Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 5th August 2026

Band to make annual stand

Hobson Bay City Band has been going strong for 30 years and will mark the milestone with its annual concert on Sunday 23 August at the Altona City Theatre.

Billed as ‘Light and Colour’, the concert promises a big afternoon of exciting live band music ranging from popular artists such as Adele, Beach Boys and The Doors to classic and evocative band music.

Conductor Wayne Bowden has put together a diverse and challenging program and said the band had so far risen to the challenge.

“I am very impressed with the way in which the musicians have accepted the challenges put to them for this fabulous variety of repertoire,” Bowden said of the band he has led since 2018.

Bass clarinet player Murray Smith said he loved the the challenge of playing a wide range of music and the camaraderie amongst the band members.

“Wayne has been working with us to reach a higher and higher standard and we’re proud of the music we’re making,” Smith said. Details: www.hbcb.org.au

Hobsons Bay City Band members (L-R) Queenie Lim, Wayne Bowden, Murray Smith and Robin Zakharov are preparing for their annual concert on 23 August. (Damjan Janevski) 568810_06

Shirt stirs storm

By Cade Lucas

TheownersofaFootscrayrecordstorehave defended the suburb after the previous occupant of their shop released a T-shirt emblazoned with ‘Footscray is a Shithole’ andclaimedhehadtocloseduetothearea becoming an “absolute dumpster fire”.

Kynan O’Meara and Jason Richmond opened their record store and cafe Coco Bananas in Chambers Street, between the Nicholson Street Mall and Maddern Square,inOctober2023aftertheclosureof Counterweight Vinyl and Espresso.

On Saturday 25 July, a picture of a white T-shirt splashed with dark blue, baseball-style font denigrating Footscray

was posted to Counterweight’s Instagram account,itsfirstpostsinceNovember2023.

“We were forced to close down our store in Footscray mall due to the absolute dumpster fire that it has become,” the post accompanying the photo read.

“Ithasrisentoourattentionthatwearing this T-shirt makes us feel better, evidently others too.

“If you would like to own one DM your size and colour $40.”

It’s unknown what prompted the post and attempts by Star Weekly to contact the former owner of Counterweight Espresso and Vinyl have so far been unsuccessful.

While the post garnered plenty of attention, including many comments

agreeing with its assessment of the Footscray CBD, others have hit back, including the owners of the record store and cafe which now occupies the same premises.

“Our view is that we love the people of Footscray. We think it’s an amazing pace to do business,” Coco Bananas co-owner Kynan O’Meara said.

“We’ve had nothing but affection and appreciation from the people who’ve taken us into their hearts and that’s what we’ve seen since we started here.”

Speaking on behalf of his co-owner Jason Richmond, Mr O’Meara didn’t deny that the Footscray CBD had problems, but denigrating it wouldn’t help.

“There’s problems all over Melbourne, but that doesn’t mean that you need to resort to blaming people who live in an area.

“There’s every reason to be proud to do businessinFootscray,”hesaid,addingthat he and Mr Richmond held no hard feelings towards their predecessor.

“I do believe that he gave it a really good shot and he was believed by the people of Footscray,” Mr O’Meara said.

Nearby venue Pride of Our Footscray Bar has since launched T-shirts with a more positive spin on the suburb such as “Footscray is Character Building,” and “Footscray has Great Personality,“

Citynews

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

As Mayor, I’m proud of how our City is evolving. From shaping Footscray’s future and progressing Creative West to advocating for greater community investment, we are building a stronger and more vibrant future for Maribyrnong.

designs for Creative West, a landmark cultural precinct for Footscray that will transform the Footscray Library site and adjoining car park.

Shaped extensively by community input and close engagement with Wurundjeri Elders, the new precinct will bring together a contemporary library, performing arts venue and town park to the heart of Footscray. This project will help address the lack of cultural infrastructure in Melbourne’s west, while boosting Footscray’s vibrancy, liveability and local economy.

Now that the concept designs have been released, we need your support to strengthen the case for further investment. You can help by viewing the designs, sharing your feedback and helping us advocate for the funding needed to bring this transformative project to life.

Council also continues to push for better outcomes on two major State Government transport projects, including the Anderson Street level crossing removal in Yarraville, and the new Tottenham Station as part of Melbourne Airport Rail. Through endorsed submissions, we are advocating for safer, better connected transport infrastructure that protects neighbourhood character, improves walking and cycling

To improve safety for all road users along Barkly Street between Summerhill and Geelong Roads in Footscray, we have created a draft concept design which includes a full resurfacing of the road pavement, and space for additional trees on the roadside to help keep our City cool. To have your say before Sunday 20 August, visit yourcityyourvoice.com.au

Mayor Cr Mohamed Semra

Follow me on Facebook ‘Mohamed Semra for Burndap Ward’

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING

Tue 18 August: 6.30pm Council Meeting

Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at Footscray Town Hall and live-streamed on Council’s website. Community members can submit questions for public question time online on or before the day of the meeting.Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings or phone 9688 0200 for more information.

Maribyrnong City Council

Civic Precinct and Community Hub

61 Napier Street, Footscray

Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray VIC 3012

OUT AND ABOUT

Cr Mohamed Semra, Deputy Mayor, Cr Sama tha Meredith, alongside Councillors Bernadette Thomas, Cuc Lam OAM, Pradeep Tiwari, Elena Pereyra and Susan Yengi, and CEO Celia Haddock unveiling the concept design for Creative West.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Samantha Meredith, and Councillors Bernadette Thomas and Susan Yengi joined the Plastic Free July Community Launch held at the Civic Precinct and Community Hub in Footscray.

COMMUNITY GRANTS

From wellbeing programs and neighbourhood initiatives to projects that strengthen local connections, Council is inviting community groups to apply for funding of up to $25,000 to support ideas that make a difference.

pplications are open until 18 August maribyrnong. vic.gov.au/grants

P: (03) 9688 0200

F: (03) 9687 7793

email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

WHAT’S ON

FOOTSCRAY FLIX

34 Moreland Street, Footscray 27–30 August

Footscray Flix will bring big-screen nostalgia back to the west with four nights of 80s 90s movie classics, local favourites, DJs and drinks.

CREATIVE WEST NIGHTS

Footscray Library

28 August, 4, 11 and 18 September, 6–9pm Celebrate creativity, culture and connection across four Friday nights of live entertainment as we reimagine Footscray's future with Creative West.

MEET THE MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR

Ballarat Street Pop-Up Park, Yarraville 14 August, 4–6pm

Join our Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra and Deputy Mayor, Cr Samantha Meredith to have a chat about our City.

Call to reject data centre

By Cade Lucas

Hobsons Bay council is calling on the planning minister to reject an almost $1 billion data centre proposal in Brooklyn.

Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima will write to planning minister Sonya Kilkenny asking her to reject a proposal from Stockland to build a data centre at 413 Francis Street, after council endorsed an officer report raising a number of concerns about the proposal and the lack of time they were given to assess it at its meeting on Tuesday 28 July

According to the officer report, council were notified by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) of the proposal by Stockland to build a $930 million, 11-hectare data centre at its existing Brooklyn Distribution Centre site in December last year.

Despite identifying concerns such as the impact its 112 back-up diesel generators could have on existing air-quality issues in Brooklyn and its close proximity to residential properties, under the state government’s fast track Development Facilitation Program (DFP), council officers were only given 14 days to assess the proposal.

In her letter to the planning minister tabled along with the officer’s report at the 28 July meeting, Cr Grima criticised the short time frame, arguing it was far too small for such a large development.

“The limited notice period has constrained council’s ability to undertake a coordinated technical review and provide detailed draft conditions, as requested by the assessing planning officer,” Cr Grima wrote.

While it’s understood that Stockland addressed some of council’s concerns before

its latest meeting and that amendments could be made to the design and application response section of the mayor’s letter, her request to Ms Kilkenny will remain the same.

“On behalf of council, I request that the minister not support the application in its current form and ensure that council’s concerns are fully considered before any decision is made.”

A DTP spokesperson said every proposal was considered on its merits and that it would be inappropriate to comment further while the application is being assessed.

A Stockland spokesperson said the developer was committed to keeping the community informed throughout the planning process.

“We have established a dedicated project website, undertaken letterbox notifications

West prepares to talk death on 8 August

Saturday 8 August is Dying to Know Day, and she has done for the last few years, Yarraville’s Lee Smith-Moir will be spending it helping others know more about death and dying.

Ms Smith-Moir and her daughter Tai are hosting The West Talks Death - a Dying to Know Day Expo at the Maribyrnong Community Centre from 12.30pm4.30pm.

“We’re a two-woman band,” Ms SmithMoir said of she and her daughter, who started doing community events together

during the pandemic and have just kept going.

And with Ms Smith-Moir now in her 70’s, she said it was only natural that those events have started trending towards issues around end of life and death.

“I feel like I’ve entered my third trimester of life at age 71 so I guess that was the trigger point,” she said.

Clearly many others feel the same way.

After holding last year’s Dying to Know Day Expo at Altona’s Louis Joel Arts and Community centre, Ms Smith-Moir said

the move to Maribyrnong was a necessity.

“We needed a bigger venue,” she said, pointing out that the content would remain largely the same, covering everything from palliative care, end of life plans and voluntary assisted dying, to leaving a digital legacy and wills.

If that all sounds a bit macabre, Ms Smith-Moir said there’d be more humorous topics such as daisy box cardboard coffins and fun funerals as well.

“It’s a light hearted brush with death,” she said.

New trams in the west offering passengers comfort and space

Newer, bigger and more comfortable trams have begun across Melbourne’s north-west, with first G Class tram leaving the depot at 8.30am on Thursday 30 July.

Based out of the new Maidstone Tram Maintenance and Stabling Facility, the G-Class trams will operate on the only tram routes in Melbourne’s western suburbs - the 82 from Moonee Ponds to Footscray and the 57 from the Melbourne CBD to West Maribyrnong. They will also operate on route 59 from the CBD to Airport West, with expan-

sion to other routes expected over coming years.

The new trams carry up to 150 passengers – about twice the capacity of the Z and A Class trams they will replace - and are also considered more accessible, with level boarding, and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility aids.

The improved accessibility will be beneficial to passengers on route 82 which acts at the main public transport link to the new Footscray Hospital.

to residents in the project area, hosted online community information sessions, and provided channels for community enquiries and feedback,” the spokesperson said.

Speaking in support of the letter and officers report, councillor Rayan Hawli said if approved, the Stockland development would be the third data centre near Brooklyn.

“There has been no assessment of what three data centres operating together will mean,” Cr Hawli said.

However, councillor Michael Disbury struck a different tone, arguing data centre proposals should be embraced.

“In my view, anyone will to invest $1 billion in Hobsons Bay should be welcomed with open arms,” Cr Disbury said.

The motion was carried, with Cr Disbury the only vote against.

Altona receives police reserves

Altona is one of dozens of police stations where reservist officers are being deployed as part of efforts to combat staff shortages across the force.

The first 50 former police officers are beginning duties at 26 stations this week and next, with funding provided for up to 200 full-time reservist positions across the state.

The retired officers will perform a range of administrative duties, including answering phones, helping with paperwork, signing statutory declarations, receiving exhibits into police custody and taking crime reports, in order to free up serving police to prevent and detect crime.

According to Victoria Police the first 50 reservists alone will put 1360 policing hours – the equivalent of 170 shifts - back in the community each week.

Of the first 50, 39 have been employed part-time with the remaining 11 returning full-time, with all to be rostered for eight-hour shifts between 7am and 7pm on weekdays.

The reservists being deployed have an average of 21 years of prior policing experience, with 17 serving for between 30 and 45 years and eight recording more than 40 years as police.

They include a retired sergeant who served for 42 years, a former senior sergeant in charge of the same station for 25 years and a retired superintendent who served for 35 years and is carrying on the legacy of her late policing husband.

A married couple with a combined 72 years working with Victoria Police will return to the station where they met four decades ago to perform shifts together.

“Our reservists bring a wealth of experience, with many spending decades in the job,” Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said in announcing the first round of deployments.

“The fact they’ve come out of retirement to step up for their communities and colleagues says so much about their drive to make Victoria safer.

New tram stops have recently been built near the hospital on Droop Street to accommodate the larger trams.

The new trams on route 59 will go past the electorate office of new Premier and Niddrie MP Ben Carroll, who welcomed their introduction.

Footscray MP Katie Hall said the new trams would also benefit her community.

“This is another win for Melbourne’s west and the people who rely on our tram network every day,” she said.

“Our police do an incredible job and reservists will put them where they’re needed most, not trapped behind a desk.”

Along with Altona, reservists have been deployed at metropolitan stations such as Moonee Ponds, Caulfield, Frankston and Richmond, and regional stations including Ballarat, Bendigo and Mildura.

Rolling deployments are scheduled until the middle of December.

Details: https://www.police.vic.gov. au/reservist.

End rough sleeping

Maribyrnong has become the first council in Melbourne’s west to join the Advance to Zero homelessness initiative.

Officially launched on Monday 3 August, Maribyrnong Zero is a collaboration between council and local organisations such as Launch Housing, CoHealth, Bolton Clarke, The Salvation Army and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre with the goal of ending rough sleeping and helping people experiencing homelessness to access housing.

Maribyrnong joins the likes of Port Phillip, Yarra, Darebin, Stonnington and Greater Dandenong councils in adopting the Advance to Zero framework which aims to end rough sleeping by 2030.

Mayor Mohamed Semra said homelessness was a complex issue that required a coordinated community response.

“Everyone deserves access to safe, secure and stable housing,” Cr Semra said.

“Through Maribyrnong Zero, we’re bringing together the organisations that work with people experiencing homelessness every day to create a more coordinated and effective response.

“No single organisation can solve homelessness alone. By working together, sharing information and focusing on housing outcomes, we can better support vulnerable people in our community and create lasting change.”

Launch Housing has led the rollout of the Advance to Zero initiative since it was first established in 2019.

The organisation’s head of advocacy, George Hatvani, said the 800 people housed under the initiative in the last

seven years was proof that its collaborative approach worked.

“There is no doubt that this is how you end homelessness,” Mr Hatvani said.

Hobsons Bay bird flu warning

Hobsons Bay council is warning locals to stay away from sick or dead birds after the the first case of H5 bird flu in Victoria was detected in Portland in the state’s south west.

With coastal areas such as the Cheetham Wetlands, Truganina Park and Laverton Creek among the most diverse and significant bird habitats in Australia, Hobsons Bay council is urging anyone witnessing the effects of bird flu in the municipality to contact authorities.

“If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, do not touch them. Report it,” a council post on social media read.

Reports can be made on via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or on Agriculture Victoria’s website: vic.gov.au/birdflu

RSPCA Victoria’s director of veterinary services Dr Melissa Meehan said it wasn’t just birds that were at risk.

“This is highly concerning for our wildlife, with one in six Australian birds already facing the threat of extinction, and the animals in our agricultural industries, with poultry highly susceptible to the virus and dairy cattle infections reported overseas,” Dr Meehan said.

Details: birdflu.gov.au

“When we share our strengths and resources, we help people move on from the worst experiences of their lives and into a new home and a fresh start.”

Maribyrnong mayor a migrant role model

When 19-year-old Afghan student Hussain Haq Parast arrived in Melbourne last year after fleeing the Taliban with his family, he spoke very little English.

But last week , the Victoria University (VU) student delivered a heartfelt speech, sharing his story with students, staff and his new role model: Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra.

Cr Semra, a VU business student who has deferred his studies – visited the Sunshine campus on Thursday 30 July to share his leadership journey with students at the Western Melbourne English Program (WMEP)

Mr Haq Parast told the event that Cr Semra had inspired him to become a volunteer.

Through the VU Vollies program he’s visited a Footscray aged care home and taught sport to other young migrants

through the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s Team Up program.

Last month Mr Haq Parast even wrote to Cr Semra to arrange a meeting and seek advice on how to become a mayor himself.

“After learning about your journey, I felt inspired because I saw someone from a migrant background who worked hard, helped the community and became a leader,” he wrote in the letter.

“Your story showed me that no matter where a person comes from, they can achieve great things through hard work, kindness, and determination. The things you said about believing in yourself, working hard, and giving back to the community really inspired me.

“It encouraged me to dream bigger and believe that one day I can also become a community leader, or even a mayor, and help people in Australia.”

Council workers rally outside council meeting

By Cade Lucas

Dozens of council workers rallied outside the meeting of Hobsons Bay council on Tuesday 28 July as part of an ongoing industrial campaign by theAustralianServicesUnion(ASU).

Union members brandishing placards and flags, and chanting slogans braved cold and wet weather as they gathered out the front of the Altona Civic Centre to demand wage increases from the council, one of eight from across Melbourne currentlyinvolvedinmulti-employer bargainingwiththeASU.

The union is seeking a 10 per cent increase in wages in the first year of a new agreement with the councils, whichalsoincludeMaribyrnongand Hume.

However, an ASU spokesperson said Hobsons Bay council was an especiallybadoffenderwhenitcame tolowwages.

“They are dramatically behind all other councils and their CEO [chief executive officer] still hasn’t made a pay offer, 12 months after the current agreement has expired,” the spokespersonsaid.

In response, Hobsons Bay chief executive Phu Nguyen said council was continuing to negotiate with goodfaith.

“HobsonsBay,alongwiththeother seven councils, remain committed to bargaining with all unions,” Mr Nguyensaid.

Among the speakers at the rally was former Hobsons Bay library technicianYvonneStewart,whosaid herformercolleaguesdeservedapay rise.

“They provide a wonderful service andtheydeservetohavemorethana livingwage,”MsStewartsaid.

A union member and council employee for 42 years until retiring in 2024, Ms Stewart said she’d heard council’sargumentbefore.

“They’re using the same playbook every other council has used for 42 years. That is ‘we can’t afford it, we can’taffordtogiveyouapayrise’.

“Sounlesstheunions,thedelegates and workers are prepared to fight, no payrisewillbeforthcoming.

“They just don’t give you a pay rise fornothing,youhavetofightforit.”

ASU members will strike again on Thursday 30 July as more than a 1000 council workers rally in front of state parliament.

Altona Meadows Library will be closed until 1pm on Thursday as a result.

All services will return to normal onFriday31July.

Deeming quits Libs

Western suburbs MP Moira Deeming has resignedfromtheLiberalparty.

Ms Deeming, who is an upper house MP for the west, will sit with the crossbench as an independent for the remainder of the parliamentaryterm.

“My focus has always been, and will continue to be, on representing the needs andconcernsofeverydayAustralians,”she wrote.

“I was elected to fight for freedom, fairness,andfamilies.

“To save our state from endemic corruption, crushing debt, and the rising crime crisis, Labor has got to go. I remain fullycommittedtoseeingthatthrough.

“Thankyoutothosewhohavesupported me.”

Earlier this month, the Liberal party voted to disendorse Ms Deeming as a candidate for the November election.

The MP had accused colleague and former party leader Matthew Guy of grabbing her “violently” in a headlock, but since claimed she misunderstood the meaningofheadlock.

Mr Guy told reporters in June Mrs Deeming owed him a public apology, adding he vehemently denied that anythinguntowardtookplace.

“Moira Deeming owes me a public

apology. I’m owed an apology by the premier and the attorney-general,” he said inastatementoutsideparliament.

“They can come to me the honourable andeasyway,oraharderway.”

Mrs Deeming had attempted to stop the party from voting to drop her as a candidate.

She launched the legal action on 3 July, prompting the party executive to give an undertaking it would not take steps to disendorse until it was resolved. The legal actionwaslaterofficiallywithdrawn.

-with AAP

If you know where you’ll be on Census night, Tuesday 11 August, you can complete the form for your household as soon as you get your instructions. Complete online, on paper or with help from us.

census.abs.gov.au

Runners left in the dark

By Cade Lucas

A Williamstown running coach has resorted to training her athletes under the West Gate Bridge during winter due to a lack of floodlights at the Newport athletics track.

Anne Rossi trains a squad of up to 30 runners at the Newport track, ranging from juniors to over 60s.

She said while the lack of floodlights wasn’t a problem during summer, once daylight savings ended her athletes had to train in the dark, leaving her fearing for their safety and opting for unusual alternatives so she could see what they were doing.

“Because we have to use lights we do one night a week alongside the West Gate Bridge at Spotswood,” Ms Rossi said of the training which takes place on a concrete path.

It’s an alternative that she and numerous other coaches, runners and organisations that use the Newport track argue shouldn’t be needed because it should have floodlights like every other sporting facility in the area.

“I don’t know any other sporting facility used in winter without lights,” Ms Rossi said of the track which was built in 1991.

She’s accused Hobsons Bay council of neglecting the only synthetic athletics track

in the municipality.

“I just think it’s a real lack of foresight from them (council) to allow a sporting facility like this to go this long without lights.”

Alongside tenants such as the Williamstown Athletics Club, Williamstown Little Athletics Club and Hobsons Bay Running Club, Ms Rossi is backing a petition calling on council to finally install lighting at the track.

In less than a month, the Light Up Newport Track petition has attracted more than 600 signatures.

Despite being included in Hobsons Bay council’s draft five-year capital works pro-

has raised $500 for the Cancer Council. (Damjan Janevski) 568670_01

Young Rayhaan kicks fundraising goals

For Truganina 11-year-old Rayhaan Rahman, a recent Sunday morning soccer game had a lot more riding on it than the result or whether he played well.

On 28 June, Rayhaan hosted Kick Goals Against Cancer, a fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Held at his club Laverton FC’s home ground at Andrew Park in Altona Meadows, Rayhaan’s fundraiser involved him encouraging people to donate by scanning a QR code whenever they went to the canteen.

Whenhewasn’toutthereplayinghim-

self that is.

“During the first hour, my sister was playing her match, so I walked around the grounds telling people about the fundraiser and asking for their support,” Rayhaan said of the fundraiser that went from 10am-noon.

“During the second hour, it was my turn to play, so my sister took over and continued speaking with people while I was on the field.”

And once his game finished at noon, Rayhaan resumed fundraising for another half an hour.

“By the end of the day, I had raised $514,” he said, adding that his parents were a big part of the reason why.

“My parents, who are both physiotherapists, have always taught me the importance of looking after my health,” Rayhaan said.

His mother Ranjana Nair said she and her husband were proud of Rayhaan’s efforts.

“The support from our local soccer community was amazing, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed to such an important cause,” she said.

Construction of new Williamstown clubrooms a

The controversial redevelopment of the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club (WSLSC) could get underway in the second half of next year after the project was recently approved by the state government.

On 22 July, Hobsons Bay council announced the Department of Transport and Planning had approved the $16 million redevelopment.

In April, the state government assumed control of the redevelopment after reaching an agreement with Hobsons Bay council for it to be assessed as a state

project.

The move followed fierce opposition from local residents and a report from council’s own heritage advisor, released through freedom of information (FOI), that recommended it not go ahead.

At Hobsons Bay council’s meeting on 28 July, WSLSC president Joel Godde thanked the council and the state government for approving the redevelopment of the 91-yea-old facility.

“These important essential service upgrades will deliver modern, pur-

year away

pose-built lifesaving facilities for our almost 2000 strong membership and over 400 nippers and the border community,” Mr Godde told the meeting before asking what the construction timeline would be. Council’s director of infrastructure and city services Jake Trevaskis said the project would now enter its final design stage, which he estimated would take two to three months. Mr Trevaskis said the project would also be put to tender and expected to have a construction contract before council in early to mid-2027.

gram, the project was overlooked in the recent council budget, with the estimated cost believed to have blown out from $800,000 to $1.2 million.

However, a council spokesperson said the project hadn’t been forgotten.

“We have been liaising with the Williamstown Athletic Club about the development of Council’s Sport Infrastructure Action Plan (SIAP) and annual budget process to ensure the club is aware of the timelines and opportunities to contribute to these processes,” the spokesperson said.

The petition can be viewed at: https://c. org/Zqr5BHWwMq

Ideal data centre locations to be identified

Identifying ideal locations for data centres is one of the areas to be examined in new report commissioned by Hobsons Bay council into the controversial developments.

Following a notice of motion from councillor Kristin Bishop that was endorsed at council’s 28 July meeting, council officers will prepare a report examining the data centre developments currently underway across Melbourne’s west and their implications for Hobsons Bay and its residents.

The report will look at the potential impacts of data centres located close to residential areas and particularly in regards to air, noise and light pollution and their consumption of electricity and water.

With many data centre developments being approved though the state government’s fast track Development Facilitation Program, the report will also examine council’s role in the approval process and how it can best advocate on behalf of residents.

Earlier in the meeting, Hobsons Bay council voted to oppose a $1 billion data centre proposal for Francis Street, Brooklyn, while a proposal by developer Green Square for a data centre in Simcock Avenue, Spotswood has concerned local residents.

Despite wide-spread community concerns about the scale of data centre development, Cr Bishop said the report wasn’t just about finding ways to stop them.

“I am not arguing for a blanket ban,” Cr Bishop said in moving her motion, adding that the report would also seek to identify appropriate locations in Hobsons Bay for data centres to be built, such as brownfield sites or contaminated land.

“These are the kinds places of places where the infrastructure might be able to be accommodate without undermining residents’ quiet enjoyment of their homes or placing additional burdens on communities already experiencing environmental and amenity pressures.

“That is a practical and responsible approach, not simply saying no, but setting clear expectations about where and how this type of development should occur.

“If proponents want to invest here they should be willing to work constructively with council and residents.”

The motion was carried unanimously and the report will be prepared for a future council meeting.

Family history fuels fiction

Likemanybooksthesedays,Williamstown authorEdwardJohnson’sdebutnovelhada familiar beginning.

“Themajorityofitwasresearchedduring Covid like a lot of people,” Johnson said of Blight, which is set during another global crisis: World War II.

Blight is technically historical fiction, though as the son of prisoner of war (POW) captured by the Japanese during the fall of Singapore, Johnson’s book verges on non-fiction in parts.

According to the retired barrister, that’s how it started.

“It was going to start as a memoir, but I started to add a lot to it about the way soldiers came back into Australian society in the 50’s and the psychological damage they had suffered.”

Whether this includes Johnson’s father

he doesn’t say, though he did spend nearly five years in Changi Prison as well as working on the Burma Railway.

The main characters in Blight however end up somewhere even worse again.

“A couple of them break out of Changi and get sent to Outram Road where they suffered all sorts of indignities,” Johnson saidofthegaoltheJapaneseusedtopunish POW’s who broke the rules and where an estimated 1400 died.

Alongwiththepsychologicaltollofbeing a POW, Blight also focuses on the decline of British rule in Singapore in the years prior to the Japanese invasion, something Johnson said gave rise to the title.

“That’s why it’s called Blight which is the slowdeteriorationanddecaysoit’sapplied metaphorically to describe the end of the British rule in Singapore.”

Briefs

House fire

A South Kingsville house was destroyed by fire last week Firefighters arrived at the Green Street home just after noon on 28 July to find it fully ablaze and thick smoke spreading over the surrounding neighbourhood. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus attempted to enter the home to see if anyone was inside, but the intensity of the blaze soon forced them out. No injuries were reported and it’s believed the owner of the property is currently overseas. Fire crews attacked the fire with multiple hoselines, whilst also preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties, but were hampered by a lack of available water and live powerlines across the road. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

Nature strip.

Maribyrnong residents who want a greener, more vibrant nature strip are in luck. A gardening workshop is being held at West Footscray Library from 2.30-3.30pm on Saturday 8 August where residents can discover how to create a beautiful, wildlife friendly garden on their nature strips using native plants. The free workshop is part of the My Smart Garden program, a collaborative sustainable gardening initiative delivered by local councils. Details: www. maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/.../Native-Nature

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Housing emerges as Australia’s biggest economic challenge

Australia’s economic growth is expected to slow as lower house price growth weighs on consumer spending and broader economic activity, with CommBank economists saying housing is now expected to be a bigger drag on the economy than higher oil prices.

Speaking on the latest episode of the CommBank View: Economics & Markets podcast, CommBank Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen said the shape of Australia’s slowdown had changed over recent months.

“We’ve certainly seen a shift in what’s going to cause the Australian economy to slow,” Allen said.

“We still think that’s going to happen, but it’s really the housing market that’s going to create that slowdown in the Australian economy, rather than higher oil prices.”

The slowdown in home price growth that emerged in late 2025 has now spread across Australia’s housing market, with weaker conditions for sellers evident in most major capitals. Allen said higher interest rates and policy changes had weighed on sentiment and prices.

“That combination of factors has seen the housing market pull back, and we’ve seen in past cycles that does impact the consumer through what economists call the wealth effect,” she said.

Falling home values typically make households feel less financially secure, encouraging them to save more and spend less. Allen said

that dynamic was now expected to be a key drag on economic growth throughout 2026.

Consumer spending is also showing signs of moderation.

Allen said CBA’s internal data suggested endof-financial-year sales activity had softened compared with the same period last year.

“There are signs that consumers are pulling back,” she said.

While household savings remain relatively healthy overall, Allen said weak sentiment and softer home prices were likely to keep consumers cautious through the remainder of the year.

Commonwealth Bank forecasts Australia’s economic growth will slow from 2.5 per cent in late 2025 to 1.5 per cent by late 2026, before improving to about 2 per cent by late 2027.

Despite the housing-led slowdown, Allen

said data centre development to fuel AI compute investment was creating important longer-term opportunities for the Australian economy. She cautioned that growth would be constrained by energy availability, water use and the time required to build new facilities, and that while it would help Australia’s economy, it was not going to fully make up for the slowdown in the consumer sector.

Fighting cancer together

When 79-year-old Montse (Montseratt) Becker first had her lungs examined by doctors, they diagnosed her with asthma. By the time doctors realised her asthma was in fact lung cancer, the disease had progressed to stage four and was terminal. In the six years since receiving this devastating news, Montse has found unexpected strength thanks to a local cancer wellness program, as Courtney Black discovers.

As Montse Becker navigates her cancer journey, she has found the motivation to keep fighting and improve her physical and mental strength through a wellness program run by Northern Health.

Known as WellAhead, the program aims to bring holistic, accessible care to people living with and beyond cancer.

It has been co-designed with consumers and strives to promote physical, mental, andsocialwellbeingthroughactivitieslike yoga, qigong, and creative arts that reduce stress and boost mood.

For Ms Becker, the program offers something that is hard to find during cancer treatment – motivation.

“It gets me out of the house, so it’s motivation really,” Ms Becker said.

“There is motivation to exercise with others, as a group, because at home, I just don’t have the discipline to do it.

“I know this because during the Christmas break I did not exercise at all.”

Battling stage four lung cancer, Ms Becker credits the program with helping keep her symptoms under control.

Participants are able to meet with like-minded people who are on the same cancer journey ... that’s a huge benefit to them to know that they’re not alone and that they can draw strength from each other

- Mike Masilamani

She said gentle exercises like chair yoga, help her stay active during treatment at almost 80 years old.

“The best thing about all the exercises is the breathing,” she said.

“It helps especially with lung cancer, whenyoubreatheinyougetoxygenin,and cancer hates oxygen”.

WellAhead facilitator Mike Masilamani said Ms Becker is an inspiring WellAhead participant who continues to fight against all odds.

“Itseemssounfairsometimes,butinthe light of all of that to show courage is really something else,” Mr Masilamani said.

“I’ve seen how she inspires others in the room, she’s a fighter, she communicates that with the others and people take strength from that.”

Mr Masilamani said while Ms Becker’s cancer is largely controlled by medication, the gentle exercise helps with symptoms like swelling in her legs.

“She’sfirmlyoftheviewthattheexercise program is what has kept her symptoms at bay,” he said.

“The ones that are on the program, believe it makes a very big difference in how they cope with their journey.”

Ms Becker said while she is at the weekly WellAhead sessions, her mindset shifts.

“Whileyou’rehere,youdon’tthinkabout the cancer, I haven’t thought about that today,” she said.

Mr Masilamani said as cancer patients live longer thanks to treatment advancements, there is a greater need for tailored wellbeing programs.

“Their needs are very specific and in

fact, the kind of activities we have like the Qigong and the yoga were specifically designed with them in mind.”

He said the wellbeing program was created after he heard that a cancer survivor was feeling isolated and sleeping for 20 hours a day.

“His complaint was, ‘You guys held my hands,bothmyhandswhenIwasapatient but when I was in remission, you let go of both. Couldn’t you have held at least one of my hands?’”

Mr Masilamani said this feeling of anxiety and isolation is a huge issue for cancer patients.

“You’re always dreading the next review and it doesn’t allowyoutoreintegrate with the community and with society,” he said.

“More often than not, it leads to a very sedentary lifestyle where you essentially become a couch potato.”

Ms Becker said it is not just the exercise program which motivates her, but also the educational side of WellAhead.

She was most recently inspired by the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ forum.

She said the talk reinforced the importance of wellbeing activities that she already focuses on.

“Connectionprobablywasthebestthing I took from the talk, I learnt a few little things I will probably try to do,” she said.

Mr Masilamani said he has seen how wellbeing programs facilitate community connection for cancer patients and survivors.

He said he is grateful for the generous support of Whittlesea council which

funded free WellAhead open days.

“Besides the physical benefits, participants are able to meet with like-minded people who are on the same cancer journey as they are,” he said,

“That’s a huge benefit to them to know that they’re not alone and that they can draw strength from each other.”

Ms Becker said she wishes she expressed her gratitude for the WellAhead teachers.

“The teachers are doing it voluntarily ... I think that’s admirable because they work for a living and they come all the way from Caulfield just here to give their classes,” she said.

“It’s been on my mind, I thought well if I win the lottery I will give them some money, the money they haven’t earned.

“I should manifest that.”

MsBeckersaidwinningthelotterywould also help her celebrate a special milestone in her home country.

“I think I want to go to Barcelona this yearformyeightieth,again,Iwentlastyear and the year before.”

Mr Masilamani said that he is blessed to be a part of cancer patients’ and survivors’ journeys.

“Seeing the courage that they bring has been so inspiring,” he said,

“If this program benefits just one person andthatpersoninquestionisMontse,then it is just worth doing.”

The WellAhead program facilitated by Northern Health and Whittlesea U3A is open to anyone on their cancer journey. Details: https://www.nh.org.au/ wellahead/

Blackshaws Road move

By Cade Lucas

Hobsons Bay council will investigate ways to fast-track much-needed safety upgrades on Blackshaws Road in Altona North after endorsing a notice of motion on the issue at its 28 July meeting.

The motion from Cr Rayane Hawli called for council to produce a report on which new safety upgrades to the busy east-west thoroughfare could be delivered the quickest and how.

These include: a new signalised intersection and pedestrian crossings at The Broadway; a new signalised intersection at Fabric Drive; pedestrian crossing improvements at Sutton Street; road safety improvements at the New Street-Hansen Street intersection and upgrades to the Kyle Road-Blackshaws Road signalised intersection.

In moving the motion, Cr Hawli said many local residents were so concerned about the lack of safe crossings on Blackshaws Road that they chose to drive short distances rather than walk or cycle

“Our role as councillors is not to simply acknowledge resident concerns, but to be proactive,” she said.

As the representative for Altona North ward, Cr Hawli shares responsibility for Blacksaws Road with Spotswood ward representative Cr Kristen Bishop who said she had received similar feedback.

“I’m regularly contacted by parents of young children who need to cross that road,” Cr Bishop said, adding that the report was about answering a simple question: “is there anything that can be done?”

The motion was passed unanimously.

Earlier in the meeting, a joint letter was

tabled demanding the intersection with Fabric Drive be completed - one of the upgrades that council officers will now examine for their report.

The joint letter demanding the intersection at the entrance to The Fabric residential development be finished and include cycling and pedestrian crossings, was compiled by local resident Rowena Joske.

Ms Joske said she had already lodged two community petitions on the matter and now just wanted council and The Fab-

The beat that brings people together

The Newport Fiddle and Folk Club has been going for more than two decades, but this year the club has added two community programs that have allowed people to play music who normally don’t get the chance.

In February the club began running the Newport Drummers and the All Abilities Music Group, both of which are aimed at people of all ages and skills and backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

Newport Fiddle and Folk Club president Danny Civitico said the impact of both groups on participants continues to surprise him.

“People often come through the door feeling nervous because they’ve never played an instrument before or they’re unsure whether they’ll fit in,” Mr Civito said.

“Within a short time they’re making music with complete strangers, laughing together and becoming part of a community.

“The music is important, but it’s really the friendships, the sense of belonging and

the confidence people gain that make these groups so special.

“For many people, particularly those living with disability, recovering from illness, experiencing anxiety or depression, or simply feeling isolated, music provides a safe and enjoyable way to build confidence, express emotions and form meaningful friendships”

This is especially true of the All Abilities Group which caters for people with disabilities.

However, as group leader Katrina Nolan pointed out, the group wasn’t only for disabled musicians.

“The sessions are not just fun for people with disabilities, but everybody who attends can join in the fun, so carers and support workers and friends of people with disabilities get just as much fun out of the sessions aseveryoneelse,”MsNolansaidofthegroup which currently meets on a monthly basis.

Details: nffc.org.au

ric developer, Mirvac, to get on with it.

“My joint letter asks council to avoid this being delayed any further by working with the developer ASAP to change the designs to include the western pedestrian crossing and the developer plans require,” she said.

A Mirvac spokesperson said the developer is working closely with council on the planning and delivery of the proposed signalised intersection at Fabric Drive as part of a works-in-kind agreement.

LEARN ABOUT HOBSONS BAY SENIORS

Grants to help community groups thrive

Grants and sponsorships worth $180,000 have been distributed to local community groups across Melbourne’s west, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons bay.

The funding has been awarded through Greater Western Water’s ) GWW) Thriving Communities program, which provides grants of up to $5,000 and $20,000 to community groups and organisations delivering projects that benefit local communities.

In Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay these include: Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care Group for The Creek and Bay Hands on Learning Program, combining habitat restoration, Indigenous cultural education and environmental science programs to improve the health of Kororoit Creek; Community Bike Hub for its Re-Cycle Volunteer Program, which diverts bicycles from landfill while providing volunteers with practical skills and social connection opportunities and the Altona Miniature Railway Inc for its 50th anniversary celebrations.

GWW general manager strategy and partnerships, Kessia Thomson said this year’s program saw a record number of applications focused on water education, waterway health and environmental sustainability.

• Are you aged 65 or over?

• A carer, family member or supporter?

• An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged 50+?

Come and chat with us about our range of services for older people. Disability services

Are you living with a disability, chronic health condition or other circumstances affecting your independence?

Our services and programs can help you stay independent and active in your community. The Home and Community Care Program is for people aged 18 to 64, or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person under 50.

Do you have a question before then? 9932 1530 agedservices@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au 8.30am to 4.30pm

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

6 August, 1986

Former ALP Victoria ward councillor Lucy Plata has lodged an application forarecountfollowingherlosstoJames Crofton.

30 years ago 7 August, 1996

A Laverton woman was left stunned and in need of extensive counselling afterreceivingaDepartmentofHuman Services letter telling her she was adopted.

20 years ago 2 August, 2006

The former Altona North home of murdered sisters Colleen and Laura Irwin was sold for $254,000 last week as the final chapter of the infamous slayingswaswritten.

Faces of the west

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

10 years ago 3 August, 2016

The heart of Footscray could be transformed by a plan for twin towers soaring up to 19 storeys above the old Forgesdepartmentstoresite.

10 warm winter lunchbox ideas students will love

Cold winter mornings don’t have to mean cold lunches. Packing a warm meal in a quality insulated food thermos is a great way to keep children cosy, satisfied and fuelled throughout the school day. Warm lunches can be especially comforting during the colder months, while also providing the energy children need to stay focused in the classroom and active in the playground.

The key is choosing meals that hold their heat well, are easy to eat and contain a balance of protein, vegetables and wholegrains. Preheating a thermos with boiling water for a few minutes before adding hot food will also help keep lunches warm until lunchtime.

Here are 10 delicious and nutritious ideas to brighten up your child’s winter lunchbox.

1. Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy homemade mac and cheese is always a winner. Add hidden vegetables such as cauliflower, pumpkin or grated zucchini for an extra nutritional boost.

2. Mini Meatballs and Pasta

Serve bite-sized beef, chicken or turkey meatballs mixed through pasta with a mild tomato sauce. It’s filling, easy to eat and stays warm in a thermos.

3. Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice

Packed with lean chicken, peas, corn and carrots, fried rice is a great way to use leftover rice and vegetables while providing plenty of protein.

4. Pumpkin Soup

Smooth, creamy pumpkin soup is perfect for little hands. Pair it with wholemeal bread or cheese crackers packed separately for dipping.

5. Mild Butter Chicken and Rice

6. Mini Sausage Rolls

Homemade sausage rolls filled with lean mince and grated vegetables can be kept warm in a thermos or wrapped in foil. Add cherry tomatoes or cucumber sticks on the side.

7. Beef and Vegetable Lasagne

Cut lasagne into small portions that fit neatly into a thermos. It’s hearty, filling and packed with protein and vegetables.

A child-friendly butter chicken with steamed rice makes a comforting lunch that’sfullofflavourwithoutbeingtoospicy.

8. Fried Noodles

Soft noodles tossed with chicken, beef or tofu and colourful vegetables make a fun alternative to sandwiches and are easy for kids to eat.

9. Homemade Pizza Scrolls

Pizza scrolls filled with ham, cheese and vegetables can be warmed before school and wrapped well to stay warm until lunch.

10. Cottage Pie

A small serving of cottage pie with lean

beef, vegetables and creamy mashed potato is a comforting winter meal that reheats beautifully and stays warm for hours in a good-quality thermos.

With a little preparation, warm lunches can become a welcome part of the school routine during winter. They offer variety beyond sandwiches, encourage children to eat nourishing meals and provide a comforting break in the middle of a chilly school day.

MY PLACE

Anirban Datta is an Aintree local who collaborated with his wife to direct their own cineplay, based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth tragedy. Jack O’Shea-Ayres spoke with Mr Datta about home life, what drew him to Aintree, and the challenges that come with directing your very own production.

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

My wife and I bought our first home in Australia in Aintree after scouting several areas on this side of Victoria. We loved the quiet and the peacefulness of Aintree, but westillfeelverywellconnectedtothecity. We simply fell in love with the area and knew we wanted to move here.

What do you like about where you live?

Aintree is a very peaceful suburb, yet we are still very well connected to the city, the west and the north. It offers us the best of both worlds, combining the peace and quiet of a growing family-friendly suburb with great connectivity to Melbourne’s CBD, the western suburbs and key destinations up north. It’s convenient, and allows us to enjoy a relaxed suburban lifestyle without feeling disconnected from the city or the wider metropolitan area.

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

If there was one thing I could change about where I live, it would be improving thetransportinfrastructuretobetterkeep pace with the rapid growth of the area. Aintree has become a popular place to live, with more families moving into the suburb and surrounding communities each day, but the road network and major transport connections need to continue evolving alongside that growth. The

Melton highway needs more lanes and capacity to help manage the increasing traffic travelling through each day, and the Leakes road exit needs traffic signals for cars to be able to use the off-ramp.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

Woodlea Town Centre is one of my favourite places to spend time locally because it has become such a convenient and welcoming hub for the community. Whether I’m grabbing a coffee, picking up something to eat, doing a bit of shopping or simply catching up with friends and family, there’s always something going on.Ilikethatitbringspeopletogetherand gives residents a place to meet without having to travel too far from home.

Tell us about your recent cineplay, Kashmir? What was your role and what was most challenging about it?

I am the director of Kashmir. The most challenging part was to fit a classic like Macbeth in the political scenario of Kashmir. The real incidents that have happened in Kashmir is part of this play andalotofresearchhadtobedonetobring lifetotheproduction.Thechallengingpart was to make the soothsayer’s prophecy impossible to be achieved, yet a way was found for the predictions to happen through the course of the play.

Are you a photographer based in the western or northern suburbs who loves shooting sports and news?

Star Weekly is looking for new team members to join its pool of casual photographers. A driver’s licence, reliable car and photography equipment are essential. Experience shooting video is highly desirable. The role may involve Saturday work and after hours assignments.

Send your resume and examples of your work to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au

Crumbz of warm clothing

Sometimesthehelpersneedhelp.

That’s the case with the Duke Street Community House food relief service at Central West Shopping Centre in Braybrook.

Since a chance meeting in early 2024, the food relief service has been getting help from the the owner of Footscray’s Crumbz Deli, Peter Nguyen, who has beendeliveringmorethan100mealsand frozenchickenseveryweek.

“We get about 120-130 clients each week and everyone goes home with a restaurant quality meal and a frozen chicken so that’s almost two meals he takes care of,” Duke Street community development coordinator Radjeep Kang said.

However, this winter, Mr Nguyen’s generosity has extended beyond food to fashion.

“A couple of weeks ago he approached me and goes ‘I want to donate jackets to

every child who comes to friend relief program’,”MsKangrecalled.

But where from? Deli’s don’t have jackets. No problem. Mr Nguyen just wentoutandbought125ofthem.

“They’ve got tags on them,” Ms Kang saidofthebrandnewjackets.

“He asked me how many children we had and I gave him the numbers and sizes and he ordered them,” she added of the jackets of which about 60 per cent havealreadybeenallocated.

“Anyone with children we give them jackets,” Ms Kang said, pointing out that those unable to afford food likely can’t affordwarmclothingeither.

“We’reseeingpeoplewhoareverycold becausecostoflivingiscrazyrightnow.”

Andasforrecognition?

“The thing with Peter is that he’s not reallyintorecognition,”shesaid.

“Hejustsupportshiscommunity.”

Details:https://dsch.org.au/

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the

Reason for doing or not doing something (6)

In very high spirits (8)

Recipe (7)

'Lady Bird' Johnson (7)

Gathers dimensions (8)

Governs (5)

A form of pasta (8)

or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in 's'.

12 Stormy (11)

15 Fully informed; performing at the right rate (2,2,5)

17 Doppelganger (4-5)

18 Strata (6)

21 Holmes’ companion, Dr – (6)

23 Fruit (5)

25 Carpentry tool (5)

28 Tenanted (3)

3

1 What type of animal is the South African Boerboel?

2 Which Williams sister is

In which South American city is

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

Greening Brooklyn

Greening Brooklyn Together takes place on Friday 14 August, 10am–noon at 174 Old Geelong Road, Brooklyn. Help make Brooklyn greener by joining this community planting event. Volunteers from the community and local businesses are invited to work alongside the Brooklyn Recycling Group, Melbourne Water and Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek to plant native vegetation and enhance local habitat. No experience is needed.

Lisa, 0433 559 530, brooklynrecyclinggroup@outlook.com

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

Hobsons Bay Altona Garden Club. Come along to the garden club and enjoy an afternoon of discussions and talks about gardening. Guest speakers will discuss what is happening in the garden - keeping and looking after bees and the environment. Meetings are held at the Youth Hall corner of Civic Parade and Sugar Gum Drive, Altona on the third Monday of the month at 1pm.New members welcome.

Kay, 0411 793 534

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

Cards and conversation

Play cards and games at Altona North Library every Tuesday from 10am-noon. Free of charge, morning tea provided and no bookings required. Altona North Library corner of Millers and McArthurs roads, Altona North. 1300 179 944

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. Opportunities are currently available for treasurer and social media roles. Craig Eyes, 0408 055 125, @hbcommunityfund.org.au

Altona North grandparent playgroup

A friendly weekly opportunity for grandparents and their grandchildren to play, have a cuppa, cake and chat. Held from 10am-12pm on Mondays during school terms at Eastona Park Community Facility, 13 Collins Avenue Altona North (old kindergarten venue). Entry $5. Marnie, 0478 011 981

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, westgatebaptist.org.au/mainlymusic/

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

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely one/two hour walk around Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.30am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. John Becroft, 0418 377 336

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. Kaye, 9397 6168

Free English conversation classes

Practice speaking English 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, jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com

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 1311

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

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/

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

Dreams come Mac

Fleetwood Mac fans will have the chance to relive the magic of one of rock’s most enduring bands when Gypsy - The Australian Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show returnstoStoney’sClubinMaddingey.

Following a sold-out previous performance, the acclaimed tribute act is set to bring its faithful recreation of Fleetwood Mac’s timeless soundtrack to thevenueforonenightonlyonSaturday29 August.

Known for authentic musicianship and soaring harmonies, Gypsy will perform a collection of the band’s biggest and best-loved songs, spanning generations of musicfans.

FeaturingthetimelesssongsofFleetwood Mac, Gypsy delivers a polished live experience built around powerful vocals, rich harmonies, detailed musicianship andastrongvisualpresentation.

“Wehadsuchawonderfulresponsefrom thelocalaudiencelasttime,”thebandsaid.

have discovered the band more recently, the show promises an evening packed with familiar favourites and nostalgic moments.

The night also offers the chance to make an evening of it, with Stoney’s Club bistro openingfrom6pmaheadofthe9pmshow.

With the previous performance selling out, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early for what is expected to be anotherpopularnight.

Gypsy’s return to Stoney’s promises another memorable evening celebrating the music, memories and enduring magic ofFleetwoodMac.

Go star gazing during National Science Week

Curious minds wanted! National Science Week returns to Museums Victoria in 2026 with a jam-packed programofevents.

Between Saturday 15 and Sunday 23 August, science-lovers are invited behind-the-scenes at Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and IMAX Melbourneforexperttalks,hands-on workshopsandeye-openingtours.

“The room was full, the energy was incredible, and everyone made us feel completely at home. We’re genuinely excitedtoreturn.”

Whether Fleetwood Mac has been part of your musical journey for years or you

Gypsy – The Australian Fleetwood Mac Show will take place at Stoney’s Club, 59 Grant Street Maddingley, on Saturday 29 August.

Bookings recommended: https:// www.eventbrite.com.au/e/stoneys-clubpresents-gypsy-the-australian-fleetwoodmac-show-tickets-1993624971958.

Prog-rock opera After-Light will glow

A powerful new Australian rock opera will make its full theatrical debut in Macedon inAugust,withtheMountPlayersbringing After-Light to the stage for the first time in itscompleteform.

The production follows a successful preview at the 2024 Melbourne Fringe Festival, where members of the Mount Players committee first saw a condensed version of the work. After discussions with composer Zac Vanstone and creator and musical director Tom Foster, Mountview Theatre was chosen to premiere the full-scaleproduction.

Blending contemporary theatre with

progressive rock, After-Light features a seven-piece live band performing on stage alongside the cast, creating an immersive theatricalexperience.

The original production follows Boy, whomustconfrontthemistakesofhispast while trapped in a life-threatening coma.

As he battles addiction, paranoia and depression, he is forced to face his inner demonsandfindforgivenessifhehopesto awaken.

Vanstone said the work, which was written during the COVID-19 pandemic, explores themes of loss, healing and redemption.

“This is a show about learning how to let go,”hesaid.

“Following the break-up between Boy and Girl, Boy falls into a life-threatening coma. In order for Boy to wake, he must forgive the past, reconcile with the future andlearntoletgoofGirl.

“If Boy fails, his intrusive thoughts of addiction, paranoia and depression will consumehissoul.”

After-Light will be performed at Mountview Theatre, Smith Street, Macedon, from 14 to 30 August. Tickets are available through the Mount Players websiteorbycalling0419329052.

Barry’s brilliant apocalypse is coming to Footscray

After more than 20 years in development, Melbourne playwright Adrian DÁprano will finally bring his show, ’My Brilliant Apocalypse’, to the stage in Footscray next week and it sounds like he couldn’t have timeditmuchbetter.

Withbellicosebillionairesthrowingtheir weight and wallets around with increasing abandon, DÁprano said audiences would instantly recognise the play’s central character,theboof-headAussiebillionaire, BarryBrilliant.

“He’s a bit like the Aussie Trump,” D’Aprano said, adding that there was a touch of Clive Palmer and the late Kerry

Packerinthecharactertoo.

Whileinvokingthesenames-particularly that of the current occupant of the White House - might be an instant turn-off for some,D’Apranosaidthosewereexactlythe typeofpeoplewhoshouldcome.

“My Brilliant Apocalypse series gives Barry hell,” he said. “In part one he goes fromrichestoragsandendsuphomelesson thestreetswithoutanidentity.“

“Our 13 person ensemble brings to life howapersonlikeBarrydealsordoesn’tdeal withlosingeverything.”

Describing his creation as “a five part series with a Dickensian Christmas satire

spin-off,” D’ApranosaidBarrywasvariously hero,pawn,sageandspiritashejourneyed through life searching for meaning and purpose.

Heurgedaudiencestocomealongforthe ride.

“It’s a funny, fast-paced exploration of whatitistoexist:withinyourself,withinthe knownuniverse,orperhapsevenwithinan alternative universe that lives in someone else’shead!”

My Brilliant Apocalypse is on at the Bluestone Church Arts Space from 7-9 August. Tickets: https://www. mybrilliantapocalypse.com/tickets

As part of this annual celebration ofscienceandtechnology,Museums Victoria will showcase the work of its vital Research Institute, where scientists are actively decoding the natural world, from biodiversity and space science to deep-sea exploration.

With one of the nation’s largest museum-based scientific teams, the Museums Victoria Research Institute plays a crucial role in advancing discovery and shaping our understanding of life on Earth andbeyond.

This year’s National Science Week education theme is Seeds of Science: NurturingKnowledgeforAll,inviting students and the wider community toexplorethepowerofcuriosityand scientificinquiry.

Melbourne Museum is sowing seedsandnurturingknowledgewith two on-theme events: The Secret Life of Soil, an engaging panel talk about the microscopic organisms that shape healthy soil, featuring Gardening Australia’s Hannah Maloney; and Creative Lab: Seed Stories, a 45-minute workshop in which participants will investigate soil as a living system, select native seeds, and plant something meaningful to take home and continuecaringfor.

Science on Show is the place for visitorstoaskanyburningquestions, as they meet the scientists behind the Museum. Through pop-up talks, displays, and rarely seen specimens, visitors will gain insight into how MuseumsVictoriaResearchInstitute experts reveal hidden stories –from ancient fossils and deep-sea creatures to shimmering minerals andendangeredspecies.

While every week is science week at Scienceworks, the focus turns to the stars with a special Galileo Planetarium experience in collaboration with the Italian AustralianFoundation.

Guests will step into the Planetarium for an?engaging one-hour session that introduces Galileo’s life and historical context, then explores his key discoveries— such as the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, sunspots, and the ruggedsurfaceoftheMoon.??

Through immersive visuals and storytelling, discover how Galileo’s groundbreakingdiscoverieschanged our understanding of the universe. Stick around for gelato, pop-up activities and telescope viewing on ourArena(weather?permitting).?

No visit to Scienceworks is complete without Colour: See the World in a New Light, an interactive science exhibition from Questacon, featuring 21 playful exhibits that explore how colour is created, changed and understood. Visitors of all ages can experiment with colour, optics and light in this immersive exhibitionforthewholefamily.

TRADES & SERVICES

SPORTS QUIZ

1. With the nickname ‘Pogi’, which Slovenian cyclist won the 2026 Tour de France?

2. The governor of which US state proclaimed July 24, 2026 as ‘LeBron James

3. Teams including the Blaze, Talons and Volts play what sport in the US's AUSL?

4. The Commonwealth Games (then known as the British Empire Games) were first held in which

Mayo defeated which Gaelic football team in the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final?

Australian all-rounder Ash Gardner last captained which Women’s Big Bash League team?

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game was held in which US city?

Finnie, the official mascot of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, is what type of legendary creature?

9. Which two Australian states will host AFL State of Origin matches over the next three years?

10. Which game involving dropping sticks into running water under a bridge was first mentioned in a book by A. A. Milne?

11. Which four teams competed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals?

12. In what year will the next FIFA Women’s World Cup take place?

13. And where will it be hosted?

14. How many stages are there in the men’s Tour de France?

15. And how many days are the stages held over?

16. Which country in the 2026 Commonwealth Games has the highest population?

17. Which three basketballers feature on the covers of NBA 2K27?

18. Cathy Engelbert is the commissioner of which US sporting league?

19. What was significant about the John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut match at Wimbledon 2010?

20. Rollin’(AirRaidVehicle) by Limp Bizkit was the entrance theme for which professional wrestler from 2000 to 2002?

21. In which sport might someone achieve a ‘turkey’?

22. Which teenager did CIES value at €358M post the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making him football's most expensive player?

23. Blernsball is a fictional sport from which TV show?

24. And which sport is it based on?

25. Madison Square Garden is home to which two professional sports teams?

26. Which footballer was responsible for the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal in 1986?

27. In lawn bowls, what is the name of the smaller ball that players try to roll their bowl closest to?

28. In which sport will referees call a ‘delayed penalty’?

29. AFL team Greater Western Sydney shares its nickname with which MLB team?

30. True or false: swimming is featured in the modern pentathlon event at the Olympics?

Hyundai’s first build in China

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Koreans don’t get to drive the Hyundai Elexio.

They get the Kia equivalent instead – the EV5.

Built in China, it’s the first Hyundai to be manufactured outside of South Korea, no doubt in an endeavour to reduce costs and makethecarmorecompetitive.

ElexiositsbetweentheKonaElectricand Ioniq5intermsofsize,butisquitedifferent indesign,withatallboxybody.

It’s a made-up name, created especially for the five-seat EV and means nothing in particular – in fact it has been renamed Eo fortheChinesemarket.

Styling

The styling brings to mind the third generation Kia Soul, particularly those Z-shapedrearpillarsandtailgate.

The eye-catching headlights incorporate eightcrystalcubes,supposedlyanodtothe luckynumber8inChineseculture.

There’s just the one grade so far, the front-wheel drive Elite priced from $59,990 driveaway.

Arange-opening,entrygradeisexpected to be added before the end of the second quarter–that’scar-speakforacheaperone.

Elexio, we’re told, is a family-focused, perfectlysizedEVthatispackedwithsmart features, showcasing a futuristic style inside and out with a sleek, minimalist layout.

Generous interior space combines with intuitiveconvenienceanddriverassistance technology to provide a practical and desirableall-electricSUV.

“As the first vehicle exported from our Beijing Hyundai joint venture, it demonstrates how we are leveraging our global manufacturing capabilities to deliver exceptional value to customers,” HyundaichiefexecutiveJoséMuñozsaid.

That may be so, but the size and placementofthelargeinfotainmentscreen isconfronting.

Thelong,skinny27-inchscreenstretches from the centre of the dash away from the driver, terminating in front of the passenger.

How this can be described as ‘practical’ is eminently debatable. It does, however, facilitate the operation of several arcade-style games that can consume the entire screen when opened.

That said they can be played only when the car is stationary and presumably in Park.

After a few minutes the kids quickly lost interest.

The bone-coloured upholstery in our test vehicle is not what we’d call family friendly either.

Sitting at the base of the windscreen, a new-generation, projector-based head-up displayreplacesaconventionalinstrument cluster.

With a 30,000:1 high contrast ratio, readability should be exceptional in any lightingconditions.

But like the head-up displays of other manufacturers it is almost totally invisible to anyone who wears polarised sunglasses. When are they going to recognise and address this issue (or is the problem that it cannotbefixed)?

Elite features the usual assortment of features, including dual-zone climate air, partial leather trim, power-adjust driver and passenger front seats that are both heated and cooled, plus a heated leather steeringwheel.

There’s also automatic parking using the smartkey,autohighbeam,LEDlightsfront

and rear, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming rear-view mirror, front, side and rear parking sensors and a power operated tailgate – but oddly no sign of a sunroof.

Elexio is covered by a seven-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty, with eightyear/160,000km cover for the high-voltage battery.

Infotainment

Elexio introduces Connect-C based on the fullAndroidAutomotiveOperatingSystem.

Infotainment consists of the aforementioned 27-inch 4K screen, together with Bluetooth, voice recognition, navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired and wireless CarPlay and AndroidAuto.

Surprisingly, however, audio is supplied byanunbrandedsix-speakersoundsystem.

There are also two wireless charging pads and five USB-C ports (three in front), Bluelink connected car services with five-year complimentary access, plus over-the-airupdates.

A Smart Scene system underpins convenience and comfort with rapid heating/cooling, camping, carwash and babyrestmodes.

A 240 volt three-pin power outlet is located in the luggage area for powering externalequipment.

Safety

Elexio has been awarded a full five stars for crashsafetybytheANCAP organisation, based on testing of the closely-relatedKiaEV5.

There’s a total of nine airbags, with rear side thorax airbags and a centre airbag that gives added protection to front seat occupantsinsideimpactcrashes.

A comprehensive suite of Advanced DriverAssistanceSystems(ADAS)includes second-generation Collision-avoidance Assist2,HighwayDrivingAssist2andLane FollowingAssist2technologies.

There’s also Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction and Crossing, and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist, lane departure warning and emergency lane keeping, blind-spot collision avoidance-assist, and an advanced speed assistance system with aspeedsignrecognition.

Powertrain

Elexio is powered by a single electric motor with 160kW of power and 310Nm of torque,

with drive to the front wheels via a single-speed reduction gear transmission (the electrical equivalentofaCVT).

Driving

Built on Hyundai’s dedicated 400-volt E-GMP platform, the five-seat, front-wheel drive EV tipsthescalesatahefty2105kg.

It measures 4615mm long, 1875mm wide and stands 1673mm high, with a 2750mm wheelbase.

RATINGS

Looks: 7

Performance: 7

Safety: 8

Thirst: 7.5

Practicality: 8

Comfort: 7

Tech: 7.5

Value: 7

Overall: 7.4

Luggage capacity is 506 litres, expanding to 1540 litres with the rear seats folded.

A tyre repair kit is provided in the event ofapuncture.

Buildqualityisfirstrate,buttheambience feelsoverlyfunctionalandutilitarian.

Running your hands over the cabin surfaces reveals some hard plastics, but thankstocleverdesign–nothingisdirectly inlineofsight.

Although the lower console area provides plenty of storage for loose items, two cupholders and two phone chargers dominate the upper area, leaving little spaceformuchatall.

This is Hyundai’s first BEV to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) rather than Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) technology,withalargish88.1kWhbattery pack.

With energy consumption cited at 18.2 kWh per 100km, range for the Elite grade with20-inchwheelsisaclaimed546km.

A heat pump reduces the amount of energy required by the air conditioning, helpingtoextendtherange.

Charging at a rate of up to 150kW using a DCfastchargertakes38minutesfrom10to 80percent(that’s70percentor382km).

AC charging at a rate of up to 11kW with three-phase wall charger takes 10 hours from zero to 100 percent (15 hours with standardsinglephase).

Like other Hyundais, the ride and handling have been tuned for Australian roadconditions.

This one rides on 20-inch wheels, with 255/45 profile Kumho Ecsta rubber, sacrificing16kmofrange.

The ride is on the firm side, but infinitely preferable to some of the soggy fortune cookieswegettodrive.

Eco, Normal, Snow and Sport drive modes are provided, along with paddles to modulate the effects of regenerative braking.

While the Elexio goes well, it lacks the

excitement that we have come to associate with EVs, especially acceleratingawayfromthelights. Atthesametime,itistargetedat families,sothisisunderstandable. Thescreenfeaturesarearranged version of the panels found in otherHyundaimodels.

Instead of climate control, a small5.0-inchsectionisdevotedto driver information and is located withineasysightattheendclosest tothedriver.

A 12.3-inch middle section is occupied by Android Auto when it is active while another 12.3-inch section furthest from the driver handles the entertainment – at least that’s the way it looks.

Just about everything is controlled from the screen, which can be challenging when you’re in a hurry or simply on the move.

It supports hidden voice-activated tools like horoscopes, calculator, unit converter, currency exchange, date/time in other cities,andflightstatuschecks.

Using what is known as NFC technology, the car can be opened and started using a mobilephone,inthesamewaythatonecan payforthingswithaphone.

There’s no tailgate release in the cabin, but you can ask Google to ‘open tailgate’ –butnotcloseit.

The sound system, though unbranded as noted previously, delivers quite good sound.

In a minor glitch, the tyre pressure monitoring system reported there was a problem with one of the tyres the entire timewehadthecar.

But the system showed all tyres with a pressure of 34 psi and a visual inspection revealed none of the tyres appeared to be low.

Ratedat18.2kWh,weclockedupbetween 14.9 and 16.7 kWh/100km over the course of the week and almost 300km of mixed driving, with the trip computer showing a long-term average of 18.2kWh/100km after morethan2600km.

Summing up

Not sure what it is about the Hyundai Elexio,butwedidn’twarmtothismodel.

The ice cube headlights are pretty cool and the car is certainly practical enough, evenforanEV.

Performance is middle of the road but that’s okay for a family-focused wagon, it just lacks some character – some Soul perhaps.

Top four teams locked in

By Tara Murray

Yarraville Seddon caused an upset win againstWerribeeCentralsasWestFootscray sealed its top four spot in the Western Football League women’s competition.

The Eagles needed to beat the Centurions on Saturday if they were to have any chance of sneaking into the top four.

The Eagles got off to the better start of the two teams and led 22-0 at half time.

They were able to extend the margin to 36 points heading into the final quarter.

The Centurions came home strongly but the Eagles had done the damage already as they won, 6.6 (42)-4.3 (27).

XantheChardandKatelynKissackkicked two goals each for the Eagles.

Pippa Nolan, Maggie Logan and Chard were named the Eagles best.

While the Eagles got the points, West Footscray ended their top four hopes along with that of the Suns.

The Roosters just needed a win against the Suns to finish in the top four. They started well and led by 10 points at

quarter time and 14 points at half time.

The margin was extended to 21 points at three quarter time.

It was one goal apiece in the final quarter, with the Roosters winning 5.8 (38)-2.3 (15).

It was all single goalkickers for the Roosters,withBoCrabtree,LauraLittlepage and Kaila Ducret named their best.

Jamie Te Pania, Bonnie Lea Brown and Matilda Brown were named the Suns best.

The results have the Roosters in fourth spot, a game and massive percentage ahead of the Eagles with Laverton and the Suns a further game back.

In other results on Saturday, Laverton, Parkside and Wyndhamvale all had

Double joy for Falcons through to prelims

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons have nothing to lose asboththeirsideswonthroughtoVictorian Netball League preliminary finals.

The Falcons have already succeeded their expectations for this season, with both sides now only one win away from a grand final.

The Falcons are the only club with both sides through to the final three in the championship and 23 and under competition.

“It’s an excellent result I would not have thought at the start of the year,” Falcons’ head coach Marg Lind.

“To have two teams in the top three at least … Bring it on, we have nothing to lose.

“We finished in a position that we didn’t think we would finish, we thought we would just be pushing to make finals with all the changes that we had and losing Maddie Romios through the year as well.

“We’ll give it a crack next week and see what happens.”

The Falcons championship side kept theirhopesofafifthstraightchampionship alive with a 64-58 win against the Bendigo Strikers in a knockout semi final.

Things didn’t start well for the Falcons who trailed by five goals at quarter time.

“I think they were too excited from barracking for the 23s,” Lind said.

“They were a bit asleep. We just weren’t competitive and making really not intelligent decisions, probably not the word that I used during the game.

“They were just not thinking.”

Lind said once they started to chip the ball around and isolated Jane Cook one-on-one with Charlotte Sexton more they were able to turn things around.

The Falcons led by two goals at the next two breaks before running away with it in the last quarter.

Lind said injecting Lauren Hucker into the game in defence was a really big move for them.

“We turned the game back around quicker than I thought,” she said.

“Lauren came on with intention, you want to win finals and you have to have intent and she did and she stayed on.

“We split the rink in the second half as well, and that worked.”

Lind said captain Maggie Lind really stepped up in the second half and took a lot of balls, while Liv Cameron was also good after the main break which made a difference.

Jane Cook shot 55 goals for the Falcons.

The Falcons 23 and under side also had a

slowstartagainsttheMelbourneUniversity Lightning, trailing by eight goals at quarter time.

After some positional changes the Falcons got back into the game and were able to hold their nerve late to win, 57-55.

Lind said they were thrilled with that performance.

“I think they problem solved a bit better and they got aggressive,” she said. ”You’re in a final, you have to go. The right changes worked and the match ups were a lot better and it made a big difference.”

Mikayla

Minns, Amelia Holland and

all had strong games for the Falcons.

Molly Moylan showed why Lind said pre-season she’s a potential championship player.

“She is a deadeye and courageous,” she said. “Four minutes to go and really tight and she did not hesitate, she took the shot.”

Both sides will play the minor premiers on Wednesday night in preliminary finals. The championship side will face the Hawks and the 23s will play the Geelong Cougars.

big wins. The Magpies were in action against North Footscray.

Laverton showed its scoring power in the 33.11 (20(0-0.4 (4) win.

Kayla Ravanello kicked nine goals, while Shae-Lee Murphy-Burke kicked seven goals and Sina Mason kicked six goals.

Murphy Burke, Bella Page and Ravanello were named the Magpies best.

For the Devils, Samantha Evans, Amy Duggan and Mikaela Stores were named their best.

Parkside Spurs continued their unbeaten run as they accounted for Caroline Springs, 20.24 (144)-0.0 (0).

Giselle Lambley kicked five goals for the Spurs, while six other players kicked two goals apiece.

Rita Ceravolo, Naomi Diong and Giselle Lambley were named the Spurs best. Wyndhamvalelockedinsecondspotwith a 14.19 (103)-0.0 (0) win against the Point Cook Centrals.

Jessica Spall kicked four goals in the win with Chloe Prior named their best.

Mitchell stands down as coach

Footscray has announced that Dan Mitchell has coached his last match as the club’s Hockey Victoria men’s premier league coach.

The club announced on Sunday that Mitchell had stepped down.

“For five years, Dan has been so much more than a coach to Footscray Hockey Club,” men’s director Colin Keating said.

“Hehasbeenadrivingforcebehind the development of our senior and junior programs, consistently raising the bar for high performance across the entire men’s section of the club.

“Under his guidance, our premier league team reached the finals twice and, more importantly, built a culture of passion and pride that will long outlast his time with us — a culture Dan embodied through his own actions every single day.

“Dan’stalenthasn’tgoneunnoticed beyond Footscray. During his tenure with us, he’s taken on head coach roles across state and national programs.”

Mitchell was recenlty appointed coach of the Adelaide Fire men’s Hockey One team.

Mitchell said he was proud of his time at the club and had given everything that he could.

“I’ve always invested heavily in the people and programs I’ve been fortunate enough to lead,” he said.

“Whether it was planning sessions, mentoring players, supporting volunteers or trying to create an environment where people could become the best version of themselves, I’ve always tried to give everything I had.

“Thisdecisionisn’tabouttheclubor the people within it. It’s my decision.

“To the players, thank you. Coaching you has been the greatest privilege of my time at the club.”

Mitchellfinishedhistimeincharge at the Bulldogs with a with a 6-1 loss to Melbourne University.

The Bulldogs sit 10th on the ladder. Paul Schram will take the reins of the premier league team on an interim basis, with support from Lach Anderson.

Anderson will coach the side while Schram is away at National Country Championships this week.

Maidstone is flying high

By Tara Murray

Maidstone United couldn’t have asked for a better season so far in the FV state league 6 north-west competition.

Having set the bar high when pre-season started, Maidstone sits atop the state league 6 north-west ladder with four rounds remaining.

It has been more than a year since the side has lost a game.

Coach Nick Vouris said they couldn’t have asked for much more.

“It’s going really well and the boys have done well,” he said. “It’s quite a milestone [undefeated in 12 months] and it’s a testament to how hard we worked in the pre-season.

“The boys came back in October-November and we set the goal to try and win the league.

“We want to be a team that goes through

the ranks. We’re going really well.”

Maidstone has faced some new challenges this year with teams from the north and west coming together in one division.

Vouris said it had really shown the character of the group and its been able to take each challenge on.

“Preparation has been the key.”

Maidstone sits on top of the ladder, two points clear of Hume Bulls.

Vouris said they couldn’t have asked for a better story than their fate being in their own hands.

“If you had asked us in January where we wanted to be, this was the spot,” he said.

“Everything is in our own hands. We’re two points clear on top and undefeated all year, we couldn’t have asked for more.”

Maidstone had a 4-0 win against West Point on Saturday.

Four goals in the first half set up the win, with Mohamed Taoumi scoring twice.

Vouris said they were happy with how they played and they stuck to their game plan.

“He said that because they are at the top of the table, everyone is going to throw everything at them.”

“They have a lot of experience and a couple of younger players,” he said.

“We knew what they would do and how they would set up with their style.

“We tried to counteract through preparation through their weaknesses and we set up a way that we could get the outcome and the result we wanted.”

While there is a bye this weekend, Maidstone has a catch up match against the Bulls.

“It’s one versus two,” Vouris said. “It’s a top of the table clash.

“If we win we go five points clear at the top of the table. It’s the biggest game of the year.”

Wigmore has a big All-Australian impact

By Tara Murray

Western Jets’ Billy Wigmore was just focused on his own game and trying to help Vic Metro win the under-18 national championships, he wasn’t thinking about higher honours. So when he found out that he had been named in the All-Australian team, it came as a shock.

“It was massive and such an amazing honour,” Wigmore said.

“I was grateful for the experience and it was cool to finish it off being named in the All-Australian team.

“It hadn’t crossed my mind. I just wanted to win games and play good footy. I didn’t think about it until it came out, which was a good thing.”

Vic Metro went through the championships undefeated and were crowned the champions.

Wigmore said it was a pretty special moment.

“You only play a couple of games together and it’s so cool and it was an amazing time.”

Wigmore came away from the champi-

onships happy with his own performances personally.

He was a key member of Vic Metro’s backline.

“I had a few games where I played well and there were a few games where I didn’t get to do a lot as it didn’t come down back,” he said.

“I was able to show my strengths and we had the ability to win games and it was a good team performance.

“My goal was to show my strengths.”

Wigmore said while he wanted to be part of the Metro team this year, his first focus was playing well with the Western Jets.

“It was a goal that was in the back of my mind,” he said. “Playing with the Western Jets I had a really good start to the season.

“The closer the champs came and I was in the squad, it was pretty cool.”

Wigmore has played a key role in the Jets success so far this season.

Having played 11 matches the Jets have an 8-3 record, including winning their last seven games.

“It’s so cool and it’s an amazing group,” he said. “I’ve never felt this before with a

Sports shorts

VTCA

Seddon has signed Robert Renforth for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association season. Renforth joins the Dockers from Stretford in the UK’s Greater Manchester Cricket League, where he has established himself as a competitive opening bowler. His consistent performances were recognised with the Stretford first XI bowler of the year award in the 2025 season. “Bringing strong leadership, coaching experience and proven on-field performances, Rob will be a fantastic addition to the Dockers both on and off the field,” the club said.

NPL

Altona Magic held Caroline Springs George Cross to a draw in the National Premier League on Saturday. Scores were locked at 1-1 apiece at half time before, the Magic took the lead through Hiyori Kawaguchi, The Georgies responded not long after to level the scores, with neither side able to find a winner. The Magic sits ninth on the ladder, with seven wins and six draws. In the Victorian Premier League 2 competition, Altona City had a 3-2 loss to Essendon Royals on Friday night. Altona City sits 13th on the ladder.

Big V

rep team.

“We’re a super tight bunch and mates who play together which is so much fun.

“It’s cool to be able to do it.

“We’ve not had much success in the past and we want to put the Jets on the map.”

Now with Vic Metro commitments done, Wigmore is keen to help the Jets continue on their winning ways.

For Wigmore, it’s another highlight in his junior career having played with Yarraville Seddon.

“I’ve absolutely loved it,” he said. “I played with a bunch of mates coming through and it’s something I’m grateful for.

“I’ve played in two flags in under-16s and it’s not often you win flags with your mates.”

Wigmore says he watches his favourite player Tom Stewart, who is the type of player he wants to be.

He’s hoping that maybe later this year he might be on an AFL list like Stewart.

“That’s not my focus at the moment,” he said. “I want to get back to the Jets and win games.

“Closer to the end of the year if I end up on a list that would be a dream come true.”

The Altona Gators finished their Big V men’s division 1 season with a big loss to the Western Port Steelers. The Gators, who will finish bottom, proved no match for the Steelers who won, 126-50. The Steelers dominated every quarter, with the lowest quarter margin 12 points. Thomas Fritz top scored with 13 points for the Gators who had just six players play. The Gators women finished the regular season with a 90-54 loss to minor premiers Melbourne University, 90-54. The Gators have a bye in the first week of finals.

Talent League

The Western Jets boys side had a big win against the Geelong Falcons on Saturday. Travelling down to Geelong, the Jets won, 14.9 (93)-4.9 (33). Khaled El souki kicked five goals for the Jets and was named among the best with Mac Dullard and Lachlan Hicks.

FOR MORE SPORT VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklysport @star_weekly

Parkside is on the move

By Tara Murray

Parkside will play in the Essendon District Football League next season.

The Essendon District and Western football leagues announced on Monday that Parkside’s application to join the EDFL from the WFL had been successful.

As revealed by Star Weekly last month, Parkside had notified the AFL Victoria community manager of its intention to enter the EDFL from the WFL for season 2027.

As part of the initial plans, the club also informed the EDFL that it has in principle, agreed to amalgamate-merge with the Ascot Vale Panthers Junior Football Club prior to the 2027 EDFL season.

In the joint statement on Monday, league presidents Sebastian Buccheri and Sandra Wilson, acknowledged AFL Victoria’s approval of Parkside’s transfer to the EDFL.

“The decision follows AFL Victoria’s Community Affiliate Regulations process and concludes a period of consultation involving all relevant stakeholders,” the statement said.

“The transfer of Parkside Football Club reflects the club’s individual circumstances and strategic direction.

“Both leagues recognise the importance of clubs having clear pathways to support their long-term sustainability and growth.

“Throughout the process, the WFNL and EDFL have worked collaboratively and respectfully to ensure the application was considered in accordance with AFL Victoria’s established framework.

“Both leagues remain committed to supporting the best interests of community football and providing strong, sustainable competitions for clubs, participants, volunteers, and supporters.”

The Western league thanked Parkside for its contribution to the league.

Parkside was a founding member of the former Footscray District Football League (FDFL), now known as the WFL, and has been an integral part of football in Melbourne’s west for more than 90 years.

The statement said the WFL remains well-positioned for the future, underpinned by continued participation growth, increased investment in club development and governance programs, and a strong commitment to supporting member clubs, volunteers, and participants across Melbourne’s western region.

The statement said the EDFL looks forward to welcoming Parkside into its competition structure from 2027 and supporting the club’s continued development within its new environment.

The WFNL and EDFL remain commit-

Aoife shows resilience to win Games silver

By Tara Murray

One Commonwealth Games medal is coming back to the Resilience Training Centre in Footscray.

Four athletes, Tinka Easton, Maeve and Aoife Coughlan, and Danny Vojnikovich, were all part of Australia’s Commonwealth Games team.

Easton was the first of the four in action on day eight of the competition as she looked to defend her title in the 52 kilogram women’s event.

After a quarter final win, Easton lost in the semi finals before losing in the bronze medal match to come home empty handed.

The other three athletes were all in action on day nine of the competition.

All three went straight through to the quarter finals.

Aoife, who was also looking to defend her title in the 70 kilogram women’s event, finished with silver.

She won both her quarter finals and semi finals to win through to the gold medal match.

In what was one of the most anticipated

events of the judo program, the defending Birmingham champion Aoife Coughlan faced England’s Kelly Petersen-Pollard.

In an exhaustive 8.17 minutes, the Victorian eventually claimed silver on her second showing at the Games.

Vojnikovich made it through to the semi finals where he lost to Remi Feuillet, 100-0.

It meant he faced home crowd favourite, Scotland’s Scott Cusack for a bronze medal.

Moving through to golden score, Vojnikovich held out against deafening roars from the crowd, but after close to six minutes, the 21-year-old eventually placed fifth after accumulating one too many penalties.

Cusack won 100-0.

Maeve, who was making her Games debut, lost in the quarter finals to Rita Kabinsa, 11-0.

She then lost in the repechage, 100-0 to South Africa’s Skye Knoester.

In other results, t was bittersweet for the Australian Diamonds who won bronze.

After losing the semi final to Jamaica, 46-45, the Diamonds, including former City West Falcons Liz Watson and Kate Moloney, bounced back in the bronze medal match to beat England, 68-50.

ted to maintaining a positive working relationship and collaborating on matters that support the continued growth and sustainability of community football across metropolitan Melbourne.

Parkside on its social media pages said while its a massive moment for the club it’s firmly focused on finals.

Both its men’s and women’s sides are set to feature in finals.

“This is a big moment for our club and one we have considered carefully with our membership,” the club said. “We believe it is in the best interest of our long-term sustainability.

“We are incredibly grateful to the WFNL for their support and partnership over the years and throughout this process. The EDFL have also been terrific as we work through what this change looks like for 2027.”

Burns signs with Melbourne Aces

Sydney-born utilityman Jake Burns has officially signed with the Melbourne Aces for the 2026-27 season, marking his first summer with the club.

The 23-year-old left-handed bat joins a growing Aces roster featuring cornerstone returnees Aaron Whitefield, Darryl George, Chris Burke, Jarrod Belbin and Ulrich Bojarski.

Burns brings an impressive professional resume to Melbourne, already entering his seventh season of pro baseball with experience across Australia, the United States and the international stage.

His career includes a three-season stint in the St. Louis Cardinals organisation from 2021 to 2023, where he played from Rookie Ball to Single-A after signing with the club as a 16-year-old.

Across 69 games and 238 plate appearances in the Cardinals system, Burns hit two home runs, added 10 doubles, drove in 17 runs and reached base at a .317 clip while primarily playing catcher.

Between his American summers, Burns continued to develop domestically in Australia, suiting up for the Sydney Blue Sox from 2020 to 2024 before joining the Brisbane Bandits from 2024 to 2026 in the Australian Baseball League.

Watson played most of the game at wing attack, while Moloney played the whole game in centre.

Uneeq Palavi, who is still a City West Falcons player, led the Tongan side to ninth spot despite dislocating her finger in the first game.

She was one of the leading goal scorers of the tournament.

Peter Bol, who lives in the 3032 postcode, faded in the men’s 800 metres final to finish seventh.

Overall, the Australians topped the medal tally with 171 medals.

There were 70 gold medals, 45 silver and 56 bronze medals won by Australian athletes.

For the locals, there were some mixed results.

Keilor Thunder’s Lara McSpadden won gold in the women’s 3×3 basketball.

The Australian team went through undefeated despite being a player down in the finals, with Emma Clarke injured.

Taylors Lakes’ Jacob Cassar won silver in the 65 kilogram men’s boxing.

Cassar was a previous winner of the monthly Don Deeble sports award.

During that time, he expanded his defensive versatility, adding first base and right field to his profile.

Burns has also represented Australia across several national team pathways, including WBSC under-15, under-18 and Team Australia under-23 squads.

He was also selected for Team Australia at the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship and served as bullpen catcher during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Now, Burns brings 145 games of professionalexperiencetoMelbourne as he prepares to begin the next chapter of his career with the Aces. Burns is the first new signing announced for the Aces for the upcoming season.

The Aces will be looking to have a second strong season out of the Australian Baseball League.

The Aces played in the International Baseball Showdown last season, while facing Korean teams both home and away.

TIPPING 2026