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16 SEPTEMBER, 2026

Golf for good

Rotary Club of Williamstown member Charlie Barnett and past president Daniel Keas get some practice in at Kooringal Golf Club where the annual Tony Boyd Memorial Golf Day will be held on 30 September. (Damjan Janevski) 574950_01

Golfers taking to the fairways and greens of Altona’s Kooringal Golf Club on 30 September will be pursuing something more important than just shooting a low score. Rather than chasing birdies, golfers teeing up on the last Wednesday of the month will be chasing a fundraising target as part of the Rotary Club of Williamstown’s annual Tony Boyd Memorial Golf Day. Raising funds for a cancer wellness and accommodation centre project by Rotary linked not-for-profit RoCan Ltd, the golf day is an 18-hole Ambrose event for teams of four. The day will begin with registrations and refreshments from 11am, before a shotgun start 12.30pm. Entry costs $160 per player or $600 for a group of four and all entries and payments must be received by Friday 18 September. To enter and for more details on the Tony Boyd Memorial Golf Day, visit: www.rotarywilliamstown.org.au Players who would like to hire a buggy can do so by contacting the Kooringal Golf Shop on 9315 0855.

Parking squeeze A man living near the new Footscray Hospital claims he is unable to have visitors to his home and sometimes can’t even get his own car out due to the amount of hospital staff parking in his street. Mick Sheehan lives at the southern end of Creswick Street, just a few blocks to the west of the new hospital. Unlike the rest of Creswick Street or any other thoroughfare in the surrounding area, the section near Mr Sheehan’s home doesn’t have any parking restrictions,

which he said had made it the de facto hospital car park since the $1.5 billion facility opened in February. “The hospital staff flock here in droves,” Mr Sheehan said of the 14-hour period each weekday when demand for parking was at its peak. “Friends and relatives can’t come over, health workers can’t come over, tradesmen can’t come here,” he said. The lack of space wasn’t just an issue for visitors searching for a park, but also for residents trying to get their cars out of one, with Mr Sheehan claiming vehicles were often packed in so tightly that it was

impossible to move. “There are times when I can’t even leave,” he said incredulously, before pointing out the obvious: that no, there wasn’t off-street parking either. “Cars weren’t invented when this house was built.” Mr Sheehan said he had no problem with hospital staff, instead blaming Maribyrnong council for causing the problem by not having uniform parking rules for the entire area. He called on council to either add parking permits to the southern end of Creswick Street or remove them entirely.

Maribyrnong council acting chief executive Mike McIntosh said council was aware of the issue and working on a response. “Council officers are reviewing this in context of other possible changes in the area and will be updating residents of streets most impacted by increased demand for parking generated by the hospital, including those in Creswick Street,” Mr McIntosh said. A Western Health spokesperson said it respected the right of local residents to access parking and encouraged staff to use public transport where possible.

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No permission for power poles By Cade Lucas Maribyrnong council has accused power company Jemena of using nature strips and footpaths to install giant new power poles without its permission. Earlier this month Jemena paused its roll-out of the five-storey concrete power poles following outcry from Yarraville, West Footscray and Tottenham residents over the disruption the installation works had caused and the lack of consultation beforehand. Residents of one Yarraville street even parked vehicles over pits dug for the poles, while others reportedly filled them with

green waste so they couldn’t be installed. While conceding Jemena didn’t need council’s planning approval for the works, Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said the company did need its permission to work within the road reserve, including footpaths, nature strips, and gutters, and that earlier this year it had contacted council about obtaining these permits. “Those permits were not approved,” Cr Semra said, adding that he’d recently met with Jemena to express council’s and the community’s concerns about the 15-metre power poles, which are almost twice as high as the wooden poles they’re replacing.

The high-voltage poles are designed to support increased power loads, including from data centres. “The size and width of the poles that have been installed for the data centre are particularly concerning,” Cr Semra said. “We are pushing for this infrastructure to be underground.” The mayor said Maribyrnong council would invite the relevant state and federal ministers and energy authorities to visit the area and see the impact of the new poles first-hand. In a statement to Star Weekly, a spokesperson for Jemena didn’t address council’s claim that it used road reserves with-

out permission or indicate how long the roll-out would be paused for, but said the company had taken concerns about the new power poles on board. “We recognise that this project has raised genuine concerns within the community, and in response we have paused the works program while we take stock, engage with stakeholders, and consider how we can improve our approach,” the spokesperson said. “We are also aware of concerns raised by council and are using this time to review and strengthen our communication and engagement approach with council moving forward.”

A rendering of the proposed social housing development in Power Street Williamstown. (Kerstin Thompson Architects Pty Ltd)

Power Street homes approved

Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care group member Sandy Webb and president David Speller celebrate the $10,000 coastal care grant they have recently received. (Damjan Janevski) 573367_02

Jawbone care group gets coast care grant More school kids will be able to experience the rare flora and fauna of the Williamstown coastline thanks to a funding grant awarded to the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care Group. The group was awarded almost $10,000 in the latest round of the state government’s Coast Care grants program which president David Speller said would go towards running education trips for school children to the sanctuary. “The main thing it does is to cover bus costs for students to come across. The schools we work in are often pretty disadvantaged,” Mr Speller said.

“It allows us to cover costs that we would struggle to cover otherwise. It also allows schools to do things they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise either.” For the schools, that includes visiting the marine sanctuary and receiving education sessions from specialist marine biologists, as well as Indigenous educators. “We also work with some Indigenous people to teach kids about connection to land and some aspects of Indigenous culture as well,” Mr Speller said. However, it’s not just school groups from far-

flung parts of Melbourne that come to visit the marine sanctuary. Mr Speller said students from the nearby Williamstown High School recently made the short trip to Jawbone as well. “We had a session teaching their outdoor education students about Indigenous culture and engaging with the environment and doing some cooking with indigenous ingredients as well,” he said. For more information on the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care Group: https://www.jawbone.org.au/

Seven seasons screening to celebrate biodiversity month To celebrate biodiversity month in Hobsons Bay, a documentary screening and nature journaling workshop will be held on Saturday 19 September. Taking place at the Newport Community Hub from 10.30am-2.45pm, the event will begin with the screening of 7Seasons, a documentary celebrating Indigenous knowledge and the young people at the forefront of climate action. Directed by Clancy Lester and produced by Max Shannon, the documentary highlights the role that Indigenous knowledge holders are playing in combating the impacts of climate change on

the environment. The screening will be followed by an interactive panel discussion featuring Indigenous knowledge holders Jaeden Williams-Briggs, a Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung people and Kai Lane, a Yorta-Yorta and Barapa-Barapa man; along with educator Jo Connor from Environmental Education Victoria, and 7Seasons producer Max Shannon. Children can enjoy a nature-inspired collage activity while adults take part in the conversation. There will be a hands-on Boonwurrung seasons nature journaling work-

2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 September, 2026

shop which will be run in partnership with Jaeden Williams-Briggs and Environmental Education Victoria. The journaling workshop will help families explore local biodiversity and learn how Indigenous perspectives of the seasons can improve understanding and care for the natural world. Suitable for families, nature lovers and anyone curious about Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and caring for the environment, the event is free, but bookings are essential. Details: https://tinyurl.com/549thbz3

A five-storey social housing complex will be built in Williamstown after the state government agreed to amend the Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme to allow a vacant block of land to be developed. Last week, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved amendment C147hbay to rezone land at 5 Power Street from transport, public park and recreation to residential growth, paving the way for 65 social housing apartments to be built there. The decision was announced in a letter sent on 9 September to residents who made submissions to the Department of Transport and Planning, opposing the rezoning and development. Earlier this year, a petition opposing the Power Street apartment complex on the grounds that it would increase traffic congestion, put further strain on existing infrastructure, was out of scale with neighbouring buildings, and presented a safety risk to children and pedestrians from the nearby train station, childcare centre, and schools, attracted more than 600 signatures. Similar arguments were made on local Facebook groups last week after the rezoning was announced, with opponents labelling the decision a “huge mistake”, “disappointing” and “disgraceful”, while one commenter likened it to the decision to permanently close Champion Road as part of the nearby Newport level crossing removal project. Among those commenting on the issue was Paul Lindemann, the Liberal Party candidate for Williamstown at November’s state election, who said he’d already contacted opposition housing spokesperson David Southwick asking what could be done. However, current Williamstown MP Melissa Horne expressed support for the development, arguing it would provide homes for vulnerable people amidst a national housing crisis, a point reiterated by a spokesperson for the state government. “This project will deliver vital social and affordable homes in a well-serviced part of Williamstown, close to public transport, schools, open space and shops,” the spokesperson said. Earlier this year Hobsons Bay council gave its backing to the project by endorsing a motion in support of a social housing development at 5 Power Street Williamstown at its meeting on Tuesday 24 March.

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Police academy promise A police training academy will be opened in the western suburbs, if Labor is re-elected in November. Premier Ben Carroll made the announcement on Sunday following calls from council’s across Melbourne’s northwest for a regional police training academy. The announcement followed calls from Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Melton, Wyndham and Hume councils for the the state government to establish the academy, arguing more needed to be done to tackle police numbers and crime. The mayors and chief executives of the

six councils wrote to Mr Carroll and Police Minister Paul Edbrooke, stating that the facility that would make it easier for locals to pursue a career in policing. They also said an academy would strengthen the collective push for greater investment in crime prevention, outreach and specialist support services. On Sunday, Mr Carroll said the government had heard that the Glen Waverley police academy was too far away from where many people want to train, and so a re-elected Labor government would open a second metropolitan academy in Wyndham.

The announcement is part of a plan to add 1500 police to the force. Werribee MP John Lister, who joined Mr Carroll and other local MPs at Sunday’s announcement, said a new academy in the west would “keep costs down for new recruits and help them stay close to home”. The push for a north-western metropolitan police academy came amid growing concern about community safety in the west, following the death of Sunshine trader Van Viet Truong, who was assaulted outside his store in early August. The incident sparked renewed debate about youth crime and the need for a

stronger police presence across the region. On 5 August, mayors from councils across the west released a joint statement requesting more police and stronger protection for communities. In response, the state government announced it would expand frontline support for the west, increasing the presence of Protective Service Officers (PSOs) across Victoria, with Footscray among the areas to receive additional coverage. The government also expanded its Community Connectors program, homelessness outreach, community safety grants.

Ninety-six year-old vision impaired artist, Victoria Smith of Altona, poses with one of her latest works. (Kirsten Craggs)

Altona’s inspiring artist

Altona Yacht Club members Charles Hall, Steve O’Brien, Peter Robinson and Andrew Stephenson prepare for the start of the club’s sailing training program next month. (Damjan Janevski) 575041 05

Spring heralds sailing training start With the arrival of spring, the Altona Yacht Club is gearing up for its 2026-27 sailing training program offering people of all ages the chance to get out on the water and get their sea legs. Running from 8.30am-11.30am every Saturday morning from 10 October-5 December, the program invites community members to come along and give sailing a go as part of the club’s commitment to making the sport accessible to all. Altona Yacht Club commodore Paul Lin-

demann said the sailing training program was specifically designed to welcome participants of all experience levels. “Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where young sailors and families can learn, grow, and enjoy the sport together,” Mr Lindemann said. This year’s training program is bolstered by upgraded facilities and the recent acquisition of Minnow dinghies for junior sailors, expanding the junior fleet to more than 20 boats. Mr Lindemann said that alongside the club’s

established Zoom8 fleet of 13 boats, there were now more than enough boats for new sailors to experience the waters of Hobsons Bay aboard. “With our expanded fleet and upgraded facilities, we’re excited to offer one of our strongest sailing seasons yet,” he said. New sailors and returning juniors will be supported through a structured coaching program, supervised on-water sessions, and progressive skill development with a strong emphasis on water safety. Details: www.altonayachtclub.org.au

New Point Cook Road and Central Avenue intersection opens In a significant milestone for the western suburbs, the new Point Cook Road and Central Avenue intersection in Altona Meadows has officially opened, replacing the old roundabout with traffic lights and a new freeway exit ramp connection. According to the state government, the new intersection, which opened six months ahead of schedule, provides better connections between Altona Meadows, Seabrook, Point Cook, and the Princes Freeway.

“Every Victorian deserves safe, reliable roads – that’s why we’ve upgraded this busy roundabout so locals can get to where they need to go,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer. Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari echoed these sentiments, stating, “This is a key gateway into Altona Meadows, Seabrook and Point Cook, and these upgrades will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists who use it every day.” The project is the latest in a series of

road upgrades across Melbourne’s west being spruiked by the state government including the opening of Ison Road, improvements to the Werribee Main Road– Princes Freeway intersection, and new lanes on Central Avenue. Major works are also underway on the Ballan Road intersection in Wyndham Vale, replacing another roundabout with lights and safer crossings. Final landscaping and other works will be completed in early 2027.

At 96 years of age and nearly blind, no one would blame Altona artist Victoria Smith if she decided to put down her paint brush and retire. But art and design have always played an important role in Smith’s life, so despite being diagnosed with macular degeneration several years ago, she’s continued to paint from memory. Smith’s visual impairment is such that she is unable to see what she is painting or even distinguish the colours. When painting she requires someone to sit next to her and place the colours she requests onto her brush. It might sound like a laborious process, but with determination and creativity, Smith continues to produce beautiful and meaningful artwork. In fact, 10 of her most recent works are currently on display at Altona Louis Joel Gallery as part of the Hobsons Bay Art Society’s (HBAS) annual member’s exhibition. A life member of HBAS, Smith’s paintings are on display as part of the society’s exhibition titled ‘A Riot of Colour’ which runs through until Thursday 17 September. It’s one of scores of exhibitions that Smith’s artworks have featured in across her long and illustrious career. But these days Smith displays her paintings less for the adulation of others and more as a way of inspiring them, especially those facing adversity like she is. It’s her way of encouraging them to continue pursuing the activities that bring them joy and hold meaning in their lives. Smith has been able to continue doing this thanks to support she’s received from many people and organisations, including Vision Australia, Epworth Rehabilitation, Estia Health, as well as numerous friends and neighbours. Away from art and design, Smith is also a proud supporter of our servicemen and women and continues to march on Anzac Day in their honour.

Wednesday, 16 September, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3

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Solutions to crime are slow By Cade Lucas As part of an ongoing series on the causes and solutions to crime in the west, Cade Lucas spoke to Swinburne university criminology lecturer and western suburbs resident Dr Joel McGregor about the drivers of youth crime. “Serious youth offending doesn’t just emerge from nowhere,” Dr Joel McGregor said when asked why youth offending was such a big problem in Melbourne’s west. A senior lecturer in criminology at Swinburne University of Technology who specialises in the causes of youth crime, Dr McGregor also lives in Melbourne’s west and is well aware of how big a problem youth

offending has become in the region. His explanation for why has a familiar ring to it. “Melbourne’s west contains some of the fastest growing communities in the area and one of the challenges there is that the social infrastructure and support services have not necessarily grown at the same pace,” Dr McGregor said with an answer that could equally apply to roads, public transport, health services and schools across the west too. However, the results of this under-investment are arguably even worse and more difficult to fix. “Somewhere like the west, where you’ve got really fast-growing communities, people

are very quickly displaced, and there’s a lack of opportunities for young people to create a positive sense of belonging,” he said. Unable to find positive places to belong, Dr McGregor said, young people in the west have resorted to negative ones instead. “A lot of youth crime comes from a sense of belonging, particularly gang involvement,” he said. “Gangs provide somewhere for young people to belong, somewhere where they feel seen by others, where they have peer association – unfortunately, this is negative peer association.” But while the causes of youth crime are easy to understand, the solutions are not. Dr McGregor said addressing the root

cause of the problem involved changing the attitudes of young offenders, a slow process at a time when the community is demanding urgent action. “What people want are really quick interventions where they can feel safe straight away, and I understand that, but we’re trying to change behaviours, which takes quite a long time,” he said, pointing to Victoria’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), an early intervention program which has been operating in the western suburbs since last December, as an example of an approach to youth crime which is low profile but highly effective. “We’re never gonna police ourselves out of crime.”

West councils want a local police training academy. But why now? By Sebastian Conidi Crime has long been an issue in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. But recent incidents have garnered more attention than most and led a group of western suburbs mayor to call on Victoria Police and the state government to do more to improve safety in the region. Now the mayors and chief executives of Brimbank, Melton, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Hume have come together to call on the state government to establish a new police academy in the region. Why is there now a greater focus on crime in the north-west? In early August, Sunshine trader Van Viet Truong died after being assaulted outside his store on Hampshire Road in broad daylight. This crime sparked mass outrage and discussion, with the community calling for stronger police protection. A day later, a violent fight broke out between two men in Footscray CBD, reinforcing calls for safety across the west. On 5 August, the mayors from Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham and Melton issued a joint statement calling for more police on the beat in the west. “Crime rates are rising across Melbourne’s west with a combined 12.7 per cent increase in recorded crimes across the region so far in 2026,” the mayors said in the joint statement. “Our communities deserve to feel safe in their streets. Our traders and workers deserve to feel safe in their businesses. Melbourne’s west deserves better.”

Two women comfort each other after placing flowers outside the Hong Hung Asian Grocer in Sunshine. (AAP Image/Jay Kogler)

Those councils – joined now by Hume council – on 8 September called on the state government to provide a police training academy in the north-west, saying it will strengthen the collective push for greater investment in crime prevention, outreach and specialist support services. What has the state government done? On 13 August, the state government announced it would recruit an additional

150 PSOs to patrol local shopping strips. The government also announced the implementation of 200 more police reservists across the state, creating 400 reservists in total in an effort to ensure police stations can remain open for longer and police can focus on front-line work. It is also expanding its Community Connectors program to St Albans, Sunshine and Broadmeadows stations.

What was the response? At a council meeting in August, Brimbank councillors welcomed the response however urged for more to be done. A report tabled at the meeting found that traders still felt unsafe and claimed police were late to attend or didn’t attend at all when local business called to report theft and damage. Victoria Police responded stating that the issue had not been raised with them in recent months. Council said it would continue to consult community traders and would engage in further advocacy for stronger police protection. Will increased police help? Star Weekly’s We Deserve Better campaign has focused on examining why youth crime is an issue in the west and what needs to be done about it. Westjustice policy director Owen Virtue said that whilst police presence was important for making residents feel safe, a holistic approach was needed to address the increase in youth crime. Mr Virtue cited financial insecurity, housing insecurity, family violence, mental health challenges and lockdown trauma as key drivers in an increase in youth crime. Les Twentyman chief executive Paul Bourke shared a similar sentiment, stating that early intervention services were crucial to tackling the root of the issue. Will the state government create a new police academy? On Sunday, the state government announced that it would open a police training academy in Wyndham if re-elected in November.

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BEHIND THE NEWS

No laughing matter Packaging for a large nitrous oxide canister and a small nang canister, or bulb, found littered on the streets of the western suburbs. (Pictures: Jack O’Shea-Ayres)

What many see as a harmless party drug is sending more and more young people in Melbourne’s western suburbs to hospital, with users of nitrous oxide appear at emergency departments with signs of psychosis, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and neurological problems, according to research highlighting the potentially serious consequences of recreational use. The findings come as one western suburbs council moves to tighten controls on the sale of nitrous oxide. Jack O’Shea-Ayres reports.

itrous Oxide canisters or bulbs, known as “nangs” or “whippets”, are causing major harm as recreational use grows in popularity across the state. Also referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a dissociative anaesthetic used for sedation in medical settings. It is also an old-fashioned way to instantly whip cream inside a dispenser, however more and more young people are getting their hands on it for its ability to give a quick high. Melton council unanimously backed a motion at its 24 August meeting calling for tougher regulation of nitrous oxide sales, including restrictions on general consumer purchases and requirements for businesses to demonstrate legitimate reasons for buying the gas amid concerns the potentially dangerous substance is too easy to get a hold of. The push also follows concerns raised by councillor Julie Shannon that nangs were contributing to addiction and serious health problems among young people across the municipality. “Effects can range from hypoxia, frostbite, and permanent nerve damage,” she said. But while physical injuries associated with nitrous oxide have received increasing attention, research from Sunshine Hospital suggests the mental health consequences may be just as concerning. A study by Western Health researchers examining emergency department presentations at Sunshine Hospital between August 2020 and July 2024 identified 23 patients whose recreational nitrous oxide use was relevant to their psychiatric or neurological presentation. The study was conducted by Western health clinicians Katy Boyce, Harhsini Liyanage, Emma Tam, and Souitra Das, and provides a snapshot of the types of serious presentations clinicians are encountering across the west. Of the 23 patients studied, almost half - 11 people - presented with psychotic symptoms. Eight experienced suicidal ideation or self-harm, while five displayed neurological symptoms, including tingling or altered sensations, weakness, and problems with coordination. The research indicated a relatively low age bracket for those presenting with nitrous oxide use - the average age of patients was just 29, with the youngest being aged just 16-years-old. Researchers said the findings demonstrated the need for clinicians to recognise nitrous oxide use as a potential

It’s terrifying that it does feel like the exploitation of young and vulnerable - John Verdon people factor when assessing patients presenting with psychiatric or neurological symptoms. “These findings reflect clinical associations rather than causal relationships and highlight the need for early recognition, targeted assessment, and appropriate follow-up in high-risk patients,” they said. Part of the concern surrounding nangs is their reputation as a relatively “safe” recreational substance. The effects include an instant and intense high, which is rapid and short-lived, often encouraging repeated inhalation. The Sunshine Hospital researchers said the drug’s low cost, accessibility, and perceived harmlessness had contributed to its growing popularity, particularly among young people. “Social acceptance of the drug, ease of access, perceived harmlessness and low cost are likely explanations for the skew in use towards younger populations,” the researchers said. It’s that very perception, however, which is obscuring the potentially fatal risks. Repeated or heavy nitrous oxide exposure has been shown to interfere with the body’s use of vitamin B12, Western Health’s research suggests. B12 is an essential nutrient involved in the nervous system, and blood formation, with resulting functional B12 deficiency shown to lead to nerve damage and, in severe cases, contribute to weakness, difficulty walking, sensory disturbances, and potentially permanent neurological injury. The study also highlights another serious complication in that nitrous oxide rarely exists in isolation within the drug-taking environment. Nineteen of the study’s 23 patients, or 83 per cent, were documented as using alcohol or other drugs alongside their nitrous oxide use. Research shows stimulants, cannabis, and alcohol were among the substances commonly reported as being used alongside nangs. It also reflects the broader environment in which nangs can be used, including alongside other drugs and at parties, or in other social settings, where repeated consumption becomes difficult to monitor.

Researchers found that 15 of the examined patients used nitrous oxide more than once a week. Eight of the 23 patients were admitted to hospital, including seven to psychiatric inpatient units and one to a general medical ward. Another eight were discharged with community mental health follow-ups. The numbers are small, but they paint a very different picture from the image of nangs as a relatively inconsequential recreational drug. The study stressed the need for further research into the social, cultural, and environmental factors influencing nang use. For local councils, the challenge is balancing the legitimate uses of nitrous oxide with attempts to restrict recreational access. Melton council is seeking a system in which businesses buying nitrous oxide canisters would need to demonstrate that they are legitimate users, i.e. they’re baking a cake with whipped cream, rather than huffing a can of laughing gas for a quick high. It has also called for increased penalties for retailers and others who breach regulations. Cr John Verdon said prevention was particularly important given the increase in use among young people. “This is the importance of health prevention activities and advocating for those types of things is critical in our community,” he said. “It’s terrifying that it does feel like the exploitation of young and vulnerable people.”

The move reflects a wider debate across Australia over how the substance should be regulated, with varying restrictions being adopted across Australia. Regulation, however, may only address one part of the problem. Researchers behind the Sunshine Hospital study argue that greater awareness among health professionals, early screening and better access to mental health support are also needed. The researchers also point to the need for public health campaigns that challenge the perception of nitrous oxide use as harmless. That message may be particularly important for young people encountering the drug in social settings, where its legitimate uses and familiar packaging can make it appear less dangerous than other illicit substances. The Sunshine Hospital study cannot establish that nangs caused psychosis, suicidal behaviour or neurological injury in every patient it examined, nor does it suggest every person who inhales nitrous oxide will experience those outcomes. What it does show is that serious neuropsychiatric presentations are occurring among people who use the drug - and that some of those presentations are severe enough to result in psychiatric or medical admission. Behind the familiar nickname and fleeting high is a substance capable of being associated with some very serious consequences - consequences that may not become apparent until a user is already sitting in an emergency department.

Mayor Lara Carli and Councillor Julie Shannon in Hannah Watts Park, where youth have been seen using nitrous oxide. (Valerius R. Boenawan) 577636 03

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Fans flock for tailgate fun The NFL and the UFC combined in Williamstown on Friday morning for a tailgate party ahead of the LA Rams v San Francisco 49ers game at the MCG. An American sporting tradition where fans gather in stadium car parks for beers and barbecue before big games, the tailgating experience early on the morning of 11 September had a maritime twist taking place by the water at the Seaworks precinct. It also had a mixed martial arts twist, with reigning UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski appearing at the event which was hosted by Airbnb (Airbnb is not an NFL sponsor). Rather than driving their own trucks, patrons were assigned their own tables perched in front of cars parked near Worskhops Pier, enjoying complimentary food and drinks, a marching band, and activities ranging from beer pong to a spicy chicken-wing eating contest presided over by Volkanovski himself. Star Weekly’s Cade Lucas went along to enjoy the fun, and in between having brisket for breakfast and washing it down with root beer, took some photos as well.

NFL fans wear special pink jerseys provided by event sponsor Airbnb. 578099 02

Sharon Chan-Bullock and son Miles (8), both from Singapore, enjoy the tailgate party at Seaworks in Williamstown on 11 September. 578099 01

Mahmoud Ibrahm, Daniel Cusic, Moses Abraham and Yousof Ibrahim, all of Caroline Springs. 578099 06 The tailgate set up. 578099 07

The Wacky Marching Band serenaded guests as they entered the tailgate party. Band members (L-R): Luke Farrugia, Nick Yates, Andy Pobjoy and Cole Cameron. 578099 03

UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski (standing, left) officiates the spicy chicken-wing eating contest. 578099 05

Patrons enjoy the sunny weather at Seaworks on Friday morning. 578099 04

Where is your favourite local place to spend time? I do most of the shopping locally but don’t eat out much these days a for a bit of quite time I go to yaluk barring park for a walk. How has your role as St. Albans Community Youth Club chairperson shaped your relationship with the west? Being elected the Chairperson at St Albans Community Youth back in November has

been an honour, it has made me more aware of the problems for families and individuals not only in St Albans but through the wider society. Every time I turn on Facebook I am amazed with the amount of activities the Tin Shed offers to the wider community.

MY PLACE Richard Carthew is a longtime western suburbs resident who lives in Sydenham. He is currently the St Albans community youth club chairperson. What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? My family moved into our new home in the half-completed Overton Lea estate in Sydenham the day after Boxing Day 1995. The first morning I woke up to the sounds of cows mooing and could see the city skyline from the bedroom window. There were no shops except for a general store next to the railway gates on Keilor-Melton Road and the closest set of traffic lights was outside Keilor Downs shopping centre in Taylors Road. What do you like about where you live? I like living in the area, I have met many people as well as being a member of the now defunct Rotary Club of Brimbank, the Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre, Sydenham and District Historical Society, the Friends of yaluk barring, Probus Club of Hillside. What is one of your fondest memories of the west? My fondest memories of the west are picnics and barbecues at Brimbank Park, kayaking on the Maribyrnong, afternoon teas at Williamstown, visits to the Werribee

Richard Carthew. (Damjan Janevski). 574794_06

Free Range Zoo and taking a car load of kids to Melton Wave Pool. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? Over the years a number of us have advocated for a wider use of yaluk barring park, formerly Sydenham Park. The area has great tourist potential as well as being able to meet the sporting needs of our youth.

6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 September, 2026

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Newport Social Club reopens as a premier sports bar History is alive and well in Newport, with one of the suburb’s most beloved heritage buildings reopening with a fresh new look. Newport Social Club reopened on 13 September as a modern sports bar, bringing fresh energy to the community while honouring the character that has made the venue special for generations. Owned by Williamstown Football Club and managed by Francis Venues, a hospitality group operating across Victoria and New South Wales, the venue has undergone a complete transformation, balancing its heritage charm with contemporary design and amenities. “Newport Social Club isn’t just another sports bar – it’s a gathering place for our community,” explains Tom Francis, Managing Director at Francis Venues. “We’ve poured genuine care into preserving what makes this building special while creating a space where locals can come together, whether it’s to catch the big game, catch up with friends or celebrate a win with their Williamstown heroes.” The venue’s connection to Williamstown Football Club runs deep. “Newport Social has always been a major part of our football club,” says Ashley Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Williamstown Football Club. “With this extensive renovation, it will not only continue to be a space for our community, but also a place for our members and supporters to gather and stay connected. Thank you to Tom Francis and the team at Francis Venues for bringing this renovation to life and for continuing to manage the venue moving forward.” Beyond the big screens, Newport Social Club offers a considered wine list, classic and contemporary cocktails and a food

menu suited to everything from a casual lunch to dinner and drinks with friends. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, quality food and drinks, and coverage of all the big

games – just in time for the AFL Grand Final. The renovation balances the building’s character with comfortable, modern spaces for casual lunches and evening gatherings.

If you’ve walked past Newport Social Club and wondered what’s happening inside, now’s your chance to see it for yourself.

missing ad:

NOW OPEN THE NEW HOME OF LIVE SPORT IN HOBSONS BAY NEWPORTSOCIAL.COM.AU

1 MASON STREET, NEWPORT 12901631-JO38-26

Wednesday, 16 September, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 7

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Road closures Overnight lane closures are underway on Sunshine Road, Tottenham, as crews relocate jet fuel pipelines, telecommunication lines and major water services as part of works on Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1. To complete these works, Sunshine Road will close westbound from 7pm- 7am every night and all westbound vehicles will detour via Dempster Street, and Paramount, Somerville and Market roads. Crews will also complete site investigations east of Ashley Street, with eastbound traffic reduced to one lane between Robert and Currajong streets from Friday 18 September-Sunday 20 September, 10pm to 7.30am each night.

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Yarraville tradie Erin Bull is doing another Black Bull Backyard Blitz for an inner west resident in need on 24 October. (Damjan Janevski: 576620)

Bull’s backyard blitz back Gardening and home maintenance are things that can quickly go by the wayside when life gets tough and money and time run short. It’s for exactly this reason that Yarraville tradie Erin Bull started the annual Black Bull Backyard Blitz three years ago and why he’s gearing up for the 2026 version on Saturday 24 October. “I’ve been a tradie all my life and I’ve done a lot of revocations, and it’s one of those things that I can do that a lot of people can’t do, so it’s good to help and give back,” Mr Bull, an electrician and builder, said of why he decided to help people in need by giving their backyards a much needed clean-up. Not that the blitzes are confined to backyards or even yards at all. “We do a fair bit,” Mr Bull said of the

one-day blitz where 40-50 volunteers do $50-60,000 worth of work using donated supplies. “Last year we built a deck and we’ve also refurnished and painted rooms.” It’s unknown what this year’s blitz will involve, as the recipient has yet to be chosen, with nominations closing next week. Whoever it is must live in Maribyrnong, be nominated by someone else, and be deserving of help. “A family doing it tough, who are caring for someone, or who’ve suffered multiple setbacks,” Mr Bull said of who he was looking for. To nominate someone, volunteer to help on the day, or to donate supplies, call Erin Bull on 0408 124 568 or email: blackbullbackyardblitz@gmail.com

Boat ramp The Altona Boat Ramp car park is being upgraded ahead of the snapper season starting in October. The project will refresh and renew the existing car park surface across a large section of the facility, improving the condition of the area ensuring it remains functional and fit for purpose for the boating community. To make way for the works, the boat ramp will be closed for five days until Friday 18 September, ensuring boaters can access and use the ramp that weekend. During the closure, boaters are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternative launching facilities at The Warmies or Avalon. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

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Foot and leg pain relief

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8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 September, 2026

Foot and leg pain has a way of creeping in – slowing you down, changing how you move, and making even simple daily activities difficult. Too often, people try to tough it out. They assume the pain is just part of aging, a side effect of long hours on their feet, or a strain that will just go away. Unfortunately, ongoing or recurring pain will usually be persistent, if left unattended. But ongoing pain isn’t normal and doesn’t have to be permanent. Getting to the root of the problem – not just masking the symptoms is key to healing but the right help is not always easy to find. Expert musculoskeletal podiatrist Dr Paul Dowie, at Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, explains why foot and leg pain can be difficult to rectify. “The demands on our lower limbs are constant and extremely varied from person to person so there is never a one-size-fits-all answer. But by using advanced diagnostics, personalised treatments plans and by adapting to feedback from each individuals’ body, we can address foot and leg concerns successfully,” he said. “With the right tools and expertise you can conquer everything from knee pain to neuropathy, plantar fasciitis to arthritis or tissue injuries to joint pain. Whether your discomfort is mild or severe, chronic or sudden, common and complex there is usually a non-surgical way to assist pain, increase mobility, and get you moving freely again.” With over 25 years experience, Dr Dowie has assisted everyone from elite athletes to children and seniors. So don’t let foot or leg pain interfere with your life. Contact Foot & Leg Pain Clinics in Williamstown today to schedule a consultation. Call 1300 328 300

PUZZLES ACROSS

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

Today’s Aim: 7 words: Good 11 words: Very good 15 words: Excellent

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5 LETTERS ABACK AFTER ALIBI ALIGN AVERT BARDS BARNS CARGO COMMA DRESS DRIVE EAVES EDGES ENSUE ERRED EVADE EVENT HABIT HEATH HOIST HORSE

4 LETTERS ANTS AVOS BALD CEDE CITY FART HILT HISS OPTS STAY TOSS VASE WINS WOOS

ante, attune, eaten, exeat, extant, extent, EXTENUATE, neat, next, tauten, teat, tenet, tent, text, tune

HOSTS IGLOO IRATE LEVEE LOINS LOSER MATTE OLIVE OMEGA OPENS OPERA OTHER PIANO PROBE RAVEN RINGS ROSES SLUSH START STRUM SWEET TAUNT

TEARS TEASE TENET TENTS THESE TONES TOTEM

7 LETTERS ESTATES HANDLER LEOTARD ONGOING RESTORE VENEERS

6 LETTERS ESKIES POODLE ROTORS STEREO

8 LETTERS DREAMERS ENTRUSTS SALESMAN SHINGLED

18-09-26

No. 414 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

In which state or territory is the town of Kerang?

What is the official language of Senegal?

Mason, carpenter and digger are all types of which animal?

What popular Australian spread is made from a by-product of beer manufacturing?

Which author wrote The Runaway Jury and The Street Lawyer?

What is the largest desert in Australia?

Romance languages are those descending from what language of Ancient Rome?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

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3 LETTERS ADO APE AVO BET DOT EGO ERA GEE GNU GOO IDS INN IRE LAW NAG OPT RED REV RID SEC SET SHE TIE VET

WORDFIT

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Bare skin (coll) (4) Big classical music ensemble (9) Partner; colleague (9) Public auctions (5) French resort town (7) Musician,– Urban (5) Gracefully (9) Young horse (4) Planned (9) Natural disaster (9) Elusively (9) A Jewish language (7) Become liable to (5) Pushes (5) Unusual (4) Surrender (4)

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Floating marker (4) Rundown (10) Components (7) Crossed strips structure (7) Mirrors (8) State of Brazil (5) Location (4) Vexation (10) Hard rock music (5,5) Umpteen (4) Removed moisture (5) Intrepid (8) Bolting (7) Retinue (7) County town of Dorset (10) Wood heap for burning (4)

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No. 307

FINA was the former name of the international governing body for which sport?

Lisa McCune (pictured) won four consecutive Gold Logies from 1997 to 2000 for her role in what show?

10 Which NRL team won their first premiership in 1992? ANSWERS: 1. Victoria 2. Bee 3. Vegemite 4. Swimming 5. Blue Heelers 6. French 7. John Grisham 8. Great Victoria Desert 9. Latin 10. Brisbane Broncos

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

T H E S E O T H E R T O T E M E A V E S P I A N O O P E R A T E N T S S T A R T A B A C K I D S D R E S S S E T R I D S L U S H C E D E S T E R E O E S T A T E S E R A B A L D F A R T I R A T E A V O C I T Y S H I N G L E D R E S T O R E O N G O I N G W I N S G E E D R E A M E R S A V O S A N T S S T R U M N A G L E O T A R D H I L T O P E N S P O O D L E H O R S E V E T R E V E G O O M E G A O L I V E A L I B I T O N E S B A R N S R A V E N E N S U E S W E E T H O S T S

No. 307

B U O Y R A M S H A C K L E R F S A N E L U F A C T O R S L A T T I C E H A O E I T G F R E F L E C T S B A H I A S I E N H A R A S S M E N T S I T E R T V V L C H E A V Y M E T A L M A N Y I L S E D R I E D U N A F R A I D U N D R N A V C L O C K I N G C O R T E G E U S E H E L D E P Y R E D O R C H E S T E R

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 16 September, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 9

COMMUNITY

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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. Founding members call out Williamstown Toastmasters is turning 30 this year and planning a celebration on 31 October. The club is currently trying to contact founding members to invite them to attend the event. The people the club is trying to reach are: Kevin Holland, Joy Leslie, Edward Magan, Marilyn Martyn, Joye Carver, Bernadette Cooper-Ellis, Ludwina Dautovic, Barry Fordham, Stephen Goss, Patrick Moran, Dennis O’Bryan, David Payne, Clive Seiffert, Dianne Seiffert, Sandra Wilson, Heather Whittingham, Ross Whittingham and Marion Young. ■ Tara, 0411 899 086 or vppr-9088@toastmastersclubs.org 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 Altona North grandparent playgroup. A friendly weekly opportunity for grandparents and their grandchildren to play, have a cuppa, cake and chat. Held from 10am-noon on Mondays during school terms at Eastona Park Community Facility, 13 Collins Avenue Altona North (old kindergarten venue). Entry $5. ■ Marnie, 0478 011 981 Free walking basketball Love basketball, but not the running? Join the Westgate Basketball Association’s walking basketball program. Walking basketball is ideal for those returning from injury, looking to get back into fitness and perfect for seniors and active adults. A great way to connect with others. Register your interest now. ■Penny, 0409 014 121, westgatebasketball. com.au/walking-basketball-1 Mainly music A music-playgroup program for kids and their carers from birth to school age. Held every Thursday from 9.30-10.30am during school terms at Westgate Baptist Community, 16 High Street, Yarraville. The cost is $7 per family, per week. ■ Jenny, 0401 651 012, Ruth, 0409 635 468 or westgatebaptist.org.au/mainlymusic/ 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 on the 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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Candice Baxter from CDB Dance teaching an adult ballet class for beginners at the Wyndham Learning Festival. (Damjan Janevski) 576633_01

Altona North Combined Probus The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

thinking they may have a drinking problem are welcome to attend and can bring along friends, family and loved ones to offer support. ■ 1300 222 222, https://williamstown. aagroup.org.au/, aawilliamstown@gmail. com.

Footscray CWA Meets on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9pm at Footscray Scout Hall next door to Footscray Police Station, 4a Hyde Street. ■ cwaofvicfootscray@gmail.com, https:// www.facebook.com/CWAofVicFootscray/

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/

Computer classes Daily computer classes covering scams, MyGov, software, online shopping, banking, email and plenty more besides. Both morning and afternoon classes held in Williamstown and Altona North. ■ Lynne, 9397 6168 Hobsons Bay City Band Come and play with the friendly musos at Hobsons Bay City Band under the baton of Wayne Bowden OAM. The band welcomes new players of all ages and experience – woodwind, brass and percussion. Rehearsals are on Monday nights at 7.30pm at Spotswood Kingsville RSL in South Kingsville. ■ 0414 930 568, hbcityband@gmail.com 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. Those

10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 September, 2026

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

Yin Yoga Yin Yoga Classes are running at Brooklyn Community Hall and the Healing Garden Williamstown. Classes are held every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Classes are costed for the community: $8-$25 per class. Star Weekly readers can get a complimentary first session to try it out. Yin Yoga is a gentle, passive practice that invites stillness and subtlety - offering up powerful physical benefits by targeting the body’s connective tissues, joints, and fascia. For all bodies - stiff, sore, injured or just in need of deep release! ■ Hong, 0412 112 422, yogawithhong.com Craft, laugh and connect Join for a fun, calming craft session filled with creativity and connection. All craft styles and skill levels are welcome, including knitting, drawing, colouring and puzzles (no painting please). The craft sessions are held at Altona North Library from 1-3pm. Free of charge and no bookings required. ■ 9932 3005, 0407 247 087, www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Libraries Mouth Organ Band Yarraville Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members. Band practice is held on Fridays at 8pm at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. ■ Heather, 9399 2190, ymob1933@yahoo. com.au Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noo-2.30pm.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Fun run between the pubs The Pub to Pub fun run is returning to Lancefield and Romsey for the third year. The race will see runners of all ages taking to Federation Trail, with courses either starting or ending at the Lancefield or 1860 Romsey hotels, in a fun run designed to shake off those winter blues and get your blood pumping. Organiser Mitch Docker said the idea came about while he and his co-organiser Alex Gorman were at the pub as a way to bring the two neighbouring towns together. “We thought there’s all this rivalry between Lancefield and Romsey … why don’t we create an event that bonds the two towns together,” he said.

Pub to Pub is back for 2026. (Supplied)

Both new to the area, he said the Pub to Pub has taken off over the past few years, doubling their participation year after year. “The football season’s finished, but the

cricket season hasn’t started, so we have a really nice window where people can just get out there and run, walk, race, whatever they want to do, it’s really casual,” Mr Docker said. Multiple events will take place on the day, with the biggest being the 15 kilometre Pub to Pub to Pub. Starting outside the Lancefield Hotel, runners will make their way to Romsey via the Federation Trail, loop around Lions Park, pass the 1860 Romsey Hotel and head back towards Lancefield to end back at the hotel. A shorter 7.5 kilometre race will start in Romsey and make its way back into

EPJP. (Supplied)

Young talent in the spotlight The next generation of Brimbank musicians will take centre stage at Resonate Acoustic, a curated showcase celebrating the area’s emerging young artists and singer-songwriters. Presented by Brimbank Youth Arts, the free and accessible event will feature musicians aged 12–25 who live, work or play in Brimbank. Selected by the Brimbank Youth Arts Committee, the artists will perform intimate, chilled-out sets at the Bowery Theatre as part of Be Bold Festival on Saturday 3 October from 5pm. The line-p spans indie rock, pop, R’n’B, soul and jazz fusion, showcasing the breadth of musical

talent developing across Melbourne’s west. Oscar, 18, brings an indie, alternative and rock sensibility to the showcase. While influenced by heavier Australian acts including Silverchair and Tumbleweed, Oscar will showcase a softer side of his sound at Resonate Acoustic. Elena, 23, is a Melbourne singer-songwriter whose emotionally rich indie-pop combines heartfelt storytelling with intimate piano and guitar arrangements. Her work explores love, vulnerability, longing and personal growth, while her community performances and

mentoring reflect her passion for connecting through music. Demie Bagnato, 24, blends pop, R’n’B and soul, pairing raw lyricism with contemporary production. Her music explores connection, nostalgia, growth and self-discovery. Cameron Dies Twice, the solo project of 23-year-old Cameron J Tan, combines singer-songwriter guitar and vocals with textured synths, drawing on personal experiences and questions of identity and home. Rounding out the program is EJPJ, a four-piece jazz fusion group eager to build their gigging experience and pursue their musical ambitions.

Lancefield, while a Junior Bolt will offer a short 1.5 kilometre race for kids aged three to 12 to get a taste of the event. Instead of medals, Mr Docker said, the Pub to Pub has a unique trophy to fit with the theme for runners. “We give everyone a finishing trophy which is a glass, a pot glass, and for the kids it’s a pony sized glass,” he said. “Every year we change the style of the pot glass, so you can collect the different styles of pot glasses.” The Pub to Pub run will take place on Sunday 20 September, with entries open now. Details: lifeinthepeloton.com/ the-pub-to-pub

Comedy on the couch with Mills Those looking for a different kind of comedy show or even a bit of magic behind the microphone are in luck, with On the Couch with Marnie Mills taking place in Footscray on Friday 18 September. Held at Pride of Our Footscray Bar on Hopkins Street, On the Couch is comedy in a slightly different format. A line-up of three comedians will perform their sets as usual, but once they’re finished, instead of retreating back to the green room, each will sit down on the Chesterfield to be interviewed by Mills. Eventually all three will be sitting on the couch being interrogated by the Yarraville comedian, whilst also fielding questions from the audience. “It’s basically comedy meets talk show, it’s a fun and heartwarming show as it’s much more personal than a comedian just doing their rehearsed set and leaving the stage,” Pride of Our Footscray Bar owner Mat O’Keefe said. “Often the funniest moments are in the green room later. It’s comedy, it’s conversation, it’s cocktails, it’s a (fake) Chesterfield and it’s a great night out.” Mills’ guests on 18 September include Tegan Higginbotham of ABC fame, plus Jeremy Dooley and Hans Arbuthnott. For those who can’t make it, On the Couch is scheduled to return for three more shows before the end of the year on Friday 16 October, Friday 20 November and Tuesday 15 December. Information: https://www. t r y b o ok i n g .c om /e v ent s/ landing/1611675

Catch Matty Chaps at Ballan Bakehouse and Bar If you can name a song, there’s a pretty good chance Matty Chaps can play it and there’s an even better chance he’ll be playing it when he comes to Ballan this October. The Ballarat-based live entertainer is bringing his huge repertoire and powerful vocals to Ballan Bakehouse and Bar for an unforgettable evening of live music, good food, and social drinks on Friday 2 October. With more than 1600 songs under his belt, Chaps has built a reputation as one of Ballarat’s most versatile performers, covering everything from Australian rock classics and acoustic favourites to pop hits and modern anthems.

But rather than sticking rigidly to a set list, Chaps prefers to let the crowd decide what comes next. Audiences can call out requests throughout the night, meaning no two performances are necessarily the same. His repertoire includes some of Australia’s biggest voices, with Chaps able to tackle the power of John Farnham, Ian Moss, and Diesel before stripping things back for a more intimate acoustic performance. Despite his big voice, Chaps’ performances are anything but intimidating. His relaxed and friendly approach puts the audience at the centre of the show, whether they are throwing out

requests, singing along or simply enjoying the music. From a quiet acoustic favourite to a packed dance floor belting out an Aussie classic, Chaps’ philosophy is straightforward: read the room, play the right song at the right moment and make sure everyone has a good time. Matty Chaps will perform at Ballan Bakehouse & Bar, 110 Inglis Street, from 6pm to 9pm. Details: https://welcometomoorabool. c o m /e v e n t s -b a c c hu s m a r s h-b a l l a ngordon-blackwood-greendale/live-musicwith-matty-chaps-at-ballan-bakehouseand-bar-october-2026.

Matty Chaps will bring his class performance to Ballan Bakehouse and Bar on Friday 2 October. (Supplied)

Wednesday, 16 September, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. What country is Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli from? 2. Which Sydney Swans player kicked the most goals during the 2026 AFL season?

3. Which Central European country is set to host the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup? 4. South Sydney’s Alex Johnston and Penrith's Thomas Jenkins led the 2026 NRL season with how many tries scored each?

6. In what year was the sports comedy-drama film Air Bud released?

16. Raul Flores is a Mexican athlete that recently set the world record for what?

9. Darius Boyd is the coach of which rugby league State of Origin team? 10. Former England captain Ben Stokes is set to play for which Big Bash League team? 11. What is the name of the NHL's championship trophy?

Kimi Antonelli

14. Which athletic competition involves 10 track and field events? 15. Which sport's court is bigger, squash or badminton?

8. What is the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network better known as?

NHL championship trophy

13. Which country won the first-ever Rugby World Cup in 1987?

5. Who is head coach of Australia's women’s national basketball team?

7. Alastair Clarkson most recently coached which AFL team?

17. Which two NRL teams finished tied first this season, with 42 tournament points?

21. In what year did the AFL's Swans play their first season in Sydney?

26. Which country played host to the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games?

22. A deep dish is a technique used in what sport?

27. The Australian men's cricket team will play against South Africa and what other country on their upcoming African tour?

23. Which NBA team’s penalties for salary cap circumvention included a US$30 million fine?

18. And how was the minor premiership title awarded due to the tie in points?

28. Which country hosted the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup?

19. And which team ultimately won the 2026 NRL minor premiership as a result?

24. Ezi Magbegor was recently named as captain of which Australian national sporting team?

20. A supporter of which AFL club made the news recently with a controversial mascot outfit?

25. The Puma Trophy is competed for in a rugby Test series between Australia and what nation?

29. What colour were tennis balls originally? 30. The NBL's pre-season Blitz Tournament was recently held in which regional Victorian city?

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Wednesday, 16 September, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 13

B8 good, but could be better By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Like Lexus is to Toyota, Denza is to the Chinese brand BYD, with an upmarket line of luxury vehicles and a price tag to match. The brand was established in 2010 as a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, but Benz has since pulled the plug. The B8 Super Hybrid is a large six or seven-seat 4x4 wagon that is billed a bit optimistically as a competitor for the Land Cruiser 300 series. There’s also a B5, a smaller five-seater that has the Prado in its sights, along with a Z9GT sedan and D9 people mover on offer. Both 4x4s are closely related to the BYD Shark utility which is also a plug-in hybrid.

Styling Prices for the B8 start from $91,000 for the seven-seater or $97,990 for the six-seat version. Sounds like a lot of dosh for a ‘Chinese’ vehicle, but the figures start to look better when compared to the Land Cruiser which ranges in price from $99,000-$156,000, bearing in mind that this is a proper 4x4 proposition with everything that implies. Our test vehicle was the more expensive 6S or six-seater, with two separate, fully adjustable second row seats that permit walk-though access to the third row. B8 is a blend of rugged, muscular design, high levels of quality and the attention to detail expected in a luxury 4WD. And, get this, they say the look is inspired by futuristic starship aesthetics. At the front, the B8’s daytime running lights form the outline of the wings of an interplanetary starship. The tail lights provide an afterburner effect, creating the illusion of jet engine exhaust. The planetary ring spare wheel cover features two distinct lines top and bottom to symbolise Saturn’s rings. Don’t you just love this stuff? B8 has been designed from the ground up as a premium offering, with particular attention paid to the elimination of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). To achieve this, it is fitted with soft-close doors, sound-deadening glass, cabin-isolating rubber bushes and active engine mounts. Standard kit includes genuine leather trim, three-zone climate air, heated, cooled and massage front and second row seats, power fold third row seats and a heated steering wheel. There’s also LED lights front and back, NFC key support and a car fridge/hotbox that offers a temperature range of -6 to 50 degrees. It rides on black 20-inch alloys, with pricey 275/55 series Michelin rubber. Access to the B8 is via pop-out door handles, with buttons inside that release the doors and a powertrain that turns on automatically in greeting. Our six-seater adds a front diff lock, Nappa leather, front seat power adjustable leg rest, front seat bolster adjustment, digital rear view mirror, night vision system, smart driving surround view camera, head-up display and second row foot ambient lighting. B8 is covered by a six-year/150,000km warranty plus an eight-year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty, with five years of roadside assistance and capped priced servicing. Service is due every 12 months or 20,000km.

Infotainment The huge 17.3-inch rotating touchscreen is the largest we’ve seen, larger even than

The quality is there for the Denza B8, it just needs a bit of fine tuning. (Pictures: Supplied)

the laptop this story was written on, with another sequestered 12.3-inch digital instrument panel for the driver. The system supports four-zone voice assist, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, FM and DAB+ digital radio (but no AM), built-in satellite navigation, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates as well as an 800 watt, 18-speaker Devialet audio system. There’s also a mix of six USB ports (A+C), a 12-volt power socket and dual wireless phone charging.

Safety B8 scores a maximum five-star rating for safety. Safety begins with a rigid ladder-type CTC (Cell-to-Chassis) body with 78 per cent high-strength steel, encircling and protecting the integrated Blade battery. A total of 13 airbags protect driver and passengers, while a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as a 360-degree camera system, front and rear collision warning, front cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking and intelligent cruise control.

Engines/transmissions Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, together with two electric motors and a 37-kWh battery, that produces a prodigious 425kW of power and 760Nm of torque. Transmission is complicated, with a single-speed reduction gear for the front, and another two-speed transmission for the rear – to deliver high and low range. Each electric motor drives its respective axle, while the petrol engine is employed primarily to keep the battery charged (but does chime in with some extra oomph if required) – in other words it’s basically a series hybrid.

Driving Designed in-house by BYD, the B8 is almost 5.2 metres long with a 2920mm wheelbase and sits on a separate ladder chassis as favoured by the off-road community. With low and high range, front and rear diff locks, and approach, departure and ramp-over angles of 34, 35 and 26 degrees, along with an impressive 310mm of ground clearance and wading depth of 890mm – this is a vehicle built to tackle the rough stuff. Like the Shark, there’s no physical connection between the front and rear

14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 September, 2026

RATINGS wheels, just the tricky electronics. Don’t bother with the digital There are also 16 different mirror, because reflections and Looks: 7 drive modes available: the usual the constant need to refocus Performance: 7.5 Comfort, Eco and Sport; plus, make it virtually unusable. Terrain Modes of Snow, Sand, The choice of light grey on Safety: 8 Mud, Mountain, Rock, Intelligent silver for the control labels is Thirst: 7.5 and others. almost illegible in almost any Practicality: 6 Leopard turn is also available, light. Comfort: 7.5 which allows the vehicle to We had to get out a torch to perform sharper, tank-like work out how to operate the stack Tech: 8 turns by spinning the wheels at of toggles for controlling the Value: 8 different speeds off road. seats from the luggage area. Overall: 7.4 Despite the fact B8 weighs in at Massage is a welcome option a whopping 3290kg, the dash from on a long country drive but the 0-100km/h takes a quick-fire 4.8 seconds. seat heating turns into a sausage sizzle That makes it 443kg heavier than Patrol after a couple of minutes, even on its lowest and 660kg more than a Land Cruiser. setting. Ditto the aircon which either blows With a 91-litre fuel tank, it takes standard too hot or too cold, but not much in between. 91 unleaded with fuel consumption a B8 gets up and boogies, that’s for sure, claimed 3.9L/100km (WLTP), provided with plenty underfoot for overtaking. But the battery retains a minimum 25 per cent there’s some hesitancy on take-off and the charge. Above that and one can expect to ride quality quickly deteriorates on country use 11.4L/100km. roads – fancy suspension or not. We were getting 9.0L/100km after more The brakes are grabby and the adaptive than 1200km. There was no opportunity cruise control, which adjusts in 5km/h to charge the battery, but it never dipped increments, provided a couple of phantom below 25 per cent. scares. Claimed energy consumption is 24.4 Alas we didn’t get a chance to take the kWh/100km. It can be recharged at a rate of Denza off-road, but it reportedly made it up up to 11kW with AC and up to 120kW with Beer O’Clock Hill which lends some cred. faster DC. However, the B8’s two main challenges Combined range is 905km, with an off-road are the terrain and its own weight. electric only range of 100km (WLTP). Not only does it have to find sufficient The suspension is electronically traction to claw its way up a rocky slope, it modulated and adapts automatically to has to overcome its own inertia at the same road conditions. time. It has a range of 140mm and means Just quietly we’d hate to get this sucker ground clearance can be boosted from bogged, because it would require a tow 220mm to 310mm at the push of a button, truck or similar to pull it out (perhaps two along with dropping the height for easier Land Cruisers). access. Replacement of the road tyres with There’s plenty of room front and back, chunkier rubber is a must. but getting in and out can be difficult, Tow capacity is a full 3500kg, but you need particularly on a slope because the heavy to pay close attention to the gross weight doors swing shut, threatening to inflict and tow ball limitations. bodily harm. A drawbar, hitch receiver and 12-point Grab handles are provided for each of the electric plug are fitted as standard. four doors, but the low-set front handles which are located at the end of the dash Summing up provide little leverage. We doubt whether the Denza B8 has got The heavy tailgate with the added weight what it takes to lure dyed-in-the-wool Land of the spare wheel is hinged on the wrong Cruiser owners out of their comfort zone. side for our right-hand drive roads. But if the success of BYD as a whole is any There’s just 147 litres of load space with measure, it’s certainly going to generate the third row in use, with a charge cable plenty of interest for those who don’t want and tool kit to contend with as shown in the to go the whole nine yards. photos. It could even put a dent in Defender sales B8 is a large, comfortable car in which to (they’ve gotta come from somewhere after wile away the hours, with a first-rate sound all). system. The quality is there, it just needs a bit of But there’s room for improvement. fine tuning.

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SPORT

Addison West. 577861 04

Emily Eaves. 577861 07

Zoe Day. 577861 12

Georgia Howes. 577861 02

Laura Blue. 577861 26

Perfect weather for finals Williamstown won through to the Victorian Football League women’s grand final on Saturday, while it was grand final defeat for the Altona Roosters in the NRL Victoria

Storm premiership first grade. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.

Altona Roosters. 577905 01

Altona Roosters’ Jack Canning. 577905 03

Altona Roosters’ Max Tokava. 577905 05

Altona Roosters’ Stan Ta’ufo’ou. 577905 15

Dylan Vea Te Whare. 577905 11

Wednesday, 16 September, 2026 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 15

SPORT

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Double joy for Williamstown By Tara Murray It’s double joy for Williamstown’s women’s program in the FV state league competitions. The club’s top women’s side claimed promotion in state league 2 north-west after finishing second with its state league 5 north-west side claiming second spot the following week. State league 2 coach Stephan Achellios said it had been such a fantastic achievement for the club. “It hasn’t sunk in until you sit back and think about it,” he said. “It’s hard in the moment and it was a fantastic achievement. The state league 5 team then got it done yesterday [Sunday]; they had some luck.

“Results went their way and to have two women’s sides promoted is massive.” Achellios and the coaching team only signed on in March to take on the coaching role. There were just six weeks to put together a squad, making promotion even more amazing. “We ummed and ahhed about taking the job,” Achellios said. “There was a short time to get everything ready. We got the squad together in that six week period and tried to get everyone to know each other as quickly as possible. “Thankfully we were able to do that.” Achellios said they saw improvement every week in the group, which wasn’t

unexpected. He said the results were a reward for all the hard work the players had put in. “Our first objective was to look at the senior women’s state league 2 team to do better than the year before,” he said. “We wanted the team to move in the right direction. Once we ticked that box, we wanted something else to aim for. “We then treated every game like a grand final. We wanted to perform the best that we could.” Both the state league 2 and state league 5 teams finished with the same records for the year, 14 wins, one draw and three losses. Normally both teams would be promoted, but with Football Victoria making

changes to the competition structures, clubs can only have one team in the state league competitions, which will run from state league 1 through to 4, where that side plays next season is unknown. Achellios said moving into state league 1 next year was a different ball game. “I’ve had experience coaching at that level for five or six years,” he said. “In state league 1 you are required to have a reserves team. “First and foremost we want to get more women’s players in and we want to build these two squads. “We’re quite confident to do that.” Achellios said the first aim next season would be to stay safe in the new division.

Six-peat for dominant Footscray women By Tara Murray Footscray has done it again as it claimed a sixth straight Lacrosse Victoria state league women’s title. It was a day to remember for Footscray with its state league reserves side also claiming the premiership. “It was a pretty amazing day,” coach Max Madonia said. “The energy was really high and they were really focused and connected on a different level from what I’ve seen. “They played with purpose and they were able to reap the rewards.” “It was a good day on the park, with the A-reserves coming good with the win in overtime to win that premiership which was fantastic. “They have a good pool of players and looking in the future they will be senior ready in a year or two.” Madonia said seeing the reserves win in the manner they had further boosted the state league side as it prepared to defend its title against long time rival Newport. Footscray scored the only four goals of the first quarter and doubled the lead at the main break, with the score 8-0. Madonia said Newport really tested them. “They are a very strong club and they actually changed the way they were playing,” he said. “They were playing a more controlled slow game and tried to deprive us of the ball.” Madonia said they were able to get their drive going through the midfield and finding open people. He said they were patient and were able to get their game style going and control the pace themselves. “We have control and we were decisive when we went to go to the cage,” he said. “I thought it was a really good game.” Footscray won the premiership, 14-7. Sarah Smith was awarded the best on ground medal. Madonia said she had recently come back from the world championships. “She’s been red hot,” he said. “She’s been playing some exceptionally good lacrosse and was a real all-rounder yesterday [Sunday]. “She started in defence and moved around a fair bit. She scored three magnificent goals. “She had the ability to read the play all day.” Among the other stars for Footscray was Sarah Mollison. Mollison indicated to Star Weekly before the world championships that she was looking at retirement having played at six world championships.

Emmanuel Tuariki. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 577905 07

Tough day on the field for Roosters

Emily Prentice. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 559195_01

Madonia said whatever Mollison decides she deserved all the accolades that she has received over her career. “I was super impressed with her yesterday [Sunday],” she said. “She had good control.” Madonia said he would have a break before starting to think about next year and going for seven in a row. As coach of the Australian side, it has

16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 September, 2026

been a big season with the world championships held in the middle of the year. Many of the playing group were part of the Australian side as well. “We were disjointed at times but it gave a lot of the reserve girls an opportunity to train with the state league girls. “They would train together and it was about bridging that gap. Some got to play against the best players in the state.”

Altona Roosters’ premiership dreams ended with a dominant Casey Warriors claiming the NRL Victoria Storm premiership first grade men’s title. The Roosters finished the season in third and won two knockout finals to earn a shot at the Warriors, who finished on top of the ladder. The Warriors opened the scoring in the ninth minute before adding two more tries in the 20th and 22nd minutes. They were able to convert those tries to further extend the lead and be in complete control at half time. The Warriors continued the momentum in the second half as they ran away with a 38-0 win and the championship. The Roosters said on social media before the game that it had been a whole season of hard work, commitment and fighting for each other. The Roosters also had four junior teams in grand final action on Saturday. The under-14 boys division 1 side had a big win against the Melton Broncos in their grand final. The Roosters scored the first three tries of the game to set the tempo and were able to come away with a 34-18 win. The under-18 boys division 1 side suffered heartbreak in its grand final. Facing the Casey Warriors, the Roosters lost 18-16. The under-14 girls side lost to the Truganina Rabbitohs, 16-10. The under-13 boys division 1 side lost its grand final to the Truganina Rabbitohs, 18-0. The Rabbitohs completed the perfect season with the win in the grand final.

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Zielinski’s stunning season By Tara Murray Williamstown’s Mia Zielinski could have never imagined the season that she would have when she walked through the door of the Victorian Football League women’s club. Having played with the Box Hill Hawks previously, Zielinski joined the Seagulls this season and had a breakout season. She claimed the Rohenna Young Medal as the competition’s leading goalkicker with 32 goals, while she was also a finalist in the Debbie Lee Medal for the competition’s rising star. “This is nothing that I expected at the start of the season,” Zielinski said on stage at the VFL and VFLW awards night. “I was just very happy to be at William-

stown and be with the group. The coaches and everyone there have been amazing, nothing that I expected. “I think the way we play really does suit my game style … I did get lucky a few times.” Zielinski grew up playing football with the boys at AJAX before playing with the Sandringham Dragons. She later headed to the VFLW with the Hawks. “I grew up playing with AJAX with the boys for most of my juniors, and then was lucky enough to be at Sandy Dragons from about 15 to 19, there as an overager as well,” she said. “I went to Box Hill for a bit and was lucky enough to still be able to play with Sandy Dragons in my first year doing VFL.

“I split my time between both programs. It was great to ease into the first year, I now feel that I have a hold on the competition, the expectations and standards that I need.” After playing 10 games with the Hawks in 2024-25, Zielinski moved across to Williamstown, where she has played 15 games this year. She said Williamstown is more than just a club, it’s a whole community. “When you drive into Williamstown, the suburb, there’s signs everywhere of Seagulls, and the support we get from all the locals is great,” she said. “It’s an amazing club. From the moment I stepped foot inside the doors last year, the coaches and the girls, I kind of knew it was a special group and this year has been an

incredible season. I’m very excited for the weekend.” Having played in a Victorian Amateur Football Association premiership this time last year, Zielinski is hoping to add a VFLW on this Sunday. The Seagulls will face North Melbourne Werribee in the decider. Zielinski said they weren’t looking to change too much as they look for the club’s first VFLW premiership. “We’re just levelheaded, Paul Groves our coach is very much like that as well, calm and collected,” she said. “We’re a mirror of him and we’re a reflection of him. We’re very calm, we know what we have to do and we’ll go into this week like any other week of the season.”

Sports shorts VTCA Williamstown Imperials have announced the signings of two recruits for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield season. Coming off a grand final appearance, the Imperials have signed Jack Harman and Joe Kingsley-Smith for the upcoming season. Harman is described as quick from Paignton in the United Kingdom and joins the Imps this year after spending 2025-26 with Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association. He will also coach the under-14 girls and under-17 boys teams. The Imperials said Kingsley-Smith is a damaging new ball bowler who is coming off a huge season with North London taking 39 wickets at an average of 21.

VTCA

J.J. Liston Trophy winners George Stevens and Trent Mynott and Lambert-Pearce Medal winner Emily Eaves. (Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos)

Eaves win Lambert-Pearce Medal By Tara Murray Williamstown’s Emily Eaves was left shaking after she claimed the Victorian Football League women’s highest honour, the Lambert-Pearce Medal on Monday night. Having placed in the top five the past couple of years and having shared the coaches most valuable player award last year, Eaves took her game to another level this year. The on-baller started the season in redhot form, earning best on ground honours in four of the first six rounds. She then finished in a blaze of glory, polling nine votes in her last four matches. She finished with 21 votes to edge out Collingwood captain Dom Carbone, who polled 18 votes in 10 appearances either side of winning a spot on the Magpies’ AFLW list. Eaves was in shock after receiving the medal. It comes a couple of days after Williamstown won through to its first VFLW grand final.

“It has been a pretty crazy few days and I’m in shock, a bit shaky,” she said. “It’s incredible and I’m so excited to be playing in a grand final this weekend. “This is pretty special to hear my name called out.” Eaves said she was in shock that she was even in the position to win the medal, let alone take home the top honour. For her, this year her focus was doing everything that she could for the team. Eaves revealed on stage that she had turned down an AFLW train-on player role, while she had worked with Seagulls’ men’s player and personal trainer, Jake Greiser to become fitter and stronger in the off-season. “I think everything I did this year was to put my best foot forward to get this team to a grand final this year,” she told Star Weekly. “I wanted to be the best version of myself to put the team in the position that we’re in, and I’m just over the moon we’re in this position. “A lot of hard work and it’s paid off.” Eaves was named in the team of the year

alongside Laura Blue, Naomi Ferres, Georgia Howes and Mia Zielinski. Seagulls coach Paul Groves was named coach of the year. Eaves said Groves had helped her take her game to the next level this year. “He brought out a different side of me and my football,” Eaves said, “A few different aspects I was missing the last few years, I was really happy with the season I had.” Eaves and her teammates’ attention now turns to Sunday and the grand final against North Melbourne Werribee. For Eaves, who is from Sydney, Williamstown has become home, making the opportunity to be part of that first premiership team even more special. “The group is over the moon we have put ourselves in that position, and we’re really excited and we’re hoping we can write a new page in the history book at Williamstown and be the first VFLW team to win a premiership. We’re really excited and hopefully we can get the job done.”

Williamstown CYMS has received a boost as it steps up into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaacs Howarth Shield this season. The CYs, who won the division 2 premiership last season, have announced the signing of Spencer Wray son of 1998-99 first XI premiership player Greg Wray. “A classy left-handed top order bat, 21-year-old Spencer has made the move from premier cricket club Carlton, where he has played the last four seasons,” the CYs said. “Before that he played at Yarraville in the sub-district competition.”

VSDCA Williamstown has signed English import Will Macdonald for the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season. Macdonald joins the club from the Leicestershire CCC Academy and the Leicester Premier League side Leicester Ivanhoe. “Will is a top order batsman that will add some class to our batting stocks, is great in the field and can add some off spin variety as well. “ Macdonald will arrive after his commitments end in late September.

VTCA The Victorian Turf Association has announced its divisions ahead of the upcoming season. Barkly St Uniting which was set to drop from division 4 to division 5, is not included in the teams in the top six divisions for this season.

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Loss stings for Eagles By Luke D’Anello Yarraville-Seddon coach Brad Julier was unsure if this defeat hurt more than the previous year. But once the pain of back-to-back preliminary final exits subsides, the experienced Yarraville-Seddon coach remains adamant his club will continue to be a contender. The Eagles went down to Caroline Springs on the penultimate weekend of the Western Football League division 1 season for a second consecutive year, losing by 19 points, 14.8 (92)-9.19 (73). The Lakers will meet Werribee Districts at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday in a rematch of the epic 2025 decider, which the Tigers won in extra time. Yarraville-Seddon will be watching on, left to lament its inaccuracy in front of goal.

“It’s obviously disappointing again,” Julier said. “Getting to the same point and not getting it done definitely hurts. “The goalkicking is probably the end factor of it. Defensively, in the third quarter we weren’t great. We had our chances and goalkicking ultimately cost us.” The Eagles started brightly on Saturday and had 11 scoring shots to five in the first term, yet only an 11-point lead to show for it. Caroline Springs booted nine goals to two in the next two quarters to take control and held firm to reverse the result of the qualifying final. Kobe Cikala, West Barker, Isaac Kaddour and Leo Attersall were named Yarraville-Seddon’s best. The Eagles were also without four of their

prime movers in Will Hoskin-Elliott, Akol Deng, Michael Selsby and Wil Kliszewski. Hoskin-Elliott and Deng did not feature in the finals series, while Selsby and Kliszewski suffered injuries in recent weeks. Given the quartet all have AFL or VFL experience, it proved a hammer blow to the club’s premiership aspirations. “The last month has been tough,” Julier said. “They’re arguably four of the best 10 players in the comp. You take that out of any side and it’s tough to cover, but there’s no excuses. Everyone has injuries, but they’re big losses to cover. “I couldn’t be prouder of them (the players). They battled hard in the last month and even guys who have played have had some injuries. “We’ve battled but ultimately come up

short.” Julier, who will continue as coach next season, said the Eagles would again look to recruit over summer. “Retention’s definitely the biggest one for us, and if we add some guys around it, we’ll definitely try,” he said. Julier, who has been in charge since 2021, is hopeful good times are ahead. “We’re still young and the future’s bright,” he said. “But we’ve got to start turning some of these finals campaigns into success.” Saturday’s division 1 grand final will kick off at 2.30pm, with Werribee Districts chasing a third flag in five years. Werribee Districts will face Sunshine in the reserves grand final, while Newport will place Spotswood in the under-18 division 1 grand final.

Seagulls soar into their first grand final By Luke D’Anello Williamstown overcame illness, the absence of its captain and a stern test from Port Melbourne to advance to the Victorian Football League women’s grand final for the first time. The Seagulls prevailed by two points in a tense preliminary final at DSV Stadium, 6.4 (40)-5.8 (38), after losing the lead early in the last term. The success came after a bout of illness swept through the team in the lead up, while captain Eliza Stratford was on the sidelines on Saturday in a moon boot. However, Groves confirmed Stratford would return for Sunday’s grand final against North Melbourne-Werribee, which is shooting for a premiership three peat. Williamstown cruised to a 37-point win at home when the pair last met in round 14. But coach Paul Groves is expecting a different contest at Ikon Park this weekend and said the home-and-away result had little relevance. “They’re a fabulous team,” Groves said. “It’s going to be a different looking game to what we had on the weekend, so that will be for us to adjust to and make sure we’re ready. “But I think we enjoy playing those teams and the style of footy we’ve embedded and our ID this year is one built for the bigger games, and you saw that (on Saturday). “They went back on a little bit of what the coaches and Cav (former coach Liam Cavanagh) had done the last couple of years when we had to. “The ability to chop and change will be really helpful for us.” The preliminary final was close throughout, with 13 points the greatest margin separating the sides. The minor premier was held scoreless in the first term before rebounding with three unanswered goals in the second. The Seagulls had a seven-point advantage at the last change but held on after conceding three goals to two in the final term. “It was a very different looking game of football to what we probably hoped,” Groves said. “We expected the way it looked, but we were hoping it would be a little more open. “But credit to Port Melbourne, they were fabulous and executed their plan really well, and made it a really contested, straight line sort of game. “In the last quarter, we were able to hit back when we lost the lead a couple of times and shut down the last couple of minutes, which was a real positive because we haven’t had many of those games and they’ve had a lot of them. “It was a really positive step for our

Jin Woodman. (Tennis Australia)

Grand Slam title for Woodman

Jazmin Tweddle-O’Donnell. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 577861 15

group.” Groves said stand-in skipper Emily Eaves (16 possessions, one goal), ruck Georgia Howes and defender Jazmin Tweddle-O’Donnell led the way for the winners. Bella Smith (19 possessions), Naomi Ferres and Taelah Smith (both 15) were also busy, WHILE Mia Zielinski kicked two goals. “We rebounded really well after quarter-time and I thought the third quarter was

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pretty good,” Groves said. “We were trying to adapt to what was being thrown at us and the stiffness of the game, but we were able to get enough forward entries, and when we put speed on the ball between the arcs, we were able to get some entries that resulted in goals.” The grand final will kick off at 11am as part of a double-header, with the VFL decider to follow at 2.05pm.

Maribyrnong Sports Academy’s Jin Woodman has claimed his first Grand Slam title at the age of just 17. Having had a breakout 18 months on the world stage, the teenager paired with Sam Schroder to claim the US Open quad wheelchair doubles championship last week. The number two seeds overcame top seeds Guy Sasson and Niels Vink in a final that went all the way. After winning the first set, the pair dropped the second set before winning the tie-breaker to win the championship, 6-3 2-6 [10-7]. The two teams finished with 57 points apiece, with Woodman and Schroder only committing 22 unforced errors compared to Sasson and Vink’s 31. Woodman is the first Australian since Heath Davidson and Dylan Alcott in 2021 to win a wheelchair grand final doubles title. It was third time lucky for Woodman and Schroder this year. The pair finished runners-up to Sasson and Vink at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon earlier this season. Woodman also competed in the quad singles at the US Open and was knocked out by his doubles partner, and the number two seed, 6-2, 3-6, 1-6. It’s been a big few month’s for Woodman as he claimed his first singles title at an integrated tournament, winning Eastbourne earlier this year and followed it with a breakthrough victory over nine-time major champion Niels Vink at Roehampton. While in America, Woodman also claimed the JTCC Wheelchair Championships singles title. Woodman’s big month will continue as he represents Australia at the Quad World Team Cup.

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Bright future for Falcons By Luke D’Anello Wyndhamvale coach Daniel Smith is confident the club’s future is bright after it was outgunned in Sunday’s Western Football League division 2 decider. The Falcons were chasing back-to-back flags against North Footscray, with the minor premier earning a slice of revenge for its grand final defeat 12 months earlier with a comfortable 36-point win. Smith’s side was not promoted after last year’s success, with the league pushing pause on changes to the senior grades. Wyndhamvale will remain in the second tier in 2027 after falling short on the

big stage against a hungry Devils outfit. Outside of four unanswered goals in the second term – which reduced a 30-point half-time deficit to five points – the Falcons always looked to be playing catch up against an opponent that lost once this season. “We let ourselves down in certain areas and they capitalised and punished us when they did it,” Smith lamented. “When we had our opportunities, we hit the post twice and that could have got the momentum going for us and it didn’t “They were good enough just to keep the ball off us and kill the clock, and there was never enough time.

“Towards the end the boys just got frustrated. “But we move on. We’ve got a young group of kids.They’ll hook in now and we’ll have a crack next year.” North Footscray simply had too many prime movers for Wyndhamvale to shut down. Spearhead Lewis Stanton, who bagged a competition-best 106 majors for the campaign, was held goalless in the grand final. The likes of Riley Evans, Ryley McGaw and Liam Scarborough also had impressive seasons. “They beat us in the contest. We’d get the ball out and we’d be flat-footed and

they’d be on the move,” Smith said. “They were able to get the momentum going forward and it was hard for us to stop. “We’ll let this digest a little bit and then the coaching staff and I will get together in the next couple of weeks and come up with a plan for next year. Smith said he had a “handshake agreement” to continue as coach but that has not yet been ratified. On the positive side, Wyndhamvale’s reserves claimed the premiership with a fivepoint win over North Footscray. Brock Jones was best afield, while former AFL player Majak Daw featured in the triumph.

Devils on top after rampaging to a 36-point flag win By Luke D’Anello The agony of 12 months earlier turned to ecstasy for North Footscray on Sunday. The rampaging Devils claimed the Western Football League division 2 premiership with a dominant 36-point win over Wyndhamvale, 14.8 (92)-8.8 (56), reversing the result of the 2025 grand final between the pair. After finishing the home-and-away rounds as minor premier, North Footscray produced a clinical finals series to seal its first flag since 2017 under first-year coach Robbie Hudson. Bolstered by the arrival of former AFL player Lynden Dunn and experienced star Abdikhane Fitaax over the off-season, the dominant Devils won 19 of 20 games on their way to the ultimate prize. “This isn’t just on today, it’s months and months of hard work,” Hudson said amid the jubilation at Yarraville Oval. “This is obviously planned from last year with us going down in the grand final to Wyndhamvale. “I couldn’t be happier for the group. A few of them in there did take it pretty hard last year. For us to bounce back, it’s just been a mature performance this year. I’m very proud. “The club’s in a great spot in terms of (depth), so there wasn’t too much that we had to add this year. “The boys that we had to put in did the job today in Dunny and Abdi just to name a couple. I think the boys understood the plan for this year.” Inspirational co-captain Adam Petridis was a deserving recipient of the Rex Swann Medal for best afield. Brody Vorano and Barnaby Sianos were also busy for the winners, while Jordan Cochrane kept Falcons sharpshooter Lewis Stanton goalless. Dunn booted a game-high three majors, while Mathew Serafin and Jarrod Johns contributed two apiece. Hudson heaped praise on Petridis, who enjoyed another standout campaign. “He’s been around for a long time at the footy club and for him to do what he did today was leading by example,” he said. “Adam was well deserved of best on. He just kept going and going. It was an amazing effort.” North Footscray asserted its authority from the first bounce, piling on six goals to one in the first 30 minutes. Wyndhamvale then responded with four unanswered goals in the second term to reduce the deficit to five points. However, the Devils did not look like losing from there, kicking four goals to one in the third term before outscoring the Falcons against the breeze in the last

North Footscray. (Western FL/Local Footy Legends)

Adam Petridis was named best on ground. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 561962_10

stanza to launch a premiership party. With one flag from one season in charge, Hudson was not about to declare

coaching an easy job. He described it as a “full-time gig”. “It’s great in a sense that I know how

hard they are to win, not only as a coach but as a player,” Hudson said. “To have the foundation in place from last year with (former coach) Dave (Battistella) handing over, I’m under no illusion that it’s all me. It’s definitely the footy club.” Hudson cut a calm figure on the sidelines throughout in the pressure-packed atmosphere of a grand final. “Us as a management, a coaching staff, if we’re calm it filters over to the boys. That was our mantra a lot this year,” he said. “It took the boys a little bit to understand that we are calm. I put a lot of trust in my line coaches as well to get the message across. For us to keep a lid on it all day, it just filtered out and showed how mature we were.” Hudson said the club would later this month turn its attention to planning for division 1. “We do have a really good core and have depth with the ressies,” he said. “We’re definitely keen to add a few more (players) and a few may or may not retire, but we’ll see how the week goes and the next few weeks and start putting a plan in place.”

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