Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 1st September 2021

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Letters from the heart

(Damjan Janevski).248581_01

Young Lilly has been putting pen to paper to spread messages of hope and happiness during lockdown. The seven-year-old has handmade about 160 cards and letters, each featuring individual artwork and writing, which she has been dropping into mail boxes at houses across Seabrook. Lilly’s proud mother Rach said her daughter has been making about 30 to 40 cards each day. Lilly said she was inspired after doing an activity at school called “act of kindness”. “I thought for strangers, maybe they could be happy if they received something in lockdown,” she said. Rach has been posting photographs of Lilly’s letters initiative on local social media pages, which has resulted in a flurry of responses from delighted residents, with people asking to meet Lilly, give her presents and bake for her. “What our message is that we would like to raise awareness for mental health, that’s what I do constantly in the community, it’s obviously rubbed off on Lilly,” Rach said.

LILLY WITH SOME OF HER HANDMADE LETTERS AND CARDS.

Call to move waste hub By Tara Murray Western suburb residents are calling for a state Waste and Resource Recovery Hub in Brooklyn to be relocated following a second blaze at the precinct in a month. The most recent fire was at Sims Metal on August 21. Fire Rescue Victoria said crews identified a fire in a hopper and piles of recycling products. It took 29 firefighters about an hour to bring the blaze under control. It followed a fire at Cleanaway on August 1. The Environment Protection Authority is currently investigating the Sims Metal fire. An EPA spokesperson said the site was already subject to two notices requiring the operator to improve its processes and

The Sims Metal factory.

(Damjan Janevski) 248630

procedures. A resident, who asked not to be named, said there had been issues at Sims for a number of years. She has lodged many complaints with the EPA and Brimbank council, including after the August 21 fire.

“It was reminiscent of a fire there in 2015 which was pretty big,” the resident said. “We’re all too familiar with it. “There’s been not only fires there, but explosions on the site and the noise emissions in recent times especially during lockdown has been really bad.” The resident said she would like to see the business moved away from the area, due to the impact on residents. Brooklyn Residents Action Group’s Bruce Light went one step further, calling for the entire recovery hub to be relocated. “We have a human right that we should have clean air,” he said. “The dust in the area is consistently above the world health standards. “We need serious consideration of the

adverse effect it is having on the community.” Brimbank council city development director Kelvin Walsh said council has little control over the Sims site due to established existing use rights. He said the council continued to work to make the area safer for nearby residents. “The practices of some of the operators of these facilities continue to have significant amenity impacts on the surrounding communities,” he said. “In February 2016 council revised the strategy and introduced changes to some provisions within the Brimbank Planning Scheme which seek to improve the amenity and appearance of the area and protect surrounding residents and businesses from adverse visual, noise, odour or dust impacts.”

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Citynews M A R I B Y R N O N G

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

OUT AND ABOUT

In exciting news, Council is progressing planning on a renewal project that will see the Footscray Town Hall renovated and returned to the community for its use. The redevelopment will include the provision of meeting rooms and gathering spaces inside and a new public space outside – creating a new and inviting civic space for the community and Council to meet and come together. To allow these spaces to be returned to the community, civic administration would relocate into separate green star rated energy efficient offices. This reflects feedback during the development of the Council Plan 2021-2025 for Council to take more of a lead in supporting sustainability by ensuring its own facilities are both energy efficient and environmentally secure.

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Maribyrnong City Council’s Councillors have been busy.

1. Mayor Cr Michael Clarke at Soul House, which received $25,000 during this year’s Budget submission round to support socially isolated members of the community. 2. Cr Jorge Jorquera promoting the #racismNOTwelcome campaign promoting street signage calling out racism to be installed across the municipality. 3. Cr Bernadette Thomas pictured at the old Lae Street nursery in West Footscray. Council will soon be engaging on potential opportunities for community use of the site. Photo credit : Damjan Janevski, Star Weekly.

Image for illustrative purposes only

While there will be some constraints, given the Town Hall’s significant heritage value, this is a unique opportunity for our community to shape the future use of this iconic building. I invite you to get involved and share your thoughts on how you think the re-imagined community spaces and open spaces could look, how they could be used and who might use them. For further information on the Civic and Community Hub Project and to have your say visit www.yourcityyourvoice. com.au/civic-precinct This is just the start of the conversation. We’ll be coming back with more questions, sharing more information and designs, and seeking more feedback throughout the planning process.

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MY VIEW Despite the State Government’s big housing build, the reality is that Victoria has a desperate shortage of social housing and the big build is too little, too late. In Maribyrnong we have had several applications to expand social housing, including the accommodation on Buckley Street, which recently came before Council. The applicant sought to remove the ‘student accommodation’ restriction on the existing building, proposing instead a shift to ‘social/affordable housing’. After initial concerns, specifically around safety, were addressed, Council approved the change. Each time, an application of this sort comes before Council, we hear arguments for and against, which is generally around quantity versus quality. This should not be the case.

Please stay safe, follow government restrictions, get tested and get vaccinated. Mayor Cr Michael Clarke

SEPT – COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday 14 6.30pm Council Meeting Tuesday 21 6.30pm City Development Delegated Committee Meetings can be livestreamed via YouTube and community members can submit questions for public question time online by 12pm on the day of the meeting.

Everyone should be able to live in a quality home, somewhere with the bare essentials as a minimum, for example safety, natural light, greenery and fresh air, little noise and an acceptable amount of space. I propose, rather than having the same conversation every time a new application comes in, let’s have a community debate about how we can move forward with respectable social housing, providing both quantity and quality and sharing the responsibility across all neighbourhoods, suburbs and municipalities. Cr Simon Crawford Yarraville Ward

Maribyrnong City Council Street Address: Cnr Napier and Hyde Streets, Footscray

P: (03) 9688 0200 F: (03) 9687 7793

Postal Address: PO Box 58, Footscray, Vic 3011

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

2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021

Please note: The appropriate COVIDSafe practices were followed at the time the photos were taken.

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Residents warned to be vigilant By Goya Dmytryshchak Exposure sites across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay have grown in the past week, with multiple major supermarkets and a children’s centre impacted. It comes as 76 new local cases of COVID-19 statewide were announced on Tuesday, 31 of them mystery cases. Three new cases were linked to Millers Junction shopping centre in Altona North and one to The Learning Sanctuary childcare and early education centre in Spotswood. Chief health officer Brett Sutton on Tuesday

singled out Hobsons Bay as one of the more challenging areas for infections not linked to known outbreaks. As of Tuesday, there were 132 active cases of COVID-19 in Hobsons Bay and just 21 active cases in Maribyrnong. “We continue to see mystery cases on a daily basis, especially in the northern and western suburbs,” Professor Sutton said. “I know everyone in Hobsons Bay, in Wyndham and surrounds are aware that COVID is present in their neighbourhoods and the vast majority of people understand what they need to do to protect themselves and their

families. “…The consequence of letting your guard down, even for a short period of time, is really significant. “It could mean the difference between you containing it to yourself and nobody else or introducing it to those you love, your extended family, your friends.” More tier two exposure times were added for Woolworths and Aldi at Millers Junction, Coles at Altona Gate Shopping Centre, Woolworths at Borrack Square and IGA East Altona – all in Altona North. Other new tier two supermarkets include

Coles and Woolworths at Williamstown, and Coles at Footscray Plaza and Yarraville on the corner of Williamstown Road and High Street. Anyone who shopped at a tier two site during exposure times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. People should get tested again if symptoms appear. To find out where to get tested: coronavirus. vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19 Information on exposure sites: coronavirus. vic.gov.au/exposure-sites

Technology to aid commute

John Katsourakis is going on the Great Vic Bike Ride for the second time. (Damjan Janevski) 248374_01

COVID puts John back on the road Newport local John Katsourakis has jumped back on his bike and will take on the Great Vic Bike Ride for the second time. The Great Vic Bike Ride is an annual non-competitive bicycle tour event organised by Bicycle Network, which takes a different route around Victoria’s countryside each year. Mr Katsourakis first participated in the ride 29 years ago, and said that it was Victoria’s COVID-19 lockdowns that made him get back

on the bike. “I probably wouldn’t have done it, but considering all the changes that have happened in the world, it felt like a good thing,” he said. “I used to spend upwards of two hours a day driving to and from work. “Now I used the time, put it to good use. “Instead of just doing nothing, I got back on the bike. “It made me feel better … you can be socially distanced and fit.”

Mr Katsourakis said he would be looking forward to the social aspect of the ride. “Being able to socialise and just have fun with a bunch of like-minded people, of all ages … it’s really great,” he said. “I get to achieve this big ride, and hopefully make some new friends along the way.” The Great Vic Bike Ride is set to take place from November 27 to December 5. Details: https://bit.ly/2Vd3gyL Michaela Meade

Residents impacted by the Ferguson Street level crossing removal in Williamstown will have the chance to test new technology to make their commute easier during disruptions. The crossing removal will lower the rail line under the road, allowing for a new North Williamstown Station and an upgraded precinct for the community. Major Transport Infrastructure Authority (MTIA) is trialling a new artificial intelligence technology-based chatbot, which provides real-time responses to users about alternative transport, including the locations of bus replacement buses and how frequently buses arrive. MTIA director-general Corey Hannett said the chatbot will benefit locals who are disrupted by works on the crossing removal. “While we’re making major upgrades to the rail network, the chatbot will provide up-to-date information for passengers, making it easier to catch replacement buses and help improve travel for passengers during disruptions,” Mr Hannett said. “The bus-tracking chatbot is another way Victoria’s Big Build is using technology to benefit people affected by disruptions and for those who are currently using the network for essential travel.” The next phase of chatbot testing will benefit the Williamstown community, as it will take place during an 85-day “construction blitz” on the train line. Buses will be replacing trains between the Newport and Williamstown stations until mid November. The app, which continues to be updated based on user experiences, can be accessed through Victoria’s Big Build website or Facebook Messenger channel. Michaela Meade

Hubs of hope aim to help the west’s pandemic recovery Victoria University (VU) is planning to help drive the west’s pandemic recovery by establishing three new research and innovation hubs to boost jobs and skills. Higher Education Minister Gayle Tierney last week announced $17.2 million in funding for the hubs from the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund. The VU initiative will include a Jobs and Skills Hub, an Education Hub and a Stronger Communities Hub, to join the $4.9 million Sustainable Futures Innovation Hub the university launched earlier this year. The three hubs will be located across Victoria University’s campuses and at

facilities owned by some of its 15 industry and community partner organisations, with the project set to create more than 30 new jobs. The Jobs and Skill Innovation Hub will focus on issues including future career skills needed in the west and helping to rebuild tourism in the region. The Education Innovation Hub will deliver research solutions to reduce barriers, and increase student success, across higher education and vocational education. The Stronger Communities Innovation Hub will collaborate with Western Health to develop an online platform to improve the health of patients who live with chronic pain

and osteoarthritic conditions. It will also work with Western Bulldogs Community Foundation to address barriers facing culturally and linguistically diverse community members, through programs such as Sons and Daughters of the West. Quyen Tran, who participated in Daughters of the West in 2017, described herself as “really shy” before she joined the initiative. Ms Tran, now a facilitator with Daughters of the West, has helped more than 100 women. “I feel really happy that I am able to help my community … to get out there, to enjoy a bit for themselves, to do exercise, to make friends,” she said.

Daughters of the West facilitator and participant Quyen Tran. (Supplied)

Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3

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Metro to the rescue

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A much-loved Yarravi has been rescued lle cat, Mooncake, by after wandering from Metro train workers his Mooncake was spotted home. injured near Seddon train station . A driver alerted authori sed officers who found Moonc ake and drove him to U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital where he underwent emerge fractured skull and ncy surgery for a jaw. Mooncake lost an eye, but his owner says he is recovering and adapting well. Lesley Friend said thank Metro’s train she wanted to driver and authori sed officers for saving Moonc “We’re very thankfu ake. Mooncake back and l that we got that he’s alive and that he [the train driver] basically saved his life,” she said. “He’s a big part of our Metro’s Wayne Boyd family.” said the safety all public transpo rt users, including of cats, was a priority. “We saw that little M immediate help and ooncake needed didn’t waste any time,” he said. “I was really pleased when I heard that Mooncake had pulled through.”

(Joe Mastroianni)

New million doll ar suburbs

Goya Dmytryshchak

By Goya Dmytryshch ak

marking the highest growth rate since Altona and West 2010. July director Wayne Footscray have joined Sweeney said “it million dollar club, the “The value was due to $1.516 happen”. with the median million ($266,000 price cracking $1 million house hit a record of the national dwelling market “We’re talking inner high in January Mr Sweeney said over reserve). 2021, and The May median house. city, Altona by the continued to hit Altona and West bay value a fresh record high has and the generous allotments for Altona $1,022,585 (up from in Altona,” he said. Footscray’s proximity to the city each $983,599 12 months was month since. “West Footscray is were big drawcards. and $1,018,794 (up a different suburb ago) “The wealth effect Footscray central from $919,227) for of house value increas Topping the list in , where you’re gettingfrom Footscray, CoreLo West has likely Melbourne were Brighto es gic’s Million Dollar bigger been the with a May blocks as well. a key component n Markets consum report for June shows. median house value of elevated er confidence, “A of $3,316,986 lot of (up the prices from and Austra these days, unless “The current upswin economic recovery there’s $3,168,364 $2,785,108) and Deepdene at g in the Austra from strict social distanclia’s something substantial on it, housing market (up lian restrictions from it’s $3,804, all about the ing land. 921). through 2020.” Among newcomers extraordinary results, has produced some Altona and West ” the report states. “It’s all about the land were Mount Macedo to the millionaire’s club Footscray made the “In the 12 months value.” 40 million-dollar n at $1,319,881 (up Sweeney’s recent markets in metrop top $961,49 from 5), dwelling market values to May 2021, national Melbourne. sales Blairgo include 1/13 Essex wrie at $1,318,730 olitan Street, West increased 10.6 per (up from $915,370), Footscr cent, Sweeney Estate auction for $1,130, ay, which sold before $872,743), Somers at $1,270,800 (up from Agents William 000 and 206 Blyth St stown Altona, which Street, from $867,95 Andrews Beach at $1,185,135 (up this month sold at 2 and Balnarring at auction for from $1,172,911 (up $880,200).

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Altona Altona Sports Club 11 Altona Road Altona Altona RSL 31 Sargood Street Altona Kooringal Golf Club Wilga Avenue Altona Convenience store 41 Civic Parade Altona City of Hobsons Bay 115 Civic Parade Altona Chemcare Wellness Pharmacy 8 Harrington Square Altona Altona West Newsagency 12 Harrington Square Altona Borgs Cakes 20 Harrington Square Altona Sweeney Real Estate 54 Pier Street Altona Bendigo Bank 64 Pier Street Altona Altona IGA plus Liquor 103/110 Pier Street Altona Altona Newsagency 84-86 Pier Street Altona Chemist Discount Centre 88-90 Pier Street Altona Meadows Sweeney Real Estate - Altona Meadows Shop 10a, 1-23 Central Avenue (Cental Square Shopping Centre) Altona Meadows Central Lotto Shop 14, 1-23 Central Avenue (Cental Square Shopping Centre) Altona Meadows Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre 2 Newham Way (Central square Shopping Centre) Altona North Sweeney Real Estate - Altona North 15 Borrack Square Altona North Westgate Health and Fitness Club Corner Grieve Parade & Dohertys Road Altona North Altona Fresh 62-76 Second Ave 9399 1390 Altona North The Circle Pharmacy 53 The Circle Altona North Hunter French Real Estate 21 Borrack Square Altona North Altona North Community Library Corner Millers Road & McArthurs Road Altona North Altona Gate Shopping Centre Lvl.2/ 124-134 Millers Road Altona North Altona East Newsagency 63 The Circle Braybrook Central West Plaza 65-67 Ashley Street Braybrook Braybrook Hotel 353 Ballarat Road Braybrook Braybrook Library 107-139 Churchill Avenue Deer Park Deer Park Newsagency 823 Ballarat Road Footscray Trimson & Partner Real Estate 169 Barkly Street Footscray French Baguette Cafe 181 Barkly Street

• Footscray Whitten Oval 417 Barkly Street • Footscray Footscray Community Arts Centre 45 Moreland Street • Footscray James Barker House Aged Care 64 Buckley Street • Footscray Pheonix Youth Centre 72 Barkly Street • Footscray Burnham Real Estate - Footscray 273 Barkly Street • Footscray Jim Wong’s Restaurant 259-261 Barkly Street • Footscray Greg hocking Real Estate 145-147 Geelong Road • Footscray Footscray Hospital 160 Gordon Street • Footscray Caltex Petrol Station 62-68 Gordon Street • Footscray Foosctray Police Station 66 Hyde Street • Footscray Maribyrnong City Council 61 Napier Street (Cnr Napier & Hyde Streets) • Footscray Tatts Lotto 81 Nicholson Street • Footscray Wards Newsagency 100 Nicholson Street • Footscray Footscray Library 56 Paisley Street • Footscray Paisley Clinic Pharmacy 85 Paisley Street • Footscray Coles Footscray Albert Street (Footscray Plaza Shopping Centre) • Footscray West IGA West Footscray 511 Barkly Street • Footscray West Neighbourhood House Level 1,539 Barkly Street • Footscray West Compton Green Real Estate 1/240 Geelong Road • Footscray West Kingsville Newsagency 339 Somerville Road • Kingsville BP Petrol 88 Williamstown Road • Laverton Laverton Newsagency Shop 12-14 Aviation Road • Laverton Bendigo Bank Shop 3/28 Aviation Road • Laverton Laverton Community Hub 95-105 Railway Street • Maidstone MJs Café Unit 9/72 Hampstead Road • Maidstone Fix at Mick’s Motors Petrol Station 95 Rosamond Road • Maidstone Maidstone Milk Bar 154 Ballarat Road • Maribyrnong Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre 1 Aquatic Drive • Maribyrnong Maribyrnong Community Centre 9 Randall Street • Maribyrnong Supanews Lotto Shop 2138/120-200 Rosamond Road (Highpoint Shopping Centre) • Maribyrnong Gloria Jeans - Maribyrnong Shop 3/120-200 Rosamond Road (Highpoint Shopping Centre) • Maribyrnong Plush Think Sofas Shop 3 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Forty Winks Shop 4 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Focus On Furniture Shop 5 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Adriatic Furniture Shop 6 / 179

Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Snooze Shop 7 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Suave Furniture Shop 8/179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Spotlight Shop 9-10 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Alex’s Furniture Shop 11 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Koala Living Shop 12 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Bev Marks Shop 13 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Bedshed Shop 14 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong James Lane Shop 15 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Pet Barn Shop 16A / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Barbecues Galore Shop 16A/B / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Beds N Dreams Shop 16A/C / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Maribyrnong Carpet Call Shop 17 / 179 Rosamond Road, Highpoint Home Maker Centre • Newport Newport Newsagency 48 Challis Street • Newport The Substation 1 Market Street • Newport Newport Library 13 Mason Street • Newport Seagulls Nest Club 1 Mason Street • Newport IGA Newport Plus Liquor 2 Mason Street • Newport Cellarbrations 25 Mason Street • Newport Newport Community Centre 43 Mason Street • Newport Newport Newsagency 6 Hall Street • Newport Newport General Store 10 Hall Street • Seddon Ray White 156 Victoria Street • Seddon Seddon Newsagency Mar-00 Charles Street • Seddon ALFA Café 97 Victoria Street • Seddon The Happy Apple Supermarket 176-178 Victoria Street • Seddon The Vin Wine & Spirits 180 Victoria Street • South Kingsville Dukkah Restaurant 23 Vernon Street • Spotswood Spotswood Newsagency 81 Hudsons Road • Spotswood Scouns Pharmacy 17D Vernon Street • Tottenham Milk Bar - Tottenham Sara Grove • Tottenham Tottenham Central LPO and Newsagency 159 Sunshine Road • Williamstown Steam Packet Hotel 13 Cole Street • Williamstown RT Edgar Real Estate 94 Douglas Parade • Williamstown Newsagency Riffle Range S/Centre Shop 8 , 71 -79 Kororoit Creek Road 9397 1822

• Williamstown Hazeldean Transition Care 211 Osborne Street • Williamstown Williamstown Hospital 77b Railway Crescent • Williamstown South Pacific health club The Strand & North Road • Williamstown Smooth Curves 2A Wellington Parade • Williamstown Coles Supermarket 29 Douglas Parade • Williamstown Williamstown News and Lotto 16 Douglas Parade • Williamstown Sweeney Real Estate Shop 1-3 Douglas Parade • Williamstown Crompton Green Real Estate 29 Ferguson Street • Williamstown Freechoice Williamstown Tobacco 31 Ferguson Street • Williamstown Williams Real Estate 75 Ferguson Street • Williamstown Get the News Unit 8/9 Kororoit Creek Road • Williamstown Porters Williamstown 49 Nelson Place • Williamstown Hobsons Bay Visitors Centre 1 Syme Street • Yarraville Woolworths Yarraville Metro 6 Anderson Street • Yarraville IGA Yarraville 12 Anderson Street • Yarraville Yarraville Newsagency 59 Anderson Street • Yarraville Coracle Cafe Restaurant 63 Anderson Street • Yarraville For The Health Of It Natural Health Products 73 Anderson Street • Yarraville Hocking Stuart Real Estate - Yarraville 33 Ballarat Street • Yarraville Coles Supermarket - Yarraville 1 High Street • YARRAVILLE - Sweeney Yarraville 346 Williamstown Road • Yarraville Antipasti Deli & Cafe Shop 3/1 High Street • Yarraville Rocco’s Delicatessent 122 Roberts Street • Yarraville Yarraville Club 135 Stephens Street • Yarraville Liquor Legends 6 Wembley Avenue • Yarraville Wembley Convenience Store 8 Wembley Avenue

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4 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021

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Cygnet death prompts warning By Michaela Meade A Newport local wants the community to be aware of their impact on wildlife, after a baby cygnet was killed last weekend. Phil Martins said he had been out for an afternoon walk at Newport Lakes Reserve on August 20 when he came across the dead cygnet. “It’s sad because they don’t have a great survival rate anyway,” he said. “My son happened to see … in the lagoon … one of the other babies by itself. “I was trying to coax it out, but you know, it wasn’t going to come willingly and we didn’t want the parents to forget about it. “My neighbour and I had to corner it in some reeds, and we carried it back to its parents.

“They were so delighted when they saw me coming with their baby … it was beautiful to reunite them.” Mr Martins said it was “an unfortunate situation”. “There are no dogs allowed, but there’s regular occurrences of people with dogs there,” he said. “I don’t want to have a go at anyone, but we need to have respect for the animals. “People should have common sense. “The little swans have enough going against them already.” Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden said the news was “very distressing and sad”. “I implore all dog owners to do the right thing and stay out of conservation areas,” Cr Marsden said. “The conservation areas are to protect not

only our native animals like the swan family but also the natural habitat and nesting areas so our wildlife can survive and thrive. “Our conservation rangers and animal management team do their best to remind pet owners of their responsibility to abide by local laws however, they cannot be present around-the-clock.” Council said dog owners can use the dog off-lead area adjacent to Pavey Park playground.

The baby cygnet Phil Martins rescued.

(Supplied)

A bundle of book joy

Estelle and Cleo have already taken advantage of the bundles.

(Supplied)

Maribyrnong residents can explore their book and movie interests without leaving their house thanks to a new initiative from Maribyrnong Libraries. The libraries have launched Book Bundle, a curation service for books or movies, which members can use for free. Staff will personally curate the bundles after members fill in a short questionnaire about their tastes. Community services director Clem Gillings said the bundles “harness the knowledge” of library staff for the benefit of members. “[COVID-19] lockdowns have proved to be a busy time for our libraries which has served as the perfect time to launch this service as members currently cannot browse shelves,”

Ms Gillings said. “As part of the personalised service, local library members answer a few short questions to find their next book or film by. “We hope our Book Bundles spark a love of reading in our younger residents and help others find their perfect match.” The bundles are available through the click and collect service at Maribyrnong libraries. The service will remain in place for use after lockdown has ceased. To request a book bundle, you can call your local library or submit a request online: www. maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/library/BookBundle Michaela Meade

415-417 MELBOURNE ROAD, NEWPORT 3015 Tel. (03) 9391 6573 • Fax (03) 9399 1424 Email: newportre@bigpond.com

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PRIVATE SALE

AUCTION

U2- 1 EDWARD AVENUE, ALTONA NORTH. 3025. Look No Further

16 ROSSHIRE ROAD, NEWPORT. 3015. 11th September, 2021 at 11:30am Attention Home Buyers, Investors or Developers

This is a perfect opportunity for first home buyers or investors. Bright & cosy double storey town house with large garage. Comprising: 3 bedrooms (2 with B.I.R. and air-conditioners). Open plan kitchen & dining area, lounge overlooking compact back yard / garden. All gas appliances, polished floor boards. Storage under stairs and outside water tank . Situated in the quiet pocket of Altona North, walking distance to Altona Gate Shopping Centre, West Gate Bridge and bus transport. Inspections strictly by appointment only.

SOUTH KINGSVILLE

Older type of brick home with garage. • Comprising: 3 bedrooms, family size lounge with gas heating, kitchen & dining area, neat fully tiled bathroom. • Large front and back garden. Fantastic corner location. • Ideal for development. S.T.C.A. • Land size 21.60m x 50.20m = 1,084.30 sq/m approx. • (71.30’ x 165’ = 11,764.50 sq/feet approx.) Inspections strictly by appointment only.

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Kernot Street

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Repainted 2 bed villa unit with B.I.Robes. Kitchen with gas stove, Lounge, bathroom. Off street parking. Handy to all facilities and only minutes to Westgate Bridge. Truman Street

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$ 1,408.00cm

Comfortable & very spacious 2 bed villa unit with large B.I.Robes, open plan living, fully tiled modern kitchen with lots of cupboards & sep. dining area. Fully tiled bathroom, w/w carpets, ducted heating & split system cooling. Backyard & ex. large garage. Close to Central Sq. Shopping Centre, schools and public transport.

Mob: 0418 393 972

12510958-DL36-21

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Dining parklets stay into 2022 By Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke

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I’m pleased to see our outdoor dining campaign continuing until the middle of next year. The decision reflects the overwhelming community support for the initiative, which has seen nearly 50 parklets created across the municipality in response to the pandemic and social distancing restrictions. In addition to the extension, we’re also expanding outdoor dining to increase parklet and pop-up park activation in Footscray and West Footscray. For me, the outdoor dining in Ballarat Street, Yarraville, has been one of the highlights of this program and I know traders are keen to see it remain, permanently. But, we also appreciate concerns one of the consequences of this success is increased traffic congestion in Anderson Street, and council is currently collaborating with Metro Trains Melbourne on a global traffic study of the area that will look at future planning options in and around Yarraville Village, to manage these types of challenges. The outdoor dining project was delivered with an initial state government grant of $500,000 in 2020, with a second grant of $250,000 in 2021 supporting the extension and expansion. We look forward to seeing our community continuing to enjoy outdoor dining once we come out of lockdown. Before the extension ends in April 2022, we will also come back to you again to ask for your views – this time on whether parklets

Trugo Place a

home

Briefs Dirt bike fine Westgate Highway Patrol officers received numerous reports of unregistered dirt bikes in the vicinity of Footscray’s Quarry Park on Saturday afternoon. Police caught a rider on an unregistered KTM 250 motocross bike and he was fined.

Dementia support The theme for this year’s Dementia Action Week will be: ‘A little support makes a big difference’. Dementia Action Week will run from Monday, September 20 to Sunday, September 26. Details: dementia. org.au/dementia-action-week/ show-your-support. Maribyrnong council mayor Michael Clarke.

Financial plan

(Supplied)

should become a permanent feature in our municipality. With rates notices being issued this month, a reminder that ratepayers can apply for support under the COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy. We know the ongoing pandemic is continuing to impact our community and particularly our most vulnerable. Our Community Connectors are also available to help with food relief, material relief, mental health or family violence support. As always, please do your bit to help our community get on top of the COVID virus by following government guidelines, getting tested and getting vaccinated if you are able. You can find the testing site nearest you and find out about financial support available from the government on the COVID website: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au You can also call 1800 675 398 to book a vaccination appointment.

Feedback is being invited on Maribyrnong council’s draft Long Term Financial Plan, which looks at community priorities over the next 10 years. Comments are being invited until 5pm on September 15 via Your City Your Voice.

Electricity help Altona’s Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre is registered to help concession card holders claim the one-off $250 Power Saving Bonus and can apply over the phone. Applications are open until January 31. Email: admin@ljac.com.au or call 0413 434 082. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Demand for food grows By Michaela Meade Demand for Foodbank Victoria’s service has been higher “across the board” during metro Melbourne’s sixth COVID-19 lockdown, according to its chief executive. On August 20, the Yarraville-based organisation ran a drive-through hamper collection services for people needing food. But it was forced to close the service after traffic started banking up as far back as the West Gate Bridge. In a Facebook post, Foodbank said police had advised that the drive-through service had become an issue of public safety. “Seeing the extent of the need out there in the community, and then not being able to provide the service we need to … it was very distressing,” chief executive David McNamara said. “The visual representation of the need out there … you can talk about it, and quote statistics, but once you actually see it, it’s different. “It’s hard to comprehend.” Mr McNamara said the charity has been seeing people from all over metropolitan Melbourne come to seek out the service – stretching from the outer eastern suburbs to Sunbury. Mr McNamara said the short time frame between the state’s fifth and sixth COVID-19 lockdowns was partially to blame for the increase in demand. “People didn’t have the ability to bounce back in such a short time frame,” he said. “It’s been a cumulative effect, especially people in the casualised workforce, people living paycheck to paycheck. “We saw single mums with kids, people who lost their jobs, small business owners … every demographic you can imagine.”

Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara.

Despite the hardship that a lot of the community finds themselves in, Mr McNamara said the Maribyrnong community have shown support. “The support we get from local businesses, and from locals volunteering … the

(Damjan Janevski) 248795_03

Maribyrnong community are amazing,” he said. “We kind of lead the way of showing that care and compassion is what’s going to get us through this [lockdown and the pandemic more broadly.”

NEWS

Stress study The Black Dog Institute is calling for participants in a trial for a positive mood program to manage stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Black Dog Institute is an Australian medical research institute that investigates mental health, with the goal of creating a mentally healthier world. The positive mood program aims to provide resources to help manage COVID-19 related stress, as Victoria once again finds itself in the grips of another lockdown to contain the virus. The Black Dog Institute said the need for this kind of program has increased. “There is an urgent need for publicly available strategies to reduce COVID-19 related distress,” the institute said. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the number of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) mental health services accessed by Australians has increased. The latest data revealed that in the week beginning April 19, 2021, there were 286,194 services accessed, compared to 244,657 in the week beginning April 20, 2020. This is an increase of 41,537 services. The trial is open to anyone 18 years or over who can communicate in conversational English, and who has experienced stress related to the pandemic. There will be two trail conditions, and participants will be reimbursed $100 after completing all of the study components. Details: https://bit.ly/3kuDONS Michaela Meade

Works continue near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line and removing level crossings. Works are progressing with strict COVIDSafe Plans in place. The health and safety of our workforce and community remains our top priority. For more information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Williamstown Line Sunbury Line

Until 12 Nov

North Williamstown Station closed

Until 12 Nov

Newport to Williamstown

9pm 3 Sep to 8.30pm 5 Sep Until 8.30pm, 6 to 7 Sep

North Melbourne to Sunshine

8.30pm to last train each night, 5 to 8 Sep

North Melbourne to Sunbury

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes Ferguson Street, Williamstown

Until late Sep

Closed at the level crossing

Sunshine Road, West Footscray

At times until mid Dec

Left eastbound lane closed between Olympia and McArthur streets

Heaths Road, Hoppers Crossing

Early Oct to mid Dec

Lanes closed between Morris and Old Geelong roads

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

1270

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au 12510860-BL36-21

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Lockdown causes rental stress in Maribyrnong By Michaela Meade Lockdown has impacted city of Maribyrnong residents’ ability to pay their rent, new data reveals. The Tenants Victoria data, released late last month, examined the impact of Victoria’s fifth lockdown in July on renters’ ability to pay their rent. Tenants Victoria identified the city of Maribyrnong as a rental stress hotspot after more than half of the respondents to its survey reported rental stress.

Fifty-four per cent of respondents in the city of Maribyrnong reported trouble making payments during the fifth lockdown. The municipality was listed as the eighth highest local government area for rental stress. Great Dandenong took out the top spot, with 67 per cent of respondents reporting rental stress. Tenants Victoria said landlords’ and real estate agents’ attitudes were a key factor in renters’ ability to manage their financial situation when it came to their rent. Maribyrnong council said the federal

government is providing COVID-19 Disaster Payments for anyone who is currently in lockdown due to the pandemic, as well as Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments for those who have been told to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19. “Residents in the city of Maribyrnong who have been impacted by COVID-19 and are in need of support can contact council’s Community Connectors, a relief and recovery response team that is available to support the community during the pandemic,” council said. “These teams can provide information

and advice about services that are available to those affected by COVID-19, including financial resources, food resources, and health resources. “They can also co-ordinate service responses for individuals and families including emergency food hampers, and can assist with general and specialised service referrals.” The council’s Community Connectors can be contacted via 9688 0434.

Program aims to empower west residents

Reem Sweid owns the Chestnut Tree bookshop and cafe in West Footscray. (Joe Mastroianni). 248280_04

Shop grows by the book By Michaela Meade A West Footscray business owner is hoping to make a positive impact on the environment while delivering the best for her customers. Reem Sweid owns the Chestnut Tree bookshop and cafe on Barkly Street, and plants one tree for every book sold – with the running total currently at 375. Ms Sweid said she wanted to offer an environmentally conscious alternative to the mainstream book options. “People like physical books, and want to read, I wanted to facilitate that, but to go against the trend of e-books,” Ms Sweid said.

“It’s kind of like giving back to nature because books come from trees. “We’re able to return something back to the forest.” Ms Sweid said that while people may often go for discounted books online, she offers her books at the recommended retail price, and takes the price difference to pay for the tree plantings. “I can’t compete on price, but I can compete on ethics,” Ms Sweid said. “I’ve had feedback from customers that they’re delighted about the environmental aspect, and having a sustainable book option.” Ms Sweid opened the Chestnut Tree’s

physical store less than a fortnight ago, and has been completing click and collect orders, as well as selling takeaway coffees. Ms Sweid said while lockdown hasn’t slowed the business down too much, she was looking forward to having the community allowed into her new store for “proper browsing”. “I want my store to be a community space for people,” she said. “I’m hoping after lockdown to have kids storytimes, with mums drinking coffee, and a mothers group as well. “It’s been a difficult year for everyone. I’m so happy to provide something positive.” Details: thechestnuttree.com.au

Volunteer West has launched a new “visionary” program, aiming to provide much-needed resources to communities and organisations in Melbourne’s west. Volunteer West is a charity and volunteer research centre located in Footscray. The centre’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of the Melbourne west community through volunteering that “empowers and engages”. The VolReach program aims to create volunteering research, engagement, advocacy, and community hubs to drive meaningful systemic change. Volunteer West chief executive Thu-Trang Tran said the program would provide concrete actions for the centre to follow through on. “VolReach is the next step towards achieving meaningful social change through working together and sharing our knowledge and resources,” Ms Tran said. “What does that mean in action? VolReach is about promoting active inclusion, removing barriers that are visible and invisible. “That begins with the first step of collaboration. The next step is collective action and impact through community hubs. That then builds into a movement. “Then, a tipping point that will change the system.” The VolReach community hubs will be shaped by key areas of focus, including health and wellbeing, sports, intergenerational, and multicultural and multi-faith, with the goal of facilitating community-led social change projects. Details: https://bit.ly/3jkW5hl Michaela Meade

Microbrewer transforms a hobby into a dream career A Footscray man who took up home brewing as a lockdown hobby is now studying microbrewing. Rohan Kennedy, 29, is undertaking certificate III in food processing at Kangan Institute to make his hobby into a career. Mr Kennedy said he initially used YouTube videos as a guide for his home brews. “Over the pandemic I found that I had a bit of spare time so I started home brewing,” he said. “There was a home brewing shop near me so I ordered basic equipment and applied what I saw on YouTube videos.” Mr Kennedy said his brews are becoming

“more adventurous”. “Once a month I’ll set aside a weekend to brew about 20 litres of beer. It’s small scale – I do it for myself and friends,” he said. “I’ve been able to apply some of the learnings around style and production in that small macro environment and explore ways to do things better. The big pipe dream is to open and run my own microbrewery. “To do that I need to make sure I have the right understanding of how to perform and operate. “[The] course is providing a lot of content on that front.” Mr Kennedy said the Kangan course was a

chance for him to build on the knowledge he had accrued over the lockdown period. “The course has others like me who are passionate about the craft and beer, and others who are working in the industry looking to level up,” Mr Kennedy said. “We’ve got access to a teacher who is working as a craft brewer and able to give good, specific technical advice to some of the challenges we face in small batch brewing.” Michaela Meade Footscray microbrewer Rohan Kennedy. Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 9

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MY PLACE Pam West is one of the founders of ParKanDo, an organisation offering peer support for people living with Parkinson’s disease. She speaks with Michaela Meade. To ensure program continuity during COVID our activities are offered simultaneously online and in person (when permitted). This also assists those who cannot attend in person, such as those in nursing homes, to continue to participate. ParKanDo currently offers a guest speaker program, YEO (Young and early onset) Group, an annual activities fair, community seminars, Dance for Parkinson’s & Wellbeing, Master Movers (Strength and Balance). We now have 67 members. A key contributor to our success has been the support through grants from Hobsons Bay council and the Hobsons Bay Community Fund.

What is your connection to Hobsons Bay? I have lived, worked, and raised four children in Hobsons Bay over the last 37 years. More recently, I was one of four volunteers who formed ParKanDo, a grassroots peer support group for people living in the Melbourne’s west, impacted by Parkinson’s. What do you like about the area? Hobsons Bay is a great place to raise a family. It’s lovely to see my children revisiting the places that were a big part of their childhood: Hobsons Bay parks, beaches and playgrounds; Scienceworks, the miniature railway, historical walking trail and ferry rides .

What’s your favourite cafe/restaurant in the area and why? The Jolly Miller Café offers a diverse menu to suit all generations. A great kids menu, plenty for foodies and traditional dishes for the more conservative. Without exception the staff are very friendly and the meals arrive within a reasonable timeframe. Tell me about your role at ParKanDo? I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009. I found apart from ParkinSong Williamstown, there was very little on offer in Melbourne’s underrepresented west. Together with

(Damjan Janevski) 248483_04

What would you change or what could be improved? Not a Hobsons Bay specific problem, but I would like to change perceptions in the wider community to show that disability does not define a person nor does it tell you who they are. They are quite capable of doing things, and given a chance have a lot to contribute. three other like-minded people we launched ParKanDo in September 2019. To accommodate the daily challenges associated with Parkinson’s, roles are shared. I am co-Leader and co-Secretary. We recognise that people have individual needs and interests pre-diagnosis and it is the same post. ParKanDo offers a different model of peer support. Members are surveyed to identify preferred activities and funding is sought for pilot programs. Successful programs are then offered on an ongoing basis by the third party providers.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? I was the Junior State Champion for marching as a teenager. What has it been like running ParKanDo during lockdown? From April 2020 ParKanDo offered programs online via Zoom. Many people are now diagnosed in their 40’s and 50’s so about 20 per cent of our members were already IT savvy. Pro bono tech support was offered to older members to assist them access and use Zoom.

What are your thoughts overall on how your life has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic? It’s been a real rollercoaster ride. Not seeing my grandsons, for long periods, particularly following the birth of the newest member of our family, have been real downers. Prior to being vaccinated, I felt quite vulnerable due to COVID, fearing I could easily succumb to the virus, if exposed. That said, I believe the positives have far outweighed the negatives. ParKanDo reached people who would otherwise have remained isolated within the community and their engagement will continue online long after the pandemic. This would not have occurred if we were not required to function online. Helping others and giving back to the community is the best high and a great reason to get out of bed in the morning. The more engaged I was with ParKanDo the more confident I became.

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Champion for women By Goya Dmytryshchak

Champion for women ‘‘

still so much more to do and we can’t rest until it’s done - Paula Benson

’’

“She sent me straight off that morning for a transvaginal ultrasound and she got me in to see a gynaecological oncologist that night and I had the surgery the next week. “No one thought that I would have ovarian cancer because I was young, I was 34 – largely, it’s women in their 50s, 60s, 70s who are diagnosed – and I have no history of ovarian or breast cancer in my family. “So, no one suspected that it could be ovarian cancer; they could see that I had a large cyst attached to one of my ovaries and that the ovary was damaged and that the cyst and the ovary would need to be removed. “When I woke up, my gyne-oncologist told me that she was very sorry but she’d found ovarian cancer and had to undertake a radical hysterectomy. “It was very shocking for a young woman to have that experience but I know my cancer was diagnosed early, it hadn’t spread and I know how lucky I am.” Ms Benson said she knew her story was not typical for most women with ovarian cancer, which prompted her to offer her services to Ovarian Cancer Australia in 2006. The same year, she and spouse Stephen Conroy, a former Labor senator, had baby girl 12459042-CG36-20

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit maribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au/ subscribe 10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021

Paula Benson. (Joe Mastroianni). 226296_02

Isabella with the help of a surrogate mother and a separate egg donor. “I do have a beautiful daughter,” Ms Benson said. “She’s 14 now. “I was very fortunate. One of my girlfriends donated eggs and another girlfriend carried her for me, so I’m very lucky to be a mum.” On learning of her Australia Day recognition, Ms Benson said she hoped it would raise more awareness of ovarian cancer. “When I first found out about it I felt quite

emotional really thinking about everything that we at Ovarian Cancer Australia have achieved over the past decade,” she said. “But I was just reflecting today, the same week that I found out about potentially receiving the award, I heard about another friend of mine who’s just been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer and it was very grounding. “We’ve achieved so much, we’ve done so much and I’m so proud of that but there is still so much more to do and we can’t rest until it’s

done.” Ovarian Cancer Australia said under Ms Benson’s stewardship the organisation had achieved significant milestones, including developing and implementing Australia’s first national action plan for ovarian cancer research, securing $3 million federal funding for the Traceback ovarian cancer prevention program and the commitment of $20 million for ovarian cancer research from the federal government’s Medical Research Future Fund.

12449138-FA20-20

A Williamstown woman who has received an Australia Day honour for significant service to women with ovarian cancer has recalled her own diagnosis, which brought heartbreak but also gratitude. Paula Benson, who formerly chaired Ovarian Cancer Australia, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

12481548-SN07-21

By Goya Dmytryshchak

A Williamstown woman who has received an Australia Day honour for significant service to women with ovarian cancer has recalled her own diagnosis, which brought heartbreak but also gratitude. Paula Benson, who formerly chaired Ovarian Cancer Australia, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 34 in 2003. “I know I am one of the very lucky ones because my GP did all the right things for me,” Ms Benson said. “When I went to her, I had this unexplained abdominal bloating, changes in my urinary and bowel habits and I felt really full after eating not very much.

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KEEP IT LOCAL

Advertising feature

Anderson Family Lawyers giving up vices for charity Anderson Family Lawyers is taking action this September to support children, young people and families through Berry Street’s Ban it for Berry Street fundraising campaign. Through the entire month of September, the staff at Anderson Family Lawyers are giving up something special in order to raise funds for vulnerable children through charity organisation Berry Street. The vices they are choosing to sacrifice for the month includes chocolate, ice cream and soft drink, which will prove difficult but worthwhile as Victoria pushes through their sixth COVID lockdown. Throughout the pandemic, Berry Street has seen an increase in family violence referrals due to lockdown. Firm Principal Lucy Padula, decided to participate in the fundraising campaign due to the nature of her work with separating families needing assistance, with respect to the care arrangements for children and the division of matrimonial assets. “I asked my staff members if they would like to create a team and they were all eager to do so,” says Lucy. The Anderson Family Lawyers’ fundraising team has also been joined by Lucy’s eight-year-old daughter, Emily, who has decided to give up soft drink for the month of September. “When I set up the team page online, my daughter approached me and asked me what I was doing. When I explained to her what Berry Street did, she asked if she could join – I am extremely proud of her,” Lucy says. Emily said: “I am eight years old and I have signed up to Ban it for Berry Street to support other children who don’t have the things I have. “I am lucky to have a home and a loving family, including my pet. I am lucky that I can go to school and do all of the activities I do.” Emily has already surpassed her fundraising goal of $200 and continues to receive donations to support families, children and vulnerable

Eight-year-old Emily, pictured with her dog Sparky, is giving up soft drink to raise money for less fortunate people. (Supplied)

people. Anderson Family Lawyers practices exclusively in family law, specialising in the division of assets of separating couples, facilitating and formalising care arrangements for children, and assistance with family violence intervention orders. With their main office in Altona North, Anderson Family Lawyers caters to all Victorians as well as interstate clients, and the team also have visiting offices in Yarraville and Melbourne’s CBD. Through the pandemic, Anderson Family Lawyers have participated in family law court matters via video conference and phone calls,

as well as attending some trials partly in person. “I am proud that we have been able to adapt with technology and the family law courts have done an amazing job adapting in continuing to run matters online,” Lucy says. Recognised as an accredited specialist in family law by the Law Institute of Victoria, Lucy has been working in the legal services industry for over 20 years and practising as a solicitor for over 17 years. She will be sharing her experience and expertise with others by providing online webinars, of which the fees will also be donated to the fundraiser. Details of events can be found on the firm’s website, Instagram (@andersonfamilylawyers),

LinkedIn and Facebook pages (search Anderson Family Lawyers). In addition to money raised from giving up their sugary goods, Anderson Family Lawyers is donating $10 from each reduced-fee initial client appointment to Berry Street for the month of September. Further to this, the fees from one entire day of new client appointments will be donated to Berry Street. To learn more about the Ban it for Berry Street fundraiser, visit www.banitforberrystreet.org.au. Contact the team at Anderson Family Lawyers on 5536 9111 or visit www. andersonfamilylawyers.com.au.

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Pandemic learning challenges By Tara Murray Like many year 12 students, Tanner O’Mara has gone through a range of emotions over the last two years. With the pandemic adding to an already stressful period for VCE students, many have started to look at things a different way. Tanner, who goes to school at Mill Park Secondary College, said the last two years had been disruptive. “It’s been quite hard to be having face-to-face learning one day and online another,” he said. “It has a mental effect and it’s quite disruptive

motivation wise. Saying that my school and a lot of the other education institutions have been quite good in adapting the education to suit the students.” A Swinburne University study to coincide with the launch of its virtual open day tool, Swintopia, found that almost half of year 12 students said the pandemic has changed their views on enrolling in university in various ways. Tanner is one of them, planning to head straight to univeristy instead of taking a gap year. “Before the pandemic I was quite keen

looking at the humanities side of things... I still am, however knowing a lot of the jobs I was looking at might not even be there in a post-COVID environment, my thinking is pushing me to think about doing something more practical.” Tanner said that the universities had provided plenty of different ways for students to check them out without attending open days. He said Swintopia, which is a virtual, immersive and gamified experience, was something he enjoyed. “It feels like a computer game you played when you were a kid.”

Jackson and Isla found pinecones.

Tanner O’Mara.

(Damjan Janevski) 248146_01

Billie baked a cake.

Seaholme sees the good side of life in lockdown The Seaholme Primary School principal is encouraging his pupils and the wider community to see the good around them during lockdown. Ashley Craig has launched his very own “see the good, be the good” campaign, challenging the community to snap pictures of small moments of positivity all of this week, and then to do acts of good the week after. Mr Craig said he realised the idea of a positive challenge was important for the community. “It has been an extremely challenging time for our [pupils], parents and carers, our staff and the wider school community,” Mr Craig said. “At Seaholme Primary School our core values are respect, responsibility and resilience

and we have been focussing in on these more than ever during this time of unpredictability and exhaustion. “We’ve challenged our community to look for small joys and moments of light. “We know how important it is to consciously search out positivity. “It’s been heartening to see these images from families start to roll into our school email account.” Isla, six, said: “We found the pinecones on our bike ride [as part of the challenge]. “We used paint and glitter (to decorate them.) “They turned out good and I can’t wait to put them on our Christmas tree.”

The decorated pinecones. 12 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021

Michaela Meade

Jackson and Isla decorated pinecones on display.

Leah walked amongst the blossoming trees

(Pictures: Supplied)

Grace decorated biscuits.

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Main: Barbara (left) helps make masks. Above: A Legacy group Christmas party; Heidi and her four children have been helped by Legacy; Barbara (right) in 1990 with two widows

(Pictures: Supplied)

Caring for veterans’ families For almost 100 years, Legacy has helped provide financial and social support to veterans’ loved ones. Tara Murray speaks with former Legacy executive officer Barbara Leach about the support Legacy provided her family following her husband’s death.

W

hen Barbara Leach was going through tough times after her husband was killed in a car accident in the 1980’s, Legacy was there. They were there if she needed support and provided her two children with plenty of activities as they dealt with the death of their father. Barbara would later become a volunteer with Legacy and was the group’s executive officer for 20 years. “My late husband was a commander in the Royal Australian Navy,“ Barbara said. “We were heading to where we catch up with other navy friends we met up with every year. We had a car accident 20 kilometres from where we were going and he was killed in the accident. “From there my mother-in-law contacted Legacy a couple of weeks later. My oldest son was in Princes of Wales Hospital for three months. When we came back to Melbourne we were contacted by Legacy. “They offered all sorts of things especially for the boys as they were young … activities they had for the junior Legatees.” Barbara said the support offered to the boys by Legacy made a world of a difference to them.

She said they were able to meet and talk with other people with similar experiences. “My youngest son, who is now 45, was 10 at the time his father died and had a lot of major problems through it,” she said.

‘‘

For my boys to go on the camps with children going through what they were going through … was really important - Barbara Leach

’’

“One of his friends who he met through it who was the same age as him, they are the closest friends. They are just best friends and have been since they first met. “For my boys to go on the camps with children going through what they were going through, that was really important for children, they have got the support of other children.” Having seen the work that Legacy could do, Barbara put her hand up to help. She became one of the first support Legatees

and was inducted into Legacy in September 1991. “I was the only female at that time, I got really heavily involved on their fundraising and marketing committee and quite a lot of other things,“ Barbara said. “I was living in the Essendon area then and I ended up being an area co-ordinator for others who wanted to help out.” Barbara would end up talking with many of the widows involved with the Essendon, Footscray and Williamstown groups, providing them with a female voice to listen to. These days she is still involved with widows’ group in Essendon, organising regular events. As the Australian community celebrates Legacy Week this week, Legacy is this year focusing on Little Badge Big Impact – the notion that even the smallest of donations will have a real and heart-warming impact on veterans’ families. Like many other charities, Legacy’s fundraising has been impacted by the pandemic, with volunteers unable to sell badges. The community can show its support by making an online donation to Legacy or purchasing Legacy merchandise via an online

store. Nationally, Legacy cares for 43,000 veterans’ families, including widow/ers in their senior years, younger families with children, and veterans’ dependents with a disability. Barbara said it was important for people to still donate as there is a lot of work that needs to be done. “Some people may not think much goes on in Legacy these days not having conflicts like we used to have. “There is a big need there. Funds to help with Legatees’ activities, widows, school for children, parents and disabled dependents. “If people can donate, please do because its certainly necessary.” One of those that has been helped by the donations is Heidi, a navy veteran and a single mum to four boys, with her oldest two boys on the Autism spectrum. Legacy has helped Heidi and her boys by assisting with bills, school fees and uniforms and even speech therapy lessons. As a bonus, Heidi’s family has also found friendship and support with the Legacy volunteers and Legatees they interact with. Details: www.legacyweek.com.au.

Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 13

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Monthly book sale Friends of Altona Library’s monthly book sale is on from 10am to 1pm Friday, September 3, Saturday, September 4 and Tuesday, September 7. Rear of Altona Library 123 Queens Street Altona, access via Coles carpark.

MS volunteers The Multiple Sclerosis Community Visitors Scheme is seeking female Maltese and Italian volunteers to make a weekly visit to aged care residents in Altona Meadows and Point Cook. ■ Sue, 9845 2744 or volunteer@ms.org. au

Bridge lessons Williamstown Bridge Club is offering lessons in learning to play bridge from Friday, September 3. Lessons are on Fridays from 10am-12.45pm at Hobsons Bay Sport and Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road, Altona. First two lessons free. For those wishing to continue for a further six weeks, the cost is $80 and includes a workbook. ■ Serita, 0410 599 323 or seritamudford@hotmail.com

Free computer workshops Williamstown Community and Education Centre is running free computer workshops on how to use Zoom (Tuesday, September 7), internet banking (Wednesday, October 6) and setting up a MyGov account (Sunday, November 7). Workshops are at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Renee, 9397 6168

Additional needs support MyTime at Tweddle Newport is a peer support group for parents and carers of children with additional needs. The group meets each Friday at 10am during term three in the community room at Newport Gardens Early Years Centre, 51 Maddox Road, Newport. ■ kim.mace@tweddle.org.au

Diabetes support group The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

Hobsons Bay band Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join the community band. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 7.30pm at Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com

Altona North combined probus The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 9369 1785

Women’s choir The Willin Wimmin choir meets Wednesdays during school terms at Church of Christ hall, corner John Street and Douglas Parade, Williamstown, from 7.30-9.30pm. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. ■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Friendship Group Altona Day View Club (Voice Interest Education of Women) meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. ■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is a collection of ‘closed’ signs on the doors of the local businesses during the latest lockdown. (Damjan Janevski) 248026_01

Laverton Community Choir

Dads’ playgroup

All welcome for a friendly singing get-together, suitable for all ages and abilities on Thursday nights from 7pm during school term at the Laverton P-12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton. ■ Ada, 0419 116 013

Tarneit Community Learning Centre hosts a dads’ playgroup every week on Thursdays. The morning starts at 9.30am and promises to be a chance for male caregivers to connect with each other and form new friendships. ■ Shaun, 0455 521 154

Rotary club Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. Visitors welcome. ■ Pam, 0418 347 691 or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Expressions of interest to start a Fibromyalgia and CFS Support Group in Manor Lakes and surrounding areas. Connect with real people and share information, experiences, problems and solutions. ■ wyndham.fibrogroup@gmail.com

The Deer Park Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at The Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, from 10am. New members and visitors are welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

Knitting and crochet group A keen knitter and want to find some people to knit with? This is the group for you. The social group meets on Tuesdays between 10am and 12pm at the Keilor Community Hub. The group will run until September 14. ■ keilorcp@brimbank.vic.gov.au

AL-ANON meets AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough. ■ 0412 432 760

14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021

The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Tax return help Melton South Community Centre is now booking appointments for members of the community wanting help with their 2020-21 tax returns, as well as eligible households wanting to claim the $250 Power Saving Bonus. ■ 9747 8576.

Love Our Street 3029 Come join the volunteer community litter clean-up crew in Hoppers Crossing, which meets on the third Sunday of the month, 10.30am-noon. ■ Karen, 3029@loveourstreet.com.au

Patchwork 25th anniversary Deer Park probus

Zonta club meets

Fibro/CFS Support

Mouth organ band The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. New members, players or beginners welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190 or ymob1933@ yahoo.com.au

sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

Wyndham Patchworkers is celebrating their 25th Anniversary Quilt on Saturday, September 11 10am-3.30pm at St James the Apostle Catholic Church Hall, 336 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing. For an entry fee of $15, you can enjoy morning and afternoon tea, and hear guest speaker Veronique Diligent. BYO lunch, the day will include a raffle, door prizes, show and tell, and local traders. Pre booking is mandatory. No door sales. ■ www.trybooking.com/ BRGRN, Donna, 0417 268887, WyndhampatchworkersInc@hotmail.com

Singing group Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413

Melton South Knit & Natter All welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while

Sewing classes in Melton South Intro to Sewing is now open for enrolments at Melton South Community Centre. Beginners can learn how to use their sewing machine and work on some simple projects. Weekly classes run on Tuesdays until September 14 or on Thursdays until September 16, 9.30am to noon. The cost is $50.00/$30.00 concession. ■ 9747 8576.

Mahjong group Interested in learning to play Mahjong? U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ https://u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

First aid courses Melton South Community Centre offers a number of first aid courses for people wanting to learn or renew these valuable skills. One-day classes are held on Saturdays throughout the year. ■ 9747 8576

Melton Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63A Reserve Road, from 9.45am. New members and visitors are most welcome. ■ 9746 0271

PUZZLES No. 044

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.

easy

7 3 1 2 8 9 8 7 9 4 2 8 3 5

6 4

6

1 5 2

8 2 5 6 3 1 7 2 6 9 1 2 medium

3 8 6

QUICK CROSSWORD Cries out (8) Baltic country (6) Erect (5) Place in new arrangement (9) Slavic language (7) Musician (7) Enslave (9) Unadorned (4) Sulk (4) Assertion (9) Relating to the stars (7) Second thoughts (7) Guesser (9) Examine (5) Oppose (6) Initiations (8)

12 13 14 17 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

Spirit to stimulate appetite (8) Legal counsel right (7) Antenna (6) Clear of blame (9) Warned (7) Chatterbox (6) Sickens (9) Explosive (1.1.1.) Broken down (8) French bacteriologist (7) Elf (6) European country (7) Missing digits (7) Fastens (6) Religious (5)

3

ACROSS 1 5 10 11

No. 044

4 6 7 8 9 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 26

DOWN Otic membrane (7) Winds (5)

1 2

DECODER

No. 044

9 3

6 8 9 5 4 7 1 6 8 3 1 9 2 8 3 2 4 5 1 7 6 5 hard

6 3

4 2 6

21

22

23

24

25

26

9

3

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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

L

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 17 words: Very good

B

N

U

1 4 7 3 2 9 8 5 6

4 8 9 6 1 2 7 3 5

I

4 LETTERS AWES BROW CLOD DARE DEED ILLS ISLE MAPS MESS ROLE SAGS SAPS STAB TEXT

INERT LAMER LEDGE MAKER OCTAL OKING OPERA PASTA PEONS PIERS RAISE RESET RESIN RIVAL ROMPS ROOST SCRAM SHELL SIXTH SLAMS SMUTS

START STEAM SUGAR SWEPT TENET TENTS TOOTH TYRES WEARY 6 LETTERS EASELS MYSELF SALAMI TREBLE

7 LETTERS BEFALLS LIGHTER OVERALL RASHEST UNICORN WARHEAD 8 LETTERS CAROUSES MARITIME SCRATCHY TELEGRAM

audibly, auld, badly, bald, band, bandy, baud, bind, bland, blind, build, daily, daub, dial, dual, duly, idly, INAUDIBLY, inlaid, lady, laid, land, laud 03-09-21

No. 044 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

R E C T E D

I

C

C R E M E R I V A L I M A G E

5 7 2 9 8 3 1 6 4

3 6 1 4 5 7 2 9 8 8 9 2 1 5 6 3 7 4

T

I

No. 044

5 LETTERS AGILE ANNEX ARENA AROMA ATONE AWAKE BLOCS CAUSE CEASE CEDAR CLASH DEPOT DOGMA DRAGS EDITS EMAIL EVOKE EXPEL GOOSE HEIRS

QUICK QUIZ

1

What are the professions of Mario Bros. Mario and Luigi?

2

In what two countries does Mt Everest reside?

3

Valencia, blood and navel are all what type of fruit?

4

What animal is on the Porsche logo?

5

What nationality is tennis player Novak Djokovic?

6

Christine Campbell, Selina Meyer and Elaine Benes are all characters played by which actor?

M

2 3 8 5 6 1 9 4 7

8 1 4 7 9 5 6 2 3 1 5 3 7 2 4 8 9 6

I

Y

D

E

2 5 9 1 8 6 4 7 3

9 5 6 8 7 4 3 1 2

E

10 11 12 13

1

6 2 5 1 3 8 4 7 9

7 9 3 2 4 6 5 8 1

6 4 7 3 8 9 1 2 5

3 1 6 5 9 7 4 8 2

5 7 4 8 1 2 6 3 9

A E

8

O N 20

7 8 4 9 3 5 2 1 6

3 1 6 7 4 2 9 8 5

5 2 8 6 7 9 1 3 4

9 2 8 6 4 3 5 1 7

4 3 5 2 7 8 9 6 1

2 8 9 4 6 1 7 5 3

E

E A

E

7

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

19

I

6

18

E I

5

A

4 6 7 8 1 3 5 2 9

9 3 1 2 5 4 7 6 8

6 4 3 5 2 7 8 9 1

8 7 5 3 9 1 6 4 2

1 9 2 4 6 8 3 5 7

7 6 1 9 3 5 2 4 8

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

C

4

23 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

3

17

medium

2

16

easy

1

15

4 8 6 9 4 7 8 1 4 6 9 7 5 6 5 7 1 8

14

7 7 3

3 LETTERS ADO ALE ART BOW CHI EBB EEL ERR EWE ILL ITS LIP MEG OFF PAS PEA RAN RIG RIP SAC SEE TNT UTE VAT

G R U H EWL Q J TMV I

5

D C Z B X F S A Y P KON

8

WORDFIT

7

In art history, which movement came between the Baroque and Neoclassicism periods?

8

Country singer Carrie Underwood (pictured) came to prominence on which TV show?

9

In physics, force equals mass times what?

10 Author Jon Krakauer is a proponent of what physical pursuit? ANSWERS: 1. Plumbers 2. Nepal, China 3. Orange 4. Horse 5. Serbian 6. Julia LouisDreyfus 7. Rococo 8. American Idol 9. Acceleration 10. Mountaineering

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 15

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

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T V CONCRETING GSpecialising in all types of concreting.

1152992-LB36-14

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For free quote call David on 0413 789 755 AH: 9323 0977

9398 5005

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0418 546 808 G6210923

Maribyrnong Electricians g All Pricin t Up-Fron

All Types Of Electrical Work • Switchboard Upgrades • Free Quotes • Pensioner Discounts • Smoke Alarms • Safety Switches • Reasonable Rates • LED Lighting • No Job Too Small • Sweep Fans & Power Points • 24hr Service TV Outlets & Antennas REC 12351

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C753520-KK1-10

12445949-RC14-20

AA CABINETS

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V Handy Persons

12450406-AM23-20

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

PTY LTD

Motoring

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"We do all the small jobs that the bigger companies don't have time for" Up to 60 square metres Shed floors, paths, driveways etc. Coloured, plain, slate and stencil. FREE MEASURE & QUOTE Workmanship guaranteed, with over 30 years experience

Specialising in quality kitchen facelifts Re-laminating existing bench tops & doors New cabinets-Kitchen, Laundry, Bathroom

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0410 330 026

SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS

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Supply, Laying & Design Sanding & Polising all timber floors

Lic No. REC 30504

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Specialising in Parquetry

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Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more... yes we can

SERVICING MARIBYRNONG AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

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Call 1300 850 696 or 0433 874 699 www.surefreeze.com.au L065074

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Call 0430 332 368

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

We NEVER

Close Lic No. REC 30504

CALL 1300 666 808

Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! 16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021

12472281-SG48-20

V Concrete Products & Services

12416265-CG17-19

Doug 0410 227 974 or Brent 0416 913712

Call Chris 9399 8104 or 0419 329 550

ALZANI FLOORING

12441118-CG07-20 G6084690AA-dc12Jun

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V Floor Services

12360798-DJ33-17

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• General Carpentry • Decking • Carports • Pergolas • Re-roofing, Home Renovations and Alterations (Local Tradies)

Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739 ฀

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

CUSTOM DECKS & PERGOLAS

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

12412038-FA09-10

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8348 5441

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12396477-DJ34-18

Deadline for all classifications is 2:30pm Tuesday.

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12402755-RA44-18

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12358692-EPJ30-17

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12427253-FA39-19

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KITCHEN FACELIFTS

MEL-ASH REFRIGERATION

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• Fridges • Freezers L011010 / AU-05387 • Air Conditioners • Car Re-gassing

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For A Free Quote Call MARK: 0425

9366 7831 - 0417 556 963

772 304

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT NEWPORT INCLUDING 5G

• 100% Australian Made & Owned • 10 years replacement warranty • Electric, manual or combination • Single and group remote controlled • Connected to smoke alarm (auto-lift)

G6453707AA-dc13Nov

Ph: Ali: 0402 766 406 / 8360 9345 12416368-CG17-19

Showroom @ 18 Quinn Drive, Keilor PArk, 3042

seaview

12447332-NG17-20

0439 858 298 V Plumbing

0418 560 978

THE PLUMBING COMPANY

www.allwestbinhire.com.au

EMERGENCY 24/7

12490425-AV15-21

• Blocked Drains • Drain Camera • Burst Pipes • Hot Water Services • Roof Repairs • Gas Servicing

Ph: 9360 0466

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SERVICE

1235322622-PB22-17

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12424562-SN33-19

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NEWPORT PLUMBING PTY LTD 26 Hosking St. Williamstown. 3016 • Carbon Monoxide Testing • Hot Water Services • Burst Pipes

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12507111-HC33-21

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Reg No 8659

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12497987-LB23-21

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12340308-HM08-17

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

***Only qualified people need apply 12499136-HC24-21

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

HOPPERS CROSSING SECONDARY COLLEGE GARDENER / MAINTENANCE (ES 1-1) FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 – SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 (FIXED TERM) 1.0 Applications are invited from suitably qualified, experienced and highly motivated applicants seeking a challenging and rewarding education support role at this large secondary college. Details of the position are available on the college website (www.hopcross.vic.edu.au) or by telephoning Gay Torner, Business Manager on 03 9974 7777. (email: gay.torner@education.vic.gov.au)

Find it in the

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Applications must be lodged at the Department of Education and Training Recruitment-on-line website www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/careers/vacs Job Reference 1235625

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• Installation of Three (3) new Vodafone 5G panel antennas and Six (6) Optus 5G Panel antennas (Nine in total) not more than 2.8m in length to be located on the proposed new mounts; 5HSODFHPHQW DQG UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI H[LVWLQJ 7KUHH Vodafone 4G panel antennas not more than 2.8m in length to be located on the proposed new mounts; 5HSODFHPHQW DQG UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI H[LVWLQJ 7KUHH (3) Optus 4G panel antennas not more than 2.8m in length to be located on the proposed new mounts; 5HFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI H[LVWLQJ DQG LQVWDOODWLRQ RI QHZ ancillary equipment, including steel works, RRUs, GPS antennas, cabling and other items associated with safety and operation of the facility; and 5HFRQÀJXUDWLRQ DQG LQVWDOODWLRQ RI HTXLSPHQW ZLWKLQ the existing equipment shelter.

2. Vodafone and Optus regards the proposed installation as an exempt proposal under the A Code of Practice for Telecommunications Facilities in Victoria (2004) based on the description above. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Abhishek Gampala from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0466 898 356 or at communityrelations.vha@groups. nokia.com COB Wednesday 15 September 2021. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3025003

12509783-BL35-21

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PLACE YOUR

General Notices

12510900-JW36-21

FIVE STAR REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING G6638324AA-dc18Feb

5

STAR

Please email CV to: admin@contechengineering.com

V Pets & Services

section of Network Classifieds.

V Positions Vacant

NEED

1. The proposed upgrade to the existing facility involves:

V Reblocking/Underpinning

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In return you will be given above award wages, overtime when available, monthly RDOs, protective clothing & footwear, after a 3 month trial period.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING FACILITY ON ROOFTOP OF ALTONA GATE SHOPPING CENTRE, 124 – 134 MILLERS ROAD, ALOTNA NORTH VIC - 3025 (RFNSA: 3025003)

Paul Catoggio 0448 411 593 pccplumbing@outlook.com

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The successful applicant must be able to read drawings and work with minimal supervision, site installation may be required.

V Garage Sales

V Public Notices and Event

• Repairs to tap wares and replacement washers/ceramic • Same day hot water service replacements

ConTecH is a growing Australian Owned Company with a world wide customer base. ConTecH are suppliers to the food processing and packaging industries.

A TEACHER Available for ADVERTISERS, in this sec- tutoring. Mathematics, tion are qualified practi- Science, Chemistry, Chitioners and offer non- nese and Japanese. Phone sexual services. 0418 871 203

C & D Schroeder 9337 3695 or 0415 816 882

PCC Plumbing • General plumbing • Roofing • Downpipes and Spouting • Sewer Blockages

SINGLE BED MATTRESS & BASE good condition $60 the lot. Ph: 0421 930 114.

ANY TREES LOPPED Free Quote 7 Day Service 45 yrs exp.

12370916-RC45-17

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V Tree Lopping/Surgery

Trees Pruned Reshaped Grubbed out. All Foliage/Rubbish Removed Fully Insured $10m Pensioner Discount

MIRMICLicPLUMBING 35031 ฀

V For Sale

12469374-CG46-20

Qualified Fitter For the fitting of stainless steel conveyors.

12400498-CG38-18

• Gas Leaks • General Plumbing • Blocked Sewers

Open 7 days 48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

$100/ 30mins

Phone only between

V Positions Vacant

General Classifieds Rainbow Dolls

Required to work full time in a cheese factory from 2.00am till 10.00am. Fast paced environment. Some heavy lifting involved. Must be reliable, enthusiastic, able to work unsupervised, and keen to work. EARLY MORNING START

9am-3pm Monday-Friday 9338 6644

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Vanessa Wan at Axicom, 02 9495 9000, community@axicom.com.au or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Thursday 16 September 2021. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3015002.

V Adult Services

PROCESS WORKER

section of Network Classifieds.

12511051-SN36-21

Walk in bins 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 & 20m3 6 days

12449427-FA21-20

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Driver Required

Professional Services

2. Vodafone regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), based on the description above

V Rubbish Removal

Painting Services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

FOR FREE MEASURE & QUOTE PH: 9336 0005 JORDAN: 0413 708 238

C915642-JM14-11

A & R Affordable Painter OZTEC WINDOW SHUTTERS ✓ 20 years Experience. ✓ Commercial & Domestic ✓ 20% Pension Discount ✓ FREE QUOTE

V Positions Vacant

Find it in the

3203 Newport: 8 Derwent Street, Newport VIC 3015 (RFNSA 3015002) 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new equipment and associated works, including 5G, as follows: r Removal of existing Vodafone antennas and equipment r Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 2.7m long, on the existing headframe r Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the existing headframe r Installation of ancillary equipment including fifteen (15) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling

V Roller Shutters

V Painters/Decorators

12423634-SN31-19

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V Positions Vacant

For Mobile canteen in Altona area. Must have manual licence. Ph: 0418 922 293

NEW STAFF?

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Employment

12400545-LB38-19

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& AIR CONDITIONING - DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

V Positions Vacant

Apprentice Fitter & Turner

Please email CV to: admin@contechengineering.com

Use code: EMPDISC

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

ConTecH is a growing Australian Owned Company with a world wide customer base. ConTecH are suppliers to the food processing and packaging industries. In return you will be given above award wages, overtime when avail, monthly RDOs, protective clothing & footwear, after a 3 month trial period.

Get 10% Discount

Fill your position online

VET in Engineering required.

V Professional

12499141-CG24-21

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V Public Notices and Event 12473978-JW50-20

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Employment

12502709-SN28-21

Trades & Services

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Audi offers a little devil of a car By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring If the Audi R8 supercar could be called a beast, by the same token, the SQ2 small sports utility vehicle, by the German maker, surely earns the title little devil. The figures speak for themselves. The R8 quattro serves up 449 kW and 560 Nm, launching the car from rest to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, the SQ2 quattro 221 kW and 400 Nm, a tad over a second slower. Unremarkably, cost is $395,000 (R8) against $64,400 (SQ2), plus on-roads, but who’s counting? With a worldwide shift to SUVs, after some years on sale in Europe, Audi has taken the opportunity to launch a refreshed version of the performance compact in Australia. Outside of the R8, Audis with an ‘S’ in the model designation are generally accepted to have something special and the SQ2 is no exception, as the figures above illustrate. It’s all down to a 2.0-litre TFSI engine, mated with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, plus sport suspension and progressive steering to ensure performance is up to sporting scratch for a compact SUV.

Styling Up front the SQ2 eschews modern-day sports utility vehicle matt black radiator grille for a highly decorative pattern of shiny metallic swirls and straight lines, flanked by Matrix LED headlamps, dynamic indicators and large geometric air intakes. Side on, the car maintains SUV status quo with square proportions from bonnet to boot, the only concession to crossover coupe styling being a shallow dip of the roof approaching the C-pillar. Nothing can compare with the bling of the front, except maybe the red brake calipers lurking behind five double-spoke V-style 19-inch alloy wheels and double twin chrome-tipped exhaust tips poking from under the rear bumper.

Interior The cabin is straight out of the Audi

The Audi SQ2 brings a new level of performance to the compact SUV segment.

performance car playbook. Front occupants are firmly welcomed by heated sport seats in Nappa leather with ‘S’ embossed black upholstery. The ‘S’ logo is repeated on the three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifts and multifunction buttons. The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with S-specific display has a configurable information display, while an 8.3-inch dash-mounted screen features MMI navigation plus, smartphone interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio and Audi Drive Select info.

Infotainment Occupants can be entertained via a Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, featuring 14 hi-fi speakers outputting a total of 705 Watts. Wireless phone charging is a convenient fixture. Engines / transmissions Four cylinders in line add up to 1.984 litres developing maximum power of 221 kW between 5300 and 6500 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2000 to 5200 revs on premium unleaded petrol. Power is put to ground through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

18 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021

(Pictures: Supplied)

Safety The SQ2 features the Audi Pre-Sense basic system, with adaptive cruise control with stop/ go, active lane assist and side assist (blind spot alert). Also included are Pre-Sense City, with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also on hand is Parking System Plus, front and rear, with rear view camera and park assist.

Driving At the heart of the SQ2 performance is the 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor, capable of delivering peak power of 221 kW at 5300 rpm, with 400 Nm of torque on tap between 2000 and 5200 revs. Over a longish-term with the test vehicle taking on conditions ranging from shuffling through heavy city traffic to motorway cruising and lung-busting acceleration on country twists and turns, the engine coped well, growling only when pushed. Long-term fuel consumption worked out at around 10 litres per 100 kilometres compared with makers combined claim of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Audi Drive Select gave the driver a chance to match the car with his moods at the flick of a

switch on the dashboard and its connection to a centre-console knob. Needless to say, Efficient mode dumbed down acceleration, while softening the ride to almost soporific standards. Comfort and Automatic dialled up power, plus stiffer ride and handling, while Dynamic sharpened the lot enough for a teeth-rattling ride on even slightly irregular road surfaces. Individual mode defied deeper investigation due to lack of time with the car and the absence of a track with a clear run. Absence of a head-up display was noted. Leg room in the rear could be cramped with a tall driver in front. The boxy exterior makes for ample head room in the cabin. Boot space is on the slim side (355 litres, with the floor at its lowest) but there’s added convenience loading and unloading with a power tailgate, whose opening can be programmed for height to prevent tall owners bumping themselves.

Summary Which motoring enthusiast would not be tempted by Audi’s devilish little compact SQ2? The 60K-plus price tag may be a stumbling block for some, but you do get a lot of kit for the price. These days a three-year warranty seems a bit stingy.

Young gun Bozinovski signs contract with United One of the western suburbs’ most talented soccer players, Rhys Bozinovski is looking to make his mark with Western United in the A-League. Bozinovski has signed a two year scholarship contract with the club after standing out with United’s National Premier League side, scoring four goals in 13 games this season. At just 17, Bozinovski is thrilled to get such an opportunity. “It is really exciting and I’m really happy about it,” he said. “I had been performing well in the NPL season and I was getting a bit of credit for it. “I was hoping something like this could come about, but it was a bit of a shock when I got the call, it came out of nowhere.” Bozinovski has always played soccer, with a love for the game running in his family. His grandfather Willie Vassallo captained

Malta and was one of their star players before migrating to Australia. Bozinovski said while his grandfather didn’t understand the Australian soccer system, he was proud of what he had achieved so far. The Taylors Lakes resident started his soccer career with Spring Hills before moving to Sunshine [Now Caroline Springs] George Cross. He then moved to Melbourne City’s youth program. While there, he represented Victoria at two national championships. While Bozinovski enjoyed his time at City, the urge to play closer to home saw him make the move to United’s academy program early this year. “I was at Melbourne City for about four years before United,” he said. “At the state of this year, United opened up their youth academy and I thought it would

be a good opportunity to go give it a shot and everything worked out pretty well. “I’m honoured to represent a club like Western United, especially coming from the western suburbs as well.” The NPL season was Bozinovski’s first time in a senior environment. He said it took some time to get used to. He was starting to feel comfortable and have a real impact when the season was put on hold due to COVID-19. While that’s on hold, he’s lucky enough to still train regularly as part of the A-League squad. “I’m training full-time with them,” he said. “It’s really good that I don’t have to stay at home and be bored all day, I’m with them most of the time which is really good.” Bozinovski has his sights on an A-League debut in the upcoming season and eventually

Gators eye the finals

Altona Gators’ Jaylen-Rose Hawea.

(Supplied, Big V)

that there’s so many people you have to stop on our team.” This season marks Wilkosz’s first with the club. Wilkosz said it has been a great experience that came with a slight learning curve. “These girls, and the whole club in general, have been so welcoming,” he said. “They made it easy from the start. “They’re one of the most welcoming clubs and groups of people I’ve ever been a part of.

he would love to play for Australia. “I really want to make my debut for the club and keep performing so I can stay in that environment and keep playing for them, that’s what you really wanting to be doing.” Tara Murray

Seagulls farewell president

By Michaela Meade The Altona Gators’ women’s team will be sorely disappointed if they don’t get the chance to shine in the Big V division 2 finals. This season is the team’s first returning to the Big V competition since the league dropped them in 2017, and the Gators have shone throughout, currently sitting comfortably at the top of the ladder. The Gators have won 12 games this season, and only lost two. They are ahead of second place, Sherbrooke, by one point. Despite the Gators’ strong performance, they may not walk away with a trophy this year. Big V has announced that if COVID-19 restrictions continue through to Monday, September 13, finals will not go ahead, and no winner will be crowned in any competition. “[The] deadline dates are in place to ensure athletes are provided an opportunity to train together in the week leading up to the finals commencing,” Big V said in a statement. “While the league would like to provide a more extended training opportunity prior to the commencement of finals, we do not have the luxury of additional weeks to complete the season. “The overwhelming response to the ‘latest completion date’ for the season was September 18-19, via survey response.” Gators coach Cameron Wilkosz said the players would be very disappointed if they don’t get the chance to play finals. “It’s hard because they had to start at the bottom again,” he said. “If [we’d have] won division 2, we would’ve moved up to division 1. “I get it [the decision to possibly not letting finals go ahead], but from our standpoint, the girls are saying we’ve worked so hard. “They just want that recognised.” Wilkosz said that whilst the club is like a family, where everyone pulls their weight, there were some standouts throughout the season. “Jaylen-Rose Hawea, our shooting guard, who’s ninth in league for rebounding, is just a force of nature,” he said. “She’s second in the league in assists, and she leads in steals. “She’s amazing. “Reyhan Aziz, she averages a double double, which is just an incredible thing that I hope she holds her head high about. “And Sharna Appleby, she just lights up the board every week. “She’s fifth in the league in scoring, and that’s her coming into a new club this year. “The reason that we have been so good is

Rhys Bozinovski is enjoying life with Western United. (Supplied)

“The talent level that these guys have, quite a few of them should be playing at a higher level. “They’re quite an offensive group … I’m a defensive coach, but I’ve had to swallow my pride a bit and let them have that power at the other end.” Pending restrictions, the Gators will face Wallan in the first semi-final on Saturday, September 11 with the grand final to be played on Sunday, September 12.

Williamstown CYMS Football Club is celebrating outgoing president Steph Payne as she steps back from her duties to focus on her family. Commercial operations vice-president Gavin Deller said Payne’s contribution to the club in her four years as president was very memorable. “She’s been great for us as a club,” Deller said. “She had driven our inclusion program, which got more people involved in the club, and drove out women in football program as well. “She led the club going from a male based board of committee, to a more gender balanced one, which has just been great. “She led us remarkably well last year in COVID, and managed to have our club in a good position.” Payne took the president role with the Seagulls in 2017, and was at the head of the club when they took out the 2019 men’s premiership in the club’s “most successful period in our history”. Deller said Payne was also responsible for overseeing the development of major capital works programs at the club, and for the implementation of the club’s current strategic plan. Deller said Payne will not be ceasing all involvement in the club, but needs to reduce the intensity as she moves into the next phase of her life as a mother. “We’re a family club, it’s all about people,” he said. “When somebody’s stepping back because they’re going into a really exciting, new chapter of their life, growing their family, it’s only a positive thing. “We couldn’t possibly be more happy for her. “Whenever any good person reduces their involvement.. You have to work hard to fill the gap, and that’s what we’ll be focusing on in a few weeks’ time.” Deller said the club would be looking for someone to fill Payne’s shoes in the next few weeks, but it would be a tough role to fill. Michaela Meade

Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 19

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