Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 27th May 2026

Showcase for young artists

Two past winners are encouraging aspiring artists in the western suburbs to enter the Woods Street Youth Art Prize.

Open to artists aged 14-25 who either live or have a connection to Melbourne’s west, the prize is presented by Hobsons Bay council and has six categories including artist encouragement awards for both under 20s and over 20s and people’s choice.

The overall winner will receive $1000 in prize money, while the runner up will get $500.

Tara Mathews won the prize in 2024 and said it had served as a springboard for her career as an artist.

“Now, two years later, I have exhibited as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival and had a solo exhibition for Midsumma Westside,” Mathews said.

Maya Kirk won the artist encouragement award in 2024 and said doing so provided her with a lot of encouragement and support.

“Any would-be applicants should take the plunge and apply,” Kirk said.

Submissions for this year’s prize are open now and close on 12 June.

Winners will be announced on 4 September and winning artworks will be on display at Woods Street Arts Space from 4-19 September.

Details: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/youthartprize

Cafe legal threat

By Cade Lucas

Two Footscray traders are threatening legal action against the Salvation Army for opening a new cafe and drop-in centre nearby, claiming it will harm their businesses.

The Lighthouse Cafe, on the corner of Albert and Paisley streets in the Footscray CBD, was officially opened last week, providing support for people experiencing homelessness, alcohol and drug issues or mental health challenges.

One door down from the new cafe on Albert Street is Double Degree Kebabs, which owner Latif Abdul has operated for

seven years.

Mr Abdul said his business was already struggling to break even due to the amount of violence and anti-social behaviour in the area,andthatlocatingadrop-incentrenext doorwouldonlymaketheproblemworse.

“I’ve got hundreds of customers who just leave my premises when they see people who are intoxicated or high on drugs,” Mr Abdul said.

“Even if I make the world’s best kebab, they’re not gonna come back again.”

Mr Abdul spoke to StarWeekly out the front of his kebab shop on Wednesday afternoon while the launch event for the Lighthouse Cafe, which was attended by

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PremierJacintaAllan,tookplacenextdoor.

Standing alongside Mr Abdul was Murat Dokuzelma, the owner of Footscray Bakehouse and Red Apple Cafe, both locatedacrosstheroadfromtheLighthouse Cafe inside Footscray Plaza.

Mr Dokuzelma told StarWeekly he was exploring his legal options against the Salvation Army.

“The lawyer is coming next week. Our lawyer will look after us,” he said.

When asked whether he was considering legal action as well, Mr Abdul confirmed that he was.

“Yeah of course.”

Both men said they supported the idea

behind the Lighthouse Cafe, but not the location, with Mr Dokuzelma claiming he recommended the hall of the nearby Anglican Church on Pickett Street as an alternative, but was ignored.

Both Mr Dokuzelma and Mr Abdul were earlierseenhavingananimateddiscussion withMaribyrnongmayorMohamedSemra outside the launch event.

Maribyrnong council was contacted for comment.

A spokesperson said the Salvation Army was aware of the concerns of some business operators in the vicinity of the cafe, but wouldnotcommentonpossiblelegalaction. More on the cafe opening: Page 3

Crossing designs revealed

By Cade Lucas

Early designs have been released for level crossing removals in Spotswood and Yarraville.

The designs showing a new elevated station in Spotswood and the closure of Anderson Street in Yarraville to traffic, were released by the state government over the weekend following community consultation late last year.

In Spotswood, a new station and rail bridge will be built above Hudsons Road, removing a level crossing used by more than 6600 vehicles a day and where boom gates are down for up to 50 minutes during

morning peaks.

The new station will have entrances from Hudsons Road and McLister Street, while the heritage-listed station building on Hope Street will be incorporated into the design.

“Removing the dangerous Hudsons Road level crossing and building a new Spotswood Station will make journeys safer and less congested for local families,” Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said.

“The removal of the Hudsons Road level crossing, coupled with the truck ban, will transform Spotswood and make it safer and easier for locals to get around,” Wil-

liamstown MP Melissa Horne added.

On the other side of the West Gate Bridge in Yarraville, the Anderson Street level crossing will be removed by closing the street to traffic.

Underpasses will be built on either side of Yarraville Station to provide access for pedestrians and cyclists, while the eastern side of Anderson Street will become an extension of the existing car-free plaza on nearby Bendigo Street.

The Yarraville level crossing is considered one of the most dangerous in Melbourne, with one fatality and four serious injuries occurring there since 2006, while there have been 26 near misses since 2016.

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Retiree Ray completes another fundraising ride

“You’ve gotta have targets in life. If you don’t have targets you sit on your arse and do nothing.”

That’s life according to Altona retiree Ray Lispscombe and it’s a motto he’s well and truly lived up to.

Instead of a cake or a party, Mr Lispcombe marked is 82nd birthday on 8 May the same way he’s marked every birthday since turning 80: by riding 100km for charity.

Yes, you read that correctly.

“We started at Queensliffe at 6.05am and we finished (at the Altona Men’s

Shed) at 10 to 12,” Mr Lipscombe said of this year’s ride which has so far raised nearly $7000 for the Lost Dogs’ Home, with donations still being accepted until the end of the month.

Mr Lipscombe has raised nearly $30,000 for the Lost Dogs Home since starting his birthday fundraising rides in 2024 and plans to continue until at least his 85th birthday in 2029.

“We’ve already planned next year, we’re going from Kynton to the Altona Bendigo Bank,” he said of his 83rd birthday ride next year.

Like the previous three, Mr Lispcombe willagaintacklethe100kmjourneyalone.

“Nooneelsewantstodoit,”helaughed, adding that he does have a support crew following behind in a car.

As for why he started doing the rides at all, Mr Lipscombe’s explanation was equally simple.

“I was coming up to my 80th birthday and I thought I want to do something memorable and good for the community.”

He’s certainly achieved that.

Donate: https://makeforeverhappen. com/rays-2026-bike-ride

Passengers and pedestrians to benefit from new station

Early designs for the new Tottenham station have been released.

As part of stage one of the Melbourne Airport rail link, Tottenham station will be rebuilt 20 metres north of its current location on the realigned Sunbury Line.

The new Tottenham station will feature a new underpass from Rupert Street to Sunshine Road, separated from Ashley Street, with lifts and stairs to access the platforms.

The new connection is designed to make it easier and safer for passengers to access the station as well as locations on both sides of the rail line, while pedestri-

ans and cyclists should also benefit.

The current Ashley Street underpass is the only rail line crossing in the Tottenham and Braybrook area and those on foot or on a bike have to share a narrow one-sided footpath with those travelling in the opposite direction.

The new Tottenham station will also feature platforms with lifts, stairs, shelter and lighting, providing easier and safer access for commuters compared to what they experience now.

Both Tottenham station and neighbouring Albion station are being completely rebuilt as part of the $4.1 billion

first stage of the airport rail link, with track works already underway.

Both new stations are expected to be finished by 2030, which Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said was something for local commuters to look forward to.

“New stations at Albion and Tottenham will provide modern facilities for locals to enjoy for generations to come,” Ms Williams said.

“Rebuilding Tottenham station will make it easier and safer to access public transport and move through the precinct,” Footscray MP Katie Hall said.

“This project will improve safety, cut congestion and bring us closer to a boom gate free Werribee line,” Ms Williams said.

“These designs reflect what the community has asked for – safer and better connections and more open space in the heart of Yarraville,” Footscray MP Katie Hall said.

The designs are now subject to another round of community consultation, with the public able to have their say until 21 June.

Both projects, along with all other level crossing removals on the Werribee line, are expected to be complete by 2029.

Feedback: https://engage.vic.gov.au/ project

Briefs

Braybrook fatal

Police are investigating a fatal collision in Braybrook. Emergency services were called to reports a car had struck a pedestrian on Ballarat Road about 7.10pm on 17 May. The male pedestrian, who is yet to be formally identified, was taken to hospital where he later died. The driver and sole occupant of the car was not injured and stopped at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision continues.

Spotswood fire

A fire that destroyed a Spotswood factory on Tuesday morning is being treated as suspicious. Fifty firefighters spent more than two hours tackling the blaze at a factory on Hudsons Road which affected several neighbouring properties and forced residents of nearby apartments to be evacuated. Emergency services were called to the property on the corner of Raleigh Street just after 2.30am on 26 May following numerous reports that it was on fire. The building contains asbestos and decontamination procedures are underway. No one was injured.

A crime scene has now been established and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze, with three unknown offenders believed to have been seen fleeing the area in a utility vehicle in an unknown direction.

Pedestrian dies

A man has died in hospital after being hit by a car in Footscray last month. Police said the 74-year-old was struck by a car on Droop Street about about 11.50 am on Monday 20 April. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he died on 13 May. The driver and passenger of the vehicle remained at the scene.

Werribee deaths investigated Police are investigating the discovery of a man and woman’s body in Werribee on 15 May. Police were conducting a welfare check at a property on Melton Close just after 3.30pm and discovered the 31-year-old man and 29-year-old woman deceased inside the property. A postmortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Detectives are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths and it is believed the parties are known to each other.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Bar considers early close

By Cade Lucas

The owner of a Footscray nightclub that has been uninsured for two years due to a huge spike in premiums said its opening hours could be scaled back if a solution wasn’t found.

Prominent LGBTQI+ venue Pride of Our Footscray opened in 2018 and was granted a 3am liquor license in 2019.

Owner and manager of the Hopkins Street bar, Matt O’Keefe, said his insurance premium jumped from $1000 to $6000 when the 3am license was first granted, but that paled compared to the

increases that have occurred since the end of the Covid pandemic.

“We came back in 2022 and the insurer asked for $43,000,” Mr O’Keefe said of the first sharp increase in insurance premiums which he was still able to afford.

It was the last insurance premium he could afford.

“The next time we went to renew it in 2024, we went to 19 different insurance companies and 18 of them said no, not at any cost,” he said.

“Then the 19th one said we could do it, but for $143,000, which when you pay in

instalments, became $158,000”.

With no way of affording such an astronomical increase, Mr O’Keefe has relied on an understanding landlord and extra precautions to keep Pride of Footscray going without public liability insurance for two years.

But with the constant stress of being an accident away from bankruptcy taking a toll and with no immediate solution in sight, he conceded that moving closing time back to 1am was an option.

“It would be a radical change of who we are and what we’re known for but

Lighthouse Cafe launches in Footscray

By Cade Lucas

For the first time in years, Footscray’s MetroWestshoppingcentrewasfilledwith people on 20 May as The Salvation Army’s Lighthouse Cafe was officially opened.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Western Bulldogs stars Tom Liberatore and Cody Weightman were among the dozens of people who crammed into the new cafe near the Metro West entrance on the corner Albert and Paisley streets. Free coffee and dim sims were handed out as dignitaries such as Ms Allan, Salvation Army commanding officer Major Brendan Nottle and Footscray MP Katie Hall gave speeches.

Modelled on the Salvo’s Magpie Nest Cafe in Melbourne’s CBD, the Light-

house Cafe will act as a drop-in centre for vulnerable people, providing them with free meals and connecting them with homelessness, drug and alcohol and mental health support services.

The location of the cafe is contentious, with some including chief executive of Africause youth and community services, Dr Berhan Ahmed, arguing it could make existing problems worse.

“We already have a crisis and by opening this (the cafe) you’re inviting more to come,” Dr Ahmed told Star Weekly outside the launch.

Dr Ahmed, whose office is just a few doors down from the cafe, said he suggested a church hall on nearby Pickett Street as a better location, but now that now it was open, it had his full support.

Ms Hall, who helped lobby for the cafe, said its location was deliberate.

“it’s so important to be place based,” Ms Hall said.

“We need to be in the heart of where vulnerable people come for help.”

The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is involved in the cafe and Liberatore and Weightman are ambassadors.

A Footscray resident and owner of nearby hospitality venues, Liberatore doubted the cafe would make things worse.

“I don’t think there could be anymore problems in the area than there is” he told StarWeekly

“We’re just trying to be helpful and I think that’s gonna create less issues.”

Western suburbs arrests linked to alleged nightclub arson attacks

Three Wyndham men have been arrested in relation to a series of alleged arson attacks on Melbourne nightclubs earlier this month. Officers executed search warrants in the Wyndham on Wednesday 20 May, arresting an 18-year-old from Tarneit in the process.

Later in the morning another 18-yearold from Tarneit and a 17-year-old from Wyndham were both arrested at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong.

It’s alleged the 17-year-old was armed with a machete.

The three males are now being interviewed by detectives in relation to arson, attempted arson, criminal damage, burglary and theft of motor vehicle.

The alleged incidents occurred in the

early hours of Monday 4 May and Tuesday 5 May at nightclubs in the Melbourne CBD and Prahran as well as at a warehouse.

At about 4am on 4 May a car was allegedly rammed into five roller doors at an industrial premises. It’s alleged a male then got out and walked into the warehouse with a jerry can.

Later at about 5.20am, a car allegedly pulled up outside the La Di Da nightclub on the corner of Little Bourke Street and King Street in the CBD.

It’s alleged a male got out and attempted to enter the venue before returning to the car and ramming it into the front door.

Roughly 20 minutes later a car allegedly rammed into Electric Bar on Chapel

that is an active consideration,” he said, adding that the insurance market for venues closing at 1am had recently cooled down.

“But after 1 o’clock it’s still extremely difficult.”

Mr O’Keefe is hoping the change won’t be needed, with one insurance company believed to have quoted a premium of $50,000 to cover the venue, though no formal offer has been made.

A parliamentary inquiry into insurance costs for live music venues, which Mr O’Keefe made a submission to, is due to report later this year.

Leaked plans cause old hospital concern

Local residents and campaigners claim they are disappointed but not surprised at redevelopment plans for the old Footscray Hospital site which were accidentally leaked last week.

A draft masterplan for the Gordon Street site was briefly published on Development Victoria’s (DV) website on Sunday 19 May in what the authority now concedes was a mistake.

For Footscray resident and member of the Reimaging Old Footscray Hospital campaign group, Fletcher Bubb, of greater concern than the leak itself was the vision for the site that it revealed.

“The leaked plans follow Development Victoria’s official mandate to maximise profits for the state government. Trying to apportion the land for the highest and best commercial use without a due process on the future community value that’s required,” Mr Bubb said, repeating criticism made by other members of the Reimaging Old Footscray Hospital group that the leaked plans had too much housing and not enough public space.

Mr Bubb said the problem wasn’t so much the amount of housing, but the type.

“We expect housing there, but it needs to be the full range of housing for different people through different life cycles, all the way through to retirement, families, first time home buyers, and affordable housing.”

He also criticised the lack of information on social infrastructure.

“We’re talking childcare, energy transport, public open space and they are not contemplated by Development Victoria at this stage at all.”

As expected, land owned by Maribyrbong council wasn’t included in the draft, a move local campaigners have previously described as “baffling.”

Street. Two males allegedly exited the vehicle and poured accelerant inside the venue, but it failed to catch fire.

At about 3.30am the following morning, Tuesday 5 May, it’s alleged two males again attended La Di Da nightclub, damaging the front door before pouring accelerant throughout the premises and setting it alight.

Last month police established Operation Eclipse to tackle the spate of arson attacks on nightclubs and hospitality venues in the Melbourne CBD and Prahran. Melbourne’s CBD Acting Superintendent Anthony Vella said the latest arrests meant someone had been arrested in relation to each arson attack that led to the operation being established.

Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said council was aware that its land, which takes in the old hospital’s southern car park, had been excluded, but that it would continue to engage with DV in planning for the site.

“Our expectation is that their planning will complement the existing work and position council has previously undertaken and endorsed for the site,” Cr Semra said.

A spokesperson for DV wouldn’t confirm when the draft masterplan would be formally released, but said community consultation would begin shortly.

“We look forward to working with locals and stakeholders to ensure development outcomes meet community expectations.”

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Nylon Phoenix is on the rise

A chance meeting and a shared dream was the spark that Sunbury locals Jet Bastos and Floyd Bassett needed to come together. Georgia Tacey caught up with duo Nylon Phoenix to hear more about the band and its origins in the lead up to their debut single Magenta releasing this August.

Every great band has that iconic story of how they came to be.

U2 formed through an ad on a bulletin board. For Green Day, Billie Joe Armstrong met Mike Dirnt at a bus stop on their way to school.

But for Nylon Phoenix, it all started in a restaurantandtheconstanttaptaptapping of Floyd Bassett’s imaginary drum.

His future bandmate Jet Bastos, though he didn’t know it yet, was working at that very restaurant he came upon looking for his feed.

“Whenever I have to wait for anything in my life, whether I’m at the supermarket or the gym or anything, I just start tapping, going through drum beats,” Bassett said.

“I could see Jet watching me as I’m tapping along, waiting for my food, and he walks up to me as he’s like ‘are you all right man? You’ve just ordered, it’s gonna take a couple of minutes’.

“I’m like ‘oh sorry, I’m just practising some beats that I’m working on’, and he said ‘Wait a minute, you’re a drummer? I’m looking for a drummer in this band I’m starting’.”

It was perfect timing.

Bassett, a skilled drummer, was looking for a fresh project after his previous band disbanded.

Bastos, already a solo artist, was looking for someone to join him and create a band and accompany his vocals and ukulele.

“We jammed and realised we had a good mix of influences and Nylon Phoenix was born,” Bassett said.

Fusing ukulele punk and alternative, the duo has been playing a number of gigs and open mics around Melbourne as they navigate their way through the Melbourne music scene.

Their name – taken from Bastos’s middle name Phoenix and the material used to make strings on the ukulele that defines their sound – was the perfect descriptor and title that was all thanks to Bastos.

“The name is a bit of a contradiction in of itself, being a combination of the artificial, contrasted by the natural; it’s a critique of the insincerity of the modern popular music scene,” Bassett said.

“It however also describes our music perfectly,aswecombineliveperformances of acoustic and electric instruments with synthesized tracks, attempting to blend and balance the two different worlds together.”

Overthepasttwoyearssincetheirfateful meeting, Bassett and Bastos have been busy honing their sound and recording music, with their debut single set to release this August.

Magenta, their first single, will dive deep into Bastos’ trials and tribulations navigating the modern dating world.

“It’s pretty much a critique on myself in the modern dating scene, which I find quite funny,” Bastos said.

The duo has spent the better part of the past year – alongside other gigs and projects – chipping away at the song, with Bastos taking the lead on production.

“Jet comes up with the initial song idea and shows me and we start to workshop some ideas to flesh it out,” Bassett said.

“Jet usually has pretty solid ideas of the feel and mood of the songs as well as the chord progressions, lyrics and structure. I add some drum ideas and then Jet gets into recording mode.”

Bastos then layers the tracks, adding drums, bass ukulele and synth before laying down the vocals, which are all produced by him in his own home studio. Even the music video which they’ve been

shootingforthesonghasallbeenproduced by them with little outside help.

“The music video is based on different caricatures and different people you’d see on online dating apps and I’m playing them in different costumes,” Bastos said.

“[The music video had] two shoots, one in a studio with professional videographer and photographer George Johnson, and another on site in Bendigo with our friend Sara Hancock, using various locations and a wider wardrobe to capture the lyrical motifs in the verses of the song,” Bassett said.

Now in the final stages, Nylon Phoenix are constantly working, creating music and gearing up for a busy few months as their single goes out to the world.

“We’re working on music all the time,” Bassett said.

“Every week is different as we sometimes have gigs on consecutive days or just a couple of days apart, but we are pretty strict about rehearsing at least once per fortnight.”

Most recently, the duo took to a local stage, helping to put on a showcase of Sunbury’s finest performers in the scene at The Industrial.

“Most of our shows are around the Fitzroy, Brunswick area … which was one of the reasons we wanted to put on the Sunbury show because it’s a fair distance for people to travel for those who are local to Sunbury,” Bassett said.

“We wanted to give them a chance to hear us play with some of the other local bands around Sunbury.”

For Bastos, this was his favourite performance.

“It was such an amazingly unexpected turnout,” he said.

“It was a fantastic show, a good crowd,

great energy, a great performance … I want to play more shows like that.”

Bassett agreed, as well as the first show they ever performed together.

Performing live and making music was what they were meant to do, and Bassett said he was proud to work with Bastos on their music.

“The development of the music that Jet’s putting together, it’s a really unique style,”

he said.

“Not only having the ukulele as the front instrument … but also the way he’s crafting songs, taking elements since recorded music began and over the last 60 years of popular music, it’s just something that’s totally unique.

“If you come to our shows, you’ll see something that you’ve never seen before.”

Details: facebook.com/nylonphoenix

The name is a bit of a contradiction in of itself ... It however also describes our music perfectly - Floyd Bassett

Mural adds colour to Footscray

Central Footscray has just become a little brighter and more colourful thanks to a giantmuralwhichhasbeenpaintedaspart of a new apartment complex.

The10-metretalland75-metreartmural was unveiled on Tuesday 19 May at the openingoftheIndiFootscraybuild-to-rent apartment complex on McNabb Avenue.

Wrapping around the bottom of the existing State Trustees building across a narrow laneway from the new apartment tower, the mural took six artists two weeks, 345 litres of paint and 76 brushes to complete.

Among them was First Nations artist Tommy Day who painted award winning Mooroop Yarkeen mural in Werribee in 2023.

Day painted Bunjil the Eagle, the creator spirit, which is shown soaring across the mural.

Also involved was Minna Leunig, the daughter of legendary newspaper cartoonist and Footscray resident, the late

Michael Leunig.

Lynn Bremner and Brolga were the other local artists who contributed to the mural, joining international artists Francesco Camillo Giorgino (Millo) and SethGlobepainterintheprojectwhichwas delivered by renowned Australian public art and placemaking studio, Juddy Roller.

The mural celebrates Footscray’s vibrant arts scene and depicts local landmarks, flora and fauna, cultural influences and Indigenous themes.

Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra and Footscray MP Katie Hall were among the dignitaries at Tuesday’s ribbon cutting eventforboththemuralandIndiFootscay.

“Thisdevelopmentreflectsthecontinued growth and transformation of Footscray, creating a place where people can live, work and connect,” Ms Hall said.

“Projects like this play an important role in supporting housing choice while strengthening the vibrant, inclusive community that Footscray is known for.”

Sunday at Sleepless

Sleepless Footscray Festival 2026 took over Trugo Lane and its adjacent car park from 15-17 May, providing three days of experimental music, arts, culture and creativity.

Beginning on Friday night, the festival featured more than 60 different artists performing across two stages, playing everything from alt-rock, rap, jazz, afrobeats,R’n’B,punk,andpop,whilethere were also live paintings, interactive art installations,fashionpuppetryandfood.

While wet and cold weather on Sunday threaten to damped the festival’s final day, performances SoMos SoniKollective and Uncomfortable Science on the main stage and Get Rumpus and Crimson Caravan on the Irving Hub stage, lifted the mood and got the crowd moving as night fell and the festivalcametoaclose.

Amongthosebravingthedrabconditions was Star Weekly reporter Cade Lucas who captured some of images of Sunday at Sleepless.

Nominees announced

More than 60 individuals, groups and organisations have been nominated for the inaugural Hobsons Bay Community Recognition Awards. The new awards, which replace citizen and young citizen of the year as Hobsons Bay’s main civic honours, have six categories including change maker, community strengthening, community leader and young leader of the year. “Volunteers and those who give back truly are at the heart of what makes Hobsons Bay the fantastic city we know it is,” Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said congratulating the nominees. Winners will be announced at Williamstown Town Hall on Saturday 30 May during National Volunteer Week. The full list of nominees is available at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov. au/cra

Reconciliation week

National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to June 3 will be celebrated with a number of events in Hobsons Bay. On 27 May, Yorta Yorta woman and founder of First Nations dance collective, Wala Connections, Thara Brown, will host a yarning circle at Altona Library. On 30 May, Bunurong Traditional Custodian, Samantha Bennett, will hold a basket weaving circle at Wood Street Art Space in Laverton. A poster exhibition, movie screening and First Nationals cultural awareness training are among the other events taking place. Details: https:// shorturl.at/3srWw FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Oval outlook approved

By Cade Lucas

One of the inner-west’s most historic sporting venues could soon look very different after the draft masterplan for Yarraville Oval was endorsed at Maribyrnong council’s 19 May meeting.

The draft masterplan is aimed at upgrading the facilities at the 136-year-old oval, while encouraging more shared use and improving safety, appearance and functionality.

Following a heritage assessment the draft recommends keeping the oval’s historic grandstand as well as the Yarraville Mouth

Organ Band clubrooms, while the scorers and press box could be located elsewhere.

However, the main reason behind the development of the masterplan was to identity a location for a purpose-built cricket training facility at the oval.

Longtime co-tenant Yarraville Cricket Club currently plays and trains across multiple venues and is forced to use practice wickets on the oval itself rather than having a dedicated net area outside the playing surface like most other clubs.

The southern end of the oval behind where the existing practice nets are and in between the skate park and school gymna-

sium, has been identified as the preferred spot, with alternatives at the northern end of the ground or at McIvor Reserve, ruled out.

Despite complaints that it is too small, the skate park will be retained, while spectator mounds at northern end of the ground will be removed to provide more open space for students at Yarraville West Primary School next door.

In moving the draft masterplan, Cr Pradeep Tiwari spoke in support of removing the spectator mounds as well as some fencing in order to make the oval more accessible

Footscray rugby club scores with family focus

The family-first culture at Footscray Rugby Union Club (FRUC) was recognised at the recent Victorian Sport Awards.

The Bulldogs were named Community Sporting Club of the Year at the awards which were presented on 13 May at the MCG.

FRUC was honoured for its core concept of Aiga (family), where everyone is welcomed to the club through events such as its annual Island Night that recognises the club’s predominantly Pasifika heritage.

The club’s work with organisations in-

cluding Drummond Street, The Zone and The Les Twentyman Foundation to assist at-risk youth through sport was also recognised.

FRUC president Charlie Sale said it was an honour to receive the award and paid tribute to those who helped make it happen.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported both myself and the club over the past 10 years,” Mr Sale said.

“Your support, encouragement, and belief in what we’ve built together has meant more than words can express.

“At the moment a lot of the space feels closed off unless you’re playing sport,” Cr Tiwari said, adding that the draft would secure the long term future of cricket at the ground.

However, Cr Bernadette Thomas was less enthused, arguing that McIvor Reserve would’ve been a better spot for the cricket nets and that replacing turf practice wickets with synthetic ones was also misguided.

“We’re in a climate emergency and those synthetic surfaces add to the heat in our city,” Cr Thomas said.

The draft masterplan will now be subject to more community consultation before a final version is put to council for adoption.

Footscray connected to outreach program

Frontline outreach workers will soon be posted to Footscray train station as part of an expansion to the state government’s Community Connectors program.

Community connectors have expertise in mental health, trauma, homelessness, alcohol and drug issues, family violence and crisis support.

They patrol train stations and help vulnerable people in crisis before situations escalate by connecting them with support services and working closely with Metro Trains staff, Protective Services Officers (PSOs) and police.

The program, which has been operating at Dandenong station since July 2023 and Frankston station since late 2024, will be rolled at Footscray from 27 May, and at Broadmeadows station in the coming months.

“Most importantly, I want to acknowledge our players. Your loyalty, commitment and your dedication to one another is the heartbeat of this club.

“Together, we’ve built a genuine family and community, one that has given so many people friendship, connection, and a true sense of belonging. That is something incredibly special, and it’s something we should all be proud of.

“This award is not about one person — it belongs to every single person who has contributed to this club’s journey. Thank you all for being part of it.”

Since the program started, community connectors have engaged with almost 5000 people, helped de-escalate or prevent more than 600 incidents and and referred hundreds to support services.

As a result, incidents of disorderly and offensive conduct have dropped by 85 per cent at Dandenong station and by 44 per cent at Frankston station and the Young Street precinct.

Footscray MP Katie Hall said as a major interchange station with thousands of passengers passing through each day, Footscray was an appropriate location for such a program.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Free lectures

The Footscray Mechanics Institute will be running a free lecture on the last Friday of each month until the end of October. The program includes: book launches, discussion of books and authors, and community guest speakers. The lectures will take place at the Footscray Mechanics Institute, 209 Nicholson Street, Footscray. 9687 1935, or info@fmi.org.au.

Art classes

Bek & Jayne (Flipperfrog) are community artists who are offering art and collage classes at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. The classes will run from 7.15-9pm every third Wednesday of the month. The workshops explore different types of collage, mixed media paint and lots of play with colour and mark making. All materials are supplied, with attendees asked to bring an apron and a picture or photo which can be incorporated into their work. The classes cost $25 per session in order to cover materials and venue hire. Walk-ins are welcome but places are not guaranteed.

0400 693 025, or flipperfrog.com.

The IT Club

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

Lucila, 9397 6168

Marriage course

The Marriage Course at Christ Church Anglican, Newport, is an opportunity to spend eight weeks strengthening and growing your marriage through sessions that have been designed to engage you in conversation with your spouse over topics such as good sex, the art of communication and resolving conflict. The first night will be held in-person before shifting to an online format over the following seven weeks. Held on Wednesdays from 7.30-9pm, 10 June-29 July.

https://www.christchurchnewport.org.au/ marriage-course

Church centenary

This year marks a century since Christ Church Newport’s red brick church on Mason Street, Newport was established. As part of celebrating this milestone, the church is seeking any photos people might have of events which have taken place in the building. These can include photos of weddings, baptisms, kids clubs, community events, and more. Those who have photos

to share, or who would like to highlight notable key dates, are encouraged to get in touch.

100years@christchurchnewport.org.au

Discover new skills

Join Outlets Newport Community Education Centre for classes in English conversation, computers, devices, sewing, crafts and more. All welcome. 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

Learn digital devices

Know someone who needs help with their mobile phone or tablet? Outlets Newport Community Education Centre offers small, weekly classes that teach all the basics, tips and tricks to meet your needs. Register now. Classes are Mondays 10am-noon. 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au

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, or westgatebasketball.com.au/walkingbasketball-1.

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely one/two hour walk around Williamstown and nearby suburbs with

guide John. Walks start at 9.30am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. John Becroft, 0418 377 336

Sing with Willin Wimmin choir

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

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

Mainly music

A music-playgroup program for kids and their carers from birth to school age. Held every Thursday from 9.30-10.30am during school terms at Westgate Baptist Community, 16 High Street, Yarraville. The cost is $7 per family, per week. Jenny, 0401 651 012, Ruth, 0409 635 468 or westgatebaptist.org.au/mainlymusic/

Free English conversation classes

If English is your second language and you want to improve your English language skills, practice speaking with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive

group sessions held every Monday at 1-3pm in the meeting room at Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona. Light refreshments provided.

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

Chit Chat Tuesdays

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

Dione, 9398 2511, or LJAC.com.au

Williamstown seniors

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

Marlene, 0402 769 204

Footscray CWA

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

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

Walking group

The Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House are holding a walking group from 9.30am every second Wednesday. The walking group is open to everyone and starts from the neighbourhood house at 113 Melon Street, Braybrook. 9317 5610, or jodie@bmnh.org.au

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

Women Working Together

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

MY PLACE

Maidstone’s Diane Di Lallo is a volunteer at Mercy Palliative Care, Sunshine who is is helping ensure residents’ stories aren’t forgotten. She spoke with Laura Michell to mark National Volunteer Week (18-24 May).

What’s your connection to the west?

I currently volunteer as a biographer at Mercy Palliative Care in Devonshire Road, Sunshine. I love the area, and I used to workinSunshineandStAlbanswhenIwas younger. My daughter lives in Brimbank, so I have a few connections to the area. I live in Maidstone, which is very close.

What do you like about where you live?

I have lived in Melbourne’s western suburbs all of my adult life. I love the vibrancy, the diversity and the great community spirit. I love visiting Sunshine to shop and to eat at the great restaurants. There are so many cuisines to choose from and the quality of food available and the low prices are incredible! Brimbank has great walking trails, bike paths and parks. There is something for everybody.

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

I would love to see more people gain the personal benefits from volunteering in their local communities. My time as a volunteer with Mercy Palliative Care (MPC) in Sunshine has been so rewarding.

Tell us more about your volunteer role with Mercy Palliative Care Sunshine. I applied to be a volunteer with MPC in August 2024 after seeing an ad in Star Weekly, and I completed the training program in around October 2024. I am seeing my sixth palliative patient now and completing my fourth biography. I liked the sound of the biography program and so I did the extra training required to take that on. I love writing and collating informationsoit’saperfectfitforme.Ifind it rewarding to produce a beautiful written record of the patient’s life (with photos) for their family to cherish after they’ve gone. The MPC volunteer coordinators – Kellie SandralandJimCreaner–arebothgreatat whattheydo.Theylookafterthevolunteers withcompleteunderstandingofourvaried needs. The best advice I received was how

importantitisjusttolistentopeople,really listen! Listening is an under-rated skill nowadays and, of course, privacy, respect and non-judgement are so vital in our role as volunteers.

Whatdoyouenjoyabouthelpingpalliative patients to write their biographies? Patientssometimescommentthattheirlife istooboringforabiography,butitneveris! I enjoy hearing about their life history –

FROM THE ARCHIVES

40 years ago

28 May, 1986

Williamstown council will explain its controversial decision to use Newport Lakes’ north-west hole as a tip at a public meeting tonight.

They provide their insights from the perspective of old age and/or terminal illness as to what they have learnt is the most important thing in life. I believe this advice is invaluable for the reader. Sometimes patients talk about regrets and painful issues that don’t necessarily make it into their finished biography. They always have full control over what is included, but they may still want to talk these things through. In a way, it can be like a healing process for them, a sorting of their life into things they are proud of and things they may regret having done or not done. Talking about these things often helps them to accept and let go.

I wrote the biography for a lovely 87-year-oldmaninBraybrooklastyearand he gave permission for it to be provided to the Wonthaggi Historical Society (WHS), along with an old photo album that was going to be thrown out. He was so thrilled that they were keen to receive it as he had no idea they even remembered him from his younger years, let alone considered him quite a famous son of the town. He’d lived an adventurous, action-packed life and had amazing exploits both here and overseas. I’ll never forget the absolute joy he displayed when I told him the WHS committee was very interested in reading hislifestoryandwouldmakehisbiography accessible in their archives for other readers. He was very humbled by this.

Why do you believe it is important to volunteer in your community?

their childhood, the adventures, the sagas, the direction their life has taken and the choices they have made along the way that haveledthemtowheretheyarenow.Ialso really love hearing their life wisdom; what their life has taught them and the wisdom accrued.

I always like to include a section at the end of the biography where they offer advice to their potential readers, such as future great-grandchildren, for example.

I’ve always believed that a life of service to others is a valuable life indeed. Often people don’t realise the effect their time and compassion has on others. Just to be an active listener makes people feel seen, heard and valued. Many elderly people can sometimes feel lonely, invisible or a burden, and often they will tell volunteers things they would not wish to burden their carers or loved ones with. If you can spare a couple of hours a week, I highly recommend you consider volunteering.

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago 29 May, 1996

Altona District Hospital is fighting yet another battle to keep its doors open after rumours this week that it could close by December.

20 years ago

30 May, 2006

Angry parents say new parking restrictions around Altona Primary School are depriving them of valuable time with their children before and afterschool.

10 years ago

25 May, 2016

A $5.5 billion tollway linking Melbourne’s west with the city is being rushed through without adequate detail or consultation, according to HobsonsBay’smayor.

Fleetwood’s magic captured

If you never did believe in miracles, you’ll be beginning to wonder why after seeing StarshineinWerribeenextmonth.

The Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Tribute band will be rocking Studio 185 on Friday12June,promisingtobringnostalgia, mystiqueandpowertotheirperformance.

Thegigwillbedrivenbyastandoutlineup of musicians who embrace their Fleetwood Mac counterparts, featuring former Las Vegas performer Nikki Canale as Stevie Nicks.

Krissy Keys channels the soulful feel of

Christine McVie, Mitchell Jon goes his own way like Lindsay Buckingham, Regotron brings the groove of John McVie, while Brennan Smith glues it all together as Mick Fleetwooddidbehindthedrumset.

“Starshine is about capturing the magic people felt when they first heard these songs,”Canalesaid.

“It’snotjustanostalgiatrip—it’sashared experience between the band and the audience, where every lyric, harmony and momentmatters.”

With sold-out performances, standing

ovations and enthusiastic word-of-mouth following the show wherever it travels, Starshine’s growing reputation is certainly notarumour.

The show appeals to lifelong Fleetwood Mac fans, music lovers, and new audiences discovering the timeless power of these songsforthefirsttime.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, but allareencouragedtosecurethemonline.

Tickets: https://megatix.com.au/events/ starshine-a-tribute-to-stevie-nicksfleetwood-mac-werribee

Miss Friby’s new show is a different beast

Multi-award winning cabaret artist, Miss Friby, will take over Footscray early next month with her bold new immersive performance, Beasts of Burden and Other PartyGuests.

Developed through a Maribyrnong Arts and Culture creative residency, the show blends cabaret, dance, satire, and physical theatreintoanexperiencethatispart-party, part-ritual, part-beautifully controlled chaos.

Beasts of Burden and Other Party Guests explores the invisible weight we carry in contemporarylife.

Set inside a party that slowly slips into its own logic, Miss Friby said the show invites audiences not to escape that weight, but to recogniseittogether.

“Everyone arrives carrying something,” she said. “This show doesn’t ask you to defineit.Itjustasksyoutobringitwithyou.”

Miss Friby will perform the show for a three-week season at Footscray’s Bluestone Church Artspace, the same place where she staged her previous production, Galah, in 2023.

It should bring back good memories for the inner west performer, as Galah won her

the ‘Most Outstanding Cabaret Artiste’ and ‘Best Production Design’ at the following year’s Green Room Awards, Melbourne’s peer-presented, performing arts industry honours.

Withthehistoricvenuetobeturnedintoa bespoke pop-up theatre for Beast of Burden -completewithextravagantlightingdesign, live soundscapes and rhinestones - Miss Friby is every chance to win even more awardsthistimearound.

To judge for yourself, get tickets and details at: https://www.missfriby.com.au/ beastsofburden

Slapstick chaos awaits at Melton Community Hall

Melton Performing Arts (MPA) presents Terry Pratchett’s Guards! Guards! at the Melton Community Hall across three entertainingdays.

In the sprawling chaotic city of Ankh-Morpork, the once-proud City Watch has fallen into disrepair – its remaining members, Captain Vimes, Sergeant Colon, and Corporal Nobby Nobbs are more accustomedtoavoidingcrimethanfighting it.

But when a secretive brotherhood summons a dragon to seize control of the city, the watch is reluctantly forced into action.

With the help of the idealistic new recruit Carrot Ironfoundersson, a six-foot-tall human raised by dwarves, the watch must uncover the conspiracy, face down an ancient beast, and perhaps even rediscover whatitmeanstobeheroes.

Packed with sharp wit, slapstick chaos, and Pratchett’s trademark satire, Guards! Guards! brings the Discworld to life on stage in an epic tale of unlikely bravery, bureaucraticabsurdity,andthetriumphofa fewveryoddmen(andoneverydetermined dragon).

Dreamlike photos anchor artist’s first solo show

Sunbury artist Paul Melnyczuk is hosting his first solo exhibition in Kyneton.

The photographer is exhibiting his collection of works, taken across his travels, featuring landscape photography.

Titled Impressions, Melnyczuk said his works have a dreamlike quality to them.

“The way I like to think of it is if you have a memory sort of being on a beach, perhaps a number of years ago, a lovely day, beautiful hot sun, closing your eyes and just trying to remember that image you get.”

Melnyczuk said he aims to capture the emotion and image that he saw in that moment through the lens of his camera, sometimes a more impressionist approach, utilising software and intentional camera movement to capture a radically differentbutequallyvalidmemoryof the moment an image was captured.

Melnyczuk has been photographing his world since he firstpickedupapropercamerawhile spending three years in Africa from 1981.

After retiring from writing and photography for magazines, Melnyczuk said he began experimenting with different technology and techniques as a way of manipulating images to create his signature impressionist style he has on display now.

He said this collection of works started in Scotland during the covid lockdowns when he began taking landscape photographs.

MPA Secretary Josh Tooth said the community-based performing arts group had developed quite the reputation in the lead-uptotheirnextperformance.

“We have 16 actors, most of whom are playingmultiplecharacters,”hesaid.

“Melton Performing Arts has begun to develop a fantastic reputation as a group in general, and there are lots of sneaky little Terry Pratchett fans lurking out there in the wilderness.”

You can catch MPA’s production of Guards! Guards! from 7pm on Thursday 28 MayattheMeltonCommunityHall.

Guards! Guards! will then be presented at the same time on Friday 29 May, and twice on Saturday 30 May for a special day-time show at 1pm, followed by a final performanceat7pm.

Details and tickets: https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1543437.

When he moved from Scotland to Australia in 2024, he continued to capture his new surroundings as he explored Australia from Byron Bay, Mission Beach and Ocean Grove to Mount Macedon and more.

Covering the last six years of his photographicjourney,thisexhibition is one not to miss.

Impressions is on display until 1 June at The Old Auction House Creative Hub and Gallery, Kyneton.

From Oslo, e.g. (9)

Greek musician who visited the underworld (7)

Instruct (5)

Single occasion (4)

Nickname for Edward (3)

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:

19 words: Good 28 words: Very good 38 words: Excellent

3

nurture, refit, rein, rent, rerun, return, rife, rift, rite, ruin, rune,

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which AFL coach recently resigned from his position after leading for almost five seasons?

2. And which team did he coach for that duration?

3. Di Sheppard is the long-time coach of which teenage running sensation?

4. Schwingen is widely considered the traditional national sport of which

What rowing term describes an oar entering the water awkwardly, halting momentum?

Who is the most recent New Zealand-born NRL player to be awarded the Dally M Medal?

7. Former NBA star Dennis Rodman developed a controversial friendship with which political figure?

8. What position exists in rugby union, but not rugby league?

Lou Gehrig, whose name is associated with a form of motor neurone disease, played which sport professionally?

Who recently became the second tennis player to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 events?

11. Soccer star Sam Kerr recently left which Women’s Super League club?

12. Former Australian Test cricket player Marcus North is the new national selector for which country’s men’s team?

13. Former Australian rugby union head coach Eddie Jones is the national men’s coach for which country?

14. Which female UFC Hall of Famer recently returned to the ring after a decade out of competition?

15. Which state won this year’s NRL Women’s State of Origin series?

16. True or false: a driver named Scott Speed once competed on the Formula One racing circuit?

17. Former England Test star Andrew Flintoff is the new coach of which BBL cricket franchise?

18. The Coupe des Mousquetaires (Musketeers' Trophy) is awarded at which annual tennis event?

19. Brad Scott has coached which two AFL teams?

20. Which two AFL clubs did Carlton interim coach Josh Fraser play for?

21. An AFL Women’s international match will be held in August between Australia and which country?

22. The 2026 NRL State of Origin series will feature games in Sydney, Brisbane and which other city?

23. Which current Formula One driver debuted at the Nürburgring 24 Hours motor race this year?

24. Which two teams took part in this year’s A-League Men’s Grand Final?

25. The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup will be played in which country?

26. The Buffalo Sabres are a New York-based team that compete in which sporting league?

27. Which AFL team is known by the name Waalitj Marawar during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round?

28. Golfer Aaron Rai is from which country?

29. The Santos Tour Down Under race takes place in which state?

30. In what year did the AFL’s Swans first play home games in Sydney?

Suzuki’s EV debut imminent

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

It’s been a long time coming, but Suzuki has finally produced its first fully-electric vehicle.

Called e Vitara, it’s a compact crossover SUV that won’t be in dealerships until late-June or early-July but with preorders being taken.

The e Vitara shares the same platform and many features but styling differences with the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Both are built in India at Suzuki’s Gujarat factory on its Heartect-e lightweight dedicated electric chassis.

At this stage it’s unlikely that Toyota will be importing the Urban Cruiser.

Suzuki is unique in Australia in that a separateindependentcompanydistributes its vehicles in Queensland and part of Northern NSW with the factory-backed Suzuki Australia looking after all other areas. Generally, there are only minor differences including model grades, specifications or styling trims.

InbothmarketseVitarawillbeavailable in either two- or four-wheel drive with two specificationlevels:2WDMotionandAWD Ultra. In Queensland a 2WD Ultra is also offered.

The long-running Suzuki Vitara remains on sale in either petrol or hybrid powertrains but differs significantly from its EV sibling which is marginally longer but with a significantly longer wheelbase that provides additional interior space as wellasabolder,morepremiumstylingand new tech features.

Styling

The design of the e Vitara is a major departure from the fairly bland looks of previous Vitara models. It’s much bolder and more adventurous with a smooth but sculpted exterior sitting above, and surrounded by prominent black plastic claddingtoinfersomeoff-roadcredentials.

At the front the tall erect bonnet sits over LED headlights and large LED daytime running lights. The usual narrow ‘grille’ thatidentifiesmostEVs,withalargeSuzuki badge in the centre.

The rear doors have the annoying ‘hidden’ handles mounted high on the C pillars and designed to suggest a coupe appearance.

The rear mirrors have a similar design to thoseatthefrontwithafull-widthlightbar linking them.

Both variants come with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Ultragetsapanoramicnonopeningglass roof with a retractable sunshade.

There are four colour options. Arctic White is standard. Bluish Black Pearl and LandBreezeGreenarean$890optionwith two-tone also available with a Black Pearl roof on the Ultra for $1340.

Interior

The biggest design feature comes inside the e Vitara. The brown seats and trim will not be to everyone’s taste but at least it’s different and we loved it.

Thefloatingcentreconsoleispianoblack that’s hard to view in bright sunlight and too easy to smudge. A big plus, at least in our eyes, are physical climate control switches in the centre of the dash.

There are twin large cupholders in the centre console although grippers would have helped for smaller containers. The door bins are large and wide. There’s also a large space below the centre console for keeping items away from prying eyes.

Ultragetsasmartphonewirelesscharger at the base of the dashboard.

Some clever design allows rear seat and bootspacetobeadjustedwiththeseatsable to slide back and forwards. When the seats are all the way back for maximum legroom luggage space is just 238 litres. At the other extreme, legroom is quite cramped but luggagespaceisincreasedto310litres.With therearseatbacksfoldedthere’s562litres.

There is a useful storage compartment beneaththebootfloorbutnosparewheel.

Powertrain

TheeVitarapowertraincombinesalithium iron-phosphate (LFP) battery system, electric drive axles and an integrated heat pumpbatterymanagementsystem.

The 2WD Motion variant comes with a 49kWh battery that drives a 106kW/193Nm motor mounted on the front axle. Ultra increases the battery to 61kWh and adds a rear-mounted motor for total output of 135kWand307Nm.

Thechargingportisonthefrontpassenger side of the vehicle. Charging time for both variants are an impressive 11kW with AC and70kWwithDC.

WLTPdrivingrangeislistedat344kmand 395km respectively The Queensland-only 2WDUltrahasaclaimed426kmrange.

Vehicle to Load (VTL) is available in both variants.

Safety

Standard safety in all e Vitara models includes seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist anddepartureprevention,forwardcollision warning, dual sensor brake support, multicollision braking, high beam assist,

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10 Performance: 7/10 Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 6/10

front and rear parking sensors and blind spotmonitoring.

Ultra AWD adds front LED foglamps, adaptive high beam, hill descent control andatrailmodeswitch.

The absence of a front centre airbag and a driver monitoring system contribute to the e Vitara only gaining a four-star ANCAP rating. While the extra airbag is disappointing, not being incessantly nagged by a camera pointing at the driver’s face may well be a positive selling point for manydrivers–includingus.

Infotainment

Standard in both variants are 10.1-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. There’s a 360-degree view camera as well as frontandrearUSB-AandUSB-Cports.

Theinfotainmentscreenfallswellshortof the sharp high-res screens that we’re used tofromChinesevehicles.

Motion has four-speaker audio with Ultra stepping up to a premium 10-speaker HarmanInfinitysystem.

Driving

The compact size of the e Vitara and the EV agilitymakesitanexcellenturbanvehicle.

The Ultra AWD that we tested came with a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat which allowed it to settle into a comfortable drivingposition. Visibilityisgoodwithalargewindscreen, side and rear windows together with relativelythinA-pillars.

The gear selector is a rotary and push-downset-upwithaparkbuttonabove it. There are also physical buttons to adjust

brake regeneration, hill descent, parking brakeandautohold.

Zero to 100km/h acceleration is listed at 7.4 seconds from the AWD Ultra and 9.6 secondsintheFWDMotion.

Therideisrelativelysoft,aimedatcomfort ratherthansportiness.

Despite the cladding, a decent 180mm ground clearance and the eAxle. e Vitara is only suited for modest off-road conditions. Those looking for serious bush bashing will be aware that a Jimny EV is under development and will be hoping that it comeshere.

Summing up

The compact EV SUV range is growing rapidly with most models coming from China and with very competitive pricing. This is Suzuki’s biggest challenge because the e Vitara driveaway prices run from $48,990 for the 2WD Motion through to $58,990fortheAWDUltra.

These prices drop by $2000 with limited timecashbackoffers.

Even with these discounts e Vitara sits at thetopendofthecompactSUVEVcategory and it will struggle to compete against Chinese rivals such as the BYD Atto, Jaecoo J5 and GWM Ora which are more than $10,000cheaper.

The fact that Suzuki is a respected and trustedJapanesebrandwillnodoubtattract buyers, provided they aren’t deterred by it beingmanufacturedinIndia.

It’s a capable and comfortable vehicle mostly aimed at urban conditions and with a fair balance between physical and touchscreen controls that will satisfy both tech-savvyandconventionaldrivers.

Passenger comfort for K4

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Aftermorethantwodecadesandmorethan 200,000 sales in Australia, the Cerato was fastrunningoutoflegs.

The self-styled much loved small passenger car could have kept up with design and technical developments in the segmentbutKiahadotherideas.

The new K4 kicked down the door in sedan format with four trimlines – S, Sport, Sport+, GT-Line – and two petrol engines before later being joined by hatchback for MY26 models, aligning them with Kia’s globalnamingconvention.

Both sedan and hatches score an updated 2-litre MPI Atkinson Cycle engine with CVT in the lower grades, while the flagship GT-Lines retain its 1.6T GDI motor matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Pricesopenat$32,090,pluson-roadcosts, forK4S2-litreCVTsedanandhatchback, rising to $34,190 with the addition of a Safety Pack. The Sport and Sport+ follow at $36,690 and $39,090, respectively, with the GT-Line 1.6L T-GDI, with eight-speed auto, toppingofftherangeat$43,790.Thelastwas ontest.

The entry-level S model can be upgraded with an optional Safety Pack, which includes an enhanced instrument display via a second 12.3-inch instrument layout and 5-inch HVAC interface, plus dual zone climate control, plus an expanded autonomous emergency braking suite offeringJunctionTurningandCrossingand Direct/OncomingLaneChangeDetection.

The K4 is covered by Kia’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, seven years cappedpriceservicinganduptoeightyears roadside assist by following scheduled Kia services.

Styling

The term hatchback could be something of a misnomer: with a wheelbase pushed out to 2720mm, the sleek K4 hatch exhibits the characteristics of a station wagon. Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, vertical headlamps and daytime running lights have been pushed

to the outer edges highlighting the car’s widestance.

Not normally a fan, I can live with the flush rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar and 18-inch wheels, which lend a sporty on-road presence, capped off in the GT-Line by an air diffuser and raked rear window.

Interior

Sitting on a relatively long wheelbase (2720mm), it offers good headroom and legroom in the second row. Adults can fit comfortably, and they score rear air-con vents and two USB-C ports as standard. Kia designers aimed to make the cabin approachable and easy to use via a bank of hard-wiredswitchgearonthedash.

Thefulsomeexteriortranslatestoroomier proportionsfrontandback,whilefront-seat occupants benefit from increased head and shoulderroom.

Rear-seat passengers do not miss out on convenience kit with twin USB-C ports at thebackofthecentreconsole,togetherwith rearairventsandaneatstoragecubby.With 438 litres of boot space, cargo area is larger than some hatchback rivals (Corolla and Mazda3springtomind),theK4rivalssmall SUVsforroom.

GT-Line emphasises its sporting image with embossed details on two-tone seats and textured console crash pad. A wide slidingsunroofisexclusivetotheflagship.

Sustainability is foremost with materials suchasBioplastics,leather,foam,paintand recycledyarnsandfelt.

Infotainment A shoutout to Kia for not replacing traditional hard switches with touchscreen controls.

Outsize switches operate air-con temperature and fan speed while incorporating shortcuts for navigation and audio functions. There’s also a simple volumeroller.

Theentry-levelStrimislimitedtoadigital driver instrument cluster with a 4-inch multi-function LCD display. Add the Safety Pack option or move up the gradings for an expansive trio of displays, comprising

a 12.3-inch digital cluster, 5-inch HVAC set-up and separate 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Kia Connect is a car service providing customer benefits in safety, security, convenience and real-time data including weather and traffic info. Also offered is Over-the Air software updates such as the latest maps without a visit to a service centre.

WirelessAppleCarPlayandAndroidAuto are standard throughout the range, while theGT-LineaddsaQiwirelesschargingpad andambientmoodlighting.

Engines/transmissions

TheK4GT-LinehastheexclusiveuseofKia’s 1.6-litre T-GDI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine putting out 142kW of power and 264Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Themakerclaimsfuelconsumptionof6.7 litres per 100km in the combined urban/ highway cycle. The test car recorded 9.1 litres/100kminthecityandsuburbsand5.4 litres/100kmonthemotorway.

Safety

The K4 Hatchback has a five-star ANCP safety rating but the base S grade (without the $2000 Safety Pack) drops back to four stars.Apartfromthatallgradesaresubject to an increased focus on driver safety. Standards are up with features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with stop/go function, Lane Keep and Lane Follow Assist, Multi-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Rear View Monitor and High Beam Assist.

A full complement of airbags includes a front-centre side airbag.

Driving

The Aussie GT-Line, like all K4s, was put through a rugged suspension program to suit local driving conditions. The result is smooth handling of bumpy city streets and a commanding ride over challenging country roads.

In fact the flagship behaves in line with itssportylooks–withagruffenginenote,a pleasure to push to the limit.

Driverwarningsandintrusiveautomatic voice alerts are kept to a minimum. However, Kia’s latest Highway Driving Assist is on hand to chip in when travelling on freeways or motorways, incorporating adoptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.

The system combines Lane Following Assist to keep the vehicle centred in the lane, even through curves, adding Lane Change Assist allowing the K4 autonomously to swap lanes when safe conditions are met.

Improved body rigidity, vibration and harshness are maintained throughout, the result of the use of high-strength steel and reinforced sound insulation.

Summary

With electric vehicle sales bubbling away, when it comes to the ICE (internal combustion engine) alternative, for style, tech and value for money there are few to beat the Kia K4 GT-Line Hatchback.

Falcons are ‘stringing’ the wins together

By Tara Murray

City West Falcons are starting to put the wins together but there’s still plenty of work todointheVictorianNetballLeague.

TheFalconshavenowwontheirlastthree games and four out of the last five to sit in fourthspotontheladderafteraslowstart.

On Wednesday night, the Falcons got a hard fought win against the Melbourne UniversityLightning,69-62.

Falcons’ coach Marg Lind said they were happy with the first half but they didn’t continuethemomentum.

“Itwasn’tpretty,”shesaid.“Weweregood earlybutwetookourfootoffthepedalabit.

“Wemadeafewerrorsoffcentrepass,just organisationstuff.

“Defensively we got penalised heavily, especially in the second half. So that’s somethingweneedtoaddress.”

The Falcons had got out to a nine-goal

lead at half time and that would prove to be thedifference.

It was a second straight week that Lind hadsaidtheyhadtakenthefootoffthepedal when they could have gone on to have a big winandgotsomemuchneededpercentage.

“We are rolling subs a lot too which stops momentumabit,”shesaid.

“Wegotlessadventuroustowardstheend andconsolidatedthelineup.

“Theygotthereintheend.

“Wearestringingthemtogether.”

Jane Cook shot 65 goals for the Falcons, missingjusttwoshots.

Shenowhas573goalsfortheseason,atan averageof96percent.

Lind said Cook and Maggie Lind were their best in the win and got them out of jail afewtimes.

she said Montana Holmes had some really good defensive moments picking off afewballs.

Lind said they had a tough draw coming up so they needed to get wins on the board whentheycan.

TheFalconsnowhavea6-4record.

Meanwhile, it was the end of a four game winningstreakfortheFalcons23andunder side,losingtotheLightning,61-53.

Lind said they allowed the Lightning to get off to a good start and couldn’t peg it back.

“Too many errors when it counted,” she said.

“We chased a bit of a deficit at the start. They got back within three, but failed to recognise some attack patterns from the opposition.

“Theywillgetthere.”

Holly Adams-Alcock shot 37 goals for the Falcons.

TheFalconsfaceBoroondaraExpressthis Wednesdaybeforefacingtheladderleaders, theHawksinthefollowinground.

Eyeing great heights

By Peter Howe

Sliding door moments have been responsible for unearthing many Australian stars including this month’s Don Deeble nominee AlannaMannering.

Mannering once dreamt of representing Australia in gymnastics, but one athletics trainingsessionchangedallthat.

Maribyrnong Sports Academy athletics coach Darren Clark saw potential in Mannering when she trialled foraplaceintheyear7program.

Sheexcelledinthe100metres,200metres and long jump at primary school and when she was accepted into MSA she joined the WilliamstownAthleticClub.

In March last year, the teenager was at Aberfeldie Athletics Track was ready to start her pre-season campaign with a two kilometrerun.

“It’s a daunting task and I hated running thatdistance,”shesaid.“Oneofourcoaches asked if there was anyone who’d like to volunteertotrythepolevault.

“My hand went up without giving it too much thought, anything to get out of the twokilometre.”

Therest,astheysay,ishistory.

While Mannering still does gymnastics twice a week, it’s the pole vault that has her fullattention.

The decision has proven to be the right one with Mannering recently winning the under-16 national pole vault title with a personalbestjumpof3.33metres.

“I bypassed little athletics because I was doing gymnastics and I now run for Keilor-St. Bernards with my girlfriends in theirrelayteams,”shesaid.

“I picked up the basics of the pole vault quickly.

“I love the feeling of controlling my body intheair. Thetechniqueandco-ordination requiredisquitesimilartogymnastics.

“IamluckyIhavenaturalspeed,butIam still learning to run with the pole. You also can’tbeputoffbyafearofheightseither.”

Mannering’strainingregimeisfierceand she’sonthetrackfourdaysaweek.

Theupperbodystrengthrequiredtovault into the air and maintain control of your movementsisimmense.

Her training imitates that and includes drills like climbing ropes only using her arms, and climbing ropes upside down againonlyusingherupperbody.

Add push ups, yoga ball exercises, core, upperbodyweightsandleglifts.

Then she moves outside to work on her runuptoimprovehertechnique.

Within 12 months, Mannering had set

her sights on the qualifying standards to meet the entry requirements for Victorian, nationalandOceaniaselection.

“I don’t get very nervous before competitions,” she said. “I am really focussed on beating myself and delivering PB’severytimeIcompete.”

At the national titles, Mannering didn’t havethecompetitionthatshewanted.

She missed her first two jumps at the entryheightforthecompetition.

“I gave myself, my family and coaches a real scare,” she said. “I was lucky and got over at my last jump and went on to win the title.

“I remained composed but I was a little nervous. You can never take anything for granted.”

Mannering also recently represented Australiainthe2026SimplotGamesheldin America,finishingfifthinthe4x200metres relay.

At Rare Air Meets back in Australia, she

United’s A-League future in doubt

Western United’s A-Leagues future remains in the balance after Football Australia announced it had failed to satisfy the mandatory criteria set out in the regulations for A-Leagues club licensing.

Football Australia released a statement on Tuesday saying that the First Instance Body (FIB) met on 14 May to determine all club licensing outcomes for the 2026-27 A-Leagues season under Football Australia’s NationalClubLicensingRegulations. The embattled club sat out the 2025-2026season.

Amid concerns over unpaid wages andsuperannuation-andwhileunder aFIFAregistrationban-Westernwere stripped of their A-Leagues licence by FootballAustralia(FA)inAugust.

A wind-up order followed, and men’s and women’s players and staff were all left in limbo and unable to join new clubs until the Australian ProfessionalLeaguesputtheclubinto hibernationon6September.

“The FIB confirmed all current A-League teams, with the exception of Western United FC, have satisfied the mandatory criteria set out in the regulations for A-Leagues club licensing purposes,” the Football Australiastatementsaid.

“The FIB’s decisions are based on documentationprovidedbytheclubs.

secured top 10 finishes in elite pole vault competitions, competing against athletes mucholderthanher.

So,whatdoestheimmediatefuturehold?

“My end goal is to represent Australia at theOlympicGames,”shesaid.“TheOceania games will be held in Darwin next year and whileIcannotcompetebecauseofmyageat thetime,whenthepolevaultisconducted,I willbeageready.

“My coach Bill Georgantas has set a plan inplace.

“Imustbejumping3.9metre-plus.

“Moreover, to be at my best I must be havingfun.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and TrophiesandStarWeekly.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or0408556631.

‘Western United FC has until 5pm on Friday 22 May, 2026 to appeal the FIB’s decision. “Should Western United choose to appeal, they will be heard by the Appeals and Entry ControlBody(A&ECB).”

In a statement on its website, Western United said it acknowledges Football Australia’s determination regarding the club licensing process forthe2026-27season.

“The club is currently reviewing the determination and the available pathways moving forward including its appeal rights and ongoing discussions with relevant football stakeholders,”thestatementsaid.

“Wecanassurethecommunitythat work continues behind the scenes to stabilise the club and secure a long-term sustainable future for footballinMelbourne’swest.

“Importantly, the club’s academy and community football programs continue to operate, supporting hundreds of young players and familiesacrosstheregion.”

Seagulls rue missed chances

By Tara Murray

Williamstown was left to rue missed opportunities in the Victorian Football League on Friday night against the Box Hill Hawks.

The Seagulls trailed for most of the night against the Hawks but managed to level the scores late in the final quarter.

The Hawks were able to get one back late to sneak home, 14.10 (94)-11.23 (89).

Speaking to the club’s social media, Seagulls’ assistant coach Mark Greenshields said it was one that they could have won.

“Disappointment to be fair,” of how the side felt after the loss.

“I thought post quarter time that we did a lot right, but probably weren’t composed enough in the end, Box Hill deserved to win the game,

“The overriding emotion is disappointment. I can’t recall losing too many games

of footy when we’ve had 10 more scoring shots, “Cleary accuracy was a significant part of the game.”

Greenshields said they lacked composure across the ground at times which was clearly a factor in the game.

He said the playing group dug in which was pleasing and they gave themselves a chance to get the win.

Greenshields said they had eight academy players playing, the most they’ve had in a side for a number of years.

Alex Mirkov, Jack McHale and Josh Huxtable kicked two goals each for the Seagulls.

Joel Fitzgerald did his mid-season draft hopes no harm with 39 disposals but wasn’t able to convert on the scoreboard, kicking four behinds.

Greenshields said it was really pleasing to see Huxtable and Tom Fry make their club

debuts.

“Really for Hux in particular,” he said.

“He’s had a really tough pre-season and didn’t start until late January-early Feb [February].

“Tom come down from Queensland and taken seven or eight weeks to get his opportunity.

“Both players contributed really strongly.”

Impey makes WA move in search of AFL dream

By Tara Murray

Lucas Impey has made the move from Melton to Perth in pursuit of his AFL dream.

The young ruck, who played with Williamstown’s Victorian Football League side the past couple of years, is this year playing with Swan Districts in the West Australian Football League.

It was about getting a fresh start for Impey as he tries to take that next step.

“It’s really good and the weather is good,” he said.

“I have the goal to play in the AFL and it led me to the WAFL.

“It’s a highly rated state league and it’s nice to come here to have the best opportunity to fulfil my dream of playing in the AFL.”

Impey said Swan Districts was the only WAFL team to reach out to him about making the move across the country.

That was all that he needed.

“They had watched some of my games and wanted me to come across and play with them,” he said.

“They wanted me to be the main ruck, which I needed to be. They valued me.”

Impey took a lot out of his time with Williamstown having played 10 games across the 2024-25 seasons.

With former AFL player Tom Downie holding the number one ruck spot at the Seagulls, his chances were limited.

“It was a tough gig trying to get in the side,” Impey said. “I learned a lot from Tom and am thankful for him to show me and make me the player I am now.

“You have to start somewhere.”

While Impey’s chances were limited last season in the VFL, he played a key part in Darley’s Ballarat Football League premiership last year.

He said both he and his teammates would have liked for him to be playing at the higher level, but it was nice to be part of a premiership team.

“I’m happy with how the year ended.” Impey has had an interrupted first season in the WAFL, with concussion meaning he was on the sidelines for a few weeks. He said he was enjoying being the side’s number one ruck.

“I’ve been given the keys and it’s fulfilling knowing that I came across to play my role,” he said.

“I want to string a few more consistent games together. I want to start playing my role and put my best foot forward.

“I’m happy start to season.”

At just 20, Impey knows his best football is ahead of him.

The Seagulls sit sixth on the ladder with five wins from their seven games.

The Seagulls face Coburg on Sunday this weekend.

Meanwhile in the VFLW, the Seagulls lost a thriller to the Hawks on Saturday.

After leading early, the Seagulls found themselves trailing at three quarter time by three points.

A goal to skipper Eliza Stratford in the 11th minute reduced the margin to two points.

Taelah Smith missed a chance late for the Seagulls to win the game, with the Hawks holding on to win, 04.3 (27)-3.8 (26). It was all single goalkickers for the Seagulls.

Bella Smith had 21 disposals for the Seagulls, while Emily had 18.

The Seagulls face Essendon this Saturday.

Sports shorts

VTCA

Altona Roosters have signed Joe Toole for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association season. Toole is a top order batter and spin bowler, with the Roosters saying Toole brings experience, composure, and versatility to the squad as he makes the exciting move from England to Australia. “Known for building innings under pressure and making key breakthroughs with the ball, Joe is set to add real quality to the Roosters,” the Roosters said. “Just as importantly, Joe is known for being a great character around the group — sociable, team-first, and someone who fits seamlessly into club culture both on and off the field. Joe’s infectious character and ever-present smile make him the sort of teammate every club loves to have around.”

NPL

Altona Magic proved no match for ladder leaders Hume City in the National Premier League on Saturday night. Hume scored in the fourth minute before John Mabok levelled the scores for the Magic. Hume was able to regain the lead minutes later before scoring a sealer in the dying minutes to claim a 2-1 win. The Magic sit 11th on the ladder with three wins and four draws among its results.

Hockey

Altona had to settle for a draw, while Footscray had a loss in the Hockey Victoria women’s premier league on Saturday, Altona was in action against Essendon and had to settle for a 3-3 draw, while Footscray lost to Hawthorn, 5-0. Altona sits fifth on the ladder, while Footscray is eighth. In the men’s premier league, Altona and Essendon drew 4-4 and Footscray lost to Hawthorn, 4-1.

Western FL

Impey said he understands the game a lot better than he did three years ago and is a lot more aware of the game.

While football is the focus, Impey did return to the court in the Country Basketball League for the Macedon Ranges Rockies in the off season.

Rucks are traditionally late bloomers and he didn’t start playing to 2023 having played basketball at a high level as a junior.

Despite limited games, he made the allstar 5 team.

“It was a bit of fun,” he said. “It was my old coach and old buddies.

“I got to get fitness up as well.

“I was a bit rusty at the start and was drawing fouls … I knocked a few players over.”

North and West Footscray continued on their winning ways in the Western Football League division 2 competition on Saturday. North Footscray got the points against the Suns, winning 14.22 (106)-7.5 (47), while West Footscray beat the Western Rams, 14.19 (103)-5.12 (42). Elsewhere, Laverton lost to Albanvale and Braybrook lost to Wyndhamvale.

Spurs are still undefeated

By Tara Murray

There were plenty of big wins in the Western Football League women’s competition on the weekend.

Parkside Spurs remain undefeated after accounting for Point Cook Centrals, 16.16 (112)-0.1 (1).

The Spurs were consistent across the four quarters, kicking at least three goals in every quarter.

Aleisha Casley and Rita Ceravolo kicked three goals each for the Spurs.

Taquila Angel and Natalie Pearce were named the best for the Spurs.

The Spurs sit atop the table with seven wins from as many matches.

Emma Astrid Smart, Chloe Elkington and Sabine Harnden were named the Sharks best.

TheSharkssiteighthwithtwowinsforthe season.

Lavertongotitsfifthwinoftheseasonasit accounted for Caroline Springs, 25.16 (166)0.0 (0).

Jaime Sawers kicked 10 goals in a best on ground performance for the Magpies, while captain Kayla Ravanello kicked seven goals.

Ashlyne McInne and Quetta Holloway-Jinks were other standouts.

Laverton sits third on the ladder.

Mikayla Gidari was named the Lakers best.

Yarraville Seddon made it two wins in a row as it beat West Footscray, 12.10 (82)-1.1 (7)

The Eagles were able to build across the four quarters and saved their best to last, with seven goals in the final quarter.

Akec Makur Chuot kicked four goals for the Eagles, while Ruby Colebatch, Rachel Culvenor, Katelyn Kissack and Armani Mau-

riohooho kicked two goals each.

Emily Heaney was named the Eagles best. Layla Dawkins kicked the only goal for the Roosters.

Nittaya Hudson and Dawkins were named the Roosters in the loss.

The Eagles are now up to sixth on the ladder with a 3-4 record, while the Roosters are seventh on the ladder with three wins also.

Elsewhere, the Suns beat North

Minett. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

492302_15

Vikings make a return to the winners list

By Tara Murray

The return of some experienced players came at the perfect time for Altona as it returned to the winners list in the Western Football League division 1 competition.

The Vikings were missing 14 of their best 24 players in the previous round as injuries took their toll.

With 80 players having played either seniors or reserves so far, continuity has been missing for coach Rodney Van Reit.

Van Riet said Saturday’s win against the struggling Sharks was a step in the right direction.

“We got back on the winners list and got back into some form,” he said.

“We got some more experienced heads back in. It was good to be able to blend in three debutants as well.”

The Vikings led all day on the scoreboard and they were able to build the margin throughout as they won, 19.9 (123)-6.7 (43).

Van Riet said they were happy with how they played.

“It was good and we controlled the game early on,” he said. “It’s the best midfield that we’ve had in for the year and we got first use through Tane Roordink and the game opened up and we got it on our terms.”

William Crittenden kicked five goals and returned to form, while Jake Roper also kicked a bag of five.

KyleCrooks,RoordinkandCooperAtchison were the standouts for the Vikings.

Van Riet said their three debutants on Saturday were all bottom under-18 players showing the talent they have coming through.

He said it was good that things are starting to turn their way.

They had four players return on the weekend and another three are due back this week.

The Vikings injury crisis saw Van Riet come out for of retirement and pull the boots back on.

“That’s how deep it was,” Van Riet said. “The old fellow had to help out.

“Hopefully it’s only a one week thing.”

Now with that second win on the board,

Footscray, 17.19 (121)-0.0 (0).

The Suns kicked at least three goals in every quarter to get their third win of the season.

Keshena Kinkaid kicked five goals for the Suns. Alexis Madden and Bonnie Lea Brown were named the Suns best.

Rebecca Telfer, Brooke Shorten and Rebekkah Saward were named the Devils best.

The win moves the Suns up to fifth.

Wyndhamvale and Werribee Centrals were set to play each other on Saturday, but Werribee Centrals due to injuries.

In round eight action, Werribee Centrals host North Footscray on Friday night before the Suns play West Footscray on Saturday morning, Point Cook Centrals take on Wyndhamvale, Yarraville Seddon is due to face Laverton and Parkside Spurs will play Caroline Springs.

Ring named as new coach of the Seagulls

Williamstown has appointed Murray RingascoachforthenexttwoVictorian Sub-District Cricket Association seasons.

The Seagulls announced that Ring returns to the club and will step into the head coaching role.

“Muz is well known to the club as a past player and we’re very happy to welcome him back,” the Seagulls said.

“Over the last ten years, Muz has built an impressive coaching resume spending time as head coach of Altona North CC and Ormond CC.

“He then went onto captain Footscray’s 2nd XI and was also an assistant coach there as well. “

Ring takes over the coaching role from Sean Sturrock, who has been captain-coach since the 2021-22 season.

Sturrock will remain captain of the first XI.

“Muz takes over the coaching reigns from Sean Sturrock who has led the club both on and off field since the 2021-22 season and we thank Stuz for his time as coach,” the club said.

the Vikings have a bigger test this week against Albion.

The Cats, who are aiming to break into the top five, are coming off a loss to Hoppers Crossing.

Van Riet said they knew it would be a tough game.

“They have aspirants to play finals and in my view have one of the top two midfields in the competition,” he said.

“Thankfully it’s at home. We understand as a club that we are at the bottom and the only way is up.

“We’re building a culture on and off the field and it’s coming to fruition.”

Van Riet, who is in his first season as coach at the Vikings, was recently re-appointed coach for the next two year.

Van Riet said the committee and players were buying into his vision and everyone had a clear idea on the path they were heading on.

In other results, Yarraville Seddon beat Newport, Parkside got home against Point Cook and Spotswood lost to Werribee Districts.

“Stuz isn’t going anywhere and will still be leading from the front on field as our first XI skipper, middle order bat and lead spinner.”

The Seagulls finished last season in12th spot with six wins and eight losses for the season.

In other Subbies news, Werribee’s Dean Russ has shared the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s best player award.

Russ and Brighton’s Glen Parker polled 23 votes each to share the Val Holten Medal on Thursday night.

Russ was named in the team of the year alongside Altona’s Adam Yates and Spotswood’s Dan Schuppan.

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