EHD Star Journal - 25th April 2023

Grow and thrive in Casey

With buzzing suburban communities, beautiful scenery and coastal towns just a short drive away, what’s not to love about the City of Casey?

While Casey residents are likely to be aware of the many perks and benefits of living in the region, this feature showcases the best aspects of life in Casey. From the great education options and local businesses to leisure services and retail sectors, Casey really has it all.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 392,000 people are forecast to call the City of Casey home in 2023. It is the most populous council area in the state, and that number is forecast to hit 551,304 by 2041, a staggering increase.

Over the next 18 years, two fifths of Casey’s population growth will occur in Clyde and Clyde North.

In 2022, 45 per cent of Casey households were couples with children – compared to 33 per cent in greater Melbourne.

The council area is one of the most diverse in Australia with 42 per cent of residents born overseas and spanning more than 150 nationalities. The top three overseas countries of birth are India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

More than three quarters of residents have at least one parent born overseas or were born overseas themselves.

There are more than 100 faiths observed in Casey – the most common being Catholic, Islam and Hindu.

Of the region’s 185,286 employed residents, 86,995 people living in Casey were employed in the city in 2021. The largest number of people were employed in healthcare and social assistance at 15,134 jobs between 2020 and 2021.

Other main areas of employment are retail trade at 14,331, education and training at 12,139 and construction at 9,269.

Many of the businesses are locally owned. In 2021 there were 27,320 businesses in the City of Casey and the Gross Regional Production was $11.49 billion – about 2.4 per cent of Victoria’s GRP.

Construction was the most productive industry in the City of Casey between 2020-2021, generating $1,268 million.

GARDENS AND OUTDOOR DESTINATIONS

The City of Casey has an abundance of parks, playgrounds and open spaces to enjoy.

Whether you visit the 1001 Steps at Bayview Park in Narre Warren South, Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick, Akoonah Park Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne or the Hallam Valley Trail, you’ll have a myriad of options to choose from. From family friendly to physical activities, the City of Casey has all you need.

EDUCATION

The City of Casey has a network of great education options that include Catholic schools such as St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, St Catherine’s Primary School in Berwick, Mary MacKillop Primary School in Narre Warren and St Paul Apostle North and South Primary Schools in Endeavour Hills.

The City of Casey also has a range of government schools on offer to parents with the catchment area. These include James Cook Primary School, Oatlands Primary School, Berwick Lodge Primary School and Cranbourne Park Primary School.

Secondary students also have a variety of education options, including Casey Grammar School, St Francis Xavier College Berwick, Beaconhills Christian College, Heritage College, Hampton Park Secondary College and Alkira Secondary College.

The City of Casey is also fortunate to have Dandenong Valley SDS,a school dedicated to students aged from pre school to 18 years with intellectual disabilities. The purposebuilt school caters for every one’s needs, with various play areas including a bike track, sensory rooms and outdoor spaces, multipurpose rooms, paramed offices,a hydrotherapy room and a range of therapists on hand.

Endeavour Hills Specialist School opened in 2022. It caters for up to 288 students with learning neighbourhoods for early years, middle years and senior years, a dry lab for media, drama and physical activities and a wet lab for art, science, home-craft and technology.

There is on-site speech pathology, occu-

pational therapy, music therapy, a psychologist and a therapy dog Frankie the miniature schnauzer.

The state-of-the-art facility also has a gymnasium, full-size outdoor play court and soccer pitch.

HEALTH

Residents are serviced by a network of healthcare providers led by general practitioners and allied health professionals such as radiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists, audiologists and podiatrists.

Casey Hospital provides a comprehensive range of health services for the rapidly growing communities of Melbourne’s southeast. In 2022, the State Government announced Casey and Werribee Mercy hospitals would share $236 million to double their emergency departments. The 229-bed hospital expanded in 2020, adding 12 intensive care unit beds, 128 inpatient beds, 12 day surgery beds and four new operating theatres.

SPORT

The City of Casey has long been a hub of sporting activity in Melbourne’s southeast.

Casey Fields is the region’s premier sports and recreation precinct, home to Melbourne City Football Club and the Melbourne Demons AFL/AFLW teams. It also regularly hosts cricket, rugby, athletics and BMX events televised nationally. Boasting more than 30 fields, tracks and courts across its 87 hectares, there is also a dedicated train station in the works for Casey Fields as a part of the Clyde Rail extension.

City of Casey intends to finish construction of Casey Fields Soccer Stage 2 in the upcoming financial year, while lobbying for funding for Casey Fields Soccer Stage 3.

In its draft budget, the council proposes a $1.23 million renewal of Casey Fields’ athletic track.

Locals and visitors have the option to check out the Endeavour Hills Skate Park, which opened in 2020 as a part of the Endeavour Hills Community Precinct Project. It includes more than 865 square metres of terrain including bowls for skateboards and a street course, a new playground, lawn area, gymnastics and parkour equipment, and terraced landscaping.

Casey Stadium has also undergone an $18

million investment from the City of Casey in partnership with the state government. Launched in 2017, the redevelopment features five new courts, spectator seating, a multipurpose room, additional parking, a cafe as well as new change rooms and toilets.

THE FUTURE

The future looks bright for the growing shire as new road, school and infrastructure projects progress over the next few years.

In City of Casey’s recent Shape Our City engagement, residents nominated open space and recreation, climate change and environment, transport, infrastructure and safety as their most important issues.

Roads and parks were particular priorities.

The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) prepares Precinct Structure Plans (PSP) for Melbourne’s growth areas, with 16 PSP areas in the City of Casey. A council advocacy plan promotes future planning and development of the remaining growth areas of Casey, while the plan encourages innovative planning approaches that respond to community needs and ultimately work toward the goal to help create Australia’s most liveable city.

Picturesque High Street, Berwick.

Delilah from Cranbourne with a guinea pig and a chook at Myuna Farm’s mobile ark. 271571

Casey’s Daniel Turner and Sydney’s Joel Amartey fly high at Casey Fields. 296136 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

FOCUS ON … SHOWCASING CASEY

The First Casey Scout Group at an Akoonah Park swap meet. 317973

Picture: ROB CAREW

Walking along with wattle, Cardinia Street Nature Reserve, Berwick. 294092

Lilly, 9, from Narre Warren South at Wilson Botanic Park. 288615

Mum Alex Jennings with Riley.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Ann Keys from the Berwick Show Society Committee on her famous bike.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Silks nears a big welcome

The evolution of Silks Cranbourne will open to the public on 1 May following the completion of the latest round of renovations.

Located at 1475 South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne, Silks will boast a dedicated sports bar and function room to complement its expansive bistro and recreational facilities.

“We’re delighted that our Stage 2 renovations are nearing completion and we look forward to welcoming members and guests back to Silks Cranbourne,” said Luke King, general manager of Silks Cranbourne.

“Since we opened a little more than 12 months ago, Silks Cranbourne has built a reputation as the premier entertainment venue in Cranbourne and these latest works will allow us to provide our members and guests an even better dining and entertainment experience.”

The opening of the sports bar will provide patrons the space to enjoy their favourite sports and racing events, while the new function space will be able to accommodate events for up to 80 people, seated.

In addition, the renovation will allow for an expansion of the venue’s popular bistro offering.

The highly regarded Silks Cranbourne bistro menu offers an expansive range of dishes catering for all palates, while its seniors meals are widely regarded as among the best value in Melbourne’s south east.

“Our chef Indi and his team take great pride in the preparation and presentation of every meal served at Silks,” King said.

“Dining out should be an experience and our staff is dedicated to making sure guests enjoy every minute of their time at Silks Cranbourne.”

Membership of Silks Cranbourne is free and members will enjoy discounts on food

and beverages in venue, accrue membership points that can be redeemed on in-venue rewards, and soon will have the chance to win in the weekly member’s draw.

Between 17 April and 12 May members can go into the draw to win up to 300,000 membership points.

Also if you purchase a main meal in the bis-

tro with your membership card between 1 May and 14 May you can go into the draw to win a private sanctuary experience at the Peninsula Hot Springs – the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.

Silks Cranbourne has built a towering reputation since opening a year ago.

Silks’ new sports bar is set to open in May.

Silks Cranbourne’s bistro menu satisfies every palate.

ON … SHOWCASING

Clients first for loyal team

Michael Muaremov & Associates is what you would call a family-oriented firm with its clients’ interests at heart.

“It is obvious to everyone around him that Michel has a passion, drive and care, which leaves clients with smiles on their faces every time they leave his office,” office manager Kyle Pritchard says.

“No one is a number in the business, everyone is looked after like a family.”

It’s a team of ‘happy accountants’ at the Beaconsfield firm.

“We all smile everyday and enjoy coming to work,” Mr Pritchard says.

“Most of us are in here an hour early to ensure that we are always on top of the clients information as well as ASIC and ATO.”

The practice was tested to breaking point during Covid-19, especially Michael who spent several stints in hospital.

“He fought through the hardest time because of his drive and love for the clients that he has known for over 23 years spurs him on,” Mr Pritchard says.

“It gets him up and doing what he loves doing and will always enjoy serving his clients.”

Michael paid tribute to his family’s support during a “very difficult period”, including wife Merita who came back to the business until new suitable staff were trained and hired.

“With finally the right people coming into my life in the practice, after being so challenged and pushed to breaking points too many times to remember, my faith in humanity has been restored.

“My decision not to give up was around my commitment to my loyal clients of more than several decades, who have been so supportive and understanding.”

In the meantime, Michael’s family were

blessed with two proud moments.

His elder daughters Fabiola and Deanna were married to two amazing men Arton and Theo. “They are the sons we never had,” Michael says.

Michael, Merita and youngest daughter Le-

onora have been downsizing to spend more time in Melbourne and their farm in Mansfield.

“We’re paving the way for the next chapter with our family. We’re preparing for grandchildren and being called nana and grandad or maybe pop, not sure.”

During the new year, the office has also had a change of layout with a client lounge and a more client-focused experience.

“We’ve closed the old chapter and starting a new one with the next generation,” Mr Pritchard says.

Proudly Servicing and Supporting Casey-Cardinia for over 22 years

Michael and Merita Muaremov are looking ahead after recent challenges. 329954

Stihl the one for the job

Stihl Shop Hallam is a one-stop-shop for all outdoor power equipment needs. As a Stihl elite dealer, they stock the majority of available Stihl products.

They stock Toro and Masport ride on and push mowers, Duetscher chipper shredders, Cromellin generators, spare parts, as well as all oils and fuels you could need.

As well as stocking the best brands, they offer a full range of service and repair options for most makes a models; from domestic to commercial, they can look after it all. Three Stihl gold-trained technicians are among the staff

as well as a gold-trained Husqvarna technician.

The showroom will impress, with plenty of stock on hand to suit everyone’s needs from the smallest home gardens to professional users. Stihl Shop Hallam is easy to find with direct access to the Princes Highway, and has been in the same spot for over 17 years.

Visit them at 4/261 Princes Hwy, Hallam, Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm and Saturday 8.30am-1pm.

For enquiries, call 9702 4764 or email sales@ stihlshophallam.com.au

CASEY

Looking ahead with hope

There’s a lot of doom and gloom in the air about the state of affairs in our schools.

There are, unquestionably, grounds for great concern – and I don’t need to rattle off all the reasons to you as I’m as sure as I can be, that you would have a pretty fair idea of the challenges we are facing in schools today.

They’re not unlike those in almost all workplaces in society.

Having said that, however, life goes on and parents, quite rightly, want assurances that their children are receiving the best education in the circumstances.

By the way, that’s always been the case, it’s just that the circumstances vary from time to time.

We happen to live in a time no like other, in our lifetime – semi-post pandemic with the backwash of all the disruption and suffering that the pandemic has created.

I was asked by someone recently as to whether there was any hope looking forward, given the depressing situation, particularly in staffing in our schools currently.

My rather glib answer was that there was much about which to be hopeful, on the basis that things couldn’t get much worse!

We had a chuckle about that, yet my comment was not without some merit.

Throughout history, adversity has been the catalyst for change – improvement.

That has been an essential component in the fabric of humanity’s growth and development.

We have learnt so much from the harrowing experience of the pandemic on our schools.

Yes, we have lost staff.

Yes, there is an ongoing shortage of

teachers applying for principal positions.

Yes, many children have suffered socially and emotionally as well as academically.

Yes, parents have suffered in many ways too and many are doing it very hard every day.

Nonetheless, we’ve learnt to better use technology than before – remote learning left us with no choice but to upskill systemically, across and within schools and rapidly.

The importance of sound social and emotional skills has always been known, but the pandemic put that into even sharper focus and innovative programs are springing up everywhere to better embed those skills in our children.

The pandemic has forced schools and parents to worker so much closer in a sustained way than ever before.

It wasn’t always easy – parents, in particular, were juggling work and supporting their children’s learning on a daily basis often under great stress.

The outcome, I believe, is a stronger basis on which schools and families can work together in the best interests of the children.

All of that, and more, gives me great cause to look forward to the remainder of the year with hope and enthusiasm.

Henry Grossek, Principal, Berwick Lodge Primary School

The team at Stihl Shop Hallam - Andrew, Daniel, Cole, Darren and Jacob. 326621

Stylish trends in NY hands

New York Barbers in Berwick have seen a shift in men’s hair trends in 2023, with longer hairstyles that incorporate movement and flow becoming more popular.

The new trend is all about longer hairstyles that are longer on the sides, allowing men to showcase their natural texture and movement. This allows for more versatility in styling, as men can wear their hair in a variety of ways.

Curly hair is also making a comeback, with many men embracing their curls and letting them come through in their hairstyles. This is a departure from the traditional approach of trying to tame curly hair with short, cropped styles, and instead celebrates the natural texture and movement of curly hair.

The mullet, a hairstyle that has been around for decades, is still going strong, however, it is now being updated with more length and texture, making it a more modern and versatile style.

Short fades are still popular, but some men are opting for a less drastic approach by not going as short on the sides, their haircuts last longer and provide more styling options.

This allows men to have a cleaner and more polished look, while still maintaining some length and texture. For those who want a simple yet sharp hairstyle, short, cropped styles are also proving popular.

These styles are easy to maintain and style, making them perfect for those who want a nofuss approach to their hair. You can contact New York Barbers on 9707 2215 or through email at info@newyorkbarbers.com.au

Whether it’s curly hair, mullets, short fades, or short, cropped styles, there is something for everyone looking to update their look this year.

If you’re looking to switch up your hairstyle, head to your local barber and ask for one of these trendy looks.

New York Barbers in Berwick.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

They are staying on top of the new trends in men’s hair.

AAAA all the way to learn

By Dr Annette Rome, St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar*

We’ve have had a flying start to the year with amazing student successes across our four ’As’, which is the framework we use to deliver a holistic education from ELC to VCE. The four A’s are: Academics, artistry, athleticism (sport) and adventure.

· Let’s start with Academics. We have celebrated our Class of ‘22s fantastic VCE results.

Our two Duxes both achieved ATAR results above 99.13 per cent of our students achieved an ATAR above 97; and perhaps more impressive than that is that 60 per cent of all students, in our non-select entry school, achieved an ATAR above 85.

We have a diverse student body, where each student has their own talents which we aim to foster.

So, while we always aim for students to achieve their academic best, we recognise that this means different things for different students, and this is why we invest heavily in our careers team. This professional team work with our academic teams and individual students to ensure every student has a pathway to what they want to do after school, be that university, a trade or the army.

So, I’m proud to say that 95 per cent of all students were offered places in their top three course choices.

These wonderful VCE results were backed up with the release of our latest NAPLAN results, which saw our junior school and senior schools perform in the top 1 per cent of reported schools in the country.

· When I look at Athleticism, we have seen success across the board with strong participation and competition in our school’s

house swimming and athletics carnivals.

Strong competition in our sporting associations Girls School Victoria (GSV) and Southern Independent Schools (SIS) as well as outstanding results from our elite athletes, who have been competing at representative level, nationally and internationally in a diverse range of sports including cycling, athletics, swimming, tennis, basketball and volleyball.

It’s not lost on me that not having Saturday sport at SMBG really allows our students to thrive in their other passions and sporting endeavours.

· When thinking about Artistry we have seen two standout events.

Our junior school students in Years 2 to 6 recently performed a Music Soiree, which included our junior choirs, two junior string ensembles and two very accomplished solo performances from our junior school music captains.

It was so pleasing to see our youngest musicians and dancers shine on stage!

Speaking of stages, we have also had four public performances of our senior school musical Grease, in addition to multiple community performances. Set in the round, I think this was one of the most outstanding pieces of amateur musical theatre I have ever seen. Around 80 per cent of all our senior school students are engaged, in some way with the performing arts, and this production led by our Maestro Marten Visser, has allowed so many participants and stars to shine.

I would also note that from an academic music and performance perspective two of our students received their LMusA Diplomas this term. Just phenomenal!

· Finally, Adventure. We have seen a range of camps, outdoor learning experiences and leadership opportunities undertaken in term one.

2023 Scholarship Program is Open for Applications

We have redesigned our scholarship program in 2023 to reflect our 4As, so that we can award talented individuals cross a range of disciplines including academic, sport, art and design, leadership, dance and music

To find out more and to apply please visit our website or use the QR Code

These have included Year 10 students out studying coastal and environmental management, historic walks through Berwick, amazing speakers at assemblies as well as senior school students and political leaders passing on their leadership practice to junior school students.

This is a snapshot of some of the pursuits, learning and sports achievements from this busy term. There are many more and I hope that I can provide you further updates as the year progresses.

*Dr Annette Rome is the principal of St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, a diamond model school that offers coeducation in the junior school, single gender education on dedicated campuses in senior school along with a senior college that brings some coeducational learning opportunities at VCE to maximise subject choices and prepare students for their next step in life.

Grease the Musical was an example of Artistry at St Margaret’s.

Students excel at Athleticism.

Paint pot and pop a pizza

After the success of its Narre Warren store, the family-owned Paint a Pot is now making a tasty expansion.

Opening in Fountain Gate shopping centre by mid this year will be a new, fresh conceptPaint a Pot & Pizzeria.

This new location will bring together art and food together in the most exciting kind of way. Once open, the new store will keep its core business of pottery painting, kids parties, adult and kids art workshops and introduce an authentic Italian pizzeria.

Visitors will be able to experience the traditional Canotto-style pizza as a part of a beautifully curated menu by Italian head chef Krizan Popov.

You are sure to have a blast with the family by painting pottery, enjoying some pizza, pasta, cocktails and the best St. Ali coffee in town.

Best of all, adults and kids will be able to dabble in the fun of making pizza and pasta for birthdays and group events.

Stay tuned on Paint a Pot’s website and socials for more information.

Dress up warm at Harry’s

Winter is here at Harrys, with themes of autumn winter tones of khaki, rusty tobacco and neutral tones dominating the range that, as always, is hand selected from the best and latest current fashion. Stocking mens urban fashion and dress clothing in labels including Kiss Chacey, Nena and Pasadena, Industrie, Nana Judy, English Laundry, Nomadic Paradise, Riders by Lee, Bamboozld, Brakeburn and many more.

Additionally Harry’s stocks ties, belts, handkerchiefs and headwear keeping customers accessorised.

Open seven days a week at 9 Loveridge Walk, Berwick. Call 9796 2777 or visit harrysclothing.com.au

Harry at Harry’s Clothing.

Build with a trusted local

Build with a trusted local, Rawdon Hill and build with confidence

Rawdon Hill Homes is a 100% Australian owned local builder still going strong and proudly building family homes in South East Melbourne.

They have grown sustainably over the last 46 years, focusing on creating one exceptional home at a time, not volume output.

As a long-time member of the HIA, each Rawdon Hill home is built to the highest quality and their Premium Range comes as standard.

A local team all under one roof Rawdon Hill demonstrate commitment to local customers, staff and product providers. Whilst other builders have recently been adversely affected, Rawdon Hill is trading as usual; with no impact to their customers, production and local supply chain.

Rawdon Hill Homes will walk with you every step of the way to realise your dream home.

Customers can choose from a growing range of floor plans to suit their budget. The best thing Rawdon Hill provides their customers, however, is price transparency; you are handed the keys for the price quoted.

Peter Grant, General Manager of Rawdon Hill Homes says, “We can say with absolute certainty that we will proudly finish every single home in our strong pipeline, guaranteed”. Two new displays in Clyde North Coming soon

They have five stunning display homes, and two new designs launching in Clyde North next month which are set to inspire! Call Rawdon Hill Homes consultants on 1800 314 737 or visit rawdonhill.com.au for display opening times. rawdonhill.com.au.

Build with a trusted local, Rawdon Hill and build with confidence.

ON … SHOWCASING CASEY

Open day at Brentwood

Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House (BPNH) in Berwick has been a constant support for the local community for over 13 years and the Open Day on Saturday 29 April will be a chance for the community to come and see everything the centre has on offer.

In 2022 the centre’s use expanded with a range of new hirers along with new programs being run.

A constant program for Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House is their playgroup which runs 5 sessions a week.

With the leadership of facilitator Veronica, the program regularly has a waitlist.

As a Neighbourhood house the centre strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for all of the community the gather in and use.

Since 2022 a priority of the team has been to minimise social isolation.

Programs such as Mums & Women’s fitness, yoga, craft and easy English and our children’s art classes have given many of our community ways to connect.

To build on these growing programs and new connections the BPNH team are ready to go for this year’s Open Day on Saturday 29 April from 10am until 2pm.

With face painting, fire engine, market stalls, food vans and performances, it is going to be a great day to see what is on offer in our local area!

Jo the manager of BPNH said, “we want the Open Day to be a block party for all of our community to enjoy, we had over 500 people attend last year’s event, we can’t wait to see many more join us this year.”

As always, the House is open for our community to pop in and see the facilities and let the team know what they want from the House.

Sat.

If you have a skill you can share or have an interest you want to learn more about, let the team know and they will do everything they can to make it happen.

You can contact BPNH through email on admin@bpnh.org.au or through mobile on 8743 0671.

Jewel in Village’s crown

Berwick Village Jewellers is carrying on a 40-year tradition as a family-owned business.

Just like the original owners, James and Kay Drysdale, the current owners Anthony and Sylvia continue to deliver the same family values.

Anthony and Sylvia have been in the jewellery and watch industry for more than 30 years.

Their knowledge of watches and jewellery is second-to-none, with Anthony being a fully-qualified watchmaker and jeweller.

When you walk into Berwick Village Jewellers, rest assured that you will be well looked after.

Located in Blackburne Square in Berwick, it specialises in handcrafted engagement rings, wedding rings as well as Swiss watch repairs.

Handcrafted engagement and wedding rings are Berwick Village Jewellers’ specialty.

Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House is hosting an Open Day on 29 April. Pictures: SUPPLIED

The open will include market and food stalls, face painting and local performances.

Lifestyle Berwick Waters

Lifestyle Berwick Waters is a little hub of serenity positioned in Melbourne’s thriving South East.

The community provides the very best in modern, independent living with a fabulous social and active lifestyle for homeowners to enjoy and thrive.

Lifestyle Berwick Wates offers the over 50’s affordable luxury living, with low maintenance homes and 5 star resort-style facilities.

Homeowners have exclusive access to an architecturally designed, modern clubhouse, indoor heated pool and spa, fully-equipped gym, bowling green, private cinema and more.

There are endless opportunities to try new things, socialise or get active with activities such as yoga, aerobics classes, dancing, woodworking, seminars and other social calendar events.

Nature enthusiasts, will love nearby Wilson Botanic Park with its wonderful walking tracks, surrounded by plants and native wildlife. Of course, you can easily pass the day away within the community with exclusive access to fabulous facilities including pool, gymnasium and cinema plus there are beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces to explore.

Purchasing a home at Lifestyle Berwick Waters provides an outstanding opportunity to join a vibrant and contemporary community.

Lifestyle Berwick Waters is perfect for people looking for an affordable downsizing option close to home. “We’ve found that people are looking for options that help them live close to their kids and grandkids.

Lifestyle Berwick Waters offers people the chance to release money tied up in their exist-

ing home and enjoy a fresh new lifestyle in a secure community environment.” Says Belinda, our Lifestyle Consultant. With homes ready to move in to and no

stamp duty, council rates, or body corporate fees you may find that now is the perfect time to make the move.

It’s time to experience the best in affordable

over 50s living within a secure, gated community. To find out more about Lifestyle Berwick Waters, call 1300 50 55 60 or visit lifestylecommunities.com.au

Find your downsizing

It’s time to experience the best in affordable over 50s living at Berwick Waters.

Toys for creative minds

Located on High street in Berwick is a unique gem, Imagine It Toys – a local family-owned toy store. It’s the kind of store you could spend hours in and still find something new every time you visit.

What makes Imagine It Toys different is the emphasis they put on quality toys and educational play.

Every corner of this store offers a special and diverse range of options that suit a variety of play interests and needs.

You will find craft toys for creative minds, science toys for budding engineers, plenty of sensory play and a wide selection of toys to encourage STEAM play (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).

This makes this local toy store the perfect place to take children of any age to let them explore, be creative and have a bit of educational fun.

The goal of the owners and their knowledgeable staff is always the same – to bring smiles to the faces of children.

With the time, care and consideration put into stocking quality educational toys, their goal is more than just fulfilled, it’s their calling card.

So, if you are ever in the market for quality, educational and STEAM-focused toys, this local family- owned toy store should be at the

top of your list.

Recently coming under new ownership and being rebranded to Imagine It Toys, if you haven’t visited for a while come and see the exciting changes in store…online to come soon.

Alternatively if you are a local school, childcare or kindergarten looking for educational supplies and creative play, we are local looking to support local businesses and the community.

Rise to your challenges at St Francis Xavier College

At St Francis Xavier College education seeks to invite all students to rise to the challenge of becoming young men and women of conscience, competence and compassion. We offer so many opportunities to deepen our students’ faith and their awareness of the message of Jesus. Helping them discover more about what and whom they are called to be.

Who knows what our students will achieve in their lives? One thing is certain; they will achieve more if they can feel the nurturing influence of family and school working in harmony. How can we work together to give each student a greater chance of success in an everchanging world of work? We believe the keys to success in the 21st century are:

· Be connected

· Know yourself

· Know how to learn

· Be involved in what is going on around you

· Be open to change

Put together, these five points will assist each student to be adaptable enough to thrive in the midst of change. Students have a better chance of flourishing in our College if there is a complete partnership between home and school.

Our College’s programs, facilities and processes are designed to enable our students to flourish through the many learning pathways on offer from Years 7 to 12, including Extension Academies from Year 8, Learning Adjustment programs, Foundation VCAL at Year 10 with VCAL and VCE pathways for Years 11 and 12.

As they strive to become successful young adults, they represent the best of their families, and the example of so many who have passed through the gates of this College over the years. Know that we will be working to keep the richness of our learning environment vibrant and contemporary. At St Francis Xavier College, we work to offer broadening experiences inside our three campuses through building a deep sense of connection to Care Group, House and Campus, at the same time working to create a sense of belonging to our College.

This commitment is how we will build a community and create independent and successful learners who are encouraged to pursue their passions within their schooling experience.

We invite you to consider calling us into partnership in your great role as parents, guardians and carers.

Imagine It Toys features a wide range of softtoys. 330356

Jessica gets immersed in Imagine It Toys. 330356

SmALL bUSiNeSS

THe HeART OF CASeY

Brember Funerals

As a Melbourne-based funeral home, Brember Family Funeral Directors has over 36 years of collective experience supporting families through the loss of loved ones. Directed by Chris Brember, the team prides itself on delivering services that are affordable but still of the highest quality service.

Brember Family Funerals’ mission is to provide dignity, respect and professional care at all times and to honor the life of your loved one. Regardless of your religious or cultural requirements, Brember Family Funerals will help you to celebrate your loved one. 20/167 Princes Highway, Hallam.

· Visit www.bremberfamilyfunerals.com.

Lava Cafe

With a menu to cater for just about anyone, Lava Cafe has a great selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner items for you to choose from. With a friendly team of staff who are more than happy to help customers, the cafe also caters to a wide variety of dietary requirements.

Lava Cafe’s passion is to deliver a truly unique experience, using real food made in-house by real people, often using local produce. 25 High Street, Berwick. Function rooms available ring to book or enquire (03) 9707 4446 or visit www. lavainberwick.com.au

Berwick Footwear

Berwick Footwear has been your local footwear expert for over 40 years, as an Australian owned and operated business. Believing in quality service and quality footwear for everyone, Berwick.

Footwear offers dress shoes, slippers, boots, slip-ons, orthotics, sneakers and everything in between. Visit the friendly team at Berwick Footwear. 2/52 High Street, Berwick.

· Phone (03) 9707 1506 or visit www.berwickfootwear.com.au.

Unique Curtains

When investing in custom made curtains, blinds or accessories, you deserve personalised service. As an owner operated business, customers have the benefit of dealing directly with Amanda, an expert in her trade. Providing one-on-one consultations from start to finish, you’ll receive excellent quality products and friendly service. Whether you are looking

for a bold and bright finish or something more subtle, Unique Curtains have a vast range of choices. 9 Blackburne Square, Berwick. Phone (03) 9707 3577 or visit www.uniquecurtainsvic. com.au.

A Touch of Dutch

Beginning in 2009 with the retail store’s opening, it soon became apparent that A Touch of Dutch’s customers and the wider community wanted more. The online store was revamped in 2017, adding improved stock integration with the physical store, better courier prices, a wider product range and a new website.

Now, A Touch of Dutch is proud to show the community what modern Dutch food is all about. 3 & 4, 48-50 High Street, Berwick.

· Phone (03) 9707 2542 or visit www. atouchofdutch.com.au.

Go Vita

As a well-known and established health food shop in Blackburne Square, Ross and Lynda have owned Go Vita Berwick since 2012, and the store has run for 40 years.

Both Ross and Lynda have a background in the wellness industry.

Go Vita is all about expert advice and exceptional customer service, whether it’s cosmetics, vitamins, food or nutrition, the store has qualified staff members to assist you on your health journey. 10 Blackburne Square, Berwick.

· Phone (03) 9707 1148 or visit www.govitaberwick.com.au.

The Departure Lounge Travel & Cruise

Located at 96A High Street Berwick and are rated as the best agents in the local area.

“We take pride and are passionate about creating beautiful itineraries for our clients and making your travel dreams a reality. Travel is not only an investment of money but more to the point, your time. With so much information available online, it is easy to think that you may get the best deal doing it yourself, but that isn’t always the case. Trust in our expertise to take care of everything from start to finish.”

Contact the team to arrange an appointment by calling: 9769 5722 or email: enquiries@tdlb.com.au or log into our website for lots of info plus live and amazing cruise deals – hundreds of last minute or early booking bonus’s to be found.

Grow and thrive in Casey

With buzzing suburban communities, beautiful scenery and coastal towns just a short drive away, what’s not to love about the City of Casey?

While Casey residents are likely to be aware of the many perks and benefits of living in the region, this feature showcases the best aspects of life in Casey. From the great education options and local businesses to leisure services and retail sectors, Casey really has it all.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 392,000 people are forecast to call the City of Casey home in 2023. It is the most populous council area in the state, and that number is forecast to hit 551,304 by 2041, a staggering increase.

Over the next 18 years, two fifths of Casey’s population growth will occur in Clyde and Clyde North.

In 2022, 45 per cent of Casey households were couples with children – compared to 33 per cent in greater Melbourne.

The council area is one of the most diverse in Australia with 42 per cent of residents born overseas and spanning more than 150 nationalities. The top three overseas countries of birth are India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

More than three quarters of residents have at least one parent born overseas or were born overseas themselves.

There are more than 100 faiths observed in Casey – the most common being Catholic, Islam and Hindu.

Of the region’s 185,286 employed residents, 86,995 people living in Casey were employed in the city in 2021. The largest number of people were employed in healthcare and social assistance at 15,134 jobs between 2020 and 2021.

Other main areas of employment are retail trade at 14,331, education and training at 12,139 and construction at 9,269.

Many of the businesses are locally owned. In 2021 there were 27,320 businesses in the City of Casey and the Gross Regional Production was $11.49 billion – about 2.4 per cent of Victoria’s GRP.

Construction was the most productive industry in the City of Casey between 2020-2021, generating $1,268 million.

GARDENS AND OUTDOOR DESTINATIONS

The City of Casey has an abundance of parks, playgrounds and open spaces to enjoy.

Whether you visit the 1001 Steps at Bayview Park in Narre Warren South, Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick, Akoonah Park Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne or the Hallam Valley Trail, you’ll have a myriad of options to choose from. From family friendly to physical activities, the City of Casey has all you need.

EDUCATION

The City of Casey has a network of great education options that include Catholic schools such as St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, St Catherine’s Primary School in Berwick, Mary MacKillop Primary School in Narre Warren and St Paul Apostle North and South Primary Schools in Endeavour Hills.

The City of Casey also has a range of government schools on offer to parents with the catchment area. These include James Cook Primary School, Oatlands Primary School, Berwick Lodge Primary School and Cranbourne Park Primary School.

Secondary students also have a variety of education options, including Casey Grammar School, St Francis Xavier College Berwick, Beaconhills Christian College, Heritage College, Hampton Park Secondary College and Alkira Secondary College.

The City of Casey is also fortunate to have Dandenong Valley SDS,a school dedicated to students aged from pre school to 18 years with intellectual disabilities. The purposebuilt school caters for every one’s needs, with various play areas including a bike track, sensory rooms and outdoor spaces, multipurpose rooms, paramed offices,a hydrotherapy room and a range of therapists on hand.

Endeavour Hills Specialist School opened in 2022. It caters for up to 288 students with learning neighbourhoods for early years, middle years and senior years, a dry lab for media, drama and physical activities and a wet lab for art, science, home-craft and technology.

There is on-site speech pathology, occu-

pational therapy, music therapy, a psychologist and a therapy dog Frankie the miniature schnauzer.

The state-of-the-art facility also has a gymnasium, full-size outdoor play court and soccer pitch.

HEALTH

Residents are serviced by a network of healthcare providers led by general practitioners and allied health professionals such as radiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists, audiologists and podiatrists.

Casey Hospital provides a comprehensive range of health services for the rapidly growing communities of Melbourne’s southeast. In 2022, the State Government announced Casey and Werribee Mercy hospitals would share $236 million to double their emergency departments. The 229-bed hospital expanded in 2020, adding 12 intensive care unit beds, 128 inpatient beds, 12 day surgery beds and four new operating theatres.

SPORT

The City of Casey has long been a hub of sporting activity in Melbourne’s southeast.

Casey Fields is the region’s premier sports and recreation precinct, home to Melbourne City Football Club and the Melbourne Demons AFL/AFLW teams. It also regularly hosts cricket, rugby, athletics and BMX events televised nationally. Boasting more than 30 fields, tracks and courts across its 87 hectares, there is also a dedicated train station in the works for Casey Fields as a part of the Clyde Rail extension.

City of Casey intends to finish construction of Casey Fields Soccer Stage 2 in the upcoming financial year, while lobbying for funding for Casey Fields Soccer Stage 3.

In its draft budget, the council proposes a $1.23 million renewal of Casey Fields’ athletic track.

Locals and visitors have the option to check out the Endeavour Hills Skate Park, which opened in 2020 as a part of the Endeavour Hills Community Precinct Project. It includes more than 865 square metres of terrain including bowls for skateboards and a street course, a new playground, lawn area, gymnastics and parkour equipment, and terraced landscaping.

Casey Stadium has also undergone an $18

million investment from the City of Casey in partnership with the state government. Launched in 2017, the redevelopment features five new courts, spectator seating, a multipurpose room, additional parking, a cafe as well as new change rooms and toilets.

THE FUTURE

The future looks bright for the growing shire as new road, school and infrastructure projects progress over the next few years.

In City of Casey’s recent Shape Our City engagement, residents nominated open space and recreation, climate change and environment, transport, infrastructure and safety as their most important issues.

Roads and parks were particular priorities.

The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) prepares Precinct Structure Plans (PSP) for Melbourne’s growth areas, with 16 PSP areas in the City of Casey. A council advocacy plan promotes future planning and development of the remaining growth areas of Casey, while the plan encourages innovative planning approaches that respond to community needs and ultimately work toward the goal to help create Australia’s most liveable city.

Picturesque High Street, Berwick.

Delilah from Cranbourne with a guinea pig and a chook at Myuna Farm’s mobile ark. 271571

Casey’s Daniel Turner and Sydney’s Joel Amartey fly high at Casey Fields. 296136 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

FOCUS ON … SHOWCASING CASEY

The First Casey Scout Group at an Akoonah Park swap meet. 317973

Picture: ROB CAREW

Walking along with wattle, Cardinia Street Nature Reserve, Berwick. 294092

Lilly, 9, from Narre Warren South at Wilson Botanic Park. 288615

Mum Alex Jennings with Riley.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Ann Keys from the Berwick Show Society Committee on her famous bike.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Silks nears a big welcome

The evolution of Silks Cranbourne will open to the public on 1 May following the completion of the latest round of renovations.

Located at 1475 South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne, Silks will boast a dedicated sports bar and function room to complement its expansive bistro and recreational facilities.

“We’re delighted that our Stage 2 renovations are nearing completion and we look forward to welcoming members and guests back to Silks Cranbourne,” said Luke King, general manager of Silks Cranbourne.

“Since we opened a little more than 12 months ago, Silks Cranbourne has built a reputation as the premier entertainment venue in Cranbourne and these latest works will allow us to provide our members and guests an even better dining and entertainment experience.”

The opening of the sports bar will provide patrons the space to enjoy their favourite sports and racing events, while the new function space will be able to accommodate events for up to 80 people, seated.

In addition, the renovation will allow for an expansion of the venue’s popular bistro offering.

The highly regarded Silks Cranbourne bistro menu offers an expansive range of dishes catering for all palates, while its seniors meals are widely regarded as among the best value in Melbourne’s south east.

“Our chef Indi and his team take great pride in the preparation and presentation of every meal served at Silks,” King said.

“Dining out should be an experience and our staff is dedicated to making sure guests enjoy every minute of their time at Silks Cranbourne.”

Membership of Silks Cranbourne is free and members will enjoy discounts on food

and beverages in venue, accrue membership points that can be redeemed on in-venue rewards, and soon will have the chance to win in the weekly member’s draw.

Between 17 April and 12 May members can go into the draw to win up to 300,000 membership points.

Also if you purchase a main meal in the bis-

tro with your membership card between 1 May and 14 May you can go into the draw to win a private sanctuary experience at the Peninsula Hot Springs – the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.

Silks Cranbourne has built a towering reputation since opening a year ago.

Silks’ new sports bar is set to open in May.

Silks Cranbourne’s bistro menu satisfies every palate.

ON … SHOWCASING

Clients first for loyal team

Michael Muaremov & Associates is what you would call a family-oriented firm with its clients’ interests at heart.

“It is obvious to everyone around him that Michel has a passion, drive and care, which leaves clients with smiles on their faces every time they leave his office,” office manager Kyle Pritchard says.

“No one is a number in the business, everyone is looked after like a family.”

It’s a team of ‘happy accountants’ at the Beaconsfield firm.

“We all smile everyday and enjoy coming to work,” Mr Pritchard says.

“Most of us are in here an hour early to ensure that we are always on top of the clients information as well as ASIC and ATO.”

The practice was tested to breaking point during Covid-19, especially Michael who spent several stints in hospital.

“He fought through the hardest time because of his drive and love for the clients that he has known for over 23 years spurs him on,” Mr Pritchard says.

“It gets him up and doing what he loves doing and will always enjoy serving his clients.”

Michael paid tribute to his family’s support during a “very difficult period”, including wife Merita who came back to the business until new suitable staff were trained and hired.

“With finally the right people coming into my life in the practice, after being so challenged and pushed to breaking points too many times to remember, my faith in humanity has been restored.

“My decision not to give up was around my commitment to my loyal clients of more than several decades, who have been so supportive and understanding.”

In the meantime, Michael’s family were

blessed with two proud moments.

His elder daughters Fabiola and Deanna were married to two amazing men Arton and Theo. “They are the sons we never had,” Michael says.

Michael, Merita and youngest daughter Le-

onora have been downsizing to spend more time in Melbourne and their farm in Mansfield.

“We’re paving the way for the next chapter with our family. We’re preparing for grandchildren and being called nana and grandad or maybe pop, not sure.”

During the new year, the office has also had a change of layout with a client lounge and a more client-focused experience.

“We’ve closed the old chapter and starting a new one with the next generation,” Mr Pritchard says.

Proudly Servicing and Supporting Casey-Cardinia for over 22 years

Michael and Merita Muaremov are looking ahead after recent challenges. 329954

Stihl the one for the job

Stihl Shop Hallam is a one-stop-shop for all outdoor power equipment needs. As a Stihl elite dealer, they stock the majority of available Stihl products.

They stock Toro and Masport ride on and push mowers, Duetscher chipper shredders, Cromellin generators, spare parts, as well as all oils and fuels you could need.

As well as stocking the best brands, they offer a full range of service and repair options for most makes a models; from domestic to commercial, they can look after it all. Three Stihl gold-trained technicians are among the staff

as well as a gold-trained Husqvarna technician.

The showroom will impress, with plenty of stock on hand to suit everyone’s needs from the smallest home gardens to professional users. Stihl Shop Hallam is easy to find with direct access to the Princes Highway, and has been in the same spot for over 17 years.

Visit them at 4/261 Princes Hwy, Hallam, Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm and Saturday 8.30am-1pm.

For enquiries, call 9702 4764 or email sales@ stihlshophallam.com.au

CASEY

Looking ahead with hope

There’s a lot of doom and gloom in the air about the state of affairs in our schools.

There are, unquestionably, grounds for great concern – and I don’t need to rattle off all the reasons to you as I’m as sure as I can be, that you would have a pretty fair idea of the challenges we are facing in schools today.

They’re not unlike those in almost all workplaces in society.

Having said that, however, life goes on and parents, quite rightly, want assurances that their children are receiving the best education in the circumstances.

By the way, that’s always been the case, it’s just that the circumstances vary from time to time.

We happen to live in a time no like other, in our lifetime – semi-post pandemic with the backwash of all the disruption and suffering that the pandemic has created.

I was asked by someone recently as to whether there was any hope looking forward, given the depressing situation, particularly in staffing in our schools currently.

My rather glib answer was that there was much about which to be hopeful, on the basis that things couldn’t get much worse!

We had a chuckle about that, yet my comment was not without some merit.

Throughout history, adversity has been the catalyst for change – improvement.

That has been an essential component in the fabric of humanity’s growth and development.

We have learnt so much from the harrowing experience of the pandemic on our schools.

Yes, we have lost staff.

Yes, there is an ongoing shortage of

teachers applying for principal positions.

Yes, many children have suffered socially and emotionally as well as academically.

Yes, parents have suffered in many ways too and many are doing it very hard every day.

Nonetheless, we’ve learnt to better use technology than before – remote learning left us with no choice but to upskill systemically, across and within schools and rapidly.

The importance of sound social and emotional skills has always been known, but the pandemic put that into even sharper focus and innovative programs are springing up everywhere to better embed those skills in our children.

The pandemic has forced schools and parents to worker so much closer in a sustained way than ever before.

It wasn’t always easy – parents, in particular, were juggling work and supporting their children’s learning on a daily basis often under great stress.

The outcome, I believe, is a stronger basis on which schools and families can work together in the best interests of the children.

All of that, and more, gives me great cause to look forward to the remainder of the year with hope and enthusiasm.

Henry Grossek, Principal, Berwick Lodge Primary School

The team at Stihl Shop Hallam - Andrew, Daniel, Cole, Darren and Jacob. 326621

Stylish trends in NY hands

New York Barbers in Berwick have seen a shift in men’s hair trends in 2023, with longer hairstyles that incorporate movement and flow becoming more popular.

The new trend is all about longer hairstyles that are longer on the sides, allowing men to showcase their natural texture and movement. This allows for more versatility in styling, as men can wear their hair in a variety of ways.

Curly hair is also making a comeback, with many men embracing their curls and letting them come through in their hairstyles. This is a departure from the traditional approach of trying to tame curly hair with short, cropped styles, and instead celebrates the natural texture and movement of curly hair.

The mullet, a hairstyle that has been around for decades, is still going strong, however, it is now being updated with more length and texture, making it a more modern and versatile style.

Short fades are still popular, but some men are opting for a less drastic approach by not going as short on the sides, their haircuts last longer and provide more styling options.

This allows men to have a cleaner and more polished look, while still maintaining some length and texture. For those who want a simple yet sharp hairstyle, short, cropped styles are also proving popular.

These styles are easy to maintain and style, making them perfect for those who want a nofuss approach to their hair. You can contact New York Barbers on 9707 2215 or through email at info@newyorkbarbers.com.au

Whether it’s curly hair, mullets, short fades, or short, cropped styles, there is something for everyone looking to update their look this year.

If you’re looking to switch up your hairstyle, head to your local barber and ask for one of these trendy looks.

New York Barbers in Berwick.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

They are staying on top of the new trends in men’s hair.

AAAA all the way to learn

By Dr Annette Rome, St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar*

We’ve have had a flying start to the year with amazing student successes across our four ’As’, which is the framework we use to deliver a holistic education from ELC to VCE. The four A’s are: Academics, artistry, athleticism (sport) and adventure.

· Let’s start with Academics. We have celebrated our Class of ‘22s fantastic VCE results.

Our two Duxes both achieved ATAR results above 99.13 per cent of our students achieved an ATAR above 97; and perhaps more impressive than that is that 60 per cent of all students, in our non-select entry school, achieved an ATAR above 85.

We have a diverse student body, where each student has their own talents which we aim to foster.

So, while we always aim for students to achieve their academic best, we recognise that this means different things for different students, and this is why we invest heavily in our careers team. This professional team work with our academic teams and individual students to ensure every student has a pathway to what they want to do after school, be that university, a trade or the army.

So, I’m proud to say that 95 per cent of all students were offered places in their top three course choices.

These wonderful VCE results were backed up with the release of our latest NAPLAN results, which saw our junior school and senior schools perform in the top 1 per cent of reported schools in the country.

· When I look at Athleticism, we have seen success across the board with strong participation and competition in our school’s

house swimming and athletics carnivals.

Strong competition in our sporting associations Girls School Victoria (GSV) and Southern Independent Schools (SIS) as well as outstanding results from our elite athletes, who have been competing at representative level, nationally and internationally in a diverse range of sports including cycling, athletics, swimming, tennis, basketball and volleyball.

It’s not lost on me that not having Saturday sport at SMBG really allows our students to thrive in their other passions and sporting endeavours.

· When thinking about Artistry we have seen two standout events.

Our junior school students in Years 2 to 6 recently performed a Music Soiree, which included our junior choirs, two junior string ensembles and two very accomplished solo performances from our junior school music captains.

It was so pleasing to see our youngest musicians and dancers shine on stage!

Speaking of stages, we have also had four public performances of our senior school musical Grease, in addition to multiple community performances. Set in the round, I think this was one of the most outstanding pieces of amateur musical theatre I have ever seen. Around 80 per cent of all our senior school students are engaged, in some way with the performing arts, and this production led by our Maestro Marten Visser, has allowed so many participants and stars to shine.

I would also note that from an academic music and performance perspective two of our students received their LMusA Diplomas this term. Just phenomenal!

· Finally, Adventure. We have seen a range of camps, outdoor learning experiences and leadership opportunities undertaken in term one.

2023 Scholarship Program is Open for Applications

We have redesigned our scholarship program in 2023 to reflect our 4As, so that we can award talented individuals cross a range of disciplines including academic, sport, art and design, leadership, dance and music

To find out more and to apply please visit our website or use the QR Code

These have included Year 10 students out studying coastal and environmental management, historic walks through Berwick, amazing speakers at assemblies as well as senior school students and political leaders passing on their leadership practice to junior school students.

This is a snapshot of some of the pursuits, learning and sports achievements from this busy term. There are many more and I hope that I can provide you further updates as the year progresses.

*Dr Annette Rome is the principal of St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, a diamond model school that offers coeducation in the junior school, single gender education on dedicated campuses in senior school along with a senior college that brings some coeducational learning opportunities at VCE to maximise subject choices and prepare students for their next step in life.

Grease the Musical was an example of Artistry at St Margaret’s.

Students excel at Athleticism.

Paint pot and pop a pizza

After the success of its Narre Warren store, the family-owned Paint a Pot is now making a tasty expansion.

Opening in Fountain Gate shopping centre by mid this year will be a new, fresh conceptPaint a Pot & Pizzeria.

This new location will bring together art and food together in the most exciting kind of way. Once open, the new store will keep its core business of pottery painting, kids parties, adult and kids art workshops and introduce an authentic Italian pizzeria.

Visitors will be able to experience the traditional Canotto-style pizza as a part of a beautifully curated menu by Italian head chef Krizan Popov.

You are sure to have a blast with the family by painting pottery, enjoying some pizza, pasta, cocktails and the best St. Ali coffee in town.

Best of all, adults and kids will be able to dabble in the fun of making pizza and pasta for birthdays and group events.

Stay tuned on Paint a Pot’s website and socials for more information.

Dress up warm at Harry’s

Winter is here at Harrys, with themes of autumn winter tones of khaki, rusty tobacco and neutral tones dominating the range that, as always, is hand selected from the best and latest current fashion. Stocking mens urban fashion and dress clothing in labels including Kiss Chacey, Nena and Pasadena, Industrie, Nana Judy, English Laundry, Nomadic Paradise, Riders by Lee, Bamboozld, Brakeburn and many more.

Additionally Harry’s stocks ties, belts, handkerchiefs and headwear keeping customers accessorised.

Open seven days a week at 9 Loveridge Walk, Berwick. Call 9796 2777 or visit harrysclothing.com.au

Harry at Harry’s Clothing.

Build with a trusted local

Build with a trusted local, Rawdon Hill and build with confidence

Rawdon Hill Homes is a 100% Australian owned local builder still going strong and proudly building family homes in South East Melbourne.

They have grown sustainably over the last 46 years, focusing on creating one exceptional home at a time, not volume output.

As a long-time member of the HIA, each Rawdon Hill home is built to the highest quality and their Premium Range comes as standard.

A local team all under one roof Rawdon Hill demonstrate commitment to local customers, staff and product providers. Whilst other builders have recently been adversely affected, Rawdon Hill is trading as usual; with no impact to their customers, production and local supply chain.

Rawdon Hill Homes will walk with you every step of the way to realise your dream home.

Customers can choose from a growing range of floor plans to suit their budget. The best thing Rawdon Hill provides their customers, however, is price transparency; you are handed the keys for the price quoted.

Peter Grant, General Manager of Rawdon Hill Homes says, “We can say with absolute certainty that we will proudly finish every single home in our strong pipeline, guaranteed”. Two new displays in Clyde North Coming soon

They have five stunning display homes, and two new designs launching in Clyde North next month which are set to inspire! Call Rawdon Hill Homes consultants on 1800 314 737 or visit rawdonhill.com.au for display opening times. rawdonhill.com.au.

Build with a trusted local, Rawdon Hill and build with confidence.

ON … SHOWCASING CASEY

Open day at Brentwood

Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House (BPNH) in Berwick has been a constant support for the local community for over 13 years and the Open Day on Saturday 29 April will be a chance for the community to come and see everything the centre has on offer.

In 2022 the centre’s use expanded with a range of new hirers along with new programs being run.

A constant program for Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House is their playgroup which runs 5 sessions a week.

With the leadership of facilitator Veronica, the program regularly has a waitlist.

As a Neighbourhood house the centre strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for all of the community the gather in and use.

Since 2022 a priority of the team has been to minimise social isolation.

Programs such as Mums & Women’s fitness, yoga, craft and easy English and our children’s art classes have given many of our community ways to connect.

To build on these growing programs and new connections the BPNH team are ready to go for this year’s Open Day on Saturday 29 April from 10am until 2pm.

With face painting, fire engine, market stalls, food vans and performances, it is going to be a great day to see what is on offer in our local area!

Jo the manager of BPNH said, “we want the Open Day to be a block party for all of our community to enjoy, we had over 500 people attend last year’s event, we can’t wait to see many more join us this year.”

As always, the House is open for our community to pop in and see the facilities and let the team know what they want from the House.

Sat.

If you have a skill you can share or have an interest you want to learn more about, let the team know and they will do everything they can to make it happen.

You can contact BPNH through email on admin@bpnh.org.au or through mobile on 8743 0671.

Jewel in Village’s crown

Berwick Village Jewellers is carrying on a 40-year tradition as a family-owned business.

Just like the original owners, James and Kay Drysdale, the current owners Anthony and Sylvia continue to deliver the same family values.

Anthony and Sylvia have been in the jewellery and watch industry for more than 30 years.

Their knowledge of watches and jewellery is second-to-none, with Anthony being a fully-qualified watchmaker and jeweller.

When you walk into Berwick Village Jewellers, rest assured that you will be well looked after.

Located in Blackburne Square in Berwick, it specialises in handcrafted engagement rings, wedding rings as well as Swiss watch repairs.

Handcrafted engagement and wedding rings are Berwick Village Jewellers’ specialty.

Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House is hosting an Open Day on 29 April. Pictures: SUPPLIED

The open will include market and food stalls, face painting and local performances.

Lifestyle Berwick Waters

Lifestyle Berwick Waters is a little hub of serenity positioned in Melbourne’s thriving South East.

The community provides the very best in modern, independent living with a fabulous social and active lifestyle for homeowners to enjoy and thrive.

Lifestyle Berwick Wates offers the over 50’s affordable luxury living, with low maintenance homes and 5 star resort-style facilities.

Homeowners have exclusive access to an architecturally designed, modern clubhouse, indoor heated pool and spa, fully-equipped gym, bowling green, private cinema and more.

There are endless opportunities to try new things, socialise or get active with activities such as yoga, aerobics classes, dancing, woodworking, seminars and other social calendar events.

Nature enthusiasts, will love nearby Wilson Botanic Park with its wonderful walking tracks, surrounded by plants and native wildlife. Of course, you can easily pass the day away within the community with exclusive access to fabulous facilities including pool, gymnasium and cinema plus there are beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces to explore.

Purchasing a home at Lifestyle Berwick Waters provides an outstanding opportunity to join a vibrant and contemporary community.

Lifestyle Berwick Waters is perfect for people looking for an affordable downsizing option close to home. “We’ve found that people are looking for options that help them live close to their kids and grandkids.

Lifestyle Berwick Waters offers people the chance to release money tied up in their exist-

ing home and enjoy a fresh new lifestyle in a secure community environment.” Says Belinda, our Lifestyle Consultant. With homes ready to move in to and no

stamp duty, council rates, or body corporate fees you may find that now is the perfect time to make the move.

It’s time to experience the best in affordable

over 50s living within a secure, gated community. To find out more about Lifestyle Berwick Waters, call 1300 50 55 60 or visit lifestylecommunities.com.au

Find your downsizing

It’s time to experience the best in affordable over 50s living at Berwick Waters.

Toys for creative minds

Located on High street in Berwick is a unique gem, Imagine It Toys – a local family-owned toy store. It’s the kind of store you could spend hours in and still find something new every time you visit.

What makes Imagine It Toys different is the emphasis they put on quality toys and educational play.

Every corner of this store offers a special and diverse range of options that suit a variety of play interests and needs.

You will find craft toys for creative minds, science toys for budding engineers, plenty of sensory play and a wide selection of toys to encourage STEAM play (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).

This makes this local toy store the perfect place to take children of any age to let them explore, be creative and have a bit of educational fun.

The goal of the owners and their knowledgeable staff is always the same – to bring smiles to the faces of children.

With the time, care and consideration put into stocking quality educational toys, their goal is more than just fulfilled, it’s their calling card.

So, if you are ever in the market for quality, educational and STEAM-focused toys, this local family- owned toy store should be at the

top of your list.

Recently coming under new ownership and being rebranded to Imagine It Toys, if you haven’t visited for a while come and see the exciting changes in store…online to come soon.

Alternatively if you are a local school, childcare or kindergarten looking for educational supplies and creative play, we are local looking to support local businesses and the community.

Rise to your challenges at St Francis Xavier College

At St Francis Xavier College education seeks to invite all students to rise to the challenge of becoming young men and women of conscience, competence and compassion. We offer so many opportunities to deepen our students’ faith and their awareness of the message of Jesus. Helping them discover more about what and whom they are called to be.

Who knows what our students will achieve in their lives? One thing is certain; they will achieve more if they can feel the nurturing influence of family and school working in harmony. How can we work together to give each student a greater chance of success in an everchanging world of work? We believe the keys to success in the 21st century are:

· Be connected

· Know yourself

· Know how to learn

· Be involved in what is going on around you

· Be open to change

Put together, these five points will assist each student to be adaptable enough to thrive in the midst of change. Students have a better chance of flourishing in our College if there is a complete partnership between home and school.

Our College’s programs, facilities and processes are designed to enable our students to flourish through the many learning pathways on offer from Years 7 to 12, including Extension Academies from Year 8, Learning Adjustment programs, Foundation VCAL at Year 10 with VCAL and VCE pathways for Years 11 and 12.

As they strive to become successful young adults, they represent the best of their families, and the example of so many who have passed through the gates of this College over the years. Know that we will be working to keep the richness of our learning environment vibrant and contemporary. At St Francis Xavier College, we work to offer broadening experiences inside our three campuses through building a deep sense of connection to Care Group, House and Campus, at the same time working to create a sense of belonging to our College.

This commitment is how we will build a community and create independent and successful learners who are encouraged to pursue their passions within their schooling experience.

We invite you to consider calling us into partnership in your great role as parents, guardians and carers.

Imagine It Toys features a wide range of softtoys. 330356

Jessica gets immersed in Imagine It Toys. 330356

SmALL bUSiNeSS

THe HeART OF CASeY

Brember Funerals

As a Melbourne-based funeral home, Brember Family Funeral Directors has over 36 years of collective experience supporting families through the loss of loved ones. Directed by Chris Brember, the team prides itself on delivering services that are affordable but still of the highest quality service.

Brember Family Funerals’ mission is to provide dignity, respect and professional care at all times and to honor the life of your loved one. Regardless of your religious or cultural requirements, Brember Family Funerals will help you to celebrate your loved one. 20/167 Princes Highway, Hallam.

· Visit www.bremberfamilyfunerals.com.

Lava Cafe

With a menu to cater for just about anyone, Lava Cafe has a great selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner items for you to choose from. With a friendly team of staff who are more than happy to help customers, the cafe also caters to a wide variety of dietary requirements.

Lava Cafe’s passion is to deliver a truly unique experience, using real food made in-house by real people, often using local produce. 25 High Street, Berwick. Function rooms available ring to book or enquire (03) 9707 4446 or visit www. lavainberwick.com.au

Berwick Footwear

Berwick Footwear has been your local footwear expert for over 40 years, as an Australian owned and operated business. Believing in quality service and quality footwear for everyone, Berwick.

Footwear offers dress shoes, slippers, boots, slip-ons, orthotics, sneakers and everything in between. Visit the friendly team at Berwick Footwear. 2/52 High Street, Berwick.

· Phone (03) 9707 1506 or visit www.berwickfootwear.com.au.

Unique Curtains

When investing in custom made curtains, blinds or accessories, you deserve personalised service. As an owner operated business, customers have the benefit of dealing directly with Amanda, an expert in her trade. Providing one-on-one consultations from start to finish, you’ll receive excellent quality products and friendly service. Whether you are looking

for a bold and bright finish or something more subtle, Unique Curtains have a vast range of choices. 9 Blackburne Square, Berwick. Phone (03) 9707 3577 or visit www.uniquecurtainsvic. com.au.

A Touch of Dutch

Beginning in 2009 with the retail store’s opening, it soon became apparent that A Touch of Dutch’s customers and the wider community wanted more. The online store was revamped in 2017, adding improved stock integration with the physical store, better courier prices, a wider product range and a new website.

Now, A Touch of Dutch is proud to show the community what modern Dutch food is all about. 3 & 4, 48-50 High Street, Berwick.

· Phone (03) 9707 2542 or visit www. atouchofdutch.com.au.

Go Vita

As a well-known and established health food shop in Blackburne Square, Ross and Lynda have owned Go Vita Berwick since 2012, and the store has run for 40 years.

Both Ross and Lynda have a background in the wellness industry.

Go Vita is all about expert advice and exceptional customer service, whether it’s cosmetics, vitamins, food or nutrition, the store has qualified staff members to assist you on your health journey. 10 Blackburne Square, Berwick.

· Phone (03) 9707 1148 or visit www.govitaberwick.com.au.

The Departure Lounge Travel & Cruise

Located at 96A High Street Berwick and are rated as the best agents in the local area.

“We take pride and are passionate about creating beautiful itineraries for our clients and making your travel dreams a reality. Travel is not only an investment of money but more to the point, your time. With so much information available online, it is easy to think that you may get the best deal doing it yourself, but that isn’t always the case. Trust in our expertise to take care of everything from start to finish.”

Contact the team to arrange an appointment by calling: 9769 5722 or email: enquiries@tdlb.com.au or log into our website for lots of info plus live and amazing cruise deals – hundreds of last minute or early booking bonus’s to be found.

Respect paid

For more, turn to page 9

Anti-racism push

By Sahar Foladi

Racist incidents are significantly under-reported in Greater Dandenong and Casey, according to a recent in-depth study.

The report Towards Improved Anti-Racism Support in Casey and Greater Dandenong conducted by Victoria University in partnership with the two councils was launched on Thursday 20 April at Bunjil Place.

The report consisted of a community survey and 11 peer facilitated focus groups over an 18 month period in 2021 and 2022.

Its key findings were 61 per cent of the people surveyed experienced racism in the past 12 months.

Out of these, 58 per cent of the racist encounters took place in their employment, 47 per cent in shopping centres, 41 per cent in educational and school settings and 38 per cent in public transport and social media.

Common forms of racism were microaggressions, insults, and unfair treatment.

Four-out-of-five respondents who experienced racism did not report it because they didn’t think it would change anything, didn’t

know where to go, had language barriers, didn’t trust existing services or were concerned about negative backlash.

And those who did report racist incidents were disappointed with the reporting experience and outcome.

Associate Professor Mario Peucker said he wasn’t surprised of the report findings.

“The projects ends but the actual work starts now.”

The report concludes with six recommendations to tackle racism.

Some of the recommendations are highlighting multiculturalism, the representation of people from CALD backgrounds and related to this is the lack of representation in leadership roles as an effect of “exclusionary structures and processes and cementing of exclusionary boundaries”.

A “pivotal” and meaningful local antiracism practice in both municipalities is also among the recommendations along with diversifying reporting pathways to meet different needs in different situations of residents.

Continued page 4

Leo Flynn from Resurrection School in Keysborough stands among war veterans at the Anzac Day service in Noble Park on Sunday 24 April. Leo, who is the grandson of Noble Park RSL vice-president Ray McCarthy, masterfully delivered a poem Tribute to Anzac Day during the ceremony at a packed memorial park. A dawn service and 11am march will also take place in Dandenong today, 25 April.

Picture: DALLAS GOLDBURG

Hit-run charges expected

By Sahar Foladi

A 40-year-old Dandenong woman is expected to be charged over a hit-run crash that injured a cyclist in Noble Park.

The woman was interviewed by police on 17 April and later released pending further investigations.

Since then, police said they located and seized further CCTV footage to help determine who was allegedly driving the vehicle at the time.

The Dandenong woman is expected to be charged on summons with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, intentionally causing injury, assault with a weapon, driving in a dangerousmanner, failing to stop after an accident and fail to render assistance after an accident.

The 59 year-old Pakenham cyclist, Robert Clarke, was cycling his way to Dandenong railway station to get to work when he was passed by a 2008-2017 white Mitsubishi Lancer on Douglas Street at 6.40am on Thursday 13 April.

Police allege that the white Mitsubishi Lancer stopped, allowed Mr Clarke to pass on the left hand side, then “deliberately accelerated” and veered to the left, striking Mr Clarke and leaving him injured.

The bicycle was stuck under the front tyre of the white Lancer and dragged for almost 100 metres.

Mr Clarke and his wife Donna were very emotional as they pleaded for public information prior to the woman’s arrest.

“I actually don’t know how he doesn’t even have a broken finger, not even a single broken

bone,” Mrs Clarke said.

As an experienced cyclist, Mr Clarke has been cycling in that area for almost seven years.

“There were dark windows. I heard the acceleration and I just thought here’s another smartass. They’ll just rev, scare me and keep going and the next thing the world is spinning.

“I get a lot of abuse as a cyclist and this one hit.”

The incident was allegedly recorded on dashcam footage by a vehicle behind the Lancer.

Mr Clarke survived the incident, grazed and bruised and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

“I can’t sit down properly. Both cheeks are patched up. I guess I had something in my backpack. I’ve got some internal injury in the

back of my ribcage. I might flinch every now and then,” Mr Clarke said.

For Mr Clarke, this incident triggered unpleasant memories as he tried to hold back tears.

“This emotion in particular goes back to a ride I did in 2017 in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race where a rider was killed and the whole race was cancelled.”

His passion for cycling has not been deterred as he looks forward to his recovery.

“I’ve cycled for many years down highways, remote country roads, things like Pacific Wheel races.

“You know the dangers are there. You keep to the left, do the right things, have helmets, have lights and you respect heavy vehicles.

“If I wasn’t hurting right now and I had a bike I would still ride.”

Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol Sergeant Jerome Ithier, Robert Clarke and Donna Clarke. 329572 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Mr Clarke was left with grazes and bruises after the collision. 329572

Mr and Mrs Clarke were very emotional as they described the incident. 329572

Police and Mr Clarke urge the hit-run driver to turn themselves in. 329572

Ratepayers spared pain

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong residents will be spared the full 3.5 per cent rate rise as the council pulls the “financial reins” in its draft 2023-’24 budget.

Despite economic headwinds and soaring costs, Greater Dandenong Council will charge residents a 1.85 per cent median increase in rates.

Including the waste charge, the median household rates bill will rise from $1459 to $1504 – up $45 or 3.11 per cent.

Overall, the 3.5 per cent rates cap set by the State Government has been applied as an average across all property types.

Farm, industrial and commercial ratepayers will bear the greatest increases of 19.2 per cent, 4.96 per cent and 3.54 per cent respectively.

Mayor Eden Foster said the budget was balancing the protection of ratepayers “feeling the financial strain” with providing longsought community projects.

She said some projects would be delayed because of the challenging financial environment afflicting “all levels of government”.

“We have to pull the financial reins a bit.”

According to budget papers, Greater Dandenong is set to borrow extensively to fund three major projects - the $22m Keysborough South Community Hub, the $98m Dandenong Wellness Centre (the new Oasis) and the $30m Dandenong Community Hub.

They will be funded by nearly $75 million in loans and $34 million from reserves over the next four years.

A council budget report declared the proj-

ects as important for community wellbeing, as well as stimulating local employment, businesses and suppliers.

Greater Dandenong’s proposed $58.3 million capital works program is dominated by big infrastructure, including:

· $11 million for Keysborough South Community Hub

· $5.5 million towards the $98 million Dandenong Wellness Centre

· $3 million for Dandenong New Art gallery

· $1.76 million for detailed design of the Dandenong Community Hub. Roads, footpaths and drainage infrastructure, however, get a major cut in 2023-’24.

This is despite the need to replace 1960s and 1970s infrastructure “beginning to become urgent”.

Greater Dandenong Council expects its debts will reach a height of $104 million in 2027 but remain “within prudential limits”, according to a budget report.

As of June 2022, the council was the second most indebted of Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne, owing about $60 million.

Borrowing costs will also be hit by rising interest rates. About $7.2 million a year is expected to be diverted from capital works to service debt and interest.

Cr Foster noted that interest rates were rising from a “very low” base, and weren’t anywhere near the 17 per cent rate three decades ago.

“We don’t want to stop altogether. There are certain things that the community needs.

“We have significant ageing infrastructure and a need for new community facilities.

“The Dandenong Oasis is so old and it’s costing us so much to run per year. It needs to be replaced.

“With Keysborough South Community Hub, that’s something the community has been waiting for quite some time.

“And again with Dandenong Community Hub, they’ve been waiting a long time for it and that’s in the city’s centre.”

Projecting a $29 million 2023-’24 surplus, the council states that financial stability and sustainability is “one of the highest and most pressing” of its challenges.

It faces increased energy and construction costs, rising wages and widespread skills shortages, as well as being “hurt” by rate capping.

“A devastating pandemic has had an enormous financial impact and a lasting one,” its budget papers state.

“This remains a risk but has been in effect superseded by the cost of living and inflationary pressures which will challenge Council’s financial position and longer-term financial sustainability.

“The key challenge over the next decade will be keeping rates affordable by meeting the rate cap as pressure on other revenue sources combine with key service and construction costs growing quicker than the rate cap.

“Council has the same dilemma as most individuals - it has a limited budget yet many and competing demands on where to allocate its scarce resources.”

Keysborough households will continue to pay the $350 Keysborough Maintenance Levy.

The proposed budget is on public exhibition from 26 April-24 May.

Casey ratepayers can expect rise of up to 3.5 per cent

By Eleanor Wilson

City of Casey residents are expected to be hit with the full 3.5 per cent rates rise, according to the council’s 2023-’24 draft budget.

Council administrators presented a $542.26 million budget plan for public exhibition at the 18 April council meeting.

Administrator Cameron Boardman acknowledged that the increase “is not going to be received well, through some members of the community” but said the council has “little option” but to pass on the rate rise.

“When we have inflationary pressure around seven to eight per cent, and yes thankfully it is trending downwards, but that is being passed on at every level of our administration,” he said.

“So whilst we need to be conscious that we are not overtly disadvantaging the community, we also need to be very conscious of continuing to deliver these services and the expectation of the community, within the challenges of the current economic situation provides.”

Charges over fatal crushing

A gate manufacturing and repair company has been charged by WorkSafe after a truck driver was fatally crushed at a trucking depot in Dandenong South.

Gate Automation Systems Pty Ltd will face a charge of failing to ensure persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.

A 59-year-old man was fatally crushed by a 12-metre-wide automatic sliding gate that fell on him at Membrey’s Transport and Crane Hire on 23 April 2022.

WorkSafe alleges that the repair company had left the gate in an unsafe condition by removing parts so it could only be moved manually and not addressing the risk of the gate falling off its rails.

The case is scheduled for a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 May.

On top of a 3.5 per cent rate increase, residents and ratepayers will also incur about a 6 per cent spike in garbage charges.

The council has attributed the rise to an increase in recycling and green waste costs, heightened service growth, a higher consumer price index and the State Government Landfill Levy.

The draft budget served up a relatively

conservative Capital Works Program for the forthcoming financial year.

The $74.82 million capital works program is about one quarter less than last year’s $102 million budget.

Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said the council will focus on completing unfinished capital works.

“The priority this financial year will be on consolidation; ensuring we complete projects already underway, focusing on renewal of existing infrastructure and assets, and undertaking the necessary detailed design and feasibility work for future capital projects to mitigate escalating costs,” he said.

Cuts to the program are most visible in investments to recreational, casual and leisure facility works, with funding down $42 million last budget, to just over $19 million for 2023/24.

Proposed funding for bridge works will be down from $409,000 to $198,000 and drainage funding will receive a $1 million cut.

Having said this, $1.4 million more will go into roads, and $1.5 million more will go to

parks, open space and streetscapes.

But the draft budget has signalled some reprieve for residents, announcing a relief package for ratepayers which would see the suspension of late payment penalties until 30 June, the deferment of legal action and suspension of interest on approved arrangement to pay plans.

The relief package is set to result in a $600k loss for the council, which will be absorbed within the budget.

In referencing the relief package, Ms Duff acknowledged the “the significant financial hardship that many of our residents and ratepayers have faced in the last 12 months”.

Mr Boardman encouraged struggling residents to approach the council for financial help.

The full suite of draft documents will be on public exhibition until Tuesday 9 May, with a meeting to hear members of the public on 30 May.

To view the documents, head to conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/budget-council-planactions

Narre Warren’s Ray Bastin Reserve is one of the council’s key upgrade projects outlined in the 2023/24 draft Budget plan. 75904

‘I need to stay true’

By Sahar Foladi

Dandenong teacher and Casey resident Inaz Janif was one of the resident-participants in an anti-racism report by Victoria University launched on 20 April at Bunjil Place.

The research consisted of community surveys and 11 peer facilitated focus groups over an 18 month period in 2021 and 2022.

The report found 61 per cent of the respondents experienced racism in the past 12 months.

Ms Janif, a practising Muslim and mother of three, is from a Fijian-Indian background and has lived in Australia ever since she was a baby.

She has been a Casey resident all her life and shared with Star News how she dealt with racism over her lifespan.

“I first encountered it (racism) as a child when our Fijian-Indian community tried to build a masjid (mosque) here in Casey.

“It really upset people in certain parts of the Casey community. That led to really random death threats and phone calls.

“And as much as my family tried to shelter us kids from that you kind of know what’s going on.”

Ms Janif said she has lived, seen and knew many people in the community who’ve had their share of unpleasant encounters with racism.

“You need a very good understanding of how the system works and literacy levels to advocate for yourself,” Ms Janif said.

“I know a lot of people who’ve lived here a long time who’ve been brushed off and were told nothing can be done.”

One of the report findings was four-out-offive respondents who experienced racism did not report it because they didn’t think it would change anything, didn’t know where to go, had language barriers, didn’t trust existing services or were concerned about negative backlash.

And those who did report racist incidents were disappointed with the reporting experience and outcome.

Ms Janif who is also a board member of Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) said racism very much exists within the community.

“What I’ve seen from that time, if anything, is that there’s been an increase and that’s what led me to work around this issue to raise awareness and tell Muslims that they can expect better for themselves.”

ICV is the peak Muslim body in Victoria representing more than 270,000 Muslims via

76 member societies representing over 100 diverse ethnic communities.

ICV also provides advocacy and social welfare services. It recently published a media release on a “vile hate attack” on a Monash University Muslim student.

The incident took place on 10 March on public transport where the Muslim student was verbally and physically assaulted for having the “temerity of defending two Asian high school students riding the same bus”.

While the student stood up for the two Asian students, sadly, no one stood up for her.

“There’s been a big movement to raise awareness that these incidents are happening. That’s why these reports and projects are important,” Ms Janif said.

“Islamophobia is one type of racism and we need to address it as a community so everybody has better opportunity to grow safely.”

According to the anti-racism report, 58 per cent of the racist encounters took place during

the respondents’ employment, 47 per cent in shopping centres, 41 per cent in educational and school settings and 38 per cent in public transport and social media.

Common forms of racism were microaggressions, insults, and unfair treatment.

“They don’t have to normalise this kind of abuse. It can be subtle and extreme and the subtle side is often brushed off,” Ms Janif said.

Straight out of high school Ms Janif applied for a job at a coffee shop but was told she could only have it if she took off her hijab to meet “health requirements.”

“I asked is there something else I could wear? I said can I wear my hijab in a way where it can meet health requirements and they said no.”

Sadly, racist encounters have remained consistent throughout her life as an active member in the community and now her choice to wear her hijab as a Muslim was also affecting her family and children.

The turning point for her was when she took her eldest daughter who was three at the time to the playground one day.

“I took her to the playground and as other parents realised she was my child they told their children not to play with my daughter. I could tell because they stopped playing with her.

“They didn’t know me, all they saw was my appearance.

“I had to make a choice do I change my appearance and beliefs? It’s one thing for it to affect yourself and it’s another when it affects your children.

“I realised I need to stay true to myself and my beliefs and pass that on to my children.”

Dalal Smiley, who is CEO of Wellsprings for Women, said women from CALD backgrounds always share stories of their encounters with racism.

“Yes they don’t report it because I agree with them, it’s a lot of work, you need evidence and to fill out forms.

“So the best way they deal with it is the support they get from each other, coming to Wellsprings and sharing their experiences finding the strength and resilience to stand against racism.

“It’s not about being passive and not about being racist yourself. But how to be anti-racist is proactive work you’ll do individually as a bystander, collectively and institutionally to fight racism and become an example of an inclusive organisation.”

Racism under-reported: a silent majority

From page 1

Mr Peucker and Professor Tom Clark collaborated with community organisations and residents to develop a local ‘roadmap’ of practical ways that reporting and support services could be tailored to the specific needs of local communities.

“We have worked with number of local community organisations who’ve shown interest in becoming involved in the anti-racism support network,” Mr Peucker said.

“They would be the key people to drive this forward, engage with council, local police, the Victorian Human Rights Commission and many others.

“We provided the recommendations but which recommendations are implemented when and how that’s up to others but we’re there to support.”

This is the third VU report of this kind - the first was on City of Wyndham in 2021 and City of Whittlesea in 2022.

Now the VU researchers are scaling up and will be on a two year project reporting on a Victoria-wide approach.

“It’s a bigger project and we hope at the end of this we have the foundation of community inputs that we can actually create these networks across Victoria so that at some point people who’ve experienced racism know where to go, feels comfortable going there and get the support,” Mr Peucker said.

“It’s a pleasure to step back from academic tendencies and listen to communities, let them show us how things are and we can work together to make it better.”

Trafficking ice sees dad jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A drug trafficking dad arrested with more than $58,000 cash in a Springvale Bunnings car park has been jailed for up to nine years.

Dylan Whitfield, 30, pleaded guilty at the County Court of Victoria to trafficking commercial quantities of ice and 1,4-butanediol as well as trafficking ecstasy, burglary and proceeds of crime.

Whitfield had been reported behaving erratically, nearly being hit by a car in the Bunnings car park during the afternoon in late 2020.

Police found him with three phones and $1250 cash.

Inside the Mercedes Benz he had been driving while disqualified, police found bundles of cash and a small bag of ice.

Judge Claire Quin said Whitfield was a “middle-man” in a drug-trafficking network, buying “significant” amounts of ice from convicted associate Alexander Orlov and repackaging them to sale to his own clients.

Orlov has been jailed up to 16 years for his more leading role.

Whitfield was one of Orlov’s “primary customers” and in contact on a daily basis. Police detected transactions totalling at least 840 grams of drugs.

In April 2020, police raided an Air BnB apartment in South Yarra hired by Whitfield.

Police found 4.6 litres of 1,4-butandediol, a safe with bagged-up ecstasy pills as well as an array of drug-preparing equipment linked to the accused.

In June that year, Whitfield and an unknown male stole parcels and attempted to open a key safe in a apartment block’s mail room in Clayton.

Raised in Mulgrave, Whitfield failed to complete an electrician apprenticeship due to drug addiction, Judge Quin noted.

He’d used an array of drugs, including meth from the age of 19.

The latest trafficking occurred shortly after his release from jail, and while on bail.

At the launch were City of Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster, Cr Rhonda Garad, State MP Lee Tarlamis, Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and community organisation leaders.

As a round of personal stories filled the room, Cr Foster shared her experience in facing racism and how as a child she saw her mother told to ‘Go back to where you came from’ at Dandenong Market.

“As a woman of colour I’ve seen and experienced racism. It’s ugly. It’s harmful and totally unacceptable.

“It can be difficult to share your experiences openly. Sometimes it’s about not being seen as complaining.”

Ms Fernando also shared her experience with racism as an 11-year-old. The room was filled with emotional listeners as Ms Fernando teared up.

“No one knew where I was born until I

started this role in the Parliament. No person should lie about where they were born.

“In Australia racism is swept under the carpet. No one talks about it. The six recommendations are key in our fight.

“No way in hell will I let anyone stand over me again, never.”

Cr Garad, who recently shared an incident of alleged racial profiling by police against her daughter, said it was “fantastic to see so many important players involved.”

“I’m really looking forward to the implementation of the recommendations and how the councils will do that in a very effective way.

“Let’s have real difference. I’ll be really keen to shepherd in to make sure it’s a community led initiative and that we really do become models that other councils area can replicate.”

Mr Tarlamis said reports like these are important for communities.

“This research and study will really help us moving forward in terms of next steps and how we can continue to combat racism and discrimination on all levels.

“The facts are that people who’ve been here for so long still aren’t comfortable to report these sorts of incidents. So we need to make it easier to be able to report, that are culturally and language appropriate.

“It’s important that we do call that out at every opportunity and take necessary steps to ensure our community is harmonious.”

Mr Peucker said it’s up to community organisations and the council in how they’ll work with the recommendations provided in the report.

Whitfield submitted that he had been unable to find work at the time due to the Covid pandemic.

Judge Quin noted his early guilty plea, family support, and abstinence from drugs while in custody.

His offending was a “significant stepup” in criminality from his previous drug, dishonesty and weapons offences. Whitfield was jailed up to nine years and one month, with a non-parole period of six-and-a-half years.

His term included 681 days in presentence custody.

He was disqualified from driving for two years.

Inaz Janif a Casey resident, Dandenong teacher, Islamic Council of Victoria board member and mother of three. Picture: sUPPLIeD

The report’s launch event at Bunjil Place on 20 April. Picture: sUPPLIeD

Battlers’ Budget backing

By Sahar Foladi and Cam Lucadou-Wells

Ahead of the Federal Budget, South-East emergency relief services are joining the call for the Government to ditch stage-3 tax cuts in favour of more support for the most vulnerable.

The Government’s own Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee (EIAC) recommended a “substantial” rise in the “seriously inadequate” Jobseeker payments as a high priority for the budget.

The committee also called for an increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance and to reform its “indexation to better reflect rent paid”.

Bakhtar Community Organisation CEO Bassir Qadiri said the current JobSeeker and Youth Allowance rates are below the poverty line.

“As a community organisation we work with individuals and families experiencing financial hardship and we see first-hand the challenges they face in meeting their basic needs.

“Therefore, we believe that increasing the payments would provide much-needed relief for those struggling.”

Bakhtar Community Organisation (BCO) provides range of volunteering services to new arrivals in the country from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

From donating clothes, household items, laptops to interpretation and legal services, BCO is at the forefront to help the community.

Mr Qadiri said the organisation would support any changes that would support single parent families.

However, the government should focus on more pressing issues such as the mental health and affordable housing rather than the multibillion-dollar Stage 3 tax cuts, Mr Qadiri said.

South East Community Links chief executive Peter McNamara said the stage 3 tax cuts offer no help for those battling to keep afloat.

“It’s very clear that Stage 3 tax cuts will only benefit people on high incomes (mostly men). “People earning less than $45,000 will receive nothing.

“They should be scrapped, and the money saved can be put towards targeted support for our most vulnerable community members.”

Demand for emergency relief at SECL has doubled in the past year but funding has decreased by 10 per cent.

“We’re doing everything we can to ensure that we don’t turn people away – but the funding situation is becoming untenable.”

Mr McNamara said more had to be done on the “fundamental problem of not enough affordable housing”.

A backlash of report by Homelessness Australia found students on Youth allowance are surviving on as low as $13 a day after paying rent while a research survey on 365 people on

Jobseeker by ACOSS revealed shocking numbers.

ACOSS has recommended a range of measures for the May Budget which includes increasing income support payments to at least $76 a day including JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy, Special Benefit and Parenting Payment.

Mr McNamara supported the ACOSS campaign for rise in JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and Rent Assistance payments to rise.

“The dire level of JobSeeker and Youth Allowance is acting as a barrier to employment.

“It’s difficult for people to focus on finding a job when they are struggling to meet their basic needs.

“People are sleeping on couches, in cars, and are on the edge of homelessness because they cannot afford rent.”

He said people reporting housing costs as the reason for seeking material aid at SECL has increased by 165 per cent in the past year.

“One client told us he had to make the choice between ‘food to eat or being barefooted’.

“He desperately needed new shoes but after paying rent he was left with just $8 per day for essentials like food, transport and clothes.”

With rents rising off the back of soaring interest rates, Rent Assistance needed to be “doubled” to help people access affordable housing, Mr McNamara said.

He also called for an extension of the singleparent payment to families with children up to 16 years old. Currently it’s paid for children up

to 8 years old.

“This would enable single parents to provide for their children, access affordable childcare and education, and increase their employment opportunities.

“One of our clients is a single mother with seven children who have been on the public housing waiting list for eight months.

“They are currently living in a local motel, which is not a sustainable solution.

“It is clear that more needs to be done to support these families and address the issue of poverty and homelessness in Australia.”

Emergency relief funding should also rise to “stretched-thin” services, Mr McNamara says.

Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) reports that 68 per cent of the 365 Jobseekers surveyed are eating less or skipping meals while 81 per cent are cutting back on meat, fresh fruit, vegetable and other fresh items.

Almost all of the participants said the inability to cover the cost of living harmed their mental health with 68 per cent have difficulty getting medications or medical care due to the increase in costs.

ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie said income support levels are woefully inadequate and must be raised.

“In the past 12 months the costs of food, rent and energy have all surged by double digits.

“This has meant that people on JobSeeker and related payments cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or

healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills.

“No one should have to choose between food and medicine, but these are exactly the choices being forced on people in Australia, one of the world’s wealthiest nations.

“The only way to address this problem is to deliver a real increase to JobSeeker and related payments so that they are lifted to at least the same level as the pension.”

ACOSS also recommended doubling Commonwealth Rent Assistance, establish disability and illness supplement of at least $55 a week to recognise the additional costs that people with disability and chronic illness face and establish a single parent supplement.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth formed the EIAC, which is comprised of social security and economics experts, unions, business groups, philanthropy and others.

In a joint media release in response to the EIAC report, Mr Chalmers and Ms Rishworth said, “While we can’t fund every good idea, there will be measures in the May Budget to address disadvantage.

“This will include energy bill price relief that prioritises those on payments and pensions.

“Some of the Committee’s 37 recommendations will be considered as part of other government processes that are currently underway, such as the development of the Employment White Paper, the Measuring What Matters Statement and the Early Years Strategy.”

Step towards cure for incurable, rare genetic disorder

By Sahar Foladi

Children’s Tumour Foundation has launched its first Step towards the Cure challenge - a call to action for those who’re suffering from neurofibromatosis (NF).

The rare genetic disorder causes benign tumours on the nerves and grows on parts of the body including the skin.

There’s 10,000 Australians with NF who face are stuck with the lifelong disease with no cure or limited treatment options.

Step towards the Cure is a virtual challenge for everyone no matter where they are to sign up and walk, stride, ride or roll a distance of choice.

All donations will contribute to NF research.

CTF is seeking to raise in excess of $100,000 to support local research.

Dandenong resident Cassie Pike has had the Type 1 condition since she was 18 months old after a health nurse checked and questioned her cafe-au-lait spots.

“When I was a kid, it was like roll it (NF) out in different versions of the word,” Ms Pike said.

That’s when the surgery phase began for Ms Pike to remove the nerve tumours from her body with the first surgery at the age of seven on her knee.

Her most recent surgery was in 2019 when she had a large lump removed from her neck.

“I really struggled. My main chemo was on my right leg and went over my knee. I never owned shorts till I was 16 years old because I didn’t want people to stare at it, you can notice it straight away.”

The surgery she had at the age of 16 led her down the path of self-confidence.

“I got to the point where I said I don’t care. If I think I look nice then if people are going to stare they can stare that’s okay. They’re confused about what they’re seeing.”

Now at the age of 28 with a fiance, a corporate job and a positive group of friends, Ms Pike wants to help increase the awareness around NF with organisations like Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF).

CTF hopes to help those who’re mostly affected by the disorder.

Details: stepstowardsacure.com.au

South East Community Links chief executive Peter McNamara says proposed Stage 3 tax cuts will do nothing for those struggling financially. 325518

Picture: ROB CAREW

Cassie with her fiance.

Lane steps to foreground

By Emily Chapman Laing

A local animation wizz has hit the big screen.

Lyndhurst local Jasmine Lane, 18, is having her short film ‘I’m a Background Character’ shown in ACMI.

Jasmine says her film is a “parody” of the stereotypical superhero and villain story.

The film centres on a faceless background character and his rise from nothing into the hero arc.

Using the contrast of vibrant colour and detail for the “main characters” and greyscale for the background characters, Jasmine is able to demonstrate the perceived hierarchy of characters in the story form, and to challenge it.

“The twist was that I put the focus on the background character,” she said.

“I had the hero and villain in colour with these flashy designs, and everyone else was greyscale because they’re not meant to have any focus on them, they have no purpose or meaning in the story.

“A random background character with no relevance breaks the story.”

Jasmine graduated VCE in 2022 at Casey Grammar.

The film was created as part of Jasmine’s Year 12 Media Studies class.

As part of the VCE Season of Excellence 2023, Jasmine was urged by one of her teachers to submit her film to ACMI’s Top Screen.

“I wasn’t planning to submit it, but my media teacher told me something like this would make it to the top, so I thought it’s worth a shot,” Jasmine said.

Over 300 films were submitted for the award and Jasmine’s made it to the top 15.

“A while later, they said ‘Congratulations, you made it in, you’ve been selected to be screened at ACMI’ and I’m like, wow, that happened,” Jasmine said.

“It’s a little hard to comprehend, I wasn’t really processing how big that was.

“Then on the actual day, the room is full of people and it’s a really huge screen.”

‘I’m a Background Character’ is being screened at the ACMI Top Screen Gala until 28 April.

Jasmine’s history with this short film spans back to 2018, when she first had the idea and created her first artistic rendering of the featureless-background-character-turned-hero.

The film was created using 2D animation and Jasmine had to draw each and every frame.

“I have to redraw the characters over and over again, then add the colour, add the line art, the effects and all the lighting, so it’s a time

consuming process,” Jasmine said.

Jasmine was inspired by the stunning animations in her favourite anime, Mob Psycho 100.

“It has incredibly storytelling and incredible animation,” she said.

“They have these sequences where they use ink on glass and they shift it around to create these ghostly effects.

“I think it’s very cool.”

Jasmine has been “geeking out” over animation for years, when she first picked up the hobby of 2D drawing and animation.

In Year 11, Jasmine made another short

film, ‘Focus’, which showed her experience with ADHD.

“That one was a lot less polished,” she said.

“It was all black and white with thick messy line art. I thought it worked well for the theme.”

Jasmine is now completing her undergraduate degree in animation at RMIT.

She says she plans to make it her career.

“It’s really cool to be able to see the characters moving and doing things.

“It never gets old.

“It’s like wow, I did that, they’re alive.”

Jasmine Lane is an 18-year-old animation lover.

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Armed carjacker is guilty

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A former foreman has pleaded guilty to a carjacking in which he allegedly rammed the victim’s vehicle and wielded a crowbar outside a Dandenong workshop late at night.

Ian James Stanton, 44, potentially faces a minimum mandatory three years’ jail after pleading guilty to aggravated carjacking with an offensive weapon.

He also pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to attempted theft of a different car, handling stolen goods and trafficking methamphetamine.

According to the prosecution, Stanton with a co-accused female carried out the carjacking late at night in Greaves Street Dandenong on 17 May 2021.

Sitting in his Hyundai just after work, the victim was on his phone to family members in Afghanistan.

As the female co-accused spoke with the victim, Stanton reversed a Holden Jackaroo into the victim’s car.

When the victim got out, Stanton allegedly beat him several times with a crowbar before chasing him down the road in the Jackaroo.

The co-accused followed in the victim’s Hyundai.

Both of the accused were on bail, including a night curfew at the time, according to prosecutors.

They were arrested the next day at a Doveton home, with police discovering nine plastic bags of ‘ice’.

According to Stanton’s defence lawyer, the carjacking took place due to the co-accused’s “completely misplaced belief” that the victim had offended against her.

In a statement, the victim in his 30s told the court he’d suffered physically, emotionally and financially as a result of the carjacking.

He’d assumed he’d be “safe” in Australia but his trust and confidence had eroded into a state of fear, flashbacks and anxiety.

The victim stated he suffered ongoing lower back pain from a displaced disc in his spine.

Once able to take 20-kilometre treks, the father has to take breaks during short walks and can no longer carry his kids on his shoulders.

His business partnership had collapsed and he couldn’t pay rent or “basic needs” for his family due to not being able to work.

World Cup beckons for Hill

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Dandenong Tennis Club’s young star Yassin Hill is packing his bags for the World Team Cup finals in Portugal.

The big-serving 16-year-old from Kilsyth is part of Australia’s wheelchair tennis juniors team, which is defending its world title from 1-7 May.

“It’s the highlight of my career. I can’t wait, it will be good fun.”

He joins close rivals Jin Woodman from Sunbury and Ben Menzel from Queensland, along with captain Greg Crump, talking on USA, Great Britain, Netherlands, France, Argentina, Belgium and Brazil.

“These kids will be the best that every country can send. We’re not expecting it to be easy, we’re expecting a few challenges but we hope to go a long way.”

Ranked 10 in juniors, Yassin was excited to be taking part in his second overseas event this year.

He enjoyed his first taste at the Junior Masters in France in January, in which he made the doubles semi-finals.

“I had a great time with the team. It was a great experience, something I’d never done before.”

Yassin comes from a fine racquet-sport lineage, following on from his father Anthony – a champion squash player who rose to No.4 in the world.

And he has enjoyed a meteoric rise since starting wheelchair tennis as a nine-year-old.

A keen watcher spotted him playing in Boronia and identified him as a promising talent to Australian captain Greg Crump.

Wheelchair tennis is gruelling on the shoulder, back and neck but also requiring sharp thought, technique and ball-placement, Yassin says.

His main weapon is definitely his first serve, he says. He either drives it into his opponent or smacks it out to their backhand.

With the 2028 Olympics in his sights, Yassin aims for more consistency, to cut out the “cheap errors” in his game.

He trains up to six times a week, including Melbourne Park as well as Saturdays with coach Rob Hilbig at Dandenong Tennis Club.

Hopefully, he’ll soon be playing for Australian Open titles at Melbourne Park, he says.

Yassin is also regarded as a highly talented VWFL player for his beloved Hawthorn Football Club.

In his first season as a 15 year old, he took out the Hawks’ best-and-fairest.

He says there’s some cross-over between the two sports, being able to push and manoevre a wheelchair with agility.

But which does he prefer?

“I’m going to be paid more playing tennis, but if VWFL was to pay more I’d chose VWFL,” the devoted Hawks fan said.

“It feels that my life is upside-down.

“I fear I can no longer afford to live here and that I will need to take my children who grew up here to an unsafe place such as Afghanistan.”

The victim’s injuries were a contested issue, with his victim impact statement describing injuries additional to his police statement.

According to the prosecution summary, the victim suffered only soft-tissue injuries to his head, back and abdomen.

Stanton’s defence barrister argued that the injuries weren’t supported by any medical documents.

Further, Stanton pleaded guilty to a charge of carjacking while wielding an offensive weapon rather than with causing injury.

Stanton faced a mandatory minimum jail term of three years.

Prosecutor Philip Teo said no special reason existed to exempt Stanton from the minimum.

A “serious” jail term was warranted for a car-jacking that had an element of pre-planning, he submitted.

The defence lawyer said there was special reason – stemming from Stanton’s “profound”

childhood deprivation, which was “substantial and compelling, exceptional and rare”.

The lawyer described him as a “proud” First Nations man with a “difficult and traumatic history… beyond most person’s contemplation”.

Drinking at six, severely beaten, rejected and neglected at home, he left to live by himself near train tracks when just 13.

During a long period of working and stability, he managed up to 60 employees as a foreman.

Then in 2015, he injured his spine when he slipped on black ice and fell four metres at work. He relapsed into drug use, his relationship collapsed, he was again homeless and back in front of courts.

“He’s a man not without hope.”

The accused had Stanton and the co-accused are set for sentencing at the Victorian County Court on 12 May.

Heights of self-confidence

Women from the CFA stared down mud, rain and towering heights at a South East Region Women’s Network Challenge Camp.

Forty-five members from fire brigades including Keysborough were put through their paces from Friday 31 March to Sunday 2 April.

The thrills at the Trafalgar East camp included a high wire, leap of faith, sky bridge, giant swing and obstacle courses in mud and water in chilly weather.

There was also a test with the Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument – which revealed the members’ thinking preferences in normal situations and under stress.

The camp also uncovered unconscious bias they face as women in a male dominated industry.

South East Region (SER) Women’s Network Project lead Olivia Duffey said many gained self-confidence and teamwork skills through the activities.

“The feedback so far has been outstanding, with many walking away with new skills, a new network of people they can lean on, and confidence in their abilities within CFA and their personal lives.

“This was the most challenging camp we have run yet, intricately combining a variety of mental and physical challenges with learning outcomes to assist the development of these future leaders immensely.”

Ms Duffy said the SER Women’s Network supports female volunteers to succeed.

“It is one small step to seeing all of our volunteers excel on the fire ground, in their brigades and in their personal lives.”

Defending Australia’s junior title are players Jin Woodman, Ben Wenzel, captain Greg Crump and Yassin Hill.

CFA members taking part in the ‘mud run’.

CFA board member Dawn Hartog on the high wire.

Keysborough’s Shandelle Ross and Warragul’s Danielle Watkins on a high wire during a CFA Challenge Camp

Blessings are bestowed

Wat Buddharangsi temple in Springvale South greeted the Cambodian New Year with three days of feasts of food, prayer, blessings and dance.

After months of preparations, the Buddhist temple hosted up to 4000 visitors for the traditional festival on 14-16 April, blessing all with health and prosperity.

On Day 1 was Moha Songkran – the Day of Blessings. At the temple, meals were prepared for monks, who offered blessings for families.

On the same day, Cambodians clean and decorate their homes with food and drinks to welcome angels to bless them for the New Year.

Virak Vanabet – the Donating Day – was marked on Saturday 15 April. It featured traditional dancing performed by the Preah Chanh Penh Vong group.

Its dance, Robam Choun Por, blesses the audience with good health and success.

Food was also offered to monks and distributed to the congregation. This symbolised prosperity and longevity.

Guest speakers offered well-wishes, including MPs Julian Hill and Meng Heang Tak, Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster and councillors Richard Lim and Sophie Tan.

Cr Foster said the Year of the Rabbit symbolised the happiest sign of the Zodiac.

“Like the rabbit, the City of Greater Dandenong is a peaceable, understanding, and accepting place where people from all over the world come to establish a better future for themselves and their family.”

Mr Tak said events such as this fostered Victoria’s multiculturalism.

“A special event that welcomes all community members to participate, to gain an understanding of Cambodian culture and the principles of Buddhism... all while showcasing the rich traditions of our vibrant community.”

Also speaking were Killester College’s principal Sally Buick and assistant principal Peter O’Neill, Vivienne Nguyen from the Victorian Multicultural Commission as well as Cambodian Association of Victoria president Youhorn Chea and committee members Meng Bunlay and Emily Thong.

On Day 3 was Vearak Leung Sak – Welcoming the New Year.

‘Pithi Srang Preah’, a ritual of washing and cleaning Buddha statues with scented water, was performed. Visitors also washed the hands and feet of the elders to apologise for their past mistakes.

Monash Children’s Hospital representatives were invited to speak, along with philanthropist Cr Lim.

Cr Lim told the gathering that the hospital provided world-class care for all. But it was also important to show charity by raising funds for those requiring medical treatment and those less privileged.

“The Cambodian New Year shows the traditional end of the harvest season.

“It is an important event for Cambodians and allows us to come together to show our gratitude towards each other and to recognise those less fortunate.”

At the end of each night, traditional Khmer food stalls were open and local Cambodian singers performed and danced with the crowd.

Preah Chanh Penh Vong group performed a Robam Choun Por dance. The purpose of the dance is to wish the audience good health and success. 327980 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster spoke about diversity and wished the audience a Happy New Year. 327980

Incense sticks were lit on the second day (Virak Vanabat) of Cambodian New Year to honour the angel of 2023 (Kemera Devi). 327980

Vivienne Nguyen, mayor Eden Foster, Bruce MP Julian Hill, Cr Richard Lim, Cambodian Association of Victoria president Youhorn Chea, Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak and Cr Sophie Tan were among the guests. 327980

Preah Chanh Penh Vong group performed a Robam Choun Por dance. 327980

Cr Richard Lim. 327980

Visitors praying and listening to monks chanting. 327980

Food offered by the Cambodian community on Day 2. 327980

‘We just want her home’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A distressed mother has made an emotional plea for help to find 28-year-old Sarah Weatherstone, who was last seen in Narre Warren three weeks ago.

Judith Weatherstone reported her daughter missing to Cranbourne police on 25 March.

She told a press conference on 18 April that she’s in a “living nightmare”.

“It’s just like she’s vanished.

“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.

“I see this on my TV shows, I don’t want to live it.”

At the time, Sarah was living with her Wantirna parents Judith and Stephen.

Her birthday had just passed by last week.

She is close to family, and was looking forward to going to an upcoming family wedding in Queensland.

Her lack of contact over the past three weeks was out-of-character, Ms Weatherstone said.

“She and I are very close. We would be in contact every single day.

“Even if we had an argument she would still contact me.

“She posted on Facebook one year you’re my Ying to my Yang.”

Since Sarah’s disappearance, there has been no known activity on her social media or bank accounts.

Sarah was with a group of friends at a factory at Vesper Drive Narre Warren on Thursday 23 March.

She was last seen walking alone from the factory and along Princes Highway about 4.30pm.

At about that time, Sarah sent her last message to her mother saying she was coming home.

“I didn’t get any more answers from her,” Ms Weatherstone said.

“I was working at the time, I was messaging her ‘do you want me to pick you up from Knox?’ and I got nothing back.

“She could have been at Fountain Gate

shopping centre getting a bus to Knox.”

Sarah’s phone was last detected in Hallam Valley Wetlands in the early hours of Friday 24 March.

About 40 Victoria Police members – including the Air Wing, Mounted Unit and a drone specialist - combed the wetlands between 1113 April.

Neither her phone nor any “items of interest” have been found there, Detective Senior Constable Adam Reid said.

Police will continue to search the area as well as contacting Sarah’s many friends and

family in Narre Warren and the wider Melbourne area.

Sarah’s disappearance wasn’t treated as suspicious but there were concerns for her welfare, Det Sen Const Reid said.

Ms Weatherstone says Sarah has been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder.

“That has been very hard the last 14-15 years but we’ve supported her through that.

“I don’t think she’s done anything to herself …

“Everything is still at home – her dog, her teddy. If she was to take off or disappear ... she

would take her teddy.”

Sarah is described as Caucasian appearance, about 170 centimetres with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a green jumper, yellow singlet, cream trackpants and white sneakers.

“If you see Sarah, please contact somebody like Crime Stoppers.

“Please, we just want her home.

“We want to know where she is and what’s happened to her.”

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

Fallen Anzacs revered at solemn Noble Park service

Masses marched, stood and laid solemn respects for our fallen servicepeople at a moving Anzac Day service in Noble Park on Sunday 23 April.

With flags aloft, veterans and families marched along Mons Parade to a packed memorial park.

School students, members of defence forces and emergency services, politicians were among those to lay floral wreaths at the memorial stone.

As they remembered those who made the ‘ultimate sacrifice’, music from a bugler, pipes and drum players was interspersed with deep silence.

A service was also held at the Springvale war memorial on 23 April.

A dawn service and march will also be held in Dandenong on Anzac Day, 25 April.

A procession lay floral wreaths at the Noble Park memorial stone.

Pictures: DALLAS GOLDBURG

Noble Park CFA.

Singer Colin Perkins performs the national anthem.

Australian Air League marchers.

Sarah Weatherstone, 28, was last seen walking on Princes Highway Narre Warren about 4.30pm on Thursday 23 March.

Sarah Weatherstone walking along Princes Highway after leaving a factory on 23 Marchthe day she disappeared.

Sarah Weatherstone leaving a factory at Vesper Drive, Narre Warren on 23 March.

LOOkINg bAck

100 years ago

26 April 1923

Random Notes

One of the speakers at the ‘smoke night’ tendered for the Prime Minister at the Dandenong Town Hall on 17 April 1923 mentioned the fact that the Flinders electorate appeared to be satisfied with nothing less that men of very high standing in Federal politics to represent it, and mentioned the names of Sir William Irvine and our present member Stanley Bruce (the Prime Minister). We are certainly getting our share of the “blue blood” of politics, and we have heard it from councillors and others that we should feel mightily honoured thereat; albeit, we may be just as well off, and possibly better served so far as our political wants are concerned, by a lesser light in the Parliamentary world than a member of the Cabinet or a Prime Minister. As a matter of fact, we are told at the smoke night in question not to expect much in the way of attention to the general affairs of the constituency from our present highly-placed and very busy member.

50 years ago

26 April 1973

Something here for everyone

Something here for interest for all the family…..that’s the aim of the Daily Journal to be published between May 14-18 inclusive. Special articles, exclusive features and prizes worth more than $5000 are just some of the reasons why you should make certain of getting your copy each day. Dandenong’s own Johnny Farnham who will tell of his life here and how he sees the future for both himself and “his” city. The Daily Journal has also secured the services of Ethel Brice, one of

INTERfAITh

Australia’s leading home economists, whose exciting new dishes will be part of a big section for women.

20 years ago

28 April 2003

Hawks go grassroots Hawthorn Football Club president Ian Dicker last week revealed that a ground the size of the MCG was part of its redevelopment plans for Waverley Park. Mr Dicker said that the Waverley Park ground would become the Hawks training base. He hopes the new complex –that will also include offices, a gymnasium and social facilities – will be ready by the end of next year. Mr Dicker said eight bays of the old Waverley Park member’s stand would be retained as the club’s administration base, with apartments built around the exterior of the ground. Mr Dicker said the club would make its base at Waverley Park because the area had a high percentage of Hawthorn supporters, and to woo back the 12,000 members it had lost through the move to the MCG.

5 years ago

30 April 2018

A Grand Stadium

A world class sport and entertainment venue right in the heart of Greater Dandenong?

That’s the plan if Melbourne’s South–East becomes home to an A league and W league club, in what could become one of the great drawcards the region has ever seen. Dandenong born Simon McKeon, South East Melbourne (SEM) chairman, said the area was crying out for a professional sporting club to train and play there. Mr McKeon also said the region provided a large, ready made army of diverse enthusiastic supports who already loved the world game.

Spirituality is so diverse

By Matsya Devi Dasi of Hare Krishna Melbourne (ISKCON) Temple

Only one God, destination & goal - but so many paths.

Some are slow, moderate, fast and there are many in between - according to our level and mood, we can choose any path, but the ulti mate destination or Absolute Truth is one for everyone.

The concept of God can be difficult to absorb, according to an individual’s level.

We are all at millions of different levels. Hence, we need to go to the individual’s level.

Just like I am a high school maths teacher.

When I go to primary, middle, and high school, I teach according to what they can understand.

For example, in general, I can’t teach calculus or algebra to primary school kids.

So, God can only reveal what people can understand.

There’s one President and so many ministers to take care of different departments.

Similarly, there’s one God and “there are thirty-three million demigods, each entrusted with a particular department

NEWS

MESSAGE OF HOPE

of universal management”.

They are all empowered personalities by the Lord.

Sometimes people pray to empowered personalities as God.

That’s how the ‘many Gods’ concept becomes understood. I hope this clarifies the doubt if anyone thinks that there are many Gods.

Every religious tradition accepts Krishna because He is God, the original person.

They just don’t know His original name. They call Him by some of His other names like Allah, Jehovah, etc.

In Universities - undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD - so many levels.

Similarly, in spiritual science also, there

are so many levels. When people don’t understand, they deny because the majority think that they know everything.

When it comes to medicine, engineering or politics, only qualified people can comment.

Toolmaker Russ makes 40-year discovery

By Sahar Foladi

To his disbelief, a Chisholm engineering teacher has found a tool he made 40 years ago at Dandenong Tafe.

As Russell Morrison helped a student with machine alignment using the master square tool, before putting it back he discovered something.

“I was in disbelief, did someone plant this? It was very surreal. I was very surprised,” Mr Morrison said.

He’d been using the same tool ever since he started teaching at Chisholm in January.

“It has been one that i was using many times. I just flipped it over to put it away and it had my name on it.”

Mr Morrison undertook his apprenticeship Fitting and Turning / Toolmaking from 1981 to 1984 at what was known as Dandenong Tafe.

The final task as a third year apprentice was to make a tool named master square.

Fast forward 40 years later, after travelling around the world, Mr Morrison settled back in Australia in 2020 and took on a job as an engineering teacher in Chisholm.

“I worked in the industry locally before i

went backpacking around Europe.”

He worked as a tool maker for a number of aerospace companies overseas.

With an extensive knowledge and experience, he’s excited to take on a career as a teacher to share all that he knows.

“I’m learning every day along with my students. It’s challenging and exciting work.

“It’s always satisfying when you see new students come in, not really knowing what they want to do and as they undergo the training, their understanding and confidence grows. It’s really rewarding,” Mr Morrison said.

When it comes to spirituality, common people comment. Hence, we need to teach spiritual science from as early a stage as possible.

For driving, it’s not just allowed when you turn 18 years old - we all need to have a license.

The strange thing is we are treated as adult - which is so much responsibility, without any exam or licence.

Our school curriculum needs to be changed.

Everyone should be taught from an early age about spiritual science.

Who we are, why we are here in this world and the main purpose of the human form of life.

Our birth is decided by the Divine arrangements, according to our previous karma, desires and what we deserve.

We cannot blame the creation of Krishna.

If we use everything for the meant purpose, which is called Religion, the result will be eternal bliss with full knowledge.

Enquiries about the City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network: executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.

Russell Morrison with the master square tool he’d made 40 years ago at Dandenong Tafe.

Matsya Devi Dasi of the Krishna Melbourne (ISKCON) Temple.

Twenty years ago, then-president Ian Dicker announced plans to base Hawthorn Football Club at the former Waverley Park ground. 52127

Taking lead in aged-care

By Sahar Foladi

The Serbian Community Association of Australia is taking the lead to care for elders of CALD communities through its Advanced Care Planning Program.

Palliative Care Victoria (PCV) and the SCAA have been working closely for a few years on projects such as providing information on palliative care and social support.

Following its success the SCAA received a grant from the PCV to carry out the service in the CALD communities.

Manager Marina Celebic said the project exists to raise awareness about care planning by providing conversations with the elderly, their families, health care professionals and clinicians.

“The aim of this project is increase conversations about choices and decision making in Advance Care Planning within Serbian and other CALD communities.

“We had several consultations with health care professionals to support clinicians to have conversations with patients about person-centred care, advanced care decisions and how this will improve the care they receive.”

The project covers conversations such as care needs, decision making amongst the elder people and people who have chronic illness, multiple diseases, an early cognitive impairment and/or approaching the end

of their life.

This can help to put on ease the worries of the future and healthcare needs for those in need of this program as well as family and friends.

“Through this project we expect the mul-

ticultural communities will become better informed and will encourage people to plan ahead and express preference about the type of care they would like to receive,” Ms Celebic said.

Several groups of information sessions

Tributes flow at Dandy Creek ceremony

Tribute was paid to one of Dandenong’s main tributaries on Thursday 20 April.

Discover Dandenong Creek featured a traditional ceremony and performances by Koori Youth Will Shake Spears Aboriginal Dance Group, a reptile and wildlife show and free barbecue.

The creek forms important habitat from Dandenong Ranges in Wurundjeri Country, through Dandenong in Bunurong Country and into Patterson River and Port Phillip.

Lessons were given into fish and marcoinvertebrates that inhabit the waters as well as the litter that pollutes them.

The free family festival was presented by City of Greater Dandenong, Living Links, Melbourne Water and the Bunurong Land Council.

were run by SCAA with Southern Migrant Refugee Centre with more than 250 people in attendance as well as in Serbian Women’s group in Dandenong and Keysborough.

The pilot program started in July 2022 and is to end on 23 June.

Art on the small scale

Greater Dandenong’s annual display of diminutive art is back.

Now in its 16th year, the 9 by 5 exhibition features locally-conceived art on small boards measuring nine by five inches.

More than 250 works are on display, covering a range of mediums and styles. And they’re up for sale at an affordable price.

Celebrating its 16th year, 9 by 5 commemorates an original 1889 exhibition held in Melbourne.

That initial exhibition featured wellknown artists Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin, each creating works on 9 by 5 inch cigar tin lids.

The public is welcome at the exhibition’s opening event at Walker Street Gallery on Saturday 22 April, 2pm-4pm.

Visitors can also vote for their favourite artist in the People’s Choice Awards. Both the chosen artist and voter win a prize.

9 by 5 is at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre from Tuesday 18 April –Friday 7 July. Entry is free.

Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/9by5

Koori Youth Will Shake Spears Aboriginal Dance Group perform at the festival.

Lilly Litterbug and deputy mayor Lana Formoso.

Samantha Bennett led a basket weaving workshop.

Koori Youth Will Shake Spears Aboriginal Dance Group at Discover Dandenong Creek festival.

Anglers cast a rod into Dandenong Creek.

Black Snake Productions Wildlife Show delighted the crowd.

The Serbian Community-run session at a Southern Migrant Refugee Centre men’s group.

A Tamil group from South East Community Links at an SCAA-run information session.

A group session about the Advanced Care Planning program at a Serbian Senior Womens’ group in Dandenong.

Picture: PROVIDED

Brian Cheung’s 9 by 5 work Gaussian, 2023, Watercolour on paper.

Chand raat lights up crowd

By Sahar Foladi

Residents of Casey and City of Greater Dandenong had a fun-filled weekend as they made their way to Mannat’s Collection’s annual Eid Chand Raat on Friday 21 April in Hallam. The chand raat which literally translates to Moon Light is a celebration of sighting of the moon to mark the end of Ramadan and declaration to the answer of the most famous question, when is Eid?

The family event saw a great turn-out of more than 1,500 people. Mannat’s Collection owner Galsum Foladi said stalls were booked out within 24 hours and till the day of the event she received calls from stallholders wanting to take part.

“It’s such an enjoyable event for families and individuals especially when a lot of them are refugees or migrants who don’t have their extended family for them to celebrate with.”

There were 22 stalls displaying a range of Pakistani and Afghani dresses and jewellery. Belinda Wilson, MP for Narre Warren, also came down to support the event and was amazed by the dazzling varieties of dresses and jewlleries. She tried some of the traditional food, samosa and gol gappay, and even got her henna done. While kids enjoyed face-painting, parents took that opportunity to do any last minute Eid shopping and browsed through the dresses and diverse collection of jewelleries.

Girls also queued to get their mehndi (henna) done for Eid. Locals were able to enjoy the mouth-watering and most popular snack, gol gappay, chaat (chickpeas), spicy corn, sweet lolly bags, karak (strong) chai and doghnuts.

The dollar entry fee charge was donated overseas to Pakistan to support children without parents and family. Ms Foladi said these sorts of events must be supported and celebrat-

ed not only as it’s a great exposure of diversity but also to support female entrepreneurs from CALD backgrounds.

“The women from CALD backgrounds have to work especially hard as they face many barriers like language issues, lack of or minimum education and a very minimum exposure to support services to guide them down the path as an entrepreneur.

“So being a stallholder is great experience for them as they’re exposed to different communities in different locations in the southeast and the north giving them opportunity to build their business profile.”

The event was a success and the community asked for a second day of chand raat to be on the following day. Some of the stallholders food were all sold out before the end of the event. Ms Foladi said she will continue to hold such events.

Youngsters get sporty, holding court at playoffs

Young people got sporty at a free tournament at Dandenong Stadium on Friday 21 April.

The 3x3 Basketball and 4x4 volleyball tournament was a chance for sportspeople to meet new friends, showcase their skills and learn new skills.

The teams competed in under 16 males, under 16 females, under 25 males and under 25 females categories.

The free event presented by City of Greater Dandenong’s Youth and Family Services was open to young people who lived, worked, studied or had a significant link to the local area.

Basketballers showcased their skills. 330475

Basketballers were in action in 3x3 matches. 330475

Lado spins a basketball at Dandenong Stadium during the Greater Dandenong City Council’s free 3v3 Basketball and 4v4 Volleyball Tournament. 330475

Under-25 Volleyball runners up team NVC’s Megasus Vaidehi, Aisha, Tessica and Caron. 330475

Under-25 Volleyball winners were the Brioche Buns team of Sarina, Jenny, Clara and Shayanne. 330475

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Jenny from the team Brioche Buns unleashes a mighty serve during the volleyball. 330475

Belinda Wilson got her henna done at the event. 330902 Pictures: SAHAR FOLADI

Pakistani jewellery, bangles and dresses were all available. 330902

Galsum Foladi holding delicious food with Zainab Foladi. 330902

whAT’S ON

Persian miniatures painting

In this workshop, participants will be guided through making Persian miniatures – materials, colours, paper preparation and Persian miniature styles. All materials provided.

· Thursday 27 April, 10am-12pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free cost, registrations required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/introduction-persian-miniature-painting

Creative writing

Welcome to an organic group where you are supported to awaken your inner writer and spark your imagination in this encouraging and fun workshop. We will share creative writing prompts, stories and ideas. New writers welcome.

· Thursday 27 April, 10am-12pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Gold coin donation welcome. Bookings: Jo/Tayla on 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Composting workshop

Join us to learn about home food waste solutions including composting and worm farming. Tips on sustainable gardening at home and how to limit what is sent to landfill. Please bring a large soft drink or water bottle for a compost rocket activity.

· Friday 28 April, 12.30pm at Noble Park Community Garden, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Free cost. Register at programs@nobleparkcc. org.au or 9547 5801.

Street Feast

Every Saturday, Dandenong Market is adding more street food feasts to its menu. It kicks off with authentic Polynesian, Spanish and Balkan dishes such as cevapi and tacos as well as delectable desserts like panikeke.

· Saturday 29 April, 10am-4pm at The Terrace, Dandenong Market.

Transforming old treasures

Art and sustainability will collide when we take old treasures and create something completely unique. Artist Melanie Learson will help participants breathe new life into an antique figurine through paint, markers and various materials.

· Tuesday 2 May, 10am-12pm at Walker Street

Art Club

Boost your child’s imaginative and inventive mind with Art Club. Materials supplied, just bring a smock or an old shirt and your enthusiasm! Run by qualified teacher and artist, Monica Muresan.

Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free cost, registrations required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ transforming-old-treasures

Street-tour theatre

And Then There was Night is a street tour and site-specific performance held in vacant build-

· Tuesdays in Term 2, from 4pm-5pm (excluding Anzac Day on 25 April) at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event, bookings essential. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greaterdandenong-council/events/art-club

ings by Dandenong’s youth and award winning theatre company, Pony Cam. Recommended for ages 15-plus.

· Thursday 4 May- Saturday 6 May at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinsons streets, Dandenong; $15. Details: Drum Theatre, 8571 1666 or drumtheatre@ cgd.vic.gov.au

Multicultural seniors activities

Keysborough and District Multicultural Senior Citizens Club has resumed activities for 2023. Enjoy concerts with professional entertainers such as Ron Kingston (18 April) and Marcia Rae (16 May). Also bingo on 1pm, 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, line dancing on Wednesdays 1pm, ballroom dancing including lessons Thursdays 12.30. Membership only $5 until 30 June. Tea and coffee supplied.

· Rowley Allan Reserve, 352 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. Details: Carol, 9580 6480.

1973 centenary exhibition

‘Optimism, Opportunities and Achievement’ reflects on the 1973 celebrations of the Centenary of Local Government in Dandenong.

· Until 31 May, Wednesdays-Fridays, 10am-2pm at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Stret, Dandenong.

9x5 Exhibition

Now in its 16th year the 9 by 5 Exhibition proves that small things can have a big impact. Artists from around Australia present their creativity on panels measuring nine inches by five inches in a wide variety of styles.

· Tuesday 18 April - Friday 7 July at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson Street, Dandenong. Open TuesdaysFridays 12pm-4pm. Cost: free

Places of worship tours

Bookings are open for Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network’s 2023 public tours to places of worship on Wednesdays 14 June, 9 August, 11 October, and 13 December 2023. Each tour features trips to four diverse places of worship for $25, plus a lunch for a $10-15 donation. Payment of $25 is required prior to the tour to confirm your booking. Details via the Interfaith Network, education@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.

Yoga Classes

For all ages, experience and abilities. Mats and other equipment available. No Booking required.

· Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am-10.30am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $5 per class or $40 for 10 classes. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org. au or 9547 5801

Dandenong Hall & Partners First National 254

Lonsdale Street

• Dandenong Drum Theatre Lonsdale Street & Walker Street

• Dandenong Dandenong Plaza 23-55 McCrae Street

• Dandenong Coles Supermarket 23-55 McCrae Street (Dandenong Plaza)

• Dandenong Rockyz Mini Mart 10 Princes Highway

• Dandenong LH Fresh Supermarket 169 Princes Highway

• Dandenong Caltex Dandenong 154-156 Princes Highway

• Dandenong Coles Supermarket Dandenong 23-26

Princes Highway

• Dandenong Genesis Fitness Club Dandenong

63 Scott Street

• Dandenong Valley Village Mews 112 Stud Road

• Dandenong Dandenong Basketball Stadium

270 Stud Road

• Dandenong Caltex Star Mart Stud Road & Heatherton Road

• Dandenong Dandenong Lotto 308 Thomas Street

• Dandenong Gulistan Supermarket 187-189

Thomas Street

• Dandenong Quest Hotel 2-Oct Walker Street

• Dandenong McLennan Real Estate First floor, 126

Walker Street

• Dandenong North Foodworks Dandenong North 42-44 Brady Road

• Dandenong North Dunearn Pharmacy 11a Dunearn Road

• Dandenong North Coles Express 166 Heatherton Road & Stud Road

• Dandenong North BP Service Station Heatherton Road & Stud Road

• Dandenong North Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club 41a Latham Crescent

• Dandenong North FoodWorks Menzies Cellars 52 Menzies Avenue

• Dandenong North Menzies Milkbar 64 Menzies Avenue

• Dandenong North IGA Friendly 54 Outlook drive

• Dandenong North Liberty Fuel 182 Stud Road

• Dandenong South Georges Lunch Box 22a Amberley Crescent

• Dandenong South BP Service Station 175-187 Greens Road

• Dandenong South Lunchmaster 3/491 Hammond Road

• Dandenong South Kirkham Road Milk Bar 102 Kirkham Road

• Dandenong South Woolworths Supermarket 81-125 Princes Highway

• Dandenong South Shell Service Station 50 South Gippsland Highway

• Dandenong South United Petroleum 314 South

Gippsland Highway

• Dandenong South Caltex Service Station 275-295 South Gippsland Highway

• Dingley Village Dingley Village Newsagency Shop

2/79 Centre Dandenong Road

• Doveton Doveton News and Lotto 7 Autumn Place

• Doveton Bottle O 2-Apr Linden Place

• Doveton Shell Service Station 48 Princes Highway

• Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue

• Endeavour Hills Woolworths Service Station Cnr

Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue

(Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre)

• Endeavour Hills O’Brien Real Estate Shop PS 5A

Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue

(Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre)

• Endeavour Hills Coles Supermarket Cnr

Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue

(Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

• Endeavour Hills Woolworths Supermarket Cnr

Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue

(Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

• Endeavour Hills 7 Eleven Endeavour Hills Cnr

Heatherton Road & Power Road

• Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Milk Bar 13

Gleneagles Drive

• Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Medical Centre 61

Heatherton Road

• Endeavour Hills Liberty Service Station 13-17

Heatherton Road

‘soap opera’

• Noble Park North Halton Road Milk Bar 65

• Endeavour Hills Ocean Blue Milk Bar 90/92 John Fawker Drive

• Endeavour Hills Nicholls Gledhill Real Estate 2 Raymond McMahon Boulevard

• Eumemmerring Atura Hotel May-17 Doveton Avenue

• Eumemmerring Caltex Woolworths Service Station 40/44 Princes Highway

• Eumemmerring BP Service Station 60-64

Princes Highway

• Hampton Park Hampton Park Library 26 Stuart Avenue

• Keysborough Caltex Keysborough 248

Cheltenham Road

• Keysborough Parkmore Shopping Centre 317

Cheltenham Road

• Keysborough Barry Plant Real Estate Shop

1,320 Cheltenham Road

• Keysborough 7 Eleven Keysborough 309

Cheltenham Road & Cnr Kingsclere Road

• Keysborough Woolworths Supermarket 317

Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

• Keysborough Coles Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

• Keysborough O’Briens Real Estate Shop 6, 317

Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

• Keysborough City of Greater Dandenong Shop A07, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

• Keysborough Michaels IGA 466 Cheltenham Road

• Keysborough Keysborough Learning Centre 402

Corrigan Road

• Keysborough Foodworks Keysborough 285-289

Corrigan Road

• Mulgrave Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre

271 Police Road

• Noble Park Sandown Park Hotel Corrigan Road

• Noble Park Coles Supermarket 1 Douglas Street

• Noble Park Noble Park Newsagency 22

Douglas Street

• Noble Park Harvey Real Estate 26 Douglas Street

• Noble Park Century 21 Real Estate

38 Douglas Street

• Noble Park Ray White Real Estate 42

Douglas Street

• Noble Park Caltex Woolworths Heatherton Rd & Chandler Highway

• Noble Park Noble Park RSL 1128 Heatherton Road

• Noble Park Lucky Star Lotto 1268 Heatherton Road

• Noble Park Cellarbrations 3 Leonard Ave

• Noble Park Noble Park Aquatic Centre 9 Memorial Drive

• Noble Park Noble Park Community Centre Memorial Drive (Ross Reserve)

• Noble Park Noble Park Bowls Club 56

Moodemere Street

• Noble Park Barry Plant Real Estate 390

Princes Highway

• Noble Park Harrisfield Milkbar 519 Princes Highway

Coolavin Road

• Noble Park North Jan Wilson Community Centre

Halton Road (Barry J Powell Reserve)

• Noble Park North Jacksons Road Service Station

139 Jacksons Road

• Springvale Century 21 Real Estate Shop 5-6/64

Buckingham Avenue

• Springvale Springvale Shopping Centre 46-58

Buckingham Avenue

• Springvale KFL Supermarket 46-58 Buckingham Avenue (Springvale Shopping Centre)

• Springvale Springvale Learning & Activities Centre 1

Osborne Avenue

• Springvale Springvale RSL 23 Osborne Avenue

• Springvale Caltex Woolworths Springvale 102 Police Road

• Springvale Aobao Milk Bar 106 Police Road

• Springvale Savemore Supermarket 774

Princes Highway

• Springvale Coles Supermarket 825 Princes Highway

• Springvale Sundowner Caravan & Cabin Park 870 Princes

Compo brings some relief

The State Government is stepping in to help Porter Davis customers get back on their feet by compensating those customers who were left without insurance through no fault of their own.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Thursday 20 April compensation payments for Porter Davis customers who signed their contracts and paid their deposits, but where Porter Davis did not take out Domestic Building Insurance (DBI), in breach of their obligations.

“This one-off scheme is about making sure that hard-earned money of Porter Davis customers is refunded as quickly as possible and we’ll keep investigating the actions of Porter Davis to ensure this can’t happen again,” Mr Andrews said.

More than 500 families discovered their deposits had been lost due to the failure of the company to take out insurance cover on their behalf.

The one-off relief scheme means compensation will be paid, with a website to be established within the next 48 hours to allow customers to register. Customers without domestic building insurance cover will now be treated as if they had the cover Porter Davis had been obliged to take out on their behalf.

Authorities are investigating the actions of Porter Davis leading up to the company’s collapse, to establish exactly what happened and guide potential future reforms to protect consumers.

While that important work continues, through information provided by the liquidator, we have established that the company did not take out mandatory domestic building insurance on behalf of about 560 customers when accepting deposits for projects that had not started at the time the company entered liquidation.

Refunds will be paid up to the legal maximum deposit payment under the Domestic

Building Contracts Act of 5 per cent. The Department of Government Services will work with the VMIA to verify and approve claims and deliver compensation for deposits

Part-Time Telesales Representative

Star News Group is an innovative and dynamic media company located in Pakenham, Victoria. As a leading publisher of print and digital news, we are looking for a part-time Telesales Representative to join our team. Overview

The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing revenue by selling our products and services to potential and existing customers via phone call. This is a part-time role with flexible hours.

Key Responsibilities

•Manage a portfolio of existing customers and develop relationships with new customers.

•Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.

•Keep accurate and updated records of customer interactions and sales leads.

•Coordinate with the sales and marketing team to align sales strategies and campaigns.

•Telesales or cold-calling experience is preferred but not essential.

•Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Results driven and target-oriented mindset.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

as soon as possible. These claims will be processed as if these customers had DBI.

The responsibility remained with Porter Davis to ensure domestic building insurance

was obtained for its customers when a deposit was paid. The Victorian Building Authority is also investigating Porter Davis Homes for potential breaches of the law.

Print and Online Sales Executive Star News Group

Star News Group seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Sales skills/experience:

• Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones

• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets

• Excellent listening skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Effective time management to meet deadlines

• Ability to operate in a team

• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility

• Effective oral and written communication

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

results

A Porter Davis built home sold at auction.

SpORT

Noteworthy Noblett

By Marcus Uhe

Much of Noble Park’s much-vaunted summer recruiting spree centred on the big names of Jackson Casey and Shane McDonald.

But one who flew under the radar to many - notably not Bulls coach Steve Hughes - in Nathan Noblett, announced his arrival to the Eastern Football League on Sunday with a standout performance in the Bulls’ six-goal round two win over Berwick.

Hughes described him to Star News in the preseason as a utility with an excellent left foot, and that peg was on full display in front of a sizeable crowd at Edwin Flack Reserve.

Playing as a medium-sized forward, the 21-year-old graduate from the Gippsland Power Coates Talent League program - who featured on a couple of occasions for Port Melbourne in the 2022 VFL season - kicked five goals on an afternoon in which scoring was difficult, despite pristine conditions for football in Berwick.

The third-quarter, in which the Bulls charged away from their opponents by kicking five-goals-to-one, was where Noblett’s full arsenal of tricks was on display.

He kicked his third of the day early in the term, converting a set shot that he knew he nailed almost immediately when it left his boot.

He kicked his fourth with a beautiful snap from the right forward pocket in front of the netball courts, that curled back on the natural angle for his left foot to perfection over the goal umpire’s head, prompting ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ahh’s’ from those in attendance.

He could have finished with seven or eight, having missed a handful of chances, but made immediate amends after one by pouncing on a risky kick in his forward 50.

Awake to the opportunity for a bag, he read the cue’s from the defender early, and flashed past his opponent to take the mark on the move, before bounding in to an open goal to complete his handful.

The margin ballooned from 17 points at halftime to 40 at the final break, and ultimately put the nail in the coffin for a fighting Berwick side.

The Bulls’ trademark suffocating defence was on full display in the early stages of the game, as Clint Evans’ men were held goalless in the first quarter.

Noblett opened the scoring in the seventh minute of the game, taking advantage of Jackson Sketcher’s burst from the stoppage at half back and kicking long to a contest, where Noblett snapped a ground ball around the corner following a marking contest.

Noble Park’s forward pressure, led by the likes of Ben Marson and the rapid flashing mop of blonde hair in Harley Fairbank, was causing the Berwick backline headaches, no better articulated by Fairbank’s volley of an errant handball in the goal-square, having succumb to the intensity of the forward pack.

Spearheaded by Will Arthurson, the Wick’s defensive group held up admirably as Noble

Rangers ran down by Tigers

By Marcus Uhe

Dandenong’s erratic beginning to the NBL1 season has continued after going down to Melbourne at home on Saturday night.

The Tigers, who entered the contest with an inferior record to Dandenong, looked a more cohesive side on their way to a 95-82 win.

The opening quarter was a shootout, with both sides letting the ball fly from beyond the three-point line.

The highlight of the quarter came from Mike Amius, who poked the ball away from his opponent before taking the ball the length of the floor and detonating with a vicious one-handed dunk at the other end.

Melbourne took the lead halfway through the second term and began to separate themselves, closing the half on a 15-6 run to open an 11-point lead at the break.

played route-one football, using the corridor at every opportunity when spring-boarding from their back half.

Whatever Evans told his side at the first break brought immediate dividends, as Tom Gunn goaled in the opening minute of the second term to put his side on the board.

Berwick moved the ball quickly out of their back half and had some success penetrating the Noble Park fortress, but shot themselves in the foot with continual breakdowns between their midfield and forward group, as they either kicked to an out-number or struggled to hit targets.

The tall presence of Charlie Muley appeared to give them some direction in the second half of the quarter as they began to possess the football and win the territory battle.

A goal to Braedyn Bowden saw Berwick outscore the reigning premiers in the second term and enter the rooms at half time with some momentum, despite the scoring-shot disparity of 12 to five in the Bulls’ favour.

Any ascendency they had had, or felt, was immediately put to rest by Hughes’ men, who kicked the first five of the half and were at their strangulating best once again.

Even when the Wicks had their chances, they couldn’t take full advantage, as Gunn, and ruck Jesse Cirulis, both missed very kickable set shots from almost the exact same spot, around 30 metres from goal on a slight angle.

Rubbing salt into the wound, Jackson Casey kicked his first in blue and gold with a set shot on a tight angle after receiving a freekick for a clumsy tackle.

Noblett then kicked his snap in the following minute, and the margin had suddenly ballooned to 33 points as the Bulls dominated territory.

With their backs against the wall, the Wicks attacked the contest with ferocity in the final term, but continued to let themselves down with their forward entries.

Jack Francis, who led from the front all day in the Noble Park back six, mopped up their mistakes and repelled plenty as Berwick erected a wall across halfway.

Both sides kicked one each in the final term, through Muley and Matthew Nelson respectively, before finishing 36 points adrift, 10.9 69 to 4.9 33.

In his 200th game, Bulls champion Luke Bull was chaired off the ground and into the rooms, comforted in the knowledge that his side had completed a tricky start to the season with victories in differing circumstances.

Noble Park head to Cheong Park next week to battle South Croydon, while Berwick host Doncaster.

BERWICK 0.1 2.3 3.5 4.9 (33)

NOBLE PARK 3.4 4.8 9.9 10.9 (69)

Berwick Goals: Tom Gunn, Braedyn Bowden, Charlie Muley, Jacob Keysers. Best: Nick Hillard, Caleb Van Oostveen, Brad Homfray, Benzhamen Todd, Ryan Bromley, Zac Long.

Noble Park Goals: Nathan Noblett 5, Ben Marson, Jackson Casey, Harley Fairbank, Hudson Thomas, Matthew Nelson. Best: Nathan Noblett, Luke Bull, Chris Horton-Milne, Tom Glen, Dean Jones, Lachlan McDonnell.

Rowville red-faced after faltering again

By Marcus Uhe

A second consecutive final quarter fade-out has consigned Rowville to a 0-2 start to the Eastern Football Netball League season, after being overrun by Balwyn on Saturday at Seebeck Oval.

The Hawks conceded a 33-point threequarter-time lead to former Geelong captain Brenton Sanderson’s Tigers, going down 11.10 76 to 12.9 81, as Balwyn kicked seven-goals-toone in the final quarter.

It follows their contest last week against Noble Park, in which they were unable to maintain a 29-point advantage at the final break.

The Hawks had led at every interval, and broke away from their opponents with a fivegoal-to-two third quarter.

Balwyn kicked the first two of the last, to signal that they were still in the fight, but Rowville answered back through Lachlan Wynd’s fifth, converting from the top of the goal-square after a strong contested mark.

But Balwyn kicked the final five of the game, including the sealer with less than a minute re-

maining, to snatch victory from their highlytouted opponents.

It was former Kangaroo Josh Walker who inspired the Tigers, with four goals of his own in the last term.

He was too big and too strong for his Hawks opponents, but showed his versatility by scor-

ing in a multitude of ways.

Not only did he outmuscle the defenders in contested marking situations, but he was able to beat them for pace on the lead, and even capped a length of the ground transition from his side by finishing the play with a miraculous snap on his right foot from hard against the boundary in front of the scoreboard.

His fourth goal in the 20th minute cut the margin to two points, and from that point onwards the contest resembled a rugby union scrum, with large numbers swarming the footy and players throwing themselves into contest after contest.

A scramble on the goal-line from a stoppage resulted in the Tigers squeaking home the winner, and they managed to hold on for a famous victory.

Star forward Matt Taylor was held goalless for the Hawks, after kicking five the week before against Noble Park.

Rowville head to Domeney Reserve next week to battle fellow winless side Park Orchards as they look to kickstart their season.

Their speed on the fast-break caught Dandenong napping on multiple occasions as the Tigers bolted the length of the floor to capitalise on the lack of a set defence at the other end of the court.

Deng Puoch began to display his full bag of tricks in the third term, passing, scoring and rebounding the ball for the Rangers who attempted to eat into the deficit.

But the Tigers seemed to have an answer for everything the Rangers threw at them, and headed to the final break with a nine-point advantage, despite being outscored in the third quarter by two.

Melbourne appeared a team more connected and in-sync with one-another, executing after time-out plays and finding open men more often than their hosts who relied on a more stagnant half-court offence, or single players attacking isolations.

A series of stops from the Tigers in the last term helped to further widen the gap between themselves and Dandenong, on their way to the 13-point win.

Critically, Dandenong left eight points at the free-throw line, shooting just 27 per cent from the stripe.

Sharpshooter Jack Roberts finished the leading scorer for his side with 20 points ahead of Puoch, who recorded a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double.

The Rangers’ women’s side however had no such issues, finishing with a head of steam to overrun Melbourne’s fivepoint advantage at the final break.

Led by Nyadiew Puoch’s 20 points, Dandenong outscored Melbourne 28-15 in the final term to finish 80-72 winners.

Deng Puoch scored a double-double for Dandenong against Melbourne on Saturday night. 287241 Picture: SUPPLIED

Jake Arundell kicked three in Rowville’s loss on Saturday. 328960 Picture: ROB CAREW

Luke Bull celebrated his 200th game for Noble Park with a win over Berwick on Sunday. 292964 Picture: ROB CAREW

Dandy strike winning form

By Marcus Uhe

Dandenong Thunder has arrested a threegame losing streak by winning its last two outings in the NPL Victoria competition against Moreland City and North Geelong.

The Thunder were forced to weather a second-half fightback from Moreland City after taking a 2-0 advantage earlier in the game.

Goals to Deniz Yildiz and Kieran Dover, either side of the break, afforded them a slight cushion at home.

Yildiz let rip with a screamer from outside the area, having found himself in space following a throw-in on the far side of the pitch.

He took a first touch to steady himself before letting fly with his left foot, as the ball curled away from the goalkeeper and into the top-right corner of the net.

Dover’s goal in the 54th minute gave them the 2-0 advantage, but Moreland City were up for the fight.

James Hooper converted a penalty for the visitors in the 60th minute, which was cancelled-out shortly after by Gerhardus Damen’s equivalent in the 73rd.

Fletcher Fulton scored again for the visitors in the 84th minute, offering a tense final 10 for the home side Thunder, who managed to hold

their nerve and wrap-up their fourth win of the campaign, 3-2.

The win was their second in a row, having accounted for North Geelong in a fiery encounter the week before.

A three-minute burst in the first half saw Dandenong score twice in the opening 10 minutes, through Goffry Leno and Leo Mazis.

Lino timed his run perfectly to receive a neat through-ball from Scott Lochhead and finish on the turn, while extreme pressure from Mazis forced the opposing goalkeeper into a horrible mistake, nearly missing the ball entirely on his clearance before Mazis chipped the ball back over his head.

The Thunder were shown four yellow cards in the match and even had Majak Mawith sent off for a second yellow in the 88th minute, but managed to hold their composure for the remainder of the game.

After 10 games, the Thunder find themselves eighth on the table with four wins, five losses and a draw.

Their goal difference is also in the negative, having conceded six against Port Melbourne back in round six.

The Thunder next head to Keilor Downs on Friday night for a clash with Green Gully.

Medical incident sees Southern league match called off

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Skye’s division two match with Keysborough at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve was called off at three-quarter time in unsettling circumstances.

A medical incident involving Keysborough player Jojo Ofosu-Amaah led to him not breathing for a period of time, before he was resuscitated by medical assistants at the ground.

The incident occurred in a scrimmage of players on the Keysborough goal line, with the player suffering a seizure before medical assistants from both teams reached him.

An ambulance was on the scene within minutes, with crews having already been dispatched and en route to the ground after Keysborough player Michael Ashman dislocated his ankle.

Several more ambulances arrived a short time later.

Keysborough praised its medical assistant Rhiannon Smith and Skye’s Breisha Bormann for their work in saving Ofosu-Amaah’s life.

The umpires were also thanked for handling the heated proceedings coolly.

About 40 minutes after the incident, he was able to be transported from his position and into an ambulance just a few metres away, cuing cheers from stunned onlookers.

Star News understands that he was in good spirits in hospital early on Sunday morning, with scans set to provide more clarity around the incident.

He also sustained several broken ribs as a result of CPR being administered.

It is at this stage unclear exactly what caused Ofosu-Amaah’s condition, with Keysborough calling for a league investigation to get to the bottom of what occurred.

He is expected to make a full recovery.

With Skye leading by 11 points at the time the game was abandoned; the Bombers claiming the points from the contest.

Ofosu-Amaah had played an excellent third quarter to get Keysborough back into the match after the visitors had trailed by 27 points at the main break.

Keysborough and Skye are fierce rivals with much anticipation from both teams ahead of the Anzac round clash.

It was also a memorial match for Justin Tully, who passed away during the week, after 122 games at Keysborough and several

years at Skye.

Meanwhile, Hampton Park had a comfortable win over East Malvern to go 2-0.

Coach Hayden Stanton was pleased with the even spread of contributors in the 51-point victory.

Nathan Carver, who kicked a bag of goals last week and reigning best and fairest winner Ryan Hillard were both missing for personal reasons.

Hillard’s eleventh-hour withdrawal was one of multiple late changes with the Redbacks ability to adapt impressive.

Kyle Hendy kicked six goals as Hampton Park took in a smaller forward-line, which changed the way Stanton’s men moved the footy.

A seven goal to one second quarter for the Redbacks blew the game open and formed the blueprint for how Hampton Park want to use its runners and advance the ball forward.

Tanner Stanton and Trent Thomas’ experience and ball use was important as the game got more chaotic after halftime.

Stingrays-listed Jack Wilson found a bit of the footy as a sixth forward rolling up to the contest, and he kicked a goal.

Wilson’s Talent League teammate, Corey Braden, also playing his first game of the season, was handed a difficult match-up and rose to it as the match wore on.

With the reserves also undefeated after two games, and having talent such as 2022 senior staples such as veteran Sean Winsall and exciting youngster Jesse Naylor running around, the club looks in a good position.

The Redbacks will face a big test this week against a big East Brighton side which will give a true indication of how far they have progressed.

The Vampires have recruited well and their ascendancy on the rest of the competition was on show on the weekend against 2022 runners-up Doveton.

Doveton went down 18.14 122 to 4.6 30, with the demolition job set up by a first quarter where the home team had 20 scoring shots and led by 57 points.

The energetic Ricky Johnson gave it his all throughout the contest but could never shift the tide for an extended period as Doveton was outclassed.

Jimmy Pattinson kicked two goals and was also among the best.

A medical incident involving Jojo Ofosu-Amaah, right, saw the Skye-Keysborough game called off. 330895

Picture: KEYSBOROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

Harley Orr continues to ply his trade for Dandenong Thunder. 235924 Picture: GARY SISSONS