Established in 1924 as the
proudly serving Brimbank and the North West
14 APRIL, 2026
Going the extra mile for charity Two Brimbank locals, Joel Bentley and his father Julian, are gearing up to participate in the Shitbox Rally this August. The rally challenges participants to drive across Australia in cars valued at $1,500 or less, to raise money and awareness for the Cancer Council. Last year, Joel took part in the rally with a friend, driving from Perth to Darwin and raising $10,000. Inspired by the experience, he has decided to participate again, this time with his father. The father-son team will drive a $500 Hyundai Accent from Adelaide to Darwin over nine days, alongside a convoy of other participants. While they’re not too worried about their car breaking down, they know the rally’s support crew will be there to help. The Shitbox Rally holds personal significance for the pair, as Joel notes that nearly one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Any funds they can raise above the $10,000 they raised last year will be a bonus. The adventure and the cause are both important motivations for Joel and Julian as they prepare to hit the road in August.
Joel and his dad Julian Bentley. (Damjan Janevski) 541623_04
Ad ban falls short By Sam Porter Brimbank council has criticised the federal government’s new gambling advertising reforms, with mayor Virginia Tachos saying “they do not go far enough”. The legislation, which comes into effect on 1 January 2027, aims to protect Australians, particularly children and young people, from gambling harm. As part of the reforms, TV gambling ads will be limited to three per hour from 6am-8.30pm, with a complete ban during live sport broadcasts within those times. Radio gambling ads will also be banned during school commute times. Furthermore, the use of sports players and celebrities in gambling and odds-style ads will also be banned alongside ads
appearing in sports stadiums and on players’ and officials’ uniforms. Lastly, gambling ads on online platforms will be banned unless users are over 18 and have the option to opt-out of gambling advertising. Mayor Tachos said “Brimbank has long called for a complete ban on online gambling advertising and will continue to push for stronger action.” “With many residents from lower socio-economic backgrounds, our community is particularly affected. We know gambling losses place significant fi nancial strain on households, deepen disadvantage, and contribute to wider social and health challenges”. Last year Brimbank council presented a motion at the National General
Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association, calling for full implementation of all 31 recommendations of the federal parliamentary inquiry into online gambling harm, published in 2023. An inquiry recommendation pushed for a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising for online gambling. “Th is motion received strong national backing”, Cr Tachos said. “We need decisive national leadership. Anything less risks allowing preventable harm to continue”. IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson agreed the new regulations don’t go far enough. “IPC Health is calling for a total ban on gambling advertising, for all channels,
especially television”, Ms Nelson said. “Gambling advertising and sponsorships should be banned, as they have been for tobacco and alcohol.” As part of the announcement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government was “getting the balance right” by “letting adults have a punt if they want to but also making sure Australian children don’t see betting ads everywhere they look”. “What we don’t want is kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are the same thing”, Mr Albanese said. IPC Health support: 1300 472 432 (business hours) or visit www.ipchealth. com.au Gambler’s Help Victoria: 1800 858 858 (24 hours)
12856783-RV16-26