Established in 1924 as the
proudly serving Brimbank and the North West
8 APRIL, 2025
Buskers strike a chord Bringing the best of street performances to their school grounds, students from Caroline Springs’ Creekside College participated in an energy-filled busking event to raise money for an important cause on April 3. Held each year for nearly two decades, Busking Day is the school’s annual fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal. Creekside College teacher Katia Gerovasilis said the event was organised by students to make a difference in the lives of kids the hospital assists. “This is an important event in our school calendar because it’s a great opportunity for us to contribute positively to our community,” she said. “It’s also a lot of fun for both staff and students and a great way for students to showcase their artistic performance talents. “Students work with their teachers to create a festival-like atmosphere by setting up a range of stalls, activities, games and performances for the school community to enjoy.” This year the school is hoping to raise $8000 for the hospital, and Ms Gerovasilis said the community could help students and teachers reach that goal by donating online. Details: fundraise.goodfridayappeal. com.au/fundraisers/creeksidek9college/ gfa Creekside College students Bentley, Lily, Kayla and Jacob rocked the stage. (Damjan Janevski) 469709_01
Libs to cut Sunshine funding By Prealene Khera Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton’s plan to scrap funding for the Sunshine station upgrade will be a “major setback” if implemented, according to a local advocacy group. On Tuesday, April 1, Mr Dutton and opposition infrastructure spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie announced that a Coalition government would redirect $2 billion the federal government committed for upgrades
at Sunshine station and $2.2 billion committed for the Suburban Rail Loop to other rail and road projects. These include duplicating Donnybrook Road and planning for the extension of the Upfield train line in the north and extending the Frankston train line to Langwarrin and Baxter in the south-east. Mr Dutton and Ms McKenzie said the Coalition would also provide an extra $1.5 billion for Melbourne Airport Rail, with the
state Liberals to provide $1.5 billion if elected in 2026. “Delivering Melbourne Airport Rail Link is our first priority. Upgrades at Sunshine Station providing connectivity for regional and suburban passengers to the airport, as outlined in the Melbourne Airport Rail Business Case, will also be delivered within the scope of the additional $3 billion joint commitment with the Victorian opposition,” the statement said.
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Greater Sunshine Community Alliance member Shefton Parker said the opposition’s announcement to cut funding makes Sunshine station’s future uncertain. “Plans by the opposition to take this funding away would be a major setback,” he said. “Without committed investment, businesses and developers will hesitate to invest, delaying the progress that the region urgently needs. Continued: Page 6.