News - Berwick Star News - 8th June 2023

Stapledon’s fear

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Casey former mayor Amanda Stapledon believed she was headed for jail over corruption allegations when she took her own life, a State Coroner has reported.

Ms Stapledon, 58, was found dead in her car near Cranbourne Botanic Gardens on 18 January 2022 – just days after her lawyers received adverse extracts from an Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission draft report.

At the time, the lawyers had not read the extracts or provided a copy of the extracts to Ms Stapledon.

She left behind letters for family and friends expressing “regret and shame for her actions” as well as concern about losing her home and access to her disabled son Peter.

Ms Stapledon was among several ‘persons of interest’ examined in IBAC’s Operation Sandon public hearings in 2019 and 2020 into alleged corrupt dealings with property developers in City of Casey.

IBAC told Coroner David Ryan that it had not contemplated bringing criminal charges or referring Ms Stapledon for prosecution.

In his report on 6 June, the coroner stated that the uncertainty of criminal prosecution was a “significant stressor which became exacerbated over time”.

He recommended that IBAC review its policies to ensure that it advised witnesses as early as possible that they wouldn’t be prosecuted.

“It is likely that her stress and anxiety would have been appreciably alleviated had she been informed that on the evidence before it, IBAC was not contemplating and did not intend to bring criminal proceedings against her or refer her to any prosecutorial body.”

Coroner Ryan noted that the investigation’s “natural justice process” impacted on when IBAC could inform witnesses.

It had to be balanced by the potential for further evidence coming to light to alter IBAC’s assessment of the witness’s conduct, he stated.

Friends told of a “massive” toll on Ms Stapledon’s mental health and that she “had it in her head that she was being prosecuted and she was going to be sent to jail”.

She was afraid that legal fees would cause her to lose her home, and leave her son without a home, they said.

From late 2019 to 2021, Ms Stapledon regularly met with a psychologist for severe

depression and anxiety.

She’d reportedly disclosed suicidal thoughts to the psychologist but said she’d never act on them due to her son and father.

During her examination in March 2020, IBAC provided an on-site counsellor who advised Ms Stapledon they were available to support her.

IBAC conducted a witness risk assessment

WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE

after she disclosed feeling stress from interactions with its officers.

However, “it was not alerted to and did not identify any concerns about Amanda’s health or welfare or signs or symptoms of distress that warranted further intervention,” IBAC stated.

Coroner Ryan noted that the impact of stress on witnesses “may not always be obvious from their demeanour during an examination”.

“Living with the uncertainty of the potential consequences of an investigation over a prolonged period has the potential to exacerbate the stress of a witness which, although initially well managed, may swell to a point of crisis.”

IBAC witnesses felt isolated due to strict confidentiality provisions, preventing them from discussing evidence with anyone, the coroner noted.

“In some cases, a delicate balance may need to be struck between the potential for an investigation to be prejudiced and the risk of serious mental harm to a witness.”

After Ms Stapledon died, IBAC developed a new witness welfare policy. A State Parliament integrity and oversight committee also reviewed IBAC’s witness welfare management.

Former mayor Susan Serey and property developer John Woodman – who were also publicly examined as part of Operation Sandon – requested a public coronial inquest into Ms Stapledon’s death.

But Coroner Ryan said he was“satisfied that an inquest was not necessary or appropriate”. He described Ms Stapledon as “warmly remembered” as a “caring and generous person who was dedicated to serving her community” and primary carer for her son.

“She … appeared to be troubled by ‘the disconnect between her values and behaviour’ which had been exposed in the course of the IBAC investigation.”

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

Woodman gag bid fails, page 6

Amanda Stapledon believed she would be prosecuted in the lead-up to her death in January 2022. 267031

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Promising future for hemp

By Emily Chapman Laing

South East hemp producers joined Legalise Cannabis Victoria in Parliament on Wednesday 31 May to push for an inquiry into Victoria’s industrial hemp industry which they hope will give the trade a much needed boost.

The motion was successfully passed, bringing new interest into the future of industrial hemp production.

Mark Smith and Ruth Cardenas, Cultivators and Developers at OneLife Botanicals and Brett Boag, Hemp Innovator and Founder at Hexcore Hemp Processing were among those involved.

“I think historically there has been a lot of bad press around hemp and there’s been no one speaking as an advocate for it,“ Mr Boag said.

“It’s tremendous for us all in the hemp industry.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the outcomes are.“

Mr Smith of OneLife Botanicals, a cultivator and manufacturer or medical cannabis, said he is excited to see the hemp industry add to job growth in Victoria.

“Currently all industry in Australia, particularly in Victoria, is starting to fail- so we need work, we need jobs and growth,“ he said.

Mr Smith emphasised Australia’s rich hemp history, with production of the plant dating back to the First Fleet.

“The stigma that’s attached to hemp has not allowed it it’s rightful place,“ he said.

“230 years ago we were growing hemp as a Federation of the Commonwealth.“

The OneLife team are thrilled the motion

for the inquiry passed.

“I think it’s wonderful, it gives us a chance at actually building this industry,“ Mr Smith said.

“Let’s make hemp normal.“

Those involved in the inquiry believe a state government funded boost to the hemp industry will guarantee more jobs across Victoria, increase the state’s export earnings and contribute to statewide carbon emissions reductions.

“With an estimated global value of $4.9 billion dollars, it is time to shine a light on this incredibly versatile, resilient, and sustainable crop,“ said South Eastern Metropolitan and Legalise Cannabis Victoria MP Rachel Payne.

“Hemp’s ability to absorb more carbon dioxide per hectare than a forest or almost any other commercial crop will be crucial in helping Victoria reach its carbon emissions reductions targets.

“We know hemp is grown for beauty products, paper, food and clothing but the con-

struction material capability of hemp alone will be key as Victoria continues to grow.“

Canada’s hemp industry is worth $587 million with projections reaching $2.4 billion by 2030, compared to Australia’s modest $15 million industry.

Western Metropolitan and Legalise Cannabis MP David Ettershank said “Victorian farmers are crying out to get a foot in this fertile international market, so it’s now time Victorian Hemp is given a chance to thrive.“

The pressure on the Andrew’s government to shine a light on the hemp industry came after the state budget announced the imminent closure of Victoria’s native logging industry.

“The foreclosure of native logging makes a hemp inquiry critical so thatVictoria can meet its growing need for building materials and fibre pulp,“ Ms Payne said.

Mr Smith said “the state has the opportunity to phase out toxic and environmentally unfriendly industry and replace it with a sustainable, safe alternative“.

The Greens have also welcomed the end of native logging, saying it is about time the government realised the industry is “completely unsustainable“.

Australian Greens spokesperson for forests, Senator Janet Rice says it’s now up to the Albanese government to follow Victoria’s lead.

“The Regional Forest Agreements have allowed reckless destruction of native forests for decades across Australia, pushed native wildlife to the brink of extinction, endangered our water supplies, heightened bushfire risk, and made the climate crisis worse,“ she said.

“Native forest logging is a dying industry and there’s no way around it.“

Hemp touted as ‘superior’ alternative to other products

By Emily Chapman Laing

A motion has passed for an inquiry into industrial hemp in Victoria, leading experts to flaunt the plant’s versatility.

Brett Boag, Hemp Innovator and Founder at Hexcore Hemp Processing, works with industrial hemp which he says “in some applications rivals steel“.

“As an industrial material it’s far superior to so many products and people don’t even know about it,“ he said.

“Any kind of timber products made of hard or soft wood, hemp is harder.

“It has no equal in terms of its mechanical and physical strength.“

Mr Boag also stressed the yield potential of hemp in comparison to timber, and how the by-products of hemp production can be used to make things like bowls and cups.

“It takes 25 years at best for pine to be grown, trimmed down, and turned into housing timber, and only 60 per cent of the tree is usable as housing timber,“ he said.

“Hemp however, takes 90-100 days to

achieve the same result and can be used for anything that timber can be used for.

“In that same hundred days, it sequesters more carbon than a forest does.“

Mark Smith, Cultivator and Developer at OneLife Botanicals, said hemp could replace the logging industry “within 100 days“.

“We have the ability to harvest terpenes,

pectin, ligin, seed, fibre and hurd,“ he said.

Mr Smith said hemp is one of the most perfect protein and amino acid sources in nature, with 369 omegas.

“We could supplement livestock feed with hemp biomass, reducing methane produced by cows, and we can still enjoy whipped cream or fancy cheeses,“ he said.

“Hemp is a win for our future, our economy, and most importantly our children.“

In a 2022 study published in Heliyon, researchers found hemp to be a “very promising renewable resource including its potential uses in paper, textiles, composites, biofuel, and food industry“.

“Hemp is naturally resistant to disease and pests, conserves water, degrades quickly, and produces environmentally friendly industrial products such as biodiesel, bioconcrete, bio-composite, paper, textile, and so on,“ the researchers wrote.

“With the advancement and adaptation of fitting technology, exploitation of the entire physical, chemical and morphological characteristics of hemp can better contribute to a

clean, healthy, and sustainable planet.“

Currently cement production is the world’s single biggest industrial cause of carbon pollution, making up eight per cent of all global carbon emissions, according to Beyond Zero Emissions.

Hemp may offer a sustainable alternative to help decrease the cement content of building material. Hemp paper also has more “recyclability“ than wood and produces a greater yield. Researchers say these features make hemp an important resource to “slow down the deforestation process“.

Hemp acts as an air purifier, absorbing carbon dioxide and cleaning the air we breathe. For every tonne of hemp produced, 1.63 tonnes of carbon is removed from the air, making hemp cultivation even more efficient at oxygen production than agroforestry, according to Hemp Foundation Co-Founder Vishal Vivek.

“From nutrition to building material, from clothing to biofuel, from ship sails to bioplastic - you name it and some part of the hemp plant can yield that,“ he said.

A selection of hemp fibres and wood products at Parliament House ahead of the debate into industrial hemp. Picture: SUPPLIED

Ruth Cardenas and Mark Smith,Cultivators and Developers,One Life Botanicals display hemp wood ahead of Parliamentary Debate into Hemp Inquiry. 338782 Picture: TONY LEE

Clash over police promise

By Matthew Sims

The State Government has rejected a claim from Berwick MP Brad Battin that the Clyde North police station project was cut from the 2023-24 State Budget.

Planned to be located on the corner of Newgrange Boulevard and Matterhorn Drive, the new station would be open for 24 hours and join other 24-hour police stations at Endeavour Hills, Cranbourne and Narre Warren.

In a November 2018 media release, the State Government pledged $34 million, with the project due for completion in 2022.

According to the statement, the new station would accommodate uniform police officers as well as include interview rooms, conference rooms, discrete public consultation facilities and a high-level of security.

An update from Bass MP Jordan Crugnale in October 2022 said construction on the station was planned to commence in mid-2023, with the new facility planned to open in late 2025.

However, there has been no update on the progress of construction as of yet.

A State Government spokesperson said funding for new station was outlined as part of a $68 million investment for critical infrastructure projects in the 2019-20 state budget.

“Clyde North is well serviced by existing police resources in the area, including the 24hour Cranbourne Police Station,“ the spokesperson said.

“TheVictorian Budget 2022-23 had funding for an additional 502 police and 50 Protective Service Officers (PSOs) over the next two years to meet the growing needs of the state, bringing more than 3600 new police officers to our streets.

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

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday 30 May, Mr Battin said he believed the State Government had not specified the project explicitly in the budget because they had “run out of money“.

“The only thing we have seen in Clyde

North since it was promised to be delivered and open by 2022 is a sign that went up in 2022 with a new date of 2025,“ he said.

“I almost guarantee I will get to the next election and the only thing I will see change is that sticker, and it will no longer be 2025, it will

be after the next election, because that money has been removed from the budget.“

There was a mixed response from a number of Clyde residents on Facebook, with some saying it was a much-needed project while others called for other infrastructure such as housing and cellular towers to be prioritised.

In a Facebook comment, Helen said it was “absolutely crucial“ for the Clyde and Clyde North community to be protected by an additional police station.

“The majority of our residences only rely on the Cranbourne station, which can be accessed from 000,“ she said.

“However, each station is critical to each individual location, especially with our rapid growth through the Casey corridor.

“An immediate police station is imperative.“

In a Facebook comment, Sammy-Jo Quirk said she has limited phone connection from her house.

“I think we need cellular towers more than a police station,“ she said.

Paving the runway for a major airport in the South East

By Matthew Sims

Berwick MP Brad Battin has flown the flag for building a new airport in Melbourne’s South East.

In Parliament on Wednesday 31 May, he asked for Treasurer Tim Pallas to release all economic data as to the viability of placing an airport in the South East growth corridors.

Mr Battin said the area was set to be a growth area for Melbourne.

“We have so much down there with our growth, our businesses, our factories, our access to ports,“ he said. “We have got so many business opportunities for the future, and it is important that we understand, not just for ourselves but also from the council’s perspective, what economic data is available to ensure what we can look at building in the future. We have heard many times about an airport being an option, an idea, a dream for

the future of the southeast.“

Floated as part of Plan Melbourne 20172050 and as part of the Melbourne 2030 plan in 2002, potential sites put forward have included Kooweerup, Hastings, Tooradin, and Caldermeade. The plan outlined a number of considerations, including the impact the introduction of a third major airport would have on the capacity, services, and operations at existing airports and at the local level, the impact on businesses and operations at other smaller airports, such as Tooradin, Tyabb, and Phillip Island.

As part of Plan Melbourne, the State Government undertook work to permanently protect Melbourne’s green wedges and identified areas of strategic agricultural land in green wedges and peri-urban areas to improve planning decision-making to support sustainable agriculture, with the Westernport Green Wedge including peaty clay soils

around Kooweerup, the Westernport Biosphere Reserve, parts of the Casey and Cardinia growth areas and an aerobatic training area east of Berwick-Cranbourne Road and north of Ballarto Road.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), alongside Tourism Research Australia (TRA), released a document titled ‘Tourism Investment Monitor 2021-22’ in February. A section in the document listed the investment projects being made in aviation in Victoria, outlining that the project makes up a significant portion of overall investment in tourism and the aviation for the state.

Investment in the aviation sector totalled $8.5 billion for Victoria, with a major contribution from the proposed privately owned Kooweerup airport worth $7 billion.

Mr Battin said starting to look at potential airport land would be a “great discussion”.

“We want to ensure that if we are going to be doing business down in the south-east, every opportunity is given to all in that area for the development, and not just for houses,“ he said. “We cannot continue to have the housing sprawl that we have seen through Clyde North, through Cranbourne, going down through the electorates of Bass, Pakenham, obviously Berwick, Narre Warren North and Narre Warren South. We need to ensure that we have got a plan for the future that includes creating jobs and creating opportunities for everyone in that region.”

The City of Casey has reiterated its support for an airport. “Given growth within the south-eastern region and travel times to existing options, we are supportive of a South East regional airport to enhance productivity, reduce travel times, and cement our region’s economic prosperity,” Manager Growth and Investment Kathryn Seirlis told Star News.

There are many ways you can give us a hand.

Berwick MP Brad Battin 335863

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A with Timbarra P-9 College principal Cassandra Marinopoulos

What do you love most about your job?

I love working and collaborating with people and being a principal allows me to work closely with students, staff, parents and the wider community. My job allows me to have a positive impact on students and influence the culture of the school. In this role, each day brings new challenges and is never the same.

What classes did you teach before becoming principal?

Before becoming a principal, I was a secondary maths and science teacher. I began my teaching career at Narre Warren South P-12 College, moved to Berwick College before moving to Timbarra P-9 College in 2022.

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

You are not alone in this role - there are plenty of supports and resources available that will enable you to do the best job that you can! Also, the challenges that you face as a principal are not unique to you – reach out to others and build a network. Draw upon the knowledge and expertise of your staff. Lastly, make sure that you take care of yourself and, as much as possible, keep a balance between work and home.

What has been your most memorable moment?

As an educator, my most memorable moments have been past students reaching out to me as adults to let me know that they are travelling well! Personally, I have a number of memorable moments with my children, many of them while travelling. One example is cycling around the Lincoln Memorial with my eldest son.

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

Although I watched it on television, it would have been amazing to witness Cathy Freeman

win the gold medal for the 400m at the Sydney Olympic Games live. The atmosphere would have been electric and it was such a momentous occasion.

What subject did you enjoy at school? There were two subjects that I really enjoyed

studying at school - biology and Italian. I had very passionate teachers for both subjects. Which five dinner guests, dead or alive would you invite to dinner?

Barack Obama, Dylan Alcott, Maya Angelou, Mahatma Gandhi and Jacinda Ardern. If you had to compete on Masterchef, what dish would you cook?

I would cook my youngest son’s favourite dish – paella.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

I have a few – New York City, the Greek islands, Edinburgh, Barcelona.

What has been your biggest achievement?

Completing my Master of Clinical Teaching at the University of Melbourne while working full-time and taking care of two young children. It was a very busy time but worth it! What encouraged you to become a teacher?

I come from a family with a number of teachers, so I was inspired to enter the profession. I genuinely enjoy working with young people and am passionate about education. I also had the privilege of being taught by some amazing teachers and understood the positive impact that they had on me and how they shaped me as a learner. I wanted to have the same impact on my students.

What were you like as a kid?

My parents would tell you that I was cheeky, inquisitive and bossy.

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

Since I was 15 years old, I wanted to be either a teacher or a scientist. I completed a BA/BSc at Monash University with a plan of becoming a developmental physiologist. However, I decided that teaching was my preferred career pathway so, I went back to university and completed a teaching qualification. I have never regretted this decision!

THREE … weeds you can use in your kitchen

National Weed Your Garden Day is held each year on June 13. Here are three backyard weeds you can take straight from the ground to your kitchen.

1 Dandelion

Dandelions are perhaps the most commonly recognised weed in Australia. Dandelion flower infused oil is often used to soothe chapped lips. The flower petals can be mixed with sugar to create a decadent dandelion “honey”.

2 Salsify

Salsify plants don vibrant purple flowers and can grow to nearly one metre tall. The roots can be boiled, steamed, fried, baked or pureed. The roots are said by some to have a milk oyster-like flavour, while others say it is more akin to asparagus or artichoke hearts.

3 Sowthistle

Sowthisle leaves, particularly the young ones, can be cooked or eaten raw. Young leaves are said to taste like lettuce, while older leaves have the distinct bitterness of Swiss chard. They can be added to salads, cooked like spinach or added to soups.

Timbarra P-9 College Principal Cassandra Marinopoulos. 339101 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Libraries’ new look

The Casey libraries will be flaunting their new name from 1 June.

The “Connected Libraries” rebrand will launch after Cardinia libraries partnered with Myli, My Community Library, in December 2022.

Community input was requested as part of the naming process for the rebranded Casey libraries.

More than 750 responses were received in less than 10 days.

Many of those suggestions included the words “connected” or “connect” as part of the library name.

Connected Libraries is now the name of your local library service and there’s an exciting new brand to go with it.

City of Casey Administrator Miguel Belmar, who is a member of the library Board, said the Casey community have landed on the perfect name for our local library service, which has libraries in Bunjil

Place, Cranbourne, Doveton, Endeavour Hills and Hampton Park.

“We believe Connected Libraries reflects our local library service, which is modern, forward thinking and focuses on connecting people with information and each other,” he said.

“We are excited about the future of lifelong learning in Casey, where every citizen has equal opportunity to learn, grow and connect with others.”

From Thursday 1 June you will see a new look on the Connected Libraries website (connectedlibraries.org.au), Winter What’s On Guide, Connected Libraries App and more.

Beth Luppino, CEO, Connected Libraries said the new look is “colourful and fun“.

“It reflects the vibrance of our community, and the huge variety of programs and services on offer in our libraries,“ she said.

“It is an exciting time for our library team,

and we love supporting people of all ages and backgrounds at our libraries.”

The Connected Libraries team says their love and passion for great customer service and supporting the Casey community hasn’t changed, though the face of their precincts has.

The team says libraries have transformed, creating “adaptable spaces that inspire innovation and collaboration“.

Murder charge

Police have charged a 40-year-old Narre Warren man with murder as part of their investigation into an incident earlier this year where a man was fatally stabbed and dropped off at a hospital in Berwick.

Police arrested and subsequently interviewed the man during the morning of Friday 2 June, while he faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court in the afternoon.

Police also intervewed a 37-year-old man and released him without charge.

The arrests followed on from an incident on the morning of Sunday 26 March 2023, where 45-year-old Port Melbourne man Daniel Cockerill was dropped off at Casey Hospital with a stab wound to his upper body.

He was treated at the scene but passed away a short time later.

Fatal stabbing

Police have charged a 51-year-old Endeavour Hills man with murder and recklessly causing injury following a fatal stabbing in Endeavour Hills on Tuesday 30 May.

Connected Libraries programs and activities are bold, innovative, and responsive to the diverse needs of the Casey community.

“At Connected Libraries you can find new ideas, and foster knowledge, connections and skills in a safe and welcoming place,” added Beth Luppino.

The new name will not impact library members and the use of the library, members can expect the same excellent customer service when you visit us at library or online.

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

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

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Pakenham Line 8 to 21 June

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

8.30pm 16 June to last train 18 June

8.30pm to last train, 26 June

Road disruptions: Closed roads and intersection

Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne West Until 26 June

Hall Road, Cranbourne West Until 26 June

Evans Road, Cranbourne West Until 26 June

On sections of the line

Oakleigh to Westall

Flinders Street to Westall

Between Willow Glen and Ranfurlie boulevards

Between Cranbourne-Frankston Road and Banyan Drive

Between Hall Road and Strathlea Drive

Main Street, McGregor and Racecourse roads, Pakenham At times in JuneAt the level crossings

Hall Road, Carrum Downs 7pm to 6am on 17, 18, and 23 June

McCormicks Road, Carrum Downs 7pm to 6am on 17, 18, and 23 June

Check

Between Rowellyn Avenue and Rangeview Drive

Between Munday Court and Edinburgh Drive

The man, who is currently in hospital under police guard, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court via video link on Saturday 3 June.

The charges followed an incident at a property in Kassan Gardens on 30 May where a 39-year-old Endeavour Hills woman was fatally stabbed and a 10-year-old girl was also taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police has confirmed the parties involved in this matter were known to each other.

Julie with her son Leo and Connected Libraries CEO Beth Luppino. 336668

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Woodman’s gag bid fails

By Matthew Sims

Property developer John Woodman has lost his latest Supreme Court bid to prevent the public release of an Independent Broad-based Anticorruption Commission (IBAC) report into alleged corruption in City of Casey planning matters.

The court resolution paves the way for the long-awaited tabling of the Operation Sandon report in State Parliament, which is expected to happen sometime later this year.

MrWoodman was publicly examined in November 2019 as part of IBAC Operation Sandon hearings into Casey councillors, ALP politicians and MrWoodman and his business associates.

In his decision released on Thursday 1 June, Justice Steven Moore declared the proceeding for an ’interim’ injunction be dismissed, stating Mr Woodman had “failed to establish a prima facie case“ in relation to his claims.

According to Justice Moore’s decision, Mr Woodman began another proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria against IBAC in March of 2022, in which he sought to prevent publication of the report on Operation Sandon on the ground of denial of procedural fairness.

In November 2022, Justice Timothy Ginnane found that, before publishing the report, IBAC should disclose a limited number of additional documents to MrWoodman for his response.

On Friday 20 January this year, MrWoodman provided IBAC with his response to the draft report in relation to Operation Sandon and the further documents.

On or about Sunday 14 May, Mr Woodman became aware of media reports that the delivery of IBAC’s report to Parliament in relation to Operation Sandon was imminent.

He filed a summons seeking an ‘interim’ injunction on Thursday 18 May, which aimed to restrain the publication of IBAC’s report on the basis that its tabling in Parliament would result in him suffering “catastrophic and irreparable damage“.

Mr Woodman also sought orders that IBAC provide him with certain information.

According to a writ filed on Thursday 18 May, Mr Woodman sought final declaratory relief that IBAC breached a section of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 and denied him procedural fairness by holding his examination in public, as well as a perpetual injunction restraining IBAC’s publication of its report and damages.

According to section 117 of the Act, an examination is not open to the public unless the IBAC considers on reasonable grounds that there are exceptional circumstances, it is in the public interest to hold a public examination and a public examination can be held without causing unreasonable damage to a person’s reputation, safety or wellbeing.

As such, Mr Woodman put forward that IBAC breached a duty of care which it owed him by publicly examining him, thereby causing him reputational damage and economic loss.

However, in his decision, Justice Moore said IBAC’s responsibility was not to uphold a duty of care.

“IBAC’s principal statutory function is to identify, expose and investigate corrupt conduct,“ he said.

“The due performance of that function may inevitably cause reputational damage and economic loss to persons under investigation.

“I do not consider that Mr Woodman has a prima facie case in relation to any of his claims advanced in this proceeding.“

Justice Moore said Mr Woodman’s delay in raising his claims in this proceeding and not during the March 2022 proceeding was “egregious and unexplained“.

During the public examinations, Mr Woodman’s representatives made no application to cross-examine any witnesses.

IBAC refused to comment on the Supreme Court case.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To all the pot holes I have been reporting them for months to VicRoads still nothing is done.

Thumbs down

To ignorant drivers ignoring the very obvious turning lane only at Thompsons Road roundabout heading to Clyde North.

Thumbs down

To Baxter-Tooradin Rd between Fisheries Rd and Sth Gippsland Hwy. Opening up again with potholes.

Thumbs up

To our jetty’s being rebuilt. Well done to all involved. But will I see it in my life time?

Thumbs down

To all the dog poop every where you go.

Thumbs down

To people who still continue to go to fast down Warneet Road.

Thumbs down

To all the road works happening ATM.

Thumbs down

To kids getting assaulted by gang youth so they can steal their phones, very uncool.

Thumbs down

To the damn road works in every direction that never seems to be complete.

The Special Olympics are coming to Casey

The 2023 Special Olympics Victoria State Games will be held in the City of Casey on Saturday 1 July and Sunday 2 July.

Around 400 athletes will descend on Casey ARC, Casey Fields and Casey Stadium to compete in swimming, athletics, basketball, gymnastics, netball, tennis, soccer and for the first time, AFL.

The State Games are Victoria’s premier games for all people with an intellectual disability to take part in a multi-sport weekend in the hope of qualifying for any single sport national events.

The opening ceremony will be held from 9.00 am on Saturday 1 July at Casey Stadium, with the athletes marching into the stadium following the torch run and lighting of the flame.

City of Casey Director Community Life Callum Pattie said it was an honour to host

OPINION

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

Thumbs down

To having to wait three years for two speed humps to be put in our street after numerous requests by many residents for the past five years.

Booooooo City of Casey.

Thumbs down

To the stench in the air, EPA what’s going on?

Thumbs down

To not completing the lights at Thompson Rd and Narre Cranbourne Rd intersection.

Thumbs up

Heartfelt thanks the three young boys on bikes and their grandma, local drivers by, looking for escapee dogs. Great team work, dogs were found. Lots of tears, very thankful to community.

Thumbs down

To hoonageddon.

Thumbs up

To Blooms Pharmacy in Cranbourne Park, they go out of their way to help in an environment the government are making very hard, especially for us consumers!

Thumbs down

To train works. Took two and a half hours to get to work. Wasn’t impressed.

Thumbs down

To the footpaths in Pearcedale which are a tripping risk. Some are full of cracks and uneven.

The State Government has retained a number of its election promises and prior investments across healthcare in the South East in the 202324 State Budget, including a new emergency department expansion at Casey Hospital and a redevelopment of Dandenong Hospital. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Ingrid Kemp

So why is it taking so long to get treatment?

Three months and counting for an urgent colonoscopy. A Hallam-based builder had been promoting its “thriving” business just a day before going into liquidation. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Tanya Narelle

Extremely poor form, by all accounts was a fairly reputable builder definitely back in the day.

Dawn Casse

Would be interesting to know what changed.

the Special Olympics Victoria State Games again in Casey and encouraged local sports fans to take the opportunity to get along and enjoy some of the events.

“The entire event is focused on inclusive sport, community engagement through volunteering and creating opportunities for people with intellectual disability to live a healthy lifestyle while maintaining social interaction with their community,” he said.

“The event also gives the broader community an insight into what people with intellectual disability are capable of achieving, and the important role Special Olympics Australia plays in providing opportunities for athletes and their families.”

For more information on event times and locations, visit www.specialolympics. com.au/vic.

Terry Hickey

Will be open tomorrow under another name!! Meanwhile still living large as!!

Dale Worthington

Never paid their contractors on time.When the son-in-law took over in conjunction with the stupid office manager the place went to crap.

FJ Jafari

Omg if the builders know they can’t make it please do’nt put people in to mess please its hard really hard. 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. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Travis Mitchell

That’s great news for the residents of Pakenham/Pakenham East but what further south? Restore Rup Rail! No $$$ invested beyond Cranbourne since 1984.

Attacks ‘not the dogs’ fault’

By Emily Chapman Laing

Yet another dog attack has rattled Casey residents, with Clyde North local Lily Parson Tesmann recently saying goodbye to her fatally attacked pup Andre.

Andre sadly passed away on 26 May following an attack by two off-leash dogs while on his morning walk.

“I’ve always loved dogs and I’ve never been scared of them even if they were barking,“ Ms Parson Tesmann said.

“But now I have a bit of PTSD and I’m scared.“

Andre was a mere 18 months old when the two larger dogs snatched him from Ms Parson Tesmann’s arms and fatally mauled him.

“At the time I wasn’t thinking about myself, I just wanted to protect him,“ she said.

“I felt really helpless, dogs are so unpredictable.“

Although the two dogs fatally wounded her pup, Ms Parson Tesmann doesn’t believe the incident was the dogs’ fault.

“I don’t blame the dogs at all,“ she said.

“They are animals. As much as you can train them, they are unpredictable.

“I blame the owners. If you are going to have dogs, train them properly and keep them secure.“

This is hardly the first incident of its kind in Casey.

Cranbourne, Berwick and Narre Warren have been listed as hot spots for dog attacks in Victoria.

Casey Council data reported more than 350 dog attacks in the region over the past 12 months.

Power Pooches owner Jake Cini recently told Star News the number could be lowered “if Casey Council did what they were supposed to do“.

Other Casey residents feel the same way, regarding the local council’s response to dog

attacks with dismay.

“Casey Council do nothing about dog attacks,“ local resident Lily Fetter said.

“Just a few weeks ago there was a report that City of Casey is the worst for dog attacks within the state of Victoria, I heard it on the radio.“

Ms Fetter’s own dog was mauled by an offleash dog, just prior to Christmas.

Dalmatian Lacey required surgery, and Ms Fetter said she was lucky to have survived.

“I did all the work to track down the dog and its owner, including getting CCTV footage of the dog and its owner,“ she said.

Ms Fetter did a number of letterbox drops with flyers including pictures of the dangerous dog.

She also posted on numerous social media pages.

Subsequently she found the owner.

“Casey Council have told me they’re not going to pursue charges against the dog’s owner,“ Ms Fetter said.

“They claim they can’t be certain it’s the right dog, as CCTV footage is not clear.

“I have told them I can identify the dog, I was there and I can also identify the owner and the young child that was with him at the time

of the attack.“

Ms Fetter said Casey Council has done nothing other than offer to give a “fine for having an unregistered dog”.

“It’s like Casey Council sees these events as opportunities to make a quick buck,“ she said.

“I believe they are blocking my access to justice and to being compensated for the dog attack.

“I remain out of pocket approximately $2000.“

In an email from 31 May, a City of Casey Local Laws Officer told Ms Fetter the council had “exhausted all avenues in this investigation to locate the offending dog and its owner to no avail“.

“Council conducted a full investigation into the dog attack which you reported to Council on 22/12/2022, unfortunately due to the lack of evidence Council was not able to proceed further with the matter,” the email said.

“In order to take enforcement action there is an extremely high threshold that our evidence must meet, this also aids in obtaining a successful outcome.

“Council was not able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the dog identified to allegedly been involved in the attack on ‘Lacey’ was the offending dog.“

City of Casey Manager Connected Communities, Sara Ball said the council was required to investigate domestic animal offences through to a conclusion.

“Authorised officers respond to allegations of dog attack complaints within 24 hours, and immediately if the incident is currently occurring or has just occurred,“ she said.

“Our officers investigate all dog attacks that are reported to us through to a conclusion which, depending on the seriousness of the injuries, as prescribed within the Domestic Animals Act 1994, could be an infringement or prosecution.

“Keeping your dogs securely confined to your property, and ensuring they are always

under effective control when out, are key measures to keep your pets and the community safe.“

Other Casey residents describe the council responses in more endearing terms.

“I was on the receiving end where my dog jumped on a neighbour within my property line,“ resident Jacqueline Abercrombie said.

“The response from council was swift and fair.“

Likewise, Ms Parson Tesmann said the council had been “really helpful“.

“I’ve heard a lot of people complain about them in regards to dog attacks,” she said.

“They’ve been going through all of the registered dogs and they now have a very strong lead.

“They’re doing every properly.”

Parson Tesmann said the council is actively investigating the incident, hoping to find the offending dogs “before the owner can hide them”.

According to the RSPCA, there are many factors that contribute to aggression in dogs.

“Dogs have complex social interactions, and their behaviour can change depending on many factors in the environment,” Jade Currie, RSPCA Victoria Training and Development Consultant said.

Socialisation, early trauma, fear and communication styles can all play a role in how dogs interact with unfamiliar animals.

Studies have also shown household stress can play a role in aggressive behaviour, causing dogs to react aggressively and unexpectedly.

“In terms of keeping your dog safe when out in public, the best thing owners can do is to learn how to read canine body language so they can better understand and interpret body language signals that will allow them to assess interactions with other dogs and notice any early signs of discomfort,” Ms Currie said.

Stand-over men cop jail time for ‘degrading’ tortures

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Two Cranbourne stand-over men who assisted in protracted and violent tortures have been jailed.

Darren Whittaker, 41, pleaded guilty at the County Court of Victoria to three counts of false imprisonment, two counts of extortion with threat to inflict serious injury and assault.

In a separate County Court hearing, Richard Tuckerman, 23, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury intentionally.

Both were said to be working under the same associate – in what Judge Scott Johns termed as a “drug related criminal milieu”.

Tuckerman joined in with a “prolonged” torturing of a victim at Tuckerman’s Cranbourne home after the victim had just been released from police questioning.

The man was filmed as he was punched, kicked, branded, burnt, drilled and forced to drink up to 20 mL of GHB. He was ordered to remove all his clothes and to cut up a bean bag to wear.

Tuckerman called him a dog and beat him with a pole so hard that it snapped.

“Eventually he was allowed to leave. Seriously assaulted. Seriously injured. Humiliated and degraded,” Judge Johns said.

“He was on the point of collapse and wearing nothing but the bean bag cover.”

The man later lost consciousness at home and spent 10 days in an induced coma at The Alfred hospital with multiple fractures, cuts, bruises, lung inflamation and a puncture wound.

Whittaker, who grew up in Dandenong, assaulted a man staying at his partner’s Cran-

bourne address in mid-May 2021.

He struck the man in the face with a baseball bat and told him to“get the f*** out of the house”.

Weeks later, the same victim was abducted from a Cranbourne West home by Whittaker, who was armed with a firearm.

He was told to get in a ute’s toolbox and was driven to an Oakleigh factory where the group’s leader demanded $14,000 and assaulted him.

Later, the victim was invited toWhittaker’s address. He was then abducted by the ‘leader’ to Dingley Village, cable-tied to a chair, blindfolded, gagged and assaulted.

During a“terrifying episode of torture” the victim thought he was going to die.Whittaker wasn’t present but voiced approval at the texted photos of the victim’s ordeal.

Judge Johns said the victim’s impact statement was “difficult reading”. He said Whittaker had “little if any empathy” for the victim’s “terrible ordeal” and “lasting and significant impacts”.

“I am not satisfied of any remorse.”

Another extortion victim was driven to Taylors Lakes where he was struck unconscious with a gas bottle and “further assaulted in a cruel and extremely violent manner” by four offenders including Whittaker.

The man suffered severe bleeding to the head, was stabbed to the chest with broken glass, kicked, and branded.

He was dragged by a dog choker chain around his neck, forced to clean up his own blood with his clothes and to drink a dangerous amount of GHB.

Continued page 15

Andre passed away at 18 months of age. P Picture: SUPPLIED

Wellsprings’ funding boost

By Sahar Foladi

Wellsprings for Women’s family violence service has had its funding boosted to $788,000 over the next two years.

Prevention of Family Violence Minister Ros Spence made the announcement on Friday 26 May.

“It’s critical that support is provided to women experiencing family violence, regardless of their culture or faith.

“This funding will enable Wellsprings for Women to continue this vital service to the community.”

Wellsprings for Women based in Dandenong, provides women from CALD backgrounds with vital mainstream services in City of Greater Dandenong and Casey.

Chief executive Dalal Smiley had been concerned particularly about their Family Violence Case Management service prior to the announcement but was relieved to know the service will continue.

“We are worried of the State Government budget outcomes and what this will mean to our clients if we don’t receive adequate funding,” she had said.

The funding is an increase of $14,000 per year from $380,000 in 2022-’23 but falls short of the $120,000 rise sought byWellsprings.

“Wellsprings forWomen are pleased to have its culturally tailored and responsive family

violence case management service re-funded for two years,” Ms Smiley said.

“We just have to find other sources of revenue to supplement the cost of running the program.“

The service has provided case management support to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds experiencing forms of family violence.

“The funding covers the salaries of a FamilyViolence Team leader and four case workers whose role is to provide assistance to women experiencing family violence,” Ms Smiley said.

“The majority of the women have complex cases that require intensive support over long periods of time.“

There are 90 women from CALD backgrounds currently supported through this service.

More than 450 have been supported since its first year in 2021, offering culturally tailored and responsive service to meet the special needs of women from CALD backgrounds with multiple barriers in accessing any mainstream services.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said: “Wellsprings for Women is a fantastic local organisation and this funding will enable it to continue its vital work in Melbourne’s southeast.”

Mr Spence said the funding increase will

enable a continued support for migrant refugee and asylum seeker women experiencing family violence.

“This year’s Budget boost to Wellsprings for Women cements the organisation’s role in providing vital support in Melbourne’s south-east for multicultural women experiencing family violence.

“The Andrews Labor Government recognises that women of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds often have different needs, and we’re here to support them.“

The funding is part of a $117 million package to support victims of family and sexual violence and perpetrator intervention programs announced in theVictorian Budget 2023-’24.

It builds on the record investment in the prevention of family violence, having invested more than $3.7 billion since the Royal Commission into Family Violence – more than every other state and territory combined, according to Mr Spence.

However, the culling of their employment support program has left Ms Smiley“heartbroken.”

Funded under the Community EmploymentConnectorprogram(CEC)inpartnership with South-East Community Links (SECL), the service was a “phenomenal success.”

“The CEC program delivered by SECL and Wellsprings forWomen in the South Metro has been crucial in connecting vulnerable people

with employment and vocational training.”

The organisation will continue to advocate for funding for its other services such as their neighbourhood houses coordination, the Adult Community funding and Further Education for the Student Contact Hour rate.

“Funding for both has fallen behind the cost of inflation in recent years,” Ms Smiley said.

Increased funding for mental health support especially for prevention programs and activities that promote mental health wellbeing at grass roots levels will also be advocated for.

Recently, Wellsprings launched its ‘Be the Voice’ magazine.

It explores sexual assault, early and forced marriages and coercive control, with a balance of statistics based on the stories of 10 women from diverse backgrounds including Afghan and Indian.

The informative resource was a project funded by the City of Casey as part of the Empowering Communities grants from the Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria.

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

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

Young women celebrate over breakfast with mentors

By Emily Chapman Laing

Groups of bright Year 11 ladies from various Casey schools joined inspiring local women for the Women of Note Casey Mentor Breakfast on Friday 2 June.

Three Casey students were awarded The Kay Rankin Inspirational Young Woman award, given to students who set an example, give back to their community and are resilient and determined.

The winning recipient of the award was Narre Warren South P-12 College’s Syeda Tabassum.

Cranbourne East Secondary College student Wajiha Musa and Beaconhills College student Bridie Drane Johnson were given ’Highly Commended’ versions of the award.

The Casey Mentor Breakfast is an opportunity for Year 11 students to meet women with career experiences in areas of interest to the students’ own career aspirations.

The breakfast “aims to encourage and inspire young women to reach for the best in themselves as they plan their career paths“.

The annual event is held due to the hard work of the Women of Note Committee and Co-Presidents Mary-Jo Cochrane and Cath Stocks.

After a brief introduction, the women were treated to a delicious breakfast of pastries, muffins, sliders, fruit, chia pudding and

yoghurt and granola.

The delightful food was complemented by free tea and coffee.

The students and mentors were encouraged to engage with one another, and were given a list of potential talking points to kickstart their conversations.

Mentors queried students about their subject choices for Year 11 and 12, their career aspirations and how they are feeling as they get ready to enter the adult world.

Students were able to garner the life experiences and expertise of their mentors, asking how they got to where they are, what their jobs are like and what advice they had to offer.

After breakfast, the women sat back to listen to the incredible story of award winning product developer, Nicola Kropach.

Ms Kropach is the Brand Director and Product Development Specialist at Aesthetics RX and has worked in leadership positions within the beauty, skincare and wellness industry for over 20 years.

She has held leadership roles at Clarins Group, SILK Laser Clinics, Laser Clinics Australia and BLC Cosmetics.

In her address to the audience, Ms Kropach explained how she went from a young lady making the choice to go to beauty school over university, to a Brand Director of a major skin care company.

She provided the women before her with five key points that she believed built her success.

“Always believe in yourself, be very very good at setting goals, do the work that sets you up to achieve those goals, know your why and make sure you surround yourself with people you aspire to be like,“ Ms Kropach said.

Ms Kropach’s speech was followed by a Q&A, where mentors and students alike picked her brain on career progression as a mother and wife, how to get recruiters to notice you, advice for start ups, agility in the corporate world and how to find a mentor.

“Young women don’t always have the opportunity to talk to women or hear from successful women like Nicola,“ Women of Note Co-President Cath Stocks said.

“It’s inspiring to hear stories and it makes the girls feel like they can achieve anything.“

The students and mentors were given time to mingle beyond their table, finding connections to suit their interests and goals.

“These ladies are at a stage in their lives where they are about to write their story,“ Ms Kropach said.

Sponsors of the event included Peake Real Estate, RMBL First Mortgage Lending and Investment, City of Casey Youth Services and Women of Note.

Syeda Tabassum, Wajiha Musa, Nicola Kropach, Bridie Drane Johnson and Cath Stocks. 338919

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

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With prices starting from $535k*, Halcyon Evergreen features 11 new two- and three-bedroom floorplan designs that can suit a variety of lifestyles with options for multipurpose rooms, RV garages, dualfronted lots and private courtyards. Each home can be further customised with a range of upgrades, colour schemes and landscaping options.

If you’d like to arrange a private appointment to learn more or to visit our display homes, visit our website today or call 1800 050 050.

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Scan the QR code to find out more or call us on 1800 050 050

correct as at June 2023. Subject to change. Price is based on the standard plans and specifications and standard inclusions under the home purchase agreement. Price does not include additional costs that may be incurred under the home purchase agreement. Applies to selected home only. Subject to availability.

Image is artist’s impression only. Subject to change.

Image is artist’s impression only. Subject to change.

Image is artist’s impression only. Subject to change.

Listening to their voices

By Matthew Sims

Federation University reconciliation representatives were involved in a healthy and engaged discussion about the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum.

The referendum would give Indigenous Australians a way to be heard by altering the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Creating and protecting a Voice to Parliament was a key recommendation which came out of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which was signed by more than 250 First Nations people from across Australia at the 2017 First Nations National Constitutional Convention.

The bill to allow the referendum on the Voice to Parliament to go ahead has passed the House of Representatives, with the vote to go before the Senate within the next fortnight.

While a date hasn’t been announced, the Federal Government has stated its intention to hold the referendum sometime between September and December 2023.

Including a number of Nossal High School students, community members and Federation University staff and students, the Berwick campus hosted the discussion on Thursday 1 June.

The speakers were Federation University associate deputy vice-chancellor of reconciliation Professor Andrew Gunstone, National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice Advisory Board member Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter, social work, community and human services lecturer Eva Orr, as well as University of Melbourne Pro Indigenous ViceChancellor Barry Judd over video call.

The event involved each presenter responding to a number of questions, including what the referendum means to them and what advice they would give to people looking to learn about the proposed changes to the Constitution.

As a Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman and a Yoorook Justice Commission commissioner, Ms Hunter said the main goal of the Voice would be to ensure the government listened to the needs of Indigenous people.

“It means being heard,“ she said.

“By listening, you start to heal the nation.

“The uncomfortable conversations need to be had.“

Professor Judd said he thought protecting the Voice within the Constitution would offer hope.

“I just can’t understand the advocates of ’No’

“A ’no’ vote will place Australia in a more difficult position.“

Embedding the ’Voice’ in the Constitution would recognise the significant place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s history, but importantly would also mean that it can’t be shut down by successive governments.

Of Palawa descent, Ms Orr said the Voice was a “good start“ towards reflecting and repairing the history of Indigenous people’s treatment.

“It’s actually recognising we were first here...

and land was never ceded,“ she said.

“It’s only the beginning at looking at over 200 years.“

Ms Hunter said it was important that all Australians understand the significance of their vote.

“Don’t be a bystander,“ she said.

“Think about what legacy we leave for the future generations.

“We’ve all got a part to play.“

Professor Gunstone said the discussion was among a number of other discussions at other campuses including Ballarat, Brisbane and Gippsland.

“The university is very committed to the Uluru Statement of the Heart,“ he said.

“We think it’s important to have informed choices.“

“Over many decades, national and international experiences and research clearly

demonstrate that Indigenous programs have a significantly higher chance of success when Indigenous peoples are genuinely engaged in designing and implementing these programs.“

The university launched the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice in March this year.

Professor Gunstone said the centre’s work included providing advice to other organisations about their Reconciliation Action Plans, as well as Federation University’s own Reconciliation Action Plan.

“I’ve had some really great conversations already with academic experts across a breadth of disciplines, ranging across health and wellbeing, the arts, science, and education,“ he said.

For more information about the university’s reconciliation efforts, visit federation.edu.au/ reconciliation

School comes together in the name of reconciliation

The Timbarra P-9 College community came together to celebrate National Reconciliation Week last week.

Marrung committee leader Aimee Maddocks said the students had been involved in a number of lessons last week and took part in a number of competitions finding the best Dreamtime-inspired architecture designs, the best football playing cards of Indigenous AFL and AFLW players and the best drawings of Indigenous singers.

“They really enjoyed all the activities,” she said.

Held on Friday 2 June, students, parents and staff members enjoyed a smoking ceremony and yidaki (didgeridoo) from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.

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

The intermediate and senior choirs sang ’I Am Australian’ and ’Everyone Belongs’ during the event.

Ms Maddocks said the school’s Marrung committee had been incorporating things like acknowledgement of country and saying ‘Wominjeka’.

“Our success is measure bu the number of kids who have identified as Indigenous Australian,” she said.

“We have had four in the last two years.”

Ms Maddocks said the commitee and broader teaching staff were looking forward to introducing more Indigenous Australian content into the curriculum.

“We’re trying to make it ingrained in most things we cover,” she said.

Jake gets immersed in the smoking ceremony. 337335

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

School students partake in the smoking ceremony. 337335

School principal Cassandra Marinopoulos. 337335

Uncle Jungala from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. 337335

Federation University National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice Advisory Board member Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter, social work, community and human services lecturer Eva Orr and associate deputy vice-chancellor of reconciliation Professor Andrew Gunstone were among the speakers at the event. Picture: MATTHEW SIMS

Talking over tea and treats

Casey North Community Information and Support Service (CNCISS) staff members and Narre Warren community groups came together to support the fight against cancer on Wednesday 24 May.

As part of the Cancer Council’s annual Biggest Morning Tea event, Casey Council representatives Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson joined the cohort to raise funds towards a cancer-free future.

CNCISS executive officer Helen Small said the event also hosted a friendly bake-off, with a CNCISS staff member claiming victory with their “marvellous“ cheesecake.

As the cold is starting to settle in as winter approaches, the CNCISS is hosting a winter coat drive and is also seeking any donations of swags for the region’s homeless population at their Suite 2/30-32 Verdun Dr, Narre Warren premises.

To contribute to CNCISS’ Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser, visit www.biggestmorningtea. com.au/fundraisers/LindaHarper-White

Casey North Community Information & Support Service executive officer Helen Small and Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson enjoyed a cuppa during the event. 332123 Pictures: GARY SISSONS Sam Lawless and Chris McKenna. 332123

Jane Sweeny, Linda Harper-White, Julie Leonidas, Lauren Scrivener, Giliane Frederic and Funda Balkaya. 332123 Alexis Taylor and Marita Hodges. 332123 Jazz Dulloo and Jacinta Stork. 332123

There was a wide spread of sweet and savoury goodies on offer. 332123

Smoother journey

Narre Warren North road users have received safer and quicker access along a number of key intersections and roads, with works along Narre Warren North Road now complete.

Completed on Friday 26 May, the work included the newly duplicated section between Belgrave-Hallam and Fox roads, as well as the newly upgraded Memorial Drive intersection.

The project also added extra lanes between Belgrave-Hallam Road and Fox Road, upgraded intersections at Heatherton Road, Ernst Wanke Road and Memorial Drive, and improved walking and cycling facilities.

The Major Road Projects Victoria and Symal team also rebuilt the existing culvert over Troups Creek to protect the natural habitat of the creek after the expansion of the existing bridge.

Finishing works will take place over the coming months, including landscaping, signage installation and concreting works, with off-peak lane closures planned to enable these works.

With more than 18,000 road users travelling along this section of Narre Warre North Road each day, the upgrade aimed to reduce the frequency of crashes on Narre Warren North Road, with the frequency of crashes between Fox Road and Belgrave-Hallam Road experiencing twice the average of the entire outer South East metropolitan road network.

NarreWarren North MP BelindaWilson said the upgrades would deliver easier and better trips for all road users.

“It is fantastic to see the Memorial Drive traffic lights activated and new lanes opened on Narre Warren North Road this week,“ she said.

“The new-look road will improve safety, reduce the risk of accidents and ease congestion.“

The completed project has improved safety for all road users and improved traffic flow

along the entire road corridor across the busy areas connecting to the Monash Freeway, Ernst Wanke Road, Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, and the Princes Highway.

The project has also improved active transport options by upgrading existing and building new walking and cycling paths and providing better public transport connections.

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Brendan Pauwels the project started

Torture jail

From page 8

Whittaker struck the victim unconscious with a hammer punch to the head after he refused to get into a car boot.

The accused and his associate demanded cash from the victim, threatening to break the victim’s father’s arms and force him to sign over his house.

Judge Johns said Whittaker wasn’t sentenced for the “protracted vicious assaults that amount to torture” that were allegedly carried out by his associate. But he still showed an “appetite for violence” and “indifference” to their “harm, pain, injury and terror”.

“You delivered them into their nightmares and only left when you were no longer needed. It is not to your credit that you simply played your role and no more. That you restrained yourself from a descent into gratuitous violence.”

Judge Johns noted the plans were “executed through a drug addled lens”. He also factored Whittaker’s lack of empathy due to an anti-social personality disorder. This was outweighed by the accused’s “bleak” rehabilitation prospects and the need to protect the community.

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in late 2021.

“We’ve undertaken a wide array of works –which include duplicating the road in each direction along its entire length, intersection upgrades and a new shared walking and cycling path – which will improve safety and decrease congestion across the roadway,“ he said.

For more information on the project, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/mrpv/narre-warren-north-road-upgrade.

Judge Johns noted that the accused’s “disrupted and dysfunctional” upbringing led him into homelessness and a drug lifestyle at a “tender age”. His rehabilitation prospects were “reasonable” given his youth, remorse, work history and “limited” criminal history.

Tuckerman was jailed for up to five and a half years, and eligible for parole after three years and three months. He had already served 565 days in pre-sentence detention. Whittaker was jailed for up to five years and one month, with a non-parole period of four years, including 155 days in pre-sentence custody.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan (second from left) joined Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and Major Road Projects Victoria acting chief executive Andrew Williams and project manager Erin Ross to officially open the upgraded road works. Picture: SUPPLIED

Long road to acting career

By Matthew Sims

Growing up in Narre Warren and Berwick as a Muslim, local actor Oz Malik has urged aspiring actors to not give up on their dreams if fame does not arrive instantly or if they come up against obstacles.

He has recently ended a season as one of the leads in Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of London writer’s 2019 debut ’I Wanna Be Yours’, including a special one-off performance at Bunjil Place on Tuesday 30 May.

Malik said it was special to perform at Bunjil Place, a community which helped shape his enthusiasm for acting.

“It’s a proud moment for me and hopefully a proud moment for our community, to headline a show in Australia’s oldest theatre company,“ he said.

Discovering his passion for acting at the age of 17 in school productions, Malik said he had to balance his interest in acting with completing a Master of International Relations and was now a full-time actor.

“I unfortunately couldn’t continue with acting,“ he said.

“I’ve kind of taken the long route.“

Malik has trained under the private tutelage of acting coach Natela Dzuliashvili, as well as at the National Theatre ofVictoria, The Australian Film and Television Academy and Brave Studios.

His theare credits has included La Mama Theatre’s ’Bukjeh’, Darebin Arts Centre’s ’Ardna’ and Four Letter Word Theatre’s ’Pass the

Papadums, Katherine’.

Malik has since become a member of the Way Over There Collective, a collective of local artists, community developers and programmers in the South East prioritising black, brown and Indigenous people.

“There are safe spaces for local artists here in Casey,“ he said.

“I think a lot of people in the South East

New Clyde community space

A new park featuring nature playscapes, picnic and barbecue areas, revitalised creeks, wetlands and frog habitats is on the way for Clyde.

The new park at Clyde will be co-located with the Clyde Park Sports Precinct, creating one large community space.

At 120 hectares it is approximately half the size of the entire Cranbourne Botanic Gardens and bushland area.

It will enhance Clyde Creek and surrounding areas for recreation and help protect biodiversity in the former KooWee Rup swampland.

The parks will provide new walking and cycling tracks delivering tourism and education opportunities and improve Melbourne’s liveability.

“The new park will be a fantastic asset for our fast-growing community, providing open outdoor spaces families can enjoy for years to come,“ said Bass MP Jordan Crugnale.

“Parks are such important places for the community to meet, enjoy nature and also provide critical habitat for many native wildlife species.”

The Labor Government is working closely

with Traditional Owners and City of Casey to ensure the park will meet the needs of growing communities and preserve and enhance natural and cultural heritage.

“These new parks will be fantastic assets for growing communities, providing open outdoor spaces families can enjoy for years to come,“ Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt said.

“These parks will become an important place for the community to meet and enjoy nature as well as provide critical habitat for many native wildlife species.”

Urban green spaces play an important role in protecting Victoria’s precious biodiversity, creating habitats for our native plants and wildlife while also helping reduce emissions and building Melbourne’s resilience to climate change.

The parks are part of the Government’s $315 million Suburban Parks Program which will unlock 6500 hectares of new and upgraded green space across Melbourne – more than 170 times the size of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

For more information or to view the park plan, visit engage.vic.gov.au/parks.

have left the area because of a lack of opportunities.

“There’s something happening in the South East now.“

Malik has had roles across commercials, short films and television, including a lead role in the TikTok series #Matched.

He has also secured minor roles in Channel 9’s ShaneWarne miniseries ’Warnie’ and crime

drama ’Human Error’.

Malik said he was grateful for the support he received through Casey Council and Bunjil Place, including being part of the Arts Agitators collective.

“It opens the doorway to make it in Hollywood,“ he said.

“I do feel like I’m a product of the South East.

“Any success of mine is a product of the community.“

Bunjil Place arts and cultural development acting manager Wayne Magee said Casey Council and Bunjil Place were involved with a number of local and touring artists.

“The performing arts are critical to a vibrant, healthy, and connected community,“ he said.

“The City of Casey’s investment in arts and culture aims to boost key areas in which arts and culture benefits are felt: individual expression, cultural identity, community wellbeing and thriving creative industries.“

Mr Magee said the performing arts was a way to tell one’s individual and collective stories and explore one’s identity and connection to their past.

“Arts and culture help us understand what it means to be human,“ he said.

“We are proud that we are able to make positive contributions to the already thriving performing arts culture that exists throughout Casey and the south-eastern region.“

For more information about Bunjil Place’s programs, visit bunjilplace.com.au/learn

Fire education innovation

Harkaway Primary School is the site of a new innovative bushfire education program in collaboration with the State Government and the CFA.

Students have felt disconnected and isolated as they tried their best during remote learning after years enduring lockdowns, COVID-19 outbreaks, storm damage and power outages.

Responding to this period of change, the teachers did something innovative –they participated in a modern approach to bushfire education that encompasses the knowledge of fire experts, educators and the children themselves.

This approach, based on the research of Dr Briony Towers, has been developed through a collaborative multi-sector process, supported and jointly funded by CFA and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action as part of the Victorian Government’s Safer Together initiative. Natural Hazards Research Australia also contributed funding.

The result was an engaging, transformative classroom experience, delivered by teachers and supported by experts.

The local CFA brigade and the Department of Education’s emergency management officer also pitched in.

Students learned about fire ecology, Ab-

original cultural burning, bushfire behaviour and risk.

They identified and discussed local problems in their school community and designed solutions with the help of subject matter experts.

They produced impressive and engaging projects that made tangible contributions to disaster risk reduction, including videos, animations, websites and video games. Covering topics such as emergency management planning, property preparation, cultural burning and much more.

One student said, “it’s very important kids learn about bushfires, as they can carry the knowledge they have gained into their older life.“

“It’s been fun. We’ve learned a lot and it’s been a really great experience,” said another.

This trial showed how students can make meaningful contributions to disaster resilience in their local community and gain important life skills in the process.

The program is being taken up by more schools across Victoria, where we hope to see more children playing an active role in reducing bushfire risk.

To find out more, email n.munro@cfa. vic.gov.au.

A new bushfire education program has shown effective result at Harkaway Primary.

Picture: SUPPLIED

An artist’s impression of the park’s draft visitor experience plan layout. Picture: SUPPLIED

Narre Warren local Oz Malik is ready to take his acting career to the next level. Picture: SUPPLIED

FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

Seniors unite

In a national first, Probus South Pacific Limited and Black Dog Ride (BDR) are partnering to promote the health benefits of staying socially connected to Australia’s 4.3 million retirees.

Recent results from a representative Australian sample found 46% of Australians aged 65 or above felt they lacked companionship at least sometimes, and with rates of emotional loneliness highest in Australians aged 75 or above, Probus and BDR’s partnership couldn’t have come at a better time.

The pandemic is still being felt, with social isolation gripping some older Australians, leading to loneliness, depression and declining physical health. Probus is more important than ever with evidence indicating retirees who remain social through group activities improve their overall well-being.

Probus and BDR are uniting to spread the word on the psychological and mental health benefits social connectedness brings. This partnership will raise awareness and encourage older Australians to join Probus, a social group helping older Australians make new friends and stay active and engaged in their local communities.

Lawson Dixon, General Manager of BDR said, “We are so proud to be collaborating with Probus as BDR have always created and supported opportunities to build important social links for riders, community members and community groups.

“By working together, we can positively impact the lives of older Australians, helping facilitate meaningful connections with likeminded people.” he continued.

Probus offers a wide range of activities, including outings, trips and interest groups, encouraging members to become and stay engaged. Clubs meet monthly and host a variety

Nagambie Caravan Park - Over 50’s living

Located in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley region only 90 minutes from Melbourne in the charming town of Nagambie, Nagambie Caravan Park offers the perfect pet friendly lifestyle for the over 50’s.

Nagambie Caravan Park has affordable, quality, brand new 2-bedroom homes available in our new residential expansion and pre-loved homes available in our existing residential park. “Off the plan” options are also available to allow you to customise your forever home if you see a particular site that you love! It’s the perfect community focussed, pet friendly and affordable lifestyle solution that allows retirees to downsize their home and upsize their lifestyle.

of guest speakers to interest, educate and fascinate.

Probus CEO, Silvana Martignago said, “Too often, retirees focus on their financial wellbeing in retirement and give little thought to their social well-being. This is where we come in as an inclusive and welcoming social club.

“We are very grateful to BDR for their support as we continue to benefit older Australians with social connections and activities.

“There are already thousands of Probus Club members across Australia enjoying fun and friendship and we invite everyone who is retired or semi-retired to discover Probus today” Mrs. Martignago said.

Located close to everything that the picturesque town of Nagambie has to offer, from waterways perfect for fishing and boating to local wineries, cafes and restaurants, there is plenty to keep you active. Shops and medical services are within easy reach of the park, and we are right near Nagambie Golf Club. Nagambie Caravan Park offers the perfect laid back retirement option for those who love to get out on the water, with plenty of convenience but without all of the hustle and bustle of the city.

We have just completed the groundwork for stage 1 of our residential village expansion, with our first new homes nearing completion. We are excited to be adding more in the coming months. To complement our growing residential village, community facilities are also proposed to be progressively upgraded as part of our longterm plans.

Being a land-lease community, there is

no stamp duty and we do not charge entry or exit fees in our park. Our simplified sale process and low site fees allow you more time (and money) for the important things in life.

Call our office on 03 5794 2681 to organise a tour today, we can’t wait to show you the Nagambie Caravan Park Lifestyle.

Nagambie Caravan Park - Over 50’s living in Victoria’s stunning Goulburn Valley.

Sandra Helkin, Probus South Pacific Chairman Judith Maestracci, and David Helkin.

Picture: PATRICK HAMILTON

Honouring lost loved ones

By Matthew Sims

Woodlands Park Retirement Village in Berwick was awash with yellow balloons and filled with the smell of brewing tea and the sound of community, as part of resident Colleen Astbury’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser on Thursday 25 May.

However, the day was also a sad occasion for Colleen and her family, with the event held in honour of her sister Janette, who died on Valentine’s Day earlier this year and her mother Betty.

The entire village community came together to support the cause, which has so far raised more than $5000.

Ms Astbury said her family had been encouraging and reassuring her to host the event.

“I am trying to raise as much money as possible to fight a cause that took two of my loved ones,“ she said.

“I want to thank my children, my grandchildren, my sister, her husband and her kids, my little sister’s son Shaun, his wife Jess and kids Aston and Rosie for all the help and support they have given me this year.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Lendlease for the continued support and each and every local business that have supported us by donating items to raffle off or food.“

The event also featured a special dance from Colleen’s granddaughter Tamika and an auction of a number of items.

Ms Astbury said she had presented the cheque to the Cancer Council every year alongside her sister.

“We have all been touched by cancer in one way or another, some are fighting the fight, others lost the fight and some are lucky enough to beat the dreaded disease,“ she said.

“Although this year is a lot harder for me doing it alone, I have had support from so many people.

“I started this journey with my little sister and will continue to raise much needed funds to assist in the ongoing research for cancer, in the hope that one day, we have a cure for this disease.“

To donate to the cause, visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/ColleenAstbury

‘Like an extension of a family’: Calvary opens doors

By Emily Chapman Laing

Calvary Hallam welcomed community members into their residential aged care facility during an open day on Friday 2 June.

Home Manager Toni Buckley said the residents are “really proud“ of their facility.

“They wanted the community to come and see it,“ she said.

“We wanted to invite the community in and some residents wanted more community involvement.“

The open day featured tours of the facility, balloons, lolly bags, a face painter, a balloon artist and happy hour.

Residents were also able to enjoy “armchair travels“, where documentaries from international destinations are screened as a proxy for physical travel.

“All the residents were enjoying happy hour,“ Ms Buckley said.

Ms Buckley said residents were encouraged to invite their family and family-friends.

“It was mainly relatives and friends that came,“ she said.

“Since then we’ve had a lot of enquiries from the community.“

Resident Maggie was thrilled when she was chosen to feature on the flyer for the open day.

“It was really sweet,“ Ms Buckley said.

“When I showed her she was so excited to see herself on the flyer, and she was even more excited on the day.“

Prior to the event, Maggie handed out some of the flyers at Fountain Gate Shopping

Centre, her church and tenpin bowling.

Ms Buckley said it was great to see residents showing their enthusiasm and promoting Calvary’s unique, wholesome approach to aged care.

“We are a smaller facility, it’s just one long corridor,“ Ms Buckley said.

There is high visibility between staff and residents.

“It’s like an extension of a family.“

Ms Buckley said Calvary Hallam has “long

standing“ and “dedicated“ staff.

“It’s not about bells and whistles, it’s about the care provided,“ she said.

Established in 1885 by the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, Calvary is a not-forprofit Catholic health care organisation.

The Calvary Hallam residential aged care home is set among beautiful gardens, and boasts a “welcoming and family-friendly environment delivering a new benchmark of aged care services in Victoria“.

Alex with Sunil. 338916

Laraine and Maria. 338916

Toni Buckley with Maggie. 338916

Alus and Alex. 338916

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

The morning tea was a special occasion for village resident Betty Scott, with four generations of her family present, with her daughter Helen, her granddaughter Jen and her great-granddaughter Aurora enjoying the positive atmosphere. 337266

15-year-old Tamika Clarke wowed the village residents with an emotive dance performance. 337266

Each table was full to the brim on the day. 337266

Woodlands Park Retirement Village resident Colleen Astbury (centre) welcomed her nephew Shaun Brookes and sister Elizabeth Moore to the event. 337266 Pictures: MATTHEW SIMS

The Currie family enjoyed the food and drink on offer. 337266

Tax time tips for

TAKING CARE IAN ASH OF BUSINESS

Just after the start of this financial year I began working with a young couple who run a business in the health and wellbeing space.

They are both hard-working and keen to do the best for their clients, but they came into our second meeting extremely angry as they had just received a tax bill for close to $20,000.

Theirs is not a large business and in the previous financial year they had elected not to pay the husband a salary believing that it was better to keep the money in the business.

However, this turned out to be not such a great move, so let’s look a bit more closely into why and what they could have done differently to save on tax.

If the tax bill was $20,000, then since they are a small business, the company must have made $80,000 profit.

Let’s assume they knew fairly on the company would make a profit around this figure and instead of keeping all the profit in the business, they paid the husband a monthly salary that totalled $70,000 annually.

The following would then have applied:

· Company tax = $80,000 - $70,000 = $10,000 at 25 per cent = $2500

· Tax on husband’s income = $13,217

· Total tax paid = $13,217 + $2500 = $15,717

· Total tax saving = $20,000 - $15,717 = $4283

In addition, the couple are now better off personally by $56,783 due to the husband’s net salary.

Now I am not suggesting you should take as

much out of the business as you can since it is always wise to keep some in reserve for those unexpected events, but the moral here is to keep track of the company’s profitability and ensure a proper balance between cash kept in the business, personal income and investment back into the business.

As we approach the end of the financial year, I always recommend that my clients take their forecast net operating profit figure and divide into four as follows:

· One quarter for the ATO

· One quarter for investment into the business

· One quarter in reserve for those ‘rainy days’

· One quarter for bonuses and/or recognition events for staff and management

Small businesses have access to an instant asset write-off of $20,000 which means that the cost of equipment purchases can be expensed rather than depreciated and hence reduce the company’s tax for this year. However, take care with this one since there may be fringe benefits tax implications here (especially with vehicles) so if in doubt consult your accountant first.

Finally, if you are a small cash accountingbased business that is providing services to an accrual accounting-based business, then it may be worth discussing what is known

as ‘advance billing’.

This is where it is known and agreed that the services will be provided in due course and instead of invoicing for them after they have been completed, an invoice for the work is sent to the accrual- based business in advance.

This benefits the latter since invoices received will be tax deductible in that period and also benefits the cash-based business since the work is now locked in and actual payment made according to the agreed trading terms.

Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions ombs.com.au

It can be hard to navigate tax time as a small business, but these tips may help you save some hard earned money. Picture: UNSPLASH

Genealogical presentation

The Narre Warren and District Family History Group’s meeting on Saturday 17 June will feature a presentation from family history researcher Alan Fleming. Alan’s presentation will be about FamilySearch.org, the largest genealogical organization in the world and the wealth of information they have. Users have free access to over 13.15 billion searchable names in historical records from all over the world. All meetings commence at 2pm at L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe Training Room at 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne and via Zoom.

· Contact Eileen at secretary@nwfhg.org.au for a link to any of the meetings via Zoom.

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.

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 park-

ing.

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.

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.

Women in Business Luncheon

This event will be all about connecting, learning and promoting your business.

You will have the chance to promote your business to other attendees, connect with like minded business owners in the local area, learn from our guest speaker and even win a door prize!

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.

This event has an optional two course set menu for you to enjoy brunch while you network and hear from guest speaker Anissa. $49 set menu consisting of 5 different meal options to choose from with your choice of either entree and main or main and dessert. Anissa will be talking about financial literacy and women. Tickets available via eventbrite.

· A Cut Above Bar and Grill, 288 Clyde Road, Berwick on Wednesday 14 Jun, 11am-2pm.

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.

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

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 ft Elliott and De Goey

You’re invited to see Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott

and Jordan De Goey.

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

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

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

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

General Admission $49*.

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

Tickets available via Eventbrite.

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

Narre Warren & District Family Group Meeting

This event will include a presentation from Scottish born Alan Flemming, who immigrated to Australia in 1965. Alan will give a presentation about FamilySearch.org, the largest genealogical organisation in the world and the wealth of information they have. Users have free access to over 13.15 billion searchable names in historical records from all over the world. Alan will also talk about the mobile apps FamilySearch Tree and FamilySearch Memories both for iOS or Android.

· L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe Training Room, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne & via Zoom on Saturday 17 June at 2pm.

Voices of Casey Sings Broadway

Voices of Casey is a vibrant group of singers from Casey and surrounds.

Join them as they sing your Broadway favourites, including Jersey Boys, Wizard of Oz, Chicago and more.

Tickets $20 for adults, $5 for under 12 and $40 for family.

Tickets available at the door or book your spot by calling 0457 575 535.

· Hallam Community Theatre, 74-84 Frawley Road, Hallam on Saturday 17 June at 2pm.

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

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

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog,

Part-Time Telesales Representative Star News Group

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

Overview

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

Key Responsibilities

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

•Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services

• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs

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

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

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

•Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• Results driven and target-oriented mindset

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Strong attention to detail

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

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark

mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

OWNER DRIVERS

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

Are you experienced in sales and enjoy dealing with customers over the phone?

TELEPHONE SALES

We are looking for new team members to join our team. Do you like talking to people over the phone,

• Effective oral and written communication

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

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

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark

mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

State champ Chuol

By Marcus Uhe

Doveton Boxing Club is beaming with pride over the latest successes of club prodigy Riek Chuol.

The 17-year-old Pakenham local was crowned ‘Best Boxer’ at the Under 19 and Elite Victorian State Titles 2023, held over the weekend of 27-28 May, and won the final of the Victorian 54-57kg Youth Male division.

Having qualified for the final on Saturday by defeating his opponent in the semi finals, the bout against the more experienced William Bardsley was stopped by the referee in the third round.

Chuol said he had to overcome some earlybout anxieties to claim the title.

“I felt really nervous at first, because that boxer was way more experienced than me, and anything could happen,” Chuol said.

“But I kept composed and I fought, because I knew my mum and my sister weren’t going to be there, because they’re in Africa at the moment.

“I fought my heart out, put it all in the ring and ended up having it stopped in the third round.”

It’s the latest step on a whirlwind journey for Chuol, who only took up boxing a little over 12 months ago.

Chuol tried his hand at other sports when he was younger, including football and basketball, but nothing grabbed his emotions quite like the one-on-one nature of boxing.

“I like how there’s no easy way out, you’ve got to practice hard and train hard to become the best,” he said.

Chuol makes the trek from Pakenham to Doveton five-to-six times a week to train under the guidance of his coach Ryan Wilson.

Wilson is excited for what the future holds for Chuol, who he described as an aggressive, strong and explosive fighter with a competitive thirst and determination to improve.

“He will do whatever he has to to win, he puts it all out there,” Wilson said.

“He doesn’t go half-hearted.

“He’s stopped probably more than half of his opponents which shows his style, because as an amateur boxer there’s not a lot of stoppages due to the big gloves and head guards.

“He’s long, he’s very big for his weight category, which is due to the build he has.

“A lot of boxers compete for these titles and they’re very hard titles to come by.

“He’s gone to the top very quickly, which is very hard.”

The result means he has qualified to fight for national titles in Adelaide later this year.

Wicks wiped

By Marcus Uhe

Berwick was always going to have its work cut-out to match its winning effort of the week prior, and the task ultimately proved too much against Balwyn in the 54-point loss.

TheWicks were slow out of the blocks, held scoreless in the opening quarter while conceding three from 10 shots on goal, and hit the sheds at half time trailing by 47 points.

Berwick’s defensive group were under siege early, repelling repeated forward entries as the Tigers’ pressure around the ball gave them first use at the contest.

When Berwick was able to mount a charge going the other way, they were often forced wide when going inside 50, leading to difficult shots, leading to stoppages or turnovers.

Poor kicking for goal from Balwyn kept the margin tight despite dominating the game, but a freekick against Joseph West in Berwick’s defensive 50 on the siren and resulting goal was a crushing blow for a group that had worked so hard early in the game.

Early in the second term, the floodgates opened.

Five goals in the first 13 minutes of the period, four of which coming from within the goalsquare, blew Berwick away before half time.

Chuol hasn’t set any benchmark on where he wants to get to, but is keeping his ambitions simple as he climbs the Australian ranks.

“(My goal is) to become the best boxer I can,” he said.

“If that is to become a world champion, or a professional, that’s where I want to take my talents in the sport.”

Wilson said he can see the potential in the young star.

“He’s only so green too, he’s got so much to learn...he’ll go a long way, this kid, if he can stick at it.”

Casey juniors set to light up AAMI Park

By Marcus Uhe

Excitement is building at the Casey Warriors

Rugby League Club as its juniors prepare to rub shoulders with their Melbourne Storm heroes this week.

The Warriors’ under 8 and 9 players will face off against the Doveton Steelers in a minimatch at half time of the Storm’s NRL clash with Cronulla at AAMI Park on Sunday 11 June, as part of the league’s Community Round.

Among the juniors’ favourite players in purple include Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

“For a lot of them it will be their first time playing at AAMI Park,” Arana Taepa, Warriors’ vice president said.

“They form a line at half time so when the players come back out onto the field, the (Warriors) players form a barrier so the players run between them.”

The Warriors are one club to have benefited from the Storm’s investment in grassroots rugby league, and the relationship between the club and the City of Casey, who signed a five-year partnership agreement with the Australian sporting powerhouse back in February.

The Storm have played trial matches at Casey Fields in recent seasons, while their junior representative team and Jersey Flegg under-21s will play three fixtures there over June and July.

“We’re really lucky, they send a bunch of guys out within Victoria and they jump in

amongst the training sessions with the kids, meet all the parents and kids for a good two hours,” Taepa said.

“They’ve really invested in the grass roots.

“They work hard on the outside, they’re not after accolades or anything, they do a lot of their work silently.”

Should they earn selection for the Storm that week, Warriors alumni Sheldon Diaz and Jared Nauma will be two players the kids will form a guard of honour for on Sunday, as members of the Storm Academy program.

For theWarriors, a club celebrating its tenth year of existence, it will be a terrific way to celebrate reaching double figures.

The match will be broadcast on Fox Rugby, beginning at 4.05pm on Sunday 11 June.

The margin was in-excess of 50 points before Berwick had their first major of the game, having conceded the first eight of the contest.

A strong showing in the second half went some way to repairing the scoreboard, but ultimately the damage had been done earlier in the game by Brendon Sanderson’s ladder-leading Tigers. Charlie Muley returned to his goalkicking form from earlier in the season with three, and in a positive sign for the club, Harrison Money kicked two in his second game back from injury.

Having been whacked with the injury stick once again in 2023, the long weekend will give the likes of Tim Gunn and Jai Neal critical extra time to recover before their next contest against East Ringwood.

BALWYN 3.7 8.11 12.1316.14(110)

BERWICK 0.0 2.0 7.1 9.2 (56)

BalwynGoals: J. Gobbels 4, C. Haley 3, D. Quinn 3, J. Ridd 2, B. Smith, J. Lisle, J. Sticca, W. Stephenson. Best: J. Sticca, J. Gobbels, D. Quinn, S. Cross, J. Ridd, B. Smith.

Berwick Goals: C. Muley 3, H. Money 2, R. Bromley, A. Williamson, T. Tuck, W. Wuol. Best: J. Roberts, L. Vaughan, B. Todd, T. Tuck, W. Arthurson.

Results R8: Rowville 13.11.89 v Norwood 10.9.69, South Croydon 9.9.63 v Doncaster East 12.12.84, Park Orchards

9.7.61 v Noble Park 18.14.122, East Ringwood 13.9.87 v Blackburn 10.12.72, Doncaster 7.8.50 v Vermont 12.16.88. Ladder: Balwyn 28, East Ringwood, Vermont 24, Blackburn, Doncaster East, Rowville, Noble Park 20, Norwood 16, South Croydon, Berwick 8, Doncaster 4, Park Orchards 0.

Fixture R9: (June 10) Balwyn v Noble Park. (June 17) Berwick v East Ringwood, Norwood v Doncaster East, Doncaster v South Croydon, Rowville v Park Orchards, Vermont v Blackburn.

RiekChuolthrowsapunchinhisStateChampionshipbout. 339172

Picture:SUPPLIED

Eagles give Falcons a clip

By David Nagel

Beaconsfield is locked firmly inside the topfive of the Eastern Division One ladder after the Eagles rode a fast-start to a 10.9.69 to 0.5.5 victory over Lilydale at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.

The Eagles sit a game and percentage inside the top-half of the 10-team competittion - at the mid-way point of the season - after some terrific forward pressure forced the bottomplace Falcons to cough the ball up in their back half.

The Eagles took control of the contest with a 5.3 to no-score opening salvo…with three of those goals the direct result of forward-half turnovers.

Jake Porta, Ethan Harris and Casey Wassylko came into the side on Saturday at the expense of Michael Cameron, Myles Currie and skipper Jake Bowd…and it was the versatile Wassylko who had the first significant say in proceedings.

After just a minute of play, Wassylko took an intercept mark at true centre-half-forward before moving the ball on quickly and finding Michael Misso loose inside-50.

Misso converted…and the Eagles were off to the races!

Devon Smith and Kye Rowland were busy contributors in the early stages of the match, and it was Smith who found BrandonWhite for the Eagles’ second.

White, who was moved forward to cover the void, left by Bowd, out-pointed Falcons defender Jake Clements at the seven-minute of the term to make it a bright start for the hosts.

Rowland then took another intercept mark after 11 minutes as the Falcons defence became rattled under the intense pressure.

Rowland kicked truly, before Smith opened up a four-goal lead – just 15 minutes in – after some quick inside hands from Rowland.

Smith’s right-foot snap was then followed by a great piece of play from experienced midfielder Damien Johnston to cap off the firstquarter dominance.

Johnston pounced on a loose kick-in from Falcons’ full-back Patrick Kelp and drilled his

set shot, right on the first-break siren…before being mobbed by appreciative teammates.

It was a great start for the Eagles, who were coming off back-to-losses to Montrose and a heartbreaker against North Ringwood.

The Montrose loss was the only sub-standard performance from the Eagles, so far this season, as their consistency takes a giant-leap forward from their inaugural season in Eastern last year.

The Eagles were frugal in defence on the weekend, not conceding a major, with Har-

rison Coe and Trent Stokoe proving valuable allies.

White was the only multiple contributor on the ground, with three goals, while loyalservant Nick McPherson started on the wing and had a major influence on the contest in his 100th game for the club.

Round nine will be completed this week when Mooroolbark host Montrose at Heights Reserve.

For all other teams it’s a week off, with Beaconsfield returning to battle on June 17 with a block-buster top-five clash against Mitcham at Holm Park Reserve.

BEACONSFIELD 5.3 7.4 8.5 10.9(69)

LILYDALE 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.5(5) Beaconsfield Goals: B.White 3, D. Johnston, K. Rowland, M. Wilson, D. Smith, H. Brough, M. Misso, J. Porta. Best: N. McPherson, H. Coe, T. Stokoe, E. Harris, K. Rowland, D. Johnston. Lilydale Best: B. Hickleton, A. Camp, B. Bateman, R. Clausen, J. Depace, M. Massarotti. Other Results R9: South Belgrave 14.16(100) def Croydon 9.9(63), Mitcham 15.12(102) def Bayswater 5.20(50), Wantirna South 10.10(70) def North Ringwood 8.9(57), Mooroolbark v Montrose (Saturday June 10).

Ladder: South Belgrave 36, Mitcham 28, Wantirna South 24, Montrose 20, Beaconsfield 20, North Ringwood 16, Mooroolbark 12, Bayswater 12, Croydon 8, Lilydale 0.

Fixture R10 (Saturday 17 June): Croydon (9) v Lilydale (10), Beaconsfield (5) v Mitcham (2), Montrose (4) v Bayswater (8), North Ringwood (6) v South Belgrave (1), Wantirna South (3) v Mooroolbark (7).

Bulldogs’ streak continues and Narre Warren goes down

By Marcus Uhe

A thrilling A-grade netball contest hung in the balance with just seconds remaining between Wandin and Upwey Tecoma on Saturday with the Bulldogs escaping with a onegoal win.

A tight tussle throughout saw the sides separated by just three goals at the beginning of the final quarter, Wandin with their noses in front.

Within minutes their lead had doubled, thanks to the steady hand of Emmalia Blake. Playing without any available substitutes, Upwey Tecoma needed to respond, and did with the next five goals of the contest, cutting the margin to one.

Tigers’ defenders in Bella Collodetti and Bethany Hosking began to double team Blake, both fronting her and having one defender check her from behind, presenting major obstacles for Maddy George and Lauren Spinks to find her under the ring.

After a handful of turnovers when throwing high passes, the Bulldogs were forced to change their approach to feeding their star shooter, playing patiently by feeding the ball back to create new passing avenues.

The reset in philosophy netted them another cushion of four goals, as Spinks began to shoulder more shooting responsibility at goal attack.

But the Tigers weren’t to be denied.

Despite taking a fall in the dying stages, shooter Mia Lui bounced-back to nail some huge shots down the stretch and keep the pressure on.

A clutch goal with 10 seconds left meant they needed to force a turnover and score

quickly to force a draw and halve the premiership points.

Wandin did the first part of the job for them, called for a penalty at the centre pass

that gifted possession back to the Tigers.

But as they made their first pass into the forward third, the siren blew to bring a contest to an end, much to the relief of the visiting Bulldogs, who finished 41-40 winners and kept their undefeated streak intact.

Lui and Jessica Black shared the shooting duties for the Tigers with 22 and 18 respectively, while Blake scored 34 for Wandin.

Despite her haul, Blake has lost her position at the top of the of the goalscorers list to Olinda Ferny Creek’s Hayley Howard, who scored 59 in her team’s win over Gembrook Cockatoo.

Needing to respond after losing the grand final rematch last week, a 22-3 quarter immediately put the contest beyond reach.

The margin grew at every break, from 19, to 32 at the half, 34 after three quarters and 43 at the final buzzer.

It’s the second highest team score of the season, just behind Narre Warren’s 74 in round five, which also came against the struggling Gembrook Cockatoo.

At Mt Evelyn, the Rovers held the allpowerful Narre Warren to their equal-lowest score of the season in a seven-goal win.

The Magpies, who average 58 goals per contest, were held to just 42 in their second loss of the season.

Mt Evelyn separated themselves from last year’s runner up with a 14-10 second quarter for a five-goal lead, and managed to hold their opponents at bay for the remainder of the contest.

Caitlin Hill and Rory Barr did the damage for Mt Evelyn on the scoreboard, whereas Clare Vearing shouldered much of scoring load for the Magpies.

A strong final quarter from Pakenham earned them a second win in three weeks, this time coming home with a wet sail against Monbulk.

With just three goals separating the sides at the final break, the Lions excelled in the last period with a 16-7 quarter to finish 50-38.

While finding herself at a height disadvantage against Peri Reid, Eliza Molino was fantastic in the defensive circle, throwing herself at shots and being as disruptive as she could.

Both Reid and Pakenham’s Rose Laidlaw scored 35 each for their respective sides, but the secondary scorers, in Leilani Pokia for the Lions and Jen Dewhurst for the Hawks, had markedly different impacts on the game, as Dewhurst could only manage three goals compared to Pokia’s 15.

In a low scoring battle at Edwin Flack, Beaconsfield got the better of Berwick 38-33.

The Eagles have now won two games in a row, needing to rediscover their early season form where they won their opening three contests.

The A-grade ladder makes for a fascinating study, with a clear distinction between the top and bottom five teams.

In fifth place is Olinda Ferny Creek, on five wins and two losses, while sixth place is Upwey Tecoma on two wins five losses.

Four sides, in Olinda Ferny Creek, Mt Evelyn, NarreWarren and Beaconsfield have five wins each, while Wandin remain undefeated on six wins and a draw.

Conversely, four sides are tied on two wins (Upwey Tecoma, Berwick, Monbulk and Pakenham), with Gembrook Cockatoo yet to taste victory.

Not another one! Gembrook Cockatoo defenders watch on in disbelief as Hayley Howard nails one of her 59 goals on Saturday. 338712 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Beaconsfield livewire Kye Rowland was up and about against Lilydale on Saturday. 338716 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Inefficient Spiders burnt

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Hampton Park was made to pay for a wasteful first quarter at Caulfield.

The Redbacks were the dominant team early, with Nathan Carver kicking his team’s first two goals to put his kicking yips from last week behind him.

But while he was accurate, several of his teammates weren’t, as the visitors led by 17 at the first break despite dominating territory and finding space in the tight Koornang Park confines.

Hampton Park’s work to make good of their midfield ascendancy and kicking efficiency was a glimpse into where the club is trying to get to, but it was unable to be sustained.

Caulfield was both efficient and accurate in its forward half before the main break, typically playing its ground well.

Theentrieswerelonganddirect,withHampton Park’s defenders showing little fight outside of Jackson Philpin who took some marks and held the Bears up well in defensive 50.

The Spiders’ lead was reduced to just six at halftime before the Bears ran all over them in the third quarter, which the coach wrote off as an anomaly.

Asking his team to show some spine ahead of a week off for the King’s Birthday weekend, Hayden Stanton said the last quarter would be a show of the team’s character.

His men were doughty and kicked the only goal, but Caulfield was able to withstand the intensity elevation.

The Redback’s lack of height was clear on the day as they were found out several times.

With the middle of the ground a mud-heap, the best route to attack was via the wings but Caulfield, which is renowned for defending its ground so well, clogged numbers and Hampton Park lacked aerial representation.

Carver was the standout on the day up for-

ward with five goals but he was targeted too often, making for predictable kicks inside 50, allowing the hosts to double-man him.

Fill-in skipper Trent Thomas finished with one goal but also looked lively in the forward half, while Makaio Haywood was willing to get dirty and bust through in the middle.

Tanner Stanton was also among the best, playing in defence for a portion of the game as the magnets were shifted during a difficult third term.

Liam Myatt missed through illness but it was as much skill execution in the back half after the main break, as any in-and-under work, where Hampton Park was lacking.

Doveton, meanwhile, got a 32-point win

Smith’s six-pack a winner

By Marcus Uhe

A six-goal haul from midfielder Connor Smith helped Wandin to a comfortable 47-point win over Upwey Tecoma to keep their unbeaten run in Outer East Premier Division alive after seven rounds.

The midfielder kicked four in the first half, including three in the second quarter, and had a hand in two others as the Bulldogs showed their class in the second term.

Already blessed for scoring options with three of the top-10 leading goalkickers in the competition, the absence of Aaron Mullett and Jordan Jaworski on Saturday afforded the opportunity for Nick Adam and his coaching staff to see what other tools they have at their disposal.

An even opening period meant Wandin only held a one-goal lead at quarter time before kicking the first six of the second quarter to establish a 31-point buffer at the long break.

Five goals in the opening 11 minutes of the third, Smith’s fifth and sixth inclusive, was enough to kill the contest.

With Patrick Bruzzese and Cody Hirst running riot in the middle and the returning Drew Benson giving them excellent service out of the ruck, there was little the Tigers could do to stop the onslaught, battered by repeat inside 50s and collapsing under weight of numbers.

In addition to Benson, co-captain Thomas Hinds also returned to action, having missed the previous contest against Pakenham through injury.

Undefeated and with a percentage of nearly 200 after seven weeks, the Bulldogs will enjoy the rest afforded by the long weekend by getting two weeks rest, as their scheduled bye is slated for round eight.

With Aaron Mullett expected to be available upon return when they face Gembrook Cockatoo in round nine, expectations for the remainder of the season could hardly be higher.

Their main challenger, defending pre-

miers NarreWarren, were tested against the big bodies of Mt Evelyn, but pulled-away in the second half of the contest to record their fourth-consecutive win.

The Magpies were down at quarter time and only lead by five points at the half, as the Rovers mounted a challenge that had not been experienced by the champs this season, outside of the loss toWandin.

In 8.7 55, it was the third-highest point total the Magpies had allowed in a game in 2023, let alone a half of football.

12 goals to four in the second half, however, eliminated any chance of an upset.

Will Howe’s stellar form continued, kicking another six goals to lead the forward pack, followed by Riley Siwes on four and Lachlan Benson on three.

At Gembrook, the return of former Collingwood defender Matthew Scharenberg saw Olinda Ferny Creek claim their first win of 2023 in a six-point win over Gembrook Cockatoo.

The defender had an instant impact, kicking three goals and named their best player in the nail-biting 16.12 108 to 16.6 102 win.

over Keysborough to consolidate its spot in the top four.

Key target inside 50 Max Sheppard was best afield, with his four goals making it 11 for the month for him.

Player-coach Michael Cardamone was again missing from the lineup but Doveton still had 27 shots on goal.

Asevengoaltothreesecondquarteropened the game up for Doveton after an arm-wrestle of a first quarter.

Doves Jake Basa and Dylan Chapman were others who stood up, while for the Burra, professional youngster Simon Marchese was strong and Matt Collett had his best game for the season, having returned to his junior club

after some time away.

Results R8: Black Rock 1.7 13 v East Brighton 29.20 194, East Malvern 15.8 98 v Murrumbeena 6.8 44, Caulfield 11.6 72 v Hampton Park 8.14 62, Keysborough 7.13 55 v Doveton Doves 12.15 87, Skye 10.9 69 v Highett 11.12 78. Ladder: East Brighton 32, Murrumbeena 24, Hampton Park 20, Doveton Doves 20, East Malvern 16, Highett 16, Caulfield 16, Skye 12, Keysborough 4, Black Rock 0.

Fixture R9 (17 June): East Brighton v East Malvern, Murrumbeena v Skye, Doveton Doves v Black Rock, Hampton Park v Keysborough, Highett v Caulfield.

Casey Cannons go bang with a 3-0 win over Knox

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The Casey Cannons women kept their momentum rolling against Knox with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Casey controlled the majority of the contest and strung together a full four-quarter effort, with the scoreline only modest due to some outstanding ‘keeping by the Knox goalie.

With Mel Light and Mikayla McDonald missing, the weekend presented the perfect opportunity for youngsters such as centre striker Skye McDonald to stand up.

Casey moved the ball quickly which set the attack up well, with Aleisha Daley another player who was able to capitalise on the ascendancy.

Michaela Bullock, Mikaela Davis and Jessica Rowland each found the back of the net.

Sarah Sutton-McLellan executed some magnificent saves during Knox’s rare forward forays, while Leandra McLaughlin played a strong defensive game.

Meanwhile, the men had a high-scoring 8-4 loss to Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation.

Emerging striker Nick McPhee scored for the second consecutive week, and familiar names David Noney, Cam Ritchie and Craig Moore ensured there was some spirit on the scoreboard.

Women

Results: WestVic 3 v Werribee 2, Brunswick 1 v Mornington Peninsula 3, Knox 0 v Casey 3, Monash University 4 v NorthWest Lightning 0, PEGS 2 vYarraValley 2.

Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 22, Casey 18, Monash 17, Yarra Valley 16, WestVic 13, PEGS 10, Werribee 9, Knox 9, Brunswick 3, NorthWest 0.

Fixture (17 June): NorthWest Lightning v Brunswick, Casey Cannons v Monash University, Mornington Peninsula v PEGS,Werribee v

Knox,YarraValley vWestVic.

Men

Results: Brunswick 2 v Melbourne Sikhs 4, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 8 v Casey Cannons 4, Monash University 3 v NorthWest Lightning 2, PEGS 3 vYarraValley 1, Old Xaverians 1 vWerribee 2.

Ladder: Melbourne Sikhs 21, NorthWest Lightning 16, Old Xaverians 16, PEGS 15, Brunswick 13, Monash University 13, Werribee 8, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 7, Casey Cannons 3,YarraValley 3.

Fixture (17 June): Yarra Valley v Old Xaverians, NorthWest Lightning v Brunswick, Casey Cannons v Monash University, Melbourne Sikhs v PEGS, Werribee v Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation.

Youngster Skye McDonald impressed in attack. 335961 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Tom Miller’s sensational season continues, kicking two goals and being named as Narre Warren’s best against Mt Evelyn. 337186

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Doveton’s Max Sheppard celebrates his second goal against Keysborough. 338707

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Cameron Williamson goes back for a set shot.

Simon Marchese’s approach and attitude is highly regarded at Keysborough.