Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): I rise to congratulate a much-loved football club in my electorate of Northcote, and that is the Fitzroy Stars Football Club, who last month won the premiership, defeating Eltham by 32 points in the division 2 reserves grand final.

Based out of the Sir Douglas Nicholls oval in Thornbury at the Aborigines Advancement League, the Fitzroy Stars are a club that is deeply embedded in our Aboriginal community.

As Uncle Phil Cooper will tell you, the Stars are much more than a club where players gather to enjoy the sport. The Stars draw on a legacy stretching back to their formation in the 1970s and now include both netball and football teams.

Members are involved on and off the field, promoting fitness, nutrition and mental health. The club offers pathways to employment and education, champions community causes and actively fosters reconciliation by building strong connections between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

This is the first premiership for the Fitzroy Stars since joining the Northern Football Netball League in 2008.

Special congrats to Johnny Hayes, who was the best on the ground on the day, kicking five goals.

The Stars held their presentation night shortly after the grand final for both their footy and netball teams.

Congratulations to Brigitte Linares, Tamekah Atkinson, Rianne Hood, Beth Norris and Kowirra Thorpe, who were all awarded best and fairest for their netball clubs. Congratulations also to Max Maynard and Ethan Penrith, awarded best and fairest for the seniors football team, and Alex Williamson, who won best and fairest for the reserves. It is wonderful to see the Fitzroy— …