Keen gardeners and environmental warriors from across the South East came together to introduce a little more green to the Grasmere Creek wetlands in Berwick over the weekend.
On Sunday 30 July, community members of all ages enjoyed the sun and planted about 12,000 new trees at the wetlands as part of the Casey Council National Tree Day event. STORY PAGE 13
Casey Council is silent on the State Government’s looming plans to reduce councillors’ planning powers, in the wake of an anti-corruption body’s report into the council on 27 July.
In early 2020, Casey councillors were sacked by the State Government during the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry.
The IBAC report has recommended taking planning decisions out of councillors’ hands and instead being made by independent expert panels.
Casey, which is still under a panel of administrators,wascircumspectonthepossiblemove.
“Council will determine its position when the State Government considers draft legislation following on from the IBAC report,” a spokesperson said.
IBAC deputy commissioner David Wolf said the“complexity and technical capability to deal with planning matters is beyond councillors”.
He also noted their “corruption vulnerabilities”, as well as the“enormous” amount of time required to assess planning applications.
Casey councillors stated they didn’t have time to be across the detail of planning applications, the IBAC report stated.
One of them was its most experienced councillor Wayne Smith, who had “crucial”
casting votes on some planning decisions relating to developer John Woodman.
According to IBAC, Smith “often did not read the voluminous Casey Council planning papers, instead preferring to follow Councillor (Sam) Aziz’s lead because he had confidence in Councillor Aziz’s judgment on those matters”.
IBAC found that Aziz received about $600,000 fromWoodman while supporting the developer and associated entities in planning decisions without declaring his “blatant” conflict of interest.
Premier Daniel Andrews has indicated that the role of local councils in “significant planning decisions” should be reduced, emphasis-
ing the urgent need for housing supply.
“To have part-time councillors making decisions to turn, say, farmland into a new suburb where you’re talking about vast amounts of money – there’s clearly a risk that things can go wrong there.
“There are a lot of councils not making decisions at all. VCAT is having to make all their decisions.(Thecouncilors)sayno,no,noeventhough council officers are saying we should do this.”
Municipal Association of Victoria president David Clark warned the Government not to shift planning powers into the “backrooms of Spring Street”.
CONTINUED PAGE 8
An American memoirist once said that “Family isn’t always blood, it’s the people in your life who want you in theirs: the ones who accept you for who you are, the ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.“
This is no more true than for a group of former Hampton Park playgroup members and their children, who have celebrated 40 years of friendship and love.
The group of six families came together to reminisce and catch up at the Pink Hill Hotel in Beaconsfield on Sunday 30 July.
The group’s former Maternal Health Care Sister Mary Garrett also joined the cohort to celebrate the special occasion.
Lyndhurst resident Jill Pattison organised the event, which involved three generations reuniting after the six families first met in 1983.
“We’ve all sort of stayed very close,“ she said.
“We’ve still kept in contact.
“The kids have all grown up.“
A number of the members have remained in the South East, including members based in Lyndhurst, Drouin, Berwick, Beaconsfield and Emerald.
Ms Pattison said their friendship had remained a constant throughout their and their children’s lives.
“I think it’s worth celebrating,“ she said.
“It’s nice to see some things don’t change.“
A kidnapper who stole a car with a baby inside will be released from prison to stay at a hotel before he is sentenced, despite concerns that he is a risk to the community.
Dean Robertson, 48, has admitted stealing a car from Melbourne’s southeast with an 11-month-old child in the back.
He did not know the child was in a baby capsule behind the passenger seat when he when stole theToyota RAV4 in March 2022 after the child’s mother got out to look at some hard rubbish in Keysborough.
He drove off as the mother screamed and chased after the car, and eventually handed the baby to a group of strangers at a hall in Cranbourne more than three hours later.
Robertson, who pleaded guilty to theft and child stealing, faced the County Court for a pre-sentence hearing by video link from prison on Tuesday.
Judge Duncan Allen flagged he was considering handing Robertson a deferred sentence.
Defence lawyer Amber Hurst asked for Robertson to be released on bail so he can receive better mental health and drug and al-
cohol treatment before he is sentenced.
“This is a man whose prior history is mainly driving offences, who essentially stole a motor vehicle and found a child in the back,“ she told the court.
“He has no history of violent offending but he’s had a substantial time in custody.“
Prosecutor Deanna Caruso was concerned Robertson may reoffend if released from jail.
“There’s high concerns by the prosecutors of risk of reoffending and risk to the community,“ she said.
Robertson was assessed as “stable“ by a court services program, which found he required drug, alcohol and mental health treatment if released, the court was told.
JudgeAllenagreedtoreleaseRobertsonon bail to live at a hotel in East Melbourne while other accommodation is found, because he was homeless when he was arrested.
He must abide by several conditions, including attending a GP for a mental health care plan and participating in court-supervised drug and alcohol treatment.
Robertson will be sentenced in December. · beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas has welcomed the State Government’s reforms to reduce gambling related harm.
On Sunday 16 July, Premier Daniel Andrews announced mandatory pre-commitment limits and cards for all gaming machines.
Gamblers’ ‘load-up’ limits will also drop from $1000 to $100, electronic gaming machines (EGM) spin rates will slow to three seconds a game, and all pokie venues except Crown Casino will close between 4am and 10am.
All measures would be introduced subject to thorough consultation with industry through an implementation working group.
The new reforms arrived at the same time that Mr Maas released the Electronic Gaming Machine Usage in Narre Warren South Parliamentary Internship Report.
Melbourne University student Jack Keating authored the report during his internship with the MP.
The report focused on EGMs or ‘pokies’, in a suburban and socio-economically disadvantaged context, the severity of issues associated with them and detailed the strong public desire for reform and review of EGM usage.
Casey gamblers lost a total of $12,873,929 across EGMs in June and a total of $159 million over the past 12 months, the second highest in the state behind Brimbank.
The report found that the Narre Warren South electorate had an above-average density of EGMs in comparison to the rest of Victoria, as well has one of the highest annual player expenditures on EGMs, with many households experiencing at least $1000 of gaming-losses annually.
The report also detailed that the high accessibility of EGMs in areas neighbouring Narre Warren South contributed to EGM usage.
Mr Maas said the reforms were the first step in reducing gambling harm across the state.
“The State Government is continuously working on harm minimisation strategies, but I know there is more to do,“ he said.
“We need to keep working on supporting individuals and communities that need help dealing with the harmful effects of EGMs and gambling.“
The report’s recommendations included a trial expansion of YourPlay as a universal precommitment scheme, initiatives such as Libraries After Dark to incentivise diverse recreational activity, and further consultation with community leaders and councils on the effects of EGM usage.
Mr Keating said he knew the report would be of great value to Mr Maas’ office and the broader Narre Warren South community.
“I am very pleased to present this report which provides a comprehensive investigation of the mitigating factors to address the severity of EGM harm,“ he said.
More than 200 offences, including 103 speeding drivers, were detected in a police blitz on the South East’s major arterial.
Operation Hammerhead targeted speeding on the Monash Freeway, Princes Highway, and surrounding roads over two nights on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July.
Seventy-three of the speeding drivers were detected travelling between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit during the State Highway Patrol’s blitz.
A further 28 drivers were caught at high speeds of 25km/h or more over the speed limit.
“It was a fantastic experience to intern with Gary Maas MP and to provide this report.“
Mr Andrews said the reforms would help those experiencing gambling harm turn their lives around.
“These reforms will provide the strongest gambling harm preventions and anti-money laundering measures in Australia – we owe it to all Victorians to take this stance,“ he said.
“I look forward to the implementation working group’s input and effort.“
Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne said gambling harm was not restricted to financial losses.
“Everyone loses when it comes to gambling harm...people lose their relationships, their jobs and their wellbeing,“ she said.
“Our previous reforms have delivered stronger oversight of the gambling industry in Victoria with a regulator unafraid to hold venues to account – now we’re doing more important work to reduce gambling-related harm.“
Six motorists were caught drink driving from 166 preliminary breath tests and a further seven drug drivers from 87 roadside drug tests.
Other offences detected during the operation included 13 disqualified/suspended/unlicensed drivers, eight disobey traffic signs/signals, seven vehicle impoundments and three mobile phone infringements.
A total of 230 offences were detected.
“Speeding drivers on Melbourne’s major freeways and highways pose a significant risk to themselves and other road users - particularly those choosing to travel at excessively high speeds,” Road Policing Operations and Investigations Division Superintendent, John Fitzpatrick said.
“It is evident these drivers have a blatant disregard for the road rules and the safety of others.”
Fleetwood Primary School’s Foundation pupils marked a special milestone by looking forward to their future last week.
On Thursday 27 July, the Foundation pupils celebrated their 100th day of school.
Foundation teacher Julianne Macdonald said the pupils dressed up as centenarians, while the teachers dressed up in school uniform.
“Since their very first day, the students have been counting the days to 100, eagerly awaiting this special milestone,“ she said.
“Over the course of the day, the children participated in some fun activities, all centred around the number 100.“
Ms Macdonald said the entire school community also helped to collect more than 150 cans of food.
“To involve the whole school in their celebration, all students from Foundation to Grade Six were asked to bring along a can of food,“ she said.
“The Foundation students counted nearly double that amount, and these were then donated to the Cranbourne Food Truck to assist those in need.
“At the end of a fun day, the 100-year-old students went home for a rest and a nice cup of tea!“
Fleetwood Primary School Foundation pupils Leo, Lucas, Sofia and Setayesh celebrated 100 days of school last week and dressed up as 100-year-olds. Picture: SUPPLIED
Devon Meadows Primary School’s Foundation students walked a slow mile in the shoes of a 100-year-old to celebrate 100 days of school.
On Friday 28 July, Foundation students at Devon Meadows Primary School started the day with a cat walk, showing off their old people costumes and striking some poses.
The cohort then created pictures of what they want to be when they grow up, which varied from donut makers to doctors.
The pupils then celebrated the number 100, creating pictures with 100 shapes, adding to get to 100, plus practising writing numbers all the way up to 100, before finishing off the day by making crowns with their Grade 6 buddies.
The AFL is exploring mandatory helmets and impact-sensing mouthguards to protect players from CTE, a Coronial inquest into Richmond player Shane Tuck has been told.
Tuck, 38, died with severe stage-3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – after a 173game career as well as a brief boxing foray.
He took his own life in his parent’s Berwick home on 20 July 2020.
AFL chief medical officer Michael Makdissi told the Victorian Coroners Court that the league hoped to trial newer helmet designs and materials against a new AFL standard.
“We didn’t have a standard for an AFLspecific helmet. We (had) sort of borrowed our helmets from predominantly from rugby.
“There may be deployment of a helmet that’s suitable either next season or the season after.”
Makdissi said the AFL was considering the mandating of helmets if trials showed they benefited brain health.
“Until we have an idea that they work in the field and there are no unintended consequences like players playing differently and potentially experiencing more head trauma, then I wouldn’t mandate them initially.”
The AFL was also involved in Monash University research on accelerometer mouthguards to measure head impacts.
The mouthguards could be “rolled out” as early as next season, or the season after, Makdissi said.
“It might start off as a recommended moving to a mandatory, I just don’t know how the (research) data is going to come out.”
Shane Tuck’s sister Renee Tuck told the Coroners’ Court that her family was “a man down” because of CTE. It brought a “strong man absolutely to his knees and to his death”.
“I have heard some bystanders and sup-
porters say, ‘they play footy, they know what they’re getting into’ or ‘they get paid enough’.
“But this is not true.
“No one who was made aware, as Shane was not, would ever wish this upon themselves.
“When it comes to CTE, prevention is the cure and education is the power.”
On an array of medications, Tuck reported that it didn’t stop him hearing voices.
“Three long weeks of Shane in hospital and no medication or treatments would even touch the sides of his distress.
“Little did we know that his brain was rotting away – what had started so slowly years before was ramping up to be a horrific finale,
making Shane’s final days on earth a war zone in his head.”
Her family would never be “fully healed” from watching Shane being “taken away from us and from himself slowly, and in such a cruel manner by this disease, unable to stop his pain and suffering.”
“Two children will have to endure the rest of their futures without their dad.
“Shane was a good, hard player who copped knees, elbows, feet to the head in the scrums of those games, game after game, week after week.
“Shane wanted so much to do his best and he put himself through the ringer for
it without complaints.
“He threw himself over that ball quarter by quarter, week in week out.
“Shane was disciplined and wanted to make his team and coach proud –and now he’s dead.”
Tuck’s brain was donated to the Australian Sports Brain Bank.
“Shane’s brain was riddled with CTE lesions – he had the worst diseased brain Professor Michael Buckland had ever seen.
“Not a day goes by without him being thought of.
“Shane is incredibly missed, and he is always loved.”
A drug and alcohol support program, Path2Home, is to launch in Cranbourne West on Monday 7 August for the community.
Nas Recovery Centre, a community based alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and mental health treatment in Greater Melbourne has brought the Path2Home project to Cranbourne, specifically targeting the African communities.
The eight week program, Path2Home is targeted to support the vulnerable population, African youth from 15 years of age and up along with their families.
Managing director, Nyachan Byak said they’re excited to accommodate the community at this launch.
“We would be honoured to have locals join this significant day and be part of a noble cause.
The launch will provide everyone the opportunity to network with our partners, clients and community members.”
Participants of the program are able to attend three days a week to participate in group therapies as well as individual support.
“We provide comprehensive assessment and intake services, education, information
and advocacy to consumers of substance use disorder and associated mental health challenges.”
The program also delivers social events for clients to re-integrate with the community in healthy ways.
Path2Home will be launched with the help of Department of Justice and Community Safety to provide tailored rehab program, necessary resources and therapeutic guidance to the youth struggling with alcohol and other drugs (AOD)related issues.
“We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where individuals can overcome substance disorders and mental health challenges,” Ms Nyak said.
“Our treatment services are culturally sensitive, community-based and are targeted to improve outcomes, reduce offending rates and foster the overall well-being of African communities.”
The program will help individuals to regain stability and security in their lives to level out the current situation in the African communities.
NAS also offer family support, case management, drugs and alcohol intensive day programs, counselling, road safety behaviour change and much more.
I was pleased to hear Tasmanian Greens Senator Nick McKim calling for a Royal Commission into Australia’s off -shore detention policy when speaking on ABC RN on 26 July. He spoke of the allegations of corruption linked to detention of refugees on Manus Island and Nauru over the past 10 years and of how both Liberal and Labor governments had policies that deliberately harmed adults and children alike. Senior Home Affairs officials who knew of the extent of the harm and cruelty did nothing to intervene despite the Government Audit office criticising the polices and processes. Our Prime Minister at the time Scott Morrison knew full well what was happening.
Our “Christian” Prime Minister let this continue on his watch as did our now Leader
of the Opposition, Peter Dutton.
We should all be ashamed that our country behaved so inhumanely toward people who came here seeking safety and help. By far the majority of those who arrived by boat and were thus destined to spend up to 10 years in offshore detention, were found to be genuine refugees. Our country had an obligation as signatory to the Human Rights Convention to provide sanctuary, but instead inflicted torture and deliberate harm from which many of them will possibly never recover. Amnesty International, after a rigorous assessment of Australia’s off shore detention regime found it akin to torture. This was on the watch of Mr Morrision and Mr Dutton who used it as a message to asylum seekers that they should not try and enter Australia.
As well as making these centres a living hell for detainees we are now reading reports
Casey residents over the age of 65 who are living with dementia can now access rehabilitation activities to support independence and wellbeing.
Aged care provider and home care provider Encara is offering the Dementia Rehabilitation Program free of charge to eligible participants. Fully funded by the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), the program will combine therapeutic interventions, education, and personalised care, integrating allied health with holistic modalities including art therapy and music therapy.
Across the South East, about 11,000 people are living with a diagnosis of dementia, with about a third of this group residing in the Mornington Peninsula and Casey local government areas. The Dementia Rehabilitation Program will run over 12 weeks and offers personalised care, evidence based interventions, and a collaborative approach led by a team of allied health professionals.
The program aims to empower individuals with reablement and engagement activities whilst supporting their families and care partners with education about living with dementia.
The program will include:
· Personalised interventions to promote independence;
· Home visits by occupational therapists to assess and support daily living activities;
· Podiatry assessment and ongoing therapy for comfortable footwear and overall foot care’
· Physiotherapy sessions to improve balance, strength, and mobility;
· Access to additional allied health services, including dietetics and speech therapy, aromatherapy, art therapy and music therapy; and
· Ongoing education and support for participants and their families.
For more information on the program, visit www.encara.com.au, call 1300 761 965 or email dementia@encara.com.au.
Thumbs up
Casey Council thumbs up for upgradingtheBlindBightplayground; thumbs down for not opening it up for a couple of weeks and leaving it for kids to look at only.
Thumbs up
I give a thumbs up to Emojis that allow me to take a short cut in communication when texting.
Thumbs down
To Casey admin council who approved the Hampton Park Hill proposal despite over 1000 residents saying no. Useless.
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To the community activities over the school holidays. They definitely keep my kids entertained!!
Thumbs down
To all the drivers around Casey. They all drive like they don’t wanna see tomorrow
Thumbs down
To the rude Casey ARC staff member that spoke down to an adult customer like she was child and stupid.
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The council administrators for not supporting the residents and rejecting the Hampton Park Development Plan and for wasting everyone’s family time and groundwork to write submissions to gauge if
in the media about the levels of corruption linked to the outrageously high amounts of money our taxes spent on inflicting this harm.
Payments to members of the Nauruan Government and to staff in our Home Affairs department from shonky security companies. These policies were paid for by the hard-working Australian tax payers- literally billions of dollars! It is a shameful story and it is time we saw a Royal Commission held into offshore immigration detention and the associated corruption.
Margaret Edwards, Berwick
I can’t believe I was a Casey councillor in these troubled times of the IBAC findings. I was always an independent councillor, not
we supported or opposed the plan when they knew that they must endorse the plan in the first place. This was totally misleading and meant that ratepayers don’t have a voice in this, shame on the council.
Thumbs up
www.U3Acranbourne.org.au - a great place to meet new people and learn new skills for the over 50s.
Thumbs down
To all the pot holes. Despite every route I need to go being under road works, the roads are full of holes.
Thumbs down
For the intersection of Wellington and the Berwick Roads - another serious accident.
Thumbs down
For lack of phone service in Clyde and Clyde North and horrible peak hour traffic on roads that simply cannot service the traffic from the new estates.
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To potholes - another car rim damaged due to hitting one on Clyde Road!
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To lack of phone reception - it’s beyond a joke!
Thumbs up
To The Ten Tenors playing at Bunjil Place, love Bunjil.
supporting any political party.
I never knew or met John Woodman and I certainly was not a part of any bloc which a few of the ex-councillors denied and voted on supporting a certain councillor. Following the IBAC inquiry I could put two and two together and realised what they had done. I will never forgive their arrogance on bringing down such a great City of Casey, which has now become tarnished by greed. I was never sacked, once I learned about the inquiry I resigned as I was having nothing to do with the alleged corruption.
If any of the bloc think about running in the 2024 council elections, think again because I will work my hardest so you don’t get in.
Rex Flannery, Narre Warren SouthCasey South has the highest proportion of distressed property sales in the state, according to Domain data.
Distressed property sales come from homeowners needing to sell their homes urgently, usually at a discounted price.
Cranbourne West resident Courtney Blakey is among those urgently trying to sell their properties, as mortgage rate increases go beyond what she can viably afford.
“My fixed rate expires this month, I was on a 1.89 per cent interest rate, my repayments were only $1235 per month, cheaper then most rentals,“ she said.
“My payments have gone from $1235 per month to $1926 as of August, hence the rush to sell my house as I cannot pay $1926 per month.
“I have had to borrow money off my dad who should be retiring and have moved to a rental property.“
Ms Blakey said while her new rental
payments are still expensive as a single parent, they are cheaper than what she would be paying after her mortgage payments
increase next month.
The inflated housing costs have not only cost her the ability to own her own home, but have affected the wellbeing of her family.
“We can no longer go and do fun things, I have to watch every cent,” she said.
“We haven’t had a holiday for around 5 years.
“Even just the little things of going to a movie every now and again, the cost of living and interest rate is killing everyone, but especially harming single parents.”
Casey South has seen the highest percentage point rise in the state over the past year, increasing from 3.1 per cent of total listings in June 2022 to 4.6 per cent in June 2023.
“We are finding that several investors and home owners are struggling with the continuing interest rises and cost of living and this is causing financial hardship for many families which in now resulting in them having to sell their homes as they have no choice,“ said Victorian House and Land Specialists Rental Department Manager Courtney Shaw.
“The City of Casey is the home of many young families as it was an affordable option to buy when rates were lower.
“With the rates rising the repayments are now not manageable for many.”
Mrs Shaw said the average mortgage has gone up by around $1500 per month since the rates starting rising.
“We will continue to see many more properties coming on the market in coming months.”
While Casey South is seeing more urgent property listings, Casey North has shown a 0.2 per cent decrease in distressed listings in the past 12 months.
Cardinia and Dandenong are trending upward, with Cardinia showing a 1 per cent increase in distressed sales and Dandenong totalling a 0.1 per cent increase.
According to the data, the region with the largest decrease in distressed listings is the Mornington Peninsula, which dropped from 2.2 per cent in June 2022 to 1.1 per cent in June 2023.
Students across the South East will soon have better access to a great education, with the Andrews Labor Government acquiring land for a new primary school in Clyde North.
With an interim name of ThompsonsWest Primary School, the new school will be situated on Thompsons Road and will provide up to 650 local students with a place to learn, prosper and make lifelong friendships.
Opening in 2025, the new school will support local families by increasing capacity for
growing student numbers in the area and relieving pressure on existing schools.
With construction set to start in October 2023, the school will be built with a share of $573.2 million invested in the 2023-24 State Budget.
Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said they were proud to secure the land to provide local families with access to modern facilities and world-class education.
“We’re continuing to build and upgrade
The South East Business Conference aims to connect and advocate for Victoria’s south east as Australia’s future business hub.
Highly respected speakers: Bernard Salt AM, Simon McKeon AO, Carolyn Creswell and Todd Trimble will share stories and insights to inspire connectivity.
schools across the state, so our students have the best spaces to learn, our classrooms have the best teachers, and every child gets a great education close to home,“ she said.
South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis said the land acquisition was a “fantastic milestone“ for education in the South East.
“As Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs grow, we need more educational options for our children,“ he said.
Casey chief executives had “misgivings” about councillor conduct but felt limited in what they could do, the IBAC Operation Sandon report found.
A “culture of avoidance” and a lack of “adequate safeguards” at Casey Council allowed developer John Woodman’s “improper” influence over councillors to “flourish unchecked”, IBAC reported.
Mayors Geoff Ablett and Sam Aziz received about $1.15 million in benefits fromWoodman while ushering through council planning decisions in favour of Woodman’s interests, the report found.
Councillors repeatedly failed to declare clear conflicts of interest, manipulated decision-making processes and bullied council officers and other councillors.
“‘I can’t get up and say, “Mr Mayor, I don’t agree with the council, it’s not urgent”,” former chief executive Mike Tyler told the inquiry.
“It’s not up to me [as CEO] to debate, I didn’t have that [authority]’.”
This was in relation to what Tyler termed an “unusual” ‘urgent business’ motion rushed onto the agenda of a 2014 meeting by Aziz, before council officers could review the idea and give advice to councillors.
It started the push for Amendment C219 to rezone industrial land for housing in Cranbourne West and represented a $35 million windfall gain for developer Leighton Properties, who hiredWoodman as a consultant.
However, the proposal was rejected as “lacking strategic justification” by local and State planning officials.
Tyler, who opposed C219, was later pushed to resign by then-mayor Ablett.
With the support of Aziz and Cr Amanda Stapledon, Ablett cited councillors had lost confidence in him.
Among their‘serious issues’ was councillors being separated or “locked out” of the administrators’ wing at the new Bunjil Place offices.
“CEOs have done the right thing and asserted themselves around all sorts of matters with councillors, and haven’t – the outcome
hasn’t been positive for them in terms of their continued employment,” current CEO Glenn Patterson told the inquiry.
Councillors elected Aziz as mayor weeks after a misconduct finding against him for a “pattern of bullying” another councillor in 2015.
“The panel process not only delivered an inadequate outcome, but was fraught with personal or political risks for the complainant, who withdrew part of their application – which sought a finding of gross misconduct – in order to bring the matter to a close,” the report stated.
IBAC quoted the Municipal Monitor’s report into Casey Council in 2020 that there was an ‘avoidance culture’ among councillors.
“There is an overriding view that if one or both councillors, at the centre of the investigation to date, were removed everything would be all right and that the remaining councillors have ‘done nothing wrong’,” the Monitor reported.
The Sandon report stated that councillors repeatedly failed to declare or fulling disclose conflicts of interest.
Aziz “blatantly failed” to declare conflicts involving his personal interests and councillor duties.
Ablett, Stapledon and councillors Wayne Smith and Susan Serey claimed ignorance of
the parties affected by a planning decision or the source of donations to them.
“As Councillor Aziz’s conduct and explanations make clear, his failure to disclose conflicts of interest was not due to a lack of understanding of what constitutes a conflict of interest or how a declaration should be made,“ the report read.
“Rather, he did not perceive the environment in which he operated as likely to lead to exposure of his conflicts or to preclude him from exerting influence on decisions in which he had a clear conflict of interest.”
IBAC recommended supporting council chief executives to mandatorily report councillors’ serious misconduct such as breaches of conflict-of-interest.
It also called for stronger and universal Model councillor codes of conduct, governance rules and transparency policies for meetings across all councils.
They included more stringent reporting of donations and conflicts-of-interest, stronger punishments and more effective ways to deal with councillor misconduct.
Casey Council – whose councillors were sacked during the Sandon inquiry – has been under a Panel of Administrators since 2020.
“Operation Sandon focused on very specific planning and developer matters and highlighted alleged impropriety and conflicts
Former councillor and Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) chairperson
Brian Oates say Casey desperately needs “good candidates“ at the next council elections in the wake of IBAC’s anti-corruption report.
IBAC tabled its special report in Parliament on Thursday 27 July following action spanning back to November 2017 as part of Operation Sandon.
The investigation centred on four planning proposals involving John Woodman and his clients, including one to rezone land in Cranbourne West as residential to increase its value.
IBAC found former Casey mayors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett accepted more than $1.15 million in payments and in-kind support for promoting developer John Woodman or his clients’ interests on council,
Under state law, IBAC is barred from publicly stating people engaged in criminal, corrupt conduct.
However, the anti-corruption watchdog is able to refer alleged criminality to the Office of Public Prosecutions, which would decide whether to pursue charges.
Mr Oates said the report and the investigation was “narrowly focused“.
“There was no mention of corruption,“ he said.
“I think the community wants to see some reimbursements.“
Mr Oates joined Casey Council as a councillor in 1997 and as mayor in 2005, and served until he decided to not run for reelection in the 2008 election.
“I could see where things were going,“ he said.
“People didn’t seem to understand what
fiduciary responsibilities did.“
The State Government dismissed all councillors on 19 February 2020 and appointed a Panel of Administrators.
Mr Oates said the community needed a council with elected councillors to seek support and advice.
“A lot of the people are very upset,“ he said.
“Really, there’s no big initiatives.“
Mr Oates said the CRRA had already started canvassing and mentoring potential candidates in the elections for next year.
“We want to increase the understanding of what councillors do,“ he said.
“We also want to get good candidates.“
Mr Oates said he was hopeful a new Casey Council could rebuild the momentum Casey had before the council was sacked.
“We were one of the fastest growing municipalities,“ he said.
“We were at the top of the list.“
Former Casey councillor and deputy mayor Rex Flannery resigned from the council in February 2020, a week before the entire council was sacked.
Speaking in the wake of the report’s release, he said he always acted independently and did not support any political party.
“I can’t believe I was a Casey councillor in these troubled times of the IBAC findings,“ Mr Flannery said.
“I never knew or met John Woodman and I certainly was not apart of any bloc which a few of the ex-councillors denied and voted on supporting a certain councillor.
“While following the IBAC inquiry I could put two and two together and realised what they had done.
Mr Flannery said he would oppose any former councillors from running in the 2024 elections.
“I will never forgive their arrogance on bringing down such a great City of Casey, which has now become tarnished by greed,“ he said.
“I was never sacked, once I learned about the inquiry, I resigned as I was having nothing to do with their alleged corruption.“
Former councillor Steve Beardon resigned during his second term in March 2017.
Speaking on the report, he said he finally felt vindicated.
“I worked so hard to be elected and represent Casey and most importantly the wonderful community of Cranbourne,“ he said.
“It was very very difficult to resign.
“However, resign I did rather than be part of Casey Council.“
of interest by former councillors, not Ccouncil officers,” the council stated in response to the IBAC report.
“At no time has the conduct or professionalism of council officers been called into question.”
It states it has delivered reforms in conflicts-of-interest, governance, councillor protocols in land-use planning and a policy to guide strategic planning scheme amendment requests from developers.
Casey also launched a Community Leadership Program for emerging and existing community leaders.
“Council has been delivering on the reform recommendations set out in the Municipal Monitor’s Report and is committed to undertaking any additional work necessary towards improving Governance at Casey, in line with the IBAC recommendations,” chair of administrators Noelene Duff said.
In his response to the report,Woodman denied acting improperly or illegally.
Ablett also rejected IBAC’s inferences of corrupt, illegal or unethical behaviour.
IBAC stated it rejected both submissions. Aziz didn’t formally respond to the report but has publicly denied any wrongdoing.
Chief executives Tyson and Patterson were clear of “any adverse comment or opinion“, the report stated.
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He said this was an opportunity to improve transparency and accountability in the planning system.
“With the report clearly stating that corruption risk cannot be resolved by transferring responsibility from elected councillors to a minister, it would be a travesty for the Andrews Government to use the findings to centralise planning powers within the backrooms of Spring Street.”
Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster defended the council’s “vital role” in planning decisions.
“Greater Dandenong City Council feels strongly that it has a vital role to play in the decision-making process on town planning matters within its municipality and is the most appropriate level of government to know and represent the interests of its community.”
Since 2020, Casey has endorsed a new protocol and policy for its councillors’ role in land-use planning.
Other changes include:
· Reviewing governance and integrity systems at the City of Casey .
· Setting out a clear governance audit and action plan .
· Developing a new policy to guide strategic planning scheme amendment requests from proponents/developers.
· Reviewed delegations to ensure they are appropriate.
· embedding conflict of interest obligations.
Casey stated that its formal response to the IBAC report and recommendations will be tabled at a future council meeting.
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards has escaped without any adverse findings made against her in the final Operation Sandon report.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) released its final report on Thursday 27 July following a damning and long-awaited anti-corruption report involving Casey councillors and property developers.
IBAC’s investigation was primarily concerned with four planning matters involving property developer JohnWoodman and his associates.
IBAC made a total of 34 recommendations to promote transparency in planning decisions and enhance donation and lobbying regulation in its long-awaited final report into allegations of corrupt conduct between property developers and councillors at Casey Council.
Each matter involved Casey Council as the decision maker and two required the planning minister’s approval.
Ms Richards faced IBAC last November, where she was grilled about her connections with Mr Woodman and Labor lobbyist Phil Staindl.
One of the main lines of questioning surrounded a $20,000 donation made by Mr Woodman to Ms Richards’ 2018 Victorian state election campaign.
According to the IBAC report, Ms Richards met with Mr Staindl and Mr Woodman at a hotel in October 2018.
At the time, Mr Woodman and associates were trying to “cultivate support” from local state candidates for Amendment C219, a proposed rezoning of industrial land to residential in Cranbourne West.
“In the case of Ms Richards, it appears that Mr Woodman expected to receive a commitment to his project in return for campaign donations,” IBAC stated.
“However, IBAC did not find any evidence to suggest that Ms Richards approached the Minister for Planning or their office on this
issue.” Ms Richards admitted she could have been more circumspect in accepting Mr Woodman’s “generous offer”, but denied furthering his interests, which IBAC accepted.
In a statement released on Thursday 27 July, Ms Richards said she welcomed the report’s findings in clearing her name of any adverse findings.
“I am pleased that IBAC’s report has confirmed I did not make any representations on behalf of Mr Woodman, nor did I approach the Minister for Planning or his office,“ she said.
“IBAC also confirms I unequivocally attempted to let Mr Woodman know I would not be advancing the matter, and did not agree to any involvement in doing so with the Minister or his office.
“I look forward to continuing to represent Cranbourne, a community which I love and who have placed their trust in me, to the very best of my ability.“
In a press conference on Thursday 27 July, Premier Daniel Andrews faced a number of questions about Ms Richards’ actions and relationship with Mr Woodman and was upfront in fervently defending her reputation as
a local MP who fights hard for the best outcomes for her community.
“I know Pauline Richards, I know she’s a person of absolute integrity and character,“ he said.
“I can think of no one who works harder for their local community than she does and there are no findings made against her whatsoever.“
Speaking on donations made to her campaign, Mr Andrews said the donations were lawful.
“The donations were declared,“ he said.
“There was a proposition to go further and do something and she did not.“
Other former MPs named in the report and questioned during the public proceedings included former Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley and former Cranbourne MP Jude Perera.
IBAC found Woodman donated to their campaigns, and that both MPs lobbied the Planning Minister or their advisor for Amendment C219.
“Mr Perera contended that this did not generate any sense of obligation... that assertion was contradicted by the lengths to which Mr Perera went to further Mr Woodman’s requests and objectives,“ IBAC reported.
According to the report, Ms Graley received $12,500 from Mr Woodman in financial support for her 2014 Victorian state election campaign and was approached to lobby the Planning Minister on Amendment C219. In evidence, she said that she did not approach the Minister or their office, but did have an informal hallway discussion with an advisor to the minister.
However, Mr Staindl sent an email to Mr Woodman on 20 June 2018 said, referring to Ms Graley as ’our good friend in the south east’.
In a submission to IBAC, Mr Wynne said he dealt with Ms Graley and Mr Perera’s queries in the same way he would deal with any other query.
“I have always found that Mr Perera and Ms Graley were respectful of my role in Parliament and of my role as the Minister for Planning
and I never identified anything inappropriate about their communications or interactions with me,“ he said.
“I was unaware of any potential impropriety in relation to planning matters in the City of Casey, and dealt with queries about those matters from MPs in the same way that I would deal with a query on any other matter.“
During the examination, Ms Graley denied knowing that Mr Woodman donated to her campaign.
“I was never promoting Mr Woodman’s interests,“ she said during the public proceedings.
Mr Woodman also donated a further $15,000 to Mr Perera’s 2014 Victorian state election, with more than $20,000 donated to his Cranbourne State Electorate Campaign Committee electorate account between May 2013 and May 2015 from MrWoodman , as well as in-kind support.
Mr Perera also tabled a petition organised by Woodman associate Megan Schutz, and a letter to the Planning Minister based largely on Ms Schutz’s briefing note.
During the public proceedings, Mr Perera said his formal submission in favour of a land rezoning was effectively written by developer John Woodman’s planning consultant Megan Schutz.
At the Operation Sandon inquiry, Mr Perera agreed that his signed submission to Casey Council in 2017 was “predominantly if not wholly a simple replication of Megan Schutz’s points”.
Mr Perera also tabled a petition organised by Woodman associate Megan Schutz, and a letter to the Planning Minister based largely on Ms Schutz’s briefing note.
Ms Schutz also made frequent contact with Mr Perera’s office between 2002 and 2018, on behalf of the Save Cranbourne West Residents Action Group (SCWRAG), to lobby for Amendment C219.
To view the full report, visit https://www. ibac.vic.gov.au/operation-sandon-specialreport.
Premier Daniel Andrews says he had “no recollection” of controversial developer John Woodman raising planning matters with him, an IBAC report has noted.
The Premier’s private evidence to the Operation Sandon inquiry was summarised in the Operation Sandon report tabled on 27 July.
Andrews told IBAC he had “no recollection” of Woodman and his associates raising planning matters with him, such as at Progressive Business ‘Premier and Cabinet’ dinner fundraisers for the ALP.
Woodman famously bid more than $10,000 at a political fundraiser to win a lunch with the Premier.
According toWoodman’s ALP lobbyist Phil Staindl, discussion of planning issues was embargoed at the lunch.
“He instead characterised it as a relationship-building exercise,” IBAC reported.
Andrews’ evidence was at some odds with Staindl about a conversation between the lobbyist and the Premier at a function.
According to Staindl’s phone-tapped retelling to Woodman, “the Premier praised Mr Woodman’s contribution to the Labor Party and lamented the fact that MrWoodman was being pursued with allegations of corruption by a journalist who was an ‘arsehole’,” IBAC stated.
“Mr Staindl said the Premier asked him to apologise to Mr Woodman for the Minister for Planning’s deferral of their decision on Amendment C219 because of those allegations (in The Age in late 2018).”
Staindl also claimed the Premier wanted to call Woodman, so he gave Woodman’s phone number to the Premier.
At IBAC, Andrews did not dispute he may
have had a conversation with Staindl but stated that he could not recall if he did, or even whether Staindl was at that event.
However parts of Staindl’s account did not “ring true” or “sit well” with Andrews.
“He stated that it was not his practice to speak about journalists in the terms alleged,“ the report read.
Andrews said it was highly unlikely he would have asked Staindl to convey an apology to Woodman, or that he would have
calledWoodman to talk about a planning application, IBAC reported.
IBAC noted Staindl may have “embellished” the account to Woodman but found that Andrews made reference to The Age article, the planning decision’s deferment and that he “invited Mr Staindl to convey to Mr Woodman his regret that this occurred”.
On the day of the report’s release, Andrews noted that IBAC found he was not the subject of “adverse commentary”.
On the ‘arsehole’ tag, he said “I am not in the habit of referring to journalists in those terms”.
He said he was unsure when he first met Woodman – who has claimed he knew Andrews since the Premier had “pimples”.
“I don’t know what my complexion looked like at the time or when it was,“ Mr Andrews said.
“I don’t have a relationship with him.”
He also didn’t have Woodman’s number, nor did he think he rang Woodman.
“I don’t know if I ever had his number. I don’t speak to people about individual planning matters – I just don’t do it,“ Mr Andrews said.
He highlighted the “shameful” “suitcases of cash” handled by “Liberal councillors in the City of Casey” detailed in the IBAC report.
“We sacked the Casey Council of course and I think we were right to do that,“ Mr Andrews said.
“I behave appropriately at all times.
“Any donations made to my party are properly and transparently declared in line with the rules.“
When asked about his private IBAC hearing, Andrews said public hearings were held where there was a reasonable suspicion of corrupt conduct.
“I haven’t done anything wrong,“ he said.
Opposition leader John Pesutto stated the “damning report shines further light on the culture of secrecy, cover-ups, cosy relationships, dodgy payments and favours for mates that’s flourished under Daniel Andrews”.
“The Premier won’t apologise for cancelling the Commonwealth Games, but he’s happy to apologise to a property developer who paid thousands of dollars to get access to him,“ he said.
Criminal charges and sweeping planning reforms may follow a damning and long-awaited anti-corruption report involving Casey councillors and property developers.
Former Casey mayors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett accepted more than $1.15 million in payments and in-kind support for promoting developer John Woodman or his clients’ interests on council, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission found.
Under state law, IBAC is barred from publicly stating people engaged in criminal, corrupt conduct. However, the anti-corruption watchdog is able to refer alleged criminality to the Office of Public Prosecutions, which would decide whether to pursue charges.
“There’s a process for doing that. It hasn’t been done yet,” IBAC acting commissioner Stephen Farrow said.
“The advice I have is that will be happening very quickly.”
Among the IBAC Operation Sandon report’s 34 recommendations is to take land planning decisions out of the hands of councillors.
It advises to shift the decisions to “council planning professionals” or “independent expert panels”.
Also it recommends prohibiting political donations from “high-risk” groups such as developers.
Mr Aziz received about $600,000 from Mr Woodman and Woodman-controlled entities in the form of investment returns, consultancy fees and cash, according to the report.
Mr Aziz also “marketed” his ability to influence council decisions for various other parties. He received more than $450,000 in further benefits from them.
Meanwhile, Mr Ablett gained more than $550,000 in payments and other financial benefits from Mr Woodman.
Many of the “elaborate” financial arrangements were designed to give the “appearance of legitimacy”, Mr Farrow said.
“Councillors are elected to make decisions in the public interest.
“If they are receiving significant, undeclared financial benefits, and there are elaborate steps that have been taken to conceal the nature and source of those benefits, that is obviously very alarming.”
The two councillors did not declare the conflicts of interest on many occasions.
When they did declare and absent themselves from council decisions, they still sought to influence their councillor colleagues, IBAC reported.
As a group, Casey councillors exhibited and tolerated behaviour that was below the standards expected of them, Mr Farrow said.
Some made a “conscious departure” from the standards, others had a “poor understanding” of their obligations.
IBAC deputy commissioner DavidWolf said the report was a “pivotal moment” for local government in Victoria.
It “laid bare” corruption risks in council decision-making as well as with political donations at state and local government levels.
“What is clear is that the conduct of individual councillors severely damaged the standing of Casey Council with their local community.
“But more so, this unambiguous breach of public trust had a reputational ripple effect for councils across the entire state, epitomising what communities loathe in their public officials.
“It showed the ease with which council governance requirements can be manipulated or disregarded by councillors who are minded to do so.”
Mr Wolf said IBAC recommended “extensive reforms” to reduce the incentive to act corruptly, such as the windfall gains for owners of rezoned land.
On taking local councillors out of planning decisions, Mr Wolf said “the complexity and technical capability to deal with planning matters is beyond councillors”.
“What was also exposed was the enormous amount of time that councillors were spending on planning matters, on matters where they don’t have the capability to deal with.
“And then of course, you have the corruption vulnerabilities exposed in this report.“
The change was “aimed at delivering better planning outcomes for the entire community, not just small elements of the community”.
Mr Farrow said IBAC was implementing a Coronial recommendation to alleviate witness’s uncertainty about being prosecuted as soon as possible.
This followed the suicide of former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon, who had been publicly examined in the IBAC inquiry.
IBAC had also introduced other witness welfare reforms, including a specialist witness liaison team, Mr Farrow said.
Premier Daniel Andrews’s evidence did not meet the test for a public examination or amount to “adverse” findings.
“The reason it is in the report is it provides important context to building on (political donation and lobbying) reforms that IBAC recommended late last year,“ Mr Farrow said.
“Clearly a well-resourced person who gains access to one of the senior decision-makers in this state needs to be looked at carefully.”
In 2016, Mr Woodman made a $10,000 winning bid at a political fundraiser to have lunch with Mr Andrews.
A Woodman lobbyist gave evidence that there was an embargo on discussing planning matters at the Flower Drum lunch.
It was described as a “relationship building exercise”, Mr Farrow said.
In a separate conversation, Mr Andrews asked the lobbyist to convey his regret to Mr Woodman that a planning decision had been deferred by the Government, Mr Farrow said.
Starting in 2018, the complex investigation spanned 40 days of public hearings as well as seven private examinations.
Springvale-raised developer John Woodman has denied he “improperly” sought to influence Casey councillors in IBAC’s Operation Sandon report.
According to IBAC, councillors Ablett and Aziz received more than $550,000 each from Woodman and promoted the developers interests in Casey planning decisions such as Amendment C219, the H3 intersection and Pavilion Estate.
For Ablett, Woodman paid part-shares in a race horse, credit card debts, legal fees as well as in-kind engineering, survey and planning work on Ablett’s Curwen Road property.
He also allegedly paid Ablett more than $200,000 for managing the ‘family equine interests’ and vet costs and $168,812 for Curwen Road.
Meanwhile, Aziz was paid more than $600,000 – on top of $600,000 that Aziz handed to Woodman in the form of ‘cash in a suitcase’.
Both councillors have denied any wrongdoing.
IBAC claimed Woodman also “improperly influenced” two other councillors with indirect support such as donating to election campaigns or causes benefiting the councillors.
In his submission to IBAC, Woodman responded that none of the benefits he provided were illegal or improper.
Woodman denied having a “core group of councillors” to support his interests.
Two key figures in a property development scandal examined by a corruption watchdog have launched a colourful defence, claiming they never paid or accepted bribes.
Developer John Woodman and former Casey councillor Sameh Aziz presented their cases during an eccentric 90-minute address plagued by technical difficulties on Monday.
It involved snippets from a silent film, a poster stating “something is wrong in the state of IBAC“ in reference to a Shakespeare’s Hamlet and a video of a football bouncing across an NRL pitch.
A report from the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission’s tabled in parliament last week found Mr Aziz and his colleague Geoff Ablett accepted almost $1.2 million in payments to promote the interests of Mr Woodman and his clients.
The Operation Sandon report said the pair repeatedly failed to declare conflicts of interest and continued trying to influence other councillors even when they did.
“Following June 2016 Watsons (Woodman’s company) had no involvement in planning at the local government level, only state government,” he submitted.
“The evidence is that any influence by Mr Woodman as a consultant was for the proper decisions not improper associated with C219, Brompton Lodge, H3 Intersection and Pavilion Estate.”
However, IBAC rejected Woodman’s arguments.
“For over a decade, Mr Woodman improperly sought to influence councillors to facilitate favourable council decisions,” IBAC stated.
Aziz and Ablett supported the projects and failed to declare conflicts of interest on “many occasions”, it found.
“This conduct was able to flourish unchecked because the City of Casey Council lacked adequate safeguards to ensure core standards of integrity were met,“ the report read.
At the State Government level, Woodman sought to influence by “paying lobbyists” and “cultivating relationships” with MPs, ministers and political staff, IBAC found.
He donated generously to party coffers, as well as nearly $170,000 to ALP and Liberal candidates’ campaigns in 2014 and 2018 state elections.
Woodman also covertly supplied close to $100,000 for 11 ‘friendly’ Casey Council election candidates’ campaigns in 2016, IBAC found.
Save Cranbourne West Residents Action Group was financed by developer Leightons - which hired Woodman as a consultant - and was directed behind the scenes by Woodman and his associates.
SCWRAG president Ray Walker and his spouse received $190,000 in consultancy and data-collection fees from Watsons and a Woodman associated Schutz Consulting.
The rewards of success were high.
If Amendment C219 was approved, 123 hectares of industrial land in CranbourneWest would become housing - and worth $35 million more.
Woodman stood to gain a $2 million success fee.
Woodman’s legal attempts to halt the tabling of the IBAC report came to the end after aVictorian Supreme Court of Appeal dismissal on 24 July.
On 31 July, Woodman was set to lead a select media conference.
According to a media alert ahead of the presser, Woodman was part of a “group of victims whose lives have been ruined forever by IBAC’s reckless and dishonest actions during Operation Sandon”.
It cited the “tragic suicide” of former mayor Amanda Stapledon, who took her life in early 2022.
“We will present evidence never before seen by the public,“ the media alert read.
Beyond the council, Mr Woodman also donated more than $470,000 to the Labor and Liberal parties between 2010 and 2019 to access state decisionmakers and to the election campaigns of three Labor MPs.
During the press conference on Monday, Mr Woodman and Mr Aziz denied anything inappropriate took place.
Mr Woodman called the report “302 pages of lies, half truths and hoax“ and was frustrated the commission did not include his lengthy submission in its final report.
He denied bribing any Casey councillors and said there was nothing improper about donating to political parties as long as there was nothing expected in return.
Mr Aziz spent much of the presentation clicking through slides for Mr Woodman before saying he did not accept bribes and would defend any allegations against him.
He said regretted once paying cash to MrWoodman in a suitcase but insisted it was connected to an investment scheme and he received interest on the money.
“If I had my time again, I don’t think I would have conveyed the money to him in that manner, because obviously the issue of a suitcase and cash raises all this imagery about bribery and impropriety,“ Mr Aziz said.
The Independent Broad-based Anticorruption Commission declined to comment.
Greater Dandenong proudly celebrates its diversity, and this string of Drum Theatre shows display just what makes our community so vibrant.
Enjoy storytelling, original songs and dance with the winner of four Melbourne Fringe Awards. Reckoning fuses cultures from Aotearoa (New Zealand) and the Land of the Dreamtime (Australia).
Khelaiya Productions promotes Indian regional folk and semi-classical music with the engaging Hindi musical Narsaiyo. Or explore an
infusion of traditional North Indian and South Indian music with the contemporary sounds of Western Jazz and Blues in PaaNI:Where the Rivers Meet.
Explore the classics and celebrate traditional theatre, ballet and music.
See why Arthur Miller’sThe Death of a Salesman is called one of the greatest plays of the 20th Century or watch theVictorian State Ballet perform the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale classic The Snow Queen in a show suitable for all ages.
Rediscover the music of Burt Bacharach (1928-2023) and Hal David in Promises, Promises, featuring internationally acclaimed vocalist Janet Ross-Fahy singing hits from two of the most influential composers of the 20th Century. Start the September school holidays right withWhalebone, a family-friendly performance that opens the door to a fantastical world where the future of humanity is under scrutiny. The Resilience Project tackles children’s mental health with the high energy show 3 Happy Tricks, while Bon Appetit by Petit Circus showcases intergenerational circus fun.
The Snow Queen
Saturday 19 August, 7.30pm
Explore a toe-tapping history of Boogie Woogie and Rock‘n Roll piano songs with Crazy Arms in October or remember the most popular Gilbert and Sullivan musicals when Gilbert, Sullivan and the Great Composers hit the stage in November.
The B Sharp Big Band will help you celebrate Christmas as they belt out the hits of the swinging 30s, 40s and 50s, mixed with festive cheer. Visit drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au or phone the box office on 8571 1666 and celebrate the arts today.
17 August, 10.30am
Sunday 20 August, 2.30pm
John
WoodmanDeveloper and director of Watsons
IBAC findings:
· Gave more than $550,000 each to Casey councillors Geoff Ablett and Sam Aziz, who promoted Woodman’s interests in Casey planning decisions such as Amendment C219, H3 intersection and Pavilion Estate.
· “Improperly influenced” other councillors with indirect support such as donating to election campaigns or causes.
· Nick-named the ‘Blood Donor’.
· Cultivated a core group of three councillors Ablett, Aziz and Amanda Stapledon to promote his interests.
· At state government level, Woodman sought to influence by “paying lobbyists” and “cultivating relationships” with MPs, ministers and political staff.
· Donated $969,968 each to the Labor and Liberal parties and their candidates between 2010 and 2019 to access state decision-makers.
· Supplied up to $100,000 in covert funding for 11 ‘friendly’ candidates in Casey Council election in 2016.
· Directed the Save Cranbourne West Residents Action Group behind the scenes, with $190,000 in consultancy and data-collection fees paid to SCWRAG president Ray Walker and his spouse. The group argued in favour of C219 and H3 intersection.
Woodman response: Woodman denies bribing Casey councillors, arguing that none of the benefits he provided were illegal or improper. Denies having a “core group of (Casey) councillors” to support his interests. Calls the Operation Sandon report “302 pages of lies, half truths and hoax”.
Sam Aziz
Casey ex-councillor, three-time mayor IBAC findings:
· Accepted about $600,000 in “inducements” from Woodman for promoting Woodman and his clients’ interests at Casey Council.
· Aziz “marketed” himself as able to influence Casey decisions, gaining a further $468,800plus from other parties with commercial interests in Casey decisions.
· Received cash payments from Woodman, delivered by lobbyist, former mayor and exLiberal MP Lorraine Wreford.
· Aziz thought of Woodman as a “bottomless ATM”, according to Wreford.
· Received financial support from Woodman for his 2012 and 2016 council election campaigns.
· Ahead of the 2016 Casey Council elections, Aziz co-ordinated 11 ‘friendly’ candidates who were thought to support C219. Their campaigns, including Aziz’s, were funded by Woodman.
· Introduced motions at council that promoted Woodman’s interests, eg, C219, H3 intersection and Pavilion Estate. Was briefed and received live text messages by Woodman’s associate on how to argue for H3 in council.
· Repeatedly failed to declare “blatant” conflicts of interest involving Woodman. Aziz response: Didn’t make a submission to the IBAC draft report. Denies he has ever taken a bribe.
Amanda Stapledon
Casey ex-councillor, two-time mayor, Liberal state candidate IBAC findings:
· Referred in the Operation Sandon report as Councillor A. Stapledon tragically took her own life during the investigation.
· Did not receive a direct benefit from developer John Woodman, but was “improperly influenced” by Woodman.
· Woodman “cultivated” a relationship by donating to Stapledon’s 2014 state election and 2012 and 2016 council election campaigns as well as to a disability group providing services to Stapledon’s son.
· Part of a core of three Casey councillors, including Aziz and Ablett, that were briefed by Woodman and pushed for Amendment C219.
· ‘Left the room’ for Woodman-related planning decisions without declaring a conflict of interest up until March 2015.
· Declared conflicts in “incomplete terms” after this date. Still attempted to influence
councillors outside of meetings.
· One of 11 candidates whose 2016 council election campaign was covertly funded by Woodman. Didn’t declare the funding or the conflict of interest. Many candidates didn’t know the source of the funding.
Geoff AblettCasey ex-councillor, three-time mayor, Liberal state candidate
IBAC findings:
· Accepted more than $550,000 in “inducements” from developer John Woodman while promoting Woodman and his clients’ interests at Casey Council.
· Woodman donated $40,000 to Ablett’s state campaign.
· Part of a “core group” of three councillors, who were briefed byWoodman and voted for and promoted Amendment C219 rezoning. Woodman offered him a financial reward for its success.
· As mayor, successfully pushed out Casey CEO Mike Tyler who opposed C219.
· Failed to declare conflicts of interest involving Woodman until 2015.
· After that date, made “incomplete” declarations and still tried to influence councillors outside of meetings.
· One of 11 candidates whose 2016 council election campaign was covertly funded by Woodman. Didn’t declare the funding or the conflict of interest.
Ablett response: “Strongly rejected“ that he engaged in corrupt, illegal or unethical behaviour, nor that he accepted bribes in exchange for promoting Woodman’s interest. Payments were either repaid, for part-shares in Ablett’s horses or for equine services rendered. States he didn’t put his own private interests ahead of the community. Did not lead the push to remove Tyler as CEO. Was founded on his belief that Tyler didn’t form a team with councillors.
Susan SereyEx-Casey councillor and mayor, Liberal state candidate IBAC findings:
· Developers Tom Kenessey (Leighton Properties) and John Woodman cultivated a relationship with a view to promoting their commercial interests such as C219.
· Woodman donated $32,335 to Serey’s state election campaigns in 2014 and 2018.
· Kenessey, who says he befriended Serey, helped arrange Woodman’s donations and handed out how-to-vote cards for her campaigns.
· Voted for C219 motions despite conflict of interest, claiming to IBAC she was unaware ofWoodman’s interest in the matter. Said she
had a general awareness of Leighton Properties involvement in C219.
Serey response: Submitted to IBAC that unfair to say she was“wilfully ignorant” of conflicts of interest with council agenda items. Notes the vast volume of material required to be read by councillors. The council reports failed to adequately identify corporations, directors and shareholders with interests in the agenda matters. Says she was unaware of Woodman and Kenessey’s intentions. Serey thought Woodman was a Liberal supporter, classified Kennessey as between a friend and an acquaintance.
Gary Rowe
Ex-Casey councillor, former Liberal Cranbourne MP IBAC findings:
· Developers John Woodman and Leightons’ Tom Kenessey cultivated a relationship with Rowe to leverage support for C219.
· Rowe argued that he was already supportive of C219 in any case.
· No evidence that Kenessey unduly influenced Rowe to support C219 (except for an assertion by Woodman).
· Rowe moved an alternative motion drafted by a Woodman associate Megan Schutz. But he appeared to have little awareness of the connection between Woodman, Kennessey and Schutz.
· Woodman organised a fundraiser that raised $10,000 for Rowe’s Casey Council election campaign in 2016. Rowe didn’t declare Woodman’s contribution in his election returns.
· Kenessey handed out how-to-vote cards for Rowe’s campaign
· Kenessey told IBAC he was advised by Rowe that he doubted the integrity of Aziz and Ablett, and to end the engagement of Woodman.
Wayne Smith
Former Casey councillor and mayor. Labor member.
IBAC findings:
· Did not receive direct benefits from Woodman, but indirect support.
· One of 11 candidates whose 2016 council election campaign was covertly funded by Woodman. Didn’t declare the funding or the conflict of interest. Most candidates weren’t aware of the funding source.
· Smith took credit for donations to causes that interested him - the donations were ultimately funded by Woodman
· Smith received $20,000 from Woodman via Casey councillor Janet Halsalls’ family business for three trips to annual music festival to broadcast a community radio show.
· Did not declare conflict of interest, and instead used his casting vote as chair of Casey Council meetings on the H3 intersection issue.
· Was indirectly briefed by Woodman via Halsall’s spouse on certain projects like Pavilion Estate.
Smith response: Smith told IBAC he was not aware of Woodman firm Watson’s involvement in Pavilion Estate, C219 or H3. Was not aware thatWoodman was the source of his music festival funding.
Smith said he voted for motions advanced by Aziz because he relied on Aziz’s expertise on planning matters. IBAC responded that it did not accept Smith was “entirely unaware” of Woodman’s “patronage” and his planning projects.
Pauline Richards
Cranbourne Labor MP
IBAC findings:
· Woodman donated $20,000 to Richards’ 2018 election campaign, as well as $10,000 to two other Labor candidates, at Richards’ suggestion.
· Mr Woodman targeted her with a commitment to provide additional support if she supported C219.
· No evidence before IBAC that Ms Richards approached the Minister for Planning or his office on this matter.
· “Ms Richards acknowledged that she could have been more circumspect in her acceptance of Mr Woodman’s ‘generous offer’ of campaign funding, but denied doing anything to further Mr Woodman’s interests. IBAC accepts this.”
Judith Graley
Former Narre Warren South Labor MP IBAC findings:
· Woodman tried to garner support for C219 by influencing state MPs like Graley and to use them for access to the Planning Minister’s staff.
· Woodman donated $12,500 to Graley’s 2014 state election campaign. Graley denied knowing this, saying she believed the fundraiser was organised by Woodman lobbyist Phil Staindl.
· Ms Graley promoted C219 with an “informal hallway discussion” with a Minister for Planning’s advisor, but it does not appear that she revealed they had been lobbied byWoodman interests to do so.
· At IBAC, Graley denied she was promoting Woodman’s interests.
Jude Perera
Former Cranbourne Labor MP IBAC findings:
· Woodman donated $15,000 to Perera’s 2014 state election campaign.
· Perera “effectively lobbied” Parliament and Victorian Government decision-makers, including the Minister for Planning, in favour of C219.
· Perera tabled two pro-C219 petition in Parliament, largely put together by Woodman associate Megan Schutz.
· Perera wrote two letters to the Planning Minister in support of C219.
· It does not appear that Perera revealed he had been lobbied by Woodman interests to do so.
Keen gardeners and environmental warriors from across the South East came together to introduce a little more green to the Grasmere Creek wetlands in Berwick over the weekend.
On Sunday 30 July, community members of all ages enjoyed the sun and planted about 12,000 new trees at the wetlands as part of the Casey Council event.
Located in Berwick’s Cardinia Creek Parklands North, the Grasmere Creek wetlands were established in 2020 through a collaborative effort between Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and Casey Council.
The joint project aimed to enhance water quality, foster floodplain connectivity, and create valuable open spaces for local residents.
The Cardinia Creek Catchment has been renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Dwarf Galaxias fish and the platypus downstream in the Cardinia Creek.
The event also hosted representatives from the Platypus Education Group to educate, engage and excite children, and the community, about the platypus that live in local creeks.
Children saw and learned more about the endangered resident Dwarf Galaxias fish in the creek.
For more information on NationalTree Day, visit treeday.planetark.org
Sydney’sWestmead Hospital has just recently overcame the struggles of the Covid pandemic.
However, according to Associate Professor of Psychiatry and director of clinical science Greg de Moore, the mental scars and the impact it had on the health system as a whole would take a lot longer to heal.
Dr de Moore will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Healthy Minds mental health forum on Tuesday 15 August from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Lyndale Secondary College at 14 Halton Road in Dandenong North.
Held by the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, in conjunction with Casey-Cardinia Rotaract, the event is suitable for adults and young people from 12 years and over and is a fundraiser to support Australian Rotary Health’s mental health research.
Dr de Moore has worked as a clinician, teacher and researcher in the fields of neuropsychiatry, general hospital psychiatry, deliberate self-harm and the history of medi-
cine, overseeing the psychiatry education of young doctors as they work towards becoming psychiatrists.
Dr de Moore said the Covid pandemic
presented an array of issues across the mental health space.
“The last four years have been the most difficult,“ he said.
“The impact of Covid on the community was just extraordinary.
“Things over the last six months have improved significantly.“
Dr de Moore said the effects of avoidance and lockdowns would continue to be seen across Australia’s health system.
“It’s not just the patients, it’s the welfare of our staff,“ he said.
“It’s still a factor in running a service.“
Dr de Moore said while the public health system was prepared for a pandemic, the system was not prepared for the impacts it would have on the broader community’s mental health.
“We saw a significant increase in young people presenting and increasing self-harm,“ he said.
“We are always planning for the next pandemic.
“If you have someone who’s psychotic, to
what degree are you impinging on their personal freedom?“
Dr de Moore said one of the most significant changes he has seen to the field of psychiatry over the years has been the narrowing of accessibility, including growing costs.
“I think it’s one of our real weaknesses,“ he said.
“This is a potential growth area.“
Dr de Moore said the topics of discussion which would feature during his presentation would include the achievements of John Cade, an Australian physician who introduced lithium to the practice of psychiatry in 1949 by accident and one of the founders of Australian Rules Football Tom Wills, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and committed suicide by stabbing himself in the heart.
If you or someone you know need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800.
For tickets, visit events.humanitix.com/ healthy-minds-mental-health-forumaolt3xx5
What do you love about your work?
That’s easy – it’s the people! Even when the days are tough, we try to always support each other, and we love to laugh. And, of course, the satisfaction that the work we do can really make a difference in people’s lives.
How has the work changed due to the Covid pandemic?
We were considered an essential service, so we operated throughout Covid with a small team on-site. Despite that, we have certainly become more reliant on technology to operate which has given us a bit more flexibility. With more people coming to us for support, we are having to be more creative with what we are able to offer.
What would your last meal be?
A baked potato with sour cream, cheese, and coleslaw, with a beautifully cooked piece of pork belly on the side.
What has been most memorable moment?
Frankly, there are far too many to choose from – from wonderful days like my wedding day 35 years ago, to snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. Sadly, some moments are memorable because of great loss, such as holding my father’s hand as he passed away.
What was your favourite subject in school and why?
I loved studying politics in high school, but English and history came close seconds. I really enjoy learning about our past in order to consider how we might improve our future. What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?
I’m watching the third season of ’Fisk’ on the ABC – Kitty Flanagan’s writing and acting is just so good. I’m trying to read ’Dune’ but for some reason I can’t quite get into it – I’ll keep persevering.
Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life?
Every single cat I’ve ever owned. Yes – I am the quintessential crazy cat lady!
If you had to compete on Masterchef, what dish would you cook?
I’d probably go for something simple but popular – I make a great hummingbird cake. Where is your dream holiday destination and why?
I have always wanted to go to Machu Picchu in Peru. I would stay a few nights and make sure I am there to see the sunrise before most of the tourists arrive. Then I’d go to the Galapagos Islands to walk and swim with the incredible wildlife. I think it will remain an unreachable dream though – I might have to stick with watching documentaries.
What was your first job and what did you love about it?
My first job was waitressing at The Hub Coffee
1
Join the free online event
Hear from the Housing and Homelessness Minister Julie Collins MP, followed by Aboriginal social justice commissioner, June Oscar AO and an expert panel of leaders in First Nations homelessness. It will take place on Monday 7 August from 11am.
2
Share stories about homelessness
Lounge in Dandenong. I started when I was 16 and I was hopeless for the first three months. Then something just clicked, and I became good at it. I loved the interactions with different people every day and making them feel happy with good food and coffee. What were you like as a kid?
I was a very good kid and rarely got into trouble – a dream child!
What is your favourite colour and why?
I wear a lot of different colours – especially autumn tones of brown and green because I think they suit me, but my favourite colour would be purple. Or green. Maybe purple. What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to?
Why do we continue to struggle with homelessness in this country?
3
In the lead-up to and during Homelessness Week, you can host an event to highlight how to end homelessness. Use data from your service, write a report about ending homelessness, or the impact of the work you do and engage the media in reporting on homelessness.
Share the petition calling for an end to homelessness
Homelessness Australia, together with Everybody’s Home, have developed a petition to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for the Federal Government’s 10-year housing and homelessness plan to aim to end homelessness. By sharingthepetitionwithyournetworks and promoting it on social media you can help the action grow so it
The Casey Choir Spring Concert is being held at the Lakeview Room in the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Lakeside Boulevard in Pakenham on Sunday 27 August from 2pm. Songs from shows, from around the world and from Australia with guest artists Out of Hand. A little bit of everything. Music to suit everyone.
· Tickets: cardinia.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/salesevent/107682
This year’s theme is ‘Little Voices, Loud Futures’. Activities include rock art, boomerang painting, Map of Australia workshop, Ganaga performance, face painter, BBQ, Bandok Tati performance and Blacksnake productions. Hosted by City of Greater Dandenong in partnership with VACCA and the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place.
· Free, Friday 4 August from 4pm to 6.30pm at Myuna Farm at 182 Kidds Road in Doveton. · Register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ greater-dandenong-council/events/nationalaboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-childrensday-event
Relive the moments that captured the life of a legend. A life story played out through some of the greatest songs ever written.
Featuring all the hits including; Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson, Walk the Line, Man in Black, Boy Name Sue, Ring of Fire, The Man in Black, San Quinten, Big River, Hurt, Get Rhythm, Sunday Morning Coming Down and much more. Starring Jeff Carter and Melanie Lewin with full backing band.
· Bunjil Place, Friday 11 August from 7.30pm.
· Tickets: tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/8141
Are you the next Australian Poetry Slam Champion? This is your call to listen, watch and cheer. Australian Poetry Slam pops up stages near you. The door is open. The mic is on. Push into the crowd and find your spot. Audience! You may be chosen as a judge. Poets! You have two minutes to spit, howl, dance, whisper and dream out-loud. Perform your original work; no props, no costumes, no music.
· Bunjil Place, Thursday 17 August from 6pm and Friday 18 August from 7.45pm.
· Tickets: tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/overview/8716
Casey Pet Expo 2023
Pet lovers: You’ll be barking mad if you (and your furry friend) miss the 2023 Casey Pet Expo!
Set for an exciting year, pet lovers to this year’s event can expect to wolf down some tasty treats, roar in laughter at the exciting roving entertainment and shake their tail feathers with joy at the live music. There will also be an abundance of exciting market stalls, showcasing the latest in pet products, such as food, clothing and unique accessories to make your non-human bestie stand out from the pack! With no need to book, you can just head to Wilson Botanic Park’s iconic amphitheatre - with or without your pet - to join the action! Wilson Botanic Park is a animal friendly space, we ask that all pets brought into the park are kept on leads. Expression of Interest is currently open. Interested stallholders please register below.
· Saturday 26 August from 11am to 2pm at the Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick.
Dad’s Little Builders
Build a woodwork project with your children. Meet other dads and grandfathers.
Mondays (during school terms) at the Arbourlea Family and Community Centre in 75 Wheelers Park Drive on Cranbourne North from 6pm to 7.30pm.
· While the sessions are free, registration is essential. Email dadsmatter@casey.vic.gov.au
Hiccup
It’s a perfect, balmy night in the outback. A sleep-deprived camper, a cheeky quokka and an emu with a penchant for creating wild inventions, awake to discover that a koala has come down with a stubborn and ear-shatteringly loud case of the hiccups. The three embark on an epic journey through the night that sees them frantically eat, sing and invent their way towards a cure before the sun comes up.
Hiccup is a hilarious rocking musical extravaganza about working together, finding friendship and how to, once and for all, stop the hiccups.
David Williamson’s ‘The Perfectionist’ is another fast-paced and witty play written by Australia’s best-known playwright.
Renowned for his ability to hold a mirror to our flaws and foibles, Williamson outdoes himself
· Bunjil Place, Tuesday 22 August at 10am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm and Wednesday 23 August at 10am and noon.
· Tickets: tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/overview/8200
Littlefoot & Company’s Spoken
Word Night
These nights are for all types of performances; spoken word artists, story tellers, musicians, comedians and even first time performers! If you’re interested in spoken word but haven’t been to one of the events, come down and check it out. You’ll see artists, storytellers, poets, musicians, comedians and first time performers in a friendly and welcoming environment. Whether you want to take to the stage yourself or just hang out and enjoy the vibes, all are welcome. Registration for open mic spots are free and will be available on the night, but if you’re interested in performing you can also contact the event organisers at littlefootandcompany@gmail.com.
· Thursday 28 September from 7.45pm, Thursday 26 October from 7.45pm and Thursday 30 November 2023 from 7.45pm.
· Tickets: tickets.bunjilplace.com. au/8305/8317
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.
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. Mem-
in this modern story about whether women really can ‘have it all...’
Having brought up her three sons, with her career taking the sidelines, Barbara wants to finish her thesis.
The only thing standing in her way is her husband, Stuart, who has taken the better part of a decade trying to finish his thesis.
bership 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
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.
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
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 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.
As a tug-of-war ensues between husband and wife, we see what the consequences of actually ‘having it all’ could be.
· Bunjil Place, Friday 4 August from 7.30pm and Saturday 5 August from 1pm and 7.30pm.
· Tickets: tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/overview/8592
velop 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. $96 per term (8 weeks).
· Hall 2, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd,Clyde North on Mondays,4:30pm5:45pm
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
The inaugural South East Business Conference (SEBC) on Wednesday, 30 August is expected to help foster growth and advocate for the Victorian region as the country’s most dynamic business hub.
Themed ’Towards 2050’, SEBC will be held at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren and will bring together hundreds of local businesses with business groups and chambers of commerce located across Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM).
The growing South East produces more than $90 billion in gross regional product and supports 628,000 local jobs annually.
Delegates will represent a broad cross section of SMEs worth $5 million-$100 million in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, wholesale, professional and technical services, transport and logistics, retail, hospitality, accommodation,tourism, leisure and wellbeing, health care, and education and training.
SEBC representative Ross Raymond says that by opening up collaboration between these businesses, SEBC will promote discussion and consideration of the big issues for Victoria’s South East region from infrastructure and supply chain requirements to labour force and skills gaps (training and education) as well as funding and investment.
“Uniting forces between these groups aims to stimulate stronger economic growth, promote cross-sector connectivity, drive innovation and boost employment opportunities through a vibrant and healthy ecosystem,” he said.
The highly respected speakers are GSEM chair Simon McKeon AO, best-selling demographer Bernard Salt, Carmen’s Kitchen founder Carolyn Creswell and Port of Hastings stakeholder manager Todd Trimble.
Major businesses are supporting the conference as event partners, including KLM
Spatial as a Strategic Sponsor, Waterman Workspaces and Scot Pac as Platinum Sponsors as well as many others.
SEBC will also act as a launch platform for the Victoria South East Chamber Council
(VSECC), a collective representative body to unite businesses through their local business group or chamber.
The ’collaborative ecosystem’ is hoped to address future needs together heading
towards 2050.
Full program tickets start at $159 pp or $99 pp for local chamber members.
Details: vsecc.com.au
Why is it that some people seem to be able to achieve so much whereas many of us find it so hard to simply keep up with all the day-to-day stuff that needs to be done?
A key reason is that those that achieve a lot are very effective at prioritising their workload so that time is put aside for important tasks. However, this is just part of the answer, since prioritising is all well and good but action needs to be taken as a result.
As the Japanese proverb states: “Vision without action is a daydream, action without vision is a nightmare.”
A subtle point behind the second part of this proverb is that we better have a pretty clear idea of where we want to end up before we start doing anything and this is where the art of planning comes in.
Winston Churchill amongst many others recognised this when he said “he who fails to plan is planning to fail”.
Naturally, this starts with stating as clearly as possible what we want to achieve, by when, and writing this down.
Something magical happens when we take what is in our head and commit it to paper –it becomes more real, tangible and definitive and can then be readily shared with others who may also be involved in the activity.
The timeframe is really important here, since an objective without one is highly unlikely to ever complete.
The next step is to break our objective into all the tasks that need to be done to achieve it.
This is key to how big or complex objectives are achieved and starts to give a better sense of what is really involved.
Every task will require time and resources associated with it and there will necessarily be constraints associated with each.
Some tasks can only be done by certain people, and some tasks may need to complete before others, for example.
Understanding this at a high level, at least, is critical to ensuring that we don’t embark on an impossible task.
In projects, this is called a ‘feasibility study’.
With all the tasks identified (and assuming that the project is feasible!), the next step is to estimate the effort required for each task, define who will be responsible for doing it
and identify dependencies between the tasks themselves.
It is not usually necessary to estimate each task to the minute (a ball park estimate is often good enough), but it is important to plan in time for stuff to go wrong.
This is where many plans can come unstuck since ‘sunny day’ planning (which assumes that everything goes right) very rarely actually happens, so plan in some time for the unexpected.
Once all this information is captured, now you are in a position to create a visual representation of your plan.
Imagine that this is captured in a table, then the rows should contain the tasks that need to be done in sequential order and the columns will be dates which could be days, weeks or months.
By simply drawing a horizontal line for each task where the start of the line corresponds to the start date column and the end of the line is where the task is supposed to complete (again visible in the associated column), you can visually see what needs to be done when and ensure that all these tasks can be completed before the end date.
If you do have other people that need to action tasks within your plan, it is a very good idea to share the plan with them so that you can get agreement for their availability in the timeframe that you require them.
There are many planning tools that can be used for this which you can find on the web and many of them will automatically create the visual representation for you based upon the information you provide for each of the tasks.
Ian Ash ACC AIECL AInstIB Managing director, OrgMent Business Solutions - ombs.com.au$
•All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.
•After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.
• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.
• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.
• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.
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If you have:
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To apply send your resume with covering letter to: Classified Advertising Manager sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
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Beaconsfield is still in prime position to play in its first finals series in Eastern Division One despite a 31-point loss to a classy Montrose outfit on Saturday.
The Eagles need to win one of their last two - against North Ringwood (fourth) and Lilydale (last) – to qualify for the crunch time of the season.
And Mick Fogarty’s boys showed their best football is good enough to match it with the best, going toe-to-toe with the third-placed Demons in the early stages of the contest.
Gippsland star bottom-ager Ash Centra was Vic Country’s standout forward in their first match of the national championships.
Played on a hot Brisbane day at Brighton Homes Arena against Queensland, Centra turned it on in the second quarter to drag Vic Country back into the contest after they fell four goals behind.
She kicked 2.2 in that period, got to dangerous spots, took contested marks and showed off her offensive flair.
It was an impressive return to the forward line for Centra who has spent much of 2023 in defence for the Power in the Coates League.
“She’s just so exciting to watch,” said Vic Country coach Mel Hickey.
“She’s one of the most talented in the whole squad and doesn’t quite know it yet.
“Her kicking is super elite, how she uses her body when at times she was the deepest forward and got everyone out of her way was impressive, and when the ball hits the ground, she was really dynamic.
“She can put the ball to space by kicking to her teammates’ advantage, so she’s super silky.”
Her Gippsland teammate Amber Schutte, meanwhile, was a cool head in defence for Vic Country, particularly early, mopping up at ground level when Queensland were getting repeat looks.
“Her explosiveness off the halfback is really impressive,” Hickey said.
“She reads the game really well.
“We wanted overlap run from our backs so it was great to have that from her.”
There was also seven Dandenong Stingrays in action: Elli Symonds, Bianca Lyne, Jemma Ramsdale, Zoe Besanko, Sophie Butterworth, MikaylaWilliamson and Meg Robertson.
Symonds carried her Talent League form to the next level winning some important ruck contests against a strong opponent and also showcasing her weapons with ball in hand around the ground.
“She really embraced that contest and I loved her work in the ruck but the fact she was able to get five clearances as well showed her second string,” Hickey said.
“No doubt she’ll add midfield to her repertoire as her career goes on.
“Her power and explosiveness was exciting.”
Mikayla Williamson’s speed from stoppage and ball finding ability stood out, while Bianca Lyne was moved to Queensland forward Dekota Baron, who was on fire, and effectively shut her down.
Vic Country was defeated 10.12 72 to 6.6 42
Fogarty was missing co-captain Damien Johnston and the energetic Michael Misso for the clash, but welcomed back prime-mover Sam Merrick and dangerous forward Hayden Brough.
And it took Brough all of 60 seconds to make an impact after three weeks sitting on the sidelines.
His clever right-foot snap would trigger an early avalanche of goals, with six kicked in the opening nine minutes of play.
Bailey White kicked the second, after proving too strong for Beaconsfield’s defence, before the Eagles kicked three in four minutes to take early control of proceedings.
Devon Smith mongrelled one through from close range, before co-skipper Jake Bowd provided the first-quarter highlight.
Bowd and Josh Mounter hit a marking contest hard, then wrong-footed their Demons defenders, with Mounter handballing to Bowd who kicked a quality goal on the run.
When Jafar Ocaa then converted a bullet pass from Kye Rowland, the Eagles were up and about…18 points up after seven minutes of play.
The Demons then answered, with Darcy Laurie finding too much space, with two quick ones to seven-goal hero Ryan Garthwaite tying things up late in the opening stanza.
A late-goal to Bowd gave the Eagles a sevenpoint lead at quarter time.
Montrose got the first of the second quarter, but when Brough snapped cleverly on his left, and Harrison Coe converted a strong mark inside 50…the Eagles had kicked to a doubledigit lead and were playing the better footy.
Montrose then lifted a gear, kicking six of the last seven goals of the second term in the defining period of the match.
The Eagles fought gallantly…but could never bridge that 22-point half-time deficit.
Brough made a sparkling return for the Eagles, finishing the day with four, while Bowd and Ocaa were dangerous with three and two goals respectively.
Trent Stokoe continued his impressive form in defence, being voted in the top-three players for the fifth time in his last eight outings.
Darren Minchington showed clean hands around the stoppages, while Smith, Mounter and tall utility Ben Schultze were others to hold their heads high.
Garthwaite was superb for the Demons with seven goals…proving the main difference between the two sides.
Beaconsfield can lock away a finals berth with a win over fourth-placed North Ringwood at Holm Park Reserve this Saturday…and avoid a nervous last-round battle against the winless Lilydale.
MONTROSE
4.2 11.7 13.9 17.10(112)
BEACONSFIELD
5.3 8.3 10.6 12.9(81)
Montrose Goals: R. Garthwaite 7, B. White 2, M. Schwab 2, D. Frith, D. Laurie, D. Chamberlin, T. Galbraith, S. Rickard, G. Nagle. Best: R.
Garthwaite, B. Dessent, G. Lord, C. Rossetti, J. Garthwaite, B.Watson.
Beaconsfield Goals: H. Brough 4, J. Bowd 3, J. Ocaa 2, E. Harris, H. Coe, D. Smith. Best: T. Stokoe, D. Minchington, D. Smith, J. Bowd, J. Mounter, B. Schultze.
OtherResultsR16: Bayswater 10.9.69 def by North Ringwood 12.11.83, Lilydale 11.9.75 def by Wantirna South 18.17.125, Mitcham 17.14.116 def Croydon 9.6.60, Mooroolbark 6.7.43 def by South Belgrave 9.16.70. Ladder: South Belgrave 64, Mitcham 48, Montrose 46, North Ringwood 34, Beaconsfield 32, Wantirna South 28, Mooroolbark 24, Bayswater 24, Croydon 20, Lilydale 0.
FixtureR17: Beaconsfield (5) v North Ringwood (4), South Belgrave (1) v Lilydale (10), Wantirna South (6) v Bayswater (8), Croydon (9) v Montrose (3), Mitcham (2) v Mooroolbark (7).
Casey’s women were kept to a 1-1 draw against top-placed Mornington Peninsula on Sunday.
The Cannons hit the scoreboard in the first quarter viaTegen Hyland amid a slow start, but were unable to capitalise on a series of chances, including short corners, thereafter.
Defensive lapses also plagued the hosts, which put pressure on goal keeper Sarah Sutton-McLellan, who stood up to the onslaught.
Mornington Peninsula had several shots on target and she was able to keep out all but one to help her team hang on for a 1-1 draw.
Rebecca Wagg was another who showed glimpses of what she could produce as a solid defender holding out the visitors’ attacks throughout the day.
The result is an improvement on the 3-1 loss Casey had when the teams first faced off, but they were well below their best on Sunday. Meanwhile, the men had a 5-1 loss to Melbourne Sikhs, the goal scorer being Nick McPhee.
Results
Women
Results: Casey 1 v Mornington Peninsula 1,
Monash University 4 v WestVic 0, Werribee 2 v NorthWest Lightning 1, Brunswick 2 v PEGS 1, Knox 0 vYarraValley 4
Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 33, Yarra Valley 32, Casey 32, Monash University 29, Knox 18, Brunswick 15, WestVic13, Werribee 13, PEGS 10, NorthWest Lightning 9
Fixture: WestVic v Brunswick, Yarra Valley v Monash University, North West Lightning v Casey, Mornington Peninsula v Knox, PEGS v Werribee
Men
Results: Casey 1 v Melbourne Sikhs 5, Werribee 2 v North West Lightning 2, Monash 0 v Old Xaverians 0, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 2 vYarraValley 5, Brunswick 2 v PEGS 3
Ladder: Melbourne Sikhs 33, Old Xaverians 30, PEGS 28, Brunswick 28, Monash University 23, North West Lightning 23, Werribee 13, Yarra Valley 10, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 8, Casey 3
Fixture: North West Lightning v Casey, Melbourne Sikhs v Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation, Yarra Valley v Monash University, Old Xaverians v Brunswick, PEGS vWerribee Rebecca Wagg
By Marcus Uhe
Berwick’s late season revival came to a halt at the hands of Balwyn after a poor opening quarter in its contest at home on Saturday, all but closing the door on its chances of playing finals for the first time in the Eastern Football Netball League.
The Wickers, who had won their last four contests despite announcing they are on the hunt for a new senior coach in 2024, conceded the final four goals of the opening term to find themselves down by 25 points at the first break, a margin they were never able to fully recover.
TheTigers opened the second term with yet another goal at the Manuka road end to extend the margin to 30, before goals to Sam HiltonJoyce and Jesse Cirulis before the long break reigned the gap back to 18 points.
Hilton-Joyce’s third cut the margin to 17 midway through the third but that was as close as theWickers came to overrunning the Tigers, who finished 10.8 68 to 6.8 44 winners.
The first-quarter run from Brenton Sanderson’s Tigers proved the difference in the contest, with both sides only managing four goals beyond quarter time.
Hilton-Joyce, a mid-season recruit, has made a serious impression at Edwin Flack, goaling in every game (seven from four matches) and named in the best on three of four outings.
Will Arthurson offered plenty of rebound from down-back while Jesse Cirulis continues his brilliant season on return from a year-ending knee injury in 2022.
The loss means Berwick are now reliant on percentage and other results falling its way in order to qualify for the top six.
Noble Park’s defeat of Park Orchards takes them to nine wins, three clear of Berwick’s six with three weeks remaining in the home and away season.
Berwick will have to win its last three
matches, against East Ringwood, Doncaster East and Park Orchards, by considerable margins, and need Noble Park to be thrashed in all three in the run home to have a chance, as well as for Blackburn and Norwood to win no-more than one and two matches, respectively.
Elsewhere, Noble Park are back on the winners list after losing its last two, thrashing Park Orchards by 61 points at home.
Eight goals to one in the first half put the contest out of reach for the travelling Sharks who appeared out of their depth in the bullring, the final score 13.12 90 to 3.11 29.
The Sharks kept the Bulls caged for the opening 10 minutes of the game before Harley Fairbank made an impact on return, showcasing his typical energy in the forward half of the
ground.
The small forward kicked three in the space of 10 minutes in his first contest since round 11 against Doncaster East, with three and one to Tom Bower giving the Bulls the edge in the first term.
The trademark watertight Bulls defence didn’t allow a goal to the visitors until midway through the second quarter, by which point the home side had six.
It was two goals each in the third before the Bulls shut the gate in the fourth, kicking three goals to nil in the close.
Fairbank finished with four goals and Jackson Sketcher led from the front, as did key forward Liam Scott, who kicked two.
EFNL Premier results R15: Berwick 6.8 44 def by Balwyn 10.8 68, Noble Park 13.12 90 def Park Orchards 3.11 29, South Croydon 13.8 86 def by Rowville 13.13 91, Doncaster 7.12 54 def by Doncaster 13.9 87,Vermont 8.11 59 def East Ringwood 7.7 49, Doncaster East 11.9 75 def by Norwood 11.15 81.
Ladder: Vermont 48, Rowville 44, Balwyn 44, East Ringwood 40, Doncaster East 36, Noble Park 36, Blackburn 32, Norwood 24, Berwick 24, Park Orchards 16, South Croydon 12, Doncaster 4.
Fixture R16: Rowville (2) v Noble Park (6), East Ringwood (4) v Berwick (9), Balwyn (3) v Doncaster East (5), Park Orchards (10) v Vermont (1) Blackburn (7) v South Croydon (11), Norwood (8) v Doncaster (12).
Victories to Beaconsfield and Olinda Ferny Creek over fellow contenders in round 14 have further congested the pointy end of the A Grade netball ladder with four weeks remaining before finals.
Just two points separate Mt Evelyn in second position and Beaconsfield in fifth, with Olinda Ferny Creek and Wandin sandwiched between the two in third and fourth respectively.
Beaconsfield inflicted Wandin’s fourth loss in its last five contests as it endures a brutal period in the fixture against a series of league heavyweights.
The Eagles held the competition’s leading goal scorer in Emmalia Blake to just 34, her equal-lowest total of the season, in the 45-39 victory.
It was comfortably Beaconsfield’s most significant win of the campaign to date, having struggled to beat the sides above them on the table, their closest previous result being a draw when they last faced the Bulldogs.
Elizabeth Murphy’s 36 goals meant she got the better of the two shooters, leading the way alongside Gabrielle Stinear.
Olinda Ferny Creek have stretched its winstreak to six matches, accounting for Mt Evelyn by four goals 51-47.
The Bloods extended its quarter time lead
from four goals to 13 at the long break, a margin the Rovers were unable to reel-in despite winning the second half 26-17.
Hayley Howard delivered another dominant performance scoring 42 goals for the Bloods, engaging in a gripping contest with Kaitlyn Black, with Ava Van Leemput adding a spark off the bench.
Rory Barr scored 37 for the Rovers.
Watching the commotion unfold from the top of the table is Narre Warren, now two games clear in pole position thanks to Mt Evelyn’s loss.
The Magpies ensured Gembrook Cockatoo’s torrid season continued, inflicting a second 100-goal total on the Brookers in three weeks.
Erin Bell’s side were at their brutal best, saving their most dominant quarter for last, scoring 32 goals to four to finish 102-25 winners.
It’s the biggest margin of victory for any team in 2023, having eclipsed Mt Evelyn’s 75goal defeat of the Brookers two weeks earlier.
Clare Vearing nailed 75 goals for the Magpies, one of the highest individual returns of the season, while Jemma Osborne highlighted their side’s ridiculous depth by scoring 25 off the bench.
Mary Miles and Jordan Reynolds tried their hardest in defence for Gembrook Cockatoo as Chelsea Ingram scored 17 goals.
At Thompson Reserve, Upwey Tecoma got the better of Pakenham thanks to a strong first half.
The Tigers led by five at quarter time and eight at the half, on the back of some excellent defence.
Pakenham were often forced go backwards from its centre pass and found it difficult to penetrate the goal circle as Upwey Tecoma pushed players into the back thirds.
Scoring became easier for Pakenham as the game went on, recording its second highest total for the season, but it wasn’t enough to get the better of the Tigers, who claimed a 49-44 victory.
Mia Lui (24 goals) and Molly Argoon (18) shared the scoring duties for the home side, offering a dual threat in attack that was too much for the Pakenham defenders to stop.
Wing attack Emma Jones was among Pakenham’s bests.
At Monbulk, Peri Reid’s second half-century of goals for the season led Monbulk to a 22-goal win over Berwick.
From quarter time onwards the Hawks outscored the visitors 49-29 to record a sixth win of the campaign.
Reid starred with 51 on the back of pristine service from Nicole Macdowell and Sophie Stubbs in the mid-court.
Brooke
nailed 20 goals for Berwick who languish in third-last.
Things are going from bad to worse at Gembrook Cockatoo, on the receiving end of another brutal thrashing at the hands of Narre Warren at Kalora Park.
Myles Wareham’s first goal of the contest eight minutes into the third term finally put the Brookers on the board, at which point the Magpies had registered 14 on its way to a 140-point victory.
The first quarter carried the most brutality, the Magpies kicking 10.6.66 as the Brookers failed to score.
Alarmingly for the Brookers, it’s not the first defeat of this magnitude for the season, having suffered at 163-point drubbing againstWandin back in round nine, as the losing streak grows to seven matches.
24.23.167wasNarreWarren’ssecond-highest team score of the campaign, behind the 170 it tallied against Olinda Ferny Creek in round six.
Riley Siwes inflicted the most damage for the Magpies with five goals, followed by Will Howe’s four, extending his lead at the top of the goal kickers list to nine.
Midfielder Corey Bader kicked two in what was one of his most impressive performances of the season to date.
Bailey Howarth, (three) Hamish West, Jake Richardson and Jesse Davies (two each) rounded-out the multiple goal kickers list for the Magpies.
WithoutMichaelFirritoandFrankDodinato, the back six was limited at best for Brad Coller’s side in the face of a wide-ranging arsenal.
Gembrook Cockatoo could only manage 4.3 27 as relegation appears more and more likely for last year’s Division One premiers.
Myles Wareham finished with two as Aaron Firrito and Damien Volta put in yet another long shift in the midfield.
At Woori Yallock, Wandin continue to hold bragging rights over its long-time mountain
ranges rivals, blowing the Tigers away with a commanding second half in a 45-point win.
8.12 to 3.2 after half time reflected the dominance of the Bulldogs in the 12.20 92 to 7.5 47 scoreline, extending the gap on the ladder between the sides to three games, but Nick Adam’s side will rue the missed opportunity to pile-on the percentage.
The Bulldogs’ woes in front of goal set in early, missing four of their first five shots and failing to ram-home the advantage before Jordan Jaworski and Chayce Black were able to convert late in the term, as Woori Yallock were held scoreless in the opening half-hour.
But the Tigers responded with three of the next four in the second term, and even squandered chances to take the lead late in the half, leaving the Bulldogs with just a five-point lead at the long break.
Wandin blew a handful of opportunities to
Springvale South wicketkeeper Paul Hill will shoulder the dual roles of player-coach in 2023/24 as the Bloods search for a third consecutive DDCA Turf 1 premiership.
An extremely respected and highly regarded figure around the club, Hill captained the side to the 2021-22 premiership before Ryan Quirk took over the following year.
Hill replaces club legend Darren Arter, who chose to step-away from coaching in May, going out on a high having guided the Bloods to successive premiership victories.
His glovework was instrumental to the side’s success in both seasons and came to the fore in the 2023 finals campaign, when he affected a leg-side stumping and took two catches while keeping up to the stumps off seam bowlers in the preliminary final against Hallam Kalora Park.
Speaking after that victorious final, allrounder Blade Baxter sung his praises as both a wicketkeeper and a teammate.
“He’s a warrior, he’s the type of bloke you love playing with and he’s a quiet achiever, just
goes about his business and gets the job done,” Baxter said in March.
“Some of the catches and stumpings he’s taken in the last two years, that I’ve played with him, have been unbelievable.
“He’s got no fear, he comes up to the stumps to anyone.
He finished the season with 20 catches and six stumpings, while his lower-order batting was seldom required due to the nature of one-day cricket and the dominance of the toporder.
Hill joins Susantha Pradeep at St Mary’s and Matthew Cox at Hallam Kalora Park as others in Turf 1 to assume a playing coach role.
A large contingent of the playing group that won back-to-back premierships have already put pen to paper for the 2023-24 season, including star batters Ryan Quirk and Jordan Wyatt, seam bowler Josh Dowling and fingerspinner Jarryd Straker.
Should Hill lead the Bloods to a third successive title, they will be the first side in the history of the 92-years of the Turf 1 competition to do so.
grow its lead early in the third term, with Jawoski’s second in the 13th minute the first goal of the quarter after a prolonged arm-wrestle to open the half.
It opened the floodgates for the Bulldogs, with Jaworski adding another minutes later and his teammates another four in the remainder of the term for a 43-point lead at the final break.
Two goals each in the final term ensures the margin remained around the seven-goal mark.
Jaworski finished with three to affirm his credentials as one of the best players in the competition, while Joel Garner’s availability thanks to Footscray’s bye the VFL was a welcome addition to the star-studded midfield.
Bailey Syswerda, Jacob Aitchison and Kody Busoli were among the best in yellow and black.
Meanwhile, Mt Evelyn’s charge to finals spot
has hit another roadblock, losing for a second consecutive week to remain outside the six.
It was the revitalised Olinda Ferny Creek that brought them unstuck, winning by 10 goals in shootout between two of the competition’s wildcards 24.11 155 to the hosts’ 14.11 95.
The win lifts the Bloods off the bottom of the table and keeps their distant finals hopes alive, two games out of fifth but boasting the best percentage of the sides ranked five to nine.
Eight goals to four in the opening term set the tone for the high-scoring afternoon as Olinda Ferny Creek extended its lead at every break in the contest.
Shane Harvey kicked seven goals for the Bloods in his second game for the club while Noah Desta kicked four.
William Gordon kicked four for the Rovers as Daimon Kift’s stellar season continues.
Cranbourne, Drouin, Officer Blue and Pakenham were the big winners in the Osborne Shield on Saturday as a full round was played in the Berwick and District Tennis Association.
Drouin and Pakenham were in great form on the weekend, while Officer Blue was forced to work a little bit harder against a gallant Beaconsfield Gold.
SATURDAY Osborne Shield
Sandhurst 1 3:40 v 2 5:43 Drouin, NarreWarren North 1 2:32 v 2 5:43 Pakenham, Beaconsfield Blue 1 2:23 v 2 4:29 Cranbourne, Officer Blue 2 4:37 v 1 3:34 Beaconsfield Gold.
Section 1 Rubbers
Officer Red 1 4:45 v 2 4:44 Berwick, Harkaway 2 4:39 v 1 3:35 NarreWarren, Beaconsfield 1 2:25 v 2 4:32 Officer Blue.
Section 2 Rubbers
Narre Warren 0 2:32 v 3 6:47 Berwick White, Berwick Blue 1 3:40 v 2 5:44 Pakenham, Upper Beaconsfield 3 6:36 v 0 0:15 Clyde, Cranbourne 2 5:43 v 1 2:26 Narre Warren North.
Section 3 Rubbers
Berwick White 2 5:48 v 1 3:41 Berwick Blue, Berwick Black 0 3:46 v 3 6:51 Cranbourne, Narre Warren North 1 2:33 - 2 4:32 Clyde White, Clyde Green 3 6:36 - 0 0:15 Bunyip
Section 4 Rubbers
Narre Warren South 2 4:34 - 1 2:18 Clyde Blue, Beaconsfield Blue 1 2:23 - 2 4:32 CranbourneWhite, Cranbourne Purple 0 0:13 v 3 6:36 Beaconsfield Gold.
Section 5 Rubbers
Narre Warren North Red 0 1:24 v 3 6:40
Narre Warren, Cockatoo v Cranbourne Black (Missing Results), Cranbourne Yellow 2 4:36 v 1 4:43 Beaconsfield.
Section 6 Singles
Clyde 2:35 v 6:40 Berwick White, Berwick Blue 6:46 v 2:29 Pakenham, Upper Beaconsfield 7:45 v 1:15 Hallam.
Section 7 Singles
Narre Warren 6:42 v 2:31 Berwick Blue, Ber-
wick White 8:48 v 0:22 Officer Red, Narre Warren North 5:34 v 3:32 Officer Blue, Cranbourne 3:28 v 5:36 Beaconsfield.
Section 8 Singles
Fountain Gate Gold 2:21 v 6:43 Berwick, Fountain Gate Green 1:26 v 7:45 Narre Warren, Upper Beaconsfield 5:36 v 3:22 Cranbourne.
Section 9 Singles
Officer 7:44 v 1:25 Narre Warren North, Clyde 4:26 v 4:34 Tooradin.
SUNDAY
Section 10 Singles
Berwick White 3:38 v 5:37 Harkaway, Narre Warren 4:37 v 4:35 Berwick Blue, Cranbourne 1:16 v 7:42 Upper Beaconsfield.
Section 11 Singles
Berwick White 3:28 v 5:41 Clyde, Narre Warren Green 5:36 v 3:37 Berwick Blue, Gloucester v Narre Warren Gold (Results Missing).
Section 12 Singles
Harkaway 6:39 v 2:29 Gloucester, Pakenham 3:37 v 5:41 Berwick, Beaconsfield 5:41 v 3:32 Officer.
Section 13 Singles
NarreWarren Gold 4:36 v 4:32 Beaconsfield, Pakenham 2:27 v 6:43 Narre Warren Green.
Section 14 Singles
NarreWarren Green 6:43 v 2:22 Cranbourne Gold, Fountain Gate 2:36 v 6:44 Narre Warren Gold, Cranbourne Green 4:36 v 4:34 Officer.
Section 15 Green Ball Singles
Berwick 8:49 v 0:13 Cranbourne Red, Cranbourne Blue 3:28 v 5:38 Officer.
Section 16 Doubles
Fountain Gate 0:10 v 6:36 Beaconsfield, Narre Warren South 4:30 v 2:21 Berwick.
Section 17 Doubles
Upper Beaconsfield 6:36 v 0:4 Clyde, Beaconsfield 6:36 v 0:4 Narre Warren.
Section 18 Doubles
Berwick White 2:24 v 4:30 Narre Warren Gold, NarreWarren Green 0:9 v 6:36 Hallam.
