Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 28th February 2024

Welcome to the love booth

Hobsons Bay residents can get ready for a grand display of a new queer adventure play called ‘The Love Booth’. Newport local and creator Donna Jackson said the show is a musical story telling of queer adventures and the invisible history of LGBTQIA+ locals.

“This is a great opportunity to create a new all singing and dancing theatre work,” she said.

With stories from those like Williamstowns first female mayor Geraldine Schutt, Ms Jackson said the cabaret style show will feature a cast full of locals.

“A combination of song, fashion, dance and storytelling reflect local experiences as well as international activism,” she said.

“The Love Booth is a bit camp, a bit cabaret and a lot of fun to watch.”

The show will run for three shows at the Williamstown Town Hall beginning on Friday, March 8.

Details: https://hobsonsbay. sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ salesevent/130093

Reprieve for Techno Park

By Jennifer Pittorino

It appears Techno Park residents have been thrown a lifeline by the state government following a minor but significant change to the planning scheme.

In May last year, Hobsons Bay council orderedupto100residentslivinginapartment blocks at Techno Park in Williamstown to immediately vacate their properties or face legal action because of a zoning issue.

Techno Park, which has been zoned Industrial 1 since 1988, sits opposite a row of fuelstoragetanks, situatedonekilometrefrom a former fuel refinery owned by Mobil.

While many residents have already moved out, the planning scheme amendment opens up a path for remaining Techno Park residents to stay in their homes by claiming existing use

rights. Before the change, individuals could claim existing use rights for a property after 15 years of continual use, even if that use was not normally permitted by the zoning.

But,aswasthecasewithTechnoPark,those rights were extinguished once council issued a notice demanding the use cease.

The change in the planning scheme means thatafter15yearsofcontinuousresidentialuse has passed, a council no longer has the power to extinguish existing use rights.

Residents are now able to claim existing use rights if their property has been used for residential purposes for any 15-year period, including if they have not lived there themselves during the 15 years.

Resident Lara Week said this change means the ball is now firmly in Hobsons Bay council’s court.

“Council is now fully empowered to recognise everyone’s existing use rights and put an end to any eviction,” she said.

“The question now is how easy or how difficult do they intend to make it.”

Internal council documents revealed by the ABCearlierinthemonth, showedthatin2022, council was aware of long-term residential use at Techno Park.

“Their internal documents say that people have lived here longer than 15 years and are entitled to existing use rights to remain,” she said.

“When council decided to finally enforce the planning scheme in 2023, they could have invited residents to apply for a certificate that recognisedourrights.Instead,theydeliberately attempted to extinguish our rights and to force a mass eviction.

“Our lawyers have written to the council referringtothechangeintheplanningscheme, requesting confirmation that they will now recognise our existing use rights.”

Thisdevelopmenthasleftresidentsincluding Ms Week “hopeful but not relieved”.

“A neighbour of mine the other day said she won’t feel safe until she’s got a piece of paper from the council that says we won’t harass you any longer and your home is secure.”

A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said, “Council is aware of the changes to the Victorian Planning Provisions regarding existing use rights that were released by the Minister for Planning last week. We will be considering the changes as they relate to the Techno Park site over the coming weeks. Council’s position on the matter remains unchanged at this time.”

Filipe Filihia with ladies in masks: Jennifer, Vicki, Julie and Lizz. (Damjan Janevski) 390511_01

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Parking permits pile on pressure

By Jennifer Pittorino

For the two years that Karl Ferg has lived at his Altona North property he has obeyed the stringent parking regulations, but it appears not everyone is required to.

One-hour parking is common in Hobsons Bay, and something the residents have adjusted to with the help of council parking permits.

Living in a newly developed area, Mr Ferg’s block is close to numerous townhouse developments and therefore an increase in

trade vehicles.

“All day, six days a week these vehicles are parked there without ramifications,” he said.

Understanding that tradespeople are only doingtheirjobs,MrFergdirectshisquestionto HobsonsBaycouncilasking“Aretradevehicles exempt from the parking restrictions?”

“If you are putting the street restrictions out forareasonyouneedtoimposetherestrictions.

“You put those signs up for a reason so if you don’t believe that those restrictions exist then just remove them because it is causing a lot of confusion.”

Mr Ferg believes that council has no understanding or consideration for people living in development areas.

“The one hour parking is obviously because it is a busy area so why are they not actually enforcing it?” said Mr Ferg.

“I asked council if there is an exemption for trade vehicles because of the lack of enforcement in high construction areas, they never answered me.”

Mr Ferg believes that residential streets are being overlooked.

“If I was to park all day on Nelsons Parade

Enjoy the sweet sound of music

Two talented Hobsons Bay locals will be starring in the new production of The Sound of Music.

Tayla Dwyer and Princeton Leonard will take the stage in St Kilda for two weeks of performances.

Since 2015, Ms Dwyer has been gracing stages with her presence, now she is more excited than ever to be taking centre stage as the lead Maria.

“The most exciting thing about theatre is how it’s perceived,” she said.

“This is one of those shows that is loved by the generations, so I’m excited for people young and old to enjoy it as much as we have.”

Similarly to the characters everyone knows and loves, Ms Dwyer said preparations have included a lot of bonding as a cast.

“There has been a lot of bonding, especially amongst myself and the kids,” she said.

One of those young talents is 15-year-old Princeton Leonard who will be playing a postulant in the ensemble, someone who Ms Dwyer said is an amazing talent.

“He is such a young, vibrant individual who was one of the first people I met at my first rehearsals,” she said.

“We got the opportunity to have a chat and I think this is such an amazing opportunity for all young talent, especially for people like

Applications open for Youth Fest

Applications are open to local governments, community organisations and schools to applyforgrantsofupto$2,000,tofundevents across the state during Victorian Youth Fest in September 2024.

Victorian Youth Fest is a month-long festival to showcase the skills and achievements of the states youth.

Up to 110 events will be held across the state, made possible by an investment of $220,000.

Youth Fest kicks off in September, and will create a wide variety of events for young people ages 12-25 in their communities.

Youths can organise and deliver events, showcasetheirskills,shareideas,buildsocial connections, and expand their networks.

In 2023, the Youth Fest program delivered 111 activities focused on art, music,

sport and theatre, as well as recreational and community festivals, giving young Victorians the chance to have their voices heard.

Previous grant recipients include the Victorian Afghan Students Association for an Afghanistan’s Got Talent event that included an art exhibition, short story competition and singing contest.

Minister for Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman said the state government are proud to support this program.

“Youth Fest is so important for sharing the voices of young people and celebrating everything they contribute to Victoria,” she said.

Applications are open until March 15.

Details: youthfest.vic.gov.au.

Mr Leonard.”

Mr Leonard said he is most excited for the opening to perform in front of an audience and feel the hard work pay off.

“I am so excited to be in a musical and work with everyone who has been so supportive of each other,“ he said.

“I have been a fan for as long as I can remember it was my favourite musical as a kid.”

The show will run at National Theatre Melbourne from March 2-17.

Details: https://tickets.nationaltheatre. org.au/WEBPAGES/EntaWebShow/ ShowDatesCombo.aspx

I would probably get several parking tickets,” he said.

“It seems to be a thing where they either don’t care or they just don’t visit residential streets.”

“If you’re building a house for months and months and months it still doesn’t give you the right to hog all the car spots.”

A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said, “Tradespeople can apply for a temporary parking permit that allows them to park close to the site where they are working”.

Call for feedback

Maribyrnong residents have the chance to vote on council’s updated drug and alcohol policy.

The previous alcohol and other drugs policy has expired, so now council is calling on the community to provide feedback on the draft Reducing Harm from Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy 2023-2028.

The draft policy commits council to the principles of advocacy, partnerships, and research, with the aim of reducing the harm from alcohol and other drugs.

Council said the draft policy takes into account recent changes to state and federal policies and legislation and acknowledges alcohol and other drugs disproportionately impacts specific cohorts in the city.

Mayor Cuc Lam said the draft Policy listsanumberofadvocacyopportunities, including the development of alcohol and other drug alternative programs and activities, particularly for at-risk groups in our community.

“The draft Policy calls for Council to work with community health organisations to promote local alcohol and other drug harm minimisation programs, and to continue supporting research and providing data about prevention, harms, services and programs,” she said.

“This encapsulates the vision for the draft Policy, which identifies advocacy, partnerships and research as the three guiding principles for consideration by the community and stakeholders.”

Feedback closes midnight Monday, March 11.

Details: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ aod

Performers Tayla Dwyer and Princeton Leonard. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 390617_04

Shining a light on all women

By Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud

We have come a long way in our quest for gender equity, but of course there’s still plenty more to do.

Having women participate more in all sectors of our community – and recognising their contribution – is essential.

It gives us greater diversity in our thinking – more people from different backgrounds andwithdifferentlifeexperiencescreatemore ideas and new solutions.

There are genuine benefits for all of us when weembraceequityacrosstheboard,including when it comes to gender.

There is also still a significant pay gap for women, and we are under-represented in leadership roles in almost all industries.

All these issues are connected, and so it’s important that we continue to raise awareness of them and work together to solve them.

Next Friday, March 8, is International Women’s Day. This event every year is an opportunity to shine a light on the gaps, but also highlight the incredible successes of women all around the world.

We’ll be doing just that in Hobsons Bay.

Next Thursday, at the Altona Meadows STEAM Centre, we’ll be hosting a panel featuring local women who have made their careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

It’s a great chance to celebrate the successes they have had in what might once have been considered non-traditional roles for their gender and to hear about their STEAM journeys.

Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud. (Supplied)

Also on next Thursday is a business networking event in Williamstown which is being held jointly by Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong councils.

The keynote speaker will be Julie Hirsch, the co-founder of Eloments Vitamin Teas and Mullin Mulling Spices.

Julie is a former Victorian Business Woman of the Year and was named on the Forbes Asia 30-under-30 list.

You can find out more information about these events at the Hobsons Bay council website.

Briefs

Yarraville arrest

Police arrested four teenagers, including a Yarraville girl, following a series of alleged assaults in Docklands and Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. Police executed search warrants at two properties in Windsor and Yarraville on Wednesday, February 21. Three girls, a 15-year-old Yarraville girl and a 12-year-old and 14-year-old from Windsor, were arrested and cautioned for affray and unlawful assault. The charges follow a series of assaults which were investigated after videos were shared on social media.

Arrests follow Tobacco dispute

Police arrested three people on Wednesday and seized what is believed to be more than $250,000 cash in two separate incidents relating to the illicit tobacco dispute in Hobsons Bay. Two Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance searches were executed at addresses in Altona North about 9.30am. During a search a business on Butler Ave, police seized a ballistics vest, a stolen motorcycle and drugs. A 39-year-old Altona North man was charged with possess drug of dependence and possess prohibited item (ballistics vest). A 37-year-old Altona North woman was charged with possess drug of dependence.

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Speed limit reduction proposed

By Jennifer Pittorino

A proposal by Maribyrnong council for a reduced speed limit along Hopkins Street is a welcome first step according to the Joseph Road Precinct Action Group (JRPAG).

It seems the advocacy for improved safety undertaken by the JRPAG has made an impact with council, with a motion to reduce the current speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour on Hopkins Street, Footscray, discussed at the meeting on Tuesday, February 20.

Councillors noted the mayor had written to the Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll on January 23, advocating for the safety of road users and pedestrians.

The Minister’s response directed council to meet with the Department of Transport (DoTP) to identify opportunities to address safety concerns within the precinct.

MaribyrnongcouncilInfrastructureServices director Patrick Jess confirmed with JRPAG that there is in principle agreement between DoTP and council on reducing the speed limit from 60 kilometres per hour to 40 kilometres per hour.

Described by one resident as a “dystopian atmosphere”, Joseph Road Precinct has been the site of a number of accidents over the years and more recently one fatality.

For four years resident Brett Thompson has witnessed numerous collisions and injuries. Now he is hopeful change will occur.

“We are reasonably happy with that. Some peoplecomeflyingthroughheresogiventhere has already been one fatality, I am awaiting some further actions given the speed people drive through,” he said.

“The speed limit dropping is great, this is the first step in what has been a really long drawn out couple of years to get some action.”

Moving the notice of motion, councillor

MichaelClarkesaidthemotionwasbroughtto the chamber in response to the concerns made clear by the JRPAG.

“There are very clear concerns about the safety of trying to cross Hopkins Street,” he said.

“Quite simply, traffic in the precinct is far too fast. It is a major residential precinct now. The expectations of the community are very clear that there needs to be traffic calming occur.”

Cr Clarke made it clear if this doesn’t occur there will be more fatalities.

“We’ve seen one on Hopkins Street, we’ve seen two on Whitehall Street,“ he said.

“We can’t afford to have this happen.

“The only way we can reasonably expect change to occur is by reducing the speed.” Councillor Simon Crawford said council needs to do everything it can to protect vulnerable road users including pedestrians and cyclists.

“I hope that we continue on this journey towards making roads safer, because at the moment they’re not still not safe enough,” he said.

Agreeing with Cr Crawford, Mr Thompson said the JRPAG is still advocating for “basic facilities”.

“We want council services to keep the area tidy, there are no waste management services to keep the area tidy and accessibility for people with accessibility issues,” he said.

Other safety measures outlined by JRPAG include street lighting, upgraded roads and pedestrian crossings.

“The council coming together was great but there’s only more infrastructure going up and no facilities.”

Members of the Joseph Road Precinct Action Group are still awaiting further change. (Deb Fryers)

Call to halt lawn footpath work

By Jennifer Pittorino

Friends of Footscray Park is asking Maribyrnong council to stop works on the walking track on the Western Lawn at Footscray Park, which began without community consultation.

Footscray Park has long been a topic of discussion in the community.

Residents worked hard to keep the park a public space in 2019, following a proposal to turn a section of Footscray Park into a private soccer training facility.

After previously working well with council, resident Gemma Cafarella said residents are feeling uneasy about the inclusion of a new walking track which has not been approved in council’s master plan for the improvement of Footscray Park.

“Instead of going ahead with the proposal for the academy, council has rightly decided to invest some money in improving the surface of the lawn itself so it is available for community use, “ she said.

“Instead of redoing the surface, council has gone much further and have decided to put in awalkingtrackwhichwasneverthesubjectof any consultation.

“It is not listed in the master plan which highlights a lot of things which are really great, which they are not actioning.”

Ms Cafarella said the master plan lists planting and landscaping which council seems to not be taking action on.

For many reasons, residents feel a compacted gravel walking path is problematic for the area.

“It really reduces the extent to which it’s a

natural surface area,” she said.

“One of the really important things about having green spaces is how useful it is to combat rising temperatures and capture carbon.

“It is a relatively high impact thing to do which does not have great environmental credentials.”

Without any community consultation, residents are not aware of the shape of the walking track which Ms Cafarella believes is a problem.

“There is an argument that it might limit the ways space can be used in the future,” she said.

“I do think it’s important that soccer and other square playing fields can be accommodated informally for everyday people in that area.”

Sons of the West ready to kick off

It is almost the time of year for Sons of the West to kick off in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay for the 2024 series.

Sons of the West is a free health program for men aged 18 and over living, working and recreating in the west.

An initiative of the Western Bulldogs CommunityFoundation,the10weekprogram aims to improve men’s health and wellbeing through a series of workshops, presentations and healthy activities.

One Maribyrnong resident has enjoyed the program enough to return three times and counting. At 57 years old Charles Singleton believes the program is a great place for men from the western suburbs community to get

together and learn while socialising.

“It is very rewarding and I always recommend this program for men of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life,” he said.

“Itisawelcomingspacewhichisagreateasy environmenttoarmyourselfwithinformation on physical health and well being.”

For 40 year old Hobsons Bay resident BrandonTeo,hisfirstyearintheprogramwas a memorable one.

“It was better than expected, over time getting to know everyone and reconnecting with my fitness and my community achieved that,” he said.

“I have already recommended it to my neighbours and my friends because of the

camaraderie and the fitness.

“Butmostimportantlybeingabletoactually feel like a part of the community, that’s kind of the intangible side of it.

“I will definitely be doing it again.”

Hobsons Bay programs will begin at Laverton Community Hub commencing Tuesday, March12,andBrooklynCommunity Hall on Thursday March 14.

For Maribyrnong, the program will begin in Footscray on Tuesday March 5, at RecWest and Thursday, March 7 at MAC.

Register:https://www.westernbulldogs.com. au/foundation/programs/sons-of-the-west/ registration

Jennifer Pittorino

At the end of 2019, Ms Cafarella said residentswereforcedtoconcedethatcouncil’s consultation process has done its job.

“This is now an instance where they have gone ahead with something that hasn’t been consulted on,“ she said.

“They’ve spent money on putting it in place, but they don’t seem to have actually put this to the counsellors or the public to see whether it’s something that people want or don’t want.“

Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia

Haddock said a granitic sand track is being installed around the Lawn to create a high functioning area for the community.

“It will provide accessibility to park users, and create an alternative route and additional space for passive users while community events are occurring.”

Council signs statement

Maribyrnong council is the third local government body to join the list of signatories on the Darlington Statement. Council joins Banyule and Darebin councils on a growing list of signatories.

A joint consensus statement by Australian and New Zealand intersex organisations and independent advocates, the Darlington Statement was established in March 2017.

Maribyrnong council Mayor Cuc Lam saidcouncilispleasedtocontinuetoshow support for the LGBTIQ community.

“Council proudly became the third council in Australia to sign the Darlington Statement, affirming our commitment to advancing the needs of the Intersex and wider LGBTIQA+ community,” she said.

“By signing the Darlington Statement, council upholds the commitment laid out in the LGBTIQA+ Strategy and Action Plan to stand in solidarity with Australia’s Intersex community.

“We would also like to acknowledge the work of our Advisory Committee who advocated for council to sign the Statement.”

The Darlington Statement said it sets outtheprioritiesandcallsbytheintersex human rights movement in Australia and New Zealand under six headings.

A preamble, human rights and legal reform; health and wellbeing; peer support; allies; and education, awareness and employment.

Maribyrnong council has also endorsed its LGBTIQA+ Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2026 which outlines council’s work with LGBTIQA+ people in Maribyrnong which promotes opportunities for engagement, support, advocacy and partnerships.

Further nature strip consultation ‘disappointing’

Maribyrnong resident Debra Harding is again fearful over the future of her verge garden, following findings from council’s review of its Nature Strip Landscape Policy.

In its meeting on Tuesday, February 20, council received feedback from the community on the existing policy and endorsed the release of the draft policy for further community consultation, which Ms Harding said was “disappointing”.

Late last year, Ms Harding received notice from Maribyrnong council advising her she would need to remove her nature strip garden

in one week’s time or pay a $1000 fine per day.

To her relief in January, Ms Harding received notice from council that she was no longer required to remove the garden.

Council informed Ms Harding it would reassess after the review of the policy was addressed at a further council meeting, which would focus on permits.

Now that the meeting has taken place, Ms Harding is worried as she feels nothing has changed since prior discussions.

“In fact the process for getting a permit is probably stricter,” she said.

“It seems that nothing has really changed so I am disappointed and fearful for what will happentomygarden.Idon’tseehowformein my situation that anything’s changed as they don’t address gardens that are already there.”

The document revealed that opportunities have been identified to improve the permit process, however Ms Harding feels this doesn’t apply to her.

“We came to an impasse on many occasions with many conversations that I couldn’t apply for a permit because the garden doesn’t comply with the guidelines,” she said.

“It makes me fearful for my own garden and I am very sad for the municipality of Maribyrnong.”

Councillor Bernadette Thomas said there is a clear push for

change in the community.

“It shows there is an interest in planting nature strips, but there is also an appetite for change and for revising and reviewing the current guidelines and Policy,” she said.

Councillor Anthony Tran said “In terms of keeping our community informed, we need to ensure that all the permit applicants remain in line with the policy”.

Brandon Teo and Charles Singleton. (Damjan Janevski) 388081_01

Maribyrnong’s night of nights

By Jennifer Pittorino

More than 14 individuals and groups from Maribyrnong were recognised at Maribyrnong council’s annual Civic Awards ceremony.

Mayor Cuc Lam said the event, which was held on Wednesday, February 21, “gives us an opportunity to recognise our local heroes and show our appreciation to a wonderful group of nominees“.

“These inspiring people are the foundation of a community that cares about improving the lives of others in our municipality, and we thank you for your efforts that contribute to making our city a great place.”

Martin Wurt was named Citizen of the Year for his long dedication to removing trucks from Maribyrnong’s residential streets.

As president of the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group, council said Martin’s leadership has been instrumental in driving positive change.

“Beyond achieving policy changes, Mr Wurt’s collaborative approach has inspired the formationofotheradvocacygroups,”theysaid.

“Hisexpertiseanddedicationhasempowered others to take action, fostering a network of informed and engaged citizens.”

Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Helen Welch for her work with the Yarraville Community Garden lasting more than a decade. Serving as president, council said she embodies the heart and soul of the garden.

Farzad Ihaab Ahmad and Donna-Joe Newman were announced winners of the Youth Leadership Award.

Other recipients were:

•DukeStreetCommunityHouse–Community Strengthening Award

•Richard Tonelli – Active Maribyrnong Sporting Award

•Sher & Séo, Donna Sherwani – Enterprise

Maribyrnong Award New and Emerging Business Award

•Princess on Skates, Belle Hadiwidjaja –EnterpriseMaribyrnongAwardContribution to Business Community

•Anna Bourozikas and Jessie Deane – Arts Award

•Eleanor Clinic, Dr Antje Theilhaber –LGBTIQA+ Award

The East African Women’s Foundation, Quang Minh Buddhist Temple and Australia LightFoundationallsharedthemayoralaward. Establishedin2007,theEastAfricanWomen’s

Foundation is a community organisation serving Somali-speaking communities in the western suburbs. The Foundation’s aim is to reduce poverty, hardship, and isolation, assisting the community with food relief, cultural preservation, mental health support and more.

Council said Quang Minh Buddhist Temple extends beyond worship, serving as a vital community hub in Braybrook and Maidstone. The temple provides family and drug counselling, employment training, and meal services. Through its outreach programs and cultural events, the temple

promotes understanding and connection among diverse communities, bridging cultural divides and fostering a spirit of cooperation and harmony.

The Australia Light Foundation extends to neighbourhoods such as Footscray, Maidstone, Braybrook and beyond. Through mosque services, youth empowerment, women’s initiatives, education, and community engagement, council said they drive community development, cultivate spiritual reflection, nurture future leaders, encourage personal growth, and strengthen community bonds.

Some of the 2024 Civic Award winners with mayor Cuc Lam. (Supplied)

History sinks in Williamstown

By Jennifer Pittorino

Some Williamstown residents have been left saddened to see the remnants of the iconic Titanic restaurant taken down.

Described by one resident as a “local legend”, Titanic on Nelson has long been a gathering place for celebrations and events.

Jacqueline Travaglia grew up with the “amazing” restaurant, which is why she was devastated to see the chimneys come down.

“The iconic chimneys were removed and Williamstown residents have mixed feelings about the removal,” she said.

With rumours the restaurant is being restored to a pub, Ms Travaglia feels any renovation should include reference to the

building’s history as home to the famous restaurant.

“I think they should at least have a room dedicated to the Titanic as that pub’s history,” she said.

“It is nice to keep the remnants of each piece of its history and the Titanic is a big chunk of the history of the building.”

In December 2022 , Titanic on Nelson made way for new leasees, Robyn and Bill Mcinerey.

“The first thing the council said to us was that we had to remove all Titanic references,” Robyn Mcinerey said.

“We were very disappointed that everything had to go. We also have to take down the Titanic sign.”

As lessees, both Ms Mcinerey and

her husband feel that the removal of the memorabilia should be up to the owner of the building.

“It is not our building we are just leasing it so we had hoped they would need to do it through the landlord,” she said.

With little to no help from the owner of the building, Ms Mcinerey and her husband are struggling to pay for the costly removals.

“All these changes are costing us money when it shouldn’t because it’s got nothing to do with us,” she said.

“Wehavebeenclassifiedasarestaurantfora long time, we are a restaurant with live music.“

A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said the operator/occupier of the Titanic-themed restaurant ceased trading more than eight

Inclusive sport day in Braybrook

Come March, children living with disabilities will have access to a full day multi-sport event in Braybrook.

Maribyrnong council has partnered with Disability Sports Australia (DSA) and YMCA to deliver Variety’s Abilities Unleashed Kids for children aged five-18 years old.

DSA communications and participation coordinator Max Reilly said held all over Australia these events are a come and try style for all kids.

“This is our main program which we have run since 2016 which is specially for kids,” he said.

“Over the years there has been more of a demand to grow the program.”

After putting out expressions of interest to councils, Mr Reilly said Maribyrnong replied with eagerness.

“We quickly pounced on it and decided to runitinMarchwiththeirActiveMaribyrnong program,” he said.

“These days you just have to be there to understand how valuable it is, it’s a great day for the community all together.”

Mayor Cuc Lam said council is committed to providing opportunities for the community to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity.

“We are proud to be partnering with Disability Sports Australia and YMCA to deliver the Variety Abilities Unleashed Kids

Program,” she said.

“This inclusive event will create a fun environment for children with disability to participate in a range of sporting based activities.

“The program also provides a platform for localdisabilityserviceproviderstocollaborate and connect to children with disabilities.”

The event will be held on Tuesday, March 5, at RecWest in Braybrook.

Registration: https://www.maribyrnong.vic. gov.au/Events/Variety-Abilities-UnleashedKids-Program?fbclid=IwAR0Jmp8-cj72pPvMPXuJxpRWF3FO3OC23PGyT5kj4a_552j0-4lTDg1Yc

Jennifer Pittorino

months ago.

“The planning permit for the restaurant building requires all temporary building elements, including decor, to be removed when the ship theme restaurant ceases to operate,“ they said.

“All temporary building elements must be removed within six months of closure of the ship theme restaurant.

“The Planning and Environment Act makes both the owner and occupier responsible for complying with the planning permit.”

The building at 1 Nelson Place was listed for sale in January.

Star Weekly attempted to make contact with the owner, but was told by the real estate representativethat he didn’t wishto comment.

Funding pressure looms

Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell has warned neighbourhood houses will be under financial pressure and may be forced to cut back services if they do not receive a funding boost.

Throughout Victoria, including in MaribyrnongandHobsonsBay,thereare more than 400 neighbourhood houses which deliver vital services, especially in the regional areas. Ms Lovell there must beacommitmenttodelivertherequested $2.5 million for neighbourhood houses.

“Neighbourhood houses provide invaluable benefit to the community, and the government must do what is necessary to ensure these Houses remain sustainable into the future,” she said.

They provide services such as toy libraries and book swaps, English classes and internet access, Men’s Sheds and childcare, community gardens and communal lunches, arts and crafts, and food banks.

In a statement, Ms Lovell said these services are delivered by 5500 staff, and almost 7000 dedicated volunteers, who receive 10 million visits a year and give out 2000 tons of food relief. She said for a servicethatalreadyrunsonashoe-string budget, cost increases and a shortfall of funding seriously threaten the long-term sustainability of the program.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria has appealed for additional funding of $2.5 million to be shared across the network, and Ms Lovell spoke in parliament to support this request.

MsLovell’sstatementalsosaidindexed funding increases for neighbourhood houses are not keeping pace with real inflation, and without urgent support the food banks will soon have to start turning people away.

Cyclists welcome the reopening of Footscray bike path

Members from community group BikeWest are happy to be back cycling along Footscray Road,aftermonthsofclosuresleftthemcycling along an “unsafe” detour.

As previously reported by Star Weekly, the Footscray Road bike path was closed in September for works on the Westgate Tunnel Project.

It reopened for a short time in October, only to be closed again on November 3, due to the Maritime Union’s industrial action against DP World.

BikeWest said the Footscray Road bike path had been the main and safest way for members

to get into the city since the 1930s.

One western suburbs resident was pleased to see the road had reopened on February 14.

“I rode it straight away,” said BikeWest representative Matthew Way.

Since May, Mr Way has cycled to his new job in the city from Sunshine, travelling through Footscray.

“I have been cycling forever but this route only since I got my new job,” he said.

“Overall we are pretty happy that a safer route into the city is open.”

Mr Way said for many cyclists Dynon Road was the one substitute while Footscray Road

was closed, although it was not a “safe route.“

“For a lot of people Dynon Road was abit out of the way which was a hassle,” he said.

“And for me, I ended up having to ride down HopkinsStreetneartheFrancoCozzobuilding and that stretch is just so sketchy.“

Mr Way first joined BikeWest last year when it was organising the 2023 Critical Mass, now back for another year the Critical Mass advocated for the same issues.

“We hosted another Critical Mass to get safe infrastructure along Hopkins Street,” he said.

“The whole area just seems crazy to me, how little infrastructure there is along the Josephs

Road precinct.

“Now that the Footscray Road path is open, we can focus a lot more effort on advocating for that area.”

The Critical Mass was held on Friday, February 23 and saw over 200 people ride throughFootscray.ADepartmentofTransport andPlanningspokespersonsaid,“Weregularly review our network, including our cycling corridors, to identify potential improvements”. “We welcome feedback and will work with thecommunityonhowwecanfurtherimprove safety on our roads.”

Jennifer Pittorino

Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria Melissa Williams, Disability Sports Australia Max Reilly, Maribyrnong Mayor Cuc Lam. (Damjan Janevski) 388106_01

Invitation to join climate group

Members of the Maribyrnong community will soon have the chance to be a part of a new climate committee recently endorsed by council.

In its meeting on Tuesday, February 20, Maribyrnong council voted to establish a Climate Emergency Advisory Committee. Council said the committee will provide advice to council on issues and barriers relevant to achieving the goals and objectives of council’s Climate Emergency Strategy.

The committee will run for a two year trial period with a review at six months and a

second review at 18 months.

Councillor Simon Crawford said he has high hopes for the committee.

“Icertainlyhopethatbynowwe’reallaware of the challenges ahead of us with climate change, already having big impacts on this community,” he said.

“There’s a lot of expertise out there in the community, so I’m certainly hopeful that by developing this committee, we are able to bring some of that expertise in to assist with what we’re doing here at council.”

Councillor Bernadette Thomas said the

Celebrating all women

Hobsons Bay council is celebrating International Women’s Day with two events this year.

Council said these events will recognise the achievements of women in the community and business sector as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. Both events will be held on Thursday, March 7, the eve of International Women’s Day.

The first event, to be held at the Altona Meadows STEAM Centre, will feature a panel of inspiring local women who have made their mark in their respective STEAM areas. The speaking panel will include a number of speakers from different sectors.

Science: Dr Lorien Parker, founder of SciencePlay Kids, Technology: Dr Catriona Nguyen-Robertson, immunologist and science communicator, Engineering: Cr Tony Briffa, a specialistinaerospaceengineering,Arts:Nuala Furtado, chief executive of The Substation and forMaths:EmiMartin,headofmathematicsat

Laverton College.

Hobsons Bay Mayor Matt Tyler will host the event, which will include the panel sharing their STEAM journeys, a morning tea, and tours of the STEAM Centre.

The second event at Seaview Williamstown is a partnership between Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong councils. The lunchtime event will feature a keynote speech by Julie Hirsch, the co-founder of Eloments Vitamin Teas and Mullin Mulling Spices, and an award-winning social entrepreneur and innovator. This businessnetworkingeventwillbehostedbythe founder of AP Marketing Works, Ailsa Page.

As part of the IWD celebrations, an exhibition by artist Madison La Belle will feature on the flagpoles at Queen Street Skate Park in Altona Meadows as part of the Airtime public art project.

The exhibition is on until April 29.

Details:

https://events.humanitix.com/ international-womens-day-2024

addition of the committee was an “exciting” step in council’s climate response.

“Weknowwe’vegotanengagedcommunity aroundclimateissues,andIknowwe’llhavea lot of people interested,” she said.

“We increasingly receive questions around climate response and what actions we are taking locally to respond to the climate emergency.

“....So we are looking forward to seeing a variety of expressions of interest for people who are in on climate action, but also people neworwanttocontributeinavarietyofways.”

In 2019, council acknowledged that a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government.

Council endorsed the Climate Emergency Action Plan in April 2022.

An expression of interest process for membership of the Maribyrnong Climate Emergency Advisory Panel will be conducted, withafurtherreporttobepresentedtocouncil to recommend the selection of committee members.

Tuesday 12 March 3pm-4:30pm

RSVP

Madison La Belle and mayor Matt Tyler. (Damjan Janevski) 384013_05

Werribee’s ‘fantastic’ 100 club

As the population ages and medical advances continue, the chances of living to 100 are also increasing. But what are the chances of six centenarians living together in the one aged care home? Cade Lucas visited St Vincent’s Aged Care in Werribee to find out.

In terms of statements of the obvious, pointing out that aged care homes are full of old people ranks alongside revelations that water really is wet, bears actually do defecate in the woods and the Pope is very much a Catholic.

However, it turns out that while aged care residents are indeed old, they’re not always that old.

According to Debbie Ferreira, lifestyle coordinator at St Vincent’s Aged Care in Werribee, not many residents live to be 100.

“It’s not common,” said Mr Ferreira who has worked at St Vincent’s for three years and in the aged care industry for over 20.

“On average, just one or two people in the facility will be that age, if you’re lucky.”

If that’s true, then Ms Ferrieira and her colleagues better go buy lottery tickets because they currently have not one or two centenarians living there, but three times that amount.

“It’s amazing to have six in the same building,” she said “It’s very very rare. We’ve got80residentsandoutofthe80,we’vegotsix centenarians. Fantastic.”

So rare and so fantastic that Star Weekly was recently invited out to St Vincent’s Werribee to meet and interview members of its 100 club.

‘‘ I’m not into big parties, I just keep plodding along ’’ - Joyce Soulsby

All six were born between 1922 and 1924 so turned 100 within the last two years and alongwithsimilarages,shareoneothermajor characteristic in common: they’re all women.

“Women live longer” remarked a staff member matter-of-factly when Star Weekly pointed this out.

Unfortunately, one thing they don’t have in common is a willingness or ability to talk or pose for photos.

On the way to the lounge where I’m to conduct the interviews, I’m told that the oldest of the lot, 101 year old Moira Bowtell, wasn’t available. She wasn’t sick or asleep just not interest apparently. Oh well. When you’re going on 102, you can do what you like I suppose.

I’m then informed that Bendigo born Dorothy Martin was in hospital. This was a shame as it was also her 101st birthday, but was made even more disappointing when reading her bio and noticing that among her hobbies and interests was disco dancing. Me and Dorothy would have to trip the light fantastic another time.

Once in the lounge the first resident I see is another who clearly won’t be participating.

HungarianbornMariaSzlobpdaispropped up on a large bed/recliner, awake but nothing more. Staff tell me that the 101 year old is now non-verbal. She and husband Steve moved to Australia in 1956 and embarked on a life typicalofpost-warEuropeanmigrants.Maria worked for a textile company while Steve was a mechanic. They lived in Altona North and were active members of the local Hungarian community. After caring for Steve in his final years, Maria’s own health declined following his death and she moved into St Vincent’s soon after its opening in 2017.

Like Maria, Marcella Stangherlin was also a post-war migrant, arriving from Italy with her two brothers in 1949. However, Marcella not only retains the ability to speak, but is only too happy to do so, filling the room with her heavily accented voice, adding sound effects and gesticulations for good measure. Having only turned 100 in January she’s the second youngest of the group and her loud boisterous nature suggests as much. Marcella regales me with tales of her son Gus and late

husbandAngelo,whoshemetafterarrivingin Australia and with whom she ran a vegetable farm at Werribee South.

What did they grow I ask?

“Lettuce, cauliflower, sugar beet…..(long pause).....that’s all,” she laughed.

Later on they added a poultry farm, something Marcella doesn’t recall so fondly.

“Mama Mia” she exclaimed while waving her hand in front of her nose.

When I ask about the reason she left Italy for Australia, World War II, Marcella is equally animated.

“Oh my god, every night, nine o’clock, 11 o’clock, 12 o’clock, aeroplane, brroooooommmm” she recalled making the noise of Allied aircraft racing through the night sky.

“Bomba, boom, boom, boom, boom,” she continued with hand gestures of added effect.

While Marcella came to Australia to escape the war, Lydia Rintoull was living here during it and still remembers the moment it came to an end.

“Everything stopped at work,” recalled the 100 year old who was making stockings at the Holeproof factory on the afternoon in 1945 when news came through that the greatest conflictinhumanhistoryhadcometoanend.

“Everybody went into Melbourne and danced in the street outside the post office in Bourke Street. We stayed there till dark.”

It was a joyous moment in an otherwise joyless time for Lydia who moved to Melbourne from Yea when she was 16 and never warmed to city life.

“I hated it. I found it busy after living in a country town.”

Fortunately she didn’t stay long. After meeting Ron Rintoull on a trip back home for Christmas, they married and returned to the country to become farmers, first near Yea and then in Melton, where they lived until Ron’s passing shortly after their 70th wedding anniversary. Along the way they had four children, though tragically two of their three boys died young, leaving just a daughter and their eldest son who today lives in nearby Hoppers Crossing. As well as raising children Lydia raised dogs on the farm too, breeding dachshunds and seeing eye dogs, while her love of canines extended to supporting the

Western Bulldogs. Lydia was one of the first residents to move into St Vincents when it opened over five years ago and while enjoying the company, offered a blunt answer when asked if she’d like to hang around for a while longer.

“Oh I hope not,” she laughed.

Like Lydia, Joyce Soulsby also seemed rather non-plussed about the future.

Born in the Victoria goldfields town of Dunolly in May 1923, Joyce is technically not even a centenarian yet and didn’t seem aware she was about to become one.

“Maynextyear,”shenominatedwhenasked when the big day was before Debbie Ferreira reminds her, “this year, May this year.”

So was she excited about her 100th birthday being just three months away?

“Not really no,” Joyce deadpanned with the nasal drawl and tinder dry humour of someone who’s lived most of their life on the land.

“What about getting a letter from the King, you know Prince Charles,?” I ask.

“Ohbigthrills,”shechuckledbeforeadding: “I’ll just keep plodding along.”

It would become her stock answer to nearly all my inquiries.

Will she have a party when turns 100?

“I’mnotintobigparties,Ijustkeepplodding along.”

Did she have any regrets?

“No I just keep plodding along.”

Whatdidshemissaboutheryoungeryears”

“It doesn’t worry me I just go on day to day and plod along.”

What advice would she give to younger people?

“Work hard and plod along.”

In between answers Joyce did manage to fill out her life story. She and late husband Jack ran a sheep farm and raised five children, the youngest of whom, Glen, lives in Werribee and visits for lunch every Wednesday.

“Glen, oh he’s a card. Everyone knows him around here,” Joyce said, adding “he’s slightly handicapped, but he gets around. He’s good.”

Joyce enjoyed gardening and playing golf and bowls in her younger years, but after moving to St Vincents aged 97, she is now just happy to go outside in the fresh air.

To just plod along.

St Vincent’s Aged Care Werribee residents: Joyce Soulsby turns 100 in May, 100 year old Lydia Rintoull, and Marcella Stangherlin, who turned 100 on January 5. (Pictures: Jacob Pattison) 389357

Moira Bowtell is the oldest of the group, turning 102 in December. (Supplied)

Hungarian born 101 year old, Maria Szloboda.

101 year old Dorothy Martin was in hospital when Star Weekly visited. (Supplied)

Schools encouraged to help create more green spaces

Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong schools are invited to get involved in Greater Western Water’s (GWW) Trees for Schools program to help increase tree canopy cover and create more green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Up to 4000 native trees are available as part of the program, which GWW will distribute through an expression of interest process open to every primary and secondary school located in their service area.

Eligible schools will be given up to 50 trees, along with stakes and guards to protect the trees until they can grow independently.

Mapping and analysis has shown the western region currently has the lowest tree canopy cover in Melbourne at 5.5 per cent. In comparison, canopy cover in the eastern suburbs is 25.9 per cent.

GWW’s general manager of strategy and partnerships Kessia Thomson is encouraging all eligible schools to get involvedandcontributetoagreener,healthier western region and a more climate resilient future.

“Tree canopy improves air quality, cooling through shading and provides habitats for birds, insects and some mammals,” she said.

“The program will not only raise awareness about the benefits of green spaces and how trees help to reduce urban heat, but also provides an opportunity for an active learning environment.

“Students can participate in preparing sites, planting trees and doing general maintenance and watering.”

Ms Thomson said GWW hopes to build on the success of last year’s program where 27 schools in the region received more than 1000 trees to plant.

GWW’s service area covers the local government areas of Moorabool, Melton, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong,

Moonee Valley, Wyndham and Yarra, and parts of Hume, Macedon Ranges and Melbourne.

Students from Riddells Creek Primary School planting their trees in 2023 (Supplied).

REVITALISED HOMES & AMENITY SPACES

A NEW LOOK BRADMILL

A new place for home, shopping, catch-ups and more. Spanning 26 hectares, Bradmill Yarraville will be home to a unique and vibrant community.

Townhomes coming soon.

355 – 359 Francis St, Yarraville.

SCAN TO DISCOVER MORE

13 38 38 BradmillYarraville.com.au

Join us for the launch of Bradmill Yarraville with a day of food, fun, entertainment and coming together.

An event for all ages.

12 - 3pm, Sat 16 March.

355 – 359 Francis St, Yarraville.

Artist Impression – Bradmill Social (Boiler Lounge).

New Doutta Galla CEO to champion quality aged care

Doutta Galla Aged Care Services Limited (Doutta Galla) is delighted to announce the appointment of Glenn Rappensberg as its new Chief Executive Officer, who commenced in January 2024.

Glenn brings a wealth of experience, both clinical and administrative, from across the spectrum of human services and is dedicated to achieving the highest standards of care within aged care given the significant reform process currently underway. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding Doutta Galla through a period of exciting change and development to ensure continued excellence.

Boasting 35 years in the human services sector, Glenn’s expertise as a CEO spans health, disability, and community service environments, including local government. His impressive track record within the research community, coupled with his deep understanding of funding and regulations at all levels, positions him exceptionally well to navigate the evolving landscape of aged care.

“I’m honoured and thrilled to join Doutta Galla,“ said Glenn.

“This organisation has a rich history of providing exceptional care to all, regardless of background, and I’m committed to building upon that legacy.“

Glenn acknowledged the outstanding leadershipofVandaIaconeseandexpressedhis commitment to upholding the organisation’s core values of accessibility, inclusivity, and compassionate care.

Glenn recognises the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the implementation of the Rights-Based Aged Care Act and the new Aged Care Quality Standards. He assured the community that

Doutta Galla will actively engage in these changes and strive to exceed expectations.

“Retirees often face decisions about where and how to live during their retirement years”

Glenn said.

“With an ageing population, there’s a growing interest in housing options such as retirement villages, independent living units, and aged care facilities. However, availability, affordability, and the quality of these options vary, posing challenges for retirees and their families. Amidst these considerations, Queens Park Retirement Living in Moonee Ponds stands out as a very good choice, offering exceptional value. Its commitment to affordability without compromising on quality and location makes it a standout option in the landscape of retirement living.”

Glenn looks forward to collaborating with his team and welcomes their insights in shapingthefutureofDouttaGalla.Hebelieves in the collective strength of the organisation and its commitment to remaining a beacon of compassion, care, and community for years to come.

About Doutta Galla Aged Care Services

Doutta Galla Aged Services Limited is a not-for-profit organisation providing residentialagedcare,retirementliving,respite care, disability and in-home services across Melbourne and regional Victoria since 1991. It is a a non-denominational organisation committed to provide accessible, affordable and quality care, regardless of religious, socioeconomic and ethnic background. Staff aim to provide access to aged care services which are also inclusive of people with diverse experiences and backgrounds

CEO Glenn Rappensberg.

Federal funding for food relief

Charities across the western suburbs will share in $1.6 million in federal government funding to help them provide emergency food relief.

The funding announced last week is part of the $14.4 million Emergency Relief and Food Relief package delivered nationally to providers of essential items, such as vouchers, food, and clothing.

The charities in Melbourne’s west to receive funding are Sacred Heart Mission, Australian Multicultural Community Services,CommunityInformation&Support

Victoria, The Salvation Army, Uniting , Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency

Co-operative, CatholicCare and Anglicare.

Anglicare Victoria’s Emergency Relief Services Coordinator for the western suburbs, Suzanne Keil, said the funding was a welcome response to the increase in families and working Victorians who were reaching out to the agency for help.

“We know families in the west are feeling the crunch as the cost of everything rises, with our metro emergency relief programs seeing a 40 per cent jump in new families and individuals asking for our help,” Ms Keil said.

“A lot of these families, about 70 per cent, are private renters coming to Anglicare

Inclusivity hits the note

Live music venue Mama Chen’s is one of seven recipients of a state government grant to support deaf and disabled artists and audiences.

Since signing the lease on the Footscray venue two years ago, Em Chen and her mum (also known as Mama Chen) have wanted to make it a more inclusive space.

Applying for the Making Space Program, Mx Chen said the pair’s focus is to make the space as accessible as possible.

“A lot of music venues in Melbourne are not accessible, so that was a key thing for us,” they said. “We spent all of our savings on making the space accessible to the point it is now but there is always more than you do and we are working on that.”

With a ramp entrance already installed, as well as railings and an accessible bathroom,

the grant will mostly go towards better lighting.

“This grant is going to go towards better lighting on stage to benefit when we’ve got Auslan interpreters, they’re properly lit up and visible,” they said.

With the $50,000 grant, Mx Chen also plans on producing “high quality live streaming” for those who can’t make it out.

“Not everyone can actually get to the venue,soenjoyingthegigsandperformances from wherever you are is really important,” they said.

“The third part is better acoustic treatment throughout the bar since it is such an old building.

“We have had comments from different parts of the disabled community and always try to take on their advice and do what we can where we can.”

Victoria for help after a year of frequent increases and high rents.

Many people we see can’t afford their rent, but they can’t afford to move, so in desperation they find themselves depending on Emergency Relief support to survive.

“About one in every three people we’re seeing have energy bills they can’t pay or are falling behind on payment plans because they can’t cover rising energy costs.

One family said the other day they just don’t turn on their air conditioner anymore.

We’ve had some absolutely sweltering days in the west this summer, but the stress of

what it would cost them to run the aircon was too overwhelming.”

Anglicare, like the other charities receiving funding, operates throughout the western suburbs, including in Wyndham, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong. Susan Keil said anyone in those municipalities who was struggling to put foodonthetableandmakeendsmeet,should get in touch.

“We can connect you with all kinds of support, from that emergency relief to financial counselling, mental health and more. We’re here to help.”

Yarraville Festival is for all

It is almost time for thousands of Yarraville residents to come together and celebrate the community at the Yarraville Festival.

For more than 40 years the Yarraville Festival has delighted the community with a family friendly day entertaining for all.

President Con Frescos said the festival has been an integral Westside tradition, run by the community for the community.

The annual event blends creative artists, designers, stalls, activities, and food and drinks.

“We try to encourage all community community groups to come and show their wares,” he said.

Mr Frescos said these can include stall holders, entertainers and more.

The day will also feature a lot of music , performed by local talent.

“We encourage local bands to come in and

perform on some of our stages,” he said.

“We have a community space where all the community groups have come around and they come to perform for free.

“We have local choirs and local dance groups come in and perform.”

This year Mr Frescos said they are excited to be welcoming schools into the festival.

“We are encouraging all the primary and secondary schools to play on stage, as well as local DJ’s.

“So we are really trying to cater for everyone in that sense.”

The kids will also be kept entertained with face painting and other activities.”

“The festival is continuing to get bigger and better, we try to mix things up from the usual festivals so it is not the same thing and that’s what we are trying to do this year.”

The festival will be held on Sunday, March 10, at Woods St Precinct Yarraville.

Stewart Milne, Con Frescos, Anton Horvat (Ljubica

Em Chen at Mamma Chen’s. (Damjan Janevski) 389944_02

Lantern festival shines bright

The West Footscray Op Shop hosted its Lantern Festival of Dreams on Saturday, February 24 to celebrate the new year.

Manager Pradeep Tiwari said they had a great turnout on the day.

“It was a great turn out for our first event with over 300 people attending throughout the day,“ he said.

“Itwasputtogetherbyanamazingvolunteer group of Chinese migrant group of ladies from The Op Shop West Footscray.“

Mr Tiwari said the 800 handmade lanterns took six weeks to make.

“Probably the best part of the festival is the attendees who came and wrote a dream on a piece of paper,“ he said.

“We then planted those ‘dreams’ into a pot plant or tree which symbolises as that tree grows so does your dream blossom and flourish.“

Lisa, Winnie, Ella. (Supplied)

Townhomes designed with an eye to the future

Pioneer Townhomes, the first homes to hit the market at the iconic Bradmill Yarraville residential mixed-use development, will pay homage to the site’s industrial history and offer sustainable features to reduce environmental impact.

The townhomes span two or three storeys with three- or four-bedroom configurations to cater for energetic families, discerning entertainers, and those who cherish comfort.

Varied home designs offer numerous ways to enjoy the outdoor spaces, from either the balcony, winter garden or landscaped gardens.

Importantly, the homes place emphasis on sustainability in every aspect of the design. They include solar panels, watersaving fixtures and double glazing for high thermal performance.

These all-electric homes eliminate the need for gas, effectively reducing the reliance on fossil fuels for all Bradmill homes.

Each home is oriented to maximise light and provide adaptable living spaces to meet the demands of modern family life.

Many homes feature primary and secondary living areas on separate levels, assuring every lifestyle finds its niche. A secure garage and individual street entrance, provides an elevated sense of privacy with green landscapes consciously placed, immersingthe home in verdant surrounds.

Internally, a levelof customisation is offered with a choice of a colour palette in either the Indigo scheme, which features classic rich walnut brown or the Chambray scheme, with modern, light oak coloured finish.

Three-bedroom townhomes begin from $1,099,000* and four bedrooms from $1,575,000*.

Interested purchasers can learn more about the townhomes on offer at the Bradmill

Yarraville Block Party, a free, family-friendly event held at the development’s display suite at 355-359 Francis Street, Yarraville, on Saturday 16 March.

The Block Party is an opportunity to learn more about Bradmill Yarraville while also enjoyingcomplimentaryfoodanddrinkfrom a variety of food trucks, live entertainment,

PRIVATE SALE

Unit 4 - 42/44 PERCY STREET, NEWPORT. 3015.

Great starter for young adult or investment. Freshly repainted and renovated one bedroom apartment with B.I.Robes, ‘Daiken’ air-conditioner.

Comfortable lounge with gas wall heater, kitchen with plenty of cupboards, gas stove and mosaic tiles. Beautifully renovated bathroom and laundry facilities. New pure wool carpets in lounge and bedroom, new security door and carport. Situated opposite the Newport Lakes Reserve, a peaceful park surrounded by beautiful local birds, fish and native animals, with a very distinct separation from city life.

The unit is a stone throw away from the city. Situated walking distance to bus stop & shops. This unit is currently rented until end of September, 2024

Inspections strictly by appointment only.

street artist demonstrations, face painting, and more.

Sales staff will be on hand to provide further information and facilitate purchases at Bradmill Yarraville.

Register your attendance at the Block Party at www.bradmillbparty24.com.

For more information, visit www.bradmill-yarraville.com.au.

*This material and its contents (including prices and availability) are guides only and are subject to change without notice. Purchasers should rely on their own enquiries and the contract for sale.

PRIVATE SALE

Unit 2 - 1 EDWARD AVENUE, ALTONA NORTH. 3025.

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

Bright & cosy double storey town house with large garage.

Comprising: 3 bedrooms (2 with B.I.R. and air-conditioners). Open plan kitchen & dining area, lounge overlooking compact back yard / garden. All gas appliances, polished floor boards. Storage under stairs and outside water tank. Situated in the quiet pocket of Altona North, walking distance to Altona Gate Shopping Centre, West Gate Bridge and bus transport. Inspections strictly by appointment only.

LAUNDRETTE FOR SALE

Quality modern laundromat with the best brand: SpeedQueen machines.

- 20 machines (10 dryers and 10 washers);

- Top of the line machines able to wash up to 18kg in one load.

- Quick drying times due to extensive gas supply. Takings over $124,000pa

- Low rent $ 2,105 p/calendar month + outgoings; - Long lease, 5 years left + further term of 5 years

- Big premises - 61m2 - Has all that a modern laundromat needs: Card Readers (Tap & Go), Sec. Cameras & WiFi.

- Comes with a Coin Changer and 2 column Soap dispenser, TV, CCTV system with recording & monitoring on a mobile phone and the business web site.

- Good location, situated on a main road with great exposure. - Very stable business.

in centre of busy shopping strip.

Anexpertinsalesandfullylicensedsince 2002,Johngivesnothinglessthan100%, whetheritis asmallone-bedroomflatin Sunshineor athree-storeyofficebuildingin Footscray. Crossculturallinksarevitalforbusiness insuchanethnicallydiversearea.John believesthevalueshehasfromhisItalian backgroundaresimilartothoseofmany othercultures.Fromthemheunderstands theneedforconfidentiality,respect andtrustasthebasisforbusinessand friendships.

Resultsandexperiencearen’tonly measuredindollars,butit’s hardtogopast the$130millionworthofpropertyJohnhas broughttothebusinesssincestartinghis careerbackin1991.

Asmuchashelovesagoodchat,Terryisalso anexcellentlistener, somethinghesaysis indispensablewhenitcomestolookingafter clients.“Youcan’tsellpeople’spropertyifyou don’tlisten,” saysTerry, andhisclientscome tohimknowingthathe’s goingtokeeptheir needsandwantsfrontofmind. Hislocalknowledgeisanotherdistinct advantage.Terryhasworkedin Footscrayforhisentirecareer,bartwo years,soit’s safetosayheknowsthe arealike thebackofhishand.Nomatter howlonghe’sbeendoingit,Terryis alwaysstrivingtodobetterinhiswork —tonet abiggersale, exceedcustomer serviceexpectationsandmakethe buyingandsellingexperience apleasure forallinvolved.

School cleaners hung out to dry

By Zoe Moffatt

With the heat beating down on them, members from multiple unions proudly waved their flags and pumped their fists, calling for action from Education Minister Bed Carroll.

This follows an ongoing issue sparked by companies Serco and Tradeflex cutting contract hours and stripping cleaners of up to 60 per cent of their wage.

Thecompanieswereawardedschoolcleaning contracts by the state government at the end of last year.

UnitedWorkersUnionexecutivedirectorfor propertyservicesLyndalRyansaidthecleaners have been pushed into a disastrous situation.

“What these companies are doing, slashing hours, cutting corners, demanding hardworking cleaners to do more with less, is exactlywhycleanershavebeencampaigningto bring an end to this failed model,” she said.

“But instead, Minister Carroll has chosen to keep this privatised system, enabling companies to profit off the Victorian taxpayer by keeping cleaners on low wages and reduced hours.

“[Thishas]resultedinschoolsbeingleftdirty or forcing teachers to pick up the slack.”

Between speeches from cleaners and union members, the frustrated voices of many chanting ‘shame’ echoed up the steps of Parliament House.

Meanwhile driving around the city, a billboard truck called for Mr Carroll to ‘clean up this mess’.

Back on the steps protesting, school cleaner Ines Lizama said she worked as a leading hand cleaner at two schools before having her hourscut back in the changeover.

“I was devastated because I didn’t think it was going to go that far. I thought we were going to get… direct employment,” she said.

“What they have done is unbelievable. They have left everybody stranded, they haven’t got enough hours.

“I was a full timer and I’m now a part timer, and they have taken one school from me.”

As the crowd dispersed, they chanted a promise to Mr Carroll- they will be back. The

Gathered in front of parliament house, Victoria’s school cleaners, many of them from the west and north, united to protest a contract change which has slashed their hours and wages on Tuesday.

protest at Parliament House on February 20. (Pictures: Zoe Moffatt/ Star Weekly) 390049

School cleaner Ines Lizama.

Zoo welcomes rare species

Werribee Open Range Zoo is celebrating the birth of five precious scimitar-horned oryx calves – a rare species of antelope that was once teetering on the brink of extinction.

Thecaramel-coloured,wobblyleggedcalves have all been born in the last month and are slowly finding their feet on the zoo’s vast Savannah.

Werribee Open Range Zoo Savannah keeper Katie Jones said the new arrivals are a major conservation success as the species was extinct in the wild until December last year.

“Thankstointernationalbreedingprograms like the one we have at Werribee Open Range Zoo, numbers of this precious antelope have been steadily increasing after the species was declared extinct in the wild in 2000 by the ICUN Red List of Threatened Species,“ Ms Jones said.

“Thesenewcalvesarestilltinyandadorable, and they’re settling in so well with the rest of the heard.“

As the calves grow, zoo visitors can see them sitting together in a creche group, learninghowtowalkontheirwobblylegs,and evenrunningaroundwiththe’zoomies’inthe afternoon.

The calves are named after areas in Chad wheretheirspeciesnowsurvives.Theirnames are Dababa [pronounced Dahba-bah], Kobe [Koh-bee], Tibesti [Tib-es-tee] and Salali [Sah-lah-lee] - with the most recent calf still to be named.

Ms Jones said the calves will rapidly change in appearance as they grow.

“Lucky for the mothers, oryx are born with very tiny horns, which you can barely see,“ Ms Jones said.

“As they become adults, the ribbed, sharp horns will grow to curve all the way to their backs, which they use for scratching, protection from predators, sparring

and courtship.“

Scimitar-hornedoryxwereoncewidespread, with an estimated one million roaming across North Africa. However, overhunting, habitat destruction and competition with domestic livestock eliminated the antelope from their natural range by the early 1990s.

After international breeding efforts by more than 200 zoological institutions,

oryx were down-listed to endangered, with approximately 600 individuals now thriving in a protected reserve within Chad.

Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors have an opportunity to see these precious oryx calves each day and also after the sun sets during the Sunset Safari experience, which is running each Saturday from 5.30pm to 9pm until March 9.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Holy Family Parish

The Holy Family Parish in Maidstone is hosting an Alpha Night. Free meal and chance to chat. People from all backgrounds, faith, and walk of life are welcome.

Every Wednesday from March 6, to May 22, at 6.45pm – 8.45pm, at Holy Family Parish Small Hall 15 Lyons Street Maidstone.

■ Angelo Ramnac 0409 406 611 or aramnac@bigpond.com

Dementia Alliance Forum

The Hobsons Bay Dementia Soaring Falcons Alliance is hosting its first free Dementia-Friendly Forum. Attendees can come to increase understanding and inclusion, learn about dementia, gain practical tips, speak to those with experience and build a plan to make things better.

It will be held on Friday, March 15 from 10am to 12pm at the Civic Centre Altona, followed by a free morning tea.

■ 0432 161 777

Golf Day

The Young Achievers Foundation Inc are hosting a golf day at the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club on Friday 15 March, 2024. You can book as an individual player and the Foundation will put you in a team of 4, or gather your friends to make your own 4-ball. The day will finish with dinner, entertainment, auctions and raffles. The cost is $150 per person and golf carts may be available for an additional $50 (2 golfers per cart).

■ Sam: 0438 423 425 or yaf3030@ gmail.com

Kangatraining

Kangatraining workouts include both cardiovascular endurance/flexibility and muscular capacity/strength training. Babies are worn on mums during the class designed for mums to meet mums. Run weekly on Thursday’s until March 21, from 10-11am at the Maribyrnong Community Centre 9 Randall St Maribyrnong. Cost: $10/ session; $6 concession ■ 90324305 or email: maricomm@ maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Charity Golf Day

Hobsons Bay Community Fund will be holding their ninth Annual Charity Golf Day on Wednesday 20 March, hosted by Kooringal Golf Club. Sponsors, players and supporters are welcome to join the fun and support the Hobsons Bay community. https://events.humanitix.com/hbcf2024

Mouth Organ Band

Yarraville Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members - players or beginners. Band practise is held on Friday evenings at 8pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. For great music in a friendly atmosphere feel free to call in one Friday evening.

Heather 9399 2190 or email ymob1933@yahoo.com.au

Willin Wimmin choir

Enjoy health and wellbeing benefits with group singing. New members are always welcome at WiIlin Wimmin women’s choir in Williamstown. No audition involved. We sing contemporary, folk, choral and world repertoire in acapella style. We meet on Wednesday evenings during school terms, 7.30 - 9.30pm at The Bridge Church hall, 119 Douglas Pde Williamstown.

■ More information at our website willinwimmin.org.au or contact us at willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Boxing

Maribyrnong Boxing Club has reopened.

New and former members of the Maribyrnong Community Youth Club are welcome to attend training sessions on Monday 6pm-8pm, Thursday 6.45-7.45pm and Sunday, 10-11am. Boxing for fitness classes, beginners, youth, adults and also competition available. The club premises are located under the Grandstand on Maribyrnong Reserve, on the corner of Hortense Street and Middle Road, Maribyrnong

■ nugara.david@hotmail.com or 0413495836

Walking Football (soccer)

For anyone aged 50 & over, we have participants in their 70s. Any fitness level – no running allowed. This is a social activity for fun & a bit of exercise, no experience necessary. Supported by Hobsons Bay Council & Football Victoria, this is a free activity each Wednesday Morning from 10am to 11am indoors at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive (Queens Rd), Altona.

■ Mike 0423-291-708.

Small steps walking group

Are you looking for a fun and social way to stay active? Join the Braybrook Community Hub walking group. Get some fresh air, make new friends and enjoy the benefits of walking. Or come for social connections, bikkies and a cuppa every Wednesday between 10.30-11.30am.

■ Lynne, 9397 6168

Palliative volunteers needed Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com. au

Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble

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

Alcoholics Anonymous – Williamstown 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, 10.15-11am. New members are welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea.

■ 9397 6168

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

Musicians wanted

Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? The Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am-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-3pm, at the Altona Library.

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

Free Willy Walking group

A free walking group meets every Wednesday, during school terms, at 10.15am and 11am from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Free community morning tea

A free community meeting tea occurs every Wednesday at 11am 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 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Each week is a different week with 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

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, email outlets@ outletsco-op.com.au

Laverton Community Education Centre

Laverton Community Education Centre has started free AMEP classes in Williamstown Community Education Centre at the Joan Kirner House, onTuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-3pm. Participants can build English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

■ 9369 2726

Altona Repair Cafe

The Altona Repair Cafe are looking for more repairers to help meet community demand for repairs at their monthly repair events! We are particularly looking for people with skills in repairing electricals and textiles! Repair cafes happen on the first Saturday of the month, noon-3pm.

■ Danielle 0413 434 082

Social card games

Interested in playing social card games? Canasta, poker and/or others. Weekday mornings or afternoons at 43 Mason St, Newport.

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Harlene Del Rosario who will be modelling and speaking at an upcoming International Women’s Day event (Damjan Janevski). 389767_01

No.

To

ACROSS

1 Cicatrix (4)

3 New comers to the nation (10)

10 Marriage (7)

11 Sloping type (7)

12 Inventoried (8)

13 Publication (5)

14 Uncommon (4)

15 Bypass (10)

18 Process of change (10)

20 Help (4)

21 Homeland of Sachin Tendulkar (5)

23 Distinguishing badges (8)

26 Dizziness (7)

27 Ships (7)

28 A release of information (10)

29 Holy song (4)

DOWN

1 Cut (4)

2 More than one auditorium (9)

4 Provisional (9)

5 Homerian epic (5)

6 Practical view (7)

7 Fasteners (5)

8 Possibly guilty (9)

9 Composition in verse (4)

14 Recovered (9)

16 Bridge (9)

17 Elusively (9)

19 Having three dimensions (7)

22 Game of skill (5)

23 False gods (5)

24 Huff (4)

25 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

DECODER

No. 174

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS CAR CIA EKE ERA EWE GIN HEM HEW HUE ITS NEW OWE OWN PLY

4 LETTERS

9-LETTER WORD

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

12 words: Good

18 words: Very good

25 words: Excellent

No. 174

1 On which beach was the world’s first surf lifesaving club founded?

2 Susan Sarandon (pictured) caught pneumonia while filming a swimming pool scene in which 1975 cult classic?

3 In Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, which of Andy’s toys is also a piggy bank?

4 The board game Settlers of Catan features tiles that are what in shape?

5 True or false: clouds are weightless?

6 How many realms are there in Norse mythology and cosmology?

7 The Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves are all teams in which sport?

8 What are the two types of pool boards used in Olympic diving events?

9 The Scream, a 19th-century composition, was painted by which Norwegian artist?

10 Which former US president is in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame?

No. 174

No. 174

General Notices

Trades & Services Employment

Planning and Environment Act 1987

MARIBYRNONG PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of Approval of Amendment Amendment C162mari

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C162mari to the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme. The Amendment came into operation on 22 February 2024, which is the date notice of its approval was published in the Victoria Government Gazette.

The Amendment implements the land use and built form advice of the West Footscray Neighbourhood Plan in the West Footscray Neighbourhood Activity Centre and adjacent Barkly Street East and West Footscray Railway Station precincts. It amends Clause 21 in the Local Planning Policy Framework and the Schedule to Clause 66.06 (Notice of Permit Applications under Local Provisions), amends Schedules 7 and 8 to Clause 43.02 (Design and Development Overlay) and applies them to a broader area, inserts and applies a new Schedule 3 to Clause 32.08 (General Residential Zone), and extends the Commercial 1 Zone and Mixed Use Zone. The Amendment also applies the Environmental Audit Overlay to sites of existing or potential contamination.

A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Transport and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the Amendment documentation. A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, during office hours, at the Footscray Library at 56 Paisley Street, Footscray, and on the Council’s website at www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

STUART MENZIES

Director, State Planning Services Department of Transport and Planning 12672402-JB10-24

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT BRAYBROOK WITH 5G

Optus plans to upgrade the telecommunications facility at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment:

4 South Rd, BRAYBROOK VIC 3019 (RFNSA: 3019003)

The proposed upgrade consists of -

•Installation of three (3) new panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m long);

•Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment including RRUs, antenna mounts, GPS antennas, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and

• works within the existing equipment shelter.

Optus regards the proposed installation as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the descriptions above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020

Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposals. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Sophie Deng at 0427 459 605, or via email at Optus.submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Centre, Level 3, Tower B, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2167, by 5pm, Monday 18 March 2024.

If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au 12673058-MP09-24

E-power X-Trail a hybrid beauty

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

The term e-POWER is Nissan’s take on hybrids.

InthecaseofX-Trail,it’sNissan’scompetitor for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a car so popular there’s a two-year waiting list.

It’s a little different from the system offered by other manufacturers and made its debut in themedium-sizedSUVatthebeginningoflast year.

The X-Trail ST-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE is the cheapest of the X-Trail hybrids and comes as a five-seater with all-wheel drive.

Styling

Signature design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grille have been enhanced by a unique grille treatment for e-POWER models.

The grille is framed by striking headlights that appear moulded within the bodywork of the front bumper, with combined daytime runninglightsandindicatorsnestledalongthe shut-line of the bonnet.

ST-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE is priced from $49,990 before on-road costs.

That’s from $3200 to $6300 more than its petrol-powered equivalent, but you can’t quite compare apples with apples.

The conventional five-seat petrol model is two-wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive version comes with seven seats. Gotta love those tricky marketing people.

There’s also e-Power Ti at $54,690 and the Ti-L at $57,690, also five-seaters.

ST-L e-POWER has a premium feel thanks to synthetic leather and two-zone climate air, with heated front seats, a leather-clad wheel, power-adjust driver seat and darkened rear privacy glass.

Itrideson18-inchwheelswithLEDheadand tail lights, along with LED daytime running lights and automatic high beam, as well as auto lights and wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror plus auto-fold, power-adjust heated mirrors.

X-Trail comes with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty plus five-year roadside assistance, with service intervals pegged at 12 months or a tightish 10,000km.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio (but no navigation).

Ti and Ti-L get satnav, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless charging.

There are four USB ports: USB-A and USB-C in the front and charge only USB-A and USB-C in the back, with 12-volt outlets in the front and luggage area.

Engines/transmissions

The e-POWER with e-4ORCE system is comprised of a high-output 2.1 kWh battery together with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three cylinder variable compression petrol engine, power generator, inverter and twin electric motors – 150kW for the front and 100kW for the rear (with a combined system output of 157kW).

All-wheel drive comes courtesy of front and rear electric motors, but like most SUVs it operates predominantly in two-wheel drive most of the time with drive to the front-wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.

Safety

Five-star safety includes seven airbags, including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

There’s also autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS).

A digital around view monitor provides

moving object detection, with front and rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.

Without the initial start-up noise of a petrol engine, an acoustic alert system warns pedestrians that the car has begun to move.

Isofix child seat anchors are provided for the outsiderearseats,aswellastethersforallthree rearseatsandrearseatalertpreventskidsfrom being left behind in the car.

Driving

ThebigdifferencebetweenNissan’shybridand the others is that the petrol engine does not power the wheels.

No, sir. The petrol ICE is used only to produce electricity which powers the electric motors that turn the wheels.

That makes it a series hybrid, as opposed to a parallel hybrid like the Toyota Prius (sorry, forgot, they don’t do Prius anymore, at least not here).

Under heavy acceleration or when the battery is low on charge, however, the petrol enginewilldeliverpowernotjusttothebattery – but to the electric motors.

The beauty of this system, according to Nissan, is that the petrol engine is always able to run within its ideal rev range, not forced to lug or over-rev madly as in conventional cars.

In reality the e-Power system feels a little weird and, in our experience, makes some strange noises from time to time.

In fact, it feels more like an electric vehicle than a petrol-powered one, which it is in a way.

Thanks to drive being provided by the electric motors, Nissan says there’s no delay in acceleration as with an ICE or traditional hybrid.

The instant response delivers exhilarating acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier.

Again, in reality, the response isn’t quite as instantaneous or as thrilling as promised, but it is relatively brisk.

In fact, it feels faster than the claimed 7.0 seconds from 0-100km/h. However, it can delivertorquetotherearwheelswhenrequired up to 10,000 times faster than mechanical all-wheel drive.

A drive and terrain mode selector offers five different modes: Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road.

With a 55-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km using premium 95 unleaded and it generates 139g/km of CO2.

In comparison the 2.5-litre petrol version uses 7.8L/100km (of standard unleaded).

Maximum braked towing capacity is 1650kg, down 350kg on the petrol version.

It’s pretty quiet in the cabin of the X-Trail, thankstothefactthatthepetrolenginedoesn’t have to work hard.

For example, at 40km/h, Nissan says the sound level in the cabin is 8dB lower than competitors (it doesn’t say which).

A switch in the centre console enables one-pedal driving that slows the car as soon as the driver reduces pressure on the accelerator, slowing the car down to a creep – but not to a complete stop.

It takes the tedium out of constantly switching between brake and accelerator in stop-start city driving as well as turning corner to corner country driving into a new experience.

And, in case you’re wondering, lifting off from the accelerator activates the brake lights, warning drivers behind you.

In Sport mode with one-pedal driving selected, the e-Power X-trail feels lively and almost fun to drive.

It makes short work of hills and remains reasonably tied down in corners, albeit with a bit of tyre squeal.

ST-L misses out on a customisable, fully digitised instrument cluster, but the conventional dials are large, clear and easy to read.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

ST 2WD $36,750

ST AWD 7 seat $37,790

ST-L 2WD $43,190

ST-L AWD 7 seat $46,290

ST-L AWD 5 seat e-Power hybrid $49,990

Ti AWD $49,990

Ti AWD e-Power hybrid $54,190

Ti-L AWD $52,990

Ti-L AWD e-Power hybrid $57,190

SPECIFICATIONS

Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE, five-seat wagon

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

It’s interesting to note that many drivers prefer to switch their digital clusters to show a pair of old-style analogue dials anyway, which makes customisation kind of superfluous.

We’re big fans of adaptive cruise control, but the current Nissan system is a struggle.

Setting the speed is easy and so is adjusting the distance to the car in front, but actually activating it is a matter of trial and error.

The gap to the car in front by the way is still too large and does not deter aggressive drivers from cutting in.

We were getting 6.8L/100km short-term which dropped to 6.4L/100km after 2000km of mixed driving.

Summing up

Hmmm . . . Not quite sure what to make of the e-Power idea.

The whole point of the hybrid exercise has been as a bridging mode to full electrification, designed to reduce fuel consumption and harmful engine emissions.

While it provides a lively drive experience, the e-Power X-Trail can’t match the RAV4 for emissions or fuel consumption, but at least it gives buyers a hybrid option and point of difference from competitors.

However, is it enough? Friends have a RAV hybrid and have been getting 5.7L/100km as regular as clockwork.

e-Power ... pricey but different in a good way.

Footscray United has secured its future in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 competition with a win against West Coburg St Andrews.

Having had three straight promotions, this season was a lot tougher for the Bulldogs following a number of player changes and a coaching change.

The results haven’t been the same as they have been the last few seasons, but a win on Saturday means they will remain in division 1 next season.

Bulldogs coach Syde Hussain said they were relieved to have done enough to stay up.

“Wehavebeenstrugglingthisyear,”hesaid.

“Something has gone our way.

“We had the same combination for the last three to four years that went through and won back-to-back premierships.

“It’s a different new crew this season with a new captain. It was going to take some time learning the players and their strengths and

weaknesses.

“It takes time and that has been the challenging part as a coach and for the committee.”

On Saturday, the Bulldogs beat bottom side West Coburg St Andrews.

The Redbacks had made 151 on day one of the match.

The Bulldogs had to work hard on Saturday to come away with the win, with Sanju Jayasekara showing his class.

The Bulldogs hit the winning runs at 7-161 having earlier been 1-78.

Jayasekara finished on 100 not out to guide his side to victory.

Hussain said that Jayasekara had dug them out of a hole to get them over the line.

The Bulldogs now sit seventh on the ladder with three wins heading into the final round.

The Bulldogs face Sunshine in the final round.TheCrowsneedawinintheone-dayer to ensure they make finals.

Bulldogs lock in divison 1 future Preparations going well

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons are throwing the combinations around as they look to prepare for all situations in the Victorian Netball League championship season.

Last season’s premiers have kept a large chunk of the premiership team, but have added some key pieces and will have a new look defence.

Throw in some uncertainty about whether any of their shooters will get called up to fill twoSuncorpSuperNetballvacancies,it’sbeen a busy few weeks for the Falcons.

FalconscoachMargLindsaidtherewasstill a lot of unknown about this season, which has a new-look competition.

“We’ve been pretty busy with match play and getting a bit more structure,” she said. “It’shardtosay[wherewe’reat],it’sdifferent to see so many new faces.

“I thought we were well prepared.”

The biggest unknown for the Falcons at the moment, is whether any of their shooters will get call ups to the top competition.

The Melbourne Vixens have a shooting spot open with Mwai Kumwenda announcing her pregnancy, while Mavericks goaler Sasha Glasgow, broke her leg in a practice match.

Falcons recruit Shimona Jok [nee Nelson] and Uneeq Palavi are both training partners for the new Mavericks Super Netball side.

Jok spent five seasons with the former Collingwood side and was one of the Super Netball’s top shooters.

Lind said they and the players were unsure what was happening at the moment and whether they would get the opportunity to step up.

“WesignedanextrashooterinGennaOgier as we new Maddy Gray was pregnant last year,” she said.

“In hindsight it’s a really good decision.” Lind said Jok had fitted in really well and was enjoying the opportunity to play some goal attack out the front of Jane Cook.

Defensively it will be a slightly different looking defence.

Sui Sui has joined the club while Melissa? Has returned after 12 months off with a knee injury.

“We’ve got options with Achel Yout in the under-23s who has been doing some match play, we’re keeping an options open “Sussu Liai has been a good pick up and Melissa Oloamanu and Lucia Fauonuku are a tried combination. Sophie Hanrahan has a bit more confidence after last year.”

Lind said they had been trying Fauonuku in goal defence not just in the midcourt with Chelsea Imanisani stepping up, while Maggie Lind had been playing a bit more centre in the pre-season.

Lind said their under-23 side would be

Hussain said they wanted to finish the season on a high.

“We’ve had an eye on the last three rounds and had a real focus on it,” he said. “We’re looking forward to trying to win this final game.

“The guys want to finish in a good way.”

In other matches, Altona North lost to PEGS.

Altona North had made 132 on day one of the match. PEGS finished 8-257 having decided to bat out all of day two.

Nathan Patrick took 3-46 for Altona North to be the pick of the bowlers.

Altona North, which sits in sixth spot, quotient points ahead of Footscray United, faces West Coburg St Andrews in the final round.

Tara Murray

an unknown quantity, with that age group playing for the first time this season.

Lind said they would get a better idea of where they sit with both sides the first month of the season.

“We generally don’t start well,” she said.

“As a club we didn’t perform until round four or five. We normally don’t do as much match play, so we fire at the right time of the season. “We have some tough ones first up. We’ll have to start better than last year.”

Finals race down to the last round

The race for finals spots in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield will go down to the final round.

While the Altona Roosters and Grand United have both already secured their toptwospots,theothertwospotsareup for grabs.

West Newport sits in third spot on 42 pointsandnetrunrateofthefourteams fighting for spots.

The Lions were unable to get an outright win against Tullamarine on Saturday, having already claimed first innings points.

The Lions made 7-215 in reply to 93. The Demons finished 4-143 in their second innings.

A win for the Lions in the final round will seal a finals spot.

A win for Williamstown CYMS will also be enough for it to play finals. The CYs sit in fourth spot on 38.

The CYs got themselves back into finals contention with an outright win against Sunbury.

Having bowled the Roar out for 97, the CYs declared at 8-150. The Roar struggled with the bat, bowled out for 94 in its second innings.

The CYs struggled to get the winning runs, but did enough to finish 7-43.

Ben Johnson took nine wickets for the CYs across both innings.

Newport-Digman and Greenvale Kangaroos both sit two points behind and will need results to go their way if they’re to play finals.

Newport-Digman dinted the Kangaroos finals hopes and kept its hopes alive on Saturday, winning their two-day clash.

The Bulls were able to restrict the Kangaroos to 119 before making 7-191 to win the match and remain in finals contention.

In other matches, Grand United beat Royal Park Brunswick, which avoided an outright defeat, while the Altona Roosters beat Keilor Park outright.

In the final round, Williamstown CYMS faces Grand United, Altona Roosters host the Greenvale Kangaroos, West Newport plays Sunbury, Tullamarine plays Newport-Digman and Keilor Park faces Royal Park Brunswick.

All matches are one-dayers.

Daniel Deasy (Jacob Pattison)369526_03

Sophie Hanrahan will build on last season. (Robbab Photography)

Promotion signs are good for Williamstown

Williamstown is hoping that 2024 is the year it can finally escape FV state league 3 north-west.

The club has been in the top four of state 3 since the 2019 season without managing promotion. However, with a new coach at the helm and a positive off season, football director Jason Drozdek said he’s hoping this year it’s Williamstown’s turn to hit state 2.

“We’ve been close for the last four or five years and every year there’s a few other clubs that make a push for it and we’ll be in the mix again,” he said.

“We’re hoping to go up but we’re going to have to rely on a little bit of luck with injuries and suspensions. If all goes well on that front we should definitely be in the mix at the top of the table again and if the cards fall our way at the end of the year, remains to be seen.”

Drozdek said having the experience of new coach Steve Iosifidis on board will only help

the club’s chances.

“Culturally he fits like a glove, he just needs to get his head around all of the new faces that he’s come across,” he said.

“A few of our boys have been at the club for a while so it’ll take some time for him to get accustomed to all the boys at the club.

“But he’s been going well, he’s an experienced guy and been around the traps, he’s brought that experience and knowledge to the club and it’s pretty evident during his training sessions.”

Another thing working in the club’s favour is the minimal list turnover they have had over the offseason, with not many leaving and players arriving from higher divisions.

“We’ve retained the majority of the core squad and then we’ve added a few players in positions where we were lacking,” Drozdek said.

“We’ve brought in five or six new players,

mainly who were on the fringes of clubs in higher leagues or clubs that maybe weren’t doing so well and they were starters there but are after a fresh change… no big names, a few young kids.”

Alongside preseason are the Australia Cup games the club has been a part of. In the first round Williamstown passed Lara with ease winning 4-1, over the weekend the club played Barwon again having a convincing victory, winning 3-0.

The club will face the Uni Hill Eagles on Saturday, March 9 for the round three clash.

While Drozdek said he appreciates the competition, the matches are more so being used to prepare the side for the upcoming league matches.

“We’re treating these games as preseason practice matches in preparation for the season ahead,” he said. “So we’re not reading too much into the results in the cup.”

Gordon’s big decision

By Peter Howe

This month’s Don Deeble Sports Star Award nominee Mia Gordon might have some tough decisions to make over the coming years.

The 16-year-old is still in the Western Jets under 18 training squad hoping for a spot in their final team for 2024, but also part of Cricket Victoria’s Vic Metro under 16 emerging players squad.

The scholarship holder at Maribyrnong Sports Academy has spent three full years in the under 16 program and is hoping for a spot in the under 19 program.

“I really enjoy playing both sports and all of my coaches are very supportive of me playing the two sports at the moment,” Gordon said. “Cricket is number one, but AFL is right up there.”

Gordon grew up playing both football and cricket for Caroline Springs, where she has played over 100 games in both sports for the club. She has now amassed over 240 games of cricket for her pathway clubs.

Gordon is growing up with three brothers and her parents, all of whom played cricket in the summer and Aussie rules football in the winter.

“My parents are great role models, they are

the best, their message to all of us is to enjoy what you do and be the best you can be,” she said.

“I was eight years old when I realised I could get a Macca’s voucher if I played cricket and played well. That was my incentive to join up and play.”

Gordon was extremely disappointed to learn that the vouchers were not on offer after she joined but loved the game so much, she kept at it.

“I played in the Caroline Springs U11 boys’ team, I preferred to play against the boys because I saw it as more of a challenge early on,” she said.

Gordon was fast tracked and identified as a talented cricketer and was soon in the Victorian Metropolitan Representative under 12 team as a 10-year-old. She was then added to the under 14 and under 15 Youth Premier League Series. Soon the recruiters came knocking again and she was added to the Cricket Victoria under 15 Development Squad filling in a game as a twelve-year-old.

Gordon’s biggest break was to be selected in the first XI Premier Cricket team at Essendon Maribyrnong Park Cricket Club, aged 13.

“It was surreal,” she said.

“I was playing in a senior team with Australian cricketers, Molly Strano and Elyse Villiani. I put my quick progression down to playing with strong mentors and under good people who only wanted the best for me.

“I have had so much support from Rob Ward, George Shaw, Libby Howe and Alison Whan as coaches from the beginning. My work ethic is to train how you play and my desire to be the best I can be for the team.”

Gordon has recently returned from the under 16 National Carnival in Hobart, where she opened the batting for Vic Metro and was the team’s most valuable player for the tournament.

“We won the championships for the first time in 14 years,” she said. “It was a great experience and I wish I could play the high level games every week.

“Everyone in the team knew their role and understood the game plans. It feels great when those plans come to fruition and everyone in the team just clicks.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

Sports shorts

Coates Talent League

The Coates Talent League boys and girls competitions will kick off at the end of March. The boy’s season will commence on the weekend of March 23, with six matches scheduled across the opening round. The Western Jets will kick off their season against the Northern Knights at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday morning. Round one for the girls will be played over two weekends starting with an Easter Thursday match, with the Jets having a bye.

Western United

Kathrine Larsen has bolstered Western United’s A-League Women’s squad with the Danish goalkeeper joining the club until the end of the 2023-24 season. Larsen was part of the Denmark squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, featuring on the bench in all four matches. Larsen has extensive experience at club level throughout Scandinavia, most recently playing for Danish giants Brondby. After arriving in the west, Larsen said she can’t wait to get to work and is looking forward to helping United’s push for silverware in the A-League.

VTCA

Yarraville Club has locked in coach Mitch Johnstone for another three Victorian Turf Cricket Association seasons. Johnstone was appointed coach at the club in the middle of 2020 before being reappointed for another three season in April 2022. The club announced last week that he would be in charge for another three seasons. The Clubbers sit second on the the senior division ladder heading into the final, having beaten Deer Park on Saturday.

NPL

Altona Magic’s match with the Oakleigh Cannons has been rescheduled after it was called off in the first half. The Magic was done 3-0 when a clash of heads resulted in a Magic player needing medical assistance. An ambulance was called the game was called off. In a statement, Football Victoria said the match was abandoned and it will be replayed in full at a future date.

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Williamstown (Joe Mastroianni). 271085_07

Footscray end the season well

Footscray finished its Victorian Premier Cricket season with another promising performance on Saturday, knocking off fourth placed Casey South Melbourne.

On day one of the clash, the Dogs were sent in to bat and after a shaky start with two of their best batsmen falling early. It was left to young guns Aiman Nadeem (93) and Mitch Jamieson (45) who piled on a strong 120 run partnership to get the innings back on track.

After finishing on 7-279 after only 94 overs the Dogs had the option to bat out the remaining six overs on Saturday morning. With Dylan Kight (61*) and Jay Vine (26*) still at the crease, coach Dale McDonald said they were always probably going to bat on.

“Given we knew that there was a state second XI game there last week so the ground was a lot quicker and the wicket was probably

a lot flatter,” he said.

“To get 10 wickets on that ground was a feat in itself, so you have to put some scoreboard pressure on there and obviously that meant we would need to bat on and get some more runs.”

The Dogs ended up getting bowled out for 311 in the 100th over. Kight finished on 84 and Vine 31.

With the ball the Dogs worked hard, with Vine leading the way with 4-67. Casey were unable to chase the Dogs down, finishing 81 overs on 7-277.

Following last season’s straight-set finals exit, club greats Dean Russ and Dan Sartori left the club. However, after a full season with a new looking list, including featuring 10 debutants in the first XI McDonald said he is comfortable with where the club is at.

Footscray ended the year with a six win, six loss record.

“There’s still a bit of work to be done for next year but I think the club’s in a really good position, knowing that we’ve had ten debutants come through and they can hold first XI positions going forward,” he said.

“There’s not a hell of a lot that we would actually need to change, when you lose those senior players that we have lost, it actually fast tracks the development of other players and not just in the first XI.

“From fours to threes, threes to twos and twos to ones, those guys then have to work a bit harder and get a greater understanding of what it takes to play at that higher grade, so it will certainly hold us in good stead moving forward.”

Vikings are in box seat

By Tara Murray

Altona has just about secured its Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west finals with one round to go.

The A’s sit in sixth spot, a game and percentage ahead of Preston. The A’s would have to lose heavily in the final round and Preston have a big win, for them to miss out.

A’s president Darren McConville said the group had been working hard to get to this point. He said it had been about three years since the club’s first XI played finals.

“It is good,” he said. “It is a reward for all the hard work the players and coaches have done throughout the year.”

The group under coach Aaron Whear just missed finals last season, but with a bit more development and the inclusion of Ben Davies has helped them take the next.

McConville said the addition of Davies had been a massive one.

“He’s an ex-Altona junior who played premier cricket and that helps,” he said.

“Ben’s leadership and his experience… He’s a teacher by trade and he can certainly relate to the kids and they can relate to him.”

The A’s were able to get their ninth win of the season, accounting for Melton.

The A’s set the win up on day one, bowling the Lions out for 114 before finishing day one at 0-20.

The A’s took their time but got the runs with ease, finishing 4-115.

Connor Brown top scored with 46 at the top of the order.

McConville said the focus for them was getting the win.

“There wasn’t enough time to get an outright,” he said. “We were happy with the win.”

The A’s face Williamstown in a one-dayer on Saturday in the final round of the season.

The Seagulls won’t play finals.

“Two Hobsons Bay clubs,” McConville said. “It’s always a good game and they have been in some good form since Christmas.

“They are a proud club and will play to the end and we don’t expect anything less from them.”

The Seagulls finals hopes ended despite a big win against Brunswick.

Brunswick had made 238 on day one of the match.

The Seagulls started slowly but on the back of Matthew Dervan were able to get the job done, finishing 2-240 with 2.1 overs remaining.

Dervan made 102, going out just shy of the winning total.

The Seagulls sit in eighth spot, eight points behind A.

Spotswood’s drop in form has continued and seen the side slip from top to third.

Facing Werribee, the Woodsmen were defending 192 on Saturday.

Werribee took the match deep and were able to get over the line after 62-run eighth wicket partnership sealing the win.

The Tigers finished 7-196.

Sandeep Mandalika took 6-66 for the Woodmen.

Yarraville added another win to its tally, beating Strathmore.

Chasing 218, the Eagles finished 4-222.

Eagles captain Josh Hahnel was the star of the show with 120 not out at the top of the order.

Hahnel now has 764 runs for the season to lead the competition.

WRFL’s new umpiring academy

The Western Region Football League Umpires association is set to launch its fourth umpiring academy.

The association has been running three academies MacKillop College Werribee, Hoppers Crossing Football ground and Saltwater reserve Point Cook for a number of years which has produced many umpires to service the WRFL.

These operate on Monday nights between 4-5pm and commence for this season on Monday, March 4.

The newest addition to the academies is to be based at Hanmer Reserve, Yarraville

The new program based in Maribyrnong is designed to cater for all new umpires in the local area, so aspiring umpires aren’t forced to travel too far to get the required training

The Yaravillle academy will open on Wednesday, March 6 between 5-6pm and after two weeks it will revert to Thursday nights 5-6pm.

The new academy will be led by former AFL field umpire Murray Bird, who officiated 43 top-level games. Bird is also a part of the Queensland AFL Hall of Fame.

These are free and experienced staff will teach you the basics of umpiring. The benefits include communications, management, control and fitness.

“Theacademiesaredesignedtohave a bit of fun, and there’s opportunities to earn some money and service football at all levels,” WRFL director of umpiring Steve Keating said.

“There are tremendous opportunities for women and girls. We really want to encourage women and girls to get involved.

“You can also both play and umpire other games in your area and we endeavour to keep you close to home.

“We had quite a number of kids who played Western Jets football but also to improve their fitness also boundary umpired senior footy on a Saturday or ran around in junior footy on a Sunday as well.”

Anyone interested males and females, should contact the WRFL offices for more information.

Max Birthisel (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Tom McConville (Ljubica Vrankovic)