News - Berwick Star News - 1st June 2023

Speedy solvers

The best of the South East’s speedcubing talent will be battling it out in Narre Warren this weekend, as part of the Side N Blind event.

About 60 competitors will take on different variations of the classic three-by-three Rubik’s cube, including special blindfolded events. Narre Warren’s Swami Srinivasan and Cranbourne’s Patrick Kleverlaan will be among the delegates adjudicating the event.

“The demand for competitions has signficantly increased,“ he said.

Held over Saturday 3 June and Sunday 4 June at the Foundation Learning Centre, the event is free and open to all spectators.

See page 14

Builder goes bust

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Hallam-based builder had been promoting its “thriving” business just a day before going into liquidation.

Rawdon Hill formally announced on 25 May that it was winding up and had appointed Dye & Co as liquidators.

A day before liquidation, Rawdon Hill posted on social media that it could“help” customers of collapsed builder Porter Davis to complete their homes in the South East, according to The Age.

A Porter Davis customer in Clyde North says she came close to signing on with a deposit.

“We were about to sign on with this builder. They were the only ones that followed through withaquoteforus,”shepostedonsocialmedia.

“They’ve just gone into liquidation.”

In April, Rawdon Hill advertised in Star News that it had “secure product supply” and were “here to stay”.

“We acknowledge people’s reticence in choosing a builder in the current circumstances,” general manager Peter Grant stated.

“But want to emphasise that our current and future customers are and will continue not to be impacted negatively.

“We … can say with absolute certainty that we will proudly finish every single home in our strong pipeline, while we continue to pay everyone on time, every time – guaranteed.

“Rawdon Hill Homes continues to thrive and we are searching for even more local subcontractors.

“We are here and we are ready to build now.”

Since liquidation, Rawdon Hill’s Facebook page has been taken down. As of 31 May, its website however suggests it is still open for business.

The firm promotes itself as a low-volume builder with 46 years of experience.

Customers were plunged into turmoil in late March when Porter Davis went bust, leaving more than 1500 unfinished homes in Victoria. Other builders such as Interface Constructions have also since collapsed.

The State Government recently announced one-off compensation for 560 Porter Davis customers who signed their contracts and paid their deposits, but where Porter Davis

did not take out Domestic Building Insurance (DBI), in breach of its obligations.

Grant Thornton Australia was appointed as the liquidators of 14 Porter Davis companies.

With 470 employees, Porter Davis had forecast $555 million in revenue for the 2023 financial year but there was “no option” but to liquidate, a Grant Thornton spokesperson stated.

“The extremely challenging environment for residential home building has directly contributed to the PDH Group’s financial position, with rising input costs, supply chain delays, labour shortages, and a drop in demand for new homes in 2023 impacting the Group’s liquidity.“

Rawdon Hill’s liquidator did not return Star News’s calls by deadline.

Patrick

and Swami

Boost on the buses

By Matthew Sims

Casey bus users will soon be better connected to shops, education, schools and other transport services, thanks to an upcoming extension.

The State Government is extending Route 863 between Endeavour Hills and Hampton Park about nine kilometres south along Hallam Road and Evans Road to CranbourneWest Shopping Village from Monday 26 June.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll announced the changes on Friday 26 May.

“We’re improving local bus services in Casey to make catching the bus a better option for locals travelling to employment, education, shops, healthcare and other transport modes,“ he said.

The extension will connect travellers to train stations in Cranbourne West, Lynbrook, Hallam and Narre Warren and provide public transport links to the new Cranbourne West Secondary College for students who live in Cranbourne West, Hampton Park and Lyndhurst, with services timed to coordinate with bell times in the mornings and afternoons of school days.

St Peter’s College (Cranbourne Campus), Gleneagles Secondary College and Hampton Park Secondary College will also benefit from the longer route.

The State Government will also be improving Route 895 between Narre Warren South and Fountain Gate, with the updated route going via Narre Warren Business Park when travelling between Narre Warren Station and Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.

Low usage services which previously ran express between the station and Narre Warren South will now visit all stops along the route, giving locals more travel options.

Casey Council chief executive Glenn Patterson said the bus network improvements were good news for the Casey community, making it easier for community members to travel via public transport.

“Our community deserves accessible and affordable public transport to get to and from

work, school and the services they need,“ he said.

“These bus routes are among those that have been identified by council as being most needed, so we’re pleased that these improvements will make travel easier for community members along these routes.

“The City of Casey looks forward to continuing to work with the State Government to improve the wider bus network in Casey, and we will continue to advocate for more buses to run more frequently to connect our city’s growing communities.“

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said the changes will give commuters a wider range of travel options.

“We’re making it easier for the community to travel across our bus network – with the extension of these routes to provide public transport links to the new Cranbourne West Secondary College for students who live in

Stoush over soccer cash

By Matthew Sims

The State Government has described the Opposition as adopting a “US style of politics” in a stoush concerning funding for the Grices Road Recreation Reserve in Clyde North.

The State Government has rejected a claim from Berwick MP Brad Battin that its pledge for the commitment of $1.2 million for an upgrade to the Berwick Churches Soccer Club pavilion at the Grices Road Recreation Reserve in Clyde North had been cut from the 2023-24 State Budget.

A State Government spokesperson said the investment for the Clyde North project was part of a $201.2 million fund towards building new and upgraded exisiting community sport and active recreation infrastructure.

Cranbourne West,“ she said.

Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson said the changes aim to get all Casey residents where they need to go with ease.

“This is all about giving passengers in Casey more options about when they travel on our bus network and getting them where they need to go,“ she said.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas said the updated routes will better connect Casey locals to vital services.

“Locals will benefit most from the extension of these routes,“ he said.

The extended routes form part of Victoria’s Bus Plan, which is delivering improvements to the state’s bus network.

Released in 2021, Victoria’s Bus Plan sets out how the State Government will increase the number of people choosing to take the bus by delivering a modern, productive and environmentally sustainable bus network.

Armed carjacker targeted online sellers

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A carjacker who robbed four online sellers, including two at knife-point in Melbourne’s East and South-East, has been jailed.

Lachlan Tre-Week-Kane, 25, of Wantirna, pleaded guilty at the County Court of Victoria to a spree of aggravated carjacking, six counts of theft, handling stolen goods, bail offences and driving unlicensed.

In December 2021, Tre-Week-Kane stole a car diagnostic tool, two VW Golfs, a Holden SSV ute while meeting the online vendors.

The offences occurred across Melbourne, including a car theft in Springvale and a petrol drive-off in Clyde.

In one case, he pulled a knife on a Golf owner during a test drive and told him to “get the

f*** out of the car you dog”.

At another ’inspection’, Tre-Week-Kane reversed the owner’s ute, then drove forward into the owner and fled in the vehicle. The owner suffered minor injuries.

At the time, Tre-Week-Kane was unlicensed and on bail. He was said to have been overwhelmed by a desire to possess cars

He has been found guilty of 78 previous offences, jailed five times and twice breached community corrections orders. He’d committed multiple bail and disqualified driving offences.

Judge Peter Lauritsen noted the man’s extremely low IQ, drug-taking, ADHD and autism-spectrum diagnoses impaired his ability to make rational decisions and to

regulate his behaviour.

It heightened the need to protect the community from him, the judge noted.

A psychologist assessedTre-Week-Kane as a high risk of violent reoffending. This risk had receded while in custody - away from his social group, financial pressures and the need for self-gratification.

Judge Lauritsen said as a young person, the accused had capacity to change but his prospects were “uncertain but tending towards the positive”.

Tre-Week-Kane was jailed for up to five years and two months, including 524 days already served in pre-sentence remand.

He will be eligible for parole after serving two years and eight months.

“Every single one of Labor’s election commitments for the development of community sport infrastructure have been funded in this budget,“ the spokesperson said. “This includes funding for the Grices Road Recreation Reserve and Berwick Churches Soccer Club projects.

“More than $200 million has been announced in the recent Victorian Budget 2023/24 to deliver new and improved community sport and active recreation infrastructure across the state.“

Announced last October by Narre South MP Gary Maas, the $1.2 million investment upgrade the Berwick Churches Soccer Club pavilion. “Unfortunately, the Opposition are too busy with internal problems to properly read budget papers,” he said. “The only numbers they are interested in are those in their own factions. The opposition has clearly adopted a US style of politics where they wantonly lie.”

However, Mr Battin said he believed just because the funding was included within a fund does not mean the money was promised.

“I will trust the government when it’s being delivered,“ he said. “It’s specifically not in the budget. The community has got a right to be sceptical.”

Berwick Churches Soccer Club president David Barrot said the club would let the State Government and Casey Council determine what funding would be allocated towards the project.

“We believe and still hold the standing point that this promise has been made and will be fulfilled,“ he said.

The club currently hosts about 28 junior teams, seven senior teams and 80 children in KickStart and an academy program of 50 to 60 young participants, with a total of 600 participants ranging across the junior and senior programs.

Picture: GENERIC

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

What do you love most about your job?

Seeing children aspire and being happy. Seeing children laughing and smiling makes your heart happy.

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

I would like to write a book and to take up photography as a hobby.

What classes did you teach before becoming principal?

I was an assistant principal, as well as working in student wellbeing, as a Languages Other

Than English (Indonesian) teacher and as a classroom teacher.

What has been your most memorable moment?

In teaching, it is becoming principal. Personally, it is raising my three sons and watching them grow into amazing adults. What event, past or present or future would you like to witness?

Another Collingwood premiership. What subject did you enjoy at school? Reading and writing.

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

Something Italian or Asian inspired. Where is your dream holiday destination?

Anywhere with a beach in a tropical location.

What encouraged you to become a teacher?

The thought of helping students learn and grow. I really enjoy being in the company of children – they can provide unbiased and sweet insight and advice.

What were you like as a kid?

Studious and quiet.

Did you always want to become a teacher or was there another career you considered?

Teaching was always a goal, but I also considered sports journalism.

with Quarters Primary School principal Liz Davey

THREE … ways to enjoy winter

1 Keep a gratitude journal. The winter blues can be a dreary reality for many, especially those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Start by writing down three things you are grateful for at the end of each day. These can be simple, from a roof over your head, to someone holding a door open for you, to more complex like having the courage to have a difficult conversation with a loved one.

2

Camp out in the lounge room. Pick a night when the weather outside is storming, with heavy rain and wind for the coziest experience. Grab the kids, or your partner, or a friend and build a campsite in the living room, with comfy pillows, blankets and snacks to boot. Pop on the tele and spend an evening binge watching.

3

Rug up and get outside. Though it might be mighty chilly outside, there is something so refreshing about being out in the crisp air and feeling soft raindrops on your skin. Rug up in your warmest coat, gloves and beanie and head outside into nature. Go for a walk, or pop down to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Works continue near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 70 already gone. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel to run more trains to and from our suburbs and upgrading roads to reduce congestion and improve travel times.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Pakenham Line 8.30pm 2 June to last train 4 June

From 8.30pm each night, 5 to 6 June

Caulfield to Dandenong

Caulfield to Pakenham

8 to 21 JuneOn sections of the line

Road disruptions: Closed roads

Ballarto Road, Pakenham South

Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne West

Hall Road, Cranbourne West

Evans Road, Cranbourne West

Main Street, McGregor and Racecourse roads, Pakenham

Until 8 JuneBetween Healesville-Koo Wee Rup and Cardinia roads

Until 26 JuneBetween Willow Glen and Ranfurlie boulevards

Until 26 June Between CranbourneFrankston Road and Banyan Drive

Until 26 JuneBetween Hall Road and Strathlea Drive

At times in JuneAt the level crossings

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised

Quarters Primary School principal Liz Davey. 334682

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Bodybuilding mum killed

A mother of two and professional bodybuilder has died in an alleged stabbing involving a man in Endeavour Hills.

An altercation occurred between the pair in Kassan Gardens about 7.30am on Tuesday 30 May, Homicide Squad police say.

The woman, Monique Leszak, was pronounced dead shortly after.

A man, believed to be her partner, was taken to The Alfred hospital with critical upperbody injuries. He was under police guard.

A child was taken to Monash Medical Centre in a stable condition with minor injuries. Homicide Squad detectives say they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

Ms Leszak’s former partner Jye Carter told reporters at the home that she was a “loving, caring mother“.

She had “achieved so much in her life“, becoming a personal trainer, gaining a disability diploma and with plans to enlist as a police officer, Mr Carter said.

“She’s just a really good mum. I can’t believe it’s happened, I really can’t.

“She was the most decent person I’ve ever met in my life. The whole family is a great family. She put so much - just 100 per cent - into her kids.“

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

Reprieve on horizon for renters amid ‘growing demand’

The Victorian Parliament will launch an investigation into the state’s worsening rental crisis, which is good news for Casey residents being crushed beneath rising rates.

Wayss general manager Shari McPhail said there is “growing demand“ for homelessness services in the Casey and Greater Dandenong areas as more and more citizens struggle to keep a roof over their head.

“People in our community are 2.6 times more likely to see the inside of a homelessness service than in any other local government area in Victoria,“ she said.

Ms McPhail said there is increasing anxiety for renters in the region.

“There is growing concern that the covid-19 debt levy on property investors is going to lead to rent increases, with no mecha-

nisms in place to protect renters,“ she said.

“Negotiations around the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund are now more critical than ever to supply affordable and social housing in the long-term.

“What this budget does not address is the growing demand for homelessness support services across our region, nor does it commit to any capital funding for housing, beyond the Big Housing Build.“

Ms McPhail said Wayss is concerned that the state government is leaving disadvantaged communities behind, and will continue to call for more resources in the South East.

Last week, a Greens’ motion to hold a parliamentary inquiry into the rental crisis was voted down after Labor joined forces with the Property Council and right-wing members of the cross-bench against the inquiry.

However, the committee that would have been tasked with undertaking the inquiry, the Legal and Social Issues Committee, have voted to self-refer an inquiry into the rental crisis and housing affordability.

The inquiry will investigate the factors leading to low availability and high costs of rental properties, options to address insecurity, availability and affordability issues facing Victorian renters and the impact of short stays.

The adequacy of regulation with regards to standards and conditions of rental housing and the adequacy of the rental system and its enforcement will be under scrutiny.

Barriers to first home ownership and the impact this has on rental stock and the experiences of renters will also be addressed.

Victorian Greens renters’ rights spokesperson Gabrielle de Vietri said she is pleased the committee had recognised the dire state of renting inVictoria, and the need for Parliament to provide urgent solutions.

She added that given there was nothing to support renters in the State Budget, it was even more critical that the problems and the solutions to this crisis were put squarely in front of the Government.

“Despite Labor’s disgraceful attempts to deny the rental crisis, it is good news for renters that the Committee will now investigate the worsening rental and housing affordability crisis,“ Ms de Vietri said.

“This inquiry will put the problems and solutions directly in front of the Government who have been ignoring renters for too long.”

Mother of two and professional bodybuilder Monique Leszak who was allegedly stabbed to death in Kassan Gardens, Endeavour Hills.

Police block the entrance into Kassan Gardens. 338172

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

It’s gold chain week at the servos. Petrol through the roof for no reason.

Thumbs down

To the service stations for putting petrol up by 40 cents per litre in one shot.

Thumbs down

To bank branches reducing tellers, branches and asking why you want your money when you withdraw it (presumably to upsell? maybe insurance)... Rude and very inconvenient.

Thumbs down

To knob jockey drivers that do 10kmh under the limit sitting in the right hand lane because they are going to turn right in 5 kms.

Thumbs down

To every cat lover in the coastal villages for letting their cats kill wildlife. Bring on a cat free zone Casey council.

Thumbs down

To cars going through red lights.

Thumbs up

To Cranbourne Public Hall being able to be renovated with the announcement by State Government in the budget for approval of 1 Million Dollars. Thanks to Minister Lily D’Ambrosio MP and Pauline Richards MP for Cranbourne.

Thumbs down

To roadworks bingo.

Thumbs up

To the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens forest therapy, it was a fantastic experience even in the rain.

Thumbs down

To the amount of dogs wandering the streets...usually the same culprits.

Thumbs up

Huge Thumbs up to the Warneet Jetties being replaced!

Rail disrupted

Major construction along the Pakenham train line will take place throughout May and June as crews continue work to remove dangerous level crossings and build new stations.

On the Pakenham Line, 22 dangerous and congested level crossings are being removed, with 13 gone and another nine underway.

From 7pm on Wednesday 7 June to Thursday 22 June, crews will be working around the clock in rail corridors on McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road.

The construction team will use this time to remove and install track, install new signalling, continue work on the elevated rail bridge and on the new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham.

Buses will replace trains between Berwick and Pakenham during these works.

In nearby Beaconsfield, crews will work 24/7 on the Brunt Road level crossing removal to prepare the area for major construction, including service relocation works, installing road safety barriers, setting up machinery on site, and completing critical works in the rail corridor.

To ensure the work can be completed safely, buses will replace trains between Dandenong and Pakenham from 9.30pm Thursday 25 May to the last service Tuesday 30 May.

At Webb Street, Narre Warren, major works are also progressing to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing and build a brand new Narre Warren Station.

Crews atWebb Street will work 24/7 to complete upgrades and relocations of essential services, piling, and concrete pouring in preparation for the new rail bridge and elevated station that will carry trains over the road.

Arts attractions for all ages

Casey arts lovers are encouraged to brave the cold conditions and take advantage of the upcoming offerings as part of the 2023 Winter Arts Festival.

Now in its 21st year and with the theme of ‘lighting up winter with creativity’, the festival will be held at venues across Casey from Thursday 15 June until Sunday 30 July.

The festival will include light shows over Anniversary Lake at Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick and the Lost Dogs’ Disco, a temporary sculpture at Bunjil Place which celebrates the place of dogs in our lives, as well as a range of school holiday options to keep children’s imaginations active during the winter holidays.

Casey Council community life director Callum Pattie said the festival will encourage

the community to engage with art in new and unique ways.

“Every offering in the program is by the community or made for the community,” he said.

“The festival has a packed program of more than 60 events for all ages, either free or low cost, including Seussical — a fun filled extravaganza to entertain the young and the young at heart, and For Our Elders — short documentary honouring and capturing the stories of Aboriginal Elders in the south east.

“Berwick District Woodworkers (BDWWC) Annual Expo will also be held and will include live demonstrations, children’s activities, and chainsaw carving.”

To view the full program or purchase tickets, visit casey.vic.gov.au/winter-arts-festival

An online project update on the Pakenham Level Crossing Removal Project will be held on Wednesday 31 May, 6pm to 7pm.

Members of the team will talk about upcoming construction activities, the 24/7 works and how to keep up to date on works in the area.

To attend, please register via Eventbrite by Sunday 28 May.

If you’re a Pakenham Line commuter, or planning to catch the train to the footy on the weekend, please allow extra time and plan your journey.

View the disruptions map to find out if you’re affected and to plan your journey.

In total 110 level crossings are being removed across Melbourne, with 70 already removed.

Bringing classics to Bunjil

By Matthew Sims

Casey youngsters and those young at heart are encouraged to dive into the weird, wacky and wonderful world of Dr Seuss as the Windmill Theatre Company is bringing Seussical to Bunjil Place later this month.

Opening next Friday 9 June, the show will be running with a mixture of matinees and evening performances until Sunday 18 June.

Weaving through a number of Seuss’ tales of whim and wonder, the story focuses on the plight of Horton the elephant, who finds a small speck which he soon discovers is a small planet. Emilie Toby is playing Gertrude McFuzz, a shy but determined little bird with a one-feather tail who strives for Horton’s attention.

“It is very exciting,“ she said.

“It’s been really fun to play Gertrude.“

Toby said it is rewarding to unpack Gertrude’s journey towards realising that her looks are not the most important thing.

“It’s really about what’s inside that counts,“ she said.

Toby said director Sean van Geyzel is working well with the cast and production team to bring the story to life.

“He’s got such a clear idea of the show,“ she said.

“He’s been keeping us grounded.“

The show will feature a live orchestra, as well as colourful sets and costumes. Toby said Dr Seuss’ stories still have a lot of valuable messages for audiences of all ages.

“It’s definitely about standing up for what you believe in,“ she said.

Aidan Niarros is taking on The Cat in the Hat and said he was looking forward to diving headfirst into bringing the world of Dr Seuss onto the Bunjil Place stage.

“It’s a fund, silly, wild ride,“ he said.

“It’s such a fun role.“

Often portrayed as an agent of chaos, Niarros said he thoughtThe Cat in the Hat was more of a facilitator of fun.

“I think it’s great for young kids to embrace their imagination and go where it takes them,“ he said.

“You’re in control of your own mind.“

Niarros said the sets were among the

show’s many highlights.

“The set is what I imagine a child thinks a theatre set would look like,“ he said.

“The costuming looks fantastic.“

Adult tickets are available from $40.

To purchase tickets, visit www.windmilltheatre.com.au

The South East Area Throwdown presented by The South East Sessions.

Picture: FLYING ART STUDIO

The Grey-Headed Flying-Fox is one of four flying-fox species found on mainland Australia, and the only one commonly present in Victoria. 336977

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Aidan Niarros is bringing one of Dr Seuss’ most well-known characters, The Cat in the Hat, to life at Bunjil Place.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Lucas van Geyzel is playing the young Jojo who needs help from Horton the Elephant (Mathew Charles Arter).

Works are continuing to remove level crossings and build new stations along the Pakenham line. 321207 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Changing

The Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade’s site office has been brightened up by a stunning mural by Chisholm Institute graphic design student Felicity Weston that explores the type of culture the construction industry is aspiring to.

“The inspiration behind my mural was inclusivity and the multiculturalism we already have in Australia,“ Ms Weston said.

“I was trying to represent the different people and cultures who make up Australia and to have an equal representation of women and men – because the construction industry is trying to encourage more women to join.

“This is why I included a father playing with his daughter in the mural, as this young girl represents the women of the future who will have a key role to play in the industry’s longterm success.”

Major Road Projects Victoria and its construction partner McConnell Dowell last year partnered with Chisholm Institute on a competition that was integrated into the TAFE’s graphic design curriculum.

McConnell Dowell Culture in Construction Coordinator Taryn Kippen said the partnership was a “wonderful opportunity“.

“The mural captures the essence of what the Culture in Construction standard aims to achieve – giving you more time to enjoy life and what matters to you, a better work-life balance to encourage women to join the industry, and a focus on wellbeing and making everyone in the workplace feel valued and heard.”

As part of the competition, students were tasked with designing murals illustrating what the construction industry’s culture should look like.

Chisholm Institute Art and Design Manager Michelle Crotty said it was a “fantastic experience“.

“Our students were very engaged in the process and understood how valuable projects

such as this are in their learning,“ she said.

“They were involved in all aspects of this project, from receiving the client brief, pitching their ideas, developing concepts and producing a solution.

“Now that our teachers and students can see the mural completed and on display, we are all inspired to connect with industry projects such as this into the future, to gain critical real-life experience before moving into industry.“

The competition was inspired by the Culture in Construction initiative, which has been established by the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce to develop a new Culture Standard for the construction industry.

The Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade is one of two Big Build projects chosen to run pilot Culture in Construction programs.

The other is the Brunt Road Level Crossing Removal Project in Beaconsfield, The programs focus on addressing tradi-

tional industry challenges such as long working hours, lack of diversity and worker wellbeing.

The mural competition was won by Ms Weston for her artwork that portrays a construction industry with a diverse and inclusive workforce where workers enjoy work-life balance and time for family.

Ms Weston recently visited the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade’s site office for the first time to see her mural proudly hanging on display.

Fellow Chisholm graphic design students Jeremy Rukunayake and Rebekah Ure were awarded second and third place respectively in the mural competition.

The upgrade’s partnership with Chisholm has produced another impressive artwork, with visual arts students Olivia Calleja and Jenny Kouch accepting a brief last year to design a mural of the NarreWarren-Cranbourne Road project alignment that depicted key upcoming works.

This mural is now also on display in the upgrade’s site office, while Ms Calleja and Ms Kouch gained invaluable experience in the process having been required to submit a quotation, purchase materials, submit concepts for approval, work to specifications and finally submit an invoice.

“It’s been great to team up with Chisholm Institute on the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade,“ said Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Marc Peterson.

“We’ve been really impressed by the quality of the murals the students produced and the ideas they expressed about the construction industry and what its culture should look like.”

The Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade’s Culture in Construction pilot program will run for the duration of the project, which began in early 2022 and is expected to be complete in 2025.

L to R: MRPV Senior Project Manager Tim Smith, mural artist Felicity Weston and McConnell Dowell Project Director Daniel Hill.

Picture: SUPPLIED

By Emily Chapman Laing

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

Narre Warren woman Deb is the head of family owned and operated soap business L’ada Soaps and Scents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“As consumers we are all time poor now

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

Deb says one of the largest parts of her job is educating people about the “hidden nasty ingredients in products” and the importance

of making sustainable choices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It was an honour to receive the recognition for all of the hard work we have put into our products and growing our business over the past 3.5 years,” Deb said.

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

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

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

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

L’ada’s Deb with some of her soaps.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Homage to heroic efforts

By Matthew Sims

From the iconic views of the Murray River to man’s best friend, the subjects of works in the Berwick Artists Society latest exhibition range far and wide.

Hosted at Cranbourne Library, the exhibition is open until Monday 19 June and features 85 works from artists across a range of mediums, including acrylic, pastel and watercolour, with artists also demonstrating their techniques daily.

One of the featured works is ’Drawing out the Drama on Mordialloc Creek’ from Cranbourne artist Rosemary Miota-Duncan.

The work tells the story of a digger which fell off a barge landing, trapping the 58-yearold digger operator under water for 10 minutes.

Bluey’s Boat Hire owner David Thomson ripped off his clothes and dived into the icy water, with him and a workmate straining to keep the operator’s head above the creek as water lapped in and out of his mouth, but after about five minutes the struggle overwhelmed the drowning man.

A witness raced to Mr Thomson’s kiosk and retrieved a vacuum cleaner pipe, which Mr Thomson used to blow air into the operator’s mouth, saving his life.

Miota-Duncan said she was one of the onlookers during the rescue and the clean-up.

“Arriving to take my boat out for the day, I was astounded by the miraculous lifesaving event and the unfolding drama before me and began photographing the heroic workers,“ she said.

“This painting is to honour all the heroes, those accidental heroes and those heroes who work tirelessly every day to save lives and clean up the mess that disasters leave in their wake.“

Miota Duncan said she had become an artist about 20 years ago.

“I came to it late in life,“ she said.

“I love the expressiveness and the ability to create something beautiful.“

Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite piece for the People’s Choice Award, while a number of pieces are also for sale.

The Berwick Artists Society meets every Thursday at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick from 10am to 2pm, as well as monthly demonstrations from a professional artist.

For more information about the Berwick Artists Society, visit berwickartistssociety.com. au

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Cranbourne artist Rosemary Miota-Duncan with her piece ‘Drawing out the Drama on Mordialloc Creek’. 338363 Pictures: MATTHEW SIMS

The exhibition features 85 works from local artists.

On disastrous climate path

By Emily Chapman Laing

Many environmental groups have warned against the creation of new oil and gas mines in Australia as we rapidly approach the 1.5 degree climate change threshold, but others are hoping industries can work proactively to create change.

Western Port Biosphere CEO Mel Barker says “now is the time for all to engage constructively in working out solutions“.

“Several big ticket energy projects are being considered and assessed for Western Port, including port infrastructure and shipping to support the construction of wind turbines in Bass Strait and a potential hydrogen export terminal,“ she said.

“While we support the transition as quickly as possible away from fossil fuels, it is critical that the potential impacts on Western Port’s fragile ecosystems are assessed.“

The Western Port Biosphere is a hub of diverse and climate-tackling ecosystems.

Ms Barker said it will take all parties to ensure the biosphere is protected and managed.

“It is important to connect with all parties, including fossil fuel generators, and agree on strategies and on-the-ground action,“ she said.

Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) has warned against opening any new gas or coal mines in Australia.

“As doctors, we are worried about the impact of rapid global warming, particularly as we move into the next El Nino, which could result in the next wave of heat stress, bushfire and smoke related deaths- especially for vulnerable people such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness,“ said Dr Mike Forrester, Victorian Chair of DEA.

“The world’s top scientists have called for an end to the mining and burning of gas, oil and coal, which are the main causes of climate change.

“Any fossil fuels mined in Australia will be burned on our planet, with direct implications for all of our health, for centuries to come.

“Our health and way of life will depend on decisions we make this decade.“

The International Energy Agency clearly stated in their ’Net Zero by 2050 report’ that “no new oil and natural gas fields are needed in the net zero pathway“.

In an article for ’The Conversation’, Adjunct Professor Crawford School of Public Policy at Australian National University Richard Den-

niss warned upcoming projects could triple Australia’s annual emissions.

“Australia has 116 new coal, oil and gas projects in the pipeline,“ Mr Denniss wrote.

“If they all proceed as planned, an extra 1.4 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases would be released into the atmosphere annually by 2030.“

On Wednesday 31 May the Greens introduced a bill to put a coal ban in the Victorian constitution by 2030.

Labor made the ban on gas fracking constitutionally protected, and the Greens say a ban on coal mining should similarly be enshrined in the Constitution to make it harder for a future state government to extend the life of coal in Victoria.

Greens spokesperson for Environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said polluting projects are “failing to be assessed for the emissions they create“.

“In 2023 there is no excuse for environmental approval to be given to new coal or gas projects without considering climate pollution,“ she said.

Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell MP said the bill would set an end date for coal inVictoria so the government can properly plan for an orderly transition of workers and communities.

“It would also put the ban on coal mining in the Constitution so future Liberal or Labor Governments couldn’t reopen dangerous, destructive coal mining,“ she said.

Despite this, Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch is advocating for the creation of new gas supplies.

“New gas supply is needed, especially inVictoria and New South Wales, to keep the lights on, avoid shortfalls and put downward pressure

on prices as it increasingly partners with renewables to ensure reliable electricity,” she said.

The statistics show the planet is on track to reach the disastrous 1.5C of warming earlier than predicted, with the World Meteorological Association expecting the breach as early as 2027.

Leader of the Australian Greens Adam Bandt has slammed the Labor and Liberal parties for continuing to support the industries causing the climate crisis.

“We are on the verge of going over the climate cliff, but Labor and Liberal are actively making the problem worse,” Mr Bandt said.

“Both major parties are using the petroleum industry conference to try and outbid each other on their support for an industry killing the planet.

“By pushing more gas, Labor and Liberal are putting lives at risk, bringing worse fires, floods and droughts to Australia.“

The Greens have said Australia’s governments have failed to align their emissions reduction with the global goal of limiting the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

They have warned Labor’s 43% emissions reduction target by 2030 simply isn’t enough, especially when it is coupled with ongoing support for resource depletion.

Both Labor and Liberal have again shown they are “at the disposal“ of the gas industry at the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) conference held from 15-18 May.

APPEA’s conference in May was focused on net zero technologies within the industry such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and low-carbon hydrogen.

APPEA advocated how the industry is central to a future energy system with lower emissions.

“The gas industry is at the centre of enabling emissions reductions in a cleaner energy future,“ APPEA Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said.

“Natural gas is important because it is backing up renewables in electricity, supporting major industries such as manufacturing and being used to create everyday products.

“And while we’re delivering energy security and emissions reductions, we will be among the biggest taxpayers in Australia, delivering over $16 billion to governments this year to help build schools, roads and hospitals.”

ExxonMobil CCS Facilities Engineering Lead Alan Black said Victoria’s Gippsland Basin Joint Venture (GBJV) is examining a major oil and gas project which could convert and recycle infrastructure for carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) to help protect the environment.

“A global challenge exists to rapidly decarbonise, and the Gippsland Basin is a prime location to support the storage of large quantities of CO2,” Mr Black said.

A 2019 paper from Tom Swann of the Australia Institute explained Australia’s emissions accounting does not take into consideration those generated off-shore.

According to the paper, “Australia is the largest coal exporter in the world and on recent reports the largest LNG exporter too“.

“For every Australian, the country mines 57 tonnes of fossil fuel CO2 per year,“ Mr Swann said.

“That is ten times greater than the world average.

As one of the world’s foremost countries for fossil fuel exports, Mr Swann says“the CO2 potential of these exports is more than twice as much as the greenhouse gas emissions Australia emits domestically“.

Greens leader Adam Bandt fears the consequences of ignoring export emissions.

“We share the atmosphere with the rest of the people on the planet,“ he said.

“The consequences will come back to bite us.”

If the Australian government fails to drastically cut down on emissions, both domestically and through exports, citizens nationwide will suffer.

The Climate Council outlines the “grave“ consequences of the 1.5 degree rise.

Extreme heat events will see an increase of 14 per cent.

Sea levels will rise by 0.40 metres, and icefreearcticsummerswillbecomemorefrequent.

Species loss will increase by 18 per cent.

In the ocean, things become more dire.

Coral reefs will decline by a further 70-90 per cent, and there will be a 1.5 million tonne decline in marine fisheries.

The Climate Council has warned “breaching 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming significantly increases the risk of triggering abrupt, dangerous and irreversible changes to the climate system”.

Evening nature walk celebrates biodiversity in Casey

By Emily Chapman Laing

On Wednesday 24 May, Myuna Farm held an evening nature walk through the farm wetlands to celebrate UN’s International Day for Biological Diversity.

The community gathered at Myuna Farm and caught the electric train down to the wetlands to learn about biodiversity and the flora and fauna found in the local area.

The activities included a group walk and talk about the importance of the wetlands and the biodiversity within, with a focus on the large population of Grey Headed flying foxes.

The community also participated in a frog and bird call play-back activity using citizen science apps, as well as a macro invertebrate and water bug identification activity and a seed dispersal demonstration, which involved examining the various ways that seeds can be dispersed.

“The guided walk through Myuna Farm’s wetlands was a chance for the community to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of thelocalarea,“CityofCaseyManagerSustainability and Environment Micheal Jansen said.

Wetlands like the one at Myuna Farm play a vital role in the healthy function of local ecosystems.

“The various organisms within the wetlands rely on each other for food sources and habitats, forming intricate ecological connections,“ Mr Jansen said.

“For example, the fruit bats found in the wetlands contribute to the pollination of the local Eucalyptus forests.”

The water that enters the wetlands is largely from storm water drains.

This includes drainage from roads and roofs.

Mr Jansen said the contents that enter the run off from local drainage can have a big impact on the organisms and their ability to survive in the wetlands.

“Maintaining a healthy wetland environment is also crucial for functions such as flood control, filtration of toxins and pollutants and for native Australian species to thrive.”

Wetlands will act as a big sponge and fill up with water, slowing flows in local creek systems.

The special plants found growing in the wetlands work to filter toxins and pollution, improving the water quality flowing through to Dandenong Creek and eventually to the bay.

The wetlands also provide unique habitat for many native Australian species, including several threatened species.

Local wildlife find their homes in more places than just bushland.

Patches of roadside vegetation, farmlands and urban areas are also habitats for wildlife, and are not always managed and protected.

Community support for biodiversity is the best way to ensure wildlife in all habitats of

the region can continue to thrive.

“Education helps foster a deeper awareness and appreciation for nature, to ensure a sustainable and thriving planet for future generations,“ Mr Jansen said.

“Supporting local biodiversity requires a collective effort from the community.”

Mr Jansen said there are many ways for the local community to support biodiversity in Casey.

“Small actions such as making sure what goes down the drain at home or on the streets isn’t toxic, as the drains flow through to local wetlands such as Myuna Farm’s, and not littering as rubbish also ends up in our wetlands and waterways,“ he said.

“Other ways include planting native indigenous plants to support biodiversity in the your backyard, installing nesting boxes and bird baths and getting involved with a volunteer group, such as Landcare, for more wide scale native planting.”

Keeping pets contained and making sure fruit tree netting is safe for local wildlife are also easy ways to contribute to the health of local ecosystems.

“Other things may be as simple as driving slower at dusk and dawn which is when many native species are out feeding and are at higher risk,“ Mr Jansen said.

“You can participate in citizen science, such as iNaturalist, where you can contribute to species conservation without having to be an expert.”

Mr Jansen said it is important o spread “the word that biodiversity is important and worth celebrating and preserving.”

Close up with some of the things caught in the creek including Mosquito Fish, Shrimp and Water Boatman. 336977

Picture: GARY SISSONS

It is estimated we may reach the 1.5 degree increase as early as 2027. Picture: GENERIC

90 years of spiritual help

By Matthew Sims

The Narre Warren North Uniting Church’s current building has been a spiritual sanctuary and a social spot for a number of members of the local community for the past 90 years.

The congregation is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the first service held in the new building after its construction in 1933 at this Sunday’s service, followed by a special morning tea.

Minister Bruce Crowle said volunteers demolished the church’s old 1863 building and rebuilt the current building in a month.

“It’s always been a sort of highlight for the community,“ he said.

“It’s still very community focused with our op shop.“

Mr Crowle said the church’s two annual markets supporting the Casey North Community Information and Support Service or Frontline Services were also highlights in the congregation.

The church also hosts a community garden, with those with a green thumb meeting on Tuesday and Saturday mornings and a craft group every Wednesday, with an arts group soon to start hosting workshops on Tuesday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm.

The church has also been home to The Bridge, which provides programs for mentally handicapped adults at the church’s hall.

Mr Crowle said the number of Sunday school participants had dwindled down to about five from about 50 children back in its heyday, while its congregation had dropped from about 100 to 30 members.

“Like most churches, it has diminished quite a lot,“ he said.

“We’re an aging congregation.

“They used to have two services, one at noon and one in the evening.“

However, Mr Crowle said the congregation still found peace and hope within the church.

“Since I’ve been the minister, we’ve started a more contemplative chants,“ he said.

“Life is so busy, it’s great to have a little bit

of time out.“

The special service and morning tea will commence at 9.30am, with memorabilia throughout the years on display, as well as a specialfilmfromacongregationmemberlooking back at an old news story on the church.

Mr Crowle said it was special to support the community.

“It means a lot to have that presence,“ he said.

“We really love our community.

“To be part of their continued worship, it’s

quite important to a lot of people.

“We really appreciate everyone’s support over the years.“

To view videos of the church’s services, visit www.youtube.com/@narrewarrennorthunitingchu7969

Narre Warren North Uniting Church minister Bruce Crowle is welcoming past and present congregation members and ministers to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the current church building this coming Sunday. 337095 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

The church’s buildings have taken on a few forms over the years. 337095 Bruce Crowle with one of the original pews from the old building constructed in 1863. 337095

The church was first constructed in 1933. 337095

Puzzle pros showing skills

By Matthew Sims

The Rubik’s cube is one of the most popular toys in the world and remains a challenging puzzle to solve for ordinary people.

However, speedcubing continues to take the world by storm, with its popularity skyrocketing during Covid lockdowns and the growth of competitors on Youtube.

The phenomenon is making its way to Narre Warren this weekend, with the Side N Blind Narre Warren event being held at the Foundation Learning Centre on Saturday 3 June and Sunday 4 June.

About 60 competitors will be competing in side events such as the seven-by-seven cube, Megaminx or clock puzzles, as well as special blindfolded solving competitions.

Narre Warren local and Speedcubing Aus-

tralia trainee delegate Swami Srinivasan is coorganising the event after he first picked up a Rubik’s cube in late 2014 and started competing in speedcubing events in March of 2015.

“The demand for competitions has signficantly increased,“ he said.

Speedcubing Australia delegate Patrick Kleverlaan said prior to the Covid pandemic, competitions commonly attracted about 150 speedcubers, but now the popularity has increased where most competitions include more than 500 competitors.

Hailing from Cranbourne, he said he was watching one of his favourite computer science Youtubers when he became interested in solving Rubik’s cube in 2018 and has delegated almost 50 competitions since May 2021.

“It’s a very supportive community,“ Mr Kleverlaan said.

The event’s main feature will be the threeby-three blindfolded event, as well as a multiblind event where competitors must correctly solve the most cubes while blindfolded.

Mr Srinivasan is currently the third best multi-blind solver in Australia and at 57th across the globe.

He said solving cubes blindfolded adds another degree of difficulty, with his method involving assigning a letter to each square and making moves based on a predetermined algorithm.

Mr Kleverlaan said he is fast approaching the milestone of delegating 50 events.

“I have got to travel a lot,“ he said.

While the event is open to the public, any spectators are advised to remain as quiet as possible during the event, especially during the blindfolding events.

For more information about the event, visit www.worldcubeassociation.org/competitions/SideNBlindNarreWarren2023

They’re giving it a shot at pistol club’s ‘ladies day’

By Emily Chapman Laing

A group of curious women showed their marksman skills at Cranbourne Dandenong Pistol Club’s ‘Ladies Day’.

“It was an amazing experience, I’ll definitely be back,” participant Donna Marie said.

“My daughter and I had a great day. Our family are looking forward to joining up,” Suzette Luketic said.

“It was a great idea and the lunch provided was a great selection too.

“Lots of hard work and effort to make sure we had a great time.”

After a quick safety brief, the group was led into Range 1 for their first shots.

Under the purview of the Range Officers, the ladies learned how to load and fire an ISSF 22 semi automatic handgun.

The targets showed the talent of these women, who left their sheets of paper looking like swiss cheese.

In Range 3 the ladies were delighted with demonstrations from the single action cowboy shooters and the international practical shooters.

Dressed in their cowboy hats and holsters, the single action shooters raced against the clock to shoot their handguns, rifle and shotgun.

A black powder shooting demo was also given, leaving clouds of sweet-smelling gunpowder floating in the air.

The IPSC shooters were next, with champion Antonio giving a heated demonstration as he shot multiple targets in this quick, energetic style of shooting.

The ladies got to try out the demos for themselves.

Starting with cowboy shooting, the group was given the chance to grow their single action revolver capabilities.

The ladies got to try out a rifle, followed by an ISPC 9mm semi automatic.

Earplugs were the saviours of the day, as hundreds of shots were fired over the session.

The club hosted a free lunch for the participants, with sweets, wraps and coffee.

Cranbourne Dandenong Pistol Club President (CDPC) Scott Donald-Hoath said Ladies Day helps to dismantle the stereotypical

image of shooters as “hunters”.

“It is an actual Olympic sport,” he said.

“And the ladies are usually better shooters than the blokes.”

The club is actively working to distance itself from violence with firearms.

Military and camo clothing is banned within CDPC walls.

Instead, the members wear sportswear.

“Any breach of the rules is a disqualifier,” Mr Donald-Hoath said.

Mr Donald-Hoath says shooting truly is a family sport.

A pistol club is one of the few sporting precincts where children can join in with parents and grandparents.

Juniors can apply for a firearm license at 12 years of age.

While safety is a large concern around firearms, Mr Donald-Hoath says the club has been operating since 1972 and has never had a safety incident.

CDPC emphasises their inclusive and welcoming environment, and encourages anyone interested in shooting, irrespective of gender, religion, or background to join.

“It’s like a family, everyone’s here for each other.”

Mr Donald-Hoath is now looking to open a new precinct in Carrum Downs.

The new club will have 32 shooting ranges and will host worldwide shooters.

With federal, state and local government support, the $13 million club will support even more new members.

CDPC attended a national competition in Adelaide earlier this month.

The club’s shooters regularly go interstate and international to showcase their skills.

Patrick Kleverlaan and Swami Srinivasan’s swift moves quickly conquer the puzzle, even while blindfolded. 337296

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Participants had the chance to shoot a Smith & Wesson.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Range Officer instructing a participant.Proud of their skills.

Participants were able to keep their targets after handgun practice.

The single action cowboy shooting team.

The youngest participant shooting a rifle.

Participant shoots a 9mm semi automatic.

The ladies worked on their stance and gun handling skills.

Range Officer instructing a participant.

Single action cowboy shooting demonstration.

Single action cowboy shooting.

Sid goes across country

By Emily Chapman Laing

A group of eager kids gathered at Myuna Farm to read ’The Speedy Sloth’ as part of 2023’s National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 24 May.

Children Australia wide joined Sid the sloth to read about his adventures at the same time.

Nestled amongst the animals of Myuna Farm, the kids delighted in the reading, and had the chance to sing along to rhymes too.

Myuna Farm, in conjunction with Doveton Library hosted the event, bringing the kids’ animal imaginations into a space with real wildlife.

Casey Cardinia Libraries CEO Beth Lup-

pino said this year’s book choice “couldn’t be better“.

“Our very own Sid the Sloth from our Early Years programs is happy Sloths are being celebrated this year,“ she said.

“Lack of school-readiness continues to be an issue, and we support parents to address this through fantastic programs like the Nation Simultaneous Storytime.

“It’s fun, and parents can create wonderful memories with their children that make a difference to their learning outcomes in the long run.“

Ms Luppino says encouraging early engagement in reading and sharing stories sets kids up for success at school.

Naomi Woodward of Doveton Library Youth reading to the crowd. 334155

L-R Naomi Woodward of Doveton Library Youth and Aydin. 334155

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

L-R Samantha Cutler (Myuna Farm), Naomi Woodward (Doveton Library Youth), Kate and Jack a 5yo from Montrose. With Terry the Eastern Long Neck Turtle. 334155

Terry the Eastern Long Neck Turtle. 334155

Art Exhibition

Berwick Artists Society is hosting an Art Exhibition at Cranbourne Library.

All the wonderful paintings are for sale. There will be artist demonstrations each day at the library.

A People’s Choice award for the crowd-favourite painting will be featured.

· 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East, 29 May - 17 June.

Learn Reiki Level One

Join Aligning Energy in an intimate group setting for an amazing day of learning Traditional Usui Reiki Level One (Shoden).

Reiki is a beautiful Japanese healing modality that allows you to channel life force energy. In level one you are taught how to channel and practice reiki on yourself, loved ones, animals, food and plants.

Reiki level one is the perfect place to start on your self-healing journey, as the modality teaches you how to hold space for yourself and reconnect to your body, your spirit and the universe. Tickets and information available online.

· Sunday 19 June, 9am-5pm.

South East Dach Club Meetup

Calling all dachshund owners! South East Dach Club is hosting another meet up for special sausage pups.

Bring your pup along to meet some new furry friends and have a run around in the dog park.

· Casey Fields Dog Park,Casey Fields Boulevard, Cranbourne East on Sunday 11 June at 3pm.

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 24 June from 9am to 2pm.

Elf the Musical

Elf the Musical is a hilarious, full belly, laugh out loud musical- you will not want to miss.

Based on the Warner Bros. Movie Elf starring Will Ferrel.

Follow Buddy the Elf as he travels to New York to find his Dad Walter Hobbs and the craziness that ensues.

Featuring show stopping Musical numbers,beautiful costumes and live orchestra this might just be your favourite musical ever.

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.

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

This maybe the most affordable family fun you can have at a musical during the July school holidays and help to celebrate an early Christmas in July.

Join in the interactive snowball fight with the elves, come dressed in your favourite Christmas character costume for prizes and giveaways. Tickets available online.

· Cranbourne Community Theatre, Brunt Street, Cranbourne on Friday 30 June and Saturday 1 July.

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.

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 - 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.

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.

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

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.

Picture: CRANBOURNE COMMUNITY THEATRE

Shopping Village 1 Corner Oshea Rd & Clyde Rd

• Berwick Coles Supermarket

Parkhill Plaza Shopping Centre 1 Corner Oshea Rd & Clyde Rd

• Berwick Berwick Springs

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

• Berwick Grants Estate Agents 3a Gloucester Avenue

• Berwick Berwick Newsagency 29 High Street

• Berwick Ray White Real Estate 42 High Street

• Berwick Alex Scott and Staff Real Estate 49 High Street

• Berwick Harcourts Real Estate 20 High Street

• Berwick Neilson Partners 1st National 57 High Street

• Berwick Gluten Free and Chocolate 9/48 High Street

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

• Berwick St John of God Hospital 75 Kangan Drive

• Berwick Chris Peake Real Estate 18 Langmore Lane

• Berwick Woolworths Shopping Centre 1-9 Lyall Road

• Berwick Mansfield Street Foodmart 157-159

Mansfield Street

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

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

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

• Berwick Coles Berwick Central 2 Richardson Grove

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

‘soap opera’

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

• Hallam Joes Mini Mart 117 Hinrichsen Drive

• Hallam Coles Hallam 2 Princes Domain Drive

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

• Hallam Hallam Square News 42 Spring Square

• NarreWarren Ritchies IGA Shop 4/14 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Ritchies IGA Shop 4/14 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Narre Warren Newsagency 34 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Fleetwood MiniMart 94-96 Fleetwood Drive

• NarreWarren Casey Gardens Caravan Park 6 Fullard Road

• NarreWarren City of Casey 2 Patrick NE Drive

• NarreWarren Neilson Partners 1st National 418

Princes Highway

• NarreWarren The Good Food

Emporium 15/430–440

Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Westfield

Fountain Gate Shopping Centre

25-55 Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Coles 25-55

Princes Highway

• NarreWarren Woolworths 25-55 Princes Highway

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

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

• NarreWarren Only Real Estate 13/3 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Donaldson Martin Real Estate 43-45 Webb Street

• NarreWarren Coles Express 155-171 Narre Warren North Road

• NarreWarren North Marcos IGA 2 Oakview Boulevard

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

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

• NarreWarren South Coles 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road

• NarreWarren South Woolworths 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road

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

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

BERWICK

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

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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.

Overv

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:

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Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Print and Online Sales Executive Star News Group

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

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

Sales skills/experience:

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

• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets

• Excellent listening skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Effective time management to meet deadlines

• Ability to operate in a team

• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility

• Effective oral and written communication

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

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

Send your application letter and resume to:

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Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

SPORT

Wickers are back on track

By Marcus Uhe

A dramatic final quarter full of twists and turns ended in delight for Berwick on Saturday who survived a late charge from South Croydon to record their second victory of the Eastern Football League Premier Division season.

With just over a minute remaining in the final period, Ashton Williamson was tackled high in the Wickers’ forward 50 on a slight angle, with the chance to retake the lead in the dying stages.

Unfazed by the pressure of the moment, the kick never looked like missing, splitting the middle as it sailed over the goal umpires’ hat to give the home side a four-point buffer.

The last minute of the game resembled a rugby league scrum, with neither side able to gain clear possession until the very last moments.

If you wanted to know what ‘defending like your life depended on it’ meant, Berwick epitomised the expression, fighting and scrapping to stop any chance of a last-gasp winner for the Bulldogs.

Three ball-ups were called in the last minute, with the only clear possession a hack-kick forward from the Bulldogs that trickled towards the boundary line as the final seconds ticked away, with Berwick players leaping into each other’s arms in relief, having secured the 8.8 56 to 7.10 52 result.

Had Williamson missed and the four points been squandered, it would have been a remarkable collapse from the Wickers, who held a 17-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.

At three-quarter-time they had a 21-point ascendency, but South Croydon peppered the face of goal to within an inch of its life early in the last.

Five misses, including one from almost the top of the goal-square, had the Berwick back six under the pump, and in the 16th minute the fortress collapsed, as the Bulldogs grabbed the first of the term to cut the lead to 11.

The anxiety for all those in navy blue would have skyrocketed just two minutes later when the Bulldogs kicked another to be within a kick of taking the lead.

After repeat stoppages in the forward 50, Caleb van Oostveen’s lapse in concentration saw his opponent wriggle free and shark a hitout on the run, before finishing truly.

Fourth quarters have not been kind to Berwick this season, having conceded a 21-point lead to Doncaster in round three to fall by two points, and being held scoreless against Rowville last week when the scores were tied at the final break.

With five minutes remaining, the Bulldogs hit the lead.

After repelling a series of deep forward entries, a defensive breakdown allowed a South Croydon forward to be unmarked in the forward 50.

Despite the tight angle on the Manuka Road side of the ground, the forward held his com-

posure to give the Bulldogs the advantage.

Nick Hillard’s desperation save on the goalline prevented South Croydon’s lead from growing a minute later, after his diving effort rushed a behind from a would-be miracle goal attempt from the boundary line.

Having won the ball back, Berwick were aware of what was required.

They went long down the middle from the kick-out and tried to move the ball quickly, but came unstuck around half-forward.

A vital one-on-one win from Deng Andrew on the wing saw him go inboard to a flying Lachlan Vaughan at half-forward.

They surged the ball inside 50 and a scrap for the Sherrin ensued.

The ball inched and crawled its way around the Berwick goalmouth for nearly a minute before the critical South Croydon error that resulted in the free-kick to Williamson, who kicked his third.

Of all players to put the dagger in the heart of the Bulldogs, Williamson’s role in the finale was fitting.

He kicked the opening two goals of the game for Berwick in quick succession, having drawn the ire of his Bulldogs opponents.

He was held off the ball at a forward 50 stoppage and converted a simple set shot, before

letting his opponent know of his mistake and finding himself slung to the ground in front of an umpire, who awarded him with a second kick on goal from the same position as his first.

Despite making the goal umpire shuffle to their right and consult with the field umpire, the kick was awarded the maximum value, and the Wickers were away.

In a contest where key forward and leading goalkicker Charlie Muley was held goalless, Berwick’s other forwards provided an avenue to scoreboard ascendency.

Defender-come-forward Anthony Vella’s positional switch continues to pay dividends, kicking two after his haul of three last week against the Hawks, while Harrison Money made a welcome return from injury by hitting the scoreboard himself.

The two combined for the third goal of the contest, with Money kicking long to Vella deep in the pocket, who navigated two oncoming defenders to nail a masterful check side snap from an acute angle.

The much-needed win for Clint Evans’ men breaks a run of five consecutive losses and gives them a four-point and percentage gap between them and the dreaded relegation zone.

They’ll face a serious test to maintain their

winning form next week when they travel to Balwyn to battle the ladder-leading Tigers.

Another bag of goals for Lachlan Wynd has helped Rowville power their way to an upset 57-point win over the high-flying Doncaster East.

Wynd’s dominant season continued, kicking six to take his tally to 30 from six games as the Hawks kicked 10 goals to three in the second half to overpower the Lions on their home turf.

His dual-threat versatility as the Hawks’ ruck when the ball enters the forward line presents another challenge for opposition coaching staff to handle.

At 201 centimetres, his long reach means he is rarely out-marked, and his mobility and body positioning in the ruck presents a significant obstacle for opposing big men.

His first three goals on Saturday were earned through free kicks while rucking, and his fourth was a result of a free-kick in a marking contest.

His fifth and six, however, saw him outmuscle his key defensive opponents with strong contested marks.

He leads the competition’s goalkicking tally, seven clear of Vermont’s Adrian Kalcovski on 23.

While the Hawks benefited from the Lions’ inaccuracy, (Doncaster East kicked 6.14 to Rowville’s 16.11), 27 shots on goal to 20 showed a classy performance from the Hawks.

Eight individual goal-kickers, including three who nailed multiple in Wynd, Jake Arundell and Kurtis Flakemore, showcased their firepower that took them so far in 2022.

After a shaky opening to the season, Rowville appear to be back on track having won four of their last five contests, and kicked their highest team score of the season on Saturday while restricting the Lions to their second-lowest points conceded.

With a win-loss record of 4-3, they join four other premier division sides stuck in a logjam in the middle of the table, in Doncaster East, Norwood and their emerging rivals in Noble Park.

The Bulls had the chance to break free of that crop and move to 5-2, but relinquished a fast start to fall 34 point short againstVermont.

The Bulls led at the first two breaks of the game but only kicked four goals after half time to the Eagles’ 10, defeated 10.3 60 to 15.7 97.

Where the Hawks have hit a run on form in the last month, the reigning premiers have some work to do to rediscover their best.

Of their last five contests they have only two wins to show for their efforts, with one against second-bottom placed Doncaster and the other a nervous win over South Croydon by four points.

A battle against bottom-placed Park Orchards will offer a chance to regain some winning form.

Rowville, meanwhile, host Norwood at Seebeck Oval.

Mendis magic to make the difference for Coomoora

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Former Sri Lankan first class cricketer Nuwan Mendis has crossed to Coomoora for the upcoming cricket season.

Mendis was a dominant player for Springvale in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 3 competition last season, with eight half-centuries and 22 wickets across 13 First XI and three t20 matches for the club.

His arrival puts the 2022-23 runners up in a good position to go one better next season.

The Roos lost the grand final to a talentladen Dandenong West but will go into this season as early favourites.

The relegated Doveton will be undergoing a changing of the guard with skipper Nathan Wilson and allrounder Ryan Hendy both retiring last season.

Fellow top-four team Fountain Gate was hot and cold in 2022-23 and will be under the tutelage of a new coach, while Mendis leaves a massive hole in Springvale’s lineup.

Coomoora will also gain Lalanka Dhanasekara Mudiyanselage from Springvale, further strengthening them at the expense of their rivals.

He chipped in with some handy overs and cameos with the bat last year.

The Roos will be under new leadership this season, with coach Andy O’Meara stepping aside to be replaced by Nick Suppree.

Suppree kicked off last season with a blazing century against Dandenong West and is a star batter, but missed much of the season with an ACL injury.

He is not expected to play the early part of the season.

O’Meara will remain involved at the club.

Coomoora will be backed to go one better this season. 323335

Picture: ROB CAREW

Brad Homfray stood tall in Berwick’s narrow win over South Croydon.

331979 Picture: ROB CAREW

Eagles fall short in thriller

By David Nagel

Beaconsfield’s propensity for playing RussianRoulette with close finishes has finally backfired with the Eagles falling heartbreakingly short of victory against North Ringwood at Quambee Reserve on Saturday.

The Eagles surrendered five-unanswered goals - late in the second quarter and all the way through the third - to ultimately fall short by two points…7.9.51 to 7.7.49 in their Eastern Division One clash.

This was Beaconsfield’s third game decided by less than 10 points this year, with earlier wins against Mooroolbark (51-44) and Wantirna South (68-60) having the Eagles flying high in a top-three position.

This loss, following last week’s defeat at the hands of Montrose, has Mick Fogarty’s men now clinging to fifth place on the ladder.

The Eagles made four changes heading into the contest, with ruck Paddy Gerdan (hamstring) and his support-system CaseyWassylko (broken nose) both sitting on the sidelines, with Jake Stuart missing and Ethan Harris dropped to the twos.

Mitch Summers returned for his second game for the season, filling the big shoes of Gerdan and Wassylko, while Ben Schultze, Declan Curran and Kye Rowland were the remaining three inclusions.

Schultze became the 33rd senior player to pull on an Eagles jumper this year.

The Eagles weathered an early storm from the Saints, who were inaccurate in front of goal, before Jafar Ocaa opened the six-point scoring after finding space at the back of the Saints’ defence.

Schultze then did likewise, finding himself closest to goal once again, and the Eagles had two on the board after 11 minutes of play.

The Eagles led by 11 points at quarter time, which was cut back early in the second term by Saints’ small forward Luke Patterson.

Beaconsfield then took control of the match,

JafarOcaawastheshininglightupforwardforBeaconsfieldonSaturdaykickingfourgoalsina two-pointlosstoNorthRingwood. 328967

with Ocaa kicking two – after some great play from Matt Wilson, Jake Bowd and Hayden Brough – before Bowd put the icing on a fiveminute cake that had the Eagles four goals up at the 15-minute mark of the second term.

For all intents and purposes…the Eagles were right on top!

But a dubious free-kick to big-man Matt Cullinan gave the Saints a sprinkling of momentum heading to the main break.

The home side cashed in that momentum in the third, with a long goal to Robin Nahas sparking the Saints into action.

Harrison Coe, who was playing solidly in defence, then gifted Jayden Van Unen with an infringement in the ruck and the Saints were up and about.

They hit the front after Aaron Fenton kicked a monster goal on the breeze, and capped off a dominant third stanza when Matt Sheppard stuck a tackle and had Brandon White holding the ball.

Picture:GARYSISSONS

The Eagles were now chasing, with their 16-point buffer at the main break now a sevenpoint deficit at three-quarter time.

Beaconsfield defender Trent Stokoe dodged an early bullet in the final term – with a clumsy kick across goal - before the Eagles settled and played the better footy.

Brough found Ocaa, who converted his set shot, and the margin was back to two points after nine minutes of play.

The Eagles now had the momentum, with Coe spending more time in the ruck and winning some decisive hitouts, with Sam Merrick, Damien Johnston and White getting their hands on the footy.

White then stunned the large home crowd with a mammoth set-shot kick, starting his build up from centre wing…that gave the Eagles back the lead.

But the final chapter was still to be told with just minutes left on the clock.

The Saints took back the lead after the awk-

ward kicking action of Ben Sandilands kicked straightandtrueforthehostsfromatightangle.

Merrick then had the final say of the contest.

Three points behind, he laid a brilliant tackle, full of vigour and desperation on his Saints opponent, winning a free kick on a slight angle…35 metres from goal.

Merrick tugged his kick left, cutting the margin to two, before the siren sounded with the Saints with their noses in front.

Ocaa finished with four for the Eagles, who just couldn’t halt the momentum in the third term.

Coe was terrific, predominantly down back, while White, Johnston, Josh Mounter and Schultze were influential figures around the ground.

There’s no time to ponder the Eagles, who host bottom-placed Lilydale this week at Holm Park Reserve.

NORTH RINGWOOD 0.3 2.6 6.7 7.9(51)

BEACONSFIELD 2.2 5.4 5.6 7.7(49)

North Ringwood Goals: M. Sheppard, L. Patterson, M. Cullinan, J. Van Unen, B. Sandilands, R. Nahas, A. Fenton. Best: M. Locco, B. Livingstone, J. Van Unen, J. Nathan, B. Sandilands, D. Van Unen.

Beaconsfield Goals: J. Ocaa 4, J. Bowd, B. White, B. Schultze. Best: H. Coe, B. White, J. Ocaa, D. Johnston, J. Mounter, B. Schultze. Other Results R8: Bayswater 8.9(57) def by WantirnaSouth15.9(99),Mooroolbark7.10(52) def by Mitcham 14.18(102), Lilydale 11.4(70) def by South Belgrave 16.11(107), Montrose 13.12(90) def by Croydon 14.17(101), North Ringwood 7.9(51) def Beaconsfield 7.7(49).

Ladder: South Belgrave 32, Mitcham 24, Montrose 20, Wantirna South 20, Beaconsfield 16, North Ringwood 16, Mooroolbark 12, Bayswater 12, Croydon 8, Lilydale 0.

Fixture R9: South Belgrave (1) v Croydon (9), Beaconsfield (5) v Lilydale (10), Mitcham (2) v Bayswater (8), Wantirna South (4) v North Ringwood (6), Mooroolbark (7) v Montrose (3).

Narre not nostalgic after gaining grand final redemption

By Marcus Uhe

A 61-48 win over Olinda Ferny Creek in a physical grand final rematch on Saturday has reinforced Narre Warren’s premiership credentials in A grade netball.

But Erin Bell isn’t letting her squad look too far ahead, having not capitalised on their dominance last season by winning the one that really mattered.

The Magpies were competition pacesetters in 2022 but fell short to Olinda Ferny Creek on grand final day in frustrating circumstances.

Some shrewd coaching from Bell and her staff, and some new personnel, helped to extract some revenge on Saturday in another high-scoring performance from the Magpies.

“I think our start was a lot better (than in the grand final) and we made a lot of changes at half time and we had a few of our younger players have to step-up into A grade who I think made a real impact,” Bell said.

“Everyone out on court really took their opportunities.

“We played consistently and there weren’t many times where Olinda got three or four goals in a row, it was pretty consistent from us to be able to score from our turnovers and centre passes.”

The Magpies won every period of the game and kept their foot on the accelerator

for the length of the battle, producing their highest scoring quarter of the game in the last term where they shot 19 goals.

A positional switch between captain Brittany Mashado and Abbey Barrientos at wing attack and centre was effective for the Magpies, while Lupe Fonua and Tamari Waqanisau successfully made the jump from the under 17 side into the top level, filling the breaches left in defence due to injury and player absences.

Of particular note in the Olinda Ferny Creek scoring region is Hayley Howard, the competition’s third-leading goal scorer behind Narre Warren’s Clare Vearing and Wan-

din’s Emmalia Blake, and her trusty sidekick at goal attack in Taylah Werner.

While Vearing is leading the attack at the other end of the court for Narre Warren, the ability for her defenders to turn defence into scoring opportunities is particularly pleasing.

“They (Fonua and Waqanisau) played together before in the under 17s and I think they just had that combination,” Bell explained.

“They took it in their stride and they weren’t overawed, they did their job and I think that really lifted all the other girls oncourt as well.

“We had a big defensive focus on Thursday at training leading into the game, knowing how dominant Olinda is in that goal circle.

“It was about respecting them both and coming up with a game plan of being able to work our swaps and making sure that we weren’t just going to be doubling on Hayley (Howard).

“We wanted to give Taylah (Werner) the respect she deserves as well and make sure we cover both of them because they’re both very good.

“Our defenders work so hard to get those turnovers and we really have to make sure we treasure that and capitalise on it and make sure we score, that the turnover results in scoreboard pressure.“

Another test against Mt Evelyn awaits next week, who are within touching distance of the nominal ‘big three’ of the competition in Narre Warren, Beaconsfield and Wandin.

For Bell, her message to her squad is simple, as they ensure they remain present in the moment.

“Our focus is not on winning every game, last year we went through nearly undefeated,” she said.

“We aren’t focusing on that, we’re focusing on each and every game, respecting the opposition and then finishing top four.”

NarreWarren’sdepthwastestedagainst OlindaFernyCreekbuttheyappearedto unearthsomegemsinLupeFonuaand TamariWaqanisau. 337186

ClareVearingscored49goalsforNarre WarreninSaturday’sgrandfinalrematch. 337186

Pictures:GARYSISSONS

Cavs downed in OT

By Marcus Uhe

Casey Cavalier hearts collectively broke on Saturday night following a three-point loss in overtime to Ballarat.

Trailing by three with seven seconds remaining, Mason Perry found Blake Taylor wide open on the left wing, after a clever play that appeared designed for Patrick Emilien - saw Taylor lose his defender in traffic when the ball was inbounded.

The perfect pass from Perry landed perfectly in Taylor’s awaiting hands, before he turned, set his feet and nailed the shot without any hesitation.

An inventive play after the ensuing timeout saw Ballarat get a great look under the rim, but Tyler Rudolph was unable to make the angles work in his favour and missed the rim entirely, sending the game to overtime with the scores tied at 85.

A poor final minute of the opening quarter saw the Cavs slump to a 10-point deficit, having matched the Minors for much of the period.

Needing a lift in the second, they found an x-factor off the bench in Emilien.

The 23-year-old scored 16 points in the second quarter after coming off the bench to add a real spark to the Cavs’ line-up.

He made four three-pointers and added a huge dunk, after grabbing a steal and running the length of the court.

They finished the half with a three-point lead, setting the table for an enthralling second half.

Both sides remained neck-and-neck with one-another for the remainder of the game, with Casey’s seven point lead midway through the last quarter the largest the margin grew to in either team’s favour.

While Ballarat struggled to make shots from the midrange, they were deadly from behind the three-point line, shooting 63 per cent during the second half compared to 25 from inside.

The Miners finished the contest with a far superior three-point percentage (52.6 to 35.7), and through Rudolph they continued their hot shooting in overtime.

Rudolph scored eight of the Miners’ nine points in overtime, and while he had a steady hand, the Cavaliers were clearly nervous.

They missed their first three shots of overtime and didn’t score until two minutes into the period.

Emilien left his hot shooting hand in regulation time, missing all three shots that he took in the period and committing one turnover.

He missed a floater with 45 seconds on the clock to tie the scores at 93, but a miss from Ballarat at the other end meant they remained in the hunt.

With six seconds on the clock, Taylor drove to his right and missed a layup before fouling on the layup attempt.

The Cavs were forced to foul in order to attempt to regain the ball, but a side-line infraction from Emilien gifted Ballarat a technical foul shot.

The recipient missed the shot, but the next foul finally put the visitors on the free-throw line.

Wet weather plays havoc in the BDTA

By Sports Desk

The weather continues to impact the Berwick and District Tennis Association with a full round of matches played on Saturday before the heavens opened and washed-out Sunday’s round of play.

Pakenham and Drouin continue to lead the way in the Osborne Shield, with Pakenham having a big win over Cranbourne and Drouin winning its top-four battle with Beaconsfield Blue.

The top-four at this early stage of the season is Pakenham, Drouin, Beaconsfield Blue and Narre Warren North.

Osborne Shield

Drouin 2 4:28 v 1 2:21 Beaconsfield Blue, Pakenham 3 6:40 v 0 1:25 Cranbourne, Officer Blue 0 0:15 v 3 6:36 Narre Warren North, Beaconsfield Gold 3 6:42 v 0 2:41 Sandhurst.

Jack Davidson missed the first but made the second, giving Casey one second on the clock to shoot another three to tie the game.

Jack Perry inbounded to Djitte at halfway but the pass was too tall even for the giant centre, and slipped through his hands out of bounds.

Emilien finished with 34 points and five rebounds on Cavaliers debut on 60 per cent shooting, making the most of his debut in navy blue.

Djitte did what Djitte does, too, recording a huge double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds.

The women’s contest was not as nail-biting, losing by 13 in regulation.

The Cavs were outscored by 10 in the first half and never recovered, losing the rebound battle by 11 and assists by 9.

Rachel Bell led the Cavs in scoring with 19. A pair of road games await next weekend, as they travel to Eltham and Bendigo.

Blazing Cannons fire their opening shot

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The Casey Cannons men’s side have their first win of the season, getting it done 4-1 overWerribee.

Young striker Nick McPhee scored the last two crucial goals to make a certainty of the result.

Those were his first two scores of the season after he emerged as an impressive prospect last year and it’s hoped the weekend game can turbocharge the remainder of his campaign.

Goal keeper Adam Wadley was outstanding in the last period, leading the defence in the last quarter as Werribee came hard.

Among the 10 circle entries were six penalty corners but the hosts were unable to close the margin.

It’s a result that the Cannons have been confident is around the corner despite the difficult start to the season.

Having shown glimpses in recent weeks, they were able to keep it together for longer on the day which gave Elliott Stephens, Gurpreet Singh and Harry Coster their first win with the club.

The returning Josh Watson also had his first win since being back.

The Cannons came in with an emphasis on process over outcome, the coach instilling confidence they were playing well and would be able to turn it into a positive result if they didn’t force the issue.

Skipper Matt Light found the back of the net 10 minutes in to allow the visitors to be frontrunners for the entire afternoon.

Craig Moore followed suit early in the second period with a tomahawk before Werribee closed the margin.

But McPhee pounced just minutes later to keep the margin at an arm’s length.

Lachie Daniel was productive in the backline, playing with an attacking flair, while Blake

Edwards and Craig Moore provided leadership up forward.

Meanwhile, the women were led to a 4-0 win by Emma Harris, who scored three goals. Werribee came out physically, as anticipated, but once the game settled into a rhythm, it was on the Cannons’ terms.

Third quarter turnovers forced a reset at the final break, but renewed poise and composure ensured Casey maintained the ascendancy.

As well as Harris, who could have had even more than her three goals, Gippsland’s Leandra McLauchlan started fullback and rotated into the middle and Bec Cheater also stood out in the win.

CANNONS WOMEN

Results: WestVic 3 v PEGS 1, North West Light-

ning 1 v Knox 4, Yarra Valley 5 v Brunswick 1, Casey 4 v Werribee 0, Mornington Peninsula 1 v Monash University 1.

Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 16, Yarra Valley 15, Casey 15, Monash University 14, WestVic 10, PEGS 9, Knox 9, Werribee 9, Brunswick 3, North West 0.

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

CANNONS MEN

Results: Casey 4 v Werribee 1, North West Lightning 4 v Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 3, Yarra Valley 1 v Brunswick 2, Old Xaverians 3 v PEGS 1, Melbourne Sikhs United 4 v Monash University 1.

Ladder: Melbourne Sikhs United 18, North West Lightning 16, Old Xaverians 16, Brunswick 13, PEGS 12, Monash University 10, Werribee 5, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 4, Casey 3, Yarra Valley 3.

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

Section 1 Rubbers

Berwick 2 5:39 v 1 2:19 Beaconsfield, Narre Warren Forfeit to Officer Blue, Cranbourne 0 0:13 v 3 6:36 Harkaway.

Section 2 Rubbers

Berwick White 1 3:33 v 2 5:46 Upper Beaconsfield, Pakenham 2 4:35 v 1 3:29

Clyde, Cranbourne 1 3:37 v 2 5:40 Berwick Blue, Narre Warren North v Narre Warren (Missing Results).

Section 3 Rubbers

Berwick Blue 0 2:34 v 3 6:46 Narre Warren North, Cranbourne 1:23 v 3 6:40

Clyde White, Clyde Green 2 5:39 v 1 2:26

Berwick Black, Bunyip 1 2:20 v 2 4:28 Berwick White.

Section 4 Rubbers

Clyde Blue 2 5:37 v 1 2:30 Cranbourne White, Cranbourne Purple 0 1:31 v 3 6:45

NarreWarren South, Beaconsfield Gold 1 3:35 v 2 5:40 Cranbourne Red.

Section 5 Rubbers

Narre Warren North Black v Cockatoo (Missing Results), Narre Warren 0 2:40 v 3 6:48 Cranbourne Black, Cranbourne Yellow 2 4:31 v 1 2:20 NarreWarren North Red.

Section 6 Singles

Berwick White 4:33 v 4:27 Upper Beaconsfield, Pakenham 2:31 v 6:43 Hallam, Tooradin 6:41 v 2:33 Clyde.

Section 7 Singles

Berwick Blue 6:44 v 2:19 Narre Warren North, Officer Red 2:30 v 6:48 Officer Blue, Cranbourne 5:45 v 3:34 Berwick White, Beaconsfield 2:26 v 6:42 Narre Warren.

Section 8 Singles

Berwick 5:37 v 3:20 Upper Beaconsfield, Narre Warren 5:40 v 3:33 Cranbourne, Officer 4:38 v 4:38 Fountain Gate Green.

Section 9 Singles

Narre Warren North v Beaconsfield (Missing Results), Clyde 6:46 v 2:27 Narre Warren South, Tooradin 4:28 v 4:32 Officer.

Players in the BDTA enjoyed play on Saturday morning before the rains came

and washed-out Sunday’s round of matches. 293980 Picture: ROB CAREW

Matt Light opened the scoring for the Cannons. 330473 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Adam Wadley saves a shot on goal.

Stephanie Blicavs scored 18 points for the Cavaliers on Saturday. 333279 Picture: ROB CAREW

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