Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 28th January 2026

Big day for Scouts

Hundreds of Scout leaders and volunteers from across the state will converge on Williamstown this weekend to invest Scouts Victoria’s new ChiefCommissioner.

Current Deputy Chief Commissioner Daniella Taglieri will assume Scouts Victoria’s top job at a ceremony at WilliamstownTownHallon31January. Youth members from the 1st Mt Evelyn Scout Group will officially invest Ms Taglieri into her new role which she willholdforthenextsixyears.

TheceremonywillformpartofScouts Victoria’s annual Leader of Adults conference which is being held in Williamstown for the first time. More than 500 people are expected at the one day gathering of adult volunteers, including representatives from local groups such as 4th Williamstown Sea Scouts, 3rd Williamstown Scouts and 1st Altona Scouts and those from as far afield as Horsham, Wodonga and Maffra,

Key topics for 2026 such funding grants, as the results of the Resilient Youth Survey and upcoming major events like the National Australia Jamboree Victoria, will be among the issuesdiscussed.

Mum’s fight to live

By Cade Lucas

Fundraisers and appeals are almost always for very worthy causes, but rarely are they matters of life and death.

Unfortunately for Footscray single mother Kirsty Wesner, the GoFundMe page she has launched is one of the exceptions.

“I absolutely will die,” Ms Wesner said bluntly of what will happen if she can’t raise the $41,600 needed to travel to the Philippines to have life-saving surgery next month.

Ms Wesner, a 41 year-old mother of three, needs to have a physiologic duodenojejunostomy with antroplasty,

or the Alvear procedure as it’s more commonly known, a specialised surgical technique developed and performed by Filipino-American surgeon Dr Domingo Alvear.

The procedure is one of the few known treatments for Superior Mesenteric Artery Compression Syndrome (SMACS), a rare digestive disorder that Ms Wesner has suffered from since birth and which is slowly killing her.

SMACS involves the duodenum – the first part of the small intestine – being squeezed by two arteries, the SMA and the aorta.

“The two arteries press the duodenum reallytightly,whichlimitsanythingbeing

able to pass through, so if I eat anything, quiteoftenitwon’tbeabletopassthrough, staying in my stomach for hours or days,” Ms Wesner explained.

With symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and weight loss, SMACSwasalwaysdifficultforMsWesner to manage, but since a downturn in 2023, she’s been unable to work, is largely bedridden and increasingly at risk of death.

“I’ve lost over 35 per cent of my bodyweight, going from over 60kg to 40kg,”she said of the toll the last three years had taken on her.

“I struggle to maintain electrolytes and havechronicallylowpotassiumleadingto

arrhythmias which can be fatal.”

To make matters worse, Ms Wesner also suffers from Ehlers Danlos, a genetic condition that causes organs, ligaments and connective tissue to stretch, prolapse and drop.

“It kind of just pulls everything down,” she said of the condition which puts even further strain on her abdomen.

Having a combination of rare disorders has made accessing viable treatment in Australia even rarer, with Ms Wesner claiming local doctors lack knowledge about her ailments.

 Continued page 12

Lorraine stoked with OAM

By Cade Lucas

Lorraine Woodman might be almost 89, butyouwouldn’tknowitfromherreaction to getting an OAM in the Australia Day honours.

“Prettystoked,yeah,”MsWoodmansaid, sounding more like a surfer at Bells Beach than a resident at an Altona retirement home.

The laconic vocabulary makes a little more sense when you consider she’s been recognised for volunteering at dozens of sporting clubs over the last 32 years, including Seddon, Altona and

YarravilleClubcricketclubs,theFootscray Indoor Cricket Centre, Western Region All-AbilitiesCricketandmanymore.

Havinghungaroundsomanyclubrooms, it’snotsurprisingshe’sadoptedsomeofthe slangcommonlyheardinthem.

Nor is it surprising that such a selfless volunteerisquicktosharethehonourwith others.

“This award is really for a lot of people, not just me,” Ms Woodman said, referring to all those who’ve helped her since she firstbeganvolunteeringin1994.

“I started at Footscray Indoor Cricket Centre relieving for a couple of weeks,

organisingthecompetitionwhilesomeone went on leave,” she recalled, adding that theyoungerofhertwoboysbeingdisabled alsoledtohervolunteeringinsport,aswell ascompetingandevenwinning.

“There was a mile race at Melton at the school my disabled son attended,” Ms Woodmanrecalledofhergreatestsporting triumph.

“Somebeinganathlete,whichIwasfrom my 40’s to 70’s in Masters Games, I pushed mysoninhiswheelchairtocompeteinthis race and I won my age group and went on to be the outright winner which the prize forwasaRussiancruise.”

Councillor humbled to be honoured

By Cade Lucas

Current Maribyrnong councillor and two-time former mayor, Cuc Lam, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division of this year’s Australia Day honours.

“I’m very humbled and honoured” Ms Lam said of her medal which was for service to the community of Maribyrnong, the same community she has lived in since arriving from South Vietnam as a refugee in 1978.

“It was at Midway Hostel near Highpoint,” Ms Lam recalled of where sheandherhusbandstayeduponarrival in their new home.

Pregnant with the first of the couple’s three children at the time, Ms Lam soon gave birth to a son which led to her first jobinAustraliaworkingatkindergarten and childcare centre in Kensington.

Juggling motherhood and employment while adjusting to a new country, Ms Lam also managed study, completingadiplomaandthenbachelor of arts, paving the way for a long career in the public service.

“I moved onto project work to do with employment and then later working for the federal government,” she said of her role helping other migrant women adjust to life in Australia like she did before them.

“As a refugee I suffered a lot and I understand that disadvantaged people and multicultural people need a lot of help.”

Ms Lam provided that help for more that 29 years, collecting a Public Service Medal and induction to the Victorian Women’s Honour Role along the way.

At the turn of the century she broadened that service to local government by being elected to

Maribyrnong council, serving from 2000-2003.

After a 13-year absence, Ms Lam was re-elected to council 2016 and has remainingeversince,servingtwoterms as mayor, in in 2017-18 and again from 23-24.

Now retired from the public service, Ms Lam said serving on council and her

numerous volunteer roles kept her busy.

“I’m on the board of Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association, the Community Advisory Committee for Western Health and also as a councillor I’m on the board of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) Victoria Chapter,” she said.

“I love helping the community.”

Kane gets rescue recognition in Australia Day honours

Williamstown’s Kane Treloar is both a policeofficerandavolunteersurflifesaver, but when he received the Emergency ServicesMedalaspartoftheAustraliaDay honours, it wasn’t for the role requiring a gunandbadge.

“The highlight for me has been the uplift in the organisation’s (Life Saving Victoria) profile in emergency management,” Mr Treloar said of surf lifesaving which he has been involved with since starting nippers whenhewas12.

Now 34 and still a member of the Williamstown Swimming and Surf Life Saving Club, Mr Treloar said Life Saving Victoria had become an important part of the state’s emergency services framework, with its members often found well beyond thebeach.

“In 2022 we sent over 50 lifesavers to support efforts in the Victoria floods and

that’s something that wouldn’t have even beenconsidered10yearsearlier.”

That change is something Mr Treloar himself has helped bring about by leveraging his experience as a police officerandalsoasamemberof Ambulance Victoria’s Community Advisory Committee.

By enhancing the capability of its rescue helicopter, implementing aerial intelligence and doubling the number of watercraft rescue sites, Mr Treloar has helped Life Saving Victoria double the amount of emergency operations it’s been involvedininthelastfiveyears.

“I’ve been really lucky that my professional and volunteer careers have a symbiotic relationship,” Mr Treloar said.

Those who have been rescued as a result willnodoubtfeelthesameway.

These days she pushes her son, now 62, around Western Bulldogs’ home games instead.

Ms Woodman’s a lifelong supporter of theclubwhereherfatherplayedreserves. Even her nephew, Ricky Olarenshaw, becoming a premiership player at Essendon wasn’t enough to change her allegiance.

“Nothing would turn me away from the Doggies,”MsWoodmansaid.

The same goes for volunteering it seems, with her weekends and weeknights still taken up doing whatever’s needed for whateversportingclubneedsher.

A beaut way to be recognised

By Sam Porter

Vietnamese-born entrepreneur, community advocate and philanthropist, Trung-Dzung Le, who has contributed to major projects in the western suburbs, has beenawardedaMedaloftheOrderof Australiaforhisservicetothebeauty industry and to the Vietnamese community.

In 1999, Mr Le established Hollywood Nails Group, which has gone on to create hundreds of jobs in Victoria and support migrants, particularly people from refugee backgrounds.

SpeakingtoStarWeekly,MrLesaid he felt proud of himself, his family and his Vietnamese community uponreceivingthemedal.

“The nail salon is the icon of Vietnamese people in Australia, for now and for the next generation; to continue to contribute back to the country that we are calling home,” MrLesaid.

Mr Le was also recognised for his extensive fundraising and philanthropicendeavours.

He has supported many major causes such as the RSL Memorial in Sunshine, the Joan Kirner Hospital, the new Footscray Hospital, the Vietnamese Museum Australia project, the Western Health Foundation, the Mekong Aged Care Centre, and the Melbourne Royal Children’sHospital,amongothers.

Mr Le is a member of the Vietnamese Veterans Association of Australia and the Quang Minh Temple in Braybrook, and he also serves on the advisory board of the VietnameseMuseumAustralia.

In 1982, Mr Le left Vietnam as a refugee with his wife, five-month-old daughter,threebrothersandsister.

After six days and nights on the dangerous high seas, the family was brought to safety and stayed at Palawan Refugee Camp in the Philippines for nearly two years, beforesettlinginAustraliain1984.

“By then my daughter was two years old and my son was two months old. After a two-week stay in the Enterprise [Migrant] Hostel in Springvale, we moved out to start a job as a dress maker in my bedroom as it was easy to be looking after my children,”MrLesaid.

Nowsemi-retired,MrLesaidhewill continue to support the community andinspirefuturegenerationstogive back.

“I would like to thank Australia for opening its arms to accepting us as wecallAustraliahome.”

First look at new hospital

Final preparations are underway at the new Footscray Hospital ahead of its official opening next month.

The new hospital, located at 89 Ballarat Road, will open for patient care at 8am on 18 February 2026.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the new Footscray Hospital was one of the largest health infrastructure projects in Victoria’s history and would transform health care in Melbourne’s west.

Once fully operational, the new Footscray Hospital will have more than 500beds–anincreaseof200beds–totreat approximately 15,000 additional patients and 20,000 extra emergency department presentations each year.

WesternHealthchiefexecutiveProfessor Russell Harrison said the new hospital was more than just a large piece of health infrastructure.

“First and foremost, it’s a first-class hospital that will allow us to provide exceptionalhealthcareforourcommunity, but it’s also going to be a landmark and culturalhubforFootscrayandMelbourne’s west,” Professor Harrison said.

“A number of inviting community spaces have been built into the precinct, including the beautiful Village Green in the centre of the site and the retail offerings around it.”

Ahead of the Footscray Hospital Community Open Day on Sunday 1 February, Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski was given an exclusive tour of some of the main public spaces at the new hospital. Tickets for the hospital open day have been fully allocated.

Keeping cool on the savannah

As the Victorian summer continues, zookeepers and experts from Werribee Open Range Zoo explained to Jaidyn Kennedy how they help the animals keep cool when the mercury rises.

Slip, slop slap. Stay in the shade. Keep hydrated.

People who have spent a summer in the Great Southern Land would have these sun safety steps down pat.

Well, not just people.

The animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo (WORZ) have their own ways of keeping cool during heatwaves in Victoria –some of which aren’t too different from our own tried and true measures.

WORZ life sciences manager Dominic Moss said Victorian heatwaves can be more intense and sudden, with sharp temperature spikes compared to other parts of the globe.

“[When] animals aren’t naturally adapted… extra cooling strategies are so important,” he said.

“Different species cool themselves in different ways.

“Some examples are that Elephants flap their ears to release heat, rhinos wallow in mud to keep cool and protect their skin, as do elephants, big cats pant and rest in shade, while smaller carnivores seek cooler ground or dig to escape the heat.

“In general, animals use a combination of behavioural and physical strategies to stay cool in hot weather.”

Leading what is known as the cool-down crew is the zoo’s nine-strong elephant herd, who have been making waves in nearly two million litres of water across the Elephant Trail’s two mega pools.

The scenes Mr Moss describes don’t sound too different to what happens at Werribee Outdoor Pool just up the road.

“The elephants love dunking each other, blowing bubbles with their trunks and splashing water over their backs, and the calves often treat the pools like a giant playground, sliding, chasing and copying the adults,” Mr Moss said.

The herd’s “cool aunty” Kulab, typically leads the pool parties, and calves Kati, RoiYim and Aiyara love to join in.

The zoo’s five Southern White Rhinoceros also choose a soak as their preferred form of cooling down, taking advantage of muddy wallows – rolling, splashing and basking for hours.

Mud proves to be an all rounder in the cosmetics department, serving as natural sunscreen and insect repellent all in one.

Having thick skin is typically considered a strength, but if not handled with care, it can be an Achilles’ heel on the sweltering savannah.

“Animals with thick skin, darker colouring, large body size or limited ability to sweat, such as elephants, rhinos and big cats, can be more vulnerable in extreme heat, particularly if conditions are humid or prolonged heat events,” Mr Moss said.

The zoo’s lion pride embrace the heat with frozen meat blocks hung from trees, encouraging jumping, pawing and teamwork.

Two-year-old cubs Jango, Mwezi and Kianga love to claw and tug at the icy piñatas before dragging them down and settling in for a long, lazy lick in the shade.

Across the African River Trail, Serval sisters Nanki and Morili leap onto tree stumps to reach iron-rich icy poles.

“The icy poles are made using animal-specific ingredients like meat, blood, insects and vegetables, frozen in moulds,” Mr Moss said.

Curious meerkats make sure they get stuck into insect-filled ice slushies that are scattered across rocks and tunnels.

“Meerkat slushies often include mealworms, crickets and other insects blended with water,” Mr Moss said.

“They’re completely safe for animals, but definitely not designed for human taste buds.”

The humans still enjoy them, at least in a non-consumptive way.

“All enrichment is carefully planned and prepared before animals enter the space,” Mr Moss said.

“Keepers work behind the scenes using protected contact methods, timing, distance and barriers so animals are safely occupied elsewhere before enrichment is set up.”

There are important reasons why these treats aren’t spoon fed.

African River Trail life sciences coordinator Ben Gulli said ice-based enrichment helps animals stay cool while still engaging their natural instincts.

“Hiding food in ice encourages foraging, problem-solving and physical activity, es-

pecially during cooler parts of the day,” Mr Gulli said.

“It keeps animals mentally stimulated, thenallowsthemtorestoncetemperatures.”

While the animals are a smart bunch and good at managing their own affairs the zookeepers know what to do if there’s an emergency.

“Keepers closely monitor behaviour, appetite, movement and breathing, and watch for signs like lethargy, excessive panting or reduced activity, especially during extreme temperatures,” Mr Moss said.

He said teams will intervene if they suspect something is truly amiss.

“Animals are immediately moved, given access to cooler areas, given access to and the shade, water or mud, and monitored closely,” Mr Moss said.

“Veterinary teams are involved if needed, and cooling strategies are adjusted until the

animal is comfortable.

The team is pretty attentive to the details that help minimise the risk of those situations occurring.

The maintenance of the rhino’s mud wallow is a pretty good example.

“Keepers regularly top up water levels, monitor mud depth and texture, and ensure the wallows stay clean and safe,” Mr Moss said

“During hot weather, wallows and pools may be refreshed more often to keep them effective and inviting.”

And last but certainly not least of all, he gave a little pro tip about how the zookeepers themselves keep cool during scorchers. You could probably hazard a guess.

Plenty of water, wide-brim hats, sunscreen and occasionally an ice cream from the Ben and Jerry’s on site at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

New chief takes charge

By Cade Lucas

For the first time in 12 months, Hobsons Bay council has a permanent chief executive with Phu Nguyen officially starting in the role on Monday 19 January.

Originally from the western suburbs, Mr Nguyen most recently served as chief executive of Onkaparinga council in South Australia,

“It’s a privilege to serve as CEO of Hobsons Bay and I’m excited to get started and hit the ground running,” Mr Nguyen said upon assuming the role from interim chief executive Kerry Thompson.

Ms Thompson took over as interim following the suspension of former former chief executive Aaron van Egmond in January 2025 pending an investigation into workplace safety and culture issues at the council.

Mr van Egmond resigned in April and in July a report found Hobsons Bay council had a ‘toxic’ workplace culture.

Earlier this month, a municipal monitor appointed by the state government to oversee the council, John Tanner AM, had his contract extended by a further six months, and a second monitor, Rebecca McKenzie, was appointed to join him.

Both monitors will be in place for at least the first six months of Mr Nguyen’s tenure.

“The organisation has experienced significant change over the past 12 months,” Mr Nguyen said of the upheaval that preceded his appointment, while thanking Ms Thompson for helping him prepare for the role since his appointment in October.

“Kerry has been generous with her time and knowledge, and her thorough handover has ensured I can step into the role with confidence from day one.”

Also starting on Monday was council’s

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Roubaix re-dux set to roll into Footscray

After last year’s inaugural Footscray-Roubaix cycling event, founder and organiser Elwyn Davies was prepared to leave it at that.

“Therewasn’tgoingtobemorethanone,” Davies said of the fundraising ride named after the famous French cycling race.

“But after last year, people said “we’ve gotta do another one.”

And so there is, on Sunday 1 March, with all proceeds again going to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC).

With more than 150 riders already signed

up for the 2026 event, Davies said those proceeds will be far in excess of what was raised for the ASRC in 2025.

“We raised roughly $2000 last year and we’re already in excess of $3000 this year and there’s still about a month to go.”

Unlike its namesake, the Footscray-Roubaix is not a race, but a ride around the roads, routes and bi-ways of Footscray and the inner west, with cyclists of all ages and abilities welcome.

Davies said the route was largely the

same as last year, with some notable exceptions.

“We’re using some of the new bike tracks in the western suburbs,” he said.

“Including the one along the Footscray side of the Yarraville Gardens as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project.”

To find out more about this year’s Footscray-Roubaix route a, go to: https:// shorturl.at/ZV4Oc

To sign up to take part: https://events. humanitix.com/footscray-roobaix

new director of sustainable communities, Hector Gaston, while new chief people officer Chris Sutton began on 12 January and incoming corporate services director Olivia Barry begins on 25 February.

Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima welcomed the new executives.

“This year presents a fantastic opportunity for our city,” Cr Grima said.

“With a new CEO, a refreshed executive team, a council group with a year of experience working together, and a new council plan guiding our work, I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead for Hobsons Bay.”

Drugs, weapons charges for Newport man

A Newport man is facing dozens of drugs and weapons charges after raids conducted by VIPER Taskforce detectives.

Two search warrants were executed at residential addresses in Newport and Docklands on 19 January where officers seized body armour, OC spray, a firearm, cash, drugs, weapons, Rolex watches and taser pens as part of an investigation into firearms trafficking linked to serious and organised crime.

The raids came about after police received information in December last year suggesting firearms were being stored and drugs trafficked out of an address in Newport.

A 31-year-old Newport man was charged with a total of 26 offences, including two counts of trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine; possession of an unregistered handgun; trafficking in drugs of dependence including cannabis, cocaine, ketamine and MDMA; possession of GHB; 11 counts of possession of prescription medication; dealing the suspected proceeds of crime; three counts of possessing prohibited weapons.

He is also facing charges for possessing unlicensed body armour and ammunition, unlicensed driving and failing to assist police under warrant.

MY PLACE

Orginally from Brighton in England, Andy Moutray-Read is now very much at home in the inner-west, serving as a chief executive, a director and a volunteer and wide variety of local businesses, foundations and not-for-profits. He tells Cade Lucas about his life in Maribyrnong.

What’s your connection to Maribyrnong?

I’ve lived in Maribyrnong since 2000, moving initially to Yarraville, then West Footscray and now Maidstone. I met my wife, Karen, in Yarraville and we broughtourthreekidsuphere,Stephanie, Sebastian and Sophie. They all attended West Footscray Primary School, and I became involved with the school council which I found very rewarding. I have been involved in the Seddon Community Bank since its inception, some 17 years ago. Initially as one of the founders, then the chair and now the chief executive, plus I’m involved with the Community Bike Hub, The Westsider Newspaper and Local Impact.

What do you like about living here?

I love way the inner-west community connects and supports each other. The sense of identity and place. Having lived all over Australia, I’m very proud to live here. When I initially arrived in Yarraville I felt a sense of belonging and a welcoming community that talked to each other. I think that people who move into the community are looking for something similar and therefore are open toconnectingandhelpingeachother.This helps makes us feel connected and some of the work I have been able to do through theCommunityBank,LocalImpactandits related entities has enabled me to connect with a wide range of diverse people and organisations.It’sveryrewarding!

What, if anything, would you change about the area?

I think activating Footscray as a vibrant hub would be exciting. It has so much potential and culture that it’s a shame the diverse opportunity it holds has not been realised.

This includes the opportunity to activate unused spaces throughout the community. There are a number of empty shops and buildings that would benefit fromtheentrepreneurialspiritthatresides in the community. How could landlords be encouraged to share their spaces with start-up enterprises and creative individualstoshowcasethewest?

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

29 January, 1986

The west’s scallop fisherman claim their industry and jobs are threatened by a state government decision to reviewcommercialfishinglicenses.

30 years ago

31 January, 1996

An Altona youth worker has called for ’chroming’ to be listed as an offence, after 12 young people were seen inhaling spray can fumes under the pierlastweekend.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

I’m often found working out of coffee shops… I love the coffee culture here and will share my love between Brother Nancy in West Footscray, Tailor Made in Gamon Street and Alfa Bakehouse in Seddon. After work for an hour on a Friday is often spent at Charles and

Gamon with our chair, Sarah, and branch manager,Ash,tryingtosolvetheproblems oftheworld!

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. I’ve had a very full life, travelling and working in many industries including owningsmallbusinesses.

20 years ago

31 January, 2006

Footscray MP Bruce Mildenhall has retiredafter24yearsinpolitics.

10 years ago

27 January, 2016

Williamstown’s Greg Miles, who has called more Melbourne Cup races than anyone, has been recognised in AustraliaDayhonourswithanOAMfor servicetohorseracingasabroadcaster.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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. Starts 18 February, 10am at Recwest Braybrook.  westgatebasketball.com.au/walkingbasketball-1 or Penny, 0409 014 121

Heritage Walks

Enjoy a leisurely one/two hour walk around Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9-30 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place.

 John Becroft, 0418 377 336

Altona VIEW Club

VIEW stands for Voice Interest and Education for Women. Altona VIEW Club has just celebrated its 27th year and is not-for-profit. The club welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join us on the third Wednesday of each month, at 11.00a.m, at the Altona RSL. The Club is closely affiliated with The Smith Family and sponsors ten children through the “Learning for Life” programme. Come along and join us for lunch and enjoy the speakers each month. Other outings are arranged. Great opportunity to make new friends.

 Contact altonaview@gmail.com. Julie 0421315846

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Japan’s Momoko Ohtani in action at the Victorian Wheelchair Open. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 528131_32

Westgate diabetes support group

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

 Elaine, 0415 030 996

Mainly music

A music-playgroup program for kids and their carers from birth to school age. Held every Thursday from 9.30-10.30am during school terms at Westgate Baptist

Community, 16 High Street, Yarraville. The cost is $7 per family, per week.

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

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

The AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club welcomes all who want to improve their communication, leadership and public

speaking skills. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of every month from 7-9pm at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton.

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

Social square dancing

Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights from 7.30pm-10.30pm to learn social square dancing for beginners in a safe and friendly environment. The teaching is in a group but is self paced so there is no pressure to maintain a rate of learning.  Janine, 0421 371 883, or contact@ essendonsquares.com

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

Two artists, one exhibition

Two local studio artists will exhibit their work in a shared exhibition in Brimbank.

Studio artists Ziggy Firth and Augustine Ang have created separate bodies of work, displayed in distinct sections of the Sunshine Art Spaces.

Firth, who goes by the artist name of ‘Ziggy Filth’, said working in the space has helped her to literally expand her practice.

“The paintings that I’m doing are large-

scale. They’re very vibrant,” Firth said.

“Because I’m using a studio in Sunshine Art Spaces, I can explore bigger sizes. I’m used to working small-scale so basically I’m translating a lot of sketch books to something for a wider audience. It’s been good for me.”

Firth said she draws from a range of different inspirations for her art, including classical Renaissance paintings, contempo-

rary video games, and Hello Kitty.

“Cute things in general … bright youthful things,” she said.

“There’salotofplayful,colour,cartoon-y imagery.”

Angworksusingpapercollageandpaper animation.

Hisworksexplorehowuniversalrhythms and inner cycles interconnect with living beings, culture and the natural world.

Dynamic duo will make Werribee laugh

The Umbilical Brothers are back down under and they have locked in a laugh out loud show in Werribee.

On Sunday 8 February the globally successful comedy duo will perform Speedmouse– their new act– at the Wyndham Cultural Centre.

Winners of BAFTAs, an Emmy, and the Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performers, The Umbilicals have wowed audiences in more than 40 countries.

Throughout their careers they have played packed stadiums and even supported comedy titans like Robin Williams. Expect live-action chaos, frame-byframe hilarity, and the kind of comedic

chemistry that’s made them legends of Australian comedy.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering them for the first time, Speedmouse is a laugh-out-loud celebration of imagination, timing, and mischief.

The duo’s trademark interplay to cleverly twist theatrical rules and everyday situations is the reason they amass more than 200,000 online video views a month.

The act will live, unfettered and unfiltered, so you won’t know what’s coming until it hits you.

A high-octane affair, this fast-paced gig is a blend of physical theatre, vocal wizardry and comedic genius.

Be seated for 5pm and start, sit back, relax and get ready for 75 minutes of uninterrupted, unhinged action.

Speedmouse contains adult themes and course language, so the show is recommended for those older than 15 and with parental guidance— or whichever word doesn’t sound lame.

They are currently performing six different theatre shows across the planet, so make sure to follow more of their work.

Tickets are $69 full price and $64 for concession holders.

Footscray to host misfit poetry party thanks to Slamtidote

Having made their first venture out west in Novemberlastyear,Melbournepoetrycollective Slamtidote is making a quick return with a show in Footscray on Thursday 29 January.

Aswiththeirfirstperformanceintheinner-west, Slamtidote’s appropriately titled All Poets Are Misfits event will be held at Misfits Bar on Chambers Street from 6pm until late. The event is one of the collective’s bi-monthly poetry parties where live music performances, a spoken word open mic and a raffle fundraiser are held along-

sidepoetsrecitingverse.

Slamtidotewasestablishedwiththeaim of showcasing the the talent of marginalised communities that might fall under ethnic, queer, and femme umbrellas, and itdoesthisnotonlythroughregularpoetry parties, but also by publishing zines, with fourreleasedlastyearalone.

The poetry parties also provide local creatives with opportunity to sell their own work as well as perform, while a percentage of the money generated from the fundraising raffles goes towards a different

Ang’s thematic explorations culminate through various methods of interacting with paper, such as cutting, slicing, ripping, stretching, and scratching.

Ang aims to evoke a wide range of emotions through his work, from the fun, weird, and absurd to the heavy, poignant, and deep.

The Sunshine Art Spaces Studio Works exhibition is open until Thursday 12 March

Exhibition spells it out

From A to Z, Pamela Irving’s An Artful Alphabet invites audiences to rediscover the building blocks of language through a delightful, eccentric and imaginative lens.

Exhibiting at CS Gallery until 16 April, the exhibition by acclaimed Australian artist Pamela Irving transforms the 26 letters of the alphabet into a playful procession of wall-mounted sculptural figures.

Each letter is reimagined as a character, crafted from discarded and familiar objects.

ThinkKenandBarbiedolls,plasticanimals, wooden blocks, toys and trinkets that might have been familiar items you grew up with.

Carefully assembled and housed inside old cigar boxes and biscuit tins, the works are instantly recognisable and often quietly unsettling, pairing cheerful, sometimes maniacal expressions with deeper reflections on modern material culture.

While the exhibition is designed to delight both adults and children, there is more beneath the surface.

Irving uses the alphabet as a framework to explore contradictions around waste, overconsumption and nostalgia. Her sculptures question how quickly objects move from treasured trash, and what new meaning can be created when the mundane and discarded are given a second life.

Unapologetically facing our fastpaced, stuff-filled world, An Artful Alphabet balances absurdity with hope.

The mischievous figures acknowledge the realities of climate change and environmental decline, while still offering joy, humour and wonder, an invitation to rethink how we value the objects which surround us.

charityeachmonth.

Slamtidote is hoping to soon register as anot-for-profit.

All Poets Are Misfits will be presided over by MC’s Britt, Tierney and Lian, feature live performances from Melbourne musicians Pia Nesvara and Shesoblu, and musical accompaniment by improvisationalkeyboardplayerIzzy.

Entry is free, though those interested in entering the fundraising raffle are required toRSVPbeforehand.

Details:https://ra.co/events/2346430

Irving is an award-winning painter and sculptor whose career spans more than four decades. Her vibrant works feature in major public and private collections including Museum Victoria, Artbank, Geelong Art Gallery, and MAR Ravenna in Italy. With its colour, curiosity and clever commentary, An Artful Alphabet is an exhibition well worth spelling out on your summer calendar.

Discover the last frontier

By Lee McCarthy

DISCOVER the ‘White Continent’, fabulous Antarctica and sail with Viking’s Antarctic Explorervoyageforthirteenmagnificentdays.

Journey to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, a landscape defined by blue-hued icebergs, immense glaciers and snow-covered shores.

Walk in the footsteps of great explorers and venture into the world’s last truly wild frontier and participate in meaningful science on board Viking’s state-of-the-art expedition vessel.

Each day can bring unexpected wonders as guests embrace the ever-changing Antarctic weather as the ship sails pristine waters in search of epic wildlife.

The embarkation city, Ushuaia is the southernmostcityintheworld.Itssplendid setting, tucked between the Beagle Channel and the southernmost slopes of the Andes, lends it an outpost atmosphere, as do the Antarctic explorers readying for the expeditions that depart from here.

Purpose-built for expeditions, Viking’s ships provide superior handling, comfort and stability even in the roughest seas.

Just some of the extra benefits guests receive on joining a Viking cruise include 24 hour room service, king size bed with luxury linens and pillow, floor to ceiling heated drying closets for expedition gear, heated bathroom floor with spacious glass enclosed shower, anti-fog mirrors, premium Freyja toiletries, free Wi-Fi connection, 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas and bottled water, beer, wine and soft

drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Centre, self-service launderettes.

All this and much more including a Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge, all Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions and one complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call

A fleet of military pro zodiacs, Special Operations Boats, two-seater kayaks and two yellow submarines enhance traveller’s experience, and all the inclusions ensure guests make the most of their expedition without having to keep paying extra.

Antarctica has inspired explorers and adventurers for centuries. In this icy

wilderness, guests will marvel at icebergs glimmering in serene bays and mountains cloaked in white rising from the mainland basalt cliffs.

These stunning landscapes evoke both utter tranquillity as Weddell seals lounge on ice floes, and breathtaking drama as glaciers thunderously calve into the sea.

In these cold and nutrient-rich waters, humpback, fin and minke whales have been known to greet expedition ships that venture into their habitat.

As with all Viking ships, the expedition vessel doubles as a classroom in which travellers can learn more about the next destination by joining the Viking ‘Resident Scientist’ for lunch on board before

heading back out to explore. Guests can choose to get explore with dedicatedexpertsintheirfieldorrelaxand enjoy from the comfort of the ship. Those whochoosetostayonboardcanrelaxamid the luxurious and beautiful appointed surroundings in comfort, with heated couches and lava rock ‘firepits,’ allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature.

On offer right now and for those who book before 31 March is Vikings “Fly free, flight upgrade credit or save up to $2,500 per couple.” The cruise is priced from $19,795 per person in a Deluxe Nordic Balcony.

For further information please contact Viking on 138 747 or Viking.com.

Bergen

From

in Veranda Stateroom From $32,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

ICONS OF THE VIKING AGE

Bergen to Copenhagen or vice versa

22 DAYS • 8 COUNTRIES • 17 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAY-AUG 2028

From $21,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $26,295pp in

BRITISH ISLES & IRELAND

Belfast to London or vice versa

15 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 13 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-MAY, JUL-SEP 2027; APR-SEP 2028

From $13,295pp in Veranda Stateroom From $15,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

*Choose one offer per booking (all guests must select the same): Companion Fly Free (Economy) up to AU$2,500 per couple (code CFE25) OR Business Class Air Credit AU$2,500 per couple (CFB25) OR Cruise-Only Save AU$2,500 per couple (CRX25). Valid on selected 2026–2028 Viking Ocean voyages. New bookings only, prices in AUD per person (twin share), subject to availability, not combinable. Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond based on 28 June 2028 departure. Icons of the Viking Age based on 11 May 2028 departure. British Isles & Ireland based on 17 April 2028 departure. Booking window: 02 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026 (AEDT). Full T&Cs: viking.com.

An ace club

By Cr Lisa Bentley

Great history and a love for sport are just someofthethingsIloveaboutHobsonsBay, andmywardofWilliamstown.

Recently, I was lucky enough to have had thechancetocelebratebothatonce.

It was my privilege to join members of Williamstown’s Liston Tennis Club as they commemoratedtheclub’scentenary.

It was great to hear about the club’s rich history, listen to stories from members and experiencefirst-handthepassionthatexists withintheirclubcommunity.

It’sgreattoseehowtheclubissoinclusive andwelcoming,highlightedbytheirhosting ofatenniseventforblindplayerstocoincide withtheAustralianOpen.Sportplayssuchan important role in our community, bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging, so congratulations to Liston TennisClubontheirspecialmilestone.

In February, sport clubs and other community-minded groups and organisations will have the chance to put their hand up for council grants to support thegreatworktheydo.

Council’sMakeitHappengrantsprogram opens on 2 February, with $495,000 in fundingavailable.

Theprogramprovidesfundingtosupport ourcommunityto‘makethingshappen.’

Groups can apply for grants to cover costs ofthingslikeequipmentandresources(upto $1,500), community projects (up to $15,000) oreventsandfestivals(upto$25,000).

The program can provide opportunities acrossmanysectors,includingenvironment, sustainability, sport, recreation, arts and culture, heritage, health and wellbeing, multicultural,technologyandmore.

Applications close at 1pm on Monday 30 March. And a quick reminder about some oftheupcomingsummereventshappening acrossHobsonsBay.

Movies by the Bay screenings include Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere at Williamstown’s Commonwealth Reserve along with a tribute band in February. Also next month, Our Hood Spotswood Summer Series kicks off at Hudsons Road andSummerSoundsisonatAltona’sLogan Reserveon14February.

For more information, visit: hobsonsbay. vic.gov.au/whats-on.

Tofindoutmoreaboutthemakeithappen grants and to apply, visit hobsonsbay.vic. gov.au/grants.

to live

 From page 1

Instead,shesoughttreatmentfrom Dr Alvear in the Philippines, where the US-based surgeon visits two or three times per year to perform the procedure named after him on SMACS patients.

“It’s not a huge surgery, it’s about a three inch incision and takes about three or four hours,” Ms Wesner said of the Alvear Procedure which will widen the gap in her intestine through which food can pass.

She’s booked in to have the procedure in Manila on 18 February, but only on the proviso that surgical fees are paid by 9 February, with flights, visas and accommodation expenses added on top.

With under three weeks to go and more than $35,000 still needed, Ms Wesnerisfacingadauntingtaskwith even more daunting consequences if she fails.

“I won’t have another opportunity to access it,” she said of Dr Alvear’s treatment.

“I will die without this surgery.” To donate, go to: https://gofund. me/69ead6056

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.

1 Flightless bird (3) 3 Doubts (11) 9 Instruction (7)

10 Town in France with a shrine to St Bernadette (7) 11 Nuclear weapon (4,4) 12 Pay (6)

A colourless spirit (3) 15 Merge (11) 17 Debate (11) 19 Break (3) 20 Oration (6) 21 US state (8) 24 Not tidy (7) 25 Speech (7) 26 A phrase marked off by brackets (11) 27 Deity (3)

1 Apart (9)

Mythical creature (7)

Ascend (5)

Immense (10)

Grotesque (4)

Determinant (9)

Hoosier State of USA (7)

Raunchy (5) 13 Loud and forceful (10) 15 Clergyman (9)

16 Clarified (9)

18 Orator (7)

19 Exaggeratedly enthusiastic (7)

20 Part of the limb remaining after amputation (5)

22 Brings up (5)

23 Yen (4)

1 What is the world’s largest inland body of water?

2 Jennifer Saunders (pictured) and Joanna Lumley co-stared in which 90s British sitcom?

3 Which Beatles member’s solo work includes the 1973 album LivingintheMaterialWorld?

4 Cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, star anise and clove are commonly used in which spice mix?

5 In the fairytale, what three things does the miller’s daughter give to Rumplestiltskin in return for him spinning straw into gold?

6 Who is the only Australian prime minister to be dismissed from office by the governor-general?

7 Slaughterhouse-Five is a 1969 novel by which author?

8 In which US state would you find the Gateway Arch?

9 Which politician is quoted to have said: ‘If you want something said, ask

10

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which men's T20 cricket team is the only Big Bash League team yet to win a title?

2. Scott Robertson was most recently head coach of which country’s men’s

3. In which city was Andy Murray born?

4. Northern Territoryborn former cricketer Damien Martyn played representative cricket for which Australian state?

Which horse won the 2026 Magic Millions 2YO

Which arena is the largest Australian Open venue?

The top-tier professional basketball league in Great Britain for men and women is known by what

Amateur tennis player Jordan Smith won the 1 Point Slam at the 2026 Australian Open, as champion of which state?

Which two NFL teams are set to play off in the 2026 AFC Championship game?

Which two NFL teams are played off in the 2026 NFC Championship game?

11. Following his most recent victory, how many times has snowboarder Scotty James now won the Laax Open?

12. Name tennis player Daria Kasatkina’s fiancé.

13. Which team recently won the Africa Cup of Nations?

14. Australia’s SailGP team is co-owned by Hugh Jackman and which other Hollywood star?

15. An image from which sport won the 2026 World Sports Photography Awards?

16. Who recently became the oldest singles player to play in the Australian Open?

17. What sport does the 1993 film Rudy feature?

18. What is the quadrennial football tournament contested by only South American teams known as?

19. Regarding BASE jumping, what does BASE stand for?

20. The Los Angeles Dodgers recently signed which former Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs outfielder?

21. To how many points is a badminton game played?

22. And how many games constitute a match?

23. The Houston Dynamo play in which league?

24. Alyssa Healy made her international cricket debut in which year?

25. Burley is a manufacturer of which ball?

26. The Brave and the Adrenaline are teams in which Australian league?

27. Drew McIntyre currently holds which WWE title?

28. In the AFL, who will captain the West Coast Eagles in 2026?

29. In which year did Roger Federer win his first Wimbledon title?

30. Who currently holds the record for the most goals for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Sealion 6 is impressive

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

BYD’s Sealion 6 is one of the new breed of superhybrids.

So called because they are plug-in hybrids with larger batteries that deliver greaterelectriconlyrange.

ThesePHEVsarestartingtogaintraction in the market, with a 136 per cent increase insalesinrecentmonths.

Fully charged, with a range that exceeds 100km in some cases, they can be used in electric-only mode for the weekday commute.

Forlongertrips,theircombinedpetroland electric range exceeds 1000km, removing any lingering fear of being stranded with noaccesstoanelectriccharger.

Styling

Thefive-seatSealion6comesinfourgrades: Essential, Dynamic Extended Range, Premium,andPremiumExtendedRange.

Prices range from $42,990 for the Essential, $46,990 for Dynamic Extended, $52,990 for Premium or $52,990 for Premium Extended - all prices before on-roadcosts.

NotsurewhythePremiumandPremium Extended are priced the same, but they’re unlikely to sell many of the Premium variantsatthisrate.

The Essential and Dynamic Extended variants are front wheel drive; Premium modelsaddasecondelectricmotorandare all-wheel drive. Extended Range versions alsoacquirealargerbattery.

Our test vehicle was the entry Essential model. In fact, it presents so well that we needed to confirm it was actually the base model.

Standard kit includes synthetic leather trim and dual-zone climate air with rear outlets, keyless entry and start, six-way power adjustment for the driver seat and four-way for the front passenger, rear privacyglassandafull-lengthglassroof.

There are also adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers, a manual-adjust rear vision mirror, plus LED lighting front andback.

Allgradesrollonthesame19-inchalloys fitted with the same GitiComfort tyres and thereisnothingtodistinguishthemapart.

Instrumentation is provided via a customisable 12.3-inch digital screen housedinaconventionalbinnacle.

Atyrerepairkitissuppliedintheeventof apuncture.

Sealion 6 is covered by a six-year/150,000km warranty plus eight years/160,000km coverage for the high-voltagebattery.

Servicing is due every 12 months/20,000km with maintenance costs forthefirstfiveyearsatotalof$1543.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of a 12.8-inchtouchscreenthatrotates,offering voice control, Bluetooth with audio streaming, FM and DAB+ digital radio, built-in satellite navigation, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wired or wireless) plus generic six-speaker sound.

No AM radio band means you won’t be able to hear emergency transmissions, for instance when there’s been an incident in oneofSydney’smanytunnels.

Dynamic and up get a premium 10-speakerInfinitysystem,alongwithtwin wirelessphonechargers.

Updates are over-the air and the BYD Store allows users to download a variety of applications,includingYouTubeandasuite

ofarcadegames(forthekids).

NFC connectivity means you can set up yourphonetolockandunlockthecar.

ThereareUSB-Aand-Cchargingportsin boththefrontandbackplusa12-voltsocket inthefront.

Safety

Five-starsafetyencompassessevenairbags, including a centre airbag to prevent front seat occupants knocking heads in a side impact.

There’s also a 360-degree reversing camera, rear parking sensors and autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car,VulnerableRoadUser,Junction &Crossing,andBackover).

Lane support includes lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), plus an advancedspeedassistancesystem(SAS).

There’s also blind spot, child detection andpayattentionwarnings.

Top-tether and ISOFix child-seat anchor pointsareprovidedfortherearseats.

Engines/transmissions

Essential’s hybrid powertrain produces a combined 160kW of power and 300Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a reduction-style,single-speedtransmission.

Driving

The styling is round and feminine, taking itscuesfromcompetitorssuchasTesla.

The five-seat Sealion 6 is 4775mm long, 1890mm wide and stands 1670mm high, witha2765mmwheelbase.

Significantly, that is 175mm longer than the best-selling Toyota RAV4, as well as 35mmwiderand15mmlowerthantheRAV, with a 75mm longer wheelbase - adding up tomoreinteriorspace.

Parked alongside RAV, the Sealion is noticeably larger and having driven both vehicles back-to-back in recent weeks, it’s the Sealion that stands out - although we should mention there’s a new RAV on the way.

It’s an impressive feature but a bit gimmicky, because there does not appear tobeanypracticalapplication.

RATINGS

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 8

Safety: 7.5

Thirst: 8

Practicality: 8

Comfort: 7.5

Tech: 8

Value: 8

Overall: 7.8

Essential’s hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, combined with a single electric motor and 18.3 kWh battery - that sendspowertothefrontwheels.

ExtendedRangevariantsacquirealarger 26.6kWhbattery.

Essential produces a combined 160kW of power and 300Nm of torque, driving through a reduction-style, single speed transmission.

Witha60-litrefueltank,ittakespremium 95 unleaded, with fuel consumption a claimed 1.1L/100km with anything more than25percentbatterycharge.

Electric only range is around 80km (WLTP).

It’s your choice whether you charge the Sealion or drive it as a standard self-charginghybrid.

Time and circumstances will probably providetheanswertothatquestion.

Petrol and electric fill points are located eithersideattherear.

Essential can be charged at a maximum rateof7kW(AC)or18kW(DC).

Itwilltakeuptoeighthoursusingapower point and the supplied granny charger, or upto10withthelargerbattery.

A wallbox reduces this time to two to three hours, while a fast DC charger takes from30to40minutes.

When driving you can easily toggle between EV and HEV powertrain options (electric or hybrid), with a toggle conveniently mounted on the centre console.

Therearethreedrivemodes:Eco,Normal and Sport, plus two settings for the level of steering effort required - Comfort (lighter) orSport(heavier).

The level of regenerative braking can also be altered, but only through the touchscreenmenus.

Thetouchscreenitselfrotatesatthetouch ofabuttononthesteeringwheel,returning to its default landscape position when the car is switched off (but resuming the desiredorientationuponrestart).

In portrait mode it can’t be seen if you wear polarised sunglasses, nor does Android Auto (and presumably CarPlay) workinthismode.

Our phones connected quickly and easily to the infotainment system which is smart enough to drop aircon fan speed during phone calls to reducebackgroundnoise.

The start-stop button for the powertrain is located close to hand at the bottom right-hand cornerofthecentreconsole.

The system is designed to operate primarily in electric mode, with support from the petrol engine for charging and additionalmumboifrequired.

In HEV mode the battery charge in our test vehicle hovered between 60 and 70 per cent.

You can take a deep dive into the system and adjust this figure, but it works well left toitsowndevices.

Sealion 6 is generally comfortable and easy to drive, with plenty of rear legroom andagood-sizedluggagearea.

Blackandbrownupholsterywithcontrast stitching lends an upmarket ambience, but may not be to everyone’s liking (my wife didn’tfancyit).

There’splentyofcabinstorage,withlarge door bins, two large cupholders in the centreconsoleandatraythatofferssideby sideslotsforphones.

But don’t expect it to charge your phone, notinthisgradeatleast.

There’s also another largish storage area belowthemainconsole.

Luggage capacity is a modest 425 litres, nodoubtattheexpenseofrearlegroom. There’s also some underfloor storage available. We found the charge cable for the car stashed in a bag to one side of the luggagearea.

While Sealion 6 is a smooth operator around town, it demanded more rigorous testingonpoorer,secondaryroads. We took it for a punt along some of our favourite loop through the backlots and while we can report that like most SUVs it’s a compromise - it’s not the worst thing we’vedriveneither.

Handling is safe and predictable and it didn’t start to get out of shape in corners unlesspressedrelativelyhard.

Throttleresponseinthelowtomidrange is excellent, but it seems to run out of puff afterthat.

Rather than punching the accelerator, we found moderate force seemed to elicit a moresatisfyingresponse.

Nowforthebestpart.Unlikethemajority of Chinese SUVs we’ve tested, the driver assist systems in this car are for the most partunintrusive.Yay!

In terms of fuel consumption, we were getting 4.1L/100km after some 350km of driving,withthepromiseof555kmtogo. Norangeanxietytoseehere.

Summing up

TheBYDSealion6isakeeper.

It joins a short list of Chinese vehicles that we at Cars4starters would consider buying.

It’s cheap, well equipped, fit and finish is good and everything works as it should, withouttheinterventionofannoyingsafety assistancesystems.

It will even retain drive mode settings betweenstarts.

Whatmorecouldyouask?

Neal’s making his mark

By Tara Murray

Williamstown’s Felix Neal always wanted to represent Australia on the highest sporting stage, but never thought it would be playing water polo.

Having made state teams playing hockey growing up, Neal was also a keen swimmer and spent a lot of time in the pool.

Water polo wasn’t a sport that had crossed his mind.

When a mate suggested he come to a water polo come and try day everything changed and his future was set.

“I did one session and I feel in love,” Neal said.

“The community is pretty small, it’s a small sport in Victoria and Melbourne. It’s

a tight knit community and it’s very nice to be there.

“I absolutely love it. It’s a brutal sport and quite intense.”

Having only started playing with Essendon two and half years ago, Neal has risen through the ranks.

Last year he was selected as part of the Victorian Phoenix squad that plays in the Australian WaterPolo League.

He said it was a massive opportunity so early in his career.

“It was surreal,” he said. “It was amazing playing with full grown adults

“It was really different with the intensity. It was faster shots and an increased skill level in that team.

“It increased my ability.”

Last year also saw him represent Victoria at the under-17 national championships where the team finished in fifth spot.

The performances there saw him selected in the Australian under-18 side that faced New Zealand and a couple of other countries.

The goalkeeper said it didn’t feel real to be playing for Australia.

“I wanted to represent Australia in some sort of sport,” he said. “It never occurred to me I would be there for water polo.”

He recently returned home after playing for Australia in the Nations Cup tournament in Canberra where he was the sole Victorian representative.

Neal is hoping to be part of the Australian under-18 team for the World Cup this

A’s are keeping their finals hopes alive

By Tara Murray

Altona’s finals hopes remain in its own hands ahead of a big finish to the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west season.

Two successive wins have Altona in the top six with three rounds to go and in touching distance of top spot.

But with only three points between it and seventh, A’s coach Liam Keating knows how important every match is.

“It was a really important win [on Saturday],” he said. “We’ve won two in a row now which is great.

“There’s teams around us that we play in the next couple of weeks.”

Keating said playing in the heat as they did on Saturday, the match against Bayswater could have gone either way.

The A’s won the toss and sent in Bayswater.

It was bowled out for 170 with three balls remaining.

Keating said they were happy with how they were able to peg it back.

“They had a good start,” he said. “We

pegged them right back in the middle orders.

“Adam Yates and his experience was really good. He has the most wickets in the competition and the key despite not getting many wickets.

“Kenodh [Gamanayake] in his first game bowled really well and took 2-31. He bowled his nine overs in a row.

“Daniel Mackenzie took 3-30 as well. It was hard work for the quick bowlers in that weather.”

The A’s then timed their run chase to perfection, hitting the winning runs with an over to spare.

The A’s finished 6-174 with Ben Davies top scoring with 55.

“We scored fairly slow early on,” Keating said. “They have some good bowlers.

“Ben and Adam in the middle overs set it up. James Grubb and Matt [Turcinovich] then got us across the line.

Ädam is such an experienced player and didn’t have the best game batting wise but was able to handle the situation and not go out.”

Keating said he thought Yates was

year. He’s also looking to head to America for college after he finishes year 12 at the end of this year.

It’s a step in the right direction for making a career in water polo.

“That’s the main pathway for Australian players,” he said. “Go to college and then play in Europe.

“I’ll start looking at schools this year. The pathway manager at Wesley College, they have been brilliant.

“Mid-year I’ll try and make a decision.”

Long term, he’s focused on progressing through to under-20s and senior Australian teams with a focus on

“Brisbane Olympics is the main goal,” he said.

Finals spots set

Barkly St Uniting is through to the next round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 with a stunning performance on Tuesday night.

The Dragons produced the highest score of the round, with 2-209 against West Newport in group B2. Kamalpreet Singh made 119 not out to guide his side to the large total.

The Lions finished 8-144 in reply.

In other matches in that pool, St Andrew’s Footscray got the job done against Werribee Centrals.

The Saints made 5-133 from their overs with the Centurions finished 8-102 in reply. Barkly St finished on top of that pool.

In group A2, there were some big scores put on the board.

Deer Park piled on the runs, making 6-200 against Newport-Digman. Shakille Elhouli took three wickets for the Bulls. The Bulls never got close, finishing 5-146.

Altona North claimed the win against Grand United.

The Gorillas made 8-133.After losing some early wickets, Altona North finished 5-136 to get the win. In group A3, Westmeadows got the job done against the Druids.

The Wizards were bowled out with one ball remaining for 122.

The Warriors hit the winning runs with eight balls remaining.

The Warriors made 2-125.

Keilor also claimed victory on Tuesday night, beating Footscray United. The Blues made 7-137.

bowling the best he had in his career and should be in line for team of the year honours.

“He’s done it at three clubs and is a legend at our club.

It’s a return of red ball cricket in the next round, with the A’s facing Melton over the next two Saturdays.

Keating said it would be a good challenge.

“They beat us in the T20 and have been a competitive team,” he said.

“We’re not taking them lightly and it will be a tough game we have to be up for.”

Meanwhile, Spotswood got another win on the board and Yarraville made it two in a row.

Spotswood made 208 against Balwyn before bowling it out for 170.

Seamus Lynch continued his good form with 80 for the Woodsmen.

Yarraville was able to account for Donvale, winning in the final over.

Donvale made 190 before the Eagles finished 5-194 with two balls remaining.

Elsewhere, Williamstown lost to Endeavour Hills.

The Bulldogs finished 8-121 in reply.

In group A4, Yarraville Club and Williamstown Imperials were among the winners.

The Clubbers made 7-159 against Sydenham-Hillside.

After being in trouble at 3-46, the Storm never recovered and finished 6-132.

Seddon batted first in its match with the Imperials, making 7-122.

The Imperials finished 6-126. Sunshine finished top ahead of the Imperials.

While in group B3, Laverton upset Point Cook. The Warriors were bowled out for just 80. Khalid Farooq took 4-15 for Laverton. Laverton finished 3-84.

Kingsville also finished the pool matches with a win, beating Point Cook Centrals.

Kingsville finished first in the pool.

Magpies are going places

By Tara Murray

Laverton has added some experience as it gets its women’s side back up and running for the Western Football League season.

After not having a side in 2025, the Magpies have put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes to get the side back together.

President Tony Jofre, who has been one of the driving forces behind getting the side going again, said it was really exciting to see where things were at.

He said they had enough numbers to ensure they had a side.

“It has definitely up lifting for the women and the squad that we are trying to build,” he said of securing some experienced players.

“It’s an exciting time and it’s good that we will have a women’s side. We don’t know how competitive we will be yet, but getting a side back in the women’s side was the main thing for us.

“We’rereallyexcitedtohaveasideback.”

The Magpies announced seven women’s signings headlined by a former Victorian Football League women’s player.

Shae Murphy joins the Magpies having played in the VFLW with both Williamstown and Geelong.

The Magpies said on their social media that she has one of the most decorated resumes in women’s football to come out of Altona.

“A proven leader, captain, finals performer and B&F contender — Shae brings

elite standards, toughness and professionalism to the Magpies,” the club said.

Jofre said they were excited to get her on board.

“She has a big footy resume,” he said. “Shae has played the game since she was a kid and started at Altona.

“It’s great to have her back in the Western Football Netball League.In her personal post, she put that she wanted to come back to where her football started [the western suburbs].

“It’s good promotion for our league, not just our club.”

Quetta Holloway-Jinks has also joined the Magpies.

She comes from North Bendigo where she won her club best and fairest.

Will Hardy. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

A big year of baseball for Newport’s Hardy

By Tara Murray

Missing out on an under-16 state team proved to be a blessing in disguise for Newport Rams’ Will Hardy.

The disappointment three years ago drove the teenager and it’s been the catalyst for an Australian debut and playing for the Melbourne Aces.

“Me and dad say all the time, not making the Vic team is probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” Hardy said.

“Had I made that team, I probably wouldn’t have trained as hard. I would have thought I’ve already made the team and I’m going to make it every year.

“Until the next try out I was probably the hardest working person around.

“Turned up at the next tryouts and the coaches looked shocked how my body had changed and stuff like that.”

Since then Hardy has made the state team and won a national title, which is one of the biggest moments of his life.

In 2025, he played with Team Australia at the 2025 under-18 World Cup, was on the Major League Baseball [MLB] International Team and made his Melbourne Aces.

“It was a blast and it all happened pretty quick as well,” Hardy said.

“It was pretty cool. You’re going to this country now or you’re hoping on a flight.

“It was a good reward for the hard work that I’ve put in and it was good for my parents as well.”

Hardy’s selection for Australia came as a bit of a shock.

After missing out on some high performance programs he was keen to get feedback from coaches on where he was at.

“They said don’t worry we are pushing for you,” he said. “You’re doing all the hard work and keep working hard.

“Then the opportunities came. I didn’t know all those opportunities would happen.

“Some people did and they were pretty big for my development over the past year.”

The infielder said he and his dad were almost in tears when he found out he made the Australian under-18 team.

He said his parents, especially his dad, had been his biggest supporters.

“Dad when he gets home from work, I say let’s go down to train and he doesn’t want to but doesn’t say no,” he said.

“All the success that has happened I

The Magpies said she’s hard at the contest and a true ball magnet.

“I haven’t seen her play, but her resume speaks for itself,” Jofre said.

Caitlyn Mitchell, who has played at Manor Lakes and Darsha Miloradovic are the other signings announced over the holiday period.

Ashlyne McInnes, Tiana Jackson and Molly Pianta are the latest signings.

Jofre said they were making a real focus of having everyone involved at the club and everyone equal.

The club is also set to have an under-14 girls side to start putting a pathway in place. Anyone interested in playing can contact; https://www.facebook.com/lavertonfnc

Sportswood has finished on top after the two pool rounds matches in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association T20 twilight competition.

The Woodsmen were one of eight teams to win their two matches, and had the best record as well.

Spotswood is the only west team through to the finals with Altona (ninth) and Taylors Lakes (16th) just missing out.

The Woodsmen sealed top spot on Tuesday night with a win against Yarraville. The Eagles won the toss and decided to bat, making 143. Joshua Hahnel top scored for the Eagles with 42.

Sandeep Mandalika took 3-11 for the Woodsmen.

The Woodsmen chased down the runs with more than three overs remaining, finishing 3-144.

Jagadeswara Koduru finished 52 not out.

Taylors Lakes secured its spot in the next round with a win against St Bernard’s OC.

The Lions made 6-153 from their overs with guest player Aiman Nadeem top scoring with 67.

The Snowdogs finished 9-143 in reply.

Elsewhere, it was a night to forget for Werribee.

The Tigers were bowled out for just 25 against Strathmore.

wouldn’t have done it without him, that’s for sure.

“He doesn’t get enough credit.”

Coming back from his Australian commitments, Hardy joined the Melbourne Aces.

With the club focusing on youth, he’s been given plenty of opportunities.

“I always watched them as a kid to get that opportunity to play with them and play with these guys, pretty cool,” Hardy said.

“I have to pinch myself sometimes that I get the opportunity to play at such a high level. The guys have welcomed me and been unreal for me.

“When I found out I said to dad, happy to play a couple of games.

“The amount of game time I’ve played I’ve been happy with. I struggled a little bit but the guys around the clubhouse picked me up.

“When I started to play well again they are there for me.”

Hardy’s short team future is locked in having signed with Weatherford College, which is rated one of the best college programs.

Hardy said it was a no-brainer to join the college.

No batter scored double figures. Strathmore needed just 7.5 overs to get the runs, finishing 1-27.

Melton got its first win of the competition against Altona but it wasn’t enough to make finals.

Altona made 7-131 from its 20 overs with Max Birthisel top scoring with 51 not out.

The Lions took the game deep and hit the runs with two balls remaining, finishing 7-132.

William Collins made 63 at the top of the order.

Hoppers Crossing’s loss to Williamstown ended its title defence.

The Seagulls won the toss and decided to bat, making 6-132. Antone Herb made 62 not out at the top of the order.

The match went down to the final ball with the Cats needing five to win. They could only manage one run and finished 7-129. Sean Sturrock took 3-15 for the Seagulls.

Plenty Valley also got the win, beating Preston. The Bats made 9-136 from their overs, the Bullants falling just short, 6-131.

Record-breaking moment

By Tara Murray

Don Orr’s wicket record stood the test of time at Williamstown Imperials but was finally broken earlier this season.

Having been set in the 1960s, his tally of 527 wickets had been out of reach.

That was until late last year when Anthony O’Keefe passed the magical mark.

“It’s a bit of an honour,” O’Keefe said. “It’s taken a long time to get there.

“It’s something that has accumulated over a period of time.

“I was made aware of it last year… At the end of the year one of the guys said you are only one or two behind the record.

“Then my second wicket of the year I was able to take it.”

O’Keefe, who plays in the Imperials veterans team, said it was nice to get the milestone wicket at Fearon Reserve and playing with guys he had played a lot of cricket with.

His journey started back in 1990 and outside a few years when he was overseas has played with the Imperials since.

He’s played more than 350 games and pays tribute to his wife and kids for allowing him to commit to playing for so long.

Friendships are the most important thing that has come out of his career which has included captaining sides across the grades and being on the committee.

“The opportunities off the field are far beyond the opportunities on the field,” he said.

“Being involved in a local sporting club has influenced the type of person I’ve become over the years.”

O’Keefe said he continues to love playing the game.,

“I’m still playing and still staying fit,” he said. “I’m no spring chicken at 51.

“It’s a way to stay active and it’s with a good bunch of guys.

“It keeps me active also with my mental health which is a big part of it.

“They are my main motivators to keep playing.”

O’Keefe said he will keep playing for as

Donald Goodes. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520809_18

Wolves make their move as mercury soars

By Tara Murray

Williamstown Wolves’ had a bit of luck go their way as they try to keep their season alive in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1 first nine competition.

Hot conditions greeted players on Saturday making it tough conditions for everyone on the field.

As the temperature reached 38 degrees in some areas, players left the field under the heat rules.

In many games, including the Wolves match with Moorabbin, they didn’t get back on.

“The firsts got started and got through five innings before we had to go off as we hit the 38 degree limit,” Wolves president Chris Jackson said.

“We could not get back on.

“Lots of games didn’t get the result but our game was called a game and we got the result.”

The Wolves were up 2-1 when the game was halted giving them the win.

It brings the Wolves up to eighth on the

ladder.

Jackson said they felt like they were starting to find their way in the season.

“We think we’re starting to turn it around,” he said.

“We had a tough back end to last year and we dropped some games we should have won.

“We’ve got the guys in a better position over the Christmas break and we’ll be hitting it pretty hard for the rest of the season.”

Having made the grand final from sixth last season, Jackson said the group knows what it takes to finish a season strongly.

He said they were hoping for a repeat of last season.

“We’re not far away from the top sides,” he said.

“We think we’re hitting form at the right time like last year. We are confident in the group that we have that we can make a late run at it.

“It is harder to do it this way but we know we can and it’s the position that we have put ourselves in.”

The Wolves face Newport Rams on Satur-

long as the body will let him along with having the support of his family.

While Orr’s record stood since the 1960s, O’Keefe doesn’t think his will be in the record books for that long.

“Don’s played in a period that there was only a first XI, so his achievement is far beyond what I achieved,” he said.

“I’ve played quite a few first, second, third and fourth XI and veterans.

“You’ve got juniors and a lot more games are being played now.

“It used to be seven or eight games per season. It’s a minimum 12 or 13 games and add in T20 and rep games.

“I don’t think I’ll hold it anywhere near Don’s record.”

Big wins for Dogs, Altona

Yarraville-Footscray and Altona got important wins in the quest for Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division top four spots.

Both sides were in action on Friday night, while the Bulldogs also played on Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs played their round 11 match against Melbourne, winning 77 (12)-76 (6).

Brett Mahoney was the only winning skip for the Bulldogs, with his rink winning 25-11.

The match came after the Bulldogs played their round 13 match against Bundoora on Friday night.

The Bulldogs won that one, 78 (16)-61 (2).

Nathan Black (17-14), Craig Mills (21-9) and Jye Bye-Norris (22-18) were the winning skips for the Bulldogs.

day in their next match.

The Rams come into the match with a 4-1 win against Cheltenham on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Wolves second side had to come off with five minutes to go in their match.

The women’s side in the state competition was able to get a full game in against St Kilda.

It was able to come away with a 10-5 win.

The Wolves sit seventh on the ladder.

Jackson said they were continuing to see growth within their women’s side.

“The women’s team is going along really well this year,” he said.

“This season we’re back to having a standalone side after last year having a joint side.

“We want to build a women’s program and this year has been really refreshing.

“The girls are really strong and are learning to gel together. I think we have 12-13 players in the group so we’re not playing short.

“As a club we’re really driving this program.”

The Bulldogs now sit in second position, but has played an extra game on all the other sides in the finals mix.

Altona sits in third spot after beating fellow finals hopeful Deer Park on Friday night.

In a close match all night, Altona was able to get the win, 72 (16)-68 (2).

Dane McKinnon (20-15), Matthew Ellul (20-19) and Brad Peck (21-13) were the winning skips for Altona.

Altona sits 20 points off top spot while the gap to fifth is just six points.

The other two round 11 matches were abandoned due to heat.

This week, Yarraville Footscray is at home to MCC and Altona faces ladder leaders Moonee Valley.

In the other divisions, many matches were abandoned due to the heat rule.