News - Berwick Star News - 11th January 2024

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Thursday, 11 January, 2024

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Meet our new top cop

Corruption foiled

By Cam Lucadou-Wells No one shaped Casey’s affairs more than the state’s anti-corruption body, which delivered damning findings on local councillors as well as proposing radical changes in planning across the state. The Independent Broadbased Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) tabled its Operation Sandon report in July – an inquiry that provided jaw-dropping allegations of political payments including cash in a suitcase. Former Casey mayors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett were especially highlighted for accepting more than $1.15 million in payments and in-kind support from developer John Woodman. They were found to promote Woodman’s interests in several key planning decisions at Casey without declaring their conflict of interest. Woodman was also found to cultivate influence at state government level, paying lobbyists and donating generously to Labor and Liberal party coffers.

He’d also funded 11 ‘friendly’ candidates’ campaigns in the Casey elections in 2016, and was linked to a community residents action group funded by developer Leightons. It’s yet to be seen whether Aziz and Ablett will face criminal charges. IBAC has powers to refer alleged criminality to the Office of Public Prosecutions to make that call. Both councillors and Woodman have denied wrong-doing.

Many of the “elaborate” financial arrangements were designed to give the “appearance of legitimacy”, IBAC acting commissioner Stephen Farrow said in handing down the report.

The bombshell public inquiry, which led to 34 recommendations, had several other farreaching consequences. It precipitated the State Government’s sacking of Casey councillors in 2020, placing the council under administration for four years. The Government enthusiastically received IBAC’s recommendation to take planning decisions out of councillors’ hands and instead made by independent expert panels. More details are being awaited of the Government’s new planning regime – touted to fast-track housing supply. The Government has been less enthusiastic to adopt

IBAC’s advice to ban political donations from “high-risk” groups such as developers. In October, voters will decide on the make-up of the next Casey Council. How many of the 11 sacked councillors will stand for re-election and the extent of their punishment at the ballot box will be intriguing. Farrow said as a group, Casey councillors had exhibited and tolerated behaviour that was below the standards expected of them.

Some made a “conscious departure” from the standards, others had a “poor understanding” of their obligations.

IBAC deputy commissioner David Wolf said the report “laid bare” corruption risks in council decision-making and with political donations at state and local government levels.

“What is clear is that the conduct of individual councillors severely damaged the standing of Casey Council with their local community.

“It showed the ease with which council governance requirements can be manipulated or disregarded by councillors who are minded to do so.” IBAC’s investigation revealed councillors were incapable of dealing with the “complexity” of planning matters, Wolf said at the time.

“And then of course, you have the corruption vulnerabilities exposed in this report.”

Earlier last year, Coroner David Ryan recommended that IBAC does more to alleviate witnesses’ uncertainty about being prosecuted as soon as possible.

This followed the suicide of former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon, who believed she was headed to jail as a result of the IBAC allegations.

IBAC has since confirmed that Stapledon wasn’t facing prosecution.

IBAC acting commissioner Stephen Farrow and deputy commissioner David Wolf. 350301 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

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New top cop on the block

By Sahar Foladi The new Southern Metro Region Assistant Commissioner is set to further his extensive years in Victoria Police.

Chris Gilbert just started off in Greater Dandenong as the new Assistant Commissioner for the Southern region, after he spent more than 33 years of service in a handful of roles.

“I’m still finding my way around the area and I’m very impressed with what I see particularly with police personnel here.

“I’ve encountered very happy and committed staff working in this area,” he said.

“I’m encouraged that they have very strong relationship with the community, and we’ve seen that through recent community events.”

As anti-social behaviours and hoon events became the frustration of residents throughout 2023, there’s a hope that operations such as Achilles and operation Hades will help to bring some peace to residents.

“What we’ve seen through that is significant reduction in high risk driving events particularly hooning events, so we know that Operation Achilles has worked very well.

“We have a very keen eye on hoon driving behaviour because road trauma is incredibly important for us to reduce.”

There were 289 lives lost on Victorian roads last year as Victoria Police raised alarms over the holiday period.

As reported previously by Star Journal in November 2023, Operation Hades saw a crackdown on hooning activities along with high risk driving among others.

Over the two-day operation 345 issues were identified, including 79 defective vehicles, more than $50,000 fines issues and rows of impounded cars.

“We run these kinds of operations very frequently not just in Dandenong but whole region so that’s a very good example just to demonstrate that we are out there listening and focusing on the risks to road safety from hoons.

“We’re very clear that road trauma is completely avoidable, so our focus is helping people understand when they drive, that their

Southern Metro Region Assistant Commissioner, Chris Gilbert. decision making will largely be the difference between a road trauma or not.”

Although Operations Achilles was launched in February 2021 in response to increased hooning activities, the issue remained at large.

The Springvale Mega Mart shopping centre was brought under the police radar just after a year of the operation in progress.

As reported previously in March by Star Journal, nearby sleepless neighbours complained of the “shotgun” like noises.

“Overall, people do a very god job but it’s really up to everybody to try and contribute.

Picture: SUPPLIED

“For those who don’t want to do that, we’ll continue with the operations we have people out there enforcing road rules.”

Anti-social behaviours such as robbery, house break-ins are also of major concerns to the Greater Dandenong community however Mr Gilbert says there have been reductions in offences of that kind.

“We look at some other indicators in what that looks like, and we know in the Greater Dandenong area included, we’ve seen some very good drop-offs in offending types such as robbery over the last few months.

“We’ve also seen reduction in burglary of businesses,” he said.

“We’re seeing reductions in offences and I think that’s actually from understanding where some of those behaviours are occurring.”

Businesses finding it challenging in Dandenong CBD are also advised to flag any ongoing issues with the Neighbourhood Policing program.

“It’s very important for council and local business concerned about ongoing issues to raise the issue with the register,” Mr Gilbert said.

“That can help us to be more focused on where we do our patrolling.

“We work in a large area but we have sufficient resources to be able to respond.

“Whilst we may not get to everything immediately, the community should be reasonably confident that we will respond to serious incidents in all occasions and if there’s no immediate result these do go to other investigations which may take longer to resolve but there’s certainly no lack of attention to those.”

As summer rolls out, residents are strongly advised to play their part and ensure cars and homes are locked.

“One of our important messages currently is for people to ensure not to leave valuables in the car and their car is locked.

“We’re seeing far too many incidents where cars are stolen, the cars are not locked, and valuables are visible in the car,” he said.

“Generally, we find that if residents take those steps, they won’t have their houses broken into.

“That’s something we’d like the community to work with us on.”

Along with the experiences and awards that come with his extensive career in Victoria Police, Mr Gilbert added a King’s Birthday honour in 2023 to his list of achievements as one of the six officers recognised.

The award recognised his contribution to community safety, intelligence and covert policing among a few as he led the Victoria Police’s Intelligence and Covert Support Command.

Battin office finally secures a location The year has started off promising for Berwick MP Brad Battin as his long-awaited electorate office has finally secured a location.

After over a year running an informal mobile office that saw Mr Battin hopping between local cafes and restaurants, he took to facebook on Thursday 4 January to announce that his constituents will soon be able to find him and his staff in a permanent office in the heart of Berwick.

Mr Battin office will be on 4-6 Wheeler Street just off High Street, Berwick. The loca-

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trated as his constituents had no easy place to find him locally.

He resorted to raising the issue in Parliament itself in November last year. He said in session, “it is getting to a stage that is ridiculous – that a lower house member of this Parliament cannot get an office in their electorate to represent those that they are supposed to represent, a place for the local community to go.”

With a location secured, Mr Battin wishes this to be the home stretch for the new office, saying in the facebook post that he hopes works on site will start this month.

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tion was formerly a TAB. “There will be no betting here, it’s 100 percent odds on,” Mr Battin quipped in his facebook video.

This comes after a long wait ever since the last State Election in November, when Mr Battin’s former seat of Gembrook was abolished which made his old office in Officer redundant as he nominated and was elected to the new seat of Berwick.

State Parliament offices are responsible for securing an electorate office for MPs, as the weeks turned to months and then eventually to a year, Mr Battin became increasingly frus-

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By Corey Everitt

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Arrest after evade

The taskforce worked on tree removal and temporary roof repairs.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Answering the call

By Corey Everitt Victorian SES and CFA members bravely spent their New Years deployed to South East Queensland to help with the vital relief efforts for communities affected by devastating floods.

The deployment was a first-time joint task force of SES and CFA together. 40 CFA and 43 SES personnel from all over the State.

The task force was transported to the area of Helensvale near the Gold Coast to take on temporary repairs and removal of trees and debris. They operated for 5 days from December 30, spending 2 days traveling and 3 days in relief efforts.

Group Officer for Westernport, David Breadmore was the CFA’s Taskforce Commander. This is not his first deployment, but no experience could mitigate the shock of what these communities are going through.

“This isn’t my first, I was a part of the deployment for floods on the Murray last year. I don’t think I’ve seen devastation like that before,” Mr Breadmore said.

“There is not a street that wasn’t affected, every park, street, farmland was littered with trees everywhere.”

Christmas Day and Boxing saw severe storms throughout the east coast of Australia, in South East Queensland 7 people have died in the tragic events that are said to potentially result in damage costing in the billions.

Thousands are without power for days with

CFA and SES in Queensland. a reported 900 power lines damaged.

The severe weather did not end, Mr Breadmore’s taskforce saw this first hand.

“We were hit with a significant weather event while we were there, there was an emergency broadcast which forced us to stand down and take shelter,” Mr Breadmore said.

“Rivers would rise and fall in moments, we had 200ml of rain in an hour.”

Despite the tough and vital work in a dev-

The debris left on the road after the Cleanaway FOGO collection on New Year’s Day. Pictures: SUPPLIED

astated community, Mr Breadmore was heartened to see residents stay strong.

“The thing which stood out to me was the resilience and strength of the community up there who had been without power since Christmas, had debris through their property,” Mr Breadmore said.

“With disasters you often feel there can be resentment, due to a sense that the response wasn’t good enough or too slow. But we were welcomed, everyone would come back in the truck and say they were all great to work with.”

While working in a joint taskforce with the SES, a rare kind of deployment, was an eye opening and effective experience.

“Working alongside the SES, we of course were learning from them as we went, but also found ourselves feeling a great deal of respect for them,” Mr Breadmore said.

“It was a first, it was certainly a unique taskforce and it proved to be a resounding success and will definitely happen again in the future.”

Ultimately, with communities going through hardship through a time when they should be together and safe, Mr Breadmore is proud of his colleagues’ efforts in helping them.

“It was hard to deploy at this time of year, asking people to miss their New Year celebration. All in 24 hours notice, these guys had difficult circumstances, but they did an excellent job,” Mr Breadmore said.

Lynn and Dennis Briggs claim Cleanaway staff also broke a wheel off one of their neighbour’s bins.

Green thumbs down to waste collectors A Berwick couple have hit out at waste management company Cleanaway for leaving mess on their street and damaging one of their neighbour’s bins.

Berwick residents Dennis and Lynn Briggs said on New Year’s Day morning, Cleanaway workers left green waste debris behind after the food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection on Earlston Court in Berwick and broke one of their neighbour’s bins.

“They’ve dumped the rubbish in the berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

middle of the road,” Dennis said.

“It’s just not good enough.”

Lynn said she was the target of inappropriate language from a Cleanaway truck driver after confronting a Cleanaway team about six months ago.

Dennis and Lynn said Cleanaway and Casey Council came back to their street, but failed to adequately clean up the debris.

Casey Council sustainability and waste

manager Michael Jansen said Cleanaway was required to meet performance and behaviour standards.

“Cleanaway perform all three kerbside collections on behalf of the City of Casey,” he said.

“Monitoring of the waste collection contracts shows that Cleanaway has performed its services to a high standard, however all complaints are taken seriously and should be directed to council.”

A Cranbourne man and his partner have been arrested after they evaded Sunshine police in an allegedly stolen car in Glenroy on the morning of Tuesday 9 January.

Officers were called to a welfare check on two men in a car on Wright Street in Sunshine at about 9am.

The pair evaded police in the stolen white BMW mini coupe when officers approached.

With the assistance of Air Wing, the vehicle was followed through Footscray, Melbourne CBD, Moonee Ponds, and Broadmeadows.

Officers swiftly arrested the pair when they collided with a fence in Finchley Avenue, Glenroy just after 10am.

The driver, a 29-year-old Cranbourne man, was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

The passenger, a 28-year-old St Albans man, was transported to hospital for observation.

The pair remain under hospital guard and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Three men charged Police have charged two Berwick men and an Officer man with a string of offences following a number of alleged hooning incidents in Melbourne’s South East last year, including swapping places in the driver’s seat while travelling at 100km/h.

Police originally arrested a 19-year-old Berwick man Friday 28 April, 2023 for allegedly traveling at speeds above 260km/h along the Monash Freeway near the Ernst Wanke Road exit at about 2.30am on Tuesday 25 April.

Police initially charged him with 27 trafficrelated offences, before that number rose to 110 offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, driving at a dangerous speed and racing with another vehicle.

He has been scheduled to face Dandenong Magistrates Court again on Wednesday 24 January.

Investigators from the Achilles Taskforce seized several mobile phones from the man’s Berwick home at the time of his arrest, uncovering vision of two additional males allegedly seat swapping, leaving the vehicle driverless at 100km/h on the Monash Freeway on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

Police then charged a second 19-year-old Berwick man and an 18-year-old Officer man from Officer on Monday 2 January for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Police charged the 19-year-old man with 42 offences, including five counts of reckless conduct endangering life, five counts of reckless conduct endangering serious injury, four counts of loss of traction and travelling at 202km/h.

Vision obtained from the phones also allegedly showed the 19-year-old racing another vehicle on the Monash Freeway, reaching speeds in excess of 200km/h.

Police subsequently seized his BMW 330i during a search warrant on Thursday 21 December, with the 19-year-old man set to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates Court in January.

Police charged the 18-year-old Officer man, who was a minor at the time, with one count of reckless conduct endangering life and one count of reckless conduct endangering serious injury, with the 18-year-old set to face a Childrens Court at a later date.

To report any anti-social behaviour or reckless driving, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Thursday, 11 January, 2024

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$1.4m retirement bonus A Cranbourne council worker took home $1.4 million in the TattsLotto draw, which fuelled his dream of retiring and relocating to be closer to his children.

The Melburnian held one of the seven division one winning entries in TattsLotto draw 4431, drawn Saturday 6 January, and looks forward to a total division one prize of $1,428,580.38.

The news came as a complete shock after the winning man revealed he normally didn’t win anything more than a chook raffle.

“I’m in shock,” he said.

“I think I checked the ticket more than 10 times.

“Thank you so much. I don’t know how to process this.”

He said he did not get much sleep learning the news.

“I’m not a regular TattsLotto player. In fact, I don’t usually purchase tickets into TattsLotto, but I saw the offer was $10 million, and I thought to myself, ‘Oh, wouldn’t that be nice to win,” he said.

“I purchased a QuickPick into the draw and didn’t think twice. I guess now these are my lucky numbers.”

The lucky man has already been planning his after-lottery life.

“My kids live up in Queensland. I’ve been thinking of retiring from my council job and moving to be closer to them. They all live there.

One in Brisbane, and the rest in the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“My siblings also have been asking when I’d be taking some leave to come visit them on holiday and now I can. I’ll have all the leave in the world!”

His winning 50-game QuickPick was purchased online at thelott.com – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

The winning numbers in TattsLotto draw 4431 on 6 January 2024 were 17, 12, 36, 42, 13, and 34, while the supplementary numbers were 41 and 38.

Across Australia, there were seven division one winning entries in TattsLotto draw 4431 – three in New South Wales, and one each in the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria Queensland, and South Australia.

The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 216 so far in FY24, including 73 won by Tatts customers.

In 2023, TattsLotto created 176 millionaires across Australia.

During this time, there were 303 division one winning in TattsLotto entries across Australia that collectively won more than $436 million.

A Cranbourne council worker took home $1.4 million in the TattsLotto draw.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Sea of colourful kites set to soar over Berwick

By Matthew Sims The skyline over Berwick’s Federation University campus will transform into a sea of moving colours this weekend as part of The Bright Events’ fifth Kite Festival.

Running from 2pm to 9pm on Saturday 13 January, the free festival will host thousands of people as they launch colourful kites into the air, with kites and threads available to purchase on the day.

The event will also feature an all-day live DJ, jumping castles, a variety of food and allday entertainment.

Event organiser Manthan Parikh said

there are still a few more surprise additions to the festival to come.

“Getting into the fifth year is very exciting and we are growing every year,” he said.

“We have a few surprises this year for the attendees which we have trialed recently.

“We always want people to have unique experiences at our event.”

Mr Parikh said they are expecting about 6000 to 8000 people through the gates during the event.

“This event is open for everyone,” he said.

“We want as many people as possible to enjoy the family time. We have variety of food, amusement rides for kids.”

Kites and threads will be available for purchase.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to Federation University’s Berwick campus for the fifth Kite Festival.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

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STAR NEWS 5

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ...

NEWSMAKERS

Dragged into oblivion Drag queens and the LGBTQIA+ community in Casey were embroiled in controversy after facing severe backlash from “alt-right” and “selfproclaimed Christian” groups, and it was one of the more prevalent and recurring topics that Berwick News covered in 2023.

The issue itself is longstanding, with the rooted ideals of traditionalism, conservatism and religion – to name a few factors – clashing with more progressive and left-leaning ideologies that the LGBTQIA+ community is built on and actively promotes.

For Casey, the conflict began with the cancellation of The Art of Drag workshops that were meant to be held in Bunjil Place for five weeks throughout April and May. This came after the drag performers who were meant to host the sessions said they experienced “a barrage of threats and violence from alt-right and self-proclaimed ‘Christian’ groups”.

City of Casey chief executive, Glen Patterson said that the cancellation was “in the interest of community safety.

“After careful consideration, consultation with our community partners including Victoria Police, and in the interests of community safety, we have decided to cancel the Art of Drag workshop series that was scheduled to be held at Bunjil Place in April and May,” he said.

The event would have given adolescents ages 12 to 25 the opportunity to learn skills in drag hair, makeup, fashion and performance, all created and hosted by professional drag kings and queens including Belial B’Zarr, Linh Uendo, Holly Pop, Lilium and Randy Roy. Allegedly, protest groups engaged in threatening and harassing phone calls, including emails and physical intimidation where a “queerphobic group forced their way into a council meeting, hurling homophobic and transphobic rhetoric at council members and security”.

City of Casey director community life Callum Pattie said in a then-recent council meeting that a “small number of residents raised the issue of the workshops and their disapproval thereof after the meeting in a separate discussion with the CEO”.

Mr Patterson added, however, that the decision to cancel the event “in no way legitimises or validates the actions or statements of indi-

Drag performer Belial B’Zarr co-created the now cancelled Art of Drag workshop series for adolescents in Casey to learn about the art of drag.

Picture: OSCAR SAUNDERS viduals, activists or protest groups”.

“Casey is committed to promoting opportunities for engagement, advocacy, events, safe spaces, and partnerships that support our LGBTIQA+ community and doing so with a duty of care, especially where young people are involved.

“The carefully curated age-appropriate content was to provide a safe and inclusive space that young queer people and their parents had the choice of participating in, knowing it was specifically developed for those members of the community identifying as LGBTIQA+,” Mr Patterson said.

A youth engagement program conducted around that time revealed that one of the top five challenges that faced young people was “identity”, according to Mr Patterson.

The Art of Drag would have served as a “vital affirmation of self-worth to young people who may be coming to terms with their sexual orientation, sex or gender identity without necessarily getting the support they need from their peers or the broader community”, he said.

Roadwork traps locals

By Violet Li Roadworks have relentlessly pained Cranbourne throughout 2023 as the suburb underwent the second year of the Narre WarrenCranbourne Road Upgrade.

Starting in 2022, the upgrade by Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) aims to add extra lanes, install traffic lights to replace several roundabouts, revamp intersections, build new shared walking and cycling paths, and place safety barriers along the road at most sections between Thompsons Road and the South Gippsland Highway.

The project is said to improve safety, reduce congestion on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, and reduce growing traffic pressure on the South Gippsland Highway through Cranbourne Town Centre.

As Thompsons Road and Narre WarrenCranbourne Road are two heavily trafficked main roads in the Cranbourne area, continuously planned road closures caused traffic delays on main roads and traffic build-up on residential streets. Small trips were turned into lengthy journeys, which forced many families to move homes to avoid the traffic detours and congestion.

One local father told Star News that a 10-minute drive to Hillcrest College extended to 45 minutes on some mornings.

The distress caused this father to relocate, simply to avoid the trouble caused by the roadworks.

Local businesses also felt the brunt of the closure, with multiple businesses reporting fewer transactions and lower revenue.

Coupled with Casey Council’s major road projects, at some points, the state-led roadworks trapped residents with overlapping closures.

In August 2023, locals in Cranbourne East 6 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 11 January, 2024

were denied access to both ends at Linsell Boulevard, with MRPV responsible for the closures on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and the Council overseeing the Clyde Road works.

The Linsell Boulevard/Clyde roadworks began in February 2022 and were set to be completed in November of the same year, yet the finishing point was prolonged to around October 2023 due to Council’s dispute over electrical poles with Melbourne Water.

Casey Council is also converting the South Gippsland Highway and Ballarto Road intersection into a roundabout to ‘accommodate for the growing population in the area’.

An approximate 100-metre section of Ballarto Road has been closed off since November 2022 and the works are expected to be completed by mid-2024.

As the two parties operated on roadworks simultaneously in the region, residents condemned the overlapping timelines.

“No one is disputing that the roadworks is needed, what is being disputed is the poor management of these timelines,” one local said. “The area of Casey and its population cannot handle multiple projects at once.

“It’s dangerous and careless.”

Residents also questioned why the necessary roadworks failed to precede the addition of new housing estates.

As one of the fastest growing areas in Australia with projections of a 67 per cent population increase by 2041, Casey is seeing more and more estates being built, with new residents adding to the strain on our roads.

Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade will continue until 2025. In February, the crew will reopen Cameron Street and close Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road at Berwick-Cranbourne Road to finish building the new intersection.

However, there was disappointment and concern from the hosts and creators of the workshops, saying that it was an “incredibly disappointing outcome” and it reflected on the state and the federal government’s inability to “protect queer and trans young people”.

“Those in power have a responsibility to protect our communities and provide structure and resources to local councils and prevent young people being exposed to an impacted by violent extremism,” they said.

“This includes robust/stricter safety protocols, no-tolerance policies for hate, and thorough community consultation during risk assessments.”

The alleged harassment confirms that there’s an increased need for workshops such as the Art of Drag, the group said.

Since the cancellation of The Art of Drag, many artists involved have experienced hate speech in the form of derogatory comments, slurs and threats, the group said.

The story persists a few weeks later, where drag queen Brenda Bressed, AKA Bryce Gibson spoke out against the cancellation of The Art of Drag event.

They believed that other steps could have been taken to protect the drag performers from the threats made by the “alt-right and Christian groups”, without cancelling the event entirely.

The cancellation came just weeks after tensions flared with pro-transgender rights and anti-transgender rights activists took the streets of Melbourne’s CBD. The aftermath of the protest involved an attendance of neo-nazis who performed a nazi salute at the steps of Parliament, which in response the Andrews Labor Government announced a $900,000 in funding to support LGBTQIA+ organisations.

The package went to support eight LGBTQIA+ organisations across Victoria to help respond to additional demand caused by the incident.

Essential services were heavily supported by the funding at initiatives including Transgender Victoria, Queerspace, Rainbow Families, Switchboard, Zoe Bell Gender Collective, Throne Harbour Health/Equinox, Transcend and Mind.

The package boosted counselling and famiMRPV response: 2023 has been a huge year for Major Road Projects Victoria in Cranbourne with the Hall Road Upgrade and Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade both making significant progress.

The Hall Road Upgrade ticked off multiple construction milestones, completing three major intersection upgrades throughout 2023, removing a pair of roundabouts (McCormicks Road and Western Port Highway) as well as overhauling the dog-legged intersection at Hall, Evans, and Cranbourne-Frankston roads.

Completely overhauling the prior intersection alignment, the Hall Road Upgrade completed the new-look signalised intersection at Hall, Evans, and Cranbourne-Frankston roads in late June.

From multiple dog-legged intersections to one easy-to-navigate intersection, the intersection also has increased pedestrian access for everyone accessing this part of Cranbourne West.

The crew worked throughout a six-week construction blitz to install new drainage, complete earthworks, relocate utilities, install traffic signals and public lighting and lay fresh asphalt to bring the streamlined and safer intersection to life.

The upgraded McCormicks Road intersection was opened in August as the project removed the old, congested roundabout and installed traffic signals. These works were also significant for the project to help overhaul the area’s drainage system and help mitigate local flooding in the area.

The project installed 225 concrete drainage culverts, which will help capture and store excess floodwater before releasing it slowly over time.

The ongoing works under the roadway ensure that rainfall can pass under the road, and any run-off from the new lanes on Hall Road is gradually released.

These culverts work in tandem with existing stormwater drainage systems in the region as well as the seven retention basins installed across the project.

Finally, the crew reopened the Western Port Highway intersection for Christmas on 20 December, having successfully removed the Western Port Highway roundabout – the fourth roundabout removed from the Western Port Highway

ly therapy, referrals and peer support to ensure LGBTQIA+ Victorians, their families and cares could get the support they needed, authorities said.

“Trans people routinely endure abuse, violence, and discrimination in the name of free speech, and the past week has caused further trauma for an already vulnerable group.

“Trans people deserve better, and this funding will help organisations to provide crucial support, safety, and care,” said equality minister Harriet Shing.

Ms Shing also denounced the efforts of the protest groups who contributed to the cancellation of The Art of Drag event.

“Events that are open to young people of all genders and sexualities, provide safety and celebrate diversity send a powerful message to young people that it is OK to be themselves,” she said.

“This message is so important when we know that stigma and discrimination contribute to young LGBTIQ+ people often experiencing poorer mental health than others their age.

“We condemn any efforts to make LGBTIQ+ Victorians and allies feel unsafe for being who they are, including LGBTIQ+ performers and young people.”

The barrage of hostility experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community was not concentrated in Casey only and was a Melbourne-wide crisis that continues to have a lasting impact.

Hobson’s Bay Council in Altona saw a crowd of protesters cause disturbances during a Council meeting in a move against the discussion of gender-neutral toilets, which eventually prompted all future meetings to be held online.

In support of the LGBTQIA+ community, and in an effort to stomp out the neo-nazi movement in the western suburbs, the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (CARF) held an anti-nazi rally in early October.

This came after Legacy Boxing Gym in Sunshine held a so-called “white powerlifting competition”, and has been likewise linked to neo-nazi activists who frequent the venue.

As for the City of Casey, it was understood that they reimbursed all performers and resources costs involved with the creation of the cancelled workshop. in Cranbourne and Carrum Downs in the last five years.

This upgrade marked some of the last major works on the Hall Road Upgrade, with the project set to complete major works nine months ahead of schedule in February 2024.

In other major achievements for the project, construction was completed on the new westbound lanes, which will help double traffic capacity between McCormicks Road and the Western Port Highway once both sections are open.

The eastbound lanes, currently being upgraded, once completed in early 2024 will mark an improvement for east-west traffic flow throughout Cranbourne West and Carrum.

The Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade is surging ahead with building extra lanes and upgrading intersections to make it quicker, easier, and safer for people.

The new intersections at Linsell, Majestic, Hunt Club and Spirit boulevards, Thompsons Road, and Kingdom and New Holland drives are open and are providing safer journeys for motorists with the introduction of traffic lights and lane and road widening.

In late 2023 the team moved traffic onto the newly built southbound lanes of Narre WarrenCranbourne Road. This allows construction to continue building the new northbound lanes and upgrading key intersections between South Gippsland Highway and Thompsons Road.

The project also dug deep to begin works to replace the congested roundabout at BerwickCranbourne Road and Cameron Street with a new signalised intersection.

Once complete, this upgrade will make it safer for the 35,000 motorists who travel through this area each day.

To reduce travel times across the network, Stage 2 works on the Berwick-Cranbourne Road intersection upgrade have been rescheduled to February.

In February, when major works are complete on the Hall Road Upgrade, Cameron Street will reopen while Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road will be closed at Berwick-Cranbourne Road as the crew finishes building the new intersection.

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ...

NEWSMAKERS

Show axemen get chop

By Eleanor Wilson The Berwick Show was among the victims of a court order limiting timber harvesting, announcing it would not hold its popular wood chopping competition in February 2023.

The future of competitive wood chopping was hanging in the balance across the state, after a November 2022 court ruling inhibited timber harvesting in areas managed by VicForests in order to protect endangered gliders.

The court action caused a shortage of log supply to the Victoria Axemen’s Council, which provides Alpine Ash Wood to agricultural shows across the state.

Berwick Show past president and co-chair of the Berwick Show wood chopping competition, Andy Fyfe, said a subsidiary of the Axemen’s council informed him they did not have enough log supply to service the historic competition.

Mr Fyfe said the cancellation would put a “big hole” in the 2023 Berwick Show, which was putting on its first public show since 2020.

“A lot of people decide to come down to the show on the Sunday for the wood chopping, it’s a great spectator sport and the axemen put on a great show,” he said in February 2023.

“For the axemen themselves, they start in their childhood learning to wield axes and chop wood…they dedicate their lives to the sport.

“There’s a lot of different clubs and associations around Australia and there are axemen that come from around the world for the sport, so we’re missing out on all of that.

“Hopefully there’s a positive way out of the situation, whatever the solution is.”

Berwick MP Brad Battin said he was “extremely disappointed” to hear about the axing of the event, which has a 40-year history at the

The wood chopping competition has been a fortified attraction at the Berwick Show for decades, shown here in 2011. 60908 Berwick Show.

“It’s been a stable part of the show well and truly before I remember… to see the next generation miss out on that is quite devastating because it’s one of those elements that brings agriculture and regional life to the city,” Mr Battin said.

“I’d love to see [wood chopping] return and that includes calling on courts and government to ensure we have a sustainable timber

industry into the future.”

In a statement, a VicForests spokesperson said it was not currently conducting any timber harvesting operations in any Forest Management Areas across Victoria.

“VicForests’ ability to harvest has been impacted by a court decision preventing timber harvesting operations unless new surveys are done that comply with the court’s order,” the spokesperson said.

“As a result, VicForests has paused all timber harvesting operations and has commissioned experts to develop a new survey method to comply with the court’s orders.

“The timber shortage across Victoria will continue to impact availability of logs. VicForests will seek to meet its contracted obligations according to the agreements once harvest operations resume.”

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STAR NEWS 7

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW …

NEWSMAKERS

Builder collapses hit hard

By Emma Xerri Hallam-based builder Rawdon Hill was amongst the many unfortunate builders who faced an untimely demise in 2023.

Despite promoting its “thriving” business just a day before going into liquidation, Rawdon Hill formally announced on 25 May that it was winding up and had appointed Dye & Co as liquidators.

A day before liquidation, Rawdon Hill posted on social media that it could “help” customers of collapsed builder Porter Davis to complete their homes in the South East, according to The Age. A Porter Davis customer in Clyde North says she came close to signing on with a deposit.

“We were about to sign on with this builder.

They were the only ones that followed through with a quote for us,” she posted on social media.

“They’ve just gone into liquidation.”

In April, Rawdon Hill advertised in Star News that it had “secure product supply” and were “here to stay”.

“We acknowledge people’s reticence in choosing a builder in the current circumstances,” general manager Peter Grant stated.

“But want to emphasise that our current and future customers are and will continue not to be impacted negatively.

“We … can say with absolute certainty that we will proudly finish every single home in our strong pipeline, while we continue to pay everyone on time, every time – guaranteed.

“Rawdon Hill Homes continues to thrive and we are searching for even more local subcontractors.

“We are here and we are ready to build now.”

Since liquidation, Rawdon Hill’s Facebook page has been taken down. As of 31 May, its website however suggests it is still open for business.

The firm promotes itself as a low-volume builder with 46 years of experience.

Customers were plunged into turmoil in late March when Porter Davis went bust, leaving more than 1500 unfinished homes in Victoria.

Other builders such as Interface Constructions, Kleev Homes Pty Ltd, Chatham Homes and Melbourne-based Dome Building Projects have also since collapsed, joining the more than 2000 Australian building companies that have gone into liquidation since mid-2021, according to data from the Australian Security and Investments Commission.

First home buyer Amber Barnes was among the Porter Davis customers left in limbo and financial distress after the company’s collapse.

“I’ve got almost $60,000 locked up in a house and land that I don’t know how to get back,” she said.

“It’s devastating. You know, you save your whole life and now it’s just gone.”

In a second hit for the young childcare

The state government has announced support for Porter Davis customers.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/JONO SEARLE worker, with building yet to start on her home, her deposit was not covered by insurance, meaning she will likely lose out on at least $27,000 paid to the construction giant.

Miss Barnes said her current best option is to employ another builder to take on the construction of the home.

But even that would stir up between $80,000 to $120,000 in extra charges, she estimates.

“It’s going to cost us more than what we had first settled with with Porter Davis because we are now, as I said, two years down the track, everything’s gone up.

“It’s not going to be the fixed price we want.

Or we try to get out of it, but I don’t want to lose on the money. I don’t want to lose on the loca-

A Rawdon Hill home design featured on the builder’s website.

tion…it’s all in limbo.”

“I’ve had no contact with anybody. So I don’t I don’t know where I stand. I have absolutely no idea…it’s frustrating.

“Being a high volume builder, you’d think that you were safe with them for this to turn around and happen. It just goes to show that it could happen to anyone.

“I just personally just feel for everyone who’s in the same situation and just hope that they do the right thing. I hope that they come out and help their customers as much as they can.”

The State Government recently announced one-off compensation for 560 Porter Davis customers who signed their contracts and

paid their deposits, but where Porter Davis did not take out Domestic Building Insurance (DBI), in breach of its obligations.

Grant Thornton Australia was appointed as the liquidators of 14 Porter Davis companies.

With 470 employees, Porter Davis had forecast $555 million in revenue for the 2023 financial year but there was “no option” but to liquidate, a Grant Thornton spokesperson stated.

“The extremely challenging environment for residential home building has directly contributed to the PDH Group’s financial position, with rising input costs, supply chain delays, labour shortages, and a drop in demand for new homes in 2023 impacting the Group’s liquidity.”

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Thursday, 11 January, 2024

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ...

NEWSMAKERS

Dowel double OAM honour

By Eleanor Wilson For Natures Organics managing director Justin Dowel, earning a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the community through philanthropy was a huge honour.

But what was most special to the Narre Warren North man was that he got to share in the experience with dad Terry Dowel, who was also decorated with an OAM in the 2023 Australia Day honours.

“That’s pretty big, from a business point of view Dad founded the company and I’ve seen him work six to seven days a week, blood, sweat and tears, for many years,” Justin said in January 2023.

“He’s given his whole life to this company, so it’s a huge honour for me, I’m very proud to receive an award with him.”

Terry Dowel, who lives in Beaconsfield, founded Nature Organics - known for leading environmentally-minded cleaning and personal care lines such as Earth Choice, Cove and OC Natural - in the 1950s.

The company has also pioneered the use of recycled packaging and plant-derived formulations throughout the 1990s and 2000s in Australia.

Justin began working with the business aged 21 on the warehouse floor, quickly proving himself to his hardworking Dad and working his way up the company - first as sales manager in 1993, general manager in 1996 and managing director since 2004.

He has been largely responsible for the multi-million-dollar growth of the business, forging deals to get Natures Organics products into Coles and Woolworths even in his earliest days, according to Terry.

But arguably, Justin’s largest impact on Natures Organics has been through the compa-

Justin (left) and Terry Dowel were two of a handful of South East Melbourne residents to be honoured in the Australia Day awards. 316755 Picture: ROB CAREW ny’s philanthropic work, which was sparked by a trip to Nepal in 2006.

“When we were in Nepal, we found that there were lots of kids living in the street who had nowhere to go, many of them without parents, so we found an orphanage and asked what was going on and if we could help fund the kids,” Justin said.

“That started our journey from there.”

A trip to Cambodia’s infamous rubbish dump at Steung Meanchey the following year was another eye opener for Justin.

“There were three and four year old children with plastic bags melted to their arms... it was the most horrific thing I’ve seen in my life,” he said.

“There is so much we can do as humans to help beyond looking in our own backyard and I decided I would dedicate my life to doing everything I can to support these people.

“When you see these these kids now are at university and it’s just amazing to see the change it’s had.”

Today, the company makes monthly contributions to various charities, The School of St

Jude Australia, Cambodian Children’s Fund, Free to Shine, Reaching the Unreached, Catherine Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and the Jane Goodall Institute Australia.

“We always give an allocated portion to each group every month, no matter what, because the biggest challenge for a lot of charities is finding sustainable income,” Justin said.

“The hard part is the economy is so bad now that the first thing big companies do is pull back their charity funding.

“We’ve found it as hard as anyone to maintain the performance of the business, but we have that commitment to the organisations we support and we won’t back down from that.

“We always say we aren’t here to give once, we’re here for a lifetime.”

The community-minded ethos is equally as evident in Terry.

“We’ve always been grateful for the community supporting us and one of our biggest motivations is to give back where we can,” Terry said.

“You do your best to make a reasonable profit, but out of those profits you have to share it with those who are in a bad way.

“It gives our company a much greater purpose and gives us something to be extremely proud of.”

Terry’s Australia Day honour also made mention of his passion for and commitment to his namesake car collection, which is made up of roughly 150 rare, vintage cars and memorabilia.

With the collection, which includes a 1948 Tucker, along with the first Holden prototype ever made in Australia, Terry established the Australian historical memorabilia public museum for Australiana and historical motor vehicles.

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STAR NEWS 9

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ...

NEWSMAKERS

Landfill plan angers locals

By Violet Li Frustration and disappointment overwhelmed Casey communities in 2023 as the Casey Council went against the public will to endorse the new Hampton Park Hill Development Plan at a meeting on Tuesday 18 July.

The Development Plan area includes the Hallam Road landfill and is bound by Ormond Road and Central Road to the north, the transmission line easement to the east, Glasscocks Road to the south, and Hallam Road/South Gippsland Highway to the west.

Served as a framework guiding land use and development proposals, the endorsed plan paved the way for the continuing operation of the current landfill, future waste and resource recovery activities, public open spaces, and light industrial activities in the designated area.

The Draft Development Plan attracted 1068 submissions in 2022 and a Community Engagement Summary Report noted that 99 per cent of the submissions objected to the draft with key areas of concern including odour hazards, truck and traffic hazards, loss of property values, landfill buffer impacts, inadequate community consultation, and Council’s previous empty commitment to restore the area to parkland.

Residents also stressed their concerns about a waste transfer station proposed at the site of Hallam Road Landfill by its operator Veolia Environmental Services Australia.

They suggested the waste transfer should be placed in a different location away from the residential areas and its future planning should consider the negative impacts the current landfill operation has on residents and mitigate them, according to the report.

The report further stated residents wanted

Protesters outside Hallam Road Landfill. 307447

Picture: GARY SISSIONS

the current landfill to shut down.

A protest assembled about 200 locals at the entrance to the Hallam Road Landfill on Saturday 12 November to oppose the draft of the Development Plan.

Despite the considerable community interest, Casey Council believed the Development

Plan must be consistent with the strategic directions of the State Government as articulated in the Plan Melbourne 2017-2050, the State-wide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan (SWRRIP), and the Hallam Road Waste and Resource Recovery Hub Plan 2021 (Hub Plan).

SWRRIP has identified the land as one of 22 State significant Hubs for waste and resource recovery services and infrastructure.

“We acknowledge concerns, however, due to Council’s planning role in the process and needing to not conflict with State Government policy, we were unable to consider them as part of this process,” City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said.

The Hallam Road Landfill, operated by Veolia, first started to receive waste in early 1997, accepting putrescible waste, solid inert waste, and shredded tires. It has a planning permit until 2040.

The surrounding areas around the landfill were developed for residential purposes in the early 2000s as at the time the landfill buffer was only 100 metres, which was later increased to 500 metres by The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).

The stench from the site has been haunting the community for a decade and a resident said to Star News that Veolia did not care, and EPA took no action, therefore no ‘real, meaningful or impactful action was taken’.

EPA issued a remedial notice on 17 February 2023 to improve Veolia’s leachate management, a major contributor to the odour.

A local resident told the Star News that his family had to constantly stay inside due to the smell and he was worried that it would damage people’s long-term health.

Residents reported mental health distress because of the odour, dizziness, nausea, and being unable to enjoy being outdoors in their own homes.

Veolia has officially lodged a planning permit application to Casey Council to build a waste transfer facility at the Hallam Road Landfill site.

SBI Landfill taken to court

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By Violet Li

10 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 11 January, 2024

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) launched civil proceedings against Cranbourne tip operator Stevensons Brothers Industries (SBI) Landfill Pty Ltd and its directors on 4 August 2023.

The lingering odour from its Cranbourne site has haunted the community since March 2022.

EPA alleged that SBI Landfill did not follow the requirements of its operating license and did not meet its General Environmental Duty because of the prolonged impacts the landfill odour was having on residents.

If successful in proving these breaches, EPA will seek a range of relief from the Court including declarations, injunctions, civil penalties, and a range of orders addressing compliance and operations at the site.

Penalties could exceed $1.8 million for the company and $360,000 for directors for each allegation.

EPA is also asking the court to issue interim orders to stop the site from accepting waste until it prevents unacceptable impacts on community health and the environment.

The legal action tailed the agency’s withdrawal of criminal proceedings against the company.

On 4 October 2022, the EPA charged SBI Landfill with breaching section 63(1) of the Environment Protection Act 2017 and withdrew the charge on 17 March 2023, claiming that the launching of civil proceedings would have a greater potential to effect change than pursuing allegations against SBI through the criminal courts.

SBI Landfill started to operate the solid inert landfill on Ballarto Road in Cranbourne in March 2020 and commenced waste management services for the building and construction industry in November 2021.

EPA first received complaints of a rotten

egg smell in March 2022.

The source of the odour is SBI’s sole landfill cell, and the rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which can be produced when solid inert waste decomposes.

EPA discovered that insufficient cover over construction and demolition waste at the landfill allowed rainwater to flow through and pool underneath the landfill. This increased the amount of odorous trace gases, which SBI failed to manage.

SBI removed the site’s stagnant water to an off-site location in Dandenong in July, but the smell did not go away afterwards.

Further issues were identified, including potential hotspots in the landfill cell, one or more blockages in the leachate management infrastructure, lack of an appropriate Risk Management and Monitoring Program (RMMP), and management faults of landfill gas extraction.

EPA’s monitoring of daily odour reports from 1 March 2022 to 18 October 2023 has shown that residents have been impacted every month on multiple dates since the inception of the saga, with a spike of almost 260 reports a day in July 2022.

The number of reports dropped substantially in 2023 with less than ten reports each month for the past few months.

EPA fined SBI Landfill $9246 for failing to immediately notify the agency of equipment failure at its Cranbourne site in July 2023 which caused an odour incident, a few weeks after the commencement of civil proceedings.

Two fire incidents occurred on site in November 2023. Police investigations have been continuing with the fires, but it was advised the causes pointed to arson.

Residents have been concerned about the security of the landfill as most of the frontage to Ballarto Road is not fenced.

EPA has been investigating the security status of the site since.

EPA is still awaiting a date for their court case against SBI. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … DISABILITY

Choir flying high At Melbourne Youth Chorale, everyone has a voice. We believe that everyone deserves the gift of music, and that’s how MYC comes to have its own choir specifically for children with additional needs.

Hazel and Joshua, two of MYC’s Flying Free Choristers, have learnt so much through music over the last two years.

Their needs are very different, however by learning at their own pace and in their own way under the guidance of skilled speech and music therapists, they have developed their skills and grown immeasurably in their confidence. As well as learning music skills through singing, rhythm and games, Hazel and Joshua have been exploring socialisation, communication skills and

emotional regulation.

MYC’s Flying Free choir is about to embark on its third year, under the leadership of Joey Cho (Music Therapist) and Elena Benatar (Speech Pathologist). In consultation with parents, children in the Flying Free choir will have individualised learning plans and regular reviews to ensure the Flying Free choir is assisting children to grow and achieve their best. Plans for 2024 include co-learning and performance opportunities with MYC’s other junior choirs.

For more information contact Kerry at manager.myc@gmail.com or visit MYC’s website at www.melbourneyouthchorale. com.au and complete an enquiry form.

SEC eagerly anticipates embracing the future together, committed to fostering a supportive and enriching community.

New year, new starts support means more than just taking people shopping or for a walk or helping with groceries.

Our support is individualised to each participant, and their goals are our motivation to help them improve or learn things to increase the opportunity to meet their goals.

We are also mindful that sometimes, being a companion for a participant and supporting them through a tough time can be just as helpful to them as working on goals.

We are mindful to work at the pace necessary for each individual and work with care teams where required to be guided in what is best for the participant at the time. We have several participants for whom we work closely with Allied health professionals engaged with them so we can support them in all ways needed for them to have the best outcome.

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Support Embrace Connect is entering 2024 excited for new beginnings and celebrating four years in the business.

A fresh start to groups and a new enthusiasm for supporting participants.

SEC has enjoyed the festive season, supporting participants who do not have informal support to engage with. SEC also has changed for the new year, with participants and team members working on our new support plans for the first quarter.

Our support plan breaks down the NDIS goals into smaller goals to work toward over 12 weeks, and then we revisit and discuss the progress.

We do not believe in only going out for coffee or groceries whenever we have a client.

Our role is to support participants and work toward their NDIS goals.

In the past four years, we have learned that

At Melbourne Youth Chorale they believe that everyone deserves the gift of music, and that’s how MYC comes to have its own choir specifically for children with additional needs.

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berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 11 January, 2024

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STAR NEWS 11

FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

Make 2024 your best year As we begin another new year, it’s time to ponder, what will make this one truly extraordinary for you? Will you make new friends, travel more or spend more time doing the things you love?

My 2024 New year Resolutions: Join a gym and get fit Make new friends Book a cruise or a new adventure Take up some new hobbies Just make the most of everything Moving into a lifestyle community ticks every box and makes 2024 the year when you finally make the move to change your life for the better, forever!

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Thursday, 11 January, 2024

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

BUSINESS PROFILE The winner of Berwick Star News and South East Orthodontics Colouring Competition was ZAC BENCSICS of Narre Warren North.

We have a winner!

Zac Bencsics with Dr Kip Homewood from South East Orthodontics.

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FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA

VCE Dance Excellence at Cathy-Lea Studios

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Bella captured by Diva Dance Photography.

Rockn’ Suzies dance classes have turned 20.

And I still love teaching people how to dance.

I believe that Rock and Roll is one of the easiest of the dance styles to master as it allows for lots of individuality.

The classes are designed to be fun and easy to follow for those aged 10 upwards.

Dancing is great for fitness, co-ordination, balance and memory, and many people form great friendships through the classes.

I teach at Pakenham and Cranbourne.

The Pakenham class is held in the hall where the library is at the corner of John and Henry streets. The Cranbourne class

is held at the senior citizens hall corner of Codrington street and the South Gippsland Highway Both of the nights have beginner and advanced rock ‘n’ roll classes open to all with no partner required. Between classes some of the popular line dances are taught as well.

Rockn’ Suzies also runs a monthly charity dance at the Pakenham hall which has been running for 19 years now. A different band plays each month which everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to attend.

For information call Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670.

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Thursday, 11 January, 2024

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Two Cathy-Lea students received perfect scores for VCE VET Dance. Bella Vohs and Cari Weybury have studied Dance at Cathy-Lea Studios for 10 and 15 years respectively. They studied the VCE Dance course with Cathy-Lea over 2 years.

The score of 50 contributes to their ATAR. Cari is in Year 11 and hopes to dance professionally.

Bella completed Year 12 with an ATAR of 91.7 and is planning to study Health Science at Monash University.

There are two of only three students in Victoria to be awarded perfect scores for this subject, which is studied by aspiring dancers in fulltime performing arts courses and secondary schools across the state.

Another Cathy-Lea student, Ella Morrison, has been invited to audition for Top Class, indicating her Jazz solo was also one of the top-scoring performances in the VCE Dance exams.

Malia Simunic, a student of Evolve Studios who studied VCE VET Dance at Cathy-Lea, was also awarded A+ for her performance exam.

VCE VET Dance is an industry-focussed subject for students in years 10-12 with some prior Dance training. It is a great way for young dancers to boost their ATAR while doing something they love. Cathy-Lea Studios run VCE VET Dance at their Narre Warren Studios on Saturday afternoons. We welcome partnership with dance studios so students can continue training at their existing studio and just enrol in VET Dance with Cathy-Lea. Enrolments are now open for 2024 with classes catering for students of all ages and abilities aged 18 months to adult. With over 150 classes per week in Dance, Music and Drama, Cathy-Lea is sure to have a class that meets your needs. Enrol now or book a free trial at www.cathy-lea.com

Still rocking after 20 years

STAR NEWS 13

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ...

PICTURES

Through the camera lens Berwick News had some amazing and beautiful stories to tell throughout the year, however, they wouldn’t have impacted the readers as much as they did if it weren’t for the photos that featured alongside them.

From the Anzac Day March in April, all the way to the Halloween celebrations at the Old Cheese Factory, here are the best pictures taken by our photographers last year.

Wilson Botanic Part held a Lantern and Neon Festival in April, with one of the girls, Madeline, peering into an intricately designed lantern.

380008 Picture: ROB CAREW

A young man saluting during the Anzac Day March at Berwick High Street. 380008

Picture: ROB CAREW

Narre Warren and District Family History Group president Jane Rivett-Carnac and publicity officer Lyne McGregor held a walk through history at the Dandenong Cemetery. 380008 Picture: ROB CAREW

From left to right, ‘Gus’ (red Kelpie), ‘Pepper’ (Border Collie) and ‘Archie’ (Kelpie) during the Picture: ROB CAREW Berwick Show in February. 380008

A dancer from Okie Dokie Dance defying gravity. 380008

Axl’s first day at Quarters Primary School in Cranbourne West in January. 380008 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS.

14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 11 January, 2024

Picture: GARY SISSONS

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ...

PICTURES

Ringing the bell as names were read out during the Ash Wednesday 40th Anniversary. 380008

Picture: GARY SISSONS

A demon was present at the Old Cheese Factory during Halloween. 380008 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Montague held its annual Apple Harvest Festival in April, with Gabby (11 yrs) showcasing her haul from the orchard tour. 380008 Picture: ROB CAREW

Elise Kellond-Knight met an ecstatic Michael Ninkama, a student from Hampton Park Secondary Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS College. 380008

Chess Republic participant Samriddhi staring down her opponent. 380008

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Thursday, 11 January, 2024

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STAR NEWS 15

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ...

QUOTES

What they said in 2023 “I know of a man in another shed who joined after losing his wife and it saved him. The guys here sometimes don’t realise it, but what they’re doing is supporting each other. Some of the guys here will never talk, but you put a tool in their hand and suddenly they won’t stop.”

Brad Battin MP on the Berwick Men’s Shed.

“This brings us great joy, we ask for nothing in return, we’re just happy to do it. This is for God’s glory, we are not doing it to get thanks, we are not doing it for them to think that we are really good people, we are doing it to spread the love and light at Christmas.” Elizabeth Stephens, founder of the Sunbeam Foundation on their Christmas Day meals.

“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.” Prez, a South East Sudanese independent musical artist from Cranbourne.

“I like to draw things that are important to me but I also want for other people to speak the same language, to understand them, so with all those little instances of positivity, it reinforces my decision of art being my career.”

Janet Matthews, renowned wildlife botanical artist on her inspiration.

“I was taught as a young person that if my neighbour is not free, I cannot claim to be free. It’s great that the women who contribute should be acknowledged somehow and such work should grow. We should start to really look into the unsung heroes in the community who’re less likely to get nominated for (honours) because the people they work with are powerless.” Mmaskepe Sejoe, a member of Wellsprings for Women, who were in charge of a documentary that celebrated 10 extraordinary migrant women.

“It’s like a hurricane. It’s just a roar of trains or trucks coming towards you, then it’s the sudden silence.” Peter Lynch, member of the Narre Warren CFA brigade on bushfires.

“I think the most important thing to remember is not to treat them differently because they are dying. They are still alive and they need to be respected. I’m not afraid of death as I’ve travelled this road before. The first time was the fear of the unknown, the second time was the fear of the known.” Gwen Clough, Palliative Care South East volunteer on elderly people with illnesses.

“I am always creating new ideas to help people, it’s a good feeling. In the face of adversity, I turn challenges into opportunities to assist others.” Carla Johnson, was nominated for the Southside Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Community Hero Award in the 2023 Victorian Community Achievement Awards.

“I believe it’s great for mental and physical health, getting outside, testing the body and the eyes, meeting like-minded people and opening your eyes to what is actually out there.

I think being aware of your surroundings helps you grow and appreciate what we have right in front of us, best of all, it’s free.” Brad White, a Cranbourne North birdwatcher and its benefits.

“All of these mental health issues have come about because we’ve put things on our feet. We’ve lifted ourselves up off of the ground, we’re sitting on chairs and blankets, our body isn’t literally connected to the earth.

In the modern era, we’ve lifted ourselves away from the environment, so the environment is out there and we’re in here, so we’re two different things as opposed to being one. But we are the environment, and the environment is us.”

Karan Kent, a Bidjara woman who led Wayapa Wuurrk meditative sessions, which means to connect to the Earth.

“The kit sends a message that there are people that understand and that there are people that care. It also sends a message that life isn’t over, however much it feels it is, that it is possible to live meaningfully after such a tragedy.”

Louise Flynn, a Jesuit Social Services general manager speaking on the Growing Around Grief kit which helps with suicide prevention and coping.

“Some people snap, especially if they’ve got a mental illness, and they’re getting sick of asking for help. Sometimes jail is just better, it’s three meals a day instead of sitting there with a hat asking for people to help.” Scott and Razor, a homeless man and his pet dog, who had been gifted a dog bed and a security vest; Scott 16 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 11 January, 2024

Janet Matthews 365404

Palliative Care South East chief executive Kelly Rogerson and volunteer Gwen Clough.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Mmaskepe Sejoe spoke on the difficulties of homelessness, and the stigma that came with it.

“Everyone has what it takes. I’m an everyday person with no formal qualifications and that’s an inspiration to say to everyday people, you can do what you set out to achieve. It takes resilience and hard work but it is doable with the right people.” Julie Cini, a Clyde North local, mentor, advocate, consultant and author who had been awarded an OAM for her community contributions.

“I feel confused where I am – same as in the detention centre. It doesn’t matter if it’s ‘blue’ or ‘red’ in Government, the policy is the same.

Everyone kicks you like a political football.

Australia is a democratic country. I don’t know why they treat us like this. We are human.”

Sathees is a Tamil asylum seeker who has been in Australia for more than a decade but with unsettled visa applications.

“We gather always, not to glorify war, but to remind ourselves that we value who we

are, the freedoms which we possess and to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who contributed to shaping the identity of our nation.” Commander Luke Weston RAN, deputy director of the Mariner Skills Centre at HMAS Cerberus delivered a speech at the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.

“Today is an opportunity to reflect but never forget and learn the lessons of the past.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan on the Ash Wednesday bushfires. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW …

FRONT PAGES

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STAR NEWS 19

NEWS

A ‘WHISE’ partnership

By Matthew Sims Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) is working towards addressing and preventing workplace gendered violence and sexual harassment within the state’s adult education and training sector, as part of a State Government-funded initiative.

Supported by WorkSafe’s WorkWell Respect Fund, the Training for Respect project will offer self-paced modules covering the prevalence of workplace gendered violence, psychosocial risks and obligations under the Occuptational Health and Safety Act 2004, delivered via a new infrastructure through Victoria’s adult education and training sector.

The program will be a collaborative effort between WHISE, Women’s Health Goulburn North East, Women’s Health East, The Men’s Project, the Victorian TAFE Association, and the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia.

WHISE chief executive Kit McMahon said they are proud of the partnerships are developing.

“If we are going to address the barriers to economic inclusion, then a key part of that is to ensure that our training and education sites are free from workplace gendered violence,” she said.

“WHISE is delighted to be a part of this experienced and values-based partnership that will address the drivers of workplace gendered violence and set up what will be a sustainable infrastructure for this work in partnership with industry for longer term change.”

Ms McMahon said the program will deliver the right outcomes for the state’s Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

“RTOs play a vital role in our community, our society, and our economy,” she said.

“Addressing workplace gendered violence is a crucial way to increase wellbeing in our com-

Women’s Health in the South East chief executive Kit McMahon. 281650 munity and the productivity of our economy, especially at a time when we still face significant skill shortages.”

The project will build upon existing frameworks, such as the Our Watch Respect and Equality in TAFE framework and the Gender Equality Act.

According to the fifth National Survey on Sexual Harassment, close to half of all incidents reported occurred within the education and training sector.

WorkSafe Minister Danny Pearson said the WorkWell Respect Fund will help industries tailor new approaches to prevent and respond

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SPORT

Hodge a Titan on Tuesday

By Jonty Ralphsmith Former Australian batter and Big Bash League star Brad Hodge will turn out for Berwick Springs in the quarterfinals of the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) T20 competition.

All four knockout matches were rescheduled to Tuesday 16 January at 5.15pm after rain prevented play in the original date of 9 January.

Hodge and the Titans will play at Berwick Springs Recreation Reserve against Turf 2 side Heinz Southern Districts.

Hodge’s appearance promises to bring people through the gates, with the Titans heavily promoting the 49-year-old’s cameo since announcing it on their Facebook page on December 31.

The elegant right-hander represented Australia 46 times across the three formats between 2005 and 2014 and has a Test Match and One Day International century to his name.

Now a regular in the Channel 7 commentary box, the top-order bat also has an imposing record in the shortest format, finishing with 277 professional T20s to his name, with an average of 37 and strike rate of 131.

“We’re all really keen so we were really flat when they called it off on Tuesday,” Berwick Springs First XI skipper Braydon Hillman said.

“It’s going to be a big moment, a lot of the younger guys are keen to get around him.

“Even myself, I grew up watching him.

“I’m excited from a tactical perspective because he’s played so much white ball cricket, he’d be great to get some ideas off, whether it be field placements or bowling tactics or something like that.“ It’s a significant moment for a young club looking to make its mark on the DDCA. “It’s announcing that we’re here to compete,” Hillman said.

“We’d love to win this T20 competition.

“No-one really knows about us so it gets our name out there and puts us on the map a bit and shows we’re not here to mess around.”

The Titans qualified for the quarterfinals by defeating Turf 1 side Beaconsfield and Parkmore, which was in Turf 1 last season.

As well as their application in the shortest format, the Titans are the only team to have beaten Coomoora in Turf 3 this season – and have done so twice.

It’s off the back of the club’s most pronounced recruiting drive ever, which saw it welcome in the experience of Shalika Karunanayake as player-coach, Sachintha Rajapakse, Scott Lindsay, Seth Lindsay and Radomir Badzoka.

The other quarterfinals see Berwick take on St Mary’s, North Dandenong host Fountain Gate and Springvale South square off against Narre South.

Brad Hodge will turn out for Berwick Springs on Tuesday. 110519

Picture: BRIDGET COOK

Magpies back in winner’s books after downing Lyndale

By Jonty Ralphsmith The constant will and high work-rate of Bevan Radhakrishnan has been crucial for Narre Warren so far in Turf 2 of the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA).

The Magpies had significant turnover in their First XI following last season, with the experienced Radhakrishnan one of few experienced campaigners remaining who knows the game plan – and he’s executed it excellently.

His busy 84 off 78 on Saturday against Lyndale at Barry Powell Oval was the latest in a series of knocks this season where he has played the match situation well, as his season average of 42 reflects.

Saturday’s knock was crucial, with wickets falling all around him, which threatened to undo the hard work of openers Ben Swift and Luke Clarke.

While the openers’ platform triggered hopes of a score in excess of 200, quick wickets allayed that optimism.

They would have been all out much earlier than their eventual 173 if not for Radhakrishnan’s initiative.

The big hitters of both sides naturally targeted the short straight boundaries, which worked in Sahan Jayawardana’s favour as the Magpie banged away with seven overs of back-of-a-length bowling.

He finished with 4/19 including two early wickets which put Narre in the driver’s seat for most of the Dales’ innings.

Late cameos to skipper Ben Montgomery and Nithiyananthan Mahendrakumar kept the hosts in the day but Narre struck just as Lyndale hope appeared to be restored – something replicated several times throughout the day.

The result keeps Narre Warren in the finals hunt, while Lyndale will be ruing the missed opportunity to draw level on points with second-placed Parkfield.

At Parkfield, a 132-run opening partnership between the classical Dishan Malalasekera and free-scoring Nathaniel Cramer helped the hosts chase down 232 in an entertaining run-fest against Cranbourne.

The pair struck a perfect blend of boundary-hitting and strike rotation.

Both players seized on the loose balls as they look to have both found the successberwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Narre Warren nabbed its second win of the season on Saturday. 382054 ful recipe in tandem, Malasekera making a chanceless 67 to lift his season average to 32, while Cramer’s 64 came after a 52 against Heinz Southern Districts in the last match before Christmas.

Cramer’s wicket soon after his opening partner’s invited Cranbourne back into the contest as they claimed 5/26 in a strong burst from spinners Harsaroup Singh and Sajana De Silva.

But skipper Stephen Cannon stabilised with an unbeaten 29, while debutante Riyanzi Fernando came in late and hit a straight six first ball which effectively sealed the result.

The match captured in miniature the central narratives to Cranbourne’s season: doggedly competitive, attractive to watch, but reliant on too few.

Veteran batter Cam Kelly and mediumfast bowler Tim Fathers have provided the auxiliary to Harsaroup Singh’s and Sajana De Silva’s profitable efforts but contributions have otherwise been thin.

Kelly, playing his 250th First XI game for Cranbourne, played his role perfectly, hitting 39 opening the batting, which allowed Singh

and De Silva to put the foot on the accelerator.

Both players were in a boundary-hitting mindset, using the pace of Hansika Kodikara to throw the hands at width and move around in the crease against the spinners.

Singh didn’t get enough height on an attempted lofted cover drive, however, dismissed late in the innings one run short of a century, while De Silva scored 41.

Cranbourne appeared to justify the decision to bat first by setting 233, but the intent and poise of the Bandits’ openers against the imperfect Eagles attack swung the momentum.

Elsewhere, Heinz Southern Districts’ fight to stay in the contest was once again on show as it defeated Parkmore by 24 runs.

After opener Brent Patterson gave the Cobras a platform with a well-constructed halfcentury, Parkmore fought back through the middle.

But, like they have done so often this season, the lower-order, led by Jett Kearney, added late spice to enable HSD to set a target

Picture: ROB CAREW of 200. With the ball, it was Jackson Philpin who did the damage playing in the First XI for the first time this season.

Slasher Jaime Brohier posed the most danger to HSD before he was one of Philpin’s four victims, the Cobras mostly able to keep the Pirates at an arm’s length thereafter.

At Greaves Reserve, often a tricky venue for spinners, Dandenong West leg-spinner Riley Siwes took another leap back towards his best bowling with 4/14 off six as the Bulls bowled Keysborough out for 84 in a ninewicket win.

RESULTS: Parkmore 10/175 defeated by HSD 7/199, Parkfield 8/236 defeated Cranbourne 7/232, Lyndale 10-158 defeated by Narre Warren 9/173, Dandenong West 1/86 defeated Keysborough 84 LADDER: Dandenong West 47, Parkfield 36, HSD 33, Cranbourne 30, Lyndale 30, Narre Warren 21, Parkmore 18, Keysborough 9 FIXTURE: Narre Warren v HSD, Cranbourne v Keysborough, Parkmore v Lyndale, Dandenong West v Parkfield.

Thursday, 11 January, 2024

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STAR NEWS 21

SPORT

Lions prevail on final ball

By Marcus Uhe A remarkable contest of twists and turns between Narre South and Beaconsfield saw the Lions sneak home on the final ball of the afternoon by one wicket in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 action on Saturday at Beaconsfield’s Perc Allison Oval.

With the scores tied on 166, a single to Ruween Wijesinghe off the final ball of the match pushed the Lions past Beaconsfield’s total, and secured his side’s first win since round two.

Beaconsfield was in the driver’s seat for much of their batting innings thanks to a 125run stand for the third wicket between Yohan Arumadura and Mark Cooper.

Former Tiger Callan Tout removed Tyler Clark for a fourth-ball duck, bringing Cooper and Arumadura together in the first over.

Arumadura was the aggressor in the partnership, scoring with a higher strike rate than his captain over the course of their union.

But his departure for 74 set in motion a stunning collapse, the Tigers falling from 1/126 to 166 all out in the 42nd over.

Kevin Seth fell for a golden duck immediately after Arumadura to Kyle Hardy, with the remaining batters all falling for single-figure scores, separate collapses of 2/0 and 4/2 the low points of the innings.

Cooper was the final man dismissed, falling just shy of carrying his bat, for 49.

Jeevan Mendis was the pick of the Lions’ bowlers, finishing with 3/45 from his 12 overs.

Beaconsfield made a promising start to their defence, reducing the visitors to 4/59 upon the dismissal of Hardy for 33.

Hardy saw Harsha De Silva, Callum Nicholls and Alex Cruickshank all come-and-go for single-figure scores, and departed in the midst of a promising partnership with Mendis.

The reigning Wookey medallist added 47 with wicketkeeper Riley McDonald for the

Jeevan Mendis played a crucial role in Narre South’s thrilling win over Beaconsfield. 379818 fifth wicket and wrestled momentum back to purple, but his and McDonald’s departure in short succession shifted the balance once again.

When Mendis was bowled by Trishane De Silva, the Lions needed a further 56 runs from the remaining 41 deliveries, with only four wickets in hand.

Tout and Sean Wilson added 36 for the seventh wicket, aided by a 25 runs from the 40th and 41st over.

Wilson’s 14-run cameo came to an end in the 43rd over, however, 20 runs shy

of the target.

12 runs from the 44th over, thanks to an important six from Brad Parker, made it seven runs required at the beginning of the final set of six.

Parker’s run out made for an awful start to the over, Wijesinghe joining Tout at the crease requiring seven from Mitchell Tielen’s final five balls.

They did it the hard way, running ones and twos off the next four deliveries, tying the scores on the second last ball before sealing the six points on the last ball of the day.

Picture: ROB CAREW The win is significant for the Lions’ mental fortitude, having lost games from winnable positions against Buckley Ridges and Berwick before Christmas.

Hardy’s 33 was the top score for Narre South, Arumadura bowling five maidens in his spell of 1/24 to go with his excellent innings with the bat.

Ashan Madhushanka and Seth each took two wickets for the Tigers, who may come to rue this contest at the end of the season when finals positions are on the line.

Ishan’s big day for Buckley as Berwick hold off Saints

By Marcus Uhe A clinical all-round performance from Ishan Jayarathna helped Buckley Ridges remain undefeated in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 cricket on Saturday against North Dandenong.

Jayarathna took 4/54 and hit 72 with the bat as the boys from Park Oval downed North Dandenong by five wickets at Lois Twohig Reserve.

North Dandenong was dismissed for 203 batting first with regular wickets inhibiting its ability to build partnerships.

Jawid Khan and Maroons captain Clayton McCartney added 71 for the third wicket in what was the only partnership of significance, before McCartney was bowled by Buckley veteran Michael Davies for 36.

Jayarathna secured the crucial wicket of Khan for 42, reducing the hosts to 5/108.

A welcome return to form from Ramneet Ranaweera (48) helped push the total to 204, the last man dismissed for 48, Davies’ third victim in the 44th over.

The Maroons made a promising start to the defence, the wickets of Jake Cronin, Jayson Hobbs and Roshane Silva early in the innings reducing the visitors to 3/32.

Ben Wright and Troy Aust hit a number of boundaries as they looked to shift momentum back their side’s way, Wright scoring at nearly a run-a-ball for his 44 before trapped LBW attempting a sweep on a full toss from Muhammad Khan’s off-spin.

Michael Davies took three wickets for Buckley Ridges against North Dandenong on Saturday.

382053 Picture: ROB CAREW Aust and Jayarathna then added 92 for the fifth wicket, taking the visitors to within touching distance of the total.

Jayarathna’s innings came to a close with his side at 187, leaving Aust and Davies to hit the remaining 17 runs.

Jayarathna top scored for Buckley Ridges while Aust’s unbeaten half-century will delight those at Buckley, in just the wicketkeep-

er’s second game of the season.

Sushant Gupta was the best of North Dandenong’s bowlers taking 2/49.

At Arch Brown Reserve, Berwick held off a plucky St Mary’s side gunning for its first victory of the campaign in a three-wicket win on the Bears’ home deck.

A much-improved batting performance from Susantha Pradeep’s Saints saw the visi-

SUMMER HAS BEGUN

tors post 9/192 batting first, which Berwick eclipsed in the penultimate over seven wickets down.

Safaras Moahomad was the lynchpin of St Mary’s innings in the middle order with 53, supporting Saveen Nanayakkara at the top of the order with 42.

But constant wickets from the Berwick bowling attack saw a steady stream of new batters come to the crease, each needing to find their feet and start from scratch, Nanayakkara and Wendyl Pires’ 51-run partnership the biggest of the innings.

Elliot Mathews was the primary reason why, the off-spinner taking 4/44 from his 12 overs, including the key wickets of Moahomad and Nanayakkara along the way.

The Saints will have been disappointed to have not capitalised on their foundations, having reached 1/75 before Nanayakkara was dismissed.

Berwick’s chase wobbled at stages, Jordan Cleland’s dismissal for 29 reducing the hosts to 4/68 after single figures scores to Jake Hancock and Matt Robertson, and with Matthew Hague on the sidelines as he recovers from a calf injury.

Mitchell Shirt was the steady head required in the middle order, however, hitting 61 in solid partnerships with Ash Henry and Lachlan Brown to guide the side to safer waters.

Pradeep was the pick of St Mary’s bowlers, taking 3/34.

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Calder crushes Ringwood

By Marcus Uhe Casey South Melbourne opening batter Matt Calder ensured his club debut was one to remember on Saturday morning, blasting an unbeaten 103 from just 54 deliveries in a topof-the-table T20 win over Ringwood at Casey Fields in Victorian Premier Cricket.

Calder clattered four sixes and 13 fours in his knock, bringing up his century and the winning runs off the final ball of the innings with a cut shot through backward point.

Teammate Lachlan Sperling defended the final two balls of the previous over with just three runs required for victory, allowing enough runs for Calder to reach the milestone early in the 16th over.

From Mosman in New South Wales’ Premier Cricket competition, Calder was a seamless fit at the top of the order for the Swans, who chased Ringwood’s total of 8/148 four wickets down.

He reached his half century of just 26 deliveries, having taken 18 runs from the fourth over of the innings bowled by Ringwood skipper David King.

While the remainder of the top order failed to fire, Calder’s innings ensured there was no reason for concern, assuming the responsibility as chief destroyer of the Rams’ attack.

Earlier, two wickets to Jackson Fry in the second over of Ringwood’s innings saw them fall to 2/7, with only opener Adam Amin able to put pressure on Casey’s bowling group.

Amin hit 79 from 51 deliveries but struggled to build partnerships as wickets fell around him, the largest of the innings just 37 between he and Ian Holland.

Five Swans bowlers took wickets while only conceding at slightly around a run-a-ball for the duration of the innings, aside from a late flurry from the tail.

Matthew Calder hit 103 on debut for Casey South Melbourne on Saturday against Ringwood. 382049

Picture: ROB CAREW

hit 55 off 40.

The two arrested a skid from the Swans that saw Ruwantha Kellapotha and Michael Wallace both dismissed within quick succession early in the innings, as the remainder of the batters struggled again.

A break in the Big Bash League schedule for the Melbourne Renegades allowed the Swans to include Kellapotha, but the all rounder was below his best, despite an economical performance in the second contest.

Fry struck early the Swans’ defence to dismiss opener Jai Elcock and put the pressure back on the Heat, which never recovered in pursuit of the total.

Former Swan Luke Manders was forced to retire not out on 17, and none of his teammates passed 26 thanks to a tight bowling performance.

Fry, Kellapotha and Sperling’s economy rates were each below six, while Shelton was not far behind on 6.6, having taken 2/20 from his three overs.

Sperling was the standout bowler with 2/14 from his 4.

The competition returns to 50-over fixtures next week, with the Swans facing another contender to their ladder-leading status when they take on second-placed Carlton at Princes Park.

Skipper Luke Shelton took 2/23 from his four overs, while Fry finished with 2/21 from his three.

Calder backed-up his century in his first appearance for the Swans with a half-century in the second, as his side grabbed a second victory of the day later in the afternoon against Frankston Peninsula.

Where the first game of the day saw the Swans chase, Shelton chose to bat against Frankton Peninsula where set the visitors a total of 6/151.

Calder’s 64 from 51 topped the scorecard for the home side, having shared in a 84-run stand with wicketkeeper Devin Pollock, who

Flyers looking for first win CCCA creating pathways for more female cricket

By Marcus Uhe

A loss to bottom-placed University of Canberra Capitals at home on Saturday night has left the Southside Flyers winless in 2024.

The Flyers could only manage 65 points against the bottom-placed side, going down by 10 after a poor second half in which they were outscored by 14 points.

Just three players scored in double figures for Southside, Lauren Jackson leading the way with 16 points.

Mercedes Russell was well-contained by the Capitals, who only scored seven points and grabbed eight rebounds despite playing all but 90 seconds in the contest.

The Capitals used their speed to run Southside off their legs, outscoring the home side by 15 fast break points.

The Flyers experienced a turbulent Christmas/New Year period, unable to string consecutive wins together across rounds eight, nine and 10.

A pre-Christmas trip across the Nullarbor saw Southside fall 10 points short against Perth 95-85, fading as the game continued after keeping pace in the first half.

Perth possess one of the league’s most potent offences in the WNBL and simply had too many options for the Flyers to contain.

Russell played all 40 minutes, shouldering extra responsibility in Jackson’s absence, posting 20 points and 12 rebounds.

They responded emphatically against Adelaide the following week, outsourcing the lightning by 24 points in a dominant second half on the Lightning’s home floor, prevailing 87-62.

Forward Nyadiew Puoch shone, with 20 points and eight rebounds in the emphatic win.

Southside won the rebound count 4428, assists 21-14 and shot 50 per cent better from beyond the three-point line, nailing two-thirds of their total shots.

Jackson made a welcome return to the lineup with a near double-double of 12 berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) is displaying a positive approach to creating opportunities for females to become involved in cricket.

With the hard work of Female Cricket Managers Simona Tidyman and Bec Newman, the association has developed a plan to initiate a ‘Social Sixes’ program early in 2024.

South East Area Manager Peter Symons claimed that the program will provide mature females with the chance to gain valuable exercise; enjoy the fun associated with the project, and learn valuable cricket skills at the same time.

Similar programs have been organized at many suburban Melbourne venues including Brunswick, Doncaster, Warrandyte, Koonung

Heights and Kew. The idea is to gather to play a modified game and perhaps develop sufficient skills to be the basis of future activity.

With the assistance of the Bendigo Bank, Casey Cardinia will be able to finance the development of successful initiatives.

“While female cricket has been established in the CCCA, we really would like to develop a whole pathway approach so that girls and mature females will become interested in joining this fun approach to becoming captivated by the sport,” said CCCA President Rob Hansen.

The CCCA is laying the foundations and planning for the initiative to take off early this year.

Lauren Jackson and the Southside Flyers are winless to start 2024, after dropping their first two matches.

Picture: PICS BY TRE points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes.

Their first clash of 2024 saw them drop a low-scoring slog against Melbourne in a second meeting for the Michelle Timms Cup. Held to their lowest score of the season, Southside could only muster 61 points in the 67-61 loss in the Melbourne Derby, as former Flyers Monique Conti and Sara Blicavs gave their old side a reminder of their quality in new colours.

Conti scored 17 points and was busy on the defensive end with four steals, while Blicavs scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds.

Only Puoch and Russell scored in double figures for Southside, Russell’s exceptional consistency on show with her sixth doubledouble of the season.

The Flyers next host Sydney on Friday night at the State Basketball Centre.

Chloe Robinson, from Bendigo Bank Lang Lang, presents a cheque to CCCA President Rob Picture: SUPPLIED Hansen and former President Bob Taylor. 379754 Thursday, 11 January, 2024

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