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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
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Call for meeting time change
Push to protect wetlands
Flying colours
Campbell clicks for Cobras
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SPORT
Racing icon bows out Kevin Wynne’s incredible contribution to the racing industry was reflected upon at Cranbourne Turf Club on Friday night as he called time on a magnificent career. Wynne, a star jockey for 44 years, has been a Clerk of the Course for two decades, and has been a familiar face at Cranbourne over the journey. His wife Dianne and daughter Sally, pictured, have also been heavily involved in the industry. Sally said her dad had been around horses since he was a kid. “He’s been doing it all his life, he used to skip school when he was little and run and grab the pit ponies from the local mine and bring his mum back home on the pony,” she said. “It’s been going on forever, it’s his passion, it’s his love, so with any luck, I’ll keep him going at the (training) track.” Turn to page 13 for more on Kevin’s big night
Picture: ROSS HOLBURT/RACING PHOTOS
Station stink-up By Violet Li Furious Casey communities are objecting to a planning application that would see a waste transfer station next to the controversial Hallam Road Landfill, and have voiced accompanying concerns about fire risks, midnight noise, and increased traffic, dust, and odour. In July 2023, Casey Council endorsed a new Hampton Park Hill Development Plan that would facilitate future waste and resource recovery activities in the area, including the development of a waste transfer station. The Draft Development Plan attracted more than 1000 objections in 2022 and residents were vocally against the potential waste transfer station proposed at the site of Hallam
Road Landfill by its operator Veolia Australia. Veolia officially lodged a planning permit application to Casey Council on 29 December 2023 to build a $27m commercial waste transfer station. In its submitted proposal, the proposed infrastructure is to ‘support waste management needed in the region due to the impending closure of the Hallam Road Landfill’. Located approximately 250m from the nearest residential dwelling, the new facility would accept about 550,000 tonnes of municipal residual waste, construction and demolition waste, and commercial and industrial waste from Melbourne’s Southeast. It would recover and recycle some waste
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streams and transfer residual waste to energy recovery facilities. Despite a webpage established by Veolia to address community concerns, residents have not been convinced that the neighbourhood would be free from negative environmental impacts by the new facility. Hampton Park resident Tony O’Hara said his biggest worry was the potential fire risks the station might incur. According to Veolia, waste will be visually inspected on the tipping floor, consolidated, packed into containers, and loaded into trucks. The potential fire ‘should be able to be contained within individual containers which help with fire management’.
Mr O’Hara said incorrect disposal of batteries in rubbish bins could easily be responsible for huge fires and it was too hard to put the fire out inside a closed vehicle. “They [Veolia] get the waste. They compact it, and they put it in a squashed format inside the bigger trucks. It’s a squashing process, which is the biggest danger,” he said. “You break open batteries, and you can cause sparks and cause violence. “Now if it’s a normal fire of materials, it may not be so bad, but when batteries are involved, they seem to be able to generate still fire even with very minimal oxygen.” Continued page 8
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NEWS
IN BRIEF
Narre Warren local Stephen Matulec initiated a petition in June 2023, stating that working residents in the Casey were being excluded from current council meetings held at 4pm. Picture: SUPPLIED
An officer’s report for December’s council meeting recommended the commencement time be changed to 5pm for all council meetings scheduled in 2024, but Casey administrator Cameron Boardman moved an alternative motion to change 5pm back to 4pm, which was unanimously voted for.
Council rejects plea By Violet Li A petition with more than 200 supporters has failed to change the Casey Council meeting time from 4pm as administrators maintained the status quo for 2024 at a meeting on 12 December 2023. Narre Warren local Stephen Matulec initiated the petition in June 2023, stating that working residents in the Casey were being excluded from current council meetings held at 4pm. “The council refuses to review this until December, so workers will continue to be excluded for the rest of the year,” he put in the petition. “Most councils hold meetings later in the evening so workers can attend. Nearby councils like the City of Greater Dandenong, the City of Monash, the City of Knox, and Cardinia Shire all hold their meetings at 7pm. “There is no reason why Casey can’t do the same.” Residents stated their reasons for signing the petitions. “People in the community, ratepayers, taxpayers, must be given the chance to take part in having a say in what happens, what is done in our backyards so to speak. These council workers get our hard-earned money, they must be accountable to us, to our needs, and what’s good for us, our decisions, not theirs,” one local Erika Bartz submitted. “I don’t get home from work until 6pm and having lived in Hampton Park for 30yrs I have an invested interest in what is happening with our landfill issues. I feel they have done this in-
tentionally so we can’t protest our grievances,” another local Kylie Davis submitted. Within a month, the petition gained about 250 signatures and Mr Matulec submitted it to Casey Council in July. In October’s council meeting last year, City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM responded to a resident’s submitted question on the outcome of the petition by saying the council would consider community feedback and other factors and set the time for 2024 in December. An officer’s report for December’s council meeting recommended the commencement time be changed to 5pm for all council meetings scheduled in 2024, but Casey administrator Cameron Boardman moved an alternative motion to change 5pm back to 4pm, which was unanimously voted for. Mr Boardman believed that there wasn’t significant community justification or expectation and moving the start time to 5pm would not result in any benefit to the administrators, the council, and the community as a whole. “If council meetings started later, there would be a requirement to, under our EBA arrangements, potentially provide general meal allowance and overtime allowance to council staff who would be expected to participate in the meetings,” he said. “It is certainly a matter that will be considered by a future council.” Administrator Miguel Belmar added that technology had enabled people to participate in these meetings online.
Mr Matulec said he was disappointed at the outcome, and he found the administrators’ rationale for the time amendment “a complete nonsense” because having a 5pm meeting would benefit the community a lot. “Everyone was united. No one says to me that 4pm is a good time,” he said. “People pick their kids up from school at 4pm and a lot of people might just finish work. It is a bit of a rush getting to the meeting at 4pm. If people are still working at 4pm, they can’t just go online and watch because they are still working. “If it is 5pm, people who finish at 4pm can get there at 5pm. And people could also stay at their office and watch online.” He said administrators did not care about what the community wanted. “They’re saying that having a 4pm meeting meets their expectations to do their job. They don’t care about what people have to say or what people want because they don’t have to listen.” Mr Matulec also questioned why the council meeting time could not be changed in the middle of the year. He pointed out the meeting time was changed from 6pm to 4pm halfway through the year when administrators were appointed in 2020. “They keep putting up rates to pay for their blowouts on budgets, but now all of a sudden, a little bit of meal allowance, overtime, is what they care about,“ he said. “Now they care about spending.”
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Fourth fire at landfill Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews were called to a fire at the Stevensons Brothers Industries (SBI) landfill on Ballarto Road at Botanic Ridge at around 11pm on Sunday 14 January. A pile of wood at the property was on fire. A Community Advice alert was issued for smoke in the area. The scene was under control at 11.27pm. The fire is considered to be suspicious. This has been the fourth fire incident at Cranbourne SBI landfill in recent years. The first one occurred on 14 February 2022, the second one on 2 November 2023, and the third one on 25 November 2023. Police investigations have been continuing with the second and the third fires, but it was advised the cause pointed to arson. Cranbourne West shooting Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after shots were fired at a property in Cranbourne West on Monday 15 January. It is understood a vehicle pulled up outside the Trueman Street residence before several shots were fired at about 4am. Police were told shots went through a garage door and into two parked cars. Four people were inside the property at the time of the incident. There were no injuries. Charges after large-scale cannabis crop discovered A man has been charged following a search warrant and drug seizure in Cranbourne West on Tuesday 16 January. Officers from the Springvale Divisional Response Unit executed a search warrant at a factory on Futures Road just before 5pm on 16 January. Investigators allegedly discovered a sophisticated hydroponic cannabis cultivation set up and a commercial quantity of cannabis. A 38-year-old St Albans man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with cultivate commercial quantity of cannabis, traffick commercial quantity of cannabis and resist police. He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday, Wednesday 17 January. Tyres and teens busted in car chase Police have arrested a 17-year-old Cranbourne North male, as well as four other males, following a lengthy car chase involving two stolen vehicles on Thursday 11 January. The two stolen vehicles, a BMW and a Mercedes, were observed in Endeavour Hills at around 8.20am and were monitored by police. The vehicles travelled through multiple suburbs, with police using stop sticks in Camberwell and Glen Waverley. The occupants dumped the BMW on Sanday Street in Glen Waverley before getting into the Mercedes and fleeing. Police followed the Mercedes to Heathmere Crescent in Endeavour Hills, with all five occupants exiting the car, which had blown its front driver-side tyre, and attempting to flee on foot. Police quickly arrested all five occupants, who were assisting police with enquiries, authorities said last week. Police arrested an 18 year-old Doveton man, a 20-year-old Frankston man, a 17-year-old Narre Warren male, a 17-year-old Cranbourne North male and a 16-year-old Dandenong male. No one was injured during the pursuit. Police have begun investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incidents.
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NEWS
Death cause ruled By Violet Li The death of a man at the United Petroleum Service Station in Cranbourne while police were apprehending and handcuffing him was from toxic levels of methamphetamine and heart disease, a coroner report has found. The autopsy identified amphetamine and methamphetamine at toxic levels and evidence of ischaemic heart disease in the body of 32-year-old Jarryd Robert Liddicoat. He passed away on 27 April 2021 after police handcuffed him following concerns for his, theirs, and the safety of the public as he was walking into the traffic and acting erratically on High Street. It was found that approximately 15 months before his passing, he started using ‘ice’ (methylamphetamine) and resultingly became “increasingly paranoid”, the report noted. He was placed in custody before his death. Mr Liddicoat was involved in a car collision on the night of his passing after he ran a red traffic control signal at the intersection of Sladen Street and High Street. He then reported himself at the Cranbourne Police Station around the corner and his breath test was negative. A preliminary oral fluid test for illicit drugs was not undertaken. Mr Liddicoat called his friend to pick him up on High Street between the Red Rooster restaurant and the United Petroleum Service Station as the police towed his car away. He entered the service station at approximately 10.15pm and told the console operator to call the Dandenong police for a Cranbourne accident. He was then spotted at around 11.30pm by First Constables Harris and Rollo, who were patrolling High Street at the time. According to their statement, Mr Liddicoat was on the white edge line of the road and appeared drug-affected, aggressive, and armed
Forensic pathologist Dr Sarah Parsons who conducted the autopsy commented that the very high level of methamphetamine in the deceased’s blood likely led to him acting erratically prior to Picture: FILE police arrival. 171210 with a metal bottom of a road or street sign. He was “swinging the metal pole around, mumbling, talking to himself”. Unresponsive to the requests from two officers to remove himself from the road, he fell into a garden bed. Acting out of the concern that Mr Liddicoat was a risk to himself and the public due to the way he was presenting to the public, police made a three-point hold on him, handcuffed him, and placed him in a recovery position to avoid positional asphyxia a few seconds after closing the handcuff. At this point, they noticed his eyes appeared closed and his chest stopped moving. Fire Rescue Victoria assisted with CPR a short time later, and Ambulance Victoria attempted defibrillation. Despite efforts, Mr Liddicoat was declared deceased at the scene. The report by State Coroner Kate Despot stated that “the handcuffing of Jarryd was lawful, proportionate, and reasonable in all the circumstances” and “First Constables Harris and Rollo complied with the requirements of the Victoria Police Manual in respect of restraint techniques and positional asphyxia”. Coroner Despot identified no concerns in
respect of their conduct managing Mr Liddicoat after the handcuffs were secured. Forensic pathologist Dr Sarah Parsons who conducted the autopsy commented that the very high level of methamphetamine in the deceased’s blood likely led to him acting erratically prior to police arrival. High concentrations possibly resulted in an irregular heart rate (arrhythmia) particularly on exertion or in times of stress. With his medical condition of ischaemic heart disease, Mr Liddicoat was at an increased risk of sudden death due to cardiac arrhythmia. Dr Parsons observed that prone positioning in police arrest could lead to cardiac arrest due to metabolic acidosis and a decrease in cardiac output. However, given the short duration of the prone positioning in this case, she concluded that the toxic levels of methamphetamine in the blood and significant heart disease were the cause of the death. There was no head injury or any other injury on Mr Liddicoat that would have contributed to his death.
Intersection closed The intersection of CranbourneFrankston Road, Evans Road, and Hall Road in Cranbourne West has closed, as crews place the final layer of asphalt as part of the Hall Road Upgrade. Cranbourne-Frankston Road is closed in both directions between Willow Glen Boulevard and Ranfurlie Boulevard from 7pm Friday 12 January to 5am Monday 22 January. Hall Road is closed between Cranbourne-Frankston Road and just east of Banyan Drive, while Evans Road is closed south of Strathlea Drive. Motorists travelling in the area are advised to allow up to 20 minutes extra for the detours that include the Western Port Highway, Thompsons Road, and the South Gippsland Highway. Buses on routes 982, 760, and 791 are detouring around the road closure via Snead, Everlasting, and Hayton Park Boulevards. Buses on Route 863 will be escorted through the worksite. During the closure, crews were set to prepare the road surface before placing the final layer of asphalt and paint permanent line markings. Nightly closures of Hall Road are also taking place between the Western Port Highway and McCormicks Road in stages during January and February. The Hall Road Upgrade is adding lanes in both directions between McCormicks Road and the Western Port Highway and upgrading four intersections between McCormicks Road and Cranbourne-Frankston Road to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
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STAR NEWS 3
THE LOWDOWN Q&A
with Australian Filipino Community Services service worker Emmanuel
Tell us a fun fact about yourself! There hasn’t been a day in 2024 that I haven’t had a Red Bull energy drink. What do you love most about your job? I love all the Filipino seniors and how they’re so welcoming, warm, funny and respectful. If you were an animal, what animal would you be? An eagle.
THREE … ways to kick off a new year
1
Grab a notebook and write down New Year’s resolutions. It is not about ticking off. Attitude matters.
2
Review. Reflect. Restart.
3
Meet your friends and families in the backyard, or anywhere. The best people in life are free.
What was your most memorable moment? Getting my first paycheck when I was 14 and working. What were you like as a kid? I was very active, always enjoying everyone’s company and full of fun. What event, past or present, would you like to witness? I would love to attend multiple music festivals in Europe.
Emmanuel (on the right) with 101-year-old Rosalina Manantan.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? My partner and my family.
What would you do on your perfect day off?
Three words to describe yourself! Quite, ambitious and organised.
Where is your happy place?
Ride my motorbike.
Being with my partner.
Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? Fried rice and fish. What is your dream holiday destination? Europe.
NEWS
Call to protect wetlands After the Federal Government vetoed the wind turbine terminal planned for Port Hastings, the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) is calling for the State Government to urgently put in place strict environmental protections against off-shore energy project for wetlands such a Western Port Bay. Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek blocked the proposed terminal at Port Hastings because of “unacceptable” and “irreversible” risks to native endangered wildlife in Western Port Bay’s Ramsar-listed wetlands. The terminal is critical to the State Government’s ambitious plan to develop an offshore wind energy industry for Victoria that would see operation wind farms off the coast of Gippsland. The clean-energy proposal has garnered controversy as it is reported to require the dredging of 92ha of Western Port Bay’s international protected wetlands. The VNPA welcomed the Federal Minister’s decision as it highlighted the need for the State
Mangrove forests along the coastlines in Western Port. Picture: SUPPLIED Government to better protect Western Port Bay from the effects of risky developments. “This project risked an internationally protected wetland and bird sanctuary critical for 65 per cent; of Victoria’s threatened bird spe-
cies,” VNPA’s nature campaigner Shannon Hurley said. “The Federal Minister had no option other than blocking the proposal because of the threat of enormous environmental damage “While a fast transition from polluting to clean energy sources is necessary to avoid the extreme impacts of climate disruption, it cannot come at the cost of the marine environment. “An environmentally responsible offshore renewables sector requires a plan for how marine habitats and Western Port Bay’s precious wetlands will be protected. “Last year the State Government was presented with a proposal for a new plan for protecting Western Port Bay. “If they don’t adopt the proposal the future of this unique environment will continue to be at risk from further developments.” Premier Jacinta Allan said the State Government was not pleased with the veto in the face of significant standards set on renewable energy.
“It’s fair to say we are unhappy with the decision, particularly because the federal government has set very strong renewable targets, we have very strong renewable energy targets,” Ms Allan said, as reported by the Financial Review. “We need to make this transition to provide energy security through renewable sources and offshore wind is a big and important part of that.” The Framework for Western Port Bay is a plan to protect the area’s precious wetlands and support sustainable marine and tourism industries developed by VNPA, Western Port Biosphere Foundation and Save Westernport with support from Traditional Custodians, local business, tourism and nature protection groups. Jane Carnegie from Save Westernport said the veto, “demonstrates the Federal Minister using her powers to protect a Ramsar wetland - an area of international environmental significance and a major recreational and fishing area for all Victorians.”
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
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We’re building big road projects near you and there will be disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads in Melbourne’s south east. While we work this summer, road disruptions may affect your travel. What we’ve done Built new lanes and upgraded intersections on Narre Warren North Road Built a second connection to South Gippsland Highway as part of the Pound Road West Upgrade Built new lanes, new traffic signals and a new bridge over Peninsula Link to improve traffic flow and travel times on Lathams Road
Works in progress Over summer, we’re finishing new lanes on Hall Road. In Cranbourne, we’re working to build new lanes and upgrade key intersections along Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road. Works are continuing at the intersection of Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Sladen and Cameron streets and South Gippsland Highway. We’re starting the first stage of works to build the new Princes Freeway interchanges on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road. We’re also upgrading McGregor Road. There are ongoing works in Beaconsfield as part of the Station Street Level Crossing Removal Project.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel McCormicks Road and Hall Road, Skye
Until 19 Jan
Closed at the intersection
Hall, Evans and Cranbourne-Frankston roads, Cranbourne West
Until 22 Jan
Closed at the intersection
Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham
Until 25 Jan
Road closed between Southeast Boulevard and northern Princes Freeway roundabout
Princes Freeway, Pakenham
Until 25 Jan
Closed inbound entry and exit ramps at Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road
Cameron Street, Cranbourne
Until Closed south of Berwickearly 2024 Cranbourne Road
McGregor Road, Pakenham
29 Jan to Mar
Closed between Webster Way/ Henry Road and southern Princes Freeway roundabout
Princes Freeway, Pakenham
29 Jan to Mar
Closed outbound exit ramp at McGregor Road
Kenilworth Avenue, Beaconsfield
Until early Feb
Westbound detour between Station Street and Soldiers Road
Until Mar
Access to and from Brunt Road closed. Detour via Just Joey Drive or Wattle Crescent
Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12660715-AV03-24
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
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STAR NEWS 5
NEWS
Festival brings colours From superheroes to insects, Berwick’s skies were filled with a wide range of unusual sights, thanks to this year’s Kite Festival. Organised by The Bright Events, the event was the fifth running of the festival, with between 3000 and 4000 people flocking to Berwick’s Federation University campus to launch colourful kites into the air, with kites and threads available to purchase on the day. The event also featured an all-day live DJ, jumping castles, a variety of food and all-day entertainment. Event organiser Manthan Parikh said despite overcast weather, the atmosphere in the crowd was a positive one. “It was a good experience,” he said. “Getting into the fifth year is very exciting and we are growing every year.” Gazette photographer GARY SISSONS was on the ground to capture the fun throughout the afternoon.
Five-year-old Sanav with his Spider-Man kite. 383149
Pictures: GARY SISSONS
Manish attempting to fly a kite with Kiran’s help. 383149
Eight-year-old Rudraunsh and five-year-old Ritisha enjoying the high-flying fun. 383149
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
OPINION
Thumbs up
Kiran Patel and Aksh Patel from Pakenham trying to get their kite flying in the poor conditions. 383149
Kite enthusiasts Akashay, Saroj, Kiran, Tejal and Manish. 383149
LENSCAPE
For being able to return safely from our Japan holidays. Japan had a natural disaster, a plane crash landing and a stabbing at a station.
Thumbs up For Camms Road Fish and Chips’ opening for the first time in the year 2024!
Thumbs down To Bogan Coles (Cranbourne West) for not having any public toilets!
Thumbs up To Amstel Club’s 13 amazing individuals who live with disability yet contribute greatly to the community.
Thumbs down To Casey Council not mowing the parks.
Thumbs down To the proposal to build a huge Waste Transfer Station at the Hallam Road Landfill, when we are seeing many waste facility fires affecting people. 6 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
Lang Lang’s One at a Time Pet Rescue helps care for abandoned, rescued or rehomed animals who find comfort and love from their foster families while they wait for their forever homes, with these kittens lounging away the day. Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC
My three angels I went shopping on 14 December 2023. I was waiting at the register when a woman behind me came up and said, ‘Do you mind if I pay for your groceries?’, which she did and I thanked her twice. I went shopping on my mobility scooter. On the way home, the scooter was stopping and starting all the time.
I was travelling along the South Gippsland Highway when it stopped again. A woman pedestrian came up and asked if I needed help. I told her the trouble I was having with the scooter. She opened her purse and gave me $50 which I did not expect. A bit further up the highway it stopped again. A few minutes later a four-wheeldrive pulled up alongside me. The
driver asked if I was alright; I explained the problem. She rang for a taxi which never came, so she asked two teenagers skateboarding along if they would help to put the scooter in the boot, which they did, and she drove to my residence. I offered her money which she refused. They were my three angels. Peter Heywood, Cranbourne cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
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STAR NEWS 7
NEWS
SES helps out up north By Ethan Benedicto Braving harsh weather and turbulent situations, Mladen Krsman was part of the many Victorian SES personnel who assisted with the aftermath of cyclone Jasper which hit Queensland in December 2023. Hailing from the Narre Warren SES branch, Mladen was deployed with 42 other emergency services officers in Task Force Alpha where 38 were volunteers and the remaining were supporting staff. From 28 December 2023 to 3 January 2024, the day-to-day process began with intel being provided by the Queensland State Emergency Service, which the crew leader then briefs to the rest of the crew. “We engage with stakeholders, helping people who requested our assistance through Queensland SES and then we also work with how many people are trying to rectify their emergency. “Of course, we’re there to support local emergency services with the flood and storm recovery, whether that’s chopping trees that are blocking roads or setting up a SWAH system,” Mladen said. SWAH, or a safe work-at-height system, is a crucial process that officers like Mladen implement to efficiently and safely tackle obstacles at certain heights, most commonly roofs. Accompanying Task Force Alpha were two others, with Charlie being just personnel and Bravo being accompanied by a series of vehicles. “If you’re able to do six to seven jobs a day, that’s considered a productive day, and if you
Mladen, on the right, conducting a safe work-atheight system with a CFA officer. Picture: SUPPLIED did less than that, but involved setting up SWAHs all the time, then you’re doing really good,” Mladen recalled. However, there were times when the weather intervened with their emergency efforts, often piling onto their future responsibilities. On Wednesday 3 January, the Gold Coast and surrounding area received around 300ml of rain in 24 hours, a testament to the state’s vola-
tile weather. “I think we were only supposed to get like 70ml of rain, and I thought ‘oh yeah that’s nothing’ and then we woke up on Tuesday and it just rained, and rained, and rained and kept on raining,” Mladen said. Going into his fifth year with Narre Warren SES, he admitted that floods do come and go in Victoria, but cases, where entire suburbs are being flooded, were a very rare occasion. “Of course, there’s localised flooding but what Queensland experienced for example, to be hit with cyclones, storms, floods and then heatwaves, it’s different and it took quite a bit for myself and my colleagues to get used to it,” Mladen said. Victoria, in terms of natural disasters, is not prone to cyclones, and for Mladen, seeing as this expedition was also his first deployment out of state, it was an entirely new experience. “The environmental factors were different and it was my first deployment out of state, it was eye-opening but also quite humbling at times to be able to work as one with others from a different state,” he said. On a much lighter note, one of the other things that Mladen had a hard time getting used to was the shouts of thanks he and his peers received from the locals. “It was quite often I’d get a job and somebody would come out, like one of the neighbours, and thank us, which was sometimes overwhelming. “I think overall people were quite appreciative of the fact that we showed up to assist, whether they needed our services or not, they still were very appreciative of us being there,”
he said. Due to the nature of their roles, SES officers and volunteers are provided with a wide range of support, with extensive measures for preparation. But even then, mentally there are times and certain incidents where the amount of preparation one underwent beforehand is seemingly not enough. “You can only be prepared so much – I mean you can go to work and think ‘oh yeah I’m prepared to report’ and whatnot and then you get into an incident and then it’s suddenly, whoa, it’s different,” Mladen said. Peer support was an integral part of their process of deployment and was something that was always available to the emergency officers at any point during the deployment, and even after jobs. “Psychological trauma can affect anybody at any point and it may not necessarily impact the person there and then, so that’s why there’s always that support network around. “After every time we go out we always have a debrief session, you’re always encouraged to speak about what has happened and if you require further assistance then it’s always available,” Mladen said. For Mladen, while he admitted that he doesn’t necessarily volunteer to be acknowledged it still felt amazing for him when he returned home and the airport announced their arrival and gave their thanks. “When we landed in Melbourne it was being announced like ‘we would like to thank our CFA and SES volunteers for their efforts in the Gold Coast’, and that’s quite something,” he said.
Application for waste transfer station causes a stink From page 1 Mr O’Hara did not believe Veolia’s visual inspection of waste would be sufficient to pick out all the batteries. “If someone shows a laptop in there, they will see a laptop. They may see a phone, but they won’t necessarily see all the batteries,” he said. “It would cause big damage for the community if there was a big fire.” Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) issued a paper on the battery crisis last year, stating that fires caused by batteries were widespread across material recycling facilities, in trucks, and depots, which echoed Mr O’Hara’s concern. “Over the past year, there were over 1000 battery-related fire incidents reported in the waste and recycling sectors nationwide, amounting to over three a day,” ACOR chief executive officer Suzanne Toumbourou said. “The cost of these incidents is being borne by the community through rising rates, by councils through truck fires and service disruption, and by the recycling industry in the loss of critical infrastructure and future risk.” A Facebook post by Hampton Park Fire Brigade revealed ‘way too many fires due to the incorrect disposal of Lithium batteries over the past couple of months’, which added to the community’s concern. Mr O’Hara also pointed out the noise issues as the station was set to operate from midnight until 6pm Monday to Friday, and midnight until 4pm on Saturday. “While there won’t be a lot of trucks in the night, there will still be trucks. And that means that people along Hallam Road and in Lynbrook will hear these trucks all the time overnight,” he said. Resident Troy Van Gorp, who lives 200m away from the current landfill, found Veolia’s writing in the proposal contradictory regarding the traffic, odour, and dust impacts. Veolia stated that the proposed transfer station was anticipated to ‘generate similar levels of traffic movements to the existing landfill operation with approximately 500 movements in and out of the facility’. This will involve approximately 200-230 trucks per day delivering waste to the facility. For every six trucks delivering waste to the facility, a single A-double truck will transport the waste from the facility. 8 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
The location of the proposed new waste transfer station. Source: Background Report Hampton Park Hill Development Plan by Veolia Mr Van Gorp said the number game did not add up. “A garbage truck is about 10 meters long. An A-double truck is like three times the size of the garbage truck,” he said. “They’re saying there won’t be an increase in the volume of trucks, but the size of them will be significantly larger. That would definitely add to an increase.” In response to Veolia’s odour mitigation, Mr Van Gorp said he could not believe what he was reading. Veolia said that the facility would have a best-practice air extraction system to minimise odour. Fans will ‘extract air from the building at a rate of 14 times the building volume per hour’. That will ‘significantly dilute the air that is then extracted through a high stack to maximise dispersal, while not impacting the amenity of the area’. “We’ve lived for years with the smell from the landfill. It was supposed to stop because the landfill was supposed to be closed, so we were supposed to get open green space,” Mr Van Gorp said. “The current rules are they need to contain the odour on their landfill site. “But this is a license to just blow it wherever you want. They’re going to blow it up in the air.” Mr Van Gorp said the ignorance of physics was obvious. “We know that what goes up must come
down. Where’s this going to come down? Where’s the wind going to blow? Where’s it going to land? What’s it going to land on?” he said. Mr Van Gorp also challenged Veolia’s claim that they would wash the truck’s wheels to prevent waste material from being transported out of the facility. He did not foresee wheel washing coming. “They just want to address everything and whitewash everyone’s concerns,” he said. “Many other locations are much more suitable for this type of waste management. “I support waste transfer station. I support sustainability, and I support recycling. I don’t support this type of facility being allowed to be built so close to people’s homes.” When asked about the community’s concerns, a Veolia spokesperson said the company had drawn on its experience successfully managing transfer stations across Australia to develop a proposal that mitigated potential impacts on the community and provided a state-of-the-art facility to help manage the area’s waste into the future. “We know the proposed facility is of interest to many and will continue to listen to and consult the community, including a meeting with the community reference group in December 2023, as we work through the planning process over the coming months,” they said. “The site is identified in the Victorian Government’s Statewide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan (SWRRIP 2018), which recognises the necessity of strategically positioned waste management infrastructure to cater to the needs of a growing city. “We are committed to following the highest standard of safety and environmental practices to ensure the health of the community, our workers, and the environment.” Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) spokesperson Viv Paine said on behalf of the residents of all five suburbs surrounding the landfill, LRA took the firm stand that any new waste transfer station in a densely populated urban area was completely inappropriate on many grounds. “We owe that to those who live beside the landfill and beyond who have had to endure escaping putrid odour day and night for at least 10 years, not to mention concerns for their children’s long-term health from what those escaping gases might contain,” he said.
He said the community was shocked and disappointed when out of the blue in mid2022, the council announced a Development Plan that would see a huge new waste transfer station installed. “Over the years Casey Council promised that once full, the landfill would revert to public open space,” he said. “Although Veolia’s current permit expires in 2040, the community is entitled to suspect this development would see the life of the landfill extended indefinitely.” City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said as a responsible authority, it was the role of the council to consider and decide on a Development Plan in accordance with State Government policy and the provisions of the Casey Planning Scheme. “Prior to its endorsement, the Hampton Park Hill Development Plan underwent extensive community consultation and was modified to respond to the relevant land use planning matters raised within public submissions,” she said. “We thank our community for their active role throughout this consultation. It is well understood that members of our community have concerns relating to the existing operations of the landfill. “While this matter is beyond the scope of the Development Plan, council officers are in regular contact with the EPA regarding local issues including the Hampton Park landfill site with council representatives also attending the community consultative committee for the site to communicate our community’s concerns.” Casey Council also noted submissions relating to a future waste transfer facility were also beyond the scope of the Development Plan. An application for a future commercial waste transfer station on-site or land near the landfill operations requires separate planning, building, and EPA assessment, independent of the Development Plan. Casey’s statutory planning team will take at least 60 days to consider the application. Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria will assess a Development Licence application by Veolia. EPA is not presently assessing the licence application and it will seek community feedback about an application via the Engage Victoria website. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Renewed treatment hope By Violet Li Monash Health has been trialling a new treatment for a form of familial motor neurone disease (MND) which has the potential to reduce nerve damage and slow disease progression. Tofersen gained accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2023, making it the first approved treatment for a genetic cause of MND. It has not been approved in Australia yet. MND is also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. In collaboration with Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Monash Health is the first hospital in Victoria to offer access to medication as part of an Early Access Program in Dandenong and Casey. Dr Yennie Lie, a neurologist leading the program that started in November 2023 said MND was a relentlessly progressive and fatal degenerative disease that caused the loss of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that were responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. “People with MND experience progressive muscle weakness and wasting, causing them to lose independence as they steadily lose the ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually breathe,” she said. “Survival is only around two to five years from the onset of symptoms.” Around 1500 people in Australia are living with MND. There is no cure for the disease and nearly 400 Australians die of it annually. Current treatments aim to control symptoms, prevent complications, and improve
In collaboration with Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Monash Health is the first hospital in Victoria to offer access to the medication as part of an Early Access Program in Dandenong and Casey. 139088 quality of life. Riluzole, an oral antiglutamate medication approved in Australia for MND, prolongs average survival by two to three months. An infusion therapy called Edaravone (RADICAVA) may slow functional decline in people with MND by about 30 per cent. While it was approved in February 2023 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), it is currently still unavailable in Australia. One in 10 patients diagnosed with MND have what is known as familial MND, a condition in which there is more than one affected person in a family. Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene mutations are among the inherited causes of MND. It causes the body to create a toxic form of the SOD1 protein, which causes protein misfold-
ing and aggregation within motor neurons and astrocytes, contributing to the progression of the disease. Patients with familial MND may have neurodegeneration and muscle weakness as a result of cellular dysfunction brought on by an accumulation of mutant SOD1 proteins. The new medication Tofersen from Biogen, an American multinational biotechnology company, is designed to reduce the toxic SOD1 protein in the body. It is given as an injection into the spinal fluid through lumbar puncture in three doses, once every two weeks, and then every month thereafter. Dr Lie said Tofersen would bring a critical treatment option for families facing SOD1 MND, with the potential benefit of slowing dis-
ease progression, which might be associated with reduced symptoms and improved quality of life. Tofersen belongs to antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), synthetic nucleic acids that have been identified as a novel therapy option for treating neurological diseases. ASOs are currently in development for spinal muscular atrophy, familial ALS, Huntington’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Lie said one ASO, Nusinersen, was shown to improve symptoms in spinal muscular atrophy rather than just slowing the progression of the disease. “Nusinersen is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for use in children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy,” she said. “The success of Nusinersen for spinal muscular atrophy, a leading cause of death in infants and toddlers, gives us hope for the use of antisense therapies, like Tofersen, to target and treat MND.” Tofersen has completed three phases of clinical trials in America and showed reduced neurofilament, a marker of nerve cell damage, and small trends of reduced decline in clinical function, muscle strength, breathing function, and quality of life. Though it was approved in America, ongoing trials have still been investigating its clinical benefits as an accelerated approval process, different from the official FDA approval, does not conclusively prove a drug’s clinical benefits. In Australia, the trial has been ongoing with Monash Health and Calvary Health Care Bethlehem to verify Tofersen’s clinical benefits.
FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA
Ready Set Dance kids More than 100 pre-school children enjoyed Ready Set Dance classes each week at CathyLea Studios in 2023 and classes are already filling for 2024. Ready Set Dance is a multi-award-winning dance and performing arts program for 2-5 year olds that has been developed with educational experts and child psychologists. The program’s bright, engaging music and props stimulate the imagination of young learners as they engage joyfully in the world of music and movement. Confidence, co-ordination and creativity are the pillars of the program with early childhood experts testifying to its contribution to children’s physical, cognitive, language and social development. But most of all – Reay Set Dance is lots of fun. Teachers are all qualified in the Ready Set Dance program, have Working With Children Checks and are trained in Child Safe practices.
Cathy-Lea Studios offers classes in Ready Set Dance, which is a 1 hour combo class including Jazz, Tap, Singing and Hip Hop, as well as Ready Set Ballet which is a 30 minute magical introduction to Classical Ballet. If your child is not yet ready for independent dance class, Cathy-Lea Studios also offer a Mums’n’Bubs class for children aged from 18 months, where a parent or special adult can accompany children in the class. Beyond pre-school, Cathy-Lea Studios has a Dance and Performing Arts program that can train your child to professional standards and offer them a hobby that develops fitness and friendships. 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.
Children just love Ready Set Dance and Ready Set Ballet classes at Cathy-Lea Studios
Rock n Roll Classes Beginners & Advanced Classes held at Cranbourne & Pakenham CRANBOURNE TUESDAY NIGHTS Starting 6th February at 7pm PAKENHAM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Starting 7th February at 7pm
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STAR NEWS 9
NEWS
Different summer in Casey Casey’s very own festival Summer Stage will land Bunjil Place on Saturday 20 January and fan out across January and February to bring an unforgettable summer to the locals. For six glorious weeks from Saturday 20 January until Wednesday 28 February, the outdoor plaza will transform into a buzzing minifestival, and stage lively performances and events throughout the summer. Shipping containers will be creatively repurposed into a cafe and bar. Comfy and inviting outdoor furniture will be available for locals to relax and soak up the sun. Cubbies for little explorers, giant games for some friendly competition, and water fountains are also at the site to help locals beat the heat. City of Casey acting manager of creative communities Vicky Goodwin said the stage was set for a summer filled with events and entertainment to cater to all ages and interests with kids and family shows, comedy, and live music nights out for the adults, and health and wellness offerings. “Children lead the charge in the first few weeks, with a curated selection of familyfriendly programming including circus workshops and performances, hip-hop classes and kids disco parties, and some awesome shows set to take to the Summer Stage including the captivating Emma Memma’s Twirly Tour performance and Team Dream’s electrifying live show Party Yeah!” she said. “But the fun doesn’t end there; adults can let loose and indulge in live music events, comedy, trivia, film screenings, parties, and much more. “We are proud and excited to offer the south-east community such a jam-packed program of free and affordable festivities and opportunities for our community to connect. Join us at Bunjil Place for a summer to remember, right in your neighbourhood.” Summer Stage program Opening night - Saturday 20 January Summer Stage kicks off with an opening night under the stars on Saturday 20 January from 5pm to 9pm, giving you a taste of what is to come. Experience a Kids Disco Party session, a magician and free face painting, plus live tunes by The Scrims and a DJ set from Sandra Majoka on the stage. Indulge in refreshments from the new summer menu. Tickets $10 each.
Film screenings at Bunjil Place Plaza during Summer Stage.
Families enjoy Summer Stage. Kids and families A curated selection of family-friendly programming that will bring smiles to faces of all ages, from circus and after-school creative workshops, hip-hop classes and kids disco parties, to awesome shows set to take to the Summer Stage, including the captivating Emma Memma’s Twirly Tour performance and Team Dream’s electrifying live show Party Yeah! The full line-up: Free Sunday sessions - Sunday 21 January – Sunday 25 February Emma Memma’s Twirly Tour - Monday 22 January Gravity Dolls circus workshops and LEVEL UP! performance - Tuesday 23 January Team Dream: Band for Kids - Wednesday 24 January Off the Street hip hop classes - Thursday 25 January Free kids disco parties - Thursday 25 January
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Pictures: SUPPLIED after school workshops - various dates · Free across February Adults A variety of adult-oriented events, from live music to film screenings, comedy nights and parties that will make your summer nights sizzle. The full line-up: Night MODE: Ripple Edition – Thursday 25 January Melbourne International Film Festival Summer Screenings 2024: Thicker Than Water – Cultural Connections – Thursday 1 February Melbourne International Film Festival Summer Screenings 2024: Australia’s Open – Friday 2 February Melbourne International Film Festival Summer Screenings 2024: Shayda – Saturday 3 February Melbourne International Film Festival Summer Screenings 2024: Ego – The Michael Gu-
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Summer Stage. dinski Story – Sunday 4 February Funny Mummies Cabaret Spectacular Thursday 8 February Glitter Grove: The South East’s Summer Queer Party! - Friday 9 February Summer K-Pop Party - Thursday 15 February Comedy Bites: Summer Stage Edition - Friday 16 February Quiz Meisters Trivia Night - Thursday 22 February Summer Sounds 2024 – Saturday 24 February Barn Yoga – Wednesday 31 January Free Summer Stage yoga - Friday 2 February – Friday 23 February Free Summer Stage pilates - Wednesday 7 February – Wednesday 28 February For more information and to book your tickets, visit bunjilplace.com.au/summerstage
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WHAT’S ON Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club Are you newly retired or new to the area or just wanting to enjoy your freedom or expand your social life? Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/ chat activities with low-key in line dancing if you want to tap your feet and enjoy an afternoon tea. Day, short and long trips away via coach and flights, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly evening dineouts, weekly table tennis club, walking groups, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings and more. The club is also hosting a formal Christmas lunch on Tuesday 5 December at Dandenong Club. Come along and get to know us by visiting us on a Thursday at 2pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join us on a Wednesday at 10am for a Coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate. For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Nature Play Cranbourne
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Nature Play at Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. Picture: SUPPLIED
Get creative, get crafty, get messy, and get immersed in a range of family-friendly, nature-based activities at Cranbourne Gardens these summer school holidays. Join our experienced Learning Facilitators under the shade of the eucalypts in the Kids’ Backyard and learn more about the different plants and animals that call the Australian environment and our Gardens home through a range of nature-inspired play activities. 10am - 2pm, 23-25 January 2024 Location: Kids Backyard, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Free, no booking required
Our website is u3acranbourne.org.au for more information.
Seated Movement Sessions (Chair Dancing)
Cranbourne U3A
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre
We are resuming our classes next week with some exciting new programs this year. We will be continuing with Tai Chi which proved very popular last year and our Line Dancing class will resume next week also. We plan to commence some new craft classes, Resin making, Mixed media, and Ballroom dancing – (no partner required). Our rooms are in the Cranbourne Library building, entry is from the Casey Radio entrance. Our usual art, music, calligraphy, knitting sewing/patchwor, table tennis, chess and Italian classes will also be running. New members will be welcome to join us. We are open Monday to Friday from 10am – 3pm.
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre is a not-for-profit community managed centre, with a volunteer Committee of Management that provides strategic direction and oversight. For more than 30 years, the centre has provided a range of high-quality childcare, community services, educational classes and spaces for hire. Explore diverse activities and engage with fellow community members at their open day this weekend. Lots of free family fun, sausage sizzle, animal nursery, popcorn, and fairy floss. For more details, visit merindapark.com.au or facebook.com/MPLandCC
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
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Would you enjoy exercising from the comfort of your chair? Join the Berwick Activities Group for some seated movement sessions including fun and uplifting songs and different styles and eras of music. An opportunity to get moving and enjoy the company of others. Timbarra Community Centre, 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick. $8 per session. Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863. Wednesdays from 10.45am to 11.30am.
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Craft Classes Do you enjoy craft making? Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat
with like minded people. You will be introduced to a range of papercraft techniques through a new project each week. Casual attendance is welcome. Timbarra Community Centre 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick $5 per class, all materials supplied. Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863. Tuesdays from 10am to noon.
·Berwick Springs VIEW Club
Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not for profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students. The club currently supports seven students of varying ages with their education expenses and are about to take on an eighth student. Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies. The club is always looking for new members in all age groups. For more information, contact Shirley on 0419 878 481 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.30am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.
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DnD at Orana Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is an inclusive tabletop, fantasy, role playing game. Second Saturday of each month, 1pm to 9pm, Orana Community Place, 16/18 Playwright St, Clyde North. For enquiries and to book a spot at the table, reach out to Jonathan Whelan at thestoryweaver.dnd@gmail.com
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NEWS
Hundreds euthanised By Violet Li Casey Council’s contracted animal shelter The Lost Dogs’ Home (LDH) Cranbourne euthanised 652 cats and 91 dogs in the first six months of 2023, according to the latest statistics published by Animal Welfare Victoria. The shelter took in 2201 cats and 1227 dogs between 1 January and 30 June, resulting in euthanasia rates of 30 per cent for cats and 7 per cent for dogs. The most common euthanasia reason was behaviour concerns with 277 cats and 67 dogs put down due to it. Disease, age, and injury were among the other reasons for euthanasia. Statewide, shelters and pounds admitted 25,913 cats and 14,178 dogs in the same period, leading to euthanasia rates of 25 per cent for cats and 8.4 per cent for dogs. LDH Cranbourne’s spokesperson said the shelter was committed to providing behavioural care to rehome every adoptable animal regardless of the length of time it might take to do so, but it was also committed to making the right euthanasia decisions to prevent unnecessary suffering, as well as to protect the community and their animals. “We achieve this with dogs. We are not achieving this with cats. The sheer numbers of unowned and wild cats coming into shelters, pounds, and rescues every year, and most especially during the consistently lengthening kitten season, makes this impossible,” they said. “Although we are slowly reducing euthanasia rates for cats year on year, we must have
Casey Council’s contracted animal shelter The Lost Dogs’ Home (LDH) Cranbourne euthanised 652 cats and 91 dogs in the first six months of 2023, according to the latest statistics published by Animal Welfare Victoria. 225561 the support of the community and a far greater commitment from the State Government to be able to achieve this at a much faster rate.” LDH Cranbourne rehomed 781 cats and 325 dogs in the reported period. LDH, with its North Melbourne and Cranbourne sites, is the largest shelter in Victoria, caring for over 18,000 animals in 2022/2023. It provides animal shelter services to 16 local councils, including Casey, Cardinia Shire, Frankston City Council, and Greater Dandenong. In 2022, the State Government required shelters and pounds to mandatorily collect and report data on their management outcomes for every animal they take in. To access the statistics by Animal Welfare Victoria, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestockand-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/animal-fate-data-set
Cola, who used to be a resident at The Lost Dogs’ Home Cranbourne. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Casey tops pet adoption Casey topped the highest number of overall adoptions in 2023, The Lost Dogs’ Home revealed. With its expanding population, Casey recorded 824 adoptions, followed by the City of Melbourne and the City of Meri-Bek respectively. Statistics from the agency also showed Victorians were prepared to travel far and wide to find their special companions with adopters coming as far as the Bass Coast and the Macedon Ranges. In regional Victoria, the top three performing areas were the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Yarra Ranges Shire Council, and the Greater Geelong
City Council. With more than 8200 animals adopted so far this year, The Home’s spokesperson Suzana Talevski said the big adoption numbers were a clear indication that animals were playing a big part in our hearts and homes. “Now more than ever Victorians are showing that we are a passionate community of animal lovers and we are extremely grateful for that,” she said. “Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took in one of our beautiful animals and made a wonderful change in their lives, the impact can never be underestimated.”
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12 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
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SPORT
Respect for retiring Wynne By David Nagel Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) bid a special farewell to one of its most familiar and respected faces on Friday night with Clerk of the Course Kevin Wynne retiring from the racing industry. Wynne spent 44 years as a jockey, capturing some of the biggest races in Australia, headlined by a Great Eastern Steeplechase, two Warrnambool Grand Annuals, a Brierley and an Australian Steeplechase at Flemington. He also put his stamp on the local racing scene, riding four consecutive MJ Bourke Hurdle wins at Pakenham aboard champion jumper Blue Sonic. For the last two decades he been a dedicated Clerk of the Course, ensuring the safety and welfare of participants and racehorses by facilitating their safe movement to and from the mounting yard and barriers. The Wynne name is famous around Cranbourne, with Kevin’s wife Dianne a trainer, and daughter Sally a jockey and trainer who has worked alongside her dad as a Clerk of the Course in recent years. Sally was grateful on Friday night for the huge acknowledgement that the CTC had provided for her dad. “I’d first of all really like to thank Neil Bainbridge (Cranbourne CEO) for putting this night on, he’s done a super job, he’s made the family feel really welcome, and it’s great to celebrate such a long career,” Sally said. “I’ve always been there, always been by dad’s side since I was a little kid, going to Oakbank every year, sitting in the Chapmans truck when he used to drive for horse transport, breaking in young ponies.
Kevin Wynne retired from the racetrack on Friday night with his trusty steed Gandi by his side. 383972 Picture: ROSS HOLBURT/RACING PHOTOS “Just my whole life has always been with dad. “Then later on, to be actually able to work with him as a Clerk of the Course, it’s just been phenomenal. “I don’t think there would be too many who
could say they worked with their parents, every single day…it’s awesome.” Sally said her dad had been around horses since he was a kid. “He’s been doing it all his life, he used to skip school when he was little and run and grab the
pit ponies from the local mine and bring his mum back home on the pony,” she said. “It’s been going on forever, it’s his passion, it’s his love, so with any luck, I’ll keep him going at the (training) track. “He can come and ride the pony work with me and keep him involved.” Sally said her parents had been such a huge inspiration as she navigated her way through the jockey, training and Clerk of the Course ranks. “Mum has been a trainer and one of my biggest supporters throughout my career as a rider, just a sounding post, and I’ve learned so much from both of them,” she said. “You couldn’t ask for two better parents to ground you into racing. “When I’m Clerking now and something goes wrong, as I’m going in to catch a horse or something like that, I always think ‘what would dad do’. “If you just watch, you can learn a lot from somebody that knows horse behaviour.” A final fairytale didn’t eventuate on Friday night, with Sally training and riding her horse Ling Ling in the last race on the program. “It would just be awesome if I could be the last one that dad leads in,” Sally said pre-race. But the final word goes to Kevin who, despite retiring from the racetrack, won’t be far away from horses for too long. “My earliest memory of sitting on a horse would be over 70 years ago and I still like riding the horses,” he said. “I’ve done it all my life, I love it, and I’ll keep riding them to the day I die I suppose.”
Campbell clicks for Cobras Quality field set for Cranbourne Pacing Cup By David Nagel
A last-ball boundary from captain Mat Campbell has secured Merinda Park (7/155) a place in the CCCA T20 Kookaburra Cup Premier Division grand final after a thrilling victory over Pakenham (6/152). The Cobras will face CCCA powerhouse Kooweerup in the competition decider at Devon Meadows on Sunday 4 February after Campbell’s last-ball Tuesday night heroics. Merinda Park’s victory was set up by its marquee-player Luke Shelton, with the Casey South-Melbourne captain crunching an unbeaten 66 off just 46 balls. Shelton smashed five boundaries and two sixes in his match-winning knock after walking to the crease with the Cobras in trouble at 3/24. He shared important partnerships with Rumesh Ranasinghe (9), Liam Bertrand (25), Tyson Bertrand (6) and Raveen Kadirahettiarachchi (7), but found himself at the bowlers end when Campbell walked to the crease with just four balls remaining in the match. Needing four runs to win, Campbell was kept scoreless by Pakenham ace Chris Smith (3/19) in his first two balls, before hitting two off the penultimate ball of the contest. Needing one run off the last ball to tie, Campbell found the ropes to begin joyous celebrations. Smith and James Close (2/30) were best with the ball for the Lions, who failed to build on a very good start to their innings. A huge total looked possible after Smith (47 off 30), Bobby Wilson (30), Dale Tormey (20) and Stuart Johnson (20) set the top-order alight, before Ranasinghe (3/25 off 4) reined the Lions batters back in. Ranasinghe continued his amazing form in the Kookaburra Cup, having now claimed three-wicket hauls in all four games the Cobras have competed in. Campbell (2/21 off 4) was also instrumental in containing the Lions; a precursor to his late heroics. In the other Premier Division semi-final, Kooweerup (5/200) was far too good for Devon Meadows (9/145) at Denhams Road. Adam McMaster (45 not out off 22) and Gamini Kumara (43 not out off 24) finished off
cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au
By Michael Floyd
Merinda Park skipper Mathew Campbell was a hero with both bat and ball in the Cobras semi-final victory over Pakenham in the T20 Kookaburra Cup on Tuesday night. 311881 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the Demons’ innings in impression fashion after Sahan Perera (37), Mitch Davey (36) and Luke McMaster (28) set up the innings nicely. Panthers’ skipper Lucas Ligt (51 off 32) threatened Kooweerup early in the run-chase, but multiple wickets to Steve Dillon (3/22) and Cody Miller (2/12) ensured the Demons stamped their ticket to the big dance. In District Division, Cranbourne Meadows will defend its crown against NNG/Maryknoll after low-scoring semi-final contests. Cranbourne Meadows (3/130) took 15 overs to hunt down Officer’s modest total of 9/128 at Starling Road, while the Marygoons defended brilliantly after making just 9/111 against Lang Lang. Cranbourne Meadows were well served by Parminder Singh (53 not out off 35) and Rohit Sharma (41 off 37) in the successful hunt for victory, while Nathan Phillips (3/23) and Will Taylor (2/19) were the heroes for the Goon, keeping the Swamp Tigers to just 7/100 in reply. The District Division grand final will also take place at Devon Meadows on Sunday 4 February in a blockbuster double-header finish to the T20 Kookaburra Cup competition. CCCA Kookaburra Grand Finals Sunday 4 February Glover Reserve: Devon Meadows PREMIER Merinda Park v Kooweerup DISTRICT Cranbourne Meadows v Lang Lang
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The Cranbourne Harness Racing Club is gearing up for its biggest ever race day when the 2024 DECRON Cranbourne Pacing Cup is run on Saturday 10 February. More than $250,000 in prize money is available across the nine race card, headlined by the $100,000 DECRON Cranbourne Pacing Cup and the $50,000 Bruce Skeggs Memorial Betavet Cranbourne Trotters Cup, both of which will be run at Group 2 level over 2555m. The timing of the Inter Dominion series squeezed the DECRON Cranbourne Cup out of its traditional December timeslot and into February, a move that that Cranbourne Harness Race Club President David Scott believes is ideal in attracting the country’s best pacers. “In consultation with Harness Racing Victoria, we’ve landed on the second weekend of February,” Scott said. “It means our Cup will now be run one week after the Group 1 Hunter Cup and four weeks before the Group 1 Miracle Mile, so
this new date should ensure another high quality DECRON Cranbourne Cup field.” First run in 1965, the Cranbourne Cup has been won by some the country’s biggest stars including Paleface Adios, Gammalite, Tailamade Lombo, Golden Reign and Imthemightyquinn. Hospitality packages are on sale now, contact the club on 5996 1300 or email cgallagher@trotscranbourne.com.au. DECRON CRANBOURNE CUP NIGHT PROGRAM Saturday 10 February, 2024 $100,000 Group 2 DECRON Cranbourne Pacing Cup (2555m) $50,000 Group 2 Bruce Skeggs Memorial Betavet Cranbourne Trotters Cup (2555m) $20,000 3YO Pace (2080m) $17,500 NR 70-89 Pace (2080m) $17,500 NR 67-89 Mares Pace (1609m) $17,500 NR 70-85 Trot (2080m) $15,000 No Metro Wins Pace (1609m) $10,000 NR up to 60 Pace (2080m) $10,000 NR up to 50 Pace (1609m)
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Major Meister races away from Mach Dan and Rock n Roll Doo to win the 2022 edition of Picture: SUPPLIED the DECRON Cranbourne Pacing Cup. 383534 Thursday, 18 January, 2024
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STAR NEWS 13
SPORT
Bright flourish for Demons By David Nagel Even by his own lofty standards…the first four balls of the top-of-the-table clash between Kooweerup (4/266) and Tooradin (194) were quite extraordinary for champion opening batter Chris Bright (58 off 39 balls) on Saturday. The battle between Bright and Tooradin opening bowler Brad Butler (1-0-21-1) had the potential to be one of the most explosive contests of the season, with the most aggressive opening bat in CCCA cricket taking on the quickest bowler in the comp; with an equally destructive mindset. Within four balls; Bright had prevailed by a TKO decision! Six, four, six, four; the Demons were well and truly on the front foot after Bright pounded his flag in the ground early. Hitting square of the wicket is the ‘modus operandi’ for the Kooweerup top-order, who sweat on anything short or slightly wide as they look to capitalise on the key scoring areas at Denhams Road. Butler, and his captain Mick Sweeney, knew the risks, but a short ball on the hip - the first ball of the match - was despatched over the square-leg boundary for six. A similar delivery then followed, hit in the same direction for four, before Bright produced his opening over ‘piece de resistance’… cracking a short wide delivery over the point boundary for a maximum! A flick over gully for four, off the following Butler thunderbolt, had the Demons off to flyer…0/20 off four balls! Bright continued the carnage, bringing up his fifty with just the 31st ball of his innings. Fortunately for the Seagulls, there would be only one more significant blow from the blade of Bright, who pulled Shane Somers (8-0-57-1) for four before ‘chopping on’ off the next delivery. But the Demons were 1/82 off exactly 10 overs and well on their way to an impressive total. Demons’s skipper Luke McMaster (65 off 61) then took control of the ‘second quarter’ of the innings, cracking seven boundaries and one six on his way to a mighty-fine half century…backing up his 145 not out against Cardinia before Christmas. With McMaster steering the ship the Demons scored 0/62 off the second block of 10, but his demise, holing out to Brad Butler off the bowling of Josh Lownds (8-0-26-2), gave the Seagulls a foot in the door. Overs 21 to 30 were reined in by the Seagulls, who took 2/27 during that period of play. Lownds and Dylan Sutton (8-0-34-0) bowled wonderfully well in tandem to restrict the scoring rate. Gamini Kumara (50 not out off 53) and Steven Dillon (47 off 53) then upped the ante heading towards the dinner break. Considering the fast start, the Gulls would have been content with a score of 3/202 off 35 overs…with Russell Lehman (4-0-47-0) returning after going for 30 off three overs in the early onslaught. Lehman has been one of the most economical bowlers in the last 15 years of WGCA/ CCCA cricket and the decision to bring him back certainly appeared a wise call. But even the champions have an off day, with Lehman going for 17 off his fourth and final over as Kumara and Dillon launched a savage last-five-over attack. The Demons would score 64 from the last five, with overs of 17, 11, 10, 13 and 13 giving them all sorts of momentum heading into tea. Cal O’Hare (47 off 35) threatened the Demons early with back-to-back sixes off Adam McMaster (7.2-1-46-2) from the third over of the innings, but the loss of regular wickets inevitably stalled that momentum. Tom Hussey (33 off 44), Evans (32 off 51) and Somers (20 off 16) all made valuable contributions, but the Gulls were always in deficit when it came to the required run-rate. Dillon (8-1-36-3) capped off a fine game for the Demons with three wickets, while Matt Bright (8-0-36-1) took the wicket of O’Hare to effectively end the game as a contest. Corks were popping at Ramlegh Reserve on Saturday after Clyde (7/247) scored its first victory of the season - and kept its Premier Division hopes alive - with a 26-run triumph 14 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
Chris Bright was at his belligerent best against Tooradin on Saturday, hitting 20 runs from the first four balls of the match. 324384 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS over Merinda Park (221). The Cougars got off to a rock-solid start with Trevor Bauer (67 off 81) and Michael Vandort (26 off 38) scoring 35 runs after 10 overs, with Vandort the first to go with the score on 47. Bauer and Teddy Fonseka (69 off 72) then set sail with an 83-run stand for the second wicket before Bauer became the second wicket for Raveen Kadirahettiarachchi (7-0-37-2). The partnership between Bauer and Fonseka included 19 runs from the 26th over of the innings…with eight of those coming off one ball. A tickle to fine leg resulted in three runs, with Cobras’ keeper Adam Fisher forced to chase the ball to the boundary. Fisher’s return throw was off target, hitting his own resting helmet and resulting in a fiverun penalty. Fonseka and Brett Reid (43 off 33) then lifted the tempo with a 74-run partnership for the third wicket, before Nick Miles (20 off 13) put the late icing on a beautifully-baked cake. Merinda Park was quickly two-down in reply. Ankush Rana (7.5-0-38-2) had Rumesh Ranasinghe (1) trapped in front before Max Adams (8-2-40-3) had Kadirahettiarachchi (8) caught by Bauer to claim the first of his three poles. Daniel McCalman (86) and Cambell Bryan (89) then shared a 167-run stand for the third wicket to bring the Cougars back into the contest. But Fisher (24) was the only other player in double figures as Rana, Adams and Daniel Lever (8-0-33-2) bowled their team to victory. Skipper Zac Davis was delighted to finally taste victory; one that extricated his team from the bottom of the CCCA Premier Division table. “We are hell-bent on not going down (being relegated), we don’t want to go down to District, we want to be up with the big boys in Premier and challenging the best sides,” Davis said. “We had a big heart-to-heart after the last game before Christmas, after a bad loss to Pakenham, and a few of the boys told a few home truths. “It wasn’t anything personal; we just had a good chat amongst each other and decided we need to be better. “The new mindset and attitude obviously worked on the weekend.” Bigger and broader questions are about to be asked of Pakenham (3/176) - but Dale Tormey and his Lions simply did what they
His signature shot! Pakenham’s Chris Smith plays a beautiful flick off his pads against Carlisle Picture: GARY SISSONS Park on Saturday. 383154 had to do against Carlisle Park (148) at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday. Ben Perry sent the Lions into bat, with Jack Anning (28 off 45) and Chris Smith (37 off 54) seeing off the new ball and looking comfortable at the crease. Rob Elston (34), Dom Paynter (24) and Stuart Johnson (22 not out) then ensured the Lions had a decent total to defend in the Vikings’ 32-over reply. The Vikings were never really in the hunt, with Ethan Davies (29), Duke Miller (24) and Dean Lyddy (20) the only players to work their way into the twenties. Tom Tyrrell (7-1-29-1), Marcus Martini (60-37-2) and Tormey (7-1-30-2) ensured the Lions would secure the 12 points, before youngleggie Jordan Seers (2.4-0-11-4) cashed in late with a four-wicket haul from 16 balls as the Vikings swung hard and often. And Cardinia (5/224) has continued its journey on the roller-coaster of success after the Bulls rolled Devon Meadows (7/195) in a crucial clash for both clubs at Gunton Oval on Saturday. After nine rounds the Bulls are yet to win or lose two consecutive games, with Saturday’s triumph seeing Dean Henwood’s outfit leapfrog the Panthers into fourth place on the ladder. Henwood called correctly and elected to bat first, a decision that backfired in the early stages of the contest. Morteza Ali (6), Alex Nooy (13) and Bradey
Welsh (14) were all back in the sheds with the score on 45, before Travis Wheller (57 off 75) put his new-found maturity to the test. Wheller initially matched motors with Jacobus Hynes (19 off 22) in a well-balanced partnership that delivered 34 runs. But with Hynes departing with the score at 4/79…Wheller still required an ally. And he certainly found one in Matt Welsh (87 not out off 77 balls). He cracked 10 fours and one towering six, taking the pressure off Wheller as each ball sailed to the boundary. Their 88-run stand was just what the doctor ordered, at precisely the right time, with the Panthers chipping their way towards the Bulls’ mid-to-lower order. Dan Salvato (16 not out) joined Welsh, taking a back seat in an unbroken 57-run partnership in six overs to finish off the innings. The Panthers required 225 to win. Openers Will Halton (50 off 89) and Lucas Ligt (50 off 47) got the Panthers off to the perfect start, sharing a 94-run union before Ligt fell LBW to Ali (8-1-28-1) in the 18th over. The Panthers required six runs per over from that point forward in the match. The fact that Ligt was the only player in the top-six to score at better than a run-a-ball gives an indication of what happened next. Tidy spells from Ali, Josh Browne (8-2-271), Wheller (8-1-32-1) and Henwood (8-0-41-2) steered the Bulls to an important victory. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
Destanee Aiava fell short of reaching her fifth Australian Open women’s singles main draw. 330746 Picture: AAP/JAMES ROSS
Destanee’s AO dream gets dashed Devlin Webb’s run out nearly turned the match to Casey South Melbourne’s favour in the dying stages of Saturday’s clash with Carlton. 365478 Picture: ROB CAREW
Swans lose thriller By Marcus Uhe Casey South Melbourne tasted defeat for just the second time this season on Saturday and surrendered first place on the Victorian Premier Cricket table as a result, thanks to a miserly one-wicket loss to Carlton at Princes Park. The Swans took their defence of 9/215 right to the final over of the match and needed just one more wicket to snatch the points at the beginning of the over, bowled by Nathan Lambden, but a single off the opening ball to Carlton number 11 Michael Archer ensured the previous season’s runner-up claimed the points. Ducks in the first innings to Ruwantha Kellapotha and Devin Pollock proved major setbacks for the Swans in the top-of-the-table clash, already missing opening bat Yash Pednekar to injury at the top of the order. Ashley Chandrasinghe was the mainstay at the top for the Swans, forming important partnerships with Michael Wallace (73) and Chris Benedek (65) while occupying the crease for 125 deliveries himself, on his way to 66. Devlin Webb contributed 29 off 28 deliveries but the failures at the top of the order
proved major stumbling blocks in posting a defendable score. Chandrasinghe’s 66 was the highest individual Swans score, closely followed by Benedek’s unbeaten 61 in his first senior game for the club this season. While the Swans managed to snare regular wickets in the Blues’ chase, the top-order’s ability to all make starts was a direct contrast to what the visitors produced earlier in the day. Numbers one to five on the Carlton batting card each made at least 20, while number six Nicholas Ross was forced to retire his innings on 18. At 4/157 in the 37th over, the result looked a formality for Carlton despite an economical bowling performance from the Casey South Melbourne bowling attack. But the departure of Ross set in motion a collapse from the middle and lower order in the face of a fightback from Jackson Fry and co, the Blues losing 5/42 to put the match back on an even keel. The 49th over began with Carlton just six runs shy of victory and the Swans needing two wickets, Fry the man with the ball in hand hav-
ing led the comeback. Singles on the first, second and fourth deliveries, plus two wides, saw the home side attempt to sneak home on the final ball of Fry’s over to claim the victory, but the decision to take-on the arm of a prowling Webb proved costly, throwing the stumps down from square leg to remove the set batter in Dominic Sullivan, and provide one final twist in the game. Lambden, one of the competition’s best bowlers to date, was then handed the ball for the final over, but he was unable to prevent the victory, Archer dropping the ball at his feet and running a safe single. Lambden (3/50), Fry (2/50) and Luke Shelton were the only wicket-takers for the Swans, with Lambden securing his place as the competition’s leading wicket-taker as a result on 30 scalps. Carlton has now edged ahead on the table by a solitary point, and has one game in hand on the Swans, whose run of important games continues this week when they welcome Geelong to Casey Fields for a one-day game, just four points behind Casey South Melbourne in third place.
By Jonty Ralphsmith Young Narre Warren tennis player Destanee Aiava fell short at the final hurdle in her quest to qualify for the Australian Open Women’s Singles main draw. Aiava is currently ranked 208th in the world which sits outside automatic qualification for the grand slam tournament. The 23-year-old won her first qualifying match in straight sets over world number 147 Chloe Paquet, before digging deep to come from a set and a break down to overcome Swiss world number 137 Jill Teichmann 2-6 7-5 6-1. In the final round of qualifying, however, she fell short in a tense battle with Renata Zarazua, going down 7-6 3-6 4-6. Aiava was clinical when given break point opportunities but wasn’t able to match her higher-ranked opponent’s first serve throughout the day. The exciting Australian burst on to the scene as a 16-year-old at the 2017 Australian Open, but has been unable to take the next step in her career, facing several challenges on and off the court in the intervening period. A strong finish to 2023, which included titles at Aldershot, Cairns and Sydney on the ITF circuit, have primed Aiava for a big season.
Tajbir delivering a Powar-ful statement By Jonty Ralphsmith Young Lynbrook opener Tajbir Powar has turned heads this season with his fashionable technique and maturity at the crease. After showing glimpses across the last two seasons, the 17-year-old made a statement in his second innings of 2023-24 by blasting 92 off 143 at Coomoora, backing himself to play his own game despite chasing a mammoth 353 to win. While the Lakers fell short, he gave his team an excellent platform, meeting the ball with a straight bat and taking it up to a series of former Sub-District bowlers He backed it up the following week with a 62 against Berwick Springs, which set Lynbrook up to reach a match-winning 284. “I felt like I was very present in that (Coomoora) game,” Powar said. “I was watching the ball and playing the shots I wanted to play, so it was so important to set up the season for not only myself but also the team. “I played some good cricket shots against them and let them know that I can play.” Those two knocks increased his reputation significantly; when he has been dismissed cheaply in subsequent games, teams know they have dodged a bullet. Having preferenced clips in recent seasons cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au
when the ball is angling into his pad, Powar has put an emphasis on presenting the full face. It’s made a tangible difference this season, with several people around the league immediately associating Powar with his cracking ondrive. “I think teams are starting to target me on the pads,” Powar said. “I am going to stick to my game plan, look to play straight and stay present and in the moment taking each game on its merit. “I think I need to improve on my offside game a little bit more, as well as my footwork, because when I go to play on the offside, my feet don’t really move so I think that’s a main thing we need to work on.” Skipper Jay Walia asked him to open ahead of the season, and with that has come the ability to play with more poise and size up his conditions before taking the game on. Powar targeted 500 runs for this season and wanted to lead the Turf 3 run-scoring, but a finger injury sustained while fielding against Doveton on Saturday will likely see him fall short – he currently has 217 runs. Regardless, higher honours could be beckoning as soon as next season after representing Frankston-Peninsula in the U18 Vic Premier Cricket competition. “Taj does the work, he’s here before the rest of them putting in the hard yards,” said play-
ing-coach Shane D’Rozario. “I get the pleasure of opening with him in the two-day game and you hear comments floating around about him when he plays certain cricket shots and I find it quite entertaining - they’re just bewildered at some of the shots he can play. “I think he will fit in quite well at (Vic) Premier level and do Lynbrook proud.” Another factor crucial to Powar taking the next step has been the faith that his club has shown by continuing to select him in the First XI. It’s a route Lynbrook has started to take in recent years, and one it will continue to take to preserve the sustainability of the club. President Shayne Baker says the way Powar has climbed the ranks is critical for local clubs such as Lynbrook. “I think that what Taj has done playing juniors and then coming forward and playing in our ones, making it with his own talents and performing this year, shows a pathway that kids don’t need to be leaving their local cricket clubs to find their way to premier cricket: if a kid is talented enough, he’s going to make it one way or another,” Baker said. “It shows everything we’re doing here to help our kids come through the right way is working.”
Tajbir Powar has made waves around the DDCA Turf 3 competition this season. 383574 Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH Thursday, 18 January, 2024
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STAR NEWS 15
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Hunt Club Discount Drug Store
Hunt Club Village Shopping Centre, R17/1a Linsell Blvd, Cranbourne Phone: (03) 5915 9400
OPEN 7 DAYS 12660552-JD03-24
16 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 18 January, 2024
cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au