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Looking back on Mick Morland’s legacy
Botanic Park’s bumper year
Tigers tough it out in T20
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Intersection shut for roadworks
Jack Rae on his property in Narre Warren North in 2011. 60690
Mr Rae was born into agricultural life, spending 70 years in the show Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS industry. 53994
Legend’s legacy By Eleanor Wilson The legacy of Jack Rae OAM is strongly etched in the earth of showgrounds across Melbourne. His name is proudly plastered on pavilion signs at Berwick’s Akoonah Park and Dandenong Showgrounds, and on countless committee honour rolls across Melbourne. Few people can claim such a long affiliation with the show industry as Mr Rae, whose work in the field spanned more than 70 years. He was a founding member and former president of the Victorian Agricultural Societies Association (VASA), a life member and former president of the Berwick and Dandenong Show societies and councillor and life member of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), just to name a few.
Yet for many, Mr Rae was much more than the leadership positions he held in the show world. Those closest to him will tell you Jack was a fair minded and pragmatic, always happy to listen to someone’s case and provide a suitable solution. His character, and life’s work, was built upon a strong trait of benevolence, where a life of dedication to the show industry was for the pure betterment of the community. In tribute to Mr Rae, who passed away on 8 December 2022 at the age of 94, he is Star News’ 2022 Person of the Year. A fourth-generation cattle farmer and member of a Narre Warren North pioneering family, Rae’s progression into the agricultural industry was natural.
“I suppose it was just that I had no desire to do anything else other than milk the cows and work the horses,” he told the Melbourne Royal virtual Museum for its ‘Oral Histories’ series. As local historian and personal friend Neil Lucas recounted for his ‘What’s in a Name’ segment of the Pakenham Gazette, Mr Rae’s presence in the show community goes back to 1937, when nine-year-old Rae began showing dairy cows. “With his brother Fred and sister Thelma, Jack entered a Jersey dairy cow in the Narre Warren North State School Young Farmers Club competition,” Mr Lucas said. “The judge, Jack’s father George, had a difficult choice, there being three of his children amongst the seven competitors.” In the following year Jack began his association with the Berwick Show, walking the cows
from the farm in Narre Warren North to a paddock adjacent to Harkaway Road in Berwick for overnighting before they would be shown at Buchanan Park for competition, Mr Lucas said. Rae left school at 13 years old and almost immediately began full time work on his family’s Narre Warren North farm, walking droves of cattle to Dandenong Showgrounds. He joined the agricultural show society’s committee as an 18-year-old following in the footsteps of his father, remaining there for 70plus years helping to organise each annual show. At national show conferences, so many would approach Mr Rae “just to say hello”, according to Dandenong Show president John Follett. Continued page 6
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NEWS
Toddler inside stolen car Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested two men following the theft of a car with a toddler inside at Chelsea on Sunday 8 January. Detectives have arrested an 18-year-old Narre Warren man and a 20-year-old Clarinda man in a Frankston Shopping Centre just after midday today. Investigators have been told a grey Volkswa-
gen SUV was parked outside a grocery store on Nepean Highway just before 4pm. It’s believed a man parked his car and left it running with his two-year-old boy inside while ducking into the shops before an unknown male got into the car and drove off. Officers were told offender left the child on Bath Street and fled the scene. The two men are currently assisting police
with their enquiries and the investigation remains ongoing. The stolen grey Volkswagen SUV is yet to be located. Anyone who sights the car or with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic. com.au
Crime spree ends in arrest
The Ernst Wanke Road and Narre Warren North Road intersection will be closed to traffic for two weeks in January.
Intersection closes for major roadworks nearest to the intersection and along Kurrajong Road will be closed. PTV will run Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant taxis in place of regular buses for some stops. In order to reduce the closure duration at the Ernst Wanke Road and Narre Warren North Road intersection, night works will occur and enable crews to complete the required works as quickly and safely as possible. Major Road Projects Victoria program director Brendan Pauwels said the closure had been scheduled for the January school holidays to reduce the impact on the community. Authorities said they would work to reopen the intersection as quickly and safely as possible. In February, the final stage of building new lanes between Belgrave-Hallam and Fox roads will commence, authorities said. Bollards will be moved around the centre median and both carriageways will be open with one lane operating in each direction to allow crews to build the centre median, install guard rail and the traffic signals at Memorial Drive as well as complete landscaping works.
During this stage of works, Memorial Drive will be left in and left out only, with the full intersection due to open by mid-2023. There will be no change for motorists accessing Brundrett and Crawley roads. The unsignalised U-turn slot north of Brundrett Road will be closed and the signalised U-turn at Belgrave-Hallam Road will remain open. Narre Warren North Road provides vital north-south connectivity in Melbourne’s growing south-eastern suburbs. The road upgrade will build on the State Government’s investment into Melbourne’s arterial road network which includes widening Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road between Thompsons Road and the South Gippsland Highway. When both projects are complete, the communities of Narre Warren and Cranbourne will be connected by four lanes all the way from Heatherton Road to South Gippsland Highway. Construction on the Narre Warren North Road Upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-2023.
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The next stage of the Narre Warren North Road Upgrade is set to commence this week, with works beginning on the Ernst Wanke Road and Narre Warren North Road intersection. From Wednesday 11 January at 11.59pm to Wednesday 25 January at 5pm, the intersection at Ernst Wanke Road and Narre Warren North Road will be closed in all directions as crews work to remove the existing asphalt, install drainage, upgrade signal connections for the new traffic lights and safety cameras and lay new asphalt and line markings, authorities said. There will be no through access at the intersection during the two-week period, so works can be done to widen the intersection and build new through lanes. There will be lane closures and reduced speed limits down from 60km/h to 40km/hr on Narre Warren North Road throughout the works period, with traffic barriers installed at the Ernst Wanke Road and Narre Warren North Road intersection in all directions. Detours will be in place via Monash Freeway, Parkhill Drive and Belgrave-Hallam Road. With the intersection closed, bus stops
Police have charged a man following a crime spree across southern metropolitan suburbs during December and January. General duties officers, along with the Air Wing and Dog Squad, located and arrested a man following an attempted carjacking in Willow Drive, Hampton Park on Saturday 7 January. It is alleged a man, who was a passenger in a ride-share vehicle, assaulted the driver and allegedly attempted to steal the car before fleeing on foot about 8pm. The victim, a 35-year-old Narre Warren man, received minor injuries in the incident. Other alleged offending included: Theft of alcohol and lollies from a liquor store on Bemersyde Drive, Berwick on 5 December. Theft of cigarettes from a service station on Webb Street, Narre Warren on 13 December. Theft of alcohol from a liquor store on Bemersyde Drive on 20 December. Assault of a shop attendant and theft of a large quantity of jewellery from a jewellery store on Nepean Highway, Moorabbin on 7 January. A 26-year-old Berwick man has been charged with attempted carjacking, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, four counts of theft, two counts of unlawful assault, contravening Court orders, failure to stop vehicle on police direction, robbery, committing an indictable offence while on bail and theft from motor vehicle. He appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a bail/remand hearing on Sunday 8 January.
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STAR NEWS 3
2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
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Dogs find their way home By Eleanor Wilson A Narre Warren woman had the local community to thank for the safe return of her two dogs from the Princes Highway on-ramp at Narre Warren in April this year. Abbey Keys’ two rescue dogs Zues and Zena went missing in the early hours of Sunday 3 April; escaping after the back gate to her property was left open. Ms Keys said she immediately launched a call-out on her social media pages, hoping locals may be able to help locate the dogs. Thanks to the Facebook and Instagram posts, locals found Zues about 7am the same day, at the on-ramp to the Princes Highway inbound at Narre Warren, near the Mercedes Benz Berwick dealership. “It was a relief to get Zues back, but I was also frantic because I had hoped they would have stayed together,” Ms Keys said. Zena remained lost for the next seven days, but Ms Keys said online support continued to grow, giving her hope she would be reunited with the Rhodesion Ridgeback. “I found all through the week [the posts] kept getting shared more and more. “On Facebook every morning and night I’d comment a massive update about where I’d been looking and any sightings of her, and by the Monday or Tuesday we’d put out flyers around the neighbourhood,“ she said. “By that point complete strangers were sharing my posts and I actually met someone who had seen my post and was also out looking for Zena. “He suggested making a group chat so I could put out instant updates about the search,” she said.
Ms Keys the group chat grew to about 80 group members, all actively searching for her missing dog. “Throughout the week we actually ended up finding about six or seven dogs that weren’t Zena but were also lost,” she said. After several sightings, Zena was eventually reunited with her emotional owner on the morning of Sunday 10 April. “All morning from 5am until 9:30am we were in the area Zues was found, on car and on foot and eventually we just thought let’s just sit here and hope for the best,” she said. “Zeus’ ears pricked up at around 10am and I heard some movement and I looked to my left and I called ‘Zena’ really softly and she just naturally came toward me.” Ms Keys said she was “overwhelmed with relief” to be reunited with her canine friend, after spending over 12 hours each day for the last week looking for her. “The week has just been a blur and I’ve just been in adrenaline mode so the relief to see her and have her in my arms, you can’t put a price on it,” she said. With both dogs’ health given the tick of approval from vets, Ms Keys said she hopes to organise a meet and greet to thank community members who helped over the seven day search. “I’ve had hundreds of messages from people who have been searching for Zena, or just wishing us well, it’s been really heart warming,” she said. “We want to do a little picnic so the people who have been so dedicated to finding Zena can actually meet her. It’s the least I can do, there’s nothing I can do or say to repay them.”
Abbey with Zena and Zues after the dogs were found on the on-ramp to the Princes Highway inbound at Narre Warren.
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2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
Noelene Duff and Kay Morland cut the ribbon to officially open the Mick Morland Legacy Link in Clyde North.
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Kay Morland and members of the Morland family with the plaque that will adorn the new Mick Morland Recreation Reserve. Back row from left Luke Morland, Stephanie Morland, Kobe Evans, Brett Evans, Logan Evans, middle row Lisa Morland, Damon Evans, Samantha Albrey, Tom Sanders and front row Kay Morland, Max Morland Allison Sanders, Charlotte Morland and Rebecca Sanders.
Morland’s legacy lives on By Garry Howe The legacy of long-serving City of Casey councilor Mick Morland is marked subliminally in many a corner of the municipality. He donned the mayoral robes to officially open the Casey Arc Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Narre Warren and turned the first sod to start the build nearby of Bunjil Place. They are among the bigger ticket projects that carry his name on a plaque if you look hard enough. There would be countless more across the region where the contribution he made might not necessarily be recognised. Now there’s a place where his legacy will live on forever. Mick was lost to his family and the community in June 2017 when struck by a car and killed near his Berwick home. On Saturday 7 May, almost five years after that tragic event, his widow Kay and family members joined former council colleagues, administrators and friends at the official opening of the Mick Morland Legacy Link and Recreation Reserve in Clyde North. The link is a dedicated walkway between the Manna Gum Community Centre, Cardinia Creek and the recreation reserve, home to the Berwick Springs football, netball and cricket clubs and the Melbourne Flash Sports Club. Inscribed on the pathway are the words Community, Participation, Sport and Nature all synonymous with Mick’s contribution over the years. Casey’s chair of administrators, Noelene Duff, said the Mick Morland Reserve, located in the Kilora Park Estate, was an important
A bird sculpture is a feature of the Mick Morland Recreation Reserve. community hub that celebrated the support he demonstrated throughout his life for sporting clubs, the community and nature conservation. “The reserve forms part of the council endorsed ‘Mick Morland Legacy Link’, connecting the new community centre, recreation reserve and Cardinia Creek, an important recreation, conservation, and ecologically significant site,” Ms Duff said. “Located in one of Australia’s fasted growing suburbs, this reserve will be a valuable recreation space that will support community activity and connectedness - ideals that were championed by Mick Morland throughout his life.”
Kay Morland said it was a fitting tribute to her late husband and the work he had done in the community. “This precinct encompasses the things Mick was passionate about during his years on council - community, sport and the environment. He would be humbled, and our family is very grateful, that the City of Casey has chosen to honour his contribution in this way,” Kay said. She explained that Mick was actively involved in the community from the time he moved to Narre Warren, before he was elected to council. Like many parents he immersed himself in the kindergarten committee, the school council at Narre Warren Station Primary, the little athletics club as a coach and at the Narre Warren Junior Football Club, where he held the positions of president, secretary and coach over a decade. “In fact, it was his involvement with the Narre Warren Junior Football Club and his concern about their relocation to Sweeney Reserve that triggered his running for council with the City of Berwick in the first place,” she said. “I have absolutely no idea how many community groups and committees Mick served on during his time on council - mind you, if he were here he could tell you exactly how many and I’ve no doubt name each one of them - but I do know that he was on the council’s environment committee since its inception. He was prone to reminding people of that. “Mick’s involvement in all of these things is reflected in the Mick Morland Legacy Link
by the community centre, the primary school and the recreation reserve linking to the Cardinia Creek Conservation Corridor. All of which makes the naming of this area for him extremely appropriate and very special. “We know how much he cared about the city he lived in and the many communities that make up that city. He would be very proud to have his commitment and contribution to the quality of life for the citizens of his community recognised in this way. “His children, grandchildren and I are very proud too.” Kay acknowledged Casey CEO Glenn Patterson, active communities manager Angie Peresso, events manager Vicky Goodwin and other who helped make the tribute a reality. She also acknowledged the Rotary Club of Berwick - of which Mick was a long-term member - for its generous donation of a seat on the far side of the oval which would eventually be canopied by a native oak tree. Gembrook MP Brad Battin and Bass MP Jordan Crugnale both spoke of Mick’s contribution to the community. Mr Battin said it was a shame the Berwick Springs Titans didn’t wear the yellow and black of Mick Morland’s beloved Richmond Tigers when gracing the field named in his honour. But he did have a good idea to enhance to the legacy - a yearly clash for the Mick Morland Cup, with proceeds going to the Rotary Club to invest into worthwhile community projects. Mick was first elected to the then City of Berwick in 1992 and served for six terms as a councillor in the Edrington Ward.
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STAR NEWS 5
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Jack Rae sits high in the saddle, pictured in 2008. 20218
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
John Follett and Jack Rae at the cattle saleyards preserved in Jack Rae Pavilion at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong. 197282 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
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Jack Rae presents a trophy at the Berwick Show.
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Narre Warren North State School Young Farmers Club competition in 1937, from left, Cr George Rae MBE, Roy Fox, Don Randle, Fred Rae, Jack Rae, Thelma Rae, Robert Allen and Ian Mills. Picture courtesy of Max Thomas, published in the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society book Oak Trees and Hedges.
Thursday, 12 January, 2023
From page 1 He had “exceptional” judgement of animals, and got involved in every section of the show “whether it was horses, sheep, cattle, arts and crafts”. “He encouraged a lot of young people to be part of the show scene and in the community in general. “He was known throughout the community. If he didn’t know of the family, they would know of him.” In 2018, the Dandenong Show Society named its heritage cattle sale ring, the Jack Rae OAM Pavilion. Mr Rae had been instrumental in saving the sale ring, signage and other relics after Dandenong’s stock markets were closed in 1998. Similarly, a new building at the Akoonah Park showgrounds in Berwick was also bestowed Mr Rae’s name in 2021, to recognise his 60 year volunteer effort to establish and vitalise the park. “Jack wasn’t a man to seek glory but the committee convinced him we wanted to name a new building after him that he was heavily involved in establishing,” said Akoonah Park manager Gayle Joyce. “Without the wisdom of Jack and his leadership within the various committees he has chaired, we’d never have seen the development, nor the financial stability to allow the ongoing maintenance of this beautiful reserve.” Mr Rae’s work with Akoonah Park goes back to the 1950s, when the late George Wilson and Berwick Show Society members convinced the State Government to create the area now known as Akoonah Park as a reserve for public purposes and showgrounds, according to Mr Lucas. “A committee of management was formed headed by Narre Warren farmer John Lloyd. The earthworks, tree removal, blackberry removal, building construction and other operations to establish the reserve took more than a decade,” he said. “Jack Rae was heavily involved in these works as a volunteer. As part of the transfer of
Jack Rae and local Berwick identity Neil Lucas officially open the new Akoonah Park pavilion. Picture: OSCAR PARRY assets from Buchanan Park to Akoonah Park, Jack drove a truck transporting a shed, over the Berwick Hill to Akoonah Park.” His commitment to the park was part of his agricultural commitment to seeing the land improve, according to Mrs Joyce. “He was always striving to provide better facilities for the [Berwick] Show and that drove the development of the park,” she said. When the Berwick Show moved from Buchanan Park to its present site, Mr Rae was involved in transporting the show’s rotunda. He was also part of setting up the flourishing Akoonah Park Men’s Shed. Akoonah Park Men’s Shed committee member and former president Lindsay Harding credits Mr Rae, along with former Berwick mayor John Byron, with the success of the shed. “Jack was an unbelievable supporter of the Men’s Shed…[he] was in many ways one of our saviours,” Mr Harding said. “When we decided to increase the size of a single shed to two, he was all for it, and when we asked for a third shed he was able to make that happen as well. For that, we’re forever indebted and we’ll always remember Jack for that.” In July 2022, as the shed celebrated its 10year anniversary, a 94 year-old Rae was in attendance to offer his congratulations and well wishes. “He had a great empathy for the City of
Casey and he gave the community a hell of a big run of his life and we are all the more benefit of that time he spent here,” Mr Harding said. Outside of the City of Casey, Mr Rae’s strong affiliation with the Royal Melbourne Show is not without mentioning. He was ringmaster for close to 11 years, a member of the Feline Control Committee, Pig Committee, Horse Committee, Poultry Committee, Caged Birds Committee, Show Girl Commitee, Heritage Committee and Chief Steward of the Dairy cattle. Speaking to Melbourne Royal virtual Museums, he reflected on his show days, stating: “I started with the Dairy Cattle Committee, and coincidentally, I finished up with the Dairy Cattle Committee. I’m very pleased, after having been through the various avenues, it was nice to finish up where you started.” In 1992, Mr Rae was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), for “service to primary industry, particularly the Royal Agricultural Society”. Other local activities in which Jack has been involved include the Narre Warren North Fire Brigade where he served as both captain and president, president of the South Belgrave Football Club, Justice of the Peace for 46 years, and Life Member of the Honorary Justices Association. He was farewelled at a memorial service in his own Jack Rae Pavilion at Akoonah Park on Saturday 17 December. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
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Locals rebuff landfill plan By Eleanor Wilson The message was simple for a group of about 200 locals who assembled at the entrance to the Hallam Road Landfill on Saturday, 12 November. ‘We say no.’ Signs, banners and passionate voices came out in hundreds to oppose the proposal of the draft Hampton Park Hill Development Plan. The draft plan, which was announced for public consultation by Casey Council in 2022, sets out the future for the land on the site of the Hampton Park Landfill, which is set to reach capacity in coming years. The landfill site was identified by the State Government, through the State-wide Waste and Resource Recovery Implementation Plan (Sustainability Victoria, 2018), as a significant site for waste and resource recovery. Eighty-five hectares of public open space reserve is proposed to replace the tip when it reaches capacity in the next 10 years. But also proposed is a waste transfer station, which according to plans, would operate for up to 18 hours a day, transporting waste out of the site in B-double trucks between 12am and 6pm on weekdays. The proposal came as a shock to local residents, like resident Kim Murphy, who bought her Lynbrook house in 2002, said she was told that the tip would fill in the next five years and would then be repatriated into parkland. Residents have also raised concerns over the 500-metre overlay buffer applied to houses within the buffer zone, potentially impacting house prices and development prospects. “The community has suffered with the smell [of the tip] in the hope we would get this beautiful parkland, but instead what we are
Protesters outside Hallam Road landfill. 307447 getting is 30-plus years of torment,” Mrs Murphy said. “We’re not going to rest until we’ve tried every single avenue to protect the five communities that are impacted by this tip.” She said Saturday’s protest was peaceful, but powerful. “There was a lot of frustration from the community. It was about letting everyone who needs to hear it know that we’ve had enough of living with the tip on our back door steps. “We organised this protest in eight days and the community got 5500 flyers out in that
Picture: GARY SISSONS time... I’d love to thank all the people in the community that helped get the word out in such a short period of time. “I could not be more proud of our community for standing up for their future.” Along with residents from Narre Warren North, Cranbourne North, Hampton Park, Lynbrook and Lyndhurst, local state election candidates from the Liberal Party, Freedom Party, Australian Greens and Liberal Democrats were in attendance to offer their support. “We could not be happier that these candidates actually identified what a massive issue
this is for our community,” Mrs Murphy said. “There was a stand out [party] that was not there, which is really disappointing.” In a statement, a spokesperson from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) said the Victorian Government’s statewide focus is a transition toward waste transfer, resource recovery and recycling in line with circular economy goals. City of Casey council officers recently completed a review of 1068 submissions to its draft plan for the landfill, 99 per cent of which are objections, according to the council.
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STAR NEWS 7
2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
NEWSMAKERS
First principal bowing out By Marcus Uhe Things looked a little different at Thomas Mitchell Primary School in Endeavour Hills this year. For decades, students at the school were welcomed at the front gate with the familiar face and friendly smile of their principal, John Hurley, ensuring they started their day with a smile of their own. But in February this year, after 30 years in the hot seat, Mr Hurley, the founding and only principal in the school’s history, decided to draw the curtain on his long and decorated teaching career. It was a recent dose of reality that prompted his decision to call time. “Two kids that I taught happened to get married and I’m still in contact with them,” Mr Hurley said. “They said ‘we’ve got some news, we’re retiring.’” “I thought, ‘this is madness. I taught them in primary school and they’re retiring, but I’m still working.’” Mr Hurley launched Thomas Mitchell in 1991 following his time at Cranbourne Primary School, with 179 students enrolled on day one to begin their educational journey under his leadership. A photo of all the staff and students from the inaugural day still hands in his office, giving him a chance to reflect on just how far the school has come. Come 2022 and the school sits at just under 800 pupils from a wide melting pot of backgrounds, encapsulating the incredibly diverse community in which the campus resides, and filling Mr Hurley with immense pride. “I’m a big fan of multiculturalism,” Mr Hurley said. “We’ve got families from more than 70 nationalities in the school.”
Thomas Mitchell Primary School founding principal John Hurley. Picture: MARCUS UHE “I like going and seeing other cultures and seeing the way they do things. I think we can all learn from each other.” Mr Hurley’s teaching career begun as a 19-year-old in 10 Mile Creek in Gippsland’s Strzelecki Ranges, thrown into the deep end with 28 kids under his watch ranging from prep to grade six in an “unbelievable” situation. He fondly recalls some of his regular duties falling outside the standard curriculum, and not something he came across at teacher’s college. “First thing I used to do in the morning was, because it was cold in there, I would go and cut wood for the fire to keep the classroom warm,”
Mr Hurley said. “Every now and then the kids would come rushing in and say ‘there’s a snake down there, someone needs to go kill the snake.’ “I got an extra seven shillings and sixpence a fortnight to dig a hole and empty the toilet. It was pretty remote.” Classrooms in the 1960s looked nothing like what they do in 2022 now, too; chalkboards were still the device of choice and the isolated nature of that campus meant there was a lack of electricity or phone line available, and everything required being written by hand. Mr Hurley’s inspiration to teach began with his love for school as a student and his own thirst for learning. He combined his love of travel and exploring with developing young people by working in the UK, and also had a stint at the former Turana Youth Training Centre, helping the most vulnerable young people who needed assistance the most. As a teacher and a principal, he strived to ensure that learning was an experience for kids and something to be enjoyed, rather than a means to an end, or a chore. For the kids, this meant a wealth of handson activities, tours, camps, excursions and guest speakers. Working closely with his students allowed him to pick up bits and pieces from the children through enlightening, day-to-day interactions, and crucially fostered a strong rapport, breaking down the perceived barrier between pupil and authority figure, something he came to dearly miss when his classroom teaching days came to a close. “I said to a class that I was teaching on one occasion, ‘look at those crows out there making all that noise,’ - there were birds outside the classroom window. A little kid came up to
me at recess and said ‘Excuse me Mr Hurley, those birds aren’t crows, they’re ravens.’ I said, ‘How do you know that?’, and he said ‘My dad is the government ornithologist.’” “You learn so much from kids.” When asked by his current students about the legacy that he will leave behind, the most common trait raised was his kindness. Filling-in for Santa in the lead-up to Christmas and spreading sweet treats on their final school day of the year is also something that will be sorely missed. Since making his announcement late last year, Mr Hurley said that he has been flattered by the messages of gratitude and congratulations that he has received. When Star News visited the school to speak to Mr Hurley and take photos on location, a former student who was driving through the area spontaneously pulled-over to shake his hand and congratulate him on his career, before getting back in his vehicle and continuing his journey. It was as fitting a tribute and a perfect reflection on his legacy. Despite his official teaching days coming to an end, he won’t be completely shutting the door on his education journey, keen to volunteer at a local English language school interspersed with a return to international travel, reading and following his beloved Collingwood Football Club. As he prepares to sign-off on his last day on Friday 11 February, he had a gracious message for the community that he played an integral role in establishing. “I’d like to say big thank you to the Thomas Mitchell community for making me feel welcome.” Star News would like to wish Mr Hurley all the best in his retirement.
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions and no City Loop trains City Loop
From 9pm 2 to 15 January
Flagstaff, Melbourne Central and Parliament stations closed
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines
4 to 13 January 8.30pm to last train, 16 January
Flinders St to Dandenong
8.30pm to last train, 8 and 12 January
Flinders St to Cranbourne and Pakenham
14 to 27 January
Flinders St to Westall
South Gippsland Highway, Dandenong South
9 January to 1 February
Lane closures between Pound Road West and Carter Way
Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne
9 January to mid February
Intersection closed at Thompsons Road
Monash Freeway
11 to 25 January
Daytime lane closures between Warrigal Road and EastLink
15 to 19 January
Closed at Warrigal Road
Narre Warren North Road, Narre Warren North
12 to 25 January
Intersection closed at Ernst Wanke Road
Princes Freeway
15 to 24 January
Closed between Princes Highway and Beaconsfield interchange
Hall Road, Carrum Downs and Skye
Until 31 January
Closures at Hall Road and McCormicks Road intersection
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Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
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Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
NEWSMAKERS
Milestone for Men’s Shed By Eleanor Wilson For 10 years now, Akoonah Park Men’s Shed has been providing the retired men of Berwick with a vessel to service the community and each other. From humble beginnings as a singular “broken down steel shed” at Akoonah Park, the Men’s Shed has grown to be regarded as one of the leading sheds in the country. Often referenced as an example of what can be done when a group of retired men come together, the shed’s 10-year anniversary, held at Akoonah Park on Thursday 16 June, was a celebration of some of the most dedicated men in the community . Started by former City of Casey Councillor and former Mayor of Berwick John Byron in April 2012, the Akoonah Park Men’s Shed’s inaugural meeting consisted of 27 members, eight of which attended the 10-year anniversary at the park. Today the shed stands tall on the grounds of Akoonah Park, with three large sheds and a bustling membership of 150 retired men. But just ten years ago, as the members put it, they had no running water, no toilet and no money. “When we started we only had 27 people and my ambition at the time was to create a Men’s Shed so I could learn to use tools,” founding member and past president Brian Hetherton said. Through dedication, hard work, fundraising and assistance from Akoonah Park, local businesses and all levels of government, the Men’s Shed was able to build two adjoining sheds. Today, these sheds house a recreation room,metal workshop, blacksmith’s shop, hobby room and extra toilet facilities.
Shedders at the 10-year anniversary, from left, VMSA CEO Derek O’Leary, past APMS president Lindsay Harding, past VMSA president Lindsay Oates, Brad Battin MP, APMS president Maurice Hall, Cardinia Shire Cr Brett Owen and APMS vice president Jim Grills. “I’m proud of where it’s got to and the membership is just fantastic,” Mr Hetherton said. Victorian Men’s Shed Association former president Lindsay Oates said the Akoonah Park shed was one of the country’s leading Men’s Sheds. “[Akoonah Park Men’s Shed] is well known for its contribution to the community and for assisting and caring for its members,” he said. “The sheds are very significant in what they do in assisting the men; it’s all about being
able to get together, share your skills and experiences and the camaraderie.” Ten years on, the shed’s committee continues to enable a range of activities for its members, including photography, woodwork and metalwork, fitness activities, fishing, golf and cooking. Like many community groups, the shed faced challenges throughout Covid, yet managed to pull through without a significant impact on its membership.
Many of the club members credit this to the shed’s leadership committee, namely current president Maurice Hall, who received a Life Membership medal at the ceremony. “Maurice has been the glue that has allowed our shed to achieve 10 years of service in our community,” committee member Ernie Bird said. “Probably the most significant attribute Maurice has is his caring, thoughtful, supporting attitude, which has pulled members together in the most difficult of times.”
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Thursday, 12 January, 2023
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STAR NEWS 9
2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
NEWSMAKERS
For decades, Berwick College principal Kerri Bolch’s zeal for education has made her an undeniable asset to the local community. Off the back of being honoured with the 2022 National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) Leadership Award, Ms Bolch spoke to journalist ELEANOR WILSON about her dedication to the school’s health and wellbeing centre, which is now making a tangible difference to the lives of young students in Berwick.
MP Brad Battin and Berwick College principal Kerri Bolch at the Health and Wellbeing Centre in July 2020.
Building progress of the centre in July 2020.
Pictures: SUPPLIED
Principal’s top of the class “I want my students to understand what a safe and productive life is, and what is not OK. They are encouraged to believe in themselves, find their inner strength, cultivate hope for the future and rise above the struggles and circumstances they may face.” Becoming a teacher was always the dream for Berwick College principal Kerri Bolch. Growing up in Pakenham as the eldest of six children, Ms Bolch’s passion for education was evident throughout her childhood. “I would line up my siblings in the carport and play school, pretending to teach,” she said. “In primary school the teachers would let us correct the spelling tests and we were sometimes left in charge of classes. Extraordinary to think about that now!” Fast forward to December 2022 and the Berwick principal has been honoured as one of the nation’s best, awarded the prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) Leadership Award. The catalyst for the award, which comes with a $10,000 professional development grant from the NEiTA foundation, was her dedication to develop a health and wellbeing centre at Berwick College. Launched last year, the centre is home to provisional psychologists, social and youth workers, a nurse and counsellors, providing wellbeing support to the school’s 1700 students and their families. The centre has a holistic approach to the provision of its services, understanding that “health and wellbeing is not a one-size-fitsall”, Ms Bolch said. “We provide grounding activities such as boxing, art therapy, cooking and puzzles. We also run a re-engagement social enterprise program, which uses hands-on learning to teach student barista skills, hospitality and social/emotional capabilities,” she said. “We have a kitchen and can provide food, so no students have to go without breakfast. We have small pods so students can sit in an enclosed space.” The school’s sickbay includes hospital beds donated by the Rotary Club of Berwick, as well as anaphylaxis kits, a shower and toilets. The impetus for the centre, Ms Bolch says, was a moment of reflection sparked by a conversation with a local police officer. “I was at a community forum some years ago and the police officer presenting said the police had done all they could about domestic violence and he asked what we, the audience, 10 STAR NEWS
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Berwick College principal Kerri Bolch. were going to do,” Ms Bolch recalled. “I thought about that, and my students and my community and I wanted to do something that would make a difference, not just for now but for future generations, for children. Something that might break the cycle.” The mental health of young people in Berwick was a major issue at the time, she said. “We had fabulous staff but our facilities were not conducive to providing an environment of confidentiality, privacy, peace and security. “Building a centre with a variety of supports available as well as a place students could use as a retreat or refuge when necessary, became a priority.” What came next was 10 years of dedicated campaigning to secure $1.5 million in Victorian Government funding to establish the
Picture: GARY SISSONS Health and Wellbeing Centre at the school. “I invited everyone who visited the school to see our facilities and how inadequate they were for our requirements,” she said. “I told them about my dream, to have a health and wellbeing centre for our school community and to help our local community. “I spoke to politicians and community members, everyone I could think of, and this continued for about 10 years!” The prevention of family violence is a large driver of the centre. “A catalyst for the Health and Wellbeing Centre was getting people to understand the impact of domestic violence,” Ms Bolch said. “Domestic violence is a problem for many families in the City of Casey. If you can create a circuit breaker via support and education you can break the cycle.
“There are only a handful of schools in Melbourne that have their own dedicated Health and Wellness Centre and it’s made a tremendous difference to the students at Berwick College. “Students often face obstacles when they try to get the support they need and in many for instance, parents don’t know what to do.” The Health and Wellbeing Centre is already making a noticeable impact on students at the school, according to Ms Bolch. “We have seen students staying at school to graduate Year 12 who otherwise may not have done, students coming to school rather than drifting away. “We have seen students who would never seek support for their health and wellbeing ask for help and get the support they deserve.“ Ms Bolch started her teaching career at Berwick High School in 1981, where she taught for 23 years before taking up an assistant principal position at Narre Warren South P-12 College. Five-and-a-half years later, in July 2010, she returned to Berwick College, this time as principal of the school. “I love being in the classroom, however, I have the opportunity to make big changes and impact more lives as a principal,” Ms Bolch said. “If I’m having a bad day, I visit a classroom and talk to the students. It reminds me why I do what I do.” She is one of only three principals across Australia to win the NEiTA Leadership Award and a $10,000 professional development grant from the NEiTA Foundation. “Receiving this award has been a great honour, it feels surreal and I’m still not sure I believe it,” Ms Bolch said. “I’m honoured to win a NEiTA Leadership Award, and grateful to NEiTA for their recognition of the unsung heroes in education, there are so many who fly under the radar. It’s a privilege to be recognised.” NEiTA chairman, Allen Blewitt, said educators like Ms Bolch define what it means to be a great teacher and leader. “Kerri is an innovative, compassionate and intelligent educator,” Mr Blewitt said. “Her ability as a principal has informed and inspired the lives of countless students over the past 41 years. “The Berwick College community is richer because of [her] ability to teach and guide young lives.” berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
BUSINESS IN FOCUS
Chocolate Starfish, Bat Out Of Hell tour.
Cast of Figaro to Phantom.
Feed your creative self These school holidays enjoy a free night out connecting with community at the monthly Table Top Games Night. Meet up with local players, try new games, paint some miniatures or maybe trade cards. For our fans of classic rock. This January acclaimed band, Chocolate Starfish, will be hitting the stage for their Bat Out of Hell Tour starting right here in Dandenong. Be the first
to see the show before anyone else in Victoria. Bring the whole family, with tickets for kids under 16 free! Try this charming theatre for the first time or come back to a familiar favourite. The varied program will delight with something for everyone at prices that will surprise. Save yourself the drive to the city and support local business by booking a performance at the
Drum. Keep an eye out for the full season program launching in February. Great theatre, just down the road. Book your ticket with confidence. If you are unable to attend due to covid impacts, your ticket will be refunded. Visit drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au or call 03 8571 1666, 10am-4pm, Monday Friday.
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Drum Theatre’s well-loved Encore series is back in 2023. Explore the full program of matinee performances and treat yourself to a morning at the Drum. Whether you love to tap your feet along to classic tunes or solve a who-done-it mystery, there’s something for everyone; all at an affordable price. Better still, all Encore tickets include complimentary morning tea and a parking voucher. What’s not to love!
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 12 January, 2023
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STAR NEWS 11
2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
George and Alice Purvis have been with the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park for 23 years.
NEWSMAKERS
Mandy Neave and Judy Smith.
Celebrating three decades By Eleanor Wilson Old and new friends of Berwick’s hidden gem Wilson Botanic Park - reunited on the historic grounds of the reserve to celebrate its 30th birthday on Friday 8 July. The old basalt quarry site was transformed into a 39-hectare park in the late 1980s by council staff and a group of dedicated locals known as the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park. While the weather was wet and dreary for the celebrations, spirits were high as locals reminisced on their years of weeding, planting and running events to make the park the wellregarded nature destination it is today. “When we first started gardening, we used to go willy-nilly all over the place and you’d come home after a day of gardening and think ‘oh goodness, we’ll never get it done this way’,” said foundation member Judy Smith. Fellow Friends member Thelma Thompson reflected on the functions the group organised throughout the park’s history. “We organised working bees, but also fashion parades in the rose garden and Valentine’s Day picnics and dinners… and we catered for it all,” she said. A large part of the celebrations were dedicated to the park’s first superintendent, Lex Nieboer, who, like many of the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park, dedicated decades of his life to the upkeep of the park. While Mr Nieboer called the development of the park “a team effort”, the City of Casey used the commemoration to announce its intention to recognise his hard work over the years. “For anyone who has a history of being involved with Wilson Botanic Park, you would certainly know the name Lex Nieboer,“ City of Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said. “I am pleased to announce that we will be acknowledging the work and input of Lex and will be naming an area of the park after him once we have a fully endorsed master plan.” The birthday milestone coincided with the park’s latest award - named ‘Park of the Year (VIC/TAS)’ by Parks and Leisure Australia. Wilson Botanic Park, located off the Princes Highway, welcomes over 600,000 visitors each year and is home to over 1000 native and exotic plant species. A place of refuge for many local families throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Friends member David Pearce said the park was, “one of the few places left where people smile and say hello when they pass you.” Fellow Friends member Peter Flem12 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 12 January, 2023
The Friends of Wilson Botanic Park. ing touched on the importance of the park throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, in a commemorative video presented to the audience. “During the Covid-19 lockdowns, people couldn’t go anywhere except for a place like this and so this place was full of people and that was amazing,” he said. Along with stories from Friends foundation members shared through the video, a 25 year old time capsule was unveiled, filled with precious memories from the past three decades of the park. From original drawing plans, to horticultural reports, newspaper articles and signatures from foundation members, local councillors and Governor General at the time, Bill Hayden, the time capsule represented the historical significance of the park - which many consider to be the heart of Berwick. The northern part of the park land was donated to what was then Berwick Council by local pioneers George and Faye Wilson in 1973. The southern section was purchased by in 1985, after which planning for the park began and the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park was formed four years later, in 1989.
While the Wilson family’s son, David, could not attend the celebrations, he offered some words of gratitude to all those involved. ‘In speaking with David Wilson, son of George and Faye Wilson, he wanted to pass on how impressed the family are with the way the people of Berwick, the Friends of Wilson Botanic and the council have picked up the ball, and run with it, such has the enthusiasm been over the three last decades,” said Mr Patterson. “It is wonderful to see the vision my parents have come to life in such a transformative way,” he said on behalf of Mr Wilson. Kristy Lottkowitz, who was the Mayor at the time of the park opening, also offered a written message of support all the way from Cairo, Egypt. “Since I was involved in the official opening of Wilson Botanic Park 30 years ago many good people have worked tirelessly to make it what it is today,” she said. “I love that it continues to be a refuge in suburbia and a place with a strong community heart. Congratulations to all and here’s to the next 30 years.”
Lex Nieboer and Janet Reid open the time capsule at the Wilson Botanic Park on Friday 8 July. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
NEWSMAKERS
Nation’s top park crowned By Eleanor Wilson It has long been cherished by the local community as a premier destination for weddings, friendly catch-ups and leisurely family strolls. And this year, the “hidden gem of Berwick” was honoured on a national scale. Berwick’s Wilson Botanic Park was awarded National Park of the Year 2022 by Parks and Leisure Australia. The park, which recently celebrated its 30year anniversary, won the award for its revitalisation during Covid. Parks and Leisure Australia said the park “placed the environment and people first, supporting the community’s heightened reliance on open space, through rare species planting, bird attracting area, pop-up café, signage, amenities, paths, smart bin, park and ride, stormwater harvesting and a visionary, immersive sunken walkway into Lilypad Lake”. City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said the council was thrilled to receive the award. “Wilson Botanic Park Berwick is one of City of Casey’s premier parks and showcases unique plant collections, fossils, and fauna, all presented in picturesque open space,” she said. “The park plays an integral role in bringing the community together, supporting the community’s physical and mental health. Ms Duff said the park had experienced a significant rise in visitors over the past two years, increasing from approximately 420,000 visitors in 2019 to almost 700,000 in 2021. “As the Casey population grows and changes, it’s important that Wilson Botanic Park
Wilson Botanic Park Berwick was awarded National Park of the Year for its revitalisation during Covid. Berwick continues to provide high quality recreation and open space opportunities for the community,” she said. Former park superintendent Lex Nieboer, who has been heavily involved in the establishment of the park over the last 30 years, said the park has long deserved recognition for its facilities. “It is a fantastic garden so it’s good to see it’s being honoured and recognised by the authorities… it is most important,“ Mr Nieboer said. “I worked with the contractors who were asked to do the original master plan, so it’s gone from something that was just spoken
about and now its come into reality…it’s a wonderful asset to the community both near and far. “The potential has always been there, it’s just a matter of it getting the public attention and funding attention it deserves to realise that potential.” Mr Nieboer said congratulation is also owed to the teams of dedicated park staff and volunteers, such as the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park, who have helped create the vision of the park over the years. When it comes to the future of the park, Casey Council recently endorsed the Wilson Bo-
Picture: PARKS AND LEISURE AUSTRALIA tanic Park Master Plan 2022, outlining the next 20 years of progress for the gardens. The master plan includes proposals for a series of new feature gardens, a car park expansion and redevelopment of the Visitor Centre. “Our recently endorsed Wilson Botanic Park Master Plan 2022 will guide the future strategic direction of the Park to ensure that the more than 600,000 residents who visit every year can continue to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, walks, native animals and plants,” Ms Duff said.
FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Come and experience Walhalla Goldfields Railway Upon arrival at Thomson Station passengers disembark and have the opportunity to peruse the station and surroundings before reboarding for your return journey. For young train buffs, we also offer a Ride in the Cab Experience for a small extra fee. Get up front and experience a different perspective from the vantage point of the locomotive cab. See the amazing track work and bridges and chat to our knowledgeable crew along the way. Make Walhalla Goldfields Railway your next family day out. Trains depart Walhalla at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday weekly, and daily during school holidays. Bookings can be made at walhallarail. com.au Call 5165 6280 for more information.
Our child friendly venue offers a range of activities for kids:
Walhalla Goldfields Railway
Paint a Pot KIDS
OPEN WED/SAT/SUN
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Trains operate 11am and 1pm
See the amazing track work and bridges.
Book your next family adventure.
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Spend an unforgettable day with the family at Walhalla Goldfields Railway. Relax and take in the breathtaking views as the train winds its way through the spectacular Stringers Gorge on what is considered one of the country’s most picturesque rail journeys. Departing the historic Walhalla Station on your one-hour journey you will travel through the station yards with the sheer, stunning cliff face on one side and the winding Stringers Creek on the other side. Winding through the gorge past Happy Creek Station on your way towards Thomson Station you cross seven bridges which in themselves are a marvel of engineering before reaching the spectacular Thomson River bridge.
4/1 Vesper Drive, Narre Warren Ph: 8794 9997 • www.paintapot.com.au Follow us on @paint.a.pot and Paint a Pot Narre Warren Thursday, 12 January, 2023
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STAR NEWS 13
2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
Dominating the headlines BERWICK
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Thursday, 7 April, 2022
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BERWICK
Driven to help By Eleanor Wilson Members of the Narre Warren Fire Brigade were some of thousands who put on their running shoes on Sunday for the historic Run For The Kids. Aside from their fire engine red t-shirts and stark enthusiasm, the team of seven representing the local CFA turned heads for another reason - the 15-kilogram homemade fire engine they ran the 14.8 kilometre course in. “We expected the firetruck would bring some form of attention, but we didn’t quite realise we’d be on [the] news!” said senior firefighter Tony Bundock. The Run For The Kids raises money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal to help provide research, resources, staffing and education to facilitate the very best of care for Victorian children. Read more page 5
Aerial view of the Bunjil Place Precinct concept masterplan looking north-east.
By Eleanor Wilson The City of Casey has unveiled preliminary plans to revitalise land surrounding Bunjil Place, with hopes to better connect the civic hub to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, Casey Aquatic Recreation Centre (ARC) and Max Pawsey Reserve. In a council meeting on Tuesday 13 December, City of Casey administrators unveiled plans to commence community engagement for the Bunjil Place Precinct Masterplan, which included plans to use existing open space and car parking to transform the area into “an exciting and viable high-density mixed-use precinct”. The masterplan for the project includes potential for multi-rise residential apartments, a mix of private and public uses that help to create a 24-hour activated precinct such as a hotel, hospitality, leisure, and wellbeing facili-
to the promised South East Melbourne City Deal. “We will continue to seek funding for priority, transformational road and rail infrastructure projects that will ease congestion, boost jobs and connect our community to employment and services,” she said. The South East Melbourne Deal is a collaboration between eight councils and shires in the southern metropolitan region of Melbourne, including Monash, Casey, Greater
Victorian residents, was promised a commitment to the development of a City Deal in the lead up to the 2019 federal election. Since then, the Federal Government indicated it will not proceed with the deal until the North West City Deal has been delivered. In the lead up to the 2022 federal election, Casey Council is advocating for funding for key roads and public transport hubs, including an upgrade and extension to Thompsons Road, the Clyde Road Corridor, and a commit-
BERWICK
food and beverage and hospitality services for that amount of people.” Mr Boardman said the focus of the draft concept plan was to bridge the gap between Bunjil Place, Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) and Fountain Gate Shopping Centre. The draft concept plan includes the proposed sale and development of 5ha of land which currently encompasses the Bunjil Place car park and surrounding open space. He stressed the designs were commissioned to “get the conversation started” and were not final designs. “These are not final plans at all, these are literally plans that have come up… to generate discussion among the community about what we could potentially do with this precinct if the community so desires. “We very much want to get community feedback on what is the best future use of the
municipality of Casey. “This is our civic hub, this is our cultural hub, this is the part that we want to ensure that we are bringing as many people as possible to enjoy to participate in, engage with community activities but we want to give them some degree of economic, cultural, community and investment incentives to stay longer to enjoy what we have to offer.” Fellow City of Casey administrator Miguel Belmar said the draft concept plan was a “fantastic opportunity for the community to be engaged in the planning of an area such as Bunjil”. “It’s important to realise the great opportunities that are viable in the precinct and to ensure the best use of such valuable land in Casey.” Subject to council approval, community engagement on the Bunjil Place Precinct Draft Concept Plan would commence in early 2023.
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Thursday, 21 July, 2022
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mobile telephone reception, particularly in the growing communities of Clyde and Clyde North. Ms Duff said the extension of the Local Roads and Community infrastructure Program was also welcome news. “Council has been able to deliver some critical projects in our city through this program since it was introduced two years ago,” she said. “We hope this program will enable us to
ties, a multi-deck car park and enhanced pedestrian access throughout the precinct. City of Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said public feedback following Bunjil Place’s exhibition of the 2022 Archibald Prize in September, along with analysis of a report on the revitalisation of the Fountain Gate-Narre Warren Metropolitan Activity Centre, sparked the decision to look at the future of the precinct. “We were quite impressed and at various stages overwhelmed with the number of visitors we had to this precinct, many of whom, if not the overwhelming majority, were first time visitors who remarked on a number of issues,” he said. “Some of the themes that we received as feedback was that there would be a desire to stay longer to experience other parts of this precinct and of the general area and also the complete inadequacy that we had in providing
Your One Stop
Budget is lacking Tuesday’s Federal Budget announcement looks to deliver some benefits for City of Casey residents but the lack of new investment into infrastructure projects has left the Council disappointed. City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the budget measures would help Casey households to manage increasing cost of living pressures.
Tip zone trouble
View from Bunjil Place looking north-east towards the pedestrian link.
Revitalising Bunjil
The Narre Warren Fire Brigade participated in Sunday’s Run For The Kids in a home constructed fire engine. Picture: SUPPLIED
By Eleanor Wilson
Pictures: MGS ARCHITECTS
By Marcus Uhe If Ray Dalli lived two doors down from his current property on Sugarloaf Avenue in Lynbrook, he wouldn’t find himself in the 500-metre landfill buffer zone proposed by the City of Casey regarding the Hampton Park Hill Draft Development Plan. Unfortunately, he and his family own one of the 1350 properties set to be impacted by the proposal. Mr Dalli has lived there for 20 years and until July, he was under the impression that the council would turn the site into public open spaces and parkland, and residential properties. The extension of the buffer zone will mean there will be extra hurdles to clear if he wants to conduct any extensions or renovations to his property, due to the risk of gas migrating through the ground, and should he choose to sell, he expects value of the property to substantially fall. He and his neighbours will also be subject to vehicles and trucks passing through the area between 12am and 6pm on weekdays, and 12am to 4pm on Saturdays, should the plan be approved. On top of years of Covid-19 frustrations and difficulties, he said this is not what the community needs. “To say that I’m guttered is an understatement,” Mr Dalli said. “This has enormous ramifications for my neighbours and their families, for the new families that have just purchased and moved into the area, for my non-English speaking neighbours that work extremely hard to support their family and mortgage, and for my own family. “The mental anguish that this is causing is enormous. I have spoken to some of the new families and they are on edge; three years of pandemic restrictions, high housing prices and rising interest rates and cost of living, and now to contend with this proposal, is very de-
Clean sweep for Pioneers Park cafe
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Ray Dalli’s house will become part of the 500-metre buffer zone as part of the Hampton Park Hill Draft Development Plan. 296590 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the three weeks given to residents to submit an objection was insufficient. “Council knew we would be opposing this. To only give us three weeks is deplorable.”
day 30 August. “Council officers are reviewing all submissions received during the consultation period and may recommend changes to the draft de-
ren South in November’s State Election, Annette Samuel recently undertook doorknocking in the area to speak to residents about their concerns.
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Thursday, 22 September, 2022
By Eleanor Wilson
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Twinkle Toe retirees dance on
Hunt for Indian models
Picnic time for teddy bears
Juddy earns his stripes
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Cafe manager Kerryn McDonald showcases the coveted dining awards. 289901 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
n IBAC and Ombudsman to lay no charges over...
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‘Cynical’ breach By Cam Lucadou-Wells Former state Labor ministers Adem Somyurek and Marlene Kairouz will not be recommended for criminal charges over roles in “extensive misconduct” including branch-stacking in the state ALP. On 20 July, a joint Victorian Ombudsman and Independent Broad-based Anti-Corrup-
Honoured in paint
tion Commission (IBAC) inquiry made “adverse findings” against the MPs for using electorate and ministerial staff for factional work during work hours. The Operation Watts report found a “catalogue of unethical and inappropriate behaviour” in the pair’s Moderate Left faction – but the evidence of branch-stacking was not limited to one faction in state Labor.
The behaviour included bullying, rampant nepotism, forging signatures and interfering in government grants to favour factionallyaligned community groups. Under existing parliamentary standards, the factional activities on the public purse could be pursued with “impunity”. “While we saw evidence of disturbing practices engaged in by staff, most of whom knew
what they were doing was wrong, primary responsibility rests with the MPs for whom they worked and their factional leaders,” IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich said. Premier Daniel Andrews – who is in the Socialist Left, not Moderate Labor faction - gave evidence to the inquiry, but no adverse findings were made against him. Continued page 5
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Police targeting motorcyclists
Community celebrates festival
Focus on the positives
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Magpies swoop in
Thursday, 28 July, 2022
Celebrations are continuing for the Narre Warren Magpies and the Cranbourne Eagles following their Grand Final victories in what was a triumphant weekend for grass roots footy in the South East. On Sunday, the Magpies recovered from a three-quarter-time deficit to swoop on premiership glory against Woori Yallock in the Outer East Football Netball League Grand Final Premier Division decider in Gembrook. While on Saturday, led by three goals from retiring veteran Marc Holt, the Eagles prevailed in an arm-wrestle against Cheltenham in wet, dour conditions in Saturday’s Southern Football League’s Division One Grand Final at Moorabbin’s RSEA Park.
By Eleanor Wilson
Peter McLean painted Berwick paramedic Nicky Blyth for this year’s Archibald Prize.
Rates set to rise By Eleanor Wilson The City of Casey’s 2022-23 budget includes a
to use on key projects outlined in the 2022-23 budget.
operations are far greater than that 1.75 per cent, so this becomes a balancing act for us,” she said.
the rate cap was the “key issue that council grapples with each year”.
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It’s fair to say Australia’s frontline workers have faced the full force of the Covid pandemic. Now, an Upper Beaconsfield man has taken his appreciation for the workforce to the revered Archibald Prize - submitting an oil portrait of a Berwick paramedic to honour the dedication of ambos across the country. Peter McLean, who only started painting as a hobby seven years ago, said it was “an easy decision” to choose Ambulance Victoria team manager Nicky Blyth for his entry. “I know Nicky through our children’s school. She is very humble and the work she does is very special, so it was a very easy decision for me,” Mr McLean said. Continued page 11
Gallery ‘surprise’ By Eleanor Wilson In late June, plans to build a $50 million art gallery - with $500 million worth of art - alongside a restaurant and function centre in the semirural suburb of Harkaway were approved by the State Government. But local residents, who have long opposed the development of Rosemaur Gallery, say they are “surprised and saddened” by the decision. Harkaway resident Alicia Hansford said she has no issue with the development of an art gallery, but claims it is the traffic from the 150seat function centre and restaurant that poses safety concerns. “You would have to agree the magnitude of the restaurant and function centre is not suitable for a narrow one way in and one way out small town road,” Ms Hansford said. The $50 million Rosemaur Gallery will be developed on land owned by manufacturing magnate Lindsey Hogg, who plans to donate his multi-million-dollar private art collection to the gallery, which includes 150 works by artists such as Sidney Nolan, Brett Whiteley, Francis Bacon and Gustav Klimt. The approved plans for the gallery, restaurant and function centre caters for a maximum of 300 patrons at a time, with up to 580 patrons permitted during quarterly large events. In the 2021 census, Harkaway’s population was recorded at 1011 people, leading to concerns about the pressure the restaurant and function centre will put on the suburb’s infrastructure. Ms Hansford, along with many other residents in Harkaway, have been outspoken about their disapproval of Rosemaur Gallery since plans for its development first arose several years ago. A Rosemaur Gallery Advisory Committee garnered 521 submissions from members of the public in late 2020, of which 83 per cent opposed the proposal, citing concerns including the location, traffic, bushfire danger and
The victorious Narre Warren Magpies following their Grand Final win on Sunday. 299107
By Eleanor Wilson Crime rates in the City of Casey have fallen by more than 8 per cent in the last 12 months, according to fresh data from the Crime Statistics Agency. Released on 15 September, the data shows recorded offences in the municipality are at
Alicia Hansford and children Allyra and Kabe at the site the gallery will be developed on. 289638 impact to flora and fauna. Another concern held by locals is the long, hilly, one way in one way out unsealed road the gallery land sits on - known as King Road. “We don’t have the right infrastructure in Harkaway for a development of this size. The road is unpaved, there’s no footpath and we have two big blind corners in Harkaway, which non-local traffic would not be aware of,” Ms Hansford said. “Who will be paying for the required upgrade of the narrow dirt King Road? The ratepayers of the City of Casey?” She also holds fears for the safety of students at the local Harkaway Primary School. “There is no planning or rectification for the congestion and safety in front of Harkaway Primary school, as the last session lunch
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BERWICK ph. 9796 7011 www.fountaingatebingo.com.au Located at Westfield Fountain Gate - 5b Brechin Drive Narre Warren (around the corner from Harvey Norman & Officeworks)
Lynbrook local Marlene Laporte has dedicated her debut children’s book to mum Nina, just in time for Mother’s Day. 278624 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Ninety-year-old Nina Collins smiled as she opened an old, red leather hymn book to reveal pages peppered with pressed bird feathers. “Two of her favourite things, her church hymn book and the feathers she puts in them,” her daughter Marlene Laporte said. As they sat in the living room of Mrs Laporte’s Lynbrook home surrounded by copies of her debut children’s book, Heather Treasures Feathers, there is no doubt where the book’s inspiration came from. “My mum loves nature and she loves collecting all kinds of things from the park, mostly feathers,” Mrs Laporte said. “I just thought to myself it would be a nice thing to get a book out and dedicate this book to mum in particular, to acknowledge her love for nature and the things she’s actually taught us through nature and how to appreciate the little things that people take for granted.” Story page 11
Hit in living costs By Eleanor Wilson High fuel costs and soaring living costs have culminated in a one-two punch for suffering Casey residents, says a local social welfare or-
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which include a soup van and food relief. “The biggest difference is rising fuel costs. We’ve had to help a lot of our clients with fuel vouchers just to be able to access emergency
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Rev Vethaak said he also expected “a huge influx” of residents in need as the impact of an interest rate rise, introduced on Monday, begins to sting.
Thursday, 12 January, 2023
terest rates in 11 years. The big four banks moved swiftly to match the 0.25 per cent rise, which ultimately aims to discourage spending and encourage saving to
Oakgrove celebrates 25 years
Shooting for the stars
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Liberal ‘heartland’ By Eleanor Wilson
A line builds at the Akoonah Park pre-poll centre in Berwick. 308299
Joe Henst chats to Brad Battin at the Akoonah Park pre-poll. 308299 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS nation to ‘can Dan’. Voter David Mitchell said he has voted for Labor in the past, but that won’t be the case this time around. “I reckon Labor is corrupt. There’s been too many examples, too many IBAC inquiries. I don’t think they’ve been honest and I think where there’s smoke there’s fire,” he said. “I think with what we’ve gone through with Covid over the last couple of years and examples like that, we need a change. We need a change, he’s been there too long.” Wife Angela said she too was voting against Mr Andrews, rather than in favour of a particular party or policy. For her, seeing her elderly mother wait for 24 hours in a local emergency department fol-
lowing a bad fall at home, was the decider. “The health system is ridiculous here in Victoria. That is one of the main things I’m really not happy about.” Local voter Lisa said she took no issue with the Labor Party, but said Mr Andrews was running the state “like a dictatorship”. “The Labor Party is no longer the Labor Party,” for Trevor, who said he often voted Labor in his youth. He too wants Mr Andrews gone. But perhaps the most ardent opposers of the Andrews Government were volunteers campaigning on behalf of the Freedom Party of Victoria. “Vote for your local nurse and get us nurses back to work. We are desperate to get back to work,” was the message from two Freedom
Only the Liberals will: OPEN FOR BUSINESS! For in office consults.
Party volunteers, who, along with candidate Kerry Haupt, worked as registered nurses and midwives until November last year, when they were stood down for not complying with vaccine mandates imposed by the State Government. “Dan Andrews isn’t delivering and that is why I’m standing here today. I’ve never done this in my life before, but we felt like we had to,” one of the volunteers said. “We’re not political people, we’re nurses. We don’t get involved, we don’t do this usually. “Mandates are still effective within the health care system and there are thousands of us nurses who are unemployed right now.” Labor candidate Malik Zaveer, who has also been trying to gain constituents’ votes in-person at Akoonah Park, said he is hopeful he will be triumphant at the election. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed, you have to be in it to win it,” he said. “I am hopeful, but at the end of the day, its all in the voters’ hands. They decide who’s the best candidate or the best government to run the state. But I think Labor has done quite well.”
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“I’d rather stick with the devil I know than the one that I don’t,” said Narre Warren resident Meredith Dale as she stood outside a pre-poll centre at Akoonah Park in Berwick. A chilly November day didn’t stop Meredith, nor 2000 local pre-poll voters, from doing their due diligence for democracy on Thursday 17 November. Liberal candidate and favourite to win the district, Brad Battin, has been at Akoonah Park morning and night handing out how-to-vote cards, along with other candidates and eager campaign volunteers. He said he was quietly confident heading into the final week of campaigning before election day on Saturday 26 November. “There’s still a bit to go. But I think overall we’re in the middle of Liberal heartland. So I’ll take that whilst we’re here,” Battin said. “Of course anything can happen on the day, but if we keep the [pre-poll numbers] coming through, we’ll have over 50 per cent of the votes by election day.” As of Thursday 17 November, the Berwick District had received more than 6800 pre-poll votes, in addition to 7661 local constituents who had their say by postal vote. Battin said roads had been a dominant issue occupying locals’ minds. “I’m surprised at how many people have mentioned potholes. I knew it was an issue but I didn’t realise how much of an issue it was,” he said. Young voter Madison Bank agreed roads in the area need to be addressed, but said it was her family’s voting habits that influenced her decision to vote Liberal. “I’m a bit younger so I think I’m still figuring out where I lie,” she said. Many voters said they felt disillusioned by the election, with one remarking, “I‘ve spent long enough on this planet to know they promise the world and give you nothing”. But just as many shared a resolute determi-
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Nina’s love for nature
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CSA chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said the decrease was driven by a reduction in Breach of Chief Health Officer directions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, down 69.3 per cent or 22,345 to 9919 offences. Drug possession across the state was down 17.5 per cent and deception fell 20.7 per cent. “Victoria has seen a notable decrease in
Thursday, 1 December, 2022
Located at Westfield Fountain Gate - 5b Brechin Drive Narre Warren the corner from Harvey Norman & Officeworks) (around Strong ALP retains
Thursday, 24 November, 2022
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33 per cent and homicides rose from seven in 2020-’21 to 10 in 2021’22. Drug possession was down 16.8 per cent and incidences of theft saw a 5 per cent decrease. Within the municipality, Cranbourne recorded the highest number of offences, followed by Narre Warren, Berwick, Hampton
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Picnic for mothers and others
It is a welcome decrease for the municipality, which saw an alarming 8.6 per cent increase in family violence in the June 2020 -’21 period. Despite this, family violence remains a large issue for the municipality. Breaching a family violence order was named as the most prevalent offence in Casey, followed by stealing from a motor vehicle,
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pality but for the State of Victoria.” While Mr Hogg and design firm Architecture Associates have been given the go ahead by planning minister Richard Wynne, Ms Hansford said she feels there are no options left to rebuke the development. “I think a lot of the residents here would love to take it to the Supreme Court, but we just don’t have the funds to justify it,” she said. “What more can we do, we don’t have the money, we don’t have billions.” A Victorian Government spokesperson said: “This proposal provides a rare opportunity to display works from some of the world’s greatest artists in a beautiful setting within an hour from Melbourne.” Architecture Associates were contacted for comment.
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session finishes at school pick up.” Despite residents’ concern, Casey Council has been consistently supportive of the proposed development, calling it “an enormous community asset”. “Council supports the Rosemaur Gallery project because it is so unique an opportunity that if delivered, the art collection would be an enormous community asset albeit held by a charitable not for profit entity,” the council said in a submission to the Rosemaur Gallery Adivsory Committee. “ It would in turn, in addition to its cultural significance and through the proposed development, offer a high-quality tourism destination, economic development opportunities, and social benefits not just for Casey munici-
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Casey crime drop
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Popular Berwick cafe Primary @ Pioneers Park swept up at the 2022 VIC & TAS Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence last Monday, coming home with two awards, including one of the major accolades of the night. Cafe manager Kerryn Mcdonald said the team was thrilled to receive the award for Cafe Dining/Patisserie - Victoria City category as well as the overall Casual Dining Award. “The [cafe dining award] was the one we were going for, but the Casual Dining Award came as a complete surprise to all of us,” Mrs Mcdonald said. Story page 8
Plea for decency The widow of a Berwick man who died following a hit-run in Berwick over the weekend has pleaded for the driver responsible for his death to come forward. Father-of-three Darrin Pierce was found injured on the side of the Princes Highway, between Neill and Peel Streets, about 12.15am on Saturday 26 November. It is understood two passengers in a rideshare vehicle noticed the 44-year-old injured in the gutter, 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. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are currently investigating and are appealing for information. Police believe Mr Pierce was hit by a black BMW sedan that would likely have extensive damage to the passenger front wheel arch and the front lights. He leaves behind wife Kati, two teenagers and a four-year-old. Over the weekend, Mrs Pierce pleaded for the driver of the vehicle to come forward, stating “I want to know what happened”. “You should have stopped and had a look… This is what humans do,” she told reporters.
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.” Any witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage in relation to the incident, are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log on to crimestoppersvic.com.au
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2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
NEWSMAKERS
Bunjil welcomes Archibald By Marcus Uhe Bunjil Place Gallery opened its doors to art lovers on 3 September for the prestigious and popular Archibald Prize, with 52 portraits on display of featuring figures and cultural identities from all walks of life. The Archibald Prize is recognised as Australia’s favourite and most significant art award with more than 800 portraits judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales in the long-running prize established in 1921. The display at Bunjil Place Gallery featured 2022 Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas with his portrait of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, titled ‘Moby Dickens’, along with Packing Room Prize winner Claus Stangl with his portrait of director, writer, actor and producer Taika Waititi. Mr Blak’s portrait of Ms Dickens, who he described as a ‘tidda’ (Indigenous term for sister) to him on the back of a long-term friendship, depicts her in the flood waters that ravaged her home town of Lismore in Northern New South Wales earlier this year.
“She’s one of the pre-eminent female firstnations artists today,” Mr Blak said. “We have known each other for a long time. I admire her work as much as she admires mine. “She lives in northern part of Lismore on top of a hill. “While she was safe from the immediate effect, she watched all the waters rise around her.” The piece, which took seven days for the artist to create, is a broader critique on what he believed to be a failure of the Federal Government in response to climate change catastrophes. The ‘layered’ design allows Ms Dickens to “pop” off the canvas, Mr Blak said, with her striking, angry facial expression catching the eye of the viewer. “I had this three-by-two metre canvas, which is the absolute extremities on the criteria acceptable for the Archibald,” Mr Blak said. “What that enabled me to achieve was the effect of the flood waters. That’s two metres of
water on this canvas, so it’s a good way of representing the 16 metres of water that affected the area.” The 2022 crown is Mr Blak’s first victory in the Archibald competition from his fifth submission. The Indigenous self-taught artist begun producing work in Western Sydney in the late ‘90s, with many pieces underscored by political commentary. “I was planning on taking a leisurely walk around Centennial Park in Sydney, which was where the image was taken, and I nearly crashed the car into the tree when I got the phone call,” Mr Blak said upon learning of his victory. “As I’ve been colloquially stating, I walk taller, and those who never paid me the time of day now have to look up to me.” As the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2022 regional tour and the only Victorian location, the Bunjil Place Gallery hosted the popular prize from Saturday 3 September to Sunday 16 October.
Archibald Prize 2022 winner Blak Douglas with his winning portrait Moby Dickens. 296976 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA
Train with me in 2023
Fun times on the dance floor at Rockn’ Suzies.
Rockin’ the night away Rockn’ Suzies dance classes are starting their 20th year. The teacher is Sue Dodson who danced and taught with Starr Belle dance studio for 19 years before starting a rock and roll class which originally started in Nar Nar Goon. This is now the start of her 20th year of teaching rock and roll. She has run classes in Nar Nar Goon, Berwick, Cranbourne, Morwell and Pakenham. “And I still love teaching people how to dance,” Sue said. “I believe that Rock and Roll is one of the easiest of the dance styles to master as it allows for lots of individuality. “The classes are designed to be fun and easy to follow for those aged 10 upwards. Dancing is great for fitness, co-ordination, balance and memory, and many people form great friendships through the classes. “I am now only teaching at Pakenham and Cranbourne.” The Pakenham Class is held in the hall where the library is - corner of John and Henry Streets. The Cranbourne class is held at the Senior Citizens Hall - corner of Codrington Street and the South Gippsland Highway. Both of the nights have beginner and advanced rock ‘n’ roll classes open to all with no partner required. They also include a special class at the end of the night for partners only to learn some of the different styles associated with rock ‘n’ roll which include swing, west coast, jive, triples, line and partner dances and cha cha. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Rockn’ Suzies also runs a monthly charity dance at the Pakenham Hall which has been running for 17 years now. A different band plays each month which everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to attend. For information call Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670.
Meet Kayla She is 10 years old and has been training at Cathy-Lea Studios for eight years. Her favourite classes are Ballet and Lyrical. Kayla takes classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Commercial Jazz, Acrobatics and Ballet Variations. She trains in the studio’s Elite Training Program which includes conditioning and skills classes. Kayla received 100% for her Cecchetti International Grade 4 Ballet examination and 100% for her Bronze Star Jazz examination in 2022. She was awarded the Noelle Aitken Junior Encouragement Award from Cecchetti Ballet and she was selected for the elite Cecchetti Junior Scholars program. Kayla is currently rehearsing with for State Youth Ballet Company’s production of “Alice in Wonderland”. Kayla says the things he likes most about Cathy-Lea are that “The teachers challenge me and push me to be my best. I’m always learning new things.” She wants to let people know that “classes are fun and everyone is really nice” and it is better than other studios in the area because it “offers a lot of different styles and
Kayla is currently rehearsing with for State Youth Ballet Company’s production of “Alice in Wonderland”. you can pick what you like”. Kayla’s favourite event is the annual Cathy-Lea concert which is presented as a fully themed production with acting, singing and dancing. Kayla hopes you will come and dance with her at Cathy-Lea in 2023. Visit cathy-lea.com to register for a free trial class and find out how you can dance with Kayla in 2023.
Train with us in 2023 Dance Music & Drama classes
Rock n Roll Classes Beginners & Advanced
•All ages •All abilities •Free trial classes •Fee discounts •Recreational classes •Pre-professional training •Ready Set Dance •VCE & VET Dance
Classes held at Cranbourne & Pakenham CRANBOURNE TUESDAY NIGHTS Starting 31st January at 7pm PAKENHAM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Starting 1st February at 7pm $10 per night - No Partner required
Contact Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670
Creating stars since 1991
5/15-19 Vesper Dve, Narre Warren 9704-7324 office@cathy-lea.com www.cathy-lea.com
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Thursday, 12 January, 2023
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STAR NEWS 15
2022 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
NEWSMAKERS
Capturing a year in photos Here at Star News we’re lucky to be able to call upon a number of brilliant photographers including STEWART CHAMBERS, GARY SISSONS and ROB CAREW. Here are some of their best snaps from throughout 2022.
Delilah from Cranbourne with a guinea pig and a chook at Oakgrove Community Centre’s Celebrating Diversity event. Picture: GARY SISSONS
Nan’s pantry owner Peg Pulton of Guys Hill shows off her homemade jams at the Akoonah Park Night Market. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Peter Rabbit
The Narre Warren Magpies celebrate a great comeback to win the premiership. Picture: ROB CAREW
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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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Members of the Narre Warren Bowls Club, such as Dale Collins, are pleased with their $1.5 million upgrade which features a new roof. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Kurbie attacks the hurdles at the Casey Pet Expo.
Picture: ROB CAREW
Despite conceding defeat in his first professional boxing match, Pakenham’s Leroy Mphela is looking to the future. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
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Best quotes of the year Students at Hampton Park Primary School made 1000 origami crane to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. “I think we are lucky enough to be in a generation of children now who are far more reflective than we ever were and who really can make the change we need,” said Hampton Park Primary School teacher Andrea Elliott said. BB Stednik said demand was surpassing capacity for her Hampton Park food relief charity Find a Penny Foundation “Covid brought us a massive number of people who can hardly make ends meet,” she said. “We can see the desperation…the demand is huge. previously people who accessed our services wouldn’t take bananas with brown dots on them, now they take absolutely everything.” Casey dog trainer Jake Cini spoke out about a spate of dog attacks in the municipality in 2022. “I can’t believe there has been no mention of Covid dogs,” Mr Cini said. “We all know people who bought dogs during Covid who couldn’t be socialised properly due to restrictions, yet our council does nothing about it.” 2022 Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas reflected on the impact of winning the nation’s most prestigious portrait prize, as it stood tall along with 52 other portraits at Narre Warren’s Bunjil Place. “As I’ve been colloquially stating, I walk taller, and those who never paid me the time of day now have to look up to me,” he said. “I’d rather stick with the devil I know than the one I don’t,” said Narre Warren resident Meredith Dale, who shared her thoughts about the major party leaders ahead of the November 26 State election. “Prison currently operates to punish young offenders, not rehabilitate them; it’s a revolving door and becomes a second home to those
Gillian Gilbert (left) shared her story of resilience with the Berwick Star News in May. that don’t receive the help they need,” said Lyanne Morel, who was part of a youth parliament team advocating for a reform of the juvenile justice system. “Spending a lot of time in one place, you can do an awful lot, as long as you keep reinventing yourself and moving with the times,” said long-time Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek. Mr Grossek was in 2022 honoured by the State Government for his contribution to public education. “Sometimes bad news isn’t always bad. You just have to find the good. Something good will always come from something bad, you just have to find it.” These were the words of wisdom given to Officer business owner Gil-
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and neck cancer in 2016. “I thought about that, and my students and my community and I wanted to do something that would make a difference, not just for now but for future generations, for children. Something that might break the cycle.”Berwick College principal Kerri Bolch was at a community forum over a decade ago when a police officer urged the audience to consider what they could do to put a stop to family violence. Ten years down the track and the school is home to a Health and Wellbeing Centre that acts as a significant resource for the physical and emotional wellbeing of students at the school.
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lian Gilbert by a passerby as she sobbed to herself on a Dandenong street, minutes after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. “I found the good in my bad,” Gillian said of her Officer wig business, Wig Sisters. “I felt guilt and shame from the idea that I would be darkening my young childrens’ lives by my absence, so my own survival was about surviving for them. Cancer eats away at everything - it’s not just your health. It’s your hope and your relationships.” Simon Harvey, aka ‘Captain Australia’ walked from Brisbane to Melbourne, raising over $130,000 for the Kid’s Cancer Project. He begun the walk on Boxing Day, two days after he was told he was cancer free, after being diagnosed with Stage 4 head
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SPORT
Tiges and Doves march on By Jonty Ralphsmith The round-robin phase of the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) T20 tournament took place on Saturday. The 24 Turf 1, 2 and 3 clubs were placed in randomly assorted groups, playing off against each other, with the winner at each venue progressing to the quarterfinals, which take place on Tuesday 17 January. Beaconsfield and Doveton were among the teams to make flex their muscles, with both recording wins over Turf 1 teams, while Coomoora’s struggles underlined the gulf between Turf One and Turf Three cricket in the competition. Below is an overview of each group’s results. GROUP 1 Keysborough (T2); Springvale (T3); Dandenong West (T3) at Rowley Allan Reserve Quarter-finalist: Springvale Results: Springvale defeated Keysborough by 16 runs Springvale defeated Dandenong West by six wickets Dandenong West defeated Keysborough by four wickets Summary: Springvale’s Pasindu Madushan has played cameos throughout the DDCA season, and he was able to go on with a start in his T20 innings against Turf Two team Keysborough, scoring 65, including nine boundaries to get his team off to a flyer. Nuwan Mendis then got two early wickets to keep the momentum going into the bowling innings. Just as impressively, Springvale proved far too strong for Dandenong West which is so far undefeated in Turf Three. Nuwan Kulasekera got 66 off 43 for Dandy West and backed it up with 1/26 for the ball, but Springvale was able to run through the rest of the lineup inside 19 overs. Opener Mendis, the Turf Three leading runscorer, then got Springy away to a flyer and Madushan guided his team home. Kulasekera then scored 59 off 25 in the dead rubber against Keysborough to turn the momentum after the home team claimed three early wickets defending 147. Losing consecutive matches to Turf Three sides at home was a disappointing result for Keysborough, which sits bottom of the Turf Two table, but one positive was that Christo Otto showed signs of good form after not getting going at the start of the DDCA season. Otto scored 42 agaisnst Springvale and then claimed four wickets, before bowling economically against Dandenong West. GROUP 2 Silverton (T3); Lynbrook (T3); Berwick (T1) at Fotheringham Reserve Quarter-finalist: Berwick Results: Lynbrook defeated Silverton by 91 runs Berwick defeated Lynbrook by 131 runs Berwick defeated Silverton by eight wickets Summary: The gulf between the three clubs in this group was gaping. Lynbrook was on top from start to finish against Silverton as Jay Walia (23) and Tajbir Powar (38) set the foundations, Lynbrook going at more than eight runs per over throughout the innings. There was little resistance with the blade for Silverton, which was bowled out for 71 as constant wickets fell, led by 3/8 off four by Devanandh Chandrasekar. But then the game one winners were well outclassed by Berwick which went at more than nine an over, before not allowing any Lynbrook batter to exceed 10. Berwick was led by Nathan Walsh’s 71 and Riley Siwes’ 4/7. In the next game, Silverton’s total of 118 was made to look meek, with Berwick cantering to the total inside 14 overs with Walsh’s 38 again top-scoring. GROUP 3 Cranbourne (T2); Hampton Park (T3); Springvale South (T1) at Casey Fields Quarter-finalist: Springvale South Results: Cranbourne defeated Hampton Park by two wickets Springvale South defeated Hampton Park by seven wickets Springvale South defeated Cranbourne by 63 runs Summary: Missing the Sweeney brothers in the first game, Harsaroup Singh carried Cranbourne to a tight
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Marquee player Dale Tormey proved a useful inclusion for Doveton. 306605 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS victory over Hampton Park, his 4/33 leading the bowling attack with quick Tim Fathers who claimed 3/15. Singh’s 62-run opening partnership at better than a run a ball with Taylor Blackman then set the run-chase up, Hampton Park skipper James Kellett the most likely bowler in a losing cause. Batting first against Springy South, Hampton Park was then outclassed in all facets, bowled out for 59 before Jordan Wyatt’s 31 off 19 got Springvale South home inside eight overs. In the final game, Wyatt again got Springvale South off to a fast start against Cranbourne with 22 off 15 while Mitch Forsyth also played a good role at the top with 41 off 37. Cranbourne, however, was able to keep the score to a chaseable 9/148, but four wickets to Yoshan Kumara and good teambowling skittled Cranbourne for 85. GROUP 4 Buckley Ridges (T1); Coomoora (T3); Narre South (T1) at Park Oval Quarter-finalist: Buckley Ridges Results: Buckley Ridges defeated Coomoora by 152 runs Narre South defeated Coomoora by 228 runs Buckley Ridges defeated Narre South by 56 runs Summary: It was always going to come down to the two Turf One teams as Coomoora showed little resistance against the might of the Turf-One mainstays. It was Buckley Ridges that won the crucial game against Narre South to progress to the quarterfinals. Ben Wright was the player that had the most fun on the day, propelling Buckley Ridges to 6/249 against Coomoora with a 49-ball 122. Jayson Hobbs (58 off 33) strengthened his team’s stranglehold over Coomoora, which was bowled out for 97 inside 17 overs. Things got worse for Andy O’Meara’s men from there as Narre South reached 3/365 in its 20 overs in game two – a run-rate in excess of 18. Jeevan Mendis pumped 14 sixes enroute to a 33-ball 116 and his opening partner Morteza Ali also inflicted 103 runs of damage off 40 balls, before Harsha De Silva rubbed salt into the wound with 88 off 28. Jawed Hussani claimed four wickets for Narre South but Coomoora, led by a half-century to Liam Hard, batted out the 20 overs. In the deciding rubber, both Turf One teams capitalised on the tiny boundaries, Wright unbeaten on 97 as Buckley Ridges posted 5/239. Undoubtedly the highlight of the innings was spectacular lateorder hitting from Michael Davies, who, after not playing the first game, faced 13 balls and sent 10 of them to or over the fence in a knock of 57 to give Buckley Ridges all the momentum at the innings break. Narre South opener Jonty Jenner punched 84 off 31 to give his team some hope there was little else for Narre South as Davies backed up his quickfire cameo with four wickets. GROUP 5 Lyndale (T2); Heinz Southern Districts (T2); North Dandenong (T1) at Barry Powell Reserve Quarter-finalist: North Dandenong Results: Heinz Southern Districts defeated Lyndale by 12 runs
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Former Casey-South Melbourne player Jordan Wyatt showed signs of his damaging best. Picture: COURTESY OF CHRIS THOMAS
by four wickets Dandenong defeated Heinz Southern · North Districts by three wickets Beaconsfield defeated St Mary’s by 109 runs · Dandenong defeated Lyndale by 18 · St Mary’s defeated Hallam Kalora Park by 15 · North runs runs Summary: In probably the tightest of the eight groups, it came down to small moments in each of the games to determine the winner. Triyan De Silva found form for HSD against Lyndale, scoring a half-century to lead his team to 8/163, before picking up two wickets including the crucial scalp of big-hitter Himesh Galhenage Don, who scored a 29-ball ton earlier in the DDCA season. Lyndale’s Girish Chopra played an enterprising hand with 69, but he couldn’t establish a partnership, with HSD’s Ryan Patterson carrying his DDCA form over and claiming three wickets. The game between HSD and North Dandenong was another tight one, with no-one able to play a match-winning knock for either side but North Dandenong just having a few more cameos throughout the order to lift them to victory. At 6/79 and 7/143 the Turf One team looked in trouble as Jackson Philpin and Logan Downe inflicted the damage for HSD, before Muhammed Dawa Khan, batting at seven, and number nine Zarak Aseel combined for 37 runs to see them to victory. With all teams still a chance to progress heading into the final match, North Dandenong set Lyndale 134 for victory as Rajio Fernando (4/22) and co. never let Dandy North get away. With Keith Ash (22) and Satnam Singh (43) putting on 46 for the first wicket, Lyndale looked well on track, but the momentum stalled after that as they lost wickets at regular intervals, and disciplined bowling dried up the run-scoring. GROUP 6 Doveton (T2); Parkmore (T1); Narre Warren (T2) at Robinson Reserve Quarter-finalist: Doveton Results: Doveton defeated Parkmore by 48 runs. Doveton defeated Narre Warren by 128 runs. Summary: Doveton pulled off two impressive victories to give it some confidence for the rest of the DDCA season and progress itself to the quarterfinals. Marquee player Dale Tormey scored twin half-centuries, offering important batting sturdiness to a bowler-heavy team. Sent in by Parkmore in the first game, Simon Mackie combined with Tormey for 59 runs to elevate Doveton to 9/148. Multiple wickets to Ryan Hendy, Trent Rolfs, Tormey and skipper Nathan Wilson meant Parkmore never threatened the total. Mackie backed up against Narre Warren with a blistering 114 which included 14 sixes and he again combined with Tormey, this time for 99 runs. Against an under-strength Narre Warren, Doveton put 5/225 on the board and Kenneth Smart, the only bowler who missed out against Parkmore, got four wickets for the hosts. GROUP 7 Beaconsfield (T2); Hallam Kalora Park (T1); St Mary’s (T1) at Hallam Recreation Reserve Quarter-finalist: Beaconsfield Results: Beaconsfield defeated Hallam Kalora Park
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Summary: Beaconsfield was arguably the big winner of the day, proving to itself and everyone that its cricket well and truly stacks up to a high level. In a group with two Turf One teams, Beaconsfield was too good on both occasions. Jack Burchill claimed 4/18 against Hallam Kalora Park in a performance that is sure to please skipper Mark Cooper who has discussed increasing the club’s bowling depth. Burchill’s spell helped restrict the hosts to 9/118, and then Turf Two leading run-scorer Tyler Clark proved he could do it in the T20 format with a controlled 59 off 48 as Beaconsfield got it done in the 19th. Batting first against St Mary’s, Cooper and Clark combined well like they have so often in the DDCA season, putting on 117 as Beaconsfield got to 3/164. Three wickets to Jake Cutting then led the rout of a listless St Mary’s, which won the dead rubber against the home team by 15 runs. An 81-run partnership between Susantha Pradeep (65 off 46) and Raveen Nanayakkara (48 off 15) helped St Mary’s to 180 and Hallam Kallora Park could not inject that sort of free flowing run-scoring into its innings. GROUP 8 Parkfield (T2); Berwick Springs (T3); Fountain Gate (T3) at Parkfield Reserve Quarter-finalist: Parkfield Results: Parkfield defeated Berwick Springs by 49 runs. Berwick Springs defeated Fountain Gate by 12 runs Parkfield defeated Fountain Gate by six wickets Summary: Parkfield was clinical in front of its home crowd, putting a strong team on the park that was far too good for the two visiting lineups. In the first game against Berwick Springs, Dishan Malalasekera scored his fourth half-century of the summer, his 72 coming in several meaningful middle-order partnerships to smash the Bears to 5/186. Malalasekera then did it with the ball, claiming three scalps alongside Travis D’Souza to keep Berwick Springs at bay. Berwick Springs rebounded in the second match, with a strong bowling performance. Berwick Springs was bowled out for 132, with Archit Vora (48 off 36) receiving little assistance from his teammates. But Fountain Gate never really got their run-rate above six an over despite contributions from Davandeep Premi, Abid Mirranay and Rodni Kumara in the middle order. Jashan Grewal got three of the first four wickets and the key scalp of Premi in a critical spell of bowling. Premi played a lone hand under lights against Parkfield, making 51 off 35 as his side crawled to 9/128. Matthew Goodier, Malalasekera, D’Souza and co. helped Parkfield get there inside 15 overs. FULL LIST OF QUARTER-FINALISTS Springvale (T3), Berwick (T1), Springvale South (T1), Buckley Ridges (T1), North Dandenong (T1), Doveton (T2), Beaconsfield (T2), Parkfield (T2).
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Thursday, 12 January, 2023
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STAR NEWS 21
SPORT
Youngsters get up close and personal By Jonty Ralphsmith
By Dean Thompson
Santa certainly delivered for a former Narre Warren South junior cricketer over the Christmas break! 18-year-old off-spinner Harkirat Bajwa got the opportunity to be water-boy for the Australian cricket team on day one of the Boxing Day test. It gave him a front row seat to the Aussie domination as the hosts bowled South Africa out for 189, lead by five wickets to all-rounder Cameron Green. Bajwa did it alongside Melbourne Cricket Club teammate Harry DeMattia, a duel sporting prospect who plays footy for the Dandenong Stingrays. The role involved essentially doing the blue-collar work for the squad: packing up balls, giving players what they needed, getting drinks ready on the sidelines. DeMattia also relished in the opportunity to play spike-ball with the squad and Bajwa highlighted the excitement of hearing the discussions that took place at drinks breaks and when wickets were taken. “We got the full experience” Bajwa said. “It was interesting to see; you would think they’re real serious about their cricket. “They’re serious when they’re playing, but in the breaks, you wouldn’t hear much chat about cricket, it was more just trying to switch off in between, so it was nice to see how they go about it. “As younger players, we can often feel like we have to be switched on all the time but a lot of the time they were relaxing.” Bajwa and DeMattia also got the opportunity to train with the Aussies on Christmas Eve, Bajwa sending down some of his offies and DeMattia taking part in a fielding session. “I walked up (at training on the 24th) and they had net bowlers there already,” Bajwa recounted. “I was expecting just to hang out there and let the boys train and then when Nathan Lyon was padding up, me and a few other boys were
Harkirat Bajwa bowling for his Premier Cricket club, Melbourne. 308167 Picture: CHRIS THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY there and he asked ‘are any of you guys bowlers’?” “I said I bowl offies and then he ripped into me for not bowling, so then I bowled to him and had a talk to Usman (Khawaja) and got a chance to bowl to ‘Greeny’ and Travis (Head) so that was nice.” “A few came out alright, I was under quite a
bit of pressure, I didn’t want to muck up!” Bajwa is a highly touted spinner who has a knack of taking wickets, having represented Australia as a bottom-ager at the Under-19 World Cup last year. The pair got offered the opportunity at the end of the Under-19 National Championships which took place in Adelaide during mid-December.
Hawks face Bloods test as DDCA returns By David Nagel The stage is set for a blockbuster return to the Dandenong and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 competition with Hallam Kalora Park hosting Springvale South in a top-ofthe-table clash at the Hallam Rec Reserve on Saturday. The Hawks have been licking their wounds for the best part of a month, after Buckley Ridges ended their five-game winning streak with a brilliant bowling display on the same deck as this week, just prior to Christmas. The Hawks somehow dug themselves out of a hole against North Dandenong a week earlier, but their recent reliance on low-order revivals was never going to be sustainable. The Hawks face the ultimate test this week against a Bloods outfit that has strength in all departments. The reigning champs have been devastating of late, winning their last four in superimpressive fashion to regain control at the top of the ladder. Ryan Quirk (294 runs), Jordy Wyatt (209) and Cam Forsyth (169) all sit comfortably inside the top-10 scorers in the competition – with Quirk number one - while Jarryd Straker (10 wickets), Blade Baxter (9), Yoshan Kumara (8), Jackson Sketcher (7) and Josh Dowling (7) provide variety and skill with the ball. Straker has conceded just 119 runs from 50 overs this season and will be a key hurdle to overcome for Jordy Hammond, Leigh Booth and Jagveer Hayer if the Hawks are to return to the winners’ list. The Hawks will rely on the wicket-taking prowess of the league’s leading wicket taker, Sachith Jayasingha (16 wickets), to limit the dangerous Bloods’ batting list. 22 STAR NEWS
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Sunday is fun day at Speedway
Thursday, 12 January, 2023
Drouin’s number one sports entertainment venue - Drouin Speedway - fires up again this Sunday for the first event of the New Year with Junior Sedan racing the main drawcard of the day. A large and strong field of Standard Saloons has also nominated - as they do each and every meeting at Drouin – while Ladies Standard Saloons, the Aces of Spades Vintage Hot Rods class and the Unlimited Sedans will also feature in action. Junior Standard Saloons feature on the program with Poowong’s Harry Cecil leading the way against Nathan Miles, Jack and Tom Braz, Cooper Johnson, Beau Stuchbery, and Zac Barwise also in the line-up and likely to keep the pressure on for podium honours. Cecil has been tough to beat this season whilst Stuchbery and Barwise both have feature race victories at Drouin already this season. Jeff Blencowe, the ‘Sally Walkinshaw Memorial’ winner, and Mark Miles, the Eliminator Cup winner, lead the nominations in the Standard Saloon field with Leigh Gooding, Moe racer Jack Yeomans, Chris Miles, Matt Leek, and Pakenham’s Andrew Miles others to keep an eye on. Competitors from around Australia are competing on Saturday night at nearby Nyora Raceway for the Victorian title in the Speedway Sedans Victoria Junior Sedan class. While Nathan Miles, Cruz Farrell, Arthur Hutchinson and Matilda Farrell are amongst nominations to already compete at Drouin on Sunday, there are potentially furthermore nominations from around the nation to come. Victorian champion in the Unlimited Sedans, Johnny Young, leads the field for competition in his class on Sunday with Drouin members Hans Lovski, Daryl Nicolson and Stan Brown keen to get a big win over him, whilst Peter Farley comes into town from Bendigo and Ian Page from the Redline club. The big powerful Unlimiteds are always a crowd favourite at Drouin Speedway. A strong field of Ladies Standard Saloon racers will once again do battle with Dette Miles the standout amongst this weekend’s nominations. Maddison Miles, Elise Halliday, Michelle George and Jemima Borkowski are others in the mix. The Aces of Spades Vintage Rods class are also slated to do some skids on Sunday in what will be a great days racing. Gates open from 8:30am with racing commencing from 11am. Entry will cost $20 for an adult, aged and invalid Pensioner and Children 12 to 16 years is $15 and Children under 12 years of age are free. A family ticket for two adults and two children aged 12 to 16 will cost $50. Track is at 140 Main Jindivick Road, Jindivick. General enquiries can be made to 0422 289 133.
Ryan Quirk will lead Springvale South into battle against Hallam Kalora Park in huge game in Picture: ROB CAREW DDCA Turf-1 on Saturday. 311884 Expect the Bloods to win and extend their margin at the top of the table. In other games this week, Buckley Ridges will look to make it three wins on the trot when the Bucks host Parkmore, while Narre South and Berwick lock horns in a crucial clash for both clubs at Strathaird Reserve. The loser will likely drop to the lower reaches of the ladder, while the victor will be knock-
ing on the door of the top four at day’s end. In the last game of round eight, two last start winners collide when bottom-placed St Mary’s host North Dandenong at Carroll Reserve. TIPS (In Capitals): Narre South v BERWICK, Hallam Kalora Park v SPRINGVALE SOUTH, BUCKLEY RIDGES v Parkmore, St Mary’s v NORTH DANDENONG.
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Cruz Farrell from Pakenham will be in the thick of the action at Drouin Speedway on Sunday. 314858 Picture: LOUISE NAPIER/NAPIER PHOTOGRAPHY berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
The ultimate Backyard XI they’ve recklessly smashed over the fence. And once their innings is over, expect them to get out of the baking heat and provide some armchair analysis for the BBL rather than remaining in their own family game.
By Jonty Ralphsmith Light’s fading, the temperature’s cooling, your feet feel tight and crusty from the dried saltwater and the barbie is heating up. Dad’s knocking back a cold one, the kids are having water fights and Mark Howard’s voice is reverberating around the backyard as the Melbourne Renegades capitulate again. But you’re oblivious to all that because you’re smashing the worn backyard cricket bat into the ground poised to launch the half-taped tennis ball into the bushes for a boundary. Nothing brings family and friends more fun under the gushing January sun than a juicy match of backyard cricket and - with plenty of battles sure to happen in holiday season - we’ve profiled the stereotypical backyard XI.
1
2
Where did it all go wrong?
3
Who dominates the backyard cricket match at your place? 314951 to show off. Hopefully they have cricket skills to boot.
4
For this person, that is the perennial question. They’re convinced that if they didn’t get injured as a local junior, then overlooked as a clubbies senior player, it might just have been them in the test arena – and they don’t mind sharing their own anecdotes either. If South Africa had six good batters, they would have won the test series too, champ.
Shirt-optional operator
Often a teenager or someone in their early 20s, this guy, who himself might be an elite athlete in his own sport, hasn’t been putting in hours in the gym for nothing. They want your eyes and the camera lens on their chiselled body. Tis the season
Can I have a bowl?
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Wicket-hunter
10
‘I’ve still got it’
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The apprentice
Similar to number four but this person is here for a good time, not a long time. The bowling queue doesn’t apply to this person, often an older family member or younger sibling because they just want to bowl a couple of balls before the game proper resumes. It’s always controversial if they get a wicket with one of those deliveries, though – does it count?
The Wannabe
This is the player that would have taken the first paragraph seriously and has zoned in for the day. He plays fourth XI club cricket and has brought out his Gray Nicholls Kaboom and gloves, undoing them and redoing them after every ball. Much like Ash Chandrasinghe at Casey South Melbourne, he wants to build an innings, play risk-averse cricket and not expand until he has his eye in an hour later. Might be technically sound but saps the life out of the fun.
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The Lad
This is the guy we should aspire to be like. He’ll scull his drink between balls, scoff a banger when he’s fielding, and when he’s batting he’ll play high-risk, high-fun, high-tempo cricket to keep the game moving. He might even take a catch and allow someone else a hit. Realises that backyard cricket is about spirit, not a fierce battle between blade and ball.
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Marnus Labuschagne
6
So how do you play?
For this person, the annual backyard cricket match is their only interaction with the sport for the year. They hate the sport. “I’d prefer to watch paint dry,” they’re heard saying when the workplace discussion turns to cricket a week later. It’s a drag to get them to play, and often they’re just occupying a fielding position to feel part of the camaraderie. They don’t really want to bat and there’s always the option not to go for a catch if it comes to them because they don’t know that brings about a wicket. What’s a wicket?
7
The bundle of energy who appeals for everything, initiates the banter, and puts his body on the line in the name of fun. It’s almost as entertaining watching them live their best life as it is playing the game itself.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Mr Greedy
This is the player that bathes in their own self-importance; obsessed with being the protagonist. They’ll push to the front of the bowling queue. Push people out of potent positions so they can get the catch. Barbecue you when they’re batting. Refuse to get the ball
This is the player that is just desperate to have a bat. They come in two primary types: the one who keeps wicket as much as possible, selfishly wanting to take a catch and capitalise on the riches of someone else’s quality bowling; or they’ll bowl themselves, requesting an auto-wicky knowing that means they’ll get a bat if someone snicks off. This is also the person who might pull out the Marlyebone Cricket Club rulebook to exploit a rule or clarify something in backyard cricket.
After pulling off a one-handed blinder or clobbering a reverse sweep, they’re still bragging about it at the pub three hours later. They’ll use their achievement over the group forever and a day and reckons it entitles them to a free schooner. Cue a ding from the group chat next time a batter skies a ball or fielder drops a catch on tele: “I would have done better.”
The youngest member of the group, this player is just happy to be included in the fun. Sport is said to promote self-esteem and this person visibly comes out of their shell as the game goes on, providing positive vibes in their blissful youth.
Swans start with a bang By Jonty Ralphsmith Casey-South Melbourne has kicked off 2023 with an easy eight-wicket win over lowly Frankston-Peninsula. Nicholas Taranto and Vishesh Bansal gave Frankston-Peninsula a sturdy base with a 97run opening stand after being sent in to bat. The Swannies were able to stem the tide once part-time spinner Lachie Sperling broke through for the first wicket. Luke Shelton led the way with three wickets, while opening bowlers Jackson Fry and Nathan Lambden got among the wickets in their later spells. Set 243 for victory, Luke Manders passed 50 for the third consecutive match, playing at his free-flowing best, hitting 12 boundaries in his knock of 68 off 40. Victorian representative Ash Chandrasinghe was back amongst the runs for his home club, building his innings sturdily and remaining unbeaten on 91 off 142 when his team chased down the total in the 47th over. It was a well-controlled run-chase to kick off 2023 for the Swannies, with Ruwantha Kellapotha again batting at three and going
at a good clip in his innings of 33, before Harrish Kannan finished unbeaten on 41. Will Carr’s men next week have a tantalising clash with Prahran, which this week was too good for Dandenong. Stalwart Brett Forsyth combined with Sahn Perera for an important top-order partnership but both were dismissed before they could capitalise on their hard early work. Joshua Slater’s 34 off 42 balls, late in the innings, kept the scoreboard ticking along, getting the Panthers to 5/256. Needing 23 off the last 24 with four wickets in hand, Dandenong still had a sniff but Prahran soon had control of the run-chase winning with seven balls to spare. Ben Allison and Matthew Wilson were the picks of the bowlers; both picked up two scalps, with Allison nabbing the big wicket of Damon Egan for 92, while Matthew Wilson’s last two overs yielded figures of 1/6 to open it up for Dandenong. Their loss keeps them at the bottom of the table ahead of a clash with Geelong next week. Dandenong’s women, meanwhile, fared batter, beating Ringwood for the second time
Ash Chandrasinghe played a graceful innings for Casey South Melbourne on Saturday. Picture: ROB CAREW in a month. Linsey Smith got her time off to a solid start after opting to bat first before Melbourne Stars listed player Lucy Cripps came in at five and played a busy 70 off 81. An 87-run partnership between Cripps and Jemma Reynolds closed out the hosts’
innings ang got them to a score of 6/243, which was easily defended. Poppy Gardiner opened the bowling and claimed three wickets, while Hannah Merrett, Emma Gallagher and Grace Wrigglesworth picked up two apiece as Ringwood was bowled out for 102.
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STAR NEWS 23
VISIT OUR VIRTUAL SCHOOL TOUR TODAY Our virtual school tour allows you to experience Berwick Lodge Primary School spaces as though you are physically there. Using emerging technology, we have mapped spaces across the school to create 3D tours and 360-degree walkthroughs. Immerse yourself in the spaces, move around, explore and look out for LODGIE BEAR along the way. For more details visit: www.berwicklodgeeps.vic.edu.au Please call for your personal tour. Berwick Lodge Primary School welcomes out of neighborhood enrolments.
Kevin Heinze Best School Garden Award 2018 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 12562956-DL35-22
24 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 12 January, 2023
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