Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 15th September 2021

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15 SEPTEMBER, 2021

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Smiles after vaccination

(Joe Mastroianni). 250243_02

Point Cook triplets Ella, Max and Will are among the many teenagers in Melbourne’s western suburbs who are keen to re-connect with family and friends after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. The 16-year-old siblings received their vaccinations at the Laverton Respiratory Hub last week. Mother Nicole said the triplets had wanted to get a vaccine as soon as they were able to, so they could safely return to school and playing sport. Most importantly, Nicole said Will, Max and Ella were especially looking forward to visiting their Pa, who lives in Ballarat and has pancreatic cancer. Nicole said the triplets wanted to encourage other young people to get vaccinated against coronavirus. “It is such a positive story of moving towards opening up and they are excited,” she said. Werribee MP Joanne Ryan has also praised Wyndham residents who have been vaccinated. “To my community, I want to say, this is a race and I’m glad to see that you’re in it,” she said. Triplets Will, Ella and Max.

Cannabis to drop rates Maribyrnong council is planning to become the first Australian council to grow medicinal cannabis to reduce household rates. Mayor Michael Clarke said with the rapidly rising domestic demand for medicinal cannabis, an opportunity existed to cultivate, produce and manufacture it within the municipality. He said the enterprise could deliver a source of revenue independent of rates and boost local employment. “It’s become increasingly apparent, particularly with COVID, the community are really hurting financially,” Cr Clarke said.

“The community ask us to look at rates. They ask, can we reduce rates? “We know that people are looking to council to try and provide services but reduce costs. “We’ve done a scan of what we can get into and it looks like we’re fairly clear: that the industry of medicinal cannabis represents a huge opportunity to council.” Cr Clarke said the industry was still in its infancy with huge growth potential. “We know that it is going to grow incredibly significantly between now and 2025, and we understand it will continue to grow,” he said. “Importantly, it’s an industry that we can enter in to and it’s not going to impact on other segments of the business sector in our

community – this is an industry that no one else is involved in. “It’s an ethical industry: we’re looking at providing a product that’s going to help the health and wellbeing of our community. “It’s an opportunity for employment. “In a world where Australia has lost its manufacturing base, it’s lost its heavy industry, this is an industry that we can enter in to that’s a growth industry – that is potentially a major export industry for us and it can be undertaken by council.” He said Footscray previously had its own electricity business until it was bought out by the former State Electricity Commission, so the council entering industry was not new.

Medicinal cannabis products are prescribed by doctors to treat symptoms of a medical condition or the side effects of a medical treatment. “This is to help people with chronic pain, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, epilepsy,” Cr Clarke said. “It’s an industry that will have a strong academic research to it at its base but it will be a financially-driven industry where we are looking to generate substantial amounts of money where we can significantly impact on household rates. “We want to reduce the rate burden.” The community will be consulted before plans proceed. 12512151-HC38-21

By Goya Dmytryshchak

Local grants program – apply now Every day our customers help change lives, simply by banking with us. Our Community Grants program is currently open and closes on October 31, so get your applications in now. Contact Melissa Longo at bdm@hobsonsbaycfs.com.au

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‘Do the right thing’ pleads prominent west GP A prominent western suburbs doctor has called out those breaching chief health officer directions during the COVID lockdown. Altona North GP and Australian Medical Association state council chairman, Mukesh Haikerwal, said the system wouldn’t work unless everyone complied. It comes as an Altona North family – widely misreported as coming from Newport – was visited by police for allegedly failing to comply with COVID isolation requirements. A Victoria Police spokesperson said officers

were called to help Department Health staff at the family’s Altona North home. “Victoria Police assisted authorised officers from the Department of Health serve a Direction and Detention Notice on the occupants of an address in Altona North [Wednesday],” the spokesperson said. “At the time police attended there were no identified breaches of chief health officer directions.” Dr Haikerwal, who is delivering vaccines at both the Altona North Respiratory Clinic

and a trial ‘surge centre’ at Altona Badminton Centre, said people not following the rules were putting everyone “in jeopardy”. “The system works on fairness, telling the truth and sticking to the rules, and each one of those is not being followed,” he said. “People are not being fair: they’re booking three or four different appointments in different places just so they can be head of the crowd – and not cancelling. They’re not being truthful: they’re coming and saying that they have no symptoms when they have.

“And also they’re not complying. And each of those things is putting us all in jeopardy.” Dr Haikerwal said he had faced abuse for asking people to do the right thing. “For us, doing the right thing puts us in jeopardy because they’re doing the wrong thing,” he said. “Why should they get away with it when I keep getting clobbered every time they completely stuff up the system by not doing the right thing?”

Tunnel road pain ahead

Yasmin Elhassan, 18, holds a ‘#jabdone’ sticker after receiving her first dose.

(Damjan Janevski) 250122_01

Demand for jab grows The Australian Islamic Centre at Newport has increased its daily vaccinations from 270 to 400 due to demand and has capacity for double that number. A pop-up hub opened on Tuesday last week at the Blenheim Road site and was originally expected to deliver 270 doses a day from Monday to Friday until September 20. Last Wednesday, centre manager Taher Elrafihi said extra appointments were released and daily vaccinations increased to 400. The centre is also open seven days now. “We have the capacity to do 800,” Mr Elrafihi said. “It’s the staffing that’s probably holding us a bit back from going to the 800 mark. “Right now we’ve got everything booked at

400 a day. “Vaccines are not the issue – it’s having the staff, the admin to be able to keep up. “Whenever we release appointments, they’re getting booked out straight away so the demand’s there, the vaccine’s are there – it’s mostly just staffing really.” The pop-up vaccination hub is being run in partnership with Western Health. Lisa Smith, project director of the West Metro COVID-19 vaccination program, said the vaccination initiative at the centre had been a success. “The service has been very well received by the community. We’ve had a lot of families coming through,” she said. A Department of Health spokesperson said there were plans to increase vaccinations at the centre.

“Cultural safety plays an important role in healthcare, which is why we’re working closely with community and faith leaders to set up vaccination clinics in locations trusted by our diverse communities,” the spokesperson said. “By providing culturally appropriate vaccination services, ensuring bilingual medical staff are on hand and taking vaccines to where they’re needed, we’re doing everything we can to ensure everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can get one. “With most appointments at the Newport clinic already booked, we’re working closely with Western Health and community health partners to increase vaccine supply – extending our support for the local community and keeping them safe.” Bookings for the Australian Islamic Centre can be made at calendly.com/aicbooking.

Goya Dmytryshchak

Mobil Altona Refinery Virtual Community Catch Up The team at Mobil Altona Refinery have been working throughout the COVID pandemic, continuing to supply around half of Victoria’s fuel needs, while also planning the safe shut down of refinery operations. If you would like to learn more about our current activities, we welcome you to attend our upcoming virtual community catch up. This online webinar will utilise Zoom video conferencing, and is open to anyone in the local area who is interested to learn more about the refinery’s operations, environmental performance, recent events, safety, investment and engagement with the community.

www.mobil.com.au/communitynews

Meeting starts at 5:00pm on Wednesday 22 September. Please register your interest by emailing us at communityanz@exxonmobil.com by 17 September with your name and address. Once you have registered you will be sent a link that will enable you to join the webinar.

12512847-JW38-21

By Goya Dmytryshchak

Motorists should brace for pain as works ramp up on the West Gate Tunnel. A month of intensive construction will start on September 17 as the West Gate Freeway is widened from eight to 12 lanes. Motorists are being advised to plan ahead and expect 15 minute delays as construction is carried out at the M80, Grieve Parade and Williamstown Road interchanges. Work will happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Traffic impacts include: - Closure of the Princes Freeway to Geelong Road citybound ramp; - Closure of the Grieve Parade city bound entry ramp, and a southbound lane on Grieve Parade; and - A ban on left turns from the Williamstown Road westbound exit ramp onto Melbourne Road, with this ramp occasionally closed at night. Lanes and motorists will be shifted at different sections of the freeway so construction sites can be set up in existing lanes. From mid-September, as motorists approach the Williamstown Road outbound exit, the four lanes will split and then merge back together past Williamstown Road. Drivers can exit the freeway at Millers Road after the lanes have merged. From late October, as motorists approach the Williamstown Road inbound exit, the four lanes will split and then merge back together past Williamstown Road. Details: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions

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A kinship carer says it’s “despicable” that “homeless and extremely vulnerable” people at Braybrook Discovery Holiday Park were forced to leave to make way for people in COVID isolation. The park was made available to support a number of “close contacts who have complex needs or can’t isolate in their homes or usual residence”, the Department of Health said. Carer Daniel Patton said he was contacted by a teenage homeless couple he had been supporting and was told everyone was being kicked out of the park. “I was a kinship carer for a teenager who has since moved into an out-of-home arrangement with their partner and was living at Discovery Park, Braybrook,” he said. “This is a very large and low-cost caravan and cabin park for hundreds of people. “I was contacted by the young couple, who were panicking because they were being kicked out. “They were advised that they would all be refunded their money. “They were not told why. “These people are homeless and extremely vulnerable. “They are there not because they are on holidays but because they have nowhere else to go.” A park spokesperson said that at the request of the health department, the park had been made available for isolation accommodation. “As a result, a small number of guests have been displaced and have been offered full refunds or accommodation at our other properties,” the spokesperson said. “The property is only housing those who are required to isolate, not individuals who have tested positive who would be accommodated

Police at Braybrook Discovery Park.

(Supplied) 250370

in a medi-hotel. “We all need to do our part to restrict the spread of COVID and support government efforts. “Accommodation providers all over

Australia have stepped up to provide isolation accommodation for those in need.” The department said “close contacts now at the park are being supported by a team of healthcare workers and community workers”.

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CHECK IN EVERYWHERE EVERY TIME Victoria, every one of us needs to check in, everywhere, every time. Checking in helps us stop the spread of coronavirus, and protects our businesses, our communities and each other. So, let’s all check in. Everyone. Everywhere. Every time.

For more information visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12512357-AV38-21

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Tram jobs boost for Maidstone By Goya Dmytryshchak A depot for 100 trams will be built in Maidstone under a $1.85 billion project that will create about 280 jobs. The facility will be built on a vacant former Victoria University site near Highpoint Shopping Centre, as existing depots reach capacity. It was considered an ideal spot by the Department of Transport, as it is large, vacant and close to the tram network. Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said Victoria was leading Australia in tram and

train manufacturing. “This project will support hundreds of skilled jobs,” he said. “This new facility will play a critical role as we transform Melbourne’s iconic tram network and deliver better and more accessible services for passengers.” The depot will house 100 new next generation trams, which will replace Melbourne’s oldest high-floor trams. The project to expand Melbourne’s modern tram fleet includes a minimum local contract quota of 65 per cent, supporting skilled manufacturing jobs.

Jobs will be created during construction, in ongoing maintenance and along the supply chain. Footscray MP Katie Hall said it was a boost for the local economy. “We are transforming the former Victoria University site and supporting local businesses and creating more jobs in our community,” she said. “This is great news for both residents and visitors to the area, with the project providing a more reliable, accessible and modern tram fleet to the community.” Local residents and traders will be consulted

before detailed planning starts. Plans will look at how the development can celebrate the history of the local area. The site was most recently used as student accommodation until 2015, and previously for accommodation for post-war migrants and refugees and a pyrotechnics factory. The contract to design, build and maintain the trams will be awarded early next year. Community members can have their say until October 17 at engage.vic.gov.au/ maidstone

A centenary of trams remembered in Footscray The centenary of Footscray tramlines was celebrated last week. On September 6, 1921, three Footscray tramlines were opened, running services in three directions from Footscray railway station with M-class trams. The three local tram routes operated for more than 40 years. Today, route 82 runs through Footscray. It operates from Essendon Depot and runs from Moonee Ponds junction to Footscray train station, with more than a million passenger trips taken each year before the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in May 1954, part of route 82 is the last remaining segment of the Footscray tram network. Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said it was an important milestone as the state government transitioned to next generation trams, which will enter the network from 2025.

“Trams are an iconic feature of our city and Footscray is no exception, with local tram routes transporting locals for just over 40 years until 1962 when the line was transformed,” he said. “As we mark the centenary of our iconic tram network starting in Footscray in 1921, we are also looking to the future and the continuing evolution of the network, with a new maintenance and stabling facility to be built in the inner west at Maidstone.” Goya Dmytryshchak

Footscray railway station. The last tram to Russell Street and last tram to Ballarat Road. (Weston Langford, March, 10, 1962) 250382_01

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Libraries open up the world By Maribyrnong Cr Bernadette Thomas

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I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love reading. Books have been a big part of my life for so long. A constant companion. No matter what else is going on in my life, I always make time for reading. I read every day, even if only for 10 or 15 minutes. Part of my reading history involves going to the library. I recall attending the very small library in the country town I grew up in; then the school library during primary and secondary school; and the massive libraries of my university days. Each library nurtured my love of reading, and books opened up whole new worlds of excitement and interest. These days our libraries are about much more than borrowing and reading. They are places of fun, learning, companionship, art, culture, and storytelling. During 2020 and 2021 our libraries have reinvented themselves in new ways – the home drop-off service, ‘click and collect’, and most recently the ‘book bundle’ was launched, bringing an element of surprise and spontaneity into our borrowing. Our fabulous library staff are running all your favourite programs online so you won’t miss out on story time, baby rhyme time, or book group. The library app makes searching and reserving your favourites so easy, and keeps a record of all the books you’ve borrowed in case you want to reminisce later. My life wouldn’t be the same without books or my local library, and I’m missing popping

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Briefs Cyclist critical A cyclist was taken to hospital in a critical condition after a crash in Spotswood on Sunday. Emergency services were called to Douglas Parade about 2.10pm after reports of a collision between two cars and a cyclist. The cyclist is believed to be a man in his 40s. Any witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Fiery crash A 26-year-old man was flung from his Ford Mustang in a fiery crash on Geelong Road, Yarraville, about 5.50 pm on September 5. The man lost control of his car and crashed into a tree. Police are investigating if speed was a factor in the crash. Any witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Computer theft

Cr Bernadette Thomas. (Supplied) 250303

in there to browse the shelves and check out the staff recommendations. But I know they’ll be back, bigger and better than ever. In the interim, if you have children aged six-12, the online Kids Book Group takes place every Tuesday afternoon, or for slightly older children, the Young Writers Club is a great way to get their creative juices flowing.

Burglars stole $30,000 of computers from a business in Ballarat Road, Footscray, on August 5. A man and woman broke into the business stealing various items before returning with two other men after midnight for the computer haul.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Parking metres collect $500K Parking meters in Hobsons Bay have collected more than half a million dollars since being switched on again. The parking meters at Nelson Place and Williamstown Beach were turned off from July to the end of October last year during Melbourne’s extended lockdown. Paid parking at Nelson Place was suspended for a further two months, until December 31, 2020, as part of Hobsons Bay council’s third support package for the business community. From November 2020 to the end of August

2021, the parking meters at Williamstown Beach and Nelson Place collected $580,657 from non-permit holders. Maribyrnong council reintroduced paid parking in one off-street carpark in Footscray on May 24, this year, with a two-week grace period. Acting infrastructure services director Craig Medcalf said the reintroduction of paid parking in the Paisley Street (library) carpark was a trial. “The decision was based on high occupancy

rates and vehicle turnover and was made at a time when free, uninterrupted movement was permitted,” he said. “We appreciate the snap lockdowns affect movement and as such there’s increased parking capacity in the area for those not wanting to pay for parking. “Even outside of lockdown, a number of parking spaces on-street and off-street within the area remain underutilised, so users continue to have a choice as to where they park - free or paid.”

He said the council did not break down parking revenue by location. “We can advise the total revenue from all parking fees received across the municipality during 2020-2021, including the month the ticket machine at the library carpark was operating, was $1.019 million,” he said. “This is $900,000 less than in 2019-2020.” Goya Dmytryshchak

Mum’s beach protest By Goya Dmytryshchak An Altona mother of two young children has protested being moved on by police from Altona Beach last Thursday. Elisha Rendall was with Evie, age five, and Jack, age three, playing on the sand and paddling with her children. Ms Rendall said this constituted exercise and was not breaching the chief health officer’s directions. “We went down about 2.30 [Thursday]; we were down Mount Street end,” she said. “Maybe between the pier and that area there might have been 30 families in nearly a kilometre stretch and there were two groups of four police officers asking people to leave because the beach is closed. “I had my two young kids with me and I questioned why because the beaches are open and they basically suggested that, no, the beaches are closed.

“They said … everyone has to leave the beach, we’re trying to discourage people congregating but you can go to the park. “I just basically said, well, why would I go to the park where there’s germs when I can be here at the beach? “He said, you’re not exercising. “I said, my children are exercising and I’ve got a right to exercise for two hours, as do I, and I’m supervising – they’re three and five. “Creative play is exercise for children. “Exercise for a child is play.” Hobsons Bay police inspector Tim O’Connor said police would enforce the chief health officer’s regulations. “We acknowledge and appreciate the attraction of the beaches of Hobsons Bay but people still need to act in accordance with the regulations,” he said. “Exercise is exercise – not sitting or standing around having a conversation with friends.

Elisha Rendall with kids Evie and Jack. (Joe Mastroianni). 250437_02

“[A] maximum of two hours is allowed for exercise and you must be within five kilometres of your home. “This pandemic will take everyone being on the same page so that we can all have our freedoms returned in time. “Police will be enforcing the chief health

officer’s regulations. “Everyone needs to do the right thing.” The Department of Health said it was a matter for Victoria Police. Information on restrictions can be found at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ sport-and-exercise

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VCE vaccination blitz under way Tara Murray VCE students’ exam preparation this year includes a new element: getting vaccinated. The state government is running a 12-day vaccination blitz – running until Friday – in a bid to vaccinate students before their first exam. Teachers, VCE exam supervisors and supervisors are also part of the blitz, which gives them priority access with a dedicated phone booking line. Western Health vaccine hub nursing manager Donald Johnson said there has been an influx of students getting their jabs at the health service’s Sunshine and Melton sites. He said there was still some bookings available for students and encouraged anyone eligible to be vaccinated as part of the blitz to take up the opportunity. “The take up has been really good,” he said. “We’ve opened up as many cubicles we could to get more people through.” Mai Tabei-Fahey, who goes to Footscray High School, got her first injection on Thursday. She said it had been fairly easy to book in for her first dose “I’m pretty happy about it,” she said. “Just with exams coming up it was good to get the first dose.” Jonathan Sorbello, who is in year 12 at Catholic Regional College in Sydenham, also got vaccinated. Mr Johnson said Western Health was vaccinating about 2100 people a day across all age groups at Sunshine.

Jonathan Sorbello after his injection.

Curtis after his vaccine injection.

Photo by Damjan Janevski. 249857_03

Patients wait after their injections at Sunshine Hospital.

249857_07

Melton vaccination hub.

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Works continue in the west and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing level crossings and building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Williamstown Line

Until 12 Nov

Newport to Williamstown North Williamstown Station closed

MTIA6464

Road disruptions: Closed lanes and ramps Princes Highway

Until mid Dec

Single lane closed eastbound between Old Geelong Road and Princes Freeway

Princes Freeway

17 Sep to 18 Oct Inbound exit ramp to Geelong Road closed

West Gate Freeway

17 Sep to 18 Oct Left turn lanes closed on Williamstown Road outbound exit ramp

Grieve Parade

17 Sep to 18 Oct Inbound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway closed Southbound lane closed from Buchanan Road to the West Gate Freeway

Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing

7am 18 Sep to late Oct

Lanes closed between Heaths Road and Nevada Court

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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

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Mai Tabei-Fahey gets her injection.

Western Health vaccine hub nursing manager Donald Johnson.

NEWS

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 249857_01

VCE student Curtis gets his jab at Melton. 249874_01

249857_05

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Hot seat cash bonanza By Goya Dmytryshchak

Will McCann won $100,000 on Millionaire Hot Seat. (Nine)

Will McCann from Williamstown took home $100,000 after winning on Millionaire Hot Seat on Monday. Every day, Mr McCann competes with his mother, Penny, to see who can score the best in The Age’s quiz for “family bragging rights”. “My wife always gets a bit of a laugh because my mum basically always wins,” he said. “Because I was so into trivia she said you should sign up for one of these quiz shows, so she helped me sign up to the Millionaire Hot Seat.” Mr McCann’s winning response was to a question about who was the oldest prime

minister inaugurated in Australia (Sir John McEwen, nicknamed Black Jack). The question that stumped him was about video games, which he concedes he knows nothing about. Mr McCann plans to spend some of the cash on renovating the backyard “perhaps when we can have some people over” after COVID-19 restrictions ease. “We’ve always wanted to create a really nice family space in the backyard,” he said. “That’s the plan, so we’ve been furiously coming up with ideas and being inspired by Instagram.” He is encouraging his mum to go on the show.

“She should go on it, I definitely think she should,” Mr McCann said. “I lose almost every day to my mum … it just happened to be I got lucky. “Beyond winning the money, obviously, it was just a really fun experience. “There was a good deal of fun and excitement in a period where we needed it given all the lockdowns in Melbourne.”

Star Conliffe.

(Damjan Janevski) 249143

Fabric of the community The Country Women’s Association of Altona is connecting the community stitch by stitch. Treasurer Star Conliffe said the association had sent out punch needle embroidery kits so people could practice the craft together online. “We’ve got six women who’ll be joining me - we’re going to have a Zoom class,” she said. “It’s just a way to learn a new craft and connect with each other and just feel a bit less lonely during lockdown.” Ms Conliffe said there were misconceptions about the association. “I think a lot of people misunderstand Country Women’s Association,” she said. “They probably don’t realise that most of us in Altona, we’re a small branch – we’re quite young,” she said. “All of us work full-time so we’re an evening branch - we meet in the evening. “We do a little bit of craft but we really focus on connection and friendship.” Details: search CWA Altona on Facebook.

*6=0+ OHZ HɈLJ[LK HSS VM \Z I\[ [OLYL PZ H ^H` MVY^HYK 0[»Z [PTL [V HYT `V\YZLSM I` NL[[PUN ]HJJPUH[LK 7YV[LJ[ `V\YZLSM HUK [OL WLVWSL `V\ JHYL HIV\[ The sooner we all do it, the ZVVULY ^L»SS NL[ [OYV\NO P[ Book your vaccination today.

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Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra. 10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 15 September, 2021

Goya Dmytryshchak

Internships for young creatives Three young people will be offered internships at Altona’s Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre under a pilot project. The internships are for people aged 18 to 25 seeking a career in the creative industries and/ or the community development sector. They were made possible by a Hobsons Bay Community Fund COVID-19 recovery impact grant, and a Hobsons Bay council contribution. Project co-ordinator Danielle Whelan said each intern would be supported with a budget to develop and deliver a project, to gain the skills and experience they needed to find work. “I think particularly the arts have been quite impacted in terms of the pandemic,” she said. “Louis Joel is quite set up with the recourses to really support a project that someone comes up with - it’s the right place to be doing this.” The interns will join Louis Joel over the coming year. Details: http://www.ljac.com.au/ Goya Dmytryshchak

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MY PLACE Footscray’s Emma Osborne writes horror and fantasy fiction. They speak with Goya Dmytryshchak. Could you please tell me about your connection to the city of Maribyrnong? I’ve lived in Footscray for the last seven years and have previously lived in Yarraville in a few different spots. I grew up in Castlemaine but have cousins who live in Yarraville and we’d pop down to visit them on the train when I was a kid. I also worked at Victoria University for five years and deeply appreciate their educational mission. I’ve always had a strong connection to the west. What do you like about Footscray? Footscray is just so interesting, so busy and bustling and happening. Everything smells amazing. There is always a new gelato place to try or an old favourite Ethiopian restaurant to visit or an art show to check out. It seems like it would be nearly impossible to eat at every restaurant, hang out at every cafe, soak up the sun in every beer garden. There’s always something new – or old – to discover, and I love that. What would you change or what could be improved? I’d love to see a few more green spaces in and around the Footscray CBD. Footscray Park is obviously glorious but it would be great to set aside some more space for little parks, if possible. What’s your favourite cafe(s)/restaurant(s) in the area? I mean you really can’t go past Nhu Lan, can you? Speaking of which, I medically need a banh mi right now. I’m also a big fan of Rudimentary (and their Instagram account, Dogs of Rudimentary) and the Small French Bar. Oh, for a glass of French bordeaux.

Could you tell me about your writing? Absolutely. I write horror, fantasy and dark fantasy (a lovely intersection of the two), primarily. I’ve had short stories and poetry published in some extremely cool speculative fiction magazines, such as Uncanny Magazine and Nightmare Magazine. I have a few longer projects in the works, too. You can also find my short story, Slaughterhouse Boys, in the forthcoming YA horror anthology, Hometown Haunts, edited by the wonderful Poppy Nwosu at Wakefield Press. It launches on Halloween. Keep an eye out. What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? I’m non-binary, which means my gender falls somewhere beyond and in-between the binary genders. My pronouns are they/them, and I very much appreciate when folks take the time to adjust to what might be a new set of pronouns for them. I also identify as bisexual, which I guess makes me non-BInary (jokes). How has your life has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic? Mostly I am just very tired all the time, which I’m sure is a common experience. I am not someone who has a great time in isolation (really, I’m a classic extrovert) so that has been a huge struggle, but I am learning to subsist on the three minutes of conversation I have with a human being IRL per day (usually a neighbour in the lift but also sometimes a checkout person at the supermarket). I do also go for walks with local friends, which has been a godsend (shout-out Rob and Dan). Emma Osborne

(Supplied)

Swooping season is in full flight With spring just around the corner, venturing outside just got a little more dangerous, and it’s not related to the pandemic in the slightest. As the weather warms up, native birds such as magpies and masked lapwings begin their annual breeding season, bringing with it some very territorial daddy birds. Swooping is a method used most notoriously by the magpie to defend their offspring from the time they hatch to the time they leave the nest. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) senior wildlife management officer Rebecca Dixon said that swooping is often just a scare tactic, but you should be prepared for the worst. “A small number of birds will swoop at this time of year. They do this to protect their

eggs and young – we are all protective of our families.” Ms Dixon said. “Swooping by a territorial bird is actually normal bird behaviour, although it’s definitely not fun for their targets. Birds may swoop people or animals, so be mindful of your pets too.” Less than 10 per cent of swooping birds will actually carry out this defensive tactic and even less will make contact with their target, according to DELWP. “To reduce the impact of swooping, try to remain as calm as you can if you find yourself being swooped. Try to protect your head and eyes and move quickly – but don’t run, as this actually upsets the birds,” Ms Dixon said. “It’s very important not to do anything to threaten the swooping birds – or interfere

with their nests – or to feed them, and to remember that they’re simply protecting their young.” Magpies and other native birds are protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975. Under the act, it is an offence to kill, take, control or harm wildlife in Victoria. Penalties apply. Details: www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managingwildlife/swooping-birds Elle Cecil

Territorial birds swoop to protect their young every year around springtime. (Supplied)

The annual General Meeting of Westgate Health Co-operative Ltd will be held via Zoom at 6.30pm on Thursday 28th October 2021.

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Westgate Health Co-operative Ltd Annual General Meeting

Please register at www.westgatehealth.coop to indicate your attendance. Wednesday, 15 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11

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The timeless art of connecting Residents of Melbourne’s north-west are among those featured in a new book, The Art of Lockdown, revealing how the Ukrainian community used art and culture to connect and maintain wellbeing during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Project co-ordinators Chrestyna Kmetj and Natalia Moravski said the idea grew like wildfire via The Art of Lockdown Facebook group and virtual exhibition, quickly going international. Below, some of our local residents explain the meanings behind their contributions. Irene Karaszkewycz, Doreen I decided to embroider during COVID as it was a way of keeping positive and calm. It also became a period to reflect on the past and engage with the future.

Symon Herczaniwski, Caroline Springs The original idea of the artwork was to have two colours combine in a sort of conflict. The artwork doesn’t have a meaning – people are free to come up with what they think the meaning or inspiration of the artwork is.

Maru Jarockyj, Sunbury The prolonged lockdown brought with it moments of mental anguish, fears for the war in Ukraine, spiritual reflection and psychological agony. The anguish and the agony landed on the canvas in blood red and fiery yellow shapes around an iconic father image: hands pierced with red suffering dripping onto the yellow Ukrainian tridents. Hope extinguishes fear and the yellow cross promises a resurrection, a new era, a new post-COVID renaissance.

Genia Husiak, Altona Meadows During lockdown in Melbourne 2020, I used the opportunity to complete some of my embroidery projects. Drawing on my Ukrainian background, I completed a table runner in a traditional colourful cross stitch.

Osija Anolak, Gisborne

Ivanna Yarish-Figurek, Wyndham

Andrij-Lev, 10, from Mother of God Primary School, Ardeer

To break the monotony of the days during lockdown, I decided to do some art. Christmas always evokes wonderful memories of a carefree childhood, joy, comfort and family unity, so I chose Christmas decorations. When I saw the exhibition, Art of Lockdown, I decided to join it and unite myself with the Ukrainian community in Australia.

I sometimes draw whatever comes into my mind. Sometimes, I don’t know what to draw and then I just sit next to the paper for hours doing nothing. A lion is actually my favourite animal because my name actually has ’lion’ in it (Lev). At the moment we are doing homeschooling. It was a little bit more difficult because there

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

COVID lockdown in 2020 awarded me the time to focus on creating a quilt that would represent my thoughts of women and the important role they play in society. I have never done any quilting before, so the task seemed daunting. The double wedding ring design is traditionally made by mothers and grandmothers for their children and given as gifts on their wedding day or anniversaries. It is a complex pattern as it has a lot of moving parts and was quite frustrating to assemble. Once this quilt was complete, I felt inspired to keep creating, so by the start of 2021 I had completed eight unique quilts for my family and close friends.

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

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

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

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

Photographer Damjan Janevski shot photos of artist Anuradha Patel with her artwork. (249677_01)

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

Wicking Garden Workshop Learn how to make a wicking garden bed system in a raised container. Come along to Sunbury Community Garden on Saturday, October 30, 10am-1pm, to learn how to turn a raised fruit crate into a water saving wicking system. Bring your gardening gloves, enthusiasm and desire to learn. ■ https://bit.ly/3tlRZsH

Cricket at Rupertswood

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

guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

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

Senior citizens club Senior citizens are welcome to visit the Sunbury Senior Citizens’ Club on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am-3pm at 8 O’Shannassy Street. A variety of activities offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. Lunch subsidised. If you’re over 55 years of age and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

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

Come and play cricket at Rupertswood this season, with junior players wanted from under-11’s to under-17’s. Registration days will be held from 9am- noon, Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 at 1 Macedon Street Sunbury. ■ www.rupertswoodcc.org.au

Guided walk

Book week

Mahjong group

Enjoy a leisurely 90 minute walk with guide, John, starting at the Williamstown Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place, each Tuesday starting at 9.20am. Each week covers a different route in the local area. ■ John, 0418 377 336

Young readers are being encouraged to be book critics as part of the CBCA Book of the Year awards. Readers can download the Beanstack app and earn badges for writing a review of the one of six shortlisted titles in the ‘2021 CBCA Book of the Year Awards: Younger Readers’ category. Entries go into the draw to win a $30 book voucher. The challenge runs until September 30. ■ https://www.beanstack.com/

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

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

First aid courses

MS volunteers

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

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

Friendship Group

Laverton Community Choir 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

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 691or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

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

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

Deer Park probus 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

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. ■ 9746 0271

Sewing group Adult learning month Brimbank council is running a range of different online sessions throughout September. The sessions include money skills and staying safe online, managing your money, practicing your English online and getting started with E-resources. ■ https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/events

The Sunbury Neighborhood House Social Sewing Group meets on the first Saturday of each month to chat, share ideas and sew. Beginners through experienced welcome. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury 12.30-3.30pm.

Garden club Singing group Join the Melton South Community Singers

Fibro/CFS Support

The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. There is a

Drawing fun Learn how to draw a Koi fish pond with oil pastels online Tuesday, September 14 at 10am. Join Madhubani for a virtual art class where she demonstrates how to create your own Koi fish pond drawing using oil pastels. This is a free workshop offered through the Iramoo Community Centre. ■ admin@iramoocc.com.au

Beekeeping session Join Carmel from CMG Honeybee as she chats to you in an online session about starting your own beehive on Wednesday, September 15 at 10am. ■ admin@iramoocc.com.au

Wednesday, 15 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 13

PUZZLES No. 046

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

6

8

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

7

4

3 1

1 7 5 9 7

6 2 9

1 4 5 9 9 6 3

7

2

1

6 1 4 8 3

QUICK CROSSWORD Variety of nut (9) Boss (4) Tavern (3) Confusing (10) A rectangle halved from diagonal corners (8) Special abilities (6) Objurgation (4) Group of organisms (7) Obliterated (7) Circle of light (4) Spectacles (6) Rocky (8) Impregnating (11) Biological blueprint (abb) (3) Calm (4) Worsen (9)

13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

Conscious (8) West Australian port city (6) To admit one's failings, eat — (9) Musical instrument (4) Treble (6) Abstract (6) Book of the Old Testament (7) Purifying (9) Non-specific (7) Asian country (8) Temper (8) Employable (6) Car fuel (6) Brand (6) Middle Simpsons child (4)

2 3

ACROSS 1 6 10 11 12

No. 046

4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27

DOWN Office machines (8)

1

DECODER

No. 046

hard

1 1

23

24

25

26

3

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

5 9 7 6 2 8 3 1 4

7 3 8 1 2 9 5 6 4

9 4 5 6 3 8 2 1 7

2 1 6 4 7 5 9 3 8

4 6 9 2 8 1 7 5 3

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

Y

Today’s Aim: 5 words: Good 7 words: Very good

F

L

R

O

O R

L

4 LETTERS EARN EBBS EDDY KNEW LEST LYRE MUST REAR REND ROLE ROTS SENT STAG TOMB

ODOUR RAGED RARER REEDS ROUSE SADLY SAWED SCARF SHARK SHEER SIREN SNARE SNEER SPEAR STORY TABOO TIARA TSARS UNTIE WHITE WINED YEARN

6 LETTERS ASSURE LETTER PRISMS STONED

8 LETTERS DECANTER DYNAMITE ELIGIBLE INITIATE

7 LETTERS BLUSTER CONSOLE ELASTIC LINKAGE RELEASE STREETS

11 LETTERS FORERUNNERS SECRETARIAL

floor, folly, fool, forlorn, FORLORNLY, loon, lorry, only, roll, roof

1

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Kennedy William Gordy, better known as Rockwell, had a hit in 1984 with what song?

2

Former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi is a devotee of which musical icon?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

3

Which children’s character is Chinese leader Xi Jinping unflatteringly likened to?

4

Sam Rockwell (pictured) stars opposite Michelle Williams in which 2019 biographical miniseries?

5

Which manga series by Go Nagai got a 2019 Netflix adaptation?

No. 046

C K S I

D

E

E A C H R T H O O T E S

L O V

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

C

E

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

S

No. 046

17-09-21

C T

S

5 2 7 3 1 4 6 8 9

6 9 3 8 5 7 4 2 1

1 4 3 5 9 7 2 8 6

2 6 8 4 3 1 5 7 9

6 3 2 7 4 9 8 5 1

7 1 4 8 5 6 9 3 2

8 5 9 3 1 2 4 6 7

9 7 5 2 6 3 1 4 8

3 2 6 1 8 4 7 9 5

4 8 1 9 7 5 6 2 3

7 1 2 8 9 5 6 4 3

6 4 7 3 2 8 1 5 9

8 5 9 4 7 1 3 2 6

2 3 1 9 5 6 8 7 4

9 8 6 7 1 2 4 3 5

5 2 4 6 3 9 7 1 8

1 7 3 5 8 4 9 6 2

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

D

8 7 2 5 9 3 1 4 6

T C

ACRES ALARM ALIEN ALOUD BASTE BLADE BRAIN DINER DREGS ELITE EMITS ERASE GENRE HALON HALVE ICIER IDEAS IDIOM KNEEL LYRES MISTS MUSIC

1

D

H H

D

22

V

10 11 12 13

5 LETTERS ABATE ABOUT

A R

21

L

9

9-LETTER WORD

N

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

5x5

8

Q W

10 words: Excellent

hard

7

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

20

medium

6

19

easy

5

18

7

4

17

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

3

3 LETTERS ADO ARE ATE BAN CAD EAR EVE GEE GET HID ICE IRE MEN OPT RAN RAP RID ROT RUE TEN TIE TOE USE YOU

H L UO J V B NAG T E F

5

2

16

5 8 7 2 3 4 9 3

15

8 5 3

14

7 1

P C D R I K S Y Z M X QW

4

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

6

What nocturnal mammal belongs to the genus Procyon?

7

By what name is the Helianthus plant genus better known?

8

With what colour flame does sulfur burn?

9

In 2020, Elon Musk’s company Neuralink implanted a chip into the brain of what animal?

10 Aquafaba is an egg-white alternative derived from what? ANSWERS: 1. Somebody’s Watching Me 2. Elvis Presley 3. Winnie the Pooh 4.Fosse/ Verdon 5. Devilman 6. Raccoon 7. Sunflower 8. Blue 9. Pig 10. Chickpeas

SUDOKU

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Employment V Reblocking/Underpinning

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s Computer Levelling s Council permits supplied s Stumps for new extension s Engineers plans s FULLY INSURED Free Quote and advice

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C & D Schroeder 9337 3695 or 0415 816 882

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� Full Insurance � All work Council approved � 15 years guarantee � All Council permits supplied � 100% computer levelling � Concrete pump used � 15 years experience � For a free quote and advice

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V Painters/Decorators

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Hobsons Bay City Council sadly acknowledges the passing of former Councillor and Mayor (1982-83 and 1990-91), David ‘Hugh’ Graham, OAM on 3 September 2021.

FREE SMOKE ALARM Registered Building Practitioner

Deepest sympathy to Valda and his family.

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

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9366 7831 - 0417 556 963

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

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

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

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

Showroom @ 18 Quinn Drive, Keilor PArk, 3042 V Rubbish Removal 12447332-NG17-20

Paul Catoggio 0448 411 593 pccplumbing@outlook.com

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V Pets & Services

Buy, & Sell in our

Motoring

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

section of Network Classifieds.

Lic. No. 28635

www.allwestbinhire.com.au

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section of Network Classifieds.

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V For Sale SINGLE BED MATTRESS & BASE good condition $60 the lot. Ph: 0421 930 114. V Massage Therapists

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12400498-CG38-18

ANTENNA MAN

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ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

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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

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

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0439 858 298

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

Contact Simon:

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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

9309 0700 - 0411 174 000

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V Positions Vacant

Looking for a qualified Chef/Cook to work in a family owned Italian restaurant. Must be available weekends & weeknights, and be able to work in a team in this great establishment. Email resume to info@pier71.com.au or call Laura 0410 588 781

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15 ar REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING GuarYe antee

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0409 888 228

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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.

Want to place an ad but not sure where to start? Call our helpful classified team between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri for FREE advice!

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

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

New Peugeot is sporty and stylish

The front of the Peugeot 2008 is expansive - we really like it.

(Pictures: Supplied)

By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Peugeot 2008 GT Sport is a small-medium SUV that leans in the direction of medium. The 2008 designation (which Peugeot prefers to call two-thousand eight rather than two double-oh eight) means that it’s an SUV rather than a tall hatchback. It’s not a GT or a Sport in the true sense of these labels, but it does have slightly firmer suspension and a different steering feel that will appeal to those who like to drive.

Styling The French are seemingly incapable of designing a car that doesn’t look great. The front is large and expansive, the window lines swoop up beautifully as they pass the centre of the rear doors. The wheel arches are large and carry black lips to emphasise that it’s an SUV. There are large scallops in the doors themselves. A black panel all the way across the rear carries large lights, and the roof extends beyond the glass top and sides to give a sort of spoiler look. The door mirrors also get the black treatment and there are GT badges at their rear support them to let the person sitting beside you at a red light know what you’re driving. As we said, Very French, and all we showed our test car liked it.

screen is clear and reasonably easy to use. Our preference is always a vertical screen because you can see much more without the need to scroll, but the Peugeot does work better than most. There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smart phone mirroring, as well as DAB+ radio and satellite navigation. The wireless charging tray is handy as it saves having cables taking up space in the centre console area.

Interior Classed a five-seater - though we would call it a four-plus-one - rear area is as attractive as the rest of the car. As is the norm in cars of this size those in the front might have to give up some legroom to make better space for tall travellers back there. The boot has a volume of 434 litres with all seats in use, and 1467 litres with the 60:40 rear seats both folded down. However, they don’t fold flat so our dog’s bed couldn’t be used there. There’s a slim out-of-sight area below the floor.

Infotainment The large 10-inch horizontal infotainment

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE 2008 Allure: $34,990 2008 GT: $43,990 2008 GT Sport: $43,990

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Peugeot dealer for drive-away prices.

Engines / transmissions Power in the Sport comes from a high-tech 1.2-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine is 114kW at 5500rpm and 240Nm at 1750 revs. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

Safety The Peugeot 2008 has a five-star safety rating. It has six airbags; driver and front passenger front and side and curtains. There are IsoFix child seat fittings for the outboard rear seats Other passive safety features are tyre pressure sensors, and seatbelt not fastened alerts.

Driving Ahh, the quirky French! The Peugeot digital instrument cluster sits on the top of the dashboard. You look over the top of the small steering wheel to see the instruments. I’m tall and like to sit high in a car so could see the instruments, others who drove it had their vision almost blotted out. There’s just a hint of front-wheel-drive torque steer if you really blast it off the line in a traffic light grand prix. Okay, I’m not as young as I once was, but still enjoy driving like this… There’s a sedate feel in the cabin during

normal driving that almost feels like you’re in a larger car, even a prestige car at times. The French do like their comfort and this shows up beautifully. That’s despite the slightly sporty set up in the suspension. On the open road with twisty bits, it handles nicely and give feedback through the steering wheel. On motorways its smooth and almost silent, bump-thump is felt through some joints in other ones it’s fine. The little1.2-litre engine is willing enough and chats nicely to the eight-speed auto to make sure it’s in the right gear for the time. Peugeot 2008 Sport GT has a five-year/ unlimited-distance warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Under Peugeot’s Service Price Promise, the 2008 GT Sport will cost $2466 for the first five years/75,000km.

Summing up Want to get away from the serious German and somewhat classy British sporty SUVs? Then the very French Peugeot 2008 should sit at the top of your shopping list.

Wednesday, 15 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Western United will have a W-League team in 2022-23. (Supplied)

United realises W-League dream By Tara Murray For a young club, Western United has some big dreams. About to start its third A-League season, the club has been busy in the background to ensure there is a platform from the ground up for both males and females in the western suburbs. The next stage in the development is on track, with the club to field a W-League side from the 2022-23 season. The club had been vocal about its desire to add a top league women’s side, having formed a partnership with National Premier League Women’s side Calder United, and recently setting up a female development squad. The announcement of United’s W-League side was exactly what Adriana and Melissa Taranto wanted to hear. The twins have been in the Victorian system for a number of years, signing with Melbourne Victory when they were 15. While they have not been part of a W-League club the past couple of years, they said the announcement of a new club in Melbourne’s west was exciting. Both have their sights focused on a spot in United’s inaugural squad. “It is so exciting,” said Adriana. “Especially after the last few years we’ve had with soccer. “In the past two years we’ve played 10 games of soccer due to the lockdown. “It’s so exciting for Victoria and across Australia as it gives so many young girls the opportunity.” Mel added: “It’s good news for everyone”. The duo, who play for Calder United, are both part of Western United’s development squad and say the work the club has done with the squad and Calder United has been amazing. The 22-year-olds believe they are now ready for a real crack at the W-League after struggling a bit while at Melbourne Victory. “We’ve grown up a lot since then,” said Adriana. “We were like deers in the headlights and I admit I don’t think I handled it well. We were still young and playing against the likes of Sam Kerr.”

Above: The first development squad session. Left: Western United is focusing on women’s football. (Pictures: Supplied)

Mel said that experience showed through at the one development squad session they had, where they felt a lot more comfortable than some of the younger girls. Western United’s head of female football, Amanda Stella, said she didn’t imagine that there would be a W-League team in Melbourne’s west so soon. Stella came on board at Western United last year after the club formed a relationship with Calder United, of which she is president. “I thought maybe in the long-term future we would see a side,” she said. “I think it’s because of Western United’s commitment to the female game, females in general, they’ve fast tracked this in our community. “The investment, the publicity and the opportunity they have already given to players

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

of the west, players of Calder, is amazing and that hasn’t been done before.” Stella said there had been a lot of work done behind the scenes in a short period of time to get the club ready for a W-League side. She said the club had been aiming to have a side for the upcoming season, but in hindsight, with the COVID-19 pandemic, an extra 12 months to get the team ready isn’t a bad thing. “It’s very exciting, it’s been challenging the last few months,” she said. “For Western United, it’s an amazing achievement. It’s a young club and they’ve been very much wanting to get a W-League licence since they started. “We’ve started the development squad, but we only got one session in before we went into lockdown. “The minute we can get that back up and

running we will, that group of girls will hopefully travel a little bit with the A-League team and play some friendlies try and get in some games. “We have a good pool of girls to choose from for our first W-League team.” Stella said United’s aim was to give young players in Melbourne – and particularly in Melbourne’s west – the opportunity to shine at a higher level. She said with limited spots to play W-League in Victoria, many players were leaving to play interstate. “We’re going to start new and we’re going to invest in youth as we know where the long-term success will come from,“ she said. “We’re not going to sign 10 ready-made champions. It’s about home grown talent and I have always argued that they could challenge anyone. “For young girls from the west, there’s a W-league team that will be part of their community.” For the Taranto twins, the next 12 months will be a big. “We will keep working hard and move forward with Calder United with their season first,” they said. “We’ll do what we can for them and get as fit as possible and hopefully get into the W-League squad. “We’re just excited to get out there and play.”

Falcons’ championship dreams felled by COVID City West Falcons’ championship dreams are over after Netball Victoria pulled the pin on the Victorian Netball League season. With uncertainty over when players could return to the court due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the league made the decision to end the season. Netball Victoria at this stage isn’t planning to award premierships or minor premierships, but will announce most valuable player awards and teams of the year. Falcons coach Marg Lind said it was the right decision for the competition. “I think it was a wise decision in the end,” she said. “There was talk about trying to get the finals up and running, but the safety of our players comes first. “I wrote a letter saying I didn’t think it was safe to continue and that killed me to say as we were undefeated [in championship division]. “We would have been putting players in a situation where they had only trained together twice and played two games in a 10 week period. “You would have needed a pre-season before playing again.”

For the Falcons, it’s a case of what might have been, especially in the championship division. After a draw in round one, the Falcons were the standout team of the competition, going through undefeated. Lind said it would be nice to get some recognition for their season, with every team having played each other at least once. “We were sensational,” she said. “We had a number of new players this season. “We were outright on top in the championship division and Blaze [North East Blaze] were outright in division two. “Under-19s was where the issue was with any of the teams from one to 10 that could have won. “It would be nice if we were recognised with something.” Overall, Lind said she was thrilled with how the season had played out for the club overall. As well as the championship side being undefeated, the division 1 side was fourth and the under-19s equal fourth. “Our under-19s beat three of the top four sides in the last six rounds,” she said. “They are a very young squad, so it’s a good

indication for next year. “Division one was fourth. We hit our KPIs [key performance indicators] which is having all three teams in the four.” Lind said the playing group would continue to hold online Zoom fitness sessions for the next few weeks, to keep the group engaged. “Being on Zoom gives our girls something to do, many of them have nothing to do,” she said. “We’ll probably keep that going for another month. “We’ll likely have six weeks off and start looking to selection, hopefully we can go through the selection process. “There’s lots of things to look at and review.” Tara Murray

Maggie Lind was one of the stars for the Falcons this year. (Shawn Smits)

Yarraville Tennis Club shines

Sadie Derrig

(Joe Mastroianni) 249383

Wolves lead the pack By Goya Dmytryshchak Williamstown Wolves Baseball Club is fielding its first women’s team since 2006. The move will give girls a pathway in the sport and women beginners the chance to start playing. The club fielded a team in the Women’s Baseball League’s inaugural summer season of 1994-1995 and did so until 2006. Williamstown won the Division 3 flag in its first year. The club’s own Les Flower, a life member, was the chief executive of Baseball Victoria (BV) from 1989-2001, and was integral to the inception of the Women’s Baseball League in Victoria. In the first season, BV expected six to eight teams to register but instead received 26 registrations. The following season, 50 teams registered. Club president Michelle Sadler said planning for a women’s team in Division 3 was under way even though the season was expected to be delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “There’s a wonderful appetite for women’s

sport now and I just think it’s about time Williamstown joined, gave women a space,” she said. “We’ve always had a few women play and they’ve just played within our men’s teams and they’ve been perfectly happy to do that. And of course, in juniors there’s lots of girls playing. “But there is definitely a very strong baseball league in Victoria and we want to be part of it and we want to give our current junior girls a pathway to stay at our club. “We don’t want to lose them so it’s imperative we get a team together.” Women and girls over 13 years, with any level of baseball experience, including none, will be able to join. “It’s just basic hitting a ball, throwing a ball, catching a ball – it’s so much fun,” Sadler said. “A lot of people don’t join baseball because they think, ’I’ve never played before, I can’t play’, and they don’t think there’s an option to begin as an adult. “We don’t care if you’ve never played baseball, we just care if you want to give it a go.” Sadie Derrig, 13 and in her third year at the

club, said the initiative meant she could keep playing baseball. “I would really enjoy having a girls’ team as well as a mixed team because I feel like with a girls’ team you have the same experience,” she said. “Also, I go to an only-girls’ school and I can’t really talk to my friends about baseball but if we had a girls team I think that would be a great opportunity for them to come over. “I’ve talked to my friends and they’ve said if there was a girls team then they probably would join. “Right now, there’s no really professional league for softball or baseball but I feel like if there was a women’s baseball team then when I’m older I could still play. “I feel that the mixed teams are just as important – they’re just as supportive and just as great – but I feel like it would be a great opportunity to have a women’s team.” Games are played on Saturdays at either 1pm or 3pm, depending on the fixture. Anyone wanting to register their interest should contact Michelle Sadler via 0416 002 433 or president.wwbc@gmail.com.

Play can be extended at Yarraville Tennis Club’s eight courts after 10 15-metre lighting towers were installed. Yarraville is one of the leading clubs in the west, providing social and competitive tennis for adults and juniors since 1914. The new lighting was funded by the club and Maribyrnong council. Club president Denise Clarke said it was an exciting moment when the new LED lights on all eight courts were switched on. “The difference in the lighting quality is enormous, as is the functionality,” she said. “The previous lights took 15-20 minutes to warm up, and lux reading faded as the years progressed. “The new lights turn on instantaneously and are not expected to fade over the years. “The court areas are evenly lit so there are no dark spots around the courts. “The walkways around the courts are also now generously lit, improving the ambience around the courts at night making them more inviting and convivial.” Mayor Michael Clarke said the energy-efficient LED light fittings helped reduce the council’s environmental impact while meeting modern standards for community competitions and social activities. “The lighting upgrades at the Yarraville Tennis Club help ensure our local sporting competitions and social activities are supported, and that our ever-growing community continues to have access to sustainable, safe and functional public outdoor facilities here in their own backyard,” he said. “I have no doubt players and residents will appreciate these improvements and as the warm weather approaches I hope our community takes the opportunity to make the most of the facilities.” Goya Dmytryshchak

Wednesday, 15 September, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 19

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