News - Cranbourne Star News - 6th July 2023

Crafty kids go green

Landfill ‘stink’

By Emily Chapman Laing

“Excuse after excuse and nothing has been resolved despite so many community meetings, dealings with the EPA and VCAT,“ resident Mel Hutcheson said.

“We sadly just live with this stench affecting us in our daily lives.“

Sharon Berry said she feels “let down“ by the State Government and the City of Casey “who approved this landfill near residential homes, next to one ofVictoria’s premier tourist destinations“.

“We in the surrounding community have had to endure more than 12 months of the disgusting stink invading our neighbourhoods and at times even inside our homes, causing distress and to some people, physical and mental health issues,“ Ms Berry said.

“During the proposal period the community was told that as SBI landfill is to be an ‘inert’ landfill it would not smell and that there would be strict regulations and stiff penalties apply to ensure compliance.

“We now know through bitter experience that those claims are untrue.“

Residents said they feel SBI is yet to suffer “any stiff penalties“ after a year of trying to get the odour issue under control.

“Our community has suffered and there has not been any compensation offered,“ Ms Berry said.

“Recently, since the City of Casey lent one of their landfill staff members to SBI to assist in resolving odour issues, the odour issues have reduced significantly and for that I am grateful.

“But until such time that there is no more odour being emitted beyond their premises at all and the noise, dust, and tip trucks using our minor roads have been resolved, then my family and I will still feel let down by the government and government entities who have enabled this fiasco to occur.“

The distrust towards government bodies is ripe in the Brookland Greens area, resident Libby explaining she finds it“hard to trust government departments to do what is right“.

“I have known from the beginning that nothing would be done until the site is no longer useful,“ she said.

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said she lives in the area and experiences the odour “first hand“.

“I don’t doubt for a moment the impact the odour is having on the local community,“ she said.

“Believe me when I say that I understand how much we all want this resolved.

“I am advised the EPA are taking regulatory action against this operator to ensure it fixes the odour issues that are impacting our community and is held accountable.”

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria held an online community session on Thursday 22 June, providing residents with an update on the SBI landfill saga.

Continued page 8

Nethraashowsoffherbirdfeeder. 344588

Picture:EMILYCHAPMANLAING

A group of eco-conscious kids were tested on their recycling know-how as part of an interactive crafting session.

The City of Casey held a Be an Eco-Kid event at the Lynbrook Community Centre on Thursday 29 June, run by aWaste Education team member.

The 90 minute session included a discussion about what can and can’t be put into kerbside recycling bins, followed by a crafting activity where the kids were able to make bird feeders out of recycled tetra paks. Full story page 2

Kids enjoy eco education

By Emily Chapman Laing

A group of eco-conscious kids were tested on their recycling know-how as part of an interactive crafting session.

The City of Casey held their“Be an Eco-Kid” event at the Lynbrook Community Centre on Thursday 29 June, run by a Waste Education team member.

The 90 minute session included a discussion about what can and can’t be put into kerbside recycling bins, followed by a crafting activity where the kids were able to make bird feeders out of recycled tetra paks.

The kids were also asked how they show their eco-consciousness at home.

Jeslyn said her family doesn’t buy fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic, or use plastic bags available in the fresh produce section.

Niyana said she takes things her parents don’t use anymore to use in her craft activities.

Nethraa does this too, saying she makes “rockets” and “butterflies”.

Thejaswini said she is responsible for putting milk cartons into the recycling, and Vibhu said his family use milk bottles as planters.

From a group of different items, kids and parents alike were tested on their knowledge of “recycling right”.

Among the selection of items displayed in the session were take-away coffee cups, milk and juice containers, class soft drink bottles, black plastic trays and reusable plastic shopping bags.

Each young eco-warrior was given a different household rubbish item and asked which kerbside bin they would put it in, getting the correct answer almost every single time.

The more dicey items, such as phone cables and used clothing, were left for the parents to decide.

The adults were surprised to know these items aren’t suitable for either bin and can only be disposed of through hard rubbish collection or specific drop points.

After getting gold-star rounds of applause on their recycling instincts, the kids were each given a painted tetra pak to decorate and take home as a bird feeder.

Some of the adults got involved too, crafting their own feeders with feathers, icy pole sticks, googly eyes and craft love hearts.

After 30 minutes of sticky fingers and creative freedom, the feeders were complete and the results were heartwarming and hilarious.

The kids were also given a companion“Gardens for Wildlife” booklet explaining what different native birds can eat and where to source their food from.

“Evidence shows that children are great change-makers in the home,” City of Casey Acting Manager Sustainability and Waste Vandana Rama said.

“Teaching children to recycle correctly helps create awareness and skills that last into adulthood, and shows them how they can take meaningful action to help the environment.”

The Waste Education team explained what items can be recycled and why others can’t, using the number system as the best way to determine suitability.

“Recycling can be tricky and there are common mistakes many of us make,” Ms Rama said.

In Casey, items with numbers one to five on their base can be recycled, while those bearing

six and seven must be put elsewhere.

Reusable plastic shopping bags are perhaps the most misleading, flaunting a large Mobius loop generally attributed to recyclables.

However, the bags cannot be recycled as they are made of soft plastic, which has little recyclable value compared to their harder counterparts.

They can also become tangled in the machinery and can contaminate other items which then end up in landfill.

Any plastics that are “scrunchable” aren’t suitable for recycling bins.

Contamination is a big issue in the recycling world.

Any items still containing food or liquid residue, or those who haven’t been appropriately disposed of will contaminate other properly recycled items around them, and the entire section of the waste will end up in landfill as a result.

While Hampton Park does currently house one of Victoria’s largest landfill sites, Veolia’s operating licence at the tip will conclude in 2040, and waste will need to find a new home.

Black plastics, including meat trays and yoghurt lids, also cannot be recycled, being too

dark for the laser used in the machinery to pick up.

Much to the surprise of the kids, tetra paks are also unsuited to the big blue bins, containing foil and plastic in their lining, similar to take-away coffee cups.

Paper receipts were likewise a shock, being designated to the landfill bin.

Receipts contain inks which cannot be recycled, and the “paper” is mixed with plastic.

Plastic lids too are a no-go, but metal and aluminium lids scrape across the line.

The Waste Education team explained the machinery used in recycling has a magnet that is able to sift out metal lids and allocate them for their own specific recycle-cycle.

Ceramics and dinnerwear glasses can either be donated or, if they are broken, placed in the landfill bin.

Glass bottles are at home in the blue bin, but if they are broken, they become landfillbound.

When items are recycled correctly, the Waste Education team explained, they can create amazing things, like new kerbside bins, playground equipment, benches and park furniture.

Back row: Jeslyn, Niyana, Thejaswini and Vibhu. Front row: Nethraa, Joshua and Vibha. The kids show off their recycled bird feeders. 344588 Pictures: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

A selection of the items used to show what can and can’t go in a recycling bin. 344588

Vibhu learning which bin tetra paks go in. 344588

Nethraa with her bird feeder. 344588

‘Phantom’ death mystery

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The killer of a “major” drug dealer known as ‘The Phantom’ who was found dead in his burnt-out car in Eumemmerring in 2015 is still unknown, a State Coroner has reported.

Dung Tri Pham’s badly-burnt body was found with a large knife in his neck in the Olive Road Reserve car park in Frawley Road early on 27 March 2015.

Police believed he’d died in a drug deal “turned violent”, was fatally stabbed in the neck and his red Commodore set alight.

After a “thorough and extensive” police investigation, no one has been charged over Mr Pham’s demise. The circumstances leading to his death were still unknown, Coroner John Cain stated on 28 June.

“I am satisfied that no investigation which I am empowered to undertake, would be likely to result in the identification of the person or persons who caused Mr Pham’s death.”

Mr Pham, 40, ran a drug trafficking business in the Dandenong region that turned over between $40,000 and $60,000 a week, Judge Cain stated.

His criminal history spanned 22 years and several jail terms including for heroin trafficking.

He had spent most of the day before his death at Crown Casino before driving in his red Holden Commodore to his apartment in

Frawley Road Eumemmerring.

At 11.18pm, he drove to the reserve and parked behind a small stadium building near netball courts.

CCTV footage showed an unidentified person leaving the area on foot and discarding an item in a stormwater drain.

An unknown vehicle arrived at speed, left five minutes later with the vehicle then seen catching on fire.

According to a police forensic expert, Mr Pham’s car was likely doused inside with petrol and ignited.

Mr Pham’s body was found lying across the back seat.

Heroin metabolites, methylamphetamine, amphetamine, diazepam, temazepam and oxazepam were found in his system.

Due to a delay in getting CCTV footage, police didn’t conduct a search of the drain until more than a month later.

The discarded item has not been found, nor the person leaving the reserve identified.

At his home, police seized a large amount of cash suspected to be trafficking proceeds.

There were no signs of struggle or that Mr Pham was stabbed there.

In their investigations, police established that Mr Pham had recently severed ties with two drug couriers after cash and drugs were stolen from their Dandenong North home.

Police couldn’t identify who Mr Pham was buying heroin from, Judge Cain stated.

“There was also no evidence or intelligence to suggest a falling out, any bad debts or trouble with a competitor which might have brought about his death.”

A drug runner recalled that hours earlier, Mr Pham sounded drug affected over the phone while telling him: “I’ve f***ed up, I’ve got to do something and then I’ll come and see ya.”

They’d arranged to meet at 10pm that night to balance the daily takings and re-supply the drug runner. But there was no evidence it took place, Judge Cain found.

The drug runner alleged that Mr Pham told him at 8.32pm that “I’m still coming, I’ve just got something to do.”

Mr Pham’s last known conversation was with an associate wishing to buy drugs that night but he didn’t follow through on the deal.

New office space a welcome addition to Blairlogie

By Emily Chapman Laing

Twenty-three years after their doors opened, disability support network Blairlogie has welcomed the addition of a new, sorely needed office space to their Cranbourne South site.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday 28 June, with Blairlogie board members Ken Scott and Carol Pollard doing the honours.

The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in 2013 saw a boom in the number of people seeking support from Blairlogie’s services.

“Blairlogie experienced massive growth under the NDIS and the building that was opened in 2000 was, to say the least too small for us,” Blairlogie CEO Carolyn Carr said.

“I am not exaggerating when I tell you that, as we needed to grow our administration team to meet the requirements of the NDIS we were looking at any space that we could convert into an office.

Anywhere that could fit a desk and chair was considered.”

The team resorted to converting a first aid room into an office, a bathroom into an office, bringing in portables and turning single offices into two person offices.

“When we employed someone on a part time basis we needed to roster them to work on days where there was a spare desk,” Ms Carr said.

“We pioneered work from home arrangements way before they were part of a pandemic order.

“For a long time many of our staff worked

under, well let’s just say, less than ideal conditions.”

The team considered leasing office space off-site to house some of the administrative staff, but the tought was“quickly abandoned” as the team didn’t feel an off-site space would align with their community values.

“Having one office allows us to be nimble in our decision making, it allows us to collaborate in a unique way,” Ms Carr said.

“It allows us to look out the window – or better yet, wander the grounds and see firsthand why we are here, we can interact with our staff and clients so very easily, we can adapt immediately when we need to.

“This building project was born out of necessity for more space, but it was also born out of an unwavering commitment to maintain that unique sense of community and unity and an absolute resolve to uphold what

we know is special about Blairlogie.”

The team at Blairlogie engaged with MSM Architects, with a very clear design in mind for their new space.

“We wanted the built environment to reflect our organisational values of integrity, respect, engagement and innovation,” Ms Carr said.

“We wanted it to reflect how we aim to make people feel when they engage with our organisation – welcome.”

In 2019, the initial design briefs were agreed upon, but by 2020 the pandemic had brought the plans to a standstill.

“It didn’t take long, however, for the Blairlogie fortitude and resolve to shine through,” Ms Carr said.

“We had a planning permit by 31 March 2021 and by August 2021 the project was issued for tender.”

Harris HMC were awarded the contract and took possession of the site on 21 February 2022.

Just over a year later, the project was completed.

Ms Carr said the story of Blairlogie is centred on people.

“It is the people that make Blairlogie, it is the 208 people that choose to work at Blairlogie, it is the 330 people with a disability that we support across our services, it is the families and carers of those 330 people that trust us to support their loved ones,” she said.

“We are incredibly lucky to have so many people that love what we do here and want to support us.”

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L-R Blairlogie Board Members Ken Scott and Carol Pollard. 344231 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Police next to Dung Pham’s burnt car in Olive Road Reserve, Eumemmerring in March 2015.

136842 Picture: ROB CAREW

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

When I was young I won an effigy competition held for Guy Fawkes night.

The winner of the competition got to light the bonfire.

Unfortunately someone who was in charge of making sure the bonfire would light was a little heavy handed with the accelerant and the moment the match hit the bonfire it erupted in massive flames and I had to jump the safety fence to avoid being set on fire.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love so many things about my job, I am known for saying that I have the best job in the world, but what I love most about it is seeing the people we support experience and participate in things that they would not have been able to if they did not have the support of Blairlogie.

Two standouts would be seeing someone go on an aeroplane for the first time and seeing people move into their own homes after years of dreaming about having their own space.

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

An eagle or a dolphin.

They both get to enjoy the world from a different perspective, they are both curious.

I would like the fearlessness of the eagle and the playful, protectiveness of the dolphin.

What was your most memorable moment?

Well apart from the bonfire lighting, it would be my 39th birthday party.

I had chefs from O.MY restaurant in Beaconsfield come to my house and prepare an eight course meal for six dinner guests.

It was like being in a fancy restaurant but in your own home.

It was an incredible evening.

O.MY is now a two-hatted restaurant and has won a host of awards.

What were you like as a kid?

My Mum tells me I was a bit of a mother hen, always wanting to look after people, but I was also pretty stubborn and strong willed – I fought a lot with my sister as a kid but now we

with Blairlogie CEO Carolyn Carr

are adults we are pretty close.

I loved school and I have always had an unquenchable love of learning and a curiosity that I think helps me in my role at Blairlogie. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

I would like to live in a world where people do not experience homelessness, where every person has access to safe and affordable housing.

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

Louis Theroux, Bruce Springsteen, Barack and Michelle Obama, Urzila Carlson and Michael Parkinson.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I love listening to peoples stories so when I struggle to sleep I will put Conversations, a podcast from ABC.

Every episode is the story of a person who may or not be famous bot they are always amazing. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

I think they would say I am determined, compassionate and a little unconventional. Where is your happy place?

My happy place is not a specific location, it is linked to the company.

I am happiest when I am with like-minded people, my tribe, those that ‘get me’.

I am very lucky to have many such people in my life.

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

I think I would make creamyTuscan prawn linguine – its delicious.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Airlie Beach – I just love it.

The weather is fantastic and I love everything that the Whitsundays has to offer.

THREE … tips for Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is a global movement helping millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution to create cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Here are three ways you can reduce the plastic waste your home produces.

1 Straw solutions

Skip the (plastic straw) or buy stainless steel straws to reduce plastic waste caused by used straws.

2

Boot the bag

Swap plastic bin liners for newspaper or certified compostable ones instead.

3 No packaging

Avoid pre-packaged foods by choosing bulk or loose food.

Carolyn with Brett De Lany – one of the original clients that started at Blairlogie in 1987. Picture: SUPPLIED

Fourth kidnap arrest

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A fourth man has been jailed over a “terrifying” violent extortion of a kidnapped Sandown Park Motel guest in 2019.

Moana Ulutui, 25, formerly of Cranbourne, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to extortion with threat of injury, common law assault and theft - after three associates were found guilty by a jury last year.

The group including James Tonkin, Dusan Javanov and Krishneil Chand had tried to demand a $30,000 ransom from the abductee’s parents over a 24-hour period in April 2019.

The victim was detained at two houses, tied to a chair, threatened with weapons, sedated and beaten.

Ulutui and his co-offenders viewed the victim as an “easy target”, someone with access to money from his parents, Judge Patricia Riddell said in sentencing on 29 June.

He had befriended Tonkin during drug addiction rehabilitation in late 2018 but had a falling-out after the victim felt he was being used for money.

Months later, the victim shouted Ulutui and a man named ‘Leon’ to a session of ice smoking and gambling on pokies at the motel.

The next day, the victim was picked up from Waverley Gardens shopping centre in a car by Tonkin and driven to an unknown address.

Chand and Javanov tied him to a chair with ropes and cables, gagged him and struck him multiple times to the face and head.

On the floor were several tools such as an axe, crowbar, lump hammer, hammer and hand tools. The victim was asked to pick one.

In fear for his life, he chose the crowbar – which was then held against his knee in a threatening way.

Ulutui took a “lead role” in a series of video calls to extract money from the victim’s parents.

The tied-up victim was beaten while being coerced – at times at knifepoint – to plead for money for his release.

Ulutui fabricated a story that the victim owed him $30,000 for breaking into Ulutui’s home and stealing Rolex watches and a car.

He also stole the victim’s phone and took a screen shot of a list of accounts and passwords on the device.

Without Ulutui’s involvement, the victim was taken to a children’s bedroom in a second house in Hampton East and sedated with drugs.

He escaped in a taxi that pulled up near the unit. He was driven to hospital with a burst ear drum and injuries to his eyes, nose, lips and shoulder.

Judge Riddell said it was no doubt a“terrify-

ing ordeal” for the victim, who has since been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety.

“I feel as though I am not the same person as I was,” the victim stated.

The victim’s father described the 24 hour kidnapping as “without doubt the most intense stressful period of my life”. He said he had been in constant fear for his son’s safety.

Judge Riddell said she accepted that the events were “every parent’s worst nightmare”.

Tonkin, Javanov and Chand were found guilty of kidnapping plus the same charges as Ulutui by a County Court jury. They were each jailed for at least four years with parole periods.

Ulutui’s lesser role, youthfulness, violent upbringing, long-held substance addictions, mental-health hospital admissions and a recently-diagnosed intellectual disability were taken into account.

The father of one had “not surprisingly” a significant history of crime and detention.

But he had not been given the chance of therapeutic court orders, Judge Riddell noted.

His record told of a “young man out of control” with a“lack of supervision, guidance, love and care from any adult in your life”.

There were signs that Ulutui, who had no work history, was becoming more comfortable in prison than out.

Now eligible for NDIS support, his rehabilitation – a “guarded” prospect – depended on his substance and mental health issues being addressed.

This would ultimately benefit the community, Judge Riddell said.

He was jailed for two years and three months, with a 27-month treatment-based community corrections order.

The prison term includes 543 days in presentence custody – meaning Ulutui will be released in about nine months.

Doveton man arrested over house blaze

A man has been arrested and a dog rescued at the scene of a suspicious housefire in Doveton on 3 July.

Emergency services were called to the Rebecca Street house after reports of smoke and flames about 6.52pm on Monday 3 July.

FRV crews arrived within five minutes, finding the building “fully alight”.

Firies found the dog at the otherwise unoccupied single-storey house.

Lort Smith Animal Hospital was called to provide “health care and wellbeing support” for the dog. According to FRV, officers discovered a suspected ‘drug lab’ at the site - but that has not been verified by police.

“The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined; however the fire is being treated as suspicious,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

A 33-year-old Doveton man was arrested and is being questioned by police.

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating. During the fire, a community advice message was issued due to the smoke in the area.

“FRV breathing apparatus support was provided and Ambulance Victoria was requested for firefighter welfare,” the FRV stated.

FRV’s Scientific Officer was also requested.

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

The County Court of Victoria.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/CON CHRONIS

Showered with $1.25m

A Cranbourne man’s morning shower was interrupted in the best way imaginable after he received a phone call from lottery officials confirming his $1.25 million TattsLotto win.

The Melburnian held one of the eight division one winning entries in TattsLotto draw 4377, drawn Saturday 1 July 2023.

Each division one winning entry pocketed $1,250,000.00.

With $1.25 million about to land in his bank account, the long-time player was too stunned to make any concrete plans but had an interstate holiday in mind.

“I haven’t even thought about it. It’s such a blur,” he said

“Perhaps get out of Melbourne.

“Maybe a little holiday to the Gold Coast, it’s nice and hot there.”

The Casey local said he had been playing lotto since he was “about 18 years old”.

“I’m now in my 60s,” he said.

“I received an email from The Lott on Sunday morning about a win.

“I thought it was division two or three – not division one! It’s very unexpected.

His winning 12-game QuickPick was purchased at Cranbourne Authorised Newsagency, 105 High Street, Cranbourne.

OPINION

MP pay-rise ‘inexcusable’

I am writing this to register my dismay and disgust at the announcement of another ‘pay rise’ for our impoverished State politicians.

It would be nice if they lived on the same planet as the rest of us.

Especially given the current circumstances, that is the housing shortage and lack of rental properties, ever-rising interest rates, the cost increases in food, gas, water and electricity, under-employment and its friend income insecurity.

The result of the above, as being seen in people from all backgrounds having to seek

Building climate resilience

The City of Casey has released a draft plan to increase tree canopy cover and build climate resilience across the region, with residents now being asked to provide feedback.

City of Casey Director City Planning and Infrastructure James Collins said the draft plan sets out how Council aims to increase tree canopy cover across the city, which areas will be targeted for more planting and how trees and vegetation in the city will be monitored and managed into the future.

“We listened to what our community told us as part of the extensive community engagement undertaken in 2021, and we used this feedback to help inform our vision to achieve healthy and resilient tree canopies along our streets and in our parks that will benefit our community for many years to come,” he said.

“It became evident through the engagement process that our community sees the benefits of trees in their streets, parks and reserves – and recognises the important responsibility that Council has to invest in planting more trees and vegetation.

“Our urban forest, comprising trees and vegetation on public and private land across the city, is one of the most efficient and cost-effective tools for helping us adapt to climate change, so we believe it is worth protecting, enhancing and investing in.”

A Cranbourne man was shocked to find out he had won $1.25 million. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Cranbourne Authorised Newsagency team said they were overjoyed for their division one winner and wished them all the best with their million-dollar win.

Currently, the council manages more than 203,000 street trees and 179,000 trees in parks within the Casey region.

“In addition to providing shade and reducing urban heat, trees improve the land-

The plan aims to build climate resilience in Casey. Picture: GENERIC

scape and increase property values, create a healthier environment and provide habitat for wildlife and animals,” Mr Collins said.

Mr Collins said there were a number of challenges that left vegetation vulnerable and in need of protection, including climate change, population growth and urban heat.

“The Greening Casey draft plan will help inform the future of the natural environment in Casey, including building our climate resilience,” he said.

The draft strategy provides direction and a vision to grow and enhance tree canopy cover in the City of Casey.

It includes details on best practice management of trees to ensure they thrive well into the future, as well as the protection and growth of trees on private property across the city.

To view the Greening Casey draft plan and provide feedback, visit Casey Conversations by 5pm on Wednesday 26 July.

help, food, clothing and money, etc.

For many this is their first shattering experience of this circumstance. Some will become homeless, sleeping in their cars if they still have one.

By any method of reasoning, the above mentioned ‘pay rise’ is an inexcusable, insensitive, arrogant decision.

Worse than that it is wrong or just plain bloody immoral.

Shame on all of them - Labor, Liberal, Greens, Nationals.

Again, shame on all of you.

Geoff Cain, Endeavour Hills

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

Thanks to Casey Hospital Staff for saving my life. Outstanding care and ongoing support given.

Thumbs down

For the disgusting crime that goes on and the police catch them and courts let them go.

Thumbs down

For the pothole on the entrance behind Red Rooster and United Cranbourne.

Thumbs down

To Council for still not putting a finish line on the Criterium track at Casey Fields.

Thumbs down

To Cranbourne Centro - the UP escalator opposite Kmart has NOT been working every time I’ve visited for at least a week.

Thumbs up

For all the caring people out there who just go out of their way to make a strangers life a little better. Thank you.

Thumbs down

To Casey RACE pool yesterday. Took a family of six there. Nobody told us the heater for the kids pool was broken. It was too cold to stay there. Had to bring the children home. Would of been nice to be told before l paid for the entry, plus $71.00 for goggles for the children. Only to go home as they were too cold to swim... great job.

Thumbs down

To those who park across from schools then walk children across avoiding the safety of school crossings.

Thumbs up

To the Lynbrook Community Centre this week for starting a community pantry.

Thumbs up

To all the kids participating in MS Readathon this year! Have fun finding all the “magic” in your books, and your visits to your local library. Happy reading!

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

Four more teens have been arrested over an alleged robbery spree across Melbourne’s East and South East, including in Beaconsfield, Keysborough and Eumemmerring. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Michael Rogers

Just another normal day then in the socialist republic of Victoria!

A Cranbourne man’s morning shower was interrupted in the best way imaginable after he received a phone call from lottery officials confirming his $1.25 million TattsLotto win. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Sue Stride

That’s awesome.

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. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Travis Mitchell

The only way to get the cars off the road is simple.. extend the current rail terminus. Restore Rup Rail! To Clyde will not do!

Major works are now complete on the new signalised intersection at CranbourneFrankston, Hall and Evans roads. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Mark Carlson

Great work see it wasn’t that bad after all.

Smoking ceremony opening the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne NAIDOC Week events. 345547

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Victims’ legal help

South-East Monash Legal Service (SMLS) has launched a campaign to promote free legal assistance to those who have experienced sexual harassment at work.

The Advocacy against Sexual Harassment (AASH) campaign will appear in multiple locations online and throughout the City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong, and Shire of Cardinia.

SMLS said they believe the program will offer reassurance, and they urge affected individuals to reach out for free, confidential support.

Workplace sexual harassment is alarmingly prevalent.

About 7 per cent of women employed by City of Casey have reportedly experienced sexual harassment at work, according to official audit data.

Only one of them submitted a formal complaint.

The audit also shows 5 per cent of male employees at the council say they experienced sexual harassment.

Beyond council walls, the numbers are even more striking.

Over the past five years, Casey has averaged 370 sexual offence victim reports per year, with 399 reports already filed for the year ending in 2023.

With only one in five people taking the step to report sexual harassment, the true numbers are likely substantially higher.

According to SafeWork Australia, one in three people have experienced sexual harassment at work in the last five years, and only 6 per cent of those approach a lawyer for help.

“The sad fact is, people at higher risk of sexual harassment are often already experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage,“ Kristen Wallwork, Executive Director of SMLS said.

“They are less able to manage complex sexual harassment litigation on their own.

“That’s why this free, confidential legal assistance is so vital. We’re experts and we can help navigate the legal processes.“

In particular, young women and women from a culturally diverse background are at greater risk of workplace sexual harassment.

According to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) people aged 18 to 29 experience the highest rates of workplace sexual harassment of all age groups (45 per cent).

Women of CALD backgrounds report experiencing sexual harassment at twice the rate of the surveyed population, according to AHRC.

To help reach women from diverse cultural backgrounds, the campaign has been translated into Mandarin, Sinhalese, Vietnamese, Punjabi and Hindi, reflective of the local population.

Pursuit boys charged

Three boys have been charged after a police pursuit of an allegedly stolen vehicle across several South East suburbs.

A 13-year-old Hampton Park boy, a 13-year-old from Doveton and a 14-year-old from Dandenong were all charged with car theft.

The former was also charged with aggravated exposure of an emergency services worker to risk by driving, reckless conduct endangering life, unlicensed driving and dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police.

The Doveton boy was also charged with committing an indictable offence on bail.

The vehicle was seen being driven erratically on the Monash Freeway in Chadstone about 10.15am on Sunday 2 July, police say.

SMLS said there is inadequate community understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment under the law.

The campaign, SMLS said, explicitly calls out the behaviours that constitute sexual harassment, including comments/jokes, intrusive questions, staring/leering, unwelcome touching and inappropriate physical contact.

“Our aim with this campaign is to inform people that what they are experiencing is sexual harassment,“ Ms Wallwork said.

“Then we want to reassure them – we will believe what they say, and we can help.“

For anyone who is interested in more information or wants support, you can call 9545 7400 or 9038 8002 between 9am and 4:30pm, or email info@smls.com.au

It was monitored across suburbs until it stopped in Notting Hill more than four hours later.

The three occupants allegedly fled on foot and were arrested in Scenic Boulevard, Clayton.

No one was injured, police say.

The trio were bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

to Pakenham...

One in three women have reported experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace in the last five years. Picture: GENERIC

Awin for Afghan women

By Sahar Foladi

It was a mesmerizing win for Afghan Women’s Organisation at the Victorian Refugee Awards held by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) on Tuesday 20 June.

Based in Dandenong, the organisation was recognised in the Business category for their immense hard work, contribution and dedication to help refugees and newly arrived migrants to settle in their new environment.

Founder and CEO of AWOV, Gulghotai Bezhan, was thrilled.

“The amount of work we put in is as an organisation, is tremendous. I’m so happy to be recognised by VMC for our hard work.

“Sometimes we work seven days a week because there’s a lot of need for community work.”

Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM said the importance of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants should be recognised.

“This important program highlights the diverse achievements of refugees across Victoria, which is vital in breaking down myths, stereotypes and misunderstandings.”

The emerging organisation provides a much needed variety of different support services in an area considered as first home for refugees and migrants.

“Grassroots organisations make a huge difference.

“Families come from shock and find themselves in new environment and deal with new changes in every aspect of their lives, it takes time to re-structure,” Ms Bezhan said

The organisation provides a wide variety of vital services to the migrant communities.

They run two English classes a week with a capacity of 25 students per class, six parenting sessions weekly, Justice System program, family violence sessions and casework, young women’s program on leadership and employment and the list goes on.

“We have different activities throughout the week and more than 200 people attend weekly,” Ms Bezhan said.

So far, according to Ms Bezhan, all the services provided are popular, high in demand with a long waiting list.

“Students learn so much in these English classes. Our rooms are very small so we are

constricted in that sense but we have a waiting list and whoever misses more than three classes, they’ll be removed and the spot will be passed down.

“We have mothers come to us about their children and we guide them.”

Some of the women have already secured jobs through programs such as ‘Free to Fit,’ in partnership with AWOV, it teaches migrants how to cook, make coffee, safe food handling and much more.

“This year we did eight sessions. We were really happy with this program, it’s been a great success and we plan to continue running this program.

“Afghan women struggle with language but they are great in cooking and we were really happy that three of our students got job in Free to Fit Kitchen.”

With this in mind, she is paving the way for Afghan women to lead a mobile kitchen, a starting of a micro-finance business.

“Afghan cuisine is very famous among the community and everyone loves it.

“We’re planning to have mobile kitchen in our backyard and cater for any events in the community,” she said.

“In the beginning we’re planning to have just Afghan, Indian and Pakistani cuisines and

then we will expand.”

With more than 20 years’ experience down her belt in community work and International aid, Ms Bezhan is a strong personality leading AWOV.

She extended the efforts of AWOV to Kabul, Afghanistan in 2014 to help empower women and widows through educational and vocational programs at the AfghanWomen’s Organisation Literacy and Charity Centre.

Her work is widely recognised by UN Women, UNHCR, the Australian Federal and State Governments, Amnesty International, H.E.R Summit and various other international organisations.

Residents waging a ‘useless battle’ over landfill stink

From page 1

EPA Regional Manager Southern Metropolitan Region, Viranga Abeywickrema, was joined by other EPA professionals including the Southern Metro Region Senior Engagement Lead, EPA Chief Investigator, Team Leader and Environmental Protection Officer.

EPA team members explained recent odour reports show “a general reduction in odour being reported” by the community.

“Odour reports have reduced in recent weeks, which is good news, however we still need people to report any odours they are experiencing,“ an EPA spokesperson said.

“Our onsite monitoring and in residential areas will continue.

“Since the last community meeting on 22 June, EPA has conducted three odour surveys during early morning and late evening with no odour detected.“

Local resident Kerri Skews said she hasn’t smelled any odour “for months“, but other residents say they have just become tired of reporting without seeing any impact.

“People report and nothing seems to get done,“ one community member present at the information session said.

Residents also said the system used for reporting odour to the EPA hasn’t been “working properly“, a contributing factor to the overall reduction in reports.

“This situation has been going on for a long time and we realise it is taking a toll on the community, but we urge people not to get fatigued by reporting,“ an EPA spokesperson said.

“Our lines are open, and we need to hear from the community.

“Officers working on this case review every odour report received and they closely monitor each one to find the most impacted areas.“

Residents who joined the community session questioned the EPA about the harm being done to nearby waterways as a result of the landfill runoff.

The EPA said they have undertaken several actions in relation to water and waterway management.

“EPA served SBI with an Improvement Notice in September 2022 requiring they develop a Stormwater Management Plan and installed controls to prevent contaminated water from discharging offsite,“ an EPA spokesperson said.

“This was complied with, and EPA conducts random water sampling to assess if there is any contaminated water leaving the site.“

On 23 June EPA inspected SBI and conducted another round of targeted water sampling at five different locations where surface water can enter or discharge off site.

“EPA is awaiting analytical results which will determine if further action is required,“ an EPA spokesperson said.

“EPA is also collaboratively working with City of Casey council on stormwater management.“

EPA staff said they have become concerned with rusted leachate tanks on the site, and have recently conducted drone surveillance to“determine what regulatroy action

needs to be taken“ to address the issue.

“Rusting of the main tank was identified,“ an EPA spokesperson said.

“The two other tanks were found to be in good condition.“

SBI Group has applied to have a waste transfer station at their site, with the permissions needed exceeding those currently held.

“SBI Waste Management currently holds a A13b permission and EPA has determined an A13a Operating Licence is required which must be applied for,“ an EPA spokesperson said.

“EPA served an Improvement Notice to SBI requiring they apply for the appropriate permission by 11 August.

“SBI requested an internal review of this notice challenging it validity, however EPAs internal review upheld the decision to issue the Notice.“

Manager Planning and Building, Tania Asper nsaid the council has received an application “seeking proposed amendments to the planning permit“ at the SBI site.

“The application is in the early stages and requires additional information before being further considered by Council,“ she said.

“We anticipate the matter will be advertised to the public in due course.

“Separately, Council continues to work with and support the EPA and SBI Group in reducing offsite impacts associated with the landfill operations on the land.

The EPA said they continue to have an active presence at the SBI site and will continue to engage with the local community.

“We plan on holding another community

meeting in July where we will be able to give an in-person update,“ an EPA spokesperson said.

“If there are significant developments before then we will provide information through our established communications channels including the local newspaper.

“In addition, EPA has advised SBI to conduct dust monitoring including monitoring for Silica and SBI has engaged a contractor to do this.“

Mr Abeywickrema said dust monitoring is waiting to happen during expected dry days in the coming weeks.

SBI was contacted for comment but failed to respond before deadline.

An update posted on the SBI website on Monday 3 July said SBI continue to “liaise“ with the EPA on “all aspects of compliance“.

“The landfill gas management protocol continues to dictate the operation of the flare in line with optimal dispersion conditions,“ the update said.

“Focus on the site revolves around maintenance of on and off-site infrastructure through the wet conditions.

“Maintenance of the landfill’s compacted clay intermediate cap continues to be monitored, maintained and inspected daily.“

Despite the various aspects of management continuing from different agencies in relation to the site, the locals have overwhelmingly had enough.

“Close it down,“ resident Tristan McSwain said.

“How many chances do they need?“

Some of the VMC Refugee Award winners at the awards night during Refugee Week.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Soldier’s letters uncovered

When a letter written by Jack Alick Bond was uncovered by Cranbourne East-based Aboriginal Military Historian Peter Bakker in late 2013, it became the earliest known correspondence from an Australian Aboriginal soldier serving overseas.

“I think that the determination of Aboriginal people to participate in Australia’s early armed forces was the first nation-wide contribution to reconciliation in this country,“ Mr Bakker said.

“Fighting together in khaki helped many non-Aboriginal Australians to meet, work together with and befriend their Aboriginal brothers in arms.“

In 2020 Bakker found that four other letters had been written by another Aboriginal soldier, Frank Leighton Sinclair, who by huge coincidence was a fellow Yuin man from the south coast of New South Wales.

Mr Sinclair’s letters predate Mr Bond’s letter by a few months.

All five letters were written in 1900 from the ‘front lines’ in South Africa, and provide new and significant insights into the experiences and thoughts of Australia’s first known Aboriginal soldiers.

These letters were published, like so many other letters from men serving in the BoerWar, in local Australian newspaper to meet the local communities’ thirst for information about their men at the front.

These letters demonstrate that Aboriginal soldiers’ reactions to their experiences of the war in South Africa were similar to their white Australian brothers, with initial enthusiasm and excitement giving way to the serious nature of their fighting role and the hardships the war presents to both them and others, to their frustrations and war-weariness.

“As an independent historian it has been a thrill for me to be able to add to, and alter, our understanding of Aborigines participation in Australian society during post-colonisation,“ Mr Bakker said.

“Researching Aboriginal participation in Australia’s early military conflicts has shown me that we need to do much more to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Aboriginal people.“

Sinclair family descendant, Daniel Dawson, is a proud Dharawal andYuin man who served as a Private in the Australian Army Reserve for 14 years, saw active duty with the Australian Border Force and in Timor-Leste, and was a recipient of the Soldier’s Medallion for Exemplary Service.

It was only after Mr Dawson completed his military service (2006-2021) that he began to explore his Aboriginal family history.

“Once I completing my time with the ADF Army Reserve I decided to focus on my Aboriginal ancestry,“ he said. a

When Mr Dawson contacted a distant cousin, Grant Higgins, and local military researcher, Peter Bakker, he learned for the first time about his very large Sinclair Aboriginal family tree and how it had made a historically significant contribution to Australia’s military history, going all the way back to the Boer War (1899-1902).

“I was astonished to find out that we had a rich history of family who served our country in the ADF,“ Mr Dawson said.

“Then to further find out through Peter Bakker that an extremely large number of my family served in World War 1, World War 2 and one at the Boer War was a true honour and upon reflection I could feel a special connection to why I joined and the reason why I served the time I did.

Mr Dawson discovered that his five time great grandmother was Kyanga, a full blood Aboriginal woman of the lower south coast, Narooma region, Walbunja country, New South Wales.

In 1849 Kyanga married an Irish ex- convict named Patrick Ryder.

Kyanga’s daughter, Jane Ryder, who married James Adolphus Sinclair, an Australian born of Irish parents, had 12 children.

Seven of her nine sons applied to serve Australia’s military forces and six were enlisted for active service.

This is the largest known number of brothers in any one Aboriginal family to have applied and served in Australia’s military forces.

Ms Ryder’s third eldest son, Frank Leighton

Sinclair, was the first to enlist and served with the Private 397 in ‘B’ Squadron of the 1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles in the Boer War.

Frank Sinclair and another Yuin Aboriginal man, Jack Alick Bond, are now recognised as Australia’s first Aboriginal soldiers to serve Australia overseas as their separate ships both departed Sydney for South Africa on 17 January 1900.

During his first tour of duty in South Africa, Mr Sinclair was promoted to Shoeing Smith in January 1901, thus becoming the first known Aboriginal soldier to receive a promotion in rank.

After returning from his first tour of duty overseas, and with Australia having become a nation in 1901, Mr Sinclair enlisted a second time as Farrier 55 in ‘A’ Squadron if the Fifth Australian Commonwealth Horse.

MsSinclair,neeRyder,hadfivesonswhosaw active duty in World War One (Joseph, George, Arthur, Charles, and JohnVictor Sinclair).

Ms Sinclair also had five grandsons serve in World War One, the eldest of which was sadly killed in action at Gallipoli on 21 August 1915.

Mr Dawson is one of at least three members of the Aboriginal Sinclair family who have served in the Australian military forces post World War Two.

He is proud to know that his own military service is now a part of the rich Aboriginal military heritage of the Sinclair family and the Aboriginal community in general.

“I now see that I have followed in the footsteps of my ancestors and our family has honoured our Australia’s people,“ he said.

“I feel so strongly connected to them and further believe that epigenetics has played a significant part to why I joined.

“What an honour it was to learn that so many of my family had served.“

Mr Bakker has been researching and documenting Aboriginal military involvement for over a decade.

He has documented the service of Aborigi-

nals in the Boer War and in the AIF’s small War Graves Services unit at the end of World War One.

Peter undertakes his research in close collaboration with family descendants and the Australian War Memorial to have the life and military service of these Aboriginal men recognised through publications, photographic exhibitions, and war memorials.

He pioneered the establishment of Victoria’s first war memorial, dedicated inWarrnambool, in November 2010.

He has been featured in television and radio news articles, been a speaker at several historical societies, RSLs and war grave dedications, assisted the Shrine of Melbourne with display content and contributed articles to various newspapers.

Peter Bakker with medals for Frank Sinclair and Jack Bond.

Daniel Dawson. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Major road open to traffic

Major works are now complete on the new signalised intersection at Cranbourne-Frankston, Hall and Evans roads.

“Our project team has completed an eightweek construction blitz on time to get traffic flowing again through the new-look intersection at Cranbourne-Frankston, Hall and Evans roads,” Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Brendan Pauwels said.

“Removing this intersection has been an enormous undertaking and we appreciate the patience and support of the community throughout the construction blitz.”

The project crew opened the new-look intersection on schedule on Monday 26 June in time for the first morning peak to cap off a

successful eight-week construction blitz.

The new signalised four-way intersection at Cranbourne-Frankston, Hall and Evans roads has replaced the former curved intersection, making for safer and easier travelling for all residents and commuters.

Crews raised up the intersection by two metres – requiring approximately 30,000 tonnes of in-fill,andlevelledouttheroad,builtnewlanes, installed underground electrical infrastructure and finally installed traffic lights and line marking before opening the new road on 26 June.

As part of the eight-week construction blitz, our crews were able to dig up 32,000 square metres of pavement , remove 4.3 kilometres of kerbs, install 1100 metres of drainage pipes and

bring in 10,560 cubic metres of recycled materials and fill.

Crews are continuing works to finish remaining works at the intersection, including drainage, utility relocation, and safety barrier installation.

A new water retention basin on the southeast corner of the intersection will capture water run-off during periods of heavy rain.

Works on the Hall Road Upgrade also include the addition of extra lanes between McCormicks Road andWestern Port Highway, and upgrading the McCormicks Road, Taylors Road andWestern Port Highway intersections.

The next stage of work to complete the upgrade of the Hall and McCormicks roads inter-

section also got underway on 23 June, when works commenced on a major drainage upgrade on McCormicks Road south of the intersection.

A four-week closure of the intersection is planned from 21 July to 21 August to complete major construction of the intersection.

Work to build the new westbound lanes between McCormicks Road and Western Port Highway is almost complete.

From 7pm Friday 30 June to 6am Monday 3 July, Hall Road will be closed while 2.5 kilometres of traffic barriers are moved to allow traffic to move onto the new westbound lanes while works to build the eastbound lanes gets underway.

Homes for Homes grants $100,000 to local charity

By Emily Chapman Laing

Casey based charity Kids Under Cover received $100,000 from social enterprise Homes for Homes as part of this years funding grant.

This is the first time Homes for Homes has put funds back into the City of Casey.

Kids Under Cover (KDU) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing youth homelessness for the past 33 years.

The new grant will fund the construction of two new studios in Casey, offering a safe space for four vulnerable youths each night.

“Youth homelessness can be prevented, we can intervene early, and if we do that it will absolutely change the life course for young people who otherwise could fall into all kinds of difficulties,“ Kids Under Cover CEO Stephen Nash said.

“Preventing and intervening early means people can grow up and get on with a bright future.“

KDU supports vulnerable young people between the ages of 12 and 25 years who are either already homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The team build relocatable, one and two bedroom studios, complete with a bathroom, in the backyard of a family or carer’s home.

KDU has 20 studios operating across Casey, housing 30 young people each night.

Acorss Victoria, they have 652 studios housing over 1000 young people each night.

“They don’t have kitchens in the studio, so there’s the encouragement for families to still eat meals together,“ Mr Nash said.

“But when it’s time to study or chill out, they’ve got somewhere safe to go.“

The extra room relieves overcrowding, eases tension and provides young people with a secure and stable environment.

The studio remains in place for as long as it’s required, averaging 13 years, according to Mr Nash.

Kids Under Cover will relocate a studio up to four times during its lifetime to help other families in need.

The portable housing is then complemented with scholarships for education or job training, offsetting basic education costs and empowering young people to achieve their goals.

The scholarships aren’t just offered to young people housed in the studios, their siblings living in the main home of the property are able to receive educational support as well.

“We’re often working with families that are really up against it, so we try to help as many young people in the house as we can and give them all a brighter future,” Mr Nash said.

Homes for Homes raises funds for homeslessness prevention through people making a tax deductible 0.1 per cent donation from the sale or rent of their property.

These funds are combined with others who have donated, then used to build social and affordable housing.

In choosing which organisation receives the grant funding each year, Homes for Homes employs an “independent housing advisory board“ to review all applications and allocate the funds to those with

the greatest need.

This year, Homes for Homes received ten applications.

“We use an independent housing advisory group because we know that we’re really good at being able to bring people together to raise funds, but we’re not the experts on knowing where the need is greatest,” Ms Longo said.

“Then the board’s recommendation goes off to our investment advisory group, so there’s three layers of governance.”

Ms Longo said Homes for Homes’“set and forget“ approach to charity donation sets them apart from other organisations.

““A lot of charities, when you’re asked to donate you’re asked to do it on the spot but with Homes for Homes, it’s a set and forget,“ she said.

“When you hold a home over time, it generally builds some sort of equity, and the payment comes straight out of the disbursement of that settlement.

“It’s money you’ve been able to accumulate over time and that you don’t actually see because it’s disbursed straight out of the settlement proceeds, so it’s just like paying your rates.“

According to Homes for Homes, there is a deficit of over 600,000 social and affordable homes in Australia, with this number set to reach over one million within the next 13 years.

“Please get involved, it’s such an easy concept,“ Ms Longo said.

“You’re making a promise today but you’re not delivering on the promise until you

sell your home.

“It’s just a small drop but small drops create pools of little drops and become an ocean over time.“

Ms Longo has been the COO of the organisation since 2018, and said the most exciting part of what Homes for Homes does is “actually handing over the funds“ to charities who can use the money to continue their important work.

“For us it’s about being able to provide a solution that everyone can be involved in,“ she said.

“Coming together and being able to see that money being disbursed to organisations that really do some amazing things in the space of providing solutions is incredible to see.“

Homes for Homes has established a goal to become the second largest funding body for homelessness prevention behind the government, and they are on track to raise $1 billion by 2050.

“It’s about changing the narrative around what homelessness means,“ Ms Longo said.

“I think a compassionate community can really make a significant difference to changing people’s lives.”

Over 40 property developers have partnered with Homes for Homes, alongside individual landowners and renters.

Balcon Group, who are the land developers behind the Orana estate in Clyde North are one such example.

Balcon Group Manager Jason Shaw said the pervasive rise in homelessness in Casey is starting to affect more and more residents.

“It’s at a point where people with good jobs can’t afford housing,“ he said.

Mr Shaw explained the brilliance of the Homes for Homes approach to raising funds, with almost all Orana homeowners signing up to donate.

He went on to mention the usual lifespan of home ownership is seven years before selling, meaning a Homes for Homes donation can be made with each “property turnover“.

So far, Homes for Homes has granted $1.4 million to fund 17 projects, providing crucial assistance to over 300 people.

Donations to Homes for Homes are tax deductible and can be claimed when you lodge your return.

Homes for Homes COO Tracy Longo and grant recipient Stephen Nash with the Kids Under Cover cheque. 344838

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Grant recipient Stephen Nash of Kids Under Cover (middle) with Housing Advisory Board members David Waldren (left) and Jeanette Large (right). 344838 Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Halcyon Berwick – Final Release

Less than 25 houses remaining

A lifestyle community designed for over 50s, Halcyon Berwick has no deferred management fees, stamp duty, entry or exit fees.

Since launching in 2022, Halcyon Berwick has seen a fantastic response from the local area and is now on the verge of selling out. With a brand-new clubhouse, modern homes and a community that grows every month, it’s easy to see why the response to Halcyon Berwick has been so positive. Featuring multiple 2 and 3 bedroom floorplans with prices starting from $550K*, Halcyon Berwick has a home to cater for any lifestyle.

This is your last chance to purchase new at Halcyon Berwick. If you’d like to see first-hand what makes Victoria’s first Halcyon community so special, register to attend our next discovery tour or make a private appointment.

Halcyon Berwick

FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

Tour Local experience

Tour Local is a locally based, family run, coach tour business of 14 years - specializing in seniors group travel, both for days tours and extended tours all throughout Australia.

The mother and son duo, Joanne and Ray, along with their small team of hand-picked driver-guides, have a passion for touring, and for providing enjoyable, memorable, and immersive experiences to all who board their buses.

With their Small Group Touring Guarantee, you can rest assured that with Tour Local, you’ll be travelling as a name, not a number.

As Ray puts it, “we never fill our coach - we know how much people like to travel as part of an intimate group, which fosters new friendships and leads to more enjoyable experiences - this is why on our 41 seat coach, we’d rarely have more than 20 people on board”.

Not only this, but being local and still slightly old-fashioned, Tour Locals prides themselves on their Home Pickup and Returns for any Extended Tour with them, meaning that a traveler embarking on their tour is picked up right from their front door and returned there at tours end.

This is only available for those in Metro Melbourne, Gippsland, and the Mornington Peninsula at the moment, however, they have plenty of methods in place for those coming from out West or even interstate, to still join them on tour!

With tours ranging from short 5 Day holidays around Victoria, such as their Silo Art Trail, or the longer journeys venturing up through the Red Centre and even up to Broome, there is something for everyone with Tour Local.

Tour Local also provides private group travel, for either day tours, or on an extended tour

- so if you are part of a Probus Group, Village, Garden Group, or Social group, make sure you get in touch with the family team atTour Local,

and let them take care of ensuring your next journey is one to remember.

Tour Local also have a special for $250pp off

all Extended Tours for 2023. Contact Tour Local on 5941 8800 or bookings@tourlocal.com.au

Tour Local’s Joanne and Ray have you covered.

Down-sizing made easy

For 20 years, Lifestyle Communities has lived and breathed the wants and needs of the downsizer homeowner; consistently refining our approach, communities and homes to not only meet your needs - but exceed them! And with two decades of experience behind us, our focus on giving our homeowners what they want; and what they need, has never been sharper.

We build beautiful, downsizer-centric homes across Melbourne, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas and Regional Victoria, complemented by stunning amenities that engender connectivity and wellbeing.

You can choose to live where the holiday never ends. At Lifestyle Communities, you can spend your days soaking up the serene surroundings or spruce up your daily grind with access to stunning amenities a short stroll from your front door.

Located at the heart of your community, the Clubhouse is architecturally designed with plenty of space for you to relax, recharge or reenergise.

An extension of your own home, you’ll have a host of lifestyle-enhancing facilities* at your fingertips, including:

· BBQ Area

· Billiards

· Business Centre

· Electric car

· Cinema

· Community Shuttle

· Croquet Court

· DogWash

· Electric Bikes

· Fishing boat

· Gym

· Indoor Pool

· Library

· Makers Studio

· Micro Brewery

· Orchard

· Outdoor Pool

· Pickleball Court

· Spa

· Tennis Court

Across our communities, we’ve designed, installed and delivered a range of resort style amenities and surrounds for our homeowners to call their own.

If there’s one thing we’ve always stayed committed to in our two decades of business, it’s helping our homeowners upsize their lifestyles when they downsize to a Lifestyle Community.

Our world class amenities give‘staycation’ a whole new meaning.

Call us to discuss your downsizing dream today 1300 50 55 60.

may vary depending on the community location.

Country kid who conquered

By Garry Howe

In an interview with the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette in 2001, jockey Peter Mertens said he hoped one of his six children would follow him into the saddle.

The distressed state of the rocking horse on the front porch of his Cranbourne South home that day suggested at least some of them had shown an interest.

Beau, only three at the time, would be the one to step up. He rode Golden Path to victory in the Silver Bowl Series Final at Flemington last Saturday, 1 July - but sadly Dad wasn’t there to see it.

Peter Mertens had succumbed to a battle with pancreatic cancer the previous Saturday, aged 58, sparking an outpouring of emotion from the close-knit racing community.

Beginning his riding career in 1979, Peter Mertens rode over 2100 winners, including seven Group 1s inVictoria and South Australia.

His first Group 1 win came in 1999 aboard Rustic Dream in the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield. He also enjoyed great success with Bart Cummings’ stayer Sirmione, whom he rode to win a Mackinnon Stakes in 2007 and an Australian Cup in 2008. His final Group 1 was the 2012 Australasian Oaks with Invest.

Mertens also won five Group 2 and 16 Group 3 races. After retiring from riding in 2014 following a serious fall in late 2013, he joined the training ranks and saddled up his first runner when Monteegar ran at Geelong in September 2017.

He was also proud of the fact that he was one of only two jockeys - along with Harry White - to win the Wangoom Handicap and Warrnambool Cup double at the famous May carnival, one of his favourite racing places, outside his ‘home turf’ of Gippsland. He achieved that feat in 2005 aboard Mccarthy’s Bar and True Coarser.

Mertens is survived by wife Gulcin, his six children and three stepchildren.

“The Victorian racing industry is deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Peter Mertens after a brave battle with illness,” Racing Victoria chief executive Andrew Jones said last week.

“Peter was an outstanding jockey across 35 years in the saddle and was a well-respected member of an industry to which he contributed so much.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Peter’s family and friends in the knowledge that the Mertens name will live on in Victorian racing through his son Beau.”

Victorian Jockeys Association chief executive Matt Hyland also expressed his sympathies to the Mertens family.

“We are incredibly sorry to hear of Peter’s passing and extend our condolences to his family - in particular his son Beau. We are thinking of them all at this particularly sad time.

“Peter was as gallant in fighting his illness as he was on the racecourse, and he will be sorely missed by many people inVictorian racing and beyond.”

That 2001 Gazette article began with an anecdote about the 1995 Sale Cup - or more accurately the venom-charged aftermath in the jockeys’ room.

Glamour jockey Damien Oliver had made the trip to partner the Jim Houlahan-trained Unsolved, which was sent out a warm favourite, due largely to Oliver’s presence.

But Mertens, the former local apprentice, wasn’t impressed an on the way to the barriers made it crystal clear that Oliver was trespassing.

“The give way signs at Flemington might say D. Oliver, but here they say P. Mertens,” he told the visiting hoop.

As it transpired, Mertens won the race on the John Maloney-trained Top Walk in a blanket finish, with Unsolved rattling home for an unlucky third.

Oliver quickly fired in a protest, which was thrown out by the stewards after a long deliberation and the champion jockey was heard to voice his displeasure at the decision upon leaving the stewards room. The outburst made headlines the following day.

Not that it matters; the local boy had won the day.

“The record books show P. Mertens won the Sale Cup,” Mertens said, recalling the event.

“Not that D. Oliver was a bit stiff.”

That story says a lot of P. Mertens, who had to endure many ups and downs in his career, including a readjustment of attitude after a two year sabbatical and recovering from a lifethreatening fall at Pakenham.

At the time of the Sale Cup run-in, Mertens says he still carried the ‘country jockey’ tag, but by the early 2000s was establishing himself among the elite jockeys.

Yet he insisted he was still a country boy at heart and would not have made it at all if not for his upbringing as an apprentice to the legendary Sale trainer George O’Mealy.

“He was a tough old bastard, no doubt about that,” Mertens recalled in the 2001 article. “But I don’t think I’d be here today without that tough, hard start he gave me. My outlook comes from those first

three years with George.”

Mertens considered himself lucky to have been taught in the old school, where he had to get himself out of bed at 4.30am every day and have the horses watered and fed and the boxes mucked out by breakfast. It wasn’t only racehorses at the O’Mealy stable; there were the stallions and broodmares as well.

After breakfast the horses had to be worked, either on a grass track on the property or at the racetrack for fast work. The apprentice was also expected to dress the horse before trackwork - brushing the mane and tail and tending to the hooves.

“The day didn’t really finish until 7.30 at night. There was one year when I only had two days off.”

George was 73 when Mertens joined the stable and didn’t drive beyond Traralgon or Bairnsdale, which meant the young jockey had to rely upon lifts or public transport to get to the races.

Mertens remembered using trains and taxis to get to Melbourne for one of his early city rides - a daunting experience for a country boy.

“It was hard work, but I slept in a bungalow and got three feeds a day - and George had contacts with so many people in the industry, whether to do with the training or the stallions.”

He said he was now shining because of that O’Mealy polish.

“I would much rather have had it that way,” he insisted. “All the jockeys today say how hard they’ve got it. They wouldn’t know what hard is. There would be a public outcry if you treated apprentices like that today.

“I had to do what I did and the Pat Hylands and the Harry Whites probably did it harder. They’d probably call me soft and say that I had it easy.”

In those early years, Mertens conceded he had no real drive to succeed. He admitted taking the job, at 14, purely to get out of school. He

attended Morwell and Sale technical schools and hated all but woodwork.

Until then his only brush with racing was winning 50 cents on 1973 Melbourne Cup winner Gala Supreme in a school sweep (and would later smile at the irony that he had now ridden a lot for Gala Supreme’s trainer Ray Hutchins and that they are good friends).

He said his ambition didn’t extend much beyond “going to a party and getting a girlfriend”.

“I didn’t really have any idea what I could get out of a riding career; there was no Sky Channel back then and you couldn’t pick up the races on the radio at Sale.

“I was focussed on other things and didn’t really get a kick out of racing. The dreams and goals just weren’t there.”

With the added distraction of his mother’s ill-health, Mertens threw in the towel in the early 1980s and took on “factory jobs” at the likes of the Loy Yang and Yallourn power stations in the Latrobe Valley.

He insisted he grew up a lot during that sabbatical.

He got married, they had a child and, with his mother’s health improving, he decided on a comeback.

The first person he rang was former Traralgon trainer Lloyd Timms, with whom he had finished his apprenticeship after three years with O’Mealy.

Timms only had a small team at Mornington at the time and advised him to link up with Allan Douch at Traralgon, who was flying with a team of about 20 horses at the time, and also ride the coattails of talented Sale trainer Ron Crawford.

It was good advice. He rode on the wave of Douch’s success and quickly established himself as a leading rider in Gippsland.

By 1988 he was ready to branch out into Perth, but fate dealt him a cruel blow when he broke his back and collarbone in a fall at Pakenham.

Mertens was told several times that he would not ride again, but each time just changed doctors.

Those 14 months out of the saddle were tough. He spent the first half of the time trying to come to grips with being told how lucky he was that he was not confined to a wheelchair.

“One minute I’m going to Perth to be the leading rider over there and the next minute I’m told I can’t ride - and people were telling me I was lucky. I couldn’t understand that.”

When during rehabilitation they began trying to teach him to do something else, Mertens became determined to prove the medics wrong.

Leaving behind a string of doctors, he finally got the answer he wanted in Hamilton, where a specialist said he could resume track riding within a month.

He was straight on the phone to Bruce Hill at Mornington and was soon helping with his 30-strong team.

Fittingly, his comeback ride was at Sale on New Year’s Day 1990, where he managed to ride a winner for Ray Douglas.

That was the real turning point in his career and Mertens said that, from there, he never looked back.

A teenaged Peter Mertens with his old boss, legendary Sale trainer George O’Mealy. Peter Mertens coming back to scale on Mackinnon Stakes winner Sirmione.

Popular jockey Peter Mertens always considered himself a country boy at heart.

Peter Mertens salutes after winning the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes on Sirmione for master trainer Bart Cunnings on Derby Day 2007. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Special Olympics stars shine

By Emily Chapman Laing

Around 350 athletes descended upon Casey’s sporting facilities over the weekend to take part in the 2023 Special Olympics Victoria State Games.

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

Running across Casey ARC, Casey Fields and Casey Stadium on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July, athletes showed their technique and skill in swimming, ten pin bowling, athletics, basketball, bocce, gymnastics, netball, tennis, soccer and for the first time, AFL.

The games began with the law enforcement torch run and athletes marching into Casey stadium to excited applause.

From a cauldron the“flame of hope“ was lit, akin to the lighting of the Olympic torch.

“To have that opportunity on the big stage with a big opening ceremony bringing lots of hype and excitement,“ said James Hammond, Special Olympics Australia State Manager Victoria.

“Our athletes are always looking for more opportunities to compete.

“This is the most inclusive sporting event throughout the year.“

Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patton finalised the opening ceremony with a speech.

“It’s awesome to have that support,“ Mr Hammond said.

Free heart health checks were on offer from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, supported by Heartbeat of Football, an organisation supporting healthy hearts in sport.

“Lots of athletes, coaches, volunteers and families got their heart health checked,“ Mr Hammond said.

The State Games also had an opportunity to welcome 20 Victorian athletes who recently competed in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin .

Alongside the sports, Saturday saw two exhibitions, from the AFL and the Marie Little Shield Netball athletes.

On Sunday, South Australian athletes joined theirVictorian cousins for a state of origin competition.

“We had athletes fromTasmania competing as well, in swimming, bocce and tenpin bowling,“ Mr Hammond said.

“It was good to have our neighbours come across and compete with us.

“All in all it was awesome, lots of smiles, lots of fun, everyone had a really good time.“

Mr Hammond said the day wouldnt have been the same without the immense support from other groups and organisations.

“We want to shout out City of Casey for their hospitality, they’ve been absolutely incredible in hosting us,“ he said.

“Melbourne City Football Club helped run our football (soccer) games and it ran super well thanks to them and their support.“

City of Casey Director Community Life Callum Pattie said it was an honour to host the Special Olympics Victoria State Games again in Casey.

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

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

Nature-loving kids thrive in newly created play space

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne launched its new Woodland Picnic Area playground on Friday 30 June, designed to inspire the next generation of nature lovers.

Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos MP, officially opened the new playground, alongside Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards and Gardens’ staff.

“We are thrilled to launch the new Woodland Picnic Area Playground, which combines the best of nature play with the picturesque surrounds of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne,” said Chris Russell, Executive Director Cranbourne Gardens.

The playground is located in the Gardens’ Conservation Zone and is made from recycled materials from the Gardens as well as locally sourced materials.

“Under the shade of native trees, the playground merges with the surrounding bushland,” Mr Russell said.

“Children can look out for wildlife in the trees and may even come across wombat tracks in the sandpit.

“We wanted to create a playground where children could safely explore their skills and abilities, and fall in love with nature.”

The playground’s features include sand-

pits, giant logs, swings, climbing ropes, a fallen tree, giant banksia cross-sections which collect puddles, basalt stone seats/tables, possum prints and “insect doors and hotels”.

It is situated next to a large, covered BBQ facility with picnic tables, where people of all cultures can enjoy the space while supervising children.

The playground was designed by Andrea Proctor Landscapes with unique features such as a “Gifting Basket”, which teaches children to leave feathers, stones and seeds behind, and Aboriginal Weelam Poles, where children can build their own cubby houses from recycled branches.

“We consulted the local community in-

cluding children, the Aboriginal community, the Learning team at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, and its staff more broadly to develop the playground of their dreams,” said Ms Proctor.

“This playground reflects how Gardens staff loved to play as children and what inspired them to become passionate about conservation and nature today.

Another theme emerging in our research was to allow children to develop their skills over time and to teach children how to play safely and considerately in the bush.”

Additional features include an open classroom, and lounging nets designed for teenagers.

The design also encourages younger children to play closer to their parents.

Wheelchair/pram access areas include concrete paths, outdoor learning area, picnic areas, basket swing, and cubby building area.

The tactile lounging nets and swing will suit neuro-diverse persons combined with the quiet open surroundings.

The redevelopment of Woodland Picnic Area is part of the Eco Tourism Enhancement Project, which RBGC said was made possible thanks to funding from theVictorian Government.

L to R: Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, Deputy Chairman of The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Penny Fowler, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopolous and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Director and Chief Executive Tim Entwisle. Picture: SUPPLIED

The torch run.

Pictures: PETER BLAKEMAN

The soccer competition.

Winners in the swimming competition.

Showing off their medals.

St Johns Ambulance CPR awareness.The basketball competition.

Competitors in the swimming competition.

Big smiles on the athletics track.

Showing off his medals.

WHAT’S ON

NAIDOC Kids Craft

Join Westfield Fountain Gate for free kids art & craft activities on Tuesday 4th July and Friday 7th July.

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, participants will be decorating their favourite Australian animal or a boomerang.

· Westfield Fountain Gate, 25/55 Overland Drive, Narre Warren on Tuesday 4 July and Friday 7 July, 10am to 1pm.

Christmas in July

The Christmas in July Night Market is back for 2023!

Head to Akoonah Park on Friday July 28 to enjoy a magical Christmas-themed night market experience.

Try some delicious food and drinks, browse a huge range of exciting stalls, listen to some live music, and take in the unique local market atmosphere.

· Akoonah Park, 2 Cardinia Street, Berwick on Friday 28 July, 4pm-9pm.

Winter Plant Sale

Join the Cranbourne Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Growing Friends Group for their winter plant sale.

This event is a great opportunity to purchase some gorgeous greenery while taking in the stunning Australian Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.

A large variety of Australian native plants will be available.

A plant list will be available on the Growing Friends website approximately a week before the sale.

EFTPOS will be available.

The plant sale will be held at the northern end of the Australian Garden.

Parking and entry is available nearby (look for the large red banners).

· Plant sale dates: Saturday and Sunday 22nd and 23rd July, 2023. Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July from 10am-4pm. Times: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on both days

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.

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.

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.

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

Picture: SUPPLIED

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.

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

Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody

Without a doubt, Queen is amongst the greatest rock bands of the twentieth century and Freddie Mercury is hailed by many as the most charismatic and flamboyant performer in contemporary rock.

Now, fresh off the heels of the successful Bohemian Rhapsody movie, comes an all new Queen tribute show from well-known Australian Freddie Mercury impersonator Thomas Crane.

Thomas, with his hot band Bohemian Rhapsody, bring back to life the visual excitement, sound and stage energy as witnessed at a Queen concert.

See all your favourite Queen hits like We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, A Kind of Magic, I Want To Break Free, Another One Bites the Dust and of course Bohemian Rhapsody.

· Come and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of supergroup Queen at Bunjil Place Theatre. Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren on Friday 28 July, 8pm10:20pm.

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: Australia’s 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.

New grant support for community programs in Casey

The City of Casey will soon open applications for its Equipment and Training Grant program, aimed at supporting not-for-profit community groups.

This grant program provides an opportunity for eligible groups to access funding for vital equipment, training programs, and diversifying their community programs.

The program offers funding ranging from $100 up to $1000, enabling community groups to strengthen their capabilities, engage volunteers, and ensure inclusivity.

The grants are designed to assist in purchasing necessary equipment, supporting volunteer development, and expanding program offerings.

“We understand the importance of notfor-profits within the Casey community and their immense contributions to our commu-

nity,” said City of Casey Manager of Active Communities Angie Peresso.

“The Equipment and Training grants aim to support their ongoing efforts by providing financial assistance for training programs and essential equipment.”

The grant application period will open on Monday 10 July, and interested community groups are encouraged to visit the Casey website to access the application form and detailed guidelines.

Applications will close at 5.00 pm onTuesday 8 August 2023, so it’s essential to submit applications promptly to be considered for funding.

The City of Casey will be hosting an online information session on Wednesday 12 July 2023, from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

New JPs needed in Casey

By Emily Chapman Laing

The Cranbourne and Narre Warren Justices of the Peace are encouraging local residents to consider becoming a certified Justice of the Peace (JP).

“For people that are already involved in community activities, becoming a JP is just an extension of that volunteering,” Cranbourne Justice of the Peace Group Secretary Garry Luxford said.

“We all feel good about helping one another.

“JPs are trusted and respected people in the community.”

The primary roles of a JP are to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit, and to certify copies of original documents.

As the population of Casey continues to grow, the JP groups have noticed an “overwhelming” need for their services, with the current number of JPs “struggling to meet the demand” of the community.

Cranbourne Justice of the Peace Group are hoping the recruitment of new JPs in the south Casey area will “ease the load” and help to meet the needs of new growth areas that currently don’t have a Justice of the Peace representing them.

Mr Luxford said he noticed a rising need for JPs over two years ago.

“Especially in Clyde North, Clyde and Cranbourne West,” he said.

Casey’s JPs work from four designated Document Signing Centres.

“The biggest thing about the recruitment is that we encourage prospective JPs to visit a Document Signing Centre and see what’s involved,” Mr Luxford said.

Mr Luxford said while the training to become a JP is mandatory, it doesn’t show the

“magnitude” of the documents JPs are responsible for signing.

He said the best way to see what the role is really like is to visit a Document Signing Centre.

“We welcome all new Justices of the Peace to our City and hopefully will join your local Justice of the Peace groups and join the rosters at the Document Signing Centres.”

Wendy Cantwell, Coordinator of Bunjil Place Library Document Signing Station, has been a JP for over 25 years.

“We have a really diverse group of JPs at Casey,” Ms Cantwell said.

“It’s a wonderful way for people to put back into their community.”

Ms Cantwell said being a JP is about “being accessible to the community” at a Document Signing Centre, even just for a couple of

hours each month.

Local JP Lloma Shaw has been a practicing JP for nearly 20 years.

“As part of my contribution to our community it fits in well with my work with Rotary and the Boards of Balla Balla Community Centre and the ACE (Aiding Casey Education) Foundation,” she said.

“JP work is always interesting and varied and I enjoy meeting people from many cultural backgrounds and also assisting them with their documentation.

“We are ordinary people from many backgrounds and experience but all wish to support our community. “

President of the Cranbourne Justice of the Peace Group, Peter Hooper says working at the Document Signing Centres has been “so rewarding”.

“People often arrive confused by legal documents and language barriers, under stress and even in tears,” he said.

“Seeing them leave smiling is really rewarding. Cranbourne JPs now service the community six days a week in three locations but we’re ageing and need support to share the load in a growing community.”

Mr Hooper said JPs are essential “to release police for their more crucial roles”.

People of all cultural and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Attendance at an information session is mandatory as part of the application.

The next information sessions are available online onTuesday 11 July andThursday 13 July at 6pm.

“I admire anyone thinking about becoming a JP because this is a great way to give back to the community and you will have a great sense of pride in volunteering,” Mr Luxford said.

Local Justices of the Peace are available to discuss the role throughout the week at the following Document Signing Centres:

· Balla Balla Community Centre.

· Unit 7/9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North.

· Monday-Friday 12pm-3pm and Tuesday 12pm-6pm.

· Cranbourne West Community Centre.

· 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West.

· Monday 12pm-6pm, Wednesday 5:30pm6:30pm and Thursday 5pm-7pm.

· Connected Libraries Cranbourne.

· 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East.

· Saturday 10am-12pm.

· Bunjil Place.

· 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.

· Monday-Friday 10am-12pm and Tuesday 4pm-6pm.

Cranbourne Justice of the Peace Ian Robottom at the Document Signing Station in Balla Balla Community Centre. 345552 Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Fears AI will replace jobs

By Emily Chapman Laing

Berwick has been listed fourth in the top ten Victorian suburbs facing automation shifts in the workplace, according to suburb-data provider Suburbtrends.

An estimated 12,092 people in the area will be facing an increasingly artificial-intelligence-dominant conversion in the workplace.

Pakenham placed seventh on the list, with 11,393 workers expected to be impacted by shifts towards automation.

A recent report from the University of Melbourne Work Futures Hallmark Research Initiative reveals Australian workers are largely unprepared for “future workplace challenges driven by automation and artificial intelligence“, though they aren’t showing much concern.

“We found that most Australians aren’t too worried about being replaced by AI and automation at work, and believe that their skills are adequate to meet the challenges ahead,“ report co-author and human geographer Pro-

fessor David Bissell said.

“However, our research shows that Australians are cautious adopters of new technologies in the workplace.

“One-in-five say they only adopt new technologies in the workplace when they are forced to, so we need to understand the reasons behind this and facilitate technology use that is inclusive to all.“

Global technology research firm Forrester has warned 1.5 million Australians will be forced out of work as automation technology evolves.

City of Casey Manager Growth and Investment Kathryn Seirlis said the City of Casey “supports“ a “culture of innovation“.

“Our local business community can establish pathways for start-ups to collaborate with the existing industries, and explore new opportunities,“ she said.

“Council has been working with strategic sectors across Casey to identify ways we can help them respond to future

trends, including AI.

“We are committed to increasing digital equity to future proof participation in community life, and will continue to work with local industry, education and employment providers to ensure systems are updated accordingly to service the job seekers that need the most assistance.“

Australia’s job market is anticipated to shrink by 11 per cent before 2030.

Those most affected by the change, according to the report, are cubicle workers.

Office clerks, accountants, human resources workers and bookkeepers who perform repetitive tasks are predicted to see a 58 per cent decrease in job availability by 2030.

Middle management roles are also expected to be affected and face concerns over their continuing value in the workplace.

Forrester anticipate a drop of 22 per cent due to displacement from automation.

Conversely, those who specialise in technology can expect an upward trend in job

Dandy South link done ahead of time

The Pound RoadWest Upgrade in Dandenong South has been completed months ahead of schedule.

The new bridge across the Cranbourne railway line removes the previous dead-ends and connects Pound Road West and Remington Drive.

The project also adds an extra lane each way between Abbotts Road and South Gippsland Highway, and 3.1 kilometres of shared walking and cycling paths.

Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) and

construction firm Seymour Whyte completed the project in less than two years. It had been expected to open in late 2023.

The end was celebrated with a community event at Pound Road West, which included a drive over the new bridge by a convoy of locally owned trucks and buses

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Marc Peterson said it was a vital “second link” between Abbotts Road and South Gippsland Highway.

“We’ve completed the Pound Road West

Upgrade ahead of schedule, delivering a critical new transport link that has significantly improved connections in Dandenong South.

“We thank locals for their patience during construction of this essential upgrade.”

By 2031, more than 40,000 vehicles per day are expected to use the link..

During the project’s 400,000 working hours, more than 30,000 hours were worked by apprentices, trainees and cadets as well as more than 18,000 Aboriginal employment hours.

availability, with software and app developers, network and systems administrators, mathematicians and information security specialists needed to maintain and enhance AI performance.

Forrester reported Australia’s high minimum wage as a contributing factor to many businesses opting for automated operations, especially since the cost of intelligent automation reduces over time.

“Understanding the potential ramifications of AI and automation at a granular level is crucial for planning, whether at the policy level, in business strategy, or for individual career development,“ Kent Lardner, the founder of Suburbtrends said.

“These numbers underscore the need for Australia to prepare for a future where AI and automation will undoubtedly play an increasingly pivotal role.

“This transformation could be as profound as the industrial revolution, but with the right preparation, Australia can navigate this change effectively.“

A convoy tours the completed Pound Road West Upgrade in Dandenong South.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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•All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

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

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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE & OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT EXISTING 40M MONOPOLE AT 96 BROWNS ROAD BOTANIC RIDGE

VIC 3977 INCLUDING 5G

1.The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of:

•Removal of three (3) existing Vodafone panel antennas and three (3) existing Optus panel antennas.

•Installation of three (3) new Vodafone panel antennas and three (3) new Optus panel antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length).

•Installation of three (3) new Vodafone 5G antennas and one (1) new Optus 5G antenna (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length).

• Installation of a new headframe.

•Installation of ancillary equipment including remote radio units (RRUs), GPS antenna, antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners and other associated equipment; and ancillary works within the existing equipment shelter.

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

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Ben Lavery at Service Stream Limited, 0497 833 252, TPG.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5.00pm Friday 21 July 2023

4. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3977039

12618401-CB27-23

General Classifieds Employment

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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

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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

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Part-Time Telesales Representative Star News Group

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

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.

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• 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.

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

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SPORT

Cranbourne flick the switch

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cranbourne slammed home 12 final-quarter goals and silenced the Dingley crowd at Souter Oval on Saturday.

The Eagles had the scoreboard ascendancy all day after starting strongly and leading by 19 points at the first change.

The lead got towards five goals in the third quarter before Dingley’s resistance was finally rewarded on the scoreboard.

Marc Holt kicked an important snap against the grain to keep the margin at 16 points going into the final quarter.

Dingley had all the running and were well revved up by coach Zach Horsley at threequarter-time.

“This is the win of the year,” he bellowed.

“When we are where we are at the end of the year, we’ll look back at this and say this is the reason we’re in the position we’re in.”

That final statement may yet prove foreboding, though not in the way Horsley had meant it.

The home team had the momentum, crowd support and dictated terms for the third quarter as it looked like their run and transition game would overpower the visitors.

Star midfielder Zak Roscoe was tagged out of influencing the first three quarters but kept coming and got off the chain in the last quarter.

The league medal fancy got on the move at stoppages, got to repeat contests and the icing on the cake was a classy goal on the run from 50.

Roscoe skippered the side last week as Brandon Osborne remains sidelined indefinitely with injury, and he is developing the aura of a player that lifts when his team needs a spark...but it was a full team lift after the last change.

“I just thought we were getting outworked,” said coach Steve O’Brien.

“I put it on individuals to be a leader, and I felt like we did that.

“We played the way we wanted to play in the last quarter.”

“We know if you give them they’re game, they’re hard to stop because they do it so well.

“They use the ball really well, so if they get that overlap on you, they’re going to score, so that was a big focus for us, and we were able to get our game going off the back of that.

“That balance between defence and attack is what we’ve got to fine tune.

“At times, I think we’ve swayed far too one way. Sometimes it’s too defensive, and sometimes it’s too offensive.

“We’ll keep fine tuning that balance and we’re playing around with a few different roles so those boys need to adjust to that.”

Jarryd Barker scored a similar long-range goal to Roscoe’s.

Rucks Michael Boland and Jake Stephens gave their team ascendancy in the midfield

when it mattered.

Kirk Dickson kicked the first goal inside a minute of the last quarter to stifle and swing the momentum.

The centre-half-forward finished with three to continue his streak of multiple goals in every game this year.

“He’s a quality player and we love what he brings to us,” O’Brien said.

“He competes so hard and he’s a tough matchup.

“He’s not overly tall but he’s strong in the air, good at ground level and he’s been a good player for a few years now.

“For so long, he’s played second fiddle to (Marc Holt), and then when it looked like he wasn’t playing, (Kirk) stepped up and made a real focus on a scoreboard impact.

“Obviously the big fella has come back, but ‘Dicko’ has maintained that mentality and they’ve complemented each other really well.”

Matt Allister’s purple patch continued.

After 23 disposals, seven intercept marks and four spoils last week, he was another who cashed in on the scoreboard, while playing his role expertly.

Alongside veteran Luke Bee-Hugo and stand-in skipper Dylan Cavalot, Allister had the most complete performance.

After Cranbourne won it at the coalface in the first term, Barker and Cavalot capitalised on the attention Roscoe received, the second and early part of the third quarter was an ugly arm wrestle.

Cranbourne had more territory but didn’t look like scoring as defenders Kristen Feehan, Cam Hansen and Michael Dolan were staunch.

Lochie Benton provided creativity and run off halfback as best afield performances become second nature, with his work finally translating into some promising looks in the third quarter.

After the Eagles had the first three shots if the third term, debutante Mitch Cook won a holding the ball free kick and calmly slotted it from 50.

That started Dingley’s brief run, and his spriteliness and pressure was among the green shoots Horsley drew on post game.

With seven missing, Dingley put faith in the youngsters who had come through the club’s well-regarded junior program.

Six players aged 20-years-old or younger took the field, with ZacWhite, Jordan Letts and Cook all showing glimpses but running out of puff.

The silver-lining was their competitiveness as they stayed with the reigning premiers until three-quarter-time, but Port Melbourne is on

the horizon, the result to be telling in the top five seedings.

Meanwhile, Springvale Districts has smashed a listless St Kilda City, with five players scoring three goals and six multiple goal scorers in total.

Stefan Feehan was a target inside 50 and named best on ground, and winger Matt Thompson ran hard on the wing with the Dees piling on 15 goals after the main break to boost their percentage.

Mordialloc’s upset win over St Paul’s McKinnon has done Kris Thompson’s Dees a major favour as they look to secure a top five berth.

Results: Chelsea Heights 7.9 51, Port Melbourne Colts 8.18 66, Mordialloc 13.5 83 v St Paul’s McKinnon 11.10 76, St Kilda City 4.4 28 v Springvale Districts 20.24 144, Dingley 5.4 34 v Cranbourne 17.10 112, Bentleigh 8.10 58 v Cheltenham 13.12 90

Ladder: Cheltenham 40, Cranboourne 36, Dingley 32, Springvale Districts 32, Port Melbourne Colts 28, St Paul’s McKinnon 24, Chelsea Heights 8, Bentleigh 8, Mordialloc 8, St Kilda City 4.

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

Local Laetisha heads back to Baku to take on the World

By David Nagel

Laetisha Scanlan will return to the scene of one her greatest triumphs after Shooting Australia announced its 14-strong team to compete at the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, in August.

The Berwick hot-shot won gold, silver and bronze at the ISSF World Cup at the same venue last year.

Scanlan began her clean sweep of the medal spectrum by claiming bronze in the Women’s Trap, before being the central figure in a silver-medal-winning performance by the Australian Women’s Trap Team.

The former St Margaret’s student then joined forces with James Willett to win an elusive gold medal in the Trap Mixed Team event.

Scanlan, a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist who finished fourth at the Olympics in Tokyo, is part of a very strong

team that Australia will take abroad.

Following their medal winning performances at ISSF World Cups this year, Penny Smith (Shotgun Women’s Trap and World Ranked 1), Willett (Shotgun Men’s Trap and

World Ranked 2), Catherine Skinner (Shotgun Women’s Trap) and Sergei Evglevski (25m Rapid Fire Pistol) were the first athletes selected in the team.

As a finalist at the CairoWorld Cup in May, Nathan Argiro also qualified for his position on the team.

The additional nine team membersScanlan, Mitchell Iles, Aislin Jones, Joshua Bell, Elena Galiabovitch, Bailey Groves, Dane Sampson, Jack Rossiter and Elise Collier - secured their positions based on where they placed on a performance leaderboard after a four-competition domestic selection series.

Those events concluded earlier this month.

All athletes must also meet the minimum performance standards outlined in theWorld Championships team selection criteria.

Heading in to the most significant competition in 2023, and a crucial competitive op-

portunity against the world’s best in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Shooting Australia’s High Performance Manager Kathryn Periac was excited by the challenge.

“Our goal is to support ourWorld Championships team to enable strong performances by each of the athletes at this event, which will in turn support critical Paris Olympic qualification requirements such as winning quota places and securing individual qualifying ranking points for the Olympic Games<” Periac said.

“Our athletes have developed and prioritised team values and behaviours to create the environment they want to be part of, and in which they can excel, and we will be working with them to deliver an experience that is successful and positive for everyone.”

The 2023 World Championships begin on Thursday 17 August.

Laetisha Scanlan will represent Australia at the 2023 Shooting World Championships in August. 283844 Picture: AAP IMAGES

Matt Allister wins a hardball against Josh Ferguson. 344550

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Nick Darbyshire advances it forward. 344550

Jarryd Barker. 343169

SPORT Double chance up for grabs

By David Nagel

Three out of the four grand finals contested in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition have been fought out by first and second on the ladder since the inaugural season in 2017.

With Inverloch-Kongwak flying at the top of the table this year…the battle for second place and a coveted double-chance would appear to come down to this week’s showdown between Phillip Island andTooradin-Dalmore at Cowes.

Adversaries in last year’s grand final, the Bulldogs and Seagulls are no longer the frontrunners, with Tom Hams and his Inverloch team taking all before them this year.

The Sea Eagles took care of Phillip Island by 36 points in round two, and delivered a similar 35-point victory over Tooradin just before last week’s bye.

The only match-up this year between this week’s combatants saw Phillip Island ride a 7.6 to 1.3 second quarter to a 44-point victory over Tooradin in round three.

While Inverloch is clearly the team to beat, both the Bulldogs and Seagulls - and to a lesser extent Nar Nar Goon – would love to finish second on the ladder and get first crack at the Eagles come finals time.

It’s a free swing in a sense - because if you don’t succeed in week one of finals you get the opportunity to go again!

Phillip Island has been very impressive this year, with first-year coach Cam Pedersen the orchestrator of the most aggressive band in the business.

With all teams having played each other once – the ideal time to make assessments –the Bulldogs (1282) have scored more points than any other team this year, with Inverloch (1175), Nar Nar Goon (1107) and Tooradin (1073) hot on their hammer.

And the load has been spread beautifully, with Pedersen (23), Max Blake (22), Jack Taylor (19) and Travis Woodfield (19) providing a wonderful array of options.

Blake, Pedersen and Taylor have played every game this year, while Billy Taylor, Bryce Hindhaugh, Hayden Bruce, Kai Mackenzie and Mark Griffin are others that have been glued to the whiteboard all season.

And throw versatile tall Daniel Bourke in the mix, with the back-up ruck to Pedersen having kicked all of his seven goals across the last four weeks of footy; his height ensuring a very tough match up.

Tooradin looked way off the pace against Inverloch in round 11, but maybe that could be put down to a soft run of matches against Garfield (98 points), Dalyston (95) and Bunyip (111) heading into that contest.

The Gulls were hit between the eyes by Inverloch, who controlled the stoppages to get first hands on the footy.

If the Gulls are to bounce back this week, you can guarantee that the workrate of Brent Macaffer, Liam Adams, Matt Livermore, Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds and Lewis Hill will play a key role in the victory.

And look for Adam Oxley, Stewart Scanlon and Piva Wright to be dangerous in front of goals, with the trio unable to hit the scoreboard against Inverloch.

This one should be a ripper, with the Bulldogs to put a down-payment on second place on the ladder with a 17-point victory.

Warragul Industrials will need to defend a new-look Inverloch forward line when the Dusties host the Sea Eagles at Western Park.

Toby Mahoney, the Eagles main goal-kicker this year, suffered a serious hamstring injury againstTooradin in round 11 that will likely see him sidelined for four-to-five weeks.

Inverloch assistant coach Leigh Cole admits Mahoney will be a loss, but is backing in an efficient forward system to get them across the line.

“Our forward line offers something a little bit different, and Toby’s benefitted from the work of the other forwards, so it should be easy to slot someone into that role who can get the benefits as well,” Cole said.

“I don’t think that will cause too many headaches for us.”

The Sea Eagles were superb against

Tooradin, with Tate Short elevating his status in the competition with an imperious display across half back, while versatile types like Lachie Scott and Tom Wyatt were valuable for four quarters.

There is a doubt on champion midfielder Andy Soumilas, with tests to determine the seriousness of a knee injury that saw him leave the field early against Tooradin.

The Dusties scored their highest total for the season against Dalyston before the bye, and will be hoping Mason McGarrity and Kyle Staples can unlock the secret of a frugal Inverloch defence.

But it won’t be enough…it’s the Eagles to make it 12 straight with a 32-point win.

In other games this week, the bottom four get the opportunity to taste success with Garfield hosting Korumburra Bena and Kilcunda Bass making the trip to Bunyip.

Expect Angus Emery and Mark Griffiths to lead Garfield to victory against a Giants’ team that will need ByronWalker and Paul Fermanis to get busy in front of goal.

And the class of Dale Gawley, Nathan Foote and Taylor Gibson should ensure the Panthers take the four points away from a boggy Bunyip. Cora Lynn will need to be on its toes on a tricky trip to Dalyston, while life without Nathan Voss is about to get more difficult for Kooweerup when it makes the short drive to Nar Nar Goon.

Voss, who has been on fire this year, will miss the remainder of the season as he takes a trip overseas that has been backlogged since Covid. The Demons will really miss his class, but players like Mitch Cammarano, MattVoss, bailey Galante and Fletcher McMillan will ensure a tough start to the contest against the Goon.

But the home side will have too much class and make it six straight with a seven-to-eightgoal victory.

WGFNC TIPS

Round 12

Saturday, 8, July, 2023

PHILLIP ISLAND v Tooradin-Dalmore, Warragul Industrials v INVERLOCH-KONGWAK, GARFIELD v Korumburra Bena, NAR NAR GOON v Kooweerup, Bunyip v KILCUNDA BASS, Dalyston v CORA LYNN.

Bass Strait crossing ends in familiar fashion for Cavaliers

By Marcus Uhe

The Casey Cavaliers’ losing streak has grown to seven matches after a 80-95 loss at home to reigning NBL1 South champions Hobart on Saturday night.

A slow first quarter in which Hobart scored 20 of the first 24 points created a gap between the two teams that the home side were never able to reel-in.

Patrick Emilien took flight for a thunderous one-handed dunk early in the game to electrify the home crown at Casey Stadium, but the highlights were few and far between for the Cavs, who didn’t score for the next six minutes of play as Hobart broke free.

Blake Taylor and Nathan Frost kept the Cavs afloat, but the visitors took a nine-point lead into the first break.

A rally in to open the second term cut the lead to four points, with Casey’s second unit stifling the Hobart offence and inhibiting its ability to score.

A Mitch Riggs three cut the margin to three points, before the Chargers began to exploit a lack of interior presence under the basket.

As quickly as the home side worked its way back into the game, a scoring flurry from Chargers restored the separation from earlier in the contest, as Hobart took a 13-point lead into half time.

Emilien dug into his bag of tricks in the second half, displaying an impressive range of shooting prowess from both inside and beyond the three point line as the Cavs’ major offensive threat.

It was at the other end of the court, however, where the execution was not there.

Continuing to attack from under the rim, Hobart were making layups with ease to keep

the Cavs at bay.

As the pressure on the ball-carrier intensified from the Cavaliers, often sending two defenders to the ball, the Chargers were able to find the resulting open player

for easy baskets.

A 15-point difference at the final break was always going to be a huge ask for the home side desperate for a win.

Scoring the first five points of the last, a

20-point lead was an even more challenging task.

But the Cavs kept the pressure on, cutting the lead to eight with four minutes remaining on the back of an 8-0 run.

A quick 6-0 run to Hobart, however, assisted by some fouling from the Cavs, restored the double-figure buffer, and was enough to sink any hopes of a remarkable comeback.

Hobart were superior in nearly all aspects of the contest, shooting better percentages from all variables, while also out-rebounding and out-assisting the hosts.

Emilien was the Cavs’ highest scorer with 18 points.

Casey’s women fared much better, getting the better of Hobart by 25 points and ending a seven game losing streak in the process.

From a 14-4 run to open the game, outside of a brief 30 seconds in the third quarter, the Cavaliers never looked back, leading at every change and finishing with a 33-18 final quarter in the 110-85 result.

A vast spread of contributors saw six players score in double figures, led by forward, LaurenVan Kluenen’s 24 and Rachel Bell’s 19.

Taylah Simmons, meanwhile, added 18 points and 12 rebounds.

The home side shot a hefty 61 per cent from the field and 52 per cent from behind the three point line in what was comfortably its highest score of the 2023 season, having breached the 100-point barrier for the first time.

Round 13 sees Casey hit the road for clashes against Frankston on Saturday night and Melbourne on Sunday.

Both teams sit 18th in their respective ladders.

Taylah Simmons (9) had a double-double for the Cavs in their win over Hobart on Saturday. 333279

Picture: ROB CAREW

Lewis Hill and Billy Taylor will be two players to watch when Phillip Island hosts Tooradin-Dalmore on Saturday. 296137

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Fe Fi Fo Fum...Giants slayed

By Marcus Uhe

A frustrating win-loss pattern for the Casey Demons has come to a close thanks to a second win in two weeks, the first time the reigning premiers have claimed consecutive victories since round four.

A brutal display at Casey Fields saw the Demons pile on their highest score of the premiership defence to date, thrashing GWS by 98 points 20.14 134 to 4.14 38.

Wasteful infront of goal, only three of the Demons’ 10 shots in the opening quarter found the intended target, with the home side holding a 16-point lead at the first break.

Two goals within 60 seconds from Matthew Jefferson and Andy Moniz-Wakefield got the ball rolling for Casey in the sixth minute, and another to Taj Woewodin a few minutes later gave the home a quick 21-point buffer.

Moniz-Wakefield’s goal was particularly impressive, roving the ball off a marking contest and snapping truly on his right foot while falling to the floor.

As James Jordon ran amok in the middle of the ground, the Demons put their kicking boots on at quarter time, with a vastly-improved 5.2 in the second quarter .

The returning Jacob Van Rooyen was proving a handful for the Giants defenders at halfforward, kicking two in the second term and providing a target for his midfielders and defenders to kick to further afield.

Moniz-Wakefield and Woewodin joined the key forward on the multiple goalkickers list before half time, finishing the first hour of football with two and three majors respectively, both taking the opportunities afforded to them through the selection of Jake Melksham in the Melbourne side.

Moniz-Wakefield’s second goal was his second highlight-reel worthy play of the day for the Demons, capitalising on the defensive

instincts of Daniel Turner’s intercept at halfback by goaling from within the centre square on the run.

Woewodin, meanwhile, found himself in unknown territory, having doubled his season

Spiders go back-to-back

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Southern Football Netball League Division

Two club Hampton Park has won consecutive games at Tony Way Recreation Reserve. It was a gritty win in typically blowy conditions, with a host of crucial players missing for the 7.12 54 to 2.12 24 victory over East Malvern.

Midfielder Makaio Haywood (illness), captain Liam Myatt (injury), Jack Dalton (work), recruit Lionel Benoit, ruck Jye King (injury) and defender Luke O’Brien (family) were all unavailable for a clash against a team which was last year competing in Division One.

Ryan Hillard, having been in and out due to injury in the past month, stepped up to the plate, while Tanner Stanton, Trent Thomas and Kyle Hendy also continued their strong campaigns.

Luke Sloan, meanwhile, was again steady in defence as he is given senior game time after an injury-interrupted start to the year.

Hampton Park performed in patches on the weekend but was unable to piece together a complete game.

The standout performances of the top few continues a trend for Hayden Stanton’s men where their most talented can play the brand of footy the squad is seeking.

But fringe players lack the fitness to give Hampton Park the overlap and use the width of the ground.

Holidays, work commitments and injuries have also prevented the team from developing the cohesion that is a perpetual point-of-difference for top teams.

The win followed a smashing of Black Rock last week, and gives them some form of momentum ahead of a season-defining month.

Hampton Park faces East Brighton this week, and get theVampires at a time they’re vulnerable with some troops out and coming off their first loss of the season.

DeclanBrunellkickedtwoofHampton Park’ssevengoalsonSaturday. 343176

Picture:ROBCAREW

Following that are clashes with thirdplaced Doveton and second-placed Murrumbeena.

Results R11: Doveton 9.5 59 v East Brighton 6.14 50, Black Rock 6.6 42 v Highett 10.13 73, Hampton Park 7.12 54 v East Malvern 2.12 24, Caulfield 8.8 56 v Murrumbeena 9.7 61.

Ladder: East Brighton 40, Doveton 32, Murrumbeena 32, Hampton Park 28, Highett 28, Skye 18, East Malvern 16, Caulfield 16, Keysborough 10, Black Rock 0. Fixture R12: Caulfield (8) v Keysborough (9), Hampton Park (4) v East Brighton (1), Skye (6) v Black Rock (10), Highett (5) v East Malvern (7), Murrumbeena (3) v Doveton Doves (2).

goal tally to date within a half of football.

Ahead by 39 points at the long break, four consecutive goals to the Demons in the third term pushed the margin to 55 points, with Jefferson the chief destroyer.

The first year key forward kicked three in a row on his own, although was not helped by teammate Mitch White, as the two combined for a near disastrous goalline error.

White fed a handball over a closing defender to Jefferson on his own in the goalsquare, but put the ball dangerously close to the goalline, forcing Jefferson to make a desperate dive with an outstretched foot to ensure the six points.

Minutes later, the two had a far more conventional connection, as the key forward marked at the top of the square for goal number four.

The onslaught continued in the fourth as the home side kicked eight of the final nine majors to boost its percentage.

The quarter began with a 12-minute goal scoring amnesty, broken by Josh Schache with a typically classy set shot from deep in the forward pocket.

From there, the floodgates opened, as White, Jordon and James Munro all joined the fun.

Jordon’s burst from stoppage and goal on the run was the cherry on top of a 41-disposal cake, simply dominant through the middle of the ground as he pushes for a senior recall to a Melbourne side that has lost its last two.

Van Rooyen joined Jefferson on four majors, as did Moniz-Wakefield to Woewodin with three.

White and Schache rounded-out the multiple goalkickers list with two each.

Luke Dunstan, Woewodin, Munro, Blake Howes and Bailey Laurie all won plenty of the footy through the middle, finishing the contest as the five-highest possession winners on the ground behind Jordon in the domination.

A visit to Sandringham next week will present a golden opportunity to make three wins in a row.

De La Rue sizzles for Vics

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Beaconsfield’s Kade De La Rue boosted his credentials in Victoria Country’s second national championships game.

De La Rue played off half-forward as the team made up ofVictoria’s best regional-based prospects took on Western Australia on Friday night at the WACA. The 181cm player averaging 22 disposals for Dandenong this season typically stood up to body contact and won 24 possessions, including four inside 50s.

Vic Country and Dandenong Stingrays co-captain Harry DeMattia also played a key hand. After showing his speed and power from stoppage in the first game, the left-footer was able to combine those traits with neat ball-use on Friday, winning a lot of his footy forward of centre and getting it deep quickly.

The strongly-built player spent the last 15 minutes off halfback after playing exclusively as a midfielder until that point.

He laid a fist into the ball in the dying stages of the game in a huge defensive effort which helped Vic Country hold on.

Billy Wilson and Beaconsfield winger/ defender Kobe Shipp were each solid for Vic Country. Rebounding defender Wilson had his moments and stood up with a lace out pass that directly led to a goal when the match was on the line in the fourth quarter.

One watcher said that bullet to Zane Duursma had traces of Fremantle’s Hayden Young.

Jacob Grant played his first game of the championships to cap a remarkable 2023 rise.

Coming from Southern Football Netball League Division Three club Endeavour Hills, the standard of his local footy is lower than many of his Stingrays and Vic Country teammates are accustomed to.

He’s also the only one of Dandenong’s Vic Country players to not have played any Talent League last year, having not been in the program, but he made up for lost time in preseason. The 191cm forward has impressed with his vertical leap, which allows him to play above his size and fly for marks.

Having 10 goals from eight games for Dandenong, the testing challenge of playing with and against some of Australia’s best was an excellent education piece.

KadeDeLaRueputforwardastrong performanceforVicCountry.

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Picture:JAZZBENNETT

First round prospect Cooper Simpson missed the match after suffering a corkie inVic Country’s first game against South Australia, which has put the rest of his national championships carnival in doubt. Gippsland had four representatives in action: Lachlan Smith, Wil Dawson, Duursma and Archer Reid. Smith was in for his first game of the championships and was competitive in the ruck as he looked to impose himself on the game against strong opposite numbers.

The Drouin ruck’s selection comes after an excellent season so far with the Power, where he averages 16 hitouts, despite having to share ruck duties with fellow Vic Country big man Wil Dawson. After spending large parts of the first game as Vic Country’s ruck, Dawson played in defence on the weekend, assisting a height-depleted backline and further demonstrating his versatility.

Dawson has also learnt the craft of playing as a key forward at talent pathway level and spent time as a pure midfielder in multiple games this year. Inverloch-Kongwak prospect Reid rebounded from a quiet outing against South Australia, kicking the first goal of the game and being a link player on several occasions. Duursma coolly kicked the crucial late goal from the Wilson pass.

Vic Country defeated Western Australia by five points and will face the undefeated Allies on Sunday at RSEA Park, Moorabbin.

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Picture:ROBCAREW