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Yarn helps banish blues Trees have been yarnbombed in Yarraville’s Cruickshank Park for mental health awareness. The initiative is part of the Blue Tree Project and marks World Mental Health Day on October 10. Yarraville’s Lola Anderson, who remembers the first trees being planted in the park in 1979, said the urban oasis had been a saviour for many, especially in lockdown. “This park is unbelievable at the weekends and on nice days. Everybody loves it and that has saved them a lot of stress. They come down here to Cruickshank Park and they can just relax,” she said. “There’s just such a lovely atmosphere in the park that they just completely relax.” People are being invited to add something blue to the trees. “I want it to be a community thing,” Ms Anderson said. “That will stay for a whole month or even more. “This park has saved so many people. I didn’t realise how important that park has been. It just fills me all up. I get quite emotional about it.”

Friends of Cruikshank Park Peter, Cassie, Lola, Lee, Maree and Dave. (Joe Mastroianni) 252495

‘Supercharged’ suburbs By Alesha Capone Point Cook and Altona have been named among the top 100 national “supercharged” areas for property sales in a new report. The Spring 2021 Price Predictor Index, issued by residential property researcher and writer Terry Ryder through his investment advice website Hotspotting.com, lists 100 Australian suburbs and towns as “supercharged” due to increasing sales of houses and units. They are the areas where future price growth is predicted due to strong sales growth patterns over consecutive quarters. According to the report, Point Cook recorded

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425 house sales between June and August this year, compared to 336 sales in the same period last year. Point Cook’s median house price is $685,000. Altona – where the median house price is $965,000 – experienced 110 house sales across the three months, compared to 77 sales in the same period last year. Hoppers Crossing, with a median house value of $560,000, also experienced strong growth with 205 sales in the quarter (compared to 133 previously). The report said that Wyndham and Hobsons Bay were among the Victorian municipalities where all suburbs have experienced a rise

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in house sales, along with Dandenong, Darebin, Glen Eira, Knox, Manningham and Stonnington. “Elsewhere in Australia, 100 per cent growth municipalities are rare,” the report said. The report said Hobsons Bay was “seven out of seven” with median house prices of $570,000 in Laverton, $670,000 in Seabrook, $660,000 in Altona Meadows, $855,000 in Altona North, $1.15 million in Newport and $1.48 million in Williamstown. In Wyndham, Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes recorded a median house price of $505,000, Werribee $530,000, Tarneit $575,000, Truganina $590,000 and Williams

Landing $695,000. Mr Ryder said Wyndham offered “good amenities and infrastructure at affordable prices”. “Suburbs like Hoppers Crossing provide homes in the $500,000s in an area with good services and amenities, train links to central Melbourne and major local employment zones,” he said. “The trend of more people working remotely also helps to boost demand in these areas.” Mr Ryder said that while Wyndham was a good area for home buyers, the high vacancy rate in some new housing developments could “negatively impact the appeal of these locations for investors”.

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

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

OUT AND ABOUT

I am sure you, like me, have been enjoying more freedoms as restrictions begin to slowly ease across Victoria as 80% of our population have now received their first vaccination. With the days becoming warmer, we welcome the opportunity to play outdoor sports, consume food and drink at playgrounds and take up outdoor personal training in groups of five fully vaccinated people with a fully vaccinated trainer. Travel has increased to 15km and with many students returning to school in some capacity throughout October, we know this will make a huge difference to parents and carers. Phase B of the Roadmap is scheduled for on or around, 26 October provided 70% of our population are fully vaccinated, when the reasons to leave home will be removed and the curfew lifted. As we progress along the Roadmap, State Government has made it clear vaccination rates must continue to increase for us to reach these targets on the indicative dates provided. We know the best way to support our community with this is to make it easy and to make it local. We are grateful to Quang Minh Buddhist Temple and the Australia Light Foundation, Mosque and Community Centre for agreeing to host pop-up clinics at their facilities during October and November for our culturally diverse communities to help boost our vaccination rate. A weekend pop-up was also held at Whitten Oval last weekend and we thank the Western Bulldogs for also opening their doors in support of our community. Thank you to all those who have so far shown their support for the proposal to establish a medicinal cannabis business to reduce the burden on ratepayers. There has been a great deal of interest, culminating in a robust on-line conversation in our online community forum last week. It is not too late to share your thoughts on the proposal, to do so, head to yourcityyourvoice. com.au/medicinal-cannabis by 15 October.

Maribyrnong City Council’s Councillors have been busy.

1. Mayor Cr Michael Clarke with Cr Cuc Lam and Fatih Yargi at the Australia Light Foundation, Mosque and Community Centre in Tottenham – one of Maribyrnong’s pop-up vaccination hubs. 2. Quang Minh Temple in Braybrook is another of Maribyrnong’s pop-up vaccination hubs. Please note: The appropriate COVIDSafe practices were followed at the time the photos were taken.

MY VIEW I was very pleased to attend the recent on-line vaccination forum hosted by the Vietnamese Community in Australia Victoria Chapter, with support from Council, which attracted more than 70 attendees who were able to hear from the experts and have their questions answered – both in Vietnamese and English. Council has now also partnered with CoHealth and community faith leaders to establish popup clinics at two locations in our City to help make it easier for our diverse communities to get their shots. The clinics will be set up at Quang Minh Temple, Braybrook Community Centre, and Australia Light Foundation, Mosque and Community Centre in Tottenham during October. You don’t need to book, just walk in for the first dose and an appointment will be made for you at that time for the second dose in November. I’ve been vaccinated for my friends, family and my whole community and given Maribyrnong currently has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Melbourne, it is our hope these pop-up clinics will help boost our numbers

Please stay safe, follow government restrictions, get tested and get vaccinated.

Cr Cuc Lam Stony Creek Ward

Mayor Cr Michael Clarke

POP-UP CLINICS

OCTOBER – COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday 5 4.30pm Enterprise Maribyrnong Delegated Committee Tuesday 19 6.30pm Council Meeting Tuesday 26 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.

QUANG MINH BUDDHIST TEMPLE BRAYBROOK 18 Burke St, Braybrook Monday 4 – Friday 8 October, 10am-4.30pm Monday 15 – Friday 19 November, 10am-4.30pm

Maribyrnong City Council Street Address: 61 Napier Street, Footscray 3011

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

Postal Address: PO Box 58 West Footscray 3012

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

AUSTRALIA LIGHT FOUNDATION, MOSQUE AND COMMUNITY CENTRE 291/293 Sunshine Rd, Tottenham Monday 11 – Friday 15 October, 10am-4.30pm Monday 22 – Friday 26 November, 10am-4.30pm

NRS: 133 677 or 1300 555 727 www.relayservice.com.au

TIS: 131 450

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2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

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NEWS

Footscray, Williamstown face crime challenges Footscray was the worst suburb for crime in the city of Maribyrnong in the year ending June 30, while Williamstown was the most crime-ridden suburb in Hobsons Bay. The city of Maribyrnong recorded a 5.9 per cent drop in recorded offences, Crime Statistics Agency data showed. The total number of offences dropped from 9392 in 2020 to 8842 in 2021. Hobsons Bay’s crime rate fell 8.3 per cent from 6098 to 5592.

In Maribyrnong, the top five offences were steal from a motor vehicle (1449), other theft (753), public health and safety offences (576), criminal damage (554) and obtain benefit by deception (528). The worst suburbs for recorded crimes were Footscray (2587), Braybrook (1687), Maribyrnong (1416), Maidstone (1026) and Yarraville (822). Most crimes happened in streets, lanes and on footpaths (2127), followed by houses (1601),

flats, units and apartments (633), shopping complexes (430), and driveways and carports (358). Hobsons Bay’s most common offences were steal from a motor vehicle (700), other theft (519), breach family violence order (462), public health and safety offences (437) and criminal damage (375). Williamstown had the most crimes (969), followed by Altona Meadows (926), Altona North (914), Altona (798) and Laverton (532). Most crimes happened in houses (1512),

streets, lanes and footpaths (1110), driveways and carports (253), flats, units and apartments (246) and service stations (215). Statewide, the number of offences fell 4.0 per cent to 522,486. Public health and safety offences (mainly breaches of chief health officer COVID-19 directions) and breaches of family violence orders showed the largest increases over the 12 months. Goya Dmytryshchak

Turn bans in Seabrook

Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, Michael Clarke, Cr Cuc Lam and Dr Nhan Pham. (Supplied)

Vaccine pop-up clinics By Goya Dmytryshchak Vaccine pop-up clinics have been established at a Braybrook Buddhist temple and Tottenham mosque. Maribyrnong council has partnered with cohealth and faith leaders to make it easier for community members to get their COVID-19 vaccines locally. Clinics have been established at Quang Minh Temple, a Vietnamese Buddhist temple and community centre in Braybrook, and Australia Light Foundation, a mosque and community centre in Tottenham. They will operate in October for first doses and in November for second doses. Maribyrnong has one the lowest vaccination

rates in Victoria according to the Australian Department of Health. As at September 26, 72.5 per cent of eligible residents in Maribyrnong had received their first dose and 44.3 per cent their second. Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke urged everyone to play their part in supporting the roadmap to reopening. “We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to receive their vaccination at places they are familiar with and where bilingual workers and interpreters will also be onsite if people wish to seek out advice around the vaccine and any safety concerns they may have,” he said. “The roadmap out of the pandemic recently announced for Victoria makes it clear that

getting vaccinated is key to restoring some form of normality and bring us closer to doing what we love with those we love.” Pfizer and AstraZeneca will be available at both sites. Quang Minh Temple, 18 Burke Street, Braybrook, is open 10am-4.30pm until Friday, October 8 for walk-ins only. Bookings for second doses will be made at the time and be administered October 15-19. Australia Light Foundation, 291/293 Sunshine Road, Tottenham, will be open 10am-4.30pm Monday, October 11 to Friday, October 15 for walk-ins only. Bookings for second doses will be made at the time and be administered November 22-26.

Turn ban signs are being installed in Point Cook Road at Seabrook to stop traffic rat-running through local roads in morning peaks. Hobsons Bay council is monitoring the effectiveness of the signs through traffic surveys. Seabrook Boulevard, Shane Avenue and Homestead Run experience traffic issues during the morning peak as commuters try to avoid traffic on Point Cook Road. This has caused ongoing conflict for the residents within the precinct. As reported by Star Weekly in June last year, the council had voted to install the municipality’s first remote-operated bollards at the southern entrances to Seabrook Boulevard and Shane Avenue from Point Cook Road. The automated bollards would prevent traffic entering from Point Cook Road during morning peak times. About 80 per cent of 691 community submissions supported options to reduce non-local traffic, with the most popular being the installation of removable bollards to restrict vehicle movements in morning peaks. However, the Department of Transport raised concerns with this option and it did not proceed. The council is seeking to have this decision reviewed. As an interim measure, turn bans – the second-most preferred community option – are being implemented. Goya Dmytryshchak

Everyday living & complex support for a bright future Your local accredited disability service provider Talk to us about how we can help Call 1300 303 770 or visit claro.com.au

Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3

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Tackling homelessness, giving hope at school Victoria University has partnered with Hope Street youth homelessness service to roll out a school-based homelessness prevention program in Melbourne’s north-west. Peter Gill, a senior lecturer in the College of Health and Biomedicine has spent nearly two decades researching homelessness. Under his direction, VU has partnered with Hope Street Youth & Family Services to implement the Homelessness Prevention Program in Footscray, Maribyrnong and Melton. North-west Victoria has the third highest number of homelessness service use in Australia. A similar program in Geelong resulted in a

40 per cent drop in homelessness. Dr Gill, a Maidstone resident, said the program worked by identifying issues before they become situations that were hard to reverse. “It’s a high school-based prevention or early intervention program, so we go into schools and we have a survey and we give it to the teachers and the teachers give it to the students. “They’re questions about how they’re going at school, if there’s any issues at home and there’s also a mental health screening questionnaire as well in there. “It’s fairly short but it does cover school, home and mental health.”

Dr Gill said vulnerable students could then be connected with the relevant support they needed. “If it’s a mental health issue, we’ll bring in headspace or a mental health service or if it’s homelessness we might bring in a housing support service,” he said. “We have brokerage funds if there’s a shortfall in rent for that month or something like that. “What we help people to do is connect and work more efficiently and better together to support young people, so very community based and I think that’s what’s so unique about it. “We’re able to address small problems

before they become big problems because once people become homeless and have dropped out of school, it’s very hard to turn those situations around. “If you can pick up something very early then we can keep people on track and preven them from going down those paths, and that has so many flow-on effects - education, employability, housing and homelessness, family, harmony, crime. It has so many flow-on community effects.”

Goya Dmytryshchak

Woolworths in Braybrook to close its doors

Berhan Ahmed. (Damjan Janevski) 247675_02

Call for education help By Goya Dmytryshchak A Footscray-based organisation supporting African Australians is seeking teachers and volunteers to support schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic. Africause founder Berhan Ahmed said his organisation had been working with Victoria University to support disadvantaged children with homeschooling. He said pre-service teachers who will soon graduate had been supporting the initiative and now more volunteers were being sought for families across Melbourne’s north-west. “We are approaching schoolteachers and

volunteers to help kids from refugee and migrant backgrounds,” Mr Ahmed said. “Before COVID, they were suffering attending class. “According to statistics, they were three years behind their class in most cases. “Now, with COVID, given the COVID challenges of isolation and homeschooling, these kids have lost the connection to school.” Mr Ahmed said that as restrictions eased, many children returning to school would be trying to catch up. He said one of the barriers was internet technology, which many took for granted. “We take it for granted because we use it

every day but there are people who have never used this,” Mr Ahmed said. “That has created a lot of children with so many crises now. “When the schooling starts, these kids will be far behind everyone in the class. “So, the way we’re looking at it, as Africause, we’re organising volunteer teachers [to] assist with the kids for at least one year to bring them up to speed. “Through Africause, we are working with families and that will give a child a chance. “That volunteerism is something to get that child up to speed.” Details: africause.org.au

Many Braybrook residents will have to find somewhere else to buy their groceries, with the Braybrook Woolworths store to close its doors. The store, which is on the corner of Ballarat Road and Ashley Street in the Braybrook Shopping Centre, will close this month. A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed that the store, which had been open since 2001, would close this month. “We’ve made the difficult decision to close our Braybrook store when the lease expires in October 2021,” the spokesperson said. “All of our Braybrook team members will be offered redeployment to other stores in our network. “We wish to thank our local customers for their support in shopping at our Braybrook store over the years. “We look forward to welcoming customers to our other stores in the area.” Residents who wish to still shop at Woolworths will have to shop at Sunshine Marketplace or Highpoint which are the nearest stores.

Werribee trio jailed for drugs, assaulting children Three Werribee men have been jailed for giving drugs to and sexually assaulting two young girls, and now face deportation. Rahamutullah Rahamutullah, Mohammed Nuramin and Noor Hason were found guilty by a County Court jury of 11 offences committed in December, 2018. They were found guilty of two counts of supplying a drug of dependence to a child, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 16 and seven counts of sexual penetration of a child under 12.

The court heard the victims, aged 11 and 12 year, were both in the care of the state. At that time, the three offenders were aged 21, 22 and 28. County Court judge Rosemary Carlin said the trio faced deportation. “Common to each of you is your Rohingya background and the fact you came via boat to Australia seeking sanctuary within months of each other in 2013,” she said. “Also common is the fact that whatever hopes you had of achieving that sanctuary

4 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

have been seriously threatened, if not extinguished, by your actions on this night. “Your respective visas were cancelled after you were charged, and you are now all classed as unlawful non-citizens in Australia rendering you liable to deportation. “You are effectively stateless and your future upon your release from prison for these offences is uncertain.” Rahamutullah was convicted and sentenced to 12 years and six months’ jail, with a non-parole period of seven and a half

years. Nuramin was convicted and sentenced to 11 years and four months’s jail with a minimum of six years and nine months. Hason was convicted and sentenced to 12 years and 10 months with a minimum of seven years and eight months. All three will be on the sex offender register for 15 years. Goya Dmytryshchak

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NEWS

Campaign for freedoms for the fully vaccinated Former Wyndham councillor Intaj Khan has launched a new campaign aimed at allowing free movement for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Mr Khan has erected a campaign billboard at Sayers and Leakes roads in Laverton, and is planning to put up another in Williams Landing. “In my view there should be no more lockdowns for fully vaccinated people, borders should reopen and businesses have a chance to be saved,” Mr Khan said. “It does not make sense to release people from lockdown once the 70 per cent target has been achieved, why do fully vaccinated people have to remain in lockdown for unvaccinated people to get vaccinated? “In the current situation there is no clear road map for recovery, it is frustrating and only contributing to a growing financial and mental health disaster.” Mr Khan said international vaccine passports should be created for international travel.

Intaj Khan in front of his new billboard.(Damjan Janevski). 250097_01

“The vaccinated families should be freely allowed to travel without any limits and do business with other fully vaccinated people,” he said. Meanwhile, Werribee Mercy Hospital’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic delivered its 3000th jab into a recipient’s arm recently.

Ross Walker and his wife attended the clinic for their second vaccine dose. The Werribee Mercy clinic has progressively increased the number of vaccines it has administered to about 360 vaccines each day, since opening to the public on August 11. Mr Walker said that he and his wife’s only

Call for legal education By Goya Dmytryshchak An organisation providing free legal help for people in Melbourne’s west is calling on the state government to provide school and TAFE-based education on work rights. WEstjustice has released a report, Ignorance is NOT bliss, which also calls on the government to make available free legal advice to all Victorians aged under 25. Report author Francesca Lai said a need for more local education and legal support on work rights and responsibilities had been identified in the west, leading to the Youth Employment Justice Program. “This program ran for the last two years and we recently launched our report detailing the positive outcomes it has enabled plus recommendations for government,” she said. “The program ran 37 education sessions to over 1800 local young people in Melbourne’s west. It also provided free legal advice and assistance to 110 clients over two years. “This empowered participants to exercise their rights at work and led to over $150,000 owed to young people being repaid by employers. “We found that young people are often locked out of work, exploited by employers and fired unfairly or unlawfully for questioning their pay or conditions. Lack of knowledge combined with insecure and poorly paid jobs was driving this.” Stephanie, a young person supported by the program, said her employer had been systematically underpaying staff for many years and ignoring requests to discuss entitlements under the award. “I approached WEstjustice to get information on what my legal rights were and they gave me a clear picture of my situation,” she said. “They also helped me formally approach my

WEstjustice lawyer Thea Debler-Depold and Francesca Lai.

employer and seek over $2000 in wages owed to me for the previous four months. “In the end, I was repaid over $2000 and the information WEstjustice provided led to others getting back pay as well - almost $20,000 in one case. “Many people don’t really understand their work rights and what to expect from employers, especially young people who are often just grateful to have a job.

(Damjan Janevski) 252447_01

“If we learned about employment issues at school then at least we would go into jobs with our eyes open. “Having legal support to resolve problems and make sure we are not being ripped off is the other half of the problem. “Right now, many jobs for young people are more about exploiting them than giving them a chance to learn skills and start a career and that needs to change.”

daughter was set to have her first baby in about 10 weeks. “We haven’t been able to see her during this lockdown as she lives outside our five kilometre zone, but we really hope that everyone is vaccinated soon so that restrictions are eased and we get to see our second grandchild soon after the birth,” he said. Werribee Mercy Hospital’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic started operating out of St Vincent’s Private, Werribee, earlier this week. Hub nurse unit manager Angela Cook said: “We’re appealing for everyone from Wyndham to book in for their vaccination as soon as possible to protect everyone in our community from falling seriously ill from COVID-19”. Details: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/bookyour-vaccineappointment or book at your local participating GP clinic, pharmacy or community centre. Alesha Capone

United kicks business goals Western United is hoping to give back to the community and a local business that has really struggled throughout the pandemic. The club on Friday launched ‘The Top Corner’ initiative, which will see one local business get a $50,000 package, which includes sponsorship signage at United home games, access to digital branding and being able to take up hospitality opportunities at games. United’s general manager of commercial Chris Speldewinde said it had been a tough time for a lot of people and the club wanted to help out. “We want to support local businesses in the west who are doing it tough,” he said. “The smaller ones don’t have the capacity to spend a lot on marketing and that is one of the first things that gets cut. “We want to give something back to the community and to one of those businesses.” Businesses can enter via the United website. Finalists will present a video to the club and the winner is picked from there. Speldewinde said winning something like this could help a business get back on track. He said United has spoken to local councils, who were very supportive of the idea. “It is certainly done from the heart,” he said. “We’ve got some really exciting stuff coming up and we want local businesses to be able to tap into that starting now.” Tara Murray

New partnership a boost for Victoria University students Victoria University has partnered with Belgravia Leisure to help increase employment pathways and opportunities for students studying health, wellbeing and leisure. The new partnership will develop programs that focus on delivering job-ready graduates to employers across the recreation, leisure, massage, beauty, tourism and hospitality industries. In addition, a cadetship program will be offered giving massage and beauty students an opportunity to ‘earn while they learn’ at the award-winning Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa,

which is managed by Belgravia Leisure. A collaboration with the university’s Indigenous Academic Unit, Moondani Balluk will provide more culturally aware and inclusive spaces and programs to Indigenous communities as well. VU vice-chancellor Adam Shoemaker said that the collaboration with Belgravia Leisure is underpinned by a shared commitment to industry-based learning and transforming the lives of local communities. “This partnership with Belgravia Leisure is logical for VU and will provide terrific

career-focussed skills and training with practical work opportunities for our higher education and vocational education students as well as provide sport research opportunities,” Professor Shoemaker said. “Also, an exciting joint research project between the Belgravia Foundation and VU’s Institute for Health and Sport will look to evaluate the impact, outcomes and benefits of programs and services to the community.” Belgravia Leisure chief executive Nick Cox said he is thrilled to be working with VU in ways that will benefit industry and positively

impact the community. “In addition to the programs with VU students and research, our partnership will implement targeted community development initiatives such as a skills and career development program for women residing in the north-west of Melbourne who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “We are confident that this initiative will significantly improve the future of our local communities post-pandemic.”

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Making a difference for families Emily Ellis says that making a difference in the lives of families is a major reason why she loves working in child protection. Miss Ellis is team manager of the child protection case management team based in Footscray, as part of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Her team, of 10 staff members, covers an area including the Maribyrnong and Wyndham municipalities. She said that while completing her master’s degree in social work, she did a 14-week placement in child protection. “I instantly fell in love with it and knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Miss Ellis said. She has been in the field for five years and a team manager for two years. “It’s an absolute privilege to be able to work

with families in the community,” Miss Ellis said. “I think to a degree it was what I expected, but I think I just underestimated how much of an impact I’d make on families and how invested I would be in that. “The memories are something you really cherish.” Miss Ellis said the daily tasks of child protection workers included visiting clients in the community, attending court hearings and meeting with community services employees. She said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these visits and hearings are being conducted online. Miss Ellis said that while seeing sad and unfortunate situations was part of the job, “the good balances out the bad”.

“I work with an incredible group of people and I call them my work family,” she said. Miss Ellis said that she would encourage other people to consider working in child protection, as there are great opportunities for career progression, training and development. “Every day in this role you learn something new and I can say that after five years,” she said. The state government has launched a recruitment drive, calling on new graduates and people changing careers to join the ranks of Victoria’s child protection workforce. Child Protection Minister Luke Donnellan said the Go Where You’re Needed campaign aimed to recruit more than 280 child protection practitioners. Details: vic.gov.au/childprotectionjobs Alesha Capone

Emily Ellis.

251828 (Joe Mastroianni)

Andy Robertson

252820 (Supplied)

Right here, right now

Volunteers Sam, Michelle, Kevin and Chris preparing meals for the Nourish Project at Yarraville Community Centre.

252253 (Joe Mastroianni)

Project dishes out nourishing meals By Goya Dmytryshchak The Nourish Project food relief program has provided locals with more than 3000 meals so far this year and rescued more than 1.4 tons of food from ending up in landfill since the current lockdown started in early August. Five neighbourhood houses across Maribyrnong and Brimbank last year launched the pilot, distributing free meals to combat food insecurity. Yarraville Community Centre, West Footscray Neighbourhood House, Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House, Angliss Neighbourhood House and Duke Street Community House joined forces for the project.

Together, they are rescuing surplus food and providing free, nutritious vegetarian meals for people doing it tough. Meals are prepared by qualified staff in the Yarraville Community Centre kitchen and distributed by the five neighbourhood houses. Yarraville Community Centre chief executive Christine McCall the project had especially helped people during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Over the past 18 months we’ve seen incredible work being done to support our local community, from the dedicated volunteers delivering free healthy meals to people in need for our food relief program, to staff going above and beyond volunteering their time to teach their skills online as well as

Restoration of shellfish reefs in Port Phillip Bay

supporting vulnerable youths in our area and much more,” she said. “I am very proud of the service we provide and will keep providing to our community.” New initiatives at Yarraville Community Centre include free online health and wellbeing workshops and cooking classes and the Chatty Cafe where people can connect in a safe and friendly space while having a cuppa and conversation. “These vital services can really make a difference in people’s lives and support their mental and physical health and wellbeing whilst in lockdown,” Ms McCall said. Details: www.ycc.net.au/communityengagement/news/help-inlockdown/

Footscray is home to a new StreetWORKS mural by local artist, Andy Robertson. The StreetWORKS program supports the arts while discouraging graffiti and tagging. Named Right Now in Footscray, Robertson’s piece uses gentle humour to depict keenly observed moments, celebrating everyday personal discoveries and experiences around the local area. Painted beside the path next to Footscray Library, the black graphic illustrations on pastel panel backgrounds are accompanied by quirky captions depicting six moments envisioned to be happening simultaneously in Footscray. It features an adventurous seal, an abandoned couch, a construction site, plastic flowers and she-oaks are just some of scenarios captured that are immediately familiar and relatable. Robertson, mentored by street artist Chuck Mayfied, designed the mural during a month-long residency at Maribyrnong council’s ArtsBox artist-in-residence program. He worked in a shipping container next to Footscray Library. “I’m even happier with it (the mural) than I thought I’d be,” Robertson said. “My creative practice is focused on capturing quirky and interesting behaviours through drawing. To focus my attention on my own neighbourhood creatively and be able to share it on a much larger scale was particularly enjoyable.”

Notice is hereby given for the restoration of shellfish reefs in Port Phillip Bay. This restoration is being led by The Nature Conservancy in partnership with The Australian Government. Covering 5 ha, these reefs will help attract more marine life and improve water quality. Rebuilding this ecosystem will not only benefit the environment but also the local economy, by creating local jobs and boost important fish stocks in Port Phillip Bay. To find out more information on our shellfish reefs and their benefits please visit www.natureaustralia.org.au/reefbuilder. Works will commence on 1 October 2021 and will continue until 31 October 2021. For any enquires please call 03 8346 8600. 12515973-HC41-21

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Briefs Man’s body found The body of a man found in Maribyrnong on Monday is believed to be that of missing person Huu Lai. Mr Hai was reported missing from Sunshine North on Friday. His body was found in the Maribyrnong River. His death is not being treated as suspicious.Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Recycling upgrade Cleanaway has continued the upgrade of its Laverton Material Recovery Facility with an investment of more than $1 million in new equipment to increase plastic recycling. New equipment would allow the separation of plastics such as coloured PET bottles and plastic trays commonly used for meat and fruit, from mixed residual plastic, reducing the amount of plastic sent to landfill.

Name change Women’s Health West will change its name to GenWest. The board of the organisation, which delivers family violence services and undertakes health promotion in the western suburbs, said the new name would sit alongside the tagline of “Gender justice and change”.

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NEWS

Share your love for Laverton By Cr Diana Grima

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As a mum and someone who has been heavily involved in the local community, I would like to share some council initiatives that may be of interest to people in the Wetlands area. Following last year’s Pitch Your Idea budget submission process, council is offering Hobsons Bay parents up to $75 off the purchase price of reusable nappies. There is no doubt that disposal nappies contribute greatly to landfill and it is hoped this rebate will help reduce the upfront costs of reusable nappies and enable families to make a small change which will have a big impact for the planet. For details, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ ResuableNappyRebate For the broader community, council is calling for Laverton residents to join the Love Laverton Focus Group. The group will help drive the roll-out of the Better Places Laverton Place Guide, as well as identify activities and event that will bring key areas of Laverton to life. We have already seen some excellent results from Better Places with upgrades under way at Frank Gibson Reserve and starting soon at Dick Murdoch Reserve as part of the Love Laverton Parks project, with Henderson, Bladin and Cropley Crescent Reserves soon to follow. I’m particularly proud of Henderson Street Reserve design, which will include inclusive elements following further consultation with the nearby Western Autistic School. Register your interest for the Love Laverton Focus Group at https://participate. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/better-places-laverton before this Sunday, October 10.

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Cr Diana Grima

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

(Supplied)

Speaking of projects, council has installed solar panels on the building that houses social enterprise Mesh Mash. The building is one of the newest recruits to council’s Virtual Solar Energy Power Plant project, a network that will eventually cover 40 council-owned community facilities and generate enough energy to supply over 110 average Victorian households, saving approximately 642 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. Finally, nominations are now open for the Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year Awards, a lovely opportunity to celebrate the people in our community who inspire us. To acknowledge the acts of kindness, both great and small, which bring us together, complete a nomination form at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov. au/citizenawards before December 10.

Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

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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

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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.

12516023-BL41-21

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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NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MY PLACE Williamstown’s Ian Nicholls has been instrumental in revitalising Newport RSL. He speaks with Goya Dmytryshchak.

What’s your favourite local cafe/ restaurant(s)? My wife, Mary and I don’t support just one cafe or restaurant in particular, especially during the current pandemic. Although we don’t eat out a lot, we support a different cafe and restaurant each week, as we hope the whole community does likewise. Could you tell me about your involvement with Newport RSL? I am the secretary and treasurer of Newport RSL Sub-branch. My role is to support the president and committee as well as organising our important welfare activities throughout the greater Williamstown, Newport and

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? I spent seven years or so in the Australian Boys’ Choir and appeared on a number of TV shows including the annual Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl. From here, I was selected to join Young Talent Time but my father put a stop to that. I still have a love of music and am proud of our music and entertainment at the RSL where we get to see a broad range of musicians walking through the door from first timers to those who have performed in some of our most well-known bands.

(Credit trade gothic 6.5pt)

What would you change or what could be improved? I’ve seen some great old houses disappear and ultra-modern buildings replacing these, poorly disguised as housing but I guess it’s all in the eye of the beholder. I don’t begrudge progress – it must happen, although I don’t want to see our heritage disappear too quickly. Some of our residential streets could be improved and beautified but I guess it’s a long work in progress.

Altona North areas. Presently, we are assisting a greater number of the aged and the younger ADF personnel who reach out for our help. That is our core focus and we do it without hesitation. We are currently preparing for the 2021 Remembrance Day (Poppy) Appeal and despite the COVID-19 pandemic we will still forge ahead and do our very best to raise much-needed funds to ultimately assist our veterans. We actively seek new members, especially from Williamstown as our reach also covers this area.

How has your life has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic? Life has changed for everyone. After returning from working overseas, I’ve focussed on working in Melbourne and getting to know Williamstown more intimately during my time off. By taking a different exercise route each day, I am pleasantly surprised by the architecture and pride our community takes in their gardens and homes.

(Damjan Janevski) 252236

What do you like about Williamstown? Williamstown is a great place to live, for its history and for the lifestyle. I moved to the area around 2003 and met my wife, Mary, a few years later. She raised her girls here (they’re now in their late 20s) and I moved into Williamstown around 13 years ago. I love it, who wouldn’t – with great views all around.

Streamlining infant healthcare Adjunct Associate Professor Christopher Carter Ceo, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network As every parent knows, looking after an infant can be a fast route to frustration and fear. Very little kids can’t explain when they feel ill, or tell anyone where it hurts. And their carers often experience awful anxiety when their darlings suddenly go off food, don’t sleep well, start to lose weight or develop rashes. GPs and maternal child health nurses are the first ports of call for worried mums, dads and other carers. To help our doctors and nurses provide strong, compassionate and consistent care for little ones North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) has created a new suite of tools, called Infant Pathways. Available to all medical professionals, Infant Pathways are designed to streamline the management of health matters in the really young. As well supporting GPs and specialist nurses in their work, the system also reduces stress and anxiety for the tiny patients – and their parents. There are 10 Infant Pathways. Some concern common baby issues such as being unsettled (or ‘colicky’, as your grandmother probably called it), sleeping poorly or loss of appetite. Others concern less frequent conditions, such as prolonged jaundice or hip problems. Then there are others that focus on premature or low-weight infants, plus things such as birthmarks, rashes or skin lesions. All these together we call the Routine Infant Check. There have been similar pathways in place for older children for a while now, and these really help to fill the gap in information and planning for doctors and nurses, as well as parents and carers. For clinicians, each pathway contains detailed information on possible causes

‘Infant Pathways’ will help streamline care for the north-west’s youngest residents. (iStock)

for infant distress, and includes treatment options, red flags and assessment tools. It’s a very efficient way to identify and deal with the common hurdles of infancy, but also opens up directed guidelines for a whole atlas of less common issues. These include plain language and easy processes for, if necessary, referrals to hospitals or specialists. The Infant Pathways mean that everyone

8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

involved in a consultation – clinician, infant, and parent – is supported and well informed throughout the process. Care is maintained at the highest standard and – equally important – stress and anxiety are kept at a minimum. This approach ensures that every consultation is thorough, and that parents and carers are kept fully in the loop about diagnostic decisions – whether these involve

pharmacy medications, onward referrals, or the (always welcome) news that there is no need to worry and the matter will clear up all by itself. And that reassurance is important. Hopefully it will be an important first step in setting up enduring relationships with medical practitioners, based on a firm foundation of compassion and care.

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SECTION

RUNNY NOSE OR COVID? The only way to be sure is with a test at the first sign of any symptom.

For testing locations, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 9

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

1A1B1C

21/132 Rupert Street, WEST FOOTSCRAY Conveniently positioned on the top floor at the rear of a quiet complex, this one bedroom apartment is filled with natural light. It features a spacious lounge room with space for a meals area, compact kitchen and large bedroom leading to the bathroom. There is also a communal laundry and one car space. This property is a great investment opportunity or the perfect entry-level home surrounded by all the delightful eateries in West Footscray.

raywhiteseddon.com.au 10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

Auction Saturday 16th October 11:00am

Peter Gindy 0448 778 819 peter.gindy@raywhite.com Patrick Jamroz 0411 242 935 patrick.jamroz@raywhite.com

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2A1B1C

6/75 Droop Street, FOOTSCRAY Located on the top floor, The spaces are all about potential and the location is perfectly central - every element of this enticing apartment promises a fabulous future. A present day two bedroom floor-plan with freshly laid carpet, flowing into an open plan living / dining area featuring a functional central bathroom inspires ideas for renovation. An underground secure car park adds to the security and features of this property.

SECTION

Auction Saturday 23rd October 12:00pm

Patrick Jamroz 0411 242 935 patrick.jamroz@raywhite.com Peter Gindy 0448 778 819 peter.gindy@raywhite.com

raywhiteseddon.com.au Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

On a mission to spread kindness

Sophia Grewal, Edgar’s Mission community engagement manager with a rescued kid goat. (Damjan Janevski) 251260_06 Below: Manfred Zabinskas with rescued kangaroo Brad Pit. (Supplied)

In the Macedon Ranges, an animal sanctuary is reminding everyone to take a moment from their busy lives to spare a thought for animals. For the past 11 years, the first week of October has marked Be Kind to Animals Week, an initiative developed by Edgar’s Mission animal rescue as Oliver Lees reports.

tretched across 153 acres just outside of Lancefield, Edgar’s Mission has provided a sanctuary for farmed animals since 2003. Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern said Be Kind to Animals Week was developed to start a conversation about how changes to our daily routine can make a positive impact in animals’ lives. “You can support your favourite animal welfare charity by volunteering or donating, organise a beach or park clean up, leave water out for local wildlife and so much more,” Ms Ahern said. As part of the week-long campaign, Edgar’s Mission encourages the community to make a kindness pledge. This pledge can take a variety of forms, such as committing to a random act of kindness, using products that don’t test on animals, or using plant-based products instead of meat. This year, the Be Kind to Animals campaign is aiming for more than 5000 pledges, with the site already notching up close to 4000. To help get them over the line, Edgar’s Mission has enlisted the help of human and animal ambassadors to spread the message. Among the furry helpers is kangaroo Brad Pit, who was rescued from an abandoned mineshaft by the Five Animals Rescue shelter based in Trentham. Brad Pit was saved from the seven-metre shaft by Five Animals Rescue founder Manfred Zabinskas. As reported by Star Weekly in June, 2020, Zabinskas led a rescue team which included Ms Ahern and five others. Brad Pit was saved, rehabilitated and released back into his native environment weeks later. As for two-legged advocates, DJ and wellness enthusiast Dara Hayes (also known as DJ

Tigerlily) has thrown her support behind the Be Kind To Animals Week ethos. “Research has proven that animals feel pain and emotions, share languages, family bonds, and rituals,” Ms Hayes said. “They are just as deserving of our kindness. Switching to a plant-based lifestyle was the best decision I have ever made. It is empowering to be a voice for the voiceless and to live a life that is causing no cruelty or harm to other beings. “It costs nothing to be kind.” Joining Ms Hayes is TV presenter Marieke Hardy, actor Martin Dingle Wall, plant based nutritionist Tammy Fry and others. While life has slowed down for many industries during the pandemic, Edgar’s Mission has remained busy. In the past 18 months, Edgar’s Mission has rescued 196 animals and cares for between 400 and 500 animals at any one time. Among them is Kiki Dee, whom Ms Ahern describes as one of the smallest lambs the sanctuary has ever received. “Kiki Dee’s eye had been pecked by a bird, but a kind heart brought her to the sanctuary,” she said. “Today, after lots of love and care, she is a happy and very affectionate sheep. It just goes to show the power of kindness, and it also speaks to the range of emotions all animals feel, no matter what they look like.” To celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week, Edgar’s Mission will be hosting a number of talks led by Ms Ahern. Edgar’s Mission is also offering the chance to win a hamper full of ethical goodies. For more information, visit: https://www. edgarsmission.org.au To make a pledge, visit: https:// bekindtoanimalsweek.org.au

12 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

Some of the animals that call Edgar’s Mission home, including one of the tiniest family members, Kikki Dee the lamb (centre right). (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 251260

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

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

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 a free computer workshop on setting up a MyGov account on November 7. Workshops are at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Renee, 9397 6168 This week’s photographer’s choice pic is of Sophia Grewal from Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary with a piglet.

(Damjan Janevski) 251668_01

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 from 7.30pm at Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com

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

Mouth organ band 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

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

Equiculture webinar Women’s Choir The Willin Wimmin choir meets every Wednesday in school terms from 7.30-9.30pm. During COVID restrictions, the choir meets via Zoom. When permitted, it will return to the Church of Christ hall in Douglas Parade, Williamstown. There are no auditions and no need to be able to read music. Sopranos especially welcome. Join for a free try out. ■ 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

Guided walk 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

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

Join Stuart Myers from Equiculture, for this online event, which is run in partnership with the Macedon Ranges council, to discuss some simple changes that could vastly improve your horses’ lifestyle. The event will be held online on Tuesday, October 12, 7.30-8.30pm. This is a free event. ■ jmcainch@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Fibro/CFS Support 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 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

Quilt In

Keilor Park Cricket Club is on the lookout for senior men and women’s players, as well as junior players for the upcoming season. Interested players can contact the club via the club’s Facebook page.

People of all ages and cultures are welcome to join the Wyndham Patchworkers Inc, which will host its 25th Anniversary Quilt In on November 6, 10am-3.30pm, at St James the Apostle Catholic Church, 336 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing. The event will feature a guest speaker, a raffle, door prizes, morning and afternoon tea, a show-and-tell and local traders. Entry: $15. BYO hand stitching, mug and lunch. Pre-booking mandatory. ■ www.trybooking.com/BRGRN.

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

Goal setting for seniors EdConnect Australia, with support from Wyndham council, will run a free lunch and goal setting strategies workshop for seniors. The session will cover using open-ended questions to elicit goals from young people or students. It’s on Wednesday, October 20, 10am-1.30pm at The Grange Community Centre. ■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/lunchand-learn-about-goal-setting-strategiestickets-164272773287

AL-ANON meets AL-ANON provides support for families

■

www.rupertswoodcc.org.au

Community visitors The Office of the Public Advocate is seeking volunteers in the Melton area to become Community Visitors, upholding the human rights of people with a cognitive disability who are living in supported care. Community Visitors monitor and report on the adequacy of services being provided to residents, talk to residents to identify issues of concern and write a brief report at the conclusion of the visit. Training and reimbursement of expenses are provided. ■ opavolunteers@justice.vic.gov.au or 0418 931 247

Singing group Love Our Street 3029

Players wanted

Rotary club The Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson

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

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

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

Dads’ playgroup

Mahjong group

Tarneit Community Learning Centre hosts a dads’ playgroup every week on Thursdays. The playgroup 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

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

Cricket at Rupertswood Come and play cricket at Rupertswood this season. The club is searching for junior players from under-11’s to under-17’s. Registration days will be held from 9am to noon on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 at 1 Macedon Street Sunbury.

John Safran Join writer John Safran and host Tony Wilson for this special digital event where John and Tony will take a look into the tobacco and vaping industry. The event will be run online in partnership with the Wheeler Centre on Wednesday, October 13, 7.30-8.30pm. Tickets cost $10. ■ www.wheelercentre.com

Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 13

PUZZLES No. 049

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

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

4 medium

4 7 8 9

QUICK CROSSWORD Plant yielding oil (6) Band (8) Existence (5) Subdue (9) Additional (5) Assessed too highly (9) Fruit (plural) (8) Monty Python member, — Chapman (6) German capital (6) To weave strands through (8) Professors (9) Fossil resin (5) Brazen (9) Baghdad native (5) Developing (8) Frisk (6)

16 18 23 24 26 27 28 29

Nomad (7) Family members (6) Sovereign (7) Enchanted (9) Domain of an earl (7) Layer that absorbs most of the sun’s UV radiation (5) Citrus preserve (9) I don’t know (colloq) (5,2) Titanic sinker (7) Entertainers (5) Assay (7) Twirling religious fanatic (7) Cooing bird (6) British PM, 1997–2007 (5)

3 5 6 7 8 10

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15

No. 049

14 16 17 19 20 21 22 25

DOWN Corrupt (7) Woman’s garment (5)

1 2

DECODER

No. 049

2 3

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

5 6 9 3 1 2 6 4 9

1 3 6 5 7

10 11 12 13

J N 20

Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good

6 1 9 8 4 3 2 5 7

2 4 3 5 7 1 8 6 9

4 5 1 2 3 6 9 7 8

1 8 5 3 2 9 6 7 4

5 LETTERS ACRES AGAIN AGILE ALLEY ALLOY ALONE AWARE BLOOM BOSOM EDGER ENDED ENDOW EPOCH FLOWS HAPPY HELLO

4 LETTERS BABE BEST DOER DOZE EELS FORE HOLE HYMN LABS MATT MESH ODES PREY ROAD ROTE

HERDS LAMBS LAUGH LEPER MAMAS MAMMA MISTY MOOSE NIECE NOISE OASIS OBESE OVERT PARSE PASTY SEIZE SEMEN SHEET SLOPS SLYER SPEED

STORE STRUM TONED TRIMS WAFTS WASPS YODEL 6 LETTERS ERRANT SYSTEM 7 LETTERS EMPEROR FORELEG

OPPOSED PERHAPS REPLACE SYSTEMS 8 LETTERS CHAPLAIN DREAMERS METEORIC SOFTENED 10 LETTERS HORSEPOWER TYPESETTER

08-10-21

No. 049 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

U E R S P E N S E V E L R A V E

3 2 4 7 9 5 6 8 1

1 7 8 3 6 2 4 9 5

8 3 2 5 6 4 7 1 9

9 5 4 7 1 2 6 3 8

4 8 6 2 3 5 9 7 1

5 7 9 4 8 1 2 6 3

3 2 1 9 7 6 8 4 5

2 4 3 8 5 7 1 9 6

6 9 8 1 4 3 5 2 7

7 1 5 6 2 9 3 8 4

7 2 3 4 8 6 1 9 5

6 4 9 7 1 5 3 8 2

2 6 1 9 3 7 4 5 8

3 9 4 5 6 8 2 1 7

8 5 7 1 4 2 9 3 6

5 7 6 2 9 3 8 4 1

9 1 8 6 7 4 5 2 3

4 3 2 8 5 1 7 6 9

14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

D D E D

O R C

9 6 5 1 8 4 7 3 2

8 3 2 9 5 7 1 4 6

TAXI TIED USED

No. 049

acne, acre, afire, cafe, cairn, cane, canine, cannier, care, crane, earn, erica, face, facer, fain, fair, fancier, farce, fare, fear, feria, fiance, finance, FINANCIER, franc, inane, infra, nacre, near, niacin, race, rain, rani

7 9 6 4 1 8 5 2 3

3 LETTERS ACE AGO APE APT BRA DIG DOE EVE FOX GAB GAP ICE IDS IMP LEE LET PER PEW RAT SEE TEE THE TOE TOP UGH WOO

QUICK QUIZ

What is the proper name of the mineral known as 'fool’s gold'?

Albert Einstein (pictured) held citizenship of which three countries?

What is the name of the chapel that features the famous Michelangelo painting of God and Adam?

Composer Philip Glass won a Golden Globe Award for the score of which 1999 film?

In what year did television broadcasting begin in Australia?

What two words contain all the vowels in order?

In what country was famed World War I spy Mata Hari born?

What is another name for vitamin C?

10 What was the real name of the musician known as Chubby Checker?

In which year did The Simpsons break The Flintstones’ record for longest-running prime time animated TV show?

1 6 7 3 9 8 4 5 2

5 8 7 6 2 9 3 1 4

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”.

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

33 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

C V G B Y T X F QA OM P

1 3

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

5x5

ZWS U I L H E K R D J N

6 7 4

4 3 2

WORDFIT

ANSWERS: 1. Pyrite, or iron pyrite 2. Germany, Switzerland and the US 3. Facetious, abstemious 4. The Netherlands 5. Ascorbic acid 6. 1997 7. The Sistine Chapel 8. The Truman Show 9. 1956 10. Ernest Evans

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The Kluger powers on for Toyota By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Car companies continue the battle to save the planet by snuffing out polluting fossil fuel propulsion in favour of electricity. Toyota is powering on with its petrol / electric combination. Latest model to receive the hybrid treatment is the Kluger seven-seat sports utility vehicle. Toyota Australia Vice-President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley says the addition of hybrid to the fourth-generation Kluger further demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to delivering on electrified options in its line-up. Offering improved driving dynamics, a larger and more refined cabin, a stylish new look and the latest in safety technology, the all-new model is available in three trim levels - GX, GXL and Grande - in petrol two-wheel drive, or hybrid, or petrol all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes smart entry and start, manual front and rear dual-zone air-conditioning, rain sensing wipers and automatic lights, and five USB ports. GXL models gain power heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power tailgate and satellite navigation for the latest-generation multimedia system. On test was the top-of-the-range Kluger Grande, which adds a panoramic moonroof, hands-free opening power tailgate, ventilated front seats, head-up display, a panoramic view monitor, leather-accented seats and premium 11-speaker JBL audio. The new Kluger is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, with five-year unlimited kilometre cover, extending to seven years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first five years / 75,000 km and each 12-month / 15,000 km service costing $250.

Styling There’s nothing out of the ordinary in the new Kluger’s looks. They are from the standard read traditional (old fashioned?) - SUV script. No sleek coupe crossover curves here. Toyota calls the shape ‘sculpted’. I call it ‘square’ in both its meanings. The MY21 Kluger is 76 mm longer (4966 mm) and, at 1755 mm, 25 mm higher than the previous model. While overall width has increased by a mere 5 mm to 1930 mm, 20 mm wider flared wheel arches give the car a robust appearance. As befitting a seven-seat SUV, the bold character is reinforced by large upper and lower trapezoidal grilles split by the front bumper. Slimline LED light clusters with integrated daytime running lights are situated above deep recessed LED fog lamps integrated into the flared front end. On the plus side, an extended and flatter underbody and spats in front of the wheels contribute to improved aerodynamics. The Grande rolls on 20-inch wheels with a polished chrome appearance.

Interior The broad dash, in smart soft-touch materials, houses the instrument cluster, a central 8-inch touchscreen display and air-conditioning controls and vents. A lower centre console is separated by a panel that stretches the width of the car. The lower centre console incorporates the transmission lever, drive and AWD mode select switchgear, electronic park brake and two large cupholders. Other storage includes a 15-litre lidded centre console box, overhead glasses holder, front door bins with 700 ml bottle holders, rear door bins with two 700 ml bottle holders and eight cupholders. The boot space is 50 mm longer and 13 mm wider, providing an increase of 46 litres of luggage space to a total of 241 litres. With the third-row seats folded flat, this increases to 552 litres while folding the second row 60 / 40-split seat back as well, the Kluger provides

The Toyota Kluger has tapped into hybrid power with its latest update.

an expansive 1150-litre capacity. A removable luggage cover is standard on all models and can be stored neatly under the luggage space deck board.

(Pictures: Supplied)

MODEL LINE-UP

GXL 2WD petrol $56,850

Petrol models offer traditional tacho and speedo displays in the instrument cluster, while Hybrid versions replace the tacho with a hybrid system indicator that enables the driver to check the output and regeneration status of the hybrid system to monitor driving behaviour and achieve the greatest efficiency. All models feature the latest generation multimedia system with AM / FM / DAB+ radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and myToyota apps including Waze and Stitcher (IOS) and WebEx (Android). The Kluger GXL grade adds satellite navigation with Grande versions delivering superb sound reproduction through an 11-speaker premium JBL audio system.

Grande 2WD petrol $68,900

The hybrid system is available in all GX, GXL and Grande grades in combination with the e-Four electric all-wheel drive. It combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motor generators - two at the front and one in the rear - and a large Ni-MH battery to provide seamless performance and traction in all road conditions. Under the bonnet, the petrol engine generates a maximum power of 142 kW at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 242 Nm at 4400 rpm, enabling a combined urban / highway fuel consumption as low as 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The test vehicle recorded as low as 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

Driving

GX 2WD petrol $47,650

Infotainment

Engines / transmissions

seven airbags - front and front side, full length side curtain and driver side knee.

AT A GLANCE

GX AWD petrol $51,650 GXL AWD petrol $60,850 Grande AWD petrol $72,900 GX AWD hybrid $54,150 GXL AWD hybrid $63,350 Grande AWD hybrid $75,400

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

Safety Chief among these is the autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety system that is able to detect pedestrians day and night, cyclists during the day, oncoming vehicles and pedestrians at intersections when making turns, and assist you to take evasive action if there is potential for a collision. The system provides varying levels of assistance from visual and audible warnings, braking assistance, steering assistance, and full emergency braking if the driver fails to respond. Grande variants feature a camera with a panoramic view monitor that offers a variety of different views depending on the transmission mode selected, including an overhead bird’s-eye view. Passive safety features in the new Kluger include a structure and body designed to absorb impacts in a controlled manner and

The hybrid system delivers a combined maximum power of 184 kW through a smooth electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that offers driver selectable Normal, Eco and Sport modes. Hybrid AWD models are also fitted with a Trail mode switch for more demanding off-road performance that is able to adjust throttle control, shift schedule, drive force distribution and brake control to deliver optimal traction for the conditions. For enhanced off-road performance in varied conditions, the AWD Kluger also features a multi-terrain select system with Mud and Sand and Rock and Dirt modes that in the Grande can also be disconnected to improve fuel economy. Side mirrors have been relocated lower on the door panel to improve forward visibility and reduce blind spots. Access into the second and third row two-seat bench has been made easier with the fold down levers for both rows now located on the outer shoulder of the seats, which, for the third-row seats, also automatically folds the head rests in one action. The rear hatch offers easy access into the expanded luggage space with power operation for GXL variants and a ‘kick sensor’ for the Grande version that allows the hatch to be opened and closed hands-free.

Summary Off to a slow start with sales when the Kluger came out in 2003 as a mid-size SUV, years later the Kluger is a large SUV with a big following. That is about to become bigger with the addition of hybrid power.

Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

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Hume’s Dockerty Cup win in 2019. (Mark Avellino/Football Victoria)

Weier makes it to the big time By Tara Murray When Michael Weier arrived at Hume City from Brisbane as a 19-year-old, his soccer career was just starting to take off. Five years later, he leaves the club as one of the best goalkeepers in the country and with an A-League contract. Weier now calls the Newcastle Jets home after signing with the side for the upcoming A-League season. Weier said he had no idea that he was on the Jets’ radar until he got a phone call from the club. “It is good, it is something I’ve worked towards for five years or so,” he said. “It’s good when all the hard work pays off. It’s now about taking that opportunity. “The boss gave us a call and I guess that was my clue. In terms of preparations, we hadn’t played for four weeks. “I was sitting there doing nothing for four weeks, it wasn’t the best of preparation. The Jets boss let me ease into things.” Weier didn’t have long to let the news settle in that he had signed a contract, moving to Newcastle in the following days. Like Melbourne, Newcastle is in lockdown. Weier is the first to admit he struggled when he first took to the training track. “I’ve got some mates who have played for the Jets over the years and they speak highly of the place,” he said. “Speaking to them and getting their feedback, it was exciting knowing I was coming here. “I haven’t seen much of Newcastle yet, from what I’ve seen the beaches are great, weather seems to be nice every day, I can’t complain. “Obviously the preparation wasn’t the greatest. Trying to back up the next day after a big session it was tough and the body wasn’t handling it too well. “I had to get in a lot of ice baths and do all the little things to ensure that I was training every day. Once I got through that two week period, my body has handled it now and I’m able to keep backing up.” Weier is no stranger to expectation, following in the footsteps of goalkeeper Chris Oldfield at Hume City. Oldfield won NPL goalkeeper of the year the year prior to Weier joining the club. Weier would win that title in 2017 and 2019, with Oldfield winning it at Avondale in between. Weier’s heroics in the FFA Cup also made headlines nationally. Weier was quick to praise the impact of Hume City on his life. “Going down to Hume, the club treated me like family from day one,” he said. “That helped me really settle in there. Trusting a young keeper, I knew I had to repay

Michael Weier.

them one way or another. It’s been a good five years at Hume and I’m grateful for them, it was a great time.” Weier’s time at Hume has coincided with the most successful period in the club’s history, including winning the club’s first piece of silverware; the Dockerty Cup in 2019. The club has made the final of this year’s competition, which has been postponed due to the pandemic. It made the final 32 of the FFA Cup. “The football was fun,” Weier said. “Playing

18 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

with the characters that I did, through the ups and downs it was always good to stIck around the club. “Bringing the Dockerty Cup to Hume for the first time … It was a special time, we were looking forward to doing it again over 2020 and 2021, but COVID didn’t allow us to do so. “I know the club is at a strong point and they will keep on and win more championships and I have full confidence in them.” Weier thinks there will be more titles in the coming years.

(Pictures: Shawn Smits) 204646

“The club grew me personally on the field and off the field,” he said. “I didn’t think anything of it when I went down, I thought I would give it my best shot. With the facilities the club has, the personnel in the boardroom, it allows you to grow on and off the field. “I owe a lot to that club and I’m grateful for my time there.” Weier now is looking forward to getting onto the pitch once restrictions end in Newcastle. “We’ve had a lot of intra club games,” he said. “As soon as anything is opening up we’ll be trying to get on the pitch. “You can do as much as you like in training, but at the end of the day it’s what you put on the pitch that matters. “I love to play game day, it’s what you work for.” Jets manager Arthur Papas, who coached against Weier in the NPL, said the club was very happy to have secured Weier for the upcoming season. “Michael has been the outstanding NPL goalkeeper for some time now where he also captained his side Hume City,” Papas said. “Since training with us Michael has impressed everybody with his character and his qualities, and the goalkeeper position is the same as any other position where we need to have players competing daily.”

Captain Bontempelli takes Bulldogs’ top award Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli’s status as one of the greatest ever players in the club’s history continues to grow, following his fourth Charles Sutton Medal win. Bontempelli, who finished runner-up in the Brownlow Medal, was named the Bulldogs club champion last Wednesday night. He polled 353 votes to finish 57 votes clear of Jack Macrae, with Tom Liberatore a further five votes back. It’s the seventh consecutive year Bontempelli has finished in the top three of the award. Only Scott West (seven), Gary Dempsey (six), John Schultz (five), Norm Ware (five) and Ted Whitten (five) have won more best and fairests than Bontempelli.

The midfield star also won the club’s John Van Groningen domestique award and Bruce Wilkinson trainers’ award, having already claimed the AFLPA’s Most Valuable Player award. Bontempelli averaged 26.7 disposals and 5.5 clearances a game, while also kicking 31 goals. “It’s always a challenge to try and front up each year and each season, and continue to try and search for more, and try to understand and learn how I can continue to support our playing group and football club in the best way I can,” he said. “I get an enormous amount of support and help from a lot of people, but I think I’m lucky that the environment I’m in allows me to stay

curious and try to be the best influence I can be for the football club. “It’s incredibly humbling to be sitting in a position where I get to lead the lads out of the race, and do my best to help influence the whole group as best that I can. “We’ll continue to persevere, be resilient and be the team that we know we can be.” Anthony Scott claimed the Chris Grant best first year player award, Taylor Duryea won the coaches award, Bailey Dale won the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player, Alex Keath was awarded the Brad Johnson best team player award and Aaron Naughton won the Scott West most courageous award. Tara Murray

(AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

Williamstown dumps Grant as coach

Braybrook like many other clubs have been affected by the pandemic.

(Damjan Janevski)

COVID takes sport toll By Tara Murray The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on sporting clubs, with some unlikely to survive according to a new report. The Australian Sports Foundation last month released a report on the impact of COVID-19 on community sport, as a follow up to a report produced last year. It found many clubs continue to suffer severe financial losses and that there has been a profound negative social impact with participation continuing to decline and the crisis was impacting volunteers. The average lost revenue per club was found to be $18,5000 and 42 per cent of clubs surveyed cannot source enough volunteers. New Braybrook Sporting Club president

Anthony Dunlop said it had been a hard couple of years for all local sporting clubs. “It was tough in 2020 when there was no sport at all and we were completely shut down,” he said. “We got some sort of season this year, but for some people it was even worse with the unexpected. “You plan major functions, do outlays and then they get shut down and you lose some of the initial outlay.” Mr Dunlop said the club had merchandise it had purchased still sitting in the rooms, while it had to throw out some food. He said the pandemic had made it even harder to get volunteers involved. “We were struggling for volunteers as it is. Who wants to tell someone that they aren’t

able to head out to the half time huddle.” For the club, the pandemic has halted the momentum it had been gaining. After a number of tough years, the club was coming out the other side. It had been looking to re-establish a junior program after not having one for several years. “It’s had a huge impact on numbers,” Mr Dunlop said. “One of our last games was against a club that is four streets away from us and they’re in a similar situation, but worse. “When you’re not sure what is around the corner, you don’t know whether you want to be involved. “There’s a lot of disheartened players and it’s impacted their mental health.”

Williamstown CYMS Football Club has dumped former North Melbourne star Shannon Grant as head coach over his domestic violence history just days after appointing him. The club on Friday issued a statement apologising for “the upset and hurt” that news of his appointment had caused. There had been backlash on social media after it was announced on Wednesday. The Norm Smith medallist was sentenced to six months jail in 2018 over three separate assaults on his then partner. The sentence was overturned on appeal and Grant received a two-year community corrections order, including 200 hours of unpaid community work. CYMS said the club on Thursday night had agreed not to progress with Grant’s appointment. “In particular, we are sorry for the hurt caused to victims of domestic violence,” the statement said. “We wish to also acknowledge the wonderful contribution of the women within our club and we apologise for the upset this has caused. We are sorry.” The club’s senior women and men’s players made a separate statement. “The current players of the Williamstown CYMS Football Club would like it to be known we have asked the club not to appoint Shannon Grant as the new senior men’s coach,” it said. “We apologise to anyone within the club and the broader community for the hurt that this has caused to any victims of domestic violence. “Playing groups across all levels of our club have held meetings and decided that this decision was not consistent with what we stand for and we hope to restore the community’s faith in our values.” For 24-hour support, call the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188, email safesteps@ safesteps.org.au or visit safesteps.org.au Goya Dmytryshchak

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