News - Berwick Star News - 25th March 2021 by Star News Group

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Thursday, 25 March, 2021

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Arrests target hoons

Charity ride is on

Kids have one big aim

Bears are oh so close

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Colourful celebrations of culture Students at Hampton Park Primary School showed their true colours at the school’s recent Cultural Infusion Concert. The concert is an annual event that is embraced by the multicultural student body, with kids proudly showcasing their national dress, skills, songs and food. This year’s event was a little different to usual thanks to the pandemic, but it went off without a hitch nonetheless. Turn to page 12 for more

Prep student Europa performs an Indian Picture: GARY SISSONS dance. 230434

Casey DV shame By Danielle Kutchel The City of Casey experienced a shocking increase in family violence incidents in the year to December 2020, according to the latest crime statistics. It’s been revealed that the Casey local government area (LGA) experienced a 15.2 per cent increase in family violence incidents 5406 recorded family incidents, compared to 4691 for the same period in 2019. The City of Casey’s family incident rate per 100,000 population was 1480.3 to end of December 2020, above the statewide rate of 1379.7. Family members aged between 25-34 were most frequently affected, with more females affected than males.

And Casey’s family incident numbers far outstrip those of our neighbours in the Southern Metro policing region. Across the border in Cardinia Shire there were 1550 family incidents; in Greater Dandenong, 2818; and in Frankston, 2724. In fact, Casey’s numbers aren’t just the highest in the Southern Metro region - they’re the highest in the state. Hume and Greater Geelong came close, at 4272 and 4283 respectively. However, per 100,000 population Casey’s numbers are slightly less confronting, at a rate of 1480.3 family incidents. This compares to 1894.9 in Frankston, 1657.8 in Dandenong and 1322.8 in Cardinia. Across Victoria, there was a 9 per cent in-

crease in family violence incidents reported to police in 2020, with the actual average monthly numbers higher than what was forecast. CEO of Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, Rita Butera, said that the “significant” rates of family violence were “concerning”. “Safe Steps has noticed a significant increase in calls to our service, probably a 20 per cent increase,” Ms Butera said. Some of those calls have been from family, friends and neighbours concerned for a loved one’s safety, she said, as awareness of family violence increases in the community. While she said that much of the prevention work being undertaken in the space was focused on long-term cultural change, she

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said Covid had led to an increased awareness of family violence and increased effort by State and Federal governments to counter the scourge. “I think it’s important to understand that Covid doesn’t cause family violence,” she said. “However, there are factors that may be contributing to it ... in the past, many people would have had safety plans and ways of managing in a family. It may be the kids being at school, having opportunities to visit friends or get out of house when you need to, but during lockdown in particular all those protective factors were kind of taken away - so the risk of course increased during that time because of that.” Continued page 3

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Vet pop-up for pet checks By Danielle Kutchel With level crossing removal works causing traffic delays around Clyde Road, a Berwick vet clinic has gone to great lengths to ensure that pet owners can continue to get the care they need. Berwick Veterinary Hospital will be opening its pop-up clinic, the Berwick Wellness Centre, on Friday 26 March at Eden Rise Shopping Centre. The original hospital on Clyde Road - which has been in the same location for 30 years will continue taking patients and will remain the site for emergency, large and routine sterile surgeries. The new Wellness Centre will provide another option for patients for routine checks and services. Its location on the south side of the level crossing will provide another option for patients coming from across Berwick and further afield to avoid the level crossing removal works on Clyde Road. Practice owner Dr Tom Brennan said with

roadworks currently making it difficult for patients to access the clinic, the new location would allow the business to continue serving its customers. “We had to think outside the square on what to do and how to keep servicing our clients,” he said. The practice is in the process of decking out a transport vehicle too, to allow them to transport patients between the two clinic sites so customers don’t have to negotiate the traffic and roadworks. The works have forced the Clyde Road clinic to change its carpark structure as well due to the occasional closure of Jane Street. Dr Brennan asked any customers who are unsure of how to get into the clinics to phone ahead for guidance. He said the practice had made the decision to open the pop-up “to survive, so we can keep serving the community”. For more information, visit www.berwickvet.com.au, find Berwick Veterinary Hospital on Facebook or call 9707 2655.

Dr Tom Brennan is happy to open on the south side of the rail crossing removal work on Clyde Road. 231831

Grants to tackle racism at the grassroots The State Government is calling for community-led projects, programs and initiatives that tackle racism and discrimination and promote community harmony in communities across the state. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence has announced that applications are now open for the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants Program 2021. The new program recognises the central role grassroots organisations play in supporting the participation and inclusion of cultur-

ally and linguistically diverse communities, and in preventing and addressing racism. Grants of between $50,000-$500,000 are available for projects that promote understanding, inclusion and social cohesion. A total of $3.8 million is available to deliver projects between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 - either in-person or in a digital format. The program will strengthen the capacity of local communities to report racism incidents, promote awareness and understanding of their rights, support those affected by

racism and promote community harmony. Through building the resilience and capacity of communities to engage in constructive intercultural and interfaith dialogue, the program aims to provide a crucial way to address local challenges to social cohesion. It will also support the development and distribution of anti-racism resources within local community infrastructure to reach broad and diverse audiences. For more information or to apply, visit vic.

Grants of between $50,000-$500,000 are available for projects that promote understanding, inclusion and social cohesion. gov.au/local-anti-racism-initiatives-grantsprogram. Applications close on Friday 16 April, 2021.

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Set for ‘Covid-safe’ Covid-safe settings in Victoria will be relaxed further from Friday 26 March. On Tuesday 23 March, Acting Premier James Merlino and Minister for Health Martin Foley announced that following reduced exposure risk and low community transmission, there would be changes to the state’s Covidsafe settings. From 6pm on Friday 26 March, masks will no longer be required in retail settings but Victorians will still need to carry one with them at all times and wear it on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and taxis and in sensitive settings such as aged care facilities and hospitals. Victorians will be able to host up to 100 people in their home per day. Outdoor gatherings in public places - like the beach or the park - can also increase to 200 people. Density limits in venues still operating under more restrictive settings - like casinos, karaoke venues and nightclubs - will move from 1 person per 4sqm to 1 person per 2sqm. This is in line with cafes, pubs and restaurants. Additional people will also be allowed in indoor non-seated entertainment venues with an increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent capacity however, the limit of 1000 people per space remains. Dancefloors will move to the same density limit of the venue and the 50 pa-

Acting Premier James Merlino announced that Victoria’s Covid-safe settings would ease again. Picture: FILE PICTURE tron cap will also be removed. There will no longer be limits on class sizes for outdoor and indoor physical recreation or fitness classes - and unstaffed gyms will be moving from a density limit of 1 person to 8sqm to 1 person per 4sqm. In what’s expected to be a boost to the economy, the 75 per cent cap on private and public offices workers will also be removed, which coincides with a revised flexible work

policy for the Victorian Public Service (VPS). The new policy outlines a starting position of three days in a primary office location - designed to capitalise on the productivity gains and work-life balance that can come with working remotely, while supporting the state’s social and economic recovery. The revised policy is expected to strike a balance between supporting the recovery of Melbourne’s CBD, while not losing the gains made in suburban and regional areas thanks to employees working close to home. The default starting position of three days a week in the office for full-time office-based VPS employees will continue to be flexible and subject to relevant Chief Health Officer workplace directions. While all workplaces are still required to ensure people can work from the office in a Covid-safe way - with a density limit of 1 person per 2sqm - they will no longer be required to permit workers to work from home. And in further good news for AFL fans and following a successful first round, crowds will now be able to increase to 75 per cent for Round 2. For more information on the new coronavirus settings visit coronavirus.com.au

Seizures, six arrested in anti-hoon raids Six people have been arrested and vehicles seized during anti-hoon police raids in Hallam, Endeavour Hills and Templestowe Lower. During the Operation Achilles raids on 17 and 18 March, police seized a silver Ford Falcon, a black Holden Commodore, a 2013 Yamaha motorcycle, cannabis, ammunition, hunting knives, extendable batons, a taser and imitation guns. Three arrested men were allegedly involved in an illegal hoon incident in Carrum on 23 January 2021. Southern Metro Division 3 police believe a group attended the Carrum location and dropped burn outs in front of a crowd of people. A 23-year-old Endeavour Hills man was charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, incitement, cultivate narcotic plants and possess a drug of dependence. He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. A 25-year-old Hallam man was charged with conduct endangering a person and possess a drug of dependence. He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. A 25-year-old Bayswater man is expected to be charged on summons for conduct endangering serious injury. Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Grande of Victoria Police said “doing burn outs or racing around our streets is not harmless fun”. “It’s dangerous and we know it can result

A Yamaha motorcycle is impounded as part of Operation Achilles.

A man arrested during Operation Achilles raids on 17-18 March. in serious injury or even death.” He said police would use “every investigative measure available” to identify hoon drivers and “hold them to account”. “The penalties for hooning are significant and our message to anyone out there is simple - we will find you, arrest you, charge you with serious criminal offences and seize your car. “We understand that people are frustrated and concerned by this type of activity, the damage it causes and the danger it poses to people who are just going about their lives in our community.” A 59-year-old Endeavour Hills man was

charged with cultivate narcotic plants and possess a drug of dependence. He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 5 August. A 21-year-old Berwick woman was charged with cultivate narcotic plants and possess a drug of dependence. She was released pending summons. A 30-year-old Templestowe Lower man was charged with obtain advantage by financial deception, unlicensed driving and use fraudulent registration plate. He was bailed to attend Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 6 August. The statewide Operation Achilles was established due to an increase in hoon driving offences. For immediate assistance, call triple-0. Report any dangerous driving or hoon activity to your local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Our vision is to nurture young men of integrity and compassion who strive for excellence, by providing them with opportunities for learning and growth that balance academic rigour with character development and community leadership.

Our shame From page 1 Safe Steps is able to provide support in a number of ways, including assisting victim-survivors to stay in their own home with added security, providing emergency accommodation and providing assistance for pets. “And if we can’t support directly, we make sure people are referred to the right place,” she said. The stats also showed that more generally, crime was up 3.9 per cent in Casey, with 17,296 criminal incidents recorded, compared to 16,646 in 2019. Cranbourne was Casey’s top suburb for criminal incidents, and crimes committed in the home increased. Crime was also up in Hampton Park and Cranbourne North, but decreased in Berwick and Narre Warren. Criminal incidents in shopping complexes decreased over the year. A new category of crime, public health and safety offences, saw 1500 incidents recorded in Casey. According to the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), there were 37,505 offences recorded by police for breaches of Covid-19 Chief Health Officer Directions in 2020. The majority were committed between April and October. These were recorded against 26,497 unique Covid-19 offenders, 92 per cent of whom received a fine. CSA chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said that: “changes in mobility and everyday activity during COVID-19 restrictions have influenced crime trends, with decreases recorded in steal from a retail store and other property related offences, while the introduction of new Covid19-related offences have seen an increase in alleged offenders processed by Victoria Police. There has also been a reduction in the number of recorded victims of crime.” There was an 8 per cent decrease in offences reported to police in the year ending December 2020 (from 538,454 to 497,704 offences 2020 - excluding Covid19-related offences). There was also a decline in the number of offences committed from March 2020, most notably for property and deception offences such as burglary/break and enter and theft and these crime trends had not returned to pre-pandemic levels when the data was released. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, Rick Nugent, said that for the most part, fines deterred people from doing the wrong thing during the Covid pandemic. For family violence support, please contact: Safe Steps Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre Tel: 1800 015 188 (24 hours) Webchat: safesteps.org.au (9am - midnight Mon-Fri) If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero on 000.

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St Kevin’s bicycle skills By Damian and Shawn, Year 6 students at St Kevin’s Primary School

St Kevin’s students take part in the ride. nets and bikes if they don’t bring their own to school. The program runs at different times throughout the whole year for Prep to Year 6. Each year level gets two hours of riding each

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week for 5 weeks during the program. St. Kevin’s has a variety of bike sizes available for its students. Once we have completed our Bike Ed for

the year, the next year we are ready and confident to participate in the ride from the Hampton Park Library to St. Kevin’s with the support of our teachers.

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Friday 19 March was National Ride2School Day. Our school, St. Kevin’s Primary School Hampton Park, organised a meeting place in front of the Hampton Park Library. We were told to arrive at 8.15am with our bikes, scooters and bike helmets. There were multiple teachers there, so two could lead each group of students, one at the front, one at the back. There were five groups, the faster and older students first, and the slower and younger students going later. Each group consisted of about 30 students and left at different times. The groups traveled safely across the roads, stopping at the traffic lights with the support of their teacher group leaders and other teachers positioned along the way. The smaller groups meant we were able to stay together. Many of the students from St Kevin’s Primary School were able to participate because of our yearly Bike Education Program. In our school, Prep to Year 6 students participate in the Bike Ed program throughout the year. Each lesson, we start by completing a safety check of our bikes and helmets. We need to make sure that our helmets are fastened correctly and our bike is working. We do laps around our school oval to warm up for our riding skills. Each lesson, the teachers who have been trained, organise drills for the students to practice and that teach us how to ride a bike safely. The school has bikes for students to learn on and they are very useful for our school community. Sometimes, students get split into groups for different drills. We get a certain amount of time to do each drill before we move on to the next. Students are provided with helmets, hair-

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Charity ride By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 240-kilometre charity bike ride across Lorne’s undulating terrain was worth the pain, says Paul Atkinson. Still feeling the rigours of Ride for Sick Kids, Mr Atkinson from Narre Warren joined 40 other riders in trying to raise $150,000 on 13-15 March. Mr Atkinson, who works at Dandenong South bakery Aryzta, has been involved since the start of Ride for Sick Kids 11 years ago. In that time, he has helped raise more than $2 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities. The amount is equivalent to 15,000 nights of accommodation for families staying at Ronald McDonald House while their seriously ill children are in hospital. “It’s a fantastic service for parents so they can be near their kids in a stressful time,” Mr Atkinson said.

“We’ve known people who have used the house, including some who are on the ride. It verifies what you’re doing. “A lot of us are so fortunate that our children don’t have issues. But that’s not always the case unfortunately.” Individually, Mr Atkinson is aiming to raise $8000 this year. As of 19 March, he’d exceeded $6000 - the top fundraiser for 2021. Being not a regular rider, Mr Atkinson trained up for the gruelling event in the weeks ahead. The pack of 40 riders ranged from “protypes” to “novices”. But the aim was for “everyone to get through”. “We support each other through the whole ride. Those hills take it out of you but there’s beautiful scenery.” Even still, Mr Atkinson’s legs and bottom were feeling the effects. “I think I’ll get a new, more comfortable

Paul Atkinson has helped raise $2 million in the past 11 years for Ronald McDonald House. seat for the next one.” A virtual version of the ride is continuing ‘online’ - in which riders can choose to ride between 50 and 200 kilometres. It ends on 23 March.

To take part or donate, go to www.rideforsickkids.com.au To support Mr Atkinson go to fundraise. rmhc.org.au/fundraisers/paulatkinson/ridefor-sick-kids-vic

Hoon sees no problem in burnout ‘court’ on film By Cam Lucadou-Wells A video shot out of the window of a Hallam hoon’s car as he dropped a burnout has become police evidence against him. Stephen Scordo was driving his mother’s Holden Statesman, which he lined up with a motorcycle and another silver vehicle and set off and lost traction at fast speed on a public road in January. His passenger leaned out of the window to film the burnout. Scordo pleaded guilty to his driving offences in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 18 March.

He had told police he’d gone to a “s***” car meet that day, so he thought “f*** it, I’ll do a burnout”. Scordo didn’t see what was wrong with the burnout, though admitting there were other people nearby. “I know I’m a f***head for doing it,” he told police. On 17 March, police raided Scordo’s mother’s home, where he lives. They seized two unspent shotgun rounds and two zip-lock bags of meth, empty deal bags and scales. Scordo was arrested and remanded in custody.

At the time, Scordo was on two community corrections orders with judicial monitoring. He hadn’t complied with a previous CCO. He had difficulty complying due to his mental health issues, defence lawyer Anna Balmer told the court. Magistrate Costas Kilias opted to defer sentence for Scordo until his CCOs expire in late June. His offences would in the meantime hang over his head like a “Damoclean sword”. “I want to see what he does over the next three months.” Mr Kilias ordered a Corrections Victoria

assessment for Scordo, indicating another CCO was “in the mix”. The magistrate said he’d also later consider Victoria Police’s application for Scordo’s mother’s car to be forfeited to the State. Scordo also faces a mandatory driving disqualification. He will appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 13 May for a “progress report”, with sentencing set for 11 June. He was bailed to a fixed address in Hallam, with a night curfew and a ban on driving, attending “illegal street car racing events” and using illicit drugs.

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Students OK after crash

LENSCAPE

By Danielle Kutchel Teachers and students from Berwick College are uninjured after the bus they were travelling in hit a tree branch, Star News Group understands. Nineteen students and two teachers from the school were en route to a school camp at Sandy Point on Monday 22 March when a large gum tree branch split from a tree and hit the front of their vehicle as they travelled between Korumburra and Leongatha. The school has confirmed that all students are safe. T 16P_

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A happy lesson I attended a wonderful event at Bunji Place in Narre Warren last Friday night. It was Anh Do with his show “The Happiest Refugee”. What an example he is of what refugees can offer our country! His humanity and humility was there for all to see and honour, despite the traumas of his early life. He appreciated the democracy that existed in Australia in 1980 when he and his family arrived on a leaky boat with 38 other refugees

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from Vietnam after five horrific days at sea. He and his fellow refugees were welcomed to this country. He continues to thank Australia for their welcome to everyone and for providing an opportunity for everyone to have a “fair go”. I was inspired by Ahn Do to look at my life and be so thankful for the opportunities and blessings and “pay it forward” as well. We NOW need to continue urging our government to revise their policy toward refugees and asylum seekers, that has changed so much over the past twenty years.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS I urge Jason Wood, member for LaTrobe to represent my views in our Federal Parliament. People all over the country are speaking out for a return to the times of welcome, humanity and care for refugees who seek a safe haven in Australia. Don’t let us forget there are still many like Anh Do amongst them with much to offer our country. Elizabeth Ellis, Pakenham

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To Russell Bennett for all his sports reports and stories, all the best in your next chapter.

To Casey council for being our council.

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Thumbs up To my little fur baby, not feeling so great this week with his 4th round of chemo. He’ll be thankful for the anti nausea injection today. He’s got a lot of fight in him, and he’ll pull through.

Thumbs down To the turning lane and lane closures in Beaconsfield at the moment. The traffic is absolute chaos. Could it be managed better?

Thumbs down To Berwick Cranbourne Rd planners. So many new estates and nowhere to go when the road goes into single lane. 3pm on a Saturday and still bumper to bumper.

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Better mental health for local school Teachers and school staff in the City of Casey will benefit from targeted preventive programs designed to safeguard their mental health and wellbeing, thanks to a State Government initiative. Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas announced on Wednesday 17 March that Narre Warren South P-12 College is among 17 schools across Victoria that will share in $700,000 as part of the Safe and Well Initiative. Narre Warren South P-12 College will spend their grant money on delivering tailored wellbeing sessions designed to build team relationships and reunite staff to create a more positive working environment and improve the mental health, safety and wellbeing of their staff. The Safe and Well Initiative is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of school staff across the state. The wellbeing of school staff is central to creating a positive school culture for teaching and learning. Schools thrive when principals, teachers and education support staff thrive. “Narre Warren South P-12 College is a fan-

Gary Maas MP announced a local school will be part of the Safe and Well Initiative. tastic local school and this investment will help the staff achieve their very best at work and in life,” Mr Maas said. “The recent Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System has shown the im-

portance of mental health support in our community and funding of this wellbeing program at Narre Warren South P-12 College will ensure that staff are more equipped to continue providing a high-quality education.” The Safe and Well Initiative is part of $51 million in State Government funding, delivered over four years, to deliver a range of reforms that support staff safety, employee wellbeing and reforms to health and safety. The Safe and Well in Education Strategy 2019-2024 puts the health, safety and wellbeing of all school employees first and recognises that mental health is just as important as physical health. A key priority in the strategy is to improve mental health and wellbeing which is being achieved by providing improving mental health supports for school staff. The announcement of the initiative follows the recent release of the final report from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System earlier this month. The State Government has committed to implementing every recommendation in the report. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

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Battin speaks after spill By Brad Battin, Gembrook MP A Liberal today is described as a small ‘l’ Liberal or a big ‘L’ Liberal when referring to where they stand within the party on social issues. It is difficult when you don’t totally conform with one of these titles, as I believe nearly every Liberal I know doesn’t. I would describe myself as a blue-collar Liberal. Before entering the world of politics, I have worked in the justice system as a prison officer, served in the Victoria Police and ran a small business after purchasing a Bakers Delight franchise. I firmly believe in you should be rewarded for hard work, everyone is entitled to a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and I support getting the Government out of your life, not more involved in it. Owning a small business, I learned the hard way; the last person paid each week is the owner. It is not easy, and you have a responsibility for your staff and suppliers. It is the experience of looking at your electricity bill and not having the funds to pay it that force you to learn about budgeting. Many small businesses close within 12 months as they don’t have the cash flow capacity to stay viable. I am always focused on success, and with this business, using family support, we passed the 12-month mark and improved the business creating more local jobs. Of the staff who worked with me in the store some are still in the baking industry while others have moved on to operate their own successful small businesses. Even one has moved into politics and is working on the policy for future growth in Victoria.

Brad with his wife Jo and their two daughters Chloe and Mikaela. As a parent, I am passionate that every child should get the opportunity to succeed, and this includes children who leave the path they are on heading for a life of crime. In Victoria, we should never celebrate when a child is locked up - although we know there are some circumstances where they must. When you next walk past a ten-year-old, imagine how they would look in a youth detention centre. It is too young, and yet we have seen chil-

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dren this young in detention. It would be my purpose to make Victoria safer when discussing youth crime, but the answer is not throwing all young people in prison and throwing away the key. It is about placing the services and support around youth offenders and high-risk young people, including their families, as it is successful in the north of England. This is the only option to reduce repeat offending and reduce the number of young people in detention. We need to build alter-

native options and celebrate achievements targeted at fewer kids in prison, not more. As your local voice in the Gembrook Electorate, I am listening. The issues that are important to you are important to me - getting home sooner, feeling safer, having access to education that is focused on outcomes and delivering better access to mental health support. I get many emails a day, and I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf as your local MP.

Rollout is on: Casey’s Covid vaccine sites revealed By Danielle Kutchel The Federal Government has released the list of sites in Casey where eligible residents can get their Covid vaccinations. The release of the list comes as phase 1b of the national vaccine rollout commences around the country. Under phase 1b, the following people are eligible to be vaccinated: Elderly adults aged 80 years and over Elderly adults aged 70-79 years Other health care workers (including allied health professionals, aged care and disability workers, all public and private hospital staff, healthcare workers in private practice, community pharmacy staff, healthcare workers providing in-home and community care, including centrebased care, the workforce supporting medical practitioners in a clinical setting, including students on placement, onsite administrative staff in healthcare settings,

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health professional referral if required or a declaration form) Adults with a disability who have a specified underlying medical condition Critical and high risk workers including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing (Workers will need to provide proof of occupation to demonstrate their eligibility) Up to 14.8 million doses of the vaccine are available under phase 1b, with the government estimating it will vaccinate more than six million Australians. The Federal Government this week launched a website to allow those who are eligible under this phase to book in their vaccination appointment at their local centre. Appointments will be available from Monday 22 March. To receive a vaccine under phase 1b, visit www.covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/ The site will first gather information to

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Phase 1b of Australia’s vaccine rollout is set to begin. Photo: UNSPLASH

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and cleaners, kitchen staff and other ancillary staff in healthcare settings) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 55 Adults with a specified medical condition (People will need to provide proof of these conditions to demonstrate their eligibility for vaccination via My health record, a

check your eligibility, before allowing you to find your local service and book an appointment. The number of clinics offering the vaccine is set to grow over the coming four weeks. Currently, the clinics in Casey offering the Covid vaccine include: Doveton Medical Centre, Doveton Narregate Medical and Dental, Narre Warren Prohealth Family Medical Centre, Cranbourne East Pound Road Medical Centre, Narre Warren South Unique Medical, Cranbourne Lynbrook Village Medical Centre, Lynbrook Narre Warren Clinic, Narre Warren Woodleigh Waters Medical Clinic, Berwick Casey Medical Centre Clyde, Clyde Belgrave Hallam Road Medical Centre, Narre Warren North

· · · · · · · · · ·

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Thursday, 25 March, 2021

STAR NEWS 7

Light Meals Available 9am - 3pm EGGS ON TOAST CHOICE OF FRIED/POACHED/SCRAMBLED EGGS SERVED ON SOURDOUGH $14

OPEN OMELETTE W/CHERRY TOMATOES, SPINACH, MUSHROOM & SOURDOUGH $19

VISTA MUESLI WITH MILK, NATURAL YOGHURT & MIXED BERRY COMPOTE $16

SMASHED AVO ON SOURDOUGH W/2 POACHED EGGS TOPPED W/CRUMBLED FETA & DRIZZLED W/OLIVE OIL $21

HAM & CHEESE TOASTIE $10

HAM, CHEESE & TOMATO TOASTIE $11

CHEESE & TOMATO TOASTIE $10

LAMB, TOMATO RELISH, SPINACH & CHEESE TOASTIE $12

EGG, BACON & TOMATO RELISH TOASTIE $12

HOMEMADE SCONES (SWEET OR SAVOURY) W/HOMEMADE JAM AND CREAM $51 | $9 FOR 2

Extras BACON $4 | MUSHROOMS $4 HASH BROWN $3 | SAUTÉED SPINACH $3 GRILLED TOMATO $3

Hot & Cold Drinks

BUTTER CHICKEN CURRY (GF) W/ RICE AND FLAT BREAD $24

VEGAN BURGER (V) VEGAN PATTIE W/ LETTUCE CARROT, CUCUMBER, TOMATO ONION AND BEETROOT RELISH. $22

HOKKIEN NOODLES STIR FRY (VG) TOSSED IN MIXED VEGGIES, SOY & CHILLI; FINISHED W/ FRIED SHALLOTS $20 - ADD CHICKEN $4

SLOW COOKED PULLED LAMB GREEK SALAD LETTUCED ONION, TOMATO, CUCUMBER, OLIVES & FETA, FINISHED W/ OLIVE OIL & LEMON JUICE DRESSING $24 - WITHOUT LAMB $19 (VG, GF)

CHICKEN SCALLOPINI (GF) CHICKEN BREAST SAUTEED IN A WHITE WINED BACON & MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE, SERVED W/ STEAMED VEGETABLES $26

HAWAIIAN CHICKEN PARMA W/ HAM, NAPOLI, PINEAPPLE, CHEESE, CHIPS & SALAD $25

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Tea - $4.5

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$12

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GRILLED SAGANAKI W/ OLIVE OIL, HERBS AND LEMON WEDGE (V) $13

CHICKEN SATAY SKEWERS W/ STEAMED RICE AND SATAY SAUCE (GF) $13

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ICED CHOCOLATE $7 HOT CHOCOLATE | ADD $.50

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CHICKEN PARMA

W/ HAM, NAPOLI, CHEESE, FRIES & SIDE SALAD $25

CHICKEN SCHNITZEL W/ GRAVY, CHIPS, SIDE SALAD & FRIED EGG $24

FISH N CHIPS W/ FRESH LEMON,TARTAR & SIDE SALAD $23

VISTA BURGER & CHIPS W/ BACON, CHEESE, TOMATO, LETTUCE, EGG & SAUCE $20

PENNE CARBONARA SAUTEED ONION BACON & GARLIC IN A CREAMY WHITE WINE SAUCE FINISHED WITH EGG YOLK AND PARMESAN CHEESE $22

SERVED W/ SWEET CHILLI DIPPING SAUCE (6) (V) $10

Kid’s Menu NUGGETS & CHIPPIES $14

FISH N’ CHIPPIES $14

MINI OPEN SOUVLAKI W/CHIPS $14

PENNE NAPOLI $14

Desserts WILDBERRY CHEESECAKE (GF) NEW YORK CHEESECAKE - $14 DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CAKE COOKIES & CREAM CAKE LEMON MERINGUE CAKE FLOURLESS ORANGE CAKE (GF) ICE CREAM SUNDAE W/ CHOCOLATE TOPPING & SWEET CANDY BAKLAVA & PISTACHIO ICE CREAM

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KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY

Thursday, 25 March, 2021

NEWS

Arsonist son By Cam Lucadou-Wells A drunk and paranoid man has burnt down his mother’s house and most of her possessions in Kooweerup, the County Court of Victoria heard. In a screaming rage, Joshua Keith Channells, now 36, smashed windows from the inside, then exploded petrol in his bedroom, about 4pm on 1 April 2020. With his lower legs burnt, Channells escaped out of one of the broken windows. Prior to the incident, he’d yelled at his mother - who out of fear for her safety had earlier left the property and drove down the street to call triple-zero. She returned 20 minutes later with police to discover her house engulfed in flames. She saw Channells on his knees on the ground and she felt sick, the court heard. She had lived in the uninsured, now uninhabitable house for three decades. But for some small items of jewellery, most of her possessions were destroyed. In sentencing on 18 March, Judge Frances Hogan noted that Channells’ mother - a retired widow in her seventies - was rendered effectively homeless. She moved into public housing. “The enormity of the consequences that followed must have hit her deeply.” That morning, Channells had drank about 16 beers or more, later telling police that the incident was a “blur” and that he may have been attempting suicide. According to a witness, Channells had been increasingly erratic as he became more intoxicated that day. He started playing heavy metal loudly and became more “paranoid” about coronavirus

and the “National Guard” arriving at the house. In the preceding days, he became convinced that he suffered fatal symptoms of colon cancer. He stopped taking anti-depressive meds due to his constipation. Channells, who had a good work history and no prior convictions, pleaded guilty to arson and causing property damage. He had unresolved grief issues, major depression and sporadically took his meds at the time, the court heard. Referees stated that he was normally a “loving soul who wouldn’t hurt a fly” and who “put others ahead of yourself”. Judge Hogan accepted Channells’ actions were “out of character” - a short-lived “irrational decision” fueled by intoxication and his mental disorder. She was not satisfied that it was a suicide attempt. There was no discernible motive and a relative lack of premeditation. Mental impairment was not an available defence. A “truly remorseful” Channells had apologised but had “some work to do” to repair his relationship with his mother, the judge noted. His rehabilitation prospects were “good” if he engaged in treatment and stopped drinking. They were best served by a lengthy community corrections order rather than a long stint in jail, Judge Hogan said. His mental health deteriorated during his 357 days in pre-sentence detention. The lack of available therapy in custody was a concern, Judge Hogan said. Channells was sentenced to 15 months in jail including pre-sentence custody, with a fouryear CCO including supervision and treatment.

The jetty structure.

A better jetty for Tooradin By Danielle Kutchel Tooradin boaties and fisherman have hit the jackpot with the revamp of the town’s old jetty now complete. Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne visited the town on Friday 19 March to inspect the finished jetty, with works having finished just a few weeks ago. The Tooradin Jetty is now safer and more accessible for boaters, fishers and visitors. The structure has new piles, a new timber deck, beams, and recycled plastic fenders. A floating pontoon and ramp have been installed to replace the old low landing, which makes it easier for people of all abilities to use. To enhance the accessibility, holes have been added in the pontoon for the placement of hoists to assist people with disabilities to access boats. This project was part of the State Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works economic stimulus package, which aims to support Victorian jobs as the state rebuilds after Covid. Proprietors of Tidemaster Charters and Cruises, Lindsay and Irene Mitchell, believe the new jetty will give their business a boost. “It’s like winning TattsLotto,” Mr Mitchell said. “No question, it will be brilliant for our vessel. Prior to this we had to use the boat ramp and it wasn’t satisfactory, but I could live with it.” He said the new floating pontoon would

be a gift for seniors using his service, providing them with a stable boarding platform. Locals were heavily invested in the build, with many walking down to view progress each day, Mr Mitchell said. “This will be a long term asset for Tooradin. We’re very fortunate with the way the ducks lined up.” Mr Mitchell’s business is slowly getting back to normal after closing during the pandemic. He and his wife shut their cruise vessel down prior to lockdown because they “didn’t want to be a Ruby Princess”, and are now operating on a restricted cruise menu to adhere to social distancing - but next season, Mr Mitchell said, “will be crazy”. Ms Horne said the completion of the jetty was “welcome news” for the community. “It’s great to know these upgrades make it more accessible and help keep people safe in the water,” she said.” “It is about getting the community out there and fishing more often and also investing in the local economy. “We had a $2.7billion stimulus package, some of which was invested into things like this so we could get people out there building right here and now and also have an assert for the community to love.” Reece Taranto, Parks Victoria area chief ranger for east Port Phillip and Western Port, said the facility would serve businesses and the community for years to come. “We’re really excited to be able to provide this facility,” he said. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Garden gem in the money A much-loved Cranbourne gem has received a multi-million dollar funding boost from the State Government. Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne has been awarded $3.3 million from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund - Stimulus Round for significant eco-tourism improvements that will drive visitors from across Australia and beyond. The funding will establish the Gardens as the premier eco-tourism attraction in the south-east corridor through wildlife protection initiatives, improved entrances and upgrades to nature play and hospitality facilities. “This $3.3 million of infrastructure funding will provide safer access to all Victorians, as well as tourists from interstate, and soon overseas again,” says Tim Entwisle, director and chief executive of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. “It funds wildlife protection, more accessible entrances, safer tracks through the nature reserve and new visitor facilities, as well as further interpretation and improvements to the specially curated native landscapes within the Australian Garden.” Other improvements include: Upgrade of the popular Woodland Picnic Area through replacement of ageing play equipment and the installation of new shade structures to protect children from UV radiation. Improved shelter and learning experiences

· ·

Aviva Communities Officer

The funding will be used for various improvements around the Gardens.

for families through upgrade of the Rockpool Pavilion and Riverwalk ponding platform. Visitor Centre and cafe enhancements to provide improved visitor experience and learning opportunities. Gateway landscape developments to improve accessibility whilst creating an entry experience that builds anticipation and understanding, while protecting the site’s precious indigenous plants and animals. Improved safety and visitor experience through sealing of the main carpark and select access paths.

Featuring sliding doors opening to a private outdoor entertaining area, The Monterey, The Monterey X & Monterey SX at Aviva Communities Officer are designed with your lifestyle in mind. These gorgeous homes feature 2 bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms, with scenic views over Gum Scrub Creek. The luxurious Monterey SX also includes a study, which can be used as a third bedroom.

Funding for communities to keep events Covid-safe The State Government has announced a series of grants to help multicultural and multifaith communities to host Covid-safe events. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence announced that grants of up to $50,000 through the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program would be available to help local organisations host Covid-safe events - both face-to-face and digital. The program recognises the important role community connection and celebration play in all communities, and enables Victorians to celebrate the diversity and multiculturalism. With the celebration of Harmony Day this Sunday 21 March, and Cultural Diversity Week taking place from 21-28 March, it’s the perfect time for organisations to apply for activities that celebrate diversity.

The Monterey’s - Open plan living at its best

Celebrating Pongal at the Tamil Multicultural Harvest Festival in 2019. Picture: FILE PIC Funding will support events held between 1 July and 31 December 2021. Applications close at 3:00pm on Wednesday 21 April 2021. For more information and to apply visit vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-andevents-program.

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Thursday, 25 March, 2021

STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

All smiles for bike ride By Danielle Kutchel Students in Berwick and Narre Warren enthusiastically took up the challenge to take active transport to school as part of National Ride2School Day. On Friday 19 March, students at Berwick Primary School and Fleetwood Primary School were among the more than 350,000 students across the nation who took part in the event - part of a push to get students to get into the healthy habit of walking, scooting, skating or riding to school. At Berwick Primary School, grade six teacher Scott Hunter helped lead a walking group of at least fifty students who journeyed to school together. He said the walk helped “start the day on a good note”. Meanwhile, the bike sheds at the school were overflowing with more than 100 bikes, in a reflection of the popularity of the event. “We were trying to get as many kids as possible to create habits of rather than relying on mum and dad to get them to school, to start the day in a healthy way and create that positive start to the morning,” Mr Hunter said. He added that active transport had other benefits too, like reducing traffic around the school and contributing to a healthier environment. Tim Bowden, PE teacher at Fleetwood Primary School, agreed that Ride2School helped encourage physical activity in students. He added that the day resulted in a greater sense of community and fellowship amongst students too. “We had a lot of senior students helping the junior students with how to ride their bikes and scooters. “They were really caring for each other. It was good to see, I was really proud of them,” he said. Turnout at Fleetwood was “better than expected”, with around 60 students riding and scooting through the gates. Mr Bowden said the school would “absolutely” participate again next year - “with twice the turnout, hopefully!”

Grade four student Eliana took her bike to school.

Just some of the bikes at Berwick Primary School. 10 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 25 March, 2021

Amina, Tyne, Kaiden, Jayden and Eliana with teacher Tim Bowden at Fleetwood Primary School.

Jayden and Kaiden scoot into Fleetwood.

Students took the opportunity to ride and scoot to Berwick Primary School.

Bikes at Fleetwood Primary School. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Loved local pharmacist bids a reluctant farewell By Danielle Kutchel

Casey’s neighbourhood house and community centre managers meet over Zoom with website marketing manager Emily.

Easy access By Danielle Kutchel A new website aims to make it easier for Casey residents to find social events, upskill or unleash their talent through their local community house. Called Casey Connect and Learn, the new website provides easy online access to information about the classes, activities and social groups at 14 neighbourhood houses and community learning centres across the City of Casey. The project has been in the pipeline for a while now, with a focus on the benefits of learning locally and connecting with likeminded neighbours, according to Casey’s neighbourhood house managers. The new website is person-focused and is about each individual’s experience rather than where the learning might take place. According to the managers involved, it’s about residents being able to connect with and source what they need. The website allows visitors to search for a

course, activity or skill they are interested in, and identify a nearby course. It is accessible and available in numerous different languages - making it perfect for multicultural, multilingual Casey. The website also showcases the network of community houses across Casey, and emphasises the connections between the 14 sites as well as the advocacy and support that neighbourhood houses and community centres can provide. Managers say it was challenging to create and launch the website over Zoom - but it’s “exciting” to see the site finally up and running. They’ve been busier than they were prior to the pandemic, with many locals keen to get out and about now that restrictions have eased - and the hope is that the website will encourage more people to connect and learn in Casey. Feedback is invited to ensure the website adequately serves its users needs. View the website at www.caseyconnectlearn.com.au

After 20 years, one of Hampton Park’s most familiar faces is hanging up the white coat. Greg Clements, outgoing pharmacist at Priceline Pharmacy Hampton Park, has become the welcoming smile behind the counter for many repeat customers - but after two decades in the job, it’s time for a change. Indeed, Mr Clements said there have already been lots of changes in the area over the years. He no longer drives past farms on the way to work, but rather factories and new housing estates. “The mix of people has changed, it’s much more multicultural than it was when I first came here, which is a good thing,” he said. “Otherwise, the people are still the same as they were 20 years ago - friendly, and when they’re in need of help I’m happy to do so.”

He has no firm plans for the future yet, but will be taking a break before getting into anything new. Mr Clements said he was sad to be leaving Priceline after so long. “I’ll miss the daily interaction with customers and the people you get to know over the years,” he said. “Some have been here longer than me! You build up to a first name basis. I’ll miss the friendships.” He paid tribute to those customers on his last day in store. “A big thankyou to them for embracing me when I first started, and for continuing to come and see me,” he said. “Without customers, I wouldn’t have had a business.” New owners will take over Priceline Pharmacy Hampton Park from Tuesday 16 March.

Left to right: assistant manager Emma, pharmacist Chandima, and outgoing pharmacist Greg Clements.

Brought to you by The Berwick & Beaconsfield Chamber of Commerce and the City of Casey.

Are you Casey's Business of the Year?

12PM - 3PM Blackburn Square Precinct, Berwick Plenty of fun for all with a Women’s, Men’s and Kids Fashion Parade, as well as a Jumping Castle, Soft Play Area, Cookie Decorating, Hair Braiding and Face Painting.

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12PM - 6PM Village Green Area (Middle of High St, Berwick) Enjoy food created by local restauranteurs, with plenty on offer including Italian, Greek, Spanish, Mexican, Indian, Vietnamese, A La Carte offerings, Cheese platters, and Hot Dogs. Sample local wines, beers and cocktails while being entertained by talented musicians including Paul Hogan (Robbie Williams Impersonator), Conor Birmingham and more!

Proudly supported by Please visit our Website or Facebook page for activity times. Berwick & Beaconsfield Chamber of Commerce berwickbeaconsfieldchamber.com.au Contact Ritesh Prasad, Chamber Co-President on 0450 165 729 for further information. 12488053-AV13-21

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 25 March, 2021

STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Many cultures, one big aim On Wednesday 17 March, students at Hampton Park Primary School shared their cultural songs, dances and national dress at the school’s annual Cultural Infusion Concert. This event is always held around Harmony Day and helps to bring together and celebrate the many different cultures within the school. Previously, families have been asked to bring along a national dish from their country of origin and the school community then shares the meal, but to be Covid-safe, families instead submitted recipes for the school to make a special Hampton Park Primary School Multicultural Cookbook. Our photographer GARY SISSONS went along on the day to see the celebrations.

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There’s a battery for every application at Battery Zone. The independent local store supplies batteries for everything from watches to trucks, forklifts, farm equipment, laptops, and more. And if they don’t have it in stock, owner Charlie Carter says he can source it for you. That’s the benefit of shopping with a local, independent company! It’s been a tough 12 months for retail, but Mr Carter said he’s glad that his customers have remained loyal throughout the pandemic. He’s picked up new clients too, and not just in Victoria - his online sales have travelled as far away as Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. As more of us head out for a post-pandemic road trip or caravanning holiday, Mr Carter urged customers to check and replace their caravan and boat batteries. If you’re unsure, pop in to the store and he and his knowledgeable staff will help you out. Battery Zone’s staff are highly trained in installation, checking and testing batteries, as well as the latest battery technology to suit all types of vehicles. Battery Zone is currently looking for franchisees throughout Victoria - get in touch with Mr Carter for more details. Find Battery Zone at 3/206 Princes Hwy, Pakenham. For more information or to shop online go to batteryzone.com.au or phone 5940 1364.

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Thursday, 25 March, 2021

STAR NEWS 13

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Thursday, 25 March, 2021

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FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

Grandparents are a gift If you’re a grandparent you know the value of your contribution both economically and socially, and the Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the significant contribution grandparents make. National Seniors Australia has released new research on the grandparenting activities of older Australians revealing some interesting new findings. The data has noted the impact Covid-19 has had on the care grandparents provide, by the hole it’s left because of older Australians hav-

ing to socially isolate and therefore being unable to look after their grandchildren. National Seniors CEO Professor John McCallum describes grandparenting as being like ‘intergenerational Lego’. It meets many different needs and is a very flexible service. Among the research findings were: More than a quarter of older Australians were providing regular care for grandchildren The average hours spent grandparenting were 12 hours per week with women work-

· ·

ing more hours than men · One quarter of those grandparenting were also caring for another person over the age providing grandparenting services · People of 12 years were typically aged 60-79 years A smaller group was identified as the ‘sandThose grandparenting tended to be better · · off and healthier than others wich group’ who cared for both grandchiland their own aged parents. Male grandparents were more likely to be in · a partnership - only 7% of grandfathers do- dren · Some participants in the research gave posi-

ing grandparenting duties were single, compared to 43% of grandmothers Overall women and men who were partnered were the most likely to be grandparenting

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STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Red Roos aim for US shot By Cam Lucadou-Wells Dandenong-based Red Roo Basketball’s players are making huge bounds on US college courts. Despite Covid ravaging the US, Michael Jok, Yut Gai, Daniel Akuei and Sebastian Lamonato earned scholarships and are now playing leading roles in their teams’ success. Jok, originally from Pakenham, has been starring for Dawson Community College for the past 18 months. His junior college side was recently crowned the Mon-Dak (Montana-North Dakota) conference champion two years in a row, with a 18-2 win record. The 191-centimetre guard started with Red Roo at 15 years old. Now 20, he’s in a winning US team in the end-of-season March Madness tournament. The skill level was “real real high”. Fast paced, athletic but enjoyable, he said. Gai was recently termed by his South Plains College coach as one of the team’s most consistent players. In his second year, the forward had racked up double-figures in his past three games in what is regarded the best junior college team in the country. Akuei has paved his way from junior college to the University of West Florida Argonauts. Lamonato graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with an international finance degree. A proud Red Roo owner, coach and mentor James Kerr says Jok and Gai were “going to another level” as they pitched themselves for potentially senior college scholarships. “They’re doing amazing right now. Better than you could have imagined. “There will be a lot of eyes on them. They do two years at ‘juco’ (junior college), and they’ve got to hope for a (college) team to pick them up.

Michael Jok shoots for Dawson Community College.

Michael Jok’s champions T-shirt for Dawson Community College’s win in the Mon-Dak conference 2020-’21

Daniel Akuei in his University of West Florida uniform.

“That’s the pressure.” It’s taken some sacrifice, saving up in advance for flights, visas and accommodation in the US. Then when they got the call up, they left behind their families and livelihoods to

chase their dreams. “You’re not earning so you’re putting the family in a bit of a quagmire,” Kerr says. “You’ve got to be fully motivated or you’re not going to do it.”

The players had not been aided by the Australian basketball system, according to Kerr. Good players have to “pay to play” at the state’s highest levels, meaning talented players like Jok and Gai weren’t being identified by Basketball Victoria, Kerr says. “If you don’t pay, you don’t play.” In contrast, the US system attracts and pays for scholarship winners’ sports and academic journeys. “What are you getting for playing rep ball in Australia? You’re paying registration and the cost of getting to training three nights a week sometimes for a club far away across the city. “What are you getting out of it? You’re not getting an education, you’re not getting a chance to play for a US college. “It’s a slim chance. I’d say there’s less than 200 Australian kids get scholarships in America.” Meanwhile back in Australia, a Red Roo men’s side defeated RMIT Redbacks in a thrilling overtime final at the Ballarat Senior Basketball Tournament. It was the first time a Sudanese-Australian team had won the 58-year-old tournament. It comes on top of winning a recent AAU Australia Summer Series national tournament at Dandenong - its first hit-out after not playing for eight months due to Covid lockdown. Kerr is a big fan of AAU Australia, which is providing an affordable US college pathway for Australian talent like Jok. Jok himself credits Kerr for helping get him known. “It was hard. My name wasn’t out there because I wasn’t playing at (Victorian) state level. “When I came to Red Roo in 2015, he told me to stay committed and keep doing it over time.”

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Michael Jok says he’s enjoying the fast-paced, high-skilled junior college level.

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OAMs for a couple of proud Aussies

Rex name shame By Mitchell Clarke Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name. Former Springfield Ward councillor Rex Flannery, who resigned as deputy mayor just days before the State Government sensationally sacked the entire council in February 2020, says the events of the past 12 months are still “eating” him up. He has now officially requested that his name is removed from both a councillor honour board in the customer service centre and a wall plaque in Bunjil Place. “I have never had any involvement into this alleged corruption scandal and therefore I do not wish to have my name associated with past or former councillors who may have brought our City of Casey into disrepute,” he told Star News. “People look at your name and they see that you’re from Casey Council and immediately they put you in that same mould, which couldn’t be further than the truth. “It’s just horrible to have been a councillor in that term. It gives you a sickening feeling in your gut and now I have to live with that.“ Mr Flannery argues his name should never have been placed on the plaque celebrating the $126 million Bunjil development because at the time he didn’t support the project. “I guess I’ve eaten a little bit of humble pie with Bunjil Place. I’ve been able to see the value that place brings to the community but at the time I was against the development and I wasn’t once consulted (about having my name included),” he said. He also claims former ex-ward partner, Sam Aziz, stated to him that he “wished he never had my name added to the plaque”. “That was the only time I agreed with him,” Mr Flannery said. While Mr Flannery hasn’t accused any former councillor of committing wrongdoing, he said anyone found guilty from the IBAC hearing should immediately have their honours stripped. “They need to have their plaques removed

Rex name shame

EXPERTS IN FAMILY LAW

Rex Flannery, pictured in late 2015, wants his name stripped from council. 148005 from anywhere within the City of Casey ... whether it’s a plaque in the botanical gardens or in Bunjil Place, I want them removed so they have absolutely no recognition anymore,” he said. “They’ve disgraced themselves and they’ve disgraced the council. They’ve taken something away from me that I totally enjoyed. I loved serving the Casey community. I just want some clarity as to what way it’s going to go.” Since his resignation, Mr Flannery has been working in an operating theatre at a local hospital. He said he has every intention to run for council again in 2024.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“I want to get back into serving the community again. I want to run again and I want to get my name back on the honour board for the right reasons. At the moment it’s a dishonour board,” he said. Star News understands Mr Flannery has put forward his request to be heard by the administrators at the next council meeting, slated for Tuesday 2 February.“It’s up to them now but a year later, this is still eating at me. I need closure and this is one way that I can get it,“ he said. “I played no part in any downturn or sacking of the council and I feel it’s my duty to say that I don’t want to be a part of or in any way

Bunjil Place. associated with the 2016-20 term.” Casey’s governance manager Rhys Matulis said: “Given the IBAC investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on that matter. Council has received and will consider Mr Flannery’s request in due course.”

12481470-NG07-21

Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name.

12425088-FA36-19

By Mitchell Clarke

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Thursday, 25 March, 2021

Yut Gai who plays forward for South Plains Junior College in Texas.

Yut Gai is playing for the US’s number one basketballing junior college. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

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To access the Webcast or add a message of condolence, visit the tributes page for Mr Stanley Exell at Tobin Brothers Funerals website www.tobinbrothers.com.au TOBIN BROTHERS FUNERALS BERWICK 9796 2866 MEMBER AFDA

General Notices

ANTENNA MAN

9707 5700, 9768 9153

EXELL A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Stanley Thomas Exell will be webcast live on Tuesday 30 March 2021 at 1pm. Attendance will be by invitation due to COVID-19 numbers restrictions.

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Thursday, 25 March, 2021

Nilsson Noel & Holmes (Surveyors) Pty Ltd

The application reference number is:

PlnA00291/20 - (Vanessa Carson)

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the ofﬁce of the Responsible Authority.

City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN This can be done during ofﬁce hours and is free of charge. Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

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:

08 April 2021

If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of its decision.

Public Notice

UÊ/ÀiiÊ- >« }Ê UÊ i`} } UÊ-ÌÕ «Ê,i Û> UÊ Õ ÞÊ+Õ> wi`Ê « Þi` UÊ Õ ÞÊ ÃÕÀi`ÊUÊ ÀiiÊ+Õ ÌiÃ GIPPSLAND UÊ ««Ã > `Ê V> Êv À UÊ/ÀiiÊ,i Û> ÊUÊ/ÀiiÊ*ÀÕ } ÊÊÊ ÛiÀÊÓÇÊÞi>ÀÃ

Casey Gardens Development Plan The City of Casey is currently advertising a revised draft of the Development Plan. The Development Plan proposes future medium and high density residential development at 6 Fullard Road in Narre Warren.

Oakfern Tree Care P/L

The draft Development Plan and details on making a submission can be viewed at www.casey.vic.gov.au/caseygardens or at Council ofﬁces at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren during opening hours.

Pruning Removal Stump Grinding

Phone Geoff 0418 340 825 Fully Insured

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Member HIA and MBA www.windows1.net.au

For further information, please contact Daniel Borton – Principal Strategic Planner on 9705 5200. The closing date for submissions is 16 April 2021. 12486506-DL13-21

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Two Lot Subdivision and Removal of Restrictions

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61 Hillsley Avenue and 1-2 Branca Court NARRE WARREN NORTH VIC 3804 Lot 5 PS 702029M

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NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

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.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Fun day out By Danielle Kutchel Berwick families can get out and about and celebrate all that makes their town great at an upcoming Community Food and Fun Day. Organised by the Berwick and Beaconsfield Chamber of Commerce and the City of Casey, the event will feature fun for all the family, including men’s, women’s and kids’ fashion parades, jumping castles, face painting, cookie decorating and more. Hungry tummies will be well-satisfied by dishes created by local restaurateurs, with

plenty on offer including Italian, Greek, Spanish, Mexican, Indian and Vietnamese. Sample local wines, beers and cocktails while being entertained by talented musicians including Robbie Williams impersonator Paul Hogan, Conor Birmingham and others. The event will run on Saturday 27 March from 12pm-6pm, at Blackburne Square and Berwick High Street. For activity times, visit the Berwick and Beaconsfield Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or berwickbeaconsfieldchamber.com.au

The family fun day is sure to draw a crowd.

WHAT’S ON Narre Warren South 3805.

Employability Skills (Pre- Accredited):

Yoga and Mindfulness classes for kids:

time, games, music and more. Day: Sundays, time: 4pm to 5pm. Cost: $80 per term (membership fees of $6.00 per annum applies). For enquires and booking contact Anu - 0432246674. Venue: Oakgrove Community Centre - 89 -101 Oakgrove Drive,

Fun and creative class for kids to learn to use their body and mind in a healthy way. Program includes: yoga, mindful activity, creative art, story

Public Notices and Event

Adult Services

CASEY CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL PROPERTY Casey City Council (Council) gives notice under section 189 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act) of its intention to sell part of the property known as Lot 2 on PS613876N and located at 1070i Cranbourne Frankston Road, Cranbourne (the Proposal). The subject land is shown hatched on the plan below.

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Rainbow Dolls $100/ 30mins Open 7 days

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DOMESTIC CLEANING, 20 Years experience, police checked , $30/hr, ironing, baby sitting, reasonable rates, European lady, Ph: 0419 802 192. V

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ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

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ALONE NO MORE!!!

Any person may make a submission on the Proposal under section 223 of the Act. The closing date for submissions is 22 April 2021. All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act. Submissions may be included in an agenda for a meeting of Council that will be made available to the public.

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The Proposal is that the property be sold by private treaty to the State Government.

ADVERTISE

Submissions can be submitted via Council’s Casey Conversations: https://conversations.casey.vic.gov.au Submissions may also be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, and can be hand delivered to Council’s Office at Bunjil Place, Patrick Northeast Drive Narre Warren or posted to the following address:

with us and get better results

The Chief Executive Officer Casey City Council PO Box 1000 NARRE WARREN VIC 3805 Any person requesting to be heard in support of his or her submission is entitled to be heard before Council (or a Committee established by Council for this purpose) or be represented by a person acting on his or her behalf and will be notified of the time and date of the hearing. A person must clearly state in their submission whether they, or their representative, wish to speak at the meeting.

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Find local work in the

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

Pets & Services

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE 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

For Sale

HALLAM 30 Star Cres, Staurday 27th March, 9am-5pm. MEGA YARD SALE. Multiple lots.

Cleaners

Livestock Drover/ Administrator

End of lease cleaners wanted. Only apply if you have had experience. Regular work (daily) with leading brand company. More info 03 9826 1111 or 0415 326 685.

QUALIFIED ROOF TILERS & APPRENTICES WANTED

Positions Vacant

AMG is currently looking for a livestock Administrator to join our company on a fulltime basis with above award rate depending on experience. Based in Dandenong South, ideally the candidate would have experience with cattle, MS Suite and Cedar Creek. Training provided. Contact for more information. Contact: Anna de la Zilwa 8329 8587 amg.com.au

Employment

Ben 0421 707 015 V

12477681-CG03-21

Employment

Garage Sales

BERWICK, 10 Caserta Drive. Saturday 27th March, 8am-2pm. Large variety & lots of bargains.

Positions Vacant

Above award wages paid.

• Available in the For Sale or Wanted Classiﬁcations only. • 4 lines of copy • Ad will run for 2 weeks • 1 item per advertisement • Item must be priced under $100 • Private party only – household and personal items • No animals, automotive or plants • Ads must be submitted via email to sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Glenn Patterson Chief Executive Officer

Employment

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Enquires should be directed to R. Legg on (03) 9709 9397.

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General Classifieds

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General Notices V

On Sunday 28th of March Sk8house is encouraging women to get rolling in support of VicHealth’s This Girl Can Week. Sk8house will be hosting a learn to skate class from 1-2pm at the Carrum Downs skate rink. Coaches from Sk8house skating clubs Sk8house Figure Skating and S8house Speed Skating plus South Sea Roller Derby club will be on hand, showcasing the many ways women can get moving on roller skates. Entry is just $5 per person and all proceeds will be split between the three clubs to directly support their members. Skate rental will be provided free of charge. And as a BONUS - the $5 entry fee gets you into the afternoon 2pm-5pm general session for FREE! Time: 28th of March, from 1.00pm. Location: Sk8house, 3/2 Amayla Cres, Carrum Downs. RSVP: click ‘GOING’ on the Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/ events/955739608298921 and reserve a spot on https://www.trybooking.com/BPGBR.

Positions Vacant

APPRENTICE PANEL BEATERS Berwick Motor Body Repairs has a career opportunity for motivated individual’s to start panel beating apprenticeships.

Phone 5943 2343 to arrange an interview or email your resume to noel@bmbr.com.au

12487944-NG13-21

After being forced to cancel in 2020, the Western Port Craft Expo is back! Featuring workshops, new crafts to try, craft for kids, talks, craft to buy, demonstrations and refreshments. Saturday 10 April, 10am-4pm at Hastings Community Hub, 1973 Frankston-Flinders Road, Hastings. Entry $5 Adults / $2 School-age Kids. Find out more at www.wpcraftexpo.com or for enquiries call 0477 149 734. Also on Facebook and Instagram.

This Employability Skills course will cover everything you need to prepare you for your search for employment. Day: Wednesdays, time: 10.00am to 12.00pm. Cost: $25 per term (membership fees of $6.00 per annum applies). For enquiries and booking contact the office - 9704 2781. Venue: Oakgrove Community Centre - 89-101 Oakgrove Drive, Narre Warren South 3805.

Western Port Craft Expo:

Positions Vacant

GATHERCOLE THE MEAT PEOPLE OUR GROWING BUSINESS HAS FULL TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: DAY SHIFT LABOURERS Immediate start | Some heavy lifting involved No experience necessary MEAT INSPECTOR With current certificates and PrimeSafe accredited QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN With current certificates If you are looking for a new start with job security, Excellent wages and conditions, then look no further. Apply in person between 8am and 2pm Monday – Friday Learmonth Road Carrum Email: qa1@gathercole.com.au

12488606-CG13-21

Learn/refresh basic computer skills like introduction to computer, internet application, MS Office - Basic, prepare documents and prepare simple budget. Days: Thursdays, time: 1.00pm to 3.00pm (Afternoon session). Cost: $25 per term (membership fees of $6.00 per annum applies). For enquires and booking contact the office - 9704 2781. Venue: Oakgrove Community Centre, 89-101 Oakgrove Drive, Narre Warren South 3805.

This Girl Can at Sk8house:

C904556-FB10-11

Basic Computer Classes (Pre- Accredited):

Motoring section of Network Classifieds. Thursday, 25 March, 2021

STAR NEWS 19

SPORT

Sport’s new look

Deciders are set...

By Russell Bennett Just over a year ago, two of the most recognisable figures in the local sporting community identified a gap that existed in encouraging youngsters from all walks of life to get involved in sport and stay physically active. Steve Dillon and Gavin Staindl now head up ‘DS Sports’ - an initiative that runs school and holiday sports-themed programs and initiatives for those aged anywhere from five to 13-years-of-age. The concept was the brainchild of Dillon, a school teacher known mainly for his cricketing involvement in local sporting circles. Staindl - who’s been heavily involved in the actionpacked sport of floorball for many years - later came on board for his business acumen. “I always saw this as a niche to fill in the market,” Dillon explained. “There are your sporting clubs, but I’m talking about for kids who don’t particularly want to play in a recognised team sport. “You’ve got your before and after school care programs, but you’ve got nothing in between where it’s very heavily sport-focussed. “That was the initial plan - to come up with a fun sporting program, as such.” So, DS Sports became involved in the government’s ‘Sporting Schools’ initiative - a $280 million program designed to help schools increase children’s participation in sport and connect them with opportunities in community sport. “We’ve got in-school programs, after school programs, and lunchtime programs,” Dillon explained. “The government funds Sporting Schools, where schools can apply for a $3500 grant every term to spend on equipment or external programs. “That’s where we come in. We’re aligned with baseball, tee-ball, volleyball, golf, lacrosse, and badminton - we run just about the whole of Gippsland. “For any of the schools that nominate that sport, we send a coach to them.” This term, DS Sports is already involved in nearly a dozen schools. “It spread more than we’d anticipated,” Staindl said. “We weren’t even looking at doing Sporting Schools - we were just doing a holiday pro-

Gavin Staindl and Steve Dillon from DS Sports. gram. That’s all we wanted to do. “Steve is the ideas man and he came up with this Sporting Schools idea. “I’m glad his perseverance wore off on me because it’s actually been really good. We haven’t really promoted ourselves at all, and I think that highlights the need for some kind of avenue in schools for more sport - beyond just your major four or five codes. “Through my involvement with floorball, I see kids who don’t necessarily do well in footy, cricket, or netball but they don’t want to be excluded and they want to be good at something. They might find that volleyball is their thing, or golf is their thing.” At the moment, DS Sports has more than half a dozen coaches on its books. “Our coaches are in there running the program, connecting with the kids, being positive, and getting to know them - having a fun, engaging program - that’s what we want,” Dillon said.

Picture: SUPPLIED “That then has the transition into our holiday program, which we’re launching in April.” Staindl continued: “This is one of the fastest growth corridors in the southern hemisphere, so there are parents and kids moving out here who are new to the area and we’ve gone from being a totally football-dominated landscape it used to be footy and cricket and that’s all you played - and now we’re multicultural, we’ve got all these new and wonderful sports being played, and no one is here facilitating them. “I can’t believe there wasn’t anything here already. It just proves how important these other sports are as well for kids.” The DS Sports April school holiday program includes themed days with Cody Weightman from the Western Bulldogs, Ryan Scott from Western United, and Nicole Faltum from the Melbourne Stars. For more information, visit the ‘DS Sports’ Facebook page, call 0448 186 859 or email sportsdsptyltd@gmail.com

It was a weekend of hits and misses CRANBOURNE BOWLS Three Cranbourne sides played finals over the weekend with the number one side winning the semi-final but losing the grand-final the next day in a close encounter against Clayton. The number three side went all the way winning an exciting semi-final and then going on to win against Cockatoo to win the grand-final and the pennant flag in Division 4. The fifth side went down against Narre Warren in the semi-final under a cloud of controversy. In the midweek competition Cranbourne has three teams playing at home in the semi finals this week with the grand-final to be played on Thursday. Weekend Pennant Finals Results: Side 1 Division 2 Sec 9 Semi-Final Cranbourne 84 defeated Coatesville 70 Cranbourne played well from the start to get the job done against Coatesville in a game played in windy conditions winning by 14 shots. Coatesville kept coming but Cranbourne had their measure to set up a grand-final the next day at Beaumaris against Clayton. Grand Final In a day of high expectation Cranbourne got off to the best possible start with light rain falling all day and leading by 17 shots at the half way mark, and it seemed that Cranbourne adapted better to the conditions and all seemed well to that stage. Then Clayton started to pick up shots on all four rinks and a contest worthy of a grand-final was on in earnest. With only a few ends to be played all of a sudden scores were level and the game was up for grabs by either side.

· · ·

20 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 25 March, 2021

The members of Cranbourne’s Side 3 were Division 4 winners. Clayton finished stronger to take the pennant flag with Cranbourne letting this one slip away. Cranbourne 74 lost to Clayton 81. Side 3, Division 4, Section 6 Semi-Final Both teams had a game to remember with Cranbourne getting up on the last bowl of the day by only three shots but that was enough to set up a grand-final contest with Cockatoo the next day. Cranbourne 74 defeated Upwey Tecoma 71. Skip Harry Van Soest and his team of Vic Butera, Barry Graham and John Kent played champagne bowls winning by 24 shots and putting the game beyond doubt. This team will now be promoted to Division 3 next year. Congratulations all team members. Grand Final Cranbourne 81 defeated Cockatoo 74 Side 5, 12-a-side Semi-Final Under a cloud of controversy over a last min-

ute player inclusion from the opposition team Cranbourne lost the semi-final despite having a very successful year and finishing on top of the ladder. It was great to see two club legends in Stan Burnet and Ray Boskell teaming up and enjoying their bowls. Cranbourne lost to Narre Warren Midweek bowls finals to be played: Side 1 Division 2 Sec 6 Semi-Final at Cranbourne Cranbourne verses Narre Warren Side 3 Division 4 Sec 6 Semi-Final at Cranbourne Cranbourne verses Dandenong Club Side 4 Division 4 Sec 8 Semi-Final at Cranbourne Cranbourne verses Royal Melbourne Golf Semi-Final winners play the grand-final on Thursday.

· · · · · · · · ·

It was a big weekend of Casey softball, with two days of finals. In the Mixed U/16s qualifying final was Cobras Maroon v Doveton. It was a very tight tussle with Cobras Maroon winning their way straight into the grand final with a 12-10 win. Cobras Grey took on Berwick Mohawks in the elimination final with Cobras too strong for Mohawks with a comfortable 19-4 win. Social Women had Berwick Geronimo up against Cranbourne Comets in the qualifying final. It was a very tight six inning game, with both pitchers holding strong with no more than three runs scored in any one innings. Geronimos’ short stop played a blinder with at least 10 outs. It was a great team effort which saw Geronimo straight into the grand final with a 10-4 win. It was Narre Warren Penguins v Doveton Renegades in the elimination final. They had played close games during the season and this game didn’t disappoint. Renegades jumped out to an early lead 11-8 after two innings. Penguins never gave up and finally got their bats going, but it was a great game to watch and Penguins won a thriller 14-13 to progress to the preliminary final on Sunday. Open Women’s preliminary final was Chiefs v Doveton Destroyers which was dominated by Chiefs. The whole team batted well with Ros Hendy putting the ball over the fence. Young pitcher Kiara Rhind-Luke kept Destroyers scoreless, and Brodie Hendy had a great day in the field. Chiefs ended up 18-0 winners. In the elimination, Young Guns and Berwick Cheyenne played out a tight game. Underdogs Cheyenne played a great team game, tied at 3-3 at the end of the fourth innings. Young Guns went through three pitchers and two catchers before overcoming a determined Cheyenne 7-4. The Open Men’s saw a controversial ending to the Southern Knights and Chiefs qualifying final with the Chiefs going through to the grand final. The elimination final was played between Cranbourne and Trouser Snakes. Trouser Snakes jumped out of the blocks taking the early lead, with pitchers Alex Chapman and Aaron Amalfi both pitching strongly. Cranbourne came back to win by the smallest of margins 8-7. Sunday was preliminary final day. U/16s was Doveton v Cobras Grey. It was another fabulous game with both teams batting strongly. Going toe to toe the whole game, Doveton held on for a 1613 win. Social Women produced another brilliant game with Cranbourne Comets v Narre Warren Penguins. A nil-all first innings then saw Penguins start batting and take an early lead. Comets never gave up, and the whole team started to bat. Game highlights were a diving catch to Comets Amanda ‘Moo’ Clunes, and homerun to Penguins Ros Cooke. Comets will now play in this week’s grand final with a 9-11 win. Doveton Destoyers were a different side against Young Guns in the Open Women’s game. Destroyers came out swinging and were relentless. Young Guns had no answers and Destroyers were comfortable 15-0 winners. The Open Men’s was also a one-sided affair with Southern Knights coming back from the previous day’s loss to win 16-1. Grand final day is Saturday 27 March. Games run all day, and they are hosting the first ever grand final under lights between Open Women’s Chiefs and Doveton Renegades. Come along and watch the best of Casey’s softballers battle it out. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Triumph for the Flagpies By Nick Creely

Berwick champ Jarrod Goodes sends one down. 231908

Picture: ROB CAREW

Just one win from glory By Nick Creely It’s no secret in sport that preliminary finals are often the hardest and at times one of the most satisfying games of the season to win. It’s a game in which teams are ever so close to the ultimate prize, but with just that little stumbling block in the way. And it’s a game where its equally as painful to lose. Berwick in the end prevailed quite comfortably in its do-or-die DDCA Turf 1 prelim against Springvale South - two perennial powerhouses doing battle at the picturesque Arch Brown Reserve, with only one spot vacant to meet the highly-confident Hallam Kalora Park unit. In a season that has many obstacles, and the pandemic so often at the back of everyone’s minds, it’s quite an extraordinary effort that Matthew Chasemore’s group is now just a win away from back-to-back premierships. They’re one of the most impressive local cricket sides on paper, and if it can hoist up the cup again this season will surely be one of the most dominant teams in recent Metropolitan cricket memory. On Saturday, the Bears showed its class against another high-quality opponent, a Bloods outfit with plenty of momentum and with some remarkable firepower. After the Bloods won the toss and elected to bat, James Wilcock (1/27) snared skipper Nathan King, but Ryan Quirk (32) and Clint Tomlinson (51) dug in after a probing new-ball spell to put together a fluent 46-run stand. But just as the classy Quirk looked ready to explode, veteran Jarrod Goodes (2/39) found the timely breakthrough, and despite Tomlinson’s class and a gritty 20 from Jack Sketcher (20), the home team just found regular breakthroughs. Tomlinson’s first season as a Blood was an impressive one in the end, finishing with 363 runs. Wookey medalist Ruwantha Kellepotha

(3/30) was particularly instrumental as the Bloods scrambled towards a defendable target, finding key breakthroughs in Paul Hill and Dylan Quirk - two vital cogs in the Bloods’ middle order. Goodes - as he so often does in big games - did a mountain of work with the ball in his 12 overs. He’ll have a huge say on proceedings next week in what will be his first Turf 1 grand final since 2011/12, where he snagged 5/56 against the Bloods. Some late long hits from Tim Ford (19) lifted the Bloods to 9/168 from its 45 overs. It looked underpar, but if the Bloods’ star spin duo could settle into its work, anything could conceivably happen. An early wicket, that of dangerous opener Jordan Cleland courtesy of impressive quick Matt Wetering raised those hopes. But a determined Matthew Chasemore was going to do everything to stand in the Bloods’ way. As he has across done across his glittering career, the skipper made it a herculean task to prize him out. In his typically industrious, rock-solid manner, the Bears skipper provided a cool and calm influence on the contest, eventually pairing up with his experienced teammate Nathan Pilon (45 not out) to simply do what it needed to do. Chasemore was tempered, still found boundaries when needed but always maintained control as he finished on 68 not out from 118 balls as his team ran down the total with eight wickets to spare. Whenever his team has needed him to play that role this season, the ex-Premier Cricket champion has stood up in a big way. Pilon was also instrumental, coming in at 2/61 and playing with fluency alongside his skipper. He’s building ominously ahead of the grand final, where his power through the middle will cause headaches.

It’s the year of the Magpie. Narre Warren has clinched the DDCA Turf 2 premiership, producing an outstanding grand final performance to cap off a truly memorable season of cricket. Ruthless, daring and scattered with star power, the Magpies have been the benchmark for the majority of the season, and will now prepare to return to the top-tier of the association next season for the first time since 2017/18. It’s opponents, Dandenong West, were always going to provide a stern challenge at Carroll Reserve on Saturday. But like all quality sides do, an early statement from one of its gun quicks was the catalyst. Josh Dinger - who has been a colossal this season with 33 wickets at an average a tick under 10 - was immense, applying maximum pressure to the top-order. In a stunning new-ball burst, the Westers soon found themselves 4/30 with Dinger claiming all four scalps to put the opposition under the pump straight away. The Westers were never just going to lie down and found some fight through the middle order, but Dinger’s class shone above, snaring 6/21 from 9.2 overs to bundle out the opposition for just 92. In grand finals - as it so often plays out 92 was a tricky chase. The pressure of being so close to the finish line has brought down plenty of teams in the past. But as has been the case during the Maggies’ golden season, Ben Swift (34) and Zach Allen (17) raced out of the blocks to immediately put his side in pole position, but a bit fight saw the Westers peg a few wickets back. It meant little in the end as the Magpies ran away with a six-wicket win and a memorable premiership, with Cam Dinger cooly guiding his team home with 26 not out. The Magpies also capped off the day with its second XI winning the Turf 2 Reserves premiership against Cranbourne at Narre Warren North Reserve. Narre Warren coach Brett Lewis told Star News Group that the premiership glory was the culmination of months of hard work, from the first XI down to the grades, it’s been a collective effort. “We have some really good young talent at the club - our thirds finished on top of the ladder as well but just had a shocking day in the semis, so it was a bit disappointing for them, but the depth and hard work they’ve put in has been great,” he said. “We had a goal at the start of the year to make sure each player improved, and the group adapted really well to the changes made by Tony Young and myself, so it was fantastic.” Lewis said that the 2020/21 season has been ‘tough’ after coming into the club as

coach this season and with the constant uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. “It was challenging to say the least there was a lot of mental work that went into the season, but it was just about the psychological side of the game and getting each player to play a role,” he said. “Everyone has put in such hard work attendance wise, we would have 40 to 50 players at training at any one time, and that happened all the way through. “Even blokes who weren’t in contention to play finals were still showing up, giving throw downs and helping out in whatever way they could. “Having no pre-season and hitting the ground running was quite tough, and we just had to keep pushing them along throughout the season.” Josh Dinger was the star of the show, with Lewis providing an insight into the exciting quick. “He was outstanding on the weekend,” he said. “I’ve known Josh and the family for a lot of years, and I was keen to get him down at the start of the season, and we were lucky enough to get Cam (too). “I promised Josh when I returned from Premier Cricket that we would have a season together again, we could sort his action out properly, and he’s really taken everything on board. “I only have to tell him something once, and he adapts, works hard and makes changes - he was terrific on the weekend.” Six wickets in a grand final is a special feat, more so considering it was a one-day game, and Lewis said that his spearhead was immense, but believes he can go to the next level. “He bowled fast, very fast, he bowls a heavy ball - he’s very much a shoulder bowler and coming into that St Mary’s deck, it was nice and hard with a bit of grass on it, and being a shoulder bowler, his shorter ball was very quick,” he said. “For him, it’s been about his mindset and how to set up a batter - three out of his four wickets came from the bouncer, he used it sparingly, but used it well. “His execution was good, but we’ve got a bit of work to do still.” With the Magpies to now return to the top-tier of the association, Lewis said that while the club will enjoy its premiership success, it wants to make an instant impact next season. “With the cricket talent down there, guys like Ben Swift, Zach Allen, Cam and Josh Dinger, we’re focused on getting back to Turf 1,” he said. “It’ll be challenging, but we’ve got the cattle to be competitive - I believe we’ve still got 20 per cent improvement in this group even without bringing anyone else in.

The DDCA Turf 2 premiership side, Narre Warren. 231955

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Why Not Bazzar in action.

Bazzar’s form is blistering By Phil Weir The first thing you need to know about Why Not Bazzar is how to pronounce it. It’s not ‘Bazaar’ - it’s ‘Bazza’. The dog is named after a mate of trainers Greg and Gail Carter of Devon Meadows, who happens to be 328 game AFL/VFL veteran and 1981 Brownlow winner, Barry Round. The second thing, and probably the most unique, is that Bazza has recently clocked up 103 races, at the same track, over the same distance. Cranbourne, 311 metres; and familiarity hasn’t bred contempt, rather comfort. Bazza’s record shows he’s experienced eight

other regional tracks since his debut in January 2018, before settling in at Cranbourne. So why the 311m? Greg Carter explained: “He can’t run much past it. He used to run at Traralgon over 395 and 315, and Warragul over 400, but then we took him to The Meadows one day and down the back he was leading by about six or eight lengths and once he got to the home straight it was like letting a balloon go. He had just expended his energy. So, in the end, 311 it is.” For a dog that turned five earlier this month, he’s showing no signs of slowing down either.

“I thought a few weeks ago it might be about time (to retire him), but I brought him back and he’s had five placings since.” “He’s physically pretty fit. I get him checked every week, and he has only had a bit of a back muscle problem at one stage, but time healed that and he’s back in action.” Greg attributes his longevity on the track to his honesty. “He’s just a good, honest dog that races against the top each week. He’s a brilliant beginner who gets on the rails and scrapes the paint all the way. For a (short-course) sprinter, he’s got $96,000 on the clock and I think his biggest win was $5000.”

Storming to a thrilling cricket crescendo By David Nagel It’s the time of year when reputations are enhanced, or bowled over like a flimsy set of stumps, as the best teams from around the region lock horns in a supreme battle for premiership glory. Saturday’s preliminary final action in the Dandenong and District (DDCA) and West Gippsland Cricket Associations (WGCA) didn’t fail to deliver as Berwick and Kooweerup booked their places in the season deciders. Berwick, the Bears, now take on a confident Hallam Kalora Park in the DDCA Turf 1 grand final, while Kooweerup, the Demons, set up a mouth-watering clash against arch-rival Cardinia in the WGCA Premier Division. There were also plenty of colours in the

Boomer was looking for food from Ethan Moylan during the big game at Officer. 231917

Berwick’s Jarrod Armitage lets fly from the boundary as the Bears’ faithful look on. 231908

crowd with Star News photographers ROB CAREW and STEWART CHAMBERS on hand to capture all the exciting action...

Cranbourne Meadows cricketer Joraver Sidhu gave a helping hand on Saturday, pictured with his good friends’ nine-month old girl Jasmira. 231910

From left: Arie, with baby Connor, and Nick enjoy the action at Tooradin. 231946 22 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 25 March, 2021

Springvale South batsmen wait for their turn at the crease against Berwick. 231908

At home, Greg says “Bazza” is just a good dog. “When I’m out there cleaning the yards, he just walks beside me. Just does what he needs to do.” He’s ruled out breeding from Bazza though. “He’s by Fernando Bale, which is in his favour, but you don’t want to breed from a dog that’s short-course only.” When retirement does beckon, Greg says he’ll go to GAP and be a brilliant pet for someone. Like his namesake, Why Not Bazzar will no doubt retire a happy, relaxed, and ‘honest’ champion.

Free beer to help clubs Covid-19 restrictions have pushed many local sporting clubs and communities to the brink with fundraising becoming a more important element of club life than ever before. Through its Club Connect program, Asahi Beverages is giving away up to 5000 slabs of free beer to community sports clubs around the country. Five slabs of free beer will be given to all eligible clubs that register and place orders through Club Connect as part of the grassroots giveaway. Club Connect is an easy one-stop shop for community sporting clubs to purchase all their beverages wholesale. It’s accessible in a single location, and delivered free. Most importantly, clubs can earn cashback on every purchase which acts as a key fundraising tool. Club Connect ambassador and Carlton champion Patrick Cripps said he couldn’t think of a better way to support local sporting clubs. “This grassroots giveaway is just what clubs need right now,” Cripps said. “Local clubs are central to thousands of local communities across the country and the money generated from this giveaway is sure to make a difference.” Club Connect is currently accessible to clubs within 150 kilometres of Melbourne. Visit www.clubconnect.net.au for more information on the program and to register. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

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