Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 20th March 2024

Jake’s fragile journey

Jacob (Jake) Burmeister is a two-year-old boy who needs the community’s help to fundraise for research into a cure for his rare genetic condition.

His big smile and sweet face will distract you from the bandages covering his entire body, protecting him from a genetic condition which causes extremely fragile skin.

■ To learn more about Yarraville parents Nathan and Lauren and their medical journey with Jake, turn to page 5

Councillor suspended

By Jennifer Pittorino

Hobsons Bay councillor Daria Kellander has been suspended from council for one week, following an internal arbitration process found her guilty of misconduct.

Thesuspensionwasannouncedatacouncil meeting on March 12, to begin the following day and end on March 21.

TheinternalarbitrationreportdatedMarch 1, 2024, lists an application made by Cr Briffa accusing Cr Kellander of misconduct on three occasions.

The first, of which Cr Kellander was found guilty, related to an email to all councillors dated October 29, 2023, in regards to the mayoral election.

“I’dliketonotethatgiventhatthismeeting isnowtwodaysaway,onlyonecouncillorhas reached out to me to share an intention to run for mayor,“ the email said.

“This is unlike previous years. Noting that the current mayor wanted to have this meeting behind closed doors a month in advance to anoint the ’new mayor’, I suggest that a deal has already been done, of which I have no interest in being part of.

“Operation Sandon made it very clear that predetermining decisions in pre-organised meetings of the councillor group like this, was collusive conduct and denies the community the ability to see decisions made.

“This conduct should stop and I will not be a party to this discussion.“

Cr Briffa alleged that in this email Cr Kellander failed to treat other councillors and the Mayor with fairness, objectivity, courtesy and respect in her email to them and several staff.

Arbiter Dr Lily O’Neill ruled that Cr Kellander’s email was inappropriate as it contained a clear implication that she believed that the meeting was ’collusive conduct’.

Dr O’Neill did not find Cr Kellander guilty of misconduct in the remaining two allegations which were in relation to a Facebook post on October 31.

There was no discussion about the findings at the council meeting.

As reported by Star Weekly, this is not the

first time Cr Kellander has found herself in hot water.

A month ago, Cr Kellander was found guilty of misconduct after being reported by fellow councillor Tony Briffa.

Inthesamearbitrationreport,CrKellander also accused Cr Tony Briffa of misconduct, of which she was found guilty.

In a Facebook post on March 12, Cr Kellander said she would be back.

“I understand that the council will remove me from their website and my council email address and phone number will become inactive,” she said.

“I’ll be switching off for seven-days, but as Arnold Schwarzenegger in his role as the Terminator famously said ’I’ll be back’.“

Lauren and Nathan Burmeister with their son, Jacob. (Jacob Pattison) 393486_02

Have it serviced every two years to keep it safe from fire.

Since your home solar energy system is out there in the sun, wind and rain, it’s important to show it some love and keep it safe. Have it serviced now and every two years by a licensed electrician.

Learn more at esv.vic.gov.au/solar-safety

Service your solar PV system and reduce safety risks.

Energy Safe Victoria and Solar Victoria have launched the Show Your Solar Some Love campaign to encourage Victorians to service their solar PV systems to avoid safety risks such as fire.

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said solar PV systems needed to be serviced for the same reason your car needs servicing; to ensure it’s always running safely.

Over 2022-2023, Energy Safe investigated 53 fires related to rooftop solar. This follows 28 fires being investigated in the previous year by the regulator. “These fires could have been prevented if the solar PV system had been serviced.” Ms Hughson said.

Victorians using solar are encouraged to get their systems serviced by a licensed A-Grade electrician at least once every two years.

Hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain and other extreme weather events can cause damage and wear to solar PV installations. Regular servicing mitigates this risk, ensuring they are working safely and efficiently. Audits conducted by Energy Safe have found a major cause of solar PV system fires was moisture

impacting DC isolators – a switch that stops electricity flowing through the system in emergency situations.

Victorian Government research shows that fewer than half of Victorians are aware of the importance of servicing their solar PV systems, which involves electrical testing of the components that make up a solar panel system, as well as inspecting the integrity of equipment and cabling.

Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan said it was important for homeowners to set up a maintenance plan with their solar retailer to ensure their system was operating properly, safely and efficiently.

Solar Homes Program retailers and installers can help customers keep their system working safely and at its best, so it maximises their savings with solar.

“Safety underpins everything we do, and our customers should feel reassured,“ Mr Krpan said. “Solar Homes installations meet robust safety and quality standards, including the use of authorised retailers, accredited installers and carefully assessed products. And safety has improved dramatically as a result of our program, with only 0.1 percent of installs audited needing to be rectified for safety reasons.”

Further information at: esv.vic.gov.au/solar-safety

Prison for two ‘BDK’ members

By Liam McNally

Two men have been sent to prison following an aggravated home invasion in which a man was shot in the face in Wyndham Vale and a separate aggravated burglary in Footscray.

The County Court heard that in the early hours of July 8, 2021 Thiep Thiep and Deng Kuol,whowereaffiliatedwithMelbournegang Black Drill Kings (BDK), targetted a home in Wyndham Vale in retaliation for the stabbing of a friend weeks earlier.

The victim, Mr Atem, awoke to Thiep, Kuol and two other men with their faces covered smashing through his rear glass sliding door with a chair.

An altercation ensued in which Mr Atem, while trying to stop the intruders, was hit with a chair, struck with a garden stake to the head five or six times, and stabbed twice before Thiep let off two shots from his .22 calibre handgun.

The second bullet hit Mr Atem to the left side of his nose and travelled through his head, lodging behind his right ear.

The commotion caused other members of the household - Mr Atem’s mother, wife and four children - to wake up and scream, leading the invaders to flee.

Mr Atem was admitted and remained at the Royal Melbourne Hospital until July 13.

The court also heard how on November

30, 2021 Thiep was involved in an aggravated burglary of a jewellery store in Footscray in which he and two others smashed their way through with sledgehammers and stole approximately $428,560 worth of goods while the owners were inside.

Thiep was interviewed by police on December 2, 2021. He initially denied any involvement in the incident, but was placed in a cell with two covert operatives who later offered him a ride home. On the journey he discussed the incident.

“[I had ‘beef’ with some c****... cause I know he stabbed my mate… So I went and shot his dad,” he said.

“I dropped my vape at the scene.”

Craig dives in for his 1000th swim

Not many people can say they have completed 1000 swims at Williamstown Beach, but soon enough Newport local Craig Whiting will have the honour.

“I will complete my 1000th swim on Wednesday, March 27. As it gets closer I am starting to get a bit more excited,” he said.

What originally began as a new year’s resolution in January 2021, has turned into an incredible display of dedication.

Struggling with his mental health brought on from COVID isolation, Mr Whiting’s lockdown coping mechanism is now part of his everyday routine.

“I did miss 10 days, but since July 1 2021, I

haven’t missed a day,” he said.

“When I started everyone was stuck at home, we couldn’t go to indoor pools so the beach it was.“

Hoping to get something positive out of COVID, Mr Whiting found a new passion.

“I was working but it was from home, everything was such a downer, it definitely helped with those things.”

Mr Whiting also lost his father late last year and he has coped with his grief through swimming.

“It clears your head when you can be quite anxious. You get down (to the beach) in the morning, jump in the water and by the time

you get out it’s all washed away.”

In addition to improving his health, Mr Whiting said he has met friends and plans on continuing to swim past the 1000 milestone.

“I’ve met some amazing people down there who are really nice, everyone is so friendly , it is a nice little group,” he said.

“I am already looking ahead at my three year target which will be July 1, which will be 1095 swims.”

The community is invited to support Mr Whiting on his 1000th swim beginning at 8am.

Jennifer Pittorino

He also showed the operatives a YouTube news clip of the jewellery store burglary and identified himself in the footage as the first person to exit the store.

In a victim impact statement Mr Atem said he and his family came to Australia for a better life but that hope has been destroyed.

He said he lives in fear and is hypervigilant to his surroundings. The nightmares still cause him to jump out of bed, he is unable to socialise or work and remains in constant pain as a result of the physical injuries.

Judge Pardeep Tiwana sentenced Thiep to nine years and nine months in prison for nine charges, and Kuol was sentenced to six years and nine months for two charges.

New mayoral advisory panel

Maribyrnong Mayor Cuc Lam will be included in the new Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2024, along with nine other mayors across Victoria.

Comprising mayors from urban, regional and rural communities, the mayors will meet with Local Government Minister Melissa Horne four times this year. The first meeting is scheduled for March 21.

“This panel plays an important role, providing advice on local government matters and the needs of communities across Victoria,” Ms Horne said.

“I look forward to chairing this panel and supporting the performance of the local government sector with the advice of these 10 mayors from urban, regional and rural communities.”

The panel changes every year and is set up to offer the minister advice on legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy issues that affect councils across Victoria.

This year’s panel is expected to focus its work on governance, representation and inclusion.

The 2024 members include Cr Clare

Le Serve from Bass Coast council, Cr Fiona Stitfold from Bayside council, Cr Naim Kurt from Hume council, Cr Jenna Davey-Burns from Kingston council, Cr Damien Gallagher from Murrindindi council, Cr Robert Vance from Pyrenees council, Cr Shane Sali from Greater Shepparton council, Cr Ian Bye from Wellington council and Cr Denise Massoud from Whitehorse council.

Details: localgovernment.vic.gov.au.

Craig Whiting. (Damjan Janevski) 394967_01

Arrests in Footscray police blitz

Eight people were arrested during a three-day safety blitz across Melbourne’s western suburbs.OperationDeltawasrunbyWestgate Alliance Taskforce and Maribyrnong Crime Investigation Unit from 15 – 17 March.

Officers patrolled the Footscray CBD, West Footscray and Braybrook areas to detect and deter anti-social behaviour around local shopping strips, licensed premises and parks.

Another focus of the operation targetted known offenders by patrolling hotspot areas and attending properties for bail compliance checks.

Police also scanned more than 190 vehicles using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

This led to them locating a 17-year-old Werribee boy behind the wheel of a car - with methylamphetamine and cannabis allegedly in his possession.

The boy is expected to be charged on summons with driving unlicensed, driving unregistered, driving with fraudulent number plates affixed to the vehicle and possessing drugs of dependence.

Police are also now making further

Skate the day away

Kids and adults, skaters and non-skaters, are welcome to enjoy Princess on Skates come and try roller skating day.

Yarraville’s Belle Hadiwidjaja started Princess on Skates in lockdown during 2020. Now four years later Ms Hadiwidjaja has shifted her focus to getting the community to experience the joy of roller skates.

Through Maribyrnong council’s Love Your West Program, Ms Hadiwidjaja is excited to bring her come and try day to the Coulson Gardens in Maribyrnong.

“This event is for people who are curious about trying roller skating but are hesitant to go out and try it themselves,” she said.

“It is a taster of what it could be.”

With all equipment included, from skates, to helmetstoprotectivegear,MsHadiwidjajasaid the day will include not only skating, but music and performances.

“There will be performances from my students as well from myself,” she said.

“Then at the end of the day people can purchase the skates if they love it so much.”

Sincebeginningherpassion,MsHadiwidjaja has quite often held these events herself but since gaining popularity she needed some help.

“This year I received a grant from council to host four of these sessions which have been really good and popular,” she said.

With one event held in January and another in February, Ms Hadiwidjaja said she expects to see around 40 families across the day lace on skates. “The joy it brings is exhilarating, you forget about things for a while, it is so good for your mental health,” she said.

“My purpose is to spread the joy of roller skating. During lockdown I would get down to the park with my kids and we would be so happy together.”

Now Maribyrnong families can share in the joy on Sunday, March 24.

Jennifer Pittorino

enquiries into the ownership of the vehicle.

A further people were spoken to over the weekend and eight were arrested for a range of offences. The reasons for arrest included being wanted for car theft and burglary, being on warrant for failing to appear at court and possessing methylamphetamine.

Officers also conducted five bail compliance checksinTarneitandWerribeetoensurethose on offenders on bail were abiding by their conditions. Maribyrnong Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Megan O’Sullivan said the police want Footscray to

not only be safe, but feel safe.

“That’s why we’re proactively targeting the CBD and surrounding areas to deter and disrupt anti-social behaviour,“ Detective Senior Sergeant O’Sullivan said.

“We’re also putting known offenders on notice by patrolling hotspot areas and ensuring those on bail are complying with their conditions.

“The roads also continue to be a major focus for us – and we have zero tolerance for those who get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t be.”

Scouts enjoy their new kitchen

Footscray scouts now have access to a brand new renovated kitchen at the 2nd Footscray Scout Hall.

Group leader Michelle Wightwick said the $12,900 grant went directly to the kitchen refurbishment.

“Wehave50youthmemberswhowillbenefit from the kitchen which is primarily for the scouts,” she said.

“Lastyearweestablishedaparentcommittee. They said we are going to put this grant in and they were successful the first time they did it which is just amazing.”

The kitchen was officially opened on Saturday, March 16.

“It’s fantastic to have a newly renovated kitchen. The opening event went well and the cubs and scouts did a terrific job MCing the event.“

With works beginning in November, Ms Wightwickandthecrewwerepleasedtobeable to open in such a short amount of time.

“We gathered the whole kitchen pretty much and rebuilt all the benches and the shelving,“ she said.

“We bought a new oven and a new fridge, new paint and new tiles as the old ones were falling apart so it was very much needed.”

Feeling thrilled about the new kitchen, Ms Wightwick said she hopes more kids will join scouts. “Our ages range from eight through to 18. Unfortunately we don’t have the younger section or older sections because of a lack of leaders, but we are always open to new members,” she said.

“We are open to new leaders and enjoy the fact we’re very proud that we’re family oriented.”

(Top L-R) Footscray MP Katie Hall, Mayor Cuc Lam, Michelle Wightwick.

(Bottom L-R) Miles Wright, Jess Eva, Joshua Gregg and Hugh Pollard. (Supplied)

Belle Hadiwidjaja. (Damjan Janevski) 394961_05

Nature strip saga continues

By Jennifer Pittorino

A new petition has been created by the Green Guerrilla Group (GGG) in response to Maribyrnong council’s draft nature strip policy.

The GGG is a grassroots environmental action group set up four years ago by Maribyrnong residents who want to improve the environment and promote a sense of community by working on re-greening projects.

As previously reported by Star Weekly, GGG created its first nature strip petition in December 2023 on behalf of Seddon resident

Deborah Harding.

With council in the middle of community consultationonitsdraftnaturestrippolicy,the new petition created by GGG spokesperson Sarah Tartakover asks council to include four points in the policy.

The petition asks council for ‘Allowance for permit-free nature strip planting within given guidelines (provided by council and consistent with similar guidelines adopted by other local government areas in Melbourne)’.

“We’re just really concerned that the draft policy is quite regressive rather than progressive,” said Ms Tartakover.

“Andpotentiallyisgoingtoincludefarmore

barriers than there already are for people to plant their nature strip.”

The second point listed on the petition asks council for ‘a simple online permit application and timely process of applications for nature strip plantings that do not meet the permit-free guidelines’.

The petition also wants ‘A commitment to desist from retrospectively enforcing permits onexistingnaturestripgardensunlessthereis a safety concern submitted with council’.

“There are quite a few councils who don’t require permits for straight forward nature strips. They ask you to apply for a permit, if you don’t fulfil the requirements and come to

Take a plunge for butterfly boy Jake

A one in three million chance is what Nathan Burmesiter and his wife Lauren describe their two-year-old son’s rare genetic condition.

“We were going along with our business when we had Jake and had to completely readjust,” Nathan said.

The Yarraville family work closely with the 11 nurses working from their home every day to help Jake go about his life.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a genetic condition which causes extremely fragile skin.

Jake is what they call a butterfly child. The slightest friction can cause wounds akin to third degree burns.

protects him from daily life,” said Nathan.

“Everyone has several recessive genes and maybe more, if you meet somebody with that same recessive gene, this happens.”

girl called Elodie who suffers from a similar condition to Jacob.

Nathan said the plunge is all about raising awareness of EB.

an impasse they’re asking you to take it out,” Ms Tartakover said.

“We are really concerned that if that happens, there’s going to be a lot of people who might not be able to get a permit and will just get a fine as Deb was sort of threatened with that.”

The fourth point listed in the petition asks council for ‘No insistence that renters require landlord clearance before proceeding with nature strip works or permit applications’.

Ms Tartakover said those who sign the petition can also provide feedback on the policy by listing the four reasons in the petition by Sunday, March 24.

Briefs

RIP John Wightwick OAM

John Wightwick’s daughter, Michelle Wightwick, invites the community to celebrate the life of her father. The local scouting community was saddened to announce the recent passing of Mr Wightwick, honorary commissioner of Scouts Victoria. Mr Wightwick was group leader of the 2nd Footscray Scout Group before becoming the district commissioner of Kariwara District. A service to celebrate his life will be held at Nelson Bros, 81 Kororoit Creek Road, Williamstown on Tuesday March 26 at 2.30pm. The service will also be live streamed. This will be followed by refreshments at the Yarraville Club,135 Stephen Street, from 4pm.

Post office closure

An Australia Post spokesperson has addressed the decision to close the Highpoint Post Shop from May 17, which they said was a difficult one.

“This decision follows extended negotiations with the property landlord, along with the outlet’s history of significant losses,“ the spokesperson said. “The surrounding area is well-serviced, with five postal outlets within a three-kilometre radius, including the Avondale Heights Post Office located around two kilometres away. All team members at Highpoint Post Shop will be offered roles in nearby Post Offices or other parts of our business.“ Highpoint Shopping Centre were contacted for comment.

Footscray fire

“The full morning is always taken up by Jacob having to get dressings put on which

Lauren and Nathan are desperate to help theirsonfightthediseaseandwilldoanything to help scientists find a cure.

“EB is so rare that many things are unknown, and doctors are often guessing,” Lauren said.

“EB desperately needs a cure so children like Jake don’t have to live a life of pain from birth.”

On Sunday, March 24, the Burmesiter familyinvitethecommunitytoWilliamstown Beach to ‘Plunge for Jacob’.

The plunge originated in the US for a little

“Together with friends, family and the community in Melbourne, we are plunging into the ocean to raise money for EB,” he said.

“Every dollar spent on this plunge will go intoresearch.Anyonethatwantstocontribute could quite literally change this kid’s life.

So far $19,700 has been raised. The goal is $30,000 goal which will help fund the the worldwide fight against EB.

Firefighters battled a house fire in Footscray on the afternoon of Monday March 18. Five pumpers and 32 firefighters turned out to tackle the blaze in Droop Street. Arriving on site, crews found smoke coming from the roof of the house. The blaze was also threatening neighbouring properties.

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Cancer take heavy toll

By Jennifer Pittorino

Footscray woman Deb Fryers has always lived afullandexcitinglife,untilshewasdiagnosed with blood cancer and her world was flipped upside down.

Diagnosed with Primary Myelofibrosis in 2019, Ms Fryers went from being extremely independent, earning a strong income, travelling the world, and owning her own home to the complete opposite.

Ms Fryers said she was forced to sell her home as she couldn’t afford to pay the mortgage.

At the same time, her condition left her unable to work which landed her on the disability pension.

“I lost my parents quite young so I didn’t have the family to help me. There were about twoorthreeyearsof realhomelessness,couch surfing and sleeping in my car,” she said.

After a long battle with the Victorian housing department , Ms Fryers now lives in long term permanent housing.

While continuing her health battles, Ms Fryers has found solace in the Leukaemia Foundation which she said had been extraordinary.

“They recently gave me $100 for my glasses because I have to wear glasses now, because my eyes are deteriorating,” she said.

“They also offer mental support as well which I didn’t know about.“

The Leukaemia Foundation is also supporting Ms Fryers financially with transport vouchers to enable her to go to her medical appointments.

Ms Fryers’ story is only one of the 50 per cent of patients who have had to leave their jobsandareunabletoreturntoworkfollowing a diagnosis, according to the Leukaemia Foundation.

“Research shows that more than 43 per cent of the 19,500 patients diagnosed with blood cancer in the past year, experienced out of pocket treatment costs totalling hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars,” said a Leukaemia Foundation spokesperson.

According to the foundation, the weighted average out-of-pocket costs to an individual withbloodcancerrangesfrom$5,000-$11,000,

RUBBISH COLLECTION

compared with other cancer patients who incur around $2,500 in out-of-pocket costs.

Ms Fryers said she her finances are now stable and has learnt to live within her means.

“I feel the most well I’ve been in a really long time because I have a great support system, I have a good therapist and I have made really good friends,” she said.

“Although I still face financial crisis.”

Arts on the doorstep

Hobsons Bay council is bringing back ‘Arts at your Doorstep’, a new 2024 program of live performances.

Council said this year’s program features an eclectic mix of shows and performances. Shows will include cabaret, theatre, live music, cinema, children’s shows and tribute acts.

Among the highlights of the 2024 season are Greece Lightning Garry Starr at the Williamstown Town Hall on Thursday, July 4.

The show is described as an overzealous idiot attempting to perform all Greek mythology to save his Hellenic homeland from economic ruin.

Lamine Sonko and Pirritu will shown at the Altona Theatre on Friday, August 16, where composer, director and multiinstrumentalist Lamine Sonko will joins Ngiyampaa singer-songwriter Pirritu for a double-bill performance.

Garage Girls is described as part history, part farce, part who-done-it, a performance which will shine a light on one young woman’s short but eventful life. Catch it at the Williamstown Town Hall on Thursday, July 25.

The full program features 10 shows at Altona Theatre, Williamstown Town Hall and Old Laverton School.

Mayor Matt Tyler said council wants to make sure everyone in Hobsons Bay has access to great performing art close to home saying “Arts at your Doorstep brings terrific shows to three of our standout venues. This is great for locals and a fantastic opportunity to bring more visitors into Hobsons Bay.”

Sana’s ticket to a brighter future

Growing up in Melbourne’s west, Sana’s socio-economic status threatened her ability to fully participate in her education.

“My brothers and I did not have textbooks to start school. This was devastating for me,” she said.

Adding to her obstacles were cultural stereotypes that constantly sought to confine her to gender and ethnic norms.

However, fuelled by a passion for education andsupportedbyhermother’sencouragement, Sanapersisted,seeingeducationasherticketto a brighter future.

Many families in similar situations face increasing pressure as living costs soar. A survey of more than 2,200 families by the Smith Family found disadvantaged parents are stressed about supporting their students’ educational needs. About half of these families advised they could not afford digital devices with one in six unable to afford internet access.

In Sana’s case, a Western Chances scholarship in year 9 provided a lifeline, with access to internships, tutoring, and leadership programs.

“Western Chances provided me with the confidence I needed to make a move towards independence. As determined as I was – and still am – there is no doubt in my mind they have turbo-charged my journey,” she said.

For the past several months, Sana’s remarkable story has been told through a bright orange tram, which has been traversing Melbourne’s CBD.

“Wrapped in vibrant orange hues and featuring the faces of Western Chances scholarship recipients, the tram represents a moving gallery of recognition, passion, and the pursuit of potential,” said Western Chances chief executive Zac Lewis.

Founded 21 years ago, Western Chances has empowered more than 4,000 young people like Sana, providing holistic support through scholarships and opportunities.

Today, Sana is a qualified Mechatronics Engineer, a testament to the program’s impact. Grateful for the support and connections Western Chances provided, she actively gives back to her community, volunteering in various roles.

Sana alongside her brother and fellow scholarship recipient Wasi in front of the Western Chances tram celebrating her achievements. (Supplied)

Deb Fryers and her dog Billy. (Jacob Pattison) 393178_03

Walking track frustration builds

By Jennifer Pittorino

Maribyrnong residents have created a petition asking council to remove a walking track at Footscray Park’s Western Lawn.

As reported by Star Weekly, Friends of Footscray Park members first expressed their disapproval of the walking track in February. Work had began on the track without community consultation.

The petition acknowledges the park’s history and the plans for restoring the park which were approved by residents through community consultation.

“Despite its promises, council has reneged on its promise and without any further consultation, has opted to install a track through the lawn area that changes the layout of the park and alters the uses to which the Western Lawn can be put,” the petition reads.

Friends of Footscray Park member Maree Pardy said the path has raised concerns about “governance issues”.

“The concern here is around governance issues. We are really opposed to what they’re doing because we do think it compromises the integrity and the flow of the park and what it’s meant for,” she said.

One last hug before bye

Artist Lady Mohawk is showing off her work at the Brimbank Gallery in a solo exhibition dubbed ‘One Last Hug before I say Goodbye’.

The Canadian-born artist, also known Sally Walshe, actively engages in diverse mediums from dance, printmaking, and painting. Her accolades include numerous prizes and solo exhibitions, culminating in the establishment of Lady Mohawk in 2022, offering artwork, workshops, and community events.

Lady Mohawk’s recent endeavours include large-scale mural commissions, youth workshops emphasising recycled art, and exhibitions showcasing her dynamic artistic practice.

This latest exhibition unveils a captivating series of hand-coloured lino prints, paintings and installations merging autobiography and fantasy.“Thisexhibitioneloquentlyintertwines vibrant imagery with a poignant message about global warming and an uncertain

future, casting a thought-provoking spotlight on environmental themes and the future of humanity,” she said. Her work not only invites introspection but also sparks conversations about pressing issues facing the world.

One of the central themes that resonates throughouttheexhibitionistheurgentconcern of global warming and the uncertainty of the future. As spectators journey through this artistic landscape, they are invited to confront the profound interconnectedness between humanity and nature.

Lady Mohawk’s lino prints serve as both a mirror reflecting the human impact on the environment and a call to action, urging viewers to embrace sustainable practices and protect the planet for future generations.

The exhibition is on now at the Brimbank Gallery on Hampshire Road.

Gerald Lynch

Thepetitionsaidtheplantoinstallthetrack was not approved by councillors, but enforced by council officers.

“There has been a lack of transparency and a concerted non disclosure, as there was no availability of those plans for us to see online anywhere beforehand,” Ms Pardy said.

The petition asks that council ‘Confirm their commitment to a permanent, informal recreational space on the Western Lawn that allows for flexible use including off-leash dog access’ and ‘Investigate governance issues at Maribyrnong council, and provide a detailed report to the community’.

The last point listed in the petition asks council to “Commit to processes for implementing community consultation recommendations, including scheduled sessions in 2024”.

Ms Pardy said council has four community consultation sessions planned this year, which need to be discussed further.

“These sessions are for strategic areas that council is making decisions on,” she said.

The petition was discussed at the council meeting on Tuesday, March 19, after the Star Weekly deadline, meaning Maribyrnong council was unable to comment.

Lady Mohawk/Sally Walshe at the Brimbank Gallery. (Damjan Janevski) 392889_01

Connect with autumn nature

By Cr Bernadette Thomas

Living in a city can make it hard to connect withpeopleandnature.Ifyouwanttoreapthe benefits of spending time outdoors, consider writing yourself a green prescription.

Explore one of 150 open spaces in Maribyrnong – go for a walk or commute by bike along the Maribyrnong River, climb the trees in Cruikshank Park, or get lost among the trees in Newells Paddock.

For something a little closer to home, try creating an urban oasis in your backyard. A smart garden can grow food, provide shade, use water wisely, and create homes for native animals.

Council’s My Smart Garden program offers freeworkshopsandonlineresources,formore information, visit: mysmartgarden.org.au

Council is currently seeking feedback on our draft Nature Strip Policy and Guidelines, which will allow residents to create a native landscape on the nature strip in front of their house.

Small native shrubs and ground covers can create the perfect habitat for small birds, insects, and other critters, and provide the perfect opportunity to add greenery to your street. You can share your feedback on the draft Nature Strip Policy and Guidelines at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/nature-strips

You can also connect with like-minded locals and join one of our nature-based groups, like the Friends of Stony Creek, Friends of Newells Paddock, Friends of Cruikshank Park, Friends of Maribyrnong Valley,FriendsofFootscrayPark,orthenewly

formed Westside Queermates, to help restore our precious natural sites in and around our municipality.

Roll up your sleeves and get involved with a community garden or a composting hub, like the one in Yarraville. You’ll be exercising your body and your mind while connecting to nature and people. Just what the doctor ordered!

Briefs

Newport vandalism

Detectives charged three more offenders for alleged thefts from motor vehicles in Newport on 29 January. It is alleged that approximately 12 cars were broken into on Woods St, Blenheim Rd, Basil St, Mason St, Thorpe St and Maddox Rd between 12am and 4am. Females aged 15, 16 and 17 were all arrested and released with an official caution. A 20-year-old Altona North woman was arrested on 1 March and released pending summons.

Thieves steal plaques

Detectives are investigating after thieves stole memorial plaques in Altona North sometime between Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 March. Investigators have been told 75 memorial plaques were stolen from the Altona Memorial Park on Doherty’s Road. The bronze plaques were erected in memory of children by their families in the Garden of Little Angels. Detectives warned scrap metal dealers to be wary of thieves attempting to sell the plaques.

Copyright oversight

Star weekly acknowledges that it inadvertently published the copyrighted word ’puppiccino’ in the story ’Lenny backs a paw-sitive cause’ in last week’s edition without permission of the copyright owner.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews

@star_weekly

Cr Bernadette Thomas.

More chances open up

Students at state secondary schools in Melbourne’s west will have more learning and development opportunities for outside the classroom with a $100,000 grant awarded to Western Chances.

WesternChances,isacharitablefoundation with a focus on empowering people in Melbourne’s western region to achieve their potential through educational scholarships and life changing opportunities.

Since 2006, Victoria University (VU) has been associated with Western Chances as they provide scholarships, opportunity programs and ongoing support to students in Melbourne’s west.

VU said it is proud that Western Chances will increase its presence at the Footscray Nicholson Campus as part of a new ‘flipped campus’ agreement.

Western Chances founder and chair Terry Bracks said VU becoming a major pro bono partner of Western Chances was an important next step for the two organisations.

“Through this major alliance, we are poised to create new opportunities for our young people and pave the way for increased access to education, skills, learning pathways, and employment,” she said.

“At the heart of this partnership lies a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and our profound love for the west.

“That’swhywehaveworkedsowelltogether over the past 18 years and are looking forward to the incredible journey ahead.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding which will empower young people through access to opportunities to nurture and grow their talent and leadership.”

This builds on the successful VU initiatives such as access scholarships, which provides an additional $1000 to Western Chances recipients studying at VU, while bringing

secondary school students onto campuses to experience university life, and student engagement opportunities.

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said equity in education was a strong focus in the recently released Universities Accord and the elevated partnership with Western Chances speaks to that point.

“TheexpandedspaceatFootscrayNicholson

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Campus will enable Western Chances staff, students and volunteers to really elevate their support of young people in the west of Melbourne,” he said.

“VU is famous for providing the highest quality of equitable opportunities for all. We are delighted to continue this proud tradition with Western Chances now, tomorrow and into the future.”

ICONS at the Substation

ICONS, one of the most complete retrospectives of famous American photographer, Steve McCurry, is currently on display at Williamstown’s Seaworks Maritime Precinct.

The exhibition features more than 100 large-format photographs of McCurry’s most iconic images, including the legendary 1984 portrait of the Afghan Girl, Sharbat Gula which was famously featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine.

The showing also includes other very well-known pictures he captured throughout his forty years of profession, as well as his most recent work.

The ICONS exhibition will take guests in the photographic universe of Steve McCurry, through a journey that took him to some of the most beautiful and harrowing parts of the world from Afghanistan to India, Southeast Asia to Africa, Cuba to the United States and Brazil to Italy. Fever Originals regional manager for Asia-Pacific, Phil Mallet, said, “we are Incredibly honoured and excited to bring Steve McCurry’s ICONS exhibition to Melburnians, particularly at such a storied, heritage building.

“We’re grateful to our partners and Seaworks Maritime Precinct for helping to make this long-awaited event a reality and for supporting Fever’s mission to democratise access to culture and live entertainment.”

The exhibition will be on display until Sunday, May 19.

Details: stevemccurryicons.com/ melbourne.

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(L-R) Professor Adam Shoemaker, Footscray MP Katie Hall , VU student Karlee McCulloh, with Terry Bracks AM, Founding Chair Western Chances with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. (Supplied)

Sleep tips to help you feel refreshed in the morning

Friday was World Sleep Day, and new research commissioned by Emma – the world leaders in sleep products – has found that a shocking 50% of Aussies are not getting enough sleep each night, falling short of the recommended 7-9 hours.

The study took a deep dive into Australia’s sleeping routines, revealing that one in two Aussies are falling short of the recommended hours of sleep, which is leading to an overwhelming majority (69%) being sadly unable to wake up feeling energised and ready for the day.

The study of over 1,000 Australian adults across various industries and vocations, to gain an insight into their sleep patterns and behaviours and how this is impacting their ability to wake up refreshed each day to perform at their best. Informed by the Emma Lab team of experts, the research uncovered which Aussies are most at risk of struggling through the change in seasons, and what they can be doing to set themselves up for success each day heading into the cooler months.

Unsurprisingly those with the worst sleep routines include full-time parents/carers with more than one-third (36%) sleeping less than 6 hours. This is closely followed by transportation workers (30%), teachers (25%) and retail employees (25%).

Women are getting less sleep across the board than men, with a quarter (25%) getting less than 6 hours sleep per night, whereas one in two of their male counterparts (50%) are sleeping more than 7 hours.

Despitethefactthatmostoffice/professional workers have moved to a hybrid working environment, and are getting quality sleep each night, 71% are still not waking up feeling revitalised for the day, admitting to hitting the snooze button constantly!

Emma Merritt, sleep science manager for

Emma, says “This new research illuminates the serious sleep deficit many Australians are facing, that will continue to worsen, if interventionandhabitchangingdoesn’toccur.”

“It was sad to see that full-time carers, transportationprofessionals,andteacherswere amongsomeoftheAustraliansgettingtheworst amounts of sleep, as these professionals have not been afforded the same flexibility as many others in different vocations. While many of us havebenefitedfromwork-from-homedaysand hybrid lifestyles, it is these professionals who are required to be physically present at their jobs, that are suffering the most – which can put them and others at significant risk.”

Diving deeper into the intriguing sleep landscape of Australia, state-based nuances emerge to paint a vivid picture of sleep habits

across the nation. ACT residents unfortunately are getting the least amount of sleep amongst all states, with a third (33%) getting less than 6 hours sleep, followed by South Australians (27%). Queensland takes the lead as the state with the earliest bedtime tendencies, with an impressive 64% of residents retiring before 10pm.

When it comes to establishing a better sleep pattern Emma Merrit shares her five essential tips:

Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Our bodies thrive on routine, and a consistent sleep schedule can regulate your internal clock. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This practice helps synchronize your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake

up feeling refreshed. With Daylight Savings approaching, start going to bed maybe 30 minutes – 1 hour ahead of your usual time so that your body isn’t shocked and thrown off by the sudden change in pattern.

CreateaRelaxingBedtimeRoutine: Engage incalmingactivitiesbeforebedtosignaltoyour body that it’s time to wind down. This might include reading a book, practicing gentle yoga, or enjoying a warm, caffeine-free beverage. Avoid screens at least an hour before bed, as the blue light emitted by devices can disrupt your body’s production of sleep-inducing melatonin.

Invest in a Quality Mattress: A restful sleep starts with a comfortable and supportive mattress, as a quality mattress that suits your sleeping style can make a significant difference in your sleep quality.

Keep Lights to a Minimum: It is definitely becoming lighter outside, which while enjoyable for backyard BBQs, can actually throw off your sleep, so try and keep the lights to a minimum. Consider blackout curtains or switching to warm, low lights in the home so that your body can still recognise its usual sleep time, despite the late sunset.

Finish work a minimum of 3 hours before bed: Yes, I know it’s tricky, but keeping your mind engaged in work close to bed can really throw off your sleep cycle. Work takes up enough of your day, that it shouldn’t take your sleep too. So, no matter whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a driver, a teacher, or a Matilda’s player, remember to give yourself some space between your work day and your slumber.

Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can contribute to a better night’s sleep, helping you awaken each morning feeling rejuvenated and ready to embrace the day ahead.

Foot and leg pain formula

Foot, knee, and leg pain treatment can be complexandmultifaceted,thereforeit’scrucial to consult with a musculoskeletal healthcare professional who can provide a thorough evaluation and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to specific needs and circumstances.

Musculoskeletal Podiatrist Dr Paul Dowie, from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, provides insight into the winning formula for combating foot and leg pain:

1. Identify Underlying Causes and Contributing Factors: Foot and leg pain can stem from biomechanical issues, injuries, overuse, arthritis, repetitive stress, nerve and vascular problems. Accurately diagnosing the underlying cause and contributing factors is essential for effective treatment.

2. Individual Variability Considerations: Each person’s pain experience, tolerance and response to intervention is unique, so understanding the nature of the condition, and tailoring individual treatment plans is crucial.

immobilise or treat. Such devises can help improve gait, relieve joint and tissue stress, improve mobility, enhance stability and comfort.

5. Identify Multidisciplinary Care Options: Some cases benefit from a multidisciplinary approach with various specialists working together to provide comprehensive care.

6. Incorporate Appropriate Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation plays a vital role in restoring function and reducing pain. Targeted strengthening and conditioning programs can play a crucial role in successful treatment.

3. Adopt a Conservative vs. Surgical Approach: Depending on the severity and nature of the condition, treatment can vary from conservative to surgical. In most cases a non-pharmaceutical approach provides better long-term healing outcomes, often helping to avoid surgical intervention. Weight bearing strategies, strengthening and condition programs, physical therapy, structured rest and natural regenerative injection therapies, such as Prolotherapy or PRP, are all excellent strategies to assist healing before considering surgical approaches.

4.UtiliseOrthoses: Customorthotics,braces, splints, walker boots, strapping and taping can all be very helpful to either support,

7. Consider Lifestyle and Activity Modifications: This can help to help alleviate stress on affected joints and tissues.

8. Incorporate Patient Education: Educating patients about their condition, treatment options, and self-care techniques can greatly assist long-term wellness.

Ifyouneedassistancewithfoot,kneeorleg pain,injuriesorarthriticconcernsyoucan consultDrDowieathisFootandLegPain ClinicinWilliamstown.Ph1300328300.

Hearing aids: what to expect when you wear them

Starting to use hearing aids is a big step for anyone, especially if you’re in your 60s and have been missing out on a lot of sounds. It’s like opening a door to a world where you can hear more clearly again. We want to make sure you know what to expect when you start wearing your new hearing aids, from the first day to the weeks after, and how it can make your life better.

First Days: Getting Used to New Sounds

When you first put on your hearing aids, you’ll notice a lot of sounds you haven’t heard in a while. This can be a bit surprising and even a little bit too much at first. Here’s what happens:

• Everything is louder: Sounds will be stronger, and it might feel strange for a bit.

• Hearing different noises: You’ll start to hear background noises you weren’t noticing before. It takes time to get used to what to listen to.

• Feeling comfortable: Having something new in your ears feels odd at first, but you’ll get used to it.

The First Weeks: Getting Better at Hearing As you keep wearing your hearing aids, things start to get easier:

• Understanding people better: You’ll find it’s easier to hear what people are saying, even when there’s a lot of noise around.

• Making them work for you: You might need to visit us a few times to adjust your hearing aids just right.

• Feeling different: You might feel all sorts of things as you start hearing better. It’s all part of the journey.

A Sharper mind

• Improved hearing keeps your brain active, which can help slow down age-related cognitive decline.

• Social connections: Better hearing makes it easier to stay involved in conversations, reducing feelings of isolation.

• Increased happiness: Reconnecting with soundscansignificantlyimproveyourquality of life.

The Long-Term Impact on Aging and Brain Health Consistent use of hearing aids has shown to have a positive impact on aging and brainhealth.Betterhearingleadstomoresocial interaction,whichstimulatesthebrainandcan

help maintain cognitive functions longer. This interaction helps combat the risks of dementia and depression, common concerns as we age. By staying connected to the world around you, you’re not just hearing better; you’re actively contributing to your long-term mental and emotional health.

Ready to Hear the Difference?

It’s normal to face challenges as you adjust to hearing aids, but the journey is incredibly worthwhile. If you’re ready to improve your

hearing and experience these life-changing benefits, Active Audiology Altona is here to help. Contact us to schedule a hearing test and explore how hearing aids can open up a new world of sound for you. Take the first step towards a fuller, healthier life with better hearing. The benefits are profound and lasting. Make an appointment by calling 1300 364 007. For more go to www.activeaudiology. com.au or visit the team at 17 Harrington Square, Altona.

Left: Audiologist Naomi at the Altona clinic can test your hearing and recommend what is best. Right: Hearing aids come in all shapes, sizes and technologies. Book an aid discussion appointment to find out what is best for you

West’s buses stuck in ‘dark age’

By Cade Lucas

Bus services in the western suburbs are stuck in a ‘dark age’ a community forum was told on Thursday night.

The comment was made when a colour coded map of west’s bus network was displayed at the ’Why is the West still waiting for Better Buses in 2024?’ forum in Williams Landing on March 14.

The map from University of Melbourne publictransportexpert,DrJohnStone,showed the western suburbs covered in black, the colour indicating poor performance.

Given the the name of the forum, neither the colour of the map or the ‘dark ages’ comment cameasashocktotheaudienceorthespeakers, including Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam, Melton Labor MP Stephen McGhie andWesternMetroMLC’sTrungLuu(Liberal) and David Ettershank (Legalise Cannabis).

Organised by Sustainable Cities and the Point Cook Action Group, the forum followed on from a protest outside Werribee station on March 9, where activists demanded the state government finally release it’s plan for improved bus services first commissioned in 2021.

Greens leader Samathan Ratnam accused the government of having its priorities wrong.

“They are funnelling billions of dollars into huge projects when people can’t get a bus within half an hour of walking distance from their home,” she said. “That should not be happening in a place like Victoria.”

Truung Lu said the problem in the western suburbswasthatunliketheeast,therewereless public transport options.

“In the east they’ve got buses, trains and trams and trams cover 80 per cent.”

Melton MP Steve McGhie was the only government representative at the forum and

Tributes flow for college principal

Braybrook’s Caroline Chisholm Catholic College community has been rocked by the death of beloved principal Robert Brennan.

Acting principal Laura Ruddick prepared a final farewell to her colleague.

“He was a student at the college himself and a local as he grew up in the area,” she said.

“He wanted to come back and create a school that was the standard that the kids of the western suburbs deserved.

“Every decision he made was with the students in mind and he wanted to make sure we were an inclusive community and one that was prepared to give back to the local community.

“He understood the importance of

programs such as our after school program and breakfast club which he ensured had funding and support so that all students had a safe space and felt a sense of belonging to our community.

“For me, it was his honesty, passion for learningandgenuinebeliefinourcommunity that I find inspiring.

“Rob as a leader made sure people felt seen and heard and he modelled this in everything he did.

“He truly lived out the ethos of Catholic education where the dignity of each person is paramount.

“Through his passion for learning and teaching and his belief that all students have

the right to a high-quality education, he transformed the learning culture here at the college.

“In the three years he was our college principal, he improved our VCE results, and our average study score went from 28 to 30 increasing each year.

“Rob was cherished by all, and though his absence will be deeply felt, the College’s leadership team is committed to carrying forward his legacy and realising his vision.

“We will uphold his dedication to ensuring thateverystudentfeelsvaluedandempowered to accomplish their dreams.”

The community farewelled Mr Brennan at his funeral on Friday, March 15.

said buses faced unlikely opposition from property developers who didn’t want them in new residential estates and small businesses who didn’t want their customers travelling to spend money elsewhere. He said he would continue to advocate for better buses within government and encouraged those in attendance to do so too.

“Continue to harass people like myself, the minister and the government,” he said.

David Ettershank summed up the feeling of many when he told the audience: “West is the bestthatitgetsomuchlessandIthinkthatsort of embodies the problems we’re dealing with.”

April holiday arts program

Footscray Community Arts (FCA) is offering students a wide range of activities to fill up their school holiday schedule.

Week one will run from April 2-5, with children aged 6-12 able to attend the ‘Superstars’ workshops, focusing on the world of performing arts.

FCA said the four-day workshops begin with the ‘Fast Fashun art collective’ where kids can craft a DIY fashion show experience together.

They can explore various roles within the fashion industry- whether it’s designing clothes, crafting outfits, strutting your stuff on the catwalk, capturing the moment as a photographer, directing the creative vision as a creative director, styling a set, or taking the microphone to host a runway show.

WeektwobeginningApril9through to April 11, children aged 6-12 can attend another round of workshops, this week is ‘Extreme Arts’.

For three days, FCA said children will engage in a rotation through three workshops led by experienced professional artists and assistant teachers.

Classesaregroupedbyage,ensuring every child receives support to explore and express their creative abilities. Bookings can be made online or on the the phone by contacting reception at 9362 8888 or reception@ footscrayarts.com.

Details: https://footscrayarts. com/event/school-holidayworkshop-superstars/#ferve or https://footscrayarts.com/event/ school-holiday-workshop-extremearts/#ferve

Altona Meadows man charged following more illicit tobacco raids

An Altona Meadows man was among those charged following the seizure of illicit tobacco and vapes valued at approximately $150,000 this week.

Police executed three warrants at a home in Truganina and at a tobacco store and a storage facilityinKeysboroughonWednesday,March 13 as part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal syndicate alleged to be importing large amounts of illicit tobacco.

A range of items were seized from the addresses including several hundred packets and cartons of cigarettes, 1000 nicotine pouches, 10 kilograms of loose tobacco and more than 1000 vapes, as well as a quantity of

cash receipts and a ledger book.

A 35-year-old Truganina man was arrested and subsequently charged with possessing tobacco products with intent to defraud the revenue and committing an indicatable offence whilst on bail.

The man had previously been arrested and charged in relation to this investigation.

Along with the Truganina man, a 45-year-old Point Cook man, a 40-year-old Tarneit man, a 35-year-old Fraser Rise, a 35-year-old Craigieburn man and a 31-year-old Altona Meadows man, were also arrested and subsequently charged with a range of offences relating to the import of

illicit tobacco products.

They will next appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 9 and the investigation remains ongoing.

The arrest and seizures form part of OperationTyers,ajointinvestigationinvolving Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force.

Officers from Operation Tyers carried out a series of similar arrests and seizures last month.

Detective Acting Superintendent Dan Ryan from Victoria Police said this week’s warrants demonstrate how criminal syndicates can continue on even after disruption from police.

“The enormous profit that organised crime is making from the sale of illicit tobacco means that they will do everything possible to ensure they keep on trading, no matter the risk,” he said.

“Over the past 12 months we have seen the illicit tobacco market become a significant driver of organised crime here in Victoria and with that has come a series of reckless and violent offending, particularly arson attacks.”

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Cade Lucas

Robert Brennan. (Damjan Janevski) 227547_02

Seize the final opportunity to secure a luxury Williamstown apartment with spectacular views at Waterline Place by AVJennings. With the building nearing completion, prospective buyers are encouraged to secure their dream residence now to avoid disappointment.

Purchaserscantakeadvantageofremaining stamp duty savings and unlock additional benefits with the exclusive Stamp Duty Bonus offer, saving up to $30k.

The Merchant building, situated on Waterline Place, is a $70 million construction project that began in mid-2022. The building is set for completion May 2024, with the first residents expected to move in by June 2024.

“TheworkundertakenforMerchanthasbeen remarkable, resulting in an elegant building which sets a benchmark for Williamstown. The final apartment building in the Waterline Place precinct, is the culmination of the best of our previous releases and services the growing demand in an ever-desirable location. The lack of right-sizer product in the area and quality build has greatly contributed to the success. For a building in such a niche market, this result is outstanding,“ said Steve Fairbairn, sales manager for Victoria and South Australia.

Merchant offers a lifestyle with coastal

‘‘ It’s not about moves and punches, it’s about telling a story to the audience ... we’re live stunt-actors, but our movie isn’t on a screen, it happens in

Grab hold of wrestling mayhem

According to its devoted fans, pro wrestling is about telling a story and taking the audience on a “emotional rollercoaster”. Reporter Liam McNally caught up with Josh ‘JXT’ Fikret ahead of the MayhemMania Championship in Bacchus Marsh.

WhenJab‘TheProphecy’walkedintothe ring draped in religious iconography at Relentless Wrestling Gym in Melton he gloated that there were “no rivals willing to face him”, sparking a confrontation from someone he was once the disciple of – his former trainer JXT.

In his trademark black sports-fit accented in white and pink flames, JXT stared down his opponent, and proclaimed “you have peers, and you have challengers”.

“You need to wake up and smell the roses, and realise, that at the granddaddy of them all – MayhemMania, March 16, for the Mayhem Pro Internet Championship it will be – Jab against J.X.T,” he trumpetted to applause from dozens of spectators.

Australian professional wrestling had its heyday in the 60s and 70s, with thousands turning out to weekly World Championship Wrestling matches aired on Channel Nine, until it lost its television deal to World Series Cricket.

In the 1980s the American product, WWF, became a cultural phenomenon. However, Australian professional wrestling has still been simmering beneath the surface through independentleagues,waitingtoPowerbombits way back into the mainstream culture.

One of the foremost indie leagues in Australia is the Mayhem Pro promotion, which isbasedoutofMelton’sRelentlessSchoolofPro Wrestling, owned by Josh Fikret.

Josh’s passion for wrestling began in a way familiar to a lot of people who were young boys in Australia in the 1990s – learning what’s cool from an older cousin.

“You look up to your older cousin and he thinks wrestling is the coolest thing ever because it’s 1997 and wrestling was the coolest thing in the world at the time,” he said.

“He introduced me to WWF Attitude on Playstation and I was like, ‘whoa, this is everything’.

“And then that was it. I said I was going to be a wrestler and that was that.”

As a teenager, Josh messaged Australian wrestling legend KrackerJak, and following his recommendation lied about his age to be admitted to George Julio’s Wrestling Gym in Sunshine.

In the years following JXT was born.

Josh describes the character as beginning as a young party animal who “brings the vibe” –clad in dreadlocks and black and pink flames.

As the years have gone on he has become more of a proud figure – one that works hard to be the best wrestler and trainer, but he also isn’t afraid to tell you that, especially after demonstrating his signature moves like the JXPress, the JXPlex, the Melbourne Dungeon or the Sesh-Shooter.

JXT has wrestled at promotions all around Australia, and had four tours in the United

States including being the first Australian to wrestle in Alaska. He’s even flirted with the WWE, performing as an extra but was held back during proper tryouts by an ACL injury, visa issues and COVID.

Despite the blood, sweat, tears, and spray tan that goes into indie pro wrestling, there’s not a lot of money in it until you break into the major leagues like the WWE.

Josh said he has eased off on his American dream, and is now focused on being one of the best in Australia, as well as providing a world-class school for the next generation.

Josh opened the Relentless School of Wrestling in 2020 with Relentless Gym owner Jake Males.

They currently have about 40 members, and teach everything involved with professional wrestling - how to punch, roll and take slams, as well as how a show works, how to build a wrestling character and how to promote yourself.

“We want to keep making wrestling better where we live, because we love and care for it,” he said.

Joshsaidit’saproudmomentseeingstudents in a match for the first time.

“It’s awesome seeing the smiles on the students’ faces that are getting this experience and getting to feel what I’ve felt for a long time – having these awesome shows with these amazing moments,” he said.

When discussing how a show comes together, Josh said the planning isn’t as detailed as people often assume.

Instead of a series of choreographed moves – it’s more about having a series of dot points about where the story should lead, responding to the crowd and trusting your opponent is trainedenoughtoperformthemoveswithyou.

He said sometimes wrestlers haven’t even met before a match.

“Planning something that’s based on crowd reaction doesn’t really work,” he said.

“It’s not about moves and punches, it’s about telling a story to the audience – taking them on the emotional rollercoaster.

“We’re live stunt-actors, but our movie isn’t on a screen, it happens in real life.”

AsJXTpreparestofaceofagainstthecurrent champion, Jab, he said he’s excited for a chance to take the title in front of his home audience, but it adds a layer of nerves.

“It’s more nerve wracking because friends and family that wouldn’t normally go to a show aregoingtobethere,andthismightbetheonly time they come to a show,” he said.

“They know that you put all this time and effort into something. This is what their perception of what you do is going to be so you reallywanttomakesureit’sgoodandit’sworth it and it makes them go ‘oh, that’s actually what you do, that’s actually really cool’.”

Despite the nerves Josh said he’s never had a first-timer at his show say they didn’t enjoy it.

“When you come to a show in real life, especially a local show… the ring’s right in front of you, wrestlers come out and will mingle and you can take photos with them and talk to them and see their gear and see them up close, it is such an experience especially for a kid,” he said.

“You literally ride every bump, every punch, andeverysinglemove.Yougoontheemotional roller coaster…I think that’s what I’m proudest of most.”

Josh said for the wrestlers and organisers setting up a show, especially in an independent format, is stressful, but it’s the crescendo of a show that keeps them coming back.

“Once the match finishes and the crowd loses their shit – whether they start booing or the crowd erupts in a massive roar because they’re happy with the result… that 30 seconds is worth it all every time,” he said.

“It’s the best feeling in the world… if you could bottle that feeling up and sell it, you’d be a millionaire.”

a Fireman’s Carry.

Mitch Connors (Mitch Sutton), JXT (Josh Fikret), Nate Hunter (Nathan Valeri), and front, referee Tom Collis and Johari (Johari Lewis).

(Pictures: Jacob Pattison) 393644

Precocious Prakash thrives

By Oliver Lees

Despite having to uproot her life to start her professional career, teenage soccer sensation Avaani Prakash is thriving in her first season at Western United in the A-League Women’s competition.

Prakash became the youngest debutant in Western United’s history in November, adding another item to her already impressive young career.

The 17-year-old has since featured in 10 A-League Women’s matches for Western United who currently sit on top of the table.

Prakash, who describes her greatest strength as her on-ball dribbling, was scooped up from Macarthur’s academy program after demonstrating her skill as an attacking midfielder.

She said playing professionally had always been an ambition of hers.

“My brother and my dad played football and I always enjoyed having a ball at my feet,” she said. “All I wanted to do was play sports.

“I’ve been pretty happy with my first A-League season, I’m learning a lot from the club and the other players.”

But her ascent to the top of Australian women’sdomesticfootballdidn’tcomewithout sacrifice.

When the offer came from Western United, Prakash, then 16-years-old, left her childhood home in Sydney and relocated to Tarneit. Her demanding football schedule has forced changes to her education as well, as she now completes all of her schooling via a distance online learning system.

Shesaidthesemajorchangesmadeitdifficult to settle into her new life.

“I definitely think [online learning is] a lot harder, at the start I struggled a lot,” she said. “We have web lessons every week and I don’t

really know who my classmates are; some are athletes, some from rural areas.

“It was a bit hard to leave Sydney but I really wanted to play A-League so moving down was an easy decision, and I have had good support and teachers around me.”

Western United has proven itself as the in-form team of the competition so far this season, currently sitting one point clear of Melbourne City at the top of the table. If Western United is to go one better than its grand final defeat last season, it will be the

club’s first A-League Women’s championship.

Prakash’s meteoric rise also earned her a scholarship to participate in the Future Matilda’s program, as well as representative opportunitiesfortheunder-18’sandunder-20’s Australian teams.

In 2022, she participated in the teams that took out the Pacific Women’s Four Nations Tournament and the AASEAN Football Federation Women’s Championship.

Prakash also had a hand in bringing the historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to Australia and New Zealand, as she was chosen as an ambassador by Football Australia in the bidding process.

She said contributing and spectating the tournament was a memorable experience.

“I was there from the start, it was very exciting,” she said.

“I went to a few games that were in Sydney, it was really good to see a lot of boys and girls supporting the game.

“Obviously I want to play for the Matildas, but I think for now I’m really just hoping we win the premiership and the championship.”

On Sunday, United made its home debut in Tarneit.

Prakash said before the game it was a pretty special feeling.

“I’m extremely excited to play at our new home on Sunday, in my own neighbourhood in front of my new home community in Tarneit,” she said.

“My parents take me to the games, so they are probably the happiest that it is only a five-minute drive. I have loved calling Tarneit home and I can’t wait to see all the locals come out to support us.

“The whole team is looking forward to Sunday and to starting to make Tarneit a green and black fortress to really build a home ground advantage.”

Avaani Prakash.

Footscray showered in colour

Barkly Street in Footscray was once again transformed into a colourful display with the West Footscray Festival of Colours on Saturday, March 16.

The day was full of family-friendly entertainment including rides, market stalls, craft activities, face painting, henna tattoos and live music, celebrating the Indian Festival of Holi – best known for the joyous throwing of the colours.

This festival was presented by the West Footscray Traders Association and supported by council’s Signature Festivals and

Activations Grants Program.

West Footscray Traders Association president Pradeep Tiwari said the event was the biggest yet with thousands attending across the day.

“The Festival of Colours Holi gets better every year with attendance in excess of 7,000,“ he said.

“It was a triumph, with many happy (and colourful) faces enjoying a perfect day of joy, diversity and unity. This is what makes our community what it is today and we are extremely proud of this achievement.“

The annual Festival of Colours took place in Footscray on Saturday, March 16. (Supplied) Organiser Pradeep Tiwari with Fraser MP Daniel Mulino and Maribyrnong Mayor Cuc Lam.

MY PLACE

Youth Leadership Award winner Donna-Joe Newman tells Jennifer Pittorino about her work with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and how she feels about being named among Maribyrnong council’s Civic Award winners in the Youth Leadership Award category.

Can you tell us your name and job title?

My name is Donna-Joe Newman but I prefer to go by DJ. I am currently working at McDonald’s where I have been working for the past two years.

Tell us a bit about you and what you do?

I am 19 years old. I graduated VM (vocational major) last year and I am currently taking a gap year so I can focus on working at my part-time job while trying to attend Western Bulldogs Community Foundation programs. After the year I am looking to do a child care course or a community services course.

Tell us about how you feel about being awarded in the civic awards?

I am extremely grateful and honoured to be able to be awarded the youth leadership award. When I heard that I was nominated I was extremely shocked as I was not expecting it at all, until that moment I never knew what the civic awards were.

What does this mean to you?

ThismeansalottomeasIfeelIlikeIhavemade a good impression on the people around me, by not giving up and attending these programs whichIenjoydoingandbyencouragingothers to do the same.

What’s your connection to Maribyrnong or Hobsons Bay?

My connection to Maribyrnong is that it has a place I have grown up for the last 19 years. I have attended attended primary school and high school here. It is also a place I have enjoyed learning the past history of to be able to get a better understanding and knowledge of the place I call home.

What do you like about where you live?

I like how well connected my neighbourhood is and how me and my family can rely on our neighbours. We can ask them for help because of how friendly and understanding everyone truly is. I also like how I am extremely lucky to be able to live in close proximity to the things that can help me stay connected to my community. What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

I wouldn’t really change anything as there are fantastic memories and fantastic neighbours

where I live.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

My favourite local place to spend time is at the park close to my house. It is a great place to sit relax and read or have a great time with family. I also like the Sunshine Library as it is such a lovely place to sit and complete work in a calming and relaxing environment. Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

When you first meet me I am an extremely shy person but after a little bit of time I become

this person that nobody would expect to see. My family members and close friends would describe me to be extremely bubbly and humorous and on the wild/silly side. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I am extremely grateful to Hannah and Maggie from the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation for nominating me for such a fantastic opportunity, as well as thank you to my mum and family for supporting me. Another thing I would add is to not give up on the things you want your future to look like no matter what is thrown at you.

Donna-Joe Newman. (Jacob Pattison) 393210_01

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sing with WIllin Wimmin choir

Discover the joy of group singing with the friendly women at WiIlin Wimmin choir in Williamstown. New members are always welcome, no audition. We sing contemp[orary, 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 Parade Williamstown. ■ willinwimmin.org.au or willin.wimmin@gmail.com

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 at the events which will run every Wednesday from March 6 to May 22, at 6.45-8.45pm, at Holy Family Parish Small Hall, 15 Lyons Street, Maidstone. ■ Angelo Ramnac, 0409 406 611 or aramnac@bigpond.com

Women Talk: Everyday English

For women of all ages and backgrounds with English as a second language. Practice speaking English in different situations, and make new friends! Fridays 10am-noon. ■ 9391 8504 or outlets@outletsco-op.com. au or visit 43 Mason Street, Newport

Laverton Community Choir

The choir is currently welcoming new members, especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir, come along and try out your vocal cords with our fun and welcoming group of singers. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton from 7-9pm.

■ Sue, 0418 386 147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com

Newport Jazz Festival

Running from the 3rd - 5th May. This year’s festival will feature a stellar line-up of musicians in 38 bands, with headliners: jazz legend Bob Sedergreen, dynamic traditional band Shiraz, the groovy Adam Rudegeair plus Newport’s own and Melbourne’s sweetheart vocalist Julie O’Hara. For further band lineup & ticket info please go to:

■ www.melbournejazzjammers.com.au

Free parent support

Hobsons Bay Council’s new support group, ’Tuning in to Teens’ is designed to help parents with a range of teenage topics. These include understanding your teen better, helping your teen to manage difficult emotions, helping to prevent behavioural issues in your teen and teach your teen how to deal with conflict more effectively. Tuning in to Teens is a free six-session parenting program. The next term will run on Mondays from 6.30-8.30pm, commencing May 20 running online.

■ 9932 4000 or youth@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Art workshops

The Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre presents MonArt, workshops for people of all abilities facilitated by community art specialist Amanda Neville, Mondays 10-11.30am. Cost is $5 casual fee.

■ admin@ljac.com.au, or 9398 2511

West Footscray Rotary

The Rotary Club of West Footscray meets at the Medway Golf Club in Maidstone for lunch, fellowship and guest speakers each Wednesday from 12.30-2pm.

■ Mike, 0417 622 372

AeroSpeakes Toastmasters Club

Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers

Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7-9.30pm.

■ Vimi Gaoneadry, 0411 530 944

Cherry Lake Market

Set between Millers Road and the stunning Cherry Lake in Altona, this market has something for everyone. The market hosts more than 60 stalls, selling plants, bric-a-brac, handcrafts, hot jam donuts, tools, clothing and much more. There is live music every month from the Cherry Lake Cultural Series, showcasing local musicians from across Hobsons Bay. From 9am-1pm on the first Sunday of every month.

■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona or cherrylakemarket@ gmail.com

Point Gellibrand Rotary Club

Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and needs new, energetic, enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in their community.

■ www.rotarypointgellibrand.com.au, Pam, 0418 347 691, or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Woodcarving workshop

The woodcarving workshop meets on Tuesdays at 9.30am-noon at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, 280 Queens Street, Altona. All levels of ability in this ancient, international craft are welcome, women included, starter tools and timber available.

■ jah2802rot@gmail.com

Laverton Community Choir

Laverton Community Choir will recommence on Thursday, February 1 for the year. New members who would enjoy

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 1-3pm, 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 10.15- 11am from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Free community morning tea

singing in a friendly group are welcome. No experience necessary and no auditions. The choir meets on Thursday evenings during school term from 7-9pm at Laverton P12 College (enter via gate 1,) 91 Bladin Street, Laverton.

■ Sue, 0418 386 147

Altona Day View Club

The Altona Day View Club meets on the third Wednesday each Month at 11am, at the Altona RSL 31 Sargood Street., Altona..

■ Marion, 9394 6557

Form Support

New and free at Williamstown Community and Education Centre. Need help filling in forms? Passport applications, Centrelink forms, housing assistance, medical, service provision, etc.

■ Lara, 9397 6168

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

Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesdays at 7pm and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 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.

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 café 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, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

Laverton Community Education

Laverton Community Education Centre has started free AMEP classes in Williamstown Community Education Centre at the Joan Kirner House, on Tuesdays, 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, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Shweta Pandya from ABCD Dance School ahead of the Holi colour festival. (Damjan Janevski) 394134_01

To

ACROSS

1 Australian desert (7)

5 Spectacles (7)

9 Filmed information (11)

10 Miriti palm (3)

11 Pot belly (6)

12 Hinged (7)

14 Passionate (4)

15 Attraction (10)

17 Perspicacious (10)

19 Male elephant (4)

20 Electromotive force (7)

22 Flippancy (6)

25 Fall behind (3)

26 Unwanted (11)

28 Defecate (7)

29 Equal; even – (7)

DOWN

1 Team (4)

2 Car-fixers (9)

3 Boy’s name (5)

4 Uncaringness (11)

5 Indian state (3)

6 Whenever (7)

7 Avoid (5)

8 Absence of motion (10)

12 Reporters (11)

13 American theatrical/musical institution (10)

16 Impartial (9)

18 Rubbing out (7)

21 Sound reasoning (5)

23 Piece of poetry (5)

24 Scottish loch (4)

27 Pass away (3)

DECODER

WORDFIT

3 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:

15 words: Good

No. 177

QUICK QUIZ

1 Which festive song is the No.1 best selling single of all time?

2 The Bellagio, MGM Grand and Mirage casinos feature in which Steven Soderbergh film?

3 How many days were in an ancient Roman week?

4 What does it mean to be a polyglot?

5 Which of Jane Austen’s books was originally titled FirstImpressions?

6 Who were the winners of the first ever soccer World Cup in 1930?

7 What is the term ‘hi-fi’ short for?

8 For which supporting role was Cate Blanchett (pictured) awarded her first Academy Award?

9 In Norse mythology, Bragi is the god of what?

10 Which land mammal has the most powerful bite?

No. 177

No. 177

No. 177

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which streaming service hosted a live tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz?

2. Since 2010, how many AFL exhibition games

3. Which fan-favourite tennis player is known by the nickname ‘Demon’?

4. Ivan Cleary is the coach for which NRL team?

The father of which F1 star was engaged in a heated exchange with Christian Horner following media scrutiny around the Red Bull Principal?

Who scored the first goal of the 2023 AFL Grand Final?

What sport is played at the Cognizant Classic?

What informal cricket term is named after England’s head coach Brendon McCullum?

In what year was the Dally M Medal not awarded after the event was cancelled due to NRL pay disputes?

Olympic Phryge, the mascot of the Paris 2024 Olympics, is based on what piece of clothing?

In what year did Kim Clijsters win her first Grand Slam singles title?

12. Which team are the reigning AFLW premiers?

13. Who is the captain of the English women’s cricket team?

14. Summer McIntosh is a swimmer from which country?

15. Rhea Ripley currently holds which WWE title?

16. What is the PWHL?

17. Which Women’s Super League team has the most Australian players?

18. And how many do they have?

19. Skeet shooting was introduced to the Olympics in what year?

20. The Emeralds play which sport for Australia?

21. How many AFL teams has Brodie Grundy played for in his career?

22. Which two teams took part in the WNBL 2023–24 Grand Final Series?

23. Social media star Jake Paul will reportedly fight which famous retired boxer in July?

24. Which racing team does Max Verstappen drive for?

25. The future Tasmaniabased AFL team will be known by what nickname?

26. Who has played the most games of any current NRL player, with 317 games played at the start of 2024?

27. Ireland’s Test cricket team recently won its first Test against which nation?

28. Which nation will the Matildas play in two pre-Olympic friendlies in May and June?

29. Which NRL team plays its home games at 4 Pines Park?

30. Which Geelong AFL player is on track to break the team’s games record in 2024?

DAWSON’S

Kim

Radical reshape a stand out

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Puffing out its chest Hyundai has declared its radically redesigned 2004 i30 Sedan is meant to turn heads. It does, but not all for the right reasons. From most angles the car presents the characteristics of a sleek four-door coupe with sporty pretensions.

Then there’s the rear . . . oh dear! The boot lid has been crafted as an aero spoiler. And, for some reason, in contrast to the rest of the car’s buffed body, it sticks out like a sore thumb. The darker Ultimate Red duco of the test vehicle wentsomewaytodisguisingthis,butpixofthe lighter colours unfortunately highlighted the blemish.

On the plus side, there is much to back the maker’s hyperbole. The i30 MY24 range includes upgraded convenience and safety, plus Bluelink connected car services for Elite and above. And there’s impressive fuel economy from the debut of a petrol / electric hybrid powertrain claiming a combined urban / highway consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Upgraded 2.0 MPi and 1.6 T-GDi petrol-only power plants are continued.

Standard features across the range now include LED headlamps and daytime running lights,frontparkingalarmshavebeenaddedto rear versions, more advanced forward collision avoidance and intelligent speed limit assist.

Entry-level trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, plus premium patterned black cloth seats, while the Elite model introduces Bluelink connected car services; Premium adds Bose premium audio and assorted new-to-the-model technology.

On test was the introductory i30 2.0 MPi CVT, replacing the Active variant. Petrol-only models step up to the Elite 2.0 MPi CVT and Premium 2.0 MPi CVT, then the N Line chips in with 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT and N Line Premium 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT. Hybrids are i30 1.6 GDi 6DCT, Elite 1.6 GDi 6DCT and Premium 1.6 GDi 6DCT.

Pricesstartat$29,000,pluson-roadcosts,for the entry level i30 CVT and top out at $41,500 for the N Line 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT Premium. The 1.6 GDi Hybrid 6DCT is $33,000. All MY24 i30 sedans are covered by Hyundai’s five-year 100,000 kilometre warranty, complimentary roadside assist for 12 months, 1500 km free first service, a dedicated customer care centre and myHyundai owner website.

Styling

Sedans, in general, are not known for getting young buyers dancing to their tune, so Hyundai has deliberately set out to rectify this with a ‘sensuous sporty’ sedan that relies on geometricshapes,3-Dsurfacingandsexylines.

The result is an i30 that, ‘with its wedge shaped stance complementing a coupe-like body profile’, it is set aside from the conventionally-styled small sedan rivals. Up front a split horizontal grille, with black parametric pattern incorporates a chrome highlight connecting the headlamps.

ThestandardLEDheadlampsblendwiththe wide grille topped by optional LED indicators as part of LED daytime running lights. The steeply raked windscreen and rear window connect the sleek roofline in a typically sporty profile.

As mentioned above, that’s where the ‘coupe’ comes a cropper. From behind, the sedan is not only dominated by the sticky-out spoiler, but below is a deeper diffuser-style bumper, teamedwithastandardH-lightingLEDset-up. For me it’s all a bit messy..

Interior

Movingrightalong,thecabincouldn’tbemore accommodating.Theswoopyroofrearrequires occupants to crouch on getting in and out, but inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious. The boot is unlocked via the key fob but is not hands free. It can take 474 litres of cargo with the rear seat backs up. Folded them comes by releasing a pair of latches under the opening.

The Hyundai i30 Sedan has come in for a major reshape.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Thehingesintrudeintothebootspacewiththe lid closed.

The i30 sedan’s unique wraparound dash and centre console with large digital displays focus on the driver and fit in with the more dynamic features of the exterior.

A cleaner more modern appearance comes from premium-patterned upholstery in Obsidian Black. Elite and Premium variants step up to a leather-appointed black interior, while N Line versions add sporty red stitching and highlights throughout. The i30 Sedan carries a full-size spare wheel.

Infotainment

TheMY24i30Sedancabinincludesareworked wireless charging pad made for larger mobile phones, front and rear USB-C outlets, a customisable multi-function button on the steering wheel and newly-designed 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, adding a sharper look.

Just a mention of Hyundai Bluelink connected car services operating through a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen in Elite, Premium and N Line variants. This enables app-based features such as calendar sync, remote services, find my car, remote vehicle check and more. Complementary for the first five years, they are transferrable to subsequent owners during this time.

Engines / transmissions

The entry-level i30 has an upgraded version of the preceding SmartStream G2.0 MPi

engine with efficient Atkinson combustion cycle, two-stage variable intake system and dual-continuously variable valve timing. This is mated with a new SmartStream Intelligent Variable Transmission tuned to copy a conventional automatic transmission, with eight virtual gears and a sequential manual mode, adding to improved efficiency and refined performance.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle. The test came up with 9.1 litres per 100 km in the city and 4.8 litres per 100 km cruising the motorway.

Safety

Hyundai SmartSense safety features six airbags, forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, intelligent speed limit assist,smartcruisecontrol,rearoccupantalert, parkingdistancewarning(frontandrear),plus rear-view monitor with dynamic guidelines.

Driving

Keyless entry comes via buttons on the key fob but that’s it; no push-button start here. The engine is fired up with an ignition key (remember those?) inserted into a steering column slot. How quaint.

The powertrain soon has the i30 Sedan back in the 21st century with the upgraded 2-litre engine quietly going about its job with little fuss. Power is put to ground via continuously variable transmission taught to mimic a conventional automatic transmission through eight virtual gears, or a sequential manual mode.

Sharp throttle response delivers impressive power and torque together with pleasing fuel efficiency. It’s a refined package well beyond its small sedan ‘pay scale’.

As with most Hyundais the i30 Sedan ride and handling have had the benefit of stand-alone suspension tuning especially designed for Australian conditions. Steering has a respectable linear feel and is helpfully more weighty in Sport driving mode. Speed limit recognition system needs more work, although it can be switched off.

Summary

Love it, or hate it, Hyundai has brought a new dimensiontothesmallsedansegmentwiththe MY24 i30.

Big V brings opportunity to Westgate Imperials

It was a winning start to Big V life for the Westgate Imperials on Saturday.

The club has entered a youth league men’s sideforthefirsttimethisseasonafterbuilding up its program.

After so much work to get to this point, Westgate vice-president Sarah Simpson is elated to be able to bring a team into the Big V.

Speaking before Westgate’s first match against Melton in the youth league men’s division 2 competition, she said it was a huge moment for the community.

“It’s come together really well and the really awesome thing is as well as providing a pathway for basketball, it’s actually providing employment opportunities as well,” she said.

“Everything from tickets to filming and scoring.

“We’ve been able to hire 10 to 12 junior athletes to do score table training and sell tickets, so it’s really an awesome opportunity all round.”

The Imperials’ first team in the competition

will be led by Sedale Threatt Jr, whose father played in the NBA and who has experience playingatthecollegelevelintheUnitedStates.

Threatt Jnr said the group is already confident in its abilities.

“We have a young squad, with only a few guys who have played in the Big V comp before, but what we lack in experience, we make up for with talent and determination, and have the ability to be competitive,” he said.

Despite being accepted into the Big V, the club will still be on probationary terms for its season to ensure it is prepared both on a competitive and organisational level.

The team is made up primarily of younger players between the ages of 17 and 19.

This includes standout players Lachie Corbett and Troy Hezel, who have been with Westgate since under-12s.

Simpson said she’s confident has what it takes to make its mark straight away.

“We believe we’ll be competitive and among

the top in the competition,” she said. “The boys are all keen to take it on, no one likes losing.

“We’re a really connected association at Westgate.”

On Saturday night, Westgate got the points against Melton.

Westgate led at the first break and was able to extend that to 10 points at half time.

Westgate continued to grow the lead in the third quarter before holding on in the fourth quarter to win, 102-90.

She said if everything goes to plan, the aim is to add a women’s youth team next season.

Hezel top scored with 20 points at all five starters scored double figures.

Westgate will play its first home game of the season at RecWest Braybrook against the Sunbury Jets on Saturday March 23.

Oliver Lees

Mixed results for Rams

By Tara Murray

It was a mixed day for the Newport Rams as they claimed one Baseball Victoria women’s summer league premiership and fell just short of another.

The Rams had both their premier women’s and premier reserves women’s teams in grand finals, in their first time at this level.

The premier side faced minor premiers Springvale, which they had yet to beat this season.

There wasn’t much between the two sides on Saturday in the grand final, but the Rams fell just short, losing 2-0.

Rams coach Dean Anglin said they gave it everything but ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard.

“There were only two runs that came in the first innings which came due to a walk and hit by pitch,” he said.

“It was a competitive game and there was great defence and great pitching and we were on the losing end though.”

Anglin said they were proud of what the

group had been able to achieve in their first season at this level.

“To be able to make a grand final, it’s a reflectionoftheseason,notthegame,”hesaid.

“There’s been huge positives for the whole program, not just one side.

“The depth in the ones and twos and we have such a young group of players coming through.

“We had six juniors in the seconds in the starting nine. That’s six players under-18, which is great for the future.”

While the premier side just missed out, the reserves side was able to come away with the premiership, smashing Doncaster, 14-0.

Anglin said it was exciting to see them achieve that.

“We thought we would come out on top and were confident that we could do it.

“To beat Doncaster 14-0 is good reflection of how well we were hitting.

“Paula Doherty pitched almost a complete perfect game. She missed out due to pitching restrictions.”

Anglin said while the season has just ended,

Brookers pull out a team

Braybrook won’t field a women’s team in the Western Football League this season.

The Brookers have had a team in the competition since 2019, including having a combined team with Albanvale for one season.

The Brookers announced last week that they didn’t have the numbers for this season.

“After many weeks of attempting to recruit more players, we will not be fielding senior women’s football team this year in the 2024 Western Football Netball League season,“ the club said on social media.

“This call doesn’t come easy, as head coach Charlie Fenech worked in overtime to get this program off its feet, actively trying to recruit all over the west. This news will be a disappointment to some, but this call was challenging one, especially after the numerous obstacles we have had overcome in the last four years to field a side.

the hard work hasn’t finished.

He said they still want to grow the program even further.

“We have a winter academy every year,” he said. “It’s about teaching more of the fundamentals and not worrying about games.

“We have that for eight to 10 weeks. We’ve grown from two to three sides this year hopefully to four next year and there’s more avenues for the girls to play.

“There’s a couple of younger girls in our junior program that age out into women’s so hopefully they come and the depth is there for years to come.”

The Rams’ premier league minor men’s side had a disappointing end to their season on Saturday.

The Rams faced Malvern in a best-of-three semi final series.

Malvern won the first game 2-1 on Wednesday night, before securing a grand finalspotwithamassive18-0winonSaturday, to seal the semi final series, 2-0.

“To our dedicated players, we thank you for turning up each week, we thank you for choosing our club to make memories together on and off the field. To our coaches, we thank you for your determination in guiding our women’s program in the right direction. Together, as one club, we will overcome this setback and look to get back on track in the 2025 season.

“We as a club, have already began plans to keep the players who were committed together for this year, and for our coaches to stay involved at some capacity. Stay tuned for updates on what this will look like and how we plan to come back from this obstacle.“

The Brookers played in division 2 last season, winning two games and finishing seventh.

A fixture for the women’s competition for 2024 is yet to be released, with a number of changes to teams.

The Suns are the only new team confirmed for this season.

Sedale Threatt Jr. (Westgate Imperials)

Tayla Wilmot (Jacob Pattison) 395269_06

Seddon wraps up a successful debut season

Seddon’s foray into the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association competition has been a successful one.

The Dockers initially planned to have a side in division 2 side this season, but that soon changed and they started in division 1 after putting their hand up to go up a grade.

It proved to be the right division for them, with the side making the grand final, which was played on the long weekend.

While the Dockers fell short against minor premiers, Williamstown, in the decider, president Leigh Davies said they were thrilled with how the season panned out.

The Dockers made 9-85 in the grand final, with the Seagulls chasing it down in the 15th over, finishing 3-86. Damien Clarke top scored for the Dockers with 28, while it was all single wicket takers.

“We played a really strong team in Williamstown,” he said. “They were too good on the day.

“It wasn’t a bad effort to be in division 1 and playingoffinthegrandfinal.Wewerehappyto

go up to division 1 and we made a grand final.” Davies said he wasn’t surprised by the results of the team with the squad they had put together.

JamieSmyth,whojoinedtheclublastseason, coached the side played a big role in setting the team up.

“We recruited players from across the

Seagulls’ list bolstered

Having had its first taste of finals last year, new Williamstown Victorian Football League Women’s captain Eliza Straford said her team is prepared to go even further in 2024.

Since joining the competition in 2018, the Seagulls put together its strongest season last year, finishing third on the ladder behind Collingwood and Port Melbourne on percentage.

But that achievement was short lived, as the Seagulls bowed out in the first round of finals to Carlton, losing by four points after leading at half time.

The Seagulls’ third place finish marked a dramatic improvement from the season prior, where they finished in 11th place with just two wins from 14 games.

Straford said playing finals was a massive learning experience for the entire playing group.

“We’ve never even looked at finals [in previous seasons], so especially for the girls that have been there for a while it was a learning experience on how to perform under pressure,” she said.

“We’ve found out how to stick to a game plan under those pivotal moments, how to keep our heads and have composure.

“Obviously that will be put to the test over the next few weeks, but fingers crossed we have learnt quite a lot.”

The Seagulls’ list has been bolstered ahead of the 2024 season with a number of new signings.

The addition of Neve Crowley from Essendon Doutta Stars will add height to the Seagulls’ forward and ruck stocks, while Mia Giannopolous from Darebin Falcons will add running support. Megan Smart from the Williamstown Juniors program and Kiera Leare from Hillside are expected to add depth in the midfield.

Straford said getting more support forward of the ball was a focus from a list management point of view.

“It’s been a big six months of pre-season, we’ve done well to recruit a few young guns and pull across players from other teams which is really exciting,” she said.

“We’re probably at our fittest which is a big

MACCA,” he said. “Several of them play at Parkside [Victorian Amateur Football Association club], which has a FIDA side,” Davies said.

“Our coach rounded a lot of players from that footy side.

“Jamie suggested that we should put a squad together and we had the volunteer capacity and the oval to do that, so we said yes.”

Davies said skipper Matthew Perry played a huge role this season in his first year in a leadership role, learning and growing throughout the season.

Davies said after the success of this season they were keen to build the program next season.

“We want to put a side in division 2 as well next season,” he said. “Division 3, they don’t playforfinals,moretheenjoymentofthegame.

“Next season we’ll aim for division 1, 2 and 3 and it’d be a great effort.”

In the division 2 grand final, Maiden Gully Marist beat the Seaford Tigers.

Tara Murray

Falcons on the board

The City West Falcons were a little less erratic and it paid off with a first win of the Victorian Netball League championship season.

The Falcons started the season with a one goal loss in round one, so were keen to get on the winners list on Wednesday night against the Hawks.

The Falcons started the better of the two teams and were able to set the momentum from there on the way to a 72-66 win.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said they were much happier with that performance.

“It was nice,” she said. “We were a little less erratic and it was a good score line so that helps.

“Jane [Cook] had a really solid game in shooter and Uneeq [Palavi] was full of energy at goal attack.

“She’s not used to playing goal attack for the whole game. Maggie was solid at wing attack which helped.

Lind said they were able to build some more consistency in the line up. After admitting last week that they did too many rotations, she said they winded it back against the Hawks.

Cook finished with 57 goals for the Falcons.

The Falcons were without Shimona Jok as she was part of the Mavericks squad preparing to play in a pre-season match.

credit to our high performance team, we’re feeling pretty good and the energy around the club is really positive.”

Now on the back of three consecutive preseason wins, she said the team’s confidence is at an all time high.

“It’s now about putting it out on the park, I think we want to bring an attacking game style and take the game on with speed and fitness across the ground,” she said.

This will be Straford’s first full season as captain of the club after being chosen by her peers to replace Erin Meade, however she already spent much of last season as an on field leader after Meade went down with a shoulder injury in round one.

This will be her sixth season at the club having joined the team when it began competing in the VFLW.

On March 23, the Seagulls will kick off its season against Darebin at La Trobe University in Bundoora.

The Seagulls had the edge over Darebin in the first pre-season matchup of the year, defeating them by 10 points.

Defender Lucia Fauonuku missed a second straight week. Lind said she would be back in round three.

Lind said they were looking forward to seeing what their whole defence could do together.

“Lucia had a really good pre-season so it’s disappointing that she hasn’t played round one and two,” she said.

“It gives a bit more depth. Her and Mel [Oloamanu] grew up together as a really good defensive combo and we haven’t had that for a long time, we’re looking forward to it.

“There’s still a way to go.

The Falcons this Wednesday face the Bendigo Strikers.

Tara Murray

Seddon’s All-Abilities team (Supplied)

Williamstown VFLW leadership group. (Supplied)

Gellibrand holds its nerve to become premiers

After a number of close calls, Gellibrand is finally premiers of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Evans-Clark Shield competition.

After making finals the past four seasons, Gellibrand was able to find a way to break throughagainstMooneeValleyontheweekend.

It had been 22 years since the club’s last men’s first XI premiership.

President Mark Keating said there were a lot of celebrations following the final wicket.

“Since Paul Hetherington has been at the club, the last five years, we’ve lost a grand final and been knocked out in three semi finals,” he said.

“We’ve been good at winning games during the home and away season, but we couldn’t get that elusive premiership.”

For much of the game, Moonee Valley was the better side and seemed destined for the premiership.

Gellibrand batted on day one and at 6-83

were in trouble. Keating said their focus at that point was to just make sure they could post a competitive score.

“We had a really good partnership of 99 that got us back into the game,” he said. “One of those batters played seconds and thirds for most of the year and Ross [Thomasson] come in after Christmas and they have both played a role for us and put us back in the game.

“At 6-83 we were saying if we could try to get 150 and anything more than that is a bonus.”

Michael Keating top scored with 56.

Moonee Valley started well with the bat and at 1-99 was in control of the game once again.

Three wickets near tea gave Gellibrand a glimmer of hope.

“They were then 4-150,” Keating said. “They had one guy batting really well and we felt behind in the game.

“We had kept the run rate tight and they needed four and half runs an over. They had to keep pushing the score and took some risks and we kept taking wickets.

Moonee Valley was bowled out of 199 in the

Roosters hold on to win

By Tara Murray

Altona Roosters were able to hold their nerve for the second straight week to come away with the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield premiership.

The Roosters had to dig deep in the semi final against Williamstown CYMS to earn a spot in the grand final, which they would then host.

The grand final presented a bigger challenge, facing the best side all season, Grand United.

Both sides had time in control but it was the Roosters that came out on top, much to the relief of coach Jack Blythman.

“It’s such a relief,” he said. “It got to tea [on day two] and we felt like we were on top. Sometimes when you’re fielding the break can come at the right time.

“For the batting team it comes at the wrong time. It didn’t do anything for my nerves and they then threw their second last punch at us.

“We were able to secure the win with [Nadeera] Thuppahi still there and helping the other batters to get them home.”

The match was set up on day one for the Roosters.

The Roosters won the toss and decided to bowl. Blythman said they believe they are a better team when they field first and then chase down a score.

The Gorillas lost a couple of early wickets before a partnership between Jayden

White-Powell and Leniko Boucher.

Once that was broken, the Gorillas struggled to get any more partnerships going.

The tail struggled and the Gorillas were bowled out for 129 in the 62nd over.

White-Powell top scored with 53, with Boucher the only other player to pass 20.

Dishnaka Ariyarathna took 5-26 for the Roosters while Matthew Short took three wickets.

Blythman said that Ariyarathna singlehandily turned the game in the favour of the Roosters, taking wickets in clumps.

The Roosters started well with the bat with their three top bats all getting starts.

The Gorillas fought back and were able to get into the middle order.

The nerves started to come for the Roosters after tea with the side slipping to 6-88.

With Thuppahi still at the crease, the Roosters still had a good chance. They managed to sneak home, finishing

78th over.

Jacob Macdonald took 4-43, while Brayden Macdonald took three wickets.

Michael Keating was named player of the match, making the premiership even more special for his father Mark.

MarkKeatingsaidoneofthemostimpressive things for him was that seven of the 12 players had come through juniors at the club.

He said they were keen for those players to be the core group and they could build around them.

Gellibrand will be promoted and play in division 3 next season. Keating said they were keen for the new challenge.

“We only went up into division 4 about three or four years ago and we’ve been competitive there.

“We’ll look to recruit to try and be competitive in division 3.”

Tara Murray

Seabrook falls short

Seabrook didn’t have the answers for Sunshine YCW in the Victorian Turf

After knocking out the top two teams last week, Seabrook was the home team against the Cougars, who sealed their finals spot late in the season.

The Cougars batted on day and were able to make 191, bowled out in the second last over of the day.

The Cougars had a lot of contributors on day one without anyone going on to make a big score.

Amitoj Kang top scored with 40 as six players scored between 19 and 40 to push the total towards 200.

Amila Mendia took 5-38 for Seabrook.

8-130.

Thuppahi finished 40 not out.

Blythman said it felt very similar to the week before.

“We lost wickets in clumps,” he said. “There was some good bowling and their spinner took us apart.

“Having Leigh [Lewis] at the eight was good and he was able to stick with Thuppahi.”

Blythman, who is in his first season as coach, said he wasn’t completely surprised to see his side take out the premiership this year.

“I’m so proud of the guys who played their roles and stepped up in a big moments,” he said.

“They did it as one, not as 11.”

The Roosters will now earn promotion into division 1 for next season.

Blythman said they were looking forward to the new challenge.

“It will be tough, but the club has always punched above its weight and hopefully we can continue to do that.”

Seabrook had to face an over at the end of day one and were able to survive and started day two at 0-1.

Seabrook started day two well and was seemingly on top at 0-40.

The wickets then started to fall, with the side going from 0-40 to 8-89 as the game turned in the favour of the Cougars.

The lower order showed some resistance but the damage had been done, with Seabrook bowled out of 123 in the 50th over.

Casey McNaught top scored with 42 at the top of the order, with six single figure scores in Seabrook’s innings.

Dylan Payne took 4-21 and Heshan Umendrea and Matthew Williams three wickets each.

It’s not all bad news for Seabrook, with both grand finalists earning promotion into the Clark-Evans Shield next season.

Altona Roosters celebrate a wicket. (Jacob Pattison) 395299_09

Altona Roosters (Supplied)

Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield grand final on the weekend.

Hitesh Arumalla (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Gellibrand’s premiership side (Supplied)

Woodsmen’s ‘complete’ winning performance

Spotswood produced its most complete performance of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west season to win through to a second straight grand final.

The Woodsmen found contributions across the board as they were able to account for minor premiers St Bernard’s O.C and set up a grand final showdown with Kew.

Woodsmen coach Dan Schuppan was thrilled with the performance.

“It’s bloody amazing,” he said. “We are absolutely rapt, we played a complete game of cricket.

“We brought up our highest total for the year and all of the top seven got better than starts, that was awesome.”

Having already had a strong line up, the Woodsmen brought back in Lachie McKenna, who missed last week with a wedding.

Schuppan said someone of McKenna’s experience is always going to help and that everyone walks taller with him in the team.

The Woodsmen piled on a massive 8-362

with the bat after electing to bat on their home deck.

Skipper Jakson Knight top scored with 80, while Taylor Tatterson and Ross Horkings also got half centuries

All of the top seven got at least 30.

Schuppan said a score like that put them in a really good position.

“You are never fully confident but to get a score like that, you need everything to go write to have a chance at it,

“We knew if we bowled really well, it would be hard for them.”

The Snowdogs were able to put a few partnerships together, which Schuppan said is always bound to happen.

He said when the chances were there, they were able to take them.

The Snowdogs were bowled out for 276 in the 78th over. Jevon Kett top scored with 101.

McKenna took three wickets for the Woodsmen as they shared them around. Schuppansaidtheyjuststuckatitwiththeball.

“The nature of our wicket, you have to stick at it,” he said. “It’s not a wicket where you are going to rip through teams.

“Stick to your lines and lengths and stick to the plan.”

TheWoodsmennowhaveachancetodefend their premiership. Schuppan said there’s a different feeling heading into this grand final.

“Last year was an amazing feeling,” he said. “We tend to forget that we were minor premiers, it was always about getting their and playing finals.

“We said at the start of the year it will be tough, not many clubs have got back there the next season.

“Werribee has and Caulfield comes to mind in the south in recent times. It means a lot to our club.”

The Woodsmen will face Kew in the grand final. In the only match the teams played this season, it ended in a tie.

Imperials achieve goal

By Tara Murray

Imperials put a plan in place at the start of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield season and it paid off on Sunday.

The Imperials added a couple of key pieces to their squad as they looked to build and try and move through the ranks.

It only took one season, with the Imperials winningthedivision3premiershiponSunday, defeating Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s in the grand final.

President Michael Skinner was ecstatic at the result.

“It’s something that we worked for,” he said. “Ourgoalwastotryandbuildthatcamaraderie around the club.

“We wanted to build through the juniors and bring in the right players to try and win premierships and to get through the grades.

“The plan has come to fruition. I’ve been president for 10 years and this is the second flag we’ve won.

“This is my last year as president, it’s a nice way to go out.”

Skinner had more than a few nerves on the weekend as the grand final went down to the wire.

The Lions batted on day one and were bowled out for 188 in the 63rd over.

Skinner said the total was a bit more than they would have liked.

“We were on top early,” he said. “Jason McGann batted as an experienced campaigner does.

“They put a few more on the board than we would have liked. About 200 was par score on that ground.”

Ryan Schaufler took 4-25 for the Imperials to be the pick of their bowlers.

The Imperials had a less than ideal start with the bat, losing three wickets late on day one to put the game in the balance.

Skinner said they spoke about what they needed to do early on day two to take back control of the game.

“We spoke about it before play,” he said. “Bat for 40 minutes to an hour and not lose any wickets, it sets us up.

“Oscar Florentine did an amazing job staying with our captain, Andrew Hendry,

Heartbreak for Altona

Altona fell agonisingly short of making the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west grand final.

After an upset win in week one of the finals, the A’s were keen to have a repeat against Kew in the semi finals on the weekend.

The A’s won the toss and decided to send Kew in.

The decision seemed to be the right one, with Kew in trouble at 4-57. A middle order partnership got Kew back into the game.

At 5-140 the side had the opportunity to launch a big innings, but the A’s bowlers got back on top.

The wickets then started to frequently fall, with Kew bowled out for 197 in the 65th over.

David Wildsmith top scored with 65 for Kew with lots of contributions throughout the order.

Adam Yates and Ben Davies took three wickets each for the A’s while Tom McConville and James Grubb took two wickets each.

who made 50 odd (61).

“They batted for a long time”

The Imperials lost two wickets in the 20 minutes before tea, including Hendry, but that brought Tom Burton to the crease.

Burton as he has all season was the key for the Imperials batting line up. He would finish 59 not out in a man of the match performance.

The Imperials managed to get over the line, finishing 7-189.

“He didn’t play a false shot and really stuck to the game plan,” Skinner said of Burton.

“Tom is Andrew’s best mate and when we got Andrew to the club, we thought we had a good chance of getting Tom.

“We got him down here with the junior girls program last year and he knew what the club was about.”

The Imperials will now move into division 2, a challenge that Skinner said they were looking forward to.

“Thatisourgoaltoplayhigherlevelcricket,” he said. “We can not rest on laurels.

“Wewanttokeepasmanyplayersaspossible and keep improving this group to do what we need to do to be competitive in division 2.”

TheA’sthenhadtofaceatrickyperiod before stumps. Matthew Grubb lost his wicket in a less than ideal scenario for the A’s.

They finished the day at 1-16.

It was a disaster of a start for the A’s on day two, losing three quick wickets, including the experienced pair of Adam Yates and Ben Davies, to slip 4-31.

The A’s middle order fought through the tough period and get them back into the game.

The margin kept decreasing but the wickets kept falling. When Charlie Ward was out for three, the A’s still needed 11 for the win with one wicket in hand.

Itwasn’ttobefortheA’swithMatthew Turcinovich’s innings coming to an end and with it Altona’s for 193.

Mitchell Grubb top scored with 45, while Turcinovich and James Grubb had crucial contributions in the fight back.

Kew will face Spotswood in the grand final.’

Tara Murray Dan Schuppan (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Williamstown Imperials (Supplied)

Williamstown

Collingwood Adelaide Fremantle Melbourne

Sydney

Gold Coast

Port Adelaide GWS

LW LW 7 LW 4 LW 4

Collingwood Adelaide Fremantle Melbourne

Sydney Gold Coast Richmond GWS

Sydney Gold Coast

Port Adelaide GWS

Collingwood Adelaide Fremantle Hawthorn

Sydney Western Bulldogs

St Kilda Geelong Fremantle Melbourne

Sydney

Western Bulldogs

Port Adelaide GWS

ROUND 2

THURsDAy MARCH 21

St Kilda V Collingwood (MCG)

FRIDAy MARCH 22

Adelaide V Geelong (AO)

sATURDAy MARCH 23

North Melbourne V Fremantle (MRVL)

Hawthorn V Melbourne (MCG)

Sydney v Essendon (SCG)

sUNDAy MARCH 24

Western Bulldogs V Gold Coast (MARS ST.)

Richmond V Port Adelaide (MCG)

West Coast V GWS (OS)

*Correct at time of publishing

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