News - Berwick Star News - 24th November 2022

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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Candidate apologises for comments

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Refugees cast first votes

Liberal ‘heartland’

By Eleanor Wilson

A line builds at the Akoonah Park pre-poll centre in Berwick. 308299

Joe Henst chats to Brad Battin at the Akoonah Park pre-poll. 308299 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS nation to ‘can Dan’.

Voter David Mitchell said he has voted for Labor in the past, but that won’t be the case this time around.

“I reckon Labor is corrupt. There’s been too many examples, too many IBAC inquiries.

I don’t think they’ve been honest and I think where there’s smoke there’s fire,” he said.

“I think with what we’ve gone through with Covid over the last couple of years and examples like that, we need a change. We need a change, he’s been there too long.”

Wife Angela said she too was voting against Mr Andrews, rather than in favour of a particular party or policy.

For her, seeing her elderly mother wait for 24 hours in a local emergency department fol-

lowing a bad fall at home, was the decider.

“The health system is ridiculous here in Victoria. That is one of the main things I’m really not happy about.”

Local voter Lisa said she took no issue with the Labor Party, but said Mr Andrews was running the state “like a dictatorship”.

“The Labor Party is no longer the Labor Party,” for Trevor, who said he often voted Labor in his youth. He too wants Mr Andrews gone.

But perhaps the most ardent opposers of the Andrews Government were volunteers campaigning on behalf of the Freedom Party of Victoria.

“Vote for your local nurse and get us nurses back to work. We are desperate to get back to work,” was the message from two Freedom

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Party volunteers, who, along with candidate Kerry Haupt, worked as registered nurses and midwives until November last year, when they were stood down for not complying with vaccine mandates imposed by the State Government.

“Dan Andrews isn’t delivering and that is why I’m standing here today. I’ve never done this in my life before, but we felt like we had to,” one of the volunteers said.

“We’re not political people, we’re nurses. We don’t get involved, we don’t do this usually.

“Mandates are still effective within the health care system and there are thousands of us nurses who are unemployed right now.”

Labor candidate Malik Zaveer, who has also been trying to gain constituents’ votes in-person at Akoonah Park, said he is hopeful he will be triumphant at the election.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed, you have to be in it to win it,” he said.

“I am hopeful, but at the end of the day, its all in the voters’ hands. They decide who’s the best candidate or the best government to run the state. But I think Labor has done quite well.”

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“I’d rather stick with the devil I know than the one that I don’t,” said Narre Warren resident Meredith Dale as she stood outside a pre-poll centre at Akoonah Park in Berwick.

A chilly November day didn’t stop Meredith, nor 2000 local pre-poll voters, from doing their due diligence for democracy on Thursday 17 November.

Liberal candidate and favourite to win the district, Brad Battin, has been at Akoonah Park morning and night handing out how-to-vote cards, along with other candidates and eager campaign volunteers.

He said he was quietly confident heading into the final week of campaigning before election day on Saturday 26 November.

“There’s still a bit to go. But I think overall we’re in the middle of Liberal heartland. So I’ll take that whilst we’re here,” Battin said.

“Of course anything can happen on the day, but if we keep the [pre-poll numbers] coming through, we’ll have over 50 per cent of the votes by election day.”

As of Thursday 17 November, the Berwick District had received more than 6800 pre-poll votes, in addition to 7661 local constituents who had their say by postal vote.

Battin said roads had been a dominant issue occupying locals’ minds.

“I’m surprised at how many people have mentioned potholes. I knew it was an issue but I didn’t realise how much of an issue it was,” he said.

Young voter Madison Bank agreed roads in the area need to be addressed, but said it was her family’s voting habits that influenced her decision to vote Liberal.

“I’m a bit younger so I think I’m still figuring out where I lie,” she said.

Many voters said they felt disillusioned by the election, with one remarking, “I‘ve spent long enough on this planet to know they promise the world and give you nothing”.

But just as many shared a resolute determi-

NEWS

Refugees cast first votes More than 20,000 new citizens in the South East are voting in a state election for the first time.

Among them is first-time voter and Afghan refugee Idress Jaffari, who never voted in his homeland.

He became an Australian citizen just five months ago.

Mr Jaffari says, as a member of the minority Hazara ethnic group, his vote would not have had any impact anyway.

“In Afghanistan, if you are from a minority group, you are not heard.

“I believe the system in Australia works well. Here you are able to choose your representative and have your voice heard.

“And when you choose your representative, they can take your concerns to Parliament.

“Voting in Australia shows respect to the system and I feel like I have no barriers to me taking part in the election process. Personally, being able to vote makes me feel included and a full member of the society.

“I would encourage all refugees and migrants to vote. Australia is a great place and I feel included and happy to be here.”

The most populous South East districts for new citizens arriving after the 2018 state election are Cranbourne (3099), Dandenong (3094), Berwick (3046), Narre Warren South (2764) and Pakenham (1956).

The other districts are Narre Warren North (1755), Mulgrave (1703), Clarinda (1455), Mordialloc (1199) and Bass (731).

Among the new citizens voting in a state election for the first time also are Osama Butti and his wife, who escaped ISIS terror attacks on the streets of Baghdad.

They were the first of the extra 12,000 refugees the then Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced Australia would accept in 2014.

“When we came to Australia I felt like we had won the lottery and getting our citizen-

New citizen and first-time voter Osama Butti, with his family, feels like he’s “won the lottery a second time”. ships and being able to vote feels like we have won the lottery a second time,” Mr Butti said.

“Here in Australia you can feel democracy at work. We are free to choose whoever we want.

“You can see the programs and plans of each of the parties and candidates and make your choice.

“In Iraq each time you would see the same names and the same candidates, so there was really no choice.”

Syrian refugee Rene said she was “excited” about voting in Australia for the first time.

Rene said she had voted in Syria but that Australia’s system was “more accurate and credible”.

“Voting make me feel part of this community and I’m proud of that. I feel included in that I am able to practice my rights as an Australian citizen,” she said.

Cath Scarth, chief executive of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, said refugees and migrants relished the chance to vote and play a part in the political process.

“Refugees and migrants see the right to vote

Idress Jaffari says he feels his voice is heard in Australia’s electoral system. as a validation of their places in Australian society and it gives them a sense of belonging,” Ms Scarth said.

“Many, especially refugees, have come from places where they don’t have a vote or the act of voting can be extremely dangerous.

“So, we find most new citizens relish the op-

portunity to take part in the political process and take it very seriously.”

Part of AMES Australia’s mission was to help orientate newly arrived refugees and migrants to Australian society and part of that work was to help them understand the electoral process, she said.

Major parties promise millions for South East seats Both major political parties are promising hundreds of millions of dollars for electorates in the South East, including Berwick, Narre Warren North, and Narre Warren South.

The Gazette has compiled a list of local election promises across the seven electorates.

All candidates were contacted with the details of their party’s promises for their electorate to give them opportunity to provide additional information where required. Although some promises may benefit people those not in the electorate, promises are only listed once - either in the ‘Multiple electorates’ section or their respective electorate.

Note the list does not include Victorian Budget 2022-23 outcomes, statewide announcements where there is no funding allocated to a specific local project in an electorate, or projects which the State Government commited to but which weren’t conditional on winning the election.

Multiple electorates Liberals Berwick-Cranbourne Road - Duplicating the road from the Thompsons Road roundabout to Sladen Street in Cranbourne $175 million.

Narre Warren - Palliative Care South East rebuild - $2 million (announced in February 2022).

Extend the Cranbourne rail line to Clyde Two new stations at Clyde and Cranbourne East, and upgrade Cranbourne station $928 million.

Labor Clyde North - Redevelop intersection at Thompsons Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road - $70 million.

Narre Warren - Women’s health clinic package - with one of 20 clinics to be based in Casey Hospital.

New schools: Casey Central Primary School, Pakenham North West Primary School, Clyde Creek North Primary School,

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

upgrade - $1.5 million.

Warren North - Pitch upgrades for · Narre Berwick City FC at Jack Thomas Reserve - Perc Allison Reserve - $2.5 · Beaconsfield $2.75 million. million.

Warren North - Narre Warren North Beaconsfield Upper Beaconsfield Cricket · Narre · Club - $3.5 million.

Primary School - $960,000.

- Upgrade Berwick Churches Soc- · Narre Warren - Upgrades to Max Pawsey · Berwick Reserve - $6.4 million. cer Club’s home ground at Grices Road Reserve - $2 million.

Labor

- Completion of the Budhist Vihara Candidate: Belinda Wilson · Berwick Temple - $900,000. · Endeavour Hills - Dog park.

- Berwick Athletics Track at Edwin · Endeavour Hills - James Cook Primary · Berwick Flack Reserve, including facility upgrades School - $9.1 million. for storage and accessibility and the conNarre Warren - Fleetwood Primary School · struction of spectator seating - $1 million. upgrades - $310,000.

- Planning and early works of · Berwick Hallam - Hallam Senior College upgrade · a brand-new sporting facility, includ$24.2 million. ing $100,000 for minor renovations at the Narre Warren - Mental Health and Wellbe· Berwick Football Club and Berwick Junior ing Local.

Football Club - $500,000.

- Traffic lights across the Princes · Berwick Highway near the entrance to Wilson Botanic Park - $2 million.

ALP’s Belinda Wilson is contesting the seat of Narre Warren North as incumbent MP Luke Donnellan exits the seat. Picture: SUPPLIED Clyde Creek North Secondary School, Ballarto Road Primary School, Clyde North Primary School, Clyde North Secondary School and Thompsons West Primary School - all interim names and listed under ’Multiple electorates’ as the exact sites have not been identified and some candidates listed the same schools.

Casey Radio - $50,000 Neighbourhood batteries: A battery will be installed in Cardinia Shire, City of Casey, Baw Baw and Bass Coast, amongst other council areas.

Berwick Liberals Candidate: Brad Battin Beaconsfield - Beaconsfield railway station

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Narre Warren South Liberals Candidate: Annette Samuel Hampton Park - Hampton Park Shopping Centre - $200,000.

Lynbrook - Completion of the Lynbrook Community Garden - $120,000.

Lyndhurst - Lyndhurst Secondary College $13.6 million.

Labor Candidate: Gary Maas Hampton Park - Robert Booth Reserve for the refurbishment of the Hampton Park Tennis Club pavilion - $550,000.

Hampton Park - Uniting Church to help deliver support to those in need - $50,000.

Lyndhurst Secondary College - upgrade and modernisation - $13.6 million.

When contacted, Mr Maas’ office added new Casey Central Primary School and a new government owned and operated early education centre in or around Hampton Park/Lynbrook. They also added Grices Road Recreation Reserve pavilion upgrade, and although the reserve borders on the Narre Warren South electorate, it is in the Berwick electorate.

- Berwick Show to increase inclu- · · Berwick siveness - $200,000.

- New outdoor play facility for · · Berwick Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House · $50,000. · Clyde North - Improved phone reception.

Labor Candidate: Malik Zaveer Berwick - Grices Road Recreation Reserve - $1.2 million.

Narre Warren North Liberals Candidate: Timothy Dragan Narre Warren - Fountain Gate Secondary College community stadium and community theatre - $10 million.

Narre Warren - Fleetwood Primary School upgrades - $100,000.

Hallam - Nathdwara Centre - $150,000.

Narre Warren North - Install traffic lights at the intersection of Crawley Road and Narre Warren North Road, along with a break in the centre at Brundrett Road - $5 million.

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NEWS

Dragan apologises post-commentary

By Eleanor Wilson Narre Warren North Liberal candidate Timothy Dragan has apologised following a series of controversial comments made at a Narre Warren pre-poll centre last week.

A leaked audio recording obtained by The Sunday Age uncovered a string of comments made by Mr Dragan while campaigning outside the pre-poll centre at Foundation Learning Centre, including remarks blasting climate change, abortion rights and Indigenous acknowledgement.

“There’s no such thing as traditional Australians, because Australia is a post-colonial concept,” Mr Dragan said in the audio recording.

“We won this land fair and square.

“If we’re going to go by what’s Aboriginal, we might as well abolish everything, get our camping chairs and live in the desert.”

Mr Dragan also railed against abortion rights in the recording, which he said he would vote to ban abortion if it went to Parliament.

“Why is the passage through the vagina the reason why you can or can’t murder a human?”

Mr Dragan said.

“What makes a vagina’s trajectory so special?”

The Liberal candidate and business consultant was also taped referring to senior Liberal Party member and Berwick candidate Brad Battin as “a prick”.

Mr Dragan revealed that despite living in Mr Battin’s District of Berwick, he put the candidate third on his personal vote, calling him an “egoist” and “very selfish”.

“One thing he did that was very annoying was that he tried to stop me from getting preselected,” Mr Dragan said of Mr Battin in the leaked recording.

“He knows I’m not going to support him for the leadership, and he wants someone who’ll support him.”

Mr Battin declined to comment when contacted by Star News.

In response to the leaked recording, the Liberal Party issued a statement on behalf of Mr Dragan, who said he “apologise[s] unreservedly for my insensitive and inappropriate language”.

“These comments do not reflect the views or policy positions of the Victorian Liberal Party.”

At a press conference in Bentleigh on Sunday 20 November, Victorian Liberal leader Matt Guy chose to defend his party member.

“He’s not alone in this world for making silly comments and he’s apologised for the ones he made,” Guy told reporters, according to The Age. “Some of those were disrespectful. I know they were disrespectful ... He apologised for those as he should. The first thing you ask if someone who makes any disrespectful com-

Labor candidate for Narre Warren North Belinda Wilson and Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing outside James Cook Primary School.

Picture: SUPPLIED

$9m boost

Liberal candidate Timothy Dragan has received a flurry of media attention over the weekend following a series of controversial comments.

Picture: SUPPLIED ments is to offer an apology, and he gave that, and I think that’s fair and reasonable.”

Premier Daniel Andrews chose not to respond to Mr Dragan’s comments when questioned at a press conference in Narre Warren South on Sunday.

But Labor candidate for the Narre Warren North electorate, Belinda Wilson, said she was “mortified” by the 26-year-old’s comments.

“As a mother and a woman, I was mortified to read what I read in the paper this morning and to have to have a conversation with my three kids that someone actually believes that stuff, is actually frightening,” Ms Wilson said.

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams also hit out at Mr Dragan’s comments on First Nations people, labelling them “extreme, disgraceful and downright unacceptable”.

“There’s no place for this type of bigotry in Victoria,” Ms Williams said.

“Matthew Guy needs to come clean with Victorians: does he accept these extreme views? Will he accept them in his party room – or will he rightly disendorse this extremist candidate?”

Mr Dragan has been outspoken about his contentious views in the past.

At a public community forum held at Foundation Learning Centre on 29 October, the

Liberal Party candidate said teaching gender ideology in school was “garbage” and renewable energy was “not actually environmentally friendly”.

“I think it’s very basic biology - XY male, XX female. I don’t think it needs to be disputed any further, any garbage like this should be stopped being taught in schools,” Mr Dragan said at the forum, according to a YouTube recording of the event, which has since been deleted.

He also shared his belief that “the current ideology behind climate change is not accurate or true”.

“The climate is always changing, I don’t deny that fact, but there is a lot of dispute within the scientific realm about the modern ideology of climate change. “[Renewables] still need a whole lot more time, they take a lot of space and they’re not actually environmentally friendly - they take a lot to manufacture.”

Following the community forum, Mr Dragan clarified the comments made on 29 October were his personal views, and not those of Liberal Party policy.

The seat of Narre Warren North is currently held by Labor with a margin of 10.4 per cent, but it is guaranteed a new sitting member as incumbent MP Luke Donnellan exits the seat after 20 years.

The ALP has pledged an ambitious investment into facilities at a primary school in Endeavour Hills, as crunch time looms for candidates in the 2022 State election.

James Cook Primary School will undergo a giant $9.1 million upgrade under a re-elected Labor government, allowing much-needed structural upgrades to modernise the school.

Minister for Water, Regional Development and Equality Harriet Shing and Narre Warren North candidate Belinda Wilson ventured to James Cook Primary School to view the school’s current facilities, which have not been majorly amended since the school was built in 1979.

“Our teachers do an amazing job educating Victorian students. Labor is backing their work, delivering so many new and upgraded classrooms and learning spaces at schools right across the state,” Ms Shing said.

“We want our students to have what they need to succeed in the classroom - and beyond. Because only Labor believes that every child deserves a great education.”

James Cook Primary School principal Anne Burgess said the school has significant roofing damage which has caused sizable water leaks in recent years.

She said classes have been relocated due to the leaks on multiple occasions, causing disruption to students’ learning.

Ms Wilson said every family should have a great local school.

“That’s why I’m so proud Labor will deliver an upgrade for James Cook Primary School so kids in Endeavour Hills have the world-class classrooms they deserve.

“The best teachers can’t do the best job in ageing classrooms and out-ofdate facilities. That’s why we’ve invested more than $12.8 billion to build and upgrade schools in every corner of the state - making sure every student has every chance.”

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

THREE … facts about the 16 Days of Activism

with youth librarian Tim Cuthell

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

My partner is also a librarian! We read a lot!

What are you most passionate about?

Recommending things for people to read and getting people excited about reading! I always find that people who say they don’t read or don’t enjoy reading, just haven’t found the right book yet.

What do you love about youth literacy?

Reading is so fundamental to day to day life and while school does a good job of building reading skills, you still have to get kids excited to read. It might be through a really cool illustrator, a series of novels about their favourite animal or just something that will make them laugh! You want them to reach for a book for fun. The facts come later - reading for purpose and meaning flows easier when you’ve got the habit down.

What is your favourite book?

My favourite book has always been Casino Royale by Ian Fleming. Not very child friendly but a thriller to leave you shaken not stirred.

Not only does it introduce the suave secret agent James Bond, it also has a recipe for scrambled eggs, a vodka cocktail and this amazing chapter describing how to dress for any occasion. Fleming was actually part of the secret service and he calls on his past experience in these books.

What would your last meal be?

Bacon and Egg roll. I used to drag my feet eating breakfast as a child (soggy Weet-Bix) but now I realise I was just trying to prolong it until brunch!

What was your most memorable moment?

Marrying my partner Meg in April this year.

What was your favourite subject in school?

Favourite subject in school was always history - I remember borrowing my teacher’s copy of The Golden Age of Myth and Legend in Year 8

Tim Cuthell is a children and youth services librarian at Bunjil Place.305716 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS and re-reading it over and over until about Year 10. Probably not a good sign seeing as I now work in libraries.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

I always wanted to witness the moon landing. I really felt it would have been a gravity

defying experience.

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

David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Caroline Chisolm, Homer (of the Greek myths not Simpson), Valentina Tereshkova and Queen Elizabeth.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I’m listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I’m reading The School by Brendan James Murray and I’m watching The Peripheral.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

I’ve always enjoyed novelty shirts and I’m looking forward to summer to wear them out.

Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life?

I had a pet Budgie called Budgie when I was a child. It lived more than 15 years! Well I thought it did. Mum kept swapping them out if they died in their cage overnight. I only found out when I was 18. Budgies don’t live that long.

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

Katsu chicken curry - very requested at home.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

My favourite trip so far was probably to Japan.

I will fondly remember the joy of ordering everything from a vending machine and the bustle of the streets in Tokyo.

What were you like as a kid?

Never gave anyone too much trouble as a kid.

Loved performing. I used to run a community radio show with mates from school and I was always keen to be in the school play.

What is your favourite colour and why?

Red. Bright and revolutionary colour.

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

Why don’t you have a library card? Just makes sense to have one...why not sign up today!

1

Annual campaign The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

2

Founders The campaign was started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

3

Statistic More than one-in-three women experience gender-based violence during their lifetime, according to UNWomen.

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NEWS

Community backs family

By Eleanor Wilson Several times each day 23-year-old Maya Pinn transports her son’s 30-kilogram wheelchair in and out the boot of her 12-year-old Toyota Prado.

It is a repetitive, physically taxing movement she knows she can’t continue forever.

But for now, it’s the young Narre Warren family’s only option.

Three years ago, Maya’s first born, then two year-old Lloyd, was diagnosed with IQSEC2 Associated Disorder - a rare cognitive disability that currently has less than 250 diagnoses worldwide. Lloyd is the only individual with his specific mutation of the gene worldwide, but his condition was not always obvious.

“Lloyd was born a perfectly healthy baby, weighing 8.2 pounds,” Maya said.

“He passed the initial hearing test, fed and slept beautifully and was overall the perfect little new-born.”

It was only at the six month mark that Maya started to notice Lloyd was missing key development milestones.

“The main thing was that he couldn’t weight bear, he wasn’t sitting and he couldn’t stand without support,” Maya said.

“He wasn’t reaching out to grab toys, so there were a few signs, but as a first time mum I didn’t know that wasn’t normal.” “[I] started raising concerns with the maternal child health nurse and my general practitioner, all of whom didn’t recognise the same concerns, consistently telling me that I was ‘just a young mum’.”

Maya says it took months of advocating years of various medical tests, assessments, and consultations with no definitive answers before Lloyd was diagnosed with the disease, which currently has no official syndrome name.

At the time of diagnosis, Maya was 26 weeks

pregnant with her second child, a baby girl, Elsie.

The disease is characterised as a genetic condition that causes severe intellectual disability and sometimes other physical, neurological or psychiatric symptoms.

For Lloyd, this means additional diagnoses including epilepsy, asthma, cortical vision impairment, hypotonia or low muscle tone, hypermobility, global developmental delay, hyperopia and brachycephaly.

Lloyd functions at an 8 to 12 month old level in most developmental areas, meaning he is non-verbal, cannot feed himself and is currently learning how to walk although he cannot yet stand or crawl.

Caring for him is a full time job says Maya, who also works part-time and studies a Bachelor of Health Sciences full-time.

The mother of two has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for ‘Lloyd’s Little Lorry’ - a wheelchair van which will make simple tasks that little bit easier for the family.

“Even a two-minute job like dropping the kids off at day care can be a 30-minute ordeal because I have to take the wheelchair out and put Lloyd in it and get Elsie as well.

“I can’t work full time either because, aside from Lloyd’s carer, no one has a car that can accommodate the wheelchair.”

As Maya tells it, “everything related to disability comes with a high price tag”, meaning financing a modified wheelchair van for Lloyd could cost upwards of $40,000.

But she’s hoping it will give the family added freedom to spend quality time together.

“I just want us to be able to be safe and independent, to be able to go out as a family and not have to rely on anyone else, or have anyone on standby,” Maya said.

To donate to Lloyd’s Gofundme, head to gofundme.com/f/lloyds-little-lorry-wheelchairvan

Maya Pinn with her children Lloyd (left) and Elsie.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Gambling licence holders on notice following charges A pokies operator is facing 62 charges of allegedly operating machines without mandatory pre-commitment technology.

After a tip-off in December 2021, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission inspectors visited Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) venues in Hallam, Narre Warren, Mulgrave, Sandringham, Laverton and Cheltenham to verify the “widespread and significant breaches”. ALH then turned off 220 “non-compliant” machines across 62 of its 77 venues, the VGCCC stated.

It’s alleged the machines were operating for up to five weeks without YourPlay technology, which allows gamblers to set time and spending limits. An ALH executive officer also faces charges of failing to ensure mandatory player equipment was installed.

“We have decided to prosecute ALH as the alleged breaches constituted serious and significant non-compliance across 80 per cent

of all ALH’s Victorian venues,” VGCCC chief executive Annette Kimmitt said.

“Anyone who holds a gambling licence in Victoria is on notice that they must, at a minimum, comply with their legal obligations to protect patrons from gambling harm.

“Having YourPlay installed and available on electronic gaming machines is a mandatory requirement to support safer gambling.”

In Victoria, all electronic gaming machines must have an interactive YourPlay display that allows players to set limits on the time or money they spend and to monitor their gaming machine play across venues.

The YourPlay technology is, however, only optional for players.

ALH was described by the VGCCC as Australia’s largest poker machine operator. Endeavour Group chief executive Steve Donohue said the alleged breaches were an “isolated but regrettable case of process and communication failure”.

The 220 machines in question were part of a 4690 new-machine rollout in November and December 2021, which had been delayed by Covid-19 closures, he said.

“We have since conducted a review of the installation process across our fleet.

“The investigation concluded this was an isolated but regrettable case of process and

communication failure in our internal supply chain.”

Mr Donohue said Endeavour Group was “acutely aware of the seriousness of this matter”.

“We are committed to doing all we can to ensure it does not happen again.

“As soon as the matter was raised we deactivated the machines, and proceeded to address the concerns before re-testing the functionality.

“We can confirm YourPlay is active on all Victorian machines that we operate, with ALH also offering Voluntary Pre-Commitment at all venues on the mainland, as part of our national standard.”

The 62 charges attract a total maximum punishment of about $1.35 million.

Each charge is punishable by a $22,190 maximum fine.

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Labor pitches town batteries A re-elected Labor Government has promised to deliver neighbourhood batteries in the Baw Baw, Cardinia and Casey council areas in a bid to bring back government-owned energy.

The pledge involves reviving the State Electricity Commission (SEC) and powering the state with cleaner, cheaper renewable electricity to drive bills down while supporting 59,000 Victorian jobs, the government said.

Labor said it would invest $42 million to install 100 neighbourhood batteries across Victoria, tripling the number of homes with access to a battery and providing crucial extra storage capacity for local communities.

Increasing storage capacity would mean more households could reap the rewards of returning surplus solar-generated electricity to the grid through feed-in tariffs.

As a result, more households would have access to cheaper renewable energy – even if they don’t have their own solar panels, the government said.

The Victorian Liberals and Nationals had also committed to neighbourhood batteries on Tuesday 1 November, through their Power to the People Plan, where community organisations will be able to access grants of up to $1 million as part of a $100 million Net Zero Renewables Community Projects Fund to install solar panels, big batteries, and other supporting infrastructure.

Under the Power to the People Plan, one million households will be provided with rebates of up to $4400 - $1400 for solar panels and $3000 for home batteries – with rebates doubled for rental properties.

Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables David Southwick said the Liberals and Nationals’ plan would give households greater control over their power and help cut energy bills.

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THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up To the AusNet worker who helped jump start my car when it was flat.

Thumbs up For early voting centres. The lady who checked us in was kind and helpful. After missing the last election due to gastro, I’m glad we have this option.

Thumbs up To the COP27 Summit Agreement to compensate developing nations for damage caused by climate change.

Thumbs up To Craig Goodwin for being the first active A-League player to score in a World Cup.

Thumbs down To Elon Musk’s management of Twitter and its employees.

Thumbs up Thumbs down 18 gears in a truck, rain hail and some idiots out there…

Thumbs down To all the negativity and attacking of communities that gets worse when election time comes around.

Where is the kindness in people?

To the return of Neighbours, which will create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Thumbs down To the constant rain. Yes we need some but enough is enough already.

New space launched

Pakenham

190 Princes Highway Ph: 5941 4888

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

A lake reflects clouds on a clear Friday afternoon in Narre Warren North. 309042

NEWS

Funeral Director

2 Porter Place Ph: 5625 2571

LENSCAPE

Celebrations are in order for the Bakhtar Community Organisation following the official opening of their new distribution centre in Hallam.

A family fun day was held on Sunday 20 November to welcome the community to the new space, where the organisation will distribute food and electronic good to those in need and hold classes for the community.

The centre will partner their original warehouse facility in Noble Park.

“The facility will be used to run focus groups, workshops for jobseekers and provide work experience opportunities for jobseekers in the area,” Bassir Qadiri, founder and chief executive of the Bakhtar Community Organisation, said.

“It’s connecting people with employers, providing interview training and more.

“There are a huge number of families recently settled in Casey, particularly in Hallam, Narre Warren and Cranbourne.

“This facility is not only for the Afghan community, it’s open for the wider community. You can call us at any time and make sure you receive the support you require.”

A Monash Health vaccination bus attended the event on Sunday, with Pashto and Dari interpreters helping to translate critical health information to community members who don’t have English as their first language.

“We were able to provide them with Covid-19 information, showing how we support Monash Health and vaccinations, giving assurance to the community.

“You’re not only keeping yourself safe, but the community too. Especially now that numbers are rising again with the new variant.”

Beginning early next year, Bahktar will launch their Bakhtar Response Team project, which will work with emergency service teams

Thursday, 24 November, 2022

Bakhtar Community Organisation celebrates the opening of their new distribution centre in Hallam.

308705 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

The Vax Buster Bus was at the event offering vaccines against Covid-19. 308705

Founder and chief executive of Bakhtar Bassir Qadiri addresses the crowd on Sunday. 308705

to provide assistance to people in Casey and Dandenong with volunteers speaking a range of different languages.

It will be modelled off the Hatzolah service, which functions similarly for the Jewish community.

“In emergency situations, they may have difficulty communicating with an ambulance,” Mr Qadiri said.

“The volunteers can assess the situation and determine whether an ambulance is re-

quired, and save ambulance for priority people in real need.

“It’s connecting the CALD (Culturally And Linguistically Diverse) community with the wider community, providing tools to be connected and supported.

“We have seven volunteers training to be fully equipped and ready for an emergency by January.”

The new facility is located at 23-47 Gunns Road, Hallam. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Essendon supporter Les Bilham with Kevin Sheedy and director at Blue Hill Rise, Jodie Mitchell.

Pictures: MARCUS UHE

Sheedy puts on a show

By Marcus Uhe Legend in the Australian Football League Hall of Fame Kevin Sheedy had the crowd in the palm of his hand at Blue Hill Rise Retirement Village in Cranbourne on Thursday 17 November, dropping in to the facility as part of a fundraising morning tea for Fight MND and breast cancer research.

The Fight MND campaign is one close to Mr Sheedy’s heart, not only through his connection to Neale Daniher, a player he coached at Essendon who has become the public face of the campaign in Victoria, but it also sadly claimed the life of his father when Sheedy was a teenager.

There was plenty of red and black in the audience as the four-time Essendon premiership coach reflected on his journey, from growing up in South Yarra, to his triple premiership playing career at the Tigers, his 27 years in charge at the Bombers, pioneering the beginning of GWS Giants and everything in between.

He also engaged in a Q-and-A session with the audience, where a former Fitzroy opponent of his recounted a game in which the Royal Family, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, were in attendance.

“I met this gentleman and he said, ‘We need to get people to come to elderly home villages’ and I said, ‘Yeah I’ll come out’”, Mr Sheedy said of the reason for his visit.

“This is my first time doing it and I’m going to enjoy it. My career spanned over their lifetime and we’re going to go over areas that they might want to ask about in the Q and A session: what happened, where, why, so forth.

“It’s a good communication session for me to find out what people my age want to know about me. It think good leaders pass on knowledge and that’s what today’s about.

“There’ll be a bit of humour, a bit of bridge building.”

He listed his proudest achievements as

The freedom - it happened so fast...

growing participation numbers in the Indigenous population through his recruitment of Michael Long and championing the ‘Dreamtime at the G’ game, while not missing an opportunity to throw a few barbs at long-time Essendon rivals Carlton and North Melbourne.

The event was organised was by Blue Hills resident and passionate Bombers fan, Les Bilham, who was looking for an opportunity to lift spirits in his community after a difficult couple of years due to the pandemic.

“I’ve heard him speak a few times and listened to him talk,” Mr Bilham said.

“He’s one of the greatest talkers, motivators, or inspirational people you’d ever know. You can see the people today how great (the residents) got on with him.

“It was fantastic, it went better than what we thought it would. There was standing room only available.

“They’ll (the residents) talk about this for a long time.”

Reflecting on the glory days of the Bombers under Sheedy’s reign with this fellow Essendon supporter, Mr Bilham said three things always come to mind when he thinks about his coaching legacy: the premierships, turning the entire organisation into a powerhouse of the industry and “most feared” sides in the competition, and the never-say-die attitude he instilled in the playing group.

“You can have the jacket wave, the marshmallows, the windsocks, but they were the most important things.

“They could be seven, eight goals down but could come back and win the game.

“In the rest of my lifetime I don’t think (Essendon will) ever replace him. I don’t think there’s anyone that could replace him.”

As of Friday morning 18 November, more than $2400 had been raised from the function, with event sponsor Klean Air Australia promising to contribute $15 for every split system or ducted system cleaning service purchased at Blue Hill.

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Les Bilham (centre) with his Essendon supporting family, including daughter Maree Bilham (right) and Maree’s niece, Bree Jensen. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Mr Sheedy immersed himself in the audience in an engaging presentation in front of a captivated crowd.

follow us: avivacommunitiesofficer 12575488-AV45-22

Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Milestone for Oakgrove

By Eleanor Wilson Nestled in Oakgrove Drive, Narre Warren, Oakgrove Community Centre has welcomed a range of families for more than two decades.

The not-for-profit organisation is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary early next month, reflecting on the strong support network it has built for the Narre Warren community.

David Haynes has been president of the centre committee since February 2013.

He said the centre has changed drastically since then, thanks to the growth of the suburb and a rise in culturally diverse communities, particular Afghan populations.

“We’ve moved with the community, that has been our major role and that has been a significant achievement for the centre to do that,” he said.

Mr Haynes said the centre has seen 32 per cent growth in its programs since 2010.

“That’s due to Mary and the staff. They’ve taken the centre along this new route, where we now have playgroups for non-English speaking children which allow the parents to mix together. We teach them English and get children ready to go to school.”

One of the key services the centre provides is pre-kinder and playgroup sessions, which have also seen demand shoot up over the years.

Centre manager Mary Amalraj said she hopes the centre can continue to provide for culturally diverse communities in the future.

“The future is definitely engaging with and

Oakgrove Community Centre president David Haynes. 271571

Miss Gina (educator) and Miss Josie (assistant educator) are a core part of Oakgrove Community Centre. 278696

connecting more communities, especially new arrivals,” she said.

“We envisage expanding our existing playgroups to more diverse and unique ones organised around particular needs or common interests such as babies, non-English speaking, special needs, as well as educational programs for women getting them prepared for employment.”

Gina Dickinson, who has just ticked over 17 years as a kindergarten educator at Oakgrove, said the joy she gets from seeing the children learn is what drives her.

“I love my job,” she said.

“It’s the love of the kids and watching them grow, teaching them and seeing them enthusiastic about everything,” she said.

“It’s the kids wanting to come in and at the

end of the day hearing them tell their parents what they’ve learned, so you know they have listened and are taking it in.”

The community centre is welcoming the public for a 25th anniversary event on Sunday 4 December between 11am and 2pm, with face painting, arts and crafts, pony rides, a jumping castle, market stalls and food van among the attractions.

Looking back: Oakgrove centre expansion Control your preferences As Oakgrove Community Centre celebrates its 25th anniversary, Star News Group flipped through the archives to find an article from 5 July 2007 which detailed the centre’s expansion launch. We have republished the story here to mark the important milestone for the not-for-profit.

The extended Oakgrove Community Centre was opened to the public recently following construction to improve the facility for several Casey community groups.

City of Casey mayor Colin Butler officiated at the opening and acknowledged the work of council and community centre staff, the committee of management and other volunteers in seeing the extensions become reality.

“Community centres are places where many of the diverse needs of the community can be met, and council’s objective is to ensure that residents have access to a suitable environment in which to participate in activities,” Cr Butler said.

“Centres like this offer a much-needed community base for a range of activities and learning opportunities, including Scouts and strength training for 50s and over.”

Extension works to the facility included a new multipurpose room addition to an existing room, which about doubled its size, as well as additional storage space.

Unveiled at the extension opening was a stunning three-panel Joy of Life quilt, which

Some of the creative talents behind the quilt include Jeanette Hume, Wendy Poyser and Dorothy McCarthy, pictured here with then Casey mayor Colin Butler and then councillor Lorraine Wreford, who joined the talented artists at thenewly renovated Oakgrove Community Centre. 309685 will hang in the centre’s multipurpose room.

Recognising the changes in Narre Warren over time, the quilt includes a panel depicting life prior to European settlement with an Aboriginal community and native flora and fauna.

The second panel depicts the introduction of European involvement with farming and cheese making, and the third panel depicts Narre Warren nowadays with homes, play-

grounds and families.

Talented community volunteers donated hundreds of hours of their time and skills to produce this original creation for the Oakgrove Community Centre and Narre Warren community.

Those involved in the project included Margaret Hudswell, Jeanette Hume, Wendy Poyzer, Dorothy McCarthy, Dawn Trowell, Marcia Ritter, Kathy Reiter and Riffat Siddiqui.

Sixth man charged following fatal stabbing Homicide Squad detectives have charged a sixth man following a fatal stabbing in Melbourne’s CBD in October.

A warrant was executed at a residential property in Clyde North early on Wednesday 16 November.

A 19-year-old Clyde North man was charged with affray.

He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

The charge follows an incident where emergency services were called to Bourke Street about 5.45am on Sunday 30 October following reports of a group of people fighting.

Two men sustained stab wounds and were conveyed to hospital in a critical condition, where a 20-year-old Cranbourne 8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

man later died.

A second man has since been released from hospital.

On Friday, 4 November, Homicide Squad detectives charged a 23-year-old Seabrook man and a 20-year-old Delahey man with murder, affray, intentionally cause serious injury and intentionally cause injury.

A 20-year-old Burnside Heights man, a 23-year-old Delahey man, and a 22-year-old Cranbourne man have all been charged with affray.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has video footage or further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

A Clyde North man is the sixth person to be charged over the fatal stabbing. 301063

Voters were issued an official reminder that they could control their Upper House preferences by voting below the line.

The Victorian Electoral Commission issued a statement after media reports of widely-condemned preference deals for $55,000 being organised by self-described ‘preference whisperer’ Glenn Dreury.

The group voting ticket system was legal, but only applied if voters voted with a ‘1’ ‘above the line’, VEC electoral commissioner Warwick Gately stated.

“You can control where your preferences flow if you vote below the line instead of above the line.

“To do this, you must number at least 1 to 5 below the line and can continue numbering if you wish.”

Mr Gately noted a Parliamentary review of the Upper House voting system had been deferred.

“We welcome the opportunity to provide our feedback and recommendations on the Upper House voting system, and are ready to make a submission should a reforming EMC schedule an inquiry following this election.”

Premier Daniel Andrews on 17 November said he’d consider possible changes when the review was completed.

The Liberal-National Coalition and the Greens have pledged reform.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy labelled the “Seats for Sale scandal” as an “undemocratic rort”.

“If Daniel Andrews fails to match my commitment then voters will be entitled to conclude that Daniel Andrews is more concerned about the interests of himself and the Labor Party, than the best interests of Victoria.”

You can control where your preferences flow if you vote below the line instead of above the line. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

‘Unaware’ of church links

By Shelby Brooks The Liberal Party’s Victorian director has denied he was aware of a candidate’s links to a controversial church at the time of her preselection.

The party distanced itself from Upper House hopeful for Eastern Victoria Renee Heath on Saturday 19 November after it was revealed she was a member of the City Builders Church.

The church has been accused of promoting gay-conversion therapy and being opposed to gay, transgender and reproductive rights.

Ms Heath has been campaigning alongside Pakenham Liberal candidate David Farrelly in the lead up to the state election.

The pair have filmed a number of videos which have appeared on Facebook speaking to issues within the Pakenham electorate.

On November 12, Ms Heath posted on Facebook that Mr Farrelly was, “an incredible community advocate” and “I’m so lucky that I get to work with such a legend. Thanks David for everything you do for the community”.

When asked about his relationship with Ms Heath by the Gazette, Mr Farrelly declined to comment.

On Twitter, Eastern Victorian Labor MP Harriet Shing pointed out the “pretty effusive support” Mr Farrelly had received from Ms Heath.

“What an endorsement,” Ms Shing wrote.

There is no mention of religion on Ms Heath’s candidate profile, but she has previously voiced her belief in the separation of church and state.

“I am not my father. To suggest that I am is offensive, as it belittles me,” Ms Heath said in a previous statement.

Liberal leader Matthew Guy on Saturday said it was too late to disendorse Ms Heath as a candidate but she would not sit in the party

Pakenham Liberal candidate David Farrelly with Renee Heath in a video shot at Lakeside Pakenham in October room if elected next week.

Reports published on Sunday said senior Liberal figures were warned of Ms Heath’s views weeks ago and yet the party chose to endorse her.

Liberal state director Sam McQuestin denied the reports, saying none of the information about Ms Heath’s ongoing and recent engagement with Pastor Jonathan David was made available to him.

Mr Guy backed his state director, saying Mr McQuestin followed the proper process for endorsing candidates.

“I wasn’t on the candidate selection process but I trust implicitly my party to do that work

with the information they have at the time,” he told reporters on Sunday.

“The process went through the checks and balances... and that’s very important.”

Ms Heath was pre-selected over the current Liberal MP for Eastern Victoria Region Cathrine Burnett-Wake.

Ms Wake raised concern about the risk of extremist groups during her valedictorian speech on Wednesday 21 September, condemned their influence on politics and warning “ordinary Victorians need to awaken to the threat”.

Ms Burnett-Wake said when voters are disappointed by the choices offered to them or

when their vote makes no difference, they lose faith in democracy and the electoral system is undermined.

“We cannot afford for people to turn away from democracy, because the alternative is all too obvious,” she said.

“It always means less freedom, less prosperity, less fairness.”

Ms Burnett-Wake was appointed to the Upper House of Victorian Parliament after the retirement of the Liberal MP Edward O’Donohue before being defeated in a close pre-selection on the Liberal Party ticket for Eastern Victoria

by Ms Heath.

- With AAP

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

The native section of Barbara’s garden features much-loved Australian plants. 308027

The property sits on two acres with extensive gardens. 308027

A Willie Wagtail sits in a tree. 308027

Tranquility in the gardens Barbara Muma developed her green thumb as a child living near the Kooweerup swamp.

Today, she is the proud owner of a two-acre garden filled with flora, fauna and boundless views to boot. Star News journalist ELEANOR WILSON visited the Narre Warren North property as Barbara prepares to open it to the public next month in collaboration with Open Gardens Victoria.

Off the beaten track of the Casey Foothills is a perennial paradise, where homeowner Barbara Muma spends her days among shades of forest green, burgundy and sage.

But it’s the vivid fuchsia bushes, purple flax lilies and radiant orange Californian poppies that bring the two-acre garden to life.

There’s a discreet reason for the bursts of yellow and blue that are peppered throughout Barbara’s Narre Warren North garden - her partner David.

“David is colourblind, so by incorporating bits of yellow and blue into the garden, he can see those flowers and he can enjoy them,” Barbara said.

While Barbara’s act of love for her partner was a considered decision, she said there was “no great plan that went on” when she began designing the garden over 30 years ago.

“It was certainly a gradual process,” she chuckled.

Barbara will swing open the gates to her Narre Warren North property at 149 A’Beckett Road on 3 and 4 December, as part of an Open Gardens Victoria viewing.

She hopes the open garden will be a chance for families to revel in her most prized possession, which gazes at uninterrupted views towards Dandenong, stretching out to Port Phillip Bay. “If it’s a nice day like this, I would hope that people bring some food of their own if they want to sit down and have a picnic of their own on the grass,” Barbara said.

“That’s what I hope to achieve. People having a nice time.”

Growing up on the Kooweerup swamp, Barbara said her love for gardening came from her mother’s example.

“I can’t say that I was very good at weeding as a child, but I took an interest in the plants and I enjoyed them and appreciated them,” she said.

“And then, when I was able, I started to make little gardens in the different places that we moved to.

“So when I came here and saw this place I thought hmm, this has got a potential for a good garden here.”

That was 1990. Barbara, her then-husband and three children had recently moved back home after 20 years living in Canada.

Back then, the owners of the Narre Warren North property had a driveway that traversed the front entrance to the house, now occupied by a lush green lawn.

“There were sort of random garden beds stuck in the middle of the lawn and it was very basic,” she said.

10 STAR NEWS

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Several groupings of water lilies line the edge of the dam on Barbara’s property. 308027

Barbara Muma in the crab apple archways. 30802

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

“I immediately began the process of removal and replacement of existing trees and garden beds. Rose and perennial beds were laid out and developed.”

She spends about an hour each day in the garden - weeding, pruning, cutting back shrubs, dividing perennials ahead of the winter season.

The garden’s acre-long dam - arguably the crowning glory of the property, has 50 years of its own history.

It was dredged and built with the overburden from the former quarry site which was located to the east of the property and later irrigated crops to provide stock water to the valley below.

Today, clusters of flowering water lilies line its outer edges, while Australian coots, frogs and resident snake-necked turtles enjoy its cool waters.

Below the lake is the native section of the garden, where Melaleuca ‘Green Globe’, Agonis flexuosa ‘Nana’ and striking Myrtaceae ‘Bottlebrush’ flourish - an ode to the Indigenous beginnings of the land on Bunurong Country.

Barbara’s fondness for nature is clear as she sits on a stool on her front porch, presenting photos of a nest of grey fantails which have made their home amongst a wall of climbing hydrangeas at the property’s rear.

“I remember going to music lessons as a kid and I absolutely loved it on a nice sunny day like today, getting out of school early, not because I was going to piano lessons but because I could have a look at everything that was going on in the trees and the birds and all that.

I’ve always enjoyed it.”

Blue wrens, scrub wrens, grey fantails, eastern spinebills, new holland honeyeaters, red browed finches, willie wagtails, rainbow lorikeets, Barbara’s knowledge of the birdlife that inhabit the garden could rival the most experienced bird watcher.

It’s good to have a focus, she says.

“It takes your mind off all the general concerns of the day. It’s amazingly therapeutic actually,” she reasons.

“And there’s nothing like a bit of hard work to make you sleep at night.”

Entry to Barbara’s garden will cost $10 per person, with children’s entry free. There is a

Thursday, 24 November, 2022

Californian poppies bring vibrance to the garden. 308027 toilet located at the back of the house, past the vegetable garden and crabapple archways.

The proceeds from the garden viewing will be split between Open Gardens Victoria and the Narre Warren Scout Group, an organisation close to Barbara’s heart.

A scout group leader for three years in Vancouver, Barbara said she hopes the event can give the local Scout group an added funding boost.

“One of the reasons I chose the scout group is because they don’t get funding from the government,” she said.

“Both David and I were involved with them and it’s great for kids. It’s absolutely great to get them outside and doing things that are practical.”

Barbara’s Garden ‘Tranquillity’, located at 149 A’Beckett Road Narre Warren North, will be open to the public from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December.

Refreshments, tea, coffee and a sweet treat will be available, as well as a sausage sizzle organised by the Narre Warren Scout Group.

For more information, head to opengardensvictoria.org.au/Tranquility berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12578604-AV47-22

“

At Oak Tree you’ll be surrounded by people who are all at the same stage of life with common interests.

New Year, New You As 2022 draws to a close, it’s important to reflect and think about what you’d like your next chapter look like.

A move to an Oak Tree Retirement village in 2023 can provide you with a relaxed, carefree retirement lifestyle that puts you first.

With less to worry about, you can spend your time focused on enjoying the good things in life and filling your days with whatever it is that brings you happiness – make the most of travelling and seeing the world again, spending precious quality time with family, and connecting with friends. Your retirement is your chance to do the things you want to do, not the things you have to do.

If you’re still living in a large family home, you may have found that maintaining the house and yard was costly and time consuming this year, and you might be considering beginning the process of downsizing. With our simple weekly fee, you’ll have budget certainty over your everyday living expenses. While

we take care of your home and village maintenance, there’s no need to worry about unexpected costs or relying on family to help with the upkeep.

Stay connected At Oak Tree you’ll be surrounded by people who are all at the same stage of life with common interests. The boutique size of our villages fosters a tight-knit community where everyone is familiar and looks out for one another.

Our facilities and activities encourage you to foster companionships with both new and old friends. All the while, you’ll have an active village manager who supports the community atmosphere through a calendar of regular social activities.

If simplicity and certainty are part of your resolution for 2023, then take the opportunity this holiday season to visit our village and experience the Oak Tree difference for yourself. We understand the importance of including family in these decisions, so feel free to bring them too – we’d love to see you all.

Make your next chapter one filled with more fun and less worry.

Visit our Village Manager to learn more about making Oak Tree Retirement Village Skye your home.

Display Homes Open Monday to Friday 10am – 2pm

20 McCormicks Road, Skye Call 1300 367 155 berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

oaktreegroup.com.au Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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STAR NEWS 11

CHRISTMAS CHEER

A sweet festive tradition Gingerbread houses originiated in Germany during the 16th century. They quickly become associated with Christmas and it’s a tradition many Australian families have adopted too.

Once the gingerbread has been baked and the house constructed, the fun really starts.

Decorating your gingerbread house is a treat to be enjoyed by the whole family - especially those with a sweet tooth.

Here are some tips on the best lollies to use for texture and design.

Gum Drops Gumdrops are one of the most iconic gingerbread house candies. They are mainly used as Christmas lights, fences and colorful accents on the roof.

M&Ms M&Ms are a must for any gingerbread house.

M&Ms are small round chocolates that are commonly use for decorating the roof of the house. By adding some frosting and sticking them individually on the roof, you can create colorful red and green patterns.

Hershey Kisses Hershey Kisses can be used as roof decor, but also used to create walk ways for the house.

Candy Canes Traditional candy canes are one of the most diverse sweets to use when decorating a gingerbread house. They can be used to create heart shape windows, lamp posts with a yellow gumdrop lamp or even a supporting doorway.

If you are able find stick shaped candy canes, this will allow you to create many red and white boarders around the house.

Christmas Sprinkles The primary purpose of Christmas themed sprinkles is to add a pop of color and shapes to your theme. While most sprinkles come in a cylindrical shape, Christmas themed sprinkles

Decorating your gingerbread house is a treat to be enjoyed by the whole family - especially those with a sweet tooth. can come in round, star, heart, Christmas tree and even Santa shapes which can elevate your design. They can be also found in many different kinds of colors as well.

Peppermints Peppermints can be the focal point of any gingerbread house. They are usually placed right above the door or where the two roofs meet.

Peppermints can also be used as the primary candy to decorate the roof.

Candy Icicles and Bricks Candy icicles can add the winter touch to any gingerbread house. Candy icicles are used to decorate the edge of the roof and around the doors.

In addition, candy bricks are great to line

the gingerbread house walls. This can bring a nice rustic or classic feel to your house.

Gingerbread Man Decor Gingerbread men decor are primary used outside the house. It’s common to have a gingerbread couple or family with every gingerbread house. It’s best practice to find smaller gingerbread men and women so that they are proportional with the house size.

Snow Frosting and Confetti Snow frosting and confetti can add an elegant touch of winter to any gingerbread house. The snow frosting design is usually applied to the roof and walls to the gingerbread house and can be anywhere from a very simple pattern to a very intricate design. Confetti is a simple

way to add color and simple shapes to your creation.

Red and Green Sour Tape A newer candy, red and green sour tape is a great way to add texture to your gingerbread house. The sour tape is mainly used on the walls, but could also be used as grass.

Chocolate Pretzels If you are considering a cabin-style gingerbread house, chocolate or regular pretzels can be used to create a wooden design. By adding frosting to the pretzels and placing them on the walls and roof of the house, you can have a log cabin style in no time.

- Tips courtesy bestgingerbreadhouses. com

YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE! For more than 60 years, Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm has been delighting customers with that most precious of festive traditions: a real, live Christmas tree.

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Staff will cut the tree and can net it for easy transportation for a small fee.

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Trees with all the trimmings The gradient of colours, set with the right baubles and lights, can look simply stunning.

Ombre trees are beginning to pop up online in shades of pink, silver and even black.

When it comes to decorations, the classic look of red, emerald and gold decorations remains evergreen (pardon the pun!) and adds a really festive feel to your home.

If you’ve chosen a coloured tree, you might enjoy the rainbow effect of colourful baubles, or perhaps you can pick a theme of vibrant jewels that “go” with the base colour of the branches.

Baubles in pastels and neutral tones are ruling the racks at the moment, along with decorations made of natural materials, like wood, clay, sisal and twine.

Clear glass spheres with shimmering threads of fabric inside are also appearing on shopping mall shelves, adding intricacy and interest.

Oversizes ornaments - think baubles as big as your head - are a popular sight, along with non-traditional trinkets in the shape of birds, deer and even hotdogs. There really is a bauble to suit any taste!

TIPS Get the family involved. If the kids want to throw some tinsel on, or add the plaster reindeer they made at school, let them! Christmas is a time for family, after all!

Ensure your tree doesn’t become a fire hazard! Keep it away from flames and heat sources, and make sure any fairy lights are fireproof.

You might want to consider your pets as well. Some animals will try and eat tinsel, while cats are notorious tree climbers.

Think about how you can prevent this from ruining Christmas. Some creative souls are

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building minimalist-style trees out of bare branches and stacking or hanging their ornaments on them instead of opting for a traditional tree.

Trees are a great way to express your personal style. Whether you’re a maximalist or a minimalist, a nature lover or have a more modern aesthetic, now is your chance to put your taste and passions on display. Let it show, let it show, let it show!

Think about how your pets will respond to the tree. Do you have a Christmas climbing cat in your house?

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Decking the halls with boughs of holly is all very well, but if you’re looking to shake up your yuletide style, there are plenty of options out there to inject some modern colour and sparkle into your Christmas decor.

It all starts with the tree, the focal point of celebrations. A real tree never goes out of style and also smells divine. Picking the tree is a ritual in itself (we all remember that scene from Christmas Vacation) and something that kids of all ages can enjoy. And with plenty of Christmas tree farms locally, you’re sure to find the perfect pine.

Real trees take some looking after. They need a constant supply of water so choose a Christmas tree stand that allows you to fill it with water.

Keep the tree away from heat sources like sunny windows, heaters and televisions as these can dry it out prematurely. A blanket or tree skirt at the base will collect up any dropped needles.

If you’re after something more low-maintenance, with the added benefit of not having to spend money on a new tree each year, faux is the way to go.

Perhaps 2022 is the year to embrace a coloured tree? White trees have been in vogue for many years now and are designed to remind revellers of that elusive White Christmas ideal, in the sweltering Australian heat.

Colourful decorations pair well with white trees as they stand out against the neutral base.

Pink-toned trees have also become popular this year. Colours range from the prettiest pastels to hot popping pink.

They’re certainly eye-catching and unique, and work well if you have a specific palette of decorations - for example, white and black baubles for a Parisian theme.

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STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

For the love of weddings

By Shelby Brooks Celebrating life’s ups and downs is something Narre Warren North’s Sharon Osman feels honoured to do as a celebrant for the last 13 years.

Born and raised a Catholic, Sharon said she knew nothing about celebrants until she attended a friend’s wedding in 2007 and witnessed a celebrant conduct the ceremony.

“The whole experience was eye opening, heart warming and soul lifting,” Sharon said.

“It ignited something within me and with encouragement from my dear friend I persued it and was appointed by the Attorney General’s office in 2009. Since then it’s been an absolute delight.”

Sharon said it can be deeply fulfilling, humbling, fun and an honour to be a part of a couple’s special day.

“Every single day of work for me is a celebration of love and it’s extremely rewarding in every way!

“To meet people from all walks of life, learn about their traditions, cultures and tailor a ceremony to suit them, allows me to feel satisfaction that I’ve left a true mark on people’s lives.”

While celebrants can officiate all types of life moments, Sharon said she is presently drawn to the joy of weddings.

“Love is the most powerful emotion in the world and being a part of that union is by far the most rewarding feeling,” she said.

Sharon said the most important skill was to be able to naturally create a safe space for people of all ages, nationalities, cultures, backgrounds and sexual preferences to feel comfortable.

“Officiating multicultural weddings has expanded my knowledge of wedding customs and traditions including religious and cultural aspects,” she said.

“My background as a professional life coach has also equipped me with valuable skills like, transparency, client focus, speaking in public confidently, having the right tone of voice while keeping everyone engaged and interested. The ability to deeply interact with the couple, their family and their friends requires unique and sound people skills.

“With a flair for writing, over the years I’ve mastered the art of creatively putting together a narrative of a couple’s love story, that is not only authentic and meaningful, but captures the attention of their guests from start to finish.

“I believe that having a easy going and

Sharon (centre) officiates a wedding lighthearted approach to life is just as important as reliability, responsibility, dedication, professionalism, punctuality and graceful presentation. Offering unlimited support and step by step guidance and treating every single wedding with the utmost importance.”

With the support of her family, Sharon said her journey as a celebrant has been nothing less than magical, however the occasional hiccup has occurred.

“One time the groom forgot the USB with music and my husband saved the day… luckily he had a USB in the car with a variety of music on it. It wasn’t their choice but it was appropriate and they were happy,” Sharon said.

Picture: SUPPLIED “One stressful yet funny occasion was when the couple changed the venue a day before and forgot to tell me. So I’m there looking for them only to find another wedding party. I ended up ringing to discover that I was 40 minutes away.

Because I always arrive early, it wasn’t too bad.

I got there 30 minutes late to a very apologetic couple but it all went smoothly and they got married.

“On one occasion the bride was two hours late because she didn’t like her make up and had it redone, during which time one of the guests went into labour and got rushed off to have her baby. I did a wedding on a beach and the couple wanted us to stand on a small rock surrounded by where they first kissed and I

almost lost my balance and fell into the water but someone grabbed me.

“Another beach wedding the certificate flew off the pier and landed in the water.”

Sharon said 2020 and 2021 with Covid-19 restrictions was hard on the industry, but in particular the brides and grooms whose weddings were disrupted.

“The sad part was the number of weddings cancelled a day before due to Covid-19 snap lockdowns,” Sharon said.

“The stress, disappointment and money the couples lost was heart breaking.”

Sunday 20 November was National Celebrants Day.

Cranbourne man jailed following unprovoked attack

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A “smiling” man who inflicted horrific injuries by repeatedly “trampolining” on the head of an unconscious taxi driver has been jailed.

Jordyn Delamare, now 23, of Cranbourne, smoked up to eight cones and dropped a tab of LSD prior to his “unprovoked, viscous, and brutal” attack on his victim on Chandler Road Noble Park on 27 November 2020.

He later told police that he saw the man walking and thought “I’ve got to kill that”.

Delamare pleaded guilty at the County Court of Victoria to intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence as well as property damage.

During the attack, a passing driver beeped her horn to distract Delamare.

He smiled, grabbed onto a nearby fence with both hands and jumped three or four times on the motionless victim’s head with both feet “like it was a trampoline”, a witness said.

According to witnesses, Delamare seemed to be enjoying himself – grinning and looking happy and proud, sentencing judge Carolene Gwynn noted on 9 November.

Soon after, another driver saw a naked Delamare singing and dancing on Chandler Road. After the driver stopped, Delamare shoulder-charged and broke the car’s windscreen.

He later charged at police, yelling “Coppers! Shoot me! Shoot me!”.

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After aiming capsicum spray with little effect, police subdued the still nude, “violent” and “aggressive” Delamare. He was sedated by paramedics and taken to hospital with a brain bleed.

The unresponsive victim was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition with a broken jaw, eye socket, teeth and nose.

Thursday, 24 November, 2022

The right side of his bloodied face was “dented in”. He was treated at The Alfred for nearly two months.

As a result, he hasn’t worked or driven since, feels alienated from his son and may suffer from his traumatic brain injury for “the rest of his days”.

“Life as he knew it is fundamentally

changed,” Judge Gwynn said.

In the lead-up to the attack, Delamare was using five grams of cannabis a day as well as regularly taking psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms.

Under a drug-induced psychosis, he’d heard ‘voices’ when he left the house that night.

He later told a psychologist that he’d thought the victim was “his 17-year-old self” and had to “punish” him. He harboured guilt over not intervening in an assault of his friend when 17 years old.

Delamare was found fit for trial. His psychosis that night was self-inflicted, and he had no diagnosable mental illness but for symptoms of a substance abuse disorder, the judge noted.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Delamare settled in Melbourne with his family when he was 13 years old.

Still a non-citizen in Australia, he faces possible deportation after his jail term.

Judge Gwynn accepted Delamare was “extremely remorseful”. It was his first offence and “out of character”.

She deemed his rehabilitation prospects were “promising” if he stays drug-free.

Delamare was jailed for up to seven-anda-half years with a four-year, 10 month nonparole period.

The term includes 713 days in pre-sentence detention. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

EARLY LEARNING AND EDUCATION CHOICES

Focus on sustainability Sustainability is a focus of many schools these days, with students often encouraged to engage in practices such as packing ‘nude’ lunches, recycling and switching off lights when not in use.

How can parents help encourage their kids to be sustainable students?

Here are eight tips from Sustainability Victoria: 1. Lunches - get the kids to make their own lunch and use containers suited to nude food, eliminating the need for disposable wrapping. If you do need to wrap, reusable beeswax wraps can be used. Find out about them online or do a course on making them at your local neighborhood house or community arts centre.

2. Make your own snacks - despite what they say, many kids have plenty of time on their hands. Teach them to make their own muesli bars and other snacks. Be patient, it’s a great life skill. They will learn to be more independent and have fun doing it!

3. Get more value - use the ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ website to get great recipes to use last night’s leftovers in exciting ways for school (and work) lunches.

4. Use what you’ve got - save money by digging out pens, pencils and other consumables from drawers, cupboards and bags, rather than buying new ones. Many stationery makers also have a range of notebooks made from recycled paper.

5. Textbooks and uniforms - most schools

have secondhand book and uniform shops, but your local op shop is also worth trying.

Many high school English and literature books are available for free on Kindle. For other subjects, ask teachers what the difference is with this year’s version of a textbook compared with last year’s, as the older edition may still be suitable.

6. Walking or riding to school is a great way to stay fit. It saves fuel and reduces vehicle pollution and traffic jams at the school gate. Otherwise, park a short distance from the school and walk with the kids and use it as an opportunity to teach road rules. Catching the bus may also be an option.

7. Buying a desk, bookcase or filing cabinet? Second-hand office furniture shops often have very modern goods at a much better price than new and they will last. It is also worth checking out Facebook Marketplace for some great quality bargains.

8. Ask your school to join the ResourceSmart Schools program offered by Sustainability Victoria. Supporting schools within the state to embed sustainability measures across the school facilities, community and curriculum, once a school joins the program, it will have access to an online portal to learn and practice ways of integrating sustainability while also saving resources and money for the school.

Teaching your kids about sustainable food choices is an important life skill. (iStock)

VISIT OUR VIRTUAL SCHOOL TOUR TODAY Our virtual school tour allows you to experience Berwick Lodge Primary School spaces as though you are physically there.

Using emerging technology, we have mapped spaces across the school to create 3D tours and 360-degree walkthroughs.

Immerse yourself in the spaces, move around, explore and look out for LODGIE BEARalong the way.

For more details visit: www.berwicklodgeeps.vic.edu.au Please call for your personal tour.

Berwick Lodge Primary School welcomes out of neighborhood enrolments.

Kevin Heinze Best School Garden Award 2018

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Who’s who in Dandenong DANDENONG Suburbs: Noble Park, Keysborough, Dandenong, Dandenong North, Dandenong South, Doveton.

Held by Gabrielle Williams (ALP) 73.9% 2-party preferred.

1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?

2. Why did you choose to run for the seat?

3. Why are you the best candidate for Dandenong?

4. Biggest three issues in your electorate and how will you tackle them?

5. How would you tackle the shortage of affordable homes in Greater Dandenong?

6. What’s your view on City of Greater Dandenong’s desire for the closure of Lyndhurst toxic waste dump?

7. What’s your view on calls to shift the city’s industrial 2 zone further away from homes in Dandenong South and Keysborough?

Matthew Kirwan (Greens) Age: 49 Occupation: Project Manager 1. I live in Noble Park with my wife and twin daughters. We’ve lived there for 7 years, but I’ve lived in Greater Dandenong my whole life - mostly in Keysborough.

2. Labor takes Dandenong District for granted.

Our state schools are underfunded leading to many parents choosing private education.

Poverty and disadvantage continue in Dandenong District. We have above average crime rates and growing street homelessness. We have some of the highest poker machine losses in the state, making the poor poorer.

I’m sick of seeing the state government’s Revitalising Central Dandenong project fail to meet its aims. The Dandenong central business district needs proper investment and more government jobs moved to the area to aid it’s post-covid recovery.

It’s time to end the neglect.

3. With a career in project management and public policy, as well as 8 years’ experience as a local Councillor for the City of Greater Dandenong, I bring passion, skills, and experience about how to make Dandenong District a better place to live and work.

As a Councillor I fought hard and successfully for better community infrastructure, more effective and efficient services, greater open space and a more open and transparent Council.

However, I also become more aware of the many decisions that the State Government were continuing to make, or refusing to make, that hamper our local community.

With my experience and commitment, I am the best candidate for Dandenong District.

4. We need to reduce the cost of living with cheaper energy, education and transport.

We need better funding for public schools and public hospitals, not just for bricks and mortar but for staff and programs so that our public education and health systems have the quality we need, rather than being on life support.

We need new funding and new commitment to the Revitalizing Central Dandenong project. It was a great idea 17 years ago but in the last decade the project has stalled, and the State Government have lost interest.

Dandenong Liberal candidate Karen Broadley.

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Dandenong District

Dandenong Labor MP Gabrielle Williams.

5. This is a state-wide issue that needs a statewide response.

To tackle the housing crisis we will cap rents, make property developers pay their fair share for affordable homes and ban political donations from property developers.

However, unlike the current government, getting on and building affordable homes is critical. The Greens plan is for 100,000 public homes to be built over the next decade.

6. I advocated for this as a Councillor and my position hasn’t changed. For the health and welfare of nearby residents the Lyndhurst toxic waste dump should close.

7. I support those calls, just as I did when I was a Councillor. I served the residents in these suburbs as a Councillor, and I know that they are too close to a zone that has toxic industries. Our area shouldn’t be a dumping ground for industries because it is a safe seat.

Karen Broadley (Liberal Party) I am Karen Broadley, your Liberal Candidate for Dandenong. I have more than 20 years’ experience working as a youth worker, in child protection and in family violence. Half this time was spent working in Dandenong, working with children, young people and families experiencing a range of life issues including violence, drug and alcohol problems, mental illness and homelessness. My work experiences led me to undertake a PhD on how to make good decisions in child protection and in other complex situations. I currently lecture university students on subjects including child safety, family violence and welfare systems.

As I have listened carefully to the experiences and concerns of everyday people and small business owners in Dandenong, the concerns I most often hear are to do with help for the homeless and help for people with drug and alcohol issues. The rising costs of living, and concerns about community safety are often raised. Better access to health services, including mental health services and dental are important. Improving the public transport

system – particularly bus frequency and timetabling – is an essential, but often neglected aspect, of meeting people’s basic needs.

If I am elected, my commitment to the people of Dandenong is to work hard to improve their health, safety and wellbeing, including access to health and other essential services.

I will work with all the diverse communities in Dandenong, including small businesses to better understand what their concerns and needs are, and to discuss the best way forward.

People themselves, who live and work on the ground in Dandenong are in the best position to know and understand what their most pressing issues and needs are. It is crucial for their experiences and voices to be valued and heard. If elected, I will draw on my long experience of working with and for people, to deliver real solutions for Dandenong.

Gabrielle Williams (Australian Labor Party) Gabrielle Williams has always had a strong sense of justice and inclusion, which prompted her to run for Parliament. She was elected as the Member for Dandenong in 2014 and reelected in 2018.

Gabrielle prioritises job creation and education for local families in her electorate. She firmly believes in the power of education to help people find secure, accessible employment, and is determined to make sure no child is left behind.

Passionate about supporting the Dandenong community, Gabrielle has secured record investment for local schools, community organisations and facilities. Including upgrades at every school in the Dandenong electorate, removing level crossings to bust congestion and enabling trains every 10-minutes during peak hours, upgrading local roads, and creating more local jobs by manufacturing trams, electric buses, Metro and VLine trains right here in Dandenong. Gabrielle knows that some of the biggest issues facing our community are the rising cost of living, pressure on our health system and housing.

On the cost of living, Labor has already

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Dandenong Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan. delivered the $250 Power Saving Bonus, free TAFE, free kinder from 2023 (saving $2500 per family), solar panels, batteries and hot water systems at no up-front cost, caps to council rates, sick pay for casual and contract workers and free Ls and Ps. A re-elected Labor government will also bring back government-owned energy, with any profits to go right back into driving power bills down.

Gabrielle and Labor have also delivered the landmark Housing Big Build, creating 12,000 new social and affordable homes across Victoria. Including projects like Viv’s Place in Central Dandenong, which is already providing secure housing for those who need it most.

And only Gabrielle and Labor will upgrade Dandenong Hospital. Including an expanded Emergency Department, treating 12,000 more patients. As well as a new Intensive Care Unit, outpatient clinic and operating theatres.

As someone who has lived, worked and studied locally, Gabrielle understands our community - and knows how to deliver.

Gabrielle is driven by her vision for an inclusive and equitable Victoria that continues to lead Australia with its progressive reform in gender equality, mental health reform, Treaty and prevention of family violence.

6. We have put in place strong safeguards for the operation of this facility, while backing the Environment Protection Authority with $180 million to enforce these tough regulations and requirements, keeping nearby housing estates safe.

We’ll keep working with the community to ensure local residents are at the forefront of everything we do.

We’re also putting a massive effort into reducing waste and that will see the demand for landfill reduced.

7. The Victorian Government currently has no plans to change the industrial zoning in Dandenong South.

The Victorian Government has set a target to divert 72 per cent of waste from landfill by 2025 and 80 per cent by 2030. Including an investment of $515 million to deliver the biggest transformation and reform of our waste and recycling sector.

This includes $380 million to deliver the Recycling Victoria: A new economy plan through which we are fundamentally reducing waste, maximising the ways we use and reuse our precious resources, and building a sustainable and resilient circular economy for Victoria.

No response: KLOP, Andrew (Animal Justice Party), HARMSE, Audrey (Family First Victoria), TURNER, Tham (Liberal Democrats), LEVCHENKO, Anthony (Freedom Party of Victoria).

BUSINESS PROFILE

Enjoy the lifestyle of Aviva Communities Officer today In the words of Sandy, from Grease, (our beloved, the late Olivia Newton-John) “we’re Summer Lovin..it happened so fast’ Summer is about all the wonderful things that living and enjoying Aviva Communities Officer and the freedom it brings. Not to mention the 5-star facilities available to our homeowners on their doorstep.

The consensus amongst our homeowners is, there is more time and money to enjoy leisure pursuits and the security of knowing your home is safe and secure if you chose to travel.

Now is a perfect time of the year to view Aviva communities Officer and enjoy a stroll 16 STAR NEWS

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through the community. There are lots of lovely places to sit and enjoy its peaceful surroundings, or if you like enjoy a game of bowls or croquet on our greens. Inside the Lodge take time to check out our wellness centre, pool, sauna and spa area. Enjoy the comfortable couches both inside or the outdoor alfresco area. Check out the latest block buster movies in our luxurious movie theatre.

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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Aviva Communities Officer are available to help you make the best choice for you. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

No end date for waste dump

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Lyndhurst’s toxic waste dump and Dandenong South’s heavy industrial zone are here to stay, according to the State Government.

Greater Dandenong Council is lobbying for the phase-out of both, out of concern for the health of nearby residents.

Leading up to the State Election, Star News surveyed candidates on their views.

Dandenong Labor MP Gabrielle Williams said the State Government had put in “strong safeguards” for operating the Lyndhurst landfill.

“While backing the Environment Protection Authority with $180 million to enforce these tough regulations and requirements, (we are) keeping nearby housing estates safe.

“We’ll keep working with the community to ensure local residents are at the forefront of everything we do.

“We’re also putting a massive effort into reducing waste and that will see the demand for landfill reduced.”

The State Government “currently has no plans” to change the industrial zoning at Dandenong South, Ms Williams said.

The precinct includes Dandenong’s manufacturing hub, which comprises almost 1400 businesses and more than 21,000 jobs.

The precinct also provides significant flowon benefits for other businesses, according to the Government.

Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan said as a former Greater Dandenong councillor, he’d advocated for the Lyndhurst landfill’s closure.

“And my position hasn’t changed.

“For the health and welfare of nearby residents the Lyndhurst toxic waste dump should close.”

Regarding Dandenong South, Mr Kirwan said residents were “too close to a zone that has toxic industries”.

The Lyndhurst toxic waste dump viewed from the industrial precinct in National Drive, Dandenong South. 228738 “Our area shouldn’t be a dumping ground for industries because it is a safe seat.”

Liberal Dandenong candidate Karen Broadley was silent on both the landfill and industrial 2 zone.

Dandenong state election candidates for Animal Justice Party, Family First Victoria, Liberal Democrats and Freedom Party of Victoria did not respond to the survey before print deadline.

City of Greater Dandenong has stated its

opposition to Lyndhurst toxic landfill for 25 years.

Despite being a “significant concern to the community of the City of Greater Dandenong”, the State Government has extended the landfill’s closure date beyond 2020.

The council is also lobbying for no new toxic industries in the Dandenong South precinct.

Recent mayor and Dandenong Ward Cr Jim Memeti said air pollution was a “real concern”

Picture: GARY SISSONS

for 35,000 residents in Dandenong South and Keysborough South.

“There must be a plan out of this. We’re just looking for a vision for Lyndhurst (landfill) to be closed down and for the industry 2 zone to be moved further from properties.

“We can still smell different odours at different times of the day and week (from Dandenong South). It’s more than one source.

“There’s real concerns by our residents that breathe the air every day, and I’m one of them.”

Win-win: Libraries deliver joy to community members

By Marcus Uhe With cost of living pressures stretching everyone’s budget ahead of the Christmas period, Casey-Cardinia Libraries are once again calling for donations as part of their Deliver Joy campaign.

Each library under the CCL banner has partnered with a local charity organisation to be the recipients of food, non-perishable items, toiletries and unwrapped toys, donated to the library by members of the community.

Making a donation to one of the nominated charities will also see CCL waive the charges to any lost or damaged items.

CCL chief executive Beth Luppino said the organisation is hoping to break the $20,000 worth of donations mark.

“The library is a central hub for the community, so it makes sense for the library to be the place for people to donate goods in time for Christmas,” Ms Luppino said.

“This is a win-win for everyone - donors have the chance to make a difference for others doing it tough, and also to clear any library charges they may have for lost items, which provides a clean slate for the new year!”

At the Endeavour Hills library on Raymond McMahon Boulevard, the Andrews Centre has been chosen as the recipient.

The Andrews Centre has provided crisis assistance, recovery support, self-management, community development programs and more since 1994, all under the watchful eye of Judy Martin.

She painted a bleak picture of the current stresses their clients are currently experiencing.

“It’s probably the toughest (times) we’ve ever seen,” Ms Martin said.

“There’s a lot of people really struggling utility and rent bills are the main drivers, and fuel. It’s a tough time for a lot of families and individuals.

“For some people, it’s ‘I either pay my berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Judy Martin (left) from the Andrews Centre with Endeavour Hills Library branch manager Courtney Rushton. 308715 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS rent or I eat’.

“It’s a tough time for a lot of families and individuals.”

Last year’s Deliver Joy campaign resulted in the Andrews Centre delivering more than 200 food hampers across the Dandenong and Endeavour Hills regions.

Ms Martin was grateful for the support of such a strong and well-known local organisation.

“It’s tremendous, it’s not only the fact that it’s a help but it’s terrific that it’s the com-

munity supporting the community, so that we’re supporting the people in our own community,” she said. “The donations from here and donations from the op shop go to the community, so it’s very encouraging. That it’s owned by the community is a major thing.”

Other organisations that have partnered with CCL include: Bunjil Place Library – Transit Outreach Service.

Cranbourne Library – Community Information and Support Cranbourne.

· ·

Library – Casey North Commu· Doveton nity Information and Support Service. · Emerald Library – Emerald Lions Club.

Park Library – Hampton Park · Hampton Primary School.

Library and Cardinia Mobile · Pakenham Library – The Salvation Army.

For more information on the Deliver Joy campaign, head to cclc.vic.gov.au/deliverjoy To learn more about The Andrews Centre, head to andrewscentre.org.au

Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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NEWS

Tooradin market takes off

By Marcus Uhe In October 2021’s monthly Tooradin Lions Community Market, there were 16 stalls.

Twelve months later, there are more than 80 vying for your attention on the third Sunday of every month.

And for that, you can thank market coordinators Judee Cooke and Sandra Holland.

Ms Cooke is a four-year veteran of the Tooradin market and others in the region, selling her home-made bracelets and earrings, along with scarves, artworks and other types of giftware.

As numbers dwindled in part due to the pandemic, she decided to take action.

“The market started to look a bit sick,” Ms Cooke said.

“You couldn’t have markets during Covid-19 because you have limited times and travel restrictions.

“I knew that it could be bigger and better than what it was.

“I’ve done a bit of fundraisers over the years but I’m really pleased to make the market what it is now.”

Through persistent use of social media groups and her networks previously established through her years on the local market scene, the goal is to fill all 88 available sites each week.

“The first month I did it, I put it on 42 sites across Melbourne and down to Inverloch and it went nuts.

“I posted on noticeboards, like the Kooweerup noticeboard and Tooradin noticeboard and all the sites other people put their market sites on.

“Word of mouth is really good too. I get a lot that say ‘so-and-so said to come to this one from another market’.”

Last Sunday’s market was the first held with the revamped Tooradin Footbridge complete-

Market coordinators Sandra Holland and Judee Cooke.

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Lions Club of Tooradin and District members, including Babara, Rhonda, Merella, Ian, Glenys, Sandra and Kay. ly reopened, Ms Cooke said.

“When it was closed there were barricades around where they were working. Now we have more space.

“We remapped and reworked the layout.

“It’s awesome now, it looks good and bridge is great.”

Unshackled by a label of a farmers or craft

Rhonda and Babara from the Lions Club of Tooradin and District had one of the most important jobs at any market - cooking the sausages!

Dot Burgess from Cranbourne and Robert Gray from Leongatha with some pumpkins.

market, Tooradin offers something for everyone, from antiques, soaps, collectables, merchandise, wrought-iron artworks, tarot readings and more.

As part of the ambition to fill the 88 each month, Ms Cooke is hoping for local produce offerings to participate to widen the spectrum of availabilities.

The market is held on the third Sunday of every month at Sawtells Inlet Foreshore Reserve and run by the Lions Club of Tooradin and District.

To book a stall, contact Ms Cooke on 0429 188 280 or misstreats@yahoo.com, or head to the market’s Facebook page, ‘Tooradin Lions Community Market 2021 onwards’.

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Rex name shame

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

Former Springfield Ward councillor Rex Flannery, who resigned as deputy mayor just days before the State Government sensationally sacked the entire council in February 2020, says the events of the past 12 months are still “eating” him up.

He has now officially requested that his name is removed from both a councillor honour board in the customer service centre and a wall plaque in Bunjil Place.

“I have never had any involvement into this alleged corruption scandal and therefore I do not wish to have my name associated with past or former councillors who may have brought our City of Casey into disrepute,” he told Star News.

“People look at your name and they see that you’re from Casey Council and immediately they put you in that same mould, which couldn’t be further than the truth.

“It’s just horrible to have been a councillor in that term. It gives you a sickening feeling in your gut and now I have to live with that.“ Mr Flannery argues his name should never have been placed on the plaque celebrating the $126 million Bunjil development because at the time he didn’t support the project.

“I guess I’ve eaten a little bit of humble pie with Bunjil Place. I’ve been able to see the value that place brings to the community but at the time I was against the development and I wasn’t once consulted (about having my name included),” he said.

He also claims former ex-ward partner, Sam Aziz, stated to him that he “wished he never had my name added to the plaque”.

“That was the only time I agreed with him,” Mr Flannery said.

While Mr Flannery hasn’t accused any former councillor of committing wrongdoing, he said anyone found guilty from the IBAC hearing should immediately have their honours stripped.

“They need to have their plaques removed

Rex name shame

48 Hour Sale

Rex Flannery, pictured in late 2015, wants his name stripped from council. 148005 from anywhere within the City of Casey ... whether it’s a plaque in the botanical gardens or in Bunjil Place, I want them removed so they have absolutely no recognition anymore,” he said.

“They’ve disgraced themselves and they’ve disgraced the council. They’ve taken something away from me that I totally enjoyed. I loved serving the Casey community. I just want some clarity as to what way it’s going to go.”

Since his resignation, Mr Flannery has been working in an operating theatre at a local hospital. He said he has every intention to run for council again in 2024.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“I want to get back into serving the community again. I want to run again and I want to get my name back on the honour board for the right reasons. At the moment it’s a dishonour board,” he said.

Star News understands Mr Flannery has put forward his request to be heard by the administrators at the next council meeting, slated for Tuesday 2 February.“It’s up to them now but a year later, this is still eating at me. I need closure and this is one way that I can get it,“ he said.

“I played no part in any downturn or sacking of the council and I feel it’s my duty to say that I don’t want to be a part of or in any way

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Bunjil Place. associated with the 2016-20 term.”

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

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

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By Mitchell Clarke

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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STAR NEWS 19

BUSINESS PROFILE

Future of recycling arrives The brand new Hallam Future Recycling Waste Transfer Station is now open next door to the original Metal Recycling facility at 57-61 Star Cres, Hallam.

“It’s been a huge effort by all involved to get it up and running,” Managing Director Tyrone Landsman explained.

“We are really proud of this great new facility and look forward to servicing the wider community in Hallam.”

The purpose-built indoor tip features a massive undercover area for sorting and recycling and bays for separation of waste. Most waste types are accepted including green waste, general waste, builders’ waste and recyclables such as cardboard, car batteries and metals including white goods and electronics.

The aim of the transfer station is to extract as much recyclable and reusable material as possible from waste streams to avoid landfill.

In fact, up to 70% of waste is diverted each year from landfill. And with a capacity of 60,000 tonnes – that’s a lot of waste diverted.

Scrap and metal recycling is still a part of the facility and business. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be sold, with payments made by direct transfer. Prices are market driven and are based on weight with minimum quantities applicable.

The team at Future Recycling have applied learnings from years in the business and the successful conversion of the Pakenham Waste Transfer Station.

At Hallam, there’s a well-planned traffic flow and computerised public weigh bridge which records volume and type of waste, along with client details.

Overall, it’s a much different experience from the tips of the past. There is even a friendly team to help you unload if required.

Hallam gets a state-of-the-art new tip.

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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WHAT’S ON A Safe and Equal Casey: Embracing Diversity to Prevent Gender-based Violence Casey residents are invited to join us for a day of learning and self-care with a community-led event to recognise the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

The event will showcase Council’s Gender Equity Taskforce which is made up of diverse community members – who will be sharing their lived experiences and how we can all advocate for gender equality.

The event will also include a free yoga and selfcare session.

Light refreshments and lunch provided.

Event is free, limited spots available, booking required - tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/7936/7937 Please note this event will highlight stories of domestic violence and sexual assault which may be triggering for some. Counselling and support will be available for attendees.

For mental health support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Saturday 26 November.

·Twilight Christmas Market and Lighting of the Christmas Tree

After a two year hiatus the ever popular Christmas Market is back at Bunjil Place!

Everyone’s invited to enjoy live music, food trucks, workshops, performers and heaps of local artisans with fab gift ideas. We’ll even be lighting up the artist designed Christmas Tree at 8pm.

An event for all the family, friends and doggos, Santa will be joining us, along with other kiddie fun. So come along and browse, enjoy some gourmet food, kick back with friends and family, and get into the Christmas spirit.

Saturday 3 December 3pm - 9pm at Bunjil Place Plaza.

·

Multicultural Senior Citizens Groups Are you a senior citizen from a Greek, Italian or Hungarian background? Would you like to meet, socialise and talk with other seniors from your background? Would you like to make new friends?

At the John Pandazopoulos Public Hall at 76

·

Narre Warren and District Family History Group end of year meeting

The City of Casey is holding a community event to advocate for the prevention of gender-based violence.

Picture: RESPECT VICTORIA Power Road, Doveton, the Berwick and District Greek Club meets on Mondays from 10am. To find out more, call John on 0413 411 220.

The Italian Corona Seniors Club meets at the same address on Tuesdays from 10am. For more information, call Francesca on 0411 295 792.

The Hungarian Seniors Seniors Group meets at the same address, on Wednesdays from 10am.

To find out more, call Julius on 9544 9094.

These Seniors Groups and others at the hall will have been meeting in harmony together for the last 25 years next year.

·

Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre Twilight Christmas Market

·

We are thrilled to announce the return of our Twilight Christmas Market.

Shop for Christmas and find great gifts for friends and family! With 20+ market stalls you’ll find something for everyone!

Relax with something to eat while the littlies enjoy face painting, farmyard animals to pat, craft fun and live entertainment for all ages! We will also be visited by the Hampton Park Fire Brigade.

Donation for some activities with all proceeds going to proudly supporting Little Blue Dinosaur - keeping children safe around traffic littlebluedinosaur.org/

Saturday 26 November 10am - 2pm at Botanic Ridge Village, 10 Hummingbird Dr, Botanic Ridge.

Timbarra Over 50s Social Club dancing

A night of fun and frivolity, mark this date in your calendar for a night of fun and laughter.

We will be in the admin building conference room, Cranbourne Complex (enter via Casey Radio) 1/65 Berwick - Cranbourne Road Cranbourne. This meeting won’t be held on Zoom.

Visitors are welcome, the night will commence at 7.30pm, Wednesday 14 December.

A beginner’s class for those wishing to learn Old Time/New Vogue dancing will start on Friday 20 January 2023 at 7.30pm in the Multipurpose Room of the Timbarra Community Centre, Timbarra Way, Berwick.

This would enable you to join our regular dance night held each Thursday evening in the Timbarra Community Hall.

To enrol for the class or find out more, call Bruce on 0447 554 475.

·

·

Walk for Brain Cancer Berwick

Friday 25 November 2pm-7pm at Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre. 75 Lynbrook Boulevard, Lynbrook.

Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club Line Dancing - Monday 9.30am - noon.

New Vogue and Old Time Dance - Tuesday 1pm - 3.30pm and second Sunday of each month 1pm - 5pm.

Carpet Bowls - Saturday and Wednesday 12.30pm - 3.30pm.

Bingo - Thursdays 11am - 2pm.

Community Day - First Friday of the month 11am - 2.30pm.

Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club, 1 Codrington Street, Cranbourne. For more information, call 0432 107 590.

CFA Family Fun Day at Botanic Ridge Village The Devon Meadows and Cranbourne CFA is visiting Botanic Ridge Village on Saturday 26 November, offering kids the opportunity to climb aboard a fire truck and explore a medical response vehicle, learning all about how they work in an emergency.

Crew members will be available to provide information on how to get the home ready for summer.

The CFA will also be running a sausage sizzle and children’s activities on the day.

Together the Narre Warren & Berwick Business Group is hosting one of the largest community and trader fundraising walks to raise money and awareness for brain cancer.

We would love the support of all our community and traders to get together and walk with us on the day!

We encourage you to register at walk4braincancer.com.au/walks/berwick Sunday 27 November from 10am.

·

‘That boy’ book launch Join local author Julie Dascoli as she celebrates the launch of her new children’s picture book ‘That Boy’, a project four years in the making.

There’ll be activities for the kids and Julie will provide a special reading on the day.

2pm, Saturday 3 December at Narrehills Family Church, 86 Hallam North Road, Endeavour Hills.

·

Oakgrove Community Centre 25th anniversary event Come along to Oakgrove Community Centre on Sunday 4 December from 11am to 2pm to celebrate 25 years of the centre.

Includes Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, facepainting, arts and crafts, pony rides, jumping castle, market stalls, food van and more.

89-101 Oakgrove Drive, Narre Warren South.

·

Become a foster carer

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12 December 2022

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Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

Trades & Services

The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

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Open 7 days

V Lost & Found

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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SPORT

A wet and weedy Reedy

By Jonty Ralphsmith Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 2 club Heinz Southern Districts will play no home games at KM Reedy Reserve until at least December for the third consecutive year, an issue that is starting to frustrate those within the club.

Since the 2020-21 season, HSD has been forced to move nine home games due to insufficient drainage and overgrowth which the club wants addressed.

Those games are generally moved to the opposition team’s home ground meaning HSD lose about $500 in bar and canteen revenue, according to president Andy Dandridge.

It also means matches are sometimes forced to be played on Sunday, as that is when opposition venues are available, meaning players are sometimes unavailable as they plan to play on Saturday.

While captain Craig Hookey did not want to make excuses, and said players were taking it in their stride, the poor drainage is also affecting the club’s ability to train.

For several years the club has trained at indoor facilities throughout the entire preseason, at the expense of the club, given the softness of the surface.

This season, when HSD has trained at its nets, plastic ‘jug’ balls have been used as shiny new kookaburras would be ruined by the the wet.

“You bowl a great ball, a batter plays and misses, it hits the back net and lands in the mud so you’re bowling with a muddy ball for the rest of he night,” Mr Dandridge explained.

“We don’t need MCG style facilities, just facilities that allow us to compete.”

He also believes the state of the venue is turning away potential players who instead play elsewhere, at clubs with superior facilities.

The clubrooms were described as ‘OK’ and the nets have not been upgraded since the 1990s.

As KM Reedy Reserve is not used as a footy oval, it is mowed less regularly in the winter.

Mr Dandridge was indifferent when asked his thoughts on the council’s response.

“We aren’t extremely disappointed with the response but I wouldn’t say we’re pleased,” he said.

“It’s a straight bat, they understand the issues but it is what it is.

“We understand that response but we also

think is the council doing absolutely everything they can to make the surface playable and the best it can be? That is our frustration.”

There have been occasions in recent years where players and club people have brought down lawnmowers so the club can get more out of training sessions, adding to the disappointment.

Mr Dandridge is, however, pleased that Liberal candidate for Narre Warren South Anette Samuel has pledged to put $3 million towards a full redevelopment of Reedy Reserve.

“This funding would be put towards resurfacing of two football/cricket ovals, (an) extended pavilion to include a minimum of four change rooms, resurfacing of the multipurpose oval used by the cricket and soccer club junior teams and improving the pathways for the Hampton Park parkrun group around the reserve,” Ms Samuel announced on her Facebook page on Saturday.

The proposal would allow football to be played at the facility during the winter season.

City of Casey Manager, City Presentation, Dave Richardson said a combination of Covid-19 and weather is taking a toll.

“KM Reedy Reserve in Hampton Park is predominantly Melbourne Water Land and is low lying, set aside to temporarily store storm water during heavy rain,” he said.

“The sports ground at KM Reedy Reserve is predominantly used for summer sports, therefore drainage has not previously been a high priority.

“Our maintenance crews are aware of the state of the reserve, and once we have some consistent dry weather, we will be putting a heavy renovation process in place to help with water penetration into the soil profile.

“Whilst we cannot provide a timeline, a drainage renewal project will be undertaken at the reserve in the future.”

Sports grounds are scheduled to be cut once a week during the summer and fortnightly during winter if conditions suit.

However, contractor performance and current weather has made it difficult to keep on top of grass growth.

“Council has and will continue to work closely with HSD Cricket Club to gain a better understanding of the challenges and needs of the reserve,” he added.

The club’s first XI came runner-up to Parkmore in the turf two grand final last year and have won their first two games this season.

Coach Craig Hookey stands on the ground

Coach Craig Hookey stands with president Andy Dandrige in the wet nets

There is constantly surface water at KM Reedy Reserve given poor drainage. 308925 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Scanlan sets her sights on President’s Cup in Egypt

By David Nagel Berwick hot-shot Laetisha Scanlan will attempt to cap off a fantastic 2022 when she sets her sights on the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President’s Cup in Egypt.

The ISSF President’s Cup takes place from 28 November to 4 December in Cairo, with Scanlan one of only two Australian’s having been invited to compete.

The top 12 ranked athletes in each Olympic event according to the 2022 World Ranking are invited to take part in the competition, with Catherine Skinner (World Number 4), and Scanlan (World Number 7) both invited to compete in the Women’s Trap Event.

Winners of the President’s Cup will receive the Golden Target, the Best Athlete of the Year award. Scanlan, who won gold, silver and bronze medals in the ISSF World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, in June, is excited to be taking part in the season-ending shootout.

The former St Margaret’s student will take some good form into the event.

“I’m thrilled to be invited to the President’s Cup this year,” Scanlan said.

“Internationally, I started my season poorly so I was happy to pull out some form and consistency towards the latter half of berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

the year to put myself in the top 10.

“I love competing against the top women in the world as it’s a constant challenge to perform at a high level.

“I’m really looking forward to going to Egypt as it’s always been a country on my bucket list to visit.“ Speaking on Australia’s involvement in the President’s Cup, Shooting Australia CEO Adam Sachs said both Skinner and Scanlan would do Australia proud.

“Shooting Australia is delighted that two of our leading athletes’ performances have been recognised through their invitation to the Presidents Cup,” Sachs said.

“We know they will represent Australia with pride as Catherine and Laetisha are provided this terrific opportunity to close out a successful 2022, before their attention returns to continuing on the road to Paris 2024“ Scanlan, the defending champion, was denied the chance for back-to-back crowns at the Commonwealth Games, with shooting not part of the program in Birmingham earlier this year.

But she may set her sights on the 2026 Commonwealth Games…to be held in her home state of Victoria.

Berwick girl Laetisha Scanlan has been invited to the prestigious President’s Cup in Egypt. 283844 Picture: AAP IMAGES Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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Hammond the hammerer

By Tyler Lewis Hallam Kalora Park coach Matt Cox was left mesmerised when watching star all-rounder Jordan Hammond carve Narre South to all parts of Straithard Reserve.

The Lions – led by Joel Zietsman (9-3-1-37) and Zac Wilson (9-1-3-41) – had the clamps on the Hawks early.

In fact, the visitors had just 32 runs on the board when the rain hit 14 overs in.

The nearly two-hour delay then halted the Hawks even further, as they now needed to set a competitive 28-over total after an extremely slow start.

Enter: Hammond.

The powerful right-hander struck an unbeaten 84 from just 64 deliveries, with six soaring sixes and four grass-sizzling fours.

After walking in at 2/13, Hammond struck 84 of the possible 131 runs for the remainder of the innings to propel his side to 5/144.

And while the competition is certainly on notice of Hammond’s form, it still hasn’t sunk in with his coach.

“It’s one of the best 60-ball innings I have ever seen anyone play in 10 years of cricket – it was unbelievable,” Cox said.

“He was hitting sixes over mid-on, over mid-wicket, over cover, over square-leg… it was just unbelievable. “(I know) Even from previously when we played each other, he is just one of those blokes that you can’t set a field to.

“It doesn’t matter where you bowl it, he’s not scared, he will hit you wherever he feels like hitting you at the moment.

“He’s got that laid-back character; he’s just not scared to get out at all.”

Narre South lost consistent wickets in pursuit of the Hawks’ total, courtesy of the suffocating line and lengths of spinner Sachith Jayasingha.

The right-arm tweaker claimed 2/27, but went at an economy of just three runs per over for his nine overs.

Much like Hammond, Jayasingha has too

Bowlers beware: Jordan Hammond is in serious touch. 308818

Picture: ROB CAREW

It’s one of the best 60-ball innings I have ever seen anyone play in 10 years of cricket – it was unbelievable.” Hallam Kalora Park coach Matt Cox on Jordan Hammond’s unbeaten 84 earned the praise of coach Cox. “He’s absolutely class and he goes under the radar,” he said.

“He doesn’t get any of the accolades that

any of the other international boys that come over, but this bloke is an absolute star.

“He’s probably the best fielder in the competition; he got three run outs last week, and

his bowling… well he never bowls a bad ball.

“It’s his fourth year at Hallam now; I don’t think he will ever leave to be honest.”

Buckley Ridges, meanwhile, has secured its second win in as many weeks and has simultaneously delivered Berwick its second loss of the summer.

In typical Buckley Ridges style, the Bucks launched out of the blocks off the blades of Ben Wright (30) and Mahela Udawatte (45).

The Bears managed to grab the early wicket of Noah Priestly – caught at second slip off the bowling of James Wilcock – before the Bucks dynamic duo landed a succession of punches.

Udawatte took to Berwick quicky Andrew Perrin in one particular over, lacing him to and over the fence. The left-handers 360-degree stroke play was highlighted by an imperious pull stroke that landed well beyond the Arch Brown fence line.

Perrin had the last laugh however, knocking Udawatte’s castle over when he chanced his arm once too many times.

With the platform set, the rest of the Bucks batting line-up had the opportunity to throw caution to the wind in order to get a strong total in the revised 27-over game.

Michael ‘Slick’ Davies thrived in his promotion up the order, crunching 34 from just 19 balls. The Bears got off to a swashbuckling start in pursuit of the Bucks’ 9/181, with Jordan Cleland (36 from 33) and Lachlan Brown (44 from 34) launching an array of early boundaries.

However when Cleland was dismissed, the chase began to unravel for the Bears, losing 5/36 after a 0/72 opening stand.

Cameos from Mason Binns (32 from 33) and James Wilcock (20 from 14) weren’t enough for Berwick, as the home side fell to 10/165 in the 26th over.

The defeat leaves Berwick searching for its first win against competition newcomers Parkmore Pirates this Saturday.

The Springvale South/St Mary’s and North Dandenong/Parkmore Pirates matches were abandoned due to the tempestuous weather.

Cranbourne does backflip Clubs chasing cup cash

By David Nagel

By Jonty Ralphsmith Southern League Division One club Cranbourne has backflipped on its decision to move on from 2022 premiership coach Steve O’Brien.

In an email to members on Thursday morning, it was announced that O’Brien had re-signed as senior coach for the next two seasons.

“Following on from a premiership year, Steve will naturally have the goal of going back-to-back, with a greater emphasis on developing our assistant coaches and current playing list along with ensuring our juniors receive development opportunities for the future of the club,” the email read.

“Furthering his own personal development, Steve has just recently been accredited as an AFL level three coach, gaining further knowledge to assist the football department in the implementation and ongoing development of the Cranbourne Football Club development plan.”

President Terry Gleeson chose not provide detail behind the decision but confirmed O’Brien did re-interview for the position. O’Brien said he decided to reapply for the position after receiving lots of support and learned of the news on Wednesday night.

“I’m extremely happy to be back, I was keen to continue on so we get to work now,” he said.

“There will be a strong focus on development - we have a strong squad so we still want to compete with the very best and defend our title, but we also have a clear focus on development across the board of players, coaches and people in general.

“It’s about empowering people and spreading my knowledge across the footy club.

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“We have to sit down and work through how that will play out. We’ve got people there who are good footy people so it is about educating them and continuing to give them development opportunities “I’ve had some great some support from a lot of people and it’s really driven me, so it’s my turn now to repay their trust and belief in me and we’ve got to get to work.”

The decision comes exactly one month after it was announced that O’Brien would not go on as the Eagles wanted to sustain holistic, long-term success.

Having drawn up a development plan, the club was seeking a coach who could stick around for the next three to five years, a commitment O’Brien was unable to make at the time. Stability and consistent messaging for young players keen on pursuing senior football were cited as reasons a longer commitment was sought.

It was a decision that surprised many in the local footballing scene given how highly O’Brien is regarded.

“We don’t want someone to come in and say it is a ready-made flag side,” said president at the time, Shane Baker.

“We want to win the flag every year and had the perfect coach for that.

“OB could have got us back-to-back, but going forward we want someone who can maintain a level of great performance and bring the next generation through.”

Reflecting on that period, O’Brien said: “It is what it is, footy clubs can be funny places sometimes, but everyone does what they believe is within the best interests of the footy club and for now it is all about moving forward.”

The club is still finalising its assistant coaches for 2023 ahead of preseason starting on 28 November.

Thursday, 24 November, 2022

Several local sporting clubs will be cheering more than most when the lids open for the $1 million Group 1 Sportsbet Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park on Saturday night.

All 64 greyhounds in last Saturday night’s Melbourne Cup heats were allocated to 64 community clubs and groups with $13,000 in prize money up for grabs.

The Melbourne Cup heat winners all progressed to the final on Saturday 26 November, with the aligned community clubs and groups all doing the same.

Doveton Eagles Football Netball Club (Ti-

tan Blazer), Fountain Gate Cricket Club (Fernando Mick), Narre South Saints Football Netball Club (Zipping Tesla) and Dandenong Football Netball Club (Paddy Wants Pats) have all had their greyhounds progress to the final.

The club aligned to the greyhound who wins the Melbourne Cup will win $6000, the runner-up $2000 and the third placegetter $1000.

And no club will go home empty handed, with greyhounds finishing in positions fourth to eighth earning their aligned club or group $500 each.

In addition, the club with the best social media promotion will win $1500.

Doveton Eagles Football Netball Club is hoping to cash in big on Saturday night. 277797 Picture: ROB CAREW berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Thompson chasing historic cup victory

By Gerard Guthrie Champion Pearcedale greyhound-trainer Jason Thompson will attempt to create history on Saturday night in the $1 million Group 1 Sportsbet Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park.

If the market is correct, and race-favourite Plaintiff is victorious, Thompson will create history as the first trainer to win the Melbourne Cup on four occasions, while it would be a fifth celebration for the family.

Thompson has won the race with Light Of Fire (1994), Got A Moment (2012) and Black Magic Opal (2013), while wife Seona was victorious with Aston Dee Bee in 2017.

“Plaintiff is similar to Aston Dee Bee, Black Magic Opal and Light Of Fire – all of them really,” Thompson said.

“To win a Melbourne Cup, you’ve got to have good speed and more importantly, a good second section.

“That’s where you win the race, breaking them up down the back.

“I’m confident he’ll run well.

“You’d be a brave man to go out on a limb and say you’re going to win a race like this, but he’s got the box we wanted and now it’s up to him to take advantage of it.”

Another chapter in the Thompson family’s proud Melbourne Cup tradition could be written on Saturday, with Plaintiff to be handled by 21-year-old Luke.

“Luke handled Aussie Secret (5th) in last year’s Melbourne Cup and it’s great to see him with a real, live chance,” Jason said.

“Luke loves the racing side of things and really enjoys the responsibility of taking our dogs to the track, whether it’s for the Melbourne Cup or a Healesville maiden.”

Plaintiff was the ‘slowest’ of Saturday night’s eight heat winners, clocking 29.66sec, but after drawing box one for the Cup Final is a clearcut $2.35 favourite with Sportsbet.

“In a race like the Melbourne Cup, you’ve got to make the final first; it doesn’t matter how you get there,” Thompson said.

“It did surprise me that he came from behind to win his heat.

“It was a good dog in front of him (Kysaiah) and to check off it, rail underneath it, get past

Marcus Stoinis and the Melbourne Stars are on their way to Casey Fields. 309573 Picture: AAP IMAGES

Stars head south east The Melbourne Stars will return to Casey Fields this December for its annual Stars Family Day. The club has once again partnered with the City of Casey to bring Stars fans closer to the Big Bash League (BBL) Action.

On December 18, fans will be able to rub shoulders with some of the best cricketers in the world, when Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis head down to the state of the art facilities.

Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Couch was pleased with the announcement.

“One of our main goals for BBL|12 is to reconnect with our members and fans who have been so loyal over the last couple of years in their support of the club,” he said in the Stars media release.

“We’d also like to thank the City of Casey and Brown Property Group for their support of this year’s event and we cannot wait to see everyone on the 18th of December.”

Some of the activities available include: ‘Meet and greet’ player signings Kid’s cricket clinic Food trucks Inflatables Face painting Workshops and giveaways Local and professional sporting clubs A live DJ

The Jason Thompson-trained Plaintiff books himself a place in the final of the $1million Picture: SUPPLIED Melbourne Cup. 309636 it and hold on in very ordinary conditions was a great effort.

“No matter where he drew, he was going to be a big player in the race, but to draw exactly where he wants is a bonus.”

Plaintiff, a son of beaten 2016 Melbourne Cup favourite Zambora Brockie, ticks all the boxes heading into the $650,000 to-the-winner Cup Final.

Winner of 17 from 31, he’s unbeaten in four starts from ‘the red’, while he’s had five starts at Sandown for four wins and a second, his only defeat coming when runner-up to superstar Wow She’s Fast in the G3 Launching Pad. “He’s speared the lids every time he’s drawn box 1 too!” Thompson said.

“If he didn’t draw ‘the red’ we wanted an odd number, because the longer he’s in the boxes the better.

“That gives him more time to settle, and he generally begins better from odd boxes.

“The only time he’s been beaten at Sandown he missed the start in the Launching Pad from box 2.”

Box one is the most ‘winningest’ draw in the history of the great race, supplying 17 winners, including two of the past five, in Aston Dee Bee (2017), which was trained by Thompson’s wife Seona, and My Redeemer (2018).

After the Melbourne Cup, Thompson’s focus with Plaintiff will shift immediately to the $1 million-to-the-winner The Phoenix, the final event of the inaugural Sportsbet Dream Chasers Festival, to be held at The Meadows on Saturday, December 17.

GROUP 1 MELBOURNE CUP FINAL (515M) 1. Plaintiff Jason Thompson 29.662 2. Titan Blazer Daniel Gibbons 29.571 3. Vice Grip Adam Smithson 29.625 4. Yachi Bale Mark Delbridge 29.383 5. Fernando Mick David Geall 29.402 6. Zippy Tesla Bradley Keel 29.453 7. El Dorado Daryl Holmes 29.345 8. Paddy Wants Pats Kelly Bravo 29.40 RESERVES 9. Zara’s Ivan Bradley Keel 29.536 10. Amron Boy Brooke Ennis 29.577

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It’s getting tougher and tighter at the top in the BDTA Cranbourne, Narre Warren North Black and Pakenham were the big winners in the Osborne Shield on Saturday as teams begin to gain some momentum in the Berwick and District Tennis Association (BDTA).

Cranbourne had to fight hard for victory over Sandhurst, likewise Narre Warren North Black over Drouin, while Pakenham was the most impressive winner after a great performance over Narre Warren North Red. The top four in the Osborne Shield is currently Drouin, Narre Warren North Black, Pakenham and Cranbourne, with Narre Warren North Red, Sandhurst and Berwick trying to break their way into finals contention.

Here are this week’s results in the BDTA: SATURDAY Osborne Shield (Rubbers) Pakenham 3 6:42 v 0 1:24 Narre Warren North Red, Cranbourne 2 5:46 v 1 3:43 Sandhurst, Narre Warren North Black 2 4:35 v 1 3:36 Drouin.

Section 1 Rubbers Beaconsfield Blue 3 6:37 v 0 0:16 Narre Warren, Pakenham 2 5:40 v 1 2:18 Officer Blue, Drouin Gold 2 4:33 v 1 2:25 Beaconsfield Gold, Officer Red 2 4:28 v 1 3:30 Cranbourne.

Section 2 Rubbers Berwick White 3 6:37 v 0 0:17 Narre Warren, Beaconsfield 2 4:31 v 1 3:30 Officer Blue, Cranbourne Green 2 4:27 v 1 2:21 Berwick Blue, Officer Red 2 5:39 v 1 2:27 Cranbourne Black.

Section 3 Rubbers Beaconsfield 1 2:34 v 2 5:41 Upper Beacons-

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berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

bourne 4:33 v 4:38 Tooradin, Lang Lang 6:43 v 2:30 Clyde.

SUNDAY Section 10 Singles Berwick White 1:16 v 7:47 Cranbourne, Bunyip 1:31 v 7:48 Beaconsfield, Officer 4:42 v 4:28 Berwick Blue, Narre Warren 5:37 v 3:30 Pakenham.

Section 11 Singles Berwick White 4:36 v 4:28 Clyde, Cranbourne 0:15 v 8:49 Upper Beaconsfield, Narre Warren 8:49 v 0:13 Officer.

Section 12 Singles Berwick 2:26 v 6:42 Fountain Gate, Cranbourne 1:15 v 7:47 Narre Warren, Tooradin 5:42 v 3:30 Gloucester, Beaconsfield 3:33 v 5:38 Pakenham.

Section 13 Singles Gloucester 7:45 v 1:13 Cranbourne, Narre Warren South v Narre Warren (Washout), Officer Red 3:35 v 5:31 Harkaway.

Section 14 Singles Beaconsfield 7:45 v 1:17 Narre Warren, Cranbourne 1:23 v 7:45 Berwick, Officer Blue 6:44 v 2:18 Pakenham.

Section 15 Doubles Berwick 1:18 v 5:32 Narre Warren Yellow, Narre Warren South v Narre Warren Green (Washout), Officer 5:30 v 1:18 Beaconsfield.

Section 16 Doubles Narre Warren Gold 6:36 v 0:16 Upper Beaconsfield, Cranbourne 0:11 v 6:36 Narre Warren Gold, Tooradin 4:31 v 2:20 Berwick, Narre Warren Green 4:28 v 2:16 Officer.

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Rajvir prepares to flatten out a forehand for Cranbourne. 293980 field, Cranbourne 1 2:22 v 2 5:42 Berwick White, Harkaway 3 6:36 v 0 0:11 Narre Warren.

Section 4 Rubbers Beaconsfield 3 6:48 v 0 2:37 Clyde White, Clyde Blue 1 3:35 v 2 4:37 Harkaway, Narre Warren 1 3:36 v 2 5:42 Officer, Narre Warren North 3 6:45 v 0 2:34 Cranbourne.

Section 5 Rubbers Sandhurst 2 4:32 v 1 2:12 Fountain Gate, Pakenham 0 0:15 v 3 6:37 Narre Warren North, Cranbourne 3 6:37 v 0 0:15 Beaconsfield, Bunyip 3 6:46 v 0 2:39 Clyde.

Section 6 Singles Upper Beaconsfield 7:46 v 1:25 Narre War-

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Picture: ROB CAREW

ren, Clyde 2:26 v 6:45 Berwick Blue, Berwick White 3:31 v 5:37 Cranbourne Section 7 Singles Officer 3:27 v 5:33 Beaconsfield, Narre Warren South 4:39 v 4:32 Berwick White, Cranbourne 6:44 v 2:30 Berwick Blue.

Section 8 Singles Berwick 3:39 v 5:43 Beaconsfield, Gloucester 2:24 v 6:42 Upper Beaconsfield, Bunyip 2:29 v 6:43 Tooradin, Narre Warren North 1:14 v 7:44 Cranbourne.

Section 9 Singles Berwick 4:29 v 4:33 Fountain Gate, Pakenham 8:48 v 0:7 Narre Warren North, Cran-

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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Thursday, 24 November, 2022

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