18th March 2026 - Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay

Golfers take safe steps

Community members, local businesses and supporters will take to the greens and fairways of Westgate Golf Club to fundraiseforvictimsoffamilyviolence.

On Saturday 28 March, Safe Steps on the Green will take place, a charity golf day raising funds for Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, Victoria’s 24-7 family violence crisis support service.

“Safe Steps provides a lifeline to thousands of Victorians every year,” Amanda Thompson, the chief executive of event partner Endurance Financial, said. “This event is about bringing our community together to raise both awareness and funds for a service that literallysaveslives.”

The day will feature a four-ball Ambrose golf competition, welcoming golfersofallabilities.

Participants can register as teams or individuals, with organisers matching players where needed to ensure the day remains inclusive and community focused.

“Family violence affects every community,”MsThompsonsaid.

Tony takes a trek

By Afraa Kori

WilliamstownadventurerTonyPearcewill embark on a solo 2400-kilometre paddle down the Murray River to raise awareness andfundsforthementalhealthofVictoria’s emergencyworkers.

The journey, starting 12 April, 2026 at Bringenbrong, New South Wales, and ending at Goolwa, South Australia, is expectedtotakeabout60days.

The funds raised will support the Emergency Services Foundation Residential Wellbeing Program, which provides early, structured support for emergencyworkersbeforecrisesescalate.

Tony’s Trek 2026 – Paddle for Awareness highlights the often-hidden toll of

emergencywork,MrPearcesaid.

AccordingtoastudyledbyBeyondBlue, one in three emergency service workers experienceshighorveryhighpsychological distress,yetonly37percentreturntowork withinsixmonthsofamentalinjuryclaim, andmanyareunabletoreturnatall.

“Thereallysadpartaboutthesestatistics is that they only relate to those who have been diagnosed and are in the Workcover system – we know categorically that the as yet undiagnosed numbers are much higher,”MrPearcesaid.

Mr Pearce said the solo journey down the Murray River will be a physical and mental challenge, however it’s his way of acknowledging the daily challenges faced byemergencyworkers.

“This isn’t about toughness or resilience slogans. It’s about recognising mental injury as a real occupational risk, and making sure the people who protect us know they’re allowed to ask for help, and that help will be there when they do,” he said.

“Along the way, I hope to connect with local communities, share stories of resilience, and highlight the need for robust mental health resources and supportsystems.”

So far, he has raised more than $25,000 towardshis$50,000goal.

“I am inviting everyone to support me on this journey, whether by following my progress, spreading the message, or contributingtothecause,”hesaid.

“Let’s paddle together toward a future where we have mentally healthy people and workplaces across the emergency servicessector.”

The journey along the Murray River is Mr Pearce’s latest awareness-raising adventure. In 2023, he completed One Step at a Time, trekking 1506 km through fire-affected areas and raising $240,000 to fund six pilot Residential Wellbeing Programs.

In 2024, he trekked to Mt Everest Base Camp in Nepal with 25 emergency servicescolleagues,raising$40,000forthe Emergency Services Foundation’s Lived ExperienceProgram.

Details:givenow.com.au/tonystrek2025

Ankle bracelet intervention

By Cade Lucas

Aninner-westcommunityhousethathelps victims of domestic violence has launched a petition calling for electronic monitoring of perpetrators who breach Intervention Violence Orders (IVO).

Laverton Community Integrated Services Inc (LCISI) is behind the petition which calls for devices such as ankle bracelets to be fitted to those who who repeatedly breach IVO’s so their movements can be tracked and their victims afforded more security.

LCISI provide emergency relief family

violence support services in Hobsons Bay and its chief executive Michael Pernar said it is contacted by a lot of victim survivors who are let down by the current system.

“What we’re noticing in a lot of instances, is that victims survivors have less rights that the perpetrators,” Mr Pernar said.

“Why is it always on the victim to leave their home, pull the kids out of school? It should be on the perpetrators to stop affecting them.”

Mr Pernar said having repeat offenders wear ankle bracelets would help address this imbalance by not only deterring them from breaching IVO’s, but making it easier

for them to be punished if they do.

“In the IVO it might say a perpetrator can’tcomewith100or200moftheproperty, but with an ankle bracelet if they do go within that distance, there’s the evidence.”

Unlike most petitions to state parliament, the LCISI petition is paper only, meaning the number of signatures needed for it to be debated is only 2000 rather than 10,000.

However, all of these need to be done in person at the LCISI offices on Railway Parade.

“I’m hoping to have it lodged by the end of April,” Mr Pernar said of when he’d

P-12 College student Donnacha Martins has been chosen to attend the National Schools Constitutional

(Damjan Janevski). 540179_02

Donnacha does the Dismissal in Canberra

It’s the most significant event in Australian politicalhistoryanditturned50lastyear,but it was only in the year of its Golden Jubilee that Bayside College student Donnacha Martins became aware of the Dismissal: the 1975 sacking of the Whitlam Government.

Given he’s only 17 this isn’t surprising, but after learning about it in his year 12 legal studies class last year, Donnacha has become a keen student of the events of 11 November, 1975, to the point where later this month he’ll travel to Canberra to take part in a debate on it.

Donnachaisoneof113studentsselected for the 31st National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) from 24-26 March at Old Parliament House, the same place where the dramatic events of that day took place.

“I felt honoured to have been selected, and am proud to represent my school and state at the convention,” Donnacha said of his selection.

The topic for the convention is, ‘Should Section 53 of the Constitution be amended to prevent the Senate from blocking sup-

ply (rejecting money bills)?’ the very tactic applied by the then opposition which ultimately triggered Whitlam’s sacking by Governor-General Sir John Kerr.

It’saquestionconstitutionalandpolitical experts have been debating for more than half a century and Donnacha said he’d been busy preparing to join them.

“I have been completing the pre-reading materials I have been sent, which are really useful in helping to get a better understanding of the topic of the convention, as well as conductingmyownresearchintothetopic.”

Nominations open for new community recognition awards

Nominationsarenowopenfortheinaugural Hobsons Bay Community Recognition Awards. The new awards recognising individuals, clubs and community organisations replace the Hobsons Bay Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Awards that were announced on Australia Day.

The new community recognition awards feature six categories aimed at recognising a wide variety of community contributions. These include awards for helping others, change maker, sporting spirit, community strengthening, young leader and community leader.

“These new awards are another way for us to recognise the fantastic contribu-

tions our community members make to Hobsons Bay,” Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said.

“If you know someone or a group who has made a great contribution to our community, make sure to put them forward for a nomination.”

Nominations are open until Wednesday 15 April, with winners announced on Saturday 30 May as part of council’s National Volunteer Week celebrations.

Each award winner will receive up to $500 towards capacity-building training or professional development.

All members of the Hobsons Bay community can submit a nomination, but in-

like to have enough signatures to present the petition to state parliament.

A spokesperson for the state government said action had already been taken to address concerns outlined in the petition.

“Last month we passed new reforms to furtherstrengthenwomen’ssafetyanddeliver a justice system that better protects and supports victim-survivors of sexual offences,familyviolenceandstalking,”the spokesperson said.

“There’s always more to be done and we will do that work to change laws and culture so every woman is safe.”

Police Briefs

Carjacking charge

Police have charged a man wanted following a carjacking and serious crash in Seabrook. Officers patrolling a Hoppers Crossing shopping centre arrested the man at the premises on Derrimut and Heaths roads about 2.30pm on 11 March. It follows an alleged carjacking and subsequent crash in Seabrook about 1am on 3 March where an SUV crashed into a tree and split into two on Point Cook Road. Police will allege that just minutes earlier, the 2011 Toyota Kluger had been stolen from Laverton Railway Station and then driven at high speed through a roundabout where it struck a gutter and crashed into the tree. The SUV was destroyed and the driver fled the scene. A 19-year-old Lara man has been charged with a number of offences, including carjacking.

Fatal crash

Police have charged a teenage boy over a fatal collision in Hoppers Crossing on 13 March. The 17-year-old from the Wyndham area was arrested on 14 March and charged with a slew of driving offences, including culpable driving causing death. He was remanded to appear before a children’s court. The charges follow the death of a 15-year-old boy from the Wyndham area just after midnight on 13 March. The boy was ejected from a vehicle police will allege was speeding on Derrimut Road. Police believe the stolen grey Skoda sedan was involved in a deliberate collision with another vehicle moments before it crashed. Seven teens were onboard when the Skoda rolled. The front passenger, a 16-year-old girl from the Wyndham area, sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital. A third occupant, a 16-year-old girl from the Wyndham area, was arrested, interviewed, and released pending further investigation. A fourth occupant, a 14-year-old boy from the Wyndham area, later presented to a nearby hospital where police arrested him. Investigators interviewed him, and he was remanded on matters unrelated to the collision. The fifth and sixth occupants fled the scene, and investigators are working to determine their identities.

dividuals cannot nominate themselves.

Councillors and council employees are also prohibited from nominating or being nominated.

The one exception is the young leader award, where staff from Hobsons Bay Youth Services are allowed to nominate due to them working directly with young people and being best placed to identify young leaders.

Nominees for young leader must be 12-25 years of age.

To submit a nomination, or learn more about the nomination conditions, head to: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/CommunityRecognitionAwards

Newborn baby found Detectives are investigating after a newborn baby was located in Keilor Downs the morning of Thursday 12 March. A member of the public reported locating the baby in the yard of their Copernicus Way home shortly before 8am. The baby and a woman from a nearby address were taken to hospital for treatment.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Upgrades for Little Africa

Footscray’s Little Africa precinct on Nicholson Street will receive a facelift after Maribyrnong council secured a $160,000 grant from the state government.

The money has been provided as part of the state government’s $6 million Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program and will fund practical upgrades to the streetscape, shopfronts and infrastructure.

These include shopfront improvement grants for individual businesses, new wayfinding and gateway signage for the precinct, public art that reflects the diversity of the local area and upgraded lighting that improves safety and enhances

the evening atmosphere.

It’s hoped these upgrades will compliment existing efforts to revitalise Nicholson Street and the rest of the Footscray CBD such as a security program, business support initiatives, public art installations in empty shopfronts and pop-up parks on vacant land.

Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said the funding grant would help build on the strength and diversity that has long defined Footscray.

“Footscray has always been shaped by the people and businesses who bring their cultures, food and ideas to this city,” Cr Semra said.

Momo fest back with a bang

Taste buds are in for a treat next month when Momo Fest returns for the first since before the Covid pandemic.

Celebrating the iconic Himalayan dumplings bursting with flavour, the festival attracted thousands of momo lovers to the inner-west in 2017, 2018 and 2019, but went on hiatus when the global pandemic hit in 2020 and never returned.

Until the weekend of 11 and 12 April that is, when Momo Fest will roar back to life at Footscray Park.

With countless varieties to try, Momo Fest is a must visit for every dumpling lover, but has plenty more on offer than just food.

There will be live music from international and local bands, DJs and vibrant

multicultural performances, roving performers carnival rides and games, kids’ entertainment, interactive workshops and exciting momo competitions.

A highlight of the festival will be a headline performance from one of Nepal’s most popular bands, Deepak Bajracharya and The Rhythm Band.

Momo Fest runs from noon-10pm on both days, with entry free with registration.

Registered attendees will also have the chance to win a variety of exciting prizes.

Details: momofestmelbourne2026. eventbrite.com

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Nominate a community group, club or individual who is driving change, making a positive impact or strengthening our community.

Nominations close: 15 April 2026

“The Nicholson Street precinct is a great example of that energy.

“This funding helps support local traders while improving the public spaces that make this part of Footscray so distinctive

“As we continue to dream big for the Footscray CBD, we’re focused on strengthening the places that give our city its character.

“This investment helps ensure the precinct continues to grow in a way that reflects the communities who have built it.”

The announcement of funding for upgrades in the Little Africa precinct comes astheCourthouseHotel,whichsitsonthe corner of Nicholson and Irving streets, prepares to undergo renovations too.

Having last year petitioned the pub’s owners to upgrade the notorious venue, Footscray MP Katie Hall posted on Facebook on 10 March that the Courthouse’s TAB was set to be removed and a sports bar with limited food offerings, installed instead.

The Little Africa precinct takes in the section of Nicholson Street between Paisley and Irving streets and is known for its unique shopfront architecture and its cafe’s, fashion boutiques, pool halls and other businesses owned by migrants from all over Africa.

Thursday 26 March 10am to 2pm

Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton

Are you aged 65 or over?

A carer, family member or supporter? An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged 50+?

Discover our range of services for older people.

The ABC of a long career

Having just left the ABC after nearly 40 years, Michael Rowland will reunite with old News Breakfast colleague Tony Armstrong at the Footscray West Writers Festival at the end of the month. He talks to Cade Lucas about adjusting to life outside the national broadcaster, the toll of early starts and his fondness for Melbourne’s west.

It’s the perennial question asked of breakfast TV and radio hosts the world over: what’s it like getting up at 3am every day?

Former ABC News Breakfast host

Michael Rowland has been enjoying sleep-insformorethan12monthsnow,but after 15 years helping Australians wake-up every weekday, it’s an inquiry he still gets and one he has a ready answer for.

“I liken it to walking around in a state of semi-jetlag,”Rowlandsaidoftheaftermath of getting up early enough to be alert, informed and immaculately groomed for national breakfast television.

With News Breakfast running from 6am-9am, Rowland said he and his colleagues would often be on their way home by mid-morning, when most other workers were heading for coffee.

But even once back at the Yarraville home he and his family lived in during his time hosting the program, the demands of the role often followed him.

“The thing was you never really stopped working,” he said of the emails and phone calls that would continue to come in, the interviews that needed prepared for and the news and events of the day that he had to stay across.

I loved it, but it did take a physical toll by the end of it. I was a shell pretty much by the time I finished up - Michael Rowland

“It was never ending.

“Ilovedit,butitdidtakeaphysicaltollby theendofit,”Rowlandsaidofhisdeparture from the show in December 2024.

“I was a shell pretty much by the time I finished up.”

Unsurprisingly, Rowland immediately went on long service leave, and even contemplated leaving the ABC altogether, beforedecidingtoreturntothebroadcaster he joined as an 18 year old cadet in 1987.

“I felt I had more to offer” he said of the decision to continue at the ABC, first as a fill-in host on Radio National, then as national affairs editor on 7.30, a role he described as “a really great gig, a great show to work for“.

A great gig, but as it turned out, a short one.

On 22 February, just over a year after bidding farewell to one long-time role, Rowland did the same to an even longer one, calling time on his ABC career after nearly four decades.

“I’d pretty much managed to do everything I wanted to do, both reporting and presenting so it was the right time for a number of reasons to bid a sad farewell.”

That farewell only came at the end of last month, but by the end of this one, Rowland will be making something of a return. While it’s not at the ABC and won’t require a 3am alarm, Rowland will again be sitting in front of an audience alongside old News Breakfast colleague, Tony Armstrong, when they appear together at the upcoming Footscray West Writers Festival (FWWF) on 29 March.

Titled‘EndingRacismInSport’theevent at Whitten Oval is unlikely to feature the sort of banter and dad jokes the pair used to share on the News Breakfast couch and which helped make the Indigenous ex-AFL player turned sports presenter a star. Instead, Armstrong’s recent

documentary End Game will be screened followed by a discussion betweenheandRowlandonthedifficult issue it explores.

“For anyone reading this who hasn’t seen Tony’s doco End Game, please watch it,” Rowland said.

“It’s a really sobering look into how real a problem racism is in sport and Tony did a great job reflecting that,” he said, adding that there was much more serious side to Armstrong than what News Breakfast viewers often saw on screen.

“He can flick the switch quite easily and seamlessly from jovial joke cracking sports presenter to a guy who canbringsomereallyreallyinteresting perspectives to a conversation on, sadly, a really serious national topic.”

The Sunday afternoon event not only involves Rowland working with an old colleague,butreturningtoanoldstomping ground: Melbourne’s inner west.

AroundthesametimehedepartedNews Breakfast, Rowland and his wife, former Herald Sun reporter Nicola Webber, sold their long-time family home in O’Farrel Street, Yarraville, and moved to a smaller place in Kensington.

“I guess it’s a classic downsizers story,” he said of the decision which followed the couple’s two adult children, Tom and Eleanor, leaving for university.

Not that moving to the other side of Maribyrnong has changed much as far as Rowland is concerned.

“I’m still claiming to be a westie, I’ve always been a proud westie,” he said.

“It’sacommunitywithtremendousspirit and full of great people.”

Rowland’s journey to Melbourne’s inner westactuallybeganinSydney’sinnerwest, inthesuburbofAshbury,wherehegrewup and his parents still live today.

Following a brief spell studying

journalism at university, he applied for cadetships with News Corp and Fairfax before finally landing one with the ABC.

AfterfiveyearsinSydney,Rowlandspent fivemorereportingonfederalpoliticsfrom the Canberra press gallery, before moving to Melbourne in the late 90’s to cover Victorian politics.

It was here Rowland met his future wife Nicky, who then introduced him to the other side of the West Gate Bridge.

“She’d been renting over in Kingsville,” he recalled of when they first got together.

“I got to love the inner west, Yarraville in particular.”

After getting married, the couple bought a house in Yarraville in 2002 and lived thereformostofthenexttwodecades,with the exception being Rowland’s four year posting in Washington DC as the ABC’s North America correspondent from 2005 to 2009.

It was while Rowland was in the US that the ABC took its first tentative steps into the world of breakfast television, which up until then was the domain of commercial TV, particularly Channel Nine’s The Today

Show and Channel Seven’s Sunrise.

“I recall as a Washington correspondent being one of the first correspondents to appear on News Breakfast,” Rowland recalled of the program’s early years on digital TV with Virginia Trioli and Barry Cassidy as hosts.

By 2010, the Rowland’s had returned from the US to their home in Yarraville and Trioli had a new co-host as Barry Cassidy left to focus on Insiders.

More than a decade and a half on and News Breakfast is an ABC staple, as synonymous with the broadcaster as Playschool, Four Corners or the 7PM news.

“I take tremendous pride along with the co-hosts I worked with and also the producers and behind the scenes people in growing that show into what it is today,” Rowland said reflecting on the growth of the show and his role in it.

Theroleothershaveplayedinthegrowth of his own career has also been something Rowland has reflected on, especially since his wife’s health took a downturn last year.

“Nicky, my wife, has been unwell, with an emphasis on the word has,” Rowland said, rebutting headlines suggesting he was leaving the ABC to care for her.

“She had a pretty rocky 2025 but she’s bounced back. She’s okay.”

While not the reason for his departure, Rowland admitted his wife being unwell has given him pause.

“As much as I love the ABC and love being a journalist, family is much more important,” he said. “She has given up a lot. She gave up her professional life to go toWashingtonwithmeasawifeandmum. She’s sacrificed a lot, so it’s very much well and truly time to give back.”

To book tickets to ‘Ending Racism in Sport’orotherFWWFevents,goto:https:// www.westfootscrayarts.org/

TS Voyager has top cadet

Williamstown naval cadet unit TS Voyager marks its 70th anniversary this year and thecelebrationshavebegunearlywithone ofitscadetswinningaprestigiousnational award for the first time.

Cadet Leading Seaman (CDTLS)

Christian Gorgioski was recently named National Cadet of the Year 2025 and was presented with the honour at one of TS Voyager’s Friday night parades.

Australian Naval Cadets (ANC) National Commander, Captain Richard Morgan, said the 16 year-old from Point Cook richly deserved the award.

“He has demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to the ANC embodyingourvaluesandbehavioursand continues to provide a positive example and role model to all cadets and staff alike,” Captain Morgan said, adding that CDTLS Gorgioski’s efforts representing the ANC at last year’s Avalon Air Show

were particularly impressive, with NSW Governor Margaret Beazley among those to have singled him out for praise.

TS Voyager Commanding Officer, Lieutenant ANC Ashley Alp said CDTLS Gorgioski was a credit to the unit.

“He’s very articulate, his dress and bearing is always top level and he’s also a very keensailor,” Lt Alpsaid.

In order to produce more cadets like him and keep TS Voyager going for another 70 years, Lt Alp said they needed more volunteer leaders.

“Ifyouhavepreviousexperienceworking with youth, previous military experience, or sailing experience, this will be highly regarded,” hesaid.

A Working with Children Card (WWCC) andafederalpolicecheckarealsorequired.

Inquiries: Ashley.Alp2@navycadets.gov. au

Italian Festa

The Williamstown Italian Social Club (WISC) celebrates Italian culture 365 days of the year, but on Sunday 22 March, those celebrations will go into overdrive. The club will host the Williamstown Italian Festa, an all day celebration of the culture and, of course, the food, of this southern European nation which waves of post-war migrants have now made synonymous with Melbourne. The Williamstown Italian Festa will be held at the WISC on Garden Street, Williamstown, from 10am-6pm. Entry is free.

Road closures

Newport residents have been given the closure date for Champion and Maddox roads as part of level crossing removal works. From 10 April, crews will work around the clock for two weeks to install a new pedestrian and cycling bridge and complete cul-de-sac works at Champion Road, while during the same period Maddox Road will also be closed as crews work on building a rail bridge over it. As a result of the planned road closures, detours will be via Kororoit Creek Road, Mason Street or Melbourne Road.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Mosquito fleet takes to Hobsons Bay

The Victorian Mosquito Cat Rigged State Titles delivered three days of spectacular sailing at Altona Yacht Club over the LabourDaylongweekend.

Racing began at 2pm on Saturday 7 March in a brutal 17 to 22 knot breeze and steep1.5-2metreseas.

The fleet spent most of the afternoon riding what felt like a bucking bull, with shortsharpchoppunishingeverymistake.

Competition at the front was fierce, with second, third and fourth places constantly changinghands.

Day two began with rugged conditions too, but once the breezed dropped to 15 knots after lunch, competitors took to the waterforfastandphysicalracing.

Mechanical and equipment failures plagued the fleet, while several sailors

suffered bumps and bruises from the roughseas.

The last day competition on Monday 9 March finally offered sailors lighter winds, but in different directions, with the unpredictable conditions eventually forcing both day three races to be abandoned.

Shannon Wilson sailing Taboo was crowned state champion, ahead of second placed Matt Stone on The Joker and Gary MaskiellonTheBeesKneescomingthird.

Rowan Fairlie sailing The Oaks was youthchampion,whileSteveGillanderson Can’t Stop was given the encouragement award.

The prestigious clap hangar award went to Michael Anthony for driving to Bendigo andbackafterforgettinghissailinggear.

Faces of the west

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the western suburbs.

LeadWest election wishlist

Further investment into mental health services, addressing homelessness, and the delivery of the airport rail and the Sunshine Precinct Station Masterplan are among LeadWest’s top advocacy priorities ahead of the state election this year.

The LeadWest alliance, representing Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham councils, has launched a package of 11 priority projects, calling on all political parties to commit to investing in Melbourne’s booming west.

As part of its priorities announced in March, LeadWest is advocating for an expanded, more frequent and more accessible bus network and the delivery of

the Western Rail Plan which includes the electrificationoftheMeltonandWyndham Vale regional lines.

Other priorities listed include support for Creative West and for the Wetlands Centre in Altona Meadows, investment in urban greening, and the delivery of the Outer Western Roads Package, including upgrades to Hopkins Road, the Palmers Road corridor and Taylors Road.

LeadWest is calling for the land acquisitionandadetailedbusinesscasefor the outer metropolitan ring (road and rail), a project that would create a 100 kilometre long high-speed transport link for people and freight in Melbourne’s north and west.

Locals urged to donate beds

West Welcome Wagon (WWW) has put out an urgent call for mattress and bed base donations.

WWW chief executive Colette McInerney said the non-profit organisation, which supports refugees and asylum seekers moving to Melbourne’s west, is down to its lastfourmattresses.

“We’re looking desperately for single, double and queen size mattresses and bed frames,”MsMcInerneysaid.

“It’s one of our key items that we provide, especially for newly-arrived refugees and asylum seekers, so we can create a comfortable home for people as they settle into their new life in the west. Every mattress donated means someone moves from the floor to a safe, comfortable place to sleep. After everything they’ve endured,

Advertising feature

thisbasicdignitymattersmorethanever.”

Ms McInerney asked locals to donate items that are clean and in good condition as unsuitable donations often go to landfill andcosttheorganisationmoneytoremove.

“Ourruleisifyouwouldn’tsleeponitthen don’tdonateit,”MsMcInerneysaid.

Locals can drop off donations at the WWW warehouse located at unit 3/42-46 Vella Drive, Sunshine West. The warehouse is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdaysfrom8am-4pmandonSaturdays from10am-noon.

“We rely on the generosity of the public and they’re really wonderful and come togetherandsupport,”MsMcInerneysaid.

Locals looking to donate large goods should contact donate@ westwelcomewagon.org.auaheadoftime.

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Tips to beat painful feet

We rely on our feet and legs for most of our daily activities, so it’s understandable that many of us suffer from pain and injuries in these areas. But what can you do about it?

Dr Paul Dowie, one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists and foot and leg pain experts, has provids some expert advice:

1/ Choose activity appropriate shoes for sport and recreational activities. Choose shoes with straps or laces that hold to the feet, wherever possible, especially for prolonged activity. Thongs and slip-on shoes can be very stressful to the feet and legs. If you need to wear high heels, try lower heels or wedges to help reduce tissue stress.

2/ Don’t rely on technological advances in footwear to treat pain. The purpose of good footwear is to provide comfort whilst helping to support foot and leg function, not to treat pain or problems. Seek advice from an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist to treat foot and leg problems.

3/ Be wary of off-the-shelf foot products like mass produced orthotics, innersoles and arch supports to assist pain. Devices individually prescribed by an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist should be used to ensure effective outcomes.

4/ Ifprescribedsurgeryormedications,get a 2nd opinion. The latest medical research and treatments are helping many to avoid surgeries, anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections and even joint replacements. Be aware that in some cases the likes of cortisone injections and arthroscopes can

actually delay healing and contribute to further tissue damage.

5/ Alwaysgetfootorlegpaincheckedbyan experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist, not just a GP or regular podiatrist. Feet and legs are complex structures and specific expertiseisrequiredtolookpastsymptoms and identify the cause and contributing factorsofjointandtissuepainandinjuries. The site of pain is not necessarily where the problem lies so identifying origins and providing appropriate treatment is key.

If you have any foot, knee or leg pain, injuries or arthritic concerns you can get advice from Dr Dowie at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinic in Williamstown. Call 1300 328 300.

The alliance is also urging for the prioritisation of the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal — a significant infrastructure project aimed at establishing an interstate rail freight terminal and warehousing precinct inTruganina.

LeadWest chair and Maribyrnong councillor Susan Yengi said the region’s rapid growth presents both a challenge and a generational opportunity.

“Melbourne’s west is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. By 2046, our population will reach 1.6 million — equivalent to the size of Adelaide — and the Victorian Government has set a target

of 385,500 new homes in the west by 2051,” Cr Yengi said. “That growth brings extraordinary opportunity but only if it is matched with the infrastructure, services and investment our communities need.

“These priorities are practical, evidence-based and designed to deliver statewide benefit, improving connectivity, productivity, liveability and sustainability.”

Cr Yengi said the alliance is seeking commitments from all sides of politics.

“Government investment in infrastructure and services needs to keep up with the scale and speed of growth across the west,” she said.

Vacant property planning plea

By Cade Lucas

The state government is again being urged to reform its planning laws in order to reduce the amount of vacant properties and derelict buildings in Footscray.

Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank used an adjournment speech in state parliament on 4 March to call for reforms to planning laws that would compel property owners to develop vacant sites such as the old Dimmy’s and Forges building in central Footscray.

The Legalise Cannabis Party representative said Footscray’s status as a designated housing activity centre should be

used as leverage against property owners who deliberately keep sites vacant, a practice known as ‘land banking.’

“The action I seek is that the minister for planning initiate reforms to prevent land in designated activity centres from remaining vacant after planning permits are granted,” Mr Ettershank said in the speech to the Legislative Council.

“These could include reining in excessively generous permit expiry terms and requiring interim activation where developments do not commence within a set timeframe.”

Mr Ettershank said Footscray and Maribyrnong were home to a large num-

ber of abandoned and derelict sites that caused multiple problems for nearby residents and the broader community.

“Many are in strategically located sites with existing planning approvals, but instead of being converted into much-needed housing or community assets, years of neglect have left them as suitable homes only for vermin and targets for graffiti and vandalism,” he said.

“The impacts of long-term vacant and underutilised land on community safety, amenity, housing delivery and local economic activity have long been felt by its residents.”

Mr Ettershank’s intervention followed

Heritage in flight at RAAF Base Point Cook

By Flying Officer Rose Gigliotti

The sight and sound of heritage aircraft over RAAF Base Point Cook is more than a nostalgic reminder of Air Force history – it is a demonstration of ongoing professionalism and preparedness.

Localplanespottersmayhavenoticedincreased flying activity as No. 100 Squadron (100 SQN) conducted its routine pre-season flying training at Point Cook.

Commanding Officer, 100 SQN, Wing Commander (WGCDR) Richard Brougham said that aircrew and engineers completed annualcurrencyrequirementstoensurethe heritage fleet remains safely and effectively operated.

“The three-day activity is primarily to maintain flying currency and proficiency,” Wing Commander Brougham said.

In addition to 100 SQN aircraft, civilian-hired aircraft also participated, as certain elements of training require a mixed operating environment.

“The training underscores the importance of keeping Air Force’s heritage fleet airworthy and relevant,” he said.

Operated by 100 SQN, the heritage fleet preserves historically significant aircraft as living symbols of service and innovation. Maintainingtheseaircraftdemandsspecialisedengineeringknowledgeanddisciplined

flying standards — ensuring history is not just protected but also actively sustained.

100 SQN maintains and flies 11 heritage aircraft - the Mustang, Harvard, Winjeel, two Tiger Moths, Sopwith Pup, Hudson, Spitfire Mk8, Spitfire Mk16, Boomerang and Wirraway - to deliver quality heritage displays, engage communities, and protect the long-term viability of Air Force’s heritage capability.

Pre-season training ensures that when heritage aircraft appear at commemorative services, flypasts or community events later in the year, they do so with the same professionalism and precision expected across today’s Air Force.

a motion passed by Maribyrnong council last month calling for more state government help force owners of vacant properties to either develop them or sell, arguing council lacked the powers to do so.

A spokesperson for the state government said it had already initiated reforms aimed at achieving this such as strengthening the Vacant Residential Land Tax so residential land capable of development can’t be held indefinitely.

Mr Ettershank said many of the vacant properties in Maribyrnong are old industrial or retail sites that are not subject to the tax.

Empty container falls into river

An empty shipping container fell into theMaribyrnongRiveratFootscrayon Wednesday afternoon during sudden wind gusts that swept across the city after 4pm.

The shipping container was one of several that toppled over at a Somerville Road depot at about 4.20pm on 11 March.Passengers on a Tramboat Tour organised by the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association noticed the submerged container when they passed by at about 4.45pm.

Photos taken by passengers and posted on social media show one container in the river and several others strewn on the river bank.

Neighbouring container stacks, some seven and eight containers high, remained upright.

No one was injured in the incident and no pollution or debris are believed to have entered the water, but Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has been alerted.

The container depot located on the banks of the Maribyrnong River near the northern ventilation stack of the new West Gate Tunnel is owned and operated by Fremantle based logistics company MEDLOG.

Thecompanydeclinedtocomment on the incident, but is understood to have since removed the container from the river and is treating it as an accident caused by a freak gust of wind.

Is it time to trade the big house for the big life?

At some point in life many of us look aroundthefamilyhomeandrealisethings havechanged.Thehousethatoncefeltfull of life can begin to feel a little too big. The children have moved on, spare rooms sit quietly, the garden seems to grow faster thanyoucankeepupwithit,andthelistof maintenanceneverquitedisappears.

Itraisesasimplebutimportantquestion: how do we make the most of the years ahead?

For many people approaching retirement, downsizing becomes part of that conversation. But it’s rarely just a practical decision. A home often holds decades of memories, milestones and belongings, so the thought of packing up and starting somewhere new can feel overwhelming. Then come the bigger questions. Where do you begin? What options are available? And how do you make sure you’re making the right choice for both your lifestyle and yourfinances?

The practical side matters as well. Understanding the financial implications of selling, the legal aspects of retirement village contracts and the logistics of moving are all areas where good advice early can make a real difference — both to theoutcomeandtoyourpeaceofmind.

What often surprises people is how freeing the process can feel once it’s done. Downsizing isn’t necessarily about losing space; for many it’s about gaining time, flexibility and the chance to focus on what mattersmost—travel,friendships,hobbies andbeingpartofacommunity.

For those beginning to explore their options, Rivervue Retirement Village is hosting a free community information session titled Understanding Retirement

The session will be held at Rivervue Retirement Village, 25 Bellavista Drive, Avondale Heights. To register, call

Sometimes the hardest part of downsizing is simply knowing where to begin. Conversations like these can help makethatfirststepalittleclearer.

THUR 26TH MARCH 10.30AM

Take the confusion out of retirement living and retire to the life you have always dreamt of.

Whether you’re looking at moving to a retirement village or simply downsizing, we are here to help. We have lined up a team of industry experts to give you all the information you need to create a plan for your retirement.

Get tips on downsizing, selling your home, decluttering, and knowing your rights, so you will be equipped to take the next step. 25 Bellavista Drive Avondale Heights

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

Eid in the Park

Mark the end of Ramadan with an Eid celebration at Aeroplane Park next to the Braybrook Community Hub on Friday 27 March. There will be a coffee ceremony followed by a halal sausage sizzle and a sweet treat. Enjoy an evening with the community, meet some furry friends at the animal petting zoo, decorate your hands with a lovely henna design or kids can get their face painted. All are welcome. Bring a rug and a picnic basket filled with your favourite Eid goodies and have a fabulous evening. The picnic is free and will be held from 5-7pm. · 9188 5800, nam.nguyen@maribyrnong.vic.gov. au

Book sales

Friends of Altona Libraries (FOAL) hold monthly book sales at the rear of Altona Library during the first week of each month. Books no longer required by the library are sold for as little as $2. All money is returned to the Library to support community programs. New members who are happy to volunteer to help organise and sell books for only a few hours per month are welcome.

· Ann Nicol, 0408 460 062.

Sing with WIllin Wimmin choir

Discover the joy of group singing with the friendly women at WiIlin Wimmin choir in Williamstown. New members are always welcome, no audition. The choir sings contemporary, folk, choral and world repertoire in acapella style. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings during school terms, 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Dennis Reserve Centre, 109 Ferguson Street, Williamstown.

· willinwimmin.org.au, willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Westgate diabetes support group

Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona bowling club at 10am.

· Elaine, 0415 030 996

Mainly music

A music-playgroup program for kids and their carers from birth to school age. Held every Thursday from 9.30-10.30am during school terms at Westgate Baptist Community, 16 High Street, Yarraville. The cost is $7 per family, per week.

· Jenny, 0401 651 012, Ruth, 0409 635 468 or westgatebaptist.org.au/mainlymusic/

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

The AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club welcomes all who want to improve their communication, leadership and public speaking skills. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of every month from 7-9pm at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton.

· Helen, 0474 498 052, or aerospeakerstm@ gmail.com

Free English conversation classes

If English is your second language and you want

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

19 March, 1986

Former Williamstown Labor councillor Warren Dickson romped home in the council’s north ward by-election on Saturday.

30 years ago

20 March, 1996

A Werribee woman and a Dutch tourist werekilledonMondaymorninginwhat emergency services described as the worst accident on the Princess Freeway in a decade.

to improve your English language skills, practice speaking with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive group sessions held every Monday at 1-3pm in the meeting room at Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona. Light refreshments provided.

· Jill MacKenzie, 0439 994 705 or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com

Chit Chat Tuesdays

A ladies chit chat group which is on every Tuesday from 1.30-3pm at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona. As an extension of this sometimes we host guest speaker events for women in the community.

· Dione, 9398 2511 or LJAC.com.au

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga Classes are running at Brooklyn Community Hall and the Healing Garden Williamstown. Classes are held every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Classes are costed for the community: $8-$25 per class. Star Weekly readers can get a complimentary first session to try it out. Yin Yoga is a gentle, passive practice that invites stillness and subtlety - offering up powerful physical benefits by targeting the body’s connective tissues, joints, and fascia. For all bodies - stiff, sore, injured or just in need of deep release! · Hong 0412 112 422, yogawithhong.com

20 years ago

21 March, 2006

Hobsons Bay City Council has rejected an applications to build a mosque and community centre in Altona Meadows because of insufficient parking space.

10 years ago

16 March, 2016

A Seaholme resident is lobbying Hobsons Bay council to close part of the Esplanade and Altona beach and create a “French Riviera” pop-up park with artificial grass similar to that in Yarraville.

Multicultural fest comes west

Overtheweekendof27-29March,Grazeland inSpotswoodwilltransformintoavibrantcultural hub to stage the Victorian Multicultural Festival as a part of Cultural Diversity Week.

Presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission,CulturalDiversityWeekisoneof Australia’s largest multicultural celebrations, featuring a diverse and dynamic program of statewide events, performances and activities. The Victorian Multicultural Festival is the tent-pole event of the week and with Gra-

zeland one of Melbourne’s largest food precincts, featuring more than 50 vendors serving cuisine from all over the world, it’s the ideal location to play host.

Along with a plethora of food options on offer, the three day festival has a packed entertainment line-up featuring performers from all over the world.

The opening night on Friday 27 March has Filipino DJ Jodilly Pendre taking the stage along with Greek performer Maria Maroulis

and others.

On Saturday 28 March MIDA Littel Leprechauns will bring a touch of the Irish to the festival, while Ghana’s Kofi Kunkpe Music will provide afro-beats.

Cuban,Italian,Brazilian,LithuanianandAboriginal performers will be among those who willcloseoutthefestivalonSunday29March.

The festival runs from 5pm-10pm on Friday, 12pm-10pm on Saturday and 12pm9pm on the closing Sunday.

Exploring the beauty of Kororoit Creek

More than 40 paintings exploring the beauty of Kororoit Creek are on display as part of an exhibition in Sunshine titled ‘Whispers of the Creek’ Artist Vonne Beyer was inspired by the surroundings of her former home in Sunshine West where she lived for 10 years, and which backed onto the creek.

“I have had a range of responses to living along the creek over the years,” Beyer said.

“Perhaps it’s an optimistic and colourful interpretation of Kororoit Creek, be-

cause there’s a lot to offer. It changes every single day with different lighting, depending on how much water is in there and what season it is.”

Beyer, now a Wyndham local, uses a range of techniques to create her abstract works.

“I add things to the canvas and the surface and I also like to remove things, scratch back and sometimes wash back, sand areas down,” she said.

Beyer, who works with oil paints, said she enjoys working on a range of different

surfaces including wood.

“Especially bits of wood that have got a bit of character to them,” she said.

The free exhibition, ‘Whispers of the Creek’ , will be on display until Friday 29 May on level one of the Brimbank Gallery and Sunshine Library, 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine. An event to mark the opening of the exhibition will be held on Friday 20 March from 6-7.30pm.

“People are welcome to come and have a look and meet the artist. All the works are for sale,” Beyer said.

Wyndham will light up with illuminated installations, projections

A popular local event is set to make a bright return, with residents from the west encouraged to come along.

LIT is a light festival and will run at Wyndham Park in Werribee from Friday 24 April to Sunday 3 May.

This year, the free event will feature an all-new program of illuminated installations and projections to transform the park into a playground of light, art and discovery. Hosted by Wyndham council, there will be no shortage of highlights.

This year’s program will feature the pre-

miere of Breeze by acclaimed western suburbs artist Bruce Ramus.

The immersive work features seven ethereal veils suspended between earth and sky, animated by wind, light and colour. Sydney-based collective H0RSE make their Victorian debut with two striking installations: Macula, a spiralling bamboo tunnel pulsing with abstract light, and Silent Observers, a reflective projection that highlights the enduring life of trees.

Residents will encounter the larger-

Entryisjust$4,withchildrenunder12free. No bookings are required. Grazeland is located at 20 Booker Street, Spotswood. Formoreinformationonparkingandhow to get there, go to: https://www.grazeland. melbourne/visit-us

For more information on the festival and entertainment line-up: https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/victorian-multicultural-festival

Explosive hits light up Stoney’s Club

When six of Melbourne’s seasoned musicians hit the stage together, they create an explosive energy called Kaboom, and they’re set to bring the party to Stoney’s Club in Bacchus Marsh on Saturday 28 March.

Locals are being invited to take a musical trip through the decades, with the sixpiece cover band delivering a high-energy night packed with crowd favourites from the 1970s through to the 2000s.

The free show will transform Stoney’s Sports Bar into an explosive dancefloor as Kaboom unleashes a setlist of nostalgic hits designed to keep the party going all night long.

The show kicks off at 9pm and runs through until midnight, featuring singalong classics including Jessie’s Girl, Teenage Dirtbag, Sweet Child o’ Mine, and Don’t Stop Believin’ , along with a mix of party anthems spanning artists from ABBA to Led Zeppelin.

Featuring booming male and female lead vocals, two guitarists, bass and drums, Kaboom’s lineup is made up of experienced performers who have been part of Melbourne’s live music scene since the roaring ‘90s.

than-life Cassowaries by A Blanck Canvas, or perch beneath the glowing canopy of Pixel Sky by Studio John Fish and wander the illuminated Gobo path, titled Interwoven Tree by local artist Rebecca Kable.

The program includes a dedicated sensory friendly night on Monday 27 April with reduced lighting and sound intensity.

LIT is open 6-10pm each night.

No bookings are required and visitors are encouraged to make a night of it by visiting the Werribee City Centre.

Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/LIT

Over the years, the all-star band has played in tribute shows, cover bands and a variety of live acts, bringing a wealth of experience and stage presence to every performance.

With dual vocals, strong harmonies and tight musicianship, the band promises to light the fuse from the very first note.

The show is well and truly set to be packed with big hits and big energy, making it the perfect excuse to gather the crew, book a babysitter and enjoy a night out close to home.

The event is free to attend.

Details: https://www.facebook. com/events/675454208959179/?ref_ source=NEWS_FEED.

PUZZLES

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 Daze; stupor (6)

4 A gathering (4-2)

10 Hinge (5)

11 Social exclusion (9)

12 A large group of instrumentalists (9)

13 Strong thread (5)

14 Spice; kick the ball between an opponent’s legs (6)

15 Sole (4)

19 Formerly (4)

20 Movable shelter (6)

24 Stink (5)

25 Painting of the countryside (9)

27 Funeral or burial rites (9)

28 Barack – (5)

29 Burrow (6)

30 Land surrounded by water (6) DOWN

1 Tropical storms (8)

2 Recommend (8)

3 Reflective road marker (3’1,3)

5 Precisely (7)

6 Inconsequential things (6)

7 Inflated (6)

8 Black deposit (4)

9 Struggles; filters (7)

17 Data about data (8)

18 Desired (2,6)

19 Slanting (7)

21 Traditions (7)

22 Accompany (6)

23 Logic (6)

26 Hatchlings (4)

3

5

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

Today’s Aim:

13 words: Good 20 words: Very good 27 words: Excellent

1 On which fictional planet did Luke Skywalker grow up?

2 Türkiye is bordered by how many countries?

3 The Mona Lisa is painted on a panel of what kind of wood?

4 What is the highest award given at the Cannes Film Festival?

5 The Clean, The Chills and Blam Blam Blam are bands from which country?

7 A cruciferous plant has how many petals?

8 Which character does Florence Pugh (pictured) play in the 2021 film Black Widow?

9 Who composed the music for SleepingBeauty and Swan Lake?

10 Which '80s TV series features an alien who lives with a suburban family?

and R8?

6 Which car company makes the models A4,

Time to rediscover Kirra

By Kylie Mitchell-Smith, Travel Writer/podcaster www.travellingsenorita.com

There’s something about Kirra, from the pristine open beach to the laidback community vibe to the latest restaurant openings - it’s a popular seaside destination.

Back in the day the Southern Gold Coast neighbourhood was known for its iconic surfbreakandswinging’60sHockeyPokey dance, where beach days blended into balmy nights.

Kirra has found its groove again, from the comeback of the famous right hand point break to the reimagined Kirra Beach Hotel - a local’s favourite.

We check into the Kirra Point Holiday Apartments, set high above the Kirra Beach Hotel. The expansive hotel style apartments are styled in neutral tones, with contemporary architectural lines and coastal touches that feature throughout.

We stay in a two-bedroom ocean front apartment, that captures stunning views across to Surfers Paradise. Take your pick fromaone-,two-orthree-bedroomlayout, or maybe a penthouse with infinity pool is more your thing.

The Kirra Beach hotel on ground level is abuzz any day of the week, offering good pub style food in a relaxed, open-air venue, looking out to the sea. Keeping the locals happy, there’s a reimagined front bar, bottle shop and cafe.

Above the hotel is the super stylish and popular Kirra Beach House, billed as a seaside dining and drinking venue with DJs and sunsets - it’s all the rage. There’s a sumptuous menu designed to share packed with salad bowls, pizzas and fresh seafood, we enjoy in the outside cabanas with the dreamiest views across the point.

Walking along the esplanade, we pass the retro surf club, it’s like stepping back in time, where locals enjoy a coldie on the deck and counter meals are served in a modest dining area. It’s where old meets new, as next door is the popular Siblings restaurant in the reimagined pizza hut space.

The restaurant has been pumping since its opening, with good service, delicious food and cocktails served by the sea - it’s a recipe for success.

We wander just north of the surf club, to the dining and cafe precinct, stopping off for dinner at Hanks (Siblings’ baby brother).

Decked out in Mediterranean style with

a menu to suit, we sip on a spritz and enjoy a share plate menu of local prawn linguini and burrata with caramelised honey and fennel seed.

We rise as the sun rises and take an early morning dip across the road, with a takeaway coffee and toasted Vegemite scroll in hand from Made cafe down below.

Lunch is served at Billy Chow, a Pan-Asian beauty by the sea. The food is simply delicious, from freshly made mushroom dumplings to fried rice with a twist.

Next door at Agave Rosa, it’s all about tacos and margaritas, with a happy hour that makes us happy.

Kirra has nailed its global food offering, withanarrayofrestaurants,barsandcafes on offer, and word on the street is there’s more to come, as stage two of Kirra Point begins.

For a spot of shopping, we head to Cotton Living for homewares, Love Street

Store for local threads and Gypsy and the Muse for coastal clothes and jewellery. For relaxation, we book a recovery session at Native State, a luxury bathhouse and studiogymintheKirraSurfbuildingtothe north.

Kirra Beach offers that quintessential coastal stay on the southern Gold Coast, with beach walks to Bilinga and Tugun to the north and Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay to the South.

EAT

• Billy Chow

• Siblings

Hanks

Made

PLAY

• Sea Sounds, Kirra Beach

• Kirra Surf Club

• Native State

STAY

• Kirra Point Holiday Apartments

15 DAYS IN SOUTHEAST

ASIA

$9,895* pp FROM

This is your last chance to fly free, upgrade to business class or save up to $5,000 per couple on 2026-2028 river, ocean and expedition voyages.

Hurry, Explorer Sale offers must end 31 March 2026*

MAGNIFICENT MEKONG

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa

15 DAYS • 2 COUNTRIES 16 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL • AUG-DEC 2026; JAN-APR, AUG-DEC 2027; 2028

Sail the Mekong River, where silk towns and fishing villages preserve age-old customs. Visit Angkor Wat, the jewel of Khmer architecture, and Ta Prohm, where jungle vines embrace ancient ruins. Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo rickshaw, visit Hanoi’s UNESCOlisted Old Quarter markets and connect with local children at a Viking-sponsored school. Hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City frame your cruisetour through the heart of Southeast Asia.

From $9,895pp in French Balcony From $10,695pp in Veranda Stateroom

EDITOR

Location: Mildura, Victoria

Position: Full-time

Lead two important regional news brands and help shape trusted local journalism across print, digital and social.

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and energetic Editor to lead the editorial direction of the Sunraysia Daily and Broken Hill Times, based from our Mildura office.

This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing the Sunraysia Daily’s three-times-a-week printed edition, the Broken Hill Times, daily online publishing, and support for content across the company’s social channels.

You will lead the reporting team in Mildura and work closely with the small team in Broken Hill, while being supported by the Group Editor and our production hub team.

This is a strong role for someone who understands the importance of local journalism, can drive quality and consistency across platforms, and is committed to building audience and community impact.

About the role

In this role, you will:

•edit and oversee the Sunraysia Daily print editions published three times a week

•oversee editorial output for Broken Hill Times

•manage daily digital publishing across both brands

•assist with editorial content for the company’s social media channels

•lead, mentor and manage the team of reporters in Mildura and the small team in Broken Hill

•help drive strong news judgment, story generation, planning and follow-through

•work with the Group Editor and production hub team to ensure deadlines are met and quality standards maintained

•help grow audience engagement across print, online and social platforms

•maintain high standards of accuracy, fairness, balance and community relevance

•connect with the community, attend events and meet with key members of the community

About you

To succeed in this role, you will ideally have:

•experience in editing, newsroom leadership or senior reporting

•strong news sense and a passion for regional and community journalism

•excellent writing, editing and headline skills

•the ability to manage competing deadlines across print and digital

•strong people leadership skills and a collaborative approach

•confidence working across websites, digital publishing systems and social platforms

•an understanding of how to build audience through digital content and social distribution

•a commitment to accuracy, ethics and high editorial standards

•a great sense of community

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who can:

•lead from the front

•support and develop reporters

•produce strong, relevant and engaging local content

•balance the demands of print, digital and social

•work positively with editorial, production and management teams across the group

Why join us

This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in two important regional news mastheads and make a genuine difference in the communities they serve.

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

You will join a business that values trusted local journalism and supports its editors with experienced group leadership and central production resources, while still giving you the chance to have real editorial impact at the local level.

To apply

Please submit your application, including a cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role to paul.thomas@starnewsgroup.com.au

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.

PROFESSIONAL

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 www.starnewsgroup.com.au

Kona success deserved

By Marque Motoring

The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that has been on sale in Australia since 2017.

It is the second smallest member of the Korean company’s five SUV options, between the smaller Venue and the larger Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade.

NotonlywasKonaHyundai’sbest-selling vehicle in 2025 but it also topped annual sales in its highly-competitive market segment, ahead of cheaper Chinese rivals such as the MG ZS, Cherry Tiggo 4 and Haval Joilon.

The second-generation Kona came here in 2023 with a larger and chunkier body adding extra cabin space, together with upgraded safety, security and convenience features.

Konacomeswiththechoiceof16different variants including naturally-aspirated petrol, turbocharged petrol, petrol/electric hybrid and fully electric powertrains. Equipment levels are base Kona, Elite and Premium, each with an optional sportier style N Line.

Most models are front-wheel drive although AWD is available in the Premium N Line turbo-petrol model.

We’ve reviewed the Kona EV recently so we’ll look at the petrol and hybrid models here.

Our test car was the Kona Elite turbo-petrol hybrid.

Styling

The design of the Kona petrol and hybrid models could almost pass for their EV sibling with its thin LED light bar at the front that spans the entire width of the vehicle at both the front and the rear.

The exterior style does vary depending on variant but overall is neat and compact with a z-shaped crease along the sides. Kona’s star attraction is that narrow LED light bar which features at both the front and rear that we first saw with the Hyundai Staria people mover. Hyundai calls it a Seamless Horizon Lamp, and combines LED daytime running light and a positioning light.

The base Kona runs on 17-inch alloy wheels, Elite and Premium go to 18-inch with N Line variants getting 19-inch machine-finished alloys with a sporty multi-spoke design.

Options on Premium variants include a wide-glass sunroof ($1500), metallic mica paint ($595) and Light Shale Grey/ Sage Green interior ($295).

The sporty N-Line option package adds optional black side mirrors and roof, wing-type spoiler, more aggressive front and rear designs with wing-shaped bumper to emphasise a lower stance, distinctive19-inchalloys,twinmufflerand silver side skirt.

Interior

ForasmallSUVKonaprovidesasurprising amount of interior space with excellent headroom all round and generous leg and shoulder room for rear passengers.

Boot space with rear seats in place is 407 litres, expanding to 1241 litres with the seats folded. A temporary spare wheel can be found under the boot base, which is height adjustable.

The entry level Kona gets cloth seats and two-way lumbar support. Elite and Premium add leather trim.

There are the usual two screens, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display in front of the driver.

The gear selector is located on the

RATINGS

Look o s: 9/10

Perffor o ma m nce: 8/10

Safety: 8/10 1

Thirst: 8.5/10

Prracticality: 8/10

Comfort: 7.5/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 7.5/10

right-hand side of the steering column wheel. It’s a large, rectangular control that tilts up for Drive, down for Reverse and pushes in for Park. Importantly its location frees up space on the centre console for a pair of cup holders, smartphone wireless charger and more push button and other physical controls leading to less reliance on the touchscreen.

There is interior LED lighting across the range.

TheHyundaiBluelinksystemisstandard across the Kona range offering features such as remote locking, remote climate control, and vehicle diagnostics.

The optional N Line pack interior adds ambient mood lighting, leather appointed seating with Alcantara inserts, along with red highlights and N logos. There’s also an N Line steering wheel, dark metal door handles, plus leather dashboard tray and highlights, black headlining and pillar trims.

Engines/transmission

Power and torque from the 2.0-litre IC engine is 110 kW at 2600 rpm and 180 Nm 4500 revs. The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol generates 146 kW and 265 Nm at 6000 rpm.

While the engine in the petrol/hybrid variant that we tested produced 77 kW and 144 Nm together with 32 kW and 172 Nm from the electric motor for the combined system putting out 104 kW and 265 Nm.

The Kona hybrid is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with Shift By Wire paddle shifters

Fuel consumption on the combined cycle from the 2.0-litre is listed as 6.6 litres per 100km, the 1.6 at 7.6 L/100 km with the hybrid dropping to 3.9 L/100 km.

All use 91 RON fuel.

Infotainment

Like most vehicles in the Hyundai range Kona comes with a 12.3-inch dual-screen high-resolution full digital set-up.

Pleasingly, climate control air-con is via a series of buttons and knobs on the centre stack, not the touchscreen.

Over-The-Air software update capability.

Standard media features include AM/ FM/DAB+ radio and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

Satellite navigation is standard on the Elite and Premium variants.

Base Kona and Elite have a six-speaker audio system, Premium gets a BOSE eight-speaker unit.

Safety

Standard safety features start with seven airbags, including one between the front seats.

There are autonomous emergency braking front and rear, with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also included are driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoringandassist,lanekeepassist,safe exit warning, high-definition reversing camera, plus front and parking sensors.

All turn on automatically on start-up but the usual suspects, including driver alert and lane correction, can be turned off fairly easily.

Driving

Entry into the Kona is impressively easy for a relatively small vehicle. With the driver’s seat at a mid-level setting, there was plenty of headroom.

As with most hybrids the push-button start fires up the electric motor with the 1.6-litre petrol engine kicking in at around 20km/h to 30 km/h.

Unlike several vehicles that we’ve tested where the positioning of gear selector control on the right of the steering column could accidentally be bumped out of gear, the control on the Kona twisted either up or down and worked perfectly.

Thehybridis70kgheavierthanthepetrol courtesy of its battery and that does affect itsridequality.At38litres,thehybrid’sfuel tank is nine litres smaller.

Claimed fuel consumption with the hybrid is just 3.9 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle with Co2 emissions of 61 g/km. Over the fortnight of our test, we averaged 5.4 litres per 100km over a range of road conditions.

Kona comes with the standard Hyundai warranty of five years and unlimited kilometres.

It can be extended to seven years provided that all scheduled servicing is done at an authorised Hyundai dealership. The lithium-ion batteries in the Kona electric and hybrid models cover eight years and 160,000km.

Summary

KonaisprovingamajorsuccessforHyundai and it’s no surprise. The head-turning design combined with its clever use of interior space makes it feel like a vehicle the next size up.

It offers the full choice of conventional petrol, turbo-petrol, hybrid and fully electric as well as a range of colours from bright to conservative that clearly is attracting buyers right across the generations.

While it’s priced at the higher end of its small SUV segment that clearly isn’t discouraging buyers who have it sitting on the top of the sales chart.

TIPPING 2026

Finals action in full swing

Cricket finals are well and truly underway, including several Victorian TurfCricketAssociationgrandfinals. Star

Brasher breaks record

By Tara Murray

Dylan Brasher’s remarkable Victorian Premier Cricket season has seen him break Footscray’s long time highest batting aggregate record that has stood for almost 60 years.

Brasher passed the total of 850 runs set by Ken Eastwood in the 1966-67 season in the Bulldogs qualifying final loss.

Brasher said it was pretty special to break the record.

Having been 12th man for Victoria, Brasher didn’t know until the night before whether he would be playing in the Bulldogs’ final.

“I don’t know if it’s quite sunk in yet or given it too much thought,” he said.

“Disappointing to lose the game in the end, but it’s a nice thing to think back on at the end of the season.

“Especially to do it from an absolute

legend of the game and of Footscray, is a pretty special thing.”

Brasher said their scorer had told him with a few games to go that he might have a chance of breaking the record.

He said it hadn’t even crossed his mind on Saturday that he might claim it.

“I think they clapped at 57 or 58 and I thought the scoreboard must have been wrong for 50 or something, as I had no idea what was going on.

“It was a cool feeling coming off at tea when he told me.”

The record is the latest achievement in what has been a big season for Brasher.

He’s hit four 100s for the Bulldogs, made a century in the Victorian second XI and made his Victorian Sheffield Shield and one-day debuts.

Brasher said there was one key to his form this season.

“I’ve really enjoyed the captainancy

stuff and I’ve sort of taken a fair bit of pressure off my own game and worry about myself,” he said.

“Now focused on how we can win and the other guys in the team. I think I had a really good off season, picked up a few things.

“Obviously it’s been nice to put it together and hopefully a few games to go for Footscray and hopefully a few left for the Vics as well.”

Brasher said finally making his state debut was pretty special, especially on the MCG in front of his friends and family.

He said he’s hoping there’s another opportunity before the end of the season.

Brasher has been named in the squad every game since, but is still waiting for another chance.

“Definitely playing one game has made me hungry to play more, that is for sure,” he said.

Tom McGuane excited to join Footscray

By Tara Murray

After a big six months, Tom McGuane is keen to just get out there and let his football do the talking.

The youngster will play with Footscray in the Victorian Football League season after missing out on being drafted last year.

McGuane was overlooked by Collingwood as a father-son pick and then he went undrafted.

He spent the pre-season with Adelaide before the Crows went a different direction.

McGuane then signed with the VFL reigning premiers.

“I can’t wait to get out there with the boys and for the season to start,” McGuane said.

“The boys have been super welcoming and it’s been an easy transition.”

McGuane was hot property across both Victoria and South Australia, with a number of clubs looking to get his signature.

He said the Bulldogs stood out for a number of reasons.

“They are a very strong club and they are

coming off a premiership last year,” he said.

“There’s always the challenge of being with an AFL aligned club.

“I want to play good football and earn respect. I have to become a better player.”

McGuane said the success of Bulldogs players getting an opportunity on an AFL list also attracted him to the club along with the facilities.

He gets to keep living at home which is another bonus.

McGuane said the past six months had been a bit of a rollercoaster after not yet achieving his AFL dream.

He said the focus for him now was to just play good football and continue to press his name forward.

McGuane said the experience of heading to Adelaide was a really great experience.

“The boys were so good along with the coaching staff,” he said.

“It helped me become a lot better player on and off the field. Moving states at 18 years old is pretty tricky.

“I was in touch with the coaches quite a bit and asked a lot of questions on how to

“It has been good but also frustrating [being in the squad]. I would love to be playing but they have been clear with the messaging and completely understand where the squad is at.

“I’ve said to them the whole time ... I’ll be ready when the opportunity comes.”

Brasher’s focus is firstly on the Bulldogs and helping them get their season back on track for a premiership tilt.

He said they had played some good cricket this year and it would be disappointing not to win a final.

Then Brasher might have some decisions to be made about his cricket future, with other states expressing interest in him.

“I want to stay here, I’ve got all my family here and I really enjoy playing for Footscray and the Vics.

The preference is to stay but we’ll have to wait and see where the opportunity presents.”

Dockers claim division 1 flag

Seddon’s all abilities side is enjoying premiership success after claiming the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association division 1 premiership on Labour Day.

The Dockers faced Mount Waverley Uniting in the grand final and held their nerve late in the match to get the job done.

Seddon made 82 as it was bowled out in the 19th over.

Despite the low total, the Dockers were able to defend that score.

They bowled Mount Waverley Uniting out for just 77 in the 26th over.

get better.

“With the injury to Dan Curtain they were looking for a bigger body to come into the team.”

Having spent the last two pre-seasons at Collingwood and Adelaide, McGuane said he takes a lot out of it.

He said for now his focus was playing for the Bulldogs.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in,” he said. “The ambition is to still get drafted or taken in the mid-season draft.

“Hopefully we can win some games and go from there.”

McGuane’s local community club remains Keilor, where his father Mick McGuane remains coach.

Tom said there was always a chance that he might be able to step out with his junior club.

“Keilor is such a great club and I’ve grown up there,” he said.

“We’ll see how we go.”

The Bulldogs kick off their premiership defence on 21 March against Casey Demons.

Dockers’ president Leigh Davies said a couple of the leaders set the way. “Captain Dennis Wilkinson was the star of the show, taking five wickets in a match-winning performance,” he said.

“A huge moment also came from former captain Matt Perry, who took a match-defining catch to dismiss Mount Waverley’s captain and best batter, leaving them one wicket short with just six runs to get.”

The premiership in the top grade comes only a couple of years into the side’s short history. “This achievement is even more special given Seddon’s all abilities program only started in the 2023-24 season,” Davies said.

Seddon also had a side in the division 3 competition which finished in third spot with five wins and three losses for the season.

Wyndham-St Johns finished atop the ladder in division 3.

New era for the Falcons

By Tara Murray

It’s the beginning of a new era for the City West Falcons.

While the Falcons’ had announced the re-signing of all its premiership side for 2026, it was a completely new team that took to the court on Wednesday night.

Just five players from last season’s premiership side took to the court as they lost the grand final rematch to the Hawks in the season opener.

It was even early in the match before the Hawks increased the margin to nine goals at half time.

The margin was out to 14 at the last break

with the Hawks going on to win, 67-52.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said they had some terrible patches but didn’t think they weren’t too bad considering.

“We had Maggie [Lind] out, a whole new defence end,” she said.

“I think we waited way too long to go into area defence and spent too much time trying to beat them one-on-one.

“We played into their hands a bit at times.

“All in all we are going to be a slow burn this year and there were some good signs.

Lind said they got the margin back to eight in the later stages before they made some silly mistakes and the margin blew back out.

She said they knew that it would take some time for the group to gel together with all the changes.

She said they hadn’t blooded that many players in one go for a long time.

Lind said losing Maggie to injury right before round one was a big out, with the skipper’s composure and leadership missing.

Two-time league most valuable player Julia Woolley stepped in to help fill the void of Maggie Lind’s absence.

Marg said Woolley did a good job in the attacking end.

She said Achel Yout and Olivia Barber, who are part of the Falcons new defence end, showed some really good signs.

Lauren Hucker, who joined the Falcons at the last minute, showed some positive signs, with Sussu Liai the Falcons best.

Lara Taylor, one of their 23 and under players, made her VNL debut in the championship side in attack, while Lani Faunouku also stepped up from the 23s.

Jane Cook shot 43 goals for the Falcons at 100 per cent.

Meanwhile, the 23 and under team was made to pay for a slow start against the Hawks, losing 54-45 after being down by 11 at quarter time.

Lind said they didn’t react early enough, but with five players under-17 they know they will take time.

Mitch Jamieson. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 540429_04

Bulldogs hang on to keep season alive

By Tara Murray

Footscray held its nerves late to keep its Victorian Premier Cricket season alive on the weekend.

After a first up finals loss, the Bulldogs season was on the line in the semi finals on the weekend against Prahran.

The match went down to the wire, with the Bulldogs winning by 10 runs.

“They [nerves] were definitely there,” coach Dale McDonald said. “How good though.

“It was easy for me to say [I’m nervous] sitting on the sidelines.

“We backed ourselves and held them off.”

The Bulldogs were bowled out for 315 after being sent in.

Mitch Jamieson was the star as he made 163.

He dropped back down to number three, with skipper Dylan Brasher earning a recall to the Victoria side.

McDonald said while it was a decent score they knew they were facing a Prahran side that scored 400 against them previously.

“Their bowling was first class,” he said.

“Mitch’s 163 was an impressive knock and we would have never got to 315 without it.

“It’s one of the best knocks that I’ve seen under that pressure.

“At one stage we looked like getting around 220-250.”

Prahran started strongly and at 1-106 was in a strong position to take the back half of the innings.

The wickets then started to fall.

Prahran was still able to find some runs though and it came down to the dying overs.

The Bulldogs did enough, bowling Prahran out for 305 in the 88th over

Bailey Toseland took four wickets, while Max Birthisel took three and Jay Vine too two.

All three have had to fight for their spots in the first XI this season.

“They’ve all been outside the side for small periods,” McDonald said.

“Just because they are out of the side, doesn’t mean they will stay out of the sit.

“Those three guys in particular were outstanding and credit to them.

“They’ve done the hard work to regain their spots.”

McDonald said the conditions suited them and they made the most of it.

The Bulldogs will face St Kilda on the weekend in the semi finals with a grand final spot on the line.

McDonald said both sides should hopefully be at full strength.

Brasher and Jack Prestwidge are set to return for the Bulldogs adding some more experience to the side.

Melbourne will face Casey South Melbourne in the other semi final.

Meanwhile, Footscray announced that McDonald has signed on as coach for the next two seasons.

McDonald said he was really excited to continue the hard work the group had done as a collective the past three to four years.

“The young guys have come on leaps and bounds the last three years.

“To stick together is nice. It’s all about the boys and the hard with they have put in.

“I have great belief in what we’re building together and can’t wait to see what we can achieve as a club moving forward.”

Footscray United falls short

Footscray United fell short at the final hurdle in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaacs Howarth Shield, losing the grand final.

Playing finals for the first time since returning to division 1, the Bulldogs faced Haig Fawkner in the two-day grand final on the weekend.

Footscray United was bowled out for 192 in the 70th over on Saturday.

The Bulldogs had won the toss and got off to a solid start before losing 6-47 to slip to 6-72.

The lower and middle order showed some resistance to push the score to a defendable 192.

Will Sheffield top scored with 48, while number 10 Frank Hoang finished 19 not out.

Haig Fawkner had to face seven overs at the end of the day, finishing 0-7.

Haig Fawkner got off to the better start on day two of the match and moved to 0-66.

The loss of five quick saw Haig Fawkner slip to 5-90 and give the Bulldogs a glimpse of hope.

A 67-run partnership put pay to that with Haig Fawkner moving within sight of victory,

Another couple of late wickets made the task a bit harder, but Haig Fawkner was able to do enough.

Haig finished 7-193 off nearly 79 overs.

Sajith De silva (34) and Fazal Nawab (21 not out) scored late runs to get Haig Fawkner over the line. Daniel Deasy took three wickets for the Bulldogs.

Haig Fawkner will go up to senior division next season.

Newport Rams stay alive

By Tara Murray

Newport Rams’ continue to find ways to keep their Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1 first season alive.

The Rams finished the regular season in eighth spot, only getting through to finals on head-to-head record.

After a first up finals loss, the Rams have won their next two finals to win through to the final four.

Coach David Land said the playing group has stuck together and the results were showing.

“We got off to a slow start to the season and had two wins and seven losses,” he said.

“The guys stuck with the plan and had a little bit of faith and built confidence togeth-

er.

“We turned it around and won nearly every game after Christmas.

“We’re now in the final four.”

Land said heading into finals they had played a bit strategically, knowing they would make the top eight no matter the result in the final round.

It has paid off for the Rams.

On Saturday, the Rams were able to beat Waverley, 5-2.

Land said it was a really strong performance from the whole group.

Waverley scored the opening run in the second innings, with the Rams hitting for their own in the third innings.

They made it 4-1 after five innings. Waverley got one back in the seventh, with the

Rams having the answer in the eighth innings.

“The most pleasing thing was Kyle Morrison, a home grown player, pitched the majority of the game,” Land said.

“He was really polished against one of the best teams in the state. He dominated.

“It was great to see that from one of our players who have come through juniors in to seniors.”

Land said they only took Morrison off when they had to.

The Rams were back in action on Tuesday night against Malvern, which knocked off minor premiers Sunshine, after deadline.

The winner is to play Moorabbin on Thursday night.

Land said they were keen to continue

Laverton pulls off stunning premiership win

By Tara Murray

Laverton pulled off one of the more miraculous come from behind premierships in the Clark Shield on the weekend.

The Magpies were down and out in their grand final against Pascoe Vale Central on Sunday afternoon.

But for a second straight week, they were able to pull a rabbit out of the hat and claim victory and this time with it, the premiership.

Magpies’ president Rahual Anhal said it was an amazing journey to get to the premiership.

“We’ve ended up with the fairy tale,” he said.

“It was nerve-wracking. We were 7-30 and thinking that we weren’t in a good position.

“We’ve done it all season, we’ve fought hard and stood up when it was needed.

“We got the job done in one of the best grand finals.”

Pascoe Vale Central made 132 after winning the toss and deciding to bat on day one.

The innings never got going with the

lower order the only ones to show any resistance.

Mayank Sharma and Khalid Farooq took three wickets each for Laverton.

The Magpies had to face 10 overs at the end of day one.

It turned into a nightmare for the Magpies as they slipped to 3-12 at stumps.

Kamaljeet Sandhu and Asim Mehmood both resumed on one not out.

Anhal said it wasn’t the position they had hoped to be in but had been in a similar position in their semi final win against Werribee Centrals.

They started steadily on day two before the wickets started to fall.

Anhal said Pascoe Vale Central bowled and fielded well to have them in all sorts of trouble, with only three wickets in hand and more than 90 runs behind.

Sharma and Omair Fahim came together and put on 69 to put the Magpies in sight of victory.

Amrit pal singh Dandiwal joined Fahim and they were able to get the job done, finishing 8-133.

Sharma, who was named player of the match, top scored with 51.

riding their luck.

“We feel like we are the Western Bulldogs in 2016,” he said. ”Why not us?

“The Bulldogs won from seventh, why can’t we win from eighth.

“The guys want to keep playing one more game together, they are really tight.

“We will leave everything on the field and if we don’t win we hold our heads up high.”

Land said a big chunk of the side had come through the club’s junior program.

Many had gone to college and came back to their junior club.

“We have a lot of home grown talent,” he said.

“It’s credit to the junior program at Newport that they keep coming up.”

A’s win through

Altona took the lessons it learned from its final round loss to Spotswood to turn the tables in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west finals on the weekend,

The two west teams faced each other in back-to-back matches, with a lot more on the line on the weekend.

It was the A’s that got the win this time round.

A’s coach Liam Keating said it was special to get the win over a team they really respect.

“You always learn things from close losses and we took one or two things out of it,” he said.

“Matt Turcinovich got out at a crucial time last week. He changed the game this week and in a two-dayer that is great,”

Altona made 224 on day one of the match.

Turcinovich top scored with 71 while Ben Davies also got a 50.

Dan Schuppan took 6-46 for the Woodsmen.

Keating said in finals you are always happy with runs on the board.

“It makes it harder and we were bowling on our home ground,” he said. “It’s always nice to have a few more.

“They bat really deep and are experienced and have played a lot of finals.”

Ben Davies was the key for the A’s with the ball.

Anhal said that Sharma was fasting on Sunday, making his performance even more special.

He said credit to Pascoe Vale Central which had kept coming at them and made the match go down to the wire.

Anhal said the premiership was something that they had been dreaming off for a number of years.

The side hadn’t played in finals for a number of seasons, let alone contending for premierships.

He said the premiership was celebrated late into the night and they were still coming to terms with it.

“It is massive and we’ve been talking about it throughout the whole season,” he said.

“This was a really good premiership after 15 years. It’s really exciting for the club and things are coming to plan.

“Hopefully we take this group into next season and get another premiership.”

The Magpies will play in the Roy Picone Shield after earning promotion, which was something Anhal said was needed to ensure they kept players at the club.

He took six wickets including at of Lachie McKenna, who was batting well, and Seamus Lynch for a first ball duck.

“He has experience from his premier cricket days,” he said. “Adam Yates bowled well too which helps.”

Spotswood was bowled out for 164. Mac Short top scored with 35.

The A’s will face Balwyn in the semi finals with a grand final spot on the line.

Keating said they were keen for the challenge.

“They are a magnificent team,” he said. “We’ll take confidence out of how we want about it during the year, but finals are a different game.”

Despite the loss, Spotswood goes through to the next round as the highest ranked loser.

The Woodsmen will now face Werribee for a spot in the grand final.

LAVERTON’S GREAT ESCAPE

By Tara Murray

Williamstown CYMS thought it could do something special this season and it did exactly that on the weekend in the Namara Shield grand final.

Having not won a first XI premiership in 20-odd years, the CYs were able to break that drought in the most special way, beating neighbours Williamstown Imperials.

The two clubs share Fearon Reserve and there was a big crowd in attendance for the grand final.

CYs captain-coach Nick Duxson said it was a pretty special moment for the club.

“It was a hell of a game of cricket,” he said. “It went down to the wire and they made us work incredibly hard for it.

“There were so many swings and roundabouts. To be in front at the end was nice.”

Duxson said they knew heading into the grand final that the Imperials were the benchmark and they had work to do.

The Imperials decided to bat and it was

CY’s flag joy after drought

a perfect start for the CYs, having the Imperials 2-0 and then 3-16.

While happy, Duxson said a couple of missed chances had them thinking what might have been.

“Miles Bradshaw and Hamish Cooper were superb,” he said. “I dropped a sitter from Josh [Van zyl] first ball and he didn’t give another chance.

“We dropped Callum Herron as well.”

Those two were the key for the Imperials as they were bowled out for 178.

van Zyl top scored with 68 for the Imperials.

Oliver Beecroft took 5-35 for the CYs.

Duxson said Beecroft, who returned to the team this season after a year out of cricket, took the big wickets when they needed him too.

The skipper said while they could have had the Imperials out for 120 if they took their catches, they were still happy with 178.

The CYs faced 12 overs at the end of the day. They got through unscathed, finishing

0-15.

“It was a hell of an effort,” Duxson said.

“They knuckled down against a quite seasoned team.

“Kendrick Hatton bowled 35 overs unchanged from one end.”

The CYs were able to find some contributions throughout the order as they got the runs in the second last over.

The CYs finished 8-179.

Angus Groen finished with 39, while Duxson guided the side home with an unbeaten 37 off 107 balls.

Beecroft was named player of the match.

While Duxson is only in his first season attheclub,hecouldseehowmuchitmeant to everyone else.

“It means so much,” he said. “Bill Millar also played in our last one 20 years ago, so to see his face.

“We have all these home grown players. It’sincredibleforallthevolunteerswhoput in a power of work.

“We’ll enjoy this for now.

“I’m so proud. We didn’t rely one one or two players.”

Clubbers

By Tara Murray

Yarraville Club dug in deep to give itself a shot heading into the second weekend of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division grand final.

The Clubbers and Airport West St Christopher’s had a good battle on the first weekend, with the Clubbers slightly ahead at the halfway mark. It could have been a lot different if not for the Clubbers lower order late on day one and early two day.

Captain-coach Mitch Johnstone said they would take where they were placedconsideringhowmuchtrouble they were in early on.

“It has been a roller coaster,” he said.

“We didn’t bat that well to start and at 6-43 we were on the back foot.

“Our bottom half has not done much batting the last 18 months and there were a few question marks.”

Josh Eaton (34), Matthew Doric (71), Johnstone (40) and Angus Copeland (20 not out) pushed the Clubbers innings into day two.

They had been 8-161 after day one before being bowled out for 235.

Johnstone said it was a big thing mentally to bat for that long and put a competitive total on the board.

He said it forced the Eagles bowlers to spend more time in the field and put more overs into their bodies.

“We put in a resolute performance to occupy the crease and take the innings deep.

“Matt led the change there and faced a hell of a lot of balls.

“We had a lot of contributions when ourbacksweretothewall.Welearned from the mistakes of the top order.”

Johnstone said the total was about par on that ground.

Early in the Eagles innings it was a bit of a stalemate as the Eagles looked to spend some time in the middle and not take too many risks.

“We quickly took the pace off the ball and it got us going,” Johnstone said.

“DoricandLawf[TrentLawford]did what they do best. Jacob [Dickman] is a nice player and he is the key wicket. Their captain is still to come.

“We have the ascendancy at the moment”

Johnstone said early wickets would be the key on day three of the match, with still 160 overs to be played.

“We are 156 ahead,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll chip away and then pick up a first inning lead.

“Hopefully we can occupy time at the crease and take the game away from them.

“There’s still plenty to play out.”