News - Cranbourne Star News - 11th May 2023

Labour hire company in court

Setting standard

By Emily Chapman Laing

Cranbourne East mum Amanda Bell sets the standard for strength in motherhood.

When she was 10 years old, Amanda was left paraplegic following a car accident where a lap belt severed her spine.

“It essentially snapped me in half,“ she said. “It broke my spine and also did some damage to my bowel.“

Fast forward 30 years and Amanda has two beautiful daughters, 18-month-old Aurora and four-year-old Keziah.

She also has the ongoing support of her loving husband Ben, but the accident follows her still in the form of chronic pain and recurrent bowel problems.

“For 30 years I’ve been sitting down in a wheelchair so I get a lot of migraines, sore shoulders and neck pain.“

Through surgeries, infections, hospital stays and zapped energy, Ben says she “never complains and never stops“.

“[Keziah and Aurora] are very high spirited and when I’m at work Amanda is always on her own with them,“ Ben said.

“She doesn’t complain, she’s always in pain but she just does it.“

The beginning of motherhood held some dire obstacles for Amanda.

While her pregnancy with Keziah went well, her second pregnancy was anything but smooth sailing.

Aurora was intrauterine growth restricted and while regular check ups showed her growing healthily, Aurora was born at only 35 weeks following a C-section.

During the last weeks of the pregnancy, Amanda’s liver had begun to shut down.

“My body had just said ’enough’,“ she said.

“The baby was doing fine but my body just couldn’t do it anymore.“

Six weeks after Aurora’s birth, Amanda was back in hospital, peak Covid, with failing kidneys.

“It was devastating,“ Amanda said.

“Even for able-bodied people [pregnancy] is a lot, and when you’re disabled it just adds another layer of complexity to it.“

It was crucial for Amanda and Ben to find ways to adapt parenthood to their lifestyle.

This included using a modified sit-stand desk as a change table, so the height could be adjusted for Amanda.

The couple also had a small co-sleeper bed attached to Amanda’s wheelchair, so she could have the babies on her lap while still being

able to get around the house.

As the kids grew, it became important for Amanda to find ways to stimulate them from home.

Leaving the house was still too risky, as Amanda would be unable to catch her daughters if they decided to run off, as toddlers often do.

“I have dance parties with them. They love to sing and dance and learn through singing and dancing,“ Amanda said.

Amanda also uses hula hoops, obstacle courses, ring toss and other games to entertain the girls and keep them active.

With Keziah in the ’Why?’ stage of childhood, Amanda has also taken to usingYouTube videos to answer Keziah’s many questions.

“We ask YouTube questions like why do apples go mouldy and brown and how long does it take,“ Amanda said.

Keziah and Aurora love to sit on Amanda’s lap and ride on the footholds of her wheelchair.

Unfortunately for Amanda, this is an extra 30 kilograms, on top of her own body weight, that she has to try and push around.

This has resulted in the inception of wrist and hand pain for Amanda, adding to the already lengthy list of conditions she diligently smiles through.

In her downtime, Amanda’s favourite thing to do is “lie in bed and watch trash TV“.

Amanda says being a mother doesn’t often give you a chance to “turn off“.

“Whether you’re a stay-at-home mum or a working mum, your brain is always with your kid,“ she said.

“But they teach you so much about yourself.

“My favourite place to be is in bed with one under one arm and one under the other and they’re both asleep looking like angels.“

Keziah loves this too, saying her favourite thing about her mum is the “cuddles“ she gives.

Aurora(left),Ben,AmandaandKeziah(right).

Picture:EMILYCHAPMANLAING

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

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

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

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.

SriLankanasylumseekersSathees,Nige,Lenny,DineshandRogerwithrefugeeadvocateWicki Wickiramasingham,secondright. 333981

Picture:CAMLUCADOU-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’

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.

HelenSmallsupportsthedeliveryofanumberofservicesandprogramstorespondtothe pressingneedsintheCaseyNorthcommunity. 332999

Picture:ROBCAREW

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

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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.

REAL ESTATE

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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 waste tax

By Emily Chapman Laing

and

Matthew Sims

Local charity shops will soon be taxed to discard the tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish left on their doorsteps.

The Andrews government is set to abolish the landfill levy protections that have safeguarded charities from paying extra to dispose of dumped waste.

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’sVision,“ 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 shield 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 toVictorian 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.

‘Photos were all that remained’: Holocaust remembrance

By Emily Chapman Laing

Cranbourne North’s Alkira Secondary College held its 10th annual Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday 4 May.

Students, teachers and guests gathered to once again bear witness to the stories of those who lost their lives in the genocide, and those who fought to survive.

Guest speakers included Courage to Care’s Les Kausman OAM, Holocaust survivor Peter Gaspar, Head of the Gandel Holocaust Study Program for Australian Educators Yael Eaglstein, as well as two students from the Mt Scopus Memorial College Holocaust Studies class.

Time and again, the message was hit home for the audience that it is in remembering the past we can prevent its repetition.

“I have learned from all that evil a light can shine that will illuminate the path ahead for the young people,“ Mr Kausman said.

“If we focus on the actions of the heroes of the Holocaust, today’s youth can be inspired.

“For young people today the Holocaust is not their experience, but it is their inheritance.“

Mr Gaspar recounted his memories of fleeing Slovakia during the reign of the Nazis.

“At the end of the war, Holocaust photos were all that remained of my extended family,“ he said.

“I was too young to have met most of the people in the photos, and I’m not sure I will

remember the ones I did meet.

“These people were turned to ashes.“

It was in the acts of the bystanders, Mr Gaspar said, that these atrocities reached their climax.

“The Holocaust didn’t just happen,“ Mr Gaspar said.

“It happened because 500 million people in Europe at the time let it happen.

“It did not start with shooting, murder, gas chambers and crematoria. It started with words, stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.“

Mrs Eaglstein reiterated the importance of today’s youth having the courage to take action against injustice.

“Let’s vow never to be silent whenever, or wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation,“ she said.

“Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

“If I can leave you with one message today it is not to be a bystander.“

Alkira college will plant a Japanese Maple tree, symbolising peace, in their school garden.

Stones surrounding the tree will bear the names of students, teachers and guests who came together at the ceremony to keep the memory and teachings of those lost in the Holocaust alive.

Guest speaker Peter Gaspar (front, second from left), Alkira Principal John Shaw (middle) and Courage to Care’s Les Kausman (right) with Alkira Secondary College students.

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

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.

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.

Eid for all at Bunjil Place this weekend

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.

Digging into council spending

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 government 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 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.

‘Majestic journey’: Remembering Mum

By Emily Chapman Laing

Lyndhurst woman Ruchira remembers her mother Veena as a woman whose life was a “majestic journey“.

Mrs Veena Gupta was born in 1947 in India, and passed away in 2020 as a member of the Lyndhurst community.

Education was extremely important to Veena and she came to hold a Masters degree in political science in a time where not many women were well educated.

A deeply impressive woman, she was also a gold medallist for her supreme ability in playing the sitar.

Her daughter Ruchira said she imparted “the best“ values, life, education and gratitude onto her three children.

“When we all wanted to watch tele when we were tired, and still do, she either wanted to play Sudoku or spend time with her kids,“ Ruchira said.

“I listen to plenty of podcasts today to keep my mind at peace and to be calm and peaceful. I wonder, how she managed to possess all those qualities without listening to any of them.“

Ruchira says Veena lived her life to the fullest despite any obstacles that were thrown her way.

“She had an endearing smile that cheered the entire universe, who never spoke anything

Mrs Veena Gupta.

bad about others and had only blessings to bestow.“

Veena is idealised by her daughters, not only as their mother, but as a woman.

Veena made her journey “to another world“

Picture: SUPPLIED

in 2020, but is dearly missed by her children. “I miss you beyond what words can express, but you also taught me that ‘letting go’ is a virtue hence I smile through always,“ Ruchira said.

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

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.

“Anumberofprogramshavecomeunder 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.“

Bukjeh creative director Aseel Tayah is bringing an artistic voice for CALD communities. 332917 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S DAY

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.

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

Picture: AP IMAGES

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Local pharmacies at risk

By Shelby Brooks

Small town pharmacists say the community will be worse off under proposed changes to medicine dispensing by the Federal Government.

Tooradin pharmacist Brendan Green, who is on the committee of theVictorian Pharmacy Guild, said the 60 day prescribing policy would negatively impact local and independent chemists.

“The fear is these changes will affect the viability of the business and affect the ability for us to actually service that community, to continue to provide the level of healthcare that Australians deserve,” he said.

On Wednesday 26 April, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced the intention to allow millions of Australians to buy two months’ worth of medicine for the price of a single prescription.

The change is set to ease cost of living pressures, making hundreds of common medicines cheaper.

Once fully implemented, the 60-day prescribing policy will provide doctors with the option to prescribe a two-month supply of more than 320 medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to Australians with stable, ongoing conditions. The current dispensing limit is for a one-month supply only.

Mr Green said he understood why the change was proposed but said the lack of consultation by the Federal Government was concerning.

“There was an initial consult where basically the Department didn’t engage with the Pharmacy Guild in a productive manner and it was essentially stated this is going to happen whether you like it or not,” Mr Green said.

“What they’re talking of executing will have serious unintended health consequences and that’s going to be our smaller towns that cop it the worst because they are already under resourced with health.

“There’s a very real risk that the smaller

communities like us, Garfield, Bunyip, Longwarry for instance - all of those businesses are going to be questioning if they can even remain viable, if this goes through in its current form.”

In an interview with the ABC, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said he rejected the notion that the government did not properly consult the Pharmacy Guild.

“I mean, at the end of the day people make up their own minds about what sufficient consultation is,” he said.

Mr Butler said he didn’t accept it was “Armageddon” for local pharmacies but conceded there would be an impact on the bottom line.

“We recognise that we want to work with them to ensure that community pharmacy remain sustainable, but this is so overdue,” he said.

As a local pharmacist, Mr Green explained the pharmacy gets paid a dispensing fee and an administration fee for each 30 days of supply.

“What’s been proposed is it we will be given one dispensing fee and one administration fee for each 60 days of supply,” he said.

“So essentially it’s halving our profit.”

Mr Green said profits made from dispensing are reinvested in the pharmacy and therefore the community.

“I’ve worked here for nearly 15 years, since I was 18,” Mr Green said.

“We genuinely care about the community.

“I’m so proud of what we actually do. And I’m so proud of the team and my staff for what we’ve done and how we got through Covid-19 for example. We didn’t shut the doors

for a minute.”

Mr Green is concerned the changes will mean changes to the services he can provide the community.

“If that revenue is cut, we’d have to review opening hours. We’ll have to review how and what services we deliver and when we do them, so we may still be able to do vaccination, but we may have to cut the staffing and cut out hours,” he said.

“This will also increase out of pocket expenses for services such as medication packs, vaccinations and deliveries.”

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler told the ABC there would “to a degree” have an affect on supply demand, but “it’s not as if every single patient or customer of a particular pharmacy is going to come in on the first of September and demand 60 days of medicines”.

‘Great little community’: Dachshunds aplenty at park

By Emily Chapman Laing

A group of delighted dachshunds gathered at Casey Fields Dog Park on Sunday 7 May.

There were little legs abound as the pups chased one another all over the park, sniffing, licking, playing and jumping.

Other dogs joined in, including beagles, bull arabs and terriers, but the dachshunds sure stole the spotlight.

Dressed in their finest winter garb, the short but spunky pups put smiles on the owners’ faces in spite of the windchill.

The South East Dach Club was started by Georgia after she saw a need for a dachshund community in her area.

“I have travelled upwards of an hour to go and meet other dachshunds, when suddenly I thought ’Why don’t I just create a local meet up?’ So I did,“ she said.

“I created an Instagram and Facebook page to promote the meet ups, having our first one on April 16th.

“I was worried as the weather wasn’t great and dachshunds don’t like the cold and wet usually, but we still had 15 come along, and then the next week we had about 60 dachshunds running around much to my surprise.

Georgia said it was so amazing to see what a “great little community“ she had built in just a few short weeks.

The owners come from all walks of life and Georgia said she loves giving people a space to connect over a common love.

“It is so great to have a range of aged people come along with their dogs,“ Georgia said.

“It creates new friendships and a space where everyone can have conversations about the same things and what we love most, our dachys.

“It’s also an opportunity to share tips and tricks to raising dachshunds.“

The meet ups also benefit the pups, who

The pups made lots of new friends! 335635

have a chance to play, sniff and socialise with others of their kind.

“Socialising dogs is so important as it

builds their confidence and awareness when around people and other dogs.

“It’s so great to see all of the dachshunds

creating their own little community and protecting one another when a ‘big and scary’ dog comes over.“

Penny. 335635

Flic getting pats. 335635

South East Dach Club Founder Georgia with her adorable pooch Maisy. 335635

Pictures: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Frank and Otis. 333635

Showing off her two different coloured eyes. 333650

Tooradin pharmacists John Traynor and Brendan Green are worried changes could mean reduced services for the community.

Picture: SHELBY BROOKS

MP requests update

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 AttorneyGeneral 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

Trades open

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.”

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?”

Monash Council cancels drag storytime

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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

Chief executive Andi Diamond on 4 May said it was“incredibly disappointing” but there was “no choice” but to call off the IDAHOBIT event at Oakleigh Library after a briefing by Victoria Police on the risks to staff, attendees and facilities, according to the council.

Recently, Casey Council also cancelled drag workshops on advice fromVictoria Police after alleged threats and intimidation.

Chief executive Andi Diamond apologized to the LGBTIQA+ community for the outcome.

She said in recent days, threats had escalated to “direct threats of violence involving the event itself”.

The storytime attracted “significant attention with hateful and threatening commentary and misinformation spread online, via email and directly over the phone”.

“Councillors and staff have received messages that nobody should be expected to receive in their workplace, as have our LGBTIQA+ community.”

Dr Diamond said the storytime was designed to introduce children to “diverse role models” and to “encourage acceptance, love, and respect of our LGBTIQA+ community”.

“It is so disappointing that some people have a long way to go before this is achieved.

“We understood this was not for everyone and scheduled it outside our regular library

programs so that parents planning to bring their children were making a deliberate choice to attend.

“Unfortunately, some in the community were not willing to allow that choice. In the end we were unable to guarantee that we would be able to hold the event safely.”

Premier Daniel Andrews responded in Parliament that he was saddened by the turn of events due to protesters’ “ugly” and “shameful” conduct, including “death threats against council officers and councillors”.

“If you want to behave like the worst elements of the Floridian Republican Party, get to Florida. Head over there, where your hateful views might be worth something. They are worth nothing here.

“It is not about free speech. This is hate speech plain and simple. It is wrong. It is out of step with the values of fair-minded, decent mainstream Victorians. It is on the fringe.

“Let us send the clearest message that equality is not negotiable, and despite the carry-on and the shameful behaviour of a small few, this government and this community remain committed to every single Victorian no matter who they are or who they love.”

Monash had been resolutely backing the event even after a recent council meeting was temporarily suspended amidst intense heckling from a packed, heated public gallery.

Senator Ralph Babet, who was among the protesters, said the meeting showed “overwhelming public displeasure” against the storytime.

“Public concern centred around the use of

ratepayer money to host what many residents believe is inappropriate content for children aged 1-6.

“I have received an overwhelming amount of communication from concerned parents and grandparents on this issue.

“Some have attempted to paint those opposing this event as right wing, but they really are just concerned mothers, fathers and grandparents.

“I condemn the far left extremists who have attempted to hijack this event and stoke violence.”

“It is time for a civilised debate where both sides of the argument can be heard and respected.”

Mr Babet said he was advocating for the “innocence of children”.

“We have a duty to ensure that the content our children are exposed to is age-appropriate and not confusing.

“The only thing a 1-6 year old should know about sex and gender is that girls have cooties and boys are gross!”

Recently, Casey Council cancelled a beginners workshop series The Art of Drag in April and May due to “community safety” concerns.

Casey also acted on advice from Victoria Police after alleged threatening phone calls, emails and physical intimidation by opponents.

To mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Day, Greater Dandenong Council will raise the ‘Pride’ flag and illuminate Drum Theatre in rainbow colours.

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 of Women 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.

A new cafe

Not-for-profit social enterprise Smiths Social Cafe has opened its doors at Mirvac’s Smiths Lane masterplanned community in Clyde North.

Connecting the Clyde North community through conversation and coffee, Smiths Social Cafe is the third social enterprise cafe from the team behind the popular Now and Not Yet Cafe in Warrandyte and Shared Cup Cafe at Mirvac’s Olivine community in Donnybrook.

The team says their mission is to help neighbourhoods flourish by developing viable, sustainable and community-driven social enterprises that feed profit back into the community.

Located within Mirvac’s newly opened Smiths Lane Hub, adjacent to family-favourite Banjo Park, Smiths Social Cafe allows residents and locals to connect and engage over great food and coffee, with 50 per cent of the profits invested back into the community.

City of Casey local and Cafe Manager, Mathew Pendle, explains that community is at the heart of Smiths Social Cafe.

“For us, it’s all about connecting and creating friendly, life-impacting relationships between neighbours,” he said.

“As a local, I know how important it is for our community to find a sense of belonging, and we want people visiting Smiths Social Cafe to find a reason to stay, meet with others and enjoy the area as it grows.”

Smiths Social Cafe plans to support and encourage community development through a number of social enterprise activities, including local grants and day-to-day initiatives that respond directly to community needs.

The Cafe is focused on providing job opportunities to locals, with a number of Smiths Lane residents joining the team.

Head Chef, Alex Park, is also a Clyde North local, bringing 16 years of hospitality experience to the cafe.

Fine for unlicensed work

The Werribee Magistrates Court has convicted and fined an unlicensed and unregistered worker who installed air conditioners across Melbourne, including in Berwick and Clyde North.

Café Manager Mathew Pendle.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Smiths Lane works in partnership with Cranbourne social enterprise L’Arte Central, whose gourmet pies and sausage rolls are available for takeaway at the cafe.

Smiths Social Cafe is committed to working with local suppliers that create a positive social impact and serves a two-bean blended coffee roasted by Social Brew, Now and Not Yet’s own house blend coffee roastery which invests profits back into the Victorian community.

Smiths Social Cafe is the first hospitality venue to join the Smiths Lane masterplanned community which will eventually include over 3,000 homes alongside a proposed future town centre with supermarkets, speciality stores, restaurants, a government school, childcare and educational facilities.

The Cafe can be found at Smiths Social Hub, 35 O’Connor Avenue, Clyde North, VIC 3978.

Keenan Blair Grobler received a conviction and a $10,000 in the Werribee Magistrates Court on Monday 8 May after being found guilty of 10 charges under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 and nine charges under the Building Act 1993.

Mr Grobler, who now lives in Scarborough, Western Australia, carried out works in Wyndham Vale, Berwick, Cobblebank, Tarneit and Clyde North between June and November 2020.

During that six-month period, he advertised his services on Facebook Marketplace, before installing nine split system air conditioners across five properties and two light fittings at one property.

Prompted by complaints made to Energy Safe Victoria between June 2020 and January 2021, an Energy Safe Victoria investigation found the works did not comply with the relevant safety standards and

posed a safety risk to the properties, one of which was a family daycare facility.

Energy Safe Victoria chief executive Leanne Hughson said everyone seeking electrical and plumbing works should always ensure people carrying out the works carried the appropriate licences and registrations before starting work.

“We advise everyone to check that the people working on their property are qualified and accredited to carry out the work, before the work starts,” she said.

“Please also be wary when searching for electricians and plumbers on websites like Facebook Marketplace as it is common for unlicensed and unregistered tradespeople to promote themselves on these platforms.

“Energy Safe will always work to ensure people are caught and convicted when breaching these very important requirements.”

For tips on how to find registered contractors, visit www.esv.vic.gov.au/community-safety/working-tradespeople/electrical-workers.

Picture: ANTHONY INDRAUS/UNSPLASH

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.

LOCAL NEWS EVERY WEEK

Jail for PSO biter

• Botanic Ridge Coles Botanic Ridge Village - 10 Hummingbird Drive

• Cannons Creek Five Ways General Store

2040 South Gippsland Hwy

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

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

• Clyde North Selandra Rise Retirement Village 5 Harmony Chase

• Clyde North Selandra Community Hub 7-9 Selandra Boulevard

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

• Clyde North Lifestyle Berwick Waters 10 Skylark Boulevard

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Library 65 BerwickCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Cranbourne

Basketball and Sports Centre 65

Berwick - Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Life Be In It 65

Berwick - Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Coles Express 1120 Cnr Sladen Street & Cemetery Roads

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club 1 Codrington Street

• Cranbourne BP Service Station 1025-1045 Frankston Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Bowls Club 5 Grant Street

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Newsagency 105 High Street

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

• Cranbourne United Service Station 183/187 Sladen Street

• Cranbourne Cranbourne RSL 1475 South Gippsland Highway

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

• Cranbourne Coles Springhill Springhill Drive (Springhill Shopping Centre)

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Community House 49-51

Valepark Crescent

• Cranbourne East Balla Ball

Community Centre 65 BerwickCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne East Shopping On Clyde 280 Berwick-Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne East Blue Hills Rise 200-240 BerwickCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne East Hunt Club Shopping Centre 1 Linsell Boulevard

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

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

• Cranbourne North Apco

Cranbourne North 315 Narre

Warren - Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne North BP North

Cranbourne 399 Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne North Woolworths

Cranbourne North South Gippsland Hwy & Thompsons Road

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

• Cranbourne North IGA

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

• Cranbourne West Apco Service Station 810 DandenongHastings Road

• Cranbourne West Coles

Cranbourne West Duff Street (Sandhurst Centre)

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

• Cranbourne West IGA Clarinda Park 85 Everlasting Boulevard

• Cranbourne West BP Service Station 910 Thompsons Road

• Hampton Park Shopping Centre 55 Hallam Road Hampton Park

• Lynbrook Lynbrook Community Centre 2 Lynbrook Boulevard & Harris Street

• Lynbrook Lynbrook

Newsagency 75 Lynbrook Boulevard (Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre)

• Lyndhurst Liberty 210 Dandenong Hastings Road

• Lyndhurst Caltex 945

Thompsons Road & Lyndhurst Boulevard

• Lyndhurst Marriot Waters Shopping Centre Thompsons Road & Marriott Boulevard

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

• Lyndhurst Woolworths

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

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

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

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

• Skye BP Service Station Western Port Highway & Hall Road

The Cardinia Foundation Ltd Community Grants Program 2023

Applications open 1st May 2023

Applications close 5.00pm 31st May 2023

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

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

How to apply:

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

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

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

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

Announcement of successful applicants will be made during June 2023. Please refer to our website www.cardiniafoundation.org and proceed to the Grants section for an Application Guide and Application form.

Applications will close at 5.00pm on 31st May 2023

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

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

PROPOSAL

1. The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of:

• The removal of three (3) existing shared Vodafone and Optus shared panel antennas.

•The installation of three (3) new Vodafone panel antennas and three (3) new Optus panel antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length).

•The installation of three (3) new Vodafone 5G antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length).

• The installation of a new Headframe.

•The installation of ancillary equipment including remote radio units (RRUs), GPS antenna, antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners and other associated equipment; and ancillary works within the existing equipment shelter.

2. Vodafone and Optus regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 ("The Determination") based on the description above.

3.In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Ben Lavery at Service Stream Limited, 0497 833 252, TPG. Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5.00pm Friday 26 May 2023.

4.If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3977030

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE ONE (1) MOBILE

PHONE BASE STATIONS WITH 5G AT Road Reserve (west), Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South VIC 3805 Optus Ref: M1582, www.rfnsa.com.au/3805003

1.The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:

The replacement swap out of the existing pole for a new 20 metre pole, the removal, replacement swap and new panel antennas and remote radio units for the installation of new 5G and 4G panel antennas including:

(3) existing Kathrein 742215 panel antennas to be removed.

(2) new OPTUS/ VODAFONE shared antennas RRZZVVT4S465D-R8 (2688mm h x 498mm w x 197mm d)

(3) new VODAFONE 5G antenna AEQE (750mm h x 450mm w x240mm d)

The installation of (2) new GPS antenna, swap out existing cabinets for new 5 bay outdoor cabinet units (750mm w x 3175mm L x 2300mm h ), (22) new remote radio units on pole, combiners, feeders, cabling, mounts including turret mounts and ancillary equipment within the outdoor cabinet units including remote radio units.

2.Optus & Vodafone regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above

3.Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment

4.Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative: Ken Hsieh, Ericsson, phone: 0468 725 667; email: ken.hsieh@ericsson.com by Friday 26 May 2023.

12604441-JW19-23

GEORGE HAMILTON INGRAM

late of 46 Cranbourne Drive, Cranbourne in the State of Victoria. Creditors, next of kin, and others having claims in respect of the estate of the deceased, who died on 10 September 2022 are required by the Administrator, LEWIS KINDNESS INGRAM, to send particulars of such claims to him at the undermentioned address by 14 July 2023 after which date the Administrator may convey or distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which he then has notice.

LEWIS KINDNESS INGRAM care of SHARMA SOLICITORS & CONVEYANCERS, 70-72 High Street, Cranbourne, Victoria. Tel: 0438 772 841

12603979-FC19-23

General Notices

P O Box 620 Pakenham Vic 3810

12603592-HC18-23

General Classifieds

Part-Time Telesales Representative Star News Group

Star News Group is an innovative and dynamic media company located in Pakenham, Victoria. As a leading publisher of print and digital news, we are looking for a part-time Telesales Representative to join our team.

Overview

The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing revenue by selling our products and services to potential and existing customers via phone call. This is a part-time role with flexible hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of existing customers and develop relationships with new customers.

• Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.

• Keep accurate and updated records of customer interactions and sales leads.

• Coordinate with the sales and marketing team to align sales strategies and campaigns.

• Telesales or cold-calling experience is preferred but not essential.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Results driven and target-oriented mindset.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Print and Online Sales Executive Star News Group

Star News Group seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Sales skills/experience:

• Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones

• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets

• Excellent listening skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Effective time management to meet deadlines

• Ability to operate in a team

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:

• 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

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.

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 communities 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.”

Conversations have Cavs on the right track for answers

By Marcus Uhe

A brutal start to the season may prove beneficial to the Casey Cavaliers in the long run, according to head coach David Peters.

The Cavs opened the season with three heavy defeats - 27 points to Dandenong, 17 to Mount Gambier and 19 to Sandringham - all while ingratiating three starters into the squad at very late notice, in Hunter Marks, Sidy Djitte and Jack Perry.

Not executing to the standard they wanted to or expected, prompted some difficult conversations with one-another about where they were at, and helped them identify the path forward.

“We definitely used (the heavy losses) as a teaching point; we had to sit down and really break down, what do we want on offence, what did we want on defence, what are our team goals here, is what we applied in our first three games in-line with our team goals, and if it’s not, why?,” Peters said.

“It allowed us to ask the players some hard-hitting questions and I have no doubt that the response from some of our team meetings and individual player meetings we had after that three-game period was as a result of the way we played against both Bendigo and Geelong in those two-home wins.

“We’re such a young team and it’s so important for us to learn from those games to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.”

As a result of the meetings, Peters said each player is clearer on what is expected from one-another in order to play at their best.

“The outcomes were about ensuring everyone understood and valued their role and

was willing to put 100 per cent into that role every single time,“ he said.

“We wanted to make sure we didn’t have a team that was okay with other people getting it done constantly, we want 12 players that are going to contribute and if that means one player is going to play five minutes, then he’s got to be the best player in that five minute stretch.

“The second thing to that was making sure we had multiple people who were willing to score the ball and be a threat.

“That doesn’t mean you’re always going to shoot a high percentage or be a threat, but it takes the pressure off some of our better scorers.”

Much of the responsibility for running the offence has fallen to star forward and captain Preston Bungei, who leads the team in points

and assists per game, and only trails Sidy Djitte for rebounds and blocks.

Despite his excellence and high level of play, their wins against Geelong and Bendigo highlighted the effectiveness of involving more players in the offence and having threats all over the floor.

Against Geelong, Jack Perry had the hot hand, making six of his seven shots from the three point line, as six players scored in double figures.

Against Bendigo, there were four major scorers, while in their losses it has been primarily Malcolm Bernard and Sidy Djitte providing a hand on offence, as the only other two average more than 10 points per game.

“The last thing we want is every team to just focus on Preston or one of the other players and take them out of the game, then we’ll really struggle to get points on the scoreboard,” Peters said.

“Definitely having some of those guys not only in the starting five but off the bench, providing a little bit more help is something that we’ve spoken a lot about and had some individual chats with players about, how can we take some of the load off of some of our starters so they don’t have to score 20-25 points every time.

“We don’t mind if they do, but we’d rather spread it out so that we’re a lot tougher to guard and we’re a lot tougher to scout.

“Where we’re at is where we are at right now, and we just need to take time and understand the fact that it will take time to build.”

Star Cavaliers forward Malcolm Bernard. 332095

Picture: IN2ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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Picture: ROB CAREW

Demons slayed by surge of silky Suns

By Marcus Uhe

A trip north to the Gold Coast brought welcome sunny skies for the Casey Demons amid wintry Melbourne conditions...but not four VFL premiership points.

In a contest between two preliminary finalists of 2022, who both appear to be there or thereabouts again this season, the Suns were able to keep a resilient Casey outfit at bay during the second half to record a 20-point victory 17.10 112 to 13.14 92.

Casey made the better start of the two sides kicking four goals to two in the opening term and holding a 12-point lead at quarter time.

It would have been six points, if not for a clever play from Ben Brown, who faked having a set shot on goal to find his 2021 Melbourne premiership teammate in Charlie Spargo on his own in the pocket, who marked on the siren and kicked truly afterward.

But the second quarter saw the Suns begin to flex their muscle and show why they find themselves towards the top of the ladder in the VFL competition, as they kicked six goals to the reigning premiers’ two.

Their contested marking forwards in Sam Day, Chris Burgess and Joel Jeffrey were proving problematic for the Casey key defenders and their halfback line and midfielders forced repeat inside 50 entries to keep the pressure on.

A goal to Alex Sexton at the 26 minute mark resulted in the Suns retaking the lead after a handful of swings back and forth during the quarter as they headed to the rooms at half time with a seven-point advantage.

The Suns established a 21-point lead halfway through the third term as their ground level forwards began to reap the rewards of their hardworking keys in the forward 50.

But as quickly as they established a gap, the Demons were able to respond.

Three goals in five minutes to Oliver Ses-

tan, Bailey Laurie and Andy Moniz-Wakefield snapped the margin back to three points at the 20 minute mark of the quarter, with the contest well and truly there to be won.

Casey lifted their intensity in the forward half of the ground, no better articulated than Moniz-Wakefield’s repeated efforts leading to a scrappy goal from the pocket, and Laurie’s strength at the stoppage resulting in a classy snap finish.

Gold Coast kept finding the answers, however and entered the last quarter ahead by 17.

Fresh off his bag of five last week in Wonthaggi, Jake Melksham kicked the all-important first of the last quarter.

A strong intercept mark from AdamTomlinson launched a counter attack from the Casey defensive 50, where Melksham followed-up his one-on-one win with his opponent to kick truly on the run from 50 out.

Four locals take part in rep game

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Four local players represented theYoung Guns at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday in a nod of their potential to go to the next level.

The squad playedVic Metro and comprises the best 19-year-old talent across the state as selected by AFL recruiters, with an eye on the mid-season rookie draft.

Beaconsfield boy and Frankston VFL player Mitch Szybkowski, Nar Nar Goon and Casey’s Paddy Cross and Dandenong Stingrays Joziah Nannup and Ziggy Toledo-Glasman were all in action.

Each showed signs of their best with Cross and Szybkowski winning plenty of possession in the midfield on a wet day in the Young Guns’ loss.

Cross represented Gippsland last season and found ways to win the footy on Sunday, with Szybkowski showing his ability in-and-under.

He kicked his second in the 19th minute of the quarter, but by that stage in the contest the margin had reached its match-high of 34 points.

Casey weren’t without their chances in the final quarter, having seven shots on goal, but only kicking three, as the hosts closed the contest with a 20-point lead.

Brown kicked three, to ensure his name is in contention to replace the potentially suspended Jacob van Rooyen in the Melbourne side, who was handed a two-game suspension on Sunday.

Laurie was at his consistent best with 25 disposals and a goal, while Spargo was not far behind on 22 and one.

The Demons sit fourth on the VFL table after seven rounds, and get the chance to recharge the batteries with a bye next week.

Small glimmer in the shadows for Cavs

By Marcus Uhe

There were mixed fortunes for the Casey Cavaliers’ sides on the weekend with back-to-back 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 30-16 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.

“He really understands the role and positioning needed for (the wing role),” Young Guns coach Matt O’Connor said of Cross.

“He had a lot of the footy and made good decisions.”

For Szybkowski, selection in the squad is mild assurance he is still being tracked by those in the industry.

While he was viewed as the unluckiest player to miss selection at last season’s AFL draft, he has so far been unable to cement his spot in the Frankston lineup.

Toledo-Glasman, meanwhile, had a busy day in his usual key forward role, kicking two goals.

While there are strong question marks about whether the 192 centimetre talent is tall enough to play that role at the next level, he showed he was able to take an overhead mark and compete aerially which complemented his athleticism.

“He got some reward for effort (by hitting the scoreboard),” O’Connor said.

“He has good forward craft and makes good decisions with the ball - his work-rate was solid too.”

Nannup is the bolter of the group, having had a limited footy background.

The overager, who played some good footy for Doveton last season, showed glimpses of his pace, pressure and raw talent on a day not conducive to his style of footy.

This Sunday at 11am the Young Guns will take on Vic Country at Ikon Park

As well as those players for Young Guns, there will be several Stingrays and Power players kitting up for Vic Country, for the match will act as a trial game in determining the final squad.

Dandenong assistant Jon Mole and talent lead Toby Jedwab are each assisting the Young Guns.

Joziah Nannup showed flashes of his brilliance on Sunday in the Young Guns guernsey. 333556 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

The Launceston defence threw everything at Lauren Van Kleunen. 333279

Picture: ROB CAREW

Andy Moniz-Wakefield kicked an important goal for Casey in the third quarter. 325648

Picture: ROB CAREW

Wilson grabs the spotlight

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Leo Barry you star!

Hampton Park young gun Jack Wilson might be hearing that phrase ad nauseam for the next week after taking a match-saving mark for his team deep in red time in the Redbacks defensive 50.

Like the 2005 premiership player, Wilson came in from the side and clunked a contested mark cleanly in the middle of the pack in the final minute of the game.

It capped an outstanding performance for the 18-year-old Dandenong Stingray whose work rate and ability to provide an outlet from defence all day was a key part of the victory.

“His ability to be able to connect between the arcs - he’s a ball-winner but teaching him to defend the ground and become a two-way player has been really important for us,“ said Hampton Park coach Hayden Stanton.

“Being a young player and having the ability to cover the ground, as well as what he has from his couple of years at Stingrays, made a significant difference for us playing on that wing.

“I was pretty happy he pulled in the mark because it felt like we were trying to lose at that stage!“

Dylan Morris, Kyle Hendy and Tanner Stanton were other important ingredients of the 7.10 52 to 7.8 50 victory.

Doveton hadn’t led at all but threatened to pull off a Collingwood style-heist late when Jake Ingaliso finally brought the margin within a kick after the Doves had been pressing all quarter.

Deekon Stapleton had a chance to put his side in front but the ball was touched by the Hampton Park man on the mark as he ran in for his set shot.

Aaron Johns was the player who led the fight back after Shannon Henwood turbocharged the belief with an early skipper’s goal in the last quarter, having been moved forward.

On the whole Doveton will rue a series of missed chances as well as some uncomposed inside 50 kicks late.

Key forward James Gascard missed a relatively straight forward set shot while opportunistic small forward Cardamone dribbled a tight bender into the post.

In between that there were some up and under kicks coming in that Hampton Park was able to pick off with its extra numbers behind the footy.

The Doves had the slight upper hand in the midfield battle as the Redbacks were unable to take advantage on Andy Parker’s ascendancy in the ruck but Hayden Stanton’s men were ultimately the slicker and quicker side.

It felt like they should have put the game to bed by three quarter time but they will be happy to have escaped with the four points after making a habit of losing those sort of games last year.

“I think we controlled most of the game today but we weren’t efficient with our ball cen-

tre-forward and they ran hard back,“ Stanton said.

“We weren’t able to maximise our potential and we missed some easy shots but the last quarter was disappointing.

“We had a plan about how to counteract their ability but we probably ran out of gas a bit so we’re proud of the effort but we need to tidy up our conversion because it would have put pressure on the opposition to chase the game harder.

After missing last week with a minor niggle, Makaio Haywood came back in and was a class above on the footy.

The Redbacks lost Liam Myatt early to a knee injury with the severity not yet known. The club was two men down on the bench by halftime.

Skye, meanwhile, got an important win over

A 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.

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 from four games.

Women’s Vic League 1 Ladder: Monash 12,

Mornington

Keysy was outclassed on the weekend.

In a low-scoring affair, a four goal second stanza at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve for the hosts opened up a 15-point halftime lead which the Bombers held on to.

Jarrod Sullivan scored his three goals in that quarter as Skye finally was able to put its ascendancy on the scoreboard having dominated territory but played conservative footy.

Recruit Jesse Stone, former captain James Bateman and Jack Henderson each played well behind the ball, setting up the play and rebounding strongly.

Keysborough is still without a win this season after being comfortably accounted for by Murrumbeena.

The Burra put just one goal on the board in the first three quarters, trailing by 67 points at the final break before a six-goal-to-three last quarter added some respectability to the scoreline.

Veteran defender Anthony Brannan again spent time forward and kicked two goals.

Results R4: Caulfield 14.9 93 v Black Rock 7.5 47, Hampton Park 7.10 52 v Doveton 7.8 50, Murrumbeena 15.7 97 v Keysborough 7.11 53, Skye 8.10 58 v East Malvern 5.9 39, Highett 3.6 24 v East Brighton 17.15 117.

Ladder: East Brighton 16, Caulfield 12, Hampton Park 12, Skye 12, Highett 12, Murrumbeena 12, Doveton 4, East Malvern 0, Keysborough 0, Black Rock 0.

Fixture R5: East Malvern v Caulfield, East Brighton v Skye, Keysborough v Black Rock, Murrumbeena v Hampton Park, Highett v Doveton.

Culley ACL

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The West Coast Eagles have confirmed that former Dandenong Stingray Jai Culley suffered a ruptured ACL in the club’s loss to Richmond at the MCG on Saturday. Culley was substituted out of the game in the first quarter after landing awkwardly in a marking contest at the 12-minute mark.

The 20-year-old was emotional at quarter time as he suspected the worst.

It’s a cruel blow for Culley, who was nominated for the rising star two weeks ago for his four goal effort in a 40-point loss to Port Adelaide. Given the Eagles’ injury crisis, he would have had the opportunity to get lots of minutes under his belt at AFL level this season after making his first appearance in round four.

“It is a terribly disappointing result for him and the club only nine games into his AFL career,” said General Manager Football Gavin Bell on Sunday.

“We know Jai will attack his rehabilitation with the utmost professionalism and determination, and the club will support him through the process.”

Culley, a Langwarrin junior, was a popular teammate at the Stingrays in 2022, picked with the first selection of the mid-season rookie draft.

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

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

The former Stingray ruptured his ACL on Saturday. 280519 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Picture: ANDYS PIX

Relief matched the jubilation in the Redbacks rooms post-game. 333278

Picture: ROB CAREW