News - Cranbourne Star News - 31st August 2023

Having a ball

All types of pets, from feathered to furry, filled out Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick as part of this year’s Casey Pet Expo on Saturday 26 August.

Casey Council active communities manager Angie Peresso said Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick was a perfect location for the event, as the first signs of spring started to bloom with some sunshine and warmer weather.

“It was wonderful to see the community coming together and connecting with each other and their furry and feathered friends at Casey Pet Expo last weekend,” she said.

“The event happened to coincide with International Dog Day, but we also celebrated animals of all stripes.

“Pets are a huge part of people’s lives and the Casey Pet Expo brought so many like-minded people together to share their passion and learn more about responsible pet ownership.”

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Ian from Cranbourne with his fox terriers at the 2023 Casey Pet Expo. 355945 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Jail time uproar

By Emily Woods, AAP

Jason Langhans was trying to stop two boys from fighting at a 16th birthday party when one of them turned on him.

He was hit in the head with a screwdriver and immediately collapsed to the ground as a brawl broke out.

The 17-year-old died in hospital three weeks later.

His attacker, who cannot be named, had gate crashed the party in Tooradin that evening in March 2021.

While drinking and smoking weed at a house earlier, he had armed himself after a friend told him “there might be trouble”.

The boy, who was also aged 17, grabbed a screwdriver.

He later drove that screwdriver almost 8cm into Jason’s brain.

“I hit one guy badly,” he was heard saying after leaving the party.

Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth said Jason had no chance to defend himself when he was fatally hit by the teen, as she sentenced him on Thursday 24 August.

“You were carrying a screwdriver to a party, which you were prepared to use as a weapon if there was any trouble,” she said.

“Jason was not behaving aggressively and had no weapon, you hit him without warning.”

Jason’s supporters shouted from the Supreme Court public gallery, as they learnt the now-18-year-old killer could walk free from prison in two years.

“Please be quiet, this is not a football stadium,” Justice Hollingworth said.

“This is a courtroom, if you can’t behave appropriately, leave now.”

The teen had suffered a traumatic upbringing, growing up around bombings in Afghanistan, fleeing to Pakistan, Indonesia and then arriving in Australia by boat, the judge said.

There was no food or water on the boat and his siblings became unconscious on the journey.

He felt like a prisoner in a cage as he then spent two months at a Christmas Island detention centre and four months in Australian detention camps before settling in Geelong.

Justice Hollingworth took into account the teen’s trauma, young age, early offers to plead guilty and vulnerability if he was placed in an adult prison, in deciding his sentence.

She handed him a maximum six-year sentence and he must serve at least four years before he will be eligible for parole.

He has already spent just over two years in prison.

The judge requested the parole board consider transferring him to the youth justice system until he is 21.

Opening up on Daffodil Day

The damage and impact which cancer has on the world knows no boundaries.

Star News journalist Matthew Sims spoke to three locals about how cancer has affected them ahead of this year’s Daffodil Day.

Held on Thursday 31 August, Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day event supports life-saving cancer research.

Clyde North resident Carla Johnson lost both of her parents to cancer and has dedicated herself to helping raise awareness with the help of her local community.

“Unfortunately, cancer affects many people,” she said.

“Watching them go through the treatment through to the end stage was incredibly difficult.”

What started as a breast cancer diagnosis for her mother quickly spread into her chest wall and into her esophagus, a battle which lasted longer than five years.

“I can’t believe how strong she was,” Ms Johnson said.

“She tried to hide her pain from everyone.”

She has helped run a number of online auctions and other fundraising events for Daffodil Day since her parents’ deaths, with her most recent auction running throughout August raising about $400, with items and services donated by local businesses.

Ms Johnson said she was grateful for the support of local individuals and businesses, including Team Anita and Harpreet, Leslie Enright and Divinity Candles.

“To me, it means nothing without the business who have supported me,” she said.

“My plans wouldn’t have gone anywhere without them.

“They’re the reason it happened.”

Cancer Council Victoria fundraising head Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said cancer has affected everyone in one way or another.

“Cancer takes so much - from all of us,” she said.

“It takes from our friends, neighbours, colleagues, and our family.

“By giving this Daffodil Day, we can help stop cancer from taking so much.”

Berwick residents Andrew and Sheila Downey have raised more than $120,000 through their regular cupcake sales via the ‘Sheila and Andrew’s Cupcakes’ Facebook page, selling more than 50,000 cupcakes since first starting more than 10 years ago.

Mrs Downey was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 after a routine breast screening.

“It was a pretty big shock,” she said.

Mrs Downey said she did not receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment, but had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

“It’s very rare not to have chemo or radio (therapy),” she said.

“I’m a very big advocate to have an early breast screen and skin checks.

“I feel very lucky.”

Mrs Downey said the journey had allowed her to appreciate life and live life appreciating others.

“I think it made me a better person,” she said.

“It’s an absolute team effort.

“I couldn’t do it without Andrew.”

Mr Downey said they had no plans to stop baking cupcakes to raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.

“We haven’t got sick of it,” he said.

“We have a loyal following.”

Berwick resident Heather Callahan’s cancer journey began suddenly when she was told there were abnormalities in scans following an innocuous back injury in 2018.

Further scans then found a cyst in one of her kidneys.

Ms Callahan said she was “extremely fortunate” to have Scott Donnellan as her urologist and that the cancer was discovered early, leading to the kidney being removed.

“It’s not great to get a cancer diagnosis,” she said.

Ms Callahan’s diagnosis was made more shocking because it was the same cancer found in her father who died in 1995 about four days after first learning of his disease.

“He had no treatment,” she said.

“There was nothing indicated to us that it could have been genetic.”

“I had none of the markers for it.”

Ms Callahan has recently been named as ‘clear’ as she has surpassed the five-year mark since her treatment and her remaining kidney has grown stronger.

“You have a different outlook on life,” she said.

“It probably gives you a clearer picture.

“It gives me a very different outlook.”

Ms Callahan said seeking resources and support from Cancer Council was invaluable to her during and after her father’s passing and during her own cancer journey.

“I wanted to understand what happened to Dad,” she said.

“They’ve got resources for you to be able to access.”

Ms Callahan said the loss of her father was extremely difficult.

“I was quite close to my dad,” she said.

“I’d never lost anyone close to me.

“I think it made me more determined to not let me stop achieving in life.

“You can let it determine you or make it motivate you.”

To support Daffodil Day, visit daffodilday. com.au or phone 1300 65 65 85.

Heather Callahan. 356065

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERSAndrew and Sheila Downey. Picture: SUPPLIED

Carla Johnson. 356162

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Bitter pill to swallow

By Matthew Sims

Terry White Chemmart Cranbourne owner Andy Om said they may have to look at cutting down on the services they provide when the Federal Government’s 60-day dispensing policy comes into effect on Friday 1 September.

On Wednesday 26 April, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced the intention to allow millions of Australians to buy two months’ worth of medicine for the price of a single prescription.

From 1 September, Australians with a chronic condition would benefit from cheaper medicines on about 100 common medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) under the first stage of the Federal Government’s new 60-day dispensing policy, treating a range of conditions including cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, gout, heart failure, high cholesterol, hypertension, osteoporosis and ulcerative colitis.

Once fully implemented, the 60-day prescribing policy would provide doctors with the option to prescribe a two-month supply of more than 320 medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to Australians with stable, ongoing conditions. The current dispensing limit is for a one-month supply only.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has opposed the change, with opponents arguing local community pharmacies would pick up the cost of the policy, claiming it would mean they would receive the same funding from the government for twice the amount of work.

Mr Om said they were already starting to look at how the changes would impact their income and overall business.

“It definitely affects pharmacies,” he said.

“It may affect the way we roster the staff levels.

“Some of the services may be limited as well.”

Once

Mr Om said the changes would impact those who needed the most help, as they may have to start charging for deliveries.

“It’s devastating,” he said.

“It’s a massive slap in the face.

“It is heartbreaking to have to do that to our customers.”

Mr Om said they would have to make changes to stay open.

“It really has forced our hand,” he said.

“It’s either that or we fold up shop.”

Cranbourne East resident Jan Coate said she thought the policy was “ridiculous”.

“The chemists are going to go broke,” she said.

“The government is just getting away with murder.”

A new report by the Commonwealth Bank and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has revealed an overwhelming number of pharmacists would be charging for what were previously free services, cutting staff, trading hours, and believe the value of their

More youth theft arrests

Three boys from the South East have been charged over alleged ‘swarming’ thefts from bottle shops and stores across Melbourne, including a 16-yearold boy from Hallam.

Police say alcohol, cigarettes and cash were stolen from six bottle shops and two stores in Bentleigh, Burwood, Cheltenham, Clarinda, Fitzroy, Hampton, and Montrose between 18-22 August.

Staff were threatened but not harmed, police say.

Picture: SUPPLIED

pharmacy will fall over the next three years due to the changes.

The Commbank Pharmacy Insights Report 2023 found 79 per cent of pharmacists were reviewing free services by charging for them instead, 62 per cent were looking to reduce the number of pharmacy assistants, 48 per cent were considering reducing their opening hours and 66 per cent expected the value of their pharmacy to decline over the next three years.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Professor Trent Twomey said the report supported their repeated warnings that 60day dispensing in its current form would leave both patients and their local community pharmacies worse off.

“For months we have been sounding the alarm on behalf of patients and pharmacists,” he said.

“Patients, aged care residents and pharmacists will suffer because the government is refusing to genuinely engage and fix these problems.”

Moorabbin CIU detectives arrested the trio of youths about noon on Wednesday 23 August.

A 12-year-old Dandenong boy was charged with burglary, theft and committing an indictable offence on bail.

A 14-year-old Noble Park boy was charged with aggravated burglary, unlawful assault, theft and committing an indictable offence on bail.

A 16-year-old Hallam boy was charged with armed robbery, aggravated burglary, theft and committing an indictable offence on bail.

They were expected to appear at court later that evening.

It follows the arrest of four South East boys aged between 12 and 16 on 18 August over the alleged ‘swarming’ thefts of 28 liquor stores and supermarkets across Melbourne between 3-15 August.

Police say further arrests are expected.

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

fully implemented, the 60-day prescribing policy would provide doctors with the option to prescribe a two-month supply of more than 320 medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to Australians with stable, ongoing conditions.

Wild attendees at expo

All types of pets from feathered to furry filled out Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick as part of this year’s Casey Pet Expo on Saturday 26 August.

Local businesses showed off their wares and services for pets, while visitors enjoyed the sights, sounds and attractions.

Star News photographer Stewart Chambers attended the event to capture the wild attendees and their human companions.

Megan and Opal. 355945

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Friends of Wilson Botanic Park members Tony, Carolyn, Troy, Jenny, Roger, Matthew, Michael and Lex. 355945 Dolores and Cloud from Doveton. 355945 Limo and Stretch enjoyed the ride. 355945

Rob Wilson and his iconic dog Sophie. 355945

People and pets from far and wide flocked to the Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick. 355945

Jack from Berwick with his 92-kilogram dog Artyom. 355945

The crew from from Lynbrook Vet and Berwick Clyde Vet. 355945

Kevin and Amy from Berwick. 355945 Leanne Duff in her Portable Parent Pod. 355945

Abby, Kim and Ashleigh from Casey Pet Emergency. 355945

Rental crisis hitting home

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A lack of stable, affordable housing is “destroying lives”, says the head of a South East family violence service.

Wellsprings forWomen provides specialised family violence case management in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia council areas.

Chief executive Dalal Smiley says a lack of suitable and affordable housing was contributing to women being reluctant to leave abusive relationships.

“One of our clients is unable to reunite with her children as she is living in a women’s refuge.

“Until she finds suitable housing, she can’t have her children back.

“Not having stable housing is destroying people’s lives, driving others to despair and fostering a generation that has lost all hope of ever owning their own home.”

Another Wellsprings family-violence client, due to not finding any alternative place to live, was compelled to live with the perpetrator.

“Wellsprings is monitoring her situation as she is now at elevated risk of family violence.”

Casey has dwindling affordable rentals and rising mortgage stress. Homelessness has risen by more than 50 per cent since 2016, with Greater Dandenong and Casey ranked the state’s No.1 and No.2.

In a submission to the current State Parliament inquiry into the rental and housing affordability crisis, Wellsprings submitted for increased social, community and public housing for women and children impacted by family violence.

It also called for the release of State-owned land and funding for social housing, as well as affordable housing quotas for high-rise developments and inclusionary zones.

“Having a secure home is a basic human rights issue,” Ms Smiley said.

“How did we get here in Australia? A rich and prosperous first world country, yet we are facing a major housing crisis?”

Southern Homelessness Services Network submitted to the inquiry that there were no affordable one-bedroom dwellings in Casey and Cardinia, and just one in Greater Dandenong in the March quarter.

The “extreme” rental housing pressure was leading to increased use of “inappropriate” and “unaffordable” rooming houses. A room

up to $250 a week may involve sharing a bathroom with up to nine people, the SHSN submitted.

It called for help focused on those at risk of homelessness – such as raising Centrelink payments above the poverty line, rent caps and freezes, and a mandatory inclusionary zoning scheme.

At the inquiry, Greater Dandenong Council proposed a 10 per cent mandatory minimum quota of social and affordable housing proper-

ties in new 10-or-more-dwelling developments. Currently, providing “genuinely” affordable housing was voluntary for developers, Greater Dandenong strategic planning manager Brett Jackson told the inquiry.

In its negotiations with developers, the council “hasn’t been successful in getting one” affordable dwelling, Mr Jackson said.

“It’s hard to get that goodwill for that to happen.”

The inquiry resumes on 19 September.

Wellsprings for Women chief executive Dalal Smiley, pictured front.

Carla up for award

By Matthew Sims

Clyde North local Carla Johnson has received a nomination for the Southside Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Community Hero Award in the 2023 Victorian Community Achievement Awards.

The Community Achievement Awards started in 2002 and are designed to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions that individuals, communities and businesses make throughout Victoria.

Ms Johnson said the death of her mother after a long battle with cancer spurred her on to enter the disability and aged care sectors.

“Prior to my Mum passing, I had never had any experience within the health sector,” she said. “After my personal experience, I wanted to help more.”

Ms Johnson entered into the aged care industry for five years and has recently moved into the role of business development manager at disability services and support organisation My Life Accommodation and Care Solutions, out of their recently opened Cranbourne office.

“I am absolutely loving it,” she said.

“I enjoy knowing that I’m helping people.

Carla Johnson. 356162 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“I go home each day feeling good.

“I don’t see it as a job.”

Ms Johnson has also worked within the insurance industry and co-ordinated fundraising for Daffodil Day and commenced a number of small businesses to support various charities including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Beyond Blue and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“I am always creating new ideas to help people,” she said. “It’s a good feeling.”

Ms Johnson said her goal was to help her local community find strength together.

“In the face of adversity, I turn challenges

into opportunities to assist others,” she said.

“My main goal has been to support local individuals and businesses.”

Ms Johnson said she was grateful to be nominated for the award.

“I feel very thankful that I was nominated,” she said. “I am very passionate about cancer disability and mental health.”

My Life Accommodation and Care Solutions also received a nomination for the Awards Australia Charitable Foundation Mental Health and Wellbeing Award.

Directors Jismon Joseph and Bony Joseph have been working in the aged care, disability and mental health fields for more than 15 years.

My Life Accommodation and Care Solutions offers accommodation, 24/7 care, activities and programs based on their clients’ interests, counselling and more services across Casey.

Judging will take place throughout October, with the winners to be announced on Friday 1 December at the 2023 Community Achievement Awards gala presentation dinner.

For more information on the 2023 Community Achievement Awards, visit awardsaustralia.com/viccaa

Two held

Police have charged a Cranbourne man with possessing a drug of dependence and driving while disqualified after a routine traffic intercept led to a firearm and drugs being located on Saturday 26 August.

Police were out on patrol when they pulled over a Ford Falcon in Francis Avenue in Drouin at about 12.50am.

They quickly discovered the driver, a 45-year-old Cranbourne man, was driving while disqualified. It was also determined that the vehicle was displaying incorrect registration plates.

A search of the driver and his 25-yearold female passenger from Traralgon allegedly turned up a small amount of methylamphetamines and GHB. Police then turned their sights on the pair’s vehicle where they discovered a home-made firearm. Police charged the Traralgon woman with possessing a drug of dependence, possessing a firearm, possessing ammunition and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

Both were remanded to appear in Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Monday 28 August. The man’s vehicle would also be impounded for 30 days.

Supporting new infrastructure projects in the region

The latest round of the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund is now open for infrastructure projects across Melbourne’s fastestgrowing suburbs, including Casey. This round of the Growing Suburbs Fund is focused on supporting critical community infrastructure needs within Melbourne’s 10 interface councils: Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.

OPINION

These interface councils are located on the fringes of metropolitan Melbourne and comprise more than 23 per cent of Victoria’s population. For the past two decades, population growth in these areas exceeded the state’s average and this trend is expected to continue.

Projects which directly benefit local communities will be prioritised under the new round, including multi-purpose facilities, early education and learning facilities, sport and

LENSCAPE

recreation facilities or projects which increase the amenity of open spaces.

The Growing Suburbs Fund also provides an opportunity for the State Government and local governments to partner with First Nations organisations to collaborate on projects.

Suburban Development Minister Ros Spence said the new infrastructure will support the state’s fastest growing suburbs to prosper.

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

Casey motorists did not escape the rising cost of unleaded fuel recently, with the average price of fuel across Casey at |about $2.0255. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Rob

Killian

Fuel is on average 20c cheaper in Gippsland. Nothing more than the ongoing ripoff we all

face.

Berwick motorists have shared their frustration at having to wait for permanent lighting along a number of key thoroughfares, including O’Shea Road. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Wayne McMahon

Same with Narre-Cranbourne and Thomp-

sons Rd intersection.

TheStateGovernment’sLevelCrossingRemoval Project attracted a mixture of opinions on its success and overall value during Parliament. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Rob Killian These would be the only projects that are on schedule.Then comes the question of how far over budget has it all gone.

“This new round of the Growing Suburbs Fund will help fast-track the delivery of important community infrastructure,” she said.

Since 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has invested $425 million into vital local infrastructure projects in Victoria’s fastest growing suburbs. Applications close on Friday 20 October. For more information on the latest round of the Growing Suburbs Fund, visit suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To Michael Soutter who completed a half marathon 12 weeks after having his prostate removed. A true inspiration and a great leader within the Pakenham community with Pakenham Road Runners.

The Book Week parade at Quarters Primary School in Cranbourne West. 356521

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Looking to next 30 years

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A packed audience at Bunjil Place was sold a vision of a growing, thriving region at the launch of the Victoria South-East Chamber Council.

At the council’s inaugural conference on 30 August, Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) chair Simon McKeon and a luminary cast of speakers cast their eyes on the region’s next 30 years.

The presenters also included world-renowned demographer Bernard Salt, Carmel’s Kitchen founder Carolyn Cresswell and Port of Hastings Corporation’s Todd Trimble.

Mr McKeon, whose GSEM group is a“voice” for eight South East councils, said the 1.5 million-strong region was “nationally significant” - more populous than Adelaide or the combined total of Tasmania, Canberra and Gold Coast.

It was also young – teeming with first-home buyers and a diverse, skilled community from around the world which had expertise to capture and share.

Without the history of Ballarat or Bendigo, the South East would tell its story as it continues to grow, Mr McKeon said.

GSEM was pushing for “transformational”

projects such as a long-touted South East airport and the extension of Thompsons Road to unlock a 500-hectare industrial precinct and 100,000 jobs.

A plan was needed for more local jobs and focused skills-training. Two of three CaseyCardinia workers were travelling outside the South East to their workplace, with many in a job below their qualifications, Mr McKeon said.

In particular, youths and females in the

South East were unemployed at significantly higher rates than other parts of Melbourne.

He pointed to some of the region’s achievements. Monash soon being home to the first RNA vaccine production facility in the southern hemisphere as well as hosting the only Western university created in the past 50 years to rise into the world’s top 50.

The Morrison Government failing to offer a ‘City Deal’ with GSEM was however a recent “letdown”.

Born and bred in Dandenong, the 2011 Australian of the Year underlined the strength of a collaborative “regionalism” rather than councils being a “voice in the wilderness”. GSEM was learning from the transformation of the Geelong and Gold Coast regions.

Demographer Bernard Salt pointed to Australia’s comparative wealth, with much of its riches invested in housing.

He pointed to the South East as a drawcard for the ‘Great Australian Dream’, with Warragul-Drouin the fastest growing region in Australia.

Melbourne was projected to expand to 8 million by 2053, the South East would swell to 3.2 million, he said.

On the back of this were future growth opportunities in construction, home development and innovation.

With Australia’s largest manufacturing hub in Dandenong South, it could be a logical home for a domestically-owned agribusiness as well as a logistics warehousing giant.

The working from home revolution would be like a “defibrillator” to the region, predicting 15 per cent of workers would still be WFH. It would mean less long commutes and a boost for the region’s business and services.

A packed house of 250 attended the Victoria South East Chamber Council conference. 356200

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

The conference was well attended.

Todd Trimble from Port of Hastings Corporation outlines the proposed off-shore wind farm terminal at Western Port. 356200

Demographer Bernard Salt outlines the region’s growth opportunities over the next three decades. 356200

Greater South East Melbourne chair Simon McKeon AO at the inaugural Victoria South East Chamber Council conference. 356200

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I was born on Kangaroo Island on 8 January, Elvis’ birthday, but a different year!

What do you love the most about your work at the Berwick RSL?

The caring and spirited people, the characters and the close-knit community spirit and lighthearted atmosphere.

What other work have you done in your life so far?

Heaps - butcher boy, bowser attendant, office cleaner, barman, RAAF logistics, which led to global logistics of air and sea cargo for 42 years and my own business.

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

A labrador.

What would your last meal be?

‘Katsu Curry Don’.

What was your most memorable moment?

Apart from witnessing the births of my children, my retirement party, which was actually held in the Berwick RSL. Colleagues flew in from across the country and well wishes, messages and gifts came in from freight industry connections all around the globe. Quite a humbling experience, I was speechless.

What were you like as a kid?

Shy and reserved, but observant. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

Woodstock, 1969.

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

Robert DeNiro, Michael Caine, Billy Connolly, my dad, mum and eldest brother.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

A good bloke...hopefully. What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?

with Berwick RSL member and regular barman Don McKenzie

THREE … ways to celebrate Footy Colours Day

As lovers of Aussie Rules football wait patiently for the end of the 2023 AFL premiership to see if their team will win the Grand Final, September is the perfect opportunity to get together as a business or school community or amongst your family and friends to support Fight Cancer Foundation’s Footy Colours Day. Here are some of the ways to support the fundraising effort in support of kids with cancer.

1

Get involved

From enjoying a sausage sizzle to playing footy games or activities, or simply wearing your colours, there are plenty of ways to take part in Footy Colours Day. Lesson plans and other resources are available at footycoloursday.com. au

2

Sit on a balcony bar with dear friends overlooking a vineyard or ocean. Where is your happy place?

Behind the wheel of my Triton, cruising through great Australian scenery with good tunes playing and perfect weather above.

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

Lamb shanks.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Next to George Clooney’s mansion on Lake Como in Italy.

3

Unite

Celebrate together with a morning or afternoon footythemed tea, put the footy buffs’ knowledge to the test with trivia or play games to encourage social connection.

Donate

Find a school, workplace, group or team to donate to, or make a contribution to support the event overall! Simply visit footycoloursday.com.au/donateyour-money

Don McKenzie behind the bar at the Berwick RSL. 355013

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Matthew Sims

Most seven-year-old girls spend their days playing with their friends and singing and dancing.

However, Gerisha dreamt of something which most young girls take for grantedwearing shoes.

Born in Vanuatu with bilateral talipes or clubfoot, the birth defect saw her feet twisted and bent out of shape, leaving attempting to move extremely difficult for her.

With the help of St John of God Berwick Hospital and Children First Foundation (CFF), she has received a new lease on life, with surgery in January allowing her to be able to walk on her own.

The St John of God Berwick Hospital team helped farewell Gerisha on Tuesday 29 August.

Gerisha’s case was more complicated than other cases of clubfoot as she no longer had a left foot.

When she was four, a doctor visiting Vanuatu agreed to operate on her feet, which led to further complications.

Although the surgery was initially successful, the hospital in Port Vila did not have the appropriate resources to provide the follow-up care needed.

Gerisha then became extremely unwell and in order to save her life, doctors decided to amputate her left foot.

With no left foot and her right foot not functioning properly, her quality of life was severely impacted.

Port Vila Central Hospital general surgeon

Dr Samuel Kemuel alerted CFF to Gerisha’s story.

“When I saw Gerisha, I knew she needed help immediately,” he said.

“That’s why I reached out to CFF for help.

“There are many other children we see here at Port Vila Central Hospital who need help

too, but we simply don’t have the resources.”

With the support St John of God Berwick Hospital and orthopaedic surgeon Professor Ton Tran, CFF facilitated Gerisha’s travel to Melbourne’s South East and her surgery with the goal to help her walk again and lead a happy and free life.

Professor Tran said Gerisha’s journey was the result of collaboration from a number of different organisations.

“Not only did Gerisha undergo surgical correction of her right foot, but we conducted revision of her amputation stump, which allowed for the better fitting of a lower limb prosthesis,” he said.

“Gerisha then learnt to walk with the help of the Children First rehabilitation team and oapl who have fitted and donated Gerisha’s new prosthetic leg.

“She is now truly independent and walking on her own.”

Gerisha said she was excited to show off her new shoes at school.

“I can’t wait to get my first pair of shoes so I can be just like my sisters and my friends at school,” she said.

“Pink is my favourite colour, and I wish for some pink sandals.”

Gerisha Narai celebrated her final day at the Berwick hospital with orthopaedic surgeon Professor Ton Tran and St John of God Health Care South East Melbourne general manager Lisa Norman. 356205 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Gerisha Narai and the whole team, including Mum Susan (to Gerisha’s left). 356205

Sandown 500 set to roar

Get ready to ignite your engines and fuel your passion for motorsports as the highly anticipated Penrite Oil Sandown 500 makes its triumphant return! The revving heart of Australia’s racing calendar, this event promises a weekend of high-octane thrills, historic rivalries, and a championship battle that’s set to scorch the track.

After a hiatus from endurance racing inVictoria, the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 is back in action, bringing with it the drama and intensity that only endurance racing can deliver.

The Championship arena is heating up as Brodie Kostecki braces himself to fend off none other than the reigning Supercars Champion, Shane Van Gisbergen. The Sandown track’s twists and turns will serve as the ultimate

proving ground for these titans of the track.

But that’s not all! This event isn’t just about the current stars – it’s a chance for fans to be transported through time, as legends like Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup, and Garth Tander once again take to the asphalt. Their presence injects a sense of nostalgia and anticipation, building the excitement for the approaching 60th Anniversary Bathurst 1000.

Adding a new layer of intrigue to the mix, the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 will mark the first-ever clash between the 2023 Mustang and Camaro on the endurance racing stage.

Witnessing these automotive powerhouses go head-to-head is a spectacle that’s bound to send shivers down any motorsports enthusiast’s spine.

Set against the historic backdrop of the Sandown Raceway, a venue that oozes with the memories of decades of racing excellence, the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 promises more than just action on the track. With three days of ontrack battles, off-track entertainment, interactive displays, and an array of delicious food and beverage choices, this event promises a holistic experience that will leave attendees on the edge of their seats.

And here’s the cherry on top: families can delight in the fact that kids aged 12 and under can revel in the excitement for free, with a paying adult by their side.

As the countdown begins for the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 from 15 to 17 September, make sure you’ve secured your spot to witness the

engines roar, the rubber burn, and the champions emerge. This is not just racing – it’s an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines the world of motorsport.

Join our Father’s Day competition and seize the opportunity to make the upcoming event even more memorable, and your chance to win one of the following:

· 1 x Family Pass which includes: 2 x Adult three-day General Admission & Paddock Pass and 2 x Children three-day General Admission & Paddock Pass (12 years old & under).

· 4 x Merch Packs.

· 4 x Behind the Scenes Tours.

ENDUR CE STARTS HERE

After a hiatus from endurance racing in Victoria, the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 is back in action.

The event promises a holistic experience that will leave attendees on the edge of their seats.

ON … FATHER’S

Raising the grooming game

As Father’s Day approaches, we take a moment to reflect on the invaluable role that fathers play in our lives. A father’s love, guidance, and unwavering support are the cornerstones upon which many of our life’s achievements are built. At Barbers Kingdom Cranbourne, a family-owned establishment nestled in the heart of Huntclub, we understand the significance of fathers and the importance of creating moments that honour them.

Since its opening in 2019, Barbers Kingdom has been more than just a place for haircuts and grooming - it’s a sanctuary where men can relax, unwind, and emerge feeling confident and rejuvenated. With two experienced barbers at the helm, this establishment has been raising the grooming game for the men in Cranbourne and beyond.

What sets Barbers Kingdom apart is not just their expertise in men’s grooming, but also the strong family bond that fuels their success. This shop is more than just a business; it’s a testament to the power of familial collaboration.

The two skilled barbers at the centre of it all are none other than brothers who bring their shared passion for the craft to every haircut, every shave, and every interaction.

In an era where businesses come and go, Barbers Kingdom stands tall as a symbol of commitment, dedication, and community. The shop has become a hub where stories are shared, laughter echoes through the air, and relationships are forged. The barbers don’t just cut hair; they listen, they engage, and they foster connections that extend beyond the barber chair.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this year, Barbers Kingdom invites you to honour the fathers

Lang Lang to mark 60th anniversary

Lang Lang Golf Club is celebrating its 60th year anniversary at its current location. Now is the time to visit the club whether it be to play golf on our wonderful sandbelt style golf course or enjoy a nice cold beer from our recently renovated clubhouse. Memberships are available with no joining fees or waiting lists. Come down and enjoy what Lang Lang Golf Club has to offer.

The Lang Lang Golf Club is situated at 90 Golf Club Road, Lang Lang. Phone 5659 6284 or visit langlanggolfclub.com.au

BARBERS KINGDOM

TREAT YOUR LOVED ONE TO A FRESH STYLE FOR THIS FATHERS DAY.

Traditional Values, Moral Techniques

in your life by treating them to an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. This Father’s Day, Barbers Kingdom is spreading the love with a generous $10 off for patrons, redeemable in-store using the code FATHERS23. Give them the gift of expert grooming, tai-

lored to their preferences, and a chance to unwind in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s a classic haircut, a precise beard trim, or a straight razor shave that brings back that old-world charm, Barbers Kingdom has it all covered.

Happy Father’s Day from Barbers Kingdom: Where Every Cut Tells a Story.

· Facebook: barbers kingdom

· Instagram: barbers_kingdom_cranbourne

· Website: barberskingdom.com.au

· Phone: 0469 024 303

For $10 off redeemable in store for fathers day, use code FATHERS23 Easy online bookings via links below barbers kingdom barbers_kingdom_cranbourne

www.barberskingdom.com.au

7 Willowbank Place, Cranbourne East, VIC 3977 0469 024 303

12629726-AA34-23

The Lang Lang Golf Club.

Dustin Martin got his haircut at Barbers Kingdom Cranbourne.

BOOK WEEK

Battin’s best reads

What is your favourite book and why?

‘The Strong Man’ by Grant Edwards. A book about internal strength and challenges of mental health when serving the community and nation. A must read, very powerful.

What are you currently reading?

‘After the Tampa’ by Abbas Nazari. I met Abbas at the BFT Gym in Wellington in New Zealand. He is a refugee survivor and he is an example of the term ‘anything is possible’.

If you had a book made of your life, what would it be called?

‘I can’t believe that happened, sharing a beer with Brad.’

What’s your favourite thing about reading and why do you think it is important?

To learn and develop your mind is the simple answer, but to immerse yourself in the lives of others. I find reading lets you live the emotional challenges people have faced, the lessons they have learned and the potential we have.

By now you may guess I like biographies. What book character do you relate the most to?

I want to say Jack Reacher, but in reality Benjamin Brandysnap, a small business owner in the Magic Pudding. What’s the first book you ever remember reading?

‘The Magic Pudding’.

Name your ideal type of book in three words. True, challenging, achievements.

Fantastic characters come to life at school

Endeavour Hills’ Mossgiel Park Primary School celebrated its best readers and spellers last week, as part of national Book Week celebrations.

Principal Lynn Ordish said reading has helped the students broaden their view of the world.

“Book Week is always an exciting time at Mossgiel Park Primary,” she said.

“This year’s theme of ’Read, Grow, Inspire’ resonates with our commitment to develop children to have a love for reading and learning.

“We have an emphasis on teaching children how to comprehend the text they read.”

Foundation teacher Louise Rezel said this year’s Book Week celebrations involved a number of events.

“Our Book Week included many fun and engaging activities such as dressing up as their favourite book character, a spelling bee and a whole school assembly to acknowledge and celebrate students at each year level who have achieved excellence in reading,” she said.

“We also announced the Spelling Bee champions and awarded an Encouragement Reading Award for one student in each class that has shown unwavering dedication and significant growth in reading, comprehension, fluency and voice.

“Our whole school environment encapsulates the spirit of Book Week and striving to succeed.”

Gary Maas opens up on books

What is your favourite book and why?

Normally I like fact over fiction. I don’t really have a favourite. I did enjoy‘Funky Town’ by Paul Kennedy, recently. What are you currently reading?

‘A Promised Land’ by Barack Obama – so many insights into a defining president. If you had a book made of your life, what would it be called?

‘I Am Still Learning’.

What’s your favourite thing about reading and why do you think it is important? Reading opens one up to experiences in life that have already been lived, but through the perspective of a creative writer’s thoughts.

What book character do you relate the most to?

Robin Hood.

What’s the first book you ever remember reading?

‘I Can Jump Puddles’ by Alan Marshall. Name your ideal type of book in three words.

Interesting, informative, unexpected.

Sharing a love of reading

Each year since 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week.

Between 19 August and 25 August schools and public libraries spent one glorious week celebrating books and Australian children’s authors and illustrators.

Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians created colourful displays, developed activities, ran competitions and told stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading.

In our second feature on Book Week, Star News spoke to more local bookworms about their favourite books, authors and characters.

Foundation teacher Louise Rezel joined in the fun. Picture: SUPPLIED Justin and Ivy with Reading Excellence Awards. 351512 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Foundation students Liam Johnston and Lily Rahmani won the award for the best dressed students on the day. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Reading Encouragement Award recipients. 351512

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The recipients of the Reading Excellence Awards. 351512 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas. Picture: SUPPLIED

Berwick MP Brad Battin.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Harry Potter a favourite

What is your favourite book and why?

I absolutely love the whole Harry Potter series. These are my favourite books by far because they are imaginative and create a sense of wonder and excitement for me when I read them.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Billionaire Boy by David Walliams with my Grade 3/4 class. At home I am reading Heart Strong by Ellidy Pullin.

If you had a book made of your life, what would it be called?

Diary of a Teacher and her Coffee.

What’s your favourite thing about reading and why do you think it is important?

My favourite thing about reading is that it feels like a mini holiday for my brain! Reading is an

Journalist’s all booked out

Matthew Sims, Star News Journalist

What is your favourite book and why?

My favourite book is ‘Infinite Jest’ by David Foster Wallace. This book is long and complex, but features some of the funniest, most exciting and saddest depictions of human suffering mixed with joy and wonder in literature.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear and ‘BeautifulWorldWhere Are You’ by Sally Rooney.

If you had a book made of your life, what would it be called?

‘A Work in Progress’.

What’s your favourite thing about reading and why do you think it is important?

My favourite thing about reading is that it

calms me down and allows me to open my mind to new ideas and ways of thinking. I think it is always important to keep reading as there is so much brilliance found in any book.

What book character do you relate the most to?

Arthur Dent from ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ series.

What’s the first book you ever remember reading?

The first book I remember reading is ‘The Faraway Tree’ series by Enid Blyton. I also loved any book by Roald Dahl or Paul Jennings growing up.

Name your ideal type of book in three words.

Epic, compelling and life-changing.

opportunity to transport to a different time and place. Reading is freedom! It is a great way to relax. Reading is important because it can increase your knowledge about different topics and it can help your creativity and imagination.

What book character do you relate the most to?

I relate most to Paddington Bear because like Paddington, I am very persistent and never willing to give up!

What’s the first book you ever remember reading?

The Enchanted Woods: The Fairies’ Tale by Shirley Barber.

Name your ideal type of book in three words. Enchanting, magical and nail-biting.

Creative characters at Quarters Primary School

Zarah as Harry Potter,book and all. 355400

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Grade 1-2 teacher Sara Berardo with Livleen. 355400

Saige and Jiya. 355400

There’s Wally - Grade 1 and 2 teacher Kirsten Dodsworth. 355400

Pre-service teacher Braydn with teacher Tyler. 355400

Matthew Sims with his favourite book,Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace and Sally Rooney’s Beautiful World Where Are You. 355413 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Quarters Primary School teacher Aisha Davis loves the Harry Potter series. 351840 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Put a spring in your step

With spring just around the corner, the weather is about to shift. As we say goodbye to winter, a new variety of plants will be ready to flourish as the temperature slowly rises.

If you’re stuck for ideas about what to plant at this time of year, read on to find out the best spring seedling varieties and how to help them thrive!

Flowers

The best flower varieties to plant in Victoria when spring comes around include salvia, snapdragons, petunias, marigolds and impatiens. After the last frost of the season has passed, sunflowers are a great option to plant. Summer-flowering bulb varieties include dahlias, liliums and gladioli.

Fruits

Fruits will tend to struggle a little until around October given the cool temperatures of early spring, however strawberries and rhubarb can be planted in sunny areas. Rockmelon and watermelon will go well after the last frost has passed.

Herbs

Beginning in early spring, herb varieties for the new season include lemon balm, coriander, parsley, dill, sage, thyme and rosemary. Basil should be planted later in the spring to avoid cold and frosty conditions.

Vegetables

Leafy greens such as cabbage, kale, spinach and lettuce should grow nicely from early spring through to summer, as will more dense vegetables such as beetroot, carrot, radish, leek and sweet corn. Beans, peas and tomatoes do well on stakes when the weather starts to warm, and capsicum, zucchini and cucumber plants flourish in heat more than cold.

Preparation is key

One of the most crucial steps in maintain-

ing a healthy garden is to prepare the garden bed properly. Good soil is a must, with mulch, compost and fertilisers providing much-needed nutrients to growing plants.

Firstly, ensure that all weeds and other debris are removed.This will mean that your new garden has a clean slate without hindrances to their roots.

Though many people think any old soil will do for their gardens, it’s important to ensure a good quality soil is used to provide the right vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for your plants. Your local nursery or hardware shop is likely to have a few different op-

tions of organic garden soil.

While sourcing your soil, have a look at the selection of compost, mulch and fertilisers available. Mushroom compost and sugar cane mulch are good all-rounders for a general garden, but there are often many other suitable options available.

Fertilisers and plant foods are often specialised to certain plants, so it would be useful to know what kind of varieties you are planting. Alternatively, cow or chicken manure is an effective general fertiliser, but must be mixed in well with soil to avoid burning plants.

Once your soil is on the ground, add a few

inches of compost and turn it into the soil. It is important to distribute the compost evenly to ensure all plants are covered well. If you are using cow or chicken manure, now is a good time to mix it in with the soil and compost.

Be sure to follow the distance guidelines on your plants, ensuring they have enough space between them as they grow up and out. Poke your plant tags into the soil in front of each variety to make sure you remember what grows where.

Once your new varieties have been planted, spread a layer of mulch around the garden. Be sure to leave a space around the base of the plants, then follow with a sprinkle of fertilising plant food and a good drink of water and you’re all set!

As the weather begins to warm, be sure that your plants receive plenty of water and sun. Likewise, when spending time in the garden over the warmer months means sun protection and water is important for the gardener too. Following these basic steps should put your garden in good stead for the season ahead. Happy planting!

Gardeners are looking forward to the start of spring.

Raising seedlings and then transplanting them into their final spot can be a great way to get a head start on the season.

Education for builders and consumers should be a key pillar amid the shift in energy requirements for new homes, Master Builders Victoria chief executive Michaela Lihou says.

In welcoming the recent State Government decision to connect new homes and residential subdivisions to all electric networks from 1 January, 2024, Ms Lihou says consumers and builders can each play a part in a cleaner and more sustainable future.

“Creating a pathway to a cleaner and more sustainable future is a big part of our vision for the Victorian building and construction industry,” Ms Lihou said.

“The decision to cease gas installation on greenfield building sites underscores a commitment for future generations but it’s important for Victorian consumers to have the freedom to make informed choices that suit their needs.

“It means state and federal governments must continue to engage with industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive policies that consider the varied energy requirements of different consumers and building types.”

The investment into training for the sector to understand electrification is welcomed and would also help builders adapt, she says.

“Victorian builders will continue to play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future for the state,” Ms Lihou says.

“We continue to encourage our members to adopt eco-friendly practices, energy-efficient technologies, and green building standards.

“By embracing cleaner energy alternatives, we can collectively make a positive impact on the environment while also ensuring economic growth and progress for our state.”

Master Builders Victoria chief executive Michaela Lihou.

Father’s Day at Fountain Gate Fountain Gate’s Dear Dad station on Sunday 3 September.

Members can receive a sweet surprise chocolate moustache thanks to San Churro and tell their dad how much they mean with a beautiful message and quote card written for their dad by our calligrapher.

· No purchase required, stationed near Apple on Level 1.

Probus Club of Casey Combined

The Probus Club of Casey Combined would be pleased to welcome new members.

The Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9.45am at the Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick. Short meeting including a morning tea and a guest speaker.

· Contact Magda on 0406 468 285.

Combined Probus Club Berwick

If you are looking for new and exciting activities and a chance to make new friends Probus can provide the opportunity to join a social club within your community.

The Combined Probus Club Berwick offers activities such as trips and tours, movies at Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave, theatre events, morning tea and lunches, craft, tenpin bowling, golf, entertaining speakers and much more.

The club meets at the Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am with morning tea and followed by a guest speaker.

At noon, most members adjourn to the Berwick Springs Hotel for lunch.

The club promotes fun, fellowship and friendship and is non-political and non-fundraising.

The Berwick Combined Probus Club celebrates its 30 year anniversary this coming November and some celebratory events are already being planned.

Vacancies still exist and you are welcome to contact the club for an invitation to attend a meeting.

· Contact Merilyn Carroll on 0418 536 202 or merimick3@bigpond.com or Ron Lowery on 0439 343 989 or ron.f.lowery@gmail.com

· For more information, visit berwickcprobus. wixsite.com

Seniors and Active Retirees in Casey and Cardinia

Are you newly retired, new to the area, wanting to enjoy your freedom, or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/ chat activities with low key in line dancing if you want to tap your feet and great afternoon teas, day/short and long trips away via coach and flights, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub Lunches, monthly evening dineouts, weekly table tennis club, walking groups, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, and more!

Come along every Thursday at 2pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House in Berwick or every Wednesday at 10am for a coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate.

· For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.

Father’s Day Dining at Amstel

Dining options available for breakfast from 8am to 10am, lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm and dinner from 5pm to 8.30pm.

A la carte and bistro menu.

Bookings required via the online booking system.

Bookings are limited to a maximum of 20 per booking.

· Amstel Club, 1000 Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne on Sunday 3 September, 8am to 8:30pm.

Biodiversity Blitz

Help map and find the Biodiversity in Casey.

During September, Casey Council is celebrating Biodiversity Month by partnering with other South East Melbourne councils to hold the Biodiversity Blitz 2023.

People are encouraged make records of native plants and animals to allow iNaturalist better understand Casey’s biodiversity.

You’ll be contributing to community science and showing the world the amazing biodiversity Casey has to offer!

· For more information, visit inaturalist.ala. org.au/projects/biodiversity-blitz-2023-cityof-casey

DnD

at Orana

Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is an inclusive tabletop, fantasy, role playing game.

Participants work together with other players to go on adventures in the DnD world. You can act, explore, instigate, solve problems, and tell stories as you bring their chosen character to life within the game world. Second Saturday of each month, 1pm to 9pm, Orana Community Place, 16/18 Playwright St, Clyde North.

· For enquiries and to book a spot at the table, reach out to Jonathan Whelan at thestoryweaver.dnd@gmail.com

Gridiron in the South East

The South Eastern Predators Gridiron Club is welcoming people of all ages to come and learn a new sport in an inclusive and friendly environment.

No experience necessary.

1 Newport Road, Clayton South.

· For more information, visit sepredatorsgridiron.com.au

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

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.

THE ULTIMATE RACE WEEKEND

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

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 0433 566 456 or Bruce 0447 554 475.

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.

Kids Pastry Cooking

This fun, hands-on children’s cooking program will teach your child the basics of pastry making - how to use yeast, make rough puff pastry and shortcrust pastry. Week 1: Cinnamon scrolls and an appletart. Week 2: Mini cookies and cream cheesecake and cinnamon and sugar flavoured palminers. Starting 2 September for two weeks. Phone 5990 0900 - only a few places still available.

· Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North.

Stardom beckons for singer

By Matthew Sims

At age 10, Brentwood Park Primary School student Rashika Banerjee already has a number of singing accolades and achievements to her name.

She is now one of three finalists gearing up to battle it out in the Take the Mic Australia competition, with the grand final set to be held on Sunday 15 October.

Starting at the age of six, Rashika said she quickly fell in love with singing and performing in front of people.

“I thought singing would be a good career for me,” she said.

“Singing makes me feel like I can present how I feel.

“It’s also a really fun hobby.”

Rashika said she loved singing slow pop songs, including songs from Olivia Rodrigo, Celine Dion and Adele.

One of her first public performances was at Bunjil Place with Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’.

She continued her efforts in singing, get-

ting through the audition for MyVoice in 2022, a global singing competition with participants from 27 countries participating.

Rashika secured second place globally and first place in Australia in the silver category.

Rashika was selected by Melbourne Kids Theatre to play the leading character of Anna in Disney’s Frozen Jr.

“I like acting and singing,” she said.

Rashika said she likes to sing across a variety of styles and ranges, including soprano and alto.

“With my voice, my friends say I have very good agility,” she said.

Her father Sid said he was very proud of his daughter’s abilities.

“Her music sense is very strong,” he said. Her mother Krishna said the family’s Indian roots created a cultural love for music.

Rashika said her goals were to be a singer or an actor.

“I would love to make my own kind of music and star in movies,” she said.

Rashika Banerjee enjoys recording her songs at her family’s home studio. 356322 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Rashika Banerjee with her awards. 356322

Learn from UK events

Hallam local and Quayclean Australia venue supervisor Chris Sageman has returned from working at some of England’s largest sporting events and venues as part of a leadership exchange program.

In partnership with CleanEvent UK, he spent six weeks working alongside Quayclean Australia contract manager Paul Pritchard where they helped operate cleaning, hygiene, waste management, disinfection, and decontamination services at major sports venues and events including Royal Ascot Racecourse, the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Old Trafford Ashes cricket test match and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mr Sageman is the venue supervisor at Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena, while Mr Pritchard is Quayclean’s contract manager at Melbourne Racing Club sites.

More than 350,000 racegoers attended the five-day Royal Ascot racing carnival, while 400,000 fans flocked to the British Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Quayclean operations executive general manager Tom Mills and CleanEvent UK operations manager Jay Adderley designed the program to develop emerging leaders’ skills, and to enable them to gain further industry knowledge and insights.

They previously worked together in Australia and travelled to England to work at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and have been developing the leadership exchange program following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

“The exchange program is a great opportunity for identified leaders to work at big international events in another country and be able to share that knowledge with fellow leaders and the wider business on their return,” Mr Mills said.

“The program was a wonderful extension of our Quay Academy program where we seek to

identify and develop authentic leaders within the business.

“It also compliments Quayclean’s commitment to the Venue Management School program through the Venue Management Association.”

He said they would be passing on the knowledge they gained in England to assist their teams back in Australia.

Mr Adderley said Mr Sageman and Mr Pritchard’s help was invaluable.

“It was amazing to have Paul and Chris over here as part of the project,” he said.

“Their insight and ideas were fantastic and helped support our busy event season.

“I look forward to sending two of our upand-coming managers over to Australia later this year with the hopes they have the same impact.”

Quayclean chief executive Mark Piwkowski said Mr Sageman and Mr Pritchard witnessed first-hand how labour services, equipment and waste management processes were utilised in England.

“The exchange program is about knowledge sharing so that more leaders within our business can grow and be elevated to assume more senior roles and take on greater responsibilities,” he said.

“We received fantastic formal feedback on their work with one Silverstone site manager commenting that Chris was a credit to the team and he would be honoured to work with him again.

“We thank CleanEvent UK for their exchange program partnership and we look forward to offering more leaders this exciting working opportunity in the years ahead.”

Later in the year, two CleanEvent UK staff will head to Australia where they will work at cricket test matches at the SCG and the Gabba, plus the Australian Tennis Open in Melbourne.

Paul Pritchard and Chris Sageman at the Royal Ascot Racecourse.

Hallam local Chris Sageman at the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Top tips for hiring staff

TAKING CARE

IAN ASH OF BUSINESS

I truly believe that hiring the right person is the most important decision a business can make. Why? Because when you get it right, the business runs smoothly, results are achieved and growth is so much easier. However, get it wrong and the results can be analogous to a bad marriage break-up: relationships are damaged, culture is impacted, morale can drop and business performance stunted. Clearly getting this right matters, so here are a few tips when contemplating filling a vacancy.

First off, think about whether there is anyone else in the business that could step into the role. There is a general rule of thumb that says if a person is capable of doing at least 70 per cent of a role, then they should probably be doing it. This allows someone to develop and grow into the position and so either fill a vacancy or relieve someone more senior of some responsibilities. This would also save on the time and effort involved in recruitment!

Assuming that there is no one suitable internally, then in addition to knowing how much you should pay, there are some key questions to consider, namely:

· What are the specific responsibilities of the role?

· How will it evolve over the next few years?

· What personal attributes would work best for this role (i.e. what sort of person is needed)?

· What specific skills and experience does this role require?

The answers to the above questions should be documented in a Job (JD) or Position De-

scription (PD) so that expectations of the role are aligned between the incumbent and their manager as well as with others in the business and any recruitment agent(s) involved. When a PD is well written, it is easy to create the job

advertisement which should highlights the benefits of the role as well as requirements. There are some basic do’s and don’ts when it comes to the interview process itself. You only get one chance to make a first impres-

sion, so ensure that all candidates have the best possible experience. If you have a reception area, having someone there to welcome the candidate when they arrive is a must. A small table and chair (in case the candidate has to wait) provide an opportunity to place magazines and/or materials relevant to your business and set the context for the interview. Make sure this area is clean and tidy as it will reflect the professionalism of your business.

The interview itself should be conducted in a quiet, separate room where you will not be interrupted. Ensure that there is a glass and water on a table for the candidate and avoid placing them in a corner since there is the potential for them to actually feel ‘cornered’. The room itself should be light and airy and don’t put them directly in front of a window as they may end up squinting their way through the interview or being unduly affected by the temperature outside.

Start the interview with an ‘icebreaker’ question, e.g. were they able to find their way to your business easily enough, have they parked in a time-restricted area, etc.

Introduce the interviewers (there should always be two), explain the structure of the interview and provide a brief (max five minutes) overview of the company and the role. The intent is to put the candidate at ease before you start more in depth questioning as they are then more likely to open up with more information.

A good interview should be conversational and allow some time at the end for questions from the candidate. It is a two-way process so while you should maximise the benefits of working at your company, you must ensure that candidates have an accurate, warts ‘n all understanding of the role.

Ian Ash ACC AIECL AInstIB Managing director, OrgMent Business Solutions - ombs.com.au

Trades & Services Employment General Classifieds

WALLS

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There are some basic do’s and don’ts when it comes to the interview process itself, writes Ian Ash.

Picture: UNSPLASH

It’s Lachie’s lasting legacy

By David Nagel

It’s no surprise to those who know him - but Lachie Gillespie departs the Tooradin-Dalmore senior coaching role as the same humble man that took on the job at short notice almost a decade ago.

The affable Gillespie coached his last game for the Seagulls against Warragul Industrials in the elimination final at Inverloch on Saturday, ending a journey that included the ultimate joy of a drought-breaking premiership win in mid-September last year.

His record concludes at 144 games, with 74 wins, 68 losses and two draws, since he took over from Andrew Clarke for his first game in round 10 of the 2014 Casey Cardinia Football League (CCFL).

The CCFL would the following year become the South East Football Netball League (SEFNL), with the likes of Beaconsfield, Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren and Pakenham making life difficult for their smaller siblings from out of town.

Gillespie’s record in the CCFL/SEFNL stood at 20 wins, 52 losses and one draw…from 73 games at the helm.

“I just feel lucky that the club stuck with me for 10 years, because there were times in Casey Cardinia, slash SEFNL, where things weren’t going so well, were they,” Gillespie said with a wry smile.

“I’m very disappointed right now, because I’m competitive and like to win, but I’m feeling very thankful for the opportunity to coach this footy club.

“To be honest, there’s also a slight feeling of relief, because you don’t know when the end is, but now you do know…so that’s a nice feeling.

“I’m also very thankful for the love and support, and it’s moments like this when I do feel very lucky to have so many people around me.”

Gillespie’s last game in charge, just like the season, was a roller-coaster ride.

“We started really well, we won our own footy, but I think they started to get it on the outside a little bit,” he said.

“Our inside was winning, but the outside eventually hurt us.

“We let them get a few goals because we didn’t adjust quickly enough.

“Full credit to them in the last quarter, they got momentum with the breeze and we couldn’t quite snuff out the flame.

“We didn’t have the ability to shut it off and get some slow play.”

A clash between defenders Dylan Paarlberg and Adam Galea, mid-way through the second quarter, also threw the proverbial spanner

in the works.

“That was crazy, huge, because not only was it bad for our backline, but obviously for all our rotations as well,” Gillespie explained.

“It changes everything and you really have to think on your feet.

“We go in with plans A and B, but it’s not often two blokes come out of the game at the same time.

“We tried to adjust as best we could, but then you lose something from other parts of the ground as well.

“Maybe it took until the last 10 minutes to hurt us, because a few boys probably couldn’t rest when they needed to.”

The season as a whole, was also a hell of a journey.

“It was a roller-coaster ride that’s for sure,” he said.

“Like every rollercoaster, you love it because of the adrenaline, but at the same time sometimes we were in fear.

“The old nerve-endings are a little bit frazzled at the moment, but it’s just been a season of momentum shifts for us and never really finding a good foothold.

“We won most games, but we never really felt like we clicked into a good gear I guess.”

Gillespie’s record in the WGFNC more than balances out his earlier days as coach, with 54 wins, 16 losses and one draw, including the club’s first premiership since 1997.

“I’m very proud of we achieved last year, but I’m just amazed that I was given that opportunity in the first place,” he said.

“I know I’ve worked hard…but I still feel very lucky.

“I feel lucky, but most lucky and proud of

the people that I’ve met…that’s the best thing.”

Gillespie will now hand over to Jordan Kelly, the captain he stood alongside on the premiership dais last year.

“He is the perfect fit, his history is similar to mine, a carbon copy, but a better version I guess,” Gillespie said.

“A young guy with a great footy brain, who cares about the club, lives in Tooradin, and wants to keep getting better, and he’s got all those young guys now that will come along for the ride.

“He’s a new voice, a younger voice…so it’s exciting times ahead.

“I’m super-rapt for Jordy, the group, and the club…I think they’re in a great position moving forward.”

Spasmodic Spiders eliminated from premiership race

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Highett came to Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Mordialloc, on Sunday to play September footy, exposing Hampton Park’s lack of recent finals experience in a 42-point demolition.

It may have taken Highett until midway through the last quarter to slam the door shut on the Redbacks, but the fourth-placed side never seriously challenged.

All year, the success of the Spiders’ outfit has been dependent on the performances of their gun midfielders and wingers.

Only Makaio Haywood, in his first senior final, stood up to the test but his moments of flair and elegance were interspersed with too many poor periods from the on-ball brigade. Highett’s spread from the stoppage was supreme as they were repeatedly able to break tackles and step through traffic easily to get it forward with purpose.

The Bulldogs’ achilles heel is their defensive stocks, but Hampton Park’s lack of height and fight denied them the opportunity to expose that.

A month ago Hampton Park appeared dead and buried against Highett, before a resounding comeback with the breeze, which coach Hayden Stanton drew on as they

trailed by 29 points at the last break.

But the pleas from players and clubmen to stay up and about were words of desperation rather than optimism, as this time, the Spiders would have to buck both momentum and the wind.

Stanton’s side, which won both its encounters with Highett this season, got it back to within four goals before conceding two quick ones which sapped the energy out of the contest.

Ten of the game’s 24 goals came in what turned into a bruise-free last quarter, but it was lost in the first half.

The Redbacks were out-hunted, outskilled and out-marked.

Stanton was critical of his team’s defensive running.

“From the start of the game, you could see (Highett’s) intensity to compete on the inside and run harder on the outside took the ball away from stoppage time and time again,” Stanton said.

“Our back six held up pretty well until halftime given the avalanche of ball that was going in there, but unfortunately, we need to find some mids with a defensive mindset.

“We showed today again, that when we weren’t controlling play with the ball in our hands, our inability to defend is poor.

“Our players are not very defensively minded so we’ve got to make sure we coach that well in the off-season.

“We weren’t up for the physical running day that they made it.”

Ryan Hillard, Josh Stow and others in defence held up well on taller opponents, doing reasonably to bring the ball to ground.

It was moreso the forward bursts of midfielders and halfbacks which hit the scoreboard.

Only two opportunistic Kyle Hendy goals kept Hampton Park in it in the first quarter as

Highett had the running.

Stanton did throw the magnets around after halftime, though, with the well-performed Haywood the only mid who stayed in there virtually all day.

Trying to get speed into the game, Jack Wilson, Trent Downe, Declan Brunnell and Trent Thomas were all run through there after Lionel Benoit and Liam Myatt struggled to impact.

Stow was thrown forward to provide more presence ahead of the footy and Stanton had to get creative with his defensive rotations after Luke O’Brien suffered a nasty third quarter head knock.

But nothing worked.

The one Spider who clearly won their position was Kyle Hendy.

He kicked Hampton Park’s first three goals and finished with 4.1 on the day as the main man targeted going into attack.

He used his spring to do what he could to create an aerial contest and had a hand in nine of his team’s 18 scores, running it out until the very end.

He got up high and provided bubble, finishing the year with 38 goals, equal most for his club, alongside Thomas.

Kyle Hendy was clearly Hampton Park’s best player on Sunday. 356297 Picture: ROB CAREW

Outgoing Tooradin coach Lachie Gillespie gives one final address to his players at three-quarter time on Saturday. 356287 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cranbourne facing Dingoes

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Reigning premier Cranbourne will face a changed 2023 Dingley outfit in the qualifying final on Saturday at RSEA Park, Moorabbin.

Cranbourne finished the 2023 home-andaway season with one fewer win than last year, but the Eagles percentage of 194 is marginally better.

Steve O’Brien’s side has not been blown away in any game this season, with the biggest loss being to Cheltenham by 17 points, the other four losses being by single digit margins.

They have strong finals experience on every line, with premiership players Brandon and Glenn Osborne, Ryan Jones, Luke Bee-Hugo and Marc Holt making up the nucleus of the team.

Promising 2022 up-and-comers Zak Roscoe and Kirk Dickson have taken a big step forward in 2023 and will both be looking to assert themselves on a finals series.

Midfielder Roscoe won the best-on-ground medal in the grand final last year and has gone to another level this season, while centre-halfforward Dickson has already surpassed his 2022 tally of 42 goals from seven fewer games.

Roscoe was tagged the last time these two sides played but it’s no coincidence that when he got off the chain in the last quarter, Eagles goals flowed.

Northern Territory teenager Andrew Green, meanwhile, has added vibrancy to the defence, providing drive and presence out of the backline.

The Dingley clash will be a contrast of styles.

Cranbourne has a tough midfield and when they see open space, they aren’t afraid to use it, with their sources to goal in 2023 spread more consistently. Dingley, however, after being found out on turnover in their finals loss to St Kilda City last season, has become more measured and patient.

While they have only half a win more than last year, their best footy stacks up much better, as they’ve shown through a 3-4-1 record against top-five sides.

In Justin Van Unen and Dan Farmer, the Dingoes lost their two scoring threats from last season and although they haven’t had someone clearly step up, they have six players with at least 16 goals.

Dingley beat Cranbourne in a statement game early in the season, with Lachie Lamble

Local clubs build confidence

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cranbourne, Dingley and Springvale Districts will all go into the Southern Football Netball League Division 1 finals series with winning form.

The Eagles took care of St Kilda City on the road, with forwards Marc Holt and Kirk Dickson combining for 15 of the team’s 23 goals.

St Kilda City finished last on the Division 1 ladder, having struggled with player exits throughout the season, with Cranbourne’s sixgoal-to-two opening quarter all but sealing the result.

As well as the two targets up forward, Jake Stephens, Nick Darbyshire and Jake Cowburn found form, while small forward Tyson Barry slotted one in his second game back.

Staple reserves player Nick McPhillips, meanwhile, made his seniors debut having played more than 100 games for the club and was also named in the best off half-forward.

Springvale Districts bounced back from a tight loss against Port Melbourne last week by beating St Paul’s McKinnon, which was hungrily playing to keep its season alive.

The Dees outlasted the Doggies, with eight

goals after halftime giving them a 30-point win.

Meanwhile, Dingley, coming off a surprise 99-point loss to the Doggies, crucially played good footy, defeating Bentleigh by 33 points.

The Dingoes started well which put them in command of the contest, with Lochie Benton, Nathan Freeman, Cam Hansen, Tom Morecroft and Manny Dolan among the players to play strong footy.

Results: Chelsea Heights 4.8 32 v Cheltenham 13.11 89, Port Melbourne Colts 27.8 170 v Mordialloc 8.12 60, St Kilda City 6.10 46 v Cranbourne 23.18 156, Dingley 15.15 105 v Bentleigh 11.6 72, Springvale Districts 13.12 90 v St Paul’s McKinnon 9.6 60.

Final 2023 Home and Away Ladder: Cheltenham 68, Cranbourne 52, Dingley 50, Springvale Districts 50, Port Melbourne Colts 48, St Paul’s McKinnon 40, Bentleigh 20, Mordialloc 16, Chelsea Heights 12, St Kilda City 4 Fixture (RSEA Park)

Qualifying final: Cranbourne v Dingley, Saturday 2 August

Elimination final: Springvale Districts v Port Melbourne Colts, Sunday 3 August

playing the best game of his season.

How much space he is given to play his natural line-breaking game will be an interesting watch, with Cranbourne likely to back their system against a lineup full of high-calibre talent.

Many of those names, however, were missing on overseas trips the last time the teams played, when a 12-goal last quarter blew the game open for the Eagles.

Dingley’s recent form since they regained most of their big names indicates they haven’t

fully recaptured what they showed early on, as the element of surprise is also gone.

Alex Windhager will likely have the role on Marc Holt, with Kristen Feehan’s intercepting will also play a role against a side with several scoring sources.

League medallist Lucas Walmsley, meanwhile, is Dingley’s barometer who has been named in the best each time the Dingoes have played a top-six side, so he’ll be important in the contest.

Demons ace wildcard week

By Marcus Uhe

A 101-point belting of North Melbourne at Casey Fields saw the Casey Demons made a mockery of the first everVFL wildcard week.

Led by Brodie Grundy and James Jordon, the home side was never challenged in the rout, pulling away late in the first quarter and not looking back to finish 20.14 134 to 5.3 33 victors and lock in a finals place in the process.

The Kangaroos appeared up for the fight in the early stages of the contest with the two sides trading goals in the opening 12 minutes of play.

A pair of set shot goals within two minutes to Tom McDonald late in the quarter separated the two sides, the early stages of a six goal run that established a 39-point midway through the second quarter.

Andy Moniz-Wakefield wowed with his ability to dodge tackles in traffic, kicking two in the second term to ignite his side.

Kangaroo Jack Ellwood stopped the run with a major of his own, capitalising on a bizarre dropped mark from Josh Schache before the Demons kicked the next six, holding the visitors scoreless in the process.

The 40-point lead at half time grew to 67, Moniz-Wakefield adding goals three and four in the third term as the gap between the two sides became clearer and clearer, frenetic tackling pressure in the forward half leading to a number of scoring opportunities.

Six goals to the visitor’s one in the final term saw the lead creep over the 100-point barrier thanks to some creative work at ground level from Grundy in the dying stages.

The more senior and experienced Demons easily won the inside 50 count 57-28 and clearances 44-27 thanks to a blistering performance from their midfield.

Jordon finished with 36 disposals, seven tackles, seven clearances and two goals while Grundy kept the statisticians busy with 35 touches, 21 hit outs, 11 clearances

and three goals.

Moniz-Wakefield (four goals and 14 disposals) and McDonald (five goals) did the bulk of Melbourne’s scoring, Moniz-Wakefield making an excellent case to replace Jake Melksham in Melbourne’s senior side the following weekend as a like-for-like selection.

The finals begin next week for Casey when the Demons face Footscray at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday 2 September at 12pm.

Casey won the only meeting between the two sides back in round one, by 37 points at Casey Fields.

James Jordan had another typically monster day in the Demons’ midfield. 325648

Picture: ROB CAREW

Skipper Mason Russell returned for Springvale Districts.

ROB CAREW

Cranbourne will be looking to replicate the result against Dingley in their most recent meeting. 353281

Picture: ROB CAREW

Tiger tough Trezise

By David Nagel

Tooradin-Dalmore 2022 premiership star James Trezise has made an impressive start to his AFL career with Richmond.

With family and friends among the 39,860 in attendance at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, Trezise had 17 possessions as the Tigers went down to premiership contender Port Adelaide…13.16.94 to 8.15.63.

The classy left-footer complemented his 13 kicks and four handballs with three marks and five tackles in a performance that impressed Tigers’ interim coach Andrew McQualter.

Trezise made his debut alongside another first-gamer in Tom Brown.

“It was awesome to see wasn’t it, we hadn’t seen Brown or Trezise at AFL level before and I think straight away, particularly early in the game, they just looked like they belonged at the level,” McQualter said at his press conference after the match.

“They competed really hard; it’s a big challenge coming over here to this oval, it’s pretty hostile to come and play, so there’s some real optimism there from those two guys.”

McQualter said the Tigers were transitioning their list steadily after the recent retirement of star players such as Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin.

“I think you’d be pleasantly surprised from what you saw from a football perspective today from a few of those guys,” McQualter said of his younger brigade.

“I’ve got no doubt, over the off-season, they’ll set themselves up for a better year next year.”

Trezise was the seventh-ranked Tiger on the day, earning 77 fantasy points to sit behind Dustin Martin, Jayden Short, Ivan Soldo, Toby Nankervis, Nathan Broad and Shai Bolton.

Trezise was selected by Richmond at pick 13 in the 2023 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Seagulls face task to make the big one

By David Nagel

It’s almost impossible to improve on a premiership year but Inverloch-Kongwak can take the next step towards the perfect season of netball when the Sea Eagles face TooradinDalmore in the second semi-final at Nar Nar Goon on Saturday.

The Sea Eagles are the reigning champions, having won 17 games through the home-andaway season in 2022, before losing to Bunyip in the direct grand final qualifier last year.

They then downed Tooradin in the preliminary final, before a magnificent four-goal victory over Bunyip in the big one.

This season…they’re undefeated…with not a single blemish.

Coach JarradWalker has signalled his intentions to hang up the clip-board at the end of this campaign, and to do so as an undefeated premiership coach - a back-to-back one at that - would elevate his status into rare company.

Walker took over a modest program, with

Devon one step away

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A 10-minute patch of Paddy Ryder magic turned a high-pressure low-scoring final Devon Meadows’ way against ladderleaders Karingal on Sunday.

The Panthers had all the running in the second quarter but couldn’t hit a target inside 50, which kept Karingal ahead on the scoreboard at halftime.

Karingal brought physicality all day, putting a high currency on clean fundamentals as they made the class of Joel Hillis, Dean Kent and hard working beston-ground Nick Battle earn their possessions.

“The whole club’s up-and-about and buzzing and hoping we can keep it going this week,” coach Ryan Hendy said.

“We showed character – the boys were up against it because Karingal came out and really had a crack at us.

“It was a really physical game and the skill level probably wasn’t the best you’ll see because both sides cracked in.

“That was the best outcome.

“The week before was a bit of a soft win, but yesterday was a hard fought win, which gives the boys confidence that if there’s a tight game and the boys have to stand up, they’re more than capable of doing it.”

After halftime, Karingal had opportunities to put the game away but were unable to convert as Devon Meadows’ zoned defence forced them wide.Then it was Paddy time. He scored Devon Meadows’ only three goals of the third quarter, standing up to take big marks when the midfielders were finally able to get it in more efficiently. And he seized each of his moments, making Karingal pay for converting just four of their 17 scores.

an elimination final loss to Korumburra-Bena in 2018 the Sea Eagles only taste of the big time.

They missed finals in 2019, and finished sixth in the Covid-reduced season of 2021.

But the last two years have been quite extraordinary.

Walker has some exquisite talent at his disposal, with two-time league best and fairest winner Renee Pilkington a dynamic defender, working wonderfully in tandem with Linsey Boddy in the circle, while Lanni Pryor and Kelsey Buxton lead a fabulous midcourt brigade.

Kelly Boyd has a steady hand in goals, while Ella Sadler and Amy Scott are influential figures around the court.

But Tooradin…it will be up for the challenge.

The Seagulls have had their own fairytale run, being cellar-dwellers for several seasons before taking back-to-back crowns in the former South East Football Netball League

in 2017, ‘18.

They then made it a three-peat in 2019 –their first season in West Gippsland.

Players that helped break the 11-year drought in 2017, such as Alex and Jess Maher, Eb Dolan, Sara Howie and coach Kelly Haynes are still key components of this mighty machine today, with the likes of Zoe Coventry and Abbey Howes presenting a fresh look.

They know how to win big games the Gulls…there’s no doubt about that.

THE TIP

Based on results this season…Inverloch goes in a hot favourite. They trounced the Gulls by 20 goals at Tooradin in round 11, then took no mercy on an understrength Seagulls lineup in round 16…winning by 40.

Kelly Haynes has some serious tricks up her sleeves, but it’s hard to see the Gulls turning the tables.

It’s Inverloch-Kongwak to progress to grand final day with an 11-goal victory.

“He was the difference in the end,” Hendy said. “He didn’t have a goal up until halftime and they were up, and the game was in the balance and Paddy Ryder, through absolute brilliance, got us back in front and we held onto the lead from there.”

Riley Simmons turned the screws in the ruck after halftime which helped Devon Meadows improve their contested work, after getting smashed inside in the first half.

“Our midfielders were absolutely brilliant in the last half,” Hendy said.

“We were losing the clearances 14-6 at one stage and I told them it was a priority we break even or get our nose in front, and to the boys’ credit, they ramped it up in the middle of the ground.”

The result, which the Panthers secured without the injured Stefan Baumgartner, sees Devon Meadows take on Mornington for a spot in the grand final against Somerville. The Panthers lost to Mornington by a goal in the homeand-away season, the Bulldogs piling on early goals with the wind in that one with torrential rain making Hendy’s team’s job of catching up difficult.

Among Mornington’s talent that Devon will need to stop are former VFL players Josh Newman and Perry LewisSmith. Ryder played that game, but Kent and Hillis were among a series of outs that will strengthen Devon Meadows’ prospects this time around.

James Trezise showed great signs in a promising AFL debut for Richmond against Port Adelaide. 356623

Picture: AAP IMAGES

Devon Meadows is through to the preliminary final in Division 2 of the MPFNL. 356296 Picture: ROB CAREW

The battle between Sarah Howie and Kelsey Buxton will go a long way towards deciding the outcome of the second semi-final between InverlochKongwak and Tooradin-Dalmore. 348932 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS