News - Cranbourne Star News - 1st February 2024

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Thursday, 1 February, 2024

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Fire destroys bar

Fundraiser launched after drownings

New early parenting centre

Cobras chasing silverware

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Double honours

By Violet Li Lindsay and Lavinia Tharle were working flat out at what they had been recognised for when a national honour knocked on their door.

The Cranbourne couple was among the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipients in the 2024 Australia Day Honours List, awarded for their decades of community service.

With no time to consume and celebrate the news, the couple threw themselves into a fundraising barbecue for kids needing education at the Dandenong Valley Car Show on Australian Day and another charity event by Freemasons Victoria just one day later.

When they finally had time to sit down to savour the recognition, they were taken by surprise by the sheer number of little good things they had been engaged with since the 1970s.

“We do a lot of fundraising, a lot of barbecues, and a lot of catering for good shows,” Lavinia said.

“Whoever nominated us gave us a long list of what we’ve done over the years. It goes back a long time ago.

“We didn’t even realise people would’ve taken notice, but obviously, they were taking notice. It was quite a surprise.”

Married for 60 years, the couple has three children, aged 59, 57, and 54.

In retrospect, the voluntary act accidentally started around 55 years ago when their children went to primary school.

The couple used to have cooking stalls at school fares to help purchase sporting equipment.

“You just got into it, and you just do it. It just sort of happens,” Lavinia said.

She joked that one of their three sons, who lived in Darwin now, said they were never home.

The couple did all the same volunteer activities together.

They knitted premature baby hats for the Narre Warre Country Fire Authority in the 1970s.

They’ve been looking after the animals at the Dandy Show for nearly 40 years, making sure they are safe, watered, and fenced.

They’ve volunteered at the Breakfast Club at Kooweerup Secondary College for over 20 years. They put on barbecues at Christmas time for all the students every year.

Lavinia (left) and Lindsay Tharle. 385346 They are now doing collections for the Uncle Bob’s Club for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Looking back to their community dedication and fundraising efforts, Lavinia said it was the friendship that kept her going.

“The main thing to get out of it is the people that we’ve met through doing voluntary work,” she said.

Lindsay agreed with her.

“The big thing is you meet so many lovely people,” he said.

“Just looking at people put money in the charity makes you feel good for humanity.”

Thinking of

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Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS He said what also motivated them in the past five decades was pure passion.

“They are things that we just like doing.

If you didn’t like doing it, you wouldn’t do it, would you?” he said.

“That’s what keeps you young.”

The award no doubt brought serendipity to their lives.

“The loveliest thing about it [the award] is the amount of people that we haven’t heard of for years who have seen it in the paper or heard about it, and they’ve rang up and congratulated us,” Lindsay said.

“You don’t look for congratulations, but it’s nice to get them.”

The couple believed nothing had changed after the award and they would keep contributing to the community as long as they could.

Though they said this should be a relaxing week, they had already planned to head out to a big sports meeting at Akoonah Park days later and Warrnambool for a charity event on the weekend.

More on Australia Day awardees Pages 4,8

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NEWS

Free 26 Jan activities welcomed by families

Shimmers Bar & Lounge was destroyed by a suspicious fire in the early morning of Monday 29 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS January. 385951

The Hampton Park Progress Association hosted a family-friendly fun celebration at Arthur Wren Hall on Australia Day, with over 300 Casey residents revelling in fun activities and live entertainment.

The celebration commenced with the Australian Air League marching with the flag, followed by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Children’s Choir singing the Australian National Anthem.

President of the Hampton Park Progress Association Luke DeLutis said the association had a long-held tradition of holding an event on Australia Day to bring the community together.

“We wanted our community to have a free event where they can enjoy themselves without breaking the bank,” he said.

“We were pleased to see so many fami-

lies and individuals enjoying their time with us. There was a real sense of community harmony.”

Victoria Police, Hampton Park Fire Brigade, State Emergency Services, Ambulance Victoria, Neighbourhood Watch Casey, Australian Air League-Berwick and Cranbourne Squadrons, Vocal Performance School, Team Richards Rock n’ Roll, Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Children’s Choir, 2023 Casey Citizen of the Year Jo-Ann Fitzgerald, Hampton Park Uniting Church, and Hampton Park Baptist Church attended the scene.

A sausage sizzle, snacks, and kids’ activities were available on-site.

Damien Rosario hosted the celebration.

Bar destroyed A suspicious fire destroyed Shimmers Bar & Lounge on Cameron Street in Cranbourne in the early morning of Monday 29 January.

At around 4.30am, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to a call reporting a building fire.

Firefighters arrived on the scene at 4.36am to find the restaurant fully engulfed by fire with gas cylinders venting inside.

There was no person inside and no injuries occurred.

Firefighters attacked the fire externally and worked to extinguish the hot spots.

A community warning for smoke in the area

was issued.

Crews requested power and gas companies to attend the scene.

A building surveyor was requested to attend the scene later.

A crime scene was established and an arson chemist attended the scene later.

At this early stage in the investigation, Victoria Police believe the fire was suspicious.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

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Fundraiser to help families

By Violet Li Three Clyde residents are among the four who drowned at Forrest Caves Beach on Phillip Island on Wednesday 24 January.

Kirti Bedi and Suhani Anand, both nursing students aged 20, and 23-year-old nurse Jagjeet Singh Anand lost their lives in the accident.

The fourth victim is the 43-year-old Reema Sondhi who was travelling from India.

The deceased belong to an extended family.

Friends and local communities have launched a fundraising campaign to support the deceased’s families.

“This loss leaves a void for the families that can never be fully filled,” the fundraising page wrote.

“Reema had come to Australia for a holiday to visit her brother’s family and was staying with them in Clyde. Sadly, she will never return to her two children who are in India.

“Shivam, a registered nurse with a heart of gold, saved many lives throughout his career but was unable to be saved when needed himself.

“Suhani and Kriti, both nursing students, had planned to stay home and focus on their studies, but life had other plans.”

More than $77,000 has been raised with a goal of $100,000.

Forrest Caves Beach is unpatroled, and a prime spot known for surfing, according to Life Saving Victoria operations general manager Liam Krige.

He said the beach had good waves and a heightened chance of ripping.

“Rips are the leading cause of drowning in Australia,” he said.

Ambulance Victoria was called at about 3.30pm and when paramedics arrived, two offduty lifeguards who were surfing at the beach had already pulled three of the victims from the water.

CPR was administered on all four but three were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Ms Anand was airlifted to Alfred Hospital in a critical condition, where she was confirmed deceased on Thursday morning.

Victoria Police Eastern Region assistant commissioner Karen Nyholm said the victims were wading in the water when the tragedy happened, but further investigation was needed.

She said the number of deaths was horrific.

“It is a horrific sight for anybody,” she said.

LSV state agency commander Kane Treloar speaks to the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/RACHAEL WARD “And for those people who witnessed it, I’m sure it’s something that they will unfortunately have to recall for the rest of their lives.”

Mr Krige said this tragedy brought the death toll due to drowning to 19 individuals since 1 December last year, which was already two more than the same period last summer.

“This number is too high,” he said.

He said any drowning death was preventable and he urged the public to prioritise water safety and head to a patrolled location.

When asked if there was enough warning for tourists and people unfamiliar with the beach, Mr Krige said it was difficult to say.

“The vast majority of beaches do have safety signage that does meet the Australian standard. Those signs do give clear advice about

what the dangers are,” he said.

“But again, people can always do more…

They can always do a bit of research before they are heading out to those locations [beaches].

“But the easiest thing is to head to those patrolled locations, seek advice from lifeguards and volunteers, and they’ll be able to provide you with those safe swimming zones.”

The nearest patrolled beach is about 4km away.

Mr Krige said Life Saving Victoria patrolled 67 beaches across Victoria and would always explore opportunities to patrol additional locations.

“But that again is down to the landowners and local councils to determine the need for a lifeguard service,” he said.

“We need to remember that water safety is more than just rescue.

“It is about being really aware of the dangers in the first instinct, trying to prevent those rescues from even happening in the first place.”

The last comparable incident was at Stringray Bay in Warrnambool in 2005 where three adults and two children died, Mr Krige said.

The families are now organising the funeral and bringing overseas members together in Melbourne.

Police will continue investigating the incident and preparing a report for the coroner.

To assist with the families, donate at gofundme.com/f/phillip-island-tragedy-4-liveslost-pls-help

Witness appeal after Cranbourne crash

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when the vehicle left the road and crashed into a tree just after 6am.

The learner driver, a man aged in his 20s, sustained minor injuries. He is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

The passenger, also believed to be in his

20s, was transported to hospital in a lifethreatening condition.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto crimestoppersvic. com.au

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Investigators believe the driver of a Holden sedan was travelling south on Lesdon Avenue

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Lending a helping hand

By Ethan Benedicto Mihiri Dissanayake was never one for recognition.

She did not provide charity while looking for something in return, or for people to owe her.

Giving was an act that came with no second thoughts for the Narre Warren South volunteer. If someone needed something, she was there to provide.

From monetary aid to food, medicine and supplies, she had a hand to give, and not just for the Sri Lankan community in Australia, but to anyone in need in the Dandenong and Narre Warren areas.

On Australia Day, Mihiri was named as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia, or OAM, for her service to the Sri Lankan community in Victoria.

“I’m proud, I’m proud, it’s the biggest award you can get in Australia, isn’t it?

“I’m proud to be Australian, and it’s nice to be acknowledged,” she said.

Mihiri was born in East Africa to Sri Lankan parents, had moved back to their home country shortly after, and eventually settled down in the UK for roughly 10 years.

After meeting her husband Bandu Dissanayake and having her first child there, they eventually came down to Australia on 8 August 1982.

Mihiri was an active person, with her mind and her hands, she “never sat still”.

“When I put my children in school I always went and did something, like pottery, art, hairdressing, and the lot. ‘’I do lots of craft stuff, big with pottery and ceramics and such but I didn’t make it a business or anything, anything creative, put it that way,” she said.

Being creative through and engaging with multiple activities was a key strength for Mihiri, which according to her played a big role with how she was able to and continues to handle her responsibilities.

When asked how she managed her roles, she said that “you just do it, and I know how much time I need.

“I’m very good at time management, say even now, if I have a thought in my head about an activity tomorrow happening at a certain time, it will be at that time,” she said.

While Mihiri’s personal charity did not begin here, the first organisation she had been heavily involved in Australia was the Sri Lankan Study Centre for Advancement of Technology and Social Welfare, or SCATS for short.

Having been a member since 1993, Mihiri made steady progress in the organisation, eventually landing the role of president from 2007 to 2008.

She was also the organisation’s treasurer in 2022, and in the same year became the Eastern Region chair.

The bigger aspect that played a role in this was that all of Mihiri’s contributions was never work, it was never a thing that needed to be done, Mihiri did what she did because she knew it helped people, and that made her

Narre Warren South volunteer Mihri Dissanayake has been awarded an OAM. 384960 Picture: GARY SISSONS feel good.

“It’s not work when you do something that you like to do.

“It’s just giving, I think it’s part of my culture and my family background,” she said.

Her involvement with SCATS saw her personally fund and advocate for fundraising in things such as cataract eye surgeries, cultural programs, tsunami relief projects, women’s and youth programs and so on.

Mihrri’s grandmother, Grace Jayawickrama had been a devoted charity and community worker, and when the Queen of England visited Sri Lanka in the 1940s, she had been awarded the Member of the British Empire, or MBE, medal for her voluntary work.

Mihiri had never seen it as a familial trait, but the more she reflected on it, the more she realised that her family and culture had a large role to play in her charity.

“When I give something, it’s never to expect something in return, so I’m just happy.

“If you do something that you love to do, since some people have asked me ‘where do you get the time’, it’s never work, you’re just happy doing it,” Mihrri said.

However, no matter the impact of her roles

and contributions to SCATS, she always credited the organisation’s founder and fellow OAM awardee, Gemini Perera, as its driving force, backbone, and not just hers, but also everyone’s inspiration.

Mihiri’s roles also extended to media, taking part in multicultural mediums such as 3ZZZ Radio and Channel 31.

With a combined time of roughly 15 years of volunteer service, Mihiri’s roles involved clerical duties, being trained as a programmer to handle children’s programs, and a news presenter; with compiling and reading transcript.

A charity that Mihiri feels strongly about, and what she could consider her main avenue, is the Lions Club, specifically their SightFirst program which supports cost-effective and sustainable eye projects.

“I’ve personally funded two major eye surgeries for two people, the council in Sri Lanka is poor, not like here, so one of the guys who was going blind and was about to lose his job, I funded the eye surgery for,” she said.

The other recipient was a Sri Lankan taxi driver’s mother, who she had heard of and immediately decided to fund the process.

Alongside these feats, with fundraising for floods and bushfires, Mihiri received the Mel-

vin Jones Fellow award from Lions international for her volunteering efforts.

However, like the OAM, it was never something that she worked towards, but was something she would gladly accept.

“It just makes you happy you know, even the small things,” she said.

Other accomplishments and contributions from Mihiri include the Mihindu Children’s Foundation, providing a helping hand in school canteens, door to door walking with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels with the City of Monash and the Sri Lankan Women’s Association.

Mihiri has also been a Justice of Peace for Victoria since 2010, or JP for short, and has been a volunteer in acting as an independent witness to documents people use for official or legal purposes.

“I’ve been volunteering at Dandenong City Council and recently Bunjil Library, but I’ve also dedicated time at Dandenong police station, Oakleigh police station, at Springvale and at Knox to name a few,” Mihiri said.

Contributions didn’t remain between organisations however, and using her personal time to cater to others’ needs was something that brought joy to Mihiri.

“I helped with a bypass surgery for a twoyear-old in Sri Lanka, they didn’t have money and I helped with the finances,” she said.

She also made multiple donations to the Lady Ridgeway hospital in Sri Lanka, as well as funding for numerous temples, libraries, schools and fellowship programs in Australia and overseas.

“I refurbished a 55-bed hospital ward, the beds were rotting so I asked the Lions Club there for an inspection, and then recently I also funded for a refurbishment of a 36-bed elderly home.

“I don’t publicise the stuff I do, and most of the time, if my husband were to look at the list of things I’ve done, I don’t think he’d know anything about the funding for the beds and such, I’m just happy to do it,” Mihiri said.

The only paid role that Mihiri has is the administrative position for Monash Health, a company which she has been with since 2014.

It is a role which she loves, with being able to help people and interact with them, to a degree where, even when she is eligible for retirement at 65, has no plans to do so anytime soon.

“I’m not thinking of retiring yet, because I’ll be bored to death, but I’ve cut down on work and I’m trying to get the house in a situation where it’s manageable for me,” she said.

Mihiri and her husband, Victoria’s last Honorary Consul Bandu Dissanayake, have since downsized after both their children moved away from home.

With plans to start a cake business after she retires, Mihiri said that “I’m proud to be Australian”.

“It’s nice to be appreciated for what you do, but that’s not what I do it for,” she said.

Now residing in Narre Warren South, Mihiri continues to advocate and lend a helping hand for any in need.

Hall to transform into creative hub for emerging artists

By Ava Cashmore Casey Council has announced a new hub for artists and creatives to be built in Narre Warren.

The Emerging Artist Creative Hub (The Hub) is designed to be a space for creatives to develop their art practice, collaborate with peers and share skills and resources.

The space will also provide resident artists the opportunity to put on small-scale exhibitions and projects, public programs and other outdoor exhibitions.

The existing hall will be transformed to accommodate small-scale exhibitions and projects, public programs and other outdoor exhibitions.

“We’re so pleased to be able to take one of our under-utilised facilities in the centre of Narre Warren and transform it into a dedicated space for our creative community to 4 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 1 February, 2024

explore their art further,” said City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff.

“The Hub is an exciting, first of its kind offering by council, allowing tenants to flourish in their practice in an accessible and collaborative space.

“We invite applicants who may be considering broadening their practice into Casey to check out the eligibility and get in touch with council to learn more about this opportunity.”

The Emerging Artist Creative Hub is supported through a $150,000 grant provided by the Victorian Government’s Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program combined with a $75,000 investment from the City of Casey.

To apply for the available one-year leases or know more about the Hub, visit casey.vic. gov.au/emerging-artist-creative-hub

The future Emerging Artist Creative Hub (The Hub) in Narre Warren.

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NEWS

OPINION

LENSCAPE

Foundation students, back row from left, Bree, Myra, Huxley, Alara, and Ethan. Front row from left: Tahlia, Connor, Gabby, Aslan, and Mudiwa. 386189

Ready to start school

By Violet Li Foundation (Prep) students at Clyde Grammar started their first week of school in the new term on Monday 29 January and they were excited to meet their classmates and teachers.

Foundation teacher Laura Papettas said there was a happy buzz in the air on the first day.

“The students were settled and excited to start their day developing new friendships and meeting their new teachers. They particularly enjoyed building and playing in the tram,” she said.

“They are looking forward to having sports, art, performing arts, and STEM.” When asked what would be new for this term, she said the students would be exploring the community through a visit from the local police and local CFA. Principal Leanne Evans said meeting Foundation students as they commenced their educational journey was always a heartwarming experience.

“Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn remind us of all of the beauty and wonder of education,” she said.

“I feel privileged to play a part in their growth and development and look forward to seeing the amazing things they will accomplish in the years to come.“ Star News photographer STEWART CHAMBERS captured the best of the action in the first week.

Foundation teacher Miss Giles with students Bree (left) and Huxley. 386189 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Alara (Foundation). 386189

A stunning sunset after a day of both rain, sunshine, thunder and lightning.

Picture: GIRIJA DESAI

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Mudiwa (Foundation). 386189

Thumbs up

Thumbs up

To the upcoming MIFF screening in Casey.

To kids finally back to school.

Thumbs down Thumbs down

Aslan (Foundation). 386189 6 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 1 February, 2024

Huxley (Foundation). 386189

To all Facebook post hijackers and all the negativity they bring. As well as blaming the wrong organisations for issues they are complaining about.

To Casey Council not mowing Tower Hill Park.

Thumbs down To the new speed humps on Central Park in Cranbourne West, way too sharp, they’ll damage cars. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Parent help arrives Clearing An early parenting centre opened on Monday 29 January in Clyde North to provide families with free specialised support in childcare.

Located on Newgrange Blvd within walking distance to shops, cafes, parks, and a proposed police station, the Murrmbek Casey Early Parenting Centre is a brand-new and purpose-built facility for local families with children aged three years and younger, who need support with sleep and settling, feeding, strengthening of the parent-child relationship, and overall health and well-being of the child and the parents.

The centre’s Aboriginal name Murrumbek means ‘belong’ in the Bunurong language, the Traditional Owners of the land where this centre is located.

Delivered by the State Government in partnership with Monash Health, the centre provides a range of services including day stays, overnight stays, and telehealth support.

It features 10 residential family units and four day-stay places, providing both shortterm and longer residential stay programs to improve the health, well-being, and developmental outcomes of children.

The residential family units are designed with flexibility in mind and support different family structures.

Families can bring multiple children or accommodate an older sibling, grandparent, or other carer during their stay.

The centre also includes kitchen and dining areas, playrooms, and outdoor play areas.

Minister for Health Infrastructure MaryAnne Thomas visited the new facility on Thursday 25 January, accompanied by South Eastern Metropolitan MP Michael Galea, Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, and South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis.

“Becoming a parent is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful and difficult too –

planning backlog

Centre nurse manager Jackie Hopley (left), Monash Health interim chief executive Martin Keogh, Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas, South Eastern Metropolitan MP Michael Galea, and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards are celebrating the new early parenting centre.

Picture: SUPPLIED that is why we are supporting families across the southeast through the delivery of our new Clyde North facility,” she said.

General manager of Monash Health’s Children’s Program Dani Smith said the team at Monash Health was excited to welcome families to the new centre and support them in their parenting journeys.

The team includes experienced nurses and midwives, maternal and child health nurses, a social worker, and a child life therapist.

Families can self-refer to the centre or be referred by their GP or maternal and child health

nurses.

The centre is the third of the 12 new and upgraded early parenting centres completed by the State Government as part of its $148m investment to expand Victoria’s early parenting service network, as well as $18.9 million in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to deliver on an election commitment for a new centre in Northcote and an Aboriginal-led centre in Frankston.

To know more about the centre, visit monashhealth.org/services/child-youth-andfamily/casey-early-parenting-centre

The State Government has approved more than 40 per cent of planning permit applications for townhouses and apartments in Casey since handing down its Housing Statement.

The government has cleared 44.7 per cent of the 1400 planning permit applications for townhouses or apartments which had been sitting for more than six months waiting for a decision, including 17 permit applications for townhouses or apartments in Casey, with 21 applications remaining.

In Cardinia, the government has approved six out of the 16 applications awaiting approval.

In total, the approved developments represent 2826 new dwellings across the state.

The State Government has also begun clearing the path for more housing by fast-tracking approvals, turning well-located underused land into quality housing that’s close to public transport, jobs and critical services.

The work has been the focus of a dedicated team working with project proponents, local councils, and referral agencies to resolve issues delaying council decision-making – to avoid projects ending up in VCAT and to get homes built.

FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA

Two national champions for Cathy-Lea Two Cathy-Lea students have won national championships in 2023.

Malaika Geerdharry won the Australian Teachers of Dancing Intermediate Jazz Championship and Grace Rampant won the Australian Teachers of Dance Junior Tap Championship.

Malaika and Grace qualified for this national competition after each winning the Victorian championships earlier in the year. They danced against dancers form across Australia, taking part in classes then performing solos on stage to judges’ acclaim.

Five other Cathy-Lea students qualified for the ATOD National Championships. Olivia Coombe placed 3rd in the Sub- Junior Tap sec-

tion, Abi Winsall placed 4th in the Junior section and Bella Vohs placed 4th in the Senior Tap section.

Cathy-Lea Studios offer students opportunities to complete exams in ATOD Jazz and Tap and Cecchetti Ballet. These internationally recognised associations provide frameworks for teaching technical dance and are delivered by expert teachers, giving parents an assurance that their children will be taught to the highest standards.

Cathy-Lea Studios also offers an Elite Training Program for talented and dedicated students seeking further performance opportunities, and those working towards careers in performing arts.

The studio’s Recreational Program offers allabilities, ‘fun’ classes for children and adults to develop confidence, coordination, fitness and friendships.

The award-winning Ready Set Dance program for preschoolers runs at the studio 4 days a week including morning, after school and weekend sessions.

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.

Grace Rampant – Australian Junior Tap Champion.

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Leader caring in a crisis

By Cam Lucadou-Wells In 45 years of service, CFA Deputy Chief Officer Ross Sullivan has witnessed and tackled some of the state’s most traumatic disasters.

Think of Ash Wednesday in 1983, Black Saturday in 2009, the 2014 Hazlewood Mine fire, the 2019-’20 East Gippsland fires and the October 2022 floods.

“Those battles, especially those large fires, involve Mother Nature doing what it does.

“Human intervention is about managing people’s safety in the line of fire. It’s an extremely challenging thing to do.”

The Lysterfield South resident has been recognised with firefighting’s highest honour in the Australia Day list - an Australian Fire Service Medal.

His considerable duties often consume the CFA leader – regarded by colleagues as knowledgeable, empathetic and humble.

But he insists he’s a “very ordinary human being”.

“There’s nothing special in my make-up. I was chuffed that someone had taken the time to nominate me and put things together about my career.

“I have the opportunity to support people doing incredible things in their communities.

I’m very fortunate to have that opportunity.”

Feeling the immense human tragedy is what drives Sullivan to forever seek improvements. There’s also the reward of reducing those devastating impacts.

He recalls firefighters risking their lives to help four people caught inside a house fire.

The bitter-sweet outcome was they saved one of the victims.

Deputy Chief Officer Ross Sullivan has received the highest firefighting honour in the Australia Day awards list.

On the night of Black Saturday, Sullivan was deployed to the Churchill fire. He remembers crews being sent to any part of the state in response to the firestorms.

“One of the issues was getting to that fire.

There were a number of fires we had to drive through to get there – fires that were active in Narre Warren and Warragul.”

There was great confusion in responding to a fire of such magnitude, coupled with communication issues and the late time of day.

“History tells us that the frequency is becoming greater for those sort of events. That’s what it feels like.

“Fires seem to be more intense these days… fires have even run on cool days with a south-

High-flying CFA trainer awarded medal From fighting fires on the ground in Springvale and Dandenong, Commander John Katakouzinos has been at the forefront of firefighting innovation in the air.

Katakouzinos says he feels “very privileged” to be recognised with an Australian Fire Service Medal for a stellar 32-year career.

He’d previously received several fire service awards for his leadership at the Commonwealth Bank fire-bombing in Springvale and a devastating house fire in Dandenong.

“I’m very proud and I feel very privileged to have been nominated and to receive the award, but that’s not what I do any of what I do.

“I do it because I always want to make sure our people are continuously improving, and our people get the best tools they need to perform the job they need for our community.”

He started as a volunteer at Springvale brigade in 1991, progressing as a career firefighter in Dandenong and currently the commander of aviation at CFA headquarters on secondment from FRV. “I’ve always been interested in aviation, but I wasn’t specifically looking for a role in fire aviation.

“During the 1997 Dandenong Ranges fires I was a volunteer on the ground, and aircraft played a big part, and that set the course for me to get involved in fire aviation.”

He first qualified as an air observer in 1997, before working his way up to air attack supervisor and air operations manager, among other roles.

His passion for training was shown by leading the research, design and delivery of an Australian-first fire-aviation flight simulator.

At Dandenong fire station, he implemented battery-operated road rescue tools, which are still widely used across the state.

“From the start, I’ve always been looking for ways to give our people in the emergency services sector the skills they need, which is what made me start to look at what was being done with aviation internationally.”

“As firefighters, we are generally turning up to the worst day of someone’s life.

“We need to turn up with the best possible skillset that we can achieve, and the only way that we can do that is by continually training to the best possible standard, which ensures that when turn up to someone’s disaster – we do what we can to make it better.

“My passion is about giving our people the 8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 1 February, 2024

CFA aviation commander John Katakouzinos has been recognised with an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM). best tools possible so that they can give the community what they expect and what the community deserves.”

Katakouzinos is most proud of the many people he’s mentored to become leaders in their own right.

“There’s lots of little things that I’m proud of during my time as a firefighter, but I’m most proud of the people I’ve mentored throughout the journey. It always puts a smile on my face when I get firefighters I’ve trained in the past contact me telling me their achievements and thanking me.”

erly or south-westerly winds behind them.

That’s the difference.”

His career began in 1978 as a 16-year-old when he first rode on the back of the fire truck at Bolinda and Monegeeta brigade.

His parents - like much of the township were immersed in their fire brigade.

“Being a volunteer at a small rural fire brigade was about looking after friends and farms around the district,” Sullivan said.

“It meant a lot to be part of a service that made such a valued contribution to community.”

He worked up the ranks as a frontline firefighter to his current role as Deputy Chief Officer overseeing 271 brigades and 14,000 volunteers in the North East Region from Scoresby to Victoria’s northern border.

Sullivan has also been involved in upgrades such as the roll-out of a new fit-for-purpose medium pumper as well as a 44-metre ladder platforms that became a key ingredient for aerial firefighting.

He has also led post-incident recovery efforts, establishing a process for rehabilitating and repairing areas damaged by firefighting activity during the 2019-20 fires.

He’s also led relief and recovery after Upper Murray fires in 2019-’20 and the 2022 floods.

This process is regarded now as the CFA standard.

Among his many other achievements, he developed a strategy to address high fire risk and capability issues in alpine areas, and helped design CFA fleets for growing cities and towns in country Victoria.

Women targeted by tech abuse Women from migrant and refugee backgrounds are being inflicted with rising levels of ‘tech-facilitated abuse’, according to a South-East based service.

Wellsprings for Women is raising the issue ahead of Safer Internet Day on 6 February.

Chief executive Dalal Smiley says there is an “urgent need” for multilingual, culturally-appropriate TFA education in safe settings but the service lacks funding.

“Wellsprings FV case management has established a pattern of TFA in FV cases, with migrant and refugee women failing to recognise TFA as a form of abuse.

“It is not enough to raise awareness.

“What is needed is a focused, intensive approach where we can work closely with the women and co-design and produce a community-based prevention and early intervention program driven by their experiences and recommendations.”

TFA involves perpetrators using technology such as GPS tracking and social media platforms to harass and abuse women.

Migrant and refugee women are at high risk of TFA due to a lack of digital literacy as well as in understanding what constitutes TFA and what to do when it occurs, according to Wellsprings.

It also cites research findings that women with precarious migration status are less willing to seek help for family violence and engage with services.

This is partly due to perpetrators’ capacity to wield power and control over women, including through threats of deportation, shaming, revenge porn, threats to family living overseas and threats that women would lose access to their children. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Elaine now a centenarian

By Ethan Benedicto Turning 100 is no easy feat, and such a milestone for Elaine Beverly Robins was celebrated with life-long friends and over five generations of family.

While celebrated on 20 January this year, Elaine, or as her family fondly calls her, Bev, was born on 16 January 1924 in Oatlands Tasmania.

Growing up in Glenfield farm, Bridgewater, Elaine was fond of the outdoors and growing up her life was nothing short of idyllic.

Rod Robins, youngest child of Elaine, had recalled her childhood through a touching speech in the middle of the celebration.

“The memories of those days are etched in her heart, from the carefree swims in the Jordan River, the construction of rafts made from old kerosene tins, to being chased by an old boar while collecting pears from the farm’s orchards,” Rod said.

After completing school, Elaine took up her first job at a children’s home, a position which Rod recalled was the beginning of a journey filled with compassion and care. “Where she dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of others,” he said.

Eventually, Elaine moved to Melbourne, where she met her future husband Bill at the age of 18 at a picture theatre in Caulfield.

It was also in that city where she worked as a nurse’s aide while she had eagerly waited for the opportunity to train as a nurse at the Warragul Hospital.

While she eventually chose not to pursue that career and married Bill, the testament to her caring nature continued with over 30 years of service to the Red Cross after her, Bill and their children moved to Rawson in the 90s.

Before that, however, the couple had lived in Cottesloe, Western Australia, after the birth of their first child Judith.

It was also then that Bill had left to serve the army in World War Two, in what Rod described

Elaine (middle with flowers) was surrounded by family and friends at her party.

Pictures: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC as a time where “mum’s strength and resilience was evident as she eagerly waited for dad’s return”.

“When he arrived back, mum said that it was impossible to describe the feeling to know that he was home at last and that the war was over,” Rod said.

At Bill’s return, the family grew, with the addition of Rod’s older siblings John, Trevor and Warren.

Being so far from home could only last so long, however, and homesickness eventually brought the family back to Springvale, Victoria.

While Elaine had hoped for a second daughter, Rod recalled that fate had a different plan, welcoming instead Chris and Rod into

the family.

“Raising a family is no small feat, however, mum embraced this challenge with unconditional love, patience and dedication, traits which she instilled in all her children,” Rod said.

Back in Rawson, Elaine’s service with the Red Cross saw her heavily involved with the community, a purpose which she was actively engaged in and something she devoted herself to.

During the party, a representative from the Red Cross was also present, who was more than grateful to Elaine for her contribution and awarded her a medal for 30 years of service.

Elaine Beverly Robins at 100 years and four days old.

Unfortunately, Bill passed away in 1996, a time which Rod recalled had been difficult for everyone.

“Life’s journey also includes moments of sorrow, and when we lost dad, I had the feeling that due to their love, we lost a part of mum as well.

“Despite the hardships, her strength and resilience shone through as she stayed in Rawson, surrounded by fantastic friends, where she continued to contribute to her community,” Rod said.

Elaine had eventually moved and settled down in Clyde, where she currently resides with family just a stone’s throw away.

Independent living - with a sense of community

By Ethan Benedicto The Disability Company’s Hallam branch is moving forward with its unique perspective of supported independent living, with the first of four houses set to open in February.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS for short, has a long-running program with supported independent living, or SIL, which sees clients receiving help while still living as an independent.

For The Disability Company, however, their new approach will tailor shared living of residents to create a sense of community within the home. Company founder Dylan Maliepaard said “we’re approaching it in a novel way, which is to try and match participants in a way that they don’t feel like they’re

in an institutionalised home.”

“Instead they can actually make friends by going away together, having meet and greets, dinners and we can try and coordinate people so they can have more of a housemate relationship than being forced together,” he said.

For Mr Maliepaard, the emphasis of their housing program is home, to not just live in a house but to have it as a space where one can feel secure.

“People can then grow and then actually explore what it means to be a human being, explore their boundaries. They can grow, challenge themselves and go into the next phase of their lives like we all do,” he said.

There are currently three key and high-

demand areas that the Disability Company has identified as where residents would like to reside, and these are Cranbourne, Dandenong and Narre Warren. The first four houses are the setting stage for Mr Maliepaard and the company, where they will then observe and adapt to further cater for future housing projects.

“We want to open those four houses in those three key areas first, and then take it to the next phase.

“From there we will decide on what tweaks and changes we want to make what other areas we might want to move into and what else we would like to do in these areas,” he said.

Comfort is a key factor, and while houses will most likely be limited to four residents

at most, it plays a huge part in feeling like a home, and not a regular housing institution.

“The question is about whether or not that has an institutional feel or if you’re crammed in like sardines. Or if the ratios are kept low, the person has space to actually live in a community and that they are actually living in their home instead of a care facility.”

Another factor is tailoring the homes to the residents, which starts from foundational aspects such as decorating to having gathering events such as house committees.

“These house events that help to bind everyone together make it feel more homely, while also still having that really good balance of your own space, your own independence, your own autonomy to do your own thing,” Mr Maliepaard said.

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Exploring identity through film Hundreds of locals and visitors flocked to last year’s Lang Lang Show ‘n’ Shine.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

By Ethan Benedicto Hafekasi will be one of the first few films from the Melbourne International Film Festival to feature at Bunjil Place’s big screen on Thursday 1 February.

Tongan for half-cast, Hafekasi is a 16-minute film that revolves around a young girl named Mona, who has a white Australian mother and a Tongan father who is not featured in the film.

Director Annelise Hickey delved into the uncertainties of familial relationships, the struggle of identity and the self, and the want to be part of something, to belong.

Loosely derived from her personal experiences as child, Ms Hickey said that “it’s pretty parallel to how I felt growing up when I was old enough to realise, feeling like you don’t fit in sometimes.”

“There’s this yearning to be part of something you don’t know anything about, this culture that you know nothing of,” she said.

Set in the 1990s, the film is vibrant, filled with colour and unravels in two places, a home and a market.

“A lot of times I went to the market as a kid growing up served as my exposure to different cultures, and I just remember the vibrancy of this ‘90s colour pallet of reds and teals.

“That was something that was really prominent when we shot the market scenes, they were full of sound and colour in comparison to being a single child living in a single mum’s home that’s quiet in sound and colour,” Ms Hickey said.

The film’s cinematography is very intimate, following Mona closely with the audience either always watching from her point of her or watching her as she interacts with others.

For Ms Hickey, as a child she didn’t know how to articulate her feelings, so for her “it was always through hearing things or watching people.”

“That was quite important for me to understand where I and Mona belong in the world or where she thinks she belongs through the comments made by the adults around her,” she said.

Hot rods, classic cars on show Annelise Hickey, director of the short film Hafekasi.

Filmed handheld, with incorporations of the shaky cam in some scenes, Ms Hickey wanted to be free with the camera so non-actors involved in the film could be as comfortable as possible to feel like they own the space while delivering an authentic experience.

As for its effects on Mona, the film had “very human camera movement to match her feelings and the way that she moves around the space,” Ms Hickey said.

The idea of the film had been brewing for a long time, but the lack of personal confidence and the thought of the contents of the story itself and how audiences would receive it had prevented Ms Hickey from going through with it.

However, with age and adulthood, Ms Hickey was able to explore her own Tongan culture and began to realise that many others like her were hafekasi or half-cast.

“I went to Aotearoa (New Zealand) about six months before we shot the film, and since it’s full of Polynesians and Tongans, just seeing how they celebrate brown people in their media was incredible.

“That sort of gave me the boost I needed, I came back and wrote the script in a couple of days which had been taking me years to write.

The 11th annual Lang Lang Show ‘n’ Shine and Swap Meet will be held on Sunday 11 February at the Lang Lang Showgrounds.

As with previous years, it is anticipated that more than 500 cars and motorbikes will be on display with about 20 per cent to be judged in various classes based on vehicle age.

This event is run by the KooweerupLang Lang Rotary Club with all proceeds being directed to Rotary-supported causes.

These causes can be local or far away, with $30,000 being donated to the fire victims of East Gippsland in 2019.

Aside from the cars and bikes, there will be plenty of action - including the iconic lawn mower racing - and many will seek out a bargain at the swap meet.

The Lang Lang Showgrounds is on the corner of Westernport Road and McDonalds Track in Lang Lang.

Gates will open at 7am for the general public and show vehicles, with swap meet stall holders entering from 6am.

General admission is $10 with children under 16 free.

For further details, visit langlangshownshine.com

Picture: SUPPLIED

“After going to Aotearoa, I was like, people might actually care about this story, and it poured out and I gave myself permission to write it after that trip,” Ms Hickey said.

As for the director’s emphasis on the film’s message, Ms Hickey didn’t want to “guilt anyone to watch anything.”

“One of the main reasons I watch films is because I enjoy watching people’s lives, and me as a director and when growing up, I didn’t see Polynesians represented in Australian television or film, or media.

“I just think it’s nice to give different stories a chance, to have a better understanding of how someone you might live near or someone you might work with might see the world so differently,” she said.

The film will premiere on Bunjil’s big screen at 8pm on Thursday 1 February, with gates opening at 6pm and a Q&A with Annelise Hickey and other directors at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the night are priced at $10 and for more information on the night and other screenings visit casey.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-international-film-festival-comesbunjil-place

WHAT’S ON Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre

Narre Warren & District Family History Group General Meeting

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

A volunteer, non-profit group whose primary aim is to support both family and local history within the City of Casey and the Shire of Cardinia.

It serves the communities of Narre Warren, Narre Warren North and East, Berwick, Harkaway, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Beaconsfield, and surrounding areas.

The general meetings are not all online.

President Jane will be sharing the many avenues in the Lorraine Taylor Research Room to begin your family or local history research or knock down a brick wall without using Ancestry or Find my Past.

Cranbourne Library Centre, Wednesday 21 February 2024

·

MIFF Summer Screenings at Bunjil Place The program will kick off with the MIFF Shorts Program showcasing four short films each influenced by the life and cultural experiences of the filmmakers.

The next three nights will screen a feature film each from 8pm, following live music performances from 7pm.

Thicker Than Water-Cultural ConnectionsMIFF Shorts Program: Thursday 1 February, 6.30pm - 9.30pm Australia’s Open: Friday 2 February, 7pm 9.35pm Shayda: Saturday 3 February, 7pm - 10pm Ego-The Michael Gudinski Story: Sunday 4 February, 7pm - 10pm

· · ··

Balla Balla Community Centre Located in Clyde North, the centre has vacancies in the following classes: Introduction to Creative Writing, Conversational English, Yoga, Zumba, Playgroup, Balla Balla Bubs (0-12 months).

10 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 1 February, 2024

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Cranbourne Library Centre. 173461 Morning Melodies is back! – First date for the year is 13 February. Share a morning of music, enjoy a cuppa, or scones with jam and cream, and make new friends along the way.

Enrolments can be made online at ballaballa. com.au/programs or by phoning 5990 0900.

·

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.

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.

·

Cranbourne U3A We have commenced our classes and are happy that the new classes are proving to be very popular. Our Ballroom dance class has commenced

and it is a lot of fun. You do not need a partner, just come along and give it a try. The Tai Chi class is also going well. We have room for new members if you are interested. Our usual art, music, calligraphy, quilling, knitting, sewing/patchwork, chess, Italian, and Table Tennis groups are all back and enjoying lots of laughs and good company.

New members are always welcome. If you would like to join us pop into our rooms, we are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Our website is u3acraqnbourne,org.au for more information.

Our rooms are in the Cranbourne Library building - enter from the Casey Radio entrance next door to L’Arte Cafe.

·

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Founder of the Disability Company, Dylan Maliepaard

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I was born in South Africa, but you’d never know it talking to me!

THREE … wetlands in the City of Casey

What do you love the most about your job?

The opportunity to build something that consistently tries to make the world brighter and a better place.

As World Wetlands Day is around the corner on 2 February, why not take a day off and treasure the wonder of nature in our backyard?

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

A Leopard.

1

Western Port Ramsar Wetland Western Port is an internationally significant wetland under the intergovernmental Ramsar Convention, a treaty aimed at the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It is the habitat of many marine species and birds. Take a walk along the coast and you may spot some amazing creatures hanging around.

2

Berwick Springs Wetlands Reserve A paradise for native wildlife, this wetlands space is a beautiful and popular community asset with a network of playgrounds, fishing spots, walking paths, and more.

3

Botanic Ridge Wetlands A natural haven in Cranbourne, the wetland features lush green spaces, big trees, and a variety of flora and fauna. It is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and other native species. These areas provide a great opportunity for families and friends to spend quality time and enjoy nature.

What was your most memorable moment?

Starting my company, the moment I committed to the journey.

What were you like as a kid?

Happy and curious, but always in my own world.

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

The birth of my children.

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

Jordan Peterson, Elon Musk, Socrates, Viktor Frankl, Nikolai Tesla and St Paul.

Founder of the Disability Company, Dylan Maliepaard.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Empathetic, blunt, happy.

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

Meditate/pray in the morning, go to the gym, have breakfast with my family, go and build furniture/working on a car while listening

to podcasts/audio books, sit and plan, and head into work to work on making things better and better, then come home to my family have dinner and talk, then finishing by sitting with my partner and play chess with a drink.

Where is your happy place?

Home, in the garden where I can sit and think.

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

Well my favourite food is beef stew, so I’d probably go with that.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Fiji or the Maldives would be amazing, on one of those grass huts on stilts over the ocean.

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SPORT

Cobras search silverware

By David Nagel A club striving for rare success takes on the most successful team of its generation when Merinda Park and Kooweerup collide in a ‘David v Goliath’ battle for the CCCA T20 Kookaburra Cup at Glover Reserve on Sunday.

Merinda Park was last champions of the WGCA/CCCA in 2001/02 - winning the then A Grade premiership against Pakenham Upper/Toomuc - and have been Premier Division regulars since winning the District Division flag in 2011/12.

On the T20 front the Cobras have only once played in a grand final, losing to Cardinia in 2012/13, the same year they played in a losing Premier Division grand final against a Tom Hussey-inspired Tooradin.

This week they take on a Kooweerup outfit that play in grand finals for fun.

The Demons have won eight of the last 14 Premier Division flags, and finished runner up three times, while their Kookaburra Cup record is also impressive.

They won in 2010/11, and then went backto-back from 2013/14 through to 15, and have been runner up five times.

The most recent of those runner-up finishes was against Cardinia last year.

Despite the disparity in history, this one should be a cracker with both teams heading into the Kookaburra Cup decider with perfect 4-0 records this season.

Kooweerup had a major scare against Clyde in round two of the knock-out stage of the tournament, but have otherwise been imperious.

Steven Dillon has been outstanding with the ball, taking a competition-high 14 wickets at an economy rate of 4.62 runs per over, while marquee-player Sahan Perera is second on the bowling list with five wickets and leads the way with the willow.

Perera has made 140 runs off just 102 balls, with Luke McMaster (64) and Gamini Kumara (51) the only other Demons above 50.

Merinda Park also progressed to the semifinal stage undefeated and booked its place in the big dance with a thrilling last-ball semifinal victory over Pakenham.

Marquee-player Luke Shelton made 66 not out, while Rumesh Ranasinghe continued his sparkling form through the tournament.

Ranasinghe has bowled 16 overs and claimed the incredible figures of 12/69; made up of terrific spells of 3/13, 3/15, 3/16 and 3/25 against the Lions.

The Country Week left-arm off-spinner has also made 110 runs with the bat, clearly the best of the 11 Cobras that will represent the club on Sunday.

Merinda Park captain Mat Campbell said the entire T20 journey had been beneficial for the club.

CASEY CARDINIA CRICKET ASSOCIATION

KOOKABURRA CUP - GRAND FINAL PREVIEW

Liam Bertrand hits the ball hard and could be the surprise-packet for Merinda Park when the Cobras take on Kooweerup in Sunday’s Kookaburra Cup Grand Final at Glover Reserve. 385385 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “We got knocked out in the semi-finals last year and identified that it created a real buzz around the club, having a bit of success really got people engaged,” Campbell said.

“Off the back of that, we had people come back to the club and show their support and it created a great atmosphere, and the players really enjoyed playing in front of that.

“We went to Cardinia, and outnumbered them in regards to support, then at Devon Meadows we did the same, and then at our

home ground we basically doubled what we took to other grounds.”

Campbell said the influence of Shelton had played a huge role in the Cobras’ winning streak.

“He’s a class above, he’s coached in Mossman, New South Wales, he’s the current captain of Casey (South Melbourne) and they’re having a great season as well,” he said.

“He understands the game better than most and he has the skill set to back it up.

“It should be a great contest…we’re excited by the challenge.”

CCCA KOOKABURRA CUP GRAND FINALS Glover Reserve, Devon Meadows Sunday 4 February 10am District Division Grand Final Cranbourne Meadows v Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll.

2pm Premier Division Grand Final Kooweerup v Merinda Park

ROAD TO THE FINAL - KOOWEERUP

ROAD TO THE FINAL - MERINDA PARK

ROUND 1 KOOWEERUP 2/101 (13.3) defeated PAKENHAM 8/100 (20) TOSS: Pakenham – Bat. Kooweerup began its Kookaburra Cup three-game round-robin campaign with an easy win over Pakenham.

Luke McMaster, Steven Dillon and Sahan Perera kept the Lions under wraps with a ruthless bowling display before McMaster, Perera and Suchintha Lakshan made light work of the reply.

The Demons won with eight wickets in hand and 39 balls to spare.

Wicket Takers: Luke McMaster 4-0-15-3, Steven Dillon 4-0-15-2, Sahan Perera 4-0-14-1.

Top 3 Batting: Luke McMaster 28, Sahan Perera 26*, Suchintha Lakshan 21.

ROUND 2 CLYDE 8/113 (20) defeated by KOOWEERUP 119 (19.2) TOSS: Kooweerup -Bat. The Demons got out of jail in this one. They were 5/17 before Cody Miller, Sahan Perera, Lachie Ramage and number-10 Joel Anderson made the only double-figure scores of the innings to reach 119.

The Cougars were then 3/103 off 17 in reply, requiring 17 runs from three overs with seven wickets left in the sheds.

But the Demons captured 5/10 from the last three to win by six.

Steven Dillon, Perera and Rob Maskiell – who was on a last-over hat-trick – were the heroes for the Demons with the ball.

Wicket Takers: Robert Maskiell 4-0-23-3, Steven Dillon 4-0-20-2, Sahan Perera 4-0-23-2.

Top 3 Batting: Joel Anderson 29, Sahan Perera 27, Cody Miller 21.

ROUND 3 CARLISLE PARK 80 (16.5) defeated by KOOWEERUP 4/83 (12.2) TOSS: Carlisle Park – Bat. It was the ‘Steven Dillon Show’ at the Hunt Club Oval

ROUND 1 MERINDA PARK 9/176 (20 overs) defeated TOORADIN 8/130 (20) TOSS: Merinda Park – Bat. Marquee-player Michael De Iacovo set the scene for the whole tournament for the Cobras with a magnificent 76 off just 42 balls, which included 10 fours and three sixes.

Rumesh Ranasinghe and Pawan Thind then went better than a run-a-ball, helping the Cougars to a competitive score.

The Cobras then subdued the talented Seagulls line up, with Ranasinghe, Bevin Corneille and Raveen Kadirahettiarachchi all taking multiple wickets.

Wicket Takers: Rumesh Ranasinghe 4-0-13-3, Bevin Corneille 4-0-26-2, Raveen Kadirahettiarachchi 4-0-392, Luke Shelton 4-0-19-1.

Top-3 Batting: Michael De Iacovo 76, Rumesh Ranasinghe 21, Pawan Thind 18.

ROUND 2 DEVON MEADOWS 8/148 (20) defeated by MERINDA PARK 6/152 (15.3) TOSS: Devon Meadows – Bat. Bowling first, the Cobras conceded just three boundaries in the last five overs to restrict the Panthers to a mediocre score on a fast-deck at Glover Reserve.

Rumesh Ranasinghe and Bevin Corneille claimed three wickets each with the ball, while Michael De Iacovo built the pressure with a tidy spell up front.

De Iacovo then smashed 31 off 16 balls to get the run chase off to a flyer, before Daniel McCalman played a brilliant unbeaten innings to guide his team to victory.

Wicket Takers: Rumesh Ranasinghe 4-1-15-3, Bevin Corneille 4-0-30-3, Michael De Iacovo 4-0-20-1.

Top 3 Batting: Daniel McCalman 38*, Michael De Iacovo 31, Rumesh Ranasinghe 22.

ROUND 3 CARDINIA 4/130 (20) defeated by MERINDA PARK 3/133 (17.5) TOSS: Cardinia – Bat.

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

with his right-arm darts capturing 7/10 to knock the Vikings innings off its axis.

Amazingly Dillon was on three hat-tricks, after claiming back-to-back wickets in his first, third and fourth overs, and claimed 5/1 from his last 11 balls.

A Sahan Perera half-century then piloted the Demons to an effortless victory and a clean-sweep of the roundrobin stage of the tournament.

Wicket Takers: Steven Dillon 3.5-1-10-7, Sahan Perera 2-0-8-1, Joel Anderson 2-0-12-1, Robert Maskiell 2-0-16-1.

Top 3 Batting: Sahan Perera 50*, Gamini Kumara 8, Mitch Davey 8.

SEMI-FINAL KOOWEERUP 5/200 (20) defeated DEVON MEADOWS 9/145 (20) TOSS: Kooweerup – Bat. The Demons were at their ruthless best in the grand final qualifier with Luke McMaster and Sahan Perera setting things up at the top before Mitch Davey, Gamini Kumara and Adam McMaster put the finishing touches on a huge score.

Kooweerup then managed its defence wisely, with dangerman Lucas Ligt (51 off 32) facing just half the balls of the other players in the Panthers top six.

Steven Dillon then led the way again with the ball, with great support from Cody Miller and four other wickettakers.

Wicket Takers: Steven Dillon 3-0-22-3, Cody Miller 2-012-2, Suchintha Lakshan 1-0-6-1, Sahan Perera 3-014-1, Mitch Davey 2-0-15-1, Adam McMaster 4-0-22-1.

Top-3 Batting: Adam McMaster 45*, Gamini Kumara 43*, Sahan Perera 37.

STATS STARS BATTING: Sahan Perera 140 runs (102 balls), Luke McMaster 64 (43 balls), Gamini Kumara 51 (36 balls), Mitch Davey 46 (49 balls), Adam McMaster 45 (25 balls).

BOWLING: Steven Dillon 14/67 (4.62 Economy), Sahan Perera 5/59 (4.54), Rob Maskiell 4/81 (7.36), Luke McMaster 3/54 (4.91).

Taking wickets proved difficult for the Cobras in the first half of this match, but the bowlers hung tough to make inroads through the middle stages.

Michael De Iacovo made the initial breakthrough, before Rumesh Ranasinghe bowled superbly to make it three consecutive three-wicket hauls.

Two significant partnerships then steered the Cobras home, with Ranasinghe sharing stands of 51 and 75 with Bevin Corneille and Cambell Bryan respectively.

Wicket Takers: Rumesh Ranasinghe 4-0-16-3, Michael De Iacovo 4-0-25-1.

Top 3 Batting: Rumesh Ranasinghe 58*, Bevin Corneille 34, Cambell Bryan 26*.

SEMI-FINAL MERINDA PARK 7/155 (20) defeated PAKENHAM 6/152 (20) TOSS: Pakenham – Bat. What a win! The Cobras kept their collective nerve after Pakenham opener Chris Smith (47) hit six fours and one six from his first 13 balls to threaten a severe onslaught.

Rumesh Ranasinghe claimed another three-wicket haul, while the mid-innings spell of Cobras’ skipper Mat Campbell was brilliant in the circumstances.

The Lions had the Cobras 3/24 in reply when Luke Shelton walked to the crease…who remained unbeaten on 66 from 46 balls Liam Bertrand chimed in perfectly, before Campbell hit a four off the last ball of the match to get the Cobras home in a thriller.

Wicket Takers: Rumesh Ranasinghe 4-0-25-3, Mat Campbell 4-0-21-2, Bevin Corneille 3-0-21-1.

Top 3 Batting: Luke Shelton 66*, Liam Bertrand 25, Bevin Corneille 15.

STATS STARS BATTING: Michael De Iacovo 113 runs (65 balls), Rumesh Ranasinghe 110 (86), Bevin Corneille 73 (65), Luke Shelton 71 (53), Daniel McCalman 60 (63).

BOWLING: Rumesh Ranasinghe 12/69 (4.31 Economy), Bevin Corneille 6/104 (6.93).

Thursday, 1 February, 2024

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STAR NEWS 13

SPORT

Eagles rebound strongly

By Jonty Ralphsmith Parkmore has rocketed into finals contention with a surprise reverse outright over Dandenong West, while Parkfield secured a tight win over Lyndale to headline Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 2 action.

The round was dominated by ball, with no team able to pass 200 in tricky conditions on day one, and the teams batting second not making them pay, with Cranbourne and HSD also scoring wins.

EAGLES NAB IMPORTANT WIN Cranbourne outclassed Narre Warren on day two of its clash at Sweeney Reserve.

Arriving with Narre sitting at 3/44, needing 176 to win, Marty Kelly and Tim Fathers found their line and length straight away.

The pair didn’t take long to make inroads and were tireless, with the fielding also strong for an Eagles outfit which put an emphasis on that following the loss to Parkfield.

PATTO PERFECTION Heinz Southern Districts heart-and-soul pace bowler Ryan Patterson has been a significant contributor for his side this season, but often has been the unrewarded bowler in a partnership.

Entering the round 11 match against Keysborough, having managed only 3.2 overs before being removed from the attack against Narre Warren for bowling no-balls, Patterson made amends at Rowley Allen Reserve.

He took four first-innings wickets, including the crucial scalp of Christo Otto to allow his team to pursue an outright.

Patterson again got Otto in the second innings but the Knights were able to keep the visiting bowling attack at bay, to keep HSD to just the first innings points.

The five wickets lifts Patterson to top five in the competition’s wickets tally, eight behind leader Nuwan Kulasekara, and he has also made some handy lower-order runs.

REVERSE OUTRIGHT Parkmore did not allow rue to infect the second day of its match against Dandenong West after letting a golden opportunity for first innings points slip.

The Pirates bowled Dandenong West out for 104 before being skittled for 79.

On day two, the script was more enchanting

Lyndale fought hard, but needed more from its top order. 385392 for the visitors, with the bowlers able to repeat the dose and bowl out the Bulls for 106, setting 132 for a reverse outright.

The hosts went in with an altered batting order, having failed to fire outside of Shaun Weir and Anthony Brannan this season, but was undone by Avisha Wilwalaarachchi, Niranjen Kumar and Ammar Bajwa, who backed up his five wickets in the first innings.

Then, it was the Amal Athulathmudali show.

The skipper clattered eight maximums in an unbeaten knock of 98 off 71 balls to guide his team to an eight-wicket win after he was dismissed in controversial circumstances in the first innings.

PARKFIELD COME UP CLUTCH It was the necessary captaincy move that could have cost his team the game – but ultimately the one which saw Parkfield to victory.

With Lyndale within 30 runs of victory, and the spinners - introduced to change the momentum - controlling the run rate but not threatening to take wickets, Steve Cannon turned to the lively Hansika Kodikara.

The short boundaries of Barry Powell Reserve put the onus on Kodikara’s accuracy: put it in the channel or risk the strong-hitting number 10 Niviyananthan Mahendrakumar finishing the job for Lyndale.

Arriving at the crease at 8/93, Mahendrakumar looked comfortable from the get-go, clearing his front leg and swinging through the line to smoke six boundaries early in his innings off the quick bowlers.

With his skipper Ben Montgomery occupying the crease at the other end, the momentum had shifted firmly towards the Dales in a 20-minute period, resulting in Parkfield turning to reliable spinners Dishan Malalasekera and Nick Jeffrey for the first time to quell the scoring.

While they kept it tight in a 10-over bowling partnership, which cost just 25 runs, neither threatened to take wickets, and with run-rate not an issue, Cannon had to pull the trigger.

Having been uber-consistent until the last over of his first spell, Kodikara delivered, his second ball getting through Mahendrakumar (46) with searing pace and dip, before he

Picture: ROB CAREW trapped Rohan Dixit four overs later to see his team to a 20-run victory.

Earlier, Kodikara and Sanjay Kahawatte were intimidating upfront, reducing Lyndale to 3/1 to put their team on the front foot for most of the second day.

Himish Galhenage Don, played an intimidating cameo of 38 from number six before his defences were beaten to continue a middling summer with the bat for him.

The result is a statement of Parkfield’s proficiency in the two-day game, having gritted out 173 last week, while it is a dagger for Lyndale’s finals hopes given a difficult run home.

Results: Keysborough 108 and 4/53 defeated

by HSD, Narre Warren 107 defeated by Cranbourne 175, Dandenong West 104 and 106 defeated by Parkmore 79 and 3/135, Lyndale 153 defeated by Parkfield 173 Ladder: Dandenong West 52, HSD 45, Parkfield 45, Parkmore 32, Cranbourne 30, Lyndale 30, Narre Warren 21, Keysborough 15 Fixture: Parkfield v Narre Warren, HSD v Dandenong West, Cranbourne v Lyndale, Parkmore v Keysborough

Fortunes turn quick as run home to finals gets serious

By Jonty Ralphsmith Parkmore’s reverse outright win over Dandenong West in Turf 2 of the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) has thrown a spanner in the works of several premiership and finals aspirants.

As well as opening up the slim possibility of the Bulls being usurped atop the table, it has made things difficult for Cranbourne and Lyndale.

With three games remaining, we have taken a look at where each team sits as the race to March heats up.

Current ladder: Dandenong West 52, HSD 45, Parkfield 45, Parkmore 32, Cranbourne 30, Lyndale 30, Narre Warren 21, Keysborough 15 DANDENONG WEST Games remaining: HSD, Cranbourne, Lyndale Virtually locked in to top-spot. The match against HSD is a flip of the coin, but they will be favoured to defeat Cranbourne and Lyndale. Provided the Bulls don’t lose outright to the Cobras, top spot should be theirs.

HSD Games remaining: Dandenong West, Lyndale, Cranbourne Faces the same sides as Dandenong West on the run home. Would need to go undefeated and hope other results go its way if it wants to finish first. Two wins out of the three should lock in second place.

PARKFIELD Games remaining: Narre Warren, Keysborough, Parkmore While no-one will say it publicly, every 14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 1 February, 2024

Mackenzie Gardner will be hoping to help his team defeat Dandenong West this week. 382055 Picture: ROB CAREW team would want to avoid Dandenong West in the semi-final and the Bandits are in a strong position to do so. Currently sitting 13 points clear of fourth spot with a reasonably soft run home, one win should be enough to at least secure third place, and they should strongly challenge for second spot.

PARKMORE Games remaining: Keysborough, Narre Warren, Parkfield It’s remarkable that Parkmore had only one win after nine rounds yet now sits in the

top four, but that reflects the rain-interrupted nature of the season so far. Two points clear of fifth and sixth with a more benign end to the home-and-away season, the Pirates control their own destiny.

CRANBOURNE Games remaining: Lyndale, Dandenong West, HSD Despite the win over Narre Warren on the weekend, Parkmore’s reverse outright has made things tricky for the Eagles. The loser of the upcoming two-dayer against Lyndale

is effectively out of finals contention. The old ‘one week at a time’ cliche will ring through for Clint Ayres’ men who will hope to survive the first test, given sterner challenges will then need to be scaled against the Bulls and Cobras.

LYNDALE Games remaining: Cranbourne, HSD, Dandenong West Faces the same teams on the road home as Cranbourne so the tale is much the same.

Both Cranbourne and Lyndale will rue tight losses if they fall just short.

NARRE WARREN Games remaining: Parkfield, Parkmore, Keysborough Is fighting with Keysborough to avoid relegation in Turf 2, but has a superior net run rate and points. Lots will likely be riding on the round 14 match, with the priority until then being to cause an upset, or at least make it competitive to give the Magpies a chance of staying in Turf 2 even if it loses its last match.

KEYSBOROUGH Games remaining: Parkmore, Parkfield, Narre Warren It’s not looking good for Keysborough.

Beating Narre in round 14 would give the Knights a chance, but would need to do so by a reasonable margin and hope Narre does not pick up wins along the way. If Keysy goes into round 14 with two wins already under its belt, and then wins, it will be okay.

Predicted final ladder: Dandenong West 64, HSD 63, Parkfield 63, Parkmore 44, Cranbourne 36, Lyndale 36, Narre Warren 27, Keysborough 15 cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Devon Meadows Life Members, from left, Mark Hosking, Cliff Carson, Darren O’Brien, John O’Brien, Lucas Carroll, Barry Pictures: DAVID NAGEL Hunter, Lincoln Hepburn, Peter Deighton, Peter Zauner, Bill Loudon, Tony Scott and Mick Floyd. 385706

CCCA President Rob Hansen, left, with Chairman Bob Taylor and Lang Lang Bob Taylor. 385706

A proud pack of Panthers

By David Nagel The atmosphere was electric at Glover Reserve on Australia Day as the Devon Meadows Cricket Club hosted a function for its Past Players - coinciding with its ‘Steve Vivian Shield’ CCCA Premier Division clash with Pakenham.

On field the action was hot with the Panthers and Lions scoring a combined 470 runs…the highest total in one-day cricket in the Premier Division this season.

Off field the vibe was equally enjoyable, with many familiar faces gathering for a few cold refreshments and plenty of laughs.

CCCA President Rob Hansen attended the event, alongside fellow league administrators ‘Chairman’ Bob Taylor and ‘Lang Lang’ Bob Taylor.

All three have received awards from Cricket

Victoria for 50-plus years of service to the game.

Famous brothers Jack, Potty and Ron Ingram were on hand, while Andrew and Mark Vivian represented their family, presenting the ‘Steve Vivian Shield’ to Pakenham after its 30-run victory.

Steve Vivian was a driving force at Devon Meadows before moving to Pakenham to captain and coach the club.

Devon Meadows Life Member Cliff Carson spoke glowingly about Vivian’s contribution to both clubs.

Current day President Mick Floyd then bestowed the great honour of Life Membership on long-time Treasurer Peter Deighton; who was convinced into the role by Floyd.

Glover Reserve will be the focus of attention once again this Sunday 4 February, hosting the CCCA T20 Kookaburra Cup grand finals.

A famous cricketing family from left; Ron, Potty (Barry) and Jack Ingram at Devon Meadows on Friday. 385706

Peter Deighton, right, is welcomed to the Devon Meadows Life Members club by President Mick Floyd. 385706

Mixed bag for Cranbourne as things return to full-throttle CRANBOURNE BOWLS The new year of 2024 is now fully up and running with the Cranbourne Bowling Club participating in Saturday and midweek Pennant action.

Saturday saw a very pleasant day weather wise, being sunny with a light breeze blowing and bowlers enjoyed the conditions with some good and great bowls being played.

Cranbourne 1 took on Beaumaris 1 at their home ground and both teams fought it out, winning two rinks each, but the home team did a little better to win the overall by 11 shots.

Best rink of the day was skipped by Steve Ellard; third Shane Jakins, second Steve Bentley and Lead Chris Hunt.

Another good rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Jammie Corney; third Matt Stevens, second Dale Henry and Lead Joe Byrne who were down by nine shots at the lunch break, but then slowly worked their way back to eventually get up and win.

The two losing rinks tried hard, but their opponents, playing at home, were just too good.

Cranbourne 1 (71) was defeated by Beaumaris 1 (82). - 11 shots and 4 points.

Cranbourne 2 played at home and took on Mordialloc 1 on the front grass green and playing some very good bowls with the home team winning three rinks to one to take the overall win.

Best rink of the day was skipped by Peter Colthup; third Fred Scicluna, second Marion Bobetic and Lead Barry Graham who won by 15 shots.

The rink skipped by Doug Boggie; third John Keen, second Phil Nielsen and Lead Loui Magri had a nine-shot win.

Steve Hickson’s rink won by seven shots.

Cranbourne 2 (91) defeated Mordialloc 1 (75). + 16 shots and 16 points.

Cranbourne 3 played at home on the front synthetic; taking on the neighbours in Ber-

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

The victorious Cranbourne 4 team having defeated Sandringham 2 on Saturday. 385781 Picture: SUPPLIED wick 4.

Winning two rinks each, Berwick 4 edged out Cranbourne 3 and took the overall win by six shots.

Best rink of the day for Cranbourne was skipped by Tony Collins; third Bill Sherriff, second George Ljepojevic and Lead Kristi Hickson who won by six shots.

They were followed close behind by the team skipped by Rod Arms; third John Kent, second Dennis Tomlin, Lead Chris Sharpe, who won the game by five shots.

Cranbourne 3 (77) was defeated by Berwick 4 (83). - 6 shots and 4 points.

Cranbourne 4 travelled the road to take on Sandringham 2 on their grass green.

The grass was a little up and down and slowish and it took the Cranbourne team until after the break, when we held a lead by five shots, to finally master the green and win overall by three rinks to one and + 25 shots.

The losing rink was down by 10 shots at one stage and then resolutely fought back to only go down by the barest margin of one shot.

The winning Cranbourne rinks had comfortable wins by five, nine and 12 shots.

Best rink of the day was skipped by Tony Whalley; third Hans Worsteling, second Bob Pyne and Lead Neil Fotheringham.

The best second placed rink was skipped

by Cheryl Wright; third Derek Maguire, second Bob Bellamy and Lead Chris Rea. Cranbourne 4 (91) defeated Sandringham 2 (66). + 25 shots and 16 points.

Cranbourne 5 travelled to Dandenong for its game against Dandenong Club 6.

In an extraordinary day for the Cranbourne team, they won by two rinks to one playing on the grass with the losing rink only going down by two shots…a great effort.

The team skipped by Rob Sorensen; third Sofio Raiti, second Kate Sharpe and Lead Olive Stanley won their rink by 11 shots.

But the stars of not just the Cranbourne 5 team, but the best rink of the day for the club, was skipped by Stuart Walters; third Helen Blake, second Allen Skurrie and Lead Davina Bobetic who had a convincing 36-shot win over their opponents, winning 41-5.

Congratulations to one and all.

MIDWEEK PENNANT Cranbourne 1 played Narre Warren 2 under

the roof at Narre Warren and in a close competition the home side took the major points winning two rinks to one.

Best rink was skipped by Chris Owen; third Cheryl Wright, second Chris Stevenson and Lead Gwen Scott who won their rink by six shots.

Cranbourne 1 (51) was defeated by Narre Warren 2 (61). - 10 shots and 2 points.

Cranbourne 2 played at home and took on the teams from Carrum 1.

Playing on the back grass green a very good game ensued, but in the end, Cranbourne 2 were victorious winning two rinks to one.

Best rink was skipped by Steve Hickson; third Scott DePiazza, second David McMaster and Lead Dennis Tomlin who had a great 14shot win.

Cranbourne 1 (61) defeated Carrum 1 (53). + 8 shots and 14 points.

Cranbourne 3 travelled to Keysborough to take on Dandenong RSL Rec 1.

In another great game both clubs won a rink each, and shared one.

The difference on the day was the outstanding game had by the Cranbourne team, consisting of skip Tony Whalley; third Chris Sharpe, second Bob Bellamy and Lead Lyn Whalley who won their rink by 24 shots.

A brilliant team effort.

Cranbourne 3 (79) defeated Dandenong RSL Rec 1 (59). + 20 shots and 13 points.

Cranbourne 4 did not get to play as the MCC 6 team had withdrawn from competition.

Cranbourne 4 was awarded + 8 shots and 14 points.

Now we just move forward to next week’s matches and do the very best we can.

A big thanks to all the players, emergencies, etc for helping us out.

This week again, there will be more changes.

Go Cranny Bowls -Derek Maguire Thursday, 1 February, 2024

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STAR NEWS 15

12664616-HC06-24

16 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 1 February, 2024

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au