BERWICK
Thursday, 8 February, 2024
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40¢ Inc. GST
Home builds in limbo
Where’s the fire station?
Interns check in
Callum cracks a ton
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SPORT
Seven sets of twins An astounding seven sets of twins are embarking on their high school journey together at Hampton Park Secondary College. With two sets of identical twins, and five fraternal, the class is shaping up to be a highly memorable one. For more on the story, turn to page 10
Back row: Kaiysah, Mikayla, Melanie, Mariahna, Jared, Desmond and Sienna. Front row: Makyiah, Taya, Candice, Keira, Amberlee, Kaino and Shanita. 380876 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Bagging benefits By Ethan Benedicto Narre Warren shoppers have welcomed the changes to the stage three tax cuts as the issue looms as a potential hot button issue at the next election. Labor MP Julian Hill, who represents the Bruce electorate, has naturally supported his party’s stance. While the Opposition says it won’t stand in the way of the changes, La Trobe MP Jason Wood slammed the Prime Minister for going back on his word of not touching the stage three tax cuts. However, the Liberal MP said “the Coalition affirms its commitment to achieving lower, simpler and fairer taxes, exemplified by our
support for reducing the 19 cent tax rate to 16 cents”. The changes, announced on 25 January by the Federal Government, will see low-income earners receive a larger tax cut than originally proposed. According to the Treasury Department, 13.6 million Australians are to benefit from the redesigned stage three tax cuts, as compared to its previous model which catered to only 10.8 million taxpayers. Effective on 1 July this year, the tax brackets for lower to middle income earners will be changing, with individuals earning $18,000 to $45,000 to have their tax rate reduced from 19 per cent to 16 per cent. Likewise, the next tax bracket of those earn-
ing anywhere through $45,001 to $135,000 will have their tax rate change from 32.5 per cent to 30 per cent. Essentially, more money in residents’ pockets allows for a little bit more breathing room, with local shoppers at Fountain Gate Westfield sitting on the fence between spending more or saving more. One shopper said that the changes will “allow me to be better with my money.” “Getting taxed makes me feel like ‘oh I can do whatever with my money since I’m not even earning that much’.” “But since I’m a uni student it would help a lot with organising what I need to pay for my studies and so on,” the shopper said.
Other sentiments juggled between saving and spending, with one lady saying that “everything is so expensive at the moment”. “I think I’ll be spending and saving, but we’re always spending now and we’re not saving anything,” she said. The higher brackets have also changed, with those earning $135,001 to $190,000 being taxed at 37 per cent and anyone earning over $190,000 being taxed at 45 per cent. Bruce electorate MP Julian Hill recently released a statement saying that Labor’s tax cuts “will provide a real cost-of-living relief to all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers without adding to inflationary pressures”. Continued page 8
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Family fun day Summer Sounds 2024 Summer Sounds 2024 will bring live, local music to Bunjil Place this month. On Saturday 24 February from 5.00 pm, Summer Sounds will once again light up the outdoor plaza as part of the Summer Stage program, with double headliners RVG and Jen Cloher, supported by Play Lunch.
To celebrate the opening of the new library lounge at Cranbourne West Community Hub, a family fun day will be held on Saturday 17 February from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. There will be lots of free activities, a sausage sizzle and giveaways throughout the day. This is a free event and no bookings are required. For more information, visit the Connected Libraries website.
Presented by Music Victoria’s On The Road Again program, Summer Sounds brings an evening of music and entertainment to the south east. 2024 brings an extra special transformation to the space, with a full concert stage and temporary shipping containers providing weather shelter and food service areas to ensure a great experience – no matter the weather. Tickets are $25. For more details and to book, visit the Bunjil Place website. To support community members who might be considering running for Council, Casey is hosting some ‘Role of Council’ candidate information sessions. The sessions are designed to give community leaders and residents the chance to find out more about the diverse range of functions and services local government provides, the role of Councillors and to provide the resources required for candidates for the 2024 Local Government Elections. February online session Tuesday 27 February 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Role of Council information sessions The City of Casey will return to elected Councillors when local Council Elections take place in October.
March in-person session Tuesday 26 March 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Casey Rainbow Community Picnic Join us at the Old Cheese Factory on Sunday 18 February from 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm for a fun-filled relaxing day out celebrating our LGBTIQA+ community and allies. The Casey Rainbow Community Picnic will have something for everyone, including food trucks, live performances, art and craft activities and more. This is a free event. No bookings are required.
For further details and to book your spot, visit the ‘Council Elections 2024’ page on our website.
Solar solutions available for residents and businesses in Casey Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.
Council has teamed up with Solar Savers to make solar installation easy, affordable and reliable for residents and businesses.
• Casey Community Panel Expressions of Interest
Attend one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about a switch to solar. February in-person session: • Monday 19 February • 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm • The Chapel at Old Cheese Factory, Berwick
• Smart City and Innovations Community Reference Group Expression of Interest Each session is free to attend however bookings are required. To book and for more information, please scan the QR code.
• Max Pawsey Reserve play space and carpark redevelopment Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.
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April online session: • Tuesday 16 April • 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm
• Berwick Springs Playground public toilet
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Thursday, 8 February, 2024
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NEWS
Local home builds in limbo By Violet Li Affected families by the collapse of the Victorian builder Montego Homes are reeling from losing their deposits and their dream houses in the Casey South region. South Melbourne builder Montego Homes went into voluntary administration in January, with Sam Kaso and Shaun Matthews of insolvency service Cor Cordis appointed as administrators to assess the best way to restructure or recapitalise the business. Key initial findings have shown that 63 homeowners are affected by the company not having appropriate insurance in place for deposit holders. According to the Victorian Building Authority, when a building contract is worth more than $16,000, builders are required to purchase Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) for their clients, which would cover incomplete or defective building works. By law, a builder cannot take any payment, including a deposit from the client, until the insurance is in effect and the client has been given a copy of the insurance certificate. Casey South is one of the regions Montego Homes has been active, with more than 50 out of its 171 sales listings fanning across Clyde, Clyde North, Cranbourne, and Cranbourne East. Uninsured creditor Nicole Clarke, who bought a block of land in Cranbourne East, has still been processing the news with a heavy heart. She lost $13,825, which took her over a year to save. “It’s not huge, but it’s decent enough to be upset about this because you can’t get it back,” she said. “Trying to buy anything at the moment in this climate is just ridiculous. Almost impossible. So, saving money for a deposit and then losing it is pretty devastating.” Ms Clarke signed the contract around late
Locals are in limbo after another builder went into voluntary administration. November in 2023 and was urged to pay for the deposits over and over in the following month. She eventually paid the 5 per cent deposit on 9 January this year and received an email from one of the directors Lachlan Lyndon saying thank you and wishing her a happy new year. “I am assuming everything is okay,” she said. “Then on 17 January, I found out that they had got into a voluntary liquidation.” Having missed the State Government’s Liquidated Builders Customer Support Payment Scheme that pays out the creditors of 16 collapsed builders during the last two years and closes on 29 January, she had to restart. However, she was hesitant to go out and look for another builder as she lost trust in the industry. “I don’t want this to happen to me again and have to restart all over again and re-save again,” she said. “I was thinking about selling it [the land].
Picture: GENERIC
“This is my first time buying a house. I knew it was going to be difficult, but I didn’t expect it to be this difficult.” Ms Clarke said there had to be harsher penalties for builders who skip the insurance. “These builders need to be held accountable for what they do,” she said. “There has to be some consequence to their action because we’re paying for it.” Paul Elsharouny, another uninsured creditor, lost over $15,000 from a deposit for his single-story house in Clyde North. He signed the contract in March 2023 and immediately paid the deposit. Ten months later, he was in shock when he discovered the collapse of Montego Homes through an email. “As soon they sign a contract with a customer and take a deposit, they should look at the price of some materials and they should purchase as much material as they can to avoid the surprise
raise for the material cost. “But obviously they didn’t do that. One year later, when the land is due to be built, they find out that all material costs have been raised by 10 or 20 per cent.” Mr Elsharouny said the government failed to observe and audit those builders. “After what happened with Porter Davis last year, the government should have been warned and put more strict laws in place to observe these builders, but this didn’t happen,” he said. “We lost our life savings, and we still need to continue with our life. “We still need to go to another builder and make a new deal according to the current price market, which is more expensive than when we did with our original company.” Shadow Minister for Home Ownership and Housing Affordability Evan Mulholland said Porter Davis should have been a wake-up call for Labor but the serious issues with domestic building insurance non-compliance clearly had not been addressed. “No Victorian should lose a home deposit because of Labor’s incompetence. Jacinta Allan must commit to extending the support scheme until the issues plaguing domestic building insurance are resolved,” he said. Shadow Minister for Planning James Newbury said Labor wasn’t doing enough to protect Victorians and their families from rogues. “Buying a home is tough. New homebuyers shouldn’t also be fearful of a building company collapsing, and losing hard-earned deposits, because the State Labor Government isn’t strong enough to stand up to dodgy behaviour,” he said. A government spokesman told The Age that a bill had been introduced to the Parliament to create tough penalties for builders failing to meet their DBI requirement. The State Government has been contacted for comment by Star News.
Engineering intern shines By Emma Xerri
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
We’re removing the level crossing at Station Street, Beaconsfield by building a road bridge over the Pakenham Line.
With this internship now sitting comfortably amongst what is sure to become an impressive resume, Ms Chowdhury is looking forward to her next steps. “Overall, my aspiration is to actively participate in infrastructure projects, continually expanding my knowledge and experience in this field. “Looking ahead, my goal is to become an entrepreneur by establishing my own firm, specifically focusing on fostering the involvement of women in engineering. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredibly talented and intelligent women engineers, highlighting the need for more representation of women in our industry. “I aim to create opportunities and support to encourage more women to pursue and thrive in engineering roles.”
Join us at our upcoming online project update to chat about the final designs, upcoming works, what to expect during construction and how to keep up to date on works in the area. When: Tuesday 13 February 6.30pm to 7.30pm Where: Online via Zoom. Registrations are required.
Everyone is welcome. We look forward to you joining us.
Scan the QR code Register by visiting trybooking.com/1167510 by 12pm, Monday 12 February
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The upcoming International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February celebrates women like Fariha.
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With the International Day of Women and Girls in Science fast approaching, engineering graduate and Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) civil engineering intern Fariha Chowdhury has taken the time to reflect on her experiences so far as a female engineer in the construction industry. Having spent the last six months working on the Burwood Highway-McMahons Road Intersection Upgrade and the Thompsons Road/Berwick Cranbourne Road Intersection Upgrade, Ms Chowdhury has gained invaluable insight into the importance of internship programs such as this for accelerating and celebrating the work of women in engineering. “The privilege of being surrounded by experts whom I could consult for guidance immensely aided my learning,” Ms Chowdhury said. “These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my perspective as a future civil engineer and have equipped me with practical knowledge crucial for launching my career.” And it was the mentorship received from female peers in particular, especially MRPV project manager Erin Ross, that made for such an inspiring internship experience. “Erin’s role as my manager has been incredibly inspiring,” Ms Chowdhury said. “I’ve seen firsthand her expertise, extensive knowledge in road projects, and exceptional leadership qualities. “Her unwavering support for my learning and opportunities, coupled with entrusting me with various responsibilities, has been invaluable. “Observing Erin’s success underscores the fact that as a woman in engineering, we can make equally significant contributions to the community. “Having her as a role model has bolstered my confidence, reaffirmed my belief in pushing forward and striving for excellence.”
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Where’s the fire station? By Violet Li Communities have been disappointed by a failure to build a new fire station in Clyde North within the original estimated timeframes. They’re now calling for the rapid start of construction. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) announced the site for Clyde North’s fire station nearly three years ago, which would be situated on the corner of Matterhorn Drive and Thompson Road. The station was proposed to cater to the growing community that needed a full suite of emergency services. Star News reported on 7 April 2021 that State Government representatives attended the unveiling ceremony of the chosen parcel of land, including Fire Rescue Commissioner Ken Block, Parliamentary Secretary for Police, Emergency Services MP Paul Edbrooke, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards. FRV estimated that work was expected to begin in late 2021 and finish in mid to late 2023. Three years later, the construction has not commenced with the land sitting empty. United Firefighters Union delegate for Cranbourne Fire Station Sam Watterson said the failure to deliver the promised fire station posed operational difficulties to Cranbourne Fire Station, the nearest fire emergency service to the area. “It took a long time for Cranbourne firefighters to respond to incidents in Clyde North. In traffic, there can be a 15-minute drive, sometimes longer, up to 20 minutes,” he said. “Our standards are to be on scene within 7.7 minutes. The local volunteer brigades frequently fail to respond. It’s not their fault. “Additionally, it takes resources out of Cranbourne, that are there to protect the Cranbourne and surrounding areas, so it
Star News reported on 7 April 2021 that State Government representatives attended the unveiling ceremony of the chosen parcel of land, including Fire Rescue Commissioner Ken Block, Parliamentary Secretary for Police, Emergency Services MP Paul Edbrooke, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards. 233699 is really difficult.” Mr Watterson said emergency infrastructure had to keep up with the growing rate of the Clyde North. “It is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, so it’s just as deserving of having an adequate fire service as any other area,” he said. “People move to these areas, pay a high price for a new house, and they expect infrastructure to be in place to protect their investment and families. “Ambulances have responded to that growth, and they’ve put in a station.” A new ambulance has just opened in Clyde North after two years of planning and constructing.
No explanation was given to the community as to why that fire station hadn’t proceeded, Mr Watterson said. “They [FRV] need to come here and explain to the community why that fire station hasn’t been delivered,” he said. “I’m not sure what the reason is, but I would say that it’s likely a financial reason. I’ve noticed they’ve been busily building SES stations around Cranbourne and Clyde. “There’s a great lack of investment in the FRV at the moment, and you would have seen several news posts about our fleet crisis with vehicles that are not fit for purpose and constantly breaking down.” Berwick MP Brad Battin said the people
of Clyde North were again misled by Labor at election time to win votes, but the delivery to make the Clyde North community safer vanished. “There is a pattern when it comes to the treatment of the Clyde North community, this time it is a fire station that was promised and all the local Labor MPs had their smiling photos taken, but now they all duck for cover and are silent when it comes to explaining why they have failed to deliver,” he said. “Since 2018 the same can be said about the Clyde North Police station, another broken promise that was ‘confirmed’ would be ready in 2022 and all we have is a vacant block of land.” A spokesperson for FRV said planning for the Clyde North Fire Station was well underway. “After extensive stakeholder engagement the design has been signed off, with the City of Casey issuing a planning permit for the site,” they said. “In the meantime, FRV continues to work closely with CFA to ensure the local community is provided with a high level of service. “FRV will communicate a timeline for construction once it is established.” FRV expects the 2022-23 Annual Report to be tabled on the next available sitting day 8 February. FRV was unable to table the Annual Report in 2023 due to a delay in the Victorian AuditorGeneral’s Office (VAGO) completing the audit of our financial statements. A State Government spokesperson said the government was ensuring that Victoria’s fire services had modern, safe, and fit-for-purpose facilities to support firefighters as they worked to keep the community safe. “Fire Rescue Victoria is continuing to progress designs for a new career fire station for Clyde North,” they said.
Surefire permit denied VCAT member Sarah McDonald found “three small dwellings” was too “modest” for a growth zone, which allows housing of up to four storeys. “The proposal does not represent ‘substantial change’. “It is a modest change that is more reflective of a modest development that might be expected in either a General Residential Zone or Neighbourhood Residential Zone.” McDonald agreed with Casey that there was a limited number of higher-density growth zones in the municipality. “Underdeveloping land ideally suited for housing growth and change, which is supported by the provisions and policies of the Scheme, compromises the achievement of the planning outcomes sought and is inconsistent with the orderly planning of the area.”
Surefire Consulting has once again been unsuccessful in its attempts to receive planning approval for a multi-dwelling development in Hampton Park. The 61 Fordholm Road property, which has already been converted from a single storey detached house into three dwellings without approval, sought retrospective approval for the works, which was ultimately denied. Hoping to have this decision reviewed through VCAT, the applicant argued that the proposal meets the purposes of the Residential Growth Zone - Schedule 2 (RGZ2), as well as meeting the Casey Planning Scheme. Surefire also claimed that the reduction of one on-site car parking space was justified. However, at the hearing on 30 January,
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A proposal for three dwellings was ruled by VCAT as too “modest” for this lot at Fordholm Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Road, Hampton Park. 387206
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NEWS
Mourning loved ones Swimmer search
By Violet Li A joint funeral of three Clyde residents and one of their relatives travelling from overseas who drowned at an unpatrolled beach on Phillip Island was held at the Bunurong Memorial Park in Dandenong South on Thursday 1 February. Hundreds of relatives and community members from Melbourne and overseas attended the farewell with devastated hearts. Kirti Bedi and Suhani Anand, both nursing students aged 20, as well as 23-year-old nurse Jagjeet Singh Anand, and their 43-year-old relative Reema Sondhi, lost their lives when they were swimming at the unpatroled Forrest Caves Beach that had a heightened chance of ripping. Mr Singh, a registered nurse with a heart of gold, saved many lives throughout his career. Ms Bedi and Ms Anand, both nursing students, planned to stay home and focus on their studies. Ms Sondhi came to Australia for a holiday to visit her brother’s family and was staying with them in Clyde. It was an excruciating scene at the funeral as family members sobbed and cried, overwhelmed by the loss of their loved ones. Life photos and videos of the four were screened, with their happy faces flashing between their hometowns in India and the beautiful coastline of Victoria. Attendants gathered around the open caskets and laid pedals on their lifeless bodies. One family member said in a eulogy that together they could honour their legacy and cherish the moments the family had shared. “The void has been created, which cannot be fulfilled,” he said. “May the time help us. As I say, the time in the days takes away the grief that is on their part. “Life has to prevail and continue even after
By Emma Xerri
Four people drowned at a Phillip Island beach last month. Picture: GENERIC/AAP IMAGE/DAVE HUNT our loved ones leave us. “And thanks to all the authorities, Victoria Police, all the people who stand by the family who suffered the loss in these hard times.” A cremation service followed the funeral
and their ashes would be taken back to their respective places in India. To assist with the families, donate at gofundme.com/f/phillip-island-tragedy-4-liveslost-pls-help
A 20-year-old Cranbourne man was still missing as of Wednesday 7 February after becoming caught in a rip off Number 16 Beach in Rye on Sunday evening. It is believed the man was swimming with two people, about 100m from the shore, when they were caught in the rip. Emergency services were called to the area off Browns Road and Tasman Drive at around 7pm, and a search of the area commenced with the assistance of the police Air Wing, Water Police, Lifesaving Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and SES units. The man and woman, both in their 20s, made it back to the shore and were in a stable condition at Frankston Hospital, while the Cranbourne man remains unaccounted for. The search for the man resumed on Monday but police said high winds and strong swells were making the task difficult. The incident was among a number of the significant incidents taking place on the weekend. Eight people were rescued at Cape Schanck, just 16km from Rye’s Number 16 Beach, with two of the swimmers requiring hospital treatment. Meanwhile, a man drowned on Saturday after large waves trapped him underneath his capsized tinny in Barwon Heads. A scuba diver also lost his life after being pulled unconscious from the water at Rye Pier on Saturday. Anyone who has information about the incident involving the Cranbourne man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com. au
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Thursday, 8 February, 2024
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STAR NEWS 5
NEWS
Truck fuel of the future Dirty diesel may be on the way out as Cleanaway unveiled a demonstration of a heavy vehicle fuel made entirely of used cooking oil. The fossil fuel alternative from manufacturer Neste is dubbed ‘MY renewable diesel’ or ‘HVO100’. According to Cleanaway, the “100 per cent traceable and circular fuel” requires “no infrastructure modification and minimal capital investment”. And it is claimed to produce 91 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional diesel. A City of Casey Volvo FE 2020 waste collection truck and a Coles supermarket Volvo FM11 front-lift organics collection vehicle were among the customer trucks at a demonstration launch at Cleanaway’s depot at Dandenong South on 2 February. In partnership with the Federal Government and Cleanaway customers, the demonstration would be used to identify barriers and create a pathway for scaling in the fuel’s introduction. It involves Cleanaway collecting used cooking oil from cafes, pubs and restaurants. The oil is processed into feedstock and delivered to Neste to convert into ‘renewable diesel’ which is then deployed into Cleanaway trucks. “The use of HVO100 in Cleanaway trucks is part of our Blueprint 2030 strategy to reduce the carbon impact of our operations and increase circularity from the material we collect,” Cleanaway chief executive Mark Schubert said. “We’re committed to leading our industry with innovative and fit for purpose solutions that align with our customers’ goals while driving forward to support the achievement of federal emissions targets.” Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the community should “keep an eye out for the bright blue truck operating exclusively
A Cleanaway garbage truck fueled by used cooking oil, rather than conventional diesel. on used cooking oil as it drives throughout Casey”. “This emission reduction initiative is another step in the right direction in council’s commitment towards zero net corporate emissions by 2030 in line with our Climate Action Plan.” Coles sustainability general manager Brooke Donnelly said the fuel would be used by a Cleanaway’s truck collecting organic wastes from supermarkets in South East Melbourne for the next six months. “It’s an excellent example of how we’re working with our suppliers to create a more sustainable future and achieve our sustain-
ability ambitions. “We look forward to learning about the results that we hope will drive change in the industry and fast-track our transition to a circular economy.” Neste’s head of Asia Pacific public affairs Steven Bartholomeusz said the demonstration was staged as the Federal Government was consulting on revising the Fuels Quality Standard to recognise renewable diesel as a fuel. “We hope that data from this demonstration project can provide insights into how renewable diesel can reduce emissions from heavy transport and industry.”
Bioenergy Australia chief executive Shahana McKenzie welcomed the “decarbonisation” opportunities of “drop-in renewable liquid fuels”. “Renewable liquid fuels are an essential piece of Australia’s decarbonisation strategy and will be crucial as a replacement for traditional fossil fuels used within major hard to abate sectors including heavy haulage, marine, construction, rail, manufacturing, mining and agriculture.” Cleanaway is also working with Viva Energy to power its first two hydrogen EV rubbish trucks, expected to be rolled-out in Geelong this year.
OPINION
LENSCAPE
SOCIALLY SPEAKING Most Ambulance Victoria patients in Cardinia Shire are being seen within the recommended 15 minutes, according to new data. Our readers had this to say. Annmaree Porter Unfortunately it’s not ambulance attendance time that is the problem. It’s the time each vehicle is ‘ramped’ at a hospital. They can not discharge a patient in their care until hospital staff take over or admission takes place. Which can be hours, leaving vehicle and crew off the road. The whole system at hospitals needs to be reviewed. Stanley Young Always have had a great response from the local ambos, just recently and I realise it was holiday time I waited like 50 minutes or more for one to arrive being no more than 2k from the station I asked had they been busy (2am), no we are stationed at Dandenong South, but thanks to the men my wife is now on the road to recovery. Laraine Max Papley Excellent wonderful treatment Christine Kemp Less than 10 minutes twice for me. Walker Lee Adriane I got told to find my way to emergency. Been a type 1 diabetic and having an infection
due to HS. I ended up finding my own way and had emergency surgery the next day. Ann Barnes Each time I’ve needed an ambulance they had been there within 15 minutes being a heart attack victim. Maxi Mitchell Be interesting to see what the time is so far this year. What used to take 10 minutes to get out of Pakenham has turned into 30 minutes. Carole Ann Within minutes last year, twice. Kelly Buntine Ten mins and a MICA at our door. Adrian Henstridge We waited four hours then got told to get in a taxi at 2.30am for our 18 month old who had been seen by the virtual ED and they called the ambulance for us because they saw it as urgent, very disappointed. Marilyn Rastall I’ve never had a problem when I’ve needed one. Within 20 minutes and I live in the hills. Mel Ellis Two-to-four hours with a dislocated hip.
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up
Thumbs up
To the bus driver who gave cycling commuters a lift after their Pakenham-line train was cancelled.
To the boys that made the pool out of pallets and a tarp.
Thumbs up A Jacky Dragon lizard blends into a tree at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens’ Stringybark Picnic Picture: GARY SISSONS area. 375315
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Thumbs down To leaving broken glass on footpaths.
To cricket-pitch curators - doing their bit to help a spate of big scores in South East cricket. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
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
Works in progress
Opened the new inbound exit ramp from Princes Freeway to McGregor Road in Pakenham
– Over February, we’re placing the final layer of asphalt on Hall Road between McCormicks Road and Western Port Highway.
Upgraded the Hall, Evans and CranbourneFrankston intersection in Cranbourne West
– In Cranbourne, works are continuing to build new lanes and upgrade key intersections along Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.
Upgraded four intersections on Western Port Highway – at Thompsons, Hall, Ballarto and Cranbourne -Frankston roads Built new lanes, new traffic signals and a new bridge over Peninsula Link to improve traffic flow and travel times on Lathams Road
– We’re also working to open the Rochester Parade intersection by late February and start upgrading the Camms Road intersection. – In Berwick, early works are underway to relocate utility services on Clyde 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 Kenilworth Avenue, Beaconsfield
Hall Road, Skye
Until early Feb
Westbound detour between Station Street and Soldiers Road
Until Mar
Access to and from Brunt Road closed. Detour via Wattle Crescent
Until 9 Feb Closed between Western Port Highway and Atlas Drive 18 Feb to 1 Mar
Closed between McCormicks Road and Western Port Highway
Cameron Street, Cranbourne
Until late Feb
Closed south of BerwickCranbourne Road
McGregor Road, Pakenham
Until 4 Mar Closed between Webster Way/ Henry Road and southern Princes Freeway roundabout
Princes Freeway, Pakenham
Until 4 Mar Closed outbound exit ramp at McGregor Road
South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne
Until mid 2024
Closed lanes between Cameron Street and Lineham Drive
Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham
5 to 7 Feb
Closed to Pakenham-bound traffic between Ballarto and Greenhills Road
Camms Road, Cranbourne East
Mid Feb to Closed at Narre Warrenmid-2024 Cranbourne Road
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
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Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au
STAR NEWS 7
NEWS
Casey crs muse on return By Cam Lucadou-Wells Casey’s sacked ex-councillors are weighing up comebacks ahead of council elections in October. Eight months ahead of the poll, ex-deputy mayor Rex Flannery has declared he’d run, with several others reportedly undecided. In 2020, Casey councillors were sacked by then-Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek during the early stages of IBAC’s corruption inquiry Operation Sandon. The inquiry report last year found former Casey mayors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett accepted more than $1.15 million in payments and in-kind support from developer John Woodman. They were found to promote Woodman’s interests in several key planning decisions at Casey without declaring their conflict of interest. It’s yet to be seen whether any of the excouncillors will face criminal charges. Unless convicted, they would be free to stand for reelection. Aziz, Ablett and Woodman have denied wrong-doing. Ex-deputy mayor Rex Flannery, who was not named in IBAC’s report and has a “clear conscience”, was “definitely” going to run for re-election. But he may re-consider if some of his excolleagues also stand. “I don’t want to work with them again. It’s not right – my conscience would tell me to withdraw from council.” Any Operation Sandon-related prosecutions needed to be finalised before the October election. “Otherwise we’ll all have a cloud hanging over our heads.” A “bloc” of his ex-colleagues who were allied to Aziz - should not be running in the elections, Mr Flannery said. “They’ve got a cheek or an audacity to do it.”
The 2017 opening of Bunjil Place with former Casey CEO Mike Tyler (from left), and ex-councillors Rex Flannery, Amanda Stapledon, Timothy Jackson, Milla Gilic, Susan Serey, Sam Aziz, Jason Wood MP, and ex-councillors Wayne Smith, Geoff Ablett and Damien Rosario. 174129 Liberal ex-councillor Gary Rowe – who said he hadn’t been considering running for re-election - said he wouldn’t want to be “part of a circus” if Aziz and Ablett stood. ALP former mayor Wayne Smith – the longest-serving Casey councillor – told Star News that he was undecided. “I’ve not said yes or no.” Asked what would motivate him to stand for re-election, Mr Smith said: “I was cut off in my prime. I had a lot more to do. “It’s about trying to regain the city. The administrators have not done a good job – the people don’t feel comfortable.
“Driving around and looking at the city, it looks shocking ... the unmowed grass, the rubbish around the place. Someone needs to make sure they’re on top of it.” He called on the next council to get “back to basics – rates, roads, rubbish and infrastructure that have been neglected by an absent group of administrators.” When asked if ex-councillors would carry “baggage” from the IBAC inquiry, Mr Smith said there were “misconceptions” about what happened at Casey. “There were things said and not said that
weren’t as they were reported.” In August, he opposed IBAC’s adverse findings that he’d not declared conflict-of-interests in planning decisions involving developer John Woodman. He declared the process “unfair” and that his responses supplying the “full context” didn’t appear in the final report. Former Liberal-member mayor Susan Serey reportedly texted a comment to The Age, that referenced the death of former Liberal mayor Amanda Stapledon during Operation Sandon. “I hope that if any of the former councillors are alive and haven’t committed suicide, that all of them run and reclaim the city back to [sic] the people.” Smith said the text was “a bit strong-worded” but agreed with the sentiment. “I see where she’s coming from.” He says he’s not kept in contact with former Casey councillors, except for Liberal member Damien Rosario – who was not the subject of any adverse findings in IBAC’s report. “No doubt he is running. All of sudden he’s got more prominent,” Mr Smith said, adding that he himself had continued to be active in the community over the past four years. Rosario told Star News that he was “undecided” on whether to stand. According to The Age, Serey was also undecided while Rise Up Australia member Rosalie Crestani was reportedly “not ruling (it) out”. Former councillor Steve Beardon, who resigned in 2017, called for voters not to “return to the past”. “Are these former Cr’s even aware of the stink from tips, disgraceful public transport, cost of living pressure? “Casey needs a fresh start…not a return to the past. “I doubt they have a chance if they declare they are mostly membered to political parties. The community expect local councillors to be independent.”
Bagging benefits: Shoppers welcome tax cut changes From page 1 “In Bruce, the average tax cut will be about $1335 each year, and 89 per cent of taxpayers will receive a larger tax cut under Labor’s plan than under Scott Morrison’s,” MP Hill said. Legislated in 2018, the Treasury’s reasoning for the changes is revolved around the original stage three purposes, which did not cater to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and other international conflicts. Prior to these events, further statistics from the Treasury detailed that the Australian economy was meant to be supported by strong global growth, with inflation and interest rates expected to be low. However, since these predictions hadn’t gone through the original intended effects, the government proposed changes to the stage three tax cuts. “Of course tax cuts alone will not fix the cost-of-living crisis so the government is taking action to make sure Australians are not paying more than they should for the things that they need. “A major inquiry has been launched into
allegations of price gouging and the competitiveness of retail prices in the supermarket sector, led by the powerful ACCC,” MP Hill said. Low to middle-income households had felt more pressure from the cost-of-living crisis due to a lessened ability to accommodate for the rising prices of essential goods, such as food, healthcare and mortgage payments by going through their savings. The redesign is aimed to ease that pressure, with the current margins aimed at higher-income earners. “Labor is also adjusting the Medicare levy low-income thresholds so people in lower incomes pay less, or are exempt from, the Medicare levy helping more than one million Australians. “Labor’s tax cuts build on the billions of dollars of targeted cost-of-living relief that is already being rolled out. “This includes energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, strengthening Medicare, income support payment and the largest increase to
Commonwealth Rent Assistance in more than 30 years,” MP Hill said. Bracket creep is where one’s income growth causes that person to pay more tax each year but due to the effects of inflation the overall purchasing power is reduced. So with lower tax rates under the redesign, people are taxed less and have more money to keep up with the rising cost-of-living. Women will also see some large benefits from this change, since there are more women within the low to middle-income brackets as compared to the higher brackets. The redesign expected to produce a much larger increase in labour supply which is driven by an increase in the hours worked and the general participation of women that have a taxable income between $20,000 and $75,000. In total, labour supply will increase around 930,000 hours per week, the government said. The Coalition has since backed the stage three tax cuts as of 6 February, with Opposition leader Peter Dutton announcing that his party would be making attempts at amend-
ing the bill but would not interfere if those amendments fail. La Trobe MP Jason Wood echoed the same sentiment, stating that “the Coalition affirms its commitment to achieving lower, simpler and fairer taxes, exemplified by our support for reducing the 19 cent tax rate to 16 cents”. However, MP Wood had placed great emphasis on Prime Minister Albanese going back on his word of not touching the Morrison stage three tax cuts before and after the last election. “The Prime Minister’s lies and broken promises means that delivering the stage three tax reforms as they have been legislated is now impossible. “The Coalition emphasises its dedication to combating bracket creep and fostering aspiration, and notes the importance of keeping promises even in challenging circumstances.” For MP Wood, “the overarching assurance of the Coalition is a commitment to keeping promises as a cornerstone of responsible governance”.
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FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE
Life without restrictions At Lifestyle Communities we believe in life without restrictions. One with the freedom to do the things you love, and the confidence to be whoever you want to be. Where every new day is a fresh opportunity. It’s a philosophy that rings true, in our best-in-class homes and clubhouses. Whether you’re working, semiretired or retired, come and join a community where Life is Unlimited. Join in on pickleball, croquet, yoga, arts and crafts, woodworking, bowls and swimming. There are also happy hours, guest speakers, musical entertainment and much more. Plus, you’ll have loads of new friends to enjoy all of this with and a beautiful home to live in. The community is thoughtfully planned and designed making it easy to get around and enjoy.
Lifestyle Communities promotes a lifestyle that emphasizes freedom. The choice to do your thing, your way. Live independently whilst also enjoying a vibrant social life and a variety of recreational activities. Buying a home at Lifestyle Communities means embracing a life where your horizons are boundless. With a host of activities and an abundance of new friendships waiting for you, your days will be filled with excitement and companionship. Here, you are not just living, you are thriving, and it’s a testament to the limitless possibilities of a life unencumbered by restrictions. Come and experience the freedom to be you, every day, in your new home at Lifestyle Communities. www.lifestylecommunities.com.au
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STAR NEWS 9
NEWS
Twins take over college The Year 7 cohort of Hampton Park Secondary College (HPSC) is one for the books as seven pairs of twins are enrolled. Two sets of twins are identical with the other five pairs being fraternal twins. The unexpected phenomenon has sparked a sense of wonder and togetherness among both students and educators, promising a memorable class of 2029. College transitions leader, Brad Andrews expressed his amazement at the unlikely statistic, stating “In my years as an educator, I have never witnessed such a concentration of twins in a single year level. It’s truly a special occurrence that adds a distinctive touch to our
Identical twins Kaino and Desmond. 380876
school’s history.“ HPSC’s administration has taken action to ensure that each twin is recognised as an individual, separating them into different mentor groups but keeping siblings in the same house group. This will hopefully allow each twin to develop individually, whilst also making sure that their parents can support them both by rocking their respective house colours on athletics days. The seven sets of twins are sure to leave an indelible mark on the school’s legacy, creating memories and friendships that will endure long after they graduate.
Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS
Identical twins Sienna and Shanita. 380876
Prep students all smiles for their first days of school Foundation (Prep) students at Casey Grammar were excited to start the new term with their classmates and teachers. Head of junior school at Casey Grammar Melissa Roberton said their students had settled into their first year of schooling with ease. “The smiles on their faces are a joy to see each morning. Their laughter can be heard in their classrooms and out on the playground as they make wonderful connections with classmates who will no doubt become close friends throughout their 13-year educational journey at Casey Grammar School,” she said. Star News photographer STEWART CHAMBERS captured the best of the action in the first week of the new term.
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Foundation students Diya, Harris, and Francesco with Foundation STEM and Auslan teacher Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Mrs Driessen. 386476
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NEWS
New station ready A new ambulance station opened on 69 Matterhorn Drive in Clyde North after nearly two years of planning and constructing. The new 24-hour facility features a four-bay garage for ambulances, four rest and recline areas for paramedics to recuperate, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, car parking, and updated security to enhance paramedic safety. The location of the site was carefully selected for its proximity to main roads and major sites in the area including nature parks, manufacturing precincts, and community facilities – ensuring the best coverage of ambulance services for the community. “Our paramedics are the very best of us – we know local communities rely on their expertise when faced with a health emergency, making the new Clyde North Ambulance Station all the more important,” Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas said. The new station is one of over 35 new or upgraded ambulance stations delivered since 2015, with construction on another 16 currently underway. A total of more than $2 billion has been invested in ambulance services by the State Government, doubling the on-road workforce with 2200 more paramedics delivering lifesaving care to Victorians. The State Government is also delivering Australia’s first Paramedic Practitioners with a master’s course at Monash University from 2024, with the first 25 paramedic practitioners trained and on the road by 2026. A new Centre for Excellence in Paramedicine at Victoria University is also being established to train the next generation of paramedics, providing advanced teaching methods – with a capacity to train around 1500 students each year.
New ambulance station in Clyde North. 386861
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Bail denied again for child-sex offender By Cam Lucadou-Wells A registered child-sex offender from Dandenong who was arrested weeks after being released from immigration detention has lost a second quest for bail. Emran Dad, 33, is facing 13 counts of failing to comply with his reporting obligations as a registered sex offender. He had allegedly failed to report online chats with girls last year as well as his mobile phone service, email address and identities on five social media platforms. He was also charged with public trespass in refusing to leave a Services Australia office in Dandenong on 24 November. During his bid for release on 29 January, Dad consented to closer monitoring under a five-year prohibition order that banned him from social media and from contacting females under 18. But in refusing bail, Dandenong magistrate Fran Medina said she had concerns whether Dad would comply with the order. Hence he presented an unacceptable risk to the safety and welfare of “young vulnerable children”. Detective Senior Constable Daniel Jacobi of Greater Dandenong CIU had earlier told the court that three girls aged 14, 15 and 16 were following Dad’s TikTok account. In a group livestream with the 16-year-old on 3 November, Dad allegedly told her “you look so beautiful in those glasses”. She replied she was 16, and other users also commented about her young age, Jacobi told the court. “No, she’s not,” Dad allegedly said. “She looks so beautiful in those glasses.” Later he was said to have followed the girl’s TikTok account and made a livestream request to her. Jacobi said that in the recorded conversation, she commented that “you look so funny ... sitting on your bunk beds.” Dad allegedly replied that he was locked up. “This is like a prison. This is like a detention centre.” “Because you’re broke,” the girl replied. “What are you on about?” Dad reportedly said. “You actually come in here making fun of me while I’m sitting on a bunk bed. “Guess what ... there’s a spot empty for you in here. If you want to move in, there’s no rent. You can move in and sleep on the top.” berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Jacobi said the girl provided a recording to police and was “quite concerned she’d been speaking to him”. The detective had yet to directly contact the 15-year-old girl from WA and the 14-yearold from NSW but “we do believe those ages are correct”. Dad had told police that “he wasn’t aware of what social media was”, despite being “quite prevalent” on TikTok and Instagram, Jacobi said. “Police believe that the accused is a significant risk to the sexual safety of the community, particularly young vulnerable children.” Jacobi cited Dad’s prior convictions in 2012 of two counts of sexually penetrating a child under 16, an indecent assault of a child under 16 and inducing a child into sex work. He’d told a police interview at the time he had “no one else to have sex with” and thought the acts were legal based on the law in Afghanistan, Jacobi said. In 2018, Dad was again convicted of sexual penetration of a child under 16, as well as four counts of failing to meet his reporting obligations and drug possession. As a result, he was taken into immigration detention, pending deportation to Afghanistan. There was also a prior for recklessly causing injury and breaches of bail and a family violence intervention order, the court heard. He is also currently on a good-behaviour bond for causing harm to a Commonwealth official in 2022. The Afghan-born accused was released from detention on 11 November as a result of a High Court of Australia ruling that indefinite
detention was unlawful. He was arrested during a police raid of his home 24 days later. Defence lawyer Kate Sheridan said if bailed, Dad was eligible to CISP and NDIS support for his significant intellectual disability. She told the court that Dad wasn’t an unacceptable risk because of the prohibition order, his stable address with his mother and strong supervision from his family, including denying Dad access to a smart phone. The family had claimed they were previously unaware about Dad being restricted from social media. However Medina was concerned about his mother’s lack of “fluency with technology” and that she may not be able to effectively monitor him. The magistrate noted the seriousness of the alleged new offending, his past criminal convictions and failures to comply with court orders and reporting obligations. He had “poor insight” into his intellectual disability, which raised concerns about his ability to comply with the prohibition order, Medina said. Dad had earlier unsuccessfully applied for bail at Dandenong Magistrates Court on 14 December. In November, 148 detainees, including convicted criminals, were released after the High Court’s landmark ruling that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful. Five of the criminal detainees have since been arrested across the country. Dad was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 13 February.
Curse claim By AAP Just before getting behind the wheel of a 19-tonne truck and killing four police, Mohinder Singh asked his boss to break a witch’s curse on him. High on drugs and short on sleep, Singh believed he had been visited by a witch and was having visions due to her curse. He told his trucking supervisor, Simiona Tuteru, because he was a church pastor. “I hadn’t had any sleep, I was seeing things, I thought I was cursed by a witch and I was traumatised from it,” Singh told the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Tuesday. The pair searched Singh’s truck for items a witch may have left, including voodoo dolls and pieces of hair. Tuteru then placed his hand on his worker’s head and told him: “In Jesus’ name I cast a spell out of you.” The Connect Logistics supervisor then allowed Singh to drive the semitrailer, telling him “you’re right to go now” after the prayer and asked him to drive one truckload, Singh told the court. Singh drove the truck down Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway, veered into an emergency lane and struck four Victoria Police officers. Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and constables Josh Prestney and Glen Humphris, all died at the scene, on the afternoon of April 22, 2020. Tuteru texted another pastor after the prayer: “Just prayed salvation and deliverance with a driver this arvo, broke curses and witchcraft.” The details were aired in court during Tuteru’s pre-sentence hearing after he pleaded guilty to a heavy vehicle offence. Singh is serving an 18-and-a-halfyear prison term for the crash, which was reduced from 22 years on appeal after he agreed to give evidence against his former boss. He was brought from prison to give evidence to the court on Tuesday, where he took to the witness stand wearing a grey prison tracksuit. “I was deeply troubled by fatigue,” Singh said, about the day of the crash. However, Tuteru denies Singh told him he was tired before he drove the truck. Defence barrister David Hallowes SC accused Singh of fabricating his evidence to get a more lenient sentence in his appeal. “You knew by making a statement against Mr Tuteru that that might help in your appeal,” Mr Hallowes asked. Singh said he was telling the truth about his conversation with Tuteru, but accepted his undertaking to give evidence had helped him reduce his sentence. Prosecutor Matthew Fisher asked Justice James Elliott to accept Singh’s version of events, and said the lack of sleep was “part and parcel” of the conversation about the witch’s curse. He called for Tuteru to be handed a “substantial fine” for allowing Singh to drive before the crash, or a “lengthy” community corrections order. “This case comes down to one decision by one man,” Mr Fisher said. “Allowing him to get behind the wheel is a sliding doors moment - it should never have happened.” Families of the four victims attended the court, and Const Prestney’s brother, father and mother gave statements. “The night we lost him, I felt like I wasn’t there for him and I couldn’t protect him,” Alex Prestney said. “It’s February 2024 and we are still debating responsibility of how my brother and his colleagues were hit by a 20-tonne truck on the Eastern Freeway.” Justice Elliott will sentence Tuteru, who remains on bail, at a later date. He was initially charged with manslaughter, but those charges were dropped about six days before he was due to face trial. Thursday, 8 February, 2024
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STAR NEWS 11
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System response ‘failed’ By Violet Li A State Coroner has revealed a cascade of failures by the State’s family violence response centre and child protection service during an investigation of the death of a Casey resident who experienced numerous forms of family violence before she took her own life. Sara Kaber (pseudonym), aged 22 at the time of the death, was found in the backyard of her residence on the afternoon of 3 February 2018. She died due to complications from her injuries on 5 February. Born in Afghanistan, Ms Kaber married her husband in 2013 and entered Australia under a spousal visa in 2015. She had a five-month-old child and was living with her husband’s extended family of seven at the time of her passing. Her husband was present at the home despite an active interim Family Violence Intervention Order that excluded him from the family residence. The coroner report exposed the long-term physical and mental family violence inflicted on Ms Kaber by her husband and his family. She suffered from suicidal ideation and tried to harm herself several times. One of the reported violent acts was on 26 November 2017 when her husband slapped her in the face in a carpark in Cranbourne. Ms Kaber left home with her child earlier after having a conflict with her husband’s family and being assaulted by a family member. The police arrested the husband, charged him with assault, and issued a Family Violence Safety Notice to protect Ms Kaber and her child from the perpetrator. Safe Steps and Child Protection were notified to provide services to Ms Kaber. Their response was found by State Coroner John Cain to raise several “concerns”. Safe Steps, Victoria’s only 24/7 domestic and
family violence crisis response centre, supports victims and survivors with a range of services including accommodation. Unable to secure emergency accommodation, it arranged Ms Kaber and her child into a motel where she had “limited access to supports or practical services to care for a baby”. Ms Kaber left the motel after nine days, stating that she felt lonely and homesick and that she felt safe in the house with her husband alone and without her in-laws. The next and last time Ms Kaber contacted Safe Steps was on 25 and 26 January 2018, a week before her suicide, when she requested its housing assistance and was turned down. The crisis hotline referred her to a homelessness helpline and appeared not to conduct any risk assessment. Coroner Cain pointed out the agency’s failures to offer Ms Kaber appropriate support while she was in emergency accommodation,
to link her with mental health supports, to conduct risk assessments, and to provide her with appropriate services when she called them in January. Safe Steps’ internal review echoed the series of failures and noted that the case management provided to Ms Kaber was “reactive instead of proactive”. A delay by the agency in notifying Child Protection about her return to the family residence was discovered. Child Protection, the other major service involved, was also found to fail to link Ms Kaber with appropriate support such as InTouch, a specialist family violence provider for migrant and refugee women. It did not refer her to culturally appropriate support despite the Child Protection Manual suggesting that multicultural services “can provide secondary consultations and case management to address cultural complexities and
assist practitioners to work with families in a way which is culturally responsive”. Child Protection also failed to respond properly to the disclosures of family violence perpetrated by the extended family, the coroner found. After a home visit on 24 January 2018, Ms Kaber indicated to the agency that her mother-inlaw was upset with her about Child Protection’s continuing involvement with the family and she did not feel safe meeting with the service at home. Aware of the situation, the agency did not undertake any safety planning and did not take any further action to address the family violence against Ms Kaber, the coroner found. Under the agency’s practice guidelines, practitioners are required to undertake a risk assessment to “determine the likelihood of ongoing or future violence towards the nonoffending parent and their children” and work with other support services to develop a safety plan to reduce risk. However, Coroner Cain found that Child Protection did not take these steps and “lacked the insight and information required to adequately understand the risk posed to Ms Kaber and her child’s safety and provide meaningful intervention to support their safety needs”. Information sharing across services is also concerning as the evidence showed the agency did not proactively liaise with any of the services involved with Ms Kaber, except Safe Steps, or work collaboratively with those services to support her and her child, the coroner found. The coroner report stated that Child Protection had reported improvements in practice and understanding of working with families involved in domestic violence since this fatal incident. Casey ranked the highest for family incidents in Victoria in the year ending September 2023, with a total of 5426 reported cases.
Happy faces a highlight for new kindergarten A new kindergarten funded by Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre (MPLCC) opened in Cranbourne North in January, where the staff says a safe and stimulating environment is provided to foster the holistic development of every child. Located inside the MPLCC, the kindergarten has sessions for three and four-yearold children available up to five days a week from 9.30am to 2.30pm. The centre also has daycare options from 9.30am to 2.30pm for up to five days a week. All the educational programs are guided by recognised early childhood frameworks. A spokesperson for the centre said each child would be valued, respected, and given the opportunity to make choices and deci-
sions to develop their independence. “Our vision is to cultivate a love for learning that lasts a lifetime,” she said. “We believe in nurturing the unique potential of each child and laying the foundation for their future success in a supportive and engaging setting. “We believe in building a strong partnership with parents to ensure the success of each child. Regular communication and involvement in kindergarten activities along with timely feedback are encouraged.” The kindergarten is currently accepting enrolments for the upcoming academic year. For more information, contact the centre on 5996 9056.
Lianna, Jayson, and Eden at the new kindergarten in the Merinda Park Learning and Community Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Centre. 386856
Michelle (centre manager) and Lucy (Kinder teacher) with kinder kids Anum, Lianna, Jayson and Eden. 386856 12 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 8 February, 2024
Jayson. 386856 berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
THE LOWDOWN Q&A
with Royal Botanic Gardens Southern Brown Bandicoot outreach officer Eilish Roberts
What do you love most about your job? I feel so lucky to be able to work at the stunning Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. It’s also a joy to engage with so many different facets of the community to help save a beloved marsupial – the Southern Brown Bandicoot. What is something most people don’t know about you? I wanted to be an author growing up because I loved creative writing – it may still happen! Looking back at when you first entered your current role, what advice would you have given yourself? Don’t underestimate the power of simply having a chat! I’ve learned many insights, found opportunities, and formed some awesome partnerships from serendipitous conversations community members; you never know where it could lead! What has been your most memorable moment in your role so far? Hosting the Big Bandicoot Backyard at Cranbourne Gardens last year is certainly a favourite. It was a three-day event where the community came together to celebrate the species and learn how to help them thrive in the suburbs, complete with a giant bandicoot sculpture and giant sparkly poo to go with it (yes, bandicoots have sparkly poo…). What event, past or present or future would you like to witness? The Beatles’ last public performance on the Apple Corps rooftop. Which subjects did you enjoy at school? Science, English Literature and Japanese. Which five dinner guests would you invite to dinner? Let’s stick with the living – Harry Styles, Rebecca Solnit, Dodie, Graham Norton and Miranda Hart. Where is your dream holiday destination? Currently it’s Japan – I’ve been twice before
Eilish Roberts. 384066
THREE … new things to try to escape the hot weather
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Tackle an escape room The hot weather can make anyone feel a bit ruffled, so what better way to channel that energy than into a high stakes puzzle. Put on your best detective coat (only if it’s highly ventilated) and attempt to escape the room while escaping the heat.
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Hit up a museum Melbourne has no shortage of museums to wander through on a hot day. Whether art and history is your jam, or you’re more into film and even sports, there is an air conditioned museum for everyone.
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Go ice skating There is no better way to combat the heat than to take to the ice. Grab your best knee pads, some supportive friends and family who won’t judge you for sticking to the barrier, and take to the rink.
Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC
and am itching to return. What encouraged you to become a Southern Brown Bandicoot outreach officer? My background is in botany and environmental studies, as well as in science communication, presenting, and education. This role is a fabulous crossover in all these areas – engaging the community in conservation for the Southern Brown Bandicoot, working to improve habitat, and sharing the love for these remark-
able critters. I get to use my science brain as well as my creative side, which is a dream! What were you like as a kid? I was outgoing, loved learning, and never wanted to get in trouble! What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to? Why hasn’t everyone downloaded the app iNaturalist to record their plant and animal (and bandicoot) sightings?
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Thursday, 8 February, 2024
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STAR NEWS 13
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
Embarking on the journey As the school gates opened, a new wave of excitement filled the air at St Francis Xavier College. Friday 2 February marked a significant milestone for 500 Year 7 students, as they embarked on their secondary school journey. Amid the mix of nervous anticipation and eager excitement, students clad in pristine uniforms stepped onto the campus, ready to dive into a world of new opportunities and challenges. The transition from primary to secondary school is a pivotal moment in a student’s educational journey, symbolising a step towards independence, a broader curriculum, and the chance to form new friendships. St Francis Xavier College has prepared a comprehensive orientation program designed to ease this transition, helping students settle into their new environment. “We understand the mixture of feelings our Year 7 students experience on their first day,“ said Vincent Feeney the Principal of St Francis Xavier College. “Our goal is to support them through this transition, ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, and excited about the learning opportunities ahead.“ Parents and guardians, equally anxious and proud, waved their goodbyes, entrusting their children to the capable hands of the College staff. The involvement of parents in the school community continues to be encouraged, with events throughout the year designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school. As these young minds begin their second-
St Francis Xavier College students enjoyed the start of the 2024 school year. ary education, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their families and the aspirations of their teachers.
The journey through St Francis Xavier College will undoubtedly be filled with challenges, but with the support and guidance from the
College community, these Year 7 students are well on their way to becoming the fine young people for the world of tomorrow.
Leadership, performance and teamwork We offer a diverse, dynamic sports program that encourages and provides space for students to pursue elite sport, competitive sport and sport for all.
Non-Selective | Non-Denominational Smaller Classes | Co-Educational ELC and Junior School Dedicated Senior Girls and Boys Schools
To find out more and to apply please visit our website or use the QR Code.
StMargarets.vic.edu.au 12659243-MS01-24
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Thursday, 8 February, 2024
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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
A ‘dynamic’ education Victoria’s first fully academically selective coeducational Government High School, and one of only four academically selective high schools in the state, Nossal High School has been purpose designed to suit an adult, academically focused and highly aspirational cohort of students. The buildings are high tech. and ICT rich, mirroring features and approaches usually found in universities. Nossal High School is committed to providing an innovative, inclusive and dynamic educational environment. We aim to challenge our students to be creative and critical thinkers with good communication skills and the resilience necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world. We aim to build their skills, self-confidence, leadership abilities and community spirit through a rigorous but rich and varied, curricular and co-curricular program. We want our graduates to be aspirational, ethical and responsible citizens who conduct themselves with humility and compassion. For further information regarding Nossal High School we invite you to visit nossalhs.vic. edu.au or book a place in one of our Principal run tours or at our upcoming Information Night. When you choose a Victorian Selective Entry High School, you are ensuring your child has the opportunity for an exceptional education at one of only four schools exclusively designed for academically talented students. As proud government schools, each school has a unique approach and a shared purpose in nurturing excellence in young adults from Years 9-12. For further information about Nossal and the other Victorian Selective Entry High Schools visit www.vic.gov.au/selective-
Nossal High School - a dynamic educational environment. entry-high-schools Applications for 2025 enrolment are open. If you wish to be notified when applications open, register your email address at selec-
tiveentry.acer.org/vic/apply . Nossal High School Tours Principal tours run from 9.30am on specific dates throughout the year. Bookings for these
tours are available at https://www.trybooking. com/ CFYUJ. Visit our website at www.nossalhs.vic. edu.au/enrolment-information/ for more information.
Victorian Excellence Award Winners 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2021 Finalists 2019, 2020, 2022
NOSSAL HIGH SCHOOL - BERWICK A co-educational, academically selective government school for highly able students in Years 9-12
Unique Opportunities. Exceptional Futures. As one of only four Victorian Selective Entry High Schools, we offer a broad range of curricular and co-curricular experiences and programs, strongly influenced by the students themselves who have an active and authentic voice in the running of the school. We offer significant sporting, creative, performing, musical, community, cultural, social, and leadership opportunities to our students alongside a comprehensive academic study program.
Wednesday 1st May
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6:00pm Elite Programs 7:00pm
New York Dance Study Tour
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Visitors are welcome to attend school tours with the Principal, and information evenings are available throughout the year. We invite you to visit us.
BERWICK College ‘I shall grow’, and today, through our strong ‘Crescam’, emphasis on excellence in teaching and learning, our students enjoy a comprehensive curriculum and many career specific pathways.
College Tours available Wednesdays at 9:30am
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Thursday, 8 February, 2024
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STAR NEWS 15
NEWS
Artworks transform road Five Indigenous artwork panels were unveiled in the green space on Cranbourne-Frankston Road on 22 January, as part of the Hall Road Upgrade. Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards joined the unveiling with Bunurong artist Adam Magennis. She said it was wonderful to see this new rest area on Cranbourne-Frankston Road transformed with Mr Magennis’ amazing artwork. “These newly installed art panels are a fantastic way to honour and celebrate the Bunurong people’s history in the southeast,” she said. Each of the five designs, designed to naturally weather and rust on the surface, are based on sketches of native flora by Mr Magennis before they were brought to life in partnership with local businesses Nuttshell Graphics and Western Port Laser Cutting. Over the next 12 months, Mr Magennis will return to the green space to paint the panels’ shadows onto the adjacent path, highlighting the different seasons in accordance with the Bunurong calendar, further adding to the artwork’s impact. These paintings will indicate where the sun sits during the seasons of the traditional owners of the land. The upgrade will also feature more of Mr Magennis’ artwork at a newly installed rest
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards (right) is unveiling the Indigenous artwork panels with Bunurong artist Adam Magennis (left). Picture: SUPPLIED area between Edinburgh Drive and Taylors Road along the new shared walking and cycling path. These pieces, sitting on top of the hill on Hall Road, will be installed after major works
of the roadworks are completed in March. Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV)’s support of Indigenous employment and businesses is a major part of our Program Delivery Approach (PDA), which ensures all MRPV con-
struction partners meet social procurement requirements to support Indigenous businesses, social enterprises, and jobseekers from across Victoria. The Hall Road Upgrade is on the home stretch of construction, having completed three of four planned major intersection upgrades across Cranbourne West and Carrum Downs so far. Signalised intersections have been installed at McCormicks Road, Western Port Highway, and the newly aligned Evans and CranbourneFrankston roads to add capacity, improve traffic flow, and create safer journeys for motorists and pedestrians travelling through Carrum Downs and Cranbourne. The project’s next major milestone will be the opening of two new traffic lanes along Hall Road between McCormicks Road and Western Port Highway, creating two lanes of traffic each way on this section. The project will also reopen Taylors Road with a new signalised intersection after an extensive rebuild to accommodate additional drainage. The Hall Road Upgrade works in unison with other completed and ongoing Victoria Big Build projects, such as the Lathams Road, Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Western Port Highway, and Thompsons Road Upgrades to improve infrastructure for the rapidly expanding south-east region.
WHAT’S ON Cranbourne West Library Lounge Family Fun Day
Berwick Farmers Market
We invite you to come along and join in the fun as we officially launch the Library Lounge to the Cranbourne West Community. Face painting, giant bubble, performers, storytimes, giveaways, sausage sizzles, and animal petting zoo Saturday 17 February, 10.15am arrival, with formalities and ribbon cutting from 10.30am – 11am, at Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West.
The Berwick Farmers Market has been trading for 18 years and it represents the only genuine Farmers Market in the South Eastern Suburbs, by definition a genuine farmers market is predominately fresh local farm-origin produce and no craft. Resulting of customer demand a decision has been made to trade twice a month after years of trading on the second Saturday monthly, trading is now extended to the fourth Sunday. February markets are on Saturday 10 and Sunday 25 February at The Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Rd Berwick, 8am – 12.30pm.
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Narre Warren & District Family History Group General Meeting 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
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Balla Balla Community Centre Located in Clyde North, the centre has vacancies in the following classes: Introduction to Cre-
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Linda Sell, trading as Nar Nar Goon Fresh, an orchard located at Nar Nar Goon, grows and sells apples, pears, and plums, and has been going to markets since the mid-80s. Picture: SUPPLIED ative Writing, Conversational English, Yoga, Zumba, Playgroup, Balla Balla Bubs (0-12 months). 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.
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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.
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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.
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Monash Health has welcomed 125 junior doctors for medical internships.
Pictures: SUPPLIED
Deakin University graduate and new Monash Health intern Hinal Patel.
Interns make their mark Monash Health has welcomed 125 junior doctors for medical internships, with the January intake the largest-ever cohort of medical interns. Interns were placed at Monash Medical Centre, Dandenong, and Casey hospitals across an array of units, including general medicine, mental health, paediatric emergency medicine, urology, and palliative care. They will be put through their paces in emergency departments, and surgical and medical wards, in the next stage of their training to become registered medical practitioners. Over five terms, they will rotate through a variety of units, spending 10 to 13 weeks in each. Deakin University graduate and new
Monash Health intern Hinal Patel was inspired to take up a career in medicine by her uncle, who worked in healthcare in poorer communities in India. “I saw the impact he made on patients – they were very comfortable with him,” she said. Hinal was set to start her internship in general surgery at Monash Medical Centre and was looking forward to all the rotations that will follow. “I’m most looking forward to the entirety of the year – the process of growing my knowledge over that time. They say it grows exponentially,” she said. Another 2024 intern, Wing Kei Peony Chan was set tp start her internship in the mental health unit at Monash Children’s Hospital.
After completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy and then a Doctor of Medicine at Monash University, Monash Health was first on her list for an internship. “I chose Monash Health because they have a paediatric emergency rotation, which [is] super appealing to me,” she said. Peony set her sights on a career in medicine after her grandpa’s death. “I was very touched by how he was treated, and understanding the desperation of being a family member, I wanted to be there for others who might go through the same thing.” Monash Health’s commitment to reserving positions for international students was also an attractive feature to Peony, who came from Hong Kong to Australia to study. “My plan for the moment is to continue my
career in Australia and see where that takes me,” she said. Acting chief executive of Monash Health Martin Keogh said the experience would provide opportunities to integrate into different medical settings and provide a solid foundation at the start of their careers. “Working at Monash Health is a calling for many of our people – an opportunity to provide safe, high-quality care and make a real difference,” he said. Medical education officer and intern lead Karen Yates said it would be a challenging, but rewarding year for the interns. “They are fully supported by Monash Doctors Workforce and Monash Doctors Education to ensure they reach their full potential,” she said.
Hafekasi: A short review of a powerful performance By Ethan Benedicto With a run time of roughly 16 minutes, Hafekasi was able to deliver a powerful performance with messages of identity, personal growth and deep-rooted discrimination. Directed by Annelise Hickey, the film features Mona, a young half-Tongan girl and her white Australian mother, and has won multiple awards since its screening, such as the Tribeca 2023 Best Narrative Short Special Jury Mention and the MIFF 2023 Award for Emerging Australian Filmmaker. Other awards include the BIFF 2023 Award for Best Global Short Film and the SCAD Savannah Film Festival 2023 Award for Best Global Short Film: Beyond Identity. When it comes to shining light on issues such as that of identity around race and discrimination, Ms Hickey agreed that films can serve as effective mediums. “I definitely think that through film and stories or television, they’re a good way to express how different people live in the same country.
Annelise Hickey (middle), speaking to the audience during the Q&A session before the screening. Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO “Films are a good way to explore, and for us to fall in love with characters and see things from a different point of view. “People don’t like being called out and it’s hard to do through art, but it’s still a way,” Ms Hickey said.
Delving deep into the crises of finding oneself as a child, the film uses multiple methods to convey the message, through the vibrant colour palette reminiscent of 90s Australia, the use of sound and noises, and the shaky cam whose movement mir-
rored Mona’s feelings. The narrative is smooth and the story of Mona, played by Izabelle Tokava, effectively encapsulates how a young girl grapples with who she really is, through familial interactions, through strangers and her own actions. Nothing is forced, not through the hands of Ms Hickey as director or through the character of the mum, who is played by Laura Gordon. Throughout the film Mona is left to her own devices, the mother allows space for her child to experience growth herself and never intrudes or directs Mona’s feelings. Validation, comfort and peace are what embodied the actions of the mother, and is what allowed for Mona, though through a rebellious act, to discover and take the first step into the world of Tongan culture. The film unfolds softly on the audience, making itself clear of its direction and most of all, is a stellar representation of showing instead of telling.
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STAR NEWS 17
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No need to fear the dentist By Ethan Benedicto A new dental clinic with a focus on IV sedation is set to land in Berwick, with hopes of opening its doors in 2025. Its completion would mark the facility as one of only three places where patients can undergo dental care from an IV sedation specialist in the state. As compared to general anaesthesia, IV sedation is delivered through an IV line and into a patient’s vein. Its effect will have the patient partially conscious but in a highly relaxed state; they are still mildly responsive and have retrograde amnesia after the procedure. Dr Evangeline Alphonse, a general dentist from Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery, will be the IV dental specialist for the new facility. She’s due to receive her qualification by the end of 2025, and for her, this new clinic is the “make or break between people actually receiving care or not.” “I’ve worked in several places, and there’s never been as high an anxious demographic as southeast Melbourne,” Dr Alphonse said. She says sedationists such as her can make patients more open and comfortable for future procedures. “You have one of the only IV sedation centres being built on this side of Victoria, and for every other place in the state, in order to see patients who are anxious, need to be seen by an anaesthetist. “They’re very difficult to book because they have to go into hospitals and have to cater to the days of the institution and even if you manage to have a centre outside of a hospital, they need to wait for the anaesthetist to come in, and they can cancel in the last minute,” Dr Alphonse said. Rates for these services are also expensive, which Dr Alphonse says are due to their specialist service. But the costs are still much higher than in hospitals. “When I say there’s no one to do this, there really is no one, because from what I understand right now the sedationist from Portland travels to Berwick sometimes.” One of the only other facilities that have a
speciality in IV sedation is roughly four-anda-half hours west of the CBD and just under an hour from the border town of Nelson. “Having this in place just means that we can finally start doing some work in the southeast, if not all the east,” Dr Alphonse said. Sedation itself is not a new phenomenon in dental procedures, with anaesthetists having the ability to sedate patients. However, for Dr Alphonse the difficulty with this is through coordination, since in addition to the anaesthetist, there is the dentist, the facilities, supporting staff, the hospital’s impact itself and then the patient’s schedule. One of the bigger differences with the new clinic is in the pricing, and while there are differences between hospitals and day facilities, they both present struggles for patients looking into IV sedation. “Hospitals are very hard to get into, you can possibly get it covered under Medicare but for day facilities, it’s all over the place. “I know there’s one far north in Victoria where they charge $2000 an hour for IV sedation, and I also know there’s one in South Australia where they charge $400 an hour,” Dr Alphonse said. There is no set landscape for the pricing of IV sedation, where the doctor likened it to the effects of demand and supply. General anaesthetic, when held in a day facility is partially covered by Medicare as long as it’s held in a registered facility. The fees that come into play revolve around the facilities, “which are around $500 an hour and up to $1000 an hour and a lot of procedures that are being done are reconstructive surgeries, which are four to five hours.” “We’ve had surgeries before go on for eight hours so you wake up and have $8000 that is absolutely not covered by anything. “When we have our own location, we won’t need to charge a facility fee anywhere near that high, and if we need to it’s just to cover our nurses’ fees,” Dr Alphonse said. Dr Evangeline Alphonse, from Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery. Picture: SUPPLIED
Authorities ‘tyred’ of cleaning up the mess
Picture: DAVID EDELSTEIN ON UNSPLASH 18 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 8 February, 2024
Environmental authorities are urging households and businesses to spare the environment and dispose of their used tyres legally and responsibly. This comes after more than 2700 car and truck tyres were found dumped on public land last year. The Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria recorded at least 60 separate illegal dumping incidents involving personal or commercial quantities of tyres across Victorian public land in 2023, with the State’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) estimating that thousands more have been dumped, burned, or stockpiled. This included three observations in Kurth Kiln Regional Park and one in Beenak State Forest, with approximately 20 tyres dumped. Dumped car tyres can have serious impacts on human and environmental health. Old tyres also contain harmful chemicals that leach into the environment and groundwater as they break down, potentially poisoning plants and animals. Discarded tyres also present a serious fire risk, as tyre fires are harder to control or extinguish than regular fires. As rubber burns hotter and more easily, tyres dumped in forests can fuel bushfires with devastating effects. Legal disposal of old tyres reduces these environmental and safety risks, and recycled tyres can often be turned into other products, including roads and artificial
playground turf. Individual or small quantities of tyres can be responsibly disposed of at recycling centres, such as local council transfer stations, for a small fee so that they can be repurposed. Most tyre outlets will also accept old tyres as part of government recycling schemes, either for free if people have purchased new tyres from their shop, or for a small fee if bought from elsewhere. When disposing tyres through one of the above options, people should check with their local council, recycling facility, or individual tyre seller to see if they accept them. Victorian businesses also have legal obligations for safely storing and transporting large amounts of waste tyres. EPA Victoria produces guidance on managing these responsibilities, which can be found at: www. epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/find-a-topic/ manage-industrial-waste/waste-tyres In Victoria, it is an offence to dump litter or waste under the Environment Protection Act 2017, with maximum penalties ranging between $3846 and $230,772. For more information on local council waste services, visit: www.sustainability. vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste/ at-home/recycling-at-home/council-wasteand-recycling-services The public can report illegal dumping on public land to 136 186 or to EPA Victoria on 1300 372 842. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
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Position description value TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH Sometimes the simplest of things can have immense value and perhaps because these things are so easy to do, they can get either overlooked or postponed as something to work on when there is a spare moment, which of course there never is. One such business item that comes to mind is the humble Position Description or PD. Simply put, a good Position Description should define the bounds of responsibility of a specific business role. One of the reasons that these often don’t exist is that a manager may well assert that ‘everyone knows their role’ but in practice it is not unusual for a boss and a team member to be out of synch here, especially when it comes down to ownership of specific areas within the position. If they are written at all, many Position Descriptions just define the tasks to be undertaken but the problem with this is that over time tasks may change and different systems, tools and/or processes may need to be employed. If this is the case, then the PD will require ongoing maintenance and update. However, although tasks and tools may change, the responsibilities within a role generally do not, so if the PD is written with regard to these, it needs to only be written once or at least require only minimal update. At first sight, it would seem that the only purpose of a Position Description is to define the role for the person actually operating within it and while this is obviously a key objective, there are many other benefits that derive from having such a document. Apart from anything else, having a documented and agreed per-
Having a documented and agreed perspective on the role between manager and employee can head off many potential issues, Ian Ash says. Picture: GABRIELLE HENDERSON ON UNSPLASH spective on the role between manager and employee can head off many potential issues especially regarding ownership as noted above, but there are many other benefits that can be derived as well.
A well-defined Position Description provides clarity for anyone moving into the role. It necessarily forms a great basis for a job advertisement if the role is vacant and is going to be advertised internally and/or externally
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Patience game for Nicholls By Marcus Uhe If all things went to plan last English summer, Narre South’s Welsh import Callum Nicholls wouldn’t be plying his trade for the Lions in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 competition. The talented right-hander and graduate from the Glamorgan Academy had his sights set on a professional contract with Glamorgan, affording him the ability to play County Cricket in 2024 for the Welsh club and seeing his winter taken up with indoor net sessions back home. But a poor finish to the 2023 English season meant the contract never came, and instead he found himself quickly on a plane to Australia for a second consecutive summer, after representing Hampton Cricket Club in 2022/23. Rather than stew on the disappointment, he made the best of the situation as he chases his dream of becoming a professional cricketer, settling into a room at club president Nathan Tracy’s house. “For me, cricket is my life,” he said. “It’s disappointing not getting contracts at this age, but I do think that it might be best for my game, the later I do get that contract, because I’ll be more ready to play first-team cricket. “I feel like I’m really getting better every week, I’m training hard, off the pitch as well – my fitness and gym work really helped on the weekend. “It was disappointing but I’m more determined than ever.” A self-confessed fierce competitor, the 19-year-old has impressed at Turf 1 level, without consolidating his starts into milestones. Gritty knocks against quality bowling attacks in tough circumstances against Buckley Ridges (58) and Hallam Kalora Park (33 not out) left him unsatisfied, with big expectations as a marquee overseas signing. A Berwick bowling attack featuring an excellent quintet of Jarrod Goodes, Cory Bevan, Toby Wills, Lachlan Brown and Elliot Matthews was his next assignment, in a critical match in the context of both club’s seasons, with second facing third, and critical ladder positions up for grabs. But Nicholls wouldn’t have it any other way; the bigger the challenge, the better he feels he performs. “Usually with the better attacks you’ve got more pace on the ball and I feel like I can read what the bowler is trying to do more, because they’ve got plans in place, which I can use to
Narre South pair Callum Nicholls (right) and Vineth Jayasuriya shared in a 193-run partnership on Saturday, with Nicholls going on to make 100. Picture: SUPPLIED my advantage,” he said. “I do concentrate a little bit more and I do think it helps with the batting as well. “I feel like there’s a few things that work in my favour, and the challenge is the main thing; I always love a hard challenge, I’m always trying to get better.” He proved every word of that proclamation on Saturday, raising the bat for his first century for the Lions when his side was in need of big runs. Nicholls hit an even 100 and shared in a monster 193-run stand in the heat with teammate Vineth Jayasuriya, who unfortunately fell just shy of the century himself, making 96, helping the Lions to a healthy first-innings total of 5/344. The partnership was the largest that Turf 1 has seen in 2023/24, with Jayasuriya’s return to form matching his sides’ as they push for a finals spot. Coming together at 1/24, the two fought through the tricky early stages with a clear mandate to bat time.
“When we got to the crease, it was pretty hard to score; the pitch was a little slow, it wasn’t easy to get off the square, but I think we really tried to make a big effort to set the game up for after tea,” Nicholls said. “Patience was probably the hardest thing, not being able to score as freely as I would have liked, that was the hardest element of the day. “We really punched down and tried hard to get a score going without losing any wickets, so that after tea we could go hard and really set the game up to put us in the best position, and we did exactly that.” The two both reached their half-centuries before tea, still one-down at the break, giving their side a terrific foundation on which to build. Berwick’s attack kept coming, but the two remained up for the challenge, until Jayasuriya was bowled by Matthew Hague within striking distance of triple figures. Nicholls belied the fate of his teammate, bowled trying to lift the tempo of the match with an aggressive stroke after saluting his teammates having reached his 29th century.
Frustrated at his inability to convert a handful of starts, Nicholls’ determination shone through in an innings of defiance. “Usually when you get hundreds I think you give away a chance or two, but I was making sure I wasn’t giving anyone a chance to get me out. “Whether it was the umpire or the opposition, I just thought, ‘nothing’s going to stop me getting a hundred today.’ “It was just one of those days where I was just too determined, to be honest.” The monster partnership allowed the bighitting Jeevan Mendis and Harsha De Silva to rub salt into Berwick wounds at the tail end of a hot day in the field. Mendis hit a quick-fire 55 off 35, bringing up his 50 off 27 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes, while De Silva matches his intent, unbeaten on 41 off 26 with three sixes and four fours at the close of play. For one of the few occasions in a turbulent season for the Lions, a range of contributors were able to click at the same time, pushing them to a huge team total for their lethal bowling attack to defend next week. “We talked about what we did well on the day and it’s been brewing,” Nicholls said. “Ever since that first game, we’ve had little snippets of people doing well but not everyone doing well at the same time, with the bat. “But I think it’s important to realise that the game’s only halfway done, and Berwick has got a good batting side, so we’ve really got to make an effort of helping the bowlers out at training, making sure they get everything they need out of themselves before the weekend.” Berwick’s dual spinning threat of Brown and Matthews was rendered wicketless, with Hague, Goodes, Wills, and Bevan each sharing one wicket each. A fascinating second day awaits, as Jake Hancock, Jarryd Wills and the Bears batters face a massive challenge against an in-form bowling attack at Strathaird Reserve. DDCA TURF 1 SCORES R12 TWO-DAY (DAY ONE) Buckley Ridges v Springvale South 9/361 (J Wyatt 129, M Forsyth 70, J Cronin 5/81). Beaconsfield 3/273 (A Walgamage 89*, M Cooper 84) v St Mary’s. North Dandenong 134 (J Khan 42, W Whyte 5/50, J Hammond 3/47) v Hallam Kalora Park 2/88 (M Udawatte 41*). Narre South 5/344 (C Nicholls 100, V Jayasuriya 96, B Mendis 55, H De Silva 41*) v Berwick.
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Talented youngsters land VFL contracts with Casey By Jonty Ralphsmith Casey Demons have confirmed several arrivals and re-signings as preparations for the 2024 season ramp up. Locals Mitch Sybkowski (Beaconsfield), Andrew Green (Cranbourne) and Kobe Shipp (Beaconsfield) have all put pen to paper. Sybkowski crosses from Frankston VFL, where he played 14 games in 2023 and got some time in the midfield. Green’s arrival is the latest chapter in a remarkable rise from the Northern Territory, while fellow defender Shipp arrives after a strong season in the Talent Pathway where he was a regular for Dandenong and represented Vic Country. Lysterfield junior Kai Windsor, the brother of Melbourne draftee Caleb, has also put pen to paper following an injury-riddled season for Box Hill, as has Dingley local Caleb Lewis. The marquee recruit so far is Leo Connolly, who has seven games of AFL experience with St Kilda, with his speed an asset for the Dees. Youngsters Brayden La Planche (Eastern Ranges), Oscar Van Dam (Tasmania Devils) and Eddie King (Richmond Junior Football Club) are other recruits the Dees have secured. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Van Dam hails from the same local club, North Launceston, which coach Taylor Whitford steered to back-to-back premierships in 2018-19. The loss of stalwart midfielder Jimmy Munro to Cora Lynn, and addition of several emerging talents, has Casey set to enter the new season with a much younger list. The club, however, is confident in the leadership of skipper Mitch White and believes Roan Steele can take a step forward with his footy to help fill that void. Ned Moodie, Ziggy Toledo-Glasman, Max Gregory, Tyler Edwards, Ryan Valentine and Charlie Peters have all re-signed for the season, with several more spots still up for grabs. Meanwhile, Cora Lynn premiership coach David Main has been promoted to midfield coach, while Pakenham’s Tom O’Loughlin joins the coaching panel. Casey’s practice match schedule and VFL fixture will be finalised soon, with round one set to be played on the weekend of March 2324.
Beaconsfield’s Kobe Shipp is among the Casey signings. 356635 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT. Thursday, 8 February, 2024
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Junior netball breakdown By Marcus Uhe The junior netball landscape in the South East for season 2024 has been thrown a curve ball just weeks ahead of the first centre pass being thrown after a breakdown between the South East Premier Netball League (SEPNL) and Outer East Football Netball (OEFN). After a joint statement announcing that the leagues would be joining forces in 2024 to provide a junior netball competition made up of both SEPNL and OEFN clubs on 16 January, OEFN announced on Monday 5 February that it had decided to not partner with SEPNL for 2024, sighting issues with SEPNL’s governance structure and a lack of affiliation with Netball Victoria. “Following numerous meetings with internal and external stakeholders Outer East Football Netball are not satisfied that the governance structure in place and as proposed by the SEPNL group is workable, nor do we feel comfortable with the current state of the intended incorporation, particularly SEPNL Office Bearers also holding official roles within participating clubs,” the OEFN’s statement said. “Added to the fact that there is nine weeks to the start of the season and the SEPNL group is no further advanced with their affiliation with Netball Victoria, we have come to the decision to not partner with the SEPNL group for the 2024 season in the junior netball space.” Lani Mannays, president of the SEPNL, is
Outer East Football Netball and the South East Premier Netball League will not run a combined junior netball competition in 2024. Picture: SUPPLIED also President of Berwick Netball Club, while vice president of SEPNL, Dean Ziesler, is the current president of Beaconsfield Netball Club. SEPNL is aligned with Netball Victoria but is not affiliated. OEFN said it would remain open to working with Netball Victoria and SEPNL to establish a competition from 2025 onwards, and stressed that the upcoming junior season would not be compromised by the decision to not partner with SEPNL. “(OEFN) will continue to pursue a junior
netball competition for clubs in the South East as we stated following our Competition Structure Review in August 2023. “This decision does not have any impact on Outer East FN’s A, B, C, D and 17U Blue netball competitions in any way, as they follow the Senior Football fixtures released at the beginning of December 2023.” Mannays said she fears that clubs will lose faith in the SEPNL based on the OEFN’s statement, stating that the League’s governance is above board and has followed
legal requirements. Through the implementation of an underlying committee with representation from all six SEPNL clubs, Mannays is confident that any fears of conflicts of interest involving League and Club officials has been alleviated. “The only thing that they are questioning is who runs it, but we have been completely transparent about it from the beginning,” Mannays said. “We can’t step away from Berwick and Beaconsfield at the moment, because we were voted as presidents at the AGM before this started. “I think if we were trying to hide, that would be a different story, but we haven’t from day one, and if we weren’t mitigating it by giving all of these clubs a voice, that would also be another issue.” Mannays said SEPNL will still aim to run a junior netball competition this season to ensure that junior netballers have a place to play in the South East without the travel associated with OEFN clubs. “We just want the kids to play; ultimately we will do whatever we have to do to make it happen,” she said. “We’ve got our teams picked, our selections, Berwick and Beaconsfield are really strong clubs, we’ve got all of our teams filled. “We’ve got the community backing us so we’ve got to do what we can for them as well.”
Well-concealed surprise for respected sporting legend By Jonty Ralphsmith Narre Warren Football Club and Dandenong West Cricket Club held a joint testimonial for Greg Siwes on Saturday night at Kalora Park. A passionate and smart hard worker who has aided the plight of several clubs and countless players in the south eastern region, Siwes is currently entrenched in both clubs. At Dandy West, he serves as vice-president while he assists reserves coach Jamie Brown at Narre. The event was attended by more than 100 people who shared anecdotes, laughs and appreciation for his commitment to local sport across the past 30 years. Siwes was unaware the event was being held, lured to the club under the pretence of a plumbing issue that needed to be addressed on the way to nice dinner with wife Vanessa, following a day of toil in the sun for Dandy West’s Second XI. “It was a bit strange I thought; everyone left the rooms really quickly after the game,” Siwes reflected. “One of the blokes hung around and we had a few beers but we were the only two here so I thought ‘what’s going on? “I went home and had a swim in the backyard pool and my wife was on to me about getting ready and I turned up and wow. “When you walk in and people are taking photos you go ‘wow’ – it’s only later on you realise what’s going on. “It’s been a good journey and the common denominator is that I’m a competitive person in whatever sport I play and I can’t help that, that’s just the way I am, and I’ll continue to be competitive in whatever I do.” Dandenong West president Peter Lindsay emceed the event, and spoke to Star News about the significant role Siwes has played in the cricket club.
Greg Siwes poses with his extensive trophy collection, on show during the evening. 387581 Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH “He was a leader in many ways both on and off the field,” Lindsay said. “Once he crossed the line from a game point-of-view, he never wanted to be beaten, and off the field, he was able to gel the club together.
“Even now, he’s thinking about different players and what he sees in them and he’s only too willing to pass on any of those opinions to our current leaders. “There’s always a game plan even if he’s watching.”
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As a player, he was a key piece of the Bulls’ dominance around the turn of the century, and his presence is still being felt now, after he reinvigorated the club’s junior program a decade ago. Son, Riley, is a staple of the Dandenong West First XI, alongside Bailey Howarth and Nathan Power, while Dylan Diacono was an important player last season. From a footballing perspective, he was a fine on-baller during Narre’s success in the early 1990s and has a reputation as being a student of the game. He has coached Noble Park’s reserves to a premiership and Devon Meadows to its most recent grand final appearance. But the widely held belief is that his greatest performance as a mentor was winning the 2008 preliminary against Pakenham, to that point undefeated all season, as coach of Keysborough. “He exposed their weaknesses,” said Narre president Stuart Stephenson, who has known Siwes since the 1970s. “He had seven or eight really good players and maximised them. “He really thought through it, was so prepared, and would know the metreage of every ground so he could set the game up to suit his team “Narre won the grand final the next week but to get that Keysborough team, which was pretty average, to the grand final was, I think, his best coaching performance.” After playing juniors at Lyndale, Siwes has been involved in the following football clubs: Dandenong, Kerang, Narre, Devon Meadows, Noble Park, Pearcedale and Keysborough. Following a stint at Silverton, Siwes has played 230 games at the Bulls, scoring a clubhigh 6149 runs including eight centuries, to go with his 120 wickets.
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Swans reach for the stars By Marcus Uhe Casey South Melbourne’s batting line up heeded their skipper’s request for big scores and more runs this week in a much-needed return to form against Melbourne University in Victorian Premier Cricket. Luke Shelton told this newspaper last week that a return to pre-Christmas form with the bat would be the key to arresting a three-game losing streak that saw the Swans slide from top spot to fifth in January. An unbeaten 153 from opener Ashley Chandrasinghe and a swashbuckling 97 not out from Lachlan Sperling delivered on that mandate, helping the Swans reach 5/371 at the close of play at University Main Oval, with the opportunity to bat-on next week. It’s Chandrasinghe’s third hundred of the campaign, to go with three further half-centu-
ries, taking his season tally to 680 runs at an average of 68, keeping his name firmly in the mix for a return to the Victorian side. Chandrasinghe formed meaningful partnerships with Ruwantha Kellapotha (20), and Chris Benedek (43) in a reminder of the quality he brings to the Premier Cricket competition. Where he played his natural anchoring role at the top of the order, Sperling took full advantage of the platform that had been laid, crunching his 97 off just 59 balls. His innings featured 14 fours and two sixes as he and Chandrasinghe put on 157 for the sixth wicket. With the Students struggling at 13th, the Swans have been presented a golden opportunity to boost percentage and Net Run Rate which could have a vital impact on finals seedings.
Lachlan Sperling hit a quick-fire 97 off 59 balls for Casey South Melbourne on Saturday. 231267 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Roos and Lions joust in absorbing low-scoring affair By Jonty Ralphsmith A match set to have big ramifications for the teams competing for a finals spot in Turf 3 of the Dandenong District Cricket Association is currently on a knife’s edge. Coomoora was bowled out by Doveton North for 130 at a typically low-scoring Power Reserve, with the hosts 3/25 at stumps. The Roos, like many visiting teams, struggled for the first part of the day, limping to tea six wickets down at a run rate of less than two, heaping the pressure on skipper Liam Hard and the lower order. Sachith Jayasingha, who bowled 23 overs unchanged at one stage, stifled any Coomoora attempt to wrench momentum, finishing with figures of 3/35 off 25.4 overs. His contribution was particularly influential given Gayan De Silva was unable to bowl due to a shoulder injury. The ‘bankability’ of Jayasingha allowed skipper Rukshan Carim to rotate his quicks up the other end, with Niluka Gamage playing his best game of the season, finishing with four wickets, including an imposing spell upfront. Hard, alongside Lalanka Mudiyanselage looked to hit gaps and play with more positivity after the break, but that was only fleeting, before Hard’s dismissal started a mini collapse of 4/21, his team bowled all out
Niluka Gamage played his best game of the season for Doveton North. 386711 Picture: ROB CAREW for 130. In response, the Lions batted with little endeavour, which Coomoora pounced on; Dean Krelle, Nick Lloyd and Malan Madusanka each picking up a wicket to give Coomoora a sniff. Two teams which will be watching that result closely are Berwick Springs and Fountain Gate, who themselves played an intriguing contest. Choosing to bat first, skipper Chanaka ‘Ted’ Sampath showed the way with a well made 75 off 80, his second half-century on the bounce. But a series of other Gators batters will be ruing a missed opportunity with the bat;
Karan Singh, Hasindu Waduge and Harry Lees all getting starts but none able to go along with Sampath and bat Berwick Springs out of the game, the visitors bundled for 170. The Gators bowling attack was led by the experienced Scott Lindsay, who finished with three wickets, while Harry Fernando got two, including Sampath with his leggies. Star lefty Jackson Marie helped Berwick Springs knock 44 runs over by stumps, but his dismissal late in the day, on 31 off 39 off Jasdeep Singh, will give Gators a semblance of hope. Underlining Marie’s stunning form, it’s the first time he has been dismissed on Saturday for less than 50 since round five.
Meanwhile, Lynbrook and Silverton are both well-positioned to push for outright wins over Hampton Park and Doveton respectively. Lynbrook bowled the Redbacks out for 138 before racing to 2/145 off 27 overs. Teenager Hukam Karir was promoted to open the batting this week, with Shane D’Rozario out of the side and showed a glimpse of his potential with 23 before skipper Jay Walia clattered an unbeaten 64 to ensure Lynbrook got the first innings points before stumps. James Kellett was the pick of the Lakers’ bowlers, with 5/42 off 14. Silverton, meanwhile, bowled Doveton out for 61, declared at 2/138 and have the Doves 6/38 in their second dig. Offie Varinder Virk was the destroyer with the ball, picking up a five-for, while Rob North scored another half century. Day One Summary: Doveton 61 and 6/38 v Silverton 2/138d, Doveton North 3/25 v Coomoora 130, Hampton Park 138 v Lynbrook 2/145, Berwick Springs 1/44 v Fountain Gate 170. Ladder: Doveton North 50, Fountain Gate 47, Coomoora 46, Lynbrook 45, Berwick Springs 43, Silverton 30, Doveton 18, Hampton Park 9.
Thumping win continues Panthers Saturday dominance NARRE WARREN BOWLS The Panther Dome witnessed another annihilation on Saturday when the No.1 Panthers side defeated Dandenong Club 114-49. This is not the first time this season when the team has more than doubled the opponents score…it has actually happened several times! After 12 rounds of the current season, the team still remains undefeated and cannot be beaten for a top place finish with only two rounds of the home-and-away season remaining. The next match is against third-placed Keysborough and this will be played on Friday night 9 February under lights at the Panther Dome. The match commences at 6:30pm and a large crowd is expected. There will be a BBQ running along with the bar and music. Of the six teams which played on Saturday, only two lost and these were by very narrow margins. Side 6 lost by two shots and Side 3 lost at Bentleigh by six shots. After trailing by quite a large margin all day, berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Narre Warren teams produced a strong performance on Saturday, winning four of their six games played. 379497 Picture: SUPPLIED Side 3 was in a position to achieve a draw or an unlikely victory with the last bowl of the day. The aggregate score with only one bowl left to play was 78-77 and the Narre Warren skip narrowly missed trailing the jack which would have resulted in an overall victory on the day. All Saturday teams are now sitting in the top four of their Sections with two rounds remaining before the finals commence. The Midweek teams are also well placed with three wins from four matches this week and three teams are sitting comfortably in the
top four of their sections. SATURDAY PENNANT - ROUND 12 Side 1: (Home) defeated Dandenong Club 11449 Points: 18. Ladder: 1st Best rink: Craig Stubbings; Geoff Baily; Chris Johnson and Cam Bell: +23 Side 2: (Away) defeated Pakenham 81-77 Points: 15. Ladder: 2nd Best Rink: Michael Graham; Craig Lineham; Dianne McLeod and Keith Fox: +10 Side 3: (Away) lost to Bentleigh 77-83 Points: 4. Ladder: 3rd Best rink: Ian Miller; Geoff Miller; David Entwistle and Greg Davies: +9 Side 4: (Home) defeated Upwey Tecoma 86-56 Points: 16 Ladder: 4th Best rink: Joan Fary; W. Finlayson; Lorraine Marsden and Eric Marsden: +20 Side 5: (Away) defeated Hampton Park 91-68 Points: 16. Ladder: 4th Best rink: R. Payne; P. Wilson; David DeVries and Gary Wilson: +17 Side 6: (Home) lost to Churchill Waverly Golf 76-78 Points: 4. Ladder: 3rd
Best rink: Wilma Haringsma; Wendy Henkel; Marcus Thorn and Arthur Scheurer: +10 RINK OF THE ROUND: Side 2: Skip C. Bell: +23 (Div 2 Sect 8) MIDWEEK PENNANT - ROUND 11 Side 1: (Home) defeated Beaumaris 90-33 Points: 16. Ladder: 1st Best rink: Anna Mateos; Mick Daly; Gary Farrington and Scott Butterworth: +24 Side 2: (Away) defeated Berwick 56-55 Points: 13. Ladder: 3rd Best rink: Dean George; Lorraine Marsden; Eric Marsden and Wilma Stevenson: +5 Side 3: (Away) lost to Hampton Park 75-43 Points: 0. Ladder: 5th Best rink: Janice Moran; Wendy Henkel; Peter Groom and Robert Beare: -1 Side 4: (Home) defeated Burden Park 70-39 Points: 16. Ladder: 2nd Best rink: Graham Dodd; Darren Thompson; Peter Anderton and Gary Wilson: +17 RINK OF THE ROUND: Side 1: Skip S. Butterworth +24 (Div 2 Sec 7) - Eric Sydenham Thursday, 8 February, 2024
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