News - Cranbourne Star News - 15th June 2023

King honours care

By Emily Chapman Laing

With hundreds of children having experienced Joan Esmarie Graham’s compassionate care, it is no wonder she has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia during the King’s Birthday Honours.

Joan was awarded the OAM for her service to children as a foster carer.

“It’s incredible,” Joan said.

“This is an amazing award for something that I’ve been doing for so long and truly love doing.”

Joan said she has given care to over 500 children between when she began as a carer in her early twenties, to now, celebrating her 81st birthday.

“It was about 300, 10-20 years ago,” she said.

Joan and her late husband Brian began fostering through the Herald Blair Aboriginal Society (HBAS).

After over a decade of care, the duo moved to OzChild when the HBAS closed down.

“I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of the Order of Australia than Joan Graham,” said OzChild Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Griffiths.

“I couldn’t be prouder to see her recognised in this way, and the children, young people and families whose lives have been touched by Joan’s kindness will no doubt feel the same way.”

Dr Griffiths said Joan has welcomed hundreds, if not thousands of children and young people into her home, some for one night, others for weeks, months or a few years.

“Committed to keeping siblings together Joan has cared for countless sibling groups during her time as a carer with OzChild and has always worked hard to reunify children with their families whenever possible, because family is everything to Joan.

“Joan and her late husband Brian welcomed every child into their home with open arms and no judgement.”

Over forty years later, Joan’s home has seen

countless children and sometimes parents who needed a safe haven.

Some stayed for a short time, while others, such as Jessica, Ryan and Shane, came to live with Joan permanently.

Jessica and Ryan were four and five years old when they came into Joan’s care and are still part of her family now in their thirties.

Shane was seven years old when he arrived, and now at 45 he wouldn’t change a thing.

“My dad was neglecting me and my mum wasn’t in the picture, I was passed around family members and I ended up in foster care at

Joan and Brian’s in Hampton Park,” Shane said.

“When I was a teenager, I wasn’t the easiest, I had mental health problems and anger rising to the surface from my childhood.

“To me she’s my mum, she was really strict but fair growing up which was what I needed.”

The relationship continued after Shane hit adulthood and was no longer part of the system.

“When I wasn’t in the foster system they still looked after me as one of their own,” he said.

“Watching them give selflessly to other people was ingrained into me which is why I

ended up a Forensic Mental Health Nurse. “Mum would always say to me you“You can do whatever you put your mind to” and that encouragement has gotten me to where I am today.

Joan was drawn to fostering from a young age.

As part of the Methodist youth group, Joan would frequent a Melbourne orphanage to spend time with the children.

She also came from a family with a heavy community focus.

“Growing up Mum and Dad used to take the children from that orphanage and give them a holiday during the year,” Joan said.

As she welcomed her own four children into the world, they grew up alongside the foster children under Joan’s care.

“I’m 58 now and I don’t remember much of a time without kids,” Joan’s daughter Leanne said.

“I remember one time my sister Michelle and I went to bed, and the following morning I put my feet out of bed to get up, and there was a mattress with three little girls on it.

“But that was common, and we made way for them.”

Leanne proudly explained how her mum was able to change history by offering care not just to a child, but to their parents as well.

“There was a baby that was likely to be put up for adoption, but mum helped the very young parents learn how to care for the baby,” Leanne said.

The young mother made the decision to keep her baby after spending the weekend with Joan.

Joan had a penchant for taking on more difficult cases.

“I really enjoy a challenge,” she said.

“I’m prepared to put the work in that some of these kids need.

“It’s so sad, some of these children have just been to hell and back.”

Continued page 10

Joan Graham, left, with daughter Leanne, has been awarded an OAM. 340881 Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Poor network poses risks

By Emily Chapman Laing

TradiesworkinginClydeandClydeNorthworry the lack of reception could pose a safety threat.

Dub Render owner Sean Flynn said he is constantly concerned about getting hurt and not being able to call for help, especially in new housing estates where there aren’t many people around.

“I’m often on a job site on my own,“ he said.

“I work on ladders and use heavy equipment.

“If I fell, or hurt myself, no one would know because I never have any reception out there.“

Local Glazier Scott Terry shares the same safety anxieties.

“It makes it extremely difficult to organise jobs from Clyde North.

“We can’t get in contact with clients and worry if we get injured we can’t contact emergency services.“

The Andrew’s Government is in the process of building new network towers in Clyde North part of the $550 million Connecting Victoria program.

But for locals working in the area, the new towers can’t come fast enough.

“It’s terrible for real estate work,“ Elaine Beecroft said.

“Very difficult to work on our phones and iPads.“

Likewise, Keith Titch Ferguson, a resident of Arbourlea, said calls dropping in and out creates challenges in communicating with his clients.

“All the providers say they are improving reception but it’s never happened,“ he said.

Workers who rely on GPS and mapping

apps to find clients are left in the lurch.

I used to deliver Uber Eats to that area and I used to lose data on my phone all the time,“ Gina Ramsay said.

“It’s very hard to navigate via Google maps or other maps.“

Other estates in the Casey area are experiencing similar problems.

Lyndhurst shop owner Peta Turner said she wishes the government would “get the infrastructure right before they build estates and not after“.

“The thing is it’s not just out there,“ she said.

“I’ve got a shop in Lyndhurst and barely get 1-2 bars of reception, making processing eftpos transactions and using my iPad for my POS and website painfully slow and it’s constantly dropping out.

“Lots of the City of Casey areas are like this.“

Holt MP Cassandra Fernando said the Australian Government is committed to “increasing connectivity, bridging the digital divide, improving mobile coverage and protecting communities“.

“The Government’s Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP) was established to target long-

Tradies fear they wont have access to emergency services when working in Clyde.

standing mobile coverage and reception issues on the peri-urban fringe, in areas like Clyde,“ Ms Fernando said.

“Round 1 of the PUMP is funding a new Vodafone base station at Clyde South that will provide improved coverage to the area.

“As part of the October 2022–23 Budget, the Government has committed funding for two new rounds of the PUMP and I am determined to ensure this new funding will deliver better communication infrastructure for our community.”

Cranbourne recording growing rate of homelessness

Fresh data shows more people are sleeping rough in Pakenham and Cranbourne, with both suburbs named in the top 10 Victorian electorates with growing rates of homelessness.

The Council to Homeless Persons has released an electoral breakdown of Victorians sleeping rough or living in unstable accommodation between 2016 and 2021.

While homelessness rates have fallen in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, tight rental markets are driving up the numbers in Victoria’s west, the breakdown revealed.

It found there was a 465 per cent increase in homelessness in the South Barwon electorate near Geelong.

The Melton and Eureka electorates, both west of Melbourne, recorded 134 per cent and 113 per cent rises respectively.

Fewer people were sleeping rough, instead moving into unstable boarding houses, temporary accommodation or severely crowded dwellings.

In South Barwon alone, the number of people living in boarding houses was 10 times higher than first reported in 2016.

“It’s not long-term sustainable or safe accommodation,“ Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Deborah Di Natale said on Monday.

The rising homelessness numbers came partly from better data collection practices, especially around boarding houses, Ms Di Natale said.

But a lack of rentals was contributing to the spike in the western region.

“Anything less than two per cent vacancy rates in rental properties is considered a really tight rental market,“ Ms Di Natale said.

“In those areas, it’s one per cent so you could say the rental market is almost nonexistent.“

Minimal service providers in those areas also did not help, said peer support worker Joal, who also experienced homelessness.

“The nearest service for Melton is Sunshine, which is half an hour away, and Brimbank covers 25 suburbs,“ she said.

But the abundance of support around the city was part of the reason why homelessness rates were declining in the metropolitan area.

The Melbourne electorate had a 29 per cent drop between 2016 and 2021, while Richmond in the inner east fell 30 per cent.

Ms Di Natale cited the state government’s homelessness to a home program, saying it had been incredible in providing people with stable accommodation.

She wants to see that program expanded.

“At this point with the funding, we can’t

see how that growth will happen but we’ll continue to lobby for it because we know it works,“ she said.

The council is also calling on governments to increase housing stock, provide more rental assistance and invest in evidence-informed support models.

“What we need is a long-term plan,“ Ms Di Natale said.

“In order to meet demand, we need 6000 more homes built every year over the next 10 years.“

TOP 10 VICTORIAN ELECTORATES WITH GROWING RATES OF HOMELESSNESS

· South Barwon (western region)

· Melton (western region)

· Eureka (western region)

· Pakenham (eastern region)

· Cranbourne (southeast metropolitan)

· Bendigo East (northern region)

· Oakleigh (southern metropolitan)

· Mildura (northern region)

· Box Hill (nort heast metropolitan)

· Morwell (eastern region)

- With AAP

The Council to Homeless Persons is calling on the government to increase housing stock, provide more rental assistance and invest in evidence-informed support models.

View from Pattersons Rd Clyde North. 329131

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Picture: GENERIC

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Free kinder in Casey

Registrations are now being accepted for both three and four-year-old kindergarten in 2024 with all City of Casey kindergarten sessions being free.

Next year, City of Casey kindergartens will be offering five hours of three-year-old kindergarten and 15 hours of four-year-old kindergarten.

To make it easier to plan ahead, this year families also have the option to choose their preferred kindergarten session at the

No sport without umpires

By Emily Chapman Laing

The Casey Netball Association is struggling to keep games on the roster after a postCovid decline in umpire volunteers.

time of registering.

Families will still be asked to list their preferred sessions but will know earlier in the year which session they have received. Research shows that young children learn best through play and attending kindergarten helps them develop skills that are the foundation for all future learning.

The City of Casey manages 47 local kindergartens that offer individual programs unique to their local environment and community.

“As a player and a parent of a player it is disappointing to hear that games may be cancelled due to lack of umpires,“ Casey Netball Club member Penny Lynne said.

“We enter the competitions and pay our fees with the assumption that the games will go ahead as per fixtures.

“The Stadium and games are our our social hub of sorts so the idea of not participating is upsetting.“

The Casey Netball Association started noticing the difference in participation after the pandemic.

“What we’re finding is that umpiring is another area that’s been affected by Covid,“ said General Manager Casey Netball Association Debbie Schramm.

“A lot of umpires sort of got part time jobs and other ways of making a bit of pocket money.“

Mrs Schramm said the huge loss of volunteers is detrimental to the community.

“We can’t have community sport without volunteers. We really need older age umpires or trained umpires that can handle senior games and mixed games.

“There’s lots of support, coaches and umpires for the junior programs but they aren’t experienced enough for seniors and mixed games.“

The last few weeks have seen the problem at its worst, with eight games cancelled in the span of a fortnight.

Mrs Schramm said there are many benefits to being involved in community sport.

“It’s a good way for people to become involved in a sports community, be active and be a role model for future generations. Here

at Casey we have a beautiful new stadium with ten indoor courts so nobody is having to brave the horrible weather outside.“

The Casey Netball Association has also proactively taken to scheduling matches earlier than before.

Umpires in the league have been given a pay rise and Mrs Schramm encourages those already involved in the community sport world to consider putting time spent at the courts to good use.

“A lot of umpires don’t get a lot of thanks for umpiring and there’s a lack of respect,“ she said.

“Without people reflecting on their behaviour and changing their attitudes, we’ll have to cancel more games. If we can’t find umpires, we can’t have games.“

If you think you can play a role or help out, please email info@caseynetball.com. au

Retire to Pakenham...

Delylah. Team is Casey Representatives Under 11. 170576

City of Casey kindergartens are offering free care in 2024.

Picture: GENERIC

Torturer jailed for decade

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Cranbourne man who inflicted cruel and prolonged torture sessions against a series of victims has been jailed for up to a decade.

Shayne Smith pleaded guilty at theVictorian County Court to intentionally causing serious injury, false imprisonment, extortion and drug trafficking and firearm offences.

In sentencing, Judge Scott Johns said Smith and several others in his “drug-related criminal milieu” visciously tortured victims to humiliate, extort or deter them from speaking to police.

One of the victims was assaulted at an associate’s house in Cranbourne after being interviewed by police.

He was repeatedly beaten, stripped naked and branded on the chest and buttocks with a heated-up coat hanger bent in the shape of a penis.

Smith joined in the assaults and forced the man to drink a potentially lethal amount of up to 20 mL of GHB and to cut up a beanbag cover to wear as clothing.

He also burnt the victim’s legs with a ‘Trade Flame’ device and pushed an electric drill into his legs, arms and body.

“Eventually(thevictim)wasallowedtoleave. Seriously assaulted. Seriously injured. Humili-

OPINION

ated and degraded,” Judge Johns said. 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.

As part of a separate extortion attempt, Smith texted an associate that “you’re about to see true fear in someone”.

Smith cable-tied a victim to a chair, blindfolded and gagged him before inflicting a “ter-

LENSCAPE

Birds fly over mangroves in the Western Port Bay at sunset in Warneet. Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To my mate Philandted Latham just because she’s awesome.

Thumbs down

For bad maintenance of roads and grass areas.

Thumbs up

To the team of concreters replacing the footpaths and driveways in my street.

Thumbs down

Another long weekend and we still can’t get to the Peninsula unless we change bus at Cranbourne Road for Frankston 792 needs to go to Mornington via local towns linking the towns up.

Thumbs down

Zero phone service in Clyde North. I actually get the new satellite symbol when my homeWiFi is down.

Thumbs down Stop running red lights.

Thumbs up

To the good souls that helped out the man and his dog who needed someone to care.You did and I hope life is looking better for them. Bless you all.

Thumbs up

To community rallying to help others in need.

Thumbs down

To the never ending road works,

rifying episode of torture” in which the victim thought he was going to die.

An associate Krishneil Chand said on the phone “When they make it difficult it is more fun” but sometimes he’d “like it to be easy”.

The victim taken to Monash Medical Centre with head injuries, a drill hole to his chest and a severely broken nose.

At Taylors Lakes, Smith struck another victim unconscious to the head with a MAPP gas bottle as part of an “cruel and extremely violent” group assault.

Smith struck him to the head several times causing severe bleeding, stabbed him to the chest with broken glass and branded him with a red-hot coat hanger.

He also forced the man to drink a dangerous quantity of GHB, and filmed him mopping up his blood with his own clothing.

Chand dragged the man around the room by a dog choker chain attached to the neck.

Judge Johns noted the“severe and enduring” impact and psychological harm to the victims.

Without empathy, Smith enjoyed inflicting pain on others in a self-centred way, the judge said.

It was difficult to reconcile Smith’s good work history and limited criminal record with the “extraordinary breadth” of offending, he

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

After a long fight,Warneet’s jetties are finally being replaced, and the community could not be happier. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Travis Mitchell

That’s great. A shame Ms Crugnale would not even meet with Restore Rup Rail let alone “listen, work with and walk side by side with our community” as she says… our fight is not over though! Stay tuned.

Victoria Police urged motorists to take extra care on the roads over the King’s Birthday long weekend as the number of lives lost surged to a 16-year high.

Leonard Pyle Lawrence

People are always going to die, it’s a fact of life. Over zealous enforcement isn’t going to change that fact. Hidden cameras do nothing to slow down drivers at the point in time that they should. A fine in the mail weeks later doesnt slow a driver down when it matters most, at the actual time of speeding.

A horror dog attack has rattled Casey residents, with Clyde North local Lily Parson Tesmann recently saying goodbye to her fatally attacked pup Andre. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Belinda Burford

Casey Council told me to deal with a dirtbike problem by going out and filming the riders and then follow them home for an address. If had done that, would they also have made excuses not to pursue charges based on unclear footage? I believe that the ’local laws’ team exist

found.

His excessive substance abuse at the time provided the best explanation.

Smith’s disrupted, disadvantaged childhood as well as mental health issues such as complex PTSD and adult ADHD were also noted.

Judge Johns found subsequent signs of“genuine remorse” as well as “some optimism” for his rehabilitation.

Smith was jailed for 10 years and eight months, including 670 days in pre-sentence detention. He will be eligible for parole after serving six years and nine months.

Meanwhile, Chand pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury, false imprisonment and possessing meth.

Chand was already in custody for a violent extortion and kidnapping of a man from Sandown Park Motel.

With a lengthy criminal history, he “clearly had an appetite” for that sort of violence, Judge Johns noted.

He was jailed for four years, including a twoyear-and-nine-month non-parole period.

The week before, Cranbourne associates Darren Whittaker, 41, and Richard Tuckerman, 23, were jailed for up to five-plus years for their involvement.

road closures and traffic.

Thumbs down

To the road works everywhere one goes, and if most of the workers worked instead of standing around smoking and talking things would finish quicker.

Thumbs down

To the potholes on major roads (and not talking about on roads currently being fixed).

Thumbs down

To the fact that the extra turning lanes onThompson Rd haven’t been activated yet.

Thumbs down

To the right turn from the South Gippy in towards Bunnings and

for a reason.

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

Joel Mitchell

Take away the flood Plains and green wedge, that leaves Hastings.

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. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Ray Purchase

Can’t resource the ones they have alreadybloke needs a few hours in the real world.

Federation University reconciliation representatives were involved in a healthy and engaged discussion about the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum on Thursday June 1. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Peter McKill

We don’t need a referendum, it can be enacted by parliament. It would be nice to actually see the final wording. All this hype and no substance. Electors will be voting blind.

Three teenagers have been charged following a carjacking in Cranbourne East on 23 May.

Laura Coomber

They should do adult time little arsehats.

Hungry Jacks. It needs to be closed off. Scene of way too many crashes.

Thumbs down

To Eden Rise for the bakery being shut and it not being replaced.

Thumbs up

To Uber driver Jackson who actually followed drop off instructions and delivered quickly.

Thumbs down

To the idiots that think Cherryhills drive is a race track

Thumbs down

For Linsell Boulevard still being closed at Berwick Cranbourne Road.

LAING

The County Court. Picture: AAP

New horse clinic, hospital

The Andrews Labor Government is backing the racing community in Melbourne’s southeast, with racehorses at the CranbourneTraining Centre to have access to a new world-class equine veterinary clinic and hospital.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines visited the centre this week to announce the Government is investing $2 million from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the project, with the Cranbourne Turf Club contributing a further $2.6 million.

The Cranbourne Training Centre is the largest training centre in the southern hemisphere, with more than 1,200 horses in training each day.

The hospital will provide the thoroughbred and harness racing industry in the southeast with access to world class diagnostic equipment, including X-ray and ultrasound machinery, a bone scanner and standing CT equine imaging.

This technology can identify increased injury risk in horses and assist trainers and vets to manage training and racing loads to reduce the risk of limb injuries.

In addition to enhancing animal welfare outcomes through diagnostic imaging technology, the project will also provide access to specialist veterinary care for the 1,200 horses based at Cranbourne as well as another 800 trained at nearby centres at Pakenham and Mornington.

The new buildings will be constructed next to the existing stabling area, without impacting current racing or training activities.

Construction is expected to begin soon and be completed in 2024.

The Cranbourne Racecourse is a signifi-

cant racing venue for harness and thoroughbred racing with the Cranbourne Turf Club and Cranbourne Harness Racing Club con-

ducting 52 race meetings and 15 trial meetings annually.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $6.4 million to support racing events and infrastructure projects at the Cranbourne Racecourse and Training Centre from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.

Cranbourne Turf Club CEO Neil Bainbridge said the new facility further enhanced Cranbourne as a leader in the racing industry.

“We know this investment will make all the difference for horses, owners and trainers, who can now access world-class diagnostic and treatment facilities,” Bainbridge said.

“We thank the Victorian Government for continuing to support the welfare of the racing industry.”

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines said the welfare of the horses was of prime importance.

“We are always looking to improve animal welfare for our horses,” Mr Carbines said.

“The construction of a new equine veterinary hospital at Cranbourne will provide access to first-class diagnostic equipment and quality care for the horses.”

Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards was excited by what the announcement meant for the region.

“This is a significant win for the entire racing community in the southeast,” Richards said.

“Having world class treatment facilities on-course at Cranbourne is a game-changer for trainers and animals alike.”

Last ditch attempt to save Australia’s largest drive-in

By Sahar Foladi

A council meeting on Monday 5 June saw a petition of 1,980 signatures in a desperate move to list Australia’s largest drive-in theatre, the Lunar Drive-In in Dandenong as a heritage site urging the council to support the cause.

The petition was listed on change.org.au on 12 January this year by Shane Fischer.

“Let’s get our politicians to hear our voice and list Lunar Drive In’s a heritage site that can’t be bulldozed by the next owners and turned into another warehouse.

“Act now before it’s sold and bulldozed and gone for us and generations to come!” Mr Fischer said in his listing.

The City of Greater Dandenong Council has referred the petition to the appropriate Council Business unit for further action.

The petition asked the council to reduce land tax and stop the sale of the land in a desperate move however council has no power over either.

Heritage Victoria spokesperson said they’d received nominations for the drive-in.

“We have received a nomination for the

Lunar Drive-In Theatre in Dandenong and a decision will be made in due course.

“An application for an Interim Protection Order has also been received by HeritageVictoria and is currently being assessed.”

Since the council meeting, signatures have increased to more than 2,000.

The current owner and soon to be exowner of the remnant of the past, David

Kilderry said assessments are always made by the Heritage Council.

“The Heritage listing makes no difference. The Drive-In is already sold and will be closed.”

The 5.92ha (14.93 acres) land was sold to a private developer, Pellicano, in December 2022.

The Dandenong Drive-In is the perfect locations for many communities and one of the last out of three in Melbourne.

However, Mr Kilderry said the location of the drive-in makes it not viable with soaring land tax.

“We performed a miracle by making it viable for past 21 years.

“We’re the largest and the best drive-in and still can’t make the money,” he said.

In 2010, Heritage Council Victoria determined not to include one of the few Drive-In theatres remaining, on theVictorian Heritage Register and referred the place to the City of Greater Dandenong for potential inclusion in the local heritage overlay.

The Dromana Drive-In and Coburg DriveIn are included on the Victorian Heritage

Register and will be the last two remaining in Melbourne after the closure of the Dandenong theatre.

Mr Kilderry said the Heritage Council rejected the drive-in as a heritage site in its original building and questioned what is to be heritage listed as some original parts were removed and re-developed with new equipment.

“There’s no original sign, screen projection room, snack bar, all were replaced in the 2000’s.

“Even when original building was here they (Heritage Council) deemed it not worthy of protection,” Mr Kilderry said.

The Dandenong drive-in theatre will be closed after 67 years after it first opened in 1956 as one of the first 10 drive-in theatres built in Australia.

Mr Kilderry said they’ll keep a lot of the equipment’s from the drive-in theatre for a comeback at a future location.

“That’s something difficult because of re-establishment cost but it’s not out of the picture.

“We’ve looked at areas and we can’t make further comments.”

Brothers, Matt and David Kilderry soon to be ex-owners of Australia’s largest Lunar Drive-In Theatre, Dandenong. 209429

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines and Member for Cranbourne, Pauline Richards, at the announcement of an equine veterinary clinic and hospital being built at the Cranbourne Turf Club. 341441 Picture: SUPPLIED

Tragedy leads to change

By Emily Chapman Laing

signed I still have the best interests of the community at heart,” she said.

Mentor,

advocate, consultant,

author and Clyde North local Julie Cini said she was “pretty stoked” to find out she was a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the King’s Birthday Honours.

“This is like my cherry on top of everything I’ve done and I’m really excited to be acknowledged in this way,” she said.

“As a person who’s a nobody, who’s a general everyday Joe-blow person, to be acknowledged with an OAM is testament to everything I have achieved over the years and it’s a real honour.”

Julie was awarded the OAM for her service to community health through her work with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Australia, where she has been a Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Julie’s journey began with the devastating passing of her two daughters Montanna and Zarlee, who both suffered Type 1 SMA.

Montanna was ten months of age when she passed away in 2004.

In May the following year, Julie lost her husband Ross in an accident, when she was 13 weeks pregnant with Zarlee.

Julie gave birth to Zarlee, who sadly passed away 12 months later on Christmas Day.

Where others may have succumbed to grief and loss, Julie made it her mission to advocate for the disease that took her daughters.

One in 30 people carry the gene for SMA, an inherited disease which results in the loss of nerves in the spinal cord.

The muscles connecting to those nerves, particularly in the neck, trunk, arms and legs, weaken, causing respiratory problems that prevent most children with Type 1 SMA from reaching their second birthday.

Julie has made significant advancements in the treatments available to families with SMAaffected children.

In 2017, Julie fought for a government subsidy for a life-saving SMA treatment called Spinraza.

At the time, it was the only known treatment for the disease and cost families an enormous $367,000 per year.

In 2018, she won the fight and Spinraza was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making the treatment $39.50 for nonconcession families, while concession holders paid just $6.40.

Since then, Julie has gotten another three treatments across the line.

“No matter what stage of SMA you’re at, you’ll be treated and it’s a game changer in the SMA world,” she said.

“It’s gone from an incurable disease five years ago to one where you will get to see your child grow up, it’s phenomenal.”

One of these treatments is a gene therapy called Zolgensma, an injection given to SMAaffected children at birth.

The treatment was PBS listed in 2022 and works by “putting a band-aid over the missing gene, helping it to be read correctly”.

“I’ve seen kids that are Type 1 and they’re walking, that was not an option five years ago but today that’s an option,” Julie said.

Zolgensma was the highest cost gene therapy in Australia, at $2.2 million.

Today, thanks to Julie, it costs between $5-$40 through a general chemist, and is free through hospital pharmacies.

Another of Julie’s highlights has been her work in getting newborn screening for SMA.

“The inception of newborn screening has been one of my big moments, to know that every child in Australia moving forward will be tested for this is an absolute delight,” she said.

“For someone in five years time who has no idea who I am, I’ve given the gift of life to them and there’s not many people in the world who can say that.

“They’re just going to know they have access to treatment and that is the legacy I get to leave.”

All of Julie’s amazing work over the past 19 years has been in support of her children, to offer other parents what Julie wasn’t able give to her own daughters.

“I did this for my kids,” she said.

“When I get to see my kids at the end of the day when I die, I can say that if I couldn’t fix it for them, I could fix it for everyone else.”

Julie resigned from SMA Australia in June 2022, feeling she had accomplished everything she could at a national level.

However, she still involved in an advisory capacity and as a spokesperson.

“It’s still been full on, and although I re-

“It was a personal achievement for me to finish what I started.

“I just knew there would be bigger and better things.”

Julie has now started an international charity called Advocacy Beyond Borders (ABB).

ABB works with patient groups and pharmaceutical industry organisations to develop and support local solutions to rare disease testing, treatment and management.

The website for ABB launched on Wednesday 7 June working primarily with Asia-Pacific countries, but Julie said the program is “rapidly” growing across the globe already, with interest in Egypt and Pakistan.

Julie is the distinguished author of ‘Leaving Life Legacies’, where she dives deeper into the loss of her family and how to keep going when life knocks you down.

She also owns two Miss Bella Bridal stores and offers workshops, mentoring and her services as a motivational speaker.

In receiving the OAM, Julie reflected on all she has achieved and how she believes this kind of accomplishment is available to anyone.

“Everyone has what it takes,” she said.

“I’m an everyday person with no formal qualifications and that’s inspiration to say to everyday people, you can do what you set out to achieve.

“It takes resilience and hard work but it is doable with the right people.”

Julie said someone once told her, when she first began with SMA Australia, that she wouldn’t be successful because of her weight.

Despite the negative commentary, Julie has created tangible and visceral change in the lives of countless Australian families.

“The sky is the limit, I am so grateful to be given this award,” she said.

“It makes all those days of pain and all those negative comments, the “you’re never good enough”, it makes it all worth it.

“I’m a middle aged, over-weight lady who just got an OAM and I’m here to say it’s doable.”

Changing hundreds of lives, Joan’s work recognised

From page 1

Despite any past troubles, Joan always cared for her foster children for who they were after they walked into her home.

Joan said she always felt “really chuffed” seeing how far some of the children came after time under her care.

Living on land, with access for the children to animals, books and entertainment were key elements in Joan’s triumph as a foster mum.

“I always had a bookshelf full of books and a playground outside,” Joan said.

“And animals are so giving and so relaxing for little kids who have had trauma.”

Joan and Brian faced their fair share of challenges as foster carers, sometimes feeling the all-too-familiar hip pocket pinch.

“It was very tough at times,” Joan said.

“You’d be amazed what you could do with a pound of minced beef and some veggies.

“But the kids never went without.”

Joan said it was common for her foster children to have come from environments

where a full lunchbox for school was a luxury.

“One boy told his mate at school that I must really like him, because I sent food to school with him,” Joan said.

“Sometimes the kids really can’t express themselves, but the things you do for them makes them feel wowed.

“Every good ending is a real sense of achievement,” Joan said.

Joan and Leanne explained the “need is so great” for foster carers, now more than ever.

“As long as you’ve got patience and time,

the rewards are amazing,” Joan said.

Joan has been a Board Member for the Foster Care Association of Victoria as well as a member of Foster Care Focus Group.

Joan is a 46-year-long member of the CountryWomen’s Association (CWA), a Lion’s Club and Hampton Park Community House member and a life member at the Dandenong Agricultural Society.

She is a current CWA Group President and Former Branch President, but will step down from her present position in the coming weeks.

Julie Cini OAM. 340195

Picture: ROB CAREW

A stalwart Scout’s honour

By Matthew Sims

From being helpful, considerate, loyal and trustworthy, Berwick resident Robert Millen has lived a full life dedicated to the laws of the Scouts.

Serving in a number of roles across Scouts Victoria branches for 50 years, he received an Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list on Monday 12 June.

Born in Seymour, Mr Millen grew up in Brunswick and joined the 3rd Brunswick Scouts at the Cubs level at the age of seven in 1944.

He received the Queen’s Scout award in 1954 while in Venturers, with recipients required to set personal goals, plan and organise activities with themselves and others, as well as maintain a high level of determination to reach milestones and complete attainment to the very best of their abilities.

His son Craig would also attain this honour in 1982 while in the 2nd Boronia Heights branch.

Mr Millen said the friendships he has built with Scouts has created an extended family of sorts.

“It provided friendships for a start,” he said.

“It did a lot for my personality.

“It provided that opportunity to travel.”

Climbing through the ranks at Brunswick, he later moved to the 2nd Boronia branch, becoming the assistant Venturers leader in 1964 at the age of 27 and then serving as the leader from 1965 to 1968 and from 1970 to 1972.

Mr Millen also served across a number of leadership roles within Scouts Victoria, including as Knox district leader for Venturers, Knox district commissioner from 1974 to 1980, Somers assistant area commissioner for Venturers, Somers area commissioner from 1982 to 1986 and North West Region assistant regional commissioner in 1986, followed by roles across the Monash district in the 1990s and 2000s.

He also attended a number of Scouts ‘jamborees’ throughout his time with Scouts, including a trip to Thailand in 1989.

Mr Millen then moved to supporting Gilwell Park in Gembrook in 2010, being a member of the support committee until 2013 then chairing the Australian Scout Fellowship’s Gil-

well Park Heritage Branch, visiting Gilwell Park with other Scout leaders and members to support the preservation of the heritage buildings every Wednesday.

Mr Millen said while he had seen a number of changes to Scouts, including the introduction of female Scouts, the core values remained a constant during his 50 years of service.

“Scouting offered standards which were underscored almost weekly,” he said.

“The basis of Scouting remains.”

Mr Millen said he loved serving the wider community and Scouts members.

“It’s just part and parcel for me,” he said.

“It provides an opportunity to help others.”

Mr Millen was also twice president “at the Rotary Club of Clayton and was also involved

in the Brunswick and Huntingdale Freemasons. His daughter Bronwyn said she was proud of her father’s achievements and recognition within Scouts Victoria.

“Dad doesn’t look at it as what he have done for them, he sees it as what they have done for him,” she said.

“It’s just part of his life.”

Ms Millen said there was still value in being part of organisations like Scouts or Rotary, as they revolve around social connections.

“People will approach you and introduce themselves,” she said.

Ms Millen said it was “very exciting” for the family to hear about Mr Millen receiving the OAM.

Speaking about receiving the OAM, Mr Millen said while it was “embarrassing”, it was an

honour to be recognised by his peers.

“I’m proud to be inducted along with other people that have done the same or more than me,” he said.

“I’m indebted to Scouts Victoria for the recognition.”

Mr Millen said he was grateful for the support he had received from his fellow Scouts spanning back 50 years.

“Scouting is a brotherhood,” he said.

“I’ve put a lot into Scouts and the reward is being with others.

“Digging holes or helping someone is what it’s about.”

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www. gg.gov.au.

Falling into the right place: Professor receives OAM

By Matthew Sims

What was a impromptu decision to enter into aged care and rehabilitation for Endeavour Hills resident Professor Terry Haines has turned into a career concerned with helping improve the elderly’s quality of life.

The Monash University School of Primary and Allied Health Care head of school has been appointed as a member of the Order of Australia in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list.

Professor Haines said he grew up wanting to be a sports physiotherapist, but had to find a job while raising his first child, landing at the Peter James Centre, providing rehabilitation and aged care services in Burwood East.

“I absolutely loved it,” he said.

“I loved being able to help people live independently.

“The actual work itself was fabulous.”

Professor Haines said he soon discovered that there was work to be done in terms of preventing falls in the facility and began work on a study, which was eventually published in 2004 in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

“What we were doing was based on an ideology, it wasn’t being driven by evidence,” he said.

“Pushing against an ideology is very hard.

“By doing research that’s trying to charge the status quo, you get a lot of responses.”

The work discovered there were a number of processes in terms of staff interaction with patients which led to more falls

“Three quarters of falls occur a metre

or so from the bedside,” Professor Haines said.

He was been one of the main executive members of the Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society between 2006 and 2018.

After living and working in Queensland for four years, Professor Haines and his family moved back toVictoria and put down roots in Endeavour Hills in 2008.

“I’ve never really planned my career out,” he said.

“It’s fabulous to find other areas you can throw yourself into.”

Professor Haines has published more than 330 peer-reviewed manuscripts including papers in journals including The Lancet, JAMA Internal Medicine, PLoS

Medicine, and BMC Medicine.

“If I can improve the effectiveness of the hospitals by one per cent, then that’s a much bigger impact on a much bigger scale,” he said.

Professor Haines said a common theme between his various fields of work was challenging perceptions of how work should be done.

“Just because we’ve got a theory something works doesn’t meant that it does,” he said.

Professor Haines’ other field of studies has been in health economics, after he wondered why processes weren’t being changed and how hospital’s budgets could be shifted to make way for improvements.

“This is actually benefiting society way

more than it costs,” he said.

Other projects Professor Haines has been working on including placing GPs in aged care facilities rather than allowing clients to be transferred to hospitals.

“When somebody’s going downhill, they can see to that straight away,” he said.

Despite his various personal achievements, Professor Haines said the thing he was most proud of was mentoring and collaborating with others.

“Being able to see their careers flourish... that really is the thing,” he said.

“I am parasitising the passion of others.”

Professor Haines said his success was also the product of his wife Emma.

“I can’t go and do all the things I do without my wonderful wife Emma,” he said.

“She has been a wonderful source of support.”

Professor Haines has also been a coach at the DSD Dolphins Basketball Club in Dandenong since 2008.

“I get a real kick out of mentoring,” he said.

“It’s great being able to help kids from a range of backgrounds.”

Professor Haines said it was an honour to be nominated and to receive the recognition.

“I feel like I’m just doing my job,” he said.

“It’s a nice thing to be recognised.”

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au.

Endeavour Hills local and Member of the Order of Australia Professor Terry Haines has carved out a varied career in fall prevention and healthcare.

Picture: MATTHEW SIMS

Berwick resident and Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipient Robert Millen celebrated the recognition with his dog Gizmo. Picture: MATTHEW SIMS

Robert held a number of leadership roles during his 50 years with Scouts.

Divide over sick kids

By Emily Chapman Laing

Local parents are at odds over sending children to childcare when they are sick, especially moving into the winter months.

With the cost of living crisis keeping many families on the brink of poverty, many parent’s say taking a day off to stay home with a sick child is a luxury they simply cannot afford.

“Today my son has a slight cough and a runny nose, I believe he is getting sick but I have a job interview so I had no choice but to send him,“ one local mum said.

Other mums have said whether they take time away from work is contingent of the severity of the symptoms.

“If I didn’t send my eight-month-old in every time he had a runny nose or a little cough he would literally never be there and I would have lost my job already,“ Demi-Lee Adams said.

Casey mum Amber Fraser said it is “nearly impossible“ to take time off for “lesser illness symptoms“.

“It is incredibly privileged to address this as selfish when some people rely on that income to make it through the week.

“Unfortunately the reality is that kids share germs constantly, and if you’re not prepared to deal with this - don’t put them in childcare.“

It’s not as simple as keeping the child at home for many parents, according to Charlotte Louise.

“It’s easy to say keep them home but then that also means losing a day of work and it’s usually the mums,“ she said.

“I have a fantastic employer but some don’t and it’s really hard.“

Making the choice between keeping a sick child home and honouring work commitments can be a difficult choice.

“No matter what you do you’re letting someone down,“ a local mum said.

“You’re either letting your work down because you’re being a parent or you’re letting your kid down because you’re trying to keep a roof over your head.“

Some parents also said they don’t have access to support systems they can lean on during these times, being without friends or family members who can mind their sick children for them so they can attend work.

However many parents don’t believe their family should suffer illness because another parent brings their sick child to daycare.

“My daughter is forever getting sick,“ Tay Agnew said.

“She attends daycare five days a week and within the last two weeks she’s been home due to conjunctivitis, flu and gastro.“

Other children have suffered respiratory

syncytial virus, diarrhoea and hand-footmouth disease.

“My daughter has had six viral infections in a period of eight months with the normal colds on top of it,“ Rochelle Ward said.

“I’m exhausted and this could be prevented if parents took care of their sick children instead of sending them to daycare or kinder.“

Single parents feel the brunt of illnesses caught from other children at daycare, as their livelihood and job security is affected.

“My kid is always sick, then I get sick and have to take more time off from work,“ Caitlin Rose said.

“As a single parent it’s hard because it affects my job and income.“

While other parents have said it is wrong to criticise the practice as selfish, Nadia Enua said that’s exactly what it is.

“Parents shouldn’t send sick kids to daycare regardless of what they have on,“ Ms Enua said.

“It’s selfish and not fair on parents who do the right thing.“

Local mum Kelly Warner said more families are sending sick kids in since the Covid restrictions lifted.

“When I’ve mentioned a child’s illness to the parent, it gets blown off as ’It’s not Covid, I tested them’.“

Ex-childcare manager Patricia Spence said the practice is all too common.

“Some parents will collect the child, go to the doctors and get clearance and then being them back to daycare within hours and the

manager can’t do anything about it,“ she said.

“Or they Panadol the child up so they are fine at drop off, and when called to collect [the child] take a few hours.“

However, ex-childcare worker Leanne pointed out it’s not unusual for some illness to be contagious before children even show symptoms.

Alicia Green, also an ex-childcare worker, said “it’s like a rotating door with sicknesses at daycares“.

“It never ends, but it does get easier as they get older.“

In Victoria, kindergartens and other children’s services have a responsibility under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 to exclude unwell children for set periods.

“All early childhood services must have clear policies and procedures in place to help prevent the spread of infectious illnesses or disease,“ a Department of Education spokesperson said.

“These policies should specify when unwell children need to stay home or be picked up from a service to control the risk of infection.

“Services are encouraged to remind families about their approach to infection control before the cold and flu season begins so parents can make arrangements to ensure their children get the necessary care and pressure on families is minimised.”

While the Child Care Subsidy is available to Victorian parents for up to 42 days per financial year when their child is absent from a session of care when they would normally attend, the government does not require childcare services to reimburse families for absences.

There is not yet a one-size-fits-all solution for the problem, but parents have chimed in with ideas of their own.

Many parents noted the stress of paying for childcare on days when their son or daughter is home sick, as centres charge regardless of attendence.

“Maybe if they stopped charging for sick kids to stay home then people wouldn’t bring their sick kids in,“ Spike Dwyer said.

Mum Danii Asher, who suffers from health issues leaving her susceptible to illness, said it would be “good to have some extra assistance for parents“ in navigating the problem.

Others have suggested fining the parents.

“I am a Certificate III cleaner and have cleaned child care centres having to do triple cleans, costing the centres a lot of money,“ Sandra Pascoe said.

“Maybe if centres started fining parents they would stop.“

Ten local child care facilities were contacted for comment but none responded before deadline.

Refugees’ families ‘priced out’ of Australia

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

After long waits for permanent residency, hundreds of refugees are now facing steep, unaffordable fees to reunite with their loved ones.

In February, the Federal Government announced new Resolution of Status (RoS) visas for more than 19,000 refugees on Temporary Protection Visas and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas.

Some had been languishing in limbo in Australia for more than a decade.

Refugee advocateWickiWickiramasingham says RoS visa holders in the South East were initially pleased about the prospect of bringing their families to Australia after a decade of separation.

However, they were unable to afford the $8000-plus visas for their partners and $2750 for each child.

MrWickiramasingham said he had heard of some facing costs of more than $18,000 for a partner and four children, with fees set to rise further from 1 July.

“There’s no exemptions from these fees,” he said.

“How can a single person earn that, especially if they have had no work rights or been unemployed for three years during Covid?”

Human Rights Law Centre managing lawyer Sanmati Verma said the policy was shad-

Hoon reaps disaster aid

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Dandenong man has pleaded guilty to about 50 charges involving a spree of hooning, high-speed police pursuits and scamming Government disaster assistance schemes.

Dylan Desmond Milkins, 23, registered an ABN for a fictitious labour-hire and supply business with false GST credits to receive $24,170 in Covid disaster payments in 2021, Dandenong Magistrates Court heard on 8 June.

He also made a second attempt to extract $24,870 in the same manner.

Milkins also falsely claimed to be living in flood-hit Penrith NSW and Seymour in rural Victoria to gain $1000 in Commonwealth disaster relief and another attempt for $1000.

He told police that he’d come across the “scheme” on social media.

Among his illegal driving spree was a 36-second burnout dangerously near a crowd of spectators in the middle of Belgrave-Hallam Road in Hallam on New Years Eve night, police told the court.

As part of the midnight burnout, his passenger lit a series of fireworks and dropped them from his unregistered Commodore.

The incident was said to have terrified dogs inside a nearby pet resort.

Unbeknown to Milkins, a by-stander also walked up to the car, while it produced voluminous smoke and flicked out its rear end metres from the crowd, police stated.

A police intelligence officer discovered video of the episode posted on Milkins’ social media account. He later told police he believed he was fully in control of his car at the time.

Milkins was also charged over a latenight police pursuit across Narre Warren, Lynbrook, Dandenong, Springvale and Mulgrave, clocking 150 km/h-plus speeds and running a red light in February 2021.

In a second pursuit, the suspended Pplater on bail cut through and overtook traffic at high speed, reaching 160 km/h in the Monash Freeway emergency lane.

A police officer called off the pursuit due to the alleged dangerous driving.

Milkins, with no prior convictions, had spent 78 days in pre-sentence custody – a term that magistrate Jason Ong indicated was “insufficient”.

Defence lawyer Elarya George argued for his release on a community corrections order, including mental health and drug and alcohol treatment as well as road safety education and unpaid work.

Mr Ong said he needed to be convinced that a CCO was appropriate given the “lengthy and serious offending”. He noted the police pursuits and a burnout occurred when Milkins shouldn’t have been driving, as well as the pair of fraudulent schemes against the Commonwealth.

Milkins will appear for pleas and sentencing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 16 June.

owed by the“spectre of deterrence” since a former Labor Government abolished free family reunion visas for refugees in 2012.

The move was deliberately designed to deter asylum seekers arriving by boat, Ms Verma said.

As a result, impoverished refugees are required to pay “astronomical” and “exorbitant” fees under the general family visa pathway.

Ms Verma said processing waits could also be up to 10 years under the “discriminatory” wait lists.

Partner visas from the USA were usually completed within a year, while it might take a decade for families fleeing Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, she said.

A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said as permanent residents, RoS visa holders were eligible to sponsor family members under the “family visa stream”.

“The Government is focused on providing those who engage Australia’s protection obligations a chance to continue their lives in Australia with certainty and security.”

The Government revoked a ministerial direction that put ‘unauthorised maritime arrivals’ at the “lowest processing priority” for family visas.

The family visa stream is subject to capping and queuing arrangements for “some categories”.

Wicki Wickiramasingham, second right, with Tamil asylum seekers Sathees, Nige, Lenny, Dinesh and Roger. 333981 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

Struggling families say a day away from work with a sick child can be the difference between being able to put food on the table or not.

Picture: GENERIC

Great nights out at Drum

As the winter weather sets in, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the magic of theatre.

Enjoy great performances in the cosy setting of Dandenong’s iconic Drum Theatre this month.

Dynamic duo Marina Prior and David Hobson return to the Drum stage with an allnew repertoire in The 2 of Us. The two-hour intimate performance includes classic numbers, as well as backstage and life stories from

Explore

their famed careers.

Experience the stage adaptation of the Bengali movie Bhooter Bhobisyat by Actomania. The comedy is performed in Bengali/Bangla language.

Find fun on the school holidays with some family friendly performers, including the return of the Wiggles. With three performances scheduled, there’s never been a better time to see the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group live in concert.

What's On

Disney's FROZEN Kids

Masquerade Youth Productions

Friday 30 June, 11am and 2pm

Saturday 1 July, 2pm and 5pm

Saturday 8 July, 7pm

Delight in the magic of a winter wonderland and adventure with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven and all your favourite characters in Disney’s Frozen Kids presented by Masquerade Youth Productions.

Drum offers a special Encore Program featuring daytime performances with lower ticket prices. Featuring everything from drama to comedy, circus and music, the program offers something for everyone and includes complimentary morning tea and

Thursday 20 July, 7pm

a parking voucher.

Join us in August for the next Encore show featuring acclaimed guitarists The Grigoryan Brothers. See Slava and Leonard perform original music inspired by Australia on a variety of guitars, including electric, 8 string, tenor ukulele, 12 string and classical guitars.

Discover great theatre in your own backyard. Visit drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au to see what’s on and book your seat today.

The Grigoryan Brothers: This Is Us

Thursday 17 August, 10.30am

Thursday 28 September, 10.30am

Drum Theatre Corner Lonsdale & Walker streets, Dandenong | 8571 1666 drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

Friday 17 November, 8pm

Dynamic duo Marina Prior and David Hobson return to the Drum stage with an all-new repertoire in The 2 of Us.Music, theatre, children’s theatre, ballet .... all are part of the rich feast to be found at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre.

Echoes of Pink Floyd

Marina Prior and David Hobson 'The 2

Khally Ballak Men ZouZou Presented by The Light of Diversity

Bon Appetit by Petit Circus

Safeguarding the coast

While many Warneet locals aren’t happy about the location of the local mangroves, the City of Casey Sustainability Team stresses their environmental importance.

Warneet locals engaged with the City of Casey and the Dolphin Research Institute in a coastal environment event on Thursday 8 June.

A member of the City of Casey sustainability team led the group on an informal walk along the Rutherford Creek, where different plants were explained.

The group discussed the mangroves situated in the creek, how their roots are visible at low tide and how the mangroves operate as a carbon sink.

Carbon sinks sequester large quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and decrease the effects of climate change.

Mangroves also defend against erosion, which local residents pointed out is becoming a problem.

The land closest to the creek was described as “floating“.

The dense roots of mangroves help to bind and build soils, while the above-ground roots slow down water flows, encourage deposition of sediments and reduce erosion.

However, some locals explained they aren’t all that happy with the location of the mangroves, as they impinge on the waterfront used for recreation and boating.

After the short sunset walk, the group headed back to the Warneet Motor Yacht Club to hear about a new City of Casey initiative to “safeguard Casey’s coastal region“.

The project will address the risks posed by climate change and riding sea levels, and work with local communities to create a protection framework.

The event concluded with a presentation by the Dolphin Research Institute’s Education Director Mandy Robertson.

“I was invited as Dolphin Research Institute has a partnership with City of Casey, providing financial and operational support for our award winning Primary school leadership program, i sea i care Marine Ambassadors,“ Ms Robertson said.

“I was there to provide that end of journey story for our waterways, that start in the hinterland and end up in the ocean.

“Casey is passionate about its Coastal areas and teaching their communities to protect it.“

Ms Robertson showed off various specimens from whales and dolphins, including Sperm whale teeth, a Bottlenose dolphin skull and whale baleens from a Pygmy Blue whale and Pygmy Right whale.

Participants were all surprised at how heavy the sperm whale teeth are, feeling their substantial weight in awe.

Ms Robertson also talked about the current migration of Humpback whales, who are moving up to Queensland from Antarctica over the winter.

There were interactive activities for the children who attended.

The kids were asked to match photos of whale tails from the same individuals, and match dolphin photos to their correct individual biographies.

Ms Robertson said there are many ways climate change will impact whales and dolphins in Australian seas.

“Increased rain events, flooding and bush fires all leave devastation on land and ultimately, the debris is washed into the ocean,“ she said.

“This increases pollution, sediments and excess nutrients in the marine environment, leading to reduced sunlight for phytoplankton to reproduce, toxic chemicals building up in the food chain, and algal blooms which reduce oxygen availability and release toxins which can lead to direct deaths through lack of food and/or reduced immunity and the increase of diseases which lead to indirect deaths.

“Marine heatwaves too, lead to extreme water temperatures and massive die offs of ocean life, further impacting the food chains and what is available for whales and dolphins to eat.“

Situated within Victoria’s Western Port Bay, Casey’s coastal area encompasses the vibrant communities of Warneet, Cannons Creek, Blind Bight and Tooradin.

This region is not only home to diverse marine and coastal ecosystems but also serves as a vital environmental, social, and economic asset for the community.

As seas levels continue to rise in Western Port Bay, coastal hazards such as land erosion and floods pose increasing risks to the region.

These hazards are anticipated to have environmental, cultural, economic, and social impacts on Casey’s coast.

Funded through the Department of Transport and Planning’s Coastal Planning Grants program, Casey’s Coastal Framework will guide the council’s approach for managing and adapting to these coastal hazards.

City of Casey CEO Glenn Patterson said the council is committed to protecting Casey’s coastal region and believes the Coastal Framework will play a vital role in achieving this objective.

“Recognising the growing impact of climate change, the framework will allow us to prepare for changing climate conditions,” said Mr Patterson.

“However, we cannot do this alone. Community participation and engagement is essential in developing a successful framework that incorporates community concerns, knowledge and solutions.

“We look forward to the active involvement of residents in shaping the Coastal Framework and working together to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for our coastal community.”

Casey’s coastal area is home to important ecological habitats such as native mangroves, seagrass beds and saltmarshes which provide refuge to endangered shorebird species.

Acknowledging its ecological significance, the region is protected under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance and is declared a protected Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Throughout the council’s 2021 “Shape Your City” engagement campaign, the Casey community feedback highlighted that a safe and sustainable future is a high priority for Casey residents. The council has responded to this by embedding climate resilience in their Environmental Strategy.

Under the Local Government Act (2020) the council also has a responsibility to inform the community of potential risks related to climate change, as well as ensuring that decisions are informed by these risks. To help shape the framework, the council is inviting the community to share with what they value about the coast, and what is important to coastal communities.

Residents are encouraged to share what they love about the coastal areas and identify specific locations that they perceive changes or vulnerabilities to coastal hazards, such as storm surges and rising sea levels.

For more information and to share your feedback visit Casey Conversations or come and speak with Council officers at community pop-ups along the coast, including atTooradin Community Market on Sunday 18 June.

Consultation is open until 13 July 2023.

Once community feedback is reviewed, the Draft Coastal Framework will be developed and available for community consultation early 2024.

Clyde funds confirmed: More than $20m to flow to school

Clyde Secondary College will receive $20.6 million for their Stage 2 build after an announcement visit from Education Minister Natalie Hutchins along with local MPs, Jordan Crugnale and Pauline Richards.

“We are thrilled to receive confirmation of our Stage 2 funding which will give us new classrooms and a Visual Arts Centre,” said Principal Kondilo Prades.

“Our students are particularly excited that this funding also includes a sports oval and additional hardcourts and we can’t wait until our new facilities are ready for use.”

The 2023-24 Budget funding allows for a sports oval, a Visual Arts Centre, new classrooms, and more basketball courts.

Clyde Secondary College opened in 2022, grows a year level each year.

By 2026 it will have students in every year level and be able to cater for 1,300 students, including 100 places for students with disabilities.

“Along with Principal Kondilo Prades, an in-depth school tour was conducted by the school captains, highlighting what

they love about their school, how they learn from each distinct area and how they are inspired by the layout and facilities,” said

“This growing school community has fostered a caring, inclusive, creative and supportive environment and I am thrilled that we can deliver Stage 2.

“Thank you to all the teachers and support team who put their hearts into nurturing and inspiring the students.

As part of a more than $2 billion investment, the Andrews Labor Government made a commitment to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026, with 84 new schools opening or funded since 2019.

In the past nine years, the Labor Government has invested $14.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1940 school upgrades, creating around 21,200 jobs in construction and associated industries.

“Building the Education State isn’t just about constructing new schools – we’re making sure everyVictorian student has access to the best facilities at school, no matter where they live,” Ms Hutchins said.

Jordan Crugnale MP.

Jordan Crugnale MP with students, Kondilo Prades, Education Minister Ms Natalie Hutchins MP and Pauline Richards MP.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Ivy (left) and Kyla (right) show off some specimens from whales. 340435

Pictures: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Dolphin Research Institute Education Director Mandy Robertson. 340435

Connecting kids to nature

By Emily Chapman Laing

A group of children found themselves with soil-covered hands, sandy feet and lungs filled with fresh air on Friday 9 June.

The Oakgrove Community Centre introduced their Nature Playgroup in February this year, hoping to “motivate children along with their families to connect with our natural environment”.

“We are a big part of nature but with modern society the connection to the natural environment has been so restricted,” said Oakgrove Community Centre Manager Mary Amalraj.

“Nature Playgroup was born out of a deep thirst to understand the significance of how the natural world works and how to care for our country.”

Nature Playgroup facilitator Jen Lewis said spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is “vital for developing healthy mindsets in children”.

“If love, connection and wonder for nature happens at a very young age it is part of that child’s values that they will carry with them into adulthood,” she said.

“If you love something, you will protect it and our natural world needs protection now more than ever.”

The space is set up with a range of activities and the children choose what they want to interact with and how.

Some of the activities on offer include art and craft, using magnifying lenses to see nature up close, using natural materials for play, gardening activities and the ever-popular “Mud Kitchen”.

The children are also taken on nature walks and finish off sessions with song.

“The children love the outdoor space we have for them to explore, they all have different interests that they are allowed to explore their way,” Ms Lewis said.

“Each week, there is a variety of activities usually based around a theme and the children turn the activity into something that suits how they are feeling that day.

“The children are really wonderful, this program has only been running for a term and a half but we have seen how much the children have grown in that time.”

Ms Lewis said a highlight of the sessions is when the children tell her about an insect they saw that week or bring in a special leaf to show her.

The sessions aren’t bound by sunshine and warm weather either- the facilitators encourage time outside even when it’s cold.

“We embrace the changes in seasons and

the natural elements, asking families to dress appropriately for the weather,” Ms Lewis said.

“During cold weather we suggest winter woollies, beanies and jackets.

“On wet days we can use the indoor spaces and undercover areas, but it’s always fun to use an umbrella in the rain and this is welcomed.”

The children in Nature Playgroup have but one rule to follow, and that is to wear their “dirty” play clothes.

Families are asked to bring their kids a spare set of clothes so they can get as dirty and wet as they like while having fun without having to worry.

Bruce MP Julian Hill joined the playgroup for the day, helping with planting in the garden and telling the group of his “happiest memories” gardening with his grandma, “planting new plants, pruning and nurturing new life”.

Mr Hill said people are right to be worried in the modern world about just how much

time children are spending on average in front of screens and devices, rather than playing and learning outside.

“Children being given time and space to connect with nature is so important for their wellbeing, development and learning,” he said.

“It was terrific to see how Oakgrove Community Centre are making such great use of their safe and secure former kindergarten space for the Nature Playgroup.

“I encourage local parents to drop in and enjoy the experience with their kids.”

Ms Lewis said she was hoping Mr Hill was there to help fund programs similar to the Nature Playgroup, or expand on what the centre can currently offer.

“I do hope he saw the importance of programs like this being available to all families and will take that message back to parliament to share with other MP’s,” she said.

“We need to prioritise the connection to nature for all.

“All MPs should spend more time in nature.”

Ms Lewis hopes more parents will indulge their children in the essential atmosphere of nature.

“Just come along and give it a try,” she said.

“You will find a welcoming space for your whole family to enjoy.

“Play and nature are essential for all ages and this gives you and your children that ability in a relaxed setting.”

Parents are also able to get involved, participating in arts and crafts.

Ms Lewis said often the parents are learning alongside their kids.

“The best thing is that all the mess and setup happens at the centre so you can relax and enjoy,” she said.

Premier pops in for a cuppa at Biggest Morning Tea

The Oakgrove Community Centre’s Biggest Morning Tea welcomed a special guest with Premier Daniel Andrews among the attendees last week.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas and Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson also attended the event to touch base with the community and chat about the fight against cancer and the work of the community centre and the Cancer Council. Mr Maas said the local community appreciated the services and support which the centre provides.

“It was fantastic to catch up with the people who attended the Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event at Oakgrove Community Centre and bring along a surprise guest,” he said.

“The work of president David Haynes and manager Mary Amalraj at Oakgrove Community Centre does not stop.

“We must continue the fight against cancer as most of us have been touched by a friend or loved one going through their own battle with this disease.”

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea turned 30 this year with donations to the Cancer Council funding life-saving research, screening and treatment programs, prevention, and support services including their 13 11 20 information and support line. To contribute to the fundraiser, visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/ fundraisers/OakgroveCommunityCentre

Premier Dan Andrews joined local MPs and Oakgrove Community Centre leaders for the event. 338612

Pictures: GARY SISSONS Carol Howell and Louise Bailey enjoyed a cuppa and a chat. 338612

The event welcomed community members from across a number of local groups and support networks. 338612 John and Erum enjoying a bit of painting. 338612

Jenny, Naomi and Lisa. 338612

20-month-old Issac safe in the garden with mum Gracia’s help. 338298 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Nathaniel painting. 338298

Julian Hill MP and Nature Play Group facilitator Jen Lewis. 338298

Emmanuel. 338298

Nature Play Group facilitator Jen Lewis with Tahlia. 338298

with Hampton Park Secondary College Cultural Diversity Coordinator Sally Curruthers

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I have always had a soft spot for dogs. When I was a kid, I found two stray dogs, I had seen them on and off, wondering my street for two weeks, they were malnourished and appeared unkempt with matted fur. They came up to me a few times and then walked with me to an abandoned back yard, they stayed there for two days, feeding them my own dog’s dog food, until my mum caught me and helped me contact the pound to help find their home, poor babies were dumped. I was too young to understand and just wanted to make sure they had food and shelter. My heart was in the right place, I was seven! I like to rescue animals and have had a few foster dogs in my time. From time to time I volunteer for Mini’s Bulldog Rescue Group and they are amazing rescue with rehoming hundreds of Bulldogs, from French Bulldogs, to British Bulldogs and the big softy, American Bulldogs, they help so many unwanted pooches.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love working with students, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves and help them with the journey through school. My previous role I was involved in was Disability Inclusion support and loved working with a variety of students, helping them to push their limits and meet their potential. My role as the Cultural Diversity Coordinator is new and I get to meet a lot of different people in the community, I am a very social person and enjoy making connections. I am privileged in working towards fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. I can create initiatives, programs and help build policies that celebrate and embrace individual from varied backgrounds. Engaging with diverse cultures exposes new perspectives, traditions, and ideas. Each day brings the opportunity to expand my knowledge, challenge my assumptions and broaden understanding. The opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives and contrib-

ute to building a more inclusive society, which can be incredibly fulfilling.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

If I were an animal, I would be a meerkat!

Meerkats are known for their social qualities and are the most social animals in the world.

Meerkats are compassionate and graceful while showing kindness, a meerkat would give their lives to their friends or family. My nature of helping anyone I come across resonates well with the nature of a meerkat.

What would your last meal be?

My last meal would be Chinese, a large bucket

of honey chicken with special fried rice, yum! What was your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moment is becoming a mother, I was young, but my heart was full, only 20 when I welcomed my beautiful daughter. Then finding out I was going to be a mum to a rainbow baby after a miscarriage, thinking my odds were against me, having my son 5 years later was so indescribable. As I witnessed their first breaths and held them in my arms for the very first time, an overwhelming wave of love flowed over me. It was as if time stood still, and the world faded away. I was mesmerised by the sheer perfection of these tiny beings that my husband and I eagerly waited for. Those moments are cherished forever. What were you like as a kid?

I was strong and independent go-getter. I was very compassionate towards others, especially the underdog. I was adventurous and would head out early in the morning on my bike and hang out at the local stream, then would make sure I had to be home before the streetlights came on. A child of the 90’s is so different to a child of today!

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

I would go back to my wedding and take one last look at my loved ones that have since passed, they are so dearly missed. To others who are no longer in my life, I am thankful that that time flows and life takes its course, certain people may naturally fade from our lives and surprisingly this can be quite liberating. While we once shared wonderful moments, circumstances change and so do we. The departure of those people brings a sense of relief as I embraced freedom to explore a new path fresh experience. A weight was lifted to allow focus on personal growth and surround myself with people who align more closely with me. People come and go all the time, but the ones that are true value you keep around and

keep them close to your heart. Just like that saying, “friends are like stars, they come and go but the ones that stay are the ones that glow”. Marrying my husband was one of the best days of my life. My deepest admiration and gratitude for the incredible person that my husband is. From the begging he was my life anchor, providing unwavering love, support and companionship that fills my heart with love and joy.

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

At my dinner table I would have James Dean, Nostradamus, my mum, Ed Sheeran, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II. Now the last 2 would be a very interesting conversation to be a part of!

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I am currently watching Justified, The Clearing and The Ranch. A good old Drama, with a mix of true crime, whilst throwing in a good laugh! Keeping it mixed up!

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Empathetic, compassionate and strong. Apparently I bounce back quickly, I worry about them more than myself and would give them my last dollar or clothing off my back.

Where is your happy place?

Anywhere my family is, I would be lost without my children and husband!We are adventurous and love to travel together.

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

I would be stuck as I can’t cook! So, I would make a charcuterie board and pour some wine! Where is your dream holiday destination?

America, I was lucky to go there as a child with a school trip, would love to experience this place as an adult! Take my kids to the places I went at their age and see how different it is.

Sally likes to rescue animals and has had a few foster dogs in her time. Picture: SUPPLIED

Fun run party for birthday

By Matthew Sims

Runners, joggers and strollers of all ages celebrated the 9th birthday of the Frog Hollow parkrun in Endeavour Hills in style last weekend.

The party theme was out in full force as 118 members took on the course at David Collins Reserve with support from 13 volunteers on Saturday 10 June.

Frog Hollow parkrun event co-director Lynette Pritchard said it was a special milestone to celebrate, especially following previous birthday celebrations being cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

“Since the launch of Frog Hollow parkrun, 4,567 parkrunnerss have completed 32,601 parkruns covering a total distance of 163,005 kilometres,” she said.

“There were 98 runners and 14 volunteers at the launch.

“Since then, we have evolved and changed but we have kept the same family friendly vibe since the start.”

By 2020, the event had grown to attracting more than 100 runners a week, with six to eight volunteers filling roles each week.

Ms Pritchard said the record number of runners was 327 on Christmas Day in 2019.

“Of the parkrunners who scanned their barcodes, twenty-six have gone on to complete 250 or more parkruns,” she said.

“Nine have completed between three hundred and three hundred and ninety-nine parkruns.

“Six have completed four hundred or more parkruns, with the person who has completed the most currently on 459.”

Ms Pritchard said the success of the

event was due to the efforts of their volunteer base.

“Without our wonderful volunteers, parkrun simply doesn’t happen,” she said.

“Almost every week, somewhere in Austra-

lia an event has to be cancelled because of insufficient volunteers.

“We don’t want Frog Hollow to be one of them.”

The Frog Hollow parkrun runs for free ev-

ery Saturday, with the first timer briefing at 7.45am and event briefing from 7.50am, with the first runners starting at 8am.

For more information, visit www.parkrun. com.au\froghollow

South East young people taking skills to the next level

From changing a tyre to cooking a nutritious meal, a group of South East young people received a crash course into some of life’s most useful skills.

Youth group Casey-Cardinia Rotaract hosted its Level Up Expo (LUX) event on Saturday 10 June at the Balla Balla Community Centre in Clyde North.

President Liam Hines said about 25 young people attended the event.

“Everyone absolutely loved it,” he said.

“As a community group, it focused on training and development.”

Other skills and presenters on show included creature visitors from Wildlife Sidekicks, theVictorian Electoral Commission, finance and budgeting and tertiary education.

Star News photographer Rob Carew attended the event to capture all of the action and scaly and feathery visitors.

Current Casey-Cardinia Rotaract president Liam Hines enjoyed helping young locals learn new skills. 340191

Victorian Electoral Commission democracy ambassador Binita Hada Maskey speaks to an interested participant during the event.

Superstar Crocodile ‘Gizmo’ impressed the Rotaract team during the event. 340191

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Event co-director Gay Bourke embraced the party theme.

Linda Buttigieg and Ezekiel.Gordon Longhouse leading the pack.

Elise Mason and Ollie Tew.

Pictures: HELEN MYALL

Donating health, happiness

By Tanya Faulkner

For many people, donating blood is an hour out of their day, while for others, it represents the gift of a lifetime.

However, for one Pakenham business owner, blood donations have helped secure the future for her third child.

With National Blood Donor Week running from Monday 12 June to Sunday 18 June and World Blood Donor Day on Wednesday 14 June, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging those in the south-east to donate blood and plasma to help those who have medical conditions that require extra help.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging 8500 people with O and A blood groups to donate as the cold and flu season, combined with ongoing Covid-19 cases, is creating a potential blood donor shortage.

Around 2000 donors a week are cancelling and rescheduling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms, and it is expected to get worse in the coming weeks.

Mother of three and former Officer local Nikki Jurcutz recently delivered her third child and is one of a number of South East residents requiring regular plasma treatments to reduce the risk of her third baby developing Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT).

Her first two children Nahla and Wolf were both diagnosed with the disease, which affects a baby’s platelet levels when they are born, putting them at risk of intracranial haemorrhage if these platelets get too low.

To try and avoid her third child from being born with the same condition, Mrs Jurcutz received weekly treatment during her most recent pregnancy from 20 weeks onwards called intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Each treatment is six to eight hours minimum in the hospital, with the IGIV prepared from a pool of antibodies from the plasma of

thousands of healthy donors.

Her journey has been so impactful that it has inspired her team at Tiny Hearts Education, which is based in Pakenham, to all take part in donating blood and plasma.

Mrs Jurcutz said the IVIG kept Bambi’s platelet levels at normal, meaning she did not have to go into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“Initially I was relieved that there was an option available to me that will significantly impact my baby when she is born and I am extremely grateful,” she said.

Mrs Jurcutz has had 16 IVIG treatments during her pregnancy to reduce the risk of her unborn daughter having low platelets or bleeding and needing to go to special care after birth.

Recent Lifeblood data shows about 110,000

Australians have signed up to give blood or plasma for the first time in the past 12 months.

However, about 75 per cent still haven’t donated.

Lifeblood Australia executive director of donor experience Brett King said leading up to National Blood Donor Week, Victorians in the south-east regions are especially being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and make a donation.

“We’re thanking all our current donors for their generosity and life-saving donations,” he said.

“However, with the demand for blood and blood products growing, we need more people to make blood or plasma donation a regular, life-saving habit.”

Pakenham is leading the way in the southeast with the highest number of donations in the past year, with 2959 donations made from 1561 donors.

Narre Warren has seen 2532 donations in the past year from 1374 donors, and Cranbourne sits at 2395 donations in the past year from 1386 donors, and all of these donations combined have helped save up to 23,600 lives.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood spokesperson Emily Granland said they are grateful for the support from donors across the South East.

“There have been more than 7,800 local donations in the past 12 months, which have helped save up to 23,600 lives,“ she said.

“Every donation can save up to three lives and makes a huge difference to people like Nikki.

“We encourage people in the local community to follow the lead of our wonderful donors and donate if they can.“

The process itself for donating plasma, called ‘apheresis’ is simple and rewarding for those who participate.

Those who donate are sat in a comfortable chair as a machine draws the blood from your arm.

The machine then separates the blood to collect the plasma, and the red blood cells are returned to the participant’s body.

Locals can show their support for the cause by attending one of the upcoming pop-up blood donor centres in their area.

Cranbourne’s pop-up centre is open from Monday 19 June to Friday 30 June, Pakenham is open from Monday 17 July to Friday 28 July, and Narre Warren North is open from Monday 28 August to Friday 8 September.

For more information about donating plasma or blood or to book an appointment, visit lifeblood.com.au, phone 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.

Pakenham business owner Nikki Jurcutz received a number of intravenous immunoglobulin treatments with the support of her son Wolf. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Lost Dogs’ Disco

Calling all dog lovers! This winter a pack of dogs are moving into the Bunjil Place Plaza to have some fun.

The Lost Dogs’ Disco is a temporary sculpture that celebrates the place of dogs in our lives. Visitors journey through an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to 5.5m tall, all in various states of repose – curled-up, standing, even touching noses.

· FREE and family friendly.

· Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Warren from Saturday 24 June - Sunday 16 July, 10am-10pm.

Woodworkers Expo

Presented as part of the City of Casey Winter Arts Festival, the Berwick District Woodworkers will open their doors to the public to showcase the incredible work of members, including furniture, woodturning, carving, pyrography, scroll saw work, rocking horses, toys, and a range of other aspects of woodworking.

The expo will feature work at all skill levels from beginners to national award winners, with live demonstrations of various woodworking techniques throughout the weekend.

There will also be a raffle, activities for children, an opportunity to purchase pieces for sale, and the Farmers Market on the Saturday morning.

You can also watch the second chain saw carving sculpture come to life.

Last year was the Powerful Owl … can you guess what it will be this year?

The Berwick Woodworkers Club welcomes visitors of all ages and interests to attend this free event.

· Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick, Friday 7 July 5pm-8pm, Saturday 8 July 9am-5pm and Sunday 9 July 9am-5pm.

What’s all the buzz about?

Primary school aged kids are encouraged to come and learn all about our important native insect pollinators at this free school holiday event.

Kids will learn how to create their own pollinatorfriendly garden at home.

They will also get to make an insect hotel to take home and put up in their gardens. Please bring along a clean tin can for creating your own insect hotel.

All other materials will be provided.

· Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris St, Lyn-

brook on Wednesday 5 July, 11am-12:30pm.

Spirit Guide Drawing Workshop

Ever wonder what your spirit guides look like?

Would you like to learn how to connect and draw one of your spirit guides?

If yes, then Join Alorah for this in person workshop.

All materials are supplied.

· Tickets available at alorah.au

· Held at a private residence in Narre Warren on Sunday 18 June, 9:30am-1pm.

Family Movie Night

Enjoy some quality family time with other families in the community.

Snack on some popcorn whilst watching Sing 2!

All are welcome.

Botanic By Night

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a night under the stars, surrounded by the natural beauty of Wilson Botanic Park, and let the magic of a laser light show transport you to another world!

The park’s beautiful amphitheatre will host the main show, but you can watch it from anywhere around the lake, providing an unparalleled view of the stunning display. There will also be creative light installations and tasty winter treats that will be available for purchase. Rain or shine, this unique new event will go ahead - and in fact, laser lights bouncing off the rain only adds to the mesmerising spectacle!

· Tickets available online.

· Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick on Friday 23 June, 5pm-8:30pm

· $2.00 per child and $5.50 per family.

· Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris St, Lynbrook on Friday 23 June, 5pm-8pm.

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.

· Tickets and information available online.

· Sunday 19 June, 9am-5pm.

Berwick Boutique Craft and Food Market

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

Narre Warren Psychic and Wellbeing Expo

Come and enjoy an inspiring and relaxing day with stall holders offering a range of services and products to indulge your senses. Free workshops throughout the day, too. Purchase tickets at the door: $5 adults, kids aged under-12 free.

· Sunday 23 July 10am to 6pm, Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.

Berwick Farmers Market

The Berwick Farmers Market at The Old Cheese Factory is held every 2nd Saturday monthly. Entry is by voluntary gold coin donation Well behaved dogs on a leash are permitted at the market.

· Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick on Saturday 8 July, 8am-12:30pm. 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.

Striving for imperfection in 1981 play, at Bunjil Place

By Matthew Sims

David Williamson’s 1981 play The Perfectionist focuses, ironically enough, on the imperfection of people.

Via her theatre company Cast Productions, director Jacqueline Stewart is set to bring the play into 2023 at upcoming performances at Bunjil Place and the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

The performances will be Stewart’s first foray into directing a long-form play and will also be her return to directing after welcoming her children into the world.

“I generally don’t do things by half,“ she said.

“I’ve basically invested everything in this.

“I’ve got a particular vision for the play.“

Narre Warren actor Benjamin Newall plays Stuart, the eponymous perfectionist, toiling away on his PhD.

His wife Barbara (Rebekah Carton) decides that between raising their children and taking care of the house, they need a housekeeper.

The pair find themselves unexpectedly fielding the interest of a young man, prompting them to look at their own relationship and question their life together.

Ms Stewart said the question of if a woman can ’have it all’ is an ongoing dilemma of modern life.

“It could be put out in any household in Australia,“ she said.

“It’s such a current debate.

“That’s why I fell in love with ’The Perfectionist’.“

Newall said he and the cast are excited to bring theatre back to the South East after the hiatus brought on during the Covid pandemic.

“COVID hit and took a lot of opportunities away,“ he said.

“We were kind of forgotten.

“I want the audience to be so involved in it.“

Stuart is a difficult character to inhabit at times, according to Newall, but he said it is rewarding to discover his humanity.

“He’s so many shades of grey,“ she said.

“(Williamson’s) written flaws in all

of his characters.

Newall said the cast and Stewart are operating on all cylinders in the rehearsal process after quickly hitting it off.

“We were never going to have any issues,“ he said.

“Jacqui has been very open to very out of the box ideas.“

Stewart said she is enjoying the free-flowing creative process working with her cast to find the characters between the lines.

“That input is invaluable,“ she said.

“There’s discipline but there’s play.“

Newall agreed there will be a spontaneous aspect to each performance.

“No show will be identical,“ he said.

“There’s something fun about that as an actor.

“I’m looking forward to it.“

Newall said it is a very emotionally raw play to perform.

“You’ve got the dialogue and the actors,“ he said.

“It’s a play with nothing to hide behind.“

Bunjil Place is hosting ’The Perfectionist’ at 7.30 pm on Friday 4 August and 1pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 5 August, while the West Gippsland Arts Centre will host performances at 7.30pm on Friday 11 August and 1pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 12 August.

To purchase tickets, visit www.bunjilplace. com.au/events or sales.wgac.com.au

Narre Warren actor Benjamin Newall is excited to bring Stuart to life in an upcoming production of David Williamson’s ‘The Perfectionist’.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Rebekah Carton is playing Barbara opposite Benjamin Newall’s Stuart.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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•After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

Expression of Interest

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

Print and Online Sales Executive Star News Group

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

Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Sales skills/experience:

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

• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets

• Excellent listening skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Effective time management to meet deadlines

• Ability to operate in a team

• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility

• Effective oral and written communication

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

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

Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Full

Ph:

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

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

SPORT Bruce Couch reaches 2000

By Jonty Ralphsmith

He’s seen four senior premierships, his son’s entire footy career, the evolution of local footy and some crippling lows.

Bruce Couch estimates about 20 other trainers have been through the Hampton Park football club in his 2000 games as trainer.

Some are good, others are brief, the success stories are the ones that get better job offers doing the role elsewhere.

But Bruce, who turns 80 next year, has been at the club for 45 years.

The end will be via retirement, not seeking other opportunities.

He’s a Hampton Park person who has stuck through 200-point losses at the darkest times, and never given oxygen to the thought of leaving.

“It was always about how we could get better together,” says big forward Nathan Carver who was there during the drubbings.

“He was happy to give us banter, but always found a way to boost us up as well.

“There is something about him which just makes him morale-boosting.”

Perhaps the conclusion will be next yearbut if a premiership is around the corner, as the club is building towards, the temptation will be to stick around.

The family has posed the question but a love of the club always wins out, with Hayden Stanton and the new group rejuvenating his passion. He is at training at 4pm, helping to set up, and on a good night might be home by 7.30, and arrives at games at 10am before being released at about 7pm.

That’s been the routine on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays since his son was in under10s, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Like thousands of parents across the country, he just wanted to get involved in helping his son’s team - only once his son graduated to the seniors, then eventually retired, ‘Couchy’

didn’t want to let go!

“They give me sh*t and I give it back to them,” he said of the camaraderie he loves down at the Redbacks.

Across the time, he has seen the game become much silkier. Back then, he was relied upon to treat many more knock injuries, whereas these days his work is largely put into soft tissue injuries.

The clear highlights, as for anyone associated with football clubs, are the four premierships he has been involved in - 1997, 1998, 2018, 2019. To mark the occasion, Carver generously presented him with his 2019 premiership guernsey and a footy after last Saturday’s game against Caulfield.

“He put his arm around me at training during the week and said ‘you better get me a slab

of Scotch this weekend because it’s my 2000th game’,” said Carver.

“I thought we could do better so everyone signed a footy and we presented it to him in front of the committee, reserves players who stuck around and seniors after the match at Caulfield.

“He’s like family to us - no matter life’s challenges, he’s always here.

“I tell him he’s old and he tells me I’m sh*t!

“He always straps my shoulder and my ankle - there’s no way I’d still be able to play if it wasn’t for him but he’s more than a trainer.”

Teammates and club-people note that Carver and Couch have a special relationship, in between some expected rifts about whether the big forward is fit to play.

“I was just doing my job to get the players

able to play at the best of their ability,” Couch said.

“It doesn’t really change whether it’s a grand final or normal game, I just needed to make sure they were doing their stretches.

“They were fun times and it was a great experience.”

President Craig Seers also paid tribute to the service he provided the club.

“He goes above and beyond and is always happy to speak his mind,” Seers said.

“He’s a workhorse - as long as he has some Scotch, he’s happy!”

What ‘Couchy’ says makes an ideal trainer: Assertive communication with the coach: “Players always say they’re okay but you need to be willing to tell coaches the truth.You don’t want players to have issues later in life.”

Gain rapport: “Players need to trust that you have their best interests so they’ll be willing to do the right things by their body and be fit and ready to go.”

Watch games the right way: “A good trainer always watches a kick behind the game to see if anyone goes down.”

Spend time at the club: “You’ve got to love it, the good times and the bad.”

A magnificent weekend of netball in West Gippsland

By David Nagel

Wow…what a weekend of netball!

The WGFNC came to life in round nine with three games being decided by less than four goals in the best round of netball for the season. And the high-quality continues over the next fortnight with some bumper contests set down as we begin the build-up to the league-wide bye on July 1.

Let’s begin this week’s recap at Dalyston, where Tooradin-Dalmore prevailed by two goals - 45-43 - in a game of two very contrasting halves. Dalyston was caught napping in the opening quarter as the visiting Seagulls put on a powerful display of disciplined allcourt netball. The Gulls raced out to a 13-6 lead at quarter time on the back of some great defensive work through the midcourt, where Stacey Sawyer (C), Abbey Howes (WA) and Zoe Coventry (WD) refused to give the Magpies an inch of space. Ebony Mason (GK) and Jess Maher (GD) continued that theme in the second term, and the Seagulls looked set for a comfortable victory, leading 27-18 at half time.

But the Magpies were up for the fight, with coach Alana McRae (C) making no positional changes but asking her team for a stronger second-half performance. And the Magpies delivered, outscoring the Seagulls 12-7 in the third term to narrow the margin to four goals at three-quarter time.

The Magpies continued to charge in the final stanza, with attacking types like Ruby Brosnan (WA), Sophie Scott (WD) and Bitt Thomas (GA) providing some great feeds to Gemma Thomas (GS) under the ring.

It was only the calm and composed hand of Alex Maher (GS) that saw the Seagulls keep their perfect nine-nil record intact.

Nar Nar Goon was celebrating big-time on Saturday after the Goon overcame a threequarter-time deficit to defeat Kilcunda-Bass in a 58-55 thriller at Spencer Street.

What a roller-coaster ride this was, with the visiting Panthers leading 15-12 at quarter time before the Goon girls bounced back with a 16-11 second term.

Down by two at half time, the Panthers came roaring back with a 16-13 third stanza to take a one-goal lead to the final break.

It was game on in the last, with class acts like Meaghan Winter (WA), Olivia Hamilton (C) and Kyra Esler (GA) leading the Goon to a 17-13 final quarter and a memorable threegoal victory. Esler stood up under the immense pressure in the final term, scoring 12 of her team’s 17 goals from goal attack.

The Panthers are improving all the time and players like Isabella Santorini (GS), Grace Rand (WA) and Kacey Maund (C) can all walk away proud of their efforts despite being down on the scoreboard. Phillip Island and Cora Lynn also played out a beauty at the Cowes Recreation Reserve, with the Bulldogs winning a tight one...43-39.

The Cobras came in confident, winning their last two, but it was the Bulldogs who held sway early.

Christie Edwards (GA) was on fire in the first quarter, providing first-gamer Meika

White (GS) with some high-quality passing that the youngster capitalised on. White showed no nerves at all, scoring seven goals in her first ever A Grade game!

The Bulldogs led by four at quarter time, but the Cobras fought back hard in the second stanza with Bianca Douglas (GS) doing most of the damage. The game was still up for grabs at the final break, with the Bulldogs three-goals up…and they played solidenough netball to claim their fourth win for the season, and third in four weeks!

Jaclyn Clark (WD) was rock-solid for the winners in the final term, while skipper Gemma Stacey (GA) was a consistent performer for the Cobras.

Ruthless and efficient!

That sums up the performance of reigningpremier Inverloch-Kongwak, who scored a 75-23 victory over its grand-final protagonist from last year, Bunyip. The Sea Eagles have well and truly maintained their level from last year, while the Bulldogs have dropped away from that extremely hot pace.

Jarrad Walker had his team fired up from the outset; with an 18-7 first quarter a sign of things to come.

Walker made more changes than normal in the second half, with 17-under player Amity McInnes (GK) taking up the key defensive post after half time.

The Sea Eagles applied a mountain of pressure, resulting in opportunities to intercept, and were very clean with their disposal moving the ball forward.

Garfield is knocking on the door of the top six after the Stars put paid toWarragul Industrials with a 72-34 victory at Western Park.

The Dusties had no answer to the Stars midcourt in the first quarter, with Chloe Bluhm (WA), Ash Bowden (C) and Macy Newcombe (WD) providing Tyla Redwood (GS) with a feast.

Redwood scored 15 first-quarter goals, and ended with 48 of the Stars 72 goals for the day.

This was the Dusties highest score since round three, with Shanara Notman (GS) and Kyra Roberts (GK) proving valuable bookends at either end of the court.

Hard work has finally been converted into four premiership points for Kooweerup, with the Demons scoring a comfortable 58-38 success over Korumburra -Bena.

The Demons came out of the blocks the better team and gradually pulled away over the four quarters, with players like Talia Charalambides (GD), Jayda McConkey (GS) and Ash Murphy (GA) enjoying the slight drop in class after recent outings against Tooradin and Inverloch.

Gemma Dixon (GD), Elisha Nicholas (GA) and Sienna Cruikshank (WD) were solid four-quarter performers for the Giants…who have now lost four on the trot.

TIPS - Round 10

INVERLOCH-KONGWAK v Cora Lynn, KILCUNDA-BASS v Warragul Industrials, KOOWEERUP v Garfield, Nar Nar Goon v DALYSTON, PHILLIP ISLAND v Korumburra Bena, TOORADIN-DALMORE v Bunyip.

Hannah Carney played a key defensive role in Nar Nar Goon’s thrilling victory over Kilcunda Bass on Saturday. 335970 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Bruce Couch is the sort of volunteer that is part of the fabric of a football club. 340647

Pictures: VICKI BARRY

What Hampton Park gifted Bruce after game 2000.

Bright times ahead in CCCA

By David Nagel

The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) is getting on the front foot with its member clubs to ensure a smooth transition through to the 2023/24 season.

The CCCA held its Annual General Meeting at the Merinda Park Cricket Club on Monday 29 May where long-time president Rob Hansen was reappointed to the role.

Ben Knowles, from the Clyde Cricket Club, will step into the role of vice-president, while Shane Dalton will remain as secretary and Aaron Straughair as treasurer.

Hansen explained that stability in the CCCA Board of Management would help with the communication and planning process over the coming weeks and months.

“The Board of Management has a really strong working relationship and we’re all committed to bringing our strategic plan to life,” Hansen said.

“Last season was a huge one for the association, rebranding from the West Gippsland Cricket Association to the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association.

“We’ve changed the brand, and that’s fine, but we’re committed now to making sure it’s not just a name change.

“We have an obligation to make sure we grow cricket throughout the Casey Cardinia region, and we do so in consultation with our cricket clubs.

“These are exciting times and there are many exciting things on the horizon.”

One of the main challenges confronting the CCCA, and other competitions around the country, is putting a fixture in place for the upcoming season that will accommodate an earlier finish…with Easter 2024 falling on the last weekend of March.

The CCCA Senior Cricket Committee, led by Pakenham player Jack Anning, has put together several options being put forward to clubs.

One option is for the top levels of cricket in the CCCA – Premier, District and A Grade – to play one or two Sunday matches during the season to ensure the traditional 14-round format, of seven one-day and seven two-day fixtures, remains in place.

Hansen said there are many factors that

need to be considered when putting together the upcoming season schedule.

“Sunday cricket is popular around our region, which means access to grounds could be an issue, but we’re working closely with the clubs to make sure we get this sorted out quickly,” Hansen said.

“Once we have the feedback from clubs, we’ll have a planning meeting before the end of June and our affiliation meeting has been brought forward so we can get the fixtures organised earlier than usual.

“It’s important that we give clubs the time to plan for the upcoming season ahead.”

Hansen explained that growing Female Participation in the sport was one of the CCCA’s top priorities, with the association recently receiving a grant to help in that area.

The CCCA is hopeful that the creation a standalone women’s competition, driven by a

Maric kicks two on debut

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The rapid rise of Drouin and Gippsland

Power’s Ryan Maric continued on the weekend with an AFL debut.

The game came just 10 days after being selected by the West Coast Eagles with pick one in the midseason rookie draft, and with one WAFL game under his belt.

The teenager kicked two goals from eight touches but Adelaide got the better of the Eagles by 122 points at the Adelaide Oval.

The first was a set shot from 30 in the first quarter and the second saw him bring an aerial one-on-one to the ground and snap it from 20.

“We’re obviously going through a bit at the moment aren’t we,” said Eagles’ coach Adam Simpson before listing off several injuries as he announced Maric’s debut.

“We could feel real sorry for ourselves right now.

“We’re going through some adversity and you can think this is the worst of the worst but right now Ryan, this is the best day of your life so far, mate, you’re playing this weekend.”

Rapturous cheers from his teammates followed.

“It’s pretty surreal I guess,” he said to West Coast Media.

“I only got drafted a week ago and have only been here four or five days so to go straight in pretty quickly is pretty crazy, I’m just over the moon.

“It’s a bit of a whirlwind, my head’s been spinning for the first couple of days and I’m still trying to settle in to my new living arrangements and new schedule so it’s all happening, but it’s sort of dying down a bit now.

RyanMarichasmadehisAFLdebut. 336506

“Everyone here’s awesome.

“I’ve felt very loved from the first day I walked in so it’s about building those stronger connections now but it’s a great place and great environment so I couldn’t be happier.

“I like to think I’m a bit of a footy nuffy so it’s pretty surreal playing against some of the people I’ve been barracking for in Supercoach.

“I love my footy, I try to not miss many games.

“I want to enjoy the process, it only happens once in my career.

“I’m very grateful and I want to enjoy it, (I think) that everyone will take me under their wing.”

The Eagles AFL side was the fifth team he has played for this year, after appearances for Gippsland Power, Young Guns, Box Hill Hawks, and last weekend for the Eagles WAFL side.

handful of clubs, will not be that far away either.

One of the success stories of the recently completed 2022/2023 season was the implementation of a two-tier structure of the CCCA’s T20 competition…the Kookaburra Cup.

The success of the restructure has seen the format taken through to this season, while the CCCA is also looking at no longer linking club’s Premier Division clubs with their A Grade teams.

In essence, all eight Premier Division clubs were forced to have their second XI teams play in the CCCA’s third-tier A Grade competition last season, but the depth of club’s vary greatly, meaning the A Grade competititon became imbalanced.

The CCCA will work with clubs to come up with the most competitive solution for all clubs moving forward.

The CCCA has also appointed Pakenham president Phil Anning as Country Week Manager, with the popular Anning set to oversee the selection and management of the senior Country Week team that will represent the association in February next year.

“We’ve had an invitation from Casey SouthMelbourne to play our Country Week home games at Casey Fields, which will remove the necessity of providing expensive accommodation for the players and support staff in Melbourne,” Hansen said.

Cricket Victoria is also changing its management platform during the off-season, with My Cricket being replaced with the PlayHQ system.

Hansen encouraged clubs to attend a PlayHQ information and training night at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve on Thursday 22 June.

Youngsters on the big stage

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A host of local players represented Vic Country in their first match of the under-16 national championships on Saturday at Trevor Barker Beach Oval in Sandringham. Vic Country recorded a come-from-behind win against an inaccurate Vic Metro, having trailed by 21 points early in the last quarter.

Dandenong Stingrays and Lysterfield player Tairon Ah-Mu was the most impressive of the locals, using his strength to take several big marks. Ah-Mu, a key-position-player who spent time in the ruck, took two contested marks in the first quarter as part of forward thrusts, and two in the final quarter to lock it in forward 50 when Country mounted the charge.

Willem Duursma, the brother of Port Adelaide’s Xavier and Yasmin, and this year’s top10 draft fancy Zane, was one of the most impressive players for Vic Country playing in an

unfamiliar defensive position. The Gippsland Power player has a good athletic profile and strong footy understanding, providing an air of calm to rebound the ball out of the backline.

Power teammate Jobe Scapin’s ability to run out the game has always been a feature and that was no different on Saturday. Noah Hibbins-Hargraves from the Stingrays showed his cleanliness at ground level on multiple times while his kicking when he had his hands on it was also efficient.

Zachary O’Keefe (Gippsland), Toby Sinnema (Dandenong Stingrays/Narre North Foxes) and Jackson Long (Dandenong Stingrays) are others who will look to impress in the later games. Vic Country’s under-16s boys are next in action on Tuesday July 4 against South Australia at Heritage Bank Stadium, Queensland, 12.20pm.

Their final game is againstWestern Australia at Fankhauser Reserve, Friday July 7, 11.45am

Picture:ROOKIEME

TheCaseyCardiniaCricketAssociationisbuildingnicelytowardsthe2023/24season. 323355

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Pies down the Dees

By Marcus Uhe

Poor kicking for goal saw Casey relinquish an excellent opening to its clash with Collingwood in Sunday’s VFL action at Casey Fields.

After leading by 26 points at the first break, Collingwood put the breaks on in the second half to finish 14-point winners, 11.7 73 to Casey’s 8.11 59.

Things could not have started any better for the Demons who rocketed to a 32-point lead after 22 minutes.

Matthew Jefferson benefited from excellent delivery into forward 50 to kick the first two of the contest, but a miss on the run from Ryan Valentine, with Jake Melksham on his own in the goal-square, would prove a harbinger of things to come.

Making the most of the trademark Casey Fields wind, snaps on the run from Harvey Neocleous, Mitch White and Andy MonizWakefield added to the home side’s advantage, who had five on the board within the blink of an eye.

The Magpies couldn’t manage a major until the 29th minute when Jedd Longmire found himself in the right place at the right time following a contest on the goal-line, stemming the bleeding at the other end of the ground.

Unbeknown to anyone at the time, but the clever crumbing would open the floodgates for the Magpies, who kicked the next six of the contest for a three-point lead at the long break.

A stoppage goal from utilityTomWilson saw the visitors snatch the lead after 26 minutes, with the Demons not able to provide many answers for Collingwood’s forward forays.

Jefferson’s third of the day early in the third term put a stop to the Magpies’ onslaught, but it was the other end of the ground where they were in trouble.

In the absence of key defender Adam Tomlinson, the Demons struggled to curtail the influence of Magpies tall Nathan Kreuger, who was simply too tall for his opposition with a number of contested marks.

He kicked his third of the contest late in the third term, using his long reach to outmark his opponents in the air, and navigated the breeze to nail a long set shot on his left from outside 50.

Where he was able to take his chances, Casey was not, having kicked 1.6 in the second

and third quarters combined to Collingwood’s 8.1.

Casey finished with the final two goals of the contest in an attempt to rein-in the deficit, but fell short of overtaking the red-hot Magpies.

Blake Howes and James Munro were the leading possession winners for the Demons with 31 and 27 respectively, while Matthew Jefferson kicked three to lead the goalkickers.

Without Ben Brown and Joel Smith, there simply was not enough firepower in the Demons’ forward half of the ground, while Josh

Demons face crucial encounter

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Springvale Districts’ clash with St Paul’s McKinnon this week provides them with the perfect opportunity to cement themselves as the best of the rest.

There is little doubt that Dingley, Cheltenham and Cranbourne are the three strongest teams in Division One of the Southern Football Netball League.

The next three, in current ladder order, is St Paul’s McKinnon, Springvale Districts and Port Melbourne.

Port Colts are the only one of the trio to beat a top three team – Cranbournebut they also lost to Springvale Districts last round.

A win this weekend would have the Dees in prime position to solidify itself as the best challenger, while they’ve done enough groundwork to ensure a loss wouldn’t veer their season into absolute peril.

Nevertheless, a defeat would put pressure on each of their games for the rest of the season, with the return clash on Port’s small home ground one in particular which will pose questions.

The Dees come into the game with lots of players having form behind them.

Schache was held goalless after his bag of four last week.

For the Demons, their premiership defence is still alive, but it will need to address an alarming inconsistency in form if they are to strive for back-to-back premierships.

Since beating Essendon in round four, the Demons have been unable to win consecutive games, falling into a frustrating win-loss pattern.

They’ll get some critical mid-year recovery time next weekend with a bye before heading to Geelong on Friday 23 June to face the Cats.

Casey Cannons are firing on all cylinders

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The Casey Cannons are motoring along nicely in their first season in Hockey Victoria’s Women’s Vic League 1.

After blitzing to the premiership in 2022, the Cannons have carried last year’s momentum into this season with six wins from eight matches.

It has them sitting second on the ladder, and they have two clear sources to goal in Emma Harris (six) and Mikayla McDonald (five).

That pair are among the top-seven goal scorers of the competition, while the experience and consistency of Melissa Light, Tegan Hyland and Jenna McLauchlan has led the charge.

The strong nucleus has been supported well by some depth players, who have stood up to tests when called upon when there have been absences.

Casey’s two losses were in consecutive weeks, to Yarra Valley and top-placed Mornington Peninsula, but they have since bounced back with three straight wins.

The reserves sit fourth at 4-3 with the defence miserly, but they have been able to put only 12 goals on the board this season.

The thirds, meanwhile, have also been more than competitive, with four wins, a draw and three losses.

It has them sitting more than a game clear in fourth, coming off a draw and a win ahead of a clash with sixth-placed Frankston.

The men have been building and improving as the season has gone on.

They showed glimpses of their exciting best in the first two months of the season, but it took until their seventh game to finally register their first points.

That came against Werribee, with striker Nick McPhee scoring his first two goals of the season.

He was a key part of the finals run last season and, after a dry start to the year, now has three goals across his last two weeks.

His lift in goal-scoring in the last fortnight has mirrored that of his team’s, who have eight of their 15 goals for the season in that period.

Dave Noney, Cam Ritchie and newbie Gurpreet Singh are others who have so far had strong seasons.

The reserves also have one win from eight games, scoring six goals in that period.

That came in round one over third-placed Brunswick.

The thirds sit fifth, with four wins, two draws and two losses, having conceded just 10 goals for the year.

Emerging star Toby Arms was predicted to pop up for some big outings this season and he had a career-best game last round.

He competed manfully as an undersized ruck and his impact around the contest was exceptional, adding another element to a rejuvenated 2023 midfield which has shown clear improvement from last year.

Daniel Helmore’s bag of six against Port has also given St Paul’s McKinnon something to think about.

Going into the last game, key target Matt Wetering had 14 more goals than his closest teammate.

In the absence of Tyrone Vickery in 2023, there had so far been no one else to stand up and help out Wetering, who could be double-teamed by defences.

If Helmore can prove that performance wasn’t a flash-in-the-pan, it will make the Dees more unpredictable going inside 50, with small Alex Derzekos also lively.

TIPS

Division One: CRANBOURNE v St Kilda City, Bentleigh v DINGLEY, CHELTENHAM v Chelsea Heights, St Paul’s McKinnon v SPRINGVALE DISTRICTS, Mordialloc v PORT MELBOURNE COLTS, Division Two: EAST BRIGHTON v East Malvern, MURRUMBEENA v Skye, HAMPTON PARK v Keysborough, Highett v CAULFIELD, DOVETON DOVES v Black Rock

Springvale Districts will be hoping another big game is on the cards for Toby Arms. 335964 Picture: ROB CAREW

The Casey Cannons men are improving as the season goes on. 337636

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Daniel Albrecht in action.

Cranbourne’s George Grey continues to impress at VFL level, accruing 16 disposals in the loss to Collingwood. 340671

Picture: JAZZ BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY

FREE Winter Holiday Fun At Thompson Parkway

Balloon Creations

Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 June 11am to 2pm

Be amazed with the fun balloon creations you can take home.

Winter Face Painting

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday 5 July 11am to 2pm

Kids will love having their faces painted with colourful and glittering characters and critters.

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE AND LOCATED IN THE MALL OUTSIDE WOOLWORTHS.

Winter Magic Show

Thursday 6 & Friday 7 July Shows at 12pm & 1pm daily

Felix the Fantastic will delight and surprise you with his fantastic magic show.