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Families seeking food relief
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App murder links Two unsolved murders of innocent men in Keysborough and Narre Warren may be unlocked by the massive joint-police sting Operation Ironside. State and federal police on 7 June thwarted a global criminal network of “drugs, guns, violence and murder” using intelligence from an encrypted app ANoM. The app used by criminals with links to the Mafia, Middle East crime figures and outlaw motorcycle gang had been set up and monitored by the FBI. Police believe the app’s contents will help solve the murders of Muhamed Yucel in Keysborough and Zabi Ezedvar in Narre Warren in 2017. Both were believed to have been shot by Comancheros as a result of mistaken identity. During Operation Ironside, eight Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang patch members and a Comanchero sergeant-at-arms were arrested among 46 alleged offenders in Victoria. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill said police would “meticulously” analyse three years of data from the ANoM app to solve at least four Comanchero linked murders. Another innocent man Ikenasio Tuivasa was shot dead by Comancheros outside a Ravenhall pool hall earlier this year, police say. Such crimes incited fear in the community. They were particularly dangerous due to the killers’ lethal mistakes, Asst Comm Hill said. He implored those involved to “be the first to come forward and present your case because … these people will start tumbling like dominoes when they know we have evidence.” “Those who believed they were beyond the reach of law enforcement have faced a day of reckoning.” As of 8 June, the operation arrested 224 people, netted 3.7 tonnes of drugs, 104 firearms – some military-grade - and spoiled 21 murder plots across the country, according to the Australian Federal Police.
In Victoria, 46 people were arrested during 70 raids in suburbs including Keysborough, Dandenong North, Narre Warren, Cranbourne West and Hampton Park. More than 500 kilograms of illicit drugs such as cocaine, ice, cannabis, and more than $13 million of cash, property, luxury cars as well as a gold bullion were seized. About 120 devices were seized for forensic analysis. They face charges such as drug importation, commercial drug trafficking and manufacturing, money laundering, weapons and proceeds of crime offences. Australian Federal Police say five murder plots were also disrupted in the state. AFP rapidly alerted Victoria Police to one alleged plot, in which two stolen cars with fake plates were found close to their target’s address. A person who was about to use the cars was arrested, and firearms were seized, Asst Comm Hill said. The plot was mainly linked to a “turf” dispute between outlaw motorcycle gangs, he said. AFP Southern Command Assistant Commissioner Bruce Giles said the operation cleaned out a significant portion of the Comancheros and derailed drug importation syndicates. “Thanks to our teams processing more than 22 million text messages on this platform, we have prevented significant harm to the community – including credible threats of violence and threats to life. “Operation Ironside should serve as the strongest warning to criminals yet – we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit to target and disrupt your illicit operations and to bring you to justice.” Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the seized firearms, drugs and “unexplained wealth” were “cornerstones of serious and organised crimes”.
Zabi Ezedyar was shot dead in Narre Warren as a result of mistaken identity, police say. “Victoria Police sees first-hand the devastation this offending causes our community, so I want to ensure everyone that while crimi-
nals continue to find new ways to offend, law enforcement will also be evolving to find new ways to catch them and hold them to account.”
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By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Council Meetings Please note, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, and to protect the health and safety of our community and Council staff, the public gallery of Council meetings is closed until further notice. City of Casey Council meetings start at 4.00 pm and are live streamed through our Facebook and YouTube pages. Upcoming Council Meetings: •
Tuesday 15 June
•
Tuesday 29 June - at this meeting Council will consider a number of draft plans for adoption, including: • Draft Long Term Community Vision 2031 • Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 • Draft Annual Action Plan 2021/22 • Strategic Resource Plan 2021-2024 (includes Draft Budget 2021/2022, Capital Works Plan 2021/2022 and Draft 10 Year Finance Plan) • Draft Fees and Charges for 2021/2022
Casey Winter Arts Festival is back!
• Draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2021 to 2025
The Casey Winter Arts Festival will shine a light on Casey’s rich and vibrant arts culture. Now in its 19th year, the festival is created by the community, for the community, and offers a range of workshops, events, exhibitions and performances, activations, film screenings and digital works to inspire and entertain. The festival also includes a range of FREE or lowcost school holiday options to keep your children’s imaginations active during the winter holidays.
Artists across Casey will also be taking part with a range of exhibitions online and in-person. Find out more and download the festival program from our website. All events are subject to COVID-19 restrictions and may be changed or rescheduled. Please follow Casey Arts Facebook page or visit our website for updates.
Casey Young Writers Festival Young writers, poets and bookworms are invited to attend the Casey Young Writers Festival on 26 and 27 June at the Bunjil Place Library. A series of workshops will be presented by internationally acclaimed, award winning Australian authors to help young writers learn new skills, gain inspiration, connect with local authors and showcase their own writing skills. Bookings are required and spaces are limited. To find out more visit Council’s website. To make a booking visit: trybooking.com/BRJWA All events are subject to COVID-19 restrictions and may be changed or rescheduled. Please follow our Facebook page or visit our website for regular updates.
Have your say on the City of Casey’s Road Management Plan We are seeking feedback on Council’s Road Management Plan to ensure we meet the community’s expectations in regards to maintenance of local roads and footpaths, as well as kerbs and bridges. Following an initial consultation in February 2021, the Draft Road Management Plan was developed and is now available for public review until Monday 21 June. Following community consultation, the plan will be considered by Council at a Council meeting in July 2021. For more information and to have your say, visit the Casey Conversations website.
How to get your COVID-19 vaccine Step 1: Check if you can get your COVID-19 vaccine by using the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker on the Australian Department of Health’s website. Anyone over the age of 40 is now eligible. Step 2:
If you are eligible, book an appointment at a Victorian vaccination centre by calling the Victorian COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 675 398.
The COVID-19 vaccine is FREE for all Australian citizens, permanent residents and temporary visa holders, and is the best way to protect you, your family and the community. For more information visit the Australian Department of Health’s website.
Clyde Wetlands, Clyde North.
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What a pawesome cause By Danielle Kutchel We all know dogs are man’s best friend, but for one young Beaconsfield girl a dog will be more than that: it will totally transform her life. Four-year-old Abigail and her family are raising money for a therapy dog to assist her in her everyday life with things like sleeping and eating. Abigail was diagnosed at the age of nine months with a very rare chromosome deletion called AUTS2, which caused difficulties feeding, delayed fine and gross motor development and vision challenges. Now aged four, Abigail is actively engaged with intervention therapists and is surrounded by a supportive community. Her mum Sarah says she still has some difficulties with regulating her emotions, eating and getting to sleep. But they believe a specially-trained and certified therapy dog could help with that. Sarah said seeing Abigail with a dog is “remarkable”. “She’s magnetised to them,” she explained. “It’s astounding how assertive and in control of herself she is and how confident she is when she has a dog around.” Already, Abigail engages in animal assisted therapy with a psychologist. A therapy dog at home would be trained to help her settle and fall asleep at night, and would sit with her at meal-times to ensure she remains focused on eating and gets the right calorie intake for her needs. The dog would also keep her safe by engaging her in play at an appropriate sensory level. The total cost to purchase, raise and train a therapy dog is approximately $25,000 which is well out of the family’s reach. “Whilst we are so very fortunate to have the NDIS support for Abigail’s therapy services, it is outside their scope to fund a therapy
Sarah said Abigail is “magnetised” to dogs. dog,” Sarah said. The family has set up a MyCause fundraiser to raise $10,000 towards a therapy dog from Victorian not for profit Dogs for Kids – and they’ve been blown away by the response from strangers. “It’s the most generous gift and it is life changing for our whole family and I just want
Picture: SUPPLIED to say thank you,” Sarah said. “Especially in Covid times, a lot of people are doing it tough.” They’re now on the waiting list with Dogs for Kids and while there is no timeline as to when they’ll receive the dog, Sarah is confident this is the right decision for Abigail. “Seeing her with and around dogs and her
Charity makes a plea over stolen truck By Danielle Kutchel Heartless thieves have made off with a much-loved Casey charity’s refrigerated truck. The family behind Bk 2 Basics Melbourne, based in Narre Warren, woke to find their truck missing on the morning of Saturday 5 June. Founder Kelly Warren said the theft had been devastating for the charity, which is currently flat out feeding over 6000 people a week. “This has a huge impact,” she said, adding that the refrigerated truck – which was purchased with donated money – allows the charity to pick up dairy goods for donation to struggling families. Unfortunately the truck wasn’t insured, as all of the money that Bk 2 Basics receives goes
into helping the community, Ms Warren said. “If the money was there, of course it would be insured. But the money just wasn’t there. Things had to be prioritized.” She has been heartened by the outpouring of community support and spirit since the theft, with kids dropping off their pocket money to the charity and hundreds of social media shares made in an effort to help locate the stolen truck. She has pleaded for the thieves to return the vehicle as soon as possible and said no questions will be asked. “If we get it back that’s the end of it, I don’t really care. Just give the truck back and it’s over and forgotten. Just do the right thing,” she said. Victoria Police confirmed that Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the theft.
“Investigators have been told the truck was stolen from the carpark of a business on Vesper Drive around 12.20am,” police said in a statement. “The truck was then used in another theft from a different business in Vesper Drive a short time later.” Police are on the lookout for two offenders in a dark coloured Mazda. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au The stolen truck is white and has the registration 0KG 906. Donations to assist the charity to get back on its feet are appreciated and can be made via the details on the Bk 2 Basics Facebook page.
passion for them and how they change her for the better … I think she’s someone that needs a dog around her forever, as the best thing for her. “I think it’ll make a huge difference.” Donate to Abigail’s cause at www.mycause. com.au/abigailsnewfriend and follow her story on Facebook at A Therapy Dog for Abigail.
Police called to suspicious fire in Narre A house fire in Narre Warren South has been declared suspicious. CFA was notified at around 9.30pm on Tuesday 8 June o f a house fire at St Ives Drive, Narre Warren South. Five CFA vehicles attended from Narre Warren, Berwick, and Casey Group. A smoke warning was issued for the immediate area including Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South. The scene was declared under control at 10pm. Police were called for suspicious circumstances.
Scholarships 2022 Applications close Friday 18 June Visit heritagecollege.vic.edu.au/scholarships 12498475-NG24-21
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Thursday, 10 June, 2021
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STAR NEWS 3
THE LOWDOWN Q&A
with Narre Warren Scout Leader Kaine St Paul
What has been the best day of your life so far? Joining the scout movement and meeting the most amazing, caring and loving partner. What would your last meal be? Roast chicken with all the vegetables and all the Caramilk chocolate I can get. What do you love about being involved with the scouts? I love being able to help others as a leader helping with their self-development and confidence and also learning new skills I never thought I needed in life and making great new friendships. Why should other people join Scouts? I believe that people should join Scouts because Scouts gives you the opportunities to grow as person and helps with every aspect of self-development. There are so many great things about Scouts from making new friendships to joining a committee to going to camp. The opportunities at Scouts are endless.
THREE … local agencies to contact if you need help
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Cranbourne Information and Support Service located on Sladen Street in Cranbourne, CISS offers a range of services including information, crisis support, financial counselling, a no interest loan scheme, referrals to other sources of information or help and more. Some eligibility requirements may apply. Find out more at https:// www.cranbourneiss.org.au/
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InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence InTouch is continuing to provide information and support to migrant and refugee women experiencing family violence over the lockdown. They offer free, confidential and culturally respectful support. Find out more at https://intouch.org.au/
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Wayss Wayss provides support to those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing family violence, including youth support, outreach for women, support for those in social housing and housing support for families in rooming houses, plus much more. Find out more at https://www.wayss.org.au/
What event, past, present or future, would you like to witness and why? I would have loved to have witnessed equal rights for LGBTIQA+ people in Australia. What is your secret talent or party trick? I make the best lemon meringue pie you’ve ever had. Who has been your biggest inspiration in life? My biggest inspiration would be grandma. If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you do? I would work on making more schools add LGBTIQA+ awareness to the school curriculum, so students can gain the knowledge
Kaine St Paul. about all LGBTIQA+ people. What has been your most embarrassing moment? My running is the most embarrassing thing ever.
What would be the top three songs on your desert island playlist? Take me Home Country Road - John Denver You Can’t Stop the Beat - Hairspray A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley
Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need. Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au
Find out how our world-class International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and expert ELC and Junior School staff can help your child flourish in their learning through action in our intimate learning spaces and classes.
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Lockdown homeless spike By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Tyler Lewis
Wayss chief executive Liz Thomas says more emergency accommodation was needed. tive officer Leanne Petrides reaffirmed that cases of domestic violence and mental illness appear to rise with lockdown. “While emergency relief is a primary reason people contact us the number of people also contacting us for counselling to support them with stress, depression and anxiety, and family violence has increased,” she said. “All of these seem to increase during lockdown periods. “Social isolation is another issue - we had just re-opened our Women’s Friendship Cafe on 26 May and a number of very vulnerable women were so pleased to attend. “That is now on hold again until we can hold groups in line with restrictions,” Ms Petrides said. She added that this lockdown is similar to those experienced last year in at least one respect.
“As with the previous lockdowns, this particular lockdown has seen an increase in the number of people accessing our service who have not sought services from a community agency previously,” she said. “Since 27 May, we have assisted 229 households and 14 per cent have been first-time clients. “The previous lockdowns saw a massive decrease in the number of people on Jobseeker payments needing assistance because those payment had increased significantly. “People reported a dramatic reduction in their stress levels as they able to afford housing payments, food, car registration and other bills. “This time around, however, with payments reduced to $620 per fortnight, many are paying well above 50 per cent of their income in housing payments, and are now struggling with
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The latest lockdown has plunged the south east’s most vulnerable into turmoil, a homelessness agency reports. Within the shutdown’s first week, Wayss has reported nearly a 300 per cent surge in requests for crisis accommodation. There were 42 new clients including 16 women and 15 children. In the week prior to lockdown, there were 11. Wayss chief executive Liz Thomas said the amount of children without a roof was of great concern. Family violence continued to be a rising factor in homelessness. In May, nearly 800 family violence reports were referred by police to Wayss. That’s up 20 per cent compared to a year ago. It comes on top of a rise in family violence reports to Wayss over the past three years. According to a Wayss report in May, survivors and perpetrators’ mental health was suffering due to the strain of Covid and lockdown. Financial strain was being caused by the reduction of JobSeeker, the halting of JobKeeper and the end of the rental moratorium, it stated. A Wayss spokesperson described the situation as “the culmination of a horrible year that doesn’t have a light at the end of the tunnel right now with the current lockdown”. Ms Thomas said extra State Government emergency housing funds were required – as occurred during last year’s Covid restrictions. Now, Victoria’s fourth lockdown seems to be a dagger to the heart of many within the community who are without a roof over their heads or have been forced to access community support for the first time. Cranbourne Information and Support Services (CISS) has been overwhelmed in the most recent Victorian lockdown, and execu-
other expenses, including food. “Seven per cent of people accessing our services in this period received no income at all. “We have also had 15 people who are homeless accessing our service during this most recent lockdown,” Ms Petrides said. Going back into harsh lockdown restrictions came at a poor time; CISS had just started to move back into the ‘Covid normal’ way of life. “We had just been able to fully re-open to face-to-face interviews and service delivery, which is preferred by our volunteers and most of our clients,” Petrides said. “We have now had to revert to phone and email service for all of the support we offer, with the doors opened only in extreme cases, such as family violence and/or homelessness. “Some of our older staff team have chosen to stay safe at home, which we fully support, which means that on a few days we are short staffed. “A personal observation is that people – workers and clients alike – seem to be feeling more stressed and (mentally) lower this time around.” According to the State Government, more than 450 people were “supported” in hotels at the start of the latest lockdown. Homelessness service providers were reimbursed for accommodation in that time. Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the Government acted “quickly” at the start of the lockdown to “ensure rough sleepers are safe by offering them accommodation”. The Government has committed $5.3 billion for its Big Housing Build - more than 12,000 social and affordable homes over then next four years. In the 2021-’22 budget, it allocated more than $193 million on housing and homelessness support.
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OPINION
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Eight year lockdown Another lockdown! How hard it is for us to deal with, only allowed out two hours a day, no visits from or to anyone. Consider the refugees still trapped on PNG (130) and Nauru (110) for eight long years, consider the people medi-vacced here for health
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS care (never received) who have been locked up around the clock in hotel prisons, no crime, no charge, but because they fled their country in fear of persecution. Consider the family locked up on Christmas Island with two Australian born children. Even a little taste of what it must feel like for them would never even come close to what
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs down
Pakenham Berwick Cranbourne Drouin
To the children throwing stones at the ducks on the lake at Wilson Botanical Gardens, Berwick. Thumbs down to the parents who looked on and did nothing about it, lying when challenged saying the children were not.
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To O’Shea Rd being widened to 6 lanes!!
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Thumbs up To all of the folks on the Berwick and Surrounds page that are willing to help each other when someone reaches out.
Thumbs up To our nurses in the frontline and freezing cold doing covid swabbing with a smile.
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REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au
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Thumbs down To the government refusing to help small businesses who “don’t earn enough” but happy to tell us we can’t work.
Thumbs down To those going against restrictions or not testing until days/weeks later.
Thumbs down To the thieves that stole the truck from BK 2 Basics Melbourne. An amazing charity supporting our community, and this happens!
SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Saturday 5 June, a story was shared to the Berwick Star News, Cranbourne Star News and Pakenham Gazette Facebook pages regarding a Berwick pizza shop that’s giving out free food to those in need over lockdown. Here’s how our readers responded online: Joe Li: OMG!!!!! How lovely of them! This will help so many people/families! Thank you for caring for those that really need this kind gesture right now! May good karma come back at you guys! Andrew Taylor: Good on you. You could save someone’s life doing this. Wendy Smith: Good job. Linda Hall: Faisal you are an amazing person.
Online learner tests
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To the absolute flogs who stole the truck from BK 2 Basics Melbourne. Thumbs up to anyone who can find the cash to buy or lend them another one.
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www.davidwbull.com.au
Australian owned family business since 1979.
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it is really like, being known by a number, not being able to plan a future or have any control over your life. Let us not forget these people that Australia has locked away. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. Gwyneth Jones, Berwick
More than 10,000 aspiring young drivers who have had their learner’s test postponed due to circuit breaker restrictions have been given priority access to the new Learner Permit Test Online. These learners were given priority access to sign up and register for the test online, ensuring that they will not have to wait weeks to rebook. And from Monday 7 June 2021, the new Learner Permit Test Online will open to all learner drivers from across the state. The new test includes a mix of theory, interactive videos and visual graphics to reinforce road safety messages with mini-quizzes to progressively test learners’ knowledge through a number of learning modules focusing on
road safety education including speed, drink and drug driving, seatbelts, fatigue, distractions and road rules. To access the test, customers will need to create a myVicRoads personal account and have access to a compatible device. The entire course and test will take between four and six hours to complete, with prospective learners having 12 months to sit and pass the online test once they’ve registered. When the online course and assessment has been successfully completed, learner drivers need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre, once circuit breaker restrictions are lifted, to confirm their identity, have their photo taken and complete an eyesight check. The Learner Permit Test Online has been
rolled-out in stages across Victoria since April this year, with state-wide access initially not slated until late June. This move came following the introduction of the Victoria-wide circuit breaker restriction, which has caused more than 10,000 learner permit test appointments to be postponed. Outside of coronavirus restriction periods, customers can still sit the Learner Permit Test in person at VicRoads Customer Service Centres – and those requiring interpreter services support need to attend the test in-person at a Customer Service Centre. For more information on how to access the Learner Permit Test Online, visit vicroads.vic. gov.au. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Families seek food relief By Danielle Kutchel Food relief agencies across Casey have been swamped by a huge rise in demand for their services over the latest circuit breaker lockdown. Multiple support services have reported a rise in people approaching them for essential food and groceries – especially those who have no access to government support. Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support in Narre Warren has recorded a 45 per cent increase in demand since the end of March, when Federal coronavirus support funds came to an end. They’re seeing more demand from holders of bridging visas, many of whom haven’t had any work or have watched their businesses collapse over the pandemic, according to Transit coordinator Pastor Keith Vethaak. The organization has just spent $20,000 helping keep families from being evicted from their homes over unpaid bills. Transit is getting by thanks to the support of generous donors, he explained, but nevertheless they’ve had to dip into their reserves and have run a deficit budget this year. “It was the only way we could do it, but we felt the needs were so great we just had to do it,” Pr Vethaak said. Transit is feeding about 200 families a week from about 20 pallets of food from donors like Woolworths. They’re open for click and collect of groceries and deliver items to those in Covid isolation. Pr Vethaak said he would be interested to hear from anyone who can point them in the right direction to obtain more fruit and vegetables in the coming weeks.
Pastor Keith Vethaak and volunteer John Wilson at Transit. 240429
Left to right: John Wilson, Lisa Milkovic, Alex Gagatsis, Pastor Keith Vethaak and Michael Hompot with some of Transit’s food supplies. 240429 At Bk 2 Basics, also in Narre Warren, founder Kelly Warren said lockdown had been worse this time around, with families unable to fall back on JobKeeper and having run out of holiday pay to rely on. “We’ve seen families absolutely devastated, crying, they’ve never needed help before. “It’s heartbreaking, it’s affected a lot more people this time,” she said. Food is flying out the door as fast as the charity can get it in, with about 160 families a day – 6000 people a week – arriving for help. Bk 2 Basics also shares its food with other services like ADRA to help in other areas. Ms Warren believes there are many people
doing it tough who are not coming forward for help. “I’ll get messages from neighbours or family saying ‘they’ve got nothing, they run a business and they are struggling to pay the mortgage on their business or house’,” she explained. “We’ve delivered food without people knowing, they didn’t know we were coming.” The Bakhtar Cultural and Publishing Association is looking forward to being able to return to providing food relief to the CALD community soon. The organisation had received funding from the State Government last year and earlier this year to support Casey families, but had
to stop when funding for the project came to an end. They’ve applied for another round of funding, set to begin in July. Previously, Bakhtar was given funding to support up to 70 people – but this was stretched to support over 200 families. Chairperson Bassir QADIRI said the government was aware of the “significant” demand for food relief, and was considering extending the project to six months this time. “We went for a bigger portion [of funding] this time,” he said. “Hopefully we get approved this time, we might be able to support even close to 300 families in this area.” Bassir said he is receiving calls from people “three or four times a day” seeking help – but with no current funding, there’s often little the organisation can do. “I say, ‘you have to wait. We will start helping you as soon as possible’,” he said.
‘Psychotic’ bourbon and brick diner refused bail By Cam Lucadou-Wells
noted the man had failed to complete a previous drug treatment order (DTO) at Drug Court in 2017. The proposed CISP bail program was “nowhere near as intensive” as a DTO, Mr Rozencwaig said.
On his latest CCO, Andrews’ “abysmal” performance included illicit drug use and further alleged offending. Mr Rozencwaig ruled Andrews was an unacceptable risk of reoffending, so bail was refused.
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A man bearing a bottle of bourbon and a brick has jumped a counter and cleaned out the serving tray at a fast food outlet in Narre Warren, a Dandenong Magistrates’ Court bail hearing was told. David Andrews, 41, of Noble Park, allegedly told staff at the Hungry Jack’s store in the late afternoon of 28 April that he was starving and didn’t care if they called police. According to police, he took the stolen food and ate it in nearby hedges outside. There he was arrested. At the time Andrews was on bail on theft, equipped-to-steal and weapons charges arising five days earlier, the court heard on 1 June. He was allegedly arrested by PSOs at Murrumbeena railway station with five stolen bottles of grog, a knife, axe, pliers and screwdriver. Other weapons charges included carrying
a sling-shot as well as a billiard ball in a sock on 26 January as well as contravening family violence intervention orders in February. Andrews was also found with a chainsaw in January – which he wasn’t charged over, police told the court. Bail was opposed by police, who argued he was an unacceptable risk of reoffending. He was on a community corrections order (CCO) and bail at the time of the alleged food thefts. Defence barrister Richard Davis argued for Andrews’s release on intensive CISP bail, with housing and mental health treatment. At the time of offending, Andrews was “psychotic” due to not sleeping and using methamphetamine. His issues stemmed from being homeless, Mr Davis said. In that state, he did “arm up” but didn’t use weapons to rob people, Mr Davis said. Andrews had been in remand for the past four months and was no longer on drugs. On 3 June, magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg
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NEWS
Relay for Life cancelled The 2021 Casey Relay For Life, which was to be held on Friday 8 October, has been cancelled. The next event will be held on 5 March 2022. Cancer Council Victoria community engagement manager Cara Davey said the event couldn’t go ahead on its regular date in March this year due to Covid-19 safety concerns. “Cancer Council Victoria and the volunteer event organising committee are committed to bringing a safe and enjoyable event experience to the community in March 2022, and do not feel that this is feasible to deliver alongside an
event in late 2021,” she said. “We encourage participants to continue to fundraise for the new date, and look forward to coming together in 2022 to celebrate, remember, and fight back.” Funds already raised this year, including registration fees, will go towards vital cancer research, prevention and support services for all those who are impacted by cancer. “I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to fundraising and planning for this event so far. We greatly encourage all teams to bank any fundraising they have so far and continue their amazing efforts as we
look ahead to March 2022,” Ms Davey said. She said Cancer Council would continue to provide services to Casey City residents affected by cancer. “We know this is a really difficult and uncertain time for people. “Please be assured that Cancer Council continues to be present in the Casey community, supporting all residents who rely on our services as normal, such as our 13 11 20 service for anyone who needs cancer information and support,” she said. The Casey Relay For Life has been running since 2003 with its highest fundraising year be-
ing 2013 where it raised more than $500,000. In place of the now cancelled 2021 Casey Relay For Life, a launch night will be held on 8 October to raise funds for the 2022 event. If you would prefer to Relay in 2021 please call 9514 6356 or email CaseyRFL@cancervic. org.au, and your registration will be transferred to your preferred event. The closest Relay For Life to the Casey area with a confirmed date is Frankston and Peninsula on 18 October 2021. For more information about Relay For Life, visit relayaustralia.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
No support for business By Danielle Kutchel A Berwick dog groomer who was unable to work over the circuit breaker lockdown has hit out at the lack of government support. Carly, owner of Wiggle Butts Dog Grooming, was shocked to find she was ineligible for State Government support over the lockdown because she wasn’t registered for GST and earned under the $75,000 threshold. To top it off, she was then informed that she would not be eligible for Federal Government support payments either, with that funding apparently restricted to employees rather than sole traders. “Basically we’re not looked at as a legitimate business because we’re not registered for GST,” she said. “A lot of businesses fall under that because they’re stay-at-home mums or mums who work part time, or people with disabilities that can’t work full time and have a side business.
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“We’re low income earners and not entitled to any support.” Carly has gotten by by dipping into her savings – money that she had set aside for surgery later this year and to cover her tax. She said she knew of multiple other small businesses in a similar situation. Over the lockdown, Carly tried contacting the State Government to prove that she could work with no contact with owners. “I work one-on-one with one dog at a time. I have a little shop set up at my home, a building separate to my house. I have no contact with anyone at all and I still wasn’t allowed to work,” she said. “If you’re not going to allow us to work then we need some sort of financial support otherwise we will close our businesses.” And although restrictions on businesses are set to ease from Friday, Carly said she and other small business owners are still worried.
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Carly with Cindy. Carly was unable to work despite having no contact with owners. 240258 “The main concern for everyone now is that these lockdowns can keep happening, and with two weeks of no income or support already and it only being the start of winter, we worry what the rest of winter and the year will bring. “It’s really daunting. I generally book all my clients for the year, ever two, four, six,
eight weeks and can’t plan ahead, I’m just constantly juggling and rescheduling now. “All the groomers I am talking to at the moment are in the same boat, worried about booking too far ahead and what further lockdowns will bring.” The Department of Health and Business Victoria were contacted for comment.
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Thursday, 10 June, 2021
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The team at Mama Boys Pizza is ready to help. 239924
Free pizza gesture in lockdown By Danielle Kutchel A Berwick pizza shop is once again reaching out to help feed the community in these troubled times. Mama Boys Pizza on Bemersyde Drive in Berwick is giving free pizza to those in need, following a similar successful endeavour in 2020. Business partners Ishrath, Fawaz and Faizal decided to support the community during the latest circuit breaker lockdown by providing free hot dinners where needed. Ishrath said their first free pizza venture had touched their hearts. He said other customers had also gotten involved, leaving their extra change to donate to the next pizza or simply by sharing the shop’s social media posts to promote the idea. “So many people are affected with their work, they are struggling, so we are happy to provide a meal for them,” he explained. “Most people live paycheck to paycheck. And if the paycheck doesn’t go in the bank, the first thing that worries them is how to feed their family.” Fawaz said there was a “simple reason” why the team had decided to help out again. He recalled a day when a mother had been so overwhelmed by their kindness that she
broke down and cried. “That was enough,” he said. “That was beautiful. It’s amazing how many people are affected [by the pandemic] and it’s amazing when you help people how much they appreciate it.” Faizal said he and his fellow partners were all passionate about helping those who needed it. “We’re happy to help out, we’ll keep doing this for however long,” he said. “We hope other people in the business world will take our example on board and do little things for people in need.” He said it was “priceless” to see the look on people’s faces when they realised their dinner would be free. Requests for help are kept confidential to avoid any embarrassment, but all three encouraged anyone whose work had been impacted by the circuit breaker lockdown to reach out through the Facebook page to chat about what they need. “We won’t be able to change the world for everyone but if we can help one person or two, then we are satisfied,” Ishrath said. Find out more or contact the team at https://www.facebook.com/mamaboyspizza. com.au/
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Craig Brown survived prostate cancer and is calling for other men to be vigilant this Men’s Health Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Week. 240072
Early action is the key By Denis Green, Convenor of South Eastern Prostate Cancer Support Group It’s Men’s Health Week and prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst men in Australia. In Melbourne’s outer south-eastern suburbs, approximately 460 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and there are almost 6,000 men living with this cancer (out of a total of 229,000 in the country as a whole). Knowing that his Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 60, Craig Brown of Cranbourne East, took advice from his GP and started having an annual test at the age of 44. It’s a simple blood test known as “PSA” and it can show whether you might need some further investigation for potential prostate problems. Six years later, in 2018, as a result of slow but steady increase in the PSA readings which had been upped to every six months by his urologist three years earlier, Craig had an MRI and biopsy which showed low grade cancer in one area of his prostate gland. This was monitored for a further two years until, in 2020, after a follow-up MRI and biopsy, Craig was advised to have treatment. Various treatments are available for prostate cancer, depending on the severity and extent of the diagnosis. Different treatments can also have different potential side-effects that need to be considered in making decisions. After discussing his options carefully with the urology team at Monash Health and then getting further advice from specialists at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Craig decided to have surgery to remove the prostate gland. This was done successfully at Peter MacCallum in January 2021. Now five months since his surgery, Craig has made a great recovery, making good use of physiotherapy before and after surgery to recover continence quickly and get back to normal life routines. His latest test shows no cancer remaining. Here is what Craig says about his experience. “My first thought when the cancer was di-
agnosed was ‘that’s it, it’s all over for me now.’ It really did hit me hard like a sledgehammer (being only 50 years old) and I was in shock,” Craig said. “The doctor at Monash Health at the time of discussing my results, said not to panic as it was a low-risk cancer. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry as my emotions were very up and down after my diagnosis. “Once the initial shock wore off, I did move forward and it was during this two-year period of ongoing monitoring that I started doing some research regarding Prostate Cancer help and support throughout the community - and come across the SEPCSG (South Eastern Prostate Cancer Support Group) run by Denis Green. I felt like I needed some help and support outside the home environment and this could be a good option. “Denis and the guys were warm and welcoming, and I knew I had made the right decision to come to the group and discuss all things Prostate Cancer related. Meetings continued every month (on Zoom during the 2020 Covid Lockdown in Victoria) and I was able to get good information and learn from the experience of other men regarding treatment options and side-effects. “The biggest thing I can take away from all of this and having such large impact in my life (even at an earlier age) is early intervention. As scary as the diagnosis may be, there is a very high percentage of a good outcome, if found early. There is a lot of help when diagnosed, during surveillance and even when treatment options are offered. For me, as I sought help and advice very early in my diagnosis (due to very early testing), I was very fortunate! “From here I look forward to a prosperous and happy future for myself and my family.” Australian Guidelines recommend men with family history of prostate cancer (father, brother) start PSA testing at age 40-45 and men with no family history start testing at 50. Ask your GP to organise it for you. Denis Green at South Eastern Prostate Cancer Support Group can be contacted on 0459609619 or via email at southeasternpcsg@ gmail.com for further information and monthly meeting details. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Anti-vaxxers attack on MP
SES our ‘bloody’ heroes By Danielle Kutchel Our emergency services heroes are proving their mettle in more ways than one as the Emergency Services Blood Challenge gets underway. From 1 June to 31 August, members of our emergency services will challenge each other to see which service’s volunteers and members can give the most blood. Narre Warren SES controller Damian Burns said he was encouraging his unit to donate as much as they can. Many had already risen to the challenge, he added. “The reason why the SES is involved is because we know that it’s one of the lifesaving things that people can do, a simple thing to do. “It helps save lives in the emergency room and theatre and it helps some people who have a blood condition and are dependent on blood, to live a normal life.” Mr Burns said that as a regular donor himself, he has been matched to someone with a blood-borne disease, which allows him to directly help them through his donations. As a senior nurse of 35 years, Mr Burns has also seen the impact of blood donations in critical settings like hospitals and accidents. “You don’t realise how one donation can be split into many factors to help many different people. Your blood is not wasted,” he said. “It’s your blood that is clasped in the hands of the emergency services and is sometimes transfused at the roadside. “You can’t be at the roadside, but your actions can be.” Emily Ray, a volunteer with the Narre Warren unit, donated for the very first time
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By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Narre Warren SES volunteer Emily Ray donates blood. Picture: SUPPLIED as part of the challenge on Thursday 3 June. “I’ve had a lot of surgeries in the past and in a few surgeries I’ve actually needed blood so I decided it was time to give back,” she said. “One of my friends in high school who I’ve known since he was a baby was saved by a blood donation. I just did it as soon as I could.” Mr Burns encouraged all those who were able to donate to be “a good humanitarian” and roll up their sleeves, even if they weren’t part of an emergency service. “It doesn’t take long, it doesn’t hurt and you get that great humanitarian feeling afterwards. “Normal people can save lives – you don’t have to be superman.” To find out more about donating blood, visit donateblood.com.au
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Bruce MP Julian Hill has called for a public health education campaign after anti-vaxxers bombarded his Facebook page with “bat-s*** crazy nonsense”. On 29 May, Mr Hill posted a photo of himself being vaccinated against Covid and urging others to get their “jab”. In response, his post received a whopping 33,000 comments, including many warning against the “untested” and “experimental” vaccines. One comment contained an image with the seeming endorsement of the Therapeutic Goods Administration logo, claiming the vaccines caused 210 “Covid-19 vaccine deaths” from 1 January to 23 May. The image appears to have misrepresented a TGA safety report. The safety report stated the TGA received 210 reports of deaths after Pfizer or AstraZeneca immunisation, but only one Australian death was linked to the vaccines. “Apart from the single Australian case in which death was linked to TTS (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome), Covid-19 vaccines have not been found to cause death,” the safety report stated. Mr Hill said Australia needed a “proper national information campaign to combat disinformation and this bat-s*** crazy nonsense being spread online”. “People should check the Health Department’s website or talk to their doctor, not believe conspiracy theories and rubbish on the internet and social media.”
Mr Hill wrote to Health Minister Greg Hunt to call for a campaign.. “If you finally get around to commissioning an information campaign I would suggest that you find a different group of people though to those who came up with the milkshake ad.” A spokesperson for Health Minister Greg Hunt said new ads launched in early May to inform 50s and over that they could receive the vaccine. It featured leading medical authorities as a “counter to misinformation about the vaccines and provide assurance to the community”. “This was also aligned with the doubling of the supplies to GPs.” The Health Department also hosts information on its website health.gov.au, including an “Is It True?” section with answers to common questions in the community. “As always, we suggest Australians get medical advice from medical experts, not Facebook.” Meanwhile, the TGA has referred the alleged misrepresentation to federal police. The offence is punishable by up to two years’ jail. “The alleged posting, particularly of false information surrounding deaths from ‘Covid-19 vaccines’ with the Department’s and TGA’s apparent endorsement is particularly concerning,” a TGA spokesperson said. “The risk of such misinformation, in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, poses an unacceptable threat to Australians. “The TGA is working with social media platforms to remove relevant posts, and has referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police.”
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For more information contact your sales consultant on 1300 50 55 60 lifestylekadunapark.com.au Prices correct as at 26 May 2021. Prices subject to change without notice.
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STAR NEWS 11
CASEY BUSINESS AWARDS Over the next few weeks, Star News is profiling the finalists in the Casey Business Awards. In the lead up to the announcement of the winners in each category later in June, we’ll feature stories of these inspiring businesses and the secrets to their Business Awards success.
Growing with community By Danielle Kutchel 2020 was a big year for Berwick Physiotherapy, and not in the ways you might expect. The veteran allied health business celebrated its 40th anniversary and saw its growth continue despite the raging of the Covid-19 pandemic. Berwick Physiotherapy was even able to grow its staff by around 10 per cent. That’s not to say the year was without its challenges, as spokesperson Adam Joyce – a musculoskeletal physiotherapist and hand therapist – explained. Requirements on businesses were subject to change quickly and often required interpretation, he said. Berwick Physiotherapy quickly committed to providing telehealth services where available, however they were also one of the few allied health providers who remained open through all of Covid, he said. Patients aches and pains fit with the times, as working from home and taking up new forms of exercise saw new injuries and bodily complaints. “We saw our place as not only to help people continue their work but take on new leisure activities safely,” Mr Joyce said. The clinic has also demonstrated leadership in another way by establishing a graduate training program. Berwick Physiotherapy seeks out local physiotherapy students and mentors them over the duration of their course. These students are then given priority in the hiring pro-
cess, and the majority of the company’s staff are or have been residents of the local area. Berwick Physiotherapy was recently named as a finalist in the Business Leadership category of the 2021 Casey Business Awards and Mr Joyce said that’s a testament to the company’s place in the community. “One of our strengths is that despite the challenges our mission as a group is to provide first class healthcare to everyone in the community, and once we saw in a practical sense how we could continue doing that it was pretty simple and everyone was very keen to continue doing what we do every day, which is see our patients and meet their needs and help them with what their health care goals are.” It’s now onwards and upwards for Berwick Physiotherapy, which recently opened a new site in Clyde North to take advantage of client growth across Casey. “We’ve been in the community for a long time … and as Cardinia and Casey have grown we’ve grown very much in the same way,” Mr Joyce said. “One of our strengths has been being able to adapt and change with what the needs of the community are and Covid is no different. “We see ourselves being a big part of the community over the next 40 years.”
Adam Joyce and Frank Andrews of Berwick Picture: GARY SISSONS Physiotherapy. 236511
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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
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Thursday, 10 June, 2021
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.”
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Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name.
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By Mitchell Clarke
12 STAR NEWS
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At Atura Hotel Dandenong, it’s always been all about the people. And that has never been clearer than during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions of 2020, according to sales manager Lucy Symons. “The way our business has survived the last 12-18 months is purely by the grit of our people,” she explained. When the pandemic hit, forcing a severe reduction in business for the hospitality and tourism industry, Atura acted quickly to ensure it could keep its staff on. Team members were upskilled to different departments, allowing them to learn new skills as well as keep their jobs. Atura hired a brand-new housekeeping team comprised of locals and employed directly by the hotel. “It was working out how we could keep our team employed and on-site, even if that is in a reduced or different capacity, how can we do that so they can keep putting food on the table for their families,” Ms Symons said. Nevertheless, the first few weeks of the pandemic were scary, she said.
The hotel remained open to essential travellers, but there were few of those. Fortunately, Atura secured the bookings of ADF personnel who were helping at Covid testing sites, which Ms Symons called a “great opportunity”. Staff were called back to their former roles with just 40 minutes’ notice before the ADF teams walked through the doors. The kitchen was fired up again and rooms that had been closed for weeks were quickly made ready for new occupants. “I’m so proud of how agile our team was. Our people were ready to jump back on board and do what it took to get ready,” she said. Reflecting on that experience, Atura entered the 2021 Casey Business Awards in the Employment category and has been named as a finalist. Ms Symons said the hotel’s team was excited to have been named as a finalist. “A hotel is a building with a couple of bedrooms – but the hotel experience is our people. We can’t do it without them,” Ms Symons said. The winners of the Casey Business Awards will be announced at a gala event in late June. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
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NEWS
Aaron Blitz was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the beginning of 2021.
Aaron is halfway through his chemotherapy treatment at Frankston Hospital.
A passion for pickleball By Shelby Brooks For most people, being diagnosed with cancer in your 20s would be life shattering. But Pearcedale’s Aaron Blitz seems to be able to shrug it off with a smile as a mere speedbump in his life journey. At the beginning of the year, the 24-yearold was just about to begin his last semester at Monash University completing a Masters of Teaching when a lingering cough brought him to the doctor. “I didn’t have any other symptoms, like a runny nose or anything else so it wasn’t a sickness or Covid,” Aaron said. His doctor ordered a CT scan. Thinking nothing of it, Aaron was called back into the doctor’s office after a day of school placement and told they had found a mass in his chest that was impacting his windpipe and they suspected it was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “I just had a random little cough and you’d think that a 24-year-old would be healthy but the CT scan revealed this massive lump around my lungs and heart,” he said. “It felt pretty surreal. It took a few days to kick in because you just don’t think it will happen to you. “But I was lucky because it was stage two and I was told there was an 80 per cent the chemo would knock it out and I wouldn’t have to deal with it again.” A week later, Aaron started chemotherapy at Frankston Hospital. “You go under the knife for the biopsy and then you start chemo and then it starts kicking in that yes, you’re a cancer patient,” he said. “It’s like being an old man doing chemo at 24. You have your good days and your bad days and all you can do is enjoy your good days and get out and do things.” To gain some control over the situation, Aaron had a head shaving party when his hair began to fall out, another testament to his unique outlook of his situation. He wanted to continue to enjoy his life with his partner, friends and family during what could only be described as a nightmare for anyone, young or old. “Luckily I have a positive mindset and I have friends and family around me that are always there and I have my pickleball,” he said. Aaron’s the secretary of Pickleball Victoria and has continued to play at his local club, South East Melbourne Pickleball, based at the Pearcedale Tennis Club during his treatment. Pickleball is a fast growing sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis and is played with a paddle. He said it’s one of the main things that has kept him focussed on recovery. 14 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 10 June, 2021
Aaron organised a fundraiser at the Pearcedale Tennis Club to raise money for Lymphoma Australia by combining his passion of pickleball with his cancer fight. Pictures: SUPPLIED “That’s the only thing I’ve been able to hold on to. It’s the only thing I’ve been able to do because I haven’t been able to study or coach tennis,” he said. “I’m still playing pickleball but just not doing tournaments because I just don’t have the energy.” Last month, Aaron spearheaded a ‘Pickleball for Lymphoma’ fundraiser, raising $4,741 for Lymphoma Australia. “I thought, I love my pickleball, why not run a big fundraiser?” he said. “Lymphoma Australia has helped me and they help a lot of people.” Held Saturday 22 May, the event was a huge success. And now to the good news.
After two months of chemotherapy, the mass in Aaron’s chest had gone and he is technically in remission but still completing the six month course of treatment to ensure the cancer stays away. “This is just a speedbump in the process. You’re 24 and you’re trying to start your career and everything,” Aaron said. “At the end of the day I’m being positive about it all because it could be worse. There are people in worse situations than me.” Aaron hopes that other young people can learn from his experience and take their health seriously. “You’ve got to get checked even if you’re healthy,” Aaron said. You can donate to Lymphoma Australia by heading to lymphoma.org.au.
Aaron gathered with friends to say goodbye to his hair when it began to fall out. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Bird’s the word By Danielle Kutchel Life goes on, even over lockdown - and especially in nature. At the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, the birdlife put on a show over the first weekend of winter. Star News Group photographer and budding bird watcher GARY SISSONS visited the gardens to see what he could spy - and found some very special visitors...
An Australian Raven watches the proceedings.
The male Glossy Black Cockatoo. These birds are listed as vulnerable in Victoria and aren’t often seen in this part of the state.
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A female Superb Fairywren. 240158
Yum! 240158
A New Holland Honeyeater on a proud perch. 240158
A Little Pied Cormorant with a yabby for lunch. 240158
A pair of Glossy Black Cockatoos - the one with yellow on the cheeks is the female. 240158 berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
The female Glossy Black Cockatoo. 240158
A Red Browed Finch has a forage. 240158 Thursday, 10 June, 2021
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STAR NEWS 15
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Thursday, 10 June, 2021
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FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE
RURAL LIVING PROPERTIES like this are hard to find. On approximately 17 acres with views to Westernport Bay this 2 bedroom weatherboard home with 1 bathroom and single carport offers endless possibilities. The property has good shedding and fencing with bitumen road frontage. Services include mains water connection and septic
tank. With the local IGA, Belgrave South Primary School and all the conveniences of town just minutes away. This property will be offered for sale by Auction on Saturday, 19 June at 11am, unless sold prior. Terms: 10% deposit & Settlement: 30/60/90 days. An exciting opportunity awaits. ●
·
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 189 Belgrave-Hallam Road, BELGRAVE SOUTH Inspect: By private appointment Auction: Saturday, 19 June, 11am unless sold prior Contact: Rob Coldebella, 0403 349 501 or Tom Gibson, 0438 574 472, ALEX SCOTT AND STAFF, WARRAGUL, 5623 4744
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STAR NEWS 17
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Movement galore in DDCA By Nick Creely
Jersey international star Jonty Jenner has returned to Narre South 188528 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS with Casey-South Melbourne under his former coach Will Carr, Josh Holden is off to Buckley Ridges, while Brendan Rose is returning to Premier Cricket and Cory Bevan is off to Knoxfield. But the Bears have welcomed back former Tasmanian quick and premiership player Andrew Perrin, who returns to the Cave after winning a premiership with Prahran in Victorian Premier Cricket. He is expected to give Turf 1 batsmen a tough time with his pace and probing lines after a dominant 2011/12 at DDCA level where he snagged 31 wickets from 13 games. He took 205 wickets at Premier Cricket level as well as 10 wickets at Sheffield Shield level. Talented leg-spinner Riley Siwes has also signed at the club, joining from Dandenong
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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT FOUNTAIN GATE SHOPPING CENTRE BRECHIN DRIVE NARRE WARREN VIC 3805 As part of a national upgrade project, Optus plans to upgrade a telecommunications facility at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre Brechin Drive NARRE WARREN VIC 3805.
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Clubs are well and truly on a recruitment drive in the Dandenong District Cricket Association, with the competition once again looking to be further strengthened next season. In Turf 1, as they always are, Buckley Ridges are making serious moves on-field and off, with the Bucks still firmly in the premiership window. Despite the losses of first-class trio Benny Howell, Ian Cockbain and coach Chanaka Welegedera, the Bucks have quickly picked itself up to land three strong recruits. The Bucks have landed ex-England Under 19 representative and ex-Glamorgan batsman Ben Wright, who will add tremendous class to the top-order. The 33-year-old is permanently relocating to Melbourne with his Australian wife, and after 89 first-class matches and 75 List A games, will now be one of the DDCA’s most prized signings. Adding to the signings of Wright, the Bucks have jagged North Dandenong paceman Nimesh Kariyawasam, who snared 22 Turf 1 wickets last season, as well as experienced Berwick batsman and former Casey-South Melbourne player Josh Holden. The Bucks are also entertaining the prospect of bringing back West Indian all-rounder Jerome Jones who was dominant in his 2019/20 stint with the club, while the Bucks are close to appointing its next coach. Runners-up Berwick have also been incredibly active, with some star quality departing, but an ex-first-class quick returning and a talent leggie have joined the club. The Bears have lost Wookey Medal winner and ex-first class all-rounder Ruwantha Kellepotha, who will try his hand at Premier level
West where he took 22 wickets in Turf 2 at 11.4 last season, with the emerging gun also with a handful of experience in the lower grades at Dandenong. He made his Turf 1 debut for the Westers against Berwick back in 2016/17, and will help fill the void left by the departure of Kellepotha. It’s believed there is still plenty happening at the Cave, with another signing potentially in the works. Down at Strathaird Recreation Reserve, Narre South has lost two quality players in Josh Dowling and champion all-rounder Scott Phillips, but have welcomed back an international gun. Dowling, the ex-Casey paceman is off to Springvale South while the highly decorated cricketing great Phillips is playing closer to home at the Williamstown Imperials but leaves with an almost unmatched legacy. Jonty Jenner returns to the Lions after playing two seasons in 2018/19 and 2019/20, where he scored over 1,000 runs with three centuries, with the Jersey international gun a serious inclusion to the club with his attacking and classy middle-order batting. Turf 1 newcomers Narre Warren are not expected to land a big fish, but will back in its Turf 2 premiership squad to take the next step up, with the Magpies locking away its core group under coach Brett Lewis in positive signs. Springvale South, meanwhile, are expected to be major players in the off-season and have already landed star Narre South paceman and ex-Premier bowler Josh Dowling, who will form a potent new-ball duo with Matt Wetering. Despite the losses of all-rounder and exskipper Nathan King and Clint Tomlinson that will dent the batting stocks, the Bloods are believed to be well and truly in the gun for a
3. Further information can be obtained from Mel Tuangthong, 0414 166 870, melt@cpsglobal.com, and at www.rfnsa.com.au, RFNSA reference number 3805009. 4. Written submissions should be sent to: Level 9 – 256 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000 by 5.00pm on Friday 25 June 2021.
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Locals loving the spotlight By Nick Creely With no VFL or NAB League football being played in Metropolitan Melbourne, there are still plenty of local stars shining on the AFL stage. Some are right at the start of their AFL careers, while others are firmly in the frame to play in a premiership at the end of the year. Here’s how some of our local stars fared over the weekend: Cody Weightman (Beaconsfield/Western Bulldogs) The excitable Beaconsfield junior is quickly becoming a fan favourite. His energy around the contest and goal sense is elite, and he is now starting to really establish himself at the level. On Sunday, Weightman was classy, kicking two goals and laying four tackles in a wellrounded performance against the Dockers. As the Bulldogs potentially push towards its first flag since 2016, you get the feeling that Weightman will play a big part as the small helping compliment the likes of Aaron Naughton, Tim English and Josh Bruce. He’s just one of many stars that have come out of the footy factory that is Beaconsfield.
Oscar Clavarino (Berwick/St Kilda) The young key defender from Berwick has worked hard to get his shot at AFL level, and with the injury ravaged St Kilda side has battled hard in his first two games at the elite level. With the dangerous Sydney forward line providing plenty of nervous moments, the youngster was valiant, with four one percenters and a few composed moments down back, and will certainly be better for the run. With the Saints seemingly out of finals contention and with a long injury list, Clavarino should get more chances throughout the season and continue developing his intercept marking and one-on-one defending Jake Aarts (Beaconsfield/Richmond) Tenacious, feisty and improving every week, the hard-working Aarts would almost be one of the first picked in Damien Hardwick’s team now after missing out on a premiership last season. While Aarts hasn’t hit the scoreboard in the last two rounds, he has 15 goals for the season, but more importantly has registered 10 tackles in that period and been a constant barometer in the forward half. The most impressive part of his game that’s been noticeable this season is his composure
with the football when he comes up to the wing to provide a contest, proving hard to tackle and hitting his targets by foot. James Harmes (Devon Meadows/Melbourne) The vitally important, hard-running midfielder from Devon Meadows is playing some excellent footy for the premiership favourites, racking up 23 disposals in a monster win under the Friday night lights against Brisbane. Harmes’ ability to win the contested ball is crucial for the Dees, allowing the likes of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Christan Salem to enjoy plenty of space to showcase their wares. Tom Papley (Bunyip/Sydney) The star small forward played a key role for the Swans in Sydney on Saturday, kicking a crucial goal late in the third quarter with St Kilda holding all of the momentum. He finished with one goals from 15 disposals, and has snagged a goal in each match this season to take his tally to 21 for the season. The Bunyip favourite son has been a revelation since being drafted in the 2016 rookie draft, and will be a big chance to once again play AFL finals football in 2021 with the Swans sitting three games inside the top-eight.
Richmond forward Jake Aarts. Picture: COURTESY OF AFL PHOTOS
Humble trusty Ford a cog in the wheel of progress By Nick Creely For many years, Ryan Ford been a strong, vocal figure representing his community and local clubs with poise. He describes himself as just a “cog in the wheel” – but he’s been one important cog for the south-east region as a dedicated volunteer. A Warragul boy originally, the well-known local figure’s love for local football and community sport is boundless – his infectious energy is noticeable when he’s around the traps and his fierce loyalty for his region and the clubs he represents is admirable. His love for the game traces back to his late father, Roy – a life member of the Longwarry Football Club and West Gippsland Football League – who was also a dedicated volunteer of the game. “Growing up in Warragul, Dad was the secretary of the club for a long time – he was enormously dedicated to the Longwarry Football Club, and was the first life member ever awarded in 1959,” he said. “He did a lot for the West Gippsland Football League, and also received in 1991 which is a rare honour, the VCFL Recognition Medal for services to football. “There’s still a sign up in the Longwarry rooms that I’m immensely proud of – it was one of dad’s sayings and it’s been there since the 80s. It says, “show me the truth – Roy Ford”. After playing junior footy around Warragul and senior football, Ryan moved to Berwick when he was 24 but retired from the game due to five shoulder reconstructions, and then after a stint as a runner for Longwarry, was lost to the game until Narre Warren came calling in 2010. “After I finished, the travel got too much, so I didn’t do anything in footy until 2010 when Matt Shinners and Steve Kidd, my first cousin, got me down to the club,” he said. “Steve asked me to come down to help, he was a star defender at the club, and then a couple years I helped in the box and then joined the committee.” Ryan was then elected to the AFL South East Commission in December 2016 as the
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Ryan Ford has been a strong figure for local clubs for many years. 152296 South East Football Netball League (SEFNL) representative, replacing Kahl Heinze, who held the role for the 2016 season, before taking over as the chair of the competition for 2017 and 2018. During that time, Ryan was a force of strength for the league and region, giving the clubs a voice and combining that with an unbridled passion with the game. “I’m pretty humbled – if people can find a vehicle in life that allows them to serve the community in some way, whether through charities or some other way, that’s great,” he said. “I was able to bring a lifetime of local sport into the business arm of the sporting community, and I guess apply some passion and skill into that. “It’s an honourable position to be elected
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to that role and have people have faith in you to execute. “There’s challenges along the way – I find local sport more passionate than business. You’re dealing with people who give up their time equally to serve clubs, and in some cases literally spilt blood on the field for their club. “To have that link with them is important, and it brings out a passion stronger than in the business world.” Ryan was also a driving factor in the merger between the SEFNL and AFL Yarra Ranges, which now forms the current league in AFL Outer East, where he is still on the commission. He said that the process of being part of bringing together the two football and netball leagues was a rewarding experience. “Realising the need for divisional football,
we started talks with AFL Yarra Ranges – we went through that process which was different,” he said. “Aaron (Bailey), Tony (Mitchell) and myself spoke to clubs and presented options, it wasn’t as forceful as what the MPNFL talks were, and here we are. “I recruited Lauren Bourke to the SEFNL board to get a gender balance, I wanted our clubs who put in an enormous amount of work in the netball arm to not throw that away. That was a key ingredient to make Yarra Ranges a good option – they were ranked side by side with us in interleague, and played them in 2018. On paper it was a good indicator of a strong future.” Ryan said that to volunteer his time over many years was something he doesn’t take for granted – he’s honoured to be involved with clubs, football leagues and the local community. “I’m happy to be a cog in the wheel,” he said. “The game would not survive without volunteers. “Let alone thrive and be nurtured into a prosperous future, it simply wouldn’t happen.” He also wanted to acknowledge the vast amount of people who he was worked closely with over the journey. “I would like to mention Tony Mitchell (commission chair) and Aaron Bailey (Region General Manager) – to work with them, and the rest of commission and staff is something that keeps you going,” he said. “We want to support and grow community sport, so they’re really inspiring guys. I just do what I do. “I look at someone like Tony Mitchell – he’s a dedicated person, and I’m in awe of what he does to commit to his role. “Aaron does more than his pay packet, he’s an amazing person and his commitment to the role goes beyond a job for him, it’s a hobby. “For people like Tony, myself, the rest of the commission, club presidents – they’re all volunteers and it’s an incredibly key element of the success of local sport.”
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True top-end talent By Nick Creely A string of local youngsters tasted premiership success in the highly-popular Darwin Cricket League recently, with the dominant Waratah taking down PINT at DXC Arena in the one-day grand final. Featuring boom youngsters Ashley Chandrasinghe (Casey-South Melbourne and Buckley Ridges), Isaiah Jassal (Casey-South Melbourne and Berwick), as well as Yash Pednekar (Richmond and North Dandenong), it was a strong showing from the locals on the big stage. PINT won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 8/192 from its 50 overs, with all-rounder Blade Baxter leading the way with an unbeaten 40, and while Jassal was 12th man he contributed a run-out, while Pednekar took two catches and Chandrasinghe one. But it was the exciting youngster Chandrasinghe - the classy left-handed opener coming off a dominant Premier Cricket season - that guided Waratah to glory. Coming in at 2/64 and with the game tightening up, Chandrasinghe showed composure beyond his years with a classy 59 not out, soaking up 113 balls and never panicking as he guided the side to a five-wicket win with an over to spare. Pednekar was also impressive, scoring 25 and putting on a crucial 45 run partnership
Immunity showed great resilience to clock the fastest time of the four heats of the Winter Cup at Cranbourne. 240281 Picture: SUPPLIED
Immunity for Winter The victorious Waratah Cricket Club. with Chandrasinghe through the middle. So far this season, Chandrasinghe has 269 runs at 67.3 across all formats, Pednekar has 175 runs at 35, while Jassal has also heavily impressed with 21 wickets at 10.9 as he continues to develop his game.
Picture: FACEBOOK Waratah will now turn its attention to the two-day cricket, with the side to next play on 26 June against Nightcliff. Full results can be found at http://darwindistrictcricket.nt.cricket.com.au/
Pickleball a popular sport on the rise By David Nagel A sport named after a family pet more than 50 years ago is now catching on in Victoria with Pickleball enjoying an exploding popularity around the world. Pickleball combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis and is played on a court the same size as a double’s badminton court - measuring 20 by 44 feet. In the centre the net is two inches lower than a tennis net, with players using a paddle and a combination of touch, tactics and skill to manoeuvre a plastic ball full of holes to all parts of the court. Pickleball Victoria Secretary, and state champion, Aaron Blitz said the unique nature of the sport was seeing it boom in popularity. Millions are playing pickleball in the US, with the Pearcedale Tennis Club the home of the sport in Victoria. Blitz said people of all ages can enjoy the unique challenge of the sport. “The great thing about pickleball is that two 60-year-olds can compete with two 20-yearolds,” Blitz said. “There’s some power involved but it’s mainly a game of skill, touch and tactics. We have people playing that have played high-end sport in the past, but also some really enthusiastic players that have never picked up a bat or racquet in their life. “It’s great fun and far less demanding on the body than playing tennis - me and many others are falling in love with the sport. “I’m 24, and there is a player who is 82… anybody can play.” The origins of pickleball date back to 1965 when congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell returned to Pritchard’s home, near Seattle, after a game of golf. The pair found their families sitting around doing nothing, so grabbed some table-tennis bats, a perforated plastic ball and began improvising on the families disused badminton court. Barney McCallum was soon introduced to the game and the three men created rules, relying heavily on badminton. They always kept in mind the original purpose, which was to provide a game that the whole family could play together. According to McCallum, the game was officially named after the Pritchard’s’ dog Pickles who would chase the ball and run away with it. Blitz said the dimensions of the court made pickleball an attractive option to mainstream sports. “At Pearcedale we can fit six pickleball 22 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 10 June, 2021
Victorian champion Aaron Blitz has fallen in love with pickleball. 239913 courts on one tennis court, and places like retirement villages are building pickleball courts to maximise participation,” Blitz said. “The sport has been hugely popular in places like the US, Canada and Asia, but has really taken off in Australia over the last five or 10 years. “It’s huge in Queensland, where they have 1200 members, and also in New South Wales. It’s a great game for retirees in those states, but we’re ramping things up in Victoria.” More than 28,000 fans attended the 2019 USA Pickleball National Championships and participation reached 3.3 million that year. Pickleball is in the process of building a structure and fixture – in Victoria and Australia - that will keep everyone from beginners to experts, challenged and engaged in the sport. Approximately 30 players – of all levels take to the Pearcedale courts each Wednesday for a social hit, while elite level tournaments are open to those looking to take their game to the next level. Blitz finished runner-up, in both singles and doubles, in the national championships held in Brisbane in 2019. “Technically I’m the Australian champion because the guy who beat me was an American who owns his own pickleball company back home,” Blitz said with a laugh. “And Matt (Monty) and I lost to the American guy and his son, so we’re the unofficial doubles champions as well.” The schedule is rapidly building in pickleball, with Pearcedale already hosting two Victorian Opens, with Ballarat hosting a state
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Pickleball can be enjoyed by all members of the community. 239913 selection tournament, and a Battle of the Border was pencilled in for the upcoming Queen’s Birthday long-weekend. Teams of 10 men and 10 women from both states were set to meet in Wangaratta before the recent Covid-outbreak brought a halt to proceedings. There are also plans for an inter-club competition in the not-too-distant future with clubs from Ballarat, Hampton, Maroondah, Wangaratta and Warrnambool also experiencing some impressive growth. Those looking for more information on the sport can contact Aaron Blitz via email at hello@pickleballvictoria.org or go to the South East Melbourne Pickleball Facebook page.
On a cold, wintry night – and under Covid lockdown – the best and only place to be was at home in your favourite armchair to watch the Trio’s Winter Cup heats (520m) at Cranbourne on Saturday night. And given Melbourne’s coronavirus environment, sprint-siren Immunity loomed as the omen. Well, the script went according to plan with the Jason Thompson-trained flying femme showing plenty of ‘resilience’ in Heat-4. A winner of 14 races from 19 starts, Immunity ($2.60f) was the fastest qualifier defeating a gallant Nikoli Bale ($3.10) by a length and a half in a sizzling 30.05sec. She’s now undefeated in four starts from the pink box. Immunity, who was a G2 Laurels finalist late last year, has returned in stylish fashion since a seasonal spell. But she won’t receive any ‘protection’ in next week’s $20,535 to-the-winner final after the David Geall-trained Hill Top Jack won Heat-1 in a slick 30.07sec. Hill Top Jack ($5.50) assumed control rounding the first turn and dashed away for an effortless six-length win over Xavien Bale ($4.20). It was his 11th win from 23 starts, including six of his last 11. He’s a litter brother of Koblenz, who has won his past seven starts, and a ‘cousin’ of dual G2 country cups winner Ferdinand Boy, who is favourite to win the inaugural $25,000 to-the-winner ‘The Horizon’ at Sale on Sunday night. All three are trained by Geall. Meanwhile, the Samantha Grenfelltrained Usman Bale ($5.30) snared Heat2 by two lengths over Mepunga Reject ($2.40f) in a respectable 30.25sec. It was his sixth win from 16 starts, including four of his last seven. Grenfell has Nikoli Bale and litter brothers Xavien Bale and Usman Bale in the final. The latter two were second and third respectively to kennelmate and ‘country cups king’ Yozo Bale in the recent Listed Graeme Hull Memorial, formerly known as the Wagga Gold Cup. And recent G1 Sapphire Crown finalist Persian Goddess ($5.50) proved a ‘sprite’ taking out Heat-3 by three lengths over Plan Ahead ($8.80) in a smart 30.19sec. Trained by Ben Joske, Persian Goddess – the medium of solid support – registered her ninth win from 18 starts, including three of her last five. CRANBOURNE WINTER CUP FINAL Saturday 12 June - $20,535 (1st); $5,830 (2nd); $2,920 (3rd) 1 Nikoli Bale (Samantha Grenfell) 2 Mepunga Reject (Jeffrey Britton) 3 Xavien Bale (Samantha Grenfell) 4 Immunity (Jason Thompson) 5 Plan Ahead (Angela Langton) 6 Hill Top Jack (David Geall) 7 Persian Goddess (Ben Joske) 8 Usman Bale (Samantha Grenfell) Reserves 9 Kuro Kismet (Matthew Clark) 10 Ripplebrook Glen (Ronald Wood)
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