Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 4th February 2026

A mural mystery

By Cade Lucas

Forsomepeopleit’stheirgarden,whilefor others it’s their car or motorbike.

But for Yarraville’s Gordon Morrison it was the colourful mural on his front fence that was his pride and joy.

Originally painted in support of same-sex marriage ahead of the 2017 plebiscite, the mural’s rainbow stripes were a familiar site for people passing by Mr Morrison’s home on the corner of Francis and Bena streets near the Williamstown Road intersection.

Or at least up until last Thursday morning they were.

That’s when Mr Morrison opened his front gate to find someone spraying grey paint over the mural’s bright colours.

“I was flabbergasted,” Mr Morrison said of his reaction to finding a man holding

a spray gun painting over the mural in broad daylight.

“The first thing I said to him was “what the F are you doing?” and then I said “did you even think about knocking on my door and telling me I was doing this?”

According to Mr Morrison, the middle-agedmandoingthespraypainting responded by pleading his innocence.

“He said “don’t blame me, this is what I’ve been told to do.”

But told by whom?

Mr Morrison regrets not inquiring.

“I was too flummoxed to ask who you actually work for,” he said, adding that after going to his car to get his phone –what he’d originally gone outside for – the man was gone.

Mr Morrison didn’t catch sight of his vehicle or see any logos on his clothing, though he did notice that the man was

wearing protective equipment which suggested he was a professional.

What he left behind was a fence mostly painted grey, with only half of the Francis Street facing portion of mural, including some ‘Pam the Bird’ tags added by the notorious graffiti artist, remaining.

As for the rest?

“It’s ruined,” Mr Morrison said.

In the absence of any other explanation and having seen private contractors removing graffiti for them in the past, he contacted Maribyrnong council to complain.

“Council does not remove graffiti from private property,” a spokesperson said in a statement to StarWeekly

“We do offer graffiti removal vouchers forresidentialandcommercialproperties, however no request has been made for this property.”

Whoever is responsible, Mr Morrison suspects that removing the Pam the Bird tags might have been their motivation.

The tags were added to the mural in 2023 as a surprise for Mr Morrison, at the request of his daughter.

“The next thing we knew [the artist] produced it for us in the middle of the night” Mr Morrison said of the four Pams that were woven into the mural.

The artwork, particularly what remains of the mural, remains popular with inner-west locals.

“We went out yesterday [Thursday 30 January] to see if we could wash off the paintandsomeoneyelledfromacar‘leave the pam birds alone’.”

For Mr Morrison and his family, it’s sadly a bit late for that.

Citynews

MESSAGE

FROM THE MAYOR

Summer brings extreme weather conditions, and the devastating bushfires across the state were not far from our minds.

We know this has been a challenging period for many, but what has shone through is seeing communities supporting one another in times of crisis. I want to take a moment to thank our first responders who continue to keep communities safe.

Looking ahead to this month, there are a number of celebrations and events coming up, including the Braybrook BMX Fest, the Yarraville With Love block party at Kindred Studios, the Cotton Mills Presents exhibition at the Bluestone Church Arts Space, the Quang Minh Tet Festival and more. Full details can be found on Council’s website.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is fast approaching, and we want to recognise and celebrate the matriarchs among us – the women who lead with strength, care, and power – through a photography exhibition at Town Hall. If a deserving community member comes to mind, nominate them by 8 February at maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/matriarchs

Lunar New Year is one of the most significant cultural events for East Asian communities, particularly our Vietnamese community here in Maribyrnong. I want to wish those celebrating Lunar New Year joy and good fortune in the Year of the Horse. Happy New Year!

OUT AND ABOUT

Follow me on Facebook

‘Mohamed Semra for

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING

Tue 17 March: 6.30pm Council Meeting

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

Maribyrnong City Council

Civic Precinct and Community Hub

61 Napier Street, Footscray

2. Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra, Deputy Mayor, Cr Samantha Meredith, Cr Cuc Lam and Cr Bernadette Thomas at the annual East Meets West Festival in Footscray, hosted by the Footscray Asian Business Association and supported by Council’s Festivals and Activation Grants.

3. Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra attended an M9 meeting with fellow mayors and council CEOs from across inner Melbourne.

4. Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra and Cr Pradeep Tiwari inspected the RecWest and Shorten Reserve site in West Footscray as works ramp up.

5. Council recognises 26 January as a day of mourning and lowered the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to half-mast to show respect for the experiences and wishes of First Nations communities.

WHAT COULD CREATIVE WEST BE?

It has been five years since we last invited the community to share their ideas for Creative West – a landmark project that will revitalise the Footscray CBD through an upgraded library, new performing arts venue, and town park, making the area safer and more vibrant.

Council has secured a $5 million commitment from the Australian Government to complete the design concept for the project, taking Creative West from the ideas phase to be development ready.

Footscray has changed over the years, and we want to know if what you’ve told us previously still reflects your views. Be sure to get involved by chatting to us in person or at an event, or sharing your thoughts online by 27 February at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/cw

Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray VIC 3012 P: (03) 9688 0200 F: (03) 9687 7793

email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Youth services boosted

The state government has announced a $33 million boost to early intervention, youth mental health and community safety services across the state, including a string of new initiatives focused on helping at-risk youth in Melbourne’s west metro region.

According to the state government, the funding strengthens support for young Victorians at risk of disengagement, mental ill health and involvement with the justice system, with a strong focus on early intervention and community-led solutions.

InMelbourne’swest,anewYouthMental Health Collaborative, backed by a $300,000 investment,willbringtogetherstate-funded services, local headspace centres, alcohol

andotherdrug(AOD)servicesandcommunity organisations to improve referral pathways and remove barriers to care for young people and their families.

The state government will also invest a further $280,000 to embed a culturally appropriate clinician within the West Metro Community Support Group, which it said would provide trauma-informed mental health and AOD care for young people from a South Sudanese background living in the west.

An additional $400,000 will expand Project Sunrise, an African-led project that provides AOD education and outreach services to African Australian youth and their fami-

lies across Melbourne, including in Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Hume, and Melton.

The state government said it would also roll out new programs coordinated by its new Violence Reduction Unit, including community support groups in Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham.

The community support groups will deliver a new youth employment program designed for multicultural young people.

Additional funding will also expand sports and recreation activities to give young people positive outlets, according to the state government.

A one-off $750,000 boost will support three South Sudanese community support

Joe makes his final cut after 58 years

After almost six decades of cutting hair, trimming beards and chewing the fat, iconic Footscray barber Giuseppe ‘Joe’ Squatrito has hung up the clippers for good.

At noon on 30 January, Mr Squatrito closed the doors of his ‘Australian and Continental Barber Shop’ on the corner of Paisley and French streets, bringing an end to a 58-year career spent entirely in Footscray. “I came here as an apprentice because I was under the age of 19,” Mr

Power

Squatrito recalled of how got his start in the suburb 1968, not long after migrating from his native Italy.

“I worked for many years and then I became a partner. Then the other guy retired and I bought the other half,” he said speaking to Star Weekly while tending to one of his last customers on Friday.

“That was about 30 years ago.”

Evensincethen,Footscrayhaschanged markedly, yet Mr Squatrito’s barber shop remained a constant.

“I’ve got customers who have been coming here for nearly 60 years.”

It’s those customers that Mr Squatrito will miss in retirement, something he said a pending rent increase had helped bring forward.

Evenwithouttherentincrease,thenow 77 year-old said he’d probably have only continuedforanothersixmonthsanyway.

“ItwasadecisionIhadtomakeeventually. I’m not getting any younger.”

bill relief a bonus for Victorians as summer heat rolls on

Thestategovernmentusedoneofthehottest days in Victoria’s history to urge households to apply for its power saving bonus program before it ends on 31 March.

Before the mercury hit 44 degrees on Tuesday 27 January, Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio joined Laverton MP Sarah Connolly at Duke St Community House in Sunshine to urge people to apply for the power saving bonus and save money on their air-conditioning usage.

“We know families are doing it tough, that’s why we’re urging eligible households

toclaimtheir$100PowerSavingBonusnow before it closes on 31 March – it’s a simple way to lighten the load,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“Weknoweverydollarcountsforfamilies everywhere, including Sunshine,” added Ms Connolly,noting10percentofpowersaving bonus applications so far had been made at community centres and neighbourhood houses like Duke St.

Eligible households can also claim the bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website or with over-the-phone

groups which the state government said aims to meet increased demand, following recent tragic, violent incidents that have deeply affected these communities.

As part of the funding package, the government confirmed a $26.7 million expansion of the Community Forensic Youth Mental Health Service, which supports some of Victoria’s most vulnerable youth at high risk of offending.

The state government said the expanded program will offer more clinical assessments, treatment and assertive outreach to at-risk young people across Victoria so they can get the targeted, early intervention mental health care they need.

Accused

‘Pam the Bird’ graffitist to face trial

By Emily Woods, AAP

The alleged graffiti vandal behind “Pam the Bird” has pleaded not guilty to more than 200 offences and will fight the charges at trial.

Jack Gibson-Burrell, 22, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court in person on Monday 2 February, wearing red Crocs, when a magistrate decided to send his case to the County Court for trial. He has been charged with 209 offences, including more than a dozen of reckless conduct endangering life or serious injury, criminal damage, theft and aggravated burglary.

Gibson-Burrell is accused of causing about $700,000 damage, including to heritage-listed Victorian landmarks where he allegedly sprayed the “Pam the Bird” tag.

This includes allegations he trespassed into Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station in July 2024, and abseiled up its famous clock tower, to paint the bird on it.

He is further accused of stopping a train in its tracks, encouraging two children to enter train tracks and raise their middle finger at the driver and passengers, and climbing up the disused Melbourne Star ferris wheel.

Gibson-Burrell also allegedly stabbed a man in West Footscray, punched a worker in the face at Emporium Melbourne, stole multiple cars in Torquay and ram-raided a Nando’s restaurant in Footscray.

Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz remarked there were “simply too many” charges for her to detail them all in court on Monday.

The magistrate was satisfied the evidence in the prosecution’s brief was of sufficient weight for the matter to progress to a jury trial in the higher court.

“In relation to these charges, do you plead guilty or not guilty?” Ms Mykytowycz asked.

“Not guilty,” Gibson-Burrell replied, standing in the front row of court.

She ordered him to face the County Court for a directions hearing on March 3.

support.

Those struggling to pay their energy bills can access the Energy Assistance Program, a free phone support service delivered in partnership with Anglicare Victoria and cohealth, providing expert guidance and practical help.

Applications for the power saving bonus close at midnight on Tuesday 31 March 2026. To apply, call 1800 000 832 or visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au

For the Energy Assistance Program call 1800 161 215.

Gibson-Burrell was granted trial bail on the same terms and conditions, including that he is subjected to a $30,000 surety, a nightly curfew, cannot possess graffiti or abseiling equipment and must not travel interstate or overseas.

The accused vandal, who departed courtdressedasSpider-Manlastyear,left the premises via a two-wheeled RipStik in front of dozens of media on Monday. He declined to speak as he precariously travelled down Williams Street towards Flagstaff Station.

Cafe more than just coffee

By Cade Lucas

A new cafe is coming to the Footscray CBD, but one that will provide more than just lattes and smashed avocado on toast.

The state government, Maribyrnong council, the Western Bulldogs Foundation and the Salvation Army have combined to establish a new community cafe that will double as a resource for disadvantaged people in the area.

Footscray MP Katie Hall said the yet to be named cafe on the corner of Albert and Paisley streets will be modelled on

the Salvation Army’s Magpie Cafe in the Melbourne city centre.

“The idea of this model is that people have a safe and welcoming place to come and have a meal and build relationships with the staff to connect them with services that will help them,” Ms Hall said.

“If someone needs primary or allied health or even if they just need a shower or dental care, this hub will be able to refer people to where they need to go.”

Ms Hall said she secured funding for the cafe after lobbying the Premier Jacinta Allan last year.

“Since then it’s just been a matter of getting other people on board.”

Those on board include the Salvos who will run the cafe, Maribyrnong council who will cover the rent, and the Western Bulldogs Foundation and Bulldogs champion Tom Liberatore, who will act as an ambassador for the cafe as well as providing some of his hospitality industry nous.

A spokesperson for the Western Bulldogs said Liberatore’s commitment to Footscray and its community was genuine and heartfelt.

“He will undoubtedly bring his usual

Exhibition puts a lens on Maribyrnong

Maribyrnong now can be viewed through both a historic and contemporary lens at a new photography exhibition.

The Art of Observation explores how photographers document, construct and interpret the world around them, inviting audiences to consider not just what we see, but how we see.

The exhibition on display at the Maribyrnong civic precinct and community hub includes historic images of Footscray Town Hall, alongside photographs of other local landmarks and rare views of how the inner-west looked at the turn of the twentieth

century.

Many of these images come from Maribyrnong council’s Art and Heritage Collection which comprises more than 650 works, including paintings, photographs, works on paper, ceramics, sculptures, memorials, monuments and other civic items.

Contemporary works are also included such as selections from f5 Footscray in Transition (2011–2016), a multi-artist project capturing ten iconic sites over five years.

Additional photographic series explore cultural, social and industrial narratives.

Crowd Theory by Simon Terrill puts a

spotlight on large-scale, constructed community gatherings, while an installation from Jody Haines honours Kulin culture and Ammar Yonis’ work offers an evocative perspective on friendship and migration.

The exhibition is open for self-guided visits during civic precinct and community hub opening hours, 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Free curated tours offering deeper insight into the artworks are offered on the first Thursday of each month at 11am.

Details: https://www.maribyrnong.vic. gov.au/TheArtofObservation

Illegal waste removed for the second time from Altona North

For the second time in just over a month, Hobsons Bay council has been forced to remove illegally dumped rubbish from the same spot in Altona North.

Mattrasses, furniture, clothing and linen were among the items found strewn across the Princes Highway Service Road on the southern side of the Geelong Road overpass on Sunday 18 January.

The Altona North resident who found the rubbish contacted council, as well as notifying the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA), on the same day. Hobsons Bay council confirmed the rubbish was removed on Thursday 22

January.

On December 9 last year, the same resident found illegal waste dumped in the exact same spot, though on this occasion, hazardous materials such as paint tins were also included.

After authorities were notified, the rubbish was removed.

A spokesperson for Hobsons Bay council thanked the resident for reporting the cases and reminded residents that there was no need to dispose of waste illegally.

“Council supports the community by providing options to safely and cheaply dispose of large items of rubbish, in-

passion and commitment to this project and our club and community foundation look forward to working with him and Maribyrnong council to help bring it to life,” the spokesperson said.

The cafe in the old Metro West shopping centre is expected open in six weeks and will initially run for a 12 month trial period, though Ms Hall is confident it will last much longer than that.

“I really think this will be a great success.”

Maribyrnong council and the Salvation Army were contacted for comment.

Police briefs

Teen charged

Police have charged a teen after two police vehicles were rammed in Hoppers Crossing on the morning of 2 February. Officers from the dog squad spotted an allegedly stolen Hyundai Getz parked on Geddes Crescent at about 1.30am. Police attempted intercept the vehicle, when it’s alleged the driver deliberately rammed two police vehicles. It is alleged the two occupants fled on foot but were located by a police dog and its handler nearby, and it is said there were no injuries. The alleged driver, a 16-year-old boy from the Wyndham area, has been charged with several crimes including theft of a motor vehicle and unlicensed driving. He was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. His alleged passenger, a 14-year-old boy from the Wyndham area, was cautioned. It is alleged the vehicle was stolen from a Tarneit gym on 31 January.

Motorcycle impounded

A St Albans man has had his motorcycle impounded after allegedly doing a ‘mono’ in front of police in West Melbourne on 26 January. Police allegedly spotted the motorcycle travelling at speed and only on its rear wheel along Footscray Road about 10.10pm. The rider was clocked at an alleged speed of 127km/h in an 80km/h zone, more than 45km/h over the limit. It is alleged the rider, a 42-year-old St Albans man, couldn’t provide any explanations for the driving behaviour. The motorcycle was impounded for a period of 30 days and will cost the rider $999 to get the vehicle back. The man is expected to be charged on summons for excessive speeding and other driving offences.

Six times the limit

cluding: an annual free collection of hard waste; regular free drop-off days and additional hard waste collections at a low price,” the spokesperson said.

An EPA spokesperson said an an illegal dumping taskforce had recently been established and that those caught would be punished.

“Illegal dumping is an offence that can carry major financial penalties where EPA or other authorities can identify those responsible,” the spokesperson said.

Those with information about illegal dumping are urged to contact EPA on 1300 372 842 or email: contact@epa.vic.gov.au

Police have nabbed a drink driver almost six times over the limit in Diggers Rest. Officers initially detected a 40-year-old driver allegedly travelling at 115 km/h in a 100 km/h zone along Coimadai Road about 7pm on 24 January. The driver was pulled over and returned a positive result after undertaking a preliminary breath test. An evidentiary breath test was then performed, which returned an alleged treading of .286. The driver from Toolern Vale had his licence immediately suspended. His car was also impounded at a cost of $992, and he is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences.

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Filmmaking family talent

A western suburbs filmmaking family has returned from the Sydney Opera House with a major film festival milestone, after taking home a top award at the SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3) held from 23-25 January.

FilmmakerTezViTruong(TezFrost)won BestAIFilmforhisshortfilmThe5-Minute Empire at the SF3 Gala Finals, marking the first time the award has been presented in the festival’s history.

The win followed a landmark weekend for the Truong family, with Tez and his two children, Alexis, 7, and Charlie, 5, all having films screened at the Opera House.

The family previously made history as the first family of three to be selected as finalists at the festival in the same year.

The 5-Minute Empire was shot on an iPhone 12 Pro and was recognised for its

Anger at war memorial graffiti

A relative of one of the crew members on HMAS Yarra II, has been left angered after finding graffiti sprayed across its memorial in Newport.

MelissaBirchnoticedthegraffitiwhen she visited the memorial on Wednesday 21 January.

“ThefirstthingInoticedwhenIpulled up was that one of the young gum trees had been kicked over at the entrance and then when I reached the memorial there was all this yellow spray paint on the ground,” Ms Birch, a member of the memorial’s family and friends group, said.

“They’d left the plaques alone, thankfully, but the ship’s crest, which is on the ground and is a mosaic of a Kookaburra, had a yellow trident put through it and then one going the other way,socriss-crossingtridents,”shesaid,

adding that more yellow tridents were found sprayed on the memorial jetty beside the Yarra River.

Photos seen by Star Weekly show no words or symbols to indicating any meaning behind the graffiti.

Ms Birch, whose great uncle was aboard HMAS Yarra II when it was sunk by the Japanese off the coast of Java in 1942, was stunned that anyone would attack the site.

“It’s a war memorial to 138 men who died and someone goes and desecrates it,” she said incredulously.

Ms Birch said she reported the graffiti toHobsonsBaycouncilandthatcouncil had already received a complaint on 19 January, meaning the graffiti was at least two days old when she found it.

Acouncilspokespersonhasconfirmed that the graffiti has now been removed.

use of artificial intelligence as a creative support tool, while keeping the focus firmly on storytelling.

Mr Truong said the award was less about technologyandmoreabouthowitcouldbe used responsibly.

“The story still comes first,” he said.

“AI helped with ideas and visualisation, but the choices were still human.”

Alexis and Charlie both screened films in the SF3 Kids program over the weekend. Alexis returned to the festival after becoming the youngest director in SF3 history in 2024, while Charlie became the festival’s youngest-ever filmmaker, with his stop-motion short Looking for Parking, completed when he was just four.

Mr Truong said the weekend was one he and his family would never forget.

Briefs

Maribyrnong Matriarchs International Women’s Day is fast approaching and inner west locals are being called on to give a spotlight to a matriarch living in Maribyrnong. As part of the Matriarchs of Maribyrnong project, nominees will be photographed, and their photos and stories shared as part of an exhibition they will attend on 4 March 2026. Find more information and complete the Expression of Interest form by midnight Sunday 8 February at: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Matriarchs Award nominations

Nominations are open for the Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network’s (MMVLLEN) Sue Fowler Award. Named after MMVLLEN’s inaugural chief executive Sue Fowler, the award recognises the work of an individual or organisation that has gone above and beyond to support young people working in Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley to be “confident, capable and on their way to success in work and life“. Organisations or professionals working within organisations can be nominated, and their work must have occurred in Maribyrnong or Moonee Valley council areas or involve young people from those areas. The winner will receive $500 towards a project or program of their choice. Nominations close on 16 February and can be made at: https:// www.mmvllen.org.au/sue-fowler-award

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Raise the Titanic

A historic Williamstown pub, once home to the iconic Titanic Theatre Restaurant, currently sits empty and dilapidated, just as it has done for the last two years. Cade Lucas reports on how the Titanic restaurant went under and whether a new owner can raise it from the depths.

According to the real estate sign out the front, the former Titanic restaurant in Williamstown is set to go to auction at 12pm on 20 March.

What the sign doesn’t say is that the auction it’s advertising was for 20 March, 2025, when the “landmark waterfront pub” on Nelson Place, the oldest in Williamstown, was passed in after failing to attract a buyer at the $3.5 million price its owner was seeking.

Butwhiletherealestatesignmightbe misleading, it’s also fitting, as both it and the pub it’s attached to are outdated and seemingly forgotten.

Estate agents Tsimos Commercial concede the point when it comes to their sign, but insist that the pub built in 1856 and long known as the Prince of Wales, certainlyhasn’tbeenforgottenbypotential buyers.

“Prettysteadyinterest,”washowTsimios Commercial agent John Black described the amount of inquiries they were getting for the pub, which has sat vacant and on the market since January 2024.

“We just haven’t got a suitable replacement (owner) yet.”

Mr Black said while an extensive fit out was needed inside, he hoped the pub would still fetch between $3.5-$4 million, arguing it had huge potential.

“It has a lot of history and in a prominent position, it’s just a case of getting the right person,” he said. “You get the right person who believes they can breathe life into the place then who knows, there’s a planet of possibilities for it.”

Mr Black didn’t mention it, but this is the exact scenario which turned the Prince of Wales Hotel into the Titanic in the first place.

In 1989, a brash young entrepreneur by the name of Andrew Singer, bought the PrinceofWales,whichwasthenstilllargely what it had always been; a watering hole for dock workers from the Williamstown shipyards across the road.

But just as the privatisation of the shipyards a year earlier had resulted in many dock workers losing their jobs, the

You get the right person who believes they can breathe life into the place then who knows, there’s a planet of possibilities for it

- John Black

arrival of Mr Singer resulted in those who remained losing their favourite pub too.

Born in communist Hungary, Mr Singer had escaped to Australia as a 21-year-old andhadgonefromhavingnomoneyandno English to being successful businessman withdreamsthatfarexceededservingcold pots to thirsty dock workers.

MrSingerquicklysetabouttransforming the Prince of Wales into a Titanic-themed restaurant, replete with smoke stacks on the roof and replica furnishings and decor inside.

With capacity of more than 500 diners across two storeys, the Titanic Restaurant was like its namesake; big, extravagant and initially, very successful.

Unlike anything else on offer at the time, it quickly became a go to destination for diners and partygoers across Melbourne.

Thatwasuntil1995,whentragedystruck.

Mr Singer’s wife Katrina contracted pneumonia and died soon after, leaving him a widower and single father to two young boys.

After briefly putting the restaurant on

the market, Mr Singer changed his mind, deciding to not only continue, but to go even further.

The Titanic Restaurant was to become a full-fledged theatre production and dining experience, with costume-clad actors and musicians depicting the events of 10 April, 1912 while guests enjoyed upmarket cuisine. Realising he needed a writer – among many other things – to make this vision a reality, in early 1996 Mr Singer called then-Williamstown-based author and playwright, Gillian Wadds, out of the blue.

“I got a phone call saying “I believe you write plays?” Ms Wadds recalled of the first time she spoke to Mr Singer.

“I had written one.”

Surprised but intrigued, she signed on.

“It was a whole new world for myself and for Andrew really,” Ms Wadds said of writing for a theatre restaurant.

“The first performance was a bit hit and miss shall we say, but then we got into the swing of and audiences loved it and we expanded as the years went by.”

That expansion was supercharged the following year with the release of James Cameron’s blockbuster movie ‘Titanic,’ which shattered box-office records and became a cultural phenomenon.

“[The movie] gave it an enormous boost,” Ms Wadds said of the impact Titanic had on its theatre restaurant namesake which offered diners multiple options: upstairs in first class or downstairs in steerage like the Irish immigrants making their way to America.

“That was very innovative because we had to have cast members who could play between both floors and keep both audiences entertained.

“It was a big undertaking from all directions. We had sound effects, special effects,likeamovingfloorandcrashingice blocks and God knows what.”

After seven years Ms Wadds left the theatre restaurant and Williamstown to move to Camperdown in western Victoria where she still lives today.

After not seeing him for many years, Ms Wadds reconnected with Mr Singer when

he asked her to write his biography, ‘A Shipload of Fun’ released in 2022. She said working book brought back fond memories of their time together at the Titanic.

“It was a magical place,” she said.

“His imagination was limitless.” Mr Singer sold out of the restaurant in 2012 and is now retired.

The Titanic business was bought by Williamstown couple David Varney and AdrienneRushwhooperateditforafurther eight years.

“I met Adrienne at the Titanic,” Mr Varney said of their connection to the theatre restaurant, adding that he worked at the Prince of Wales when Mr Singer first took it over as well.

“It’s been an integral part of our lives.”

The couple took over shortly before the 100th anniversary of the Titanic and with new actors and a new show, the business was sailing along nicely.

“We were doing very well,” Mr Varney said. “I used to love Saturday night pre-show, everybody was ready and we could hear this excitement almost life the shipwassettingsailforitsmaidenvoyage.”

This came to an abrupt end in 2020 when the pandemic made running any hospitality venue difficult, let alone a two-storey theatre restaurant.

“We just had to walk away,” Mr Varney said.“Itwasarestaurantfor300peopleand at one stage they said we could open for 20 people. It was heart breaking.”

While the restaurant later reopened, the theatre performances never returned. In 2022, new lessees changed the name to Titanic on Nelson and turned it to a live musicvenue,beforeittooclosedinJanuary 2024.

With the smoke stacks removed and all the other Titanic features either gone or in disrepair, passing 1 Nelson Place is now a painful experience for Mr Varney.

“I drive down there sometimes. It’s heart-breaking for me to see it like it is,” he said. “I would love to see it resurrected as a beautiful iconic building. I’d love to see somebody give it the love that it deserves.”

Mr Singer was contacted for comment.

Lifelong love of the Bombers brings retirees together

There are many ways to celebrate a passion, but sometimes it’s the simplest things that bring people together. A shared love. A familiar ritual. A team you’ve barracked for through thick and thin.

At Rivervue, a group of retirees has found just that connection through football, friendship and a healthy sense of fun. They call themselves the Rivervue Bomber Tragics – or simply RBT – and they wear the title with pride.

RBT is a group of fun-loving retirees who have two key things in common: a lifelong devotion to the Essendon Football Club and an enthusiasm for making the most of retirement.

On game days, they gather to watch the Bombers, relive great moments, debate selections and share plenty of laughs. But when the footy isn’t on, they’re just as busy doing what retirees do best – travelling far and wide.

Each year, the group runs its muchloved Travellin’ Tragics competition, where members showcase just how adventurous retirement can be. Over the past year alone, RBT members have clocked up an impressive 70 destinations across Australia and the world, from Port Douglas to Switzerland, India, to the Amalfi Coast, all proudly flying the Essendon colours along the way.

Football remains at the heart of the group, and RBT regularly meets and invites Essendon football royalty to the Rivervue Retirement Village to share their stories. Recently, they have had Simon Madden, Kevin Sheedy, Barry Besanko and Natalie Wood, senior coach of the Essendon Women’s Football Club, speak about their life, their experience and influence on the game.

This month, RBT will welcome its first speaker for 2026 -Essendon legend Barry Capuano. Barry’s contribution to football spans five decades, from premiership player to senior administrator and passionate advocate for player welfare. His visit promises an evening rich in stories, insights and nostalgia.

You don’t have to be a die-hard Bombers supporter to join, its all about having fun, sharing our passions – for sport, enjoying life and experiences.

At the February gathering, the RBT will announce the 2025 Travellin’ Tragics Photo of the Year, a moment that captures exactly what RBT is all about – connection, curiosity and the joy of shared passions. Because at Rivervue, retirement isn’t about slowing down. It’s about coming together, cheering loudly, travelling boldly and finding new ways to belong. If you would like to know more about the RBT or the Rivervue Retirement community, call 1300 298 439.

OPEN DAY

D ISC O V E R DISCOVER

See why residents say, “Life begins at Rivervue.” Join us for our Open Day and experience premium retirement living in a secure, gated community just 9km from the city.

Tour our stylish 2 & 3 bedroom homes, stunning views of the river and golf course. Explore our extensive gardens and resort-style facilities, and meet our friendly team and residents.

On the day, enjoy lunch on us, live music and participate in village activities as you discover what life at Rivervue is really like.

WEDNESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 11.30AM - 3.00PM

Helping little learners find their feet at school

Starting school is a major milestone — not just for children, but for parents too. As classrooms across the country welcome new students, experts say the first few months of school are a crucial adjustment period, and parental support can make all the difference.

Education specialists agree that preparation begins well before the first bell rings. Establishing simple routines at home — such as regular bedtimes, consistent wakeup times and shared meals — helps children adjust to the structure of a school day.

“Predictability builds confidence,” early childhood educators say, noting that children who know what to expect tend to settle more quickly into classroom life.

In the early weeks, emotional readiness is just as important as academic skills. Parents are encouraged to talk positively about school, listen carefully to their child’s worries and acknowledge that feeling nervous is normal. Simple conversations about what the school day might look like — lining up, meeting a teacher, making new friends — can reduce anxiety and help children feel prepared.

Teachers also stress the importance of fostering independence. Allowing children to practise everyday tasks such as packing their bag, opening lunch containers or putting on their shoes can boost confidence and reduce stress during the school day. While it may take longer at home, educators say the payoff at school is significant.

Reading together remains one of the most effective ways parents can support learning in the first months. Shared reading builds language skills, concentration and a love of learning, without pressure. Educators recommend keeping it enjoyable rather than focusing on performance, especial-

ly during the transition period. Counting games, drawing and storytelling can also reinforce classroom learning in a relaxed way. Communication between parents and schools is another key factor. Many schools encourage parents to share information about their child’s interests, routines or any concerns early on. Attending information sessions, reading newsletters and checking communication apps can help parents stay connected and respond quickly if issues arise. Experts advise addressing small concerns early before they grow into bigger

challenges.

Sleep and nutrition play a powerful role in adjustment. Starting school can be tiring, and children may come home exhausted or emotionally drained. Ensuring children get enough sleep and have nutritious lunches and snacks can improve focus, mood and resilience. Some families also plan quieter afternoons in the first term to allow children time to decompress.

Perhaps most importantly, parents are reminded to be patient. Regression — such as clinginess, tears at drop-off or increased

fatigue — is common in the first months and usually temporary. Education experts say these behaviours are often signs that children are processing change, not that something is wrong. By offering reassurance, maintaining routines and working closely with teachers, parents can help their children navigate the early months of school with confidence. As educators note, a calm, supportive home environment lays the foundation not just for a successful first term, but for a positive attitude to learning that can last a lifetime.

A journey of excellence at St Aloysius College

St Aloysius College nurtures curiosity, empowering students to think critically andnavigatechallengeswithconfidence.

In 2026, the College continues to build on the bold step taken in 2023, when, after 135 years, it began its transformation from a girls’ school to a thriving co-educational community.

Since welcoming its first cohort of boys into Year 7, St Aloysius College hasgrown with clarity of purpose, strengthening its programsandshapingadynamicfuture.

“It has been a magnificent journey,” says principalMaryFarah.

“Our growth has enabled us to expand learningopportunitiesandfosteravibrant, connected community. There is a strong sense of energy and engagement across the College. Importantly, as we grow, our commitment to each individual and to authentic relationships between students, families and staff remains central to our Mercyidentity.”

From their first day, students are encouraged to be curious and to understandthatmistakesareanaturaland valuablepartoflearning.

“Curiosity is the foundation of lifelong learning,”Farahexplains.

“When students are empowered to ask questions and seek understanding, they develop the confidence to think critically, solve problems and connect their learning totheworldaroundthem.”

While honouring its rich history, the Collegeremainsfirmlyfuture-focused.

A major milestone is the opening of the new Senior Years Campus on Boundary Road this year. The six-level building, the first stage of the College Master Plan, reflects a commitment to contemporary, flexible learning environments, with

collaborative spaces, a student hub, study areas, modern science laboratories and a rooftopterrace.

“The campus also includes dedicated spaces that support student wellbeing,” Farahsays.

“It has been designed to inspire

creativity,innovationandconnection,and to empower students to flourish in their senioryearsandbeyond.

“For us, beyond academic success, brilliance is empowering students to discover their strengths, grow in self-awareness,

showcompassionandcontributepositively to the community. A brilliant student embraces curiosity, resilience and a willingnesstolearnfrombothsuccessand challenge. As a learning community, we arecommittedtoensuringeverystudentis supportedtoshapetheirownfuture.”

Christmas on the Rhine

By Lee Mccarthy

WITH many families breaking away from traditional Christmas celebrations and exploring ways to connect so the whole family can relax, the idea of taking a family holiday away from home is becoming more appealing toAussies.

Due to the vastness of Australia and the many financial and time considerations of travel from state-to-state, couples are now discovering other options including hiring a holiday home together or taking a cruise. But, for those wanting a really special treat with family or friends where the accommodation and food are nearly outdone by the remarkable scenery, this might be the one to look at.

Celebrating ‘Christmas on the Rhine’ withVikingisthekindofChristmasalways remembered and reflected upon each time the festive season is mentioned.

This is the opportunity to journey through storybook villages, sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies, browse colourful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts.

With December the middle of summer for Australians it is the chance to enjoy the festive season in scarfs and jumpers drinking mulled wine, eating hot savoury and sweet delicacies by the fire in comfort with all the work done and just time to enjoy each other.

Here guests can experience the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This eight-day Viking ‘Christmas on the Rhine’

voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.

Enjoy eight days, eight guided tours across four countries sailing from Amsterdam to Basel through Cologne, Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach and on to Basel on the Swiss border and take advantageoftheflyfreeonselected2026to 2028voyagessavingupto$5000percouple (contact Viking for dates, prices and valid dates).

All travelers need for this wonderful adventure of a lifetime is included with no surprises or hidden fees including complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, free Wi-Fi, all onboard meals featuring specialties and classics, beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffee, tea and bottled water, enrichment lectures

and of course much more.

An added addition and one of the best partsoftheVikingcruisesisguestscanbook pre and post cruise extensions on selected cruisesmeaningadditionaldaystoexplore the embarkation or disembarkation city or visit a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

More days means more to discover and with extension packages the team onboard and at each port are there to help with booking accommodations and tours in the selected cities.

One option is to extend this cruise with two-night stay in Amsterdam and think of all the fun to be had in this stunning city, especially in winter.

Enjoy the picturesque canals while discovering the city’s cultural and architectural treasures. Witness the legacy

of the Dutch Golden Age that lives on in the city’s gilded manses and stroll through the Jordaan district, passing historic sites suchasWesterChurchandtheAnneFrank House.

Another extension on the Christmas cruise is three nights in Brussels with time to explore the intriguing Belgian cities of Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. View iconic landmarks and stroll through historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites then celebrate the season immersed in the festive atmosphere of traditional Christmas markets.

Takea‘VikingLongship360-degreetour’ of the longship used for river cruising right now to see what the cruise will look like by visiting the Viking website showing the ship layout and including narrated tours.

The small, modern Viking Longships are elegantly designed for discovery and comfort. Each longship is identical and features all outside staterooms, serene Scandinavian spaces and light-filled public areas.

All guests must be 18 years old to cruise with Viking on the longships, there are no casino’s, no theme nights and during the day, dress is casual, slacks or jeans and the recommended evening dress is ‘elegant casual’.

Have a look at the wonderful Christmas cruises available with Viking including the Christmas on the Rhine tour by visiting viking.com or by phoning 138 747

Wonders

Murray River & Kangaroo Island Tour

7 Nights

Dec 2026 - Mar 2027

unforgettable holiday

Iconic Experiences, Expertly Escorted

Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement

2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park

Full-Board River Elegance

3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse

Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat

Taste Riverland food and wine

Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

Hand-Picked Hotel Stays

3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast

1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

in Standard Stateroom From $13,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

LYON & PROVENCE

Lyon to Avignon or vice versa

8 DAYS • 1 COUNTRY • 7 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAY-NOV 2026; MAY-NOV 2027; 2028

From $5,895pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $7,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

PARIS & THE HEART OF NORMANDY

Roundtrip Paris

8 DAYS • 1 COUNTRY • 6 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • JUN-NOV 2026; 2027; 2028

From $6,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $8,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

NEW RIVER VOYAGES BROCHURE

A chance to explore hospital

About 3000 people visited the new Footscray Hospital for the Community Open Day on Sunday 1 February. It was the first time the new $1.5 billion hospital had been opened to the public.

Western Health chief executive Professor Russell Harrison said it was wonder-

ful to finally open the doors to the public.

“Now we’re looking forward to the big day - Wednesday 18 February - when the new Footscray Hospital officially opens and we start welcoming patients and their loved ones.”

PUZZLES

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.

Settle cosily (6)

14 Reflects upon (9)

16 Cinnabar pigment (9)

17 First showing of a movie (8)

19 Well-educated (7)

22 Prefix meaning above (5)

23 Doppelganger (4)

25 Royal (5) 26 Old (4)

1 What is the largest country in South America by area?

2 On what planet would you find the largest volcano in the solar system?

3 In Jonathan Swift’s novel Gulliver’s Travels, what is Gulliver’s first name?

4 In what city was the band U2 formed?

5 In French folklore, who does Père Fouettard (Father Whipper) accompany?

6 What is rum distilled from?

7 Who was the first person to win the Nobel Prize twice?

8 What was the last novel completed by Charles Dickens?

9 Hans Zimmer (pictured) is best known for his work in what area of filmmaking?

10 In the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke, Paul Newman’s character accepted a challenge to eat 50 what?

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sustainable living expo

Join Maribyrnong council for a day of hands-on learning, inspiring conversations, and practical ideas for living more sustainably while celebrating sustainability month. The free event will take place from 1-6pm on Wednesday 11 February at Braybrook Community Hub, 107–139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook. shorturl.at/VTPNE

Altona North Grandparent Playgroup. A friendly weekly opportunity for grandparents and their grandchildren to play, have cuppa, cake and chat, $5.00. During school terms, Monday 10am-12pm at Eastona Park Community Facility, 13 Collins Ave Altona North (old kindergarten venue).

Marnie 0478011981

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. Register your interest now. westgatebasketball.com.au/walkingbasketball-1 or contact Penny on 0409 014 121 for any questions.

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. Call John Becroft on 0418377336 for details.

Bridge Club

The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge sessions each week on Weds night at 7.25pm and Friday afternoon at 1.25pm for experienced players and a supervised

session Friday 10am at Hobsons Bay Sport & Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road, Altona. All levels welcome and partners can be provided.

Sandi 0417 315 760, Alan 0430 309 255or visit www.bridgewebs.com/ williamstown

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 the Dennis Reserve Centre, 109 Ferguson Street, Williamstown. willinwimmin.org.au, willin.wimmin@gmail. com

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

5 February, 1986

The Federal Government’s $6 million Kororoit Creek beautification job creation scheme in the West has proved a total disaster

30 years ago

7 February, 1996

Permit parking in central Williamstown may be abolished under radical changes to the resident parking scheme.

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

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/

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

20 years ago

1 February, 2006

The old Port of Melbourne site fronting Nelson Place in Williamstown will be conserved and developed into a multimillion-dollar maritime heritage tourist site.

10 years ago

3 February, 2016

A Brooklyn mother wants to leave the area because of ongoing health concerns linked to local pollution.

The power of women to entertain through shared stories

Those looking for a night of entertainment that encapsulates the power of women to outlast,outwit,andout-musclesexism,look nofurther.

Written by Emmy nominee Victoria Midwinter Pitt, I’m With Her was built out of conversations with eight very different womenbetween2019and2022,whoshared theirexperiences.

A bartender in her 20s, a botanist in her

90s,asexworker,anun,acounter-terrorism expert,ananthropologist,aworldchampion surfer, and a prime minister being among them.

Throughout the performance, you will see the confidence of women who are not content with the status quo and challenge it unabashedly.

Noneofthecharacterscopsthecardsthey aredealtwithoutinsomeway,opposingit.

While each of the eight stories are uniquely personal, they are said to contain profoundly universal themes and can be utilisedbyallwomenintheirlives.

Performance contains mature themes, including sexism, harassment, and sexual assault. Please note that this performance may contain smoke, haze, and strobe lighting. For these reasons, the show is most suitable for audiences aged 14 years andolder.

Lunar Fest will shine

The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival will return this year as a vibrant, free multicultural community celebration in the heart of Sunshine.

The festival, presented by the Sunshine Business Association (SBA), promises a full day of family fun, featuring live entertainment, children’s rides, street performers, music and dancing, face-painting, lawn games, multicultural street food, and more.

SBA president Vu Du said this year’s Lunar New Year festival will bring the wider multicultural community together in a safe and fun environment that showcases the Sunshine business precinct.

Performer Diana Nguyen will bring laughter and energy to the stage, giving away red pockets with cash prizes and hosting the popular ‘fastest pho’ and ‘fastest rice paper roll eating’ challenges, with $500 in prizes.

Headline acts include Vietnamese-Nigerian hip-hop artist

Mixed Miyagi, performing a special set at 7pm, and Melbourne soul icon Kylie Auldist, who will take the stage at 8.10pm with her six-piece band.

The program also features cultural performances, local bands and a Bruno Mars tribute show.

A spectacular lion and dragon dance, complete with traditional long-string fireworks, will take place at the main stage at 6.30pm.

“Ihopeeveryonemakesthetimetocome and enjoy all the free cultural activities organised by the Sunshine businesses, including the fabulous stage line up this year that replaces the fireworks,” Mr Vu said.

The festival, supported by Brimbank council, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and community and business partners, will take place along Hampshire Road in Sunshine on Sunday 8 February from noon-10pm.

Entries open for the Peter Carey Short Story Awards

Callingallwriters,creatives,andstorytellers alike.

Moorabooliscelebratinglocalstorytelling asthePeterCareyShortStoryAwardsmarks 10 years of recognising Moorabool writers throughtheBestLocalEntryCategory.

For a decade, the Peter Carey Awards has honoured the Bacchus Marsh local as Australia’sgreatestlivingwriter.

Born and raised in the Bacchus Marsh community, Carey is the author of 14 critically acclaimed novels and four works of non-fiction, winning the Miles Franklin threetimesandtheManBookertwice.

The special anniversary event is set to feature two inspiring sessions in a short story writing workshop with acclaimed author Rijn Collins, and a panel discussion with past local winners who have been recognisedthroughtheawards.

Rijn Collins is an award-winning writer of short stories and memoir, whose novel Fed to Red Birds was inspired by a writing residency in an Icelandic fishing village neartheArcticCircle.

Collins’ work was long-listed for the 2024 Indie Book Awards and explores identity formation through language, landscaping

Parental guidance is advised for younger audiences.

I’m With Her will show twice at the WyndhamCulturalCentreinWerribee. Night one runs 7.30-9.30pm on Friday 27 February and night two runs 7.30-9.30pm onSaturday28February.

Tickets cost $25. Details:www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/whats-on/im-he

andlonging.

Get on down to the Ballan Library and Community Hub on Saturday 21 February from 10am for a day of writing, storytelling andasharedpassionforliteracy.

Writing workshops with Rijn Collins will run between 10am to noon, followed by a supplied lunch and a local winners panel from 10pm, where participants are invited tohearfrompastbestlocalentrywinnersas theysharetheirexperiences.

Theeventisfreeandopentoall.

Details: moorabool.vic.gov.au/Events/ Festival-of-Stories

When couples think of romantic locations to spend Valentine’s Day, science museums are generally not very high on their list.

But that might be about to change this year when Scienceworks in Spotswood hosts Valentine’s Under the Stars.

Billed as a unique romantic night set among the wonders of the universe, Valentine’s Under the Stars takes place from 6pm–10pm on Saturday 14 February and is open to couplesandfriendsaged18andover.

Guests can stroll through galleries accompanied by tunes, marvel at the jaw-dropping four-metre moon installation,andcreatekeepsakesfor loved ones.

A highlight of the evening will be the specially curated Planetarium show,LoveisintheStars,a30-minute live experience weaving ancient celestial love stories with stunning visual journeys through Melbourne’s night sky and beyond.

Other features include Museum of theMoon-anart-scienceinstallation in the museum foyer that explores Earth’s only natural satellite - and a craft activity where couples can design their very own bracelets.

Live entertainment will also be provided, performers still to be announced.

Whether you’re passionate about astronomy, seeking a fun date night, or simply looking for a way to celebrateValentine’sDay,Valentine’s Under the Stars offers a unique opportunity to connect with each other and the cosmos.

Foodanddrinkwillbeavailablefor purchase throughout the evening, making it a complete night out.

Details: museumsvictoria.com.au/ scienceworks/whats-on/valentine-sday-under-the-stars/

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team did the Perth Scorchers defeat to win the 2025–26 Big Bash League final?

2. The Kansas City Chiefs are set to eventually move from Missouri to a new home stadium in which US state?

3. Which two NFL teams will play off in Super Bowl LX?

4. Following Bangladesh’s withdrawal over security concerns, which country has taken their place at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup?

5. AJ Dybantsa plays basketball for which US college team?

6. How many teams are set to compete in the proposed European T20 Premier League?

Which Swiss cyclist won the 2026 Women’s Tour Down Under?

Which Australian cyclist won the Men’s 2026 Tour Down Under?

9. What do the letters of the North American sports organisation NCAA stand for?

Which American rock climber recently scaled a 101-storey skyscraper in Taiwan without a rope, harness or parachute?

Which tennis player withdrew from the Australian Open prior to his first-round match against Alex de Minaur?

12. And at this year’s tournament, which player became the second person in history to reach 100 Australian Open match wins?

13. In which country were this year’s European Figure Skating Championships held?

14. This year’s NBA All-Star Game will adopt what new format?

15. In which city is the Premier League team Crystal Palace based?

16. Which gymnastics apparatus do athletes use when performing a Yurchenko?

17. True or false: this year’s Winter Olympics marks the highest ever percentage of female athletes on the Australian team?

18. Which tennis duo is nicknamed the ‘Special Ks’?

19. What is Steph Curry’s real first name?

20. How many separate Australian cities will host Rugby World Cup games in 2027?

21. In golf, what is colloquially known as the ‘19th hole’?

22.In which year was the first NHL ALl-Star game?

23. In which year did Christian Petracca make his AFL debut for the Melbourne Demons?

24. And to which club did he transfer following the 2025 season?

25. What are the nicknames of the two Sydney teams in the AIHL?

26. In which year did Daniel Ricciardo win his first Formula One race?

27. And at which Grand Prix was it?

28. What is the name of the white line

a snooker table?

29. Which animals are the respective mascots for Detroit’s MLB and NFL teams?

30.In cricket, where is a fielder standing if they are at ‘long stop’?

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au

Starray gives bang for buck

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

The Geely Starray EM-i sounds like somethingoutofanoldsci-fimovie.

But it’s not and if you think that name is quirky, what if it had been the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 as it is sold in other markets. Beammeup,Scotty.

The medium-sized five-seat Starray is the plug-in, petrol-electric counterpart ofthefully-electricEX5thatwetestedearlier thisyearwithwhichitsharesaplatform.

In fact, it’s the first vehicle in Geely’s Starshipseriesandthefirsttogetthesecond generation NordThor EM-i 2.0 plug-in hybrid powertrain - sorry make that super hybrid.

Plug-in hybrids can operate in fully-electric or petrol-electric mode and have really taken off in the Australian market since the arrival of cheaper Chinese alternatives-ofwhichthisisone.

But cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean lesser.

Styling

Geely’s EM-i (E-Motive Intelligence) system is designed to offer an EV-like driving experience with added flexibility and convenienceforAussiebuyers.

We’re told it’s the first purpose-built plug-in hybrid in its segment, although othermanufacturersmighthavesomething tosayaboutthis.

Therearetwogrades-Complete($37,490) andourtestvehiclethetopofthelineInspire ($39,990), both figures before on-road costs. Premium paint adds $600 to the price and applies to all colours apart from Alpine white.

Two interior colour options are available: EbonyBlackisstandardwhileIvoryWhiteis exclusivetoInspire.

Complete comes with synthetic leather trim and climate air with rear vents, plus heatedandpower-adjustfrontseats.

There’s also keyless entry and start, all-LED lights, automatic high beam, speed sign recognition, intelligent cruise control, rear parking sensors, dusk sensing headlights, rain sensing wipers and rear privacyglass.

Stepping up to the Inspire adds cooling to the front seats, driver’s seat memory, auto-dimming mirror, 256 ambient colours, 16-speaker Flyme sound, front parking sensors, panoramic sunroof, and power-operatedtailgate.

Starray is covered by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, with aneight-yearunlimitedkilometrewarranty onthehighvoltagebatterypack.

GetthecarservicedbyGeelyandyoualso getsevenyearsofroadsideassistance.

Service is due every 12 months or 15,000km.

Infotainment

A 15.4-inch touchscreen fronts the infotainment system which runs Geely’s Flyme operating system, with Bluetooth, voice control, built-in satellite navigation, FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlayandsix-speakersound.

AndroidAutoisabsentbutsettofollowvia an over-the-air update in the first quarter of 2026.

There’s also wireless phone charging, USB-A and C ports front and back, along witha12-voltoutlet.

The 16-speaker Flyme sound system in Inspire includes speakers for front seat headrests.

Geely Connected Services access is complimentary for the first two years. This includes enhanced voice assistant, 4G network connection, live traffic for satellite

navigation, over-the-air updates (OTA), Geely app store, online media streaming andremotevehiclefunctions.

Safety

Starray is yet to receive a crash rating here but has been awarded five stars by Euro NCAP.

There are seven airbags, including a centreairbagforthefronttostopoccupants knocking heads in a side impact, plus a surroundviewmonitorandamulti-collision braking system with automatic emergency braking.

Add to this blind spot detection, lane keepingassistwithlanechangingassistand emergency lane keeping assist, collision mitigationsupportfrontandrear,rearcross trafficalertandbrake.

There’salsodriverfatiguealert.

Inspire adds a 13.8-inch head-up windscreendisplay.

ISOFix and child-seat tethers are provided.

Engines/transmissions

Starray EM-i is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine together with an electrified, dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT) that integrates both the generator and drive motor.

The hybrid system produces a combined 193kW of power but undisclosed amount of torque (ICE 125Nm/electric 262Nm), with drivetothefrontwheelsinbothvariants.

Supporting this hybrid system is an 18.4kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilityofupto6kW.

Driving

Thestylingiscontemporaryandtheinterior looks and feels upmarket, especially in the optional white trim, but this colour is unlikelytohavemuchfamilyappeal.

Rear legroom is excellent and so is headroom despite the full-length glass roof, with 428 litres of luggage capacity that increases to 2065 litres with the rear seats folded.

The ergonomic front seats feel comfy, but thesquabsidebolsterstendtodiginabit.

The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster looks positively tiny in comparison to the central 15.4-inch touchscreen, with the addition of head-up display in this model

(but, as usual, it is virtually invisible with polarisedsunglasses).

Dark mode provides a more appealing and usable interface, but the touchscreen is slow to respond and often requires multiple prods.

Physical controls are provided for air and volume.

It beggars belief that this car does not supportAndroidAuto,wirelessorotherwise -atleastnotyet.

There’salsonoAMradio,sonoemergency broadcastsinSydneytunnels.

Starray has a combined range of 943km and can travel up to 83km (WLTP) on electric power alone. With a 51-litre tank it takes premium 95 unleaded and has claimedfuelconsumptionof2.4L/100km.

The EM-i system enables the driver to selectfromthreemode,PureElectric: smoothness and maximum cost efficiency. Hybrid: seamless switching between electric and petrol for maximum range. Power: electric and petrol work in tandem for maximum performance

Starray can be plugged in and charged via AC (6.6kW) or DC (30kW) power, and can be charged from 30-80 per cent in just 20 minutes using a DC charger (that’s only 50 percent).

Regardless of the state of charge, Geely says the driving experience remains consistent.

As well as the usual drive modes, there’s adjustment for brake and steering feel and thelevelofregenerativebraking.

Inspire rides on 19-inch wheels with 235/50 profile rubber and has a 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds, not lightning quick but fastenoughfortheaveragemotorist.

With independent rear suspension it’s a smooth operator around town, but the ride tends to deteriorate on secondary roads (it’s

notaloneonthisscore).

If Geely was fair dinkum, the suspension would benefit from local tuning as other car makers have clearly demonstrated, but we’resmallfry.

Of more concern, however, we nearly came to grief soon after getting into the Starray,waitingtoturnleftataroundabout.

The gear selector in this car is a stalk on the right side of the steering column; the indicatorsontheleft.

Putting on our indicator on the turn left wemistakenlyusedthegearselector,which is not normally a problem - but it is if you happentohaveyourfootonthebrakeatthe sametime.

Unknowingly, this moved the transmission into reverse and as the car in front started to move forward, we found ourselves going backwards - almost hitting thecarbehind.

It was our mistake, but it should not have beenpossible.

Lane assist continually tugs at the wheel andbecomestiring,whilethedriverfatigue monitor verges on annoying, but can be turnedoff.

The thing is you need to do so each time thecarisrestarted.

Unlike other such hybrids that we have driven (without recharging), this one doesn’t seem to be able to maintain its charge, using only regenerative braking or power from the engine with just five per centchargeremaininguponitsreturn.

We clocked up 460km behind the wheel at a rate of 6.3L/100km with little assistance fromtheelectricmotor.

The long-term average, at more than 4000km,showed5.2L/100km.

A tyre repair kit is supplied in the event of apuncture.

Summing up

Suddenly we’re spoiled for choice when it comestoplug-inhybridSUVs.

The Geely Starray EM-i is one of the cheaper options but it doesn’t present as, or feellike,it.

The boot could be a little small for some families,butithasalottoofferotherwise. Just be careful of that rogue gear selector, because the insurance company is unlikely toseeityourway.

Once Starray has been rated for safety by ANCAP it could push our text score higher thanitisatpresent.

Sunday cricket action

Spotty gets first win

By Tara Murray

Spotswood was already winners on the field this season in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s south-west social T20 competition, without taking results into account.

Getting a side on the park for the first time was a big achievement for the club, with improvement coming each weeK.

The icing on the cake was getting their first win on the board.

Coach Sandeep Mandalika said for the group it was pretty special to have that feeling of getting a win.

“It was unbelievable,” he said. “It was really tense.

“The ladies were playing well and ended up winning by four runs. They were so

fired up and so excited to get the win.”

The win, let alone the match, almost didn’t happen.

It was scheduled for round four of the competition, but was abandoned due to wet weather.

The two teams played a rescheduled match on 18 January before the second half of the season resumed.

Hoppers Crossing made 3-105 from its overs. Rose Beckett took two wickets for Spotswood.

Spotswood finished 5-109, hitting the winning runs with four balls remaining.

Beckett top scored with 15.

For Spotswood, it was really a new beginning with the side.

Of the 14 players, 13 of them had never played cricket in a competition before.

“They’ve only played five or six games and they’ve won their first game,” Mandalika said.

“The progress from week to week … They’ve caught the cricket bug and it has been unbelievable to watch.

“I didn’t think they would progress so quickly with batting, bowling and fielding. They’ve picked up all the skills.”

The group Spotswood has together ranges from 55 to 14.

There’s women who work in corporate, some are pilates instructors, there’s mums and those who had been involved with the club.

Mandalika said they whole group was really committed.

“It’s been a great initiative to get the ladies up and running, especially in a

Clubbers bounce back

By Tara Murray

Yarraville Club feels it has more to give as the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season heats up.

The Clubbers are one of the sides in the finals mix and showed exactly why in a commanding win against St Albans on Saturday.

The two sides entered the match in third and fourth, but it was all the Clubbers on Saturday.

Captain-coach Mitch Johnstone said it was nice to put out a performance like that.

“We got outplayed in the previous game, so it was pretty impressive to get back to what we do best with a complete performance.”

The star of the show for the Clubbers on Saturday was Trent Lawford.

Lawford made 112 off 77 balls with 10 fours and seven sixes.

The Clubbers were all out for 249 with an over remaining.

Johnstone said Lawford didn’t have the start to the day that he would have liked, but was still able to put on a show.

“He lost his spikes and he couldn’t find his pads in typical Trent Lawford style,” Johnstone said.

“His one-day form has been extraordinary. He’s tonned up in twice this year in one-day games.

“‘He is the cheat code,’ said someone from the opposition. He rode his luck but also made his own luck.”

Johnstone said they thought they had the runs on the board to get the job done.

While confident, St Albans gave them an early scare.

“We thought they had a couple of good players,” he said. “We felt if we got a look at a couple of early wickets they couldn’t maintain the run rate.

“They got off to a flier and we didn’t bowl well up front.

“We took the pace of the ball and it changed quickly.”

The Saints were bowled out for 149 in the 32nd over.

Johnstone took three wickets along with Dilan Chandima.

The win moves the Clubbers to third spot, ahead of St Albans.

Subbies club.

“Everyone has rallied around it.”

The side had a bye in the first round back after the break.

Mandalika said they had been itching to get back out there and go again.

Spotswood faced Hoppers Crossing again on Sunday.

This time the Cats were able to get the win.

The Cats made 7-126 before restricting Spotswood to 8-78.

“It’s more about process than results,” he said.

“It was great to get the first win and now they want to win some more games.

“There’s a great feeling around the change room.

“It’s about keep improving and take it one step at a time.”

Sports shorts

Western FL

West Footscray welcomes Jack Vivian for the Western Football League division 2 season.. Vivian has played in the Essendon District Football League, the Victorian Amateur Football Association. More recently he has played with Braybrook where he kicked 39 goals last season.

FV

Rob Taylor joins Melbourne City for the FV state league season. A highly experienced midfielder, Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge from both UK and Victorian soccer, including time as a full-time professional with Forest Green Rovers in the English Conference. Since arriving in Australia in 2011, Taylor has built an outstanding local career including playing in the National Premier League.

VNL

The City West Falcons will kick off their Victorian Netball League season with a grand final rematch. The Falcons will face the Hawks in the opening round on 11 March. The last time the two teams played, the Falcons came from well down in the grand final to still the win. The Falcons will play two games at home, Altona Sports Centre, the first against the Casey Demons on 15 April and then against Boroondara Express on 8 July. Meanwhile the Falcons have announced the re-signings on Montana Holmes and the Soli Ropati, while signing Olivia Barber.

Johnstone said they felt they’d been stiff with washouts meaning they didn’t get results in games where they were in a commanding position.

“We were fourth heading into the round but we felt we had the capacity to be a bit higher,” he said.

“It’s the kind of season where there has been no consistency so we’ve seen some unpredictability in the results and states.

“We’re aiming to be fit and firing come the right time of the year.”

The challenges don’t come any bigger this weekend as they face Deer Park in a Saturday-Sunday clash.

The sides sit second and third and have played off in the past two grand finals.

Johnstone said the two sides have had some good battles the last couple of years and they would like to atone for last season’s grand final loss.

In other results, Altona North lost to Deer Park.

Altona made 153 as it was bowled out in the 39th over.

Deer Park finished 4-159 in reply in the 26th over.

Dockerty Cup

The draw for the opening two rounds of the Dockerty Cup-Australia Cup have been revealed. Round one includes teams from Football Victoria state league 4, 5, 6, and 7 along with some regional and metropolitan clubs. There are 114 teams in round one with 18 clubs awarded byes. In round one, Newport Storm faces Rosebud, Maidstone United will take on Endeavour Hills and Melbourne City will travel to face Shepparton United. Williamstown, Barnstoneworth United, Laverton, Altona North and Footscray Rangers will start their campaigns in round two.

Reset for Altona Magic

By Tara Murray

It will be a bit of an unknown for Altona Magic early days in the National Premier League.

The Magic has had significant turnover in the off season after finishing in 10th spot with seven wins in Goran Lozanovski’s second season back at the club.

Lozanovski said ahead of the 13 February kick off, the season had come about quickly and they were keen to get going.

“It feels like we were just playing last season,” he said.

“It’s been good. We’ve had a bit of turnover again and we’ve got some new faces on board.

“It’s early but unsure where we will be.

Time will tell.”

Lozanovski said they had a mixture of players depart as they looked for new opportunities while they had looked to bring in some new faces.

He said there were about nine players who returned from last season.

“It didn’t work out how we envisioned it,” he said.

“We’ve signed a couple of new goalies, we’ve had changes over there.

“We have a brand new attacking side team going forward

“Daniel [Fabrizio] is at club for his third season, He is the only attacker left over from last couple of years.”

Among the inclusions is Brian Sutomo who has joined from Gold Coast United

in NPL Queensland, bringing experience shaped across multiple footballing environments.

Brandon Lauton joins from Preston Lions with Lozanovski saying he was looking good in the middle of the ground during the pre-season.

Owen McCloskey comes from Port Melbourne and is another one to look out for according to the coach.

Englishman Josh Heaton, who most recently played for Green Gully, will bring plenty of experience to the centre back role.

Aymane Sordo joins from North Sunshine Eagles, while Lirim Elmazi ,who made his Magic debut when Lozanovski was coach last time, returns to the club bringing plenty of experience.

Angliss’ pleasing victory in Clark Shield

By Tara Murray

Footscray Angliss season has been brought to life in its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield season with an upset win against Bellbridge.

Angliss entered the match in the relegation zone with just one win for the season it what has been a tough year.

That was forgotten as it produced its best performance of the season so far on Sunday.

“It was a great win and the boys played really well,” president Michael Cox said.

“I’m proud of the boys. They caught really well and that was something that made a big difference.”

Angliss batted first and made 215 as it was bowled out with one over remaining.

Mali Pereira top scored with 76, his best score at the club..

Cox said they had known he was a super talented player who just hadn’t been able to put it together just yet.

“He batted really well and it was an important knock.”

Then the Angliss bowlers shared the work around as they bowled the Bears out for 129 in the 27th over.

Sean Tyrrell took 4-21 for Angliss to be the pick of the bowlers.

Cox said skipper Jason Wozniak continues to lead the way and isn’t afraid to mix things up to try and get a result.

While the win keeps Angliss in ninth spot, it is only narrowly behind Werribee Centrals.

The bottom two teams are set to be relegated at the end of the season.

Cox said they were hoping this was a sign of what’s to come for the rest of the season.

“We’ve known we are a competitive side, it’s been about putting it all together in the one-day,” he said.

“It gives the guys belief in their own abilities to get a win like this. Sometimes that is as important as anything..

Cox said while their top side was struggling to get wins on the board things had been going really well across the club.

“The club has been performing quite well and we’re pretty happy,” he said.

John Mabok, Geoffrey Lino Peter Hatzopoulos and Lachlan Gillard are among those that have returned for the Magic.

Lozanovski said they had promoted some players through the ranks which is exciting for the future and several would get opportunities this season.

The Magic kicks off its season on 13 February against Hume City.

Lozanovski said it would be a wait and see how they went early in the season after all the off season changes.

“We’re going to work through our starting 11 the next couple of weeks,” he said. “Others will keep fighting for position.

“It’ll be a bit of an unknown and we’re expecting to learn as we go. There’s no easy games.”

Dogs lose T20

Footscray proved no match for Richmond in the Victorian Premier Cricket T20 grand final on Australia Day.

Hoping to get an early piece of silverware this season, the Bulldogs entered the match without Travis Dean and Dylan Brasher. The Bulldogs were sent in by the Tigers and were soon in trouble at 4-21.

A couple of small partnerships pushed the Bulldogs total up towards 100. The tail ensured the Bulldogs were able to post something that Richmond could chase, finishing 8-124.

Jack Prestwidge top scored with 30 off 33 balls.

A run a ball 22 from Bailey Toseland was also crucial in the innings. Joshua Sawrey took three wickets for Richmond.

Angliss faces East Coburg this weekend in a Saturday-Sunday match.

“They are a strong side,’ he said We’ve proven that we are a strong side and we’ve got something to play for.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

In other results, Laverton had a big win against Barkly St Uniting.

Laverton made 8-228 from its overs with Lovjit Sandhu top scoring with 44.

The Dragons were then bowled out for 127 in reply.

Mayank Sharma took 5-18 off eight overs for Laverton.

Seabrookwasabletosneakhomeagainst Werribee Centrals.

Seabrook made 5-189 off its 40 overs. Dulanga Lakmal top scored with 51.

The Centurions were bowled out with 11 balls remaining, finishing seven runs short of victory, with 183.

Laverton remains on top of the ladder, while Seabrook is in sixth spot, six points outside the top four.

Barkly St Uniting is in seventh spot and still in the relegation battle.

Richmond got off to a solid start and put on 40 for the first wicket with both batters going at more than a run a ball.

The Tigers top order ensured the job got done with the side hitting the winning runs with nearly four overs remaining. Richmond finished 2-125. James Doherty finished 57 not out off 49 balls. Aiman Nadeem was the wicket taker for the Bulldogs. Footscray was back in action on Saturday on day two of its match with Casey South Melbourne. Casey resumed at 0-15 in reply to 206.

Casey chased the runs down with ease, finishing 2-228 in reply.

Jay Vine and Daniel Wilczynski were the wicket takers for the Bulldogs.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs remain second on the ladder.

The Bulldogs face Essendon in a two-dayer starting Saturday.