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Waste not...

Leticia Ines Caceres has taken it upon herself to clean up the rubbish left in the streets around Footscray.

268106 (Damjan Janevski)

West Footscray’s self described ‘crazy rubbish collecting lady’ is tackling litter one piece at a time, taking it upon herself to clean up the area that she calls home while encouraging others in the community to join her. Leticia Ines Caceres started cleaning up the West Footscray – Footscray area during lockdown. Ms Caceres noticed rubbish, particularly masks, were being left in public spaces due to the fact that they were being used more by locals. “That really started to stress me out because I had seen images online of masks wrapped around the feet of animals and creatures, sea creatures, and I found that really upsetting and distressing,” she said. “I just couldn’t bear it and I started walking with my dog and a pair of kitchen tongs and some gloves in a bag and I just started collecting stuff. I realised that within two or three blocks that my bag was absolutely brimming with garbage.” She found a lot of support when she shared her rubbish collecting expeditions on community Facebook page ‘WeFolk’. With Clean up Australia day coming up on March 6, Ms Caceres said her aim is to mobilise the ‘WeFolk’ community. She said walking and collecting rubbish was “good for your legs, it’s good for your heart and good for the environment”.

Win for mobile vendors By Molly Magennis

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Hobsons Bay’s controversial mobile vendors policy has finally been settled, with major adjustments made to meet the community and trader feedback the policy received. The original policy received criticism from many in the community, including ice cream truck vendor Albert Cerminara, for the exclusion zone which prevented vendors from setting up 500 metres from brick and mortar businesses and activity centres. and $12,000 annual permit fee for roaming vendors.

Speaking to Star Weekly in April 2021, Mr. Cerminara said the policy was unreasonable and unfair, and compared it to Maribyrnong’s vendor policy, which only had an annual fee of $3152.50. After receiving conflicting community feedback, council decided in September 2021 to defer the draft policy to the council’s first meeting in 2022. At a council meeting on February 8, a range of significant updates were made to the policy, including a change to the exclusion zone, which will now be 100 metres. Exclusion zones will also not apply when

bricks and mortar businesses are closed, and the annual permit for roaming vendors has now been slashed to $3850. The majority of the councillors voted in favour of the policy, except mayor Peter Hemphill and Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud. “After the considerable amount of work that’s gone on by the staff to get community consultation and also to integrate those changes that we’ve made on several occasions, this seems to be another opportunity to just water down what’s being recommended, and I’d love to understand the logic for it,” Cr Sutton-Legaud said.

Mr Cerminara, who runs the Mr Fresh Ice Cream truck, said the amendments to the policy were great news for his business. “They’ve adopted a neighbouring council’s policy and brought those measures in and for that, I thank them and absolutely, it’s great news,” he said. “What the council’s fantastically done is adopt Yarra’s policy which absolutely works and has worked for many years, and it’s what the council officers, the administrator, should have done from the start rather than mucking around.” The policy will be trialled for a year.

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Protect your child with the coronavirus vaccine for 5-11 year olds Throughout the pandemic, our kids have given up a lot to help keep their families, schools and friends safe. And with children eligible for vaccination from January 10, now it’s their turn to feel safe. The coronavirus vaccine for kids 5 - 11 will keep them protected from serious illness and will get you off to a safe start to the school year.

To find out where and how to book visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Know the how what & when of vaccination for 5-11 year olds Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12531280-JC03-22

2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 February, 2022

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Ambulance call times blow out By Molly Magennis Ambulance response times have increased in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, as COVID continues to cause a significant strain on the system. The latest Ambulance Victoria (AV) data reveals the impact that the Omicron variant has had on the service, with paramedics responding to 1084 call-outs in Maribyrnong between October and December 2021. The data shows this is an increase of 190 calls when compared to the same period in 2020.

While wait times for code one incidents, which includes all life-threatening incidents, remained below the recommended average response time of 15 minutes, it was still an increase from the wait time recorded in the same period last year. Residents in Maribyrnong on average, are having to wait for 13.53 minutes for an ambulance to respond. Between October and December 2020, the average wait time was 10.34 minutes. The data revealed similar patterns in Hobsons Bay. Paramedics responded to 1280 call-outs in

Hobsons Bay between October and December 2021, an increase of 21 per cent from the previous year. The average response time in the municipality is 14.34 minutes, compared to 11.54 minutes in the same period in 2020. The statewide average response time to code one cases was 15 minutes and 11 seconds. Currently, as many as one-in-five calls to triple-0 (000) for an ambulance do not actually need an emergency ambulance response. Ambulance Victoria chief executive Professor Tony Walker said all Victorians can ease the pressure by only calling triple-0 for

emergencies. “Every call for assistance that isn’t an emergency puts significant strain on our crews to reach those who need us the most,” he said. “Demand is now higher than pre-pandemic levels. During the last quarter we were challenged by the peak of the Delta wave, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.” The Victorian Ambulance Union was contacted for comment.

Push on for weekly FOGO

Artist Roberta Joy Rich has a new exhibition at the Footscray Community Arts called The Purple Shall Govern. (Damjan Janevski) 268232

Rich exhibition exploring resilience Footscray Community Arts is hosting a new exhibition, which explores the resilience of people during Apartheid-era South Africa and of those living on the unceded lands of Australia. The Purple Shall Govern, by Roberta Joy Rich, is showing from now until March 27. Through this exhibition, Rich says she hopes to shed light on how the past informs experiences in public spaces in the present by reframing history and examining her own family narrative. “The Purple Shall Govern is a new major work that endeavours to reveal the slippery nature of borders and their embedded

presences,” Rich said. “The exhibition invites us to navigate and consider our relationships with histories that have residually informed the ways in which we move within public spaces. It considers the duality of boundaries that have informed resilience, and the unyielding nature of people and publics.” The exhibition will also feature two related events, The Purple Shall Govern: Sounds of Resistance and The Purple Shall Govern: Screens of Resistance. Screens of Resistance will take place across two nights, with the first on March 2 encouraging guests to reflect on the

documentary Lousy Little Sixpence, a film about the Stolen Generations. The Purple Shall Govern is having it’s launch event on Saturday February 19, with an artist talk by Rich to take place the following day on Sunday March 20. Molly Magennis

A Hobsons Bay councillor has raised concerns about fortnightly green waste collection, despite voting for the collection change last year. At a council meeting on February 8 during councillor questions, Cr Tony Briffa asked for an update on FOGO (food organics and garden organics) collection, and when council could consider weekly collection instead of fortnightly. “I’ve spoken with a lot of residents … particularly over summer, they need weekly FOGO,” Cr Briffa said. In response, acting director Matthew Irving said changing FOGO collection service to weekly would come with financial impacts to council as indicated by modeling carried out last year. “Taking consideration that the changes have occurred recently which are working relatively well and the previous financial modeling indicating a significant cost increase to council, officers would not be recommending an introduction to weekly FOGO collection at this stage,” he said. In June last year, councillors Daria Kellander, Tony Briffa, Diana Grima and Matt Tyler voted to change the regular garbage collection back to weekly and the green bin collection to fortnightly. The bin collection schedule has been a contentious issue with residents ever since. Cr Briffa said the principle change she voted for was the return of weekly general rubbish collection. She said she wanted FOGO to remain as a weekly service, although that wasn’t an option at the time. “I think it is reasonable to expect both general rubbish and green waste/FOGO to be collected weekly. I am still working to return green waste collection to a weekly service.”

Have a say on the future of Maribyrnong’s public assets Maribyrnong council is seeking community involvement on a 10-Year Asset Plan its is developing, aimed at ensuring public assets are properly managed into the future. The council manages more than $930 million worth of public assets, ranging from buildings, roads, playgrounds and ovals, through to footpaths, bike paths and water fountains. The community consultation process will take place in two phases. The first phase is commencing now, with council inviting residents to comment on the quality and quantity of the various types of assets within the municipality, and whether

they currently meet community needs and expectations. This can include feedback on whether there are enough playgrounds and public rubbish bins, or whether the quality of footpaths are up to scratch. During the second phase, council will call for feedback on the Draft Asset Plan, which will be formed by comments provided during phase one. There will also be opportunity for residents to be part of an Asset Plan Working Group, which will be dedicated to further refining community thinking and unpacking the draft document to make sure it reflects the needs of

the community. The group will be a volunteer opportunity with two monthly meetings proposed between March and May. Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran said with the population of the municipality set to increase significantly over the next 20 years, council wants to ensure all facilities will be able to meet future needs. “Given council’s role as caretaker for these ratepayer funded assets funded, ensuring the Asset Plan meets the needs and priorities of our community is important, and I encourage all residents to head to Your City Your Voice to read more and share their

thoughts to help shape the direction of the document,” he said. To provide comments and register interest to be part of the Asset Plan Panel Group, visit: www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/assetplan Molly Magennis

Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3

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Fight is not over for LGBTIQA+ community

Booster jabs pick up pace

By Molly Magennis Footscray local and LGBTIQA+ advocate Melissa Griffiths is relieved the federal government’s religious discrimination act has been shelved, although admits it’s only a matter of time before her community is challenged again. The contentious bill was originally passed through the House of Representatives after a marathon session of Parliament on February 10. Five Liberals crossed the floor with Labor and crossbenchers to eliminate the right of religious schools to discriminate against gay and transgender students. As the bill stood at the time, transgender students were not protected from being expelled from school. In 2014, after wrestling with the decision for some time, Ms Griffiths made the choice to transition. After slowly building up her social media presence, she’s become a growing advocate in the transgender community, speaking at International Women’s Day events, consulting companies on the implementation of gender diverse policies, and sharing her story with over 18,000 people across her social media platforms. Ms Griffiths said while the world has become somewhat of an easier place for those grappling with their gender identity, or who are seeking to transition, Australia’s religious discrimination bill however has shown her there’s still a lot of work to be done. “Why do we have to legislate on common

Melissa Griffiths at the 2022 Midsumma Pride March. (Supplied)

sense on how to treat each other? It’s sort of a really sad society that people want to have this bill,” she said. Ms Griffiths said the fact the bill did not protect transgender students from being expelled was horrible, and that the entire process had made her community feel anxious

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and fearful. “It’s like, what are we going to encounter next?” she said. “I just think we have to treat each other with dignity, respect and empathy, and I’ll keep doing what I can.”

Residents in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay are rolling up their sleeves and getting their booster shots, according to data released by the Department of Health. As of Thursday, February 10, Hobsons Bay residents living in the postcode of 3016, Williamstown and Williamstown North, are the most vaccinated in the municipality with 55 – 60 per cent of the eligible population having received their third vaccination. The data revealed residents in these two suburbs reached the first booster milestone, 50 per cent, fairly quickly, on January 31. Those living in the postcode 3028, which includes Altona Meadows, Laverton and Seabrook recorded the lowest percentage in the area, with only 30 – 35 per cent of residents having received their booster. In Maribyrnong, Yarraville has recorded the highest percentage of the population who have received their booster, with 50 – 55 per cent of 14,288 eligible residents triple vaxxed. Residents in Footscray and Seddon weren’t far behind, with 40 – 45 per cent of the population having received their third dose. Braybrook is lagging behind that of its surrounding neighbours, with only 35 – 40 per cent having received their booster. As of Sunday, February 13, over 2.5 million Victorians had received their booster shot.

Summer construction in Melbourne’s west 11 January - 28 February 2022

This summer, crews will be working hard to widen the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 lanes. There will be 24/7 lane and ramp closures on the Freeway and at the M80 and Williamstown Road interchanges to get the job done. Plan your travel in advance – major delays are expected. Date Locations 11 Jan – M80 Ring Road (Altona-bound) ramp to Princes Freeway (Geelong-bound) 28 Feb West Gate Freeway outbound exit ramp to M80 Ring Road (Greensborough-bound) Williamstown Road inbound entry ramp West Gate Freeway inbound lane closure (above Williamstown Road) 11 Jan – Williamstown Road in both directions under the West Gate Freeway 14 Feb Williamstown Road inbound exit ramp

If you’re planning to travel through these areas make sure you plan your trip in advance and seek alternative routes. Major delays are expected.

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

Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 5

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Reach out for support

Briefs

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By Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud

Maribyrnong council is calling on community feedback for its draft People and Participation Strategy. The strategy focuses on contemporary volunteering in the community, and considers ways council can reframe how it supports, develops and empowers its community to build this social capital through a culture of active participation in community life. Council is inviting residents to read the draft document and share their thoughts via a questionnaire by March 20 2022. They will also be holding face-to-face conversations with further details to come.

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Summer is well and truly here and while it has been a rocky start to the year for many of us, there is support available for businesses and residents. Thanks to state government funding, council has established a temporary COVID Business Help team to provide COVID-related support and advice to businesses. The team of three have already hit the streets and are visiting businesses across the municipality to provide support during what continues to be a very challenging time. There is also financial assistance for ratepayers financially impacted by COVID-19. If eligible, businesses and residents can get 25 per cent off their 2021-22 rates notice (maximum $10,000). To view the eligibility criteria and to apply, visit www.hobsonsbay. vic.gov/financialassistance Council’s Community Connector program continues to link community members with local providers who can provide help and essential services such as food relief, counselling, medication and nappies. Since August last year, over 300 requests to deliver food supplies to households have been referred to council’s partner Laverton Community Integrated Services. Hundreds more requests have gone directly to other community organisations. Please don’t hesitate to contact Community Connector by emailing communityconnector@hobsonsbay.vic.gov. au or phone our Customer Service team on 1300 179 944 and ask for the Community Connector. If you are out and about in Williamstown this week, be sure to be on the look out for ‘Sea flowers and Sea Stories’. This mesmerising display of floating sea flowers can be seen on Williamstown’s water edge between Stevedore Street and the Ferguson Street Pier until February 20. Scan the QR code to hear sea

Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud. (Supplied)

Give your feedback

Calling all comedians in the west

Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud.

(Supplied)

stories and discover what’s under the water. The exhibition is produced by Donna Jackson for Hubcap Productions, and is made possible through council’s Make it Happen grants, which are again open for applications. Visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/grants Lastly, I’m looking forward to the state government releasing the Williamstown Maritime Precinct Framework soon. The Draft Framework is available on the Department of Transport website and the final document will build on feedback from the community. For details and to view the draft, visit engage.vic. gov.au/williamstown-maritime-precinct

Comedy Out West (COW) will return as part of the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. For those who have ever wanted to try stand up comedy, now is your time with COW returning on Friday, April 1. All you need is five minutes of original material to impress a voting audience, which could land you the coveted COW Bell and a paid performance as the official COW 2023 MC. To submit your expression of interest please email a headshot and a short bio to festival.city@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au. Expressions of interest close on March 2. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

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The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

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.

‘‘

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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6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 February, 2022

Champion for women

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.

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Projects on track: Council

St Albans VU campus. (Damjan Janevski) 266312_03

Employers like VU grads By Tara Murray Employers have rated Victoria University graduates as the most employable in Australia for a second straight year, according to a new survey. The independent Australian government-funded annual Employer Satisfaction Survey asks direct managers how satisfied they are with the attributes of recent graduates from Australia’s higher education institutes. The 2021 survey, reporting the views of 3,450 employers, showed VU led the list of 41 institutes in Australia for employability skills, with 92.4 per cent of employers satisfied with VU graduates compared to a national average of 86.3 per cent for all universities. Employability skills include crucial

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attributes such as working under pressure, using initiative, being flexible in the workplace, meeting deadlines and understanding the nature of the business. In addition to leading the country’s universities for employability skills, employers rated VU graduates higher than any of the other seven universities in Victoria (Deakin, Federation, La Trobe, Monash, RMIT, Swinburne and Melbourne) in four of the six attributes assessed in the survey, including overall satisfaction. For foundation skills (general literacy, numeracy and communication) 95.8 per cent of employers were satisfied with VU graduates. For collaborative skills (teamwork) 91.7 per cent of employers were satisfied with VU graduates and for technical skills (application of professional and technical

knowledge) 95.7 per cent of employers were satisfied with VU graduates. VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the remarkable results highlight the impact that VU’s multi-award winning Block Model of teaching and learning, combined with VU’s other Australian-first innovations, such as its First Year College had on the job-readiness of its graduates. “The continuation of these impressive results is a testament to the talents of Victoria University’s teachers and graduates alike. “There is no doubt that the VU Block Model equips our students with the essential employability skills nominated by industry leaders themselves. “It gives us a great sense of pride that employers are seeing the same extraordinary potential that we do in our graduates.”

Hobsons Bay council is on track to achieve similar or better performance results compared to the same period of the last financial year, a new report revealed. Council’s half-year performance progress was discussed at a council meeting on February 8. Each financial year, the council’s performance is measured against the progress initiatives and indicators in the Local Government Performance Reporting Framework (LGPRF). The second quarter report provides updates on how council progressed on both these measures during the period July 1 to December 30, 2021. To date, council has completed three out of 28 initiatives nominated to help support the delivery of Council Plan 2021-25. The initiatives include upgrading Paine Reserve as a part of the Better Places program, implementing a new learning management system and carrying out the COVID-19 Recovery Support program. The LGPRF second quarter results show that council will likely achieve better or similar results than the same period a year ago in 28 out of the 52 reportable indicators. In order to achieve similar results, council will need to improve on 24 of the indicators. Three initiatives are currently in the planning stage and include the Footpath Renewal Program, the Community Learning and Service Centres Strategy and the Property Strategy. The remaining 21 projects are progressing to plan. Molly Magennis

Don’t travel to high risk areas on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days. If you plan to travel through Victoria, during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day. If the rating is Extreme or above, avoid travelling to high risk areas, including to cities and towns.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

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Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 7

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New program to help Parkinson’s sufferers

Crime briefs Neighbourhood Watch volunteers Footscray Police are working with Neighbourhood Watch to establish a Neighbourhood Watch group in Maribyrnong. Neighbourhood Watch Victoria is an independent, not-for-profit organisation which works in partnership with Victoria Police. Essential to the success of Neighbourhood Watch is the participation of volunteers who work in their community, the partnership with police and other organisations, and the willingness of people to ‘watch out for each other’. If you’re keen to volunteer, and interested in helping to establish or join a Neighbourhood Watch group in Maribyrnong, email admin@nhw.com.au.

By Molly Magennis ParKanDo, a peer support group run by volunteers with lived experience of Parkinson’s, has partnered with Carers Victoria to offer a new program. ‘Chair yoga’ is a pilot program offered by the organisation. Not only does it help those who suffer from Parkinson’s by getting them physically active, but it’s also aimed at giving their carers a chance to do something for themselves. ParKanDo co-leader Peter Wall is also a carer for his wife Carmel. Mr Wall said the idea of the program is that while the chair yoga class is being conducted at the Newport Community Hub, simultaneously the carers would be in another room doing their own program. He said it’s all about giving carers a chance to connect and openly talk about things they may be struggling with. “We were talking about some ideas, like perhaps having a trivia morning,” he said. “It just is a chance [for] people [to] spend some time together, have a bit of a chat, have a talk, compare like for like, compare situations,” Mr Wall said. “Carers particularly, they go through a whole range of emotions. “This [program] was particularly saying to people well … let’s just focus a little bit on the carers for a change and because obviously without the carers, the people being cared for are going to strike difficulties down the track.” Co-leader and co-secretary Pam West suffers from Parkinson’s. She said physical

Mobile phone theft Police are appealing for assistance after a mobile phone was stolen from Newport train station. At 5am on December 21 last year, a man was captured on CCTV picking up a mobile phone left on a bench seat on platform one and placing it in his pocket before boarding the train and leaving the scene. The man has a limp and was carrying a fishing rod. Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Footscray Police (Transit) on 8398 9932. ParKanDo is implementing a new program called ‘chair yoga’. Peter and Carmel Wall practise some moves with yoga teacher Leanne Cannan. (Damjan Janevski) 268108

activity is so important for people who suffer from the disease. “From personal experience, it makes a difference, and all the research is telling us it’s really important to keep up the exercise,” she said. The program is currently being held on

Zoom, but when safer will be held at the Newport Community Hub. It’s free to join, and anyone with a disability, chronic condition or who is a senior is more than welcome to join. Details: https://parkando.org.au/activities/

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We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line and removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 56 already gone. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Sunbury Line

Werribee Line

Williamstown Line

8.45pm to last train each night, 15 to 17 Feb North Melbourne to Sunshine 8.30pm to last train each night, 28 Feb to 2 Mar 12.45am 19 Feb to 20 Feb 8.30pm 21 Feb to 8.30pm 23 Feb First train to 8.30pm, 24 Feb

Sunshine to Sunbury

8.30pm to last train, 23 Feb 8.30pm 24 Feb to 27 Feb

North Melbourne to Sunbury

8.30pm 18 Feb to 3am 19 Feb

Newport to Werribee

3am 19 Feb to 23 Feb

Laverton to Werribee

8pm to last train each night, 20 to 23 Feb

North Melbourne to Werribee

8.30pm 18 Feb to 20 Feb

Newport to Williamstown

8pm to last train each night, 20 to 23 Feb

North Melbourne to Williamstown

Road disruptions: Closed roads and ramps Williamstown Road

Until 28 Feb

Inbound entry ramp to the West Gate Freeway closed

West Gate Freeway

Until 28 Feb

Outbound exit ramp to the M80 Ring Road closed

M80 Ring Road

Until 28 Feb

Ramp to Princes Freeway (Geelong-bound) closed

Power Street, Williamstown

7pm 18 Feb to 6am 22 Feb

Closed at Station Road intersection

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12528345-AV07-22

8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 February, 2022

1531

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

12506298-AV44-21

Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Nab a grant and make it happen By Molly Magennis Applications are now open for the 2022 Make it Happen Hobsons Bay Recovery and Reconnection grants. Grants of up to $25,000 and equipment grants of up to $3000 are available for community groups, non-profit organisations, clubs, producers, community centres and neighbourhood houses. The grants can be used for activities, projects, programs, events and resources across all sectors including environment, sustainability, sport and recreation, arts and culture, health and wellbeing, multicultural,

children and families and more. Applications are open until May 18, and activities, programs, events and equipment purchases need to be placed by December 30, 2023. Further grants rounds are expected to open during 2022-23 for applications over this timeframe if residents are not ready to apply just yet. Grants will be assessed each month. Mayor Peter Hemphill said the grants program adds value to a range of sectors through the lens of recovery and reconnection. “More than $650,000 is available in grant funding, including a contribution from

Toyota Australia of $40,000, and the addition of $162,500 from Council’s Community Support Package four,” he said. “We want to fund initiatives to boost participation in community life, see economic and social benefits from events, and support projects that enable people to be active, to help create social connection and may help address mental health impacts and recovery.” In 2021, the Make It Happen Recovery and Reconnection grant combined multiple council funding streams such as the Hobsons Bay Environmental Grants, Hobsons Bay Events and Festivals Funding and Community Grants into one.

As a result, more than 100 applications received funding. Free grant information and writing workshops will be offered through Zoom on a regular basis to help with the application process. The first information grant writing workshop is on Monday, February 14 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. To book, residents should email grants@ hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. Details: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/grants.

Timber through time Brooklyn artist Geoffrey Ricardo’s exploration of the timber industry and Otway Ranges sawmills will be on show at the Lorne Sculpture Biennale. The festival, which was originally scheduled for September but was postponed due to COVID-19, includes work from selected, prominent sculpture artists. The Biennale explores the deep connections to nature, history and community through sculpture, performance and conversations, all working to the Spirit of Place theme created by artistic director, Graeme Wilkie. Ricardo’s pieces will be on display at Precinct 1 and will celebrate the beauty of the forest and the timber it produced. In addition to the sculpture event, there is a curated program of events that will run parallel to the Biennale, creating a hive of creative activity in Lorne over the period of

the exhibition. Named Sculpture Plus, the program will feature free and ticketed performances, workshops, nature walks, Indigenous education and other experiences around the township of Lorne. Wilkie said they were delighted about the work that will be on display. “March and April will be an exciting time in Lorne with the unveiling of these works, as well as our small sculpture exhibition, online gallery and the Sculpture Plus program. “We’re looking forward to welcoming art lovers to our iconic town by the sea.” The free event will run from March 12 to April 3. Details: www.lornesculpture.com Geoffrey Ricardo. (Supplied)

COSTUMeS Order now: aussietoysonline.com.au 10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 February, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Don’t leave us behind: councils By Tara Murray “Don’t leave local communities behind”. That’s the message from the Australian Local Government Association [ALGA] in its federal budget submission. In the submission released last week, the ALGA outlined a series of partnership opportunities that would help drive a strong and inclusive national recovery. The submission outlined 15 priorities which they hoped would be funded in the budget. The key funding requests are an initial injection of Financial Assistance Grants worth

$1.3 billion to drive economic recovery across the country, and for the total value of these untied grants to be gradually restored to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue. Others priorities include financial assistance grants, local roads and community infrastructure programs, the black spot roads program, arts and culture, circular economy, climate change, disaster mitigation, closing the gap and community health. ALGA president Linda Scott said Australia’s 537 local government have the capacity for growing partnerships with both the state and

federal governments, to support economic and community recovery in every community, improve Australia’s transport and community infrastructure, increase local resilience to emergency events and the impacts of climate change, and help build a new circular economy. “Only local governments can deliver a locally led recovery in every corner of our nation,” Cr Scott said. “Our local government priorities for the federal budget have been independently assessed, and if funded and implemented … And create 44,905 new jobs. “Councils are offering solutions to achieve

a tailored, community-focussed post-COVID economic recovery – from creating jobs to supporting local business to building new community facilities like libraries, community centres, roads, recreation trails and playgrounds. “Councils have an excellent track record of partnering with the Commonwealth on projects and programs that improve our communities and build better lives for all Australians. “Working together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable Australia on the other side of COVID-19 and ensure that no community is left behind.”

Upgrades for RAAF Museum

Steamrail chairman Joe Kellett and mayor Peter Hemphill at the Newport Railway Workshops.

268121_04 (Damjan Janevski)

Heritage a key concern for mayor Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill has laid out the areas of focus for his 2021-22 mayoral term. This term will be Councillor Hemphill’s third stint as mayor. He was first elected to council in 1999 and served as mayor in 2008-09 and 2015-16. In a council meeting held on Tuesday, February 9, Cr Hemphill laid out his four key areas of focus over the next year, which will be heritage, environment, infrastructure and community building. One of the key projects Cr Hemphill will champion is increased heritage protection for the Newport Railway Workshops. In 1994, Heritage Victoria identified the

site as “one of the best surviving 19th century railway workshops in the world”. With the help of the rail workshop volunteers, Cr Hemphill will push for a UNESCO World Heritage listing. The mayor said he has always had a strong focus on heritage, particularly since his children were brought up in the area. “Obviously a major focus is … the Newport Railway Workshops, which I have been interested in trying to preserve for a number of years, they’re under a bit of threat,” he said at the council meeting. “There is potential and this should be the case, potential for this to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage and I will do my

utmost to see if we can do our part in moving towards that.” During his previous term as mayor in 2016, Cr Hemphill launched the Hobsons Bay Heritage Street Signs program, now featured across 45 streets in the municipality. The mayor will look to promote the expansion of the program to Spotswood, as well as progress plans for the digitisation for the scheme. “We have an interesting lot of history right across the municipality, and it’s great that we can name the streets,” he said. “It is interesting and I know it’s very well received in the historical societies that we have in our municipality.”

Upgrades being carried out at the RAAF Museum in Point Cook will improve accessibility for visitors and see new exhibits installed. The museum, which is located at Point Cook’s Royal Australian Air Force base, will be closed to the public until June as the works progress. An anti-slip ramp, handrails and fire systems are being set up in the museum’s main hangars. A new multimedia wall and showcase is also being installed to allow for the display of regular rolling exhibits themed around key Air Force events and campaigns. In the museum’s Strike and Aircraft Display Hangars, the displays are being completely reconfigured. An interactive and immersive visitor experience will be created by installing immersive theatrical lighting, large-scale multimedia and interactive touch screens. Visitors will be able to circulate through the new exhibition space, where projection screens will be affixed to the ceiling, as well as multiple vertical screens mounted between the aircraft. The upgrade project which will provide the RAAF Museum with the capability to simultaneously display more than 30 historical and contemporary aircraft from the Air Force’s heritage collection. The RAAF base in Point Cook is known the birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force. The base was established March 1913 as the location for the nation’s Central Flying School, and was in continuous operation as a flying training base from 1914 until 1992. Entry to RAAF Museum is free. When the museum re-opens, visitors will be required to make a booking. Details: https://www.airforce.gov.au/ raaf-museum

Multicultural award a welcome recognition for volunteers A group of volunteers who support asylum seekers and refugees in the west and north-western suburbs has been recognised with a Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence. West Welcome Wagon received the award for Excellence in Community Response and Recovery, from the Victorian Multicultural Commission. The award was given to acknowledge West Welcome Wagon’s continued support for the community, including the expansion of its Food Program and Emergency Goods Assist project with the RACV, since COVID-19 hit Australia. West Welcome Wagon chairperson Chris

Scerri said the award was significant for the group, which was founded in 2013. “It’s our highest award, so we are thrilled that the contributions of our volunteers, donors, partners and supporters is recognised,” he said. Mr Scerri said that before the COVID pandemic began, the organisation – which supports asylum seekers and refugees from Wyndham, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley and as far away as Broadmeadows – was receiving about 10 requests every week for delivery of culturallyappropriate food parcels. However, after contacting the asylum seekers and refugees in its database to see if they needed help with food during the

pandemic, demand skyrocketed. “We were delivering between 150 to 200 food bundles per week,” Mr Scerri said. “We were distributing something like seven to eight tonnes of food a month.” He said West Welcome Wagon was grateful for the support it has received from community groups with food, donations and funding, including the RACV, Wyndham Park Community Centre, Jet Foundation Australia, the state government and Wyndham council. Mr Scerri said that out of the 870 households on West Welcome Wagon’s database, about 400 are in Brimbank and 220 in Wyndham. The group’s volunteers collect recycled, good-quality donated items and deliver them

to asylum seekers and refugees. West Welcome Wagon assists its clients with household essentials such as bedroom and kitchen furniture, like beds, tables, couches, heaters and rugs. The volunteers also hold regular “Reach Out” days, where about 50 to 60 families are invited to attend a community centre to select items they need from donated food, clothing and toys. Mr Scerri said West Welcome Wagon was looking for more volunteers living in the Wyndham and Brimbank municipalities. Details: www.westwelcomewagon.org.au or email volunteer@westwelcomewagon.org.au Alesha Capone

Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11

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Announcing the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund Grants The Victorian Government is pleased to announce almost $500,000 in funding for the ﬁrst recipients of the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund Grants. Congratulations to the organisations based in Melbourne’s inner west who will undertake projects that will connect locals through art and culture, sustainability, open spaces, sport and recreation, health and wellbeing, community and multicultural services, and education. The projects recognise and celebrate the Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong communities, supporting those who are most aﬀected by the construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project.

The successful recipients are: • Altona City Rotary

• Paciﬁc Connections

• Altona Lacrosse Club

• Seddon Cricket Club

• Williamstown Community and Education Centre

• Arts Gen

• Seven-O-Seven Operations

• Wit Incorporated

• Association of Filipino Australians of Victoria

• Slow Food Melbourne

• Yarraville Community Centre

• Better West • Brooklyn Tennis Club • Comfort Care Foundation

• Spotswood Sports Club (on behalf of Spotswood Cricket Club and Spotswood Football and Netball Club).

• Diesel Electric Rail Motor Association of Victoria

• The Patch in the Park Brooklyn Community Garden Brooklyn Park

• East African Women’s Foundation

• The Substation

• Friends of Community Tributaries • Friends of Stony Creek • Italian Social Club Altona • Laverton Bowling Club

• Tradeswomen Australia Community Foundation • VietSpeak • We Are West • West Footscray Neighbourhood House

For further details and information on future funding rounds, visit

westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/neighbourhoodfund

12 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 February, 2022

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Exploring the roots of creativity After two years of delays, the Mountain Writers’ Festival has finally released its plans for 2022, with a literary lunch on Saturday, March 26 to preclude the two-day festival which will run in November. The festival’s driving theme will be ‘Place, Story, Nature’ and will explore the connection between the artistic process and the environment. For artists across the shire, this theme has a resonant meaning that has influenced their craft in unique ways. But what is the connection between art and nature? And why is that relationship so pronounced in the Macedon Ranges? Oliver Lees went

‘‘

It’s like the whole community feels they have the freedom to express themselves

digging for the answers, and discovered an artistic lineage that can be traced back to the very first inhabitants of the land.

’’

- Paul Carter

ancefield resident Paul Carter has been interrogating these questions in his own way since he moved to the shire. Arriving in the small town from London in 1986, Mr Carter was immediately captured by his surroundings. “It all came as a complete and absolutely delightful surprise,” Mr Carter said. “I landed on my feet and when I looked around, I realised the population was really talented, and with such varied artistic abilities.” Mr Carter confessed that his move to the shire brought out his own creative urges. He is an author of several books, an 11-time Archibald Prize semi finalist and a garden sculptor. His most recent work, a documentary entitled Lancefield Dreaming, was a passion project of his own design. In it, he attempted to answer a question he had long held about his home: What is the source of Lancefield’s ‘specialness’? His investigation took him back through the history of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people, who are believed to have inhabited the area as early as 26,000 years ago. Mr Carter said these communities would convey knowledge and creative expression in what is referred to as Songlines. Passed down between elders through generations, Songlines tied human expression to history, and often, naturally, with reference to the environment. “Before the project I hadn’t appreciated the significance of the local first people’s population,” he said. Mr Carter said this research helped clarify his own infatuation with the Macedon Ranges, and why it made him to explore his own creative urges. “It makes sense. Even today, you can feel that you’re stepping into a very ancient place. “In that feeling there’s a peace to it, and there

Top left: Musician Harry Nanos, screenwriter and director Paul Carter and film editor Jon Nanos all helped bring Lancefield Dreaming to life. Top right: Mountain Writers’ Festival committee members Sonia Orchard, Kathy Bell, Amalia Chilianis, Michelle Scott Tucker, Peter Mews and Kate Crawshaw. Above: Mounting writing. Inset: Aboriginal communities communicated stories down through generations, in what has come to be known as Songlines. (Pictures: Supplied)

becomes the space and time to be creative. It’s like the whole community feels they have the freedom to express themselves.” In the modern context, the importance of the shire’s natural environment, and the need to protect, is also a recurring point of focus for the Macedon Ranges council. In April 2021, the council officially declared a climate emergency. Macedon Ranges is also one of only four council areas in the state to receive recognition under the Distinctive Area and Landscape Act, which affords additional powers to sustain the natural environment. As an author and a board member of the Macedon Ranges Literary Association, Michelle Scott Tucker was excited to jump on the team to organise the Mountain Writers’ Festival. “Given the crucial nature of the environment at the moment, it just seemed like an obvious

thing for us to do, particularly given that we are up here in such a beautiful location,” Ms Scott Tucker said. In April 2021, Ms Scott Tucker led her own mobile writing workshop, which encouraged writers to step away from their desks and into the natural landscape. “Almost anyone writing needs to have some sense of place. So even if you’re writing about other places, your embeddedness in your own landscape can make a difference,” she said. “You connect with the natural element and somehow that acts on your subconscious in a really interesting way to help the story to fly.” Ms Scott Tucker said she believed the pandemic and its associated lockdown measures had helped many to realise how crucial one’s surroundings can be to their mental health. Mountain Writers’ Festival director Sonia

Orchard said she was very excited to welcome “some very big names” to the festival later in the year. “We’re in this good, beautiful environment that writers love, with such an easy day trip from Melbourne, the idea [for the festival] just came naturally,” she said. On March 26, the festival will welcome acclaimed authors Tony Birch, Evelyn Araluen, Tom Griffiths and Sophie Cunningham to the Macedon Wine Collective. Ms Orchard said she hopes the experience will give attendees a taste of what life is like in the Ranges. “I think being at the base of Mt Macedon, I found that incredibly powerful, waking up and looking at that every day,” she said. “I know most people living here can relate to that in some, and it’s something that is very strong in indigenous cultures.”

Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 13

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Just Listed 3A1B2C

190 Gordon Street, FOOTSCRAY A home that represents an ideal first family address as well as offering exceptional investment rewards with approximately 480m2 of land, this modern classic promises great success from either perspective!

Auction 26 Feb 10.00am Onsite $1,200,000 - $1,300,000

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

raywhiteseddon.com.au 14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 February, 2022

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12 Scott Street, SEDDON This ideal combination of indoor and outdoor style distinguishes a design that’s further enhanced by two bathrooms, including the main bedroom’s ensuite and study. Enjoy the comfort of heating/cooling while a secure garage.

SECTION

2A 2B 2C D Patrick Jamroz 0411 242 935 Peter Gindy 0448 778 819

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Just Listed 1/29 South Road, BRAYBROOK A living/dining area accompanied by courtyard access. Open-plan kitchen by two double bedrooms and bathroom. Close to Central West shopping, schools, parks and trains to town from Tottenham station.

2A 1B 1C Patrick Jamroz 0411 242 935 Peter Gindy 0448 778 819

raywhiteseddon.com.au Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 15

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

Computers for beginners Williamstown Community and Education Centre is now taking enrolments for classes to help those with limited computer skills. Classes are run daily at both Joan Kirner House, Williamstown, and North Altona Library. ■ Lynne or Tahlia, 9397 6168.

Knitting group Anyone is welcome to come along to Yarraville or Footscray library for a weekly knitting group, where you can share your favourite patterns and techniques, and have a chat with like-minded people. Registrations are recommended via Eventbrite. ■ https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ library/Events/Knitting-Group

Poetry Group Anyone and everyone is welcome to join Maribyrnong Libraries Poetry Group. From the comfort of your own home, you can listen to poetry and connect with your community over the phone. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never read poetry before, everyone is welcome. Registrations are essential via Eventbrite. ■ https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ library/Events/Poetry-Group

Walking group Altona Meadows and Newport residents are invited to take part in a Heart Foundation walking group that meets on Wednesdays and Fridays. The group walks for 60 minutes, and is a great way to socialise and get active at the same time. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation to join. ■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Community/Whats-On/Altona-Meadowsand-Newport-Heart-Foundation-WalkingGroups

Williamstown Craft Market Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am-4pm. ■ https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Community/Whats-On/Williamstown-CraftMarket

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Stephen Wainrib and Rita Rosa celebrating Barefoot Cinema’s return to the State Rose Garden, Werribee. (Joe Mastroianni) 266279

School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au

Conversation Cafe The Conversation Cafe is back on at Footscray and Braybrook libraries. The Cafe gives people the chance to meet new people and practice English conversation skills in a relaxed and friendly environment. ■ https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ library/Events/Conversation-Cafe

Join Landcare 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, 0414 481 442

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

Heritage walks Enjoy a leisurely two-hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. ■ John, 0418 377 336

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

Mouth organ band The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. Everyone is welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190

Musicians welcome Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join its community band. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary

The Friends of Presidents Park meet on the first Thursday of the month, 10am–noon. This is a new conservation group. No prior knowledge required. Meet in the carpark near the river and Shaws Bridge. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Werribee River lovers required Rotary club

Diabetes support group

different tracks in Wyndham. ■ http://ow.ly/JpJR50HOVuN

A new family-friendly conservation group is forming to support the Werribee River in central Werribee. The next event is Tuesday, March 8, 5.30–7pm, river end of Edgar Street, Werribee. ■ maryann.weatherill@werribeeriver.org.au

Love Our Street 3029 A monthly clean up group in Hoppers and Tarneit locations resumes for 2022 on Sunday February 20, 10.30am–noon, at the Grange Reserve, along Hogans Road. Equipment provided. ■ 3029@loveourstreet.com.au

U3A Werribee Community outings Hikoi Brothers is for men of all ages in the western suburbs. The group meets fortnightly on Sundays for walks, talking about a range of topics while enjoying the

16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 February, 2022

U3A Werribee Region is a Not-for-profit organisation consisting of semi-retired and retired residents of Wyndham. It conducts a variety of weekly classes run by volunteers. ■ Rick, 0402299220

Education volunteers EdConnect Australia is on the search for Wyndham residents to mentor and volunteer with students for the 2022 school year. The charity places volunteers in local schools to help improve the lives of vulnerable young people and equip them with life skills. EdConnect Australia offers training and support to its volunteers. ■ www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/volunteer/ or 1800 668 550

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

Tutoring program Youth Services and Equal Ed are providing free online tutoring classes for young people aged 12 to 18 years old. The Academic Homework Support Program is on Wednesdays, 4-5pm, from the second week of each school term in 2022. All sessions are supervised by Wyndham council youth services staff. ■ https://youthwyndham.com/pgm-reg or

PUZZLES No. 068

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

easy

7 9 2 1

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

8 9

9 2 4 8 4

ACROSS

DOWN

Hides (5) Relying on or exploiting others (9) 1970s band, — Lake and Palmer (7) Of, or relating to, Tibet (7) Custom (9) Fad (5) Duped (3) Estimates of similarities (11) Artistic representation of a person (11) Idiot boxes (3) Mindless (5) Designers of goods and structures (9) Runner (7) Cleaning scoop (7) An office-worker (9) Waterlily (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 20 22 25 26 27 28

No. 068

Saccharine (5) Native of Iceland (9) Seaweed wrapped rice (5) Brand of microprocessor (7) Domed building (7) Contribute (9) Popular aquarium fish (5) Agreement (9) Pleasure (9) Relate in some way (9) Immediately (2,3,4) Inactivity (7) Blasphemous (7) Member of Central American ancient people (5) Of the nose (5) Ships (5)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 17 18 21

23 24

DECODER

No. 068

5 2 3

3 8 7 1 9

1 7 2

QUICK CROSSWORD

7 5 1 6 3

1 3

6 hard

8 3 3 6 5

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

Today’s Aim: 10 words: Good 15 words: Very good

No. 068

USES WARP ZACS 5 LETTERS ABORT ABOVE ALIAS ANGST APTER ARENA ATLAS AUDIO AWARE BROIL DIGIT DRIER EERIE ENEMA ERASE ERECT

4 LETTERS AURA DRUG DYES GASP IONS ISLE MADE MANY MESS MINE PARS PASS RANK ROBS SEES

EVERY GAITS GASES HAIRY INANE INTER LATER LEACH LEVEL MIMIC OGLES PARTY PASSE PETER RECAP ROGUE SADLY SALLY SEATS SEDAN SENDS

SHAMS STONE STOVE TENTH TENTS TRAMP ZINCS 6 LETTERS SHRINE TREBLE 7 LETTERS ASSORTS DESPAIR

REREADS SHRINKS STORAGE VERSION 8 LETTERS DEDICATE MURMURED SEVEREST TWANGING 10 LETTERS EVAPORATES TRANSPIRES

ahem, ephemera, EPHEMERAL, hale, hamper, hare, harem, harm, harp, heal, healer, heap, hear, heel, heeler, helm, help, helper, hemp, here, rhea 18-02-22

No. 068 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

5 6 4 9 1 7 2 8 3

1 2 7 6 8 3 9 5 4

7 4 3 5 2 1 8 9 6

T A R S R R E D

M A T C H O P E R A L A T I N

6 8 1 3 7 9 4 2 5

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

3 LETTERS ACE AGE AGO AIL APT ASK ASS ATE AWE AYE BRA CHI DEN ERR GAL HEN IDS LSD MRS NIT OKS RED REV SAC TNT USE

QUICK QUIZ

Which country was formerly known as Ceylon?

Which Greek white (or rosé) wine is infused with pine resin?

To which animated Disney film did Rowan Atkinson (pictured) lend his voice?

What is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye?

Singer-songwriter Norah Jones is the daughter of which musician?

What is the name given to a young female cow before she has had her first calf?

Which Dutch artist painted Girl with a Pearl Earring?

5 4 7 9 3 2 6 1 8

3 9 8 4 5 2 6 7 1

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

10 11 12 13

D W 19

8 1 5 2 3 6 7 4 9

9 7 6 1 4 8 5 3 2

9 3 4 2 7 8 5 6 1

8 6 9 3 1 5 4 7 2

3 4 7 6 2 9 1 8 5

T A

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

2 8 9 6 5 1 3 4 7

6 1 3 8 7 4 9 5 2

4 7 1 5 8 3 2 6 9

1 5 2 4 8 7 3 9 6

2 9 1 7 5 6 8 4 3

5 7 3 8 4 2 6 1 9

H R

T P

8 5 6 2 4 9 1 7 3

9 3 2 1 6 7 5 8 4

1 6 4 3 2 8 7 9 5

3 9 8 7 1 5 4 2 6

7 2 5 4 9 6 8 3 1

4 8 6 1 9 3 2 5 7

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

21 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

easy

MGHQ L P Y F T C N K J

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

U R E A V X S I B Z ODW

WORDFIT

According to the Gospel of Luke, what city was home to Mary and Joseph?

What is Russia’s largest port city on the Pacific Ocean?

10 Who broke the men’s 400m freestyle swimming world record at the 2000 Olympics? ANSWERS: 1. Sri Lanka. 2. Retsina. 3. Retina. 4. Heifer. 5. Nazareth. 6. Vladivostok. 7. The Lion King. 8. Ravi Shankar. 9. Johannes Vermeer. 10. Ian Thorpe.

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

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Altona North’s Biggest ■ ■ ■ ■

Group ﬁtness classes Female only classes Dedicated functional training area Located behind the cinema in the Miller’s Junction area

Walk in bins 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 & 20m3 Time For a Clean Up? We Are Open For Business 6 Days A Week

Ph: (03) 9958 9800 14 Hunter Road, Altona North 3025 management@weightoftheworldﬁtness.com.au | www.weightoftheworldﬁtness.com.au

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HOPPERS CROSSING LANDSCAPING Ì Landscaped Gardens Ì Brick & Cobblestone Paving Ì Brick Edging Ì Synthetic Turf ÌTrees Lopped & Felled Ì Drip Systems

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE 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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POINT COOK 46 Warunda Pde , Saturday and Sunday February 19-20 9am-6pm. Bargains galore. Most items brand new.

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A TEACHER Available for tutoring. Mathematics, Science, Chemistry, ChiV Massage nese and Japanese. Phone Therapists 0418 871 203 ADVERTISERS, in this sec- ACE TUTORING SOLUTIONS tion are qualified practi- Maths & English, all levels tioners and offer non- up to VCE. Phone: 0432 sexual services. 514 326.

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Saida’s Painting And Handyman • Painting And Decorating • Timber Repairs • Plaster Repairs • Tile And Concrete Repairs

ABN 44 021 708 152 Tel: 9309 2351

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12424562-SN33-19

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.

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS 12530339-JW02-22

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MARIBYRNONG. Two rooms available to share on Rosamond road close to Highpoint shopping centre. $150 per room /week plus bond. Suitable for person working from home. Available now. Phone: 0401 295 631.

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Tel 04 3277 4645

Paul Catoggio 0448 411 593 pccplumbing@outlook.com

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12469374-CG46-20

• Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilet Renovation • Small Extension • Carpentry / Plastering • 20yrs. Plus Building Experience ** call Hill now for a free quote **

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

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0409 888 228

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DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

12340308-HM08-17

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HOPPERS CROSSING Mature female to rent one furnished BR. $150 per week, no bills. Phone 0424 324 420.

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14 Pallet Tautliner Tasmanian Freight Services Pty Ltd Working from our Laverton North depot doing pickups and deliveries across the broader metro area. 5 days per week Weekly pay @ $58.00 per hour Contact Greg Flynn 0456 392 398

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12504269-BL30-21

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Based in West Footscray, ACC Higgins is Australia’s leading coffin and casket manufacturer. We require an individual looking to start a career or further develop their skills in manufacturing. We would like to offer an opportunity to someone who holds a strong desire to learn from and/or work with our experienced team. With employment you will join one of our departments in Wood Machining, Solid Timber Assembly, Sanding or Polishing. The successful applicant will not necessarily have experience in any of these fields, although if you have a skills in and/or would like to work in one of these specific fields, then please inform us. In return ACC Higgins offers secure employment, above award wages and bonuses. Some overtime hours will be required from time to time. Please forward your CV to Matthew Breen at matthewb@acchiggins.com.au or call after 9am on 03 9689 3299 to apply.

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Motoring V Wanted To Buy CARS wanted. $$$$ Paid. Buying all years and models. Call 0455 776 443 Lmct 11618 V Wrecking

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20 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 February, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Cute as a button, Kia Picanto is a great little city runabout.

MOTOR

(Supplied)

A ‘spicy’ city runabout from Kia By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

Google tells us that “Picanto” relates to the Spanish and Italian words “picante/piccante”, meaning “spicy”. The Kia Picanto does have a “spicy” look that could also be called cute. This is one of the smallest and cheapest models on the Australia new car market. However, it does have a fair number of the features that new car buyers are looking for.

Picanto S: $15,990 (manual), $17,590 (automatic) Picanto GT-Line: $17,440 (manual), $19,040 (automatic) Picanto GT Turbo: $20,490 (manual)

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

Styling The Kia Picanto GT-Line update for 2022 has revised styling of the front and rear bumpers which is intended to see it through until the arrival of the next model that’s anticipated within the year. The shape works well with a cuteness that’s almost playful so is aimed at the young as well as the young at heart. Our car was black with red highlights in the lower areas of the body.

Interior The styling of the dashboard area is neat with the screens taking up most of the area to give it an attractive look. The seats in the GT-Line are well shaped and have a definite sporty look by courtesy of the red trim around their edges.

not a “GT” and this makes sense - it’s more about show than go, which is fine by many buyers. Our test car had four-speed automatic transmission - yes four speeds because this is a car that’s getting seriously old by today’s standards. As mentioned, a new model is due within a year or so and we can expect it to be significantly better in its powertrain. Somewhat oddly the manual is a five-speed unit so has more ratios than the auto. We might try to borrow a manual to see how it compares ye-olde automatic.

Infotainment As part of this update all Picantos now have an 8.0-inch infotainment display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s space for a smartphone and there are single USB and 12V outlets.

Engines / transmissions Picanto GT-Line has a four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine, which is less powerful than the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol in the GT. There is 62kW of power, and 122Nm at 4000rpm. Keep in mind that this is a “-Line”,

Safety Picanto only has a four-star ANCAP safety rating, and that dates all the way back to 2017. Again, be aware a new model is coming. This updated model has city-speed autonomous emergency braking. This is certainly handy given that too many drivers are spending time talking on their phone or composing texts and having the car after them is a plus. Either that or educate drivers on the need to pay 100 per cent attention all the time. Okay,

I’ve always been a wishful thinker. You may say I’m a dreamer … with reference to the late, great John Lennon. There are two IsoFix points and top tether points for child seats.

Driving This is very small car so legroom in the back is tight for adults. Kids under the age of about 12 will be fine but any older than that will have to chat with the driver and come to a deal about sharing the space. Performance is okay, though hardly in the “GT” class. If you’ve got 320 kilograms of people the passenger seats and/or are driving up hills the Picanto will feel as though it’s struggling at times. Again, the four-speed auto is a pain because it’s going to drop back a gear and the engine jumps up in revs - as does the fuel consumption. Though the Picanto is small it has a 2400mm wheelbase so it works well, even on bumpy roads. The ride is quite firm if you look at it as being in the GT class it’s acceptable. Cornering is pretty good and the lightweight makes it fun to drive on your favourite stretches

of country roads. There is a 4.2-inch multifunction display in front of the driver. Both this and the centre screen are reasonably sharp and easy to read without the driver having to take their mind of the road ahead. Official consumption for the automatic GT-Line we tested is 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle. During our week with the Picanto we used seven to nine litres per hundred around the suburbs and five to six litres in the country and on motorways and level-road country driving. Like all Kias the cute little Picanto has a seven-year, unlimited distance warranty. Which is a huge benefit in this class as buyers are likely to be young and not have much of an income.

Summing up Kia Picanto is a cute little hatchback at a more than reasonable price. It looks great and drives pretty well for what it is. Though it’s getting on in years and doesn’t have the latest in safety features it should certainly get a place on your list of cars to test drive.

Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 21

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Jets continue to grow under coach Chancellor The NAB League Girls competition is seeing a wider spread of contributors as the league continues to develop according to Western Jets coach Robbie Chancellor. Chancellor, who is in his second year as coach of the Jets, said they were starting to see a number of changes, which reflect where the game is going. “We’re seeing the strength of the lower ages in terms of players and building depth,” he said. “We’re not relying on one or two players. There’s now seven or eight girls that can shift the momentum.” Chancellor said within his own team there’s the stars like Charlotte Baskaran and Montana Ham, who continue to star as they set their sights on being drafted. Baskaran and Ham were the standouts in the Jets’ first win of the season against the Northern Knights. He said the like of Trinity Skenderis, Paige Trajkovski, and 15-year-old Lou-Lou Field were

some of the younger ones to impress so far. Chancellor said they were seeing the spread of contributors, in both the NAB League games and the future games. The future games involve those players who aren’t playing in the main match, to give everyone the chance to play each week. “With big squads you are normally playing a lot of the same girls, with futures games, you’re pretty much playing everyone on the same day. “What we’re seeing is that the young crop is far more advanced than previous years, it’s a reflection of the depth of the competition.” Chancellor was thrilled with the side after that chalked up their first win. With a young side with only three or four top age players, the Jets beat the Knights, 5.8 (38)- 3.5 (23). The second quarter would be the difference, with the Jets kicking four goals to set up the wind. Chancellor said the playing group had really responded after the previous week.

“They played some pretty good footy on the weekend and I’m pretty excited for the next few weeks.” Chancellor said the side was starting to play a bit more of the game style they wanted to focus on, a fast game with lots of handballs and the girls taking it on. He said that style was a reflection of their strengths and the direction the female game is going. The Jets are set to play the Greater Western Victoria Rebels on Saturday in Ballarat, after deadline. It’s a busy time for Chancellor with the boys’ side also returning. Chancellor said he was thrilled with how they had returned after the break. “It was really pleasing to see them come back in good shape. For a wrap up of the weekend’s match, go to www.starweekly.com.au. Tara Murray

Charlotte Baskaran.

(Supplied)

Top of the table draw

Jamie Young has had an impact at Western United.

(Supplied)

Young making an impact By Tara Murray When new Western United coach John Aloisi approached Jamie Young to make the move to Victoria he didn’t hesitate. In the backend of his career, at 36, Young was keen to continue to be challenged and be part of something that was building at United. “Football careers are so short and I don’t want to waste my time,” he said. “I want to be spending my time playing in high demanding cultures and I want to be playing strong with leaders and characters. “Here’s an organisation investing in very high level coaches like John. When John gave me a call I didn’t really hesitate. “I knew there was going to be very high levels of expectations and accountability and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that. “I’m really interested in spending my time with people who are really excelling every day and that is really important.” The Young and Aloisi partnership isn’t a new one, with the two working together at the Brisbane Roar. Young said Aloisi’s decision to put his reputation on the line to coach United was

something that inspired him to join the club in just its third season. “I know what he’s about and the thing about John is, we know what he’s done as a player and his club career and at the Socceroos. He has a high level reputation and for him to come to a club that aren’t favourties on paper compared to others, he’s putting his reputation on the line. “I think we can see the character … He is easily one of the best coaches in the country and as a player when you see one of the best coaches put his reputation on the line that’s quite inspiring. “I see that in other players in our dressing room who don’t stand on par with achievements, putting their reputations on the line for each other is really inspiring.” The partnership has been a successful one so far at United. The team sits atop of the table and Young has been one of the best performed goalkeepers this season. While in his first season at the club, Young said the way the group has come together on and off the field has been a big part of their success. “I would summerarise it as an integrated and

22 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 16 February, 2022

cohesive approach. We have competent people in administrative roles who have recruited a new manager, who has recruited new players. “From there, there’s been high level coaching and players who can execute that coaching on the pitch and you can see how everyone is pulling in the right direction. “It is so important when people are working in the same direction off the pitch how that transfers on, it’s like a domino effect.” Defensively, Young was quick to praise the work of his teammates who are making his role easier. Heading into the weekend’s game, Young led the competition in clean sheets and was equal top for the most saves. “We’ve got a good defensive record,” he said. “Before we step on the pitch there’s a very thorough analysis strategy that we put in place that may look like random chaos, it’s very strategic. “I know goalkeepers associated with clean sheets. [But] case in point, the second half I didn’t really have a save to make. “It shows the level the defence, the midfielders and strikers are playing at, where a goalkeeper doesn’t have to make saves, those guys in front of him are doing their job really well.”

Western United coach John Aloisi says he’s very proud of how his team played despite a 1-1 result against Sydney in the A-League men’s season on Saturday night. The game at New Nestrata Jubilee stadium, marked United’s third away game in a row. In the top of the table clash, both teams failed to score within the first half but then a goal from United’s Steven Lustica in the 56th minute put them in the lead. The score was then equalised by Sydney’s Max Burgess in the 65th minute. Both sides had their chances in the second half to hit the front. United thought it had secured a penalty during injury time but a VAR review dismissed calls that a handball had occurred. Aloisi said he’s “happy” with the result given the circumstances with heavy rain falling throughout the game. “It’s good that the players have performed really well in some difficult conditions, sometimes we’ve only had three days to back up,” Aloisi said. “It shows that we have got good character and I’m proud of them.” Aloisi said it was disappointing not to get the penalty late in the game. “It didn’t hit the shoulder, it hit the arm and he’s facing the wrong way and he’s stopping our player from actually challenging the ball,” Aloisi told reporters during a press conference. “Disappointed yes, but we have to get on with it. “It was a good game of football from both sides.” United remains on top of the ladder, one point clear of Melbourne City. This week the side is due to face Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday night. Fatima Halloum

Altona youngster racing against Australia’s best At just 11 years old, Aiden Schweikert will be racing against Australia’s best in karting at the end of the month. The Altona local will be taking part in the Australian Kart Championship, a national competition consisting of five rounds taking place across the country. Aiden will be competing in round one in late February at the Go-Kart Club of Victoria in Port Melbourne. The youngster has always loved motorsport, and started racing when he was 10 years old. He said he looks up to Australian formula one star Daniel Ricciardo and up and coming driver Oscar Piastri. “I’ve watched F1 since I was like, four or five, and also watch the supercars,” he said. “It’s always been my dream to be in the F1, or any type of [sport] driving a car for a living, that’s definitely my goal.”

Aiden will be competing in the cadet 12 division at this year’s championship, and says although he’s nervous for the event, he’s also very excited. While Aiden said he does go into each race with a bit of a plan in mind, it rarely goes how he expects. “I try and have a plan before I go in but mainly it just gets blown out the window after the start. I basically just have to wing it through the race,” he said. Aiden’s father Justin Schweikert said watching his son during the first few laps is usually a nerve wracking experience. “It can be a little bit scary at times … but quite often, it’s not necessarily the fear of him being hurt, it’s more you know, [getting] through the corner because quite a bit of preparation goes into it and every race has a follow on effect to the next races because it

affects his start position.” For Aiden, his dad has been one of his biggest supporters throughout his racing journey so far. “From the start he taught me basically everything,” he said. Mr Schweikert agrees that the experience is very much a bonding opportunity for the two. “We spend a lot of time together and there are times where it’s pretty emotionally charged so we have to learn very quickly to control the negative emotions and focus on the positive.” Most importantly, Aiden and his dad said while the karting community is small, it’s very close knit and supportive. “Everybody helps everybody out. You know, if there’s anything that you need, and no one’s got it, someone will try and find it for you,” Mr Schweikert “I’ve made heaps of friends through karting

Aiden Schweikert will be racing against Australia’s best in Karting at the end of the month. (Supplied)

who I’ve been racing against, so that’s been really great,” Aiden said. You can follow Aiden’s racing journey on Instagram and Facebook, or through his website https://aidenschweikert.com Molly Magennis

Bulldogs’ gutsy win

Seagulls player Thalia Wright taking a kick during Saturdays match against Darebin.

(Supplied)

Gulls’ wings are clipped By Molly Magennis Despite a strong start and a 19-point lead heading into the main break, Williamstown fell short in their round one match against Darebin on Saturday. The Gulls got off to a flying start, snagging five unanswered goals in the first term, including one in the first minute of the game thanks to debutant Lori Stepnell. They were able to keep the Falcons from hitting the scoreboard and went into the second quarter with an easy 32-point lead. The second quarter saw the Falcons pick up momentum, kicking two goals and leaving the Gulls entirely off the scoreboard. Darebin were clearly fired up as they slowly made their way back into the game, falling only 8-points behind leading into the final quarter. Despite an early goal from the Falcons, the Gulls were seemingly still in the clear. They struggled to hit the scoreboard however and did not do enough to prevent a late goal from Stephanie Simpson, which edged Darebin in front by three points.

A late effort from Elsa Mangan was not enough, and the Falcons were able to take home the win. Despite the loss, there were promising signs from debutant Alana Sarec, who was impressive in the ruck managing 30 hit-outs. Sharnie Whiting was ever present throughout the match, evident in the 20 disposals and five marks she was able to notch up. Coach Penny Cula-Reid said since Saturday’s game she’s been asking herself what happened to the stellar first quarter the girls had. “It was a really promising start in the first quarter. Kicking five goals in the first quarter is something that we haven’t done in a very, very long time,” she said. “So at quarter time I was like, here we go, we’re up and about here, we’re gonna have a great day. And then to Darebin’s credit they fixed up a few [structural] things. They came back and they really put us to the test.” Looking back on the footage of the game, Cula-Reid said Darebin really stood up, whereas the Gulls are still learning how to play through adversity.

“I think unfortunately we didn’t stick to our guns and what we were doing in the first quarter, which was our brand of football, and you can’t really win too many games on one quarter of footy.” Cula-Reid said one contributing factor for the loss was the fact that the Gulls had nine new debutants playing in the game on Saturday, plus a completely new midfield. “We had four new girls in the midfield group, five new girls into our forward line group and so that’s where it all sort of I guess fell away for us,” she said. “We had more inside 30s, we had more clearances, we had more of the ball, unfortunately for us we just couldn’t get the score on the board.” The Gulls will take on the Dogs at Whitten Oval this weekend, with time and date to be confirmed. WILLIAMSTOWN: 5.2 2.1 4.1 5.4 (34) DAREBIN: 0.0 2.1 4.1 6.1 (37) Goals: 1 Sofi Georgas, Elsa Mangan, Sophia McCarthy, Lori Stepnell, Eliza Straford

The Western Bulldogs recorded a historic win at the weekend, taking home a one-point win against the Adelaide Crows. In what turned out to be a close game, the Dogs managed to upset the unbeaten Crows with a 8.1 (49) to 7.6 (48) win. The Dogs were off to a flying start, kicking three back-to-back goals in the first term. The crows quickly responded with two of their own, before a late goal by Ellie Blackburn cemented a comfortable lead for the Dogs heading into the second quarter. The Bulldogs continued their momentum into the second term, with two quick goals from Celine Moody and Britney Gut. Coming back from the main break, the Crows forward pressure ramped up with three early attempts at goal. Both teams only managed one goal apiece in the third term, and as the final quarter loomed the Dogs looked like they had the win in the bag. The Crows came out strong in the final quarter however and turned the game on its head with three goals of their own. Luckily for the Dogs, their strong lead placed them in a good position, and they managed to hold onto a one point lead. Ellie Blackburn was again impressive, notching up 23 disposals, two marks, one goal and four tackles and was named in the Bulldogs best. In a post-game press conference, coach Nathan Burke said the team’s performance was amazing considering the hot conditions and travel time to Adelaide. “They not only gutsed it out but they played some really, really good footy,” he said. “They were coming to the bench, they were absolutely cooked and I just kept asking them, to give more and more and they just did.” With two wins in a row, the Dogs will now head back to their home turf to take on Geelong on Friday, February 18. Molly Magennis

Wednesday, 16 February, 2022 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 23

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