JUNE 13, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Just cos it’s fun The lines between fantasy and reality can get a little blurry when you’re a cosplayer – but a group of enthusiasts want to send a clear message to young people. Gaming enthusiasts Emanuel and Vicky Cachia say that their love of cosplay (costume-play) prompted them to host events at the Pro Gamers internet cafe in Caroline Springs to celebrate popular culture. Cosplayers are fans that dress as well-known characters such as Batman, Aquaman and The Incredible Hulk. Emanuel says that the world of gaming and cosplay is often misunderstood. “It used to be that you couldn’t talk about playing Dungeons and Dragons or Minecraft – but it’s cool now,” he said. “It’s a great community for young people to get into because it’s about unity and acceptance. “The trend in entertainment these days is towards electronic gaming. But we want kids to hang out with other kids that enjoy the same things.” He says their aim is to bring people together. “The cosplay world and our gaming world are coming together,” he said. “We’re trying to keep imagination and fun alive.” Events are held on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and noon at Pro Gamers. Information: www.progamers.com.au Esther Lauaki
Catwoman Natalie Meddings, Batman Paul Rizzo, Hulk Jamieson Caldwell, Black Panther Anthony Gabb and Aquaman Arwin Nidea. (Marco De Luca)
Tip expansion approved By Esther Lauaki Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne has given the green light to a reduced extension of the Ravenhall landfill – but opponents are calling rubbish on the decision. Mr Wynne last week approved a planning permit for the expansion of the Melbourne Regional Landfill at Ravenhall that will be 93 hectares – less than half the size of the 211 hectares originally proposed. The controversial project received nearly 4000 objections, via a campaign driven by the Stop the Tip group, during consultation last year.
A total of 103 individual submissions were received, including several supporting the proposal. Mr Wynne said the decision was consistent with the Environment Protection Authority works approval granted in March and reflected advice from the independent planning panel. “We are serious about reducing waste, increasing recycling and reducing demand for more landfill space,” he said. “I have approved a significantly smaller tip expansion than what was proposed, with conditions attached to protect the broader community.” The approved permit will expire in 2046, rather than in 2068 as requested, to ensure
more focus on recycling and reducing waste to landfill. Mr Wynne said it would be no closer to homes in Caroline Springs, Burnside, Deer Park and Derrimut than the existing landfill. Melton and Brimbank councils expressed disappointment with the announcement. Brimbank mayor John Hedditch said the community felt “dumped on” and would be reviewing the detail of the panel report and recommendations before determining its options. Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey said her council stated its opposition in a submission to the panel hearing and again in a more recent
application for review at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal against the EPA’s decision to grant the works approval. Stop the Tip campaigner Marion Martin said the community felt “betrayed”. “We think this is a disaster for the west,” Ms Martin said. “With a stroke of his pen, Mr Wynne has condemned the west to decades of rubbish dumped in a stinking tip. “The west is not Melbourne’s dumping ground. “We want jobs and opportunities not a tip and we will fight for as long as it takes to stop this from going ahead.”
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