News - Cranbourne Star News - 16th June 2022

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Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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Top Guide award for Teah

Home run honour

By Eleanor Wilson

Elaine has been volunteer manager of Clarendon Street Community Child Care Centre since its inception in 1984.

Cranbourne’s Elaine Duyvestyn has been awarded an OAM for her service to softball and early childhood education.

Picture: ELEANOR WILSON

Community Volunteer Award in 2008, Community Sport and Active Recreation Award from VicSport in 2018 and Melbourne Softball Association’s Lorraine Ireland Award of Excellence in 2014.

Yet she maintains that receiving recognition from the community never gets old. “[The awards] always amaze me, I’m really stoked by all of them. Just to have what you do recognised is really special,” she said.

“It just means somebody cares enough to go to the trouble [to nominate me] and that’s a big thing.”

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In speaking to Mrs Duyvestyn about the highlights of her long service to the community, it’s clear that it is all about community connection for her.

“It’s just the participation and being involved and working with lots of good people,” she said.

“All coming together for the same cause the joy of getting together. They’re the sorts of things that leave a big impression on me.”

Her honour roll award sits at the top of an extensive list of accolades, including Australian Volunteer of the Year in 2001, City of Casey

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Thirty-eight years later, she is the last standing foundation volunteer manager for Clarendon Street Community Child Care Centre, an effort she said she owed to the kids that attend the centre.

“The demographic tells us that there’s lots of kids with issues and we know that when they come here, they’re safe,” she said.

“It’s just generally knowing that when the kids are at home, they’re not always so well cared for and not so safe, but here, we know we can give them as much care as we can in the 12 hours they’re here.“

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In a country of cricket fanatics, softball is often considered runner-up in the hearts and minds of Aussies.

But not for Cranbourne local Elaine Duyvestyn, whose service to softball, along with early childhood education, saw her awarded her a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Mrs Duyvestyn discovered softball at school and quickly fell in love with the sport.

She started as a player for Wingers Softball Club at Fawkner Park in South Yarra in 1968, before venturing into coaching, mentoring, administration and treasury roles with various softball associations.

A life member of Cranbourne Softball Club, Casey Softball Association, Wingers Softball Club, Melbourne Softball Association and Softball Victoria, it is not hard to understand Mrs Duyvestyn, her husband and three children, have long lived in a world consumed by softball.

“It’s just a great community sport. The environment is always competitive but friendly… there’s some amazing people and it’s nice to have that comradeship,” Mrs Duyvestyn said.

General manager of the Melbourne Softball Association from 1990-1997 and vicepresident of Softball Victoria from 1998-2003 are just a couple of examples of her involvement with the sport, which have earned her a coveted Australian Sports Medal and Softball Australia Service Award among many other accolades.

But her service to the community extends far beyond the sporting world.

In 1984, as a committee member at her sons’ kindergarten centre in Cranbourne, Mrs Duyvestyn was asked to take on a role to develop a not-for-profit early childhood education centre next door.

As part of a working committee, she was involved in everything from working with the building plans, to fitting the centre with equipment and furnishings, through to employing staff.

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Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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NEWS

Penalty rate freeze costs

By Eleanor Wilson City of Casey said its penalty rates freeze in 2020-21 resulted in a loss of $1.5 million budgeted revenue for the council.

Council elected not to charge penalty interest on outstanding rates in the 2020-21 financial year to assist ratepayers experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.

The news of the loss comes in the wake of last week’s announcement by Local Government Minister Shaun Leane that proposed legislation would mean councils would only be able to sue for struggling ratepayers’ homes as a last resort.

Under the financial hardship laws introduced in Parliament on 8 June, councils would be required to engage early with financially struggling ratepayers, and would not be able to use debt collectors.

Councils would also be barred from pursuing legal action to sell off ratepayer homes to pay back debts, unless ratepayers refused to cooperate and it was a last resort.

The Bill was issued in response to a State Ombudsmans’ report into council’s ratepayer hardship policies which found some councils were “too quick to sue” ratepayers for unpaid fees.

In September 2021, Casey Council adopted an updated Rate Payment and Financial Hardship Policy which recognised the financial hardship born out of the pandemic and endorsed a rate freeze on outstanding rates until 31 December 2021.

“Prior to the decision to stop charging interest rates in response to the pandemic, Council had already granted $22,734.82 in waivers to 1,137 accounts in 2020/21,” City of Casey acting chief financial officer, Charles Nganga said.

“We appreciate that many people may face challenges in paying their rates and we work hard to support ratepayers by providing flexibility to affected customers where possible.”

In other proposed changes in the legislation, a maximum amount of interest on unpaid rates and charges would be set by the Local Government Minister, in consultation with the Essential Services Commission.

“In some cases, the interest charges have built over time and now make up anywhere from a quarter to nearly 50 per cent of the ratepayer’s total debt.”

Currently, Casey charges 10 per cent interest – “as per the Penalty Interest Act 1983”, Mr Nganga said.

Crowds gather for Cranbourne’s Big Freeze

By Eleanor Wilson As crowds gathered in Melbourne for Fight MND’s Big Freeze at the G over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, the Cranbourne community was enjoying a big freeze of its own.

Brian’s Gourmet Meats in Lyndhurst held its annual fundraiser on Saturday 11 June, partnering with local football clubs to raise money for Motor Neuron Disease.

Cranbourne Junior Football Club president and vice president of Cranbourne Super Rules Football Club Rod Hoover, along with players from the Junior Football Club and four local butchers, sat themselves in the hot-so hot seat for an ice cold bucket of chilly water.

The event, along with a sausage sizzle and meat tray auction, managed to raise over $1500 for the mission to find a cure for MND. “It was a good crowd between the clubs and the local community and a lot of people were providing donations as they were walking past so we were just wrapped,” said Brian’s Gourmet Meat’s Angela Rollason.

Mrs Rollason said the fundraising event motivated her to consider ways to hold more charitable events in the community.

“It just makes you think you can keep raising money for so many other causes,” she said.

“It’s amazing how much the local community will come out to support a good cause.

“We’re already thinking about next year;

Cranbourne Super Rules Club members release the ice cold water on their club vice president.

Picture: SUPPLIED how we can go bigger and better, maybe sell some beanies.”

She said the fundraiser would not have been possible without the support of the football club.

“This was the first year the footy club got involved and it was just great having their support, we couldn’t be more thankful,” Mrs Rollason said.

“Brian [Rollason’s] cousin passed away several years ago from MND so we’ve seen it in the family and how it affects people and it’s such a sad disease.”

Dorman the dignitary at Cranbourne’s Girl Guides

By Marcus Uhe The Cranbourne Girl Guides are celebrating a royal touch among their ranks with Teah Dorman receiving the prestigious Queen’s Guide Award on Saturday 4 June.

The 18-year-old’s commitment to Guiding values of Promise and Law earned her the peak achievement in guiding. She is the first at Cranbourne to receive the award since 2009.

The daughter and granddaughter of former Guides joined Cranbourne Girl Guides in March 2011 and has completed 11 years of service, progressing through the ranks from Possum Guide to Ranger and Unit Helper, while achieving eight Triple Treat recruitment badges along the way.

If all goes to plan, she will become a Guide leader in the near future.

“It’s the highlight of my week,” Ms Dorman said.

“I love it the same amount [when I started] as I do now.

“I’m now a Unit Helper and the next step is be a proper leader and lead Paw Prints. That’s the next step, gaining that qualification.

“I can help out now but would love to become a proper leader.

“I don’t see an endpoint, it’s a thing for life.”

To receive the award she undertook and completed a variety of tasks.

Her service challenge saw her volunteer for Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, a Cranbourne charity providing essential goods for underprivileged children in need, where she undertook stocktake and produced information fliers to raise awareness of their service.

To complete her outdoor activity qualification, Ms Dorman qualified for a boating license.

It’s a far cry from walking the Kokoda Trail in June 2020, as she originally planned for her outdoor component, but it was just one of the

The 18-year-old is the first Cranbourne Girl Guide to receive the award since 2009. 285315 many aspects of her journey to the Queen’s Guide Award that were complicated by Covid-19, and resulted in the completion taking four years, rather than the expected two.

But the pandemic wasn’t all bad news, despite another overseas trip (to Mexico) also coming unstuck. The change in plans gave her extra time to meticulously plan her sessions with Paw Prints and younger groups.

“There were a couple of moments where I thought, ‘Should I give up?’ But I didn’t, and I have Deb [Deborah Chamberlain, leader at Cranbourne Guides] to thank for that.”

The award was presented to Ms Dorman by

Guides Southern Region manager Jan Withers, and in March 2023 she will be presented at Government House as part of her recognition.

Ms Chamberlain, a leader of Ms Dorman and her “biggest inspiration” described her as a “truly inspirational young lady”.

“Teah truly deserves to be awarded the Queen’s Guide Award in recognition of the amazing contribution she has made to our local Guiding community and the wider community,” Ms Dorman said.

“Teah is the kind of person who loves to see just how far she can push herself – so it came as no surprise to the leaders, her friends

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS and family when she announced she had decided to aim for the Queen’s Guide Award just after completing the BP Award.

“It has taken time, perseverance, dedication, passion and humour for Teah to finish this Award and seen Teah pushing outside of her comfort zone and making a real difference to Guiding and her community.

“The challenges of Covid-19 meant Teah had to change some of the activities she had planned but this demonstrated her ability to adapt and change course.

“We are so proud of Teah and congratulate her on this amazing achievement.”

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Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Star News Group intern Chloe Henry

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I am a competitive gamer. I currently have over 3000 hours in a game called League of Legends, which I’ve been playing since 2018.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about mental health and animal welfare. I’ve written a few stories on kitten fostering in the past so that is definitely one of my biggest passions. I regularly donate to a kitten fostering organisation in Melbourne.

What would your last meal be?

Sushi is always my go-to for a quick lunch, I don’t think that would change even if it was my last meal.

What was your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moment would probably be this time when I was little and was at Lakes Entrance with my family. My dad picked up an echidna off the side of the road and it proceeded to projectile-defecate on me… that was not a fun trip home.

What was your favourite subject in school?

My favourite subject in school was psychology, my teacher was amazing and made the class so fun and interesting for me. Shout out to Mr Hands, thank you for making high school a great experience.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

I would like to watch ice skating at the winter Olympics one day. I am always so mesmerised by it when I watch it on the TV, in person would be such an incredible experience.

Which three dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

I would like to have dinner with Neil Gaiman, Stephen King and Jimin from BTS. What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I’ve been listening to Running Up That Hill on repeat. It’s grown in popularity since the release of the new season of Stranger Things but

THREE …

The Big Freeze

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The Big Freeze was started in 2014 by former AFL coach and player Neale Daniher, who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease the year before.

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After being diagnosed with NMD, Daniher’s life expectancy was just 27 months, yet this year he celebrated the eighth annual Big Freeze.

3

This year, more than $2 million in community funding was raised for the Big Freeze 8, with the Federal Government tipping a further $4 million into the recordbreaking tally.

Chloe is interning at the Star News Group’s Pakenham office for the next couple of weeks. 285824 Picture: JAMIE SALTER it just reminded me of how much I liked that song growing up.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

I am not a cook by any means, so probably something simple like spaghetti. Can’t go wrong with a good spaghetti.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

I would love to visit Japan or South Korea; both are on the top of my travel list at the moment.

What were you like as a kid?

I was incredibly quiet and shy, I could never go to the counter at the shops to pay for some-

thing, so my mum always had to do it. I’ve had a passion for animal welfare since I was young though, when I was in primary school, I used to run fundraisers for local animal welfare groups.

What was your first job?

My first job was working at Coles in the Deli, I still have that job today.

What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to?

Why things exist as they are currently, science aside, the creation of the universe and its purpose is something I’ll never have the answer to.

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NEWS

Bid to stop IBAC delays

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Child-sex offender jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 58-year-old disabled pensioner has been jailed for sexually abusing two young children.

Trevor Dunmall, of Cranbourne, was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury of multiple charges including two counts of sexually penetrating a person under 12.

In sentencing on 8 June, Judge Felicity Hampel detailed Dunmall’s offending from 2015 to 2017.

His young victims reported the crimes in 2019. He was interviewed by police and denied all allegations.

The jury clearly rejected Dunmall’s version of events and accepted his victims’ evidence, Judge Hampel said.

Dunmall had no prior convictions, nor drug, alcohol or mental issues.

But while maintaining that he was innocent, Dunmall showed no remorse or in-

sight into his conduct.

“I can’t make any realistic assessment of your prospects for rehabilitation or for you reoffending in a like manner.”

The former retail security officer and state manager hadn’t worked since 2014.

His time in prison would be more difficult because of the fear of Covid exposure and his poor health, Judge Hampel said.

He suffered from Graves disease, asthma, type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and a neuropathic condition.

Since a heart attack in 2016, his heart function had further reduced. He was likely to require a heart transplant in the future, Judge Hampel said.

The judge noted that his health afflictions didn’t prevent his offending.

He was jailed for eight-and-a-half years, with a non-parole period of five-and-a-half years.

Dunmall must report as a registered sex offender for life.

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The State Opposition has launched a Bill to expedite the tabling of anti-corruption body reports, which are being delayed by “unnecessary legal delays and roadblocks”.

It comes as property developer John Woodman is embroiled in a Supreme Court bid to halt the release of an Independent BroadBased Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) report into alleged corruption in City of Casey planning matters.

In State Parliament, the Opposition’s upper house leader David Davis said the Bill responded to “concerning delays” stymying several IBAC reports.

“These reports have been caught up in unnecessary legal delays and roadblocks.

“It is in the public interest that these IBAC reports are tabled without undue delay,” Mr Davis said.

“The Supreme Court must be free to make its decisions unimpeded but should be aware of Parliament’s intention that applications be determined with as much speed as is relevant within the requirements of this Act.” Mr Woodman, who is a person-of-interest in IBAC’s Operation Sandon inquiry, is seeking an injunction or prohibition order to halt the tabling of the inquiry’s report in State Parliament.

IBAC had provided Mr Woodman the draft report in two volumes in December and January, in order for him to respond.

“The IBAC has to date failed to give Mr Woodman any opportunity (let alone a rea-

sonable opportunity) to respond to all of the “adverse material” as required,” his redacted submissions to the courtstated.

IBAC unfairly refused to provide all of the footnotes relied on for its “adverse comments or opinions” about him in a draft report, Mr Woodman submitted.

Out of the draft’s 2603 footnotes, there were 412 fully redacted and 81 partially redacted.

Many of the redacted footnotes referred to “adverse material” against him.

This deprived him of a “reasonable opportunity” to respond, rebut or qualify the report, he submitted.

“In short, if publication to Parliament need not be done, and it cannot be done fairly, it cannot be done.”

In response, IBAC’s redacted submissions argue “there has been no denial of procedural fairness … or unreasonableness”.

Mr Woodman’s argument about footnotes was a “distraction and devoid of substance”, IBAC submitted.

“IBAC’s adverse comments and opinions, and the basis for those comments and opinions, are fully set out in the body of the draft report.

“The footnotes that Mr Woodman has not seen will not be included in the final report.

“Mr Woodman’s claims for declaratory and other relief are baseless.”

The State Opposition’s Bill is expected to be debated in Parliament next week.

The Supreme Court hearing is ongoing.

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Taxi driver nabbed drink driving A taxi driver will have to find another way to makes ends meet for the next six months, after he was busted for drink driving while on the clock.

To the disbelief of police, the driver had a passenger onboard when he entered a roadside testing site on Thompsons Road in Cranbourne North on Sunday 12 June.

He provided a positive preliminary breath test, before undergoing a secondary breath test with a result of 0.091.

Not only was this nearly twice the legal drinking limit of 0.05, but taxi drivers and other drivers of commercial vehicles are required to have a zero blood alcohol concentration when driving.

His driver’s licence was suspended for six months.

Police in Cranbourne North were shocked to find a taxi driver, who was carrying a passenger, returned a breath test of 0.091.

LENSCAPE

The Kooweerup canteen was the place to be on Saturday at the recreation reserve on a frosty day at the footy and netty. 285345 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SOCIALLY SPEAKING Residents in a housing estate in Berwick were left frustrated after South East Water erected a nine metre sewer vent at the base of their backyards as part of the Monash Upgrade at O’Shea Road. Here’s what our Facebook readers had to say: Steve Piefke: Plant bamboo. Not a big deal at all. 10-15m in only a few years.

Sue Stride: I would be upset too.

Wayne McMahon: Put some steps on it and you could climb it and jump into the pool.

Dieter Koch: For goodness sake, plant a tree in front of it and you won’t see it in a few years.

Dylan Lonsdale: I’m not sure you understand just how tall 9 metres is. Would take 15 years for a tree to block it out.

Warragul Hospital is experiencing an “internal disaster”, with a Code Yellow called due to staff shortages. It comes as the Victorian Opposition promises to build a second new regional hospital if it wins the November state election.

Megan O’Reilly: Who will staff this new hospital?

Naomi Carson : I was at Casey hospital for 16 hours for a fractured elbow a few weeks ago.

Jude Newman-Tope: What do you expect when GPs won’t see you if you have symptoms, then you’re told to ring Nurse on Call who just direct you to the ED? We couldn’t get a single GP to see my husband during an allergic reaction, we tried ev-

ery clinic across Pakenham and Officer and Berwick.

What option was left but to go to ED. Mick Ott: All hospitals are in the same situation..Ambulance and GPs are also flat out..

Cas Sie: People won’t go to Casey or Traralgon so Warragul gets lumped with everyone in a huge area. The staff are doing their best, I feel for them all. We all know it’s absolute political rubbish about finding the hospital.

Emily Studd: I’ll never go to Casey again. We sat in there for seven hours last year with our unwell child. They didn’t tell us till the six hour mark that they didn’t even a paediatric doctor there!

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Funeral Director

...the little things make a difference

Thumbs up And many thanks to the young mum and son that came to my aid after I tripped and fell outside the new fruit shop at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre on Monday 6 June.

Pakenham

190 Princes Highway Ph: 5941 4888

Thumbs down

Cranbourne

To supermarkets stocking cashew satay sauce next to peanut satay sauce and a further thumbs down to me for buying the cashew option.

6 Brunt Street Ph: 5996 6822

Drouin

Assuring personal attention and care at all times for our local community.

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2 Porter Place Ph: 5625 2571

Thumbs down To everyone driving without headlights on during the wet and overcast days. Be seen, be safe. Use your headlights.

Thumbs up To Australia making the World Cup for the fifth time in a row.

Thumbs down To Coles for dramatically reducing the size of their pizza rolls but keeping the same price as before.

Thumbs up To the barista who gave me a free coffee this morning! Made my morning.

Thumbs up To a beautiful day at the G for The Big Freeze.

Thumbs down To our crap Victorian Government who has banned the gifting of game meat and fish to family and friends, so if I harvest a rabbit or a fish I’m not allowed to give it to anyone... it’s so ridiculous it funny... Vic Labor is a joke.

Thumbs up To snow. Can’t wait to go skiing this year.

Thumbs down To the selfish humans whom loaded too many live sheep on a ship in Sudan headed for Saudi Arabia, ship sunk, overloaded. All innocent souls lost due to greed.

Those poor darlings. Cruel, selfish humans.

NEWS

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Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Rivercrest Christian College Year 4 students are helping fight poverty by making handmade gifts.

On Tuesday 7 June, the Clyde North students took part in the annual market day.

As part of their Year 4 unit of inquiry, ‘How we organise ourselves’, students are learning entrepreneurs use opportunities to creatively meet supply and demand.

Students teamed up with fellow classmates and formed little businesses and created products that were sold on market day.

Products included non-edible items such as jewellery, stress toys, paper craft and games.

Students attending the market day received a token book to the value of their donation and were free to use these tokens to purchase products from the stalls.

“It was really cute, as you can see by the pictures, watching our younger students be-

Rivercrest Christian College students participate in Market Day. 285088 Picture: SUPPLIED ing helped by their buddies to make their decisions and transactions,” Year 4 teacher Melissa Binks said.

The market took place in the Rivercrest Christian College classrooms and breakout spaces.

The entire Rivercrest Primary School was invited to visit the stalls and each student was encouraged to donate up to $5 for fundraising.

All money raised will be donated to the school’s chosen charity Compassion, a Chris-

tian international holistic child development organisation.

The charity aims to assist more than two million children through their Child Sponsorship Program.

Through their Child Sponsorship Program, more than two million children are currently being released from poverty.

“There were so many learning aspects involved in the process,” another Year 4 teacher, Gabrielle Zeibig, said.

“Students learnt business skills, marketing, fundraising, design, craftsmanship, communication, working with buddies, teamwork, public speaking, entrepreneurship, negotiation skills and much more.

“Most importantly, they learnt the joy of giving the profits to such a worthy organisation, such as compassion, and helping children a similar age to themselves be released from poverty.” cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Invader jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Staff at the Southern Migrant Resource Centre are excitedly preparing for the Refugee Week event.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Refugee Week coming up

By Eleanor Wilson Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre is gearing up for one of its biggest events postlockdown.

Later this month, SMRC will be joined by hundreds of migrants, refugees and community members to celebrate Refugee Week.

Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park will be home to a day filled with culture and activities for families to enjoy.

Locals can enjoy a free halal barbecue from The Rotary Club of Berwick, cultural

performances to celebrate and highlight diversity and family-friendly activities such as face painting, Henna and a kid’s circus.

A special appearance from Melbourne City Football Club is sure to get soccer fans excited, while the Monash Health Vaccination Bus will also make an appearance, offering free Covid and flu vaccinations.

The theme of Refugee Week is healing with a focus on rejuvenation and healing post-lockdown.

Refugee Week runs from 19-25 June, with SMRC’s event being held on Sunday 26 June from 11am to 3pm.

FSA/DETS932

A man has been jailed after leading a “terrifying” daylight home invasion in Clyde North in which a woman had a gun pointed to her head and a man was slashed to his belly.

Naheem Bahrami, 40, was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury of aggravated home invasion, two counts of common law assault and criminal damage.

In sentencing on 14 June, Judge Daniel Holding said Bahrami played a “central role” in the “brazen” act in which he and two accomplices kicked in the home’s front double doors at 7.30am on 4 December 2017.

The male victim, who was just getting up from bed, was confronted in the hallway by the three men – two he described as “Somali” and a shorter man as “Hispanic” or “southern European”.

The trial’s main issue was whether the third man was Bahrami, Judge Holding said. A jury affirmed this was the case beyond reasonable doubt.

One of Bahrami’s co-offenders, holding a gun, told the victim: “We want your stuff.”

“You’re not going to get my stuff,” the resident retorted.

“And you’re not going to shoot me with that.”

In the bedroom, the female victim was confronted while she was on the phone to triple-0.

She screamed as a gun was pointed at her head – her shrieks recorded on the triple-0 call showed her “completely understandable” terror, Judge Holding noted.

Soon after, the trio fled with the male victim chasing Bahrami around the getaway car.

One of the accomplices slashed the victim’s stomach with a hunting knife. The victim was also punched by one of the accomplices.

Bahrami had earlier offered to recover money or property from the home on behalf of a drug-trafficking addict.

After the home invasion, he returned to the addict’s home “frantic” and saying “things had not gone to plan”. Bahrami demanded further payment for his troubles.

Judge Holding said Bahrami clearly expected the residents to be at home during the intrusion, and that the firearm was to be used to make them comply with demands.

The fact that the male occupant didn’t comply was irrelevant, the judge noted.

Bahrami was found not guilty of being culpable for the stabbing, but guilty for his accomplice’s punch to the victim.

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Bahrami was exposed to traumatic violent events as a child. He was part of a ethnic minority targeted by Soviet occupiers and Afghans, Judge Holding noted.

Two of his siblings and several relatives were killed during the turmoils.

After two years in a Pakistan refugee camp, he and his family migrated to Australia in 1991.

He was schooled at primary schools in Prahran and Mulgrave as well as Carwatha College in Noble Park North, but fell into drug use at a young age.

Mitigating factors were the four-year trial delay, Bahrami’s “diminishing” offending, his “less prominent” drug issues and his support of his wife and ill mother.

However, while on bail, Bahrami had been convicted twice for other offending in 2019 and 2022, the judge noted.

Among his serious criminal record was a four-and-a-half jail term in 2012 for intentionally causing serious injury.

The community rightly expected home invaders with firearms to receive significant jail terms, Judge Holding said.

Bahrami was jailed for up to seven years and one month. He is eligible for parole after four years and eight months.

His term includes 55 days already served in pre-sentence detention.

Three-Year-Old Kinder: the best start for Victorian kids.

To dream big, our kids need the best start in life.

Children are eligible for between 5 and 15 hours per week of funded Three-Year-Old Kinder, no matter where they live.

Find your local kinder program at vic.gov.au/kinder

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Enrolments are opening now for Three-Year-Old Kinder in 2023.

STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Free driving lesson offer Almost 3000 newly arrived migrants and disadvantaged young Victorians will receive free road safety education and professional driving lessons to ensure they’re confident and safe on our roads, the State Government announced last week.

The program supports recently arrived migrants and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds aged over 21 to increase their road safety knowledge, awareness and skills as part of the $1.5 million Community Road Safety Grants Program.

Participants receive five core education sessions which address road rules, driver behaviour, pedestrian, and cyclist safety, as well as up to two paid professional driving lessons for participants who hold a licence.

On top of this, as part of the TAC L2P Program, learner drivers unable to access a supervising driver or vehicle to accrue their minimum 120 hours of driver training will receive up to seven free professional driving lessons, in addition to a mentor and access to a vehicle.

This is expected to provide free, supervised driving experience to more than 2249 participants and up to 16,017 professional driving lessons this year.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the government programs would ensure almost 600 new Victorians can take part in road safety programs across the state, delivering more than 1000 driving lessons.

“Everyone deserves the chance to learn to drive, gain independence and feel confident on our roads,” Mr Carroll said. “These programs ensure all road users, regardless of their path, can head out on the roads safely.

Backpack 4 VIC Kids founder and chief executive officer Sally Beard. 205395

The State Government is providing lessons for migrants and disadvantaged Victorians to improve road safety. 212230 “Sadly, too many communities understand the impact road trauma can have – these programs gives people from all walks of life the opportunity to work together at a grassroots level to contribute towards improved road safety.”

Since 2008, the L2P program has helped 15,000 young learner drivers, clocking up in excess of 656,000 hours and supporting more than 7000 participants to get their P-plates.

Transport Accident Commission chief executive Joe Calafiore said extensive practice was the best way to mould safe, young motorists.

“The TAC L2P Program removes socioeconomic barriers to ensure all young Victorians have access to quality driving practice and education,” Mr Calafiore said. The government said these programs support the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030 and eliminate road deaths by 2050.

For more information on Community Road Safety Grants and L2P, visit vicroads.vic.gov.au

Community digs deep to support displaced kids

By Eleanor Wilson Cranbourne-based not-for-profit Backpack 4 Vic Kids held its annual giving day on Friday 10 June, raising almost $16,000 to support children in need.

The organisation provides backpacks filled with essential items for Victorian children in care.

The annual giving day uses the charity’s social media and supporters to encourage a donation drive, with funds going towards covering the costs of producing the essentials backpacks.

Essentials in the backpack included nappies, feeding bottles and baby wipes, clothes, school equipment, soft toys and stationery packs.

Backpack 4 Vic Kids founder and chief executive officer Sally Beard said while they did not meet their fundraising goal of $75,000, the organisation was grateful for the support they received.

“We are very grateful to the community for the funds they’ve donated. We know it’s hard times for most people at the moment,” she said.

“For us, that means about 150 children that we can support with the My Essentials packs.”

While the official Backpack 4 Vic Kids’ Annual Giving Day is over, the online donation page is open until 30 June.

To donate, visit mycause.com.au/ page/276315/2022-b4vk-annual-givingday or call the store on 8712 9545.

We’re backing your small business with $20,000 wage subsidies.

If you’re looking for staff, Jobs Victoria is backing your small business with a range of free services and wage subsidies for eligible employees.

Learn more at jobs.vic.gov.au/subsidy or call 1300 208 575.

Backing Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Check coronavirus.vic.gov.au for the latest COVIDSafe Settings.

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NEWS

Phil Cleary makes an impassioned plea to the Together We Can leadership summit, with a slide of his slain sister Vicki in the background.

Let’s change

By Lachlan Mitchell

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The seeds of change start at the grassroots level, family violence crusader Phil Cleary told a gathering of community representatives at a Together We Can leadership summit.

“We don’t need the politicians to change the world we live in. Give us the money and we can do what we have to do locally,” he told the crowd.

Cardinia Shire played host to a Together We Can event, which targets family and domestic violence in the community.

The event held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre featured Matt Tyler from the Man Box and Mr Cleary, who has been an advocator against Family and domestic violence for over 30 years.

The summit focused on ensuring men are accountable for their actions as well as promoting the role of females in the workplace and sporting clubs. The room was filled with men and women of different demographics as well as varying age ranges.

Mr Cleary has been fighting for justice and women’s rights since 1987, when his sister Vicki was killed by her ex-boyfriend.

Vicki’s killer was sentenced to only three years and 11 months for the murder. The judge and jury both claimed that Vicki was to blame in breaking up with him.

Phil recounted the reaction of his mother when her daughter’s killer’s sentence was handed down.

He read out parts of a letter found by the family written to Vicki after her death that illustrated his mother’s heartbreak at her loss.

He showed a letter written by Vicki to her boyfriend and left under the windscreen wipers of his car only days before she was killed and pointed out the drawing of a flower in the middle of the writing.

“She was a beautiful soul,” he said.

Mr Cleary was pleased to see the turnout and the number of women leading the charge

towards change, including Bunyip’s Junior Football Club president Shara McAuley.

“It was really uplifting to see lots of women who are engaged in sporting clubs,” he said.

“It was great to see the Bunyip president who was female stand up. It was good to see that we can change the world in our own little place and community. That be in our schools or sporting clubs or our family.

“I enjoyed the demographic that turned out and it was good to see so many women turn and a lot of younger people. It was an emphatic crowd and they understood what needs to be done in the discussion.

“You don’t understand the world properly, if you don’t understand the historical backdrop.”

Mr Cleary’s message was makng change at the local level would influence those in power.

“If we can rectify it in our community, we don’t take our eye of the big narrative, which includes the courtrooms and the policing,” he said.

“Local councils have the capacity to change local societies and really draw on the people at local level.”

The recent pandemic had changed the way we have viewed the local community, he said.

“We weren’t moving and we were locked in to a five-kilometre radius,” Mr Cleary explained.

“Now I go to my local cafe and my local park.

During Covid parks were teaming with people.

It’s really important to remember locality and really emphasising local community.

“Local community is the place we can change society for the better. That means the local council and community clubs.”

Matt Tyler’s work with the Man Box has shown what it means to be a real man when he surveyed over 1000 young Australian men aged 18-30.

The study found men fall into the category of acting tough and sheltering fears and worries in fear of being less masculine.

follow us at: avivacommunitiesofficer

There was a good turnout of commuity representatives at the Together We Can leadership summit. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR NEWS 9

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Marjorie’s major honour

By Eleanor Wilson Hallam’s Marjorie Smith has been recognised for her service to the community of Dandenong with a Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honour awards.

The 90-year-old’s involvement in the community comes down to a can-do attitude.

“I’ve always thought if you are able to do something, you should do it,” Mrs Smith said.

Her willingness to help started early in life, when she moved to Dandenong from Benalla with her husband and young family in 1959.

“I loved [being a parent] and had no intention of going back to work [as a teacher], but they were so very short of teachers, there were classes of 60 to 70 students,” Mrs Smith recalled.

“One day my husband came home, he was teaching at Dandenong North Primary School, and he said ‘You will just have to come and help’ and so I did.

“I still had two young children at home, and so one came to the classroom with me and the other went to class with my husband.”

Mrs Smith continued as both a primary and kindergarten teacher until 1982, marking the beginning of a dedicated life of service to the Dandenong community.

She recalled her involvement with Girl Guides Victoria, from the ‘60s to the ‘90s as a particularly enjoyable experience.

“When I went to high school, the Girl Guides used to come on Anzac Day in this lovely uniform and I always thought ‘I’d love to be part of that’,” she said.

“So when my girls were getting to be of that age, I thought it would be good for them to get involved, but there were so many girls that waiting to become Girl Guides [in Dandenong] that the only way to get in was to become a Guide leader.”

Luckily, a new district in Dandenong North was established and, naturally, Mrs Smith

Marjorie Smith is widely known throughout Dandenong for her involvement in the community.

285197 Picture: ELEANOR WILSON began a long-standing relationship with the Guides. While her daughters participated in the Girl Guides for a while, Mrs Smith developed a three-decade relationship with the group, as a Guide leader from 1962-1972, be-

fore moving to become a region commissioner for Girl Guides throughout Dandenong until 1979, and a former state trainer, outdoor activities advisor and camp site care taker at the Police Paddocks venue.

“It’s a great movement for girls…it’s a good training ground, they learn a lot of skills and it is also set up in the manner that it trains people for leadership,” she said.

A parishioner at Dandenong North Uniting Church for over 60 years, Mrs Smith has contributed as a treasurer and committee member, Sunday School teacher, and for 22 years was the church’s Sunday organ player.

“I had played the piano, but never the organ,” Mrs Smith said.

“But my husband died in 1994 and I think the [organ] was sent to me to keep me busy, and so I played until they closed the church in 2017.”

After the death of her husband, Mrs Smith also sought support in the Dandenong Legacy Widows Club, where she was appointed treasurer and president between 1998 and 2003.

She has also been a long-standing volunteer with the Red Cross’ door knock service, Meals on Wheels and disability service Wallara Australia, a resource close to her heart.

“Our second daughter has a disability and she has attended Wallara throughout her life, so I worked for them when I retired from the kindergarten,” she said.

“Back in those days, we had to raise a lot of money because we didn’t get much government help for people with disabilities.”

Mrs Smith is no stranger to community recognition, announced as Senior Citizen of the Year by the City of Greater Dandenong in 1993 and registered by the council as a Living Treasure in 2005, given her contribution to the growth of several community groups in the municipality.

Yet she maintains being awarded an OAM is “very humbling”, stressing it is an honour she feels should be shared with the many other volunteers she has worked with over the years.

“There’s always a group of people behind you, I don’t do all of this on my own,” she said.

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these school holidays.

Book tickets at zoo.org.au/melbourne *Children under 16 years of age receive free admission to Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian Government school holidays.

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Service to the community

By Marcus Uhe The O’Donoghue and Bell names are synonymous with the Noble Park area.

Whether it’s the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre on Buckley Street or the Robert Bell Pavilion at the home of Noble Park Football Club, their legacy on the suburb is undeniable.

Those old enough will even remember the O‘Donoghue Bakery on Douglas Street.

On Monday 13 June, it’s Robert’s (affectionately known as Bob around town) daughter and Paddy’s niece, Dawn Dickson’s turn to add her name to the honour board, receiving an OAM as part of the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to the community through a range of roles.

The mother of two and grandmother of six moved to Cranbourne North 20 years ago but her ties to the area remain.

“When you’re born and bred in Noble Park, it’s a really deep connection,” Ms Dickson said.

“It never goes. My heart’s there.”

Since 1981, she has served as a trustee for the Noble Park Public Hall, following in the footsteps of Paddy and Bob as former trustees before they passed away.

The hall was named after Paddy in the early 1980s to recognise his contribution as a trustee for 47 years, following his sudden passing.

It holds a unique place in the community, still owned by surrounding residents despite being managed by the City of Greater Dandenong under a lease agreement, thanks to the rigorous campaigning of Ms Dickson and her fellow trustees.

In 2019, Ms Dickson documented the rich history of the facility by publishing If These Walls Could Talk, dating back to its construction in 1924.

Ms Dickson also served as a secretary for the Noble Park Football Club, Club Noble - the football club’s social club, while her husband John was on the committee.

In 1979, she left her occupation as a legal secretary and became a marriage celebrant, where she has officiated roughly 5000 weddings and funerals since.

Her passion for committees and involve-

Dawn Dickson OAM outside the Noble Park Public Hall in 2019 with her book, If These Walls Could Talk. ment saw her join the Association of Civil Marriage Celebrants of Victoria in 1994, before being made an honorary secretary in 2004 and receiving life membership in 2006.

Conducting her celebrant duties with excellence and commitment to the job has seen her career prosper and strengthen her ties within the community.

She described her career as a celebrant as one of her favourite achievements.

“Many of those (weddings and funerals) are for local people,” Ms Dickson said.

“I’m still marrying and doing funerals for the same families. It’s nice when you have

some families that remind us of marriages and burials done for others in the same family, and they want you to do the ceremony rather than anyone else.

“It’s a great privilege to do the ceremony to write their life story. There’s lots of self-reward.”

Her passion for community involvement even took her to the far north-west of the country as a volunteer within the Gnylmarung community, from Beagle Bay, 90 minutes north of Broome.

Dawn helps with administration work and managing the bookings from Melbourne, while John undertook grounds keeping work

on the campground before he passed away in 2020.

So special is the place to her family that her John’s ashes were scattered there after he passed, and she still takes the opportunity to visit when she can.

These days, her spare time is divided between looking after her grandkids and following their sporting endeavours, and holidaying at her Woodside Beach property.

At 72, retirement is on the horizon, but she still has a couple of professional goals to tick off.

“I really want to marry (my grandchildren) and then I can retire.”

Champion in manufacturing industry awarded OAM

By Cam Lucadou-Wells For decades, Sandra George has led by bringing people together.

Ms George has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her devoted service to manufacturing and the Greater Dandenong community.

“It brings me to tears,” she says of the award.

“This award is genuinely only possible because of all of the people I’ve worked with and learnt off.

“The recognition belongs to everybody.”

For 20 years, she has been manager of City of Greater Dandenong’s South East Business Networks (SEBN) and secretary of South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA).

They’re just the tip of Ms George’s long list of contributions.

Her work is about bringing people together to solve problems like unemployment – and to change lives for the better, she says.

“If you can help someone along the way, that’s what gets me out of bed.”

Little is achieved without a great team, she says.

With her business connections, she’s “seeded” and “shepherded” enduring community projects, such as Dandenong Hand Brake Turn, Visy Cares Centre and the annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Day as well as supporting women in business.

Along the way, she’s had the “enormous privilege” to work with and learn from business leaders like Nirad Shah from KPG Group, Gerry Ryan from Jayco and Ken Grenda from Grenda Group. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Manufacturing and community servant Sandra George has been recognised with an OAM. 285183 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS Her late husband Trevor and two children’s unstinting support has also been crucial.

A former business-owner and Dandenong Business College teacher, Ms George got on board a ‘Jobs for Dandenong’ Taskforce formed with the region’s big employers in the 1990s.

They were tackling tough times with 30 per cent unemployment for men in their 30s in Dandenong, she says.

“Looking back, it was the most innovative body. It had amazing support from people in government and business.”

Ms George still has a “special passion” for Dandenong’s manufacturing heartland – which she dubs the “essence of our community”.

She’s seen it rebound and innovate after large employers like Heinz left, and the auto industry shut down.

And is determined to refute perceptions that it’s a career with a “sunset clause”.

The notion that the sector was “dirty, dumb and dangerous” was turning around, she says. Now the talk is about it being “clean, clever and critical”.

She was inaugural chair of the Dandenong Hand Brake Turn program, working with local police officers and business, which steered juvenile offenders into fixing cars.

And was part of the setting-up of the VISY Cares Centre in Dandenong with late founder and philanthropist Richard Pratt.

As well as collaborating with business to sponsor the ongoing annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Day, which has raised more than $535,000 for 14 charities.

Her OAM comes on top of listings on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, and the Hall of Fame in the Dandenong Chamber of Commerce’s Premier Regional Business Awards.

She has also received the Jim Watkins Award from the Association of Manufacturing Excellence.

The Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation named a manufacturing award in honour of Ms George.

Ms George is currently part of a “community revitalisation” project which is finding ways to engage disadvantaged people in work.

There’s a need to bring together employers, job-seekers and service providers to make the system better, she argues.

There’s a lot of jobs, a lot of wraparound support services such as housing and mental health treatment yet there’s still high unemployment.

“We’ve worked on the principle that we all have to shift our mindsets.

“The supply and demand model is not fitting properly. How do we get the system getting people ready to work - but in a way they do work that they like to do and it fits with what’s needed.

“You can’t get a group of workers from manufacturing and tell them to go work in aged care.”

Another challenge is to get a better model for new arrivals to engage in the workforce.

“I’m close to retirement but I’ve still got a bit of unfinished business.”

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Business awards grow Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce has relaunched an expanded version of its prestigious annual awards.

The South East Business Awards in 2022 will include more categories and more eligible businesses across a wider geographic region.

“This year we’re expanding the footprint of the awards to include regions beyond Greater Dandenong, such as Casey, Frankston, Cardinia and Mornington Peninsula shires,” Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Moore said.

“There’s so many great business success stories across a wide field of sectors to celebrate.

“Whether you are a large organisation, entrepreneur, or a small business, we are looking to recognise and acknowledge those businesses striving for excellence in the South East region.“ The awards recognise outstanding business achievements and contributions to the South East area.

Nominations are open in the following award categories: Business Innovation.

Environmental and Sustainability.

Community Impact.

· · ·

· Business Citizenship. · Employer Engagement. · Micro Business. · Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure. · Retail. · Professional Services. · Advanced Manufacturing. · Building and Construction.

The winners of each category will be eligible for the Overall Business Award.

Successfully-nominated businesses are invited to a final awards presentation event in October.

Regardless of how large or small a business may be, entrants are judged on merit – the ones that stand out from the crowd and have gone the extra distance to ensure their client’s satisfaction.

If you have a great business story, and are located in Melbourne’s South East, consider nominating yourself for an award.

Alternatively, if you know of an outstanding business, show your support by nominating them.

Entry for the awards is free.

To register go to greaterdandenongchamber.com.au/awards

Nyadol Nyuon has been awarded a Queen’s Birthday Honour.

Aaron Goodall, Damien Rivalland and Ryan Flack from KLM Spatial celebrate taking out the Overall Business Award in 2021.

Picture: THREE HEARTS PHOTOGRAPHY/JULIE HEDGES

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

Former Lynbrook resident, advocate Nyadol Nyuon has been awarded a Queen’s Birthday Honour for her service to human rights and refugee women.

Ms Nyuon, a refugee whose family fled the Sudanese civil war, is a lawyer and has been a member of the Law Institute of Victoria since 2015, having arrived in Melbourne 10 years earlier.

After attending Melbourne University and graduating with a law degree, she is grateful for the opportunities that Australia has provided.

However, Ms Nyuon has been a victim of racism in Australia.

Speaking to Star News in late 2021, she spoke about how those experiences encouraged her to become a human rights advocate.

“Sometimes it hurt so much that you question whether you could belong in this country,” she said of the abuse she copped.

“After about six months, it provided me with enough silence and solace to realise that we cannot let our fear win.

“I realised there were far more people who thought they benefited from what I did,” Nyadol said.

“I sort of came back with a different attitude. Now I block really racist or mean comments, I mute often, and I am more of myself.”

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

8.30pm to last train, Caulfield to Westall 19 to 23 June 8.30pm to last train, 26 to 30 Jun 12am to last train, 3 Jul 8.30pm to last train, 4 to 7 Jul

Road disruptions: Closed lanes, roads and intersections 16 to 20 June

Intersection closed at O’Shea and Soldiers roads

24 Jun to 3 Jul

Closed between Clyde and Soldiers roads

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12552602-ET24-22

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The advocacy and professional roles saw her nominated for 2022 Victorian Australian of the year.

Ms Nyuon believes the country has the potential to improve its treatment of refugees which is driving her continual volunteering.

“I have done most of these things because these are things I actually enjoy doing, but also the feeling that things need to change, you cannot keep quiet and need to be involved in it to see what you can contribute,” she explained.

“Later, when you have children, that responsibility is heightened - that responsibility to create a world they can thrive in.”

Among her human rights advocacy, she has contributed to newspapers including The Guardian and The Age since 2002, and has been a board member of African Think Tank and the New Sudanese Youth Association.

Currently, she is a board member for Career Seekers Australia, the chairwoman of Harmony Alliance: Migrant and Refugee Women for Change and a member of the community refugee sponsorship initiative.

She also won the Victorian Premier’s award for Community Harmony in 2019, was one of the Australian Financial Review’s most influential people of the year in 2019, and won the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Racism. It stops with me award.

Langworthy now an OAM 4464

O'Shea Road, Berwick

Advocating for change

By Jonty Ralphsmith

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading roads in Melbourne’s south to reduce congestion and make your journey safer. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel and removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Hallam’s David Langworthy has received a Queen’s Birthday honour for his service to the community across a range of roles.

Mr Langworthy was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through a range of roles.

A prominent part of the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, Mr Langworthy has had two stints as president and has been a member since 1982.

Mr Langworthy was also chair of emergency shelter and disaster relief organisation Shelter Box Australia , from 2003-10.

More recently, Mr Langworthy was the founding chair of Disaster Aid International in 2010 and served as the chair of Disaster Aid Australia until 2018.

Since 2014, he has been chairman of the Bevmarks Australia board since 2014, alongside being a council member. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

BUSINESS PROFILE

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

Cyber security expert warns

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Avast, a global leader in digital security and privacy, is warning Australians to be extra vigilant over the coming months to avoid falling victim to a tax time scammer.

People right across the country will be looking to lodge their tax claims in the next months, giving cybercriminals a prime opportunity to seize, intercept and execute tax-related scams.

Often, these scammers pose as someone you know – or an institution you use – and offer an easy “fix” to a problem you have in an officialsounding way or even give the victim a sense of urgency that they must hand over their information to be cleared of a financial issue.

Stephen Kho, cyber security expert at Avast said scams had been prevalent in high numbers in the last few years, so it was important to be on the front foot and know what to look out for when it comes to identifying fraudulent activity online, especially around tax time where we are having conversations around finances with various institutions.

“Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to steal your data, personal details or money through increasingly sophisticated scams and online threats and the timeliness hook of tax time helps them seem more legitimate,” he said.

Mr Kho shared three examples of prevalent tax scams to look out for, plus ways to avoid them.

1. Fake tax preparers claiming they can do your tax return fast, and for a low price.

These fake tax preparers often operate by accessing the myGov accounts of their clients and lodging their tax returns through the ATO’s myTax web portal, or take your personal details and your payment, and then disappear.

How to avoid this scam: Check that your tax preparer is registered on theTax Practitioners Board (https://www.tpb. gov.au/registrations_search).

They may display the TPB logo on their website, but you should still double check to ensure they are legitimate.

Never share your myGov password with anyone. Sharing your information (such as your myGov password) with an unregistered practitioner puts your personal and financial affairs at risk.

Setup your myGov account to use two factor authentication. You can use either the myGov Code Generator app or receive a code by SMS when logging in. This will further protect you from unauthorised access to your myGov account.

2. ATO phishing scams used to trick you into giving them your sensitive information These scams work by impersonating a trustworthy and reputable company or individual to gain access to information such as usernames, passwords or credit card numbers.

In an Australian Taxation Office phishing attack, the recipient will typically receive an “urgent” email, SMS or automated phone call claiming to be from the ATO with instructions to follow a link to log in or make a payment on an outstanding tax debt.

How to avoid this scam: If you receive a phone call, SMS, or email from the ATO, don’t click on links to log in to your

Aussies are warned to not fall for tax scams when lodging their returns.

Picture: FILE

Tax season is fast approaching and unfortunately, that means Australians could be hit with an influx of tax scams. account, send payments or provide any personal information.

The ATO will never threaten you with immediate arrest, demand payment, or suspend your TFN. So, if you’re not sure if it’s the ATO contacting you, phone them directly using the phone number on their website to check.

It’s also worth installing a digital security product, like Avast One Essential, to protect you from any malicious software that you might download from a tax scam email, and using a secure browser with a VPN like, Avast Secure Browser, which has an Anti-Phishing solution in the desktop browser to defend against malicious threats when browsing the internet.

3. Emails posing as the CEO, director, or a payroll provider known as Business Email Compromise scams In a business email compromise scam, attackers target those with financial-related roles and sometimes even employees.

They then send emails asking for copies of payroll details or PAYG payment summary forms, which include all the personal information a cybercriminal would need to steal someone’s identity.

These emails start with a friendly greeting before getting to the request, attempting to put those targeted at ease before asking for the forms or details.

How to avoid this scam: If you work for a company, make sure to strictly follow your company’s payment authorisation/approval process.

Never send tax information electronically without first verifying with the sender in person or on the phone that they sent the request in the first place.

It’s worth taking the extra precaution, as the likelihood of this type of scam increases during tax season.

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STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

Hill’s key focuses

By Jonty Ralphsmith Bruce MP Julian Hill says he will streamline his focus towards major local issues during his third parliamentary term as he seeks to restore decency into Australian politics.

Mr Hill will firstly prioritise the Australian Labor Party’s (ALP) election commitments including $20 million to go towards the Dandenong Oasis Aquatic Centre and $2.5 million for park and playground upgrades in Casey.

Mr Hill will also continue to advocate for $5 million to go towards upgrading the Doveton pool, saying plans are being worked on and he will have more to say in the coming weeks.

“I’ve always found that when you have a focused list of priorities, you’re more likely to get something than a very long list which risks getting nothing and don’t be the boy who cried wolf, Mr Hill said.

“I’m focused this year on delivering the commitments we’ve made.”

There was a clear shift across Australia towards minor parties, a sentiment replicated when Star News spoke to early voters in Mr Hill’s electorate.

While Mr Hill retained the traditionally safe Labor seat, there was a 6.58 per cent swing against him with Liberal also recording a negative swing of more than five per cent.

“On a personal level, I will continue to be straight with people, to get back to people and to do my best to answer the questions even if what I say may not always be what people want to hear – that’s how you build trust and respect, not marketing spin like we saw from the previous government.”

“Australians are not fools and I’ve always found that if you deal honestly with people, in

the long run, that wins respect.

“We also need more we and our in our national and civic discourse and a little bit less I and me. Australians are generous, our tradition of the fair go and empathy of others can be refreshed and rediscovered after the division of the Morrison government.”

As he seeks to deliver the election promises, Mr Hill said an ALP government would give the south east the attention it deserved.

“After a decade of neglect of Dandenong and Casey and a corrupt focus on pushing taxpayer funding to Liberal Party marginal seats and political interests, I’ll certainly be speaking up to argue for greater social equity over time so that our community gets a fair go.

“I think they’ve got every right to expect better treatment than we’ve had for 10 years under the Liberals but in saying that, let’s not gild the lily – the government has inherited an economy that is not in great shape… it is going to take time to turn that around.”

Mr Hill reiterated that he intended to work with the Greater South East Melbourne council group (GSEM) to properly address regional issues. He again stated he would fervently support the Dandenong Sports and Entertainment Centre, pending the outcome of a feasibility study.

On a parliamentary level, the Labor MP hopes to continue his work on the Commonwealth audit committee and working on defence and national security policy.

Julian Hill says the southeast can expect better under a Labor government. Picture: SUPPLIED

No congratulations for Julian Hill at seat declaration

By Jonty Ralphsmith Julian Hill was the only candidate who attended the declaration of the Bruce seat at Noble Park North on Thursday 9 June.

While the event was only organised 24 hours in advance, all candidates were sent an email providing them with an opportunity to make a speech.

Christine Skrobo from the Liberal Democrats, Matt Babet from the United Australia Party, Hayley Deans from One Nation, James Moody from the Liberals and Matthew Kirwan from The Greens all contested the seat.

Mr Kirwan said he was unable to attend due to work commitments and the other candidates did not provide an explanation for their absence.

Labor’s Mr Hill won his third term in Bruce and said, across that time, he had yet to receive a congratulatory phone call or message from a candidate on any occasion, but said such events were important.

“This is how we transfer power in our democracy. People from Afghanistan and Ukraine are fighting and dying for the basic right to vote and choose their government so it is not a privilege or responsibility I will ever take lightly and I think it is important to mark this occasion in a very Australian way.”

Despite the low turnout, Mr Hill did note the civility of proceedings during the election campaign and praised the role the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) plays in Australia’s democracy.

“The AEC is one of few public institutions,

sadly, that still holds a lot of trust. I don’t underestimate how important that is for our democracy in a time of increasing instability and right wing populism.

“We can support you with confidence and trust the outcome of our elections.

“You are independent of politicians and do the job without fear or favour. You treat all of use equally and fairly and professionally and kindly when necessary but according to the law so I think the job you do is so important, not just for our local community, but the whole institution of democracy in Australia.”

Greens candidate Kirwan was proud to represent the party and fondly recalled several elements at the poll booth.

“I won’t forget on election day seeing a young woman at Hallam Primary School ask each of the volunteers from the other parties why their climate change targets were not in line with the science like the Greens,“ he said.

“Then I had a middle aged man at Hallam Primary School tell me half an hour later he voted Greens because we were the only party tackling housing affordability - not something that affected him personally but he saw it as a clear driver of increasing inequality in society. “ Or the young man at Mossgiel Park Primary School in Endeavour Hills later that day who confessed to me that he had mental health issues and that the Greens policy of putting mental health into Medicare was why he voted Greens for the first time.“

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Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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Off with teenager’s mullet

By Chloe Henry A Blind Bight teenager is cutting off his iconic mullet to raise money for mental health awareness.

Josh Shipton, 16, who plays hockey for Hawthorn Hockey Club, will undergo the dramatic haircut with support from his team to raise funds for BeyondBlue.

Speaking of his decision to make the big chop on Saturday 16 June, Josh said he had no hesitation.

“Someone that I work with also cut his hair off for BeyondBlue and when I got asked to do it, I was like why not, it’s for a good cause,” he said.

“It wasn’t a hard decision because I know the money is going to a good cause.“ Josh has been growing his hair out for the last four years, changing his hairstyle to a mullet six months ago.

His mullet has been a integral part of his appearance on the hockey pitch.

The fundraiser has surpassed the original goal of $1000 and currently has raised over $1500.

Josh said he was greatly humbled by the generous donations he had received from the community.

“I am pretty surprised that I reached the goal, but I would like to say thank you very much to everyone that donated, it means so much to me,” he said.

While he does not know anyone who is currently battling with mental health issues, he knows many Australians have been suffering in the past couple of years.

“I do know of people that have been struggling, so it’s nice knowing I might be helping them out,“ he said.

Josh is cutting his mullet to raise money for BeyondBlue. 285672 Josh has been a member of the Hawthorn Hockey Club for seven years and has given them the honour of making the big chop.

“My club is very supportive of this fundraiser,“ he said.

“Many of them have also donated and are

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS happy they get to cut it off!”

Head to fundraise.beyondblue.org.au/joshgetsthechop to donate.

Level crossing out, park in

Brothers Craig and Tony Jamieson are ready to make Cranbourne their home.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Jamiesons join Cranbourne Brothers Craig and Tony Jamieson have joined the Cranbourne harness training ranks following their move from New Zealand.

The Jamiesons were introduced to the sport from an early age with both parents hobby trainers, and both took up work at stables upon leaving school. Craig was an accomplished junior driver and has worked with some of Australasia’s leading stables while younger brother Tony is an A grade farrier.

In 2017 they formed a training partnership, enjoying success on track while combining training with full time work.

However, the lack of racing opportunities in their homeland, combined with stagnant prize money, meant growing their operating and training full time was not practical.

“We felt like we were on a hamster wheel at home, it felt like we weren’t going anywhere,” said Tony.

“Craig emailed the club to see if there was space and Dave Scott got back to us and it went from there.”

Following that initial enquiry, the Jamiesons toured the sprawling training facilities at the Cranbourne Racecourse in April and from then the decision to relocate was quickly confirmed.

“We were blown away when we first got here to be honest. We just don’t have this back home,” Tony said.

“We thought if we come over and we cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

didn’t like it, that’d make our mind up and we’d stay home. But it was the total opposite – all of the guys here have been so welcoming – I can’t say a bad word about any of it to be honest.

“We’ve only been here not even a week but it gives us a good feel. We’re under no illusions, but we’ll be trying our hardest and looking forward to seeing where that takes us.”

The Jamiesons have brought five horses with them across the ditch and will be joined by six locally owned horses as they build their team towards their goal of 20 horses.

Tony expects that, all going well, they will have their first runners in around six weeks.

In the meantime, he is looking forward to settling into their new surroundings ahead of their families joining them in the coming weeks.

“The horses travelled better than I thought really. I thought they’d be a bit more jaded but they got here good.

“It’s going to take a while to get used it, but this is like the Plaza Hotel compared to what we’re used to,” Tony said.

“We’re already missing our families and looking forward to them coming across when the kids finish the school term. It’s a big move, but they’re excited by it and there’s so many more opportunities for them as well.”

The Cranbourne training centre is now home to 13 trainers with approximately 55 horses in work on-site.

The Clyde Road level crossing removal project will soon bring some extra greenery to Berwick.

Landscapers will establish a new park at 60 Clyde Road as part of the removal project, including a native floral garden, opening up to 500sqm of land to the community.

The Woody Meadow garden is part of a University of Melbourne led project which aims to create resilient, management-friendly green spaces to make our city more liveable.

It is expected to house a diverse range of native Australian shrubs as well as seating, a footpath and lawn.

“We know how important trees, vegetation and green spaces are to the local community and the new park will provide a place for locals and visitors to relax,” said Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas.

Crews will plant more than 37,000 trees, plants and shrubs throughout the Clyde Road

project area as part of the level crossing works.

The project will also deliver an upgraded bus interchange at Berwick Station and new walking and bike riding connections.

The level crossing at Clyde Road was removed in February 2022 by building a road underpass beneath the rail line to improve safety and ease congestion.

Thirteen crossings have been removed along the Pakenham Line, with nine more to go to make it boom-gate free by 2025.

Landscaping works on the garden will start this month when the weather is mild and planting conditions are ideal, Level Crossings Victoria said.

The existing footpath will remain on the site and will be connected to a new shared use path along Clyde Road.

For more information, go to levelcrossings. vic.gov.au

A detailed map of the new park on Clyde Road in Berwick.

Thursday, 16 June, 2022

Picture: SUPPLIED |

STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

One in 10 men experience anxiety or depression when they welcome a baby, St John of God Raphael Services said.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

St John of God Raphael Services director community mental health Services Anna-Marie Thompson.

Men’s photo competition For years, St John of God Raphael Services has been supporting parents through the emotional challenges of parenthood through early intervention counselling, therapy and support.

This Men’s Health Week, the service is running a Healthy Men, Healthy Minds photo competition to help raise awareness for men’s perinatal mental health.

A DJI Mini SE drone or one of two $50 Coles Group and Myer vouchers are on offer for the best snaps of a special moment between a child and a significant man in their lives.

St John of God Raphael Services director community mental health services AnnaMarie Thompson said up to one in 10 men experience anxiety or depression when they welcome a new baby or when their partner is pregnant.

“New dads may experience perinatal mental illness even if their partner does not, and they’re twice as likely to experience perinatal mental illness if their partner is suffering,” she said.

“Male role models come in all shapes and sizes, but the relationship between a child and

the significant man in their life is crucial to shaping their understanding of the world.“ Anna said it was important to be aware of the symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression so you can recognise them in yourself, your partner, friends and family members, and encourage them to seek help.

“Through Healthy Men, Healthy Minds, we want to let dads and other male role models know that it’s okay to ask for help if they’re struggling with the emotional challenges of parenting.

“Accessing the right support early can help

parents get their family life off to the best start possible.”

The Healthy Men, Healthy Minds photo competition will run from 13 – 26 June.

A public vote will choose 10 finalists and a panel of judges will select the winners which will be announced on 7 July on the St John of God Health Care website and Facebook page.

For more information and to enter the competition, visit sjog.org.au/healthymen St John of God Raphael Services Berwick is at 57 Fairholme Boulevard.

Replace the waffle pods City of Casey is one of 30 councils across Victoria that will share in $630,000 from the State Government in a bid to promote sustainability and increase the state’s circular economy.

The council is set to receive $20,000 funding to work in collaboration with RMIT University and not-for-profit organisation Circular Economy Victoria on a project that seeks to find a local alternative for a commonly used building material.

The group will work with local developers and builders to find a recycled substitute for expanded polystyrene (EPS) waffle pods, which are used extensively in residential housing developments for their strength and durability.

Despite their suitability, City of Casey’s sustainability and waste manager Michael Jansen explained EPS waffle pods were light and brittle, meaning they break into pieces that were easily blown off building sites and into the environment.

According to The Yarra River Keeper Association and The Cleanwater Group, EPS is

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consistently the highest littered microplastic detected in the Yarra River.

“The City of Casey has identified EPS pollution as a critical environmental issue in the community, causing environmental damage to livestock, wildlife and waterways,” Mr Jansen said.

“This project seeks to address the root cause of the problem by finding more viable and sustainable alternatives that are more consistent with the circular economy and would have less impact on the environment and community.”

It is hoped the findings of the study can be shared and applied across all of Melbourne, Mr Jansen said.

Other council projects supported by the funding include building business cases for a shared organics processing facilities and a glass recycling facility, as well as establishing a way to recirculate materials into existing Central Victorian industries.

More information is available at sustainability.vic.gov.au

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

Final Stage

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.

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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“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

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Thursday, 16 June, 2022

EPS waffle pods are used in place of concrete slabs at the base of many residential and commercial buildings in the City of Casey.

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NEWS

William’s a top apprentice

By Jonty Ralphsmith Nothing was going to stop Dandenong Chisholm TAFE student William McCallum from completing his apprenticeship.

Barely 12 months after requiring brain surgery due to a motocross accident, Mr McCallum took out apprentice of the year at the Chisholm awards night on Wednesday 1 June.

He was couch-bound for five months of 2021, temporarily halting his Certificate III in fabrication and engineering but prior to the accident he vowed he would complete the apprenticeship “as best and as quickly as possible”.

Once he found out that he would be OK, he remained adamant that he would continue to chase his calling.

It was pretty challenging but I thought I

might as well get as much done as I can,” he said.

“I really love what I do a lot and I learnt a lot about fabrication and welding.”

Now finished his apprenticeship, Mr McCallum is working at the same business he has been since finishing year 12 - Dean G Fabrications in Devon Meadows.

He has always been a car buff and is also now using his skills to build a Ford Falcon.

Grateful that his work has been recognised, particularly given the adversity, Mr McCallum was among three Dandenong campus students to win awards on the night.

Jonathan Wolfe won the Bill Norling Award and Muhammed Mehdi won the international student of the year.

Chisholm director and chief executive officer Stephen Varty acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all finalists.

“I am honoured to lead an organisation that produces such outstanding talent. The past year has been unprecedented and raised many challenges, which makes our finalists’ achievements even more outstanding,” Mr Varty said.

“At Chisholm, our aim is to deliver quality, practical education to ensure our students are job ready when they graduate. Many of these students have overcome significant disadvantages and have demonstrated the resilience needed in a contemporary workplace.”

The achievements were celebrated at Chadstone with winners announced across eight categories.

Apprentice of the year William McCallum in front of a car he built using skills from his course.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Firefighters push for better mental health awareness

By Eleanor Wilson When they’re not busy fighting fires or assisting emergency services in life threatening situations, volunteers at the Narre Warren Fire Brigade are well known for delving into other forms of charitable work.

Earlier in the year, they ran a makeshift fire truck across Melbourne for the Run For the Kids, raising thousands of dollars for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

This month, members of the local CFA are testing their fitness once again, all in the name of mental health awareness.

For 24 days in June, 16 members of the Narre Warren Fire Brigade are pushing their muscles to the limit to complete a total of 3139 push ups each, which equates to around 130 per day.

The challenge is run by the Push For Better Foundation, who chose the specific number to represent the number of Australian lives lost to suicide in 2020.

“Being aware of your own mental health is really important and suicide awareness is not something that’s talked about too much,” Narre Warren CFA wellbeing officer Anastasia Barker said.

Sixteen of Narre Warren CFA’s fittest firies are completing the push-up challenge this June.

“It’s also team building. We use an app to complete the challenge and everyday they give you new information and new statistics.”

The brigade has raised over $1100 dollars

so far and hope to reach $2000 by the end of the month.

Firefighter Barker said the participating members had also set a goal to reach 25,000

Picture: SUPPLIED push ups between the team.

To donate to the Narre Warren CFA’s pushup challenge, head to thepushupchallenge. com.au/fundraiser/NarreWarrenCFA

Follow alpine snow advice and don’t get snowed in Victoria Police is urging those travelling to alpine areas this winter to plan ahead to stay safe, with this year’s snow season expected to be the busiest in two years.

Police expect an influx of Melburnians to head to the slopes this winter, as travelling to the snow was restricted for the last two years due to the pandemic.

The heavy snow fall is a timely reminder for snow-goers to be aware of the safety measures they can take to ensure their holidays are safe and enjoyable.Those travelling on unfamiliar alpine roads are encouraged to drive with care and caution, with dangerous and slippery conditions predicted.

Bright Senior Sergeant Doug Incoll said locals were looking forward to welcoming Victorians back to the alpine region, as long as they undertook necessary precautions.

“We are pleading with people to ensure their safety checklist is fully ticked off before heading up to the mountains, particularly when it comes to road safety,” Senior Sergeant Incoll said.

“One small oversight such as inappropriate wheel chains could easily lead to tragedy.

“We also ask everyone to make sure they enjoy themselves responsibly after a long day in the snow - this includes drinking responsibly and looking after your mates.

“Unfortunately, theft of snow equipment and personal belongings does occur on the mountains every year. There are a number of common-sense measures you can take to reduce theft of your property such as keeping your skis/board secure at all times and keeping valuables out of sight.”

Some roads are expected to be closed due to snow fall, so people are advised to phone 13 11 70 or check the VicRoads’ website, resort cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Snow at Mount Donna Buang earlier in June. 284074 websites and social media channels before leaving home.

Police are also reminding people to carry appropriate snow chains and ensure they can be fitted to their vehicles.

The chains must be fitted when directed to do so.

You can be fined and redirected away from the mountain for failing to carry and fit snow chains as directed, police said.

Other alpine road safety tips include: Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel; Ensure your car’s radiator is filled with antifreeze and if diesel use alpine mix; Drive cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin; Brake gently and avoid unnecessary gear changes; and Always follow directions by resort staff, police and road signs.

The Search and Rescue Squad is also asking

· · · · ·

Picture: SUPPLIED

people to prepare and plan their trip carefully to prevent becoming lost in snow areas or in national parks.

Anyone visiting back-country areas or slopes outside the boundaries of resorts is advised to take extra care in planning their trip and consider the risks associated with avalanches, particularly after heavy snow falls, police said.

Search and Rescue Squad Senior Sergeant Greg Paul said preparation was key to an enjoyable snow experience.

“We are urging snow-goers to heed our safety advice and plan well ahead to ensure maximum protection,” Senior Sergeant Paul said.

“If you get lost - don’t panic. Get out of the wind, try to stay dry and off the snow, and remain visible. Don’t simply walk downhill hoping to make it to civilisation.

“For anybody visiting alpine areas during

winter, whether you’re very experienced or it’s your first trip, the following site is full of important information that may one day safe your life - snowsafe.org.au.”

Search and Rescue Squad officers advise those planning to ski, snowboard or hike back-country areas to: Buddy up or let someone know where you are going and how long you will be; Wear appropriate wind and waterproof clothing; Carry a spare battery or turn your mobile phone off to preserve battery power; Take care of and check your equipment before skiing or boarding; Regularly check weather and snow conditions as conditions can change quickly; Consider carrying an emergency locator beacon; and If lost – stop, seek shelter and wait.

The community is encouraged to visit the ‘Outdoor and bush safety’ section of the Victoria Police website for further advice and to download a Trip Intentions Form. This form should be filled out and left with a reliable friend, family member or responsible authority. Go to police.vic.gov.au.

As always, if you need emergency assistance while you’re on the mountain, call Triple Zero (000).

Local police officers will maintain a sevenday-a-week presence at Mount Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Buller for the season.

Police said their focus would be on enhancing community safety through highly visible patrols across the mountains, ensuring responsible service of alcohol through patrols and spot checks at licensed venues, road safety on and around the mountains and providing timely responses to any incidents that occur.

· · · · · · ·

Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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STAR NEWS 17

NEWS

Attraction and retention Last week I had the privilege of being one of four panellists on a business breakfast at The Palladium at Crown, on the topic “Don’t let good people get away - how to attract and keep them”.

This is a massive issue right now with many businesses finding it very hard to get staff amidst the well-publicised staff shortages and those that do are finding that salary requirements have increased substantially.

With the prospect of further interest rate rises and inflation showing no signs of reducing, the current situation is unlikely to change significantly for some time, and so now, more than ever, it is vital that businesses retain valuable staff and, where necessary, attract good, new employees.

So how is this done and where should the focus be placed?

If a business is able to retain staff but not attract new employees, then while it may be able to continue on a BAU (business as usual) basis, over time the workforce will become stale with a consequent impact on new ideas and innovation.

Conversely, if a business is able to attract staff (perhaps through paying higher salaries) but is unable to retain employees, then the cost of employment (and staff training) becomes very high and the level of staff churn is likely to create low morale, not to mention a poor reputation for the business.

Clearly being able to both attract and retain is important, but the primary consideration is really retention, since if the talent pool is leaking, there is a continual drain on cash and resources, so plugging the leak needs to be done first.

Oakstone International (a UK-based recruitment company), identified the top eight reasons staff stay with a company (oakstone.co.uk/ new-blog/2018/8/10/the-top-8-reasons-employees-stay-with-a-company/#believe):

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH 1. They believe they are part of something special: culture, team, environment.

2. They believe in what they’re doing, and it has purpose and meaning.

3. Their work is recognised and appreciated.

4. They appreciate and respect their co-workers.

5. They have a mentor who encourages them.

6. They have trust in the business leaders.

7. They are emotionally invested and genuinely care about the company.

8. They are treated fairly.

Note that none of these reasons have anything to do with financial reward, but they do have everything to do with company culture.

It is well known that typically “staff don’t leave companies, they leave bosses” so this really does underpin the need to ensure that a company culture is created that is healthy, positive and supports staff growth and development.

In fact, the 2019 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report found “94 per cent of employees say that they would stay at a company longer if it simply invested in helping them learn”.

Once a company’s talent pool drain is plugged, then the focus can shift to attracting new staff, safer in the knowledge that they will stick around for a while. There are a few essential steps to getting this right which are often overlooked.

Key to the process is ensuring that the

Being able to both attract and retain staff is important, but the primary consideration is really retention. healthy company culture is clearly articulated in marketing and job-related materials since this is likely to then describe why the role is exciting as opposed to just what it does.

If appropriate, the list above can be used

to extract key benefits that are likely to appeal to good candidates. Finally, although salary is not the be all and end all, you must at least pay market rates otherwise even happy staff may get tempted to leave.

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Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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Local heroes to dress up Hero For HeartKids Day is this Friday 17 June a fun superhero event encouraging Australians from all walks of life, including business and community leaders, to unleash their hidden superpowers by dressing up as their favourite superhero for the day.

Now in its eighth year, the day is held to celebrate the thousands of brave children who are living with the life-threatening challenges of congenital heart disease (CHD).

Cranbourne’s SuperCheap Auto will be raising funds throughout the month of June to help generate awareness for CHD and demonstrate that true superheroes do exist.

Staff will also be dressed in superhero outfits on Saturday 18 June, and store manager Matthew Dam said he was was thrilled to get behind the cause.

“We at Supercheap Auto Cranbourne are so proud to partner with HeartKids Australia to support families impacted by congenital heart disease,“ Mr Dam said.

“We have met so many of our amazing customers who have shared their stories and expressed how happy they are to see that our store is joining the team in raising donations for those affected.

“No matter how big or small the donation is, every cent counts.“ Cranbourne resident Ebony Mallinson and her nine year old HeartKid daughter Amelia and HeartKid son Elijah recently visited the

Cranbourne store to thank them for their support.

“We’ve been involved with HeartKids for since 2015 when our daughter was diagnosed

with a rare form of cardiomyopathy. She got a heart transplant and she was in the Royal Children’s Hospital for about nine months,“ she said.

“While we were in there, HeartKids would run morning teas twice a week for parents to get support from other people going through similar things and even now, they still check in to see how we’re going.

“The more businesses that get behind the cause, the more awareness there is around disease.“ Every day in Australia there are eight children born with a heart defect, which means there is one family every three hours whose life will change in a heartbeat.

The condition is lifelong with no known cure and many children will require ongoing treatment including open-heart surgeries throughout their life.

All money raised through Hero For HeartKids events goes to providing support for families with children undergoing heart surgery, with hospital support services, a helpline, parent networking programs, and financial support for families who are doing it tough.

HeartKids chief executive officer Fiona Ellis said Hero for HeartKids was an opportunity for the Australian community to harness their superhuman powers and be a positive force.

“HeartKids is there to ensure Australian children, teens and adults affected by congenital or childhood acquired heart disease have a fighting chance to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life,” she said.

To join the fight visit hero4heartkids.org.au

WHAT’S ON Red Cross Birthday Hallam Friends of the Red Cross are holding a birthday party, to celebrate 43 years of service to the community.

With guest speaker Helen Comport from Quilts of Valour Australia.

It all kicks off at 1pm on Tuesday 21 June at Hallam Community Learning Centre, 56 Kays Road Hallam. All welcome, a small cost of $5 nonmembers, $3 members. There will be refreshments after the guest speaker. Contact Robert 0455 566 570.

Narre Warren & District Family History Guest Speaker The guest speaker at the general meeting of the Narre Warren & District Family History Group on Saturday 18 June 2022 is Darren Arnott.

Darren is an amateur historian and awarded author of ‘No regard for the Truth’, he will be talking about his research into the Italian WW2 prisoners held at the Rowville camp from 1944 to 1946.

Visitors are welcome, the talk will commence at 2 pm L’Arte Central Training Room 1/65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne. To attend in person or via Zoom, book with Eileen secretary@nwfhg.org. au phone 0439 720 557.

Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre Inc If you are over 55, live in Casey and looking for something to do, come and join us. We are a friendly Club. Our club day is on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3pm. On the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays we have live entertainment. There are also weekly activities on other days of the week which include, the Garden Group Club, Indoor Carpet Bowls, Sing-A-Long, Line Dancing, Table Tennis and friendly Cards and Darts games. We are located at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Phone us on 9704 0015 or 0426 736 467 or email narwarsen@bigpond.com, for more information.

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Keep History Alive At the Berwick Mechanics Institute & Free Library, 15 High Street, Berwick on Wednesday 22 June from 1-3.pm.

Memories of the old Berwick Post Office, with former Postmaster Malcolm Studd.

Berwick Art Society Demonstrator The Berwick Artist Society’s demonstrator on Wednesday 22 June is John Bredl. He is a prolific painter in oils whose themes are seascapes and landscapes. The demonstration will go from 11.00am until 2.00pm. Venue is the Old Cheese Factory Function room.

Members $10. Non members $15. All welcome.

Berwick Art Society Exhibition Berwick Artist Society will have an exhibition from Saturday 4 July to the Friday 29 July at the Cranbourne library.

Demonstrators will be painting each day. Paintings will be for sale.

65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East.

·Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre

If you are over 55, live in Casey and looking for something to do, come and join us. We are a friendly club.

Our club day is on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 3pm. On the second and fourth Wednesdays, we have live entertainment.

There are also weekly activities on other days of the week which include, the garden group club, cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Amateur historian and awarded author Darren Arnott will be the guest speaker at Narre Warren & District Family History Group’s June meeting.

Picture: SUPPLIED

indoor carpet bowls, sing-a-long, line dancing, table tennis and friendly cards and darts games.

We are located at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station.

Phone us on 9704 0015 or 0426 736 467 or email narwarsen@bigpond.com for more information.

·

Cranbourne pop-up blood donor centre Australia needs a blood donation every 18 seconds, but can’t do it without generous locals.

Donation centres are popping up in Cranbourne 13 - 29 June at the Cranbourne West Community Hub. 4 Flicka Boulevard Cranbourne West.

Book now.

Painting for pleasure Painting for pleasure and special free workshops are back after the problems of Covid.

On Fridays 1-2pm, free art workshops for adults

who want to start or re-start their art in oils.

The workshops are sponsored by the City Of Casey Arts Development Fund and tutored by award-winning artist Deborah Polman On Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10am - 2pm are painting for pleasure workshops for any medium aimed at taking your art to the next level to shows and sales.

Sundays between 10am - 2pm we are starting a specialised workshop for artists to learn how to refine their art with new techniques.

Tuesday nights 7pm - 10pm we have a special workshop suggested by the Pride Foundation to introduce and teach guys how to paint guys.

Our workshops are special and we only have five artists at a time so we can give individual attention to artists. The workshops are held in our new studio at 2 Merrowland Avenue, Cranbourne North.

·

Contact: Calvin Bell, Provenance administrator, 0402 210 253 provenanceartists@gmail. com

Cranbourne U3A Make the most of your retirement! Tutors available to teach art using various mediums. A variety of crafts including knitting, sewing, card making, and calligraphy. Chess, line dancing and table tennis and cycling groups welcome you. Want to learn the ukelele, guitar, or just singalong for fun? We can help.

We also have Italian class running. If you would like to tutor a bridge or mahjong class let us know. We are in the Cranbourne Library building – Casey Radio entrance.

Expand your social life and get active for a healthy third age. For more information visit u3acranbourne.org.au or call Helen, 0423 623 337.

·

Cook it with Dad A City of Casey event, the Cook it with Dad program is an opportunity for fathers and children to experience cooking together.

Every Saturday 10.30am to noon until 26 June at Selandra Family and Community Centre Registration is essential. Contact City of Casey on 9705 5200 or email dadsmatter@ casey.vic.gov.au

·

Timbarra Over 50s Social Club Are you 50 or over, young at heart and would like to meet new friends while enjoying various weekly activities?

Then come along to the Timbarra Community Hall, Berwick. Morning and afternoon tea supplied.

Activities include: Monday and Tuesday 1-3.30pm - carpet bowls(no experience necessary) Wednesday - 10am-12.30pm - Scrabble, cards(500), table tennis and carpet bowls.

Thursday - 7-9.30pm - New Vogue/Old Time Dancing (tuition included) Join in group lunches and day trips held throughout the year.

Call David on 0433 566 456 for more information.

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Rockin’ Retro Rockabilly, Retro and Rock ‘n’ Roll, are Rockin’ into the Pine Grove Hotel for an afternoon of ’50s and ’60s retro fashion, live music, dancing, delicious food and more. This event highlights and celebrates the ’50s and ’60s era and will relive the fun and the best of the era’s fashion, cars and music. All profits made from this fundraiser event will be used to hold a celebration for the Centennial of the Sacred Heart Church in Gembrook, on the November 13.

Sunday 10 July 1pm to 4pm at Pine Grove Hotel Upper Beaconsfield. Tickets at rockin_retro.eventbrite.com.au

·

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NEWS

Students focus on STEM

By Eleanor Wilson Students at Narre Warren North Primary School proved the state of Australia’s future Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) industry is in safe hands, as they capped off a week of STEM activities on Friday 10 June.

Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan and Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) engineers and representatives were given the difficult task of judging the students’ construction-themed dress up day and bridge building contest.

“It was fantastic to see the primary school students celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths week with our Major Road Projects team – helping to raise awareness for the nearby Narre Warren North Upgrade and future career opportunities in construction,” Mr Donnellan said.

Crews from MRPV visited the primary school during STEM week to educate children about future career opportunities in the wider construction industry, as well as raise road awareness for the nearby Narre Warren North Upgrade.

Students participated in activities including a career in construction presentation, road safety sessions, bridge building activities and even a site visit to the Narre Warren North Upgrade.

“We were thrilled to celebrate STEM week with the local schools – I could see plenty of budding engineers among them,” program director Brendan Pauwels said.

Nine-year old student Alina took home a hamper of goodies for her homemade bridge, which impressed MRPV crews with its water weighted softdrink bottle support beams and a hand crafted car crash fitted with witches hats and slow down signs.

“Without the water, the Coke bottles may have made my bridge fall over and adding water in my Coke bottles would weigh the bridge down so it would be able to stand up,” she said.

In recent months, Major Roads Projects Victoria has been building a new shared user path from Belgrave-Hallam Road to Heatherton Road which was opened to the public on Friday 10 June.

Works have begun to upgrade the Ernst

Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan and the kids in traffic gear. 284920

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Narre Warren North Primary School student Lachlan took home a prize for his homemade bridge. 284920

Alina’s winning bridge, constructed over a mock up freeway.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan speaks to students about STEM learning.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Wanke Road intersection with new bus stops on the departure side of the intersection – set to open up by mid-July.

Works are complete on the backfilling of the

Troups Creek Culvert, and drainage and pavement works have commenced.

Asphalting of the new northbound carriageway is due to commence early July, subject to

weather. By mid-July, the new bus stop and footpath on Memorial Drive will be complete, before works start on the second stage of upgrading the intersection.

Drilling down on trade skills in Dandenong Police investigate fire death

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Greater Dandenong youth have a new pathway into the building and construction industry with the Trade Institute of Victoria unveiling its new Dandenong site.

The institute will combine hands on experience with theory in the classroom as a key emphasis is placed on challenging students until they get the skill right.

Likewise, safety is treated with significant importance with control measures and other precautions put in place to replicate the strict protocol of a construction site.

Mayor Jim Memeti was in attendance, praising the location of the site given its proximity to the Dandenong train station makes it accessible for youth.

“The facility it is first class, and there is a big smile on the students’ faces and I’m sure you’ll have hundreds of thousands come through this facility,” he said.

“The City of Greater Dandenong is a city of opportunity to learn new skills, build a career and build a life. The TIV also offers opportunity and to have a new high quality training centre right here on our doorstep will surely encourage more local people to consider jobs in the construction industry.”

Census data from 2016 reveals Dandenong’s unemployment rate as 13.1 per cent, well above the state average of 6.6 per cent. Of those employed, 39.2 per cent work as trades workers, technicians or labourers.

Student Amanda Salaharis hopes to work for herself one day, praising the logical progression she is seeing in her knowledge as she completes her Certificate III in carpentry.

“I was drawn to the fact it was designed to support people that don’t want to do a regular apprenticeship - the schooling side of it is intensive and done within 12 months so then when I’m out on the tools, I can just focus on what I’m doing,” she said.

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

L-R: Mayor Jim Memeti, apprentice Amanda Salaharis, chief executive John Macdonald and general manager Peter Giannopoulos.

“It also means a lot to know that women are supported and encouraged. Even the simple fact they have a photo representing a female makes me feel safe. It is mostly males here but that’s fine, it’s good to know the institute has my back.”

TIV chief executive John Macdonald also spoke at the unveiling of the plaque.

“Imagine if you will a world without skilled tradespeople – carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, technicians and so many more,” he said.

“Without them who would build our homes, who would build community facilities like schools, and hospital? Who will maintain and repair our machinery? Who will keep vital infrastructure such as water, sewerage and power supplies operational? If one looks for a rationale for vocational education, there you have it.”

A woman has been found dead in a caravan fire in Dandenong South.

Emergency services were called to the fire at the caravan park on South Gippsland Highway just after 3am on Tuesday 14 June.

The 59-year-old woman’s body was found after the fire was extinguished.

Victoria Police has established a crime scene and is investigating.

The cause of the fire had yet to be determined, police say.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic. com.au ay

Apprentices Kira Haywood and Will You Amaru.

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

280539

Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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STAR NEWS 21

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Botanic Ridge Coles Botanic Ridge Village - 10 Hummingbird Drive Cannons Creek Five Ways General Store 2040 South Gippsland Hwy Clyde Coles Express Service Station Corner Grices Road and Cranbourne-Berwick Road Clyde Clyde Village Store 18 Railway Road (Cnr of Oroya Grove) Clyde North Selandra Rise Retirement Village 5 Harmony Chase Clyde North Selandra Community Hub 7-9 Selandra Boulevard Clyde North Selandra Rise Shopping Centre Selandra Boulevard & Linsell Boulevard Clyde North Lifestyle Berwick Waters 10 Skylark Boulevard Cranbourne Cranbourne Library 65 Berwick Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Cranbourne Basketball and Sports Centre 65 Berwick - Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Life Be In It 65 Berwick - Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Coles Express 1120 Cnr Sladen Street & Cemetery Roads Cranbourne Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club 1 Codrington Street CRANBOURNE

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Cranbourne BP Service Station 1025-1045 Frankston Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Cranbourne Bowls Club 5 Grant Street Cranbourne Cranbourne Newsagency 105 High Street Cranbourne Coles Cranbourne High Street (Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre) Cranbourne United Service Station 183/187 Sladen Street Cranbourne Cranbourne RSL 1475 South Gippsland Highway Cranbourne City of Casey Shop 156 South Gippsland Highway (Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre) Cranbourne Coles Springhill Springhill Drive (Springhill Shopping Centre) Cranbourne Cranbourne Community House 49-51 Valepark Crescent Cranbourne East Balla Ball Community Centre 65 BerwickCranbourne Road Cranbourne East Shopping On Clyde 280 Berwick-Cranbourne Road Cranbourne East Blue Hills Rise 200-240 BerwickCranbourne Road Cranbourne East Hunt Club Shopping Centre 1 Linsell Boulevard Cranbourne North The Avenue Shopping Centre Cnr William Thwaites Boulevard & Thompsons Road

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Cranbourne North Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre 141-147 Endeavour drive Cranbourne North Apco Cranbourne North 315 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road Cranbourne North BP North Cranbourne 399 Narre Warren Cranbourne Road Cranbourne North Woolworths Cranbourne North South Gippsland Hwy & Thompsons Road Cranbourne North Thompson Parkway Newsagency South Gippsland Hwy & Thompsons Road Cranbourne North IGA Supermarket - Eve Estate Shop 1/2-10 William Thwaites Boulevard Cranbourne West Apco Service Station 810 DandenongHastings Road Cranbourne West Coles Cranbourne West Duff Street (Sandhurst Centre) Cranbourne West Green Plaza News and Lotto Duff Street (Sandhurst Centre) Cranbourne West IGA Clarinda Park 85 Everlasting Boulevard Cranbourne West BP Service Station 910 Thompsons Road Hampton Park Shopping Centre 55 Hallam Road Hampton Park Lynbrook Lynbrook Community Centre 2 Lynbrook Boulevard & Harris Street

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SPORT

Ben Miller and his kids Pippa, Corey and Annika run towards his 300-game banner. 285135

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Ben Miller with his family Corey, Annika, Pippa and wife Jaydee. 285135

Miller joins Demon greats

By David Nagel Every sinew of the words ‘Kooweerup Football Netball Club’ mean the world to the newest member of its exclusive 300-game club Ben Miller.

Kooweerup…that’s the town where he lives and breathes, Football…has given him so much love and joy, while Netball is where he met the love of his life…wife Jaydee.

And Club, well Ben Miller would be lost without the sharing of experiences during his 20-year senior journey.

A year off for Covid in 2020 certainly proved that.

“That one year we had off, I didn’t know what to do with myself, and I wouldn’t know what to do with myself without football,” Miller said, prior to running out for his 300th club game on Saturday.

“You come down, football brings everyone together and that’s the thing I missed most when it wasn’t around.

“It just made me appreciate what we have even more.”

The now 37-year-old played his junior football in Ballarat before finishing school and moving to Kooweerup to be with his dad Geoff in 2003.

“My first memory of the club is Daniel Pirotta being my reserves coach, he’s still around today, and I broke my collarbone in the second

game I played here,” Miller said.

“Faces like Dan Crowley, Rhys Morgan, they’re my earliest memories at the club.

“I was a little bit small as a kid, didn’t really grow until I moved to Koowee.

“I think I was five (foot) four in year 12 and then by the time I turned 18 I was six (foot) two…so that’s a fair a growth spurt.”

Miller is yet to taste the ultimate success at Kooweerup, but has great memories of winning and playing in big finals alongside his great mates.

In 2014 the Demons lost the Ellinbank grand final to Cora Lynn, with Miller sharing the stage with friends Luke ‘Tex’ Walker, Craig Dyker, Ryan Wilby, coach Matt Shorey and Morgan, while younger brother Tim was playing his first season at the club.

“Timmy came down and we were going to play one year together, but we loved it that much that we’re both still here now,” Ben said.

“The three of us have played together at different stages, me Tim and Cody, it’s massive to share those experiences with my brothers.”

Miller also played in the Demons ill-fated 2018 senior grand final against Phillip Island, before playing in the 2019 reserves decider against Tooradin-Dalmore…with the Demons chasing three wins on the trot.

“I think I’m the curse, we lost two senior grand finals, but the reserves won two in a row (2017 and ’18) and then I played in the third

one and we got beat by a goal after the siren,” he said.

“While it’s been a bit disappointing, we’ve had massive wins along the way and playing in grand finals has been a highlight in itself.”

Another highlight has been making friendships that will last a lifetime.

“The friendships built with blokes at footy clubs are unbelievable and will last forever,” Miller said.

“Ryan Wilby, Craig Dyker, ‘Tex’ Walker, Timmy, just being around the club with people like that has been amazing.

“The best part of a footy game is coming in, having a shower, and then sitting down and having a beer with the boys.

“Craig Dyker, probably the most underrated player in my time at Koowee, after every game we sat together and had a beer, the same with Wilbs (Wilby) now.

“I love that, the banter, that’s what keeps you coming back.”

Miller undersells himself as “just an honest footballer”, having won a senior best and fairest award and coming runner up six times, as well as winning the league best and fairest award in the reserves last year.

He nurtured his talent against the best, playing in key posts at either end of the ground.

“Ryan Ablett was scary to play on, I reckon one year at full back I had 100 goals kicked on me,” Miller said with a chuckle.

“Ablett, Osler, Donaldson, Fitzpatrick…it was a tough task every week you ran out.

“It wasn’t a highlight statistically, but it taught me how to play football and held me in good stead over the journey.”

The current Kooweerup reserves coach said he feels proud to reach 300 games - joining great names like John Glasscock and Morgan - and doing it all based from Denhams Road.

“It means a lot to me, especially to do it at one club, not many players can say they’ve played 300 games at one club,” he said.

“It means a lot to me and to the family as well.

“Dad, Timmy has been messaging this week, telling me how proud he is, it means a lot and I’ll look back pretty proud of this achievement.

“I’m just your average bloke, a bit of a larrikin, a bit of a self-proclaimed funny guy around the club, and I’d like to be remembered as a bloke who gave everything he had and never left anything out there.

“I’ve given it everything I’ve got.”

With wife Jaydee playing netball, and children Annika, Corey and Pippa all in love with their sport…we can expect to see the Miller name at Kooweerup for many more years to come.

And that suits Ben Miller fine…the Kooweerup Football Netball Club means the world to him!

Momentum builds for Cavaliers in first season of NBL

By Lachlan Mitchell The Casey Cavaliers have made an emphatic statement in its inaugural season of NBL1.

The women’s Cavaliers side has shown its strength in the competition, currently sitting sixth on the ladder with six wins and four losses in their opening 10 games.

The side had a successful back-to-back stint in Tasmania prior to the Queen’s Birthday bye weekend.

A Saturday and Sunday fixture in the Apple Isle saw them have a 73-55 point win over the Hobart Chargers and a 85-71 win over the Launceston Tornadoes.

The women have been boosted this season by former South-Side Flyer and current AFLW player Monique Conti.

The guard is averaging 18 points per game with 39 per cent from the field.

The side has been affected by constant injuries and Covid health and safety protocols this season.

The disruptions have meant the Cavs haven’t been able to field their best side on court.

A younger member of the squad, Kyra Webb, didn’t make the trip down to Tasmania.

Webb has been a defensive weapon for the Cavaliers averaging four rebounds a game.

The men have found their introduction cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

into NBL1 a little more treacherous.

The Casey men have slumped to 3-7 at the midway point of the season.

A final moment buzzer-beater and a number of fourth quarter fade outs have led to the disappointing start.

The Tasmanian trip wasn’t as fruitful for the men as they fell agonisingly three-points short of the Chargers.

The Cavaliers managed to keep within touching distance of the Chargers all game but a final three from AJ Harris sunk Casey with 32 seconds left on the clock.

The chips fell the Chargers way in the 82-79 final scoreline.

The men have also had moments of glory, and had opportunities in crucial parts of games but fallen short.

The next month sets up to be crucial for both sides.

A Casey Stadium showpiece with the Sandringham Sabres could provide to be key that gets both sides rolling into a finals place.

And a double-header on Saturday 16 July against Ringwood Hawks looks to be the ultimate test for both sides.

Casey will be hoping to stir the pot against the Hawks who currently sit second overall.

The Sabres are the next mission on the agenda for both sides on Saturday 18 June at Casey Stadium.

The Casey Cavaliers are building into the second half of the season. 285608 Picture: IN2ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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STAR NEWS 25

SPORT

Hampton Park will need to rise in the second half of the season. 282027

Picture: ROB CAREW

The Eagles have been flying high to start 2022. 284148 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cranbourne dare to dream

By Lachlan Mitchell SOUTHERN DIVISION 1 Cranbourne has flown its way to the Queen’s Birthday bye with an 8-1 record in its new surroundings.

The Eagles are the new kids on the block in the top flight of the Southern Football Netball League in 2022.

Cranbourne faced its first and only loss on Good Friday, when it fell three goals short of a rampaging Cheltenham Rosellas side.

Suburban footy legend Marc Holt has continued his good form to be his side’s finest in front of goal booting 38 goals this year.

The Rosellas have been the only formidable thorn in Cranbourne’s season to date.

The other major contender for the prize fight is a star-studded St Kilda City line up.

The Saints have been in full voice for the majority of the season and currently sit at 6-3 at the bye.

St Kilda has been helped by former Roo and Tiger Aaron Edwards and 2010 Brownlow medallist Dane Swan.

Swan and Edwards have re-assured the Saints midfield, linking up to see them mount a charge heading into the second half of the season.

Springvale also possess the opportunity to strike in the next half of the season with exTiger and Hawk Tyrone Vickery presenting to be a formidable threat in the Demons finals aspirations.

The next month could separate the contenders from the pretenders.

The Eagles face the Saints and Rosellas at home in Round 12 and 15 respectively.

A mouth-watering clash between St Kilda and Cheltenham on 20 August sets up to be an absolute showdown with both sides looking to make their names known coming into finals.

DIVISION 2 Doveton has proven to be the front runners of the competition with the Doves yet to drop a game this season.

While Doveton continues to be the benchmark after 10 rounds Chelsea Heights, who currently sit in second place with seven wins, is continuing to knock on the Doves’ door.

Chelsea’s only loss to date came against the Doves in round six where both sides were inaccurate and missed opportunities.

The clash saw Doveton limp over the line by four points in a less than convincing result.

The two sides butt heads on 23 July at Robinson Reserve which could make or break top position leading into finals.

Hampton Park has been the sleeping giant this season.

The Redbacks got off to a shaky start dropping their first three games against Doveton, Chelsea and Keysborough, but have since rebounded to sit at 3-1-4 at the halfway point.

The year could read a lot better for Hampton Park as it squandered a 48-point three-

quarter-time lead to draw with East Brighton, and fell two points shy of Caufield a week later.

The last two weeks have seen the Redbacks in recovery mode with a bye in round nine and an additional week off for the Queen’s Birthday bye.

The ultimate test for the Redbacks comes against Doveton next week as they face the undefeated Doves at home.

DIVISION 3 The third division of Southern football continues to see a toing and froing of teams vying for the ultimate success.

Black Rock looks to be the dominant team with Murrumbeena and Ashwood all contending for a top-two position.

Narre South Saints sit just one win outside that elusive fourth spot with it still all in their hands.

The Saints percentage of 112 isn’t doing them any favours.

The Saints line-up against South Yarra on 9 July in a clash that could give them a percentage advantage in the run up to finals.

Narre South’s next big test comes against Ashwood on Saturday 18 June. A win against the Magpies could elevate the Saints to new heights as a potential threat come finals time.

Endeavour Hills face one of its toughest challenges of the year against Black Rock, with the Rock proving to be one of the mightiest tasks this season.

A win for the Eagles over the favourites will see them rise above a tightening pack.

A south-east battle between the Narre South Saints and Endeavour Hills headlines an exciting round 11.

The Eagles have played second fiddle to the Saints this season but a win could really ruffle the feathers.

DIVISION 4 The ladder in division four reads exactly how imagined with the Frankston Dolphins leading the charge in emphatic style.

The swirling winds of rumour-town have hinted that a mid-season promotion could very much be on the cards for the Dolphins as they head for higher ground.

Dandenong continues to be a threat, deep within the willows of the division, as it has the ability to surprise and bring its best against the toughest of opponents.

Adam Boag has been the biggest target for the Redlegs this season as he currently sits on 17 goals.

Dandenong face its biggest challenge of the season next week when it takes on competition favourites the Dolphins.

Lyndhurst has had its moments in the sun this season and continue to place itself in finals contention.

A 9 July clash between the Lightning and the Dolphins could be a pre-cursor to the grand final as both teams look for an early advantage.

Regulation roles get reversed for Hodge and Clarke

By Tyler Lewis Footy reaches a moment of pure clarity when the highest level mixes with grass roots.

This week in particular AFL and local footy have intertwined to put a smile on many faces.

It started in many ways on Thursday night, with local product Judson Clarke making his long-awaited debut for Richmond.

Clarke had a passionate support group in tow with fellow locals Dermott Yawney, Mac Andrew and Miller Bergman cheering on his first two kicks – which both resulted in goals.

The 19-year-old finished the match with two goals but was more than impressive on debut.

Clarke spoke to the Gazette about a potential debut after his best afield performance against Footscray earlier this year.

“It’s a work in progress I think,” he said in April.

“The feedback has been really good, every week we go in and I just look at the vision and see where I can improve here and there.

“For me ultimately it’s (the focus) to just keep developing in that role I am playing at the moment and my forward craft as well.

26 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 16 June, 2022

Berwick’s Judson Clarke kicked two goals on debut for Richmond against Port Adelaide.

Luke Hodge will line up for Devon Meadows against Seaford at Glover Reserve on Saturday.

285435 Pictures: AAP IMAGES “Keep chipping away at that and hopefully good things are to come.”

Simultaneously to Clarke rubbing his eyes

to adjust to the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s bright lights, a man accustomed to those very lights laced up down at Glover Reserve.

Four-time premiership Hawk Luke Hodge will play for Devon Meadows this Saturday and was a week early to training, putting in the hard yards before the Panthers clash with Seaford.

As expected, he didn’t look out of touch in what is believed to be his first game of footy since retiring in 2019.

Those trademark orange Puma boots were prancing around, and he was waving directions to defenders like the good old days on a very cold and gloomy night last Thursday.

The Panthers clash with Seaford will kick off this Saturday 18 June at 2pm. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Seagulls light up the sky

By David Nagel There were two shining lights that illuminated the Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The first…the light towers that were turned on at three-quarter-time to bring much-needed visibility to a dark and dreary day of winter football.

And secondly…and most importantly in the context of the year ahead…was a TooradinDalmore side that lit up the afternoon sky with a hard-fought 12.8.80 to 7.6.48 triumph over a plucky Goon outfit.

The Seagulls are now just one win away from a perfect record against all-comers, with a home game against Kooweerup this week - in front of a bumper-crowd planned for the hill – set to rubber-stamp the Seagulls dominance over the rest of the competition.

The Seagulls have shown brilliance at times this season, blitzing their opposition with a clean and precise brand of football…but this victory was built on true grit and a fierce determination for the contest.

The Gulls certainly didn’t have things go their own way.

Nar Nar Goon played the better football early, leading by seven points at quarter time… with the Seagulls staying in the contest via some free kicks and 50-metre penalties that resulted in goals.

We’re not talking out of school here…with a Tooradin player overheard at three-quarter time saying his team had a good run on the day!

But to put the victory down to outside assistant from those officiating would be an insult to this Tooradin-Dalmore team.

When the game was up for grabs in the second half…the Gulls were simply superior.

Trent Noy and Aidan Pipicelli can’t stop Blake Grewar from launching the ball forward on the weekend. 285643

The footy was a much sort after commodity at Nar Nar Goon on Saturday. 285643 Pictures: KYLIE PIPICELLI Tooradin led by seven points at half time, with two third-quarter goals to in-form forward Stewart Scanlon kicking the margin out to 19 points at the final break.

Scanlon first made the most of a relayed kick downfield, calmly slotting his fourth goal for the afternoon, before his fifth goal – at the 23-minute mark of the third term – highlighted why the Gulls are such a dangerous proposition this year.

On a day when extreme skill took a back seat, the Gulls created something out of nothing.

Piva Wright won a ruck-tap on centre wing, which found Blake Grewar clear of congestion, with the Gulls’ number-30 quickly launching

into the forward line.

Scanlon, outnumbered, then took a mark he shouldn’t have taken – it was awkward – before setting himself and kicking truly.

Wright to Grewar to Scanlon…three of the Gulls big-guns decided to have an impact and the result was beautiful to watch.

Tooradin would kick the first goal of the last quarter, via a Jake O’Donnell mark and goal, before the Goon lifted for one last shot at the title.

Trent Armour, outstanding all day through the midfield, cut the margin back to 19 points, before full-forward Dermott Yawney launched an absolute bomb with the wet footy to cut the deficit to 13 with just five minutes ticked

off the clock.

Trent Noy then missed a golden opportunity to reduce the margin to single digits before the Seagulls finished strongly.

A long bomb from Stevie Robb was followed by the sealer from Jimmy Trezise and the Gulls had prevailed after the Goon’s best shot.

Scanlon’s five goals were crucial to the 32-point win, while Lewis Hill and Brent Macaffer continued their brilliantly consistent form. Stalwart defender Adam Galea stuck firm to his task on Yawney, while Trent Adams and Trezise were others to shine under lights.

The Goon wasn’t that far away, with that stray kick from Noy halting some hard-earned momentum in the final term.

Armour and Yawney finished with two each for the vanquished, while youngsters Tex Marsham and Nate Pipicelli joined Armour and Jake Smith on the best players list.

The Gulls host the Demons this week, while the Goon faces another tough assignment with an away trip to Inverloch.

Will the mighty ever fall?

By Tyler Lewis Premierships are won in September and September alone.

But something drastic is going to need to happen for the Casey Demons to stumble.

The Dees are now 11-0 after disassembling Collingwood on Sunday and, after another bye this week, face Gold Coast, Port Melbourne and Geelong – none of which sit inside the top eight.

Casey piled on six unanswered goals in the first term, added a further five to the Pies two in the second, before heading into the final change with a 13 goal to four lead.

A dozen Demons players hit the scoreboard as the Casey outfit kicked away to an 11th successive win...14.10 (94) to 6.6 (42).

Luke Dunstan bullied the Pies with 39 disposals and a goal, while Jimmy Munro collected 30 disposals and a six-pointer, but unchar-

acteristically only stuck two tackles.

For Collingwood, local Matt Wetering kicked two of the Magpies six majors.

Frankston, meanwhile, suffered an agonising defeat at the hands of Brisbane.

Much to the crowd’s joy, the Dolphins reeled back the two-goal half-time deficit to level the scores late in the final term.

But a final minute hack kick from Brisbane’s Tom Fullarton handed the Lions a 9.2 (56) to 9.8 (62) win.

Lions midfielder Tom Berry was instrumental for the visitors, firing on all cylinders.

Berry gathered 28 disposals, kicked 2.2 and applied 11 tackles.

He wasn’t the only player doing it on the inside and out, with Frankston’s Trent Mynott also accumulating 30 disposals and 14 tackles.

Officer and Box Hill’s Cal Porter celebrated his 50th VFL match with a 15.12 (102) to 14.12 (96) win over Port Melbourne.

Stefan Colakovski has left the club to fly west to Perth Glory. 285688 Picture: WISEMANSPORTS/TALKINGCITY

City stars make the move

By Lachlan Mitchell Melbourne City’s season came to an end in a way no one was expecting with a twonil loss to Western United in the A-League Grand-Final.

The 2021/22 campaign ended with a number of player’s coming to the end of their contracts, departing the club for greener pastures.

English international Carl Jenkinson has departed the club after his six-month loan from Nottingham Forrest came to an end.

Jenkinson had also featured for Arsenal before making the move to Nottingham Forrest.

The adventurous right back made 28 appearances for Melbourne City and found himself hitting the back of the net on three occasions.

Japanese import Tsubasa Endoh has also reached the end of his six month contract.

The midfielder made nine appearances cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

for City including three starts in the Asian Champions League.

Endoh’s experience playing in the American major league gave the 28-year old the knowledge to excel on the world stage.

Stefan Colakovski has also announced his departure from the club to join Perth Glory in the new season.

Colakovski joined City as an academy player at 15-years-old and has been a pivotal player in the success of the club since.

The forward made his debut in 2019 against Wellington Phoenix where he played a crucial role coming off the bench in City’s 3-2 win.

Colakovski was grateful for the club believing in him and giving him the opportunity to play at the highest level.

“To our fans, thank you for your support over the years. I always gave my all every time I put on the City shirt and you will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said in a press release.

Roan Steele has been tremendous for the Demons this year.

Picture: ADAM MCFARLANE

Thursday, 16 June, 2022

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