News - Cranbourne Star News - 13th July 2023

All set for the Shitbox Rally

Station inaction

By Emily Chapman Laing

A member of the Clyde CFA has spoken out about the team “getting fed up with empty promises of a new station“.

Clyde CFA station currently sits on rail land on Railway Road, Clyde.

A new railway line and train station is earmarked for the property on which the station sits, meaning the team has to move their station to a new location.

Funding for the new station was announced in December 2020 as part of Bass MP Jordan Crugnale’s election promises.

A member of the Clyde CFA said there has been “zero progress on anything“ in the two and a half years since the funding was secured.

“There is government funding that has been allocated and CFA and the government have been promising to acquire land and build a new station for years, which to date has not happened,“ they said.

“Out volunteer members are fed up with the uncertainty of what will become of us and our station when the land is acquired back by rail.“

The Clyde CFA member alleged there has been much back and forth between the government and CFA in regards to the new station, with “CFA saying one thing and government saying another“.

“CFA and the government have been very shady around the whole process, continually placing the blame on the other for land not having been acquired,“ they said.

The member said the alleged hot-potato of acquiring land is having a negative impact on the Clyde CFA.

“The whole process is really disappointing for members, we constantly feel like we are being let down,“ they said.

“There have been several occasions where our Captain has been told that land has been secured, to only be told a few weeks later that “something“ has gone wrong, with no details provided or an explanation and that they are

once again on the search for land.

“It makes our captain look foolish every time he feels that he can deliver the news that there is progress, only to be let down again.“

The members are also concerned for their health, with funding for important safety measures being allegedly knocked back on the basis of the team getting a new station.

“Our engine bay where the trucks are stored is in the same room as all of our turn out gear - meaning that emissions from the vehicles when they are started are dispersed all over our turn out gear, as well as us breathing it in while we are getting dressed,“ the Clyde CFA member said.

“Because of this we applied for a CFAVESEP grant to have whirly birds installed in the roof

of the engine bay to reduce the emissions.

“This grant has been rejected on the basis that we are ’getting a new station’, so our health and safety is at risk if they are not going to provide a new station anytime soon or comply with the installation of the whirly birds as an interim solution to reduce the risk.“

Clyde CFA members were allegedly asked to source locations for the new precinct, with each suggestion “not being followed up“, or being “declined without reason“.

Locations offered included the corner of Valetta and Railway Road, and the corner of Ballarto and Tuckers Road.

A spokesperson for the CFA has responded saying sourcing land for a new station is “time consuming and complex“.

“And made even more difficult because Clyde is located in a significant urban growth corridor,“ they said.

“CFA recognises the current Clyde Station needs to be replaced and is actively focused on working with the Victorian Government on finding a suitable location to build a new station.“

A spokesperson for the Victorian Government said the Community Safety Building Authority is “looking for an appropriate site to support the relocation of the CFA Clyde Fir Station“, alongside the CFA.

“We will continue to work with the CFA to identify and support its infrastructure priorities and resourcing needs,“ they said.

Clyde CFA volunteers with Bass MP Jordan Crugnale.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Jailed for ‘savage’ bashing

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Cranbourne man who “savagely” and “cowardly” bashed his 87-year-old ex-father-in-law after a Facebook spat has been jailed.

Gerard Michael Rabot, 51, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to aggravated burglary, causing injury intentionally and making a threat to kill the victim.

After the attack, the man was hospitalised with bleeding on the brain and four broken ribs.

He required heavy pain medication as well as a catheter due to a bladder injury.

In February 2022, Rabot posted on Facebook about separating from his wife after 29 years of marriage.

The wife’s father responded that she wasn’t on Facebook to defend herself – which Judge Frances Hogan said was a “reasonable” post.

However Rabot fired off three “abusive” replies. The next morning, he visited the father-

in-law’s Frankston home in a “heightened state”.

When the victim unlocked the front door, Rabot violently forced it open.

He grabbed the man by the throat, while punching him to the face.

Rabot released his grip so the man fell backwards onto a computer desk. He then dropped onto the victim with his right knee pinning the victim’s chest to the floor.

As Rabot yelled at the victim, the elderly man struggled to speak and breathe while pleading with Rabot to stop.

“Don’t tell anyone about this or I will kill you,” Rabot said.

“If you tell anyone I’ll come back and finish the job.”

The victim, who was living alone after the recent death of his second wife, rang his son for help.

Meanwhile, Rabot rang his ex-wife telling her he thought he’d killed her father, that he’d

“belted him pretty bad”.

Upon his arrest, he was taken to hospital with a high heart rate, and later deemed unfit to interview.

In sentencing on 6 July, Judge Hogan noted the large-built Rabot’s “very cowardly” attack on a victim more than three decades older and living alone at home.

Rabot didn’t like the man, intended to “savagely” attack him, and left him bleeding on his own floor, she found.

In a statement, the victim told the court of his shock and fear, his painful injuries and need for counselling in the aftermath.

The Dandenong-raised Rabot was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder as well as PTSD stemming from violent childhood abuse.

His father’s death in 2016 brought up unresolved traumas.They sparked suicidal thoughts and attempts, severe depression, panic attacks and admissions to a hospital psychiatric ward.

In the lead-up to the assault, Rabot was in

a “distressed state” due to the recent loss of his job and marriage.

A psychiatrist found that Rabot may have been in a “state of dissociation” as a result. But it was more likely that the “quite deliberate” attack was fuelled by uncontrolled anger.

Rabot’s mental health was at risk of deteriorating in custody, as well as in the community, the judge noted.

His rehabiliation depended on him complying with his mental health treatment.

Judge Hogan accepted Rabot felt ashamed by the assault, not least because it reminded him of his own father’s abuse.

She noted his limited criminal history, excellent work record, otherwise good character and his junior cricket coaching.

Rabot was jailed for 10 months, followed by a three-year community corrections order.

The CCO includes supervision, mental health treatment and an anger management program.

Couple takes on cross country drive to fight cancer

Endeavour Hills couple Luke and Annabel

Schulze are set for the adventure of a lifetime when they join a convoy of teams in this year’s Spring Shitbox Rally, Australia’s largest independently-run fundraiser for Cancer Council.

Shitbox Rally is not a race, it’s a challenge to drive cars worth $1500 or less across Australia via some of its toughest roads to raise money for Cancer research.

Luke and Annabel have lost several immediate family members to cancer and know many friends and families who are still battling, as well as some lucky ones who have “beat the beast“.

“With a significant birthday looming this year instead of choosing a relaxing holiday somewhere or a party I wanted to give back to a cause close to my heart,“ Annabel said.

“We have obtained a VS commodore that was just sitting gathering spiders and birds nests in someone’s barn, and with the help of some friends and Luke’s mechanical knowledge the car is on the road and we looking forward to the exciting journey ahead of us.”

Box Rallies Founder and CEO James Freeman OAM, lost both of his parents to cancer within 12 months of each other.

“Shitbox Rally is not a race, but a reward for fundraising efforts,“ he said.

“This is a chance to explore Australia, drawing teams from around the country to help achieve the extraordinary.“

For the first time ever, the teams will start in Port Douglas, far north Queensland.

This will be the most northern start line in the history of the rallies.

“The route takes us from humidity and heat, into the dry outback diagonally crossing both Queensland and South Australia in

what will prove a very challenging and very visually striking rally,“ Mr Freeman said.

“This will be a very special rally indeed.“

Box Rallies have raised more than $33 million since the first event in 2010.

To participate, each team must raise a minimum of $5000 with a target of $2 million for the entire rally.

To donate to Schulzey’s Shitbox, visit https://spring2023.shitboxrally.com.au/ schulzeys-shitbox

starcommunity.com.au

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au

Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600

Luke (left) and Annabel (right) with their ‘shitbox’. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Early morning on Day 3 of the 2023 Autumn Shitbox Rally.

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself I have been to every continent including the Arctic and Antarctic and through the Panama Canal eight times.

What do you love the most about your job.

Can volunteering be considered a job?

As a retiree, former manager with the Education Department and CEO of a large disability organisation I enjoy meeting people and supporting my community as a Justice of the Peace, Secretary of the Cranbourne Rotary Club, President of the Balla Balla Committee of Management and Board member of the ACE (Aiding Casey Education).

I enjoy learning new things and keeping the brain busy.

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

A dog.

My dog, who is nearly 16 years, enjoys the lap of luxury with all the love and care she deserves.

And she knows it!

What would your last meal be?

Freshly caught fish that has been cooked on the open fire in the wilderness.

What was your most memorable moment?

Sitting on a rock in the Antarctic with a penguin asleep on my foot, looking at this amazing vista of sea and land life, with blue waters and huge icebergs.

I would love to revisit and see it again I would recommend you put it on the bucket list. What were you like as a kid?

Sometimes too adventurous and always independent.

One teacher wrote on my report, a natural leader.

I have always loved learning and enjoyed working with children and adults with their learning.

I hope to be 96 years of age and still have the capacity to learn new things.

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

Just as Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928 I would love to be around when someone discovers a cure for cancer. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would

you invite to dinner?

My family and friends of course, however for amazing conversation I would have: Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Caroline Chisholm, Amelia Earhart, and Emmeline Pankhurst.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I‘m reading the Remarkable Mrs Reibey by Grantlee Kieza, which is about a convict who became Australia’s richest businesswoman. I always have a book on the go and even though I use my E-Reader I still love reading an actual book.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

I think they would say independent, organised and loyal, but I do not suffer fools too well.

Where is your happy place?

My happy place is sitting or walking through pristine nature on my own, listening to the sounds of natural beauty, or sitting beside a river with a good book and a good glass of wine.

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

Certainly not in the league of Masterchef, a but I do make a mean roast rack of lamb with roast vegetables.

I love to come back to Australia for the best lamb in the world.

What is your dream holiday destination?

I have travelled the world extensively on cargo ships, oil tankers, trains, planes and expedition ships, and seen some amazing places, but my dream holiday is now enjoying Australia as it has such a diverse geology and climate.

In fact, I am off to explore the west coast of Australia in August on another expedition. There is so much to see and hopefully I can continue to do all the travel that I want.

THREE … tidbits of First Nation wisdom

First Nations teachers recently gathered for events at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne to share their knowledge with the wider community. These are some of their lessons.

1

Bidjara woman Karan Kent spoke of the importance of seeing the many gifts of the earth: “We could look at the sky and know when we could go hunting, we knew when we could pick a plant and when to leave it, we knew when we needed to stay, and when we needed to move. [The environment] gives us all that we need, we don’t need anything else.“

2

Dja Dja Wurrung woman

Jaffa Richardson spoke about respecting the land, and how she teaches her playgroupers to show respect for the earth: “I also don’t let my playgroupers take from the grounds, we talk about that being home, that it could be food.“

3 Wamba Wamba man Ron Murray said: “We’ve all got to change out stories, the story has to move. A lot of people might think no, they have to stay the same, but Australia is moving. I think we need, as storytellers, to write more stories about modern day things.“

with Cranbourne Justice of the Peace Lloma Shaw

LlomahasbeenapracticingJPfornearly20 years.

Picture:SUPPLIED

Top of the list for violence

By Emily Chapman Laing

Family violence is on the rise in Casey, and those aged 25-44 are at the highest risk of being both victim and perpetrator.

The City of Casey ranked highest for family violence incidents in Victoria in the year ending March 2023, with a total of 5417 reported cases.

Casey has seen a 16.5 per cent increase in reported family incidents since 2019.

Nearby government areas have also seen an increase, with Cardinia Shire reporting a 24.9 per cent surge and the City of Greater Dandenong experiencing an 11.3 per cent rise.

Family violence affects all ages, but in all three municipalities, those in the bracket of 25-44 years of age take the largest percentage for those affected and those responsible.

In Casey, this age group makes up 52.5 per cent of those affected and 55.9 per cent of other parties involved.

Those 24-years-old and under make up 19 per cent of affected individuals in Casey, and 20.3 per cent of those offending.

Those 45 and over were victims in 27.2 per cent of cases and perpetrators in 22.2 per cent of cases.

The data also shows a slight increase in the number of women affected by family violence in Casey.

In 2019, 73.4 per cent of victims were women.This has now risen to 75 per cent in the year ending in 2023.

WAYSS General Manager Robyn Roberts said brokerage spending on women and children experiencing family violence in the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia areas grew significantly during the last financial year.

“Whilst much of this money is spent on motel accommodation there seemed to be a trend

where women are seeking safety and security measures (personal and for their home) more frequently,“ she said.

“We don’t know why but think that this may be because women don’t want to leave the home as they know it because doing so in current difficult conditions will be the start of increased poverty and they are happier to sit with the family violence risk than leave to be broke and homeless.“

Other parties involved in the incidents are disproportionately represented by males.

The data shows a 14.9 per cent increase in the number of family incidents reporting male as the offending party.

At the same time, there has been a 28.3 per cent decrease in the number of female offenders.

In 2023, 75.2 per cent of offenders were male, while 24.8 per cent were female.

“Family violence is the most pervasive and common form of men’s violence against women in Victoria,“ said City of Casey Manager Connected Communities Sara Ball.

“Recognising that gender inequality drives violence against women, the City of Casey is committed to creating a safe and equal community for all residents, and is in the second year of implementing A Safe and Equal Casey: Gender Equality and Prevention of Violence Against Women Strategic Plan 2022-2032.

“This plan was developed in consultation with local residents, community organisations and sector experts and outlines how Council will deliver on its commitment to gender equality and prevent family violence, by ad-

dressing the underlying drivers of violence.“

The Andrews Government is funding six new research projects as part of Phase 2 in the Family Violence Research Program.

The $1.2 million package aims to develop “innovative solutions“ for best practice family violence intervention.

The investment builds on the $2.5 million provided under Phase 1 of the program in 2022.

The Victorian Government said research topics for Phase 2 will address “evidence gaps in priority research topics, including children and young people, multicultural communities and embedding lived experience in research“.

Members of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council have been part of the team developing and guiding the selection of research topics.

Successful project themes include access for children and young people to crisis accommodation, multicultural community services for family violence and a service feedback model with victim-survivors of sexual violence.

The six research projects will be conducted by five grant recipients – University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, and Monash University – partnering with 15 sector organisations and peak bodies.

“Informed by real-world experience and voices of victim survivors, these research projects will bring together universities, communities and the family violence, sexual violence and harm sectors to address evidence gaps and share learning which should inform best practice,“ said Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ros Spence.

“The evidence will be used to tailor policies and programs which better support people and help put a stop to family violence in our communities.”

Casey has the highest number of family incidents within nearby local government areas. Picture: GENERIC

Rotary Club welcomes new leader

The Rotary Club of Casey welcomed its new President on Saturday 8 July.

Ben Plunkett marked his one year anniversary with the Rotary Club by accepting the presidency, during his induction at an event held in the Jack Rae Pavillion of Akoonah Park.

In his year-long dedication to the Rotary Club, Mr Plunkett has shown his capacity for community service time and time again.

“I have become a regular team member at our monthly barbecue at the Berwick farmers market,“ he said.

“I participated in the Leadership Institute training, I acted as Entertainment Manager at this year’s Holland Festival, myself and Jean have headed the initiative to start an Interact club at Foundation Learning Centre in Narre Warren.

Questions over pool

By Emily Chapman Laing

Doveton locals have questioned when they can expect the Doveton Pool in the Park Master Plan to be implemented and when the upgrades to the pool facility will be complete.

“What happened to the $23 million grant, whats happening with the upgrades to it,“ resident Amy Bath said.

“Its something the community really utilises and loves and something the council hasn’t taken appropriate care and action with.“

The Master Plan provides direction for future infrastructure works for the Doveton Pool in the Park site, with the project expected to cost $21.4 million.

The draft concept plan for the site showed an adventure play area, a water play area, an educational garden, active play zones and a barbecue area.

The draft was presented for endorsement to the council on 16 August 2022.

The council agreed to adopt the plan, but no major moves towards putting the plan in place have been made in the 11 months since the adoption.

“Imagine if it could be updated to a sheltered or indoor pool, with gym facilities in the empty halls,“ Ms Bath said.

“Even a decent cafe in there that was open more often would do great.“

Between Public Open Space reserves and CapitalWorks funding, the council determined they would be able to provide $11.4 million of the monetary support for the project, according to the Adopted Doveton Pool in the Park document.

The City of Casey resolved that 50 per cent of the funding must be secured from State and Federal Governments, at an estimated $5 mil-

lion contribution from each level.

City of Casey Chief Executive Officer Glenn Patterson said the redevelopment of Doveton Pool in the Park is one of the City’s “key priorities“.

“Council has been seeking funding support from both the State and Federal governments for this project since the Master Plan was adopted,“ he said.

“The Doveton Pool in the Park redevelopment was included in our pre-budget submission to the Federal Government and has been shared as a priority project with both State and Federal MPs.

“Since adoption, designs have progressed, however Council is still not in a position to fund the entire project.“

Mr Patterson said the council will only be able to deliver the entire project if both the State and Federal governments commit to 50 per cent of the project cost.

“Council will continue to advocate for this project, which we know is very important to our community,“ he said.

A spokesperson for the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts said a new program may provide a solution.

“The Government has established a new, $200 million Thriving Suburbs Program to deliver investment in locally driven infrastructure and community projects, enhancing liveability and prosperity in urban and suburban communities,“ a spokesperson said.

“We encourage potential applicants such as the City of Casey to review their eligibility and consider applying once these details become available.“

Bruce MP Julian Hill said he likewise has encouraged the council to apply for the Thriv-

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To Jordan Crugnale MP for her tenacity, loyalty and genuine care for the community.

Thumbs down

Lack of school crossings on Somerville Road.

Thumbs down

To the poor care taken of the BMX track and park area in Essex Park reserve.

Thumbs down

To the indexation on HECS debt!

Thumbs up

To White Jasmine Thai in Cranbourne- they do the best curries.

Thumbs down

To people who dumb on other people’s hard rubbish, use your own!

ing Suburbs Program.

“I’m working closely with Casey Council and community advocates to give us the best chance of securing Federal funding for the Doveton Pool in the Park project,“ he said.

“Council has been encouraged to apply to the Albanese Labor Government‘s new Thriving Suburbs program funded in the May Federal Budget.

“Ultimately whether Federal funding is secured will depend on the strength of the application later this year and competition from other projects nationally.“

Local Government Minister Kristy McBain recently visited Casey and was briefed by the council and Mr Hill on Casey’s priority projects, including the pool.

Mr Hill says it’s up to the council to present a strong application to the government in order to secure the funding.

“The Liberal Party rorted billions of taxpayers’ dollars in grants, and Labor is not and will not govern in this corrupt way,“ he said.

“Projects will need to stack up and competition in this merit-based grants program will be fierce right across Australia, but everyone understands this and is working positively together.”

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams has been in discussion with the council “for some time“ about the project.

A spokesperson from her office said the next steps were for council to undertake the detailed design work and plans to confirm the overall cost of the project, which they are yet to present to the MP.

When they complete this work and confirm the costings, it is expected Gabrielle will advocate to the Treasurer for a budget allocation in future Victorian budget cycles.

Thumbs down

To not having a police station in Hampton Park!

Thumbs up

To the winter sun.

Thumbs down

To restaurants that don’t bother calling you when items are out of stock and just give you something totally different.

“I participated in PETs - which was a very informative and inspiring/motivating weekend, I submitted our club and participated at the CaseyVolunteer Expo and attended an incredibly inspiring few days at the RI Convention in Melbourne and contributing my services to filming the intro shot to the Zone 8 Rotary People of Influence film.“

Mr Plunkett joined the club through Friends of Business, a business networking group that happened to house quite a number of “Rotarians“.

“They invited me along to a meeting and the rest is history,“ Mr Plunkett said.

Mr Plunkett said he felt his place within the club was a matter of fate.

“Fifteen years ago when graduating Primary School I was awarded Junior Citizen Award sponsored by Rotary Club of Horsham,“ Mr Plunkett said.

“As far as I remember I didn’t have anything to do with Rotary after that but maybe it was just destiny leading to today.“

For Mr Plunkett, the Rotary Club is all about community.

“Community provides a sense of belonging and support,“ Mr Plunkett said.

“It allows people to connect with others and Rotary helps with this at club level by being part of a team and then further out to the community with all of the incredible programs, events and sponsorships.“

For the year ahead, Mr PLunkett said his presidency will have three key focus areas which he believes will be of the greatest benefit to the wider Casey community.

“As President I plan to lead our club with passion and purpose,“ Mr Plunkett said.

“I have 3 focuses for the year: mental health, family violence and disadvantaged youth.

“I plan to draw passion out of our members and work together to implement service projects or fundraising activities to support these causes.“

Ben Plunkett during his induction as President of the Rotary Club of Casey. Picture: SUPPLIED

Doveton Pool. 345858

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Plan to boost tree stocks

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Casey Council has unveiled a draft strategy to boost the region’s sub-average amount of tree canopy.

The council area is home to an estimated 646,544 trees, but its 11.3 per cent tree canopy rate is well short of the 19.3 per cent metro Melbourne average.

In its Greening Casey draft strategy, the council aims to reach 15 per cent by 2030 and 20 per cent by 2050.

It plans to plant more than 10,000 street trees in the next three years as well as boost the numbers of privately-owned trees with a mix of regulation, education and incentives.

More trees are needed to build Casey’s “climate resilience” by helping cool urban temperatures and lessen the harmful impacts of heat waves, according to the report.

Its priority suburbs for more tree shade include Cranbourne North, Clyde North, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne West, Hampton Park and Botanic Ridge.

The greatest canopy “opportunities” on public land were wide road reserves, retail centres, walking and cycling paths, car parks, parklands and streets surrounding schools.

Activity centres with extensive slabs of asphalt car parks were some of the hottest areas in Casey, the report stated.

In the past four years, Casey gained nearly 350,000 square metres of tree canopy, mostly along roads and streets in new developments.

However large infrastucture projects had wiped out many of those gains.

The strategy looks at better preserving mature trees on private land, including the large losses at new estates.

At the recent Canopy estate in Cranbourne, 61 per cent of canopy cover was lost in three years. Overall canopy was just 6.5 per cent.

“While this was for the purpose of develop-

ment, it raises the issue of whether more of these established trees should have been strategically retained at the planning phase,“ the report stated.

“It will take over 50 years to replace the amount of canopy lost.”

Non-permitted vegetation removal and vandalism of 15 per cent of new planted trees were also issues.

Currently, the council doesn’t employ an officer to police these matters.

This week, Greater Dandenong Council approved stronger protection for trees on private land in its bid to increase canopy cover from 9 per cent to 15 per cent by 2028.

A permit would be required to remove trees of 40 centimetres diameter at 1.4 metres above ground level, with certain exemptions.

Casey Council’s strategy also recommends better protecting private trees.

It would also require canopy tree planting at the front and rear of subdivisions and developed properties, encourage Significant Tree Register nominations and incentivise residents to plant trees.

Many residents felt there should be “some level of protection” of private trees, especially on development sites. But some felt “uncertain”, the report stated.

“People feel that they would like a level of freedom to make their own choices for their

private property and feel that more regulation would see that control lost.”

In the report, Casey said it was also dealing with the legacy of “poor past decision making” with older trees damaging underground infrastructure.

There were poor tree species selections, such as the Eucalpytus scoparia that’s being replaced in Timbarra Estate, Berwick.

“While these trees grow fast and large, within a decade they were causing impacts to infrastructure and property.”

Public comment is open on Casey Council’s online portal Casey Conversations until 26 July, 5pm.

Neighbours were recently concerned about the felling of an old tree in St John’s Wood Terrace, Berwick. 343252 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Youngen’s brave journey

By Emily Chapman Laing

Earlier this month four-year-old Liam and his mum Michelle received the best possible news: Liam’s cancer was in remission again.

But the family aren’t as celebratory as you might expect.

“It’s like a roller coaster, you’re excited because you’re back there, but also, it’s only been a week,“ Michelle said.

“How long can we stay there.

“I keep thinking, we’ve been here, and we relapsed.“

While Michelle is full of gratitude to see her son in remission for the second time, she is plagued by his relapse last year.

“Everyone says be positive and I’m trying, but it’s hard when you’ve been down this road and you see what happens.“

For Liam, Michelle said the label of “remission“ hasn’t meant much as far as he can understand.

“He’s still going to hospital appointments,“ Michelle said.

“So he’s like, if I don’t have cancer, why am I still going to hospital.“

During the Covid lockdowns of October 2021, Michelle noticed two-year-old Liam was starting to turn pale and was losing weight.

“But living with him, I didn’t see how much he was actually rapidly losing,“ Michelle said.

“Then he went off eating, drinking, everything and I thought, this is something major.“

Michelle made a call to Liam’s doctor, but was told she couldn’t bring him in for an appointment until they both returned a negative Covid test.

During a telehealth appointment later that day, Liam’s asthma specialist told Michelle to send her daughter Sienna to her parents, pack a bag and get Liam to Monash Children’s Hospital immediately.

“We went in and they started doing all these blood tests and not even 24 hours later they said they found a mass in his stomach and it was a tumour,“ Michelle said.

Liam was sent into surgery to have a line put in his chest, and started chemotherapy straight after to treat Stage 4 neuroblastomacancer on the adrenal glands.

“He went from 23 kilos down to 8 kilos,“ Michelle said.

“The tumor was just taking over everything, it was that big that it actually had to expand before declining down.

Michelle said Liam’s tumour started at his breastbone and went all the way down to his pelvis, taking up most of his abdomen.

With little room for the tumour to “blow up“, it began rupturing.

“He was getting internal bleeding because the tumour was bleeding out,“ Michelle said.

Liam was admitted to ICU and a short while later single mum Michelle received the devastating news: Liam only had 72 hours to live.

“Because of Covid I had to be in there on my own with no support person,“ Michelle said.

“I was literally still trying to get my head around the fact he’s just been diagnosed with cancer.

“And then it was like, well now you’ve got to prepare for the worst.“

Liam was intubated in ICU and received numerous blood transfusions.

“As fast as he was bleeding out, they were putting another bag back in,“ Michelle said.

“Then it got to the stage where he had a buildup of fluid in his lungs.

He wasn’t even stable enough to be moved to the theatre for surgery, they had to perform the surgery in the ICU.“

Michelle said after a tube was placed into a semi-conscious Liam’s lungs, litres of fluid and blood were drained.

“He was awake, but gone to the point where he didn’t even know who I was,“ Michelle said.

“I put my hand out to hold his hand and there was nothing.

“You could see he was petrified in his face,

but it was also like he didn’t know who you were.“

Despite the odds being stacked against him, Liam pulled through, but both he and his mum were left with scars.

“I’m now traumatised of ICU because of what he went through,“ Michelle said.

“I didn’t even want to walk back into the room because it was like, I don’t know who he is, he didn’t look like my son.

“He lost that much weight he literally looked like a skeleton.“

The tumour had started wrapping around Liam’s insides, and the doctors couldn’t remove it until it shrunk enough to release his vital organs.

Liam underwent several rounds of chemo as well as 12 days of radiation.

His stem cells were harvested, then placed back in two stem cell transplants later down the track.

Things improved, and by August 2022, Liam was in remission for the first time.

However, the triumph was short-lived, with the cancer returning a mere month later.

“They found there were nodules in his liver and they were tumorous,“ Michelle said.

Liam was put through another round of chemo, combined with immunotherapy.

Between his initial hospital stay and his treatments following relapse, Liam has a hospital record all too long for his age.

Alongside the 12 days of radiation, Liam has had 22 rounds of chemo, 16 surgeries, 5 rounds of immunotherapy, “hundreds“ of blood tests and transfusions and 20 long hospital admissions.

“It really knocked him on some of the days,“ Michelle said.

Liam also suffered side effects.

A little known side effect of chemotherapy is the development of leukemia, according to Michelle.

“We were treating cancer with chemo, but then you also get cancer from it,“ she said.

“No only did we have to fight the nodules in his liver, but he was showing he had early stages of leukemia as well.“

Liam also suffers from hearing loss and weakness of the muscles as a result of his treatments.

“He’s four years old and pretty much lives in a pram, because he can’t walk for long periods,“ Michelle said.

“We’re looking at getting him a wheelchair.“

Michelle said Liam’s seven-year-old sister Sienna “suffered more than anyone“ during Liam’s hospital-heavy days.

“Even at the start, I told her we were going in for the weekend and we were still there six and a half weeks later,“ Michelle said.

“I didn’t get to see her, and it’s like, when you finally come out of hospital you’re sad as well.

“Every stay that we go into the hospital has been a long one, and she gets to the stage where she doesn’t want to be close to you anymore.“

Michelle said her heart would break each time Sienna would ask when she would see them again, and Michelle didn’t have an answer.

“Even if you say, okay, chemo only goes for five days, but then if his temperature spikes during those five days you could be there longer,“ Michelle said.

“It’s all these what-ifs.“

Sienna has been lucky enough to have her grandparents living right across the road, so she has lived with them on and off and been given the loving attention only grandparents can offer.

Michelle, Liam and Sienna are hopeful this remission will last and they will be able to stay together as a family.

To donate to Liam’s GoFundMe campaign, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/little-liams-neuroblastoma-journey

To follow Liam’s journey, visit: https://www. instagram.com/brave_little_liam

New service provides access to low-cost IVF in Berwick

A new low-cost IVF clinic has opened in Berwick to help give the local community access to affordable IVF and fertility treatment.

Dr Myuran Ponnampalam, fertility specialist, The Fertility Centre (TFC) Berwick, says the clinic’s opening comes at a muchneeded time.

“With soaring cost of living pressures, we believe it is even more important to offer a low-cost IVF service in the South East,“ he said.

“The region has seen a boom in growth and is becoming increasingly popular with young couples moving here to start their families.“

The Fertility Centre (TFC) Berwick offers local patients fertility treatments, complete fertility plans and IVF services.

Haidee and her partner Steve started trying to conceive when Haidee was 35 years old.

When they weren’t getting pregnant after a year of trying to conceive naturally, Haidee visited her GP and was referred to fertility specialist Dr Myuran Ponnampalam.

Dr Myuran Ponnampalam ran fertility tests on the couple and found that Haidee’s results were fine, but Steve’s male assessment

discovered a non-aggressive form of testicular cancer.

Steve underwent surgery to remove the cancer, and the couple started their IVF journey.

The couple’s first round of IVF was successful, creating their now 4-and-a half-yearold daughter, Ivy. The couple wanted to have a second child, but their journey to conceive the second time round was more challenging.

It was having access to lower-cost treatments that made all the difference, as Steve

was out of work due to Covid and Haidee was on maternity leave.

“If we weren’t able to have that, we wouldn’t have been able to have Mav, because I wasn’t working, Steve was out of work, we have a mortgage and we had spent our savings on our first IVF,“ Haidee said.

“The experience was amazing, everyone was supportive and caring, there’s no difference between seeing a specialist and going through a fertility clinic- everyone was great.“

The Fertility Centre provides the option to see a female gynaecologist and offers consultations via telehealth, helping busy people fit appointments into family life.

Dr Ponnampalam has worked in the South East as an experienced fertility specialist, obstetrician and gynaecologist for the past 15 years and has helped bring around a thousand IVF babies into the world during this time.

“Unfortunately, about one in six Australian couples experience fertility difficulties,“ he said.

“It’s important we offer low-cost IVF as infertility doesn’t discriminate.

“We are proud to offer state-of-the-art fer-

tility treatment at an accessible cost, helping the local community fulfil their dreams of starting their families, and making it easier for them to receive treatment locally.“

Patients have most of their care looked after by a highly skilled and dedicated team of fertility nurses.

“We offer an innovative low-cost concept while providing high levels of IVF technology and patient care by following a unique nurse-led IVF model,“ Dr Ponnampalam said.

Nurses assist with the initial patient consultation, helping patients learn how to administer the important IVF injections, and perform the IVF monitoring blood tests and ultrasounds.

“The egg collection procedure and embryo transfers are performed by a specialist fertility doctor, and the whole team is overseen by the clinical director,” said Dr Ponnampalam.

The Fertility Centre was the first private clinic to introduce the nurse-led low-cost IVF model In Australia.

TFC now has eight clinics across Australia in Berwick and Werribee, along with clinics in New South Wales and Queensland.

HaideeandStevewiththeirtwochildrenIvy andMaverick. Picture:SUPPLIED

Liam,SiennaandMichelle.

Picture:SUPPLIED

Concerns beyond

By Emily Chapman Laing

Local MPs Cassandra Fernando and Pauline Richards joined the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday 5 July to showcase government initiatives in support of small businesses.

“Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce is vital for our community,“ Holt Federal MP Ms Fernando said.

“It provides crucial small businesses in the Cranbourne area an opportunity to come together and support each other for the betterment of everyone.“

A Q&A session following their presentations showed local business owners are concerned about more than just their businesses.

Chamber vice president Judy Davis questioned the politicians on what is being done to support complex mental health in Casey, and how this alarming issue is being managed.

With 19 per cent of Casey adults reporting high or very high levels of psychological distress, Ms Davis raised concerns over the lack of local professionals available to those who need support.

Ms Richards explained she was advocating for Casey to be involved in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals program run by the Victorian Government, which will see 50 Local Services open across the state.

Frankston and Dandenong have already been earmarked to receive two of the first 30 Local Services.

Leanne Petridis from Community Information and Support Cranbourne said demand for support is “increasing“, but “funding is not“.

“We need all of the help we can get,“ she said.

“We’ve been supporting the most vulnerable people in Cranbourne for 45 years.

“It takes a chamber, it takes businesses, it takes a community to make sure our most vulnerable people are supported enough to par-

ticipate in the community.“

Ms Fernando said she understands this issue “intimately“.

“I look forward to continue working with Leanne on this matter,“ she said.

“I know there is often not enough funding to meet demand for the services that community information and support centres provide – and we must always strive to support them more.

“Tackling the rising cost-of-living is at the forefront of this Government’s priorities.“

A representative from a local charity questioned the MPs about further initiatives to assist with cost of living pressures, stating the energy relief doesn’t cover “the other things that have increased“.

The representative explained government seems to be “reactive“ in their approach to crisis, offering “knee jerk reactions“ when “s**t

hits the fan“.

Ms Fernando said both she and the wider government have a “responsibility“ to deliver a better future for their communities and respond to community concerns.

This means it is necessary for government work to be both proactive and reactive, and that we need to walk and be able to chew gum at the same time,“ she said.

The Albanese Labor Government’s measures to provide cost-of-living relief for all Australians is an excellent example of this in action.

To tackle rising cost-of-living the Government has responded to community concerns by increasing many federal government support payments, including Jobseeker, Commonwealth Rent Assistance and Youth Allowance, to name a few.“

Chamber Treasurer Mina Baselyous asked about the relationship between the government and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in stopping inflation.

Ms Fernando explained it is important for people to remember the RBA operates as an “independent institution“.

“I know that the recent decision by the independent Reserve Bank to pause interest rates will be, for many Australians, some much-needed relief,“ she said.

“While this is welcome news, we understand that many people are under pressure from rising mortgage repayments and the increased cost of living.

“Inflation is continuing to moderate in our economy, but it is still higher than we’d like for longer than we’d like.

“Getting on top of this inflation challenge is the central focus of our government’s economic plan and it was a core focus of the Budget we handed down in May.“

Continued page 10

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richardson and and Holt MP Cassandra Fernando with Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood. 345984 Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Berwick Neighbourhood Centre Play and Grow and Child care Open Day

Come along to find out more about the centre’s 3 year old Play and Grow and Childcare sessions for 2024.

Speak to educators, explore the surroundings and make a booking for your child.

If you are looking for more time beyond the council single 5 hour session for 3 year olds come and join Berwick Neighbourhood Centre in 2024. CCS funding is available for all sessions.

· For further details call 9769 1970 or email childrenservices@berwicknc.com.au

· 112 High Street, Berwick, on 29 July, 10am11.30am

Step inside Barbie’s world

Get primped and primed for the ultimate Barbie Box photo moment at Westfield Fountain Gate!

You’re invited to step into a vibrantly pink world and come dressed in your Barbie best and enjoy a real-life Barbie moment.

Giveaways will be happening on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 July, 12pm-4pm.

The photo station will be open on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July, 12pm-3pm.

· Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, 352 Princes Highway, Narre Warren.

Conversational English

Improve your confidence in reading, writing, and speaking English in this small friendly class each Tuesday afternoon during school terms. $5 per term (10 weeks).

· Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Tuesdays, 12:30pm-2:30pm

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, 8pm-10:20pm.

Pilates

Do you want to improve your posture, increase your core strength, increase your energy, improve your flexibility and mobility and decrease stress?

Pilates focuses on increasing core strength and tone of abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks.

Classes held Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings.

$90 per term (10 weeks).

· Hall 2, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Tuesdays 1pm-

2pm and Wednesdays 7:30pm-8:30pm

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

Beginners Yoga

Balla Balla holds a beginners yoga class that incorporates gentle exercise, breath control and meditation.

The health benefits of regular yoga practice may include lowering blood pressure, improved posture and circulation, and a sense of wellbeing.

Circus Royale at Westfield Fountain Gate

Circus Royale Brings Australia’s Only Traveling Animatronic Zoo and 3D Hologram Experiance to Westfield Fountain Gate, bringing an exciting new addition - the only travelling Animatronic Zoo in Australia! With even more added value included with your circus ticket, Circus Royale is the ultimate destination for family fun and entertainment. Running untul July 16th, the state-of-the-art Big Top will come alive with the pulse-pounding performances of international superstars, delivering a high-energy, family-friendly show that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With mystic illusions, breathtaking feats, and moments of wonder, this show promises to be an experience of a lifetime.

· Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, 352 Princes Highway, Narre Warren.

Classes available on Thursday afternoons and Thursday evenings.

$85 per term (10 weeks).

· Hall 1, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Thursdays, 5:30pm-6:45pm and 7pm-8:15pm.

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.

Get Your Art On

Balla Balla’s new Children’s Art program will develop your child’s confidence and enhance their creative ability in producing their own unique art work.

Children’s Art will explore colour theory, mixed media, simple printing techniques, watercolour painting and so much more.

Classes held after school on Monday afternoons commencing 24th July.

$96 per term (8 weeks).

· Hall 2, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd,Clyde North on Mondays,4:30pm5:45pm

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.

Computers for the Home & Workplace

A basic computer course for Beginners and Seniors, which will help you understand the basics of using Microsoft Windows, understanding the Cloud, and browsing the internet safely. Learn about sending & receiving emails, creating and using documents and spreadsheets, interacting with social media, downloading photos, and shopping online within a comfortable, nurturing environment with like-minded learners. Commencing 21st July on Fridays for 8 weeks. $25 for the 8 weeks.

· The Lounge, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Fridays, 10am12:30pm

CRANBOURNE U3A

Classes are back in full swing for Term 3 with some exciting new classes about to commence. U3A has a lovely craft called “quilling” where members make beautiful cards and notelets using rolled paper.

They also have Scrabble, playing cards and Tai Chi groups about to begin.

Tutors available to teach art using various mediums.

A variety of crafts can be enjoyed including knitting, patchwork and sewing, card making, and calligraphy.

Chess, line dancing and table tennis are operating too.

The Open Singing group has been happily running this year and always welcomes new voices. If you would like to play the Ukelele, the group are playing beautiful music on Monday mornings from 10am.

There is also have an Italian class.

If you would like to tutor a class, contact U3A with details of your talents, new opportunities are welcome.

· For more information visit: wwwu3acranbourne.org.au or contact Helen on 0423 623 337.

Zumba

Do you want to burn calories and blast away fat?

Do you want to de-stress, improve your co-ordination, boost your heart health and meet others wanting to improve their fitness levels?

Zumba is aimed at all ages and fitness levels. Classes held Tuesday evenings. $80 per term (10 weeks).

· Hall 1, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Tuesdays 6:30pm7:15pm

Concerns beyond business

From page 9

Alocalsmallbusinessownerbroughtthings back to business by asking how the government is supporting small businesses experiencing a huge amount of pressure, particularly under the burden of wage increases which started on 1 July.

Ms Richards explained while wages are increasing, the tax-free payroll threshold for businesses is also increasing, from $700,00 to $900,00.

Ms Fernando said “it is disappointing to have a question couched in language that views the recent 8.6 per cent National Minimum Wage increase and 5.75 per cent Award Wage increase as negatives“.

“For many years, productivity has been consistently higher than wage rises—we effectively had a real wage rise freeze for the previous nine years of Liberal Government,“ she said.

“I am proud that the Albanese Labor Government unequivocally supported the recent wage increases by the Fair Work Commission—as well as directly supporting a 15 per cent wage rise for our Aged Care workers across Australia, who have long languished on low wages for such a vital service provided.

“We continue to support small businesses through several specific initiatives, as well as our broader economic plan to help ease inflation.“

Both Ms Richards and Ms Fernando gave speeches to the chamber, explaining the many initiatives Cranbourne has to look forward to.

Ms Richards addressed the “vibrant, generous and kind“ chamber, which she referred to as the “engine room of the community“, to explain the many places within Cranbourne seeing important government funding.

This includes the construction of a new SES station, the upgrades to Hall and Evans Roads, a new 3 storey public hospital as well as the upcoming opening of the Botanic Ridge Recreation Reserve.

Ms Fernando explained the Albanese Government has committed to $3 billion in energy relief to small businesses, as well as improving cash flow and reducing compliance for small businesses by temporarily increasing the instant asset write-off threshold to $20,000, from 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2024 and introducing the Industry Growth Program.

Small businesses, with aggregated turnover of less than $10 million, will be able to immediately deduct the full cost of eligible assets costing less than $20,000 that are first used or installed ready for use between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.

The $20,000 threshold will apply on a per

asset basis, so small businesses can instantly write off multiple assets.

In late 2023, the Australian Government will be launching a new Industry Growth Program providing advice and matched grant funding for small and medium sized enterprises and startups to commercialise their ideas and grow their businesses.

President of the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce, Ross Raymond, was also in attendance and spoke to the members about the upcoming South East Business Conference on 30 August.

The aim of the conference is to drop “the seed of thought“ about where businesses in the south east want to be in 2050.

Mr Raymond anticipated representatives from every industry at the conference, alongside guest speakers Simon McKeon AO, Bernard Salt AM and Carolyn Creswell.

Picture: SUPPLIED

No DMF, entry or exit fees

A lifestyle community with natural charm

Located in Clyde and designed for over 50s, Halcyon Evergreen has no deferred management, entry or exit fees.

Downsize in space while upsizing in living by moving into Halcyon Evergreen, a secure gated community inspired by country living. Enjoy two state-of-the-art community precincts right at your doorstep equipped with facilities such as a gold-class-style cinema, three pickleball courts, a gym, magnesium-infused pool, library, bar, games room and much more.

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

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

*Price

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrating rich heritage

By Emily Chapman Laing

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne celebrated the rich heritage, history and culture of Australia’s First Nations people in their NAIDOC week events.

Running from Tuesday 4 until Thursday 6 July, the Gardens held a variety of events designed to honour Aboriginal culture and educate the wider community about the many amazing and interesting facets of First Nations history.

The celebrations began with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Uncle Mark Brown of the Bunurong Land Council.

Dozens of children and adults gathered to bask in the earthy smoke.

The smoking ceremony was followed by a storytelling session, led by Uncle Ron Murray.

“It is important for the different nationalities coming into Australia, coming onto this land, to hear our stories,“ Uncle Ron said.

“A lot of our stories start in the Dreamtime and talk about lessons where the animal did something wrong and got punished for it, or how the animal ended up like it is, and it makes people understand the land better.

“A lot of it is talking about our Mother, which we walk on every day, and how we should treat her better.“

A proud Wamba Wamba man, Uncle Ron told the children about his totem animal, the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo, of which only around 980 remain in Victoria.

As the rain picked up, the children nestled into an undercover tent to experience Uncle Ron’s storytelling magic.

Uncle Ron used his didgeridoo to make the sounds of different animals, asking the kids to guess who he was impersonating.

The sounds included a dog, cat, kangaroo, kookaburra, owl, snake and even a small child running after their parents.

Using plush animals and plenty of zest, Uncle Ron told the story of Perraweena the snake, who desperately wished he could sing.

The story came to explain why snakes sleep all winter long.

Uncle Ron also told the story of why wombats only come out of their burrows at night, and how kangaroos became the fastest animals in Australia, bounding on their hind legs.

Aboriginal Learning Facilitator Janine “Jaffa“ Richardson is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung woman, and has been working alongside Uncle Ron for ten years to bring the Dreamtime stories back into children’s imaginations.

“Working with Uncle Ron is one of the most important ones, because this is telling stories to our little bubups (kids), this is getting them in young,“ Jaffa said.

“This is where you’re getting into your grassroots.“

Jaffa has been part of the Gardens crew for coming up on ten years, and the NAIDOC events are something she takes immense pride in organising.

While the NAIDOC celebrations used to be held across one big day, Jaffa found that spacing them out over a week allows for

“more diverse“ events.

On Wednesday, Jaffa ran her own event making mini marngrooks (possum skin balls).

Using possum pelts from New Zealand, groups of participants were instructed on how to cut, sow and stuff the pelts in order to make their ball.

Marngrooks were the first footballs, and as Jaffa explained, First Nation’s peoples invented “footy“.

“The games might go on for days,“ she said.

The possum skin ball would be stuffed with mud and grasses to make it heavy, according to Jaffa.

“They were stuffed as hard as possible to make them as strong as possible,“ she said.

Jaffa emphasised the importance of showing respect to the possums by using as much of the pelt as possible.

She explained head pieces and tails were often turned into arm bands and parts of skirts, which she continues today in her playgroup.

In another event, Bidjara woman Karan Kent led a large group of participants through a Wayapa Wuurrk meditative session.

“Wayapa is all about reconnecting with the

environment, with the dirt,“ she said.

“It’s about sustainability, our connections with the earth and our connections between each other.

“We’ve lost those connections, you know, everybody sits there on their tablets and we don’t see each other anymore.“

Wayapa is a form of moving meditation created by Jamie Thomas and Sara Jones in 2014.

Wayapa Wuurrk means “Connect to the Earth” in the language of the Maara & GunaiKurnai peoples respectively.

Karan received her dimploma in Wayapa in 2017, and by 2019 she had started Yimba Yumba, or “home learning“.

“If you’re moving, the movement is really good for your body and your mental health,“ Karan said.

During the session, Karan combined movement with story, as she told her people’s creation story and the 14 elements that comprise her collective history.

Each element came with it’s own movement, as the story moved through the body.

Karan encouraged the participants to move through the session barefoot, despite the dew-

soaked and winter-chilled grass below.

To her, being barefoot is an essential component of regaining our connection to the earth.

“All of these mental health issues have come about because we’ve put things on our feet,“ she said.

“We’ve lifted ourselves up off of the ground, we’re sitting on chairs and blankets, our body isn’t literally connected to the earth.“

Wayapa focuses heavily on the earth-mindbody-soul connection, where a conscious connection to the environment must come before balance can be achieved in any aspect of the human form.

“In the modern era, we’ve lifted ourselves away from the environment,“ Karan said.

“So the environment is out there, and we’re in here, so we’re two different things as opposed to being one.

“But we are the environment, and the environment is us.“

Other events included traditional Aboriginal games and the performance of a “mob dance“ by Indigenous Outreach Projects (IOP) Hip Hop Crew.

‘I

don’t want to fight’: The story of the platypus

Proud Wamba Wamba man and storyteller

Uncle Ron tells the story of the platypus.

The little platypus is related to everyone, there’s not one animal that’s not related to him, and they respect him.

Back in the Dreamtime, the animals tried to get him to get involved in a big fight that happened, with all the different animals, reptiles and fish.

They tried to convince the platypus to join them.

He kept saying to them, “Come back and see me in two days.“

All of the animals arrived to see which ones he was going to side with.

Sitting behind he bush was an Aboriginal man, a warrior.

He was watching all this going on.

The platypus answered, “I don’t want to join any of you, I don’t want to fight.“

The platypus continued, “I don’t want to hurt anybody, I like you all.“

The Aboriginal man watching decided it was such a wise decision the platypus had made, and that the people were never to harm him.

So the platypus was another animal that the Aboriginal people never ever ate, because he was wise.

Platypus artwork by Aboriginal artist Melanie Hava.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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

The blackboard where attendees could write how they would honour the elders in 2023. 345809

Jaffa and one of the marngrook making groups. Jaffa shows off a completed mini marngrook. 345809

Wayapa teacher Karan Kent (left) and Janine (Jaffa) Richardson, Aboriginal Learning Facilitator (right). 345809

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Uncle Ron with some of his storytelling tools. 345547

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Success for STOPIT

The arrest of a man on two counts of sexual activity directed an another following an incident at Clayton station last year is just one of more than a dozen arrests made in the last year as a result of Victoria Police’s STOPIT text service.

STOPIT – a text-based notification service – launched exactly one year ago to help combat sexual offending on public transport and give commuters greater confidence when they travel.

The first service of its kind anywhere in Australia, it received more than 1500 notifications in its first year.

Victoria Police analysis shows more than 40 per cent of notifications to STOPIT related to threatening and offensive behaviour such as verbal abuse and harassment.

Almost one in five notifications related to unwanted sexual behaviour.

This can include catcalling, sexual gestures, non-consensual touching and flashing.

Since its inception, STOPIT has led to 13 arrests.

That includes a 20-year-old man who was charged after performing allegedly explicit acts towards five women on a number of train lines between March and August last year.

Police were able to link the incidents after one victim used STOPIT.

In another instance, a 33-year-old man was charged after two witnesses saw him allegedly perform an explicit act towards a woman on a city-bound Sunbury line train on 6 September.

Both witnesses notified police through STOPIT. The man was also charged with committing an indictable offence while on bail.

A number of separate notifications remain under investigation by detectives.

Transit safety division inspector Mark Zervaas thanked community members who used

the STOPIT service over the last year.

“Every piece of information received has helped us make the network a safer place for all commuters,” he said.

“Without STOPIT, more than a dozen investigations may have never been solved.

“These offenders have now been charged and put through the courts – all thanks to commuters who have stood up to this type of behaviour.”

Insp. Zervaas encouraged the community to save the STOPIT number and text STOPIT

if they experience or observe unwanted sexual behaviour on the network.

“Your information could be the final piece of the puzzle we need to arrest an offender.”

Women and girls have made up more than half of people using STOPIT, with all notifications reviewed and assessed by a dedicated team of transit police.

Many are then escalated to detectives at the Transit Crime Investigation Unit for investigation.

Information received also gives police a

broader picture about behaviour across the public transport network, be it a particular train line or time of day.

It means deployment of transit police is intelligence-led.

To use the service commuters simply text ‘STOPIT’ to 0499 455 455.

The service is not monitored live and should not be used if an urgent response is required.

For further information go to police.vic.gov. au/stopit

Grabacopyof your localnewspaper...

Berwick Newsagency Berwick

Coles Supermarket Botanic Ridge Village Botanic

Ridge

BP Truckstop Canbourne West

Coles Express Service Station Clyde

Clyde Village Store Clyde

Manna Gum Family & Community Centre Clyde

North

Selandra Rise Retirement Village Clyde North

Balla Ball Community Centre Clyde North

Selandra Rise Shopping Centre Clyde North

Cranbourne Library Cranbourne

Cranbourne Basketball and Sports Centre

Cranbourne

Life Be In It Cranbourne

United Petrol Station Cranbourne

Coles Express Cranbourne

Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club Cranbourne

BP Service Station Cranbourne

Cranbourne Bowls Club Cranbourne

Cranbourne Newsagency Cranbourne

Coles Supermarket Cranbourne

United Service Station Cranbourne

Goldlink Real Estate Cranbourne

City of Casey - Cranbourne Office Cranbourne

Coles Supermarket Springhill Cranbourne

Cranbourne Community House Cranbourne

Shopping On Clyde Cranbourne East

Lifestyle Communities Cranbourne East

Hunt Club Shopping Centre Cranbourne East

The Avenue Shopping Centre Cranbourne North

Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre

Cranbourne North

Apco Cranbourne North

BP North Cranbourne Cranbourne North

Thompson Parkway Newsagency Cranbourne

North

IGA Supermarket - Eve Estate Cranbourne

North

Apco Service Station Cranbourne West

Coles Cranbourne West Cranbourne West

Coles Cranbourne West Cranbourne West

Superstar Lucky Lotto Cranbourne West

Casey Grange Village Cranbourne West

IGA Clarinda Park Cranbourne West

Cranbourne West Community Hub Cranbourne

West

Woolworths Supermarket Cranbourne West

BP Service Station Cranbourne West

United Petrol Station ( Pie Face ) Cranbourne

West

Hampton Park Shopping Centre Hampton Park

Hampton Park Library Hampton Park

The Junction Milk Bar Junction Village

Lynbrook Community Centre Lynbrook

Lynbrook Newsagency Lynbrook

Liberty Lyndhurst

Caltex Lyndhurst

Marriot Waters Shopping Centre Lyndhurst

Subway Restaurant Lyndhurst

Woolworths Supermarket Lyndhurst

Casey City Council Narre Warren

Outlook Employment Narre Warren

Coles Supermarket Narre Warren South

Casey News and Lotto Narre Warren South

Ritchies Amberly Park Narre Warren South

Real Estate Agents Everywhere

SPORT Football’s future in focus

By Sports Desk

Five leagues will come together as one to discuss the growth of football throughout the South East region on Monday night as the date rapidly closes in for clubs to submit Expressions of Interest to join the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League (MPFNL).

While Narre Warren, Pakenham – and now Cranbourne – have confirmed their interest in joining the MPFNL from 2024, a meeting will take place between Outer East, Eastern, Southern, VAFA and the MPFNL to discuss the growth of the game moving forward.

Outer East CEO Brett Connell said the meeting was designed to provide a positive platform for the future.

Narre Warren and Pakenham are both currently Outer East clubs, looking to move to the MPFNL, while Cranbourne is currently in the Southern league.

“It’s about coming together to talk about growing the game, and what we do going forward, as opposed to acquiring clubs and cannibalising one-another, and talk about having a strategic approach collectively,” Connell said.

“Our view of the world is, we’ve got a meeting in a couple of weeks with all competitions to talk to AFL Victoria about growing the game organically, like growing junior clubs into senior clubs like Berwick Springs.

“Let’s do some exciting stuff, and build some brand new senior footy clubs.

“We don’t have animosity about what’s taking place, and we talk to AFL South East, who does the Peninsula.

“We talk to Eastern, the Amateurs, we talk to all those competitions regularly and there are great relationships there.

“We just want to continue to build on them.”

Narre Warren and Pakenham have made intentions known in recent weeks, while reigning Southern Football Netball (SFNL) Division One premier Cranbourne has now confirmed that it will lodge an expression of interest to join the MPFNL in 2024.

It will be the third time Cranbourne has attempted to enter the competition, but there is a sentiment from some that MPFNL member clubs remain apprehensive about their inclusion.

Others at the club are more optimistic, pointing out that the interest to join the league appears to be more widespread this time around.

If a larger number of clubs express interest, that would enable the league to potentially immediately introduce a third division.

“The reasoning hasn’t changed from the previous three occasions,” said Cranbourne President Terry Gleeson.

“Geographically, we fall into a lot of areas including that league.

“Our juniors are now playing in the Frankston District Junior Football League and South East Junior Football League competition against MPFNL member clubs.

“We also want to expand our netball.

“Playing netball at our home ground would allow us to do that.”

The club has been transparent with the SFNL through the entire process.

Expressions of interest must be lodged by Friday 14 July before the applications are presented to MPFNL club presidents for a final decision on entry.

Meanwhile, rumours have been circulating recently that four clubs from the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WG-

FNC) have been assessing their options and potentially moving away from the league.

Star News contacted the four presidents, Bunyip’s Noel Mollison, Dalyston’s Andy Thomas, Kilcunda-Bass president Shae Eden and Korumburra-Bena’s Ken Myors, with all showing 100-percent commitment to the WGFNC moving forward.

“Yes, we’re struggling at the moment, but our plan is to rebuild and forge a long future in theWest Gippsland league,” said Bunyip president Mollison.

“Whenever any club is struggling, these rumours start to flow, butWest Gippsland is definitely our Plan A.”

Thomas said Dalyston was equally as committed to the WGFNC as Bunyip.

“I don’t know where these rumours start from, but we’re not going anywhere,” Thomas said.

“I think there’s inevitability that years down the track, something will change with the composition of the leagues, but we’re committed to West Gippsland and we’re not going anywhere.

“That discussion about the future needs to

be driven from up the line.”

Eden was steadfast with his comments when asked about the rumour.

“First I’ve heard of it, it hasn’t even mentioned at our club,” he said.

Myors, like Mollison at Bunyip, was keen to put the rumours to bed.

Korumburra-Bena did seek a switch to the Ellinbank and District Football League (EDFL) last year, but did not gain the support of the EDFL’s member clubs.

Myors said the club’s future was now in the West Gippsland league.

“We understand that we’re struggling, but the club has made a decision that we will work through these hard times and come out the other side.

“It’s obvious we’re in a rebuilding stage at the moment, but we’re committed to a future in West Gippsland.”

WGFNC Operations Manager Brett Tessari, and his EDFL counterpart Ken Moore, were both unaware of the meeting that was taking place on Monday night between Outer East, Eastern, Southern, VAFA and the MPFNL.

Zebra crossing no obstacle as Demons surge to victory

By Marcus Uhe

Casey was able to match the exploits of its AFL affiliate the night before on Sunday afternoon, as Melbourne’s reserves side defeated St Kilda’s equivalent, Sandringham, at Trevor Barker Beach Oval in VFL action.

It was a third win in three weeks for the Demons, who have successfully done-away with a frustrating win-loss cycle of form that dogged them through the middle of the season, prevailing 13.15 93 to 8.11 59 over the Zebras.

A four-quarter performance from the reigning champions saw them extend the margin at the first three breaks before the home side matched them in the final term.

Rowville’s Tyler Edwards opened the scoring in the third minute of play, finding himself on the receiving end of some clean hands a stoppage to nail a checkside goal on the run.

It was then the Josh Schache show, kicking three in the remainder of the quarter to set up an 18-point lead at the first break.

He first benefited from forward pressure further afield to find himself alone in the goalsquare to open his account, before slotting a pair of trademark sumptuous set shots from almost the identical spot on the ground, tight against the boundary line on the grandstand side.

10 shots on goal to just two, however,

would have left the visitors frustrated to not be holding a wider lead, despite holding an advantage in the possession stakes through a methodical and patient approach with the ball.

AFL-listed stars James Harmes and Jacob

Van Rooyen added their names to scoresheet late in the second term, after a clanger from key defender Adam Tomlinson gifted the home side the first after the restart. On this occasion it was the Zebras who struggled to convert opportunities, having

kicked 1.4 at the Nick Saunter end where the Demons had struggled in the previous term, as Casey headed into the long break double the Zebras’ score of 22.

Schache kicked his fourth midway through the third to break a run of misses from his teammates as the home side hung tight, with the Sandringham midfielders having an advantage at the contest over their red and blue visitors.

A pair of quick goals to Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Bailey Laurie as a result of frenetic tackle pressure late in the term extended the margin from a nervy 22 points to a more comfortable 35 at the final break.

Four goals each in the final term, including a second each for Edwards, Laurie and Moniz-Wakefield, saw the margin flirt with the 40s but ultimately settle on 34 at the final siren.

A slow style of game from the visitors resulted in 33 more kicks and 40 more marks than the hosts, who were more inclined to use their hands.

Harmes added eight tackles and a goal to go with his 27 disposals, equal-most on the field for the Demons with Tomlinson, who took nine marks as a pillar of defence in the back half.

Sitting fourth, the Demons are one of nine teams to have a bye next week, before returning to action against Coburg away on 22 July.

Josh Schache celebrates with teammates after kicking four against Sandringham on Sunday.

325648

Picture: ROB CAREW

Cranbourne has confirmed it has put in an expression of interest to join the MPFNL. 343169

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SPORT Momentum shifted away

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Sport is the great leveller.

On a seven-game momentum-fuelled winning stretch, Doveton came to Murrumbeena red hot as arguably the form team in Southern Division Two football.

Within 15 minutes of the first siren, though, they were a step behind and a defeat in an ugly slogfest seemed inevitable.

Key forward James Gascard got Doveton’s first goal but it was his attempt to slot through number two which typified the Doves’ day.

Hayden Waters set him up with a lace out kick to the goalsquare on the stroke of halftime.

On the ground a metre out after taking the mark, he missed from point blank range.

It would take until stoppage time in the fourth quarter for Doveton to kick their second, via Ricky Johnson as they went down 8.11 59 to 2.5 17.

On-ballers Jake Basa and Shannon Henwood had three looks between them in that time but none went through, their misses illuminating Doveton being a yard off all day.

Nothing they did worked.

Rev-ups about men playing for positions fell on deaf ears, as did the instruction to players midway through the third quarter to play man on man.

Deekon Stapleton, Brodie Howie and Ricky Johnson were among some different names that ran through the middle to try to inject speed and encourage Doveton to change lanes going forward.

“It was a really disappointing day – they outhunted us, outplayed us, and they stood their ground a bit more on a wet day underfoot,” said Doves coach Michael Cardamone.

“No one stood up when it mattered most.

“There’s definitely a lot to work on. We talked about the high emotions of last week’s win earlier – I hope the boys didn’t think it was just going to happen because Murrumbeena are a bloody good side. We’ve got a lot to work on.”

Respect is earned over a sustained period of time.

An optimist would look at the Doves’ undefeated stretch, and long period on top last year

as a sign of their status in the competition.

But the Murrumbeena performance brings into question the Doves’ ability against the best in 2023.

Skill errors were more common that targets hit and repeatedly players took too long to dispose of the footy resulting in a free kick or turnover.

The inability to stop the Lions’ slingshot between the arcs was also glaring.

Two of their first four goals came straight from kick ins, with a series of other scores coming via rebounds from deep in defence.

Granted, Doveton defeated East Brighton a week earlier, but they lost to theVampires badly earlier in the season and this performance was just as worrying.

Former NFL champion Mike Sitka perhaps puts Doveton’s current sitting in perspective: ‘success isn’t permanent and failure isn’t fatal.’

Around the grounds, Hampton Park went down 6.5 41 to 3.5 23 against East Brighton.

Local softballers represent their State in Queensland

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Four Casey junior softballers represented Victoria in the recent Under-14 Girls Regional Championships in Queensland.

The tournament took place from 3-7 July in Redcliffe, with Amelia Bacic, Sofia Lewis, Molly Peterson and Gemma Shumack the locals in action.

Amelia has played since she was nine and her selection follows her family’s strong pedigree in the sport.

Her Aunt, Molly Joynson, is a former Victorian player, while grandmother Jenny is a key

figure in the Casey Softball Association.

That pair, and Mum, Pamela, all still play.

Amelia (Doveton) and Sofia (Cobras) were part of the pitching squad, while Berwick’s Molly is a reliable catcher for her team but played as a second base and right field in nationals, and Gemma (Cobras) is a versatile player.

Alongside Waverley, Casey was the most represented association in the team.

Victoria had a 17-3 win in their last match of the championships, against the Australian Capital Territory.

The scoreline was 2.3 15 apiece at the final break before East Brighton was able to run the game out despite Josh Stow and Trent Downe playing their best games of the season.

Keysborough took it right up to Caulfield on the road leading for large periods through the middle of the game.

The Bears were ultimately able to overcome a 14-point three-quarter-time deficit to win by four points.

Skye, meanwhile, survived an almighty scare from Black Rock, winning by just six points as conditions made free flowing play difficult at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve.

In Division One, Cranbourne was far too good for an inexperienced Bentleigh.

A five goal third term broke the game open with Dylan Cavalot named best-on-ground.

Port Melbourne played their ground better and got cleaner entries than Dingley to breakaway to a 32-point win.

Springvale Districts was able to use the

wind at Newcomen Road effectively against Chelsea Heights.

Kicking with the advantage in the first quarter gave them scoreboard ascendancy from the get-go.

The Dees scored 11 of their 12 goals with the wind and was able to absorb the pressure and concede just three against it.

Forwards George Angelopoulos and Matt Wetering were key upfront while midfielder Nick Gay led the midfield brigade.

The result propels Springvale Districts to third on the ladder with Dingley’s losing streak continuing.

The nine wins Springvale has so far recorded now exceed the eight it got in 2022 as the outcomes demonstrate the progress.

DIVISION ONE

Results: Mordialloc 19.11 125 v St Kilda City

5.2 32, Port Melbourne 12.12 84 v Dingley 8.4

52, Cranbourne 9.14 68 v Bentleigh 2.6 18, St Paul’s McKinnon 9.8 62 v Cheltenham 13.23 101, Springvale Districts 12.10 82 v Chelsea Heights 6.13 49

Ladder: Cheltenham 44, Cranbourne 40, Springvale Districts 36, Port Melbourne Colts32, Dingley 32, St Paul’s McKinnon 24, Mordialloc 12, Chelsea Heights 8, Bentleigh 8, St Kilda City 4

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

DIVISION TWO

Results: Caulfield 13.4 82 v Keysborough 11.12

78, Hampton Park 3.5 23 v East Brighton 6.5 41, Highett 14.15 99 v East Malvern 3.15 33, Skye

7.10 52 v Black Rock 6.10 46, Murrumbeena

8.11 59 v Doveton Doves 2.5 17.

Ladder: East Brighton 44, Murrumbeena 36, Doveton Doves 32, Highett 32, Hampton Park 28, Skye 22, Caulfield 20, East Malvern 16, Keysborough 10, Black Rock 0

Fixture: East Malvern v Skye, East Brighton v Highett, Black Rock v Caulfield, Doveton Doves v Hampton Park, Keysborough v Murrumbeena

Collett heads home to Bulls

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong West Cricket Club has secured wicket-keeper Matt Collett from Cranbourne for the 2023-24 season.

The former Bulls skipper returns to the club after two years at Cranbourne, including in 2022-23 when he was named in the Turf 2 team of the year.

Collett has previously spent eight seasons at Dandenong West, most recently the 2020-21 season when his 45 opening the batting in the semi final helped DandyWest reach the big dance.

He brings flair and expansive strokeplay to the top order as well as confidence standing up to the stumps.

Youngster Dylan Diacono took the gloves for Dandenong West last season and was widely regarded as the best ‘keeper in the Turf 3 competition.

He also made 269 runs at an average of 19 last season, making the Turf 3 team of the year, opening the batting and absorbing pressure to then allow the star middle order to fire.

The club has confirmed that if Diacono plays this season, it will be as a batter only.

It’s an outstanding coup for last year’s Turf 3 premiers as they look to compete immediately in the higher division in 2023-24.

The Bulls have already confirmed that allrounder Nuwan Kulasekara will return, while fellow Sri Lankan Malinga Bandara signed last year on a two season contract.

Collett’s absence leaves Cranbourne short some top-order starpower, with the Eagles having also lost brothers Mick and Peter Sweeney to Tooradin.

Sweeney also led the competition wick-

et-taking with his miserly spin.

The club has, however, secured the services of former Victorian Bushranger and Melbourne Renegade Jayde Herrick as senior coach.

The 27-year-old former Sri Lankan first class cricketer Chenutha Wickramasinghe has also signed on for Cranbourne.

Matthew Collett will return to the Bulls.

229048 Picture: ROB CAREW

Shannon Henwood and his team was a step behind Murrumbeena all day. 343181 Picture: ROB CAREW

Dawson in demand

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Gippsland big man Wil Dawson used Sunday’s Vic Country match against the dominant Allies to boost his draft stocks.

Dawson has been thrown around the field this Talent League season, playing as a key forward, starting ruck and big-bodied defensive mid at different times.

At 200cm, he plays the ruck position well and can hold front position inside 50, but it was as a defender for Vic Country where he made his mark.

In a team bereft of much aerial presence behind the footy, he was swung back and took six intercept marks, reading the ball well and getting in the hole on multiple occasions.

His aerial resistance, both via marks and spoils, was part of the reason why the undefeated Allies, expected to romp to victory, won by just 11 points.

For Gippsland in 2023, he averages 10 disposals, four marks and 12 hitouts, with Sunday’s

performance comfortably his most impressive of the season.

AfterVic Country won the first quarter, it was a tight tussle through the middle, before the Allies kicked away either side of three-quartertime.

The big margin was 26 points six minutes into the last quarter, before Vic Country played fast footy and got it within five points.

In red time, they had two opportunities, one via probable number one draft pick Harley Reid, to pinch the lead but missed, before the Allies went up the other end and sowed it up.

Inverloch-Kongwak’s Archer Reid had his best game of the championships so far, taking six marks and posing an aerial threat in the forward half.

He took contested marks to balls that were dumped on his head as well as grabs on the lead, kicking an important goal against the tide in the third quarter.

The Sea Eagles’ junior could have had two, if

Former Fox now a Crow

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Narre North Foxes junior Brooke Smith has signed an AFLW contract with Adelaide.

Her signature comes off the back of a standout performance at Marvel Stadium three weeks ago in the Under 23 All Stars v AFL Academy match.

Playing for the Under 23 All Stars, she got 17 disposals and eight rebound 50s in a tight two-point win.

Her ball-use and line-breaking speed stood out as she was played in her natural halfback position having spent time inside 50 for the Dandenong Stingrays in 2023 to demonstrate her versatility.

A clean player who reads the play well, she has seven games for the Stingrays in the Talent League this season under her belt, averaging 14 disposals, five tackles and a goal.

It follows her playing just three games in each of the previous three seasons for the Rays, showing a body of work off halfback.

This preseason, the 19-year-old focussed on her forward craft, with her natural footy instincts shining through.

not for a moment of poor awareness.

After taking a mark 30 out directly in front with five seconds remaining, he looked to hit up a teammate closer to goal, but the siren sounded when the ball was mid-flight.

Gippsland teammate Zane Duursma kicked two goals and would have gained plenty from spending time in the midfield, directly opposing first round draft prospects Ryley Sanders and Colby McKercher.

Drouin’s Lachie Smith was once again the starting ruck, while there was also four Dandenong Stingrays in action.

Harry DeMattia was a starting midfielder before spending the last quarter off halfback and halving a couple of important aerial contests.

Rebound defender Billy Wilson got the opportunity to spend some time on the wing, while Kobe Shipp was also a solid part of the wing rotation, but will rue a late missed goal.

Beaconsfield’s Kade De La Rue played in his preferred half forward position.

Cannons fire warning shot across the bow

By Jonty Ralphsmith

It was a mixed weekend for the Casey Cannons against PEGS, with the women continuing their strong season but the men again faltering.

The women’s fixture saw the visitors dominate proceedings, winning 4-1 and having many more shots that sailed wide.

Played in Casey’s forward half for the majority of the day, Mikaela Davis and Tegen Hyland helped Casey win the midfield battle.

Davis is currently on top of her game and Hyland has also had a consistent season, important parts of Casey’s 9-2 record.

The team has been wreaked by absences despite their success, which has opened up opportunities for others to be primed and step up where needed.

Among those who have been important amid the absences are Jenna and Leandra McLauchlan, with Leandra’s drive from the back half in particular on the weekend helping keep the play in Casey’s forward area.

The progress the team has made this season is underlined by the difference in the two games against PEGS this season.

Whereas they were challenged by a team less skilled but with more cohesion in round two, winning 2-1, this time PEGS was unable to suppress the fluid ball movement.

Mikayla McDonald scored two field goals for Casey, while Michaela Bullock got one, and Jess Rowland hit the scoreboard via a penalty corner.

Meanwhile, for the men, goals to Gurpreet Singh and Josh Watson were not enough to get the win, the men going down 4-2.

Yarra Valley’s surprise tie with top-placed

Melbourne Sikhs on the weekend has relegated Casey to bottom of the table.

Casey will have its work cut out bouncing back this week, coming up against secondplaced Old Xaverians, which won 3-0 in the first meeting between the two teams.

Women Results: Yarra Valley 3 v Mornington Peninsula 2, Monash University 4 v Werribee 0, PEGS 1 v Casey 4, Knox 5 v Brunswick 2.

Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 28, Casey 27, YarraValley 25, Monash University 23, Knox 15, WestVic 13, PEGS 10, Werribee 9, North West Lightning 6, Brunswick 3

Fixture: North West Lightning v Yarra Valley, Casey v WestVic, Knox v PEGS, Werribee v

Mornington Peninsula, Monash University v Brunswick.

Men

Results: Old Xaverians 2 v North West Lightning 0, Brunswick 4 v Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 1, Monash University 5 v Werribee 0, PEGS 4 v Casey 2, Yarra Valley 2 v Melbourne Sikhs 2.

Ladder: Melbourne Sikhs 24, Old Xaverians 23, Brunswick 22, Monash University 22, PEGS 19, North West Lightning 19, Werribee 12 Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 8, Yarra Valley 4, Casey 3.

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

“She can play as a halfback, wing or half-forward, which is a dream for a coach,” said Dandenong mentor Josh Moore.

“We have always known what she’s had, she just hasn’t played.

“Her attitude to adapt this year to the new role as a half forward was first class.

“Her football smarts come through in that position.

“There can be days in that position where you don’t get a touch because it goes over your head but she’s smart enough to know when to go to a stoppage and make an impact and when to stretch the ground and go deep to take a mark.”

Despite the clear upside that the Stingrays saw in her last year, she couldn’t get continuity of game time due to injury.

An ankle reconstruction and strained quad punctuated her last year.

Smith was at Kinetic Stadium on Saturday night watching her Stingrays teammates but will this weekend drive to Adelaide ahead of starting training with the Crows on Monday.

“It’s what the program’s all about –getting girls to the next level,” Moore said.

“To hear the news that she gets her opportunity is better than winning games of footy.

“My dream for all the girls is to get to the next level.”

Smith started her journey at the Foxes, but was this season listed at Mazenod Old Collegians which has a senior team.

Adam Wadley saves a goal for the Cannons. 330473

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Wil Dawson can do it all. 339169

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Apremierdevelopmentinabrandnewsuburb

Ridgelea is a premier development nestled in the newly-created suburb of Pakenham East featuring over 3,000 residential lots ranging from 385m2 to 667m2

From schools to aged care, with an array of shops and the brand-new Pakenham East train station at your doorstep, Ridgelea has everything you could want in a sustainable and self-contained community.

For more information call 1300 925 349 or visit ridgeleaestate.com.au