Established in 2003
proudly serving the Northern Suburbs
17 SEPTEMBER, 2024
Historic Lions’ win
(Credit trade gothic 6.5pt)
South Morang managed to hold on to claim its first Northern Football League division 2 premiership on Saturday afternoon, beating Diamond Creek. Just two years ago, the Lions were in division 3 and they will now be in division 1 for the first time in the club’s history. For that and the wrap up of the NFL division 3 grand final and Essendon District Football League division 2 grand final, turn to sport.
South Morang won its first NFL division 2 premiership. (Field of View Sports Photography)
Mother’s cry for change By Afraa Kori Bundoora’s Moetu Tawhai is fighting to stop knife crime, a painful reality she experienced as both a mother and a teacher. As a former teacher at a northern suburbs school, Ms Tawhai noticed a change in school culture and students’ behaviour. “The shift towards incidents involving knives has been stark. Previously, issues were more about fistfights, but now there’s a worrying trend of students bringing knives for protection, often due to bullying issues that aren’t adequately addressed,” Ms Tawhai said. “Students today seem more direct in their interactions, and the presence of knives is a shocking new reality. It’s concerning to witness students resorting to such extreme measures. “Social media plays a significant role in escalating conflicts among students. Moreover, systemic failures in addressing bullying contribute to a culture where students feel compelled to protect themselves and their peers.”
Moetu Tawhai.
The breaking point came when her 13-year-old daughter recently had a knife pulled on her by another student. “My daughter witnessed a year 10 student picking on year 7 students. After an altercation with this year 10 student, my daughter was threatened. The student told her to wait and that they would return in 10 minutes to harm her. The year 10 student then came back to school with a small machete, intending to attack my daughter. The student even recorded
herself with the knife and pointed it at her, clearly intending to use it. “She felt worried rather than scared. After the incident, she had to make reports because the student continued to threaten her by calling her friends and involving her own family. She has become very anxious and disruptive at school, constantly feeling the need to watch her back. She is now seeing a psychologist and the school’s wellbeing team and has been connected with the local police liaison working with the school.” Ms Tawhai said more proactive measures should have been implemented to address threats before they lead to such a dangerous situation. “While the school took appropriate action once the incident occurred, the situation should have been prevented earlier,” she said. She is not only frightened for her daughter’s safety but is concerned that knife crime will have long-term consequences on school environments if no one breaks the silence. “These incidents have driven many families to reconsider their school choices, particularly
impacting the sense of safety and community trust within local schools,” she said. “The fear and uncertainty created by such incidents can lead to increased absenteeism among both teachers and students. Incidents like these can significantly impact morale and safety perceptions, potentially discouraging teachers from staying in the profession or even working at certain schools.” Ms Tawhai has called for the state government to better support teachers, students and families affected by knife crime. “The northern suburbs need more youth support groups and increased discussion about violence. Schools should address these behaviours more proactively, as they are not discussed enough,” Ms Tawhai said. “We haven’t been informed of any specific support services in our area that address knife crime. It would be helpful to have resources and support services tailored to these types of incidents to assist affected students and their families. Continued: Page 3
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