News - Berwick Star News - 8th December 2022

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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Experimental public performance

Win defies odds Narre Warren North Primary School doesn’t boast state-of-the-art sporting facilities.

The school uses a multipurpose room in place of a gym and it leases an oval to use for outdoor physical education classes.

But the school’s PE teacher Vanessa Wilson has defied the odds of limited facilities to win PE Teacher of the Year at the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) awards last week.

“This is the most prestigious award that a PE teacher can be acknowledged for. It means [she] has been recognised as the best PE teacher in all of the independent, catholic and government schools in Victoria,” Narre Warren North Primary School assistant principal Erin Harman said.

“We are very proud of her, particularly because of her success with our students with limited resourcing.”

The award, which was made possible by an anonymous nomination from a member of the public, came as a surprise to Vanessa.

“When you compare yourself to other schools who have these great facilities and really different timetables and extra staff within their PE department...it was kind of like a wow moment,” Vanessa said.

“For us, if it rains, our program completely changes because you don’t have that facility to carry on…you can’t really run the lesson how you’d like to run the lesson.”

The mother of one said her passion for PE was influenced by her own childhood sport teacher.

“In primary school I had a really great PE teacher, Mr Smythe and as soon as I had Mr Smythe as a teacher, from the start of Grade 2, I said to mum and dad ‘I’m gonna be a PE teacher when I grow up’,” Vanessa recalled.

“He was a great role model, he was always positive and supportive and used to challenge me, particularly in the running space.

I didn’t train as a runner, but he saw some-

Vanessa Wilson was recently honoured with the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS and Recreation’s PE Teacher of the Year award. 310893 thing in me even back then.

“That’s what I hope the kids sense from me, that I support them and they can feel that positivity and that warmth that they can try

anything and it’s okay if you don’t get it right, it’s okay if you fall over or you don’t quite get it this time, or you don’t win.

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yourself off, get up and have another go.”

Despite the challenges the school’s PE department has faced, Ms Harman said Vanessa has been successful in passing on her passion for sport to her students.

“PE and sport is huge here now. We have students that will go out and do extra running at home because she’s been able to give them the strategies, because she’s a runner herself,” Ms Harman said.

“So she’s definitely an inspiration.”

Vanessa agreed students at the school are determined and engaged when it comes to sport classes.

“If I have to set up equipment, all of a sudden one of the kids will go, ‘Alright let’s do a running activity’, and they’ll all get up and start doing it as a group,” she said.

“These are Grade 3 and 4 students and seeing them cohesively running back and forth along the court, just really challenging themselves.

“We’ve had a lot of kids this year who have represented district, division and then regional as well. We’ve seen many kids representing at regional in different sports and not just the one sport.”

An avid long distance runner, Vanessa is also akin to success outside of her professional career.

She is currently the female Victorian marathon champion and recently finished fourth in the female division of the Melbourne Marathon.

“When I had my daughter, my husband said let’s do a Parkrun, so we did the Parkrun with the pram and he said, ‘Oh gosh you ran like that in 22 minutes’,” she said.

“So my goal four years ago was just to break 20 minutes for a five kilometre, and just last week I ran 16 and a half (minutes).

“It was something I really enjoy and I hope the students can see that if you put a bit of energy into something and you’re determined, it pays off and hopefully they can pick a sport or a pathway that they really like as well.”

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Too many workers face this every day It’s never ok worksafe.vic.gov.au/itsneverok

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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NEWS

Charges following fatality Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal collision in Berwick on 26 November.

The charges follow an incident in Berwick where a man, who has since been identified as father of three Darrin Pierce, was found injured on the side of the Princes Highway about 12.15am.

It is understood two passengers in a rideshare vehicle noticed the 44-year-old injured in a gutter between Neill and Peel Streets as they were being driven past the area, and raised the alarm.

It is believed Mr Pierce suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car and

was taken to hospital where he later died.

A 31-year-old Narre Warren man has been charged with failure to stop after a collision, failure to render assistance, and registered owner failure to disclose the identity of driver.

He has been bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 December.

It comes after Mr Pierce’s wife Kati last week issued a plea for the driver responsible to come forward.

“You should have stopped and had a look… this is what humans do,” she told reporters from the family’s Berwick home on Sunday 27 November.

“I just live here not long, not very good Eng-

lish, don’t know anything, and I have a fouryear-old son and two kids here with me.”

Mrs Pierce said she and Mr Pierce were returning home from a local pub shortly before the incident occurred, but she had walked ahead and arrived home before him.

Earlier in the day, the ardent Collingwood supporter had been celebrating at a business luncheon with the Dandenong Cricket Club, where he had met and posed for photos alongside Collingwood star Dane Swan.

Following the tragic news, Dandenong Cricket Club took to Facebook to issue a statement about Mr Pierce, who was a long-time sponsor and supporter of the club through his

business Berwick Pest Control.

“The Dandenong Cricket Club are saddened by the news of the passing of long-time sponsor and supporter Darrin Pierce from Berwick Pest Control,” the post read.

“An avid Collingwood supporter Darrin was successful in his bid for the Dane Swann Memorabilia and his smile says it all!

“Darrin also enjoyed his Boxing Day Test and enjoying the day with a mate or two by his side,” the post read.

“From all at Dandenong Cricket Club we pass on our deepest sympathy to his wife Kati and three children and will remember Darrin for his wonderful support and friendship. RIP Darrin.”

Reflect and pause at Bunjil Place for slow-moving dance

By Eleanor Wilson In a busy, increasingly digital world, it is rare to get the chance to slow down and breathe.

But award-winning choreographer Liesel Zink hopes her new experimental public performance Us And All Of This will do just that.

Launching early next year at three premier arts centres across Victoria, including Narre Warren’s Bunjil Place, the project will incorporate 100 local individuals for a largescale, sculptural dance work centring reflection, meditation and pause.

Ms Zink said the project provides an opportunity to “move at a beautifully slow pace at a time when the world seems to be speeding up”.

“There have been so many really challenging world events that have happened recently and it brought me to question how we can cope with a really challenging and complex world we live in at the moment,” Ms Zink said.

“This project for me sticks with that, the realisation that we’re better if we do it together and I think this work looks at togetherness at a time when we’ve felt really isolated.”

Commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Betty Amsden Participation program, Us And All Of This will feature at the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt on 11 March, Bunjil Place on 25 and 26 March and the Geelong Arts Centre on 2 April.

Ms Zink said the concept of the project started a few years ago with her interest in bringing contemporary dance to public spaces.

“I wanted to play with the beauty of us as a collective and us as individuals,” she said.

“I’m trying to work with these 100 bodies to create a big beautiful slow moving sculpture that sees individuals move beyond the individual and work as a whole group.”

Ms Zink, along with dramaturg Martyn Coutts and composer Lawrence English, are currently looking for 100 participants for each venue, varying in age, ethnicity, gender and body type, to make up the the

Public dance work Us And All Of This will feature at Bunjil Place in March. large-scale project. The only prerequisite for participants is that they must be at least 15.

“The participants just need to be open and dance curious, they don’t need to have any experience in dance, everyone is invited to come along and take part in this project.”

Once the participants are chosen, they will attend a series of workshops on the project and will also be guided by Ms Zink during the 45-minute performance.

“For the participants I hope these rehearsals are a space of rejuvenation and joy and a chance to get back in their bodies,” Ms Zink said.

“We’ve been on 2D screens for a long time, so I hope they can just appreciate being able to stretch and move their bodies in amongst others and enjoy that process, and hopefully take some of the ethos of the work home with them into their everyday lives and maybe share those experiences with others.”

Picture: IAN LAIDLAW The public is also encouraged to attend one of the three locations to witness the 100 participants weave throughout the space.

Zink is well known for her large-scale public space performances, most significantly ‘The Stance’ which was performed on over 80 dancers in 10 cities worldwide. The Stance won the 2017 Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Dance.

To sign up to be a participant in the Bunjil Place project, head to bit.ly/3UrrlKO

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Narre Warren musician Gary Ellis

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I’m a country western singer and musician and have been all my life. I first recorded commercially in 1956.Since then I’ve released 10 albums and performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

What do you love about what you do?

I’ve loved country music since I was eight years old when I used to turn the radio on in the morning and listen to country music. I love the story in the lyrics. In country, it’s just as much a tale of a story as much as the melody of a music.

Who is the best person you’ve worked with and why?

The best relationships I have had are with my fellow artists and horses. Horses are a very frequent message within the lyrics of country music. I prefer listening to Australian country music artists because I like hearing stories about my land.

What would your last meal be?

Steak and fried eggs.

What is your most memorable moment?

The birth of my first child.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

Johnny Cash in concert.

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

Johnny Cash, Sir Donald Bradman and Scott Morrison.

What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?

Nothing at the moment, just watching the

Country music recording artist Gary Ellis. 307318 news on television but I love a good documentary.

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

Steak and fried eggs.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Sri Lanka. I’ve been many times, but I love the people, the climate and philosophy of the people.

THREE … local charities to donate to this Christmas

1

Windermere Child and Family Services The not-for-profit’s Merry Mission Appeal will support children and families from the South East experiencing extreme disadvantage this Christmas by way of food hampers and new toys.

2

Bk 2 Basics Melbourne The food relief organisation is holding a Christmas Gift Drive with the Amstel Group, accepting donations of gifts to spread some Christmas cheer to local families who are doing it tough.

3

Casey North Community Information and Support Service The Narre Warren-based organisation is taking donations of toys and food for its annual Christmas Appeal.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS What was your first job?

Working in the public service, working with the children’s welfare department.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

I don’t have a smartphone.

What’s one question that you have always wanted answered?

The wonder of nature. I’ve never been able to find the answer for that.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel. Taking our busiest train lines through a new tunnel under the city to run more trains to and from our suburbs. The City Loop will also be closed for upgrades.

Buses replace trains in both directions and no City Loop trains City Loop

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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NEWS

Reports of pets neglected

By Marcus Uhe New data from the RSPCA depicts pet owners within the City of Casey in a poor light for the third consecutive year.

The city ranked second for Local Government Areas in Victoria behind Greater Geelong City Council for number of reports made during the 2021-22 financial year, the second year in a row they were among the highest numbers after topping the list in 2019-20.

There were 531 reports made in 2021-22, after 577 and 581 in 2020-21 and 2019-20, respectively.

The ranking was considerably lower per capita, however, ranking 56th of 79 LGAs with 688 reports.

Instances of neglect were the impetus for nearly half of the reports made across the state, meaning community members had made reports based on concerns for animals with a lack of access to food, water, shelter or vet care, according to the RSPCA. Other types of neglect included poor husbandry, lack of appropriate hygiene and insufficient grooming, shearing and farriery for horses.

RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michael Stagg said by raising awareness of the most prevalent types of animal cruelty, the community could work together to do better for Victoria’s animals.

“For many, the perception of animal cruelty relates to deliberate acts such as beating or wounding, and while this does occur, the data consistently shows the most common form of cruelty is neglect,” Mr Stagg said.

“There are many responsible pet ownership resources available, and we encourage anyone who is the owner or person in charge of animals to be aware of their responsibilities to provide care, or alternatively to seek help from their local council, a veterinarian or animal

Data from the RSPCA ranked the City of Casey second for number of reports of animal cruelty among LGAs in Victoria. welfare organisation.”

While Mr Stagg and the RSPCA acknowledged the current cost of living pressures may impact the ability of some to care for their pets, many Victorians adopted pets during the pandemic, including some as first-time pet owners, who may still require information or support to help them understand how to best care for their animals.

“It is important all pet owners understand the specific needs of their pets in terms of food, water, shelter, grooming and exercise.

“If you are the owner or person in charge of an animal, you have legal and moral obligations to that animal.

“RSPCA Victoria is committed to helping people better care for their pets, however, neglect is against the law and is never accept-

able; therefore, we will hold people to account if they do not meet the required standards of care.”

The City of Casey recommends reporting anyone you believe to be intentionally harming an animal to the RSPCA or the police, as council officers are not authorised to investigate animal cruelty matters.

The Lost Dogs’ Home in Cranbourne welcomes animals that have been surrendered on the basis of owners not being able to adequately look after their animals.

Shelter manager Allie Small said there were some important considerations people should undertake before committing to pet ownership.

“The first one is the availability of time, and making sure owners are providing the enrich-

Picture: FILE

ment the animal needs,” Ms Small said.

“Secondly, there’s the breed of animal, and whether the owner can meet the specific needs of the animal.

“Thirdly, I would recommend they do a budget to work out what the animal costs to adopt or purchase, and the ongoing costs of ownership, such as vet care and food, because all of that adds up over time. People need to assess the type of animal fits their budget.

“Some of the biggest issues people are having is that the cost of looking after pet is more than they expected. A lot of people got a dog during Covid-19 that they may not have thought of having before, and choosing a type of dog around what was available, rather than what suited their lifestyle.”

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Wash or toss your vegies

LENSCAPE

The EPA has issued a warning to those eager to consume home-grown vegetables from yards that have fallen victim to flooding in recent months, with produce that has come into contact with floodwaters needing to be thoroughly washed or thrown out.

Professor Mark Taylor, EPA chief environmental scientist, warned all floodwaters were considered to be contaminated and that could transfer to your vegetables.

“Some fruit and vegetables will be salvageable simply by washing them, but if your garden was flooded in the recent heavy rain events experienced around the state, if there’s any doubt, we always advise to be cautious and throw them out,” Prof Taylor said.

Professor Taylor said EPA floodwater testing had shown highly variable rates of contamination by location and date of testing, which just heightened the need for caution.

He has advised to not eat leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale and lettuce, or anything that was already damaged before the floods, such as produce with pierced or split skin.

Raw soft fruits, such as berries, should be avoided, as they cannot be washed thoroughly.

They will be considered safe if they are cooked.

Vegetables with protective shells, husks or skins, such as peas and sweet corn, or were immature at the time of the flooding, should be treated with caution.

Prof Taylor recommends thoroughly washing, peeling and cooking them before consuming.

EPA’s soil testing program continues from flood-affected areas with results helping communities with their clean-up efforts.

If you’re from a flood-affected area and would like more information, dial 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842) and select #8, or go to bit. ly/3ueyXpn

Racking up the balls at the Akoonah Park Men’s Shed. 311574

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up To Crystal World in Devon Meadows, they’ve been put through the wringer in costs and permits for wanting Rosie the Shark to have a better exhibit. You’d think the council would encourage small business/ tourism. They have a fabulous Crystal collection and dinosaur park.

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Thumbs down

Pakenham

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Thumbs down To the disorganised road closures in the Devon Meadows Cannons Creek area.

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Thumbs up To the deli staff member at Coles who grabbed 708 grams of chicken on her first attempt when I asked for 700! You couldn’t even take off one wing and get closer to the pin.

Thumbs down To B-double drivers who move into the left hand lane while it’s still occupied by a car.

Thumbs up To meeting MasterChef Emelia Jackson at Bunjil Place Library. She was so lovely!

Thumbs up To the Socceroos for their inspiring run at the World Cup.

Thumbs up For the care my son received after having surgery at Dandy hospital last week. The nurses were fantastic.

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Berwick MP Brad Battin will find out on Thursday 8 December if he is the next leader of the Liberal Party, after throwing his hat in the ring for the position as Matthew Guy announced he is stepping down. Here’s what our Facebook readers thought of Mr Battin’s decision.

Ray Purchase: Never confuse ambition and ability.

Noreen Moroney: Brad seems to exhibit both [ambition and ability] to me.

Blanka Rossi: All the best for Brad!

Mathew Grace: Running for or running from?

Rob Sinfield: Don’t touch it - everybody is left wing in Victoria.

New era for network

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SOCIALLY SPEAKING

NEWS

Drouin

2 Porter Place Ph: 5625 2571

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

For years, the Casey Multifaith Network has existed as a pillar of cohesion and unity for a range of spiritual residents throughout the municipality.

Now, Narre Warren’s Kasuni Mendis is hoping to continue this legacy and perhaps breathe some new life into it, too.

Elected as the organisation’s president at its annual general meeting last Thursday, 24 November, Ms Mendis hopes to use her two-year term as president to build upon the network’s reach and community engagement.

“I’ll be looking to refine our direction, look at what our ideals and purposes are and how to move those forward,” she said.

Ms Mendis, who practises Buddhism and comes from a Sinhalese background, has lived in the City of Casey for her entire life, observing the municipality grow both industrially and culturally.

“One of the reasons I love our area and municipality is because of how diverse and broad it is - it’s so unique.

“But we have had issues in the past with that idea of understanding each other and be-

Kasuni Mendis has stepped up to the position of president of Casey Multifaith Network. 311035 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS ing tolerant of each other so to promote and encourage that harmony in the area is really important to me.”

Described as “a collaborative representa-

tion of various religions and faiths committed to working together toward the promotion of peace”, each year the Casey Multi-Faith Network holds community events and information sessions to promote multiculturalism throughout the community.

Last year, the network held a series of events, including a forum on Peace and Harmony for the UN Day of Peace, an Iftar dinner during Ramadan and a forum on Faith in the LGBTIQ+ community with the Casey Rainbow Network.

Outside of Casey Multifaith, Ms Mendis is also the vice-president of the Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association.

She will step up to the position after four years as the network’s secretary, taking over the role of president from Adam Sadiqzai, who will continue with the network on its general committee.

Stephen Chew will work alongside Ms Mendis as vice-president, while her former position of secretary has been filled by Jaka Han, with Meha Sivarasa as treasurer.

Mr Sadiqzai will be joined on the general committee by Jobi Petty, Hayat Doughan, Jasbit Singh Suropada and Mohammad Rehmat. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Matthew Guy in Cranbourne in October to announce the Coalition’s plan to extend the Cranbourne Picture: MARCUS UHE line. 302254

Clyde facing train troubles

By Marcus Uhe Labor’s victory in the state election casts doubt on the future of an extension to the Cranbourne train line, a fact that Travis Mitchell described as “insanity”.

Mr Mitchell as been the conductor of the Restore ’Rup Rail campaign, which saw a petition tabled to State Parliament thanks to sterling local advocacy on behalf of the expanding community.

At present, residents in Kooweerup need to drive or catch a bus to Pakenham to access metropolitan train services, after the Kooweerup railway station was closed in July 1993.

The Coalition made a $928 million election commitment in October to extend the Cranbourne line to Clyde, with stations to be built at Cranbourne East and Clyde, and the potential to extend to it Kooweerup in the future.

With six road-rail separations eliminating the need for precarious and traffic-inducing level crossings, the service would provide a vital link for the anticipated population of more than 100,000 in Clyde and Clyde North by 2031, according to projections from the City of Casey.

So significant was the proposal that thenopposition leader Matthew Guy made the trip to Cranbourne during the campaign trail for the announcement, in what was the second consecutive campaign in which the Coalition had committed to the project.

The State Government has made considerable improvements on the line in recent years, including a rebuilt station at Merinda Park and the duplication of eight kilometres of track between Cranbourne and Dandenong stations.

Labor did not make a commitment to matching the pledge and re-elected Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards could not confirm there were plans to extend the line.

“I’ll continue to have conversations about what the needs are within the community,” Ms Richards said.

“We have a lot going on. Narre Warren-Cran-

bourne Road is a really substantial project.”

Mr Mitchell said the election result was “very disappointing”.

“I think it means the corridor to Clyde is going to stay as it is for the next four years,” he said.

“For a place with 40,000 people living in it, it’s insanity when you think about the lack of infrastructure available.”

The petition has the support of Liberal candidate for Bass, Aaron Brown, who is hoping to unseat Labor’s Jordan Crugnale.

But Mr Mitchell won’t let the government of the day determine the future of the campaign.

“We’re going to still keep going full tilt because the campaign isn’t over until the first sleeper is laid down to get to Kooweerup.

“We still believe getting to Clyde and Kooweerup is possible. We’ll engage will all levels of government and get this happening as quick as possible. Whether it means launching another petition next election, we’re weighing up where to go from here but the campaign will keep running.”

The line extension was also a key pillar of the City of Casey’s advocacy campaign ahead of both the federal and state elections this year.

Chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the council looked forward to working with all local state MPs and the elected Victorian Government to deliver on their election commitments, including the upgrade of the intersection at Thompsons Road and BerwickCranbourne Road.

“As we head towards the 2023-24 state and federal budgets, we will continue to advocate for delivery of the projects that were not funded, including the entire Clyde Road Corridor upgrade, Thompsons Road upgrade and extension, Clyde Rail Link, continued improvements to digital and mobile connectivity and local jobs and skills,” Ms Duff said.

“We look forward to working with all our elected MPs from both sides of politics to continue to deliver the infrastructure and services our community needs and deserves.”

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Photo finish in Upper House In the state election wash-up, Labor has secured at least two Upper House seats and the Liberals at least one in the South East Metropolitan Region.

With 62 per cent of votes counted, a battle looms between the Liberal Party, Liberal Democrats, the Greens, Legalise Cannabis and other micro parties for the region’s fourth and fifth seats.

Labor won nearly 2.4 quotas, meaning Lee Tarlamis was re-elected as Labor’s lead candidate along with newcomer Michael Galea.

However, Labor’s number three candidate Dr Tien Kieu’s path to re-election was less certain.

On the Liberal side, with 1.6 quotas, lead candidate Ann-Marie Hermans has been elected.

According to ABC analyst Antony Green, Rachel Payne from Legalise Cannabis Victoria will probably grab the fourth seat.

He predicts that Liberal candidate

Manju Hanumantharayappa will narrowly prevail over Liberal Democrats MP David Limbrick for the final seat.

If Dr Kieu and Mr Limbrick fail to be reelected, none of the class of 2018 would be returned in the South Eastern Metro Region.

Labor’s Gavin Jennings quit during the last term, Adem Somyurek departed the ALP to run as a Labour DLP candidate in Northern Metro Region, and Liberal MP Gordon Rich-Phillips retired prior to the 2022 election.

In 2020, Mr Tarlamis was elected to replace the departed Mr Jennings.

Overall, no party will have majority control of the Legislative Council.

Mr Green predicts a mix of 15 Labor MPs, 15 from the Coalition, three Greens, three from Legalise Cannabis, along with single representation from Animal Justice, Shooters Fishers and Farmers, Labour DLP and One Nation.

Tell me more, tell me more!

follow us: avivacommunitiesofficer 12575488-AV45-22

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Stumped by replacement

By Eleanor Wilson

The Poplar x Canadensis trees were replaced with new saplings. 311283 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Ms Charles said she watched the trees being cut down and replaced with saplings on the weekend of 5 November.

She questioned the council’s claim that the trees were declining in health.

“They didn’t appear to be diseased, they didn’t have any rot, they weren’t even dropping branches.”

Ms Szymanski said council developed a staged removal and replacement plan for the trees with the Avenue of Honour.

“This plan was executed in three phases between 2019 and 2022. Phase one saw the replacement of 32 trees in the avenue. Phase two involved the replacement of another 35 trees, and a further 26 were replaced in phase three in November 2022,” she said.

Council actively consulted and collaborated with the Berwick RSL, Beaconsfield Progress Association and the general public to ensure this significant site remains as a living memorial into the future, Ms Szymanski said.

Ms Charles, who lives near the removal location, said she was not notified of the tree removal or replacement.

Ms Charles said she was confused to see the seemingly healthy trees being cut down. 311759 Picture: SUPPLIED

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A Berwick resident has expressed confusion after two dozen “seemingly healthy” trees were cut down and replaced with saplings near her home in Berwick.

The Poplar x Canadensis trees, which are part of the Beaconsfield Avenue of Honour, run along the service road on Berwick’s High Street near Akoonah Park .

They were planted more than 80 years ago to commemorate the contribution and sacrifices made by local volunteers in World War I and other wars that followed.

City of Casey’s acting manager of city presentation Andrea Szymanski said the 26 trees were “reaching the end of their useful lives”.

“Individual tree assessments on this avenue identified that many of the trees were in poor or declining condition and health, indicating a need for a tree succession plan,” she said.

“We actively planned for the renewal by propagating new trees from cuttings from the original avenue trees in 2015. These cuttings are now between four and five metres in height.

“A heritage overlay is applicable to these trees and a planning permit was approved for the removal of the old trees.”

But Berwick resident Nicola Charles said the assertion that the trees had a span of usefulness was “ridiculous”.

“I don’t know what constitutes a tree reaching the end of its useful life, I find that very odd,” she said.

“Surely a tree’s ultimate use is to provide oxygen, provide shade and contribute to the overall beauty of the area, they were doing all of those things as far as I’m aware…how do they cease to be useful?

“I grew up in the English countryside with trees that were 200, 300 years old…healthy trees don’t have an end of life.

Victoria, you know fire.

Our regions have been hit hard with extreme wet weather over the past few months.

But Victorians know how quickly the conditions can change. Increased rainfall causes vegetation to grow, so there’s more fuel on the ground. It’s important Victorians plan and prepare this fire season.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to vic.gov.au/knowfire Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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NEWS

Shane McAlister and Tom Kapitany with Rosie the Shark. 190803

Shark tick

By Marcus Uhe

The fatal crash occurred on a stretch on Wellington Road in Narre Warren East. 248798

Picture: FILE

Reports of wildlife around collision time Police are investigating reports wildlife was seen on the road at the site of a fatal collision in Narre Warren East last month.

It is understood four vehicles collided at the intersection of Wellington Road and Dorning Road about 1.20pm on Wednesday, 23 November.

The male driver of one of the vehicles died

at the scene.

A man and woman from the second vehicle were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

A woman in the third vehicle was treated for minor injuries.

The male driver of the fourth vehicle was not injured.

Investigators are hoping to speak to anyone

that was driving in the area at the time as there have been reports of wildlife seen on the road around the time of the collision.

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

Men’s Shed to the rescue of wildlife aid

By Eleanor Wilson For wildlife rescue organisations Locky’s Legacy and Wild Incident Safe Haven (WISH), caring for Australia’s cherished fauna is a round the clock job.

Now, thanks to the Akoonah Park Men’s Shed (APMS), a series of possum boxes will make their jobs a little easier.

APMS president Maury Hall met with WISH’s Sarah and Sheryle Cooke, as well as Locky’s Legacy owner Lyndel Charmers, to present them with a total of 20 boxes to aid in the rescue and rehoming of wild possums that cross their paths.

The Men’s Shed members constucted a series of both ringtail possum boxes and brushtail possum boxes, which are larger in size, from plywood donated from the Vermont Men’s Shed.

Mr Hall said the wood was originally sourced from excess supplies used for caravan flooring.

The boxes give the possums a safe space to be relocated in, Ms Charmers explained.

“It’s a really important part of our wildlife rehabilitation to be able to release them with somewhere to live, because when they’re coming in from such a small age, they haven’t learned from their mum how to build a drey, or how to survive out there so if you’ve got some form of protection, that means we can safely put them up in a tree and give them a chance,” she said.

Ms Charmers runs Locky’s Legacy from her 18-acre property in Upper Pakenham, where she rescues and rehabilitates wombats, kangaroos, echidnas, galahs and cockatoos to name a few.

Mother-daughter duo Sheryle and Sarah Cooke have operated WISH from Berwick berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Lyndel Charmers, Akoonah Park Men’s Shed president Maury Hall, Sheryle and Sarah Cook with the possum boxes. 310738 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS for four years.

“I go out and rescue at all hours of the morning and all hours of the night. Last night we went to rescue a wombat that was stuck in a drain,” Sarah said.

“At the moment I’m caring for five roos… they’re on four-hourly feeds six times a day at the moment.

“We get call-outs from Victoria Police, Wild-

life Victoria, fire brigades, members of the police…I’m always getting tagged on Facebook as well.”

Sarah estimates she has rescued and cared for over 100 possums in the last year.

“We’re really grateful that the Men’s Shed have done this...it’s really good to see that the community is behind what we’re doing,” Sheryle said.

The owner of Crystal World Exhibition Centre has lashed out at the City of Casey after winning a planning dispute at VCAT on Wednesday 30 November.

Tom Kapitany won the right to construct and display two business identification signs and develop land in Devon Meadows as an exhibition centre, in order to display Rosie the Shark on their premises.

The preserved shark carcass came to notoriety in the late ‘90s after it was suspected of being involved in a missing person’s case off the coast of South Australia.

The permit will allow Crystal World to build a permanent shark exhibition, with Rosie to be nestled among shark sustainability information, shark facts and information, and shark artefacts.

In a statement on the Crystal World Facebook page, the business expressed its disappointment with the matter, despite VCAT granting approval for the permit, with approximately seven or eight staff members at risk of losing their jobs.

“After three years of attempting to negotiate with (the) town planning department of the Casey Council, two VCAT court cases, I’ve spent close to $200,000 in expenses trying to get permits to build an exhibition space for Rosie the Shark,” the post said.

“I will now need to spend over $50,000 in the next two months, to comply (with) some questionable requirements as well as let go some staff as a consequence.

“This is before I even start to build the extension to house Rosie the Shark.

“I should be elated that I won, but I’m not, I’m very angry.”

The City of Casey was contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.

Crystal World’s gallery showrooms showcase Mr Kapitany and his family’s collection of gems, crystals, minerals and more.

VCAT Member Peter Gaschk said he was satisfied the proposal was consistent with key planning policy and green wedge objectives as it helps to diversify the local economy and tourism opportunities, create employment opportunities for 31 staff members, and that the proposal is consistent with the definition of an Exhibition Centre.

The council had refused the proposal on multiple grounds, including that the proposal seeks ‘retrospective approval’ for an existing use, and that it does not aid in facilitating the long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability objectives of the Casey Farm Area.

The council also argued the proposal was not consistent with the objectives of the Green Wedge A zone, and would fail to protect the existing rural living amenity associated with this part of Devon Meadows.

Under clause 35 of the scheme, Green Wedge’s purposes include to protect, conserve and enhance the cultural heritage significance and the character of rural and scenic non-urban landscapes, and to recognise and protect the amenity of existing rural living areas.

City of Casey submitted that the proposal was not an exhibition centre use, but a continuation of a “retail and storage use” of the review site, that it said was unlawful.

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 9

30 MAR – 02 APR

U O Y ARE

K C I W R E B O T Y D A RE

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10 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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NEWS

Crunch time for leadership

By Eleanor Wilson The winner of a two-horse race for the Victorian Liberal Party leadership is expected to be decided today, Thursday 8 December, with Berwick MP Brad Battin a possibility to take Matthew Guy’s position.

Mr Guy announced he would step down from the top job after a second landslide defeat to the Labor Party in the state election on 26 November.

Following the announcement, several MPs put their hands up to contest the leadership, including Mr Battin, Polwarth MP Richard Riordan, Warrandyte MP Ryan Smith and Hawthorn MP John Pesutto.

Last week both Mr Riordan and Mr Smith withdrew from the contest and threw their support behind Mr Battin, with Mr Smith stating he and Mr Battin held the same party vision.

“With consideration and after discussions

with Brad Battin, I have concluded that our vision for the party and our approach to the next four years are closely aligned,” Mr Smith said in a statement.

“Dividing support for that positive agenda is counterproductive.”

In a social media statement, Mr Riordan said the Liberal Party needs to appeal to metropolitan growth areas and regional cities.

“Our leadership reset with Brad Battin, an experienced outer suburban member, will

help drive this. I will go forward as a candidate for (regional Victoria),” Mr Polwarth said.

The Liberal Party room is expected to meet on Thursday when Mr Battin, who comfortably won the seat of Berwick, is poised to go head to head with Mr Pesutto after the former shadow attorney-general reclaimed the seat of Hawthorn. In 2021, Mr Battin initiated an unsuccessful leadership challenge against thenleader Michael O’Brien. Mr Guy reclaimed the leadership later that year.

Re-elected Berwick MP Brad Battin could this week become the new leader of the Liberal Party in Victoria. The man who aspires to become the next Premier has his roots firmly planted in this area, as Star News editor GARRY HOWE explains.

Battin for the people: Berwick MP to contest top job Politicians see a lot of faces through an election campaign, so Berwick MP Brad Battin could be forgiven for not instantly recognising a woman who approached him at the pre-polling booth in the lead-up to last month’s state election.

They had crossed paths before Mr Battin entered the political fray.

He was a young policeman involved in the Newstart campaign at Berwick and Kambrya colleges. She was a teenager dabbling in small-time crime whose path in life was clearly at the crossroads.

“When I saw her she was 15 years old and needing to make a decision whether to continue to commit crime or seek another path in life,” Mr Battin recalled this week.

“Thankfully, she went the right way.”

She and her mother made themselves known on their way in to the polling booth.

Having helped make a difference in her life, he clearly had their vote.

Mr Battin was comfortably returned for a fourth term in the State Parliament and this week faces off with his colleague, Hawthorn MP John Pesutto, for leadership of the Liberal Party.

He thinks he has the numbers and if successful, the Berwick MP will feature on the front page of newspapers and websites across the state.

It won’t be new territory.

An eight-year-old Brad Battin and his sister Linda featured on the front page of the Gazette in the first edition of 1984.

Their father Phil was president of the Lions Club of Berwick and had just handed over the keys to a new firefighting unit to members of the Upper Beaconsfield Fire Brigade, purchased with the help of a $11,300 donation from the club.

Hard work and community involvement were hallmarks of the Battin household.

Phil worked at Neilson Holden in Berwick and his wife Joan at the Heinz factory in Dandenong. She started the Lioness Club of Berwick and ran the local chapter of Meals On Wheels.

Brad was educated locally at Harkaway primary and then at Beaconhills and Berwick secondary colleges. His first job was a paperboy in High Street, Berwick, where he remembers Wednesday being particularly busy, having to juggle both the Herald and the Gazette.

He went on to obtain a Diploma in Public Safety (Policing) with the Victoria Police and a later a Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Health and Welfare from the University of Melbourne. In 2020, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Business.

After his stint in the police force, Brad and wife Jo ran a Bakers Delight outlet at Wheelers Hill, providing an insight into the challenges of running a small business.

He was elected as the new member for the seat of Gembrook in 2010, beating incumbent Labor MP Tammy Lobato, and reelected to Gembrook in 2014 and 2018 and to the newly redistributed seat of Berwick on 26 November.

In his maiden speech, he mentioned among the role models in his life teachers berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Brad Battin with good friend Nino Catrucco at Shanikas in Berwick, where his go-to meal is the Gru Carne, a mixed meat pasta.

MP Brad Battin and Berwick College principal Kerri Bolch at the opening of a new Health and Wellbeing Centre at the college - a project Mr Battin passionately advocated for.

Peter Slate from Berwick Secondary College and Stuart Daly from Harkaway.

Mr Battin was promoted to the Shadow Cabinet in 2014 and has held the shadow portfolios of emergency services, environment, youth justice, the building industry, crime prevention, victim support, roads (metro), road safety and the TAC. He has been particularly vocal in support-

ing the CFA from attacks by the professional firefighters union.

Locally, Mr Battin says his greatest achievements have been the development of the Officer Specialist School and his continued advocacy for more mental health support, particularly for young people.

“When we got into government the (education) department said the Officer Specialist

School was not needed,” he recalled. “Within 12 months it was full.”

Mr Battin unsuccessfully challenged Michael O’Brien for the Liberal leadership in March 2021 and is confident he is much better placed for his second tilt at the top job, having won the endorsement of two original challengers Ryan Smith and Richard Riordan.

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 11

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Aussies love Christmas Christmas in Australia is special; it’s one of the things that set us apart from the rest of the world.

Whether it be a backyard cricket match, kids splashing in the pool or splendid seafood dishes, Christmas down under is undoubtedly unique.

Aussies love their summer festive season, Christmas is a truly jolly time with loved ones.

You may decide to go camping and have your Christmas dinner with camping deck chairs and table at your camp site or maybe a seafood hamper on the beach.

Check out these fun ideas for your own Christmas get-togethers with family and friends.

Enjoy a Christmas movie night Gather your loved ones to sip on hot chocolate, roast marshmallows and enjoy movies like Love Actually, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Home Alone.

Invite family and friends for a festive feast Set the table, hang the fairy lights and invite your nearest and dearest for a meal. Dishes can be assigned to guests for a potluck-style feast, or roll up your sleeves in the kitchen for a bit of extra fun. A small Kris Kringle or Secret Santa gift exchange is also lots of fun!

Make your own Christmas ornaments Get creative! Make your own decorations using polystyrene balls or ornament dough: 4 cups plain flour 1 cup salt 1 ½ cups water 1. Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celsius.

2. Combine ingredients well and knead for ten minutes.

3. Roll out onto lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes, ensuring to leave a small hole at the top to

· · ·

hang your ornament.

4. Bake for 30 minutes and allow to cool.

To decorate your ornaments, try using use

paint, glitter, string, ribbons and other craft items. By the time December rolls around, your tree will have never looked better!

Christmas in Australia is special from campsite feast to sitting on the beach with your favourite seafood.

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berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Salvos’ unconditional love

If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). happy time for everyone – which is why we ask you to please give what you can to ensure no one is left in need of a warm meal, a gift, a safe place to sleep or a little bit of

Spend $150 or more Pick a Bon Bon and whatever you pick is yours to keep

13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

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PLUS 1 lucky Bon Bon contains a

$3,000.00 Diamond Ring

Shop 2 Blackburne Square Berwick VIC 3806 Ph 03 9707 2647 www.berwickvillagejewellers.com.au/

love this Christmas.

If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call

12577853-AV47-22

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for The Salvos.

I’ve been a Salvation Army officer for over 30 years – meaning over 30 Christmases of collecting, community outreach and lunches, carols, hamper packing, donation pickups and drop offs. It’s easy to get swept up in the busyness – but in amongst it all, it’s important to come back to what matters most, why we do what we do at The Salvos over the Christmas season.

One of our Christmas stories is from Fiona’s family, who would have spent Christmas homeless if it were not for the help of The Salvos. What did The Salvos do that meant the most to her?

“They showed us unconditional love,” she said, “and our lives changed forever”.

‘Leave no one in need this Christmas’ is our message – not just physical need, but in terms of practical support, personal connection, kindness and love.

Christmas is very hard for those unable to make ends meet, for those suffering from the crippling financial impacts of the last few years. It’s extremely hard for people that are without family or a support network, many of whom feel completely disconnected from society at a time when connection with loved ones increases for most. What is meant to be a time of celebration, sadly isn’t for lots of Aussies – and that’s why The Salvos do what we do.

By ensuring people have access to food, hampers, vouchers and toys for their children, we hope to spread love, peace, joy and a sense of belonging. Not just so their Christmas is a joyous one, but so that they know their community is behind them, support is there – that they’re loved.

Our goal is to make Christmas a safe and

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 13

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Daydreamers’ dinner dishes Beaconsfield’s best spot for brunch, lunch and now…dinner!

Daydreamers Cafe, run by family man Joerge Meelky and made possible by his fantastic team of waitresses, waiters, bartenders, baristas, chefs and of course the lovely customers and people of Beaconsfield and surrounds.

Since opening in 2018, Daydreamers have been Beaconsfield’s dreamiest spot for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Proving very popular over the last four years, Daydreamers have come to the very exciting decision of extending their business hours right through to dinner.

The team have and will continue to operate the cafe with this simple ethos; To create a sanctuary where you can enjoy a meal with your family and friends, have a business meeting, relax and recoup or even grab a cocktail.

Daydreamers’ team of chefs are guided by their passion for food and community, using only the best quality ingredients and produce to whip up your favourite dishes on our popular existing menu and now our new dinner menu, which by the way has lots of delicious dishes to choose from and a menu to cater to your kids! Something for each taste and budget.

Owner Joerge and his team are so very excited to invite you to Daydreamers for dinner, it truly is the perfect venue and atmosphere for any time of day and whatever the weather.

Officially open 7 days a week, with a choice of dining indoors or outdoors, plenty of seating options, a gorgeous courtyard and did we mention the venue is fully equipped with a bar! Perfect for those lovely warm summer nights that are on the way.

Daydreamers Cafe is situated at 12/14 Princes Hwy, Beaconsfield, 9796 1991.

The staff at Daydreamers Cafe.

BEACONSFIELD’S BEST SPOT FOR DINNER Step into our daydream... where the scent of coffee or a cocktail greets you, where you eat with your eyes first and where our courtyard can be a little slice of heaven.

Open: Breakfast and lunch 7 days a week Dinner 4 nights Wednesday to Saturday 12-14 Old Princes HWY Beaconsfield Ph: 9796 1991

Follow us on instagram and facebook 12581097-FC49-22

14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Strong sentiment for gifts The first lockdown-free Christmas since 2019 has allowed for a busy preparation to the season, with retailers and shoppers bringing out the Christmas spirit early in 2022.

For the third year, Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies (ACRS) research unit has released a report on Christmas retail trends.

This year’s report found 55 per cent of Aussies now start their shopping one or more months in advance, with the remaining 45 per cent starting in the four weeks leading up to Christmas.

The report’s additional key findings: Ninety per cent of shoppers will be buying gifts for family, 35 per cent for friends and 30 per cent for extended family.

Australian shoppers estimate to spend $379 on Christmas presents for immediate family, compared to $190 for extended family and $133 for friends.

Four out of five shoppers plan to purchase a product in-store.

Forty-seven per cent plan to make purchases on physical retailer websites, compared to 37 per cent from online-only retailers.

To take the stress out of choosing a gift, 64 per cent of shoppers plan to give money to adults and children. Similarly, 41 per cent of shoppers indicated they will be purchasing gift cards and vouchers as part of their Christmas shopping.

Due to ongoing production delays, the early start to Christmas shopping is helped in part from retailers stocking earlier than usual to avoid selling out.

Although sentiment for buying gifts this year is strong, research suggests that shoppers are planning to purchase fewer products in every category this year. This aligns with the

· · · ·

Australian shoppers have estimated they will spend $379 on Christmas presents for immediate family, compared to $190 for extended family and $133 for friends, according to new research. recent Spotlight on Sustainability research indicating Australian consumers are reducing overall products purchased.

The most popular two categories for gifting this year both trended downwards since last year. Clothing, footwear and accessories are 47 per cent, down from 58 per cent in 2021, and toys and games products are sitting at 38 per cent this year, down from 47 per cent in 2021.

Regarding payment, 59 per cent of Australian shoppers intend to use debit cards for Christmas purchases, followed by credit cards

at 40 per cent, and cash unsurprisingly lower at 31 per cent. Buy now, pay later schemes are going to be used by one in five Australian shoppers.

Marking the end of the retail silly season, Boxing Day sales are still returning favourable results. The report finds that in comparison to other sales events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it remains the top sales event with 37 per cent of shoppers planning to take advantage of the sales this year.

This is higher than the report found last year,

with only 30 per cent of shoppers taking part in Boxing Day sales in 2021.

“On the back of months of cost-of-living increases and interest rate rises, it’s no surprise that more shoppers are going to shop at sales events this year compared to 2021,” said the report’s lead author Dr Eloise Zoppos, principal research consultant and research fellow in the ACRS research unit, in Monash Business School’s Department of Marketing.

“Christmas may be starting earlier than ever, but these sales keep the Christmas spirit going.”

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.

Customers are invited to visit the farm and take a wander amongst the rows of green until they find their perfect tree.

There is a tree for every family, in different heights to fit any house.

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

They’re easy to take care of too; just keep them watered and your tree will last the whole Christmas season.

The winner will receive and real Christmas Tree (up to 7 foot tall with a stand) from our friends at the Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm at 336 Brown Road, Officer.

Your favourite festive ornaments and wrapped Christmas presents look so much better on a real tree...

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Ari Kounoupis, Mikaela Dickson, Adelaide Matin, Emma Reeves, Humna Aamir with (front) Melissa Rigby and Prasa Nanayakkara. 310892

Toys will be distributed to those experiencing extreme disadvantage. 310892

The bags include non-perishable groceries for three meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - as well as a treat. 310892

Hampers spread the love

By Shelby Brooks Local not-for-profit Windermere Child and Family Services will be sending Christmas cheer to 340 families in December.

Merry Mission Appeal will support children and families from the South East experiencing extreme disadvantage this Christmas by way of food hampers and new toys.

Marketing team leader Emma Reeves said local businesses and organisations were thrilled to jump on board following an online voucher drive last year in lieu of packed hampers due to Covid-19 concerns.

“A lot of these groups have supported us for the last 10 years or so,” Ms Reeves said.

“Last year was an outlier so this year the groups were really happy to get back involved.”

Those groups include Berwick Toyota, Ray White Berwick, Capital Transport, Rotary Club of Berwick, Tirhatuan Lakes Golf Course, Commonwealth Bank, Woolworths, Bunnings Warehouse Australia, The Toy Workshop, Facey Property, Reading Cinemas Dandenong,

Lakeside Pakenham Scouts and Planetshakers Church.

Volunteers and the Windermere team packed more than 300 bags which include non-perishable groceries for three meals breakfast, lunch and dinner - as well as a treat.

“Our case workers will deliver the hampers to their clients this week - otherwise some wouldn’t have something to put on the table at Christmas - which was special,” Ms Reeves said.

Over the last decade, Windermere’s appeal has raised $360,000, and has been able to assist more than 5000 families by providing 9600 gifts and 4060 hampers.

Windermere chief executive Dr Lynette Buoy said the organisation was still accepting cash donations for Merry Mission Appeal, which had been running for over 10 years.

“Our work with over 22,000 people a year tells us that there are many, many families who are struggling to meet everyday costs as well as often dealing with a range of difficult life circumstances such as housing insecurity,

family violence, mental health challenges and long-term health issues,” she said.

“They deal with this all year round. Our aim at this time of year is take a bit of pressure off these families, who also should be experiencing a little bit of Christmas joy.

“It is important for them but it is also important for everybody to think more broadly than their own small circle of friends and family and to reach out to help others.”

Dr Buoy said it wasn’t just about being generous at Christmastime, but also acknowledging that not everybody’s life is simple or easy, and that giving can extend outside of your own circle.

“Supporting our own families is important but supporting others is what creates a community. Pakenham and its surrounding areas have always proven that they care; it is one of the many great characteristics of where we are,” she said.

“It can help in many ways, food on the table, providing the ability for somebody to give a gift to their child that may not otherwise

happen, participating in Christmas just like most households.

“We currently have identified approximately 340 families in need of helping hampers and just under 500 Christmas presents.”

Shaneen and Phoebe are just one example of a family who Windermere has supported through a tough time. The organisation delivered Christmas gifts and hampers to them through Merry Mission in 2020 and 2021.

“There are a lot of expenses when you have a child with cerebral palsy and autism. The expenses are endless with doctors, appointments, and physios. We went through all of our savings,” Shaneen said.

“When we were introduced to Windermere, we were almost homeless. I had no support and was doing everything as a single parent.

Windermere actually listened to me and heard what my concerns were.

“Windermere gave us a hamper of food and little gifts, and to see Phoebe’s eyes when we opened these presents, it felt like there was someone there to actually care,” Shaneen said.

Hat trick of top gongs for Royal Botanic Gardens Vic

By Marcus Uhe Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has maintained its status as a class-above in the Victorian tourism sector, after winning a major industry award for the third consecutive year last week.

The organisation won the best Major Tourism Attraction award at the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, enshrining them in the VTIC’s Hall of Fame for their continued and consistent success.

Second and third places were awarded to the Melbourne Skydeck and Falls Creek Resort Management, respectively.

“Both gardens offer exceptional experiences that highlight the intersection of art, nature and wellbeing for visitors of all abilities and ages,” the VTIC said in its justification.

“Reinvigorating the program in 2022, new sensitive digital technologies have been developed to enhance the ‘in real life’ gardens and nature experiences.

“After more than two years of heavy restrictions, visitors are now showing a renewed love affair with one of Australia’s most prized tourism attractions.”

Recent upgrades to the Cranbourne facility include an improved visitor centre and cafe, new signage, walking paths, playgrounds and improved accessibility.

RGBV chief executive Tim Entwistle said the accolade reflected the significance of the gardens to the landscape of Melbourne.

“It’s the prize everyone wants to win,” Mr Entwistle said.

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

The Red Sand Gardens at Cranbourne.

“We know we’re a beautiful place and both are places people like.

“I think what it says is the gardens are more than just pretty parks; they’re a tourist attraction that are always part of Melbourne.

“We sit up alongside museums, art galleries, the MCG. The gardens are places like them.

“To be acknowledged that we attract tourists and bring people in is really exciting.”

The tourism industry was one of the most

Picture: SUPPLIED vulnerable to the circumstances of the pandemic, with lockdowns forcing people to stay indoors and limit their movement as much as possible - not to mention the closure of state and international borders.

Mr Entwistle believes the gardens played a significant role in the recovery of the industry.

“The gardens have never been more important,” he said.

“You can go and be outdoors, and people

feel safe and can take families there.

“As an organisation we could keep working in the background on the gardens, but we missed the people. We could sustain the rest but not having people made you realise how important that was.

“When we reopened, we had people in tears as they came through the gate.”

While the gardens in Melbourne maintain an unassailable advantage with regards to proximity and location to the CBD, the Cranbourne gardens play an important role in their success too.

Mr Entwistle believes their quality makes them stand out on the global stage.

“Both are beautiful. Our two, just in terms of their beauty, how interesting, their design, they stand up around the world.

“Walking through the bushland, we’re so lucky to have the natural bushland as part of these forever.

“There’s so much variety and colour.

There’s an Aussie plant for every setting and garden.”

He paid tribute to the wide breadth of people tasked with maintaining the reputation and picturesque scenery across both locations.

“When we had our name called out (at the awards night), I decided we would allow all of us onstage together.

“One of the important things is recognising everyone, not just one person.

“It’s a reflection of staff, volunteers and the Friends group. Every one of them is part of making us a major tourism attraction.” berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR NEWS 17

NEWS

Be on alert for snakes La Niña’s grip on the weather cycle has led to the increased visibility of snakes seeking warmer climate and prey, according to Raymond Hoser.

Mr Hoser, aka ‘The Snake Man’, says he has been a snake handler all his life, having fallen in love with the reptile at a young age.

While the end of the calendar year is often the busiest period for him and his staff, the third year of the unseasonable rain has created unique circumstances to snakes’ environment.

“With so much rain for the last three years, there’s frogs everywhere,” Mr Hoser said.

“Where frogs breed, snakes follow. Numbers have been going up year on year for three years.

“Long grass is not the issue - it’s the waterlogged areas.

“Snakes naturally are underground. Most of these hiding places are so wet and snakes like to be dry, so they have to move around to find places to dry. I’ve never seen so much water around in the area.”

The most common breeds in the CaseyCardinia area are copperheads, while in sandy areas such as Cranbourne South around the Botanic Gardens, or the hills of the Harkaway and Beaconsfield, you’re more likely to come across tiger snakes, all of which are dangerously venomous, Mr Hoser said.

Wilson Botanic Gardens in Berwick are a snake hotspot, as is the parkland and lake around Lynbrook station, and the construction area around the end of the Pakenham train line.

“If you see a snake out and about, just leave the snake there and move on,” Mr Hoser said.

“Snakes are not interested in biting, in general. People get bitten because they’re trying to kill them.

“If you stand close to a snake, stand still - like a tree - and it won’t bite you.”

The problem arises when snakes enter a property that puts people or pets at risk.

It’s at that point where Mr Hoser suggests to call a catcher like himself to rescue the slippery visitor, otherwise they can be left to their own devices if there is no threat to safety.

And there’s a trend when it comes to the reasoning for his callouts to private property.

“I can look ahead and say with high degree of confidence that when council mowing takes place that’s when they turn up in gardens and houses nearby,” Mr Hoser said.

“Especially now that weather is warming up, it creates a perverse situation.”

Dogs can be trained to avoid snakes, a service Mr Hoser provides, as many pets will not survive a snake bite.

By law, snake catchers are not allowed to keep them as pets, nor can they be killed, which means they are simply “moved around” and kept within the environment.

Early next year will also be problematic, as the copperheads enter mating season.

If you see a snake on council property within Casey, you can report it to the council, however, you must be prepared to stay and monitor the snake until a catcher arrives.

Cardinia does not offer a snake catching service and recommends contacting a licensed catcher if you see one and are concerned about its presence.

To contact The Snake Man or to learn more about his services, head to his website at snakebusters.com.au

Peter Rabbit

Picture: SUPPLIED

‘The Snake Man’ Raymond Hoser with a tiger snake. 311136

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Rex name shame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“They need to have their plaques removed

Rex name shame

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

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

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

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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

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

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

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

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

12481470-NG07-21

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

12425088-FA36-19

By Mitchell Clarke

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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NEWS

Charges for trucking boss

By Karen Sweeney, AAP

Connect Logistics manager Simiona Tuteru. in the matter. If that is unsuccessful, there will be further applications about the content of the prosecution case.

He described the fresh indictment as dramatically different to previous versions and flawed in many ways.

They will argue that the indictment is invalid, or so flawed it will require the prosecutors to once again re-case their argument.

“We’re just not clear at all how the Crown are putting some aspects,” he said.

Justice Lasry urged Mr Fisher to pay attention to some of the issues raised by Mr Hallowes sooner rather than later.

The case will return to court again on 8 February.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A repeat offender who was involved in ‘skimming’ 166 bank cards at ATMs across Melbourne has been jailed.

Florinel Camara, 33, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to being part of a two-man crime wave that stole more than $35,000 from unsuspecting bank customers across Melbourne in April-July 2020.

Using a skimming device and a pinhole camera at ATMs, the pair stole bank account details and PINs at suburbs such as Springvale, Keysborough, Cranbourne, Chadstone, Clayton, Glen Waverley and Melbourne CBD. They then transferred the data onto blank bank cards and made fraudulent account enquiries and withdrawals, sentencing judge Daniel Holding said on 1 December.

The pair, who were using false IDs and staying in various B&Bs, also made unsuccessful attempts to fraudulently withdraw another $38,000.

Judge Holding noted Camara’s extensive repeat offending, including being previously jailed for obtaining more than $184,000 from ATM skimming in 2014.

He’d also been jailed in 2019 for the same crime while released on parole.

Camara’s latest fraud was not as large in amount but its “sophistication and persistence” made it serious, Judge Holding found.

“The courts must denounce this type of sophisticated attack upon the proper functioning and security of ATM machines,” Judge Holding said.

Florinel Camara, 33, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to being part of a two-man crime wave that stole more than $35,000 from unsuspecting bank customers across Melbourne in April-July 2020.

“Such machines are in everyday use by the community and it’s important that their proper functioning is not compromised by criminal activity.”

The Romanian-born Camara had not been gainfully employed since arriving in Australia in 2012.

He’d instead spiralled into regular cocaine, alcohol and occasional meth abuse.

The Australian citizen indicated that after his sentence, he’d return to Romania to work in a family business.

Camara’s partner in this crime was jailed for up to 21 months, with a 15-month nonparole period. Camara was no more or less culpable in their conspiracy.

Unlike Camara, the co-conspirator was not previously convicted for ATM skimming and faced possible deportation, Judge Holding said.

He was jailed for up to three years, with a two year and four month non-parole period.

The term includes 807 days in pre-sentence detention.

12580180-JW49-22

A Dandenong South-based trucking boss charged over the deaths of four Victoria Police officers will still face trial on the Supreme Court despite the manslaughter charges being dropped.

Connect Logistics manager Simiona Tuteru, 51, was due to stand trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court last month charged over the deaths of the officers in the April 2020 Eastern Freeway collision.

It was alleged he permitted drug-affected driver Mohinder Singh, from Cranbourne, to get behind the wheel of the truck, despite claims he was too tired to drive.

Manslaughter charges were dropped ahead of the trial and replaced with four heavy vehicle charges.

A trial on those charges will go ahead in the Supreme Court, after discussions about whether it should drop back to the County Court.

Prosecutor Matt Fisher was warned by Justice Lex Lasry on Monday about the need to wrap the case up.

“It’s time this matter is brought to a head one way or another,” he said.

Pre-trial hearings are scheduled to begin in mid-February and he urged Mr Fisher to have a final clear version of how the prosecution case has been formulated before then.

“It won’t be a straightforward task. That’s what I said last time and it proved to be insurmountable,” he said.

Tuteru’s barrister David Hallowes SC said there was an application for a permanent stay

Serial ATM skimmer netts $35k, and three years jail

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 19

NEWS

Five key elements of a team TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH It is extremely hard being a sole proprietor in business these days and certainly if a business is to grow, it is going to require extra staff which implies teamworking.

Teamworking is required not just in business but in many other walks of life as well (e.g. sports, music, fundraising, etc) and so being an effective team is highly desirable, but what’s the difference between a team and a group of people doing something together?

Here are five key elements that sit at the heart of being a successful team: 1. Clear objective 2. Leadership 3. Trust 4. Competence 5. Balanced team composition Teamworking is required not just in business but in many other walks of life.

1. Clear objective Every team exists to achieve something and the better that something is defined, the more likely it is the team will succeed. As we have noted in previous articles on goal setting, the goal should be simply stated using the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-specific) and should provide the compelling purpose or reason for the team’s existence. It is a clear goal that guides a team’s actions and activities.

2. Leadership Everyone has a role to play in a team and in many ways the ‘leadership’ role is just one specific instance of these. However, it is

this role that can often make the difference between success and failure since a leader’s role is not only to ensure that everyone is clear on the goal and performs accordingly, but the leader also manages how the team collaborates and works together to produce the outcomes.

3. Trust It is difficult to achieve anything with anyone if trust does not exist, and in teams this is essential. The scope and range of functions that need to be undertaken in business imply that no one can effectively do everything and so trusting that each person plays their part is essential. No high-performance team

exists without trust and with this comes the comfort and security of knowing that you can rely on others to do what they need to in their respective area while you focus on your own responsibilities.

4. Competence As we know, ‘a chain is only as strong as its weakest link’ and so competence in each of the respective roles being exercised will determine how well the objective is achieved overall. In a good team, mutual support will often ensure that if a particular team member is doing it tough, others will step in to help.

5. Balanced team composition While this statement can apply to the skill sets of the team as well, for me this relates more to the nature of the people involved.

We are all wired differently - some may be primarily outcomes or task-focused while others may be more people-oriented. Some people will see the big picture and love to explore ideas whereas others will be great with detail and organisation. A good team involves all sorts and is able to maximise the natural contributions and skills of the different personalities involved.

Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions.

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WHAT’S ON Narre Warren and District Family History Group end of year meeting

Endeavour Hills Community Carols

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.

Endeavour Hills Community Carols is the perfect opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the festive season.

There will be a preshow entertainment from 5pm, including food, market stalls, and pony rides with the main carols starting at 8pm and finishing off with spectacular fireworks show from 9.15pm that will light up the sky.

Free entry and an alcohol-free event.

Saturday 10 December from 5pm at Reveal Church, 2-8 Gleneagles Drive, Endeavour Hills.

·

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 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.

·

Grow Mental Wellbeing GROW offers a unique mental wellbeing program to those suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties.

Cranbourne Group meets at the Balla Balla Community Centre. Gold coin donation appreciated.

For further information please contact GROW Community Centre on 1800 558 268. Website: grow.org.au Thursdays 10.30am – 12.30pm at 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne, excluding school holidays.

·

Melbourne Stars Family Day 2022 City of Casey and Melbourne Stars have partnered for another year to bring you the eighth Melbourne Stars Family Day at Casey Fields Oval five.

The Melbourne Stars Family Day is your chance

to see the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis training ahead of their blockbuster match-up with the Perth Scorchers five days later.

Saturday 18 December 10am - 2pm at Casey Fields.

·

nesses that will have a stall on the day.

Please note all money that is raised towards our raffle will be donated to The Royal Children’s Hospital to help all of the many children who are in need this Christmas and everyday.

Sunday 18 December from 11am - 4pm at 10 Chauncy Way, Lynbrook.

Lynbrook Festive Fun Family Day

·

A+D Party and Event Creations and Aroma Desire Creations are proud to present Our Lynbrook Festive Fun Day. A great day not to be missed! As guess who will be attending; Santa Claus! Plus much more from fun face painting, Market stalls, Hot Food , Desserts, Ice Cream Van, Raffles and lots of prizes.

Come down to say hello, have some festive fun, get any last minute Christmas gifts and most of all to support all of the amazing small busi-

Come along to our free end of year Neighbourhood Barbecue celebration at Cranbourne West Community Hub and enjoy a chance to catch up with neighbours and make new connections and friends!

With a special appearance from Santa and his elf, join us for a free sausage sizzle and meet some other locals. This free family friendly event

End of Year Christmas Neighbourhood Barbecue

will include some outdoor games, a toddler play area and a craft activity for children.

Kindly supported by the Lions Club of Cranbourne. Providing locals a casual setting in which to chat, socialise and strengthen our community.

Friday 16 December 5.30pm - 8pm at the Cranbourne West Community Hub. 4 Flicka Boulevard, Cranbourne West.

·

Warneet-Blind Bight Fire Brigade CFA Santa Run Santa is coming to visit everyone in Blind Bight from 8.30am, then will be coming to visit Warneet after lunch.

Listen out for the sirens and watch out for the flashing lights and bring your best smiles to have a photo with Santa.

Sunday 11 December from 8.30am.

·

Child of the Year - Narre Warren Baby Show We are coming back to Narre Warren for what will be an incredible event to be a part of. We are excited to announce we now have a new exciting addition to our events that you will absolutely love. Adults get ready to dance, have fun and make new friendships!

We will be searching for our newest King & Queen high title winners and have dozens of trophies, ribbons and prizes to give away.

Come along and have some fun while supporting Kids With Cancer Foundation Australia.

Bookings: babyshowtime.com.au/event/narrewarren-baby-show-child-of-the-year Friday 16 December 11am - 2pm at Toymate Fountain Gate. 23 Brechin Drive, Narre Warren.

·

Coptic Carols by Candlelight Is visiting Egypt is on your bucket list? Come and enjoy Carols by Candlelight with an Egyptian taste presented in the Coptic church located in Hallam.

Santa has confirmed his attendance with gifts for all the attending kids.

Excellent Egyptian food and dessert and a nativity photo booth.

Smoke, drug, alcohol and pet-free event.

Saturday 17 December 6.30pm - 9.30pm at 41-59 Saffron Dr, Hallam.

·

Become a foster carer

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A unique tattoo exhibition is being held at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre to celebrate tattoo as an art form.

Pictures: HILTON STONE

Photographer Bronwyn Watson, right, at the exhibition opening.

Art of the tattoo uncovered

By Sahar Foladi A unique tattoo exhibition is being held at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre to celebrate tattoo as an art form.

What was known to be taboo is now a mainstream presence which signals a cultural shift towards acceptance.

Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster was at the opening of the exhibition on 29 November.

“There was a time when tattoos were hidden, and now tattoo artists and tattoo parlours are found in every suburb,” Cr Foster said.

“They are thriving businesses, and those adorned with tattoos wear them with pride.

“This exhibition celebrates the artistry of tattoos, and highlights the art form’s acceptance in mainstream society.”

The exhibition highlights the fluidity of creative practice as an art form and showcases the people of the community, their tattoos and the local artists through photography.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Eden Foster launched the exhibition.

The exhibition was put together with tattooed models Elyce Morison and Shane Von Dort, who were photographed by Bronwyn Watson and Tommy Kuo. Ms Watson picked up photography in 2014 when she was in university and as a tattooed person herself, she says she’s been obsessed with it since she was a teenager.

“I grew up listening to punk music, playing video games and I have tattoos myself, so it was cool to see what other people had on their

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skins,” Ms Watson said.

“I just feel like tattoos don’t make up your personality, but it’s sort of an addition to your personality.”

At this modern age, designs are carefully selected to symbolise the unique narratives of individuals to provide a living documentation.

Ms Morison said: “I’ve always loved art, and different forms of it. If it wasn’t for the cost (and pain), I’d be covered.

“I often get asked ‘won’t you regret them

when you’re older?’. My response, there are a lot of other things I can regret, but this won’t be one of them.”

Meanwhile, Ms Watson said she was very happy and satisfied with the results of the exhibition.

“I was really happy with how it all came together. I really like how my style and Tommy’s style are so different - you’ve got a contrast of different styles.”

The unique art form, presented through new ways, was nerve-wrecking for Ms Watson and achieving that was the highlight for her.

“We do get a bit nervous when you’re portraying someone and making it work with their likeness, you want to make sure that you do a good job and they like the finished product.

“My highlight was seeing my models’ reaction to themselves and their finished artwork, they really liked how they were portrayed.”

Inked is at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner of Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong until Friday 27 January.

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SPORT

Sibba shock

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Jake Hancock on the drive. 311011

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Maroons show fight

By Tyler Lewis Berwick, Hallam Kalora Park and Springvale South consolidated their places in the DDCA Turf 1 top-four on Saturday, while the win of North Dandenong could be the stepping stone to future glory.

North Dandenong coach David Bell is confident that Saturday’s comprehensive win over Narre South is just the start of what his side can achieve going forward.

The Maroons piled on 6/241 in the first innings with an even spread of contributors across the board, before dismissing the Lions for just 198.

“I think we’re coming around slowly,” Bell said.

“We are still throwing away starts and things like that, but they (the playing group) are starting to understand, they’re starting to say the right things.

“A couple of the natural sloggers are starting to build an innings rather than hit their way through a problem, they’re willing to fight a bit.

“Hopefully we’re going in the right direction with that, because if we can do that, we will be alright.”

Despite posting the second-highest score in Turf 1, only one North Dandenong batter (Syed Mehmood) reached 50.

In his post-game address, Bell praised the even spread but urged his batters to push on.

“I picked out the guys that did well and the ones that it may not look like they did well on the scoreboard, but they are trying really hard in what we are working on,” he said.

“I told them to just enjoy it, they (Narre South) are a side that played finals last year and we knocked them off.

“It’s the best way to win – if everyone does a little bit – but I would still like to see someone go on and get an 80 or a 90, especially when we play against the really big sides.

“We did have a lull, we batted well up to the 20th over, but between (overs) 20-40 we probably went at three or four an over.

“We had them on the ropes, but we didn’t push on through that area, it’s something we need to improve on.”

After getting off the mark for season 2022/23, the Maroons now have a difficult pair of upcoming opponents.

North Dandenong rolls out the welcome mat to the sizzling hot Hallam Kalora Park next week, before rounding out the calendar year with Berwick.

The coach is far from frightened however, revealing that his side is beginning to believe. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Syed Mehmood was crucial for North Dandy.

Leigh Booth is flying with the stick. 309950

307629

“The fact is that we can win,” he said.

“These guys actually brought up themselves that they would like to get two in a row, the taste of a win makes a massive difference to everybody.

“We have done okay against Hallam (Kalora Park) in previous years as well, so if we can play 75 per cent of our best, we will be in the mix.”

Springvale South, meanwhile, has taken the upper hand in the battle for supremacy by defeating Buckley Ridges in the grand final rematch.

The Bloods posted 7/249 from its 45 overs with Ryan Quirk (74), Jordan Wyatt (55) and Jackson Sketcher (59) all getting half-centuries.

Captain Quirk declared his side took a great deal out of confidence out of the strong victory.

“It’s no secret that Buckley Ridges are a good side, so the boys take massive confidence out of beating a side like them – as I am sure anyone would,” he said.

“I think the way we won – it wasn’t a shock – but it was just really impressive to be honest.

“I think we played really well in both innings, the bowling and the batting, the boys were really happy after the game.”

While 249 was a bold score, the Bloods realistically left a few out there.

“I think a few of the boys were saying at one stage that if we kept going the way we were, we would’ve gone above 250 and closer to 300 which is absolutely bizarre,” he revealed.

“I think we lost myself, Jordy and Cam (Forsyth) in pretty quick succession, but then Sketch came in and made 50 off however many balls it was.

“Having him do that at the end bumped that score up, I think no matter who you play against, if you make 250 you’re in the box seat from the start – it was really pleasing.”

Buckley Ridges could only muster 10/132 in reply after Joshua Dowling snared 3/43 from 11 overs.

While the win now has the Bloods second on the Turf 1 table with an astonishing per-

centage, Quirk is adamant that his group isn’t getting ahead of itself.

“I think it’s just about maintaining this momentum,” he said.

“Obviously we’re playing some really good cricket at the moment but we’re all aware that we can’t get ahead of ourselves.

“We have a great mix of batters, we have Jordy and Sketch who can hit pretty hard, then we have other blokes that can bat time and manipulate the field.

“Our bowling mix and how we complement each other is going well, we need to keep the momentum.

“We’re not a side that’s going to get ahead of ourselves, we know how hard it is to win the flag, it took us 11 years to win the last one.”

Berwick’s boom recruit Jake Hancock found some rhythm in the Bears’ second successive victory.

After being a late out last week, Hancock returned to a new role opening the batting in Saturday’s win over St Mary’s.

The technically sound top order bat faced 140 balls for a well compiled 86, steering the Bears to 5/208.

The Saints never looked promising in reply, falling for just 10/125 in the 42nd over.

Talented all-rounder Riley Siwes jagged 5/28 to seal the Bears’ second win in as many weeks.

Hallam Kalora Park, meanwhile, is continuing to flex its muscles.

The Hawks chased down the Pirates’ first innings score of 154 with five wickets in the pavilion.

It could’ve been a far less total to pursuit however, as the Hawks at one stage had the visitors 6/45.

It was an unbeaten 52 from number 8 Amman Bajwa that guided the Pirates to a competitive total.

Leigh Booth sustained his steady form at the top of the order with 63 in the second dig.

Nothing is certain at the AFL draft.

A key part of the industry vernacular is Draft locks, those who appear certain to reach their pinnacle and get listed by an AFL club.

Leading into 2022, Beaconsfield boy Mitch Szybkowski was just about in that category. Assumptions and expectations, however, are dangerous.

To put into perspective the difficulty of reaching an AFL list, each talent pathway club around Australia have almost the same number of players taken in the whole 2022 National Draft – 59. Put another way, just over 10 per cent of players who nominated were selected.

But so highly was Szybkowski viewed, that he was part of a photo-shoot ahead of the NAB League season with Will Ashcroft and Elijah Tsatas, both who were selected in the top five of the National Draft.

Having seen the development of their players up close, clubs generally can point to one player they can place in the basket of being unluckily overlooked.

Szybkowski has claims to be the biggest name in that book.

Those at the Stingrays will tell you he’s long been the 2004-born player to watch in the region. The big-bodied midfielder has won just about every award possible in the region.

Skippering his junior club to back-toback premierships, performing in those big games, winning multiple league best and fairests to go with his sack of club best and fairests and leading interleague sides.

Since he has arrived on the NAB League scene, he has demonstrated excellent midfield craft, using his big body to out-muscle opponents, and there is his quick hands to feed out to the runners.

While there is a belief he may have lacked some athletic traits, he averaged 23 disposals for the Stingrays, played excellent footy for Vic Country and impressed many at Dandenong with the growth in his leadership.

He’s walking proof you can take nothing for granted, but those who have seen him up close say his work ethic will hold him in good stead as he continues to chase his dream, even if he has to do it the hard way.

Crafty forward Ziggy Toledo-Glasman, who was considered a draft smokey after a hot run of form to finish the NAB League home and away season, will return to the Stingrays in 2023.

Finn Emile-Brennan was a lightlyframed halfback who spent all year in the NAB League and Vic Country programs, and was also not selected despite being part of Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy. From Gippsland Jonti Schuback was the hard luck story, showing glimpses as a halfback and outside player for Gippsland and Vic Country and was invited to the State Combine, but also went un-selected.

Schuback’s Power teammate Liam Serong, the younger brother of Caleb and Jai, will train with Fremantle in the preseason with the hope of winning a list spot in the Supplemntary Selection Period (SSP).

Mitch Szybkowski is the hard luck story of the AFL Draft. 282439 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 25

SPORT

T20 series called off

Cody Weightman with two legendary Western Bulldogs.

Picture: WB SOCIAL MEDIA

If Weightman can half as good a career as former number 3 Chris Grant, he will be some player.

Picture: AAP MEDIA

Three a key for Flea

By Tyler Lewis Three has certainly been the magic number for Cody Weightman this week.

First, the former Beaconsfield and Dandenong Stingray made the shift from number 19 – the digit in which he had played his first 40 AFL games in – to the famous Western Bulldogs jumper number 3.

His love affair with the number then resurfaced later in the week as he then inked a three-year extension at the Kennel.

“I am super pumped to stay here, it is a great place to come and work every day,” Weightman said in a Western Bulldogs media release.

“There is an array of reasons why someone would want to stay, it is an exciting young group and we all get along, on and off the field.

“It does feel like we are building something special here.

“It’s a good time to be a Bulldogs fan and an even better time to be a player, the opportunity prevailed to stay around and it was a no brainer for me.

“It was always a childhood dream to play AFL at any club and for the Bulldogs to give me an opportunity for that – it’s still surreal to be honest.

“I feel totally blessed by the support and the people that have helped me get here and the Club is a part of that in a big way.

“It’s my aim to give back to the Club in any way I can, particularly on field.

“To the fans, embrace the excitement around the Club. We are setting the bar really high and we want to get back to a level we know we can be at.”

Bulldogs’ General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power, was elated to keep Weightman at VU Whitten Oval into the future.

“From the moment Cody walked into the Club, his infectious personality and appetite to improve has been on show within our football program.” Power said in the same release.

“Within three seasons, Cody has become one of the most damaging small forwards in the competition, while developing a strong relationship with our red, white and blue army.

“We’re thrilled as a club to keep him beyond next season, and his early commitment to our program displays the trust he has in the direction of the organisation.”

The deal keeps the exciting small forward in his new number until the end of 2025.

WESTERN BULLDOGS PLAYERS TO WEAR 3: Chris Grant (341 games) Ted Whitten (321) Arthur Olliver (272) Mitch Wallis (162)

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The now infamous Endeavour Hills Cricket Club Twilight Twenty20 series was cancelled before its second and final bout on Sunday due to the rolling storm surrounding the organiser of the event.

Nav De Silva, the man who organised the flood of international stars, has been charged with alleged theft and deception of almost $250,000, which was then allegedly used to recruit some of the world’s best cricketers.

The first of the two matches was played at Dandenong’s Shepley Oval last Sunday (November 27) against Queensland Premier Cricket side, Western Suburbs.

Sunday’s match (December 4) was set to be played out between the Hills and a compilation of Victorian Premier Cricket stars.

Endeavour Hills broke the news to its supporters on Thursday via social media.

“We are sorry to report to all that Endeavour Hills Cricket Club has just been informed by Global Talent Entertainment that the second day of the Twilight T20 Carnival will not be going ahead,” the club said in a statement.

“Moshtix will be refunding those who have purchased tickets to the 2nd day.

Please direct all Twilight T20 inquiries to Global Talent Entertainment.”

Chris Gayle made 95 not out in the first of the now infamous exhibition matches.

Oliver makes it four as Kissinger too classy in the Cup

By David Nagel Champion jockey Damien Oliver has banked his fourth Pakenham Cup after piloting Kissinger to a runaway victory in the $300,000 Listed feature (2500m) at Tynong on Saturday.

Oliver, with previous wins aboard Seductive Belle (1996), Ultra Smug (2000) and Our Voodoo Prince (2015), followed a patient gameplan before exploding down the vast expanse of the Pakenham straight to record a twolength victory.

The Lindsey Smith-trained seven-year-old gelding defeated Matt Cumani’s Nobel Heights, with Vegas Knight a neck away in third.

Oliver has built a strong association with Kissinger, riding the son of Tavistock/Berlin Belle to wins in three of his last four starts.

“He’s just gone from strength to strength,” Oliver said post-race.

“I noticed him early in this preparation when l was riding against him and I thought he’s a horse I’d like to get on and managed to get on him.

“We’ve just really clicked - sometimes you just really click with horses and we have, he’s a lovely stayer, got a beautiful attitude and he certainly makes your job a bit easier.”

Oliver said Kissinger eased into the race at the right time after having a beautiful run off the pace.

“I had Milford in front of us and Sound on the outside so I was following a couple of nice horses and he just chimed in at the right time,” he said.

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

Damien Oliver claims his fourth Pakenham Cup with a brilliant ride aboard Kissinger. 311010 Picture: ROB CAREW “He’s just progressed really well this horse, he’s a whisker off being four straight which would have been quite a record so he’s a really nice progressive stayer.”

Talk from the Lindsey Smith camp is that Kissinger may be now set for the $200,000 Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day. “He’s had a pretty long preparation but I’ll leave that up to Lindsey,” Oliver said.

“He knows his horses well but he might be starting to feel the firmer tracks, he’s done a good job to here…he’s earned a good break if that’s the way they’re thinking” Caitlin McLarn, a representative from the Smith team, suggested a decision on Kissinger’s immediate future would be decided this week.

“The Bagot (Handicap) has been thrown around but he’s won that quite convincingly but I’d say if he pulls up well then Lindsey might head that way,” McLarn said, before praising

Damien Oliver holds aloft the spoils after the runaway win of Kissinger. 311010 Oliver for his ride.

“Ollie and this horse are such a good combination; he just works him out perfectly.

“I was pretty confident to be honest, he didn’t want to expose him too early and he gave him a perfect ride and he was just super good to the line.

“He’s been so consistent, he’s been up for nearly a whole year now, he’s just done a great job, he just keeps bouncing back after each run and he’s thriving off his racing.” berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Weekend split for Berwick BERWICK BOWLS WEEKEND PENNANT – ROUND 7 It was a big weekend of bowls with all sides playing on a day where we finally got some decent weather and a great day to play bowls.

The top side had the first of their doubleheaders and had some great support on Sunday which was a pleasure to see at Parkdale.

There were some surprising results over the weekend and an important two weeks leading up to the break may just define some side’s seasons as they work hard to cement there spots in the top four.

Berwick 1: (Saturday) def by Bacchus Marsh 78-92. Ladder Position: 4th Our road trip to the Marsh didn’t go as well as planned. A new opponent, new surface, horrible conditions and a good opponent didn’t fair well for the top side. A slow start didn’t help them either with a few rinks well down early it was a catch up all day. Into the final few ends Bacchus Marsh cleverly left the board unattended and it was a lot closer than everyone thought. This was a good learning curve for the top side and something that was very much focused on the next day. Another loss though and a scary proposition with 5th, 6th and 7th now narrowing the gap on our fourth position.

Berwick 1: (Sunday) def Parkdale 78-69.

Ladder Position: 4th It’s amazing what 24 hours can do to change a negative to a positive. The ones were renowned for their fighting spirit last season and on Sunday that fighting spirit was back in spades! With two changes from the Saturday team, and Lachy Ash having to race off to a family emergency after eight ends, things could have gone badly on Sunday. But the side, led by skipper Steven Ellard, rallied the troops and after 80 ends there were only a few shots in it. Rich and Mills rinks had ding-dong battles all day, Mills proving too good in the end and getting up by nine. Rich’s rink got up by two on their final end and O’Donnell’s rink fought hard to keep their lead, winning by one shot. Ellard’s rink of John Horwood, Jeff Parker and David Bond were 20-5 at the break and it was highly possible that lead could have cost the win for the ones. But after the break they were phenomenal, outscoring their Parkdale opponents 17 to 5 to go down by three. That comeback enabled an opportunity for the side to get the win! A huge thank you goes out to David Leitch who came down to support the side and ended up playing the last 13 ends to cover Lachy Ash. Berwick 2: def Moorabbin 90-62. Ladder Position: 1st It was another dominant display from the all-conquering twos. Up against third-placed Moorabbin, in what could have been a tough game, the twos dominated all day with three wins and a draw across the four rinks. At this stage they’ve certainly firmed as favourites for the section going toward the break and with games against Edithvale (7th) and Cheltenham (4th) we are expecting them to extend

Berwick 5: def Mulgrave CC 95-62. Ladder Position: 4th An odd result this one considering two rinks went down and two got up in a 33-shot win for the Berwick 5s! It was the rink of Jan Lapinskas, Cheryl Dawson, Sue Reber and Bill Stilo, who thrashed their opposition 40 to 10, and Teddy Tratt’s rink with Mike Hodges, Ralph Jans and Vaughn Smith winning 29 to 8 that now sees the fives rocket in to fourth spot on the ladder.

The fives have Edithvale 2 (3rd) and Keysborough 3 (2nd) in the two games remaining this year which are tough games. A win or two wins could set the season up and start them off in the new year with a real positive attitude heading towards finals. They’re capable, and as long as they believe they can match it with the top three they’ll keep getting the results.

Berwick 6: def Cranbourne 4 91-61. Ladder Position: 1st Backing up last week’s massive result the sixes remain undefeated on top of the ladder after a dominant display against Cranbourne. With Edithvale and Burden Park in front of them for the next two weeks we are tipping the sixes to hit Christmas undefeated and send a message to the other three in the four that they’ll be finding it tough to knock off the Wickers in 2023. Keep up the great work sixes and we will be watching the results closely in the coming weeks.

Berwick 7: def by Vermont South 3 47-84.

Ladder Position: 1st Well that wasn’t what we expected this week from the undefeated sevens! Sitting pretty on top of the ladder, undefeated prior to this week, they copped a right royal flogging from sixth-placed Vermont South. We know the sevens continually cop the brunt of the unavailability of players every week but the core group are generally the same. A tough green on a hot day cost the sevens on Saturday but they still sit atop the section ladder. Games against two teams in the top four though coming up and they need to bounce back strongly this week when they take on Churchill Waverley Golf away, who sits 13 points behind them in second spot. No predictions from us though this week as this is a nailbiter and results could go either way. Good luck sevens and bounce back strong.

Berwick 8: def by Brighton 3 46-75. Ladder Position: 6th Although they’ve gone down again this week to a very strong club’s third side on their home green, the eights are still within striking distant of the four. With so many changes each week they continue to grit their teeth and give their best shot. All rinks down this week but still with a massive opportunity this week against Murrumbeena 2 to jump back on the winners list and push ever so closer to finishing the year with ear shot of the four. I’m backing the eights to bounce back hard this week in a trouncing win!

Mixed results over the weekend and a reminder for all to get on the green and continuing to strive to improve.

It won’t just happen; we all need to make it happen.

-John Rich

Jan Lapinskas was part of a Berwick 5 rink, with Cheryl Dawson, Sue Reber and Bill Stilo, that had Picture: ROB CAREW a huge 40-10 win over Mulgrave. 303393 their lead at the top of the ladder before the games recommence in the New Year. Looks like the selectors got it right too with the rink of Geoff Dawson, Cliff Fothergill, Tony French and Graeme Manifold winning by 15 shots to set up the day for the twos. Well done.

Berwick 3: def by Burden Park 1 62-83.

Ladder Position: 8th Our 2022/23 Development side hasn’t won a game yet this season but the experience a lot of them are gaining is invaluable. The direction to strengthen our fours and development newer, inexperienced bowlers in our Div 2, third side will continue to reap rewards with the experience they are gaining. Their attitude and commitment towards the side is a great example to the rest of the club and we are hoping that the experience will see them hit the winner’s list in the New Year. Games against Upwey (5th) and Cranbourne (1st) before the

break will be tough, but this group is up for the fight every week and we congratulate them on their performances so far.

Berwick 4: def Hampton Park 89-76. Ladder Position: 2nd The fours are coming! Now in to second spot on the ladder, and with two outstanding efforts over the past two weeks, the team is ready to take on Upwey (5th) and Mulgrave (3rd) in the last two rounds of the year. Can they jump one more spot before the break? That’s the question, with ladder leaders Pakenham - who are very strong at this level with their second side - due to play Noble Park and Cranbourne.

There would need to be a big upset but the continual strengthening of the fours will see them up for the fight in the new year. Michele Somers, John Bridgeland, Trevor Tormey and Carsten Jensen set the day up on their rink this week with a nine-shot win and the other rinks won narrowly.

The rare and unique becomes reality for Narre Warren NARRE WARREN BOWLS The rare became reality at Narre Warren Bowls Club this week with the Saturday Division 6 side scoring a remarkable 135 to 31 victory over Ferntree Gully.

The rink of Luka Klarica, Thomas O’Loughlin, Nola Burdett and Lorraine Chapman was absolutely unstoppable and had a final score of 49 shots to 2!

As the club approaches the Christmas break, all teams are well placed to participate in finals in February and March.

An enthralling Men’s Pairs Championship Final was played between the team of Chris Johnson and Mick Daly and the combination of Jim Kempf and Joe McGuire.

The quality of bowls played was worthy of a National Championship Final with the lead changing many times.

The overall winners were Jim Kempf and Joe McGuire.

SATURDAY PENNANT - ROUND 7 Side 1: (Away) defeated Keysborough 102-62 berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Side 3: (Away) defeated Boronia 81-65 Points: 16. Ladder: 1st Best rink: Janice Moran; Wilma Haringsma; Steven Roy; Peter Lister: +14 Side 4: (Home) lost to Burden Park 75-87.

Points: 2. Ladder: 6th Best rink: Les Clement; Susie Menzel; Eric Marsden; Craig Moore: +7 Side 5: (Away) defeated Ferntree Gully 13531 Points: 18. Ladder: 2nd Best rink: Luka Klarica; Thomas O’Loughlin; Nola Burdett; Lorraine Chapman: +47 Side 6: (Away) lost to Moorabbin 58-82 Points: 2. Ladder: 2nd Best rink: Bill Sheehan; Robert Dalzell; Timothy Reed; David Stephens: +10 RINK OF THE ROUND Side 5: Skip Lorraine Chapman + 47 (Div 6 Sect 8) MIDWEEK PENNANT – ROUND 8

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The Men’s Pairs Championship Final was played between the team of Chris Johnson and Mick Daly and Jim Kempf and Joe Picture: SUPPLIED McGuire. 311707

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· · Points: 18. Ladder: 4th Best rink: Peter Butterworth; Alan (Paris) · · Hilton; Chris Johnson; Ethan Higgins: +16 Side 2: (Home) defeated Beaumaris 98-49 Points: 18. Ladder: 2nd Best rink: Michael Graham; Michael Daly; Jim Kempf; Dennis Paul: +17

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Side 1: (Home) lost to Clayton 39-72 Points: 2. Ladder: 8th Best rink: Isobel Partington; Michael Black; Craig Lineham; Eric Sydenham: +5 Side 2: (Away) defeated Noble Park 77-49 Points: 16. Ladder: 1st Best rink: Joe Selfridge; Lindsay Gibson; Gary Farrington; James Millar: +11 Side 3: (Home) lost to Monbulk 57-58 Points: 4. Ladder: 3rd Best rink: Gerry Van Eerden; Paul Stevenson; Nola Burdett; Geoff Miller: +4 Side 4: (Home) defeated Edithvale 62-48 Points: 14. Ladder: 3rd Best rink: Leonard O’Brien; Pauline Blake; Brian Nicholls; Kevin Friend: +12 Side 5: Bye Points: 0. Ladder: 6th RINK OF THE ROUND Side 2: Skip Kevin Friend + 12 (Div 5 Sect 8)

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 27

VISIT OUR VIRTUAL SCHOOL TOUR TODAY

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Safe New Year Berwick Lodge Primary School welcomes out of neighborhood enrolments.

P: 9709 6700 F: 9796 2198 E: berwick.lodge.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Visit our website to check out the virtual tour www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au 12581239-AI49-22

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au