Tuesday, 19 May, 2026
Foothills Community Care launches
Volunteers needed for Stable One
Yarra Ranges author celebrates book launch
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A Star News Group Publication
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Enough is enough, Bell vigil is told By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
A post on social media from Isla Bell’s Legacy group said that Isla’s Vigil yesterday was healing, thanks to everyone’s participation with open hearts. (Suzanne Phoenix)
A large crowd gathered for Isla Bell’s vigil near Melbourne’s State Library on Saturday 16 May. Rally-goers were encouraged to wear orange, a colour associated with activism to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. Ms Bell’s mother Justine Spokes took to social media on Thursday to call on the community to hold a peaceful rally in honour of her daughter. “Isla never got her vigil,” she said in a video posted to Instagram. “I really want to welcome people into this space with no judgments in their mind. “It’s not about thoughts. It’s just about arriving in that space with an open heart.” Ms Spokes urged people to remain peaceful, saying she had spent the past few years being angry and rallying. “I’m tired - I’m so tired,” she said in the video. “And that anger, I know it catalyses change, but underneath all that anger is just so much sadness and grief.” Read more on page 3
Soothing soccer By Callum Ludwig It’s good news for Australian girls who play soccer, as RMIT University releases news of the positive impacts that the world’s game is having on the growing contingent of players. Last year, the university partnered with North Geelong Warriors Football Club to explore what playing soccer means for girls aged 11–17, finding that the growth in the game is translating to “meaningful social and mental health benefits for teenage girls.”
In line with Female Football Week, the Star Mail reached out to local soccer clubs to ask what their players enjoy about playing soccer and whether they feel those benefits themselves, and a number of Monbulk players have spoken of the satisfaction in playing on a soccer team and the connection it provides. U16s player Maebh said she has played for five years and most enjoys seeing friends, improving each game, the competition and the satisfaction of scoring or playing well.
“It makes me feel like I’m part of the community,” she said. “It’s a very fun sport and everyone is very welcoming to beginners, it’s a good hobby because it’s enjoyable and also improves your fitness at the same time.” RMIT’s research found that wellbeing outcomes were consistent across different levels of competition, with quality of the environment, including through relationships with coaches and teammates, the greatest indicator of a positive
experience. Some 15-17-year-old girls who have stepped up to the Senior side also shared their experiences. “I would 100 per cent encourage any girl, at any age, to go to their local club and give it a go, there are so many friendships and skills to take away from playing a team sport, and you’re never too young or too old to put yourself out there and learn,” one player said. Read more on page 32
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