Established in 1924 as the
proudly serving Brimbank and the North West
2 SEPTEMBER, 2025
Kangaroo great Anthony Stevens writes exclusively for Star Weekly 12790528-JD33-25
....SEE SPORT Wildflower planting day
Dr Megan O’Shea and Tully Gibbons. (Damjan Janevski)
Brimbank residents looking to contribute positively to their local environment can attend a planting day of community action and celebration at Iramoo Wildflower reserve in Cairnlea on Sunday, September 7. Victoria University research associate Dr Megan O’Shea said 1500 wildflowers will be planted on the day at the reserve. The planting day will help shift the balance away from serrated tussock back to a native kangaroo grass, and help to create a healthier habitat for the endangered striped legless lizard. “We’re just adding to the complexity of the system which means that there’s greater resources that support the plants and animals that should be out there,” Dr O’Shea said. Dr O’Shea said there will be planting demonstrations on the day to ensure wildflowers thrive long after they’re put into the ground. There will also be tours of the reserve on the day as well as activities for kids.
497468_01
Courageous kids Three siblings have received Australian Bravery Decorations for their courage during a domestic incident that took place in Albanvale in 2022. On an evening in March 2022, Aaliah and Tyra Johnson were at home with their mother, step-father, step-sister Chantelle Sim, and two other young siblings when their stepfather poured petrol in the lounge room, kitchen, and on their mother. He then set fire to the house and the siblings’ mother. Aaliah assisted her mother in the shower, putting the fire out and pouring cold water on her before helping her to the front lawn.
Tyra, in the kitchen at the time, was caught in the flames and suffered severe burns to her legs and lower torso. She fled the house through the rear door and used water to extinguish the flames on her. She then ran around the side of the house to the outside of her bedroom, forced open a window, re-entered the burning house and retrieved her two-year-old stepbrother. She handed her stepbrother over a fence to another sibling before climbing over the fence herself. Chantelle was adjacent to the kitchen when the fire broke out. She went to run outside through the
lounge room when she observed her baby half-brother on the couch. She stopped, picked him up and carried him outside. Emergency services arrived shortly afterwards. Tragically, their mother died. Aaliah, Tyra and Chantelle were among 37 people recognised on September 1 for their courage. Governor-General Sam Mostyn thanked the recipients for their humanity, compassion and bravery. “In the 50 years of the Australian honours system, this is the first Bravery List to be
released on Wattle Day. The golden wattle is Australia’s national floral emblem, and together with the crown, it is part of the Governor-General’s insignia,” Ms Mostyn said. “The exceptional people we honour today answered a call to defend and protect with unforeseen courage. Through their actions they tell us we all matter and that all our lives are precious. “We deeply thank and pay respect to these remarkable, brave Australians who will always have our enduring gratitude and admiration.” For confidential help and advice contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
ADVERTISEMENT
YOUR LOCAL MEMBER OF STATE PARLIAMENT REPRESENTING THE ELECTORATE OF KOROROIT Need help? Visit my office on 2/11 Commercial Road, Caroline Springs luba.grigorovitch@parliament.vic.gov.au
8361 7133 Authorised by John Ballestrino, 2/11 Commercial Road Caroline Springs Victoria 3023.
12788828-KF35-25