awarded a Premier’s VCE award for his achievements in Chinese Second Language.

Stanley Chi said he had not expected to get the premier’s award, but it was a nice surprise.

“I was honestly a bit surprised to find out I’d won because I was a bit pressed for time in the final exam,” he said.

“I felt like my hard work had paid off.”

For Stanley, his passion for the language stems from family.

“My parents were more excited about it than I am, because they helped me a lot with my Chinese studies,” he said.

“If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this accomplishment.

“My favourite thing about being able to

read and speak Chinese is that it allows me to communicate with my grandparents.

“They don’t speak English, so this allows me to maintain a close relationship with them.”

BecomingfluentinChineseisacombination of the right learning environment and dedication, according to Stanley.

“Growing up in a Chinese speaking family and surrounding myself with the best teachers allowed my speaking ability to improve steadily.”

“However, my least favourite thing about studying Chinese was definitely the writing aspect.

“In my day to day life I did not have to write often in Chinese, so it took a lot more effort to improve my essay writing.”

Stanley is also studying English, specialist maths, chemistry and physics this year.

“My favourite subject currently is physics, I findthepracticalinvestigationsinterestingand engaging, especially that one time we went to Luna Park to learn about circular motion by going on rides,” he said. “My passions outside of school include participating in sporting activities such as swimming and basketball.

“I’ve been swimming since I was six , competing on a national and state level for seven years.

“Alltheseyearsofswimminghasallowedme to make many good friends outside school who I still keep in touch with.”

Jennifer Pittorino

public dental eligibility.

“Recognisingthesebarriersiskeytoensuring that people with healthcare vulnerabilities get the dental care they need.”

A state government spokesperson said government is always supporting initiatives to improve the dental health of Victorians.

“Particularly providing priority access to the mostvulnerableVictoriansandthoserequiring emergency care.

“We have made great progress in driving down wait list times in the past year - and we’re working closely with Dental Health Services Victoria to continue to bring down the wait list.”

Night road closures

Over coming months, there will be night-time carriageway and ramp closures as work progresses on the The West Gate Tunnel Project.

As part of widening the West Gate Freeway, crews are upgrading Williamstown Road ramps connecting to the freeway to strengthen the structures and improve traffic flow onto the freeway.

Closures will be required at night for Williamstown Road northbound and southbound, in one direction at a time.

The Williamstown Road inbound entry and outbound exit ramps are also due to be closed at night.

The outbound exit ramp from the West Gate Freeway will be closed nightly from Monday, August 14, to Friday, August 18 between 9pm and 5am each night.

The outbound entry ramp to the West Gate Freeway will be closed nightly from Monday, August 14, to Friday, August 18, between 9pm and 5am each night.

The inbound entry ramp to the West GateFreewaywillbeclosednightlyfrom Tuesday, August 8, to Friday, August 11,

Program celebrates 75 years of helping migrants settle

For 75 years, Learning for Employment (LFE) has helped migrants navigate life in Australia, with the Adult Migrant Education Program (AMEP).

On Wednesday, August 1, Yarraville Community Centre celebrated this milestone, as a subcontractor for LFE.

Education manager Melissa Giffard said the AMEP has helped more than 962 students in the six years the program has been running at the Yarraville Community Centre.

The AMEP is a free English language program available to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants with low English levels.

“Mostly, we teach English to migrants, but we teach them English in the context of settlement and coming to a new country,” she said.

“They learn about Australian culture, they learn about medical services, transport as well as how to gain employment.”

The AMEP’s leading focus is on pathways, encouraging students to get into the workforce.

“Once they have mastered English we encourage them to take further training, as the main goal is to become employed.”

Ms Giffard said students come from a range of countries, circumstances and ages.

“Our students are a mix of permanent residents and visa holders, most of them coming from countries that are fairly disrupted,” she said.

“They come here to make a new life, which is challenging as it is, when you come from places that are disrupted it is more of a struggle.”

The classes at the centre hold 20 students per class, running anywhere from three to five times a week.

As well as in class learning, Ms Giffard said the students benefit well from going out on excursions.

“Sometimes we take them outside into the

city, this way they learn how to use public transport and visit significant places in the city.”

Ms Giffard said the special thing about the AMEP is that there are no expectations of the students.

“The program works on unlimited training time,the premise is once they reach a vocational standard then they have met the objectives of the program and can move on.

“Some people take longer than others and others pick it up really quickly, there is no rush and no pressure.”

Jennifer Pittorino

Maribyrnong’s Stanley Chi has won a Premier’s VCE award for Chinese Second Language (Supplied)

DISCOVER WILLIAMSTOWN

Williamstown Specialist Centre

Williamstown Specialist Centre is located in the lovely seaside suburb of Williamstown, which is approximately 10 kilometres south west of the Melbourne CBD. The centre is surrounded by free parking spaces both on the main and adjoining streets. All-day parking spots can sometimes be found on Lyon Street or Electra Streets.

Specialists include - Ear Nose and Throat, Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, General Paediatrician, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Respiratory Physician, Sleep Physician, Vascular Specialist and Endovascular Specialist, Urologist and Musculoskeletal Sports Podiatrist.

If you are considering renting one of the centre’s spacious spaces, rooms are available on a sessional basis.

Mortgage Choice

Despite rising rates and cost-of-living pressures, the property market remains active and competitive. Property prices are holding steady and expected to be 4 per cent higher at the end of 2023, and the lack of housing stock andpopulationgrowthisaddingmorepressure to aspiring homeowners looking to get a rung up on the property ladder.

Expert advice can make a difference when navigating deposit challenges and the complex home loan application process.

Located on Douglas Parade, Mortgage Choice Williamstown offers independent lendingadvicetohelpyousecureyourproperty and lifestyle dreams. Whether you’re a first home buyer, seasoned investor, or seeking a better interest rate, our friendly team is here to take your wealth strategy further.

Westside Smash Repairs

Westside Smash Repairs is a small business located in the heart of Williamstown North. It has been providing locals in the west with high quality vehicle repairs and paint work since early 2020.

At Westside Smash Repairs no job is too big or small. The workshop is fully equipped to provide a complete range of services to all makes and models. From full restorations and major accident repairs to minor wear and tear.

The friendly team welcome you for a free quote on all private, insurance and fleet work with a replacement vehicle and useful help to manage your needs during repairs. Staff can even help with your claim, making your experience stress-free!

To find out more about the services on offer or for urgent repairs, call now on 0425 844 802.

Williamstown MP

Melissa Horne

With winter coming to an end, many exciting events are happening in our electorate. On Sunday August 13 is our Williamstown farmer’s market filled with local goods.

If you have an interest in local history and culture, attend a culture walk with the Boonwurrung people to discover Hobsons Bay through the eyes of the Traditional Custodians in mid-September.

At Altona Beach you can check out how the new pier is coming along as well as supporting local traders by grabbing a coffee or a meal.

Plenty of fun activities and opportunities for community feedback in our area.

ATP Automotive

Looking for a reliable and professional automotive service? Look no further! ATP Automotive is here to rev up your car-care experience!

Adrian is a skilled and certified technician and is passionate about cars and dedicated to delivering top-notch automotive services. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, Adrian and the team have got you covered.

At ATP Automotive trust is the foundation oftherelationshipwithcustomers.Staffbelieve in complete transparency and will always discuss findings and the necessary repairs before getting to work.

The team understands the importance of your time and strive to provide swift and efficient service without compromising on quality. The goal is to get you back on the road safely and quickly.

Squires Loft

Welcome!SquiresLoftWilliamstownisraising the stakes with new owners/operators leading the way. The business has a new updated menu with premium angus and wagyu steaks paired with a new wine list including premium wines. The classic grill house serves hearty portions of grass-fed steaks, the Squires Loft famous eight day marinated pork/beef ribs, wagyu burgers, lamb, chicken, salmon and prawns as well as vegetarian options and more.

The team follows a philosophy of delivering the perfect meal every single time through consistency and quality, along with a touch of good old-fashioned customer service, is definitely a winning approach. Staff have a clear focus on providing excellent food and maintaining the highest standards.

Squires Loft is located at basement level down the alleyway at 82-84 Ferguson St, Williamstown. The location offers a unique and cosy ambiance, making it a delightful spot for people to enjoy a great meal.

Williamstown beach is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Seaworks at Williamstown is a drawcard.

Williamstown’s Ferguson Street.

Great expectations held for improvements in aged care

By Ian Henschke chief advocate NationalSeniorsAustralia

Two years after the completion of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, there are great expectations the quality of aged care will be improved. While much has been done, including better pay, better nursing care, new quality standards and star ratings, one of the key difficulties in this long-term reform process is funding.

Quality of care can’t be improved without adequate funding, and transparency about how that funding is spent.

With a new aged care act in development, it’s critical the government gets funding right, otherwise we’ll not get the quality services older people deserve.

To address this issue, Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells announced an Aged Care Taskforce in mid-June. We were pleased its members include former National Seniors Australia CEO, Professor John McCallum.

The taskforce’s primary aim is to review funding arrangements to ensure they are fair and equitable and create a safe and high-quality system.

The taskforce of 14 is made up of providers, consumers, and policy experts. All were appointed by the chair, Minister Wells, who said nothing has been ruled in or ruled out.

Somemembersofthetaskforcehavealready made public statements. Tom Symondson CEO of ACCPA (Aged and Community Care Providers Association) spoke shortly after he was appointed saying “we don’t fund aged care well enough.”

He said we spend around 1.2% of GDP on aged care “which is half compared to other developed nations”. But what he said next was revealing.

“At the moment we have very restrictive

caps on what people can be asked to pay. You can have a $20m mansion and in a means test it will be considered at $186,000. That’s a crazy situation.”

But, we should remember both Aged Care Royal Commissioners suggested a levy was the answer.

A1%Medicarestyleflatratelevyonaperson’s income(fromJuly2023)wasrecommendedby Aged Care Royal Commissioner (and former chief executive of Medicare), Lynelle Briggs. Co-commissioner Tony Pagone (retired Federal Court judge) also called for a levy, but he didn’t suggest a rate. Both options were ruled out by the Coalition government.

A levy is supported by the Health Services Union. The head of the NSW branch wants a royal commission into health funding and a specific aged care levy of 0.65% to be part of Labor’s policy platform.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton responded to Labor’s budget last year saying aged care needed “additional” funding but warned “aged care funding is not a magic pudding”. He added “A respectful, dignified, world-class aged care system is only funded by residents or taxpayers.” He concluded by promising “to work with the government to ensure that our aged care system remains sustainable.”

We will hold him to that and Mr Albanese’s vow to overhaul the system. Aged care must and should not be politicised. We can’t afford another 20 years of poor policy, especially as demographer Bernard Salt pointed out recently “there is an aged care freight train coming towards us.”

Thetermsofreferencesaythetaskforcemust ensure the system is “fair and equitable” and this likely includes consumer contributions. In her speech to the Press Club the minister said the taskforce would provide a draft report by October with a final report in December.

It’s likely the funding options put forward at the end of the year will be announced in the 2024 May budget.

When we survey our members, they overwhelmingly favour the levy approach. In a separate study Flinders University’s Caring Futures Institute surveyed more than 10,000 people not currently using aged care services and found, “Over 70% of people would be willing to pay a larger co-contribution to receive the support they need to remain living at home rather than entering a residential aged care facility.”

The Flinders University research also discovered the majority of current income taxpayers would be willing to pay “an additional 1.4% income tax per year to ensure satisfactory quality aged care is delivered.”

To bring about any reform government must have wide public consultation and any changes to user pay introduced incrementally. Care recipients should contribute to aged care costs only if they have capacity to pay. A safety net must be there for those who can’t afford to pay, and providers must demonstrate full financial transparency.

We’re constantly told “we want to know the extramoneygoesintocare,notintotheprofits of a provider.”

Any levy, increase in taxes and user charges must be directly matched by high quality care. The answer may be a combination of ways to achieve the funding required.

Australians expect it and those receiving care deserve it.

Ian Henschke is the chief advocate at National Seniors Australia.

Seize the day and embrace a new, liberating lifestyle

In the quiet whispers of time passing, there lies a profound truth that we often overlook – the ephemeral nature of moments, like fleeting butterflies, flutter by, leaving us with memories etched in the sands of time.

Life’s journey is a dance of choices and opportunities, a symphony of chances that beckon us to take hold of the reins. Among these,awhisperurgesustoembracethechange thatawaits–adownsizerhome,asanctuaryfor a new chapter.

Picture it, if you will – a charming haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle, where the weight of unnecessary possessions fades away. The clutter that once weighed upon your shoulders will find solace in the arms of benevolent charity, making space for cherished treasures and memories to blossom.

Inadownsizerhome,timefindsitselfagentle master, and moments of joy, love, and laughter aresavouredlikefinewine.Thedaysofmowing vast lawns and maintaining unwieldy spaces will be replaced by a manageable sanctuary, where you’ll find more time to bask in the warmth of cherished company.

You will find a newfound sense of liberation. Letting go of the past, you’ll embrace the present with arms wide open.

The shackles of maintenance yield to the freedom of exploration, travel, and adventures that await your eager heart.

Seize the day and make way for the winds of change.

By choosing to downsize at Lifestyle Communities, you’ll discover the art of appreciating a life well-lived, where every day is cherished.

Book the tour today on 1300 50 55 60.

Downsizing has never been easier at Lifestyle Communities. (Pictures: Supplied)

Twin tunnels nearing completion

By Jennifer Pittorino

Construction of the internal road surface of the twin tunnels in the West Gate Tunnel Project is nearing completion.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan joined workers on the project to travel the length of the tunnel for the first time. Now more than 70 per cent complete, morethan4.5kilometresofroaddeckhasbeen installed across both tunnels, with a specialist machine lifting and installing more than 2000 giant 24-tonne concrete segments to create

the future road surface. The removal of both tunnel boring machines is also underway, with a 400-tonne crane moving into position to lift the final pieces of TBM Bella’s 15-metre wide cutterhead out of the outbound portal.

Dismantling of TBM Vida is also nearing completion.

According to the state government, the twin tunnels will have capacity for thousands of vehicles per day across three lanes of traffic.

The state government said important pieces of the project are coming together, with widening works on the West Gate Freeway

Altona legend rides tall

Seventy-two-year-old Lou Silva will this year be completing Around the Bay for the 29th time.

Around the Bay is Australia’s biggest bike ride, taking place on Sunday, October 8.

Mr Silva lives in Altona, which forms part of the route, he is one of only eight “legends” who has never missed a ride since the early 1990’s when the ride started.

“For the first ever event I trained the most and even rode 225km a fortnight before the event,” he said.

“On the day, the weather was perfect, my average speed was the fastest for all the rides around the bay.”

Mr Silva said he was inspired to take part in the first Around the Bay in 1993, from living in the area.

“Living in a bay side suburb, I would look at the bay and think one day I would ride around the bay.

“After the first one, I do not recall thinking

about the ride becoming an annual event.

“My aim was to successfully complete the ride once.”

After completing his third ride, Mr Silva set himself the goal of completing ten in a row.

“I remember finishing the tenth ride and thinking ‘what now?’, it has been one at a time and now in 2023 it will be the 29th.”

This year, Mr Silva is riding for a special cause, the event’s official charity partner is Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision.

The organisation, founded in honour of Maddie Riewoldt, who was just 26 years old when she tragically died from a Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.

“I’m riding in this year’s United Energy Around the Bay to help Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision fund vital research and provide support for patients living with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and their families.

Jennifer Pittorino

nearing completion and the giant launching gantry crane above Footscray Road preparing for its final lifts.

Work is also underway to construct the tunnel entries and exits and prepare for the installation of the timber net structures. The state government said the project will slash congestion and travel time in the west, removing around 9000 trucks a day from local roads and creating 14 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths.

This is the first Australian tunnel to be constructed with an elevated road surface,

providing another tunnel underneath to serve as an important point for maintenance of critical services, ventilation and emergency access. Ms Allan said this is the biggest tunnel project Australia has ever seen.

“The West Gate Tunnel will slash travel times, take more than 9000 trucks off local roads, and get families home safer and sooner,” she said.

“We thank the community for their patience and understanding while we get on with this important work to significantly improve Victoria’s transport network.”

Helping build secure lives

Christine Campbell was a 15-year-old when shefledherhome,afterthepromisetorelocate to Melbourne and live a better life didn’t work out.

After being exposed to family violence, she made the difficult decision to run away from home.

Now a West Footscray resident, Ms Campbell has reconnected with charity Lighthouse Foundation, to share her story of overcoming homelessness.

“I was 15 years old living in the Fitzroy commission housing flats with my mum. We migrated from the Philippines to join my father and my brother who were already here,” she said.

“We came here in late June, and it was soon after that that we fled my dad’s home.“

Ms Campbell went to her local police station to ask for help, where she was referred to a refuge for adults.

Shestayedthereforsixweeksuntiloneofthe carers there informed her about Lighthouse Foundation.

Lighthouse Foundation is a Melbourne

charity which specialises in helping young people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.

“I stayed with the foundation from 15 until I turned 19,” she said.

After thriving under Lighthouse’s care, Ms Campbell said she was able to turn her life around.

Now aged 37 with two children and a successful career, she dedicates herself to giving back to her local community, with a particular focus on supporting Lighthouse.

“Two years ago I contacted them and said everything has settled down now and I am in a good place to share my story,“ she said.

“I want to help Lighthouse. I can share my lived experience to to help raise awareness of what vulnerable young people experience and the ways they can seek support.

“I want people to know, although they have come from a traumatic past , their past doesn’t equal their future.”

Jennifer Pittorino

Lou Silva will be completing his 29th Around the Bay, this October. (Supplied)

Affordable dental care important in inflationary times

Affordability meets quality at Yarraville Dental.

Yarraville Dental is arguably the most competitively priced dentist within the local area. The team at Yarraville Dental cater for all age-groups and pensioners are eligible for 20 per cent off all dental treatments.

As inflation continues to impact our daily lives, one area that should never be compromised is dental care, as it plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Therefore, Yarraville Dental is offering various specials to get your oral health going!

Why choose Yarraville Dental?

•฀ All health funds accepted

•฀฀ Yarraville Dental is a Smile approved practice which is a testament to its quality, compliance and service.

•฀฀ The single-chair practice has a single focus to serve the community through quality treatment at an affordable price.

•฀฀ Opening special offer of $199 doesn’t only include check-up and clean, but also covers

X-rays, and polish.

•฀฀ Conveniently located within Yarraville Village precinct with plenty of free parking and less than a minute from Yarraville train station.

•฀฀ The practice caters for all age groups.

•฀฀ Various dental treatment options available

•฀฀ Personalised approach as Yarraville Dental is a family business.

•฀฀ Latest technology available.

Special pricing

•฀฀ $199 offer includes comprehensive check, clean, X-ray and polish. The dental guidelines recommend at least a check-up on every six months. This offer is designed to keep your regular check-up affordable

•฀฀ If your child is eligible for Medicare dental cover, Yarraville Dental offer free services.

•฀฀ If your child is ineligible, no worries you just pay $120 for the check-up and clean.

•฀฀ Pensioners are eligible for a flat 20 per cent off on all treatments.

Book now at www.yarravilledental.com.au/ or call 9314 7712.

Yarraville฀Dental฀is฀a฀Smile฀approved฀practice฀which฀is฀a฀testament฀to฀its฀quali ty,฀compliance฀and฀ service.

MY PLACE

West Footscray young artist Greta Ligertwood tells Jennifer Pittorino about her winning art piece in the ‘Show Your Westside Art Exhibition’ and her connection to Maribyrnong.

I am 14 years old and passionate about art and craft. I live in West Footscray and I am a year 8 student at Footscray High School.

I enjoy expressing myself through using different art mediums including drawing, painting, sculpting and sewing, I also love playing guitar and play tennis.

Tell us about your piece in the exhibition?

My piece in the exhibition was a patchwork fabric piece using embroidery and a sewing machine. It featured a local beloved part of West Footscray; REX hairdressers. I thought REX was a great representation of the West Footscray community because of its positive and welcoming atmosphere and its iconic presence in the community.

Tell us all about your passion for art.

Art has always been something I really enjoy, I have loved art from when I was little. I have been so lucky to have so many people in my life who have encouraged me to pursue art.

Now I find it a great way to relax and work through my thoughts. It is hard for me to choose my favourite medium as I love using so many different mediums. I love to sew and use fabric and clay but at the moment I have been working on my sketching to improve my anatomical skills.

What’s your connection to Maribyrnong/ Hobsons Bay?

I have lived in the city of Maribyrnong for my whole life, specifically West Footscray. I went to Footscray West Primary School and now am at Footscray High School. I have always had a sense of belonging in the amazing community and have tried to contribute back to the community as much as possible.

What do you like about where you live?

I love Maribyrnong’s and particularly Footscray’s thriving art scene, home to many amazing artists and has many opportunities and events for all types of creatives. I have attended workshops in the community and contributed to the local pop up shop in West Footscray that is now a great op shop.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

My friends and I enjoy spending time in Footscray where we love getting bubble tea or checking out the local op shops.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

People would probably be surprised to know that when I was six I wore a tiara to school for a whole year.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I’d love to say thank you to my parents and my little brother Lawrence for always pushing me to try new things and work hard. Also shout out to my friend Bea for literally always being there for me.

Greta Ligertwood won the young art prize in local art exhibition ‘Show your westside’. (Jacob Pattison) 350661_01

...starts

PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

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

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, from 10am to 1pm.

■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.

Altona Girl Guides

Altona Girl Guides currently have vacancies for girls aged 5-plus who would like to learn new skills, gain confidence,and expand their friendship circle while having fun.

■ hobsonsbay@guidesvic.org.au

English lessons

Want to learn English in a fun and relaxed setting? Build your English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). AMEP now available in Williamstown. Laverton Community Education Centre now offers free AMEP classes to eligible clients at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. Classes are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30 am -3pm. Childcare is available for children who are under school age. Laverton Community Education Centre is a Not -for -profit organisation. The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

■ 93692726.

Computers, crafts, conversation

Whatever your learning interests and needs, Outlets Newport Community Education Centre has hands-on, face-to-face classes for you or a friend. Contact the centre today to find something for you!

■ 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op. com.au

Carers’ walk and talk

A collaboration between the state government, Interchange Outer East and Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL), the Pathways for Carers program is launching a monthly walk in Footscray on the third Thursday of each month. 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.

■ lauren.mcalpine@bsl.org.au or www.pathwaysforcarers.com.au

Flower workshops

Want to learn how to do professional flower arrangements in a fun and relaxed program? Flowers, vase and snacks included. Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Liza, 0416 268 959

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

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.

■ Vimi Gaoneadry, 0411 530 944

Cherry Lake Market

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- 1pm on the first Sunday of every month.

■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market or cherrylakemarket@gmail.com

Basic Home Maintenance course

Basic Home Maintenance meets at 7.15pm – 9.15pm at the Louis Joel Art & Community Centre, 5 Sargood Street, Altona, for a four- week hands on Basic Home Maintenance course. Book through: https://www.trybooking.com/CJIDP

■ info@imstilllearning.org or 0451 717 401

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Wednesday walking group

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

■ 9397 6168

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 car park, 10am-1pm.

■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries

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 10am4pm.

■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market

Woodcarving workshop

The woodcarving workshop meets on Tuesdays at 9:30-noon at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, 280 Queens Street, Altona. All levels of ability in this ancient, international craft are welcome, women included, starter tools and timber available. ■ jah2802rot@gmail.com

Musicians Wanted

Established in 1979, the Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am to noon at Braybrook College.

■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Free English conversation class

Is English your second language? Do you want to improve your English skills and meet new people? Practise English conversation in informal interactive group sessions. Light refreshments provided. Mondays during school terms, from 1pm to 3pm, at the Altona Library meeting room at Queen Street, Altona.

■ Joe Pellone, 0431 915 970, or joepellone@gmail.com, or Jill Mackenzie, 0439 994 705, or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com

Free walking group

Every Wednesday (during term dates) at 10.15am from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Free community morning tea

Every Wednesday at 11.00am in Joan Kirner House foyer, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely one-and-a-half hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Each week is a different week and a printed sheet with the route and points of interest provided each week. Walks are leisurely and usually end at a cafe for a tea/coffee.

■ John, 0418 377 336

U3A Altona Inc

The 2023 AGM for U3A Altona Inc. will be

held on Friday 28th July, at 1.00pm, at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre. We are inviting nominations for our 2023-2024 Committee of Management. Our guest speaker will be well known local artist and conservationist Rob Mancini, and an afternoon tea will follow the meeting.

■ 9398 1346

Women Talk – Conversational English

The Women Talk Group will be held on Mondays at 10am for women to learn and practice speaking English in the classroom and the local area and make new friends in an all-women class.

■ 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

Newport Folk and Fiddle

The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group will be held on Saturday, August 19, at the Newport Scout Hall, 6 Market Street, Newport at 6.30pm, ,All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun.

■ Danny, 0425 769 253

Gum Nut Bead Workshop

The Gum Nut Bead workshop is free , with all materials supplied to make a set of hand painted beads, held at Walker Close Community Centre, 180 Millers Road, Altona North.

Workshop 1: August 15, 10.30am12.30pm

Workshop 2: August 22, 10.30am12.30pm

■ 0404 951 095

The InterGen Program - GenZine he team at GenZine are hosting a workshop as part of the upcoming InterGen Program on Saturday, August 12, from 1-3pm at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre. Discussions will centre on understandings of gender and how to incorporate creativity into community care.

■ 9398 2511 or admin@ljac.com.au

Diabetes Support Group

The Werribee Diabetes support group has been active in our community for over 18 years providing advice, information and support for members of the group. It meets at the old council shire buildings at 10 am every second Friday of the month.

■ Bob, 0409 252872.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Sunshine Model Railway Club president Joe Saliba ahead of the 25th annual model railway exhibition held in Braybrook. (Damjan Janevski) 350535_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 145

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 To support (7)

5 Supervisors (7)

9 Russian guitar-like instrument (9)

10 Doctor who stands in temporarily (5)

11 Former glacial geological period (3,3)

12 Strongly emotional (8)

14 Stick of coloured wax (5)

15 Field of floating ice (4)

19 United States federal agency that provides mail services (1.1.1.1)

20 Admission (6)

24 Irritated skin bubbles (8)

25 Person who looks after children (6)

27 Spanish island (5)

28 Journeyed (9)

29 Greek goddess of harvest (7)

30 Atrocity (7)

DOWN

1 Surrender (6)

2 Internal organ (6)

3 Parable (8)

4 Tip of the finger (4)

5 Brotherhood (10)

6 Breaker (6)

7 Former US first lady, – Obama (8)

8 Of no consequence (2,6)

13 Machine for producing print (10)

16 Having impaired vision (arch.) (8)

17 Looking at the positives (8)

18 Inhabitant (8)

21 Historical royal family of Scotland and Britain (6)

22 Roma is its capital (6)

23 Clear river bed (6)

26 Edible rootstock (4)

DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER WORD

3 LETTERS ALI ASP ASS ERE IRE

Today’s Aim:

15 words: Good

23 words: Very good

31 words: Excellent

I W I

T L Y

R L

N

T E T D E

entice, enticed, gene, genet, genetic, genie, need, netted, nice, niece, teeing, tend, tenet, tent, tented, tinct, tine, tinge, tinged, tint, tinted

ceding, cent, decent, deign, dent, DETECTING, dine, dinette, ding, dint,

No. 145

S N E M A S T S A W A I T T A L L Y T R O L L S E N S E

QUICK QUIZ

1 In which country would you find the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

2 True or false: holding in a sneeze can damage your hearing?

3 What is the name for the area of Turkey located in Europe?

4 The Xihoumen, Humber and Mackinac Bridges are all what type of bridge?

5 Who provided the voice of Eudora in The Princess andtheFrog?

6 The Bosphorus Strait connects the Sea of Marmara to which other sea?

7 Who played eight roles in the 1949 film Kind Hearts and Coronets?

8 Michael 'Duff' McKagan (pictured) had a 12-year stint with which hard rock band?

9 What is the chemical symbol for lead?

10 Who wrote SevenLittle Australians?

ISM ITS LAP LIE LSD MAT MOO NIL NOT NOW ONE PRY PUB SPA USE 4 LETTERS DAMN ECRU EERY ELLS MENU RAGS SLUG SODS STUB STYE SUSS TEST 5 LETTERS ACTIN ADIEU ALIAS AMATI ANTRE ASSET AWARE BALSA BLARE BWANA CENTS DOILY DROIT EDICT ENATE GIANT GIVES GOODS GUEST INDIE INERT LISLE LISTS LOREN MOREL NODDY OPINE PACTS PROMS PURSE RAVEN REDLY RENAL RESET SATIN SCRIM SET IN SONIC STEMS STETS STRAW SYNCS THERE TRAMP TYPAL U-BOAT UNION VEILS 6 LETTERS ALBEIT BALSAS PIMPLE TALENT 7 LETTERS AUDITEE CODEINE DICTATE LEOPARD REVERIE STATUES 8 LETTERS ABETTORS ALBINISM ASSORTED CHARADES TALLNESS UPPERCUT 9 LETTERS MERRINESS TASTELESS 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 L V G T M A Y B X N P Z O W D K I C R S U F H Q E J 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 11-08-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 415786392 938261547 394658721 683942175 546837219 751429863 279315486 127594638 862173954 easy medium hard 739148652 172865943 216783495 651932784 963214578 384659127 428576319 845397261 597421836 157346892 618952743 321495678 932781465 273614589 485267931 864529317 549873126 796138254 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 QJ ANSWERS: 1. New Zealand 2. True 3. Thrace 4. Suspension 5. Oprah Winfrey 6. The Black Sea 7. Alec Guinness 8. Guns N’ Roses 9. Pb 10. Ethel Turner 14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 August, 2023

No. 145

No. 145

Grabacopyof your localnewspaper...

Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre Altona

Kooringal Golf Club Altona

Convenience Store Altona

City of Hobsons Bay Altona

Chemcare Wellness Pharmacy Altona

Altona West Newsagency Altona

Borgs Cakes Altona

Bendigo Bank Altona

Altona IGA plus Liquor Altona

Altona Newsagency Altona

Chemist Discount Centre Altona

Central Lotto Altona Meadows

Benetas St George's Altona Meadows

Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre

Altona Meadows

Westgate Health and Fitness Club Altona

North

Altona Fresh Altona North

The Circle Pharmacy Altona North

Borrack Square News & Lotto Altona North

Altona North Community Library Altona North

Altona Gate Shopping Centre Altona North

Altona North Community Centre Altona North

Gifts & Lotto Altona North

Jolly Miller Cafe & Patisserie Altona North

Woolworths - Miller Junction Altona North

Altona East Newsagency Altona North

Coles - Avondale Heights Avondale Heights

Central West Plaza Braybrook

Braybrook Hotel Braybrook

Braybrook Library Braybrook

Deer Park Newsagency Deer Park

French Baguette Cafe Footscray

Footscray Community Arts Centre Footscray

Pheonix Youth Centre Footscray

Jim Wong's Restaurant Footscray

Footscray Hospital Footscray

Caltex Petrol Station Footscray

Maribyrnong City Council Footscray

Tatts Lotto Footscray

Wards Newsagency Footscray

Footscray Mechanics Institute Library

Footscray

Health Works Footscray

Footscray Library Footscray

Paisley Clinic Pharmacy Footscray

Coles Footscray Footscray

IGA West Footscray Footscray West

Neighbourhood House Footscray West

Kingsville Newsagency Footscray West

BP Petrol Kingsville

Laverton Newsagency Laverton

Bendigo Bank Laverton

Laverton Community Hub Laverton

MJs Café Maidstone

Fix at Mick's Motors Petrol Station Maidstone

Maidstone Milk Bar Maidstone

Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre Maribyrnong

Maribyrnong Community Centre

Maribyrnong

Supanews Lotto Maribyrnong

Gloria Jeans Maribyrnong

Plush Think Sofas Maribyrnong

Forty Winks Maribyrnong

Focus On Furniture Maribyrnong

Adriatic Furniture Maribyrnong

Snooze Maribyrnong

Suave Furniture Maribyrnong

Spotlight Maribyrnong

Alex's Furniture Maribyrnong

Koala Living Maribyrnong

Bev Marks Maribyrnong

Bedshed Maribyrnong

James Lane Maribyrnong

Pet Barn Maribyrnong

Barbecues Galore Maribyrnong

Beds N Dreams Maribyrnong

Carpet Call Maribyrnong

Newport Newsagency Newport

The Substation Newport

Newport Library Newport

Seagulls Nest Club Newport

IGA Newport Plus Liquor Newport

Cellarbrations Newport

Newport Newsagency Newport

Newport General Store Newport

Seabrook Community Centre Seabrook

Seddon Newsagency Seddon

ALFA Café Seddon

The Happy Apple Supermarket Seddon

The Vin Wine & Spirits Seddon

South Kingsville Community Centre South

Kingsville

Westgate Golf Club Spotswood

Spotswood Newsagency Spotswood

Spotswood Kingsville RSL Spotswood

Scouns Pharmacy Spotswood

Milk Bar Tottenham

Tottenham Central LPO and Newsagency

Tottenham

Steam Packet Hotel Williamstown

Newsagency Riffle Range S/Centre

Williamstown

Rifle Club Hotel Williamstown

Smooth Curves Williamstown

Coles Supermarket Williamstown

Williamstown News and Lotto Williamstown

Freechoice Williamstown Tobacco

Williamstown

Get the News Williamstown

Hobsons Bay Visitors Centre Williamstown

Woolworths Yarraville Metro Yarraville

IGA Yarraville

Yarraville Newsagency Yarraville

Coracle Cafe Restaurant Yarraville

Pizza d'Asporto Yarraville

Yarraville Community Centre Yarraville

Coles Supermarket Yarraville

Rocco's Delicatessent Yarraville

Yarraville Club Yarraville

Liquor Legends Yarraville

Wembley Convenience Store Yarraville

Real Estate Agents Everywhere

SPORTS QUIZ

1. True or false: Lance Franklin played more seasons for Sydney than for Hawthorn?

2. Which English fast bowler announced his retirement after the 2023 Ashes Series?

3. Who did Morocco defeat to record their first ever victory at a FIFA Women’s

4. Who did the Australian Diamonds defeat 101-32 at the Netball World Cup?

5. South Sydney Rabbitohs utility Blake Taaffe recently signed for which rival team?

6. How many NBA seasons has LeBron James played?

7. Which NRL legend recently announced a probable diagnosis of CTE (head trauma)?

Brad Scott is the head coach of which AFL team?

The 1984 drama film The Natural revolves around which sport?

Which team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup are nicknamed the ‘Copper Queens’?

11. With what scoreline did Australia retain the four-test 2023 Ashes series?

12. Which Matildas players scored in their 4-0 defeat of Canada at the 2023 Women’s World Cup?

13. Australian road cyclist Amanda Spratt finished in what place in the 2023 Tour de France Femmes?

14. Retired soccer professional Tim Cahill played in the 1994 OFC Under-20 Championship for which country?

15. And how old was he at the time?

16. The 2023 Women’s World Cup’s official mascot, Tazuni, is what type of animal?

17. How many gold medals did Australia win at the 2023 World Swimming Championships?

18. The 2023 Netball World Cup was held in which African country?

19. The 2023 Netball World Cup’s official mascot, Letsatsi, is what type of animal?

20. With what number pick was Lance Franklin selected in the 2004 AFL Draft?

21. Liz Ellis played her first game for Australia how many years ago?

22. Australian Alexei Popyrin defeated which Grand Slam champion to win the Croatian Open?

23. Figure skater Kaori Sakamoto won which annual competition in 2023 for the second consecutive year?

24. In which year did Pat Cummins become the Australian men’s test captain?

25. The 1992 film White Men Can’tJump (and its 2023 remake) revolves around which sport?

26. Sam Kerr grew up in which Australian city?

General Notices

27. The 2023 Australian PGA Championship will be held in November at which golf course?

28. What game franchise inspired Nick Kyrgios’ recent back tattoo?

29. Which ATP player won their first Masters 1000 singles title at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters?

30. Brad Crouch plays for which AFL team?

The Venue is cheap and cheerful

By Chris Riley, Marquee Motoring

Today we’re looking at the cheapest of the cheap, the bottom feeders of the Australian new car market.

They’re cars offered at a rock bottom price, targeted at those who can’t afford anything else, but are still prepared to dig deep to get something new rather than second hand.

Wearing the crown as the cheapest new car currently available is the Kia Picanto hatch, priced from $16,290 plus on-roads. Cheapest SUV is the Suzuki Ignis at $19,490.

With no equivalent to match Picanto, Hyundai’s cheapest offering these days is the equally cheap and cheerful Venue, a smaller than small SUV priced from $22,000 plus on-roads.

It’s a rather boxy, odd-looking five-seater that’s just been updated, with comfort, convenience and connectivity upgrades across the three-grades, including Qi wireless charging which is now standard.

Styling

Venue aspires to be fun and funky like a lot of tiddlers. But it’s more fugly than funky, with its weird-looking front and over and under lights.

It looks okay up close, but not so good from a distance. Hopefully, this faux pas will be addressed at some stage.

The front-wheel drive Venue comes with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, the latter adding $2000 to the price.

It is followed by the better equipped Active at $26,250 and range-topping Elite at $28,750, both of which come with an auto as standard.

A contrasting roof in black or white is a no-cost option, while mica/metallic paint is an extra $595.

Butifyouwanttheroof,youhavetoforgothe sunroof (not sure why).

Standard kit includes cloth trim and manual air conditioning, with contrasting stitching and piping for the seats, steering wheel and gear shift boot, along with silver surrounds for the air vents and transmission lever.

There’s also alloys, a touchscreen, cruise control, power windows, auto headlights, auto high beam, daytime running lights, one-touch turn signals and an auto reverse wiper for the back window.

Venue rides on 15-inch alloys, while Active and Elite step up to 17s -- all come with a space saver spare.

Elite adds a sunroof, climate air, combo cloth and artificial leather seat trim, rear privacy glass, LED tail and daytime running lights, auto-dimming mirror and rear parking sensors.

Venue is covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with 12-month roadside assistance which extends with each service, provided it is with Hyundai.

Service intervals are pegged at 12 months/15,000km and lifetime capped price servicing is available.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with a system that features Bluetooth with audio streaming, AM/FM radio, four-speaker audio, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity.

Qi wireless charging is standard on all variants and there are also USB-A and USB-C portsanda12-voltsocketinfront,withanother two USB-C charge ports in the back for Elite.

Elite also adds another two speakers, digital radio and built-in navigation, but reverts to wired CarPlay and Android Auto.

You also get Sounds of Nature, with six background soundtracks.

ThelatestupdateseestherolloutofHyundai’s Bluelink connected car services, which offers Automatic Collision Notification, Natural Voice Control and segment-first remote vehicle control functionality via an app.

It’s free of charge for the first five years and transferrable if you sell the car within this period.

Engines / transmissions

Motivation comes from a non-turbo 1.6-litre petrol engine with old-time multi-point injection that produces 90kW of power at 6300 rpm and 151Nm of torque at 4850 rpm.

Drive is to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

You can change gears manually using the transmission lever, but steering wheel change paddles are not provided.

Safety

Venue scores a four-star safety rating, with six airbags, a rear-view camera and autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban and Vulnerable Road User).

There’s also a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW)andemergencylanekeeping(ELK)and tyre pressure monitoring across the range.

Elite adds Blind spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert.

The car lost a star because of marginal performance in its ability to avoid a rear-end impact with vehicles in front.

Driving There are three drive modes from which to choose (Normal, Eco, Sport) plus a further three traction modes (Snow, Mud, Sand), both selected via a central rotary/push button knob.

But with a mere 170mm of ground clearance wewouldn’tbetakingitoffroadanytimesoon.

One of the big attractions of this car is ease of getting in and out, something that will be appreciated by older buyers.

Once inside it has stacks of headroom too,

even with a sunroof fitted.

Venue is simple to operate and super easy to drive which should also endear it to oldies.

The driver’s seat is height adjustable and the steering wheel is both reach and height adjustable.

Analogue dials have made way for a digital instrument cluster, with a small centre area that can be configured and choice of three colour schemes.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine makes a fist of it, but with just 151Nm of torque, it’s never going to set the world on fire. Bear in mind,however,thatthecarweighsonly1200kg which partially compensates for this.

With another 20Nm of torque, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo found in the Picanto might be a better choice?

This is offered with Kia’s slightly more expensive Stonic but it comes at a price.

At just over four metres in length, Venue shinesaroundtownwhereitiseasytodriveand park and the engine comes under no pressure.

Steering is sharp and light, and combined with compact dimensions, makes low speed manoeuvring a piece of cake.

While Venue can keep up with traffic on the motorway, it never really feels relaxed in this environment.

More surprisingly, however, was the way the transmission began hunting between gears.

This was in the 100-110km/h speed range withcruisecontrolengaged,whereitconstantly switched between gears on reasonably flat terrain.

The thing tends to become a bit breathless and lacks punch around 110km/h, making

Venue: $22,000 (manual), $24,000 (automatic)

Active: $26,250 (automatic)

Elite: $28,750 (automatic)

SPECIFICATIONS

Hyundai Venue Elite 1.6-litre five-door wagon

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

overtaking problematic most of the time.

Gear hunting used to be a thing with four-speed autos when they ran out of options on hills, but never on the flat.

Ride quality is firmish, but not uncomfortable,thoughitcanbecomedrummy on coarse bitumen.

With a short wheelbase, speed humps are the enemy because the front doesn’t get time to settle before the rear wheels lift. One thing missing from the mix that we have come to appreciate in more recent times is adaptive cruise control.

The small boot hides a two-level floor, with 355 litres of cargo capacity.

With a 45-litre tank, Venue uses standard 91 unleaded with fuel consumption a claimed 7.2L/100km.

We were getting as low as 6.5L/100km but finished on 7.6L after more than 300km. The long-term average was showing at 7.0L/100km. That’s a good result considering the engine’s size and lack of sophistication, but it could be better.

Summing up

Venue is basically a good jigger (journo talk for okay).It represents a cheap and cheerful solution to transport if you’re not in the market for something fancy.

The boxy design delivers a spacious cabin, with easy access, although rear legroom could be an issue, so be sure to try it on for size.

Importantly, it provides high levels of safety and doesn’t use much fuel unless you flog it -- but is best confined to city use rather than venturing out onto the open road.

Hyundai Venue – bland styling but excellent value.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Lacrosse veteran notches up her 300th game

The celebrations continue for the Footscray Lacrosse Club with stalwart Mary Mravlek notching up 300 games on Saturday.

Mravlek has been a servant of the club for over 40 years and has dedicated much of her life to the club and the sport.

Being an unusual game within Australia it took a special reason to entice her to it.

“I was 16 and liked a boy who played lacrosse for Footscray Lacrosse Club,” she said. “The 80s was my first foray into the wonderful world of lacrosse.”

Mravlek has always loved the sport, she said the club has a special sense of family and community.

“Lacrosse seems to be a sport where generations play,” she said.

“We have a lot of members who have been at the club for 10 years plus. A lot of members start playing as juniors, move into seniors, get married, continue to play, have children and their children play.”

Throughout her long span at the club, Mravlek has not only performed on the pitch but has dedicated herself to playing a variety of volunteer roles.

“I was super lucky to have played in four grand finals, winning three,” she said.

“The club has had good years and not so good years both on and off the field, we have been able to appropriately celebrate the good times and band together in the not so good to ensure that we survive as a club.

“We have many volunteers at the club with 10 years plus [experience], so we are a pretty close knit group.

“I am one of the lucky ones, I have a handful of lifetime friends as a result of being a volunteer at the club.”

Mravlek has supported the club by running the canteen for more than two decades. It’s a place which provides good food to its members and locals, something she said adds to the club’s community feel.

“I have been running the Thursday night kitchen 23 years straight. I love it,” she said.

“There is much banter and frivolous chatter that happens in the kitchen each Thursday.

“We get to see kids move into the different age groups, watch cute eight-year-olds navigate their way through teenage years then onto young adults.

“There is a period from 6.15pm to about. 6.45pm where there are approximately 80 odd people eating talking, standing in the queue to get dinner, the noise is deafening, we are amongst it and it feels comfortable.”

Mravlek is only the third woman to reach the feat of 300 games played and is the 15th person to achieve it at Footscray in its 88 year history. She was named a life member of the club in 2000 and has won multiple best club person awards.

Tonelli’s ‘stubborn’ 600

By Harper Sercombe

Footscray Lacrosse Club’s Richard Tonelli further enriched his legacy in the sport on Saturday.

The veteran suited up for game 600 on the weekend in a match against Williamstown at Angliss Park, making him the first Australian to do so.

In a game that is obscure and unknown to many Australians, Tonelli said he was lucky to stumble across the sport as a 14-year-old.

“I had a friend I was at school with and he was explaining this game of lacrosse during a maths class, as you would, and it just intrigued me,” he said.

“He said why don’t you come check it out and I went for a training session and loved it from day one.”

Thirty five years on and his whole family is at the club. His son Samuel was among his team mates on Saturday for the milestone game.

“My kids are involved, my wife’s team manager for my kids team and pretty

involved,” he said.

“I always encourage my kids to talk to opposing players, I say you might be playing against them for the next 20 years.”

Breaking records is never something Tonelli had his eyes set on, but even after smashing multiple, he said it is still a strange feeling.

“I was pretty surprised to realise (he had broken the Australian games record), I just never thought anything of it,” he said.

“People say how do you hang around for 600 games, I just say it pays off to be stubborn, my wife could probably vouch for that.”

Throughout his long career, Tonelli has reached great heights with his Lacrosse winning multiple premierships for Footscray, including a division two flag last season. He has also represented both Victoria and the nation.

He said just playing with mates is reward enough for him.

The sport is addictive to Tonelli, he said he constantly encourages others to see what makes his game so great.

“Come down, check it out, give it a go, it’s a game that once it’s in your blood you’ll never look back you’ll just want to keep playing,” he said.

“The mate ship, it’s a different sport, a challenging sport, you really have to work and dedicate yourself to it.”

Throughout his long career Tonelli said he has played against a lot of familiar faces, and now feels comfortable in most opposing team change rooms across the state.

“I’ve made great friends from other clubs,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky, I’ve met some great people on the journey.”

ItwasatoughdayforFootscrayonSaturday, losing to ladder leaders Williamstown, 10-1.

Footscray is currently sitting in third on the ladder in the men’s community cup season with one match to go. Footscray plays MCC-Bendigo in the final round.

The club’s state league side sits on top with two rounds remaining.

Briefs

YSDCA

Yarraville has announced the signing of Matthew Kenvyn for the upcoming Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season. Kenvyn is a top order Batsman and leg spinner who plays for Bagnall Norton in the North Staffs South Cheshire Premier League and is looking forward to the challenge of developing himself whilst playing in Australia. The Eagles finished 11th last season and will face Plenty Valley when the season kicks off on October 7.

A-League

Western United has secured the services of Grace Maher from Canberra United for the A-League Women’s season. The 24-year-old will add to United’s list of young centre-backs, adding ball-playing ability into the backline. Maher said the chance to join a grand finalist team in its second season was one she jumped at. “I’m extremely pleased to be joining Western United for the upcoming season…I really felt this team will push me out of my comfort zone, making me a better player and person,” she said.

VAFA

Williamstown CYMS enjoyed a big win against AJAX in the premier B competition winning by 59 points. Zachary Provest and William Smyth kicked four goals each in the 17.16 (118) - 8.11 (59) win. The CYs sit seventh on the ladder, with six wins for the season. This week they face the Monash Blues.

WRFL

West Footscray pushed Sunshine Heights all the way in the Western Region Football League division 3 on Saturday. The Roosters led early before the Dragons took the lead in the second quarter and blew it out to 34 points at the final break. The Roosters kicked six goals in the final term to get back into the game but feel short, losing 14.19 (103)-15.9 (99). Meanwhile, Laverton lost to the Suns 29.14 (188)-8.3 (51).

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Richard Tonelli with his family as he celebrates his milestone game. (Supplied)

Mary Mravlek number 13, during her milestone game. (supplied)

Harper Sercombe

Altona Magic says season is ‘in our own hands’

The fate of Altona Magic in the National Premier League is in its own hands, with the club set for an inaugural finals berth.

The club currently sits in sixth with games against bottom team Bentleigh and fifth placed Port Melbourne to come. The club suffered a 4-1 loss to last season’s minor premiers South Melbourne last week, before a bye at the weekend due to the Dockerty Cup.

Although coach John Markovski said his side started well, up 1-0 at the break.

“Theboysdidreallywellinthefirsthalf,playedexceptional,” he said.

“In the second half it was just a lapse in conversation, a good learning curve for us for the next game to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“To be competitive for 45 is good, we just need to be competitive for 95 minutes.”

WithimportantgamestocomeMarkovskiremainsconfident in playing finals. Green Gully sits one point behind the Magic and has a better goal difference

“Every game is winnable… at the end of the day it just depends on how we turn up,” he said.

“Weneedtowin[againstBentleigh]andthenafterwedothat we’ll concentrate on the next one.

“With two games to go, we win those games we finish in the finals.

“It’s in our own hands now.”

The club has never finished in a finals spot in the NPL top division, making this season a potential momentous occasion for the club if it can remain in the top six.

“Yeah it’s good for the club, it’s good for the players, it’s good for all of us, to be involved in finals is what you work hard for from the start of the season,” Markosvki said.

Markovski said he has been happy with the team’s offence throughout the season, however, there is work to be done defensively.

“The boys have been scoring plenty of goals, they’ve been working really hard,” he said.

“We need to not concede too many goals, if we don’t concede goals we will definitely score goals.

“This year we have done really well at moving forward but we need to work hard on our defending, and hopefully we don’t concede.”

Prolific goal scorer for the club, Jonas Markovski, is leading all comers in the league’s golden boot award, having scored 18 from his 22 appearances.

“Jonas has done really well, he’s scored a lot of goals for us, he’s done his job, he’s scored, he’s assisted,” Markovski said of his son.

“All the forwards have done really well, not only Jonas but the whole team has done well, starting from the keeper to even the ones that come off the bench.

“I’m happy with all the boys’ seasons.”

With about 14 players turning over in the off season, the year was always going to be a learning experience after finishing in 10th last year.

“There’s a new bunch of kids this year and they’re starting to gel at the right time,” Markovski said.

“They’re starting to understand what we want and we’re reaping the benefits.”

Magic have the bye on the weekend before facing the Greens at home on August 12.

Harper Sercombe

Four Falcons in Pies team

Four City West Falcons players will take to the court for the Collingwood Magpies at the Australian Netball Championships later this month.

Having already had Charlotte Sexton named in the Vic Fury side, another four players will head to Queensland to face 10 teams from across the country.

Suncorp Super Netball Magpies training partners Montana Holmes and Zoe Davies will again be part of the Magpies ANC squad.

They were part of the team that finished fourth last year at the championships.

Davies played three games for the Magpies Super Netball team in 2022, but didn’t add to her total in 2023.

Holmes is yet to make her Super Netball debut, but was named in the Magpies team for the final round of the season.

Jane Cook, who was also part of last season’s ANC team, is another who will again put on the black and white dress.

Sophie Hanrahan is the new Falcons figure in the Magpies team, named after a strong season for the Falcons championship side.

Gators into the granny

By Tara Murray

The Altona Gators are one step closer to winning their first Big V senior men’s championship, after earning the right to host the grand final.

The Gators won through to the division 2 grand final on Saturday night with a thrilling win against minor premiers, the Whittlesea Pacers, winning 94-91.

For coach Josh Turton and the team, it’s a pretty incredible feeling.

“It’s really hard to put into words,” he said. “It was quite surreal after the game realising we had done it.

“The work that Jordan [Lino] put in last year and the changes and adapting to it. It’s been a good two years of work and we get an opportunity to play in a grand final, it is fantastic.”

The Gators had to work hard to get the win, coming from behind at three quarter time.

The Pacers jumped out to an eight point lead at quarter time, which was reduced to five points heading into the final break.

Turton said they had plenty of confidence in the group to get the job done.

“It definitely wasn’t our best game, with Whittlesea being a great team,” he said.

“It was a bit different to a couple of weeks ago when we were against each other. The game was still within reach and we’ve been in situations where we have been down 20 points and come back.

“We’ve really learned to play these games and I thought we did it really well.”

Turton said the message at the last break was to just be calm as they were just five points down and still in the game.

He said they just focused on playing Altona basketball in the last quarter and it paid off.

The Pacers remained in front for the first three and half minutes of the quarter, before the scores were level on a number of occasions.

The Gators finally hit the lead with nearly one and half minutes on the clock, before the scores were level again.

The Gators hit the front for the last time with 18 seconds left and were able to hold on and win.

Samson Rocker was the star of the show for the Gators with 32 points.

“Samson has had a tough shooting patch for two months,” Turton said. “He himself was a bit worried about it but I knew he would find it.

“His defence is elite and he does it at both ends. He was strong defensively and capped it off with a good scoring night.”

The win not only gets the Gators into the grand final, they will have the chance to host it.

Turton said that was pretty good for the club.

“Altona will be rocking in a couple of weeks time,” he said.

The Gators now have the week off, with Whittlesea to play the Wallan Panthers on the weekend in the preliminary final.

Turton said for them it is business as usual.

“We will not change up anything, we will stick with what we have been doing the last couple of months.”

The Gators women’s youth league championship side’s season is over after losing their preliminary final, 83-66.

Casey Adamson, Brooke Allan, Zali Anderson, Indya Forde, Shannon Freeman, Zanna Woods and Olivia Wilkinson make up the rest of the Magpies squad.

Kate Upton will coach the side, while AdrianBallantyneistheassistantcoach.

Former Falcon Sarah Szczykulski has been named in the Northern Territory Storm team for the ANC.

Montana Holmes (Robbab Photography)

Samson Rocker came up big for the Altona Gators (Basketball Victoria)

Western Jets ‘out classed’ by in form Falcons

Western Jets lost their second last game of the Coates Talent League boys season to a strong Geelong Falcons side on Sunday.

The Jets seemed to be up for the fight early but the Falcons proved to be too good. Enjoying a 28 point lead at half time which grew to a 53 point margin by the final siren, with the Falcons winning, 17.14 (116)-9.9 (63).

Jets’ talent lead Luke Williams said the team was out classed from early on in the game.

“We did improve some parts of our game from other weeks where we were able to get a lot more ball forward, inside 50, which was a real positive and gave some of our exciting forwards a bit more of a look at it,” he said.

“From that point of view it was pretty good but the final scoreboard was probably a fair indication of the game.

“With the exception of individual efforts, we probably didn’t quite gel as a team as well as we have been in our better performances this year.”

Some of the individual efforts mentioned

by Williams included Logan Morris who kicked three goals, and is poised to go early on AFL draft night, as well as midfielder Jake Smith who once again led the disposal count for the Jets, with 27 touches.

“Logan’s real assets this year is he’s been able to hit the scoreboard,” he said. “He worked up the ground a lot more yesterday whichhasbeenarealgoalforhimthroughout the year.

“He played across half forward and up on the wing, presented as a bit of a target.

“So to still get three goals is a great reward considering he covered a fair bit of ground.

“Smith was another really good performance… one of our key clearance players and he backed up from his VFL [Victorian Football League] debut last week with Williamstown and performed really strongly.

“We are seeing some really good development in some of our bottom aged players in particular Massimo Raso who is coming off an injury riddled season… he’s put some really good games together and

shown some really dynamic movement as a midfielder now.”

The Jets have played almost 50 players throughout the course of the season, and with only one home and away season game left, Williams said they could potentially look to play some under-16s.

With their final game coming up in two weeks time against Greater Western Victoria Rebels, Williams said it will be a game to find where their best balance is.

“That will be a game that we’ll look to consolidate, give opportunities to young players that deserve it, but hoping to settle the team and consolidate [heading into] September,” he said.

Harper Sercombe

Woodsmen get a scare

By Harper Sercombe

Spotswood won its clash with Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League’s division 1 on Saturday, but it wasn’t without a scare from the last placed side.

The match was an even contest with only a point splitting the sides at quarter time and Spotswood taking a seven point lead into the main break.

However, the Warriors were able to break away in the third, kicking four goals to Woodsmen’s one, giving them an 11 point win at three quarter time.

Spotswood came out determined in the last, kicking two goals from eight scoring shots while only allowing the Warriors three behinds.

In what would have been a crushing blow to the Woodsmen’s finals chances, coach Tom GermansaidheissurprisedtheWarriorshave only managed one win throughout the season, which came against the Woodsmen.

“It was a very close game, they’ve been very good every time we’ve played them, so it has me beat how they’ve only won one game,” he said.

“It’s a very even competition and we’re very happy to get away with the four points.”

German said his side has had experience coming back from a three quarter time deficit throughout the year so he had confidence in his players.

“They (Hoppers Crossing) were playing well, they had a pretty good third quarter and we were a bit flat in the third quarter so we came home strong in the last and managed to get over the line,” he said.

Kicking six points in the last quarter and failing to completely put the game to bed was frustrating, German said.

“[In the last quarter] we had our opportunities and at times we didn’t take them but we managed to put the pressure on and [get] repeat entries and managed to hold on.”

With only three rounds to go in the competition, Spotswood currently sit in fourth position and is hoping to hold on to that spot in the finals.

“It’s such an even competition so it’s in our hands at the moment, but we just focus on one week at a time,” German said.

“Altona’s a big game for us next week at home.”

This will be the third time the teams have facedthisseason,wherethesideshavesplitthe results. Altona currently sit in third position.

“We just want to replicate the brand [of football] that we played against them last time,” German said.

VSDCA fixture out for 23/24

The fixture has dropped for the upcoming Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season, with the west back facing the north for the 2023-24 season.

The season will be kicking off with a round of two day games starting on October 7.

The home and away fixture concludes on March 2, with finals to run through to March 24.

The association will halt for a Christmas and New Years break from December 16 and commence back on the January 9.

After having to call off the first four days of last season due to weather conditions the cricketing community is hopeful the season begins with no hiccups for the upcoming summer.

Some of the much anticipated clashes to fall out of the fixture includes the round 14, two-dayer, grand final rematch between Werribee and Spotswood, where Werribee will be seeking to avenge its grand final loss.

Last year’s semi finalists Williamstown will open their account against St Bernards who were semi finalists in the south-east group.

Local derby matches where Altona plays Williamstown and Hoppers Crossing playing Werribee will be ones not to miss. Both of those matches will be in the last round of the season, in a one day clash.

The big inclusion of Fawad Ahmed to theCats’outfitwillbeonetokeepaneye on as the year goes by.

“They’re obviously the reigning premier so they’re a very, very good side.”

In other results, Altona lost to Point Cook in its men’s division 1 clash. With the Bulldogs running away with a 37 point victory. The final scores being 10.16 (76)-5.9 (39). Nathan Clarke was a stand out for

Altona, being awarded as his team’s best on ground.

Yarraville Seddon Eagles won against Caroline Springs, 14.13 (97)- 9.12 (66). The Eagles now sit in fifth spot, only four points behind Spotswood having jumped ahead of the Lakers.

Ross Horkings made 116 in last year’s grand final (Jacob Pattison) 325610_11

David Iaccarino (Jacob Pattison)348754_10

Massimo Raso (Jacob Pattison) 346078_15

Congs great, Reg Mustafa, appointed as coach

New Williamstown Congs coach Reg Mustafa is hoping to get the club back to where it was in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.

It’s been a few tough years for the division 5 club, with COVID-19 and not having proper club rooms taking a toll on the club.

For Mustafa, who coached the club back in 2004-05, the time was right for him to step up again.

“It’s an exciting time to be around with new club rooms, amenities and facilities,” he said.

“I thought about going back to have another go and look forward to helping the club go forward.

“It’s my 30th year at the club since my first game there. I haven’t been to any other club.”

As well as previously coaching the club, Mustafa was captain of the club’s last first XI premiership in 2005-2006.

The club said he was an outstanding middle

order batsman-wicket keeper who holds a great relationship with players and members of our club.

He is also a life member.

Mustafa said he was keen to help rebuild the club back to where it was. Last season, the side finished in eighth spot with just three wins.

“I’ve been around long enough and seen the club go through some hard times,” he said.

“It’s looking promising and we’re looking at a good team to get back on board.

“We’re reinvigorating the group with a few younger guys coming through the club. We’ll look to get some new faces into the club.

“We’re more of a social club that enjoys our cricket.”

While moving up the ladder is a focus for the club, off field is just a big focus for the club

this season. The club has been in portable facilities the past three years, but now have the use of new facilities at J.T Gray Reserve.

“We want to get that community back to the club,” he said.

“The families, women and children around the club. We didn’t have the proper facilities for them.

“We want to get back to where it was and get families back.”

The club is aiming to have three senior sides this season, two in the VTCA and one in the Western Suburbs Churches & Community Cricket Association.

Mustafa said they were also keen to get a women’s side back up and running and want to expand their junior program which currently has two teams.

The Congs will start training on August 18.

Seagulls eye top four

By Harper Sercombe

Williamstown is now only two points outside the Victorian Football League’s top four after securing its fourth win in a row against Richmond on Saturday.

On an unusually still day in the bayside suburb, the Seagulls conceded the first goal but managed to get the game back on their terms with a nine point lead at the first break.

The sides went goal for goal in the second quarter before the Seagulls were able to break away late in the third with Joel Ottavi booting his third with only minutes left in the quarter.

The Seagulls added another on the stroke of three quarter time, with Corey Ellison kicking his third to give them a 26 point advantage.

The Tigers came home strong but inaccurately with eight scoring shots in the final term garnering only four majors.

Williamstown matched with four of their own, with Ovatti and Ellison adding one each to their tally, winning the game 13.5 (83)- 8.13 (61).

Seagulls’ director of coaching Jeff Andrews said the game was a grind.

“It was great to get a win at the end of the day,” he said. “We hadn’t beaten Richmond in quite a few years so it was good to get the win.

“There wasn’t much of a difference in the game other than the scoreboard at the end.”

The Tiger’s on paper seemed on top, having 10 more clearances and 13 more inside 50s than their opponents. Andrews said the Tigers won a lot of the stats categories.

“There were a lot of turnovers, we thought we didn’t use the ball as well as we could have,” he said.

“Our backs in Marty Hore, Oscar MacDonald and Finbar O’Dwyer were pretty exceptional in intercepting the opposition’s kicks, that then led to our offence.

Hore was a standout throughout the game, having 35 possessions and 14 marks, many of them intercepts. Hore was a late out the previous week.

“He’s a high quality player,” Andrews said. “A really good fella who we’ve brought into our club, and he’s having an impact on our club and we couldn’t be happier with how he’s going.

“We were hopeful that he’d get picked up in the mid-season draft but not disappointed in the way the second half of the year is working out for him and us.”

Next week the Seagulls take on the Brisbane Lions where the winner will see themselves in the top four with a week to go. The Seagulls are now two games clear of seventh and finishing in the wildcard spots.

“We get to go out there and play against a

New coach for the Wolves

summer league season.

After finishing runners up in division 2 last season, Chris Rickard has been named as senior head coach taking over from player-coach Aaron Green.

President Chris Jackson said he is thrilled Rickard has returned to the club.

“We’ve been talking to him for a couple of years, and are really wrapped with his decision to accept and come on board,” he said.

“We’re really excited to have a non playing coach again.

“Aaron’s done an amazing job over the last few years, but to bring on someone with Chris’ level of experience has exceeded what we were looking for in a head coach.”

Green will be staying at the club as Jackson is hopeful alleviating his role as coach will be able to free him up as a player.

“Aaron will be there until he gets that flag,” Jackson said.

“We’re excited to see what he can do without the additional responsibility of game day coaching.

“He’ll still be a part of the leadership team and a part of the selection committee, he knows the players so well, he knows the game so well.”

Although it is still largely up in the air, Jackson remains hopeful the Wolves will be promoted to division 1 for next season, where playoffs remain the target.

There is set to be a restructure of the summer league competition, with more teams than usual promoted into division 1, with the competition to be split in two once everyone has played each other twice.

“We’ll be aiming to participate in playoffs, if that’s not what you’re aiming for I don’t think you’re moving forward,” he said.

Jackson said the team is in need of some further depth including an import player they are in discussions with and are seeking to add depth to their pitching team.

really good side,” Andrews said.

“We’ve played some really good sides in the last six to eight weeks, we’ve had our wins and our losses.

“Hopefully we’re just on the path, getting

better each week and we’re looking forward to the challenge for sure.”

After missing finals last year, finishing second last, a top four spot in 2023 would be a dream turnaround for the Seagulls.

Harper Sercombe

Williamstown Wolves have announced theirnewcoachfortheBaseballVictoria

Tara Murray Reg Mustafa (Supplied)

Noah Gadsby kicked two on the weekend (Jacob Pattison)338076_20

Peace Newport RSL