News - Cranbourne Star News - 29th June 2023

Half baked road upgrades

A pet perspective

By Emily Chapman Laing

After being dismissed from her job due to an incurable health condition, Shelli Knight found her dream job photographing pets alongside her husband Tony.

The couple have taken a ’down under’ approach to capturing the adorable faces of Casey locals’ furry families, and customers are reeling.

“The images are truly amazing, sometimes hilarious but always ‘unique’,“ customer Cristy Worsteling said.

“Shelli’s ability to capture the unique personality and spirit of each pet in her photographs has garnered accolades and touched the hearts of many.

“It is not merely a photography business but a testament to the profound bond between pets and their owners, ensuring that precious moments are forever treasured.“

“Aunty Shelli“ and “Uncle Tony“ shower their canine clients with treats of all kinds and lots of loving pats, even if the pups piddle on the floor, or up against their desk.

Animals Down Under customer Sally-Ann Wratten said she could tell Tony and Shelli were “animal people“ from the second she walked in the door.

“They were excited to see our dogs both times we took them in,“ she said.

“They did an amazing job of capturing our whippets’ different personalities with one being a relatively subdued dog and the other still a crazy puppy.

“The prints are absolutely stunning and I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting pet portraits.“

Shelli was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at 30 years of age, in 1999, having suspected something was not right.

“I always had a suspicion, MS was always in the back of my mind,“ she said.

“When I was 16 I started getting the symptoms, but every doctor I went to just said I was imagining things and that it was in my head.

“As it turns out, it was in my head, I’ve got scars on my brain.“

Shelli actively chooses not to focus on her condition, and lives her life as normally as possible, though the impacts are still part of her everyday life.

“Sometimes I find it hard to get words out, I have chronic fatigue and sometimes I have loss

of feeling in some parts of my body,“ she said.

“But until last year, I was still riding my horse.“

In late 2022, Shelli secured her dream job working with dogs, after being a qualified vet nurse for many years.

After spending time in an office environment, Shelli’s boss realised she was better suit-

ed to a face-to-face role.

“She had a job set out for me and she was going to show me herself how to do it,“ she said.

“I had to tell her that I can’t work in the afternoons because the heat affects me, so she gave me a morning job.“

Continued page 10

TonyandShelli. 343688

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Lila.

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‘Half-baked’ road upgrades

By Emily Chapman Laing

Pearcedale residents say the state of their roads is “unbelievable” and “dangerous”.

Pearcedale local Janice Mills said“like many rural roads in Victoria, the roads in Pearcedale are dangerous because of potholes”.

“In addition, the unsealed roads do not have proper drains so regularly flood when we have heavy rain,” she said.

Pearcedale resident Susan Adams said Baxter-Tooradin Road is a “joke”.

“Millions spent to make the road 100 times more hazardous than prior,” she said. “I’m sure there are countless people with damages caused to their cars from the crater like potholes, unlit wire barriers and hydroplaning from the pathetic surface, myself included.”

Linda Ross said “driving along Eramosa Rd to Somerville and back each day is like sitting in a paint mixing machine”.

“If I drive any closer to the side of the roads to avoid potholes, I’m going to be driving in the paddocks,” she said.

Brendan Piner also raised concern over the state of North Road, which he said is “the most dangerous road in Pearcedale“.

“There are accidents there nearly every week,“ he said. “Too much traffic, wrong speed limit and a narrow road.”

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region has raised the ongoing surface degeneration on the Baxter-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale.

Ms Bath criticised the state of the road from the South Gippsland Highway to the Fisheries Rd-Cannons Creek roundabout in state parliament on 21 June.

Ms Bath said the state of the roads and road maintenance under Labor is deplorable and locals are justifiably concerned about driver

safety and damage to the vehicles.

“Four years ago, this busy thoroughfare received a four million dollar upgrade which took two years to complete, but frustratingly the funding did not extend to fixing the road surface,” said Ms Bath.

“The Andrews Government’s half-baked upgrades do not address road safety issues –installing additional protective mechanisms like roundabouts and wire barriers without surface remediation is counterproductive.

“Road upgrades must be constructed to a standard that ensures they are car worthy, given the Andrews Government demands our cars are road worthy.“

Ms Bath said commuters should not be risking damage to their vehicles, forced to dodge potholes.

“Locals state each time there is a decent rainfall the road surface on the BaxterTooradin Road deteriorates into a pothole riddled hazard.”

Ms Bath said Labor needs to address what constitutes an acceptable standard of work –shovelling hot mix into a pothole is a temporary fix and fails to address the root cause of the failing road surface.

“In the upcoming financial year, the Andrews Labor Government had shockingly cut another 25 per cent from the roads maintenance budget, bringing its cuts to a whopping $380 million or 45 per cent since 2020.

“Our roads are in a dire state – barely a day goes by without someone raising with me the deplorable state of the roads.

“Instead of cutting the road maintenance budget, Labor should be increasing it, in line with the $1 billion per year commitment The Nationals took to last year’s election.

Ms Bath said she believes Victorians are paying more but receiving much less under the Andrews Government – we are the highest taxed state in Australia.

“The Andrews Government must ensure a fairer share for roads maintenance so that our roads in regionalVictoria and in peri urban areas can be properly repaired and maintained.”

The potholes along Baxter-Tooradin road have been patched up as of 27 June.

“Crews are out and about across our area doing maintenance work and road repairs,“ Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said.

“If our community members can jump on the Vicroads website and report any road hazards that would be appreciated as it formally logs the request into the system.

“I do this as well and have done for certain sections of these two roads (Tooradin/Baxter and Fisheries).“

Ms Crugnale said works on the road are expected to start later this year.

“The Department of Transport and Planning regularly inspects the road network and is planning to deliver maintenance works on Baxter-Tooradin Rd between Fisheries Road and South Gippsland Highway,“ she said.

“Crews will continue to monitor and manage this road, and carry out any necessary short-term works to keep the road in a safe condition until the upgrade works are programmed.”

In the meantime, Ms Crugnale is urging residents to “drive to local conditions“.

“We have all seen too many cars overtake us at high speed even with oncoming traffic a bit too close - this is dangerous and not worth a life or an accident.”

In a question posed by Ms Crugnale to Minister for Roads Hon Melissa Horne MP, she referred to the aforementioned roads as “awkward to navigate” and “dangerous”.

The Andrews Labor Government announced $15.4 million in the 2022-23Victorian Budget to improve safety and accessibility at the intersection of South Gippsland Highway and Clyde Five Ways Road in Devon Meadows.

Ms Horne said he Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has commenced work to redesign the intersection.

“This work will consider ways to realign Fisheries Road and consolidate intersections to replace them with a single intersection controlled by traffic lights,” she said.

“Project development activities are currently underway with input being sought from key stakeholders as well as progressing designs and undertaking site specific investigations.

“Project updates and further information is expected to be shared with the community in mid-2023.”

Taking the next step towards better recreation reserve

By Matthew Sims

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence has confirmed planning works would soon start to secure a funding agreement with Casey Council in regards to the pavilion upgrades at Grices Road Recreation Reserve in Clyde North.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday 21 June, NarreWarren MP Gary Maas sought additional information on the upgrade project from Ms Spence.

“I have been advocating for the upgrade of the reserve for a few years in support of Berwick Churches Soccer Club’s proposals and the tireless work of their president David Barrot and club stalwart Daniel Prins,“ he said.

“It was really fantastic to see the announcement of $1.2 million towards the upgrade of the pavilion as an election commitment, and it was so fantastic to see this confirmed in the state budget this year.

Mr Maas accused the Opposition as adopting a “US style of politics“ in a stoush concerning funding for the project shortly after the 2023-24 budget papers were released.

Berwick MP Brad Battin claimed that the State Government’s $1.2 million pledge for an upgrade to the Berwick Churches Soccer Club pavilion at the Grices Road Recreation Reserve in Clyde North had been cut from the budget.

Mr Maas said he recently visited the club to discuss the project with Mr Barrot and Mr Prins.

“They were very excited with the outcome and are looking forward to the next stages of planning,“ he said.

“This announcement has certainly given the club and many of my constituents a boost while catering for our growing and diverse area with modern facilities, which will allow for greater access to the club’s training and activities as well.“

Ms Spence said the $1.2 million funding commitment towards the project was “really vital“.

“It is quite an ageing pavilion, and indeed it is much in need of this upgrade to its ageing facilities,“ she said.

“What will happen now is my department will work with the City of Casey to execute a funding agreement.

“That agreement will outline a time line for commencement and completion of those works and indeed a scope of the project.

Ms Spence said the upgraded Grices Road Recreation Reserve would be a “really outstanding asset“ which would be welcomed by the broader Clyde North community.

“We are really committed to working with the council to see that this project is delivered,“ she said.

“It is going to provide a really outstanding new facility for everyone who uses those facilities at the reserve.

“It will boost participation, because there will be a new facility that is going to be a drawcard for the community.“

Casey Council active communities manager Angie Peresso said discussions had not yet commenced and the council had not yet allocated any funding towards the project in its 2023-24 budget.

“A funding agreement between the State Government and the City of Casey is the first step when election commitments are made, with project scope and timelines to be determined,“ she said.

“Council will work closely with summer and winter tenant stakeholders to understand how the pledged level of funding can be used most effectively to deliver meaningful facility upgrades.

“We look forward to commencing discussions about the Grices Road Recreation Reserve pavilion upgrade with the State Government.“

The potholes on Baxter-Tooradin Road seemed to have been patched up. 343051

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Angst over phone tower

By Emily Chapman Laing

A new phone tower has led to a group of Clyde North Meridian Estate residents petitioning to the council as they are in dismay over the chosen location.

A recent mail drop alerted nearby residents to the future phone tower, which is to be located at the corner of Thompsons Road and Ceduna Road in the Meridian Estate.

“The residents feel the positioning is a completely unfit location and an absolute eye sore, the location Optus have chosen is surrounded by a children’s playground and a nature reserves filled with wildlife,“ Meridian resident Marc Birthisel said.

“Furthermore the surrounding homes were only recently made aware of this by a maildrop and never given the opportunity to reach out and protest the placement.

“There’s now quite a large number of residents whose homes will face the new tower that are particularly angry with its chosen location.“

Mr Birthisel has begun a petition which he intends to pass onto the council.

The residents were notified by mail in late May, with construction said to be starting by the end of June.

Residents have raised many issues about the tower, from the health effects, to the potential value drop on their properties, to the disregard of Optus and the council for local sentiment.

“It’s just an eyesore,“ Meridian resident Julius Fernando said.

“It was not even a notice, it was just like, they’re doing it and that’s it.“

Mr Fernando said a lot of the residents weren’t aware of the mail-drop until they saw a post about it on their community Facebook page.

“That’s when people actually realised it was happening,“ he said.

“It almost feels like they’ve done all of the groundwork without saying anything.“

Mr Fernando, like many other residents, deliberately bought a home facing the natural wetlands landscape.

“We paid extra for this block on this street because of the wetlands,“ he said.

“It was more expensive than the block behind us by about $50,000 to $60,000.“

Meridian local Stuart Dunstall said the tower is “really, really disappointing“ and not something the homeowners facing the wetlands “bought into“.

He fears the tower may devalue his home.

“Your house is the biggest investment that

most people do in their lifetime and it kind of feels like someone is trying to devalue that outside of our control,“ he said.

“They say that it may be temporary, but a lot of temporary things turn semi-permanent and then I think we will have to fight to get rid of it which I don’t think is fair.

“The wetlands are the key driver for why we bought here, we purposely bought away from the power lines so we could have a clear view, and now it feels like someone is taking that away.“

Gavin Taylor, another Meridian estate homeowner, is dismayed by the lack of community consultation.

“When we decided to buy in this estate, we were aware of the power lines at the back and we made the decision to move backward and now suddenly we have had this come up, no consultation or nothing,“ he said.

“You don’t get to have a say and that’s not the way the process works.

“There’s been a very clear lapse and no proper engagement, you’ve got to work through the steps.“

Other residents fear the health effects that may evolve from living so close to the tower.

“The health aspect is a major priority, I think everything else comes second,“ Mr Taylor said.

“At the moment there’s not much research how the radio frequencies affect humans,“ resident Udul Chaminda said.

“We will be exposed to the tower 24/7.“

With a new shopping precinct being built closeby to the proposed site, the residents are confused as to why the invasive location has

been chosen, rather than allocating the tower to a commercial site.

“There’s still plenty of land to put the tower, this is not the last resort,“ Mr Chaminda said.

“If they were desperate and there was no land, I would say go for it.

“I support the infrastructure because we are a growing community, but I’m against the location.“

“There is a commercial complex being built less than a kilometre away which has a Coles plus other small stores,“ Mr Birthisel said.

“I feel, as do many others, that this should be the location for this tower.“

Both Mr Taylor and Mr Chaminda have reached out to the council without receiving a response.

In April 2023, Optus received Development Approval from the City of Casey for a new mobile base station comprising of a temporary 17 metre structure.

“Optus is committed to keeping our customers connected by providing the highest possible coverage across our network,“ an Optus spokesperson said.

“Residents and businesses have expressed concerns over coverage in the area, and the site will help to address urgent coverage issues.

“We have considered many possible locations, but acceptable sites in the area are limited.“

Optus said they are actively working to acquire a permanent location for the facility.

City of Casey Manager Growth and Investment, Kathryn Seirlis said Optus’ application for a planning permit in the Meridian Estate “was not required to be advertised

to the community“.

“Council received a planning permit application for the tower in November 2022 and issued a permit in April 2023,“ she said.

“Council officers assessed the application against the requirements of the Casey Planning Scheme, and the relevant Code of Practice and determined the location to be appropriate.“

Ms Seirlis said the telecommunications facility is “understood“ to be temporary.

“Further details regarding the tenure and future plans should be directed to St Germain and Optus, or other telecommunication providers,“ she said.

“Council is not party to these agreements.“

Ms Seirlis said it is the responsibility of the State Government to provide telecommunication services.

“We assist where we can to facilitate and negotiate locations, including on Council owned land if appropriate,“ she said.

“Council notifies relevant telecommunication providers to ensure they are aware of property developments ahead of time, however this is not always able to be delivered ahead of residents moving in.

“Telecommunication companies work with private land owners and developers in the area to improve their services and Council has no influence on the timing of the installations.“

A Department of Government Services spokesperson said the proposed mobile tower at the Thompsons Road and Ceduna Road intersection is not a Connecting Victoria project and is not funded by the Victorian Government.

Connecting Victoria is co-funding projects with Optus, Telstra and TPG Telcom in the area to build six new towers and upgrade three existing ones to 5G, which are planned to be ready in 2024 and 2025.

“We are funding 11 projects to improve mobile coverage in Clyde and Clyde through our Connecting Victoria program,“ a Department of Government Services spokesperson said.

“The locations were determined after extensive engagement with locals about where connectivity gaps are affecting their everyday lives.”

The 11 mobile projects across nine sites in the area that will benefit Clyde and Clyde North, include six new mobile towers and upgrades to three sites from 4G to 5G.

At some sites, the telecommunications providers have agreed to share infrastructure, which will give more Victorians a choice of mobile provider.

Early gains for pilot program in reaching at-risk youth

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An early-intervention pilot program is reportedly making inroads as the youth crime rate soars in the South East.

In August, the MERLE (Mentor, Empower, Reflect, Learn, Earn) program was launched by South East Community Links to assist 60 disengaged young people in schools.

MERLE aims to help young people, particularly from culturally diverse backgrounds, tackle challenging issues and engage positively in school and community.

They are guided into further education, training and work, as well as building leadership, resilience and belonging through camps, music, sport, nutrition and group workshops.

“Rather than building prisons, we need to invest in early intervention programs which support at-risk young people to reach their potential,” says SECL youth engagement manager Junior Melo.

“If they’re not engaging, they can go in places we don’t want them to go to.

“The latest statistics show that youth crime in Victoria is surging, and the City of Casey has the highest number of alleged youth offender incidents in the state.

“In response to these issues, we developed the MERLE program.”

About 70 per cent of MERLE participants come from culturally diverse backgrounds, including refugees.

Many are facing traumas, racism and mental health issues. And during Covid’s long lockdowns, many were stuck at home, lonely and starved of positive role-models.

In its first 10 months, the federally-funded MERLE pilot has had “inspiring outcomes” at five schools – Dandenong High School, Hampton Park Secondary College, Lyndhurst Secondary College, Narre Warren South P-12 College and Noble Park Secondary College.

It has reported better participant behaviour including 55 per cent lifting their school attendance.

Seventy per cent had improved overall wellbeing and 52 per cent had better relationships with peers, families and the broader community.

There is high demand to expand the MERLE program, which partners with Youth Justice, Corrections Victoria, Dandenong Childrens’ Court and Victoria Police.

“We’ve experienced strong demand from an additional five schools in the region and hope to expand this program with new funding soon.

“This early intervention aims to avoid further contact with the justice system. Going to prison would only make their life harder in the long-run.

“MERLE shows that we can change people’s lives early and put them on the right path.

“These are the young people who are our future for the next 50 years.”

In the latest official crime stats, offending by 10-to-17-year-olds in Casey soared by 44 per cent in the past 12 months.

“Serious and violent” youth crime was an “ongoing focus”, Victoria Police’s deputy commissioner Rick Nugent recently said.

“Youth gangs remain an issue, however

our intense focus on disrupting and dismantling these gangs is reaping benefits.

“When you look at gang related activity for kids, for the most part they end up growing out of it, if they’re lucky,“ he said.

“There’s not too many street gangs that have people older than 19.

“So it’s really about how we can protect them through that period, divert them away and support them.“

Dep Comm Nugent noted youth offending had halved in the past decade.

The State Government’s latest budget provided a further $12.4 million to support early intervention initiatives, including more than $7 million for the Embedded Youth Outreach program (EYOP).

The program targets young people between 10 and 24 years of age and was designed to respond to the complex needs of young people who are at risk of long-term involvement with the criminal justice system.

Meanwhile SECL is opening its Youth Hub in Noble Park throughout the June-July school holidays.

“It’s another platform for young people to hang over the school holidays. They can hang, watch videos, plays games.”

The drop-in service is at Shop 2-4, 49 Douglas Street Noble Park, open MondaysFridays 9am-5pm.

MERLE youth practitioners Kwabena Agyeman-Manu and Tyson Horton with South East Community Links youth engagement manager Junior Melo.

Meridian residents at the site of the proposed cell tower. 343686 Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Cancer fundraiser

By Emily Chapman Laing

Clyde North local Carla Johnson will soon begin her auction to raise funds for the Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day.

For the entire month of August, Ms Johnson will be auctioning off items and services on Facebook to raise funds, which the highest bidders will pay directly to the Cancer Council.

“I lost both of my parents to cancer, so it means a lot to me,” Ms Johnson said.

“Cancer touches so many people, most people you speak to they’ve had a friend or family member who has been affected, and it’s one of those things where we don’t have a cure.

“So every little bit helps.”

This is the fourth year Ms Johnson has taken the fundraising initiative, though it is the first time she has done so through an auction. “In previous years I’ve raised money by selling Tupperware,“ she said. “This one is completely new.”

Ms Johnson has been organising the auction alongside her friends Bec and Steve.

“Without them, I couldn’t do it.

“I work full time and without them I just wouldn’t have the time for it.

“But between the three of us, we can manage the group and any questions coming in.”

Ms Johnson has already had many local businesses offering donations for the auction.

Scents on Clyde, A Bite In Time, Hair by Stacey Louise and Kiki-J Beauty have all donated vouchers for their services.

Magical Mermaid Braids, Divinity Candles, Two Spotless Girls, Stick with Suz, Bejewelled Cakes & Catering and Black Angel Apparel have also made donations of items and services.

A local teacher has donated a 45-minute tutoring session, while others have anonymously donated Coles gift cards.

“Everyone has been so generous and everyone has been getting on board.”

Ms Johnson is asking individuals and businesses in the Casey area to consider donating to her auction this August.

“You can donate anything, anything at all,“ she said. “I’m mindful that the cost of living has increased significantly, so I know a lot of people don’t have money to waste.

“I’m trying to get things people would normally buy everyday.”

The auction will take place through a private Facebook group, which locals can opt to join.

The group, titled “Cancer Council Auction & Fundraising Victoria - August 2023“ will allow for bidders to comment their bids on the auctioned items and services and then pay directly to the Cancer Council through an online link.

Collection of items and services will then be organised. Any purchases over two dollars will be tax deductible.

“I’m trying to get things that, if you’re buying it anyway, why not bid and try to get it a bit cheaper,” Ms Johnson said.

“And it’s tax deductible as well, so it’s a win-win.”

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

OnThursday, June 1, Cranbourne Park Primary School welcomed Minister for Education, The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, and Member for Cranbourne, Ms Pauline Richards MP, to make an exciting announcement about an upgrade to the school oval. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Peter McKill

It’s amazing how MPs come out of the woodwork when a camera is present. Major works are now complete on the new signalised intersection at Cranbourne-Frankston, Hall and Evans roads. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Karen Wilsy

Great news!

Amstel Club

We are so excited for the roads to be back

open! Great work Major Road Projects Victoria.Thanks also to the residents of the canopy estate who endured significantly more traffic during the roadworks.

Police netted dozens of impaired, speeding and disqualified drivers in the South East during a King’s Birthday long weekend traffic blitz. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Kenny May

Awesome pity they can not spend the same amount of effort in fighting crime.

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.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To all the roadworks on every major arterial at the same time. Getting from Cranbourne to Carrum Downs and Berwick has been a nightmare for over a year now.

Thumbs up

Great weather for the middle of winter. Let’s focus on the positives.

Thumbs down

For the carnage that is roadworks on the Narre-Cranbourne Rd that seem to never be ending.

Thumbs down

To new road work on Harkaway Road.

Thumbs up

To the idea of a dog park in Lynbrook.

Thumbs up

To the new 40 HP 4 stroke on my 14’ tinnie,pickituptomorrowandstart on the new marine ply floor. A new tender for L’ HIRONDELLE and a water taxi for the mates at Warneet.

Here’s what our readers had to say.

Christine Simmons

Congratulations Julie what an amazing achievement and legacy you created.

Judie Hedrick

What an amazing lady!

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

Thumbs down

To all the people that speed in our coastal communities too many accidents are happening. Cannons CreekWarneet areas, more signage and speed humps.

Thumbs up

To regular prostate checks.

Thumbs down

To the Lynbrook dog park’s proposed location directly in the main bit of grass in Banjo Paterson Park. This will become an eyesore in our beautiful, busy park.

A netball court in the rain at Robinson Reserve in Doveton. 343396

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Carla with daughter Quinn.

Police nab bad drivers

By Matthew Sims

A 20-year-old Berwick man found to be driving disqualified and a 21-year-old Cranbourne man found driving whilst suspended were among offences recorded during Victoria Police’s highly visible public safety operation across the Greater Dandenong and Casey areas onWednesday 21 June.

More than 80 police and PSOs members were patrolling shopping centre precincts, railway stations, bus interchanges and bus routes to boost safety and engage with the community.

Police spoke with more than 290 people during the operation.

Police issued 14 people with penalty notices for traffic offences, weapons offences and drug offences.

Police arrested a 21-year-old man of no fixed address for a number of outstanding warrants at a bus stop in NarreWarren.

Police also seized a number of allegedly stolen credit cards and property including clothing, security tags and a debit card.

He was remanded to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court onThursday 22 June.

Three drivers would be facing court after police identified a number of traffic offences.

Police found a 20-year-old Berwick man was driving disqualified and had his vehicle impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1020.

Police found a 21-year-old Cranbourne woman was driving whilst suspended and had her vehicle impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1038.

Police intercepted a 35-year-old Hallam man after police located him driving without number plates and was also found to be driving while unlicensed.

All will appear before a magistrate at a later date.

Police also arrested a 51-year-old Seaford man after locating drugs, an edged weapon and a large number of allegedly stolen items including clothing, credit cards and identification cards.

He was bailed to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 25 October 2023.

Transit South Senior Sergeant Chris Reed said they would continue to work with the specialist units to make sure the community was safe and felt safe.

“This highly visible presence was about boosting safety on the public transport network and beyond,“ he said.

“While Transit police and PSOs work day and night across the network we know these extra resources give people greater confidence when out and about.“

Man charged with alleged gun trafficking

Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have charged 37-year-old Cranbourne East man Anthony Robert Espenszid after illegal firearms and drugs were allegedly found at a premises.

Police say they seized five firearms and various drugs of dependence following a gun-trafficking investigation at the property on Monahans Road in Cranbourne East.

A bolt action rifle, a sawn-off double barrel shotgun, a singe barrel sawn-off shotgun, two air rifles, various ammunition, and various amounts of what appear to be dried cannabis, methylamphetamine and ecstasy tablets were found, police say.

Espenszid did not apply for bail at a

hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 23 June.

He faced five counts of being a prohibited person possessing a firearm and a charge of possessing two or more firearms not in accordance with the Firearms Act.

He was also charged with possessing meth, cannabis and ecstasy and an unauthorised possession of ammunition.

A defence lawyer told the court that Espenszid suffered cellulitis and required a psychiatric nurse.

He was remanded in custody to appear at a committal mention at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 15 September.

Top brass ‘hoarding funds’

By Emily Chapman Laing

Victorian Northern Metropolitan MP and Liberal Party Member Evan Mulholland has accused the Andrews’ Government of“hoarding“ funds and withholding infrastructure contributions from growth areas like Casey.

“The Andrews government is hoarding almost half a billion dollars that’s meant to go to growth areas, to basically prop up its budget bottom line,“ Mr Mulholland said.

Growth Areas Infrastructure Contributions (GAIC) funds are allocated for state sponsored infrastructure projects within seven growth area councils, including Casey and Cardinia.

According to the Department of Transport and Planning, GAIC funds must be spent in, or for the benefit of the growth area councils.

Funds are used for new railway stations, new transport corridors, new bus interchanges, government school upgrades, emergency facilities, recreation facilities and open space improvements, among other things.

The GAIC was established in 2010 as a way for landowners in new growth corridor developments to help pay for community services and infrastructure.

A fee of between $110,000 and $130,000 is paid per hectare of land owned.

The ABC has reported as of June, the fund contains over $481 million in “unallocated funds“.

The Department of Transport and Planning reported no funding commitments to improve growth area infrastructure and services were allocated from the GAIC in the 2023/24 state budget.

More than $580 million has been paid out of the GAIC since 2010, but critics like Mulholland say the funding simply isn’t matching the rate of growth in Casey’s burgeoning suburbs.

“The Government has encouraged development in these areas, generating revenue from stamp duty and additional developer contributions, residents in these areas should expect basic infrastructure, their tax contributions have already paid for it,” South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP David Limbrick said.

Liberal Member for Berwick Brad Battin has also criticised government spending in the region, claiming the Andrews’ Government use growth areas as a “cash cow“ to fund infrastructure projects “in their own seats“.

“Hundreds of millions of dollars gets ripped out in taxes from land sales, stamp duty and new government taxes only to be invested in projects that have no attachment to our area,“ Mr Battin said.

“Why has the Government failed to fund the Clyde Railway extension, the Clyde North Police Station, upgrade of Clyde Road or in community sports and arts spaces for our growing area?

“We all know the Labor Government is sending Victoria broke, and they will continue to take money from the hardworking people

By Emily Chapman Laing

Sixty-one-year-old Sri-Lankan born Cranbourne resident Corina Foenander will show off her cooking skills at the internationally renowned World Food Championships in Melbourne later this month.

“I look like an old fuddy duddy there in front of all of the young people,“ she said.

“But there is no age for anything, if you’ve got a passion just go for it.

“I should have done this years and years ago.“

Ms Foenander found her flair for home cooking after years of “burning everything“ in the kitchen.

“I didnt know how to cook at all when I got married at 21, I tried cooking but I just couldn’t,“ Ms Foenander said.

“But when you have children you learn to do different things, and my mum was a very good cook so I got a lot of recipes from her.“

Ms Foenander found her passion after she worked as a caterer and became disillusioned with the quality of food in restaurants.

in the growth corridors to help their spending spree in Labor seats.“

The Casey council said they feel “there is an opportunity for the State Government to better use Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution funds“.

“Casey’s rapid population growth is leading to record car ownership and increased pressure on the city’s roads and transport network,“ Kathryn Seirlis, City of Casey Manager Growth and Investment said.

“There is an opportunity to improve the coordination of delivery of state infrastructure to support population growth.

“The current approach to building local infrastructure means that often Council has to allocate additional rate payer funds to complete projects, where in many instances these funds could have been better spent in other parts of the municipality.“

Ms Seirlis said the cost gap in arterial road and intersection works is increasing due to rises in construction costs and the time required for approval and delivery.

Members of the Labor Government have backed the use of the GAIC, saying the funds are being allocated proportionally.

“Every dollar of the Contribution is spent on providing infrastructure for growing communities – such as schools and ambulance facilities,“ a Government spokesperson said.

According to the Victorian Government, there are at times differences between GAIC collected and committed reflecting the long lead time to develop eligible capital projects.

They say the principle is that funds are to be distributed to growth areas in proportion to the amount received from that growth area over the long term.

At April 2023, the Victorian Government reported over $635 million in GAIC funding committed for almost 120 infrastructure projects.

Casey accounts for almost one-third of the total – $209.9 million.

These funds have supported Casey upgrades such as land acquisition for Cranbourne West Secondary College & Special

School, Clyde North East Primary School, Ramlegh Park Primary School and Botanic Ridge Primary School, among others.

The fund has also paid for the construction of the Berwick Bus interchange, the construction of Casey Fields Primary School in Cranbourne East and the construction of a fire station in Clyde North.

Recreational and transport upgrades have also been sponsored from the GAIC, to the Casey Fields Regional Soccer Centre in Cranbourne East, the bus service in Narre Warren North and car parking and amenities at Cranbourne Station.

Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards said the GAIC has “supported new schools, train station upgrades, better bus services, sports grounds, shared paths and emergency services facilities“ in the region.

“More than $200 million has been committed locally from contributions so far,“ she said.

“Our support extends well beyond this scheme and we’re proud to be genuine partner with the community.”

Showcasing cooking

“A lot of my friends told me I should have a restaurant.“

During this time, Corina started her YouTube channel, “Corina“, where she shared her recipes.

In 2019, Ms Foenander applied for the World Food Championships and in 2022, she was contacted to participate.

“The other cooks showed up with all of these different things and I just had one knife,“ she said.

“The judges are really nice and they say don’t give up.“

Ms Foenander placed in the top 5 for the beef category.

knife,“ Ms Foenander said.

“I’m used to audiences but not with cooking, and when you’re competing with people who have been on MasterChef and run restaurants it’s not easy to be there.“

Last week, Ms Foenander started her new blog, Cook with Corina.

“I want to go into peoples homes and interact with them, cook in their own homes and then televise it,“ she said.

The 2023 World Food Championships will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 30 June until 2 July.

“I enjoy food, I love eating,“ she said.

“When I go to restaurants I’m a real food critic, I’m disappointed at the quality of food.“

Ms Foenander made the most of the extra time offered to her during the pandemic, and begun“experimenting“ with different recipes at home.

“I had nothing else to do,“ she said.

Ms Foenander is known for her signature chilli crab dish, which she created “according to [her] own palette“.

“Chilli crab is a fusion between Sri-Lankan, Singaporian and Malaysian,“ she said.

The semi-retired mother will compete for the second time this year, participating in the golden ticket category for seafood.

“I’ll be more organised and professional this year, I wont go with a suitcase and one

With hosts and celeb appearances such as Manu Feildel andTigga Mac, this event will be an oasis for all types of food lovers and cooks alike, offering chances to compete, spectate or participate in the much-loved event.

Australian local John McFadden won the entire World Food Championships 2022 competition in Bentonville, Arkansas, USA, taking home the top prize money of USD $100,000.

This year, Ms Foenander is hoping to keep the Australian winning streak going.

‘I should have done this years ago’:

Corina with the judges at the 2022 World Food Championships. Picture: SUPPLIED

Premier Daniel Andrews visits the site for the Hall Road upgrade in April.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Mega win for MS fundraiser

On Sunday 25 June, participants took to Casey RACE to join in the inaugural MS Mega Triathlon.

The 2023 Casey MS Mega Triathlon saw teams take part in an indoor triathlon over an incredible 12 hours straight to raise funds for Australians living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

“The inaugural Casey MS Mega Triathlon was a great success for the team, with over 60 people taking part and raising over $10000 to support Australians living with MS,“ MS Plus CEO John Blewonski said.

“The funds raised will assist in providing vital services and support to people living with MS, as well as funding four Go for Gold Scholarships.

“Special thanks to the MS Events Team, Charlie Pragnell from the Casey Cardinia Triathlon Squad, Casey RACE and Triathlon Australia for making sure this inaugural event came together and from all reports was a great day for all involved.”

MS Plus, Casey RACE and Triathlon Australia joined forces with local Community Host Charlie Pragnell from the Casey Cardinia Triathlon Squad to bring the first ever MS Mega Triathlon to life.

“My favorite part of the day was seeing an idea come to reality,“ Mr Pragnell said.

“The MS Mega Triathlon came about due to many years as an MS Mega Swim participant and being an active triathlete.

“What a great opportunity to give back to the village of life where individuals families and professionals support each other.

“Every drop counts in this space and can make a difference in someone’s day.“

With their state-of-the-art facilities donated free of charge for the entire 12-hour Triathlon, Casey RACE has been a keen supporter of the inclusive event.

Carly Saunders from The YMCA is keen to see the community come together in the efforts

of raising funds for Australians living with MS.

“Casey RACE is a state-of-the-art recreation facility in Melbourne’s southeast that can uniquely host the first MS Mega Triathlon event,“ she said.

“We have a proud history of offering modified sports and competitions to suit people of different abilities, helping to remove the barriers to participation for people with a disability.

“Hosting the first MS Mega Triathlon event is an important step in encouraging more people to be more active, more often.“

In Victoria, only 24 per cent of people living with a disability are meeting the recommended level of physical activity.

“We aim to increase the opportunities available to these individuals can lead happier and healthier lives,“ Ms Saunders said.

Triathlon Australia has been involved in the planning process since late 2022 when first approached by Mr Pragnell and the team at MS Plus.

Nadelle Legge from Triathlon Australia has been working closely with all involved to ensure a successful event.

“Events such as these have a powerful impact on the triathlon community,“ she said.

“We are very inclusive and are constantly looking at ways to engage new participants to our sport, including people that may have thought they weren’t capable.

“We hope everyone had a fun and enjoyable experience, and they feel empowered to keep physically active in triathlon, or another sport they choose.”

MS Go for Gold Scholarships are awarded to people living with multiple sclerosis who have a specific goal they are working to attain.

“Focusing on achieving a dream is a great way to build a stronger sense of wellness, have a break from focusing on multiple sclerosis, and a fantastic opportunity to inspire others at the same time,“ Mr Blewonski said.

“For all participants, the scholarships pro-

vide the opportunity to significantly change lives.“

Scholarships are awarded in the categories of education, arts, travel, music, employment, and lifestyle and wellbeing.

“MS Go for Gold Scholarship has allowed me the opportunity to update my computer and illustration software, so that I can draw digitally instead of having to create everything from scratch in a laborious way,“ said artist and 2020 Go For Gold award recipient Melanie Caple.

The MS Mega Challenge event series is one of the fastest growing community events in Australia with thousands taking part in regional, suburban, and metro events each year.

Founded in 2001 by Paralympian Carol Cooke AM, the MS Mega Challenge has since grown to swim, squash & racquetball, badminton and now triathlon events taking place across VIC, NSW, ACT and TAS every year.

Pet perspective: Shelli rallies to nail her dream job

From page 1

Full of excitement, Shelli showed up to her first day at her dream job, but the day didn’t pan out how she expected.

The company had decided they weren’t able to make concessions for Shelli’s condition.

“I went in on the first day to start and she and her husband called me into their office and I was let go,“ Shelli said.

“I went home and for a couple of weeks I was just so depressed and I just felt so down about myself.

“I said to Tony I just feel so down, I feel so useless, I’m just no good.“

Tony had seen an unusual style of pet photography onYouTube years before, where pets were photographed from underneath.

“I’m always looking for a point of difference,“ Tony said.

“I thought it could be easily commercialised here, it would really take off.

“Years went by and no one ever grabbed onto it.“

As far as he could see, no one else in Australia was using this style of pet photography, and there he saw the perfect fit for his photography career and Shelli’s love of dogs.

“The first photo he showed me I was hooked,“ Shelli said.

Three months later, the duo had set up the business at Tony’s photo studio in Hallam.

“She went from the deepest, darkest place to jumping across the clouds,“ Tony said.

Animals Down Under held their first exhibition at the April 2023 Home Show.

“We also see it as home decor,“ Tony said.

“You’d see people look at the pictures and then the big smile would come and it just made me feel so good,“ Shelli added.

The couple were rewarded with a long list of bookings, and Animals Down Under was officially on the map.

Shelli and Tony are parents to four dogs, but one stands out as the clear model of the pack.

Pixel the Whippet loves having his picture

taken and has been the muse for some of Animals Down Under’s best shots.

“He loves it,“ Shelli said.

“I don’t have to stand on the other side of him for the photos, I can just stand at the console and throw treats,“ Tony added.

Animals Down Under is currently taking bookings at a special price of $150, saving cost-of-living conscious pet owners a whopping $225.

“Everyone says the same thing, that when you put the pictures up, they’re a conversation starter,“ Tony said.

“Everything is depending on the budget of the person, we’re not wanting anyone to buy anything they don’t love.“

The apparatus used to photograph the model pups was built with safety in mind for all breeds.

“It takes 250 kilos,“ Tony said.

“Everything is done to Australian standards.“

For dogs who are too timid or excitable to use the podium for underneath shots, Animals Down Under offers reflective shots where fussy pups can sit on a low platform

for a front-on portrait.

Tony’s other business, This Is My Life, is a photography and videography business where he captures people’s life stories.

“He’ll talk to them about their earliest life to current day,“ Shelli said.

“It’s just fantastic.“

The studio also hosts TV commercials, commercial photo shoots and music videos. Animals Down Under can be found on Facebook, Instagram and through their website.

Overall winning team, The Tri-Hards.

Pictures: SUPPLIEDL to R: Renee from MS Plus, Charlie Pragnell, Nadelle Legge and Kylie from MS Plus.

Banjo.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Fin. Narla.

Tributes flow for former MP

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Former Hotham MP Simon Crean’s service to the South East was the “stuff of legend”, according to one of many local and national tributes.

Mr Crean – a former Federal Labor leader, ACTU leader as well as Cabinet minister under four Prime Ministers – died suddenly on 25 June.

The 74-year-old was part of a work delegation in Berlin, Germany at the time.

He served as Hotham’s MP for 23 years until he retired and was succeeded by current Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil in 2013.

In a statement, Ms O’Neil described Mr Crean’s death as “unbelievably sad news”.

“Simon was a giant of the Labor Party and the labour movement.

“He was a Labor icon; integral to Australian politics and industrial relations for more than 40 years.

“And he was my mentor, and friend.”

Ms O’Neil said his “extraordinary” length of service spanned eight terms as Hotham MP –an egalitarian reformer who made Australia a better, fairer country.

“He was the only person to be a part of Cabinets during the Hawke, Keating, Rudd and Gillard Governments.

“His service to my community, in South East Melbourne, is the stuff of legend. Simon served the people of Hotham for 23 years.

“My community, where he is still worshipped as a hero, owes him a great deal.”

Ms O’Neil said he supported Labor women and “backed me every moment of my life in the Labor Party”.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said Mr Crean was a “giant of the labour movement” and “a part of our fabric”.

Recently, he was active in the Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) group to advocate for

infrastructure and job creation in the South East, she said.

She recalled him as “intelligent” and “thoughtful” while addressing a student gathering during her early years of political activism at Monash University.

Premier and Mulgrave MP Daniel Andrews paid tribute to Mr Crean opposing Australia’s involvement in war in Iraq as Opposition Leader 20 years ago.

“Twenty years ago Simon Crean did what seemed to be the impossible.

“In opposing the war in Iraq he stood up for

peace, and our national interest.

“It wasn’t easy and it certainly wasn’t popular - but it was the right thing to do.

“It was leadership.”

Former Keysborough MP Martin Pakula had unsuccessfully tried to depose Mr Crean in a Hotham pre-selection in 2006. Later Mr Pakula admitted that he’d underestimated the overwhelming rank and file support for Mr Crean.

In tribute on 25 June, Mr Pakula said “I was silly enough to fight him once. He taught me a lesson.

“But our love for the (National Union of Workers) and what it meant to the Labor Party transcended that fight and we mended things. Respect.”

Prime Ministers from both the Labor and Liberal parties paid glowing tribute.

Among them, current PM Anthony Albanese said Mr Crean’s achievements as a Minister ranged from “trade to employment, from primary industries and energy to the arts”.

“The common threads running through his long career were his courage and his principled action, qualities that came so powerfully to the fore when he opposed the Iraq War.

“Yet his opposition to the war was backed by his unwavering respect for the members of the Australian Defence Force, a respect he showed when he went to address the troops ahead of their deployment.

“History has vindicated Simon’s judgment, but at the time his stance was deeply counter to the prevailing political and media climate.”

Post-politics, Mr Crean was active in an array of roles, including as chair of the European Australian Business Council, a Linfox director and on the advisory boards of GSEM and Orygen. His father Frank Crean was a former Treasurer in the Whitlam Government.

GSEM chair Simon McKeon said Mr Crean

was “admired by so many, and especially on all sides of politics”.

“There was hardly a door that couldn’t be opened by Simon.

“He was warm, approachable and very articulate. For him there was a direct line linking policy to peoples’ lives.

“His work at GSEM continued his life-long commitment to ensuring people had access to skills so they could enjoy well-paid and secure jobs.”

Mr Crean’s “devastated” family stated that their husband and father died suddenly after his morning exercise.

“Simon was a fierce advocate for working Australians and dedicated his life to making a difference.

“Though his greatest achievements were as father to Sarah and Emma and loving husband to Carole.They were married for over 50 years.”

In a joint statement, Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff, administrators Cameron Boardman and Miguel Belmar and chief executive Glenn Patterson paid tribute to Mr Crean and said he would be“sorely missed“ by the South East as a “highly engaged“ supporter of growth management and higher education, including for the Berwick Health and Education Precinct through his role on the Monash University Council.

“A thoroughly decent human being, Simon related to people at all levels in all walks of life. He was naturally interested in people - their interests, experiences and their welfare,“ the statement read.

“Simon was deeply engaged across many policy areas that included the arts, indigenous communities, infrastructure, higher education and renewable energy - always believing we could do more and do better.

“In all areas of public policy, Simon always had the courage of his convictions, consistently demonstrating his intelligence, insight, vision and authenticity.“

Standout scholarly stars breaking through barriers

By Matthew Sims

Afghan refugee and Halllam resident Zahra Karimi has found her calling in cyber security and is encouraging other females to move into the traditionally male-dominated industry.

The Hallam resident was among the winners at the ninth annual Chisholm Education Awards on Wednesday 21 June, taking home the Vocational Student of the Year award.

Arriving in Australia a month before the Taliban regained control of Afgahnistan, Ms Karimi said after completing her Bachelor of Software Engineering through a scholarship in Kyrgyzstan, she wanted to to move into cyber security, which is one of the fastest growing areas of Information Technology.

“Cyber security is the future,“ she said.

“Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation are taking over the world by speed.

“Being safe and having control over cyber life, which is the future, one must know cyber security.“

Enrolling in Chisholm’s Certificate IV in Cyber Security and covering everything from network security fundamentals and incident response plans to ethics and privacy in an IT setting, Ms Karimi said she found the Chisholm community to be welcoming and she made friends easily.

“Whenever I needed any help regarding my academic issues, the teachers never hesitated to help me,“ she said.

“Chisholm provided me with opportunities, not only in my field of study, but also as a newcomer to Australia.

“It helped me find a community to interact with.“

One of only two girls in her group, Ms Karimi was also part of Chisholm’s Student Ambassador Program, which helped her improve her communication skills and network with people from different backgrounds. She has since started work in a migration agency.

Ms Karimi said she was already putting

what she has learned to good use.

“I remind my colleagues at work or my circle of friends and family to be more cautious of their data security,“ she said.

“I also let them know how to better manage their data protection.“

Ms Karimi said cyber security was set to grow rapidly in the future and encouraged other young women with an interest in science and technology to not be afraid to branch into a traditionally male-dominated field.

“I’d recommend women and girls get into cyber security,“ she said.

“I’d say my biggest achievement is being a woman in this field.

“I found the courage to be myself and have the power to do things that people normally think I’m not able to.“

Proud Wiradjuri/Ngunnawal woman and Cranbourne resident Sarah Thorne won the award for Koorie Student of the Year, following a whirlwind journey of recovery from addiction and mental illness and reconnecting with her First Nations culture.

She is a proud LGBTIQA+ queer ally and a

passionate activist for pride rights, especially for Rainbow Mob.

After high school, she completed a Diploma of Visual Arts with Chisholm.

After working in graphic design and marketing for a while, in addition to doing retail work, Ms Thorne eventually decided to have a career change and enrolled in Chisholm’s Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), followed by the Graduate Certificate in Family Violence.

“I’ve lived a very colourful life, with lived experience of mental health and AOD specifically,“ she said.

“That’s probably what led me to choose the course.“

Ms Thorne did a placement at Salvation Army START Community, an AOD day program and later got a job at headspace Dandenong as an Aboriginal andTorres Strait Island youth access worker.

After just six months, she was offered a position with headspace as the national project manager of outreach and relationships.

Ms Thorne’s most recent posts included spending 14 hours and three flights getting to the tiny town of Kununurra in Western Australia to work with the local First Nations young people and heading to Mutitjulu at the foothills of Uluru to help open a new service provision for First Nations people.

“If you’d told me that five years ago, I would have laughed at you,” she said.

“There was a point in my life where I was in a pretty bad way.

“I was in a really dark place.“

Ms Thorne said her work was both exciting and rewarding.

“It’s pretty incredible what I get to do,“ she said.

“I work with the headspace centre network, which has over 156 centres across the country, and support them with their First Nations community connections.

“I love it, I get to see some of the most

incredible places, which I would never have seen any other way.“

Ms Thorne said the support of Chisholm was invaluable along her journey.

“The knowledge and the lived experience that the teachers had in the sector was just incredible,“ she said.

“That was one of the greatest opportunities I had, was to learn under people who have done some pretty cool things in the sector.

“I was really inspired by that.“

Ms Thorne said her recovery inspired her to reconnect with her culture.

“As an Aboriginal woman, I wasn’t that connected in my younger life to my culture,“ she said.

“I decided I wanted to be able to help other people in the same position as me.“

Ms Thorne said she was lucky to be able to help others and she “couldn’t be happier“.

“It’s been hard work and it’s taken having a really supportive network,“ she said.

“I have a family who never let me go and never backed down on sticking by me.

“I get up every day and I’m so excited to go to work.“

Chisholm Institute chief executive Stephen Varty said every nominee should be “extremely proud“ of their achievements.

“I congratulate all finalists and winners from the Chisholm Education Awards,“ he said.

“With over 36,000 students enrolled across over 300 courses, the nominations process was very competitive, and the winners were exceptional examples of what makes Chisholm one of Australia’s leading TAFE providers.

“Thank you to all of our partners and everyone involved in organising the 2023 Chisholm Education Awards, it was such a fantastic event and congratulations once again to all of the inspirational winners and everyone who has supported them along the journey.“

Cranbourne resident Sarah Thorne (third from left) received the Koorie Student of the Year award and Hallam resident Zahra Karimi took home the Vocational Student of the Year award at the 2023 Chisholm Education Awards last week. Picture: SUPPLIED

Simon Crean while serving as Hotham MP in Parliament House, Canberra.

Picture: ALAN PORRITT, AAP

South East Area Throwdown

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to witness some of the most exciting dancers in the region and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of street dance.

Experience the energy and creativity of our talented local dancers as they showcase their skills in a variety of styles, including hip-hop, breaking, and urban dance.

Stick around for an after-show party where you can dance and mingle with fellow enthusiasts.

The Southeast Sessions are a collective of dancers trying to create an environment that is educational, fun and queer friendly for the Southeast dance/freestyle community.

The aim is to build a community where dancers can come together to create and connect with other dancers in a safe environment.

Presented by Bunjil Place and The Southeast Sessions as part of the 2023 Winter Arts Festival.

Tickets available online.

· Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren on Saturday 15 July, 6pm-10pm.

Women’s Circle

Join Lauralee Thomson in this women’s circle. This circle is for you if you desire a deeper connection with yourself and your innate wisdom, if you’re longing for some time and space to just be yourself and if you are curious about women’s circles, meditation and rituals.

Come along and journey through meditation,ritual, embodiment practices, non-linear movement and connection to Self and to other women.

Bookings available via Facebook.

Tickets $50.

· Narre Warren, Friday 30 June, 7pm-9pm.

Dreamtime Storytelling with puppets

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne are privileged to have Uncle Ron Murray, a proud Wamba Wamba man, as their storyteller during this free NAIDOC event.

With his inspiring journey and vast knowledge of first nations culture, Uncle Ron enriches our understanding and appreciation of first nations heritage.

Join the team and experience his powerful storytelling, gaining valuable insights along the way.

· Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne on Tuesday 4 July, 11am or 1pm.

Marngrook Making

Join Janine, a proud Dja Dja Wurrung woman, at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne NAIDOC week event for a free, hands-on Marngrook making workshop.

Janine’s expertise in local culture and language, horticulture, bushland management, and children’s services makes this a unique opportunity to learn and celebrate Aboriginal culture.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Dja Dja Wurrung people and create meaningful connections.

Don’t miss this transformative workshop – reserve your spot today!

· Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne on Wednesday 5 July, 1pm.

Become a Justice of the Peace

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is looking to appoint new Justices of the Peace in the Casey area.

Justice of the Peace volunteers play an impor-

tant role in the Justice system and provide a valuable and accessible authorised witnessing service to all members of the community.

Two one-hour online information sessions are being held to provide more detail about the role and give people the opportunity to meet JPs and staff from the Honorary Justice Services Support team.

People of all cultural and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply and attendance at an information session is mandatory to proceed to the application and recruitment stages.

Information session one: Thursday 29 June at 1pm.

Information session two: Thursday 6 July at 6pm.

· To submit your application and register for an information session, please visit: https://www.volunteer.com.au/volunteering/196659/become-a-justice-of-the-peacefor-the-casey-community

New Playground in Botanic Ridge

Botanic Ridge Village will be opening a brand new play space at the shopping centre over the school holidays and to celebrate families can enjoy three days of free pirate themed fun!

Wednesday will feature a pirate treasure hunt, pirate face painting and free fairy floss.

Thursday will feature a pirate keyring making, pirate tattoos and free pop-corn.

And on Friday there will be pirate dot craft, balloon twisting and free fairy floss. Visit botanicridgevillage.com.au for full details.

· 10 Hummingbird Drive, Botanic Ridge on Wednesday 5 July - Friday 7 July, 11am-2pm.

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.

There are four distinct characters, inspired by three dog breeds: Poodles, Bull Terriers and Dachshunds.

Native American-Style Flute Workshop

Discover the native American-style flute a sacred sound instrument with medicine drum and rattle to evoke healing music within you… creativity is waiting to be explored.

In this free 90 minute workshop, you will find hands-on experience with a professional musician, how the flute can be played for sound healing and how to connect to your creativity through sacred sound.

No musical experience required – great for total beginners.

You’ll be guided by musician/teacher and coach Peta Minter, who provides a safe learning environment for all.

Boost your confidence, creativity and wellness through the power of music.

Tickets available via Facebook and Eventbrite.

· Positive Music home studio Narre Warren on Friday 14 July, 11am-12:30pm.

As visitors journey through the happy pack, the dogs’ coats light up and they greet passersby with happy grunts to celebrate each new person’s arrival.

The Lost Dogs’ Disco is a hallowed place for dogs and every newcomer to the disco is greeted as a fellow disco dog.

The installation features a custom sound design of electronic music that captures the beauty and pathos of a dog’s life including a chorus of barks, growls, howls and all kinds of doggie hullabaloo.

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

Narre Warren Psychic and Wellbeing Expo

Come and enjoy an inspiring and relaxing day with stall holders offering a range of services and products to indulge your senses. Free workshops throughout the day including mediumship demonstrations, readings: psychic mediumship, tarot, intuitive, readings, massage, crystals, giftware, clothing, books, natural healing and products, jewellery, soy candles and much more.

Purchase tickets at the door: $5 adults, kids aged under-12 free.

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

Berwick Farmers Market

The Berwick Farmers Market at The Old Cheese Factory is held every 2nd Saturday monthly. You’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, free range eggs and meats, olives and oil, honey, nuts and grains, dairy and cheeses, breads and pastries and much more!

There’s coffee and tea, loads for brekkie or to take home for lunch.

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.

CRANBOURNE U3A

Make the most of your retirement!

Tutors available to teach art using various mediums.

A variety of crafts including knitting, patchwork and sewing, card making, and calligraphy. Chess, line dancing and table tennis and cycling groups welcome you.

Would you like to play the Ukelele, or just singalong for fun? We can help.

We also have an Italian class.

If you would like to tutor a class, contact us with details of your talents, we welcome new opportunities.

Our rooms are in the Cranbourne Library building, enter through the Casey Radio entrance. Expand your social life and get active for a healthy third age in your retirement.

· For more information visit: www.u3acranbourne.org.au or call Helen 0423 623 337

Pioneer Girls and Flappers: Early female munitions workers

The Narre Warren District Family History Group will be hosting their July meeting with a presentation from historian and archivist Katie Wood.

During World War Two, tens of thousands of Australian women found work in the munitions industry in a period when women’s industrial employment was regarded as a novelty. Many don’t realise that women’s work in munitions began far earlier, all the way back to the 1880s.

Their story is a rollicking tale of explosions, strikes, politics, picnics, and more.

In this talk, Katie Wood will bring to life this fascinating history, which has touched so many families.

· L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe Training Room 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne on Saturday 15 July at 2pm.

Show off your Tiny Art

Casey’s Connected Libraries is encouraging locals to enter their Tiny Art Show competition.

“Connected Libraries are running the Tiny Art Competition for the second year in a row, last years competition was a huge success with more than 75 entries,” Connected Libraries chief executive Beth Luppino said.

“Its free to enter and there are prizes to be won.

“The competition is open to Connected Library Members who are 16+, we can’t wait to see our community get creative.”

Collect a mini canvas from participating libraries (Bunjil Place, Cranbourne, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Hampton Park) and create your own mini art masterpiece using any me-

dium you like.

Completed artwork can be submitted to participating libraries for display.

Entrants must be aged 16+ and must be a Connected Libraries member.

Entrants will automatically go into the draw to win an art pack hamper based on public voting.

Competition closes on Wednesday 28 July.

Bunjil Place children and youth services librarian Tim Cuthell is excited to see the entries from local artists. 343145

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Picture: GENERIC

Housing less affordable

By Matthew Sims

The Housing Industry Association has released a new report showing housing affordability across Australia is continuing to decline as interest rates continue to rise, with 1.6 average incomes now required to service a typical new mortgage.

HIA policy and industry deputy managing director Jocelyn Martin said the affordability index fell by 1.1 per cent in the 2023 March quarter compared to the preceding quarter, making housing in Australia 25 per cent less affordable than it was before the Covid pandemic.

“Housing affordability poses a major challenge across the country, and the issue is paramount on the policy agenda of all levels of government,“ she said.

“Rising interest rates are only a part of the story.

“Housing affordability simply gets worse when housing supply falls short of demand.“

The most recent Census data revealed 23 per cent of Australians experiencing homelessness were aged between 12 and 24.

Casey North Community Information and Support Service chief executive Helen Small said support agencies were being “slammed“ after recent rate rises and rental stress.

“We are seeing a 30 to 40 per cent increase in clients seeking supports and this is the story

across the board,“ she said.

“We are seeing staff and volunteers stressed and unhappy when the standard supports we give are not able to make a permanent difference and we are facing an increase in customer aggression and abuse.

“It would be very helpful if funding for emergency relief was increased commensurate to the increase in demand.“

Ms Small said the current average rent in the Casey area was about $500 per week.

“As those renting out properties are not able to change the rent once a lease is signed – and most leases run for at least 12 monthsmortgage holders have tended to raise the rent quite large amounts to both cover actual and predictive mortgage increases,“ she said.

“Eviction means a poor rental history will mean they will not be offered another rental and right now, with competition for rentals hot, they are unlikely to be offered a rental anyway,“ she said.

“There is also anecdotal evidence that renters are being offered the chance to ‘bid’ on their rental or to offer to pay additional rent, in order to be the preferred applicant for the property.

“We are seeing people right now who have no option but to default on their rent and suffer the consequences, yet in many instances, these same people would make excellent tenants if only they were able to access housing at

an affordable rate.“

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Specialist Homelessness Services report revealed 22.5 per cent of people who received homelessness services in 2018/19 also did so within two years before and after accessing support.

The data showed that 18,074 Victorians experienced homelessness over the long term.

In comparison, only 3313 people were allocated social housing in 2018/19.

Melbourne-based volunteer Sue Delwaney, has dedicated the last seven years of her life to helping people experiencing homelessness, including servicing the Doveton area via charity Orange Sky, which offers a free mobile laundry service, portable hot showers and a nonjudgemental space for open conversations and human connection.

Every week, Orange Sky provides more than 1600 loads of laundry, 1600 hours of human conversation and 130 hot showers across the country – an increase of 21 per cent over the last 12 months.

Ms Delwaney said she has seen the number of people continue to increase.

“Some people are still living in their cars,“ she said.

“Our services are increasing especially during winter times.“

Council to Homeless Persons chief execu-

tive Deborah Di Natale said it was clear a greater investment in social housing was needed to address the situation.

“Having a large cohort of people experiencing homelessness long-term sends a clear message that there is simply not enough social housing in Victoria,“ she said.

“The scale of the housing and homelessness crisis is enormous but not insurmountable.

“Building 6000 social housing properties each year for a decade will put us within touching distance of ending homelessness.“

Ms Di Natale said while the State Government’s Big Housing Build project was a good start, there needed to be more action across the entire social housing sector.

“It’s time for a major commitment for when that funding runs out given the spiralling crisis which is unfolding,“ she said.

“It’s so crucial that we never lose sight of how important it is to have programs that support the people in our community with the greatest vulnerability.“

Ms Di Natale said the state and federal governments needed to take “decisive action“.

“Targeted measures including wraparound support are key to addressing homelessness,“ she said.

“The housing crisis will simply not go away.“

Checkmate: Young kings and queens conquering chess

By Matthew Sims

The minds of youngsters throughout the Berwick area have received a special boost, in the form of learning one of the world’s oldest games - chess.

Chess Republic Australia is running classes for children as young as five at the Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House and Community Centre every Sunday from 10.30am to 11.30am, with plans to expand into weekday classes soon.

Coach Madu Mudalige said younger children, especially those between the ages of five and 10, tended to have excellent learning capabilities and are often quick to absorb new information.

“Chess provides a stimulating intellectual challenge that engages young players’ minds,“ she said.

“They enjoy the strategic thinking, problem-solving, and critical analysis required to navigate the complexities of the game.

“The mental stimulation and the satisfaction of finding solutions to chess puzzles and positions can be highly rewarding and enjoyable for young players.“

Ms Mudalige said playing chess required concentration and focus.

“I have come across instances where chess has been recommended to individuals, such as cancer patients, seeking to keep their minds active and engaged during challenging times,“ she said.

“Chess acts as a powerful tool for maintaining cognitive function and promoting overall brain health.

“Regardless of age or background, the benefits of chess are vast, and its impact reaches far beyond the confines of the game board.“

Ms Mudalige said they were keen to increase the number of classes across other locations.

“Our aim is to reach out to communities, schools and introduce them to the wonderful game of chess, providing them with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills,“ she said.

“Chess is not just a game; it is an intellectual pursuit that promotes critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities.

“By setting up these chess centers, we hope to create a vibrant and inclusive environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, practice, and enjoy the game.

For more details of how to start learning chess, visit chessrepublic.com.au.

Samriddhi stares down her opponent. 342995

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Senudi and Avinda go head-to-head. 342995

Samriddhi and coach Madu Mudalige. 342995

Avinda, coach Madu Mudalige, Samriddhi, coach Chamal Mudalige and Senudi. 342995

FOCUS ON … HOME AND GARDEN

Warm up with a fire pit

Having a fire pit in your backyard can bring numerous benefits and enhance your outdoor living experience. Here are some advantages of having a fire pit.

1. Ambiance and cosiness: Fire pits create a warm and inviting atmosphere, providing a focal point for social gatherings and relaxation. The flickering flames and crackling sound contribute to a cosy ambiance, perfect for enjoying evenings outdoors with family and friends.

2. Extended outdoor season: With a fire pit, you can extend the usability of your outdoor space beyond the warmer months. The heat from the fire pit helps to take the chill out of the air, allowing you to enjoy your backyard even during cooler seasons or chilly evenings.

3. Socialising and entertaining: Fire pits naturally draw people together, making them a fantastic gathering spot for conversations, storytelling, and bonding. They create a cosy and intimate setting for hosting guests, roasting marshmallows, or even having a backyard barbecue.

4. Cooking and food preparation: Many fire pits come with grill grates or can be adapted for cooking. You can prepare delicious meals, such as barbecues, kebabs, or even pizza, over an open flame. Cooking on a fire pit adds a unique flavor and experience to your outdoor culinary adventures.

5. Relaxation and stress relief: Watching the flames dance and feeling the warmth of a fire can be incredibly relaxing and soothing. It provides an opportunity to unwind, destress, and enjoy moments of tranquility. Sitting around a fire pit can help create a sense of calm and improve overall wellbeing.

6. Aesthetic appeal and design element: Fire

pits add an attractive focal point to your backyard. They come in various designs, materials, and sizes, allowing you to choose one that complements your outdoor aesthetic. A well-designed fire pit can enhance the overall look and feel of your outdoor space.

7. Bug and pest control: Smoke from the fire can act as a natural deterrent for insects

and pests, helping to create a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities. It can help keep mosquitoes and other unwanted pests at bay, allowing you to enjoy your backyard without constant interruptions.

8. Property value: Installing a fire pit can increase the value of your property, as it adds an appealing feature to your outdoor living

space. Fire pits are sought after by homebuyers, particularly those looking for outdoor entertaining areas, which can potentially make your property more marketable. Remember to prioritise safety when using a fire pit. Follow local regulations, maintain proper ventilation, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and take precautions to prevent accidents or fire hazards.

A fire pit is great for outdoor entertaining in winter.

FOCUS ON … HOME AND GARDEN

Grow your own snow peas

By Matt Male

Snow peas are easy to grow and very rewarding, but where do you start?

First, you need to choose a variety.

I use Oregon Sugar Pod seeds and they cost on average less than 10 cents a seed. And with snow peas somewhere around $20 a kg, it’s well worth it.

I usually only need to plant half a dozen seeds to get a plentiful harvest.

But before they go in the ground, I check the soil. Snow peas don’t like having wet feet, so they need a well-drained area that’s rich in organic matter.

If your existing vegetables are doing well, you probably have plenty of good soil.

But if you’re starting a new garden bed, heap on some compost. It is a great way to improve soil. It helps with drainage and nutrients, and all that other good stuff.

After adding compost, loosen up the soil with a shovel or a hoe so there are no large clumps remaining.

Now it’s time to sow the seeds into the garden beds.

For a good harvest, I usually grow three plants in a small area by putting a couple of seeds in each hole. It would probably work with one seed but when it works out to be a few cents per seed, I don’t mind using a few extra than needed - especially because it can take some time before they appear and if your one seed fails, you’re down a couple of weeks on your harvest.

They appreciate a good support system, so put in a cage or trellis at the time of planting.

One to two months later, depending on the time of year, I usually have snow peas coming through thick and fast.

Enjoy

Once they start appearing, they don’t stop. So I try to go out there every morning and night and pick them because it just encourages more and they taste great.

Snow peas have a sweet and tender taste, which makes them perfect for stir-fries or as a side dish. You can also eat snow peas raw with a dip, or in salads. They’re a great way to add

SOLAR INSTALLER

some flavour and texture to your meal, too. Happy harvesting!

- Matt blogs about his garden at mattsplants.co

FOCUS ON … HOME AND GARDEN

Rattan up your home

Rattan is having its moment in the design sun as this natural material appears in homes as furniture, baskets, bed heads, lamps and other home accessories.

Traditionally used to construct outdoor furniture because of its durability and weather resistance, rattan is also a great material to use indoors as a way of bringing an elegant natural feel to interior spaces.

The natural beauty of rattan complements many decorating styles such as country, coastal, boho and traditional decor.

It can be easily incorporated with other materials, such as glass, stone or wood, or it can be painted to give it a more contemporary feel.

Another advantage of rattan is that it is less expensive than other materials, making it perfect for those who are budget-conscious but want an eye-catching end result.

For an effortless casual feel, rattan is perfect for conjuring a sense of the coast and lazy summer holidays.

It can easily be accessorised with throw pillows, rugs, candles, lamp shades and wall hangings created from other natural fibres.

And don’t limit rattan to your living areas. Think of incorporating it into bedrooms via a rattan bedhead, side table or bedside lamp.

A striking woven chair can look elegant in an empty bedroom corner.

Rattan chairs can also be paired with a timber dining table for a comfortable yet chic look.

Rattan light fixtures can add a wow factor to otherwise standard lighting.

Think large pendant shades with an open weave to allow light to seep in all directions.

If you want to just dip your toe in this durable design trend start with a few baskets stra-

tegically placed where you need them.

Rattan baskets are widely available at all price points from home decor retailers.

A rattan tray is another way to add a touch of rattan to your overall design scheme. Group candles, shells, interesting glassware or any other items you love on a rattan tray for a streamlined rather than messy presentation.

New care village model

Summerset, one of New Zealand’s most recognised retirement and aged care operators, is bringing its continuum of care village model to Australia. Their first village at Cranbourne North is taking shape with construction now well underway.

Summerset may be the “new kids on the block” in Victoria but are old hands at creating high quality retirement and aged care villages, with over 25 years’ experience, 35 villages established and more than 7500 residents across New Zealand.

Sales Manager Leanne Heathcote is excited to be launching Summerset’s first Australian village offering, based on its successful continuum of care model that has made it New Zealand’s second largest retirement sector developer and operator.

Once complete, the village will provide a variety of purpose-built homes including two and three-bedroom independent living villas and townhouses, as well as serviced apartments for residents requiring extra support. There will also be extensive recreational amenities and aged care onsite offering options for residents in our aged care or memory care facility.

“Summerset’s vision of high-quality environments with the added security of knowing care is there should you need it, is the sort of place I would want for my own parents and grandparents so it’s easy to feel passionate about,” said Leanne.

“With continuum of care, people have options should their needs change while they live in the village, and while access is subject to availability, existing village residents have priority. They can remain in their community, amongst their friends while getting the support tailored to their needs.”

Covering nearly six hectares at 98 Mannavue Boulevard, the village is conveniently lo-

cated with easy access to supermarkets, shopping centres and walking tracks. Summerset Cranbourne North has excellent transport links, with the freeway, bus and train services all located nearby as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and the local golf club

just minutes away.

“I can’t wait to welcome new residents and future friends to this amazing space we are creating. This is living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute, added Leanne.

Summerset Cranbourne North sales suite

will open from Thursday 3 August 2023, and information sessions are being held on 26 and 28 July - for more information please visit www.summerset.com.au/cranbournenorth

Images for inclusion:

*Photos, artists impressions and facilities are indicative only.

Images for inclusion: *Photos, artists impressions and facilities are indicative only. Artist impression* of Summerset Cranbourne North villas.

Artist impression* of Summerset Cranbourne North townhouses.

Example* of villa interior.

Artist Impression* Summerset Cranbourne North village facilities.

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I used to be a barrel racer.

What do you love the most about your job?

Spending time with animals.

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

A dog in my house.

What would your last meal be?

My husband Tony’s steak.

What was your most memorable moment?

Exploring an abandoned castle in Scotland with Tony.

What were you like as a kid?

A real tomboy!

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

Queen at Wembley Stadium Live Aid concert in 1985.

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

My dad, I miss him so much. Both my grandfathers. They both died the year I was born. Tony’s dad so he can see what a wonderful person he is. Billy Connolly for laughs and Graham Norton for funny stories.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

A true crime podcast.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Funny, loyal and kind.

Where is your happy place?

At home with Tony and our four dogs.

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

My mum’s chicken casserole.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Scotland, I just love it!

with Animals Down Under owner Shelli Knight

THREE … things businessessmallneed to know before 30 June

With tax time coming up, the Australian Taxation Office has announced three things they want all small business owners to know before diving into their tax returns.

1 The new small business boost is now available. The boosts are available for small businesses investing in digital operations, or skills and training – for example, new equipment like technology, cloud-computing, e-invoicing or cyber security. Small businesses will receive a bonus 20 per cent tax deduction for eligible expenses in their tax return.

2 Temporary full expensing (TFE) ends on 30 June 2023. Small businesses can still claim an immediate deduction for the cost of eligible assets first used or installed ready for use by 30 June 2023 in this year’s tax returns.

3 Deduction rates are changing. Both the running a business from home deductions and car expense deductions have changed for this tax time. The new cents per kilometer rate is 78 cents for 202223, but remember to keep written evidence to show how you worked out the work-related kilometers.

ShellihasfourdogsincludingZoe(pictured).

Picture:SUPPLIED

Fish ready for holidays

By Corey Everitt

LakesacrosstheSouthEasthavebeenrestocked with fish, ready for school holiday fishing.

Authorities recently released 750 rainbow trout into Berwick Springs Estate’s lake, currently swimming around waiting for an appetising meal that might deceptively be the hook of a local angler.

It was part of a regular restocking of Victoria’s fresh water fishing spots to promote young fishers to get outdoors in school breaks throughout the year.

In 2022, Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) released just under 10 million fish into the state’s waters.

The VFA release rainbow trout for recreational fishing at an average size of about 20 to 25 centimetres.

Rainbow trout is an abundant freshwater fish across the state; the colder months in the middle of the year is the most ideal time to target.

They can be caught in just about any fashion, either with bait or lures, or even the more advanced fly fishing.

You can use almost any form of bait from worms to mudeye - powerbait is highly effective as stocked trout are typical familiar with it.

Berwick Springs Estate’s lake is not the only place to be restocked in the South East for the holidays, other spots include:

· Pakenham Lakeside - 750 stocked;

· Casey Fields Lake - 750 stocked;

· Emerald Lake - 500 stocked;

· Garfield Lake - 150 stocked; and

· Lilliput Lane Reserve - 100 stocked.

When fishing these holidays, it must be remembered a limit of five trout can be bagged a day under VFA’s limits, with trout more than 35 centimetres being limited to two.

Mark from Victorian Fisheries Authority restocking the lake.

Pictures: COREY EVERITT

Authorities released 750 rainbow trout into Pakenham Lakeside’s lake.

The rainbow trout is a popular freshwater catch, able to be caught with most fishing rigs.

A big one found its way into the restocking tanks - this is the one to catch.

The fish are, on average, approximately 20-25 centimetres.

Locals anglers were quick to get casting as the trout splashed in.

Grabacopyof your localnewspaper...

Berwick Newsagency Berwick

Coles Supermarket Botanic Ridge Village Botanic

Ridge

BP Truckstop Canbourne West

Coles Express Service Station Clyde

Clyde Village Store Clyde

Manna Gum Family & Community Centre Clyde

North

Selandra Rise Retirement Village Clyde North

Balla Ball Community Centre Clyde North

Selandra Rise Shopping Centre Clyde North

Cranbourne Library Cranbourne

Cranbourne Basketball and Sports Centre

Cranbourne

Life Be In It Cranbourne

United Petrol Station Cranbourne

Coles Express Cranbourne

Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club Cranbourne

BP Service Station Cranbourne

Cranbourne Bowls Club Cranbourne

Cranbourne Newsagency Cranbourne

Coles Supermarket Cranbourne

United Service Station Cranbourne

Goldlink Real Estate Cranbourne

City of Casey - Cranbourne Office Cranbourne

Coles Supermarket Springhill Cranbourne

Cranbourne Community House Cranbourne

Shopping On Clyde Cranbourne East

Lifestyle Communities Cranbourne East

Hunt Club Shopping Centre Cranbourne East

The Avenue Shopping Centre Cranbourne North

Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre

Cranbourne North

Apco Cranbourne North

BP North Cranbourne Cranbourne North

Thompson Parkway Newsagency Cranbourne

North

IGA Supermarket - Eve Estate Cranbourne

North

Apco Service Station Cranbourne West

Coles Cranbourne West Cranbourne West

Coles Cranbourne West Cranbourne West

Superstar Lucky Lotto Cranbourne West

Casey Grange Village Cranbourne West

IGA Clarinda Park Cranbourne West

Cranbourne West Community Hub Cranbourne

West

Woolworths Supermarket Cranbourne West

BP Service Station Cranbourne West

United Petrol Station ( Pie Face ) Cranbourne

West

Hampton Park Shopping Centre Hampton Park

Hampton Park Library Hampton Park

The Junction Milk Bar Junction Village

Lynbrook Community Centre Lynbrook

Lynbrook Newsagency Lynbrook

Liberty Lyndhurst

Caltex Lyndhurst

Marriot Waters Shopping Centre Lyndhurst

Subway Restaurant Lyndhurst

Woolworths Supermarket Lyndhurst

Casey City Council Narre Warren

Outlook Employment Narre Warren

Coles Supermarket Narre Warren South

Casey News and Lotto Narre Warren South

Ritchies Amberly Park Narre Warren South

Real Estate Agents Everywhere

General Classifieds

Expressions of Interest

MEMBERSHIP OF THE CANNONS CREEK FORESHORE RESERVE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED

Nominations are being sought from the community for membership of a Committee of Management that will manage the foreshore reserve of Cannons Creek. The Committee is responsible for the day to day management, care and protection of the foreshore reserve on behalf of both the local community and the wider Victorian community. area of coastal reserve.

Key attributes being sought include interest and enthusiasm, a commitment to caring, protecting and managing the foreshore reserve of Cannons Creek and an approach to the task that includes maximising community involvement and participation.

and needs

by close of business Wednesday 12th July 2020

Find information about DEECA on the Internet at www.deeca.vic.gov.au

Employment

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

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.

Community liaison, education and/or training

and administration

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

Part-Time Telesales Representative Star News Group

HVAC Technicians

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

Harla to take on the world

The 2023 UCI BMX World Championships are shaping up to be the most exciting race of the year for Botanic Ridge resident and Pearcedale Primary School student Harla Sinclair.

After earning a spot on the 2023 Australian BMX Team, Harla is one of three nine-yearold girls from Australia who will take on the world’s best at this year’sWorld Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, from August 1 to 13.

The goal of BMX Racing is simple: cross the finish line first.

But that’s easier said than done with eight riders and a complex course of high-speed curves, big bumps and even bigger jumps between the start gate and gold medal glory.

“I am really excited but also a bit nervous to be racing for a World Championship in Scotland this year,” Harla said.

“I have been working really hard with my coach, Bella May, and look forward to racing the world’s fastest girls.”

Harla has been racing BMX since the age of three.

After a great first year of competitive racing in 2022 - with a State Championship win and a second place at the final round of the AusCycling National Cup last year - Harla is ready to take on the next step and head to Scotland with her father Mick this August.

“What an opportunity for Harla,” Mick said.

“As a family, we put a huge amount of effort into BMX Racing at a local, state, and national level, and to see Harla’s name on the list of riders for Team Australia was a proud moment for us.

“Harla is putting everything into this.

“With great coaches and training programs, it’s amazing to see the effort she is putting in and no matter what the outcome is over there, we are just super proud.”

Harla is a member of the Frankston and Casey BMX Clubs, where she trains with her coach, professional BMX Racer, Bella May.

“For just eight years old, Harla has the world at her feet with BMX and I’m excited to be on this journey with her,” Bella said.

“She is training hard, and deserves great results at the World Championships, but I’m also teaching her that anything can happen at races

like this and that she needs to be prepared for anything.

“I’m really proud of Harla and love coaching her.”

The single lap 400-metre course at the Glasgow BMX Centre has been specially built to test the top speeds, track skills and racing smarts of the world’s best BMX racers.

The championships take place in four phases. In round one, the top four finishers progress to qualifying, while the bottom four get a ‘Last Chance’, with only the top two moving on in the competition.

In qualifying, the top four out of eight pro-

gresses to the final, where the medals are up for grabs.

Races happen in 30-40 second sprints of acceleration, adrenaline, close calls, and collisions.

Track position is paramount as everyone fights for the fastest racing line and riders must be bold if they want to take the gold.

For more information on the UCI BMX World Championships visit: https://www. cyclingworldchamps.com/championships/ bmx-racing/ and to follow Harla’s journey go to https://www.instagram.com/harla.sincs/

Impressive Sea Eagles raise the bar higher and higher

By David Nagel

Inverloch-Kongwak looks set for a massive assault at back-to-back West Gippsland titles after the Sea Eagles scored an emphatic 70-50 victory in the top-of-the-table clash against Tooradin-Dalmore on Saturday.

Both teams were missing some key players, with star defenders Linsey Boddy and Renee Pilkington absentees for Inverloch, while Jess Maher, Ebony Dolan and Chloe Crouch were missing from the Seagulls’ best line up.

But we saw enough high-quality action to state firmly that the Sea Eagles are clearly the team to beat for this year’s premiership.

Jarrod Walker’s team looked sharp, hungry and concise, playing with a clarity and efficiency that is going to be awfully hard to topple this season.

The visitors jumped the Seagulls early… and were never in danger of defeat.

The Sea Eagles moved the ball beautifully on the weekend, with the high-energy and great passing of Lanni Pryor (C), Ella Sadler (WA) and Ivy Hunter (WD) winning the early mid-court battles, while Kelsey Buxton relinquished her regular spot at centre to fill Pilkington’s massive shoes in Goal Defence.

Millie Sadler (GK) took care of business, deep in defence, while Amy Scott (GA) and Kelly Boyd (GS) provided a classy combination up front.

Boyd turned provider in the first quarter, providing Scott with the opportunities to score 18 first-quarter goals.

The visitors led 20-13 at quarter time, and built that 34-22 at the half.

Tooradin squared the ledger in the third quarter, with Alex Maher (GA), Sara Howie (WA) and Abbey Howes (C) in fine form, but the Sea Eagles answered that 16-16 period with a strong 20-12 finish to the contest.

Inverloch, now with an 11-0 record, heads to Warragul Industrials after this week’s bye, while the Seagulls take the trip to Cowes to face Phillip Island.

Kilcunda Bass is in the top six for the first time this season after a nail-biting 35-34 victory over Cora Lynn.

The Panthers trailed narrowly at the end of each quarter, and by 28-29 at the final

break, before a dour 7-5 final term saw them squeeze across the line.

The Panthers have now won five of their last seven matches after starting the season with four consecutive defeats.

Caitlin Egan (GK) was once again superb for the Panthers, in combination with coach Caitlin Stephens (GD), while Kacey Maund (C) dictated terms through the midcourt.

The Cobras will be spewing about this one, with tough games against Dalyston, Nar Nar Goon and Tooradin-Dalmore looming on the horizon.

Maggie Blackman (GD) and Moesha Griffin (WD) gave their all for the Cobras for four quarters.

Garfield is still a massive chance of playing finals after the Stars scored a 54-36 win over Phillip Island.

The Stars trailed at quarter time, 12-13, but took a one goal lead to half time after a 13-11 second term.

The efforts of players like Chloe Bluhm (C), Macy Newcombe (WA) and Ash Snell (WD) saw the Stars score 15-11 in the third, before finishing off the match with a remarkable 14-1 final quarter.

Jaclyn Clark and Anthea Bennett gave everything for the Bulldogs in defence.

The Stars host Korumburra Bena after the bye, while the Bulldogs host Tooradin.

Nar Nar Goon has bounced back from last week’s loss to Dalyston with a fast-starting 56-37 win over Korumburra Bena.

The main difference in this one was the first quarter, where Olivia Hamilton (C), Steph Lee (GA) and Toni Dart (GS) inspired the Goon to a 16-6 opening onslaught.

The Goon increased its lead by just four in the second and third quarters, before rounding out in style with 15-10 in the final term.

The Giants stuck to their guns well, with Elisha Nicholas (GA), Georgia Hamilton (WD) and Felicity Fox (WA) raising their lev-

els after a poor first term from the hosts.

The Goon next host Kooweerup, while the Giants are on the road to Garfield.

In other games this week, Kooweerup remains in fifth place after a 52-22 win over Bunyip while Dalyston almost cracked the elusive century against Warragul Industrials.

The Magpies scored a remarkable 29 goals in the opening quarter, before being held to 19 in the second period of play.

They scored 24 in the third, leaving 28 goals required in the last quarter to break through the 100 barrier.

They fell just short, scoring 26-2 in the last stanza to record a 98-19 victory. Brittany Thomas (GA) led the scoring with 37 goals for the Pies, with Gemma Thomas (GS) scoring 30 before handing over to Olivia Bramley (31 goals) in the second half.

Dalyston hosts Cora Lynn after the bye, while the Dusties face a tough test against IK at home.

Amity McInnes came on in the last quarter for Inverloch to defend Alex Maher. 343172

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Millie Sadler almost nails the intercept. 343172

Harla Sinclair will take on the world’s best at the BMX World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. 343141 Pictures: SUPPLIED

Harla Sinclair is off to the World Championships in early August. 343141

Class Dees deliver

By Marcus Uhe

A dominant performance driven by Casey’s AFL-listed stars returned the Demons to the winners list on Friday night.

Led by another haul of four from Jake Melksham, nine of the Demons’ 11 majors were kicked by Melbourne players looking to force their way back into the senior side, while Jake Bowey, James Harmes and Adam Tomlinson each had 27 disposals in the 40-point win over Geelong, 11.14 (80) to 5.10 (40).

A brief wrestle for supremacy in the early stages saw the lead seesaw, but a burst from the Demons late in the quarter gave them an 18-point lead at quarter time.

Casey exploited the size miss-matches in its forward half by curtailing kicks to suit the height of Ben Brown and Josh Schache, chipping balls into the air rather than short sharp passes to them on the lead.

From that point onwards, the reigning premiers never looked back.

Another two to open the second quarter made it five majors in a row as the Demons looked to do what their senior equivalents couldn’t the night before at Kardinia Park.

Having held the hosts to just two goals by the long break, the margin reached 40 points when they returned to the changerooms at half time.

Brown, Schache and Melksham all finished the half with two as the Demons dominated the territory game and used their speed to catch the Cats defence napping on turnover.

Geelong was able to put the brakes on in the second half but the gap between the sides was already too much to overcome.

Three goals each in the final two quarters returned the contest to the scrap that unfolded in the early stages of the match, highlighted by a hanger at halfback from Demon, Daniel Turner.

Melksham kicked a further two in the second half, with all four coming in near identical fashion, snapping on his right foot at the construction site end of GMHBA Stadium on the broadcast side of the ground.

Casey finished with an advantage in all major statistical battles, such as inside 50s (+19)

and tackles (+13), while it’s dominance around the contest was reflected in a whopping +40 marks and +32 disposals.

The result means the Demons’ topsy-turvy premiership defence continues, having not

Doves and Spiders win

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Hampton Park has rebounded from consecutive losses with a win over the struggling Black Rock on the wide, open expanses of Tony Way Recreation Reserve.

It was the Redbacks first win at their 2023 base, with Kyle Hendy, Declan Brunnell and Nathan Carver kicking five, five and four goals respectively.

With Jack Wilson missing with Dandenong Stingrays commitments, winger Tristan Fernandez-Phillips played his best game for the club, running hard and finishing with two goals.

Luke Sloan, who emerged and played every game last year, had his first run of 2023.

won or lost consecutive games since round four.

A trip to the beach awaits next week when they head to Sandringham to battle the Zebras on Sunday afternoon.

The blast continues for in-form Cannons

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Emma Harris has scored two goals in the Casey Cannons 5-2 win over Brunswick to move to outright third on the goal-scoring tally for Women’s Vic League 1.

With Brunswick having lost nine of its 10 games this season, it was a win necessary for the Cannons to continue riding the wave of momentum.

They remain two points clear of third placed Yarra Valley as the league enters the second half of the season.

Mikayla McDonald, April Picton and Jessica Rowland were the others to find the back of the net.

The men, meanwhile, put forward an improved effort against Brunswick but were unable to emerge with any points, going down 2-1.

Matthew Light hit the scoreboard for the second straight week and Casey would be buoyed by its ability to hold their thirdplaced opponents to just two goals.

When the clubs met in round one, Brunswick piled on seven goals, Casey unable to withstand the attack.

The league will have a week off before Casey takes on sixth-placed PEGS, which they lost 5-0 to earlier in the season in the men, and won 2-1 in the last women’s meeting.

Cannons Women

Results: North West Lightning 3 v PEGS 2, Knox 0 v Monash University 2, Mornington Peninsula 2 vWestVic 1, Casey 5 v Brunswick 2, Werribee 0 v Yarra Valley 8.

Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 28, Casey 24, Yarra Valley 22, Monash University 20, WestVic 13, Knox 12, PEGS 10, Werribee 9, North West Lightning 6, Brunswick 3.

Fixture: YarraValley v Mornington Peninsula Hockey Club, WestVic v NorthWest Lightning, Monash University v Werribee, PEGS v Casey, Knox v Brunswick Cannons Men

Results: North West Lightning 3 v PEGS 2, Casey 1 v Brunswick 2, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 1 v Monash University

4, Melbourne Sikhs 1 v Old Xaverians 1, Werribee 5 v Yarra Valley 4.

Ladder: Melbourne Sikhs 23, Old Xaverians 20, Brunswick 19, North West 19, Monash University 19, PEGS 16, Werribee 12, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 8, Casey 3, Yarra Valley 3

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

Doveton Doves had a comfortable win over East Malvern set up by a seven-goal second quarter.

After lining up against Black Rock for his first game of the season following his apparent retirement, former skipper Matt Stapleton again lined up for the Doves.

Keysborough took it up to Highett and led for much of the day before conceding five last quarter goals to go down by 30 points.

Ethan Bakes backed up his excellent outing against the Spiders last week and Simon Marchese was also influential.

Skye kept its faint finals hopes alive with a win over Caulfield.

Brad Dyer kicked three goals for the third time in four weeks, but each of those was worth so much more given Skye scored just six at a Carrum Downs Reserve slogfest which saw fluctuating conditions throughout the whole day.

The match was former captain James Bateman’s 200th game.

Known for his toughness, he led the side from 2018-2022 and played his best footy in the clinches, but has assumed a backline role this season and was crucial in his milestone game.

He becomes just the ninth player to reach that number at the Bombers, established in 2006, and is said by those around the club to typify what the Skye jumper means.

Coach Aaron Pacey was coaching from the bench on the weekend, after being concussed the previous week, his 150th game.

Brett Dawson also brought up game 150 and is said by those around the club to be the most courageous player to pull on the Skye jersey.

DIVISION 2

Results R10: East Brighton 12.11 83 v Murrumbeena 8.5 53, Doveton Doves 12.16 88 v East Malvern 4.5 29, Hampton Park 23.21 159 v Black Rock 2.0 12, Highett 11.6 72 v Keysborough 5.12 42, Skye 6.13 49 v Caulfield 5.13 43.

Ladder: East Brighton 40, Murrumbeena 28, Doveton 28, Hampton Park 24, Highett 24, East Malvern 16, Caulfield 16, Skye 16, Keysborough 8, Black Rock 0.

Fixture R11: Caulfield (7) v Murrumbeena (2), Black Rock (10) v Highett (5), Doveton Doves (3) v East Brighton (1), Hampton Park (4) v East Malvern (6), Keysborough (9) v Skye (8)Match Abandoned.

The rain was pelting down on Dylan Bayley and his teammates in the third quarter at Doveton. 343181 Picture: ROB CAREW

Nick McPhee looks to send Casey forward. 343183

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Josh Schache’s excellent year in the VFL continued on Friday night, kicking another two goals for Casey. 325648

Picture: ROB CAREW

SPORT

A legendary performance

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cranbourne has overcame a fast Chelsea Heights start at a typically blustery Livingston Reserve in front of 20 members of its legendary 1993 premiership team.

As he has done every week so far this season, Kirk Dickson kicked multiple goals, finishing with five in the Southern Division 1 clash.

Chelsea Heights used the wind in the first quarter to skip out to a 21-point lead, but only kicked one goal after quarter time.

Ruck Michael Boland, veteran defender Glenn Osborne and the consistent Matthew Allister were all named in the best as Cranbourne turned it around.

Cheltenham has affirmed itself as Southern League flag favourites for a second consecutive season with a comfortable win over an undermanned Dingley.

Kicking against a strong breeze in the first quarter at Dingley’s home base, the Rosellas put on the first four goals which put them in the driver’s seat for the remainder of the contest.

An Adam Peacock front and centre gather and snap was the Dingoes’ only goal in the first half.

Despite having a share of the entries when kicking with the wind, the inside 50 kicks were too predictable, allowing Cheltenham to intercept and slingshot, using Sean Lai as an effective quarterback.

The absences of Nathan Freeman and Cam Dickie tested the depth of a squad which has had a good run with injuries in 2023 and forced a shuffle of the magnets in the midfield.

A torrential downpour in the first 10 minutes of the third quarter turned the rest of the match into a slogfest and robbed the Dingoes of an opportunity to close the margin in the third quarter.

They kicked just one more goal for the afternoon – via youngster Zac White.

Lochie Benton tried to set Dingley up off halfback, with his confidence and creative ball use, off the back of a season-best outing against Bentleigh.

But it was the next disposal that lacked polish for his team as inefficiency going inside 50 hurt.

Kristen Feehan also played a good role,

sinking his fist into anything that came in his area.

Cheltenham’s star goalkicker Josh Fox was restricted to three goals – but it was of little solace given it was not a day suited to big boys and the the team kicked 14 in total.

With players such as Alex Windhager, Cody Cochrane and Lachie Lamble, among others, either to go or going overseas in the second half of the season, the Dingoes were always going to be stretched after King’s Birthday.

All, however, will return for finals.

Games against Cranbourne, Port Mel-

bourne and Springvale Districts in the next three weeks will give an indication of whether the system is sufficient enough to offset the loss of talent.

Springvale Districts was too good for Mordialloc, winning by 22 points.

The Demons led by 10 going into the last quarter with the breeze, the ascendancy set up by a third quarter where they were able to break even at two goals apiece despite unfavorable conditions.

DIVISION 1

Results: Port Melbourne Colts 23.15 151 v St

Kilda City 3.7 25, Cranbourne 10.12 72 v Chelsea Heights 5.5 35, St Paul’s McKinnon 12.14 86 v Bentleigh 4.10 34, Dingley 2.5 17 v Cheltenham 14.10 94, Springvale Districts 11.8 74 v Mordialloc 7.10 52

Ladder: Cheltenham 36, Cranbourne 32, Dingley 32, Springvale Districts 28, Port Melbourne Colts 24, St Paul’s McKinnon 24, Chelsea Heights 8, Bentleigh 8, St Kilda City 4, Mordialloc 4.

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

Sea Eagles affirm favouritism after suffocating Seagulls

By David Nagel

Inverloch-Kongwak is an organised and defensive beast that is going to be awfully hard to stop as it chases its first senior premiership since the inaugural season of the WGFNC in 2017. That’s the major takeaway to come from a relentless effort from the Sea Eagles, who suffocated one of their major threats this season with a 10.7.67 to 4.8.32 victory over reigning-champion Tooradin-Dalmore.

The Seagulls can console themselves with the fact that they scored 32 points on their home deck on Saturday…higher than the 31.4 points average that the Sea Eagles have conceded this year.

Of course, that’s said tongue in cheek because just like 10 teams before them the Seagulls had no answer to Inverloch’s ‘fullcourt’ defensive pressure.

They just pushed and pushed and pushed…driving the home team back until the Seagulls finally cracked just prior to half time!

Inverloch - now with an 11-0 recordclearly had the better of the early exchanges and opened its account when defender Jarvis Pryor found Toby Mahoney in space on the ‘fat’ side of the ground.

The visiting midfield was right on top, with Ethan Park, Andy Soumilas and Oscar Toussaint getting good supply from Marcus Toussaint in the ruck.

And when the ball did go forward the Sea Eagles protected the exits and switch out of defence with intent.

It took six minutes for the Seagulls to have a forward-50 entry…which ended out of bounds on the full in front of the social club.

Tim Lenders answered, kicking truly from

a free kick after 22 minutes of play, before the Sea Eagles finally got some reward for their midfield ascendency.

Mahoney kicked his second, after outbustling Jordy Kelly at the top of the goalsquare, before coach Tom Hams nailed a ripper from long range at the 28-minute mark of the first.

It was classic play from the Sea Eagles, with Soumilas extracting from stoppage, with the ball travelling quickly to Hams… who celebrated with a pumped fist after kicking from 50 out.

Hams and his team deserved their 3.2.20 to 1.0.6 advantage at quarter time.

The Seagulls would bounce back quickly at the start of the second term, with Brad Butler producing a piece of magic from the ‘cricket net’ forward pocket.

But it would be the only highlight of the quarter for the Gulls, with Inverloch putting its stamp on the game with a ruthless attack…at both the footy and the ball carrier.

Inverloch’s half-back line was dominant, with Tate Short, Lewis Rankin and Hams protecting a Michael Eales, Kairon Dorling and Pryor-led last line of defence.

Pryor kept Ryan Gillis goalless a week earlier against Cora Lynn, and repeated the dose with another ‘shut-down role’ on Stewart Scanlon on Saturday.

If the number-14 saddles up beside you this year…it’s going to be awfully hard to get a kick!

The Sea Eagles kicked clear nine minutes into the second term, with Mahoney slotting a beautiful kick into the teeth of the breeze, before Nick Baltas underlined his class with a freakish right-foot snap just two minutes later.

The next 15 minutes was an arm-wrestle, as the home-side identified the danger and lifted its intensity.

The pressure finally told on Tooradin at the 26-minute mark of the second term, when a sloppy turnover at half back resulted directly in a Will Turner six-pointer from mid-range.

The large travelling crowd erupted…clear in the knowledge that the four premiership points had virtually been tucked away.

Turner’s goal gave the Sea Eagles a 25-poiunt advantage at half time.

The third quarter started brightly, with Callan O’Flynn extending the margin to 31, before Andrew Proctor provided a quick answer.

The Sea Eagles then suffered their only disappointment for the day, with Mahoney appearing to suffer a serious right-hamstring injury…stopping as if shot at the six-minute mark of the third.

That happened two minutes prior to a thunderous downpour at Tooradin, with the crowd running for cover as the rain and

wind became intense.

Hams then ended any hope for the homeside, kicking his second, before Park timed his interchange routine to perfection, finding himself unguarded inside 50, extending the margin to 37 points at the final change.

Lachlan Scott and Matt Livermore then exchanged goals in the final term as the fizz came out of the contest.

IK assistant-coach Leigh Cole was thrilled with the team’s performance against highclass opposition.

“The ladder says they’ve dropped one game and we’re ahead of them, but you can put that down to one bad quarter they had against Phillip Island,” Cole explained postgame.

“They could easily have been 10 from 10 and undefeated as well.

“It was a huge challenge for us and we still see them as the benchmark.

“It was good to get out here and test ourselves against the best.”

Cole said it was a focus heading into the game to shut down Tooradin’s sharp ball movement by foot.

“If you watch enough of their games, they like to control the ball by foot, so it’s about keeping the game in fast play, so there’s a bit of chaos around it,” he said.

“They’ve obviously got some good individual players, but as a collective they’re pretty strong across the board.

“We targeted a couple of different areas; we try and take one or two things away from the opposition every week, and I thought we did that well as the game progressed today.”

Both teams will now enjoy a week’s rest, courtesy of a league-wide mid-season bye.

Tate Short personified Inverloch-Kongwak’s football on Saturday, not giving Adam Oxley one inch of space to move.

343172

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cranbourne bounced back from a slow first quarter at a blowy Livingston Reserve. 343169 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Jarryd Barker gives the ball a big roost.

Marc Holt shoots for goal.

Star Zak Roscoe takes a bounce.

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