A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Last month, we had the pleasure of welcoming a number of new citizens at our citizenship ceremonies. These ceremonies are a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a peaceful, free nation built on shared values of respect, inclusion and opportunity. Australian citizenship is one of the greatest privileges, and it was truly inspiring to share in the joy, pride and excitement of those choosing to make Australia their home. It is moments like these that highlight the strength and diversity of our community and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming city for all.
We also launched the new electric vehicle charging hub at the Civic Precinct and Community Hub in Footscray. Featuring three dual 150kW chargers, the hub allows up to six vehicles to charge at once. Operated by Evie Networks and accessible via the Evie app, the new hub builds on our existing charging infrastructure, bringing Footscray’s total to five fast chargers across ten bays. This investment improves access to sustainable transport options for our growing community and supports our broader efforts to encourage more environmentally friendly ways of moving around Maribyrnong.
Council’s Proposed Annual Budget 2025/26 is currently available for comment, featuring $144.78 million to support core services, deliver on community priorities, and prepare for the future. The proposed Budget has a strong focus on road maintenance, major projects, and parks and gardens.
Like other councils in Victoria, we are facing significant financial challenges as the costs of delivering services and infrastructure rise alongside a growing population, while State Government rate caps limit our income. Greater funding support from both State and Federal Governments is essential to help us meet the needs of our growing community.
View the Proposed Annual Budget 2025/26 and share your comments at yourcityyourvoice.com.au
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
Tue20May: 6.30pm Council Meeting
Mon26May: 6.30pm Hearing of Budget Submissions
Tue27May: 6.30pm City Development Delegated Committee
These meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at Footscray Town Hall, 61 Napier Street, Footscray and live-streamed on the Council website. Community members can submit questions for public question time online on or before the day of the meeting. Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings or phone 9688 0200 for more information.
Maribyrnong City Council
Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray, VIC 3012
P: (03) 9688 0200
F: (03) 9687 7793
OUT AND ABOUT
Mayor, Cr
3. Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, with Lola Anderson and Klaus Schulte from Friends of Cruickshank Park, commemorated Anzac Day with crochet poppies at Cruickshank Park.
4. Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, along with councillors Samantha Meredith, Susan Yengi and Mohamed Semra, joined the celebrations at the Eid Festival at Kindred Studios.
5. Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, presenting the 2025 Mayoral Award to recipient Stacey Earsman.
NO LIGHTS NO LYCRA
Every Tuesday night from 6:30 – 7:30 pm, join us at the Maidstone Community Centre for No Lights No Lycra – a casual, free-form dance session in the dark, all about the pure joy of dancing. Simply show up whenever you’re ready to boogie! With a friendly, non-threatening, and drug and alcohol-free vibe, it’s a space to let loose and have fun. Don’t miss our special IDAHOBIT Day event on 13 May! For more details, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/nolightsnolycra
BLACKSMITHS FESTIVAL
The biennial Blacksmiths Festival returns to Footscray from 17-18 May 2025 for its sixth edition, held at Waterside Metal Art Studio. This exciting event showcases metal forging classes and displays, featuring coke fires, gas furnaces, hammers, and anvils, along with a stunning selection of hand-crafted metal art sculptures for display and sale. Beginners can enjoy ‘taster’ sessions, while kids aged 5-12 can try their hand at cold forging in a special, fire-free zone. With live music, delicious food, and drinks, this boutique festival by the Maribyrnong River promises a unique experience. More information can be found at maribyrnong.vc.gov.au/blacksmithsfest
email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Mayor Cr Pradeep Tiwari
1. Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, joined Katie Hall MP to announce the latest recipients of the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund grants, including a series of community events hosted by the Inner West Community Bike Hub.
2.
Pradeep Tiwari, opening the new electric vehicle charging hub at the Civic Precinct and Community Hub.
Watts, Mulino retain their seats
By Cade Lucas
The already safe Labor seats of Fraser and Gellibrand are even more secure after Saturday’s election, with both sitting members returned with increased margins.
In Fraser, Dr Daniel Mulino was re-elected on 60.8 per cent two party preferred after winning a 42 per cent share of primary votes, a swing of 0.76 per cent compared to 2022.
HefinishedwellaheadoftheGreensHuong Truong on 39 per cent who leapfrogged the Liberals into second place, with a six per cent swing towards her, winning 25 per cent of
primary votes,
As with the rest of the country, support for the Liberal Party crashed, with candidate Satish Patel suffering a 7 per cent swing against him, coming third on 16 per cent.
Victorian Socialists Jasmine Duff (6 per cent), One Nation’s George Rozario and Rob Rancie of Family First (both 4 per cent) had swings towards them.
“I’m genuinely humbled by the support I’ve received from the people of Fraser at this election,” said Dr Mulino of his victory.
“I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to serve this electorate.
Fraser is the face of modern Australia. Our community is hardworking, vibrant, optimistic and diverse - and importantly, it’s also very generous.”
In Gellibrand, Tim Watts recorded a swing of almost four per cent towards him to win on 65 per cent two-party preferred, ahead of the Liberals Party’s Ben Reeson on 35 per cent.
The Greens Ponraj Krishna Pandi came third on 16 per cent, while One Nation’s Stephen Bennett won 5 per cent of the vote to finish fourth ahead of Family First’s Jo Garcia, despite having no visible presence in
Festival in Footscray. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 472131_03
From film clips to film festival
Musicians with new albums often film clips for the songs that will be released as singles. But Indigenous sister duo, Charlie Needs Braces, enjoy making film clips so much that they made one for every track of their new album, Nyaa Wa.
Meaning take care in the language of the Guringai people of the NSW Central Coast where Charlie and Miri Woods hail from, Nyaa Wa is also the name of the documentary the film clips have been made into and which premieres at The Setting Sun Film Festival
(SSIFF) in Footscray on May 9.
“There’s about 10 different music video clips and in between those clips are interviews with mob from around the Central Coast,” explained Charlie Woods of how the film clips became a film.
“The interviews are very educational. They’re quite insightful and personal and tell a story.”
That story is of Gurngai country and the importance of protecting its people, wildlife and waterways.
Despite now living in Melbourne, it’s a story that is evident in the sister’s music too.
“It’s very obvious in the songs, there’s a lot of traditional language and messages encompassing those themes,” Woods said.
The premiere of Nyaa Waa will be held at Footscray’s Bluestone Church and will be followed by a Q and A session.
It’s one of the feature events of the 12th annual SSIFF which runs from May 8-19 at venues in the inner west and the city.
Detailsandticketswww.settingsun.com.au.
the electorate during the campaign.
“Thank you, Gellibrand!” said Mr Watts after being re-elected for another term.
“On Saturday, Australia rejected the politics of division and Australians embraced the fact that the things we have in common as Australians are far bigger than our differences.
“I’m especially proud of how our local Labor campaign in Gellibrand looked like our community – bringing people from all possible backgrounds together in pursuit of a common cause to build Australia’s future.”
Bridge works disrupt trams
Tram commuters in the inner-west are being warned to prepare for disruptions as strengthening works on the Raleigh Road bridge in Maribyrnong begin.
From 8pm on Friday, May 2, to 3am on Monday, May 12, buses will replace tram services on Route 82 from Moonee Ponds to Footscray and part of Route 57 to West Maribyrnong.
Over the same period Raleigh Road will also be reduced to one lane in either direction, however these lane closures will not come into effect until 11pm this Friday night.
The strengthening works are to prepare the bridge for when the heavier Next Generation Trams begin operating along Raleigh Road from the new Maidstone Tram Depot. Alongside the strengthening works, maintenance is also be done e bridge’s concrete beams and columns.
While the disruption to tram routes and lane closures on Raleigh Road will finish on May 12, work on the bridge will continue until mid-June and may impact recreational activities along the Maribyrnong River.
Pedestrians and bike riders travelling along the Maribyrnong River Trail may be required to detour via the pedestrian crossing signals at the Raleigh Road and Clyde Street intersection, while on occasions only one span will be open below the bridge to on-water river users.
On-water exclusion zones and signage will be in place to alert rivers users to changed conditions.
More information: https://www.ptv. vic.gov.au/
Brooklyn residents surveyed on recycling resistance
With the state’s population continuing to grow and more housing and infrastructure needingtobebuilttocaterforit,theamountof construction and demolition waste produced in Victoria is set to grow too.
Disposing of this waste requires either sending it to landfill or recycling it, but while the latter may be better for the environment, PHD student at RMIT’s school of property, construction and project management , Moein Behzad, said that didn’t mean it was popular.
“It’s really important to develop our recycling facilities and establish new ones, but when it comes to establishment of new recycling facilities, usually people who live in
suburbs neighbouring these facilities, oppose them,” said Mr Behzad.
Like other heavy industries, many waste recycling plants that deal with construction and demolition waste are based in the inner-west, especially Brooklyn.
Mr Behzhad is conducting a survey of residents in Brooklyn to find out why they oppose these facilities and what can be done to assuage their concerns.
“It’s really important to address these concerns and on the other side it’s really important to consider recycling groups concerns as well,” said Mr Behzad who warned of dire consequences if a workable
solution between inner-city residents and recycling companies wasn’t found.
“If recycling groups relocate their facilities further away (from the city), it can increase their recycling costs and demotivate them from recycling and lead to them sending more waste to landfill which can be dangerous for the environment and communities.”
Mr Behzad has so far received about 35 responses to the survey and said air and noise pollution were the most common concerns.
He’s said he needs to double that amount over the next two months in order for the research project to work, but that the outcome would be beneficial to both residents and
industry.
“I’m going to apply the results of my survey to create a framework for recycling in the future. I’m going to include public opinion in my framework and this can be a good option for recycling groups in the establishment of their facilities,” said Mr Behzad, adding than consulting with local residents and engaging with them as early as possible was crucial.
“That’showwecanincreasetheacceptability of these facilities.”
The survey can be accessed at: https:// rmit.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ cMGLeowIgIW4Ake Cade Lucas
Charlie Woods, one half of musical duo Charlie Needs Braces, whose films clips have been turned into a feature documentary that will premier at this month’s Setting Sun International Film
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line 10 to 11 May 17 to 18 May 24 to 25 May 7 to 8 June
Arden Station
We’re with you for quality aged care services
For over 30 years, Doutta Galla has been a trusted provider of aged care services across Melbourne’s west. We recognise that every older person is unique, with their own life story, and we tailor our care to meet their individual needs.
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Modern, two-bedroom apartments in a secure building across the road from spectacular Queens Park and a short stroll to cafes and vibrant Puckle Street.
To book an inspection call 9680 3300 or visit retirequeenspark.com.au
• Nursing and allied health • Home and garden maintenance
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We won’t keep you hanging – we’ll call you back the same day to get started sooner, you can also self-fund to beat the waitlist - email us now on hcp@dgw.org.au
Fine for fake building surveyor
A Maidstone man who posed as a registered building surveyor has been convicted and ordered to pay $60,000 plus $20,000 in costs following one of the most complex investigations in the history of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
Khanh Ho pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates Court to 16 charges across nine building sites over three years between 2019 and 2021.
The 49-year-old pretended to be a building surveyor and a building inspector at multiple locations across the nort- western suburbs and at the South Melbourne Market despite not being registered.
Ho forged documents, duped customers into handing over money, and signed off on worthless building and occupancy permits for residential and commercial properties.
ThecourtheardHowaspreviouslyregistered as a builder surveyor but his registration was cancelled in 2010 amid an investigation into serious financial misconduct.
Ho pocketed $30,000 for work performed while posing as a building surveyor on sites at Footscray, Altona North, Newport, St Albans, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, Thornbury and South Melbourne.
In sentencing, Magistrate Meghan Hoare said Ho’s actions were a “grave concern” and
a “flagrant attack” on building regulation’s fundamental objective to protect the community.
She said purchasers and occupiers of buildings must be able to have trust and confidence in the regulation system.
Building surveying is a regulated profession inVictoriaandmustbecarriedoutbyqualified professionals registered with the VBA.
Building surveyors play a key role in the regulatorysystembyprotectingconsumersand ensuring all buildings are safe and compliant.
They issue building permits and conduct mandatory inspections to ensure projects are following the agreed permit and meet all
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday,May10isWorldMigratoryBirdDay and there are few better places in the world to celebrate it than the coastal wetlands of Hobsons Bay.
ThecoastlinestretchingfromWilliamstown to Werribee attracts migratory birds from all over the world and May 10 signifies the time of year that those birds migrate back to the northern hemisphere.
Whatever the direction of migration, or the species of bird, the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre will be celebrating them with an event at Truganina Explosives Reserve from 10am to 2pm.
Supported by Hobsons Bay council, the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund and the Ross Trust, the event will feature a barbecue, giveaways and activities such as guided walks, birdwatching, children’s art workshops, bilingual storytelling and musical performances.
There will also be stalls from Australian Waterlife, Birdlife Australia, Friends of Skeleton Creek, Werribee River Association, Wilderness Society, Friends of Newport Lakes and Sea Shepherd Australia among others.
Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre chair, Pamela Sutton-Legaud, said they were aiming
to create an event that would inspire and engage the local community.
“Connecting people with nature is good for us and good for the environment,” said Ms Sutton-Leguad, who will kick off the day with an official welcome, before the Bunurong Land Council conduct a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Performances from the F7 Soul Drummers and Maidens of Polynesia, followed by the drawing of a lucky door prize, will close out the event.
Details: https://hobsonsbaywetlandscentre. org.au/
regulations, codes and standards.
VBAchiefexecutiveandcommissionerAnna Cronin said the conviction of Ho sent a strong message to other unregistered practitioners that the authority was coming after them.
“Conduct like this undermines confidence in the building industry and those who engage in it should expect serious consequences,” Ms Cronin said.
“Consumers should always ensure the building surveyors and builders they hire are registered.“
To check the registration of builders and building surveyors, visit: https://www.vba.vic. gov.au/tools/find-practitioner
Safety group to reform
A safety committee made up of Hobsons Bay councillors and police has been revivedtocombattherisingcrimeratein the municipality.
Aproposalbypolicetore-establishthe Hobsons Bay Local Safety Committee (LSC), after a two year hiatus, was endorsed at a council meeting on Tuesday, April 29.
Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander will co-chair the new LSC, while council staff will also be part of the committee which will meet quarterly from July. A previous version of the committee began in 2022, but concluded during 2023.
Crime surged across Hobsons Bay last year, with recorded offences rising by more than 30 per cent in the 12 months to December 2024.
Speaking in support of the motion at Tuesday night’s meeting, councillor Lisa Bentley noted there had been another arsonattackataWilliamstownicecream shop earlier that morning, the fourth in less than two years.
“It’s clear that our community needs a lot of safety and security,” Cr Bentley said.
Cr Kristin Bishop noted that police approached the council about re-establishing the safety committee.
“This is a really important way that we can have a voice and that we can engage (on the issue of community safety),” said Cr Bishop of council’s role on the LSC . Cr Diana Grima welcomed the return of the committee, saying it was overdue.
“I’ve been pushing for it for a number of years,” she said.
Victoria Police was contacted for comment.
Helen Meyer-Tinning, Nick Olliff, John Clarke, Jenny Mitchell and Vicki Tyrrell from the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre are excited for World Migratory Bird Day on May 10. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 474548_02
Curated luxury escapes
For those seeking alluring booking incentives to make the final decision on where and when to travel, here are twelve offers from Viking. The offers apply to select Asia ocean voyages sailing between September and November 2025, so those who are yet to book haven’t missed the boat for competitively priced travel this year.
From now until 30 June, 2025, Viking is offering travellers the opportunity to save up to AUD $15,800 per couple on twelve of its popular itineraries across China, Southeast Asia and the Far East.
This pricing comes at a time when Asia destinations are in high demand with travelers. The Asia itineraries on offer include popular destinations for Australian and New Zealand travelers, such as Japan, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia and Thailand.
The autumn sailing dates are perfect for travelers wanting to avoid crowds, heat, and humidity while exploring the magnificent temples, ancient cultural traditions and authentic regional cuisine that Asia offers.
Discover More of Asia For Less Ocean Voyage Highlights:
Twenty-two-day Gems of China and Japan from Beijing to Tokyo, includes Tibet, is priced from $13,295 per person in aVerandaStateroom,withsavingsofupto $15,800 per couple based on 7 November 2025 departure.
Twenty-two-day Pearls of Japan and China from Tokyo to Beijing, includes Tibet, is priced from $14,295 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $13,800 per couple based on 31 October 2025 departure.
Fifteen-day Coastal Jewels of China from Beijing to Hong Kong or vice versa is priced from $5,795 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $12,800 per couple. Departures on 5 and 19 September and 3 October 2025.
Twenty-Two-day Best of China from Hong Kong to Beijing, includes Tibet, is priced from $12,795 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $12,800 per couple based on 5 September and 3 October 2025 departures.
Twenty-Two -day Wonders of China, a round trip from Beijing, includes Tibet, is priced from $12,795 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $12,800percouplebasedon19September 2025 departure.
Fifteen-day Jewels of Japan & China
from Tokyo to Beijing or vice versa is priced from $6,295 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $12,200 per couple based on 31 October and 14 November 2025 departures.
Seventenn-day Komodo & the Australian Coast from Bali to Sydney is pricedfrom$7,795perpersoninaVeranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $10,800 per couple based on 14 and 16 November 2025 departures.
Fifteen-daySoutheastAsia&HongKong fromHongKongtoBangkokispricedfrom
$7,795 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $10,800 per couple based on 19 October 2025 departure.
Twenty-day Classic China Discovery from Hong Kong to Beijing or vice versa is priced from $10,795 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $10,800 per couple based on 5 and 14 Septemberand3October2025departures.
Fifteen-day Far Eastern Horizons from HongKongtoTokyoispricedfrom$10,795 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $8,800 per couple based
on 4 October 2025 departure.
Twenty-Six-day North Pacific Crossing from Vancouver to Tokyo is priced from $6,795perpersoninaVerandaStateroom, with savings of up to $8,800 per couple based on 9 September 2025 departure.
Thirteen-day Bangkok, Bali & Beyond fromBangkoktoBaliispricedfrom$6,795 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $6,200 per couple based on 2 November 2025 departure. Formoreinformation,pleasevisitwww. viking.com or phone 138 747.
Hailed as one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi.
The Wong Tai Sin-Temple Bridge in Hong-Kong.The extraordinary Terracotta Army located in Xi’an was discovered by local villagers in March 1974.
The understated luxury of the Explorers Lounge on board Viking.
LEE MCCARTHY
EUROPEAN SOJOURN
Amsterdam to Bucharest or vice versa
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From $11,695pp in Veranda Stateroom
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Luxury Cunard Voyage from Sydney to London
Sail on board the stunning Queen Anne during a half-world voyage to Southampton, paired with a London hotel stay.
In Sydney Harbour, greet the newest member of Cunard’s illustrious fleet, Queen Anne, as she sets sail on the 45-night voyage to Southampton. Cruising on board this iconic ship promises an exquisite experience filled with gala evenings, classic a ernoon tea services, and culinary delights from a choice of world-class restaurants.
Explore the beaches of Fiji before crossing the International Date Line to Hawaii’s Honolulu. Next, you’ll enjoy a night in port In Los Angeles ahead of the passage through the Panama Canal, modern marvel of engineering. Tropical bliss awaits in Curacao, Aruba and Miami before you cross the Atlantic Ocean to Southampton. Here, you’ll disembark and transfer to London, where your holiday culminates with a two-night stay in the heart of the city.
Sydney, Port Vila, Suva, Honolulu, Los Angeles (overnight in port), Puerto Quetzal, Panama Canal (scenic cruising), Willemstad, Oranjestad, Miami, Ponta Delgada, Southampton, London
In sun-drenched Miami, the options for exploration and entertainment are endless. Bask on the famed shores of South Beach, explore the vibrant street art of Wynwood Walls, or indulge in culinary delights Little Havana’s diverse eateries.
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Complimentary Oceanview to Balcony upgrade
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which team selected college quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft?
2. Peter Bosustow played 65 games with which VFL club from 1981–83?
3. Australian basketballer Anneli Maley is contracted to which WNBA team?
4. Former English cricketer Andrew Flintoff was badly injured in 2022 filming which television program?
5. Which Premier League team did Liverpool defeat 5-1 to secure the 2024–25 title?
6. Which club now shares with Liverpool the record of twenty titles
In which two major US sports leagues did Deion Sanders play professionally?
The NSW women’s rugby league team until recently shared a nickname with which A-League soccer club?
What was that nickname?
10. What is the name of the high school football team Archie plays for in the television series Riverdale?
With several months still to go in the 2023–2024 season, who did Arne Slot take over from as coach of Liverpool?
12. What colour beard features on the Canberra Raiders’ viking logo?
13. Which team emerged victorious in this year's Anzac Day clash?
14. What rhyming nickname is used to refer to players removed from the field for temporary penalties in NRL?
15. Australians Isabella Nichols and Jack Robinson won which recent surfing event?
16. Simone Biles’ husband Jonathon Owens is a defensive back for which NFL team?
17. The distance world record for women’s shot put is how many metres?
18. And in what decade was that record set by Russian athlete Natalya Lisovskaya?
19. Co-owned by Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham FC just secured its third straight promotion after a 3-0 win over which other club?
20. Which NBA team is most associated with the colour purple?
21. The LA Kings and the Seattle Kraken are in which conference of the NHL?
22. Matthew Kennedy has played for how many AFL clubs?
23. And which clubs were they?
24. Thea Trinidad is the real name of which WWE wrestler?
25. Campbelltown Sports Stadium is the home ground of which A-League men’s team?
26. How many times have the Toronto Raptors won the NBA championship?
27. What is the name of the racing series in the movie Cars?
28. NFL team the Falcons play out of which city?
29. Will Skelton captains which Australian national team?
30. The IPL was founded in which year?
Simone Biles
Hobsons Bay breaks new ground in the WNL
Hobsons Bay Netball Club is hoping to have put a pathway in place with the move to have senior teams for the first time.
The club has had junior sides in the Altona Netball Association the past five years and has nowenteredseniorsidesintheWesternNetball League competition.
Hobsons Bay is the first non-aligned club to join the WNL competition.
Co-president Helen Mullins said it was a really exciting time for the club.
“Our journey into the WFNL competition actually commenced last season,” she said. “Some of our club players, including myself, were competing in the competition for another club and loved the nature of the competition,” she said.
“Attheendoftheseasonwewereapproached to submit a proposal to enter HBNC into the competition as a non-affiliated club.
this reflects in the game.
Mullins set up the club with her husband and co-president Nathan Mullins and now vice-president Felicia-Anne [Ferguson], when they couldn’t find the right club for their kids. She said they wanted somewhere that those junior players could progress into the senior ranks at a competitive level.
“We see the WNL as a pathway for our junior players who may be aging out of the junior competition but are seeking a highly competitive playing environment,” Mullins said. “The calibre of the WNL competition allows our players to push themselves to their limits and learn a different style of playing.
An influx of members meant that they have been able to field four teams.
“We have players who have participated in highly competitive netball to those that have only played junior or social netball, but they have taken to the WFNL with gusto,” Mullins said.
“Soon after we received the phone call that we had been accepted as the first non-affiliated club. When we got that phone call, we were absolutely ecstatic and so proud as a club.” Coming into the process late, the club was hoping to enter two teams, maybe three into the WNL competition.
“As a club we want to see all our players develop to their full capability and maintain a great relationship with their team-mates, coaches and the club as a whole.
“We believe it is extremely important to establish connections with all players of each team and see them as mentors regardless of differing skill sets. Our players garner support from each other both on and off the court and
Panthers finding form
By Tara Murray
Newport is finding its feet in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
Competing in the top flight for the first time, the Panthers have put two wins on the board early in the piece.
The second of those wins came on Saturday against Sunshine.
Coach Ali Hamad said they had shown some really pleasing signs early in the season and were able to put it all together on Saturday.
“We played Sunshine late in the season last year and lost by 110 points and now we’ve beaten them by 50 points,” he said.
“That’s a 160 point turnaround in eight months. We’ve had 18 new players in the squad and it’s going to take some time to gel.
“It’s pleasing some of the things we’ve been doing as we learn the style we want to play. It was always going to take four to six weeks.
Hamad said coming up against a side they hadplayedthepastcoupleofyearsmadethings a bit easier this week.
They knew the ground and many of the faces on the other side with many of the Panthers faithful out in force at the game.
“It was nice to get one over them,” Hamad said. “It was a great team effort.”
The Panthers led at every break throughout the match with the margin blowing out to 50 points at the final break.
The Kangaroos were able to win the final quarter, but couldn’t really cut into the margin with the Panthers winning, 18.10 (118)-11.6 (72).
OmarSaadkickedfivegoalsforthePanthers, while Kamal Badra kicked three goals.
Mustafa Mesto, who kicked three goals, was named their best.
Hamad said Joel Freeman didn’t get the reward on the stats but played a key role for the team and bringing the ball down to the likes of Badra.
He said Muhammad Saad and Lukmain Haddara provided a lot of run and carry from the middle of the ground.
Having settled into the top flight, Hamad knowsthatthechallengeshaveonlyjustbegun.
“We’ve got Yarraville and Altona, teams that are well credentialed in this division and known for their programs.,” he said.
“We’ll see where we are against the top sides in the division. We hadn’t played Spotty before, we haven’t played Werribee [Districts], Hoppers Crossing.”
Overall things are going well at the Panthers with both their under-18 teams and reserves sitting undefeated.
In other results, Altona got the win against Point Cook Centrals, 14.12 (96)-7.8 (50).
Kai Coghlan, Mitchell Van Den Berg and Connor Bulley were the Vikings best, Yarraville Seddon got another win on the board, accounting for Spotswood, 15.14 (104)-8.15 (63). Wil Kliszewski, Corey Hitchcock and Tyson Brazel stood out for the Eagles, while Nathan Haylock, Lachlan Heriot, and Jack Charleston were the Woodsmen best. Werribee Districts beat Caroline Springs in the other match.
North Footscray, Braybrook and West Footscray were among the winners in division 2.
“As all clubs hope, we want our players to achieve success on the court, but we also want to carry this off court and into life - it’s not just about winning a trophy, but it is also about winninginamentalcapacity,physicalcapacity, winning great friendships and building resilience to have success in life.”
Tara Murray
Twins headed to nationals
A group of local baseballers is hoping to go all the way at the Little League national championships in June.
The Twins Little League team, which is made up of players from Sunshine, Williamstown, Fitzroy and Essendon baseball clubs, won through to the national titles after claiming the Little League Major Championship last month.
One of the parents, Natalie Eddy, said it was a special achievement for the group of players.
“They are all between 10 and 12 and havebeentrainingreallyhard,”shesaid.
Most of the group has been together for a few years, having played together since 2023 when they also made the national championships.
Last season, three of the group were part of the team as they won back-to-back Victorian Little League Development Baseball Championships. Others had moved up into the major league competition last season, with the rest moving up this year.
Eddy said the coach of the side this season had been focused on making nationals.
Players have to try out and are then selected for the team.
“He had every intention,” she said. “He is the same coach from two years ago and coached the development crew last year.
“He wants to go to nationals and win it. By winning it they get to go to America.”
Eddy said the kids were training hard, three times a week.
To help the team go to nationals, the club is looking for sponsors or people willing to help raise funds for the side.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100057638341443
Tara Murray
Mohammed Taleb. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 430077_13
Mohammed Taleb. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 430077_13
One of Hobsons Bay’s first senior netball sides. (Supplied)
TIPPING 2025
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