News - Berwick Star News - 11th May 2023

Angst on Manuka

By Matthew Sims

Residents are angered by Casey Council’s plan to allow for the construction of a new 160-plus dwelling estate on Green Wedge land in Manuka Road in Berwick.

The council has scheduled to consider the Manuka Road Development Plan at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday 16 May.

The development of the Manuka Road Precinct may provide for about 165 new lots or dwellings to be developed across 18.78 hectares of land, bounded by Manuka Road to the west, Allan Street to the south and the Cardinia Creek Parklands to the north and east.

Planning Scheme Amendment C231 to the Casey Planning Scheme was gazetted on 20 May 2021 and resulted in the rezoning of the land to the Neighbourhood Residential Zone and the application of a Development Plan Overlay.

Casey Council has been working with Veris Town Planning and Parklea Developments to investigate future development of the Manuka Road Precinct as part of the plan.

Cardinia Catchment Landcare Group president Glenn Brooks-Macmillan said he believed the community had not been consulted appropriately on the development.

“We need a clear reminder that the decision (to rezone) was made on the right merits,“ she said.

“The plan did not have quality information available for transparency and opportunity for meaningful comment.

“I’m disgusted how the council did not inform us of this development.“

According to Casey Council, community consultation on the draft plan occurred over seven weeks in December 2022 and January 2023, where residents were encouraged to make submissions via the council’s engagement platform Casey Conversations.

Updated background reports were also added to the Casey Conversations page on 23 December, with residents encouraged to re-

view these as part of their submissions.

The council held an information drop-in session at the Berwick Leisure Centre on Manuka Road on 14 December and notices were sent to 110 owners and occupiers of affected and adjoining properties prior to the start of the consultation.

Public notices were published in the Berwick Star News, as well as the council’s social media channels and council staff continue have been engaging with the community in response to direct inquiries.

Public consultation closed at 11.59pm on 29 January 2023, with council receiving a total of 86 submissions.

Save the Casey Foothills Association convenor and southern ranges Green Wedges Coalition delegate Rosalie Counsell said concerned residents were still waiting for several updated background documents.

“If these documents have since been received by council, they have not been made available to us,“ she said.

“Moreover, council appears to have reneged on the promise that we would be able to update our submissions in light of the information or arguments contained (or not included) in these documents.“

Ms Counsell said Allan Street residents advocated for council to significantly lower the proposed lot density, protecting and enhancing remnant vegetation and enforcing bushfire setbacks in line with the 2018 panel recommendations.

“The damaging repercussions of climate change, land clearing and relentless urbanisation of metropolitan rural fringes are now well understood and accepted,“ she said.

“The resulting degradation and loss are not confined to the natural environment.

“Now all we can do is to try and persuade Casey Council to limit the damage.“

Resident and local environmental volunteer Anne Savige said council staff had assured updated reports would be made available to the public and submissions would be able to be updated.

“That should be transparent to the public,“ she said.

“There’s quite a bit that needs to be done.“

Casey Council planning and building manager Tania Asper said the plan aimed to establish high-quality housing in the area which is “generally consistent“ with the area.

“If adopted, the Development Plan would provide guidance to council on future planning permit and subdivision applications in the Manuka Road precinct,“ she said.

Continued page 16

Berwick residents are expressing their concerns with the Manuka Road Development Plan ahead of next Tuesday’s council meeting. 333109

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Labour hire firm in court

A company is facing court after it was found operating in Devon Meadows, Kooweerup and Rosebud without a labour hire license.

Victoria’s Labour Hire Authority (LHA) has commenced legal action against the company alleging it provided workers to pick fruit and vegetables without a licence.

“Workers picking fruit and vegetables are among Victoria’s most vulnerable, so it’s critical that companies employing these workers are appropriately vetted and licensed to operate,” said Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner, Steve Dargavel.

“If you provide or use labour hire services in Victoria, you must ensure you only work with licensed providers or you may face significant penalties.

“Labour hire businesses need to understand and comply with their obligations –there is no excuse for doing the wrong thing by vulnerable workers.”

The proceedings, filed in the Supreme

Court against A L Star Express Pty Ltd, are the first for allegedly providing labour hire services without a licence in Victoria.

The alleged offences carry maximum penalties of $591,744 for a company and $147,936 for an individual under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic).

LHA’s claim alleges A L Star provided workers to pick berries and vegetables in Victorian regions including Koo Wee Rup, Rosebud, Torquay and Devon Meadows.

LHA successfully prosecuted a Victorian horticulture labour hire provider in a separate case in December 2022, resulting in the largest ever total penalty for breaches of labour hire licensing law in Australia.

In that case, Ung Services Pty Ltd and its director Nico Keat were ordered to pay penalties of $386,742 and $96,685 respectively.

The company had deliberately failed to inform LHA that Keat did not meet fit and proper person requirements under the Act, as he had criminal convictions for offences including drug trafficking and theft.

As well as prosecuting alleged contraven-

tions of the Act, LHA can remove labour hire providers’ ability to operate in Victoria by refusing, suspending, or cancelling their licence.

To date, LHA has cancelled 52 labour hire licences in the Victorian horticulture industry.

Horticulture work such as fruit and vegetable picking often involves the use of labour hire workers, including workers on visa programs, who have historically experienced exploitation in Victoria.

LHA is undertaking an expanded program of compliance and enforcement across 2023, focused on industries including horticulture, security, meat and poultry processing, and commercial cleaning.

Ensuring that only licensed labour hire providers can operate helps protect workers from exploitation and improves the integrity and transparency of the labour hire industry.

Six Casey youths arrested by police after crime spree

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested six youths following a series of incidents across Melbourne south-east.

Police will allege the youths were involved in several incidents between Thursday 18 to Tuesday 28 April including a burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft, and robbery.

Suburbs targeted by the youths include Narre Warren, Dingley Village, Cranbourne, Clyde, Balwyn, Camberwell, and Mont Albert

In one such incident police believe the youth attended a business on Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Clyde on Saturday 22 April at

about 5.20am.

It is alleged the youths’ made demands and threatened a worker present at the time, allegedly stealing cash and produce.

A 17-year-old Cranbourne East girl has been charged with assault, burglary, theft, theft of motor vehicle and attempted robbery.

A 16-year-old Cranbourne girl has been charged with burglary, theft, and theft of motor vehicle.

A 15-year-old Cranbourne East boy has been charged with burglary, theft, theft of motor vehicle and attempted robber

A 15-year-old Dandenong boy has been charged with robbery, attempted robbery, burglary, theft, and theft of motor vehicle.

A 13-year-old, Doveton boy has been charged with attempted robbery, burglary, theft, and theft of motor vehicle.

The five youths have been bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

A 16-year-old Botanic Ridge boy has been charged with burglary and theft.

He has been remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

The youngest perpetrator was 13-years-old. Picture: SUPPLIED

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2024

Free Kinder is available for three and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services.

Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,500 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2024.

Visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

A L Star Express Pty Ltd is facing court over unlicensed labour hire services.

Picture: GENERIC

‘Tortured’ by endless wait

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

“It’s like living in an open prison.”

Sathees is one of five Tamil asylum seekers in Melbourne’s South East who has spoken out to Star News.

The men are among a seemingly ‘forgotten’ cohort of asylum seekers in Australia.

They have been in Australia for more than a decade. Their applications to settle here are in a seemingly endless review.

Sathees and the other four are in their thirties, and should be in the prime of their lives.

But instead they are ekeing an existence with little income, living in crowded sharehouses and even garages with no heating, and without basic privileges such as Medicare.

“You don’t have any freedoms,” Sathees says.

“You are under detention even when you are out. You can’t decide what you’re doing in the future because the Government and Immigration is holding it up.

“They are torturing.”

In February, the Federal Government announced a permanent visa pathway for more than 19,000 holders of Temporary Protection Visas and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas, a department spokesperson said.

It was welcome news for temporary visa holders, many of whom are Sri Lankan (2223).

But another 1657 applicants are still being processed or reviewed in courts – nearly half of which are in Victoria.

Among them, the second-highest cohort are Sri Lankan (245), only behind Iran (519). Most of the Sri Lankans are believed to be in the South East.

One of the men Nige says: “After Covid, everything has got expensive. Only a few people can survive like this.

“So many young men have heart attacks. At 30-35 years old, they’re depressed, alcoholic and stressed. They suicide or harm themselves because they don’t know and it’s hard to survive.

“When people hear our stories, they are shocked.”

Nige fled by boat in 2009, leaving behind his wife and three-year-old son. He’s desperate for a permanent visa in the hope of reuniting with his family – heartbreakingly, he hasn’t since seen his now 17-year-old son except via video calls.

He spent six years in detention at Christmas Island, Villawood and Maribyrnong. As part of a “cruel” detention, he was “caged” in what felt like a “shoebox”, fed the same food that after a time he couldn’t bear to eat.

“We don’t know when we will be released –we can’t do anything, we don’t know anything You can’t imagine what they were going to say in Canberra.”

Other friends declined into depression, exploded into screaming, self-harmed and took their lives. Some were detained for up to 10 years.

On his release, he’s applied and re-applied for a series of temporary visas for the past seven years. Some friends who came by boat have got permanent visas, while others languish like

him for no apparent reason.

Others were welcome in Australia on working visas while asylum seekers are shunted aside.

“It’s a bull-s*** process.

“I feel confused where I am – same as in the detention centre.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s ‘blue’ or ‘red’ in Government, the policy is the same. Everyone kicks you like a political football.

“Australia is a democratic country. I don’t know why they treat us like this.

“We are human.”

The Government’s stated policy remains that people travelling illegally by boat won’t be allowed to settle permanently in Australia.

The policy has successfully stymied the flow of ‘unauthorised maritime arrivals’ to Australia, disrupted people smuggling and prevented loss of lives at sea, according to the Government.

On the other hand, Australia’s policy is not to return people to countries where they face persecution and a real risk of torture,

$942K boost for Casey roads network

Casey has gained more than $940,000 in “sorely needed” extra funding for local roads.

As part of a boost to the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, Casey was allocated an extra $942,635.

This is on top of the original allocation of $1.633 million under Phase 4 of the program.

Bruce MP Julian Hill said the extra funding was “sorely needed and welcome” in Casey.

“Casey’s population is expected to reach over 500,000 people within 20 years, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and many roads are still largely the same as they were when our area was predominantly rural.

“The additional funding will enable the expansion of critical road and infrastructure

works to better serve the needs of our community’s rapidly growing population.”

Casey Council’s city and asset planning manager Keri New welcomed the additional funding.

“We have a range of priority projects that would fit within the criteria of this funding program, however we are yet to determine which of those would be considered for LRCI funding in 2023-’24.”

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King announced the Casey funding as part of an additional $250 million for the LRCI program on 3 May.

Ms King said the boost delivered on the Government’s election commitment.

What’s on Cardinia proudly presents

“We know many councils across the country are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks – especially following repeated flooding and other natural disasters in recent times.

“We have listened to councils and are standing stand side-by-side with local governments to support them in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities.”

Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said the “resounding feedback” from councils was that the extra funds would progress their “higher priority projects”.

“Now this work can commence.”

persecution or death.

Justice and Freedom for Refugees chair Wicki Wickiramasingham has been a refugee advocate for nearly 30 years.

A long-serving ALP member and branch leader, he says he must speak out.

Since October, he knows of six asylum seekers who took their own lives.

“Some of them didn’t have visas, some on bridging visas with no work permit and didn’t want to tell anyone. They were struggling but suffering in themselves.”

“They don’t come here for the good life. They are working hard, they spent 40 days on the sea – and if the boat sinks they lose their life.”

He said Tamils seem to be less successful in gaining permanent visas than other backgrounds,notingthecloserelationshipbetween Australia and the Sri Lankan government.

One of the group Lenny tells about leaving behind his girlfriend and parents in Sri Lanka more than a decade ago.

His parents have now passed away. And his partner could wait for him no longer and married another man.

During that time, he says he has worked legally and paid tax. He followed the visa application process, but his submission was botched by a lawyer that he paid $6300 and has also been rejected by an Immigration Minister.

He says he can’t sleep properly due to the worry. “I don’t want a life like this.”

Roger fled from Sri Lanka by boat more than 10 years ago. His application for a permanent protection visa was rejected.

In 2016, he lodged an appeal to the Federal Court. With no money for a lawyer, his case is still yet to be heard.

In his sharehouse of fiveTamil asylum seekers, three have gained permanent visas, two have missed out.

The Government expects 19,600 eligible asylum seekers to receive a Resolution of Status visa by early 2024.

Julian Hill said the additional roads funding for Casey was “sorely needed”.

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Picture: ROB CAREW

Sri Lankan asylum seekers Sathees,Nige,Lenny,Dinesh and Roger with refugee advocate Wicki Wickiramasingham,second right. 333981

Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

Q&A with Casey North Community Information and Support Service executive officer Helen Small

What do you love about your work?

I love that we can, at times, genuinely affect long-term solutions to crises many in our community of Casey are experiencing right now.

What would your last meal be?

Seafood Spaghetti Marinara (with white wine/ lemon sauce not tomato!)

What was your most memorable moment? Coming second in theVictorian State under-15 swimming final many years ago.

What was your favourite subject in school? Art.

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

I would be interested to hear of the life experiences of Margaret Roadknight, Helen Garner, Cathy Freeman, Serena Williams and artist Margaret Preston.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits

Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life?

I had a beautiful German Shepherd called Nimbus who was able to escape from every back yard around no matter how fortified, and would then, when left alone at home, escape and walk, sometimes miles, to visit my parent’s house and in hot weather, swim in their pool. If you had to compete on Masterchef, what dish would you cook?

I’m not a great cook, so I only have a few options. I would make Lasagne.

Where is your dream holiday destination? Antarctica.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

Wordle, Duolingo and Woodoku.

What was your first job? Cleaning in a nursing home.

What were you like as a kid?

Naughty with a big appetite for pushing boundaries (typical third & middle child).

THREE … interesting animal mum facts

As we celebrate Mother’s Day on 14 May, lets take a moment to honour the other mums we share our planet with and the interesting lives they lead.

1 Blue Whale mums produce 50 Gallons (190L) of milk per day

Blue whales are the largest living mammals on the planet, as this leaves whale mums with an equally large parenting responsibility. Once their calves are born, the fast-growing giant babies gain 200 pounds per day.

2

Alligators incubate their eggs on compost

According to Peta, alligator mums lay their eggs in a nest of rotting plants. This compost gives off heat, meaning that the mum doesn’t have to sit on her nest to keep her eggs warm all day.

3

Superb Fairy Wrens teach their kids a ’password’

$490K

What is your favourite colour and why? Green – mellow and peaceful. What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to? What comes next?

Superb fairy wren mothers take their education seriously, according to Australian Geographic. Before their chicks have even hatched, the mothers begin singing to their unborn offspring, teaching them a ‘password’. Once hatched, these chicks will repeat the same note.

Helen Small supports the delivery of a number of services and programs to respond to the pressing needs in the Casey North community. 332999

Picture: ROB CAREW

Racing firm fined $350K

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Devon Meadows horse-training company has been fined $350,000 over a fatal fall in darkness at Cranbourne Turf Club.

Saloon Park Pty Ltd’s track riders Mikaela Claridge and Jaimee Hayes were thrown to the ground when their spooked horses came to a sudden stop on a bush trail about 4.35am on 30 August 2019.

Ms Claridge, an apprentice jockey, died at the scene.

Saloon Park – which operates as Ken Keys Racing - was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury of exposing the riders to risk of death or serious injury as a result of riding in the dark.

On a “particularly dark” morning, the riders were directed by Saloon Park supervisor Kasey Keys to ride thoroughbred horses on the club’s Sand Trails.

The 1.4-kilometre trails near the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne were mainly unlit, lined by shrubs and overhanging trees, with several undulations and a five-metre-wide pool of water.

On the riders’ second lap, and without warning, both horses stopped suddenly and veered left.

Both jockeys were thrown forwards over their horses’ shoulders.

Soon after the fall, the Turf Club determined that the Sand Trails would only be open from 6.30am.

Sentencing judge Peter Rozen said wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits and foxes were frequently observed.

Horses could easily be spooked by such wildlife. And with superior night-time vision, horses could react to a perceived animal before their riders.

“The consequences for the safety of the rider in such a circumstance are obvious.”

Judge Rozen found there was clear recognition byWorkSafe and the racing industry of the hazards of riding in the dark.

With stables at Cranbourne, Saloon Park at least ought to have been aware of the wildlife at the track, and there was “nothing to prevent” a ban from riding on the Sand Trails in the dark, he said.

Ms Claridge was a “remarkable young woman” whose years of dedicated training were “starting to bear fruit”, Judge Rozen said.

“That her death was clearly preventable makes it all the more tragic.”

In victim impact statements, her desolated parents, brothers, former partner and Ms Hayes made it clear Ms Claridge was “much loved” and “touched the lives of the people around her”.

“Mikaela was my world. She was my family’s world,” her mother Colleen stated.

“We all know racing is dangerous, Mikaela knew that too, but what makes the grief worse (if that is possible) is that it feels like her death was avoidable.

“It is so terribly hard not to think ‘if only

proper processes were followed’ my daughter would be alive.”

In February, CranbourneTurf Club was convicted by the County Court and fined $250,000.

Saloon Park’s defence lawyer submitted that a similar fine would put the company “out of business” and “insolvent”.

Judge Rozen found it likely that Saloon Park – which made a $322,500 after-tax profit in 2021 – would find it “very difficult” to pay a significant fine.

He noted the company’s good character and no prior convictions.

However, Saloon Park’s culpability was “at least as high” as the Turf Club’s, Judge Rozen said.

Unlike Saloon Park, the Turf Club pleaded guilty and so received a $130,000 discount on its fine.

The maximum fine was $1.487 million.

In response, WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said the death was a grim reminder of how dangerous it was to perform trail riding without adequate lighting.

“These riders should have never been allowed – let alone instructed – to ride in the dark,“ Dr Beer said.

“WorkSafe will continue to prosecute employers who fail in their duty to protect workers from the risk of injury and death.“

Our public libraries crying out for government support

Public Libraries are delivering an S.O.S. to theVictorian Government ahead of the 202324 Budget, as many report shorter opening hours, cuts to staffing levels and programs, and reduced investment in collections.

Cranbourne Library is among those calling out for more funding and support.

“Our libraries are in one of the fastest growth corridors in Victoria – and in the current economic climate our members need more support, not less,“ said Beth Luppino, CEO Casey Cardinia Libraries.

“We expect to see increasing demand on our free services, and need to be funded appropriately so that families and vulnerable people in our community do not suffer.“

State Government funding for Victorian libraries has been steadily declining in real terms for years, failing to keep up with the growing population and inflation.

With public libraries struggling to meet community demand, they are calling for a funding lifeline to maintain operations when they are most needed.

Public Libraries Victoria CEO Angela Savage said with so many Victorian households under financial strain, public libraries were one of the few places anyone can attend for free.

“When families are having to ditch their home internet so they can put food on the table, libraries are there to provide free access

to

computers, internet and WiFi,” she said.

Dr Savage says the cost of living crisis is pushing up the demand for public libraries as people can’t afford to run their heating or cooling and instead they spend their time at the library seeking shelter, comfort and connection.

“Our libraries play a crucial role inVictorians’ lives, with one in three people a member

of their local library. On any given day, there are hundreds of free programs running and 60,000 people visiting a public library,” she said.

“With so many families hit by huge increases in their cost-of-living, our libraries provide essential services for the community.

“Demand for library services is sky high, with Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time in

some areas attracting hundreds of people each week. Our school holiday programs were packed last month, as well as crucial programs for seniors, tutoring services and JobSeeker support.”

In its 2023-24 Budget Submission, Public Libraries Victoria outlined two key priorities for action:

1. Arrest the slide in per capita funding for Victorian libraries in real terms.

2. Continue and expand the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program with at least $28 million over four years.

While funding per capita appears to be increasing year-on-year ($7.06 per resident), when inflation and rising costs are accounted for, the funding is actual decreasing in real terms ($5.93).

Earlier this year inter-library loans were suspended due to changes to the Victorian Government’s State Purchasing Contract, which saw courier costs increase by 300 – 720 per cent.

While a reprieve was granted in the form of a pilot courier program with Australia Post, costs are still higher and there are still restrictions in place.

This service is heavily relied upon by regional communities that continue to be hit hard by the urban divide.

Dr Savage says additional funding is key to support these vital services.

CEO Casey Cardinia Libraries Beth Luppino. 333676

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Saloon Park apprentice jockey Michaela Claridge was killed by a fall on a bush trail in darkness at Cranbourne Turf Club in 2019.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Debate over Budget

By Emily Chapman Laing

The Albanese government has brought the Australian Federal Budget to a surplus for the first time since 2007 but many groups in the south east remain unsatisfied with this years’ spending.

The Albanese government touted the budget as providing important cost of living relief without fuelling inflation.

Some relief for struggling Aussies will come in the form of higher JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and Austudy payments, expanded eligibility for single parents to get the Parenting Payment and a pay rise for low paid workers.

Out-of-pocket health costs will also see a decline, as the budget is set to triple the bulk billing incentive and provide more bulk billing urgent care clinics.

South East Community Links (SECL) Head of FinancialWellbeing Kay Dilger said the budget has some positive outcomes, “such as increased support for single mothers and better access to bulk billing GPs“.

“However, the harsh reality is that the marginal increase to JobSeeker payments is insufficient to ease the financial burden faced by countless Australians.

“An increase of just $2.85 per day will not alleviate the financial stress experienced by many individuals and families in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs.

“Despite some positive measures in the budget, we’re bracing ourselves for a wave of emergency relief and financial counselling requests from the community.“

Ms Dilger says the need for emergency food relief has doubled and mortgage stress has skyrocketed from 15 per cent to 25 per cent in financial counselling with no funding to match the demand.

“Without more substantial support from the government many families in the south eastern suburbs will be left struggling to make ends meet.“

However the removal of the five-year eligibility criteria for migrants and refugees to access the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support Program will make a significant difference to many SECL clients.

“Newly arrived people in our community can continue to access essential support after five years, enabling them to fully participate in and contribute to our society,“ Ms Dilger said.

“At the same time, we will need to see further government investment in this program to accomodate this expanded eligibility.“

La Trobe MP Jason Wood said it was “disappointing“ that the Federal Government was silent on confirming funding for any projects within the area.

“They have scrapped millions of dollars for Infrastructure programs to fund their pet projects,“ he said.

“Albanese has now scrapped significant road upgrades in the hills which I secured in 2019 by working alongside my local communities.

“Clyde Road upgrade funding now may be in danger thanks to Labor’s three-month infrastructure review.“

The $250 million Clyde Road Upgrade has been delayed by up to 12 months with $41.5 million cut over the forward estimates.

The project would see new lanes created both ways between the Berwick train station and the Monash Freeway, as well as an upgraded intersection and turning lanes at Kangan Drive, to allow improved access to Casey Hospital.

Mr Wood said he was calling on the Federal Government to confirm which projects they would honour and when they would begin works on incomplete projects.

“It is completely unfair that Hills residents are subject to second rate, dangerous roads with potholes in winter and dust in summer,“ he said.

Meanwhile Holt MP Cassandra Fernando said the Albanese government delivered a “responsible“ budget.

“I am extremely pleased that even in the face of cleaning up the Coalitions nine years of debt mess, we have delivered a budget that helps Australians and delivers a modest budget surplus, something the previous Liberal Government never achieved,“ Ms Fernando said.

“I am encouraged by the increase across the board to Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, and Austudy.

“These increases, alongside other important cost of living relief measures, represent an important step to better support the most vulnerable in our nation.“

Ms Fernando said the changes to the Parenting Payment for single parents is massive

for Holt, one of the youngest electorates in Victoria.

“These parents will be $176.90 better off per fortnight compared to the current JobSeeker rate, which they would previously have transitioned to when their child turned 8.”

The payments will now be extended until eligible parents’ youngest child turns 14.

Ms Fernando praised the energy bill rebate, wage increases for aged care workers and increases to bulk-billing medical services.

“It is important to look at these various cost of living relief measures as a whole, providing relief across the targeted demographics that need it most,“ she said.

South East Melbourne Manufacturers’ Alliance Chief Executive HoniWalker said SEMMA “cautiously welcomes“ the Federal Budget.

Ms Walker says there is “minimal immediate impact“ on manufacturers, but also little to get excited about.

“It will be business as usual for SEMMA members in the south east, now the hub and powerhouse of Australian manufacturing,“ she said.

“SEMMA is pleased that defence spending will continue.

“The investment in the renewable energy sector is also welcomed, however the government will need to listen to industry on the issues affecting manufacturers.“

The budget outlines around 5 million households and 1 million small businesses who will receive energy bill relief up to $500 for households and $650 for businesses.

Indigenous communities will receive $1.9 million over five years for improvement of quality of life and economic opportunities.

The budget also holds an environmental focus, with emissions reduction developments and environmental protection funding.

Other winners of the budget include aged care, agriculture, child care, community services, and sport.

Despite the modest improvements made by the Albanese government in this years’ budget, there are those sectors inevitably on the losing side.

The gas industry will have an extra $2.4 billion in extracted through changes to the Petroleum Rent Resource Tax.

New migrants will also see a 6% increase in the cost to apply for a visa.

Recreational vapers are by far taking the biggest hit, with disposable vapes to be banned in Victoria and others only available through prescriptions in a bid to snuff out a “new generation“ of nicotine addicts.

Other losers of the budget include smokers, international students and truckers.

Thumbs up

To Blue Ocean Fish and Chips and Crown Pizza for outstanding quality and great service.

Thumbs down

Thumbs down to the media who mentioned the other death in Cranbourne on the roads Easter Monday but not a word about the guy that lost his life near the 7 Eleven in JunctionVillage his life was important also.

Thumbs up

Thumbs up to the weather. It’s been so lovely!

Thumbs up

Thumbs up to the organisers of the Anzac Day events locally!

Thumbs up

To Lynbrook Primary School! Honestly the best school around. The teachers are all so lovely and the teacher who stands at the two minute zone knows all the students names. He greets them by name every morning! Amazing school with equally amazing teachers.

Thumbs up

To all the emergency workers.

Thank you for your dedication.

Thumbs down

To parks and gardens.

Thumbs down

Thumbs down to AusNet for taking over two months to replace faulty lights in Evans Road Cranbourne West. Major roadworks in the area and we even reported the number of the appropriate lampposts to them.

Thumbs down

To the carpark at Shopping on Clyde, so poorly designed! It is such a tight squeeze around corners.

Police car rammed

Police have arrested two men after two police vehicles were rammed in Cranbourne East on Monday 8 May.

Officers responded to a report of two stolen vehicles on Broad Oak Drive about 10.45am.

Police attempted to intercept both vehicles when one vehicle clipped the front of a police car before driving away.

The second vehicle then rammed another police car.

One male was arrested at the scene. A second male was arrested a short distance away, with the assistance of the Dog Squad.

Two police officers were transported to hospital with minor injuries.

Both males are assisting police with their enquiries.

Two police officers have been taken to hospital with minor injuries after their cars were rammed in Cranbourne East.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The Casey Cavaliers women’s team hits the court at Casey Stadium ahead of their game against the Launceston Tornadoes on Saturday 6 May. 333787

Picture: ROB CAREW

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

325518 Picture: ROB CAREW

Charities to pay dump tax

By Emily Chapman Laing

and Matthew Sims

Local charity shops are set to feel the brunt of new taxes as the Andrews government abolishes landfill levy protections.

Epilepsy Foundation retail operations manager Steve Cassar says that their outlets, including their Cranbourne branch, will suffer if the levy is reintroduced.

“We really hope there could be some resolution because unfortunately, whilst the shops do a great job in recycling and trying to resell pre-loved goods, there are times where shops are targeted for dumping,“ Mr Cassar said.

“Unfortunately that does go to landfill and that comes at a great cost.

“So we’re really hoping there will be a positive outcome.“

Mr Cassar says the impacts will reach every charity and opportunity shop in the state.

“It’s not just Epilepsy Foundation, it’s Vinnies, it’s Salvos, it’s Vision,“ he said.

“There are so many charities which will be impacted if the government doesn’t change its stance.

“At the end of the day, [the levy] is a drop in the ocean compared to what the state currently spends, but it’s a big drop for charity shops, especially smaller ones like ours.“

The CEO of Charitable Recycling Australia has released an open letter pleading for the state government to safeguard charities from the winding back of the landfill levy protections.

Mr Soker explained why he believes charities should be released from the “$1.5 million in unfair extra cost burdens“ in his letter to Victorian Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt.

As of July 1 2023, charities will be required to pay tax on dumped waste they send to landfill, as DEECA has “re-loaded“ their campaign to withdraw waste protections.

“The principle is that charities don’t own or create or want the waste,“ Mr Soker wrote to Minister Stitt.

“It is illegally dumped on them by lawbreakers. And it is un-Australian to tax organisations on something they don’t own or create.

“All of the other State Government jurisdictions in Australia understand this and protect charity shops from their waste levies.

“It is only Victoria that will be isolated in its regressive stance if you don’t act.“

Bk 2 Basics Melbourne founder Kelly Warren said the change would put stress on already struggling organisations, many of which were seeking funding for their existing output.

“All charities are struggling,“ she said.

“The costs are going up.

“Our power still goes up.“

Charitable Recycling Australia Victorian state director Jeff Antcliff said the change was “ludicrous“.

“It’s absolutely absurd,“ he said.

“We’re really calling on Minister Stitt to talk to us.“

Mr Soker says people will illegally dump

at charity shops irrespective of whether the waste incurs a tax penalty or not.

“Forcing charities to pay the waste levy will cause an increase in landfill, not a reduction,“ he wrote.

“If charity shops are forced to cut costs on resource recovery to pay your tax, it means more waste to landfill for Victoria.

“They will be unable to divert the 242,000 tonnes from landfill they did last year – which means you, as Minister for Environment, will have caused an increase in waste to landfill.“

A Victorian government spokesperson, in relation to the critiques against DEECA’s plans, agreed charitable organisations play a “significant role in driving Victoria’s transition to a more circular economy“.

“We will continue to support the charitable recycling sector, as we have done since 2014, and are currently determining the most effective way to continue this support,“ the spokesperson said.

“Charities will also benefit from Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme which will provide them with the opportunity to raise funds using container collection drives, register to receive donations, and run refund collection points across Victoria.“

Mr Soker also says the “unfair tax“ will directly hurt the most Vulnerable people in Victoria, as the $1.5 million tax“equates to 428,571 meals that cannot be provided by charities to Victorians who will go hungry“.

With the costs of living on the rise, charities

fear the tax will add to the struggle.

“Charity shops provide $232 million in avoided costs for your government, in food and shelter for Victorians in need, mental health services, crisis support and a wide range of illness and disability support, right down to the wellbeing of our pets,“ Mr Soker wrote to Minister Stitt.

“Without charity shops, your government would need to pay for these services – or let Victorians in need go without essential support.

Charity shops also save 214,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 21,000 Mega Litres of water a year to help the environment, according to Mr Soker.

“Given the massive contribution charity shops make to Victoria’s environment, society and economy, we are absolutely dumbfounded by DEECA’s insistence to penalise them,“ Mr Soker wrote.

Mr Soker also critiqued the Victorian government in their bottom-focused intervention style for recycling.

He says Victoria’s policies focus on disposal of recycling materials rather than reuse.

With the government’s plan to create a circular economy in Victoria boasting initiatives to “boost recycling and reuse“, Mr Soker says this transition is “impossible“ if the government allows for reuse to regress.

“While the rest of Australia is moving forward with reuse to a Circular Economy by 2030, Victoria is going backwards,“ he said.

Sustainable shopping saving on emissions and costs

By Matthew Sims

Second-hand bargains and unusual finds are now up for grabs at Westfield Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.

Opened on Thursday 4 April, Charitable Recycling Australia’s new pop-up charity retail concept store ’Charity Shop?’ is now open until Monday 5 June, offering 4100 items of pre-loved fashion from Salvos, Vinnies, Red Cross, Uniting, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Uniting and Save the Children, plus brand new pre-consumer clothing from ThreeByOne denim and Jaggad high performance activewear.

Save Our Soles owner John Elliott was the visionary behind the project and said the shop is designed for socially and environmentally conscious Millennials and Gen Z shoppers.

“This shop is about curating the products more,“ he said.

“One of the other things we’re looking at is post-consumer products.“

Entirely run and supported by volunteer work, the net proceeds of the shop’s trading will go towards the charitable reuse sector’s environmental and social causes, contributing to both climate change impact and the transition to a circular economy.

Charitable Recycling Australia members also raise funds through their charity shops for the most disadvantaged in our communities, including food and shelter for those in need, crisis support, mental health and a wide range of disability and illness support.

Mr Elliott said the shop will also welcome pop-up activations from Westfield Local Heroes and Special Olympics competitors.

“To have a vehicle for our athletes to work in store is fantastic for them,“ he said.

“It’s all about making the world a better place.”

Enrolling for 2024 and 2025

Pictures:

The team behind the initiative includes project manager Charlene Perera, Kepler Analytics providing their customer insights software, re-Up providing upcycled bags free of charge, Shop for Shops fitting out the shop for free,Westfield providing PR support, photography, volunteers, stylists, activations and smart screen time at the centre to promote the shop and Be Collective providing help with volunteers.

The shop has an environmental target to save 47,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, save thousands of litres of water and divert

242,000 tonnes of clothing out of landfills through the reuse of clothing during the fiveweek run.

Charitable Recycling Australia director Jeff Antcliff said he was amazed by the work of Mr Elliott and the broader team.

“He’s done a tremendous job with pulling this together,“ he said.

“We’re really proud in what we do.

“All the charities have put a product in.“

The ’Charity Shop?’ installation is now open from 9am to 5.30pm at Shop 1020 near Big W.

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.

‘Charity Shop?’ project manager Charlene Perera, Vinnies retail head Neil Harvey, volunteer John Elliott, Brotherhood of St Laurence retail operations manager Peter Kalogeropoulos, Vinnies commercial services head Liz Randle and Charitable Recycling Australia director Jeff Antcliff. 333310

MATTHEW SIMS

Tea party celebrates love

By Matthew Sims

The Berwick community has come together to break through the fundraising goal of $20,000 in support of local Kirsty Ring’s Biggest Morning Tea event.

More than 90 people attended the event on Saturday 6 May in honour of her sister Jodie Pitkin, who died last April after a long battle with cancer.

The event also honoured her father, who died in January 2013 after a nine-month battle with melanoma and other loved ones lost to cancer.

Kirsty said she decided to start hosting a Biggest Morning Tea five years ago after seeing the success of Jodie’s daughter Ella’s fundraising efforts at her school.

Diagnosed in June 2015 with bowel cancer, Jodie tried a variety of treatments from the conventional Western treatment pathways to other Eastern treatments, which eventually cleared her of bowel cancer.

However, cancer was then discovered in her liver and lungs and she became severely ill.

Kirsty said by that time, Jodie had decided she was not strong enough to keep fighting and wanted to use the time she had left enjoying life with her children Jai and Ella and her husband Russell, going on a trip to the Northern Territory.

The cancer continued to spread and eventually reached her spine.

Kirsty said she regained strength after a stay in hospital in late 2021.

“She got a new lease of life during Christmas,“ she said.

As of February last year, she had lost the use of her legs and had to use a wheelchair.

“In the end, it was quick,“ she said.

“She had fought a very good fight.“

Kirsty said Jodie never let the worries of her illness or life get in the way of making positive memories with her loved ones.

“She made the most of life,“ she said.

Kirsty said the family’s loss had brought them even closer together.

“We had and still have amazing support,“ she said.

Kirsty said seeing Jodie’s husband Russell take care of her during her final days was touching.

“The compassion that he showed her, I’ve never seen anything like it,“ she said.

Kirsty said she had a new understanding of her own journey through life after the loss of her sister, including on her decision to not have children.

“It was my job to look after her kids,“ she said.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea event has raised more than $200 million for cancer research and support.

Cancer Council Victoria fundraising head Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said it has been “amazing“ to see the event grow over the years.

“One in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85,“ she said.

“By making a cuppa during an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, you’re helping to support life-saving research, prevention, screen-

ing and treatment programs.

“We urge all Victorians to join the birthday celebrations and host a morning tea, and make yourself a cuppa for a cancer-free future this May or June.“

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea also helps fund Cancer Council’s vital 13 11 20 Information and Support Line, accommodation, counselling, and peer support programs helping people living with cancer every day.

To donate to Kirsty’s cause, visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/KirstyRing.

Berwick resident Kirsty Ring and her mum Pam with loved ones lost to cancer. 332566

Pictures: ROB CAREW Kirsty Ring. 332566

Kirsty Ring and her mum Pam Ring. 332566

Kirsty Ring with her mum Pam Ring and friends Jodie Dorrington and Lori De La Rue remembered Jodie Pitkin last weekend. 332566

More than 90 family members and friends of Jodie Pitkin turned out in support of the Biggest Morning Tea event. Picture: SUPPLIED

Berwick boy’s Games quest

By Eleanor Wilson

Adi Singh may only be 11 years old, but he is hoping his love for badminton could take him all the way to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar student first picked up the indoor sport five years ago, after recommendation from his father Rajesh Kumar, who had also played the sport socially growing up.

“We got him to try multiple sports like soccer, karate, tennis, Auskick,” Mr Kumar explained.

“We just wanted him to be introduced to different sports, so he could choose by himself what he liked.“

Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Under 13 State Badminton team, which will see him compete against the best young players in the country.

“At the start it was just for fun and then slowly I got more into it,“ Adi reasoned.

“Then I felt like it was getting a bit more competitive and I started playing tournaments, and I set myself the goal of becoming the best player.“

While the racquet sport has increased in popularity in Australia in recent years, it remains one of the less popular sports for Aussies.

According to Badminton Australia, over 250,000 Australians currently participate in the sport.

“He’s doing great, this is definitely an achievement, coming to the state squad, but yeah, he needs to keep going and try to be the best in Victoria to start with,“ Mr Kumar said.

While Adi says his short term goal is to become the best badminton player in the state, his long term goals are even larger.

“My main goal is to win the 2032 Olympics,” he said.

“That has been my goal ever since I watched the last Olympics and saw badminton as an Olympic sport.”

Adi trains five days a week at HP Badminton in Mount Waverley, and also works with a coach who helps him train to be the best he can be.

While mum Aarathi Nagajothi said he is very proud of her son’s badminton achievements, she hinted that she didn’t expect him to take to the sport as well as he did.

“In the beginning we had to push him a bit to get into a sport, but over the past year he has improved quite a bit and we were quite surprised,“ she said.

“I felt bad for not expecting it!“

Adi will compete at the U13 National Championships in Ballarat in late September this year, where he hopes to bring home gold.

The most disadvantaged

Pakenham Upper and Narre Warren East are among the most advantaged suburbs across the south-eastern suburbs, while Doveton, Hampton Park, Dandenong South and Springvale are among the most disadvantaged in the south-east.

Released on Thursday, April 27, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) rankings are based on the latest Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), compiled using data from the 2021 Census.

After each Census, the ABS analyses certain information collected, including income, education, employment, occupation, housing, and family structure.

Each suburb is given a score from one to 10, with one being most disadvantaged and 10 most advantaged.

On a snapshot of local government areas, Greater Dandenong is the second most disadvantaged LGA, coming second to Central Goldfields, while Casey and Cardinia fell in the upper middle bracket, receiving scores of six and seven respectively.

Among the most disadvantaged suburbs receiving a score of one were Doveton, Hampton Park, Springvale, Noble Park, Dandenong, Dandenong North, Dandenong South, Bangholme and Cranbourne.

Other suburbs in the lower bracket with a score of two to four included Hallam, Narre Warren, Noble Park North, Pakenham, Pakenham South, Garfield and Lang Lang.

Suburbs with a mix of disadvantage and advantage with a score of five to seven included Lynbrook, Gembrook, Pearcedale, Narre Warren South, Keysborough and Bunyip.

South-eastern suburbs at the top of the list with a score of eight to 10 included Cranbourne South, Berwick, Officer, Emerald, Clyde, Lyndhurst, Harkaway, Guys Hill, Narre Warren East and Pakenham Upper.

Picture: ABS

ABS Census dissemination head Caroline Deans said a number of factors contribute to the SEIFA data.

“Using data like occupation shows where there’s more advantage or disadvantage in Australia,“ she said.

“Education data is also related to socioeconomic advantage and disadvantage.

“Socio-economic status is used by many groups including government, businesses, industry, researchers, to determine things like funding for services, policy development, business opportunities, and it’s also used to show the relationship between socio-economic disadvantage and outcomes such as health and education.“

The most advantaged suburbs across the state were mostly found within the innereastern suburbs of Melbourne, including Cremorne, Toorak, Malvern and Brighton, while the most disadvantaged suburbs included Norlane north of Geelong, as well as Morwell and Moe in the outer south-east.

Across the country, the most disadvantaged areas were in Queensland and the NorthernTerritory, while the majority of the most advantaged areas were along the New South Wales coastline, as well as localities near Perth.

Digging into council spending and cost-shifting

By Matthew Sims

The Liberals and Nationals have launched a parliamentary inquiry into local government funding, service delivery and the effects of cost shifting despite opposition from the Labor Government, the Animal Justice Party and the Legalise Cannabis Party.

Passing through the Legislative Council on Wednesday May 3, the motion would require the Economy and Infrastructure Committee to inquire into, consider and report on local government funding and service delivery in Victoria, including the effects of cost shifting from the state and federal governments to local councils in an examination of vertical and horizontal fiscal imbalances, whether local councils are adequately delivering on their core service delivery objectives, the overall revenue structure of local government and whether the existing revenue structure is sustainable and appropriate by 30 June 2024.

Leader of The Nationals and local govern-

ment opposition spokesperson Peter Walsh said the inquiry would produce a report providing constructive advice to the government on building a more sustainable future for Victoria’s local councils.

“It’s about more than just looking at council rates, we have to go back to square one and examine the entire funding model for local government,“ he said.

“We need to look at what affects council’s ability to manage core responsibilities like rubbish collection, road maintenance, footpaths and libraries.“

A state government spokesperson said they would continue to work with all councils to ensure they have the necessary support.

“We value the critical role councils play in delivering services to their communities,“ the spokesperson said.

“Dictating to councils what services they are and are not allowed to provide to their communities would be totally inappropriate.“

Berwick, Officer and Beaconsfield Campuses

Casey Council chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said the council would be keenly watching the results of the inquiry.

“The City of Casey will monitor the inquiry’s progress with interest and will consider any recommendations of the review once they are known,“ she said.

South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Michael Galea said he was a “little wary“ of the basis of the motion coming from a source of contempt.

“It all but states the desire to have local councils not function fully as a level of government,“ he said.

“The motion would prefer to see councils deliver on a list of highly defined authorised services dictated by the state government.“

Mr Galea said recent incidents have put a spotlight on the role of local government.

“A number of programs have come under quite a significant amount of attention recently when there have been some disgraceful attacks on local councils and absolutely outrageous

scenes at council meetings where people with frankly very little interest in democracy have stormed places demanding that councils overrule decisions and targeting vulnerable parts of our community to do so,“ he said.

“It has been quite frankly disgusting, and that has happened in my area too.“

Mr Galea said each council had to be able to respond to the varied needs of the area it serves.

“It is appropriate for councils to represent their communities in the decisions that they make and in the priorities that they put forward,“ he said.

“That does not mean that local government cannot or should not work beyond the core services; in fact they should do that.

“The core services should always be paramount – that being the standard: the recycling, the rubbish, the roads, everything else, library services – but that does not mean further services cannot be brought in, such as things operated by our wonderful local libraries.”

The future is bright for Berwick student Adi Singh,who recently made the State Badminton team. 329270 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Give the gift of theatre

There is something for everyone at The Drum Theatre in Dandenong.

With Mother’s Day on Sunday 14 May consider purchasing a gift voucher to one of the Drum’s superb shows to give an experience she’ll remember.

Enjoy a special day out and experience the musical journey of The Beatles’ from their greatest hits and their critically acclaimed solo

careers with Beatles Legacy on Thursday 15 June at 10.30am.

One of the highlights of our Encore morning matinee program is a special performance of the board game Clue: On Stage on Thursday 18 May at 10.30am. This hilarious murder mystery is based on the classic cult film and popular board game, allowing the audience to help solve the mystery. All Encore performances include complimentary morning tea and

What's On in May / June

a parking voucher. Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman is a classic American play that explores themes of family, success, and the ‘American Dream’. Purchase your tickets to experience this acclaimed masterpiece on Saturday 3 June at 3pm.

Dandenong’s Drum Theatre is an intimate venue that allows you to connect with per-

formers, their stories and music up close. Each theatre ticket provides you with discounts to the Drum Theatre’s partner businesses including discounts at local eateries and accommodation venues.

To become a Drum Theatre member phone our friendly Box Office team on 8571 1666. Visit drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au to see what’s on.

Give the gift of theatre this Mother’s Day.

No plans to close gallery

Casey Council has confirmed that it has no current plans to close off its meetings from the public, despite ongoing disruptive behaviour and civil unrest experienced by it and other councils recently.

Monash Council has cancelled this month’s drag storytime event, citing repeated threats of violence against councillors, staff and the performer.

Recently, Casey Council also cancelled drag workshops on advice fromVictoria Police after

alleged threats and intimidation.

Casey corporate governance manager Holly De Kretser said there were no plans to remove its public gallery.

“Whilst there has been an increase in public attendance at recent council meetings, this has not given rise to security concerns,“ she said.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said it was “unacceptable“ that Monash Council was forced to cancel their event.

“While public debate is fundamental to de-

mocracy, there is never room in this state for hate speech, intimidation, or violence,“ she said.

“We will continue to protect councils’ right to program events which celebrate LGBTIQ+ Victorians, increase visibility and uphold our diverse communities’ rights, identities and dignity.

“To our diverse LGBTIQ+ communities and to every drag performer in the state – you are accepted, supported and loved.“

MP requests update to hate speech law

South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Rachel Payne has asked for the state government to clarify the progress of plans to introduce anti-vilification and hate speech legislation following a string of protests against LGBTQIA+-focused events.

During the Legislative Council meeting on Tuesday, May 2, Ms Payne asked Equality Minister Harriet Shing about what work was still being done in regards to the legislation.

“I, like you, Minister, am alarmed by the way that bigots have been targeting our community in an increasingly organised and escalated way,“ she said.

“When this matter has already been the subject of a parliamentary inquiry and the government’s response accepted the inquiry’s recommendations in principle on 2 September 2021 – 20 months ago – what further consideration is required, particularly bearing in mind that other jurisdictions around Australia already have this framework in place?“

Monash Council has announced it would not stage a drag storytime event for children and parents during May following “concerning” levels of anger by opponent groups and a briefing by Victoria Police advising of the risks to the safety of staff, attendees and Council facilities.

The council’s response followed on Casey Council’s decision to cancel a drag workshop

after alleged threats and intimidation.

Monash’s council meeting on 26 April was temporarily adjourned after a packed and overflowing gallery shouted down councillors and derided them as “groomers” and “child abusers”.

Ms Shing directed the question to Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes.

“The first tranche of our response was the important legislation that banned the Nazi hate symbol, and we know that we have seen increasingly concerning behaviour, particularly targeted at different minority groups, in our state of Victoria,“ she said.

“We do want to respond in the strongest of terms, not just with a legislative response but with a conversation and education piece.“

Ms Symes said the state government wanted the legislation to cover a broad spectrum of elements.

“In relation to the commitments that we have made, we do want to extend anti-vilification protections beyond race and religion to prevent and of course further deter vilification on other grounds, including protecting our LGBTIQ+ members of the community and other groups,“ she said.

“We also are looking at lowering the threshold to which civil and criminal vilification will be able to be accessed

through those systems.

Ms Symes said the state government were also looking to announce the banning of the Nazi salute alongside the announcement of new legislation.

“We do not want this behaviour to exist,“ she said.

“I will have further announcements at the end of the year with the hope of having legislation within the next 18 months.

“That is probably a safe bet.“

Ms Payne also asked a further question of Ms Shing on behalf of a constituent within Kingston Council in relation to the issue.

“My constituent is a resident of the City of Kingston who was upset and disappointed that a children’s Easter event was shut down after a group of anti-LGBTIQ+ fringe activists threatened to stalk drag performers,“ she said.

“In this instance, the business owner and her staff were also threatened.

“This type of conduct appears particularly prevalent in south-eastern metropolitan Melbourne, where protest activity is organised online and has led my constituent to feel concerned for the safety of their friends in the LGBTIQ+ community.

“My constituent asks: how is the minister addressing the concentration of this fringe hate speech in the south-east?“

Trades opportunities open up for women

By Sahar Foladi

Gone are the days where your gender would determine your career pathway and doors of opportunities slammed shut for women.

It’s safe to say that a lot of male dominated industries are more welcoming of women than ever.

Carly is taking full advantage of the state governments Free Tafe Courses studying certificate IV in building and construction and certificate III in carpentry at Trades Institute of Victoria (TIV) in Dandenong.

“It’s really good. It’s fairly compacted because we do all the course work in a year.

“Once we’re on the floor doing the building work the time flies.”

TIV provide building and construction courses across Melbourne with their head office in Williamstown.

Currently women make up 13 per cent of the construction industry however only 2 per cent are in trades and the rest work in administrations or support roles.

Carly is part of that 2 per cent. She called it quits with her IT job of 20 years after having enough of the screen time and switched to a career that would not have been available to her decades ago.

“I was always interested in the building industry but never had the opportunity when I left school (in 1997) and didn’t consider that as a pathway.

“It wasn’t an option presented to women that much. It was mostly the young guys that would leave school and do trade.”

Now there’s a push to include females in the construction industry to deal with the labour shortage through state government initiatives such as ‘She Built It’. It is part of Labor’s Building Equality Policy which requires women to be represented in at least 3 per cent of the trade roles.

At a mature age now Carly has started seeing the shift in society and as part of “getting older” she’s also become confident.

“I think times have changed a lot. My experience has been so far that people in the industry are open to female workers because of the unique set of skills we bring in terms of attention to details.”

The National Association ofWomen in Construction (NAWIC) are headed to achieve their goal for women to make up 25 per cent of the industry by 2025 and TIV are playing their part in helping with this culture change.

It’s never too late to start anything but for Carly she wasn’t too keen to do a traditional apprenticeship and that’s when she came across TIV.

“I came across TIV when they had the fast track apprenticeship where you do trade school for a year and do 800 hours work experience.”

She plans to stay with TIV longer to pursue

her Diploma in building and construction to ultimately establish her own building company.

TIV have been thriving in Dandenong since being opened by then-mayor Jim Memeti last year.

Training director Peter Giannopoulos said the plan to build a second home for TIV rose from a high demand as a lot of similar centres are in Cheltenham.

“We know Dandenong is a growth corridor and there’s continuous demand for skilled labour in Dandenong and surrounding suburbs.

“We try to meet the needs of the market by introducing various courses to Dandenong.”

Construction workers are among the list of skill shortages in Australia.

According to Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data there’s a 24.2 per cent job vacancy rate in construction in February 2023.

It has dropped dramatically from a 30.3 per cent job vacancy rate in May 2022.

Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) president Cr David Clark said they would support any council in closing their meetings to the public if they felt the need to do so to ensure the safety of their community and employees.

“Anyone from any community can participate in decision making at their local council,“ he said.

“It’s what makes local government such a unique and integral part of our democratic system.“

Demand for women

By Sahar Foladi

Many female customers will be put at ease by having a choice of tradeswomen rather than only tradesmen.

City of Casey cultural and social equity officer Sadia Ali said as a practising Muslim she finds it very uncomfortable to have a handyman in her house.

“We have called a handyman for various reasons, be it broken hot water system, fixing pantries or cabinets or changing shower heads.

“We have household or personal items that as women practising certain beliefs can be quite private to us and it may not be comfortable if visible to a complete stranger.“

Trades Institute ofVictoria apprentice Carly has put behind her 20 years in IT to pursue her passion, building and construction, something that wouldn’t have been available to her decades ago.

She’s part of the 2 per cent of women in trades roles in the construction industry.

She believes there are certain female customer needs and plans to target that niche.

Carly plans to establish her own building company upon completion of her studies with Trades Institute of Victoria (TIV) and further work experience.

“I’ve definitely thought about when I start my own company that women would feel more comfortable to have female carpenters come into their house.”

Her friends both agree and support her upon discussion on the topic.

“Ultimately if I do have my building company I’d like to employ mostly female tradies and to operate in that niche where people are comfortable for women to operate in their house,” she said.

Ms Ali said boundaries are created around women from a very young age and as a result directed them to careers in childcare, education, aged care and administrative works.

“I always encourage women to think outside of the box of becoming a handywomen, to become women behind wheels, join construction sites, electrician or mechanical services providers,” Ms Ali said.

“A proportionate balance of gender in various professional institutions is required which will benefit our society holistically.“

Carly Beitzel and her TIV trainer Bill Spencer. 332877 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Carly Beitzel. 332877

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Special hair pampering

Mother’s Day is a special day to celebrate and honour the women who have given so much to their families. It’s a time to show them how much they mean to us and how much we appreciate everything they do. This year, why not treat your mum to a special hair pampering at Fallachi Hair in Berwick?

Fallachi Hair is a renowned hair salon in Berwick that offers customised hair care gift packs for Mother’s Day. These gift packs are specifically designed to suit the needs of any client and include everything they need to maintain and style their hair.

The best part about these gift packs is that they are completely customisable. You can choose the products you want to include in the pack based on your hair type and preferences. This means that your Mum will get a gift that is tailored specifically to her needs and will help her keep her hair looking its best.

If you’re not sure what products to include in the gift pack, you can always ask the team at Fallachi Hair for advice. They are experts in hair care and can recommend the best products for your Mum’s hair type and styling needs.

In addition to the customised hair care gift packs, Fallachi Hair also offers gift vouchers that can be used for hair services at their salon. This means that Mum can sit back, relax, and have her hair done by the talented team at Fallachi Hair. They offer a wide range of hair services, from cuts and colours to blowaves and styling.

The salon is located on 14 Gloucester Avenue in Berwick, and bookings can be made by calling 9707 5722. The team at Fallachi Hair is dedicated to providing their clients with the best possible hair care services and products, so you can be sure that your Mum will be in good hands. Mum can sit back, relax,

and have her hair done by the talented team at Fallachi Hair.

Mother’s Day cash splash

By Adrian Black, AAP

Cost of living pressures won’t stifle Mother’s Day spending as Australians expect to spend more on the occasion.

An Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan survey projects Australians will spend $925 million on Mother’s Day this year, up $166 million or 22 per cent on 2022.

The survey of 1682 Australian adults found one in two people were planning on buying gifts for Mother’s Day and expected to spend an average of $92. Five in six respondents said they would spend more than last year while alcohol, food and flowers were the most popular choices for gifts and likely to account for about 30 per cent of the national spend.

One in four respondents planned to buy gifts for someone other than their birth mother, and some retailers have sent customers links to opt-out of Mother’s Day emails, which can be triggering for those grieving or estranged from their mother.

ARA chief executive Paul Zahra said most retailers were already promoting their Mother’s Day wares, a key event on the retail calendar.

“Amid ongoing cost of living pressures, many will be making an exception to spoil their mums – or in some instances other special people in their lives,” Mr Zahra said.

The expected 22 per cent boost in Mother’s Day spending outstripped the Consumer Price Index, which increased to 7 per cent over the twelve months to Q1 2023.

“While people may be reluctant to spoil themselves due to the high costs of living, they’re still enthusiastic to splash out on loved ones,” Mr Zahra said.

A fifth of respondents said they would celebrate the occasion with a meal at a cafe or restaurant while 38 per cent would opt for a feast at home.

Australians are expected to loosen the purse strings for Mothers Day, despite rising costs.

Picture: AP IMAGES

Celebrating the beauty of diversity

By Sahar Foladi

A passionate group of artists is aiming to provide a platform for people from CALD backgrounds in arts and culture.

Starting as an award-winning project, the Bukjeh group was formed by artists from CALD backgrounds to share stories of refugees and displacement of the First Nations people from their own land, artistically.

“Bukjeh” in Arabic means a sense of belonging for refugees to gather around after fleeing their homelands.

“But it’s also a bukjeh in which those who are here can gather, a bukjeh of emotions and culture,” founder Aseel Tayah said.

Ms Tayah joined the Emerging Cultural Leaders program in Footscray and Bukjeh was born from an exhibition based on her curiosity of what people brought with themselves when they came to Australia.

“I did an art exhibition asking people about that and shared it with songs and theatre. Since then I received many other opportunities to create much more.

“Once I saw the beauty of having and engaging many other people that’s when I started inviting other artists, other storytellers and practitioners to share their experience as well.”

Not only does the organisation bring people from the community together to connect over bukjeh, but it also aims to raise awareness and representation of people of CALD background in the Arts and Culture field.

“I’ve heard a lot from big people in the arts and culture that our people don’t have capital that’s why they don’t exist in the programming,” Ms Tayah said.

“Even though we are among the most spoken languages in the country I feel the lack of representation in spaces and I try to balance that with our works in arts and theatre.

“I cannot listen to that and accept the fact that we don’t exist.

“We are a walking culture everywhere. That’s who we are. We cannot be ignored from the mainstream.”

Now she is on a mission to ensure that sentence is not “applied and spoken again.”

Ms Tayah migrated to Australia from Palestine a decade ago and was in awe of not just a different world but also the diversity within.

“I come from a country that has either Palestinian or Israelis but in Australia there’s everything and that’s richness that some people see as barriers.

“When I first arrived many people told me you’re a hijabi (person who covers their head with a scarf) you will never get a job. You’re a Muslim, your English is not good.”

“But I looked around I saw beautiful faces, different skin colours, different features, different hijabs.

“The activist in me wanted to make sure

everyone sees the beauty I see in eyes and in the heart.

“We are happier and richer when we are together in food, culture, music, humanity, community, in everything.”

And so she left her two years of medical chemistry studies and switched to Arts.

Bukjeh also works with the First Nation community to tell their stories, nationally and locally, of their displacement from their own land.

“The moment we decide to see that we are not from here, we all have different dates of arrival - then we are equal.

“This is not our land. It’s not our space.”

Ardna (our land) is a recent, innovative collaboration between Bukjeh and Yorta Yorta theatre maker Jason Tamiru for school children to explore our connection to the physical land.

It featured Indigenous and Middle Eastern dance, song and storytelling.

Bukjeh creative director Aseel Tayah brings an inclusive Eid event to Bunjil Place. 332917

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Eid for all at Bunjil

By Sahar Foladi

Bunjil Place will host its first ‘Hakaya of Bukjeh’, translating to ‘Stories and Gathering’ in Arabic.

The event is run by the organisation Bukjeh under CEO, creative director and Casey resident Aseel Tayahrun from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 13 May.

The organisation has delivered cultural experiences, community engagements and First Nations stories in schools, theatre and conferences for almost a decade across the state.

The event is inspired by the Eid spiritual observance, with ‘Hakaya’ literally and metaphorically bringing people together under one roof.

“We are all exposed to celebrations around Christmas and Easter and we want non-Muslims to feel it’s a space they can celebrate with us and know more about our religion,” Ms Tayah said.

The family event will see fun educational activities for kids about Eid while teaching them about how fasts are broken, popular culinary dishes and moon formation.

Ms Tayah first held her Bukjeh event at a small centre where 200 people attended, leading to Casey Council supporting bukjeh on a bigger platform for everyone to experience.

“It’s much more fun seeing the interaction of people who haven’t met before know nothing about each other suddenly in one place to celebrate arts and culture,” Ms Tayah said.

There will be domed canopies installed around Bunjil Place decorated in art, inspired by CALD background and stories across the state.

The event is created in such a way that it could be flexible and accessible for everyone to attend, including a space only for mothers and children.

There’s also a space for conservative Muslims who don’t want to listen to the music but want to attend the event.

Ms Tayah said that’s something that’s often “not thought of” but she wants the event to be inclusive.

Bukjeh wishes to further expand and collaborate with local businesses and is open to ongoing partnerships.

Creative connections to Country featured in new exhibition

A group of six Indigenous artists are bringing their understanding of Country, their Ancestral connection and cultural landscapes to Bunjil Place, as part of the premiere of a new art exhibition.

Featuring soundscape, moving image, screendance, carving, weaving, printmaking, and photography, ngaratya (together, us group, all in it together) is running from Sunday, May 14 to Sunday, September 3.

Including more than 50 works, the exhibition is the result of several journeys the six Barkandji/Barkindji artists Nici Cumpston, Zena Cumpston, David Doyle, Kent Morris, Adrianne Semmens, and Raymond Zada took to their Country, where they spent time travelling together and engaging with cultural landscapes, their Elders, community, and each other.

Barkandji/Barkindji are the people of the Baaka (Darling River), culturally responsible for the waterway and vast Country spanning

more than 100,000 square kilometres across western New South Wales.

Zena said the exhibition is the result of 16 months of work, including the artists’ journey to their Country.

“It was completely invaluable to be able to spend time together and with our Elders,“ she said.

“It’s made our work really rich.

“Ultimately, that show is about everyone

being welcomed into Barkandji/Barkindji Country.“

Zena said the artists are grateful for the support they have received from Bunjil Place, Casey Council and National Exhibitions Touring Support (NETS) Victoria.

“Without Bunjil Place and NETS, this wouldn’t have happened,“ she said.

Bunjil Place is hosting a special Mother’s Day launch event on Sunday, May 14 from 3pm to 6pm, as well as a preview on Monday, May 14 from 6pm to 7.30pm and an artist panel discussion on Tuesday, May 15 from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Barkandji/Barkindji dancer and educator Adrianne Semmens is also hosting a dance workshop suitable for children aged eight to 10 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm on Friday 12 May.

To book tickets or for more information, visit www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/ngaratya-together-us-group-all-it-together or tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/events.

- Matthew Sims

Exhibition artists and curators Zena Cumpston and Nici Cumpston and artists Raymond Zada and Adrianne Semmens are excited for the launch of the exhibition at Bunjil Place. 332823

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Bukjeh creative director Aseel Tayah is bringing an artistic voice for CALD communities. 332917

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

WHAT’S ON

Berwick Boutique Craft and Food Market

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

This lovely venue offers beautifully manicured gardens, a large children’s playground and barbecue/picnic facilities along with plenty of parking.

Step back in time and browse the wonderful and unique crafts and design from local makers and unwind from the week.

$5 onsite parking, dogs allowed.

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

Volunteer Expo

Discover great volunteering opportunities in the City of Casey at the Casey Volunteer Expo!

Volunteering is a great way for people to gain experience and skills, all while making a difference in someone’s life.

Meet with organisations, learn about what they do and how they support Casey residents, watch the performances and grab a bite to eat.

Lots of great activities on the day including cultural dancing and food.

· Bunjil Place Function Centre, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren on Thursday 25 May, 10am - 3pm.

This Girl Can

The Casey BMX Club are making Saturday 27 May a really special day to celebrate girls of all ages with This Girl Can.

They are calling all the girls, ladies and women to come forward and have a go on a BMX race bike.

This isn’t just for the kids! Mums, aunts, big cousins and even nans are welcome.

Pro riders Bella May and Coby Stagg will run a coaching session after the Come & Try sessions are done.

· Casey Fields, 160 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East on Saturday 27 May, 1pm.

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.

Forest Therapy

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne are hosting a forest therapy session to get you back in touch with nature.

Originating from Japan, shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy, is a preventative health practice that immerses your senses in nature.

This guided wellbeing experience will bolster your mental and physical health by reducing stress levels, regulating pulse and blood pressure and elevating your mood.

Recognised as a public health practice in Asia and Europe, forest therapy is gaining global acclaim as an evidence-based, cost-effective and natural remedy – a ‘green prescription’ for a healthier you.

Surround yourself with biodiversity from across the globe at Melbourne Gardens.

Tickets are $30 per person.

· Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne on Sunday 28 May, 10.30am12.30pm.

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.

Join the Amstel Club in their new Every 1 initiative.

For a gold coin donation, members of the community can enjoy a coffee, tea, milkshake or smoothie. You might even be lucky and receive a cookie or cake.

Show your support for Amstel’s Umbrella Support participants, who are expanding their vocational opportunities as they learn the ins and outs of cafe service.

· 1000 Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne. Running every Thursday afternoon 1.30pm-3.30pm.

CRANBOURNE U3A

Make the most of your retirement! Tutors are available to teach art using various mediums. A variety of crafts including knitting, patchwork and sewing, card making, and calligraphy.

Chess, line dancing, Italian language, table tennis and cycling groups welcome you.

Would you like to play the ukulele, or just singalong for fun? Cranbourne U3A can help. Our rooms are in the Cranbourne Library building, through the Casey Radio entrance. Expand your social life and get active for a healthy third age in your retirement.

· For more information visit: www.u3acranbourne.org.au or call Helen 0423 623 337.

Know Your Local

Get ready to explore the stunning murals in your community and support local businesses with the City of Casey’s new campaign.

Over three Saturdays in May and June, the Know Your Local campaign will bring a festive vibe to your local shopping and entertainment hubs.

· 4pm and 6pm on 6 May at Linden Place in Doveton, 20 May at Narre Village in Narre Warren, and 3 June at Autumn Place in Doveton.

Gardening for Mental Health

Gardening can be an incredible tool to support mental health.

Come along to learn about the scientific connections between gardening and mental health, basic elements of therapeutic horticulture and techniques to cultivate peace in the garden.

· Bunjil Place Library, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren on Saturday 13 May, 11am12pm.

Narre Warren District Family History Group General Meeting

Join Carol Rosenhain, author of the military biography ‘The Men Behind the Myth, The Fighting Leanes of Prospect’ at L’Arte Central Social Enterprise.

· 2/65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East, Saturday 20 May, 12pm.

· Bookings are essential. To book, email Eileen Durdin at secretary@nwfhg.org.au.

Manuka housing angst

From page 1

“It also creates new open spaces connecting to nearby parklands and protects the precinct’s heritage sites.“

Local residents’ concerns included the impact on the amount of native vegetation which would be retained as part of the plan and the impact removal of vegetation would have on bushfire management.

Ms Asper said the plan outlined a number of trees would be retained as part of the plan.

“Significant trees and vegetation have been identified for retention throughout the precinct,“ she said.

“While there are plans to remove some trees, the tree and vegetation protection measures included in the plan will ensure the area maintains the green character of the surrounding Berwick neighbourhood.

Berwick box bidding bliss

By Eleanor Wilson

Three dozen Berwick Springs View Club members had their bidding paddles at the ready on Monday 1 May, for the club’s annual box auction.

The event, which sees members donate items wrapped in mystery boxes for a ‘lucky dip’ style auction, is one of the group’s largest fundraisers.

Club publicity officer Carol Ellis said the

event raised $1700 for the Smith Family’s Learning For Life program.

The club currently sponsors eight students at varying levels of education through educational programs and school essentials like books, uniforms and excursions.

The Berwick Springs View Club meets on the first Monday of each month at the Berwick Springs Hotel. For more information, please contact Shirley Courcoux on 0438 191 759.

“Bushfire controls in the plan have been informed by recommendations from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and include minimum standards for construction and required setbacks to address bushfire risk.“

Mr Brooks-Macmillan said to lose any vegetation would be “absolutely unacceptable“ for the community, who had worked hard over a number of years to preserve and develop the precinct’s vegetation.

“We’ve got an issue that all of the good work...will be at jeopardy,“ he said.

“To meet the bushfire management overlay, vegetation will have to be lost.“

Mr Brooks-Macmillan said council should not be encouraging people to live near areas of high fire risk.

“I do not see how this proposal is a sustainable solution,“ he said.

“The council should work with the community.

“Let’s wait until we get a council back.“

Residents’ concerns also included the amount of additional traffic the development would bring to the area and add further pressure to Manuka Road, which already becomes congested during peak periods of traffic.

Casey Council has proposed to seal and upgrade Allan Street as part of the development, as well as installing right-turning lanes along Manuka Road at the entrance to Allan Street and the new northern access street.

However, the council has not proposed a vehicle connection between Allan Street and Cardinia Street.

Ms Savige said residents were “quite emotional“ about the issue of extra traffic.

“The traffic congestion at Manuka Road at the moment is pretty bad,“ she said.

Berwick Springs View Club members Patricia Woodruff, Wendy Duffy, Jan Williamson, Jeanette Cheney and Jenny Cacic with the auction boxes. 329590 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Local conservation volunteers Gayle Savige, Rosalie Counsell and Anne Savige are concerned about the proposed development’s proximity to the Cardinia Creek Nature Conservation Reserve. 333109 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Shopping Village 1 Corner Oshea Rd & Clyde Rd

• Berwick Coles Supermarket

Parkhill Plaza Shopping Centre 1 Corner Oshea Rd & Clyde Rd

• Berwick Berwick Springs

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

• Berwick Grants Estate Agents 3a Gloucester Avenue

• Berwick Berwick Newsagency 29 High Street

• Berwick Ray White Real Estate 42 High Street

• Berwick Alex Scott and Staff Real Estate 49 High Street

• Berwick Harcourts Real Estate 20 High Street

• Berwick Neilson Partners 1st National 57 High Street

• Berwick Gluten Free and Chocolate 9/48 High Street

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

• Berwick St John of God Hospital 75 Kangan Drive

• Berwick Chris Peake Real Estate 18 Langmore Lane

• Berwick Woolworths Shopping Centre 1-9 Lyall Road

• Berwick Mansfield Street Foodmart 157-159

Mansfield Street

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

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

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

• Berwick Coles Berwick Central 2 Richardson Grove

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

‘soap opera’

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

• Hallam Joes Mini Mart 117 Hinrichsen Drive

• Hallam Coles Hallam 2 Princes Domain Drive

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

• Hallam Hallam Square News 42 Spring Square

• NarreWarren Ritchies IGA Shop 4/14 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Ritchies IGA Shop 4/14 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Narre Warren Newsagency 34 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Fleetwood MiniMart 94-96 Fleetwood Drive

• NarreWarren Casey Gardens Caravan Park 6 Fullard Road

• NarreWarren City of Casey 2 Patrick NE Drive

• NarreWarren Neilson Partners 1st National 418

Princes Highway

• NarreWarren The Good Food

Emporium 15/430–440

Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Westfield

Fountain Gate Shopping Centre

25-55 Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Coles 25-55

Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Woolworths 25-55 Princes Highway

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

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

• NarreWarren Only Real Estate 13/3 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Donaldson Martin Real Estate 43-45 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Coles Express 155-171 Narre Warren North Road

• NarreWarren North Marcos IGA 2 Oakview Boulevard

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

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

• NarreWarren South Coles 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road

• NarreWarren South Woolworths 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road

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

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

BERWICK

The Cardinia Foundation Ltd Community Grants Program 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

DRIVERS

4Ddoors and Quicklift is an innovative leader within the Garage Door & Gate industry

We are a proud Australian-owned family business. We offer a diverse, inclusive, high-performance and dynamic culture with opportunities to grow in the business. We are hiring for a number of positions at and out of our Mulgrave facility as follows:

Part-Time Telesales Representative

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

If you are interested in any of these positions and would like to discuss, for a confidential call back, or a copy of the job description please email hr@4ddoors.com or email your resume and cover letter to apply.

Print and Online Sales Executive Star

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?”

SPORT Captain’s goal lifts Eagles

By David Nagel

Beaconsfield skipper Jake Bowd has kicked the definition of a ‘Captain’s’ goal to set up a thrilling seven-point victory over Mooroolbark in the Eastern Division One clash at Heights Reserve on Saturday.

Trailing by five points at the 25-minutemark of the final term, Bowd snapped from 25-metres out after being the beneficiary of a free kick paid against a Mustangs defender for tapping deliberately out of bounds.

Bowd put his trusty left foot to good use, piercing the big sticks from the boundary line to put his Eagles in front by a point.

Mick Fogarty’s men would maintain that margin until the final siren, with the ball tucked safely in the hands of Jafar Ocaa…60 metres out from goal.

The Mustangs then vented their frustrations with the umpire, giving away a 50-metre penalty after the siren to take Ocaa to the top of the goal-square.

Ocaa’s goal, his second for the contest, was kicked as tempers boiled over and gave the Eagles a 6.15.51 to 6.8.44 triumph.

The Eagles now possess a three-two winloss record, and have now defeated both Croydon and Mooroolbark away - two fixtures that both resulted in losses last year.

In a competition where the average winning margin is less than 20 points, Saturday’s last-minute escape is rolled-gold for Fogarty and his rapidly-improving football club.

“We probably would have lost that game last year, but I thought we were in control for most of the day but just let them score too easily at times,” Fogarty said.

“We allowed them to transition too easily a couple of times from our forward 50 and they caught us a little on the hop.

“Wins like that, and against Croydon, are great for us because early-season wins are so crucial.

“The elements of a football season, that affect every team, will start to take a hold soon so early wins on the board is really important.

“We’re not just being competitive anymore…we’re learning to close games out.”

Unlike last week’s match against South Belgrave, which resulted in a high-class shootout, Saturday’s game against the Mustangs would prove a hard slog in greasy and slippery conditions.

The Eagles wasted opportunities early in the first term and it took 11 minutes before Bowd would kick truly to give the visitors a

1.3 to 0.0 beginning. But two quick goals to the home side saw them take a 2.1 to 1.6 advantage at quarter time.

Michael Misso lived up to his surname… missing an easy shot at goal, right on the quarter-time siren, that would have given the Eagles the lead.

It was a kick that summed up the inefficiencies in the first term.

The second quarter was a real slog, with just five shots at goal between the two sides.

It took a classy kick from Brandon White, who found Bowd on the lead, to create the opportunity for the only goal for the quarter.

But the Eagles soon lost their five-point half-time advantage, with Austin Smith and Braedon Doble both kicking truly to give the home side the edge…midway through the third quarter.

Sam Mackinder then positioned himself perfectly in the Eagles front half, intercepting an exit kick and nailing a crucial six-pointer to put the visitors back in the hunt.

Ocaa then slipped out the back of traffic,

25 minutes into the third, to give Fogarty’s men a four-point advantage at the orange break.

White, who was playing a great game in defence, set the scene in the first minute of the final term with a crunching tackle that prevented the Mustangs from scoring.

But it wasn’t long before the Mustangs would take back the lead.

Jett Hartman gave the home-crowd some hope, at the 10-minute mark, with a set shot at goal, before ruck Jess Boyd appeared to kick another two minutes later.

The umpires conferred, and the Eagles survived, with Bowd then missing a gilt-edged opportunity from 20 metres out on the run.

Beaconsfield midfielder Tylah Stokoe then almost produced a coach-killer.

Stokoe was frustrated after being pinged for holding the ball, and put on a late hit on the free-kick recipient Liam George.

The downfield free-kick resulted in an easy shot at goal for Hartman who put the Mustangs in front with just minutes left on the clock.

“We spoke about it a fair bit last year, because we let a game go againstWantirna South through a couple of undisciplined acts, but Tylah just had a bit of a brain fade,” Fogarty explained.

“We’re all on the same page, trying to get better in all areas of the game and that’s one we’ve worked hard to get on top of.

“It was nearly a coach killer…but we got across the line and we learn from it.” Fogarty and his Eagles then survived, thanks to that ‘Captain’s’ goal from Bowd, to sit third on the ladder, five weeks into the season.

The coach was full of praise for his leader.

“He’s an extraordinary player for us Jake, back or forward, because he’s got the athleticism and smarts, and his craft at either end of the ground is just so valuable for our footy club,” Fogarty said.

“He just gets on with his job but his value is enormous and he proved it again on the weekend.

“Three goals, when we only kicked six…that says it all.”

Bowd andWhite were crucial for the Eagles, while Josh Mounter was terrific in defence and Sam Merrick and Damien Johnston provided some real grunt through the midfield when the game was on the line in the last quarter.

The Eagles now have consecutive games at home, beginning with a clash against fifthplaced Wantirna South this week before thirdplaced Montrose descend on Holm Park Reserve.

MOOROOLBARK 2.1 2.3 4.7 6.8(44)

BEACONSFIELD 1.6 2.8 4.11 6.15(51)

MooroolbarkGoals: J. Hartman 2, J. Amiet, A. Smith, B. Dobie, R. Symons. Best: C. Maki, K. Noonan, H. Keeling, A. Smith, R. Crossley, B. Dobie.

Beaconsfield Goals: J. Bowd 3, J. Ocaa 2, S. Mackinder. Best: B.White, P. Gerdan, J. Mounter, J. Bowd, S. Merrick, D. Johnston.

OtherGames: South Belgrave 10.8.68 def Bayswater 9.9.63, Croydon 8.7.55 def by North Ringwood 9.4.58, Lilydale 11.6.72 def by Mitcham 13.14.92, Wantirna South 10.6.66 def Montrose 7.11.53.

Ladder: South Belgrave 20, Mitcham 16, Beaconsfield, Montrose, Wantirna South 12, Mooroolbark, Bayswater, North Ringwood 8, Croydon 4, Lilydale 0.

FixtureR6: Beaconsfield (3) v Wantirna South (5), Bayswater (7) v Croydon (9), Lilydale (10) v Mooroolbark (6), Montrose (4) v North Ringwood (8), Mitcham (2) v South Belgrave (1).

A small glimmer shines through for Casey Cavaliers

By Marcus Uhe

There were mixed fortunes for the Casey Cavaliers’ sides on the weekend with back-toback games for both the men’s and women’s teams in the NBL1 South competition.

The women split their games with one win and one loss, achieving their first victory of the campaign in the process, where the men suffered two heavy defeats.

A dominant first quarter from the Cavs’ women saw them blow their visiting Launceston opponents away early in the contest, outscoring the Tasmanians 54-22 in the first half on their way to a 84-60 victory.

Casey was dominant in every major statistic, shooting the ball more efficiently (10 per cent higher field goal percentage), cleaning the glass (56 rebounds to 24) and moving the ball better (28 assists to nine).

New Zealander Esra McGoldrick was the star of the contest, scoring 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

They were unable to back up their win the following afternoon against Ringwood, however, falling seven points short of the Hawks on their home floor.

Neither side managed to pull-away at any stage in the contest until a costly turnover from the Cavs gifted the Hawks a fast break layup and pushed the margin to a game-high

10 points with two minutes remaining.

Lauren Van Kleunen did all that she could in the fourth quarter to will hear team to victory, shouldering the load on the offensive end on her way to a 23-point 13-rebound doubledouble, but it wasn’t enough to erase the deficit, finishing 80-73 in Ringwood’s favour.

McGoldrick was prominent once again, with another double-double of her own.

The men, by contrast, were held at armslength all night by North West Tasmania on Saturday before letting go of the rope in the fourth quarter in the 79-111 blowout.

Poor shooting from beyond the three-

point line cost the Cavs dearly, making just three of their 14 attempts, where their opponents had no such difficulty, shooting 48 per cent.

Guard Malcolm Bernard was busy in his time on the court, scoring 26 points and grabbing five rebounds in just 21 minutes.

It was a similar contest the following afternoon, when they suffered a 104-85 loss to Ringwood.

The last quarter begun with just five points separating the two sides before a 3016 final quarter saw the Hawks fly away with the victory.

Once again, they allowed their opponents to shoot better from distance (55 per cent to 38) and fell short on the assist tally (30-18).

Preston Bungei almost played the entire contest but had an inefficient shooting performance, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Sidy Djitte was busy too, finishing with 24 points and nine rebounds.

Two games at home next week, against Nunawading and Frankston, will give both sides the chance to build some momentum as they near the halfway mark in the season.

The women sit 18th on the NBL1 South ladder and the men 17th.

The Launceston defence threw everything at Lauren Van Kleunen. 333279

Picture: ROB CAREW

Beaconsfield skipper Jake Bowd kicked the match-winner against Mooroolbark on Saturday. 328967

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Rivals raise the bar high

By David Nagel

Cranbourne and Narre Warren had already been great rivals since the South West Gippsland Football League (SWGFL) began in 1954.

But never has their rivalry been more intense, or the standard higher, than the threeyear period between 2011 and 2013.

Those lucky enough to witness it were in awe, as two powerhouse clubs went toe-to-toe in three consecutive grand finals.

“It was like a trilogy, Cranbourne won the first one in 2011, we were fortunate enough to win the second, and then won the third game with the last kick of the season,” Narre Warren premiership coach Chris Toner recalled at the club’s 2013 reunion on Saturday.

That kick came from the boot of 19-year-old rover Dylan Quirk, who entered Narre Warren folklore by kicking a point with the last kick of his first season in senior football.

It finally broke the deadlock of one premiership each, and scores being tied with just a second left on the clock.

The ball had barely hit the ground at the Princes Highway end of Toomuc Reserve in Pakenham when the siren sounded to trigger joyous celebrations for the Magpies.

Cranbourne coach Doug Koop and his side were crestfallen, almost pulling off a miracle and stopping the Magpies from winning their 36th game on the trot.

“It was a fantastic contest, over three years, and it culminated with us winning with one second to spare,” Toner reiterated.

“We were fortunate enough to be on the right side of it.

“It would have been a travesty for us if we didn’t win it, we felt like we deserved to win it, but Cranbourne is an unbelievable club that challenged us every single step of the way.”

Narre Warren was coming to the end of a

dominant period in the club’s history, winning premierships in 2006, 07 and 08, before Pakenham claimed the prize in 2009.

The Magpies were back on top again in 2010, but Cranbourne, chasing its first flag since 1995, finished on top that year and were favoured in 2011.

And they delivered, lifting the bar to new heights.

“They were unfortunate in 2010, but they raised the level, and I don’t think the level of the next three years has been matched ever since,” Toner said.

“Footy went to a new level, both communi-

ties got behind it and two clubs at the absolute peak of their powers were fighting for the same prize.

“We had a distaste for each other back then, but the respect has always been there and we get along famously now.”

Toner believes the ingredient that made his side so strong was also the key building block for their rivals.

“I thought of them as no different to us, they were a tough, hard, group of blokes that were mates, they were really close and that can be a really powerful force,” Toner explained.

“Our guys were equally as tight, and if it

wasn’t for us both coming together at the same time, either side would have won three or four in a row….no doubt.”

Toner remembers grand final day from 10 years ago clearly.

“I remember it vividly…I think I wrote a runners-up speech three times during the last quarter and was fortunate enough to write a winners speech and tear the other one up,” he said.

“When Cranbourne got in front, we always felt like they tried to protect their lead, and that allowed Kain (Baskaya) to get loose and take a great mark in front of Holty (Marc Holt) in defence.

“We were lucky enough to transition and kick a goal.

“Then Dylan Quirk kicks a point and the rest is history.

“It’s still unbelievable when I think about it and talk about it today.”

The battles weren’t just fought on field during the era, with rival coaches Toner and Koop fierce competitors in the coach’s box.

“There was no disrespect from me to Doug, or from Doug to me, we were just both very protective of our footy clubs,” Toner said.

“They had Billy King as Doug’s assistant, and Billy’s son Ben was playing for us, so we were always trying to find out what they were doing to stay a step ahead of the game.

“They were great times and the pride I have in my team is beyond words.

“They were winners, they had this winning mentality, they wanted to win like a good racehorse does when he puts his head down on the line.

“Losing wasn’t something they were up for, they wanted to win, they were determined to win, and more than often they got the job done.

“And it’s a lot sweeter because of a great opponent.”

Wandin win sends a very clear message in Outer East

By Marcus Uhe

Wandin has sent a message to the rest of the Outer East A Grade netball competition with a thumping 66-34 win over reigning premier Olinda Ferny Creek on Saturday.

It was the second and fourth quarters in which the Bulldogs did the major damage on the scoreboard, scoring 19 goals in each in a dominant performance.

Emmalia Blake scored 51, to cement her place at the top of the leading goalscorers list on 129, and Lauren Spinks added 15.

For Olinda Ferny Creek, Grace Kelly led the way with 16 goals.

It leaves Wandin and Beaconsfield as the only remaining undefeated sides, after Elizabeth Murphy powered the Eagles to a 17-goal win.

Beaconsfield’s tight defence held the Tigers to just five goals to afford them a 10-goal buffer at the first break which grew to 14 at halftime.

Upwey Tecoma didn’t score in double figures for a quarter until the last, when they scored 11, but they fell 17 short, 49-32.

Murphy scored 36 for the Eagles while Kirra Parks top scored for the Tigers with 19.

Beaconsfield host Olinda Ferny Creek in a huge contest at Holm Park next week.

Narre Warren’s blistering first quarter put the game to bed by the end of the first period in their clash with Monbulk, scoring 24-4 in a brutal 10 minutes of netball.

The increased the margin at every break, finishing 66-25 winners at Kalora Park.

Remarkably, they were even more miserly

on defence in the third period, where they only allowed three goals.

An even spread of scoring saw Clare Vear-

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ing score 30, Chelsea Tonna 21 and Jemma Osborne 15.

AtGembrook,slipperyconditionsplagued both sides as light rain made the ball difficult to grasp.

Mount Evelyn’s steely defence, which has them ranked third for total goals conceded, was at its best again Gembrook Cockatoo, restricting them to only two goals in the second quarter and eight for the first half.

Their goalers in Rory Barr and Kaila Swindell were ably supporters by the defenders who provided run and support from behind and left their opponents out of the contest.

While the Brookers outscored the visitors 17-15 in the second half, their poor first two quarters meant the deficit was too much to overcome, falling short 25-35.

AtToomuc, Pakenham were held to just 19 goals against an excellent Berwick side.

After three quarters, the Lions had scored just 10 goals, and trailed by 23 goals.

They finished the game with their highestscoring period, scoring nine goals, but were 31 goals adrift of Berwick, who played a fourquarter performance.

The goals were shared evenly for Berwick’s Emma Clarke (17), Darcy Utber (19) and Brooke Abu-Jaber (14), while for the Lions star Defender Eliza Molino was moved from her customary defensive circle to the other end of the court, where she scored four.

The Lions and Gembrook Cockatoo remain the only winless sides after three rounds.

Narre Warren thrashed Monbulk in A-Grade netball on Saturday. 333276

Picture: ROB CAREW

2013 premiership coach Chris Toner, left, with skipper Michael Collins and a special piece of silverware at Narre Warren on Saturday. 333276

Picture: ROB CAREW

SPORT

Hallam starting to settle

By Marcus Uhe

Hallam is undergoing a rapid learning curve in Outer East’s Division One, but their head coach can see the improvements.

The newcomers are 0-3 after round four as they as they adjust from Division Four in the Southern Football League to a considerably higher standard in the new surrounds of the Outer East competition.

In Berwick Springs and Emerald, they’ve been welcomed with two of the stronger outfits, suffering heavy defeats in both, and blew an opportunity to bag their first victory against Belgrave in round two.

With those factors providing the context, Scott Kerr knew it would take time to find their feet, and is pleased with the intangibles of his playing group.

“We didn’t know, and I certainly didn’t know, how we were going to go in this new competition,” he said.

“We knew it was a standard higher and it was going to take some time, but until we got into the games, we didn’t know how big that gap was.

“I think we’re breaking even most of the time around the ball.

“Our backline is holding up and our defence is holding up as well as it can, we’re just falling down in our forward line.

“There’s work to be done but the endeavour and the enthusiasm from the boys can’t be questioned.

“If we continue the way we’re going and keep building, the wins will come.

“At the moment it’s about being competitive for longer.”

Faced with the daunting prospect of curtailing the high-flying Bombers on Saturday, poor kicking for goal meant they registered just two majors from 14 attempts on goal in the 2.12 14 to 16.15 111 loss.

It was 15 goals to one in favour of the undefeated Emerald side after quarter time, with CallumWhite kicking four to claim top spot on the leading goalkicker tally.

It’s the speed of ball movement that is proving the biggest obstacle so far, according to Kerr.

“Our endeavour and our attack on the footy all day was great, and I think the way that we finished off the game on Saturday was commendable to the boys,” he said.

“They never dropped their heads, even though the score was beyond us at that point.

“They (Emerald) really got us in that third quarter, they were a lot cleaner when the rain came.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do, given the scores in our three games this year, and we’re

working on that, but we need to find an avenue to goal.

“In terms of the game-style, they were very very used to pack footy in division four; get it down the line, bomb it and reset.

“Trying to get them to carry and look inside with runners from behind and handballs received, that style of footy we’re training a lot.

“It’s coming in patches, I had a quick look at some of the vision back from the weekend and there were some really pleasing parts of the game.”

Jack Sharlassian, Dean Kelly and Adam Nekic have been pillars of consistency so far, as have Gabriel Bonicelli and Joel Danilo, all named in the best players in multiple occasions so far this season.

Kerr was full of admiration for Sharlassian,

Very rare case of misfire for Casey Cannons

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The Casey Cannons women have suffered their first defeat in two years.

After blitzing the Vic League 2 competition last season, winning the grand final after an undefeated run, the Cannons have started the season strongly in 2023.

It took Yarra Valley, which last season competed in the women’s premier league before being demoted, to stop Casey.

Even still, the 3-1 loss could easily have been a tight win if the women had taken their opportunities.

The Cannons started strongly, with Mikayla McDonald hitting the scoreboard first in the opening period.

The goal came amid a swarm of opportunities which were either offline or well saved by opposing goalie Mackayla Coote.

Among those was a penalty that Casey couldn’t convert.

Against the quality ofYarraValley, which sits fourth on the 10-team table a month into the season, those missed chances came back to haunt Casey.

Yarra Valley was able to claw its way back into the contest in the third quarter and take a commanding lead into the final period.

Despite Casey dominating possession and territory, it was unable to convert any late chances. Emma Godfrey and skipper Michaela Bullock lifted the intensity in the last quarter while Tegan Hyland was consistent throughout the day.

The Cannons were missing star April Picton again this week but they expect to have a full strength squad to pick from this week.

Casey will face another stern test this week against the undefeated Mornington Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the men were consigned to their fourth consecutive defeat, going down 3-1 to the same opponent.

Skipper Matthew Light was the player to find the back of the net against an opponent which was winless going into the weekend.

The Cannons face a tougher task this weekend as they try to get on the board against Melbourne Sikhs, which is second with three wins

a young midfielder who he believes is destined for higher honours at the Hawks.

“Harry’s been sensational, he’s only a young guy but he’ll be a future captain of the club.

“He led the team on the weekend with Joel (Danilo) away.

“Dean Kelly’s played a lot of high-standard footy as well in the past.

“Adem Nekic is a workhorse, he’s definitely been a great pickup for us and those guys are holding their own at this level.”

Over at Healesville, Berwick Springs failed to bounce back from their loss to Emerald the week prior, this time going down to Healesville by 30 points.

Star forward Ty Ellison was held goalless as the Titans only managed one goal in the second half, and were held scoreless in the third quarter.

With the margin just 16 points at the final break, Healesville made the most of their opportunities when it mattered, kicking 4.2 to 1.6 in the last quarter to hold their visiting opponents off in the 3.11 29 to 8.11 59 contest.

It sets-up a huge contest with Emerald next week, who will be striving to maintain their unblemished record.

Seville joined Berwick Springs and Healesville in the two-win club, having recovered from a slow start to take care of business against Belgrave with a 43-point victory at home.

32 shots on goal to 19 told the tale of the game as the hosts kicked eight goals to three in the second half to distance themselves in the 14.18 102 to 8.11 59 result.

The Magpies will rue a missed opportunity to grab their second win of the campaign, however, having kicked 4.7 in the opening quarter for an 18-point lead at the first break.

They would only kick one goal in the following two periods, where Seville kicked eight of their own.

Berwick in danger zone

By Marcus Uhe

After a sensational victory against Vermont in round one, Berwick has now lost three in a row in Eastern Premier Division.

Poor efficiency in front of goal from Blackburn meant the margin didn’t balloon until the final term, despite a wide disparity in shots on goal.

Only 12 points separated the two sides heading into the final term, the biggest gap at any break, before Blackburn kicked away in the final quarter with five goals to Berwick’s one, to finish 38 points ahead.

Ruck/forward Charlie Muley kicked four of Clint Evans’ side’s seven goals, with two to Kyle O’Sullivan and one to Caydn Lane, in the 7.6 48 to 12.14 86 defeat.

Without their leading goalkicker in 2022, Harry Money, still on the comeback trail from injury, Berwick is struggling to score, sitting second last for total points scored, averaging just over 50 per game.

Things won’t get any easier next week for the 10th-placedWickers, who head to Zerbes Reserve to face Doncaster East.

from four games.

Women’s Vic League 1 Ladder: Monash 12, Mornington Peninsula 9, Casey 9, Yarra Valley 6, Pegs 6, Knox 6,WestVic 3,Werribee 3, Brunswick 3, North West Lightning 0.

Men’s Vic League 1 Ladder: Brunswick 10, Melbourne Sikhs 9, PEGS 8, North West Lightning 7, Old Xaverians 7, Monash University 7, Werribee 4, Yarra Valley 3, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 1, Casey 0.

Skipper Matthew Light found the back of the net for the men. 330473

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Hallam coach Scott Kerr has been pleased with his side’s endeavour,shown on full display with this chase. 333277

Picture: ROB CAREW

Kyle O’Sullivan kicked two for Berwick on Saturday. 331979 Picture: ROB CAREW