News - Berwick Star News - 6th January 2022

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Thursday, 6 January, 2022

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The year of 2021 brought new trials and victories to Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) founder Jaswinder Singh who tackled the coronavirus pandemic, floods, storms and personal hardship while selflessly serving his community.

Over the past year, the charity produced more than 129,370 meals to those in need.

It all started after Mr Singh travelled from Haryana, North India to settle in Australia in 2014.

He said he wanted to give back to his new community.

“We just wanted to do something and we wondered what our contribution was going to be and how we would be remembered,” Mr Singh said.

From that thought, the charity comprised of first generation migrants was formed and has been growing ever since - now with about 500 volunteers.

Although the charity was named Sikh Volunteers Australia, about 50 per cent of its volunteers are from varying religions including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.

In 2021, the charity celebrated the Sikh festival Vaisakhi at Bunjil Place, where 300-plus volunteers were called to the stage and awarded for their efforts.

“When you see them all up there in their traditional clothes, you can understand it’s not a Sikh group anymore and that is what we’ve successfully established,” Mr Singh said.

“Being such a multicultural community, we have created a bond and I think that’s our best achievement.”

For the second year in a row, SVA combated Covid-19 lockdowns and delivered 1500 meals a day by utilising software called Routify which mapped out delivery points for its drivers.

The team ran the massive operation while managing social distancing and supply shortages.

But the pandemic brought about Mr Singh’s most difficult challenge of the year when his

beloved father Balwinder Singh died in May. Mr Singh was truly heartbroken when travel restrictions prevented him from attending his father’s final rituals.

“He’s the one who taught me everything and told me how to help others but at his final day, I was not there,” Mr Singh said.

“I wanted to be with my family but I couldn’t.

“A lot of people have been through that - the only thing I got from it was how it actually feels to be in lockdown.

“Everyone has sacrificed a lot to overcome this pandemic.”

The pandemic was not the only disaster in which SVA assisted the community with in 2021, with teams heading out to respond to the NSW floods in early April as well as local storms in early November.

Mr Singh said ASV was built to assist the nation as a whole, rather than a single suburb.

“We want to create an organisation that will keep on performing like this regardless if we are not there or not; a self-driven organisation that looks after the community where if someone requires help and the organisation has the capacity, they will go and help without question,” he said.

SVA received the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in 2021 and Mr Singh has been nominated for City of Casey’s Australian of the Year.

Although SVA has been showered with achievements, Mr Singh said that was never the aim of the charity.

“Our motive is to give back to the community but now they are giving back to us in terms of respect and in terms of honour, and I accept them in a humble way, but that is not our goal,” he said.

The charity is fully funded by community donations, led by Dasvandh - a concept that the 10th part of one’s income should be donated to charity.

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By Jamie Salter

Authorised by B. Battin MP 3/445 Princes HWY Officer 3809. Funded from the Parliamentary Budget.

2021 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...

NEWSMAKERS

Hero neighbour injured

Dandenong Magistrates Court. 244718

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Court rules on spud guns Two spud guns seized from an Officer premises were found not to be firearms in a landmark case at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court in October.

Amanda Lewis faced charges of possessing unregistered Category E longarms and possessing firearms whilst a prohibited person after police found the two PVC pipe guns on New Year’s Eve 2019.

The seized spud gun was capable of being loaded with a potato or lemon, then fired by igniting hairspray with a sparkplug in the device’s combustion chamber.

A police ballistics expert said spuds could be fired at 130-140 metres a second – or 440 kilometres an hour. Much less than a bullet at 330 metres a second.

Category E longarms include machine

guns, rifles, bazookas and rocket-propelled grenades, which are “inherently lethal”, however, Mr Bryant was doubtful that homemade PVC devices were envisaged in the same category.

Mr Bryant concluded the spud guns – also known as vegie cannons, fruit cannons and lemon bazookas – were not firearms under the Act. His deliberation referenced military general Hannibal, Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson and comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

He dismissed the charges, but stated his decision “should not be interpreted as a green light for the citizens of Victoria to arm themselves with these types of devices for any purpose”.

Cranbourne North resident Russell Irwin was assaulted with a tomahawk after coming to the defence of his neighbour.

Iwrin heard his terrified neighbour’s screams for help after a group of three armed men broke into her Lindenow Court property just after 7pm on Monday night, 1 February, launching over his fence and approaching the armed thugs.

A bloodied and bruised Mr Irwin suffered a fractured skull, seven lacerations to the head, a puncture wound to the back of his thigh and cuts and bruises on his back.

Police say one of the thugs used a weapon to strike Mr Irwin on the head before the group, believed to be armed with a tomahawk, rifle and baseball bat, fled on foot.

A GoFundMe page was established to

raise money for Irwin that he would lose as a result of his injuries, with $6000 raised in the first 24 hours.

The final total was in-excess of $8479.

Mr Irwin’s cousin, Bree Martin, told Star News he managed to climb back over the fence before attempting to stop the offenders.

“One of the offenders pulled out a rifle and threatened him with that,” Ms Martin said.

“At this point Russell’s blood was boiling. He’d just gone from fighting two of the attackers and had tried to rip their balaclavas off so he could see them before he was struck by the third.“ “Russell would rather cop the blow instead of a woman. He wouldn’t look at it like he’s a hero”.

Russell Irwin leapt to the defences of his helpless neighbour in February. 227581 Picture: SUPPLIED

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2021 PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

All hands on deck as community aid floods in Longwarry woman Shauna Evans’ All Hands on Deck campaign was established in concert with the Pakenham SES to help those recovering from the wild weather events in June.

Organisations and community members came together from across the Cardinia Shire to help those in need after the flooding in Gippsland and the storms in the hills.

Food collection stations were established across the shire at both the Longwarry Football Club and the Officer Football Club.

The first collection was held in Longwarry on Wednesday 16 June and another was held at the Officer Football Club on Friday 18 June, with the final collections taking

Nick Kozakis was nominated for an ARIA award in November. 255996

place on Tuesday 22 June at both clubs before all the supplies gathered were sent to help those in either flood or storm-affected areas.

“I saw how quickly things were happening and how quickly people were being impacted and I figured if I can help someone out and make their day, I suppose give them something positive out of a negative situation, then that’s better than doing nothing,” Ms Evans said.

“People are just trying to get back up on their feet [after Covid-19] and they’ve been knocked back down again, and yeah it just started with a small ambition and it’s just gotten bigger and bigger and evolved, which is just amazing.”

Picture: SUPPLIED

Third ARIA nomination Noble Park North’s Nick Kozakis received yet another ARIA nomination in November for the Best Video award after directing Won’t Sleep by Tones and I. It was his third consecutive ARIA nomination.

Inspired by his love of horror films, Kozakis, co-director Liam Kelly and producer Tim Whiting staged the spectacular at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda.

The video pays playful homage to popular horror movies as well as Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

With more than 100 cast and crew, it was

the biggest, most expensive clip made in Australia, Mr Kozakis said.

“As a horror enthusiast, it was fun and it was very stressful,” Kozakis said.

“We shot over two days, and there was not a single weak link.”

Kozakis previously worked with Tones and I on her smash hit Dance Monkey in 2019.

Unfortunately Kozakis was unsuccessful with the award going to Vance Joy for his title, Missing Piece.

Kozakis was raised in Noble Park and now lives in Noble Park North in order to stay close to his parents.

L-R: Shauna Evans, Mayur Meshram and Shayne Honey with some of the donated food at the Officer Footy Club.

Picture: GABRIELLA PAYNE

Jaswinder Singh gives back throughout trying year From page 1 In 2017, 34 volunteers donated $1000 each to purchase the food van and equipment, starting the service that has been running twice a week for the past seven years.

A new facility is currently in construction in Cranbourne West and is set to be completed by February 2022 which will allow SVA to produce 10,000 meals a day.

Mr Singh said the charity was also establishing a fleet of vehicles to respond to disaster situations.

“If a disaster situation comes anywhere in Victoria, we want to be in the position to be able to send a van full of food there and have two other vans for volunteers and equipment - that way the first van can start offering immediate relief,“ Mr Singh said.

“We want to fleets like this so we can send them in different directions at the same time and that way we can utilise the volunteers’ power to offer relief.“ Mr Singh said the initial disasters the char-

ity responded to helped the SVA streamline its service.

“The first big crisis we responded to was the Bunyip bushfires in 2019,“ Mr Singh said.

“We learnt a lot there, that place was one and a half hours away and we went there believing there would be 100 people, but there was much more.

“Now we send someone ahead to give us on the ground information regarding the numbers.“

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Mr Singh has many plans for the years to come and said he was hoping to develop a support service run by paid professionals to combat loneliness within the community.

“I consider myself fortunate, a lot of people want to do this but didn’t get the right opportunity,“ he said.

“More than others, I have supported myself.“ Mr Singh thanked all the SVA volunteers for their contribution throughout 2021.

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Thursday, 6 January, 2022

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Raising refugees’ plight For nearly four years, members of Casey Cardinia for Refugees have taken up their positions at a major intersection in Berwick, rain, hail or shine.

Their purpose?

To draw attention to the plight of refugees and seek public support for their calls to local politicians for more humane treatment for refugees and asylum seekers.

And last month they marked the 100th of those vigils in the centre of Berwick’s High Street, at the intersection of Lyall Road, Clyde Road and the Princes Highway.

Despite the interruptions of Covid lockdowns, members remained upbeat, according to spokesperson Marg.

Each week, members invite drivers to honk in support of their cause – and just a few weeks ago they clocked their highest tally of toots

ever, at 470.

They’ve also received positive comments from members of the community – sprinkled with the odd abusive yell.

But they’re confident support for their cause remains high.

At the 100th vigil on Saturday 18 December, they were joined by a passer-by, Jack.

Jack said he had seen the group’s vigils and decided to come down and join them.

“It’s a good cause and it’s not hard to show a bit of support,” Jack said as he took up a sign and a spot on the verge.

Marg said the group welcomed any help from other people in the community.

“We’re causing a commotion!” she laughed.

“We’re not going away until this [treatment of refugees] is sorted.”

Casey Cardinia for Refugees at a Berwick intersection. 263384

Bunjil Place launches summer Night MODE events

By Jamie Salter Bunjil Place is launching its first quarterly latenight opening, Night MODE: Summer Edition - a free series of events held as as an introduction to the summer months.

The after-hours opening on Thursday 27 January features a live performances, bar and lounge access, adult art making sessions, gallery viewings and tailored screen programs.

The Thursday night launch aims to encourage nine-to-fivers and busy day timers to relax and experience Bunjil Place’s offerings.

Night MODE: Summer Edition allows the public to catch the latest gallery exhibition, participate in artist-run activities and enjoy a drink in the ambience.

Summer Edition will include a cocktail

Night MODE: Summer Edition events are coming to Bunjil Place. workshop with renowned crafter and designer Kitiya Palaskas.

The outdoor lounge will see the performance of Melbourne’s latest Reggae and Soul eight-piece King Canoe and DJ set and percussion combination by Cuerpo Negro and Gus-

Berwick Star News

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Hampton Park woman Kristen.

The 32-year-old was last seen on Burwood Highway, Vermont South at 10pm on Monday 3 January.

Kristen’s disappearance is out of character and her family and police are concerned for her safety.

Police have released an image of Kristen in the hope someone recognises her and can provide information regarding her current whereabouts. Anyone who has seen Kristen or has information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Cranbourne Police Station on (03) 5991 0600.

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Symphony Summer comes with an inaugural offering, the additional option of a threecourse fine dining experience curated by Bunjil Place’s in-house chef.

Performance tickets are $10 inclusive of a glass of champagne or bottle on non-alcoholic drink, with the fine dining add on at $70.

MSO principal conductor in residence Benjamin Northey conducts excerpts and short works from much loved music in a relaxed family-friendly concert.

“Whether you’re a lover of orchestras or brand new to classical music, (this) will be a fun and engaging way to experience the magic of the MSO live in concert,” Mr Northey said.

“What a way to start the new year!”

To book your spot, visit bunjilplace.com. au/night-mode-summer-edition

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tavo on the big screen.

Within the gallery, visitors get a chance to meet and hear from artist David Rosetzky on the moving image artwork, ‘Gaps’, 2014, featured as part of the exhibition Video Art from the ACMI Collection.

There will be a dedicated chill out zone and plenty of places to grab a drink or alcoholic slushie and soak up the art with friends.

Visitors can purchase or pre-order snack packs, from smaller picnic packs starting at $20 to deluxe hampers at $69.

The gallery, outdoor cafe lounge, and bar will be open until 9pm with drinks and snacks at menu prices.

The summer program continues to impress, with The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra gracing the stage on Saturday 29 January.

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Police have released an image of missing Hampton Park woman Kristen.

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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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“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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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.

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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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2021 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …

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Drunk driver hits house

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Stepping up for cause

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Thursday, 15 July, 2021

Thursday, 4 March, 2021

The Berwick District Woodworkers Club threw open the doors to its workshop over the weekend as part of the Casey Winter Arts Festival.

It was the first time in the club’s history that they had invited people in to view their work - but by all accounts, the event was an incredible success, with hundreds of people attending across the three days and plenty of unique, handmade pieces being snapped up by new owners.

For more, turn to page 10

Held at gunpoint

Martin van Dieman with his Jarrah rocking horse. 243459 Picture: ROB CAREW

By Mitchell Clarke

New school is in Tracks have been laid for a new school to be built at a prominent site in Narre Warren North.

On Monday 28 June, VCAT gave the go-

will have the chance to get stuck into permaculture activities on site such as looking after farm animals, rejuvenating natural habitats and harvesting crops.

Continued page 12

BERWICK

Wellsprings for Women CEO Dalal Smiley says many migrant women shy away from specialist family violence services. 229378

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Orange for care (CIRT) and the Dog Squad, descended on the animal shelter on Monday night in search of the man.

Detectives remained on scene on Tuesday before police confirmed a man was being questioned.

He was later charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated burglary, armed

robbery and firearm offences.

Police also executed search warrants in Langwarrin and Carrum Downs as part of the investigation, and seized three firearms.

The alleged offender was remanded in custody and was due to front the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon. He hadn’t yet appeared in court at the time of print.

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Pakenham, Narre Warren, Drouin and Yarra Junction

origines Co-operative Ltd. “We’re working with local agencies and plugging into their expertise and knowledge to build an even stronger network of support on the ground in Southern Melbourne, which will be up and running by the end of the year,” Ms Williams said.

WAYSS chief executive Liz Thomas said people could access teams of specialists with an extensive range of services.

“The Orange Door Network will mean they no longer have to manage their way through a maze of services.

“Importantly, the service providers will be

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able to deliver an integrated assessment of risk and needs by and a whole-of-family response.”

Ms Thomas said it would take time for service providers to adjust to a “very different way of delivering service”.

“I am reassured that we have had the opportunity to learn from other Orange Doors throughout Victoria and that there has been a well-planned lead time to reflect on those learnings and incorporate them.”

According to Ms Thomas, in Casey alone, more than 4000 family violence reports were referred to Wayss last year.

Continued page 7 12480809-SG06-21

to the animal transport team member who was a victim in this horrendous ordeal.

“The Lost Dogs’ Home is working with Victoria Police on this matter and thanks the community for their outpouring of support for our staff.”

A large police presence, including members from the Critical Incident Response Team

The keenly-awaited Orange Door Network is set to open in the South East - with the challenge of reaching across its diverse community as well as covering neighbouring areas.

The network will offer free and ongoing family violence support services under one roof by the end of 2021. The main site will be at Dandenong while other sites will open in Casey and Cardinia municipalities to form the Southern Orange Door Network.

“One of the core principles of the Orange Door Network is that there is no wrong door for

The Lost Dogs’ Home was “shocked and extremely concerned” about the incident. 225618

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Detectives were on scene at the Lost Dogs’ Home in Cranbourne West on Tuesday morning. 225618

those seeking support,” Dandenong MP and Prevention of Family Violence Minister Gabrielle Williams said.

The network provided “support for everyone regardless of age, gender and background - and support that is culturally safe, respectful and responsive”.

Orange Door staff can connect to support for people’s immediate safety and wellbeing, safe accommodation, parenting support, counselling and behaviour-change programs.

Partner agencies include WAYSS, Uniting, Anglicare, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Dandenong and District Ab-

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Search success

By Danielle Kutchel A Langwarrin man who went missing in Lysterfield Park has been found safe and well.

Search crews came across missing man Paul sitting on the shore of Lysterfield Lake around 11am on Tuesday 24 August.

Paul had last been seen on Sunday 22 August at around 2pm, when he was dropped off at the park.

SES and Victoria Police heralded the find as a great result for search crews and Paul’s family.

SES Commander Bryce Wickham said crews had received a request to assist Victoria Police with the search on Monday 23 August, and had initially spent five hours scouring the park for any trace of Paul.

Undaunted, on Tuesday the call went out again and 64 SES members from 19 units across the central region converged on the park to take up the search again.

Crews worked systematically through the park, both on dry land and in the water, with three rescue boats brought in, a hill operating vehicle and multiple 4WDs on standby.

Family members also walked Lysterfield’s tracks to aid in the search and the park was closed to visitors so as not to interfere with the hunt.

George Katris, SES Deputy Controller for Port Phillip, was among the group that found Paul as they scoured the area by boat.

Coming to the western side of the water, Mr Katris said he noticed Paul by the water’s edge “just sitting, soaking in the sun”.

The SES crew quickly confirmed Paul’s identity by calling his name and checking him against the description they had been given.

“Basically he was in the bushes for the last two days,” Mr Katris said.

With no way to access the area save by boat or on foot, the decision was made to take Paul back to the opposite shore by boat, where he was reunited with his family and taken to hospital for a check-up.

The SES crew that found Paul. 248501 “It was an amazing result, we were so wrapped that we found him,” Mr Katris said.

“I’m so proud of my team – this is what we’re trained for and to put it into practice, and for it to be textbook, is absolutely amazing.”

Peter Muys, Victoria Police Local Area Commander for the Yarra Ranges, said teams had been confident that as long as Paul had not

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS entered the water, “there was every chance he would be alive” despite low overnight temperatures.

Around 30-40 police members, including some from the search and rescue and canine squads, and the airwing, were deployed to assist with the search.

They spent time tracking down every poten-

tial sighting in the hours before Paul was found.

“We didn’t have anything further than that this is where he was last dropped off, that was all we had to go on,” LAC Muys said.

He thanked the SES for their commitment and the “great work” they put in to finding Paul.

“The credit goes to them for sure,” he said.

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Peter Symons is given the vaccine by Marie Mullet. 236353

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By Danielle Kutchel

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Demand for vaccines across the City of Casey has risen sharply after Victoria was sent into lockdown again.

At the same time, the State Government announced that those in the 40-49 year old age group would now be able to access Pfizer jabs.

Long lines have been seen at mass vaccination hubs across the state, including this one at the Cranbourne Turf Club.

Meanwhile, GPs across Casey are seeing extraordinary demand for vaccines as they scramble to stretch their limited supplies as far as possible.

For more, turn to page 7

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.

Left to right: vaccination staff Mikayla, Priscilla, Marie and Sue. 236353 The line for walk-ups at the Cranbourne Turf Club mass vaccination hub. 239142 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Hospital jab hub Stretched to limit A Berwick hospital has commenced vaccinating people against Covid-19.

On Wednesday 5 May, St John of God Hospital on Kangan Drive, Berwick, began vaccinating patients against the virus.

The opening comes as Australia expands its vaccine rollout this week to all those aged over 50.

The St John of God facility has 10 immunisation cubicles, with ten minutes allocated for each appointment.

It’s expected to process 60 people each hour.

A spokesperson for the hospital said all eligible community members – not just those from Casey – over the age of 50 are able to book in for their AstraZeneca shot at St John of God. “We have a team of 31 servicing the clinic, including a mix of registered nurses, accredited immunisation nurses and administration,” the spokesperson said.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is the preferred vaccine for those in the over-50 age group, and has been shown to be effective against Covid-19 in clinical trials.

The spokesperson said the most likely side effect people may experience is lethargy and mild flu-like symptoms for the first 24 to 48

Will &

hours after vaccination.

“We advise people to take it easy for a couple of days after your vaccination, take Panadol if required and see your GP if your symptoms remain after four days,” the spokesperson said.

“The vast majority of people have no symptoms following vaccination and the serious side effects have been well documented.

“The important message to remember is that the rates of serious side effects remain extremely low.”

The spokesperson encouraged all those eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“Getting vaccinated is our best way to pro-

tect ourselves, our family and our community from the risk of serious illness as a result of Covid-19 Infection,” she said.

“We acknowledge that Australia has very low community transmission and therefore there is low incentive to participate in a Covid-19 vaccination program but the reality is that until we are vaccinated, Covid-19 will remain a serious threat to Australians and our way of life.”

The St John of God vaccination clinic is open 8.30am-4pm, strictly by appointment only.

To book, call the Department of Health hotline on 1800 675 398.

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Deceased Estate

By Danielle Kutchel Thousands of households across the City of Casey are experiencing mortgage stress.

Data release by Choice and collected by Digital Finance Analytics in April 2021 has revealed that two postcodes in Casey are in the top 10 for mortgage stress across the country.

Postcode 3805 – covering Fountain Gate, Narre Warren and Narre Warren South – and postcode 3806 – covering Berwick and Hark-

away – came in at fifth and sixth on the national list respectively.

In Victoria, Casey has three of the top ten postcodes in mortgage stress.

In addition to 3805 and 3806, postcode 3977 has made the list – including Cannons Creek, Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne West, Devon Meadows, Five Ways, Junction Village, and Skye.

According to the data, 8919 households are in mortgage stress in postcode 3805, followed by 8292 in postcode 3806 and 6139 households in postcode 3977.

Patrick Veyret, banking spokesperson at Choice, said mortgage stress in this case was defined as a measure of a household’s cash flow.

“If the household has greater expenses than income and a mortgage features as part of their budget then they’re classed as being in

Will &

Deceased Estate

May 6 (hospital jab hub)

June 3 (Stretched to the limit)

mortgage stress,” he said.

“During the Covid pandemic there is increasing strain placed on household finances.

“We’ve seen this with wages stagnating, government support tapering off and underemployment and unemployment still rising.

“We know households out there are doing it tough. Mortgage stress is just one example of the financial hardship that’s occurring.”

Continued page 7 12497981-NG23-21

By Danielle Kutchel

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”.

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A gunman dressed in camouflage clothing has been charged after he allegedly kidnapped a young woman and threatened her with an assault rifle at the Cranbourne West Lost Dogs’ Home.

A 44-year-old Langwarrin man, was charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated burglary, armed robbery and firearm offences following the “traumatic” incident on Monday night, 11 January.

The victim, a 23-year-old animal ranger, had just parked in the carpark off Thompsons Road when the man allegedly ambushed her at about 10.45pm.

At first, the victim mistook the armed offender for a police officer, but he allegedly began making demands before pointing a firearm to his victim, detective senior Sergeant Glen Close told reporters on Tuesday.

“He basically asked her to comply with his directions otherwise he’d shoot her,” S/Sgt Close said.

It’s then alleged he lead her into the shelter and bound her with cable tyres before asking her about cats.

“He was asking about where the cats are stored and talking about that he doesn’t like that animals are killed. He seemed to sort of have the belief that animals are potentially treated in a cruel way and are potentially killed at the premises,” S/Sgt Close added.

The victim, who wasn’t physically injured during the incident, was able to free herself before raising the alarm.

“To be confronted like that, in a dark, sort of remote location ... (she’s) obviously very traumatised but otherwise OK,” S/Sgt Close said.

No animals were harmed or taken during the incident.

Lost Dogs’ Home spokeswoman Suzana Talevski said the organisation was “shocked and extremely concerned” about the incident.

“The Home has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to violence against our staff in any shape or form,” she said.

“Our main priority is the welfare of our staff and we are providing all the support possible

Scary looks rule at Bunjil To celebrate Halloween, Bunjil Place will be hosting a free wearable art workshop for kids on Saturday 30 October.

Artists Sarah Seahorse and Luna Aquatica will lead children for a headdress and/or mask making workshop with a focus on free, recycled and easy to access materials.

“Through our creative, fun and practical craft workshops, we hope to encourage people to think outside the box- or inside the recycling box as the case may be!” Sarah Seahorse said.

“Through creative re-imagining of household waste, unloved clothing, broken toys or jewellery- we hope to encourage people to see discarded waste in a whole new light and create wonderful new wearable creations they can be proud of while also saving things from going into landfill.

“Our work is special in that it is colourful, beautiful, inspiring as well as sparking conversations about recycling and re-purposing materials. We also hope to encourage people to express themselves, dress up and feel powerful in something they have handmade themselves or collaborated with family and friends.”

Head to bunjilplace.com.au to book your spot in the Monster Mask workshop.

The online Monster Masks workshop takes place on 30 October and is led by Sarah Seahorse and Luna Aquatica.

‘Back too soon’

By Parker Mckenzie and Shelby Brooks 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.”

A Berwick principal feels his students returned from remote learning too soon after 18 students contracted Covid-19 since classroom learning resumed.

Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek is facing a wave of Covid infec-

tions which has seen 106 children currently in isolation.

The school was closed last week after a positive Covid case attended the premises.

Less than 60 per cent of the student body came to school when it reopened on Tuesday 26 October.

Mr Grossek told Star News that 43 per cent

of parents didn’t send their kids to school.

“They are fearful of either their children catching Covid from another child or having to do 14 days isolation themselves,“ he said.

Those 105 students who were absent left the school with only 209 out of a possible 610 enrolled students in attendance.

“That is a worse outcome than remote

learning, which for all its deficiencies was far more predictable,” Mr Grossek said.

“On any given day we could be shut down again, so my opinion is that remote learning, no matter how unpalatable it is right now, is a better option for primary schools in Melbourne.”

Continued page 5

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STAR NEWS 5

2021 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …

NEWSMAKERS

Looking back on lockdown

By Marcus Uhe and Shelby Brooks After the horrors of 2020, we all thought Covid-19 was behind us, but before long we were back into the familiar constraints of a lockdown.

We first went into a circuit breaker lockdown between 12 to 17 February amid chaotic scenes at the Australian Open as fans were removed from the stands mid-game to comply with stay-at-home orders.

After a locked-down Valentine’s Day we had 14 weeks of bliss where community events, including the winter sports which completely missed out on their 2020 season, made a rollicking return.

But as the days got shorter and the maximum temperatures plummeted, case numbers began to rise, sending us into a 14-day lockdown from Monday 28 May to Thursday June 10.

By then frontline workers had begun to get vaccinated in what was our best strategy to combat the pandemic.

We would go on to spend the entire winter bouncing in and out of various restrictions regarding hospitality, visitors and mask requirements.

Between Friday 16 July and Tuesday 27 July we were back in our homes as the Delta variant tightened its grip.

We were granted just seven days of freedom before we received the dreaded news that we would be back under stay-at-home orders for our sixth lockdown for what was initially expected to last just one week.

One week became two and before we knew it, it was 21 October when we emerged from our enforced winter hibernation and began readjusting to a new Covid-normal.

The Casey and Greater Dandenong local

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

People queued for vaccinations. 246845 government areas were considered Covid-19 epicentres in November due to persistent high case numbers and low vaccination numbers.

Casey hit a peak of active cases in late October with 2617 in the community.

Even late in the year, December saw the emergence of our newest holiday season ornament, the Omicron variant, hanging around like a nosey relative on Christmas Day. In early December the City of Casey had the unwanted recognition of being one of the first

LGAs in Melbourne to record a positive case of the variant.

Remember to follow the health advice and get your booster shot when available to give us our best chance of making the pandemic yesterday’s news.

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Equestrian Charity Equine Pathways Australia in Narre Warren is empowering people with disabilities and helping them find their tribe.

Founder Julia Battams previously worked with Equestrian Australia and with athletes with disabilities, training them for the Paralympic Games and world championship competitions.

Athletes are supported by qualified allied health professionals who help them set and achieve goals in their riding and training, and adaptive equipment is used to provide a safe and supportive environment for athletes.

The program is about creating a supportive, safe community where people can learn new skills and meet others like them.

EPA offers recreational, vocational and high performance programs, depending on the athlete’s preference.

The strong social bonds between participants have quite literally saved people’s lives, participant Mel Diplock explained.

She came to EPA after an accident in 2009 and major spinal surgery in 2010 left her with a disability.

Equine Pathways Australia provides a safe and supportive environment for athletes with Picture: SUPPLIED disabilities. 253144 “It’s quite dramatic to say this but I can openly say I wouldn’t be alive without EPA,” she said.

“It was that bad, the depression. I can

pretty much guarantee there wouldn’t be one participant who hadn’t said at one point, ‘I wouldn’t be here without EPA’ -it means that much to people with disabilities.”

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Kelly’s Hotel in Cranbourne redesigned the structure of their parma during lockdown. 241695 Picture: SUPPLIED

The team at Kelly’s Hotel in Cranbourne made the most of their downtime in lockdown by redesigning their signature chicken parma.

They decided to shave the ham instead of using a single slice of ham to create more adhesiveness between the white sauce and the cheese atop the parma, which had previously fallen off during transit from the kitchen to the customer.

Head chef Damien Quinn believes the new structure also adds to the overall flavour of the meal. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

2021 PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

Former refugee’s plea for help Former Afghan refugee Barat Batoor described what people in Afghanistan would be experiencing as the Taliban forced its way into homes and overtook the government in August.

Batoor fled for his life from Afghanistan in 2012 and works as an organiser for Asylum Seeker Resouce Centre.

Kabul’s international airport was swarmed by desperate masses pleading to be saved by foreign governments.

“They have started searching houses look-

ing for people like political figures, social activists and pilots,” Mr Batoor said.

“The news came as a big shock. I haven’t slept properly for the last couple of nights.”

He said the looming humanitarian crisis was devastating for Australian Hazaras – the fourth largest diaspora in the world with many of them in Melbourne’s South East.

Batoor called on the Australian government to offer more support to help family members of the Australian-Afghan community.

“We have a moral obligation and practical

obligation to help these people,” Mr Batoor said.

“Australia should play a bigger role to at least open 20,000 extra places for re-settlement.”

Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of “lethal negligence” for his “deliberate delays” in resettling eligible Afghan migrants.

He said Afghans in Australia waited on average 43.6 months for a partner visa compared to up to nine months for people from Western Europe or the USA.

Barat Batoor was worried for his friends and family in Afghanistan during the Taliban’s Picture: SUPPLIED takeover in August. 247918

Steven Spoljaric shows his style. 190166

Spolly makes Tyler’s top 10

Is journeyman Steven Spoljaric the greatest local cricketer of all-time?

Picture: GARRY SISSONS berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

The power of the people has come to the fore. In one of the early editions of Tyler’s Top Ten, some social media comments surfaced on how Steven Spoljaric could fill the ‘best individual seasons’ on his own.

1. Cranbourne (DDCA 2014/15): New club, no worries. A lazy year with 711 runs @ 79, and 33 wickets @ 13.12 gets the job done for his third Wookey in four years here.

Spolly bowled okay In R4 against Lyndale, finishing with match figures of: 41 overs, 21 maidens, 11/59.

2. Kingston Hawthorn – Formerly known as Hawthorn Monash (VPC 2007/08): One of the finer Premier Cricket seasons of all-time. He started like a house on fire; including all cricket (twenty-20s), Spolly had 531 runs and 20 wickets BEFORE the Christmas break. In this season, he won the prestigious Jack Ryder Medal with: 579 runs @ 34.06, 35 wickets @ 25.37 and to cap it off… he took 16 catches. It’s almost insulting how good this guy is at cricket.

3. Cranbourne (DDCA 2015/16): What’s better than six Wookey Medals? Seven Wookey Medals! The gun all-rounder belted 578 runs @ 57.80 with the bat and sent back 37 batters @ 9.11 and didn’t win the league medal. Teammate Matt Chasemore won the award with 561 runs @ 46.80 and 19 wickets @ 15.90. Genuine robbery.

4. Parkfield (DDCA 2010/11): His first Wookey Medal season almost gets forgotten… probably because he only made 757 runs @ 94.63, passed 50 in seven of his 11 knocks and only took 17 wickets @ 15.65.

5. Parkfield (DDCA 2013/14): All these seasons are a bit silly in terms of pure dominance, but his last season at Parkfield is certainly up there for ultimate mickey taking.

Just a laconic 672 runs @ 67.20 with the stick and 27 scalps @ 13.26 with the ball. This season was highlighted by a R11 performance where Spolly bowled for 33.5 overs, 14 maidens, 6/54. A spell that was complimented nicely by his 42 not out in the second dig.

6. Cranbourne (DDCA 2016/17): After one of the bigger robberies in Wookey Medal history the year before, Spoljaric found his rightful place back at the top of the mountain. The return was done with 681 runs @ 85.13 and 25 wickets @ 18.40.

7. Parkfield (DDCA 2011/12): Another fine all-round season, left a bit in the tank with the bat by his standards, averaging below 50. But he made up for it with the ball. 490 runs @ 49 with the willow, and 26 wickets @ 12.54 with the Kookaburra. If this is not even in your top five, three, or one best seasons as a player, you’re simply really, really good at cricket.

8. Springvale South (DDCA 2017/18): Sometimes league medals are all about timing your run. In a similar year to the most recent Wookey Medal winner – Ruwantha Kellepotha – Spoljaric scored 457 runs @ 45.70 and collected 26 wickets @ 10.62.

But Spolly didn’t win. Kellepotha won the award last year – albeit in a one day season making it all the more impressive – with 353 runs and 35 wickets, reaching the league record for votes. Two remarkable seasons for the journeyman, in ‘17/18 and ‘15/16, both without league medals.

9. Springvale South (DDCA 2018/19): Business as usual for Spolly at the Bloods. But in this season, he didn’t bowl as much as previous years. However, what he left behind with the ball, he certainly made up for with the bat. 752 runs @ 50.13 with eight scores over 50. Just seven wickets for the year with the ball, with three coming in one innings.

Like previous years, he launched out of the gates, entering the Christmas break with 457 runs to his name.

10. Bundalaguah (Sale-Maffra CA 2019/20): Continuing the trend of setting the tone at his new club, Spolly made his mark pretty early out in the country. 576 @ 44.31 in his first season with the bat, complimented by 29 wickets @ 12. 28 with the ball. It’s a pretty easy game for the nearly 45-year-old.

Thursday, 6 January, 2022

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STAR NEWS 7

2021 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …

Max, a five-year-old from Bangholme, next to an old truck at Wyuna Farm. 227978

Capturing a year in photos From local celebrations to fascinating creations, there was plenty to capture in 2021.

Star News has selected some of our favourite photos taken over the past year.

Debbie Andrews (Farm Officer) with Joey who is 80!! 250804

Berwick Business Group at Eighty One Bistro & Taphouse Berwick. 234552

Author Jo Watson with her book at the giant Bandicoot. 233374 8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 6 January, 2022

Nat making a chocolate bouquet. 246286

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Highfielde Avenue reserve playground Berwick during lockdown. 247684 berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

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Three-week-old goats just kidding around on the seesaw. 250804

Come in and grab a cuppa before you walk around the lake.

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Kids chasing bubbles at Blackburne Square Berwick. 232748

Sid the Sloth bunkers down with a book at Hampton Park library.

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NEWSMAKERS

Thursday, 6 January, 2022

|

STAR NEWS 9

2021 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …

Shelby learns about asparagus. It was a cold day. 243431

Our journalists on the job 2021 proved challenging for many industries, including those who work in the media.

Although lockdown saw journalists confined indoors more than usual, our reporters still had opportunity to connect with local communities.

Whether that was visiting small businesses, schools or community events, our journalists loved meeting people from all walks of life.

Here’s a few behind the scenes photos of our journalists out and about on jobs this year.

Dani holds her own among the press scrum.

Cam and Gabi give a thumbs up for being back in the office together. 259860

243086

Marcus stops by Burden Park Bowling Club.

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Thursday, 6 January, 2022

Shelby and Taylah at a press conference in Emerald after the storms in June. 240894

Dani and Shelby speak at Lakeside College about being journalists.

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2021 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …

Best quotes of the year “For those girls, they had never seen education before. They were so excited, so motivated.

Their dreams were to be a doctor, a lawyer, someone. But now, all their dreams are gone.”

Lida Hazara, founder and president of Women for Change said after Afghanistan’s capital city Kabul was taken over by Taliban forces.

A young girl died in hospital days after her unconscious body was pulled from the water at Lysterfield Lake on 16 January. “Behind every one of these numbers is a person - a brother, a sister, a father, a mother, an aunty or an uncle. A drowning affects so many people and it’s so tragic but it doesn’t need to happen.

Drownings are preventable,” Life Saving Victoria’s Dr Bernadette Matthew said.

“When corruption occurs in the public sector it hurts all of us. We expect our public officials to behave responsibly and with integrity, and for public resources to be used for the intended purpose to benefit the Victorian community,” Counsel assisting IBAC, Chris Carr said as part of the joint IBAC-State Ombudsman investigation Operation Watts looking into alleged rorting of public funds by some Victorian MPs. “This man has not voluntarily signed up and vowed to protect others like the police, a soldier, a firefighter. This man is a rarity in today’s society and if this world was filled with men like him, what a beautiful world it would be.” Local hero Russell Irwin’s cousin Kara after Russell defended his neighbours from a violent attack.

“Fostering is not always easy, particularly when for instance they may die young, or be reunified against the child’s best wishes but in so many other ways it’s one of the best things I can think of to do,” Cranbourne foster parent Zoe said as part of Foster Care Week from September 12-18. (September 16 edition) “I have never seen a collection of this scale before and I’ve been working as an art dealer for 18 years. There have been five generations of this family who have looked after these pieces for 140 years and they were put into the spare room of the current Cutts home in Berwick,” Amanda Benson, head of Fine Art and Antiquities for Lloyds Auctions.

Women for Change president Lida Hazara. 248128 Pearcedale’s Aaron Blitz raised money for Lymphoma Australia after he was diagnosed with cancer.

“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,” Mr Blitz said.

“People needed a way to restore their humanity, because it was being cut away by the detention system. I wanted that person to know there was someone that did recognise

him or her as a human being and they were not forgotten, and they have our respect,” Narre Warren South resident Elaine Smith said. Ms Smith was listed in the Queen’s Birthday honours on Monday 14 June for her services to refugees.

“I like how you can just go into another world and let all your feelings out. As a character it’s a good way to let everything flow in you, and your imagination comes within the character.” Eleven-year-old Inuki Mannapperuma

on playing the role of John Darling in a theatre production. 21/1 Michael Schiavello’s passion and enthusiasm for sports and commentating has taken him all over the world to commentate major sporting events. “I was just a regular kid with a regular background, no formal study ad no diplomas on my wall, but I made it to the top of the TV world and sports commentating world,” Narre Warren’s sports commentator Mr Schiavello said.

FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA

Fun and easy rock and roll classes with Suzie Citizens Hall on the corner of Codrington Street and the South Gippsland Highway Both nights offer beginner and advanced rock ‘n’ roll classes open to all with no partner required.

The program also includes a special class at the end of the night for partners only to learn

some of the different styles associated with rock ‘n’ roll including swing, west coast, jive, triples, line and partner dances and cha cha.

The classes are designed to be fun and easy to follow for those aged 10 upwards.

Dancing is great for fitness, co-ordination, balance and memory, with many people form-

ing great friendships through the classes.

Rockn Suzies also runs a monthly charity dance at the Pakenham Hall which has been running for 15 years. A different band plays each month. Everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to attend.

For information call Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670.

* Rock ’n’ Roll * Swing * Jive * Westcoast Beginners & Advanced

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Rockn Suzies dance classes are now in their 19th year teaching at Pakenham and Cranbourne.

Pakenham classes are held in the library complex on the corner of John and Henry streets.

The Cranbourne class is held at the Senior

Classes held at Cranbourne & Pakenham CRANBOURNE TUESDAY NIGHTS Starting 11th January at 7pm PAKENHAM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Starting 12th January at 7pm Double vaccinated COVID rules apply $10 per night - No Partner required

Dancing is great for fitness, co-ordination, balance and memory. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Contact Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670 Thursday, 6 January, 2022

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‘Forest of protection’ State-run vaccination sites across Victoria including the Cranbourne Turf Club are being transformed into an Australian-themed ‘forest of protection’ creating a friendly environment for children aged five to 11 years to receive their vaccination.

Eight vaccination centres will feature fun imagery of native Australian animals, as well as entertainers, activities and showbags designed to help make the vaccination experience positive for children and their families.

The state-run sites have been designed to cater for children who need additional support during their vaccination process such as a visual distraction, virtual reality headsets and the Buzzy Bees ice pack.

The child-friendly vaccination hubs also provide low-sensory booths and are able to cater for specific needs.

Acting Premier Jacinta Allen said the themed vaccination centres would help ease the stress of children and families receiving their vaccination.

“We want to create a vaccination experience that is positive for the whole family,” Minister Allen said.

“The forest themed hubs have been designed to provide a welcoming and accessible experience for children of all backgrounds and abilities.”

“By getting your child vaccinated, you are providing them with direct protection against COVID-19 and reducing the risk of transmission to loved ones and in schools.”

From 1pm Wednesday 5 January, parents and guardians can book at one of the 18 staterun vaccination centres offering child vaccinations online or through the coronavirus hotline.

Online bookings require a unique email address, which can be the child’s address or another one belonging to a parent or guardian.

Children who get vaccinated at one of the eight chosen sites will also receive a show-bag with items that can help with distraction, including a colouring-in book by First Nations’ artist Emma Bamblett, coloured pencils, stickers and fidget spinners.

Children will also be able to place a leaf with their name on it on the ‘eucalyptus vaccination tree’ that grows with every child vaccinated, with parents also able to add a leaf after receiving their third dose.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to also check for paediatric vaccination appointments at their local GPs and pharmacies across Victoria.

Parents and guardians of children between five and 11 are recommended to book in their child’s first dose in the lead up to the program commencing Monday 10 January.

The paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine reduces Covid-19 risks for children and has the additional benefit of reducing risks of transmission to older contacts.

For more information and to book your children’s first dose,visit coronavirus.vic.gov. au/vaccine Bookings can also be made via the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or via your local pharmacy or GP. The forest-themed sites will also be located at Sandown Racecourse and Frankston Community Vaccination Hub, among others across Victoria.

Children’s vaccination centres will be less stark and more appealing. 248123

Police brief: Langwarrin learner charged A learner driver and his supervisor, both from Langwarrin, had a New Year’s Eve to forget after being intercepted by Colac Highway Patrol officers on the Great Ocean Road.

The 25-year-old driver was caught driving at an alleged speed of 75 kilometres per hour, exceeding the 60 kilometres per hour

speed limit, at approximately 9pm on Friday night.

Breath tests were conducted on both the learner driver and his supervising driver, with the supervising driver, also 25, providing an alleged blood alcohol concentration of .086.

Supervising drivers are required to ad-

here to the alcohol condition applicable to their licence.

The learner was issued an infringement notice for allegedly exceeding the speed limit, while the supervisor will be summonsed to appear before a Magistrate for allegedly exceeding the zero alcohol condition on their licence.

A learner driver and his supervisor from Langwarrin were caught alledgedly speeding on New Years Eve. 253041

Victorian road toll climbs

By Jamie Salter The number of lives lost on Victorian roads has increased from the previous year, causing the Victorian Government to reaffirm its focus on tackling road trauma.

Over the past year, 236 people died on the Victorian roads, compared with 211 in 2020 meaning many Victorians are spending their first summer holiday without a family member, friend or colleague.

The year-on-year increase was primarily impacted by an increase in the number of lives lost on metropolitan roads, where there were 117 deaths compared with 84 in 2020.

There was also an increase in single vehicle fatal crashes, which accounted for 46 lives lost, compared with 33 last year.

Tragically, 36 people died while not wearing a seat belt, well up on the five-year average of 23, while 96 fatalities were in vehicles more than 10 years old that often lack modern safety features.

There were 20 pedestrians in metropolitan Melbourne and nine in regional Victoria who lost their lives, while 10 cyclist fatalities were down on the 14 recorded in 2020.

Motorcyclist deaths increased to 41 from 32 in 2020 and were equal with the five-year average, with 26 of these occurring on metropolitan roads.

Despite the state-wide increase, regional Victoria recorded its second-lowest number of lives lost on record with 119 deaths compared with 126 in 2020. Crashes on highspeed roads continued to be a challenge in regional Victoria where people are often fatigued driving longer distances. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Transport Accident Commission chief executive officer Joe Calafiore reminded people to drive safely in 2022.

“Whether you’re driving, riding or crossing the road, please make the right choices – pay extra attention, share the road safely, click in your seat belt, stick to the speed limit and don’t drive drunk or on drugs,“ Mr Calafiore said.

“Victoria’s road safety agencies are working together to protect Victorian road users and will continue rolling out the measures required to achieve this, but we can’t do it alone - everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe.”

Victorian Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll agreed there was more to be done to end road trauma.

“Far too many families feel the pain of losing a loved one or having their lives changed forever due to serious injury, which is why we’re continuing to make significant investment in education, technology, infrastructure and vehicle safety to end road trauma,“ Mr Carroll said.

“We have looked out for each other over the last two years and now as Victorians enjoy travelling and the holidays in the new year let’s carry that attitude with us and help each other stay safe by being calm and taking it easy on the roads.”

The government will continue to work with the Road Safety Partnership, industry partners, and the community.

The Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 and Action Plan works across policy, education, technology, enforcement, vehicle safety and

Victoria recorded 236 lives lost in 2021. infrastructure to improve safety for vulnerable road users.

The strategy sets targets to halve road

deaths and significantly reduce serious injuries by 2030 and sets the state on a path to zero road deaths by 2050.

Thursday, 6 January, 2022

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Mint Inchomnan receives her award. 263370

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A Nossal High School student is on track to achieve her dream of a career in science, thanks to a helping hand from the Inner Wheel Club of Narre Warren.

Mint Inchomnan was the recipient of the club’s inaugural Supporting Girls in STEM award, presented last month.

She received $1000 to put towards the cost of studying at university this year.

The Year 12 student said it was an honour to be selected for the award which will help her complete her education and work towards a career in science.

She’s looking to enrol in a Bachelor of Science at either the University of Melbourne or Monash University in 2022.

“Not only does this relieve so much financial stress, but it is also a huge encouragement to stay strong in pursuing my goals,” Mint said.

STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – has long been an area of interest for Mint, and she took up VCE maths methods, biology and chemistry to finish school.

“There’s so many interesting things to learn and discover. Learning about biology and chemistry has really opened my eyes to the world we live in which has been so fascinating,” she said.

Historically, women have been underrepresented in STEM education and careers, which is something Inner Wheel Narre Warren hopes to change through their award.

President Linda Wallace said the award was born out of an idea from member Diana Farmer, after the club’s successful fundraising for cord blood research earlier last year.

Diana wanted to help support women to enter the STEM field and continue to undertake important scientific research. She was

encouraged by her grandson who told her he knew of girls who needed such support.

“Around the same time, I had met a young lady named Priya Naidu who was a scientist undertaking research with stem cells. She told me how difficult it was for her to pursue her chosen career in the sciences as a female living in Singapore,” Linda recalled.

The project also tied in with International Inner Wheel’s themes for the year, Pink First and Strong Women, Stronger World.

“It was a simple idea but a powerful one, to support a year 12 female student studying STEM,” Linda said.

The club partnered with Nossal based on its broad science program and location in the heart of the club’s community.

The award recipient was selected based on academic ability, enthusiasm for the sciences and a genuine desire to pursue further studies in STEM. Teachers at Nossal presented a short list of students and the club met with nominees, including Mint, over Zoom.

Linda said the club’s members were impressed by Mint’s interview and the amazing academic results she achieved despite the impact of Covid on her final two years at school.

She said the club was proud to support Mint and would watch her studies and career with interest.

Nossal High School principal Roger Page congratulated Mint on her achievement.

“It’s really impressive and we’re really thankful to the Inner Wheel Club for this excellent initiative encouraging girls to take more interest in STEM. “Mint will benefit from this greatly – she’s an excellent student and will make very good use of the additional support, both financial and moral, that Inner Wheel are showing.”

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SPORT - 2021 IN REVIEW

GENERAL SPORT

Our champions overcome

By Nick Creely and David Nagel While 2021 has provided some bright moments, the challenges felt by our local sporting community from the Covid-19 pandemic have once again been profound.

However, through thick and thin the rich sporting region of the south-east has seen many achievements to celebrate, and give optimism that 2022 will be one uninterrupted and allow the community to more widely come together as one.

The major sporting story of 2021 was the Tokyo Olympic Games in July where some of our local athletes truly shone on the international stage.

Amy Lawton (Emerald, hockey), Heming Hu (Dandenong, table tennis), Laetisha Scanlan (Berwick, shooting), Sergei Evglevski (Berwick, shooting), Bec Henderson (Narre Warren, athletics) all represented the local region and their country with immense pride, Scanlan, 31-year-old, in particular got close to a memorable Olympic medal, finishing fourth in the women’s trap final, while Amy Lawton had a very promising Olympic debut campaign for the Hockeyroos.

While the results didn’t quite go our locals’ way at times, there were so many things to smile about, with Bec Henderson putting in a great effort in race-walking, Sergei Evglevski showed tremendous spirit, while table tennis champion Heming Hu was a captivating athlete to watch.

Another story that pulled at the heartstrings was at the Berwick Montuna golf course, where people from all walks of life can together to remember their great mate – Ash De La Rue. His was a life tragically cut short by cancer, leaving behind a loving family - including a young son.

But his was a life that will never be forgotten.

Two of De La Rue’s great mates, Justin Stanton and Jeff Bernard, organised a golf day they lovingly named Flynn’s Sporting Journey as it was held to raise funds for young four-year-old Flynn as he progresses in his chosen endeavours, be they academic or sporting.

“Ash was just one of these guys who was actively involved in a number of areas throughout the community, as well as being a construction manager at Mirvac,” Stanton said.

“He touched a lot of people in different ways, either by providing them with employment, or just being involved socially. Jeff and I decided that if we put a golf day together, we’d try and raise some money to put into a trust account for Flynn that Ash’s sister Sheridan could manage.

“It was just one of those things where the local guys wanted to do something to acknowledge the passing of Flynn’s dad Ashley and have this as an annual event.”

With the majority of sporting competitions such as Big V basketball, state-league soccer, hockey and winter baseball managing to get a season start, Covid-19 had the final say in the end with all competitions cancelled with an eye on 2022.

Disappointment was evident across the region at the cancellation of community sport, and with a sense of dejà vu after 2020; the importance of staying connected was all the more important.

But there were still so many wonderful achievements from local clubs, leagues and sportspeople before Covid hit once more.

At the elite level, reigning A-League Men premiers Melbourne City officially moved into its new base at Casey Fields.

The local boxing scene was in full force in April, with the Doveton Boxing Club sending three boxers over to compete against Tasmania in the annual regional tournament, finding great success with 13-year-old Isaac Johnson picking up a win, 26-year-old Eden Hansted also showed terrific signs with a win, while 38-year-old Shane Lynch fought hard in his matchup.

Emerging para-athlete Jack Howell is another athlete to keep an eye on as he gears up for the Paris Paralympics in 2024.

Howell – a student from Kambrya College in Berwick – is a para-athlete booming in ableberwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Berwick teenager Izzy Rampant was one of the stories of 2021. 257768 bodied triathlons, with the dream of reaching the Paralympics.

The 17-year-old was born with a congenital amputation of his left hand from the wrist.

“I still have growth and development to gain in the sport, but to already be competitive shows that I have the potential to race at an elite level in the future,” he said.

Casey Basketball Association (CBA) continued its rapid rise in the world of Victorian basketball with September’s announcement that the Cavaliers will join the Coles Express NBL1 South competition in 2022.

“We are excited to join NBL1 South as it’s something we’ve been striving towards across the last few years,” Casey general manager Tammy Bower said.

“For us, being in NBL1 South is the reward for our hard work – I feel we’ve put in a lot of effort in to being the best in everything we do and joining NBL1 South is an amazing outcome for everyone involved in our association.

“Our players, coaches, board members, staff members and volunteers have done an amazing job getting us to this level and we’re ready to take the step up.”

One youngster who defied Covid-19 was Berwick teenager Isabella Rampant who pushed the negativity of lockdowns to one side to smash out an incredible 100-consecutive days of CrossFit workouts at her local gym.

The 14-year-old - better known as Izzy ticked off the magical milestone on her ongoing journey at Cardinia CrossFit in Pakenham in November.

“Through Covid lockdowns we did Zoom classes. I had equipment at home and it became something to do every day,” she said.

“It was lots of fun and there was always someone else on Zoom so I had someone to chat too as well. You would see them every day, it was really good and it helped me keep sane mentally.”

And a review of 2021 would not be complete without a look back at the win of King Magnus in the $500,000 Listed TAB Cranbourne Cup (1600m).

Heavy rains – that almost called a halt to the cup meeting at his home track – turned into a perfect storm for Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths after the popular local claimed his first home-town cup success.

Griffiths, who now trains in partnership with Mathew de Kock, has been a familiar face at Cranbourne for 30 years, when a young jockey decided to dip his toes into the training ranks after rising weight became a burden on

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock celebrate the win of King Magnus in the $500,000 TAB Cranbourne Cup (1600m). 257758 his riding career.

Griffiths trained his first winner in 1992 – Go Raami – and won his first Group-1 in 2016 when The Quarterback won the Newmarket Handicap.

But you get the feeling that the Cranbourne Cup win ranks right alongside that Group-1 in terms of importance.

“This is big, this is very special because to win your hometown Cup, especially this year, the inaugural running of the TAB Cranbourne Cup, in our first year as a partnership, it’s very, very special,” Griffiths said post-race.

“Neil Bainbridge (Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive officer) and the team have done a fantastic job so it’s very special.”

King Magnus, a six-year-old gelding out of Magnus/Influential Miss, was having just his second start in heavy going, running last of 13 the only time he had stepped out on heavy ground at Sandown in June last year.

But King Magnus had been a model of consistency since then, finishing top two in six of his eight starts since that poor effort at Sandown, that came after putting on a buckjumping display.

Jockey Lachlan King settled King Magnus midfield, but made a sweeping run around the home turn to emerge as a leading contender.

King Magnus dug deep in the home straight, surging with 100-metres to run to hold off the late efforts of race-favourite Our Playboy, with So Si Bon back in third.

Griffiths said King Magnus will now have a well-deserved break before possibly being targeted at a huge prize in the autumn.

“He’s going to have a break now, we spoke to Greg Carpenter (handicapper) the other day about nominating him for the All-Star Mile,” Griffiths said.

“Whether he’s good enough I’m not sure, but he’ll have a lot of backing, people will follow him, that’s for sure.”

The Cranbourne Cup meeting was almost abandoned before the first race, with three leading riders inspecting the track after unseasonal heavy rains had the track teetering on a heavy-10 rating.

But the rains, that had caused so much damage later in the week, finally eased to allow the program, which carried a record $1.6million in prizemoney, to proceed.

Thursday, 6 January, 2022

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STAR NEWS 17

SPORT - 2021 IN REVIEW

CRICKET

Dreams can come true

By Nick Creely and David Nagel Hallam Kalora Park brushed aside the disappointment of recent years securing its first DDCA Turf 1 premiership since 2001/02 - a 20-year period not lost on the many loyal Hallam people who were in full voice all the way through a thrilling grand final against Berwick.

But the premiership cup could legitimately have gone into the hands of Berwick skipper Matthew Chasemore if not for a few brief little moments, and that is ultimately how tightlyfought and fierce the clash was.

It was utterly absorbing.

Every single ball, wicket, and run seemingly had implications.

It was a grand final truly befitting its title.

The momentum swung so rapidly, and so intensely that it was almost hard to keep up.

The Hawks batted first, with opener Ben Hillard gritting out one of the more important half-centuries of his career, compiling 54 to help his side post a tricky 7/151.

Man of the match Steven Gilmour’s 30 in the context of the game was clutch – he turned the strike over beautifully late in the piece and held the Bears at bay when it looked like they were going in for the kill.

The Bears looked buried in reply, falling to 7/84 after a superb bowling performance from the Hawks quicks – particularly Will Whyte and Steve Gilmour – but James Wilcock (34) and Brendan Rose (33) almost got Chasemore’s side home, before Kevin Kean’s catch put the Hawks back on the top of the Turf 1 tree with just seven runs separating the two sides.

There was a sense of euphoria for Hallam Kalora Park captain Jordan Hammond in the aftermath of an incredible premiership victory.

It was the club’s first Turf 1 flag since 2001/02, where Jordan’s father John was the skipper in that premiership glory, ending a drought spanning almost 20 years in emotional scenes at Frawley Road.

Jordan’s uncle Richard, a club great coached the side this season too.

“It’s unbelievable, its personally one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in sport,” he told Star News.

“Apart from last year playing with Casey, I’ve been playing with these boys for about eight or nine senior seasons, the same group of blokes, so it’s been a long time coming.

“There’s three or four that I’ve played cricket with for 15 years, from being juniors, Ryan Hillard, Ben Hillard, Rob Parker and even guys like Jagveer Hayer who left at the start of the year, Leigh Booth, Lee Brown, it’s unbelievable.

“That’s why I play cricket, to be with my mates - I don’t play to get money or for shits and giggles, I play to win and for my mates, and that’s the reason why the other 10 blokes play.

“We’ve fallen short a few times, but every year we’ve just gotten better - finally this year we went this step further, I honestly can’t believe it.”

The prestigious Alan Wookey Medal for champion Turf 1 player went to none other than Ruwantha Kellepotha, who compiled a season almost needed to be seen to be believed.

The Berwick star leggie – who has now moved on to Premier Cricket with Casey-South Melbourne – belted 375 runs at 37.5 for the season, and took an astonishing 43 wickets at 11.9.

In Turf 2, the Gartside Medal went to Dandenong West all-rounder Gurpreet Singh, who put together a season featuring 233 runs at 21.2 and 26 wickets at 12.7.

Narre Warren (4/94) saluted with the Turf 2

Hallam Kalora Park broke a two-decade drought in the Dandenong District Cricket Association. 232575 premiership, defeating Dandenong West (92) in a dominant performance. Quick Josh Dinger was the star of the day, snaring incredible figures of 6/21.

Cardinia’s home-ground fortress at Gunton Oval was rocking long into the night after the Bulls secured an emotional 28-run victory over Kooweerup in the 2020/21 West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) Premier Division grand final.

The Bulls compiled a moderate 9/111 from their compulsory 40 overs – an innings which included just two sixes and no fours – before a relentless bowling performance saw the home side secure its first top-flight premiership success since 2008/09.

The victory was the high-point of an emotive period for the Bulls, with the passing of stalwarts Ian Campbell and Wayne Snooks leaving an indelible mark on the club.

“I’m all over the place right now, out of control, it’s overwhelming and there are tears everywhere,” said a reflective Ricky Campbell – Ian’s son - after playing his part in the Bulls’ success.

“This year was all about keeping my place in the team and doing this for Snooksy and the old man.

“We’ve done it now and I can’t believe it. I’m so proud of the club, so proud of our team, and so proud that we could pull this off for those two blokes in particular.”

The Bulls victory was chock-full of merit, defeating a Kooweerup side that has won an astonishing seven premierships in the last 11 years.

Premiership captain Jake Prosser said he was still confident, even with the Demons seemingly in command at 2/50 from 15 overs in reply.

“We like to build pressure on our home ground and teams crack and that’s been the

Picture: ROB CAREW

Cardinia won its first WGCA Premier Division title since 2008/09 in a gruelling 2020/21 grand Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS final against Kooweerup. 232697 story for most games this year,” Prosser said.

“We don’t give away singles and we try to bowl maidens, it’s a simple game plan. The ground is slow and teams get frustrated and they eventually make mistakes. It’s a massive advantage playing here…we’ve been undefeated here all year.”

Up-and-coming Bull Travis Wheller secure the Lex Duff Medal, courtesy of a game-changing spell of 3/24, which included the key wickets of Kooweerup guns Chris O’Hara and Jess Mathers in the space of three balls.

The premiership capped off a memorable season for one Bull in particular, with superstar spinner Dwayne Doig claiming the 600th wicket of an astonishing career, earlier in the season against Pakenham.

Cardinia captain Jake Prosser won the Premier Division Player of the Year Award, with Lucas Carroll (Devon Meadows – District), Gavin Hackett (Nyora- Sub District), David MacDonald (Emerald – B Grade), Scott Kunziak (Merinda Park – C Grade), Jaxon Burdette (Emerald) and Nadun Alwis (NNG/Maryknoll – D Grade), Nicholas Whitelaw (Officer – E Grade) and Shannon Allum (Clyde – F Grade) also taking top honours in their particular grades of competition.

And Kooweerup champion Jess Mathers gave us all an insight into his recent battles after being diagnosed with testicular cancer early in 2020. The Demons’ superstar bravely told his story in the hope it would help men take better care of their health and to listen to their bodies.

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SPORT - 2021 IN REVIEW

FOOTBALL

Big guns left smouldering

By Nick Creely and David Nagel The AFL Outer East competition (now known as the Outer East Football Netball League) will be left wondering what could have been after Covid-19 ravaged yet another season of football and netball.

And it was promising to be a season with many twists and turns, and one with storylines that almost write themselves.

Coming into the season, one of the great storylines was the return of Cranbourne legend Marc Holt to his home club after a stint with Karingal, while Beaconsfield – under master coach Mick Fogarty – were looming as the team to beat.

While sitting there quietly, going about its business with no fuss or flair was 2019 reigning premiers Narre Warren, with a few changes to its list but hungrier than ever to defend its Premier Division mantle.

But after many stops and starts, the season ended for good on Saturday 10 July, as the gravity of the situation facing Metropolitan Melbourne worsened by the day.

Despite a second-season in a row of no grand final day, no joyous celebrations after a year of hard work, sweat and tears, there were many aspects to reflect on.

Beaconsfield were crowned minor premiers in Premier Division, winning all of its eight matches, Cranbourne finished second with five wins from eight matches, while in third Narre Warren had six wins next to its name.

Pakenham and Olinda Ferny Creek rounded out the top five with wins apiece and will be hoping to build on that momentum in 2022.

In Division 1, Monbulk finished top-of-thetable, with Mt Evelyn, Gembrook Cockatoo, Officer and Seville making up the top-five in what was an incredibly even and balanced season.

Individually, Holt was crowned the leading goalkicker of the competition with 30 goals in Premier Division and loomed as a huge xfactor heading towards finals, while Division 1 saw another great sharpshooter, Monbulk’s Taylor Joyce, lead the competition tally with 33 goals.

Despite playing under 10 games, the Outer East announced its league best and fairest winners, with Narre Warren superstar Trent Cody rewarded with the Premier Division’s Shane Smith Medal.

The Magpies midfielder/half-forward - who was named skipper of the Premier Division Team of the Year - was a class act in 2021, averaging 22 disposals and two goals per match this season, combining sheer power through the middle and a strong goal sense to dominate the competition.

In Division 1, Officer midfielder Anthony Bernardo and Seville forward Nathan O’Keefe clinched the Harold Ramage Medal for League Best and Fairest with 11 votes.

The first-year Kangaroo was the dominant midfielder of the competition in 2021, ranking number one in the competition for disposals, second for clearances and third for contested disposals.

O’Keefe - the champion goal kicker - was a class act for the Blues this season and also named as Team of the Year captain, averaging 23.5 disposals per match and almost three goals a match.

In netball, Cranbourne star Tara Cecil clinched the top award for 2021, taking out the Jodie Chandler Medal for Premier A Grade League Best and Fairest. In Division 1, Gembrook Cockatoo star Paige Laner took out the League Best and Fairest after an outstanding season, sharing the award with ROC’s Samantha Neil. The pair finished on 11 votes.

But the headlines didn’t stop after the season came to a close, with the Outer East undergoing a significant re-jig for 2022.

Cranbourne (Southern Football League), Doveton (Southern Football League), and Beaconsfield (Eastern Football League) all departed the competition at the end of the season for a variety of reasons, with the three clubs citing new opportunities and further chances for growth in the future as major catalysts.

The competition itself switched from AFL Victoria Country to a Metropolitan League in 2022 in readiness for what will be a new-look berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Travis Tuck and his Berwick teammates adapted well to life in the powerful Eastern Football League Premier Division in 2021. 234453 Pictures: ROB CAREW competition next season, releasing a new-logo as well as it looks to create more certainty and stability for its clubs in the future.

Berwick, meanwhile, proved very competitive in its first season in the powerful Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division.

The Wickers – who transferred across from Outer East - suffered a heartbreaking twopoint loss to Noble Park in round one, but would go on to win three of their nine games played to finish the season in seventh position on the ladder.

Full-forward Harry Money would kick 24 goals to finish second on the league goal-kicking table.

And what was shaping up to be a brilliant conclusion to another wonderful season in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC) was cut short as Covid-19 continued to play havoc with the great Australian games of football and netball.

The 2021 season started with a bang, with returning Cora Lynn star Anthony Giuliano kicking a goal after the siren to give the Cobras a three-point victory over Inverloch-Kongwak.

But, when Covid-19 finally won the battle – and the season was ended on Saturday 10 July – only 11 rounds of the WGFNC season had been completed with Phillip Island once again being the trend-setters.

The Bulldogs were declared minor premiers after winning 10 games and ending the season with an impressive percentage of 302.99, almost double that of their nearest pursuer Inverloch-Kongwak (nine wins – 156.80).

Tooradin-Dalmore, Nar Nar Goon and Cora Lynn finished equal on eight wins, while a low-scoring – but equally hard to score against – Garfield rounded out the final’s contenders with seven wins from its 11 games.

Other minor premiers for the season included Phillip Island in the reserves, Garfield in the thirds and Tooradin-Dalmore in the fourths.

From an individual standpoint, Cora Lynn’s Nathan Gardiner kicked 50 goals to take out the league goal-kicking award in the seniors, with Tom Mclean (Bunyip) kicking 26 goals in the reserves, Will Taylor-Eagles (Phillip Island) slotting 27 goals in the thirds, and Anthony Mirauta (Tooradin-Dalmore) bagging an impressive 37 goals to take home the fourths goalkicking award.

Despite only 11 games being played, it was still enough time for the best players in the

The great Marc Holt led the Outer East competition for goals in 2021. 235194 league to stand out from the pack with former Melbourne and North Melbourne star Cam Pedersen continuing his domination of the league – winning a second-consecutive league best and fairest award…polling 16 votes to defeat equal runners-up, his Phillip Island skipper Jaymie Youle and Gardiner from Cora Lynn.

Ben Miller from Kooweerup polled 17 votes to win the reserves, Duoth Jock from Cora Lynn jagged 12 votes to claim the thirds medal, while Ben Tenace-Greenall from Garfield attracted 17 votes from the umpires to take out the fourths.

Inverloch-Kongwak were announced as Club Champions for 2021 after a super-consistent season across all grades.

In netball, Korumburra-Bena goaler Kim Hillberg won the A Grade medal, polling 18 votes to win by three from Tooradin-Dalmore’s Alex Maher, with Inverloch-Kongwak’s Amy Hodge winning the B Grade award with 18 votes.

Other award winners in netball were Abby Morgan (Inverloch-Kongwak – C Grade - 22), Esther Allan (Nar Nar Goon – D Grade - 17), Sienna Green (Warragul Industrials – 17 Under – 20), Lily Coco Mewett (Phillip Island – 15 Under – 22), Kira Wilson (Warragul Industrials – 13 Under – 24) and Torah Boyd Metselaar (Inverloch-Kongwak – 11 Under – 16).

Minor premiers for the season were Dalyston (A Grade, Phillip Island (B Grade),

Inverloch-Kongwak (C and D Grade), Kooweerup (17 Under) and Korumburra-Bena (11, 13 and 15 Under).

There were some great reunions that took place in 2021 with Kooweerup and TooradinDalmore staging two great events throughout the season, while in the Ellinbank and District Football League (EDFL) it was fantastic to see Lang Lang open its state-of-the-art new facility at Caldermeade for its opening-round clash against Poowong.

And the future of the WGFNC is looking bright after its member clubs voted unanimously to form their own entity and become an incorporated association.

Until now, the clubs - Bunyip, Cora Lynn, Dalyston, Garfield, Inverloch-Kongwak, Kilcunda-Bass, Kooweerup, Korumburra-Bena, Nar Nar Goon, Phillip Island, Tooradin-Dalmore and Warragul Industrials – were an entity as part of AFL Gippsland.

The vote resulted in 18 presidents – those of the 12 football clubs and six independent netball clubs – become directors of the league, giving them the ability to have more say in the future direction of the WGFNC moving forward.

From an operational point of view nothing much changes, but the clubs now have more power in making decisions that impact the financial security and competition structure in the future.

Thursday, 6 January, 2022

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