News - Berwick Star News - 28th September 2023

Curious collections

From the weird and wonderful and everything in between, this year’s Berwick Berwick Antique and Collectables Fair will have something to catch a keen collector’s eye.

Now in its sixth year, the fair is moving for the first time to the Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre at 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard in Endeavour Hills, running from 9am to 4pm on Sunday 8 October. The event will also include a barbecue and Devonshire tea.

Organisers Coosje and John Dubach said they are excited to welcome people from across the South East, with more than 40 stallholders selling a wide variety of collectables and antiques, including jewellery, vinyl records and more.

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Berwick Antique and Collectables Fair coorganiser Coosje Dubach with an English Pelham puppet. 362483

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Nurse shortage

By Matthew Sims

Casey Council’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service recorded a 8.56 per cent drop in participation due to a shortage of trained MCH nurses.

During its meeting on Tuesday 19 September, the council certified its Performance Statement for the 2022/23 year, which detailed participation had fallen to 60.58 per cent.

Following a period of reduced service offering to the zero to eight week age group from

last October, this has now increased to zero to 18 months age group as of the end of June.

Casey Council child, youth and family manager Bronwyn Saffron said the shortage of nurses was yet another impact of shortages across the healthcare sector.

“Workforce pressures continue to be felt across Victoria’s healthcare sector, which has had a significant impact on staffing resources for Maternal Child Health (MCH) services,” she said.

“While we continue to manage workforce pressures, the recruitment of additional staff allowed us to increase our service again in June 2023, to make MCH appointments available for children up to 18 months of age, as well as families with additional needs.

“Prior to this, we needed to prioritise appointments for newborns aged zero to eight weeks and families with additional needs.”

Ms Saffron said the council was continuing to work closely with the Health Department,

the Municipal Association of Victoria, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and Safer Care Victoria to resolve the issue to ensure the service could return to full service levels as quickly as possible.

“One way we’ve been working to address the challenges is through our support of MCH student placements,” she said.

“Over 2023 and 2024, the council will support 24 student placements.”

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Shooting for glory

By Violet Li

Berwick City Soccer Club player Savo Leone has lived and breathed soccer since he was two years old and now trains at the sports fields at Tulliallan Estate in Cranbourne North every day - rain, hail or shine.

He has taken one step closer to his calling, after being selected as part of the Berwick City Under-16 team travelling to Singapore to compete in the SingaCup, Asia’s premier international youth football tournament running from Saturday 4 November to Saturday 11 November.

Berwick City Soccer Club has selected a squad of 17 players aged between 13 and 15 for the tournament.

Savo’s Mum Florence has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the trip, with more than $2000 raised so far towards the $10,000 goal.

TheYear 9 Alkira Secondary College student has overcome a number of obstacles to realising his dreams, including suffering from necrosis in the bones of his left foot for two years and relearning how to walk.

“I just love the sport,” he said.

“It just makes me happy.”

Savo said he was looking forward to playing on an international stage at a year higher than his current level and was hopeful scouts would see his skills.

“I’m really excited to go,” he said.

“I can’t wait for it.”

Florence said she was “so grateful” for the support Savo has already received, including from theWestern United Football Club and the

broader Casey soccer community.

“I am super proud of my son,” she said.

“As a mother looking after three kids on my own, I am doing everything possible to make Savo’s dreams come true.”

Savo said he was excited to leave Australia for the first time.

“I hope we win the whole thing,” he said.

Mixed reply

By Matthew Sims

Both sides of the political spectrum have reflected on the legacy Premier Daniel Andrews would be leaving in the wake of the sudden announcement of him stepping down as the Premier.

Liberal Berwick MP Brad Battin said Mr Andrews was a “polarising figure” who led a government which has largely neglected the South East.

“His legacy in the Berwick electorate will continue under Labor’s new leadership, who were all part of the team that cut funding to the Clyde North Police Station, promised Clyde North Railway Station, failed to complete the upgrades of Clyde Road and are now wasting money building a bridge over the railway line in Beaconsfield no one wanted or needed,” he said.

“To add salt to that wound, the government are refusing to upgrade the station, in particular the access for people living with a disability. I hope this is a turning point and the benefactors are the community I represent.”

Narre Warren North Labor MP Belinda Wilson said the impact of his leadership would be seen for a number of years.

“I hope we go and do proud for us.”

Florence said any further support was welcome before 4 November, including potential sponsorship opportunities or any further donations.

To support Savo’s trip, visit gofundme. com/f/savos-soccer-dream-coming-true

Extortion bid crashes out as two plead guilty

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A dramatic car crash thwarted two armed kidnappers in their long and terrifying extortion attempt of a man in the South East.

Victoria Po’oi, 35, of Cranbourne North, and Conrad Tuala, 32, of Hampton Park, pleaded guilty in theVictorian County Court to kidnapping, theft and driving offences.

During the abduction, the man was driven from a meeting point in Melbourne’s west to stops in Cranbourne, Hampton Park and Noble Park on the night of 26 June 2021.

Tuala demanded “we want $1000 each” from the victim, who said he didn’t have the money.

Through the night the victim was beaten and threatened. His car and phone were stolen by his abductors.

At points, the kidnappers threatened to kill him, to smash up his mum’s house, swung a tomahawk close to him, and punched him in the head.

He was told he’d be taken to “the farm”which the victim took to mean being taken to the bush and being killed.

AtTuala’s home, the victim was masked and tied to a chair while Tuala pressed a gun barrel

into his mouth.

Po’oi later drove off with the victim in his own Honda Civic as she aimed a loaded gun at him.

Then Tuala rang Po’oi’s phone, which had been grabbed and smuggled by the victim in his jacket.

Po’oi said: “What the f***”, took her hand off the steering wheel and pointed the gun at the victim.

Her foot hit the accelerator, she lost control of the Civic and crashed into a fence in Hampton Park.

As the car’s airbags were deployed, she dropped the gun and the victim punched her in the head several times.

In a struggle, Po’oi fell out of the car on a nature strip. She was restrained by a bystander, who also secured the gun.

Tuala drove up in his BMW and fled from police at the scene. He later fled with family members to NSW where he was arrested.

He was also charged with persistently breaching a family violence intervention order.

At Po’oi’s house, police seized an MDMA tablet and a small amount of powder containing heroin.

Sentencing judge Peter Lauristen said the “prolonged” and “terrifying” ordeal involved a series of assaults and threats against the victim.

“One can safely assume the entire incident was terrifying for the victim of the kidnapping.

“The kidnapping was the idea of Tuala and he took the lead. But Po’oi was an active participant, assaulting and threatening the victim.”

The judge noted Tuala had been guilty of 59 previous charges and jailed nine times including for armed robbery. He was on a community corrections order at the time.

Po’oi had been guilty of 31 charges, without going to jail. She was on bail at the time.

The New Zealand-born Po’oi’s childhood deprivation including being exposed to violence was taken into account. She faced possible deportation after her release from jail.

Judge Lauritsen rated both of their rehabilitation prospects as “reasonable”.

Tuala was jailed for 45 months, including a 30-month non-parole period. His term included 798 days in pre-sentence detention.

Po’oi was jailed for three years, with a two-year non-parole period. She had already served 614 days of the term in pre-sentence detention.

Narre Warren South Labor MP Gary Maas said: “He delivered government to us, after only four years in opposition and took out two Premiers in that time. He then won another two terms as leader, increasing Labor’s majority each time. There has been no modern political leader like him - none who have maintained constant electoral successand a source of great frustration to his opponents and detractors.”

Monash University School of Social Sciences senior political lecturer Dr Zareh Ghazarian echoed sentiments that his leadership style as Premier was polarising and that his stepping down might act as a circuit breaker for the state.

“Numerous investigations and allegations went to the heart of the integrity of his government,” he said.

“The Covid-19 lockdowns in Victoria, which were some of the lengthiest in the world, allowed Andrews to showcase his leadership style. While some Victorians were disappointed, it did not stop him from leading Labor to a third consecutive election win in 2022.”

Dr Ghazarian said now was the opportune time for the Victorian Liberal Party to create a united front to reconnect with constituents.

“For so long, the Liberal Party in opposition has been mired in its own internal divisions and has seemingly been unable to mount an effective campaign against Labor,” he said. “With Andrews out of the way, the Liberal Party has a clear opportunity to reposition itself as an effective political force and reconnect with those who may have abandoned it during the Andrews premiership.”

Berwick City Soccer Club player Savo Leone is preparing to travel to Singapore to compete in the SingaCup tournament. 362662

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Social housing need dire

By Violet Li

Community Information and Support Cranbourne executive officer Leanne Petrides has advocated for more social housing properties in Casey in response to a major shake-up of housing and planning across the state.

TheHousingStatementrolledouton20September proposes to build up to 769 new social housing homes over the next five years through the funding of Commonwealth’s Social Housing Accelerator investment, which adds to 12,000 homes in the pipeline as part of the Big Housing Build investment in public and community housing and more than 4000 social housing homes through other programs.

The City of Casey’s Housing Tenure data shows about 4.9 per cent of low income households were in social housing in 2021.

Ms Petrides said many residents in Casey were struggling with mortgage or rental stress.

“Nearly 7000 social housing properties are needed in Casey right now, according to the 2023 data from Southern Homelessness Services Network.

“Any steps towards increased social housing can only be a positive move, and a great start.

“Right now, we need 6000 new social housing properties each year in Victoria for the next decade to meet the demand and make real inroads in the public housing waiting list.

“Proposed planning and zoning changes appear to increase the likelihood of more social housing being built.”

Ms Petrides said she had been in her role for 24 years and she could not remember a time when the confluence of housing stress and cost-of-living pressures had made it so hard for people. “More and more people are homeless, are at risk of homelessness, living in insecure accommodation, or trapped in financially un-

sustainable leases or mortgages that see them spiraling into massive debt.

“We need to see far more funding going to local housing support services to employ more staff, and we need to see immediate investment in the purchase or rental of existing properties for crisis housing.

“Casey residents can’t afford to wait for social housing properties to be built,” she said.

Casey is one of the fast-growing regions in Victoria with a population of more

Local athlete to represent Casey in Masters Games

South East athlete Rob Italia discovered his love for athletics at 47 and has not looked back since.

The Casey Masters Athletics Club captain is now gearing up to compete in 15 events in the upcoming Australian Masters Games taking place from Saturday 7 October to Saturday 14 October in Adelaide. The unsung hero who won’t let age defeat them, at 47 and new to the sport after coming from a career in AFL Superules, Italia said he found the athletics community welcoming, fun and supportive.

“I was just average and got a bit faster and a bit quicker,” he said.

“I’ve now done about six or seven Australian Masters Games, I’ve done state and national championships, and I’ve been to the World Championships in Spain where we won a gold medal in the 4 x 400m (beat-

ing USA) and broke a national record time of 3.37:43.”

Italia is competing in 15 events - the 60 metre, 100 metre, 200 metre, 400 metre, 800 metre, 1500 metre, 3000 metre and 5000 metre runs, the steeplechase, long jump, javelin, cross country, the street mile, the 10,000 metre walk and last but not least, the pentathlon.

He does the Parkrun each Saturday, still cracking 20 minutes and regularly goes under a minute in the 400 metre.

RobItaliaisexcitedtocompeteinthe upcomingAustralianMastersGames.

Picture:SUPPLIED

Nurse shortage hits service

From page 1

Ms Saffron said the council was continuing to provide in-home support for parents who have received a referral from a MCH nurse, GP or other health professional via the council’s Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Team.

“Council is committed to supporting all families and parents in our community and continues to provide free first time parents’ groups, sleep and settling support, breastfeeding (lactation) support and online workshops for introduction of foods,” she said.

“If parents have concerns about their child’s growth and development, and they do not have an appointment, they can call our central booking number on 9705 5590 and request to speak to a Team Leader about their concerns.

“Parents with urgent concerns about the health or wellbeing of their child should see their GP or attend the nearest Emergency Department.”

For more information about available services, visit casey.vic.gov.au/maternal-childhealth-services

than 300,000 residents.

Casey Council’s draft 10-year Asset Plan expects to see the population swell to 550,000 by 2041. Casey Council’s Affordable Housing Strategy adopted in December 2020 states an existing shortfall of more than 5500 affordable houses and the shortfall is forecast to grow to 10,200 affordable houses by 2041 without efforts to address the issues.

Casey North Community Information and Support Service chief executive Helen Small said there were a number of positive ideas outlined in the Housing Statement.

“The idea to put a mandatory mediation between tenants being ordered to VCAT also sounds like something that will really help tenants,” she said.

“Of great interest too, for Casey, is the development of Casey Fields South as an industrial site while both Devon Meadows and Clyde South are locations that have been listed as potential new communities.

“With Casey Fields sandwiched between Devon Meadows and Clyde South, these developments will offer not only housing but also jobs.”

MsSmallsaidthekeyriskwhichtheHousing Statement did not address was how to ensure the build would offer extensive housing opportunities to those on benefits and the minimum wage.

“While the Statement speaks of ‘affordable housing’, in Melbourne, affordable housing means that the rent is no more than 30 per cent of a median income and usually 10 per cent below market rates,” she said.

“Unfortunately, if we look at current rents in Narre Warren, this will put new ‘affordable housing’ beyond the reach of those on benefits or the minimum wage by quite a big margin.

“Notionally, the economics of supply and

demand tells us that, once the housing stock grows, competition for tenants will drive rental prices down, however, these competing forces do not work in this way when population growth is high, and demand increases proportionallyorisgrowingatanevenhigherratethan supply.”

Realestate.com.au figures showed the median rent in Narre Warren was $450 per week, which is an overall increase of seven per cent over the past 12 months, while rental demand has increased by 32 per cent in the same period and this growth in demand is expected to continue.

“To combat this problem, which would be unique to the growth areas of Melbourne, it would be great to see plans to increase the numbersofsocialorpublichousingstockinthe region commensurate to population growth,” Ms Small said.

“Unlike ‘Affordable Housing’, social and public housing tenants pay a fixed proportion of their income on rent, ensuring that the property is affordable for them both on entry into the property and ongoing.”

Homelessness and housing general manager of South East homelessness serviceWAYSS ShariMcPhailsaidattentionneededtogotothe South East growth corridor’s “neglected” public and community housing stocks.

“Officer South, Casey Fields and Clyde South have been named as part of the Precinct Structure Plans and new housing and jobs, however what this means for increasing the supply of social and affordable housing is yet to be understood,” she said.

She said the lack of mandatory inclusionary zoning was a“missed opportunity”.

“The inclusion of mandatory zoning would guarantee increased supply of social and affordable housing in all developments,” she said.

LeannePetridesiscallingformoresocial housinginCasey. 347968

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Picture:GENERIC

Engagement vital for Voice

By Matthew Sims

Federation University Australia Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation Professor Andrew Gunstone has hit out at the discourse surrounding the Voice, calling the conversation “very disappointing”, asking voters not to base their decision on lies or scare campaigns.

As South East residents prepare to vote in the upcoming referendum on altering the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, Federation University’s Berwick campus hosted a conversation on the vote.

Federation University hosted a conversation between Federation University Australia Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation

Professor Andrew Gunstone and Yorta Yorta man and First Nations Foundations chairperson Ian Hamm on Friday 22 September, with about 15 community members attending.

The Federal Government has scheduled the vote on the referendum for Saturday 14 October.

Speaking to Star News before the event, Professor Gunstone said the conversation around the vote so far had been upsetting to see.

“It’s about recognition and it’s about listening,” he said.

“There’s a lot of confusion.

“I think it’s going to be an uphill battle.”

Despite the negativity surrounding the vote, Professor Gunstone said it was positive to see

engagement in Aboriginal affairs, with recent ‘Yes’ rallies in Melbourne and across the country among examples of positive engagement.

“What I want to see for this country is more non-Indigenous people engaging with Indigenous issues,” he said.

The work of reconciliation will continue past the referendum, he said.

“(People) shouldn’t base their decision on a lie or on a fear campaign.”

Professor Gunstone said it would be a hard truth for Aboriginal people to face if the

vote was lost.

“My heart will break for them,” he said.

Speaking before the event to Star News, Federation University Engineering lecturer and community advocate Harpreet Singh Kandra said he has also been busy teaching culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across the South East about the impact of the vote.

“Nine out of 10 people have no idea about theVoice,” he said.

“This is an issue they have not connected with.

“They can certainly relate to it.”

Mr Hamm said the decision the Australian population would face on 14 October was a simple one.

“This is not about the Constitution,” he said.

“It is not about detail.

“What this is about, at its core, is who we are as a nation.

“By and large, all we want is a fair go in our country.”

Mr Hamm said theVoice was simply a mechanism to allow Aboriginal people to speak.

“We don’t get to talk about what we contribute to this nation,” he said.

“We don’t get to talk about our hopes, dreams and aspirations.”

For more information about the upcoming referendum, visit aec.gov.au/referendums

Deputy PM joins local yes push as referendum nears

Holt MP Cassandra Fernando was out and about in the Cranbourne community earlier this week alongside Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and MPs to promote the upcoming vote on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Voice to Parliament.

The Holt Young Leaders group held a doorknock event and a meet-up following at the Cranbourne West Community Hub on Tuesday 26 September, with attendees including Bass MP Jordan Crugnale and Federal Youth Minister Anne Aly.

Ms Fernando said the conversations she had with her constituents were “positive and fruitful”.

“The doorknock was an opportunity to educate people in my electorate about the upcoming referendum, since it is the first in a long time, and dispel the misinformation being pushed by the No campaign,” she said.

“I was pleased to hear from my community that despite how hard the No campaign is trying to instil fear and hate, they have not and will not fall for it.”

Ms Fernando said the Voice would be a significant step towards closing the gap and delivering better results for Australia’s Indigenous people.

“Due to the current system, too many Indigenous people are being left behind and don’t have the same chances as everyone else

- with lower life expectancy, higher rates of disease and infant mortality, and fewer opportunities for education and training,” she said.

“The Voice is simply about three things: Recognition, Consultation and Better Results.

“The No campaign is going out of their way to spread misinformation about a simple proposition and it is important for people to be informed about the referendum to separate the truth from the lies.”

For more information on the upcoming referendum, visit aec.gov.au/referendums

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles (centre) and local MPs were part of the event. 363403

Deputy PM Richard Marles shakes hands with John from the Holt Young Leaders group. 363403

Ranjini with MP Anne Aly. 363403

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Holt MP Cassandra Fernando and Bass MP Jordan Crugnale joined Dr Muhammad Shahbaz. 363403

Yorta Yorta man and First Nations Foundations chairperson Ian Hamm and Federation University Australia Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation Professor Andrew Gunstone. 363007

Picture: MATTHEW SIMS

Cops crack down on gangs

Nine men and a woman were arrested as part of a 12-month police investigation into drugtrafficking and crime gangs across the South East.

Police raided homes in Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South on Tuesday 20 September.

They allegedly seized about one kilogram of cocaine, hand-gun ammunition, a ballistic vest, cash and a small quantity of cocaine.

A Mercedes Benz and a stolen BMW were also seized, police say.

On Wednesday 20 September, police raided further properties in Lynbrook, Clayton, Hampton Park, Dandenong, Somerville and Tyabb.

Drugs including methylamphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, MDMA and 1,4-butanediol, as well as a quantity of cash were seized.

The 12-month investigation by the Gang Crime Squad focused on alleged large scale drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, linked to former street gang members and associates.

Gang Crime Squad Acting Senior Sergeant Detective Craig Mitchell said the results were testament to a large-scale investigation over the past 12 months.

“This investigation also highlights the ongoing links to high level organised crime that many street gang members have, even af-

ter they have moved on from those specific groups,” he said.

“We will continue to focus on those people and ensure their criminality is targeted regardless of what it involves.

“To arrest 10 people and seize a significant quantity of drugs is satisfying, especially alongside the seizure of the firearm and ammunition.”

Nawid Safar, 29, of Lyndhurst, faced Dande-

nong Magistrates’ Court on trafficking cocaine, possessing and trafficking methylamphetamine and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime charges on 21 September.

Bail was refused, and he was remanded for a mention hearing on 16 October.

Jacques Francois Jeanne, 31, of Hampton Park, also faced court on charges of possessing 1,4-Butanediol, possessing cannabis and possessing cocaine on Thursday 21 September.

Also charged was a 25-year-old Cranbourne North man with allegedly trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine, trafficking cocaine and dealing proceeds of crime.

A 22-year-old Narre Warren South man was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine, trafficking cocaine, possessing cocaine, prohibiting a person possessing a firearm, theft of motor vehicle and dealing with proceeds of crime and bail offences.

They were remanded in custody to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 17 January.

Police charged a 22-year-old Clyde North man with trafficking cocaine, possessing cocaine and possessing cannabis. He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday 10 November.

Police interviewed a 20-year-old Endeavour Hills man and a 20-year-old Altona Meadows woman and released them pending further inquiries.

Police also charged a 25-year-old Clayton man with possessing cannabis and possessing prescription medication, receiving bail to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 7 February.

A25-year-old HamptonParkmanwasbailed on an outstanding warrant to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 8 February.

Police interviewed a 25-year-old Hampton Park man and released him pending further enquiries.

Trio jailed for ‘appalling’ NYE attack on party-goers

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Three men have been jailed for an “appalling” attack on New Year’s Day party-goers in Cranbourne West that left one of the victims fighting for life.

Dktour Ton, 22, Duach Duach, 24, and Deng Atem, 23, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to two counts of recklessly causing serious injury as well as intentionally causing injury and violent disorder.

They weren’t accused of the worst of the violence, including kicking and stomping the unconscious victims on the ground. But were still criminally responsible for their unidentified co-offenders’ sustained attacks.

Intheearlyhoursof1January2021,thetrio and four unknown males ambushed party-goers outside a house at Push-PeaWay.

One of the attackers was armed with a stainless-steel kitchen sink, which was hurled at one of the victims, missed and struck another victim.

Two victims were brought to ground, overwhelmed and unable to defend themselves.

They lost consciousness as they were repeatedly kicked and stomped to the head by some of the group.

A witness who tried to call triple-zero was punched to the head by an assailant.

One of the victims was flown by air-ambulance to The Alfred Hospital in a life-threaten-

ing condition with head trauma.

He was in an induced coma for two weeks, and still suffers an acquired brain injury.

It affected his communication, thought patterns, memory and motor skills and left him as a“shell of the person I used to be”.

As a result, he could no longer play guitar, play sport with his kids or work. He was debilitated by depression and anxiety, financially destroyed and had no enjoyment left in his life, he told the court.

“This horrific crime is a life sentence to me.”

His 79-year-old father told the court that he didn’t think his son would survive while in an induced coma. He was told to “prepare for the worst”.

Two others were hospitalised – one of them with a lacerated ear and multiple facial fractures that required multiple surgeries.

His jaw is still affixed with a metal plate, and he still suffers blurred vision, pigment patches to his face and anxiety and mood disorders.

His wife said the victim was “unrecognisable” in hospital, his facial injuries were the “worst thing I’ve seen in my life”.

The result played a large role in their marriage breakdown and ruined the victim’s career as a carpenter.

Ton, Duach and Atem are Australian citizens respectively born in South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.

Duach was on bail at the time. Since his ar-

rest, he’d been in remand. He is also serving a nine-year jail term for two counts of rape in 2020.

Ton had since committed driving offences after being released on bail.

In January, he was placed on a CCO with alcohol and drug treatment for earlier offending.

Atem had no other criminal history. His one day in remand reportedly had a“salutary” impact.

Sentencing judge Nola Karapanagiotidis said the victims spoke powerfully of the “devastating” and “life-altering” impact of their injuries.

The “appalling crimes” were fuelled by alcohol and continued despite their victims being rendered defenceless on the ground.

She noted the trio’s young age made them more prone to rash decisions as well as to reforming themselves.

However, the “devastating” and “life-altering” consequences to the victims required stern punishment.

Ton was jailed for 30 months with a 16-month non-parole period, Duach for 34 months with a 19-month non-parole term and Atem 27 months with 14 months nonparole.

Ton’s term included 224 days in pre-sentence detention.

TheCountyCourtofVictoria.

Picture:AAPIMAGE/CONCHRONIS

Policearresteda29-year-oldLynbrookmanandsubsequentlychargedhimwithtraffickingcocaine, possessingandtraffickingmethylamphetamineandknowinglydealingwithproceedsofcrime.

Inspiring others to grow and thrive

By Eleanor Wilson

Blind Bight resident Anne is passionate about her community.

She volunteers with her local CFA brigade and dedicates her time each week as the organiser of Cranbourne’s Grow peer support group.

However, just 12 months ago she had spent a year in bed - debilitated by panic attacks and anxiety.

Now, she is sharing her mental health journey in hopes of inspiring others to reach out for support.

Experiencing anxiety since she was 19, Anne had a long stretch of stable mental health, managing her symptoms with medication and therapy.

That was until a mental health relapse three years ago left her hospitalised and then house bound for an entire year.

“Last year I decided to try and get out of bed and I have been doing that ever since,” Anne shared from the entrance of the Balla Balla Community Centre, which she visits every Thursday to attend support group sessions.

“I wanted to build a support team around me so I started having therapy with a psychologist and through a Facebook Anxiety Group I found the Cranbourne Grow peer support group.”

Grow is a national peer-to-peer support organisation, encouraging participants to grow, recover and maintain good mental health.

Spearheaded by a 12-step program to encourage personal growth incorporating the principles of mutual help and peer support, the Cranbourne group meets weekly at Balla Balla Community Centre for support sessions.

Discovering and joining Grow in January this year was a huge turning point for Anne.

“I came away from that first meeting thinking I am so lucky to have found this group,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be sitting here, being able to do

OPINION

all these things, and other things in my private life, without this group.”

Since joining Grow, Anne set two main goals for herself - to re-join her local fire brigade and to start doing the housework again.

She said Grow has helped her achieve both of those goals.

“I’m feeling quite proud at looking at no mess compared to messy and knowing that I’ve cleaned that up.

“The Grow group program has definitely helped me change my thinking and given me confidence in knowing that the group will support me and help me in using the program.

“I have learnt that I am not alone and it’s a comforting thought that my lived experiences could possibly help someone else.”

Cranbourne Grow program worker JulieAnne Van Tatenhove said Anne has progressed in leaps and bounds since joining the group.

“Anne has been a joy as a member because she has always been willing to give it a go and the changes you can make, even over a short period of time, just by giving things a go is

amazing,” MsVan Tatenhove said.

“It’s been wonderful to see her grow in balance, because she does have a go-getter attitude, but she’s balancing it really well with selfcare now.”

Anne hopes her story will encourage individuals in a similar situation to reach out for support.

“It’s free, its open to all and its confidential.

“Give it a go - it might change your life.”

Cranbourne Grow is free and meets each Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Balla Balla Community Centre, 9 Selandra Boulevard Clyde North.

The program is ideal for anyone experiencing mental health conditions and are requiring long term mental health support.

For further information please call the toll free number: 1800 558 268.

In an emergency, contact Triple-Zero. You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For help, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or go to beyondblue.org.au

Top of the times table

Hallam Primary School Grade 5 and 6 students have topped the table at a state online maths competition.

Designed by education platform Maths Circle, the ‘Melbourne Rocks’ maths competition challenged students from 50 primary schools on their times table skills.

Maths Circle chief executive Bruno Reddy said Hallam Primary was a standout performer from the beginning.

“As the competition began to unfold, my team and I were fascinated by the outstanding performance of Hallam Primary; they led the field from the beginning and are to be congratulated for their excellent results.”

The comp was designed to multiply the ‘joy factor’ in mathematics, with the classroom “pumping” with music and excited screams, he said.

Hallam Primary’s Grade 5 and 6 team leader Deb said “the kids are still buzzing and excited to do it again next year”.

“The bottom line is that it’s great when kids are learning their tables.

“It’s not easy to get them into a routine of practising but the Times Tables Rock Stars really helped because it’s fun, they love being on devices and it works.”

It showed how technology can work wonders in an economically and culturally diverse school with 40 languages, Deb said.

“We cater to refugee families, very well-off families, and disadvantaged families.We’ve got them all.

“As a school community, we don’t see the kids as culturally different, and we hope the kids don’t either.

“Melbourne Rocks has helped us show this around mathematics and learning times tables.

It made it really equitable and showed the community that we’re all the same.”

Hallam Primary School will compete at a national ‘Oz Rocks’ maths competition in October.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To the lack of fire reduction planning by Casey Council and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Thumbs up

For fixing the pothole at the entrance to Devon Road in Devon Meadows.

Thumbs down

To Dan Andrews jumping ship after destroying the state and getting paid royally the entire time and from now till he dies.

Holland Honeyeater at a Waratah blooming at Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. 363231

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Hallam Primary School’s joy multiplied after winning the Melbourne Rocks times tables competition.

Anne joined Cranbourne Grow group one year ago after her anxiety left her house bound.

Wyatt ready to meet stars

By Violet Li

Four-year-old Wyatt Dickinson is excited to meet the football stars at the Sunday Footy Show Grand Final Eve My Room Telethon on 29 September.

The Sunday Footy Show on Channel 9 will team up with My Room Children’s Cancer Charity to raise funds for kids fighting cancer.

Tony Jones, Nathan Brown, Matthew Lloyd, Damian Barrett and Kane Cornes will join hosts and My Room ambassadors Clint Stanaway and Alicia Loxley as they share stories of amazing kids and their families from the Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre as well as raise funds to support patients and families affected by childhood cancer.

Wyatt was diagnosed with Acute Lympho-

blastic Leukaemia, a blood cancer, in June 2022 and he is currently in the maintenance stage of active treatment which will be ongoing until September 2024.

His mother Jessica Dickinson said the family had been supported by My Room from the start of the boy’s treatment at Monash Children’s Hospital.

“Wyatt has had access to dietitians who supported him through the hardest stages of his treatment when he wasn’t really wanting to eat, so they guided us how to keep him physically as well as we could.

“We’ve seen their physio who has been checking on his leg development and bone development.

“That was very useful,” she said.

Ms Dickinson said she really appreciated

it when the charity paid her home insurance bills to take some financial burden off the family.

She recalled My Room chief executive officer Margaret Zeta took one of the Richmond Tigers players to the hospital.

“He spent some time withWyatt kicking the footy.

“That is really, really nice,” she said.

Wyatt will be in the audience on the Grand Final Eve My Room Telethon, with the Sunday Footy Show team, as well as a few special guests, as well as AFL players to play fun activities.

Ms Dickinson said the four-year-old picked up an interest in footy in the last six months and he was really loving it.

“He wanted a toy football and he would ask

my husband and I to play footy with him in the backyard.

“I’ve taken him to a few games.

“He’s a bit sad now because he doesn’t fully understand the games but the season is finishing,” she said.

Ms Dickinson said the family was grateful for the opportunity for Wyatt to get on the show. He is remaining in good spirits, she said.

“One of the big things that my husband and I are passionate about is if there’s any sort of silver lining or opportunity that can bring some happiness to Wyatt while he’s going through such an awful thing for such a little kid.

“We are so grateful for anything that makes his life a little bit happier.

“He really deserves the special things,” she said.

Wyatt Dickinson holding the toy football with his parents. Pictures: SUPPLIED Wyatt Dickinson while staying at Monash Children’s Hospital.

Empowering lives with jobs

By Sahar Foladi

A Dandenong-based group is tackling high unemployment rates that continue to echo through parts of the community.

Not-for-profit organisation, Sister Works, is empowering migrant, refugee and asylum seeker women in Greater Dandenong who are struggling to secure jobs.

Employment and business support coordinator, Zahra Haydarbig says securing jobs for these women has become a real issue and challenge.

“We go through inductions, OH&S and training but we don’t receive anything further from potential employers.

“It’s a matter of accepting the diversity and building the trust. Our applicants are trustable, we’re here to support those who’re passionate and ready to work.”

Sister Works provide basic supports such as English classes, computer classes, how to use public transport and gradually shift to programs to equip the participants with the necessary job-ready skills.

A range of programs are provided such as warehousing, manufacturing, hospitality, beauty and make-up classes.

Anywhere between 40 to 60 women graduate from these programs ready to join the workforce.

“Our participants are looking to work in bicultural work fields and disability support services.

“We have a variety of applicants ready for jobs, not just in warehousing and hospitality.”

The program also offers ‘Job Ready’ sessions where participants are assisted with their resume, taught interview tips, food safety skills, barista skills and other skills and certificates required to work inhospitality and restaurant settings.

“Some of our diverse women are trying to get their licence but still have the support from family and friends to drive them around.,“ Ms Haydarbig said.

“It’s a very sweet outcome of everyone’s journey, to see them grow from the initial contact they had with us.

“I feel very satisfied and proud of these women for their accomplishments.”

The unemployment rate in Greater Dandenong in March 2023 was more than six per cent and at its peak in June 2020, at 10.4 per cent.

In October 2022, award-winning not-forprofit social enterprise, Ability Works, in partnership with RMIT launched a research paper to identify the best ways to reach different communities in Greater Dandenong. The high multicultural population has a range of barriers to employment.

As reported previously by Star Journal, data from the City of Greater Dandenong shows that women aged 25-44 years who have settled in Australia are less likely to be in a paid employment, while 57 per cent of men with Year 11 completion are employed.

Those with limited fluency in English language are at the most affected with 31 per cent in paid work.

Ability Works chief executive Sue Boyce had said there’s a “lack of trust between the migrant community and employers because of the very big differences compared to the country they’ve come from. The employment environment is very different.”

However, Ms Haydarbig says the women are as competitive as everyone else, with the correct resources and skills provided to them during their time with SisterWorks.

“Coming from war-torn countries they’re

very passionate to build their future, make their future brighter and become independent.

“We’ll be there to support the participants in their employment pathway on an ongoing basis, we won’t just hand them in to employers.”

She says the organisation is seeking new partnerships between local businesses, employers, and existing organisations in the community to provide better pathways to women.

Recently, a six-week partnership between Afri-Aus Care and Sister Works involving sewing sessions came to an end.

Afri-Aus Care founder Selba Gondoza-Luka said it was sad the short-lived partnership came to an end.

“The staff from Sister Works attended the sessions to provide our Mamas with sewing skills with 15 machines.

“Some of the mamas were beginners and some intermediate.

“It was a place where women, who are eager to learn new skills, met and socialised.”

The not-for-profit organisation, run by a group of professionals from migrant backgrounds, supports CALD and African communities. It is about breaking stigmas around mental health, with a focus on primary mental health intervention.

By the end of the program, the participants produced oven mitts, small bags for keys and mobiles, and grocery-shopping bags amongst other things.

“The mamas enjoyed the entire six-weeks. We cannot go without saying thank you to Sister Works, it was great,” Ms Gondoza-Luka said.

Details: Zahra Haydarbig at Sister Works, 0420 213 049.

Shanikas wins big with the best Italian in the state

By Corey Everitt

Shanikas continues to put the South East on the map when it comes to dining, with their quality cuisine and hospitality awarding them the title of best Italian restaurant in the state.

On Monday 18 September, the Restaurant & Catering Association held its 2023 Awards for Excellence celebrating the achievements of dining establishments across Victoria and Tasmania.

Berwick’s staple of dining, Shanikas, took the category for best Italian restaurant.

Shanikas was the only nominee to be located more than 5 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, up against big names such as the iconic Brunetti’s in Carlton and South Yarra’s Thirty Eight Chairs.

Co-owner Damian Krylov went to the ceremony on Monday and was excited simply to be nominated alongside so many big names.

“It’s interesting being the sort of little guy from the South East, you’re in the city, nice suit, in there with all the big restaurants from Vic and Tassie, it was really cool to be there,” Damian said.

“It was nice to actually get there and get some recognition for actually being as good as those kind of guys because you always

think that the South East there is not much sort of out this way.”

From serving Berwick for over three decades and Pakenham for almost two, Shanikas have known for a while that they can rub shoulders with the best.

“Even though we are all the way out in the South East, we’re definitely a destination res-

taurant where a lot of customers tell us we’re up there with the best,” Damian said.

“We’ve always known we are up to the standards of the big city restaurants.”

When the winner was announced, it was significant vindication.

“When they read our name out, I think we all just lost it, the next half an hour was just

a nice, energetic, happy blur,” Damian said.

“A bit emotional, it’s all the hard work all the whole team puts in, we have two restaurants, heaps of staff, a lot of people that work hard for us, it was nice to almost bring it home for them to show that the work you guys do is benefiting the team and what we are trying to do in the future.”

Having won the state-level award, Shanikas has a chance to take the top spot in the country for 2023, being nominated for the national awards, to be held in November.

Once the celebrations for the latest achievement have settled, Damian will organise the trip up to Sydney where the national ceremony will be held.

Regardless of potential accolades in the future, for Shanikas this award demonstrates the commitment they have to providing good service and even better food to anyone that walks through the door.

“It doesn’t matter whether you come in for a first date or you been coming in for 30 years we’re trying to make sure that every experience, especially in today’s day in age where money is a bit tight, even if you are just coming out because you wanna treat yourself because you have been working hard, we here to make sure you have the best you can.”

The Shanikas team with the award for best Italian restaurant in the state for 2023.

Sister Works team members with Bruce federal MP Julian Hill.

Halcyon Berwick Open Day

Open Day

7th October 11am–2pm

A community designed for over 50s living

Halcyon Berwick will be celebrating the one year anniversary of its clubhouse opening by holding an Open Day on the 7th of October. This will be a chance for you to come by and explore how much our community has grown over the past year. Plus, enjoy a free sausage sizzle with drinks and treats available.

Some of the things that you’ll be able to do on the day include:

• Explore our resort-quality clubhouse facilities

• Learn how to play pickleball or lawn bowls on our sporting grounds

• Grab a free bite to eat from the sausage sizzle with drinks and sweets as well

• Explore our display homes and our community

• Get to know some of our friendly homeowners

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

You can do as little or as much as you’d like, whether you’d like to swing by for a quick tour or stay the entire day, the choice is yours.

Attendance is free and you’re welcome to bring along friends and family.

Register for the Halcyon Berwick Open Day via the QR code below, or you can let our team know on 1800 050 050.

Explore culture and arts

Explore our environment, from earth to sky, at Planetary Gestures, the latest exhibition at Dandenong’s Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre.

Through this group exhibition, artists direct us to where the sea meets the sun and dares us to imagine a future that respects the many perspectives derived from the different custodians of the planet.

This touring exhibition comes to Victoria for the first time, to explore ideas surrounding ecological systems, ancient knowledge, celestial blueprints and tidal movements.

Local and international artists including Amrita Hepi, Susie Losch, Raqs Media Collective, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Jimmy John Thaiday and Trevor Yeung, explore cycles of movement and time.

Planetary Gestures is a NorthSite Contemporary Arts exhibition curated by Tess Maunder, and is on display until Friday 3 November.

Share a meal and explore the exhibition in a special event with the curator Tess Maunder on Sunday 8 October, from 12.30pm. For just $5, you can visit Walker Street Gallery and Arts

Centre to share a meal from a local restaurant and talk about Planetary Gestures with the person who put the exhibition together.

Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/planetarygestures to find out more.

Do you have a creative project of your own that you want to bring to life? Join us for a full day workshop atWalker Street Gallery and Arts Centre to find out how.

Greater Dandenong City Council, in partnership with Burrinja Cultural Centre, presents Creative Project Planning and the Funding Landscape. The workshop will give you the tools and advice to turn your creative ideas into reality. Join passionate industry experts on Saturday 7 October, from 10am-3pm, to develop a project plan, explore funding options and realise your creative dreams.

The workshop is part of the creative RISE initiative, supporting our creative community to network, build skills, and to connect and grow their creative practice.

Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/creativerise for more information.

26 September – 3 November

Planetary Gestures is a NorthSite Contemporary Arts exhibition, curated by Tess Maunder.

Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre

Corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/planetarygestures

Together, these artists direct us towards where the sea meets the sun; and dare us to imagine a future deeply respectful of varied perspectives derived from the many custodians of the planet.

Image caption: Raqs Media Collective, Deep Breath Film Stills, gallery view, 2019.

Image by Michael Pham, courtesy of NorthSite Contemporary Arts Cairns.

Rirkrit Tiravanija, untitled 2023 (do we dream under the same sky), slogan on wall.

Picture: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST, RIRKRIT TIRAVANIJA

Athletes set to head north

By Matthew Sims

A group of South East athletes are packed and ready to learn lessons from the best of the best at the upcoming Coles Little Athletics National High-Performance Camp.

Held at the Gold Coast Performance Centre at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast from Sunday 1 October toWednesday 4 October, the camp is designed to offer each athlete an opportunity to improve themselves and a better understanding of the journey and process that is required to assist with their own development.

The camp is hosting current and former Australian International athletes coaching and presenting, as well as sharing their own experiences, and their journey from juniors to international representation.

The local participants from Berwick Little Athletics include long hurdles competitor Max Wright, who achieved third at the 2023 State Track and Field Championships and the 2023 Australian Junior Athletics Championships; 100 metre runner Ariela Sprague, who achieved first at the Australian All Schools Championships 2022; and discus thrower Theodore Eliadis, who achieved first at the recent 2023 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships.

Max said he was looking forward to discovering ways to improve his starts, learning new methods and skills to get the best out of his abilities and connecting with and learning from other people at the camp.

“To perform at your best, you must be able to relax at the right time but also use your excitement to psych you up,” he said.

“Being mentally ready can play a huge part in whether you run a good time or not, and also handle yourself when things don’t go to plan.”

Ariela said she was keen to reconnect with other competitors she knows from different clubs.

“I am looking forward to making new friends and memories,” she said.

“I want to improve the start of my race and form.”

Theo said he was excited to learn new exercise drills and methods to improve one’s mental resilience.

“I want to improve my consistency in my

throwing technique,” he said.

“It is important you can deal with the pressure during major competitions and learn resilience when things don’t go your way.”

Berwick Little Athletics vice president Steve Woolfe said receiving one-on-one support from mentors would be a major boost to the participants’ abilities and knowledge.

“The experience gained from this event is invaluable,” he said.

“These athletes are looked up to at the centre and younger kids aspire to be like them.”

Olympic Gold Medalist Glynis Nunn OAM said she was looking forward to meeting this year’s camp participants.

“I am always very pleased to be able to contribute to the development of up-and-coming Little Athletes,” she said.

“Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see Little Athletes performing at the best and enjoying themselves at the same time.”

Coles Little Athletics Australia chief executive Myles Foreman said the camp is designed to help the next generation of athletes receive

the training and mentoring to allow them to advance to the next level in their chosen discipline.

“With the support of some of Australia’s leading coaches and presenters, our Little Athletes will leave the camp ready to set a new personal best,” he said.

Athletes will participate in training sessions, workshops, recovery sessions, presentations, and social activities onsite. For more information, visit littleathletics. com.au

Orchid spring show delights record crowds in Berwick

By Eleanor Wilson

Hundreds of native and exotic orchids filled Berwick’s Senior Citizens Hall over the weekend as the Berwick Orchid Spring Show enticed crowds.

Over 200 flowering plants dazzled on display across Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September, while more than 500 orchids filled the sales area for avid green thumbs to purchase.

Berwick Orchid Show president Murray Harding said this year’s show provided the best crowd the show has seen in a decade.

“It was excellent, the standard of orchids was well above average,” Mr Harding said.

“We are back to where we were pre-Covid and if anything better in terms of the plants and the numbers and the enthusiasm.”

Over half of the plants on sale, which included natives and exotics propagated from members’ orchids, were snapped up within the first half of Saturday morning.

Two large flowering Dendrobium striolata, grow by Tam and Lyn Nguyen and Mr Harding, stood as stand outs at the show.

“One of our members has been growing the same plant since 2005 and it is a beautiful plant with hundreds of flowers on it,” Mr Harding said.

“I saw her put it into a show in 2011 and I was so impressed with it I decided to grow one myself.

“To see two plants of the quality and size and number of flowers of this variety in one show will probably never happen again.”

Phone Mr Harding on 0411 708 313 for more information about the Berwick Orchid Club.

Etta and Jozef Nadjmeljkuti with their magnificent display and a Champion Sash for Phalaenopsis Hybrid. 362887

Pictures: ROB CAREW

“Phalaenopsis Keva Lloyd Strawberry Red” by Etta and Jozef Nadjmeljkuti, awarded a sash for Champion for Phalaenopsis Hybrid. 362887

Colin Gillespie holds his sash for champion Cymbidium Specimen. 362887

Berwick Orchid Show president Murray Harding with his magnificent red Sophronitis Coccinea. 362887

Siew Bee Lae with a sash for Orchid by an Intermediate Grower for her Cymbidium Orchid Forrest Place Queen’s Jewels plant. 362887

Discus thrower Theodore Eliadis, sprinter Ariela Sprague and hurdler Max Wright are excited for the upcoming camp. 361890

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Hurdler Max Wright. 361890

Sprinter Ariela Sprague. 361890

Sprinter Ariela Sprague. 361890

Discus thrower Theodore Eliadis. 361890

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Pashto community boost

By Violet Li

The Pashto-speaking community in Casey has been engaged with a tailored Covid-19 health initiative to boost immunity.

City of Casey has the largest Pashto-speaking community - one of two official languages of Afghanistan- with around 1600 residents.

Local Pashto speakers collaborated on the new initiative, which has been created in-language and designed to resonate with the specific identified concerns and interests of the community, to keep Covid-19 at bay.

The strengthening immunity in community initiative was sponsored by the Department of Health and Aged Care, created in partnership with translation and multicultural communication agency LEXIGO.

The new initiative is aimed to encourage Pashto communities to get a Covid-19 booster every six months, along with other measures to bolster individual immunity and encourage others to do the same.

Dr Jameel Ashraf is a healthcare professional within the Pashto community.

He said the language barriers had remained one of the biggest obstacles in the uptake of the Covid-19 booster vaccines to date, with many people from non-English speaking backgrounds relaying the information they receive from friends and family rather than from health authorities.

“They are unable to get reliable information in their own language, [therefore] they remain unsatisfied and hesitant to take [medical] advice,” he said.

Dr Ashraf said slow uptake would enable the disease to rebound quickly, likely resulting in more hospitalisations and ICU admissions, an increase in health-related costs, and longer quarantine periods.

“There are people in our community who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons and

are likely to get more seriously infected.

“Slow vaccine uptake means we are not only putting ourselves at higher risk of infection but also those in our community who are the most vulnerable.”

Research from local focus groups show that the government is the most trustworthy source of COVID-related information among the local Pashto community, with doctors and pharmacists also being relied upon.

“The Pashto community has made it clear that they are likely to comply with advice from

Have your say on plan

Casey Council is welcoming community members to provide feedback on its draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024/26, which outlines the council’s commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, detailing a range of actions designed to build understanding, commitment, and respect for culture.

Developed by the council’s RAP Working Group, in conjunction with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through the annual community ‘Yarn Up’ at the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place in Doveton, the Innovate RAP will run for two years and includes a range of actions which align to the three pillars of reconciliation set by Reconciliation Australia.

The plan also outlines actions for achieving the council’s vision for reconciliation around recognising the rich culture of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, acknowledging the past, working towards a more equitable future and being determined to listen and empower the whole community.

Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM said the council is committed to its Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander community and recognises the rich and

continuous connection which Aboriginal people have with the City of Casey, which is home to about 2395 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.

“We recognise reconciliation as a shared responsibility that will shape a better, united tomorrow,” she said.

“Through the development of this RAP, we aspire to build upon the remarkable achievements of the Aboriginal Gathering Place in Doveton and further align our organisation with the goals of reconciliation.”

In-person feedback can also be provided at the following locations

· Aboriginal Gathering Place, 20 Agonis Street, Doveton between 25 September and 13 October from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday;

· Wilson Botanic Park, 668 Princes Highway, Berwick on Saturday 30 September from 10.00am to 3.30pm and Friday 6 October from 10am to 3.30 pm; and

· Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Boulevard, Cranbourne West on Monday 2 October from 11am to 3.30 pm.

Consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 13 October.

For more information about the RAP and to provide feedback, visit conversations. casey.vic.gov.au/reconciliation-action-plan

government health authorities and departments about COVID-19,” said Mark Saba, chief executive officer at LEXIGO.

“Proactive suggestions to improve vaccination rates in the community that were raised by Pashto speakers included greater accessibility, such as the reintroduction of pop-up vaccination centres.”

The initiative is part of a series of tailored, in-language health promotion material cocreated by communities for communities across Australia, encouraging individuals to

keep up to date with COVID-19 booster vaccinations and other health safety measures.

Materials have been developed in languages including Arabic, Albanian, Hmong, Somali and others, in collaboration with these language-group communities around Australia.

For those who need help to recover from COVID-19, the National Coronavirus Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 020 080. Interpretation services are available.

Picture: JOHAN MOUCHET/UNSPLASH

A new initiative is encouraging Covid-19 vaccine uptake among the Pashto community.

Picture: UNSPLASH/STEVEN CORNFIELD

Bandicoot bonanza a hit

By Violet Li

The Big Bandicoot Backyard program at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne was unveiled on 22 September with free, fun activities for kids and families over the weekend.

The debut featured a giant bandicoot sculpture created by artists Darryl Cordell, Vanessa Ellis and Trina Gaskell using local Kunzea ericoides – a plant that has become weedy in the bushland and must be removed to increase biodiversity.

Kids were spotted making their own baby bandicoots out of natural materials, watching Southern Brown Bandicoot inspired performances by theatre ensemble Born in a Taxi, and taking an interactive guided walk.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is home to the last remaining urban population of Southern Brown Bandicoots in mainland Australia, which are a nationally endangered species and were once one of the most common and widespread native mammals in Southern Australia.

It is estimated there are around 200 to 400 Southern Brown Bandicoots in the botanic gardens and the surrounding suburbs.

Southern Brown Bandicoot outreach officer Eilish Roberts talked about the protection of the bandicoots in the botanic gardens.

“We have our really tall predator-proof fence going all the way around the property,” Ms Roberts said.

“If you come off our main driveway, we’ve got a little wildlife fence going all the way along. That’s to stop animals running onto the road and we’ve also got lots of culverts running underneath the road.

“We’ve set up cameras and we see that bandicoots are using them as well as lots of the wildlife, koalas, snakes, or bats.

“We also try and keep all their predators down, foxes as well,” she said.

Roberts said the protection also extended to educating the community on Southern Brown Bandicoots and how to make Bandicootfriendly suburbs. Director and chief executive of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria David Harland said the Big Bandicoot Backyard program was created to give people a fantastic day out in nature and understanding important conservation science.

“What we want people to take away from it is that there are a few things that they can do within their own spaces that will encourage bandicoots to live: plant native grasses, keep pets indoors, not using baits and poisons and report sightings on the free iNaturalist app,” he said.

Treasures and trinkets galore at annual antique fair

From retro goods to antique treasures and the weird and wonderful in between, keen collectors from far and wide are encouraged to come check out the wares on offer at this year’s Berwick Antique and Collectables Fair.

Now in its sixth year, the fair is moving for the first time to the Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre at 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard in Endeavour Hills, running from 9am to 4pm on Sunday 8 October. Organisers Coosje and John Dubach said they are excited to welcome people from across the South East, with more than 40 stallholders selling a wide variety of collectables and antiques, including jewellery, vinyl records and more.

“There’s a bit for everyone,” Coosje said.

“It’s a good opportunity to get some unique gifts.

“Youalsogivepeoplethepleasureofreminiscing.”

All proceeds from the event will go towards Riding for the Disabled Myuna Farm.

“I’ve been volunteering with them for 22 years,” Coosje said.

The event will also include a barbecue and Devonshire tea. John said the changes in the economy had meant older buyers are dwindling, while younger people’s interests are increasing.

“What struck us is that the audience is changing,” he said.

For more information, contact Coosje on 0432 869 215 or berwickantiquefair@gmail. com

Lisa, Ella and Amelia from Botanic Ridge making bandicoots. 362327

Crowds watched the performance by Shazza and Razza. 362327

Shazza and Razza interacted with the kids. 362327

Director and chief executive of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria David Harland. 362327

Coosje with a Gladstone bag. 362483

Gospel choir set for stage

Three-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir are bringing their show HOPE to Bunjil Place next month.

On Wednesday 18 October, the choir will bring their new show to life at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren, celebrating the music of protest and freedom from Nelson Mandela’s South Africa to the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King’s 1950s America.

HOPE opens with a program of South African freedom songs, before the repertoire echoes down through time to the USA, with renditions of the protest music of the Civil Rights Movement, including works by legendary artists James Brown, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder and the one-and-only Aretha Franklin.

Show producer Andrew Kay said he was ex-

Pool hall arsonist jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A man who burnt down a Dandenong South pool hall during a long-running dispute with his landlord has been jailed.

Bashir Hussain, now 42, set fire to his own business Star Entertainment Centre on Round Tower Road in the early hours on 1 April, 2019.

He was found guilty by aVictorian County Court jury of arson, although he has continued to deny responsibility, sentencing judge Patricia Riddell said on 7 September.

Hussain’s “act of desperation” causing nearly $1.4 million damage was apparently “born out of frustration and anger” at the landlord.

It gutted Hussain’s business on the top floor, burning through the floor to the landlord’s business below, Judge Riddell noted.

“The entire building was uninhabitable and downstairs business inoperable for about a year.”

The site was the former home of the legendary business Astra Billiards. It was sold in 2013 after the death of its owner George Grech.

Judge Riddell said Hussain had worked hard since 2015 to establish his pool hall, shisha lounge, bar and restaurant – a “passion project” in which he invested more than $500,000.

It was apparently successful until a new landlord started renovating a downstairs business into a pool hall and shisha lounge called Dunya Entertainment in direct competition to Hussain.

“Your offending was the result in large part of the financial decline of your business,” the judge said.

“However, in my view your behaviour was also motivated at least in part out of anger and frustration with (the landlord).”

Judge Riddell regarded the landlord’s conduct as “somewhat reprehensible”.

“Many people may feel you had a justifiable sense of grievance at his behaviour.

“However, that does not justify the use of unlawful means to deal with those issues.”

Hussain made an unsuccessful claim on his insurance – as was often the case in suspicious fires, the judge noted.

He later told police he didn’t know how the fire started, saying he was only alerted to the blaze by nearby construction workers as he exited the building about 3.30am.

The landlord’s son told the court that he and his family were “severely affected”.

Dunya Entertainment was their only source of income and was unable to reopen for more than a year, he stated.

“This financial strain bled into their family life, causing significant emotional turmoil,” Judge Riddell said.

Born in Pakistan, Hussain provided for three young children and a refugee wife whose parents were killed by the Taliban.

Several referees spoke of his “trustworthiness” as a “respected businessman” and volunteer. He had no prior criminal history and a low risk of reoffending.

His offence was an “aberration and distinctly out of character”.

Hussain was jailed for three years and eight months. He will be eligible for parole in two years.

cited to share the choir’s “extraordinary talent” with Australia.

“It’s always a special treat to bring the unique and inspirational power of Soweto Gospel Choir to Aussie shores,” he said.

“The energy and presence they bring is unparalleled.”

Choir Master Shimmy Jiyane said HOPE is a special show for the choir to perform.

“These are the songs that we grew up on; that inspired us and that keep inspiring us,” he said.

“HOPE showcases how the power of song and the power of performance can inspire and soundtrack real change.”

For more information and tickets, visit sowetogospelchoir.live

The Soweto Gospel Choir is bringing their show HOPE to Bunjil Place.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Star Entertainment Centre, Dandenong South set alight in a suspicious blaze

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A with incoming Topirum Primary School principal Marc de Ley

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy working with students, staff and the community to build a positive school environment in which students can strive to reach their potential.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Many people are surprised to know that I love electronic music!

What classes did you teach before becoming principal?

I mostly taught Grade 3 and 4, but I have taught from Grade 1 to Grade 6.

Looking back at when you first entered your current role, what advice would you have given yourself?

The principal role is complex and challenging.

It is important to be true to your beliefs about education and persist to see the outcomes of your vision.

What has been your most memorable moment?

It is difficult to pinpoint one moment. I enjoy seeing students proud of their achievements and to see their confidence in themselves grow. What event, past or present or future, would you like to witness?

I am a big fan of history, so to have witnessed past historical events would have been fascinating, such as theWorldWars.

What subject did you enjoy at school?

History.

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

David Hume, Noam Chomsky, Jeffrey Sachs, Carl Sagan and Robert Greene.

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

I can do a pretty good Chicken Tikka Masala. Where is your dream holiday destination? Vienna.

What has been your biggest achievement?

I think, with my wife Anna, we have a done a great job in raising our daughter Louisa, who is 19 years old.

What encouraged you to become a teacher?

I wanted to influence young people and help them reach their aspirations for the future.

What were you like as a kid?

I was quiet and liked to play tennis and chess.

THREE … ways to keep school holidays fun and active

As parents scratch their heads with keeping their children entertained these school holidays, here are three unique ways to keep children entertained and active over these school holidays.

1 Take the dog for a walk

Even if you don’t have a dog of your own, offer to walk a neighbour’s or friend’s dog as a family. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

2 Play I Spy in nature

Explore your local nature trails and parks while playing a fun game of I Spy to keep the kids engaged.

Did you always want to become a teacher or was there another career you considered?

I was a Speech Pathologist in the Victorian hospital system for eight years before deciding to change career and become a teacher. What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to?

I think understanding the origins of the universe is still a fascinating quest we are on.

3 Sidewalk chalk art

Let your kids express their creativity by drawing inspirational messages on the sidewalk for passersby to enjoy.

Top five interviewing tips

sible with those of the business is key.

What is the most important decision a business can make? Is it deciding on how to provide the best product or service?

Perhaps which are the best systems and processes to implement, or maybe determining the ideal target market? For me, the most important decision a business can make is hiring the right staff.

As Richard Branson said: “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.” So, if you agree with my premise that having the right staff in your company is probably the single greatest determinant of business success, how many businesses do you know actually train their staff in how to interview properly?

I suspect not many, so here are some simple tips to maximise success

1. Write a position description for the role

Often we think they know what we want but it’s not until these thoughts are actually put into readable form that the true breadth of the role becomes apparent.

Documenting this allows others to review your understanding of what’s required as well so if the position interfaces with many others, getting their perspective is also very valuable.

A good position description will define the responsibilities of the role, the required experience/qualifications and personal attributes.

2. Focus on cultural fit

There is a phrase that states that ‘companies

hire on skills and fire on fit’ and there is a very good reason for this.

Unless properly trained, interviewers will tend to ask questions related to the technical areas of the role that they are familiar with.

However, just about any ‘technical skill’ can

be learnt with sufficient time and investment, but try training someone in initiative, discretion or commitment!

These are all much harder and typically are part of an individual’s personality or core values, so checking that these align as far as pos-

3. Identify three core competencies and prepare about three questions for each At first sight, this may seem inadequate to fully evaluate a candidate, but when forced to focus on just the three absolute must haves for the role, depth increases and you will find that a full discussion surrounding these will typically yield information from related areas as well anyway.

Conversely, going in with a long list of questions is likely to result in a superficial response to each.

4. Listen well

May sound obvious, but many interviewers fall into the trap of lining up the next question without fully listening to the response of the previous one.

If listening is done well, then the interview becomes more relaxed and conversational since the next question follows naturally from the previous one and hence more valuable information can be derived.

5. Offer the opportunity for questions at the start and the end

Interviewing these days is a two-way process and it’s extremely important the candidate receives a positive but accurate, ‘warts and all’ understanding of the role itself (they won’t stay if they find the role is quite different to what they expected when they start).

This is also a great way to gauge a candidate’s interest in the role as well.

Someone genuinely interested is highly likely to have a range of questions that they want answered, whereas few questions may imply a lack of desire.

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

The most important decision a business can make is hiring the right staff, Ian Ash reports.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Your regional newspaper offers so much more...

Staying fun and active

Seniors from NarreWarren and beyond are encouraged to come and join in one of the many fun activities on offer at the Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre.

Star News photographer Gary Sissons attended one of the centre’s weekly meetings on Wednesday 13 September, where entertainer Col Perkins was putting on a show for the attendees.

Centre president Dennis Hogan said the centre hosts their weekly bingo and entertainment sessions each Wednesday from about 11am to 2pm.

“It’s just a day where you can get together, share some stories and have some fun,” he said.

Mr Hogan said the centre also hosts day trips and longer trips, including an upcoming week-long trip to Mildura, as well as other activities such as cards, carpet bowls, line dancing and gentle exercises.

“The club has something on most days,” he said.

For more information, contact the centre on 9704 0015 or email narwarsen@bigpond. com

Entertainer Col Perkins entertained the Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre. 359222

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

One of the attendees joined in the sing-along with Col Perkins. 359222

Perkins. 359222

A lot of the attendees were singing along with Col Perkins. 359222

Perkins.

Col Perkins came down from the stage and was more interactive with the audience. 359222

Bumble

Bee Baby and Children’s Market

The market is offering families the opportunity to buy and sell their pre-loved, new and handmade baby and children’s items.

Service providers are also welcomed to highlight themselves to the local community.

Adults $2, children free, free parking on site. · Berwick Fields Primary School from 9am to noon on Sunday 8 October.

Berwick Pakenham Historical Society

As part of History Month and Seniors’ Month, the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society is conducting an ‘At Home’ exhibition.

The museum at 85 Princes Highway in Pakenham will be open between 10am and 4pm on from Thursday 5 October to Sunday 8 October.

Entry is free with tea, coffee and biscuits also available.

Cranbourne Food Truck

The Cranbourne Food Truck is collecting pasta sauce, cereal and tea bags throughout October. · For more information, phone 0455 121 077 or email thefoodtruck00@gmail.com

Soweto Gospel Choir’s HOPE

Three-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir are bringing their show HOPE to Bunjil Place next month.

On Wednesday 18 October, the choir will bring their new show to life at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren, celebrating the music of protest and freedom from Nelson Mandela’s South Africa to the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King’s 1950s America.

· For more information, visit sowetogospelchoir. live

Berwick Antique and Collectibles

Fair

Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre at 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard.

Adults $5, children free. Valuations by David Freeman for $5 per item from noon to 3pm (no jewelry, coins or stamps). Refreshments available. All proceeds go to Riding for the Disabled at Myuna Farm.

· For more information, contact Coosje on

Trades & Services

0432 869 215 or email berwickantiquefair@ gmail.com

· Sunday 8 October from 9am to 4pm.

Berwick Springs VIEW Club

Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club are a not for profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.

The club currently supports seven students of varying ages with their education expenses and are about to take on an eighth student.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.30am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.

Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.

The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.

· For more information, contact Shirley on 0419 878 481 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

Tom Gleeson’s Gear

Hard Quiz Overlord, Master of Tasks and Gold Logie Winner Tom Gleeson has taken the Brass Mug on the road for the past two years with Hard Quiz Live.

Now he’s giving audiences around the country an opportunity to see a master stand-up at work with his new live show Gear.

· Thursday 7 December 2023 from 7.30pm at Bunjil Place. Tickets from $54.90. For more information and tickets, visit cmdy.live/ GLE23NarreWarren

School holiday fun

Botanic Ridge Village will be hosting a number of magical activities for kids these school holidays.

The kids can create a special new friend at the Build-A-Bear workshops.

All children who book into workshops will receive a pre-stuffed bear and enjoy activities including giving their bear a heart, creating a birth certificate and enjoying special activities.

Bookings for the Build-A-Bear are essential and cost $8.

· Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 September - 10am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Visit botanicridgevillage.com.au for full details.

Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre

Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre is a not-for-profit community managed centre, with a volunteer Committee of Management that provides strategic direction and oversight.

For more than 30 years, the centre has provided a range of high-quality childcare, commu-

General Notices

nity services, educational classes and spaces for hire.

Fun Filled Community Open Day is on Saturday 14 October. Explore diverse activities and engage with fellow community members. Lots of free family fun, sausage sizzle, animal nursery, popcorn, and fairy floss.

Ageing Positively month by the City of Casey with free events every Wednesday in October including morning tea with homemade scones and jam, sausage sizzle in the park, gardening activities.

Free Computer classes through the Be Connected program for senior residents commencing Wednesday 11 October.

Four free sessions with help available on-site for the elderly who struggle to get online - Monday 16 October to Friday 20 October. For more details, visit merindapark.com.au or facebook. com/MPLandCC

· Community Open Day is on Saturday 14 October.

Works on Paper

Works on Paper is the new exhibition at South Eastern Contemporary Art Network’s at the Gate 6 Gallery in Akoonah Park. More than 30 works are on display, either created on or with paper.

Local artists are exhibiting in many mediums, from collage, pastel, print making to painting, charcoal and sculpture.

Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite work as there will be a People’s Choice prize announced at the end of the month.

· The gallery is run by volunteers and is open every weekend from 10am to 3pm. For more information, visit secan.com.au

Bush Diwan

In Bush Diwan,six contemporary artists respond to a pivotal moment in Sikh history in Australia by exploring the reclamation of identity, forming, gathering and laying foundations of community. Illuminating two significant, yet little known, moments in Australian history, this project centres on the story of Siva Singh, an early 20thcentury regional Victorian resident, Sikh community leader and civil rights campaigner.

· Bunjil Place Gallery until Sunday 12 November from 10am to 4pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

PROPOSAL FOR 5G UPGRADE OF AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT HARKAWAY Harkaway: Spi Tower No. 305 Kurll Park Narre Warren, VIC 3805 Rfnsa Site Ref: 3805001

1.The proposed upgrade involves:

Replacement of three (3) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel antennas (each antenna measuring 2577mm in length)

Replacement of existing mast-head amplifiers with new mast-head amplifiers

Replacement of existing GPS antenna with two (2) new GPS antennas Installation of ancillary equipment to ensure the safe and effective operation of the facility

2.Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed works as a Low-impactinstallationinaccordancewiththe Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018, based on the description above.

3.The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EMR regulatory arrangements.

4.In accordance with section 7 of the Industry Code, C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, you are invited to provide feedback about the proposal.

5.Comments will be accepted until Thursday 12 October 2023 (COB)

6.Further information, requests and/or comments should be directed to: Tiana

Motoring Trades & Services

Tom Gleeson.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Magpies return to the top

By Marcus Uhe

A 10-goal win overWandin secured NarreWarren the Outer East Football Netball League AGrade premiership for 2023, washing away any lingering heartbreak from the previous year.

On a special day for the club, in which it securedchampionshipsinthefourseniorgrades, under 15 blue and under 17 blue competitions, Erin Bell’s side ensured the main prize would make its way back to Kalora Park with the 5444 win in bright sunshine at Officer.

A first quarter of momentum swings, in which both sides managed five-goal scoring streaks, appropriately finished deadlocked on 14 goals.

A battle of left-handed dominant scorers was quickly developing at either end of the court between the most prolific scorer in the competition, Wandin’s Emmalia Blake, and last week’s hero for NarreWarren, ClareVearing.

Blake had too much height for Narre Warren Goal Keeper AnaisisTupulailei, forcing Bell to move Gabrielle Dwyer to guard her instead, quickly paying dividends with a number of key deflections and interceptions to the signature Wandin high-ball to Blake at the post.

Nerves began to creep in from both teams in the second term, each looking for an opening on their pesky opponents.

The first seven goals went end-to-end before Narre Warren secured a critical break late in the term. Like she had last week, Chelsea Tonna made way for Jemma Osborne at Goal Attack and made an immediate impact, while Blake’s trademark deadly accuracy at the other end was beginning to waver.

The Magpies led by four goals at the long break, but having given-up a six-goal lead at half time in the semi final against the Bulldogs two weeks ago, they knew the job was far from over. A frustrated Blake was consoled by Wandin captain Maddy George at the half, who was doing everything she could at the other end of the court to launch the drive her side needed as the quarter ticked away.

Bell rung the changes at half time, keen to keephersquadof10freshintheSpringwarmth.

Osborne, Sophie Hennessey and Taylah Jencke took to the court, but while the positions changed, Blake’s presence under the ring remained the same.

So conscious were the Magpies defenders that a number of penalties were called against

OUTER EAST NETBALL A GRADE - GRAND FINAL REVIEW

them on Blake away from the ball, her goaling teammate Lauren Spinks beginning to show her frustrations with the physicality.

Scoring seven of the final 10 goals of the third quarter, Wandin and their red, blue and white ribbons were on the charge.

Blake missed a shot at the end of the quarter with just seconds remaining, but secured the rebound and scored on the second attempt, as she had at the end of every quarter to date.

Much like the semi final, they outscored their opponents in black and white to be within striking distance at the final change, trailing by one to set the scene for an epic final quarter.

Tonna and Tupulailei returned to the court for Narre Warren as they looked to close the game with their starting line-up that earned them a minor premiership.The opening 90 seconds went goalless before Blake broke the tensionwiththefirstofthequartertotiethescores.

Narre Warren answered the call, before Wandin edged-ahead with a one goal lead, thanks to a courageous play from George in the defensive half that saw her collide with a Magpie opponent. But with the scores tied at 43, the Magpies put their foot down.

The next nine goals of the game were scored by the minor premiers in a dominant eight

minutes of netball that all-but engraved their names on the premiership trophy. Their shooters, led by Vearing, nailed every shot down the stretch, while Dwyer’s long arms and leap made life difficult for Blake at the other end of the court.

With the black and white army leading chants of “Narre Narre, yeah Narre Narre,” the raucous fans turned the court into a hostile nest of black and white dominance. Dwyer’s performance in defence for Narre Warren earned her best-on-court honours as the Magpies returned the throne of A-Grade netball.

Bell tolls as Narre ends sensational season with a bang

By Marcus Uhe

The fact that Narre Warren was able to rebound so resoundingly from a shock semifinal loss to Wandin came as no surprise to A-Grade coach Erin Bell.

Rather than stew on the result and fear the worst after a successful season, the Magpies regrouped, licked their wounds and responded in the best-possible fashion to clinch the A-Grade championship for 2023 and return to the top of the mountain.

With the game on the line early in the final quarter, with scores tied at 43, the Magpies pulled-away from their opponents with the next nine goals to eliminate any doubt as to who the best side in the competition was.

Bell said she was proud of her team’s ability to respond when put to the test, and said the lessons learned from the semi-final loss were invaluable.

“It’s so exciting, but in a strange way I felt kind of, confident in the end,” Bell said.

“The girls were looking really good and things were starting to fall their way.

“We definitely did a few things differently that maybe Wandin weren’t expecting today, which helped.

“I think everyone just played their role and really made an impact when they had their opportunity on court.

“I think we ran out of legs last time we played them, so we rotated our goalers around, our defenders, rotated through the mids, we had to make sure we had fresh legs and especially because it’s such a hot day.

OUTER EAST NETBALL

“That’s what we did, and that made sure everyone could do what they needed to do, at full intensity.”

One such move was the decision to move Gabrielle Dwyer to Goal Keeper to mind Emmalia Blake, a move that netted Dwyer beston-court honours.

While Blake took the switch in her stride, Dywer’s value came to the fore as the game

continued, as influential as anyone at the death.

“I think Gabrielle got better as the game went on, she worked (Blake) out a bit and got a few crucial balls in the end,” Bell said.

“That’s what it takes, you’ve got to grind it down for three quarters and then the rewards come in the fourth.

“That’s what happened with Gabrielle, she

was so close early in the game and then got hands on the ball at the end, so credit to her.”

Despite finishing the year at the top of the table, Bell said her side grew as the year went on as they responded to challenges thrown at them from the lower rungs of the ladder.

Things could have completely capitulated for the Magpies as they faced their nemesis Mt Evelyn in the preliminary final, a side that got the better of them twice in the homeand-away season.

But the ability to hold on for the victory held them in good stead for a determined Wandin outfit, in Bell’s eyes.

“I do believe that it’s not always a good thing to win your semi and go straight through, I think last week gave us the confidence we needed for this week,” she explained

“Maybe if we had just beat them in the semi and had the week off and came in, it might have been a different ball game.

“I think last week was crucial for us to do what we needed to do today.

“I think in the past, we’ve really lost our confidence and lost our heads a little bit, but we kept our shit together and were able to get over the line.

“To score 10 goals in the end was amazing.

“Whether it was our belief or we had too much pressure on ourselves, (or) we crumbled a little bit, I’m just really proud that we learned from that and in the last two games, we’ve absolutely not let that happen.”

The victorious Narre Warren A-Grade side come together on the final siren. 362381

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

NARRE WARREN - COACH ERIN BELL

Gabrielle Dwyer and Brittany Tait engage in a mid-air dance for the netball. 362381

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Narre crushed by Wandin

By Marcus Uhe

When the final siren rung on the Outer East premier division grand final on Saturday afternoon there was only one question on everyone’s mind.

Who let the dogs out?

The iconic Baha Men tune may be 23-yearsold, but it served as the perfect soundtrack as a river of Wandin fans decked out in red white and blue stormed the Officer Recreation Reserve.

They converged to revel with Wandin Football Netball Club’s senior footballers, who had just claimed the ninth senior premiership in the club’s history.

Outside of the person responsible for releasing the canines, every question thrown at Nick Adam’s side had been comprehensively answered in the 63-point thrashing, dethroning the mighty Narre Warren Magpies in the process after years of dominance.

The final score - 21.15 141 to 11.12 78 - left no doubt in the mind as to who the premier side was on the day, and who deserved to walk away with souvenirs from their visit to Starling Road.

When the Magpies charged, the Bulldogs held firm, and finally took their chances in front of goal, which had been an Achilles heel, in their first taste of success since 2018.

Momentum swung violently in the first quarter that ended with a slight Wandin lead, who threw the all-important first punch with the opening two goals in a red-hot start.

Clint Johnson and Patrick Hodgett landed the initial blows as Narre Warren started slow after its week off, but hit back quickly with the next four in 10 minutes.

It felt likeWandin had to strike early, but inaccuracy looked like it could come back to bite them once again.

A dominant first 10 minutes was eviscerated by the Magpies who hit their stride midway through the quarter, wearing the body blows, while landing some fierce jabs of their own.

Tom Miller and Corey Bader got their sides going with two in quick succession as Wandin began to waver.

An uncharacteristic turnover from Joel Garner in the middle of the park resulted in Harrison Brain gathering and goaling in traffic, before Tom Toner made up for a pair of misses to start the game by converting a set shot.

NarreWarren looked set to take a slight lead into the first break, but goals in red time to Aaron Mullett and Daniel Hirst edged the Bulldogs ahead.

The crowd drew a collective breath when the siren sounded after an absorbing half-hour that only served to whet the appetite for more action.

A rapid first quarter gave way to a much slower and controlled second, as both sides adjusted to the physicality of the occasion.

The first four goals of the quarter were traded, Brodie Atkins’ snap under pressure at ground level a highlight for the Bulldogs after absorbing pressure for long stretches.

To this point in the contest, the curly brown hair of Will Howe was yet to be sighted, but as great players do, he willed himself into the contest with the next two majors in the space of three minutes.

In a similar feat to last year’s decider on a remarkable day at Gembrook, his double in quick succession looked set to propel the Magpies to the ascendancy.

They led by a point, but with the fatigue set to influence the contest the longer the day continued, there was a sense the Magpies were about to strike.

The next 10 minutes, however, arguably secured the premiership for Wandin with an

unstoppable display of class, precision and power.

The Bulldogs took the ball the length of the field after a Magpie miss for Mullett to kick his second, before Hodgett was on the receiving end of two 25-metre penalties to advance him to the goal line.

A resting Joel Garner goaled from the next centre clearance, Hodgett added another, and the over-zealous checking of Mullett at a boundary throw-in saw him kick number four.

In the blink of an eye,Wandin had snatched all the available momentum, a sucker-punch to the gut of the defending champions.

Jogging off like a military brigade at the half, flew in the face of their opponents, left shocked, stunned and in unfamiliar territory facing a half-time deficit for just the second time in 2023.

The Magpies needed to make the running early in the second half, but the speed of Connor Smith was overwhelming the Magpies in the middle.

A nine-minute stalemate was broken by a sumptuous Joel Garner goal on the run, the midfielders chaining with hands at a halfforward stoppage before the star midfielder kicked truly from the boundary line on the run to leave everyone in attendance with their jaws on the floor.

When Cody Hirst kicked the next, the margin was suddenly 44 points, thanks to seven consecutive majors fromWandin boots.

Howe responded with his third goal to snap the run, the first Narre Warren major in nearly half an hour.

He laid a big tackle on HarrisonVan Duuren at half back minutes later, looking to singlehandedly will his side back into the contest.

His goal sparked a promising few minutes for his side, winning the territory battle as Wandin began to tire and put numbers behind the ball to counter the charge.

Kicks from the normally laser-like boots were drifting out on the full while the run from earlier in the afternoon was evidently absent.

Goals to Peter Gentile and Riley Siwes made it three on the bounce for the Magpies and cut the lead to just 23 points, as the sense of a NarreWarren storm begun to brew overhead.

But Hodgett steadied the Wandin ship to ensure a 29-point lead at the final break.

It left a simple enough equation on both

sides: half an hour to hold on for Wandin, half an hour to further enshrine the legacy of the current squad for NarreWarren.

Like he did in the third quarter, Smith exploded from the contest at the first centre bounce, but this time he kicked truly in what was the perfect start, a major in the first 13 seconds.

Mitch Tonna responded shortly after to cut the lead back to 27, as the Magpies mounted a final charge.

Howe marked on the lead but, with time ticking away, he quickly snapped, falling short of the goal-line.

It was marked by Jesse Davies, who from a tight angle, played on and hit the post.

From there, it was all Wandin, as the celebrations began early.

Jordan Jaworski, Mullett, Hodgett and Johnson all goaled as the minutes ticked away as players shared the footy between one-another, embracing the glorious Spring afternoon that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

The Wandin army of supporters, defeated A-Grade netballers, partners, families, reserves and more, estimated to make up 3000 people, quickly flooded the playing field to celebrate the club’s first premiership since 2018.

Everything the Magpies threw at them, they had answer.

Going the long way with two extra finals to play? No worries.

They embraced it, and felt better for the challenge.

Not only did the Bulldogs take them to task at home back in round two to set the scene for a mouth-watering series of clashes for the remainder of the season, but the semi-final loss by three points seemed to only strengthen their belief.

Cody Hirst was awarded best on ground, while Mullett finished with six goals and Hodgett five.

Jaworski and Mullett proved to be the perfect additions to the playing squad that fell just short in 2022, supported by a number of senior heads in the back six in John Ladner, Thomas Hinds and Chayce Black, and an exquisite midfield that oozed quality at every opportunity.

For the Magpies, an early injury to Lachlan Benson forced Jake Richardson into the middle of the ground, and with it a loss in structure ahead of the ball.

Howe and Bader were the only multiple goalkickers for the Magpies, with Cameron Miller, Brad Scalzo, Travis Callahan and Peter Gentile among their top contributors.

It will ultimately be viewed as a missed opportunity for those in black and white, after a season littered with success, in the form of just one loss, but Tom Miller’s Shane Smith Medal, andWill Howe’s leading goal kicker season.

While they were unable to finish Shane Dwyer’s coaching tenure with the win they so desperately wanted, the man they call “Grubbo” walks away from the job with a senior flag in 2022 to show for his wonderful service in the coaches box.

We’re home! Joel Garner celebrates his last-quarter goal for Wandin. 362388

Celebrations begin for the victorious Wandin side. 362388 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Lower grades whitewash

By David Nagel

B GRADE

An electrifying first-quarter blitz has propelled Narre Warren to a 43-39 victory over a brave Mt Evelyn in the Outer East B Grade grand final at Officer. The Magpies came out of the blocks humming, with Tamari Waqanisau (C), skipper Kate Dowling (WA) and Bec Potalej (WD) providing a stack of drive through the midcourt, allowing goalers Mercy Ioelu (GS) and Piuti Laban (GA) to do their thing.

Laban was in particularly good touch in the opening term, scoring 11 goals as the Magpies raced out to a 15-6 lead at quarter time.

Coach Michelle Mashado could not have asked for more from her Magpie brigade, but was brought back down to earth after the Rovers returned fire in the second stanza.

Rebecca Hincksman (GS) became an unstoppable force for the Rovers, scoring all 12 goals for the quarter…as the lead was cut from nine to six at the half-way interval. NarreWarrensteadiedinthethirdquarter,with LupeFonua(GK)andCorrinaEmery(GD)combining well at the defensive end of the court, not allowing Rovers’ shooters Caitlin Hoskin (GS) and Salena Johnson (GA) any space at all.

The Magpies took a 34-27 lead into the final quarter of the season, and despite a brave rally from the Rovers held on to give Mashado multiple premierships on the day.

Michelle also guided the Narre Warren 17-Under team to the flag. In a unique circumstance, Fonua was named best on court, after earning the same award in the 17-under win over Seville.

Michelle Mashado might owe Lupe an ice-cold soft drink or two!

C GRADE

The best may have been saved for last in Outer East netball this season with Narre Warren producing a miracle comeback to win the C Grade premiership over Olinda Ferny Creek. The Bloods were the better team for three

quarters, leading 26-22 at the final change, before the Magpies ran rampant in the last quarter on their way to a 34-31 triumph.

Olinda Ferny Creek had great drive through the midcourt with Keira Maher, Dana Millwood and Natalia Moraitis matching motors with the Magpies’ engine-room of Ruby Dwyer, Ashleigh Hammond and Hannah Blair. The Bloods won the first three quarters by one, one and two, to set up a 26-22 advantage at the final break. But the Magpies produced a barnstorming finish, with Alyssa Hunter (GS) scoring eight of her teams 12 goals in the final term, while the switch of Dwyer from centre to goal attack made all the difference in the dying stages. The Magpies were simply unstoppable with Mackenzie Morrison (GK), Asia Tuiloma (GD) and Rylee Thomas (WD) de-

Magpies stay strong to win reserves premiership cup

By Marcus Uhe

Narre Warren’s reserves made it two premierships from the first two grand finals on Saturday after the success of the Under 19s earlier in the morning.

Inspired by the heroics of the lower-age group, the reserves held-off a pesky but wayward Upwey Tecoma to secure the premiership flag, winning 7.7 49 to 4.11 35 at Officer.

Just one point separated the two sides at both the first and second breaks, with the ascendency swapping from black and white to yellow and black, as both sides struggled to convert opportunities - 0.2 to 0.4 in the second term an indicator of the nerves on display.

But the third quarter was where the Magpies kicked into gear, taking their opportunities where the Tigers stumbled.

3.2 to 1.4 saw the Magpies open up a nine-point lead heading into the final quar-

ter, despite the Tigers having as many attempts on goal.

Two goals to one in the final quarter the Magpies’ way saw the lead grow to 14 by the final siren, ensuring celebrations continued for those in black and white.

Upwey Tecoma will no-doubt rue the 4.11 final scoreline, but as the old saying goes, bad kicking is bad football.

Jett Kearney kicked three for the Magpies as the only multiple goalkicker on the ground, with singles to Bailey Howarth, Nicholas Mashado, Nathan Power and MatthewWhitehead.

Matt Butera was named best-afield, capping his return to the club from Noble Park in the off-season.

Kearney, Grant Mitchell, Alexander Nunziante-Sweeney and Ethan French were among Narre Warren’s best, as were Nathan Beacom, Mitch Stokes and Lachlan McGill for the Tigers.

fending brilliantly to restrict the Bloods to just five goals in the final stanza. Dwyer was a deserving winner of the best-on-court medal, providing drive through the midcourt before becoming a creative threat late in the contest.

D GRADE

Narre Warren’s whitewash of the four senior premierships on offer on grand final day began with its D Grade team scoring a 32-23 victory over Olinda Ferny Creek. The Magpies were challenged early, trailing 4-5 at quarter time, with Rebecca Allen (GK) and Rianne Fraser (GD) defending the circle with great intent for the Bloods. Butthesecondquarterwaswherethegamewas won and lost, with the Magpies taking the momentumwitha10-5termheadingintohalftime.

Savannah Stodal (GS) stood tall for the Magpies, scoring seven goals alone in the second term, capitalising on some great set-up play from the likes of Delainey Brown (C), Brooke Stanton (WA), Scarlett Trotter (WD) and Sarah Jacobson (GA). Leading 14-10 at the half, the Magpies then put the foot down even harder, crushing the Bloods’ hopes with a 9-5 third stanza. It gave the Magpies a 23-15 advantage at the final break…enough to cruise home to premiership glory. Stodal was superb for the Magpies, scoring 21 of her 23 goals after quarter time, while Olivia Brinkmann (GK) and Kaylee McCubbin (GD) were super-effective in the defensive circle. Brown won the best on court medal after a great game for the Magpies through the midcourt.

Premiers and champions

By David Nagel

NarreWarren has earned the unique honour of being premiers and champions in Outer East Under-19s after the Magpies repelled a brave challenge from Upwey-Tecoma at Starling Road on Saturday.

The Magpies eventually prevailed 8.6.54 to 6.10.46 against a Tigers outfit that steadfastly refused to buckle.

Coach Mark Christiansen had led the Magpies to a perfect 17-0 record during the homeand-away season, five games clear of the Tigers in third place.

But a hard-fought 10-point victory in the second semi-final – on the same deck as the big dance – gave a far better indication of the narrowing gap between the two sides.

The Tigers then franked that form by dismissing Officer by 29 points in the preliminary final atYarra Junction last week.

It was typically tough start to the contest with both sides focussed on defending with real purpose, and not allowing the opposition stars to shine.

Both teams had three scoring shots in the opening stanza, with the Magpies taking a fivepoint lead courtesy of a 2.1 to 1.2 scoreline.

The Tigers upped the ante in the second term, but frittered away the opportunity to make a real impact on the scoreboard.

The Tigers led by two points at the main

break after kicking 1.4 to 0.3 for the term.

Both teams were brilliantly defensively with no quarter given or asked for, with frustrations boiling over right on the half-time siren.

Things became more expansive after the break, with Daniel Toner, Jacob Mutimer and Alex Dawson getting things moving for the Magpies, while Zac Orr, Regan Freeman and Rory Fox did likewise for the Tigers.

After a gripping battle, the Magpies took a two-point lead into the last quarter for the season.

While Daniel Toner was instrumental for the Magpies around the ground, it was Sam Toner that made the difference on the scoreboard by game’s end.

His four goals would prove critical, and along with Lucas Pascuzzi, Sam Wellwood and Riley Curran, would propel the Magpies to their 19th, and most important win for the season.

DanielToner was a well-deserving recipient of the best-on-ground medal, while Orr could not possibly do more for the Tigers.

Leigh McVicar and Ned Jenkinson kicked two each for the Tigers, who should be immensely proud of their efforts.

But it’s the Magpies who are premiers, with a three-goal-to-two final term putting the finishing touches on a combative game of underage football.

It’s party time for the Narre Warren C Grade team. 362384

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Narre Warren captain Jacob Mutimer and coach Mark Christiansen hoist the 2023 under 19s premiership cup. 362386 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Narre Warren’s reserves coach Jamie Brown lifts the premiership cup with captain Ryan Patterson (left) and vice-captain Tom Russell. 362387 Picture: ROB CAREW