News - Cranbourne Star News - 4th May 2023

Community backs

Buster

Mobile trouble

By Emily Chapman Laing

Clyde locals say they are living in a“black hole” of network reception.

Despite Telstra, Optus and Vodafone showing Clyde as covered by 3G and 4G on their interactive maps, locals say the reality is a joke.

Tracie Batty says despite living close to a tower, her family is constantly left without service.

“We have a Vodafone tower at Casey Fields which has a 30km radius and Clyde North is within a 5km radius and we still have no service unless we are connected to our wifi,” she said.

Cameron Rothwell says the reception issues have a serious impact on daily life.

Cameron works from home while juggling appointments for one of his children who has autism.

“If nothing changes soon it may mean that we have to relocate to an area with a service at very least,” he said.

Likewise, Kelz Lunna struggles as she cares for her mother.

“My mum has a lot of medical issues,” she said.

“I have to run around my whole house to try and have an important medical call in regards to treatments.

“If I am driving in the area and happen to receive a call from doctors I also have to try and find a spot where I can have the conversation.”

Leanne Russell also says she finds it challenging to stay in contact with her father.

“Calls constantly drop out,” she said.

An Optus spokesperson has said the company has received “no reports of outages or customer complaints in the Clyde region”.

“If customers have any issues, such as encountering a blackspot, they can report it to Optus through the My Optus App or through the Optus website,” the spokesperson said.

“Customers can also see their network performance and explore the locations of towers near them via Network Pulse, accessible through the My Optus App.

“Customer input plays an important role in coverage related investigations.”

Telstra was contacted but did not respond before deadline.

While the company data suggests the problem of reception is under control, many locals commented on how the technology is “backwards” in Clyde.

Melissa Thompson has gone back to using a landline phone.

“For a newer community you would think we could move away from landline phones,” she said.

“We pay good money to be able to call family and friends, it’s very disappointing.”

Jackie Bassett said she had “fast internet and great mobile reception ten years ago”.

Now, Jackie and others in her community, like Raff Scarfo, rely on wifi-calling to stay in contact with the digital world.

Newcomers to the suburb are learning the hard way that living without access to mobile reception is untenable.

Continued page 8

Family fun day helping to break down barriers

A Family Fun Day packed with entertainment was held at Livingston Reserve in Cranbourne East on Sunday 30 April.

Leading disability campaigner Dylan Maliepaard said it was a chance to raise

much needed awareness about supporting inspirational footy players with an intellectual disability.

Story page 12

Claire, Dylan and Alyssa from The Disability Company. 326837 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Q&A with Early Parenting Support Practitioner at YPEP Cranbourne Katherine Bray

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I play extreme sports... lawn bowls and golf. What do you love the most about helping young parents?

Having been one myself, just being with them, where they are at, watching them learn, delighting in their child when learning something new ie. First smile, giggle, word, walk and the list goes on.

What are you most passionate about?

Family. Children, grandchildren, extended family, parent, siblings, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, in-laws ……oops and husband of course.

What would your last meal be?

One my husband cooks and cleans after.

What was your most memorable moment?

The birth of our daughter as a 20-year-old mother having control being able to watch, push when I want, no medical intervention and my husband being able to cut her cord and our 22-month-old son coming in to meet her for the first time.

What was your favourite subject in school? Biology. Life, nature, growth and development. I recall having to dissect a dead rat and the one I dissected happened to be pregnant. Don’t want to gross you out, but I kept the baby and buried it!

What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

Woodstock just to wear my hippie clothes and chillax to good music.

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

Being the President of a bonding and attachment program called Parent-Child Mothergoose, music is intrinsic to me and my family. Female artists like Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac and Carly Simon whose music I enjoyed

when a teenage mum (gave my daughter the name Rhiannon Carly) and she is ‘so vain’ in a good way, being a beauty therapist. Michael Jackson to take me back to my teens and to sing and dance along to and Elvis to learn to move my hips while listening to him sing to me

‘to be my teddy bear’. Sean Connery to listen to his oral voice and to tell me a story and Mother Teresa as she is all heart.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I’m reading The Resilience Project – Finding Happiness through Gratitude Empathy and Mindfulness a curriculum style of teaching.

The acronym is GEM (Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness) my youngest son’s nickname for Jeremy as he is my baby and my precious gem.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

Fashion house. We built my house around my wardrobe, it is as big as a bedroom with clothes ranging in sizes for expanding days, shoes, bags and accessories that will always fit me. Have you ever had a pet that has made an impact on your life?

Yes my cat Cleo. I got her for my daughter from local laws at Cardinia Shire where I was working at the time. Cleo was sadly dumped after Christmas and my daughter’s Tabby cat was run over so I gifted her Cleo but she couldn’t replace her cat so I kept her. Cleo is now sixteen going on seventeen.

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

My signature ‘spinach dip’ that my sister-inlaw who has passed, shared and taught me to make.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Greek Islands Shipwreck beach or the Seychelles I’m not fussed I would be happy with either relaxing on a deckchair with a cocktail in my hand.

THREE … Star Wars facts

International Star Wars day is held each year on 4 May. Here are some fun facts about the super movie franchise. May the force be with you.

1

Almost didn’t happen Star Wars almost didn’t make it to the big screen. After his success with ‘American Graffiti’, George Lucas failed to convince United Artists that Star Wars was the next big thing, and the company passed on the idea. Luckily 20th Century Fox took on the film. Since 1977, the Star Wars franchise has gained a net worth of $77.7 billion.

2 Auditions

In 1976, Robert Englund auditioned for the roles of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, but didn’t get either part. By 1984 he came to be known as the actor portraying Freddy Kruger in the first ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’.

3 Title

The original title of the first Star Wars movie was a real mouthful. On the second draft of the script, Lucas had the title written as ‘Adventures of the Starkiller as Taken from the Journal of the Whills, Saga I: The Star Wars’.

Well-travelled Ricky celebrates incredible 105th birthday

By Emily Chapman Laing

Lynbrook local Hendrika ‘Ricky’ Siwes celebrated her 105th birthday on Saturday 29 April.

The celebration took place at Park McKenzie Aged Care in Lynbrook, where she has lived since 2021.

A large group of friends and staff gathered to honour Ricky at this huge milestone.

“I think I’m quite happy with my life,” Ricky said.“I’m still healthy, I sleep alright, I’ve never been really sick, I’m not in pain or anything.”

There was champagne, cake, sandwiches, snacks, singing and a big comfy armchair for Ricky’s throne.

Ricky’s son Henry chocks her long life up to her healthy choices and fierce spirit.

“She was a hardworking person, she worked right up until she was 65,” Henry said.

“She didn’t smoke and she didn’t really drink and she just had a good life.”

Ricky had previously had a fall and broken seven ribs.

“She was in the hospital for two days and

then I never heard a complaint about it,” Henry said.

Ricky has also travelled extensively all across the globe.“I went many times to Europe and I went to Russia and saw the sun come up and down on 21 June,” Ricky said.

With more than 17 hours of daylight, 21 June is Russia’s longest day of the year.

“Russia is very big. I saw probably more of Russia than the people in Russia because I went north, south, to west, to all.”

Ricky also visited Africa, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal and sailed on the Mediterranean Sea.

“I like to see different things,” Ricky said.

The last time Ricky travelled to Holland she was 100-years-old and the flight attendants made sure to celebrate her journey.

“They reckon they had never had a lady on

the plane who was 100,” Henry said.

Ricky said the staff on the plane brought her drinks and made the trip “very special”.

As a mother, Ricky is dedicated to her two sons and two daughters, of which Henry is the eldest.

“She’s very happy that she’s come out to Australia because her kids have all done well,” Henry said.

Born in 1918 in the East of Holland, Ricky emigrated to Australia in 1957 when she was 39 years old.

Ricky knew other people who had made Australia their home.

“I said who don’t we have a go and find out, if we don’t like it we will work hard and come back.”

Ricky is the eldest of nine siblings, six of whom have sadly passed away.

Katherine supports young parents at Cranbourne Secondary College’s Young Parents Education Program. Picture: SUPPLIED

Ricky (right) enjoys birthday champagne with her son Henry (left).

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

By Eleanor Wilson

Four to five days a week, Marty Johnson walks his Greyhound Buster up to the Hampton Park shops and ties him up outside while he does his shopping.

“Most of the regulars know us there, or see us walking in the area,” Marty said.

But the pair have been noticeably absent from their neighbourhood walks recently, after Buster was attacked at a Parkdale Dog Beach in April.

It was Marty and Buster’s first ever visit to a dog beach, a positive experience until a Bull Terrier cross rushed at Buster as they were preparing to head home.

The dog latched onto Buster’s legs and began to bite his stomach, leaving the rescue dog with a slash which required surgery and stitching.

While the dog’s owner was initially remorseful, exchanging contact details and assuring Marty he would meet him at the vet to pay for Buster’s vet costs, he was uncontactable once Marty arrived at the vet.

This left Marty with no choice but to foot the $4000 bill - an“impossible” feat for the disability pensioner.

“I had about $200 in my account and there was no way I was going to be able to pay the bills, I couldn’t afford 10 per cent of that amount,” he said.

Despite never asking for money before, Marty took to Facebook to pledge for assistance.

Shortly thereafter, friend Anne Marie saw his call out and decided to create a GoFundMe for Buster, which is when Marty said

the support “exploded”.

“I’ve just been overwhelmed with the support, and people sending money and then apologising for not sending enough! Whether it’s five or $50 it really doesn’t matter, I’m so grateful.”

Of the 80-odd donations Marty has received, he estimates about one third are from

people he has never met, many of which from the Hampton Park community, after posting about the predicament in a local Facebook group.

“It was just quite amazing how both my friends and the community came together just to help me

“It’s gone from being such a distressing

thing to something really lovely.”

Thanks to the donations, which currently amount to over $3300 of a $4000 goal, Marty has been able to pay for almost all of Buster’s vet bills.

Marty said he was incredibly relieved to see his beloved best mate “a lot happier in himself”.

“He’s the most placid dog you’d ever meet - I don’t know what I’d without him.”

Buster came into Marty’s life in 2017, shortly after he was involved in serious car accident which left him with a smashed shoulder and two spine fractures.

Buster’s own future was also hanging in the balance at the time, with plans for the racing trained Greyhound to be euthanised due to a broken back leg, before he was adopted by Marty.

Yet, Marty credits Buster with saving his life.

“The PTSD and depression and anxiety from the accident runs pretty deep,” he said.

“But when I got him, I couldn’t worry about just myself anymore - I had to get up and walk him and feed him and having that responsibility really helped me get through that tough stage.

“He goes almost everywhere with me...I’ll have days where I come home and feel like absolute rubbish, I’ll be in pain and I get to the front door and see Buster and you can’t be grumpy anymore.”

Buster had his stitches removed last week and has just one vet appointment left, after which it will be back to their daily walks to the Hampton Park shops.

To donate to Marty and Buster’s GoFundMe, head to bit.ly/3APFXvY

Prevention through education for dog attacks needed

A Berwick dog trainer says a lack of pet-owner education is fuelling high levels of dog attacks in Casey.

Power Pooches owner Jake Cini responded to Casey Council data showing more than 350 dog attacks in the region over the past 12 months, highlighting he has helped 120 dogs overcome anxiety and other emotional issues since starting his business 18 months ago.

“I never thought I’d be inundated,” he said.

“I certainly believe we could lower the number (of dog attacks) if Casey Council did what they were supposed to do.”

Berwick, Narre Warren and Cranbourne topped the list of dog attack locations in Casey.

According to Casey Council, there were a total of 382 dog attacks, including 118 rushes, reported between April 2022 and April 2023.

Of those, 164 were dog-on-dog attacks and 100 were dog-on-human attacks, with 18 attacks being prosecuted in court this year.

Mr Cini said the only education service which the council offers was the state gov-

ernment’s Responsible Pet Ownership program for children between the ages of four and 12.

“Everybody should have some level of understanding of body language to own a dog,” he said.

“We need to be able to read our dog’s emotions.”

Most Casey residents can own up to two dogs without a permit, depending on the property size, with 28,013 dogs currently registered with the City of Casey.

Dog owners must keep their dog on a leash in all public places (including footpaths, schools, shopping centres, car parks, tracks and conservation bushland), at an active reserve where an organised sporting event is happening, within 20m of children’s playgrounds and play equipment, at any organised public meeting or at any permanent barbecue or picnic area, as well as any location with signage requesting dogs be leashed.

Out of the 382 reported dog attacks, 60 occurred in Berwick, 39 in Narre Warren and 34 in Cranbourne, while there were a further 33

in Hampton Park and 30 in Endeavour Hills.

Casey Council connected communities manager Sara Ball said the council was required to investigate all dog attacks and other offences relating to domestic animals.

“Authorised officers respond to allegations of dog attack complaints within 24 hours, and immediately if the incident is currently occurring or has just occurred,” she said.

“Our officers investigate all dog attacks that are reported to us through to a conclusion which, depending on the seriousness of the injuries — as prescribed within the Domestic Animals Act 1994 — could be an infringement or prosecution.”

Ms Ball said key measures to keep pets and the community safe included keeping dogs securely confined to a specific property and ensuring they are always under effective control when not not home.

“Public places such as parks and streets are the most common locations for dog attacks, usually involving dogs who had escaped from their home property or who were not being kept under effective control while

in public,” she said.

“Evidence shows that most dog attacks and dog rushes occur when dogs are not contained to their property.

“Dogs that have not been adequately socialised with other animals are also more likely to demonstrate aggression if they find themselves not contained to their property, which can lead to instances of dog attacks.”

Mr Cini said education needed to come from all avenues, including where people buy dogs.

“I think there needs to be more of an onus on sellers,” he said.

Mr Cini said he had been bitten by his own dog Sacha when he had to protect a dog which approached her.

“I never blame the dog, it’s the owner,” he said.

“It’s a lot of the friendly dogs that actually cause the issue.”

Mr Cini said Casey Council should look at created an advisory committee consisting of local dog professionals in the area.

We encourage every student to pursue excellence in all endeavours and aim to ensure every student achieves their best potential so they are ready - not just for the completion of their final exams but for life!

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

MartyJohnsonwasoverwhlemedbytheHamptonParkcommunity’sgenerositytohelppayfor Buster’svetbills. 332532

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Ambo time on track

Casey’s ambulance response times have neared the response time target during January 1 to March 31 this year.

According to Ambulance Victoria’s data for the third quarter of 2022-23, 63.2 per cent of responses to code one incidents in Casey were within the target of 15 minutes, with the average response time at 15 minutes and 14 seconds across the 4548 recorded responses.

The average response time showed a reduction of more than a minute and 15 seconds compared to the second quarter of 2022-23.

In terms of code two incidents, ambulance teams responded to 2037 Casey incidents within an average of 42 minutes and 57 seconds, which was a drop of more than four minutes.

From January to March, paramedics across Victoria responded to 65.2 per cent of code one cases within the statewide average target of 15 minutes, which was a five per cent compared to the previous three months.

The state-wide average response time to code one emergencies was 15 minutes and 20 seconds, which showed an improvement of one minute and 24 seconds.

Ambulance Victoria metropolitan regional director Ian Hunt said ambulance performance improved thanks to reduced demand and fewer staff furloughed due to Covid.

“This helped speed up the handover of patients at hospitals and allowed to us get back on the road quicker to attend more life-threating emergencies,” he said.

“We know demand is already rising again and will continue to do so as we head towards winter.

“We thank the community for helping us relieve pressure on our paramedics and the health system by saving Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.”

Ambulance Victoria clinical operations acting executive director Michael Georgiou said from January to March, 37,825 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected by paramedics and nurses in the Secondary Triage team to more appropriate care.

“That results in 500 or more cases every day being safely matched to services that better suit their needs while also avoiding emergency dispatch,” he said.

Mr Georgiou said Ambulance Victoria continued to work closely with stakeholders across the entire health system to ensure patients received the most appropriate response for their needs and improve ambulance availability across the state.

“We’ve recruited more than 1,300 paramedics over the past two years, tripled the size of our Secondary Triage team and have referred almost 32,000 cases to theVictorianVirtual Emergency Department (VVED) since October 2021 to help avoid unnecessary trips to our hospitals,” he said.

Liberal ambulance services spokesperson Georgie Crozier said Victorians were suffering with 34.8 per cent of code one responses still not attended to within 15 minutes.

“The Andrews Government went to the last election promising to fix the crisis that has plagued our ambulance system,” she said. “Yet six months later, response targets are still not being met and it’s clear nothing has changed.”

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said there was still more to be done to improve the state’s health responses.

“We will continue to deliver the staff, services and infrastructure Victorians need to get the care they deserve,” she said. To view the most recent Ambulance Victoria performance data, visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/about-us/ourperformance

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

I’m so glad it’s that time again my shout out is to our local chemist the Hunt Club Drug Discount Store. I’m home very sick with COVID and my doctor sent a script through for me to our chemist after the home delivery time, however the girls at the pharmacy pushed my order through and dropped my tablets to my door in the rain. I’m very grateful as I’m feeling better already.

Thumbs up

To everyone who supported the Yakkerboo Festival on the weekend. What a fantastic event it was with so many people coming down to check out the rides, stalls, etc. Hats off to the organisers for another terrific event.

Thumbs up

To all the information from Casey Crime Page followers leading to the recovery of our stolen car.

Thumbs down

To the person who left a dead cat in a garbage bag in the Bradford Drive park.What a revolting disrespect for life.

Thumbs down

To the rising cost of living, being stressed about money all the time is so exhausting.

Thumbs up

To all that attended ANZAC day services, LestWe Forget.

Thumbs up

To the staff at Clyde McDonalds, one young woman in particular is always cheerful and sweet and it makes my mornings.

Thumbs down

To the Casey council and Vic government for the roads in all areas of Casey that have potholes in the road absolutely disgusting.

Thumbs down

To Ausnet for closing off, numerous times, Sweeney Drive NarreWarren without any notification to residents who live in the area.

History on display

By Shelby Brooks

Wander through time with new exhibits on Casey and Cardinia’s past at this weekend’s heritage festival.

The Casey Cardinia Heritage Festival will celebrate the district’s history with talks by historians and local enthusiasts and a notable display about Lord and Lady Casey and James Gibb and the Berwick Mechanics Institute.

Talk topics include Casey-Cardinia and the Great War, Women at Home, and Convicts Exiles and Criminals.

Local history librarian Kate Davis said the theme of this year’s heritage festival was shared stories.

“We couldn’t think of a better way for us to commemorate the history of this region than by telling the shared history of Casey and Cardinia,” she said.

“The Casey Cardinia Heritage Festival has celebrated the work of the local historical soci-

eties across both Casey and Cardinia regions, with great success in the past. After the last few years, the festival can finally be held in person again.

“The library is excited to help share the

wonderful history of the area with the community, once again, next Sunday.”

The festival is being organised by Myli My Community Library, Casey Cardinia Library Corporation, National Trust Casey Cardinia Branch, Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, Berwick Mechanics Institute, Edrington Research Group, Emerald Museum and Nobelius Heritage Park, Narre Warren District Family History Group and Dandenong High School Ex-Students Association.

A free raffle will be held on the day for the chance to win two free tickets to the Garfield Picture Theatre’s upcoming show starring the Strzelecki Stringbusters on May 13 valued at over $130.

The event will be held at Pakenham Hall (across from the library) between 10am and 3pm on 7 May.

Suitable for all ages, free entry, and no bookings required.

Local history librarian Kate Davis prepares for the heritage festival. 331851

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The new ground surface at Nar Nar Goon. 331974

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Crime hitting home

By Emily Chapman Laing

Cranbourne East locals Lesley Ironside and Andy Meldrum are among a growing number of victims of youth crime.

Data shows youth crime for perpetrators aged 10-17 was up by 43 per cent in Casey in 2022.

The couple have lived in Cranbourne East for over five years.

“Up until December 2022 it was our experience that it was a peaceful neighbourhood,” Lesley said.

On 19 December 2022 one of the couple’s cars, a black BMW sedan, was broken into at around 1.30am.

Andy said he was woken up by lights being turned on by a motion sensor in the car port, but the duo had previously had issues with a cat setting them off, so they ignored it.

About half an hour later Andy heard the sound of something being dropped on the kitchen floor.

Hearing this he got up and went to the kitchen to discover the outdoor sliding door open, as well as the fly screen.

Lesley said the attending police remarked that their home was unlikely to be targeted again.

In early January, the couple faced another incident.

They said a group of youths “attempted to break in to the property using a knife to break the front bedroom window, which we were asleep in.”

The couple’s neighbour reportedly witnessed the break in and called the police.

The youngest person in the group was said to be eight-years-old.

The couple later discovered “sneaker prints” on the roof of their carport, where they believe the youths had jumped over the gate.

An intact fingerprint was also discovered and taken by police.

Lesley said she had to follow up with Narre Warren Police multiple times regarding the incidents.

Between 11 January and 20 January, Lesley said she visited the police station numerous times regarding the fingerprints, but was told they were not ready.

Lesley also reached out to the local MP’s of-

fice and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

“Since then the behaviour of the youths has escalated,” she said.

“We hear and see the youths, who are all distinctive as a group walking, or more recently, running past our property between 1am and 5am, on a regular basis.

“Typically the male youths wear grey hoodies and trackies which has the effect of making them blend into the background on monochrome video footage.”

On 18 March, the couple reported footage of the youths passing the house and talking about breaking in again, with one of the youths carrying a knife.

Lesley and Adam say they have submitted the footage to the NarreWarren Police Station.

“Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives areawareofasmallnumberofincidentswhich allegedly occurred in Cranbourne East and the surrounding areas between 19 December 2022 to 2 April 2023 including attempted aggravated burglary, aggravated burglary and a stolen vehicle,” Victoria Police said in a statement about the incidents.

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest offenders are linked to any gangs.

Lesley and Adam also say they have footage

New rules

The City of Casey has adopted its new governance rules, with administrators stating the rules would set out the rules of engagement until councillors are voted into office in October next year and beyond.

In a council meeting onTuesday, April 18, City of Casey administrators adopted the Governance Rules document, which would be reviewed in four years.

City of Casey administrator Miguel Belmar said the governance rules set out a number of regulations in regards to how council operates, including how the election of mayor and deputy mayor would occur and how council business would be conducted.

“It’s fundamental that these rules set out very clearly and in a manner that is very easy to read and to follow,” he said.

“These rules make it clear to the community how those meetings are conducted.”

of the same group attempting to break into neighbouring cars, and urinating on one of their cars.

Other incidents in the area have also been caught on camera.

“It feels like the behaviour of the youths has become more aggressive, intimidating and brazen since Christmas,” Lesley said.

“We have become very light sleepers, and are often woken as the youths pass our house, both walking from and to their place.”

After the second break in the couple installed ring doorbell cameras and more motion activated lights.

“We are no longer comfortable being away from the property, not knowing what we will find when we come home,” they said.

“Two neighbours that we are aware of have sold their properties as a result of the youths’ behaviour.”

After the incident with the knife, the couple formed an ad hoc Neighbourhood Watch using WhatsApp.

The group currently has 15 members.

“Each member has their own story to tell… but each story has common elements,” Lesley said.

Police arrest 28 in huge youth gang blitz

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Matthew Sims

Youths in Cranbourne, Cranbourne North and Fountain Gate have been arrested as part of a five-day police blitz targeting the “most violent” youth gang members and their weapons.

Between 17-21 April, police arrested 28 people in the South East affiliated with a youth gang or have been involved in serious, violent crime and subject to a firearm prohibition order (FPO).

They face charges including prohibited person with a firearm, possessing firearms, possessing ammunition, possessing prohibition or controlled weapons, aggravated burglary and car theft.

Eight guns and 16 edged weapons were also seized during the crack-down.

The cache included a sawn-off shotgun, a longarm rifle, a revolver with live ammunition, two machetes, a flick-knife and a home-made sword.

Other seized weapons included two imitation pistols, two batons, a sling shot and knuckle dusters.

Three youths were remanded, including a known youth gang member and a 31-year-old Pakenham man who was since jailed for three months for possessing 1,4-butanediol.

Five known youth gang offenders or associates were served with an FPO.

Among those arrested were an 18-yearold Doveton man allegedly with a machete at Fountain Gate shopping centre.

He was later bailed to appear before Kyneton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 10.

Police also executed simultaneous search warrants in Hoyle Court in Cranbourne and Oates Court in Cranbourne North at about

Since Operation Alliance commenced in September 2020, the number of known Victorian youth gang members on Victoria Police’s watchlist has decreased from 747 to 625.

8am on Friday, April 21 following aggravated burglaries in Sandhurst and Beaumaris in the early hours ofWednesday, April 19.

An Audi was allegedly stolen from the Beaumaris property after the offenders gained entry to the premises through an unlocked door.

Police arrested and charged a 17-year-old Cranbourne North boy with aggravated burglary, attempted aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and theft.

He was also served with an FPO, while he was later remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

A 16-year-old Cranbourne North boy was charged with aggravated burglary, attempted aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and failure to answer bail.

He was bailed to appear before a children’s

court at a later date.

The blitz was complemented by an Omni Operation at Fountain Gate shopping centre on 20 April, in which 12 edged weapons were seized and nine people arrested.

Police checked 257 people and 73 vehicles during the Omni operation.

Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Superintendent Jo Stafford said police would continue to “make life as difficult as possible” for those aligned to a gang committing “serious and violent crime”.

“As part of Operation Alliance, we are regularly knocking on the doors of youth gang members for bail compliance checks, saturating locations where we know they frequent and are likely to offend and gathering further intelligence on their activities and their associates.

“Our message to anyone who commits violent crime and jeopardises the safety of the broader community is clear – we are not going away and if you were fortunate enough to escape a knock on the door last week, you won’t be so lucky next time.”

Supt Stafford said police were also continuing to engage “at risk” youth with support services to stop offending in the first place.

“In addition to targeting serious and violent offenders, we will also continue to engage at risk youth with the appropriate support services in an effort to prevent offending from occurring in the first place.”

In the past 12 months, Operation Alliance has led to the arrest of 448 known youth gang members a combined 1,422 times, police say.

Since Operation Alliance commenced in September 2020, the number of known Victorian youth gang members on Victoria Police’s watchlist has decreased from 747 to 625.

The City of Casey placed the document on public exhibition for a period of four weeks, with no written submissions received.

Rules outlined in the document included that a visitor or person in the public gallery must not interject or take part in the debate of a council meeting and the chair may order and cause the removal of any person, other than a councillor, who disrupts any meeting or fails to comply with a direction given under the rules.

The council’s Governance Rules replaced part of the Meeting Procedure Local Law from September 1, 2020 and was subsequently revised and adopted by council at the August 30, 2022 Special Council Meeting to reflect the new virtual meeting provisions under the Local Government Act 2020.

A further change was made in 2022, as a result of changes to the Act which enabled councils and regional libraries to conduct virtual meetings on a permanent basis from September 2, 2022.

At the August 30, 2022 Special Council Meeting, council resolved to consider a revised draft which incorporated further amendments.

Administrator Cameron Boardman said the rules would go a long way towards ensuring councillors remain “respectful, professional and meet the objectives of the community and the organisation as a whole”.

“This will set the tone of behaviour, this will set the rules of engagement between their fellow councillors,” he said.

The adoption of the document followed on from investigations into allegations of serious corrupt conduct in relation to planning and property development decisions at the City of Casey council.

IBAC held public hearings during 2019 and 2020 as part of Operation Sandon.

The findings from the final report of the investigation are yet to be tabled in parliament.

Chair of administrators Noelene Duff said issues of integrity have been a “very serious matter” of allegations made against the City of Casey council.

“This set of governance rules, in my view, sets what are best practice and the high standards of integrity for a council to abide by,” she said.

Details: conversations.casey.vic.gov. au/proposed-governance-rules

The governance rules sets out how council meetings and the mayoral and deputy mayoral vote would be conducted.

Lesley and Andy have been plagued by the alleged crime spree of a local group of youths.

Racetrack funding boost

The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring the Cranbourne Training Centre (CTC) and the Racecourse have the best possible facilities with an upgrade to its sand training track and the race day tie-up stalls.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines visited the CTC today to announce more than $1.7 million from the government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) will go towards the upgrades.

“We’re backing these upgrades to help ensure training infrastructure at our key centres remains the best in the country, supporting the thoroughbred racing industry to create a strong and viable future,” Mr Carbines said.

The $1.28 million investment into upgrading the sand training track includes $639,000 from the government as well as $320,000 each from the Cranbourne Turf Club and Racing Victoria.

“Cranbourne is the biggest training centre in Victoria and our investment not only supports the racing industry by driving participation in Melbourne’s east, but also creates local jobs,” Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said.

The upgrade will see the existing sand track replaced with a durable all-weather synthetic track, ensuring a safer and more consistent surface to enable horses to get a steady footing in all weather conditions, year-round. It will also improve the consistency and profile of the track.

Existing steel running rails will be replaced with plastic rails, which can better withstand and absorb the impact of horses bumping into the rail, improving the safety of horse and rider and reducing the likelihood of serious incidents or injuries occurring.

CEO of the CranbourneTurf Club Neil Bainbridge says the upgrade will be “of significant benefit to thoroughbred trainers, ensuring year-round use of the track and enhancing animal and participant welfare.”

The government is also investing more than $1.13 million to upgrade the race day tie-up stalls, with the Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC), Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria, and the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club (CHRC) each contributing more than $283,000 to the project.

“We know this upgrade will be of significant benefit to ensure the continued safety of our patrons, trainers and horses, harness and

Losing out on orders

By Emily Chapman Laing

Lanterns Viet Kitchen is one of the many suffering from reception problems and drop outs in Clyde North.

“We had no idea what we were in for,” Lanters owner Robert Costabile said.

“We don’t have any broadband here at the moment.

“We’re just not getting any reception.”

Lanterns is a dark kitchen, where every order is take-away rather than having the option to dine-in.

The restaurant boasts “multiple cuisines”, though they specialise in Vietnamese foods.

A large portion of the restaurant’s orders are placed online and come through platforms like Doordash and UBEReats.

“If we’re not getting an internet connection, we’re not getting orders.”

Mr Costabile reported instances where customers had placed an online order which was never received by Lanterns because of the connectivity issues.

“If we’ve got no reception, the order won’t come through on the tablets.

“So the customers are waiting for confirmation and then eventually it gets cancelled.

“So we’re missing loads of orders.”

Mr Costabile is left wondering why one of the fastest growing areas inVictoria is left without crucial infrastructure.

“For the amount of growth that we’re seeing out here, Clyde North seems to be the last little pocket of Casey that’s got land and I don’t know how the infrastructure is going to keep up,” he said.

Business partners Robert Costabile and Sandra DiGrazia Cutajar bought the factory almost one year ago after running a successful restaurant in Berwick.

“We decided to buy a factory out here and try to get into the wholesale area,” Mr Costabile said.

“When we first moved in it was just horrendous, it just kept dropping out.

“We were off more times than we were on and it was just impossible to get orders.”

Lanterns Viet Kitchen’s Robert Costabile. 332149

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Mr Costabile said the restaurant’s connectivity issues “seem to have been better in the last couple of months” but the unreliable nature of the network in Clyde North creates serious problems for the business.

“Being a commercial kitchen and a dark kitchen, it’s something we rely on,” he said.

Telephones are another matter, with many Clyde and Clyde North residents having their calls drop out or fail completely.

Lanterns has been no exception.

“Telstra seems to be the only network that works out here,” Mr Costabile said.

“I’m on Vodafone and I can’t make a phone call in here.”

Vodafone was contacted but did not respond by deadline.

thoroughbred, for years to come,” said president of the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club David Scott.

The existing aged stalls are no longer fit for purpose and will be replaced with new stall enclosures, boasting higher roofs, wider pathways and a weatherproof canopy providing improved animal welfare.

The project will also deliver a new parade ring, plastic rails, fencing and pathways to en-

sure safe separation between horses and patrons, as well as the installation of new lighting to ensure safer conditions for all participants.

The new tie-up stalls will be built with upgraded draining systems to ensure efficient disposal of horse waste and reduce cleaning and maintenance costs.

Trainers and race day staff will also benefit from upgrades to the existing amenity blocks, including new areas for the consumption of food and beverages.

The upgrades will benefit the local economy by creating fifty new jobs during the construction phase, with work on both projects expected to be complete by the middle of the year.

The CTC plays a vital role in thoroughbred racing in Victoria, holding up to 73 official trials and club jump-outs annually with up to 160 trainers and 1,200 horses training at the venue.

Since 2014, the government has provided more than $3.9 million to support racing events and infrastructure projects at the Cranbourne Racecourse and Training Centre through the VRIF.

Mobile trouble in Clyde

From page 1

“Moving from Oakleigh to Clyde was a teletransportation to 20 years back in time,” Ramna Fayyaz said.

“I work from home and it is a shame when I have to tell clients or workers that I haven’t received their messages due to network issues.”

The issue has been persistent for years according to locals, and they are reaching their wits end.

“We have lived here since October 2018 and reception has gotten progressively worse,” said Justin Dumbleton.

“We are unable to make calls and when calls do connect they drop out.”

Justin says the network problems also affect his children’s schooling, as they are unable to complete homework on their laptops.

“5G is absolutely shocking, there’s no reception or at best one bar,” Chris Iskaf said.

“4G has better reception but you lose reception in black spots also when you get close to the antenna reception is a black hole.”

Bec Brown says she is paying prepaid for her data and is still without NBN.

“It’s an absolute joke,” she said.

Lisa Jamieson fears that the suburb is left without crucial emergency services access.

“The fact that you can’t even call 000 and that it’s been previously reported but still hasn’t been addressed/fixed is absolutely disgusting,” she said.

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards says connectivity in today’s digital world is a necessity.

“That is why we are partnering with Optus andTelstra through our ConnectingVictoria program to deliver new and improved services between 2024 and 2025,” she said.

“As part of this work, we are building a new tower and upgrading existing infrastructure in Clyde - this will provide better coverage to Botanic Ridge, Cardinia, Clyde, Clyde North and Junction Village.”

Kathryn Seirlis, Manager Growth and Investment for City of Casey says the council is committed to meeting the needs of Casey’s growing community.

“It is the responsibility of the State Government to provide telecommunication services,” she said.

“Where possible, we assist to facilitate and negotiate with telecommunications providers to improve mobile services, particularly in Clyde and Cranbourne East.

“This is done through using councilowned land where appropriate as well as the planning process of housing development.”

Ms Seirlis says telecommunication companies are also working with private land owners and developers in the area to improve their services, though the council has no influence on the timing of the installations.

The State Government’s Connecting Victoria project is set to see improvements made in Clyde.

The $550 million program will deliver coverage to Clyde North through investment in four mobile towers, while Clyde will receive two mobile towers and one broadband solution.

View from Pattersons Rd Clyde North.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Geoff Whiffin (chairman, Cranbourne Turf), Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards, Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines and David Scott (president, Cranbourne Harness) at the announcement of funding. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines visits the Cranbourne Training Centre.

Deb supports Green Living

By Emily Chapman Laing

A local business is using soaps and shampoo bars to help Casey achieve their Green Living goals.

Narre Warren woman Deb is the head of family owned and operated soap business

L’ada Soaps and Fragrances.

“We have been making soaps in our family for over 25 years,” Deb said.

“The idea of starting a business was when a friend of mine was using our soaps on her kids who both had sensitive skin.

“She told me how much our soaps had helped to reduce their eczema, and their skin was benefiting so we should think about starting a business to help more families.”

L’ada is the initials of Deb’s family’s names, her husband, and her two sons.

“We all work on the business together, making the products, packing orders, coming along and helping at markets, we are all in this together,” Deb said.

“Our products are now stocked in stores all over Australia, as well as working with many small businesses who include our products in gift hampers, pampering packs, and we also donate to local communities and charities.”

L’ada is involved in the Green Living initiative of the City of Casey, which aims to create a more sustainable future.

“We were involved in the Green Living Festival which ran in 2022 where we were able to help educate members of our community about our products and the many benefits of our soaps.

“We have continued to work closely and the opportunity arose to have some of our shampoo bars included in their Green Living Initiative.

“Shampoo bars are a product that some people find as a hard concept to understand because we have been using liquid shampoos

since we can remember, so we decided to go with our shampoo bars to help encourage people to try something new that would not only be beneficial to them, but also our environment.”

Deb thinks it is crucial for the local community to become more educated about sustainability and reducing the amount of waste we produce.

“As consumers we are all time poor now more than ever, and it’s very convenient to go to the supermarket and choose products that are on the shelves, but more and more people are becoming aware of the problems that we are facing with landfill and carbon emissions,” she said.

Deb says one of the largest parts of her job is educating people about the “hidden nasty

ingredients in products” and the importance of making sustainable choices.

“By creating sustainable and eco-friendly products we are helping our customers to help the environment and reduce the amount of waste we produce.”

Deb says L’ada shampoo and conditioner bars are made using natural oils and butters and their soaps are made in small batches to ensure high-quality.

They are free from any SLS or harsh chemicals that can strip your natural oils from the scalp.

“Our Shampoo and Conditioner bars are suitable for all hair types whilst looking after the health of your scalp.

“They are also very good for our environment as you are not washing away toxic chemicals down the drain.”

L’ada was a finalist for the Sustainability Award in the 2022 Casey Business Awards.

“It was an honour to receive the recognition for all of the hard work we have put into our products and growing our business over the past three-and-a-half years,” Deb said.

L’ada has branched out to create ecofriendly laundry products, which Deb says she “just cannot live without”.

“We have had our Washing Powder available for our customers for just over a year now and this has been a huge success for us,” she said.

“We make a washing soap and mill it into a powder, so you are using soap to wash your clothes.

“The combination of our Laundry Soap and our Washing Powder will give you a 100 per cent natural wash and is not only better for your clothes and the environment, but will also save you money in the long run as you use less than what you do of your commercially produced products.”

‘More in control, empowered’: New workshops for mums

By Emily Chapman Laing

Blind Bight mum Emma McWilliam is turning her own trauma into crucial resources for other mothers.

“The Handy Mum is a safe resource hub and a community for mums to be able to learn from each other and feel supported,” she said.

Emma assists mums to achieve their goals, to empower, encourage and support in times of need by providing convenient, easy, accessible resources, coaching and courses.

The Handy Mum originally began as a doula support service but has now evolved into accessible and empowering programs.

“Mums don’t spend a lot on their self care,” Emma said.

“They don’t put themselves first. The default setting is to put the family first and then mum comes in last.

“So I thought its more beneficial to reach mums online rather than face-to-face.”

Emma now creates and offers programs available to mums from home that are lower in price and offer more accessible support.

“There are so many mums out there that want to be able to learn from home and have a DIY approach as opposed to saving up or waiting in a system for a year and feeling completely abandoned,” Emma said.

“I want to be a point of contact for them or something they see on their phones and can identify with so they don’t feel so lonely.”

Emma explained that mothers are rarely the focus of maternal child health services.

“We don’t really focus on mum, we focus on the baby and I think that’s where a lot of the shame and guilt comes from,” she said.

“That’s why I’m teaching maternal health through working with their own children.”

Emma’s ’Calm Kids and Calmer Mamas’ program is designed to help mums establish co-regulation with their children.

Mums will also learn how to utilise nervous system calming techniques and create a better bond with their children.

“You will have less dramatic outbursts because you will be able to communicate better,” Emma said.

“You’ll be able to realise your child’s triggers and understand what will work for them.

“At the end of it, I’m really hoping mums feel more in control and empowered with their parenting.”

Emma uses her lived experience as the basis for her programs and she believes this sets her apart from other education services.

“Having lived experience, being in it and knowing exactly how it feels and how lonely and debilitating it is means I can connect with mums on a different level,” she said.

“I truly understand where they are coming from and what the roadblocks are.”

Emma holds a psychology degree and has previous experience as an integration aide.

She is also currently working towards a certification in Healing Informed Trauma Therapy.

Emma herself had a “rough“ childhood where she sustained trauma that carried over

into her adult life.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The coping mechanisms she developed to deal with her trauma served her well, until she became a mother.

“A lot of the coping mechanisms that you’ve had throughout your life don’t really work when you’re a mother,” she said.

“Becoming a mother adds that much more pressure to you.”

Emma didn’t have a strong family support network and found herself struggling with postnatal depression and anxiety.

“With my first child I ended up going back to work and into high functioning anxiety,” Emma said.

“But with my second child I really started to think, if this is postnatal depression, and I know I have it and I’ve sought help for it, then why aren’t I better? What am I missing?

“I couldn’t keep going on like that and I thought if I feel like this, there has to be other mums that are slipping through the cracks.”

In Australia, approximately 15-20 per cent of women will experience perinatal depression.

Antenatal depression affects 10-15 per cent of women and postnatal depression affects 14 per cent.

Emma is currently working with a doula to produce a new program to assist mums through every stage of the motherhood process, from conception to sending children off to school.

“We are putting together a program for all mums from a doula and trauma perspective, for mothers to be able to harness through all the seasons,” she said.

“It can be really hard to prepare for pregnancy and labour when you don’t quite fit the textbook mold.

“People are screaming out for these resources and if we don’t provide them, then we have mums that are struggling.”

Emma believes creating further resources for mothers may impact the availability of resources for fathers too.

“Mums are generally the default parent in a nuclear family, and that’s a stigma in itself,” she said.

“If you are in the minority [of fathers who are the primary parent], there’s going to be less resources and talk about it.

“And if there’s already not enough resources and talk about motherhood and parenting, then there’s going to be less for fatherhood.”

Emma said that while her language online targets women primarily, “there’s no reason why a dad couldn’t learn this material and get the support from the community” that The Handy Mum creates.

“There’s a lot of stigma for men joining programs that are predominantly taken by women,” Emma said.

Emma hopes to branch out in the future, possibly giving workshops dedicated to fathers in male-dominated spaces, such as Men’s Sheds.

Emma encourages anyone in need of parental support to reach out to her.

She can be found on The Handy Mum accounts on Facebook, Instagram and through her website.

Emma with her two sons Jackson (left) and Liam (right).

L’ada’s Deb with some of her soaps.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Calls to raise JobSeeker

By Sahar Foladi

No one can afford to live on JobSeeker, says refugee Asif Afzali.

Ahead of May’s federal budget, welfare groups and the government’s own Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee (EIAC) have called for a “substantial” rise in the “seriously inadequate” JobSeeker payments as a high priority.

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

Asif Afzali was among thousands of Afghans who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban took control in 2021. Similar to many refugees and migrants Mr Afzali has called Dandenong home ever since his arrival and had been on JobSeeker.

“I searched too many jobs and applied.

“I don’t have local experience other things is maybe my English.”

Mr Afzali struggled to find a job even though he’s a qualified civil engineer and an electrician. He studied at a private University in Kabul, completed his degree, worked for three years as a site engineer in commercial companies and five years as an electrician withTABS which provided electricity all over Kabul.

“My friends have the same problem as I have. Some have graphic design qualifications and some have IT qualifications. “After some time, they start work in construction they put away their qualifications and start again from zero.”

While on JobSeeker he received $600 fortnightlyandpaid$550monthlylivinginashared house with fellow Afghan migrants.

“It was hard because it was not enough for food, paying bills, wifi and everything. We tried to find a cheaper and old house. Prices are going up rent prices too. It’s not enough for one person.”

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 a 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.

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

Government should up the rate: Federal MP

By Emily Chapman Laing

Federal Holt MP Cassandra Fernando has implored the government to increase JobSeeker funding.

JobSeeker payments currently sit at a fortnightly maximum of $693.10 for single citizens with no dependents, and $745.20 for single citizens with dependents.

This leaves unemployed people living on less than the minimum liveable wage.

According to research conducted by the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, the minimum liveable wage for a single individual with no dependents is $1194 per fortnight.

This is more than $500 more than the current maximum JobSeeker payments being offered.

Likewise, for a single individual with a child or children, the SPRC reported a minimum liveable wage of $2346 per fortnight, $1600 more than the current JobSeeker payment.

In a letter to the Albanese Government, Fernando describes her experience as a “young migrant woman”.

She reflected on the “devastation long periods of unemployment” had on individuals, families and communities.

“Quite often, people who find themselves unemployed lack the financial support needed to return to work,” she wrote.

“This leads to extended periods of unemployment and worsening financial stability.”

The past year has seen the Albanese Labor Government deliver cheaper childcare and medicine, increased paid parental leave and cost of living relief.

But our federal MP is far from satiated in her commitment to her community.

“As the representative of an electorate whose unemployment rate is constantly higher than the national average, I encourage the Albanese Labor Government to support an increase to JobSeeker,” she wrote.

“Supporting an immediate or gradual increase to JobSeeker will only strengthen this government’s record of delivering a better future for every Australian.

“An increase to JobSeeker will mean Australians who are unemployed will not have to choose between paying their rent and feeding themselves and their families.”

Ms Fernando said that it is the “decade of mismanagement” from the Liberal Government that leaves the Labor Government facing “such difficult budget constraints” in the debt crisis.

In 2020, Independent Australian journalist Alan Austin reported the debt accumulated within nine months under the Coalition’s leadership was more than the Labor Government amassed in just short of six years.

Austin reported $213.4 billion of debt created by the Liberal Government in the ninemonth period from 29 November 2019 and 31 August 2020.

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.”

After some time, Mr Afzali gave up his search for role as site engineer and started his electrical apprenticeship.

“The first option for me was to be an engineer. I tried too much and applied for many jobs. “It’s hard to join construction companies to be site engineer.”

Mr Afzali has left behind his wife and two kids in Afghanistan that he has to support financially as well.

It’s been a year since he applied for their visa and he hasn’t heard anything.

Mr Afzali now works full-time as an electrician and only wishes to be united with his family in Australia.

Tributes flow for Sarah

After a month-long search, the body of a missing 28-year-old woman has ended in tragedy.

SarahWeatherstone, ofWantirna, had been last seen leaving a factory inVesper Drive, NarreWarren on 25 March.

After an extensive police search and her family’s desperate public plea for help, her body was found in Narre Warren on Friday 28 April.

With a “heavy heart”, mother Judith posted on social media that “we have been told of the passing of our beautiful daughter Sarah to accidental suicide”.

“Thanks for the support and love over the past five weeks.

“Rest in peace beautiful, forever in our hearts x.”

A Go Fund Me site has been formed to raise money for the Australian Borderline Personality Disorder Foundation.

“Sarah had been diagnosed with the complex mental illness known as borderline personality disorder and struggled for many years with the oft debilitating symptoms.

“Instead of flowers, I am requesting donations to the Australian BPD Foundation which works tirelessly to raise awareness of BPD, help destigmatize personality disorders so that people can access the treatment and supports the need.”

Police will prepare a report for the State Coroner, but stated Sarah’s death was not suspicious. If you need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

The Go Fund Me site is at gofundme. com/f/zqxz4y-in-memory-of-sarahweatherstone

AsifAzaliwasonJobSeekerwhenhefirstarrivedtoAustraliafromAfghanistanin2021. 331037

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Fun day out for families

A Family Fun Day packed with entertainment was held at Livingston Reserve in Cranbourne East on Sunday 30 April.

Leading disability campaigner Dylan Maliepaard said it was a chance to raise much needed awareness about supporting inspirational footy players with an intellectual disability.

“We work with many people who face all kinds of challenges on a daily basis,” Mr Maliepaard said.

“This Family Fun Day was focused on helping break those barriers down.

“We raised vital funds to better support footy players who have an intellectual disability.”

The event featured a free DJ, a car show, a jumping castle, sausage sizzle, face painting, henna body art and much more.

The event was supported by The Disability Company, spearheaded by Mr Maliepaard who formed the organisation to provide more genuine care for people living with a disability and their families.

“Part of what this day is all about is raising awareness about the All-Abilities Team we have at the Cranbourne Eagles Football Club,” he said.

“It was an opportunity to support and watch football players with an intellectual disability.

“They are a real inspiration and are just so amazing.”

Since 2018, The Disability Company has provided over 140,000 hours of quality care to the South East Melbourne community and beyond. The Company is now supporting people with a disability in the East, West and North of Melbourne plus the Gippsland and Bass Coast community.

Affordable rentals tighten

By Emily Chapman Laing and Cam Lucadou-Wells

Casey is among the top ten most affordable areas for households living on minimum wage in metropolitan Melbourne, but the regions stats have dropped since 2022.

The proportion of suitable listings that were affordable and appropriate for individuals or families living on minimum wage was 39.6 per cent in Casey.

The number of corresponding properties was reported at 176, a figure superior to Frankston and Greater Dandenong areas, but below that of Cardinia.

The percentage of suitable listings has dropped since 2022, when Casey sat at 57.1 per cent with 242 corresponding properties.

In its latest national Rental Affordability Snapshot, Anglicare has joined the growing chorus for a rise in the rate for JobSeeker and other income supports.

“We found that that there were no properties affordable for a single person on JobSeeker payment. This includes sharehouses.

“The shortage of affordable rentals will condemn people to make difficult decisions to keep a roof over their head.”

During the Snapshot, only one Victorian rental property was affordable for a Disability Support pensioner.

The report points to “very low” rental vacancy rates, which make tenanted properties a “scarce resource” and drive rents to an “unprecedented high”.

In Greater Dandenong, there were 68 rental listings affordable to a household on minimum wage. In Casey, there were 176 and Cardinia 104, the Snapshot reports.

Ahead of this month’s Federal Budget, Anglicare also called for more affordable housing, higher Commonwealth Rent Assistance and a revamp of negative gearing and capital gains tax exemptions.

Wayss homelessness and housing general manager Shari McPhail agreed JobSeeker and Commonwealth Rental Assistance need to rise.

“They absolutely need to be increased so people can afford to live.

“Something has to change – people are in such dire straits, and it’s difficult for them to

come out of that.”

With scarce affordable rentals and a cost of living squeeze, the agency was struggling to find suitable accommodation for an “everincreasing” number of families, Ms McPhail said.

There also needs to be reform of the homelessness system including support and options for those fleeing family violence.

Across the state, about 38 per cent of people seeking Wayss’s help are experiencing family violence.

“That’s simply not OK in a country and a state as prosperous as ours. It’s not good enough that they end up in the homelessness system.”

Wayss is also calling for more resources for homelessness services in the South East, as well as for 6000 more social housing properties across the state.

To that end, it is lobbying for MPs to approve the Federal Government’s proposed Housing Australia Future Fund.

The $10 billion fund for 30,000 homes was “not perfect” but crucial to supply affordable and social housing in the long-term, Ms McPhail said.

It would deliver the consistency and security needed for big private investors to support the fund.

However immediate investment is also required in the South-East growth corridor for a range of housing options to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable, she said.

The proposed fund has not won support from the Liberals or Greens, and has yet to pass through Parliament.

Many support agencies in the South East have described unprecedented demand for help.

South East Community Links chief executive Peter McNamara recently said people reporting housing costs as the reason for seeking material aid at SECL had 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 said.

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

Saving with share housing

Hampton Park and Doveton were among suburbs across the country which topped a Rent.com.au list showing the suburbs where renters could save the most by entering into shared housing.

Hampton Park was at seventh place across the country and in second place across Victoria, with an estimated saving of 53 per cent per bedroom and the median weekly rental cost ranging from $330 for a one-bedroom unit to $400 for a four-bedroom unit.

Doveton came in at 18th place, with an estimated saving of 50 per cent per bedroom and the median weekly rental price ranging from $280 for a one-bedroom unit to $450 for a four-bedroom unit.

By splitting the rent and utilities with housemates, renters have saved money while enjoying a more affordable housing option and helping to ease the national rental crisis, as filling vacant rooms reduces the demand for new housing construction, which can potentially lower housing costs in high-demand and low-vacancy areas.

Rent.com.au chief executive Greg Bader said the popularity of house sharing had gone through ebbs and flows during the past couple of years.

“It saw a substantial drop during COVID as people began working from home and prioritised having their own space,” he said.

“In 2023, we’ve seen a real lift in the number of people sharing houses, driven largely by record low property availability

and the resulting rental increases that come with low vacancy rates.”

Mr Bader said share housing had always been attractive for young renters and those entering the workforce with limited budgets.

“However, what we’re now seeing a real broadening in the market, with people from all age groups embracing house-sharing,” he said.

“While cost is still a major driver, the trend also caters to those seeking to maintain their preferred lifestyle, including living in an area they love.”

Mr Bader said there were a number of benefits to share housing.

“The savings on rent and utilities are self-evident, but there are other soft advantages too,” he said.

“If you’re new to an area, living with housemates can be a great way to expand your social circle and discover hidden gems in your community.

“However, it’s important to approach sharing with the right mindset and be prepared to compromise.

Mr Bader said share housing should be considered as an option for the right renter.

“Splitting rooms, parking, and chores can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you could save money on rent and make lasting friendships,” he said.

“Remember, sharing isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth considering for those looking to cut costs and build connections.”

Ava enjoying bubbles. 326837

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERSJazmyn has a go on the drums. 326837

Pete Eastwood with his E2 HSV GTS as part of the car display. 326837

Andrew with his HSV VXR as part of the car display. 326837

Footy action with all-abilities star Mel McGowan holding the ball. 326837

Lee Eastwood with her HSV WM Grange as part of the car display. 326837

High tea for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate and appreciate all that our Mothers have done for us.

This year, Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park is hosting a luxurious High Tea to honour Mothers everywhere.

The High Tea will take place on Sunday 14 May from 1pm to 3pm, prepared by Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar.

The setting is intimate and elegant, making it the perfect place to treat your Mother to a special and memorable day.

Archie’s High Tea menu is nothing short of amazing, with a selection of delicious sweet and savoury treats that will tantalize your taste buds.

There will be an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, cakes, and chocolates, all prepared by the hotel’s expert chefs. And, of course, a range of specially selected teas and coffee will be available to complement the food.

In addition to the culinary delights, guests will also be treated to live music throughout the afternoon. This will create a relaxing atmosphere and make the day even more enjoyable for everyone.

The Mother’s Day High Tea is an ideal way to show your Mother how much you care.

It’s a chance to spoil her and show her how much she means to you, all while enjoying a luxurious afternoon in a beautiful setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to make this

Enjoy what’s on offer at the Mulgrave Country Club

Operating since 1961, Mulgrave Country Club is a grass roots community club and is a fundamental part of the community. It is a wholly member-owned and community run club offering great hospitality and sports facilities including Bowls, Tennis, Squash, Racquetball, Social Golf, and Snooker.

The Mulgrave Country Club located on the corner of Wellington and Jells Road Wheelers Hill, has developed into perhaps the finest licensed and sporting club in Victoria which includes 4 function rooms, 300 seat bistro, cafe and terrace, TAB, kids’ playroom and a 120-space underground car park.

The bistro features daily and seniors’ specials and an extensive a la carte modern menu. Their function rooms can accommodate 30 - 250 people and are perfect for any corporate or special occasion including weddings.

There is always something on at the Mulgrave Country Club. Patrons enjoy the huge selection of fun and entertainment available throughout the week.

The club prides itself on giving members and guests that little bit of extra attention and is continually welcoming new members.

The club is also proud to contribute to the community not only with their facilities but also through their support of local charities, community groups, sporting clubs and schools.

Conveniently located within 500 metres of both the Eastern and Monash freeways, Mulgrave Country Club provides the social, sporting and leisure infrastructure that keeps their members and residents healthy, vital and connected.

For more information visit www.mulgravecc.com.au or phone: 9582 4600

Don’t miss this opportunity to make this Mother’s Day an unforgettable one.

Mother’s Day an unforgettable one.

To reserve your place or to find out more information about this event, please visit the Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park website or contact them directly to book.

To book, call 4137 1234 or visit hyattplacemelbournecaribbeanpark.com

Mulgrave Country Club is conveniently located within 500 metres of both the Eastern and Monash freeways.

Intersection blitz

The Cranbourne-Frankston Road intersection blitz began on Friday 28 April.

“We’re ready to start major construction of the new Hall, Evans, and CranbourneFrankston Roads intersection,” said Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Brendan Pauwels.

“While we understand that closing these roads while we work is inconvenient, it means we can safely build the new intersection and have it open three months faster than planned, avoiding lengthy disruptions.”

As part of the Hall Road Upgrade, the inter-

sections of Evans and Cranbourne-Frankston roads will be realigned to create a single safer intersection as part of the wider Hall Road Upgrade improving traffic flow across Carrum and Cranbourne.

The project will convert the intersections at Cranbourne-Frankston, Evans and Hall Roads into a single four-way intersection with traffic lights.

Extra lanes will be added to increase capacity and improve traffic flow for the 30,000 vehicles that travel along Hall Road each day.

Thousands claim $250

Cranbourne suburbs residents have taken advantage of the Power Saving Bonus as 14,467 requests for the $250 cheque were received to assist with living pressures.

The Andrews Labor Government has helped ease the cost of living for more than one million Victorian households with $250 directly into their pockets through the fourth round of the Power Saving Bonus.

Cranbourne (3318), Cranbourne East (3910), Cranbourne West (3132), Cranbourne North (3410) and Cranbourne South (697) collectively led the pack by a long stretch with 14,467 requests, surpassing the 8074 requests from Clyde and Clyde North.

Narre Warren, Narre Warren North, Narre Warren South and Narre Warren East totalled 8475 requests, while Berwick residents totalled 7645, Hampton Park 3540, Lynbrook 1157, Botanic Ridge 1056, Tooradin 191 and Cannons Creek 77.

From 7pm on Friday 28 April to 5am on Monday 26 June, the intersections will be closed to fast-track major construction.

Crews will work 24/7 to complete three months of work in just eight weeks.

Arterial detours will be in place via Thompsons Road, Western Port Highway, South Gippsland Highway, North Road and Craig Road. Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and consider travelling outside of peak periods where possible.

Positive outcomes for African communities

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards has been appointed to head theVictorian African Communities Committee (VACC) to help drive change and respond to the needs of the state’s African communities.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks said: “Victoria’s African communities understand their needs better than anyone and the new Victorian African Communities Committee will be central to driving change to better respond to communities’ needs”.

“I look forward to working with members of the Victorian African Communities Committee to deliver positive outcomes for our state’s African communities,” he said.

Ms Richards has been appointed Chair, following the departure of Josh Bull MP, who was fiercely dedicated to driving positive outcomes for Victoria’s African communities during his two-year term as Chair of the previousVACAP Implementation Committee and the VACC.

“It’s a privilege to be appointed as Chair of this Committee so I can continue the work of supporting the delivery of programs and sup-

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port African communities across the state,” Ms Richards said.

The VACC is an advisory board comprising 13 members of African heritage with expertise in education, employment, health, and inclusion. Members serve a two-year appointment, building on the ongoing work of community organisations and government, supported by Ms Richards as the new Chair.

The appointed members of the Victorian African Communities Committee are Deputy Co-Chairs Tigist Kebede and Monica Forson, Selba-Gondoza Luka, Adongwot Manyoul, Tawana Basutu, Mahamed Ahmed, Dr Tebeje Molla, Fred Alale AM, Anaab Rooble, Andrew Gai, Dr Stephane Shepherd, Mohamed Semra and Catherine Jonathan.

The committee will focus on issues that support the delivery of the Victorian African Communities Action Plan including education, employment, and alcohol and drug education outreach programs.

The Labor Government acknowledges the significant contributions of Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe, who passed away in November 2022.

Dr Apollo was an active member of VACAP and a passionate advocate, academic and leader who played a key role in supporting the settlement of new and emerging communities across Victoria.

The Labor Government has provided $17.5 million over the last four years to deliver VACAP initiatives.

In Dandenong, Dandenong North and Dandenong South, 7787 residents took advantage of the Power Saving Bonus. There were 3426 requests from Endeavour Hills, 1491 in Doveton and 1565 in Hallam.

The latest round of the program has seen 40 per cent of applicants find a better energy deal – with thousands of Victorians choosing to switch and save by changing their energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website.

In addition to Victorians comparing their energy online, more than 17,000 households have received the $250 Power Saving Bonus through a community outreach partner, with 73 per cent of these applicants receiving additional energy affordability advice.

Applications for the payment can be made through the Victorian Energy Compare website, where customers can quickly and easily find the best energy offers in their areas.

The Energy Assistance Program is a free service providing energy consumers experiencing hardship with one-on- one assistance and has helped over 500 applicants to navigate the energy market, apply for eligible grants and concessions, find and switch to better offers and address billing errors.

For those without internet access, over-the-phone and in-person support is available through one of the Community Outreach Partners, including Brotherhood of St Laurence, Ethnic Community Council Victoria, Good Shepherd, State Trustees and hundreds of Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria.

WIN WIN TICKETS to the 46th Historic Winton Races...

Australia’s longest-running and most popular all-historic motorsport event, Historic Winton, will be held on 27th and 28th May 2023 at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla.

Spectators will see more than 40 historic car, motorcycle and sidecar races and the traditional Sunday Parade Lap of selected display vehicles.

The 46th Historic Winton invites spectators to bring their historic cars, bikes, trucks, buses, caravans and other vehicles for a massive car park display.

Organiser, Austin 7 Club President, Len Kerwood said that visitors will be amazed by the impressive array of vehicles celebrating anniversaries as old as 120 years, alongside the two-days of historic motorsport action that people travel far and wide to see.

Wehave20weekend doublepassesupforgrabs!

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards will chair the Victorian African Communities Committee.

The closures will allow three months of work to be completed in eight weeks.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Enter your photos

Time to bust out the camera and head out into the community for some landscape shots.

Casey Cardinia Libraries are hosting their Landscapes of Casey Photography Competition 2023.

The team is asking locals to “be part of recording the City of Casey as it is now, for future generations”.

“Enter our Landscapes of Casey photography competition this Autumn and help us collect images of the City of Casey current landscapes, for tomorrow’s history,” the team wrote.

Village hits decade

By Eleanor Wilson

More than 90 residents at Clyde North’s Levande Selandra Rise retirement village celebrated a decade of community onWednesday 26 April.

Residents had their photos taken alongside birthday balloons, indulged in a special cake made by the residents, and reminisced on the last 10 years at Selandra Rise.

A photoboard with images of the village’s current residents was created to hang alongside a similar board which commemorated the official opening of the village in April 2013.

Resident committee secretary Veronica Ball said the community’s surrounds have developed exponentially since she moved into the village five years ago.

“It’s just grown so much. It used to be paddocks when we moved in, Clyde Road was just

BUSINESS PROFILE

a road in each direction with gravel on either side and nothing but cows in the paddocks,” she said.

“Now, you have walking access to the supermarket, there’s shops, a chemist, doctors, dentists, childcare if you want it.

“You really don’t have to leave to get everything you need.”

Levande chief operations officer Michelle Bruggeman said the Clyde North village is one of the most vibrant communities in the company’s 58 village strong portfolio.

“In terms of the whole portfolio of all the retirement villages across Australia, this one has a really active resident base that themselves, continue to improve the village through their different clubs,” she said.

“They would have easily more than 30 activities the week, from bingo three nights a week to bar nights, there’s a craft and quilting

group, lawn bowls, water aerobics.”

The retirement village’s very first resident, Tony Watson, who only recently moved into aged care, returned for the special occasion to reconnect with old friends.

He moved into number 1 at Selandra Rise in 2013, downsizing from a five acre property following a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis.

“My wife and I travelled around for six months looking for a place and these people had a meeting and explained what it was all about,” Mr Watson said of Levande.

“We went to that meeting and that same day we signed up for the property.”

He said he has many fond memories of his time living at 5 Harmony Chase.

“It doesn’t matter where you go, you always have ups and downs, but I got along great with a lot of my neighbours.”

Photos submitted will be kept in the Local History Archive and used for historical projects in the future.

Those who enter will also be in the running for prizes which include Visa gift cards between $75 - $25.

There are two age sections for participants older than 16 years and those younger.

The ends onWednesday 31 May, 2023 at 5pm.

Enter via the Casey Cardinia Libraries website or visit cclc.vic.gov.au/landscapes-of-casey-photography-competition

Locals are being called to use their photography skills to capture the Casey of today for tomorrow. Picture: SUPPLIED

Narre Warren North children explore the meaning of Anzac Day

In the lead up to Anzac Day this year, our FiRST Early Learning Centre in Narre Warren North, strived to explore the meaning of Anzac Day through many ways including reading, writing, crafts and discussion.

Our children may not fully comprehend the meaning of Anzac Day, but I believe it is very important to commemorate and begin teaching our young children about Australian history and its people from a young age.

Our young children have a greater understanding of the importance and necessity of peace by learning about the history of Anzac Day.

Amongst the age-appropriate intentional teachings in each of our rooms, I invited each room to participate in our collaborative art piece: Anzac community wreath.

Whether it was by hand prints, pasting or a freestyle poppy painting - the opportunities for children to depict their own Anzac themed poppy, in their own meaningful way was special.

These unique poppies, put together formed our Anzac wreaths and placed amongst other Anzac tributes at the dawn service at Bunjil Place on Tuesday 25 April on Anzac Day 2023.

FiRST Early Learning, 1 Mattsera Court, NarreWarren North, 9123 4452.

Erika Reymond has her photo taken for the 2023 residents’ photo board. Picture: SUPPLIED

Levande chief operations officer Michelle Bruggeman and first resident Tony Watson celebrate the milestone.

Picture: ELEANOR WILSON

FiRST Early Learning Centre in Narre Warren North strived to explore the meaning of Anzac Day through many ways including reading, writing, crafts and discussion.

Future of hybrid working

Go back to the pre-Covid days (remember them?) and it may be just me but I don’t recall hearing the term ‘hybrid working’.

Back then it was called somewhat less glamorously ‘working from home’ and from my recollection, this didn’t happen very often. There were two key reasons for this:

1.The potential for distraction (and hence some concern about whether sufficient work would actually get done); and

2.The potential for creating a precedent (some staff members may be more reliable than others, but you can’t create a rule just for some).

The Covid-19 era literally enforced working from home as it was either this, or you stayed away from work and didn’t do anything.

However, this period did at least show that the former reservations were not well founded as not only was a ‘precedent’ necessarily created without any major issues, the impact on productivity failed to materialise. In fact, a study from Stanford University reported that remote workers were five per cent more productive than in-office workers in the summer of 2020 and by early 2022, this had risen to nine per cent as companies continued to improve their remote work practices and invested in technology that supported remote work.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, during Covid-19, more people left Australia than came into the country, recording a net loss of 88,800 people in 2020-21 from the national population due to the impact of Co-

vid-19 on overseas migration.

Immigration fell 71 per cent, down to 145,800 from 506,900.

Combine this with historically low employment rates and you end up with a situation where employees had the upper hand as there were often more jobs than people to fill them.

Consequently those seeking new roles could not only command higher salaries, they were also able to demand a level of hybrid working having now got used to home comforts and spending less on fuel travelling to work.

Employers’ responses to this were mixedsome embraced the new way of working even reducing their office footprint as less staff were now required to be in the office.

However, many others felt that this more fractured way of working had an adverse im-

pact on company culture and work relationships since the natural team-building that stems from those spontaneous water cooler discussions or quick chats no longer occurred.

Elon Musk’s famous email to Tesla staff back in June 2022, entitled ‘To Be Super Clear’, left no one in doubt about where he stood as everyone was ordered to work a minimum of 40 hours per week, in-person, at the office.

Moreover, he explained, “the office must be where your actual colleagues are located, not some remote pseudo office. If you don’t show up, we will assume you have resigned”.

So what about the future? Well, let’s return to Mr Musk.

Apparently, back in January this year, the new Twitter owner shut down its Seattle offices and its Singapore offices, instructing its employees to work remotely.

Why? It turns out that the office costs including rent and services such as cleaning and security were becoming prohibitive.

So if the most ardent critic of remote working can change his mind, then for me this tends to suggest that the pre-Covid days of Monday to Friday in the office every week are probably gone.

Instead, employers will need to adopt a more flexible approach that allows a level of hybrid working for many staff and may even need to provide the technology required to support this as well.

This will necessarily create an imbalance in the workplace though since in certain industries such as manufacturing and construction, this is simply not possible.

Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions ombs.com.au

Hybrid working is here to stay, as Ian Ash explains in this week’s column.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Myuna Farm Composting Workshop

Myuna Farm is hosting a comprehensive composting at home workshop to celebrate International Composting Awareness Week (7-13th May 2023).

Composting your own food scraps and garden waste will reduce contents of your bin, make top notch compost for your garden and can save you money!

The workshop will focus on composting, worm farms and bio fermenters and delivering up to date information on the easiest composting method available to you and your household. Each attendee will receive a free kitchen caddy and will have a chance to win a compost bin, that will be drawn on the day. Entry is $5 per person.

· Myuna Farm 182 Kidds Rd Doveton on Saturday 13 May, 9.30am - 11.30am.

Mother’s Day Floral Egg Painting Workshop

Only Mine Chocolate Factory is hosting an egg painting workshop where mums can create a delicious gift.

This one of a kind workshop is the perfect gift for a mum with a little artistic flare and that has a love for chocolate.

This workshop is made up of 2 parts including a workshop and a chocolate education and sampling session.

Participants will learn how to paint with coloured cocoa butter, paint their own floral egg and have a chocolate egg to take home!

Mums will also be delighted by chocolate sampling and learning how chocolate is made.

Spaces are limited to a maximum of 8 per class, a minimum of 4 participants is required for the session to run.

$100 per person for this intimate workshop, tasting and education session.

You don’t want to miss this, book your space now via Eventbrite or Facebook.

· 2/31 Camino Crescent Cranbourne West on Sunday 14 May, 10.30am.

Eco Renovator Expo

Are you getting ready to renovate or extend your home? Want to create an energy efficient, healthy, low-footprint, climate-resilient home?

Do you live in the City of Casey?

Come along to the Free Casey Eco-Renovators Expo hosted by Evitat and Let Me Be Frank to find out how you can make your home the best home it can be - for your health, your wealth and also the planet.

There will be experts on hand, product displays, exhibitions, presentations and plenty of opportunities to get all your questions answered.

RSVP now via Facebook.

· Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Boulevard, Cranbourne West on Saturday 6 May, 1pm.

Casey Criterium Bike Race

Southern Masters Cycling Club is hosting a criterium for local cyclers to show off their skill. There will be graded criterium races for Masters racers and women from 15 years of age with an AC Race Licence.

The race will take approximately one hour and include a bell lap.

Entry cost is $15.75.

· Casey Fields, 160 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East on Sunday 7 May, Sunday 14 May and Sunday 28 May, 9am - 10.30am.

Hampton Park Fire Brigade Open Day

Join the brigade for its open day! There will be

Recycle Right in Casey

The Cranbourne West Community Hub is hosting a free information session about recycling in the community. There will be morning tea and a chance to have all your recycling related questions answered so you know you are recycling right.

· 4 Flicka Boulevard, Cranbourne West on Thursday 11 May, 10am - 12pm.

heaps to do, including food trucks, face painting, raffle prizes, a visit from Victoria Police Highway Patrol and Ambulance Victoria, firefighting demonstrations, colouring competitions, a community safety van and a Captain Koala visit.

· 112 Somerville Road, Hampton Park on Saturday 6 May 10am to 2.30pm.

Hakaya Bukjeh Annual Eid Celebration

Hakaya – Bukjeh’s fun day of performances for all families around Eid, celebrating the beauty of our rich cultures around the world. We collaborate with artists from diverse, multicultural communities and lived experiences.

Children are invited to discover Eid characters and symbols hidden around the library, from the mosque to the prayer mat and other important elements including moon formation, how fasting is broken and popular culinary dishes. Young people will delight in this educational and fun activity designed to share fascinating facts about Eid in the award-winning creative hub. Treasure hunt, art activities, Eid performances, open mic time, henna, face painting, photo booth.

· FREE and family friendly. Bookings essential. To book and for more information, please visit bit.ly/BP-eid-hakaya

· Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre

Warren on Saturday 13 May 11am to 4pm.

Mother’s Day Race Day

Spoil mum with a day at the races!

Enjoy a three course buffet lunch, cash bar, racebook, tea and coffee while enjoying a memorable afternoon of harness racing!

Tickets are just $55 per person and includes a chrysanthemum for mum!

· For bookings, contact Cam on 5996 1300 or email cgallagher@trotscranbourne.com.au.

· Cranbourne Harness Racing Club, 50 Grant Street, Cranbourne on Sunday 14 May, 12pm. Drag Trivia

Get ready to put your knowledge to the test with fabulous drag trivia!

Hosted by the one and only Brenda Bressed, this will be a night of laughter, fun and fierce competition.

Brenda will guide you through a series of rounds covering a wide range of topics, from pop culture to history and current events!

With her quick wit, Brenda is sure to keep you entertained all night long.

Oh and did we mention, there are some great prizes up for grabs for the winning teams! So grab your friends, make up your team and get ready for a night of quizzical buffoonery!

· The Amazing Grace,150-156 South Gippsland Highway,Cranbourne on Friday 5 May,7.30pm.

Fix-a-friend Community Desexing Day

Pets of the Homeless Australia and Meow and Friends Community Vet are holding a subsidised community desexing event for pension/concession card holders.

Book your pet’s desexing procedure for only $50 (cat) or $100 (dog) which includes desexing, vaccination, flea and worming treatment and microchipping.

This offer is available for adult cats and kittens from 12 weeks of age and must weigh a minimum of one kilogram as well as adult dogs and puppies over 6 months of age.

Male dogs and cats must have 2 descended testes. All pets must be generally healthy. Book your spot now via Facebook.

· 7/1050 Thompsons Road, Cranbourne West from 16 - 18 May, starting at 8am.

Picture: SUPPLIED

LOCAL NEWS EVERY WEEK

Jail for PSO biter

• Botanic Ridge Coles Botanic Ridge Village - 10 Hummingbird Drive

• Cannons Creek Five Ways General Store

2040 South Gippsland Hwy

• Clyde Coles Express Service Station Corner Grices Road and Cranbourne-Berwick Road

• Clyde Clyde Village Store 18 Railway Road (Cnr of Oroya Grove)

• Clyde North Selandra Rise Retirement Village 5 Harmony Chase

• Clyde North Selandra Community Hub 7-9 Selandra Boulevard

• Clyde North Selandra Rise Shopping Centre Selandra Boulevard & Linsell Boulevard

• Clyde North Lifestyle Berwick Waters 10 Skylark Boulevard

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Library 65 BerwickCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Cranbourne

Basketball and Sports Centre 65

Berwick - Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Life Be In It 65

Berwick - Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Coles Express 1120 Cnr Sladen Street & Cemetery Roads

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club 1 Codrington Street

• Cranbourne BP Service Station 1025-1045 Frankston Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Bowls Club 5 Grant Street

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Newsagency 105 High Street

• Cranbourne Coles Cranbourne High Street (Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre)

• Cranbourne United Service Station 183/187 Sladen Street

• Cranbourne Cranbourne RSL 1475 South Gippsland Highway

• Cranbourne City of Casey Shop 156 South Gippsland Highway (Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre)

• Cranbourne Coles Springhill Springhill Drive (Springhill Shopping Centre)

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Community House 49-51

Valepark Crescent

• Cranbourne East Balla Ball

Community Centre 65 BerwickCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne East Shopping On Clyde 280 Berwick-Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne East Blue Hills Rise 200-240 BerwickCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne East Hunt Club Shopping Centre 1 Linsell Boulevard

• Cranbourne North The Avenue Shopping Centre Cnr William Thwaites Boulevard & Thompsons Road

• Cranbourne North Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre 141-147 Endeavour drive

• Cranbourne North Apco

Cranbourne North 315 Narre

Warren - Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne North BP North

Cranbourne 399 Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne North Woolworths

Cranbourne North South Gippsland Hwy & Thompsons Road

• Cranbourne North Thompson Parkway Newsagency South Gippsland Hwy & Thompsons Road

• Cranbourne North IGA

Supermarket - Eve Estate Shop 1/2-10 William Thwaites Boulevard

• Cranbourne West Apco Service Station 810 DandenongHastings Road

• Cranbourne West Coles

Cranbourne West Duff Street (Sandhurst Centre)

• Cranbourne West Green Plaza News and Lotto Duff Street (Sandhurst Centre)

• Cranbourne West IGA Clarinda Park 85 Everlasting Boulevard

• Cranbourne West BP Service Station 910 Thompsons Road

• Hampton Park Shopping Centre 55 Hallam Road Hampton Park

• Lynbrook Lynbrook Community Centre 2 Lynbrook Boulevard & Harris Street

• Lynbrook Lynbrook

Newsagency 75 Lynbrook Boulevard (Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre)

• Lyndhurst Liberty 210 Dandenong Hastings Road

• Lyndhurst Caltex 945

Thompsons Road & Lyndhurst Boulevard

• Lyndhurst Marriot Waters Shopping Centre Thompsons Road & Marriott Boulevard

• Lyndhurst Subway Restaurant Shop 10-18 Thompsons Road & Marriott Boulevard (Marriot Waters Shopping Centre)

• Lyndhurst Woolworths

Supermarket Thompsons Road & Marriott Boulevard (Marriot Waters Shopping Centre)

• Narre Warren South Ritchies Amberly Park 245 Ormond Road (Amberly Park Shopping Centre)

• Narre Warren South Coles 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road (Casey Central Shopping Centre)

• Narre Warren South Casey News and Lotto Shop 156, 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road (Casey Central Shopping Centre)

• Skye BP Service Station Western Port Highway & Hall Road

The Cardinia Foundation Ltd Community Grants Program 2023

Applications open 1st May 2023

Applications close 5.00pm 31st May 2023

The Cardinia Foundation Ltd is a philanthropic community foundation, raising funds for local community groups throughout the Cardinia Shire, with funds dispersed through an annual grants program. Established in 2003, the foundation aims to support the social, community and physical development of the Cardinia Shire.

Community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for a grant in this year’s program. The Community Grants Program aims to support projects for Community health, seniors, Disability, Disadvantage, Youth, Arts and Men's Health across the Cardinia Shire region.

How to apply:

1. The ‘Grant Guidelines’ MUST be read before completing the application.

2. Application forms MUST be submitted on a Grant Application.Available by downloading on website under grants or by request from admin@cardiniafoundation.org

3. Late applications will not be accepted; applications MUST be submitted and received by email on or before 5:00 pm 31st May 2023.

4. Shortlisted applicants will be notified and may be requested to provide additional documentation such as; annual reports, financial statements, letters of support, information brochures, evidence of DGR endorsement etc.

Announcement of successful applicants will be made during June 2023. Please refer to our website www.cardiniafoundation.org and proceed to the Grants section for an Application Guide and Application form. Applications will close at 5.00pm on 31st May 2023

Please direct any queries to the Executive Officer on email admin@cardiniafoundation.org

Notification under Water Act 1989

An application has been made to Melbourne Water for a take and use licence for commercial/irrigation purposes to use 36.9 Megalitres of water which may affect you.

Details of the application are as follows:

Application address: 110 Smiths Lane, Clyde North

The application is for: 36.9 Megalitres

From: Cardinia Creek (lower)

Diversion location: Section 33 Wetland F

The applicant’s name is: City of Casey Melbourne Water’s File No: SWL-134

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at:

Melbourne Water

Unit 1/88 Merrindale Drive

Croydon South, Vic 3136

This can be done during office hours by appointment and is free of charge. For an appointment please telephone 131 722 or email SWdiversions@ melbournewater.com.au. Any person who may be affected by the granting of this application may object or make other submissions to Melbourne Water.

Any objections must:

• be in writing,

• include reasons for the objection,

• state how the objector will be affected and • be mailed to Melbourne Water at PO Box 4342, Melbourne, Vic, 3001.

Any response is requested within 30 days from your receipt of this letter. Should a response not be received within this period, Melbourne Water may determine the application.

Employment

AUTO ELECTRICAL INSTALLER

Steve’s Car Alarms is looking for a person who is a Team player and easy to get along with to join our well Established company in the South Eastern Suburbs. This position would suit someone with an Auto Electrical Background or Car Audio/ Car Alarm installations experience.

We’re searching for a reliable, honest, and hardworking individual with a current police check. We are offering excellent wages with a company car with most work performed in house but some travel is required.

Please apply at cranbourneinterlock@gmail.com

12603541-MS18-23

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST

We are a family general practice looking for an experienced medical receptionist to join our friendly team.

The position is permanent part time.

Must be available to work Mon to Sat.

To apply please call Jasmina on (03) 9791 4988 or email a cover letter and CV to jasmina@hararmedicalcentre.com.au

Part-Time Telesales Representative Star News Group

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

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

“What have you done today to make you feel proud?”

P O Box 620 Pakenham Vic 3810

Hungry Howell on the hop

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Rising Berwick Paratriathlete Jack Howell is getting ready to jet off to Yokohama for the World Triathlon Para Series race on Saturday 13 May.

The race will be an opportunity for the teenager, gunning for a place at the Paris Paralympics, to test some new things.

It will be his first time travelling solo after having parental support for his overseas races last year, so although the points will not count towards Paris qualification, the event represents an important step on his journey.

It also offers the opportunity to gain valuable race experience before the window for Paris qualifying opens where more will be riding on each event.

Already this year, Howell has raced at the Para Championships event in Stockton in February and the Para Series in Devonport seven weeks later.

Having raced both courses several times before, he claimed silver at both events.

Each time he was beaten by fellow Aussie, David Bryant.

Bryant beat him by 40 seconds in the first of those races, with the margin trimmed to 25 seconds in Devonport.

Impressively, after Bryant, widely regarded for his ride, opened up a 100-second lead after the cycling leg, Howell was able to close in by 35 seconds at the finish line, exemplifying the strength of his running.

Both the Stockton and Devonport races are an improvement on what Howell produced last year when he was more than a minute behind the fellow Aussie.

“I don’t need to be making great headlines already - my timing will come,” Howell said.

“I want to get the timing perfect so I am making him work for his worth at the qualifying period when it counts rather than when it doesn’t.

“It didn’t register in my head how big a gap that was,” he said of the run in Devonport.

“I got off the bike and from the get-go, I was running as hard as I could.

“It showed to me I was working in the right direction.”

Following Yokohama, Howell will race in Montreal and Swansea in the middle of the

year, before completing a test event on the course that will stage the paralympic event next year.

Howell was born with an absence of the left hand and shortening of the left forearm, known as symbrachydactly.

Thus, his left hand sits in a cup-like device during the race, allowed in the PTS5 category

where athletes race with mild impairments and are permitted to use supportive devices.

The nature of the disability reduces his power in the swim and also affects his ride, an area he is continually enhancing.

The event sees athletes swim 750 metres followed by a 20 kilometre cycle and five kilometre run.

Eagles show their quality with bright victory under lights

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cranbourne flexed its muscle on Saturday night on the road against an inexperienced Bentleigh, running out winners 17.8 110 to 4.7 31 in their Southern Division 1 clash.

After not being able to break the game open early, Cranbourne piled on four goals late in the second quarter to create a 20-point halftime lead.

Bentleigh couldn’t capitalise on its chances early in the second quarter, having the opening three shots of the quarter after the first break but not converting any.

Marc Holt took a one-on-one mark inside 50 on a counterattacking play before handballing to Ryan Jones who ran into an open goal on the counterattack for Cranbourne.

It was a morale-flattener for the hosts after they had some run early in the second quarter, with a Kirk Dickson snap from 40 a few minutes later energising Cranbourne further.

When Holt kicked the second of his five goals on the night soon after, it felt like the Eagles had finally stamped their authority.

It was party time for the Eagles in the second half which banged home 10 goals to one, led by Dillan Bass, Cam Angus, Zak Roscoe and Jake Stephens.

Jones finished with three goals as his bodywork and workmanlike effort inside 50 also played a part in the victory.

Small forward Tyson Barry is still several weeks away from returning from a broken foot.

After playing the standalone Good Friday fixture, the Eagles will now have a bye before taking on St Paul’s McKinnon in round five.

A hot start has seen Dingley to a comfortable victory over Port Melbourne.

Dingley was willing to transition and use the width of the ground in a six goal to two opening quarter.

The Dingoes won it out of the centre and

played with belief and buy-in to the new system, generating run and speed going inside 50.

The Dingoes were also able to lock it in attack with Kristian Feehan leading the impenetrable defence with several intercept marks and important bodywork.

Port Melbourne got on top in the second quarter to keep themselves in the contest, kicking three of the four goals after the quarter-time interval.

After that, the contest was tight, with Dingley able to hold on to their lead and never let the Colts within two goals.

Port Melbourne, missing their ex-AFL stars Josh Caddy and Billie Smedts to different injuries, allowed Dingley to take the upper hand in the midfield battle.

They were well fed by ruck Adam Lloyd who used his size at stoppage and in marking contests around the ground.

“He’s been going alright but he really got on top in the ruck battle I thought,” Dingoes coach Zach Horsley said.

“He gave us first access which meant we were (ahead) in clearances but around the ground we probably won more than what we did in the centre.

“It was just as much his ability to get around the ground and take contested marks for us and give us that option which was really impressive.”

After going down comfortably to Cheltenham in round one, Dingley has now posted consecutive wins – over reigning premier Cranbourne and the highly regarded Colts.

The likes of Lachie Lamble, skipper Jackson Peet and Lucas Walmsley all played with their usual dare, but Dingley is playing a brand that is much more willing to open the ground up.

In recognising times to slow the ball movement down, the defence has also been able to stymie opposition’s dump kicks and attacking bursts as the players seem to have adapted to Horsley’s way.

“Last week gave us a lot of belief in it and now we can just trust each other and the program and the system and just play footy because we know what we need to do, which is great,” Horsley said.

“It’s good to keep the momentum going.” Springvale Districts remain undefeated after getting the better of Chelsea Heights 14.9 93 to 10.11 71.

It follows victories over St Kilda City and Mordialloc, with the wins setting the Demons up to make a charge for the Division One finals.

The Demons finished sixth last season, four games out of finals, with the Chelsea Heights win a necessary one against an opponent promoted from Division Two this season.

Mordialloc was a club which finished lower on the ladder than Springvale Districts, the club couldn’t afford to let jump them.

St Kilda City, meanwhile, finished fifth and is an opponent Springvale Districts will ideally pass in 2023.

The most pleasing aspect of the weekend’s win was that MattWetering didn’t score a major but the visitors still found the big sticks 14 times.

Wetering scored 12 goals across the first two weeks clunking marks and proving a nightmare for opposition defenders.

On the weekend, he still brought the ball to ground but it was others who would have gained confidence.

Big American Shakor Bragg-Taylor, who played an important role in the ruck with Ryan Auld missing, played his part up forward with two goals.

George Angelopoulos scored two important goals in the first quarter.

Springvale Districts conceded the first two goals of the game, inside three minutes, before on-field leaders including skipper Mason Russell, Angelopoulos and unflappable defender Brodie Ledder helped turn the tide. By quarter time, Springvale Districts had a 24-point buffer and never let the hosts back in.

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Cavs coughing it up

By Marcus Uhe

A bizarre seven-minute stretch where the Casey Cavaliers were unable to score proved costly in their NBL1 loss to Knox on Saturday night.

Despite doubling their opponent’s score in the first quarter, Dave Peters’ side fell 14 points short in the finish, going down 60-74 at the State Basketball Centre.

Casey scored the first seven points of the game, taking advantage of the gaps in the court as Knox’s strategy to pick their opponents up a long way from the basket raised eyebrows.

The offence was humming early, largely due to Preston Bungei and Malcolm Bernard’s shooting prowess.

The second quarter was where things began to unravel.

Knox were able to settle into their halfcourt offence and tightened the screws on the Cavs on the other end.

Centre, Sidy Djitte’s jumpshot gave the Cavs a 16-point lead with 5.12 remaining in the half.

It would be their last basket for seven minutes, when Bungei broke the drought with a jumper of his own two minutes into the third term. During their scoreless run, Knox managed 16 of their own to tie the scores at 34.

It proved to be a sign of things to come for the remainder of the contest as the hosts scored 45 points in the second half to Casey’s 26, meaning the 22-11 first quarter was a distant memory come the final buzzer.

Knox had a more even spread of scoring than the Cavaliers, as four players scored in double figures compared to just the two in sky blue. The Cavaliers will need to work on their rebounding at practice this week, having fallen a monster 25 shy of their hosts.

Significantly, the offensive rebound total read 22-7 in Knox favour, leading to plenty of second-chance scoring opportunities.

Casey’s women also suffered a similar fate, relinquishing a fast start to fall 16 points short, 65-81. The Cavaliers opened the game on a 12-2 scoring run and shot well from beyond the arc to take a 25-19 lead into the first break.

Stephanie Blicavs was a spark off the bench, nailing three three-point shots of her own for a quick nine points.

Like their male counterparts, however, they closed the half without scoring in the final five minutes as they were stuck on 35.

A three to Taylah Giliam two minutes into

the third term ended an 14-0 run for the Raiders, but by that point the home side were rolling. The scoring disparity across the second and third quarters read 45-23 in Knox’s favour, with the third quarter a particularly stark 2713.

The Cavs were able to match the Raiders in scoring during the final term, but the damage had already been done. In similar fashion to the men’s game, Casey’s women also grabbed 25 rebounds less than their opponents, a con-

Jake takes the cake in Wonthaggi

By Marcus Uhe

Jake Melksham has put on a show for the football fans of Wonthaggi with a fivegoal performance in Casey’s VFL win over Box Hill on Sunday.

The medium-sized forward was the star of the game in picturesque conditions for football at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, displaying a full bag of tricks as the Demons got back on the winners list after last week’s loss, 16.10 106 to 11.10 76. The highlight of the day came late in the second quarter when he kicked the ball up to himself on the run, Gaelic football style, and kicked a snap running towards the boundary line from a tight angle that dazzled those in attendance.

He kicked them in a variety of ways; leading out from the goal-square, hitting a contest front-and-centre, and some traditional set shots, as he fights for a recall to Melbourne’s senior side.

cerning number for coach Alex Palazollo.

The women are yet to get their first win of the campaign and sit anchored to the bottom of the table, where the men sit 13th at 2-4.

Both sides will be hoping that the familiar surrounds of Casey Stadium will help them return to winning ways when they host interstate visitors from North West Tasmania on Saturday night.

Casey Cannons keep on firing the shots

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The Casey women are three from three and sitting handsomely in second spot on the Vic League One ladder.

The Cannons were last year promoted from Vic League Two, and have transitioned seamlessly, backing up strong wins over Brunswick and PEGS with a 2-0 win over West Vic on Saturday. Based at Ballarat, an away trip to West Vic is an acknowledged tough assignment, but the women were unaffected by it, scoring two goals in the first half to set the game up.

Both came courtesy of Emma Harris.

The Cannons played as a cohesive unit with their work ethic an important component of the win.

The quality of the recruits has lifted them to the next level this season, but it was a test of depth on the weekend with two key players missing to the under-18 trials. Usual goalkeeper Sarah Sutton-McLellan was out, with Shannon Barnes impressing as she stepped into her teammate’s shoes.

Jenna McLauchlan was also missing, but the versatile April Picton’s skill and effort and Mel Light’s steady defence helped the Cannons carry on the momentum. A slow start has cost the Casey men, meanwhile, which went down 3-0 to Old Xaverians. All three goals were scored in the first period as it was played on the opposition’s terms, with Old Xavs having 15 circle penetrations in the first half to the Cannons’ three.

The visitors were able to regroup and edge their way into the contest after the poor start, but were unable to turn patches of dominance into scores. In the second half, Casey had 12

of the 14 circle penetrations and had several shots on goal, but were unable to find the back of the net as things seemed to fall against them.

“After the quarter break, the boys switched on more and played more aggressively on the ball, and played better than them for the remaining three quarters,” said coach Steve Noney.

Despite three losses upfront, the club remains confident it will be able to make some-

thing of this season.With six players in the team who weren’t part of the squad last season, synergy was always going to take some time to come.

Conceding 15 goals in that time is also a concern but there have been enough glimpses to suggest there is the potential to turn it around. The Cannons will have the perfect opportunity to do that this week in a bout with fellow winless club Yarra Valley.

Veterans Ben Brown and Tom McDonald combined for the opening goal of the game but the Demons trailed at the first break by five points to a young Box Hill outfit. The deficit didn’t last long, however, and a six goal second quarter saw them go to half time with the ascendency by 17 points.

Joel Smith kicked three in the second term, including one solo effort where he smothered an opponent’s handball as he applied frontal pressure in his forward half, before collecting the ground ball and finishing on the run from just inside the 50-metre arc.

Taj Woewodin also began to exert himself on the contest, kicking a clever goal near the boundary line and winning the centre clearance in the immediate aftermath that led to Smith’s second.

The Demons started the third quarter how they finished the second, keeping the pressure on their opponents with three of the first four goals of the half.

Melksham added his second of the game before Bailey Laurie and Oliver Sestan each put their impact on the contest to establish a 28-point lead in the fading sunlight.

The plucky Hawks kept fighting and traded majors with the reigning premiers for the remainder of the contest but were held at arms-length for the duration.

A goal to McDonald, which saw them take the ball the length of the field before the strong forward out-muscled his opponent in a one-on-one deep in attack, where he converted the slick work of his teammates further afield, was something special. It said a lot about the contest overall; the class of the competition’s benchmark flexing their muscle and standing tall when it mattered against a younger and smaller opponent.

Premiership captain MitchWhite was influential in his first game back from injury, laying nine tackles and having 24 disposals. They’ll fly north next week for some winter sunshine and a clash with the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday. The contest was played in Wonthaggi due to a commercial partnership between the Box Hill Hawks and the Bass Coast Shire Council.

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SPORT Seagulls start hits a snag

By David Nagel

Phillip Island has continued its dominant home-and-away record against Tooradin-Dalmore with a comfortable 44-point victory over the Seagulls at Tooradin.

Last year’s West Gippsland grand finalists went toe-to-toe in the first term, before the Bulldogs slammed home seven goals to one in the second quarter to take control of the contest. The Bulldogs now hold a 5-1 home-andaway advantage over the Gulls since Tooradin joined theWGFNC in 2019.

The Gulls won’t be happy with that, but will trump it with a 2-1 finals advantage…including last year’s drought-breaking grand final win over the Doggies.

So how will both coaches assess this contest?

Cam Pedersen will be thrilled with the Doggies second term, where they sliced holes in a usually frugal Tooradin defence.

Travis Woodfield looks be a key find up forward, allowing the similar build of Jack Taylor to become more versatile and adjust his brilliant reading of the play to either end of the ground. The added pressure of captaincy seems to be sitting well with Taylor, who controlled both ends of the ground in the round one victory over Dusties.

Woodfield bagged four, and Jesse Patullo three for the winners, who had nimble types like Max Walton and Hayden Bruce in terrific form all day.The spark is not quite there for the Seagulls at the moment, who really struggled to breath after quarter time.

Lachie Gillespie has been through more downs than ups during his coaching career and won’t even be Googling for a panic-button just yet. They’ll be right the Gulls…they just need to reset with the week off and look to build on their handy 3-1 record when they take on Nar Nar Goon in round five.

That one is shaping as a cracker and will give us a clearer indication of where both teams are at!

Some high-flying Sea Eagles from Inverloch may have kicked the highest score in the WGFNC on Saturday – but it’s the team that came second in that chest-pumping exercise that raised a few eyebrows on the weekend.

It’s been almost six long years since Da-

lyston last won back-to-back games and the Magpies repeated the dose emphatically with a commanding 24.9.153 to 11.6.72 victory over an inexperienced Korumburra-Bena at Dalyston. Former skipper Blake Carew was the star of the show with nine goals, while Mason Storr kicked five and Hayden Wallis joined in the party with four.

The glitz and glamour of a 24-goal performance is a long way removed from the Magpies poor performance against Kooweerup in round one. The Magpies kicked just two goals for the night in their season opener, losing by 88 points to leave new coach DeanWylie crestfallen.

“You can’t print what I was thinking, but it was pretty devastating because we just played so bad,” Wylie summarised.

“We played a couple of good games during the pre-season, but just didn’t fire a shot against Kooweerup; it was a really poor performance.

“We were just off, the boys just played the game in their heads during the week and everyone was so nervous, everyone went out there to win the game for us themselves.

“We lost our structure, got completely overawed…and got lost.”

The positive amongst the ruins for Wylie; they couldn’t possibly be that bad again.

“The pleasing thing was that everyone knew they had shockers and that we could improve pretty quickly if we just stuck to our positions and played our roles and did what’s best for the team,” he said.

The Magpies bounced back with a win over Kilcunda-Bass, then produced their best footy for the year against the youthful Giants on Saturday.

‘’They were pretty young, Korumburra, and I think we were just too experienced for them in the end, we had some seniors players playing well and that was probably the big difference in the end,” Wylie explained.

The Magpies have picked up some handy recruits this season, but none more highprofile than former Gold Coast and Hawthorn player Mitch Hallahan.

The former Sorrento hard-nut is already proving a massive pressure valve for the rest of his teammates.

“Definitely through the midfield he is; Mitch is attracting attention and that’s allowing others to get off the leash,”Wylie explained.

“Curtis Murfett had a stack of it on the weekend and Brayden Duve had 33 touches

the week before.

“The young blokes are learning from him and he’s a good fella as well.”

In other games this week, the youth of Archer Reid and the experience ofToby Mahoney led Inverloch-Kongwak to a 26.11.167 to 3.3.21 victory over a very disappointing KilcundaBass.

Reid kicked six and Mahoney five in a dominant display that saw the Panthers held goalless to half time…trailing by 90 points!

Ethan Park had the ball on a string through the midfield, leading the Eagles to a 12.3 to 3.1 second half, while Joe Soumilas enjoyed the distinct lack of pressure as the day wore on.

Dean McRae kicked two and was among the best for the Panthers.

There’s a clear skill for Nar Nar Goon to work on after the Goon scored a 17.21.123 to 2.3.15 victory over Garfield at Spencer Street.

Maybe the goal posts have been moved on the new deck at the Goon because it took the hosts a half of football to find their accuracy.

The home side created 12 shots in the opening stanza, kicking 4.8, and then backed that up with an even worse 1.8 in the second term.

But forget the margin…22 scoring shots to two in the first half told the story of the contest.

Midfield guns Brenda Hermann and Trent Armour played with their own Sherrin on the weekend, while Trent Burgoyne and Matt Homfray ended with three each in a wellspread forward balance.

And Warragul Industrials have begun their expected climb up the ladder with a thumping 20.20.140 to 3.5.23 win over Bunyip.

The Dusties were steady and consistent throughout, having 10 scoring shots in each quarter.

Pocket-rocket Mason McGarrity continued on from his dangerous game against Tooradin last week, kicking seven goals, while to Kyle Staples and three to veteran Shane Brewster proved too much for the Bulldogs to handle.

Lefty Kyle Beveridge and key tall Jackson Mockett were key pillars for the Dusties, while the electrifying Matt Herbert continues to run himself into good form.

Ned Ashton and Alex Dijkstra never gave up for Bunyip, who is in for a very long season.

Redbacks rocked as Doves continue slow start to season

By Jonty Ralphsmith

EAST BRIGHTON STING REDBACKS

The Redacks undefeated opening to the season has come to an end, going down … to East Brighton.

The Vampires were more seasoned than Hampton Park, which cost itself with skill execution errors and turnovers throughout the game. The home side smashed the Redbacks in the middle, capitalising on the absence of Makaio Haywood, missing with a precautionary niggle.

Tanner Stanton’s class was also missing, but both players are expected to return this weekend.

Half-forward Trent Thomas kicked four of his team’s six goals and was lively when he was around the footy but didn’t have enough teammates that went with him.

“We wanted to see a bit more resilience when we knew we weren’t going to win and we didn’t show that - that was the disappointing part,” Hampton Park coach Hayden Stanton said.

“We couldn’t cope with their ability to transition when they won the ball back and going through us - their ability to run forward of the ball and link up, and we gave away four goals in turnovers in our back 50.

“That takes the energy out of you.

“They didn’t have a system that was better than ours - they just had players that were able to execute for longer.”

INACCURACY PLAGUES DOVES

Doveton was unable to capitalise on several opportunities in the fourth quarter, succumbing to a Murrumbeena 9.10 64 to 6.14 50.

Murrumbeena dictated terms in the second stanza to go 21 points up at halftime.

The Doves, missing Jimmy Pattinson through illness, had opportunities in the final quarter but was outlasted by Murrumbeena.

Aaron Johns led the way for the visitors, while CamWilliamson and Deekon Stapleton each played a role to keep Doveton fighting.

The match was played at Narre North Recreation Reserve with Doveton’s home ground, Robinson Reserve, now unlikely to be ready to play on until the middle of the year.

It puts some external attention on the Doves, who have recorded just one win from their first three games coming off a narrow grand final loss in 2022.

There are, however, several soldiers still to come back, with Dylan Chapman’s return to herald a complete shift in the potency of the midfield.

Dylan Bowman ran around in the seconds game on the weekend and will be another welcome addition once he has the load to return to the senior side.

SECOND HALF SEES SKYE HOME

Skye was slow out of the blocks against the struggling Black Rock but was ultimately able to turn a 32-point halftime deficit into a 23-point win in an epic second half turnaround.

Coach Aaron Pacey has spoken about instilling grit and earning respect

in the competition.

While Black Rock is yet to do anything of note in Division Two, sustaining the hunger and flipping the script mid-game is a big step in the right direction.

It was the Bombers who surrendered several leads last year, but on this occasion it was them fighting it out until the final siren.

Skye scored 10 of the last 12 goals, with Brad Dyer contributing four across the day and Ben Evans three.

The highly-regarded Joel McConville and Kyah Karavasilis, who has been tipped for a strong season, were among the strong performers.

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