News - Cranbourne Star News - 18th May 2023

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION WEEK Keeping our minds active

By Minister for Education, Natalie Hutchins

Welcome to Education Week 2023, our annual celebration of education, and a chance to show off our brilliant government schools across Victoria.

Education Week is between 14 May and 20 May. This year’s theme is ‘Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate’ and it highlights some of the amazing ways students can learn through physical activity, hands-on learning and student voice.

Being active isn’t just about getting outdoors and looking after our physical healthit’s about keeping our minds alive and active with imagination.

At our schools that could mean getting involved and learning new skills through art, science, technology, student leadership, and even by being connected to your community.

As the Minister for Education I want to make sure that every student feels strong and confident so they can be an active learner.

I’m really proud of the work that’s happening to support students including reforms to disability inclusion, mental health support and vocational education in schools.

As part of this, I want to thank our teachers, principals, education support staff and everyone in the local community who together make our schools a great place to learn.

I hope all Victorian government school students get involved in some of the great excursions, incursions and online events hosted by leading culture, sport and education organisations.

From virtual storytimes to footy and coding workshops, there’s something on offer for all year levels, and some professional learning for teachers too.

To find more about the free events and activities that your school can participate in visit vic.gov.au/education-week

However you choose to celebrate EducationWeek this year, I hope you have a fantastic week!

Help your child move into Prep with confidence

Guiding your child from their early years into Primary School is a journey filled with learning and growth. The initial leap into school life is a significant milestone that can sometimes bring uncertainties. However, our faith-filled community at Heritage College is here to support you every step of the way.

To ease the transition, Heritage College is proud to present our ‘Step into Prep’ program. This Christ-centered initiative offers an informative session where families can engage with our Prep teachers, ask questions, and find answers, all within the context of our Christian ethos.

The first year of Primary School at Heritage College is a time of abundant learning, where the seeds of academic, social, and emotional growth are sown in the fertile ground of Christian values. During Prep, children build confidence and learn to live out their faith as they develop literacy and numeracy skills through an engaging curriculum. Our educators provide a nurturing environment, embodying the love of Christ in their teaching, and introducing students to the arts, music, and languages. Our Prep students are encouraged to interact with the broader campus community, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect through the ‘buddies’ program and participation in other on-campus events.

As a significant part of the ‘Step into Prep’ program, Orientation Days are conducted throughout Semester 2. These days provide incoming Prep students the opportunity to explore the classrooms, meet their future teachers and classmates, and familiarise themselves with learning areas and activities

Help

in a supportive environment.

with confidence.

This helps ensure that when the day comes to start Prep, the transition is less of a leap and more of a step forward in their spiri-

Prep 2024

tual and educational journey.

Expressions of Interest for Prep 2024 are open for Officer and Narre Warren South campuses. To find out more, visit heritage-

college.vic.edu.au/prep

Heritage College, two Campus locations, Starling Road, Officer and Centre Road, Narre Warren.

Minister for Education, Natalie Hutchins.

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION WEEK

Providing a safe school

We wish to extend a warm welcome to your family on behalf of our school community. At St Kevin’s, our students are at the centre of all that we do. We have a strong commitment to providing a safe and harmonious school environment where successful relationships thrive. Our strength lies in the close partnerships between students, staff, parents and the wider community which is highly valued by us all.

We endeavour to educate our students to develop a foundation of knowledge, skills and attitudes for life-long learning.

The school is focused on the students being prepared for a world yet to be imagined and in providing all classes with the right tools to support their engagement in a contemporary learning environment.

At St Kevin’s, we build the expectation that each of us has the potential to contribute to the development of our changing world.

We provide an exciting educational program where learning is inclusive, relevant, fun and caters to the whole child. Our teachers cater for the different learning styles of all students where quality educational outcomes remain their constant focus. We strive for excellence, to instil a love of learning into our students and to make school a place where children want to be.

This is achieved through the extensive range of academic, sporting and cultural activities organised by the school.

Our school is a Learning Community. In partnership with parents, staff work together to create a culture that enables children to think creatively, confidently express themselves, independently follow their curiosity and manage their learning in an organised and persistent manner to the best of their ability.

We expect our students to work hard and to care for each other and to invest in making St Kevin’s a very positive place of learning.

We are so proud of our school, and meeting potential new members of our community brings us great joy knowing that we may be at the beginning of creating and developing

Outstanding education

Cranbourne Secondary College is a dynamic learning community committed to equipping students so they can grow, contribute meaningfully, and enjoy life in the world they encounter. The College delivers an outstanding and holistic educational program that integrates academic, social, emotional, and moral learning.

The College mission is to equip learners for a fulfilling life by developing their intellectual, social, emotional, and moral intelligence. The broad, personalised curriculum and pathway options are delivered in a caring and engaging learning environment underpinned by a community culture of inclusion and participation.

Living our values of care, learning, community, and contribution is integral to the process as is our honouring of student voice. Ensuring students influence their school experience and learning journey is important to us because that’s what empowers them and makes all the difference to their learning outcomes. It’s why our students are increasingly motivated and happy at school.

Our teaching and learning know-how implemented in modern, fit-for-purpose

facilities and a safe, genuinely caring context gives us our edge. Evidence-informed learning and positive behaviour frameworks ensure teachers and students know what they must do to get the best out of themselves. This enables our students to develop their goals into meaningful pathways beyond school.

We’re continually building on our strong and proud history, going from strength to strength by ensuring the education we deliver in partnership with parents, educational experts and members of the wider community remains real, relevant, innovative, and impactful.

Recently, the College has benefitted from a range of upgrades to facilities and grounds resulting in high-quality learning and recreational spaces for students as well as a new two court stadium that includes retractable seating for approximately 1000 students. A further $9 million upgrade will be occurring through 2023 and 2024.

Book a tour to find out more about our excellent programs and to experience our wonderful facilities. At Cranbourne Secondary College we are a respectful, responsible, learning community.

new and powerful relationships. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss them.

Our school community is vibrant and enthusiastic and we hope your involvement at St Kevin’s will be enriching, enjoyable and rewarding.

We warmly invite you to explore our website, subscribe to a video tour or even book a physical tour so you can see for yourself why St Kevin’s is the school of choice in Hampton Park. St Kevin’s is a fantastic school – come and visit us.

We know you will be impressed.

Lyndale Secondary College offers great advantages in the breadth of curriculum offerings. There is provision for specialist learning areas and facilities, extensive staff professional development and a wide range of co-curricular programs which contribute to the fullest development of the student’s academic, cultural, artistic, social and sporting achievements, while still maintaining a sense of belonging essential in all great schools.

Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program

Lyndale Secondary College is one of a small number of Department of Education Schools in the state which is accredited to provide Select Entry programs for gifted students. The acceleration process is designed to cater for the needs of the highly academically talented student. The program also emphasises the college’s strong belief in pastoral care and ensures that all students are effectively guided through their secondary years of schooling.

The Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program (SEAL) course involves:

· An intensive and fast paced curriculum

· Focus on complex and abstract material

· Emphasis on higher thought processes (problem solving and analysis)

· Opportunities to participate in a variety of academic competitions

Visit https://lyndale.vic.edu.au/accelerated-learning/ for more information.

Building Program

Our new and engaging spaces connect and support our students to improve learning outcomes. We have completed building our Performing Arts centre, STEM building, Library, Administration building, and Senior School building. We are now eagerly waiting for the completion of new sporting facilities.

We welcome your interest in our college. For School Tours, call us at 9795 2366.

Lyndale Secondary College offers a great curriculum.

Values build up students

An exciting change is happening at Hallam Senior College. The College has begun the process of being reorganised and expanded to cater for the growing demand in Melbourne’s south-east and provide families with a quality local school for their entire secondary schooling journey. The school has been renamed Hallam Secondary College and will progressively move to a Year 7-12 school over the next three years.

Through our Values (Achievement, Care and Equity) we will ensure every student learns and achieves with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for lifelong learning while assisting them to be ready to take their place as positive contributors to their local and global community. Everything we do is focused on identifying and maximising individual potential, through the use of the very best tried and tested teaching and learning practice within a supportive and caring environment.

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive and guaranteed high quality education program that ensures ‘Success for All’. Our aim is to create a school which is: · a true learning community · a place students wish to attend, staff want to work and parents feel welcome · fulfilling student potential and, · preparing students for life beyond school

As a small to medium size secondary school we have the advantage of being able to know every learner as an individual.

Despite being a smaller secondary the new school will have an extensive range of Senior Pathways available to our students including VCE (both traditional Academic and the new Vocational Major), the highly regarded Sports Academy in Years 10 to 12

Success for all

and access to the largest VET provision of any school in the Region.

A multiple pathway approach provides opportunities for all students. Whatever the next step, students finishing at Hallam Secondary College will have formed a clear sense of what they want to achieve and the pathway to this outcome. Students work closely with the staff, professional course advisors and experts from industry to shape their choices.

Staff are committed to student success. The quality of our teaching and support staff is excellent, making a significant difference to student outcomes. Targeted enhancement programs across the Academy structure assists students to reach their potential.

Appreciating and embracing different backgrounds, cultures and identities is built into our school curriculum and celebrated through specific community events.

Our College has a reputation for challenging students to be involved in a range of activities which help shape them as a learner and active community member. We expect our students to work hard, be involved in the wide range of extra curricula activities and be active members of the local community.

Tour Nossal

Victoria’s first fully academically selective coeducational Government High School, and one of only four academically selective high schools in the state, Nossal High School has been purpose designed to suit an adult, academically focused and highly aspirational cohort of students. The buildings are high tech and ICT rich, mirroring features and approaches usually found in universities.

Nossal High School is committed to providing an innovative, inclusive and dynamic educational environment. We aim to challenge our students to be creative and critical thinkers with good communication skills and the resilience necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world. We aim to build their skills, self-confidence, leadership abilities and community spirit through a rigorous, but rich and varied, curricular and co-curricular program. We want our graduates to be ambitious, ethical and responsible citizens who conduct themselves with humility and compassion.

For further information regarding Nossal

High School we invite you to visit nossalhs.vic. edu.au or book a place in one of our Principal run tours or at our upcoming Information Night. When you choose a Victorian Selective Entry High School, you are ensuring your child has the opportunity for an exceptional education at one of only four schools exclusively designed for academically talented students. As proud government schools, each school has a unique approach and a shared purpose in nurturing excellence in young adults fromYears 9-12. For further information about Nossal and the otherVictorian Selective Entry High Schools visit www.selectivehighschools.education Applications for 2024 enrolment are now open. Visit our website at https://www.nossalhs.vic.edu.au/enrolment-information/ for more information.

Nossal High School Tours

Principal tours run from 9.30am on specific dates throughout the year. Bookings for these tours are available attrybooking.com/CFYUJ

NOSSAL HIGH SCHOOL - BERWICK

A co-educational, academically selective government school for highly able students in Years 9-12

dispositions for lifelong learning and be ready to take their place as positive contributors to their local and global community. Everything we do is focused on identifying and maximising individual potential through the use of the very best tried and tested teaching and learning practice within a supportive and caring environment.

Book online or call: Tours welcome

Over the next 4 years Hallam Senior College will transition to a Year 7-12 school to meet the growing enrolment

As one of only four Victorian Selective Entry High Schools, we offer a broad range of curricular and co-curricular experiences and programs, strongly influenced by the students themselves who have an active and authentic voice in the running of the school. We offer significant sporting, creative, performing, musical, community, cultural, social, and leadership opportunities to our students alongside a comprehensive academic study program.

Visitors are welcome to attend school tours with the Principal, and information evenings are available throughout the year. We invite you to visit us.

Applications for 2024 enrolment are now open.

Tips for teaching children to use scissors safely

Teaching a little one to use scissors seems to inspire fear in a lot of parents, however, a good sturdy pair of scissors with safety blades means that even a toddler can handle a pair of scissors and an adult’s blood pressure can remain stable!

“There seems to be a lot of concern about when is the ‘best’ time to introduce scissor skills to a child’s crafty repertoire,” says leading craft expert, Shannon Wong-Nizic, from OhCreativeDay.

Here are Shannon’s top tips for parents looking to teach their young child how to cut safely and effectively:

Open-shut them - The first skill to learn is opening and closing the scissors. This is when a spring-assisted pair of scissors is a good choice. Around the age of two, a child will often open the scissors with both hands. At this stage of development, they aren’t ready to begin cutting paper. Cutting playdough is a great way to encourage strengthening hands and growing accustomed to the open/close nature of using scissors.

Thumbs up - From the start, it’s important to remind children of the ‘thumbs up’ position while holding scissors. The thumb is placed in the smaller hole and the fingernail must face the ceiling. Draw a smiley face on a child’s thumbnail when they are first learning to hold scissors, making sure that the smile is facing the ceiling at all times when cutting.

Snip snip - Once opening and closing the scissors has been mastered, kids can move onto practising snipping paper. They are not moving the paper forward as they cut, simply snipping.

Cut and hold - Around the age of three, children can begin moving scissors forward along paper to cut. After this skill is acquired, children begin also using their non-dominant hand to hold the paper and move it to allow cutting with the dominant hand. Children at this stage can begin to cut along straight lines,

with varying accuracy.

Around the bend - From straight lines, children then move to curved lines. From lines, they then move onto basic shapes. By about the age of five, children can begin to cut more complex shapes with increased accuracy.

The right tools for the job - When it comes

to scissor skills, having a top-quality pair of scissors is a must. Shannon learnt the hard way with her firstborn when she attempted to introduce scissors with her, using cheap scissors that caused much toddler angst. There is nothing worse than a frustrated toddler bearing scissors!

Shannon Wong-Nizic is a teacher, mum of three and avid crafter. An enthusiastic fan of pom poms, PVA and paint, she runs popular blog and online parenting resource dedicated to all things creative, https://ohcreativeday. com/ and has over 30,000 followers on Instagram.

Working together to defuse, support angry teenagers

How do you cope if your teen becomes aggressive or even violent towards you?

It is common to keep this kind of abuse behind closed doors and not confide in anyone. Many parents feel that they have failed to control their child, or that they are responsible for the behaviour in some way. In addition, they may not know where to turn.

However, any kind of aggression can be stressful, and can cause an atmosphere of tension and fear for the entire family, not to mention the possibility of physical harm if their teen becomes violent.

No parent should feel obliged to put up with an unruly teen, and as with any type of domestic abuse, help and support is available. There are a number of techniques and tips that you might find helpful.

DEFUSING HEATED ARGUMENTS

It’s useful to remember that your own behaviour can improve or worsen an aggressive situation, so it’s important to be a good role model for your teen.

With that in mind, it is worth trying to maintain a calm and peaceful presence. You need to be strong without being threatening. Remember that your body language, as well as what you say and how you say it, should also reflect this. Avoid staring them in the eye, and give them personal space. Allow them the opportunity to express their point of view, then respond in a reasoned way.

If an argument becomes very heated, take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds and then exhale. Repeat five times. This technique is very useful in intense situations.

If your teen is becoming aggressive during arguments, suggest this technique to them when they’re calm, so they too have a way of controlling their anger.

If an argument feels out of control, you can also try explaining to them that you are going to walk away, and that you’ll come back again in half an hour. Given the chance to reflect and calm down, you and your teen will both be more reasonable when you resume your discussion.

As with toddlers, if you give in to teenagers because their shouting and screaming intimidates or baffles you, you are in effect encouraging them to repeat the unreasonable behaviour as a way of getting what they want.

If very heated arguments happen frequently, it may be worth suggesting counselling to your teen. They’ll benefit from talking to someone new and unbiased, someone who isn’t in their family and who won’t judge them. Remember they may not know how to handle their anger, and this can leave them frustrated and even frightened. Some guidance from an outsider can be very helpful.

DEALING WITH VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR

Sometimes, teen aggression can turn into violence. If they lash out at you, or someone or something else, put safety first. Let your teenager know that violence is unacceptable and you will walk away from them until they’ve calmed down. If leaving the room or house isn’t helping, call the police — after all, if you feel threatened or scared, then you have the right to protect yourself.

GOOD ADVICE

GIVE THEM SPACE: Once they have calmed down, you may want to talk to them about what has happened and suggest that they let you find them some help.

BE CLEAR: Teenagers need to know that you will stand by the boundaries you set. They need to know that any kind of violence is unacceptable.

TALKTOTHEIR SCHOOL: Find out if their

aggressive behaviour is happening there as well. Some schools offer counselling.

ARRANGE COUNSELLING: If your teen admits they have a problem and is willing to get help, book an appointment with a counsellor or psychologist as soon as possible.

Sources: Raising Children Network, Women’s and Children’s Health Network

Mum, teacher and craft expert Shannon Wong-Nizic shares her tips for teaching kids scissor skills. (Supplied)

Teens are known for their moody behaviour, but it’s important to recognise when lines are crossed. (iStock)

Visit a Catholic school and see the difference

Catholic schools across Gippsland and Melbourne’s outer south east will open their doors to the community to celebrate Catholic Education Week 2023 from 19 May to 26 May.

This is a chance for everyone to witness the vibrant faith and learning environments in their local Catholic Schools with Open Days, activities and events planned.

Mr Paul Velten, Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale, said Catholic Education Week was an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful achievements of Catholic schools and to highlight the inspiring activities taking place in Catholic schools every day.

“This year’s theme is, Catholic SchoolsPlaces of Encounter. ‘Let the Words You Speak Always Be Full of Grace,’ based on the Bible

Scripture, Colossians 4:6.

“This message reflects our commitment to promoting kindness, respect, and compassion in our schools and communities. Catholic schools are more than just buildings where students come to learn. They are Places of Encounter where students can grow academically, spiritually and personally.”

“The ‘Speak with Grace‘ theme aims to encourage students and school communities to use their words to build up others, to speak out against injustice, and to spread love and hope in the world.“

The official launch of Catholic Education Week will take place with a Leadership Mass and Dinner on Friday 19 May in Traralgon. During the evening several awards will be pre-

sented including the ‘Spirit of Catholic Education Awards.’ These important awards are peer-nominated and acknowledge staff who are making an outstanding contribution to the life of their school community.

Mr Velten said many things have changed in education in recent years and over decades but the dedication of Catholic teachers and staff focused on nurturing each child’s potential and to inspire faith and inspire learning remains at the core.’’

“Our Catholic schools strive to be welcoming, supportive and inclusive places where children can thrive.”

Schools across the Diocese extend an invitation to families and members of the community to visit an Open Day or event at a Catholic

school in their local area and see the Catholic education difference.

The Diocese of Sale covers 38 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools educating almost 20,000 students and employing more than 3,000 staff. The Diocese spans a geographic area from Melbourne’s outer south east suburbs from Narre Warren and Cranbourne, to Wonthaggi and Philip Island in the south, and right throughout Gippsland to Orbost in the east.

For tours and enrolment information, contact a Catholic school in your local area or go to:

www.doscel.catholic.edu.au/about-us/ find-a-school

St Agatha’s Primary School Cranbourne.

St Peter’s College Cranbourne.

St Therese’s Primary School Cranbourne.

St Thomas The Apostle Primary School Cranbourne East.

Next generation of leaders

“Let your light shine” Matthew 5:16. This year’s school theme underpins our aspirations of all students who pass through our gates.

Our vision at St Peter’s College is that as a Catholic community, we aspire for all to lead in faith, be guided with love and to be inspired through learning.

The three pillars, Faith, Education and Service, define who we are and what we stand for. Our Cranbourne Campus has serviced the local community of Cranbourne and surrounds for close to thirty years.

This Campus now undergoing a major facelift and boasts a modernized Arts Precinct, an innovative Applied Learning Centre and a service focussed Administration Centre.

The rejuvenation of the Campus is a commitment to ensuring our students are provided with the most modern of facilities and resources to excel.

The innovatively designed Clyde North Campus features a dual focus on the twentyfirst learner and in supporting evidence-based teaching practice.

The Performing Arts Centre and Applied Learning Centre are the latest in a long list of modern facilities designed to engage students in their learning.

In the next three years a three-court basketball stadium and a VCE centre will be constructed.

St Peter’s College is committed to the provision of an education which caters and delivers for all students.

Our strategic intent is for all to develop the skills today to thrive in tomorrow’s world. St Peter’s College pathway to excellence program ensures those academically driven students are provided for through accelerated and extension opportunities.

Those requiring additional support are catered for within our Learning Enrichment centre inclusive of an individualised learning plan designed to ensure success.

Our Applied Learning program and the provision of Vocational Education subjects (VET) provides the essential learning opportunities and training to successfully transition from school to the workforce or further training.

Never has there been a more important time to belong to a community.

Covid-19 and remote schooling in 2020-

DID YOU MISS OUR RECENT DISCOVERY EVENINGS? ACT NOW!

2024, 2025 & 2026 applications are now being accepted. There are very limited vacancies now available for 2023 & 2024 enrolments.

STUDENT LED TOURS

Are held on Fridays or we can organise a Private Tour time to suit you and your family. Your place to attend can be secured via our website home page. Book A Tour icon at www.stpeters.vic.edu.au

CONTACT

Did you know all of your enrolment requirements can be completed online? Contact our Registrar Mrs Wendy Height through our website Enrolment Enquiries Form or visit our website Enrolments pages that are tailored to guide you through the process of Researching and Applying for enrolment. www.stpeters.vic.edu.au

2021 highlighted the important role school plays in the social emotional development of young people. The importance of, and priority given to mental health and resilience through supportive and connected community practices is critical.

At St. Peter’s College our Vertical House based system provides opportunities for all to connect and flourish.

The Strive and Thrive program focuses on the principles of GEM - Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness and aims to ensure all have

the opportunity to gain the skills and tools to be in the right relationship within and beyond the gates of St. Peter’s College.

The desire is for all students to run excitedly through St. Peter’s College gates to commence their secondary schooling as a Year 7 student, and walk out at the end of Year 12, with confidence, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of positivity about their future lives.

To book your place in our next Tour visit the school’s web site or telephone 5990 7777.

Our desire is for students to run excitedly through St. Peter’s College gates to commence their Secondary schooling, and walk out at the end of Year 12 with confidence, a sense of purpose, and feeling positive about their lives.

“Developing the skills today to thrive in tomorrow’s world”

FOCUS ON … CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

Diverse and inclusive learning at St Agatha’s

St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School in Cranbourne is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a school that offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment, a focus on literacy and numeracy skills, and contemporary education.

One of the standout features of St Agatha’s is its multicultural community. The school embraces diversity, with families from different cultural backgrounds coming together to form a warm and welcoming community. This multiculturalism helps to foster understanding, empathy and respect among students, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Another feature that sets St Agatha’s apart is its strong focus on family partnerships. The school understands the important role that families play in a child’s education and works closely with parents to ensure that each child receives the support they need to thrive. This partnership helps to build a strong sense of community, with parents and teachers working together to create the best possible outcomes for each child.

St Agatha’s also has a strong focus on literacy and numeracy skills. The school understands that these foundational skills are essential for success in all areas of life, and provides students with a range of opportunities to develop these skills. From dedicated reading and writing programs to numeracy activities and problem-solving challenges, St Agatha’s is committed to ensuring that each student has the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

In addition to its focus on literacy and numeracy skills, St Agatha’s also offers a contemporary education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world. With a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, the school provides students with the skills and knowledge they need

to succeed in the 21st century.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a school that offers a multicultural community, strong family partnerships, a focus on literacy and numeracy skills, contemporary education and excellent facilities, then St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School in Cranbourne is the perfect

choice. We encourage new parents to enrol their child at St Agatha’s for the 2024 school year and experience the benefits of this outstanding school community.

Please call the office on 5996 2724 to book a tour or visit the website for more information www.stacbourne.catholic.edu.au

The school embraces diversity, with families from different cultural backgrounds coming together to form a warm and welcoming community.

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION WEEK

CRTs need extra support

According to Media Centre for Education Research Australia, on average a child will spend 8percent,oroneyearoftheireducationtaught by a Casual Relief Teacher (CRT), but the essential demographic is experiencing a lack of support.

In a recent article titled “An Exploration of the Experiences of Substitute Teachers: A Systematic Review” several Australian universities researched recurring themes experienced by substitute teachers.

Lead author from Monash University, Professor Andrea Reupert explained the casual teaching cohort is an “important component in the teaching workforce,” yet described their working conditions and experiences as worrying.

Professor Reupert said this has been exacerbated by a lack of targeted support and this latest research dives into better understanding their requirements and will assist in developing policies and practices to improve conditions

They found casual teachers experience stress, anxiety and lower levels of job satisfaction when compared to full time teachers.

“Around the world, we are seeing teacher shortages as more and more people move away from the profession – discussions about teacher shortages can’t just focus on the permanent workforce. We need to look wider,” Professor Reupert said

The research discovered many substitute teachers have concerns over lack of authority,

future job security, difficulty in building connections in the workplace and a lack of access to professional development.

Co-author, Professor Michele Simons said that for teachers to effectively undertake their work they need the right resources.

“This review has found that the temporary nature of their employment means that professional development opportunities and

mentoring that are integral to developing practice are inaccessible for these teachers,” Professor Simons said.

“They need a proper induction into the school, and they need access to professional learning and mentoring.”

The paper also found a disparity in voicing their opinion on school decision making processes, leaving them feeling undervalued and

with a feeling of marginalisation in schools they aren’t familiar with.

The research team also found that schools with higher suspension rates and lower average student achievements were less likely to find substitute teachers,with student behaviour and lack of administrative support from the school big contributing factors.

Meet the Principal

Fiona Williams

Every day, as she leads the team at Casey Grammar School, Fiona Williams nurtures a school community that strives for academic excellence while understanding the value of building strong and respectful relationships, and supporting student and staff wellbeing.

Since being appointed Principal in 2020, Fiona has continued to build the school’s reputation while introducing innovative programs that capture young minds and enhancing facilities for the 1,000-plus students through a program of major building works.

Fiona is determined to continue to create a safe and welcoming environment where students can learn, explore and follow their passions from their very first day at the school.

“Our exceptional teachers inspire students to be creative, curious and collaborative learners through programs which explore real world challenges and solutions,” says Fiona.

“Our goal is to provide every student with practical, life-long skills to ensure they are ready for the world beyond school and to help each and every student to enjoy respectful relationships and embrace compassion for others.”

To ensure students continue to enjoy the highest standards of education in the classroom, Fiona encourages staff and students at Casey Grammar School to be lifelong and curious learners and lives and breathes that philosophy herself.

In collaboration with Professor Sean Kang at the University of Melbourne, and based on the latest educational neuroscience research, Fiona has developed a program for teachers focused on enhancing their communication skills, data-informed teaching and evidence-based planning.

“We are very proud of our warm sense of community and of our focus on excellence that helps grow students with kind hearts and bright minds.”

Fiona was recently announced as a Principal of the Year finalist in the prestigious Australian Education Awards.

Calling on more support for substitute teachers.

Meet the Principal

Pam Robinson

Lyndale Secondary College is a prestigious educational institution in Dandenong North, Melbourne. Established in 1961, it has a rich history of providing quality education to diverse students. The college has a vibrant community of educators and learners who collaborate to develop essential 21st-century skills.

The college offers a safe and nurturing environment where students can learn and grow. The dedicated staff focuses on helping students achieve their academic, personal, and social potential. Through modern technology, innovative teaching methods, and a student-centered approach, Lyndale Secondary College creates an engaging learning environment.

Co-curricular activities at the college include various sports like athletics, swimming, tennis, basketball, and soccer. Additionally, students can join clubs such as music, drama, debate, chess, and robotics, encouraging personal growth, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Lyndale Secondary College’s SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) program provides high-achieving students with a rigorous curriculum in English, Maths, and STEM subjects. The program promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical learning.

SEAL students receive individualized support from experienced teachers, fostering a positive learning environment and lasting friendships with peers.

We welcome your interest in Lyndale Secondary College. Book a school tour today at 9795 2366.

LYNDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE

14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175

Phone 9795 2366 | Website lyndale.vic.edu.au

Wayne Haworth

One size does not fit all and neither should education. Every student is unique and individual in their interests, passions and learning needs. Our world is rapidly changing, so we must better prepare students. At HPSC, we believe that education should be done with students, rather than to students. We are committed to embedding an education model that is student-centred and brings out the best in our young people. When students are passionately engaged in their education, at their point of need, learning deepens and outcomes improve. Students at Hampton Park Secondary College are offered three programs – Explore (Year 7), Enhance (Years 8-10) and Excel (Years 11-12) in a vertical learning approach whereby students are grouped according to their passions and learning needs rather than simply by age. By empowering students and enabling of subjects from over 100 new electives, such as Planet Earth, Robotics and Snack Attack, to Fantastic Beasts, Rugby Academy and much more, students are excited to learn. Our innovative, tailormade approach to learning assists students so that no student is held back, and no one is left behind. Learning is an organic process and by creating optimal conditions for learning, students thrive.

HAMPTON PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE

Chris Black

“Developing the skills today to thrive in tomorrow’s world”

Welcome to St. Peter’s College. We are a proudly Catholic community with a focus on Christ at the centre of our learning. We have a strong focus on the development of the whole person, academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. “As a Catholic community, we aspire to lead in faith, guide with love and inspire through learning.” Our learning environment provides students with the opportunity to become the best version of themselves.

21st Century learners will require a skill-set of critical thinking, effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively & creativity. We strive to provide opportunities for our students to engage and excel in all of these areas.

Our desire is for students to run excitedly through our gates at Year 7 and walk out completing Year 12, with confidence, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of positivity about their future lives. When selecting a Secondary College parents must feel confident that the school can provide a stimulating learning environment across all six years. This is what you get at St Peter’s College.

Guided Campus Tour are held on Friday mornings. Contact our Registrar Mrs Wendy Height. Come join us.

David Caughey

I’m David Caughey, Principal at Cranbourne Secondary College. Secondary schooling is an exciting time for students and families. It’s when students gain independence and responsibility in their thinking, behaviors, and understanding of the world.

Our teachers use up-to-date methods to design curriculum and learning experiences, fostering curiosity, challenge, and aspiration. We analyze student data to understand their needs, especially in Literacy and Numeracy.

We take pride in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. Our proactive wellbeing team and career support team offer various student supports.

Through our School Wide Positive Behaviour Support program, we tailor our support to individuals, year levels, and subjects. We provide extensive programs and certificates, offering choice and opportunities as students progress.

Since joining in 2020, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the students, staff, and community. I feel privileged to be part of this vibrant and caring community. I look forward to working closely with students, families, and staff to shape the college’s successful future.

At Cranbourne Secondary College, we prioritize safety, respect, and responsibility.

Special visit

Quarters Primary School pupils showed their love for their mothers and other loved ones, as the broader community came together to celebrate the inaugural Mothers and Special Others Picnic event on Friday 12 May.

Mums, aunties, grandmothers and significant others enjoyed the sunny conditions as families spread out picnic mats across the school grounds ahead of Mother’s Day.

Student wellbeing teacher Shilpa Sanghani said the school was “thrilled“ with the number of loved ones who attended.

“The smiles on faces confirmed that the Quarters Primary School pupils enjoyed catching up with their families and having a fun lunchtime,“ she said.

“It was a fabulous way for the QPS community to come together.“

More page 13

Cranbourne West’s Quarters Primary School held their Mothers and Special Others Picnic event on Friday 12 May. With delightful food and special gifts, the Mums and Special Others were sure spoiled!

Rent drop ‘insult’

By Emily Chapman Laing

A “Rent Dramatically Reduced!” sign in the shopping village has caused outrage in the Pearcedale community.

Community Facebook groups are rife with frustrated community members who feel taken advantage of by “pure greed“.

“They have no respect for our town, our community and its values,“ Amy Tea said.

“The landlord’s arrogance is an attack on everything Pearcedale stands for.“

Locals say they feel for the tenants who were forced out in 2021 due to rent rate hikes.

“What a kick in the guts for those businesses who were turfed so they could astronomically increase their rent rates,” said Pearcedale local Simon Murray.

“It’s an absolute insult to the long term businesses that were forced out and disgrace-

ful to the existing businesses who will not have their rents reduced and are on long term contracts,“ said Christine Forrest-Evans.

The sudden drop has exacerbated negative perceptions of the village’s landlords rather then seen them quelled.

“Jasman Pty Ltd is a company with no scruples, no sense of community,“ said June Godfree.

“They are a greedy company who increased

rents hugely during the middle of Covid,” Nicole Parsons said.

“They forced hard working people out.”

“They kicked out essential business to our local shops and they have been empty. Now they reduce the rent,” Joanna Barry said.

Mr Paul Sampson said the landlord are “completely out of touch with Australian values“.

Continued page 8

Program fills in the gaps

By Emily Chapman Laing

Suicide Safer Communities is working to bring a world-first artificial intelligence suicide prevention program to Casey.

CEO of the Life! Central charity and HelpNet online counselling program Drew Gormlie says it’s important to get as far ahead of community suicide triggers as possible.

Suicide Safer Communities, as part of HelpNet, is designed to “fill in the gaps“ in community resources that leave residents at risk of suicide.

In Casey, mental health is a large area of concern for many organisations and constituents.

One in 5 Casey residents suffer from severe psychological distress.

Less than half (48 per cent) of Casey locals feel safe walking in their neighbourhood after dark.

There were also 5208 domestic violence incidents reported to police from September 2021 - September 2022.

Mr Gormlie and his team are looking forward to bringing their software to their home region of Casey.

However nothing is in motion yet.

“At the City of Casey, we are committed to supporting evidence-based approaches that increase resilience, safety, and connection within our communities, as outlined in our Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-25,“ said City of Casey Manager Connected Communities, Sara Ball.

“Given the high rates of psychological distress experienced within our community, we monitor and welcome innovation in the mental health promotion and suicide prevention space, however we currently have no plans to use this specific technology.“

In developing their artificial intelligence software, the team wanted to have an understanding of communities before making rec-

ommendations for suicide prevention.

“You can’t mitigate against risk,“ Mr Gormlie said.

“You can’t stop health issues, economic issues, relationship issues, Covid, floods, fires, whatever it is.

“But you can create an environment where you’ve got resources so that when those negative things happen, you have what you need.“

The AI software runs many different versions and is designed for use by individuals, organisations, police, military and varying geographic regions.

The success of the software is evident in how the program improved the suicide rates of the Upper Murray community.

“They had a suicide rate that was ten times the national average,“ Mr Gormlie said.

“We delivered 144 recommendations to the Upper Murray Health Department, agencies and to the general public.

“Over the last 22 months, there hasn’t been another death.“

Mr Gormlie says the efficacy of the program comes in its ability to empower community

organisations and members to “feed change“ and “make things happen“ themselves.

Each community is different, and Mr Gormlie believes the AI software provides invaluable insight into the unique challenges facing a region.

Using the findings from surveys, the team is able to make recommendations for suicide prevention that are “more strategic“ and “informed“ than traditional approaches.

The AI software works by having members of a community fill out a 10 minute survey.

The questions are based on research findings from psychologists, which allow the program to identify whether there are issues around domestic violence, isolation, crime or lack of resources.

“The survey identifies areas that need to be strengthened so we can fill in the gaps,“ Mr Gormlie said.

The program has reached international success, being delivered in Fiji, Malaysia and the UK.

Mr Gormlie says the program has the potential to “alleviate pressure on the mental

health and clinical systems“ in Casey.

He emphasises how cost effective the AI software is in comparison to the expense of manpower it would take from psychologists to achieve the same result.

“We do the whole thing in six weeks for about 10% the price of psychologists,“ Mr Gormlie said.

“Once we know exactly what’s going on, we can make recommendations that are more strategic and save on resources in the community.

“Over a two to three year period, there’s the potential for the load on the mental health system to be be reduced by 10-20 per cent.“

Following some suicide prevention training over a decade ago, the team at Life Central realised how significant the issue was in the Casey area.

“A lot of young people were dying in Casey,“ Mr Gormlie said.

“So we started training as many people as we could, but it was too little too late.

Mr Gormlie says suicide is a symptom, not a cause.

He and Life Central’s Prevention Services Director Debra Croft decided to take action.

“We started talking about ways we could do things differently so we could address the problem more effectively,“ Mr Gormlie said.

Life! Central has been rewarded for their impressive work, receiving a Resilience Australia Award in 2022.

Suicide Safer Communities believes the responsibility for suicide prevention rests with individuals,organisations,professionalgroups and services across the community and that suicide prevention/intervention/post-vention should be provided in a coordinated, holistic and integrated way according to the needs of the individual and community.

The team is now looking at partnering with nationwide organisations to create real change across Australia.

Councils endorse Western Port protection strategy

By Corey Everitt and Cam Lucadou-Wells

Casey and Cardinia Shire councils have endorsed a strategic plan to conserve the worldsignificant but under-threatWestern Port Bay.

They have called on other levels of government to be involved in the protection of the ecologically vital marine life and wetlands.

The strategic framework was created by the Victorian National Parks Association’s campaign called ‘Act for Western Port Bay’.

The document tells of Western Port acquiring some of the worst environmental health indicators across Victoria, with declining populations of certain marine life and bird species.

It had suffered “substantial change” due to “extensive clearing” of its catchment and coastal vegetation, draining of swamplands

and urban, agricultural and industrial development.

The water quality in five out of the nine estuaries flowing into Western Port are rated as very poor by the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability.

The bay was home to endangered species such as the Growling Grass Frog and the Southern Brown Bandicoot.

Casey chair administrator Noelene Duff is a member of the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation committee which put forward the plan.

“Western Port is a unique place on the world stage,“ she told a 16 May council meeting.

“It’s the only wetland in Victoria that has been recognised by both the UN as a biosphere reserve and also as an international

RAMSAR wetland for conservation.”

The bay lacked a “cohesive and coordinated approach to way it’s being planned and managed”.

According to the document, Western Port has been subjected to inconsistent planning decisions, inadequate monitoring, poor accountability and governance.

Administrator Miguel Belmar said a “new whole-bay approach” was needed.

It required a new strategic plan, a new collaborative management partnership and a dedicated fund.

“It’s important that … Western Port is not a second-order issue but a primary issue in terms of protecting its biodiversity and its assets.”

The plan’s objectives included the need for all future industrial proposals being as-

sessed in an “open and transparent” process, Mr Belmar noted.

Administrator Cameron Boardman said the initiative was “community led”, noting the collective of groups based in towns around the bay as well as larger environmental groups such as Save Western Port.

He said there were planning implications for bayside towns due to coastal and tidal erosion issues.

On 15 May, Cardinia Shire Council also endorsed the plan.

It calls on the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to establish a collaboration with Traditional Owners and relevant stakeholders such as Melbourne Water.

Casey occupies 35 kilometres of the Western Port coast.

From left: Life Central CEO Drew Gormlie,Life Central Prevention Services Director Debra Croft, Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp APM and HelpNet Software Engineer Micheal Findlay.

Picture: SUPPLIED

THE LOWDOWN Q&A with

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I love going on ghost tours. What do you love about the work you do with the Casey Cardinia Libraries?

Every day is different. I get to talk to new people all the time. I could go from connecting people to free resources within the library, showing someone how to scan a document, introducing a new family to our children’s programs or booking in a yoga class in the library.

What would your last meal be?

That’s a tough one. If it was favourite take away it would be a charcoal chicken and chips with gravy, or home cooked it would have to be my mum’s roast lamb.

What is your most memorable moment?

The moment I became a mum when my son was born.

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

12th March 1921, watching Edith Cowan be elected as the first woman into an Australian Parliament.

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

Marie Laveau, Janis Joplin and my Little Nana. What are you currently listening to, reading or watching?

Listening to Once for with Feeling the soundtrack (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), watching the current season of Ink Master and reading Free by Kristen Ashley. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

Does frog in a pond count?

Where is your dream holiday destination?

I would love to go to San Francisco one day.

What were you like as a kid?

Very independent, always wanted to do

Wendy Morrison, Customer Experience Officer at Casey Cardinia Libraries

THREE … facts about sea turtles

World Turtle Day will celebrate turtles across the globe on Tuesday 23 May. Here are some of the things that make them special.

1 Australia is home to six out of the seven sea turtle species in the world. These include the green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, olive ridley, and the flatback turtle.

2 Whether sea turtles are born male or female is dependent on the temperature of their nest. Cooler temperatures during incubation produce male hatchlings, while warmer ones produce females.

everything myself and of course, I was always reading!

What was your first job?

Working in a sandwich shop making lunches for the local tradies.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

What’s one question you have

always wanted answered? Why doesn’t the government see how valuable our public libraries are and increase our funding so we can continue to provide, improve and expand our services to our communities, especially those that are most vulnerable? More and more people are turning to their local library for help more than ever with the cost of living rising so dramatically.

3 Leatherback turtles have remained unchanged since they shared the land with dinosaurs! They are also one of the deepest diving mammals, reaching nearly 4000 feet deep.

Wendy loves sharing her favourite authors with new readers. 334708 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Emergency response crisis

By Emily Chapman Laing and

Matthew

Sims Berwick MP

Brad Battin has called out the Minister of Police over the Clyde North police station promised in the 2018 state election.

“One of the issues through the area is the Clyde North police station, which was committed to be open and operating by the 2018 election and then was recommitted again to be done and open by the 2022 election,” Mr Battin said.

“Now the only thing that has been done for that police station is there is a sign saying that it will be ready by 2025.

“I know that all the members that represent that area have seen growth in such numbers that most infrastructure will not keep up with it, but I think the infrastructure around ensuring we have safety should and must be put in as a priority.”

Mr Battin told State Parliament of alarming rates of car thefts and break-ins in the area,

leaving residents “fearful”.

According to the Crime Statistics Agency, overall crime in Clyde North increased by 26.35 per cent from 2022 to 2023, jumping from 1146 during 2022 to 1448 recorded offences in 2023.

Particular increases included property damage (36 per cent), theft (22.6 per cent) and assault (19.4 per cent).

While overall crime in Clyde North during 2023 fell by 3.9 per cent compared to 2022 figures, property damage increased by 14.8 per cent and theft saw a 12.1 per cent rise.

“The community is starting to come together and talk about this,” Mr Battin said.

“It is not just online; they have been approaching our office now and also their local media about, when they call police, the callout times, how long it takes Victoria Police to arrive, and some of the issues with people hanging around in the street.”

Mr Battin says with roadworks delaying

response times from Cranbourne and Narre Warren police, it is crucial the ball gets rolling on increasing Clyde North’s police presence.

“We have been calling on the government to build the station for a long period of time,” Mr Battin said.

“If we had the station, we could start putting Victoria Police in there, and I think then you would actually start to see people would feel safer.”

The Victorian Government has settled on the land for the station and saysVictoria Police are working on the“scope and design” of Clyde North’s new station.

The introduction of the 24-hour Police Assistance Line (PAL) in 2017 was designed to take the pressure away from Triple Zero in non-emergency situations.

The goal was to free up the line for lifethreatening situations, ensuring police response times were as efficient as possible.

Despite this, Mr Battin says the numbers simply aren’t there in the local police forces.

A Victorian government spokesperson says the Clyde area is“well serviced” by existing police resources in the region.

“We promised we’d deliver a state-of-theart police station in Clyde North and that’s what we will do,” they said.

“The Victorian Budget 2022-23 is delivering an additional 502 police and 50 Protective Service Officers (PSOs) over the next two years to meet the growing needs of the state, bringing more than 3,600 new police officers to our streets.

“As a part of this commitment, the Dandenong Division, which includes the Clyde North area has received an additional 225 sworn police since 2016.”

The new station will be located on the corner of Newgrange Boulevard and Matterhorn Drive.

Foundation supports new Men’s Shed activities room

By Emily Chapman Laing

The Cranbourne Casey Men’s Shed has opened a new activities room after receiving funding from the Cardinia Foundation.

“Since 2009 [the shed] has offered a safe, friendly venue for men in the City of Casey to meet and undertake activities that promote friendship, a sense of belonging, achievement and improved mental health,“ Cranbourne Casey Men’s Shed Committee Member Rob Adams said.

Recently the shed committee identified that a number of men were keen to join a men’s shed but found the workshop environment where most projects were centered did not meet their needs because of health concerns including dust, noise and dangerous tools.

“A decision was made to seek funding to build an Activities Room separate to the woodworking workshop where men could participate in other activities and enjoy the benefits a men’s shed can offer,“ Mr Adams said.

Financial assistance was sought through grant programs and grants were secured from the Cardinia Foundation, City of Casey and the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

Mr Adams said the generosity and support is highly appreciated.

Paul Thomas, Chairman of the Cardinia Foundation said after Covid-19, it was important to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the local community.

“The Men’s Shed wanted to update their facilities with new air conditioner, kitchen appliances, a television, computer, gaming console and games to offer their members more activities and reach a broader range of members other than those just interested in

woodwork,“ he said.

“The Men’s Shed is a great not for profit that not only brings the community together, but works on different projects that benefit the whole community.“

This project was ultimately funded by the Cardinia Casey Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch.

Mr Thomas said The Men’s Shed provides an inclusive environment which assists social interactions, mental health and generally assists well being.

“As the population grows in the local area,

the Cardinida Foundation believes in building a strong, healthy and diverse community and through our programs we help local community groups to thrive,“ he said.

“The needs across the region are significant with a diverse range of needs and it is vital group such as the Foundation are able to provide important financial support.“

The Activities Room offers coffee and a socialising space, TV and video, computer access, music, darts, hookey and quoits, a small library area, chess and other board and card games.

The shed is located in the grounds of Blairlogie Adult Living and Learning Inc.

Mr Adams encourages local men to visit the shed and see how it can contribute to their lives.

The Cardinia Foundation has recently undergone a major change in strategic direction and will be working to provide more funds to the community and assisting bigger projects and ultimately having greater impact but the Foundation will now focus on Cardinia Shire Council area only in the future.

L to R: Rob C,Tim,Alan,John,Dennis,Rob A,Ken and Tony enjoy the new activities room.

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

‘Voice’ for shared stories

By Sahar Foladi

A new magazine is bringing a new ‘voice’ for women’s stories and issues in the South East.

As part of the Empowering Communities grants from the Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria, Wellsprings for Women worked vigorously to deliver the ‘Be the Voice’ magazine to the community, a project funded by the City of Casey.

The informative resource features stories on sexual assault, early and forced marriages and coercive control, supported by statistics.

Hannah Wright, co-design facilitator of the project, said creating a safe environment for important conversations and stories to “reveal themselves” is vital.

“The main things I’ve loved about the process, which is something I believe in strongly, is connecting as a group when doing the work and allowing space for stated stories.”

So, when the graphic designer suggested a magazine format, something the organisation hasn’t used in its previous projects, they became excited.

“When everyone heard that, they said that’s most perfect because we should give everyone their own voice and that’s how it came to be called, ‘Be the Voice.’

“It’s important to acknowledge this issue is

not just a migrant refugee issue. It’s an issue all over Australia,” Ms Wright said.

The magazine is largely derived from the stories of 10 women from diverse backgrounds including, Afghan and Indian.

Alia (Marzia), Araig, Fahima, Fereshtah, Lina, Mehak, Nadia, Nasira, Priyanka and Qamaria are the 10 women who met for two hours for 10 week which consisted of generating conversations, sharing stories and much

more.

The 300 copies of the magazine will be distributed all over in the community, at local agencies and at Wellsprings’ meetings and networking events while digital versions will be available for widespread use.

Chief executive officer, Dalal Smiley said with enough funding and a real demand for more hard copies, they’ll look to print more copies.

NarreWarren South MP Gary Maas said he’s proud to be part of a government that supports these programs in the community.

“Once upon a time we didn’t talk about it. Now the solutions are emanating from grassroots level and permeating through the community.

“It wasn’t that long ago that there used to be this top-down approach to put solutions through. We now know from experience that approach doesn’t work.

“We want to partner not only with local government but with the entire grassroots organisation to ensure these works continue.”

Wellsprings announced the round two funding they’ve received to take this project even further working closely with the 10 women.

Gender equality practitioner, Aviva White said they’ll hold onto the pillar of co-design for the next project and build on the skills and knowledge of the women.

“They’ll deliver supported community safety sessions on sexual assault, early and forced marriages and coercive control to their own community members.

“We might choose them to do it online or in their language. The way they’ll be delivered will be up to the women.”

Round two is a one year project kick-starting from July this year.

Legacy of loved ones live on thanks to volunteers

By Matthew Sims

The legacy and significance of one’s life is a delicate gift.

No one is more aware of this fact than Palliative Care South East companion volunteer Pam Glover, who has been instrumental in the organisation’s Sharing My Story biography program.

Ahead of National Volunteer Week (Monday 15 May to Sunday 21 May), PCSE is celebrating the value of its 50 volunteers, helping those receiving end-of-life support.

The former school teacher started volunteering in 2014 and helped launch the Sharing My Story program in 2016, which involves three or four volunteers visiting PCSE clients and allowing them to talk about their lives.

The team have a portable scanner on hand and collate the story into a full-size book.

Ms Glover said while clients often approached the program with an amount of reservation about how interesting their life story is, they were always impressed with how much they have achieved.

“They get a lot of validation,“ she said.

“They don’t want to be forgotten.

“It’s a wonderful process to go through.“

OPINION

LENSCAPE

for those receiving palliative care before their death. 334687

Ms Glover said she had completed more than 75 biographies since starting the program.

“I feel very humbled,“ she said.

“It is a privilege.

“I learn something every time.“

Ms Glover said each client has an “amazing experience“ to share.

“I feel quite honoured to be part of their lives,“ she said.

“I would encourage anyone who has got the time to volunteer in some way.“

Another PCSE volunteer who has dedicated a number of years to supporting those in palliative care with a life-limiting illness is Hampton Park’s Gwen Clough.

Twice widowed, the 84-year-old has a deep understanding of the grief others feel when they are losing a loved one to a terminal disease.

As a volunteer companion, Ms Clough takes clients shopping, to medical appointments, for walks or coffee and has held the hands of grieving widows and sat at the bedsides of the elderly as they share their anger and fears.

Berwick’s Josie Mastroianni is also a volunteer companion to Casey residents with a life-limiting or terminal illness.

For the past seven years, she has provided companionship to vulnerable clients who are lonely or isolated, visiting clients weekly and providing them with the opportunity to go for a coffee, get help with their shopping or taking some time out to talk.

Ms Mastroianni’s Italian heritage and bi-

lingual skills enable her to support a number of elderly clients who originally immigrated from Italy in the post-War years.

PCSE community liaison officer Rochelle Dullard said PCSE’s volunteers are “kind, compassionate and supportive“ to clients in their time of need.

“These people are willing to support others at the end of life,“ she said.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to be a part of a program with such volunteers.“

Ms Dullard said another aspect to be celebrated is how well the volunteers adapted to the Covid pandemic and providing support with restricted personal contact.

“The greatest success story is our volunteer’s willingness to adapt and how quickly they adapted,“ she said.

“They went above and beyond to teach themselves how to do things so they could continue providing emotional support for clients.

“It is an incredible testament to their commitment and shows how invested they are in figuring out what they can do to help.“

For more information on how to volunteer with PCSE, visit palliativecaresoutheast.org. au/how-you-can-help/volunteer.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To all the road works at the moment, can’t leave this town without coming across one or five.

Thumbs up

To all the emergency workers.

Thank you for your dedication.

Thumbs down

To potholes all over Melbourne. Fix our roads Mr. Dan the Crazy Old Man.

Thumbs down

To the new Thompson’s Road intersection. I was stuck sitting there for 20 minutes the lights take so long, what a ridiculous waste of money.

Thumbs up

To everyone who posts photos of lost animals online to help them get home safely.

Thumbs up

To David Nutting for the outstanding community work he does each week.

Thumbs up

To all the mums with special needs kids.

Thumbs up

To the amazing support for the Petite Pantry.

Thumbs up

To everyone who puts the effort in to recycle properly.

Thumbs up

For the lady at Parkhill Junction

Coles who paid for my items when I left my purse at home, it was the first time I had done it and I was so embarrassed. It’s people like her who make the world go around.

Palliative Care South East volunteer Pam Glover has created more than 70 personal biographies

Picture: MATTHEW SIMS

‘Be the Voice’ magazine is largely derived from stories of 10 women from diverse backgrounds including,Afghan and Indian. 331711

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Spectacular firetruck racing game gets everyone drenched at the Hampton Park CFA Open Day. 328524 Picture: ROB CAREW

New end-of-life support

By Matthew Sims

The transition from learning you have a lifelimiting illness into death has become a little bit easier for south-east Victorians.

Palliative Care South East (PCSE) officially opened its new purpose-built Palliative Care Community Wellbeing Hub in Narre Warren on Wednesday 10 May.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and Berwick MP Brad Battin joined staff members and community members to celebrate the opening of the new space.

First launched in July 1985 in David Street in Dandenong with limited space, the new space features a purpose-built education room, occupational therapy equipment, onsite couselling rooms and clinical rooms, an art therapy room and a social enterprise cafe providing about 500 weekly visitors with a peek into the role which palliative care plays in their community.

The building was completed thanks to a $2 million state government investment announced last year.

The not-for-profit organisation provides home-based care to more than 1000 clients a year in Dandenong and Casey, parts of Kingston and Cardinia.

The launch also included a special dance performance from Hampton Park Wurundjeri dance group Djirri Djirri, led by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung woman Mandy Nicholson.

PCSE chief executive Kelly Rogerson said they were “thrilled“ to welcome the public at the launch.

“This hub provides a beautiful welcoming space for our staff and volunteers to work and be supported, for our community to visit and

receive supportive care and it provides the opportunity to expand our service delivery options,“ she said.

“Itreflectsthehardworkofourstaffandsupporters and the fundraising efforts of many.“

Ms Rogerson thanked architect Jake Kelly and the builders at Newpol for their work on the project.

“The building was built on the generosity of so many individuals...our volunteers and staff...and extraordinarily generous business partnerships who gave us furniture at cost price and listened to the stories our clients and carers and knew that each dollar we saved would be allocated to new services to support their community,“ she said.

PCSE board chair Margaret O’Connor AM said while the building was new, the ethos of the staff would remain the same.

“We continue to offer spiritual care and

clinical care through palliative care physicians, skilled clinical nurses and nurse practitioners,“ she said.

“Today, we have a beautiful welcoming space for both staff and volunteers to work and where they are supported.“

PCSE took in 1300 referrals, took in 900 new clients and supported 737 people to die during the 2021-22 financial year, 80 per cent of which died in their place of choice.

Demand for palliative care was expected to grow by 50 per cent across Australia by 2035 and double by 2050.

Ms Thomas said she was proud to help support the new hub’s construction and development.

“We often think of palliative care as end-oflife, but it’s so much more than that,“ she said.

“This new hub is just one example of how we’re delivering Victorians the end-of-life care

they need and deserve, no matter where they live.”

Member for Narre Warren North Belinda Wilson said the new hub would provide close support for those requiring care in Melbourne’s south east.

“Palliative Care South East now has the world-class facility they need to support more people across Melbourne’s south-east to get the end-of-life care they need close to home,“ she said.

One of the founding members of the organisation Dr Ruth Redpath was present during the launch and said it was “extraordinary“ to see the new building come to fruition.

“The thought and planning to make this a welcoming space, I can only imagine what an extra contribution to the community it’s going to make,“ she said.

“It’s quite overwhelming.“

Casey Council and Federation University partner up

By Matthew Sims

Casey Council and Federation University

Australia have renewed their partnership via a memorandum of understanding (MoU), following an initial partnership signed between the council and the university in 2020.

Expiring on 31 December 2024, the partnership would focus on developing a shared voice for the Berwick Health and Education Precinct, with the council and the university planning to work with partners and key stakeholders to help realise the vision of the precinct as a hub of knowledge, technology, health, education, research and employment for Melbourne’s south east.

The council and the university would also collaborate on projects and initiatives which contribute to solutions for environmental issues, innovative and responsive health and wellbeing services and resilience in current strategic and emerging industry sectors for a stronger local economy.

The partnership would also involve the council and the university working with stakeholders to identify gaps in knowledge and skills, come up with strategies to develop a skilled workforce in the region and promote local employment.

Casey Council chair administrator Noelene Duff PSM said the council was “pleased“ to renew the partnership.

“We particularly look forward to working closely with the university and our stakeholders to enable upskilling, skill alignment and increased employment pathways for Casey residents,“ she said.

“Our economic development strategy is to stimulate the knowledge economy and enhance relationships between academia, industry and government to cultivate a skilled workforce that is aligned to the needs of our local businesses.“

Federation University Australia Berwick campus head Kathy Racunica said the uni-

versity was “excited“ to continue to work alongside the council to find solutions to local problems in areas such as health, employment and the environment.

“By collaborating with government and implementing the Co-operative Education Model to create programs that are collaboratively designed, developed and delivered with industry, we can identify skills and knowledge gaps and build a pipeline of qualified graduates to address local workforce shortages and help grow opportunities in the south east region,“ she said.

The existing partnership between Casey Council and Federation University has resulted in the implementation of a number of projects, including addressing workforce shortages in Maternal Child Health Nursing (MCH), joint research initiatives on environment matters and sport participation and collaborative efforts in the region’s jobs and skills development.

There are many ways you can give us a hand.

Federation University Australia Berwick campus head Kathy Racunica and Casey Council chair administrator Noelene Duff PSM are excited for the ongoing partnership. Picture: SUPPLIED

Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson, Palliative Care South East chief executive Kelly Rogerson, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and PCSE board chair Margaret O’Connor AM helped officially open the community wellbeing hub. 334358 Pictures: MATTHEW SIMS

Staff members placed a leaf in a bowl of water to represent the stages of life. 334358

Forging ahead

By Sahar Foladi

Chisholm Institute has appointed its first female Educational manager in the traditionally male-dominated engineering faculty.

Avril Switalla joined Chisholm as a teacher in 2019 and by 2022 she was promoted to her new role.

She said she’s excited to be the first female in her role.

“I’m really proud to be supporting manufacturing in the South East of course supporting women in trade as well.

“I think there’s certainly a wonderful future in the manufacturing especially in the South East.”

Ms Switalla was way ahead of her time as a ‘hands-on’ child growing up.

“In high school I was interested in science and technology and any subjects I could use my hands with.

“I remember making a go cart back in Year 10, welding it together and working in a team for an engineering project. And from then I was hooked,” she said.

She went on to complete her Bachelor degree in Engineering in 2004 and is now busy supporting upcoming engineers as the demand only rises.

“There’s certainly increasing demand for skilled workers in manufacturing.

“Here in Chisholm we’re definitely committed to supporting women in trade through providing support and resources they need to succeed in the industry which is traditionally dominated by men.”

Ms Switalla said as more females enter the field, there’s also been drastic change in classrooms.

“We’re certainly seeing an increase in the amount of females enrolling in our programs.

“Even in our secondary schools offerings this year alone there’s been a large increase in

the number of females enrolled in our Certificate II programs as part of their VET. The introduction of STEM has helped drive the numbers.”

Chisholm has 800 students across all Engineering courses and programs.

Chisholm is currently working in collaboration with Jobs Victoria to allow job seekers, middle-aged women and those with CALD backgrounds to earn as they learn about engineering.

“I would certainly encourage women to take part in the project if interested in welding as machine operator or fabrication.

“It’s a fabulous way to get your foot in the door into manufacturing.”

The aim of the project is to recruit 100 job seekers from priority cohorts into employment in the manufacturing sector.

The Jobs Victoria Engineering Project will run until April 2024, with the vast majority of recruitment to be done in 2023.

Rent reduction an ‘insult’

From page 1

Since Jasman Pty Ltd took over the village in 2021, the shops have remained empty as high rental rates attract few applicants. The old hardware store sits over 180 square metres.

Previously, it was advertised at $81,000 per year.

This has now been reduced to $63,000, a reduction of nearly $20,000 per year.

Likewise the old milkbar and butcher have seen substantial rent decreases, down to $48,000 and $31,160 respectively.

“It’s a massive insult to the long term, hard working businesses that were forced out,” Brenda Joy said.

“I think they should come visit and apologise for the damage they have done with their mindless attitude to all the current shopkeepers still here,” Darryn Bass said.

Other Pearcedale residents are questioning why the local council hasn’t stepped in on their behalf.

“It’s not good enough. Where is our council?“ Helen Babauta said.

“Casey council has done nothing to save this shopping centre, this community hub,“ June Godfree said.

City of Casey Manager of Growth and Investment Kathryn Seirlis says the council is aware of the issues surrounding the shopping village, but have no power to change the outcome.

“We sympathise with the businesses affected and acknowledge this is a challenging time,“ she said.

“Unfortunately, Council has no power over tenancy agreements, as they are often market driven.

“Council will continue to offer its support where possible.“

The vacant stores have also changed

hands, yet again, to a new property management team.

A Facey property management spokesperson told Star News in April they were considering dropping the Pearcedale Shopping Village from their listings.

“It takes so long to get anything over the line,” they said.

They said the company continued to provide the landlord with valuable tenants, and they continue to get knocked back.

Now the properties are under the management of Cameron property group members John Guastella and Kerri Skews.

Cameron Property Group said they will not be commenting on the issue.

A spokesperson for Jasman said the company was investing in ensuring the right mix of tenants to facilitate post-Covid recovery for the Pearcedale Village Shopping Centre.

“Jasman are very keen to attract the right tenant mix to the Pearcedale Village Shopping Centre,” they said.

“We have instructed our letting agents to provide significant incentives to encourage a dynamic mix of experienced retail operators.”

Ms Switalla using a virtual wielding machine. 334164

Rental rate decrease signage outside the Pearcedale Shopping Village. 334328

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mums’ safe space

By Emily Chapman Laing

A NARRE Warren South mother-daughter duo are trying to dismantle the unnatural expectations of motherhood.

Yvette O’Dowd and her daughter Kaitlyn Greig are the team behind the Southern Natural Parenting Network (SNPN).

Yvette is a qualified breastfeeding counsellor, who ran a successful breastfeeding drop-in centre in Melbourne for five years.

With an extensive background in maternity, babywearing education and breastfeeding, Yvette saw she could fulfil a need within her community.

“I wanted as safe environment where five core things were shared by everyone, and then we could talk about everything else,“ Yvette said.

Yvette explained the SNPN community is like a “village“ to support mums as they raise their children.

SNPN members have five core tenants in common that serve as the foundation from which they explore their natural parenting journeys.

Co-sleeping, baby-wearing, breastfeeding, using cloth nappies and baby-led weaning are the main practices of the SNPN community.

Yvette noted that in regular parenting groups online, some of these practices would get heavy push back, leaving mothers feeling even more isolated.

“They take your choices as judgement of their choices, and I think [motherhood] is probably the only stage of life where that’s such a big thing,“ she said.

SNPN started as a Facebook group in 2014, and quickly grew from 100 members to 11,000.

One post reached 50,000 viewers, blowing Yvette’s expectations out of the water.

“It brought people together in a way that showed them they were far form the only person doing the things they were doing,“ she said.

SNPN focuses on “respective, responsive and gentle“ parenting.

This means validation for the child’s feelings, understanding and explanation of experiences, and gentle discipline over harsh punishment.

“It’s not a group of perfect parents,“ Yvette said.

“We still raise our voices sometimes,“ Kaitlyn added.

“The difference is we might apologise later and explain that we had big feelings.“

Yvette says their model is one of reflecting the type of behaviour they wish to see in their children.

“Often people are expecting behaviour from a child they’re not exhibiting themselves,“ she said.

SNPN was thriving in the local community, with weekly social sessions and babywearing try-on days.

COVID presented a host of challenges for SNPN, who were no longer able to hold crucial face-to-face events.

“There was a two year period where mothers and babies weren’t coming together,“ Yvette said.

“My son Teddy has hardly played with kids his own age,“ Kaitlyn added.

While online mother’s groups were available, Kaitlyn admitted the participants weren’t getting as much out of it as if they were faceto-face.

The team are now trying to kick off in-person events again.

Previously, SNPN held weekly playground meet ups for mums to socialise in a childfriendly environment.

“There was one point where we were averaging 20 mums, and once we got up to 60,“ Yvette said.

The group also hold babywearing sessions, where expectant or new mums can try on a host of baby carriers to find their right fit.

The babywearing group is run entirely money-free, with carriers being donated from manufacturers, spaces offered for free and no cost to participants.

Though Yvette stresses the donations do not necessarily come with a positive review- if a carrier has negative qualities, these are highlighted impartially.

SNPN has weighted baby dolls for use in the carrier try-on sessions, so mums don’t feel the nervous pang of putting an infant in a new carrier for the first time.

“We take them through it with the demo dolls, and then we take them through it with their baby, with us there,“ Yvette said.

“We will do that as many times as they need us to. We will be there to help.“

Yvette and Kaitlyn joked about how odd they look carrying the life-like dolls to the car, stuffed under their arms.

The benefits of babywearing have been known far back in human history, Yvette says.

“Babies are biologically wired to live [on a mother’s chest],“ she said.

“If you don’t have a baby carrier, they’re not going to be in a bassinet, they’re going to be in your arms.“

Research from the Universite de Montreal

found evidence of the use of baby carriers 10,000 years in the past.

Yvette says the baby carriers give back a level of freedom to mothers that is otherwise missed out on.

“It allows you to meet their needs and your needs,“ she said.

Yvette says eventually children will naturally branch away from the carrier, but it remains vital in the first three months of life.

“It would be easier if we had a pouch, the amount babies need to be on us,“Yvette joked.

“Babies don’t come with a 2023 update. They’re still living in a primitive world, where if they’re not being held they could be eaten, and they don’t want to be eaten.

“It’s about going back to an intuitive and supportive relationship with the child.“

Yvette is passionate about transforming social views towards motherhood, women’s bodies and the post-birth journey.

She says ideally, the government would instate 12 months of paid parental leave, allowing breastfeeding mothers to do so until full term.

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life.

Beyond that, WHO says breastfeeding remains an important source of nutrition until the 24 month mark.

However, the Victorian Paid Parental Leave scheme is only offered for 20 weeks, or five months.

Yvette says the pressure on women to return to work shortly after giving birth is unnatural.

“It’s like giving birth and having a newborn is blip in your CV,“ she said.

“We need to honour the importance of the mother-baby dyad.

“We need to honour and respect mothers, not dismiss them.“

Police Airwing assists with mutiple arrests

The Airwing was in the right place at the right time overnight Tuesday assisting members on the ground with arrests in Cranbourne and Bangholme within five minutes of each other.

In the first incident the Airwing was called in to assist after a car, seen driving erratically in a nearby suburb, was spotted travelling approximately 150km/h in an 80km/h zone on Ballarto Road about 3.15am.

With help from the air, the stolen vehicle was followed as it travelled along Hall Road, Frankston Cranbourne Road and then onto the South Gippsland Freeway where officers successfully deployed stop sticks.

The car continued for a short distance onto Thompsons Road before the driver lost control and crashed into a ditch.

A man and woman tried to run from the

crashed car before police caught up with them following a foot chase.

The pair, aged in their early 20s, are currently assisting police with their enquiries.

No sooner had the Airwing pulled away from the successful Cranbourne arrest they were called to Seaford after a car speed off from police in Yazaki Way.

Officers attempted to intercept the car after they noticed one of the headlights was out and it appeared to be roving in an industrial area.

The Airwing was able to track the car and guide officers on the ground to a property in Smith Street Carrum where the male driver was arrested.

The 37-year-old man is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Deficit for library corp

By Matthew Sims

Casey Council has endorsed the upcoming budget for the Casey Cardinia Library Corporation (CCLC), detailing a $118,997 deficit for the 2023-24 period due to the withdrawal of Cardinia Council from the corporation on 1 November 2022.

At its council meeting on Tuesday 16 May, administrators passed a motion to approve the CCLC Draft Budget 20232024, an update of the CCLC Library Plan 2021-2025 (updated 2023) and the CCLC Draft Strategic Resource Plan 2023-2027 documents, as well as note the 2023 update of the CCLC Facilities Development Plan 2023-2027 document.

The 2023-24 budget detailed a total revenue of $9,603,487, including a $7,198,580 contribution from Casey Council and a $2,207,392 investment from the State Government.

The total expenditure outlined in the budget was $9,722,484, including $6,607,846 in employee costs, $102,960 in promotions and marketing and $1,505,013 in library materials.

The CCLC currently services the community at the Bunjil Place Library, Cranbourne Library, Doveton Library, Endeavour Hills Library and Hampton Park Library.

Administrator Miguel Belmar said it was positive to see the reports detail ongoing improvement goals across the five facilities.

“The community can be assured that there is a focus on continual improvement of our library facilities,“ he said.

“It’s an excellent report that sets out how the library is going to do the work that it continues to need to do and to provide services to the community in its new structure.

“I note in particular that there has been a reduction in income because of the separation from Cardinia.“

According to the 2023 update of the CCLC Library Plan 2021-2025, Casey was forecasted to grow by 40 per cent between 2023 and 2041, from 392,236 to 551,362, with hotspots being in new residential areas around Clyde and Cranbourne.

About 30 per cent of residents in Casey were under 19 years old, with the median age at 34, with children found at 57 per cent of Casey households.

The communities served by CCLC speak more than 140 languages and are from more than 150 cultural groups.

According to the plan, the CCLC aimed to achieve four main strategic goals: to create safe, welcoming spaces which provide free access to information, knowledge and resources, to strengthen partnerships and encourage innovation, to contribute to thriving, healthy and inclusive communities and to strengthen its capacity to lead, adapt and innovate to meet changing community needs.

The CCLC has projected it would have more than 980,000 visits for the 2022-23 year and outlined a target of 1,030,335 by 2025-26.

In terms of memberships, the CCLC has projected it would have 89,400 for 2022-23, with a target to reach 102,065 by 2025-26.

Administrator Cameron Boardman congratulated the Casey Council and CCLC staff for their efforts in adapting to the new corporate structure.

“It is something that, from a community usability basis, we are extremely proud of,“ he said.

“It’s not just a place, these days, to borrow books and to use for community facilities.

“There is a range of digital services, there are meeting facilities, there are community events.”

A man and woman attempted to flee the Cranbourne arrest on foot. Picture: SUPPLIED

Yvette (left), Kaitlyn and 2-year-old Teddy. 334532

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Sex offender avoids jail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A 59-year-old father of two has been handed a suspended jail sentence over the sexual abuse of a girl in Narre Warren South 23 years ago.

The man, who is not named so to not identify the victim, had been minding his neighbours’ daughter aged between 7 and 9 at his home at the time. He was found guilty by aVictorian County Court jury of four indecent acts with a child under 16, and not guilty of three other charges.

The four acts happened during a ‘Truth or Dare’ game initiated by the man, who is 30 years older than his victim. His family and the neighbours were close friends at the time, with children of similar ages. The man was in a “position of trust” minding his friends’ daughter in a place they thought was “safe”, sentencing judge Carolene Gwynn noted on 9 May.

The girl reported the incident to her parents, who chose not to pursue the matter. As an adult, she laid a complaint to police in 2016.

In a victim impact statement, the girl said her self-esteem was still affected by the abuse.

She grew up with feelings of isolation, guilt and shame. For years, she had trouble trusting male authority figures, her relationship with her parents was impacted and she had selfharmed. Now she has constant concerns for her own children’s safety.

“I will never be able to recover who I was and could have been.

“It happened at such a vulnerable age. I grieve the lost innocence every day.”

The man, who pleaded not guilty, maintained he was innocent. Judge Gwynn said the victim’s statement was a “stark reminder”

that the impact of child sexual abuse endures a long time after the event.

“There is a harsh reality in that the offenders move on with their lives while the victims of sexual offending simply do not.”

She said the sentence would be less severe due to the “extraordinary” and “unprecedented” delay of six aborted trials since the man was charged in 2017.

Three of the trials were abandoned due to the Covid pandemic. Twice, the jury was discharged and another abandoned due to a prosecutor falling ill. All were reasons out of the man’s control that added additional stress on him, the victim and the victim’s family, the judge noted. She denounced his offending as “serious” and “abhorrent”, his moral culpability as high, but noted the offending was without“aggravating” features such as penetration.

The Noble Park-raised man had no relevant criminal history before or since, and his rehabilitation prospects were “excellent, if not achieved”.

“I find you do not pose a risk to the community.”

If jailed, the accused was at an elevated risk of severely worsened mental health, Judge Gwynn found. She noted his complete lack of familiarity with prison, being separated from his wife of 38 years, his depression and suicide attempt since charged, as well as immobility due to a degenerative spinal condition.

In what was an “extremely difficult” sentencing exercise, the man’s 31-month jail sentence was fully suspended for three years.

He must report as a registered sexual offender for eight years.

Glass recycling roll out

The City of Casey will see new ways to recycle rolling out across the municipality over the next four years.

New purple-lidded glass recycling bins are being introduced in local government areas across the state.

By separating glass, Victoria will be able to recycle more glass into new products and re-use more materials from the yellow mixed recycling bin due to reduced contamination from glass.

City of Casey Manager Sustainability and Waste, Michael Jansen says Casey will see the introduction of these new bins in 2027.

“As part of the rollout of the State Government Kerbside Reforms, we have started the standardisation of kerbside bins for all new and replacement bin requests across Casey,“ he said.

“We already provide a food and garden organic service and will implement a separate glass collection by 2027.

“Casey welcomes the state-wide rollout of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) later this year, and will analyse the impact of the CDS to best design the details of the future glass service.“

The glass bin will work alongside Victoria’s new container deposit scheme, CDS Vic, which commences on November 1 2023 – making it easier for Victorians to recycle their glass whether they are at home or out in the community.

The Labor Government has invested $129 million to buy new bins, improve drop-off facilities, deliver education campaigns and ensure they have the infrastructure in place to roll out these reforms.

The four-stream recycling system is a key part of the Labor Government’s waste and recycling reforms, aiming to divert 80 per cent of all material away from landfill by

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading roads to reduce congestion and improve travel times. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel, taking our busiest train lines through a new tunnel under the city to run more trains to and from our suburbs.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

8pm 19 May to 8.30pm 21 May Caulfield to Westall 9pm to last train, 25 May

Road disruptions: Closed roads and intersection

Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne West

Hall Road, Cranbourne West

Evans Road, Cranbourne West

Until 26 JuneBetween Willow Glen and Ranfurlie boulevards

Until 26 June Between Cranbourne-Frankston Road and Banyan Drive

Until 26 JuneBetween Hall Road and Strathlea Drive

2030, including 20,000 tonnes of glass.

The government says these reforms will create nearly 4,000 new jobs for Victorians and boost the state’s economy by up to $6.7 billion by 2030.

The initiative is backed by the Government’s $515 million investment to deliver the biggest ever transformation of the waste and recycling sector in the state’s history.

Acting Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio says the program will make recycling easier for Australians.

“The four-stream recycling system will work alongside our new Container Deposit Scheme to make it easier than ever for Victorians to recycle their glass, so that it can be turned into new products,” she said.

“Our new household recycling services will maximise our recycling capacity, create new jobs and divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030, while helping to reduce emissions by 50 per cent”

GlassbinswillgreetCaseyresidentsin 2027.

Picture:GENERIC

Hospital death preventable

By Eleanor Wilson

Monash Health has made significant changes to suicide safeguarding practises, in the wake of a 2019 Casey Hospital death which was deemed by the Coroner’s Court to be preventable.

On 28 April 2019, a 50-year-old man, who was a compulsory inpatient in the Berwick hospital’s mental health ward at the time, was found deceased in his hospital room, a 16 March inquest hearing heard.

In the 20 April inquest findings, Coroner Catherine Fitzgerald concluded that the man’s death was preventable, due to the presence of known ligature points in the room.

The ligature points were identified as being “ medium risk” by Monash Health during ligature point audits conducted in 2016 and 2017, but were “not prioritised” for removal, according to a statement by Monash Health program director professor David Clarke.

A third audit conducted in 2018 did not identify the wardrobe doors and hinges as ligature points, which meant the risk posed by the points was not considered after that audit.

The ligature points were not removed until two days after the man’s death, on 30 April 2019.

The court heard the man had “a significant

history of mental health issues” and was diagnosed with depression, opiate and alcohol abuse and antisocial personality disorder.

He also had a previous history of psychiatric inpatient admissions in 2015, 2016 and 2017, on a background of suicidal ideation and had attempted suicide in 2016.

On 30 March 2019 he was section to the Royal Melbourne Hospital under the Mental Health Act, after he was found “behaving erratically” on a Brunswick roof, believing that people were chasing him.

The court heard his daughter, who he lived with at the time, had noticed his mental health deteriorating in the month’s leading up to his death, noting that he was beginning to suffer from paranoia and auditory hallucinations.

He spent nine days in the Mental Health Ward of Sunshine Hospital before he was transferred to Casey Hospital on 13 April.

Upon his arrival at Casey Hospital, he was assessed as being at high risk of suicide and was initially managed with 15-minute observations by nurses and was later approved for day leave.

In the days before his death, the man was regarded by the treating psychiatrist as being “low risk” and he therefore remained in a low dependency unit.

On the morning of his death, he denied

thoughts of self-harm.

He was found in his room by an enrollednurse about 7:20pm that night and was declared deceased at 8:15pm, despite resuscitation attempts in the Emergency Department.

Monash Health said “an inadequate staff mix and training for those managing ligature audits; and inadequate procedure for followup of ligature audits” was responsible for the failure to identify the ligature point risk.

In an internal review conducted after the man’s death, Monash Health concluded that the presence of a ligature point was a “main factor” contributing to his death.

As a result of the internal review findings, changes were made to the ligature audit process, which are now conducted annually by two or three people from several wards.

Monash Health also developed a “Mental Health Inpatient Ligature Point Assessment and Management Procedure” in the wake of the man’s death.

But a legal representative for the family of the deceased, Associate Professor Jonathan Phillips said Monash Health “failed to provide him with a safe hospital environment”.

He said it is “well understood by health systems and individual hospitals” that disturbed persons will use the means available to them to attempt to take their lives and the method

used by the deceased was an “obvious method“ and “not a new understanding“.

It was “unreasonable“ that the ligature point was not removed, given more than two years had passed since its initial identification, Assoc. Prof Phillips said.

Ms Fitzgerald agreed the presence of the ligature points in the man’s room “was inherently unsafe having regard to [ the deceased’s] known risk of suicide“.

“The removal of these ligature points from the inpatient Unit was clearly not a difficult or time-consuming task, as it was completed within two days of Mr Harvey’s death,” she said.

“It cannot be known whether [the man] would have found some other means to take his own life at this time, had the known ligature point not been available to him, but he would not have had the opportunity to take his life in the way he did, had the known ligature point been removed.”

Ms Fitzgerald said the response and internal review process following the man’s death “adequately addressed” the issues at hand.

If you, or someone you know needs support, connect with Lifeline by phone 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat at lifeline.org.au/ crisis-chat.

Workers are excluded

By Emily Chapman Laing South-Easter Metropolitan Region MP David Limbrick

has called for the Minister of Local Government to review Casey council’s meeting time.

“Constituents in Casey council have made it clear they are not happy with the monthly council meeting time of 4 pm,” Mr Limbrick told State Parliament on Thursday 4 May. “Constituents say that working people are being excluded from meetings.

“Other councils hold their meetings at times when people can attend.”

Mr Limbrick stressed the inefficacy of council meetings being scheduled at a time when many Casey residents are “still at work or caring for their kids after school”.

The issue has reportedly been raised often to administrators at council meetings, with locals growing more frustrated as the problem remains unaddressed.

“As the council is still under administration, there are no councillors to take this matter to,” Mr Limbrick said.

The City of Casey administrators have said they will not be reviewing the scheduled meeting time until December.

Principals named for new schools

Principals have been named for two new schools being delivered in Clyde North and Officer.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins highlighted the Labor Government’s nationleading new school construction program and announced Sharon Mitchell as Principal of Officer Brunt Road Primary School (interim name), with Marc de Ley announced as Principal of nearby Clyde North Alexander Boulevard Primary School (interim name).

Local Member for Pakenham EmmaVulin visited Officer Brunt Road Primary School on Thursday along with upper house MPs Michael Galea and Lee Tarlamis.

Together with new principals Sharon Mitchell and Marc de Ley they toured the new school buildings under construction.

Marc de Ley has been an educator in government schools for more than 20 years and is eager to work with the local community, ensuring a thriving school that delivers for the young people and families in the Clyde North area.

Beginning her career in primary schools across South Gippsland, Sharon Mitchell is excited to collaborate with the school community to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where all children can learn and achieve.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins says the growth corridor suburbs need investment in educational infrastructure to match the growing communities.

“We’re ensuring students and teachers across the state have the 21st century modern learning facilities they need, just like these much-needed schools, enabling them to reach their full potential,” she said.

Member for South Eastern Metropolitan LeeTarlamis says the modern facilities of the new school will match the standard ofVictorian teaching.

“We’re ensuring that all children across the State, including our fastest growing communities, have modern facilities to match the quality of Victorian teaching and learning - ensuring the best possible educational

outcomes,” he said.

Likewise, Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Michael Galea says the new schools will be an invaluable addition to the growing communities.

“It’s wonderful to officially welcome our new principals Marc and Sharon, who I’m sure will do an outstanding job setting up these new schools.”

With both schools on track to open in Term 1, the principals will now prepare for the 2024 school year – with recruitment for teachers and staff and designing a curriculum underway, ensuring their local communities have great local schools close to home.

“Congratulations to the new principals on their appointment. It is exciting seeing the progress on these new, state- of-the-art schools for our growing community in the South East - and announcing principals is another important milestone on the road to these schools opening for the 2024 school year,” said Member for Pakenham Emma Vulin.

“My question is, will the minister investigate why the meetings are being held at 4 pm, whether the community has had a voice on this and why they will not review this prior to December,” Mr Limbrick said.

The government has responded, but concrete answers are yet to be given.

“We are aware that this concern has been raised and Local Government Victoria has contacted the City of Casey to follow up,” a government spokesperson said.

City of Casey Head of Governance, Integrity and Legal Support, Michelle Tipton says the council’s governance rules prevent the administrators from changing the meeting time until 2024.

“In accordance with Council’s Governance Rules, Council must fix by resolution, at or before the last Council Meeting each calendar year, the date, time and place of all Council Meetings for the following calendar year,” she said.

“Late last year, Council adopted its meeting schedule for 2023, with most Council Meetings to be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 4 pm at Bunjil Place.

“As Council has committed to the meeting time and dates as publicly advertised and as per the Council resolution, Council must continue to hold the meetings at 4 pm for the remainder of the calendar year.”

(L-R) Victoria Golding (Senior Education Improvement Leader), Emma Vulin MP, Sharon Mitchell (Principal, Officer Brunt Road Primary School), Lee Tarlamis MP, Marc de Ley (Principal, Alexander Boulevard Primary School), Michael Galea MP, Keith Perry (Acting Senior Education Improvement Leader). Picture: SUPPLIED

Neighbourhood block party

Property developer Stockland put on an epic block party this weekend for their Evergreen residents to encourage neighbours to meet each other.

Evergreen residents were treated with a massive Spanish-inspired lunch and indulged in paella and churros, whilst mingling and connecting on Saturday 13 May.

Stockland Evergreen’s ‘Meet Your Neighbour’ event celebrated the first residents moving into the community.

Current and future residents were able to connect with their soon-to-be community.

Project Director Kerry Balci said events like this help to build a sense of community.

“It was great to see everyone get to know one another over some delicious food at the MeetYour Neighbour event,“ she said.

“For more than 70 years, Stockland has been a leading creator of connected communities and we look forward to seeing our residents settle into Stockland Evergreen.“

There were name tag lanyards on arrival to help spark conversation, a DJ, and a special kids craft-station in honour of Mother’s Day.

Plus, a development update from Stockland Evergreen’s Senior Development Manager onsite.

Every resident also walked away with a gorgeous Mother’s Day gift hamper.

Residents Akasa and Baban. 334576 Ron Karunamoorthy, Senior Development Manager at Stockland. 334576

Residents get together to enjoy the Spanish themed block party. 334576

Evergreen residents Joginder, Khuab, Kanta, Khushkirt and Ashpreet. 334576

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Celebrating our mothers

The sun was shining and the smiles were out when the Quarters Primary School community came together to celebrate the inaugural Mothers and Special Others Picnic event on Friday 12 May.

Picnic blankets were spread out as families shared their picnic treats, with mums, aunties, grandmothers and significant others joining pupils for the event.

During the week leading up to Mother’s Day, pupils were also busy in classrooms and during Visual Arts sessions making some gifts to give the special people in their lives on Sunday.

Star News photographer Stewart Chambers visited the school to capture the event.

Sharan with her daughter Mannat. 331694

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Emily with her daughter Aubree and Jess with her daughter Addie. 331694

Trish with her daughter Harper. 331694

Jai with his parents Anthony and Lucinda. 331694

Ty and Callum (grade 5) with their mum Kelly. 331694

Anikaa with her dad Bobby. 331694

Grade 1 pupil Saige and Prep pupil Roman joined their mum Tania and aunty Waki. 331694

Shiv with his mum Sandeep. 331694

A rich cultural experience

By Sahar Foladi

City of Casey residents enjoyed an extraordinary day of ’Bukjeh’ Gathering at Bunjil Place for the first time thanks to the Bukjeh organisation.

Families were able to enjoy the event from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday 13 May.

Founder and chief executive officer, Aseel Tayah was very thankful and joyous at the success of the event.

“The event was a great success. I could tell from people’s smiles, excitement and them staying till the very end of the event.

“People loved the fact that there was so much going on, they loved that there was something for everyone (kids and adults) and they loved to celebrate with each other.“

The event saw a great attraction from community groups such as the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and federal opposition spokesperson for community safety, migration services and multicultural affairs Jason Wood.

“I was amazed by the collaboration of different mosques, community centres, schools and organisations,“ Ms Tayah said.

Bunjil Place struggled to close its doors as people lingered around, chatting, making conversations and sharing their appreciation for the event.

Ms Tayah said Bukjeh can’t wait for their next big Eid event.

Ms Wilson also gladly accepted the invitation to experience Bukjeh and said her favourite part was the food, multicultural experience and interacting with “so many people doing amazing work to promote multiculturalism across Victoria.“

“The event was absolutely incredible, with plenty of performances, singing and dancing –it was a great show of rich culture, family and connection in our community, and it was an

honour to be invited.

“The work Bukjeh does is very important, and I support their mission to promote inter-

cultural connection in the community. I look forward to working with them to best support their vision.“

Bukjeh CEO and an artist herself, Aseel Tayah. 334046

Picture: ROB CAREW

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Tahir Mahmood (middle) the secretary for Interfaith harmony. 334046_04

Picture: ROB CAREW

Food was also another aspect that bonded people and communities together. 334046

Picture: ROB CAREW

Apart from music and performances, there was also henna for locals as a treat!

Picture: SUPPLIED

“Bagadencak Minang Saiyo” performed at the event and they are excellent. 334046

Picture: ROB CAREW

Magnificent atmospheric singing and performances at the Bukjeh event. 334046

Picture: ROB CAREW

Community, compassion

This Volunteer Week give back to the community and volunteer at St John of God Health Care.

Community and compassion is at the very core of the St John of God Health Care values. The organisation’s three hospitals located in the south east Melbourne region are on the lookout for more generous people to join the volunteer team.

While there are currently around 90 volunteers in the program, the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a decline in numbers and the hospitals are seeking to regain their volunteer workforce.

St John of God Health Care volunteers are able to choose from a variety of roles including:

· Meet and greet.

· Ward based duties in a variety of departments including day oncology, maternity, rehabilitation, palliative care and mental health.

· Administration support and more!

· Volunteering is known to provide many benefits including an improvement in mood, a sense of belonging and purpose and is a meaningful way to make social connections.

Oncology volunteer of 12 years, Helen, echoes this sentiment.

“I believe everyone should volunteer from time to time. Not only are you helping others in the community, but it also makes you feel good inside knowing that you might have helped someone during the day.”

It’s not only the volunteers who benefit either. Hospital caregivers appreciate the extra support that volunteers provide. St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals Director of Mission Integration, Rhonda O’Connor says that volunteers are an integral part of the workforce, “We consider our volunteers to be important members of our team and we

treasure the contribution they make for both our caregivers and our patients. The warmth, care and generosity they show to our patients makes a difference and absolutely improves

We’re recruiting volunteers!

Do you love helping people?

Join the volunteer program at one of the three St Johnof God Health Care hospitals located across south-east Melbourne.

• St John of God Berwick Hospital

• St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital

• St John of God Langmore Centre

Choose from a selection of meaningful non-clinical rolesin a variety of departments including day oncology, mentalhealth, rehabilitation, palliative care and maternity.

their hospital experience.”

To learn more about volunteering or to sign up, visit:

· https://www.sjog.org.au/berwickvolunteers

· https://www.sjog.org.au/Frankstonvolunteers

· https://www.sjog.org.au/langmorevolunteers

Why not join local CFA?

By Garry Cook, CFA acting chief officer

This National Volunteer Week, the CFA is calling on allVictorians to give them a hand and consider joining their local brigade.

Our message is simple and clear – at CFA you can be part of something special.

CFA is present in towns and cities right across Victoria and our volunteers are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency response network.

Our volunteers support their communities, day and night, responding to a range of emergencies including fire, flood and other natural disasters.

With more than 52,000 volunteers delivering prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities across the state every single day. As a critical volunteer workforce within Victoria, we are looking for people who are committed to serving their communities, in whatever way they can.

We will find a role that suits you, whether you want to take on a role as an operational firefighter or in an important support or community education position.

As an organisation, we thank all CFA volunteers who give up their personal time to protect the lives and properties of millions of Victorians right across the state.

Coming from a wide range of backgrounds, our volunteers have diverse skills and backgrounds.

From nurses, farmers, teachers, bookkeepers, postal workers, lawyers and local business owners or those with trades qualifications, our members are part of your community. Youwillknowmanyofourmembers as your neighbours, friends or colleagues.

As an organisation, CFA is seeking more people like them, and like you. Whether you have little spare time, are new to your area, or just want to be part of a group made up of like-minded people, our brigades have flexible volunteering arrangements and roles for you to explore.

Brigades are looking for people from all backgrounds who have the capacity to take up roles as daytime responders and

are particularly interested in hearing from young people who want to make a difference within their local area. For firefighters, most training and meetings are conducted on weeknights or weekends, and the time you volunteer is flexible and based on your personal availability, together with brigade and community needs.

Not all volunteer roles are on the front line with a range of roles available that involve building local relationships, engagement and education activities, fundraising, events, brigade publicity, administration, logistical and financial support, health and safety, training, junior program leaders, and more.

The camaraderie formed between brigades as you fulfill a vital role in your region is just one of many benefits you gain from being a volunteer. Our members often reflect on the inclusive and welcoming environment of their brigade, and how joining has given them purpose and meaning.

Many are now lifelong friends and embrace the opportunity to bounce ideas off others who think differently to you.

AtCFA,firefightingismorethanjustholding a hose.You could be a front-line firefighter one day or promoting community safety or loading aircraft bombers on another.

We are passionate about investing in our juniors, and with over 1,000 of our young stars across Victoria, we look forward to welcoming and nurturing our future firefighters who join at the age of 16 and watching them grow into their senior ranks. Being a CFA volunteer is rewarding, a great way to connect with people and learn from new experiences – our members make a real difference in their communities.

We’re excited for you to become part of it.

To‘Give Us a Hand’, express your interest on our website: cfa.vic.gov.au

Once you’ve submitted your expression of interest form online, your local brigade will contact you regarding the next steps.

Volunteer - Helen - Oncology.

St John of God Health Care volunteer Kevin.

THE JOY OF BRINGING JOY TO OTHERS

Meet three Melbourne volunteers who may think they’re leading ordinary retirements but are making an extra-ordinary difference to the livesofolderpeople.Andatthesame time adding a new level of joy to theirown.

Graeme and Joy Thompson (pictured) love spending their days ladling out hot shared meals and happiness as they help staff organise exercise and activities for older people at one of the many Uniting AgeWell social connections centres in Melbourne. “I feel I’m reallycontributingandIgetsomuch personalsatisfactionfromit,”saysJoy. “We are helping older people really enjoythemselves.”

Franca Goodwin spends oneon-one time with residents at one of Uniting AgeWell’s 12 aged care facilities in Victoria; chatting with residents, listening to stories of their lives and sharing her own. “I know they look forward to my visits,” she says.“This makes me feel valued and appreciated and so happy to be brightening up theirdays.”

And during National Volunteer Week, (May 15-21) it’s time to give a hugeshoutouttoallthosevolunteers, likeFranca,GraemeandJoy,fortheir

endless work and tireless energy in enriching the lives of older people in ourcommunity.

The theme for this year is The Change Makers which celebrates the power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of the Australian

community. Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly says, “this theme ringstrueforus,whereinclusionisa core value underpinning everything we do. With a long history of volunteer support, Uniting AgeWell’s services have grown and flourished; avitalcontributionwerecogniseand appreciateeachandeveryday.”

There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available at Uniting AgeWell. You can visit theirwebsiteatunitingagewell.orgor call 13 93 75 to see how you too can enrichthelivesofolderpeople–and yourown!

WHAT’S ON

International Day for Biodiversity at Myuna Farm

Come to celebrate International Day for Biodiversity at Myuna Farm!

The event will involve an opportunity to meet some of the native animals and plants that live here, learn what biodiversity is and why it is important in our daily lives.

Take a train ride down to our wetlands to meet the awesome Flying Foxes and watch them fly out at sunset.

Listen to frog calls and learn what frogs live at the Myuna Farm wetlands.

Examine water bugs and learn how they can indicate the health of waterways.

Bookings essential, $2 gold coin donation to be paid on the day.

Register interest at myunafarm@casey.vic.gov.

au · Myuna Farm,182 Kidds Rd,Doveton,Wednesday 24 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm.

Narre Warren Psychic and Wellbeing Expo

Come and enjoy an inspiring and relaxing day with stall holders offering a range of services and products to indulge your senses.

Free workshops throughout the day including mediumship demonstrations, readings: psychic mediumship, tarot, intuitive, readings, massage, crystals, giftware, clothing, books, natural healing and products, jewellery, soy candles and much more.

Purchase tickets at the door: $5 adults, kids aged under-12 free.

· Sunday 23 July 10am to 6pm, Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren. Children’s Sweets and Treats Cooking Workshop

A fun hands-on cooking program for children 8-12 years old to teach them food handling, knife skills, food prep and basic health & safety in the kitchen.

Recipes will include mini muffins, slices, chocolate rainbow squares and snickerdoodles to take home to share.

These workshops will teach your child valuable life skills and will be facilitated by our popular, local chef extraordinaire. This workshop will run Saturday mornings for 2 weeks commencing 27th May.

· Balla Balla Community Centre, Unit 7/9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Saturday 27 May, 10am - 12pm.

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.

Cranbourne Fitness 24/7 Biggest Morning Tea

Join Cranbourne Fitness 24/7 for their Biggest Morning Tea and help raise much needed funds for the Cancel Council.

They are running a special group fitness class at 9.30am, where members will support with a

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.

donation and the gym will be donating 100% of any proceeds from casual visits for the day.

After the class, attendees will head down to Funtopia as a group, for a morning tea.

Funtopia has also agreed to make a donation to the Cancer Council for any coffees purchased on the morning.

· Shop 18, 350-398 South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne on Thursday 25 May at 10:30am.

Oliver Racing Open Day

Luke Oliver Racing are looking forward to hosting their annual open day at their Cranbourne stables.

All owners and racing enthusiasts are welcome to attend. Lunch, drinks and refreshments will be provided.

Oliver’s quality 2023 lineup of yearlings will be on parade for a closer look giving you full insight into what they have in store for their futures. Come and spend time with the horses, meet & greet with staff, have a tour of their world class facilities & enjoy all things Oliver Racing has to offer!

· Cranbourne Training Complex, Grant Street, Cranbourne on Sunday 21 May 2023, 10:30am.

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

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, costeffective and natural remedy – a ‘green pre-

sessions are done.

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

Basic Cakes Workshop

Learn to make sponge cakes including sponge rolls, butter cakes including chocolate variations as well as cakes with fruit fillings and decorations to take home.

Cakes made from scratch always taste better and will certainly impress your family and friends!

This workshop will run Wednesday evenings for 3 weeks.

Balla Balla Community Centre, Unit 7/9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Wednesday 7 June, 6:30pm.

Join the Amstel Club in their 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.

scription’ 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.

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. From gorgeous murals to an hour of live music by a talented busker and food discounts, there’s something for everyone.

The campaign is a great opportunity to connect with your community and discover hidden gems in the area.

Participating businesses will also offer half-price items, making it the perfect time to shop local and support the local economy.

· 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.

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.

Special Lifeview celebration for those aged 95-plus

Award-winning local provider of residential aged care, Lifeview, celebrated one of its special days on the calendar at the Cranbourne Gardens last Tuesday.

Lifeview management hosted a group of residents aged 95 and over in the Tarnuk Room for the annual “95+ Celebration”.

“The 95+ event is a special day for Lifeview,” Lifeview CEO Samantha Jewell said.

“The management team always looks forward to hosting the wonderful residents and their families for this occasion.

“The residents thoroughly enjoyed the day in the beautiful surrounds of the Cranbourne Gardens, and the service and catering from the Atlantic Group was first class.”

Emerald Glades resident Shirley Sinnott had the honour of cutting the “95-Plus” cake.

“The people here are just wonderful,” she told the room.

All Lifeview homes offer a small-house, independent model of care, are pet-friendly, and the organisation is proudly RainbowTick accredited.

This Thursday Lifeview homes, including Willow Wood in Cranbourne, will celebrate IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia).

Betty Madeley and daughter Thelma.

Johanna Young and daughter Sylvia. Joan Heraud and Peter.

Director Peter Reilly, resident Shirley Sinnott and Lifeview CEO Samantha Jewell. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Picture: SUPPLIED

Foot and leg pain aid for all

Foot and leg pain is extremely common in people of all ages.

Children often suffer from growth and development conditions, seniors often present with joint degeneration such as knee arthritis, and for the rest of us who are somewhere in between, foot, heel and knee pain or injuries are very common.

The good news is that all of these conditions are extremely treatable, if you have a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Dr. Paul Dowie, founder of Foot & Leg Pain Clinics and one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal and sports podiatrists, has been successfully assisting foot, ankle, knee, leg and hip pain, injuries and degenerative conditions for 25 years.

His Foot & Leg Pain Clinics have helped thousands of men, women, children, seniors and professional athletes to alleviate pain, heal injuries, improve function and mobility and even assist tissue regeneration for arthritic joints.

Dr. Dowie’s Foot & Leg Pain Clinics have expertise in correct diagnosis and individualized treatment plans to: improve proper foot and leg function, correct faulty biomechanics, assist strengthening and conditioning of joints and tissues, assist weight bearing activity and increase mobility, alleviate stress patterns, manage overuse syndromes, support musculoskeletal structure and posture, heal injuries, manage growth and development conditions,

facilitate tissue regeneration and improve arthritic concerns.

Utilizing the very latest medical research and treatments including regenerative treatments like Prolotherapy and PRP, Foot and Leg

Pain Clinics is a leader in its field providing medically sound advice and proven treatment solutions.

Dr. Dowie has even assisted many to avoid or delay surgery and reduce or eliminate long-

term medications.

You can see Dr. Dowie at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinic in Berwick if you have any foot, knee or leg pain, injuries or degenerative concerns by calling 1300 328 300.

Survivor solidarity gives life-changing support

One in five men across Australia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, prompting one local volunteer group to give back and ensure these men don’t go through a diagnosis alone.

The South Eastern Prostate Cancer Support Group aims to provide a supportive environment for men to connect with others going through a similar journey and share their experiences to improve health and wellbeing.

Thegroup,supportedbytheProstateCancer Foundation of Australia, meets monthly at Dandenong RSL on the thirdWednesday of each month.

Support group spokesperson, Steve Cox, encouraged men and their partners impacted by prostate cancer to reach out for support.

“We know some men can have a hard time reaching out for help when times get tough. That’s why we’re here, to make sure that no man in our region feels like they have to walk this journey alone.”

Mr Cox says having support is a simple

thing that can save lives.

“Our members are fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers, and uncles and all have a story to share. We enjoy getting out and about to start the conversation about prostate cancer and let locals know the importance of getting checked by their doctors.”

PCFA chief executive officer, Anne Savage, said the network of support groups across the country play a vital role in the fight against prostate cancer.

Ms Savage says a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be isolating and overwhelming for both men and their loved ones.

“When the burden is heavy and the conversations are tough, support groups are there to lighten the load and shine the light of hope,” she said.

“As the national peak body for prostate cancer research, awareness and support, we are proud to stand alongside them.”

To find out more about the Prostate Cancer Support Group, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit pcfa.org.au/support/find-a-support-group.

WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE

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

Cup sees feast of football

More than 200 students battled it out for the third annual Paul Wade Cup at St John’s Regional College in Dandenong.

On 8 May, teams gathered from Catholic primary schools across the South East – St Mary’s Dandenong, St Paul Apostle North and South in Endeavour Hills, St Francis De Sales in Lynbrook, Holy Family Doveton, St Gerard’s in Dandenong North and St Kevin’s in Hampton Park.

The gala soccer day was named after former Socceroos captain Paul Wade, who is also an ex-student at St John’s college.

Presenting the cup was another ex-student Majack Mawith, who represented South Sudan at World Cup level.

St Kevin’s Primary School took out the final, narrowly defeating St Gerard’s. St Francis de Sales won the third-place playoff against St Paul Apostle North.

The day was facilitated by St John’s football program partner Dandenong City Soccer Club with the help of St John’s VET sport and recreation students and football program students.

Details on the St John’s football program: 8793 2000.

Survivor solidarity offers life-changing support for men

One in five men across Australia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, prompting one local volunteer group to give back and ensure these men don’t go through a diagnosis alone.

The South Eastern Prostate Cancer Support Group aims to provide a supportive environment for men to connect with others going through a similar journey and share their experiences to improve health and wellbeing.

The group, supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, meets monthly at Dandenong RSL on the thirdWednesday of each month.

Support Group spokesperson, Steve Cox, encouraged men and their partners impacted by prostate cancer to reach out for support.

“We know some men can have a hard time

reaching out for help when times get tough,” they said.

“That’s why we’re here, to make sure that no man in our region feels like they have to

walk this journey alone.

Mr Cox says having support is a simple thing that can save lives.

“Our members are fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers, and uncles and all have a story to share.

“We enjoy getting out and about to start the conversation about prostate cancer and let locals know the importance of getting checked by their doctors. “

PCFA Chief Executive Officer, Anne Savage, said that the network of support groups across the country play a vital role in the fight against prostate cancer.

Ms Savage says a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be isolating and overwhelming for both men and their loved ones.

“With today marking the start of National Volunteer Week, there is no better time to

highlight the work of our Prostate Cancer Support Groups and to celebrate the dedicated men and women who share their experience and knowledge with others to lend others a helping hand,” she said.

“When the burden is heavy and the conversations are tough, support groups are there to lighten the load and shine the light of hope.

“As the national peak body for prostate cancer research, awareness and support, we are proud to stand alongside them.”

National Volunteer Week runs from Monday 15 May to Sunday 21 May.

To find out more about the Prostate Cancer Support Group, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcfa.org.au/support/find-a-support-group.

The South Eastern Prostate Cancer Support Group is just one of the ways to give back this National Volunteer Week. Picture: GENERIC

Riley from St Paul Apostle South Catholic Primary School. 326261

Riley from St Paul Apostle South Catholic Primary School celebrates his goal in the Paul Wade Cup tournament. 326261

St John Regional College’s director of football Ljuban Palinic, Josh, Preston, principal Tim Hogan , Tim, Daniel and Marko. 326261

A St Mary’s player controls the ball. 326261 St Gerard’s Primary students placed runner-up after a tight, entertaining final. 326261

Adonis from St Paul Apostle South Catholic Primary School celebrates his goal in the Paul Wade Cup tournament. 326261

St Mary’s Primary students cheering their team on at the Paul Wade Cup tournament at St John’s Regional College, Dandenong. 326261 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Adonis from St Paul Apostle South Catholic Primary School celebrates a goal. 326261

The Cardinia Foundation Ltd Community Grants Program 2023

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

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

How to apply:

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

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

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

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

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

Applications will close at 5.00pm on 31st May 2023

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

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

$

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

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

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

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

CBD revamp

The Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce’s next event will focus on the Cranbourne Revitalisation Project.

The networking event will provide an “informative and engaging“ platform where residents and local businesses can learn about the project and how it will benefit them.

“The Cranbourne Revitalisation Project is a long-term vision to transform Cranbourne into a vibrant, connected and sustainable city centre,“ CCC President Ian Wood said.

Attendees will hear from two members of the City of Casey’s City Planning and Infrastructure team, who will share their insights and updates on the project.

Jayden Mizzi, Team Leader, Placemaking and Revitalisation, will speak on the key objectives, outcomes, and initiatives of the project.

Juli Stickler, Team Leader, Community Facilities Planning, will speak on the Cranbourne Community Hub project, a key component of

the Cranbourne Revitalisation project.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with other local business owners and professionals and share their ideas and feedback on the project.

This Event is being held on Thursday 25 May at 7pm at the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce 2022 Local Business of the Year L’Arte Central.

Members of the chamber can attend the event for free.

Tickets are currently available for nonmembers via Eventbrite at a cost of ten dollars per ticket.

For new Members joining on the night of the event, the ticket purchase will be deducted from new membership when joining.

“As limited tickets are available we recommend booking your tickets now to lock in your place for this terrific event,“ Mr Wood said.

Help name a local road

The City of Casey is inviting residents to submit commemorative names for consideration for a number of unnamed roads at Casey Fields sporting precinct in Cranbourne East.

The precinct has several unnamed roads, most of which are already open to the public.

There are also some roads that are yet to be constructed.

City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM encouraged residents to submit a nomination.

“Council would like to recognise those residents who contributed to their local community during their lifetime by using

Part-Time Telesales Representative Star News Group

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

commemorative names for a number of these roads,” she said.

“This person could be a sporting star or a standout community member.

The person you are nominating should have had at least a 25-year association with the City of Casey.

A biography of the person, as well as consent from the person’s family, must be also submitted.

Names must also comply with Geographic Names Victoria guidelines.

Names can be submitted via Casey Conversations online.

Submissions close on Friday 9 June.

Print and Online Sales Executive Star News Group

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

Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Sales skills/experience:

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

• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets

• Excellent listening skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Effective time management to meet deadlines

• Ability to operate in a team

• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility

• Effective oral and written communication

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark

mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

The Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce is hosting a networking event. Picture: SUPPLIED

Hat-trick hero hits the spot

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

In a cracking NPL2 debut, a Dandenong teen has blazed a quick-fire hat-trick to lead a thrilling comeback victory for Melbourne City.

Starting as a substitute on 7 May, 15-yearold Medin Memeti entered the fray at the 55-minute mark, with his team down 0-2 against Brunswick.

In little time, Medin changed the course of the match, striking goals in the 70th, 86th and 89th minutes for a 3-2 win.

Training with Melbourne City Academy, Medin felt a few nerves playing men for the first time.

“I was a bit nervous when I saw the players, but when I got my first goal my confidence got up a bit, I was full of energy,” he said.

“I wasn’t trying to take people on, I just took my opportunities.”

Now he’s dealing with his hat-trick going viral on Melbourne City’s social media as well as his proud uncle and Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti’s Facebook page.

“It’s given me a headache, my phone has been going off on Instagram with these new followers and texts.”

Blessed with speed, strength and height, the fast-rising striker has already notched many big bags of goals, including a career-high eight for MCFC Under 18s against Mornington this year.

Two years ago, he caught the eye of Melbourne City talent scouts while playing for Dandenong Thunder Under 14s where he scored an incredible 52 goals in 20 games.

In his first season with Melbourne City Under 16s last year, he was top goal-scorer with 16 goals in nine games.

So far in Under 18s this year, he’s netted 16 in just six matches before his NPL2 promotion.

“I’m calm (in front of goal) and I’m never

scared to take on a player, I always back myself,” he said.

Soccer talent runs deep in the family, with Medin hoping to follow the example of older brother Mersim who played for Australia’s Under 17s.

His father Mark carved a playing career at Dandenong Thunder, now he jokes that he is now his son’s “taxi driver” to training four times a week as well as matches.

Mark’s key advice for his son is to train hard and to focus.

Medin represented Victoria Under 15s last year, and played for Melbourne City in the JSSL Professional Academy 7s tournament in Singapore.

After such a dream seniors debut, Medin aspires to play the big leagues in England, Italy or France.

Being part of a reigning A-League premier club with ties to powerhouse Manchester City, the pathway is there for him.

“I want to try out for A-League as soon as possible, to get game time and prove myself.”

Redbacks rue missed opportunity against Murrumbeena

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Killed on turnovers, punished by a lack of polish.

Near enough wasn’t good enough for Hampton Park on Saturday against a more seasoned Murrumbeena, eventually going down 12.12.84 to 11.9.75.

The Redbacks laid a strong foundation in the first quarter of their Southern Division Two clash, defending high up the ground and applying pressure to lock the ball in its forward half in the opening quarter.

A late goal to Kyle Hendy saw Hayden Stanton’s men go into the first break leading by nine points, but that still belied what felt like a four-to-five-goal supremacy.

The inside 50s were chaotic, rather than controlled and efficient early on, and then those entries dried up considerably in the second stanza.

Murrumbeena was able to turn it around in the centre and Hampton Park’s pressured exit kicks didn’t allow them to pick their way through.

But, like the Redbacks in the first quarter, Murrumbeena scored more behinds than goals.

A third quarter arm wrestle paved the way for a tense climax, with Murrumbeena taking an eight-point lead into what became a shootout late.

Playing high octane footy, Kyle Hendy, Nathan Carver, Dylan Morris and Declan Brunnell all had moments where they looked dangerous.

But Murrumbeena kept them at bay through a high inside 50 conversion rate.

Every time Hampton Park would close to within two goals and look to gain momentum, the hosts would kick one against the grain.

Hendy looked like he had finally closed the margin to within a goal, banging it through on the line, only for the goal umpire

to adjudicate he had crossed the white paint before kicking it.

Murrumbeena went forward from the kick in, and a deliberate out of bounds was paid against Tristan Fernandez-Phillips to the disbelief of all and sundry inside Murrumbeena’s forward 50.

When the Murrumbeena attacker passed off and the kick wasn’t 15, he was tackled and dispossessed, but the umpire called play on before eventually balling it up.

The collective frustration from three decisions the Redbacks felt went against them caused a minor scuffle to break out as the ball was tossed up, opening the pathway for Murrumbeena to snap the certain match-winner.

The coach, however, was pragmatic, highlighting that Murrumbeena was ultimately better for longer.

If the Redbacks could have sustained the dominance of the start for longer, the chaos of the last quarter would have been immaterial to the result for the Redbacks would have had the lead.

No doubt he would’ve said as much to his fired up players, keeping them on the field post-match away from prying ears to deliver a stern message.

Included for his first game of the season, Jesse Naylor played an important negating role in the first half which helped stymie the hosts rebound.

His day came to an abrupt end, though, with his dislocated shoulder coinciding with the time period when Murrumbeena started to gain control as his direct opponent got off the leash.

Naylor was also involved with ball in hand, fitting in seamlessly as he had an important

hand in the first goal of the game.

As well as Naylor, dangerous front half player Trent Thomas was on the bench for the majority of the second half with a foot injury.

Makaio Haywood and skipper Liam Myatt each racked it up in the midfield and were classy with ball in hand.

The Redbacks looked their most dangerous when winger Tanner Stanton worked hard up and down the wings but, playing a similar brand, Murrumbeena ultimately outlasted the visitors.

CARVER’S ALMOST DAY

At three quarter time, full forward Nathan Carver implored his side to get it in quickly and give him a chance.

The Redbacks started to take the more direct route in the final stanza, needing to outscore the opposition by three goals to win.

Carver kicked the first goal of the final quarter to give the visitors energy after taking a strong one-on-one mark deep inside 50.

It was his third - and ultimately last - of an indifferent day for the big forward.

The focal point of the forward line, he was targeted repeatedly by Hampton Park.

He sneaked through the second goal of the day but was a victim early of Hampton Park’s midfielders’ inefficiency going inside 50.

Thereafter he grassed a handful of marks he would’ve backed himself to take, but created a contest to allow the front and centre forwards to get to work.

He’ll also be disappointed to have missed several shots on goal throughout the game but will back himself to bounce back against Highett with the ingredients he showed on the day.

The Redbacks currently sit third, two games off top and equal on percentage with sixth-placed Skye.

They head to Highett this week to take on the fifth-placed Bulldogs.

Samuel Michael kicked the match-winner for Murrumbeena. 334586 Picture: ROB CAREW

Medin Memeti completed a dream senior’s debut with a game-turning hat-trick for Melbourne City’s NPL2 side. 333711 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

The prolific goal-kicking form of 15-year-old striker Medin Memeti. 333711

Medin Memeti is rising quickly through the ranks at Melbourne City. 333711

Strong finish lifts Eagles

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cranbourne is sitting proudly at the top of the Southern Division 1 ladder after the reigning champions disposed of St Paul’s McKinnon by 33 points on Saturday.

The first and third quarters were quite even, with the Bulldogs outscoring Cranbourne by seven goals to six, but the Eagles built their ascendency through the second and fourth terms.

The Eagles kicked 5.2 to 2.5 in the second, and built on their 14-point three-quarter time lead with a 4.2 to 1.1 final stanza.

The Eagles simply had more options up forward, with Kirk Dickson dominating the forward-50 with five goals, while champion fullforward Marc Holt chimed in with four and the dangerous Ryan Jones kicked three.

Jordy Bertrand, Dylan Cavalot and Glenn Osborne were solid performers for the Eagles, who now hold a 4-1 record five games into the season.

The Eagles stay on the road this week to take on the Port Melbourne Colts.

On, then off, then on again.

That was the story of the day for Springvale Districts, which sizzled Bentleigh in the first half to skip out to a 47-point half-time lead.

But Bentleigh’s run from behind the ball

troubled the visitors in the third quarter, the home side also getting on top in contested ball.

The visitors still had opportunities in the third quarter, but couldn’t capitalise, with the

margin trimmed to 12 at the final break before Kris Thompson’s men held them off 15.11 101 to 12.9 81.

Dylan Quirk’s leadership in the midfield

Casey Cannons out blasted on all fronts

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Casey Cannons suffered two goal defeats in both their men’s and women’s firsts teams on the weekend

The men went down 4-2 to Melbourne Sikhs while the women were outclassed 3-1 by Mornington Peninsula.

Steve Noney’s men kept it tight in the first half, repelling the opposition’s ascendancy, led by ‘keeper Adam Wadley, before the dam wall bust just before halftime.

Casey went into the main break trailing 1-0 before a much stronger second half.

Gurpreet Singh got them off on the right foot, with a controlled pass that set up a Blake Edwards’ leveller.

The Cannons had more opportunities after halftime but the score remained 1-1 going into the final period, when the game opened up.

Melbourne Sikhs scored the first two before Casey got on a roll.

David Noney set up Cam Ritchie for a reverse tomahawk goal in the top left corner

as the momentum shifted back towards the Cannons.

The goal for Ritchie capped a strong balanced game of defence and potent counterattack.

As Casey was coming, however, and searching for the leveller, a costly turnover saw Melbourne Sikhs go up the other end and ice it with three minutes remaining.

After an up-and-back game where both sides had chances, it was a disappointing result for the men, but the progress is on show given how close they got to the top side and measuring stick of the competition.

They’ll hope to showcase that and get both the process and positive result this weekend against North West Lightning.

The women, meanwhile, scored their only goal on the road via Mikaela Davis.

The loss is the second in the row and seems to signal the end of the fairytale honeymoon phase they had been enjoying in Vic League One after carrying over the momentum of last season.

Men’s Results R5: Melbourne Sikhs 4 v Casey 2, North

West Lightning 3 v Werribee 1, Old Xaverians

4 v Monash University 3, Yarra Valley 2 v Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 7, PEGS 2 v Brunswick 1.

Ladder: Melbourne Sikhs 12, PEGS 11, Brunswick 10, North West Lightning 10, Old Xaverians 10, Monash University 7, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 4, Werribee 4, Yarra Valley 3, Casey 0.

Fixture R6: Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation v Melbourne Sikhs, Casey v North West Lightning, Brunswick v Old Xaverians, Werribee v PEGS, Monash University vYarraValley.

Women’s Results R5: Mornington Peninsula 3 v Casey 1, West Vic 2 v Monash University 2, North West Lightning 2 v Werribee 3.

Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 12, Monash University 13, Casey 9, Yarra Valley 6, PEGS 6, Knox 6, Werribee 6, West Vic 4, Brunswick 3, North West Lightning 0.

Fixture R6: Casey v North West Lightning, Brunswick v West Vic, Werribee v PEGS, Knox v Mornington Peninsula, Monash University v Yarra Valley.

was instrumental both in the first half and turning it around after the third quarter lapse.

The recruit combined 34 disposals with nine clearances and 22 ground-ball gets while Mason Russell was busy on the outside offensively, while also keeping former VFL player Angus Hanrahan quiet.

MattWetering was at his best, kicking seven as a key target up forward, lifting his season tally to 20 after five games.

Small forward Alex Derzekos played his most complete game of the season, contributing three majors while Shakore Bragg-Taylor continued on his strong form.

Division One

Results R5: Chelsea Heights 14.19 103 v St Kilda City 11.3 69, Cheltenham 18.9 117 v Port Melbourne Colts 12.10 82, St Paul’s McKinnon 10.9 69 v Cranbourne 15.12 102, Dingley 21.12 138 v Mordialloc 8.5 53, Bentleigh 12.9 81 v Springvale Districts 15.11 101.

Ladder: Cranbourne 16, Cheltenham 16, Dingley 16, Springvale Districts 16, Port Melbourne Colts 12, St Paul’s McKinnon 12, St Kilda City 4, Chelsea Heights 4, Mordialloc 4, Bentleigh 0. Fixture R6: Chelsea Heights v St Paul’s McKinnon, Mordialloc v Bentleigh, St Kilda City v Dingley, Port Melbourne Colts v Cranbourne, Springvale Districts v Cheltenham

Howell wins silver medal in Japan

By Jonty Ralphsmith Berwick paratriathlete

Jack Howell has taken out silver at the Yokohama event in the world triathlon para-series.

The 2024 Paralympic aspirant fell 85 seconds short of 33-year-old German Martin Schulz, but tellingly got the better of David Bryant by 13 seconds.

The pair of Aussies have had several duels in the PTS5 event but Bryant, 34-years-old, had always so far come out on top.

Most recently, they raced each other at Devonport in March when Bryant won by 25 seconds.

While Howell’s 750 metre swim tends to gives him a strong start, Bryant is regarded for his cycle.

Bryant created a 30-second gap but Howell was able to overcome it to claim silver.

The teenager’s 20-kilometre cycle took 28:49 – it’s a personal best for his weakest leg.

He told Star News two weeks ago that he would treat this as an opportunity to trial some things as it is the first time he had been overseas alone.

Howell will next race in Montreal and Swansea, before completing a test event on the course that will stage the Paralympic event next year.

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

Thus, his left hand sits in a cup-like device during the race, allowed in the PTS5 category where athletes race with mild impairments and are permitted to use supportive devices.

Jack Howell tackled the challenge with aplomb. 335214 Picture: SUPPLIED

Casey goalkeeper Adam Wadley was praised for his performance which kept Casey with a strong chance at halftime. 330473 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Kirk Dickson kicked five for Cranbourne against St Paul’s McKinnon. 334585 Picture: ROB CAREW

Rock-stars ready to rumble

By David Nagel

This is what it’s all about!

The top four premiership contenders in West Gippsland netball will lock horns this week as the undefeated records of InverlochKongwak, Dalyston and Tooradin-Dalmore go on the line.

Reigning premier Inverloch heads to Dalyston for its biggest challenge of the season in a massive one-two clash that promises to be a beauty.

At the same time, 30 minutes away at Korumburra, the Giants host Tooradin-Dalmore as they look to join the Seagulls on five wins for the season.

It’s going to be a magnificent afternoon of netball – and one we can’t wait to see unfold.

All four teams were mightily impressive on the weekend…and let’s start at the top.

Inverloch-Kongwak is the only team to score 50 goals in every game this season after a thumping 93-17 victory overWarragul Industrials.

With one eye firmly fixed on this week’s encounter with the Magpies, the Sea Eagles showed no mercy in a dominant four-quarter display.

Coach Jarrad Walker got the balance of his three-pronged goaler attack just right, with Amy Scott (32 goals), Ella Sadler (31) and Kelly Boyd (30) all taking turns in the spotlight.

It’s a spotlight that will really heat up against the Magpies this week and players like Lanni Pryor (WA), Linsey Boddy (GK) and Renee Pilkington (GD) appear ready and set for the challenge.

The Dusties would have been in even more trouble if not for the efforts of Rachel Francis and Sam Beaton through the midcourt.

Dalyston was less impressive, but still got the Mother’s Day weekend chocolates, with a 46-26 win over Cora Lynn.

The Cobras came to play with real defensive intent and only allowed the Magpies to score eight goals in the first quarter, but managed just five goals themselves.

With Hannah McRae (C) in great form through the midcourt the Magpies gradually pulled away, particularly in the third term with a 17-7 onslaught.

Maggie Blackman and Danielle Cameron defended with everything they had for the Cobras, who remain one of two teams searching

for their first win - alongside Warragul Industrials.

Tooradin-Dalmore continues to play an exciting brand of netball with the Seagulls making it five on the trot with a 54-41 victory over Nar Nar Goon.

The first quarter was a red-hot contest, with the Gulls leading 13-10, before Alex Maher (GS) and Kelly Haynes (GA) ramped things up in the second term.

Haynes played the perfect foil, providing Maher with some silver-service which allowed her to score 14 goals for the quarter.

The Gulls led 31-20 at half time, with the Goon dominating the early scoring in the third, before the Gulls settled to regain control of the contest.

Sara Howie (C) was crucial for the Gulls through the midcourt, while Chloe Crouch and Abbey Howes kept things lively for the winners.

The Goon stuck at it well, with skipper Chantelle Dale (C) providing great leadership after an early injury to Meaghan Winter left the

home side a little short through the centre.

Kilcunda-Bass is celebrating its first win in theWGFNC A Grade competittion after a 51-42 triumph over Bunyip.

The Panthers have been competitive, but just falling short in recent times but made no such mistakes this time around.

Bunyip, with Jasmin Mackie (GS) on fire, skipped out to a 16-10 lead at quarter time before the Panthers fought back with a brilliant 15-6 second term.

With Tam De Nardis (GA) in great form in the third, the Panthers extended their threegoal half-time lead to a match-winning ninegoal s at the final change before cruising home for victory.

Caitlin Egan (GK) and Caitlin Stephens (GD) were the real heroes for the Panthers, limiting Mackie to just 19 goals after quarter time.

Kooweerup is emerging as a real smoky to play finals after a come-from-behind 43-38 victory over Phillip Island.

The Bulldogs led by three at quarter time, and two at the half, before Kate Sidebottom’s

Demons kicked into gear in the third period of play.

The Demons scored 14-10 in the third, taking a two-goal lead to the final break, before winning 13-11 in the last.

The Demons have now won three in a row and face a winnable trip toWarragul this week.

Sidebottom was dynamic for her Demons, while Chantelle Stokkel (WD) also played a crucial role in the victory.

The Bulldogs have now lost their last four after a first-up win over Dusties.

And Korumburra-Bena will take confidence into a tough fortnight ahead after a 58-37 win over Garfield.

The Giants won every quarter by at least four goals, with Ash Cuff (C), Chelsea Fox (WD) and Gemma Dixon (GD) all key components in the victory.

The Giants now face a huge test; hosting Tooradin this week before paying a visit to Inverloch.

Crunch time for Cavaliers after mixed bag of fortunes

By Marcus Uhe

Both Casey Cavaliers sides are marooned in 18th on their respective NBL1 South ladders despite the women picking up their second win of the season against Frankston on Sunday.

They fell four points short of making it two wins from two contests, having dropped the home contest against Nunawading on Saturday night 79-83.

A costly second quarter saw them score just 12 points and relinquish their lead they had established in the first period of the game.

A span of six minutes overlapping quarter time saw them relinquish a seven-point lead, unable to score for the duration of the period where their opponents scored 15, and ended the half 10 points behind the Spectres.

A thrilling final quarter saw the game come down to the final minute.

With one minute left to play, Rachel Bell cut the lead to just two points with a composed jump shot.

Frantic defence at the other end of the court nearly forced a shot-clock violation from Nunawading, and with 30 second remaining the Cavs had the last possession, and the chance to take the lead.

Bell drove and kicked to Taylah Giliam on the wing, whose three-point shot took a cruel double-bounce before deciding against dropping into the net.

They were forced to foul Nunawading and hope they missed free-throws, but the Spectres held their cool, nailing both to ensure it

was a two-possession game with seven seconds remaining.

Stephanie Blicavs’ desperation heave fell short, and the margin finished at four.

Bell’s output was tremendous, finishing with 22 points and nine rebounds.

The good thing about playing on backto-back nights is that ensures you have a chance to immediately make amends and that’s exactly what they did, this time coming up trumps in the clutch moments against Frankston in the 84-80 victory.

With scores tied at the end of the third quarter, Casey jumped out to a five-point lead midway through the last term before both sides felt the intensity of the moment.

A layup to Lauren Van Kleunen with just over a minute remaining gave them a twopoint lead, but a costly foul from Giliam put Frankston’s Tori Jackson on the line.

Jackson made the first but missed the second, forcing Frankston to foul Bell on the other end.

They then committed another that was deemed unsportsmanlike, which put Taylah Simmons on the line for two free throws, and critically, regained Casey the lead.

They were forced to commit another on Bell, but with nerves of steel she sunk both with one second remaining to secure their second victory of the season.

Four players scored in double figures for the Cavs in an even spread, led by Esra McGoldrick’s 21-point, 10-rebound doubledouble.

The men weren’t afforded quite the same possibility in either of their weekend con-

tests, suffering a pair of double-figure losses.

Missing Malcolm Bernard, the Cavs fumbled a lead at the start of the final quarter in a flat finish on Saturday against Nunawading, where they were outscored 21-8 in the final 10 minutes.

The Cavs scored just 28 points in the entire second half, falling away dramatically after a strong first half to finish down 72-87.

Preston Bungei was forced to carry the load once again, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds, but shot the ball poorly (7/22) in an inefficient display.

Requiring a fast start against Frankston the following night, the Cavs were slow out of the gate, ending the first half with a 12-point deficit.

They were crushed on the glass, allowing too many second chance points due to a -15 offensive rebound differential.

Sidy Djitte grabbed 18 rebounds but the next highest individual total was Mason Perry with three.

While they managed to win the final quarter of the contest, the 20-point deficit at the end of the third quarter proved insurmountable, as Frankston came away with a 90-78 win.

Without Bungei and Jack Perry to compound the Bernard absence, they simply did not have the necessary firepower to slow Frankston down.

Mitchell Riggs led the team in scoring with 17.

Kilsyth are the next assignment on Saturday night.

Rachel Bell made some huge shots in close moments for the Cavaliers over the weekend.

333279 Picture: ROB CAREW

Seagull Stacey Sawyer leads Olivia Hamilton to the ball during the big game at Nar Nar Goon on Saturday. 334581 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Seagulls take their serum

By David Nagel

Diagnosing a problem is one thing – but dealing with it quickly and finding a remedy can be a difficult thing to do…especially in the cutand-thrust world of football.

Reigning WGFNC premier Tooradin-Dalmore had a unique problem at the start of this season, but seems to have found the cure after a destructive 87-point victory over a hapless Nar Nar Goon at Spencer Street on Saturday.

The Seagulls appeared back to their brilliant best against the Goon, kicking 100-points for the first time this season on their way to a 17.14.116 to 3.11.29 triumph.

A plethora of changes – nine on Saturday from last year’s premiership side – hasn’t helped, but it’s been an attitudinal thing that has been holding the Seagulls back.

Put simply…they were getting in their own way – and smiling was their best medicine!

“Fundamentally we’re playing the same footy, but having different personnel does require a slight tweak to the way we do things,” Tooradin coach Lachie Gillespie explained.

“But I think the biggest thing this year has been the weight of expectation.

“Even though we were winning games earlier in the year, we weren’t playing particularly well.

“We were winning games, but the boys weren’t really loving it…and we had to ask the question, why?

“We just had this huge expectation hanging over us from last year.

“We’ve stripped it back, started again, put our egos aside and getting back to enjoying our footy again.

“It sounds simple, but this is a newTooradin team and it’s up to us to see what we can make of it.”

The Seagulls had this one sewn up a long way from the finish post.

Class acts in Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds and Piva Wright had two on the board inside seven minutes of play, and whenWright kicked long to Julian Suarez, who gave quick hands to Adam Oxley, the Gulls had answered the Goons only successful thrust of the first quarter.

Suarez was marking everything up forward, while Will Lumby in the ruck, and defenders Trent Adams, Brad Lenders and Connor O’Riordan were having a massive influence on the opening balance of play.

Panos Papas signed off the first quarter with the first of his two goals, before Nate Pipicelli brought the margin back to 11 points with an early mark and goal in the second term.

But that’s where it ended for the Goon, who was treated with contempt as the Seagulls rattled on 13 goals to one from 15 minutes into

WEST GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL NETBALL COMPETITION REVIEW - ROUND 5

the second stanza.

The Gulls played a brilliant patch of footy in the second term, kicking six goals in the space of 10 minutes.

Stewie Scanlon got things rolling with two in three minutes, before Bertoli-Simmonds struck again, and when Wright kicked a midair goal from close range, after some great work from Lewis Hill, the margin ballooned to 36.

A minute later, 23 minutes in, Liam Adams strolled into open space and kicked probably the easiest goal for the day.

The Goon midfield, minus skipper Trent Armour, was being torched – both inside and out – and when Papas kicked his second off his left, the Gulls were eight goals up at the main break.

It was hard to decipher; were the Gulls that good, or was the Goon that bad?

“It’s a tricky thing to judge, but that was as good as it has felt this year,” Gillespie said.

“We played really well, no doubt that was our best game of footy, but even more importantly than that…it just felt really good.

“The pressure was released, we played with freedom, and to beat a high-quality team was great…we came off a happy team and everyone really enjoyed it.

“Hopefully this is the catalyst for us moving forward.”

Wright ended the day with four goals, and Scanlon three, while Trent Adams and Lenders were unstoppable forces at the defensive end of the ground.

The Goon looked awful, uncompetitive at times…but they’re a much better team than what they showed on the weekend.

The draw against Phillip Island last week proved that, and they get the chance to square away a tough block of three matches against Cora Lynn this week.

Inverloch-Kongwak is half way to a perfect 10-nil start to the season after the Sea Eagles toyed with Warragul Industrials at Inverloch.

The Eagles prevailed 14.13.97 to 3.4.22 in one of their biggest statements of the season.

Tom Hams has a heap of talent at his disposal, but the ability to work deep into defence and defend has been one of the key features of their early-season form.

The Eagles have conceded scores of 54, 52, 21, 23 and 22…and those five games include Nar Nar Goon, Phillip Island and the Dusties as their opponents.

In five rounds they’ve conceded just 172

points…129 better than next best Phillip Island (301).

That’s the recipe for success right there!

Toby Mahoney and Oscar Toussaint were silky smooth for the winners, bagging three each, while boom recruits Will Hams and Tate Short continue to show their class.

The Sea Eagles will start warm favourites against Dalyston, Korumburra-Bena, Kooweerup, Bunyip and Cora Lynn over the coming weeks, before a thumping round-11 visit from Tooradin-Dalmore.

It’s hard to see them not being 10-nil heading into that clash.

Travis Ogden kicked two for the Dusties, who missed the lively Mason McGarrity up forward.

A five-goal last quarter has propelled Garfield to a 14.12.96 to 11.6.72 victory over Korumburra-Bena.

The home-town Giants were plucky for three quarters before Paul Carbis released the shackles in the final term and allowed his Stars to run free.

The Stars second win for the season was set up by a best-on-ground performance from Angus Emery, who snared four goals, while Jono Sauze and Jack Tenace-Greenall chimed in with three apiece.

Giants coach Paul Fermanis was an everpresent threat for the Stars, booting four of his own, while Rhys Dixon did his best to eat into the four-goal final deficit.

Dalyston is starting to earn some real credibility after chalking up its biggest win of the season against perennial finalist Cora Lynn at the Cobradome.

The Magpies had won just one of their previous 10 encounters against the Cobras, but a new-look outfit took the challenge head-on in a gritty and grinding 11-point victory.

The 12.8.80 to 9.15.69 win was set up in the second quarter, where five goals to two set the tone for the contest.

The home team outscored the Magpies in the second half, but the damage had been done.

Mason Storr kicked three goals in the Magpies fourth-consecutive victory, while loyal warriors like Michael Marotta and Kurt Thomas seem to be thoroughly enjoying their football.

Nathan Gardiner continued his great form with six goals for the Cobras, who shot themselves in the foot in the first and third quarters.

The hosts kicked 3.12 to that one particular

end of the ground, wasting four more scoring shots than their opponents across the course of the afternoon.

The season of Kilcunda-Bass is starting to gain momentum after a second-consecutive victory over Bunyip on Saturday.

The Panthers made a lot harder work of this than most would have expected, with the Bulldogs struggling to be competitive over their last three weeks of footy.

The 13-point margin - 15.8.98 to 12.13.85 –was comfortable in the end, but the Panthers can thank their lucky stars they were efficient.

The Bulldogs had two more shots at goal, but just couldn’t nail the crucial six-pointers when it mattered most.

Taylor Gibson backed up his 10-goal haul from last week with another five on the weekend, leading the Panthers to victory, while key players in Kye Benson, Dale Gawley and Cam McKenzie got busy when the game was on the line.

Bunyip coach Lachlan Petch will be encouraged by the Doggies performance, despite going down.

Ben Stewart, Adam Banks and Seth Ashton were super-competitive all day, while Chase Saunders with five goals and Ned Ashton with three were dangerous propositions in the front half.

And a consistent four-quarter performance has led Phillip Island to a commanding 20.9.129 to 6.11.47 win over Kooweerup at Denhams Road.

After a bright opening term, where the Doggies led 4.3 to 3.4, the visitors took control of the contest with five, six and five-goal quarters, while keeping the Demons to just one major in each term.

Coach Cam Pedersen backed up his heroics from last week with a five-goal effort up forward, while Travis Woodfield continues to prove dangerous with four.

Daniel Bourke did well in the ruck, allowing Pedersen to run amok, and is structurally a really key player for the Bulldogs.

The Demons are battling at the minute, and need to set themselves for a huge performance against Warragul Industrials this week.

The Dusties are struggling a bit as well, and this week shapes as a real cracker between two teams desperate to win.

Nathan Voss will take good form into the clash, with Mitch Cammarano, Matt Voss and Tim Miller others that fought things out for four quarters.

The big-men fly! Will Lumby and Eamon Trigg keep their eyes on the footy at Spencer Street on Saturday. 334581 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Mason Storr kicked three important goals in Dalyston’s best win for the season over Cora Lynn. 334582