It’s festival time for seniors
It is amazing that when we were young we often longed to be somebody else.
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Somebody famous. Perhaps an actor/actress, a champion sportsperson, the owner/driver of a Ferrari or a Porsche or maybe a millionaire with a large yacht, helicopter or aeroplane. No matter who or what it was, it became a long-held dream.
Unfortunately, a dream is just that. Something we hope for but unless we have the determination to make that dream come true, that’s where it remains, “In our dreams.”
When we reach seniority those dreams tend to disappear. Each and everyone of us in the most part has thrown away the list of those long-held desires and dreams, acknowledging that some of them we achieved, some we did not. However, does it really matter?
In our ‘Senior Years’, it is about the smaller things that give us the most pleasure. A coffee or a glass of wine (or more) with friends, dinner with the family, spending time with grandchildren, playing sport, weekends away, a day at the local football, a trip to the movies or joining an activity with like-minded people.
This year the Victorian Seniors Festival turns 40 and throughout the month of October Cobram is ready to celebrate you, the seniors in the community.
Cobram Community House and Cobram U3A will together host a delicious luncheon this Friday, October 7, commencing at noon. The event is free and will include guest speakers, entertainment, giveaways and information packs supported by a grant from Moira Shire to celebrate the district’s senior residents.
Come along and experience a great day out, as a senior member of your community you have earnt it.
The venue is Cobram Community House, 43-45 Punt Rd, Cobram.
For catering purposes, bookings are essential. Please call 5872 2224.
Footnote: The Victorian Seniors Festival is held throughout the month of October and there are activities galore around the state. Log into Victorian Seniors Festival 2022 to check out the program which includes a series of shows at the Edge Theatre at Federation Square, exhibitions in galleries and libraries throughout Melbourne, tennis, crochet, tai chi, creative workshops and a host of fun things over the entire month, many of which are free.
Being a sporting coach is a year round commitment
Cobram Tigers senior coach John Brunskill, 53, has taken a well-earnt break with his family after a busy yet exciting year for the club.
While the senior team did not claim the championship title, losing by three points to Mulwala in the GVNFL grand final, it can look back on a fantastic year of football, despite the disappointing setback.
If one is to take a look at successful sporting clubs, it is about club culture and respect, for the coach and for each other and undoubtedly a strong ingredient ingrained into Cobram Football Club over many years by its officials and coaches, commencing at junior level.
The quietly spoken Tiger coach acknowledges “I was never keen on public speaking and never thought I would ever coach.” However, in 2010 he was appointed chairman of selectors and assistant coach under Robert Osbourne and one year later ended his playing days to take on further coaching responsibilities.
Coaching Cobram over the past three years has been tough, players training hard but frustrated with little match play due to COVID. In 2021 the senior side was looking good until the remainder of the season was cancelled.
“Cobram is an exciting young team. They’re a great bunch of kids from good families. In fact, the club is much like an extended family, with teammates always ready to support each other,’’ John said.
“I am immensely proud of the boys, they have proven that the club means something to them. Every week eight-nine members of the team who attend university or work in Melbourne make the trip home to play.”
Two imports Jack Wilson (Geelong) and Mark Baker (North Melbourne list) have slotted in well and given an added boost to competition among the local players.
“Coaching is entirely a 12 months’ position, it doesn’t stop. I am seeking an independent to look at the video of the grand final and advise us on what he saw and what we need to change next season. There appeared to be many head scratching moments from umpires during the grand final,” John said.
‘We made some silly mistakes, but then that’s footy. It was hard to pick the best players, nobody really stood out on the day. However, we have been a great team all year and 19 players polled votes in the league’s Best Player Award, so it speaks for itself.”
John Brunskill grew up in Cobram from the age of 14 and played junior and senior footy at Barooga before going to Strathmerton and finally Cobram and looks forward to coaching the senior side again in the 2023 season.
Victoria Police Acting Sergeant at Cobram, John enjoys the country life and being involved with this warm, friendly, family club. His son Declan played Thirds and Fourths and had his first senior game at almost 16, while his three daughters have all played netball, with Isabella still playing with Cobram today.
A taste of Malaysia
Like to add a new cuisine to your cooking skills? Why not book your spot for ‘A Taste Of Malaysia’ cooking class with highly celebrated and talented NIZA at Cobram Community House.
Explore the delights of authentic Malaysian cooking and amaze your family and friends when you host your next dinner party.
The course runs for five weeks, commencing on October 12 until November 9.
Classes are held each Wednesday from 9.30am to 1.30pm at a cost of $90 or concession card holders $58.
Attendees will also gain skills in safe food handling techniques to equip them for the food industry.
Bookings are essential so please contact Cobram Community House on 5872 2224.
A perfect day
Cobram-born Justin Brooks married Sammy Cronan on a perfect spring day amid the spectacular backdrop of the Barooga Botanica Gardens last Sunday.
Surrounded by approximately 90 family members and close friends, many of whom had travelled from Sydney and Melbourne, the bride and groom walked together hand in hand to the rotunda where they were married by celebrant Di O’Brien.
The couple made their wedding day a family affair with Justin’s son Julian, 16, acting as Best Man while daughter Olivia, 14, was Maid of Honour. Ring bearer was the fifth member of the family, four-year-old German Shepherd Buddha who despite his obvious excitement took the role seriously.
A celebratory glass of champagne was enjoyed by everyone before moving on to the home of Justin’s parents Pat and Rosemary Brooks in Cobram where they were to enjoy hospitality at its best, with a sumptuous array of finger food, a well-stocked bar and great music in a large marquee.
Sammy and Justin have made their home in Sylvania, Sydney, where Justin runs his own successful business.
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