News - Cranbourne Star News - 19th October 2023

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Thursday, 19 October, 2023

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Tales of early settlers

Fete success

Mary’s mission accomplished

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SPORT

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Taking music to the next level

Decade-long cancer fight Cranbourne North resident Tracey Ryan has just had her 60-year-old birthday in October and she has been in more than a decade’s battle with stage four breast cancer.

She was diagnosed in February 2010 and had her left lung removed five years ago due to a new primary lung cancer.

On top of that, she’s now been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) where her pain level is greater than expected and even water touching her skin could make her cry.

Story page 8

Tracey is at her home in this beautiful spring season. 366834 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Oversight concern

By Violet Li A State Coroner has found there was a suboptimal level of monitoring of the long-term painkiller prescription for a Cranbourne North resident who murdered his partner.

Daniel Eckersley stabbed his 36-year-old partner Amanda Jane Harries to death under an allegedly drug-induced psychosis at their home on 7 July 2018.

He mistakenly believed Ms Harries tried to poison him.

The couple had three children together at

the time of the fatal incident.

Mr Eckersley had been prescribed tramadol for his knee injury pain for at least 22 months, with his dose stable within the recommended maximum range of 200mg long-acting and 300mg immediate-release tramadol for seven months prior to the fatal incident.

The inquest by the State Coroner John Cain revealed Mr Eckersley reported overusing tramadol with 700-800mg daily for an unknown period prior to the fatal event with a recent increase in use.

His GP Dr Van Rheede told the inquiry they

E E R F

ING

KET R A M

were not aware of the substance abuse.

Mr Eckersley was also found to have an extensive substance abuse history with alcohol and cannabis use until three weeks prior to the killing.

Psychiatrist Dr Enrico Cementon gave expert evidence for the investigation.

He is a fellow of Royal Australasian College of Physicians Chapter of Addiction Medicine and Victorian director of Addiction Psychiatry Training in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

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He said the tramadol-induced psychosis was a very rare complication of the medication with very few reports of the syndrome.

He opined that it was more likely a tramadol-withdrawal psychosis, with the possibility that Mr Eckersley had abruptly reduced his intake of tramadol following the commencement of antidepressant desvenlafaxine three days before the murder when he was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression.

Continued page 3

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Council Elections 2024

City of Casey encourages parents to vaccinate young people against HPV The City of Casey is urging parents and guardians to safeguard their children’s health by ensuring they have received the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation.

This call to action is being reinforced via a free catch-up program for any adolescents who missed their 2020 and 2021 secondary school vaccinations, which includes a Council-run after hours immunisation event in Narre Warren. This event will take place from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturday 28 October at Bunjil Place, making it easier for working parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated.

Bookings can be made via our website.

Next year the City of Casey will return to elected Councillors when local Council Elections take place across Victoria in October 2024.

Over the next 12 months, Council will undertake a range of measures and support the efforts of the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to ensure a successful transition back to elected officials for the community and our organisation.

Council has put together some information regarding the key dates for the community and potential election candidates over the next 12 months on our website.

We’ll also be hosting three Role of Council Candidate Information Sessions, with the first to be held on Tuesday 28 November from 6.00 pm at Eliston Family and Community Centre, Clyde.

To find out more and register to attend, visit the ‘Council Elections 2024’ page on our website.

Permit to burn applications to close 31 October It’s that time of year again where the weather is warming up and moisture on the ground is drying off.

This spring and summer has been officially declared an El Nino weather event by the Bureau of Meteorology. This means hotter and drier seasonal conditions between November and April.

As a result, our Fire Management Officer will transition to property inspections for fire hazards commencing from 1 November. Applications for a permit to burn will close by 31 October, with the permit expiring 30 November (unless the Fire Danger Period for Casey commences before 30 November).

We will be receiving and processing permit to burn applications up to 31 October. No applications to burn off will be processed from 1 November as property inspections will have commenced at this time.

For more information, please visit the 'apply to burn off' page on our website.

Art studios in the south east open their doors for free tours Talented artists and makers from across the south east region will open their doors for visitors to take free selfguided tours through their studios, workshops, galleries and gardens as part of the Open Studios Weekend.

Eleven spaces across Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong will be open between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm on Saturday 21 October and Sunday 22 October. No bookings are required. For further information and to view the digital program, visit the 'Casey Arts' page on our website.

Have your say and help shape Casey’s future Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.

• •

Complete our Exploring Safety in Casey online survey until Friday 27 October.

Have your say on our Proposed Community Local Law 2023 until Monday 23 October.

Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.

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Ceremony green-lit Oversight

By Violet Li Mornington Peninsula Shire council has approved a temporary permit for a religious event at a controversial proposed temple site in the Green Wedge.

In a narrow 6-5 vote, the use of restricted place of assembly was approved during a council meeting on 17 October.

The site is located on the corner of Dandenong-Hastings Road and South Boundary Road West within the Watson Ward in rural Pearcedale.

The intended activity at the site will be a traditional remedial pooja for religious land purification for up to seven consecutive days.

The event will run over two sessions daily between 6am and 11am, and 4pm and 8pm. A maximum of 30 patrons will be present at any given time during the use.

The specific date has not been proposed.

The remedial ceremony is on the same site as a controversial proposal for a $4.5 million place of worship development by non-profit multilingual Hindu organisation Melbourne Ayyappa Seva Sangam (MASS).

The project, on ten acres of farmland, includes several temples, car parks, and facilities to host events to cater for over 1000 visitors.

The development application has been referred to VCAT. The one-off pooja received 99 objections, which claimed it was an inappropriate use in the Green Wedge, as well as causing adverse impacts on the environment, traffic hazards and adverse amenity impacts.

It was also feared it would set a precedent for non-agricultural uses in the Green Wedge, and be a precursor to the development application.

Nine submitters attended the council meeting to speak against the event, on behalf of more than 800 members from Peninsula

The approved religious event will be held on this site at the corner of Dandenong-Hastings Road and South Boundary Road West in rural Pearcedale. 365405 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Green Wedge Protection Group.

Watson Ward Cr Kate Roper moved a motion against the event.

She believed it was inappropriate to approve this event in such a location, though she didn’t want to minimise the importance of the ceremony.

“Residents speak of many concerns: loss of emergency, increased traffic on a gravel road, significant loss of vegetation, aesthetic precedent for inappropriate non-agricultural use of Green Wedge on a Green Wedge site, and visitors and their vehicles trampling native vegetation,” she said.

“There has already been a fire incident at this property when careless visitors have started a fire accidentally.

“There is damp and sensitive wet land within this land parcel, which has been an understood ecosystem in itself and this event is not compatible with guidelines for the protection of the Green Wedge.”

She stated the impact of this event would not be just temporary.

“The application discusses a three-week

concern

period with bump in and bump out occurring over several days, which is a high level of disturbance to local amenity,” she said.

“The use of a generator on site for multiple purposes, while people are there or are not there is definitely inappropriate in this rural setting.

“The use is inappropriate and does not fit under the first rule applicable for the Green Wedge to protect Metropolitan Green Wedge land from uses and development that would diminish its agricultural environmental cultural heritage, conservation, landscape, natural resource, or recreation values, and to protect of agricultural land from incompatible use and development.”

Cr Antonella Celi spoke in favour of the application and pointed out the pooja event was a separate application from the worship development one.

“I acknowledge that this is an emotive issue for submitters, but I can see no valid reason in accordance with the planning scheme, the environment act and the Green Wedge management plan to refuse a permit for a pooja event to be held at this site, a privately owned site and not a public owned one.

“This council approves many popular events in the Green Wedge with conditions, many of which attract far larger crowds and create far more noise with food truck generators that this event for 30 people just won’t.

“The cleansing ceremony will not be decimating any flora and fauna as falsely claimed by objectors as the performance of a pooja is very mindful and respectful in its reflection and inclusion of its natural environment.”

The upcoming VCAT hearing against the future Place of worship development will run from 19 to 24 February 2024.

A compulsory mediation meeting is scheduled on 22 November for all parties to try and negotiate a middle ground.

From page 1 “Possible recent abrupt cessation of tramadol use, high-dose use, prolonged use, recent cessation of heavy cannabis and alcohol use, the addition of desvenlafaxine and significant social stress may have been risk factors to Mr Eckersley developing psychosis,” he stated in the inquest report.

Coroner Cain made several comments in regards to prescribing tramadol in Mr Eckersley’s pain treatment. He stated with Mr Eckersley’s tendency for alcohol and drug abuse or dependence, a referral for a formal substance abuse assessment should be required given he was prescribed high doses of multiple medications over a long period of time.

He also suggested referrals should have been made to specialist clinicians such as a pain management specialist and a psychiatrist. “The level of monitoring that occurred for Mr Eckersley was suboptimal in circumstances where he was prescribed multiple medications with potential for abuse in the years prior to the fatal incident,” he stated.

The inquest showed there is no available study investigating the safety and efficacy of tramadol treatment beyond six months. The tramadol treatment information indicates when tramadol is required long-term, careful and regular monitoring should be carried out to establish whether, and to what extent, ongoing treatment is necessary.

Mr Eckersley was convicted of murder and sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of 14 years on 30 January 2020.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Until 23 Oct

Dandenong to Cranbourne

Western Port Highway, Skye

20 Oct to 8 Nov

Cranbourne Line

Between Hall and Thompsons roads

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

From 8.30pm to last train 29 Oct

Caulfield to Westall

Racecourse Road, Pakenham

23 to 31 Oct

At the level crossing

Cameron Street, Cranbourne

29 Oct to early 2024

South of BerwickCranbourne Road

Rochester Parade, Cranbourne East

Late Oct to late Jan 2024

At Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

Bellarine Drive and Sunbird Avenue, Cranbourne

Late Oct to late Mar 2024

At Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

Hall Road and Western Port Highway, Skye

8 Nov to 20 Dec

At the intersection

Road disruptions: Closed lanes and roads South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne

Until mid Dec

Lane closed near Cameron Street, in each direction

Narre WarrenCranbourne Road, Narre Warren

Each night, until 23 Oct

Between Fullard Road/ Saxonwood Drive and Princes Highway

Camms Road, Cranbourne

Until late Nov

At the level crossing

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Breaking music barriers

By Afraa Kori A group of South East South Sudanese independent artists are ready to take their music to the next level and put their country on the map.

Dandenong-based artist Mike Wang, Cranbourne artists Prez, 700Kae, YTS Gucciboi, Mobstah and GS Phantom and Pakenham’s Yung Baddie represent the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan.

Despite pursuing music for more than five years and being a citizen of a multicultural country, 700Kae said the path to getting wider recognition from the Australian public is still inaccessible in many ways.

“If you look at America, the biggest musicians are black, same with the UK,” he said.

“But you look at Australia and there’s not one big black artist, it doesn’t make sense because the talent I see in my area from South Sudan artists blows my mind.”

Prez said there is often a disconnect between both sides to allow South Sudanese artists to reach mainstream success.

“Maybe if they could relate to us, see that what we’re building is actually something worth supporting, while we engage with them and stay connected, then a bridge could be formed,” he said.

Prez said South Sudanese independent music artists also face financial barriers to finding success in Australia’s mainstream music industry.

“The biggest struggle of being a South Sudanese artist is gaining more exposure in spaces such as radio, and the lack of access to funding and resources,” he said.

“Many artists do not have the support of a major label, which means that they are often responsible for financing their own music production, promotion, and touring.”

Yung Baddie said a number of South Sudanese independent artists are starting their own wave and are demanding more support.

“I do believe that there are many talented and gifted South Sudanese artists in this city,” he said.

“We just need to do a better job.”

700Kae, Prez, Mike Wang and YTS Gucciboi are based in the South East but dream of having a local and global impact through their music.

Picture: RAMBANG PHOTOGRAPHY YTS Gucciboi said there a number of ways the industry can support local South Sudanese artists.

“We can start by hosting events for the musician artist or connecting them with the resources that they need, having a studio, community centre and any type of ways that can help us get to where we heading or even having to fund the artist so that they pay off music-related payments,” he said.

700Kae said their struggle to reach success

is part of their story.

“If we showed our artists the love that these other communities show their artists, we would have gone a long way in the music industry a long time ago,” he said.

“This is what makes our stories even better, we have to work harder for it so when our time comes success is gonna be sweet.”

Prez said more engagement within the community is key to achieving success.

“When people are really involved with the shows, supportive of the releases and projects that come out, and share the music with their friends and family, that does a lot for the independent artists here in Melbourne,” he said.

Wang said while a number of South Sudanese artists recognise there has been improvement, there is still a long way to go in embracing these artists into the mainstream.

“As of recent years, I have seen more leniency towards young artists from parents than it was when I started and others that I know of, but that’s because parents are now starting to understand what it is that we are doing,” he said.

“To be seen and recognised for our greatness is something that is starting to happen and only God knows where it can lead.”

Prez said he believes the industry is on a tipping point.

“Though the mainstream media hasn’t covered much of it, I really think the dynamics will change very soon,” he said.

“Given that more and more talented young Sudanese people are becoming known whether in sports, modelling and the fashion industry, it shines on the Sudanese diaspora as a whole, especially in Australia.

“I do believe the chance needs to be given, not only due to the talent and potential within the arts for a lot of young Sudanese people, but also to give them purpose, something to strive for.”

Yung Baddie said while the challenges exist, their visions have always been clear and their goals have never wavered.

“In the end, you got to prove people wrong because a day will come when the underdogs end up ruling the world,” he said.

Prez said he is looking forward to the future of the South Sudanese music industry in Australia and beyond.

“I plan to take over the music industry and set changes within the foundation for the next generations of creatives and artists, so that it may be easier for them to dream and accomplish than it was for us,” he said. * Afraa Kori is a currently studying a Master of Journalism at Melbourne University.

Casey electoral structure under review structure, with the panel set to consider the appropriate number of councillors and wards for the council, the location of ward boundaries and the name of each ward.

People interested in making a response submission to the preliminary report can map the ward boundaries for their proposed electoral structure online using the public submission tool available on the VEC website as part of their submission.

Online information sessions are being held on Microsoft Teams to find out more about the review from noon on Monday 30 October and 6pm on Tuesday 31 October.

Casey Council is also preparing to host its election of new councillors next October, with an in-person candidate information session scheduled for Tuesday 28 November from 6pm to 8pm at the Eliston Family and Community Centre in Clyde, an online session scheduled on Tuesday 27 February from 1pm to 3pm and a final in-person session on Tuesday 26 March from 6pm to 8pm at Bunjil Place.

For more details on the review, visit vec. vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/council-reviews/electoral-structure-reviews/casey

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An electoral representation advisory panel is conducting a review of Casey Council’s electoral structure, with all residents encouraged to have their say.

Appointed by the Local Government Minister, the panel will make a recommendation to the minister on electoral structures for councils under review.

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) provides technical and administrative support to the panels.

Under the Local Government Act 2020, the council must adopt a single-councillor ward

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Victims ‘haunted’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The County Court of Victoria. the parents no doubt fearful for themselves and their children…”

On that night, the intruders picked up three female companions waiting in a nearby park and drove the stolen BMW across Melbourne.

They evaded a set of police stop sticks before hitting another set. All seven fled on foot and were arrested by police in Melbourne’s west.

Now 20, Leek pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to aggravated home invasion, armed robbery, causing injury recklessly and theft.

It was not alleged that Leek was armed or that he inflicted any of the injuries, Judge Bayles noted.

The sentence must “make a statement” about the seriousness of this type of crime, the judge said. A mandatory jail term would normally apply.

However, Leek was instead sentenced to detention in a youth justice centre due to “exceptional and rare circumstances”.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/CON CHRONIS Judge Bayles noted Leek’s low-to-borderline IQ range and Attention Deficit Disorder, which made him more susceptible to undesirable influences in adult prison.

His mental illness would also make prison a greater burden for him, and put him at risk of being entrenched in the criminal system.

He was also at a young age and with no prior convictions.

Since the incident, Leek had been on supervised bail without similar offending for two years.

He had engaged positively with Youth Justice supports, despite committing a minor shop theft.

Unlike Leek, the most serious co-offenders were sentenced in a children’s court. They have been since detained in a Youth Justice Centre.

Judge Bayles rejected a defence submission for a community corrections order.

He ordered Leek to be detained in a Youth Justice Centre for three-and-a-half years. His term included 33 days in adult remand.

Police arrested a 41-year-old Narre Warren North man during a warrant executed in Narre Warren North on Tuesday 10 October, leading to the seizure of a range of firearms and suspension of his firearm owner license.

Illicit Firearms Squad detectives executed with the assistance of the Australian Border Force at a residential property on Tuesday, 10 October.

During the search, police located four extended capacity magazines for a handgun and a firearm chassis for a handgun.

The items are prohibited under the Firearms Act 1996 as they are capable of converting a handgun into a Category D firearm (semi-automatic).

Police interviewed and released the man pending further inquiries as the investigation remains ongoing.

Police determined the man was a licensed firearms owner and as a result of the current investigation, police suspended his license.

Police also subsequently seized seven registered firearms, including two handguns, which were stored in compliance with the license requirements.

Police reminded licensed firearms owners to be aware of the legislation with regards to the importation and distribution of firearms parts. Victoria Police undertakes a range of compliance and enforcement activities to ensure those with firearm licences are complying with the conditions their licence. Anyone caught breaching the conditions of their licences or failing in their obligations can expect to have their authority cancelled and to be charged or issued with penalty notices.

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A man has been sentenced over an armed teen group’s “truly horrendous” invasion of a sleeping family’s home, in which one of the residents was stabbed in the chest.

Duop Leek, then 18, of Clyde North, roamed with three other males aged 15-17 looking for a car to steal in Berwick in the early hours of 12 July 2021.

About 2.10am, they kicked in the front door of a family of five’s home.

They stormed into the main bedroom, held up the residents and stole the family’s BMW X5 vehicle, three phones and $70.

An awoken resident was told at knifepoint to “stay in bed or I’ll cut you”.

He was later slashed in the upper arm by one of the teens and had a knife pushed through his chest muscle by another intruder.

As the chest wound bled, the man thought: “I hope I’m not in too much trouble here.”

He was later treated at The Alfred for nonlife-threatening wounds.

One of the residents, 19, tried to call triplezero but had trouble speaking so his mother took over the call.

“I can only imagine the fear and the trauma that the family experienced,” sentencing judge Stewart Bayles said on 12 October.

The family had been “over-powered and outnumbered by people with weapons”, the judge said.

They had told the court of being “haunted” by the night’s events, with the parents saying they would never forget the looks on their children’s faces.

“This is a truly horrendous incident for the victims,” Judge Bayles said.

“To invade a family home in this way in the middle of the night, kicking the front door open, entering the bedroom of otherwise sleeping people with children in the house and

Firearms seized

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Historical abuse inquiry info session open to all

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association president Brian Oates was among the local Yes Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS volunteers during early voting. 365325

Divided on Voice votes Pockets of Casey defied the national mood against the proposed Voice to Parliament in the 14 October national referendum. Nationally, the majority of voters in every Australian state emphatically chose ‘No’ to enshrining an indigenous advisory voice to Parliament in Australia’s Constitution.

Overall, 60.5 per cent voted against the proposal. Victoria recorded the highest ‘Yes’ vote across the states with 45 per cent.

Voters in Bruce voted 42 per cent in favour of the Voice while the more inner-suburban Hotham (49 per cent ‘Yes’) and Isaacs electorates (50 per cent ‘Yes’) were evenly divided. In Bruce, there were a number of booths which were marginally pro-Voice, including 52.9 per cent Yes votes at Doveton College, 50.9 per cent Yes votes recorded at the Timbarra Com-

munity Centre booth in Berwick and 50.8 per cent at Hallam Primary School. Across Bruce, the majority of booths recorded strong No vote proportions, including at Narre Warren North Primary School (69.2 per cent), Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre (62.7 per cent) and Southern Cross Primary School in Endeavour Hills (56.7 per cent) In Holt, 43.9 per cent voted in support of the Voice while 56.1 per cent voted against the Voice.

Majority ‘Yes’ votes were recorded at booths in Lyndhurst (54 per cent), Casey Fields (52.2 per cent) and Cranbourne North (51.9 per cent).

The strongest pro-No votes were at booths in Tooradin (73.5 per cent), Pearcedale (68.5 per cent) and Botanic Ridge (61.5 per cent).

Labor MPs Julian Hill and Cassandra Fernando also publicly backed the ‘Yes’ campaign.

The Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary and certain other government schools is hosting a drop-in information session for community members to learn more about its work.

Six additional schools and two further alleged perpetrators are identified as part of an investigation into historical child sexual abuse at Victorian Government schools, with the Beaumaris Primary School inquiry recently expanding to include Drouin South Primary School, Warragul Primary School as well as Bundalong South (now closed), Chelsea Heights, and Cowes and Kunyung Primary Schools.

The session will be held at Bunjil Place’s Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri meeting room on Thursday 19 October from 3pm to 5pm.

The inquiry is investigating child sexual abuse by multiple staff members at Beaumaris Primary School during the 1960s and 1970s, and alleged abuse that they perpetrated at other government schools.

Former teachers Grahame (Graham) Harold Steele and David Ernest Keith MacGregor have also been newly named as two more alleged perpetrators.

Gary Arthur Mitchell has been already named as an alleged perpetrator.

The inquiry is investigating 24 schools

including Beaumaris, Beaconsfield Upper, Cranbourne, Dandenong North, Dandenong West, Emerald, Mirboo (now Mirboo North), Moorabbin (Tucker Road), Moorabbin West and Warragul Technical School.

The inquiry has extended its submission deadline from victim-survivors from the 24 schools until 31 October. Private sessions are also available to speak to the inquiry in Melbourne’s CBD in October and November. To make a submission or register for a private session, go to beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au

Hearings begin next week Public hearings for an inquiry into historical child sexual abuse at 24 Victorian Government schools are set to begin next week.

The Board of Inquiry will hear from victim-survivors who experienced abuse by staff at Beaumaris Primary School in the 1960s and 1970s.

Inquiry chair Kathleen Foley SC will also hear evidence from victim-survivors from other schools where those staff members were employed.

The first week of hearings will take place from Monday 23 October-Thursday 26 October.

Among the investigated primary schools are Beaumaris, Beaconsfield Upper, Bunyip, Cranbourne, Dandenong North, Dandenong West, Drouin South and Emerald.

OPINION

The first week of public hearings will focus on understanding the effects of historical child sexual abuse in government schools, the Board of Inquiry stated.

It will also focus on the individual and shared experiences of victim-survivors, secondary victims and impacted community members.

“The hearings will be an opportunity for victim-survivors and their families, friends and supporters to have their experiences publicly recorded and acknowledged.”

Submissions are still open for victimsurvivors of sexual abuse at Victorian government schools.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings in person or watch the webstream on the Inquiry’s website.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

LENSCAPE

Thumbs up To Mia at Telstra Cranbourne looking after elderly customers with great kindness and respect - thank you.

Thumbs down To the state of our roads.

Thumbs up To finally playing turf cricket on Saturday. It was a cold day but rain kept away.

Thumbs up To everyone who completed the Melbourne Marathon yesterday - be it 42, 21, 10 or 5km, it was an amazing effort by all.

Thumbs down To Casey Council. Revenue raising at its finest...$192 for a parking ticket on Kangan Drive. What an absolute disgrace.

Thumbs up Coda keeps a lookout in Cranbourne North. 367846 6 STAR NEWS

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To no voters, overwhelming result against all odds. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

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Stronger protection calls

By Emily Laing and Matthew Sims Local history and heritage buffs are concerned about the outcome of Casey’s Heritage Strategy, currently under review by the council, fearing changes could exacerbate the insufficient resources allocated to heritage conservation.

Former Casey Council heritage management staff member David Westlake said the upcoming review of Casey Council’s Heritage Strategy needs to represent a shift in how local governments value its heritage properties.

“A sense of place and belonging are essential for both council staff and community to understand where we have come from,” he said.

“Council needs to wake up and take rich local heritage seriously - both Aboriginal and European.”

Mr Westlake said there are a number of things local history enthusiasts want out of the updated Heritage Strategy, including a Caseywide Aboriginal heritage study, an Aboriginal liaison officer role, a full-time heritage planner and stakeholder engagement via events and forums.

“A dedicated, full time heritage officer is a must to do justice to the education and community engagement on heritage - a role far beyond the planning role, “The expected position of council in the new Heritage Strategy will be no different to that taken in recent years.”

Mr Westlake said the State Government needs to take action to ensure heritage properties were not left to be demolished.

“Planning compliance is unfortunately of little assistance once a heritage property is demolished,” he said.

“Maintenance is not covered in the planning controls.”

A former Casey Council heritage officer, who requested to not be named, said there are

Treeby is a heritage listed building in Casey. 353661 a number of properties within Casey which are being allowed to fall into disrepair as a method of ‘demolition by neglect’.

“Council would find it difficult to justify forcing them to keep the building,” they said.

They said neglected sites included Menenia Park at 71 Craig Road in Cranbourne North and Treeby at 31-35, Robinson Road in Narre Warren North.

The former heritage officer said heritage properties are more valuable than heritage properties in the CBD. “Once you lose one place, it’s not like there’s another one around the corner,” they said.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “The pressure on heritage is coming from the housing demand.”

The former heritage officer said there needs to be more legislative protection put into place by the State Government to give local governments more power to be proactive instead of reactive.

“It really comes down to a lack of legislative power,” they said.

“You need to identify and protect your heritage and then you know where to go with development.”

Casey Council planning and building manager Tania Asper said the council has a num-

ber of procedures in place to protect heritage places.

“The City of Casey employs a Heritage Officer and utilises a panel of heritage consultants to help landowners manage heritage places across the municipality,” City of Casey manager planning and building Tania Asper said.

“Council’s Planning Compliance team monitors and investigates any concerns over breaches of the Casey Planning Scheme as it relates to heritage places.

“Landowners are encouraged to take advantage of our free Heritage Advisory Service or apply for funding to assist with the conservation of their heritage places via the Victorian Heritage Restoration Fund.”

Ms Asper said the council will consult with the local community regarding any significant planning scheme amendments to the Casey Planning Scheme relating to heritage places.

“Council is preparing a planning scheme amendment to update the Casey Planning Scheme to include reference to a new local heritage policy that will require due consideration be given to heritage conservation, in addition to current planning scheme requirements,” she said.

Last updated in October 2017, the City of Casey Heritage Strategy provides an action plan to identify, protect and maintain heritage places, support and assist owners of heritage places, and educate and promote Casey’s history and heritage assets for the benefit of current and future generations.

More than 180 places in Casey are controlled under heritage legislation (Casey’s Heritage Overlay).

Of these, three are precincts and three are included in the State heritage register.

For more information about heritage in Casey, visit casey.vic.gov.au/heritage-at-casey

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Decade-long cancer battle

By Violet Li Cranbourne North resident Tracey Ryan has just had her 60-year-old birthday in October and she has been in more than a decade’s battle with stage four breast cancer.

She was diagnosed in February 2010 and had her left lung removed five years ago due to a new primary lung cancer.

On top of that, she’s now been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) where her pain level is greater than expected and even water touching her skin could make her cry.

Trudging into the second decade of her survival battle, Tracey has stayed tough, trying to do everything she can, but everything takes a lot longer these days.

“I’m struggling a lot. I need a walking stick now every day, and I’ve got a wheelchair for my really bad days,” she said.

“Once you hit stage four, you will always be in stage four. They can keep you comfortable, but there is no way you can be cured.

“It is part of my life every single day. It is always in the back of my mind when I wake up in the morning.”

Families keep Tracey happy and get her through.

“They go above and beyond and tried to make me comfortable,” she said.

She said it was hard for her family to process everything.

Having two grandsons aged five and eight, Tracey recalled the five-year-old kid sat on her lap the other week giving her big cuddles and the eight-year-old told his younger brother to be careful because grandma was sick.

“And he turned around to me and he said grandma when you die, I won’t be able to sit on your own lap and get cuddles anymore, will I?” she said.

“He looked at me and he’s got tears in his eyes and he said but I’ve got your hope and

your love in my heart, haven’t I? “And I just said to him you remember grandma will be looking down on you and looking after you when you need grandma.”

Tracey had to go to the toilet, have a cry, wipe her eyes, and pull herself together after the conversation.

Following her diagnosis, Tracey has been actively engaged with charity work to promote breast cancer awareness.

She is a speaker for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and non-profit organisation Pink Hope.

Tracey and her friend have been involved in a charity called Young Pink Sisters and they pay up to $600 medical bills of young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Tracey said she wanted more people to be aware breast cancers can hit anyone at any age.

“Men, women, children can get breast cancer. And doctors unfortunately put you in a little box saying you are too young to get breast cancer,” she said.

“And I just keep telling people if you’re not happy with your doctor, you can get a second opinion or a third opinion. Just keep pushing until someone actually listens to you.”

Tracey first found out her cancer when she was at the hospital with her son.

She felt pain in her breast and there was a big lump.

“I thought it was stress. It wasn’t. It was cancer,” she said.

She’s strongly encouraging people to get a test done on their lumps before things go sour.

Tracey wants to send a message to people in her shoes.

“Just live your life to the best you can,” she said.

“And for people who aren’t sick, don’t wait to get sick to enjoy your life.”

Cranbourne North resident Tracey Ryan has been in more than a decade’s battle with stage four breast cancer. 366834 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Vanessa Amorosi denies house pact with mother

By AAP Singer-songwriter Vanessa Amorosi has emphatically denied she ever agreed to hand over full ownership of a Narre Warren home to her mother.

The property is central to the 42-year-old’s legal case against her mother Joyleen Robinson, which has gone to trial in the Victorian Supreme Court.

Amorosi claims the $650,000 used to purchase the home in 2001 came from a trust account set up to receive all of her earnings as a singer-songwriter.

She is seeking full ownership of the property, which currently has her and her mother listed as joint-owners.

But Mrs Robinson claims Amorosi agreed to hand over full ownership of the Narre Warren home if her mother paid her $650,000

when she asked.

During her evidence, Mrs Robinson could not remember the date the agreement was made although her lawyer previously stated it was in February 2001.

“I’m not good with dates,” she told the court.

She maintained the agreement was made during a conversation in the kitchen of their former family home.

“She paid for the whole amount of the property and when she needed money, I would sell my McKenzie Lane property and give the money to her,” Mrs Robinson said.

She told the court she handed over $710,000 to Amorosi in 2014 for the loan she took out on her American home.

Mrs Robinson maintained she fulfilled her end of the agreement so the Narre Warren

property should be in her name alone.

During cross-examination, Amorosi repeatedly denied any agreement was made.

Earlier on Friday, Mrs Robinson’s barrister Daniel Harrison suggested to Amorosi she did not have a good memory and the agreement did take place.

He also put to her that she bought the Narre Warren home for her mother and she never considered it her own property.

Amorosi denied that assertion, saying it was the first home she bought for herself and she always thought of it as hers.

“My mum wanted that property from day one, no matter what,” Amorosi told the court.

“She made it very clear it was her dream property.”

Mr Harrison also suggested Amorosi had launched the legal proceedings because she

was in a difficult financial situation, which Amorosi denied.

The barrister told Justice Steven Moore that Amorosi’s recollections were unreliable, not from malice but simply because she had a poor memory.

Mr Harrison said it ultimately came down to two people with very different accounts of what did or didn’t happen.

Justice Moore should see that Mrs Robinson’s recollection was the only sensible one, Mr Harrison said.

Amorosi’s former manager Mark Holden was among the people in court supporting the 42-year-old on Friday, while her siblings and step-father were there for Mrs Robinson.

Mrs Robinson’s evidence is set to continue, with Amorosi’s barrister Philip Solomon to cross-examine her.

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STAR NEWS 9

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Jane Rivett-Carnac and publicity officer Lyne McGregor at the unmarked plot of cursed couple Robert and Sarah Auhl. 365856

Narre Warren family history society president Jane Rivett-Carnac and publicity officer Lyne McGregor at the murdered Edward Sangal’s unmarked grave. 365856

Learn about early settlers

By Cam Lucadou-Wells In something of a paradox, touring a cemetery can really bring history to life.

More than 30 tales of early settlers in the South East will be revealed in a historical tour at Dandenong Community Cemetery this month.

Tour guides Lyne McGregor and Jane RivettCarnac, from the Narre Warren & District Family History Group, are conducting their 15th tour of the region’s historic graveyards.

As they sit down next to the dead, they pat the gravestones out of respect.

“When you are researching, you get very attached to the people,” Rivett-Carnac says.

She pulls out an apt quote that going to a cemetery is like going to a library, with each grave a book.

“Every one of these people here have a story.”

She talks about the myriad of “rabbit holes” that the pair have explored.

They found the story of a heroic woman who reached into a housefire to save a boy but who succumbed to her injuries.

And the 16-year-old house-keeper found dead in a burnt-out dwelling, with unexplained injuries to her body.

The newspapers of the time told of a community petitioning for an inquest, their suspicions aimed at the girl’s employer.

Ultimately the case “fizzled out” unsolved.

McGregor and Rivett-Carnac didn’t just delve behind the weathered monuments and gravestones in the four-hectare cemetery.

They tell of the magnificent avenue of gnarled sugar gums that were believed to be planted at the site’s inception in 1857.

And also through their intrepid research, they unearth the tales behind the many unmarked graves – the great voids of earth between the headstones.

In an unmarked plot under a gum tree, there lies Edward Sangal whose body was found at a bottom of a well in the Lyndhurst district in 1902.

Sangal’s wife and her boyfriend were later convicted for his murder.

The wife was on death row when her sentence was commuted to life in prison; her lover – a worker on the Sangal’s farm - was executed.

With the Harkaway-born wife indisposed, there was no one to organise a headstone for the late Sangal.

“It would have been a huge scandal at the time,” McGregor says.

“You wouldn’t expect a wife to do in the man with her boyfriend.”

In another empty patch of grass lie the seemingly cursed couple Robert and Sarah Auhl.

While living in Euroa, three of their children die within 10 days from diptheria. He soon loses his business, and then their fourth child dies as a new-born.

They move to the Dandenong Ranges’ town of Cockatoo, where their house burns down.

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Narre Warren family history society president Jane Rivett-Carnac and publicity officer Lyne McGregor at the Mary Sime gravestone in Dandenong Pictures: ROB CAREW Cemetery. 365856 “How could they keep going after that?”

Rivett-Carnac mused. “But they did. They stayed in Cockatoo and just kept going.”

The cemetery bug started for the two historians in 2011.

They have since researched the 500 World War I soldiers buried in Berwick, Pakenham, Harkaway, Bunyip, Lang Lang and Cranbourne.

“We’ve got a good understanding of the types of people in these communities. You tend to get people with the same religion in the same area,” Rivett-Carnac says.

At Cranbourne, there are a lot of Protestant Scots buried, Pakenham has Irish Catholics, and at Dandenong there’s many Church of England and Protestant burials.

The Dandenong cemetery opened in 1857, around the same time as others in Cranbourne and Berwick.

Interred in this yard are families across what was the vast West Gippsland farming dis-

trict, including Koo-wee-rup, Skye, Keysborough, Longwarry and Narre Warren.

Some of the notable family names of CaseyCardinia include Frawley, Hanley, Harbrow, Sime and Weist. “The people who were the foundation of those communities,” RivettCarnac says.

At a pair of monuments, McGregor tells of Mary Sime – whose husband and daughter died a week apart in 1889.

“She never missed putting in a memorial notice in the newspaper for them. She did it every year up to the day she died (in 1913).”

Mary was ultimately buried by their side.

The family had owned 880 acres in Bangholme – now the site of Bunurong Memorial Park cemetery, McGregor adds.

The guides tell of other hard-worn lives, World War I and II soldiers. They also dug into the women, often unheralded, who raised children and took over the farms when their husbands died.

“While the men get all the notoriety, the women would get just one little line in the local paper,” Rivett Carnac says.

Much of their research was found in old newspapers such as the Dandenong Journal and Pakenham Gazette.

There were a wealth of obituaries – not just for civic leaders but for many in what were smaller, more connected towns.

Rivett-Carnac laments that this research will be harder in future due to the dearth of death notices in newspapers these days.

The Dandenong Community Cemetery Walk is held by Narre Warren & District Family History Group on Sunday, 29 October, 10am at Kirkham Road, Dandenong; $10 adults.

Light refreshments included at the end of the 90-minute walk. A book of the walk is available on the day.

Bookings: cemeterytours@nwfhg.org.au or treasurer@nwfhg.org.au cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Screening van on the way Casey residents aged between 50 and 74 are encouraged to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program following new data which shows the percentage of eligible Victorians who have completed a free bowel screening test has declined.

The Cancer Council Victoria campaign van is visiting the Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre from 8.30am to 3pm on Friday 20 October and Casey RACE from 9am to 3pm on Saturday 21 October to provide bowel screening information and promote the importance of early detection and bowel screening, with teams on site to deliver take-home information, answer questions, and help set a reminder or reorder a screening test kit.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), fewer than half (43.9 per cent) of eligible Victorians aged 50 to 74 participated in the NBCSP in 2020-2021, representing a 2.6 per cent decline from the participation rate achieved in the 2019-2020 reporting period.

This decline in bowel screening coincides with data from the Victorian Cancer Registry, which reported 3800 fewer cancer diagnoses than what was expected in Victoria over 2020 and 2021, with the greatest decline in missed cancer diagnoses occurring in bowel cancer.

Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper AM said it is critical for people to check for bowel cancer early before symptoms show up.

“In 2021, 1281 Victorians died from bowel cancer, and over 3713 people were diagnosed,” he said.

“If participation in bowel screening continues to decline, the number of deaths could increase due to diagnosis of bowel cancer at a later stage.

“However, over 90 per cent of bowel can-

A bowel cancer test kit.

Picture: SUPPLIED

cers can be treated successfully if found early.”

In partnership with the Victorian Department of Health, Cancer Council Victoria are addressing these figures and increasing bowel screening participation via a state-wide campaign featuring the inspiring story of Laurie Cronin, whose life was saved by doing the free bowel screening test.

A father of two, he was only 52, didn’t have any symptoms and felt fine when the bowel screening test came in the mail in 2021, so he ignored it and put it away until his wife strong-

ing test as soon as they get it,” he said.

“Do not risk it, it saved my life, and it could save yours too.

“I look back on everything I have been able to do because I did the test, including seeing my daughter graduate, celebrating 30 years of marriage with my wife, taking a road trip with my son, going fishing and watching footy with my mates.”

For more information about bowel cancer screening, visit cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/screening/bowel-screening.

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STAR NEWS 11

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Lengthy peak hour delays on Hall Road will be a thing of the past with a staged construction blitz starting in October set to remove the congested roundabout at the Western Port Highway.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The Western Port Highway roundabout removal at Hall Road will start on 20 October.

Hall Road upgrade blitz The Western Port Highway roundabout removal at Hall Road will start on 20 October as part of the Hall Road Upgrade.

The construction by Major Road Projects Victoria will run until Wednesday 20 December.

These works is set to replace the roundabout with a signalised intersection and increase lanes to improve travel times and reduce congestion.

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Brendan Pauwels said this intersection would be the fourth to be upgraded on Western Port Highway since 2019 to slash peak hour congestion, improve safety, and allow traffic to flow more smoothly.

The removal will be separated into two sections with a two-and-a-half week closure of Western Port Highway in both directions

north of the Hall Road intersection from Friday 20 October until Wednesday 8 November at which time the intersection will fully close, reopening on Wednesday 20 December.

Major Road Projects Victoria will be able to coordinate the traffic signals along six kilometres of highway between Thompsons Road and Cranbourne-Frankston Road to ensure traffic moves smoothly after the installed traffic signals and extra lanes are carried out.

For the 10,000 daily road users who travel through this intersection each day, the upgrade will take 20 minutes off return daily peak hour commuting times on Hall Road.

Once these works are completed, the new signalised intersection will be open to traffic with four lanes running in each direction.

The last stage of major works to build the new intersection includes demolishing the

existing roundabout, installing drainage, building the new lanes, kerbs, medians, and guardrails, installing traffic signals and public lighting, building the new shared walking and cycling paths, and asphalting and line marking.

This is the third and busiest of the four intersections being upgraded as part of the Hall Road Upgrade.

In June, the new Hall, Evans and Cranbourne-Frankston roads intersection was opened to traffic, followed by the new signalised intersection of Hall and McCormicks roads in August.

The intersection of Taylors and Hall roads is also being upgraded, with the southern leg of the intersection complete and works underway to finish the northern leg by early 2024.

The Hall Road Upgrade works in unison

with other completed and ongoing Victoria Big Build projects covering the southeast such as the Lathams Road, Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Western Port Highway, and Thompsons Road upgrades to improve infrastructure for the rapidly expanding south-east region and provide better connectivity and faster travel times to residential and industrial areas.

The Hall Road Upgrade is slated for completion in late 2024.

With several major construction blitzes planned for the remainder of the year in Cranbourne, including the Narre-Warren Cranbourne Road Upgrade, Camms Road Level Crossing Removal, and City of Casey projects on South Gippsland Highway and Ballarto Road, Major Road Projects Victoria advised drivers to plan ahead and travel outside of peak periods if they can to minimise delays.

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STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

Major General Jim Barry. 363420

National Servicemen’s Association state president Robert McIvor. 363420

South Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans. 363420

Salvation Army public relations secretary Warren Elliott. 363420

Saluting fallen servicemen South East servicemen and local MPs have come together to commemorate all of those lost during and after national service.

The National Servicemen’s Association South East branch held its annual commemorative march in Buchanan Park, Berwick on Sunday 15 October, with Australian Army, Air Force and Navy cadets in attendance.

National Servicemen’s Association South East branch president Mike Smith said the weather held off for the event.

“It was a pretty near-perfect day,” he said.

Great War Association representatives also attended to provide a rifle volley, while the Dandenong Brass Band accompanied the march.

Attendees included Major General Jim Barry AM and National Servicemen’s Association state president Robert McIvor OAM, as well as Bruce MP Julian Hill and South Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans.

Commonly known as ‘Nashos’, the association was founded to champion veteran health, welfare, and legacy for almost four decades.

Between 1951 and 1972, almost 300,000 young men were called into two separate schemes for compulsory training in the navy, army, and air force, where 212 died in active service in Borneo and Vietnam.

Last year marked 50 years since the last intake of men were conscripted to join the National Service Scheme before it was abolished by a newly-elected Whitlam Labor government in 1972.

Star News photographer ROB CAREW helped capture the service.

Great War Association representatives provided a rifle volley during the service. 363420

Pictures: ROB CAREW

The catafalque party. 363420

Major General Jim Barry and National Servicemen’s Association state president Robert McIvor laid wreaths during the ceremony. 363420

MPs Julian Hill and Ann-Marie Hermans laid wreaths during the ceremony. 363420

Cadets. 363420

The Dandenong Brass Band.

The march included cadets from the Australian Army, Air Force and Navy.

Flags flew proudly in the strong wind. 363420

363420

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Nuer spreading the word

By Nyibol Gatluak The Nuer Language School (NLS) is a non-forprofit program founded from growing concerns that the younger generation is out of touch with its cultural roots.

South Sudanese elders are addressing this by promoting their native language through the literacy school.

The NLS, a non-for-profit program designed for South Sudanese youth in Melbourne’s south-east, offers teachings in one of the most common languages in South Sudan.

Thok Naath, commonly known as Nuer, translates into “the people’s language”.

Nuer has two million speakers in South Sudan and the western Ethiopian region of Gambella, with one-and-a-half million speakers.

NLS president David Tut Kuiy, a former treasurer of the Sudanese Community Council which was founded in 1988, also undertakes several committee roles.

He is NLS’s lead tutor, chairperson and secretary.

Mr Kuiy spent most of his childhood in Itang Refugee Camp in Gambella, Ethiopia.

He arrived in Australia in the 1980s and was one of the first South Sudanese people to settle in Australia and obtain Australian citizenship.

“There has always been a demand for the Nuer Language School from the community elders,” Mr Kuiy said.

“There was a lot of disengagement by the youth and a program like this enables us to unify our community.”

When Mr Kuiy first started the program, 60 students had registered but only two had showed up.

Despite his challenges, Mr Kuiy has always been determined to continue NLS. He restarted the program in January this year.

The program not only assists youth in reconnecting with their roots but also offers

Nuer Language School students and teachers.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

David Tut Kuiy teaches students how to write in Nuer at NLS.

adult classes where they aim to improve their literacy skills, so they can read their mother tongue.

NLS operates across three campuses in Cranbourne, Dandenong and Doveton.

There are roughly 25 children and 10 adults that are consistent attendees every week.

“I am doing this so we can preserve the Nuer language because once you learn your language, it gives you an identity,” Mr Kuiy said.

Bichok Gony Guandong, a NLS volunteer tutor, echoed Mr Kuiy’s message.

Mr Guandong’s involvement in the program stems from his motivation to give young people the impetus to stay connected to their cultural roots.

This includes his own children who are all raised in Australia and have not visited his family overseas.

“One day, I want my children to be able to

visit their relatives back home and have the ability to communicate with them — even if they struggle, I want them to at least be able to understand their language,” Mr Guandong said.

All academic staff at NLS believe that the program empowers the broader South Sudanese community.

Pal Deng Pur, a volunteer tutor at the Cranbourne campus, believes that expanding the program creates opportunities for others to learn the Nuer Language outside their tribal diaspora.

Mr Deng Pur is from the Gaatjaak clan of the Nuer tribe.

He was forced to flee his village as a teenager to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya after the Civil War. He resettled again to Australia in 2003 on a humanitarian visa.

“We are doing volunteer work on weekends,” Mr Deng Pur said.

“The funding we get from the government

only covers the renting of the buildings, but we are still struggling for school materials such as textbooks and stationery.”

As the program expands, NLS plans to purchase a bus to encourage students throughout Melbourne’s south-east to attend, particularly if they struggle with transport.

Mr Deng Pur said he aspired to see the program’s future growth.

“We would like to expand in the future, and open more centres because Nuer speakers are not just in Melbourne’s south-east but regional Victoria, including South Gippsland, Geelong and Ballarat,” he said.

All tutors emphasise the importance of maintaining cultural lineage through this program.

“At the end of the day, your language is the epitome of your identity. If you do not revive it then it will be lost forever,” said Mr Kuiy.

Nyibol Gatluak is a student journalist at Monash University

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STAR NEWS 15

FOCUS ON … FAMILY RUN BUSINESSES

NEWS

Builders’ mecca in Officer

Students, staff, and guests are celebrating the official blessing and opening of major extensions of the school.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Top facilities

By Violet Li St Therese’s Catholic Primary School in Cranbourne celebrated the official blessing and opening of major extensions on Wednesday 11 October, including new junior and middle learning areas and a refurbished administration hub.

St Agatha’s Parish’s priest Father Joseph Abutu led the blessing ceremony, joined by Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale director Paul Velten, St Therese’s Primary School principal Felicity Broughton, and school advisory committee chair Keith St Mart, along with staff, students, guests, and friends of the school and parish community.

The opening unveiled plaques to commemorate the occasion.

Mr Broughton said the new facilities had been transformative for the school, creating additional contemporary, light-filled spaces for staff and students.

“The project was completed in three stages, firstly a complete refurbishment of the ad-

ministration wing and existing general learning spaces, then the addition of a small group space, project space and gallery, and finally, a learning neighbourhood extension that has created two new middle learning areas and a project space,” he said.

Mr Velten commended the efforts of the project team, school and parish community.

“St Therese’s Catholic Primary School is committed to providing quality education and fostering strong ties within their learning community,” he said.

“The new extended facilities will provide additional resources and spaces for students to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially now and into the future.”

The $3,858,000 project was principally funded by the Victorian Government Capital Funding Program via a grant of $2,841,000 and a loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF).

Mr Velten thanked the Victorian Government and Catholic Development Fund for their support of the project.

A stalwart of the building supply industry, Van Steensel Timbers in Officer has been supplying householders and tradespeople in the south east for more than 50 years.

The green building on the corner of the Princes Highway and Tivendale Road in Officer is a familiar sight to those passing through and evokes memories in even retired tradesmen of its extensive range and warm service.

Van Steensel covers pretty much all building materials, with the exception of bricks and roof tiles. No matter what product you need, if you can’t find it elsewhere, it’s likely Van Steensel stocks it - and if they don’t, they’ll do their utmost to get it in for you.

It’s not just a mecca for tradies - home handymen will revel in the range available too. From timber to general building supplies, paint to tools, customers are sure to find what they are looking for.

And, Van Steensel offers something that

chain stores can’t match: friendly, one-on-one service, and an unparalleled record of experience.

The business was started by Jan Van Steensel 59 years ago and has been passed down now to his sons, generating well over a century of combined experience in the building industry - not just on the shop floor, but on site as well.

It all adds up to extra assistance for customers who need it.

In addition to the massive range of products, Van Steensel has a machine shop and staff can provide expert advice on building structures like pergolas and decks, offering a close, personal level of service that is not limited by the barrier of a shop counter.

Support your local hardware store: visit Van Steensel Timbers at 421 Princes Highway, Officer or visit online via website: www. vansteenseltimbers.com.au

David Van Steensel , Shaara Horin, Bruce Spence and David Cray of Van Steensel Timbers.

Police charge Berwick man Police have arrested and charged a 30-yearold Berwick man with armed robbery, possessing a weapon and various assault offences after he allegedly entered a pharmacy on O’Shea Road on Monday 16 October with a speargun, baton and knife, damaging shop fittings and stealing medicine.

Police received a call at about 1.15pm and wasted no time in attending a nearby address on Haverbrack Drive and arresting

the man at about 1.30pm.

Police took the man into custody without incident, seizing spearguns and medicine, which was allegedly stolen from the pharmacy.

There were no injuries in the alleged offending.

The man was in hospital being treated under police guard, police said on Tuesday.

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Order now on aussietoysonline.com.au

421 PRINCES HWY OFFICER VANSTEENSELTIMBERS.COM.AU 12624910-MS32-23

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Thursday, 19 October, 2023

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … FAMILY RUN BUSINESSES

Take a dive into new skills In 2017, we embarked on a heartfelt journey, leaving our Perth roots behind to establish The Swim Factory, a swim school that embodies our passion and a half-century of collective experience in the aquatics industry. What sets us apart is not only our commitment to providing exceptional swim education but also the fact that The Swim Factory is a true labor of love.

This is our one and only swim school, and it’s not a franchise. We built it from the ground up, meticulously crafting a curriculum based on the best practices we’ve encountered throughout Australia.

Our approach doesn’t stop at the curriculum; it extends to our dedicated staff. We believe in nurturing our educators, so we train our own teachers within our system. We insist that they are fully qualified with Swim Australia or AustSwim, ensuring that they align perfectly with our unique teaching methods and values. This way, we maintain consistency and uphold a high standard of excellence in our program.

Safety, environmental responsibility, and year-round swimming are integral to our mission. Our pool is equipped with state-of-theart Ozone/UV and salt chlorination systems, guaranteeing that no harsh chemicals are present in the water. The health and well-being of our students are our top priorities, and we’re equally committed to minimising our impact on the environment.

As a family-owned and operated business led by a husband and wife team with more than 50 years of experience in the aquatics industry, The Swim Factory reflects our deeprooted commitment to the community. Our staff is not only qualified but also possesses working with children and CPR certifications, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for our students.

Our indoor facility, with water heated to a

The Swim Factory is an indoor facility, with water heated to a comfortable 34°C, enabling year-round swimming lessons. comfortable 34°C, enables year-round swimming lessons. We cater to students of all ages, from infants as young as four months to preschoolers, school-age children, and even adults. Our doors are open seven days a week to accommodate the diverse schedules of our students and their families.

We believe in transparency and encourage prospective students to visit our facility to learn more about our classes and program.

We don’t offer trials; instead, we provide free

assessments to ensure that every student is placed in the most suitable program.

With over 40 years of experience teaching learn-to-swim, we’re proud to have run successful swim schools in Sydney (Aquadot), Canberra (Kippax), and even as far as Dubai (Swim Dubai).

Our journey has been enriched through collaborations with some of the world’s leading swim school operators, including the legendary Forbes Carlisle.

In an era dominated by corporate entities, The Swim Factory stands as a testament to a family’s enduring dedication to providing personalised, high-quality swim education.

Our story is a reflection of our firm belief that true passion, commitment, and expertise can transform dreams into a reality, one stroke at a time.

The Swim Factory, 03 8768 8520, 30 Remount Way, Cranbourne West, cranbourne@ theswimfactory.com.au

The Swim Factory SPECIAL SUMMER OFFERS: Book by Sunday October 29 Book online using the QR code on this page • Returning Students who stopped due to Covid receive 10% off all lessons until Christmas • Infants Aquatics-new classes on Wednesday-Thursday and Friday mornings o Receive 10% off until Christmas o Create your own Mother’s Group Class (min 4, max 8 to start your own class) • All new bookings o Bring a friend and receive a 10% discount until Christmas o Book one regular lesson and receive one extra class FREE each week until Christmas o 10% off your first 4 weeks • *Conditions apply o Special offers cannot be combined o Our usual Ts and Cs apply to all bookings

(03) 8768 8520 30 Remount Wy, Cranbourne West VIC 3977 12641319-RR42-23

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 19 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 17

OPINION

Missed opportunity for all Like many Australians, I am very disappointed about the missed opportunity to recognise our First Nations people in the national Constitution and establish a Voice to advise Federal Parliament on policies and issues affecting First Nations people.

Australians have clearly rejected the proposal by over 60 per cent and this would be a hard-to-comprehend result for many of our First Nations people in particular.

There have now been 45 attempts via a referendum to make changes to the Constitution but only eight have been successful with bipartisan support. This means that getting Australians to vote ‘yes’ for a two-in-one proposal to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia and establish a Voice to Parliament was always going to be a challenging task from the start.

Unfortunately, the Voice became vulnerable to politics and the no campaigners undoubtedly capitalised on the uncertainty and unsubstantiated fear of the “unknown” surrounding the proposal.

There was hope and momentum in having an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The Voice would have acted as a conduit between the government and the Indigenous people to ensure that Indigenous people are better engaged and consulted when making decisions and policies about them.

Let’s now take some time to reflect and listen back to some of the positive messages and reasonable arguments from both sides during the campaign. There was unity in changing the status quo in how we as a nation should relate and work with our First Nations people but unfortunately, how and in which format were problematic.

It is important to note that many people, when they have made up their minds, would not listen to those with opposing views and this would have been the case in what was a very intense referendum campaign.

Now let’s come together and hear each other’s views on the way forward.

Despite the unsuccessful yes result, there is a renewed energy to improve the lives of our First Nations people by addressing the thirdworld-like disadvantages that many First Nations people are experiencing today, particularly in the remote parts of Australia including the central and Northern Territory.

The disadvantages that have created a gap

There was hope and momentum in having an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, says Andrew Gai. Picture: SHANE ZAHNER between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians include: Poorer health outcomes which contribute to shorter life expectancy - currently eight years’ gap.

Higher infant mortality rates due to limited maternal child health services - pre and post birth.

Lower socio economic mainly due to unemployment.

Lower rate of engagement in education and training among young Indigenous Australians.

· · · ·

· Housing crisis in remote towns. of Indigenous children · Over-representation and young people in juvenile justice system and out-of-home care due to unaddressed challenges facing Indigenous families.

In order to have a meaningful reconciliation with our First Nations people, appropriate and concrete actions need to be taken to address the above disadvantages and ensure progress is being made in all of the Closing the Gap target areas.

Having a Voice to Parliament was one way but there are other ways that the government

at all levels can partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For instance, the government can engage directly with community-led organisations that are already working at the grassroots level. There are many of these organisations across the country with credible track records and initiatives informed by local knowledge.

To our First Nations people, may the spirit of determination and your inspirational resilience sustain you all at this time while our political and community leaders figure out the way forward post the Voice referendum outcome. Your resilience and determination have been integral in how far you have come and the many great things that you have achieved to date, including the land rights and to be counted as citizens of Australia.

To fellow non-Indigenous Australians, it is now up to all of us to set our national records straight and do what is right and necessary in order to achieve meaningful reconciliation with our First Nations people. Australia stands alone as the only country in the first world with a constitution that does not recognise its first peoples. We should not give up on amending the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first people in Australia.

We also need to acknowledge that our First Nations people are still dealing with the longlasting emotional scars and trauma caused by colonisation and the sequence actions such as dispossession of land and stolen generation.

These can be addressed by taking concrete actions towards closing the gap but also, by having a treaty which will enhance self-determination for the First Nations people as well as giving them control over matters that impact their lives. It is encouraging to see Australian states leaders now taking actions towards having a treat with the First Nations people but there is still a need for leadership at the national level.

Let’s write the next phase of our nation’s history by acknowledging the truth about our nation’s past and doing what is right and necessary to ensure that every Australian feels belonged, empowered and is given the opportunity to have a go at reaching their full potential.

Andrew Gai, Co-founder of the South SudaneseAustralian Academic Society

NEWS

Multicultural joy fills Doveton hall after two decades It was 25 years since an array of multicultural seniors groups came together to manage John Pandazopoulos Hall in Doveton.

And the resultant committee of management – with 400 attendees - celebrated with bright dance and foods on Sunday 8 October.

Each seniors group shared culture, food and performance, underscored by professional musician Brian Rodriguez.

They hailed from far-flung lands such as Xin Jiang province, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

Committee member Brian Oates said the hall’s clubs formed the “largest, most efficient, longest-happening, most diverse and harmonious organisation in City of Casey”.

“Everybody had a great day sharing tradition entertainment and foods from around the world.”

A Filipino group performs.

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Thursday, 19 October, 2023

XinJiang province dancers at the John Pandazopoulos Hall celebration on 8 October. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Fears grow as lives lost

By Sahar Foladi South East protestors joined a pro-Palestinian rally of more than 10,000 people who gathered in front of the State Library in Melbourne on Sunday 15 October.

Bukjeh organisation founder, Aseel Tayah was there with a heavy heart as she lost three members from her organisation based in Gaza which had established multiple toy libraries for children.

“They are my family and now they’re dead, gone,” she said as tears flowed down.

“None of them were even 30 years old. They had so much more ahead.”

Ms Tayah is an artist, singer and a performer living in City of Casey, telling stories of ‘Bukjeh’ meaning the small belongings carried by refugees as they escape war-torn countries for a better future.

A Palestinian, her entire family is in Palestine in the occupied West Bank - a situation that keeps her awake day and night.

“I’m worried for my family and whoever of my friends is left in Gaza.

“My brother and sister work with an Israeli organisation and now they’re a target (of Israeli settlers).

“I tell my sibling don’t you dare set a foot outside the house, even for work.”

Israel continues striking Gaza, home to more than 2 million Palestinians, as a reprisal to Hamas’s deadly attacks which killed an estimated 1400 Israelis on Saturday 7 October.

So far, Palestinian health ministry states more than 2600 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 720 children.

According to Ms Tayah, no one is safe anywhere.

“All the Muslims even outside Gaza are a target of the angry Israeli settlers.”

Ms Tayah had sent donations collected by the community for the orphans in Gaza on Saturday morning, which a member of her team went to pick up.

She received the money just as the war broke out.

“She found little electricity to charge her

Tens of thousands poured out onto the streets in support of Palestinians.

Picture: AHMED BARAKAT phone to tell me. She’s sorry for failing to fulfill her responsibility as she hasn’t delivered the amount to the orphanage.

“She said, if I live, I’ll deliver the amount but if I die the money will go with me, I will not use it.”

Federal and state MPs attended a community vigil at Caulfield on 13 August for Israeli victims of the Hamas terror attacks.

Among them was Isaacs MP and federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus who posted: “Tonight I stood with my community.

“Together we mourned the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust.

And we stood united against the ongoing atrocities of Hamas.

“Australia stands with Israel. We stand with the Jewish community.

“And we always will.”

Hotham MP and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil posted that it was “an incredible evening at a peaceful and deeply sad vigil for the victims of the Hamas terrorist attack”.

“As one rabbi said to me, the wound is still open.

“My heart goes out to this beautiful community. They are deeply, deeply suffering and Australians stand with them in their grief.”

Executive Officer for the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA), Helen Heath says the loss of lives is tragic.

“There aren’t any words. We share with them their pain and suffering.

“As people of faith we can hold everybody in our prayers and hope for the best and peace.”

Ms Heath is also a development officer at the City of Greater Dandenong’s Interfaith Network and on the board since 2000.

She wishes for the world leaders to engage in “peaceful talks” for a solution.

“We have so many people from all faiths living in City of Greater Dandenong and everyone is affected.

“It’s just very sad that it’s happening, people here are unsettled, and it has created tensions here.”

Dayla Sabawi, a restaurant owner in Greater Dandenong, has family members in Palestine.

She says the impact on her and her family here is unbearable.

“We’re very frightened and very worried.

“Every day the situation escalates and it’s harder to reach them.”

Ms Sabawi’s husband’s family are impacted directly by the war as his uncle’s house was bombed.

“It’s scary. Gaza has experienced bombings from Israel, but it was never this bad and constant.

“This time it’s the worst ever we’ve all seen especially when Israel has cut off water, food, aid and electricity.

“We are in contact with them every couple of hours whenever we can reach them.”

However, they’re only able to reach out if the generator or the emergency power box continues. Once it stops it’ll be hard to make get through to them, furthering increasing anxiety for Ms Sabawi’s family.

“We’re not eating well, we’re crying and shaking every time there’s a call from home.

“We’re all on the news and on the phone.”

President of Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Nasser Mashni says the situation in Gaza is the result of 16 years of an air, sea and land blockade.

“We’re hearing from people in Palestine, the most horrible stories of death, survival, children dying, families choosing to huddle together in one room because they want to die together.

“The fact that all this is happening and we’re begging the world to do something for us, stand up for us, speak up for us.

“Our pleas are falling on deaf ears.”

He says the international community are complicit in the atrocities the world is seeing against Palestinians.

“They’ve allowed Israel to get to this point.

“They’ve not pulled Israel out. There’s absolute complicity on behalf of the West in allowing Israel to go unchecked for 75 years and that’s why Israel is like this now and we’re suffering,” he said.

The impact of the war especially on Palestine-Australians has not helped with Israel’s white and blue colours lit across Australian landmarks in solidarity.

“I’m disgusted. I feel completely othered,” Mr Mashni said.

“This is the first time I’ve felt I don’t belong in Australia.

“I’ve experienced racism in my life, but this is the first time I felt like I don’t belong.”

Engagement at the heart of BFT Cranbourne

By Violet Li Gym studio BFT Cranbourne has won the 2022 Most Engaged Community award out of 236 open studio franchisees across the AsiaPacific.

Owner couple Angie Meyer and Blaine Healy launched the business over a year and a half ago and they felt extremely excited and proud to top the category.

Ms Meyer said they made sure every single person who walked in the door was valued and appreciated.

“We know every single member. We know what they do for work. We know about their personal life and what their training goals are,” she said.

Last year Mr Healy attended Foodbank Victoria’s Hunger Ride program and rode 180 kilometres in one day to raise money for the organisation.

BFT Cranbourne also hosted a trivia night and raised over $10,000 for the food bank.

“It was huge,” Ms Meyer said.

The couple is currently doing a fundraiser again.

They are aiming to raise $15,000 to help the R U OK? foundation.

The couple thanked the community for being supportive.

“I think our community is just incredible in the way that they all get around each other and put the others before themselves,” Ms Meyer said.

“It’s like one big family, when one succeeds we all do, they make the 4am wake ups all so worth it.”

Former primary school teacher, Ms Meyer rediscovered her passion after helping out her partner Mr Healy with his first own BFT. “When I was younger and was looking at a job, I always knew I wanted to help people, and I didn’t know in what way,” she said.

“I’ve always loved sports growing up. In the cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Monkey bike riders arrested Owner couple Blaine and Angie saw their gym studio BFT Cranbourne win the 2022 Most Engaged Community award out of 236 open studio franchisees across the Asia-Pacific. 366773 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS past, people had told me I should become a personal trainer, and I thought it’s not really like the avenue I want to take.

“I had helped out Blaine with the social media side of things for his own BFT and he pretty much just said you knew what you were doing and I could help you with your courses and we could do this together.”

The couple was offered to join the BFT Cranbourne director team when they were on the annual BFT Conference in Noosa.

“Everything felt like it was aligning,” Ms Meyer said.

“The facts that I could do up with my partner gave me a little bit more comfort in knowing that we were in it together so that if something could go wrong, we could make it work together.

“I realised that my passion for the fitness

industry was really where my heart is wanting me to go.”

Ms Meyer said the best part of her job is to see people believe in themselves.

“It’s very easy to come in and not be confident in something or be not wanting to progressing movements,” she said.

“But it’s really nice when someone believes in themselves and sometimes it’s more of mental achievements that they have rather than the physical achievements that they’re getting.”

She recalled the most rewarding moment in her fitness career was when a 40-year-old lady put in the customer survey that for the first time in her life, she was taught how to believe in myself and loved her body again in their studio.

The couple said BFT changed their life and it was an incredible journey for them.

Police arrested two money bike riders who caused havoc in the vicinity of Camms Road in Cranbourne on 16 October.

Public Order Response Team (PORT) officers patrolled the area to look for them after multiple triple-zero calls.

Officers spotted the riders after they stalled the motorbike and motorised bicycle on Camms Road around 7.45pm.

Upon seeing police, the riders ran with police following closely behind in a foot chase.

An 18-year-old man and a 15-yearold boy, both from Cranbourne, were apprehended at the intersection of Camms Road and Narre Warren Road in Cranbourne.

The bikes were impounded at a cost of $1038 and both riders are expected to be charged on summons with unlicensed driving, own/use unregistered motor vehicle, failure to wear helmet and driving an unroadworthy vehicle.

Thursday, 19 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 19

WHAT’S ON Casey Halloween Fright Walk at Wilson Botanic Park on Saturday 28 October is sold out.

Tickets are still available to Halloween at the Old Cheese Factory on Tuesday 31 October.

This event is suitable for children 12 years and under.

To book, visit tickets.bunjilplace.com. au/8929/8930 Tickets are also available to a Halloween Film Party showing ‘Beetlejuice’ at Bunjil Place on Saturday 28 October.

This event is suitable for people aged 15 and over.

To book and for more information, visit bunjilplace.com.au/events/halloween-film-party

Garden Club 50th anniversary The Cranbourne and District Garden Club meets every second Thursday of the month. Meetings are held at the Cranbourne Public Hall on the corner of South Gippsland Highway and Clarendon Street. Meetings begin at 1.15pm and afternoon tea is served afterwards. On Thursday 9 November, the club is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special meeting. Previous members and new members are welcome - come along and join the club for a special afternoon.

Contact Julie 0417 718 846 or Jean 9704 6242.

· ·

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Rotary Club of Casey Interact Bingo Night The Rotary Club of Casey has started an Interact Club with Year 10 students at Foundation Learning Centre in Narre Warren. The Bingo Night looks at music through the decades - guests are encouraged to dress inspired by their favourite music decade. Silent auction, raffle and prizes.

All funds raised support Foundation Learning Centre and Doctors Without Borders.

For tickets, visit trybooking.com/events/landing/1117899 Wednesday 25 October from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Foundation Learning Centre at 1 Malcolm Court in Narre Warren, with tickets available for $30 for six rounds.

· ·

Combined Probus Club Berwick If you are looking for new and exciting activities and a chance to make new friends, Probus can provide the opportunity to join a social club within your community. The Probus club offers activities such as trips and tours, movies at Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave, theatre events, morning tea and lunches, craft, tenpin bowling, golf, entertaining speakers and much more. The club meets at the Old Cheese Factory on 34 Homestead Road in Berwick on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am with morning tea, followed by a guest speaker. At noon, most members adjourn to the Berwick Springs Hotel for lunch.

Vacancies exist and you are welcome to contact

the club for an invitation to attend a meeting.

The club is celebrating its 30-year anniversary and some celebratory events are planned, including a special Melbourne Cup Day event at the Old Cheese Factory on Tuesday 7 November and the presentation of service awards by Berwick MP Brad Battin at the Christmas meeting on Tuesday 5 December at the Beaconsfield Football Club.

For more information, contact Merilyn Carroll on 0418 536 202 or merimick3@bigpond. com or Ron Lowery on 0439 343 989 or ron.f.lowery@gmail.com or visit berwickcprobus.wixsite.com Old Cheese Factory on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am.

· ·

Dandenong Community Cemetery Walk The Narre Warren and District Family History Group will present stories of Casey-Cardinia’s early settlers and others who followed them to the district, who are remembered in this cemetery. Cost is $10 for adults, with light refreshments included at the end of the 90-minute walk, while a book of the walk will be available for sale on the day.

To make a booking, contact cemeterytours@

·

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nwfhg.org.au or treasurer@nwfhg.org.au Sunday 29 October from 10am at Dandenong Community Cemetery, Kirkham Road, Dandenong.

Seated Movement Sessions (Chair Dancing) Would you enjoy exercising from the comfort of your chair? Join the Berwick Activities Group for some seated movement sessions including fun and uplifting songs and different styles and eras of music. An opportunity to get moving and enjoy the company of others. Timbarra Community Centre, 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick. $8 per session.

Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.

Wednesdays from 10.45am to 11.30am.

· · Craft Classes

Do you enjoy craft making?

Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat with like minded people. You will be introduced to a range of papercraft techniques through a new project each week. Casual attendance is welcome. Timbarra Community Centre 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick

$5 per class, all materials supplied.

Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.

Tuesdays from 10am to noon.

· · Berwick Springs VIEW Club

Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is 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.

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

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

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

· ·

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

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

Thursday 7 December 2023 from 7.30pm at Bunjil Place. Tickets from $54.90.

For more information and tickets, visit cmdy. live/GLE23NarreWarren

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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 20th-century 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.

·

NEWS

Team effort for fun fete

By Matthew Sims From face painting to a petting zoo and everything in between, Foundation Learning Centre’s Narre Warren campus had something fun for people of all ages earlier this week.

Students from all year levels from the community based education and human services organisation helped organise the family carnival on Tuesday 17 October, which also welcomed students and parents from the Frankston campus.

Learning and curriculum team leader Daniella Maloney said the event was a “huge success”.

“I’m incredibly proud of the students,” she said.

“They really showed what they’re capable of.

“It gave them a chance to shine.”

Delivered thanks to a Victorian Curriculum And Assessment Authority grant towards the school’s applied learning program, all students had a part to play, from Year 11 students meeting with Casey Council to Year 10 students manning the sausage sizzle.

The carnival also featured an art show open to all local schools, giant board games and mini golf.

The Foundation Vogue Academy students also strutted their stuff as part of a hair and fashion show.

Half of the funds raised would be fed back into the centre, while the other half would go towards local charity Find a Penny.

Ms Maloney said the event marked the last major assessment for the students before the end of the year.

“It’s definitely a credit to the kids,” she said.

“It was nice to finish in such a positive way.”

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Thursday, 19 October, 2023

Art student Sal with her artwork. 366726

Charlee and Shahana with the raffle prizes.

366726

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Art student Sasha with his artwork. 366726

Young artists Baneen and Minha from Cranbourne. 366726

Former students Josh, Chloe, Krystal and Layla playing mini golf. 366726 cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Big fines for United Energy Victorian energy network United Energy has been hit with $93,200 in fines and costs for failing to maintain vegetation clearance around powerlines through south-east Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.

Regulator Energy Safe Victoria brought 24 charges following inspections by compliance officers during 2021 and 2022.

They identified several locations in hazardous bushfire risk areas where trees had grown within the prescribed minimum clearance spaces with respect to the powerlines.

The charges relate to inspections of powerlines across the Mornington Peninsula and south-eastern suburbs including Langwarrin, Pearcedale, Somerville, Crib Point, Bittern, Tyabb, Balnarring, Tuerong, Dromana, Main Ridge, Mooroduc, Cranbourne South and Mount Martha.

Nine spans had vegetation detected 300mm or less from an uninsulated powerline, with two spans displaying evidence of contact with the lines.

Eleven spans had vegetation detected within 301mm and 500mm from an uninsulated powerline.

Four spans had vegetation detected 501mm to 600mm, one of which was on a powerline span that had a minimum clearance space of not less than 2250mm.

United Energy entered a guilty plea to all charges and was ordered to pay a fine of $80,000 plus costs of $13,200 after the conviction.

Energy Safe Victoria chief executive officer Leanne Hughson said bushfires had been caused by trees coming into contact with or bringing down powerlines.

“United Energy is required by law to maintain a minimum distance between vegetation and powerlines and they have fallen well short,” she said.

“The fine and conviction imposed by the

Victorian energy network United Energy has been hit with $93,200 in fines and costs for failing to maintain vegetation clearance around powerlines through south-east Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.

Picture: SUPPLIED court show the seriousness of the offence especially in high bushfire risk areas along the Mornington Peninsula.

“Given the very real risk to the communities that live and holiday in that area, we expect United Energy to do better.”

In sentencing at the Frankston Magistrate’s Court on 11 October, Magistrate Stewart said such offences could not and should not ever happen again.

She highlighted the need for general and

cluding the Mornington Peninsula, to ensure vegetation is being managed and is at safe distances from powerlines.

Other target areas will include the Dandenong Ranges and the Macedon Ranges.

Inspectors will also focus on Victoria’s southwest, including areas impacted by the St Patrick’s Day fires of 2018, and the Colac Otway region.

Energy Safe inspections will continue throughout the fire danger period.

specific deterrence, and the role the statutory regime plays in protecting the community.

Major Electricity Companies (MECs), councils, and train and tram operators are responsible for vegetation management around powerlines and are required by law to ensure there is enough distance between vegetation and powerlines to prevent them from coming into contact.

Ahead of this summer, Energy Safe Victoria will be targeting high bushfire risk areas, in-

Firearm crackdown arrest

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Digital Edition Order Response Team and the Dog Squad.

Caulfield Divisional Response Unit detective senior sergeant David Quirk said the police had witnessed a number of devastating incidents involving firearms within our community, leading to death and serious injury in recent times.

“Operations such as these target those who have been prohibited from possessing a firearm, including organised crime figures, outlaw motorcycle gang members, and people with a history of violence,” he said.

“As its name suggests, police are relentless in their efforts to remove firearms, imitations, and ammunition from the wrong hands, and make the community safer for everyone.

“Anyone who breaches their firearms prohibition order can expect a visit from us, and to be held accountable for putting others in harm’s way.”

FPO compliance checks will continue to be conducted at random intervals, and further arrests are expected as part of Operation Relentless.

Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

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Rex name shame

By Mitchell Clarke Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name.

Former Springfield Ward councillor Rex Flannery, who resigned as deputy mayor just days before the State Government sensationally sacked the entire council in February 2020, says the events of the past 12 months are still “eating” him up.

He has now officially requested that his name is removed from both a councillor honour board in the customer service centre and a wall plaque in Bunjil Place.

“I have never had any involvement into this alleged corruption scandal and therefore I do not wish to have my name associated with past or former councillors who may have brought our City of Casey into disrepute,” he told Star News.

“People look at your name and they see that you’re from Casey Council and immediately they put you in that same mould, which couldn’t be further than the truth.

“It’s just horrible to have been a councillor in that term. It gives you a sickening feeling in your gut and now I have to live with that.“ Mr Flannery argues his name should never have been placed on the plaque celebrating the $126 million Bunjil development because at the time he didn’t support the project.

“I guess I’ve eaten a little bit of humble pie with Bunjil Place. I’ve been able to see the value that place brings to the community but at the time I was against the development and I wasn’t once consulted (about having my name included),” he said.

He also claims former ex-ward partner, Sam Aziz, stated to him that he “wished he never had my name added to the plaque”.

“That was the only time I agreed with him,” Mr Flannery said.

While Mr Flannery hasn’t accused any former councillor of committing wrongdoing, he said anyone found guilty from the IBAC hearing should immediately have their honours stripped.

“They need to have their plaques removed

Rex name shame

By Mitchell Clarke Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name.

Rex Flannery, pictured in late 2015, wants his name stripped from council. 148005 from anywhere within the City of Casey ... whether it’s a plaque in the botanical gardens or in Bunjil Place, I want them removed so they have absolutely no recognition anymore,” he said.

“They’ve disgraced themselves and they’ve disgraced the council. They’ve taken something away from me that I totally enjoyed. I loved serving the Casey community. I just want some clarity as to what way it’s going to go.”

Since his resignation, Mr Flannery has been working in an operating theatre at a local hospital. He said he has every intention to run for council again in 2024.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“I want to get back into serving the community again. I want to run again and I want to get my name back on the honour board for the right reasons. At the moment it’s a dishonour board,” he said.

Star News understands Mr Flannery has put forward his request to be heard by the administrators at the next council meeting, slated for Tuesday 2 February.“It’s up to them now but a year later, this is still eating at me. I need closure and this is one way that I can get it,“ he said.

“I played no part in any downturn or sacking of the council and I feel it’s my duty to say that I don’t want to be a part of or in any way

Bunjil Place. associated with the 2016-20 term.”

Casey’s governance manager Rhys Matulis said: “Given the IBAC investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on that matter. Council has received and will consider Mr Flannery’s request in due course.”

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Police arrested a 41-year-old Cranbourne man in Highett during the crackdown on illegal firearms across Melbourne’s southeast.

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Police arrested a 41-year-old Cranbourne man in Highett during the crackdown on illegal firearms across Melbourne’s southeast.

During Operation Relentless, investigators conducted almost 50 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) checks across the Kingston and Glen Eira Bayside area between Monday 9 and Friday 13 October.

They arrested ten people and seized illegal firearms, ammunition, and drugs, including a handgun, a handmade firearm, machetes and edged weapons, quantities of amphetamine, cannabis, and a significant amount of ammunition, as well as stolen goods.

The Cranbourne man, one of the ten, was arrested for allegedly producing a firearm.

He sustained a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, which was not life-threatening according to Victoria Police.

He has since been charged with family violence offences, and enquires continue into the firearms incidents.

A 20-year-old woman was charged on summons after police allegedly located two prohibited weapons, including a dagger, at a home in Clayton.

As a handgun was located at a unit in Aspendale, a 42-year-old man who was the subject of an FPO was arrested at the scene and charged with prohibited person possess firearm.

He was bailed to appear in Moorabbin Magistrate’s’ Court on 8 April 2024.

A handmade firearm, along with a significant amount of ammunition, was seized from a home of a resident who is subject to a FPO in Caulfield South, along with a significant amount of ammunition.

Several people who are subject to FPOs are expected to be charged with failing to inform police of a change of address.

The operation was carried out by the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit with the assistance from VIPER Taskforce, the Public

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• After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

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Thursday, 19 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 23

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Star News intern Ethan Benedicto

What do you love about working as a journalist?

Being able to write stories about people and their experiences has always been my favourite part of me being a journalist. The other part is the investigative side of the role. I like finding out about things and talking to the people involved who would be able to tell me more; I’m always curious.

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

Probably a chimpanzee, I like holding things.

What would your last meal be?

Marble 8 Wagyu steak, medium rare with some fries and creamy mushroom sauce.

What has been your most memorable moment so far?

As a journalist, being published in my first newspaper, which I’ve always thought was cool since I was little. In general, doing my first pull-up ever.

What was your favourite subject in school?

Definitely history, we learnt about revolutions.

What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

Linsanity in-person and courtside, that twoweek stretch of Jeremy Lin cooking up the league. Or the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

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

Jay-Z, Aristotle, Zendaya, Mark Wahlberg - his character from the movie The Departed specifically - and Lisa from Blackpink.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

Currently reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown and watching One Piece.

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

Chicken Adobo with rice most likely.

Children’s Week is a national celebration that recognises the talents, skills, achievements and rights of children.

Children’s Week runs from Saturday 21 October to Sunday 29 October, with thousands of Victorian children taking part in the festivities.

Ethan Benedicto. 365648

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

What is your dream holiday destination?

New York in autumn or winter.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Nice, funny and thoughtful.

What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?

Probably hang out with my girlfriend, play video games, have some takeout, have a nap, then have more takeout, and binge a series or movie series then sleep.

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Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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SPORT

Mary accepts her mission

By David Nagel Cranbourne trainer Cindy Alderson put a circle around Friday 13 October when preparing her five-year-old mare Flash Mary for her upcoming spring campaign.

The $100,000 Pinker Pinker Plate (2025m) named after the 2011 Cox Plate winner trained out of Cranbourne by Greg Eurell - was the race targeted on the calendar.

The team of Alderson, Flash Mary and jockey Daniel Moor completed a perfectly executed plan on Friday night when they walked away with the targeted piece of silverware.

Moor gave Flash Mary a dream run throughout; peeling off a hot tempo at the 400 to kick clear in the straight and hold off a late challenge from the Michael Moroney-trained Speak.

Originally trained in New Zealand, Flash Mary made her way to the Alderson stable in March this year, and ran four placings from six starts, ahead of Friday’s main assignment.

“It’s really satisfying, it’s a plan I had all along,” Alderson said post-race.

“Thank goodness the rain came, that certainly helped, we put the blinkers back on and Daniel (Moor) gave her a super ride.

“It was a really smart ride by Daniel, he let the speed go and he stoked her up early and she dug in deep.

“We definitely knew she wanted a bit of cut in the ground, and her figures have been suggesting that 2000 is right up her alley.

“This was the race that I had hoped to win with her right from the start, so I’m not sure now (where she next runs) …it will just depend on the tracks.

“2000 around the Valley is certainly going to suit her.

“It’s a great result for everybody.”

The thrilling win of Flash Mary comes as the Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) prepares for the biggest race meeting on its calendar.

The $500,000 Listed Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup (1600m) will be run on Saturday 25 November.

The CTC recently announced that local apprentice jockeys Caitlin Hollowood and Matt Chadwick will be its 2023 Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup ambassadors.

Hollowood, 24, grew up with horses and has long dreamt of becoming a jockey.

She recently rode her first career winner at Cranbourne and is no stranger to Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup Day, having been trackside as Uncle Bryn claimed the 2022 edition for her masters Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.

“Our stable winning the cup last year was so

Flash Mary storms to victory in the Pinker Pinker Plate at Cranbourne on Friday night. 367866 rewarding…it was such a thrill,“ she said.

“The Cranbourne Cup has an amazing atmosphere and I’ve really enjoyed it every time I’ve gone.“ Cranbourne Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Neil Bainbridge said the club was delighted to not only have two highly regarded young members of the local riding ranks representing the club ahead of its biggest day, but to have them represent the racing industry to the local community.

“The racing industry attracts people of all ages and a variety of backgrounds to Cranbourne, with more than 1590 employed in the industry and it contributes more than $207.1million in economic activity to the City of Casey.

“Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup Day is the biggest social event in the City of Casey, a celebration of all that is great about our sport.

“We’re delighted to have Caitlin and Matt represent the club as we prepare to host the biggest race day in the club’s history.“ Limited hospitality packages remain for the Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup; tickets can be purchased online at www.cranbourneturfclub. com.au, or by calling the office on 5996 1300.

Pictures: ROSS HOLBURT/RACING PHOTOS

Jockey Daniel Moor and Cranbourne trainer Cindy Alderson celebrate Flash Mary’s win in the Pinker Pinker Plate.

Exciting times as new netball competition takes shape

By Marcus Uhe There’s a wind of change sweeping across the South East’s netball landscape with the creation of a new competition for netball teams unshackled from the traditional ties of a football club.

The South East Premier Netball League (SEPNL) will begin in 2024 for both junior and senior netball players, from under 11 to four levels of A, B, C and D grade - outdoor netball on a Saturday afternoon.

Among the clubs to have already committed to the competition’s first season in 2024 are Berwick, Beaconsfield, Hampton Park and Berwick Springs, which operates as a separate entity to the Berwick Springs Football Netball Club in the Outer East Football Netball League, with conversations wellunderway to bring more local clubs into the fold with a resemblance of the old South East Football Netball League.

Founding member of the SEPNL and Berwick Netball Club President Lani Mannays said the competition will allow clubs and players to get back to netball, without the distractions of league and administrative politics.

“It’s giving us another option in the South cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

The South East Premier Netball League is coming in 2024. 367482 Picture: SUPPLIED East where you don’t have to have a netball club attached to a football team, but you’re still able to play home and away netball,” Mannays said.

“It’s something that we’re really keen to do and probably wanted to do for a while, because every year it was a case of, ‘Are Outer East going to keep us?’, ‘Do we have to look for something else?’, ‘What are our options?’, to the point where we decided that we don’t have to rely on other people anymore, let’s

just get this up and running and make it happen, and get back to netball.

“Focus on netball, that’s what it should be about.”

Berwick and Beaconsfield were both recommended to find other netball competitions to compete in after Outer East clubs voted with overwhelming support in favour of removing standalone netball clubs from the competition, due to the fixturing issues presented with having different football and netball clubs involved on the same day.

Both club’s football affiliate departed the Outer East in previous seasons to play in the Eastern Football Netball League, however netball is played on a Friday night in those competitions rather than a Saturday afternoon, which was seen as an unfavourable option.

Southern Football Netball League netball fixtures, meanwhile, are largely played at a centralised location of Dingley’s Rowan Road Reserve.

By contrast, the SEPNL will fixture games as often as possible at venues to coincide with football clubs, in order to maintain a football-netball atmosphere without the strains of a fixed connection.

For Mannays, having a new league in

place for the Berwick players to sign up for immediately as an alternative to the Outer East was crucial in securing the necessary numbers to participate.

“I think we probably would have ended up like Cranbourne, where we had no participants anymore,” she said.

“None of our girls are interested at playing down at Dingley on a Saturday in a place where we can’t use our own facilities and have that home crowd, none of them are definitely interested in playing on a Friday night.

“We know for sure that we probably wouldn’t have had the seniors.

“We would have had juniors but you can’t grow the club if that’s all you’ve got.

“We want people to realise that you don’t have to run out of options and only play on a Friday night, or down at Dingley Village on Saturday, if you don’t have a football club, which is the main reason why we started this.”

The groundswell of support means the competition is looking likely to begin in 2024 with administrators welcoming expressions of interest from local clubs.

Those interested in joining the revolution are encouraged to check the league’s Facebook page.

Thursday, 19 October, 2023

|

STAR NEWS 25

SPORT

Ligt shining on Panthers

By David Nagel The Premier Division push of Devon Meadows (3/225) is officially up and running after Lucas Ligt (107) made a magnificent century to steer the Panthers to a 79-run win over Carlisle Park (146) on Saturday.

Fresh off a freakish 916-run season in a successful District Division campaign, Ligt has wasted no time announcing to the CCCA fraternity that he is the ‘real deal’.

A first-up 46 against Merinda Park; and a century against the Vikings; Ligt is now stepping up to the plate, taking on all challengers in the top flight of the league.

A premiership; and now bestowed with captaincy for the first time at Glover Reserve, the target on the back of the 32-year-old is growing bigger and bigger by the minute.

“Even during the pre-season, part of me was thinking ‘that was a fluke of a year, everything went my way’, but then I got the captaincy, we lost a couple of experienced players, (Chris) Cleef getting injured, it’s sort of made me change my mindset a bit,” Ligt explained.

“Now I’m thinking, ‘no, it wasn’t a fluke, I need to step up and make that the norm’, the standard I’m trying to set, and I think the hundred on the weekend has confirmed that belief.

“It gave me the belief that I can lead this team to success and we can get the results that we’re chasing.

“I’ve gone from thinking it was a fluke to be really keen to take on the challenge now.

“The knock on the weekend has solidified that for me.”

The classy left-hander is no stranger to making runs, transitioning from Cranbourne juniors, to stints at Dandenong and Casey South Melbourne, and back to Cranbourne again until 2019.

He is now in his fifth season at Devon, with his last three seasons the most productive of his career.

“The club just makes me feel relaxed, and I clicked with a couple of blokes early and it made me feel comfortable,” he said.

“Then I had a daughter in December last year, and that’s changed my whole perspective on things as well.

“Even my pre-game preparation now, I don’t have time to think about things too much because there’s so much going on.

“That’s really helped to take my mind off things and stay fresh.

“And the other big one is batting with guys like young Will Halton, even (Steve Robinson) Robbo, and the other guys in the middle order, I enjoy batting with all of them and it’s just fun being out there.

“I’m not feeling any pressure at all…I’m just enjoying time with my teammates and thankful that the runs have been coming.”

Ligt and Robinson (85) set up the victory on Saturday with a stunning 170-run partnership that was almost perfectly balanced.

Both players belted six fours, with Robinson whacking one over the ropes: with Ligt marching on to an incredible eighth century since the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

Ligt said the plans put in place, almost worked like clockwork on the weekend.

“We’ve worked on systems and plans; things like where we should be aiming with bat and ball this year, and this week went nearly exactly as we would have planned it,” he said.

“We didn’t lose wickets early, which allowed us to go late, and then took early wickets but stayed disciplined with the ball.

“The early wickets allowed us to keep the field in, which restricted them, and wickets fell as a consequence.

“It went pretty much exactly to the script, and it was a good example for the boys to show them that it will work if we knuckle down and play this way.

“We know we’ve got our work cut out for us, but everyone is prepared to do the hard yards and get the results we want on the board.

“We know there’s a finals spot up for grabs, and that’s what we’re aiming at really.”

Early wickets to Jamie Cape and Coby Podd (4-0-12-2) had the Vikings on the back foot, before Riley Worsteling (6-1-33-3) and Jakeb McVicar (7-2-19-3) came in for the kill.

Hasintha Jayasuriya (46) and Suranga Ku26 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 19 October, 2023

Devon Meadows skipper Lucas Ligt made a stunning century on Saturday to continue his blistering form from last season. 258782 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Josh Browne took five wickets in a devastating spell for Cardinia against Merinda Park. 365477 lasinghe (42) were the only Vikings to offer any resistance.

It was just one run above his career average at Tooradin (6/162)…but Tom Hussey’s 44 not out wound the clock back and was the highlight performance of the Gulls four-wicket victory over Pakenham (7/159).

Now in his tenth season at Tooradin – either side of a three-year stint at Langwarrin – Hussey has now made 5116 runs at the elite average of 42.99 to stamp himself as one of the great batters of the competition over the last decade.

Throw in 12 centuries - including a matchwinning grand final ton - and 27 half centuries, and we’re talking a player with serious credentials.

But his 2022/23 season was the least productive of his Seagulls’ career, scoring 334 runs at an average of 23.86.

Most mere mortals would be very happy with that statistic – but for ‘Huss’…it was an output that was modest to say the least.

He looked hungry for runs on the weekend, with teammate Kallan Braid-Ball summing things up perfectly as Hussey guided his team to victory.

“Where’s this Huss been for the last two years,” Braid-Ball said with a grin and a chuckle, and tongue firmly planted in cheek.

Hussey’s innings was the highlight of a contest that didn’t really deliver on its ‘match of the day’ status.

After winning the toss and batting, Lions’ skipper Dale Tormey was part of a top-order that failed to gain impetus against a disciplined Tooradin attack.

Openers Rob Elston (28 off 62) and Chris Smith (28 off 42) compiled a solid and patient

Alex Nooy, left, and Travis Wheller got the Bulls off to a rock-solid start against the Cobras. 262688

51-run stand, before Tormey (25 off 56) and Jack Anning (13 off 27) struggled to up the runrate.

The pair attempted to ramp things up, taking 19 off the 28th and 29th overs, but Tormey’s dismissal off the first ball of the 30th brought that hard-fought momentum to a halt.

Josh Lownds (7-4-23-2) was sensational for the Seagulls, bowling four of the eight maidens for the match.

Peter Sweeney (8-1-22-0) was also important before tea, while two wickets each to Russ Lehman (8-0-32-2) and Braid-Ball (8-0-44-2) had the Seagulls well placed heading into their run-chase.

After a crunching lofted-cover drive for four, the Seagulls lost Cal O’Hare (4) early, with Lownds (25) and Mick Sweeney (13) then putting on 31 for the second wicket.

Sweeney was next to go, trapped in front

by Tormey (8-1-22-2), although a faint second noise seemed to be apparent.

Pete Sweeney (36) then arrived at the crease and continued to ride his luck from last weekend.

Sweeney was dropped four times by Carlisle Park in round one, and gave a couple a guiltedged chances against the Lions.

Sweeney was put down by Chris Smith, to a difficult chance, in the 17th over, with Lownds departing next ball after Anning took a low-down catch in the gully off the bowling of Tormey.

The Gulls were 3/57, with Hussey joining Pete Sweeney at the crease.

Pakenham continued to create chances, but a simple drop by Jordan Seers at mid-on - from Sweeney - summed up the effort in the field.

Off-spinner Jason Williams (6-0-24-1) bowled beautifully for the Lions, and deceived Sweeney…with Elston whipping off the bails.

At 4/97, it was still game on!

The Lions continued to do themselves no favours, with Marcus Martini misjudging a high-ball, and Anning calling in Smith when the former seemed to have the easier path to the ball.

Hussey, meanwhile, was gradually finding his touch and became the key player in the chase.

He played some beautiful shots of his pads and played with the freedom that has seen him become a menace to bowlers over the years.

Lehman (12 off 11), Brad Butler (10 off 9) and Tyler Evans (8 not out) played cameos, but it was Hussey who led his team to victory with two overs left to spare.

In other games this week, Travis Wheller (105) and Josh Browne (5-21) were instrumental figures in Cardinia’s (5/206) thumping victory over Merinda Park (131), while a sublime 82 not out from Steven Dillon piloted Kooweerup (5/169) to a hard-fought five-wicket win over Clyde (8/167) at Denhams Road.

Rounds three and four will both be played this week in a weekend one-day double-header.

CCCA PREMIER FIXTURE ROUND 3 - Saturday 21 October Devon Meadows v Tooradin, Pakenham v Cardinia, Merinda Park v Kooweerup, Clyde v Carlisle Park.

ROUND 4 - Sunday 22 October Devon Meadows v Kooweerup, Pakenham v Merinda Park, Tooradin v Clyde, Cardinia v Carlisle Park. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Shaun Weir gets one under the bat of Jamie Brohier. 366804

Pictures: ROB CAREW

The Bulls were far too good for Parkmore.

Statement time for Bulls

By Jonty Ralphsmith Newly promoted Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 2 club Dandenong West has sent an ominous warning to the competition with a commanding victory over Parkmore.

Facing a side that has Turf 1 experience as recently as last season, Dandenong West won the toss which allowed its talented and disciplined bowling lineup to get to work.

Nuwan Kulasekara claimed two wickets in his opening spell, with his ability to swing it both ways crucially undoing new recruit Kyle Gwynne.

The Pirates lineup was weakened by expected absences and sent in to bat on a green top, with Kulasekara’s change-ups and searing accuracy well complemented by Noman Khan.

After the early onslaught, Parkmore momentarily stabilised, but was unable to navigate Adam Reid, whose six wickets ripped through the middle order.

He used the overcast sky and seam conditions on the up-and-down pitch to consistently breakthrough, with his ability to channel in

on fourth stump sublime during a 10.3 over spell of 6/31.

Chasing 122 for victory, veteran Shaun Weir pounced on anything loose, promoted to the top of the order in the absence of Dylan Diacono.

Weir hit 10 boundaries including four sixes during a confidence-boosting 67, Abbas Rashid providing the perfect foil with 23.

The Bulls ultimately won by six wickets, going at almost seven runs per over during their innings.

Meanwhile, Harsaroup Singh helped Cranbourne to a first-up victory against Narre Warren.

In a rain-shortened 25-over per side affair, Singh bowled eight straight overs after being introduced to the attack, playing the role that now departed tweaker Pete Sweeney performed last season.

He got openers Ben Swift and Luke Clarke in quick succession to ground the visitors’ innings at Casey Fields after each got starts, with Narre ultimately kept to 3/115.

The Eagles opened with Anthony Galley

and Cam Kelly, with Clarke claiming Galley after a pair of boundaries.

Justin Dickinson came in at three and stabilised with Kelly, the pair both showing a little bit, but neither able to anchor the innings as three quick wickets fell to put the game in the balance.

Singh’s coolness and Sajana De Silva’s power guided Cranbourne home, the pair finishing unbeaten on 24 and 26 respectively.

At KM Reedy Reserve, hosts Heinz Southern Districts (HSD) survived a big scare from Keysborough in a low-scoring nail-biter.

The game looked to be going to script when Keysborough was bowled out for 92, but HSD fell to 8/60, unable to establish a partnership of substance until lower-order bats Liam Jansen and Jordan Margenberg came together.

The pair combined for 33 off 46 balls, backing their shot selection and running between the wickets as the top order failed to fire.

Jansen was thrown into a similar predicament in the semi-final last year against Cranbourne when the Cobras fell just short but he looked well in control this time around.

He ensured HSD stayed ahead of the required rate and took it deep, finishing unbeaten on 26 off 36.

Highly-regarded coup Mackenzie Gardner made a well-constructed 21 and looked comfortable, sticking to a clear plan until being undone on a difficult wicket by Hennadige Fernando.

Skipper Christo Otto was the pick of the bowlers with 2/22 off nine overs, while Daniel Banhidi and Fernando both also claimed two wickets.

Earlier, Knights openers Jonathan Mohamed (13 off 30) and Mehakdeep Singh (18 off 29) absorbed early pressure, but both were dismissed in quick succession, exposing a brittle middle order.

Outside of Tobey Harkin, the visitors showed little resistance against a well-rounded attack, with pace bowler Triyan De Silva and Ryan Patterson both threatening, alongside Jansen, who claimed 3/19.

Omair Rana also played a key role in his four-over spell, navigating the tricky conditions to claim the wickets of Otto and new Knights recruit Shanaka Perumpuli.

Softball season in full swing Fresh faces at Kooweerup

The season has kicked off in fine style across the past two weeks in the Casey Softball Association.

A new-look Berwick Chickasaw team took on Berwick Geronimo in the social women’s competition.

Geronimo first base Merrelee Mackey had a great game in her team’s comfortable 20-1 win.

On diamond one, last season’s premiers, Penguins White, took on Cobras.

Both teams welcomed new players, and while Cobras started well, holding a 5-1 lead, the experience of the Penguins was too much for Cobras with a come from behind 19-6 win, led by Jess George.

MVP’s clash with Cranbourne Comets was a thriller, with Miah Taylor and Lisa Lever shining.

Comets had a fast start, and just managed to hold off a fast finishing MVP, with pitcher Lisa Lever making a double play to shut down MVP, helping her team win 9-8.

Cobras enjoyed a cracking start to their season with a stellar performance taking down Cranbourne Goldstars 22-5.

Doveton women’s SEMR team travelled to Dandenong to take on Southern Knights, with Doveton’s Melissa Spencer, Elisabeth Collins and rookie Kasey Davies batting well.

Southern Knights hit the gaps with some hot bats to take home the win.

Arapaho played Cobras Grey in the men’s competition, with the game deadlocked after four innings.

Cobras pitcher Alec Chapman had struck out six batters, hit a double, and then a huge hit over the fence for a home run.

Arapaho pitcher Nathan Mackey finished the game with seven strike outs.

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Good team batting and fielding from Kane Bell, Josh Mackey and Jack Grattidge was enough to get Arapaho their first win of the season 7-3.

Cobras Black won the other game 8-3.

Meanwhile, round two kicked off with a grand final replay in the social women’s between Narre Warren Penguins White and Berwick Geronimo.

Geronimo’s 17-run first innings blew the Penguins off the park and set the scene for a 23-5 win.

Cobras’ Ana Saleshis’ triple, and Maddie Wingraves’ catches at shortstop helped Cobras over the line for a 10-9 win against MVP on diamond one.

There were two games in women’s B-Grade: MVP defeated Cranbourne Gold Stars 18-6 and Cobras outplayed Penguins 14-5.

Rounding off the day were two open men’s games.

Two Cobras teams - Maroon and Black went head-to-head with Jordan Stockdale coming out of retirement to catch the fast pace of Shane Harrison’s pitching in Black’s 15-9 win.

The second game saw men’s competition newbies Berwick Arapaho and MVP face off for the first time.

Arapaho’s batting was too strong for MVP in a 21-7 win, with Nathan Mackey and Ethan Chavasse hitting home-runs, and Kevin Petersen backing up with a triple.

The Young Guns and Doveton played out a thrilling 3-3 draw under lights in the A-Grade competition.

If you’re interested in finding out more about softball please contact Casey Softball via Facebook or Instagram.

KOOWEERUP BOWLS The season commenced this week with Kooweerup managing to field two teams in the Mornington Peninsula Bowls Division which was highly unlikely until two weeks ago.

With a number of new players, former members re-joining, and transfers from other clubs, Kooweerup received great support as the season drew near.

Kooweerup’s new players were Bec and Jimi Watts, Cam Davey, Mel Alexander, Mav Katz and Erin Price, together with Rob Matthews (former member), Wayne Stevens (Karingal and former member), Ian Richardson (South Oakleigh), Steven Jenkins (formerly Murrumbeena) forming a nucleus of experienced and newer players.

We commenced the season, after some give and take with the MPBR, with Div. 8 playing at home against Hastings and Div. 9 being away to Dromana.

Div. 8 had a very impressive start to the season winning 88-30 and collecting maximum points.

Leading all game (27-5 after 15 ends), the rink of Brett Condron, Peter Butera, Bec Watts and Daniel Price scored a convincing 35-8 win.

Not to be outdone, Steven Jenkins, Ian Richardson, Jimi Watts and Jim Jenkins after a steady start then “put the foot down” going from 8-3 to 32-5 to end with a 35-5 win.

The third rink of Wayne Stevens, Rob Matthews, Rex Alexander and Jacqui Butera built up a 16-1 lead and though that was

Kooweerup bowler Margaret Royle sends down a beautiful delivery. 367137 Picture: SUPPLIED enough.

They forgot we play 21 ends and narrowly snuck home with an 18-17 win.

All the new players and recruits showed they will be assets to the club.

In direct contrast, Div. 9 copped a lesson on a breezy Dromana green losing 11-66.

With a very inexperienced team of Cam Davey, Mav Katz and Mel Alexander (10 games between them) it was a real struggle for Tim Katz losing 5-40.

Hopefully they will not get disheartened as we all have those days.

Faring marginally better was the other rink of Margaret Royle, Jill Roissetter, Peter Stevens and Erin Price, who also suffered a run of 3-23 shots against them to lose 6-26.

Tuesday Pennant will begin their season in Div. 4 with a home game against Beleura.

This will be the first time that Kooweerup has played Beleura in Pennant.

-Rex Alexander Thursday, 19 October, 2023

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Thursday, 19 October, 2023

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