News - Cranbourne Star News - 25th May 2023

Budget pressure

By Emily Chapman Laing

Struggling Victorians can expect little respite from the cost of living crisis under the Andrew’s state budget, according to opposition parties.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the budget offers “real relief on the cost of living“.

“We’re doing everything we promised Victorians we’d do – and we’re not wasting a moment getting on with it,“ he said.

While food price inflation rates have slowed to 8 per cent in March 2023 from 9.2 per cent in December 2023, the extra burden is a weight felt by all.

According to the Australian Financial Re-

view, Victorians can expect up to a 31 per cent rise in household power bills from 1 July.

Australians have been subjected to distended household costs over the past year.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures household inflation in Australia.

In the 12 months to March 2023, the CPI rose by 7 per cent.

Gas and other household fuels rose by 14.3 per cent, while medical expenses rose by 4.2 per cent.

Housing costs saw a 9.8 per cent increase.

Recreation costs increased by 8.6 per cent.

Health increased by 5.3 per cent.

Each of these areas have increased over the

last quarter as well, painting a bleak picture for Victorians already struggling to make ends meet.

Research conducted by the Salvation Army revealed 75 per cent of parents using their services are living below the poverty line as they fight to maintain housing and daily living costs.

“I have lost 40 kilograms in the last nine months because all my money goes on keeping a roof over my kids’ heads and trying to keep them in a safe place,” a 55-year-old mother told The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army research found that 93% of respondents in their research are in dire financial situations.

After paying for essential living costs, such as housing, food, utilities, health and fuel, the typical respondent is living on less than $6 a day.

The new state budget has set out a variety ways it plans to contribute to cost of living relief.

Minister for Energy and Resources, Climate Action and the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio says the budget will “drive down power bills“.

The Andrew’s Labor Government will tackle bloated electricity bills by funnelling $400 million into another round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus.

Continued page 13

Western Port goes global

The Western Port Biosphere Reserve has become more embedded into UNESCO’s global Biosphere network.

The reserve was accepted into the World Network of Coastal and Island Biospheres, a sub-group of the wider UNESCO network.

Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation CEO, Mel Barker, says this group is a vehicle for sharing and implementing knowledge specific to those members responsible for the oversight and management of UNESCO biospheres which include marine ecosystems.

“Significantly, Japan and Korea are members of the Coastal and Island Biosphere group,“ she said.

“We believe greater connection with these members in particular will benefit our ambitions for building awareness and conserving the important East Asia-Australasia Flyway for the thousands of migratory birds that visit Western Port’s protected Ramsar wetlands annually.“

She added that acceptance into the group

would be stamped by the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation’s inclusion at the international convention for the World Network of Coastal and Island Biospheres being held on K’gari (Fraser Island) in 2023.

“We will be keen to compare our recent research and findings on the potential and capacity of our marine ecosystems to help fight climate change through blue carbon absorption and to build on it using the knowledge and experience of other participants,” Ms Barker said.

“The importance of international collaboration and sharing on these issues is particularly important to coastal and island biospheres, as they are most vulnerable and exposed to damaging impacts of climate change like rising sea levels and storm surges.“

Fake parking infringement notices found in Hallam

Casey Council has advised local car owners to keep an eye out for counterfeit infringement notices, with fake notices found on cars along Melverton Drive in Hallam recently.

Casey Council has confirmed its parking compliance team did not issue the infringement notices and upon further inspection, the barcodes on the tickets do not follow

Four teens arrested after allegedly fleeing from car

the same ticket layout and carries incorrect information regarding its authenticity.

The parking team have conducted two patrols of the area.

To report a fake infringement notice or to check the validity of an infringement received, contact the council’s Parking Compliance Officer on 9705 5200 or email caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au.

Police have arrested four teenagers alleged to be fleeing from a stolen car in Clyde in the early hours of Tuesday 23 May.

Police said they had received reports of a suspicious vehicle at a car park in Casey Fields on Morison Road just before 4am.

A check of the vehicle confirmed the car to be stolen and matched a car believed to have been involved in an aggravated burglary at a fast-food store on Berwick-Cranbourne Road earlier in the morning of Tuesday 23 May.

Local police co-ordinated the police response, calling in the Dog Squad and uniformed and plain clothes units to cordon the area. Police said as they moved in, the driver of the car reversed over car park bollards, disabling the car, as they tried to flee.

With the help of the Dog Squad, police arrested the four female occupants of the car aged between 16 and 19 years of age.

Police said the teenagers are currently assisting police with their inquiries.

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2024

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

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

At kindergarten, your child will:

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

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

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

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

Visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

The Eastern Curlew. Picture: MARK LETHLEAN

Prepare for roadworks blitz

By Emily Chapman Laing

Casey residents may be fighting against the roadworks for a long time to come as the State government has committed to continued road improvement.

Road upgrades will receive an enormous $694 million in funding through the Andrew’s Labor Government 2023/24 budget.

Local road safety upgrades will receive $61.6 million in funding.

In Casey, the Thompsons Road intersection will receive part of the $694 million dedicated to improving roads in major growth corridors across the state.

The new intersection will be a $70 million project.

In Cardinia, Gembrook Primary School will soon see the installation of electronic variable speed signs as part of the local road safety initiative.

The road blitz will also include the ongoing removal of level crossings acrossVictoria.

The Andrew’s government has announced plans to remove 110 level crossings by 2030.

The road bridge project at Camms Road in Cranbourne is one such example.

“We’re doing what matters for Victorian commuters: removing level crossings, providing more transport connections than ever before, and building the road and rail projects we need to keep our city and state moving,“ said Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan.

On the downside, the Clyde Road project has been cut from funding.

The upgrade was meant to include additional lanes, intersection upgrades and upgraded pedestrian and cycling paths.

New lights, drainage, signs and landscaping were likewise to be introduced.

State Member for Berwick, Brad Battin MP says Labor has failed to deliver for the Casey community.

“They continue a pattern of waste and mismanagement and it is our community that is punished,“ he said.

“I challenge the so-called Local Labor MPs to live local, so they understand the impact of cutting funding to our roads.

“As a local myself who travels daily on these roads, I know what is important to you, because it is important to me.” Labor has

Uncertain future for projects

By Corey Everitt and Matthew Sims

The Federal Government may halt the progress of local road works as it conducts a 90-day review into the nation’s $120 billion infrastructure pipeline.

The Clyde Road upgrade in Berwick and the McGregor and Racecourse Road upgrades in Pakenham are among the Victorian projects that may be stalled as no new contracts to progress works will be entered during the 90-day review without the direct permission of the Federal Government.

The majority of works in Victoria have already entered their main construction stages.

However, Clyde, McGregor and Racecourse road works are in their early work stages, with their main construction stages all set to begin later this year.

The upgrade to Clyde Road is planned to add an extra lane for both ways between Princess Freeway and Kangan Drive, while also upgrading their intersection through Clyde Road as well.

The project would also upgrade the freeway intersections to improve access on and off the Princes Freeway, build new shared walking and cycling paths and upgrade existing shared walking and cycling paths and install new street lighting, road signage, drainage and landscaping.

Early works were underway, the full construction to begin later in the year, whether this will project will continue is now up to the Federal Government review.

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

Berwick MP Brad Battin said he was con-

What’s in it for Cranbourne?

By Emily Chapman Laing

Here’s how this year’s Andrew’s Labor Government state budget will affect the Cranbourne area.

Education centres will be upgraded with a $20.63 million upgrade to Clyde Secondary College, a $1.9 million upgrade to Cranbourne Park Primary and a $587,000 upgrade to Cranbourne East Secondary College.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

cerned the infrastructure review and the lack of a mention in the Federal Government’s budget would allow the project to fall by the wayside.

“It’s a way to write off projects you don’t want to do,” he said.

“The growth corridors who need the most funding will pay.

“They will pay more and get less.”

The Pakenham Roads Upgrade project, which includes the works for McGregor Road and Racecourse Road, is currently in Phase 1, with the main construction started for extra lanes on Princess Freeway and upgrades to exits and entry ramps on to Healesville-Kooweerup Road.

The second and third phases are the upgrade to MacGregor and Racecourse Road, respectively.

With the the main construction to be renewed over the course of the year, the Federal Government’s review has now made the future of these two works uncertain.

Cranbourne Secondary College and Ridgebank Primary School will be upgraded.

New schools will be built in Clyde including Clyde North Primary School and Clyde North Secondary College.

A comprehensive women’s health clinic will be opened at Casey Hospital.

Planning will begin for a new Mental Health andWellbeing Local in Cranbourne.

The Thompsons Road intersection in CLyde North will get a $70 million upgrade.

This includes upgrading the intersection of Thompsons Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road to get Cranbourne Public Hall will get a $1 million upgrade.

The South Sudanese-Australian Academic Society will receive $500,000.

City in the Community will receive $50,000.

A new Indian Community centre will be built, one of two constructed under $5 million funding.

Casey Radio will gain $50,000 in funding, boosting community broadcasting for

the local community.

The Tamil Festival Australia will be backed by $100,000 of funding per year over the next four years.

Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards says this budget delivers on the promises made to the residents of Cranbourne.

“This is a huge Budget for schools in Cranbourne,“ she said.

“We’re kickstarting planning, funding upgrades and building new schools so local students and their hardworking teachers can have the first-rate spaces they deserve.”

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Berwick MP Brad Battin has hit back at the Federal Government’s 90-day infrastructure review adding onto ongoing delays for the Clyde Road upgrade project. 335863

dedicated $694 million to upgrading Victorian roads. 336051

Q&A

What do you love most about your job?

I love that working in education no two days are ever the same! My role involves curriculum development which is very rewarding and something I am really passionate about. I have loved visiting other schools and researching evidence-based practices to help design the curriculum at QPS. The big reward is then seeing it enacted in classrooms by our teachers and education support and the ‘light bulb learning’ moments for our students. I love getting into classrooms to work with and alongside our teachers and students.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I have an obsession with vinyl and Cricutting! Although anyone who has ever received a gift from me is probably aware!

What classes did you teach before becoming principal?

Before I became an Assistant Principal I have taught every year level. As a casual relief teacher, I have also taught art, physical education and Indonesian.

Looking back at when you first entered your current role, what advice would you have given yourself?

That having a big picture vision for the school is essential but know that it will take time. Being part of opening a new school is exciting but comes with challenges and there are so many elements to it. There are some planning and implementation aspects of a new school that happen quickly and others that we are still working on now nearly six months in. Creating the library and building up our resources will take a year or more to establish but we just need to keep reminding ourselves to not worry as it will happen and we will have the school we envisaged even before the school was open.

What has been your most memorable moment?

The moment we opened the gates for the first

with Quarters Primary School

assistant principal Penny Denton

favourite for my family. So many of our family events have involved delicious rice and curry dishes.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Anywhere that has beautiful warm weather! I love going to Bali with my husband and children. I also went to Sri Lanka with my mum, dad and brother, which was an amazing experience. Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country to visit.

What has been your biggest achievement?

That’s really difficult to answer as I have had achievements in different areas of my life but I would probably have to say becoming a mum. Bringing up Aidan and Olivia to be considerate and kind young adults has been the most rewarding and challenging achievement to date. What encouraged you to become a teacher?

THREE … ways to enjoy the end of autumn

As autumn comes to an end, here are three ways you can enjoy the season before winter sets in.

1

Quarters Primary School assistant principal Penny Denton has enjoyed the first phase of the new school in Cranbourne West, after it was launched on Tuesday 31 January. 334736

time and welcomed our students and families to Quarters Primary School. It was so exciting putting faces to the names we had been reading for months and seeing all of our learners coming together for the first time and dressed in the uniform we had only seen on mannequins.

What subject did you enjoy at school?

I really loved English. I particularly liked writing and also a bit of debating.

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

My mum, John Farnham, Michael McIntyre, Graham Norton and Adele.

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

I think probably rice and curry. My mum taught me to cook rice and curry and it’s now a

I think I was genetically hard-wired to be a teacher. Both of my parents were teachers. My grandparents were teachers in Sri Lanka and continued teaching when they migrated to Australia. Five of my aunts and uncles were also teachers and now the next generation of my brother and some cousins have followed suit.

What were you like as a kid?

As a kid I loved playing with my friends and I hated getting into trouble. I was persistent as I found some learning at school difficult; especially Maths. I remember being outside a lot. We loved putting sandpaper in our bike spokes so it sounded like a motor bike, playing forty forty and I loved playing netball, which was something I continued as an adult. Did you always want to become a teacher or was there another career you considered?

I began my working life working in the disability field. I worked in residential care and adult training and support for more than 10 years before going back to uni as a mature age student to become a teacher.

2

Go for a walk and enjoy the last fire-red, orange and yellow leaves hanging in the trees. If you come across a pile of them, jump in them like a little kid. Or use the leaves to make an autumn-inspired wreath.

3

Make yourself a cup of hot mulled cider, or a boozy hot chocolate and enjoy the autumn flavours.

Have a bonfire with friends. Late autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a bonfire, before the winter chill sets in and small bonfires are no longer enough to stave off the cold!

Grab some loved ones and some marshmallows, and enjoy a night under the stars.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Instigator faces jail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An“obsessed” jumping-castle company owner who hired arsonists to burn rival businesses “to the ground” has been jailed for up to 11 years.

Dandenong-raised James Balcombe, 58, pleaded guilty at theVictorian County Court to 11 counts of conspiring to commit arson.

He ordered hits on competitors’ industrial premises in Hallam, Keysborough, Tullamarine, Werribee, Warragul and Hoppers Crossing – and even his own shed - to varying effect in late 2016-early 2017.

At the time, the Awesome Party Hire owner was growing a successful business for the first time.

But he became “fixated” and “obsessed” with out-doing his rivals, sentencing judge Stewart Bayles noted on 18 May.

Hired for $2000 a job, the arsonists smashed factory windows, poured petrol and threw Molotov cocktails inside. Many of the fires didn’t take hold, including at Hallam and Keysborough.

During the latter, the owner was sleeping in the premises when he heard a bang and the Molotov cocktail bottle burning outside.

It illustrated the “potential for danger” always apparent in arson crimes, Judge Bayles said.

In contrast, a competitor’s Hoppers Crossing factory, its contents and a truck – in effect the entire business - were completely destroyed, causing a devastating $1.48 million loss.

Among the destroyed items were 110 jumping castles worth $80,000 as well as children’s petrol Jeeps, racing go-karts, a stock racing car, a mechanical bull and a forklift.

The uninsured husband-and-wife couple tried but failed to rebuild their business using their savings. They are now working part-time in child-care.

The damage extended beyond physical property but caused “enormous” loss, suffering and emotional trauma, Judge Bayles noted.

After that job, Balcombe told the arsonist he wanted all jobs done like that.

In Tullamarine, a party-hire van was set alight with fuel and destroyed. Balcombe told his co-offenders he was not happy and unwilling to pay them, due to not burning the factory.

Balcombe ordered his hitmen to re-do failed attempts – up to another two times at some premises.

Finally, Balcombe ordered a fire which destroyed his own business shed in Kangaroo Ground to deflect suspicion. He filed a fraudulent insurance claim for $1.1 million.

After his arrest, Balcombe absconded while on bail toWestern Australia. He was located by Australian Federal Police two years later, sporting a long beard and wig as well as false IDs.

Two of the three co-offenders have been jailed. They were given reduced sentences after undertaking to testify against Balcombe.

Judge Bayles said Balcombe as the“apex” or

Council’s funds pitch

Regional Development and Local Government Minister Kristy McBain got a tour of Casey Council’s priority projects for funding during a visit on 18 May.

Ms McBain was briefed on council advocacy projects including an upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road from Carrum to Pakenham.

Other priority items for state and federal funding are Casey Fields stage 3, Clyde Road corridor upgrade and the Doveton Pool in the Park redevelopment.

Casey Council administrator Miguel Belmar, chief executive Glenn Patterson, Bruce MP Julian Hill and Holt MP Cassandra Fernando were among the federal minister’s touring party.

Mr Patterson said investment in Casey and the South East would “unlock the economic and urban potential of what is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions” as well as create jobs and boost productivity.

“With more than 5000 new families calling Casey home every year, our growing population needs more investment than ever before.

“We are home to more than 390,000 residents and our population is forecast to grow to more than 550,000 by 2041, so it’s important that we work with all levels of government to ensure that we can continue to respond to the needs of our community and cater for current and future growth.“

Mr Patterson welcomed the Government’s additional $2.57 million in Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program funding to Casey.

“Previous rounds of this program have enabled Council to deliver a diverse range of projects that we may not otherwise have been able to deliver in the same timeframe,“ he said.

“This has included everything from upgrades to recreation reserves, sporting facilities and local roads to restoration of heritage assets and construction of accessible paths and pedestrian bridges –all worthy projects that have resulted in many benefits to the community.”

Mr Hill said the minister was briefed on “Casey’s rapid growth” and the need for federal support for “critical transport and community infrastructure”.

“Kristy is a former mayor in Bega Shire, NSW, leading through bushfire disasters, and understands first hand the power of community advocacy.”

Ms Fernando said Casey Fields, especially the soccer facilities and the upcoming Casey Mini Stadium, was the “pride of our community“.

instigator was the most culpable.

He noted Balcombe had never been diagnosed or treated for his long-standing mental health conditions, as well as his guilty plea.

The accused’s rehabilitation prospects were

“difficult to assess”.

Balcombe’s jail term includes 938 days already served in pre-sentence detention. He will be eligible for parole after serving seven years and 10 months.

“This crucial investment will help deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects in our region, and create jobs and long-lasting benefits for the people of Holt.”

CCTV shows two arsonists flee the scene after igniting a business van at Tullamarine.

Damage caused by one of the arson attempts in Werribee.

A business van damaged after being targeted by hired arsonists.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To the brainiacs scheduling major road closures, upgrades and detours, AND then deciding it’s perfect timing to do street gutter/curbside maintenance on said detour road... in peak hour! Absolute debacle!

Thumbs down

To whoever approved the stop go traffic controllers and more works on an already detoured road in peak hour traffic in CranbourneWest! Absolutely ridiculous!!!

Thumbs down

Massive thumbs down to AusNet Services for the lack of working street lighting in Cranbourne North. Have reported and followed up, to no avail.

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

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

Here’s what our readers had to say.

Stuart Barkway

A politician lie… no way….. they promised a hospital in Warragul, and nothing has been mentioned since the announcements to gain votes.

On Thursday 18 May, eight teens were found in a stolen Honda Jazz in Hallam.

Here’s what our readers had to say.

Michael Rogers

Normal day then!

The Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce’s next event on Thursday 25 May will focus on the Cranbourne Revitalisation Project.

Here’s what our readers had to say about it.

Leonard Pyle Lawrence

How to revitalise Cranbourne…. Bulldoze the lot and start again! Bring back and maintain green spaces in and around the city centre.

Peter McKill

First plan of action is to make sure the extra heavy vehicles get sent down Cameron Street as the original plan in the 1950s allowed for.

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

Get moving

By Emily Chapman Laing

A new program is providing Casey kids with fun ways to get active.

Triathlon Victoria, in conjunction with Casey Cardinia Triathlon Squad, has commenced a six-week fully funded program for children 7 – 12 years of age.

Nadelle Legge Victorian State Services Officer, Triathlon Australia says the program is about developing key physical skills in today’s screen-based world.

“A lot of kids don’t get out like they used to, so they’re missing out on developing these key skills,“ Mrs Legge said.

“It’s not about getting them to do a triathlon at the end of it, it’s about getting them moving.

“It’s about confidence.“

For six weeks the kids are participating in sessions based around swimming, biking and running with the aim to get them moving, improve their functional skills and make new friends.

The program is called Mov3 and this is the first time it has been delivered inVictoria.

Mov3 has been rolled out in the Northern Territory and Queensland, and is now finding its foothold in the Casey community.

With only 25 spaces, the program sold out quickly.

Mrs Legge says they have a waiting list of eager participants holding out for the next time Mov3 runs.

Thumbs down

To the intermittent craters on Baxter Tooradin Road that took ages to get fixed if at all.

Thumbs down

To those who speed up Pearcedale Rd where there is a community hall, primary school and kinder all within a hundred meters of each other.

Thumbs down

To the chopper that flies at all hours of the night.

Thumbs up

To Clyde Veterinary Hospital, they are always so caring and welcoming and do a wonderful job. The girls are reception are absolute angels.

the Pearcedale community.

Here’s what our readers thought about it.

Peter McKill

The owners greed drove people out.

McDonalds is opening a new restaurant in Hampton Park.

Here’s what our readers had to say.

Chris Sanderson

We don’t need it nor want it. We have one and it’s not great to begin with.

Cranbourne East mum Amanda Bell shows the true strength of motherhood as she raises her two beautiful daughters from a wheelchair.

Here’s our readers’ responses.

Parabella

Thank you for highlighting diversity in parenthood.

Four to five days a week, Marty Johnson walkshisGreyhoundBusteruptotheHampton Park shops and ties him up outside while he does his shopping. But the pair have been noticeablyabsentfromtheirneighbourhood walks recently, after Buster was attacked at a Parkdale Dog Beach in April.

Here’s what our readers had to say.

Judie Hedrick

We were happy to help Marty, we met him at one of the greyhound walks. So glad Buster is on the mend! We adore our greyhound Evie and would do anything we could to support the greyhound community!

Sessions run at both Casey Fields Athletics Track and Casey RACE, who are offering their spaces free of charge.

Mov3 Coach Charlie Pragnell says the kids have been having lots of fun.

“It’s about teamwork and we’re all working together to have fun,“ he said.

“It’s good to see them grow and develop, to be part of the future and to shape it.“

Mov3 is based around the Sport Australia Physical Literacy Framework.

Activities focus on developing fundamental motor skills that can be transferable to a range of sports.

Participants improve their balance and agility by jumping on two wheels and cycling around a designated course, while enhancing confidence in the water at Casey RACE.

Football star sidelined

Berwick Junior Football Club and Dandenong Stingrays player Elisha Lane has had to put a pause on her football journey.

The 17-year-old footballer recently tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus and is seeking help to raise $6000 for surgery to get her back on the ground.

Lane has been playing for Berwick JFC and the Dandenong Stingrays since 2019.

“Football has always been a way to destress and put my focus elsewhere,“ she said.

“As a student, it’s always been a healthy outlet and allowed me to prioritise my mental health and physical health.

“Playing football is where I feel my absolute best.“

Lane said it was “heartbreaking“ for her to see her parents stress to pay for her medical bills.

“They are not the type of people to ask for help which is why I’ve taken it upon myself to start this to be able to provide them with the option to receive help to alleviate their stress and get the surgery done, as my parents have done so much for me already, which I am infinitely grateful for.“

“Unfortunately, my family and I do not have private health insurance as we are financially unable to afford it, and the waiting list for the surgery in the public health care system is around two years minimum.

“Being surrounded by the community I have at Berwick is what’s made the injury a lot easier.“

With the surgery estimated to cost

$12,000, the fundraiser had raised $2540 at the time of publication.

Lane said she initially hoped it was a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, as the recovery time would be shorter.

“I injured myself in the first quarter of our second round, I went in for a tackle and after completing the tackle, I was pushed back and while trying plant my feet and regain my balance my knee buckled and I heard a pop and felt instant pain,“ she said.

“I had to be stretchered off and was quite distraught.

“For any athlete who tears their ACL, there is an increased risk of arthritis in the knee, but it also means nine to 12 months of not playing the sport they love.

Lane said the injury had set her back in a number of ways.

“This year, I was really trying my best to improve my skills and fitness to be able to play at a higher level,“ she said.

“The reality of how bad I injured my knee really impacted my mental health due to how much work I had put in before hand.

“The surgery that I will be undergoing is taking a piece of my hamstring and using it to repair my ACL, the pain after the surgery is supposed to be fairly bad, and I will be dependent on my parents to do almost everything for me for the first part of my recovery.“

To contribute to the fundraiser, visit www.gofundme.com/f/fund-for-my-surgery-to-fix-my-acl-and-meniscus.

Three arrested after pursuit

Three women have been arrested in an allegedly stolen car after a police pursuit through the South East.

Police responded to reports of a blue Holden Statesman being driven erratically on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren just after 2am onWednesday 24 May.

During an attempted police intercept, the car didn’t stop and took off at a fast rate of speed.

With the assistance from the Air Wing, police followed the vehicle through a number of suburbs.

Stop sticks were deployed on Railway Parade, Dandenong however the vehicle contin-

ued to speed and drive erratically, police say.

Police allege the vehicle pulled into a car park on Princes Highway, Dandenong when three women attempted to run away.

A 39-year-old from Dandenong, a 45-yearold from Berwick and a 30-year-old from Dandenong were arrested at the scene and taken in for questioning.

The Holden was towed away for forensic examination.

Police say the vehicle is believed to have been stolen during an armed robbery in Noble Park on 12 May.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Happy Chappy. Berwick. 334124

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The kids learning bicycle skills.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Thousands without support

By Emily Chapman Laing

The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) has raised concerns about the support available to vulnerable Australians experiencing complex mental illness.

In Casey, 7 per cent of residents report high levels of psychological distress.

This equates to more than 30,000 affected constituents.

MIFA says there is little help from either the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or from other Commonwealth and State/Territory psychosocial programs.

Without adequate support, MIFA warns, people with severe and complex mental illness will continue to experience adverse effects, such as homelessness, attempted suicide and marginalisation.

“There is, without doubt, a huge gap,” MIFA CEO Tony Stevenson said.

“It is a national human rights issue.

“Tragically, many governments are continuing to aimlessly kick the can down the road when it comes to funding new investment to support people with severe and complex mental health conditions.”

The state budget, dropped by the Andrew’s government on Tuesday 23 May shows some improvements to be made in the mental health sector.

Statewide, $160.2 million has been set aside for drug treatment and rehabilitation.

$156.6 million will fund mental health clinical care facilities.

Mental Health Community Support Services will receive a further 90.5 million.

The government has also dedicated $10 million statewide to the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Renewal Fund.

In Casey, homelessness has risen 44.7 per cent since 2016.

A 2016 census reported 1280 homeless people in Casey.

Recent data shows the number has skyrocketed to 1852 people.

The rate of mental health issues is substantially higher among people with a history of

homelessness (54 per cent) compared to the general population (19 per cent).

Wayss General Manager Shari McPhail says the numbers tell a “chilling story”.

“The number of people entering Wayss Access Point who are experiencing homelessness due to mental health issues has doubled since 2019,” she said.

“For many, living with a mental illness and accessing and maintaining a stable home can prove difficult.

“Wayss works closely with mental health agencies and as demand has increased substantially, this can delay and at times deter people from seeking the help they need.”

City of Casey Manager Connected Communities Sara Ball says the council is dedicated to providing support.

“The City of Casey is committed to working with the Victorian Government and local mental health organisations that provide both community-based and inpatient support to residents with severe mental illness,” she said.

“Our Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021/2025 identifies mental wellbeing as a key priority for the Casey community.

“Council is working with local partners and community organisations to address underlying drivers of mental ill health, such as gam-

bling harm, social and affordable housing, and access and inclusion.”

The Andrew’s budget has dedicated $134 million to homelessness services over the next four years, with $67.6 million for Housing First responses and supports.

Across Australia, there are 800,000 people living with complex mental illnesses.

Mental illness and substance abuse issues are the second largest contributors to nonfatal disease in the country.

Severe mental health conditions also shorten sufferer’s lifespans through the higher prevalence of comorbidity.

On average, people with severe mental illness die up to 23 years earlier than the general population.

MIFA has united with 40 other organisations to advocate for the Australian governments to rectify the lack of psychosocial support.

Mr Stevenson says hospitals can end up being the only option for many people, and the problem often reaches the crisis point before emergency departments are consulted.

“At the present time, all governments are undertaking an analysis of the actual need to determine how many people with severe and complex mental health conditions require support.

“It is clear to the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia that governments have shown absolutely no appetite at all for getting this analysis to speed up – or earmarking any funds for early investment.

“That is despite the fact that the clear gap is not just known, it is very clearly acknowledged.”

Funding support for people with severe and complex mental illnesses outside of the NDIS has decreased drastically., according to Mr Stevenson.

“The system channels people into emergency and hospital services, adding huge extra pressure to that system and in turn traumatising those involved.

“We need a focus on prevention and supporting recovery, with greater investment in

community mental health recovery services.”

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2021-2024 will hopefully help to bridge these gaps.

By the end of 2023, the strategy aims to implement and support structural workforce reforms to attract, train and transition support staff across local, regional and statewide mental health services.

The development of new and enhanced workforce roles within the industry is also a priority.

The Albanese government recently announced their support for Australia’s vulnerable homeless population.

The Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams announced on 18 May close to $10 million in support funds through the Labor Government’s Social Inclusion Mental Health Support Services program.

These funds were split between four organisations, St Mary’s House of Welcome, Uniting Vic.Tas, Jesuit Social Services Connexions, cohealth in partnership with the Inner West Area Mental Health Service and Launch Housing.

Almost $6 billion has been invested in mental health and wellbeing over the past three years by the Australian government, the largest investment in mental health in Victoria’s history.

The Albanese government says work is underway on 90 per cent of the Royal Commission recommendations regarding mental health reforms.

MIFA is advocating for new communitybased supports that are “person-led, recoveryoriented, trauma-informed, culturally responsive and inclusive of family and carer support”.

MIFA encourage those suffering with complex mental health to join their online community ‘Finding North’.

“It is a growing on-line community of people who want to share their experiences and help others – and it is safe and secure,” Mr Stevenson said.

“With the right support, people with serious and complex mental illness can recover and live meaningful lives.”

Government unveils Camms Road bridge design images

As major works continue on a road bridge to remove the level crossing at Camms Road, Cranbourne a year ahead of schedule, designs for the bridge colours have been released.

The design images unveil a colour palette inspired by local icons, the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and the Cranbourne meteorite – the second largest meteorite found in Australia.

The Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) team asked the community how they would like the area to look and feel.

Locals said they favoured natural colours for the road bridge design, with landscaping that visually enhanced the local area includ-

ing native, low maintenance plants.

Thirty-five piles forming the foundations of the road bridge have now been installed and abutment walls have been constructed on either side of the rail corridor.

The new road bridge will allow pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the rail line.

It features improved lighting along the shared use path and within the upgraded Cranbourne Station car park.

Residents will also be able to walk and cycle to the station precinct and beyond using a joined path.

When complete, the path will create a di-

Enrolling for 2024 and 2025

rect route between Lynbrook, Merinda Park and Cranbourne stations.

The LXRP is also delivering 400 new and upgraded car parking spaces at Cranbourne Station as part of the Car Park for Commuters and Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution programs.

The new car park will feature improved CCTV and lighting as well as more bicycle parking facilities.

Removing the level crossing at Camms Road will ease congestion and improve safety for 12,000 drivers who pass through it each day, where boom gates can be down for up to 12% of the morning peak.

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

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

The new design was inspired by the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens and the Cranbourne meteorite. Picture: SUPPLIED

MIFA says thousands are going without crucial mental health support. Picture: GENERIC

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More schools on the way

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The State Government has kept election promises for free three-year-old kinder, new schools and school upgrades in the 2023-’24 State Budget.

However it has been accused of “taxing” schools and not doing enough to retain “burnt out” staff.

Among the kept promises were $24.2 million over three years for Hallam Secondary College, as well as upgrades at Cranbourne Park Primary School ($1.9 million), Cranbourne East Secondary College ($587,000) and Fleetwood Primary School in Narre Warren ($310,000).

Cranbourne Secondary College, James Cook Primary School, Lyndhurst Secondary College and Rangebank Primary School, which were promised multi-million-dollar upgrades at the state election, received funds for planning.

There is also $573 million for building nine new schools including Clyde North Primary School and Clyde North Secondary School, Pakenham North West Primary School, Thompsons West Primary School – all to open in 2025.

Planning and early works will begin for Casey Central Primary School, to open in 2026.

Additional stages will also be built at the recently-opened Clyde Secondary College.

However, there was no mention of three new schools promised at the 2022 election - Clyde Creek North Primary School, Clyde Creek North Secondary School and Ballarto Road Primary School.

Six new Tech Schools will be built including in Dandenong and Frankston, joining an existing campus in Casey.

The Government also will add a further $1.5 billion to expand its free three-year-old kinder, Best Start and Best Life programs.

It will support the Coleman Foundation with its Our Place model at Doveton College.

Berwick Liberal MP Brad Battin criticised the Government for “taxing “ independent schools to solve its “financial mess”.

It had removed payroll tax exemptions from more than 110 independent schools, leading to fee increases for struggling families, according to the Opposition.

“Taxing schools is not the answer to the Andrews Labor financial mess, we know many families are working hard to give their children options in education, and Labor want to penalise them.

“This desperate and heartless tax grab will see jobs go, increase pressure on the cost of living for many families and will push some

schools to choose to cut costs or increase classes, both resulting in worse outcomes.”

The Australian Education Union state branch gave a mixed report card, slamming cuts to public school funding and Tafe and the response to teacher shortages.

The Government invested a further $204.8 million in attracting and retaining teachers, and providing more support for pre-service teachers.

However, AEU state president Meredith Peace said bold reforms and strategies such as retention payments and financial incentives for pre-service teachers were needed.

She praised the nine new schools but questioned how they would be staffed.

“We have many public schools in Victoria right now that do not have fully qualified teachers in front of classrooms.

“Teacher shortages are leaving many students in public schools high and dry without the support they need and contributing to the escalating workloads experienced by existing public school staff, causing them to burn out and walk away from their profession.”

Regarding Tafe, Ms Peace said: “Fee-free Tafe sounds good in a headline. But the reality is, Tafe in Victoria is not funded for the actual cost of course delivery.”

The ongoing rollout of ’Free Kinder’ was bringing many positive changes for children, families and the early childhood education workforce, she said.

$310K

Premier Daniel Andrews and Early Education and Pre-prep Minister Ingrid Stitt visit a kinder.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Rental crisis lingers

By Emily Chapman Laing

Casey residents buried under the rising cost of mortgage and rental expenses received little reprieve in the State Budget.

The Andrew’s COVID debt repair plan will see new taxes instituted for landlords across the state.

The threshold for Victoria’s land tax will be lowered from $300,000 to $50,000.

Opposition parties say the Labor government is leaving property owners to foot the bill ofVictoria’s astounding $116 billion COVID-19 debt.

The debt is expected to rise to $166 billion by 2026.

Shadow Minister for Finance Jess Wilson described the budget as “brutal” for Victorian households.

“A new property tax means higher rents at a time households are already under enormous cost of living pressures,” she said.

“Renters around the state are one rent rise away from homelessness, and yet there’s nothing in this budget for them,“ said Victorian Greens treasury spokesperson, Sam Hibbins.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam MLC says “it’s clear Labor has its priorities wrong“.

“Short-term measures won’t fix the housing crisis,“ she said.

“In fact, this Labor Government is funnelling four times more into the racing industry than new spending on people in housing stress or experiencing homelessness.“

Suburbs across Casey have witnessed rents increasing by an average of $65 over the past five years.

Median prices range from $410 per week in Cranbourne to a whopping $675 per week in Devon Meadows.

According to realestate.com.au and Canstar, rental expenses should make up no more than 30 per cent of an individual’s income.

Right now, a single mother in a three bedroom Cranbourne home would have to earn $1500 per week, or $78,000 per year, to satisfy the 30 per cent rule.

In January 2023, Domain data showed Cardinia having a 0.4 per cent vacancy rate for rentals.

Casey’s current vacancy rate is just 0.5 per cent.

According to Eview Real Estate, a balanced market has a vacancy rate of around 3 per cent, allowing for the movement of renters in and out of properties.

The rental crisis in Casey and surrounding areas is no new news.

“My only income is Centrelink JobSeeker, and 90 per cent of the pension goes on rent,“ tenant Melinda Bensch said.

“We had to move out of our rental due to the owners wanting to move back in because of financial reasons,“ another tenant Angela Smeath said.

“We couldn’t get a lease anywhere so have now moved interstate.“

Casey renter Lee Robinson says the state of the rental economy is “demoralising“.

“There’s so many people seeking a property and the chance of getting a house is so low,“ he said.

“Governments need to put a cap on rental

Health focus

By Matthew Sims

The State Government has retained a number of its election promises and prior investments across healthcare in the South East in the 2023-24 State Budget, including a new emergency department expansion at Casey Hospital and a redevelopment of Dandenong Hospital.

Released by Treasurer Tim Pallas on Tuesday 23 May, the budget outlined a total investment of $3.04 billion in new healthcare projects.

The Department of Health’s operating statement showed a decrease in operating income of $788 million between the 2022-23 revised budget and the 2023-24 budget, due to 2022-23 funding related to Covid-19 response initiatives lapsing, while operating expenses were expected to decrease by $887 million in 2023-24.

property prices, it’s the only way to help the Australian people.“

Another tenant Aya Rains said it took her family eight months to find a rental property.

“There was 50 people at every inspection, as $400-$450 is the price everyone is looking around for affordability,“ she said.

The 2023/24 budget offered some relief in the form of free three-year-old kinder, fairer public transport fares and another round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus.

Those without homes have been noted in the budget, with $134 million set aside for homelessness support.

The Council to Homeless Persons says this is a step in the right direction.

“We are pleased to see this budget delivers some desperately needed support for rough sleepers through investment in Housing First responses,“ said Council to Homeless Persons CEO Deborah Di Natale.

“Still the State Government should commit to building at least 6000 social housing properties each year for a decade.“

But it is clear the ongoing havoc of the rental economy is not Labor’s top priority, according to opposition parties.

A parliamentary inquiry into the state’s ongoing rental crisis was knocked back by the Labor government onWednesday 17 May.

Despite the motion being supported by Legalise Cannabis, Animal Justice Party, the Greens and the Opposition, it was halted by Labor in the Upper House when they sided with disgraced anti-trans MP Moira Deeming to block the inquiry. The Greens say their proposed inquiry would have “put the problems and the solutions squarely in front of the Government, and compelled them to act“.

Victorian Greens renters’ rights spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri, said voting down the inquiry was a “slap in the face to renters“ who are“one rent rise away from eviction, or homelessness“.

“We’re seeing retired women sleeping in cars, and families with school kids living in tents,“ she said.

“Yet rather than find the solutions to help them, this Government has sided with the property industry and the right-wing crossbench to stall any meaningful reform.“

South Eastern MP Micheal Galea says the “other parties want an inquiry to allow them to grandstand“.

“This Government is taking action to address both rental affordability and fairness, including the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build,“ he said.

“The Andrews Labor Government have made the renting system fairer through some 130 reforms, such as outlawing rental bidding, making it easier for tenants to get their bonds back, and allowing tenants to keep pets and make minor modifications to their homes.“

The Greens are now petitioning for a national rent and interest rate freeze, capping future rental increases to 2 per cent.

“Labor has the power to fix the housing crisis, they’re just choosing not to,“ the Greens petition says.

Wayss General Manager Shari McPhail recently explained homelessness rates in the Greater Dandenong area have risen by 13 per cent since 2016, while affordable rentals have decreased by 6.5 per cent.

“Rising homelessness and decreasing available affordable properties in our area have seen a 61 per cent increase in the number of families and singles entering our services,“ Ms McPhail said.

“This demand for housing and services is outweighing supply and coupled with the complex needs that Wayss clients are presenting with, our services are stretched.“

Cranbourne West’s VHLS Rental Department Manager Courtney Shaw says the rental crisis has inflated incorrect perceptions of landlords.

“There is a perception that rental providers are rich and wealthy and this is not always the case,“ she said.

“They are struggling families too and affected by the rising cost of living.

“We are currently seeing the average rent increase to be $40- $60 a week across many properties, in previous years the average was only $10 a week.

“Unfortunately this has increased by the rising cost in living, interest rates, compliance checks now needed in all properties, and rental providers selling.“

Mrs Shaw says around 20 per cent of rental providers are selling.

“They can no longer afford to keep their investments,“ she said.

St George economists have predicted another 11.5 per cent increase in rent prices across the state this year.

Winners and losers in the State Budget

By Matthew Sims

Local Labor MPs have welcomed a number of projects outlined to be delivered in the 202324 State Budget, while Berwick MP Brad Battin has hit out at a number of budget cuts and the State Government’s decision to remove payroll tax exemptions for more than 110 independent schools as a “desperate and heartless tax grab“.

NarreWarren North MP BelindaWilson said local schools were among the highlights of the budget, with $24.2 million allocated for upgrades at Hallam Secondary College, including a competition-grade gymnasium, a new administration building and a new Year 7 to 9 building and a $310,000 investment at Fleetwood Primary School to upgrade the toilets, water fountains and fences.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas praised a number of funding commitments, including a $50,000 investment to the Hampton Park Uniting Church, a $50,000 allocation to Casey Radio, $1.2 million for upgrades to Grices Road Recreation Reserve and a $550,000 investment to Hampton Park Tennis Club. Mr Maas said the State Government was also proud of the State Government’s $400,000 commitment to the Tamil Festival over the next four years.

South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Michael Galea said another highlight of the budget was a new comprehensive women’s health clinic at Casey Hospital, providing care and support for conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause and menopause. Mr Galea said the budget also outlined the construction of three new schools across Berwick - Clyde North Primary

School (interim name), Clyde North Secondary College (interim name) and Thompsons West Primary School (interim name).

However, there was no mention of three new schools promised at the 2022 election - Clyde Creek North Primary School, Clyde Creek North Secondary School and Ballarto Road Primary School.

South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis said another highlight of the budget was the $70 million upgrade to Thompsons Road in Clyde North, which includes upgrading the intersection of Thompsons Road and BerwickCranbourne Road.

Berwick MP Brad Battin hit out at the budget funding “cut” to the Clyde North police station, which was initially pledged in 2018, as well as the cut of funding for the Clyde North Fire RescueVictoria station.

The budget papers outlined the State Government would allocate $78.5 million towards its $320 million Hospital Infrastructure Delivery Fund in 2023-24, which would support planning, development and land acquisition for new and upgraded hospitals across the state, including the development of a new intensive care unit and a new outpatient clinic at Dandenong Hospital providing better care for the Dandenong community.

The fund would also support the construction of a a bigger and better Monash Medical Centre in Clayton, delivering specialist acute inpatient, maternity and specialist health services for the south-eastern growth corridor.

The budget papers have confirmed the new emergency department expansion Casey Hospital would continue to be funded, with the estimated completion date pushed back to June 2027 at the latest.

The 2022-23 State Budget included a commitment for Casey Hospital to receive a share of $236 million alongside Werribee Mercy Hospital in funding to double the capacity of its emergency department, with a total of $13.55 million estimated to be spent on the projects during the 2023-24 financial year.

The budget also highlighted a $10 million investment towards the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund during the 2023-24 financial year, with other mental health initiatives including a further $776 million for critical bed-based services, AOD services, infrastructure, earlier support in community mental health services, better mental health in the workplace and the rollout of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act and $77 million towards setting up 50 Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals by 2026 including one in NarreWarren

Other intiatives outlined in the budget included a $256 million investment to support a statewide health-based response to public intoxication and $15 million towards the Safer Digital Healthcare Program for 2023-24, $32 million to get new trainee GPs into the workforce and $20 million for a 12-month pilot program expanding the role of community pharmacists.

In an Australian first, the State Government has pledged to train 40 extra highly-skilled Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics, and we’ll also train and deploy 25 paramedic practitioners.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the budget would ensure all Victorians can get the care they need at the right time and place.

“We’re doing what matters – building hospitals and recruiting thousands of healthcare workers,“ she said.

Ambulance Services and Mental Health Minister Gabrielle Williams said the budget outlined a holistic approach to the state’s healthcare system.

“With more ambulances on the road, more resources to train our paramedics and more work to build the mental health system our state deserves, we’re supporting every part of our healthcare system,“ she said.

Rental property in Cranboaurne East. 336761

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Embracing colour, creativity

The Quarters Primary School community celebrated Education Week in style last week, with its inaugural art show putting pupils’ creative skills on display. On Wednesday 17 May, one focus of our education week open evening was the amazing, inaugural art show for Quarters Primary School.

Supported by a free sausage sizzle from Big Childcare and Cranbourne West Secondary College music students providing entertainment, pieces of all styles and across all year levels were on show during the Wednesday 17 May event.

Student wellbeing and community liaison teacher Shilpa Sanghani said the event was a “huge success“

“The comments coming from our community were extremely positive and it was a joy to see so many families admiring the hard work and creativity of our students,“ she said.

The school’s Prep students made clay birds with nests and created colourful paintings with bleeding crepe paper.

Impressionist painter Claude Monet in-

spired the work of the Grade 1 and 2 pupils, with their work featuring individual ponds complete with waterlilies and creatures.

Grade 3 and 4 pupils recreated Edvard

Munch’s iconic piece ’The Scream’ in mixed media starring themselves and also tried their hand at weaving.

Grade 4, 5 and 6 pupils also created explo-

sive pieces of mixed media with an animal theme, including making fireworks out of salt and colouring and trees with scrunched up foil and fingerpainting techniques.

Using sport as a vehicle to drive social engagement

By Matthew Sims

South eastern Pasifika youths have been connecting with others and enjoying physical activity as part of an ongoing social engagement initiative.

Run by the Centre for MulticulturalYouth’s Le Mana Pasifika project in partnership with City of Casey Youth Services, the Late Night Hoops initiative began as an eight-week pilot program in October of last year, attracting about 90 Pasifika young people.

Le Mana Pasifika project officer Dylan Wolfgramm said the program had now grown to about 140 young people playing basketball, volleyball or netball or engaging in other activities such as arts and drawing or oneon-one counselling services.

“It’s promoting social connection,“ he said.

“They use sport as a vehicle to drive social engagement with others.

“They’re using it to help with their mental health and wellbeing.“

The program now runs every Friday night from 9pm to midnight at Olive Road Sporting Complex in Eumemmering.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas and South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis visited the program on Friday 12 May.

Mr Wolfgramm said the group had broadened beyond Pasifika community members to include South Sudanese, First Nations and non-M?ori Pacific Islander young people.

“It has really turned into a communitydriven event,“ he said.

Mr Wolfgramm said they have had constructive conversations with Mr Tarlamis and Mr Maas about further funding for the project.

Le Mana Wayfinders secretary assistant Julie Ierome said she has been involved with Le Mana Pasifika for about two-and-a-half years and joined the Wayfinders young leaders program for 15 to 25 year-old Pasifika youth.

“It’s really rewarding,“ she said.

“I think we’ve given young people a safe space.

“I feel like we push them to help them to accomplish their full potential.“

Ms Ierome said the program was also beneficial for young Pasifika people and young people from other cultures to get back in touch with their culture.

“It’s for young people to reconnect with

their roots,“ she said.

“We lose touch with our culture.

“Relearning is powerful.“

Ms Ierome said the program also helped to break through stereotypes.

“We just needed something like this,“ she said.

“I would have wanted something like Le Mana Pasifika when I was younger,“ she said.

For more information about the Le Mana Pasifika program, visit www.cmy.net.au/ young-people-community/communityconnections/le-mana-pasifika or www.instagram.com/lemana.southeast

South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis and Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas visited the program on Friday 12 May. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Le Mana Pasifika project development lead Temese Leilua with the MPs.

Le Mana Pasifika staff joined with the MPs.South-East Monash Legal Service youth worker Milly Lefau with Pasifika youth.

Jai, Adeline and Ayden with their artwork. 334682

Pictures: GARY SISSONS Imogen next to her artwork. 334682

Jai, Adeline and Ayden with their artwork. 334682

Shelly, Milan and Sarogini. 334682

Live music supplied was supplied by Cranbourne West Secondary College. 334682

Emergency department expansion

By Matthew Sims

The state government has confirmed plans were taking shape on the construction of a new emergency department expansion at Casey Hospital, as response times continue to lag in key categories.

Cycling paths linked

New cycling and pedestrian paths have been connected over 4.25 kilometres as part of the Cranbourne Line Upgrade (CLU).

The new shared use path creates a direct route between Lynbrook, Merinda Park and Cranbourne stations.

The cycling and pedestrian path connects the residential area north of Lynbrook Station and connects users to Merinda Park Station and Camms Road, Cranbourne.

Construction has also started on the Camms Road level crossing removal, which will connect the shared user path to Cranbourne Station when completed.

By linking up with the already existing

Little help

From page 1

One hundred neighbourhood batteries will be installed in an effort to further drive down energy prices.

Regional Victorians will have access to“fairer“ public transport fares, with regional fares capped at metro prices.

The government will also set aside $50 million for the digitisation of essential government services, to streamline citizen’s communication with important government bodies.

Constituents who menstruate will be delighted to find free period products available in public spaces and government schools.

Fertility care, Veterans and new parents will receive further funding in the new budget.

Apprentice tradies will also get a boost, with $10 million reserved for the delivery of free car registration for bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, electricians, plumbers and other apprentices who rely on their vehicle for work.

Other cost of living changes will offer better access to the natural environment.

“We know cost of living pressures are the reality for many families, so we’re making sure they don’t miss out on exploring the natural environmentVictoria has to offer,“ said Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt.

“With half-price camping in National Parks, free entry for kids to our zoos and better parks and playgrounds across the state.”

As housing prices and food costs drain the majority of local’s incomes, other parties have said Labor’s efforts to fight the rising cost of living simply aren’t enough.

Leader of the Opposition, John Pesutto has called Victoria broken under the Andrew’s Labor budget. “It fails to offer any relief for Victorians when they need it the most and will put Victoria further behind the rest of Australia as a place to work, invest and raise a family,“ he said.

Victorian Greens treasury spokesperson, Sam Hibbins said: “The cost-ofliving is through the roof right now, and yet this budget will see thousands of jobs axed.”

pathways, the 3 metre wide path will improve access to shops, schools, and medical services.

Thousands of local residents and hundreds of local businesses are benefiting, with the new path within 1 kilometre of 13,000 homes, boosting the health and wellbeing of these growing communities and making leaving the car at home more viable, freeing up car parks at the stations.

The new shared use path is part of the CLU works, which includes 8 kilometres of duplicated tracks between Cranbourne and Dandenong and the new Merinda Park Station.

These works have paved the way for trains up to every 10 minutes in the morning peak

for passengers travelling from Cranbourne, Lynbrook, and Merinda Park stations.

In total, 15 level crossings are being removed on the Cranbourne Line, with 13 already gone for good, including the dangerous and congested level crossings at Evans Road, Lyndhurst and Greens Road, Dandenong South.

The level crossing removal at Camms Road in Cranbourne is on track for removal in 2024, with works currently underway on a new road bridge over the rail line.

The Level Crossing Removal Project is removing 110 level crossings across Melbourne by 2030, with 68 already gone for good.

Free food stop in Doveton

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Foodbank’s “mini supermarket” on wheels is provided much-needed food relief to Doveton College families.

Twice a term, the purple bus emblazoned with bright murals rolls up to the school.

About 180 families line up for the free pick of fridges of dairy and zaatar bread and shelves of fruit, veg and other healthy food staples.

Any leftover food is distributed at the college at the end of the day.

“Foodbank are amazing. The school community are grateful because they clearly need it with the rising cost of living,” Doveton College principal Debra Gibson said.

“Anythingwecandotohelpisagoodthing.”

The bus also visits Hallam College as well as other schools across Melbourne.

Foodbank programs coordinator Kylie McKinlay said the service aims to reach out to communities not linked to food relief services.

“Food costs are skyrocketing. This is to get them through until the next time they shop.”

Foodbank also supplies 500 agencies and breakfast clubs at more than 1000 schools including Doveton College.

Thebusisfeeding50percentmoreDoveton families than when it started in late 2021.

Regional manager Emma O’Connor said there’s been up to 35 per cent increase in food relief demand in the past six months.

“Our agencies who put food hampers together are cutting back from weekly to fortnightly because there are so many people demanding help.”

The 2022-23 Victorian State Budget included a commitment for Casey Hospital to receive a share of $236 million in funding to double the capacity of its emergency department, as part of a $2.3 billion investment to upgrade existing and build new hospitals across the state.

Casey Hospital’s emergency department expansion would include a dedicated paediatric space for children and their families, and support an additional 52,000 presentations annually, helping ease the pressure on the existing emergency departments for the hospitals’ dedicated doctors, nurses, orderlies and other hospital staff.

A Department of Health spokesperson said planning works were progressing on the new emergency department.

“The expanded emergency department will respond to the growing number of adult and paediatric presentations in the community,“ the spokesperson said.

“Construction is expected to commence in 2024 and is on track for opening in 2026, and we’re working closely with Monash Health to ensure any impact to services is minimised during the redevelopment.“

According to Victorian Agency for Health Information data, Casey Hospital treated 78.35 per cent of emergency patients within the recommended time during the January to March 2023 period, which represented a step up from 37.64 per cent in April-June 2022.

In category two emergency cases requiring treatment within 10 minutes, Casey Hospital treated 48.94 per cent of patients within the recommended time during January-March 2023.

While Casey Hospital treated 83.46 per cent of category three emergency cases within the recommended time of 30 minutes, this figure represented a lag behind others hospitals such as Dandenong Hospital (92.6 per cent) and Angliss Hospital (86.22 per cent).

During the Legislative Assembly meeting on Wednesday 3 May, Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson requested an update on the works.

“In the 2022–23 budget it was announced that the Andrews Labor government will redevelop and expand the emergency department at Casey Hospital,“ she said.

“This follows from a major expansion of the hospital that was completed in 2020 to meet the soaring demand for health care in the outer south-east.

“I know people in my electorate are excited to see these upgrades delivered, and alongside the major redevelopment of Dandenong Hospital it will provide world-class health care for residents in NarreWarren North.“

Foodbank bus volunteers Megan and Enza from Martin Currie investment firm. 336149

Foodbank regional manager Emma O’Connor and Doveton College business manager Sharon Wilson. 336149

The bright, purple Foodbank bus. 336149

The new cycling path connects Lynbrook Station to Cranbourne Station. 335365

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Celebrating our volunteers

By Sahar Foladi

Similar to many organisations, Palliative Care South-East has celebrated the impactful works of its volunteers.

Betty Williams and Marilyn Morrow are unique in their own ways but both share the commonality of breaking down barriers.

Resident of Dandenong for 68 years, Ms Williams is an example of age being just a number.

Ms Williams, who’s turning 91 next month, has served 32 years volunteering with PCSE and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition.

“Everything about volunteering has changed and enriched my life. If I had all those years I wouldn’t change a thing.”

She discovered PCSE when two of her close friends were diagnosed with cancer within 18 months of one another.

“I learnt through them the care, support and encouragement that PC nurses gave to their families.”

So, when her friends passed away she joined her journey towards enrichment.

“Back then we started off in a small unit on David Street Dandenong” Ms Williams said.

“I started off by going into the homes of sick clients.”

Interestingly, Ms Williams never learned to drive instead she took trains, buses and sometimes walked from Dandenong to Pakenham, Berwick, Endeavour Hills and so on.

“If somebody would say where such and such is, they’ll say don’t ask Betty she’ll tell you where it is but she’ll take you on the bus route,” she said.

Ms Williams has an incredible unwavering passion to support the bereaved through the bereavement program at PC, while she has her own personal experiences of death of loved ones.

She lost her 48-year-old daughter to an illness which she counts as a “lesson.”

“I learnt firsthand what it’s like to lose someone.

“I was lucky to have had that support from family and friends. It’s a long road of grief.”

Neither pandemic nor her broken leg could stop her from continuing her works.

During pandemic she learned new IT skills to attend online meetings and made regular calls to check in on members of bereavement support group.

“The work we do is very sad - we can shed tears with people, share smile and hugs. It’s only natural that you feel and take care of those people deeply,” Ms Williams said.

“It’s important to allow yourself time out.”

Ms Williams has 16 grand-children, enjoys music and escapes into her gardening world.

Marilyn Morrow migrated to Australia from Northern Ireland in 1970 when she was 17 years old.

Born with cerebral palsy, she proved doctors wrong who told her family she will never be able to walk.

Ms Morrow continued to flag down misconceptions about disabled people and lives

Extra help for uni students

A group of Federation University Berwick students have received financial support in their tertiary education journey this year.

Across the Gippsland and Berwick campuses, Federation University awarded 77 scholarships last week.

This year the university, in partnership with generous donors, has awarded 228 scholarships across its campuses, totalling more than $830,000, providing students the opportunity to succeed in their studies without the stress of financial pressure, helping to cover costs including textbooks, petrol, groceries and computers.

Among the recipients was Berwick campus Bachelor of Arts student Michelle Cooper Stanway, who received the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship and Foundation Commencing Scholarship.

“I don’t know that myself or people like me could necessarily sustain the journey without the support,“ she said.

A proud Awabakal and Palawa woman and long-time foster carer, the scholarship has given Ms Stanway access to a computer at home and allowed her to dedicate more time to her studies, while she hopes to eventually return

to work in the out-of-home and disability care sectors.

“It’s given me an excellent couple of steps towards being a successful university student,“ she said.

Federation University vice-chancellor and president Professor Duncan Bentley said the university was “delighted“ to again award a record number of scholarships thanks to partnerships with donors.

“We know financial hardship is one of the major barriers preventing students from completing their studies and these scholarships help to ease that pressure, providing them with the opportunity to succeed in their studies and contribute to their communities,“ he said.

“These scholarships are possible through the generosity of our donors.“

Federation University’s scholarship program began with four foundation scholarships in 2013 and has grown to support hundreds of students in need of assistance through the generous support of alumni, staff, businesses and community donors.

For more information on Federation University’s scholarships, visit federation.edu.au/ connect/foundation.

an independent, active life working in crisis housing sector for the past 21 years.

“I always wanted to work in PC because as a European when we lose someone we are very hands on, very present with the person throughout that process,” Ms Morrow said.

“I love my volunteer work I think it’s a privilege to be part of that journey with the people.”

She joined PCSE during the pandemic and now wheelchair bound at the age of 70, she has strong desire to continue her work.

“We can create barriers for ourselves if we want to. I’ve got this disability - it’s something was born with I’m stuck with it. I might as well make the most of it.”

Noble Park resident of 21 years, Ms Morrow works four days a week and fills the fifth day to support clients with terminal illness and carers.

“When I retire I wanted to have something else to be able to do because I’ve always found

it very satisfying to be part of that process either for the dying person or the family.”

Ms Morrow has three children, 10 grandchildren and has worked all her life saying this country has been very kind to her.

PCSE Community Engagement Officer, Rochelle Dullard said misconceptions around palliative care have changed drastically in the past 30 years.

“Palliative care has become an important healthcare service required in the community.

“We’d like to recognise and focus that our volunteers are exceptional people doing extraordinary work.

“Betty and Marilyn both are exceptional women and volunteers.”

Chief executive officer, Kelly Rogerson said, “We have phenomenal volunteers who’ve engaged with our service for many years.

“Their wisdom is absolutely fundamental at what we do.”

Ms Rogerson said 75 per cent of people will need palliative care meaning they’ll die of a terminal illness making the service vital.

In 2021-22 financial years, PCSE had 900 admissions and 737 deaths.

One per cent of PCSE clients are under the age of 10 while 25 per cent are under 65 years of age.

PCSE are actively recruiting volunteers.

Details: www.palliativecaresoutheast.org. au/

Fed Uni posts $41m loss

Federation University has reported a $41.2 million operating deficit in 2022.

The university, with a campus in Berwick, is also forecasting deficits in 2023 and 2024.

The downturn related to a drop in international students over the past three years of the Covid pandemic, according to Federation’s annual report.

It stated that Covid, global economic volatility, restrictions on international student visas and high inflation caused a “major shift” in its finances.

The university’s investment holdings also took a $70 million hit in 2022.

Federation vice-chancellor and president Duncan Bentley said the university was rolling out a long-term plan to return to surplus.

“Federation is focussed on the future - delivering a strong and sustainable university that transforms lives and enhances communities,” Professor Bentley said.

“We anticipated the impacts of the pan-

demic and are well advanced on rolling out a comprehensive plan that will return us to surplus within the next four years and provide a solid foundation for future growth.”

The plan includes a commitment to be “Australia’s first co-operative university” in which staff and students collaborate with local employers.

Its first four co-op pilot degrees including IT, business and visual arts were launched in 2023.

“As Australia’s first co-operative university, we will be in a strong position to grow our university to support the regions we serve with the pipeline of skilled workers they need to succeed.”

Federation, which also has sites in Ballarat, Wimmera and Gippsland, plans for Berwick to be its largest student population by 2025.

In 2022, its Berwick student intake dropped from 2420 to 2299.

AssociateProfessorMimmieWatts,deputychancellorRhondaWhitfield,scholarshiprecipient MichelleCooperStanwayandvice-chancellorDuncanBentley.

BettyWilliamsOAMwithhermedalshe receivedforhervolunteerwork. 335421

MarilynMorrowandBettyWilliamsOAM. 335421

Pictures:GARYSISSONS

Dr top of the class

St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar principal Dr Annette Rome has been recognised as one of the nation’s best principals, earning a finalist spot in the 2023 Australian Education Awards.

Dr Rome is one of nine finalists in the Principal of the Year category for independent schools, reflecting her leadership at the school over the past seven years, along with a distinguished career which spans over three decades in several of Australia’s leading independent schools.

The school’s wellbeing team has also been nominated for Best Student Wellbeing Program in the awards, for the school’s recently developed mental health strategy.

The strategy development was led by Dr Michelle Andrews Luke with on the ground expertise brought by a range of committee members from across the school’s teaching community including Delanie Lewis, Deb Francis, Todd Zadow, Bianca Moran, Brooke White, Phill McConchie, Heather Landman, Jason Skues, Sue Eden and Adam Hands.

Dr Rome said she was humbled to have been nominated and “could not be prouder” of the school’s wellbeing team.

“Wellbeing is a critical focus at our school and it is so important to ensure our young people have the support they need to grow, thrive and have a real sense belong as they

Dumped condom concern

Police are investigating whether a plethora of condom boxes dumped in Lynbrook could be linked to an ongoing investigation into more than 100 sexually explicit letters being sent to women across southern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team is appealing for public assistance after a cardboard box containing 88 condom packets was handed into police yesterday.

Investigators have been told the sealed condom boxes were found dumped in wetlands near Patterson Drive in Lynbrook at about 10am on Thursday 18 May.

This comes a day after police revealed they were working to identify an offender who had been terrorising women with crude letters and used condoms in the mail.

The first incident was reported to police on 20 March, with the most recent occurring on 15 May.

Investigators have been told several people attended their local police stations to report the incidents, with upwards of 65 female victims coming forward.

It is believed that most of those who reported the material have received multiple letters, all with the suspected used prophylactics included.

Officers believe the victims are linked and are part of a targeted attack.

Investigations remain ongoing and police are working to identify whether the dumped box is linked to the series of offending.

Anyone with information on the packages, or the recently dumped packets are urged to come forward.

progress through their education journey,” she said.

The nomination in The Educator Magazine’s Annual Awards for Educational Excellence, recognises excellence in a breadth of categories across all Australian schools.

In recent years St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar has been shortlisted for a number of awards, including Best Strategic Plan, Innovation in Curriculum Design and Employer of Choice, nominations that reflect the dedication, commitment and excellence in the School during Dr Rome’s tenure.

The 2023 Australian Education Awards will take place in Sydney in August.

Permanent lighting coming soon along O’Shea Road

A Berwick resident says leaving the upgraded O’Shea Road without permanent lighting is a safety issue.

Helen D’Amelio said parts of the road were left “really dark” and wanted to push the State Government to take action.

“It should be brought to light,” she said.

“Is it a funding problem?”

Crews have been completing finishing works since opening new and upgraded lanes along O’Shea Road as part of Stage 2 of the Monash Freeway Upgrade

A Major Road Projects Victoria spokesperson said they were working towards turning on permanent lighting soon.

“We’re working with our construction partner, CPB Contractors, and AusNet to turn on the permanent lighting along O’Shea Road in

the coming weeks,” the spokesperson said.

“We’ve installed temporary lighting and kept the speed limit at 60km/h to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and crews while these final works are carried out.”

Dr Annette Rome has over three decades experience in Australia’s leading independent schools. Picture: SUPPLIED

WHAT’S ON

Berwick Boutique Craft and Food Market

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

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

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

Gold coin donation entry, with onsite parking and dogs allowed.

· 34 Homestead Road, Berwick on Saturday 27 May and Saturday 24 June from 9am to 2pm. Melbourne South Ready-Set-Connect

This event brings together service providers with Parents/Carers, Support Coordinators, Teachers and LACS in a fun and interactive speed dating format.

The networking event provides the opportunity for providers to share information about their business and products.

And for Parents/Carers, Support Coordinators, Teachers and LACS, the event helps them keep up to date with current services in their local community and exercise their choice and control.

If you are a support coordinator registered as an event attendee you could win a $100 gift card of your choice proudly sponsored by Australian Health Professionals.

· Cranbourne Turf Club, 50 Grant Street, Tuesday 13 June, 9:45am-12:30pm.

Psychic dinner

Join a group of gifted psychics for a spiritual dinner.

Participants will indulge in their choice of dinner, a psychic reading and interactive spiritual guidance through the evening. Explore the otherworldly experience of mediumship and clairvoyance.

· 81 Restaurant & Bar, 81 High Street, Berwick on Monday 5 June, 6pm-9:30pm.

Steam Punk Creative Portrait Workshop

Do you ever feel like escaping to a world of steam-powered marvels, clockwork wonders, and fantastical adventures?

If so, award-winning Digital Artist and Photographer, Julie Powell has got just the thing for you! Julie will be hosting a Steam Punk-inspired photography workshop.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and let your creativity run wild.

Participants will be exploring different setups that will transport you straight into the heart of a Steam Punk wonderland.

· Julie Powell Photography Studio, 14 Rosaleen Court,Narre Warren on Sun 28 May 2pm-4pm.

Polynesian Dance Workshop

Would you like to learn Polynesian dance?

Here’s your chance to come have fun, meet new people and have a good sweat.

Bring your gals along and join LetTeine Polynesian Dance!

· The Factory, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East on Sat 17 June 12:30pm2:30pm.

Magpie Ink ft Elliott and De Goey

You’re invited to see Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott and Jordan De Goey.

The Pies are HOT! And none hotter than these two!

Intimate, personal and COMPLETELY uncensored - the only place you’ll get to hear all the true stories on what’s really happening at the MIGHTY PIES!

From goals after the siren to headline news: all the celebration, controversy, & predictions for The Pies in 2023!

PLUS! Your once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and have your picture taken with two of Collingwood’s modern day favourite sons!

General Admission $49*.

Meet N Greet, Selfie & Show Package $79*.

Tickets available via Eventbrite.

· Trios Sports Club, 30 Grant Street, Cranbourne on Thursday 22 June, 7pm.

Forest Therapy

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

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

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

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

Surround yourself with biodiversity from across the globe at Melbourne Gardens. Tickets are $30 per person.

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

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.

Biggest Morning Tea

Oakgrove Community Centre is hosting a Biggest Morning Tea to raise funds for the Cancer Council.

There will be interactive activities with delicious morning tea for attendees to enjoy.

All proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Council.

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.

· Oakgrove Community Centre, 89-101 Oakgrove Dr, Narre Warren South on 7 June 10:30am – 12pm.

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 3 June at Autumn Place in Doveton.

Cranbourne Holistic & Psychic Expo

The Cranbourne Holistic & Psychic Expo will feature psychics, palmists, astrologers and tarot readers as well as alternative health and wellbeing practitioners and associated products and services.

Also featured are ecologically sustainable products.

Make this your big day out!

Speak in person to alternative health practitioners and product suppliers.

Consult a reader on your future possibilities. This will be a great day filled with spiritual exploration and intrigue.

· Cranbourne Public Hall, 166-178 South Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne on Sun 4 Jun 10am-4pm.

Aiming for hot rod glory

By Matthew Sims

Narre Warren’s Curtis Earnshaw and his family have had a deep love for the Mark II Ford Cortina.

His grandfather and father have both owned and modified the classic car and now the 23-year-old’s done-up 1969 pride and joy, lovingly dubbed ‘Cortyy’, has been named as a finalist in the Milwaukee 2023 Young Street Machine of the Year competition.

The Cortina has come in the top 16 out of 320 total entrants aged between 16 and 24, with the winner set to be announced on Friday 2 June.

Mr Earnshaw said he bought the car in 2019 for $950, which required a bit of work.

“I built my car with my dad and brother,” he said.

“It was pretty old.”

Parts of the body had to be sandblasted to remove the years of rust, with the roof and rear quarters fully replaced by Mayo’s Body Shop in Yarram.

They then replaced the engine with a 1.8-litre engine from a Mazda MX-5 and took Recaro seats out of an Audi A4.

Mr Earnshaw said the car was fully fitted with electric windows and a mixture of custom-designed and second-hand elements.

“I’ve done a full sound system,” he said.

“I think we custom-made the centre console.”

Mr Earnshaw said he had come from a family of car lovers.

“My dad is a jack of all trades,” he said.

“Everything that I know, I learnt from him.

“My grandfather, which I never had the pleasure to know, he always had Mark II Cortinas.”

Mr Earnshaw said he knew he wanted to own one when he first saw one when he was 10.

Now working as an electronic security technician, car modification has become a hobby for him.

“Even as a kid, I loved to play around with electronics,” he said.

Mr Earnshaw said working on the Cortina had helped him get through some mental issues in the past.

“I absolutely love my car,” he said.

“It gave me something to aspire to.”

Mr Earnshaw came in third place in the Cortina at last year’s Shepparton Springnats Go to Woah event, requiring competitors to launch off the starting line and stop at the finish line as quickly and accurately as possible and is planning to compete in this year’s Springnats event.

Street Machine editor Andrew Broadley said the Street Machine team were “blown away” by the quality of the entries.

“This is the second year of the Milwaukee Young Street Machine of the Year Competition,” he said.

“We’re encouraging every red-blooded Aussie motoring enthusiast and Street Machine aficionado to get in there and vote for the winner.”

Voting closes on Sunday 28 May.

To vote for Mr Earnshaw’s Cortina, visit whichcar.com.au/sanity/preview/events/ smoty/young-smoty-vote

Picture: GENERIC

Curtis Earnshaw with his modified Cortina. 335460

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

The 23-year-old is carrying on his family’s legacy of owning and modifying Mark II Cortinas. 335460

The Narre Warren resident’s pride and joy is a finalist in the Milwaukee 2023 Young Street Machine of the Year competition. 335460

Creativity shines through

From building bridges to constructing models of the Eiffel Tower out of aluminium foil, pupils at Brentwood Park Primary School and their parents and loved ones were putting their STEAM and problem-solving skills to the test as part of EducationWeek.

Parents, grandparents and other loved ones visited the school on Thursday 18 May.

Marsche said the visit marked the first major visit from parents after the Covid pandemic.

“It’s the opportunity for the parents to be involved in their child’s education,“ she said.

Running from Sunday 14 May to Saturday 20 May, this year’s theme was ‘Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate’, celebrating physical activity, hands-on learning and student voice in education.

Grade 2 classroom teacher Sharlene

Grade 2 pupil Lenny Funston welcomed his mum Alex, sister Rosie and grandmother Alison McIntosh during the Education Week visit. 335915 Pictures: MATTHEW SIMS

Grade 2 pupil Ethan He showed his mum Nikki and dad Ethan how to build a tower. 335915

Kiara and her mum Jyobi used problem-solving skills to build a bridge. 335915

Prep pupil Kiara and her mum Jyobi built a bridge during the visit. 335915

Parents and loved ones enjoyed collaborating with the pupils. 335915

Brentwood Park Primary School principal Jim Bell helped teach the Grade 1 pupils how to build a card tower. 335915

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

$

•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.

Call Now 0417 128 536

Public Notice of Proposed Budget 2023-2024

In accordance with section 129 of the Local Government Act 1989 (“the Act”) CaseyCardinia Library Corporation gives notice that it has prepared a Budget for the financial year

1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 and (updated)

Library Plan 2021-25 including a Strategic

Resource Plan 2023-27 Subject to the Member Councils approval, that:

The Casey Cardinia Libraries’ (CCL) Board will meet at 4 00pm on 13 July 2023, (online) to consider any submissions and to adopt the Budget for 2023-24, and (updated)

Library Plan 2021-25 including Strategic Resource Plan 2023-27

Copies of the Draft Budget and Library Plan are available for inspection on the CCL website www cclc vic gov au or contact us on 1800 577 548 until 22 June 2023

Written submissions under Section 223 of the Act on any proposal contained in the Budget must be made to CCL by 5 00pm 22 June 2023 CCL will give public notice of its decision in accordance with the Act Submissions addressed to the CEO, Locked Bag 2400, Cranbourne 3977 or email information@cclc vic gov au

Beth Luppino, Chief Executive Officer

Redgum Firewood QualityGippslandRedgum: $500m3, Stringy Bark:

Part-Time Telesales Representative Star News Group

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

Overview

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

Key Responsibilities

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

•Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services

• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs

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

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

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

•Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• Results driven and target-oriented mindset

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Strong attention to detail

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark

mandy clark@starnewsgroup com au

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

General Notices

V Public Notices and Event

$400m3, Mixed: $450m3

Delivered. 0403 124 605

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexualservices.

V For Sale V Garage Sales

BRICK CUTTING MACHINE Like new, used for 1 job only. Cost $1350. Sell for $600 or best offer. Phone 0402432942

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

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority.

- (Selena Sparkes)

City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

An objection must:

•be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au

• include the application number and site address

• include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected.

The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 12 June 2023

If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of its decision.

12606363-KG21-23

PRICEDTOSELL CRANBOURNE 34Virginia Street,Saturday27th May,8am-4pm.Rainor Shine.NoEarlyCallers! Bargainsnotgiveaways! GarageHoldenfordclearancehouseholdtoo. Something4everyone. Visit Visited

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:

• Ab i l i ty to ma i nta i n ex i st i ng profess i onal relat i onsh i ps and to create new ones

• Ab i l i ty to meet def i ned sales and act i v i ty targets

• Excellent l i sten i ng sk i lls

• Accuracy and attent i on to deta i l

• Effect i ve t i me management to meet deadl i nes

• Ab i l i ty to operate i n a team

• Demonstrates i n i t i at i ve and flex i b i l i ty

• Effect i ve oral and wr i tten commun i cat i on

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Trezise is looming large

By David Nagel

The AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft will be held on Wednesday 31 May and there are strong indications that Tooradin-Dalmore 2022 premiership player James Trezise could find an AFL home.

A recent rule change, relaxing eligibility criteria, has seen the exciting left-footer rise to prominence over the last week.

The eligibility criteria has been amended to allow players from WAFL, SANFL, TSL or VFLwho have played a minimum of three matches during the 2023 season by the close of nominations on Wednesday 24 May - to be eligible to nominate.

Until the rule change, Trezise was ineligible for the draft.

And the news just keeps getting better for Trezise, who has raised eyebrows with his impressive form for Richmond in the VFL this year.

Trezise is on an exclusive list of 11 Rookie Draft prospects that will undergo medical testing from the AFL ahead of the draft, in a strong indicator of the players that are on the radar of AFL clubs.

The AFL informed clubs on Thursday that the 11 players had received multiple draft nominations and would now complete medical screenings and psychometric testing.

Five AFL clubs started the season with selections available for the mid-season draft –Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Hawthorn and theWestern Bulldogs.

But Port Adelaide, West Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Sydney, and most interestingly Richmond, now have spots available due to retirements or long-term injuries.

The retirement of Jason Castagna has opened the door for the Tigers to have a pick.

Trezise is an excitement machine who had a huge impact in helping Tooradin-Dalmore break a 25-year premiership drought last year.

He played predominantly as a high halfforward, often running deep into defence and

Buckley’s big-name recruit

By Marcus Uhe

Buckley Ridges Cricket Club have added a pair of international talents to their playing stocks for the upcoming DDCA season in their quest to go one-better than they have in the last two campaigns.

Sri Lankan test player Roshen Silva and emerging West Indian talent Kadeem Alleyne will both call Park Oval home in the 2023-24 season, the club announced over the weekend.

Silva played 12 test matches for Sri Lanka between 2017 and 2019, averaging 35, with one hundred and five fifties, and has compiled a stunning record in first class cricket with 9600 runs at an average just shy of 50.

The 34-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to Buckley Ridges having played in all types of conditions around the world, from England to New Zealand and all across the subcontinent.

By contrast, Alleyne is yet to consolidate a consistent spot in the West Indian first class scene but brings a reputation as a hard-hitting, seam bowling all-rounder.

The arrivals come in the wake of Mahela Udawatte’s decision to call Hallam Recreation

Reserve home, having made the move from Buckley Ridges.

Udawatte played the last two seasons at Park Oval, hitting 572 runs at 41 in the 2021/22 season and 344 at 28.6 in 2022/23 in campaigns where his side fell short on grand final day on both occasions to Springvale South.

In a 10-year international career for Sri Lanka, the 36-year-old played two test matches, nine ODIs and eight T20s, averaging 35 in 169 first class games.

Hallam Kalora Park fell agonisingly short of a grand final berth in 2022/23, finishing third on the table before a four-wicket defeat at the hands of Springvale South in the preliminary final drew their season to a close.

His arrival adds to a formidable top-order featuring 2021/22 Alan Wookey medal winner Jordan Hammond, veteran Leigh Booth, and playing-coach Matthew Cox.

Booth finished third on the Wookey Medal vote count last season, plundering 434 runs from 11 matches in the home-and-away campaign to finish second for total runs behind Springvale South captain Ryan Quirk.

Cox will continue in his role as playing coach next season.

torching his opposition on the way back with his elite speed and endurance.

He also possesses an exciting leap and loves kicking a long goal, booting 26 for the Seagulls last year.

He has impressed with his versatility at Richmond, even playing as a second ruck and impressing across half back.

MID-SEASON ROOKIE DRAFT MEDICALS LIST

James Trezise (RichmondVFL)

Clay Tucker (Eastern Ranges)

Ethan Stanley (Box Hill)

Flynn Riley (Northern Bullants)

Jack Buller (Claremont)

Jaiden Hunter (Perth)

Mutaz El Nour (RichmondVFL)

Robert Hansen jnr (Subiaco)

Ryan Maric (Gippsland Power)

Rye Penny (Calder Cannons)

Will Elliott (Oakleigh Chargers)

Eagles outlasted on Port’s postage-stamp ground

By Jonty Ralphsmith

It was a ripper day of footy for a neutral, but Cranbourne walked away empty handed from its Southern Division One clash on Saturday.

It was the Eagles’ second loss of the season, going down by three points to Port Melbourne on the Colts’ tiny home ground.

The size of the ground allowed teams to get a run on and cash in when they got momentum, heralding a high-scoring affair.

Cranbourne was the better team for the first half, reaching a game-high 28-point lead midway through the quarter before giving up three goals to a lack of discipline.

That closed the margin to just eight points at the main break which belied the ascendancy.

Port Melbourne was able to make a mile out of an inch, and run with it in the second half as Colts gun Chris DeLuca got a roll on and led the fightback.

The hosts also had former AFL x-factor Harley Bennell in the lineup who was a class above with ball in hand and accompanied his strong game with two majors.

Cranbourne still led by a goal at the final break but Port Melbourne was the better side overall in the second half.

While the final margin read three points, itwasn’tafranticfinish-Cranbournekicked a goal on the siren to close the gap.

Brandon Osborne was named best on ground for his role on Chan Hargraves, keeping the forward, who has bags of six and seven to his name in 2023, to a solitary goal.

Jarryd Barker also started the game well, while the forwards were praised by coach Steve O’Brien for creating space on a postbox ground.

The Eagles had a focus on spreading the goal kicking load in preseason with Marc Holt, who kicked three on the day, uncertain to play in 2023.

So far, Holt has contributed 16 of the 72 goals Cranbourne has kicked when he has been in the side.

That equates to 22 per cent.

Last year, Holt kicked 26 per cent of Cranbourne’s goals, highlighting there has been a slight decrease...but he remains the barometer.

Cranbourne’s Ryan Jones celebrates a goal with Jake Stephens. 328958

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Mahela Udawatte will join Hallam Kalora Park next season. 271959

Picture: ROB CAREW

James Trezise appears to be getting closer and closer to making his AFL dream a reality. 282025

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cobras no match for Cavs

By Marcus Uhe

A 9-0 scoring run in the final quarter has helped the Casey Cavaliers men to their third win of the campaign and end a five-game losing streak on Saturday night.

Still missing Preston Bungei and Malcolm Bernard, a monster stat-line from Sidy Djitte powered the undermanned side to a gritty 6472 win over Kilsyth on the road.

The offence ran through Djitte at stages early in the contest as he scored 10 points and grabbed three rebounds to open the contest.

The big centre played with his back to the basket and used his size to force opponents under the rim, while also bailing the Cavs out of a poor possession with a long jump shot at the end of the shot-clock.

The first half was a tight affair, with no side able to build a lead larger than Casey’s six points during the second term.

The Cavs have been the lowest scoring side in the competition after seven rounds and their difficulty in putting the ball in the hoop was rubbing off on their opponents, as they closed the half at 39-40 in the home side’s advantage.

They opened the third quarter by scoring the first eight points, not allowing the Cobras see the ball hit net until free throws in the fourth minute of the quarter.

But they relinquished their nine-point lead just as quickly as they achieved it, going on a scoreless run of their own in the final four minutes of the third quarter.

It meant the final period begun with the Cavs holding just a three point lead.

A tense opening to the last term saw only two made field goals each in the first three minutes, with Kilsyth even missing a pair of free throws that would have cut the lead to one.

With the game in a precarious position with four minutes remaining, Casey kicked their defence into overdrive.

A Hamish McDonald layup with 4.43 re-

maining was Kilsyth’s last field goal until 1.20 remaining, while Casey went on the 9-0 run.

A pair of Nathan Frost layups, a three to Mason Perry and two free throws for Djitte pushed the margin to 13 in the blink of an eye, putting the game out of reach for the home side.

Djitte finished the contest with 21 points on 69 per cent shooting and 19 rebounds.

His shooting efficiency reflected the team’s performance, as the Cavs finished with considerable advantages in three-point field goal (29 per cent) and free throw (47 per cent) efficiency numbers.

Significantly, the Cavs played with just seven active members on their roster, compared to the Cobras’ nine.

Where Casey’s men came up big when it mattered, the women did not fare as well.

A neck-and-neck contest all day saw the two sides tied on 60 with 30 seconds left, thanks to a layup to Stephanie Blicavs.

But Kilsyth’s Alisia Jenkins answered immediately to restore the two point lead with 25 seconds left.

On the next possession, Rachel Bell spun and drove to the rim but had her shot blocked out of bounds.

Blicavs was unable to find a teammate on the inbounds pass as Jenkins got her arms into the passing lane to disrupt the play.

Casey’s Taylah Simmons came desperately close to poking the ball away from Alexa Hart on the next play, but her foul gifted the Cobras two critical free-throws that made the contest a two-possession game.

Bell attempted to draw a foul on the final shot heave, but was unsuccessful as the final buzzer sounded, with Casey going down 64-60.

Bell top-scored with 22 points but needed more support from her teammates, as only two others scored in double figures.

Despite the win, Casey’s men remain 18th, as do the women.

Ballarat will make the trip down the Western Highway to Casey Stadium next weekend.

Stanton’s Redbacks rebound strongly against Highett

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Hampton Park has bounced back from a disappointing loss to Murrumbeena with a commanding win over Highett.

The Redbacks won each of the four quarters to post a percentage boosting 19.14 128 to 8.11 59 victory.

After an almost day last weekend, big forward Nathan Carver was able to put it together on Saturday and slot five goals.

Jack Wilson, dropped from the Dandenong Stingrays outfit, played with a point to prove as his partnership with Tanner Stanton on the wing becomes a feature of Hampton Park’s best footy.

Trent Thomas, under an injury cloud coming into the clash, kicked three goals as did Declan Brunnell.

After starting well, Hampton Park was able to carry that momentum forward into the rest of the game with contributions from a more even spread of players.

At Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve, stalwart Michael Henry played his first game since round one and showed his class, leading Doveton to a 9.4 58 to 5.6 36 victory over Skye.

The Doves’ perennial first quarter issues, however, plagued them again, as they were forced to claw back a deficit.

Five third quarter goals in a low-scoring clash proved decisive, giving them a 22-point lead at the last break with Skye unable to get a look in a wet final quarter slog-fest.

Henry returned from an injury sustained in round one and showed his class and decision making with ball in hand while Dylan Chapman took another step towards his best footy.

Blake Treble, Jarrod Sullivan and Jackson Chapman led the way for the Bombers.

Keysborough, meanwhile, went down by seven points to East Malvern.

It was a game Keysborough needed to win to clear two games away from bottom-placed Black Rock and the doorstep of relegation.

After East Malvern kicked three goals to

one in the first quarter, there was only five goals more kicked between the teams all day.

The Burra kept East Malvern goalless in the second and third quarters to lead by two points at the final break, before East Malvern kicked the last two goals of the game.

Meanwhile, in Division One, Springvale Districts got a reality check against 2022 runners up Cheltenham.

The Demons came into the contest with four wins from five games - but those positive results all came against sides sitting below them on the ladder.

Districts’ two matches against formidable opposition have yielded a 46-point loss (Dingley) and a 38 point loss (Cheltenham).

The hosts managed just one goal in the first half before playing with spirit thereafter.

At the Peanut Farm in St Kilda, Dingley got a comfortable win to keep its season rollicking along.

League medallist Lucas Walmsley was classy as ever with ball in hand, while gun Nathan Freeman was cautiously held over for another week as he nurses an abductor injury.

Defender Alex Windhager played a strong role on former AFL player Aaron Edwards, keeping him goalless until three quarter time.

Edwards kicked three majors in the final quarter when the game was sewn up which coach Zach Horsley attributed to team defence breaking down.

Adam Peacock was also influential in shutting down St Kilda City’s Luke Potts.

The Dingoes have now won five games on the bounce and possess the second best percentage in the league as the shift in style has been instilled successfully.

The reserves, meanwhile, have won just two of their six games but two of the losses have been by a point and they have the fourth best percentage in the 10-team competition.

That’s important because players such as Rory Wallace, Tom Murphy, Zac White and Josh O’Neill will be brought in from the lower levels when Dingley lose a string of players to overseas trips through the middle of the season.

Both the reserves and the under-19s, however, have prescribed to the same style and

with the top-tier midfield to remain intact, the club is confident it will be able to maintain that supremacy.

SOUTHERN DIVISION 1

Results: Chelsea Heights 9.9 63 v St Paul’s McKinnon 15.10 100, Mordialloc 4.11 35 v Bentleigh 8.15 63, Port Melbourne Colts 15.10 100 v Cranbourne 15.7 97, St Kilda City 6.11 47 v Dingley 18.16 124, Springvale Districts 8.7 55 v Cheltenham 14.9 93.

Ladder: Cheltenham 20, Dingley 20, Cranbourne 16, Port Colts 16, St Paul’s McKinnon 16, Springvale Districts 16, St Kilda City 4, Chelsea Heights 4, Mordialloc 4, Bentleigh 4.

Fixture: Bentleigh v St Kilda City, Cheltenham v Mordialloc, Cranbourne v Springvale Districts, St Paul’s McKinnon v Port Melbourne Colts, Dingley v Chelsea Heights.

SOUTHERN DIVISION 2

Results: Caulfield 6.6 42 v East Brighton 18.11

119, Black Rock 3.5 23 v Murrumbeena 21.22

148, Keysborough 4.10 34 v East Malvern 5.11

41, Highett 8.11 59 v Hampton Park 19.14

128, Skye 5.6 36 v Doveton Doves 9.4 58.

Ladder: East Brighton 24, Murrumbeena 20, Hampton Park 16, Doveton Doves 12, Highett 12, Caulfield 12, Skye 12, East Malvern 8, Keysborough 4, Black Rock 0.

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

Jake Basa played another good game on the weekend for Doveton. 331978 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Dee Jason Ward bursts through a tackle. 335964

Rachel Bell led the Cavaliers in scoring with 22 points. 333279

Picture: ROB CAREW

Fire up the Cannons

By Jonty Ralphsmith

After their first two losses since 2021 came in consecutive weeks, Casey’s women have bounced back and recorded a 2-1 victory over North West Lightning.

Mikaela Davis and Mikayla McDonald each scored field goals to put the women 2-0 up at halftime before a late one to the Lightning closed the margin.

The Cannons dominated much of the contest, but missed some opportunities, including penalties, to extend the lead further.

It’s an issue that’s plagued them in the last couple of weeks and while they emerged with the three points on the weekend, capitalising remains an area of growth.

While the visitors’ only goal came courtesy of a defensive error, the backline held up much better on the weekend than in the previous fortnight.

Players were tighter on their direct opponent and the midfield was stronger on the ball.

Club stalwart Fiona Young, who has played more than 700 games, filled in as goal keeper and did a sensational job to lead the defensive effort.

A life member of the club, she played all her hockey in the seniors before deciding to play at

a lower level this season.

Usually a field player, she put her hand up to fill the role in the absence of the two firstchoice goal-keepers.

The women’s win is an important one to arrest the losses and keep pressure on the toptwo teams.

Next up, the Cannons expect a physical clash with Werribee which is in the chasing pack.

Meanwhile, for the men, goals to Gurpreet Singh and Elliot Stephens wasn’t enough to see them break their duck as they went down 3-2 to the Lightning.

After being up 2-0, the visitors pipped the Cannons but there is confidence that a win is around the corner, with the group beginning to gel.

Steve Noney’s men have a strong opportunity to open their account for the season against Werribee on the weekend, whose only win has come against ninth-placedYarraValley.

The men’s and women’s firsts games were part of a series of six games played by Casey at home on Saturday as the club raised more than $2000 for Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Casey ran a raffle, sold cakes baked by the players and fundraised via pink socks and pink travel mugs to raise awareness and money for

an important cause.

The women’s seconds and men’s thirds also recorded a win in front of a large crowd.

CANNONSMEN

Results: Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 1 v Melbourne Sikhs United 5, Casey 2 v North West Lightning 3, Brunswick 0 v Old Xaverians 1, Werribee 2 v PEGS 2.

Ladder: Melbourne Sikhs 15, NorthWest Lightning 13, Old Xaverians 13, PEGS 12, Brunswick 10, Monash University 7, Werribee 5, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 4, Yarra Valley 3, Casey 0.

Fixture: Casey v Werribee, North West Lightning v Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation, Yarra Valley v Brunswick, Old Xaverians v PEGS, Melbourne Sikhs v Monash University.

CANNONSWOMEN

Results: Casey 2 v North West Lightning 1, Brunswick 2 v West Vic 3, Werribee 2 v PEGS 1, Knox 1 v Mornington Peninsula 5.

Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 15, Monash University 13, Casey 12, Yarra Valley 9, PEGS 9, Werribee 9, West Vic 7, Knox 6, Brunswick 3, North West 0.

Fixture: West Vic v PEGS, North West Lightning v Knox, Yarra Valley v Brunswick, Casey v Werribee, Mornington Peninsula v Monash University.

Gillespie scores 45 points at Lang Lang

LANGLANGGOLF

The chilly conditions didn’t stop some hot scoring from taking place at Lang Lang Golf Club on Saturday with all three grades requiring a stableford score in the 40’s for victory.

The division one winner was Stephen Rawlings with 40 points, from runner up Shaun Mays with 39 points and third placegetter was Mark Holmes with 38 points.

Tyler Evans won division two with 43 points, from runner up Scott Mahony with 40 points and third place went to Mitchell Adderley with 35 points.

Jordan Gillespie had the best score of the day, winning division three with 45 points, from runner up Riley Willis with 44 points and third place went to Michael O’Rafferty with 41 points.

Ball rundown to 34 points.

OtherResults

· TuesdayStablefordComp

Roger Parker was the Division 1 winner with a score of 37 points from runner up Bill Merrigan with 36 points.

Division 2 was won by Douglas Collins with 39 points from runner up Russell Swan with 37 points

Ball rundown to 36 points.

Nearest the pins: 5th John Lynch, 9th Tim Purdy, 12th Roger Parker and 15th Daryl Barker.

· Wednesday Ladies Stableford Comp –

Round2SilverSpoon

Winner was Chris Caig (Silver Spoon Winner) with 35 points from runner up Heather Payne with 34 points. Ball rundown to 31 points.

Nearest the pins went to 5th Lee Andrews

Casey cull Kangas in Cranbourne

By Marcus Uhe

Casey Demons are back on the VFL winner’s list this week after prevailing in a shootout at Casey Fields over a plucky North Melbourne.

With five players kicking multiple goals, the Demons kicked nine goals in each half and no less than four in a quarter in the 15-point win, 18.9 117 to 16.6 102.

The tone of the afternoon was set in the opening minutes of the contest when Mitch White immediately answered North’s opening goal from the centre clearance.

Opposed to Kangaroos star Ben Cunnington, the 2022 premiership captain tracked the ball out of the middle of the ground into the forward 50, wobbling a kick home on his left leg.

Neither side managed to kick more than two goals consecutively in the opening term, one in which the Demons finished with a narrow advantage.

But after quarter time, the Demons’ AFL listed stars begun to exert their influence.

Ben Brown, Matthew Jefferson and Josh Smith were focal points ahead of the football, with Smith and Jefferson each hitting the scoreboard and providing ample crumbing opportunities for the ground-level players in Jake Melksham and Oliver Sestan.

When Josh Schache kicked the first of the second half, it capped a run of four consecutive goals for the reigning premiers, and a half-hour period of dominance where they were afforded eight consecutive scoring shots.

Brown’s first goal of the contest midway through the third pushed the margin to a game-high 35 points, and the next seven of the contest were rotated between the two sides as the margin hung around the five goal mark.

The broadcast-side forward pocket was proving a hot-spot for goalkicking with both Melksham and Taj Woewodin bending the ball back expertly through the big sticks early in the final term from a similar location.

Casey were outscored six goals to four in the final period of the contest but it was to no avail, as the Kangaroos were coming from too far back.

The experienced outfit played at a slower tempo than their opponents, taking the heat out of the contest with 50 more marks to slow the game down in a kick-mark style of game.

Where the Demons finished with 41 more kicks, they accrued a 36 handball deficit.

Halfbacks Daniel Turner and Adam Tomlinson took 13 and 10 marks each, closely followed by Blake Howes on nine of his own. 23 disposals and two goals from Bailey Laurie filled the stat-sheet, while Melksham, Schache and Smith finished three goals each.

Football romantics would have delighted in seeing the name Cooper Harvey kicking five goals for North Melbourne, as the son of games record holder, Brent, pushes his name forward for selection at AFL level.

The Demons will cross the city next week to battle Werribee on Saturday afternoon at Avalon Airport Oval.

and 12th Leah Barker.

· ThursdayStablefordComp

Division 1 winner was Clint ‘Casual’ Walker with 39 points from runner up Dave Austin with 38 points.

Division 2 winner was Mick Reilly with 40 points from runner up David Chadwick with 38 points. Ball rundown to 36 points.

Nearest the pins: 5th Noel Boyd, 9th RodWiedemann, 12th Noel Welsh and 15th Graeme Ottosen.

We are continuing to run our special deal on all new memberships with all new members joining receiving from now until the end of June for free, at the very competitive price of $895.

A 6-day membership is also available for $775, and under 30’s can access full membership for $500. Give Tim a call at the club to take advantage of these offers.

Ralph Hendrich lines up his shot on the 15th hole at Lang Lang. 336244 Picture: SUPPLIED

Oliver Sestan is always dangerous infront of goal for Casey. 325648

Picture: ROB CAREW

Casey raised money and awareness for breast cancer. 335961 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Mikayla McDonald was a goal scorer for the Cannons. 335961

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