'The prize is unbelievably worth fighting for'

This is is how Gary Ayres exhorted his players at three quarter time. The prize was won when the Borough defeated Collingwood 14 21 105 to 11 16 82

Morning walk 3

Very glad to see the refurbishment of the Rotunda is now complete. The timber uprights supporting the dome have been replaced.
The slight elevation, the shelter and the circular shape are pleasing attributes of the Rotunda which contribute to it being well used.

Morning walk 2

A less happy sighting was the amount of fishing line left along the Webb Dock path.

Morning walk 1

As well as the three cormorants seen here, blue wrens could be heard along the length of the Webb Dock path.

The Webb Dock East path was created arising from a recommendation of the Webb Dock Environment Effects Study into the extension of Webb Dock in the late '80s.

What a pair

It is amazing that these splendid birds have taken such strong hold in this inner urban environment, and have become a part of the everyday landscape.
This pair was photographed outside the Port Melbourne Yacht Club today by correspondent Cathy.

Fire at the Hibernian

Saw two fire engines in attendance when I went past the Hibernian on Sunday evening. Apparently it started with a fire in the kitchen of the restaurant. The upstairs rooms have had to be vacated. 

The Hibernian was built in 1868. Originally a rough structure on the corner of two newly built streets - Ross and the extension of Graham - it suffered a serious fire in 1871. The Hibernian and the Clare Castle are the last Port Melbourne hotels found west of the railway. 

[source Chartered Scoundrels: A brief history of Port Melbourne hotels by Pat Grainger] available from the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society

Planes pollarded

The London Plane trees along Williamstown Road have been pollarded, a form of pruning that regenerates growth to establish a canopy.
The high voltage transmission lines along Williamstown Road are low. Safe clearances are required by Energy Safe Victoria to be maintained for the safety of the tree pruning crews.
Since the transmission lines provide industries throughout Port Melboure with power, the power companies are reluctant to shut the lines down while pruning is undertaken.
In the background, the 'quartets' built in 1940 - nine blocks of four units each, built to respond to the acute shortage of decent housing at that time.