A Big Bandicoot Backyard program ran from 22 to 24 September at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, featuring a plant-made bandicoot sculpture, fun activities, theatrical performance, interactive guided walk, and teaching about how they are conserving the endangered species.
The event provided an unforgettable experience for kids and families in the school holidays.
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.
The Housing Statement rolled out on 20 September 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 socialhousinghomesthroughotherprograms.
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.
“Anystepstowardsincreasedsocialhousing can only be a positive move, and a great start.
“Right now, we need 6000 new social housing properties each year inVictoria for the next decade to meet the demand and make real in-
roads in the public housing waiting list.
“Proposed planning and zoning changes appear to increase the likelihood of more social housing being built.”
MsPetridessaidshehadbeeninherrolefor 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.
Continued page 3
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.
At Tuala’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.
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.
The Year 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 the Western 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.
“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
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.
In the early hours of 1 January 2021, the trio and four unknown males ambushed party-goers outside a house at Push-Pea Way.
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-ambu-
lance to The Alfred Hospital in a life-threatening 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 citi-
zens respectively born in South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.
Duach was on bail at the time. Since his arrest, 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 non-parole.
Ton’s term included 224 days in pre-sentence detention.
From page 1
“More and more people are homeless, are at risk of homelessness, living in insecure accommodation, or trapped in financially unsustainable 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 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.”
Ms Small said the key risk which the Housing 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
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.
“Being a part of your team as a new candidate in 2022 was an incredible experience,” she said.
“Your legacy of doing what matters for Victorians will have positive impacts that last for generations.”
Narre Warren South Labor MP Gary Maas added: “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 success - and 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.”
growth is high, and demand increases proportionally or is growing at an even higher rate than 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 numbers of social or public housing stock in the 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 service WAYSS Shari McPhail said attention needed to go to the 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.
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.
“While the Liberal Party has continued to find opposition difficult, this may be a turning point for their electoral fortunes.”
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
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
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 after 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 Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on trafficking cocaine, possessing and trafficking methylamphet-
amine 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.
A 25-year-old Hampton Park man was bailed 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.
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
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,” Ms Van 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
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 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.
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.
With spring in full bloom, get in on all the action at Lifestyle Casey Fields!
Whether you’re considering a move, simply curious, or looking for a welcoming community to call home, our open day is the perfect opportunity to see the vibrant and engaging lifestyle we offer.
Where: Lifestyle Casey Fields Clubhouse 45 Annabella Street, Cranbourne East
Date: Saturday 7th October 2023
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
By Lifestyle Communities®
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 Bandicoot-friendly 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.
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.
“You also give people the pleasure of reminiscing.”
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
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.
Planetary Gestures is a NorthSite Contemporary Arts exhibition, curated by Tess Maunder.
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.
Open Day
7th October 11am–2pm
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.
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 Sister Works.
“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.
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.”
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
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.
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
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.
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-
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
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.
Three youths have been arrested over an alleged spate of armed robberies, residential and commercial burglaries across Melbourne.
Eastern Region Crime Squad detectives arrested three boys, including one as young as 13, in Springvale South on Tuesday 19 September.
The offences allegedly occurred between 13 September and 19 September.
During one incident, police allege the group entered two fast-food stores in MountWaverley and Mulgrave armed with knives and hammers.
Police allege the youths threatened staff before stealing a quantity of cash.
During both incidents, it is believed the offenders fled in a silver SUV.
Police also allege the group were involved in an attempted burglary at a tobacco shop in Camberwell later that morning.
In that incident, it is believed the offenders attempted to use a hammer to smash a window of the store but fled without gaining access.
Lastly, police believe the same group of offenders were involved in a burglary at a supermarket inWheelers Hill.
It is alleged the offenders fled the scene after triggering a security system which filled the premises with smoke.
A silver Subaru and white Toyota were seen leaving the scene.
· A 14-year-old Doveton youth was charged with 21 offences including attempted aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, attempted home invasion, burglary, theft, armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and four counts of commit indictable offence while on bail. He was remanded until October.
· A 15-year-old Springvale South youth was charged with five offences including aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle and two counts of commit indictable offence on bail.
He was bailed on 20 September by the children’s court.
· A 13-year-old Ringwood East youth was interviewed in relation to the incidents and investigations are ongoing. He appeared at the children’s court in relation to a revocation of bail application, however he was bailed.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Victoria Police has established a dedicated operation in response to a recent increase in offending at packaged liquor outlets and supermarkets across Melbourne.
As part of Operation Cubed, local police and specialist units including PORT, Air Wing and Dog Squad are targeting known offending hotspots.
Since 29 August, 19 arrests have been made. Police have also proactively visited more than 2600 retailers to provide reassurance and provide crime prevention advice.
According to police, a small cohort of youth offenders are involved in this recent offending.
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 Aus-
tralian 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 (beating 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.
Staff and students at St Peter’s College in Cranbourne recently celebrated the blessing and official opening of three new state-of-the-art building projects.
Parish Priest of St Agatha’s Parish, Cranbourne Father Joseph Abutu officially blessed the new Arts Precinct, Administration Centre and Applied Learning Centre at the Cranbourne campus, as well as commissioning a new statue installation called ‘Peter Meets Jesus’.
St Peter’s College principal Chris Black said the three building projects formed part of a Project Masterplan for the Cranbourne campus to meet the needs of the growing school community now and into the future.
“These projects have been transformative for the campus, expanding learning and teaching opportunities and enhancing the college’s administrative operations,” he said.
“The new Administration Centre provides a welcoming central hub comprising reception, first aid area, meeting spaces, finance department, offices, staff amenities and collaborative workspaces.
“New traffic management and parking areas complement the building.”
Mr Black said the new centralised Arts Precinct has further strengthened the school’s arts program.
“It features open and flexible learning spaces, an outdoor kiln and sculpture area, and designated display areas for exhibitions of student work,” he said.
“The Applied Learning Centre is providing opportunities for students to develop Vocational Major and VET competencies and valuable industry skills and experience.
“It offers hospitality infrastructure including a commercial kitchen and cafe, technology facilities including woodwork and machinery, and a recording studio to promote student literacy through the development of
community radio.”
Mr Black said the new facilities enabled the school to meet the needs of a growing student population by providing a broad curriculum range to ensure young people can complete their schooling locally.
“We are also thrilled to unveil our new statue, Peter Meets Jesus by artist Jenny Steiner,” he said.
“The images depict a time in the Gospels
where Jesus challenges Peter – the Rock, to become the foundation upon which His Church, the people, will be built.
“It reminds all who pass by that we are called to be in relationship with Christ.”
Diocese of Sale director of Catholic Education Paul Velten said the new facilities represented their ongoing commitment to providing high-quality learning and teaching environments and investment in school communities.
“It is wonderful to see the way staff and students at St Peter’s College are flourishing in these new facilities,” he said.
“May these buildings continue to inspire faith and inspire learning and empower students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.”
The building projects were funded by Catholic Development Fund (CDF) loans and the school community.
Vintage steam train rides whistled into Dandenong and Cranbourne stations on Saturday 23 September.
The steam locomotive A2 986 hauling the famous Red Rattler Tait train hadn’t been
seen on the Cranbourne line for more than 20 years, according to operator Steamrail Victoria. Passengers were taken on a leisurely 45-minute return run between the two stations.
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.
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
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
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 0432 869 215 or email berwickantiquefair@ gmail.com
· Sunday 8 October from 9am to 4pm.
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@
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
vided a range of high-quality childcare, community 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.
gmail.com
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.
· Wednesday27toFriday29September-10am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Visit botanicridgevillage.com.au for full details.
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 pro-
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.
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
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 the World Wars. 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.
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.
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.
A long-lasting friendship and the chance to be part of the wonderful culture at the Tooradin Cricket Club has lured Michael and Peter Sweeney to the Seagulls nest this season.
Mick Sweeney will toss the coin for the first time as captain-coach of the Seagulls when the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) comes to life on Saturday 7 October.
Interested in the outcome of the toss will be his younger brother Pete, a left-arm fingerspinner and bat, while former teammate and current-day Tooradin star Tom Hussey will be a member of the first XI.
The first outing together will fulfill a promise the trio made to each other many years ago, with Mick and Pete making the switch to Tooradin after a three-year stint with DDCA Turf 2 club Cranbourne.
“It’s been a long time coming to be honest, something we’ve thought about for a while,” Mick Sweeney explained, with the season fast approaching.
“Pete is the same age as Tom Hussey, they went to school together, and I was a couple of year levels above.
“We played at Cranbourne together with Tom, then at Dandenong with him as well.
“I opened the batting with Huss for a couple of years in the twos and some of my fondest memories of playing cricket have been with Tom, in particular one year where we opened together and did really well.
“Tom left and went to Casey, for opportunity, and we’ve always said we’d play another season together.
“If not now, then I’m not sure when…so here we are.”
Mick and Pete arrive on the banks of the Westernport with impeccable CV’s after being lured to the great game at a young age in the confines of their family home in Pearcedale.
“Like a lot of other kids, we probably fell in love with the game in the backyard to be honest,” Mick said.
“Pete’s three years younger than me so as soon as he could get the arm over, we were into it.
“Like every backyard, we had our hitting zones, our out zones…if you hit my sister’s pram, you were out, that type of thing.
“We were super-competitive even back then, and then when we were old enough to face a hard ball dad would take us down the road to the nets at Pearcedale.
“That’s where it all began.”
Mick played juniors at Cranbourne, from the age of nine through to under 17s, at the
same time starting his District career at Melbourne – in the Dowling Shield and fourth XI.
Pete started a couple of years later at Dandenong, with Mick following his younger brother to Shepley Oval after watching him play one day.
Both are now life-members at Dandenong, with Mick making a first-XI century and Pete playing in a flag in 2010/11, with Mick as twelfth man.
There recent time at Cranbourne has proved frustrating, with Mick leading the club to three-consecutive finals appearances with-
out a flag.
Despite there appearing some unfinished business at Casey Fields, the pair have decided to move on.
“The time just felt right,” Mick, a right-hand middle order bat said.
“The committee was great at Cranbourne, and it was difficult telling those people that we were going to leave.
“We finished in good positions all three years, but just couldn’t get over the line, and it felt like time for a change.
“I don’t have many years left and the lure of
playing with Huss has always been there.”
Mick said making the switch from DDCA Turf 2 to the synthetic pitches of the CCCA would provide its challenges, with teams such as reigning-premier Kooweerup possessing a pace-battery to be wary of.
“Turf 2 in the DDCA is quite a unique competition, in the fact that it’s dominated by spin,” Sweney said.
“Mostly right-arm finger spin, there were some lefties like Pete, and the odd leggie as well, but very, very spin dependent.
“Pete and I were joking that we haven’t played a competitive game of synthetic cricket in over 20 years.
“And we’re coming from a spin dominated competition, to a league where it’s pretty medium-paced dominated.
“We’re expecting the ball to move around a little bit, particularly with the red ball, and the stats suggest that batters go pretty good against the white ball as well.
“For the first time in a long time I’ll have to be a fast learner, coming in with fresh eyes and learning about our team and the style and strengths of the opposition.”
Mick said expectations were always high at Tooradin, who won the premiership in 2021/22 and finished top of the table last year.
“That is one of the things that is challenging, taking over a club that has always been around the mark,” he said.
“That’s one of the questions I asked BJ (President Ben Parrott) andTom (Hussey), like, what do you blokes want from me…you’re already a fantastic cricket club…how can I help.
“They let me know a few things they thought we could improve on, but what the club has created there in terms of the culture, that’s something I want to be a part of.
“It’s difficult in one sense, because they’re already a great club and how do you add to that…but I also have full respect for the culture that’s already been created and what we’re walking in to.
“The environment that Tooradin’s got is fantastic.
“Some pre-seasons can be pretty long, but this one hasn’t been…I’ve really enjoyed it alongside blokes who get it, blokes I know, and blokes who are willing to absorb the expectation.
“Going out and enjoying the expectation of winning is fun…so we’re looking forward to it.
“And it’s all about the people, everywhere I’ve played, when I’ve played well and really enjoyed my cricket, it’s been the people that have made it special.”
Casey Demons Netball has unveiled its Victorian Netball League (VNL) Championship Coach who it hopes will lead the club to success in 2024.
With a mix of experience and fresh talent, the Demons are poised for an exciting season ahead!
Steve Murray, the Championship Coach, will lead the way with his experience, team cohesion, and camaraderie, building on the second half of 2023 and fostering the unity of the group, and confident the team will reach new levels of success.
Travis Pretty, a rising star in the coaching world, will spearhead the 23 and Under group.
His dedication to nurturing young talent and developing future champions aligns perfectly with the vision of the Casey Demons.
Meagan Dell and Donna Marsh return as Assistant Coaches, bringing their invaluable experience and knowledge to the coaching staff.
Their commitment to player development and strategy will be instrumental to the Demons’ success.
Erin Bell, former Australian Diamond, re-
the coaching team to refine the skills and techniques of the players.
Exciting times are ahead for Casey Demons Netball after the club announced its coaching and support staff for the 2024 VNL season. 363614
ensure a bright future for the rising stars of the club.
The athletes will also receive top-notch support from Strength and Conditioning Coaches Rachel Brewster and Ana Anastopolous.
Their commitment to player fitness and performance will be instrumental in keeping the team in peak condition.
Putting the wellbeing of athletes first, Harry Bell returns as Athlete and Wellbeing Manager.
His dedication to their physical and mental health ensures that players are not only competitive but also thriving both on and off the field.
The club is confident that this remarkable coaching team will elevate Casey Demons Netball to new heights in 2024.
With their combined expertise and dedication, the Demons look forward to a season filled with thrilling victories and memorable moments.
Casey Demons Trials will be taking place throughout early October.
Interested athletes must register by Friday 29th September.
The final siren to the Southern Football Netball League Division 1 grand final at RSEA Park was greeted by a zephyr, which brought with it a sentence of despondency for the Cranbourne Eagles.
The reigning premiers did not trail until the 24-minute mark of the last quarter, ultimately succumbing in a 7.17 59 to 8.8 56.
For much of the day, the Eagles led by three goals. The biggest margin was 26 points.
Cheltenham’s first 13 shots on goal yielded 0.10.
Among those misses was a running shot from 50 which pitched three metres inside the goalline and got more turn than a Shane Warne legbreak to deviate off course.
Down the other end later in the quarter, Shaun Keenan bounced a ball over the Cheltenham fullback’s head.
Storylines were forming and the footy gods were obeying.
The Rosellas had just one goal on the board at halftime.
20 minutes into the last, they were 4.17: bad kicking is bad football.
Nervous jitters were intertwined with foreboding laughter in the Danny Frawley grandstand as Cheltenham continued to squander opportunities. If Rosellas watchers didn’t laugh, they cried.
‘You can’t trust the bloody Sherrin,” cried one supporter as the Eagles appeared to have the eternal rub of the green.
Cheltenham reduced the margin to within two goals at the 21-minute-mark which fastened the crowd’s intrigue.
Cranbourne players, aware of the greatness tag that would surely have followed them if they won, panicked late.
Reactive rather than proactive. Rushed, not composed. Poor decision-making.
A Jarryd Barker strike from outside the arc to Cheltenham’s spare in the goalsquare midway through the final quarter saw Cheltenham slingshot it the other way.
It was between the big sticks in the blink of an eye to reduce the margin to less than a kick.
The house erupted one minute later when Tom Davis slotted one from the centre clearance.
Cheltenham was in front and had the momentum
Eagles spectators felt the eerie presence of the 2012-15 ghosts when they lost four consecutive deciders.
Lifted by the howling crowd, Cheltenham held on.
Cranbourne’s best chance late came when Ryan Jones, prominent throughout, ran and ran down the wing and kicked towards Luke Bee-Hugo inside 50.
Mate to mate. All that training together, all those games to synergise late in a final.
Cranbourne’s number 32 got his hands on the footy and struck it sweetly, but the umpire paid a push-in-the-back.
The whistle was barely audible over the deafening screams but it effectively sealed the result.
Less than a minute later, the siren confirmed Cranbourne’s worst nightmare. Disbelief. Numbness. Hurt.
On several occasions, the usually cool Cranbourne, plucky, tough and experienced, did something stale.
Reputations are forged in finals and moments decide games.
Having been the bridesmaids twice in recent years, the Rosellas won the late moments that mattered.
Cheltenham’s terrier-like attack and fizzy energy was reminiscent of what was produced against it two weeks ago in Cranbourne’s own final quarter avalanche.
Families provided some players mild consolation.
Others drowned their sorrows in each other’s tears.
The united melancholy was palpable.
Amid Cheltenham’s inaccuracy, which had tongues wagging all game, the Eagles were never able to completely kick Cheltenham out of the game.
The Eagles have scored 28 goals to their opponents’ 25 in three tight finals this season.
A slew of crunching pressure and team-first moments in the first quarter formed the allegory that everyone has long associated with Cranbourne.
It was a Glenn Osborne body-on-the-line smother.
Brother Brandon’s resilience, challenged, particularly early, to keep Josh Fox to one goal.
Anthony Fischer dropping a simple mark, absorbing contact then laying a bruising tackle.
Jordan Bertrand coming across to provide an extra number.
Ben Pola standing his ground and winning holding-the-ball in front of the Rosellas interchange.
Jake Stephens executing a rugged bump on young Rex Kilburn.
The Rosellas squandered their chances, but it was physical Cranburne football.
Pressure naturally ebbed and flowed but at fever-pitch, it felt like if you risked holding on to the ball for more than a second you needed the fleet foot of a whippet or be ready to brace for rottweilian contact.
It was fitting that Dylan Cavalot, so long the defensive enabler that unlocks the Cranbourne midfield, stepped up on the big stage.
Among the myriad grand final experience, it was a player with none to call on who started the chain that led to the game’s first major via Keenan: Jarryd Barker.
Cranboure extended a 10-point quartertime lead to 19 points at the half.
Of course, it was the most difficult of Cheltenham’s first half shots, a Nick Burke snap
over the shoulder from the boundary, that disinfected the goal-kicking plague.
While Fox was potent but well-held down the other end, Holt’s hands were the bullseye for an archer: hit them and it’ll go straight in.
As well as kicking one goal, he directly set up two of Cranbourne’s five in the first half.
It was, however, Fox who opened the scoring in the second half, his only major of the day.
Six goals from four games this season on Osborne.That battle alone was worth the price of finals admission.
Matt Alister also had a couple of key wins on him in the third quarter.
Cheltenham won the third quarter by a point, finally getting some scoreboard nourishment for their run and rule on patches of the contest.
Holt had his third goal assist three minutes into the final quarter, Barker running into an open goal to extend the margin to 24 points.
Thence it unravelled.
Cranbourne’s lead was slowly corroded until it was a musty memory.
Territory was king. So was goal-kicking.
Cranbourne’s was reasonable all day. Cheltenham’s was shocking – except when it mattered.
Talent League boys side Dandenong Stingrays played a brand of footy that allowed a bevy of draft prospects to show their weapons and enabled new names to shine.
Co-captain Harry DeMattia used a strong preseason to launch into 2023 and lead the Stingrays from the front, playing his best footy as a powerful clearance midfielder.
Billy Wilson was earmarked as a player to watch from January and he delivered, playing a part in the national championships and showing off his acceleration to earn himself a state combine invite.
Kade De La Rue also showed upside, bankable throughout the national championships, clean and strong off half-forward for the Stingrays.
Cooper Simpson was excellent between some injuries in 2023, and Kobe Shipp used late season games to prove his strength over the footy and aerially.
“The great thing about our back end to the season is that Kobe Shipp, Ben Hopkins, Riak Andrew, Billy Wilson, Cooper Simpson, Harry were exceptional: all our possible draftables finished strongly,” coach Nick Cox said.
“I think Kobe’s last three weeks let everyone know his intercept marking and ability to get the ball back in hand is probably the best in the competition when he gets it right.”
This season also saw overlap defender Ben Hopkins emerge, with his stability playing a key role, while Jacob Grant’s rise from Division 3 of the Southern Football Netball League to Vic Country was an ode to the program.
“The rapidness is very genuine” Cox said of Hopkins.
“He’s very raw.
“He was always someone we tracked in local footy and watched closely.
“I remember the first game against Geelong
at Colac, and when you watch the tape, he had 12 touches in the last quarter and it showed he wasn’t a player who was going to give up when things got tough.
“He had some jobs through the year, including on (Zane) Duursma a little bit and held his own.
“He just got the understanding of the level, and got better, which is what good players do.
“I think what we also have to commend is that in doing exit interviews, every player so far is giving us really positive feedback on how they’ve enjoyed it, got better and grown
from the experience.”
From a team point-of-view, the‘Rays bowed out in wildcard round, unable to find their best footy for long enough stretches in 2023 despite giving plenty of bottom-aged players exposure last season.
Dandenong’s wins over GWV in round 4 and Murray in round 16 were highlights as the boys played with freedom and confidence, moving the ball boldly and owning the corridor.
The last quarter comeback from the clouds against Oakleigh was another dramatic point of 2023.
“We probably never got going and then in the (last round of the home and away season against) Tasmania and (final against) Gippsland lacked a little bit of finishing,” Cox said.
“We controlled both games for periods of time but didn’t execute well enough, which made a difference.
“At the start of the year, we had a little bit of talent but were a bit unknown and maybe to achieve a little bit further in the finals would have been nice.
“But at the same time, we’re still going to have very good representation at the draft.”
Competitor Matt Nelson leads a contingent the club are hoping can join Ziggy ToledoGlasman on a VFL list in 2024.
Jacob Noble, Jack Wilson, Sam Frangalas, Jacob Noble, Hudson Rigg, Tom Payne and Miller Stewart are others who could get state league opportunities that will exit the program.
Midfielders Harvey Langford and Cooper Hynes, key-position-player Noah Mraz and pressure forward Harry Doughton lead the 2024 draft contingent.
St Kilda father-son prospect Elwood Peckett will also feature, while Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves headlines the 2025 prospects hungry for a look in.
Casey had four selections in the Vic League 1 men’s and women’s teams of the year at the Hockey Victoria presentation night on Friday 22 September.
Cannons skipper Matthew Light was the sole men’s representative, named in the backline, having toiled hard in a difficult season for his team.
“He always puts in 100 per cent effort,” said coach Steve Noney.
“He’s always solid down back, and difficult to get through and around.
“He directs the backline and sets us up going forward: he’s very dependable.”
Women’s players Emma Harris and Mikayla McDonald were named as strikers, combining for 21 of Casey’s goals.
After immediately rocketing the Cannons up to third on the VL1 ladder in their first season at the level, Jim Galanos was named coach of the year.
It was a memorable day at Cranbourne for local apprentice jockeys with Logan Bates and Caitlin Hollowood recording their first career wins last Thursday.
Bates upstaged a number of more fancied runners to salute in the RMBL Investments Rising Stars Race aboard Gabstar, for Cindy Alderson, while Hollowood followed suit two races later aboard Diddley Squat for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.
“It’s the best feeling in the world,” said Hollowood after the race.
“It’s everything in the world to me, I’m just so relieved.
“And to do it for the boss who has been such a support since the start…I’m so very happy.”
Diddley Squat sprung the gates and quickly crossed to the rail as Hollowood set a steady tempo at the head of the eight-horse field.
The moves came as they approached the home turn but Hollowood held her nerve, Diddley Squat railing strongly to pinch a break and cruising to a onelength victory.
Hollowood, 24, joined the BusuttinYoung stable four years ago and was accepted into Racing Victoria’s elite apprentice school in March this year. She made her race debut in August, with Thursday’s victory coming at just her seventh career ride.
“She always said from day dot that she wanted to be a jockey and it’s just really rewarding to see her get that first win,” said winning co-trainer Natalie Young.
“We’re very, very proud of her.
“She’s been a massive part of our team for quite some time now.
“She rode the horse absolutely perfectly – I think we even heard a little‘woo hoo’ when she went past!
“Now that she’s got the first win under her belt, I’m sure there’s plenty more to come.”
Racing returns to Cranbourne on Wednesday 4 October as the club launches its Cranbourne Cup carnival.
The $500,000 Cranbourne Cup will be run on Saturday 25 November and will be run as the metropolitan race meeting on the day.
Hospitality packages are selling fast in what the club believes will be the biggest race day in its 166-year history.
Ladies Night on Friday 13 October (headlined by the $100,000 Pinker Pinker Plate) has already sold out.
