BERWICK
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
@StarNews_SE
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
/berwickstarnews
Battin’s backing business
Truly paw-some rescue
A love that lasts
DDCA makes its return
PAGE 3
PAGE 5
PAGE 7
SPORT
40¢ Inc. GST
SUBSCRIBE to our DIGITAL EDITION - It's FREE 12438485-CG03-20
Sale bribe denied By Cam Lucadou-Wells
EXPERTS IN FAMILY LAW
Casey Lifestyle Centre was sold for $28 million to Action Group in 2016. “So let’s put him to the test”, Mr Nehme wrote. Mr Aziz told the inquiry the “favour” was “definitely an overstatement”. He said he had no relationship with Mr Nehme at the time but they’d become friends in 2017. “There was no expectation that there will be a return favour. “The process was going to be a long and highly regulated exercise on the part of the City of Casey and I have no power to compel or force the sale of the property.” At the inquiry, Mr Aziz said he didn’t know that Action Group had applied to buy the site until the “secretive” tender process ended. “Because the process was done through a competitive tender I wasn’t sure if he was going to be a participant. “I had a suspicion he would be because he told me that that’s what they wanted to do. “It was done at total arm’s length from the political council, for obvious reasons.” Mr Aziz didn’t become friends with Mr Nehme until after the sale, he said. On 29 September 2016, two months after the sale’s approval, Mr Nehme transferred $21,000 into Mr Aziz’s then-wife’s account. Mr Aziz said he couldn’t recall the transfer. “The $21,000 is a total mystery to me.” In October and November, a $230,000 loan
from Mr Nehme was paid into the same account in three instalments - according to an affidavit signed by Mr Nehme as part of Mr Aziz’s divorce proceedings. The funds were to pay off a loan for dental surgery equipment, as well as share market losses and completion costs of a property development, Mr Aziz said. Mr Tovey asserted $214,000 was instead paid on a mortgage against the Aziz family home in Moondarra Drive, Berwick, $10,000 on his then-wife’s credit card and $3000 on a mortgage for a property in Officer. He accused Mr Aziz that it was part of a “total fabrication to defraud your wife of $230,000” “That $230,000 had been paid to you as a bribe?” Mr Aziz said: “Absolutely not. That is the most ridiculous assertion I’ve heard so far.” He said the loan restored the mortgages, which had been drawn down to pay off the debts such as dental equipment. He told the inquiry he had been in “dire financial straits” with $18,000 of monthly commitments. Mr Tovey said the $230,000 amount corresponded to the amount missing from the $600,000 cash that Mr Aziz lent to developer John Woodman. Mr Aziz had told IBAC under oath that he 12425088-FA36-19
Casey ex-mayor Sam Aziz has been accused of taking a bribe linked to the council’s $20 million sell off of the Casey Lifestyle Centre in the Fountain Gate precinct. Mr Aziz was grilled at the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry over his support for the sale over several years and an alleged “sham” $251,000 loan from his “friend” Andrew Nehme. Mr Nehme is director of property investor company Action Group Australia - a subsidiary of a Kuwait-based firm controlled by Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah. After some resistance, the council sold the 4-hectare Casey Lifestyle Centre to Action Group for $28 million in 2016. Counsel assisting IBAC Michael Tovey said Mr Aziz was given the $251,000 “corrupt” payment for assisting Mr Nehme with the sale. Mr Aziz replied: “Totally incorrect, and the removal that I had from the (tender) process proves that in itself. “It is a process that you do not want to understand because you want to incriminate me no matter what. “I had no involvement in the sale process. There was no corrupt payment from Mr Nehme.” In 2013, Mr Aziz raised a council motion initiating the sell-off of the lifestyle centre site by public tender. “I supported that because that was a good policy initiative”. In June 2013, Mr Nehme wrote to Sheik Mubarak telling him that then-deputy mayor Aziz would pursue the sale in a “timely manner”. “I mentioned to him that the market review was in August 2013 and he responded with ‘let’s try and get this finalised before then’.” Mr Aziz “feels compelled to respond with a favour to me” due to Mr Nehme helping Mr Aziz’s then wife and dentist. Mr Nehme had put her in contact with a health insurance provider, helping her become a Medibank-preferred provider, the inquiry heard.
lent Mr Woodman only $370,000. In July 2013, Mr Nehme transferred $2200 to Mr Aziz in July 2013. It was for two tickets for a fundraiser for federal MP Jason Wood at Crown Casino, Mr Aziz told the inquiry. In 2014, Mr Aziz had railed against the council commissioning a KMPG interim report in 2014 that eventually recommended not selling off the site. Mr Aziz also went into bat for Mr Nehme after the council issued letters-of-demand and sought a bank guarantee against Action Group over the $400,000-plus rent arrears on the lifestyle centre site. He then threatened to raise urgent business in closed council of “extremely disturbing” evidence of an officer’s alleged conduct in the matter. Counsel assisting IBAC Michael Tovey said Mr Aziz was causing the officer who “stood up for the council point of view” a “world of harm and misery”. “Where did your loyalties lie?” “He was standing for his own point of view, that particular officer, from memory,” Mr Aziz said. “And the council’s point of view is whatever the councillors decide by a majority vote at a council meeting. “I was not going to do him harm. I was simply asking for the matters that were raised to be investigated by the CEO.” AGA had leased the Casey Lifestyle Centre land from the council since 2005, subleasing it to large retailers. It had been at loggerheads with the council over more than $400,000 rent arrears in 2014 and 2015. After a tender process, AGA was approved as the “preferred purchaser” in a closed council meeting in July 2016. The lifestyle centre site was sold for $19.755 million and a surplus council office site on Regency Drive for $8.855 million. Within two years, AGA sought to sell off the lifestyle centre site for $70-million-plus. For more from the IBAC hearings, turn to pages 8-11
Affordable and Compassionate
03 9562 1855
Pakenham, Narre Warren, Drouin and Yarra Junction
155 Sladen St, Cranbourne
P 5941 5166 12467531-DL45-20
www.manningsfunerals.com.au
12387046-EPJ16-18
Serving Melbourne for over 75 years
RCA Villages is pleased to announce our tenth village in Victoria. Located in Cranbourne on the former Amstel Golf Club site, Tree Tops will offer spacious contemporary homes for discerning retirees.
Coming early 2021 To register your interest please call Madelin or Andrea on Freecall 1800 255 500 rcavillagestreetops.com.au OR COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW
I wish to receive (Please tick): A phone call from a Tree Tops representative. Join our mailing list for further updates.
Mr,
Mrs,
Ms (Please tick)
First Name ...........................................Surname .............................................................. Address................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................Postcode ...................... Telephone ............................................Email ....................................................................
Reply to: RCA Villages Unit 1/39-43 Duerdin St. Notting Hill VIC 3168 BERWICK & CRANBOURNE 18 NOVEMBER, 2020
For more information about our range of retirement communities visit rcavillages.com.au 2 STAR NEWS
|
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
12465207-SG47-20
Information Request
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
IN BRIEF Students followed by suspicious car
Thugs charged after bus robbery By Mitchell Clarke Three boys on bail have been charged following a terrifying bus attack, where they allegedly robbed a 17-year-old boy at knifepoint. The alleged incident occurred at about 1.15pm on Sunday 15 November, while the victim was travelling on a bus on Narre WarrenCranbourne Road. According to a Victoria Police spokeswoman, a group of six to seven youths boarded the bus at the Narre Warren railway station
on Webb Street. It’s alleged three members of the group approached the 17-year-old boy and began making demands for his phone before threatening him with a knife. The thugs reportedly stole the victim’s phone and air pods, police say. Three 16-year-old boys were arrested on Tuesday morning, 17 November, after detectives from the Southern Metro Crime Team executed two search warrants in Cranbourne North.
The three boys, all from Cranbourne North, were arrested during the warrants and taken into custody to be interviewed. The trio, who were all on bail at the time, were charged with a string of offences including armed robbery, theft and possessing a controlled weapon. One of the thugs was also said to have been carrying cannabis at the time of the alleged offence. All three are set to face a children’s court.
Police have told a Berwick primary school they’ll increase patrols after two more students were allegedly followed by a suspicious car, just weeks after two similar incidents near the same school. Berwick Chase Primary School principal Chris Short released a letter to the school community following the alleged incident which took place on Thursday morning, 12 November. The letter stated two primary aged students noticed a driver “behaving suspiciously” while they were walking to school. “The car turned from an adjacent street and stopped next to the two students. The car then reversed about four metres before driving off,” the letter read. Mr Short said the matter was immediately reported to Victoria Police, who confirmed officers would increase patrols over the coming days. “The safety of our students is always our number one priority,” he said. As recently reported by the Gazette, two girls were left shaken after they were also allegedly stalked in seperate incidents on Monday 26 October. The first incident occurred between 8.10 and 8.30am when a year five girl was followed on her way to school. The young girl recalled a silver car, which was reportedly driven by a man with dark curly hair, pull up next to her facing oncoming traffic. A second girl, a year 10 student from St Francis Xavier College was subjected to an almost identical experience. The mother of the first victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the latest incidents were “extremely concerning”. Mr Short said the most recent incident was a “timely reminder” to reinforce various safety messages to children. He said students should always walk directly to and from school and avoid walking alone, talking to strangers or getting into cars. Victoria Police and the Education Department were contacted for comment.
Two Porsches pinched
Gembrook MP Brad Battin launching the campaign with Lynda Campbell from Berwick Bulk Foods. 220493
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Battin’s backing small business By Mitchell Clarke As the retail industry begins to reopen and get to a state of normalcy again, there is a renewed push to support local this Christmas. With popular mega chains Kmart and Bunnings flooded with customers again, locals are being urged to instead shop a little closer to home, where possible. Many small businesses are set to feel the pinch of the pandemic for months and years to come, and that stark reality is one of the driving factors that prompted Gembrook MP Brad Battin to launch his ‘Think Local, Support Local’ campaign. “The road to recovery for small business
is going to be a long one, and I believe as a community we must do all we can to assist, ensuring we protect local jobs,” he said. “This Christmas make sure you come down and support our local businesses and make 2021 a very special year for these small businesses that continue to support our community.” With the festive season nearing, Mr Battin’s campaign will also coincide with his ‘12 Days of Christmas’ competition. Locals are encouraged to nominate their favourite business within the Gembrook electorate for a chance to win a voucher to spend at that chosen shop. “We will draw 12 lucky people who have
nominated wonderful local businesses and if you win, we’ll give you a voucher to spend this Christmas,” Mr Battin explained. “It’s been a tough year, so shop local, think local and support local to make sure our small businesses are here when we need them in the future.” The competition will reward the community by putting a much needed boost back into the struggling local economy. Nominations close on 11 December. The store with the most nominations will also win a celebratory hamper. To vote for your favourite local business, visit: https://bradbattin.com.au/.
A Porsche that was taken from a home in Brighton was found parked in Berwick. Detectives from Southern Metro Region Crime Team are investigating the theft of two Porsches from Brighton on Wednesday 4 November. One of the vehicles was located in Berwick, however the midnight blue Porsche 911 is yet to be found. Police investigators have released an image of the outstanding Porsche, which is distinctive due to its one-of-a-kind colour. If anyone knows the location of the Porsche or the identities of those involved please contact Detective Senior Constable Silk on 9767 7618, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
A Porsche that was taken from a home in Brighton was found parked in Berwick.
We empower young learners to take action, by nurturing their curious young minds. Find out how our world class programs of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and expert staff in our Junior School and ELC can help your child flourish in our intimate learning spaces and classes.
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
12465118-DL42-20
Empowering curious young minds Non-Selective Entry | Non-Denominational Small Classes | Co-Educational ELC and Junior School Dedicated Senior Girls and Boys Schools
StMargarets.vic.edu.au Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 3
NEWS
‘Worst road’ fixed By Mitchell Clarke One of Cardinia Shire’s most notorious roads, which was once dubbed the “worst road in Beaconsfield” has finally been upgraded, after a lengthy ordeal for residents. Kenilworth Avenue is officially open to traffic again following the council’s $1 millionplus investment in Stage 2 of the project. As part of Stage 2 works, road pavements and drainage was installed from the freeway overpass to Coach House Lane. Public lighting and a shared path was also created along the length of the once-pothole ridden avenue. The works follow Stage 1 of the project, which were finished by the adjacent housing developer in June of this year. It included road pavement and drainage works along Kenilworth Avenue from Brunt Road to the freeway overpass. As reported by the Gazette over the past few years, residents were often left in the lurch waiting for any kind of action. The stretch was often inundated with one to two metre wide and 15cm deep pot holes scattered across the road. Liberal Gembrook MP Brad Battin said his office had been involved in the long saga throughout the years, adding that residents “had to wait a long time” for a fix. Beacon Hills Ward councillor Brett Owen said the “fantastic completed project” would be welcomed by the local community. “It’s great to see that this road has now been finished ... I know it’s been long awaited, and I thank everyone for their patience, but it’s now open for use,” he said. Further improvement to pedestrian access in the area is being investigated.
Livestream drops out By Andrew Cantwell
File image of Gembrook MP Brad Battin with residents at the site. 184392
Further improvement to pedestrian access in the area is being investigated. 221138
The road prior to works. 184392
A technical glitch prevented Casey City’s administrators livestreaming their regular meeting on Tuesday 18 November, leaving ratepayers in the dark. The administrators were due to consider only two items - the council’s quarterly activity report, and a change to emergency response management - plus the record of meetings outside the public eye. The meeting minutes posted to the council’s website on Tuesday afternoon noted the meeting start was delayed by 15 minutes from its normal 4pm starting time and concluded 17 minutes later. Both items due to be considered were noted and approved. There were no questions from the public listed. The minutes also noted the meeting was recorded and would be posted for public viewing at a later time. The Casey administrators’ meetings are currently closed to the public due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the Chief Health Officer’s directive that those who can work from home should work from home. The meetings are not due to re-open to the public until February. Administrators will also move to a single monthly meeting next year, rather than the current fortnightly schedule.
Kenilworth Avenue is now open to traffic following Cardinia Shire Council’s $1 millionplus investment in Stage 2 of the project. 221138 Pictures: DANIELLE KUTCHEL
EVERYTHING WE’RE DOING IS KEEPING US ON TOP OF THIS VIRUS
Keep our fitted face masks on and keep our distance.
Keep catching up outdoors.
Keep washing our hands.
Keep getting tested if we have any symptoms.
Go to CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne 12470474-HL47-20
4 STAR NEWS
|
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Social housing boosted By Mitchell Clarke and Danielle Kutchel Berwick, Cranbourne, Hallam and Beaconsfield have been flagged as potential locations for new social housing sites as part of the State Government’s record $5.3 billion budget promise. The “unprecedented” big housing build will deliver 12,000 new homes over the next four years, providing both public and community housing, and boosting the state’s social housing supply by 10 percent. It will also create 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years in a much-needed boost to the economy. The building blitz is set to target the local government areas of Casey and Cardinia, after the south-east growth corridors were identified in the top 21 priority areas across the state. Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said the announcement encapsulated the demand for such a service in the south east. She said it was “reform from the heart” and a driving factor as to why she joined the Labor party. “This is life changing, it is a big investment and it benefits all of us. It is caring for people and also creating jobs for people - it is a social investment and an economic one as well,” she said.
“In Casey and Cardinia, the number of people reaching out to homelessness services, financial services and support services is just too high, the number of women and children experiencing family violence is too high, the number of young people couch surfing is too high. “We have a growing number of single older women at risk of homelessness, we have people dealing with mental health challenges, and people living with a disability that need suitable accommodation. “This investment is for them, because they are worth it, they are part of our community.” While specific locations have not yet been publicly identified, the State Government has flagged the suburbs of Berwick, Cranbourne and Hallam in Casey and Beaconsfield and Kooweerup in Cardinia. “We recognise they are fast growing communities that have very little public and community housing available and we acknowledge that if you don’t have safety and security of housing you are at risk of homelessness,” Ms Crugnale said. “When you have a secure and safe place to call home, everything else starts to fall into place like your health, work opportunities, education and that sense of belonging and participating as an active citizen in your community.”
Kathryn Seirlis, growth and investment manager at the City of Casey, welcomed the funding for the housing and economic stimulus it would provide. “In Casey alone, there is an existing shortfall of more than 5,500 affordable housing dwellings,” she said. “Without changes, this could increase to a shortage of more than 10,000 affordable housing dwellings by 2041. In addition to affordable housing, it is estimated that by 2041, some 4,800 emergency accommodation places will also be required.” The City of Casey is a signatory to the Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter 2020, which advocates for increased social housing investment throughout the state. “We know that our community has been significantly impacted by Covid-19 and the addition of further affordable housing would help alleviate some of this pressure, and contribute to our city’s economic recovery,” Ms Seirlis said. Statewide, 10 per cent of the new homes will be allocated to Aboriginal Victorians, while a further 1000 homes will be set aside for family violence survivors, and 2000 for people suffering mental illness. Almost 3000 new af-
fordable and low-cost homes will also be built to help low-to-moderate income earners live closer to where they work. Twenty-five per cent of the housing has been allocated in regional Victoria, with the location of developments largely dependent on amenity, price and purchase terms. Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas thanked everyone in the community who had advocated “so strongly” for the initiative. “Your calls were heard,” he said. “Many of us take a roof over our head for granted. It is important to support people through difficult circumstances so they too can build decent lives for themselves. This investment will continue to deliver more options to more people in need.” Housing Minister Richard Wynne added the project was “not just investing in bricks and mortar, but the lives of Victorians for decades to come”. More than 6000 dwellings will commence within the first 18 months of the project. By June 2023, construction will have started on more than 11,000 homes, with the final 1,300 homes to commence by June 2024. The Victorian Budget 2020/21 is set to be handed down on Tuesday 24 November.
A paw-some rescue By Mitchell Clarke A group of three-week-old kittens have been rescued into the real world after their mini meows were heard from inside the wall cavity of a Berwick house. Narre Warren SES volunteers were called to the property just before 9am on Saturday 14 November, after the occupants reported hearing an unusual sound coming from the walls. The bizarre call-out prompted volunteer Aaron Heathcote to search the roof space, as other crew members conducted sound checks along the wall to find the felines. But it was a borescope camera, which is commonly used to inspect narrow or difficult areas that eventually located the lost little kittens. “All of a sudden we could see three very thankful faces looking up at us through the camera,” Mr Heathcote explained. To get to the mini moggies, rescue crews made a small incision into the plaster, approximately 30 centimetres above the kittens. Reaching in to the darkness, Mr Heathcote was able to carefully grab hold of the animals and bring them to safety - and into the real world. “One was a little feisty, however did calm down fairly quickly,” he recalled. It remains unknown how the curious youngsters ended up in the wall, with the residents at a loss as to how they got into their
A trapped kitten as seen on the borescope. home in the first place. “The owners were a little shocked by this ordeal ... but they were happy that we managed to rescue them safely,” Mr Heathcote added. The precious cargo was transported to the Casey Emergency Vet for a check-up and will live with a cat rescue until they’re old enough to be find their forever homes.
SES volunteers Theo and Aaron with one of the kittens.
St Francis Xavier College
Pictures: SUPPLIED
Limited plac es available at o ur Officer Camp us Year 7 2021
Berwick, Officer, and Beaconsfield
St Francis Xavier College is a comprehensive, co-educational Catholic Secondary College that offers a broad range of curriculum from Years 7 to 12.
Our religious education and faith programs are designed to support each student to grow in faith by proclaiming the Gospel and invites all to share in the saving mission of Christ.
12469494-LB46-20
www.sfx.vic.edu.au
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
03 9707 3111
info@sfx.vic.edu.au 03 9707 3111 Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 5
OPINION SOCIALLY SPEAKING
LENSCAPE Pakenham Berwick Cranbourne Drouin
5941 4888 9707 5755 5996 6822 5625 2571
www.davidwbull.com.au
Australian owned family business since 1979.
1213066-EPJ04-16
David W Bull Funeral Directors Provide understanding care and personal service.
WERE BACK OPEN!!! VISIT: WWW.HARRYSCLOTHING.COM.AU
A Swan soaking up the sun. 221451
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Gift Vouchers Available OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LATE ON FRI, SAT & SUN
Thumbs Down!
9 Loveridge Walk, BERWICK
12464498-SN43-20
Ph: 9796 2777
CHEAPEST FLOORING/DECKING
Thumbs Up! To Australian Butchers Store in Berwick. Awesome chicken gyros on the spit.
•DECKING:Merbau,Spotted Gum,RoyalReds,Blackbutt, Tallowood70x19from$2.30p/m, 86x19,90x19from$2.80p/m 130x19,140x19from$4.50p/m •FlooRBoaRDS:Jarrah, Blackbutt,Ironbark,BrushBox, SpottedGum,Tallowood, Bluegum,Turpentine,Tasmanian oak80x19,85x19,108x19, 130x19,130x14from$2p/m
Thumbs Up! To being allowed to go away for the weekend, and outside our 25 kilometres.
12448753-SN20-20
starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au com.au
Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au
6 STAR NEWS
|
12452305-LN26-20
REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au
Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600
To the IBAC inquiry holding people to account!
Thumbs Down! To masks still being a thing.
Thumbs Up! To all our emergency services people for the wonderful work they do.
Thumbs Down! To the lack of garden maintenance around the Berwick area. Must be too hot for the council to get the mowers out. Good work Casey Council, coming into summer.
Thumbs Down! To Clyde Road.
By Danielle Kutchel
ALL NEW TIMBER
11 Windale St, Dandenong Mel Ref: 90 G10
Thumbs Up!
Have a say on mental health roadmap
STOCK LIQUIDATION SALE
9708 5055 0411 515 158
Driving home on Tuesday after picking up my new car (2019 model) from a local apparently reputable car dealer, look down at the kms, and then realised this was not the car I test drove and left a deposit on, although same model and colour, as it had a lot more kms on it! I went straight back and I was told it was an “honest mistake” the car I actually bought was nowhere to be seen!
On Thursday 12 November, a story was shared to the Star News’ Facebook pages about traffic levels gradually increasing since the end of lockdown. Here is how our readers reacted online: Ali Uds: Lockdown driving was great. Did not miss the crazy traffic. Gerry Hoekstra: Fine drivers for excessive lane changing which is a major cause of road incidents. Denise Dowling: I was nearly crushed by two trucks going to work on the Monash. Not only was the truck speeding in the 80km zone he knew I was in the next lane but continued to merge into my lane. That idiot will kill someone one day soon. He was driving for Hanson trucks. Margaret Cooper: Took me 90 minutes to go from Pakenham to Mount Waverley. Lynne D Kuhl: Not everyone is patient dealing with driving on the freeway. Dean Larsen: Unsustainable population growth is the cause of this and many other problems. Joanne Greenwood: I have drove to work through this pandemic and haven’t had to stay home. Have noticed traffic is getting worse and people are so impatient. Michelle R Morley: It’s like people have forgotten how to drive is the thing. Brian Emmitt: It’s not so much they’ve forgotten (how to drive), they just don’t give a s*** about anyone else but themselves. Keith Letts: The problem is the government and councils allow thousands of homes to be built in these areas and all they are interested in is land tax and council rates there is no forethought whatsoever in regards to the infrastructure. Michael Higgins: Can’t have your cake and eat it too. David Harris: Welcome to Tailgate Country!
Community consultation is now open on the National Mental Health Commission’s Vision 2030 Roadmap for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The roadmap will set out the blueprint for Australia’s national approach to mental health and wellbeing. Members of the community are invited to take part in the guided online consultation process, which will inform the content and recommendations of the roadmap. This is to ensure that the roadmap incorporates as wide a range of experiences as possible. Through special interest meetings and external expertise, the Commission has identified a number of priority areas for inclusion in the roadmap: improving wellbeing; working together; harnessing information; facilitating access; building community-based care; and delivering quality, personalised care. More information about these areas is included on the consultation website. The online consultation follows a series of forums held throughout the country late last year, to engage with the community on the ground about their mental health experiences. Online consultation on the roadmap closes on 4 December 2020 and is open to all. To participate, visit https://consultation.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/policy-projects/ vision-2030-roadmap/
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
Health Minister Greg Hunt and CEO of the National Mental Health Commission Christine Morgan. Picture: NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION TWITTER berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Lasting love By Jessica Anstice A couple who left Germany for Australia in 1961 celebrated 70 years of marriage on 18 November. Berwick Springs residents, Walter and Anneli Oechsle, 93 and 94, were married in Lorch, a small village in the south of Germany in 1950. After her family lost everything in World War 2, Anneli moved from Berlin to Lorch. Walter was born in Lorch, where he has attended primary and secondary school before starting an apprenticeship with Siemens, a conglomerate company in Stuttgart, some 45 kilometres from Lorch. After marrying, the pair had three boys who were born in Schaebisch Gmuend and Stuttgart. They moved into a small two bedroom apartment in Stuttgart before heading off to Australia. Walter went by air with a number of flights starting in Stuttgart and ending up in Melbourne in 1961. Anneli, with her then three, five and 10-year-old boys, went via boat on the Queen Elizabeth and arrived in Port Melbourne in August 1961. The family settled in a small three bedroom home in Glen Waverley, then on the outskirts of Melbourne. Walter worked for Siemens in Richmond and their three sons attended local schools. In 1967, the family moved back to Germany for Walter’s work with Siemens. After nine years, in 1975, Walter was offered the position of general manager in Australia, which after some thought he accepted and the family moved back to Melbourne, again settling in Glen Waverley. Their eldest son at that time had commenced a university course in architecture and returned to Germany where he completed
his studies and subsequently settled in Stuttgart, where he lives to this day. Their second eldest son studied electrical engineering at Monash University and is now retired in Sydney. Their youngest son studied medicine at Monash and worked in Cranbourne as a GP for over 30 years and has now also retired. After retiring at the age of 60, Walter and Anneli continued to live in their large home in Glen Waverley, until they moved to Berwick to downsize and be closer to their youngest son, some 18 years ago. The pair have kept themselves busy by travelling a lot in the earlier years after retirement and looking after their magnificent garden in Glen Waverley and later in Berwick Springs. Anneli particularly loves her garden and is usually found outside pruning, digging, shredding and harvesting her home grown vegies. Walter has kept himself busy with developing some LED lights over the last few years, which have been ground breaking in their design. Together they have supported their sons and their families tremendously over the years. They love nothing more than to spend time with their seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. This year was to be a year of celebration for them with their 70th wedding anniversary and Anneli’s 95th birthday. Unfortunately like for so many other families, Covid-19 put a spanner in the works and planned visits from family in Germany, USA and the UK have had to be cancelled. Facetime on the trusted iPad have fortunately kept them in touch with their family spread over the globe. Berwick Springs residents, Walter and Anneli Oechsle, 93 and 94, were married in Lorch, a small village in the south of Germany in 1950. 12470601-CG47-20
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 75 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 43 already gone. We’re also upgrading the Cranbourne Line and building better roads. Train disruptions: Buses/coaches replace trains in both directions Cranbourne Line
26 Nov to 2 Dec
Dandenong to Cranbourne
Gippsland Line
29 Nov Each day, 30 Nov to 2 Dec 3 to 6 Dec
Sale to Bairnsdale
28 Nov Each night, 30 Nov to 2 Dec
Southern Cross to Bairnsdale
MTIA4639
Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps Monash Freeway
In Nov
Overnight freeway closures and ongoing lane and ramp closures
Princes Freeway
In Nov
Overnight lane and ramp closures
Old Dandenong Road, Dingley Village
Until 6pm 23 Nov
Closed between Boundary and Tootal roads
Woodlands Drive, Braeside
Until 7pm 2 Dec
Closed at Lower Dandenong Road intersection
Keep in mind, there are other disruptions over spring. Find a detailed list at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 7
NEWS
IBAC INQUIRY
Jim Penman, founder of Jim’s Group, had consulted with Casey ex-mayor Sam Aziz on taking over Yarra Ranges Council, IBAC heard.
‘Jim’s Council’ plot By Cam Lucadou-Wells Ex-mayor Sam Aziz has revealed an attempt with Jim’s Mowing founder Jim Penman to “take over” Yarra Ranges Council with a likeminded group of councillors. The aim was to install a predominantly Liberal “working majority” - “good people” to replicate the “success” of Casey Council, he told an IBAC inquiry on 16 November. They would be community servants with skills in business and “good governance”, Mr Aziz said. Mr Aziz said he had been in talks with Mr Penman, Jim’s Group chief executive Tino Grossi as well as members of Mr Aziz’s “political circle” about the “project”. Mr Penman had expressed “great frustration” about Yarra Ranges councillors, Mr Aziz said. Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, asked if Mr Aziz wanted to export a “model of corruption” from Casey to Yarra Ranges. Mr Aziz, who is under investigation over allegedly corrupt land deals at the Operation Sandon inquiry, dismissed the “ridiculous question”. “There’s no corruption or behaviour traits, as you describe, Mr Tovey, in relation to Casey Council.” It achieved a “majority of hard-working individuals” delivering “one of the best local governments this country has ever seen”, he said.
Sam Aziz at the IBAC hearing on 16 November. “Our financial position speaks for it in terms of the council budget. “The achievements we’ve made speaks for it, and I was trying to deliver that model to another council. “As it turned out that was a very short-lived aspiration because of the commencement of the IBAC inquiry.” Mr Aziz said he’d become an “expert” in getting candidates elected onto council. He discussed with former Casey mayor Janet Halsall with helping the Yarra Ranges push. In the 2016 Casey council election, Mr Aziz enlisted Ms Halsall as campaign manager for
about 20 candidates that “we wanted to support”. He said he had no knowledge about developer John Woodman funding their campaigns. Substantial fundraisers had been held for candidates, including Cr Aziz himself. The inquiry had earlier heard Mr Woodman bankrolled the effort with between $50,000$98,000. False invoices for the campaign were allegedly funnelled through Ms Halsall’s mattress shop. Mr Aziz told the inquiry that he may have spoken to Mr Woodman and Woodman lobby-
ist Lorraine Wreford. But they weren’t “decision makers” in Mr Aziz’s strategy. Ms Wreford was told to “keep her nose out”, Mr Aziz said. According to Ms Wreford, Mr Aziz pitched the scheme to Mr Woodman over lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Dandenong. Ms Wreford said her own part was to ensure “invoices got paid, nothing else”. Mr Aziz had pitched the idea on the basis of helping candidates “who don’t have the means to run for council”, Ms Wreford said. “If you have a ward in the City of Casey, it’s almost as big as a state electorate. “So to actually financially fund a campaign to even put one brochure out is quite expensive.” Mr Aziz’s campaign may not have received any of the Woodman funding, she told the inquiry. Mr Woodman had told the inquiry that he paid about $50,000. Prior to the election, candidates were rated by Mr Woodman’s associates as either “friendly”, opponents or unknown in their attitude towards Amendment C219. The amendment was proposed to rezone a large tract of industrial land in Cranbourne West to residential use - a push that was being driven by Mr Woodman and developer Leighton.
HAS YOUR SUPER FUND TAKEN A HIT DURING COVID-19?
12466817-JW43-20
Advertise your business locally this Christmas...
Property has always proven to be a safer, less volatile investment. Talk to our experienced staff now to find out why.
Check us out 12470766-HL47-20
8 STAR NEWS
|
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
starnewsgroup.com.au
03 9702 2595
safe-super.com.au berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
IBAC INQUIRY
Sam Aziz is questioned by QC Michael Tovey at the IBAC inquiry.
Sam Aziz and John Woodman in a Subway outlet in Skye.
Picture: IBAC
Woodman cash link denied By Cam Lucadou-Wells More than $300,000 in unexplained cash deposits landed in former Casey mayor Sam Aziz’s accounts over a three-year period, an IBAC inquiry has heard. Mr Aziz told the inquiry that he couldn’t recall the sources of the deposits ranging from $2000 to $20,000 in 2014-’17. He also deposited cheques totalling up to $50,000 from Zagame’s in Berwick, the inquiry heard. The deposits may have been from “big” wins on Keno at the Zagame’s venue, or takings from the family dental surgery, Mr Aziz said.
“I can assure you it had nothing to do with (developer John) Woodman,” he said. He flatly denied that he was laundering money at the venue. Counsel assisting the inquiry Michael Tovey said some of the payments coincided with key council decisions on Mr Woodman’s quest for rezoning Cranbourne West industrial land Amendment C219. Mr Tovey said he wasn’t suggesting all the deposits came from Mr Woodman but that Mr Aziz took cash from “wherever you could find it”. Mr Woodman had told the inquiry he first raised C219 with Mr Aziz in late 2013.
IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich questioned Mr Aziz on making “no attempt” to go through his records since giving private evidence on the matter in October 2019. Mr Aziz said he didn’t have access the documentation, which had been taken from his home while he was in China. Operation Sandon investigators have alleged that Mr Aziz received more than $900,000 from developer John Woodman. Ex-mayor and Woodman lobbyist Lorraine Wreford couriered up to $15,000 a month to Mr Aziz. They were “monthly interest” payments on the $600,000 that Mr Aziz delivered in a suit-
case to Mr Woodman at the Sandhurst Club in 2017, he told the inquiry. He also had an agreement for $25,000 a month as a ‘Smart Cities’ consultant for Mr Woodman’s Little River project in 2018. It included $2000 a month in cash for “incidentals” for taking people out for coffees and meetings. Mr Aziz denied knowing Mr Woodman was funding his $5000 monthly consultancy fee for Spicer Thoroughbreds - owned by Ms Wreford’s partner Bernard Lee. According to Mr Tovey, this was contradicted by Mr Aziz chasing up his Spicer fee in an email to Mr Woodman.
T X E N R U O Y N PLA
! P I R T D A O R
A 1975 Princes Highway, Nar Nar Goon VIC 3812 T 03 5942 5895
W highwaycaravancentre.com.au
12470086-SN47-20
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 9
NEWS
IBAC INQUIRY
MP’s job ‘bribe’ denied By Cam Lucadou-Wells Former Labor MP Judith Graley was offered a job by developer John Woodman soon after she left State Parliament, an IBAC inquiry has heard. In a phone intercept on 9 October 2018, Mr Woodman and ALP lobbyist Phil Staindl discuss a future “on the ground” lobbying role for the Narre Warren South MP at Mr Woodman’s company Watsons. They were to raise the matter with Ms Graley at a lunch at Point Leo Estate restaurant on 2 November. Mr Woodman, who is in the UAE watching a Pakistan-Australian Test cricket match, says: “We will be going forward with her.” Mr Staindl says Ms Graley could cover a “lot of the community stuff”. “I said last week ‘Have you given any more thought to what sort of role you want?’ “She said ‘Not hugely’. She wanted to have a bit of space first up ... It was the final week of Parliament two weeks ago and yep, she’s still busy.” In the lead-up, Ms Graley had been advocating to the Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s office for Mr Woodman’s desired rezoning of Cranbourne West industrial land, the inquiry heard. Soon after, media reports linked the matter - known as Amendment C219 - to alleged corrupt deals between developers and Casey councillors. Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, told Mr Staindl on 12 November that the job offer “smacks very much of a bribe”. “No, it was actually looking at how we could build on her skill set, and the area that was being discussed was community development because she had a strong interest in that role,” Mr Staindl replied. “I don’t think it’s unreasonable for a retiring
Former Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley was offered a job by developer John Woodman after she left State Parliament, IBAC has heard. MP to start considering options in the weeks leading up to their retirement what they may or may not do post then, and, as it transpired, she decided to pursue a different course.” On 10 March 2020, IBAC heard that Ms Graley’s role was scuttled after she was told by
Claim of election cash for MP’s rezoning support
NOVEMBER SPECIALS Half Price Watches 20% off any Jewellery Purchase
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Specialising in designing, remodelling and repairing of Jewellery
Drysdales Berwick Village Jewellery 2 Blackburne Square Berwick VIC 3806 03 9707 2647 | berjewel@ozemail.com.au 10 STAR NEWS
|
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
12471069-SN47-20
Just arrived - new jewellery pieces for Christmas gifts
DRYSDALES – the Jewellers Quality jewellery is forever
ALP senior advisers to stay away from C219. Developer consultant Tom Kenessey told the hearing that a “devastated” Ms Graley apparently told Mr Woodman she was going to take 12 months’ holiday and didn’t want to work with him anymore.
Mr Woodman also seemed “disappointed” by the news in early 2019, Mr Kenessey said. Ms Graley has been named as “our good friend in the SE (South East)” in an email exchange between Mr Woodman and Mr Staindl, the inquiry has also heard. Ms Graley was couched as developer John Woodman and his associates’ last hope in swaying the State Government to rezone the land during the emails on 20 June 2018. At stake was a $200 million residential estate proposal by developer Leightons and a $2 million ’success fee’ for Mr Woodman personally, the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry heard. Mr Woodman told the inquiry in 2019 he’d been funding Ms Graley’s political campaigning but denied she lobbied for the rezoning out of a “sense of obligation” to him. Ms Graley had been a “friend” going back to her time as a Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor, one of the “main instigators” of Mr Woodman’s Martha Cove project, he said. And she had the “ability to speak directly to the Minister for Planning”. In an earlier email to Mr Woodman, his lobbyist and former Labor candidate Phil Staindl described Ms Graley briefing him on her lobbying. She approached “the Minister” and his delegate ‘AH’, reportedly telling them that halting C219 would be “politically disastrous” and against the “overwhelming views of local residents”, Mr Staindl wrote. “She went so far as to predict it will (be) the difference between winning and losing the seat of Cranbourne.” After 12 years as a Labor MP, Ms Graley did not recontest her Narre Warren South seat at the 2018 state election. The inquiry heard that Mr Woodman donated more than $150,000 to Labor ahead of the election.
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards has come under fire after an IBAC inquiry heard a claim she accepted an extra $10,000 election donation from allegedly corrupt developer John Woodman after expressing support for a land rezoning. In Parliament question time on 11 November, state opposition leader Michael O’Brien said Ms Richards’ “political support is for sale to the highest bidder”. “Why does the Premier believe the member for Cranbourne is a fit and proper person to be a government representative on the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee?” In response, Premier Daniel Andrews said Ms Richards was “not only an outstanding person but an outstanding advocate on behalf of her community”. “You could not hold a candle to the member for Cranbourne. The people of Cranbourne had their verdict on you, and they showed you the door.” At the IBAC Operation Sandon hearing the day before, ALP lobbyist Philip Staindl said Ms Richards expressed “broad support” for Mr Woodman’s push for rezoning Cranbourne West industrial land for housing - also known as Amendment C219. The support was expressed in a meeting between Mr Staindl and Ms Richards before the 2018 state election. “After that meeting, I indicated to Mr Woodman that the meeting went well, she was generally supportive,” Mr Staindl told the inquiry. “He then said, ’You’re authorised to offer a contribution of $20,000 to her campaign’.” Mr Staindl said Ms Richards accepted an extra $10,000 for her “very well-resourced” campaign, with $5000 allocated to each of Ringwood and Ferntree Gully seats.
Pauline Richards received an extra $10,000 for her 2018 state election campaign for her support for a land rezoning in Cranbourne West, IBAC has heard. IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich said it was part of the human condition that when a person A gets something from person B, they’re more likely to feel a “willingness to ... help” person B. “Yes, and it’s probably an accurate one,” Mr Staindl said. In 2019, Mr Woodman told IBAC he’d “upped the ante”, lifting his donation to Ms Richards from $5000 to $20,000 ahead of the 2018 state election. He agreed with counsel assisting Michael Tovey QC that it was in exchange for Ms Richards’ support for Amendment C219. The inquiry continues. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
IBAC INQUIRY
Lunches off the menu By Cam Lucadou-Wells Developer John Woodman spent more than $10,000 to dine privately with Premier Daniel Andrews in in the top-end Flower Drum restaurant in 2017, an IBAC inquiry has heard. Mr Woodman successfully bid $8500 for the prize at an auction at a fundraising dinner for ALP Greek MPs in 2016. He then paid for a private room and lunch for seven at the Flower Drum on 13 September 2017. At the table were Mr Andrews, Mr Andrews’ adviser, South-East Metropolitan MP Lee Talarmis as well as Mr Woodman and his team. They included Mr Woodman’s hired planning consultant Megan Schutz, his hired ALP lobbyist Philip Staindl and his son and developer Heath Woodman. Counsel assisting the Operation Sandon inquiry, Michael Tovey, asked “what was in it for Mr Woodman?” for his $10,000-plus investment. “I think he’s put it down to relationship building and continuing on his support,” Mr Staindl told the hearing. At the time, Mr Woodman was seeking the rezoning of Cranbourne West industrial land for housing - also known as Amendment C219. But Mr Staindl insisted that Mr Woodman’s specific planning projects were not talked about over lunch. “There was a specific recommendation by me, and one which he carried out, not to discuss any planning related matter over that lunch,” Mr Staindl said. “I didn’t think it was appropriate. “It may have placed the Premier in an awkward position. “It would have detracted from the social value of (the lunch). Because the event was purchased at a fundraising night the optics wouldn’t have been good.” However, Mr Woodman’s “notion of hous-
A lunch with Premier Daniel Andrews, pictured, was snapped up at a fundraising auction by developer John Woodman. ing affordability” was one of the subjects discussed, Mr Staindl said. About a month later, politicians felt a “sense
of unease” being seen with Mr Woodman when The Age reported he was doing planning work for the Madafferi family in Keysborough.
At the IBAC hearing, counsel assisting the inquiry Michael Tovey read aloud excerpts from an email by Mr Staindl stating Mr Woodman should keep a “low profile”. “Intimate events” like the Flower Drum with “you know who” were off the schedule till the end of the year, Mr Staindl allegedly wrote. “The nervous nellies in the Premier’s office” didn’t want a close association with “anyone named Madafferi”. Mr Andrews, who had roundly attacked former opposition leader Matthew Guy over the ‘lobster with a mobster’ affair, has said he wasn’t aware of Mr Woodman’s link to an alleged Mafia figure at the time of the lunch. In 2019, Mr Andrews defended a 2002 donation from Mr Woodman as well as the lunch. At the time, Mr Andrews said the $2500 donation to his 2002 state election campaign was “declared as it should have been at the time 17 years ago.” He said the lunch in 2017 was “principally” about sponsoring a charity golf day. “He’s never raised active planning matters with me otherwise I would have stood up and left.” The Sandhurst Club “Golf for Cribs” Premier’s Monash Children’s Hospital Golf Day on 17 November, 2017 was sponsored by Mr Woodman’s company Watsons. It raised “in the order of $400,000” for Monash Children’s, Mr Andrews said. Mr Talarmis was at the lunch due to being the co-ordinator of the Greek MPs dinner the year before, Mr Staindl told the inquiry. “I think Mr Woodman had established a relationship with Mr Tarlamis independent of me. “It was probably through the Greek MPs’ function, because Tarlamis coordinated that function.” Mr Talarmis used to be based in an electorate office with Mr Andrews and recently retired MP Gavin Jennings in Noble Park, Mr Staindl said.
Political contact says Woodman ’welcome’ by Labor By Cam Lucadou-Wells Premier Daniel Andrews offered to call property developer John Woodman to invite him back to Labor fundraisers after reports of alleged corruption emerged, an IBAC inquiry has heard. The inquiry heard of his “quick chat” with Mr Woodman about a development at an ALP dinner in 2015 as well as him “waxing lyrical” about Mr Woodman’s financial support for the ALP. According to IBAC evidence, Mr Woodman gave more than $150,000 to Labor’s 2018 state election campaign. Mr Andrews has distanced himself from Mr Woodman, who is the subject of the corruption inquiry into land deals, Casey councillors and state MPs. The Premier has declared a Flower Drum restaurant lunch with Mr Woodman, as well as a 2002 election donation but denied talking to him about property matters. In a phone intercept of Mr Woodman, his hired ALP lobbyist Philip Staindl told of chatting with “the boss” - Mr Andrews - at a function in March 2019. In Mr Staindl’s words, the Premier said that Mr Woodman was “more than welcome to come back” to ALP’s Progressive Business events. Mr Andrews offered to give Mr Woodman a call to say “things are OK but also to thank you for your support”, Mr Staindl said. “He started waxing lyrical about how much you’ve given to the party. “He made a note to call you and got me to send your number to him via SMS so I’m surprised that you haven’t heard from him.” Mr Staindl describes Mr Andrews as describing an Age reporter as a “right a***hole” and the government having to shelve a proposed land rezoning C219 due to the reporter’s story in the last weeks of the 2018 state election. “He said ‘And fancy trying to make the City berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Daniel Andrews was thankful for developer John Woodman’s support estimated at more than $150,000 for the 2018 state election. of Casey out to be the sanctimonious organisation”.” Mr Staindl told IBAC that may be “some embellishment” in his narration. He couldn’t recall the encounter with “absolute certainty” because he’d had a “few glasses of wine” at the function. “The general tenor was accurate,” Mr Staindl replied. “There may have been a little bit of spice put in it.” In an IBAC phone tap on October 2018, Mr Woodman referred to going to Mr Andrews if we “get pushed back”. “I know that I said I wouldn’t go to the boss but if we get pushed back on this I’ll go to the top,” Mr Woodman said. “He had certainly met the Premier on a few occasions,” Mr Staindl told the inquiry. “But I would not agree that there would be an expectation that he would intervene based on his financial support.
“He may do it by way of advocacy, but I don’t think there’s a direct correlation there.” In four consecutive months, Mr Staindl discussed a Point Cook development called Aviators Field with “various people” in the Premier’s office and local MP and minister Jill Hennessey, the inquiry heard. In September 2015, Mr Staindl attended the “Sandbelt MPs dinner” with Mr Woodman to speak to Mr Andrews. “I think just as the Premier was departing Mr Woodman shook his hand, said, ‘Nice to see you, and I’m having ... I’ve got some frustrations with Aviators Field,” Mr Staindl told the inquiry. “So it wasn’t a formal meeting but, yes, it was a quick chat about it.” An email by Mr Staindl at the time suggests they handed a briefing “note” to Mr Andrews at the time. Mr Staindl told the inquiry he was likely to have updated the Premier at a function in late 2015. Mr Staindl agreed that if there was one person who could “do something about the impasse” it was the Premier. “Whether or not anything is then acted upon from there is entirely a matter for the Premier.” Mr Staindl had said developers weren’t supposed to raise specific development issues with ministers at functions. But in this case, there was a level of “frustration” that the process was “stymied by bureaucracy”. According to an email by Mr Staindl, a copy of the briefing note was also to be handed to someone who would “find it interesting”. He agreed that the person could be former Labor MP Theo Theophanous who was appointed as a director of the Metropolitan Planning Authority. At a private meeting with Mr Staindl at the time, Mr Theophanous “very, very quickly indicated that he’s not there to consider in-
dividual applications”, Mr Staindl told IBAC. Mr Staindl conceded the MPA was a “key submitter” to the independent planning panel that recommended Amendment C219. In an email, Mr Woodman refers to an “extremely chummy” Mr Theophanous who was “very thick with Daniel (Andrews)”. “(He) gave me his card saying any time he could help.” Mr Andrews also attended a Greek MPs function in March 2016, which was attended by Mr Staindl and Mr Woodman. No “business-related matters” were discussed, Mr Staindl said. At the function, Mr Woodman successfully bid in a fundraising auction for a private lunch with Mr Andrews - the Flower Drum meeting in 2017. In 2019, Mr Andrews said the lunch was “principally” about sponsoring a charity golf day for Monash Children’s Hospital. “He’s never raised active planning matters with me otherwise I would have stood up and left.” In Parliament on 12 November, upper house opposition leader David Davis called for Mr Andrews to “get himself down” to IBAC. “There is a cloud hanging over his head—a corruption cloud. “He cannot any longer leave this cloud hanging over his and his government’s heads.” Greens leader Samantha Ratnam called for a ban on developers’ political donations as well as a land rezoning tax to remove the “incentive for corruption”. Under questioning in Parliament, Mr Andrews said: “It has never been my practice, nor will it ever be my practice, to essentially interfere in processes that are very important and are ongoing. “I stand by all the comments I have made and the fact that people in this government behave appropriately.”
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 11
NEWS
No job too big or small By Danielle Kutchel Sometimes, electrical problems can’t wait til morning. Sometimes, it’s a real emergency. That’s where Anthony Vella from Vella Volt Electrics comes in. With almost a decade of experience in the industry, Anthony offers 24-hour emergency service - which means peace of mind for customers. Vella Volt Electrics services the eastern and south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne as well as the Mornington Peninsula, although Anthony is happy to travel further when the job requires it. He offers general lighting, power and domestic work, and can install televisions and data points, home theatres, split-system air conditioners and security systems. He can supply security camera systems that are guaranteed to pick up any unwanted intruders on your premises. With summer arriving soon, Anthony says split-system installation will ramp up, so book early to stay cool this season. With safety always top of mind, Anthony says now is the time for people to check their switchboards for safety switches. “Safety switches protect you as a person, whereas fuses and circuit breakers only protect the wire and cabling,” he said. He recommends getting safety switches installed if they aren’t already, and in houses more than 30 years old, getting the wires checked by a licenced electrician like Vella Volt Electrics. For any job, big or small, contact Vella Volt Electrics on 0431 282 364 or visit http://www.vellavoltelectrics.com/
·
Anthony at Vella Volt can take care of any electrical job.
Help these local businesses by shopping locally... We are still open for business or delivering to customers. At Star News we care about our communities and understand how local business is the life blood of the local economy We are all in this together @
Spend your money locally and support local businesses.
The Sewing Room
Hair Salon Visit us on facebook and instagram
Shop No.11 Blackburne Square, Berwick 3806
36-44 Launderdale Road, Narre Warren
Phone: 9769 8970
PH: 9796 6521 NEW CAFÉ IS ATTRACTING GREAT REVIEWS & INTEREST
12469678-CG46-20
head to your friendly neighbourhood comic shop for all your POP culture needs
NOW ONLINE
This NEW little “Gourmet Café is set amongst a tranquil environment of tropical fish & marine coral reefs Delicious Cakes, Gourmet Toasties, Focaccias, Hot Dogs, BEST Smoothies & Thick Shakes
NEW & CLASSIC COMICS INSTORE AND ONLINE
Cafe Now OPEN PH: 8738 7549 Barista
10% off s tore wide ( 1 day on ly )
Buy 1 Coffee Get 1 Coffee
96 Victor Cres Narre Warren (opp Toyota & next to Fernwood Health) PRESENT COUPON Expires 6th DECEMBER
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
12461572-JW38-20
OPEN 7 DAYS 10am-6am
12470850-HL47-20
Lots OF Fins Aquarium Driftwood Cafe
|
Blac Friday Ska le
Visit: https:www.berwickbulkfoods.com.au AND SHOP NOW
FREE
12 STAR NEWS
Specialising in THREE LAYERED Dressmaking MASKS & Ladies Mens AVAILABLE Garment Alterations.
FOLLOW US ON
12471116-CG47-20
• Open 7 days a week • Home delivery available • Click & Collect online • Save on instore specials
12450690-LB23-20
New location 8 Blackburne Square Berwick Phone: (03) 9796 1588
OPEN 9AM TO 5PM SAT: 9AM TO 2PM
12469989-CG46-20
WE HAVE MOVED
____
COMIC EMPORIUM
____
3/2 Beaconsfield Emerald Rd, Beaconsfield www.secrethqcomics.com.au secrethqcomicemporium secretheadquarterscomic
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Help these local businesses by shopping locally... We are still open for business or delivering to customers. At Star News we care about our communities and understand how local business is the life blood of the local economy
Spend your money locally and support local businesses.
We are all in this together @
Diane’s
Phone: 9707 1148
12458565-DL34-20
NEW ONLINE ORDERING WEBSITE www.govitaberwick.com
Berwick’s Leading Cleaner for 20 Years
NOW OPEN Monday to Friday 8 am - 4 pm Saturday 8.30 am - 1 pm
12464602-CG41-20
NOW TAKING ALTERATIONS
YOUR LOCAL HEALTH FOOD SHOP
Go Vita Berwick 10 Blackburne Square BERWICK
Professional Dry CleanERS & Laundry
Pensioner Discounts
20, 215-225 Visit us on facebook ParkhillShopDrive, Berwick for more designs 9705 7093 and styles
20 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick
Ph. 9707 0431
12471218-NG47-20
Open 7 days LATE
Come & Visit us & be AMAZED...
MASSIVE SPRING CLEAN OUT SALE... JUST GETS BIGGER & BIGGER!!!
Berwick RSL Inc.
HELP SUPPORT LOCAL VETERANS Buy Your Poppy Online at berwickrsl.org.au
0455 556 437 12466478-HL43-20
12466622-JW45-20
www.lotsoffinsaquarium.com.au
Berwick RSL Welfare Team
96 VICTOR CRES NARRE WARREN
BUILDING MATERIALS FOR YOUR HOUSE & GARDEN
BATTERY ZONE ham@
batte
0 1364 4 9 5 : Ph
Paken
Pakenham Produce & Saddlery Ph: 03 5941 1844 2 Bormar Drive (Cnr Bald Hill Road) Pakenham, Vic 3810 www.pakenhamproduce.com.au
12470669-SG47-20
er y e deliv ! m o h ng lect Offeri nd col a k c i u l .c o m .a and c r yzone
12457185-DL32-20
Batteries for Everything
Decking Hardwood Flooring Sleepers Posts Colorbond & Polycarb Roofing Woodmachining
421 PRINCES HWY OFFICER (NEAR TIVENDALE RD) P: 5943 2371 sales@vansteenseltimbers.com.au CHECK US OUT ONLINE DELIVERY AVAILABLE
12470034-JW47-20
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 13
NEWS
The game will be held at Akoonah Park in Berwick and hosted by a leader from Football Victoria, who will teach new players exactly how to play.
Only a soccer ball and two goal squares are needed, plus an area the size of a basketball court.
Teams are made up of about six players and can be both men and women.
Seniors get out and active By Jessica Anstice Elderly residents will have the opportunity to return to ‘school’ in the coming months, with Casey University of the Third Age’s (U3A) Summer School for Seniors program. A voluntary community organisation, Casey U3A provides low-cost learning to older people, enabling them to keep both mentally and physically active and alert. This summer, the organisation will be offering 15 classes - most online via Zoom due to Covid-19, others in outdoor areas and a couple in a community hall. Casey U3A vice president and event coor-
dinator Christine Trimnell said the plan is to reach out to culturally diverse seniors in the community as well as existing members and other local retirees. “The suggestion to run the Summer School only came up in a meeting four weeks ago, so it’s a bit frantic pulling everything together, but we are well on our way now,” she said. Summer School will kick off on 1 December with ‘walking football’. “If you have not heard of this you are not alone,” she added. “It is a new version of football taking the world by storm, especially if you’re over 50.”
According to Ms Trimnell, the rules are simple and one can actually be penalised for running or making physical contact. Teams are made up of about six players and can be both men and women. Only a soccer ball and two goal squares are needed, plus an area the size of a basketball court. The game will be held at Akoonah Park in Berwick and hosted by a leader from Football Victoria, who will teach new players exactly how to play. Other outdoor classes will include TaiChi, walking groups, barefoot bowls, as well as a painting and drawing group.
Classes like Zumba Gold, iPhoto photography, cultural exchanges, Ted Talk review discussions, book club and arthritis exercises will be conducted online via Zoom. Line dancing, knitting and sewing will take place in a hall under strict Covid-19 restrictions. Casey U3A Summer School for Seniors is free to attend thanks to sponsorship from City of Casey. It will run from 1 December to 29 January, with a two week break over Christmas and New Years. Visit the CaseyU3A website to find out more: casey.u3anet.org.au
Timely support: Funding boost for community heroes By Danielle Kutchel With many in the community doing it tough during Covid, community groups are working tirelessly to provide assistance to those who need it. Their work has not gone unnoticed, with Bendigo Community Bank stepping in to provide much-needed funding for four Casey-based community groups to put towards their work. The recipients were: The Sikh Community, which received $10,000 Gethsemane Church Charity which received $5000 Backpacks for Vic Kids which received $5000 Menzies Caring for Kids which received $5000 Gary Rowe, former Casey councillor and now business development manager at the bank, handed out the cheques at a Covidsafe ceremony at Selandra Rise Community Centre on Thursday 5 November. Mr Rowe explained to the gathering that Bendigo Community Bank has a commitment to give back a portion of its profits to the community, such as in the form of funding for community groups. “We look forward to helping you all in continuing to help others,” he said. In addition, some of the groups who received funding are set to benefit from another gift, sharing in 700 bottles of hand sanitiser, worth $5000, purchased by the City of Casey.
· · · ·
14 STAR NEWS
|
The cheque is presented to Greg from Menzies. In a statement, City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff said the sanitiser would be distributed to 12 emergency food relief groups as well as the Cranbourne Information and Support Centre. “These organisations work to support our most vulnerable and in-need community members. The bottles will then be distributed on to their clients, for whom sanitiser is an additional and problematic household expense, in order to help these residents stay Covid-safe,” she said.
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
Kerrigan La-Brooy, founder of Gethsemane Church and Charity, said the Community Bank funding was “a God-send” that would help them cope with increased demand. “Especially in times like this, it’s perfect timing,” he said. “We’re looking for things like a truck and cool room so it will go on something like that. It will definitely enhance what we have, as we want to help the community in a bigger way.” Greg Lacey from Menzies said the funding
would have a large impact on the organisation’s various programs and on achieving their core mission of improving the lives of disadvantaged kids. “$5000 for us is another term of paediatric care for a school. This will impact families and multiple people,” he said. Research has shown the paediatric program has greatly improved trust amongst disadvantaged children and their families, among numerous other benefits, which has flow on effects in the child’s life. For Cranbourne-based charity Backpacks for Vic Kids, which provides backpacks filled with essentials and comforts to children and young people in care, the funding will help them provide a bit of happiness to even more children across the state. For the Sikh community volunteers, the funding will be immensely useful as they scale up operations in response to the pandemic. “It’s a great appreciation from the Bendigo Bank, and we’re delighted to accept. Because of Covid, our volunteers work very hard so this is an appreciation of them,” said Gurumukh Singh, a volunteer with the Sikh community. “Nowadays we are serving food in six councils, on average 400 meals everyday. During Covid I think more than 100,000 meals have been served,” he added. The community will re-commence their food van service now that Covid restrictions have eased, and Bhupinder Singh, also a volunteer, said a second food van was on the cards thanks to Bendigo Bank’s funding. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
BUSINESS PROFILE
Big deals for big opening As Victoria’s biggest home cinema retailer, Big Picture People are pleased to announce the grand opening of their new store! Situated in the rapidly expanding suburb of Clyde North, the new store replaces the Fountain Gate store which closed over a year ago. Store Manager David Galloway says the group is excited to be opening in the new location, which will cater to families living throughout the south-eastern suburbs. Big Picture People are experts at delivering spectacular big screen home cinema experiences, and their stores take a slightly different approach to most retailers. “Our new Clyde North store features six real-life cinema rooms for customers to explore. Each demonstration room features different home cinema packages so customers can get a realistic idea of what is possible across a range of different price points,” David explains. Traditionally when people discuss screen size, they talk in inches, however, at Big Picture People they measure their screens in metres! The screens are a lot bigger and deliver a far more exciting experience - especially when combined with the latest digital surround sound! According to David, people are often surprised at just how affordable it is to enjoy an impressive home cinema experience in their home. Prices for a full-blown cinema package start from just $5990, which includes a big 2.5 metre screen, surround sound and full installation by the Big Picture People’s professional
Explore six real-life cinema rooms to see what’s possible in your home. installers. They also offer premium high-end cinema solutions which can cost upwards of $35,000, and the experience is truly mesmerising. “We’ve created an extensive range of exciting home cinema packages that all deliver excellent performance and value. These packages help simplify the decision process for many customers, and we can easily modify each
package to meet our customer’s exact needs,” he said. Whether you’re a movie buff, sports fanatic, or an avid gamer, a home cinema system from the Big Picture People will take your experience to a whole new level. To celebrate their grand opening, Big Picture People are offering further savings on their already discounted prices - and the sav-
ings are big! Come in and see for yourself just how amazing home cinema can be, and ask David or his team for a free demonstration. There’s also a chance to win one of two Apple iPad Airs! Simply drop in to the new store at Shop 10 Clyde North Lifestyle Centre (51 Hamersley Drive Clyde North) and fill out an entry form it’s free to enter!
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
The Berwick Neighbourhood Centre is a vibrant community place where each person is made to feel welcome, as well as supporting the community through classes, courses and events. They run children’s services programs across three premises: Berwick Neighbourhood Centre: 112 High Street Timbarra Community Centre -Timbarra Way Marriott Waters, Lyndhurst They offer a variety of days and sessions across the three venues for kinder and childcare programs with Child Care Subsidy (CCS) available for 2021. 112 High Street: kinder sessions Monday 9.15-12.15 Tuesday 9.15-12.15, Wednesday 9.15-2.15,
· · ·
Please call 9796 1970 or email bnc10@westnet.com.au for further information, or visit website www.berwickneighbourhoodcentre. com.au
BERWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE At our 3 Great Venues Berwick High Street [ 112 High Street, Berwick ] Timbarra Community Centre [ Timbarra Way, Berwick ] Marriott Waters [ 25 Boland Dr, Lyndhurst ]
Call today for an enrolment pack or to organise a tour This is strictly by appointment only.
For further info please call 9796 1970 or email: bnc10@westnet.com.au or visit: www.berwickneighbourhoodcentre.com.au
12461290-CG38-20
· ·
Thursday 9.15-2.15
· Bush Kinder - Friday 9-12 112 High Street: Childcare · Monday - Friday 9.15-2.15 Timbarra venue: kinder sessions · Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9.15-2.15. · Tuesday, Thursday 9.15-12.15 Marriott Waters: Lyndhurst kinder sessions · Monday 9.15-12.15 · Tuesday, Thursday 9.15-2.15 Marriott Waters: childcare · Wednesday 9.15-2.15
Looking for a Pre-kinder or childcare for 2021? 12468369-NG47-20
Friendly neighbourhood kinder across three sites
Head start Our Early Learning Centre offers a warm and inviting learning environment, with structure tailored play-based development. Purposely designed to build your child’s curiosity, providing each learner with a foundation to become engaged and purposeful in their education from the earliest opportunity.
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Non-Selective | Non-Denominational Small Classes | Co-Educational ELC and Junior School Dedicated Senior Girls and Boys Schools
StMargarets.vic.edu.au Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 15
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Eye on skin cancer By Andrew Leslie, pharmacist, Blooms The Chemist Casey Central
Andrew Leslie, pharmacist at Blooms The Chemist Casey Central.
As the weather warms and restrictions ease, the weekend outdoor adventures can lift the spirits and leave you glowing from the season’s first warm rays. But be aware, that glow is not always safe. According to the Cancer Council Australia, rates of skin cancer in Australia are some of the highest in the world, whilst melanoma is Australia’s third most common cancer. Skin cancer can occur in a variety of forms, the three main types being; Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer)
· · ·
As there are multiple types of skin cancer, their presentation on the skin is not always the same, but there are certainly signs to keep a look out for. If you notice any of the following get in contact with your GP immediately: Crusty, non-healing sores Small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour New spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated the chances of a positive outcome are increased. So, your first step is getting to know your skin. Routinely inspect your skin and if you have any concerns talk to your GP. In the majority of cases the diagnosis will be-
· · ·
gin with your GP; you will discuss your risk factors with your GP and develop a plan for an early detection strategy. However, prevention is always better than treatment. On high UV days, practise all steps in Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek (shade), Slide (sunglasses). Get prepared early for this summer’s sunshine and pop into Blooms The Chemist Casey Central where we have everything for your skin protection needs. Whether it’s polarised sunglasses or that all natural sunscreen for your sensitive skin - we have it all. Blooms The Chemist Casey Central is located at Shop 132-134, Casey Central Shopping Centre, 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Rd, Narre Warren South.
Healthcare with heart at St John of God hospital Casey and Cardinia residents will be familiar with St John of God Berwick Hospital, with its lengthy 110 year history and distinctive blue facade. What many don’t know is that St John of God Healthcare (SJGHC) is a not-for-profit organisation that operates 24 facilities comprising more than 3,400 hospital beds in Australia and New Zealand, as well as home nursing, disability services and social outreach programs. Closer to home, SJGHC offers a full suite of healthcare solutions right on the doorstep of Melbourne’s south-eastern corridor. With three hospitals located in the region, patients are able to access all of their health needs
without travelling long distances into the Melbourne CBD. St John of God Berwick Hospital is an acute hospital offering surgery, maternity, day procedures, intensive care, cardiac care, medical
and LOUD® as well as more general rehabilitation including hydrotherapy, inpatient and outpatient care, speech pathology and treatment for movement disorders. While each of these facilities offer different clinical services, patients and visitors will be impressed by the consistency of care closer to home which is based on a strong mission and supported by meaningful organisational values. This foundation sees all three hospitals providing exceptional care with a compassionate touch, allowing St John of Health Care to function at the very heart of healthcare in Melbourne’s south-east. For more information on St John of God Health Care visit www.sjog.org.au
services, consulting, day oncology and infusion, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and robotics. Berwick is also home to St John of God Raphael Services- a no out-of-pocket expense, personalised counselling and group support for mums, dads and families suffering from perinatal mental health issues. Just down the road in Dandenong, St John of God Pinelodge Clinic is a mental health and addiction hospital. Here, patients can access compassionate inpatient and outpatient care along with rTMS, ECT, day therapy and consulting. Nearby, St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital are experts in specialised Parkinson’s rehabilitation offering LSVT BIG
Iso’s over so don’t put up with joint and muscle pain
The heart of healthcare
People shouldn’t feel like they have to put up with joint and muscle pain during the current health crisis, according to the team at Casey Osteopathic Health Service. Their team comprises five osteopaths and a myotherapist who work together to gain the best outcome for their patients. Osteopathy is a drug-free, non-invasive manual therapy that aims to improve health across all body systems by manipulativng and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework. Osteopaths use a wide range of techniques to treat musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain, headaches, joint pain, sports injuries, repetitive strain injury (RSI) and sciatica. Treatment is suitable for all ages, including children and the elderly, and for pregnant women. Osteopaths look for the cause of the
in Melbourne’s south east
CASEY CENTRAL
St John of God Berwick Hospital | St John of God Pinelodge Clinic
problem and don’t just treat the symptoms. Myotherapy is the systematic assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management. Various treatment methods such as Myofascial Cupping, Trigger Point Therapy, Joint Mobilisation, Muscle Energy Techniques and Dry Needling as well as Soft Tissue Manipulation can be used to provide the best possible outcome from the treatment. Owner Dr Spyro Antoniou encouraged patients to visit the Beaconsfield-based practice where they will be treated in a sanitised, hygienic environment with staff maintaining social distancing and other precautions where practicable. “We are here to help during this Covid-19 problem. Our staff understand people’s concerns and we don’t want people living in discomfort during this time which is stressful enough without the added burden of pain,” he said. Casey Osteopathic Health Services is at 2 Stella Street, Beaconsfield. Phone 9769 9881. The clinic is open Monday-Thursday 9am7pm, Friday 9am-5.30pm and Saturday 9am1pm.
ASK US FREE HOW Local Delivery Service available *Terms and 7 days a week conditions apply *
St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital
Shop 132-134 Casey Central Shopping Centre, 400 Narre Warren Cranbourne Road Narre Warren South VIC 3805
P 9704 8166 E casey@blooms.net.au
sjog.org.au
bloomsthechemist.com.au 12470607-SN47-20
16 STAR NEWS
|
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
12463438-DV40-20
Blooms The Chemist Casey Central
The friendly team at Casey Osteopathic Health Service. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Eyecare open again The friendly team at Beaconsfield Eyecare are back open for business and are able to provide routine eye care once more. “It’s very exciting coming in to summer to be able to have people in the clinic once more, and to be able to showcase our beautiful range of eyewear,” says Karen Moore, who has been helping patients select the perfect frames for over 30 years. “With most suppliers open again, we are getting a lot of new season frames in, and the new colours we are seeing are amazing.” With the weather warming up it’s a perfect time to start thinking about sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. “The modern day clip-on range of glasses have been very popular,” says Karen. “It’s really the best of both worlds, with clear lenses that convert to sunglasses very easily with a magnetic clip-on.” Karen also stocks a range of eco-friendly frames and clip-ons, made from recycled materials and eco friendly castor seeds, with the supplier committing to plant one tree for every eco frame sold. “It’s becoming such a disposable world, especially in the current climate. That’s why we like to stock beautiful, sturdy eye wear that will last you in the years to come, and if we can do that in an eco-friendly way then that’s even better,” says Karen. With a current end of lock down sale, there’s never been a better time to update your glasses and use your private health insurance before it
Iso over so give foot, knee and leg pain the boot
Karen from Beaconsfield Eyecare. runs out at the end of the year. Get 25 percent off your second pair of glasses, including sunglasses and blue light glasses, right now at Beaconsfield Eyecare until December 31. “We do still have strict Covid hygiene protocols in place,” says Karen, “so we do ask that you ring and make an appointment time prior to coming in as we are controlling the number of people in the clinic at any given time. All frames are sterilised after every use ton ensure the health and safety of our beloved patients.” You can view Karen’s range of frames on Facebook or at www.beaconsfieldeyecare. com.au, and make an appointment online or on 8726 9977.
Health professionals have seen an increase in foot, ankle, knee and leg pain and injuries throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, due to people wearing non-supportive shoes like slippers around the house for extended periods. But it’s predicted post lockdown may see further increases in foot and leg issues as people return to increased general activity, sports and recreational pursuits. Lower limb expert, Dr Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics in Berwick, explains that after extended periods of decreased physical activity, the body can lose condition, leading to an increased risk of overuse syndromes and injuries. “Fortunately, thanks to the latest medical research and treatments we have a better understanding of the body and how we can can assist it to function better and heal itself,” he says. “If we can look past the surface symptoms to uncover the contributing factors like faulty foot or joint function, repetitive stress patterns, biomechanical weaknesses and specific lifestyle factors, then combine that information with natural regenerative treatments and load management strategies, we’re able to treat these issues better than ever before.” Foot and Leg Pain Clinics offers the latest medical treatments so even complex pain, injuries and arthritic conditions can be treated relatively easily and effectively. Dr Dowie has been successfully assisting adults, children, seniors and profes-
Don’t delay - get your foot and leg issues treated as early as possible. sional athletes to alleviate pain, heal injuries, improve function and mobility for more than 20 years. He even assists joint and tissue regeneration to improve arthritic conditions. His clinically proven treatment plans have helped many with common and complex musculoskeletal and degenerative conditions including general pain, soft tissue injuries (new and old), degenerative joint conditions, bursitis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and children’s growth and development concerns. He’s even assisted many to avoid or delay surgery, including knee replacements. If you suffer any foot, ankle, knee, leg or hip pain or concerns you can see Dr Dowie at Foot and Leg Pain Clinics in Berwick by phoning 1300 328 300.
Sore Feet or Legs? Call
Always there to support you through the COVID-19 pandemic 25% off a second pair of glasses Includes blue light glasses and sunglasses
* WE CAN HELP! CALL 1300 328 300 ff O 0 5
Phone: 8726 9977 www.https://www.beaconsfieldeyecare.com.au/
12470636-NG47-20
Address: 45 Wallace St, Beaconsfield VIC 3807
trist podia ffer to deem o n re tio *Men consult to at
Cnr Clyde Rd & Moondara Dr, BERWICK
12447879-SN19-20
$
Offer ends Dec 31st 2020*
OPEN throughout Covid-19 with optional TELEHEALTH online & phone consults 12408113-RC04-19
WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE
Casey Osteopathic Health Services Servicing The Beaconsfield Community for over 19 years.
Orthodontic Treatment for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances.
Members of the Australian Osteopathic Association
We offer flexible, interest free payment plans to make orthodontics accessible to everyone. Strict hygiene and physical distancing policies in place
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm 2/31 Clyde Road Berwick 3806 9330 0702 | info@seortho.com.au www.seortho.com.au
For more information & professional friendly service, please contact: Casey Osteopathic Health Services
SATURDAY & EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 2 STELLA ST, BEACONSFIELD
OPEN 6 DAYS
PH: 9769 9881
12470502-JW47-20
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 17
NEWS
‘Smart’ draft The City of Casey has developed a Smart Casey Launchpad program which focuses on bringing people together to enable innovation. Now available for community consultation, the program will guide how the council harnesses data, technology and innovation to build a connected, sustainable, inclusive and innovative community. In July, the community was invited to share ideas on how we can use technology and data in new and innovative ways to better meet the needs of our community now and in the future. Throughout the consultation process the Launchpad evolved from a strategy to a program to allow for more flexibility in adjusting the program to meet changing trends and community needs as we continue to unlock and test new opportunities. Drawing on community feedback which played a key role in shaping the program, global trends and local opportunities the Smart Casey Launchpad focuses on five key areas: Connecting communities: digital connectivity to increase digital inclusion, participation in council decision making and community building. Smart places and spaces: activating spaces with smart technology that promotes the benefits of technology and innovation in our local environment. Innovative and dynamic Casey: building local Smart City partnerships and opportunities so everyone can create a smart future. This includes connecting education partners with local businesses and community to build smart city opportunities to test and trial new technology that solve local challenges. Future sustainability: developing smart and sustainable infrastructure and activities to ensure we all tackle the climate crisis together. Smart Council: unlocking new value from our data and getting our workforce future ready.
· ·
·
· ·
The City of Casey is seeking community input on the smart city program. As one of Victoria’s largest and fastest growing municipalities with rapid population growth and urbanisation, City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff noted that innovation and collaboration are essential for Casey’s future planning and make up a key element of the Smart Casey Launchpad program. “This year, more than ever, we have seen how technology and innovation can build resilient communities. To increase our community’s resilience, and support Casey’s present and future needs, we are committed to learning how technology, data and innovation Smart City infrastructure, can unlock new opportunities and help us overcome persistent challenges,” explained Ms Duff. “Whether it’s leveraging smart technology to manage utilities in households, transforming local businesses using data, or increasing digital literacy across the community, everybody in our community has a role to play and is invited to join our Smart City journey.” Casey residents are invited to provide feedback on the Smart Casey Launchpad program via the Casey Conversations website before 23 November 2020. The final Smart Casey Launchpad will be shared with the community in December and will be supported by Casey’s Smart City Action Plan, which will be released in January 2021.
On the Covid-19 upside Back in April this year I wrote an article on how the impact of Covid-19 was bringing out the best of our Australian character and certainly here in Victoria, the state that has done it the toughest this year, we can be very proud of our resilience in enduring months of lockdown and separation from loved ones. I also quoted Benjamin Franklin how Out of adversity comes opportunity” and indeed although many businesses have done it tough, I genuinely believe we are now set for a period of unprecedented growth. Why do I say this? Well since March this year, not only have many businesses been forced to shut down or severely curtail their operations, there has also quite justifiably been a lack of confidence amongst consumers. No wonder then that there has been a wholesale lack of spending over this interval. At the same time, both the federal and state governments have been providing direct financial assistance to a great many businesses which effectively amounts to more income coming in. Combine this with the savings made by both business and consumers who have been unwilling to invest and spend over the last six months and the net result is a pent up demand for goods and services with thousands of businesses and consumers with cash to spend. In other words, if you have had the resilience to get through the last six months, be prepared for some very significant spending. Indeed the challenge of the months in the lead up to Christmas and into the start of the New Year is how to keep up. If you have not already done so, my advice is to put some time aside to consider the impact on your business and plan for a growth period. According to “Inc.” (https://www. inc.com/travis-thorpe/the-top-5-reasonssmall-businesses-fail.html), two of the top five reasons why businesses fail are: 1. Failing to leverage future growth and
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH 2. Failing to adapt (and grow) when the market changes. The article contains some good advice on things that can be done to address these two areas, but in addition, I recommend these 1. Establish a well-defined organisational structure so that roles and respon sibilities are clear. If done properly, then as the business grows, so the organisation can more easily scale to accommodate it and typically then additional (cheaper) staff can be hired lower down within the organisation. 2. Develop simple tools or ways of forecasting your staff and resource allocation. It is great to be given the opportunity to do more work, but if you fail to deliver then the consequences for a long-term relationship with a disappointed customer can be dire. 3. Be very selective in your hiring of new staff. It is very tempting when faced with a higher workload to simply bring in more staff with the requisite skills and qualifications, but hiring permanent staff should imply a long-term commitment in which case factors such as attitude, aptitude and cultural fit become paramount and can easily be overlooked in the rush to fill vacancies. I am really looking forward to the opportunities over the next few months, here’s to your success in making the most of these. Ian Ash is the Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
The future of local media is in your hands … We need your help to secure the future of local newspapers
This study has Deakin University ethics approval, (ref: HAE-20-141).
12469448-SN46-20
Go to localnewsinnovation.org or scan the below QR code to be a part of Australia’s largest local-news survey:
Enter the draw to win one of 10 iPads 18 STAR NEWS
|
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
The new Bishop of Sale Greg Bennet will have his Covid-delayed ordination in early December.
Ordained for December Sale Diocese administrator Rev Fr Peter Slater has announced Bishop-elect Greg Bennet will be ordained and installed as the 10th Bishop of Sale on Tuesday 8 December. The ceremony will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, at 11am. Father Slater said the ordination and installation will respect the restrictions as prescribed by the State of Victoria. An assessment based on the restrictions as proposed from 23 November will see St Mary’s Cathedral Sale able to hold 70 people. “While we would have clearly liked to offer welcome and hospitality to everyone, we will be restricted to the Apostolic Nuncio, Principal Consecrator and Co-Consecrating Bishops, Bishops of the Victorian Province, the College of Consultors and clergy required for the lit-
urgy,” Fr Slater said. “Other liturgical ministries, Covid officers, restricted diocesan representatives and cathedral staff, and those required for the live streaming will form part of the 70 participants. “The attendance of Bishop-Elect Greg’s family and friends will be few.” Fr Slater said that he hoped all those wishing to support Bishop-elect Bennet would watch the live streaming of the ceremony via the diocesan website (www.cdsale.org.au) to join in the celebrations. Bishop-elect Bennet was appointed by Pope Francis to Sale on 27 June this year, following the Ninth Bishop of Sale, Bishop Patrick O’Regan’s appointment to the position of Archbishop of Adelaide.
For any queries contact 0410 422 541
HELLENIC SNACKPACKS Seasoned chicken or lamb gyro, slow cooked & served on a bed of seasoned fries, finished with our homemade garlic sauce. Let Yanni know if you’d like to add chili or bbq sauce.
CHICKEN Reg $25 or large (for 2) $38
LAMB SHOULDER Reg $27 or large (for 2) $40
MIXED Reg $25 or large (for 2) $38
THE VEGETARIAN 6 Delicious falafel served with yanni’s hand cut fried lemon and herb potatoes,greek salad, eggplant dip and pita bread
KITCHEN A selection of Yanni’s fancy meals
Casey Covid case lingers Victoria has recorded almost three weeks with no new Covid-19 cases and no deaths, but three active cases still lingered on the books as of Wednesday 18 November - with one of those in Casey. The other two are in neighbouring Greater Dandenong. The Department of Health and Human Services daily briefing noted that two of those cases were in hospital, but not in intensive care. Health authorities have consistently said the incubation period for Covid is between seven and 14 days, but there has been no consistent timeframe for recoveries from the virus. Casey has been the hardest hit region in the South East, with the city recording 1064 cases in total. By comparison, Greater Dandenong has recorded 540 cases and Cardinia 204. During the worst of the second wave of infections, between July and September, the number of active cases rose dramatically. Casey had just 20 active cases at the start of July, rising to 34 by the middle of the month, as the second wave took hold. Cases more than doubled in the next week, and more than doubled again - to 274 cases - when the State Government lockdown was ordered on 2 August. Active cases in Casey hit a high of 379 in mid-August, more than 10 times the num-
ber of just a month earlier. Within three weeks of the lockdown, active cases were in rapid decline, dropping to 83 cases by mid-September and six cases by mid-October. Those last handful of active cases have proven hard to shake off. The last new active cases was reported on 29 October, taking the number in Casey to two, with one of those dropping out by 5 November. The remaining case is due to drop off the lists by the weekend, all going well. The three persistent cases in the South East are all that’s preventing Victoria from stepping out of current restrictions. According to the State Government’s roadmap, the state needs 28 days with no active cases before restrictions are all but removed under it’s ’Covid Normal’ scenario. The good news was that with the long run of infection-free days and with so few active cases, the state was due to move from ’Third Step’ to ’Final Step’ restictions this coming weekend - allowing greater numbers to gather, albeit with strict venue limits still in force. Until a safe vaccine is distributed in Australia, we’ll live under CovidSafe conditions for some time yet, which include masks, physical distancing, hand and surface hygeine, staying home if feeling unwell, cough and sneeze care, and undertaking activities outside wherever possible.
YANNI’S MEATBALLS Yanni loves his balls! Beef Meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce served with our famous lemon & herb fried Potatoes and a greek salad $25.
OPEN SOUVLAKI (CHICKEN, LAMB SHOULDER OR MIXED) Slow cooked & seasoned meat served with a side of greek salad, Pita bread, garlic sauce and fries. $25
TRAY OF SEASONED CHICKEN GYRO A tray of our Deliciously cut & Seasoned gyro meat Cooked to perfection. Reg $18 lrg $30
GREEK SALAD Fresh lettuce, tomato, Cucumber, onions, olives And feta; finished with our Homemade greek dressing $19.
CHICKEN SHASHLIK Marinated grilled chicken Skewers drizzled with tangy Bbq sauce, side salad and Yanni’s hand cut lemon and Herb fried potatoes. $25
TRAY OF SEASONED LAMB SHOULDER GYRO A tray of our deliciously Cut & seasoned lamb Shoulder gyro meat cooked to perfection. Reg $20 lrg $32
SIDES Yanni highly recommends, the perfect pairings for a Mediteraenean Feast
YANNI’S HAND CUT FRIED POTATOES Lemon & herb, sweet paprika salted or chilli zest salted $12
TIA’S TZATZIKI OR Melitzanosalata dip (Eggplant) Aunties secret recipe $8
FRESH PITA BREAD Only the best $4
YIA YIA’S DOLMADES (6PCS) Rolled grape leaves stuffed with our herb-y rice mix drizzled in olive oil & lemon juice $10
SEASONED CHIPS Mixed herbs seasoned hot chips $12
EXTRAS Tangy bbq sauce, matinia’s chili sauce or house made garlic sauce 12457581-SN33-20
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 19
FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE
FRESH BLOOMS AT VILLAGE
Residents can enjoy well-maintained streets.
‘STOP and smell the roses,’ is a well-known phrase for good reason. There is so much joy to be found in the smallest moments. The homeowners at Lifestyle Communities are able to do just that, appreciating the gardens in full-bloom as spring sprinkles its magic. With restrictions starting to ease and Victoria beginning to bloom again, the grounds at Lifestyle Communities in the South East are thriving; a symbol of hope. Whether you are an expert gardener or don’t know your viola from your verbena, rest assured that Lifestyle Communities gardens are in the best hands possible. A team of over 30 full-time gardeners work to maintain the landscaping to the highest standards. “We treat the designs and upkeep of the communities as if they were our own,” says David Absalom, director of Absolute Plants and Landscapes. David and his expert team take care of the front garden and all common landscaped
Deciding on the right person to sell your most prized possession can be stressful. Amandeep Singh will make that decision easy. Knowledgeable and highly skilled in all facets of real estate, Aman is down-toearth and approachable, making all clients, buyers or sellers, feel relaxed and confident in his expertise and professionalism. He enjoys meeting and working with new people, and is committed to delivering a level of service that exceeds their expectations every time. Living and working locally has allowed him to keep his finger on the pulse of the ever-changing real estate market. Aman brings fresh and enthusiastic ideas and looks forward to working with you to ensure you reach your goals.
SEJ
areas - a perk all Lifestyle Community homeowners get to enjoy, all without getting their own green (or brown) thumbs dirty. From the fragrance to the array of colour, the homeowners in the established Lifestyle Communities in Casey Fields, Officer, Warragul, Chelsea Heights and Berwick Waters have already reported that the well-maintained grounds have been the perfect antidote to an otherwise unpredictable 2020. For brand-new communities like Lifestyle Kaduna Park, this is just a taste (or smell!) of what’s to come. A limited number of homes are now available. Call 1300 50 55 60 to book a private one-to-one appointment to see the community gardens and homes for sale. ●
T 16P_
Real Estate
DREAM NOT YET COMPLETE!
I am more than happy to recommend Aman.He was very knowledgeable in all aspects of selling my home. I found Aman and his team to be very professional and friendly .. customer service at its best. Pamela (Vendor) We were really apprehensive going into the whole process but it ended up being very pain free. Aman and KR Peters are clearly the leaders within our area and know their market and buyers well. From giving the OK to put our home on the market, to getting an offer, the process took all of one week. Throughout the whole process we were fully communicated with and we weren't left wondering. The communication aspect is what really impressed us the most. We got the price we wanted, can't be much happer than that! Cie (Vendor)
12470508-DV47-20
Aman is a good person and helpful. I am a first home buyer and got help from him in different issues. I believe he has good negotiation skill in persuading both buyer and seller to reach a result and dedicated to his job. Enamul (Purchaser)
3524 OLD SALE ROAD TRAfALgAR This ‘dream not yet complete’ property features a two storey home approx. 80% completed, with 30.2sq living plus 8.6sq verandah & deck to be built. A recently constructed 12m x 18m x 4.6m shed with concrete floor & power. The land, 115.7 acres, is inclusive of a large dam with 14.9 megs irrigation License, exceptional views to Mt Baw Baw across the gentle sloping land that is 100% tractorable. Located on Main Bitumen Road approx. 10kms (7 minutes) from Trafalgar. Expressions of Interest by 30th November 2020. Expresions Of Interest Internet ID: 22225057 View property and more details at www.sej.com.au
5622 3800 Cnr Smith & Queen St, Warragul
www.sej.com.au
20 STAR NEWS
|
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
The gardens and grounds are maintained to the highest standards. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NOW SELLING - BOOK YOUR PRIVATE INSPECTION TODAY JUST LISTED
JUST LISTED
OFFICER 10 Bisque Way
Buyer Enquiry Range $570,000 - $610,000
PAKENHAM 22 Scarlet Crescent
Buyer Enquiry Range $440,000 - $480,000
PAKENHAM 45 Timberline Parkway
Buyer Enquiry Range $550,000 - $600,000
JUST LISTED
OFFICER 7/1 Eades Street
Buyer Enquiry Range $570,000 - $610,000
UNDER OFFER
PAKENHAM 8 Rembrandt Court
Buyer Enquiry Range $450,000 - $470,000
SOLD
OFFICER 29 Rosina Drive
Buyer Enquiry Range $570,000 - $610,000
UNDER OFFER
OFFICER 24 Wonder Street
Buyer Enquiry Range $580,000 - $620,000
OFFICER 53 Manchester Boulevard
Buyer Enquiry Range $395,000 - $430,000
If you have been considering selling, now may be the right time. We have registered buyers waiting.
12470506-SN47-20
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?
Ian Harris 0420 533 871
Anil Jayalath 0420 220 779
Janine Scott-Rule 0417 160 423
Peter Nicolls 0418 311 048
Aman Singh 0430 420 053
P 5943 1111 #wecare berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Terry Lock 0407 494 199
W krpeters.com.au
#staysafe
#stayhealthy
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 21
NEWS
Stories shared for NAIDOC Staff at Aussie Broadband have kicked off NAIDOC Week with a range of activities planned to celebrate the local indigenous culture. Part of this included staff sharing their own personal story and reconnecting with their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity. Gabs Reiter from Clyde North said she felt lucky to be part of a team that truly embraces acceptance of people from all cultures. “One of the values at Aussie Broadband is ‘be good to people’ and I was surprised by how much my managers and colleagues really do embrace that,” she explained. “I only found out about my heritage a few years ago but I was lucky enough to grow up learning about aboriginal culture. “We always suspected that my great grandmother had aboriginal heritage because she had this beautiful complexion. But it wasn’t until some relatives turned up at her funeral from the Murri tribe that we started to connect the dots,” Gabs said. “My great grandmother hid her identity because of the discrimination at the time. “I grew up camping so I’ve always related to the love of the land and respect for mother nature. So, when I found out that aboriginal culture was in my blood, there was a feeling of completeness,” she said. The company’s NAIDOC Week program has been led completely by staff. It includes performing arts, indigenous foods, weaving stations and a kids’ colouring competition judged by renowned Gunaikurnai artist and Gippsland resident Ronald Edwards Pepper. On Monday, staff were treated to a prerecorded performance by Kurnai College’s Dedlee Kultya dancers. The group performed the song and dance Naanaa Nukindhere. This song reminds them to stay on the dreaming track, not to veer off in the wrong
Gabs Reiter’s great grandmother, Ellen Chriseva Eade with her grandson.
¹ĤĈůĈ żō Ŭħýĺ ƁŬ á ŬůħŅżĈă ýōŬƱ ōĝ ƱōƁů @ ,, Ĉůƫħýĺ :[HY 5L^Z
12457376-DL33-20
@ ,, ,¸, ¿ G£ & ¿
direction and to stay in touch with their culture. The 2020 NAIDOC Week theme “Always Was. Always will Be” has been developed to shine a focus on the length of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander occupation of Australia. NAIDOC Week celebrations are usually held in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but this year it was moved to November due to the pandemic. Community impact manager at Aussie Broadband, Caroline Kennon said this was a time to reflect and to show support for our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. “NAIDOC Week is an important time for indigenous people as it is a time of celebration and connection with each other, community and country, and it is important time for Australians to celebrate their rich cultural history and achievements. “Aussie Broadband is proud to be a part of those celebrations,” she said.
22 STAR NEWS
|
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services
Reg. Builder CDB-U52728 & DBU 6442
Support your local tradesman for ALL your concreting needs!
12393415-RA30-18
VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS
HBL CONSTRUCTIONS PTY. LTD.
(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofďŹ ce)
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
& Maintenance service
Established 1989
C698645-JM13-9
Phone Des: 0419 541 719 A.H. 9705 2463
A GRADE ELECTRICIAN
฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀ ฀
12461749-NG39-20
ON TIME, EVERY TIME Discounts apply
Contact Trevor: 0403
644 780
Call Us Today... For our
We bring our own electricity Truck Mounted Machine
15 years experience Fully qualified and insured
w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u
Lic No. AU 51273
Close
V Appliance Repairs
DOMESTIC FRIDGES/WASHERS & COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION
• SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF CONCRETING/ CONCRETE PATTERN, SLABS • FOUNDATIONS ETC. • ALL DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL FREE QUOTE ANY TIME RING 9700 4378 C63804-BG25-8
Fully Qualified and Licensed Pensioner Discount Eftpos Available
MEB & SON CONCRETING
฀ ฀
NIK Refigeration Service P/L
AU06014
Employment
section of Network Classifieds.
1216637-LB06-16
฀ ฀ ฀
฀
฀
12362669-EPJ34-17
LEIGH HUNTER REMOVALS AND STORAGE
V Garden Services
KEV’S MOWING
9999-8193 w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u
Lic No. REC 30504
Close
All Types of Domestic & Commercial Work ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀
★
Lawns from $25 – Free Quotes Lawn Mowing/Edging Ride-on Mowing
Weed Spraying Rubbish Removal
Grass Slashing
Bobcat Available
Call Kevin 0419 525 110
฀
ŕ¸€â˜…
J.L. Hutt Electrical
A & F CONCRETING We NEVER
฀
Call Chris: 0416 079 689 - 5940 7264
V Concrete Products & Services
SERVICING BERWICK AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS
฀ ฀฀
section of Network Classifieds.
We NEVER
www.professionalcarpetclean.com.au
9998 3725
฀
Real Estate
฀
0401 234 672 or 9799 7229
yes we can
฀ ฀
l Specia on Pricesers p e Sle
9707 5700, 9768 9153
Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more...
L&L ELECTRICS
12468782-FA45-20
12470137-CG46-20
Service Sales All Brands Finance Available Senior Discounts
✔ Steam and dry cleaning ✔ Tile cleaning ✔ Upholstery cleaning ✔ Leather cleaning
฀
PHONE FOR OBLIGATION FREE QUOTATION
SERVICING BERWICK AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS
V Carpet Cleaning
24/7 Flood Water Damage Restoration
FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE!
฀ ฀
yes we can
CASEY CARPET CLEANING
Berwick Air Conditioning
Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!
g All Pricin t Up-Fron 12450632-LB23-20
฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
12459315-NG36-20
See website for details REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212
9702 4410
Berwick Electricians
Fully Licenced Builder/Carpenter ฀ ฀
฀
฀ ฀
• Local, Country & Interstate • Antiques & Pianos a speciality • Cartons & Porta-robes for hire or sale • Full packing available
1198421-ACM37-15
• Air Conditioning Get ready • Split Systems for Summer!! • Evaporative Evaporative Cooler & Split Cooling System Service Specials
฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
V Furniture Removals
QualiďŹ ed & Licensed For prompt & reliable service. No job too small. Lights, Power Points, NBN, Phone, & TV Points. CCTV. Rec 23156. Call for a free quote Mark 0401 523 330
12447901-SG18-20
Mobile: 0426 501 445 Email: dyl.wright@live.com.au @wrightchoicecarpentry
฀
฀
฀
Decks - Pergolas - Carports - Gates - Extensions Renovations - Building Maintenance Any Carpentry Needs
Pensioner Discounts
฀
฀
V Carpenters
Dylan Wright
฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀
A H FENCING & TIMBER PTY LTD
WRIGHT CHOICE CARPENTRY
Be cool this summer
฀ ฀
Footings, garages, v crossings, drives, paths & patios. In plain, colour, slate or stencil. Also drainage, saw cutting, 3T excavator, bobcat & tip trucks. NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL
Ring Jim for a free quote 0417 054 198 12390512-ACM24-18
12438941-CG04-20
12435765-SN02-20
Extensions - Renovations - Bathroom Refurbs & Shopfitting
V Air Conditioning
www.fairbairns.com.au
Unbeatable Prices on:
Building
Commercial & Domestic
C1101420-JO46-13
SUPPLY ONLY TRADE & DIRECT TO PUBLIC
12450623-SN23-20
Hampton Park
Phone 0419 775 259 or 8751 4016
V Electricians Lic No. REC 30504
Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...
฀
0408 585 508, 5998 1127
DBU 6442
We accept payment by:
฀
Phone Andrew on
504483
Phone Harry 0412 107 629, 9796 9988
Prompt and Reliable Service
1167287-PB50-14
‡ 3ODQV DQG SHUPLWV DUUDQJHG ‡ %DWKURRP PDNHRYHUV ZLQGRZV DQG GRRU UHSODFHPHQWV ‡ ,QWHUQDO ZDOOV UHPRYHG SODVWHULQJ DQG EULFNOD\LQJ
Palings, Pickets, Colorbond Fences & Gates
t 6OJU 4JUFT t (BSBHFT t %SJWFXBZT t 1FSHPMBT t 1MBJO $PMPVSFE t 4MBUF *NQSFTTJPO t 'BVY #SJDL t &YQPTFE "HHSFHBUF
Let us take the worry out of extending your home with over 30 years’experience
(include your name, address and phone number)
Deadline for all classiďŹ cations is 11am Wednesday
SAXON FENCING
1144857-KC29-14
Online: networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au
Andrew Craven Concreting www.andrewcravenconcreting.com.au
C62885-BG24-8
AFFORDABLE HOME EXTENSIONS
V Fencing & Gates
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀
24 HOUR SERVICE ฀ ฀
฀
฀ ฀
฀
฀
฀ ฀
฀
฀
฀ ฀
฀
12442957-NG09-20
Placing your classiďŹ ed advert is so easy...
V Concrete Products & Services
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀
฀
฀
฀ ฀ ฀
Jason 1300 644 698
Buy, & Sell in our
Motoring section of Network Classifieds.
V Guttering
GUTTER CLEANING
30% off Exterior Window Cleaning
POWERFUL VACUUM LEAVES NOTHING BEHIND Pressure Cleaning/Solar & Window Cleaning Satisfaction Guaranteed from $165
12447771-LB18-20
V Builders & Building Services
C1085227-JO32-13
V Deadline
g All Pricin t Up-Fron
www.networkclassifieds.com.au
Place your ad in print and online
Call Jeff on
0411 314 104
Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 23
Trades & Services
General Notices
DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL AUTOMOTIVE
12450634-NG23-20
Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more...
V Windows
Over 20 Years’ Experience
9998-2905
12355550-ACM25-17
MR LOCK & KEYS FOR ALL YOUR LOCK AND KEY REQUIREMENTS
WINDOWS 1
SERVICING BERWICK AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS
Window Replacement Service Timber or Aluminium Windows Free Measure and quote
We NEVER
Close
www.ServiceToday.com.au
Lic No. 116785
AFFORDABLE PLUMBING
C1076360-JL7-13
DOMESTIC MESTIC -- COMMERCIAL DO ALL SUBURBS
MIKE 0415 0415 524 280
Lic 47089
General Notices
SEWER BLOCKAGES – MACHINE CLEANED
www.proudpainting.com.au
V Roofing
PRO PAINTING COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL & RESIDENTIAL 12439579-LB04-20
ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS STANDARD RATES ON WEEKENDS gjlawplumbing.com.au 7 DAYS 0419 136 181 - 0419 136 151
M: 0 4 3 0 3 5 3 0 8 0 Ben
1158529-PB42-14
Interior/ext High quality Free quote
One call, We do it all!
Roof Restoration Specialists
đŏ ((ŏ(! 'ŏ.!, %./ŏđŏ ++"ŏ /$%*#ŏđŏ ++"ŏ %*0%*# đŏ (!4%ġ,+%*0%*#ŏđŏ % #!ŏ0%(!ŏ.!ġ ! %*# đŏ ((!5ŏ $ *#%*#ŏđŏ 100!.ŏ (! *%*#ŏ".+)ŏĸāĂĀ đŏ ((ŏ05,!/ŏ+"ŏ.++ü*#ŏ * ŏ .,!*0.5
Phone Peter 0437 711 221
10 year Guarantee. Call now for a FREE quote: 0405 817 173
ANTHONY’S PAINTING
Advertise with us and get better results
Domestic Commercial nterior
Toilet, Tap, Burst Pipe Repairs Blocked Drains Machine Cleared Gas Installations Roofing And Spouting
Reliable, Local Plumber For All Your Plumbing Needs.
FREE QUOTES Call 0408 227 276
12436083-FA50-19
Hot Water Expert
NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT The land affected by the application is located at:
SAME DAY SERVICE
The application is for a permit to:
Lic. No. 43679
HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS
FOUNTAIN GATE PLUMBING Lic 24754
0409 888 228
C695870-JM11-9
• New Houses • Factories • Blockages/Machine and Camera • Same Day Hot Water Services • Domestic and Commercial Maintenance • 3.5 Ton & 12 Ton Excavator • Bobcat and Tipper
DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS
12469374-CG46-20
V Tiling
9796 8621 0418 367 017
ECONOMY TILING
12450404-AM23-20
All Bathroom Renovations • Bathrooms • Toilets • Kitchens • Decks • Water proofing • Walls and Floors
42 Garnet Close NARRE WARREN VIC 3805 Lot 126 LP 218740J
The applicant for the permit is:
Strait - Line Builders & Drafters Pty Ltd
The application reference number is:
PlnA00620/20 - (Vanessa Carson)
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority.
Removals/pruning Hedging/shaping Line clearing/Palm work Tight access stump grinding Fully Insured/Qualified
Lic No. 116785
Call Lucas 0419 259 266 Jack 0400 895 945
No Job Too Small
C316291-KK18-5
1172347-DJ07-15
NEAT PLUMBING SERVICE Lic. Number 27186 Hot Water Specialists Blocked Drains
0417 382 700
General Classifieds |
Oakfern Tree Care P/L Pruning Removal Stump Grinding
This can be done during office hours and is free of charge. Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website:
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
An objection must: • be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au • include the application number and site address • include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:
7 December 2020
If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of its decision.
12470633-DL47-20
Phone Geoff 0418 340 825
section of Network Classifieds.
24 STAR NEWS
12354089-PB23-17
L&C Tree Services
Fully Insured
section of Network Classifieds.
Employment V Positions Vacant
WELDER Candidates must meet the following criteria: • 5 years experience in mig welding and oxy cutting • Experience in heavy fabrication • Experience in semi trailer industry • Ability to work from technical drawings • Good communication skills • Full time position • Must have references from previous employers
Contact name: Peter Ph: 03 9799 6533 Email: sales@topstarttrailers.com.au
Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.
NEED NEW STAFF?
City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN
Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.
V Tree Lopping/Surgery
Professionals
ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX
Alterations to the existing Dwelling to facilitate the Creation of Two Dwellings and Variation of Covenant R704025L
https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/view-planningapplications
Free Quotes
Call 0432 550 066 or 8707 5522
Advertise in the
A leading expanding semi-trailer manufacturing company requires a first class qualified welder to join their team in Dandenong.
ANTENNA MAN
10% Discount with Mention of Ad - Pensioner Discount
Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
PLACE YOUR
3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, 0422 685 472, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au and at www.rfnsa.com.au/3806007 by Friday 4 December 2020.
V Television/Video/Audio
24 Hour Emergency Service
ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE
V Garage Sales
2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”)
Public Notice
CAMERON HEATH PLUMBING
-
CALL:
V Plumbing
C1072232-JJ4-13
1. The proposed works consists of the removal of (6) panel antennas and the installation of (3) 5G panel antennas measuring 827mm(h) by 415mm(w) and (3) panel antennas 2680mm(h) by 500mm(w) on the signage structure. Ancillary works including the installation of (3) Tower Mast Amplifiers, (3) Junction Boxes, cabling and electrical equipment. There will be no increase in height to the facility and the equipment will be colour matched to its background
ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.
12470840-CG47-20
Commercial/Domestic Decking/pergola/driveways
12447720-LB18-20
12367795-LB41-17
1 HOUR EMERGENCY PLUMBING
KEYBOARD Genos 76 note, digital work station. 3 months old. Reason for sale too complicated. Price 4,300, Ph 5996 6370. V Massage Therapists
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT: EDEN RISE SHOPPING CENTRE, 1 O’SHEA ROAD, BERWICK VIC 3806
12355821-ACM25-17
V Pets & Services
BRICKLAYING SUPPLIES Retired bricklayer wishes to sell: Quick stage scaffolding, 10 Bays, 1 lift. Trestles: 8 at 1100 high, 9 at 850 high, 4 at 600 high. Timber planks: 20 x 12ft, 10 x 8ft. Brick trolley, brick barrows, profiles. Brick cutting machine with blade. Make an offer/will separate. 0476 240 816
V Public Notices and Event
Call Now 0417 128 536
V Painters/Decorators
9703 1530
www.windows1.net.au
10% discount on hot water service installations if you mention this ad.
www.mrlockandkeys.com.au
Member HIA and MBA
1238899-CG33-16
Call DOUG AMOS
General Classifieds V For Sale
yes we can
Receive 10% off
FREE CLEAN FILL, Wanted clean fill site, south eastern area. Dams, gullies, paddocks, filled and levelled, no charge. Phone: 0418 356 583.
12423634-SN31-19
FRIENDLY SERVICE!
V Locksmiths
FOR
s Tree Removal s Stumps Ground s $20 Million Insurance s 25 years Experience s Pensioner Discounts
12403390-CG44-18
Call Us Today... For our FAST
Brad 0416 190 014
when you present this voucher
Sky High Tree Works
12400498-CG38-18
Ź Carpentry Ź Painting Ź Plaster Repairs Ź Gutter Cleaning Ź Pressure Cleaning Ź Flat Packs Assembled Ź Police Check Ź Free Quotes
Berwick Plumbers g All Pricinnt Up-Fro
V Public Notices and Event
12400545-LB38-19
HANDYMAN & HOME MAINTENANCE
V Tree Lopping/Surgery
12470605-SN47-20
V Plumbing 12447103-SN16-20
V Handy Persons
Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC
Fill your position online ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX V Professional
DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
Hub life’s twists and turns By Lance Jenkinson The first week of hub life on the court in Queensland was a rollercoaster ride for the Southside Flyers in the WNBL. From the highs of opening night, to the disappointment of the Melbourne derby, and back to winning ways on Sunday - the Flyers’ fans watching back in Melbourne experienced the whole gamut of emotions. If two-from-three ain’t bad, then Flyers can be content with how week one of this shortand-sharp season went, as they soared into third place on the ladder prior to last night’s (Tuesday’s) game against Adelaide Lightning [played after this paper went to print]. The season opened for Southside last Thursday in an all-Victorian affair against the Bendigo Spirit. The Flyers were in command from the outset and never relented, winning each quarter convincingly en-route to a 102-60 win at Townsville Stadium. Having enjoyed a buffer for most of the game, Flyers coach Cheryl Chambers even got some valuable minutes into the bench, with nine players enjoying double figure minutes on the court. Flyers star Liz Cambage put up 19 points in just 20 minutes, while Sara Blicavs produced a
well-rounded 17 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. After a day off to enjoy the season-opening win, Southside’s attention turned to the derby against the Melbourne Boomers. It was all going swimmingly for the Flyers early in the game, holding a 10-point lead at quarter-time and leading by as much as 13 in the early stages of the second period, but that was where the joy ended. Once the Boomers wrestled away momentum and took the lead in the game, they never looked back. The Flyers looked shell-shocked as the Boomers totally dominated the second half.
Cambage was the standout for Southside with 24 points and 18 rebounds, but it was a lone hand. The Flyers had no answers to the dominance of Boomers Cayla George and Tess Madgen, who each registered 24 points. The beauty of so many games - 14 squashed into a tight five-week period - in such a short space of time is that any loss can be atoned for quickly. Southside licked its wounds and got back to its winning form on Sunday, trumping Sydney University Flames 99-72. It was a hard-fought victory for the Flyers, taking three quarters to shake off the persistent
Flames before dominating the final period. Rebecca Cole shot an incredible 73 per cent to finish with 27 points (including four three pointers) to be the Flyers’ top contributor. Cole impacted on both ends of the floor with a plus-minus of +23. Flyers captain Jenna O’Hea scored 19, while Blicavs capped off a strong first week with 14. With a further three games between now and Monday, the Flyers’ spot in the WNBL pecking order will quickly begin to emerge. SOUTHSIDE FLYERS - RESULTS Thursday: Bendigo Spirit 60 v Southside Flyers 102 Saturday: Melbourne Boomers 89 v Southside Flyers 72 Sunday: Southside Flyers 99 v Sydney University Flames 72 Fixtures Thursday (tonight), 6.05pm: Southside Flyers v Townsville Fire (Townsville Stadium) Saturday, 6.35pm: Southside Flyers v Perth Lynx (Cairns Pop-Up Arena) Monday, 5.05pm: Southside Flyers v University of Canberra Capitals (Cairns PopUp Arena)
· · ·
AFL Victoria clears the path for training AFL Victoria has cleared clubs to begin preseason football training after releasing its updated return to train and play protocols last week. In consultation with the Victorian State Government and Sport and Recreation Victoria, the protocols will ensure all participants are well prepared and educated on the return to training and games in a safe environment. AFL Victoria has advised clubs and leagues that juniors (people aged 18 and under) can resume contact and non-contact training and games, which must be conducted outdoors. No more than the minimum number of participants required to conduct the training or game can participate in the activity, and at this stage the use of indoor facilities, other than change rooms and toilets, is not permitted. For seniors, participants over 19 can train, however, training must be conducted outdoors, be non-contact, maintain social distancing, and indoor facilities - aside from change rooms and toilets - are not permitted. It’s a big step forward for clubs as they gear up the 2021 season after the cancellation of football this season, with the following guidelines also needing to be met: Face coverings must be worn by all Victorians when they leave home unless they have a lawful exception. If you are doing exercise or a physical activity where you are out of breath or puffing, such running, you do not need to wear a face mask. You must wear a face mask before and after you exercise. Coaches and other necessary support staff must wear a face mask. Spectators must wear a face mask. Each Club must nominate at least one Covid Safety Officer who must undertake the free Australian Government online Covid-19 Infection Control Training prior to recommencement of Club activity. A log, or register, using the approved AFL Victoria template, League template, or an
AFL Victoria has released its latest guidelines. 198697
· ·
·
· · ·
·
·
·
online app or similar, which clearly identifies all participants and officials in attendance at each training session must be maintained and available upon request by the League, AFL Victoria or health authorities. Sporting clubs that operate a restaurant, cafe or canteen within its facility should adhere to the restrictions on hospitality venues. Communal facilities, such as showers, changing rooms and toilets, can open provided participants abide by the Victorian State Government guidelines to limit close contact between individuals, relevant density quotients are met (i.e. four square metre rule) and no more than 20 people per indoor space they must also adhere to cleaning requirements. Signage must be displayed at the entry to each indoor space outlining the maximum
Softballers are wanted
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
number of people allowed at a single time. “Returning to training and games in a safe, hygienic and controlled manner is paramount to AFL Victoria. The safety and wellbeing of all participants is the number one priority,” an AFL Victoria media release said. “In advance of any training and games recommencing, AFL Victoria encourages all Leagues, Clubs, umpires, officials and volunteers to digest these protocols, go through an education period and formulate an education and implementation plan to return to training and games safely. “For return to training and games to be successful, and in line with Victorian State Government advice, it is essential that all Clubs and individuals work within the protocols and do not move ahead of the restrictions in place.”
Mother Nature was playing ball on Saturday morning. There were a couple of spots of rain early, but it cleared to perfect playing conditions for those at Casey Softball. The association’s first day was just for the juniors. Many experienced players returned, as well as a number of new players who joined them. They all enjoyed a fun day together, with games proper starting next week. Casey Softball Association committee members were all on-hand to make sure that all the Covid-safe protocols and playing conditions were being adhered to. With all going to plan, senior games should return on Saturday, 28 November. But that date is still to be confirmed by both the Victorian State Government and local council. All games will be held under the Covid ‘Return to Play’ restrictions. Casey Softball would like to welcome more juniors to make it a really strong competition in its under-13 and under-16 grades. The association has wonderful, patient coaches who work incredibly well with the young players. The Casey Softball Association also has men’s and women’s competitions for all ages and abilities - from brand new players to experienced - with 90 per cent of games played at Sweeney Reserve at the same time every week. Softball is a sport that suits the whole family, with great clubs, coaches and facilities for all. Those interested in playing should contact the association via its Facebook page, ‘Casey Softball Association’, or email caseysoftball.vic@gmail.com
12468769-SG45-20
Get your deck up to scratch with our great range of Cabot's deck cleaner, stains & oils. Drouin
www.homehardware.com.au
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Beaconsfield
280 Princes Way, Drouin
102-112 Old Princes Highway, Beaconsfield
5625 2955
9707 5055 Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 25
SPORT
Can Matthew Chasemore’s Berwick go back-to-back in the hotly-contested Turf 1 competition? 198809
Picture: ROB CAREW
It’s set to be a season like no other in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s highly-regarded Turf 1 competition, and finally the on-field action begins on the weekend in a welcome relief to the cricketloving community. DDCA reporter NICK CREELY takes a look at how the Turf 1 clubs are shaping up ahead of the 2020/21 season...
The DDCA returns at last TURF 1 BERWICK Nickname: Bears President: Andrew Moore Coach: Brad James Captain: Matthew Chasemore Last Season: Premiers Most Runs: Matthew Chasemore (635 runs at 57.73); Lachlan Brown (281 runs at 23.42) Most Wickets: James Wilcock (35 wickets at 11.26); Ruwantha Kellepotha (27 wickets at 17) In: Nathan Pilon (returning) Out: Isaiah Jassal (Casey-South Melbourne) Home Base: Arch Brown Reserve, Berwick Turf 1 premierships: 7 Most recent premiership: 2019/20 First match: vs Narre South, 21 November, Arch Brown Reserve More: It was a golden season for Matthew Chasemore’s side in 2019/20, and despite the season coming to an unfortunate end and preventing the club playing off in the grand final against Buckley Ridges, there’s no doubt that the Bears were the benchmark side all year and thoroughly deserved its Turf 1 flag after being awarded the crown by the DDCA. Champion cricketer Matt Chasemore was at his very best last season and will be looking to carry on with the momentum for the club, who will be well and truly hunting back-to-back Turf 1 flags for the first time. The combination of quick James Wilcock and spinner Ruwantha Kellepotha was incredibly dangerous, combining for 62 26 STAR NEWS
|
wickets last season, with the pair set to play another vital role for the Bears, while the batting group worked well around Chasemore all season. The highly destructive Nathan Pilon returns for a full season and in the one-day format will cause plenty of headaches with the Bears’ batting side featuring a great mix of experience and developing talent. With just the loss of one player, and to the Premier Cricket ranks, spots will be tight once again, which is sure to lift the standards of the club as a collective. BUCKLEY RIDGES Nickname: Bucks President: Sonny De Silva Coach: Chanaka Welegedera Captain: Jayson Hobbs Last Season: Runners-up Most Runs: David White (715 runs at 47.67); Jerome Jones (526 runs at 58.44) Most Wickets: Jerome Jones (30 wickets at 18.67); Greg Todd (25 wickets at 20.28) In: Michael Davies (HSD), Hussain Ali (Kooweerup), Ian Cockbain (East Torrens), Chanaka Welegedera (Strathmore), Roshan Anurudda (Sunshine United), Zafar Sheikh (North Dandenong), Benny Howell (Gloucestershire) Out: Greg Todd (retired), Jerome Jones (overseas), Adrian Neill (overseas), David White (overseas) Home Base: Park Oval, Dandenong Turf 1 premierships: 3 Most recent premiership: 2018/19 First match: vs North Dandenong, 21 November, Park Oval
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
More: The 2019/20 season came to a disappointing end for the Bucks, who were unable to defend its Turf 1 title after the grand final was cancelled and the premiership awarded to Berwick. The Bucks didn’t have it all their own way last season, finishing fourth at the end of the homeand-away season, but lifted itself up for the finals series with wins in the semi and preliminary finals. With overseas pair Jerome Jones and David White unable to return after taking the association by storm, particularly White over the last two seasons, the Bucks have lost a massive amount of firepower, but like all powerhouses do, they have recruited sharply and welcomed in many great cricketers, including former Wookey Medal winner Michael Davies from HSD, County stars Ian Cockbain and Benny Howell, ex-international quick Chanaka Welegedera and a host of others set to push for a Turf 1 spot. It’s a list of ins set to send shivers down the spine of opposition clubs. With newly appointed skipper Jayson Hobbs to lead the group and Welegedera to coach, and the season to be played in a one-day format, this well-drilledgroup is well poised to push hard for another Turf 1 title and continue on what has been a brilliant few years for the little powerhouse out of Park Oval. HALLAM KALORA PARK Nickname: Hawks President: Craig Hillard Coach: Richard Hammond Captain: TBD Last Season: Sixth Most Runs: Leigh Booth (234 runs at 21.27);
Ben Hillard (213 runs at 21.3) Most Wickets: Chris Pereira (21 wickets at 16.24); Sachith Jayasinghe (16 wickets at 29.88) In: Jordan Hammond (Casey-South Melbourne), Lee Brown (Lower Plenty), Matthew Cox (Tooradin) Out: Chris Pereira (Endeavour Hills), Dulaj Ranathunga (overseas) Home Base: Hallam Recreation Reserve, Hallam Turf 1 premierships: 2 Most recent premiership: 2001/02 First match: vs St Mary’s, 21 November, Hallam Recreation Reserve More: The Hawks were once again around the mark last season but fell short in a few crucial matches to miss out on a Turf 1 finals appearance. Welcoming back star all-rounder Jordan Hammond after an incredibly impressive stint at Premier Cricket level with Casey-South Melbourne, the Hawks will be confident that they can make a splash this season and return to the finals, and from there, do some serious damage with plenty of quality in its ranks. The loss of seamer Chris Pereira to Endeavour Hills does hurt after he snared 21 wickets last season, but Hammond’s inclusion with both bat and ball, as well as Lee Brown - a man who is no stranger to the competition - will give the Hawks plenty of depth and quality with the ball. Excitement machine Matthew Cox joins the Hawks and will significantly bolster the batting department, with his ability to score big hundreds, and at a fast rate making him a berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT huge inclusion for the club, particularly in a purely one-day season which will rely on those types of players. While missing out on finals last year, the Hawks are a proud club, and one that will be confident it can break back into the four and do some serious damage in finals. HEINZ SOUTHERN DISTRICTS Nickname: Cobras President: Matt Downe Coach: N/A Captain: TBD Last Season: Fifth Most Runs: Kaushalya Weeraratne (558 runs at 46.5); Trevor Davies (327 runs at 23.36) Most Wickets: Udara Hettige (21 wickets at 16.43); Chandima Abeykoon (15 wickets at 25.47) In: N/A Out: Kaushayla Weeraratne (Narre South), Michael Davies (Buckley Ridges), Cameron Dinger (Narre Warren), Josh Dinger (Narre Warren) Home Base: Reedy Reserve, Hampton Park Turf 1 premierships: 0 Most recent premiership: N/A First match: vs Springvale South, 21 November, Alex Nelson Reserve More: The Cobras were once again ultra-competitive in Turf 1 last season, narrowly missing out on yet another finals appearance with seven wins. But the 2020/21 side is set to look drastically different with champion pair Kaushayla Weeraratne and Michael Davies departing for fellow Turf 1 rivals. It’s arguably the biggest losses of any club this off-season, with the pair producing stunning cricket for a long period of time at Reedy Reserve, and ‘Slick’ Davies only winning a Wookey Medal a few years ago. The club has also lost quality leg spinner Cam Dinger to Narre Warren. But instead of going hard on the recruitment front, the Cobras are set to back in their juniors coming through the grades, so spots are well and truly open for young players looking for a taste at the association’s top level. Expect some short-term pain, with long-term gain with the club looking to build back up again through strong development and homegrown talent. NARRE SOUTH Nickname: Lions President: Nathan Tracy Coach: Matt Brooks Captain: Matt Brooks Last Season: Fourth Most Runs: Morteza Ali (457 runs at 32.64); Scott Phillips (339 runs at 30.82) Most Wickets: Morteza Ali (28 wickets at 14.29); Scott Phillips (20 wickets at 21.8) In: Kaushayla Weeraratne (HSD), Josh Dowling (Casey-South Melbourne) Out: Rumesh Rangana (Fountain Gate), Jakeb McVicar (Devon Meadows), Jonty Jenner (overseas), Joe Thomas (overseas) Home Base: Strathaird Reserve, Narre Warren South Turf 1 premierships: 5 Most recent premiership: 1979/80 First match: vs Berwick, 21 November, Arch Brown Reserve More: The club’s entry into Turf 1 last season was outstanding, and if not for a little bit of luck the Lions could have been just one game away from a grand final, exceeding expectations in every single way. But off the back of an impressive season, there will be added expectation that the Lions will back it up and push hard for what would be a memorable flag in the DDCA’s top tier. Crucially, legendary all-rounder Scott Phillips will go around again after initially retiring, and that in itself is a major boost for the club looking to make that flag titlt. But the Lions have identified some key areas to recruit in, and the addition of champion DDCA allrounder Kaushalya Weeraratne and impressive quick Josh Dowling from Casey-South Melbourne is a major coup as the Lions look to catch up to the heavyweights, but also consolidate its position as a top-four side. Dowling, in particular, will provide plenty of strike power with the ball, while Weeraratne’s ability in the DDCA is well established. With strong retention, including reigning Wookey medal winner Morteza Ali, the Lions are looming as one of the sides to keep an eye on in 2020/21. NORTH DANDENONG Nickname: Maroons President: Jason Shaw Coach: Leroy de Alwis Captain: Clayton McCartney Last season: Last in Turf 1 Most wickets: Nimesh Kariyawasam (16 wickets at 23.38); Matin Sultani (9 wickets at 32.67) Most runs: Clayton McCartney (327 runs at berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Hallam will be hoping to bounce back into the Turf 1 finals. 190592 25.15); Syed Mehmood (279 runs at 18.60) Ins: Javid Khan (Kingston Hawthorn), Buddhika Janith (Springvale), Mahesh Kumara Outs: Austin Heldt (Endeavour Hills), Zafar Sheikh (Buckley Ridges) First match: vs Buckley Ridges, 21 November, Park Oval More: While 2019/20 was an incredibly difficult season for the Maroons in Turf 1, Dingley’s departure out of the association leaves the club in the top-tier. It’s certainly seen as a blessing in disguise for the club as they look to re-invent themselves under a new skipper in Clay McCartney, and with plenty of enthusiasm also under new coach Leroy de Alwis, a man that knows and understands success at community cricket level. The Maroons don’t just want to make up the numbers, in fact they want to bounce back in a big way and become one of the hardest clubs to play against in the competition. Crucially, the Maroons have kept the majority of its first XI players and added ex-junior Javid Khan, who is a quality cricketer with plenty of Premier Cricket experience and genuine match-winning ability, Buddhika Janith from Springvale and wicket-keeper batsman Mahesh Kumara. A few handy names do come out of the club which will hurt the batting department, including Austin Heldt, but the Maroons will back in its youth and are expecting a big lift from its senior core to rise up the ladder and stay in the top-tier of the DDCA in the long-term. SPRINGVALE SOUTH Nickname: Bloods President: Jason Quirk Coach: Darren Arter Captain: Nathan King Last Season: Third Most Runs: Ateeq Javid (616 runs at 47.38); Nathan King (471 runs at 29.44) Most Wickets: Jarryd Straker (31 wickets at 14.23); Nathan King (21 wickets at 18) In: Akshat Buch (Dandenong), Paul Hill (Coomoora), Matt Wetering (returning) Out: Akshay Ballal (overseas), Craig Slocombe (retired), Ateeq Javid (overseas) Home Base: Alex Nelson Reserve, Springvale South Turf 1 premierships: 8 Most recent premiership: 2010/11 First match: vs Heinz Southern Districts, 21 November, Park Oval More: The Bloods are the prototype club for consistency, and once again they enjoyed a strong 2019/20 season before going down in a brilliant preliminary final against their bitter rivals from Buckley Ridges. But the Bloods will once again be chasing their ninth Turf 1 flag after winning their last a decade ago, and it’s
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Narre South has been bolstered by the inclusion of quality seamer Josh Dowling. 202308 Picture: GARY SISSONS expected that the side will have a bit of a different look to it. The legendary Steven Spoljaric - a man that sends genuine shivers down the spines of opposition sides - was originally set to return, but the six-time Alan Wookey Medal winner has parted ways with the club just prior to the season. Still, with the recruitment of Dandenong left-arm spinner Akshat Buch, a quality tweaker and a handy lower order bat, keeper-batsman Paul Hill, and seamer Matt Wetering returning, the Bloods have an abundance of depth and quality to add to the likes of skipper Nathan King and spinner Jarryd Straker who have been at the top of their games in the past few seasons. The club has lost DDCA legend Craig Slocombe to retirement, and overseas pair Ateeq Javid and Akshay Ballal won’t return, but it shouldn’t unsettle the side too much so expect the club to once again be right up in the thick of it. ST MARY’S Nickname: Saints President: Troy Cashman Coach: Archy Rajapakse Captain: Archy Rajapakse Last Season: Seventh Most Runs: Rob Peat (354 runs at 31.18); Lewis Palmer (278 runs at 21.38) Most Wickets: Rajika Fernando (17 wickets at 20.53); Corey Ely (13 wickets at 28.54) In: Archy Rajapakse (Beaconsfield), Deeshan Vimukthi Umagiliyage (Leongatha Town), Senadhi Miyanwala (Cavaliers), Kusal Hewage (Lang Lang), Jamie Fox (East Oakleigh CC), Dinuka Perera (returning)
Out: Rob Peat (overseas), Lewis Palmer (overseas), Rhys Serpanchy (work commitments) Home Base: Carroll Reserve, Dandenong Turf 1 premierships: 7 Most recent premiership: 2002/03 First match: vs Hallam Kalora Park, 21 November, Hallam Rec Reserve More: For large parts of the 2019/20 season, the Saints played some strong cricket, but would still be disappointed to have finished seventh on the Turf 1 table despite its competitiveness, which included a few scalps, including Springvale South. It’s been a huge off-season for the club, who set about recruiting after the loss of Rob Peat in particular, who once again had a solid season for the club. Archy Rajapakse returns to the club to captain-coach, and he’s a quality addition who adds plenty of on-field leadership, while a host of other additions are going to significantly bolster the side and add depth throughout the club, which is key to buiding pressure on the first XI and lifting the collective standards of a club. While the association Turf 1 heavyweights from the last few seasons appear to have once again become stronger, it now raises the challenge for clubs like St Mary’s to find another gear and perhaps push into the finals in a season that is going to be like no other. All information is correct at the time of going to print. For the DDCA Turf 2 and Turf 3 season previews, head to: dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
|
STAR NEWS 27
GRAND OPENING! NEW CLYDE NORTH STORE! (BIG PICTURE PEOPLE FOUNTAIN GATE HAS CLOSED PERMANENTLY)
AMAZING BIG SCREEN HOME CINEMA DEALS! BIG MOVIES! • BIG SPORTS! • BIG GAMES! SAVE A FURTHER
GRAND OPENING DEALS! BIGGEST CINEMA EXPERIENCES! EXPERT INSTALLATION! SONY 4K EXPERIENCE CENTRE BEST PRICE GUARANTEE!
E Gy UwrAittenRQuAotNe TbyEanE! PRIC ing in an
• • ! M U M I N I M ••
15% OFF
KS C A P A M E IN C E M O H L AL NDS 24/12/20 IN STORE ONLY - E
Br we’ll beat it! Authorised Dealer and
2 iPAD AIRS TO BE WON! To enter the draw, simply visit our new Clyde North store and fill an the entry form! It’s free to enter! T&Cs apply. AL
GRAND OPENING SPECI
SAVE 20% OFF!
20% OFF ALL STAR CEILINGS For truly amazing Hollywood magic! Transform your Cinema room into something truly spectacular with a twinkling Star Ceiling! Available in White or Multi-Coloured, and a choice of Static or Twinkling. Fully Installed in your home. BEST PRICE GUARANTEED!
CINEMA SEATING 20% OFF Create a ‘Gold Class’ Cinema experience in your home with these premium cinema recliners. Packed with luxurious features and offering supreme comfort. Plus FREE delivery and set-up within Metro area! ■ Refrigerated LED Cupholders AL GRAND OPENING SPECI ■ Storage Arms and Tray ■ Near-the-wall Power Recline ■ Straight or Curved Configuration
SAVE 20% OFF!
PREMIUM LEATHER
OFFERS END 24TH DECEMBER 2020 †Conditions apply, see in store. *Standard Installation conditions apply, see web site or in store for full details. Savings based off RRP or Current Promotion Price. E&OE.
SHOP 10, CLYDE NORTH LIFESTYLE CENTRE, 51 HAMERSLEY DRIVE, CLYDE NORTH (NEXT TO BUNNINGS) PHONE 1300 244 742 • clydenorth@bigpicturepeople.com.au • www.bigpicturepeople.com.au
12465452-LB47-20
28 STAR NEWS
|
Thursday, 19 November, 2020
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au