News - Cranbourne Star News - 3rd August 2023

Students celebrate a century

Devon Meadows Primary School’s youngest learners celebrated a significant milestone last week.

Donning wigs and canes, the Foundation pupils dressed up as 100-year-olds to celebrate reaching 100 days of school.

No finding on MP

By Matthew Sims

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 John Woodman and his associates.

IBAC made a total of 34 recommendations to promote transparency in planning decisions and enhance donation and lobby-

ing 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 MrWoodman at a hotel in October 2018.

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Ruby, Nate, Adeline, Milla, Thomas and Marissa celebrating 100 days of prep. 350335 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Baby kidnapper in hotel

By Emily Woods, AAP

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 the Toyota 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 alcohol

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.

Judge Allen agreed to release Robertson on 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

Faithful friends celebration of 40 years of support

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.”

Taxation Services

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The original group has continued to blossom over the years. 349518

Tara Martin, Erin Pattison and Carly Daley at nine years of age. 349518

Erin with a picture of her playgroup friends. 349518

Lynne Hobbs and Jill Pattison’s friendship has only grown stronger over the past 40 years. 349518 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Two of the original babies Tara Martin and Erin Pattison. 349518

The original babies, Tara Martin, Casey Waltham, Ashley Hall, Erin Pattison and Carly Daley and their Maternal Health Care Sister Mary Garrett celebrated 40 years of friendship. 349518

Lynne Hobbs with a photo of Carly and Erin. 349518

Tara Martin, Erin Pattison and Carly Daley reenacted a pose from an old photo. 349518

Pokies reform hailed

By Matthew Sims

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 NarreWarren 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.

Road blitz catches 103

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 allVictorians 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.”

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas welcomed the Electronic Gaming Machine Usage in Narre Warren South Parliamentary Internship Report from Melbourne University student Jack Keating. Picture: SUPPLIED

Q&A with Community Information & Support Cranbourne executive officer Leanne Petrides

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

THREE … ways to Homelessnesssupport Week

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.

Community Information & Support Cranbourne executive officer Leanne Petrides. 149771

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Housing crisis hits hard

By Emily Chapman Laing

Casey 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,“ saidVictorian 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.

Land acquired for new Clyde North primary school

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

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.

Picture: GENERIC

Mortgage interest rate increases are costing many Casey South residents their homes.

Picture: GENERIC

Path2Home

By Sahar Foladi

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

OPINION

Dementia rehab launch

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.

LENSCAPE

We failed them

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 THUMBS DOWN

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.

Thumbs up

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.

Thumbs down

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

Tarnished by greed

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.

Thumbs down

To potholes - another car rim damaged due to hitting one on Clyde Road!

Thumbs down

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 South

Boots at FRV Cranbourne. 349063

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Powering on

Energy companies have taken another step towards a lower-emissions future for Australia in CranbourneWest.

On Thursday 27 July, Energy and Resources

Minister Lily D’Ambrosio visited the Cranbourne West site to officially mark the start of pre-construction activities for the Rangebank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Situated within the Rangebank Business Park in Melbourne’s South East, the Rangebank BESS would provide 200MW/400MWh capacity of reliable and flexible energy to Victorians upon completion in late 2024. When fully operational, the Rangebank BESS would have enough storage capacity to power 80,000 homes for an hour during peak periods, equivalent to providing five hours of energy to all 31,000 households in Cranbourne.

Jointly developed by Eku Energy and Shell Energy with minority equity partner Perfection Private and built, serviced, and maintained by energy storage product provider Fluence, the grid-scale battery would be connected to Victoria’s transmission network at the Cranbourne Terminal Station.

Ms D’Ambrosio said batteries of this scale were essential in the State Government’s action towards lowering emissions.

“Grid-scale big batteries like this one are crucial in helping Victoria achieve our energy storage targets of at least 2.6 GW of capacity by 2030 and at least 6.3 GW by 2035 to ensure we can deliver the benefits of cheaper, renewable energy across the state,” she said.

Eku Energy Asia Pacific head and chief investment officer Daniel Burrows said the event marked an exciting milestone as the start of the company’s second grid-scale battery under construction inVictoria.

“Eku Energy will continue to apply our deep understanding of electricity markets in delivering important battery storage solutions across the National Electricity

Market,” he said.

Shell Energy Australia chief executive Greg Joiner said Shell Energy was proud to help with Melbourne’s action towards a lower-emissions future.

“Grid-scale batteries will play a crucial role in Australia’s energy future as we integrate more renewables into the grid. This is an important milestone for the Rangebank BESS, bringing access to essential firm capacity one step closer forVictorians,” he said.

The start of the project coincided with Ms D’Ambrosio’s announcement of a new $8800

interest free battery loan, which will enable households to maximise output from their solar panels and save thousands on energy bills over the lifetime of the battery.

The loans are repayable over four years – and in some cases, will reduce upfront installation costs to zero. Solar Homes customers with both solar and a battery save around $1,500 on their energy bills each year, with an average return on investment period of seven to ten years.

The battery loan is part of the Labor Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program

and will be available to new customers as well as the more than 226,000 Victorian homeowners who have already claimed a rebate to install solar panels.

Ms D’Ambrosio said the loans would help achieve the state’s renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035.

“It is vital households transition to running on cheap, reliable, renewable energy,” she said.

“Interest free battery loans will allow more people to take advantage of cheaper renewable energy by significantly reducing upfront costs of installing battery storage.”

Shell Energy Australia chief executive Greg Joiner,Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio,Eku Energy Asia Pacific head and chief investment officer Daniel Burrows and Perfection Private chief executive Steven Murphy.

Picture: EKU ENERGY,SHELL ENERGY

Slow mile in their shoes

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.

Tooradin pupils celebrate first 100 days of school

The number 100 was the number of the day on Friday 28 July at Tooradin Primary School, as the Foundation pupils celebrated 100 days of school.

The cohort dressed up as centenarians and completed a number of activities around the number 100.

Harper. 348599

Charlotte. 348599

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cooper, Leo and Lincoln. 348599

Lola, Eva and Cato. 348599

River, Melba and Emmet. 348599

Alexis, Charlotte and Sophie. 348599

Thomas and Nate. 350335

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Ruby, Marissa, Adeline and Milla. 350335

Diversity name of the game

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

Bon Appetit by Petit Circus will be appearing at the Drum Theatre.

The play Arthur Miller’s The Death of a Salesman will be featured at the Drum Theatre.

A ‘culture of avoidance’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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 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.

Call for ‘good candidates’ ahead of next election

By Matthew Sims

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 JohnWoodman 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 2024.

IBAC report reveals no adverse findings on MP

From page 1

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 CranbourneWest.

“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 MrWoodman’s “generous offer”, but denied furthering his interests, which IBAC accepted.

In a statement released onThursday 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 MrWoodman, nor did I approach the Minister for Planning or his office,“ she said.

“IBAC also confirms I unequivocally attempted to let MrWoodman 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 MrWoodman 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 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 MrWoodman’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 .

Former Casey councillor Brian Oates.

‘Incapable’ of planning

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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, was circumspect on the possible move.

“Council will determine its position when the State Government considers draft legislation following on from the IBAC report,” a spokesperson said.

IBAC deputy commissioner DavidWolf said the “complexity and technical capability to deal with planning matters is beyond councillors”.

He also noted their “corruption vulnerabili-

ties”, 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 JohnWoodman.

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, emphasising the urgent need for housing supply.

“To have part-time councillors making decisions to turn, say, farmland into a new sub-

Shakespearean defence launched against probe

By Rachael Ward, AAP

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 Broadbased 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 MrWoodman 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.

Beyond the council, Mr Woodman also donated more than $470,000 to the Labor and Liberal parties between 2010 and 2019

to access state decision-makers 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 Mr Woodman 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 Anti-corruption Commission declined to comment.

urb 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. (The councilors) say no, no, no even though 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”.

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.

Woodman claims ‘victim’ status, promises evidence

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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 toWoodman in the form of ‘cash in a suitcase’.

Both councillors have denied wrong-doing.

IBAC claimed Woodman also “improperly influenced” two other councillors with indirect support such as donating to election campaigns or causes benefting 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.

“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.”

At 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 elec-

tion 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 Cranbourne West 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.”

Covert photos of Sam Aziz and John Woodman in a Subway outlet in Skye. Picture: IBAC

Property developer John Woodman called an IBAC report “302 pages of lies, half truths and hoax”.

Picture: DIEGO FIDELE, AAP

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Operation Sandon’s cast

John

Woodman

Developer and director ofWatsons

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 LorraineWreford.

· Aziz thought of Woodman as a “bottomless ATM”, according toWreford.

· 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 involvingWoodman.

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” byWoodman.

· 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 Ablett

Casey 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 involvingWoodman 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 Serey

Ex-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 byWoodman).

· 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 byWoodman

· 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 NarreWarren 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.

Sameh Aziz speaks to media during a press conference on Monday.

Picture: DIEGO FIDELE, AAP

Geoff Ablett.

‘Significant benefits’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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 MrWoodman.

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 inVictoria.

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.

Premier Daniel Andrews’ IBAC evidence is revealed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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 rangWoodman.

“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.

Premier Daniel Andrews,pictured,gave evidence to IBAC about developer John Woodman.

324564

Picture: MATT MALE

IBAC acting commissioner Stephen Farrow and deputy commissioner David Wolf. 350301

Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

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

David Williamson’s ‘The Perfectionist’

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 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.

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

Leaving Jackson: The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show

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

25 Years of Song

The Casey Choir Spring Concert is being held at the Lakeview Room in the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Lakeside Boulevard in Pakenham

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

on Sunday 27 August from 2pm.

Songs from shows, from around the world and from Australia with guest artists Out of Hand.

Australian Poetry Slam Heat

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.

A little bit of everything. Music to suit everyone.

· Tickets: cardinia.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/salesevent/107682

The door is open.

The mic is on.

Push into the crowd and find your spot. Audience! You may be chosen as a judge. Continued page 18

The Casey Choir performing at Christmas in Berwick celebrations.

Picture: EWAN ARNOLDO

Businesses look to 2050

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

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.

Best-selling demographer Bernard Salt is among an impressive roll-call of speakers at the SEBC conference on 31 August. 188054

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Your regional newspaper offers so

WHAT’S ON

From page 16

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.

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

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.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Children’s Day Event

Join the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place at Myuna Farm for an afternoon full of fun. There will be lots of activities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to enjoy, including cultural games, face painting, the Casey 360 bus, food and entertainment!

· Myuna Farm, 182 Kidds Road, Doveton on Fri-

day 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.

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

· For more information phone David on 0433566456 or Bruce 0447554475

Conversational English

Improve your confidence in reading, writing, and speaking English in this small friendly class each Tuesday afternoon during school terms.

$5 per term (10 weeks).

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

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

Beginners Yoga

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

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

Classes available on Thursday afternoons and Thursday evenings.

$85 per term (10 weeks).

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

Get Your Art On

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

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

Classes held after school on Monday afternoons.

$96 per term (8 weeks).

· Hall 2, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Mondays, 4:30pm-5:45pm

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

•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.

if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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To apply send your resume with covering letter to: Classified Advertising Manager sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

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SPORT

Defender of Eagles’ spirit

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Scripting a day to give Cranbourne 200-gamer Glenn Osborne the biggest point-of-difference has landed on 17 September 2022.

The biggest match on the footy calendar was a low-scoring slogfest at a drenched RSEA Park.

Cranbourne’s six-point grand final victory was defined by defensive intent, one percenters and second efforts.

“The biggest thing is just effort,” skipper Brandon said about brother Glenn, the 2018 best and fairest.

“You know if he’s going into a contest he’s going to give it his best crack, he’ll put everything into it.

“If there was someone to lock down, he would do the job and win more ball than his opponent at the time.”

After Richmond VFL-listed Austin Johnson kicked three crucial goals for Cheltenham in the qualifying final between the sides, he was held goalless by Osborne in the big dance.

It was the first goalless game Johnson played since his first year of senior footy in 2019, and he came into the contest with multiples in 12 of his 13 local games in 2022.

Star play-maker Zak Roscoe won the best afield medal, but Brandon says Glenn got the players vote when they watched the game back on Mad Monday.

The game, described by Brandon as the best of Glenn’s career, was a microcosm of what Osborne’s career has produced: a tough brand of footy, crucial one-on-one wins and composure late.

“I felt like I had done my hammy at halftime so I don’t know how I went back on,” Glenn recalls.

“I was waiting for my hammy to go, it was grabbing the whole second half, I didn’t know how it didn’t...but I pushed through.

“I didn’t know at the time if it would be my last game ever so I kept working.”

Injuries are inexorable given the way Glenn puts his head over the footy, and the veteran has succumbed to hamstring, nose, ankle, shoulder injuries and concussions.

In between that, there have been three premierships from seven grand finals.

He has shared each success with brother, Brandon.

“Kicking the footy or playing cricket until it was dark, just wanting to make more runs than the other, we’ve always been competitive,” Glenn said.

“It’s funny how you go from that to playing footy with each other as best mates.”

Brandon: “I used torment him as much as I could because I was always faster, I’d push him until he was angry enough to chase me, then I’d just run away.”

“Not much has changed,” Glenn chuckles.

The pair have been the backline leaders in an era of triumph for the Eagles, arriving after a sustained period of adversity.

The brothers both put it down to the stability in the back six which allows each to play to their strengths, and knowing what each will bring.

Prior to 2022, Osborne won the 2016 pre-

miership after four consecutive grand final defeats, a time-frame underpinned by Cranbourne’s inability to get it done on the big stage.

Osborne also played a crucial role in Cranbourne’s undefeated run to the 2011 premiership.

“It felt like we were beating teams before we stepped out on the field,” Glenn reflected.

“We had that confidence that we knew we were going to get the job done, it was a very good year.”w

Brandon adds: “Everyone bought in. There were three kilometre time trials before training during season, we were fit as anything, and raring to go and steamrolling into finals.

“There was almost that fear in other sides because we were winning so strongly.”

It was fitting that the Cranbourne stalwart defender was named best-on-ground in his 200th game on Saturday.

It continued a purple patch of form for the 34-year-old who has been named in the best in each of the past seven games, a period that includes three where Brandon was absent.

That stretch without Brandon, in particular, served a reminder to the rest of the competition of Glenn’s important role, his achievements so often having been shaded by Brandon who gets the opposition spearhead.

“I’m not one of the most skilful players, others do the flashy things, for me it’s just about doing the hard work and my bit for the team really,” Glenn said.

“Going in hard and trying to win the ball –that’s what I enjoy doing.

“I probably haven’t been doing the work I normally do behind the scenes.

“Most years I’m working really hard, doing extra running, extra sessions, I’ve been doing bits and pieces but not as much as normal.

“I’m glad I’m still getting a kick and contributing.

“I think I’m just going for it and not holding back.

“It’s year by year at the moment, so I’ve just tried to make the most of it.”

Doveton and Hampton Park doing each other favours

By Jonty Ralphsmith

It was a ladder shaping round in both Division 1 and 2 of the Southern Football Netball League.

In Division 2, fierce rivals Doveton and Hampton Park did each other favours by winning on Saturday.

Doveton’s victory over Skye puts the Redbacks six points clear in fifth spot, with the Spiders’ win over Highett giving Doveton breathing room in third position.

A Highett vs Hampton Park elimination final looks all but locked in, which spells excitement for Hayden Stanton’s men.

Their two strongest performances of the season have both come in wins over Highett.

Saturday’s game was a statement win in the context of the season, with several unheralded stars stepping up.

Josh Stow and Dylan Morris stepped up as Hampton Park kicked two goals late in red time to give themselves a shot.

A Jack Wilson behind after the siren secured a one-point win.

For Doveton, Deekon Stapleton, Brodie Howie,Will Smith and Luke Daidone were all included after various lengths of time on the sideline.

After going into halftime behind, Doveton put the foot on the pedal when it mattered,

with eight second half goals to three proving their superior class and hardness in the midfield.

Meanwhile, in Division One, Cranbourne suffered a surprise loss to St Paul’s McKinnon.

It’s the second consecutive loss for the Eagles, after losing to Cheltenham before the bye.

With Springvale Districts getting the better of Bentleigh, the result sees Cranbourne fall to third, in some danger of missing the double chance.

Next up for the Eagles is the hit-and-miss Port Melbourne, before a match with Springvale Districts which will likely decide third spot.

Cranbourne easily won the clash between the two sides earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, Lachie Lamble returned for Dingley and was among the best as the Dingoes were back on the winners books with a 13-point win over Mordialloc.

Jackson Peet led the way in the midfield while Kristen Feehan kept ex-AFL player Mitch Brown to three goals.

Division 1

· Results: Mordialloc 9.7 61 v Dingley 11.8 74, Port Melbourne 14.11 95 v Cheltenham 19.19 133, Cranbourne 9.8 62 v St Paul’s McKinnon 10.7 67, St Kilda City 3.4 22 v Chelsea Heights 20.14 134, Springvale Districts 11.15 81 v Bentleigh 7.5 47.

· Ladder: Cheltenham 52, Springvale Districts 42, Cranbourne 40, Dingley 38, Port Melbourne Colts 36, St Paul’s McKinnon 32, Mordialloc 16, Chelsea Heights 12, Bentleigh 8, St Kilda City 4

· Fixture: Bentleigh v Mordialloc, Cheltenham v Springvale Districts, Cranbourne v Port Melbourne Colts, St Paul’s McKinnon v Chelsea Heights, Dingley v St Kilda City Division 2

· Results: East Malvern 18.10 118 v Keysborough 9.10 64, East Brighton 21.13 139 v Caulfield 6.6 42, Doveton Doves 10.11 71 v Skye 7.6 48, Hampton Park 11.11 77 v Highett 10.16 76, Murrumbeena 13.18 96 v Black Rock 8.5 53

· Ladder: East Brighton 56, Murrumbeena 48, Doveton Doves 40, Highett 36, Hampton Park 32, Skye 26, East Malvern 24, Caulfield 24, Keysborough 14, Black Rock 0

· Fixture:BlackRockvEastMalvern,Doveton Doves v Caulfield, Keysborough v East Brighton, Hampton Park v Skye, Highett v Murrumbeena

Ashley Brown and Doveton are now all but locked into third position. 347263 Picture: ROB CAREW

A guard of honour for the milestone man. 350350

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Glenn Osborne takes body contact. 275015

Wilson a Jack of all trades

By Jonty Ralphsmith

WILSON ANNOUNCES HIMSELF

Teenager Jack Wilson is establishing a reputation for stepping up in big moments.

In his first year of senior footy in 2021, he kicked the winning goal against Keysborough to guide Hampton Park to an upset win.

Earlier in the year, he took a game-saving mark against Doveton.

He also recalls kicking the match-winner on the run, from 30 out, in juniors to win his team the grand final.

But his behind after the siren to win it for the Redbacks on Saturday was the most special.

“It was nerve racking walking back,” Wilson said.

“I was just thinking ‘surely I can score’ and I hit it alright.

“I didn’t even see it, but it just went past the post and I was already celebrating.

“I was aiming at the (left) goal post and it stayed straight the whole way.”

A lifelong Geelong supporter, Wilson’s kick is comparable to Jimmy Bartel’s behind after the siren to beat Hawthorn in 2009.

Despite having been named in the best consistently throughout the year, this was widely seen as his breakout game, as he won plenty of the footy and kicked three goals.

It speaks as much to Wilson’s class at the level, as much Hampton Park’s injuries, that he has shot up to be one their most important players despite being so young.

The son of former coach Nathan was a solid role player in his first two years of senior footy, but has hurt teams this year with his aerobic capacity on the wing.

Having played senior footy since he was 16-years-old, he is also notably conditioned to the physicality, and has adapted well to inclement conditions regularly thrown up by Tony Way Recreation Reserve.

While he played in a different position on Saturday, it was the same traits that stood out as he provided bounce and bubble.

With Tanner Stanton heavily tagged and Tristan Fernandez-Phillips sitting out the second half due to a corkie, neither starting winger influenced, yet Hampton Park stuck with Wilson as a midfielder-forward, after a 12-disposal first quarter.

“When I’m in the midfield, I feel like I’m using my body a lot more and getting used to the strength of other players,” Wilson said.

“I’m getting more work done in the contest-

ed area (this year).

“I was happy with 10 touches and a goal in my first year of senior footy, but now that I’ve become fitter and stronger, I’m touching it more, so I feel a lot more confident.”

THE DYING STAGES

· 23:40: Josh Craig set up Wilson inside 50 in a hole between three Highett defenders. The 18-year-old slotted it from 35 to cut the margin to seven.

· 27.52: Hope of a fightback looked extinguished as Highett controlled the footy for part of the play following that goal, before Declan Brunnell pounced. Scrambled from general play, he ran onto a loose ball and finished a dribbler.

· 28:30: Josh Stow got his fifth clearance of the final quarter when the ball returned to the centre, his long roost forward giving the hosts one last roll of the dice.

· 28:50: The venue lets out a collective sigh as an Aaron Holden snap from 25 hit the post to level things up.

· 29:05: Highett look to chain it out of defence via a series of handballs. Wilson reads the

Power too good for Knights

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Gippsland was able to stave off a third-quarter fightback from the Northern Knights, winning 12.5 77 to 5.13 43 at Morwell Recreation Reserve.

The Power dictated terms in the first quarter, with top 30 prospects Zane Duursma and Archer Reid combining for three of their four majors to give a 26-point buffer at quarter time.

Having kicked four goals in his last game for Gippsland on 24 June, Reid kicked another four on Saturday and took seven marks.

In between those games were two strong outings for Vic Country as he puts together his most consistent block of form at the level.

Zane Duursma had 24, kicked two goals and took 12 marks in his brother’s, Willem, Talent League debut.

The under-16 MVP for Vic Country, Willem has a basketball background and is seen as a strong 2025 prospect.

He finished with 14 disposals and a teamhigh eight rebound 50s playing in the backline.

Northern levelled the scores after scoring four of the first five goals in the second half, before the hosts kicked away.

Xavier Lindsay continued his strong form as a bottom-aged midfielder with 29 touches. Meanwhile, Dandenong was outplayed by the Calder Cannons going down

Zane Duursma celebrating. 339169

Picture:

12.13 85 to 7.9 51.

Vic Country player Billy Wilson’s 27 touches is the most he’s racked up all season as he produced several eye-catching moments.

Harvey Langford continued his strong form with 26 touches and three goals, while Kobe Shipp, playing his more familiar halfback role, and Kade De La Rue, also had 26 touches.

In his first game back for six weeks, cocaptain Cooper Simpson’s ball handling was typically neat and he was named among the best as he had 18 touches.

play, and sticks a tackle on a Highett defender 35 metres out on a slight angle, and is awarded a holding the ball free kick. The siren sounds as he walks back to take the set shot. He runs in, gets close to the man on the mark and hangs it narrowly out to the left, prompting roars from the crowd.

LESSER LIGHTS SHINE

Hampton Park has had the backbone of a spider throughout 2023.

Coach Hayden Stanton has put it on the them throughout 2023 to stand up in big moments, yet repeatedly, like their arachnid moniker, they’ve had no spine.

Put in the same situation on Saturday, they finished with the sting of a Redback, finding a way to win despite having 23 fewer inside 50s.

Hampton Park capitalised on its opportunities and lifted the intensity coming home with the wind.

The hosts started well against the wind in the first quarter, but trailed by 17 points at the start of the fourth.

Despite closing to within a goal soon thereafter, skill errors in dangerous territory allowed

Highett to kick away again, before the Redbacks magic unfolded.

“It was good to see some other players step up and play competitively,” Stanton said.

“I put the onus on Dylan Morris, developing ruck Andy Parker and a couple of others who were going okay but needed to elevate themselves.

“Dylan was great, Andy got important taps in the last quarter, and down back Josh Craig was a dependable character, Trent Downe was the same.

“There is a lot of upside in the grittiness of getting up and winning.

“We won’t get everyone back from injury, but if we can get three-four back in the next few weeks, we’ve proven we can challenge anyone.

“Sometimes you need an ugly win and that’s what that was.”

“It’s what footy’s all about.

“There was role playing, teamsmanship, and players putting themselves forward to say they’ve arrived as a proper senior player.”

Cannons a little below best

By Jonty Ralphsmith

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 North West Lightning 1, Brunswick 2 v PEGS 1, Knox 0 v Yarra Valley 4

Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 33, Yarra Valley 32, Casey 32, Monash University 29, Knox 18, Brunswick 15, WestVic13, Werribee 13, PEGS 10, North West 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 v Yarra Valley 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 v Werribee

STEWART CHAMBERS

Rebecca Wagg advancing it out of the back half. 347266 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Trent Downe was among the players to stand up for Hampton Park. 350351 Pictures: ROB CAREWJack Wilson after his last quarter goal against Keysborough two years ago. 233832

Casey crushed by Conway

By Marcus Uhe

A goal to Williamstown’s Liam Conway with two minutes remaining broke Casey Demons hearts on Sunday afternoon with the Seagulls prevailing by a solitary point at Casey Fields.

Repeat entries eventually took their toll for the Seagulls in the dying stages as they pushed for a decisive major, with Conway holding a strong mark and converting a set shot as he navigated the wind at the Berwick-Cranbourne road end of the ground.

Williamstown defenders were able to then hold firm in the back half of the ground as the Demons desperately surged forward, with the siren sounding in the 32nd minute to show an 11.975to11.874scorelineinthevisitor’sfavour.

The Demons will rue a slow start to the game in which the visitors kicked the opening six goals of the contest for a 38-point lead late in the term. Casey then flipped the script on the Seagulls, holding them scoreless in the second term while kicking four of their own.

Creative forward Andy Moniz-Wakefield finished the first half with three goals, having opened the scoring for the Demons late in the first and nailing a further two in the second.

A five-point half time deficit effectively put the contest on an even keel with an hour to play, the Seagulls holding the reigning premiers at bay with three goals to two in the third term to lead by 15 points at the final break.

Luke Dunstan kicked the all-important opener of the final quarter, but it was quickly answered by Joel Ottavi’s third for Williamstown.

Consecutive goals for James Munro, George Grey and Bailey Laurie during time-on then gave the Demons a lead in the 23rd minute,

Laurie making something from nothing in a desperate scramble at the top of his goalsquare that produced contest after contest in the swirling Cranbourne wind.

Six goalless minutes then elapsed before

Conway’s big moment, driving a dagger into Demon faithful’s hearts.

Dunstan was as prolific as ever, winning 39 possessions and kicking a goal, while James Munro laid 15 tackles to go with his 26 touches

and solitary major.

Brodie Grundy finished with 31 hit-outs and 11 disposals, but didn’t impact the scoreboard. The fifth-placed Demons will have their final bye of the season this week.

Centra the central figure as young gun fires for Vics

By Jonty Ralphsmith

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 dragVic 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, Mikayla Williamson 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

Osborne Shield wide open as big winners shine through

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 Narre Warren, 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 NarreWarren 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,

Nandanpreparestolaunchoneoffhisracquet atCaseyFields. 293980 Picture:ROBCAREW

NarreWarren North 1 2:33 - 2 4:32 ClydeWhite, 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 Cranbourne White, 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, Berwick 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 NarreWarren 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

Narre Warren Gold 4:36 v 4:32 Beaconsfield, Pakenham 2:27 v 6:43 NarreWarren Green.

Section 14 Singles

Narre Warren 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 NarreWarren.

Section 18 Doubles

Berwick White 2:24 v 4:30 Narre Warren Gold, NarreWarren Green 0:9 v 6:36 Hallam.

AshCentrainactionforthePowerearlierin theyear. 350996 Picture:DAEJMEDIA

AndyMoniz-WakefieldkickedthreeforCaseyinitsnarrowlosstoWilliamstownonSunday. 325648

Picture:ROBCAREW