In this National Volunteer Week special of Moonee Valley Voices, host Matthew Galea brings together two of SES Essendon’s longest-serving volunteers - Justin Navas, Volunteer Unit Commander, and John Bates, Unit Controller - to celebrate 50 years of VICSES and explore the heartbeat of community resilience.

Episode Highlights:

• Origins & Roles: Justin and John share how they found their calling in SES and the unique leadership responsibilities they hold.
• Evolution Over 50 Years: Discover how VICSES has grown from grassroots beginnings in 1975 to a modern emergency-response force.
• Behind the Call-Outs: Vivid anecdotes of major flood and storm responses, including joint efforts with Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and even local AFL players.
• Volunteer Culture: Insights into recruitment, training pipelines and the camaraderie that keeps 41 volunteers ready 24/7.
• Wear Orange Wednesday: What it means to “turn the town orange,” host community events and amplify gratitude with #ThankYouSES.
• Get Involved: Step-by-step advice on signing up, hosting a WOW Day morning tea or pitching in with fundraising and equipment drives.
• Valley Faves: A light-hearted rapid-fire round uncovering the best cafés, parks and hidden gems in Moonee Valley.

Whether you’re considering signing up as a volunteer or simply want to learn how SES protects our streets and waterways, this episode is packed with actionable tips, inspiring stories and a genuine celebration of community spirit.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or watch on YouTube.

In this engaging episode of Moonee Valley Voices, Matthew Galea chats with Natalie Piscopo, founder and director of StellaFortis Consulting (formerly VCJ Recruitment) and Disability Network Coordinator at CoCo Support Services. Natalie shares her inspiring personal and professional journey, discusses the critical importance of quality recruitment in allied health and disability sectors, and offers practical insights into navigating the complexities of the NDIS.

Discover Natalie's unique approach to building genuine relationships in business, her passion for supporting local communities, and valuable tips on selecting the right disability support providers. Natalie also discusses recent NDIS funding changes and their impact on service delivery.

*Important Note:* Since recording this episode, Natalie's recruitment business has rebranded from VCJ Recruitment to StellaFortis Consulting. Visit https://www.stellafortis.com.au/ or follow @stellafortisconsulting https://www.instagram.com/stellafortisconsulting on Instagram.

*Chapter Markers:*
- 00:00:09 - Introduction and Welcome
- 00:00:56 - Natalie’s Background and Career Journey
- 00:04:13 - Transition to Allied Health and Disability Recruitment
- 00:06:00 - Working with Local Moonee Valley Businesses
- 00:07:07 - Navigating NDIS Challenges and Provider Shortages
- 00:09:29 - Tips on Finding Reputable NDIS Providers
- 00:12:09 - Recommended Local Disability Support Services
- 00:15:18 - In-demand Allied Health Roles (Speech Pathology & OT)
- 00:16:42 - Moving Back to Moonee Valley Community
- 00:18:36 - Growing a Business and Recruitment Strategies
- 00:22:33 - Adapting to NDIS Changes (October 2024)
- 00:27:38 - Importance of Personality Matching in Recruitment
- 00:30:13 - Quick-fire Moonee Valley Favourites (Cafés, Restaurants, Sports Clubs)
- 00:32:05 - Where to Connect with Natalie

*Enjoy the episode and don't forget to subscribe to Moonee Valley Voices!*

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, host Matthew Galea sits down with Samantha Byrne, a proud local who has been elected onto the local council three times.

Together, we discussed growing up in Moonee Valley, her eventual interest in local government and how council elections have changed across COVID and beyond.

We explore the complexities of the Victorian Government’s Activity Centres Program and the community feedback she has received.

Sam offers her personal perspective (not Council-endorsed) on the challenges ahead, including how increased housing density might strain local infrastructure like schools, parks, and sporting clubs.

Plus, we wrap up with Sam’s favourite local haunts for coffee, dinner, and a peaceful stroll.

Whether you’re a resident concerned about planning changes or simply love hearing from the people shaping our community, this is an episode not to miss.

DISCLAIMER: Samantha Byrne appeared on the Moonee Valley Voices podcast in a personal capacity. The views that she expressed on the podcast are not Council-endorsed and are not reflective of the opinions of Moonee Valley City Council or her fellow Councillors. Any queries about Moonee Valley City Council matters can be directly addressed with Council or Councillors via phone, email or online forms.

How do you build a thriving business network in Moonee Valley?

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we sit down with Jordan Leask, a highly experienced commercial leader, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Business Essendon—a network dedicated to helping local business owners connect, collaborate, and grow.

Jordan shares his journey from corporate sales and partnerships in sports and entertainment to launching a business consultancy and creating a relationship-first business network for the North-West Melbourne region.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why networking isn’t just about transactions—but relationships
✅ How Business Essendon is creating new opportunities for local business owners
✅ The biggest B2B opportunities in Moonee Valley right now
✅ Lessons from Jordan’s career at Etihad Stadium, Essendon Football Club & TIXSTAR
✅ How to approach networking strategically to get real business results

If you’re a business owner looking to expand your network, gain insights from an industry leader, and discover new ways to grow, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧

📢 Listen Now & Connect with Business Essendon: https://businessessendon.com.au/
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-essendon
@businessendon on Instagram
📩 info@businessessendon.com.au

🔔 Subscribe for more stories from Moonee Valley’s business leaders!

#MooneeValleyVoices #BusinessNetworking #LocalBusiness #MooneeValley #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we sit down with Luisa Muscara, founder of Women in Moonee Valley (WMV)—a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting, sharing, and connecting women in the local community.

Luisa shares her deep connection to Moonee Valley, what inspired her to start WMV during the pandemic, and how the organisation has grown into a robust network for local women and businesses. We dive into the challenges women face, from social isolation to financial stress and gender-based violence, and discuss how WMV is making a difference through walking groups, business support, and community collaboration.

Plus, Luisa gives us a sneak peek into exciting plans for 2025, including new events, expanded resources, and a mission to rebuild WMV’s online presence after losing access to their original Instagram page.

🔗 Support & Connect with Women in Moonee Valley:

🌐 https://womeninmooneevalley.org.au/

📷 https://www.instagram.com/womeninmv/

Listen in to hear how Luisa and the WMV community are empowering local women and fostering a stronger, more connected Moonee Valley.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we're joined by Aneta Pazeski, a Moonee Valley business leader, entrepreneur, and financial educator. Aneta is the founder of Bridesmaids Dressing Room and the powerhouse behind "Money Mastery for Women"—a masterclass designed to help women take control of their finances, break free from stress, and build lasting wealth.

We chat about:
✔️ The power of mindset in financial success
✔️ Common money mistakes and how to fix them
✔️ Why financial literacy is a game-changer for women
✔️ Smart habits for long-term wealth creation
✔️ How manifestation plays a role in achieving financial goals

Listen now and take the first step toward financial confidence!
Want to attend Money Mastery for Women? Join Aneta on Tuesday, 4th March 2025 at Whitten Oval, Footscray. More details in the links below.

Links & Resources:
Register for Money Mastery for Women: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/money-mastery-for-women-masterclass-in-person-event-tickets-1237204224139
Follow Aneta on Instagram: @AnetaPazeski
Learn more about Bridesmaids Dressing Room: https://bridesmaidsdressingroom.com.au/

Meet Lucas Ivkovic, Moonee Valley’s own social media sensation, boasting over 6 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. From his days playing junior football on the soccer fields of Moonee Valley, his high school and involvement in local theatre to creating viral comedy sketches that resonate worldwide, Lucas’s journey is a testament to creativity and hard work.

In this episode, we explore:

• Lucas’s roots in Moonee Valley and how the local community shaped his creativity.
• The story behind his iconic character, "Kevin," and how musical theatre influenced his sketches.
• Insights into the world of content creation, from viral growth to navigating brand deals.
• Fun rapid-fire questions about his favourite local spots and hangouts.

Tune in for an inspiring chat about staying authentic, building an audience, and making it big in the digital world! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments.

Also on YouTube!

This episode was filmed at Content Hype's Moonee Ponds Podcast Studio. Learn more here:
https://contenthype.com.au/
https://contenthype.com.au/content-hype-studio/

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring local stories.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we sit down with Stephen Simone, a local hero and a friend of our host, Matthew Galea. Stephen shares the incredible story behind the Silent Sight Foundation, his advocacy for a cure for Usher Syndrome, and the deeply personal journey as a father to two boys battling this genetic disease. Discover how Stephen is driving groundbreaking research, raising awareness, and uniting the community to restore hope and sight for families affected by Usher Syndrome. Join us for this powerful conversation about resilience, innovation, and the strength of a parent’s love.

Learn more about the Silent Sight Foundation: https://www.silentsight.org/

This episode was filmed at Content Hype's Moonee Ponds Podcast Studio. Learn more here:
https://contenthype.com.au/
https://contenthype.com.au/content-hype-studio/

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring local stories.