News - Cranbourne 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 de-

pression 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

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.”

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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.

“The Victorian 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.

Berwick MP Brad Battin 335863

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Dog dies post-attack

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.

New look for local libraries

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.

“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.

“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“.

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.

Julie with her son Leo and Connected Libraries CEO Beth Luppino. 336668 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Andre passed away at 18 months of age.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Lily Fetter’s dalmatian Lacey.

Jail 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 Cranbourne 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 to Whittaker’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 saidWhittaker 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.

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.

He had been previously jailed for significant terms.

At the time of offending, Tuckerman – a father of three - was on bail and using GHB and smoking meth daily.

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.

His term included 155 days in pre-sentence custody.

Politicians in town to announce $1.9m for local school

By Emily Chapman Laing

On Thursday, June 1, Cranbourne Park Primary School welcomed Minister for Education, The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, and Member for Cranbourne, Ms Pauline Richards MP, to make an exciting announcement about an upgrade to the school oval.

Staff, students and parents join in an assembly to hear the exciting news.

Ms Hutchins began by asking the students how many schools they believe Victoria houses.

Guesses ranged from five to over one thousand.

The kids were surprised to learn Victoria is responsible for 1557 government schools and over 2200 total schools, with over one million students in the state.

“But Pauline tells me the students at this school are some of the best students inVictoria,“ Ms Hutchins said.

“This government has been able, in our most recent budget, to announce that you’re going to get 1.9 million dollars to improve your oval and outdoor spaces.“

The gym filled with the applause and excited chatter of the students.

“I love coming to Cranbourne Park Primary School,“ Ms Richards said.

“And I’m going to love watching you play on your brand new oval.“

The $1.9m upgrade, announced in the 2023-2024 State Budget, will see the oval resurfaced with synthetic turf, and installation of a running track, football and soccer areas.

Cranbourne Park Primary School Principal, Mr Ross Carlson, said the announcement was a fabulous result for the school, and that all students will benefit from the upgraded facilities.

“I think this grant will be the first of many as we begin to rebuild Cranbourne Park into a state-of-the-art school,“ he said.

Fromleft:Tania,Agnes,ClareManders(SchoolCouncilPresident),PaulineRichardsMP, MichaelYoungs(AssistantPrincipal),NatalieHutchinsMP,RossCarlson(Principal),Dimitri, TeganandManya. 338785

Picture:EMILYCHAPMANLAING

TheCountyCourtofVictoria.

Picture:AAPIMAGE/CONCHRONIS

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.

Mr Woodman 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.

Nature promotes healing

By Emily Chapman Laing

A group of nature lovers braved the cold and rain over the weekend to join the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne for a forest therapy session.

In a session spanning two hours on Sunday 28 May, the group were led through the Australian Garden in an immersive, sensory experience.

The session began with a history of forest therapy, followed by a ten minute meditation where participants were encouraged to open up their senses to their surroundings.

The group walked through a mint garden, touching leaves and stems and inhaling the delightful scents the rain-soaked plants had to offer.

Shortly after, the group was led to grove of eucalyptus trees, where they would spend 15 minutes in the company of a chosen tree.

The rain fell softly as some participants sat beneath the trees, watching the branches rustle in the wind.

Others spent their time embracing the trees, or tracing the grooves of their trunks with their fingers.

Forest therapy guide Karyn Folwell explained the activity was to get to know a nonhuman being.

One participant said the experience allowed her to notice “far more detail in the tree than ever before“.

The pace of the session was slow, the communication hushed.

In another garden, the group were given magnifying glasses through which they could observe the plant life up close.

The group crouched to behold single drops of dew on a leaf, lichens spreading across branches and bright pink spots dotting the inside of a lilac flower petal.

In The Gondwana Garden, different plant

textures were explored through touch.

Wollemi pine, burrawang and soft tree ferns brought the participants from the micro-scape of the magnifying glass to the macro-scape of these large, ancient rainforest trees.

Fifteen minutes were dedicated to a “sit spot“ amongst these trees, where the group sat in stillness to watch the world around them.

“It was good for a hangover,“ participant Sean Flynn said.

“It was nice that it was raining, it added to the experience.

“The guides were really great too, they were very informative.“

The session was concluded with a Japanese-inspired tea ceremony.

As the group sipped jilungin bush tea, they were offered “prescriptions“ for nature.

The prescriptions encouraged the participants to maintain a regular connection with nature, allowing them to receive the abundant health benefits she has to offer.

“Forest Therapy also connects people to the

plants and wildlife in their locality, encouraging a deeper and more meaningful connection with their local green space, and provides encouragement to do this on a regular basis,“ Program Director Susan Joachim said.

Forest therapy, or shinrin-yoku, began in Japan in the 1980s after rapid industrialisation led to poor mental health outcomes and a high suicide rate.

By the 1990s, researchers had begun studying the effects of forest bathing, giving data to our intuitive knowledge that nature is good for us.

The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA), through which Ms Folwell was certified, said there are numerous benefits to the practice of forest bathing.

These include reduced blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels, reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced energy level and better concentration.

Forest bathing also allows for a surge in the activity of cancer and tumor fighting blood cells, called “natural killer“ cells.

Trees and plants are also known to release phytoncides, which are anti-bacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-viral substances.

In the practice of forest therapy, participants breathe in the phytoncides which in turn boost their immune system.

There are indirect benefits too, including reduced risk of obesity, better sleep quality, reduced risk of heart and lung disease and less stress.

The practice also shines light on conservation and the stewardship of green spaces.

“Forest therapy guides choose activities that highlight the value of protecting nature and the need to minimise impact on the environment,“ Program Director and INFTA President Susan Joachim said.

“Forest therapy walks are slow, sensory and mindful, which rekindle our connection and relationship to nature.

“Participants become aware of the value of green spaces within the urban environment.”

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.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

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

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

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

Between Rowellyn Avenue and Rangeview Drive

Between Munday Court and Edinburgh Drive

Members of the forest therapy group L to R: Sean, Carolyn, Kathleen, Marie and Karyn. 337686

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Wellsprings’ funds 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 linguisti-

cally 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.

Inspiring young women celebrate with mentors

By Emily Chapman Laing

Groups

of brightYear 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 show resilience and determination.

The winning recipient of the award was NarreWarren South P-12 College’s SyedaTabassum.

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 a variety of industries.

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 was 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 kick-start 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,” Ms 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 andWomen of Note.

‘Meet and enjoy nature’: New community space in Clyde

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.

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.

“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 State Government said they are working closely with Traditional Owners and local councils to ensure the parks will meet the needs of growing communities and preserve and enhance natural and cultural heritage.

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.

Syeda Tabassum, Wajiha Musa, Nicola Kropach, Bridie Drane Johnson and Cath Stocks. 338919 Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

CEO Dalal Smiley at the launch of ‘Be The Voice’ magazine. 331711 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Think living today with tomorrow sorted

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For Lions, life ends at 40

The Lions Club of Hampton Park recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, which also marked the cessation of the group.

After four decades of serving the Hampton Park community, the group has decided to disband.

The anniversary event was held at Trios Cranbourne on 30 May, exactly 40 years to the day from when the club first chartered.

The prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship was awarded to club President Russell Barnes, Graham Trapnell and Jeff Evans.

Lifetime membership was awarded to Robert Rayner.

A life member is a Lion who has maintained active membership for at least 20 years, or at least 15 years if the member has reached age 70.

“I’m proud to have been the President at Hampton Park Lions Club,” Mr Barnes said.

Mr Barnes said the group made the decision to disband as memberships were “dwindling” and there was “not much enthusiasm”.

After 37 years of membership, Mr Barnes made the choice to step down after his wife fell ill.

“Most of the members are in their late 70s to 80s now,” he said.

“We all decided it was time to close.”

Mr Barnes handed back the Lions Club of Hampton Park charter to Post District Governor Norma Barnard.

The club’s funds have been donated to the Hampton Park Carols, assistance towards a blanket warming cabinet and Casey hospital.

The lions donated their BBQ trailer and marquee to the Lions Need for Feed project, helping farmers in need.

The club has helped a number of causes over the years and built strong partnerships within the community.

They have held relationships with Aspire Church, who run the Hampton Park Christmas Carols, The Hampton Park Men’s Shed and the Hampton Park Progress Association.

By Emily Chapman Laing

Over 400 people gathered at Cranbourne Public Hall on Sunday 4 June to experience alternative healing and mediumship at the Cranbourne Holistic and Psychic Expo.

With 20 psychic mediums and numerous tarot and oracle readers, locals were surrounded by mystic energy.

“It was extremely high energy, at our expos it’s always a really nice energy,” Body n Soul Holistic Expos Owner Eden Turner said.

“A lot of people like to engulf themselves in the experience.”

The six-hour expo was choc full of spiritually connected vendors, with reiki healers, palmists, astrologers, boho clothing, crystals, books, singing bowls, candles, aura photography and more.

MrTurner said there were many attendees who found themselves at the expo for several hours, moving between stalls, personal readings and lectures.

There were six lectures over the course of the day.

Attendees were able to dive deeper into energy healing via ‘gazing’, mediumship, chinese astrology, life beyond death, Ahn Hop Khuu and palmistry.

Psychic mediums held space for participants to gain insight about their future, or to connect with a loved one who has passed away.

Those feeling“a little bit off in themselves”

were able to have their energy transformed through alternative healing practices.

“Most people that come in, come in for a reason,” Mr Turner said.

MrTurner explained individuals in need of healing often enter the expos with slumped shoulders and a heavy feeling.

“They leave feeling light,” he said.

“They walk out and they’re walking taller.”

Many of the products available at the expos are eco-friendly and sustainable.

Mr Turner says holistic and psychic practices go “hand in hand” with being environmentally conscious.

“It’s an important part of our world,” he said.

“It’s one of those things that we are mindful of when we put on events.”

Mr Turner took over Body n Soul Holistic Expos in 2022, and attends every single event the company put on.

“I managed the expos for a year and a half in the vision of buying [the company], and in June last year I bought it,” he said.

The expos are held at a different Victorian location each week.

“You see people that have been before but it’s really exciting to see new people come in and experience them,” Mr Turner said.

The team are off to Bendigo for their next event but will be back at Cranbourne Public Hall on 8 October.

L to R: Award winners Graham Trapnell, Russell Barnes, Jeff Evans and Robert Rayner.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Nick with his stall. 338609

Linda ( Psychic medium and Tarot card reader) with Chloe at the Cranbourne Public Hall. 338609 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Kath Turner with her essential oils. 338609

Locals Jess, Ash and Emma checking out the Body & Soul Holistic Expo. 338609

Trudy giving a psychic reading. 338609

‘Extremely high energy’: Hundreds attend healing expo

Reprieve for Casey renters

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

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

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

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

“There is growing concern that the Covid-19 debt levy on property investors is going to lead to rent increases, with no mechanisms in place to protect renters,“ she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reckless riders nabbed

A 15-year-old Cranbourne West boy and an 18-year-old Carrum Downs man have been caught recklessly taking turns on a dirt bike.

Casey Highway Patrol members responded to multiple calls to 000 for an erratically ridden dirt bike that was observed having near-misses with cars and pedestrians on the road and footpath in the Cranbourne West area.

With the assistance of Police Airwing, the dirt bike was tracked to a nearby address where police spoke with the riders as

they returned home.

Both males were interviewed and released pending summons for charges including Unlicensed Driving, Use Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Ride Motorcycle Without Helmet, and Dangerous Driving.

The dirt bike was impounded at a cost of $1,038.00 and will be held at the police impound lot for a period of 30 days.

Police have said “there is a time and place to enjoy riding off-road - the streets and footpaths of Casey is not the place“.

The two males were reported having multiple near-misses with cars and pedestrians.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Cultural diversity on show

Hampton Park Secondary College celebrated their diverse cultures at a “Multicultural Assembly“ on Thursday 25 May.

“HPSC students and staff put together a fantastic show that everyone was a part of,“ HPSC House Administration Assistant Ashley Hickey said.

“You could hear the roars coming from the assembly and laughter that was charismatic to be around.”

The students were able to showcase the assembly and capture their proudest performance as an evening spectacular to their family and friends.

“Our students were extremely proud to showcase their culture to our community and worked tirelessly in creating their performances while learning about their peers and other cultures,“ HSPC Counsellor Harlin Gandhok said.

The students danced and sang away in front of a large audience of approximately 380 patrons.

“Our students really impressed me with their dedication to presenting their cultures in such a positive light,“ HPSC English Teacher Geoff Shinkfield said.

“They certainly engaged everyone who witnessed their graceful performances, both in the Multicultural Assembly and in the evening Showcase.

“They represented HPSC and their cultures with immense pride and we too should be proud of them.”

The evening event opened with a Traditional Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony, performed by Steve Ulula Parker, an Elder of the Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta and Erub people and is from Millowl land, known as Phillip Island.

He performed with two Hampton Park students, who proudly held their flag, whilst the ceremony was being held.

“This was Hampton Parks Secondary Colleges first year of highlighting the day with an

evening showcase, this will become a continued tradition for generations to come,“ Cultural Diversity Coordinator Sally Curruthers said.

“The songs and dances that were performed by our passionate and talented students enabled familiarity with many different cultures and what makes each of these cultures unique and special.

“Staff are tremendously proud of the students’ efforts with each act, they amazed the audience and worked tirelessly to master their performances, showing strength and connectedness by cheering each other on as they performed, a true sense of multiculturalism in such a culturally diverse school.“

The School’s College Captain Sanchika Jeyanthan, House Leader Sina Javadi and SRC

Young leaders announced

The Quarters Primary School has welcomed in its first student leadership team.

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards visited the school on Friday 2 June to present the leadership team with their badges.

School principal Liz Davey said the inaugural leaders were made up of school captain and vice captains, house captains and Junior School Councillors.

“The school held leadership nominations at the beginning of the year to allow new students the opportunity to nominate themselves and demonstrate their leadership skills within their new school community,” she said.

“The Year 6 student leaders delivered a speech about the importance of leadership and the qualities needed to be a good leader and how they can uphold the Quarters Primary School values under the banner of ACHIEVE (acceptance, creativity, high expectations, inclusion, empathy, valued and excellence).

“Our newest school leaders are looking forward to the year ahead leaders as they embark on their 2023 student leadership journey at Quarters Primary School.”

Speaking at the special assembly, Ms Richards said the leadership qualities found within the pupils was the result of support from their teachers, parents and the broader school community.

“You’re raising some terrific young peo-

ple,” she said.

Pictures:

Ms Richards said it was “a great joy” for her to attend the school and see the progress of the school since it opened on Tuesday 31 January.

“It’s lovely to see the garden coming along,” she said.

“You can see the results of the students’ development and the school’s values in their behaviour.”

Matthew Sims

Leader Shegofah Hussaini presented themselves beautifully as they were the Master of Ceremonies for both events.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas was in attendance alongside Director of Retail Leasing at Hampton Park Shopping Centre Luke DeLutiis.

Ms Curruthers said Hampton Park Secondary College is a diverse and multicultural community.

“Over the past 35 years our cultural makeup has changed significantly,“ she said.

“At Hampton Park Secondary College we pride ourselves on respecting each other and sharing the richness of each culture.“

The college currently has approximately

1200 students, with 67 per cent of students speaking a language other than English.

The HPSC student population represents over 50 countries across all continents of the world, speaking 55 different languages.

“HPSC is a wonderfully diverse learning community, I am so proud of our students for celebrating their multiculturalism,“ HSPC Counsellor Jacquie Binns said.

“They’ve embodied our college values of respect and working together.”

Wayne Haworth, Principal at Hampton Park Secondary College encourages students to acknowledge and celebrate their cultural background and students can promote their heritage by performing at the multicultural assembly.

Choosing school subjects

The South East Local Learning and Employment Networking (SELLEN) are putting together a series of Industry Exhibitions across schools in the south east for students in years 9 and 10 who are about to select their subjects for 2024.

“SELLEN runs a range of events each year to connect local students and their schools, with industry,” SELLEN CEO Andrew Simmons said.

“The upcoming information nights are designed to assist year 9 and 10 students to increase their awareness of a range of industry pathways, and to assist them in making informed decisions regarding subject selection for 2024.

“These industry exhibition events are important to students as these industries have been identified as growth areas in the south east and there are strong career pathways and opportunities for our local youth.”

The exhibitions will be an opportunity for students to connect with industry and hear about career pathways available to them.

The students will have a chance to ask questions to the industry panel and exhibitors.

SELLEN believes the future workforce cur-

rently resides in schools across the country.

And industry needs to engage students now to cultivate the talent pool of tomorrow.

By involving students, SELLEN can create a pipeline for future employees and improve staff retention rates.

These events have been created due to the demand of staff shortages in the region.

The industries represented have been identified as growth areas in the south east and with organisations like the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance, Australian Culinary Federation and Monash Health attending, it’s a great opportunity for young people to learn more.

“Raising the awareness of young people about our local sectors is crucial to introduce them to potential employers and promising career pathways right in their own community,” a Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson said.

“By equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge to lead innovation across our food system, we can foster a robust local food economy that is resilient against future climate and geopolitical challenges.”

An employer showing a student how to weld and what equipment is used for health and safety.

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards and Quarters Primary School principal Liz Davey joined junior school councillors Chinmayi, Eythan, Pranav, Husam, Milan, Rhemat and Aayan to celebrate their appointment. 339338

MATTHEW SIMS

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards and Quarters Primary School principal Liz Davey joined school captains and vice captains Zaina, Haya, Anahad and Xander. 339338

First Nations students who performed Acknowledgment to Country, Mariah and Maddy Gittens. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Traditional Cook Island dance performed by Fances Van Duin, Ma Dean, Bella Reriti and Stazea Mani.

Smoking Ceremony, performed by Elder Steve Ulula Parker and two students, Olivia Armstrong and Tamieka Gittens.

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*Price 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.

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 ‘IWanna 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 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 www.bunjilplace.com.au/learn

‘Exceptional individuals’: Cranbourne teachers honoured

Outstanding staff from local Catholic schools have been recognised for their commitment to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale.

A Leadership Eucharist and Awards presentation launched the beginning of Catholic Education Week in the Diocese which ran from 19 May to 26 May.

Three staff members from St Peter’s College Cranbourne each received a Service Award in recognition of 25 years or more of service to Australian Catholic education.

They include Mr Barry Fisher, Ms Carolyn Ellul and Ms Kathleen McCormick.

Mr Barry Fisher has been teaching in Catholic schools in Victoria for 42 years, and has been at St Peter’s College for 24 years.

During his career, Mr Fisher has held numerous teaching and leadership positions in the Science, Physics, Chemistry and Information Technology areas.

Ms Ellul‘s career in Catholic education has spanned 28 years and includes various teaching and leadership positions at schools in Melbourne, Lilydale and now St Peter’s College where she is SeniorYears Curriculum Leader at the Clyde North campus.

L to R: Catholic Bishop of Sale Reverend Greg Bennet, ‘Spirit of Catholic Education Inspiring Faith Award’ recipient Mrs Joy Andrews, ‘Service Award’ recipient Ms Kathleen McCormick, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale Mr Paul Velten, ‘Service Award’ recipient Mr Barry Fisher and Spirit of Catholic Education Inspiring Faith Award recipient Miss Fiona McKenna.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Ms McCormick has been teaching for 30 years in Catholic education and the majority of that time has been teaching in

Catholic Primary Schools.

In 2022, she made a change to Secondary teaching at St Peter’s College where she is enjoying teaching English and Literature.

Mrs Joy Andrews of St Therese’s and St Agatha’s Primary Schools in Cranbourne and Miss Fiona McKenna of St Peter’s College were each awarded with a Spirit of Catholic Education Inspiring Faith Award.

The award recognises staff who make a significant contribution to the development of students’ faith.

The Diocese of Sale says Mrs Andrews has shown exemplary dedication to the Catholic school communities at St Therese’s and St Agatha’s at Cranbourne.

They say she is described as an exceptional teacher and an extraordinary person who lives her faith and expresses it in her day to day to life.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she commits her time during her lunch and recess times to teach TEIKO drumming for Year 3 to 6.

Miss Fiona McKenna is the Deputy Principal Catholic Identity and Mission at

St Peter’s College.

The Diocese of Sale said the award recognised her leadership in mentoring Religious Education staff, introducing Twilight Theology sessions for staff and in raising the profile of the Liturgy and Social Justice student leaders’ program.

The Cranbourne awardees were among 13 people from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Sale to receive awards on the night.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, congratulated the award recipients for the wonderful work they do in inspiring faith and learning.

“We are proud to have such exceptional individuals in our Catholic school community, and we are grateful for their leadership, service and excellence,” he said.

The Diocese of Sale covers 38 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools in a geographic area that spans from Melbourne’s outer south eastern suburbs from Narre Warren and Cranbourne, to Phillip Island, and throughout Gippsland to Orbost in the east.

Changing industry culture reflected in new office mural

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As part of the competition, students were tasked with designing murals illustrating what

the construction industry’s culture should look like.

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

“Our students were very engaged in the process and understood how valuable projects such as this are in their learning,“ she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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”.

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.

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

WHAT’S ON

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 BerwickCranbourne 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 parking.

Step back in time and browse the wonderful and

unique crafts and design from local makers and unwind from the week.

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

· 34 Homestead Road, Berwick on Saturday 24 June from 9am to 2pm.

Elf the Musical

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

Based on the Warner Bros. Movie Elf starring Will Ferrel. Follow Buddy the Elf as he travels to New York to find his Dad Walter Hobbs and the craziness that ensues.

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!

This event has an optional two course set menu for you to enjoy brunch while you network and

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.

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

LOCAL NEWS EVERY WEEK

Jail for PSO biter

• Botanic Ridge Coles Botanic Ridge Village - 10 Hummingbird Drive

• Cannons Creek Five Ways General Store

2040 South Gippsland Hwy

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

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

• Clyde North Selandra Rise Retirement Village 5 Harmony Chase

• Clyde North Selandra Community Hub 7-9 Selandra Boulevard

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

• Clyde North Lifestyle Berwick Waters 10 Skylark Boulevard

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Library 65 BerwickCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Cranbourne

Basketball and Sports Centre 65

Berwick - Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Life Be In It 65

Berwick - Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Coles Express 1120 Cnr Sladen Street & Cemetery Roads

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club 1 Codrington Street

• Cranbourne BP Service Station 1025-1045 Frankston Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Bowls Club 5 Grant Street

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Newsagency 105 High Street

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

• Cranbourne United Service Station 183/187 Sladen Street

• Cranbourne Cranbourne RSL 1475 South Gippsland Highway

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

• Cranbourne Coles Springhill Springhill Drive (Springhill Shopping Centre)

• Cranbourne Cranbourne Community House 49-51

Valepark Crescent

• Cranbourne East Balla Ball

Community Centre 65 BerwickCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne East Shopping On Clyde 280 Berwick-Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne East Blue Hills Rise 200-240 BerwickCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne East Hunt Club Shopping Centre 1 Linsell Boulevard

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

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

• Cranbourne North Apco

Cranbourne North 315 Narre

Warren - Cranbourne Road

• Cranbourne North BP North

Cranbourne 399 Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

• Cranbourne North Woolworths

Cranbourne North South Gippsland Hwy & Thompsons Road

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

• Cranbourne North IGA

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

• Cranbourne West Apco Service Station 810 DandenongHastings Road

• Cranbourne West Coles

Cranbourne West Duff Street (Sandhurst Centre)

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

• Cranbourne West IGA Clarinda Park 85 Everlasting Boulevard

• Cranbourne West BP Service Station 910 Thompsons Road

• Hampton Park Shopping Centre 55 Hallam Road Hampton Park

• Lynbrook Lynbrook Community Centre 2 Lynbrook Boulevard & Harris Street

• Lynbrook Lynbrook

Newsagency 75 Lynbrook Boulevard (Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre)

• Lyndhurst Liberty 210 Dandenong Hastings Road

• Lyndhurst Caltex 945

Thompsons Road & Lyndhurst Boulevard

• Lyndhurst Marriot Waters Shopping Centre Thompsons Road & Marriott Boulevard

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

• Lyndhurst Woolworths

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

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

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

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

• Skye BP Service Station Western Port Highway & Hall Road

THE CRANBOURNE CEMETERY TRUST

The Cranbourne Cemetery Trust is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified members of the community who would be interested in becoming honorary trust members. Women and those from a diverse background are actively encouraged to seek appointment.

Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts are responsible for the proper and efficient management of the public cemeteries under their control, including planning for future cemeteries services and the preservation of local history.

Being appointed to a cemetery trust provides successful applicants with a unique opportunity to develop their competencies as a board member. The Department of Health provides free governance training to all trust members.

Current trust members whose terms of appointment are due to expire may apply for reappointment as part of a competitive selection process.

More information about the role of cemetery trust members is available at: https://www. health.vic.gov.au/cemeteries-and-crematoria/ class-b-cemetery-trust-appointments

To register your interest please contact The Cranbourne Cemetery Trust as follows within two weeks of the date of this advertisement: The Cranbourne Cemetery Trust contact details: 0419 000 261

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer people. The trust will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

F30403

ESCORTS R US Ladies Welcome. Mention this ad for $10 discount New Ladies from 5pm www.escortsrus.com.au

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

V Pets & Services

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

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

Installation of three (3) new panel antennas (2.69m long)

Installation of two (2) GPS antennas

Add ancillary items including thirty Four (34) new remote radio units, and in shelter works (Including main structure strengthening if required)

Removal of existing panel antennas

Twelve (12) existing radio remote units

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

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

4.Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative: Ken Hsieh, Ericsson, phone: 0468 725 667; email: ken.hsieh@ericsson.com by Monday 26 June 2023. 12612277-HC23-23

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

TELEPHONE SALES Inbound/Outbound

We are looking for new team members to join our team. Do you like talking to people over the phone, building rapport and great relationships?

If you are a motivated and reliable individual who loves a challenge and enjoys a fast-paced, deadline-driven team environment we want to hear from you. Work close to home with free onsite parking at our office in Pakenham. Your day will be kept busy servicing existing clients and making cold outbound calls to gain new business.

Experience in advertising sales is an advantage, but not essential.

To apply send your resume with covering letter to: Classified Advertising Manager sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

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:

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

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

• Excellent l i sten i ng sk i lls

• Accuracy and attent i on to deta i l

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

• Ab i l i ty to operate i n a team

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

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

Appl i cants w i ll need the i r own rel i able veh i cle for wh i ch we w i ll prov i de 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

in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

12612131-AI23-23

Trajectory of a new Tiger

By David Nagel

For the first 20 years of his young life…Richmond’s newest recruit James Trezise epitomised the term ‘flying under the radar’.

A talented basketballer in his early teens, there are no Dandenong Stingrays, Gippsland Power onVic Country jumpers floating around in his wardrobe; the signs of a natural and proven path to an AFL football club.

A late bloomer, he switched from basketball to football at under-13 level and built a solid grounding at the Berwick Junior Football Club.

He then moved to Tooradin-Dalmore as a 16-year-old in 2019, showing promise, before Covid ruined any opportunity for players of his particular age group to put their name up in lights.

To make it to the top, James Trezise would have to do it his way!

And that’s exactly what the soon-to-be-21year-old has done, using the basic principles of hard work and persistence to buy himself a ticket to the Richmond Football Club via pick 13 of the 2023 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The talented left-footer set himself a ballistic course that would see him burst onto the radar screen earlier this year.

His junior mentor at Berwick and Tooradin, Jason Hill, would hand over the reins of the exciting prospect to Seagulls senior coach Lachie Gillespie, who mentoredTrezise through his 10 senior games in the Covid-reduced season of 2021.

A year later, Gillespie would coach the Seagulls to their first senior premiership in 25 years, with Trezise a shining light.

He played all 20 games for the Seagulls as a high-half-forward last year, kicking 26 goals including several spectacular efforts.

But what impressed Gillespie most were the intangibles that make a great player.

“Coming up through juniors he always had talent; he was always a nice kick and had a nice leap, but we told him that if he wants to play senior footy, he simply had to work hard,” Gillespie said.

“His work rate had to be high, he had to have a defensive mindset.

“That was the big thing for me, that he was willing to do that; because not everyone that has natural talent wants to do the hard work.

“He would mentally prepare to work hard and sacrifice for the team.

“He was a great teammate first, reliable in his role, and that made all the other stuff a bonus.

“He was a great mark, had a great leap, kicked the ball beautifully…and that’s great, but in the end, the thing that sets himself apart from the rest is his workrate and his ability to be a good and respected teammate.

“That’s the stuff that takes you a long way.”

Among those premiership-winning teammates that respected him so much were former Collingwood players Brent Macaffer and Adam Oxley, along with Blake Grewar, who had himself played VFL football for Richmond.

A young Trezise decided to pick their brains to expedite his football journey.

“At the start of last year, I went up to Blakey (Grewar), Caf (Macaffer) and Ox (Oxley) and asked them how I could take my footy to the next level,” Trezise explained.

“They gave me some advice, and then I had a pretty good year, running fourth in the best and fairest, and Blake said‘I’m going to get you a pre-season at Richmond.’

“He had said it a few times, so I wasn’t too sure, but then he followed up on it and sent Steve Morris and Ollie Grant my highlights package.

“I ended up getting an interview with them and ended up getting a pre-season.”

The advice from the trio was pretty simple.

“The main point I took away was just trusting in my ability and taking the game on,” he recalled.

“And from a team perspective, just providing the pressure to help turn the ball over and create some scoring shots.

“Lachie (Gillespie) was great and gave me the opportunity to play my first senior game, and then kept me in the side and that helped me improve my football.

“The whole footy club at Tooradin is unreal; they welcome everyone in with open arms and they’re a very caring and very thoughtful football club.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better place to start my senior career.”

Currently studying the last year of a threeyear Bachelor of Business Degree, Trezise was in awe when he first arrived at Punt Road, training alongside Tiger greats such as Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt.

“It was pretty surreal, because you see them on the TV and then to get the chance to train with them…it was all very unreal,” he said.

“But all the boys just welcomed me, and after day one it felt like I’d been there for a while.

“They got around me and made me feel comfortable which was really good.”

Trezise was an exciting, high-pressure halfforward at Tooradin, but has transformed into an intercepting half-back for Richmond VFL this year.

“When I first got to Richmond I was training as a high half-forward, key forward, and I was trying to use my aerial power to take marks over the boys,” he said.

“Then in the practice match against Carlton I went down back and did pretty well, and from then I was switching between back and forward.

“In the Geelong game I stayed down back and played my best game for the season (29 possessions), and from then on I was pretty much labelled a defender.”

The newest-Tiger did receive interest from an interstate club and, while he would have missed his family and friends, was willing to take any path through to the big time.

But being in familiar surroundings doesn’t make it any less more exciting.

“I’m pretty excited to get stuck into it tomorrow (last Friday) because obviously I ‘ve trained with them before so it’s not as daunting as it might be for some of the others who got drafted,” he said.

“My next goal is to play AFL, but if I can’t do it this year just to play some really good footy in the back half of the season in the VFL.”

While birthday celebrations are set for June 15, the Cranbourne local wasn’t even eligible for the draft until a recent rule change relaxed eligibility criteria.

Playing more than three VFL matches by the close of nominations on Wednesday 24 May made him eligible to nominate.

Previously, only players who nominated for the previous National Draft were eligible in the mid-season intake, with only few exemptions accepted.

The recent rule change made his far-away dream a reality.

“That’s when it became a bit real; I wasn’t eligible because I didn’t nominate for last year’s national draft and it was obviously going to be a bit hard to get an exemption,” he said.

“When that rule change came through, I was pretty happy and excited because there had been some interest (from four clubs including Richmond) and I was a chance to get drafted.”

The recent form of Trezise had his name prominent in many media circles as a potential draft prospect.

It was attention that was flattering…but potentially damaging at the same time.

He and his support team decided to sit back and take a deep breath.

“I’ve just been trying to block it out to be honest because I wasn’t 100-percent sure if I was going to get taken or not, so I didn’t want to get my hopes up,” he said.

“I tried to stay low profile and not let it get to my head.

“I was just talking to my manager, mum and dad (Therese and Greg), and Steve Morris, my coach at Richmond as well, and they just told me that the attention was there at the moment, but it wasn’t the end of the world if it didn’t happen.

“If I did, it was a bonus, but they told me to just keep focussing on my footy and the rest will take care of itself.

“They told me I’d have plenty of opportunities to put my name forward in the back half of the year if I didn’t get picked up.”

Richmond VFL had training on Wednesday 31 May, the night of the draft, and Trezise admits to some nervous energy as he made his way to Punt Road.

He would be on the track while the destiny of his football career was being determined.

“I didn’t know what to think heading into

training, because no club gave me a proper indication of whether I was going to go or not,” he said.

“It was a waiting game, but it was good to be at training to take my mind off things and to be around the boys.

“When I found out I did get drafted, it was great that they were able to all get around me and make it special and support me through the whole thing.

“It’s all happened so quickly and I’ve only played nine VFL games, so I’ve still got a lot to learn and a lot to improve on

“I could have proved people wrong by playing some good footy if I didn’t get drafted.”

Gillespie said the drafting of Trezise was a special moment not only for theTooradin-Dalmore Football Netball Club, but for the next crop of young community footballers making their way through.

“We were ecstatic when Jimmy got drafted, super-excited, but super-stressed at the same time when the first round went through and his name hadn’t been called out,” he said.

“But for all of us to be part of that, in even such a small way, was pretty special.

“You know, not everyone will play AFL football, buy everyone can aim to be better and this shows there is a pathway outside of what you normally walk down.

“At Tooradin we want to make sure we’re creating that environment and culture and getting the best out of everyone at the club.

“It’s just exciting that if you don’t make it through the talent programs, that you can get in the right environment and still find a pathway through to the big time.

“A lot of the young players coming through our competition will take a lot away from Jimmy’s selection.”

Let’s hope Gillespie is right…and there are one or two others about to burst onto the radar!

Tooradin star James Trezise is now a fully-fledged Tiger. 338833

Ready to ignite! Tooradin-Dalmore star James Trezise has flown under the radar onto Richmond’s AFL list. 282025 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Chiselled Chuol a champ

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.

Dees snatch crucial victory

By Marcus Uhe

It was billed as a grand final rematch between the two top sides of 2022 and the round 11 clash between Casey and Southport did not disappoint.

In a genuine Queensland arm-wrestle that would not have been out-of-place in the early days of the Olympic games or an episode of ‘Gladiators’, the reigning premiers prevailed by one point thanks to a Josh Schache goal in the 23rd minute of the final term.

The key forward, with a deadly set-shot, kicked his fourth of the day from a slight angle under grey Southport skies to give the Demons the one-point lead, before holding strong in the final four minutes of action to maintain the ascendency, despite the ball bouncing inand-out of the Southport forward 50 for much of the dying stages.

Schache kicked the first of the game in the opening minute of action, before the Sharks kicked the next three for a 10-point lead at quarter time.

The second term saw the Demons flex their premiership muscles, with a dominant fivegoals-to-one quarter.

Oliver Sestan got the ball rolling early with a long set shot, and Ben Brown kicked consecutive majors to work his way into the contest.

The Demons took a 13-point lead into the long break, which, in the best indication of the contest’s evenness, was just shy of the biggest lead of the game.

A slow start to the second half was ignited by some brilliance from James Jordon.

The midfielder forced a Sharks turnover at half back before linking with Sestan and Harvey Neocleous by hand through the middle of

the ground and nailing a sensational goal on the run from within the centre square.

The plucky Sharks continued to circle, however, finding a way to respond whenever needed to stay within striking distance.

Three consecutive majors in the third term saw them retake a brief lead late in the quarter but it was quickly taken back by some brilliant crumbing from George Grey.

Two goals in three minutes from the Cranbourne product ensured his side held a slim advantage heading into the final period, but the contest was there to be won for both sides.

The opening stages of the final quarter were tense, with neither side affording any leeway.

Southport broke the goal-scoring deadlock in the 11th minute of the game, tying the scores thanks to former Gold Coast Suns ruck Brayden Crossley.

Schache answered with his third of the day, but a blistering minute in which Southport kicked two goals gave them a five-point lead at the 20 minute mark.

Needing one of their big names to stand up, it was Schache who delivered the goods, kicking what became the winner in the 23rd minute and setting up the frantic finale.

Missing key pillars in Adam Tomlinson, Joel Smith and Jake Melksham, the win showed plenty of resilience from the premiers, who remain in a logjam with four other sides tied on 28 points.

Grey finished the contest with a healthy stat-line of 18 disposals, three goals and eight tackles while Jordon was the leading Casey ball-winner with 32.

Collingwood await the premiers on Sunday afternoon.

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.

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.”

Colts kept at Arms length

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Some at Springvale Districts joke that Toby Arms is coach Kris Thompson’s pet.

If he wasn’t yet, the 20-year-old may just have elevated himself to that status on Saturday.

In effectively an eight-point game against Port Melbourne, which will contend with them and St Paul’s McKinnon for one of the final two spots in the five, he dominated from the first siren.

Filling in the ruck for Ryan Auld, who injured himself last week, he earned the week off he’ll get this week with no footy due to King’s Birthday.

He gathered 35 disposals, 19 contested possessions, seven intercept marks and six inside 50s.

“It was the best game of his career,” said his coach Thompson.

“He’s hard. He played in the ruck and he’s undersized but was keen to do it.

“That’s the difference between him and others, most people don’t want to play that role so it was an unreal game for a 20-yearold.”

The Demons edged their way out to a 29-point three-quarter-time lead which proved insurmountable for the Colts.

As well as his individual stats sheet, by competing manfully in the ruck, Arms allowed Springvale Districts to win the contested ball which was their avenue to victory.

“Our ball movement was really good after winning it in the middle,” Thompson said.

“We were fast and willing to go through the middle, and at times we went around them so we gave our forwards much better looks.”

Playing as a midfielder-forward, Daniel Helmore finished with six goals to prove there is more to the Springvale Districts forward line than just Matt Wetering.

Wetering still kicked three himself to maintain third spot in the Division 1 goalkicking tally.

Playing his 200th game, Matt Thompson kicked a goal in the last quarter to cap off a game where he played his wing role well.

Key defender Matthew Blair, meanwhile, kept opposition goalkicker Chan Hargraves to just two goals, while John Walker also played an important defensive role.

Cranbourne got up comfortably against Mordialloc, opening the game up in the second quarter.

Ryan Jones kicked four and Marc Holt

MasonRusselladvancestheDeesforward. 337182 Picture:GARYSISSONS

three, while defender Glenn Osborne and Bailey Buntine also had a good day at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.

Dingley recorded a comfortable win over St Paul’s McKinnon to highlight the gap between the top echelon and the rest of the competition.

Usual suspects Tom Morecroft, Nathan Freeman and Lucas Walmsley were strong, alongside Cody Cochrane who kicked three goals.

After conceding four of the first five to trail by 18 at quarter time, the Dingoes would concede only three more to outlasted the Doggies.

Division One

Results R8: Chelsea Heights 12.13 85 v Bentleigh 8.12 60, Mordialloc 7.5 47 v Cranbourne 16.10 106, St Kilda City 12.12 84 v Cheltenham 17.17 119, Dingley 12.19 91 v St Paul’s McKinnon 7.8 50, Springvale Districts 13.11 89 v Port Melbourne 9.7 61.

Ladder: Dingley 28, Cheltenham, 28, Cranbourne 24, St Paul’s McKinnon 20, Springvale Districts 20, Port Melbourne Colts 16, Chelsea Heights 8, Bentleigh 8, St Kilda City 4, Mordialloc 4.

Fixture: R9 (17 June): Mordialloc v Port Melbourne Colts, Bentleigh v Dingley, Cheltenham v Chelsea Heights, Cranbourne v St Kilda City, St Paul’s McKinnon v Springvale Districts.

Wasteful Redbacks

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.

The entries were long and direct, with Hampton 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 forward 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 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,

Women on winners’ list

By Jonty Ralphsmith

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.

Woolamai wins Best Picnic Racing Club

Woolamai and District Racing Club has been awarded the ‘David and Gavan Bourke Picnic Racing Club of the Year’ at the recent Victorian Picnic Racing awards night held at Frankston RSL.

The award is named in honour of the late members of the Bourke family who were long time Pakenham Racing Club officials well known locally and across racing in Victoria.

The winner was selected after consideration of factors including community engagement, financial standing, adherence to safety protocols, presentation of the track, horse entries and facilities.

Woolamai committee member Peter McCluskey was delighted to receive the award.

“Our club and our dedicated, largely voluntary, officials have done a marvellous job putting a full season together after a difficult start to the season for all picnic clubs,” McCluskey said.

“Our track has been meticulously prepared by the track manager and other committee and club members.

“Attendances were very good with online bookings handled very efficiently, sponsorshiphasbeenquiteforthcomingamongstlocal businesses and improvement of facilities, particularly a new elevated viewing platform and dedicated areas for group bookings have been a success.

“A number of improvements are planned to be implemented during the off-season which will enhance the racing experience for attendees next season.”

Shaun Cooper again won the leading

jockey award with 27 winners from Pakenham’s Leigh Taylor in second place on 17 winners.

Leading trainer was Troy Kilgour of Sale who always has a strong contingent ready to

contest the picnic season.

Woolamai’s first meeting for the 2023/24 season will be on Saturday 10 December at the club’s historic course in Trew Rd, Woolamai, 4km east of the Bass Hwy

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 v Yarra Valley 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, Yarra Valley v WestVic.

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 v Yarra Valley 1, Old Xaverians 1 v Werribee 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, Yarra Valley 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

From left, committee member Peter McCluskey, Secretary Abby Boyle and Treasurer Adam Olszanski celebrate Woolamai’s Picnic Racing Club of the Year Award. 339600 Picture: SUPPLIED

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

Pictures: ROB CAREW

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

Cameron Williamson goes back for a set shot.