News - Cranbourne Star News - 27th July 2023

Kids win with Sid

Casey Connected Libraries is offering kids the chance to win each month, simply by signing up.

“There has never been a better time to join the library, we want Casey kids to be members for life so sign them up at your local library and they will receive their own Sid the Sloth Library Card and Library Bag,“ said Connected Libraries CEO Beth Luppino.

“The library has so much on offer for kids and adults.

“Check out theWinterWhat’s On Guide and all our regular kids programs like Storytime, Toddler Time, STEAM Club, Code Club, Lego Club and more.“

Signing up to the library is free and kids receive their very own Sid the sloth membership card.

All new members can go into the draw to win aToymate Voucher valued at $100.

One winner will be chosen per month from 1 July until 23 December 2023.

Enter online via https://www.connectedlibraries.org. au/sidthesloth/

Ismail with Sid the sloth. 347349

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Landfill gets tick

By Emily Chapman Laing

Objections from local residents were unable to stop the endorsement of the Hampton Park Hill Development Plan by the City of Casey, which said it “must comply“ with State Government plans for the land.

The Hampton Park Hill Development Plan was endorsed at a council meeting on Tuesday 18 July.

While the council believes the enforcement of the Development Plan will “facilitate the future development of land“ around the landfill site, “for waste and resource recovery activities, regional public open spaces and light industrial activities“, residents fear the endorsement will perpetuate their suffering as the tip

continues to cause odour headaches.

Many public submissions for the meeting voiced concerns over the council’s decision to endorse the plan ahead of the new EPA buffer zone guidelines due to enforce separation distance changes later this year.

The new guidelines would increase the buffer zone around the landfill site from the current distance of 500 metres, to between 1.5 and 2 kilometres.

Raymond Dalli and Troy Van Gorp were among those expressing agitation over the council “rushing“ to “rezone the tip“.

“EPA’s two new draft guidelines on separation distances and landfill buffers will support informed land use decisions for and around industry and landfills,“ MrVan Gorp said.

“The proposed guidelines will support planning authorities, responsible authorities, industry, developers, the community and EPA.

“This means planning decision makers will be required to consider the guidelines as relevant.“

Mr Dalli questioned why the “integral“ changes from the EPA has not resulted in council “deferring the adoption“ of the plan.

Kim Murphy also emphasises the EPA buffer zone changes as having “fundamental impacts“ on the site.

According to the council, the EPA did not recommend delaying adoption of the plan based on buffer guidelines to be introduced later this year.

“The Development Plan has been prepared in consultation with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP),“ Ms Duff said.

“The EPA have provided input into drafting and buffer maps contained in the Development Plan and both the EPA and DTP have not recommended the project be put on hold due to EPAs new draft guidelines that suggest a 1.5km - 2km landfill buffer.

“The final outcome of the EPAs new draft guidelines is unknown, and until the guidelines are legislated, the Development Plan must rely on the current 500 metre buffer and the provisions of the Casey Planning Scheme.“

Continued page 8

Have a fun day out with all things animal at the 2023 Casey Pet Expo.

The expo will be held from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm on Saturday 26 August in the beautiful surrounds of Wilson Botanic Park Berwick. Come along and meet other pet owners, socialise your dogs, chat to stallholders, take part in workshops and watch live demonstrations. For more information, visit our website.

Sleep settling sessions

Seeking better sleep for you and your little one? The City of Casey offers free sleep settling sessions.

Learn about sleep patterns, preventing sleep concerns, and effective solutions for your little ones. Choose from sessions for newborns to three months, four to 12 months or 18 months to toddler. Reserve your free spot now on our website.

Bunjil Place Daytime Music Theatre: Opera Gala

Presented by Promac Productions, the performance will showcase breathtaking opera hits to music theatre classics.

This spinetingling performance will feature a stellar cast of eight, including Australia’s most exciting tenor, Bradley Daley with String Quartet live on stage.

Friday 18 August, 10.30 am at Bunjil Place Theatre

Show: $22

Show and lunch: $44

Visit the Bunjil Place website for more information and to book your tickets.

Program partner: Lifestyle Communities.

Discounted cat desexing program

The City of Casey, National Desexing Network (NDN) and participating vet clinics have joined forces to offer eligible residents half price cat desexing and microchipping to help prevent unwanted cats. For more information, visit our website.

Casey kindergartens open afternoon

If your child is ready to start kindergarten in 2024, don’t miss this year’s kindergarten open afternoon from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm on Thursday 3 August

Council operates 47 kindergartens across the municipality, which will be open for families to meet the current teaching team, experience our play-based program and learn more about sessional kindergarten. Bookings are not required.

To find your nearest City of Casey kindergarten, visit our website.

Woodman loses court bid

By Callum Goode, AAP, and Cam Lucadou-Wells

A long-delayed corruption watchdog report into planning decisions at Casey Council is set to be published within days after a late bid to block it failed.

Millionaire property developer John Woodman on Monday sought permission to appeal an earlier Supreme Court ruling dismissing his request to stop the release of the Operation Sandon report.

But his case was thrown out by a threejustice bench in the Victorian Court of Appeal after about an hour of arguments.

It’s expected that the Independent Broadbased Anti-corruption Commission will release the report on Thursday 27 July, although Mr Woodman could still take his fight to the High Court.

Mr Woodman was publicly examined across six days of public hearings in November 2019 as part of the watchdog’s probe into corrupt conduct involving councillors and property developers in the City of Casey.

The inquiry heard Mr Woodman or his companies donated to both major political parties ahead of the 2018 election and he increased a donation to Cranbourne Labor MP Pauline Richards as she was willing to support rezoning land in Cranbourne West, a claim Ms Richards denies.

Lawyers for Mr Woodman on Monday claimed the watchdog breached the IBAC Act and caused him “unreasonable damage“ by examining him in public.

“Any report by the IBAC purporting to contain answers given by Mr Woodman and any comment or conclusions in the report based on such answers is not authorised under the IBAC Act, is prepared in breach of the provisions of the IBAC Act, and is invalid and ineffective,“ their submission read.

“In his prayer for relief, Mr Woodman seeks interlocutory and final orders, including an injunction restraining the publication of the impending IBAC report and damages resulting from the reputational damage caused by his public examination.“

In response, the watchdog argued none of Mr Woodman’s grounds for appeal had any merits.

The IBAC Act states an examination can be held in public if there are “exceptional circumstances“, it is in the public interest and won’t cause “unreasonable damage“ to a person’s reputation, safety or wellbeing.

The Supreme Court last year blocked the watchdog from tabling its final report into Operation Sandon after MrWoodman claimed he wasn’t given a reasonable opportunity to respond to a draft report.

The court ordered IBAC to provide footnotes supporting adverse findings made against him, allowing the developer further time to respond.

IBAC’s submissions allege Mr Woodman provided his response in January but he sought a fresh injunction in May after becoming aware of media stories that the report’s delivery to parliament was imminent.

The primary judge dismissed the case, cit-

Salvation Army ablaze

Seven workers had to evacuate a Salvation Army church in Cranbourne East after an electrical fault caused the building to catch fire on Monday 24 July.

The building, located next to Casey Grammar School and Chisholm Tafe, sent thick black smoke billowing into the nearby community.

Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the fire at around 9:28am, with CFA crews already on scene fighting the fire.

Salvation Army captain and Minister Da-

vid Allman was among those who were evacuated from the building.

A warning went out to the nearby community because of the spread of smoke.

By arond 10:30am, the fire had been brought under control, with fire investigators remaining on scene after crews left.

Paramedics were called to the fire for health monitoring, but no emergency treatment or transport was required.

Police said the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

ing the lawyer for Mr Woodman having raised no issue when informed of IBAC’s decision to examine him in public and the “egregious and unexplained“ three-and-a-half year delay in his complaint.

Justice Cameron Macaulay took Mr Woodman’s barrister Gerard Nash KC to task over that point.

“In 2022 you were complaining about the fruit of a public examination process, namely a draft report, when it now appears you maintain the public examination process should never have occurred,“ he said.

“So you complained about the fruit in 2022; now you say the plant should never have been planted.“

Mr Nash replied: “Perhaps, your honour, I didn’t realise the tree was rotten.“

In their ruling, the judges stated none of Mr Woodman’s six grounds had “any merit”.

This included MrWoodman arguing he was denied procedural fairness by IBAC in its decision to publicly examine him.

The judges noted Mr Woodman had made no application to IBAC for a private hearing, although the option was open to him.

Nor had he raised a “perceived specific unreasonable harm” to his reputation prior or during the IBAC hearing.

“There is no explanation for the applicant’s (prior) failure to raise the public examination point now sought to be ventilated...” the judges stated.

Mr Woodman was represented by two counsel at IBAC and at least three solicitors who had corresponded with IBAC prior to the public hearing, the judges noted.

Counsel for MrWoodman declined to comment.

Emergency services responding to the fire on New Holland Drive. Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Developer John Woodman failed in his last-ditch bid to stop IBAC tabling its long-awaited Operation Sandon report.

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I once got stuck underwater in a submarine in Hawaii. Not for very long, but it felt like forever. I am not sure if this is very fun, but it is certainly interesting!

What do you love the most about your job?

There are so many facets of my job that I love! As a Foundation teacher, I love that I get to be part of a child’s first learning experiences at school. These are such special, precious moments of learning and discovery and the sense of joy and wonder is so wonderful. I feel privileged to be part of it. In my role as a leader, I love supporting students and families across the F–2 area, as well as sharing my knowledge and supporting my colleagues to do the amazing work that they do each day.

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

I think I’d either like to be a deer or a bear. Deers are so graceful and calm even when under pressure and they live in a herd. I’d also like to be a bear and live up in the mountains amongst that beautiful scenery. I love the way mamma bears look after their cubs and they seem very wise, steadfast and loyal. The idea of sleeping for long periods also sounds pretty great too!

What would your last meal be?

So many possibilities, but I think it would have to be my Mum’s lasagne.

What was your most memorable moment?

I have had so many precious, memorable moments in my life, but I think holding my twin daughters for the first time (at the same time) after they were born would have to top the list. A very memorable, incredible, life changing moment.

with Casey Grammar Head of Early Years Vanessa Hodgkiss

What were you like as a kid?

I was a very keen learner, I remember feeling such awe and wonder about the world and wanting to learn about it all! I was gentle, eager to please and had a strong moral compass.

I was very shy but also had a real sense of fun and playfulness. If you put any kind of music on, I was the first one up and dancing… it all sounds a bit like me as an adult!

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

I would absolutely love to invite Simon Sinek, Michelle and Barrack Obama, Lin Manuel Miranda and my daughters.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I am currently doing lots of readings as part of my Educational Neuroscience course and rewatching Brooklyn 99. Very diverse choices!

Where is your happy place?

My happy place is definitely my home.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Dedicated, caring, dependable.

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

I would definitely not be in the realms of MasterChef, however I do make a pretty good spinach and fetta risotto.

Where is your dream holiday destination? Banff, Canada. I have been a few times and would go again in a heartbeat. It is truly the most beautiful place. If I had to choose a place I haven’t been to it would be Macchu Picchu.

THREE … ways to Nationalsupport

Tree Day

Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has helped plant about 26 million trees with the support of about five million volunteers. About 300,000 volunteers will be taking part in this year’s National Tree Day on Sunday 30 July.

1

Volunteer at a local event

Visit treeday.planetark.org to see local planting events in your area. Activities range from planting bush tucker gardens to building habitat for native wildlife, nature play and more. Tree planting supports life on Earth in a number of ways.

2

Donate to The Seedling Bank

The Seedling Bank supports volunteers with their planting efforts by providing financial support where seedlings are needed most. The program launched in 2019 with the goal of supplying native seedlings to schools and community groups around Australia.

3

Get involved at home

If you are unable to attend a local event, ways to support National Tree Day at home include planting your own trees at home, download activity sheets for your children or get out in nature and hug a tree or two!

Vanessa recently won an award for being one of the nation’s most influential educators.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Ranking our risky roads

Two Casey roads have featured in the top ten roads with the most submissions as part of RACV’s inaugural My Melbourne Road survey.

After receiving feedback from 5,000 motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users on their safety concerns of Melbourne’s transport network, Clyde Road and BerwickCranbourne Roads placed sixth in the top ten roads with the most number of responses submitted.

Unsafe driving, with heavy congestion inducing risk-taking behaviours and insufficient separation of cyclists, were the primary safety concerns raised for Clyde and Berwick-Cranbourne roads.

“[Where Clyde Road/Berwick-Cranbourne Road meets Thompsons Road)]Needs to be updated to traffic lights,“ a My Melbourne Road respondent said.

“A roundabout on such a busy road does not allow traffic to flow.”

Another respondent said the “road surface“ on Clyde Road/Berwick-Cranbourne Road is “badly damaged“.

“Despite several repairs, they can’t get it fixed,“ they said.

“It’s very dangerous.”

The Wellington Road and Dorning Road intersection in Narre Warren East was listed in the top three intersections with reported safety concerns.

The key findings from the survey revealed overly complex intersections were the top safety issue identified.

One-third of respondents called for lower speed zones on roads they use often.

The most vulnerable road users – cyclists and pedestrians – were the most-highly represented in the feedback.

Three of the roads with the most number of responses include Strategic Cycling Corridors, indicating that our Strategic Cycling Corridors

are not safe enough for cyclists.

Many of the solutions identified by respondents are low-cost and easy to implement, including zebra crossings and better-positioned traffic lights.

Moonee Valley’s Mount Alexander Road –where it meets with Keilor Road – received the most responses for safety concerns in both the road and intersection categories.

Participants said that Mount Alexander

Road has several confusing roundabouts, was dangerous for pedestrians attempting to cross the road and had a lack of protected cycling infrastructure.

Dandenong Road running through Windsor, Prahran and Caulfield received the second highest number of responses, followed in third place by Sydney Road in Brunswick and Coburg.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams highlighted the most vulnerable road users – cy-

clists and pedestrians – were the most highly represented in the feedback.

“Of the 5,000 safety concerns raised by participants, intersection safety was the area of greatest concern, followed by unsafe behaviours of other drivers, such as speeding and erratic driving,” MrWilliams said.

“One-third of participants also identified that a lower speed limit on their nominated road would improve safety.”

The My Melbourne Road survey used an interactive online map, inviting participants to have their say about safety concerns on any road or intersection across Melbourne’s 31 local government areas.

Participants were able to provide comments and potential solutions to address their concerns.

“The survey results suggest that unsafe driving was heightened in congested traffic,” MrWilliams said.

“These findings are a reminder that investment in road infrastructure is critical to improving safety and that motorists also need to drive safely and to the traffic conditions.

“Whether it’s driving at a safe speed, keeping a safe distance or not using a portable device while driving, we can all do our part to make our roads safer.”

Notably, four of the roads and intersections with the most number of responses identified by participants had pedestrian or cyclist related safety issues as a primary concern.

“Pedestrian traffic lights where they are most needed, traffic calming infrastructure and protected cycling lanes were commonly identified as potential solutions in the feedback from cyclists and pedestrians,” Mr Williams said.

Other solutions identified included resurfacing potholes, intersection design, improving lighting and ensuring speed limits are fit for purpose.

Intersection at Wellington Road and Dorning Road in Narre Warren East. 348802

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Volunteer on the boundary

By Emily Chapman Laing

Berwick North Tornados Junior Fooball Club

Secretary Amara Sullivan has been named the Melbourne Football Club and South East JuniorsVolunteer of the Month.

To thank her for her hard work and commitment, Amara was invited to Casey Round at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday 23 July, where she took part in a once in a lifetime, pre-match experience from the boundary line.

Despite being a Hawks fan, Ms Sullivan was excited to win theVIP pass to the MCG.

“My girlfriend and I were on the boundary line while Melbourne were warming up,“ she said.

“We were down there just watching them, so that was nice.

“They did make me feel really special.“

Ms Sullivan has been with the Berwick North Junior Fooball Club for five years, after her son began playing in the club’s Under 8’s team.

“I joined the committee then, and the secretary at the time had been there for about ten years, her kids had finished playing, so I put my hand up,“ Ms Sullivan said.

Ms Sullivan has been the club Secretary now for three years, and her role is varied.

“I do everything from sorting stuff on the back end with the teams and player, to fundraising and social events as well,“ she said.

“I pretty much do everything.“

Being a small club makes her job a“bit easi-

er“, but Ms Sullivan said it also makes it harder to find volunteers.

“Every Sunday you’re down at the ground setting up and then you’re packing up,“ she said.

“After the footy season finishes you’re always thinking about next year, about coaches and getting players coming in to have enough teams.

“It’s very busy.“

For the past two years, the club has been dealing with a broken scoreboard, and Ms Sullivan has been heading fundraising efforts.

“We do fundraising or ask the council, you know, trying to get money for grants to pay for these things,“ she said.

“But really it’s just all about the kids, that’s why we all do it.“

Ms Sullivan has two children playing for the club, so her priority is keeping the club running so her kids have a place to engage in a sport they find fun.

“Even though our teams don’t win every week, the kids are out there having fun,“ she said.

“All they want to do is kick the footy.

“At our club we pride ourselves on the fact that every kid gets to play, it doesn’t matter on their ability, every kid gets out there.“

Members of the Melbourne Football Club will be joining the Berwick North teams on Thursday followed by the club’s trivia night at the Old Cheese Factory on Saturday 29 July.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To the Casey Council for cancelling the courtesy bus for Senior Citizens Club members to get to club meeting days.

Thumbs down

To Berwick Newsagency charging EFT Fee on Debit Card.

Thumbs down

Huge thumbs down to council approving the rezone to HP Hill!

Thumbs up

For starting drainage works in Ackland Park in Narre Warren North. Hopefully it will be usable all year round.

Lotto luck strikes Sth East

Melbourne’s South East ranks as the ‘luckiest’ lotto region in Australia, with the most division-one wins in the past financial year.

According to The Lott and Lotterywest data, the region sold 31 division-one winning tickets in 2022-’23, reaping more than $90 million.

This included a $50 million Oz Lotto winner sold at Hampton Park Lotto.

Springvale South/DingleyVillage (3 winners) and Endeavour Hills (3) were equal top postcodes in the nation.

Southvale Newsagency in Springvale South and Endeavour Lotto & News each sold three division one winning tickets worth more than $10 million collectively.

Victoria finished the financial year retaining the title of the state with the most division one wins: 137 worth more than $409 million in prize money.

The Lott spokesperson Matt Hart said he was keen to see if last financial year’s lottery hotspots continued their good fortune in FY24.

“Some players tell us they deliberately pick outlets that have recently sold a major lottery prize in the hope of continuing the winning streak, while other players choose different outlets, believing lightning won’t strike twice.”

Thumbs down

Still no mobile phone service in Clyde North.

Thumbs down

To drivers who travel at 90kmh in the 100kmh and 80kmh zones on the freeway, blocking other drivers in one section and speeding through others.

Thumbs down

ToVicRoads for not fixing the South Gippsland Highway atTooradin going out of town, down to one lane for three months.

Thumbs down

The rotten tip decision by the council which has no elected members so clearly do not represent the rate payers at all.

Thumbs up

To the Lynbrook community centre

they have some really great activities and programs but unfortunately a lot of people don’t know about all the great things they do including a free food pantry and book exchange.

Thumbs down

To the state of the roads.

Thumbs down

To the ignorant drivers that run red lights, don’t indicate, turn right from the left hand lane, register their homes as churches to get tax breaks and drive upmarket cars valued over $100,000 that most CEO’s don’t even drive.

Thumbs down

To all the rude and impatient drivers during this creative time regarding the roadworks. You know its happening, allow extra time and deal with it!

Thumbs down

To people parking in the Disability Parking Spaces without a permit. Having a big car is no excuse.

AmaraSullivanattheMCG.

Picture:MELBOURNEFOOTBALLCLUB

Landfill gets council tick

From page 1

However an EPA spokesperson said “timing and implementation of the development plan“ are “not matters for EPA“.

“EPAVictoria provided advice to Council on environmental risks to be considered for the Hampton Park Hill development plan,“ they said.

“Council continues to engage with EPA on the development plan.”

According to resident Ruth Dalli, the council’s proposal neglects “the concerns of residents residing in close proximity“.

“Given the introduction of a Development Overlay and the potential for a large-scale commercial waste and resource recovery activity within a densely populated residential zone, shouldn’t the council acknowledge this as a significant constraint with potential implications for the welfare and well-being of residents,“ she said.

However, Ms Duff said on 19 July the council will be “delaying this aspect“ until “further work and investigation has been undertaken“ to determine the merit of applying the Buffer Area Overlay over residential land within the existing 500 metre buffer for the landfill.

Lynbrook Residents Association Leader Viv Paine said the council’s decision to endorse the plan is “undemocratic“.

“This decision by non-elected Administrators who never have to face a ballot box dashes the hopes of Casey residents who were promised time and again that once full the landfill would revert to public open space,“ she said.

“Long suffering residents who have put up with endless rubbish trucks and putrid odours are now a step closer to facing a huge Waste Transfer Facility at the Tip and an unwanted Buffer Overlay that will devalue their property.

“LRA will continue to push for the Waste Transfer Facility to be built elsewhere well away from family homes.“

During the meeting, council administrators responded to numerous questions from local residents in regards to the Development Plan.

Queries included Veolia’s track record at the Hampton Park landfill, the council’s role in perpetuating the facility against the wishes of the residents, the new Environmental Protection Authority buffer zone guidelines and the role of diversity in council communications regarding the issue.

“How can council with good conscience consider the erection of a waste transfer facility when it will be managed by Veolia, given their horrible track record of managing the Hampton Park tip,“ Ryan Halket said.

“The community feedback is obvious, we do not want this facility.

“Why does it feel like council is merely entertaining us in the process and not actually listening and taking action on our feedback.“

Amanda Haslam likewise questioned why the council chose to support the Development Plan.

“Why does council support the Hampton Park Hill plan when there was such a significant and overwhelming rejection of the plan by the local residents,“ she said.

“None of you were elected by any of us therefore the input by residents should have had much more weight placed upon it, and was completely ignored.

“You didn’t even accurately portray or respond to our original questions as they were posed.“

City of Casey Acting Manager of Planning and Building Kathryn Seirlis submitted a response, which was offered by Administrator Noelene Duff.

“While we understand these matters are important to residents, they are beyond the scope of the Development plan,“ Ms Duff said.

“All submissions received have been considered and responded to.

“Changes have been made to the Hampton Park Hill Development Plan as a result of matters raised in the submissions.“

Both Ms Seirlis and the administrators acknowledged the “considerable public interest“ in the Development Plan, but maintain many of the issues raised by residents are outside the purview of the plan.

“Not all of the concerns raised in submissions could be accommodated through changes to the Development Plan,“ Ms Duff said, reading [NAMES] submitted response.

Apprehension was expressed over the council’s efforts in engaging with Casey’s diverse community throughout the Development Plan process.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census revealed 46.5 per cent of Casey residents were born in a country outside of Australia, with India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan being top places of birth for many Casey locals.

Ms Murphy questioned whether council had effectively communicated information

regarding the plan to the “deeply diverse demographic“ affected by the site and outcome of the plan.

Ms Seirlis responded with the public exhibition dates for the Development Plan, alongside other efforts by council to showcase the plan to the community.

“Notice of the Development was placed in the local newspapers on four occasions and several public consultation sessions were held during the exhibition period.

“Interested persons could and still can access free translation and interpreting services that are advertised on Council’s webpage.“

Ms Duff said the Development Plan must be consistent with the “strategic directions“ of the State Government.

“The State Government has identified the land as one of 22 hubs of State importance to service the needs of the region,“ she said.

“We acknowledge concerns, however due to Council’s planning role in the process and needing to not conflict with State Government policy, we were unable to consider them as part of this process.“

The Plan will inevitably influence the future character of the Hampton Park area, but the council believes these impacts will result in “improved urban design outcomes“.

Residents in the area do not share the same hopeful attitude.

“This situation leaves us in a state of uncertainty, questioning the representation of our community,“ the LRA spokesperson wrote.

“We had faith that our elected officials in the first instance and governing authorities would conduct thorough assessments and exercise due diligence and locate an alternative and appropriate site, well away from residents.

“However, the current circumstances have compelled us to reflect on the essence of governance and their duty of care towards the community.“

The Hampton Park landfill. 348748

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Nuttelex to settle

The City of Casey welcomed renowned Australian company Nuttelex’s second state-of-theart manufacturing facility at Rangebank Business Park in Cranbourne West on Wednesday 19 July.

The establishment of the new facility is expected to benefit the community and make a positive impact on Casey’s economy through the creation of 40 new jobs and by showcasing Casey as a destination of choice for potential investors.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nuttelex to Casey’s vibrant business community,” said City of Casey CEO Glenn Patterson.

“This investment creates new job opportunities closer to home for our community and signifies Casey’s commitment to fostering economic growth and attracting businesses to the municipality.“

The development was facilitated through Council’s Choose Casey Concierge Service, which helps stakeholders navigate various Council processes and requirements with ease and efficiency.

With the support of an Economic Development Partner, customers experience a streamlined investment journey with increased communication and dedicated support.

“We are excited to be setting up our second state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Cranbourne West, creating new employment opportunities for the local community and making a lasting positive impact on the Casey community,“ John Rishworth, Nuttelex Director of Sales, Marketing, and Innovations said.

“On behalf of the team at Nuttelex, we would like to thank Casey for their support in facilitating the Nuttelex development at Rangebank Business Park.

“Welookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwith Council, leveraging our collective strengths to unlock new opportunities, foster sustainable growth, and enhance the overall economic

landscape of Casey.“

Steven Murphy, CEO of Perfection Private and landowner of the site, also thanked Council for the support provided to bring Nuttelex’s new high-tech facility to the Rangebank Business Park.

“Casey has demonstrated its commitment to creating new employment in the local government area by being proactive and practical, with the economic development and planning teams assisting through every

Crash kills teen driver

A 17-year-old Lynbrook driver has died following a collision with a truck in Devon Meadows on Thursday 20 July.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

Emergency services were called to the South Gippsland Highway, near Devon Road, following reports of a collision between a truck and car about 9.50pm.

Investigators believe the truck, which was towing a trailer, was performing a right-hand turn at the time of the collision.

The male driver of the truck was taken to hospital for treatment and is expected to be spoken to by police.

South Gippsland Highway was closed while MCIU detectives processed the scene.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or been in the vicinity of the truck with trailer at the time to come forward. It is believed there were a couple of cars that drove past and may be able to assist with the investigation.

stage,“ he added.

Nuttelex’s move to Casey aligns with the council’s goal to diversify the local economy and create jobs through the attraction of new industry sectors.

Through its Choose Casey campaign, the City of Casey said will actively target businesses within five Priority Industry Sectors for growth and will support their expansion, relocation and growth in Casey.

FROM $490K

A 17-year-old Lynbrook driver died at the scene. Picture: SUPPLIED

Chris Telley, Senior Development Manager at Vaughan Constructions; Steven Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at Perfection Private; Geoff Long, Chief Executive Officer at Nuttelex; and Glenn Patterson, City of Casey CEO at the ground-breaking ceremony at Rangebank Business Park in Cranbourne West on Wednesday.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Harli grants for community

Cranbourne West’s Harli Estate team is offering $10,000 in community grants to local groups and residents.

Harli launched in October last year.

Since then there have been lots released in Stages 1 & 2 with the Aurora Release coming in August. Construction of Stage 1 has commenced on site. Overall Harli will have a total of 181 lots across 4 stages.

Harli, named from the combination of ’harmonious’ and ’living’, is driven by a team dedicated to shaping a better future for Casey.

“I guess our focus has always been about that point of difference,“ Harli estate manager Nick Colasante said.

“So we are more environmentally conscious in regards to our seven star design guidelines, our zero net carbon and all electric offerings.

“We are really focusing on what’s important for the clients, today and tomorrow, putting in a little bit of effort upfront to create your 7-Star Harli home of the future.”

Harli homes also boast solar panels, water tanks and double-glazed windows.

With many sales coming from buyers close by to the estate site, the team at Harli decided it was time to create an initiative allowing them to give back.

“We’ve really found that people are coming from streets away or within a five kilometre radius,“ Harli marketing manager Kate East said.

“So with the community grants, we want to put something back.

“There are some great organisations that we’ve come across and heard about and we thought this is a better use of our marketing money, to put it back into the community and support some of these great organisations.“

Applications are open until 7 August, with grants between $500 and $2500 being offered to not-for-profits, community groups, sporting clubs, edu-

cational institutions, cultural groups and environmental groups.

“It’s really about establishing ourselves within the wider Cranbourne and City of Casey area,“ Ms East said.

This year the focus is just on Cranbourne

North, South, East and West, with the team hoping to expand the grants to the wider Casey community next year.

“It’s a pretty easy application process,“ Ms East said.

“It’s just a few quick questions.

“And then we will make the announcements in September.“

Applications can be made via https://harli. com.au/community-grants-program-2023/ or call 1300 950 180.

Nick and Kate. 348677 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The city’s best bush food

By Emily Chapman Laing

As part of their NAIDOC week celebrations, Casey’s Connected Libraries hosted an Introduction to Bushfoods event, where residents were able to sample and learn about the southeast’s most delicious and diverse native plants.

The session was run by sisters Kylie and Kursty, proud Dharug and Wiradjuri First Nations women who grew up onWiradjuri Country in Central NSW who have been living and working on Bunurong/Boon Wurrug land for the past 14 years.

Kylie runs Your Green Prescription, where she teaches native plant education, bush dyeing, nature journaling, Wayapa, and Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) to all ages.

“My passion is to reconnect the disconnect some experience and promote nature as therapy,” she said.

“We can all learn about the local plants and edibles unique to our area and be growing them, using them in our daily lives by eco-dyeing our clothes, learning about the medicinal properties, adding them to our diet, supporting Indigenous Suppliers and Indigenous allies.

“Let our shared community know that we have an amazing array of plants here in Victoria, they are also like superfoods- full of goodness.“

Around 20 attendees gathered to listen to Aboriginal foodies Kylie and Kursty showcase various plants, powders and berries fit for consumption.

Kylie believes it is important to break stigmas attached to sourcing foods directly from the native flora.

She explained the number one stigma she encounters is “that they are expensive and difficult to incorporate into our diet or that supply is an issue“.

“People are amazed to learn what plants they have growing around them specific to the local area and how easily they can be identified and used,“ she said.

“You don’t have to be a chef or a bushfoods expert or Indigenous to use them.“

Not only are the plants edible and delicious, they mimic many flavours we are already used to.

“The majority of herbs, spices and flavours we have in our diets have a native alternative with a similar flavour profile,“ Kylie said.

“Many people are surprised to find out that we have native basil, thyme, mint, parsnip and wattleseed for a coffee caramel flavour for example.

“We have a vast supply we can be purchasing and using.“

Kylie emphasised the multifaceted use of

the plants, with traditional uses encompassing as much of the plant as possible while being careful not to over-forage.

Participants were able to smell, nibble and feel different native plants, including old man saltbush, Warragul greens, bower spinach, sea celery, wattle, lilly pilly, finger limes and bush tomatoes, among others.

Alongside each tangible sprig of edible nature, Kylie and Kursty offered crucial knowledge about the uses, growing habits, medicinal properties and flavour profiles of the plants.

Participants were encouraged to taste the plants, the deliciously spicy pepper berries, the invigoratingly sour Davidson plum and the satisfyingly salty coastal ruby saltbush.

Some examples were ground down into their powder form, including cinnamon myrtle, wild rosella flower and strawberry gum.

Kylie and Kursty ran through some of the wonderful places Casey residents can source native plants to incorporate into their gardens.

“The majority of locations across Victoria have Indigenous nurseries who supply local species of plants and information on how to grow and establish them,“ Kylie said.

Some councils have set up their own nursery promoting these plants for example Frankston Indigenous Nursery, Southern Dandenong Indigenous Nursery, Conservation Collective at Somerville which is run entirely by volunteers with a large selection of Plants for sale.

“A lot of small businesses provide care information, recipes other useful resources to educate around the use of them.“

Kylie also explained how First Nation’s intuition led to the use of banksia flowers as water filters, with their morphology akin to that of a filtering straw used in modern-day water bottles.

After the information-rich presentation, participants were given the chance to try a variety of samples.

Each infused with native plants discussed in the session, the samples included bush pesto, bush tomato chutney, saltbush and wattleseed damper, chocolate wattleseed slice with Davidson plum sprinkles, bush apple paste and green ant marmalade.

Excited attendees filled up their bowls, with many going back for seconds.

Kylie and Kursty also brought in a selection of potted native plants for the participants to take home, including Murnong (yam daisy), hedge wattle and cut-leaf mint bush.

Kylie said her favourite thing about making bushfoods a part of her everyday life is that it allows her to pass on traditional uses for plants which share our land.

She also loves them for their abundance of nutrition.

“They are Superfoods which contain healthy properties like iron and vitamin c, along with medicinal qualities,“ she said.

“It is easy to find native alternatives and obtain them locally or grow them and virtually all of the plant is used.“

Kylie said she uses makes cordials and syrups from leaves and tea, but she makes use of her plants in more than just her cooking.

“Eco dyeing“ can be achieved using one of the“932 eucalyptus species or the berries from the Ruby Saltbush for deep pink/red, colourful tones“, which Kylie emphasised “aren’t toxic to our bodies“ and are great for “saving water“.

Kylie hopes that one day knowledge of precious native plants will be common to everyone.

“It’s my wish that native plants and bushfoods information will be taught to all Australians, starting within the school system with our younger generation along with an accurate history of our nation,” she said.

“Lets all plant a native plant, gift one to someone, have a date with nature and eat our local foods.”

Firefighters commended for saving boy’s life

Four Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters who helped to save the life of a nine-year-old boy were commended at a ceremony in Cranbourne on Friday 21 July.

In the early hours of Monday 5 June 2023, the four FRV firefighters from Cranbourne Fire Station responded to an Ambulance Victoria (AV) job, where they were confronted by a boy presenting with pre-cardiac arrest asthma.

“Child cases are probably the toughest,” Station Officer Ugul Ali said.

“He was really unwell and when he was put in the back of the ambulance, we weren’t sure.”

One FRV member was speaking to and holding the child throughout the ordeal, despite the boy not showing any signs of consciousness.

The nine-year-old was in pre-arrest when emergency services arrived on scene, then went into cardiac arrest.

He was resuscitated and the FRV team assisted Ambulance Victoria paramedics as they worked to medically stabilise the boy.

The boy showed significant signs of improvement on the way to the hospital and has since made a full recovery.

“That wouldn’t have happened without their support,” said Ambulance Victoria

Paramedic Hannah Drysdale.

Every effort to support the boy and his family at that time did not go unnoticed and the FRV crew involved were highly com-

mended by Ambulance Victoria for the support, assistance, and professionalism that they demonstrated in such a stressful situation.

“We never expect thanks,” Mr Ali said.

“But we’re really grateful.”

The partnership between FRV and AV began in the 90s, primarily for cardiac arrests.

Mr Ali said the Emergency Medical Response (EMR) training FRV crew members undertake is crucial in allowing Ambulance Victoria to work effectively.

“The EMR training we do with CPR and advanced airway management means we can take over doing that sort of stuff, which allows AV and MICA to be able to administer drugs and do other things,” he said.

The training has now expanded to include cardiac arrests of a “traumatic nature”, where the patient is unconscious or not breathing.

“You get the dual response, which means we get more hands on chests, early CPR and improved patient outcomes,” Ms Drysdale said.

“We know that CPR is very fatiguing and it’s really important we can changeover to have fresh CPR hands.

“Having firefighters arrive on scene with two Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics and two Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics means we can rotate and work together as a team, which was shown on this job.”

Acting Commander Samuel Watterson, Leading Firefighter Luke Anderton, Station Officer Ugul Ali, Ambulance Paramedic Hannah Drysdale, Leading Firefighter Elias Bieber and Firefighter Callum Ricardo. 348736

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Kursty (left) and Kylie (right). 345983

Pictures: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Participants try some sample foods. 345983

Nurturing excellence

Nestled in the heart of the Cranbourne community, St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School is recognised for its commitment to providing a holistic learning environment that embraces diversity, fosters inclusivity, and places a strong emphasis on developing literacy and numeracy skills.

St Agatha’s warmly welcomes every student into their community. The School’s motto of Courage, Faith and Love is centred around cultivating a strong sense of unity, where each child is encouraged to thrive and discover their unique talents.

“Ouraimistocreateasafeandnurturingenvironment that fosters academic, social, spiritual, and emotional growth,” says Principal Mrs Michelle Bruitzman.“We firmly believe that every child has the potential to succeed, and it is our duty to equip them with the necessary tools and support to reach their full potential.”

Diversity is celebrated at St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School, where students from all walks of life come together to learn and grow. The School promotes inclusivity as the key to building a compassionate and understanding community, where differences are embraced and valued.

The School’s commitment to spirituality and faith development is a defining feature with a strong connection to the St Agatha’s Parish, Liturgical celebrations, prayer, and religious education are aimed at fostering spiritual growth and instilling a sense of moral responsibility.

St Agatha’s takes pride in its passionate and dedicated teachers who play a pivotal role in the students’ achievements. As a school committed to academic excellence, St Agatha’s places special emphasis on literacy and numeracy skills. Targeted programs are designed to enhance students’ proficiency in these core

areas. Specialist programs are also offered in Physical Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Music, and Japanese.

The School also recognises the importance of parent partnerships in supporting each

child’s development. Parents and guardians are valued, welcomed and respected members of our school community.

A warm invitation is extended to families to book a school tour and to see St Agatha’s in

action. Enrolments are being accepted from Foundation toYear 6 for 2024.

Phone 5996 2724 to book a tour or obtain enrolment information or visit: https://www. stacbourne.catholic.edu.au/

ST AGATHA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

St Agatha’s - Nurturing Educational Excellence.

Lyndale Secondary College takes pride in its Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program, specifically designed to meet the needs of highly academically talented students. Recognized as one of the few Department of Education Schools in the state offering this program, Lyndale Secondary College combines acceleration with a strong emphasis on pastoral care, ensuring that all students receive effective guidance throughout their secondary years.

Three Year 7 students from the SEAL class - Vedran, Sanchay, and Janina - share their experiences at Lyndale Secondary College so far and highlight the enriching opportunities provided by the program.

Janina, the former Form Captain of 7C (SEAL class) during the first semester, expresses her excitement about the various leadership opportunities offered by the college. Open Day/Night leaders, Student Representative Council, and Form Captains are just a few of the roles available for students to develop their leadership skills.

Vedran proudly serves as a Year 7 Student Representative Council (SRC) Captain, a role he considers honourable. He highlights the importance of supporting and communicating with peers, as well as the opportunity to engage with older students and teachers.

Sanchay, a member of the 2023 SEAL class, shares his exceptional experience as part of the program. He recommends the SEAL class to all Grade 6 students who are gifted and interested in accelerating their learning. In the SEAL class, the curriculum is accelerated, allowing students to progress at a faster pace.

To learn more about Lyndale Secondary College’s Accelerated Learning Program, visit their website at https://lyndale.vic.edu.au/accelerated-learning/. Interested individuals can

also schedule a school tour by calling Lyndale Secondary College at 9795 2366.

Lyndale Secondary College’s commitment

to providing exceptional opportunities for gifted students is evident in its Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program.With a focus on both

academic advancement and pastoral care, students at Lyndale Secondary College can thrive and excel in their secondary education.

Sanchay, Vedran and Janina enjoy Lyndale Secondary College.

ON … EDUCATION

Growing green thumbs

More kids can get active and grubby in school gardens thanks to extra funding.

The State Government announced in March that its annual grant to the Victorian Schools Garden Program would increase from $95,000 a year to $145,000 a year.

“I’ve seen first-hand how school gardens offer great opportunities for primary school students to learn in an outdoor setting, providing a tremendous boost to their health and wellbeing,” Education Minister

Natalie Hutchins said.

“Sharing the importance of sustainable living and fostering a love of gardening is vital to ensuring that the next generation takes a hands-on approach to caring for the environment.”

Now in its 46th year, the Victorian Schools Garden Program has provided rewarding outdoor education initiatives to generations of Victorians.

The Department of Education and Nurs-

ery and Garden Industry Victoria have worked closely together to cultivate the program and grow its student engagement.

The additional funding will deliver schoolbased activities and on-site learning at 35 participating primary schools – benefiting about 3500 students.

The program includes grants to encourage schools to start new gardens or improve existing ones; an awards scheme that recognises and rewards student and school community

achievements; and professional development workshops for teachers and volunteers to learn the basics of running a school garden.

The program also connects schools with horticulture industry experts to help with large-scale garden projects.

The awards and grants programs are open to all Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools. Visit vsgp.org.au for more information.

it time to teach your children all about money?

Is

With the cost of living increasing, now is a better time than ever to teach children about the importance of saving money effectively. With that in mind, financial experts from money.co.uk have compiled a list of their top 10 tips for teaching your children about money.

Start with the basics of money and finance

How you introduce money to your children willpartlydependontheirage.Agoodplace to start is getting children comfortable handling cash and coins. Explain to them how money is used to buy things and that it must be earned before it can be spent.

Speak openly about small financial decisions

Start getting your child involved with minor financial decisions, such as which brands and items to buy when shopping. This way your child is able to understand the decisions you make while also feeling in control of certain financial choices.

Older children could also help with budgeting while shopping if you ask them to keep a running total of the items you buy. Not only will this help their maths skills, but it can also help them to understand how small items can still add up in price and not everything is affordable on a budget.

Set a good example with your own finances

There are no two ways about it, children learn money habits from their parents. Showing them small activities, such as checking the receipt after your shop or putting money into savings can start developing positive habits from a young age.

Encourage your child to ask questions

without repercussion in this setting. While you might not necessarily have all the answers, opening up a dialogue is a healthy way for your child to learn more about finance.

Use pocket money as an incentive for small tasks

Using pocket money as an incentive to do chores around the house not only helps you, but it also helps your child learn more about the value of money and what it takes to earn it. Creating a simple plan with a set amount of money for different tasks, along with caps per week or month, is a great way to help your child start understanding where money comes from.

The relationship between work and money, household chores and pocket money is also a great opportunity to show children how to save. If your child has shown interest in a more expensive purchase, you could set them up with an old-fashioned piggy bank where they can ‘deposit’ their earnings or create a chart for them to fill out so they can track how much money they have.

James Andrews from money.co.uk encourages parents to teach children how to handle money from a young age.

“Creating an environment where you can speak more openly with your children about financial decisions is key to them gaining an understanding of the value of money,” Mr Andrews says.

“It’s important to make sure your lessons are age-appropriate and that you continue to involve and teach your children about money as they grow - a healthy relationship with finances starts at a young age, and children learn most of their habits from their parents.”

· Originally published on www.money. co.uk/.

WHAT’S ON

Weekly badminton

Badminton for ladies or retired.

All welcome.

· Mondays 7pm-9pm and Wednesdays 12pm2.30pm at Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.

Casey Philharmonic Orchestra: Villains & Superheroes

Casey Philharmonic Orchestra is currently preparing a selection of big screen movie themes from Marvel, DC and more for their upcoming concert, ‘Villains and Superheroes’ this month. In keeping with the orchestra’s approach to making orchestral music relatable and engaging for everyone, audience members are encouraged to join in the fun and come dressed as their favourite hero or villain, with prizes, giveaways and a themed photo zone on offer at the event.

A finalist at this year’s Casey Community Awards, Casey Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) facilitates unique artistic opportunities in Melbourne’s outer south-east, and prides itself on performing orchestral music of the highest calibre for the enjoyment of audiences and musicians alike.

“We’ve undertaken an ambitious program of events in recent years, and have consistently attracted sizeable, enthusiastic audiences”, said Anthony Ware, President of CPO.

“The Bunjil Place performance of our 2022 ‘Star Wars Extravaganza’ tour was a complete sell out at this venue, a remarkable achievement for a community orchestra, so I would certainly recommend you purchase your tickets early for ‘Villains and Superheroes’.”

CPO’s ‘Villains and Superheroes’ will descend upon the Bunjil Place theatre, Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren on Sunday, 30 July with the show commencing at 2.30pm.

· Tickets are available at www.cpo.org.au/ events and the latest event news can be found on CPO’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Children’s Day Event

Join the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place at Myuna Farm for an afternoon full of fun.

There will be lots of activities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to enjoy, including cultural games, face painting, the Casey 360 bus, food and entertainment!

· Myuna Farm, 182 Kidds Road, Doveton on Friday 4 August, 4pm-6:30pm.

Nesian Fest 2.0

Join City of Casey as they support our young local Maori and Pasifika artists in the south east. Hear the stories of these young Polynesian creatives as they express themselves through spoken word, rap, music and dance.

Maui’s snack bar will be in the plaza serving up tasty Polynesian food and drinks all night.

· Bunjil Place Studio, Friday 28 July, 7.00 pm –10.00 pm.

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

Berwick Activities Club

As the club heads into its 31st year it wishes to welcome new members to join in the many activities on offer such as New Vogue Dancing, which will see you moving in no time.

Social Wednesdays where you can join in Carpet Bowls, cards, Scrabble and Table Tennis. Take the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy yourself.

Membership is only 10 dollars with a $5 weekly attendance fee which includes morning tea.

· For more information phone David on 0433566456 or Bruce 0447554475

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

Women’s Wellbeing Group 2nd anniversary

On Wednesday 2 August at 10.30am to 1.00 pm, the Women’s Wellbeing Group will gather at Oakgrove Community Centre at 89-101 Oakgrove Drive, Narre Warren South to celebrate two incredible years of friendships and achievements of the women’s group from all walks of life.

The Women’s Group was founded with a vision to create a safe and nurturing space where women could come together, share their experience,and support each other in their personal and professional journeys. The event will feature a guest speaker, testimonials form participants, and fun and interactive programs with refreshments served.

· RSVP by Monday 31 July via office@oakgrovecc.org.au or call the office between 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday 9704 2781.

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.

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

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 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 1pm2pm 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.

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. Classes available on Thursday afternoons

· 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

Path to business success

Nominations are now open for the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 South East Business Awards, held annually to celebrate business excellence in the south east region of Melbourne.

Hurry, as submissions close on 15th August.

The South East Business Awards offer more than just recognition. The program offers entrants a free health check on their business.

The chamber has people to help you with your application if needed.

The small investment of time is about charting a path to success, securing long-term financial stability for your family and team, and establishing a prominent position in the competitive market.

Successful nominees will also gain invaluable exposure at the highly anticipated SE Business Conference, providing a platform for networking and collaboration with other businesses in the region.

Previous award winners, like iEnergi, described their exhilarating experience, stating, “The process gave us a great check-in on each aspect of our business.”

Their journey to success was not merely about winning an award but also about evaluating and enhancing every facet of their business.

Mark and Andrew from Chilltech shared, “So many connections we hadn’t heard from congratulated us when we shared on LinkedIn

- we were pretty amazed at how many messages we got!”

This achievement not only expanded their network but also solidified their reputation as an employer of choice, attracting exceptional talent.

Seize this opportunity to invest in your business’s future and steer it towards success by participating in the South East Business 2023 Awards.

We eagerly await celebrating your achievements and contributions.

Act now and nominate your business for a chance to be recognised and valued in the South East business community at www.greaterdandenongchamber.com.au/awards.

Imagine the honor of being celebrated as a winner at the exquisite gala dinner in October, an unforgettable night to cherish.

ASM Chilltech, winners of the 2022 Overall Business Award sponsored by NAB.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Tuck’s CTE severe: Inquiry

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Shane Tuck showed signs of decline from multiple head-knocks early in his storied 173game AFL career, a Coronial inquest has heard.

Tuck, 38, died with severe stage-three chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

His affliction however couldn’t be definitively diagnosed during life, the hearing was told on 19 July.

A CT brain scan in 2009 produced a normal result.

And despite psychiatric treatment, Tuck was tormented by voice hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and depression.

He took his life at his parents’ Berwick home on 20 July 2020.

State Coroner John Cain is investigating the links between Tuck’s head injuries during football and boxing and CTE.

He will look at whether AFL and boxing’s approach to the risk of CTE is “reasonable and proportionate”.

Counsel Assisting the inquiry Gideon Boas told the inquiry on 19 July that the signs of Tuck’s decline were noticed by wife Katherine as early as 2006.

After head knocks in games for Richmond Football Club, he would retire to bed early, suffer headaches and not appear to be himself.

In 2010, he reported residual problems with concussions, dizziness and forgetfulness.

He was treated for depression, anxiety and heart palpitations, as he became disengaged from Katherine and their two children.

He started to believe he was ‘letting God down’ and having trouble sleeping.

After retiring from football in 2013, Tuck quit an apprenticeship and fought four times as a professional boxer.

In his first bout in 2015, he suffered a‘severe knock out’, lost consciousness and was admit-

ted to The Alfred hospital’s emergency department with a brain hematoma.

Soon after he reported suicidal thoughts. He was cleared to fight again after two‘normal’ MRI scans.

In 2018, he first reported hearing voices telling him not to eat, and he started drinking heavily.

After suicide attempts and auditory hallucinations, he was admitted to psychiatric units, including Casey Hospital in April 2020.

Tuck was prevented from leaving Casey due to hearing voices commanding him to kill himself. He was discharged in May after agreeing to get counselling and take medication.

A month before he died, Monash Health was contacted by Tuck’s mother about him “actively and loudly responding to voices”.

The Continuing Care Team assessed this as “part of the fluctuating course of Shane’s psychotic symptoms”, Mr Boas said.

At the time, Tuck was on a 26-week community treatment order while living with his parents and being treated by the Continuing Care Team.

There were plans for a neurology assessment and MRI brain scan.

Monash Health’s procedures have since been updated to insist that such clinical deteriorations as reported by Tuck’s mother are “escalated” to the consultant and/or team manager.

State Coroner John Cain said he was “satisfied” that he did not require to investigate Monash Health any further.

Mr Boas cited CTE as an “increasing pub-

lic focus” with high-profile cases such as Tuck and other late footballers Graeme‘Polly’ Farmer, Danny Frawley and Heather Anderson.

Studies suggest that at least 17 per cent of people suffering repetitive concussions or mild brain injuries develop CTE.

“The severity of the disorder appears to correlate with the length of time engaged in the sport and the number of traumatic injuries.”

CTE is associated with not just concussions but repetitive head trauma without symptoms, Mr Boas said.

Most concussions happened in community sport and were not reported.

The Australian Sports Commission estimated at least 100,000 sport related concussions in Australia each year.

By the age of 10, one in five children were concussed. And 25 per cent of those happened in sport.

At the inquest, US neurosurgeon Dr Robert Cantu said that the AFL was doing a “very fine job” in identifying and treating concussion. However, sub-concussive hits also contribute to CTE, he said.

“Hits that don’t cause symptomatic brain injury also can contribute to CTE and do contribute to CTE. And those are the majority of hits that somebody takes over their career.

“The number of contests you play would increase your risk for CTE cumulatively if you played enough years.”

In cross-examination, the AFL’s lawyer Mr Ihle posited that the game’s rule changes for “high contact infringements”, as well as in tribunal guidelines, were minimising head impacts.

Dr Cantu replied: “My interpretation to them was that they were trying to reduce concussion and the focus was not so much reducing the amount of head contact that was occurring.”

Shane Tuck training with Richmond Football Club in Beaconsfield in 2013. 93128

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Royal Gardens’ new face

The Royal Botanic Gardens Board has announced that David Harland will take up the role of Director and Chief Executive of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria following the retirement of Professor Tim Entwisle in August.

A highly regarded leader in the global biodiversity sector, David has held several executive roles at the internationally renowned Eden Project, a leading visitor attraction and botanic garden located in Cornwall, in the United Kingdom, which comprises two large scale biomes, an outdoor garden and integrated educational programs.

He was CEO of the Eden Project during the pandemic 2020-2022 period, overseeing a major reorganisation of the operational, educational and commercial aspects of the business, and as CEO of Eden Project Internation-

al, has led Eden’s expansion through multiple projects and iterations across the UK and the world.

Royal Botanic Garden’s Board Chairperson, Chris Trotman, said David brings exceptional experience to the role, and a visionary approach to creating and communicating biodiversity projects on a local, national and international level.

“David’s achievements are many, and include the establishment of a horticultural degree program, and shepherding Eden through major expansion and commercial projects, whilst maintaining and protecting its core mission and creative and scientific endeavours,“ Ms Trotman said.

“David has worked within international public garden and sustainability communi-

ties for over ten years, so this is an exciting appointment that will see Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria continue to flourish and make significant contributions to global plant conversation efforts.“

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria encompasses the historic Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, an array of research facilities and plays a critical role in conserving and promoting plant diversity and protecting threatened species.

“I am incredibly excited and honoured to be joining the passionate team at RBGV, and to build on the considerable work of the last decades,” Mr Harland said.

“Rarely do you get an opportunity to work with historic 175 year old and award winning 20 year old gardens simultaneously, and I am

excited to work towards reaching new audiences, driving forward the Gardens’ important science and education programs and to contributing to debates about how we can help humanity to maintain the interdependence that we have with the natural world,” David said.

“Tim leaves Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in great shape,” Ms Trotman said.

“Over the past decade, he has firmly established the Gardens as a vital and much loved part of Melbourne’s cultural life, and an organisation at the forefront of science, conservation and horticulture in Australia and beyond.

“He has led award winning tourism initiatives, and actively pursued stronger engagement with First Nations People through learning and innovative new wayfinding signage.“

RBGV’s new CEO David Harland.

Picture: SUPPLIED Former CEO Tim Entwisle. 315342

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SPORT

Laetisha’s Lonato lead in

Laetisha Scanlan’s preparations for the World Shooting Championships are right on the track after the Berwick hot-shot won gold recently in Lonato, Italy.

Scanlan braved some sweltering European summer heat to win the gold medal in the Women’s Trap event at the ShotgunWorld Cup.

Scanlan is one of 14 athletes who will represent Australia at the 2023 ISSF World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, which begin on August 17.

Competition in Lonato was tough against some of the world’s most experienced Women’s Trap competitors.

Alongside a field of 86 women, and well versed in this high level of international competition, Scanlan - a dual Olympian and current world number six - finished qualifying in third place after shooting 118 out of 125 targets.

This secured her place in the final, comprising the top six qualifiers.

“I managed to qualify with 118 which put me in bib number three for the final, so I was really happy to start in the middle of the pack,” Scanlan said.

In the final, under a blue sky and sunny warm conditions, with every target counting and a single miss detrimental to the outcome,

Scanlan applied the pressure, and led the way to the gold medal.“There are so many talented women (competitors) so I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy final,” she said.

“I was really happy to have started off strong initially and then that just led me into a battle for gold and silver against Fatima (Galvez from Spain).

“It was incredibly hot in the final but having said that I was so glad I was out there.”

Scanlan did not just have the support of the Australian Team who was watching on from the grandstand, but her parents Pamela and Bernie Scanlan made the trip to Italy to support their daughter.

“They got to watch me which was so amazing,” Laetisha said.

“They are my biggest supporters, so I am really, really, happy.”

Watching on from Melbourne, Scanlan’s husband SamWaters was also thrilled with Laetisha’s result.

“I am just so incredibly proud of her as always,” Waters said.

“Laetisha is constantly putting in the hard work and I am so happy she was able to get the reward she deserves and in front of her parents who made the trip to Italy to support her.”

Scanlan will now return to Melbourne for a short break before she heads to Baku for the World Championships in August; a shotgun range where she won a World Cup bronze medal in 2022.

“I am looking forward to going to Baku and again competing against the best of the best.”

Absences prove insurmountable for Redbacks and Doves

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Doveton and Hampton Park both squandered opportunities for statement wins on the weekend, going down to Highett and Murrumbeena respectively.

While a win would have kept the Doves in with a chance of finishing in the top two, last year’s runners up now face a fight to stay in third spot with Highett equal on points.

Hampton Park, meanwhile, is just two points clear of sixth-placed Skye after looking a class below second-placed Murrumbeena at Tony Way Recreation Reserve.

A Kyle Hendy ankle injury in the first 30 seconds of Hampton Park’s game was symbolic of the narrative for both local sides, whose prospects of victory were decimated by absences.

For the Spiders, key forward Nathan Carver missed the second consecutive week with a finger injury.

Also out were skipper Liam Myatt, vicecaptain Trent Thomas, winger Tristan Fernandez-Phillips, pinch-hit rucks Peter Gerard and Jye King, and Lionel Benoit and Ryan Hillard.

Key defender Jackson Philpin is also expected to miss multiple weeks after injuring his calf during the game.

It’s well known across the league that Hampton Park lacks height, and injuries to the full back, full forward and two ruck op-

tions cued discussions at the venue about whether the squad is the smallest in local footy across the state.

Meanwhile, Doveton was missing midfielders Will Smith, Jake Basa and Brodie Howie, key defender Sam Muirhead, forward James Gascard, defender Deekon Stapleton and veteran Michael Henry.

After playing in the reserves last week, coach Michael Cardamone was back on the field.

Having been beaten in the midfield from the first quarter, the Doves were on the back foot from the get go.

With the margin at 10 points midway through the third quarter, Cardamone looked like he had put his team back in the contest with a snap from the boundary, but it was ruled a behind.

From there, Highett banged through three more for the quarter, to stretch the lead as high as 26 points, eventually winning 10.4 64 to 6.7 43.

Cam Williamson had his goal-kicking boots on, providing presence in attack and finishing with five goals.

The club’s leading goal kicker has now scored nine of his 25 goals against Highett.

The Redbacks have now lost five of their last seven, while Doveton has lost two of its last three, after a seven-game winning streak through the middle of the year.

Meanwhile, Keysborough nabbed its third win of the season, defeating winless Black Rock 11.14 80 to 8.13 61.

Same old story for Hampton Park

Killed on turnover. Too much left to too few. No height. A lack of polish going forward.

They’re becoming rinse and repeat narratives when speaking about the Spiders.

For the first 15 minutes, Hampton Park took it up to the Lions, Tanner Stanton kicking a lifter goal against the wind in the pocket, not long after Hendy’s injury flattened the hosts’ mood.

But one play in that period foreshadowed the inevitable ’Beena dominance that would come if the Redbacks didn’t remain alert and disciplined.

The visitors, having absorbed repeated attacking forays to start the match, transitioned and got it to even numbers ahead of the footy for an easy one-on-one mark and goal.

Steve Tolongs, fourth in the competition goal kicking, filled his pockets with six of his team’s 16.

When Murrumbeena had territory, they were able to take uncontested and hit-up marks far too easily, aided by the hosts’ inability to execute fundamentals and hit targets in the back half.

It was all the usual players who stood out for Hampton Park:Tanner Stanton (named in the best for 11 out of 13 games this season),

Some within the club think the best 22 are worthy preliminary finalists.

Wins in 2023 over Doveton and Highett, and a performance at Murrumbeena when they won all metrics except the scoreboard, prove that is a justified perspective.

Injuries have hurt, while the gap between the best and the rest remains too large.

A Jackson Dalton goal off the back of a quick rebound illustrated the Redbacks’ blueprint, but it was too scarce throughout the day.

That game plan was best on show against this week’s opponent, Highett, in the first meeting between the two sides in 2023.

Saturday now carries great weight in the context of the Spiders’ season.

Results: Caulfield 12.12 84 v East Malvern 17.6 108, Black Rock 8.13 61 v Keysborough 11.14 80, Doveton 6.7 43 v Highett 10.4 64, Hampton Park 9.3 57 v Murrumbeena 16.14 110, Skye 6.7 43 v East Brighton 18.9 117.

Ladder: East Brighton 52, Murrumbeena 44, Doveton Doves 36, Highett 36, Hampton Park 28, Skye 26, Caulfield 24, East Malvern 20, Keysborough 14, Black Rock 0.

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

Jack Wilson (six out of 11), and Dylan Morris (seven from 12)

Doveton was on the back foot from the getgo on Saturday.

Jack Wilson contributed,but didn’t have enough support. 346051

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Laetisha Scanlan is in red-hot form ahead of the Shooting World Championships in August. 349279

Picture: AAP IMAGES

Macaffer sinks the winner

By David Nagel

It was a weekend of WGFNC football that had absolutely everything.

Upsets, thrillers, and some major goal-kicking milestones were all a talking point, while back-to-back wins to Korumburra-Bena has thrown a real energy through the competition.

It was a huge night in Korumburra with the seniors, reserves and thirds winning their three games against Kilcunda-Bass by a combined total of 14 points.

But let’s start this week’s wrap with a visit to Cora Lynn, where the Cobras and reigningpremiers Tooradin-Dalmore played out an absolute heartstopper.

A late-goal to Collingwood premiership player Brent Macaffer iced the game for the Seagulls, who prevailed 10.8.68 to 10.6.66 in a cracking four-quarter contest.

The Gulls were on fire early in the first term, with Adam Oxley nailing the first of the match after some inexcusable lack-lustre defending from the hosts.

Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds then shimmied his way into an open goal, before Stewie Scanlon out-marked Lachie Peluso to have three on the board for the Gulls, inside 11 minutes of play.

Macaffer and Bertoli-Simmonds seemed to be everywhere, but the Cobras soon settled into a rhythm.

Jai Rout gave the home crowd something to cheer about, nailing a brilliant shot from in front of the Peter Parker Pavilion, before Dylan Paarlberg provided a quick answer for the Gulls.

Momentum changed late in the opening term, with Ryan Gillis snagging two majors; the first after marking on the run and the second a clever snap shot.

They were both celebrated with typical gusto!

Lewis Hill kicked the opening goal in the second, before the Cobras returned fire with six-pointers to Nathan Gardiner – after a Ray Lengyel slip – and Luke Hartley, who converted a head-high free-kick.

The Cobras were hanging on and trailed by just two points at the main break.

The return of gun-defender Luke Mckenna has provided Tooradin coach Lachie Gillespie with the ability to be more versatile in recent times.

On the weekend, he had team of the year defender Cooper Shipp play as a key-tall in attack, and his two goals in the third term would prove valuable.

Josh Cochrane kept the Cobras in contention, but a late goal – right on the three-quarter-time siren – to Brad Butler…gave the Gulls a 14-point lead heading into the final quarter.

And what a quarter it was…with some great goals and high-tension.

Gardiner kick-started the term with a goal from a free kick, before Bertoli-Simmonds nailed a classic goal, on the run from distance, to give the Gulls an eight-point advantage with eight minutes ticked off the clock.

The Cobras then snagged three in a row to take the lead, late in the final quarter.

The best off those came from a kick-out from full-back, with Cobras coach Shaun Sparks launching a long bomb into the square, which was marked by Jeremy Monckton.

The classy lefty then hit Tristan Warkuss on the run, who hit Gardiner lace-out in the goalsquare.

It took 13 seconds to get the ball from the boot of Sparks, into the hands of Gardiner.

The star full-forward then kicked another off his left, before Luke Ryan gave the home side their first lead for the day at the 17-minute mark of a pulsating final term.

Macaffer then found space - on the scoreboard flank at Cora Lynn - to calmly slot the last score of the match.

Bertoli-Simmonds and Shipp snagged two each for the Gulls, who had eight players contribute to their 10 goals.

McKenna and Lengyel were solid in defence for the winners, while Connor O’Riordan joined Bertoli-Simmonds and Macaffer on a high-class best players’ list.

Gardiner finished with four for the Cobras, and Gillis two, while Tim Payne played a great game in defence on Julian Suarez.

WEST GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL NETBALL COMPETITION REVIEW - ROUND 14

Gus Da Costa continues to show his potential, with the gifted lefty providing some nice drive across half-back and through the midfield.

The Gulls host Korumburra-Bena this week, while the Cobs will look to hit back on a short road-trip to Garfield.

Phillip Island skipper Jack Taylor has filled his boots at the Cowes Rec Reserve with a stunning 10-goal haul against a disappointing Dalyston.

Only six players have scored more goals than Taylor in the history of the WGFNC, with his perfect-10 taking his tally to 143 from 81 matches.

Taylor has been used all over the ground this season, but enjoyed his time in the spotlight in the 29.14.188 to 5.4.34 thrashing.

The Bulldogs launched an impressive assault in the second term, kicking 12.1 to 0.0 in a devastating display of football.

It doesn’t matter about the quality of the opposition for Cam Pedersen and his team… they simply play their way and let the scoreboard look after itself.

Max Blake with four, and Travis Woodfield and Daniel Bourke with three each were also exciting for the Doggies, while Daniel Pearce and Hayden Bruce continued their impressive seasons.

The less said about the Magpies the better…but they need to fight back in a home game against Nar Nar Goon this week.

The Bulldogs make the long drive to Warragul.

Korumburra-Bena is about to confront a terrifying three weeks of football…but will do

so with its confidence-tank full after a grinding 12.8.80 to 10.14.74 triumph over KilcundaBass.

The Giants have now secured back-toback victories after coach Paul Fermanis and the reliable Rhys Dixon proved an impressive force up front.

Fermanis and Dixon proved the difference against Bunyip last week, and were at it again on the weekend with four goals apiece.

Luke Walker, Jack Spencer and Tyson Findlay were also instrumental for the Giants, who drew level by half time and then kicked 5.2 to 2.3 in the third to take control of the match.

Anthony Daraio booted four goals for the Panthers, while Ben Eddy, Nathan Foote and Dale Gawley continued their consistent seasons for the vanquished.

The Giants head to Tooradin this week –then Nar Nar Goon a week later - before returning home to host Inverloch-Kongwak in round 17.

The Panthers host Kooweerup this week.

Star-forward Jason Wells has become the first player to kick 300 goals in the WGFNC with four majors in Kooweerup’s 37-point loss to Warragul Industrials.

Wells has had seasons of 50, 88, 57 and 74 goals since the inception of the WGFNC in 2017, with Saturday’s four goals taking this year’s tally to 31…to make it spot-on 300!

It was one of the main highlights for the Demons on the day, with Tim Miller playing his 150th senior game for the club.

But the Dusties proved party-poopers, particularly in the second term, with a 6.6.to 1.2 second term putting the issue of four

points to bed.

Kyle Beveridge celebrated his first game since round nine with four goals in the 11.19.85 to 7.6.48 win, while Mason McGarrity booted three…taking his WGFNC tally to 101.

Kane Oldham was at his work-horse best around the stoppages, while Michael Debenham controlled the outskirts on his wing.

Mitch Cammarano fought things out for the Demons, while Zak Banks and Matt Drommel joined Wells and co on the best players’ list.

And Garfield has chalked up win numberfour for the season with a thumping 19.13.127 to 5.10.40 victory over Buneep at Bunyip.

The Bulldogs must have had Indigenous round ceremonial smoke in their eyes in the first term, allowing the Stars to kick 7.4 to 0.2 to safely tuck away the four points.

Jahmain Harrison booted five for the Stars, adding to his two other goals for the season, while Ben Tenace-Greenall matched that total beside him. Angus Emery, Zach Dalton and youngster Archie Burgmann were also impressive for the Stars, while Matt O’Halloran, Ben Stewart and the consistent Alex Dijkstra fought the game out for the Bulldogs.

The Stars will look to make it back-to-back wins when they host a rebounding Cora Lynn, while Bunyip will need to be resilient when it hosts Inverloch-Kongwak.

In the match of the round this week, Nar Nar Goon defeated the previously undefeated Inverloch-Kongwak by 18 points at Spencer Street.

A full review can be found on page 27 of this week’s Pakenham Gazette.

Number-one for a reason. Reigning league best and fairest Brent Macaffer celebrates his match-winner against Cora Lynn on Saturday. 348932 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

The Seagulls celebrate a hard-fought victory over Cora Lynn. 348932

Angus Emery was once again impressive for the Stars against the Bulldogs. 348930

McDonald fires first shot

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Mikayla McDonald has hit the scoreboard for the fourth consecutive week in Casey’s 1-1 draw with Yarra Valley.

With 12 goals from 13 games, McDonald has been a key pillar for Casey, which falls to second on the table following the weekend’s result.

Sunday was the first time that Casey has had its best team on the park all season and they started strongly, with their goal coming in the first stanza.

Yarra Valley then hit back to control the middle part of the game, but Sarah SuttonMcLellan made several important saves to keep the Cannons in the contest.

With the score at 1-1 going into the last, Casey had its best opportunity to score in the last 20 seconds of the game, but the shot on goal was off target.

The women will have the chance to reclaim top spot this week when they take on Mornington Peninsula in a one-versus-two clash.

Meanwhile, Yarra Valley consigned Casey to a 7-1 loss in the men’s match.

Josh Watson scored the visitors only goal against the ninth-placed team, with the result seemingly all but consigning them to last spot on the table and relegation next season.

Matches against eighth-placed Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation and seventhplaced Werribee, who have three wins each,

present as winnable on the run home, but they now sit more than a game behind Yarra Valley.

Elliot Stephens was the key weapon missing from the Cannons’ arsenal in the loss.

Women Results: Brunswick 5 v Werribee 2, Mornington Peninsula 2 v North West 1, WestVic 1 v Knox 2, PEGS 1 v Monash University 2, Yarra Valley 1 v Casey 1.

Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 32, Casey 31, Yarra Valley 29, Monash University 26, Knox 18, WestVic 13, Brunswick 12, PEGS 10, Werribee 10, North West Lightning 9.

Fixture: Monash University v WestVic, Werribee v North West Lightning, Brunswick v PEGS, Knox v Yarra Valley, Casey v Mornington Peninsula

Men

Results: Brunswick 4 v Werribee 3, PEGS 5 v Monash University 4, Old Xaverians 4 v Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 1, Melbourne Sikhs 4 v NorthWest 0, Yarra Valley 7 v Casey 1

Ladder: Melbourne Sikhs 30, Old Xaverians 29, Brunswick 28, PEGS 25, Monash University 22, North West Lightning 22, Werribee 12, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 8, Yarra Valley 7, Casey 3.

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

Grundy gets going as Casey curtails Lions

By Marcus Uhe

Brodie Grundy’s life as a permanent fixture in the Casey Demons forward line begun with positive signs, kicking 1.3 in his side’s seven-goal win over Coburg in round 18VFL action.

13.17 (95) indicates a wasteful display from the reigning premiers but the scoreline was supplemented by a number of rushed behinds by the Lions, who could only muster 7.11 (53).

All eyes were on the former Collingwood ruck who started the contest playing out of the goalsquare.

Much of his afternoon was spent deep forward and taking ruck contests in the forward 50, while occasionally pushing higher onto the wings as a lead-up player.

He missed his first two shots on goal before taking the ball cleanly from a boundary throw-in and snapping from close range to nail his only goal of the afternoon late in the second quarter, to the delight of his teammates and no-doubt relief of the man himself.

He finished the afternoon with 12 disposals, 12 hit outs, four marks and four tackles to go with his solitary goal, as he aims to sharpen his forward craft in order to partner with Max Gawn at senior level.

The Demons finished the first term with 3.6 to their opponents’ two behinds, a missed chance to bolster their percentage with finals on the horizon.

They kicked much straighter in the second period, nailing five goals for a 35-point halftime lead.

Grundy, Cranbourne’s George Grey, Melbourne premiership forward Charlie Spargo, Josh Schache and Matthew Jefferson all hit the scoreboard as the gulf between AFLaligned sides and standalone clubs in the VFL came to the fore.

Spargo looked a class-above early in the contest as his ball use stood out among state-league listed counterparts.

He nailed a classy set shot and played a hand in a number of other scoring chains, hitting Schache and Grey inside 50 for majors in the first half.

Jefferson’s second goal in the third term extended Casey’s margin to 43 midway through the quarter as the Lions battled to string together consecutive goals.

325648

They soon found the magic formula and cut the margin to 31, but it only offered brief respite as the reigning premiers kicked the next three for a 48-point lead during the fourth term.

It was as large as the margin reached all afternoon, but the Lions were lucky to not trail by more, finishing -15 in the inside 50 count and taking 12 less shots on goal.

The height afforded through Schache, Grundy and Jefferson in the forward 50 was too much to handle for the Coburg defend-

Rays on a roll

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong has overcome a slow start to defeat the Northern Knights 10.14 74 to 5.3 33 at Genis Steel Oval, Preston.

The Knights scored the only two goals of the first term to go into the first break 11 points ahead, before Dandenong came out firing after the break.

The game completely shifted in the second quarter.

It took just one minute for Sophie Butterworth to kick Dandenong’s first goal.

Elli Symonds put it on a platter for Jemma Reynolds to give Dandenong the first clearance of the term, Kayla Dalgleish laying a tackle inside 50 to keep it locked in.

Nikita Harris (15 disposals, nine tackles) then hit up Butterworth who had front position on her opponent and nailed the set shot from 30.

Butterworth followed it up three minutes later, outsmarting her opponent for a simple snag in the goal square to give the visitors the lead.

Two goals in the last 90 seconds to key-position player Zoe Besanko put an exclamation mark on the quarter, the Rays going into the main break ahead by 16 points.

Another five goals to two in the second half extended the margin, Dandenong owning territory for much of that time, winning the overall inside 50 count 49-17.

Ahead ofVic Country’s first game of the girls championships this week, Butterworth tuned up with four goals, Reynolds had 24 and one goal and Meg Robertson and Mikayla Williamson each accumulated 23 possessions.

FellowVic Country squad member Symonds would also have gained confidence from her ruck battle with Lauren Jatczak, two years older than her and withVFLW experience.

ers, the trio finishing with a combined 17 marks and five goals from 13 shots.

Luke Dunstan, meanwhile, filled the stat sheet with 40 disposals and a goal, to keep his name in the frame for an AFL recall.

James Harmes (33 disposals) and Michael Hibberd (30) were not far behind.

The Dees return home to Casey Fields for the first time since round 15 next week when they host theWilliamstown Seagulls on Sunday in a high-stakes game between two finals aspirants.

Zoe Besanko snagged two in 90 seconds to help Dandenong kick away. 347259

Picture: ROB CAREW

Luke Dunstan amassed 40 disposals and a goal for Casey in Saturday’s win over Coburg.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Sutton-McLellan held out some dangerous shots on goal from Yarra Valley. 347266

Picture: GARY SISSONS