Community News
Men's Health Week 15th - 20th June
The Men's Health Week campaign focuses on raising awareness of preventable health problems, supporting men and boys in making healthier lifestyle choices, and encouraging early detection and treatment of health issues.
It's also about encouraging men to get out of the house and get involved in some fun activities, make new friendships and connections, and support positive mental health fitness!
Brimbank Council are offering a number of events and activities for men in our community from Monday 15th June to Saturday 20th June as part of their Men's Health Project. Check out the flyer below or click here to view what's on offer.
*****************************************************************************************
Westside Pride - Limited spots available
Westside Pride is a strengths-based community mentoring initiative operating in Melbourne’s western suburbs, supporting young people through evidence-informed early intervention and diversion principles. More than 90% of participants in 2026 come from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
Westside Pride is the only program of its kind in the region—an evidence-based model specifically designed for young men aged 13–18 who may be experiencing behavioural challenges, school disengagement, police contact, or other risk-taking behaviours.
The program provides a unique, structured, male-focused environment that promotes behavioural change, resilience, accountability, and pro-social decision-making. Through positive role modelling, mentoring, and physical activity, participants are supported to build confidence, strengthen their identity, and develop the skills needed to make positive life choices.
The program is delivered every Tuesday from 5:15pm to 7:00pm at Top Boxing Fitness Academy, 27 Eucumbene Drive, Ravenhall, and includes:
- Structured boxing and physical training to channel energy constructively while building discipline, self-control, confidence and resilience.
- Facilitated group mentoring sessions exploring topics such as identity, respect, responsibility, peer influence, emotional regulation and consequence awareness.
- Shared meals that foster connection, belonging and positive peer culture.
- Outreach support and engagement where required to strengthen participation and maintain positive connections.
Participants also benefit from regular engagement with guest speakers, athletes, and community leaders. Recently, three AFL players attended the program and shared their personal journeys, challenges and successes, providing powerful examples of perseverance, accountability and positive life choices.
Our approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based, aligning with best-practice early intervention and diversion frameworks. By building protective factors, strengthening community connection, and providing positive male role models, Westside Pride supports meaningful behavioural change and reduces the likelihood of further offending, disengagement, and involvement in the justice system.
Spots are limited for our last Brimbank-Melton intake of 2026. Registrations can now be completed via the following link:
WESTSIDE PRIDE REGISTRATION FORM – Fill out form
Or download the flyer for more information:
****************************************************************************************
Victorian Maths Camps
The Department of Education is inviting students in years 9 and 10 who are high ability in mathematics to take part in a Victorian Maths Camp.
The free 5 day, 4-night residential camp is an opportunity for students to:
- work with peers and mathematics specialists to solve real-world, team-based problems
hear from industry experts and professionals working in the field.
There will be 4 camps during 2026. They will be delivered by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute, based at The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the Mathematical Association of Victoria. This is a non-school activity.
The camps will take place in Y Discovery Camps across the state. Registration for the first camp during the Term 2, 2026, school holidays is open.
The camp will take place at Lake Dewar Discovery Camp in Myrniong from Monday 6 to Friday 10 July 2026.
For more information and to register, refer to: Victorian Maths Camps Application.
If you would like to know the schedule for future camps, please contact the department’s Student Excellence unit by email: student.excellence@education.vic.gov.au
****************************************************************************************
Winter Holiday Workshops at 100 Story Building, Footscray
Wise Quacks 2: The Squawk-uel
Wednesday 8 July | 10am-3pm | Ages 8-12
A one-day comedy workshop where young people create bird characters through comic-making, costume creation, physical theatre and sketch comedy. Participants will learn what makes things funny and perform for family and friends at the end of the day.
No experience needed. Returning quackers and new chicks welcome.
Venue: 100 Story Building, 206 Nicholson St, Footscray
Bookings: Via the 'Upcoming Events' page on their website
Second Edition
Thursday 9 July | 10am-3pm | Ages 13-16
A one-day creative workshop for curious teenagers who enjoy writing, drawing and making. Participants will investigate local mysteries and create a collaborative newspaper documenting the strange creatures said to roam Footscray's streets, train lines and creek beds.
Part zine, part field journal and part tabloid newspaper, this workshop combines writing, illustration, collage and storytelling.
No experience needed.
Venue: 100 Story Building, 206 Nicholson St, Footscray
Bookings: Via the 'Upcoming Events' page on their website
Download the flyer for more details:
******************************************************************************************
Vibrant Youth - School Holiday Program
Vibrant Youth is a free school holiday program designed especially for young people aged 15 to 19 with disability and young carers in the Brimbank area — including anyone experiencing or at risk of mental health challenges.
Join us for two relaxed afternoons of connection, creativity, and fun! Each session includes a mix of indoor and outdoor activities (think board games, arts and crafts, and some friendly outdoor games like soccer!) Lunch is provided, and everything’s run in a friendly, supportive environment where everyone’s welcome.
📅 Dates: Wednesday 1 July & Wednesday 8 July 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House, 61A Selwyn Street, Albion VIC 3020
💲 Cost: Free
🍽️ Lunch provided
We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and accessible space. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and we welcome all access, cultural, and communication needs.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, take a mental-health breather, or just have a laugh — Vibrant Youth is your space to unwind, recharge, and connect.
👉 Register now to secure your spot — spaces are limited!
https://events.humanitix.com/vibrant-youth-july-school-holiday-program
******************************************************************************************
Have Your Say - Help Shape Cairnlea Community Hub
Brimbank City Council is seeking feedback about what activities or programs you would like to see at Cairnlea Community Hub.
Download the attached flyer to share your thoughts and get involved to build skills, connect with others and help create a more meaningful Community Hub!
The survey only takes 1-2 minutes to complete and closes on Friday 26th June.
*******************************************************************************************
Free Parenting Sessions with ReachOut
ReachOut Australia is offering free professional coaching sessions for parents and carers of teens (12-18 years) in Australia.
This service is for parents and carers who want to build their skills in supporting their 12-18 year olds with issues such as anxiety and depression, communication problems, school refusal, alcohol and drug use, self-harm, aggressive behaviour, gender and identity, bullying and more.
Visit their website for more information at One-on-one support | ReachOut Australia.
********************************************************************************************
Free Public Transport for Young People Under 18
The Victorian Government has announced that public transport will now be free for all young people under the age of 18.
To access free travel, students are required to have a Youth myki card, which can be purchased for a one-off cost of $5.00. Once a Youth myki card is obtained, all travel will be free.
Students must continue to tap on and tap off when using public transport and must always carry and use their Youth myki card.
Youth myki cards can be purchased from:
- Staffed train stations
- Selected local shopping centres
- Post office
- Some 7-Eleven stores
Or register online for a Youth myki by:
- logging into your myki account
- creating a new account.
Once you register, you'll get an email to use for valid travel while you wait for your card to arrive.
We encourage families to organise a Youth myki card for their child if they regularly use public transport. Visit Transport Victoria for more details.
********************************************************************************************
Easing into adolescence: resources for families
The Department of Education has launched an Easing into adolescence webpage for families of students aged 10 to 14 (Grade 5 to Year 8).
The webpage has information and strategies you can use to help ease your child into adolescence and secondary school. These include:
- a guide to emotion coaching. Staff from The University of Melbourne’s Tuning in to Teens Kids program developed the guidance.
- how to support your adolescent with their studies and more generally. Parenting expert and clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller helped develop this resource.
Subtitles for videos by The University of Melbourne on the webpage are available in 10 languages. You can select your preferred language on the translations page.
For questions about these resources, contact the Strategic Partnerships, Transitions and Student Voice team. You can email them at Secondary.School.Transition@education.vic.gov.au.
*****************************************************************************************
Free Telephone Interpreting Service for Parents & Carers
All Graduates Interpreting and Translating provides a free inbound telephone interpreting service, which enables parents and carers to contact our school with the support of a telephone interpreter. This service ensures that families with limited English proficiency can connect with us and receive the support they need.
Download this simple step-by-step guide which explains how parents and carers can utilise this service.
The guide is available in English and the Top 30 most commonly requested languages by families in Victorian government schools. Translated versions can be easily accessed through the links provided in the English version above.
********************************************************************************************
Financial Assistance for Families
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence’s mission is to work for an Australia free of Poverty.
Given the cost-of-living challenges at the moment, many families are doing it very tough and could use some help.
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence has provided the following financial resources for families, including:
- The Saver Plus Program
- State Schools Relief (contact the school to request this support)
- Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (contact the school for an application form)
- Computerbank
If you would like further information, please feel free to reach out to them!
Ph: 9483 1183
********************************************************************************************