Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 8th July 2026

Small and sustainable

A new home has been built in Seddon to showcase how sustainable, space-efficient design can be both achievableandaffordable.

Knownbyitsprojecttitle‘StackandField’theStation Road home has been designed by Steffan Welsch Architects and will be open to the public during Open HouseMelbourne from24-26July.

“This is a unique and personal home on a tight inner-city block,” Mr Welsch said of the project delivered in collaboration with builder Encore Projects andinteriordesignersNeutralInstinct.

Mr Welsch said the key to the design was prioritising complexity over size by organising the home through a seriesoflayeredroomsandcourtyardsthatmakeiteasy tomovethroughandfeellongerandmorespacious.

“Wecreateddistinctactivityzonesthatarearticulated in accordance with spatial needs, connection to adjoining spaces and relationship to the outside,“ he said

“The outcome is a sustainable model for inner-city housing measured by quality of space and experience ratherthansizealone.”

Moreinformation:https://openhousemelbourne.org/

from 24-26 July.

MP injury shock

By Cade Lucas

Footscray MP Katie Hall is recovering from emergency surgery after allegedly being assaulted outside her electorate office late last month.

Ms Hall alleges she was headbutted and knocked to the ground by a man near her electorate office in Nicholson Street, Footscray, about 12.45pm on Thursday 25 June.

The incident left Ms Hall needing emergency surgery to repair damaged tendons in her hand. Despite her injuries, the MP managed to call triple-0 and then followed the alleged offender to nearby Footscray Station.

Police arrested a 33-year-old of no fixed address, charging him with assault. He was remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 10 July.

Ms Hall said she saw two women walkingnearheroffice,beforeoneofthem was allegedly knocked to the ground. It was when the Parliamentary Secretary for Housing and Building then began calling forhelpthatshewasallegedlyheadbutted.

Ms Hall was treated for minor injuries at the scene before later being admitted to hospital for surgery.

Another woman, 36, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“This sort of crime is unacceptable,” Ms Hall said of the incident.

“I have zero tolerance for this happening to anyone in my community.”

Ms Hall said she was grateful to the police and ambulance officers who came to her aid, as well as members of the public.

“There were many kind people who stopped to help.“

First elected to state parliament in 2018, the Footscray MP is facing a tough battle to retain her seat at November’s state election.

However, her main political opponents werequicktocondemntheallegedattack.

“The Greens are appalled to hear of the violent attack on Katie Hall MP and another woman outside her electorate office,” read a statement posted on behalf of Greens West candidates Elena Pereyra and Brittany Henderson.

“Violence against women is unacceptable. Women have the right to be safe at all times.”

The Voices of the Inner West of Melbourne group wished Ms Hall a swift recovery following what they called a “violent and confronting situation”.

“Nooneshouldhavetoexperiencethis,” their statement read.

Disbury disappointed by budget

By Cade Lucas

Most households in Hobsons Bay will experience a smaller increase in rates than in many other local government areas, with an average rise of 1.84 per cent included in council’sannualbudgetwhichwasendorsed on Monday night.

The average rate increase for residential properties is below the maximum allowed by the state government, but due to larger increases in other categories such as vacant residential properties (3.75 per cent) and industrial properties (6.39 per cent) , overall rates will still increase by the 2.75 per cent cap.

Seddon designer’s T-shirt triumph

The winners of this year’s Seddon T-shirt Competition have been announced.

Local man Jason Spear won the open category, while Footscray Primary School students Violet and Tess, took out the youth category of the annual competition run by the Seddon Village Traders Association (SVTA).

The winners were chosen by a judging panel featuring SVTA president and Seddon Deadly Sins Cafe owner Chris Gooden, High Tees Australia’s Jess McDonald and the Seddon Community Bank’s Suzanne Saunders, each of whom were on hand for the announcement on Tuesday 30 June. The winners were awarded cash prizes and framed versions of their winning designs which will now be emblazoned on T-shirts and put up for sale.

Ensuring the runners-up in both categories don’t go unrecognised, their designs will be printed on tote bags that will also be available for purchase.

“A play on words,” Mr Spear said when asked to explain his winning design featuring a white panel with ‘Seddon’ above a black panel with ‘Seddoff’.

“My brain does this sometimes, and the idea came almost instantly when I thought about the way Seddon is now defining both a daytime and nighttime persona,” he said.

Both Violet and Tess were unable to attend the announcement, but provided a statement explaining their design featuring the earth and its people.

“We were inspired by Earth’s welcoming nature and Seddon’s welcoming of diverse people, food, culture and more!”

Waste service charges are exempt from the rate cap and will increase by 7.5 per cent, helping to pay down council’s $2.5 million waste management reserve deficit.

A $59.724 million capital works program is forecast, with roughly 80 per cent going towards upgrading and renewing existing assets and infrastructure rather than new projects.

Roads will receive just over $19 million, while almost $13 million will go towards recreation and open space, $12.4 million will be allocated to buildings, including nearly $6 million for building renewal and almost $4 million for sporting and recreation facilities.

Footpaths and cycleways will receive $4.3 million and there is $2 million for drains.

The Kororoit Creek Trail in Altona and Altona North headlines major projects, with construction set to commence in 2026, while the controversial redevelopment of the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club has again received funding, with construction scheduled to start in 2027.

For council services, community child health will receive $4 million, while slightly less will go to libraries and hubs.

Community support gets just over $2 million, while youth services, early years and arts and culture receive between $1-2 million.

Tour Altona treatment plant as part of Open House Melbourne

For the third year in a row, one of the most secure sites in the inner-west will let in members of the public for a sneak peek, with the Altona Recycled Water Plant again participating in Open House Melbourne.

On the weekend of 25-26 July, Greater Western Water (GWW) will be running public tours of its Altona facility, most of which is usually off limits.

“We’re proud to once again open our doors at the Altona Recycled Water Plant and take people on an expert-led journey

of the facility and its surrounds,” GWW’s general manager of service delivery, Jodie Hallam, said of the tours which will give visitors the chance to see how the facility operates as well as to view its unique land art installation, A Forest for Australia.

During the tour, visitors will learn how wastewater services have evolved over time - from basic treatment through to recycled water solutions - and be invited to think critically about the impor-

Another noticeable feature of the budget is the expected increase in staff, with council’s headcount projected to grow from 587 to 623, taking employee costs to more than $80 million.

While the increase is attributed to the results of various investigations into council’s workplace culture, including the hiring of a new executive team, Cr Michael Disbury was not impressed.

“I see no belt tightening here,” Cr Disbury said of the extra staff, adding that the entire budget left him “disappointed” Cr Disbury was the only councillor to vote against the budget.

Shopping centre patrols boosted for school holidays

Police patrols at the west’s biggest shopping centres will be bolstered over the school holidays as part of Operation Pulse.

Since December last year, police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) have been patrolling four major shopping centres each day, rotating between a total of nine centres.

With winter school holidays in full swing, Victoria Police said patrols have been bolstered to cover all nine centres across the two-week period.

This includes Pacific Werribee, Highpoint, Watergardens, Southland, Eastland, Bayside Frankston, Fountain Gate, Northland and key CBD retail locations in Geelong.

According to police, since the operation commenced, more than 1400 people have been arrested, facing more than 2900 charges for crimes at shopping centres.

Police said 215 weapons have been seized throughout the operation.

Those arrested include prolific shoplifters, offenders carrying weapons, and criminals in stolen cars in shopping centre car parks.

Among those arrested was a woman who allegedly stole a $600 handbag from a shopping centre on 12 June.

Police allege she returned to the same centre on 16 June and used the same handbag to conceal two hooded jumpers valued at $500.

Upon her arrest, police also discovered she had been driving unlicensed which led to her car being impounded.

A 43-year-old man and 46-year-old woman were also arrested after a short foot chase at a shopping centre on 15 March.

The man was allegedly carrying a bag containing firearms, knuckledusters, nunchucks, ammunition and drugs. The woman was allegedly attempting to conceal a stolen tote bag worth $300.

Police said that all shifts are voluntary, meaning there is no impact on the rail networks or frontline policing as officers are working at shopping centres in addition to existing shifts.

tance of environmental stewardship and adaptability.

Eight one-hour tours of the plant will take place across Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, with a maximum of 20 people allowed on each.

The tours are free to attend but bookings are essential.

Bookings : https://openhousemelbourne.org/event/greater-western-water-a-forest-for-australia-and-altonatreatment-plant/

Operation Pulse Superintendent Matt Baynes said the school holidays were a peak time for shopping centres, adding it was important shoppers and retailers felt safe.

“The presence of police and PSOs has undoubtedly prevented significant offending at shopping centres, so we are pleased to be able to bolster our resources over this busy period,” he said.

“With over 1400 charges laid for shop thefts alone – this sends a very clear message that there is no place for stealing at our shopping centres.”

Sport club subsidy decreased

By Cade Lucas

Despite strong opposition from some local clubs, Hobsons Bay council has adopted a new fees and charges policy for sporting facilities, the first new policy in almost 30 years.

Under the new policy endorsed at its 29 June meeting, Hobsons Bay council will subsidise 93 per cent of the maintenance costs for the use of sporting pavilions and fields in the municipality, down from the 97 per cent subsidy that has been in place since 1997.

While the four per cent reduction will

be phased in over four years, it will result in many clubs paying higher fees, with some arguing the increase is excessive.

During public questions at the meeting last week, Williamstown Athletic Club president David Jamieson took issue with the council describing the fee increase as modest.

“The fees to be charged to clubs represents an overall increase to clubs of 130 per cent. This is not modest,” Mr Jamieson said in asking why this was not mentioned anywhere in the community feedback report on the draft policy.

“Is this deception or misleading,” he

Dolphins’ river swim delights

A pod of dolphins became the centre of attention when they made an unexpected appearance in the Maribyrnong River last week.

Herds of local residents gathered to watch as many as four dolphins frolic up and down the length of Footscray Park on Wednesday 1 July and Thursday 2 July.

Dolphins were also spotted in the lower reaches of the river over the weekend.

While unexpected, the appearance of dolphins in the Maribyrnong River is not uncommon.

Dolphins have been spotted as far up as the Essendon Rowing Club, while they have also been known to venture up other urban waterways such as the Yarra and Patterson rivers in search of food.

The health of the Maribyrnong River

and its wildlife has been in the news recently with several swans and other bird species killed after becoming entangled in discarded fishing gear.

The Maribyrnong River Wildlife Protection (MRWP) group was formed in response to the deaths.

“All the more reason why the river needs to be protected,” an MRWP spokesperson said of the dolphin sightings.

“There is an increasing risk to local wildlife in the area.

“Protected swans and cormorants are being injured due to fishing line waste. Injuries have also been caused by fast-moving bikes along the river path and by general waste being discarded,” the spokesperson said, adding that the group would like to see stronger regula-

Container scheme makes its mark for club

An inner-west football club has been kicking goals both on and off the field thanks to Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic).

Maribyrnong Park Football Club has raised $4000 since it began collecting bottles and cans and recycling them with CDS Vic, with money going towards uniforms, equipment and ground upgrades.

Maribyrnong Park assistant coach Darin Milner said that along with providing the club with an extra revenue stream, the scheme carried an important educational dimension, teaching young members something meaningful about recycling and sustainability.

“We saw it as a really good opportunity to give back to the community,” Milner said.

“It teaches the kids something special about recycling.

“Many kids are already aware of environmental issues but often feel uncertain about what they can actually do. When they see sustainability initiatives playing out at their own club, it becomes tangible.”

One of the tangible benefits that junior players at Maribyrnong Park got from the scheme was a visit from St Kilda AFL star Tom De Koning, who stopped by a recent junior training session to thank them for their contribution and to conduct a coaching clinic.

Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, encouraged members of the broader community to donate their own empties to local footy clubs to further boost their fundraising efforts.

“Clubs are already raising funds via the canteen and bar, and just by setting aside some bins or CDS bags for recycling can add to that valuable revenue stream,” Madigan said.

To find your nearest refund point, visit: cdsvic.org.au

asked.

In response, council’s director of sustainable communities, Hector Gaston, said the term modest referred to the four per cent reduction in council subsidy and that new policy was not about increasing fees, but providing a level playing field for clubs by linking fees with facility type, quality, level of council investment and maintenance costs.

Mr Gaston said the new policy would still provide clubs with a very good deal.

“Even under the proposed changes council will continue to subsidise around 93 per cent of costs, representing a very

high level of support for community sport.”

Later when the motion to adopt the new policy was moved, Cr Rayane Hawli said while some clubs would find the fee increase a challenge, change was needed.

“This is about addressing decades of inconsistencies where clubs have been paying differing amount for comparable access,” Cr Hawli said.

“Ultimately the policy provides a fair and more equitable framework.”

Cr Michael Disbury was the only councillor to vote against.

tion around such activities.

“Ideally, a fishing ban along a section of the river would create a permanent sanctuary for wildlife – and the public –to enjoy.”

Our Draft Heritage Strategy was developed based on your feedback. The strategy will provide an overarching framework to helpusimprove how weidentify, protect, support,promoteand celebrate our heritage including a strategy action plan for the next 10 years.

We have also updated our Local Heritage Policy and Guidelines to provide greater clarity on design outcomes for planning permit applications in heritage overlays.

Scan the QR code to tell us what you think and to find out about our in-person sessions. Closes 19 August

A lacklustre action movie and a fun watch

Romsey movie buff Evan Turok is Star Weekly’s film reviewer. Each month he shares his take on recent releases, cult classics, modern favourites and everything in between.

Star

Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (M)

Too many times, my brother and I turned to each other in silent disbelief, and shared a knowing smirk of hopelessness, directed at the soulless, senseless trainwreck of a film that was Jon Favreau’s ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu,’

A good fantasy or sci-fi movie should leave you with a sense of wonder and inspire you to let your imagination run wild with the possibilities of the world youhavepaidyour$18toenter.

So, with that said, I give full credit to ‘TheMandalorianandGrogu’formaking mewishIhadthepowersoftheForce,if onlyfortheabilitytoforcemyeyesopen duringthetedioustwohours-plusofthis mind-numbingfilm.

From the story to the dialogue, the writers served up a course each of dull predictability and cringe-inducing conversation.

The character of the ‘Mandalorian’ wears a helmet for almost the entire film, so it made complete sense to learn that during the filming of these scenes,

so-called ‘lead actor’ Pedro Pascal was not the one inside the armour. Instead, heonlyprovidedvoice-oversforthefilm. That alone should be enough to show you the level of passion put in by Pascal, whichfurtherreflectsinhisconsistently monotone and blasé performance. A poorly paced film that sadly slammed to a grinding halt with any scene featuring the little green Grogu and his occasionally cute, but always dull shenanigans.

Ludwig Göransson has quickly becomethemostsought-aftercomposer in Hollywood. He provided The MandalorianandGroguwithafantastic, futuristicspace-westernsoundtrackthat waswellandtrulyabovethestandardof thefilmasawhole.

Topairwiththemusicwasahandfulof exciting, explosion-filled action scenes thatarewellshotandgenuinelyexciting whether you are a Star Wars fan or not. Therewasalsoafunnyandrandomvoice cameo from the great director Martin Scorsese, which was unexpectedly fittingforthismonth’sreviews.

If you are headed to the theatres for this film, try to treat it as a lacklustre action movie rather than an extremely lacklustreStarWarsmovie.

The Color of Money (M)

Cinema is exciting when the touch of a director’s inimitable style can be seen crafting the shots and using the camera in creative ways, creating memorable scenes that, if nothing else, were certainly ‘cool’. The Color of Money (1986) follows Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) as an experienced pool hustler trying to wrangle in the proud, young, unbeatable player Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise) and teach him that the way to make money isn’t always to wineverygame.

There is also a modern tendency to make a movie colourless. The soulless corporations releasing endless still-camerated grey sludge onto your Netflix accounts is almost enough to make you want to read a book. Don’t give up hope just yet, because the works of Martin Scorsese are not yet lost to time. Scorsese puts on a master class in shotstylingandcolouringascene.

To make a movie colourful, you can’t just saturate each frame with every shadeandtoneunderthesun.

Giving life to a scene comes from

Faces of the west

a contrast of colours and sticking to a conscious palette that can act as a canvas to stand behind the rest of the film, accentuating the conflicting colours.

The green felt coating a pool table leaks out into the frame but doesn’t become plain or repetitive. The dingy, smoke-filled pool halls are hazy but not grey; ironically, The Color of Money earnsitsname.

Moving from gangster heists to the limitedscaleofsmall-timepoolhustling, outstretchesabranchofrelatabilitythat drags us deeper into the world of the film, but runs the risk of stripping away that classic Scorsese edge that always keeps me engaged. Unfortunately, the grounded scale offered no crutch to support the film’s final scenes, and just like following in the white ball after the black,theendingfellflat.

The Color of Money isn’t the most revolutionaryfilmofalltime,butinstead a simple story with memorable scenes and characters with genuine depth and coherently written motivations, all directed by one of the greatest of all time.Afunwatchrightfromthebreak.

Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s north-west.

Anti-data centre rally planned, resident concern mounts

Opponentsofdatacentreswillholdapublic rallyinWestFootscraynextmonthafterthe idea was endorsed at a public meeting in Footscrayon1July.

Organised by Footscray activist group Borderlands Cooperative to demand an immediate moratorium on the state’s data centrerollout,themeetingatBluestoneHall also resolved to hold a public rally starting atHansenReserveonSunday9August.

Borderlands Cooperative spokesperson Peter Gartside said that from there the rally would head towards the nearby Next DC data centre on Indwe Street which could soon become the largest in the country if a massiveexpansionproposalisapproved.

“The intention really is to walk past the

Industry moves to dispel data centre fears

The body representing data centre operators has moved to allay fears about the growing number being built in Melbourne’s west following calls for a moratoriumontheirconstruction.

Concern about the environmental, cultural,social,andinfrastructureimpacts of data centres in Melbourne’s west has spiked in recent months, with community groups being established to oppose them, Maribyrnong council objecting to the proposed expansion of an existing facility in West Footscay, and Footscray activist group Borderlands Cooperative joining the likes of The Greens, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth calling for an immediatehalttotheirconstruction.

Last week, Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank announced his support for a parliamentary petition calling for greater scrutiny and transparency of proposed large-scale data centres in Melbourne’swestandnorth-west.

In the face of this backlash, chief executive of Data Centres Australia, Belinda Dennett, acknowledged the industry needed to do more to respond to communityconcerns.

“We recognise that construction is disruptiveoncommunitiesanddatacentre operators and their building contractors need to be mindful of nearby residents in how they operate,” Ms Dennett said in a statementtoStarWeekly.

“Ensuring residents can raise concerns with the construction companies quickly andeasilyisimportant.”

Ms Dennett said rather than being foisted on local communities without residents being given a say, data centres were already subject to a robust approval process where many common concerns wereaddressed.

“Approval processes consider noise, setbacks,lighting,amenity,back-uppower support, air monitoring and many other aspects.”

As for their energy use and potential impact of power prices, Ms Dennett said residents in the west actually stood to benefitfromdatacentres.

“The Australian Energy Regulator recently made a decision that, as a result of the data centre growth in the western suburbs of Melbourne, the network costs component of household energy bills (40-50 per cent of the energy bill) will fall,” shesaid,addingthatdatacentreoperators and customers were underwriting new renewable energy and battery storage projects and even helping stabilise the country’spowergrid.

“The fact that data centres operate even when other industries shut down - on public holidays and on weekends - helps ensurethegridremainsstable.”

Next DC facility and construction site because people who haven’t seen it I think willbegobsmackedabouthowcloseitis(to nearby properties) and we’ll hear directly from people directly affected by that project,” Mr Gartside said. “We’re pretty confidentthattherewillbeabigturnout.”

Mr Gartside’s faith was bolstered by a bigger than expected turnout to the 1 July meeting, with an estimated 180 people turninguptotheBluestoneHall.

“Itwasstandingroomonlyinthehall,”he said, adding that people came from as far afield as Sunbury, Diggers Rest and South Morangtoexpresstheirconcernsaboutthe sizeandscaleofdatacentredevelopmentin Victoria.

Along with endorsing the idea for a rally, those in attendance also approved the meeting’s main agenda item of an immediate moratorium on data centre approvals.

Also endorsed was a motion that the meeting “commits to fighting the proliferation of data centres,” as well as two more agenda items to assist with this aim: establish an interim coordinating committee to connect various local campaigngroupsandtoestablishawebsite to act as shared resource for data centre information.

“There’salotofpeopledoing alotofgood work and this brings it all together,” Mr Gartsidesaidofthewebsite.

Airport encounter takes

By Glenn Fisher

Who does one turn to when things don’t quitegotoplanatMelbourneAirport?

WhenJudeTroyaccidentallyleftherbags in the back of an Uber just before a flight back to Sydney, airport chaplain Martyn Scrimshawwasthereforher.

Three years after that interaction between Scrimshaw and Troy, who is a partner in independent television and film production company Wooden Horse, SBS is about to premiere a new series, The Airport Chaplain, starring Hugo Weaving asthechaplain.

Co-creator and executive producer Troy said The Airport Chaplain was inspired by that ‘unforgettable encounter’ she had with Epping resident Scrimshaw, who has been the Melbourne International Airport Chaplainforthepastnineyears.

Everyone rushing around in an airport has selfish pursuits, whereas the airport chaplain sees people in need - Jude Troy

Losing her bags was stressful at the time, Troy said, but that Scrimshaw and his team dealt with events of varying levels of stress, whether it’s with a family of refugees who can’t speakEnglisharrivinginthecountry, a wedding dress that has been loaded onto the wrong flight or the tragic passing of a relative on a plane landinginMelbourne.

“Dashing to make a flight back to Sydneyafteraworktripanddistracted byaneventfulday,Ijumpedoutofan UberandalltoolaterealisedIhadleft my bags in the back seat. Inside were my phone, laptop, and my identity. I couldnotboardwithoutit!”shesaid.

“Throughthekindnessofstrangers, I was introduced to someone I never knewexisted:theairportchaplain.

“Over the next few hours, Martyn took meonaneye-openingadventuredeepinto thebowelsoftheairport,sharingstoriesof humanityandconnectionthathavestayed withmeeversince.”

Scrimshaw told Star Weekly that Troy and the writing team had been in regular contact with him throughout the process, and he had acted as their guide when they visitedtheairportformoreinspiration.

WhenTroyandherteamarrivedoneday with Weaving in tow, Scrimshaw said that wasthemomentherealised‘theseguysare serious’.

“MeetingHugowassuchahighlight,and we spoke at length. He’s not only such a wonderful actor, he’s an incredible human being.”

Scrimshaw said he was able to give the writers and actors an insight into his job, dealing with all types of emotions and situationsonadailybasis.

“IlovemyjobandIvaluemyrole.Thereis griefandloss,andsometimesI’mspeaking with people in their darkest moments,” he said.

Led by a cast including Weaving, Shabana Azeez and Claudia Karvan, The Airport Chaplain’s first season of eight

episodesisnowinpost-production following two months of filming at numerous locations across Victoria, including Melbourne Airport.

Written by Elise McCredie, Sarah Bassiuoni, Mithila Gupta and Thomas Weatherall, with 78 speaking roles and more than 300 extras involved, Troy said the project had given a sizable injection into thestate’sfilmandTVindustry.

SBS publicity describes The Airport Chaplain as an ambitious, bold and big-hearted workplace drama that dives into the high stakes inner workings of a bustling international airport, seen through the struggles and triumphs of the workerswhokeepitrunning.

Leading the charge is airport chaplain Tobias Wallace, played by Weaving, who races through unmarked doors with a constantly ringing phone, pockets stuffed with donated cash and a decidedly unorthodox approach to solving the daily

crisesofanairport.

Troy said the team had plans for a long-running series, which had already garnered plenty of interest around the world.

“Everyone rushing around in an airport has selfish pursuits, whereas the airport chaplainseespeopleinneed,”shesaid.

“The more we researched, the more we realised what a great world of emotions an internationalairportis.

“And from that experience with Martyn, we then delved into the daily ups and downs of other airport staff such as baggage handlers, security, cleaners and flightcrews,”Troysaid.

“In these times of uncertainty in the world, we believe this series full of humanity and kindness and drama and lightnessisreallyneeded.”

The Airport Chaplain will hold its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival, running from 6-23 August, andwillscreenonSBSandSBSOnDemand laterthisyear.

Taking up the challenge

HighschoolstudentsfromacrossHobsons Bay have come together to make a positive impactinthecommunitythroughcouncil’s YouthChangeMakersChallenge.

Working in combined teams, students from Bayside Secondary College, Altona College and Williamstown High School collaborated to complete a series of challenges before putting their new skills intoaction,buildingtwobicyclesthatwere then donated to Latitude: Directions For YoungPeople.

As part of the challenge, students researched local organisations to determine where the bicycles could have the greatest impact and chose Latitude, a local organisation that supports people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage,asaresult.

The bikes have since been donated to two people in Hobsons Bay experiencing homelessness.

Latitude staff member Jess said one of

therecipientswasoverwhelmedwithjoyat receivinganewbike.

“It had been quite some time since he hadreceivedanything,anditwasclearthat thebikewillmakeameaningfuldifference to his life,” Jess said, adding that it was an emotionalmomentforhertoo.

“Opportunities to provide bikes are rare andasasupportworkeritwasrewardingto seetheimpactithad.”

Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said the donation of the bikes demonstrated what example of Youth Change Makers Challenge was all about and praised the studentsinvolved.

“It’s inspiring to see students not only build the bikes themselves, but also consider where they could have the greatestimpact,”CrGrimasaid.

“Their decision to support people experiencing homelessness shows compassion, leadership and a strong commitmenttothecommunity.“

Briefs

Schools refurbished

Students at two Williamstown schools will get to enjoy cleaner, more pleasant, and more hygienic facilities when they return from holidays. Upgrades to student toilets at both Williamstown Primary School and Williamstown North Primary School were recently completed. The almost $900,000 refurbishments were funded by the state government through its Minor Capital Works Fund for essential upgrades.

Nangnak barring

Maribyrnong River Bridge connecting the West Gate Tunnel to the elevated road above Footscray Road is now known as nangnak barring. The new name, meaning ‘respect track’ in Wurundjeri language, was officially announced by the West Gate Tunnel Project on Wednesday 1 July, more than six months after it first opened to traffic in December 2025. Nangnak barring was chosen to reflect the long history of the inner west’s waterways being places for food, connection and community for Traditional Owners and First Nations people. It’s the second Indigenous name associated with the project after its 2.8-kilometre citybound tunnel was named the Bundawanh Tunnel, a Bunurong word meaning “she dug” in recognition of the land’s Traditional Owners.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

MY PLACE

Sunbury Toy Library stay and play coordinator Kirsten King is a friendly face helping parents find the right toys for their children. She recently caught up with Georgia Tacey to chat about being born and raised in Sunbury, her volunteer work and how the community has evolved over time.

What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west?

IwasborninSunburyandhavespentallof mylifeonthissideofthecity.It’swhereI’ve grownup,gonetoschool,workedandeven volunteered. My sisters are also raising theirfamiliesinSunbury.

IwasbornatSunburyPrivateHospitalin 1984andhavelivedinSunburymostofmy life. My parents have been here since 1983 andit’salwaysbeenmyhomebase,despite afewyearsspentclosertothecity.

What do you like about where you live? I love the balance of natural spaces and native wildlife with the convenience of suburban living. Sunbury also has a great community spirit, whether it’s people stopping to chat on a walk, in line at the supermarket, there seems to be genuine connectionsbeingmade.

Is there anything about Sunbury you’d change or like to see?

I’d like the friendly, community feel to continue on. As Sunbury grows, it’s importanttomaintainthosevalues.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

Despite volunteering at the Sunbury Toy Library, I don’t have any children myself. I’m a proud aunt of five, who love testing outnewtoysbeforetheyhittheshelf!

Tell us a bit about your involvement with the Sunbury Toy Library.

I am the stay and play coordinator. Stay and play is a fantastic initiative where members and their families are able to

connect. We are lucky enough to have access to the playground at Dobell Avenue Kindergarten on Sunday mornings. It’s a lotoffun!

I’m also on the committee and am often helping at open sessions, preparing toys andfacilitatingloans.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago 9 July, 1986

The24memberAltonaNorthCrimeCar Squad which has served the West (M Division) for the past 16 years is likely to be disbanded under a major Victoria Policeredeploymentprogram.

30 years ago 10 July, 1996

Williamstown hospital is again under threatofclosure.

Why do you like volunteering with the Sunbury Toy Library?

I love the variety, flexibility and inclusivity. The toy library is entirely volunteer run and there’s always something to do. It’s a great way to stay connected to the local community and

has brought a lot of joy to my life. I love that I’m able to play all day, or work on the website catalogue from home. The best part is connecting with the other volunteers and members, and the friendship and laughs we share. We’d love for you to join the fun!

20 years ago 5 July, 2006

Hobsons Bay ratepayers will pay five different rates depending on what property they own, under the council’s newlyadopted2006-07budget.

10 years ago

6 July, 2016

OneofMelbourne’slargestfoodandbar venues has been flagged for Footscray’s riverbank.

Lifeline for Liberal MP

By William Ton, AAP

A Liberal MP who sued her party to stave off a meeting that will determine her political future has been handed a temporary lifeline.

Western Metropolitan MP Moira Deeming launched an eleventh-hour Supreme Court challenge against Victorian Liberal Party president Brian Loughnane and the party on Friday morning 3 July, seeking a temporary injunction to stop the meeting.

Party executives, including Mr Loughnane, were set to gather on Friday evening to determine Mrs Deeming’s can-

didacy after she made an unsubstantiated assault allegation against former leader Matthew Guy.

On Friday afternoon, the party accepted an undertaking “not to take any step that will render this proceeding inutile”

“We give the undertaking not to take any steps to disendorse the plaintiff until the hearing determination of this proceeding,” Marcus Clarke KC, representing Mr Loughnane and the party, told the court.

The party issued a statement after Friday’s hearing, saying the state executive meeting will be adjourned until the matter

Mural honours tennis legend

MacKillop Education’s Maidstone campus has unveiled a vibrant new mural honouring Australian tennis icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

Commissioned by the Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) and designed by Melbourne-based artist Hayden Dewar in collaboration with students, the mural features a painting of Goolagong Cawley surrounded by colourful Australian wildlife and doubles as a functional hitting wall.

MacKillop Maidstone caters for children who have experienced challenges in mainstream settings, including those navigating neurodiversity, trauma and school refusal.

The school has recently engaged in the ATF’s Move. Breathe. Belong. program where students have taken part in weekly tennis sessions delivered by trained coaches.

MacKillop Maidstone co-principal, Tammy Byrne, said she had observed noticeable shifts in student engagement and wellbeing since the tennis program started.

“Learning to play tennis with a coaching professional has provided a consistent, calm and inclusive space where students can build confidence at their own pace,” Ms Byrne said.

“For many of our students, engaging in sport hasn’t always been accessible or comfortable. Our students often need supported, low-pressure opportunities to connect with others and try something new. Tennis has provided a calm and inclusive space where they can build skills, confidence and positive peer relationships.”

Ms Byrne said students had already started using the hitting wall throughout the day, benefiting both themselves and others.

can be determined.

Justice Kerri Judd had earlier asked Mr Clarke whether his clients were prepared to give an undertaking.

“Given the court has been accommodating in terms of providing such an early hearing date, I don’t want any step taken that will mean if Mrs Deeming succeeded (in this case), the relief that she is seeking would not be granted,” she said.

The judge said accepting the undertaking “does not necessarily mean the 6.30pm meeting could not still go ahead”

Justice Judd acknowledged the need for

an expedited hearing, saying she was “not here to review the decision of Victoria Police not to charge Mr Guy”

Mrs Deeming’s barrister Ganesh Jegatheesan said the evidence he relied upon would be “of a very narrow scope”

The trial is set for July 17 for a one-day hearing.

More Australians are choosing life beyond the big cities

Australiansaremovingtoregionalcommunities in record numbers , with new data showing the shift away from capital cities continues to gather pace.

The latest Regional Movers Index found the number of people moving from capital cities to regional Australia reached its highest level since the index began. In the March 2026 quarter, people moving to the regions outnumbered those heading back to the cities by almost 30 per cent.

Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie said the result reflected the growing appeal of regional living.

“This is the highest level of capital to regional movement the RMI has ever recorded,” she said. “Australians are continuing to choose regional life in greater numbers, even as economic conditions shift.”

While Sydney and Melbourne continue to account for most people leaving capital cities, the trend is becoming more widespread, with increasing numbers of movers also coming from Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

The Sunshine Coast remained the most popular destinationforcitymovers,whileGreaterGeelong, Fraser Coast, Moorabool and Lake Macquarie were also among the leading destinations.

Thedataalsoshowsgrowthisspreadingbeyond established regional hotspots.

Toowoomba recorded the strongest year-onyear increase in people moving from capital cities of any local government area in Australia. Other locations attracting growing numbers of residents included Broome, Townsville and the Mid-Coast region of New South Wales.

Ritchie said the data helps identify emerging growth areas and gives communities an opportunity to plan for future housing, infrastructure and services.

For regional businesses, population growth can create new opportunities as communities expand and local economies grow.

Read the full story at CommBank Newsroom.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT

Hobsons Bay City Band

Come and play with the friendly musos at Hobsons Bay City Band under the baton of Wayne Bowden. The band welcomes new players of all ages and experience – woodwind, brass and percussion. Rehearsals are on Monday nights at 7.30pm at Spotswood Kingsville RSL in South Kingsville.

0414 930 568, hbcityband@gmail.com

The Mighty West Heart Foundation Community Walking Group

The walks begin at 10am on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Discover the many health benefits of walking, talking, and enjoying post walk coffee and chat together. Walks can take up to 60 minutes and explore Hobsons Bay, its history, coastline, and inland scenic walks. Walks can be done at your own pace.

0411 566 862

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in-person meetings in Williamstown. If you think you may have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend. Friends and family members supporting a loved one are also encouraged to come along. 1300 222 222, https://williamstown.aagroup.org.au/, aawilliamstown@gmail.com

Women Working Together

A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay. 9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@cotavic.org.au, https://cotavic.org.au/our-programs/ employment-support/

Musicians Wanted

Westgate Concert Band, Established in 1979 is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am-noon at Braybrook College. westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Walking football (soccer)

For anyone aged 50 and older and any fitness level – no running allowed. This is a social activity for fun and a bit of exercise, no experience necessary. Supported by Hobsons Bay Council and Football Victoria, this is a free activity each Wednesday, from 10-11am, indoors at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive, Altona. Mike, 0423 291 708

Fiddle group

The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group is a great place for beginners or those with some experience, to play music in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. Come on down, have some fun, make new friends, have a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. Children are also most welcome. The third Saturday of the month, from 6.30-8.30pm, at 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport. https://www.nffc.org.au/ beginner-playalong

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

Craft, laugh and connect Join us for a fun, calming session filled with creativity and connection. All craft styles and skill levels are welcome. Bring your favourite craft - knitting, drawing, colouring, puzzle, anything that brings you joy (no painting please). It’s a great way to meet people, connect with your library and explore new creative activities.The craft sessions are held at Altona North Library from 1-3pm. Free of charge and no bookings required. 9932 3005, 0407 247 087, https:// www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Libraries

Laverton Bowls Club

Experience the fun and skill of lawn bowls, a game which is suitable for all ages. Laverton Bowls Club is recruiting new members, so if you are looking for a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to bowl both socially or at pennant level Laverton is the place to be. Come to the club on Tuesday or Thursday mornings for practice beginning at 10am. All welcome at 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows. 0419 536 148, lavertonbowls@gmail.com

Computer classes

Scams, MyGov, software, online shopping, banking, email, whatever. We all need to keep up with the internet, IT, computers, and changing technology. Classes every day of the week, mornings and afternoons, in Williamstown and Altona North. Lynne, 9397 6168

Footscray CWA

Meet on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9pm at Footscray Scout Hall next door to Footscray Police Station, 4a Hyde Street.

cwaofvicfootscray@gmail.com, https:// www.facebook.com/CWAofVicFootscray/

Williamstown Seniors

The group meets every Tuesday at 1-3pm at Denis Reserve. It is a small group looking for more seniors both male and female. Members enjoy two hours of singing as well as afternoon tea. Cost is $5 for the afternoon.

Marlene, 0402 769 204

Altona North Combined Probus

The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.

Lesley, 0414 481 442

Altona North grandparent playgroup

A friendly weekly opportunity for grandparents and their grandchildren to play, have cuppa, cake and chat, $5. During school terms, Monday 10am-noon at Eastona Park Community Facility, 13 Collins Ave Altona North (old kindergarten venue).

Marnie, 0478 011 981

Free walking basketball

Love basketball, but not the running? Join the Westgate Basketball Association’s walking basketball program. Walking basketball is ideal for those returning from injury, looking to get back into fitness and perfect for seniors and active adults. A great way to connect with others. Register your interest now.

Penny, 0409 014 121, westgatebasketball.com.au/walkingbasketball-1

Discover new skills

Join Outlets Newport Community Education Centre for classes in English conversation, computers, devices, sewing, crafts and more at 43 Mason Street, Newport. All welcome.

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

Learn digital devices

Know someone who needs help with their mobile phone or tablet? Outlets Newport Community Education Centre offers small, weekly classes that teach all the basics, tips and tricks to meet your needs. Register

now. Classes are Mondays 10am-noon at 43 Mason Street, Newport. 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

Join Hobsons Bay Community Fund as a committee member

The Hobsons Bay Community Fund is seeking new volunteer committee members to help support local community initiatives. We currently have opportunities available for treasurer and social media roles. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in Hobsons Bay and would like to contribute your skills, we’d love to hear from you.

Craig Eyes, 0408 055 125, @hbcommunityfund.org.au

Cards and conversation

Do you like cards and games? Whether its Canasta, 500 or board games, come and join us weekly at Altona North Library. All levels welcome. Tuesdays from 10am-noon. Free of charge, morning tea provided and no bookings required. Altona North Library Corner of Millers and McArthurs Road, Altona North. 1300 179 944

The IT Club

A free, informal weekly drop-in workshop designed to build digital skills. Participants can bring their phone or digital device to learn from each other and work through tech challenges together. Held at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street Williamstown on Mondays, 10-11.30am. No bookings necessary. Lucila, 9397 6168

Westgate diabetes support group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona bowling club at 10am. Elaine, 0415 030 996

Mystery music sessions

Held at Altona Senior Citizens, 2 Sargood Street, every Tuesday afternoon from 1.30pm. The sessions feature performances by local musicians, including solo artists, duos and groups. Entry is free to both members and non-members.

9932 131

Trees focus of art

Nature has inspired a local artist’s latest exhibition at Mount Macedon’s The Gallery.

MacedonbasedartistandmemberofThe Gallery Yvonne O’Connell is the featured artistforJuly,withamonth-longexhibition celebratingherobsessionfortrees.

O’Connell said she was inspired locally andbyhertravelsforherart.

“During my travels last year to various European destinations, I was inspired by the majesty of the broad leaf trees in summer,”shesaid.

“I was entranced by the dappled sunlight dancing and creating patterns on woodland floors as well as admiring

the gnarled and knobbly textures of the ancientoaks.”

O’Connell said she was deeply saddened by the felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree in Northumbria.

OnherreturntoAustralia,sheturnedher attention to the beauty of our Australian trees realising they were equally impressive, beginning her obsession with trees.

O’Connell’s work aims to capture the essence of those observations through various mark making techniques using charcoal and acrylic paint, exploring a whole range of possibilities when she works.

She said she doesn’t visualise an end result rather she takes an explorative journey,constantly reflectingandadjustingherprocesses.

O’Connell said she hopes viewers to her exhibition will take a moment to pause and appreciate the magnificence of the natural world and the complex beauty of Australian trees because they are fundamentally important to the future of our planet as well as our own physical and mentalwell-being.

The exhibition will run at The Gallery fromTuesday7JulyuntilSunday2August.

An opening celebration of the exhibition willbeheldonSaturday11Julyat2pm. Yvonne O’Connell. (Supplied)

Orchestra brings First Nations story to life

Families can enjoy a captivating introduction to live classical music, storytelling and contemporary First Nations creativity at Wyndham Cultural CentreonSaturday11July.

Musicians from the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (MCO) will perform Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky, based on Tylissa Elisara’s multi-award-winning children’s novel of thesamename.

NarratedbyElisaraherselfandfeaturing a quintet of MCO string players, the story follows Wurrtoo the wombat on his daring quest to marry the sky in a heartwarming taleofcourage,imaginationandbelonging.

Charming for all ages but especially suited to children aged seven-12, the book was inspired by beloved classics such as Winnie-the-Pooh and Blinky Bill while drawing on stories from Elisara’s own Narungga, Kaurna and Adnyamathanha heritage.

A new music score by acclaimed Noongar, Yamatji and Wongi composer Aaron Wyatt, brings Wurrtoo’s journey to life.

Curated by MCO education manager Dr Emma Sullivan, Wurrtoo opens with an introduction to string instruments, followedbydemonstrationsandinteractive activities designed to guide listening, encourage participation and help young audiences connect with the story through sound.

Elisara said it was deeply meaningful to see her story brought to life in a new creativeform:

“Thisisawonderfulopportunitytoshare Wurrtoo’s story with more children and families in a completely new way, which will introduce audiences to contemporary First Nations storytelling matched with contemporary First Nations classical music,”shesaid.

Sullivan said she was excited to bring WurrtootoaudiencesacrossVictoria:

“When I first came across Tylissa’s book, I was struck by the way it tells a timeless tale of adventure and friendship through a distinctly Australian lens. Aaron’s score beautifully compliments Tylissa’s story and brings her characters to life in a really engaging way. It is particularly special to have Tylissa joining us as our narrator, offeringaudiencestheuniqueopportunity to hear the story of Wurrtoo directly from the author. It feels especially fitting to share this exciting collaboration of a First

Nations author and composer during NAIDOCWeek,”shesaid.

Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love withtheSkywillbepresentedatWyndham Cultural Centre on Saturday 11 July, from 2-2.50pm.

Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ whats-on/wurrtoo-wombat-who-fell-lovesky

Roll back the years with Creedence revival at Stoney’s

Fans of classic rock are set to roll back the years when Creedence Chronicles Revived brings the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival to Stoney’s Club in Maddingley laterthismonth.

The high-energy tribute show will take to the stage on Saturday 25 July, promising an evening dedicated to one of the most influential rock bands of the late 60s and early70s.

Billed as Australia’s newest Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute act, Credence Chronicles Revived celebrates the unmistakable sound which made CCR a household name, recreating the band’s

signature blend of swamp rock, blues, and country-infused rock with powerful vocals, soaring harmonies, and authentic musicianship.

Audiences can expect to hear a string of timeless hits which have remained fan favourites across generations, including Fortunate Son, Proud Mary, Born on the BayouandHaveYouEverSeentheRain.

The show aims to capture the spirit and energy of the original band, delivering the songs with the raw intensity that helped CreedenceClearwaterRevivalbecomeone ofthebiggest-sellingrockactsinhistory.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan who

Substation to host South Asian sounds

Kerfew, a collective of South Asian artists, musicians and DJs founded in 2022, will take over The Substation in Newport on 11 July with their new programTesting.

Described as Kerfew’s most ambitious program yet, Testing showcases South Asian artists and performers who bridge and probe between classical, contemporary and experimentalmusic.

Curated and produced by Kamna Muddagouni and Saieesh Shanmugarajah,theprogramfeatures a line-up that includes a solo set from AartiJadu,anartistknownforcreating cinematic compositions through voice and entrancing electronic compositions.

Among the other performers on the bill is Bengali born and Sydney basedDJArsonistwhowillbemaking his Melbourne debut, violin and mridangam duo Bhairavi Raman and Nanthesh Sivarajah, renowned percussionist and sound artist R Rebeiro, and the theremin-controlled modular synthesisers of Vijay Thillaimuthu.

Beginning at 7pm, those who arrive early can enjoy South Asian food while taking in live instrumental performances steeped in classical andcontemporarypractices,andthen settleinastheperformancesgetmore experimental, electronic and moody asthenightprogresses.

Discounted early bird tickets have already sold out, but cheaper tickets forHobsonsBaylocalsandconcession car holders are still available, as are thoseforgeneraladmission.

First Nations people can attend for free.

Kerfew:TestingisatTheSubstation, Newport from 7pm-1am on Saturday 11 July. For more information and to book, go to: https://thesubstation.org. au/program/kerfew-testing

remembers the songs topping the charts or a younger music lover discovering the greatness of CCR for the first time, the performance promises a nostalgic journey through one of rock’s most enduring catalogues.

The Swamp-rock hits kick off at 9pm and will roll on through to 11.30pm at Stoney’s ClubonSaturday25July.

With a setlist packed with singalong classics and unforgettable guitar riffs, Creedence Chronicles Revived is inviting music lovers to relive the soundtrack of a generation and get ready to “roll on the river”foranightofclassicCreedencehits.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was recently traded to which team?

2. In diving and parkour, what is a gainer?

3. Which cricketer announced his retirement while England was taking part in the recent third Test versus New Zealand?

10. Dan McKellar last coached which Australiabased Super Rugby Pacific team?

4. The Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens played against each other in the 2026 Grand Final of which competition?

11. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi broke a record by scoring a hat trick – how many goals is this?

Which famous sisters are competing in women’s doubles at Wimbledon, their first tournament together since the 2022

12. What colour are all the soccer cleats at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

South Korean golfer Hae-ran Ryu recently won which tournament?

Which former Illawarra Hawk was recently traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Which country's men's national soccer team is known as Los Cafeteros?

And what does Los Cafeteros mean in

13. Which Belgium and Manchester City winger temporarily left the World Cup camp for the birth of his first child?

14. Which NBA team was the inaugural winner of the in-season NBA Cup tournament?

15. Who did Mirra Andreeva beat in the 2026 French Open final?

16. Australia advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing second in which group?

17. Which sport features the least amount of balls: billiards, pool or snooker?

18. The FA Cup final has been played at which stadium every year since 2007?

19. Which team selected Canadian Gavin McKenna first overall at the 2026 NHL draft?

20. Which football confederation does Australia compete in for World Cup qualification?

21. The Illyria Armadillos are a fictional soccer team from which movie?

22. In handball, how many players are on the court at once?

23. And in which year was handball first played at the Olympics?

24. Lucy Cronin has joined the leadership group of which AFLW team for the 2026 season?

25. What is the nickname of Australia’s quadball team?

26. True or false: one of the six ‘colour’ balls in snooker is pink?

27. ‘Next Stars’ is a player development program in which league?

28. Who is the current WWE Women’s Champion?

29. Which AIHL team plays their home games out of the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium?

30. The Pittsburgh Pirates play which sport?

With a proud history of delivering trusted local news across print, digital, newsletters and social media platforms, Star Weekly connects businesses with highly engaged audiences throughout Melbourne’s north-west and regional Victoria.

About the Role :

This is an exciting opportunity to manage an established client portfolio while actively developing new business opportunities across our diverse media platforms.

The successful applicant will work with local businesses to create effective advertising campaigns incorporating:

• Newspaper advertising• Digital display advertising

• Sponsored online content• Email marketing campaigns

• Digital Newsletter

Key Responsibilities :

• Maintain and grow an existing client base.

• Identify and secure new business opportunities.

• Develop tailored advertising and marketing solutions for clients.

• Prepare proposals, presentations and campaign recommendations.

• Work collaboratively with editorial, design and digital teams to deliver outstanding client outcomes.

About You:

You will possess:

• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.

• Strong organisational and time management abilities.

• A positive attitude and a passion for helping local businesses succeed.

• A current driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

What We Offer :

• An established territory with existing clients.

• Competitive salary package including base salary and commission.

• Supportive team environment.

• The opportunity to work with a respected and trusted community media brand.

• If you are passionate about sales, enjoy working within your local community and thrive in a fast-paced media environment, we’d love to hear from you.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager Mandy

1 Melodies (5) 4 Valuation (9)

Reddish purple (7) 10 Of that (7)

Dare (9)

Fancies (5)

Common viral infection (3)

Possibly (11)

Experts (11)

Born (3) 20 Unfit (5) 22 Not seasonal (4-5)

25 City in southern France (7) 26 Late (7) 27 Secretions (9) 28 Eyelid inflammations (5)

1 Impersonate (5) 2 Characteristic (9) 3 Waterway (5) 4 Versus (7)

Model (7) 6 Facilities of a building (9) 7 Colander (5) 8 Way of living (9)

Bewitch (9) 14 Artworks (9) 15 Unhurriedly (9)

17 Launch a tirade at (3,4)

18 Times of the year (7)

21 Excuse (5)

23 Shoals (5)

24 Lees (5)

3 LETTERS

5 LETTERS

nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”. F

Today’s Aim:

7 words: Good 11 words: Very good 15 words: Excellent

1 Canadian actor Catherine O'Hara (pictured) played Moira Rose in which comedy series?

2 Winter athletes Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham both compete in what sport?

3 What is the world's fastest bird? 4 Australia's largest prison, the Clarence Correctional Centre, is located in which state?

5 True

It’s all about style for GR

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Great to finally catch up with the Toyota C-HR GR Sport.

We missed out on driving this car the first time around when it just got the suspension job.

But it was worth the wait because the GR Sport now gets some extra power, with a larger 2.0-litre based hybrid system.

And it shows, remaining responsive to the throttle even with two adults and a couple of kids on board – although we weren’t surprised when they complained about a lack of legroom in the back.

More on that in a minute.

Styling

Launched in late 2016 and now in its second generation, a rationalised lineup seesthreemodels,allofthemhybridwitha choice of two powertrains and either frontor all-wheel drive.

Adopting Toyota’s new ‘Hammer Head’ design language, C-HR is distinguished by 17- or 19-inch alloys, LED lights with automatic high beam, a rear spoiler plus a grained pattern for the front grille, black bumpers and pillar trim.

Originally priced from $29,990, the price has grown, with the GR Sport added in 2019.

EntryGXLispricedfrom$46,940andthe flashy,betterequippedKobaispricedfrom $53,890.

Both come with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, together with a seven-speed CVT style transmission and front-wheel drive.

This hybrid setup is shared with many of Toyota’s other models, including Corolla, Corolla Cross and the Lexus CT hatch.

Our test vehicle, top of the line GR Sport, is priced from $58,890 plus on-roads, with all-wheeldriveandalarger2.0-litrehybrid.

Two-tone paint adds $775, two-tone plus premium paint $1550 and two-tone plus premium paint and a panoramic sunroof $2700.

Toyota describes the second-generation C-HR as a premium offering.

Inside,thefitoutusesarangeofrecycled materialsandnoanimal-derivedproducts.

Standard kit includes heated sport front seats with combination suede-like and fabric upholstery, powered driver seat with memory, dual-zone climate air with nanoe Xaircleaningtechnology,ambientlighting with colour selection and privacy glass for the rear and rear-side windows.

Unique to the GR Sport is combination suede upholstery with leather accents (both synthetic), GR-branded aluminium scuffplatesandfloormats,andaperforated GR Sport steering wheel with heating functionality.

There’s also adaptive cruise, a digital rear-view mirror, keyless smart entry and start, auto LED lights and wipers, auto-levelling bi-LED headlights, electronic parking brake, front and rear parking sensors, and a 4.2-inch colour driver display and a powered-operated tailgate.

Koba and GR Sport both get a tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare.

C-HR is offered with the Toyota Warranty Advantage, consisting of a five-year/unlimited kilometre term with capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km (whichever comes first) and each 12-month/15,000km service costs $250.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth,

RATINGS

Looks: 8.5

Performance: 7.5

Safety: 8

Thirst: 7.5

Practicality: 5

Comfort: 7

Tech: 7 Value: 6

7.1

O

voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based satellite navigation, and AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio.

Both Koba and GR Sport score premium, nine-speaker JBL audio.

There’s also wireless smartphone charging, USB-C and 12V charging ports and a rear USB-C accessory port.

Cloud-based navigation requires a network connection for the latest map, traffic, and routing information.

When connectivity is limited, it uses previously downloaded info to maintain coverage across the entire route.

Specifically, the cloud feature requires an active Drive Connect subscription.

A complimentary one-year subscription includes Safety and Security features, Remote Connect, Multimedia Connect and Driving Insights, accessible through the myToyota Connect app.

Safety

Comprehensive five-star safety includes 10 airbags, panoramic view camera, colour head-up display and forward collision warning, brake assist and autonomous emergency braking.

The Toyota Safety Sense suite includes the pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, lane trace assist, parking supportbrake,roadsignassist(speedsigns only), safe exit assist and more.

Engines/transmissions

Initially the GR Sport was all show and no go, but the previous 1.8-litre hybrid has been replaced by a larger more powerful 2.0-litre unit that produces a substantial 146kW of power in total – 43kW more than before.

That’s a significant increase and, even betteranditisimpressivethatthishasbeen achievedwithoutanyadverseeffectonfuel consumption, which remains 4.1L/100km for this model.

Witha43-litretank,itstilltakesstandard 91unleadedtoo.CombinedCO2emissions are listed at 94g/km.

Overseas, Toyota offers a 164kW plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version.

As is always the case Toyota does not

supply a combined torque figure for its hybrids.

If it helps, the petrol engine produces 188Nm at 4400 rpm and the two electric motors chime in with a combined 290Nm.

Driving

In a nutshell, C-HR priorities form over function.

While it’s a great looking car that has stood the test of time, the design demands compromise.

For a start, although marketed as a five-seater, rear legroom is tight and it is betterviewedasa2+2(part-timebackseat).

Even then it’s a bit of a squeeze and the plunging roofline is problematic. It means youneedtoduckwhengettinginandoutof the car – or pay the penalty (ouch).

Indeed, at 4362mm in length, the Euro-designed C-HR is actually 28mm shorter than before, although the wheelbase remains the same 2640mm.

But it’s 37mm wider than its predecessor which means more shoulder room, but you’ll still find yourself fighting over the centre armrest.

Settling into the driver’s seat it becomes clear it was designed to accommodate a smaller, younger frame – so older drivers take note.

The back seat meanwhile is claustrophobic, lacks legroom, doesn’t have any air outlets and there’s no fold down armrest.

Further, there aren’t any door bins to be found in the back and only one seatback pocket on the passenger side, with one USB-C port for those in the back to share.

Thankfully, Toyota has dispensed with theawkward,concealedreardoorhandles, which have been replaced by pop-out handles.

Theprivacyglassalsomakesitdifficultto see out of the back.

The boot is on the smaller side and conceals a tyre repair kit.

However, the cabin has a premium feel and as before it’s worth taking a minute to check it out.

Check out the textures, finishes and the way panels flow into each other – it’s really something.

Though, closer inspection reveals much of it is hard plastic.

The infotainment screen is angled towards the driver, but remains separate units to the instrument cluster.

Adigitalrearvisionmirrorisfitted,butis a waste of space. It’s difficult to bring into focus and liable to make you carsick – we’d ask if it could be deleted?

None of the cupholders will accommodateasportsdrinkbottleandthe small centre cupholders will not accept a thermal mug for tea or coffee.

There’s a single USB-C port at the front of the console, with another USB-C port and 12-volt outlet inside the console.

GXL and Koba are front-drive while GR Sport is all-wheel drive.

Theextrapowershowsbehindthewheel, with greater electrical assistance where it is needed around town.

The car also spends more time in EV mode, thanks to the better battery and electric motor combination.

But this is offset to some extent by the extra weight of two electric motors and all-wheel drive, which pushes the weight up to 1575kg – 85kg more than Koba and a whopping 120kg more than GXL.

The eCVT transmission provides seven steps or simulated gears that provide a sportier drive, but it lacks any way to change gears manually.

There are three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – along with a Custom mode that allows drivers to set up things the way they want it.

That said, you can’t change modes quickly and certainly not on the fly.

The only way to do so seems to be via the touchscreen and that requires the car to be in Park.

There is however an EV or stealth mode button located in the centre console, but this is restricted to low speeds.

The petrol engine will kick in if you punch the accelerator too hard.

Based on a revised version of Toyota’s TNGA-C platform, suspension is Mac strut at the front and double wishbones at the rear across the lineup.

OverseastheGRrideson20-inchwheels, but Toyota decided to with 19s here – no doubt in recognition of our crappy roads. Ride and handling are very good however, even on said roads, with grippy Bridgestone Turanza rubber.

Don’tgogettingthewrongidea,however, because the C-HR even in GR form is still no sports car.

The steering feels rubbery at times and the drive experience is far from engaging. You need to push it hard to get the best out of the car, but the CVT’s ability to deliver the goods is limiting.

Under hard acceleration, the engine becomes harsh and noisy, and sounds a bit like a lawnmower about to run out of fuel. In the end you’ll run out of power before you run out of grip.

We were getting 5.7L/100km after more than 300km behind the wheel, including some quick corners, which is still pretty good.

Summing up

Damn. The C-HR is a car I like the look of but one that always seems to fall short. It’s a hybrid clad in a sporty disguise, short on power, short on space and short on practicality.

Maybethefully-electricC-HRwillbethe one that does the trick when it arrives around the middle of 2027?

The letters C-HR stand for Compact High Rider, Cross Hatch Runabout or Coupé High-Rider – in case you’re wondering.

TIPPING 2026

Big wins in big matches

Falcons score a big win

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons added another big win to the tally in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night.

The Falcons kept their hopes of a double chance alive as they were able to run away from the Wilson Storage Southern Saints, 72-52.

Having come off playing on Sunday, Lind said there were a few sore bodies from both sides.

“It was an interesting win,” she said.

“The Saints gave it a crack last night. It was challenging at times but we were able to roll everyone on in the end and make sure people weren’t too overloaded after Sunday as well.

“It ended up pleasing in the end.”

Lind said the match was close for the first half which was the same the last time the two teams met.

She said they would stick with them for at least part of the game, but in the end they

were able to run away with it.

“It settled down a little bit and we were more consistent in the second half,” she said.

“That was pleasing and I think we’ve been having good second halves the last four or five weeks.”

Lind said they felt it was a really good team performance across the court.

She said Soli Ropati put together a good four quarters, including playing a whole half and showed some promising signs.

Sussu Liai had a strong game in defence, while they were again solid in the attack end.

“We seem to be travelling OK,” she said. “I think that it will be tough depending on where we finish.

“We want to keep winning and get up as high as we can.”

Jane Cook shot 62 goals

Cook now has 945 goals for the season, as she aims to shot 1000 goals for a third straight season.

Lind said it would be nice for Cook to get it on their home court in the next round.

“We did talk about that last night,” she said.

“It’s the reason we actually kept her on. I

Local pair perform on the world stage

By Tara Murray

City West Taekwondo’s Alexander Choo and Alicia Grigg have already made their mark at a World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, and they are now hoping for success in the next age group.

The pair won a medal at the 2024 World Championships in the juniors 15-17 age group and will now take centre stage at the championships in September in the under-30 mixed pairs.

“We’re so excited,” said Grigg. “It’s our second time, less nerve wracking than the first time.

Choo added, “at this point you do what you do, it’s like a normal competition.”

The pair, who are Oceania Champions, will be among the youngest competitors in their category at the world championships.

Choo, who got into the sport because of his father, said it was a bit daunting.

“The last world championships was juniors 15-17, this year both in the 18-30 years old,” he said. “It’s more nerve-wracking as that is when athletes are at their peak.

“It gets harder from here on in.”

Grigg shared the same sentiments.

“Everyone has been training so long by the time they’re in this division,” she said.

“It’s also really exciting as, by this point we know enough to talk to other athletes about it, talk to other people and gain experience with it.”

At the 2024 world championships, the pair became the first Australian team to medal in that age group.

Grigg, who fell in love with taekwondo after trying a number of different sports, said there was a bit more expectation entering the event as they had medalled before.

World Championships are the top competition for Poomsae, with it not being in the Olympics.

“It’s a bit more scary,” she said. “A little bit more expectation you could say but it’s also exciting and it gives us something to work towards to keep that title.

“We’re hoping to medal again. We want to make it through one or two rounds and get an experience.

Having competed together for four years,

think we have utilised her well this year and she’ll be pleased with hat.

“It wasn’t something that was a focus until we realised the potential the last threefour weeks that this is achievable again as she is scoring big.”

The Falcons 23 and under side had a one goal win, 58-57.

Lind said she encouraged them to throw some things around so they have all bases covered come finals.

“They really threw the combinations around,” Lind said.

“I took them they needed to answer some questions before they go into finals and they needed to do it under a lot of pressure

“I a lot of questions were answered. We answered a lot of them.”

The Falcons are home in round 17 at the Altona Sports Centre against the Boroondara Express.

Lind said it would be a big one after they played poorly against the Express the first time the two teams faced each other.

Spurs ready for the challenge

Parkside Spurs have used the bye week as a chance to reassess ahead of a big back part of the Western Football League women’s season.

The Spurs are undefeated after 11 rounds as all teams had a bye on the weekend before the final five rounds.

Spurs co-coach Darren Smith said they were happy with how things were tracking.

“The girls are doing really well,” he said.

“I’m new to the club and the competition and I didn’t know what to expect.

“I sensed during pre-season that we might do well with some of the players who had made themselves available and based on last year’s results.

“We’ve still exceeded expectations so far.”

Smith said the key for the group was that the core group had played together for a number of years and had a good understanding of how each other work.

They’ve built on last season when they got knocked out of finals in straight sets..

“They also have a bit of fun along the way.”

The Spurs have continued to blood young players with their partnership with Ascot Vale Panthers under-19 team.

Smith said it brings lots of joy to see the young girls get their opportunity.

the pair have built a strong partnership.

It was coaches at City West Taekwondo that put the pair together to compete and they’re thankful for it.

“We’re pretty much the same age,” Choo said. “She is like one year older than me.

“We’re training at the same place. We would see each other quite often.

“There’s been a lot of training which helps.”

Poomsae is the practice of pre-choreographed techniques executed with clinical precision, power and poise.

The duo have varying views on whether it’s easier to compete as a pair or as an individual.

“A team is a bit harder,” Choo said. “You need to be in sync, and preferably have to move exactly the same.

“There’s a lot of trust… it’s a good experience.”

Grigg said, “competing as a pair is easier for me.There’s less pressure when you’re competing as there’s someone next to you.

‘It’s reassuring to have someone next to you as you do your sport.”

“There is so much talent coming through,” he said.

“Not just for us, but for other teams as well. It brings joy to everyone.”

Smith said the bye was a good chance for them to reassess any weaknesses so they can continue to strengthen their game.

He said it was also a good chance for players to return from injuries and recover.

The Spurs face North Footscray on Saturday at 10am.

While it’s a battle between top and bottom, Smith said it was about the bigger picture.

“They are a good team and last time we swapped some players with them,” he said.

“You don’t want to turn players away from the game. We have a role as custodians of the game, to ensure everyone enjoys it.

“We’re looking forward to playing them.”

Devils prove too strong

By Tara Murray

North Footscray won the battle of Footscray against an understrength West Footscray in the Western Football League division 2 competition on Saturday.

It was a battle between second and third on the ladder and while there were high hopes, the game was a one-sided affair.

It was an even first quarter on the scoreboard with neither side able to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

The Devils kicked four goals to none in the second quarter to open up game and lead by 29 points at the main break.

With the Roosters missing about 15 players, the Devils were able to go to another level in the second half.

They kicked 11 goals in the third quarter to take the margin to 97 points at the final

break, with the Roosters still goalless.

More opportunities were missed for the Roosters in the final quarter, as they failed to kick a goal for the game, with the Devils coming home strongly to win, 24.14 (158)0.13 (13).

Lynden Dunn kicked eight goals for the Devils, while Mathew Serafin kicked six goals.

Jordan Cochrane, Samuel Gunesekera and Sebastian Turnbull were named the Devils best.

For the Roosters, Thomas Doherty, Nick Devereux and Jai Haines were named their best.

North Footscray remains second on the ladder, two points off top and two games clear of West Footscray in third.

In other matches, there were losses for both Braybrook and Laverton.

The Brookers were on the road against the Suns with both sides still pushing for finals spots.

The Suns were able to build a lead across the first three quarters, leading by 27 points at the final break.

The Brookers won the final quarter with three goals to two, but the Suns had done enough to win, 10.11 (71)-7.7 (49).

Sam Clifford and Chase Wassell kicked

Colby Redpath.

Vikings claim a scalp and upset Kangaroos

By Tara Murray

More predictable football helped Altona claim its first scalp of the Western Football League division 1 season.

Having lost to Sunshine in round one, the Vikings were hoping to get one back against the Kangaroos on their home deck on Saturday.

The Vikings got off to a flying start to the game and they were able to set the tempo from there as they won, 14.9 (93)-6.11 (47).

Vikings’ coach Rodney Van Riet said it was really pleasing to have a performance like that.

“It was certainly good to take a scalp like that, someone above us on the ladder,” he said.

“It was the time we’ve done that this year.

“We were able to reverse the result from round one and have a good win.”

Van Riet said they had been slowly building the past few weeks as they’ve got closer to their full squad back.

On Saturday, they had 11 players different to the team that played in round one

and that shone through.

“We’re finally starting to get some guys back from injury,” he said.

“We’ve been able to settle the team a little bit and play a more predictable style of football.

“We’ve got some more consistency in our footy.”

Van Riet said Sunshine’s ground always presented challenges as it was a bit smaller than other grounds.

He said they had a clear focus heading into the ground.

“We wanted to start hard and fast,” he said. “I put the acid on the midfield group to get the ball rolling.

“If we were in front or close to it at quarter time, it would go a long way to winning.”

After leading by 23 points at the first break, the Vikings were able to build the margin to 66 points at the final break.

While the Vikings were held goalless in the final quarter, they had done enough to get the job done.

Mitchell Van Den Berg kicked four goals for the Vikings, while Tate Ferguson kicked three goals.

two goals each for the Brookers. Nathan Spackman, Tom Turcato and Jayden Danaher were named the Brookers best.

The Brookers slip to seventh on the ladder, now behind the Suns and are 12 points outside the top five.

Meanwhile, Wyndhamvale had a day out against Laverton on Saturday in the battle between top and bottom.

The Falcons had no issues at all as they accounted for Laverton, 28.21 (189)-1.1 (7). Matthew Paul kicked seven goals for the Falcons, while Lewis Stanton kicked five goals.

Shannon Gill, Jonty Bond and Edmund Dowson McCracken were named the Magpies best.

Sunshine Heights and Albanvale were other winners.

Mitchell named Fire coach

Footscray’s Dan Mitchell has been named the coach of the Adelaide Fire side for the Hockey One season. Mitchell joins the Fire with an extensive coaching resume that spans elite club, state, national and international hockey.

He currently serves as Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) women’s program and the Australian under-18 men’s team head coach, while also leading Footscray’s men’s Hockey Victoria premier league side.

“I’m excited to return to the Adelaide Fire and begin this journey with the playing group, staff and the wider hockey community. I’m looking forward to establishing clear principles and a strong team identity,” Mitchell said.

“My passion is creating environments that develop great people first, because I believe that’s what leads to sustained success.

“I’m excited to bring some fresh perspective to the program while embracing the strength of South Australian hockey, and together, build something the entire Fire community can be proud of.”

Prior to his current roles, Mitchell spent four years assistant coach with the VIS Women’s Program before being elevated to head coach in 2026.

Van Riet said the return of Emerson Jeka was massive for them and he was a general down back in the win.

There were also plenty of other standouts.

“Kyle Crooks last month has been unbelievable,” Van Reit said.

“He’s been our best player over the month.

“Cooper Atchison … is back in the swing of things.and had an outstanding game down back with 36 possessions.

“Tate Ferguson was really good and able to hit the scoreboard and add another arrow to his bow.”

The Vikings sit in ninth spot with four wins, four wins outside the top five.

Van Riet says while they have likely left their run too late, they were hoping to do some damage in the run home.

“We certainly want to cause a couple of upsets i n the run home.

“It’s been one quarter of footy in the last four to five weeks that has cost us in those games.

“We want to build into next year and give them confidence.”

He has also led the Victorian under-21 women’s team and was Melbourne Hockey Club’s women’s premier league coach after previously serving as assistant coach.

Internationally, Mitchell gained valuable experience in the 2025–26 Hockey India League as analytical coach with the Tamil Nadu Dragons, working alongside some of the world’s leading players and coaches in one of the sport’s premier competitions.

Mitchell’s return marks something of a homecoming.

A familiar figure in South Australian hockey, he led Seacliff’s premier league men to the 2020 premiership before taking on the role of Hockey SA high performance and pathways manager in 2021.

In that position, he oversaw the Adelaide Fire program and the state’s talent pathway.

Mitchell also has strong ties to the Fire, having been named in the club’s inaugural Hockey One squad in 2019. There was no Hockey Victoria premier league action on the weekend.

Seagulls on top

Williamstown moved to the top of the Victorian Football League women’s ladder with victory against western rival, the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

It was double header between the Seagulls and theBulldogs,withtheteamssplittingtheresults.

After kicking one goal apiece in the first quarter, three goals to one in the second quarter allowed the Seagulls to open up a 14 point lead at the main break.

That would be the difference in the game with the margin staying steady in the second half, with theSeagullswinning6.6(42)-4.1(25).

Mia Zielinski was a standout for the Seagulls with three goals, while Megan Williamson had 17 disposals.

Jorja Livingstone had 30 disposals for the Bulldogs.

The Seagulls are now top, one of three teams on 28points,buthaveplayedoneextramatch.

TheBulldogssitinfifthspot.

In the VFL, the Footscray Bulldogs beat the Seagulls,14.17(101)-9.6(60).

TheSeagullssitninthandtheBulldogsin16th.

Going for gold

Transfer request

By Tara Murray

Parkside could be set to leave the Western Football Netball League next season after puttinginaclubtransfer.

The deadline for club transfers was 30 June under new guidelines, with Parkside putting in an application to join the EssendonDistrictFootballLeague.

In a letter to clubs, the EDFL chief executive Andrew Johnston confirmed thatParksidehadnotifiedtheAFLVictoria community manager of its intention to enter the Essendon District Football League from the Western Football Netball Leagueforseason2027.

“ThePFCnotifiedtheWFNLinwritingof its intention to transfer prior to submitting the formal AFL Victoria intention to transferform,”thestatementsaid.

“TheEDFLandWFNLmettoaddressthe justification and supporting evidence of the transfer prior to PFC submitting their application.

“The PFC then lodged with AFL Victoria andtheEDFLanintentiontotransferform beforethecut-offdateof30June.

“The WFNL now can either decline or acceptthetransfer.”

Parkside is seeking membership as an affiliated club under the EDFL rules and proposes that its respective senior teams compete in the relevant EDFL competitions.

The club has both senior men’s and women’ssides.

The club has also informed the EDFL that it has in principle, agreed to amalgamate-merge with the Ascot Vale Panthers Junior Football Club prior to the

2027EDFLseason.

This would then allow it to be a junior andseniorclubwithintheEDFL.

“This proposal is fully dependent on bothclub’smembersvotinginfavourofthe merger at their respective annual general meetings,”theEDFLstatementsaid.

TheEDFLboardmeton1Julyandisnow considering the application in line with EDFLandAFLVictoriaprocesses.

StarWeeklyunderstandsthatParksideis the only club to have put in an application toleavetheWFNL.

Parkside president Ben Crook said all options were still on the table with club membersyettovoteonanypossiblemove.

He said nothing is set in stone at this stage.

“The past couple of seasons we’ve established a futures committee to see

where the club is and the long term future oftheclub,”hesaid.

“Wewilllookatallavailableoptionsthat areonthetable.

“Wewantstabilityforfuturegenerations.”

Crook said they would continue to consult with governing bodies along with clubmembers.

He said not having a junior pathway currentlywasoneofthereasonsforlooking atalltheoptionsavailable.

Crook said the executive committee would meet with the futures committee in the coming weeks and months about what thepreferredoptionsavailableare.

“The membership base will make the decision,”hesaid.“Weareonlycustodians oftheclub.”