Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 1st May 2024

Grieving refugee’s plea

By Hannah Hammoud

Selvaranjini Manokaran’s home in the western suburbs is filled with visitors, but the house remains quiet. The only noise you can hear is Selvaranjini calling out for her mum. All she is met with are sorrowful eyes and the warm hand of her husband as he consoles her.

Selvaranjini received the news that her mother died in Tamil Eelam on April 22. And while her first instinct is to book a flight there and say her final goodbye to her mother, Selvaranjini has no choice but to stay in Australia.

SelvaranjinihasbeeninAustraliasince2013, yetsheisoneofmorethan10,000refugeeswho have been denied a permanent visa. She and her family received a bridging visa E (BVE) in 2019, that allows them to temporarily stay in Australia while they wait for an immigration

‘‘ It feels like it’s a repeat of the same cycle … we still have no results, just trauma and pain ’’ - Thishoban

decision to be made.

One of the many conditions of the BVE includes that the visa holder cannot leave the country. If they leave Australia, their visa will end immediately.

Now, after 11 years of being separated from her mother, Selvaranjini is grappling with the realitythatshewillneverseehermotheragain.

A wooden picture frame with a photo of Selvaranjini’s mother sits in the living room of her St Albans home. Above it, the television is streaming a video call from a relative in Tamil Eelam as he shows Selvaranjini her mother’s body. It is the closest she can get to saying goodbye. As she takes in the image of her mother’srestingbody,shecallsoutforheronce again. But all she hears are the echoes of her own cries as they reverberate around the room.

Selvaranjini’s son, Thishoban, sits on a plasticchairacrossfromhismum.Heattempts totranslateforherbutasshestrugglestospeak, he instead steps in and speaks on her behalf.

Thishoban says his family came to Australia as refugees, hopeful that a better life awaited them.

“My parents told me they left due to war and troubles living back home. Even when we were at home [Tamil Eelam] we were living in a refugee camp, so we had no country to call

home,” he said.

In 2023, Selvaranjini joined 21 other refugee women who walked from Melbourne to Canberra in a fight for security.

The refugee women set out from the ImmigrationMinisterAndrewGiles’officeand trekked 640 kilometres calling for permanent protection visas for 10,000 ‘victims’ of the fast-track assessment process.

These refugees and asylum seekers were left out of the February, 2023, announcement from the federal government that allowed for 19,000 refugees who arrived over a similar period to apply for permanent residency.

At the time, Mr Giles said it made “no sense” to keep people who were working and paying taxes in limbo.

This year, the federal government moved to abolish the “fast-track“ process created by the former coalition government, with effect from July 1, 2024. But Thishoban says his family and many others under that system are still yet to receive a decision on their claims.

Thishoban says the story of his mother being unable to leave the country and say goodbye to a loved one is an experience shared by many other refugees.

“My dad lost both his parents in about a year difference after coming to Australia,” he said.

“It feels like it’s a repeat of the same cycle … we still have no results, just trauma and pain.”

Selvaranjini is one of eight children, and the only member of her family living in Australia.

She has lost four of her siblings and now both her parents.

Thishoban says once again his family, and thousands of other refugees, are calling on the federal government to provide them with a permanent stay in Australia.

“Thankfully [with] our visa we can work, which is what pays our bills and puts food on our plates,” he said. “The only thing we want is a permanent residency. I came here when I was seven years old so I don’t see any other home otherthanAustralia.I’velivedallmylifehere,I grew up here, my childhood, my teenage years, everything.

“Every day we’re living with fear, we don’t know what tomorrow is going to be like.”

Mr Giles was contacted for comment.

Selvaranjini holds up a picture frame of her late mother. (Damjan Janevski) 402809_02

Funding to improve local roads

Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils are two of 40 Victorian councils which will share in more than $2 million worth of grants to improve road safety for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The grants have been announced under the annual Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program.

Maribyrnong council will receive $99,460 for pedestrian safety improvements at Market Place in Braybrook. Maribyrnong council chief Executive Celia Haddock said council welcomed the funding. “Market Place, Braybrook, was chosen following

an independent road safety audit, which identified a need for a raised pedestrian crossing at the Duke Street and Market Place intersection due its proximity to Braybrook College on Ballarat Road.

“Market Place is a high activity area with strip shops, a restaurant and pedestrian access to the Braybrook Hotel.”

Ms Haddock said the intersection at Duke Street is a major crossing point for vulnerable road users. “Students who walk or cycle to school, hotel and retail patrons and public transport users,” she said.

“As with any grant funding, council must

meet a number of criteria to be eligible for submission to these grants.

“Roads/areas around the municipality are chosen based on this criteria.”

Hobsons Bay council received two grants, $99,625 to upgrade the crossing at Bayview Street at Williamstown High School and $30,000 for the local street 40km speed limit staging plan. A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said council is pleased its grant applications were successful. “We have liaised with stakeholders during the development of the Williamstown High School project, including the school,” the spokesperson said.

Salvos need your fundraising help

The Salvation Army is appealing for the community to get involved in this year’s Red Shield Appeal, which will raise vital funds to continue supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the community.

Although The Red Shield Appeal weekend is May 25 and 26, there are many other opportunities to give back throughout the month of May, as highlighted by Hobsons Bay Corps captain Star Conliffe.

“We have made a few changes to last year but we are going back to collecting cash on Saturday, May 25,” she said.

“We are also asking people to sponsor the

Salvos Soup van in Hobsons Bay.”

Captain Conliffe said the team have noticed the doubling of number of people who are accessing the soup van in the last 12 months.

“This has increased our costs which now costs $150 a week to run that program,” she said.

“For this reason we are asking people to sponsor the van and make a donation of $150 through either dropping off the cash or through an online form.”

In order to keep the soup van funded through the next year, captain Conliffe said the team requires 50 sponsors which can be

individuals or businesses.

“That funding will make sure we can meet the need that we are seeing in the community.

“We have gone from feeding about 25 to 50 people , we have also seen a big increase in parents bringing their kids out to make sure their kids have a meal on Friday night.”

The soup van is all volunteer run and operates by using the donations of food and drinks received throughout the week.

“I think it is a very worthy cause if people want to get behind it,”cCaptain Conliffe said.

Details: https://digitaldoorknock. salvationarmy.org.au/o/hobsons-bay-salvos

“The $30,000 grant from TAC will develop a strategy for safer speed limits across Hobsons Bay, which will include areas that could be implemented annually and the budget requirements to complete these changes.

“This plan would apply 40 km/h limits on local streets and high pedestrian zones, 50 km/h on through-traffic streets, and 30 km/h in activity centres.

“Arterial roads under Department of Transport and Planning control won’t change, both projects will go through a community consultation process before being implemented.”

New draft heritage plan

Maribyrnong council has drafted a new plan for managing the city’s heritage for the next ten years.

Council said this will ensure the history is understood and conserved for future generations.

Inadditiontoconservingtheheritage, council said the draft plan places a greater focus on addressing knowledge gaps to better understand and protect diverse cultures and histories, adapting heritage places for climate resilience, providingsustainableheritagebuildings and places for people to live, work and enjoy, and exploring contemporary methods and emerging technologies to raise awareness and appreciation of the city’s heritage and create experiences that connect with the stories of place.

Mayor Cuc Lam said council recognises heritage is at the heart of the community’s identity. “During engagement there was an overall sense of comfort with the proposed heritage opportunitiesandeachoftheindividual heritage opportunities received strong community support,” she said.

“Butwealsorecognisethecommunity desire for council to take a stronger stance in safeguarding heritage assets for the future, and have taken that on board.”

Council said the draft strategy outlines seven key objectives including: appropriate protection and adaptation ofourheritageplacesandstreetscapesto ensure our distinctive history remains prominent; building community understanding of Maribyrnong’s rich and diverse history and heritage; and encouraging active community participation in its conservation and appreciation.

Feedback closes Sunday, May 19.

Details: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ heritage

Climate emergency committee members announced

Maribyrnong council has appointed eight community representatives to its Climate EmergencyAdvisoryCommitteeforatwoyear term.

In its meeting on Tuesday, April 23, council announced the members of the Maribyrnong community who were selected through an expression of interest process.

They are Alexander Stephen Ashley-Chiew, Pierre Dao, Sarah Rickard, Nataya Branjerdporn, Priya van Ryn, Geraldine Russell, Robert Crittenden and Angela Ashley-Chiew.

“TheestablishmentoftheClimateEmergency Advisory Committee will provide advice to

council on issues and barriers relevant to achieving the goals and objectives of council’s Climate Emergency Strategy,” officers wrote in a report to councillors.

The committee will be established for a two year trial period with a review at six months and a second review at 18 months to determine whether to recommend the renewal of the committee or otherwise.

Angela Ashley-Chiew said she had been following the climate emergency action plan.

“It is great to see that they’re getting the plan going and are letting the community know they’re evolving not only for transparency and accountability but to be bringing everyone

along for the journey.”

Councillor Jorge Jorquera said the announcement was timely following a climate emergency conference earlier in April.

“Council together with Victoria University and Climate Emergency Australia hosted a climate emergency conference which I thought was fantastic,” he said.

“There were some great conversations, a lot of networking and interesting initiatives highlighted.

“This is very exciting particularly and pertinent in establishing this advisory committee for council in terms of the issues involved.

“This is big picture stuff, but extremely pertinent to the local actions of local governments, so hopefully we can lead the way of other governments.”

Councillor Bernadette Thomas said the committee is made up of a committed and experienced group of people who have been working on local climate action responses for some time. “At least a couple were responsible for bringing forward the climate emergency declaration, encouraging council to declare a climate emergency in 2019,” she said.

“So it is good they have come full circle to be able to sit on the committee for two years.”

Volunteers Masoud Sabokbar and Natalie Rotin. (Supplied)

Maribyrnong rates set to rise

Maribyrnong council won’t seek variation to the state government’s rate cap in its 2024-25 proposed budget, with an average rate rise of 2.75 per cent on the cards for residents.

Meanwhile, there will not be an increase in waste service charges under the draft budget which was released on April 23.

Council said the 2024-25 budget would be based on external influences, including rate capping imposed by the state government, holding a general election in October, increased utility charges and more.

“Council is proposing to spend $140.4

million to fund 57 services and activities during the coming financial year to deliver on community priorities,” council said in a statement.

“Specifically around open space, sustainability and environment, transport infrastructure, city amenity and safety, and health, wellbeing and recreation.”

The draft budget includes $80 million for capital works to maintain, redevelop and improve services and assets. This financial year, council allocated $87 million for capital works.

The 2024-25 spending is proposed to be broken down into $20 million for roads infrastructure, $18 million for major projects, $9 million for aquatic and leisure centres and $8 million for parks and gardens.

In the draft budget, council said it will allocate $31 million of the capital and asset improvementworksbudgettoseveralprojects.

Some of the key projects will include $6 million for the Joseph Road Public Realm, $6 million for the reconstruction of Cowper Street, $1 million for the Hansen Reserve Pavilion construction, $810,704 for the

Stories will continue in new building

The 100 Story Building is running its annual fundraising campaign, but this year the funds will go towards opening a brand new building in Footscray.

Chief executive Susan Kukucka said all the funds raised will go towards opening the new building which has been years in the making.

“We opened the 100 Story building in Footscray 11 years ago, the space was great but the lease has since ended,” she said. “With the support of the West Gate Community Fund, we received money to redevelop a new space that was bigger, could fit more students in and run more programs from.”

After two years of trying to find a space,

dealing with renovations and developments

Ms Kukucka is excited to open the building this month.

“Thefundraiserthisyearisallaboutbringing in those vital funds to make that happen because it’s one thing to have the building but there’s no point opening the doors if we don’t have the funding and the support to run the programs,” she said.

“Thefocusisaboutturningournewbuilding into our home into the headquarters for creative writing and storytelling for children and young people in Victoria.”

Ms Kukucka said the donations will mean the facilitators can deliver more programs,

and enable more children and young people to engage in free or low-cost creativity, storytelling and other participatory arts and culture experiences.

“There are other centres but we’re the only not for profit, creative writing center dedicated to children and young people in the west,” she said.“We’vegivenourselvestwoweekstoreach our goal of $50,000 which is ambitious, we understand that people have a lot of costs and a lot of financial pressures and we appreciate every dollar big or small.”

Details: https://100-story-building.giveeasy. org/building-futures?custom_source=EDM1

Plan ahead and allow extra travel time for upcoming CityLink

Saturday 4 May 2024

CityLink inbound between Flemington Road and Footscray Road will be closed at night on Saturday 4 May from 11pm—7am

Detours will be in place, but remember to check before you travel and allow extra time.

Pipemakers Park Visitor Centre and Machine Shop and $535,000 for restoration of the Heritage Ponds at Footscray Park.

Mayor Cuc Lam said “This proposed budget would ensure council remains financially sustainable and able to deliver and sustain quality services and infrastructure that will benefit our community as a whole, not just today but into the future.”

The proposed budget will be available for feedback until Wednesday, May 15.

Road safety petition

Footscray MP Katie Hall has created a petition calling on the state government to deliver enforcement of 24-hour bans through road safety cameras when the West Gate Tunnel opens in 2025.

The petition reads, “Whilst enforcement is currently managed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, residents are calling for consistent penalties for non-compliance through cameras in key locations across the inner west.

“One of the biggest benefits of the West Gate Tunnel is that it will deliver us the road infrastructure we need to take 9000 heavy vehicles off our roads, every day, in the inner west.”

Ms Hall said this will be delivered through a legislated truck ban on six local roads, the bans will be 24-hour, seven day a week bans.

“I know for the residents of Moore Street, Francis, Somerville and Buckley this is really welcome news,” she said.

“We’ve been getting ready for the bans by installing data cameras in the inner west.

“We’ve been using these cameras over the past year to monitor the movements of the trucks. These data cameras can also form the basis for future enforcement.”

Ms Hall said she’s spoken to many residentswhowantgreaterenforcement.

“Residents want cameras operated by the state government that issue fines,” she said.

“I’m launching a petition today to present to the Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne to introduce enforcement cameras when the tunnel opens, because I know trucks breaking the existing curfews has been a problem.”

closure

Meg Petrie , William, Timothy, Jo Vicente Pires, Evan Martin, Susan Kukucka, Wolfy, Julian Gasparri, Julia Coscolluela, Armin Ravoof. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 402714_01

Temporary fix for Hopkins Street

Temporary bollards have been installed and a temporary zebra crossing painted on Joseph Road near Hopkins Street while discussions about lowering the speed limit continue.

In February, Maribyrnong council voted to write to Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne, asking for the speed limit of Hopkins Street, Footscray, to be reduced from 60km/h to 40km/h following a number of fatal and non-fatal accidents.

A report to a recent council meeting said council officers had met with Ms Horne, FootscrayMPKatieHallandtheDepartment of Transport and planning to discuss the

reduction and safety upgrades on Hopkins Street and within the Joseph Road precinct.

“A program of short term improvement works has been developed to address immediate infrastructure and safety concerns,” the report said.

“Contractors are being procured to implement the remainder of these works.”

Councillor Michael Clarke said council is taking the municipality’s safety very seriously and is considering the future growth of the area.

“We’re all aware our municipality has very much and experienced very significant

development, particularly with population growth which is anticipated to continue,” he said.

“A number of steps have already been taken to progress this issue, we have already allocatedfundingforinfrastructureandroad upgrades for the Josephs Road Precinct.”

Cr Clarke said council has made a difference on what was once an industrial wasteland.

“It is now a major community hub, a major residential precinct, so what must occur is a structural change and a reform of speed limits,” he said.

Blackstock. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 400832_02

Take advantage of free skin checks

The Lions Club of Altona, Altona City Rotary and Bunnings Altona will be joining forces to host a skin check van which will provide a free skin checking service across two days.

Lions Club president Martin Case said the van will visit Bunnings on May 18 and 19 to do their part in combating Australia’s skin cancer problem.

“One of my initiatives is to gather community groups to work together and pull together different resources,” he said.

“We have a look at gaps in the government and council and see where we can fill in the gaps.

“Even though Australia has good health

care, skin checks aren’t free so we reached out to the skin cancer van people to get it going.”

The van will provide a free skin checking servicetolocalpeopleandwillbeoperatedby fully trained, certificated and professionally supervised volunteers.

It is the hope of Mr Case and his colleague, Altona City Rotary president Danny Civitico, that other institutions will follow in their footsteps.

“We hope other institutions will see this and offer funding for the vans,” Mr Case said.

“We hosted sausage sizzles to raise the funds needed to make it happen and hope we

can make this an annual event.”

Mr Civitico said the day is all about raising awareness and helping others,

“It is all about community service, and getting people to check these spots which can become cancerous,” he said.

“We hope to raise awareness about the sun and being safe.”

The air conditioned van has three fully equipped checking rooms and an entry foyer, as well as a disabled lift and entry at the rear.

Bookings are required.

Details: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ stores/vic/altona

“This has to occur to ensure the health and safety of our communities.”

Cr Simon Crawford acknowledged the hard work and the role the community have played in the safety of the precinct.

“I’d like to acknowledge Samantha Meredith and the Joseph Road Precinct Action Group for bringing this to us,” he said.

“This shows when the community and council work together that joint advocacy can be really powerful.”

Volunteers recognised

Nominations are once again open for the Fraser Volunteer Awards, run by Fraser MP Daniel Mulino.

Dr Mulino created the awards last year to mark volunteering week and recognise the contribution that volunteers make to Fraser.

The awards are open to Fraser residents, regardless of where they volunteer, and people who live outside the electorate but volunteer with organisations based in Fraser.

“The theme for Volunteer Week 2024 is ‘Celebrate Service – an opportunity to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve,” Dr Mulino said.

“Every day that I am out and about in the community I see the evidence of the extraordinary contribution of volunteers. Our lives are so much richer thanks to their hard work.”

DrMulinosaidhehopestheseawards will encourage further volunteering as the awards show how highly valued their work is.

“There has been a long-term decline in the number of people who are volunteering, and that is concerning,” he said.

“According to Volunteering Australia, there was a rise last year in the number of people volunteering, but the average number of hours they volunteered has decreased.”

To nominate a volunteer, locals are required to fill out a form describing the person they are nominating and the work they do.

Nominations close Monday, May 13 at 9am.

Award winners will be announced in National Volunteer Week running from May 20-26.

Details: https://forms.office.com/r/ SpN35EgbgR

Smoother seas for Williamstown as speed limit expanded

The state government has expanded the the five-knotspeedzoneinwatersaroundthelocal Williamstown port, coming into effect at the end of April.

Situatedadjacenttooneofthenation’sbusiest ports,Hobson’sBayisapopulardestinationfor water enthusiasts, but bustling maritime traffic has prompted safety concerns.

In response to safety concerns raised by the community, a wave, wash and surge study reviewed the effects of increased and often unexpected wake surges that are impacting

local marinas and those on the water.

The four-month study used radar, water, boat motion and pressure sensors as well as cameras to collect data, finding the study’s key recommendation was to expand the five-knot zone.

By reducing the speed of boats in the area, waves will be reduced in size and intensity making it safer for everyone out on the water and at the marinas.

Safe Transport Victoria approved an application submitted by Parks Victoria to

expand the speed restriction zone for boats in the area near the Port of Melbourne.

The speed restriction zone will soon apply to all vessels in the waters south-west of the Williamstown Channel, from the Warmies boat ramp to Gellibrand Pier.

Parks Victoria will install new signage and update existing guides to ensure waterway users are aware of the change and will work with the other agencies on further responses to the study. Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne said, “The safety of people on boats in

Williamstown is paramount. That’s why it’s pleasing to see this new rule come into place to make sure that our boating community are protected from wave surges.”

Port of Williamstown Action Group president, Michael Neumann said, “Wake surges have been hitting marinas hard and hurting local businesses that rely on the Williamstown waters. We welcome the expansion of the five-knot rule and will continue to advocate for safer waters for all users”.

L-R: Bunnings staff Julie Culliver , Altona City Rotary President Danny Civitico , The Lions Club of Altona President ,Martin Case , member Meredith

Cheers for funds boost

By Jennifer Pittorino

Two Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay schools are among 60 state schools that will receive federal funding for essential upgrades.

Dinjerra Primary School in Braybrook and Altona Meadows Primary School in Altona Meadows will share in the $45 million allocated for the funding.

Altona Meadows will receive $277,959 for refurbishment of the student toilets, and Dinjerra will receive $366, 504 for long-awaited upgrades to its soccer pitch and basketball court.

Dinjerra principal Natalie Vulic said this is a huge win for the school as the current conditions are not up to par.

“Theconditionofthesurfaceisreallyuneven , if it rains there are puddles everywhere, we know the surface had not been laid correctly,” she said.

“It is such an important space because we only have one basketball court , one soccer pitch and a running track.

“So for a school of 215 kids, we have a lot of kids playing there at recess and lunch everyday.”

In addition to using the facilities at recess and lunch, the whole school also uses the spaces for their physical education lessons.

“We run various sport clinics, we just had our colour fun run out there on the track and we use it for our sports carnival so it’s very highly used and all the kids will benefit from it,” she said.

“Forusitisreallyimportantthatweprovide outdoor active spaces for our kids.

“We want to make sure they have the space to run around and be physically active.”

Although the school is eager to receive the funding and the project going, Ms Vulic suspects the works won’t begin until February

next year.

“The Victorian School Building Authority will connect with us and come out and look at the area and discuss the plans, so we suspect it could be completed anywhere from June 2025 to June 2026,” she said.

“Obviouslywearehopingforearlierassome of our older kids have realised they might not be here when it happens.

“But we have said we will invite all our students that have left back to see the finished result.”

Upgrades are on the way

Work will begin later this month on the reconstruction of the two soccer fields located at the north-eastern corner of Hansen Reserve.

Maribyrnong council said the improvements will support year-round access for various activities, including soccer, cricket, football, and general public use. The upgrades will include releveling of the surface, upgrading irrigation systems, installing new subsurface drainage, laying new turf, provision of portable soccer goals, and a synthetic cricket wicket.

To facilitate works, the two soccer pitches will be closed from late-April, until approximately March, 2025, with temporary fencing to be installed around the perimeter of the pitches.

Council said crews will be onsite between 7am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Barlow Oval (south-eastern oval) and Walker Oval (north-western oval) within Hansen Reserve will remain open for community access.

L-R: Carla Coelho, Rishi Chele, Flynn (4yo), Frazer Gentle, with Mayor Cuc Lam, Connor Gentle, Marija Stojanova and Seth Ashweirth (10). 401490_02

Assistant Principal Catherine Robertson, PE teacher Deb Domas, Ridwan, AK, Aras, Herick Jnr and Jeromino. (Damjan Janevski) 402431_01

Honouring all those who served

12684894-FR-24

A plan for parking in and around Highpoint

It is estimated that 32,000 residents will call the Highpoint Major Activity Centre (HMAC) home by 2041. In response to this Council is commencing work on a Highpoint Parking Plan to guide future parking needs in the area.

To start the conversation with residents, businesses and developers, we’ve drafted some initial ideas, including objectives and strategies, to ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone.

This includes ideas on how to encourage sustainable and active transport, measures to increase safety for pedestrians and ways to reduce the reliance on car parking for future residential, office and retail developments.

Join the conversation online by midnight Sunday 12 May at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/highpoint-parking

The Newport RSL Sub-branch marked Anzac Day with two services in Hobsons Bay. The annual dawn service was held at the Williamstown cenotaph, where thousands gathered to pay their respects. This was followed by the afternoon service at Paine Reserve in Newport.

Guest speaker Tom Smith with Newport RSL member and South Vietnamese army veteran, Thang Nguyen at the afternoon Anzac service.

The wreaths laid at the Williamstown Cenotaph.

Bugler Jim Millman plays The Last Post as Newport RSL committee’s Ian Nicholls (MC) and Dave PLummer, stand to.

Newport RSL Committee members at the Dawn Service in Williamstown.

Veteran Tom Smith from Brisbane travelled to Newport to deliver the Anzac Day address.

RAAF Cadets from 418 squadron, Point Cook.

The afternoon service at Paine Reserve in Newport.

Jim Millman plays The Last Post.The Australian flag being raised.

Hundreds gathered at the service.

Award named in Les’s honour

By Jennifer Pittorino

Maribyrnong council has chosen to acknowledge the lifelong dedication of youth worker Les Twentyman, by renaming the annual Civic Youth Leadership Award, the Les Twentyman Youth Leadership Award.

In its meeting on April 23, council said this change would honour and commemorate Mr Twentyman’s contribution to the Maribyrnong community.

Councillor Anthony Tran said the Youth Civic Award acknowledges contributions that the youth have made to the community,similarlytowhatMrTwentyman did in his work.

Mr Twentyman was a Victorian youth outreach worker and community activist, prominent for his work in the western suburbs.

Through the Les Twentyman Foundation, he dedicated a lifetime of service to the state’s most vulnerable people and disadvantaged communities.

“Les was by no means young forever, but he will forever be immortalised as someone who continues to be a large contributing factor to the city of Maribyrnong,” Cr Tran said.

“It’s a small civic award and that’s completely acknowledged by all the

School accused of underpayment

A Braybrook Chinese language school will face court in relation to allegations that it has underpaid teaching staff.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the Western Chinese Language School Incorporated, which operates out of a site in Braybrook, and former chairperson of the incorporated association’s school council, Baoquan Chen.

The regulator investigated after receiving requests for assistance from workers who were employed by the school as Chinese language teachers for various periods between October, 2016, and June, 2021.

The investigation related to four part-time workers, with two of the workers moving to casual employment for the last five months of their employment.

A Fair Work Inspector issued a compliance notice to the company in September, 2022, after it believed workers were underpaid Saturday and public holiday penalties and were not paid accrued but untaken annual leave entitlements at the end of their employment.

These entitlements were allegedly owed under the social, community, home care and disability services industry award 2010 and the Fair Work Act’s national employment standards.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Western Chinese Language School, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the compliance notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay the workers’ entitlements. It is alleged Mr Chen was involved in the contravention.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.

“Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties in addition to back-paying workers,” Mr Campbell said.

“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”

The FWO is seeking penalties in court. For the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice, Western Chinese Language School faces a penalty of up to $33,300 and Mr Chen faces a penalty of up to $6,660.

The regulator is also seeking a court order requiring the school to rectify the alleged underpayments in full, plus interest and superannuation. A hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on May 3, 2024.

councillors here, but we hope that in some way, this keeps the memory of Les in the city of Maribyrnong.”

Mr Twentyman implemented support programs that changed the lives of thousands, addressing youth homelessness, alcohol and drug addiction, youth justice and social welfare.

He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1994 and Victorian of the Year in 2004.

Cr Jorge Jorquera said even though Mr Twentyman became a national personality, he was quintessentially a westie.

“He was very much representative of everything that I have always thought is

beautiful about the west,” he said.

Cr Jorquera also mentioned a possible future tribute to be made when council opens the renovated town hall.

“Wemightbeabletothinkaboutapotential naming of a room or something of that sort,” he said.

“Just to continue his memory as that quintessential westie, I would like him in some way to be immortalised in our newly renovated town hall if possible when we consider those things.”

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Offenders will be caught: Police

Victoria Police is warning the state’s most dangerous family violence perpetrators there’s nowhere to hide – as a crackdown leads to a record number of offenders being arrested and brought before the courts each day.

Victoria Police said frontline police and specialised teams – including family violence investigation units and the family violence command taskforce – are proactively targeting andapprehendingoffendersforfamilyviolence crimestoensurethesafetyofvictim-survivors.

Crime Statistics Agency figures show 29,233 family violence offenders were either arrested or summonsed to court last year. It equates to

an average of 80 arrests or summons to court each day.

The figures are up slightly on the prior year when an average 79 arrests or summons were made each day. That’s one person arrested or brought before the courts for family violence offending every 18 minutes.

The vast majority of offenders were arrested for serious family violence crimes, as well as actively avoiding police detection, outstanding warrants or unserved family violence intervention orders (IVO), stalking and making threats, according to police.

Family violence command assistant

commissioner Lauren Callaway said these figures highlight Victoria Police’s continual efforts in tracking down family violence offenders, some of the worst in the state.

“We have thousands of police officers across Victoriaworkingtirelesslytoapprehendfamily violenceperpetratorsandbringthembeforethe courtstoensurethesafetyofvictim-survivors,” shesaid.“Weneedfamilyviolenceperpetrators to stop and really think of the damage they are doingtotheirpartnersandchildren.Somegoto greatlengthstoavoidapprehension–including blackmailing victim-survivors or using friends to keep them in hiding – but they’re always in

the sights of police.

“Ourmessagetofamilyviolenceperpetrators is clear: closed doors will not protect you from being tracked down and held to account.”

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour support services are available. No to Violence runs a Men’s Referral Service which helps men who use violence to change their behaviour and can be contacted on 1300 766 491.

Support for victims is available 24-hours-a-day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps. org.au

The 2023 Victorian Sport Award (VSA) finalists have been announced across 18 categories, including three finalists from Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.

These awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of home-grown sporting heroes at both a grassroots and high-performance level.

Over 240 nominations were received from the Victorian sporting community, including Mark Blake nominated for the Frank Wilkes Award for Pistol Shooting.

Daniel Flahive who is nominated for Official of the Year for Water Polo.

And Baseball Victoria chief executive Chet Gray who is nominated for Sports Administrator of the Year, which he said is a great honour.

“It was a very happy surprise so I am thrilled to be recognised in this great field and as administrator of the year,” he said.

Three home-grown sporting finalists score big ADHD app wins Apple accolade

“There are three other candidates that are in there that are of quality, high standard and quality as well so it will be a great evening.”

Unsure of who nominated him, Mr Grey said the recognition from the nomination

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

alone is the icing on the cake of a great career.

“I am on the tail end of my career but this would be a capper,” he said.

“To be recognised for the years I’ve been involvedwiththedifferentlevelswouldbevery

meaningful that I have been acknowledged , it’s very humbling.”

In a short bio it said Mr Grey has been nominated for the creation of a new Strategic Plan for 2023-26, which is said to have modernised the plan.

“In addition to the plan, Mr Grey has co-designing major reforms in the sport alongside clubs and key stakeholders,” said the bio.

“He has helped streamline umpiring and scoringprograms,enabledmoreparticipantsto get involved with umpiring at the community level and introduced a BV Coaching Panel aimed at improving pathways with a clear focus on women’s development.”

Winners will be announced at the gala dinner on Wednesday, June 12 at Marvel Stadium in Docklands.

Details: https://vicsport.com.au/events/ view/1509

Footscray university student Mason Cao has won Apple’s WWDC24 Swift Student Challenge, for the creation of his an app designed to help those with ADHD.

The 20-year-old first discovered Swift programmingaspartoftheAppleFoundation Program at RMIT while he was studying a bachelor of computer science.

workforce.

“People with ADHD might start something just trying to get through your morning routine, but then other things take your attention,” he said.

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Mr Cao said the app, MorningDew, is meant to help people with ADHD kick start their day and manage the many distractions mornings can bring.

“For most people when you wake up in the morning you feel groggy, tired and distracted, for people with ADHD it is 1000 times worse,” he said.

Using his own experiences with ADHD, Mr Cao designed the app in only three weeks, with accessibility and inclusivity in mind to lessen the stigma around ADHD and show how those impacted can be just as high-functioning as anyone else in the

“So MorningDew accompanies you on your morning routine, with alarm check ups and encouragement to keep you motivated and on the path to get up and runningandgetoutwithaslittletimewasting as possible.”

This is the 13th year of a formal WWDC student program, which Apple created as an opportunity for student developers to showcase their love of coding.

Mr Cao is one of the student developers from all over the world who submitted an entry to the challenge.

Hewillreceiveaone-yearmembershiptothe Apple Developer Program, a complimentary vouchertotakeanappdevelopmentwithSwift certification exam, and a gift from Apple.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Chet Gray at Melbourne Ballpark. (Damjan Janevski) 402489_01

Mason Cao. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 402319_01

MY PLACE

South Kingsville Community Centre manager Alex Jedlicko tells Jennifer Pittorino about her work and personal life.

Tell us about your work at the South Kingsville Community Centre.

I started working here in July 2023 and although it sounds cliche, I love where I work! The centre was established 30 years ago and provides a range of low cost adult education programs and workshops such as computers, money management, sewing, upholstery and cooking classes for people living with a disability plus we recently relaunched our school holiday programs with great success. We are also a proud occasional childcare provider,whichgiveschildrenfrom15months to five years a chance to socialise, build fine motor skills, develop their communication, and have a whole heap of fun in a safe, welcoming environment.

Tell us a bit about you

I am 41 years young and have lived in the west most of my life. I went to school in Williamstown and have lived in Altona Meadows for over 15 years with my partner and two beagles. I have worked in community education for over 20 years and am passionate about creating spaces and programs that are welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for everyone in the community. I am also a bereaved mum. Our only child Evie, at only nine, passed away in2022fromsepticshock.HerfatherandIare working hard to raise awareness of sepsis and are starting a charity in our daughter’s name.

What’s your connection to Maribyrnong or Hobsons Bay?

Having resided in Hobsons Bay most of my life,Iunderstandmanyoftheissuesfacingthe community but also, appreciate the beautiful placethatwelivein!Previously,Iworkedatthe Laverton Community Education Centre for 13 years and have since become a life member

of the organisation in recognition of my work in improving access to affordable education and my commitment to social justice.

What do you like about where you live?

The community is very close knit and I love how people are always willing to help one another. I have the kindest neighbours and havemadesomanyfriendsthroughtheschool community. I am very fortunate to live right next to the wetlands so have access to many walking trails, parks and bicycle tracks which is a big bonus to living in Altona Meadows.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

There’s not a lot I would change except that

Orchestra hits high note

Musicians from across the inner west recently gathered at the Williamstown Town Hall for thefirstofficialperformanceoftheInnerWest Symphony Orchestra.

The community orchestra was founded in October last year by three Yarraville music teachers who realised there was no significant musical outlets for residents in the west unless they travelled to the eastern suburbs.

Alison Farr, Emma Rudin, and Elisa Kelly created the orchestra, recruiting Yilin Wang, who is now one of 60 musicians of all ages and talent levels to be a part of the musical talent.

This is Ms Wang’s first time playing with an orchestra since performing with the Adelaide Youth Orchestra almost 20 years ago.

“To work so hard with a group of people from such diverse backgrounds and ages towards a big goal is something you don’t really do that often,” she said.

“It is imperative when its not experienced before, because it feels like a community orchestra in that way.”

Ms Wang said rehearsals have been consistent every Monday at Footscray Primary School in order to prepare for the opening night which she said was bigger than expected.

“We sold around 400 tickets which is quite a lot for a community concert, especially being our first one,” she said.

“It shows the demand for a community orchestra from the community.”

The orchestra performed works by Sibelius, Bizet, Tchaikovsky and local composer George Barsoum.

The orchestra is now working on new repertoireforitsnextconcertinJuly,including Holst’s ‘The Planets’ and Sibelius’s ‘Finlandia’.

Details: www.iwso.com.au

we definitely need a pedestrian walkway on the Queen Street bridge to provide safe access for people on foot heading towards Altona or back to Altona Meadows. Having to walk on the road is very dangerous.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

ItwouldhavetobetheAltonaforeshore.There are great restaurants and cafes plus plenty to do if you want yet it is also so peaceful by the water.

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

I love geocaching. It’s where you use coordinates to find caches (little containers)

hidden outdoors. Usually, there is a piece of paper in the caches for you to write your name but in some of the bigger ones, there’s trinkets that you can swap. Hobsons Bay has plenty to find but I have also located some in almost every state and territory of Australia including on the side of a mountain in Cairns. Some are pretty easy to find however, some require patience, agility, and a bit of luck.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Even with the cost of living being at an all-time high, it takes zero dollars to be kind in today’s society. I believe that is so much we could overcome if we could just show more kindness to one another.

An unrivalled location on the corner of Station Street and Rossiter Road in the heart of Koo Wee Rup. The site of 118m2, offers the unique opportunity to occupy one premises, while receiving an income from the other with an established tenancy in place.

The site benefits from the following features:

• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew

• Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises

• Prominent corner location

• Rear shared car park

Address: 275 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup Floor Area: 118m² | Category: Retail

For more information or an inspection, please contact: Shannon Hynd | 0499 980 100 Commercial Department Manager Todd McKenna | 0418 391 182 Managing Director

Yilin Wang. (Supplied)

Alex Jedlicko. (Damjan Janevski) 399473_01

Midwife mums Jess and Carolyn

March was a record month of births at the Bacchus Marsh Maternity Hospital. Among the babies born was Henley, who has a very special connection to the hospital. His mum, Jessica Bibby, and grandmother, Carolyn Bibby, work as midwives at the hospital and chatted to Jennifer Pittorino about their special connection.

Melton woman Jessica Bibby and her mum Carolyn Bibby have a mother-daughter bond like no other.

Not only do they share a passion for their career in midwifery, but they work together at the same hospital.

Even more touching, is that they have both given birth to their children at that very hospital, the Bacchus Marsh Maternity Hospital.

Initially known as ‘Mama Bibby’ and ‘Baby Bibby’ by the hospital community, the pair have now become a trio with Jess welcoming baby Henley in March.

“Even before Jess came on the scene I was known as ‘Mama Bibby’ because I had been there for so long,” Carolyn said.

“Then Jess came along and we got our nicknames because she wasn’t married at that point, now we are known as ‘Grandma Bibby’, ‘Mama Bibby’ and ‘Baby Bibby’.”

The nicknames were given to the pair by theirworkcolleagues,whoafteralltheseyears have turned into more than work friends.

“It’s just that camaraderie that we have that is really lovely in the workspace that we have,” Carolyn said.

“The really amazing thing about Bacchus Marsh is that you’re not just working in birthing, you also work with postnatal women.

“We all share a lot of the responsibilities so everyone is in it together, it is not separated which gives it a nice homely feel.

“There are women that are our women, they’re not just a number, it’s a really holistic women-centred experience.”

For 27-year-old Jess, this holistic experience transferred into her experience giving birth for the first time.

“I was surrounded by my mum and the girls who I chose to have in my birth as they feel like my work family,” Jess said.

“Ichosetohaveawaterbirthatthehospital, which made it feel like I was having a home birth without being at home.”

The knowledge Jess has as a midwife helped

‘‘ There are women that are our women, they’re not just a number, it’s a really holistic women-centred experience ’’ - Carolyn Bibby

her through her birth, which she said she couldn’t fault.

“It was an amazing experience to have that water birth with them and the knowledge definitely helped,” she said.

“It can be good and bad, but for me, it was definitely a positive thing because it went so well.”

Baby Henley was one of 62 babies born at Bacchus Marsh maternity service in March, the most the unit has delivered since October, 2015.

It was revealed in 2015 that the hospital, which was operated by Djerriwarrh Health Services at the time, was being investigated over the deaths of 11 babies, seven of which were later found to have been avoidable.

The hospital joined the Western Health network in 2021 following the amalgamation

of Western Health and Djerriwarrh.

The birth was the first water birth that Carolyn had witnessed as Bacchus Marsh recently started offering water births, which Jess said would be a very positive experience.

“I really wanted to do a water birth from my knowledge as a midwife, I knew it was meant to be really good for pain relief,” Jess said.

“Theclinicwasverysupportiveofmychoice which doesn’t happen for some women, but I was lucky I had a smooth easy pregnancy.

“It was a really calming, soothing, relaxing, environment and the water really helped me, I was super lucky the stars aligned.”

Since Carolyn’s career has shifted from delivering babies to house visits, experiencing this for the first time with her daughter was special.

Since beginning her career in 1993, Carolyn has evolved through many stages of midwifery, something she said was always a dream of hers.

“It was what I wanted to do forever. In my early days I wanted to be a Mother Craft nurse but I don’t think that exists anymore,” she said.

“I knew I wanted to work with babies, I did my general nursing then months later did nursing and midwifery, and once I finished

went to Bacchus Marsh hospital and I have been there ever since.”

Jess always knew she wanted to follow in Carolyn’s footsteps.

“IoriginallywentintoaBachelorofNursing and I really like it to be honest.

“But I always knew I wanted to do something in healthcare and helping people so I had some discussions with mum and recalled prior conversations with her.

“Listening to her experiences at work and how she was able to deliver babies and look after them at home made me decide to jump on a double degree of midwifery.”

Since 2021, Jess has worked with Carolyn, which has been a dream come true for them both.

“I never in a million years thought she would follow in my footsteps,“ Carolyn said.

“So to her to have her now as a midwife working in the same environment and the same hospital is just really special.”

For anyone thinking of getting into the business, both women couldn’t recommend it more.

“It is the appreciation that women give our profession which is my favourite thing,” Jess said. “The most rewarding part is knowing that you’ve made a difference.”

Jess and Carolyn Bibby with baby Henley.

(Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic)

A flood of help

By Cr Sarah Carter

It’sbeennearlytwoyearssincethedevastating Maribyrnong River floods, which impacted over500residents,businessesandcommunity organisations in our municipality.

In my 15 years as councillor, the October, 2022, flood was the worst weather event on record and our community is still healing from the devastation caused.

I’vebeeninspiredbytheworkofcommunity volunteers and the passion of Maribyrnong residents to support one another in times of crisis - it’s been a challenging road to recovery so far that has only deepened my pride in our community. In the immediate aftermath, council established a relief centre where impacted residents could seek refuge and find necessary resources and support.

Together with emergency services, neighbouring councils and the wider community, we worked through cleaning up debris and removed more than 160 tonnes of mud and silt from the impacted area.

An important part of our response has been the establishment of a Community Recovery Committee, whose role has been to provide guidance, support, and advice on what recovery should look like for our community.

Iextendmysincerethanksandappreciation to all the community members of the committee past and present who dedicated their time, energy and ideas such as the ‘Meet Your Neighbours’ gatherings at Coulson gardens to support the ongoing recovery of their community. A year on from establishing the Community Recovery Committee, it was time for us to undertake a review of the structure and performance of the committee to ensure it continues to support the changing needs of our community.

The outcome of the review, one which I

fully endorse as the councillor representative on the committee, was that the committee continue with some changes to the structure and composition.

One of the key recommendations from the review was to appoint an independent chair to facilitate meetings, which is really positive – it’s important to have independence in the operationalisation of the committee and have a further look at what we do moving forward.

To further support flood-affected residents, councilhasarangeoffinancialreliefmeasures in place including a 50 per cent rebate on the 2023-24 third and fourth quarter rates and municipal charges.

In addition, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre have extended their free programming to flood affected residents to promote wellbeing and resilience to June, 2024.

Council remains committed to empowering and working alongside our community in the floodrecoveryjourneyandimportantly,looking ahead to preparedness in the event of adverse weather events in the future. To learn more about flood risk and the actions you take can before,duringandafterafloodeventtostaysafe, join Council VicSES and Melbourne Water on Thursday, May 9, from 5-7pm, at Maribyrnong Community Centre. Email floodrecovery@ maribyrnong.vic.gov.au to register.

Briefs

Shooting charges

A Newport man has been remanded in custody after being charged with murder over a fatal shooting of a man at a strip of shops in Melbourne’s north. Abdurhman Jemal, 33, from Broadmeadows, was found hurt and lying next to a car on Justin Avenue at Glenroy about 4.30am on March 29. He died at the scene. On Friday, April 19, detectives charged Luke Picking, 40, from Newport, with murder over the fatal shooting. They also charged Picking with using a firearm as a prohibited person. He faced court on Saturday, April 20, where he was remanded in custody after refusing to come into the courtroom. Picking was withdrawing from drugs and alcohol, used anti-depressants and had a back injury sustained during his arrest, his lawyer said. - AAP

Stabbing charges

Detectives have charged a man following an alleged stabbing at a shopping centre in Maribyrnong on Sunday, April 21. It is alleged two men were involved in a physical altercation inside a restaurant on Rosamond Road about 2.30pm. A 19-year-old man sustained suspected stab wounds. The Deanside man remains in a serious condition in hospital. A 19-year-old Kings Park man has been charged with intentionally cause injury, affray and weapons offences.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Cr Sarah Carter. (Supplied)

Horticultural jewel of the west

Locatedinaprimelocationoppositethebeach, Williamstown Botanic Gardens date back to whenthegatesfirstopenedin1856.Thismakes it one of Victoria’s first public gardens.

The gardens are heavily influenced by Victorian and Edwardian horticultural practices and traditions such as the Pinetum, a magnificent cluster of pine tree specimens of various ages and ornate stone water fountains and statues nestled within the gardens.

As you enter one of the entrance gates off Osbourne Street, you are greeted by a graceful avenue of Mexican Fan Palms that transport you along a pressed earth pathway, a little hypnotically, towards the shimmering ocean views. On the weekday I visited, I spotted a yoga class taking place, parents and babies picnicking on the plentiful lawns, social walkers and people and their dogs.

The Williamstown Botanic Gardens are maintained through the work of Hobsons Bay Council with support from the Friends of Williamstown Botanic Gardens volunteer group.

Intermsofnewdevelopmentsinthegardens, these are guided by an overall masterplan. There is a real focus on redevelopment of the Pinetum and a monitoring of the aging pine trees already planted. Some other exciting improvements include habitat beds that are planted with Indigenous (local) plant species. Theseareonlyayearoldandhavecausedareal buzzamongstvisitorswhoenjoyobservingand

admiring their flowers as well as the insects that are busy pollinating them. Australian Indigenous species are not known for their flowers and many people are surprised to see they even have them. Alongside the habitat beds,arebedsfilledwithcoastalMediterranean plants.

New introductions such as these show that the garden team is evolving to respond to local climate and conditions. It is a real focus of those working in the gardens to work towards climate-proofing and to this end they are working on appropriate strategies alongside a team from Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

This very special public garden will turn 165 years old in 2025 and when you visit you

will see many incredible plants. The gardens contain over 400 trees and includes rare plants such as Asiatic lilies. Towering established trees within the gardens are a combination of exotics such as English elm tree and the afore-mentioned Mexican fan palms along with Australian native trees such as the Bunya, the majestic Moreton Bay figs, Norfolk Island hibiscus and brush box, many of these hailing originally from Queensland but thriving in their coastal Victorian setting.

To highlight one tree species, the Lophostomen confertus or Queensland brush box tree is an easy to tree to grow that can be

found as a street tree across Melbourne. It is an evergreen, fast growing rainforest tree with an attractive round shape that can reach up to 10m in cultivation. It tolerates poor soils and most pests and diseases as well as being resistant to smog, drought, poor drainage and heavy pruning. If your street could do with some more trees, why not plant one today or suggest it to your local council?

Zoo animals go nutty over peanut butter treats

Smooth or crunchy? A common household favourite condiment is winning the hearts of animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Peanut butter is on the menu at the zoo, with keepers revealing Western lowland gorillas, Vervetmonkeys,PlainszebrasandSleder-tailed meerkats like to tuck into the iconic tasty treat.

The gorillas consume it by smearing dollops of peanut butter onto their fingers, while monkeys seek and explore the condiment by climbingamongtrees.Meantime,themeerkats energetically forage for the nutty-tasting spread,andzebrasenthusiasticallylickupand devour their share.

The combination of the sweet and savoury taste is a drawcard for the animals, but Werribee Open Range savannah zookeeper Laura Harbridge said there’s also great health and behavioural benefits.

“Many of the animals including primates and Australian natives may find ground nuts inthetreesandonthegroundinthewild,”Ms Harbridge said.

“Peanut butter is just one of the foods and experiences that encourages the animals’ natural behaviours because it really fulfills their need to forage and find different foods as part of their daily routine.”

Peanut butter also has an important dual benefit when caring for animals at the zoo.

“It’s a really handy tool to use as part of our healthcare training programs,” Ms Harbridge said.

“If we ever have supplements or important

medications to provide to the animals, we can mask it in something that the animals really like.”

Keepers provide peanut butter in

moderation as part of a holistic approach to a balanced, healthy diet and always allow for individual preferences and choice.

“Some get it once a week, some get it once a

month. They always have the choice to either eat it or dismiss it if they want to. It really depends on each individual animal and their needs,” Ms

Above: Sunlight slants through mature trees. Above centre: Succulents in the Pinetum (top); Moreton Bay figs. Above right: The magestic palm walk. Right: A postcard depicting the a gardens in 1917. (Pictures: Supplied)

Harbridge said.

Vervet monkey tastes peanut butter at Werribee Open Range Zoo (Alex Storer, Zoos Victoria).

Slender-tailed meerkat tastes peanut butter at Werribee Open Range Zoo (Alex Storer, Zoos Victoria)

Western lowland gorilla tastes peanut butter at Werribee Open Range Zoo (Alex Storer, Zoos Victoria)

Plains Zebra tastes peanut butter at Werribee Open Range Zoo (Sam Rankin, Zoos Victoria).

Family day honours the Anzacs

Many of the Spotswood community gathered at the Spotswood Kingsville RSL on Thursday, April 25, to pay their respects for Anzac Day at a family service.

Over 100 people gathered for the touching service, those in attendance included councillors and MP’s , members of of the local community and past and current serving members.

Spotswood Kingsville RSL Sub-Branch President Benjamin Studley welcomed all in attendance, followed by a prayer by St. Marks Anglican Church Reverend Dave Fuller . Gellibrand MP Tim Watts presented a reading followed by the laying of wreaths.

The Service concluded with the singing of the Australian and New Zealand National anthem followed by refreshments in the RSL.

GRUFFALO PLUSH & BOOKS

The many families and locals gathered at the RSL.

Aunty Faye giving a welcome to country.

Kids were asked to take the front stage to help sing the Australian and New Zealand national anthem.

The wreaths laid at the Cenotaph.

Boost for girls’ financial literacy

A female-led recruitment social enterprise operating across Melbourne’s west has joined calls to improve financial literacy standards among school-aged girls.

Earlier this month the Financial Basics Foundation released findings that girls were leaving school with a lower standard of financial education than their male counterparts.

The synthesis of peer reviewed research found that although schools offer classes in this area, the delivery of this course material negatively impacts girls’ confidence and

engagement, leaving them at a disadvantage when they enter the workforce.

Often key skills such as budgeting, saving and investment are lumped into mathematics classes, where girls often underperform.

Sally Caruana is the founder of Sheforce, a social enterprise designed specifically to get more women into the workforce and to provide job training where necessary.

Ms Caruana said she has seen many women seeking employment but lacking key skills.

“Most of our people at Sheforce come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have not had

the support and guidance at home,” she said.

“We built our Sheforce wellness program to focus on supporting our people in the areas of health, wellbeing and financial literacy to assist in making good decisions and planning for their future so they retire with enough.

“Women are the future face of poverty and homelessness in Australia, they need to become financially independent to retire comfortably and not in poverty.”

Joint research published by the University of South Australia and the the University of Adelaide found that women tagged 55 or older

Women step up and take the helm

The Williamstown Sailing Club (WSC) held a special Saturday race which put women at the helm to order to encourage more women to take up sailing.

WSC Commodore Maree Fitzpatrick said the day, held on April 20, received a fantastic response.

“The program itself was dedicated to the women’s helm which means that women held and steered the boat and had men and boys and girls as the crew,” she said.

“The aim was to further develop and encourage women in sailing and to do that by showing our commitment.

“One of the objectives of Australian sailing is to increase the participation of women in sailing because sailing does still tend to be male dominated.”

Despite this being the first event of this kind, Ms Fitzpatrick said that the WSC has a strong female presence compared to many clubs.

“We have the strongest representation of women compared to a lot of clubs so we have been putting a lot of material on the doors to encourage women to take part as well as girls,” she said.

“We want to get the word out to come and

enjoy it although it might not be a traditional sport for women there is a place for sailing and racing as well as base management, which requires another set of skills like rescue driving as well as administration support.”

A commodore herself, Ms Fitzpatrick said “we want to ensure we as women empower other women”.

“ThewomenofWSCwishtothankallofthe men at the club and local clubs Hobsons Bay andtheRoyalYachtClubofVictoriawhohave been such great advocates and supporters of women sailing and racing,” she added.

were the fasting growing group of homeless people in Australia.

Financial Basics Foundation chief executive Katrina Samios said there needs to be a shift in current practices to support future generations.

“We know that financial wellbeing is inextricably linked to our individual and social wellbeing,” she said.

“We also know that schools have a key role to play in the social, emotional and intellectual development and wellbeing of their students.”

Say hello to a lamp post

Maribyrnong council is now trialling Hello Lamp Post, a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, which acts as another engagement tool with the community.

Council said Maribyrnong is one of the first municipalities in Australia to trial this post.

Accordingtocouncil,TheHelloLamp Post two-way communication platform supports participation and broadens the opportunity for the community to engage.

It can be used to survey, collect sentiment and opinion, share content, answer questions and act as a signpost for more information and resources.

By scanning the QR code on one of the yellow signs, users can have a conversation and learn more about our Community Vision and council plan.

Council said it is trialling the Hello Lamp Post AI tool by asking a question.

’How would you like to be involved in the initial conversation to support the development of Community Vision and Community Plan?’

The information gathered will then be used to tailor engagement approach on the Community Vision when it takes place from mid-2024.

There’s no app to use for Hello Lamp Post, no sign up fees or any registration forms , only a QR code is required to scan and complete the interaction at your pace.

For more information about the development Community Vision and the Community Plan, visit yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ communityplan

Women skippers and crew at the WSC inaugural women’s helm race day. (Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Prep for employment course

Seeking a change in career or tips on how to improve your employability? Receive face-to-face help with job searches, resumes, interviews, upskilling and more in a prep for employment course. Register today.

■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com. au, or visit the team at 43 Mason Street, Newport.

Intro to computers course

For beginners and those looking to refresh skills in a computer lab fully equipped for interactive and hands-on learning. Accessing information, resources, file management, emails, Microsoft Office, AI and online safety.

■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com. au or visit 43 Mason Street, Newport.

Dementia-cise

Fitness For Her is offering a free, low-impact group class for individuals with dementia to maintain communication and social engagement. A six-week term starts Thursday, May 9, and will offer 30-minute exercise classes for people living with dementia and their carers at Central Square Shopping Centre, Shop 46-47, Newham Way, Altona Meadows.

■ Register: www.fitnessforher.com.au or 93608000

Sing with WIllin Wimmin choir

Come join the wonderful women at Willin Wimmin choir in Williamstown for some singing fun. Try out for free for two weeks to see if it’s your thing. The group is all about the joy of group singing, and welcomes new members. There are no auditions required. The choir sings a mix of contemporary, folk, choral, and world music in acapella style. Meet Wednesdays during school terms from 7.30-9.30pm at The Bridge church hall, 119 Douglas Parade, Williamstown. ■ willinwimmin.org.au

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 until May 22, from 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 language course

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, outlets@outletsco-op.com. au or visit 43 Mason Street, Newport.

Laverton Community Choir

The choir is 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 May 3-5, 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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian James Liotta. (Damjan Janevski) 402571_01

vocalist Julie O’Hara. For further band line-up and ticket information, visit:

■ 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

Mouth Organ Band

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

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

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

New members who would enjoy 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

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 –Williamstown

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. 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

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

Community morning tea

A free community meeting tea occurs every Wednesday at 11am in Joan Kirner House foyer, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Heritage walks

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

■ John, 0418 377 336

Women Talk – Conversational English

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

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

Laverton Community Education Centre

Laverton Community Education Centre has started free AMEP classes in Williamstown Community Education Centre at the Joan Kirner House, 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 Street, Newport.

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

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Basketballer Caitlin Clark was born in which US city?

2. In what year did Nathan Buckley become senior coach at Collingwood?

3. NRL star Zac Lomax recently signed with which team?

4. Which Australian women’s cricket star was recently named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year?

5. Harley Reid is a first-year player for which AFL team?

6. What number is at the very bottom of a dartboard?

7. When an athlete suffers an MCL tear, is the torn ligament located on the inner or outer side of the knee joint?

8. In 2004, who became the first Australian to win two individual cycling gold medals at the same Olympics?

9. The first Rugby World Cup was co-hosted by which two countries?

10. To the nearest hour, approximately how long does an average Major League Baseball game last? Emma Moore was recently named general manager of which Australian women’s

Which Australian batsman scored a century in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record IPL total of 3 for 287?

And which country holds the record for the highest T20 International team total?

14. Ange Postecoglou is the manager of which English Premier League club?

15. Which racing car driver won the 2023 Supercars Championship?

16. Which famous Australian sporting award was first handed out 100 years ago in 1924?

17. What major sporting event will be held in Milano-Cortina in 2026?

18. Which current Australian golfer shares their name with a rugby league legend?

19. Which National Soccer League club won the last two NSL titles before it became known as the A-League in 2005?

20. What country was Formula One world champion Max Verstappen born in?

21. Taylor Duryea has played for which two AFL clubs?

22. In which running event did Cathy Freeman win both her gold and silver Olympic medals?

23. Nathan Walker is considered the first Australian to play in which US sporting league?

24. In mountain sports, what is a piste?

25. In the early 17th century, golf balls were often made from leather and stuffed with what?

26. How many times did ‘King of the Mountain’ Peter Brock win the Bathurst 1000 motor race?

27. Which Australian fast bowler famously took 37 wickets in the 2013-14 Ashes Test series?

28. How many gold medals did Australia win at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics?

29. Which country won the UEFA Euro 2020 soccer final?

30. What is the name of the 2024 tennis film starring Zendaya?

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

ACROSS

1 Metal disc under nut (6)

4 Supress (8)

9 Cover story (5)

10 Lasting (9)

11 Intending (coll) (5)

12 Pointless (9)

13 Coffee (8)

15 Peels (6)

16 Tabooed (6)

18 Scale of colour (8)

23 Without trust or belief (9)

24 Long-barrelled firearm (5)

26 Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

27 Senseless (5)

28 Japanese game company (9)

29 Natural aptitude or skill (6)

DOWN

1 Argue noisily and angrily (7)

2 Twig offshoot (5)

3 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

5 Tantrum (6)

6 Bucking (7)

7 Grenade-wielding soldier (9)

8 Landed properties (7)

10 Pieces (5)

14 Divide into parts (9)

16 Ten plus five (7)

17 Excel (7)

19 Adhesive mixture (5)

20 Mediterranean island (7)

21 Most shy or submissive (7)

22 Impassioned (6)

25 SOS light (5)

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 nouns ending in “s”.

1 Who is the lead singer of the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs?

2 What evergreen tree is featured on the flag of Norfolk Island? 3 The Great Fire of London occurred during what year? 4 Which country’s president is known by his initials AMLO?

5 Which character did Ke Huy Quan (pictured) play in the movie Indiana Jones and theTempleofDoom?

6 What is the term for a

7 What is the historic capital of the Inca Empire?

8 Who directed the 2009 documentary Capitalism: ALoveStory, about the global financial crisis?

9 What is the more common name for the bird Gymnorhina tibicen?

10 What were the Luddites famous for destroying as a form of protest?

No. 183

No. 183

RATINGS

Looks: 9/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 9/10

Thirst: 9/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Peaceful motoring with Lexus ES

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

The growth in SUV sales has seen a corresponding decline in demand for traditional four-door sedans.

In the case of Lexus only two of the latter have survived, the company’s flagship luxury LS and the medium-large family ES.

The ES comes with the choice of the ES250 powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine with outputs of 152 kW and 243 Nm names ES250, andtheE300hwitha131kW/221NmAtkinson Cyclepetrolenginecombinedwitha88Kw/202 Nm electric motor for a total of 160kW.

Both ES models come with the choice of LuxuryorFSportequipmentlevels,theES300h adds a higher level Sports Luxury grade which was our test vehicle.

Styling

We particularly like the spindle grille in this model. Some of the earlier efforts of Lexus at this fascinating shape just didn’t work to our eyes, but this one fits perfectly. The front of the ES spreads out far and wide visually.

Theloweredgeofthewindowlineswoopsup attherear,andmeetsadownwardswoopofthe roofline. The lower area of the rear doors also parallels this, moving up from their rear edge to meet the taillights, then continues into the bootlid for a few centimetres.

Interior

The ES300h is a full-on luxury vehicle with the interior trim made from high-class materials. It’s finished in three different coloured materials, which is a major improvement on the endless black-on-black that we see in so many cars, even upmarket ones.

Thisisavehicleaimedatgivingalloccupants a comfortable life. Even the rear seats can be inclined and there’s a three-zone air conditioning.

There’s good legroom in the back, though if there’s a long-legged driver it may be necessary to talk to them and do a deal on space. Either that or sit the shortest rear passenger behind them. Your call…

The boot is generously long but the low set nature of this semi-sporty sedan makes it rather low in height.

The asymmetric shape of the dashboard makes a real stylish statement. More about it in the Driving segment of the review

Infotainment

The upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment has proprietary sat-nav, DAB+ digitalradio,wiredAppleCarPlayandAndroid Auto smartphone mirroring together with Lexus Connected Services.

The screen projects forward from the dashboard to bring it within easier reach of the driver and eliminates the need to use the annoying and potentially dangerous sensitive touchpad that’s located in the centre console.

The driver’s screen combines digital and analogue gauges.

The Sports Luxury that we tested came with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. Sound quality is excellent and we really enjoyed the feeling of luxury inside the cabin.It’sevenmoreenjoyableintheveryquiet interior of the Lexus than in lesser cars with a similar system.

Engines/transmissions

This is where it gets really interesting. The Lexus ES300h has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder

Atkinson-cycle high-compression petrol engine producing 131kW. And an 88kW electric motor.

Peak torque is 221Nm on the petrol unit and 202Nm on the electric motor. The petrol doesn’t get to its torque peak until it reaches 3600rpm, the electric unit has its torque from one rpm. Yes, one rpm.

TheLexushasitsfrontwheelsdriventhrough a continuously variable transmission.

Safety

TheLexusESrangereceivedafive-starANCAP when tested in September 2021.

Standard features include 10 airbags including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.Therearechestandheadbagsacross its two seating rows.

There’s also autonomous emergency braking including junction assist, emergency steering assist for collision avoidance, lane-departure andblind-spotwarning,rearcross-trafficalert, parking support brake with vehicle and object detection.

Child occupant protection top tethering and IsoFix child seat anchors.

Driving

Acceleration is instantaneous, you move the accelerator and the Lexus gets up and goes.

This is one of the best features of all electric

vehicles, be they hybrid or full electric. It doesn’t slow as quickly as we like when we backed off on the pedal. But you do become used to this after a period of time at the wheel. Regular drivers of any vehicle with electric power soon adapt to this.

Fuel consumption from the ES 300h was impressively low, sitting around 5.3 litres per 100km during our week behind the wheel, just 0.5 L/100km above the listed figure.

Ride and handling will suit the typical buyer in being comfortable rather than sporty. Having said that it handles bends well and on the few times we tested it close to its limits around corners on our standard ‘official’ test route it responded well and gave us good feedback.

Summing up

Lexus ES300h is a beautifully designed and built Japanese machine from a company that has specialised in hybrid and electric vehicles for many decades. It’s very much deserving of a place on your shopping list if you want to minimise climate change, and also enjoy peaceful motoring.

Lexus and its parent company Toyota are past masters at petrol-electric hybrids, with a historystretchingbackwellover20years.They continuetoaddmoreperformance,atthesame time reducing emissions.

Lexus and its parent company Toyota continue to add more performance, at the same time reducing emissions. (Pictures: Supplied)

Woodsmen dig deep to score the winning points

Spotswood had to dig deep to come away with the points against Altona in the Western Football League division 1 on Saturday.

The Woodsmen trailed by 10 points at half time to the Vikings and had work to do in the second half.

The challenge was made even more difficult with the Woodsmen suffering a number of injuries in the first half, leaving them without a bench.

They were able to find another level in the second half to come away with a 10.6 (66)-7.11 (53) win.

Playing coach Tom German said it was good to bounce back from a disappointing result the week before.

“It was good,” he said. “It’s a really even comp and games are going to be easy.

“We had a big week on the track and there were a few areas that we wanted to improve as we knew it would be tough opposition.”

German said the group was really

challenged in the second half being down on rotations.

Skipper David Iaccarino, Harley Walshe, Ethan Bentley and Sam Raunik were all done for the game.

With those key players out the 18 left were able to get the job done. They were able to take the lead at three quarter time by two points before kicking three goals to one in the final quarter to seal the win.

Matthew Payne kicked three goals for the Woodsmen, while Sam Cross kicked two.

German said Spencer Meagher in the ruck was the standout,

“We’ve got a young crew coming through and they are still learning,” he said. “They continue to step up.”

For the Vikings, Mitchell Van Den Berg kicked three goals. Colby Redpath, Spencer Johnson and Luke Whatman were named their best.

The win moves the Woodmen to 2-1 and

they sit in second place behind an undefeated Werribee Districts.

Hoppers Crossing is the only team without a win after the first three rounds.

The Woodsmen have a bye this week which German said was much needed with all their injuries.

In other matches, Yarraville Seddon lost to Point Cook Centrals in a thriller.

The Sharks were in front all day with the Eagles kicking six goals in the final term to give themselves a chance, before just falling short.

Parkside also fell just short of victory, losing to Caroline Springs.

The Lakers won, 13.10 (88)-11.6 (72).

In division 2, Newport and Laverton both had wins, while West Footscray, Braybrook and North Footscray all suffered losses.

CYs win western derby

By Tara Murray

Williamstown CYMS’ step into the unknown continues to be a successful one as it remains undefeated in the Victorian Amateur Football Association women’s premier B competition.

After winning the division 2 premiership last season, the CYs were promoted into premier B, the second top tier of women’s competition in the VAFA.

Coach Lawrence Henry said they were happy with the start.

“It’s been pretty good,” he said. “It’s been hard to know what to expect being a new division, with some new teams.

“It’s good to win a couple of games and we’re always feeling confident. There is still an element of the unknown.

“We know what good footy looks like for us which we know will be competitive and we’ll see where it takes us.”

Henry said they felt like they had played their brand of footy in the first few rounds, he said for them they focus on the contested ball and stoppages.

The core group from last season has returned but with the club now having two sides there is a mixture of players.

“We have got a lot of new players,” Henry said.

“We have a squad of 77 which is double the amount of players. The core group has hung around and it helps knowing each other.

“We have 12 players in the VFL [Victorian Football League] and nine at the Western Jets. That’s practically a full side week to week we need to absorb [if they’re unavailable].

“We wanted to make sure we have depth and have one eye on the future.”

On Saturday, the CYs hosted Westbourne Grammarians for the first time.

Thetwoclubsaretheonlywomen’steamsin the western suburbs.

Henry said they had been really looking forward to the game and it was a rivalry they were hoping to build.

TheCYsalsounveiledtheirpremiershipflag before the game in a special moment.

It was a dominant performance by the CYs.

The CYs led by nine points at quarter time

Seagulls continue on

Williamstown is starting to hit some form in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition with a big win against the Darebin Falcons on Sunday.

In a battle between two standalone sides, it was the Seagulls that were able to build nicely into the match.

TheFalconsledbyonepointatquarter time,beforetheSeagullskickedtheonly three goals of the second quarter to lead by 21 points at half time.

The Falcons were able to reduce the margin to 12 points at the last break after kicking the only goal of the third quarter.

With the match on the line, the Seagulls kicked the only four goals of the final quarter to win, 8.9 (57)-2.7 (19).

The Seagulls shared the ball around with Lori Stepnell, Kiera Leare and Nicole Julian the leading possession winners with just 14.

Sharnie Whiting was the key target up forward with three goals. Captain Eliza Straford was the other multiple goal kicker, kicking two goals.

The win moves the Seagulls up to third on the ladder, with the side having won their last two matches after two losses and a draw before that.

The Seagulls face the Casey Demons this Sunday in round six. The Demons sit in eighth spot but are only two points behind the Seagulls with the ladder close in the early stages.

The Demons had a win against St Kilda on Friday night, their third.

before extending the lead to 22 points at half time.

The margin increased to 28 points at the last break before they finished the game off strongly to win, 8.10 (58)-2.1 (13).

Alessia Acquaro kicked two goals for the CYs and was the only multiple goalkicker on the day.

Olivia McGie, Jaimi Paten and Ella Day were named the CYs best.

While they’ve had a strong start, Henry said they haven’t really set expectations on what they want to achieve this season.

“It’s hard to tell early,” he said. “It’s going to be competitive which we expected.

“I’m happy with how we’re doing, it’s a good division.”

Inthemen’spremierBcompetition,theCYs remain without a win.

OnSaturday,theCYslosttoOldHaileybury, 25.21 (171)-6.9 (45).

Oskar Manton was the only multiple goalkicker for the CYs with two. Cooper Brown and Jordan Busuttil were named their best. The CYs this week face De La Salle.

Lori Stepnell (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Tara Murray Thomas German (Jacob Pattison) 348754_08

Williamstown

Spurs showing lots of positive signs

New Parkside Spurs coach Callan Tenabel is enjoyingthechallengeattheWesternFootball League women’s side.

Tenabel took over as coach in the off season said it had been an enjoyable challenge coaching women for the first time.

“I relay love it,” he said. “There’s so much excitement and they want to listen and learn. “It’s a change from men’s and boys footy. Theywanttoknowhowtopositionthemselves and the technical stuff.”

TenabelplayedwithParkside’smen’ssidefor 10 years previously and coached girls football the last few years, with his team having some training sessions with the Spurs.

The Spurs have started their season 1-1, with a massive win against North Sunshine in round two kick starting their season.

Tenabel said the inclusions of a couple of stars had really helped, with the pair kicking 17 between them in their win against the Roadrunners.

“Mary Sandral, who was captain of the Bulldogs VFLW [Victorian Football League Women’s] team last year has played in the first two games as she hasn’t playing VFLW,” he said.

“We would like to see her dominating VFLW, but love having her with us with her leadership and direction.

“Last year’s coach Tara Morgan, who is ex-AFLW, has come to play footy for the time in a number of years.

“She is one of the heart and souls of the football club and the group love her back playing.”

The Spurs had a bye on the weekend, which Tenabel said was much needed.

Withthecompetitionnowonlyonedivision instead of two, Tenabel said there would likely be some one sided results which was seen across the board in round two.

He said those sorts of matches can be frustrating.

Tenabel said this season the aim for his group was to have fun and be competitive.

“We want to get better with structures and execution and wherever we end up, we end up.”

Tenabel said they would love to add some more players to their squad.

“Whilst we have some talented and experienced players struggling with depth,” he said.

“We’relookforanynewyoungplayers,want to play football, haven’t played this year and want to get back into it

“There’s many players that are finishing up at under-18.15s and quitting footy as they think the transition isn’t easy.

“I can give them assurances that it’s not that different.”

This week they face Laverton. Anyone interested in playing at the Spurs can contact Callan on 0412 318 777.

Tara Murray

Falcons keep on winning

By Tara Murray

City West Falcons built into a strong performance against the Melbourne University Lightning to continue its winning streak in the Victorian Netball League championship.

The Lightning started the better of the two teams before the Falcons found their groove, with the scores level at 14-all at quarter time.

The second and third quarters were all the Falcons as they opened up a match winning lead.

The Falcons rotated their players in the final quarter but still managed to extend the lead slightly to win, 67-50.

Falcons coach Marg Lind was pretty happy after the game.

“I just thought we took a little while to work at a defensive circle and be a little bit more patient in attack,” she said.

“We were trying to launch it into Jane [Cook] really early on. I think against a team like MU, they’ve got Maggie Carris, who is almost as big as Jane, you really need to work to the circle once we did that we started to fly.”

Lind said the decision to bring Mel Oloamanu on the court early in the first quarter was a good move as she bought a bit more physicality and size.

She thought Lucia Faionuku had a good game in wing defence with a bit more height while Sophie Hanarahan looked a lot better in goal defence.

Lind said once they minimalised their errors in attack and Uneeq Palavi became more of a shooting option they started to look a lot better

The margin meant Lind had the chance to throw different players on the court. The Falcons were without Shimona Jok due to Mavericks commitments.

“I think that’s still really important,” Lind said. Genna [Ogier] is still finding her way. When she first came on in that third she was really good, but then she went back to some basketball habits in the last.

“She’s making improvements and Chelsea [Imanisani] was steady. Just try to get us some time and get a bit more experience with that group. We probably need to put her on with Pav and Cookie too, not just always rolling a big number at once.”

The Falcons now move to 6-1 with the loss coming in the first match of the season.

The Falcons under-23s had a much tougher night, losing to the Lightning 52-48 after being 11 goals down at half time and having taken the lead early in the last quarter. Lind said that side remains a work in progress.

They made 18 errors in the first half, that is not acceptable,” she said. “They made two errors in the third quarter and pulled back an

Montana Holmes. (Robbab Photography)

11 goal deficit to equal it at three quarter time. “Then to have opportunities in the last to go ahead and again, waste it but then by that point they were a little fatigued I think. You

Seagulls beat western rival

Williamstown put out its best performance of the Victorian Football League season to overcome western rival Werribee on Anzac Day.

On Thursday, both teams entered the matches on the back of their first loss of the season.

Afteranevenfirstquarter,theSeagulls blew the game open in the second quarter with nine goals to one to lead by 53 points at half time.

With the game over at the main break, both teams struggled to hit the scoreboard in the second.

It mattered little for the Seagulls who came away with the win, 15.11 (101)-7.7 (49).

Seagulls director of coaching Jeff Andrews was thrilled with that performance.

Andrews said there was a really good crowd that build late and a good atmosphere with the Anzac Day ceremony before the match.

“We were a bit disappointed from the week before, the Bulldogs were pretty good,” he said.

“Everything we sort of worked on during the week, we saw coming out in the game yesterday [Thursday], so it was good.”

Andrews said it was a typical Williamstown day with a breeze favouring one end.

He said they were happy with their first quarter against the breeze before they made the most of it in the second quarter and that was the match.

Will Fordham had 22 disposals while Ryley Stoddart and Riley Collier-Dawkins had 21 possessions each.

Mitch Cox kicked three goals, while Blake Coleman chipped in with two goals.

Andrews said Collier-Dawkins, Luke Parks and Cox were the standouts along with Fordham, while there were a number of other good players.

“Our midfield definitely gave us first use,” he said. “It was a good spread of contribution.

“It was probably the day that all of the lines connected, the synergy piece that we’ve been waiting for. The energy has been there, but it wasn’t clicking and yesterday [Thursday] it certainly clicked a lot better.”

can’t run down 11 goals and not have some sort of consequence.”

The Falcons face Casey on Wednesday night.

The Seagulls have a 10 game break between games, facing Casey Demons this Sunday.

Mary Sandral (Ayesha Angel Photography)

Altona Gators are drawing on their depth in the Big V women’s division 1-2 competition.

TheGatorshavestartedtheseasonwellwith six wins and a loss, but have had a couple of injuries to key players.

Gators coach Randy Shanklin said they were happy with how the season has started.

“Wearehappybutithasbeendisappointing with a few injuries that have left us up against it,” he said.

“We’re trying to get through it.”

Alysha Carden-David missed their round four and five games and will be out for a couple more weeks.

Sharna Nani-Leifi hurt her knee just before half time in round five.

Shanklin said that they were waiting on scans but it didn’t look good and she could be out for the whole season.

He said they’ve had to make some

adjustments on court to try and fill the void.

“A bit more small ball,” he said. “ More of the smallergirlsarerollingthroughandwealready run a lot of youth girls through the team.

“When Sharna went down it was just before halftimeandthegroupstayedfocusthroughout even though they were a bit worried.”

Shanklin said to start the season so well was a key for them having started last season with four losses. With the competition to split intotwomidwaythroughtheseason,thegood start will prove vital.

“It makes a difference when you can get going,” he said. “There is self belief that is there which is good.

“You can kind of see the split already. We want to make the top four, not just the top group. We want to be a contender in division 1, otherwise you may as well be in division 2.”

The Gators had a bye on the weekend.

While it was good for their injured players, Shanklin said he’s not the biggest fan of byes.

The last time the Gators had a week off, they suffered their only loss of the season.

“There’s no point resting, you can rest in the off season.”

The Gators this week face Warrandyte Venom on Saturday night.

In the men’s division 1 competition, the Gators had a big win against ladder leaders RMIT Redbacks.

The Gators set up the win in the first half before finishing the game off strongly, winning 106-76.

Brian Adams top scored with 26 points as six players scored double figures.

The Gators this week face Whittlesea Pacers in a rematch of last year’s division 2 grand final.

Practise makes perfect Altona Gators are fighting adversity

By Peter Howe

YounggolferGeorgiaSchwartzisrenownedfor always having a smile on her face, a strong zest for practise and a mantra for simply getting better every day.

With a handicap of +1, which in itself is remarkable for a young person of her age, the 13-year-olddisplaysamaturitywellbeyondher years.

“Ialwayswanttogetbetter,butIamwanting to win as well,” laughs Schwartz as she reflects on her achievements in golf in such a short time.

“Itriedswimmingandtennisforawhile,but I got bored with them pretty quickly.

“I didn’t feel they suited me, I need to be challenged.

“I went to the driving range with dad and really liked the challenge of hitting the ball.

“I then took some group lessons at Keilor and when I got good enough, I entered some competitions at Medway Golf Club, where dad and pa played.”

Schwartz, who is the April Don Deeble sportsawardnominee,tookhergolftothenext levelpostCOVIDandsaysthereisn’tadaythat goes by when she doesn’t practise.

In 2022, Schwartz competed in the 12 and under School Sport Australia Championships in the team Victoria golf team, winning by six shots.

In 2023, her first year in secondary school at Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Schwartz went from strength to strength.

Attending gym strength and conditioning sessions every morning before school that included Pilates, low bearing body weight conditioning to prepare her for when she’s older.

She has match play simulation at Medway Golf Club on Mondays and Wednesdays after school. “My coach, Richard Cooney, is incredibly supportive,” she said. “He is also the high-performance coach for Tasmania.

“The strength of my game is my consistency. My irons are very good, as is my short game.”

Schwartz does believe her swing could be better.

Schwartz finished second at the 2023 12 and under National Golf Championships in Perth and her Victorian team finished third overall.

“It was my first interstate experience; I was very nervous but as soon as I got onto the course my nerves settled,” she said. From there she went on to win the Medway Golf Club’s women’s open golf championship at and the junior girls’ cross.

She recently won the Bendigo Junior Open andwassecondattheRoyalMelbourneJunior

Open as well as the Portarlington Junior Open, She plays as the number one in the Medway junior and senior women’s pennant for And a highlight for Schwartz was playing in the Sandbelt Invitational Professional Golf event in December.

Two weeks ago, Schwartz was presented with a “Sporting Blue” for golf at the Victorian School Sports Awards in recognition of her outstandingperformancesatstateandnational level in 2023.

Schwartz has been recently added to the Golf Australia high performance program where she will attend the Golf Australia High

Sports shorts

Australia Cup

Altona East Phoenix pushed National Premier League powerhouse Avondale in its Australia Cup clash on Tuesday night. Despite being in a division four below Avondale, the Phoenix pushed the match to extra time with neither team able to score in regular time. Avondale’s clash shone through in extra time, to win 1-0. Altona Magic plays its round five clash this week.

VTCA

Yarraville Club has announced that Nathan Johnson has been released to pursue opportunities elsewhere for the forthcoming Victorian Turf Cricket Association season. The Clubbers said that hours after Johnson had committed to the club there had been a points reduction by the league and the club’s points situation would be compromised and it was forced to part ways with Johnson.

FV

Yarraville Glory was unable to come away with the points against the Brimbank Stallions in the FV state league 1 north-west competition on Saturday. The Stallions scored in the first half and that would be enough, with the side winning 1-0. Glory has just one win after five rounds. In state league 2 north-west, Altona East Phoenix beat Geelong Rangers, 4-1, while in state league 3 north-west, Williamstown beat Diamond Valley United, 1-0 and Laverton beat Sebastopol Vikings, 4-3.

NPL

Performance Centre for intensive coaching. Schwartz has two golfing heroes, Cassie Porter and Cameron Smith.

So, what does the future hold for Schwartz?

“I’d love to go to college in America and of course turn professional,” a pause, and she adds, “but that’s a long way off,” she said.

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

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

Altona Magic made it three in a row in the National Premier League on Saturday. Facing Moreland City, the Magic won 3-2 after scores were 1-1 at half time. Nuh Sehavdic, Darcy Anastovski and Jawad Rezai were the goal scorers for the Magic. The Magic sits in eighth spot after 11 rounds. In the Victorian Premier League 2 competition, Altona City beat Pascoe Vale, 1-0. Altona City sits on top after seven rounds.

Georgia Schwartz. (Supplied)

- Tara Murray Aseka Ratnayake (Ljubica Vrankovic)