News - Berwick Star News - 13th April 2023

Holiday tragedy

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and AAP

Tributes are flowing for a Narre Warren father and his son who drowned at a popular swimming spot in Queensland’s far north.

Ventura Bus Lines driver Sisira Gajanayaka, 59, and his son and musical producer Themiya Gajanayaka, 20, were on holiday with more than a dozen other family and work friends.

They got into trouble at a Crystal Cascades waterfall near Cairns just after 5pm on Tuesday 11 April.

The men were found unresponsive in the water and assessed by paramedics but declared dead at the scene.

Sisira got into trouble and his son tried to save him, Seven News reported.

“He threw himself in harm’s way to try and save him and unfortunately they both passed,“ family friend Damien Gamage told the broadcaster at a gathering in Melbourne to mourn the two men.

Reportedly several men in the holiday group desperately tried to rescue the pair, to no avail.

Sisira’s wife Thushri, son Gomiya and daughter Senadi witnessed the tragedy unfold.

Gomiya told ABC that his father was “one of the most selfless, loving, caring people on the planet”.

“He would do anything for anyone in a heartbeat.”

Themiya, along with his brother Gomiya, were musical collaborators and “my best friend”.

“We had so many plans together,”

Gomiya told ABC.

“We wanted to rule the world.”

Ventura managing director Andrew Cornwall said the Dandenong-based firm was “deeply saddened to lose such a lovely member of the Ventura bus driving team”.

“Sisira has worked for Ventura as a professional driver for over eight years and is much loved by all our employee community.

“Our thoughts are with Sisira’s family and his work colleagues from Melbourne that were holidaying with Sisira in Cairns at the time of this tragic incident.”

On Facebook, Chandana Gunasinghe paid tribute to his “loyal charity friend” Sisira.

He recalled Sisira helping to provide an electric wheelchair for a sculptor after visiting Galle, Sri Lanka.

“If there’s any helpless person, tell me, I’ll do whatever I can,” Sisira told Chandan’s colleagues.

The man had lost his legs after falling under a train, and despite the stress of the Covid pandemic, “our guys didn’t forget (him)”, Chandana recalled.

The electric wheelchair was sent from Australia and received in March 2022.

Others expressed the Sri Lankan community’s “shock” and “mourning”.

“It’s yet another stark reminder that life is so precious yet so uncertain and fragile,” Geethika Weerakoon posted on social media.

“Hope the family and friends of Sisira and Themi find comfort and solace in the memories they shared.

“May their souls RIP.”

Themi and Sisira Gajanayaka were holidaying with family and friends in Cairns. Picture: FACEBOOK

Waters canopy walk park

The Berwick Waters community in Clyde North is set to revel in the high life, with concept plans approved for a new centrepiece park featuring a tree-top canopy walk.

Located on the corner of Moorside Crescent and Crosswater Boulevard, Tree Walk Park is geared to include a nature-based inclusive playground, fitness equipment, a half basketball and quarter netball court as well as four square courts, a grassy area for kicking a ball or tossing a frisbee, and a fenced dog park, for fur friends large and small.

Barbecues, precast concrete seating nooks, shelters, timber platform benches and public toilets will make Tree Walk Park the perfect place for family parties and picnics.

With the concept plan approved, the next step is for the construction plans to be signed off. Works are likely to begin in the final months of this year for completion in the third quarter of next year.

Tree Walk Park was designed by UDIAwinning landscape architects and urban planners Tract who aimed to celebrate and take advantage of the plentiful mature trees already occupying the site.

As well as retaining existing mature trees, development of the park will include extensive planting of native trees and shrubs to fill out the parkland, including flowering, spotted and lemon-scented gums and banksias, coastal rosemary and white correa.

Sarah Bloom, General Manager Development Victoria Frasers Property Australia said Tree Walk Park will be a much-loved community asset for residents of Berwick Waters.

“The design of this space is so thoughtful and inclusive it’s sure to become a one of Berwick Waters’ most cherished assets,” she said.

Triple-home permit refused

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Endeavour Hills residents have successfully appealed against a planning permit for a triple-dwelling development in their neighbourhood.

Casey Council had originally approved a permit to partially retain the corner-block home at 2 Haverstock Hill Close and build two double-storey homes facing Chalcot Drive.

Objecting residents appealed to the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal, which ruled in their favour on 30 March.

They had opposed on neighbourhood character, traffic and amenity grounds, VCAT senior member Bill Sidonis noted.

“I acknowledge the applicants’ concerns regarding the proposed outcome of three dwellings on a lot, given the area is principally single dwellings, with some examples of two-dwelling developments.”

He found that the development did not respect the neighbourhood character of “conventional residential lots” with a“sense of spaciousness” and a “garden character”.

The existing home occupied two-thirds of the lot, with the proposed two dwellings in the remaining one-third.

There was “minimal separation” be-

tween the buildings, “modest” private open space and much of the front lawn would be replaced with driveway pavement.

“This results in a siting and built form response which is at odds with the spacious context of this neighbourhood,” Mr Sidonis stated,

The proposed 14 square metre front garden was insufficient, and not “respectful of existing … character”.

Nor was the lack of habitable rooms and windows on the new buildings’ ground floors.

“All that can be accommodated are the garages, an entry door and the staircase, which has a blank wall in the façade.”

Mr Sidonis stated there was no evidence of detrimental traffic impact.

The site was in an ‘incremental change area’ for streets remote from activity centres and public transport. However, Mr Sidonis noted it was“proximate” to Endeavour Hills major activity centre.

According to Casey’s housing strategy, single dwellings with generous setbacks and gardens should prevail in the area.

More intensive housing was “not appropriate”, but dual occupancies and “some multiple units” were permitted, the strategy stated.

“Wecan’twaitforthecommunitytoenjoyit.”

Tree Walk Park is part of the 50ha of open space planned for Berwick Waters, along with

9km of walking paths and bike trails. Tree Walk Park will join Grand Prix Park in the College Green sector of Berwick Waters —

with its kids racing track, mini trampolines, zipline and play tower — as a place for family fun and fresh air.

An artist’s impression of Tree Walk Park in the Berwick Waters community in Clyde North.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Drag cancellation concern

By Eleanor Wilson

A local drag queen has spoken out against the cancellation of a recent beginner drag workshop series which was due to be held at Bunjil Place throughout April and early May.

Brenda Bressed, AKA Bryce Gibson, who grew up in Endeavour Hills and still lives in Casey, believes other steps could have been taken to protect the drag performers from alleged threats made by “alt-right and Christian groups”, without cancelling the event entirely.

The free five-week workshop series, The Art of Drag, was aimed at teaching interested young Casey residents drag skills in hair, makeup, costume and performance.

It was cancelled by the City of Casey two weeks ago “in the interest of community safety” after a series of threatening phone calls, emails and physical intimidation were allegedly made by individuals and groups dissatisfied with the nature of the event.

City of Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said The Art of Drag was cancelled “after careful consideration, consultation with our community partners including Victoria Police and in the interest of community safety”.

But Mr Gibson, who has been a drag artist for the last four years, called the cancellation “really disappointing”.

“It was going to be a really good thing for young people in Casey, especially to have something completely different and something for them to have an outlet to express themselves and to use their creativity in a very safe and comfortable environment,” he said.

“There are definitely other steps that could’ve been taken to protect the performers and I think more steps should have been taken and protections put into place so that the event still could’ve gone on.”

“Despite the reason for the cancellation, the groups that wanted to shut it down, they’ve taken this as a win and the drag community has taken a loss.“

He feared that young people who had signed up to attend the event could now be feeling “more vulnerable and alone”.

But Mr Patterson said the axing of the event “in no way legitimises or validates the actions or statements of individuals, activists or protest groups.”

“Casey is committed to promoting opportunities for engagement, advocacy, events, safe spaces, and partnerships that support our LGBTIQA+ community and doing so with a duty of care, especially where young people are involved,” he said.

Connotations that drag artists are predatory or try to influence children into the LGBTIQA+ community “couldn’t be further from the truth” Mr Gibson said.

“It’s the complete opposite,” he said.

“All we are trying to do is create the spaces and the events that we wish we had growing up in the City of Casey.”

The cancellation comes just weeks after

tensions flared as pro-transgender rights and anti-transgender rights activists took to the streets of Melbourne’s CBD.

Following the protests, which was attended by a group of neo-nazis who performed a nazi salute on the steps of Parliament, the Andrews Labor Government announced almost $1 million in funding to support LGBTIQA+ organisations.

The $900,000 package will support eight LGBTIQA+ organisations across Victoria to help respond to additional demand caused by the incident.

The funding is set to go to essential services at initiatives including Transgender Victoria, Queerspace, Rainbow families, Switchboard, Zoe Bell Gender Collective, Thorne Harbour Health/Equinox, Transcend and Mind.

The package will boost counselling and family therapy, referrals and peer support to ensure LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their families and carers can get the support they need, authorities said.

“Trans people routinely endure abuse, violence, and discrimination in the name of free speech, and the past week has caused further trauma for an already vulnerable group. Trans people deserve better, and this funding will help organisations to provide crucial support, safety, and care,” said equality minister Harriet Shing.

Ms Shing also denounced the efforts of the protest groups who contributed to the cancellation of The Art of Drag event.

“Events that are open to young people of all genders and sexualities, provide safety and celebrate diversity send a powerful message to young people that it is OK to be themselves,” she said.

“This message is so important when we know that stigma and discrimination contribute to young LGBTIQ+ people often experiencing poorer mental health than others their age.

“We condemn any efforts to make LGBTIQ+ Victorians and allies feel unsafe for being who they are, including LGBTIQ+ performers and young people.”

Crossing removal could have dangerous consequences

By Emily Chapman Laing

Narre Warren South locals are concerned the removal of a crossing could have dangerous consequences.

The crossing on Baringa Park Drive between Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and Strathaird Drive was removed after serving the community for decades.

“It’s been there 20 years,” resident Renee Young said.

“Why do the kids now not deserve a crossing like the kids did 20 years before them?”

Renee says students regularly used the crossing, and now are left to cross the road

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without the proper safety equipment.

“I have watched kids run across the road because the amount of traffic at school times doesn’t allow for a break in traffic,” she said.

The crossing is near to Oakgrove Community Centre, Trinity Catholic Primary School and UCMAS Kids Learning Centre, among others.

City of Casey Manager Connected Communities Sara Ball said the Baringa Park crossing “did not meet the VicRoads criteria”.

“A review of the school crossing on Baringa Park Drive, Narre Warren South, showed that it did not meet the VicRoads criteria to retain a supervisor at this location,” she said.

“Given the very low pedestrian numbers using this crossing, Council made the decision to remove the crossing at this location, at the end of Term 2, 2022.

“There is a recommended crossing point 10 meters from the old school supervised crossing as well as a speed hump to slow traffic.

Sara Ball said the decision to remove the crossing was communicated to the local school at the time, along with an offer of pedestrian road safety educational material that could be shared with the school community.

“Under the State Government’s School

Crossing Subsidy Program - which provides partial operational funding for school crossings - and to meet the VicRoads standardsmore than 20 primary school children must use a crossing during both the morning and afternoon times for it to qualify as a designated crossing site,” she said.

“We regularly review our school crossing program to ensure it is meeting the needs of Casey’s growing and changing community.

“Consideration is given to the changing needs of the community and changed pedestrian patterns, traffic flow, speed limits and advancements in road and vehicle technology.”

CaseybaseddragqueenBrendaBressedfearsyoungLGBTIQA+individualswillfeel“more vulnerableandalone”followingthecancellation.

Picture:SUPPLIED

MPs split over Voice vote

By Corey Everitt

Federal MPs of the South East are split on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and unsure how some will vote after the Coalition’s announcement last week to support a ‘No’ vote in the referendum.

Liberal member for La Trobe, Jason Wood, has weighed in on the on-going debate about the Federal Government’s proposed referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Mr Wood supports his party’s criticisms against the proposed change to the constitution, while also supporting a free vote for his fellow backbenchers to vote either way they wish.

Last week, opposition leader Peter Dutton announced the Coalition will support a ‘No’ vote in the referendum.

Mr Wood explained that the Coalition supports the recognition of First Nations in the constitution, but not the overall package.

“The Coalition supports constitutional recognition, but not the constitutional change Labor has wrapped in with it,” he said.

“For us, in a legal sense, it’s a bridge too far.”

The referendum is first and foremost the question of whether the country wants to change the constitution to acknowledge First Nations people.

The Labor Government’s proposal is to enact this acknowledgement with the establishment of an ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice’.

The question posed includes the amendment that would establish a new body, elected and appointed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders that can make ‘representations’, inother-word advice, to Parliament and the executive of the Federal Government on issues regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

It has no veto power, no binding power or ability to handle budgets in Government.

This is the ‘Voice’ to Parliament, an independent advisory body to the Government on issues relating to First Nations people.

“Labor is acting as if both recognition and the change are the same,” Mr Wood said.

“And the problem for the Coalition is we don’t know how exactly the Voice is going to work.

“Most of all, the party wants to see practical measures.”

While in the next seat over, Labor Member for Holt, Cassandra Fernando, defended her party’s policy.

“The Voice is about giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians a say on the laws and policies that affect them,” she said.

“We need the Voice so that better policies will be made and we can improve the lives of First Nations people.

“The Voice is about listening to people on the ground, when government is better informed, you get better outcomes.”

Ms Fernando also emphasised breaks in the Coalition and hopes more will come soon.

“I commend former Shadow AttorneyGeneral Julian Leeser’s principled decision to campaign for a yes vote at the referendum,” she said.

“Mr Leeser’s decision shows that Australians of all political persuasions are coming together to support theVoice and I am confident more Liberal MPs will join Mr Leeser.”

MP Julian Leeser recently quit as the Coalition’s Shadow Attorney General and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians after Mr Dutton’s announcement against the Voice to Parliament.

Mr Leeser will campaign for ‘Yes’ in the referendum.

This also comes after Ken Wyatt, Liberal MP who was the first indigenous member of the House of Representatives, resigned from the Liberal Party in opposition to Mr Dutton’s stance.

The Coalition’s counter to the Voice, Mr Wood explained, is a regional and rural body based on legislation, not constitutional change.

“Regional bodies would be set up in indigenous communities that would then feed into the Federal Government,” Mr Wood said.

“It would be based on legislation that is more practical than constitutional change.”

The Coalition claims legislating a new body is a more practical step compared to changing the constitution.

Labor Member for Bruce, Julian Hill, also stepped, slamming the counters of the Coalition as cynical.

“What the Liberals are saying about “detail“ and “not knowing how this will work“ are blatant lies - it’s all written down and publicly available,” he said.

“Peter Dutton was never going to support Indigenous reconciliation. In 2007 he walked out of Parliament during the Apology to Indigenous People, and in 2023 he’s turning his back, refusing to listen.”

Mr Hill also acknowledged the splits in the Coalition.

“Even senior Liberals are now quitting the Party and disagreeing with their stance.”

Despite emphasising the criticisms made by his party, Mr Wood also sought fair debate on the referendum.

“I fought to make sure the backbench has a free vote,” he said.

“I think everyone needs to have respect and have a fair debate on this.”

Mr Wood’s colleague to the east, Member for Monash Russell Broadbent was one of few of the Coalition to come out in support of the Voice.

Contributing to a book released in February, Mr Broadbent made his case for ‘Yes’ regarding the Voice to Parliament.

Speaking to the Warragul Gazette in early March, Mr Broadbent explained his support.

“We walk together or we continue to stum-

ble blindly, We fail to take up the invitation at our peril,” he said.

“The invitation is one that must not be ignored but embraced in its fullness.”

Mr Broadbent was contacted regarding recent developments, but declined to comment.

Fellow Liberal Member for Casey, Aaron Violi, has said he has not made a final decision for ‘yes’ or ‘no’, despite his party executive’s decision.

The bill for the referendum was formally introduced to the Federal Parliament on 30 March.

The referendum is set to take place in late 2023.

It was a not-so-Good Friday for crime in the south east

By Shelby Brooks

A Hampton Park man is one of a string of individuals arrested following two separate car chases in Pakenham on Friday afternoon, 7 April.

Officers responded to reports a black Audi sedan with no registration plates allegedly driving erratically on Cardinia Road, just after 3.15pm.

Police spotted the vehicle and attempted to intercept it, but it’s alleged the car didn’t stop and took off at a fast rate of speed.

With assistance from the Air Wing, police followed the vehicle through a number of streets in Pakenham.

Stop-sticks were deployed on Duncan Drive, successfully puncturing all four tyres.

It’s believed that the car continued to drive with flat wheels for a short distance when it finally came to a stop inThe Parkway.

A 25-year-old man from Ringwood, a 31-year-old Hampton Park man and a 24-year-old Malvern East woman were ar-

rested at the scene.

They were all taken to hospital after falling ill.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or with information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Separately, around the same time a local couple going for a Good Friday walk with their dogs were shocked to witness the arrest of a group of teenagers, as Pakenham experienced a busy day of police action.

The couple said they were fitting in their daily walk between rain showers around 2pm on Friday 7 April when they heard an Audi screech to a stop on Thwaites Road.

“We thought it was spinning out from hitting a light pole and started walking toward it to see if everyone was OK,” the husband said.

Moments later, three or four unmarked police cars surrounded the Audi and officers

started shouting for the occupants to exit the vehicle.

The couple said the occupants were wearing balaclavas and had something in their hands, believed to be a weapon.

“It was a surreal moment. How does this happen in our quiet street?” the husband said.

“I think it was the driver who opened the door and made a run for it down the hill towards us.”

Worried for their safety, the husband and wife quickly hid in a neighbour’s front yard until they were able to recount what occurred to the police officers present.

Later, police said they charged five teenagers following an alleged crime spree across multiple suburbs of Melbourne on 7 April.

It’s alleged the group were involved in the theft of two motor vehicles in Kooyong as well as criminal damage of windows and vehicles at a Brighton East property.

It’s also alleged the group were involved in armed robberies across Knox.

The group were arrested in the allegedly stolen Audi in Pakenham just after 3pm.

The stolen BMW and its occupants remain outstanding.

A 13-year-old Dandenong boy was charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of theft of motor vehicle, attempted armed robbery and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

A 14-year-old Catani boy was charged with dangerous driving while being pursued by police, two counts of theft of motor vehicle and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

A 15-year-old Springvale South boy was charged with attempted car jacking and theft of motor vehicle.

Those three boys have been remanded to face a children’s court at a later date.

A 15-year-old Dandenong boy and 16-year-old Hallam girl have been charged with theft of motor vehicle, who have been bailed to appear in a children’s court at a later date.

LiberalMemberforLaTrobe,JasonWood.

Pictures:SUPPLIEDJulianHillisthememberforBruce.

CassandraFernandoisthememberforHolt.

No Porter Davis takeover

By Tara Cosoleto

AAP and Eleanor

Wilson

Collapsed building giant Porter Davis remains without a prospective buyer, after liquidators Grant Thornton partners confirmed it has not identified a suitable company to take over the business.

Australia’s 12th largest home builder went into voluntary administration on Friday 31 March, leaving 1700 homes in Victoria and Queensland hanging in the balance.

Grant Thornton partners was then appointed liquidator for the 14 company group, engaging with dozens of parties over the last two weeks to identify a buyer to take over the group.

That process failed, it announced in a statement on Monday 10 April.

“While there is genuine interest in parts of the Porter Davis Group, the liquidators have not identified any parties that are willing and capable of taking over all builds for Porter Davis customers as part of a single sale transaction,” a group spokesperson said.

“We are continuing to discuss solutions for parts of the Porter Davis group and are aiming to be in a position to finalise those discussions within the next week.

“We also hope to provide further clarity to customers regarding the next steps in completing their build - which for many customers is likely to involve engaging with a new builder of their choice.”

It is understood The CEO of Melbourne real estate investor MIG & Sons, Amit Miglani, was one potential buyer, offering to buy out the company outright.

But a Grant Thornton spokesperson said it doubted the credibility of Mr Miglani’s offer.

“While we have no reason to doubt Mr Miglani’s intention, we do not believe this is a credible offer to acquire the Porter Davis Group,” the spokesperson said.

“Mr Migliani has not undertaken any due diligence and is unable to complete a transaction in an expedited time frame which is a key requirement of the Liquidators.

“We remain in active discussions with a short list of parties in order to find solutions for some Porter Davis customers, and to otherwise provide clarity to the remaining customers in relation to the status of their build, and

options for them to engage with new builders to complete their homes.”

The completion of 1500 Victorian Porter Davis builds and a further 200 in Queensland came to a grinding halt at news of the collapse late last month.

Last week, it was reported that more than 250 unfinished Porter Davis homes will be completed while liquidators will introduce replacement builders to other affected customers.

Grant Thornton have been working with staff, certifiers and home owners to find solutions for properties close to completion.

The liquidators have identified more than 250 homes that are expected to qualify for occupation certificates and are capable of being

completed given how close they were to being finished.

Porter Davis staff will contact those customers to advise them of the next steps.

Grant Thornton will introduce others to replacement builders in the coming week so they can discuss how their build will be finished.

More than 20 builders have offered to help complete homes for Porter Davis customers.

The liquidators advise customers to still seek their own legal advice to ensure they don’t compromise their insurance entitlements.

“We appreciate this is a stressful time for all Porter Davis stakeholders,“a Grant Thorntonspokeswoman told AAP.

“We thank you for your continued patience

Workwear being retooled sustainably

Used work clothes normally cast into landfill will be recycled as part of the Pound RoadWest Upgrade project.

In a first for Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV), project workers are being encouraged to hand in their discarded workwear and personal protective equipment for repurposing by Victorian company UPPAREL.

So far, nearly 500 items of work clothing and PPE have been handed in - about 80 kilograms being diverted from landfill and preventing the creation of 280 kg of carbon dioxide.

“We’re excited to team up with UPPAREL on an initiative where every member of the project team can play their part to reduce waste in the construction industry, while supporting local business,” MRPV program director Marc Peterson said.

All of the recoverable materials are being reused or recycled

Work clothing and PPE in good condition will be offered to UPPAREL’s charity and notfor-profit partners for reuse.

Clothing not fit for wear will be recycled via a non-chemical process to convert the textiles into sustainable materials.

These can be repurposed into new commercial products replacing non-sustainable materials such as polystyrene, fibreglass and cellulose.

The fibre can be used in construction materials such as wall and ceiling insulation, furniture filling, flooring underlay, acoustic panels, suspended ceiling tiles and office partition walls.

It can also be used in cushion filling, pet beds and protective packaging for products such as crockery and glassware.

Recycled PPE such as hardhats, safety glasses and boots are being repurposed into gym flooring, outdoor playground flooring

and rubber mats.

UPPAREL chief executive Michael Elias said “we believe making a positive environmental impact is key to a sustainable future”.

“Local partnerships such as this not only make a measurable impact but continue to raise awareness around the global issue.”

The initiative is a partnership between

MRPV, its construction partner Seymour Whyte and the Braeside-based UPPAREL.

Seymour Whyte regional general manager Courtney Hoops said “adopting a circular economy approach to workwear is ‘smart business’ that’s good for the planet and promotes a social-responsibility-centred partnership”.

while we work to find alternative options and possible solutions for customers.“

The Victorian government is also investigating whether Porter Davis illegally left customersuninsured after taking their deposits.

Builders in Victoria have to buy domestic building insurance policies on behalf of homeowners before they take deposits or any money for projects of more than $16,000.

The requirement falls under the Domestic Building Insurance Ministerial Order.

“We are looking at that actively,“ Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday.

“I just want to remind everybody in this industry, the law applies to everyone. It’s not a matter of choosing to lodge those insurance premiums.“

Charges over crash

A 26-year-old Beaconsfield man died following a car crash on Sunday 9 April.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following the fatal single vehicle crash in Wangaratta.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Greta Road and Clarkes Lane following reports a car had rolled, coming to rest in a paddock, about 7.15pm.

Sadly, one of the three male passengers, a 26-year-old Beaconsfield man, died at the scene.

A 16-year-old Wangaratta boy sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital where he remains in a critical condition, police said on Monday 10 April.

“A 24-year-old Beaconsfield sustained serious injuries and was also airlifted to hospital where he remains in a stable condition,” police said.

“The male driver of the car, a 23-yearold Wangaratta man was taken to a local hospital under police guard with nonlife-threatening injuries.

“He has been charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and negligent driving causing serious injury and he was also issued with a notice of immediate driving ban.”

He was remanded to appear in Benalla Magistrates’ Court.

Pound Road West Upgrade work crews are donating used PPE and workwear for recycling.

Despite interest from several buyers, Porter Davis liquidators Grant Thornton partners claim they have not found a suitable company to take over the 14 group construction giant. Picture: UNSPLASH

Easter blitz

The Easter long weekend saw 63 offences caught by police in Casey.

Police detected almost 8000 traffic offences during a five-day road policing initiative, Operation Nexus. Casey was responsible for 26 speeding offences, 16 unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles and 4 drink drivers. Casey residents were also hit with impoundments, mobile phone offences, drink driving offences, drug driving offences and disqualified driving offences. “It is extremely disappointing that we’ve detected almost 8000 motorists in a five-day period for a range of traffic offences –this just shows a blatant disregard for road rules and for the safety of all road users,” said Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir. “Considering the start to the year we’ve had, we would hope that more people would heed the warnings and make a conscious effort to drive safely, particularly at Easter.” Operation Nexus saw police highly visible and actively enforcing across the state in an effort to reduce road trauma. It follows a shocking start to the year onVictoria’s roads with 89 lives lost, up 25 per cent on the five-year average. Good Friday accounted for almost a quarter of all detections over the Easter period, with 101 motorists caught drink and drug driving on this day alone.

Morethanathirdofalloffencesdetectedwere for speeding, with almost 80 per cent of motorists detected between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit. Almost a quarter of speeding offences were detected on Easter Monday, the final day of the operation. Mobile phone offences jumped 31 per cent from last year’s Easter road policing operation with 343 motorists caught using their phones while driving. Police also detected and removed 529 unauthorised drivers from roads, including suspended, disqualified and unlicensed drivers.“Time and time again, it isthosebehaviourssuchasspeed,impaireddriving and distraction primarily caused by mobile phone use that are contributing to road trauma, yet we continue to detect thousands of motorists for these offences,” Assistant Commissioner Weir said. “Everyone thinks road trauma won’t happen to them, until it’s too late. Don’t let your complacency be the reason for another death or serious injury on our roads.” There were two lives lost on Victorian roads over the Easter period, with single-vehicle fatal collisions in White Hills on Friday and Wangaratta on Sunday. With five lives lost to date in April, police enforcement will continue across the state throughout the school holiday period and the unofficial Anzac Day long weekend later this month. Operation Nexusranfrom12:01amonThursday6Apriland concluded at 23:59pm on Monday 10 April 2023. “WithEasternowbehindus,we’llturnourattentiontotheremainingAprilschoolholidayperiod and the upcoming Anzac Day public holiday –you will certainly see police enforcement efforts continuing throughout the month.”

Anzac times

Cranbourne

Organised by: Cranbourne/Dandenong

RSL

Location: Greg Clydesdale Square, High Street

Time: Dawn service – 6:00 am, March – 10:30 am Morning service – 11:00 am, Pearcedale

Organised by: Pearcedale Public Hall

Team

Location: Pearcedale Public Hall, 45

Pearcedale Road

Time: Dawn service – 6:00 am

Berwick (Dawn Service)

Organised by: Berwick RSL

Location: Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Blvd, CranbourneWest

Time: 6:00 am

Berwick (Morning Service)

Organised by: Berwick RSL

Location: Berwick Cenotaph, High Street

Time: March – 10:30 am, Morning service

– 11:00 am, Hampton Park

Organised by: Hampton Park Progress

Association

Location: Arthur Wren Hall, 16-20 Stuart Ave

Time: Dawn service – 6:00 am, NarreWar-

ren

Location: Bunjil Place. 2 Patrick NE Dr, NarreWarren

Time: 6:00 am

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To package thieves. So frustrating and such a low act. #getajob

Thumbs up

To an amazing local Mark Ruberto who every week cleans up rubbish at his local park. Setting a great example for others to follow.

Thumbs down

To all the dogs who haven’t trained their owners to pick up their poops when they go for walks in the common walking tracks, reserves and parks that other families also enjoy.

Thumbs up

To all the kids and families reading and enjoying the books from our little street library.

Thumbs up

To the children hospital appeal, another great effort.

Thumbs up

Thumbs up to the students at St Francis de Sales Primary. The students at St Francis de Sales have fundraised morethan$13,000towardsanewplayarea.They got to slime the school principal and 10 teachers after smashing their $10,000 goal!

Thumbs up

To our horse Just Believe. Overnight he was one of 16 horses worldwide to be invited to contest the Elitloppet in Sweden. In the 71 year history of the race he is only the 3rd Australian horse to be invited.

Thumbs down

To VicRoads for dealing with (very) basic maintenance on the Hallam Bypass Trail in Narre Warren. I’ve even got the local MP involved and still no action after four whole months and counting.

Thumbs down

The lack of care taken with parks made for the children is astounding. No working BBQS. No good play equipment, no bins or water taps etc.

Thumbs down

To fat cats that line their pockets whilst the cost of living forces families into homeless. If only the big bosses had to live like real people with real challenges.

Thumbs down

To all of the people not giving up!

It’s a tough time and I commend you all for your commitment and support. It is and you are what makes our community strong.

Thumbs up

To City of Casey for their quick response on removing graffiti. use prices for first home buyers.

Thumbs down

To organisations not following policies and procedures, risking and compromising the safety and well-being of their stakeholders and future developments not being completed.

Thumbs down

To the roadworks. We drive a different route to get away from them and then they start working on that road too.

Thumbs down

To people who don’t slow down for birds on the road.

Thumbs down

To all the drivers that make a U turn out the front of Coles in Lynbrook.

Thumbs down

To the people who break bottles on the paths of Ray Perry park and needs to be cleaned before anyone can enjoy a visit.

Thumbs up

To Pauline Richards MP for putting on the Tea and Hot Cross buns for the community around Ray Perry Park. A great event.

Thumbs down

To organisations not following policies and procedures, risking and compromising the safety and well-being of their stakeholders and future developments not being completed.

Thumbs down

So many pot holes still developing, crap reception still after being promised all the new towers... Why are we paying companies our crazy priced plans each month when can’t make a call, send/receive a text or make calls out?!!!!

Campfire bonding

City of Casey is throwing a campfire family event designed to build the bonds between fathers and their children.

The event will be held at the Casey Youth Hub in NarreWarren onTuesday 2 May, 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

The outdoor event promises to be a night of entertainment, games, drumming, marshmallow toasting, and even a free sausage sizzle with vegetarian and halal options available.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to bond with your children and others in the community while enjoying some delicious food and fun ac-

tivities,“ the council wrote.

Casey’s Dads Matter programs designed to help dads and father figures develop social networks, connect with their children through fun activities, and recognise the vital role they play in their family structure.

Eventslikethisonehighlighttheimportance of fathers in a child’s life.

The Dads Matter programs are open to dads, stepdads, grandfathers, or any other man who plays a significant role in a child’s life.

The support network follows a flexible format that allows dads to come and go according

to their schedule, so they don’t have to worry about missing out on any of the fun.

The campfire family event will be held outdoors.

The council is encouraging attendees to dress appropriately.

“Come prepared for a night of fun under the stars,“ they wrote.

“Make some memories, meet other father figures, and show your children the importance of spending time together as a family.“

A hopping mouse hides between two logs as part of the Australian Wildlife Display at Berwick Easter Fair. Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Housing costs pressurise

By Sahar Foladi

Support services are seeing an alarming increase in number of people needing financial counselling for mortgage stress.

South East Community Links (SECL) chief executive Peter McNamara says people were falling off a “mortgage cliff” with 165 per cent more people reporting housing costs as the reason for seeking material aid in the past year.

SECL serves the biggest mortgage belt in Australia which also includes City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia Shire, Mr McNamara said.

Almost 90 per cent of its clients present with mortgage stress or cost of living pressures while half on its financial counselling wait list have mortgages.

“While some argue that Australians have savings sitting in offset accounts, our clients on low incomes are often unprepared for an increase in mortgage payments, leading to financial difficulties and the risk of defaulting on their mortgage,” Mr McNamara said.

SECL worked closely with banks to negotiate on behalf of their clients but in reality, no one was expecting to see 10 interest rate increases in a row and more likely to come, he said.

Enquiries in its financial counselling service are up by 20 per cent since last year, where wait times would’ve been around four weeks. Today, that has risen to three months.

According to SECL financial counselling cases are more complex now with 25 per cent of cases involving family violence victim-survivors.

One in three female clients have experienced financial abuse at the hands of their partner, Mr McNamara said.

The Dandenong-based Cornerstone agency provides a wide range of community services such as emergency relief and community

meals to the homeless and anyone who struggles to make ends meet.

Its chief executive Naomi Paterson says “people who haven’t struggled to pay their mortgage in the past suddenly are (struggling) - or they’re struggling to pay their rent“.

“Because of that it’s a struggle to put meals in their kid’s lunch boxes.

“We have different parcels that we would give to a rough sleeper who doesn’t have cooking facilities compared to someone from mi-

grant or asylum seeker family who would use a lot of whole food.

“We get a lot of rough sleepers.They’ll come to us for a hot meal, a cup of coffee and a chat, shower to get their laundry done but also they come to us with significant long-term struggles, challenges and very complex needs.”

The housing crisis is also making it difficult for organisations like WAYSS to provide longterm rental accommodation for families.

Wayss homelessness and housing general

manager Shari McPhail recently told Star News that “the capacity for us to assist is diminishing“.

“We’re using government funds for crisis accommodation more than for getting people in affordable, long-term housing.”

In 2021 Census data, City of Casey’s levels of homelessness rose 44 per cent in five yearsdouble the state average. Children in homelessness rose 115 per cent.

There were 1852 residents experiencing homelessness in the council area.

“Despite the State Government’s Big Housing Build, which has been a terrific investment in social and affordable housing, we’re decades behind in social housing per capita,” Ms McPhail said.

Federal Housing and Homelessness Minister Julie Collins has renewed $67.5 million funding to cover wage costs for homelessness services, in the wake of alarming homelessness data.

“Too many Australians were experiencing homelessness on Census night (in 2021),” Ms Collins said.

The funding will continue up until the Government begins its National Housing and Homelessness Plan in 2024-‘25.

Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Deborah Di Natale said it ensured $23 million for 200 homelessness support staff inVictoria to continue their “invaluable work”.

“That’s absolutely crucial funding at a time when official Census data shows homelessness in Victoria rose 24 per cent over the past five years.

“More than 30,600 people are homeless in Victoria - it’s never been more important to have strong support services in place,” Ms Di Natale said.

The Government has introduced a Bill to establish the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.

It aims to deliver 30,00 social and affordable homes across Australia in its first five years.

Crisis support agenies buckling under the strain

By Sahar Foladi and Cam Lucadou-Wells

A spike in the number of people in need of emergency relief has placed organisations under extreme pressure to meet the needs.

More and more organisations are struggling to keep up with lack of funds and donations as a staggering number of people come through their doors.

At South East Community Links (SECL), the number of people in need of emergency relief has doubled across Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong while funding has decreased by 10 per cent.

SECL assisted 11,000 community members last year who couldn’t make ends meet and needed support to put food on the table.

However, due to high demands and lack of funding, it’s anticipated that by April more than 1,000 families will be turned away, chief executive Peter McNamara said.

In addition to the struggle of meeting those needs, SECL has also seen a 50 per cent decline in volunteering since the pandemic. This is making it harder more than ever to carry on their operations.

With the influx of refugees after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in Afghanistan, SECL’s Afghan clients has tripled over the past two years.

The number of clients identifying as First Nations has also doubled over the past year.

Bakhtar Community Organisation chief executive Bassir Qadiri says the charity was struggling to keep up with rising calls for help.

Many households had lost work and income during Covid combined with the influx of refugees arriving with little from crisis-hit Afghanistan and Ukraine, Mr Qadiri said.

“Previously, we were supporting only four to five families per week, but now the num-

ber has surged to over 25 families.”

According to Naomi Paterson, CEO of Dandenong-based Cornerstone, families who’ve never been in the situation of needing assistance are now also in need.

“We have lots of local families coming to us for support and we see the real effects of the cost of living increase.”

As more and more families continue to sink deep, donations and funding have dropped.

“During Covid times there was a lot of funding that was put in emergency relief. Lots of people were able and willing to donate which was wonderful,“ Ms Paterson said.

“That sort of increase in material aid support has dropped off quite significantly but the need has grown.

“For us we find that we can get grants or funding for programs but in terms of funding

our day-to-day costs of assisting people who are in crisis, that’s a real struggle.“

Cornerstone provides community meals for the homeless and anyone who struggles to make ends meet.

During Covid lockdowns, Cornerstone provided 4000 parcels a year - up from two to three food parcels a week.

In 2022, demand has risen further to more than 5,000 emergency relief parcels and more than 14,000 hot meals.

Ms Paterson expects the need will continue to grow.

“You need a solution for people who are in crisis immediately.You need to look at why they are in crisis and why do they need that support as well as providing that instant support.

“At the moment we’re struggling with both. Really you need to be working on long term and immediate needs.”

Cornerstone cross-cultural worker Janik Joshua, Ron Martens and Cornerstone chief executive Naomi Paterson serve up a community lunch. 326634

Cornerstone’s Juwita (also known as JJ), centre, with community members. 326634

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

South East Community Links staff Desiree Kisnorbo, Mark Singh, Jessica Soccio, Peter McNamara, Zoe Canaider and Karen Vergara. 325518 Picture: ROB CAREW

Big Easter celebration

By Emily Chapman Laing

The Berwick Easter Fair was back in full swing over the long weekend.

Visitors piled in to enjoy rides, food trucks, Easter goodies, egg hunts and wildlife displays.

With carnival games, camel rides and a tarot reader, the day delighted children and adults alike.

Karen Anderson said her son had a blast at his first Easter fair.

“He loved going on the rides,“ she said. “He patted and posed with a snake and a wombat the weather was great.

“We all enjoyed his first Easter fair.“

Karen also said the food vans were great and provided “plenty of choice“.

“We had unprecedented crowds on the first day and they maintained over the weekend through until Sunday,“ Berwick Easter Fair representative Peta Short-Smith said.

“We are very proud the Berwick Easter Fair established an ongoing Easter celebration for the City of Casey area.

“We believe the community deserves more festivals like this one throughout the year for families to create fun and memories and we believe we have succeeded in doing this.“

Peta says events like this allow communities to come together “in different ways than day to day life“.

“Kids playing together and egg hunting together is great for their growth and social skills to develop,“ Peta said.

“By bringing animal displays such as the Aussie Native Display kids can pat animals like wombats and baby crocs that they wouldn’t usually be able to.

“We think it’s great to see their faces while patting the snakes and seeing how they react.“

The fair had 20 food trucks and stallholders covering all types of cuisines.

From the Ferris Wheel to the teacup rides, there were smiles and laughter in every direction.

“The camel rides were a huge hit but the unlimited rides wristbands are always the favourites,“ Peta said.

Georgia and Joshua enjoyed playing mini golf. 328376 Pictures: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

The Ferris wheel. 328376

Colourful showbags served great treats to the visitors. 328376

Brianna and her eggs. 328376 Visitors enjoy the excitement of camel rides through the park. 328376

A blue-tongue lizard from Australian Wildlife Displays. 328376 Charlotte holds a snake. 328376

Miki and Clem. 328376

Kids hurriedly scooped up eggs during the egg hunt. Picture: SUPPLIED

Kids had their faces painted.Picture: SUPPLIED

The Easter bunny made an appearance. Picture: SUPPLIED

Fun and laughter at Drum

Family fun and laughter is on the cards this month at Dandenong’s iconic Drum Theatre.

Looking to entertain the kids over the school holidays, then look no further.

Enjoy the adventure of Bunkasaurus, created by the award winning Bunk Puppets.

This imaginative performance features clowning, shadow puppetry and DIY science fiction with eye-popping results.

If magic is more your speed, then catch The Quizzical Mr Jeff as he transports his audience to a state of wonder and play.

A fusion of circus and magic, Mr Jeff explores a mysterious room of marvels as he creates an unforgettable family day out.

Join UK comedian Stephen K Amos as he explores world events from the past few years.

Before and Laughter is Amos at his best.

Fresh from treading the boards in London’s West End, Amos will have you finding the fun and the funny in all that life throws our way.

Don’t miss our Encore program show The Dancin’ Man featuring the class and elegance of the classic song and dance men who graced the stage and screen.

Enjoy the high energy and artistry of Luke Alleva, accompanied by a three piece band.

All Encore tickets include a complimentary morning tea and a parking voucher.

Following the success of the community performance Paradise Lots in 2022, awardwinning theatre company Pony Cam returns to Dandenong to bring vacant buildings and empty spaces alive in their latest offering And Then There was Night.

Witness our city transformed by night and experience street theatre at its finest.

Lookingtoentertainthekidsovertheschoolholidays,thenlooknofurther.

the performance date. Join

us

Bonnets ring in holidays

Schoolyards across Casey were a scene of colour on the last day ofTerm 1,Thursday 6 April, as students got into the holiday spirit in annual Easter Bonnet parades.

At Cranbourne West Primary School, students were encouraged to design and create their own hats for participation in the schoolwide parade.

Staff, family and friends watched on as the kids displayed their hat with their classmates in front of the appreciative audience while two keen eyed judges sought the most creative efforts.

Two students per class were chosen for the most outstanding hats and their efforts are rewarded with a book, certificate and chocolate egg.

All students were considered winners at Cranbourne West Primary School and receive a mini chocolate egg at the conclusion of the event. In case you are wondering, the school bought over 600 eggs!

Meanwhile, at Hampton Park Primary School, students also got festive for the last day of the school term, with their own Easter bonnet parade.

Students showed off their creative streaks with fun hats adorned with carrots, plastic eggs and and even an egg carton.

Delicious prizes were awarded to the most creative hats in each year level.

“The excitement from the learners from Prep to Grade 6 for the Easter Hat parade was enormous. It was amazing to see the range creative designs our learners created for this event,“ educator Shilpa Sanghani said.

“The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and it was wonderful having our HPPS parent community back viewing the annual event.“

Grade 1 student Eli (left) got creative with an egg carton to make his bonnet stand out.

Pictures: ELEANOR WILSON

Cranbourne West Primary School student Riley shows off his hat creation.

Matthew from Cranbourne West Primary School had fun wearing his hat in the parade.

Grade 3 students Pheobe, Sadie and Maya went home with an extra sweet treat for their impressive Easter bonnets.

Hampton Park Primary School students Maya, Jordan and Eli received a special prize for getting in the spirit of the Easter bonnet parade.

Arlia and Ariana from Hampton Park Primary School. Ruby and Pheobe went all out with their hats at the Hampton Park Primary parade.

Akoonah Park lights up

By Eleanor Wilson

Berwick locals braved the wintry elements on Friday evening, 31 March, to welcome the Easter season at Akoonah Park’s Easter Night Market.

Winter coats on and umbrellas in hand, locals explored dozens of stalls, offering local handmade products, knick knacks and local produce.

But many market-goers turned to the selection of delicious food options to warm themselves up.

Warm Dutch pancakes, Cambodian meat skewers, churros, pasta and souvlaki were just a few of the menu items on offer.

Sheltered under one of the park’s sheds, Jam Ladies stall founder Sharyn Pender said she has been expanding her selection of relishes, chutneys, jams and preserves for 47 years.

She said the key to a good jam is good quality ingredients.

“I only use the best produce, If I wouldn’t eat the fruit in its natural form, I’m not putting it in my jam,” she said.

Fellow stall holder Marianna Delray formed her pet apparel and accessory brand, Queenie’s Pawprints, in 2019, hand making all of the pieces at home.

A core part of her business ethos involves donating extra proceeds to local pet rescue services.

Mum’s Baklava founder Michelle encourages her customers to “enjoy the crunch” of her homemade baklava - which comes in original, chocolate, peanut butter and Turkish delight varieties.

The recipe for the crisp, sweet dessert was passed down to her mother by a former coworker, when she worked in the Middle East.

Market-goers had a wide variety of food options from across the globe, including Cambodian meat skewers. 327088

Gavin Chatelier enlivened the atmosphere with a set of original and cover songs. 327088

Will from Mrs C’s perfected his mother’s recipe to create the brand’s trademark chilli oil. 327088

Sharyn Pender’s selection of homemade preserves includes a spicy raspberry chutney blood plum jam and lemon butter. 327088

Dandenong artist Samantha Sharpe serenaded market-goers through the drizzly weather. 327088

Michelle’s homemade ‘Mum’s Baklava’ was recently awarded best specialty dessert Company at the 2022 Food and Drink Awards. 327088

It is hard to walk past the smell of buttery, sweet biscotti at Paula’s stall. 327088

A hairdresser of 16 years, local Officer mum Zoe started her business Braid Dreams nine months ago. 327088 Sisters Ayca and Melisa warm themselves up with a fresh potato twister. 327088

Marianna’s eco-friendly pet product business, Queenie’s Pawprints, supports local animal rescue organisations with some of the proceeds from sales. 327088

Grossek’s view of 2023

After three years of the pandemic, much has changed, but uncertainty has not. Everyone is tired and the impact of COVID-19 has been profound in many ways, both on an individual basis and collectively. In writing this piece from the perspective of preparing for the 2023 school year, I admit to being seriously challenged. Where do I start, on what do I focus, and how?

How does the 2023 school year look from the perspective of the past three years? I am sure it is a question many parents are asking of themselves both in observation of their children and the wide and varied commentary on the effects of the pandemic on student learning progress. I will do my best, mindful of the disparate outcomes of the past three years.

Undoubtedly, remote learning, lockdowns, and the continuing disruptive consequences of the pandemic have had a negative impact on both the learning and wellbeing of many children. In saying this, it is worth noting that the recently published ATAR results for VictorianVCE students this year are the best for several years. That this has happened reminds us that it can be prudent to withhold judgement when confronted with gloomy predictions, as we have been over the past three years, regarding student learning outcomes.

Reports are plentiful of the impact on the social and emotional wellbeing of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with eminent child and adolescent psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg saying that he has not witnessed anything in the past 30 years like the increase in the number of youngsters presenting with suicidal thoughts and self-harm issues. CarrGregg suggests that effects such as these will be long term in nature.

It is hard not to be deeply concerned about observations and predictions such as these. In the context of the continuing shortage of teachers and specialist support staff such as psychologists and social workers available to schools the challenge is worrying. Some bright news does exist. The Victorian government is providing $200 million over four years and $93.7 million ongoing to expand the Mental Health in Primary Schools program to every government and low-fee non-government primary school in Victoria.

Making matters worse insofar as school staffing is concerned, however, is the outright and increasingly brutal competition between schools and sectors for qualified staff. This is a direct consequence of the school staff shortage across all areas of school operations. In the short term, there is not much in the way of positive news on this front. One can only hope that continuing pressure brought to bear on our state and federal governments will see more equitable funding and resourcing policies for public schools being realised, sooner rather than later.

Now in the tail-end of the third year of the pandemic, school transition programs have been in full swing again.This is genuinely good news. The curtailment of transition programs from pre-schools to primary schools and from primary schools to secondary schools in the recent past had made the transition process

for many students very problematic. Schools, for their part have had to be very creative in managing the influx of students from either pre-schools or primary schools, respectively. Children now transitioning into primary and secondary schools should be enjoying a more comprehensive and reassuring process, something of which I would believe would be very heartening for parents. Teachers also!

The pandemic has thrown up many valuable talking points - the issue of the value of extra-curricular (ECA) activities for children being one. During 2020-21, these types of activities were largely discontinued. Nowadays, they are back in vogue.

The research on the value of extra-curricular activities on student learning and wellbeing is fascinating.

Firstly, a large body of research conducted internationally prior to the pandemic has consistently shown positive relationships between ECA participation and cognitive, psychological, and social outcomes for children and adolescents. William Carbonaro, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Notre Dame and Emily Maloney, a graduate sociology student at Duke University re-

viewed these findings in their joint paper, extracurricular Activities & Student Outcomes in Elementary& Middle School: causal effects or Self-selection. The study by Carbonaro and Maloney, concluded that because of methodological limitations, prior research failed to address the self-selection of advantaged families in ECAs, which raises concerns regarding whether ECA participation is causally related to student outcomes. Overall, their findings suggest that participation in ECAs during early primary school years has a small but positive causal effect on academic ability, which grow larger in later grades through to early secondary school. However, their findings provided little evidence that greater ECA participation improves students’ socioemotional skills in either early or later school years through to Year 8.

Here in Australia, research undertaken by University of Tasmania and Flinders University and cited in the journal, Developmental Psychology: Reducing Educational disparities Between Australian Adolescents in regional & Metropolitan Communities: The Compensatory Effects of Extracurricular Activities, presents a positive relationship between

participation in ECAs and student learning and wellbeing. Broadly speaking then, children can only benefit from being involved in ECAs. Herein lies hope - if we are truly over the worst of the pandemic, then 2023 should see an increasing level of children engaged in ECAs.

In conclusion, it would be a very hard, if not impossible sell to suggest that 2023 will not be a very challenging year for all school students. There will be the lingering social and emotional fallout for some students from the remote learning and lockdowns. This, coupled with critical shortages in school staff and ancillary support services, won’t lead to as swift a recovery as we would like.

On the other hand, the pandemic has, inadvertently provided us with an opportunity to pivot in our approach to teaching and learning - most particularly in technology. The importance of wellbeing, whilst not neglected previously, now commands a prominence in our funding and delivery of a quality education for all. Kindness springs to mind!

Henry Grossek hosts Viewpoints on Casey Radio 97.7FM and presents the weekly podcast series: The Viewpoints Podcast.

Henry Grossek, Berwick Lodge Primary School principal.

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION

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

How can parents help encourage their kids to be sustainable students? Here are eight tips from Sustainability Victoria:

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

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

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

4. Use what you’ve got - save money by digging out pens, pencils and other consumables from drawers, cupboards and bags, rather than buying new ones.

Many stationery makers also have a range of notebooks made from recycled paper.

5. Textbooks and uniforms - most schools have secondhand book and uniform shops, but your local op shop is also worth trying. Many high school English and literature books are available for free on Kindle.

For other subjects, ask teachers what the difference is with this year’s version of a textbook compared with last year’s, as the older edition may still be suitable.

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

7. Buying a desk, bookcase or filing cabinet? Second-hand office furniture shops often have very modern goods at a much better price than new and they will last.

It is also worth checking out Facebook Marketplace for some great quality bargains.

8.AskyourschooltojointheResourceSmart

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

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

Dig deep for dinosaur fun

Jurassic Creatures is an exciting event for dinosaur lovers of all ages.

With interactive activities like fossil digging and dinosaur passport hunts, as well as exhibits like a giant world bug display and 3D dinosaur jig-saw making, there’s plenty to see and do.

The event also offers the opportunity to meet Buddy and Tiny from the Dinosaur Train, as well as other activities for the whole family.

All of these activities are included in the ticket price, and for those who want to take home a souvenir, there is also a souvenir store available.

Additionally, there is a Dinosaur Photo area and carnival games available at an extra cost.

Jurassic Creatures is located at Westfield Fountain Gate in Narre Warren, and is open until April 23 for the Easter and school holidays.

To learn more about this event, visit www. jurassiccreatures.com.au.

Lidiya and Aaron check out the Jurassic Creatures which is appearing at Westfield Fountain Gate from 31 March to 23 April.

London checks out the jurassic wonderland which includes an interactive fossil digging area, dinosaur jumping castles and a fossil exhibit.

Stephen K Amos

Stephen K Amos returns to Australia due to overwhelming popular demand.

Fresh from treading the boards in London’s West End, Stephen is back doing what he does best: stand-up comedy.

Join Stephen as he muses over the extraordinary events the world has faced over the last couple of years.

How did you get through it all? Stephen’s solution… find the funny.

When the world gives Stephen lemons, he simply adds gin, tonic, ice and a healthy dose of laughter.

So grab a drink, come down and enjoy an hour of solid jokes and guaranteed belly laughs. Tickets available via the Cardinia Cultural Centre website.

· Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren on Friday 21 April at 7:30pm.

Timbarra Over 50’s Social Club

The Timbarra Over 50’s Social Club will be celebrating its 30 year anniversary this July and new members are always welcome. We meet in the Timbarra Community Hall which is part of the Berwick Neighbourhood Centre. Our activities include Indoor Carpet Bowls, Scrabble, Table Tennis and cards (500).

All activities occur in a very friendly atmosphere and nothing is taken too seriously. We also hold an Old Time/New Vogue dance every Thursday night with the first half hour devoted to tuition. Throughout the year we provide subsidised Day Trips and Luncheons for regular attendees.

In the near future our club will be looking at a name change to better attract a wider age range of interested adults.

For further details phone: Bruce 0447 554 475 or David 0433 566 456

Berwick Boutique Craft and Food Market

Spend your Saturday at the historic Old Cheese Factory in Berwick.

This lovely venue offers beautifully manicured gardens, a large children’s playground and barbecue/picnic facilities along with plenty of parking. Step back in time and browse the wonderful and unique crafts and design from local makers and

Cirque Mother Africa

Celebrating 15 years and direct from a sellout broadway season, Cirque Mother Africa is returning to Australia in 2023 with an all new show featuring the amazing hand to hand balancing act as seen on Australia’s Got Talent performed by the Ramadhani Brothers. The heartbeat of Africa pulsates throughout this jaw-dropping show as the musicians and artists transport audience members to the breath-taking continent of Africa. This 90-minute entertainment extravaganza com-

unwind from the week.

$5 onsite parking, dogs allowed.

· 34 Homestead Road, Berwick on Saturday 22 April from 9am-2pm.

Bumble Bee Baby and Children’s Markets

Bumble Bee Baby and Children’s Markets are excited to announce their upcoming market at Berwick Fields Primary School.

With up to 65 stall holders you are sure to snap up some bargains on new, handmade and preloved baby and children’s goods for all ages!

And of course they will have a coffee van on hand for all your caffeine needs!

At only $2 entry for adults (children under 12

Peter Rabbit

bines the very best talent from nine African countries including Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania to provide the wonder, suspense and joy that is Cirque Mother Africa.Seen by more than 2 MILLION people worldwide, Cirque Mother Africa is guaranteed to captivate audiences young and old. Combining the best of contortion, acrobatics, traditional dance, live music, pan spinning, hand balancing and so much more. Tickets available via the Bunjil Place website.

· Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive Narre Warren,Saturday 29 April at 7.30pm.

free) and plenty of free parking it is the perfect Sunday morning outing.

Bring the whole family and be sure to share the event with your friends and extended family. The buzzier the better!

· 35 Gwendoline Drive, Berwick on Sunday 30 April from 9am-12pm.

Seniors and Active Retirees in Casey and Cardinia Areas. Are you newly retired, new to the area or just wanting to enjoy your freedom or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social /chat activities with low key in-line dancing if you want

to tap your feet and great afternoon teas, day / short and long trips away via (coach/ flights) , weekly morning coffee club , monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly evening dineouts, weekly table tennis club, walking groups, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, and more ! We welcome all you gentlemen out there with time on your hands!

Ladies, come along, this is your time to meet like minded people and make those new friends. Come along and get to know us by visiting us on a Thursday at 2 pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join us on a Wednesday at 10am for a coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate. Or for more information contact Enquiry Officer Gloria 0468363616

Brentwood Park Community Centre Open Day

Brentwood Park Community Centre is once again welcoming everyone for an open day.

The day will include Children’s activities, market stalls, workshops and food vans.

· 21A Bemersyde Drive, Berwick on Saturday 29 April from 10am-2pm.

Anzac Day Dawn Service

The Anzac Day Dawn Service will be held at Officer Recreation Reserve.

Tea, Coffee, Bacon and Egg Rolls are available afterwards.

· 20 Starling Road, Officer on Tuesday 25 April at 5:45am.

Frog Census

City of Casey is hosting a frog-tastic event at Banjo Paterson Park.

Join the team to carry out some very important monitoring to record which frog species are calling the wetlands home.

Learn all about these frogs, how to identify them from their calls and how you can help protect their habitat.

Bring along a torch and your smart device and learn about the Melbourne Water Frog Census app.

The event is free.

Spots can be reserved via Eventbrite.

· Banjo Paterson Park, Paterson Drive, Lynbrook, on Thursday 20 April 5pm-6.30pm.

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

What do you love about being a CFA volunteer?

There is so much to like about being part of the CFA. More than anything I love the opportunity to work alongside and learn from amazing people throughout CFA. Some of my favourite times have been on courses or on StrikeTeams, learning and meeting like-minded people. I have always enjoyed helping people, so being able to assist the community at their time of need is something I am passionate about. The opportunities available to CFA Volunteers are endless, I am truly proud to be a CFAVolunteer Firefighter.

What would your last meal be?

A Chicken Parma.

What is your most memorable moment?

I am truly blessed that I have multiple memorable moments in my life. The birth of both of my children is by far the most momentous life changing moment, meeting my wonderful husband, being the recipient of The Firefighter of the year Award for our Brigade for the years 2020 & 2021 which mean the world to me, and the opportunities and experiences that I have been able to provide for my family travelling and laughing together making memories. What event past or present would you like to witness?

The moon landing in 1969. Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

Robin Williams, Betty White and Jim Carrey - It would be a side-splitting evening! What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?

Listening to Dermott Kennedy; Watching Ted Lasso; reading Mans Search for Meaning. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

A Greek dish called, Pastitso.

with Narre Warren CFA volunteer Anastasia Barker

THREE … ways to celebrate World Creativity and Innovation week

1 2 3

Where is your dream holiday destination? Anywhere with my family.

What were you like as a kid? Determined. Independent. Energetic. Inquisitive.

What was your first job?

An apprentice hairdresser.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

Instagram, Facebook and BART What’s one question that you have always wanted answered? Can you cry under water?

Play a game with your kids that involves picking up rubbish in a local green space.

Creating a scavenger hunt that is fun and stimulating for children and adults but which also requires them to find specific recyclable or rubbish items (while wearing gloves!) is a great way to combine fun with eco-friendly innovation.

Hold a community meeting to discuss ways to decrease food insecurity, gender inequality or education disparities.

One way to create change is to be the catalyst. Hosting a community forum allows a meeting of the minds where locals can come up with creative solutions to serious problems.

Spend the day engaging in healthy practices.

Gather some friends, family and neighbours to join you for a day of good health and well-being to celebrate Goal #3 of the Sustainable Development plan. Participate in physical movement, such as walking in nature, doing yoga or playing games in the park.

Anastasia Barker (centre) is a volunteer firefighter and recruitment officer / member wellbeing officer with the Narre Warren CFA. Picture: SUPPLIED

Shopping Village 1 Corner Oshea Rd & Clyde Rd

• Berwick Coles Supermarket

Parkhill Plaza Shopping Centre 1 Corner Oshea Rd & Clyde Rd

• Berwick Berwick Springs

Lucky Lotto Shop 10/1 Corner Oshea Rd & Clyde Rd

• Berwick Grants Estate Agents 3a Gloucester Avenue

• Berwick Berwick Newsagency 29 High Street

• Berwick Ray White Real Estate 42 High Street

• Berwick Alex Scott and Staff Real Estate 49 High Street

• Berwick Harcourts Real Estate 20 High Street

• Berwick Neilson Partners 1st National 57 High Street

• Berwick Gluten Free and Chocolate 9/48 High Street

• Berwick O’Brien Real Estate 56-58 High Street

• Berwick St John of God Hospital 75 Kangan Drive

• Berwick Chris Peake Real Estate 18 Langmore Lane

• Berwick Woolworths Shopping Centre 1-9 Lyall Road

• Berwick Mansfield Street Foodmart 157-159

Mansfield Street

• Berwick Parkhill Plaza News and Lotto Shop 13, 215-225 Parkhill Drive

• Berwick Chemist Discount Centre Shop 2, 215-225 Parkhill Drive

• Berwick Coles Supermarket Parkhill Plaza Shopping Centre Shop 19, 215-225 Parkhill Drive

• Berwick Coles Berwick Central 2 Richardson Grove

• Berwick Hocking Stuart Real Estate Suite 2, 16 Langsmore Lane

‘soap opera’

• Hallam 7 Eleven Service Station 38-40 Hallam South Road

• Hallam Joes Mini Mart 117 Hinrichsen Drive

• Hallam Coles Hallam 2 Princes Domain Drive

• Hallam Raine and Horne Real Estate - Hallam 2 Spring Square

• Hallam Hallam Square News 42 Spring Square

• NarreWarren Ritchies IGA Shop 4/14 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Ritchies IGA Shop 4/14 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Narre Warren Newsagency 34 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Fleetwood MiniMart 94-96 Fleetwood Drive

• NarreWarren Casey Gardens Caravan Park 6 Fullard Road

• NarreWarren City of Casey 2 Patrick NE Drive

• NarreWarren Neilson Partners 1st National 418

Princes Highway

• NarreWarren The Good Food

Emporium 15/430–440

Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Westfield

Fountain Gate Shopping Centre

25-55 Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Coles 25-55

Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Woolworths 25-55 Princes Highway

• NarreWarren O’Brien Real Estate Narre Warren 25-55 Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Coles Express 2 Regency Drive & Princes Highway & Lauderdale Road

• NarreWarren Only Real Estate 13/3 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Donaldson Martin Real Estate 43-45 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Coles Express 155-171 Narre Warren North Road

• NarreWarren North Marcos IGA 2 Oakview Boulevard

• NarreWarren North Narre Warren North Newsagency 3/1E Oakview Boulevard

• NarreWarren South Casey Central Shopping Centre 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road

• NarreWarren South Coles 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road

• NarreWarren South Woolworths 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road

• NarreWarren South Ray White Real Estate Shop 20, 400 Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

• NarreWarren South Casey News and Lotto Shop 156, 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road • NarreWarren South Ritchies Amberly Park 245 Ormond Road

BERWICK

•All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

•After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer. • The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

Plastering apprenticeship JonathanBellPlasteringis alocalbusinessbasedin theDrouinarea,weare lookingforsomeoneto completea4yearapprenticeship.Applicantmust bemotivated,punctual andhardworking.Must haveawhitecardandany adultsrequireadriver's licence.Emailresumeto jonathanbellplastering@ hotmail.com

Contact:JonathanBell 0402639704

1 Tunnel system and 6 manual bays.

About the role

•Ensure effective operation of the car wash facility and delivering the best customer service to customers

•Ensure that the car wash site is well presented and clean

• Conduct scheduled cleaning of all car wash equipment

•The car wash attendant role primarily entails working outside and the attendant must have the ability to work unsupervised with great work ethic

•Greet and interact with customers with a warm smile, ask them what they need & want to get done, and ensure that they are happy and have great experience

• Able to communicate effectively at all levels

•The attendant is required to direct the Driver into the entrance to the car wash or guide them onto tracks.

•Followcompanyandcustomersafetypoliciesandprocedures and communicate effectively at all levels

Skills and experience Previous experience as a carwash attendant is preferable, however not essential. Training will be provided tailored to our specific equipment. Email: geoff@soapyrides.com.au

must: •be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au

include the application number and site address

include the reasons for the objection, and

state how the objector would be affected.

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

V Professional LetterboxDirectory Deliverer DOYOUNEEDEXTRA

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ContactKerri info@mrad.com.auand leaveyourname,contact numberandarea/sof interest.

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

SPORT

Big names back at Berwick

By Marcus Uhe

Club: Berwick

2022: 4-13-1 (11th). Did not qualify for finals in Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division.

Head coach: Clint Evans.

Co-captains: Tom Brennan, Will Arthurson.

Coaching panel: Rob Monk, Riley Heddles, Andrew Morrow, Shannon Bergman.

Ins: Jackson Drake (The Basin), Jordan Roberts (The Basin), Kyle O’Sullivan (Nar Nar Goon), Brad Homfray (Nar Nar Goon).

Outs: Bryce Rutherford (Goulburn Valley Football League), Jahvon Bergman (West Gippsland Football Netball League), Mason Binns (Officer), Angus Clavarino (Officer).

10 to watch: Ashton Williamson, Travis Tuck, Will Arthurson, Jordan Roberts, Caleb Van Oostveen, Benzhamen Todd, Jesse Cirulis, Charlie Muley, Ryan Bromley, Nick Hillard.

Home Ground: Edwin Flack Reserve.

2022 tested all of Clint Evans’ coaching powers, having been dealt a catastrophic hand in the medical room with critical injuries to key players during the year.

ACL tears and broken bones early in the season immediately put them on the back foot, and made putting any sort of consistent form together incredibly difficult, with new players blooded every week in order to continually plug holes at Edwin Flack.

But there’s a renewed sense of optimism and positivity around what a relatively healthy Berwick list can bring to the Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division table in 2023.

While not all the big names will be ready for an immediate return in round one, such as Harrison Money and Tim Gunn...Jesse Cirulis and Jayden Graham are firming for a spot in the team to face Vermont.

It’s something they can use utilise as a weapon - how can their opposition scout for a

EASTERN PREMIER BERWICK - SEASON PREVIEW

FIXTURE

Round 1: Saturday 15 April v Vermont (Away)

Round 2: Saturday 22 April v Noble Park (Home)

Round 3: Saturday 29 April v Doncaster (Home)

Round 4: Saturday 6 May v Blackburn (Away)

Round 5: Saturday 13 May v Doncaster East (Away)

Round 6: Saturday 20 May v Rowville (Home)

Round 7: Saturday 27 May v South Croydon (Home)

Round 8: Saturday 3 June v Balwyn (Away)

Round 9: Saturday 17 June v East Ringwood (Home)

Round 10: Saturday 24 June v Vermont (Home)

Round 11: Saturday 1 July v Norwood (Away)

Round 12: Saturday 8 July v Park Orchards (Home)

Round 13: Saturday 15 July v Doncaster (Away)

Round 14: Saturday 22 July v Noble Park (Away)

Round 15: Saturday 29 July v Balwyn (Home)

Round 16: Saturday 5 August v East Ringwood (Away)

Round 17: Saturday 12 August v Doncaster East (Home)

Round 18: Saturday 19 August v Park Orchards (Away)

squad they’ve hardly seen?

Not only will it be a new-look side that runs-out compared to last year, but the Wicks are still new faces to the EFNL to begin with, having moved from the Outer East Football Netball League in September 2020, and having 2021 curtailed by Covid-19.

Finishing second-last in 2022 meant they avoided relegation to Division One, but should they finish there again this year, they won’t be as lucky, as two clubs are on the relegation

chopping block in Eastern this season.

A win and a draw against a finalist in Blackburn showed what their best could produce last year, but with such a new playing group at his disposal, Evans and his coaching staff will find it hard to use last year as an indication of where they’re at, or what it will mean going forward.

However, positive hitouts against Frankston YCW, Leongatha and Greensborough, in which they managed to hold their own while still awaiting a handful of key players, have the

Wicks ready to bounce the ball for round one.

“From last year, with so many guys that we had out and then so many guys coming in, we’ve changed everything 180 and the way that they’ve been training and playing has been unbelievable to be honest,” Evans said.

“We’re going to make mistakes and everything, but with guys that we’ve still got out, and the kids that have come in, we’ve played three really good sides, I think we’re quite happy with how we’re at.”

Eagles brace for impact of some White-hot recruiting

By David Nagel

Club: Beaconsfield

2022: 6-12 (7th). Eastern Football Netball League Division 1

Head coach: Mick Fogarty.

Assistant Coaches: Dean Ellis (Forwards), Brent Mounter (Defence), Craig Mulcock (Midfield).

Captain: Jake Bowd.

Ins: Brandon White (Devon Meadows – Half Back/Mid), Darren Minchington (De La Salle – Mid/Forward), Josh Mounter (Sturt – Half Back/Mid), Ethan Harris (U19 – Wing), Cory brown (U19 – Forward).

Outs: Robbie McMillan (Travel),Tanner Stanton (Hampton Park), Joel Smith (GembrookCockatoo), Scott Triffitt (Retired), Tyson Robinson (Catani), Declan Everett (Doncaster).

10 to watch: Brandon White, Jake Bowd, Hayden Brough, Sam Merrick, Patrick Gerdan, Declan Curran, Jafar Ocaa, Sam Mackinder, Darren Michington, Josh Mounter.

Home Ground: Holm Park Reserve.

Beaconsfield is looking to build on a steady but unspectacular start to its life in Eastern Football Netball League Division 1.

The Eagles, under highly-regarded coach Mick Fogarty, seemed to have found the perfect fit, finishing seventh last year with six wins from 18 outings.

But its percentage of 98.99 gives a clearer picture of just how competitive the Eagles were after making the move from the Outer East Premier Division.

It just feels right…like the Eagles really belong!

There’s plenty of water to go under the bridge…there always is during a footy season, but you would expect the Eagles to naturally improve this year.

A portion of that improvement will happen organically, with a full season in a new competition under their belt, but the inclu-

sion of class acts in Brandon White and Darren Minchington is an exciting prospect for Fogarty.

It’s a homecoming for White, a local product returning to the club after a season with Devon Meadows in 2022, in the hopes of recapturing the magic of the 2014 premiership he played in as a teenager at Beaconsfield.

“To have Brandon back is terrific get for our footy club,” Fogarty said.

“We obviously missed him last year but he’ll make an enormous difference to us and the way we’ll be able to set the ground up.”

Minchington is also a valuable acquisition, with the Eagles matching opposition midfields on the outside last year, but lacking consistent grunt at the stoppages.

The bigger bodied midfields in Eastern were a concern that Fogarty identified early.

“It’s just strength around the footy,” Fogarty said.

“We got exposed by the opposition’s bigger bodies and we’ve added those two (Minchington and White).

“They’ve come from the highest level so they’ve already ingrained good training habits, standards, and culture and leadership.”

To be competitive the Eagles need a wider spread of goal-kickers, with Matt Johnson (54), Josh Smith (22) and Hayden Brough (20) the only forwards to edge out of singlefigures last year.

Players to keep an eye on this year include Sam Merrick, Sam Mackinder and Declan Curran, young and up-and-coming types

that Fogarty can see having great success at Beaconsfield.

“The development of our kids coming up and the recruitment we had in the off season is really exciting,” he said.

“I can see us hopefully winning more games than last year and giving us a chance to play finals.

“We have got a lot more depth in the midfield and a lot more strength around the contest.”

It’s looking like a very competitive season from the team from Holm Park Reserve.

Beaconsfield skipper Jake Bowd has become a magnificent leader for the

Picture: ROB CAREW

Charlie Muley (right) will be one to watch at Berwick this season. 279901

Picture: ROB CAREW

Dee Delight

By Marcus Uhe

A slow start was not been enough to grind the Casey Demons juggernaut to a halt, claiming their third straight victory to open the VFL season against Frankston on Easter Sunday.

The post-game chocolate eggs will taste all the more sweeter for Taylor Whitford’s men, who held their opponent goalless through the middle two quarters of the contest on their way to a 60-point victory at Casey Fields, 16.13 109 to 7.7 49.

Magpies resilience

By Marcus Uhe

Narre Warren’s netball side is implementing the lessons learnt from last year’s heartbreaking grand final loss to Olinda Ferny Creek, according to coach Erin Bell.

The former Australian representative, who has stepped away from playing this season, said her side struggled to adjust to the torrid weather conditions presented in the decider, and has used that as motivation ahead of their round one Outer East Football Netball League Premier Division A Grade clash with Pakenham.

“It’s about building our toolkit and making sure that when we are put under pressure, or a team throws something at us, or the weather throws something at us, that we want to be prepared for that and we’ve got strategies, and we know that we can work our way through

anything that we’re thrown this season,” Bell said.

“We know what we’re good at, we know we can be fast and play well in the dry.

“It’s about being able to slow it down, mix it up, and be able to adjust to conditions.

“That’s probably our main thing this season.”

Replacing Bell in the goalers circle is Peninsula Waves Goal Shooter Clare Vearing, who’s combination with Chelsea Tonna and Gemma Osborne has Bell excited.

As does the prospects of unheralded defender Taylah Jencke.

“She can kind of go under the radar a little bit but she’s played really well in our practice matches,” Bell said.

“We’re going to try to challenge her a little bit more with her versatility and play a few dif-

ferent positions, so it will be good to see how she goes.”

Despite not playing finals last season, Bell is expecting Pakenham to offer stiff competition in the season opener.

“We had a practice match against them that we did win, but I don’t think they were at full strength, so round one will be interesting.”

“I’m looking forward to playing Berwick now as well.

“They’ve come up to Premier Division now and they were always pretty strong in their division.

“I think all in all we’ll have a good mix of really competitive games that will hopefully make for a good season.”

Saturday’s A Grade clash begins at 3pm at Toomuc Reserve.

Club legend chosen to lead his Panthers

By Marcus Uhe

Dandenong Cricket Club has announced Tom Donnell as its new coach for the next two Premier Cricket seasons.

A veteran of the competition, Donnell brings a wealth of playing experience to the role, having played 20 years of the competition and accumulating 12,000 runs in the process.

“Tom is a Life Member of the Dandenong Cricket Club and now takes on the position of head coach with great enthusiasm, passion, and a vision for the future,” the club said.

“A mentor in his own right, Tom will ensure that all players develop, be competitive and most importantly, enjoy their cricket.”

It’s a tall task for the opening batter, with the proud club coming off one of its worst seasons in recent history, finishing 16th with just two wins.

Donnell replaces Dandenong premiership winning coach Warren Ayres, who resigned from his position in January, before Glenn Marinic took the reigns in an interim capacity

for the remainder of the season.

Donnell and captain Brett Forsyth have been mainstays at the top of the Panthers’ or-

der for a number of years, and were once again their two leading run-scorers in the 2022/23 season, with 463 and 615, respectively.

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A goal to Dolphin Bailey Lambert in the first minute had the Demons on the back foot early, and when he added a second from almost the same spot on the field later in the quarter, it gave the visitors a two-goal cushion to take into the first break. But that was where the excitement dried-up for the Dolphins, who would not put another through the big sticks until early in the fourth quarter. Josh Schache flexed his muscle on the contest, intercepting a rebound 50 that led to a goal for Riley Baldi, before he got the better of his opponent at a boundary throw-in and snapped truly for their fourth of the quarter. Kicking against the breeze, moving the ball out of the back half became harder and harder for the Dolphins as the tall timber for the Demons dissuaded the long kick down the line.

It was a 40-point swing in the second term, as Casey took a 28-point lead into half time. Small forward Harvey Neocleous had a big third quarter, kicking a goal of his own in traffic before finding Miles Shepherd on his own inside 50, who unselfishly spotted Bailey Laurie in the pocket. Laurie found the footy with ease once again, leading all possession winners on the ground with 35 to go with his 29 in round one.

His goal late in the third quarter was Casey’s ninth in a row, and gave the hosts a 49-point lead at the final break, with the gulf between the AFL-aligned and standalone programs on full display.

Frankston finally hit the scoreboard early in the last, and came with a rush of three goals in the first 10 minutes.

Livewire forward Ollie Sestan broke their momentum with a classy goal from a stoppage, before the Demons kicked another five on the bounce to slam the door on the contest. Matthew Jefferson’s good form in front goal continued with another three goals after his four last week, while Schache and Tom Sheridan also finished with three each for Casey.

Franskton’s Beaconsfield pairing of Matt Johnson and Mitch Szybkowski made an impact for the Dolphins, as Johnson kicked a consolation goal towards the end of the game and Szybkowski had 15 disposals. Casey remains at the top of the table after three rounds, ahead of fellow undefeated sides Gold Cast and Brisbane, and take on Essendon at Tullamarine on Sunday.

Tom Donnell will coach Dandenong Cricket Club for the next two seasons. 308814

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Bailey Laurie continues to accumulate big numbers in the Casey midfield. 325648

Picture: ROB CAREW

Narre Warren netball club are determined to avoid scenes like these after last year’s grand final defeat. 299108

Picture: ROB CAREW

Rivals set to lock horns

By Marcus Uhe

The days are getting shorter and colder.

Beanies and puffer jackets are re-emerging from wardrobes after a long-hot summer.

Boots are clean, jumpers are fresh, grass is cut, lines are marked, posts are in.

Saturday afternoon commitments are being wiped from the schedule.

There’s excitement in the air.

Footy’s back, and don’t we love it!

With all AFL footy on in Adelaide this weekend, here’s a great way to spend you Saturday afternoon.

OUTER EAST PREMIER:

Pakenham v Narre Warren

You know it’s a big contest when it gets separate billing from the rest of the round’s fixtures.

Long-time rivals dating back to previous eras and competitions, the two will face-off at Pakenham’s Toomuc Reserve, as the Magpies look to begin their premiership defence on the right footing.

Should the Lions get the chocolates, it will be their first win over the black and white army since round two, 2015 - just shy of eight years to the day.

On that occasion it was Dean Blake, Jake Barclay and Anthony Young among Pakenham’s best, with Jake Smith and Daniel Fry kicking four goals each.

For Pakenham, they’ll be out to make amends for missing out on September action in 2022.

The wide-open expanses of Toomuc won’t offer quite the hurdles for the Magpies that they would for other Outer East clubs based in the Yarra Valley or the Hills, with Kalora Park boasting similar dimensions to the Lions’ den.

But that won’t stop the Lions from using their trademark leg speed and spread from the contest, as they look to make a statement

with the eyes of the Premier Division fairly and squarely on them.

“They’ve been quick and they take it on,” Narre Warren coach Shane Dwyer said of previous Pakenham sides.

“They’re young, they were very young last year and it seemed like they played on every time they could.

“We’ve just got to stop that and hope we can

turn it over and go back.

“That’s the way they played and have for a few years now.”

The Magpies got the better of Pakenham twice last year - once by six goals in a night fixture at Kalora Park, also in round one, and the otheran88-pointthumpingatToomucReserve, as they began to take hold of the competition.

Expect any hint of a premiership hangover

to be pounced on by Ash Green’s men – you can only imagine the reverberations a win over the holders of the championship belt would bring.

“I don’t mind playing the better sides early, just to see where we’re at,” Green said.

“They’re going to be the yardstick again so it’ll be good to see where we’re at.”

The action begins at 2.10pm.

Dandenong Stingrays go two from two in local rivalry

By Jonty Ralphsmith

It was a Good Friday for Dandenong forward Ziggy Toledo-Glasman who starred in the Stingrays 27-point win over Gippsland at Morwell.

Toledo-Glasman had a breakout game, scoring six goals from eight shots on goal, showing his wide skillset.

His first came from a shot around the corner on the stroke of quarter time before kicking the Stingrays’ only three goals of the second quarter.

The undersized key forward took contested marks, lead-up marks, was clean below his knees and played with excellent forward craft throughout the day.

“What he’s been working on is his ability to get up the ground and impact there, but Friday showed where his strengths are – inside 50 when he gets the opportunity,” coach Nick Cox said.

“We delivered the ball a lot better too which always helps, so we’ve worked on that and he’s got stronger and fitter.”

The overaged player, eligible for the midseason draft, is also on Casey’s VFL development list where he has been trialled in the back line in preseason.

Dandenong skipped out to a 19-point quarter-time lead and maintained that level of ascendancy throughout the contest as the visitors had more winners overall on the day.

Kade De La Rue and Cooper Simpson were both very good with their ball-use in the midfield, getting 24 and 28 disposals respectively and each kicking a goal.

Matt Nelson put forward another solid effort, working hard defensively and using the ball well, while Harry DeMattia again played as a midfielder-forward and showed different elements to his game.

Most impressive for Cox was Billy Wilson, a halfback who played on the wing at times on Friday.

The 182-centimetre Wilson who played a lot of Talent League footy last year is one who is hoped can push into Vic Country calcula-

tions, according to Cox.

“His ball use going inside 50 and in our half was impressive,” Cox said.

“I thought he was one of the better players on the back of his kicking ability.

“It was another all-round game. I thought he was a standout on the weekend and his ability to defend and be good in traffic and get out and make good decisions going forward was a good watch.”

Bottom-aged key-position-player Noah Mraz was the standout of the defenders, shutting down his direct opponent.

Fellow 2024 draft-eligible talent Cooper Hynes, Patrick Bloink and Harvey Langford also played well.

Kobe Shipp was cautiously held over coming off a five-day break, but will return when Dandenong play GWV Rebels at Bendigo this week.

AFL Academy player Simpson will miss that clash for Dandenong, with the Academy

having a game in Adelaide during Gather Round.

Skipper Seb Amoroso was the standout for Gippsland, winning 31 possessions as an inand-under midfielder.

Overaged forward Ryan Maric backed up his four goals in round one with 18 disposals, six marks and a goal on the weekend, while Zane Duursma split his time between midfield and attack.

The girls also had a convincing win over the struggling Gippsland Power, getting up 12.13 85 to 1.2 8.

Midfielder Mikayla Williamson was the most impactful player on the ground as the Stingrays beat up Gippsland around the ball.

Williamson finished with 26 disposals while clean bottom-ager Jemma Reynolds and skipper Jemma Ramsdale also contributed to the result.

Brooke Smith, overlooked in the AFLW Supplementary Draft mid-week, put that dis-

appointment to one side and produced another stellar performance in the forward half.

Part of plenty of attacking chains, she finished with 2.3 from her 18 disposals, while also laying a game-high 13 tackles.

Being a Gippsland defender in recent weeks has been a tough gig, but Siena Lane was again one who gave her all, finishing with 19 disposals.

Vic Country midfielder Ash Centra also found plenty of the footy and was important in rebounding from the back half for the Power.

Both teams also used the occasion to raise funds for the Good Friday appeal.

The Power girls will now go back to community football for several weeks, with their next game not until Sunday 21 May.

That is against Northern Territory Thunder at Trevor Barker Beach Oval and is an excellent opportunity for Gippsland to compete with a side which faces similar issues to them regarding depth.

Dandenong’s girls’ next match is on Friday night at Shepley Oval against the undefeated Oakleigh.

It will be an interesting test after Josh Moore’s team has fallen short against the similarly strong Geelong and Eastern.

The boys have Bendigo, which possesses Harley Reid, arguably the most talented player in the league, away next Sunday.

Ziggy Toledo-Glasman celebrates his fifth goal - in the third quarter. 328562 Pictures: JAZZ BENNETT

The girls even the ledger at 2-2 after a win over Gippsland.

Pakenham will look to break a seven-year drought when the Lions host Narre Warren on Saturday. 275020 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS