Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 24th January 2024

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24 JANUARY, 2024

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Classic cars on show

Motoring group members Lou Artz, Graham Weightman, and Alan Tidbury (L-R) gearing up for a big car show. (Damjan Janevski) 383345_04

The Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed is celebrating its 11th anniversary with a classic car and bike show. Gold coin donations will grant you entry to Apex Park on Queen Street, Altona on Sunday, February 25, with profits going to a local charity. Food and drink will be available throughout the day, as well as face painting, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and a live band. Motoring group secretary Lou Artz said the men’s shed is as strong as ever. “Our current membership is close to 400 people, which not only consists of the Motoring Group but also includes woodwork, computers, metal work, cycling, photography, music to name just a few,” he said. “Once a month we usually try to go for a club run to an event or even just a drive through the countryside, these events are enjoyed by not only the club members but also their partners, we’ve had up to 40 cars in a convoy at times.”

Empty shop ‘frustration’ By Gerald Lynch Footscray’s Barkly Street is seemingly in danger of becoming a ghost town, with a strip of shops remaining unleased and empty. A local real estate agent, who is handling multiple for lease properties on Barkly Street, told Star Weekly that too many people are moving away from physical retail, making the premises very difficult to sell and lease. “It is cheaper for a business owner to move to a warehouse, there’s less staff, lower rent,“ said the agent who asked not to be named. “Most of the vacant properties have been that way for over 18 months, landlords have reduced rent askings but the properties still won’t go.“

Aaron Donato, who owns Bar Joesphine and Pie Thief, said that while there are some vacant shops, the street is far from dead. “It is frustrating to have empty shops all around us, there’s no denying that. But honestly it was kinda like that when we first took the lease on the Josephine building in 2016,“ he said. “Jim Wong and Teds Cycles are just two businesses (both closed in 2019), but because of their footprint, their closures made an obvious visual impact on the street. However, two closed businesses don’t make a ghost town.“ There’s 12 properties near each other that remain vacant in Barkly Street, but Mr Donato said he believes this to be due to the nature of the businesses previously

occupying the spaces. “Vacancies seem to be concentrated on that western end of Barkly, between French and Geelong,“ he said. “I think this has to do with the type of businesses these shops used to be. Where you have hospitality ready buildings all along Hopkins-Barkly from Moore to French, it continues to be a vibrant hub of restaurants and bars. But between French and Geelong you have more predominantly retail and office spaces.“ Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said the council recognises the challenges faced by Barkly Street and is focusing on the positives. “Council has been working with local trader groups, landlords and their respective real estate agents to activate vacant shop

fronts along Barkly Street in Footscray,“ she said. “Council acknowledges there will likely always be some vacancies in the retail precincts. And while it can encourage landlords to activate vacant shop fronts and take on new tenants, Council is not in a position to enforce this. “The economic activity within the suburb of Footscray has in fact increased significantly compared to pre-COVID spending. According to Spendmapp data, in December 2023, Footscray hit a new record spend for dining and entertainment. This is a positive sign and council will continue to work with the local trader groups and business operators to help ensure Footscray reaches its full potential.“

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Mixed bag on housing prices By Gerald Lynch It was a mixed bag for house sellers in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, with some places recording huge increases in the median house price, while others suffered big drops according to new data. The latest Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s [REIV] data revealed that the median house price in metro Melbourne dropped by 2.2 per in the three months to December, with the median house price now $909,000.

In Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong, there were huge variances in the median house price. In Kingsville, the median house price jumped a staggering 22.9 per cent to $1.11 million, while in Seddon there was an increase of 15.1 per cent up to $1.18 million and Williamstown had a 7.3 per cent increase to $1.68 million. It was a strong period for Braybrook, with a 10.9 per cent jump to a $765,000 median price, and Seaholme had a big rise of 17.7 per cent up to $1.30 million.

On the other side, the median house price dropped in many suburbs. In West Footscray, the median house price dropped 7.3 per cent in the December quarter, to $953,000. The data showed the median price of houses in Maidstone declined by 12.3 per cent to $825,000 in the December quarter, while it dropped by 7.9 per cent to $1.04 million in Spotswood, 7.2 per cent in Seabrook to $690,000, and Maribrynong had a 5.9 per cent drop to $1.13 million.

A number of areas saw little to no change in median prices, suggesting stability in the market. The median house price in Newport declined slightly by 1.8 per cent to $1.23 million, while in Footscray it jumped 1.2 per cent to $983,000. Altona’s median house price had a marginal rise of 2.4 per cent, tipping the median price above seven figures to $1.08 million. Yarraville also sits above the million mark, with a 0.9 per cent jump taking it to $1.00 million.

Police make sixth arrest

Pic of 19-year-old BMX rider Cooper Wilson at Rampfest in Braybrook. (Damjan Janevski) 383976_02

Ramping up for freestyle BMX gold The Freestyle BMX National Championships return to Braybrook this summer, with an all-star lineup set to steal the show. Rampfest indoor skatepark will play host to the event on February 10 and 11. Rampfest general manager Chris Bierton said this year being an Olympic year means fans can expect to see the best of the best competing and honing their tricks. “Expect to see a lot of the heavy hitters,” he said. “This is as good as it gets in Victoria, this event is at the top of the domestic calendar.

“Logan Martin who won gold for Freestyle park BMX at Tokyo 2020 is a good chance to be there. “Alec Danelutti, a local Melbourne rider who grew up riding at Rampfest, is in contention for an Olympic Spot this year, and looking to push his case. “In the women’s, Natalya Dihem was our 2020 Olympian - finished fifth - and is looking to go to her second Olympics. Sarah Nicki is a young up-and-coming rider at only 16, she is pushing Natalya for that Olympic

spot.” “We’ve worked with AusCycling, Maribyrnong council and the state government on this event, and to host it for the fourth time since 2018 is a huge honour.” Not only will elite talent be on display, but an old-school BMX show and displays will be an added boost of entertainment, and there will be plenty of live music, food, and drink to enjoy. Gerald Lynch

Police have arrested a Sunshine West man following a series of arson attacks in Melbourne this year. The 23-year-old Sunshine West man is the sixth to be arrested as part of the investigation. He was arrested on January 17 and later charged with three counts of criminal damage by fire and aggravated carjacking. The charges are related to the following incidents involving a fire at a cafe on Lobelia Drive, Altona North on January 9, a fire at a tobacco store on Pier Street, Altona on January 12, a fire at a store on Glengala Road, Sunshine West on January 12, and a carjacking in Braybrook on January 12. Lunar Taskforce Detective Inspector Graham Banks said these fires have caused significant property damage and have a direct impact on people’s livelihoods. “We’ve also been extremely clear from the start that these fires have the potential to seriously injure or even kill someone,” he said. “I want to assure the community that we are doing everything we can to hold everyone involved in this risky behaviour to account – this includes those lighting the fires, those stealing vehicles to undertake this offending, and those commissioning the fires as part of the ongoing dispute.” Police currently have 29 active arson investigations, which include tobacco stores, vehicles, gyms, restaurants and private addresses. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

COVID-19 hospitalisations up in the west over summer COVID-19 hospitalisations and community transmissions are increasing in the west due to a new COVID-19 variant, according to Western Health. The latest quantitative wastewater measures indicate high COVID-19 viral loads in Victorian wastewater and this increase in community transmission is linked to the new variant JN.1 which is causing similar impacts internationally. Western Health is urging the population to take steps to limit transmission, especially to protect those at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, including

people aged 65 and above, people with a disability or chronic medical condition and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Western Health infectious diseases unit head Dr Marion Kainer said it’s important not to become complacent about COVID-19. “It is still a serious illness, and infections, particularly repeated ones, have been linked to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes among other serious conditions,” she said. Western Health suggested six action to protect the community. Wear a high-quality and well-fitted mask, stay up to date with your COVID-19

2 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 January, 2024

vaccine which is available at your GP or local pharmacy, let fresh air in by opening windows and doors when you can, get tested if you have symptoms, stay at home if you have COVID-19 for at least five days and until you have no symptoms and take antivirals if eligible. Dr Kainer said well-fitting P2 or N95 respirators provide excellent protection from infection. “If you do become infected, masks also make it much less likely that you will infect your loved ones. Wear masks or respirators in indoor areas or outside if crowded,” she said.

“The outdoors is your friend during this time of increased transmissions. The risk of getting infected outdoors is 20 times lower, and doing things outside as much as you can is one of the easiest and most practical ways to keep safe. “If you’re indoors, open doors and windows as much as possible. If this is not possible due to inclement weather, investing in a HEPA air filter and running it on the highest setting can also reduce the risk of transmission. When traveling in a car, wearing masks or respirators and opening the window, even a little bit, can make a huge difference.”

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‘Miserable’ underpass needs flooding overhaul By Gerald Lynch The Ashley Street underpass in West Footscray has been labelled “totally insufficient”, as summer flooding poses problems for pedestrians. Local resident Norman Hermant voiced his concerns with the underpass, saying there are multiple issues contributing to problems with the underutilised space. “The underpass is totally insufficient for pedestrians,“ he said. “There is no bike path, it’s just miserable down there. “The flooding of the underpass is unfortunately nothing new, it has been ongoing for years.

“Tottenham station looks great and it is well-upgraded, but I suppose when they did it up they just didn’t think about access. “It is the only way over or under the train tracks for at least five kilometres, from West Footscray all the way to Sunshine.” The dark and dreary underpass isn’t just rough on the eye, the public perception is that you wouldn’t want to be spending too much time in there after dark. “It’s for sure intimidating, I am a pretty big guy but even I would be reluctant to use it at night,” Mr Hermant admitted. A 2018 West Footscray Neighbourhood Plan, includes a commitment by the state government and VicTrack to widen the Ashley Street underpass to ‘create safe and

inviting walking and cycling paths’. The project was listed as having an ongoing timeframe. Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said council is responsible for the underpass footpath, and has arranged for the path to be cleaned each morning, while the water pooling continues. “Council is aware of ongoing challenges... it appears this is the result of rainfall from the previous four weeks, with water building up behind the bridge wall and flowing onto the footpath,“ she said. “We continue to work with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) which maintains the road, and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) which manages

and maintains the rail land, bridge and walls, to report and action maintenance requests in a timely manner to ensure the underpass and its surrounds are safe for all road users.“ A DTP spokesperson said the area is constantly monitored to ensure safety. “The Ashley Street underpass is inspected at least once a week to ensure it remains safe,“ the spokesperson said. “We inspected the underpass on Wednesday, January 17 following heavy rain and completed works to clear drains and sweep the road to reduce the impact of extreme weather.”

Five charged after home invasions

Members of the Joseph Road Precinct Action Group ready to fight for change. (Deb Fryers)

Residents want action The Joseph Road Precinct Action Group has a clear message - “we want action, and we want it now”. The action group meets regularly to discuss the best ways to improve and enhance their community. The group has 10 main concerns it wants Maribyrnong council to address. Group member Sam Meredith said “decisive” action was needed. “Immediate and decisive action is imperative by our decision makers on all levels of government to support the safety of the residents of the Joseph Road Precinct. The safety concerns within the precinct directly jeopardise the wellbeing of hundreds of residents in our area. Truth, transparency and action is needed“ she said. “The safety issues are prevalent - we are continually having to ask for the basics. Furthermore, the acting CEO in a recent article stated that Joseph Road was not getting started until the second half of the year and will take up to a year to complete. Meanwhile, other roads in our JRP will not be touched.”

The group has a number of requests for improving safety on Joseph Road including a pedestrian crossing and improved safety for pedestrians and bikes at the Joseph Road entrance. They would also like to see the removal of the yellow caps on the pathway, citing them as a safety hazard, especially for the vision impaired. In addition, a number of stone slope/ concrete barriers on the side of the road are causing similar concerns. The group wants a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Warde and Hallenstein streets, along with traffic lights at the intersection of Hallenstein Street, Moreland Road and Hopkins Street. Neilson Place has also been raised as a key area of concern. A lack of disability access on the Liberty One block and a site clean up of the pathway is needed. There are large metal gates propped up, a telephone pole on the footpath, a steep slope with metal poles in the ground, and extensive rubbish lying around. Neilson Place lacks lighting and is almost completely dark at night.

Work on Lilardia Park, scheduled to be completed early 2024, is yet to commence. Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said the council recognises the residents’ concerns and is working on improvements within the precinct. “Council has completed design work to support improvement works at the Hallenstein Street pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of Warde Street,“ she said. “Blind spot concerns at the corner of Joseph Road and Hopkins Street are also being addressed. “Council is also currently finalising the tender process to undertake a full reconstruction along South and North Joseph Roads from Hopkins Street to the Heavenly Queen Temple.“ The works are expected to commence in the second half of the year and will take around 12 months. It will include more footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and safer bike lanes along Joseph Road. Department of Transport and Planning was also contacted for comment.

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By Gerald Lynch

Five people have been charged with more than 140 offences following a series of home invasions in Melbourne’s west last year. Following an extensive investigation, police executed eight warrants and arrested eight young men. Three men, aged 18, were each charged with about 30 offences each including multiple counts of aggravated home invasion, burglary, theft of motor car and intentionally causing injury. Two teens, aged 16 and 17, were charged with more than 45 offences including aggravated home invasion and theft of motor car. The arrests followed a dozen alleged home invasions in the past year including, one in Altona Meadows on August 16 and one in Braybrook on October 11. Two of the 18-year-old men charged, from Footscray and Caroline Springs, were bailed by the courts and will re-appear in court in March. The third 18-year-old man, also from Caroline Springs, was remanded to appear on the same day. The 16-year-old and 17-year-old boys charged were bailed to appear before a children’s court a later date. During the warrants this month police also arrested a 28-year-old Kurunjang man and charged him with cultivating and possessing cannabis. Another 17-year-old boy was arrested and released pending summons. Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit Senior Constable Samantha D’agostino said everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their own home. “We take these kinds of offences extremely seriously and will investigate thoroughly until we can hold people to account.” Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Native nursery thrown a lifeline By Jennifer Pittorino The Newport Lakes Native Nursery has started the new year with some good news, after a battle with council late last year threatened its existence. In November, owner Nick Pandya found himself facing the possibility his nursery could close due to Hobsons Bay council’s move to increase the business’s rent. A petition was created by Friends of Skeleton Creek to demonstrate to councillors how important the nursery, which had been in operation for more than 24 years, was

to the community. Now, Mr Pandya is pleased to announce that council has agreed to a flexible lease agreement. “They have given us flexibility with our account, so we can continue to assess how the business is going and if we can afford the rent,” he said. “Council said anytime we feel the business is not sustainable we can give them notice and they will help us out.” The new lease agreement, which was delivered to Mr Pandya last year, included rates which would not have been affordable

for the business. Based on profit statements, Mr Pandya knew that the rent increase meant the nursery would be unprofitable by the fifth year of the lease agreement. In late December, Mr Pandya and council agreed to a five year lease, with rent paid monthly. “The agreement states that we can give them three months’ notice if the business is not surviving, council will help us find other options,” he said. “This might be moving somewhere else or looking at grants for small businesses, but

council has assured us then when the situation arises they will be happy to help us.” Mr Pandya and the team are pleased with the outcome and grateful for all the support from the community. “We are really happy with this as it gives us time to develop the business and see how we are doing financially,” he said. “Now we feel like we have time to assess everything and find other ways to develop the business to become financially stronger. “We are grateful for all the support, from everyone who helped us.“

Briefs Information needed An information caravan was set up at Williamstown on Wednesday January 17, with police seeking information on the suspicious Capriccio Gelateria fire on January 5. It is believed at least two men perceived to be of African appearance drove up to the store in a silver Toyota Yaris sedan, before smashing a front window and pouring accelerant inside. They have then allegedly set the store alight before fleeing the area in the Yaris. The store and the apartment above sustained significant damage during the fire, however no one was injured. Police are treating the incident as a targeted attack. At this time police do not believe it is linked to two fires at a different ice cream shop in Williamstown in November last year. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Tobacco seized

Rachel Gyan has designed cards for Australia post. (Damjan Janevski) 384162_02

New cards ruffle a few feathers A Williamstown artist has her work printed on a range of uniquely Australian greeting cards. Inspired by Australian landscapes and botanicals, First Nations artwork and modern Aussie culture, the new range of 100 greeting cards will replace an existing card selection in more than 450 post offices nationwide. Local artist Rachel Gyan has been in Williamstown for close to a decade, and said nature has always been her artistic compass. “I’ve been sketching outdoors since I was knee-high and over the past five or so years I dove into birding, and that passion spilled over into my art as well,” she said. “Andrew Hogg Design discovered my work

on Instagram, we bonded over our mutual love of birding and stamps and collaborated on the Aussie Bird Count stamp series for AusPost which was released back in August. I was absolutely elated with the outcome of the design and illustration. “AusPost asked me back for more birds as part of their all-Aussie made greeting card release, and of course any chance to illustrate birds – I’m in. “Capturing the essence of Australian wildlife and habitat in my art is a priority. Our wildlife is downright quirky and beautiful, and I aim to showcase its uniqueness. I love to highlight Australia’s diverse fauna and flora and hopefully, it sparks appreciation and support for our native ecosystem.”

Australia Post retail product general manager Kayla Le Cornu emphasised the importance of championing an exclusively Australian range. “With more than 260,000 greeting cards sold each year at Post Offices, we are proud to offer an authentically Australian range of greeting cards and paper products that mark a variety of special celebrations and traditions and also deliver on our commitment to sustainability,” she said. “We work closely with communities every day, so it feels right to partner with artists from across the country to curate a beautiful range of cards that will be treasured by family and friends.” Gerald Lynch

Police seized more than two tonnes of illicit tobacco and cigarettes during a search of a warhouse in Altona North last week. Police were called to reports of a burglary at a business on Borrack Square about 4am on Thursday, January 18. It is understood offenders forced entry into the warehouse and stole tobacco. Detectives later executed a search warrant at the premises and allegedly uncovered two tonnes of illicit tobacco, as well as 341,000 cigarettes, 75,000 cigarette packs and 160 vapes. A 43-year-old Altona man and a 48-year-old Point Cook man were interviewed in relation to the sale of illegal tobacco. They were released pending further inquiries. The investigation into the burglary remains ongoing. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Football community mourns a ‘gentle giant’ tragically lost too soon Policeman Rowan Andrews is being remembered as a well loved family man after he was found dead at Laverton station on January 12. The 38-year-old husband and father of two played football across the country, making friendships everywhere he went. His football reached a high when he was drafted by AFL club Adelaide, in 2003, but he never made a senior appearance. His last club was the Yarraville Seddon Eagles, where in 2023 he played thirds football in the Riddell District Football League. The

Eagles made it to the grand final, led by the “gentle giant“ Rowan in the ruck. Yarraville couldn’t speak highly enough of their late ruckman. “Rowan ’Rooster’ Andrews was a gentle giant and the ultimate teammate,“ the club said on Facebook. “He will be sorely missed by all, and we extend our support to his family and friends.“ Another of his past clubs, Macedon, released a statement on their social media sending their love. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the

4 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 January, 2024

sudden passing today of Rowan Andrews. Rooster was with the club during 2020 and 2021. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends & colleagues,” the club said. Mr Andrews also played with the Williamstown Superules Football Club in 2022, and they also sent their condolences out via social media. Police said a report will be prepared for the coroner, but the death was not being treated as suspicious. ■ Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Rowan Andrews in his time with Avoca Football Club. (Facebook)

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Maribyrnong projects for ‘24 As we embark on a new year, I wanted to provide an update on progress with some of the projects being rolled out across my ward to enhance the wellbeing of residents in the suburb of Maribyrnong. Firstly, the Rosamond Road upgrade works are set to kick off next month, promising improved traffic flow and accessibility for residents. Additional traffic calming measures are also being considered as part of the delivery of the re-sheeting work. Council will also be reviewing and updating the Integrated Transport Strategy to support future engagement with the community on a practical north-south cycling corridor. This work follows on from the successful resurfacing of Somerville Road and recognises calls from our community in our annual survey to do more to improve and restore the condition of the existing road network. The heritage Thomson Water Gardens at Footscray Park will also be reopening to the community this year after being fenced off since 2021. We are currently seeking approval from Heritage Victoria before undertaking remedial works. In line with our focus on wellbeing, Council has now adopted the Maribyrnong Aquatic Strategy, confirming our approach to ensuring access to quality aquatic facilities into the future. This includes endorsement of the Maribyrnong Aquatic (MAC) Strategy which will see a stronger focus on therapy and wellness, alongside education and recreation delivered by this Council-owned facility. We will also be continuing the conversation around delivery of community facilities

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Briefs Geelong Road closure The West Gate Tunnel Project has rescheduled its Geelong Road to Princes Freeway outbound entry ramp closure until early February. The closure will take place from 10pm Friday, February 2 and reopen at 5am Monday, 5 February 2024. Delays can be expected and drivers should allow for extra travel time.

January 26 Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay residents need not worry about Friday’s public holiday, as there will be no changes to kerbside waste collection services on the day. However, there will be no hard waste collections. Maribyrnong council will lower the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at 8.30am on January 26 at the Braybrook Community Hub to acknowledge the day as one of mourning for many First Nations Peoples. Cr Sarah Carter. (Supplied)

Pier open The new Altona Pier is now officially open, after the Hobsons Bay council welcomed local resident Lisa Skea and other Bunurong Traditional Owners to perform a smoking ceremony to celebrate the opening. The new pier stretches more than 300 metres and is a signifciant upgrade on the previous pier.

and services in the suburb of Maribyrnong this year. This includes considering the opportunity to consolidate existing assets and develop multi-use hubs, incorporating existing and additional services, as the most effective use of funding to deliver best outcomes for our community now and into the future. Keep any eye on yourcityyourvoice.com. au/Maribyrnong for the launch of this engagement. In closing, a reminder too of the Midsumma Pride March on Sunday 4 February. The march follows the traditional pride route down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda. Council will again be taking part. I look forward to marching in solidarity with you all.

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Author reclaims her life By Cade Lucas Many people find it difficult to discuss traumatic episodes from their past. Western suburbs woman Kabinga C Mazaba isn’t one of them. “From the age of six I was sexually abused by my uncle from my dad’s side,” said the Zambian born public speaker and life coach. “It was only a one time event but because of the background and cultural taboos it was never spoken about, it was just erased like it never happened,” Ms Mazaba recalled of the way the incident was treated in her homeland. “Then at the age of nine the same thing happened but this time it was my neighbour and they still never spoke about it.”

Not only did her family not want to speak about their daughter’s abuse, but soon some of them didn’t want to speak to her at all. “At the age of 11 I lost my father in a plane crash in Zambia and what made it worse was that my father’s family abandoned me and didn’t want anything to do with me after that.” While her mother remained by her side, she too wouldn’t address her daughter’s abuse. “My mother died when she was 43 and my father died at 40 and I had this fear within me that I was also going to die in my 40’s,” said Ms Mazaba. “For so many years I never wanted to talk about my abuse because of the shame it carried and that was holding me back from living my life.”

After initially telling her husband, Ms Mazaba found the more she spoke about her trauma, the stronger and more empowered she felt. Now she’s aiming to inspire others to do the same with her first book, a memoir and self help guide titled: CONFRONT: Reclaiming Your Life. “I decided to write a book because this was me saying that I’ve overcome trauma, I’ve found strength and my past has no power to hold me back anymore and also to provide hope and guidance for those trapped by their past,” she said. CONFRONT: Reclaiming Your Life is published by Able Press and is available on Amazon.

Truganina author Kabinga C Mazaba with her recently published first book: CONFRONT: Reclaim Your Life. ( Damjan Janevski) 382164_01

Rotary sunrise ceremony

Yusupha Ngum and his band ‘The Affia Band’ are playing at the Summer Sounds show in Williamstown. (Damjan Janevski) 384345_03

The sweet sounds of summer A series of community-focused events, the Summer Sounds give Hobsons Bay locals a chance to unwind and connect with family and friends in the great outdoors. Children and families can look forward to the Hoop Sparx circus play space, an interactive feature of the event, where attendees can learn circus skills like spinning plates, juggling, and hula hooping, suitable for all ages. On January 27, at Logan Reserve in Altona, there is a star studded line up of performers.

The event will also showcase Melbourne’s own The Pearly Shells, a renowned jazz, swing, and RnB band. With more than 15 years in the music scene, The Pearly Shells are celebrated for their vintage style, reminiscent of the Golden Age of jazz greats like Basie, Goodman, and Ellington, as well as Ray Charles. Adding to the musical diversity, James Henry, a noted singer-songwriter, composer, and sound designer, will also grace the event. Henry’s recent projects focus on the

revitalisation of First Nations languages through song, adding a meaningful cultural dimension to his performances. On Saturday, February 24 from 2-5pm at Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown, Yusupha Ngum and his band The Affia Band will round off the summer with an afro odyssey of jazz, blues and funk fusion that leaves audiences elevated and captivated.

Rotary Club of Yarraville is hoping to continue the conversation around Australia Day, by hosting a day of acknowledgement for the community. This will be the third consecutive year the club has held the event which president Jebadiah Annear said is to address generational trauma. “We have created Acknowledgement Day which will begin at sunrise because that is where we all start everyday,” he said. First Nations artist Paul Kelly will begin the ceremony at Greenwich Reserve, by playing the Yidaki. “The public are invited to join the gathering at sunrise to reflect, symbolically moving towards the sun together,” he said. “The morning will unfold with a shared breakfast, soul-stirring performances and a delightful morning tea.” Jebadiah believes that Rotary is the right organisation for this kind of event. “Rotary is a non-political, non denominational, international organisation that believes in service above self,” he said. “This enables us to have a conversation with a large demographic who may agree or not agree, but nevertheless the conversation will go on. “With this event we acknowledge where everyone comes from and the conversation surrounding where we want to go and what we want to do.” More than 100 people from the community are expected to attend from 6am-11am on Friday, January 26.

Gerald Lynch

Couple welcome little Wyatt with a bang As the sky lit up with a sea of colours raining down from Melbourne’s New Year fireworks, first time parents Chloe and Josh Grundy watched the celebrations from their room in Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital. Chloe and Josh had picked the name for their newest family edition and they already knew the gender, but baby Wyatt was hesitant to be born in 2023. Arriving four days late, Chloe said she went into hospital on December 28 to be induced as Wyatt was on the bigger spectrum. “It was funny because I always said, I

wouldn’t mind having a 2024 baby and then it happened,” Chloe laughed. “We watched the fireworks from the bedroom on New Years Eve and then they came in to tell us we had to have the c-section because he wasn’t budging. “We [had] thought, oh this year (2023) we’ll scrape in but he didn’t want to come out.” Following a successful c-section, Wyatt was born in the early hours of New Year’s Day morning, a moment which Chloe describes as ‘perfect’. “It was very surprising because he [moved]

6 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 January, 2024

his head up a little bit and it was ah, just the perfect moment. “He’s very settled now, going to sleep and feeding a lot.” Chloe said she will be taking about half the year off before returning to work, and is looking forward to a year without ongoing morning sickness. “On the 31st [of December] I was throwing up as well. [I’m looking forward to] no back pain, no morning sickness, no heartburn, [I’m] happy it’s all gone away.” Zoe Moffatt

Mum Chloe with her 19-days-old son Wyatt, who was the first to be born at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital for 2024. (Damjan Janevski) 383416_01

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NEWS

MY PLACE Scouts district commissioner Gerard White tells Jennifer Pittorino about his work in the local government and his involvement in Scouts.

How did you find that experience? It was challenging at times but extremely rewarding to get the issues out there for discussion and then move forward. I enjoyed attending many community events to engage with all parts of the community. What’s your connection to Maribyrnong-Hobsons Bay? I grew up in Yarraville and now live in Kingsville and I went to local schools and studied at Victoria University. I also trained as a nurse at Footscray Hospital in the 1980’s.

Tell us a bit about you and what you do? I am the overall commissioner in charge of the district. There are seven groups in the district and each one has a group leader. The district is a support to the groups and also a conduit to our Victorian branch office. I don’t run a program for the children. Can you tell us any more about your new role as District Commissioner Kariwara? I have a district team that is responsible for a different section of our youth program. The district team is here to support the groups, help train and mentor leaders, and coordinate the district. Scouting happens at the group level with our youth, and we want to make sure they have fun, we have helped shape and develop our future citizens. It is very rewarding. My daughter has been involved since she was seven and is now a Venturer who is working towards her King’s Scout award. The scouting movement has had a significant impact on her development. It takes more than a child’s parents to raise a child and scouting can be so pivotal for a child to understand service and develop their leadership and life skills. Tell us about your work in local government. I was a councillor with the City of Maribyrnong from 1997 till the end of 2005. I was the mayor in 2000 and 2003.

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What do you like about where you live? I don’t know anything different. It has always been an area that has changed over the years with being considered very working class. It is now a very popular area, which is reflected in the housing prices, here are also lots of parks and we are so close to the city. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? Not much. Fewer trucks, but I hope to see this change in the next few years. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? We love the Sun Theatre and different places to eat in Yarraville. We also enjoy Williamstown. We have a great park to walk in (Cruikshank Park).

Gerard White. (Jacob Pattison) 378109_01

Why did you choose to run as a councillor for Maribyrnong? I was involved in the Labor Party, and when democracy was returning to local

government in 1997, I put my hand up to run. It was another way to be involved and influence outcomes in the community I have lived in all my life.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. People are still surprised to know that I am a nurse. I don’t nurse now. Also, I am so local, my family have been in the inner west for generations.

FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

Feet and leg fit for 2024! We rely on our feet and legs for most of our daily activities, so it’s understandable that so many of us suffer from pain and problems in our feet, ankles and knees etc. But what can you do if you have foot or leg pain, problems or injuries? Dr Paul Dowie, one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists and foot and leg pain experts, advises the following: 1/ Evaluate your footwear. Choose activity appropriate shoes for sport and recreational activities. Whenever possible choose shoes with straps or laces that hold to the feet, especially for prolonged activity, as thongs and slips-on shoes can be very stressful to the feet and legs. If you need to wear high heels, try lower heels or wedges to help reduce tissue stress. 2/ Don’t rely on technological advances in footwear to treat pain and discomfort. The purpose of good footwear is to provide comfort whilst helping to support foot and leg function, not to treat pain or problems. Seek advice from an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist to treat foot and leg problems. 3/ Be wary of off-the-shelf foot products like mass produced orthotics, innersoles and arch supports to assist pain. Only devices individually prescribed by an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist should be used to ensure effective outcomes. 4/ If prescribed surgery or medications, get a second opinion. The latest medical research and natural regenerative treatments are helping to make many surgeries, cortisone injections, anti-inflammatories and even joint replacements avoidable. Be aware that in some cases cortisone injections can delay healing and contribute to further tissue damage

and procedures like arthroscopes are now considered outdated and ill-advised in most cases, as they often have poor or undesirable outcomes. 5/ Always get pain checked by an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist, not just a GP or regular podiatrist. Musculoskeletal podiatrists have the specific knowledge and training to look past symptoms and identify the cause and contributing factors of your condition, to treat it effectively. The site of the pain is not necessarily where the problem is and what seems like simple soreness can be a symptom of more serious underlying issues. If you have any foot and leg pain, injuries or arthritic concerns you can get advice from Dr Dowie at Foot & Leg Pain Clinics in Williamstown. Call 1300 328 300.

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Wednesday, 24 January, 2024 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 7

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Local sailing far and wide Footscray’s Jonathan Choong is on the adventure of a lifetime. Jonathan, 39, is sailing across the Indian Ocean as a crew member of the tall ship Picton Castle, on one of the longest stretches at sea in this whole world circumnavigation voyage – about four weeks without sight of land Jonathan is standing watches, taking his turn steering the ship at the big teak wheel, standing forward lookout, handling lines and sails, scrubbing the decks, helping the cook in the galley, sanding and painting, and doing all the tasks it takes to keep a 179-foot three-masted sailing ship making way in the right direction. Of the 39 crew members aboard, ten are professional sailors and 29 are trainee crew members. Trainees don’t need to have any sailing experience; they learn from the professionals as they go. After this passage across the Indian Ocean, Picton Castle will sail for Cape Town, South Africa, then to Namibia, St Helena, Grenada, Carriacou, Martinique, Antigua, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Bermuda before returning to Lunenburg in July 2024 to complete the circle around the globe. Trainee berths are still available for the final leg of the voyage which begins in Cape Town, South Africa on February 22 and runs until the ship returns to Lunenburg on July 13. After a short stay in Lunenburg, Picton Castle will sail around the world again, but on a different route, starting in October 2024. The ship’s next voyage includes many more extended passages at sea, including around both the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn.

Unity through art As part of the upcoming Midsumma Festival, Queer PHOTO events are popping up throughout Footscray and Newport. To Be Who We Want To Be (TBWWWTB) is a series of six works by self-educated Ukrainian photographer Vic Bakin on display at The Substation outdoor Billboard Gallery. Mr Bakin said he was surprised and flattered when he was asked to be a part of the festival, and he can’t wait for Melbourne to see the powerful series. “To Be Who We Want To Be —with these simple words put together, the message is simple: each person deserves the right and freedom of self-identification. I admire these beautiful people,” he said. “The roots of this project go back to a history, where, after years and years of Soviet forbiddance and suppression,

a queer scene started to sprout from the underground. “While still being marginalised by the society brought up in past times, little by little it obtains its own unique voice, different from others.” He said that although the queer community is different, he wants to erase the barriers put up between different types of people and promote a sense of unity. “I try to look for something that connects us rather than divides us. I believe that little by little, there will come an understanding of diversity, there will come acceptance, and unity. I think those are the things that are much needed now.” The display will be available to see for free at the Substation from January 27 to March 24. Gerald Lynch

Ukranian photographer Vic Bakin can’t wait to show off his work. (Midsumma) Picton Castle under full sail. (supplied)

Young soccer lovers hit the pitch for Western United school holiday fun Western United kept the community active and engaged during the school holidays. Holiday camps for kids kicked off last week providing children an excellent opportunity to refine their football skills and enjoy the sport during the summer break. JT Gray Reserve in Williamstown played host to two days of camp, as the next generation honed their skills.

Working on dribbling skills. 382965_05

Elizabeth (9), Coby (7), Charlotte (7) and Mekasha (7). (Jacob Pattison) 382965_01

Participants give the clinic the thumbs up. 382965_06 8 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 January, 2024

Eager to get on the pitch. 382965_08

Practise makes perfect. 82965_11

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See the experts to avoid the hearing aid bargain trap In a world filled with tempting online deals, it’s crucial to approach certain purchases with caution. Take hearing aids for example – tiny devices with the power to transform lives. While the allure of a cheaper online option might seem appealing, the risks associated with such purchases can’t be ignored. With all medical devices, it’s important to make an informed choice when prioritising your long-term hearing health. It’s easy to purchase shoes, clothes, glasses and even prescription medication online, providing you know your size or have a prescription. Audiologist Amanda from Active Audiology argues “Unfortunately, hearing aids don’t work that way. The success of these tiny personalised medical devices hinges on proper fitting and adjustments tailored to your unique hearing needs”. “Even the exact same hearing device can produce a different hearing quality based on how experienced the audiologist is. Getting the “right hearing aid” is therefore only half the solution. The other half is finding the right expert to get the adjustments right,” says Amanda.

look like hearing aids, but are simply gadgets that increase the volume on everything. “I had a young patient who came to me frustrated, as he thought he had bought a cheap hearing aid. It made everything very loud and didn’t help him hear conversations at all. I had to explain that it wasn’t a hearing aid, and rather an amplifier,” explained Amanda. Improper Fit: Generic online purchases may not provide the proper fit, leading to discomfort and potential damage to your ears. There are over 10 reputable hearing aid manufacturers who have about 50 models under each brand. Technology is always improving and new models are being released annually. Only an experienced audiologist can determine what is going to work best for your hearing lossand lifestyle. Limited Support: Online purchases often lack the ongoing support necessary for the optimal performance of your hearing aids. Even with premium hearing devices, you may need minor repairs or adjustments. This can be difficult if there is no ‘real person’ to assist you.

Advantages of a qualified audiologist Personalised Care: The audiologists at Active Audiology take the time to understand your lifestyle needs, ensuring that the chosen hearing aid aligns with your daily activities. The audiologist will narrow it down to a device or two, as well as specific technology that will suit your lifestyle. Professional Fitting: Hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all solution. There is no such thing as a “stock standard” hearing aid for anyone. Experts from Active Audiology conduct thorough assessments to determine the best fit for your ears, ensuring optimal comfort and

Audiologist Amanda Nguyen providing different hearing aid options for her patient.

performance. Ongoing Support: The relationship doesn’t end with the purchase. Audiologists provide ongoing support, ensuring your hearing aids are adjusted and fine-tuned as your needs change over time. It’s common for a new wearer to need micro-adjustments to accommodate for personal lifestyle activities, such as watching your regular TV programs or going to your favourite restaurants.

“At Active Audiology we have a great aftercare service where the first 12 months of appointments have no charge. That first year is crucial in getting the settings right and making sure that you are happy”, said Amanda.

When it comes to hearing aids, it’s not just about the device; it’s about your quality of life. Don’t compromise your hearing health for a quick bargain – opt for expertise, care, and a future filled with confidence and support whenever you need for your hearing. At Active Audiology, the team is here to help you hear what matters. The service is fuss free with guaranteed support for your entire hearing journey with Active Audiology. All clinics offer a no obligation Hearing Aid Discussion appointment.

Risks for online purchases Is it an actual hearing aid?: If a hearing aid is “cheap”, it may not be a hearing aid and rather be a different gadget called an amplifier. These

Book today 1300 364 007. Active Audiology is at 17 Harrington Square, Altona. www.activeaudiology.com.au

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Wednesday, 24 January, 2024 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 9

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Ahmed loving being back home Former Australian cricketer Fawad Ahmed made the decision to return to home club Hoppers Crossing this season. He chats to Harper Sercombe about the decision and what he wants next out of his cricket.

H

oppers Crossing’s hometown hero is back and is spinning a web around the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association. Back in August it was announced that former Victorian leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed would make his long awaited return to Hogans Road but no one could have pictured it would go as well as it has. The 41-year-old has long travelled the world bamboozling batsmen, collecting more than 200 first class wickets, 172 top level T-20 wickets and even playing white ball cricket for Australia across his 19 year professional career. Now, back to his roots in suburban cricket Ahmed said he feels right at home playing in the navy blue and white. “I always wanted to finish at Hoppers Crossing, I had some great memories there, that’s where I started,” he said. “Those couple of years after moving to Australia the club was an absolute powerhouse and a stepping stone for me to get into cricket. “I don’t forget my roots, I know where I came from and I can proudly say that it’s my home club. I always wanted to come back, honestly, I got better offers money wise, but I wanted to play for Hoppers.

‘‘

It’s about the game we play, it’s about going out and playing, whoever you play for, whoever you play with and just enjoy the moment and be grateful

Right: Fawad Ahmed has returned home to Hoppers Crossing. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 383085

Below left: Fawad Ahmed in action in the T-20. (AAP Image/David Crosling)

’’

- Fawad Ahmed “Even though I didn’t know anyone in the team, they are young people from different generations. Fourteen years ago when I was there, most of them would have been in primary school… It makes me feel good as well, still running around with youngsters and trying to keep myself fit and up and running to try to perform well, so it’s helping me a lot.” The people Ahmed remembers at the Cats are still there and although they may not be necessarily in their whites, they are still instrumental to the club’s operations and inviting him back home. “It’s amazing to see some familiar faces, and they were keen [for me to come back] as well, so it’s ended up nicely,” he said. Cricket was more than just a career for Ahmed and now it is more than just a pastime for the veteran. He said he uses the sport as a place to grow, a place to learn, to teach what he has learnt and a way to keep fit by doing something he loves. Not only is it all of these things for Ahmed, but also a welcome distraction and escape for devastation in his personal life. “I had a tragedy at home and the last 10 months have been difficult,” he said. “It isn’t about being a professional cricketer or what you have achieved, it’s about the game we play, it’s about going out and playing, whoever you play for, whoever you play with and just enjoy the moment and be grateful. “There are going to be a lot of people who are wanting to play who may be younger or older, they might be injured, they might have family problems, job issues. “But I’m lucky, I’m still healthy and I’m still playing cricket at this age.” Ahmed is not just taking part for Hoppers Crossing but he has been a dominant force for the side, leading the association’s wicket tally with 31 wickets, eight more than the next best, at a staggering average of 6.68. While he said he enjoys playing the best cricket he can, that’s not what it’s about, for him, team wins and delivering success to his home club is what

truly matters. “You don’t take things for granted, I’ve had games where I’ve gone wicketless, I’ve had games that I’ve taken only one wicket, so it’s still not easy,” he said. “Wickets depend on luck, an umpire might make a bad decision, you bowl a good ball and it just keeps missing, you get a knick and the catch gets dropped. “The wickets mostly come from the bad balls, sometimes you bowl a half-tracker or a full bunger and you take a wicket. “I still enjoy my cricket, I want to give it 100 per cent and to help the young kids. But on a personal side I want to play well as well, I don’t want to come and whinge about the standards or whatever it is. For me it’s completely different, I really want to enjoy it, I want to play well, I want to take wickets, not for a personal milestone, but if I’m helping us win.” Ahmed said a premiership with the Cats would be an amazing outcome. “Winning the competition would be amazing for us, I think this is the third year for Hoppers in the Subbies (VSDCA) and it would be great for the club because it’s so multicultural,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of English guys, a couple of Aussies, a few Indians, Pakistanis, so it’s very multicultural and a true reflection of Australia. “It would be great to help my club, that’s

10 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 January, 2024

what I’m there for. But everyone has to play their part, it’s not just on me, it’s cricket, it’s a team game. Yet, it’s so individual, you win as a team and you have to perform as a team, but it’s individual in the sense that you get an opportunity to bowl and to bat and you have to perform. “But that’s cricket, and we love it and it just makes me happy to go there and train and to play on Saturdays. I think Saturdays without cricket are going to be really hard. “I don’t remember all the wickets or all the runs but what I do remember is the grand finals, when we were winning, I’ve got all the photos and the medals I still have at home. In 20 years time you don’t remember how you bowled, but you do remember the flags.” As Ahmed prepares himself for life beyond playing the sport he loves so much, he said he is excited to share the learnings from his 20 year career with the young spinners of today, not just at Hoppers Crossing but throughout the state and country. “It is most likely my last season, I might play here and there but I’m going to get more into coaching… I’ve just done my high performance coaching course with Cricket Australia,” he said. “There’s a lot of franchise cricket around, but also maybe trying to help the young cricketers here in Melbourne and maybe run

my own little academy… I don’t think there are any leg spinners in the world playing test cricket, so it would be an absolute pleasure to work with young spinners to really convince them and help them to play red ball cricket rather than just focusing on T20 cricket. “I work a lot with Peter Hatzoglou and Doug Warren… which is an absolute pleasure… I’ve spent a lot of time with Tanveer Sangha, he’s played for Australia and performed really well, he’s a breath of fresh air for Australia, he’s very young but very mature and very talented. “I spend a lot of time with those three spinners and they’ve been doing really well in professional cricket. So if I can help a few more young cricketers here in Melbourne and in the future they can play grade cricket or for their state or in the Big Bash would be amazing. “It’s good to give back to cricket itself and give back to the game. Plus going back to the club as well, there are two or three young kids that are really, really good, they want to play at the next level. Hopefully they can play grade cricket in a year or two, and I can share my experience, hopefully they can learn a little bit. But it’s up to each individual, if they work hard and what they want to achieve in the future.” Ahmed was again a standout for Hoppers Crossing over the weekend taking 3-11 as Yarraville broke the Cats’ five game win streak.

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Meerkats enjoy their new digs It’s a new year and a new and improved home for meerkats at Werribee Open Range Zoo. A refurbished and specially-designed habitat is providing the zoo’s meerkat population with even more room to explore, chase, dig, and develop social bonds. African River Trail keeper Kieralie Braasch said the upgraded meerkat habitat is now equipped with a dedicated training space, larger areas to bask in the sunshine and new substrates to burrow into and investigate. “The habitat has lots of new substrates that encourage natural behaviours. Mulch provides opportunities for the meerkats to burrow through to find some tasty bugs and grubs, while refreshed sand encourages them to dig and build tunnels,” Ms Braasch said. “The healthcare training area we have created is equipped with five wooden stumps that are put in place for each individual meerkat to station on. “There are also some flat sandy areas that allow keepers to introduce different tools such as voluntary hand injection chutes for routine blood draws and immunisations. Once the meerkats have spent up all their energy, they can retreat to expanded open areas that encourage them to sunbathe together.” Ms Braasch said the meerkats’ new home is providing some wonderful opportunities for the social species. “We’ve seen that this enhanced space is creating additional opportunities for bonding

A meerkat enjoying its new habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo. (Supplied)

and sharing. Overall, they are becoming a more cohesive group.” Meerkats are small mammals that are native to the arid regions of southern Africa including STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Botswana, Namibia, Angola and South Africa. They are identified by their slender bodies and tails, dark patches around their eyes that act as natural sunglasses, and a distinctive

striped pattern along their backs. Visitors can see the meerkats exploring their refurbished habitat through the viewing area at the Zoo’s Meerkat Bistro.

NEWS

No fears for tears

The Crying Room will run from February 20 to February 24 at The Substation. (Supplied)

An award winning experience is on its way to Newport. The Crying Room: Exhumed is showing at The Substation at 7.30pm every night from February 20 to February 24. A crying room is typically a small, soundproof chamber at the back of a theatre auditorium. As the name suggests, it’s a place you can go if you are crying so as not to disturb the audience. This show, created by Marcus Ian McKenzie with Anna Nalpantidis, Derrick Duan, Maria Moles, Romanie Harper and Richard Vabre, is a deeply personal and form-bending performance that shows the crying room as a site dedicated to emotional extraction, a place to essentially let it all out. Lead artist Marcus Ian McKenzie said The Substation is the perfect place to stage the show, due to its gritty, old feel.

“I have wanted to create a work for The Substation for many years. It’s a striking and inspiring building, laden with character,” he said. “I see this piece as a collaboration with not just The Substation as one of Melbourne’s most iconic arts institutions, but with The Substation as a physical entity: the brick, the mortar, the graffiti, the dirt, the ghosts, the sounds of freight trains passing in the night.” “The Crying Room: Exhumed is about the immanent relationship between ecstasy and grief. “It’s also a furious, psychedelic, absurd affirmation of life; a meditation on the absence of ritual in the contemporary world. “Yes, it’s dark, but I promise it is very entertaining too.” Gerald Lynch

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Wednesday, 24 January, 2024 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 11

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

Biggest Vic Open water swim. The biggest and most anticipated Williamstown Open Water Challenge, WOW 2024, is on March 3. There are a number of different swims from 1.2 kilometres up to 10 kilometres. The Williamstown Living Saving Club has been hosting the event for the past 31 years and it’s a favourite of the Great Ocean Swim Series in Victoria.

Junior surf boat rowing Wanting to hit the water and try rowing surf boats? The Williamstown Lifesaving Club is hosting come and try days for junior surf boats. Come and try this unique experience for juniors. ■ info@williamstownslsc.org.au

Silver Salties Have you wanted to get into lifesaving but thought you were too old? The Williamstown Lifesaving Club is hosting Silver Salties, which is a come and try day for people aged 65-plus on February 9. It’s a great social connection and friendships can be made during exercise.

Free nature walks for 55-plus Join Dr Liz Cyarto for guided Forest Therapy walks which leave you feeling tranquil, relaxed and rejuvenated afterwards. Supported by Hobsons Bay council and auspiced by Outlets Co-operative Neighbourhood House, spots are limited. The walks are February 8 and 10 at Newport Lakes Reserve, and February 13 and 18 at Williamstown Botanic Gardens, between 10am and noon. Reserve your place now. ■ Dr Liz, thehealthysenior@gmail.com or 0481 977 970

Classic Car and Bike Show Preparations are well underway with the organisation of the 11th Annual Custom, Classic Car and Bike Show scheduled to be held on February 25, Apex Park, 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. ■ Lou Artz, 0417 531 670

Musicians welcome Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join their community band. Rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. Visitors and interested musicians of any age are most welcome. ■ Hannah Prouse, hbcityband@gmail.com or www.hbcb.org.au

Boxing Maribyrnong Boxing Club has reopened. New and former members of the Maribyrnong Community Youth Club are welcome to attend training sessions on Monday 6pm-8pm, Thursday 6.45-7.45pm and Sunday, 10-11am. Boxing for fitness classes, beginners, youth, adults and also competition available. The club premises are located under the Grandstand on Maribyrnong Reserve, on the corner of Hortense Street and Middle Road, Maribyrnong ■ nugara.david@hotmail.com or 0413495836

Walking Football (soccer) This is a social activity for fun and a bit of exercise, no experience necessary for people aged 50 and older. Any fitness level is welcome with no running allowed. This is a social activity for fun and a bit of exercise, no experience necessary.. This is

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Dinosaur Doctor Shaun, and Laith, 8, with ‘Toby the T-Rex’. (Damjan Janevski) 383278_01

a free activity each Wednesday between noon-1pm at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive, Altona. ■ Mike 0423-291-708

from 9.30am-3pm. Childcare is available for children who are under school age. ■ 93692726.

Computers, crafts, conversation Are you looking for a fun and social way to stay active? Join the Braybrook Community Hub walking group. Get some fresh air, make new friends and enjoy the benefits of walking. Or come for social connections, bikkies and a cuppa every Wednesday between 10.30-11.30am.

Whatever your learning interests and needs, Outlets Newport Community Education Centre has hands-on, face-to-face classes for you or a friend. Contact the centre today to find something for you! ■ 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op. com.au

Meditation for stress management

Carers’ walk and talk

Meditate under the guidance of an experienced teacher through visualisation, breath and movement. A form of mindful planning combining the psychological process of visualising, preparing for the future, and assigning action steps. Held at the Braybrook Community Hub between 10-11am on Fridays. This class will also be live streamed for you to join from home. Cost is $60 per a 10 week term or $6 per session.

A collaboration between the state government, Interchange Outer East and Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL), the Pathways for Carers program is launching a monthly walk in Footscray on the third Thursday of each month. The goal of each group is to provide carers with peer-based support, information, services and resources, opportunities to be active and connect with other carers, connect with nature and connect with their local community. ■ lauren.mcalpine@bsl.org.au or www. pathwaysforcarers.com.au

Small steps walking group

Book sale Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona. access via Coles car park, from 10am-1pm. ■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.

Altona Girl Guides Altona Girl Guides currently have vacancies for girls aged five-plus who would like to learn new skills, gain confidence ,and expand their friendship circle while having fun. ■ hobsonsbay@guidesvic.org.au

English lessons Want to learn English in a fun and relaxed setting? Build your English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). Williamstown. Laverton Community Education Centre now offers free AMEP classes to eligible clients at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. Classes are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

12 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 January, 2024

Seeking stories Award-winning local author Dr Dominique Hes is writing a book on Newport Lakes, tracing its history, its impact and its contribution. The book will outline the story of its development, highlighting the role of consensus, courage, vision and working with nature to create a beautiful ecological and social place. Weaving in theories of biophilia, regenerative development and placemaking with local stories, it aims to provide inspiration for other communities looking at what they can do in their neighbourhoods. Locals are asked to come forward with any stories, photos, memories to be included in the book. ■ NPLbook22@gmail.com

Williamstown book sale Friends of Williamstown and Newport Libraries hold a book sale every second Saturday of each month 9.30am-12.30pm. The book sale is held in the friends’ room. Cash only sales.

■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Walking group The Altona Meadows and Newport Heart Foundation Walking Group is a local community of men and women committed to walking and socialising together with a post-walk coffee and chat and enjoying the natural beauty and birdlife that is to be found throughout Hobsons Bay together. Anyone is welcome to join the group on Mondays 10am at Altona Beach, Wednesdays 10am at Altona Meadows (Jolly Miller Cafe) or on Fridays 10am, at Newport Lakes. ■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or https:// ow.ly/TQ3j50PP1Ap

Form Support New and free at Williamstown Community and Education Centre. Need help filling in forms? Passport applications, Centrelink forms, housing assistance, medical, service provision, etc. ■ Lara, 9397 6168

Altona Day View Club 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 9.30am-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

Laverton Community Choir Laverton Community Choir will recommence on Thursday, February 1 for the year. New members who would enjoy singing in a friendly group are welcome. No experience necessary and no auditions. The choir meets on Thursday evenings during school term from 7-9pm at Laverton P12 College (enter via gate one,) 91 Bladin Street, Laverton. ■ Sue, 0418 386 147

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

7 1 2

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

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

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Sweet egg and milk creation (7) Burning beacon (7) Spotted feline (7) Wash (7) Tinge deeply (5) Australia’s capital (8) Using analysis (10) Unwrap (4) Finishes (4) Battle (10) Coffee (8) Stifle (5) One who flees for safety (7) Island in the North Atlantic (7) Mollusc (7) Cut (wool) (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 19 22 25 27 28 29 30

No. 169

Grows (10) Used to slide downhill on snow (9) Professional school (7) Subtraction (9) Breakfast favourite (5) Family members (6) Part of a target (5) Parts of face (4) Not supervised (10) Comparisons based on similarities (9) Extinct flying reptile (9) Defecate (7) Economical; sparing (6) Female name (5) Woolly mammal (5) Limbs (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 15 17 20 21 23 24 26

DECODER

No. 169

hard

9 5 3

6 7

5 4 8

1 7 6

1

5

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

4 6

1 5 4 2 8 6 7 9 9 1 3

N O WMQ E K T C D U G P 16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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

P

E

E

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

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

S R

E

M

F R

R

defer, deform, feed, feme, ford, fore, form, formed, former, free, freed, freedom, freer, from, perform, PERFORMED, prefer, reef, refer, reform, reformed

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

N

3 LETTERS ACT ADO APT ARE ASH ATE AVO AYE EAR ERA GEL HER LAB MOB NET OIL PIE RAM SEA SET SOW SUM TAR UFO

ALIVE ARENA BRIDE CAPER CEASE CORGI COULD CRUSH DREAD DUCTS ELECT ENSUE ENTER EVENT EXTRA FATES FORTY HORDE INNER LATER LINER LYRES

4 LETTERS ARCS ARTS AURA BIDE CLAW CUTE DAFT FETE HEIR MARS MERE SEEP USER WEPT 5 LETTERS ABYSS AFOOT

No. 169 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

1

2 3

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

I

T Y

D G E D

E

P E C A N A R O S E W O R S E

Y

E

I

D

D

E

NESTS OASIS OWING PATTY PORTS REBUT RISEN SENSE STAGE STATE STEEP STEPS STOMP STUNT STYLE SUGAR TERSE THROB TONAL TORSO TOTED TOXIC

PARSNIP RENEGES UNICORN

ULTRA UNITE USAGE YEARS 6 LETTERS DEEPLY NEBULA PLASMA SCRAMS

8 LETTERS EGOTISTS EMERGENT LEVERAGE SCHEDULE

7 LETTERS ANTENNA ENCHANT OSMOSIS

26-01-24

4

D

No. 169

8 1 , & 2 5 1

1

O

D

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

W

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”.

21 words: Excellent

hard

R

15

A X J V L R I B S F Y H Z

medium

C

P

9-LETTER WORD

easy

P

G

14

8

5x5

2

WORDFIT

5 6

Aside from Australia, which other country has hosted the Australian Open? Brassy ringlets are a species group of which insect? Which actor starred alongside Adam Sandler (pictured) in I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry? What was the code name of the US program that produced the first atomic bomb during World War II? The Japanese condiment mirin is a wine made from what? What is the most populous city in Spain?

7

Who directed the 1978 film My Brilliant Career?

8

Yellowfin, southern bluefin and albacore are all types of what fish?

9

What is the name of celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal’s first restaurant?

10 Is the coping saw a type of hand saw or electric saw?

ANSWERS: 1. New Zealand 2. Butterfly 3. Kevin James 4. Manhattan Project 5. Rice 6. Madrid 7. Gillian Armstrong 8. Tuna 9. The Fat Duck 10. Hand saw

No. 169

6 7 ( 3 6 & $ 3 ( 5 ' 8 & 7 6 8 6 $ * ( $ ) 2 2 7 7 2 ; , & ( 1 7 ( 5 7 + 5 2 % ) 2 5 7 < ( $ 5 $ 5 ( 6 7 8 1 7 * ( / 8 1 , 7 ( % , ' ( 3 / $ 6 0 $ 2 6 0 2 6 , 6 7 $ 5 & / $: : ( 3 7 5 , 6 ( 1 2 , / + ( , 5 6 & + ( ' 8 / ( 5 ( 1 ( * ( 6 8 1 , & 2 5 1 / ( 9 ( 5 $ * ( $ 8 5 $ $ & 7 ' 5 ( $ ' 0 $ 5 6 $ 5 7 6 6 ( $ ( 1 & + $ 1 7 ) ( 7 ( 3 2 5 7 6 ' ( ( 3 / < 6 7 $ * ( 0 2 % $ < ( $ 9 2 7 ( 5 6 ( 6 ( 1 6 ( 8 / 7 5 $ , 1 1 ( 5 / $ 7 ( 5 ( 1 6 8 ( 6 7 $ 7 ( $ % < 6 6 6 7 2 0 3

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 24 January, 2024 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 13

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Tiger Woods recently announced he was ending a $500 million partnership with which major sporting brand? 2. Which NBA team does Aussie star Dante Exum play for? 3. Following a first round loss at Adelaide International, Thanasi Kokkinakis slammed the tennis balls and compared them to what fruit?

4. How many losses did Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali concede in his career?

12. How many countries have been represented at every Olympic Games since their inception in 1896?

5. Which country is traditionally associated with caber toss?

13. And which countries are they? 14. Bree Walker recently won Australia’s first World Cup bronze medal in which sport?

6. In 2023, which US swimmer surpassed Michael Phelps’ record for the most individual gold medals in swimming World Championships?

15. Which team won the inaugural Major League Cricket competition in 2023?

7. Which female tennis player won the ‘Golden Slam Slam’ in 1988 after winning the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open?

16. Patrick Mahomes plays for which NFL team? 17. In the Big Time Rush TV show, which sport were the band members previously involved in?

8. In skiing, what does the term ‘moguls’ refer to?

18. Who won the Brownlow Medal in 2014?

9. In which decade did Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history?

19. In what year did the Wallabies fail to make it past the group stage of a World Cup for the first time?

10. At which summer Olympics did US swimmer Michael Phelps set a historic record by winning eight gold medals in a single Games?

20. The BWF governs which sport internationally? 21. Which WNBL team is the only major women’s sporting team located in the northern half of Australia?

11. Alex Chidiac plays for which A-League side?

Thanasi Kokkinakis

Mike Tyson

27. How many teams make up the South African Twenty20 tournament, the SA20?

22. How many years have passed since an Australian won the Men’s Singles title at the Australian Open?

28. By what nickname is LeBron James’ son LeBron James Jr. better known?

23. Which Women’s Super League club does the Matildas' Mary Fowler play for? 24. Which batsman was announced as the replacement test match opener for David Warner? 25. What day of the week did the 2024 Australian Open tennis tournament start on?

29. The 1993 movie Ruby revolves around which sport? 30. Iffy Lie is a term used in which sport?

26. In what year did the West Coast Eagles and Brisbane Bears join the AFL/VFL?

2601

1. Nike 2. Dallas Mavericks 3. Lemons 4. Five 5. Scotland 6. Katie Ledecky 7. Steffi Graf 8. Mounds of snow, also known as bumps created by skiers 9. 1980s 10. 2008 Beijing 11. Melbourne Victory 12. Five 13. Greece, Australia, France, Switzerland and the UK 14. Bobsleigh 15. MI New York 16. Kansas City Chiefs 17. Ice hockey 18. Matthew Priddis 19. 2023 20. Badminton 21. Townsville Fire 22. 48 23. Manchester City 24. Steve Smith 25. Sunday 26. 1987 27. Six 28. Bronny 29. American football/Gridiron 30. Golf

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FOOTSCRAY PARK 4-68 BALLARAT ROAD FOOTSCRAY, MARIBYRNONG CITY PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT an application under Section 93 of the Heritage Act 2017 for a permit for landscaping works to the Thomson Water Gardens, including infill planting and expansion of existing pond edge garden beds, installation of reo hoop garden edge and timber batten fencing and hazard, instructional and depth marker signage, rock benching and installation of water aeration devices and conservation works to the Platypus Fountain has been lodged with the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria. A copy of the application is available for inspection at www.heritage.vic.gov.au or at the offices of Heritage Victoria between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm, by appointment only. Telephone (03) 7022 6373 to make an appointment. Any person may lodge a submission in respect of the application within 14 days of publication of this notice. Submissions must be in writing and addressed to Heritage Victoria PO Box 500 Melbourne 8002. Please note that any written submission received will be treated as a public document EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HERITAGE VICTORIA 12663603-AP05-24

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TARNEIT, 1/41 Butterfly Boulevard, Sat 27th and Sun 28th January from 8am - 4pm. Tools, kids fishing rods, golf balls, lawn bicco balls and plants. Two men suits and more mens, ladies and kids clothes. New and used men's, ladies, kids shoes and jewellery and handbags. Books, toys, cars, coffee machine and kitchenware etc...

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WESTERN SUBURBS – ALTONA CABINET MAKER ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STEP

Pets & Services

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

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MATHS, ENGLISH AND SCIENCE TUTORING Up to VCE. Book for 2024 Please phone: 0432 514 326.

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We are a long established furniture & joinery business seeking qualified Cabinet Makers with some experience using Cabinet Vision or Mosaik software to join our team in designing and producing custom high-end products for Melbourne’s best builders and developers. You will be working with qualified and skilled cabinet makers and designers with over 40 years experience in the trade.

Employment section of Network Classifieds. networkclassifieds.com.au

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To be successful you will need to have the following attributes: • Have strong work ethics • Keen interest and passion for joinery design • Be willing to learn and work in a team environment • Have some experience in Cabinet Vision or Mosaik • Have good communication skills • Be reliable and hard working The Offer: • Modern factory • Excellent working conditions. • Further training in cabinet Vision or Mosaik • Salary negotiable based on skill and experience • Full time employment To be eligible you must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent resident or have full working rights. If you believe you qualify please forward you resume to:tony@osirisfurniture.com.au or phone: 9398 8824 12664779-AA05-24

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

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CX90 – the largest Mazda yet By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring I must be seeing double. Apart from the difference in size, the Mazda CX-60 and CX-90 could be twins. They look the same. They share the same chassis, the same engines and transmissions and their performance is very much the same. Everything is the same, same, same – or is it?

Styling At 5120mm and 2220kg CX-90 is the largest Mazda to date and is available in six- and seven-seat configuration, with a choice of petrol or diesel engines – both of them hybrids. That’s 38mm longer than the CX-60 we reviewed recently, 45mm longer than the CX-9, 195mm longer than CX-8 and a whopping 545mm longer than the best-selling CX-5. Get the picture. If CX-60 is targeted at the BMW X3, then that means CX-90 has X5 customers in its sights, and that’s a pretty tall order. It’s like trying to climb Mt Everest without the right amount of oxygen. Take too little and you’re not going to make it. For the time being, CX-90 replaces the CX-9 which is in run-out, priced from just over $50,000 through to $74,400. Coincidentally the latter figure is the starting point for the CX-90. It gets you the hybrid, 3.3-litre Touring entry model, which is followed by the GT at $85,335 and the Azami at $94,435 – all before on-road costs. You won’t get much change out of $100K for the Azami by the time you add in on-roads. Add one of the $5000 SP or Takumi option packs and the figure reaches $100,935 – again before on-roads. That’s a heck of a lot of folding money for a Mazda, you might be thinking? So, am I. Our test vehicle was the seven-seat petrol-powered version of the Azami finished in the crowd favourite Soul Red. Mazda says CX-90 offers more luggage capacity than CX-9, but does not offer comparative figures. In total, you get 608 litres with three rows in use or 2025 litres with the second and third row folded. This is measured to the top of the seat back rather than the roof and includes under-floor storage. While CX-90 is all-wheel drive and marketed as an SUV, no one in their right mind is going to take this car any further off road than a dirt shortcut. In reality it’s more of a people mover and as such a dedicated MPV would be more practical. Standard kit for the Azami includes 21-inch machined alloys, Nappa leather, three-zone climate air, heated and cooled front seats, power-adjust heated steering wheel, LED ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. There’s also head-up display, a fully digitised instrument cluster, adaptive LED headlights, auto high beam, keyless entry and start, auto dimming mirror, auto lights and wipers, plus front and rear parking sensors. Not to mention intelligent speed assist, traffic sign recognition and the much-vaunted driver personalisation system. CX-60 is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty with five-year roadside assistance, with service intervals of 15 months/15,000km. Braked towing capacity is a conservative 2500kg. It comes in a range of eight colours including the aforementioned Soul Red Crystal Metallic (but it’s an extra $995).

Infotainment Infotainment consists of a large, narrow 12.3-inch screen, but as is the norm with Mazda it is not a touchscreen and must be operated from a central control knob. It is frustrating in the extreme that Mazda persists with this approach and irritating that the car must be in park with the handbrake applied before some features are accessible. There’s Bluetooth, built-in navigation, AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, Apple Carplay

Shooting for the stars – Mazda’s flagship CX-90 SUV. (Supplied)

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE CX-90 Touring G50e M Hybrid: $74,400 CX-90 Touring D50e M Hybrid: $76,400 CX-90 GT G50e M Hybrid: $85,335 CX-90 GT D50e M Hybrid: $85,400 CX-90 Azami G50e M Hybrid: $94,435 CX-90 Azami D50e M Hybrid: $93,320 CX-90 Azami G50e SP M Hybrid: $100,935 CX-90 Azami D50e SP M Hybrid: $99,820

and Android Auto (wireless and wired, plus wireless phone charging. Audio is provided by a 12-speaker Bose audio system. There’s two USB-C ports for each of the three rows, plus a 12V/120W socket in the front, 150W AC socket in the back, plus another 12V/120W socket in the luggage area.

Engines/transmissions While the 3.3-litre six-cylinder mild hybrid in the CX-60 produces 209kW and 450Nm, the same engine in CX-90 has been tuned to produce 254kW and 500Nm, the latter over a wide band from 2000-4500 rpm - no doubt to compensate for the extra weight of the larger vehicle. The diesel in comparison produces 187kW and 550Nm between 1500 and 2400 rpm, and uses 5.4L/100km (and amazingly is cleaner producing 143g versus 189 g/km of CO2). M Hybrid Boost consists of a 0.33kWh lithium-ion battery, an inverter, a DC-to-DC converter and an electric motor/generator rated at 12kW and 153Nm integrated into the transmission. An eight-speed conventional auto transmits power to the wheels, but with a clutch in place of a torque converter that is supposed to allow more accurate control of the electric motor but it’s not the smoothest car to drive.

Safety Although it hasn’t been crash tested for safety yet, there’s 10 airbags - front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a driver knee airbag and centre airbag designed to stop front seat occupants bumping heads in a side impact. There’s a 360-degree camera, Smart Brake Support (SBS) with Turn-across traffic and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Vehicle Exit Warning. Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction Assist) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and blind spot monitoring (BSM) are also standard.

16 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 January, 2024

There’s two Isofix and five top tether child seat anchor points.

Driving Apart from the same quirks as the CX-60, one needs to remember this hybrid is unlikely to deliver Prius-like levels of fuel consumption. That’s because it’s based on a larger capacity, six-cylinder engine and an in-line straight six at that, as favoured by the likes of BMW. With a 74-litre tank, Mazda claims 8.2L/100km, but bear in mind it takes premium 95 unleaded (it’s E10 compatible). During this period, fuel consumption ranged from a low of 8.6L up to more than 10.0L/100km over almost 1000km of mixed driving. Around town we’d expect to see about 9.8L/100km which is where it spent most of the time before making any longer excursions. The electric motor is designed to support the engine at low loads and low engine speeds, boosting efficiency over short distances. The battery is recharged by the engine or via regenerative braking. If it’s full, any surplus is used to power in-car electrical components. CX-90 like the CX-60 is all-wheel drive but with a rear-wheel bias, which gives it sportier handling and a tighter turning circle than you might expect. Torque vectoring has been joined by something Mazda calls Kinematic Posture Control (Mazda loves acronyms) to control the attitude when braking – a technology also found in the MX-5. There’s gear change paddles and four different switchable driving modes, ranging from Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Towing. The look of the dash changes with each drive mode but that is the extent of any customisation, and something of a missed opportunity, we might suggest. The gear selector is fiddly, there’s a lag when you plant the accelerator and it slumps into gear from time to time. The brakes can be abrupt too. Interestingly, when you back off and the engine is no longer under load, the tacho needle

CX-90 Azami G50e Takumi M Hybrid: $100,935 CX-90 Azami D50e Takumi M Hybrid: $99,820 SPECIFICATIONS Mazda CX-90 Azami G50e 3.3L turbo 6-cylinder petrol, 8sp automatic, AWD SUV

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

flat lines as the electric motor takes over. Once it gets going, acceleration in the CX-90 sounds and feels six cylinder strong. Belying its size and weight, the dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.9 seconds (same as CX-60). But it feels big and hefty, and this is confirmed by a frighteningly long profile. You need to keep this in mind when negotiating car parks and the like, as evidenced by the scuffed rims of our test vehicle (not us, just saying). The driver personalisation system is something of a disappointment. It uses facial recognition technology to store and automatically restore individual settings including the driver seat position. The problem is that the system doesn’t recognise you if you forget to take off your glasses or sunglasses after the initial setup. The ride quality is harsh at times, but likely to improve with some passengers aboard. There are air vents for all rows but the aircon in our test vehicle was a major disappointment. It seems to cycle down intermittently but generally takes too long to cool down the cabin, and even at the lowest setting is not very cold. I lost count of the number of times I banged my head on the tailgate. Try as I might, I couldn’t find a way of adjusting it. However, the big question and maybe the only one that really matters is does the CX-90 look and feel like the premium product Mazda believes it to be? It looks pretty good and it’s got that big sexy six, and if you close your eyes, you could pretend it’s a BMW. But in reality, it lacks the punch and sporty feel of a Beemer, and in the end, well it’s just a Mazda.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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RDFL seeks new umpires to take up the whistle Riddell Umpires are looking at different ways to try and attract and keep umpires ahead of the upcoming Riddell District Football League season. Riddell Umpires secretary David Hili said his team is paying particular attention to recruiting mature aged umpires for the 2024 season. “We’re going directly to the clubs and doing a promotion on more of the mature age people who we’re looking for,” he said. “We’re looking for retiring players, players that can maybe do some Sunday junior’s games or early games, so they can balance their football and umpiring. “Or if they are recently retired or long retired and just want to stay in the game, umpiring is a great opportunity to do that.” After last year’s recruiting drive focused on recruiting young umpires from junior clubs, Hili said it is important to strike a balance in the umpiring ranks. Also with female football on the rise, there is a higher demand for umpires which this drive will also help with. “We have good up and coming umpires and as they progress from junior into seniors, you want to pair them up with more senior umpires

and we’re lacking in that 25- 40, 45 age group of umpires,” he said. “So we want to fill that gap.” “Senior women’s football and junior girls football is certainly trending upwards and the numbers are expanding, the league had some new clubs on board last year so we certainly want some more umpires on board to cover those games.” Hili said there are many positives to joining the Riddell Umpires team, for all ages groups. “One of the draw cards for the younger ones is it’s some tax free dollars for them and we always say that it’s a lot better than some of the alternative [first jobs], you’re outdoors, you’re keeping fit and even for some of the mature age umpires, they like the idea that they keep a certain level of fitness,” he said. “We’re also just like any other sporting group. We have very good camaraderie between everyone, apart from all the stuff on the track and all the lectures, we always put on a hot meal after training and sit down and have a meal together and that creates a really good environment. “Especially for the younger ones we believe it teaches them a lot of life skills with

Riddell Umpires are after more umpires. (Supplied)

being organised, learning disciplines , learning how to be assertive when you need to be, good communication skills, the list goes on.” Training begins on the second Wednesday

of February, with a particular program for new recruits and especially the ones they are targeting. Details: recruitment@ riddellumpires.com.au.

Woodsmen start with win

Matthew Grimaldi with captain Josh Risdon. (Western United)

Grimaldi finds his feet By Harper Sercombe It’s been a whirlwind 18 months for Western United young winger Matthew Grimaldi, who for the first time started as a professional soccer player earlier this month. The 20-year-old joined United from Melbourne City at the beginning of the National Premier League 2 season and was soon given opportunities to train with the A-League side. After dominating the NPL season, scoring five goals and providing nine assists from midfield in 26 matches, he was awarded his first professional contract. signing with United on a two-year scholarship contract. “It’s gone so quickly, it only feels like yesterday that I was playing in the NPL with the ‘23s,” he said. “We had such an amazing year and just fell short of promotion, but I feel like that season really kick started the confidence and new way I’ve been playing. “At City it didn’t work out but I got to come over to the west and have a new opportunity and it’s all kind of working out now. “Coming to United with a new team and new

coaches, it was a sense of falling in love with the game again, like I was a kid again. There was just something about Diogo (Ferreira, NPL coach and assistant men’s coach) and Dura (Andrew Durante, academy coach) and my new team and the way we played with expression. We are able to express ourselves on the pitch, and I think that was really evident in how we went last year.” Since being with United he has gone from strength to strength, with his career hitting its highest peak to date when he started in last Friday’s clash against Macarthur, assisting a goal just three minutes into the clash. He said it was an amazing feeling to step onto the pitch. “It was an amazing feeling,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve been working towards, everything has happened so quickly from being in the youth team last season to the first team now and to get an assist was a really good feeling. “It’s been a dream of mine to play professional football and now that it’s all coming together and I’m living that now I just want to take it to new heights, and try to start in more games and build off that and build more confidence.

“At the start of the year I set all these goals that have already happened, like making my debut, scoring a goal, getting an assist and making my starting debut. “Now I think it’s about just pushing new ones. “I want to start in even more games, score more goals. But I definitely want to play finals for Western United. With our recent form we definitely want to turn that around and make the top six. That’s one thing that’s definitely on my mind right now, I want to help the team and push up the ladder and make finals.” Despite having the weekend off, there is no slowing down for United or Grimaldi as they hope to turn their season around. United’s match with Adelaide United has been rescheduled. “We’ve got a bit of a bigger week of training and then an intra-club match on Saturday, and then we will rest and recover on Sunday,” Grimaldi said before the weekend. “We don’t want to slow down too much because we have a game next week against the Wanderers in Tasmania which should be a big test. We’re looking to get the result there and try to get some points on the board again.”

Spotswood opened its Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association T20 campaign with a win, but Altona, Yarraville and Williamstown all suffered losses. After the opening round was washed out, teams took to the pitch on Tuesday to play the shortest format. Spotswood faced off against Williamstown in a local battle. The Woodsman made 8-143 from its 20 overs, with Taylor Tatterson top scoring with 32 Sean Sturrick and Glenn Hannah took two wickets each for the Seagulls. The Seagulls fell short, finishing with 8-126 from its overs. Jack Craig top scored with 28. Lachlan McKenna was the only multiple wicket taker for the Woodsmen, taking two wickets. Altona fell short against Hoppers Crossing in its match up. The Cats made 9-139 from its overs. Simon Lambert top scored with 53 at the top of the order, while guest player Max Birthsel took four wickets for Altona. The A’s were bowled out for 99. Skipper Ben Davies top scored with 40. Brett Smith was the pick of the bowlers for the Cats, taking 4-8 off three overs. Werribee came out on top against Yarraville. The Tigers made 6-147 from its 20 overs Fielding a different looking line up, Matthew Harmer led the way with 77 off 58 balls at the top of the order. Aryan Mehra took 4-20 for the Eagles The Eagles lost an early wicket before settling and getting to 1-61. The wickets then started to fall and they lost momentum, finishing 9-135. Ashish Mathew top scored with 46 Jacob Knight and Nathan Havard took two wickets each. In the other west match, Taylors Lakes started its campaign with a win against Melton on Tuesday. Taylors Lakes made 9-122 from its overs with Aamir Raza top scoring with 29. Rhys Berry took three wickets for Melton. Melton fell just short, finishing 8-115. Conrad Farrugia top scored with 43.

Wednesday, 24 January, 2024 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 17

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Biedenweg-Webster returns to Williamstown Williamstown’s defensive stocks have received a major boost with the club securing former Gold Coast speedster Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster ahead of the Victorian Football League Women’s season. Biedenweg-Webster joined the Suns ahead of the AFLW season seven and played three games in two seasons on the Gold Coast. She made her debut in round 4 of season seven and also played in the club’s first home final last month. Now, as she prepares to head back to the Seagulls, where she won a club best and fairest award. she said it is an exciting time. “I’m super excited to be heading back to Willy, there was really no other option in my mind,” she said. “I knew that I wanted to be back down at Willy just because I had a great couple of seasons there, they were the reason that I got up to the Suns. So I’m keen to come back to the

club and then see how next season goes which is looking pretty exciting with recruitment and the way the club succeeded last year as well. “Coming back and being able to be more of a leader within the group without formally being in the leadership group. “To be able to add a little bit of knowledge and having played at the club previously, I know some of the girls and how we play and coming back from AFLW experience and being able to watch and play at that level will add a little bit more knowledge and hopefully I can bring that and help out the girls.” Biedenweg-Webster said she loved her time up north but thinks she has plenty more to give in the top level. She said she thinks she’s only scratched the surface of what she can do within it. “Willy set me up to get to the Suns, so I think it’s a really good place to be and I

think Melbourne is the place to be as well to be dealing with other clubs and having the contacts down there.” Another positive in returning to VFLW level is the extra opportunities to play games, with the season being 14 games long compared to 10 at AFLW level. “I’m looking forward to more opportunities to play, obviously with the AFLW we’re pretty limited to the 10 games a season, which kind of puts a lot of pressure on you, if you’re not getting games,” she said. “So I’m excited to have a longer season, I don’t know how keen I am to be back at Willy in the winter, I think it’ll be a big difference. I’ve just acclimatised to the heat up here and training in the middle of the day. So I’ll just make sure to have the skins and long sleeves ready.” Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster.

Harper Sercombe

(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Magic sign exciting quartet

Greg Drake. (Supplied)

Drake back at the Gulls By Harper Sercombe Altona has a new coach for the Hockey Victoria men’s winter premier league season, with a familiar face to take the reins. Greg Drake returns to the club with an incredible resume which started at the Seagulls, where he played 250 state league 1 (PL) games for Altona, playing a key role in two premierships and was a Victorian senior side squad member. He has coached the club’s MPL side before, more than 10 years ago, and more recently the WPL side. In the time since last coaching MPL, he has coached the Victorian under-21s, has won the Australian Hockey League as a coach of the Victorian Vipers, before moving to coach International hockey as assistant for the Canadian, Japan and USA women’s sides before also taking over as head coach for pro-league of the USA women. Now, stepping back from the international

stage to the club he loves, Drake said he couldn’t be more excited. “It’s certainly exciting for me, this is my club, it’s a part of who I am and offering whatever I can to help the club members enjoy themselves and be successful, I’m really keen to do,” he said. “I know a few of the guys really well. I started my time at the club when I was nine years old, so I know a lot of the families, I know a lot of the long-term members and I’ve been still around off and on for a while. “I’m looking forward to being involved with my club… I just enjoy being involved and trying to be around people and be around a team and for the last little while I haven’t and I’ve really missed that. “The opportunity came around to be involved here and I wasn’t going to pass it up. I just love the team environment, I learnt heaps when I was playing and being involved in sport. I learned how to be a good human through that. “Now that I’m a coach, I find that I’ve got

18 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 January, 2024

lots of experiences from my mistakes and other things that I can help others try not to make, and it’s a really nice feeling.” Last season, the Seagulls year came to an end in the cruellest way being knocked out of the finals in a penalty shoot out when facing Doncaster in the semi finals. Drake said he believes that his squad has what it takes to take out silverware in 2024. “I expect that if we perform to the level that I think we can, we will be right up there competing for the premiership,” he said. “I’m certainly hopeful that we will be, and you need a lot of luck along the way, but if we do the right things more often than not, I think we have the talent to be really successful. “I was lucky enough to play in premiership teams at this level at Altona many years ago. I’d love to help this group of guys play in one as well. “There would be nothing better that I can think of to try and help this group of players do that.”

Altona Magic has announced four marquee signings ahead of the National Premier League season. Alexander Gust, Saad Moukacha, Bul Juach and Jawad Rezai have all joined the club as it looks to go one step further than it did in 2023. Last season, the Magic made the NPL finals for the first time in its history, however was knocked out by the Oakleigh Cannons in an elimination finals. As a box-to-box midfielder, Gust is known for his versatility and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His strong work rate and stamina allow him to cover large areas of the pitch, making him an asset in both attack and defence. “Having previously played for Melbourne Victory, the left footed midfielder with his experience will undoubtedly benefit Altona Magic as we strive for success in our upcoming campaigns,” the club said via social media. Saad is a talented 20-year-old midfielder who brings with him a wealth of experience gained during his time in Croatia with NK Rudes. The Magic said his performances as a midfielder were marked by his technical abilities, vision, and creativity, making him a valuable asset to NK Rudes. “Moukachar is ready to embark on a new chapter in his career in Australian football. An exciting addition to the team, welcome to Paisley Park Saad,” the club said. Juach is a talented striker hailing from Sydney and has made a name for himself in the New South Wales soccer world after representing the McCarthur Bulls in the NPLNSW. His performances caught the attention of scouts, leading him to join Wollongong Wolves. During his time with the Wolves, Juach continued to impress with his goal-scoring ability and overall contribution to the team. He then took his career overseas and ventured into the Bulgarian second division football scene. Rezai arrives via Hume City and is seen as a promising 22-year-old footballer known for his versatility as a winger-striker, with a notable ability to score goals. His recent experience includes representing the Afghanistan international team, showcasing his talent on an international stage who had started his career with Perth Glory.

Roosters are starting to click after a slow start Things are starting to come together for Altona Roosters in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield. After a slow start to the season, the Roosters have won their last four games, including two against sides in the top four. Coach Jack Blythman said they were happy with how things were going, with the side sitting in fourth spot. “It’s coming together really nicely,” he said. “We started off a bit slow. We have an older playing group and the guys are starting to warm up. “We’re starting to build all three phases of the game and working well together. We want to build to be in the top two and get a home final.” Blythman said they believe they are a better two-day side which will hold them in good stead, but showed with their win against Grand United before Christmas they can do it in the shorter format as well.

On Saturday, the Roosters were able to get the runs against West Newport, which sits in third spot. The Roosters restricted the Lions to 104 on day one of the match. The Roosters managed to get the job done, finishing 7-121. “The key was our bowling pressure,” he said. “We executed well even without one of our opening bowlers. “We then grinded away at the score and it didn’t really reflect how comfortably we got the job done.” Nadeera Thuppahi top scored with 35 for the Roosters. Blythman said now in a good spot, they were hoping to use it as a platform for the rest of the season. “It’s about making sure we are doing our roles,” he said. “Ash [Peters[ and I work really closely together as captain and coach. “It’s the first time in a long time we haven’t had a playing coach. The boys know what is

required and hopefully it all comes together.” The challenges continue for the Roosters with a two-day match starting this Saturday, against second placed Tullamarine. Blythman said it should be a ripper of a game and they hoped playing at home would be beneficial as they know the conditions. Elsewhere in the club, Blythman said things were going well with the majority of their sides in finals positions. “There is a really enthusiastic group of players,” he said. “We’re keeping on encouraging people to get around the club, it’s a good place to be.” In other matches, Williamstown CYMS beat Newport-Digman. In the senior division, Yarraville Club suffered a shock loss to Westmeadows, while the Druids lost to Aberfeldie. Tara Murray

Altona Roosters’ Tharanga Indika. (Damjan Janevski) .202167_03

Sports shorts A-League Western United will once again bring elite men’s and women’s soccer to Tasmania, touring the Apple Isle for the fourth time in the A-League. John Aloisi’s men’s side will face Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday, January 27 and Sydney FC on Saturday, February 3. The women’s squad will also be in Tasmania on the first Saturday of February

VFL Williamstown has announced the signing of Akol Deng ahead of the 2024 Victorian Football League season. Deng is an athletic ruckman with a professional basketball background and was Werribee VFL listed last season. He was also awarded Yarraville Seddon Eagles’ best and fairest last season. Deng displays great strength and intensity on the football field. The Towners have also signed Mia Giannopoulos to their women’s program. Giannopoulos was formerly with Darebin Falcons VFLW in 2023, she is an elite runner with serious speed and skill.

James Grubb (Ljubica Vrankovic)

A’s going along nicely By Tara Murray Altona is benefiting from a bigger spread of contributors in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west. The A’s sit in fourth spot after 11 rounds and have been one of the big improvers this season. A’s coach Aaron Whear is happy but knows that there is still plenty more cricket to be played, He put down the improvement to a couple of key areas. “We have been playing good cricket to this point,” he said. “The recruitment of Ben Davies has been huge for the club and he’s had a big impact with both the bat and ball. “He’s been good at training with the group as well. I’ve been impressed with some of the other younger guys as well. “Matt Turcinovich top scored on the weekend with 38, while Tom McConville took four wickets.” Whear said they felt they were getting a more even spread of contributors this season which was also helping.

He said the return of Mitchell Grubb, who had taken the wicketkeeping gloves, had helped them. While Adam Yates continues to shine with both bat and ball. “He finished third in the Hatch medal last year,” Whear said. “He has exceeded what he did last year.” On Saturday, the A’s accounted for Ivanhoe. The A’s batted first and made 9-175 after winning the toss. Whear said Turcinovich and Mitchell Grubb both played key roles in pushing the total to 175, The A’s took a couple of early wickets to start their bowling innings well. Ivanhoe was set to push the total, but was eventually all out for 151. McConville took four wickets, with Whear saying after starting the season in the second XI, he had consolidated his spot in the top side. Whear said there were good signs that they could come out on top even when they were challenged. “It’s a good sign to win these games when you’re under pressure and it’s 50-50. To be able to win those games are sides that

VTCA

make finals. Having set a good base for the season, Whear said finals were the aim. He knows it wouldn’t be easy. Just 13 points separates second and 10th. “There’s a lot of good teams in the sub-district competition,” he said. “Finals are never gifted. We have a bit of work before finals, it will be a challenge for us.” The A’s face St Bernard’s in a two-day match starting on Saturday. The A’s were set to be in action on Tuesday night in the T20 competition against Werribee. In other matches on Saturday, Yarraille lost to Preston. The Eagles made 6-165, which Preston chased down with more than 12 overs remaining, finishing 5-169. Williamstown had a day to forget about Kew, bowled out for just 63. Kew only needed 15.4 overs to get the runs, finishing 1-66. Spotswood beat Brunswick after chasing down a big total. Brunswick made 5-239 from its overs, with the Woodsmen getting the runs with two overs to spare, finishing 4-242.

Williamstown CYMS got a win to start its Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition. Facing Seabrook, the CYs made 158 as it was bowled out with one ball remaining. Lasanga Guruge top scored with 37 Daniel Kilfoy three wickets for Searbook Seabrook finished 7-123 in reply. Kamaljeet Singh top scored with 36 at the top of the order.

Premier Cricket A second straight Dylan Brasher century guided Footscray to victory against the Greenvale Kangaroos in Victorian Premier Cricket. Brasher (112) and Aiman Nadeem (116) put on 220 for the first wicket to help the Bulldogs to 5-297. They then bowled the Kangaroos out for 154. Max Birthsel took 4-38 to be the pick of the bowlers. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Wednesday, 24 January, 2024 MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY STAR WEEKLY 19

Don’t miss the amazing Lion Dancers Perform at the Yarraville Club

THURSDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2024 at 6.30PM 2 Lions accompanied by musicians - performed by Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne

Book a Table for Dinner, bring the family along and enjoy the entertainment

135 Stephen St Yarraville. Ph. 9689 6033 yarravilleclub.com.au

12663190-RR04-24

Your Community. Your Club.