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26 NOVEMBER, 2024
Festive fun in Brimbank Brimbank council is hosting a festive fun day in the heart of St Albans at Errington Reserve on Sunday, December 1. Santa Claus will make an appearance, so have your cameras ready for a memorable photo opportunity. Circus workshops featuring juggling, hula hooping, and spinning plates will bring laughter and excitement, while roaming performers will add a magical touch with their colourful artistry. Sports enthusiasts can test their basketball skills with the Keilor Basketball Association, participate in football drills with the Western Bulldogs engagement team, or try activities like tennis, pickleball, Tai Chi, Zumba, and skateboarding in the sports zone. Skateboarding fans can also join a special art workshop led by Lukas Kasper. Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang urged the community to join in the fun. “Get ready Brimbank. We’re making Christmas extra special this year with plenty of free activities for all ages over the coming weeks,” she said. Live entertainment will round out the day, featuring performances by Damo Music for Kids, Pound Fitness with Jessica, DJ Raas Masters, Daniel Reeves and his Band, Cat Sibio, D Kuir, Phil Carroll, and MC Simon McCuskey.
Elzette Bester, Santa, Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang and Lukas Kasper. (Damjan Janevski) 444887_04
Thuy Dang elected mayor By Gerald Lynch Brimbank’s new mayor Thuy Dang has vowed to prioritise climate change and sustainability, while creating an inclusive Brimbank. She was the sole nominee for the position, and said she was extremely honoured to be chosen, given her background as a refugee to Australia. “I embrace this enormous responsibility, and see it as a huge opportunity to make a difference to our municipality,” she said. “I welcome any opportunity from the community to make our city the best it can be.
“I am committed to working hard to address the needs and concerns of all residents to ensure we continue to thrive.” Cr Dang outlined a number of key focus areas for her 12 months as mayor and promised to build strong relationships with state and federal government. “My goals include youth and women empowerment, multicultural engagement, mental health, climate change, and sustainability,” she said. She attributed her success to her late parents in a touching speech, delivered both in English and Vietnamese. “I’m sorry that mum couldn’t wait for a few
months to be here today,” she said. “Thank you both for bringing me to a free country, always encouraging me to study, to be kind to others, and give back to Australia.” Councillors also nominated a deputy mayor, and councillor Victoria Borg received the honour for the first time, as she enters her third term as a councillor. Councillor Maria Kerr was also put forward for the position, but declined the opportunity. Cr Borg said the position was one she had long sought after, and she spoke to a history of dealing with poor mental health. “I would like to say to the community, don’t let anything stand in your way, especially
mental health related matters,” she said. “The challenges and the road to be where I am has been very tough and challenging in more ways than one. “Many times I have felt like I am losing not only the battle but also the war against mental illness. “But with the right support you can achieve whatever you want to achieve. I feel very honoured and humbled to be elected deputy mayor. “I’m looking forward to working with the mayor, Cr Dang, we have developed a wonderful working relationship over the previous term.”
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