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Organisers Karisma Amjad and Angela Ashley-Chiew with participants Saida Mohamed and Nazish Rafique. (Damjan Janevski) 377569_01
For migrants, adapting to Melbourne’s weather can be challenging and unexpected, which is why Bangladeshi woman Karisma Amjad is hosting a free morning tea and weather discussion session. Together with Climate Action Maribyrnong’s Angela Ashley- Chiew, Ms Amjad hopes to foster a network of women to discuss climate change and changing weather conditions. “In Maribyrnong, 45 per cent of our residents are born overseas, so we hope that we can start this conversation for those who are migrants,” she said. “I will be sharing my experiences of moving to Australia, and what a culture and weather shock it can be.” Ms Ashley- Chiew said “If we can have these conversations, people can share their experiences and how they have dealt with these things. We also want to share helpful resources which are local and practical.” Join the morning tea on December 15, at the Braybrook Community Hub.
Bid to save green space By Jennifer Pittorino A heritage-listed building in Maribyrnong is under threat of becoming a private function centre, unless Maribyrnong council rejects plans to develop the site. Local resident Pauline Cady has created a petition asking the council to ‘Save Jack’s Magazine’. Ms Cady fell in love with the area while walking her dogs and fears the development could lock away one of the very few community green spaces in the west. Jack’s Magazine is located on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, adjacent to blocks of residential homes. It is a popular spot for walking and enjoying nature. The original building dates back to 1878 and was used to store gunpowder and explosives.
The 12 hectare site is currently used for monthly guided tours and hired out to creative groups. An applicant has proposed turning the site into a space for private weddings and functions which would operate seven days a week. The petition, which has 86 signatures, asks the council to preserve the historic site for the whole community. “When I learned about the proposal to turn Jack’s Magazine into a space for weddings and corporate events being operated seven days a week, I was quite appalled ” Ms Cady said. “There are residents who just want to park our car in the car park because we want to go for a walk and get a little bit of peace and quiet, we will lose all of that. “You can have a wedding anywhere, there are buildings galore, but there are not many places
where we can experience just being that little bit closer to nature.” Ms Cady is worried that the noise disturbance for local residents has been overlooked. “The proposed plan seeks to sell liquor to 200 customers, all in a natural amphitheatre which amplifies sound,” she said. “There is also no parking at Jack’s Magazine, and no dedicated parking is proposed, “Instead customers would take a private mini-bus from Pipemakers Park public car park, and the drop off point would be metres from local residents’ doors.” Ms Cady hopes there is enough time for the community to give feedback. “We’re at the tail end of the process, where there is potentially very little that we can actually do about this.
“The citizens are cranky about how little consultation there has been, but there is still time.” Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said the planning application was advertised on council’s website and on a noticeboard on site inviting the community to make submissions in support or opposition. “This was opened in August 2023,“ she said. “There were 72 objections and five letters of support received. “The planning application for Jack’s Magazine will be considered by council in early 2024. “According to our gvernance rules, petitions must be tabled within seven days of a council meeting, compliant petitions are then considered by council.”
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We’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and there will be disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. We’ve finished tunnelling for the West Gate Tunnel, which will create better connections across our city and make it quicker and easier to get to and from the west. As works continue, there will be road disruptions. West Gate Tunnel Project Footscray Shepherd Bridge
Nearly nine hectares of new parks and wetlands and 17,000 new trees
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Widening the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 lanes
Altona North
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To find out more about disruptions in the west scan the QR code or visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/innerwest 12655547-HC50-23
2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023
Yarraville
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Works progress in the west
While we work, road disruptions could affect your travel
Major works are progressing on the West Gate Tunnel Project. The vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge will give drivers a choice – the tunnel or the bridge – and provide direct port access for the freight industry, taking thousands of trucks off local roads.
Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps
Between October and December, we completed the first stage of extending Wurundjeri Way over Dudley Street to create a new city bypass with the construction of the foundations for a new bridge.
West Gate Bridge
26 December to 4 January
Lanes closed
West Gate Freeway
Mid-January to early March
Lanes and ramps closed
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Mid-January to early March
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Also, from mid-January to early March lanes and ramps will be closed on the West Gate Freeway between Millers Road and the M80 Interchange for asphalting and gantry installation, bringing us one step closer to delivering four extra freeway lanes. Significant delays are expected.
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The second stage of work underneath the bridge will mean Wurundjeri Way will need to be closed in both directions from mid-January to early March.
The Department of Transport and Planning will also be carrying out important maintenance work on the West Gate Bridge from Boxing Day.
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Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 3
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West ‘desperately under-served A faster, fairer and better-connected bus network is needed for Melbourne, including in Maribyrnong, according to new research, The Infrastructure Victoria report, ‘Fast, frequent, fair: how buses can better connect Melbourne’, details how reforms to Melbourne’s bus network would significantly improve access to jobs and recreation for thousands of people. The report lists Maribyrnong as one of the area’s which will benefit from increased frequent services. According to the report, Footscray could experience between 5200 and 7000 additional daily boardings by 2036, resulting in 11,500 total daily boardings by 2036 from Tarneit to Maribyrnong.
The report lists 10 recommendations for improvements, including increasing the frequency of bus services, beginning with outer and growth area suburbs as well as optimising the bus network through fast and direct routes. The recommendations echo similar requests from Friends of the Earth Melbourne, long-time campaigners for better buses in the west. Campaigns coordinator and better buses spokesperson Chloe Aldenhoven said many households in Melbourne’s west have to spend thousands on multiple cars or taxis and Ubers, or otherwise just get stuck at home. “It’s a cost of living issue, it’s a social isolation issue, it’s an equity issue.” Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said the
council has acknowledged the need for a faster, more frequent, and more direct bus network in the west, in its support the Better Buses campaign. “Council would like to see bus reform prioritised in the west to address the existing public transport service inequities,” she said. “We are pleased to see the inclusion of Tottenham and Maribyrnong (Highpoint) in the Infrastructure Victoria plan, and we support the recommendations for faster and more direct services.” Following the report, Friends of the Earth are once again calling for a pilot bus reform to be introduced in the west by reforming the routes under the bus operator CDC’s contract that covers much of the west.
A state government spokesperson said the state government welcomes the Infrastructure Victoria report. “We know buses play a significant role in our public transport network - particularly across the suburbs, which is why we’re focused on reforming the bus network across the state,” the spokesperson said. “Through a range of initiatives including improving existing routes, adding new bus routes and supporting a transition to zero-emissions buses, we are making sure buses play a stronger role in a transport network critical to growing a more liveable and more connected Victoria.“
Concrete fine
Artist Megan Hunter and Fraser MP Daniel Mulino. (Damjan Janevski) 378123_05
A colourful Christmas card delights Footscray Community Arts Centre’s ArtLife Studio program artist Megan Hunter had the opportunity to design Christmas cards for Fraser MP Daniel Mulino. The work titled Hidden Creatures is being featured on the cards, having featured in an exhibition at the centre. Passionate about animals and protecting the waterways, Ms Hunter’s work encompasses local wildlife and the climate crisis. She often references the sea, waterways and their creatures with bold lines and vibrant colours. “What my work means to me is taking care of different animals,” she said. “I would like to
care for sick and injured dolphins. “I also want people to stop polluting the water, and keep rubbish out of the waterways.” Mr Mulino decided to feature Ms Hunter’s art on his Christmas card. “I am a huge fan of the work that Footscray Community Arts does in encouraging people with disabilities to explore their creativity and express themselves,” he said. “Staff work really hard to break down barriers and promote the amazing contribution that people with disability can make.” The arts centre has supported deaf and disabled people for more than 30 years
through its ArtLife Studio program. ArtLife currently supports 40 artists and also offers a residency program, in which there are six artists including Ms Hunter. “I enjoy the program, I am here for all five days and enjoy using different colours, paints and pencils,” she said. “I like to draw on paper, and then colour them in with paint or pencils.” Her pattern is also being used on a 3D hammerhead shark sculpture , which is on display at the centre.
The Environmental Protection Authority has fined a Laverton North concrete company for allowing construction materials to flow into nearby waterways. Aerolink Property Construction Pty LTD was fined $1,923 after EPA officers found concrete gravel and dust was allowed to escape into kerb side gutters and stormwater drains running along the construction site boundary on Holcourt and Plummer Roads, Laverton North, on 23 October 2023. “Construction materials like this get into stormwater drains and can find their way into our waterways, such as the nearby Cherry Creek. This can impact the amount of oxygen, sunlight and other important things our aquatic life depends on,” EPA Western Metropolitan Regional Manager Steve Lansdell said. “Aerolink, which also traded as Midway Concrete & Garden Supplies, is operating a professional company and should know better. They know their site and business and ought to know how to easily prevent hazards like this occurring. They, like everyone in Victoria, must act to protect the environment and they clearly were not doing so. This fine is an important penalty and reminder. We have also issued an improvement notice that requires further investigation of the stormwater drainage and risks at the site due in February and May of 2024.” The EPA has said it will continue to monitor local businesses such as Aerolink to protect local waterways. Anyone who sees pollution or businesses requiring information and guidelines, are encouraged to contact the EPA at 1300 372 842 or epa.vic.gov.au
Jennifer Pittorino
West Gate and Princes Freeway overnight closures In mid-December 2023
The West Gate Freeway between the Millers Road ramps and the Princes Freeway inbound between Kororoit Creek Road and the M80 interchange will be closed over two nights in mid-December 2023. This is so crews can safely install an overhead gantry. Plan ahead and check the exact closure dates and times at bigbuild.vic.gov.au More freeway closures will be happening over the coming months. Stay up to date at bigbuild.vic.gov.au /disruptions Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12652362-HC50-23
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Better access to lifesaving drug The state government has rolled out the Take-Home Naloxone Program in an effort to make it easier for those experiencing or witnessing an opioid overdose to access the reversal drug. Previously naloxone could only be collected with a prescription from a pharmacy. Now the changes will allow naloxone to be accessed for free from selected drug and alcohol services in Victoria without a prescription. The program will support naloxone to be made available at 48 Victorian Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) providers, including cohealth Braybrook and IPC Health St Albans. Earlier in the year, Maribyrnong recorded the state’s second-highest number of overdose
deaths in Victoria in 2022, with the Victorian Coroner releasing the state’s overdose deaths report on November 8. The report showed 22 people in Maribyrnong died of overdoses in 2022, the highest figure in the municipality in the past 10 years. It was up from 14 in 2021 and was only third behind the Melbourne local government area, which had 32 deaths last year. cohealth addiction medicine specialist Dr Dean Membrey said hat expanding access to naloxone for people who are at risk of, or who are likely to witness, an opioid overdose is a key step in preventing overdose deaths. “This is life-saving medicine, it is easy-to-administer and has no effect on
someone who does not have opioids in their system. There is no downside to making this medicine more available,” he said. “We know that when naloxone is easier to get, that people will use it. Among the clients that we support there is a great sense of community. People want to look after each other, and carrying naloxone is part of that.” However cohealth is also warning that naloxone is not a ‘silver bullet’, and is calling on the state government to introduce a system-wide response to drug use in the community. “To save lives we need a broad range of responses including prevention, greater access to naloxone, a second supervised
injecting service and more investment in pharmacotherapy treatment for people who want to stop using drugs,” Dr Membrey said. The program will also support naloxone to be made available at the Medically Supervised Injecting Room, as well as existing channels including over the counter at pharmacies or via prescription from a medical or nurse practitioner. If you or someone you know is seeking help or support with alcohol or drug use, call DirectLine on 1800 888 236 or visit directline. org.au for information and support to access treatment. Details: health.vic.gov.au/aod-treatmentservices/needle-and-syringe-program
Metro podcast debuts with old tales of the rails Train users can get a history of the Williamstown rail line as they travel the tracks, thanks to a new podcast. Metro Trains has partnered with Storytowns Podcast Tours and the Department of Transport to create a series of train focussed podcasts. Train users will be able to listen to the podcasts trough the Storytowns app, there will be 47 podcasts available focusing on five of the metropolitan train lines including the Williamstown line. The use of geo-located podcasts along the city’s train lines will play automatically as train users approach a landmark or point of interest across Melbourne’s train network. The Williamstown podcast features discussions from the Newport Railway Museum’s secretary John Hawthorn.
Newport Railway Museum’s secretary John Hawthorn and president Nick Hewitt. (Damjan Janevski) 375924_03
“On the podcast I speak about a few history items about the museum,” he said. “It will give the listeners some understanding of what we have in the museum and what our
key attractions are.” Mr Hawthorn said the podcast will also feature some general information and history. “The whole idea of the podcasts are to let the
people who are travelling along the railway line understand the local gems which sit along the railway line,” he said. “It will let people know what sights are essentially in their backyard. People might live locally and take the train everyday but they might not realise that we have this museum.” The series covers a variety of themes, including local food, culture, street art, travel tips, fun facts, and interesting stories about various suburbs’ history, culture and train stations. Storytowns founder Jarrod Pickford said that they believe that every suburb has a story to tell and they’re excited to bring Melbourne’s unique character and history to life through the voices of its people. Details: www.storytowns.com.au/metro
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Funding for dementia alliance By Jennifer Pittorino The Hobsons Bay Dementia Alliance (HBDA) has received a grant which it hopes will kick start its journey helping those living with dementia in the community. Natalie Ive is one of five members who is grateful to the Hobsons Bay Community Fund and the Lions Club of Altona for the $1,705 grant. A relatively new organisation, Ms Ive said the HBDA applied for the grant to raise awareness for the organisation. “This grant will highlight the lack of support
and services for people living with dementia, and allow us to create community awareness” she said. Ms Ive said the grant will go towards hosting a community forum which is expected to be held in March, as well as other community events and programs. “These will be there for people living with dementia, to be a support network in Hobsons Bay,” she said. “The HBDA aims to play a significant role in advocating for and contributing to developing a dementia friendly community that is inclusive and welcoming of people living with
dementia, family and friend networks.” In addition to the forum, Ms Ive said the alliance plans to host exercise programs, one of which will be at Fitness For Her gym in Altona Meadows. “We will be working towards that next year,” she said. “These funds will allow us to create community awareness of the alliance, via the forum which will help grow the membership of the alliance. “As we are a pilot program. This will give us the ability to support community events and programs for people living with dementia.”
Dreamtime cooking heats up Those interested in the oldest living culture in the world and cooking will be excited to hear about a series of cooking classes to be held in the coming months. Stevie Thorpe, a proud man from the Gunnai and Gunditjmara people, will be leading a series of three cooking classes in Pipemakers Park, in collaboration with Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West (MLMW). ‘Dreamtime Cooking’ will be a chance for participants to learn about cooking with indigenous ingredients, as well as the chance for participants to share recipes from their own cultural background in a blend of culinary traditions. “We are going to showcase these foods to the community, we are going to be connecting with different cultures and sharing from our hearts,” said Mr Thorpe. “I think food is best shared when it comes from the heart, it is a process where we receive sustenance on many levels. Mr Thorpe has years of experience working in restaurants and completing apprenticeships in cooking, but he feels he has learnt the most from his family. “Growing up I went fishing with my uncles and my grandma, she provided the food in such a loving and nurturing way. When the food is cooked like that it tastes better.” Those who register for the sessions can expect a day of fun, tasty food and a greater awareness of native foods. Mr Thorpe said he will be using different leaves, fruits and nuts. “We want to provide good food so people feel good in their bodies, emotionally and mentally, when you eat good food you feel good.” Museum committee member and organiser Melba Marginson said she hopes to develop projects that will bring multicultural and First Nations people together in meaningful ways. “MLMW expects this food project to become a base for sharing knowledge and for generating new projects in the Park.” Jennifer Pittorino
Despite the alliance being newly developed, Ms Ive said they have already some interest from the community. “We have had small pockets of people being interested which is fantastic, but we need to get out there. “We would love to find out where these people living with dementia are living in our community, so they can come forward with their carers and support network to have a discussion somewhere they can feel supported.”
Summersafe police blitz Victoria Police will focus on a safety blitz across Melbourne’s foreshores this summer, as an influx of locals and visitors are expected to head to the beach as temperatures soar. Operation Summersafe will run day and night over the summer months, providing a heightened police presence in and around areas including Altona, Williamstown, St Kilda and Half Moon Bay, as well as across the Mornington Peninsula. Police from both North West and Southern Metropolitan Regions, with assistance from Water Police, the Mounted Branch, Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol and Transit Safety Division, will flood foreshores, surrounding parks, entertainment precincts and public transport hubs. With proactive patrols in vehicles, on foot and horseback, as well as on the water , police will be poised to respond to incidents in a timely matter. Residents of and visitors to the area can expect to see mobile policing units deployed across busy areas, which will serve as a central hub for the community to engage with police, while officers can also monitor anti-social behaviour. Police said they will also utilise a CCTV network to monitor crime in real-time, respond quickly to incidents, and disrupt or de-escalate crimes before or as they occur or worsen. Operation Summersafe will run until March 2024.
Chef Stevie Thorpe. (Supplied)
New partnership is ready to take-off and fly Jobs and internships for students alongside significant research projects are at the heart of a new partnership between Victoria University (VU) and Melbourne Airport. In the first ever university partnership for the airport, students in the west will have the chance to contribute to one of the biggest economic drivers in the state. VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker acknowledged the opportunities expected to stem from the partnership. “Airports are where global ideas intersect, acting as a vibrant crossroads where diverse cultures, perspectives and innovations converge. This partnership sets a new standard by aligning Victoria University’s
research expertise and education programs with Melbourne Airport’s vision for the region,” he said. “It goes beyond enhancing opportunities for VU students and researchers to emphasise our shared commitment to protect country by prioritising First Nations knowledge and sustainability across all our endeavours. “We are excited about the meaningful contributions we can make together in advancing education, research, and community engagement. In addition to job and placement opportunities for VU students, the three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will seek to enrich the visitor experience to
6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023
the airport through a First Nations education framework, and research and advocacy projects around the proposed third runway. Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said the partnership with VU would enable student placements, job and tertiary learning opportunities each year. “We’re excited to create formal education and training pathways with Victoria University, giving local students exposure to our staff and aviation specialists which could lead to exciting careers in aviation,” she said. “The projects delivered under the MOU will help guide our future planning and we look forward to working with young people in the community under the three-year agreement.”
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus and VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker. (Supplied)
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By Cr Diana Grima The holidays are such a fun time, I love being able to spend it with my family and friends. I think it’s also really important for us all that we take a bit of time over the summer to relax and unwind. It’s good for our physical and mental wellbeing and it gives us a chance to reflect on everything we’ve done over the past year, and what’s to come in the year ahead. It’s so easy to get caught up in how busy this time of year is, that we might not make the time we need to make sure we’re looking after ourselves. I’m looking forward to attending some events over the summer period to do just that – relax and enjoy the company of the people who mean so much to me. The first of those is Carols by Candlelight in Altona Meadows this Saturday, December 16. They’re on at Trafalgar Avenue Park starting at 7pm. There’s also a carols on in Williamstown the following night at Commonwealth Reserve, starting at 7pm. There is also a lot on over summer for families and people of all ages. I’m really pleased to see the Summer in the Bay 2024 program running through January and February. Finding new and different things for young people to do on the school holidays can be a challenge, so out council youth services team have put together a fantastic program of activities, from arts and crafts to sports and op shopping. Please check out the council website because you do need to book for these activities, but they are all free. The first of three Movies by the Bay sessions is on at Homestead Run Reserve in Seabrook on Friday, January 12, from 6pm. I’m also really looking forward to Summer Sounds returning. This is a really fun and relaxed way tospend an afternoon listening to
Alcohol policy feedback
Music workshops
Cr Diana Grima and her children. (Supplied)
some great music. For the first time, Curlew Park in Laverton will be hosting one of these events, and I can’t wait to see the local community come together for this. That Summer Sounds event is on January 20, from 2pm to 5pm, and there are others in Altona and Williamstown throughout the summer. I encourage you all to check our council website for all the great events on over summer. Please stay safe these holidays, particularly on the roads, and remember to keep an eye on our neighbours. From me and my family, I hope you have a wonderful holidays.
Hobsons Bay council will partner with Soundstep Studios to offer free workshops for emerging musicians, producers, audio engineers and other creatives from Melbourne’s western regions. According to council the workshops will feature a range of industry professional guests, interactive song writing and collaborative creative sessions. Suitable for people over the age of 15 years. The event is free but requires a booking. It will be held on Saturday, December 16, from 12pm to 3pm at the Woods Street Arts Space, 44 Woods Street, Laverton. Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ soundstep-studios-54248488723 FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
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Briefs Hobsons Bay council is updating its Alcohol Harm Prevention Policy and is asking for the communities help to understand the impact of alcohol in the municipality through a short online survey. Council said drinking alcohol at certain levels can increase the risk of long-term harm, council’s policy aims to prevent that impact. The draft policy statement will then be available for feedback mid 2024, to be then be considered for adoption by council mid to late 2024. Survey closes on Friday, January 19. Details: https://bit.ly/46BS3Gr
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VCE score is music to their ears By Jennifer Pittorino Identical twins from Altona were among those to receive perfect subject scores when VCE results were released on Monday., Only 650 students received the maximum study score of 50, two of which are from Altona’s Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College. Keira Blizzard and her identical twin sister Shanae Blizzard received the same score of 50 in the same subject, VET Music. The two were left ‘shocked’ and ‘surprised’ by their results and said they had leaned on each other all year. “I am really surprised about the results, I tried really hard this year and it paid off, I am really proud of myself,” Keira said. Shanae added, “I was really stoked when I saw my results, I agree the hard work really paid off.” The girls studied mostly the same subjects, differing only with Shanae studying Japanese
Keira Blizzard. (Supplied)
Shanae Blizzard. (Supplied)
and Keira studying French. “This year was very busy but we managed to get everything done and enjoy our personal lives at the same time,” Keira said. Shanae, like her sister, was able to enjoy
going to friends’ birthday parties and working at her part time job which she said was a great distraction from the stressful school work. “I really loved working, it was always a nice break from the schoolwork,” she said.
“I enjoy playing guitar, seeing my friends, musical theatre and everything to do with this subject, they’re all my biggest passions,” said Keira. The girls grew up in a musical household, Shanae said they grew up singing and dancing around the house since as long as they can remember. Being passionate about music in their personal lives helped the girls get a perfect score in their favourite subject. “Signing and playing the piano are my biggest passions so I practised pretty frequently,” Keira said Shanae added, “it was a nice break from my other content heavy subjects, and I had amazing teachers.” Keira wants to study a bachelor of science to become a veterinarian, while Shanae would like to study speech pathology.
Blue stone bridge bound for restoration
The Kariwara District Scouts will be selling Christmas trees at three locations for one more weekend before Christmas. (Supplied)
Scouts have Christmas trees galore If you still need to get a Christmas tree, the Kariwara District Scouts have your needs covered. The group, which covered Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, have been selling trees at three locations throughout December and will be out again this weekend. The three locations to go tree shopping are IGA West Footscray, Bunnings Maribyrnong and Bunnings Altona, with children from each group helping sell the trees. Kariwara District commissioner Gerard
White said seven scouts groups were included in the district. Last weekend, the group sold 94 trees and they’re hoping to sell more this weekend. “For the first three weekends of December, each group sells trees for half a day or until the trees are sold out,” he said. “Whatever proceeds we get out of the six days, we divide up and distribute to those groups. “They are all really enjoying it, getting out there and selling trees, talking to the public.
They like getting involved because the money comes back to them. Mr White said the groups can use the money they raise on anything needed for the group. “Some will use it for maintenance on the scout halls , some use it on upcoming camps or trips, it is really up to the group as to what they decide to do with it.” The tree’s price range begins at $65 for a smaller tree, up to $85 for one of the larger trees. Jennifer Pittorino
Hobsons Bay council has been given $80,000 from the West Gate Tunnel project, for its Blue Stone Bridge Rejuvenation project. The grant is designed to revitalise the 1880’s heritage-listed unique blue stone bridge that served for many years as the crossing over the Kororoit Creek on the main road link to Geelong. The council said the rejuvenation of the bridge will include a structural inspection of the bridge and rectifying any structural issues, removing graffiti and treating it to try to prevent further damage, installing lighting, improving railings for safety, improving the surface to compliment work already completed by the West Gate Tunnel project and installing a historical information board. This project will be jointly funded by the project and the council, with a contribution from Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek. Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek said it is excited to have received the funding to rejuvenate the bridge. “The funding will help us to clean up the graffiti on this wonderful old bridge and solar light the bridge abutments and the shared trail as it passes over it,” the said. “New signage will welcome visitors to Hobsons Bay and the wonderful Kororoit Creek environmental corridor and the community will get a look at latest edition of Geoffrey Ricardo’s ‘Sprits of Time’ artwork.
Western Bulldogs launch new Reconciliation Action Plan The Western Bulldogs have launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which aims to work with Indigenous communities on 19 action items over the next three years. The action items are inclusive of several deliverables for the club to work towards in areas relating to relationships, respect, governance and opportunities. This RAP comes after the Bulldogs’ plan was launched in 2018. Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said they are excited to develop and launch the second RAP. “We are proud of the great strides we have
taken on our RAP journey, completing several initiatives which support the pathway to reconciliation and in building stronger links with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” he said. “We look forward to strengthening our commitment through fulfilling the actions outlined in this RAP and through our unwavering dedication to supporting our diverse communities.” The RAP launch event was attended by Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW players, coaching and support staff, the administration staff, club and community foundation board members headed by president Kylie
8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023
Watson-Wheeler, and former First Nations players Lindsay Gilbee and Josh Carter. The formalities were facilitated by Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung woman and Bulldogs director Belinda Duarte, with the acknowledgement of country performed by two club staff members, Boonwurrung woman Danielle Gower and Bidjara Wiradjuri woman Linda Peachey. Bulldogs players Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Kirsty Lamb were part of a panel discussion, relaying their thoughts about how far the club has come in their commitment and action for reconciliation. “To be able to celebrate all the progress
we’ve made is so important,” Ms Duarte said. “That authentic sense of belonging, being seen and valued is fundamental to this space. “Above all, I want us to feel that we are proud, brave individuals that stand for social justice. That we recognise that there is power in the collective and every day matters. “Not just NAIDOC, not just Sir Doug Nicholls Round, not just Reconciliation week. Let’s make a powerful stand in this space and continue to be a football club we’re really proud of.”
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First Nations funding
Christmas in Yarraville
By Jennifer Pittorino The Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC) has received two separate grants which will be used for two First Nations projects. The first grant is for $179,670, delivered from the Department of Education’s Strategic Partnerships Program (SPP). The grant will be used by FCAC in 2024-25, to deliver its ’Telling Our Stories: Learning First Nations Perspectives’ program. The second grant is from the West Gate Tunnel Project for $90,000, which will be used for Tarnuk-ut Baany, a program which helps emerging Victorian Aboriginal artists through creative development, mentorship and intergenerational learning. Executive director and co-chief executive Bec Cole said First Nations content is critical to the work of Footscray Community Arts Centre. “We have a number of communities that we prioritise, and First Nations communities are certainly one of those,” she said. “We prioritise these communities because they are historically underrepresented in mainstream arts and culture.” The Telling Our Stories program will benefit 1400 students at several schools which FCAC partners with. “This is a program we have invested in over a long period of time. This funding is often for kids who might not have access to these things as part of their school,” she said. “With this particular lot of funding, we will teach creative and cultural experiences with a First Nations learning approach. “The idea is to introduce kids to a First Nations perspective, where they start to generate a bit of an understanding on how culture relates to that. And then they take that
Artistic program manager Asha Bee Abraham and executive director Bec Cole. (Damjan Janevski) 377888_03
experience into the rest of their schoolwork and their lives.” The schools which participated in the program this year were St Johns Primary School, Maribyrnong Secondary College, Princes Hill Primary School, Footscray City Primary School, West Footscray Primary School and Hester Hornbrook Academy. Ms Cole said Tarnuk-ut Baany is a developmental program for Aboriginal First
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Nations artists. “It supports people who are emerging in their practice, to develop projects and be exposed to professional development by creating industry opportunities for them.” These opportunities can include exhibitions, residency programs , performances and more. “We really wrap a lot of support around the individual artists to follow through on what’s interesting to them.”
Christmas is on its way to Yarraville with several events planned by the Yarraville Traders to ring in the festive season Yarraville Traders president Shannon Snowdon said she hopes these events will encourage people to shop locally this Christmas season. “We want people to get down and support local traders at this time while getting down and celebrating Christmas,” she said. “There are some really lovely things to do, these are free events which I think are really important at this time of year.” Santa and his helper will be roving through Yarraville Village on December 9 and 16. Later in the day on December 16, Pitchface Choir will be singing live at the pop up park. On Wednesday December 20, Kiss FM will be visiting the village to do a live broadcast and give away $5000 worth of presents. Before on Saturday, December 23, the Grinch and Belle on Skates will visit the village to visit the participating traders who are keeping their shops open for late night shopping. “We are really excited to get the live broadcast going as the giveaway is mostly aimed towards school kids,” Ms Snowdon said. “The prizes will include lots of bats, balls, tickets, chocolate, spin to win, which is all great for Christmas because people are struggling and these can be some good stocking stuffers.”
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A generous community gives By Jennifer Pittorino As Christmas fast approaches, so will the point of crisis for many people struggling to make ends meet. For the Salvos, Christmas is the busiest time of the year, which is why Hobsons Bay Salvation Army core officer Star Conliffe is grateful for recent community support. “We have had an incredible amount of support from the community and we’ve had a lot of new donors come on board,” she said, “There have been a lot of new organisations, and even some companies running food
drives for us which has been very nice and expected. “This has been very cool because we were wondering how we were going to meet all of the need.” In the coming weeks, Ms Conliffe said the Salvation Army is expecting to hand out 90 hampers to those in need. “We have had schools come on board, a number of businesses, rotaries and we have seen an incredible increase of generosity from the community, which has been very heartwarming.” Ms Conliffe said the hampers will include a
variety of goods, ranging in size for families, singles and couples. “They are a mix of everyday pantry items which people need such as milk, cereal, pasta and pasta sauce. “And then we also have all the special items we like to do at Christmas, these include lollies, Christmas pudding, cake and more. “Everyone gets three or four really special items, we really try to make it work with whatever we have.” At this time of year, Ms Conliffe said they noticed more families coming in for help including families who previously probably
wouldn’t have needed assistance. “Unfortunately, a lot of people do feel embarrassed about reaching out for help, so we are just trying to encourage people to know that we’re actually here for them,” she said. “There is no shame in needing help, because as a community, everyone’s coming together to make sure that everyone has what they want for Christmas.”
Million dollar makeover for anglers
Conrad Greer, Colin ‘Wilko’ Wilkinson and Lindsay Morton from the Newport Anglers Club. (Jacob Pattison)377370_05
90 years of Newport Anglers Club The Newport Anglers Club is celebrating 90 years of community and fishing. Committee Member Lindsay Morton has been a part of the club for more than 20 years, which he has watched grow over time. “Some of the most notable changes include a growth in families and junior members to the club, as well as becoming more gender diverse,” he said. “We have noticed it has become a real family oriented club.” The club now has 115 members which was originally formed in 1933 by a group of 11 people.
“You don’t have to have a deep level of knowledge about fishing to join, as long as you have an interest, the benefit of the club is yours,” Mr Morton said. “It is all about enjoying fishing. There are members there to teach each other and to share their experience and knowledge.” Mr Morton said the members who are boat owners take other members out in competitions as well as socially, meaning there is no pressure to own a boat to belong in the club. Members start off as young juniors through to seniors who are in their 80s, all of
who meet for weekly social meetings. “We participate in a whole different range of angling opportunities, including fishing on the bay, freshwater fishing, surf trips, charter trips, social events, cooking classes and fundraising activities,” Mr Morton said. “There is quite a diverse range of activities and opportunities to learn.” The club celebrated its 90th birthday on Saturday, December 9, while also celebrating the reopening of the jetty facilities following refurbishment.
The Newport Anglers Club has reopened its jetty facilities after a $1 million refurbishment. After three and a half months of construction, the club celebrated the opening on Saturday, December 9. Committee member Lindsay Morton said the club has been planning for the refurbishment for more than 10 years, and is excited to have it completed. “Everything that was built in the mid ’40s was well and truly at the end of its life and couldn’t be maintained any further,” he said. With $500,000 from the West Gate Neighbourhood fund, the club supplied the other half to fund a full refurbishment. “It has been replaced with a brand new floating pontoon that supports disabled access,” he said. “As well as a new concrete ramp, new decking and handrails, the level of safety has certainly improved as well as the usability.” Mr Morton said more than 35,000 visitors per year will benefit from the new refurbishment. “They will all be from different walks of life and groups, some users will be from our club,” he said. “Others are dog users who love it because they can’t take their dogs on Williamstown beach, we have kayakers, snorkelers, wedding parties who take photos and will continue to do so, and visitors who just come and enjoy the view.”
Wurundjeri Way, Dudly Street works crack on The Wurundjeri Way and Dudley Street intersection which connects to Footscray Road has reopened to create the Wurundjeri Way city bypass, as part of the West Gate Tunnel project. According to the state government, over eight weeks crews worked 25,000 hours to complete construction of the new bridge and elevated roadway extending Wurundjeri Way to Dynon Road. Wurundjeri Way will be closed in a smaller section between Dudley and Bourke streets from mid-January to early March, to widen Wurundjeri Way by one lane in each direction through to Flinders Street.
The government says the city bypass will take up to 5000 vehicles a day off Spencer and King streets. The work has been split to two stages with a break in between to allow the roads to reopen over the pre-Christmas season. The works included installing steel framework for the bridge structures that spans over the intersection of Dudley Street and Wurundjeri Way, with workers lifting 11 huge steel spans made up of 17 beams into place. Close to a kilometre of new bridges and ramps have been built on Wurundjeri Way between Dudley Street and Dynon Road. An additional 3000 square metres of road
10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023
deck and 118 bridge parapets were installed during the recent closure of the Wurundjeri Way and Dudley Street intersection. In the second stage, work will continue at road level underneath the new structures. Footscray MP Katie Hall said, “we thank the community for their patience and understanding as we continue works on the Wurundjeri Way city bypass that will provide greater connectivity between the north, city and western suburbs.” Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said the tunnel project will provide an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and slash congestion and travel times.
Reopened intersection of Dudley Street and Wurundjeri Way. (Supplied)
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Sailing club plans ‘on pause’ By Jennifer Pittorino Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club (WS&LSC) president Claire Howell has told club members that the club board has received a verbal commitment from Hobsons Bay council that the development process ’is on pause’. A meeting was held in late November to provide members with an update on development plans. The $14.3 million redevelopment will involve retention of the pavillion, improved storage areas and amenities, a new cafe and
public toilets, a new observation tower, gym, sauna and meeting spaces and improved landscapes. The old pool will be demolished and removed. Ms Howell said the club board was pleased to have a verbal commitment from the council that the development process is on pause. “Council has paused any further pressure to push forward any plan amendments until at least their February meeting, as they recognise they need to assess the council survey responses and take them on board,“ she said referring to the council’s community
survey which closed on December 10. As reported by the Star Weekly, a petition has been created raising concerns that the redevelopment plans significantly alter the club’s capabilities and criticises the decision to remove the outdoor pool. Previous club president Ian Dickson attended the meeting and said he hopes the pool will be saved. “I think council has misjudged the history of the club and its significance, in the role it plays within the community,“ he said. A Hobsons Bay spokesperson said council has worked closely with the club, the state
government and Life Saving Victoria to develop concept plans. “The concept plans are still on public exhibition, so club members and the community are able to provide their feedback,“ they said. “All feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of finalising the design before the schematic design is developed early next year. “The current project budget is not sufficient for the redevelopment or construction of a swimming pool while also delivering the core life saving requirements onsite.”
Outdoor learning boost Seaholme Primary School has received a $300,000 grant to install an inclusive outdoor learning space. The grant is from the state government’s Inclusive Schools Fund (ISF). Thanks to the fund, 37 schools will share in $9 million to create facilities suitable for students of all abilities. Principal James Barger said a winding path will be built leading through an area filled with lots of different outdoor learning spaces. Spaces include a deck area for sitting and relaxing, outdoor seating areas for recreation, as well as sensory gardens for play. “There is a range of different spaces that teachers can take their grade out to for learning outside,” he said. The space, which holds 321 students, will be used by all grade levels as well as specialist programs. The school partners with Western Autistic
school, with students and teachers traveling to both campuses. “Part of the vision is that they would be able to use that inclusive setting to be able to do the collaborative program with us there,” Mr Barger said. “Next year we also have a kitchen garden program planned, so this will be a great authentic space for them.“ Mr Barger said the space will be especially beneficial for the 100 kids who value support from outdoor learning spaces. “This will help them regulate their sensory needs, so having this additional resource which is better suited to their needs is really positive. “It is something we have worked towards for seven years so we are really excited to get this and add something additional to our school community.” Assistant principal Leah McClelland and principal James Barger. (Damjan Janevski) 378114
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MY PLACE Artist Tegan Iversen tells Jennifer Pittorino about her work in the arts and her connection to the west. Tell us a bit about you and what you do? I’m 30 (somehow already). I make visual art through drawing and painting and create illustrations for a variety of clients. I’ve previously created work for Cancer Council Victoria, Gelato Papa, Highpoint Shopping Centre, The Makers & Shakers Market, Minus18, Plant Space, and more. I also curate group art exhibitions, sometimes work as a gift shop assistant, help out at my mum’s party shop, am an aunty to two beautiful nieces, and very recently got engaged! Tell us about your work in arts? I’ve always loved drawing and being creative, I just never stop making things. I love keeping myself busy drawing, painting, journaling, and working with other artists. I also co-founded the collective Gems (gemszine.com) which led to my interest in curating and organising art events. Through Gems we have self-published 23 zines and put on more than 23 art exhibitions/events. Independently I have now curated 14 group art exhibitions! What is your favourite thing about being an artist? It’s really hard to decide on just one thing. Being able to make something out of almost nothing is always very exciting! Creating something and the process of drawing and painting is the actual best, I love sitting and painting and listening to music, it feels really special to have the time to make something using my hands. Another favourite thing about being an artist is definitely being able to meet so many amazing and inspiring creatives and show art alongside them. What’s your connection to Maribyrnong or Hobsons Bay?
I recently lived in Footscray and loved it! I love the area and have exhibited many times within the Maribyrnong area. I painted a signal box in Yarraville Square, collaborated with Phoenix Youth Services with Gems, was commissioned by Maribyrnong council to create the Maribyrnong Christmas paste-up trail back in 2021, and am currently the Artist in Residence in the Footscray Artsbox. What do you like about where you live? Strong sense of community, a lively local market, creativity is encouraged with arts spaces and incredible murals. Plus a diverse range of people living in the area and in walking distance to PT, shops, good food, bars, and friends! What, if anything, would you change about where you live? Really not much, oh cheaper rent! Where is your favourite local place to spend time? Footscray Park, it’s huge and perfect for a walk, jog, and picnic, I love a good picnic! Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. I’m mildly colourblind. I didn’t know until a trip to the museum with a friend a few years ago, there was a section with optical illusions and there were a couple of colourblind tests, I scoffed to my friend how easy one was and that the second was impossible. She was confused and said they were both easy, we laughed! Is there anything else you’d like to say? Be gentle with yourself and others. Everyone is doing their own thing, try to do what makes you happy.
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Study reveals COVID’s lasting toll The COVID-19 pandemic extracted a profound toll on the psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers. Now, an Australianfirst study undertaken by Western Health and Deakin University reveals the significant and persistent negative impact on the wellbeing of health professionals over a 22-month period. Hannah Hammoud explains.
T
he research, led by senior research fellow Dr Sara Holton from the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research-Western Health Partnership, delves into the experiences of 1,470 Australian clinicians. Through a series of surveys conducted at three critical junctures during the pandemic, the study measured feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. Staff were asked to complete surveys across three timepoints during the pandemic (May-June 2020, October-December 2020 and November 2021-January 2022). Key findings expose a stark reality – the proportion of healthcare workers reporting moderate to extreme symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress surged from just more than one in 10 to approximately a third as the pandemic unfolded. Dr Sara Holton noted that nurses, midwives and allied health staff bore a particularly heavy burden, reporting significantly worse psychological wellbeing than their doctor counterparts. The intensified stress experienced by nurses and midwives could be attributed to their constant bedside presence, managing high-stress situations and prolonged exposure to patients infected with COVID-19. “We think that this might be the case because these are the staff who are at the bedside all the time, and they are having the most contact with patients, whereas doctors have more limited face-to-face contact with patients,” explained Dr Holton. “Nurses also had to wear a lot of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, which also had an impact on them being able to communicate with patients. Things such as wearing a mask sometimes made it really hard to communicate with patients – and Western Health has a high proportion of patients who come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, English is not always their first language, and so the nurses spoke about their experience of having to try smile with their eyes and do a bit of pointing and gesturing to try get their messages across.”
Senior Research Fellow Dr Sara Holton, and Adjunct Profesor Shane Crowe. (Damjan Janevski) 378148
The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers. As the hospital halted services, many staff were redeployed to unfamiliar areas, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and stress. Yet, amidst the challenges, a positive insight emerged. The study revealed that healthcare workers living with school-aged children exhibited lower levels of depression and anxiety, suggesting that familial support acted as a protective factor for psychological wellbeing. Dr Holton attributed this finding to the social support within households during a time of heightened stress. “We think in fact it’s about social isolation, you weren’t living by yourself and there were other people at home. Perhaps that was an opportunity to debrief, talk about it, or an opportunity to hang out together when everyone was isolated,” she said. Dr Holton said the study also underscored the persistent challenges faced by healthcare workers on the frontlines, at a time where many in the wider community consider the pandemic to be in the past. “Lots of people in the general community think that COVID-19 is over, but we’re still having high levels of patients in the hospital, and staff are still having to care for COVID-19 patients – for them the pandemic hasn’t really stopped yet,” she said.
14 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023
‘‘
We were able to adapt our strategies ... what we weren’t able to stop was the unrelenting demand that occurred on our staff
’’
- Shane Crowe Western Health executive director of nursing and midwifery Adjunct Professor Shane Crowe, who was also on the research team, said at the time Western Health managers were “very cognisant” that it was the staff at bedsides that were the ones who were most affected. “It wasn’t just because of their life at work, but these people also were as impacted as the rest of the population in terms of lockdown, restrictions, and the uncertainty of everything else that was occurring,” professor Crowe said. “These were the people who were at the frontlines who had huge amounts of uncertainty about the dangers associated with COVID-19, and whether they were going to be putting themselves at risk. But also, what a lot of our staff said was that they were most worried about bringing it home to their loved ones.” This awareness informed wellness strategies and interventions to support
frontline staff in managing their fears and frustrations. Professor Crowe detailed efforts to help staff positively navigate the challenges, acknowledging that despite ongoing efforts, the toll on the workforce persists with unresolved issues and lingering fatigue from the past few years. “At the start, what we knew is that we didn’t know a lot about it. There was a mixture of good information and misinformation with COVID-19, particularly earlier on, and so we were trying to filter out what was good quality information versus what wasn’t,” Professor Crowe explained, reflecting on the initial stages of the pandemic. “In the beginning we knew that we needed to over communicate, so we did that. We set up robust communication channels for people to have things in writing to keep people abreast and on top of what was happening and why we’re doing what we’re doing.” As the situation evolved, strategies were adapted to provide on-site psychologists, group debriefing sessions, and other support mechanisms. However, Professor Crowe acknowledged the unrelenting demand on staff. “As things got harder as time went on, we were able to adapt our strategies, but that being said, what we weren’t able to stop was the unrelenting demand that occurred on our staff at the time.” Professor Crowe said longitudinal studies were a crucial tool for engaging with the workforce. “The findings of the research have been used to directly inform the way health services support staff now and into the future,” he said. The latest paper from the research team, which was published in the Australian Health Review Journal, found that hospital clinical staff would benefit from ongoing and continued wellbeing support during and after pandemic waves. And the research team is not resting on its laurels. Plans are underway to continue collecting data in an effort to help unravel the long-term impacts of the pandemic on healthcare workers.
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Deeming takes Pesutto action By Liam McNally with William Ton, AAP Former Liberal MP Moira Deeming has launched defamation action against Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto. Mrs Deeming’s lawyers on Tuesday filed a statement of claim against her former boss in the Federal Court. The Western Metropolitan MP and former Melton councillor was expelled from the parliamentary Liberal Party after taking part in a rally in March that was gatecrashed by a
group of masked men who performed Nazi salutes. The rally, Let Women Speak, was hosted by UK anti-trans campaigner Kelly-Jay Keen-Minshull, along with Ms Deeming, Angie Jones, and Katherine Deves. The event on the steps of Parliament sparked counter-protests and required a heavy police presence. About 30 members of the neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network attended the protests, repeatedly performing the Nazi-salute with their faces covered.
At the time, Ms Deeming condemned the Neo-Nazi presence after the event, but Mr Pesutto said in a statement his primary concern was Ms Deeming associating with Ms Keen-Minshull, who he accused of having connections with far-right extremists including Neo-Nazis. Ms Deeming was first suspended from the Liberal party, but was expelled in May after issuing a defamation concerns notice to the party leader. Ms Deeming issued several defamation concerns notices to Mr Pesutto, alleging he publicly accused her of being a Nazi
sympathiser and used the claim to bully and threaten her with expulsion. Mr Pesutto denies he accused the now-independent MP of being a Nazi or having Nazi sympathies. Attempted mediation failed after Mrs Deeming sought an exoneration from Mr Pesutto, financial restoration and her return to the party room. Mrs Deeming and Mr Pesutto have committed not to use party funds to fund their legal cases, with Mr Pesutto saying he will pay his legal costs if he must.
Lunch for everyone
The Bayside Great Victorian Bike Ride team 2023. (Supplied)
School team rides into record book This is the 37th consecutive year that Bayside College has participated in the Great Victorian Bike Ride. Teacher Natalie Tancredi said students and staff at all three campuses - Williamstown, Altona and Newport - are proud that their school is the one that has completed the most rides. “It is the most any school has ever done, besides some individuals which have done more rides,” she said. This year, Bayside had a group of 17 students participating from Year 7 through to Year 12. “Generally if a student starts the ride in Year
7 they will do it every year until they finish school. We have had some students come back to do it with us again after they have finished school. It is really nice because the older kids tend to lead and get some responsibility, and the younger kids get to see what the experience is like.” The group participated in the ride for the full nine days, camping at night and riding during the day. “We all undergo training leading up to it so the students can get ready for the ride. “This year was probably wetter than what it has been previously as we had a combination
of good and bad weather, but it was still a great experience. “The kids all loved it and said they will come back again next year and do it all over again, so that will be something they look forward to.” Ms Tancredi said the community created along the ride is everyone’s favourite part. “They all felt like they accomplished a lot, there is a real community aspect, it is almost like a family. “We all created an environment which they enjoy, surrounded by people they enjoy spending time with.” Jennifer Pittorino
The Salvation Army Hobsons Bay is hosting its weekly Wednesday community lunch, but with a Christmas twist. Lieutenant Star Conliffe said anyone from the Hobsons Bay area is welcome to come on Wednesday, December 20. “Anyone is welcome to come any Wednesday for lunch, it is not just about the food, it is all about social isolation,” she said. “We have a lot of regulars who come but also people who pop by for assistance, they are always invited to join and they often will join us for a hot meal.” Ms Conliffe said the volunteers are able to put on the special lunch with donations from Rotary Altona and Tamil Girls Point Cook. “We will be using that to pay for everything, we will be cooking a Christmas roast and pudding,” she said. “We will have our local Salvos, local carols group, brass band and piano player providing music as well as some games on the day.” Ms Conliffe said they are expecting more than 50 people to come on the day and share in the Christmas spirit. “We know that not everyone has a festive event to go to, so this is open to anyone who would like to come and experience some Christmas cheer. “We are going to have some community volunteers helping but it is mostly the local salvos who will be doing all of the cooking.” Those interested in attending the lunch at the Altona Corps site can call reception. Details: 9398 1750
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starweekly.com.au/find-my-newspaper Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 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
Beginners Playalong Group The Beginners Playalong Group welcomes all levels of musicians and instruments and complete novices to monthly playalong sessions. If you’re looking for a friendly and inviting way to play and learn then this might be for you. Saturday, December 16, 6.30pm at the Newport Scout Hall, Market Street, Newport.
Classic Car and Bike Show Preparations are well underway for the 11th Annual Custom, Classic Car & Bike Show scheduled to be held on 25 February 2024 at Apex Park in Queen Street, Altona. As well as featuring a wonderful collection of various cars and motorbikes, there will be coffee, drinks, food vans, live bands, as well as face painting and a petting zoo.
Christmas On The Lawn Christchurch Newport is hosting a Christmas event for all to enjoy. Come along and soak up some Christmas cheer with live music, Christmas Choir, Barista coffee, fruit mince pies, gingerbread, sausage sizzle, kids crafts, on Saturday, 16 December, 9.30am-1pm, at Christ Church, 61 Mason Street, Newport ■ steve@christchurchnewport.org.au
Carols By The Bay Altona Sports Club is Hosting Carols By The Bay on December 14 starting at 7pm. The free event will be headed up with the great Australian musician Rick Charles along with the Glee West Choir and the Ringwood Pipe Band. There will also be a fireworks display at 9.30pm. 11 Altona Road, Altona. ■ 9398 2283
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of players Bronwyn Gell, Connor Wilson and Jessica Curnow from the Werribee Giants Baseball Club ahead of their Pride game. (Damjan Janevski) 377219_01
Altona Day Voice Interest and Education of Women [VIEW] Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. ■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176
tools, clothing and much more. There is live music every month from the Cherry Lake Cultural Series, showcasing local musicians from across Hobsons Bay. From 9am- 1pm on the first Sunday of every month. ■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona or cherrylakemarket@ gmail.com
Diabetes support group
Musicians welcome
The Westgate Diabetes Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996
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 School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au
Friendship group
AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7-9.30pm. ■ Vimi Gaoneadry, 0411 530 944
Art workshops The Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre presents MonArt. Workshops for people of all abilities facilitated by community art specialist Amanda Neville, Mondays 10am-11.30am. Cost: $5 casual fee each week. ■ admin@ljac.com.au, or 9398 2511
Point Gellibrand Rotary Club Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and needs new, energetic, enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in their community. ■ www.rotarypointgellibrand.com.au, Pam, 0418 347 691, or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com
Cherry Lake Market Set between Millers Road and the stunning Cherry Lake in Altona, this market has something for everyone. The market hosts more than 60 stalls selling plants, bric-a-brac, handcrafts, hot jam donuts,
Alcoholics Anonymous Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesday at 7pm and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems. ■ 1300 22 22 22, or www.aatimes.org.au
The Altona Day View Club meets on the third Wednesday each Month at 11am, at the Altona RSL 31 Sargood Street, Altona. ■ Marion, 9394 6557
Woodcarving workshop The woodcarving workshop meets on Tuesdays at 9.30-noon at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, 280 Queens Street, Altona. All levels of ability in this ancient, international craft are welcome, women included, starter tools and timber available. ■ jah2802rot@gmail.com
Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting,
16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023
1pm-3pm, at the Altona Library. ■ Joe Pellone, 0431 915 970,
or joepellone@gmail.com, or Jill Mackenzie, 0439 994 705, or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com
Free walking group A free walking group meets every Wednesday, during school terms, at 10.15am from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Tahlia, 9397 6168
Wednesday walking group
Free community morning tea
The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea. ■ 9397 6168
A free community meeting tea occurs every Wednesday at 11am in Joan Kirner House foyer, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Tahlia, 9397 6168
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 10am4pm. ■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market
Altona Day View Club
West Footscray Rotary The Rotary Club of West Footscray meets at the Medway Golf Club in Maidstone for lunch, fellowship and guest speakers each Wednesday from 12.30pm- 2pm. ■ Mike, 0417 622 372
visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon-2.30pm.
Musicians Wanted Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? The Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am to noon at Braybrook College. ■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com
Free English conversation class Is English your second language? Do you want to improve your English skills and meet new people? Practise English conversation in informal interactive group sessions. Light refreshments provided. Mondays during school terms, from
Heritage walks Enjoy a leisurely one-and-a-half hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Each week is a different week and a printed sheet with the route and points of interest provided each week. Walks are leisurely and usually end at a café for a tea-coffee. ■ John, 0418 377 336
Women Talk The Women Talk Group will be held on Mondays at 10am for women to learn and practice speaking English in the classroom and the local area and make new friends in an all-women class. ■ 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Laverton Community Education Centre Laverton Community Education Centre has started free AMEP classes in Williamstown Community Education Centre at the Joan Kirner House, onTuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-3pm. Participants can build English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). ■ 9369 2726
PUZZLES To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
easy
1 6 7
3
4 5 8 8 2 3
9 4
5 8 9 6 3 1 8 5 7 3 6 4 2 7 7 4 8 5 6 medium
1 8
6
2
QUICK CROSSWORD Messages sent on holiday (9) Matured (4) Organ used to hear (3) Thing found disgusting or vile (11) Words of the same meaning (8) Rupture (6) Naked (4) Post (7) Rubeola (7) Thunder god (4) Voice box (6) A doctor’s customers (8) Acknowledgement (11) Centre (3) Edible rootstock (4) Question and answer session (9)
12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31
Those sharing a house (9) Send (4) A stringed musical instrument (6) Small rowboat (6) Dead and putrefying flesh (7) Psychiatrist (9) 13 to 19 (7) Chinese east coast city (8) Medieval weapon (8) A red wine (6) Food retailer (6) Meal (6) South Pacific island (4)
4 5 7
ACROSS 1 6 10 11
No. 163
8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27
DOWN Game bird (8) Love song (8) Bondage (6)
1 2 3
DECODER
No. 163
5 7
4 3 8 9 4 4 1 5 8 7 8 7 6 9 7 9 3 1 2 7 5 hard
3
5
5
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.
I
Today’s Aim: 21 words: Good 32 words: Very good
N
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I
G A
S
abiding, aiding, ailing, algid, align, aligns, bailing, balding, baling, bang, bangs, basing, biasing, biding, digs, ding, dings, DISABLING, gain, gains, gild, gilds, gins, glad, gland, glib, idling, lading, lags, lang, nags, sailing, sang, sibling, siding, sidling, sign, sing, slag, slang, sliding, sling, snag
3 LETTERS ACE AGO APE ASK ATE BOA DUO EGO ERA FBI GEL GNU INS KEG OAF OFF ROW RUE SEA SEE TEE URN UTE WEB
No. 163
* $ 5 / , &
ALONG APRIL ARENA ARISE AURAS AWOKE BESET CARGO CEDED CHOSE DAZED DEBUG DELTA EIGHT ELEGY ENTER ESSAY ETHER EVICT FERNS FORGE GRAPE
4 LETTERS BULB EARN EGGS GROW LATE LOTS MYTH REEF RIFT SALT SELL SKIM SONG UNTO 5 LETTERS ADORE
HORDE HORSE IRONY ISLES LEECH LUNGE MADAM MAINS MERGE METER ONION OPENS PANEL RATIO REINS ROBOT SCORE SHARP SHOES SORES SPEAR TOKEN
TOYED TWEED USING WALTZ WEDGE 6 LETTERS CAWING GARLIC LIKELY ONWARD
7 LETTERS ELASTIC ENEMIES EROSION FOOTAGE ORIENTS RIVETED 8 LETTERS HANDRAIL INCITING INSTANCE POWERFUL
15-12-23
No. 163
QUICK QUIZ
1
Of the 2023 Academy Award Best Picture nominees, which film did Frances McDormand (pictured) produce and star in?
Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.
2
NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
3
Laos, Thailand and Vietnam surround the borders of which other country?
4
Originating from a collection of fables, The Boy Who Cried Wolf is credited to which ancient Greek storyteller?
L
G
A N A S
N
6 7 4 1 9 3 2 8 5 5 2 9 8 6 4 1 7 3 8 1 3 7 2 5 6 4 9 1 4 6 2 3 8 5 9 7 7 8 5 9 1 6 3 2 4 3 9 2 5 4 7 8 6 1 4 5 7 3 8 2 9 1 6 9 6 8 4 5 1 7 3 2 2 3 1 6 7 9 4 5 8
E N S
R I S P U N A R R A T E
S
B
C L I
1 2 9 6 3 7 4 5 8 6 7 5 1 4 8 2 3 9 4 8 3 5 9 2 6 7 1 3 6 4 7 1 5 9 8 2 8 5 2 9 6 3 7 1 4 9 1 7 8 2 4 5 6 3 2 9 1 3 7 6 8 4 5 5 3 6 4 8 9 1 2 7 7 4 8 2 5 1 3 9 6
1 9 6 8 3 7 5 2 4 8 3 4 9 2 5 1 7 6 5 7 2 6 4 1 9 3 8 3 6 7 1 8 9 4 5 2 4 1 9 2 5 3 6 8 7 2 5 8 7 6 4 3 1 9 6 4 1 5 7 2 8 9 3 7 8 5 3 9 6 2 4 1 9 2 3 4 1 8 7 6 5
A
10 11 12 13
1
E
9
G M 18
A E
8
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
17
G
P A
A
7
16
I
6
15
I U
5
D
Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
C
4
43 words: Excellent
hard
5x5
3
F I D V ZWX U K T H Y J
medium
2
14
easy
1
C O E B L S N R P AQ GM
9 1 1 3 2 6 1 4 8 7 9 6 4 5 6 1 7 8 9 1 8 7 2 2 6
WORDFIT
5
True or false: Earth is the only known planet where a fire can burn?
What are Nepalese dumplings more commonly known as?
6
Chopine, opanak and plimsoll are all what type of apparel?
7
Which noble gas has the capacity to work against gravity?
8
Charlie Mackesy's bestselling illustrated book features a mole, a fox and what other animal?
9
Which cosmetics brand was founded in 1984 by two Canadian men named Frank?
10 'Radii' is the plural form of what? ANSWERS: 1. Women Talking 2. True 3. Cambodia 4. Aesop 5. Momos 6. Shoes 7. Helium 8. A horse 9. MAC Cosmetics 10. Radius
No. 163
0 ( 5 * ( 6 3 ( $ 5 & ( ' ( ' + 2 5 6 ( $ 5 ( 1 $ $ / 2 1 * ' ( % 8 * $:2 . ( : $ / 7 = $ * 2 6 2 5 ( 6 ) % , 7 ( ( $ 3 5 , / 2 1 : $ 5 ' 0 < 7 + 2 ) ) ) 2 2 7 $ * ( 6 & 2 5 ( 8 1 7 2 % 8 / % + $ 1 ' 5 $ , / 6 . , 0 6 ( ( ( 1 ( 0 , ( 6 2 5 , ( 1 7 6 ( * 2 6 ( / / , 1 6 7 $ 1 & ( 6 2 1 * ( $ 5 1 ( , * + 7 ( / $ 6 7 , & 8 5 1 * $ 5 / , & ( 9 , & 7 6 $ / 7 5 8 ( . ( * ( 7 + ( 5 ' 8 2 $ 5 , 6 ( 5 $ 7 , 2 , 5 2 1 < 2 3 ( 1 6 ) 2 5 * ( 3 $ 1 ( / : ( ' * ( 7 : ( ( ' ( 6 6 $ <
SUDOKU
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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Unai Emery has managed which two English Premier League clubs?
4. Name the 2023 film about the Boomers’ journey to achieving their first international medal.
2. Italy defeated Australia in the 2023 Davis Cup final; which country did the same in 2022?
5. Tom Brady’s 2015 four-game suspension was due to his alleged involvement in which NFL ball-tampering controversy?
3. Australian baseballer Curtis Mead was promoted to which major league team in August 2023?
6. Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a lawsuit for his involvement in which controversial company? 7. The Matildas took out which prestigious award after their iconic FIFA World Cup run? 8. Which AFLW team faced their first ever Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions? 9. Which of these AFL teams did TV host Tony Armstrong not play at during his career: a) Adelaide, b) Sydney or c) St Kilda? 10. What nationality is professional golfer Connor Syme?
Ashleigh Buhai
11. Which US soccer player is Matildas captain Sam Kerr engaged to?
12. The Australian tennis team is nicknamed what when playing the Fed Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo
13. How many overs is each player allowed to bowl in a cricket ODI? 14. Anze Kopitar recently surpassed the most games-played record for which NHL team? 15. In which year did North Melbourne last win an AFL grand final? 16. And who did they beat? 17. Chicago Fire are a team that plays which sport? 18. Which two players have been announced as the West Coast Eagles’ co-captains for the 2024 AFL season?
23. Which men’s national rugby sevens team did South Africa defeat to win the 2023 Dubai Sevens?
28. Golfer Lachlan Wood, winner of the 2023 Australian All Abilities Championship, is from which country?
24. Which women’s national rugby sevens team did Australia defeat to win the 2023 Dubai Sevens?
29. Which medal did aerial skiier Danielle Scott win at the Freestyle Ski World Cup event in Ruka, Finland?
25. Adam Doueihi last played for which NRL club?
19. Matthew Farrelly is the real name of which Australian professional wrestler?
26. Golfer Joaquín Niemann, winner of the 2023 Australian Open, hails from which South American country?
20. In which year was karate introduced at the Olympics? 21. Which team won the 2023 AFLW Grand Final? 22. Name the sisters who play for the Brisbane Lions AFLW team?
30. Which medal did snowboarder Belle Brockhoff win at the Snowboard World Cup event in Ruka, Finland?
27. Golfer Ashleigh Buhai, winner of the 2023 Women’s Australian Open, is from which African country?
1512
1. Arsenal and Aston Villa 2. Canada 3. Tampa Bay Rays 4. Rose Gold 5. Deflategate (deliberate deflation of game balls) 6. Binance (cryptocurrency) 7. Don Award 8. North Melbourne 9. c) St Kilda 10. Scottish 11. Kristie Mewis 12. Cockatoos 13. 10 14. LA Kings 15. 1999 16. Carlton 17. Soccer 18. Liam Duggan and Oscar Allen 19. Grayson Waller 20. 2020 21. Brisbane Lions 22. Cathy and Ruby Svarc 23. Argentina 24. New Zealand 25. Wests Tigers 26. Chile 27. South Africa 28. Australia 29. Silver 30. Bronze
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Ford Everest reaches a new high By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Some of Ford Ranger’s magic must have rubbed off on Everest because it’s now one of the top 10 best-selling cars in Australia, second only to the Toyota Prado in its segment. The last time we drove Everest we were pleasantly surprised by the wagon and the latest, third generation model is no exception, in keeping with the market response. It’s ironic because sometimes we critics can bag the crap out of a car, then stand back amazed as it sells its socks off. Go figure.
Styling Everest adopts the same ‘tough’ look as the Ranger, bluff and squared off where the previous model was rounded. It’s more muscular in appearance and targeted at blokes, and is light years from the Ford Territory that pioneered this segment for the brand 20 years ago. The rear is obviously different, with broad, strong horizontal lines. The Sport grade has proved popular and is now available with a choice of 3.0-litre V6 or 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesels, together with rear- or all-wheel drive. Sport is readily identified by the black treatment that everyone seems to want these days, with black trim, black wheels and black raised lettering for the badges. And it’s the only grade available in the exclusive colour Blue Lightning, as pictured. Inside there’s two-zone climate air, with part-leather, Sport-embossed front seats that are heated and cooled. The driver seat is 10-way power adjustable with memory setting while the front passenger seat is eight-way power-adjustable. All grades apart from Ambiente come with three rows of seats. Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys, side steps, LED head, tail and daytime running lights, electric parking brake, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, auto high beam, speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors. Prices start from $53,490 for the 2.0-litre rear-drive Ambiente. Trend is priced from $60,990, Sport from $62,990, Wildtrak from $72,804 and Platinum from $77,000, all before on road costs. Our test vehicle was the rear drive Sport with the 2.0-litre engine. If you want all wheel drive, it’s packaged with the V6 and comes at a cost of $70,590. Prestige paint adds $700 (everything but white) and the tow pack is $1700. Everest is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, roadside assistance if you get it serviced by Ford and a pre-paid service plan is available at a cost of $1200 for the first four general services for up to four years or 60,000km.
Infotainment Pride of place in the cabin goes to the SYNC4A infotainment system with voice activation and a huge 12.0-inch Tesla-like vertical touchscreen with 10-speaker audio. The system features Bluetooth, built-in satnav with one year of connected navigation services, DAB+ digital radio, both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. There are two USB ports in front (USB-A and USB-C), two in the back (USB-A and USB-C) plus a 12-volt outlet in the front console box and another unlabeled outlet in the luggage area. The FordPass app allows you to view vehicle status. You can also remotely unlock the vehicle, activate zone lighting where fitted, and start the vehicle to activate the climate control.
Engines/transmissions The four produces 154kW of power at 3750 rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1750-2000 rpm, while the larger 3.0-litre V6 delivers 184kW at 3250 rpm and 600Nm from 1750-2250 rpm.
Best buy – rear-wheel drive Sport. (Pictures: Supplied)
Both are paired with a 10-speed auto, with four drive modes in the rear-drive Sport: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery.
AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE 2.0 Ambiente RWD: $53,490
Safety ANCAP says Everest’s five-star safety rating is based mainly on test results for the Ford Ranger utility on which it is based, with supplementary information from Ford (not sure why). It has nine airbags, including driver and passenger knee airbags along with the latest centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard. There’s also a rear-view camera, Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and AEB Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard. There are five top tether child seat anchors and another two Isofix anchors.
Driving Everest is big, at 4914mm long and 1842mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2900mm. It has 230mm of ground clearance whether it’s the 4x4 version or not and this model tips the scales at 2295kg. The dimensions are roughly the same as before, with a 50mm increase in track and wheelbase. The changes have been made to accommodate the V6 and the new hybrid when it finally arrives. The longer wheelbase means more space inside, but the height of the vehicle also means getting in and out could be problematic for short people, particularly less athletic ones. There are only 259 litres of space behind the third row of seats, rising to a healthy 898 litres with the third row stowed. Everest comes with a choice of engines depending on the grade. There’s also rear and all-wheel drive to factor in. Ambiente and Trend kick off the range with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel, while Wildtrak and Platinum bring a Ford-sourced 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel. Mid-range Sport can be had with either – RWD with the four, AWD with the six. This model is fitted with 255/55 series Goodyear Wrangler Territory HT road tyres. A full-size alloy spare is provided. Whichever model you choose, it can tow a 3500kg load, but there’s a thing called gross combined mass to consider and the V6 is probably the better option for towing. Like most cars these days starting Everest is accomplished via a button that takes the place
20 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023
2.0 Ambiente 4WD: $58,490 2.0 Trend RWD: $60,990 2.0 Trend 4WD: $65,990 2.0 Sport RWD: $62,990 3.0 Sport 4WD: $70,590 3.0 Wildtrak 4WD: $72,804 3.0 Platinum 4WD: $77,000 SPECIFICATIONS Ford Everest 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.
of a key. In Everest that button literally takes the place of the key mechanism in the barrel on the steering column. It’s a bit of an oddity and had us looking for a button each and every time we started the wagon – either in the console or to the left or right of the wheel. The instrument cluster is part digital in this model with a rather unimaginative 8.0-inch squared off display that sits between traditional analogue gauges. It’s not until you get to the top of the line Platinum that it’s flashier and all digital, with a 12.3-inch screen. Looking and running your hands over surfaces in the cabin reveals plenty of hard, cheap, generic plastic trim, detracting from the ambience. The honeycomb air vents are a case in point. But most eyes will be focused on the Tesla-like touchscreen which provides plenty of real estate for satnav and secondary controls, although we’re not sure why it is necessary to have both physical and electronic controls for the aircon. The system can be slow to boot and at one point the screen blacked out for 30 seconds during which it remained unresponsive. Wireless Android Auto worked flawlessly. The four-cylinder twin turbo diesel is basically the same unit that powered the Raptor five years ago with a little tweaking. In that context and producing 500Nm of torque from a low 1750 rpm, it is anything but disappointing. The V6 is just icing on the cake. Unlike most diesels, the four feels smooth and quiet, with a real spring to its step. Changes are smooth and those 10 speeds make sure the engine is always where it needs
to be, but it feels a little busy at times. Adaptive cruise control works all the way down to a dead stop, before going again, and with intelligent speed assist active will automatically change to the current speed limit. Rear suspension is different to that in the ute, more sophisticated to make things more comfortable for rear seat occupants. But our passengers still complained about ride quality in the back and the ride quality is generally a little jiggly and not as good as a sedan. It’s good to see plenty of rear air outlets, located in the roof, which will stop the kids from getting sick. Auto engine stop-start is fitted and cycles down the aircon with the engine. The result can be stifling on a hot day and freezing when it’s cold, but can probably be turned off. Try as we may, we couldn’t get hot air into the back on a brisk Canberra day. The cabin is a nice, quiet place to be on the road, thanks to an acoustic windscreen and well sound-proofed engine – but there’s no mention of noise cancelling technology this time around. There are no gear change paddles. Instead, a thumb-controlled rocker switch at the top of the shift lever performs the same function. It’s okay for occasional changes, but no good for long term use. The steering has gone from light to hard work, mainly because of the lane-centreing assistance. Take your hands off the wheel and the car will steer itself for a good few seconds, including bends, before you’re warned to put your hands back on the wheel. It wants to do the work and the trick is to let it do most of the work instead of fighting the wheel which can become tiring – or simply turn it off with a switch conveniently located on the wheel. With an 80-litre fuel tank, combined fuel consumption for this model is a claimed 7.1L/100km. We were getting as little as 7.8L/100km after almost 1200km of mixed driving. That’s pretty good for a vehicle this size.
Summing up Women may not like the styling and the heavy steering made my wife’s arms ache, but overall, it’s pretty good. The rear-wheel drive 2.0-litre Sport could be the one to get, because it’s visually appealing and comes with everything you want and nothing you can’t do without. It represents a considerable savings over the off-road version which the majority of people will never use anyway.
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makes Edwards puts on a show Altona the top four Netherlands captain Scott Edwards had a night out for Altona Sports in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association T20 competition on Thursday. A junior development coach at the club, Edwards made a guest appearance and put on a show against the RMIT Redbacks. The Redbacks batted first and made 7-180 off their 20 overs. Altona Sports got off to a flying start, putting on 101 for the first partnership. Captain Liam Brennan was out for 47 and a second wicket quickly fell. Altona Sports led by Edwards continued on, hitting the winning runs with nearly five overs remaining. Edwards finished 100 not out off 44 balls in an innings which included nine fours and eight sixes. Meanwhile in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition, Yarraville Club and the Druids opened with wins. The Clubbers started the competition with a good win against Seddon. Seddon won the toss and decided to bat, bowled out for 86 in the final over. Rhys Nicholas top scored with just 13. Four Clubbers bowlers took two wickets apiece. Guest player Isaac Willett did the damage for the Clubbers, making 43 off 40 balls as the Clubbers finished with 3-89 in just 14.1 overs. The Druids beat St Andrews Footscray. The Wizards batters put on a display, hitting 6-192. St Andrews never looked likely and were bowled out for 87 with two balls remaining. The Wizards and Sunshine Heights will face each other in the other pool match for a spot in the next round. Gellibrand suffered a first up loss to Point Cook.
Scott Edwards (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)
Point Cook made 4-196 before Gellibrand was restricted to 138. A win for Williamstown Imperials, which had the bye, in the third round of this pool against Gellibrand will seal a spot in the next round. In other results, Grand United got a first up
Rams join the WRFL The Western Rams are the Western Region Football League’s newest side. WRFL clubs voted at its annual general meeting on Tuesday night to decide the fate of the struggling Rockbank-based team. Member clubs of the league officially voted in the Rams which will enter both their football and netball operations into the league. The club hasn’t won a senior football game since 2018 which prompted decision makers at the club to question whether it should seek an exit from the Riddell District Football League in October. Rams’ president Stephan Lalli-Cafini said to be officially a part of the WRFL is a relief. “It was a late decision to go but it was still two to three months of really, really hard work and close work with the WRFL,” he said. “As soon as we got that nod it was certainly a weight of the shoulders. “We’re super excited, we’ve been preparing as if we were going into the WRFL, we were uncertain about our future in the RDFL, player wise. “So we went out and went hard to retain as many players as possible, but in saying that when speaking to new recruits it was based on going to the WRFL because it wasn’t worth saying we might go. “It was here’s your contract, it’s a WRFL contract, if it doesn’t work out then you’re free to go and explore options elsewhere. “So it’s definitely a lot less stressful now knowing that all the players are locked in.” Lalli-Cafini said it is a bonus that the club has been able to gather enough numbers for two football sides for next year, something that he said they were confident of being able to do. “We were confident that we would gather interest if we moved to the WRFL, now we’re there we’re confident that two teams and two really competitive teams, is what we’re after this year,” he said.
win against the Doutta Stars, Sunbury beat PEGS and Westmeadows had no issues with getting past Keilor Park. Point Cook Centrals beat Werribee Centrals and Moonee Valley was too strong for Royal Park Brunswick.
Altona is into the top four in Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division after defeating Bundoora on Friday. Altona was far better than their opposition throughout the night clash, winning 80 (16)-57 (2). Bundoora’s cause wasn’t helped by a couple of late outs due to flight issues. Hayley O’Reilly’s rink narrowly won 15-14, Brooke Edwards’ rink won 25-7 and Paul Hinneberg’s rink were 21-15 victors, while Jayden Wombell’s rink lost 21-19. Altona is now fourth on equal points as Melbourne but are lower on score percentage at 100.68 per cent to Melbourne’s 103.65 per cent. In the final round before Christmas, Altona will play fifth placed Clayton on Saturday. Meanwhile, Yarraville Footscray lost once again, this time being beaten convincingly by Moonee Valley, 91 (18)-66 (0). James Gonera’s rink lost 23-19, Michael Galakos’ rink went down 24-12, James Banks’ rink was defeated 26-18, while Brandon Anderson’s rink narrowly went down 18-17. The task for Yarraville Footscray to search for its second win of the season doesn’t get easier next week with the team set to face ladder leaders Deer Park on Friday. Altona 2’s clash in division 1, section 1, against Aberfeldie was called off due to the rain. While Yarraville Footscray’s second’s team lost to Glenroy 88 (18)- 59 (0) in the same section. Gou Engebretsen’s rink suffered the biggest loss at 28-13.
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Rams coach Ash Pritchard.
“It’s a year to build and a year to see where we’re at in our first year of divisional football since 1999. “It’ll give us an opportunity to see where we are at as a club and where we need to improve going forward.” Not only has the club locked in a lot of its playing list but it has also secured a senior and reserves coach. Experienced coach Ash Pritchard was announced as senior coach last month. The Rams will play in division 2, with the WRFL confirming it would only have two divisions next season. WRFL chief executive David Jennings said a lot of work had been done to get the Rams into the league. “We have worked closely with the RDFNL and diligently with the Western Rams over the past two months on their application to join the WRFL and we are now delighted to welcome the club to league,” he said. “The Western Rams are a family club with a proud one-hundred-year history and we are pleased with an outcome that will ensure the club has a long-term football and netball future with the WRFL.” Harper Sercombe
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Rams proving themselves in top flight division Newport is continuing its good form in the Baseball Victoria summer league women’s premier competition. After moving up from division 2 last season, coach Dean Anglin said he is pleased with how his team has made the adjustment up to the top flight women’s baseball. “We’re performing really, really well,” he said. “To be competing with the teams that have been up in division 1 for the last few years is a really good position for us as a club.” Last week, the Rams dominated Footscray 13-2 in a mid week game, which was their third win on the bounce. “Footscray beat us last time we played them and we were the only team they’ve beaten in the last two seasons,” Anglin said. “It was good to get a little bit of redemption and get back on the winners list against them. “Footscray made a couple of errors on Tuesday night that were pretty costly to them and really rewarding to us in terms of the results. “We try and keep things pretty level so not
sure that we treated it differently to any other game, we did try a couple of things during that game just to mix our roster up a little bit and see how people go in different positions. “To be honest it didn’t really work very well for us in the first innings and we went back to our standard line up from the second innings onwards and got control of the game and held it from there.” Having had the weekend off to rest, the Rams are setting their sights on their final two matches before the Christmas break. The first being on Wednesday night against Essendon before meeting ladder leaders Springvale for the last game before the break. “Springvale are still the best team in the competition and it’ll be a good test for us to see how we’re tracking,” Anglin said. “It’ll be nice to see how we’re shaping up and progressing as a group and hopefully we get ourselves into a position where we can challenge them when it comes to finals.” The Rams have been able to utilise their defensive dominance in low scoring matches throughout the start of the season. Although
it seems like offensively it may have clicked as of late with the side scoring 31 of their 56 runs in the last three games. “If you look at the runs for and against it looks like we’re a very good defensive team and not a great offensive one, I think we’ve got the lowest runs scored in the competition yet we’re sitting second,” Anglin said. “We’ve got some pretty good pitchers which is helping us, we’re pretty lucky to have Saeko Suzuki and Shiori Hoshino. “It’s definitely putting us in a pretty good position to challenge, I’d say primarily we are defensively and pitching ahead of scoring runs but we can score runs in bunches when we need to. “We’re pretty solid, we’re playing pretty good baseball and I think the girls just continue to build pressure over the course of seven innings games and that’s the part that’s scoring us the runs that we need.”
Shiori Hoshino. (Joe Mastroianni). 322160_05
Smith back with United
New divisions confirmed
By Harper Sercombe Kat Smith has been appointed as the replacement for Western United inaugural coach Mark Torcaso. Torcaso made the decision to resign from his position in order to focus fully on his role with the Philippines women’s national team. Returning to the A-League, Smith said she is champing at the bit to be back home in Melbourne and coaching once again. Smith joins United as just its second women’s coach and first female to be at the helm. Smith brings a wealth of knowledge on a majority of the playing squad having come up against United while leading the Western Sydney Wanderers side last season and also coaching Alamein FC and Geelong Galaxy in the women’s National Premier League. It’s a full circle moment for Smith to return to the Western United environment after she was a part of the first ever Western United women’s development squad. “I’m really excited, the weather has been turned on in Melbourne and I’m back at home doing what I love, being on the grass coaching,” she said. “I’m really stoked to get this opportunity to work with this group, obviously some strong foundations have been laid. Commencing in 2021, the women’s development squad was the precursor to Western United’s A-League team, bringing professional training standards to a select group of talented players in Victoria. That group featured the likes of Alana Cerne, Adriana and Melissa Taranto and Natasha Dakic, all of whom went on to secure A-League contracts. Smith said she is now eager to reunite with familiar faces. “That’s the drive you get from coaching, seeing players progressing and reaching their dreams and helping them with their ambition,” she said. “To have the opportunity to work with the club prior to moving to Sydney I think coming back and being able to reconnect with those players again and help them on their journey here.” Smith coached her first match at United on the weekend, talking before the game she said fans shouldn’t be expecting massive changes. “The group’s got a really good foundation,” she said. “We are obviously going to put a bit of my flavour on things that we’ll tweak but I think the real focus and priority will be for players to have clarity in terms of their roles and responsibilities. “I don’t want to change too much because like I said there’s a good foundation and good
Kat Smith. (Western United)
principals… it’s just redefining a little bit of the language and a little bit of the purpose and intent for the ball. “Our style of play is going to start with the ball, every team likes to control possession, we’ll be like that but also really aggressive about how we play forward.
22 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 13 December, 2023
“We’ve got some really good technical players in this group and their strengths and their dominant qualities are going to come. “And of course we’ve got to have a good work ethic and desire of every player to make sure that we can support each other around the ball.”
The Western Region Football League has confirmed its divisional changes for the 2024 season. Following the WRFL review into the structure of its senior football program, and the successful application from the Western Rams to join the WRFL, the league’s board has ratified changes for the upcoming season. As reported by Star Weekly, 2023’s division 2 premiers Parkside is moving to division 1 to make that a nine-team competition. This will be stage one of a two-year process to form a division 1 ten-team competition. Next year’s division 2 premiers will be promoted into division 1 with no relegation out of division 1 to happen next season. All division 3 clubs and the Western Rams will be moved into division 2. WRFL clubs voted at its annual general meeting on December 5 to decide the fate of the former Riddell District Football Netball League club. Member clubs of the WRFL officially voted in the Rams which will enter both their football and netball operations into the league. WRFL chief executive David Jennings welcomed the Western Rams and thanked the RDFNL and AFL Victoria for their collaboration and support in the application. “We have worked closely with the RDFNL and diligently with the Western Rams over the past two months on their application to join the WRFL and we are now delighted to welcome the Club to League,” he said in a statement. Glen Orden is also set to make its return to the WRFL with the league revealing them as one of 15 teams in its division 2 for 2024. The Hawks will return to the competition after failing to put out a senior or reserves side for the 2023 season. Next season’s division 1 teams will be Werribee Districts, Point Cook, Altona, Yarraville Seddon Eagles, Caroline Springs, Spotswood, Point Cook Centrals, Hoppers Crossing and Parkside. While division 2 will consist of Albion, Newport, Sunshine, Wyndhamvale, North Footscray, Braybrook, Suns, Albanvale, Sunshine Heights, West Footscray, Tarneit, Laverton Magpies, Glen Orden, North Sunshine and Western Rams.
Crusaders still undefeated after win over rivals It was a Vic Bowl rematch in the Gridiron Victoria competition on Saturday as the Western Crusaders took on rivals the Croydon Rangers. The sides last faced off when the Crusaders took out their fifth straight championship with both sides beginning this week’s clash as the last remaining undefeated sides in the competition. The Crusaders are now standing aloft the table as the only undefeated side with a 34-12 win. Speaking before the game, the Crusaders’ Tyson Garnham said he was expecting a tough, physical encounter. “We battle for top spot this weekend against Croydon so the club is looking forward to that opportunity to consolidate top spot,” he said. “The Rangers have got quite a good offence, they’ve got some really good receivers so we’re expecting them to lean on that. “If our defence can shut down that element
of their game then we should be right to play our physical style against them which is what we’ve done in the past has been more physical than Croydon so we expect to do the same this week.” Being the only side in the competition with two teams has continued to play in the club’s favour, Garnham said, with plenty of players to choose from helping the firsts to keep up their winning form. “The beauty of our team is everybody shares the load, we’ve had a lot of people on injury as well, so everyone has been rotating through the side,” he said. “We don’t really have the same player being best on ground every week, it sort of rotates through each game depending on who’s playing quarterback or who’s playing receiver. “The benefit of having two senior teams is that everyone gets game time across the two sides but that also gives us a lot of depth to pull from to be
quite solid on both offence and defence. “We’ve always been strong on defence and I guess over the past few seasons the offence has been clicking because we’ve had the same quarterback for the past few seasons now, so getting the cohesion coming together.” While the side rotates through its quarterbacks, last season’s most valuable player in the competition Matthew Krul remains as the club’s premier quarterback. However, with players on the first team beginning to age has opened the door for young talent to be bled. “We’ve got a few quarterbacks and earlier in the year we were also able to break in some of the under-17 quarterbacks into the men’s team,” Garnham said. “We’ve got a lot of experienced players who have played together for a while, and are also trying to get the new talent coming through, which is exciting for the future.”
The Western Crusaders remained undefeated. (Supplied)
Kiera’s selection dream
Sports shorts
By Harper Sercombe
Western Jets Lou Lou Field and Sierra Grieves are among those named in the Vic Metro girls summer training squad. The squad will take one in two high-performance training camps over the summer months to further assist players in their preparation for the 2024 Coates Talent League season.
It’s been a long time in the making for Kiera Whiley but her life-long dream could become a reality on Monday night. Whiley has been playing football for more than half of her life and her hobby could soon be her career if her name was to be read out on December 18 at the AFLW draft. “It’s quite nerve wracking coming this close, it feels like there’s been such a long build up to it and then suddenly it’s right around the corner,” she said. “It’s kind of always been the dream pretty much since I started before there was even a girls league around I decided this is what I wanted to do. “[If I got drafted] it would honestly be the most insane thing ever, it’s been quite a few years watching other people get up and get their dream finally. “Looking back at little nine-year-old me just playing footy with the boys and watching those boys get their name read out, it would just mean the world to me to have that opportunity. “So many years in the making and just this opportunity to make a career out of something that I’ve always wanted.” From playing junior footy with Caroline Springs in the Western Region Football League, Whiley quickly graduated to the Coates Talent League joining the Western Jets at just 14. She is now aligned with Hillside. “It’s been a bit of a weird adjustment no longer being a part of it, I’ve been there forever so it was such a normal part of my life and I’m really grateful that I was able to be in that program for so long,” she said. “It really taught me a lot and there are so many habits that I’ve developed from just being a part of my life that I think have made a big impact on where I am now. “Even in the earlier years watching the girls go off and play Vic Metro and bring back what they learnt, I think being around people while growing up is such an important thing.” Whiley then went on to make her own mark at the Vic Metro level, playing for them in the two most recent carnivals. She also made her Victorian Football League debut this year for the Western Bulldogs in round seven against Williamstown. “It really opened my eyes. It’s another level up again, just the professionalism and then amount of fun and enjoyment that the girls are still able to bring into it but being able to flick the switch when necessary to get the most out of training,” she said. “While captaining the Jets, my goal was always to be leading by example so being able
HSW NAB League
VPL Fixtures for the Victorian Premier League competitions have been released. The VPL1 and 2 have replaced the National Premier League 2 and 3 competitions. The VPL1 will get underway on the weekend of February 9, while the VPL2 will start a month later. Altona City, which has been promoted to VPL2, will face the Boroondara-Carey Eagles in the opening round.
WRFL Parkside has secured the signature of Jean-Luc Velissaris for the upcoming Western Region Football League division 1. Velissaris will play for the Magpies in between Victorian Football League commitments with the Northern Bullants, where he won the club best and fairest this and was named in the VFL team of the year.
Cricket The wet weather again played havoc with the cricket on Saturday. The Victorian Turf and Victorian Sub-District and North West Metropolitan competitions were all called off on Saturday morning, with heavy rain on Friday and Saturday morning. All three competitions are scheduled for this Saturday, the final day of play before the Christmas break.
Netball
Kiera Whiley (Graham Denholm/AFL Photos)
to bring back what I learned and setting the standard was quite beneficial I think.” While Whiley has been touted heading into Monday’s draft as a bona fide midfielder, she isn’t too sure that description is the most accurate of her abilities. “I’ve always valued being quite versatile, while I do enjoy midfield I think naturally I’m a halfback at heart, I’ve always really enjoyed that position,” she said. “Also the wing is something that I’ve spent a bit of time doing and I really do enjoy that
as well. But I value versatility so I think any of those positions my skills can translate across.” Like many other girls in the same position as Whiley she has opted into the national draft, declaring she would be grateful to land at any of the 18 clubs in the competition. “A lot can be said for that independence and my parents have always been very supportive so I know that it still won’t be too far and they’re just a phone call away,” she said. “I still feel very supported if my name happens to get called for a team interstate.”
The Altona Falcons are through to the Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association M-League premier men’s division grand final. The Falcons won their semi final 88-80 to secure the first spot in the grand final and the week off. The Falcons will either play the City Heat and the Netblacks in the grand final on December 20.
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Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 23
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