Established in 2003
proudly serving the Northern Suburbs
7 JULY, 2026
Flower wall sprouts A vibrant new flower wall at Thomastown Library is bringing colour, creativity and community spirit to the branch, with local crafters contributing handcrafted crocheted flowers to a growing installation. Between 15 and 20 craft loving library users have contributed dozens crocheted flowers of various sizes and colours to the project. Flowers were collected over a two-month period before being assembled on the wall, creating a garden-inspired artwork. The artwork will continue to grow with the library inviting additional flower creations as it works towards expanding the display all the way to the ceiling. The flower wall highlights what is possible in Thomastown Library’s Makerspace, a creative hub that provides access to equipment, resources and programs designed to support hands-on learning and making. The makerspace collection includes sewing machines, weaving looms, embroidery hoops, screen-printing sets, leatherworking tools and paper-making kits, which can be borrowed for use at home or within the library. The library runs regular induction sessions for its makerspace which can be booked online or with library staff.
Thomastown library branch manager Carly McMartin with the colourful flower wall. (Damjan Janevski) 562660_01
Football tragedy By Tara Murray Tributes are flowing for Epping footballer Nathan Fitzgerald who is receiving end of life care after an incident in a Northern Football League match on Saturday. Fitzgerald was playing in Epping’s division 3 reserves match against Lalor when it’s understood he and teammate clashed heads at Lalor Recreation Reserve. Fitzgerald also received another knock before his head hit the turf, where there’s a covered cricket pitch. Play was halted for medical assistance with trainers from both sides performing CPR before paramedics arrived. He was taken to the Royal Melbourne
Nathan Fitzgerald. (Epping FNC)
Hospital in a critical condition. The reserves match was called off, while the senior match between the two clubs was cancelled. On Sunday, the Epping Football Netball
Club released a heartbreaking statement. “The Epping Football Netball Club is devastated to share that our much loved teammate and clubman, Nathan Fitzgerald’s condition deteriorated overnight and is now receiving end-of-life care,” it said. “The entire Fitzgerald family is in our thoughts during this horrible situation and we ask that you respect their privacy. “Please take a moment to hug and kiss your loved ones; life is precious.” Speaking on ABC 774 on Monday morning, Epping president Luke De Vincentis said it had been a tough time for the entire Epping community. He said Fitzgerald was a gentle, loving, humble soul, who had the biggest smile that
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could light up a room miles away. “The last 24 hours in particular have been really beautiful in bringing the club together but we’ve lost a teammate and a much loved person from the club,” De Vincentis said. “More importantly the Fitzgerald family have lost a son and a brother. “They would have wished him all the best on Saturday to go out a get a goal and get a win and not realise that was the last time they would speak to him, it’s truly heart-breaking.” De Vincentis said Fitzgerald’s teammates were in a state of shock and confusion and were struggling to comprehend what happened. Continued: Page 2
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