News - Berwick Star News - 2nd May 2024

We will remember them

Paul Reynolds and his grand daughter Dakota, 7, were among a 3000-strong crowd paying tribute at a dawn service on Anzac Day, 25 April.

The pair were remembering Paul’s late grandfather, who was a prisoner of war for five years in Stalag 383 in Bavaria.

AnzacDaycoverageinside

Paul Reynolds with his grand daughter Dakota, from Girls Guides Victoria, share a moment as they remember Paul’s late grandfather. 403554

Free bins dumped

By Ethan Benedicto

Following the State Government’s kerbside reforms, Casey Council has ceased the provision of free extra rubbish bins for households of six or more.

The change means that no new “exemptions“ would be provided for large households from 22 April, and the existing 10,000-plus free extra bins will be removed by July 2025. With 14 months until it comes into force, resident Maral Nikola, the eldest in a family of six, is concerned about not just hers, but other large families’ waste accumulation.

“Where is the garbage supposed to go? It depends on what everyone’s using and how often they’re using it and whatnot, but you know, garbage does accumulate really, really fast,” she said.

Addressed in Casey’s most recent agenda on 16 April, the extra bins policy was found to be financially unsustainable, open to misuse and countered waste minimisation principles.

The report further details that the free bins cost $1.2 million per annum, which adds $10 to $12 to the residential Waste Service Charge for each household Casey-wide. That cost was expected to grow by $115,000 each year.

The exemptions have been in place for more than 20 years, with Casey currently providing 6796 garbage bins and 3131 recycling bins that do not attract a charge.

The other exemption for residents with medical conditions will however continue.

Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra, senior lecturer at Federation University’s Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, supports the council’s initiative towards better waste management.

“The root of the problem is waste, and it’s responsible for three per cent of the carbon emissions in Australia,” he said.

“Particularly Casey Council, it’s growing massively and they’re (council) projecting a growth of 40 per cent by 2046.

“And when you talk about a smart city, you have to think about sustainability, and they’re recognising that. If we look at the volume of waste, it will obviously increase as more people come and make Casey their place of residence.“

Dr Kandra said the current go-to strategy of adding more landfill will only create more greenhouse gas emissions, which is“against the [council’s] objective of becoming net zero in the next few years”.

Continuedpage4

Picture: ROB CAREW

Time to stand for Casey

Do you want to have a role in shaping the future of the City of Casey?

Are you passionate about making a positive contribution to your community?

To support potential candidates for the upcoming Council elections in October, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) in partnership with Council will be hosting an in-person Stand for Council information session on Wednesday 29 May at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren.

The session will be held form 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm and will help you to further consider the roles

Keep batteries out of your bins

Putting batteries in your bins poses fire risks not only to your property, but to the people who collect your recycling and waste.

This year, there have been seven ‘hot loads’ or in-truck battery fires across the City of Casey. If you want to get rid of your batteries, please don’t put these in your kerbside bins. Instead, take the used batteries to your nearest battery drop-off so they can be recycled.

For more information or to find your nearest battery drop-off, search ‘how to get rid of waste and unwanted items’ on our website.

Open Kindergarten Afternoon

The City of Casey delivers three and four-year-old funded programs in each of our quality kindergartens.

All Council managed kindergartens will be hosting an open afternoon on Wednesday 15 May from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm. Open afternoons are a great opportunity to:

• visit your local City of Casey kindergarten

• experience our play-based programs

• meet the current teaching team

• explore a sessional kindergarten program with your child prior to the start of their kindergarten year

Scan the QR code to discover which of our kindergartens are hosting an open afternoon.

and responsibilities of a councillor and the importance of this elected position, the wide range of issues you will be required to make decisions about and the time commitment. Registrations are essential.

For more information and to register for the session, please visit the ‘Stand for Council’ page on the MAV website.

Fire Danger Period

The Fire Danger Period for the City of Casey will end on Wednesday 1 May.

If you are considering burning off on your property once the fire restrictions are lifted, you will require a permit from Council. Permits are only valid outside of the CFA declared Fire Danger Period, which is usually between the cooler periods of May to November. Ensure you are burning off safely by:

• Checking if any fire restrictions are in force.

• Checking our Local Law requirements for burning off. A permit is required for all burning off in the City of Casey.

• Checking the weather forecast for the day of your planned burn-off and the few days afterwards. If it’s going to be windy, you should postpone your burn.

• Removing flammable material from around your burn site to reduce the risk of outbreak.

• Having a water supply on hand to extinguish a possible outbreak.

To apply for your permit to burn-off, scan the QR code or visit the ‘apply to burn-off’ page on our website.

Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.

• Max Pawsey Reserve Master Plan: we are seeking feedback on the changes and updates to the Master Plan.

• Corporate Suite of Documents 2024-25: you are invited to have your say on our suite of corporate documents, which includes our Draft Budget 2024/25 and Draft Capital Works Program 2024/25.

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

The Draft Budget Report, which includes the Draft Budget 2024/25 and Draft Capital Works Program 2024/25, Draft Council Plan 2021-25 –Year 4 Review, Draft Annual Action Plan 2024/25, Draft Financial Plan 2024/25 – 2033/34 and Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges 2024/25 are now available for community feedback.

Make a submission or complete a survey via Casey Conversations before 5.00 pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024.

$3,205,122

The renewal of the 50 metre pool at Doveton Pool in the Park

NARRE WARREN SOUTH

$1,500,000

* The upgrade of the Strathaird Reserve Pavilion, Narre Warren South

CLYDE NORTH

$8,600,000

Springleaf Recreation Reserve, Clyde North

$1,834,000

$2,494,140

** Improvements to Tyabb-Tooradin Road (between South Boundary Road and Baxter-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale) STREET LIGHTING

* The upgrade of the Tooradin Recreation Reserve Pavilion DOVETON

The conversion of street lighting from Mercury V to LED

CASEY 10-YEAR PLANTING PLAN

$1,837,410

The implementation of Greening Casey 10-year Planting Plan NARRE WARREN

$1,682,360

* The redevelopment of Ray Bastin Reserve, Narre Warren ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

$1,521,370

* The upgrade of the Grices Road Recreation Reserve Pavilion, Berwick

$5,400,000

* Hardy’s Road Family and Community Centre, Clyde North

$2,846,090

Pushing for an expansion

By Emma Xerri

With her eldest child now in Grade 5 at Timbarra P-9 College, longtime Timbarra resident Meagan McPhee is faced with the difficult task of selecting a secondary school, a task she believes has been made more difficult due to the current limitations at Timbarra.

“The thought of having to change schools for the last three years of school is stress that families and students don’t need, especially if, like my kids, they’ve been at the school since Prep,“ she said.

“The end of Year 9 is also a really delicate point to have to assimilate to a new school.”

Having lived in the area since 2010, a great portion of which has been spent volunteering on the school fundraising committee, Ms McPhee is keenly aware of the impact the school’s current setup is having, not only on the educational prospects of her own children, but on many others throughout her community.

Deciding to try and take matters into her own hands, Ms McPhee has started a petition via change.org to advocate for an extension of the school from P-9 to Year 12.

Despite being live for less than two weeks, the petition has already garnered significant community support - with more than 460 signatures as of Monday 29 April - indicating that, as the area’s population continues to grow, and strict school zoning increasingly dictates which schools families can access for

their children, the need for another complete and affordable secondary school in Timbarra is greater than ever.

“Now that my eldest is in Grade 5, I’m looking at high schools and realising that the options that should be there just aren’t,” she added.

“Berwick is such a great growth area with fantastic facilities, and I have always thought that as long as I’ve lived here. But now that I’ve come to look at high schools, I’ve realised there is a gap, and everyone I’ve spoken to feels the same way.

“I would like to be able to send my children to a school that runs through to Year 12, but I

have found the other options in Berwick a bit disheartening.

“There are issues with overcrowding, and the new strict zones mean schools are forced to accept every student that lives within their zone, whether they can accommodate it or not.

“If you don’t live within that strict pocket, you essentially cannot get a place at those schools.

“I have spoken to a lot of parents that have kids across different local high schools, and that seems to be a consensus.

“I have also looked into private education, which comes with added travel that my kids

don’t have at Timbarra, where they can ride their bikes or walk to school. Private school fees are also very exorbitant.

“Of course, not every high school is going to fit every student. There are some students that will go into huge local public high schools after being in a small community school like Timbarra and be fine, but there are also a lot of people who fear they will have to pay for private education to accommodate their children’s needs, which is a huge stress on families.

“We need good education opitions, because not everyone can afford private education. And even if you can afford private education, the waiting lists are years long.”

According to the Department of Education, students who reside in the Timbarra P-9 College zone are zoned to either Berwick Secondary College, Fountain Gate Secondary College, Kambrya College or Narre Warren South P-12 to complete their senior secondary education.

The department maintains that “there are currently no plans to expand Timbarra College from a P-9 college”.

But Ms McPhee wants to stress that this is not a new issue, but rather “these are new times”.

With the issue having appeared before parliament on several occasions, Ms McPhee remains “unsure why and how the decision continues to be to not extend the school, because it is clearly needed”.

Free bins dumped: No new exemptions for large households

From page 1

“The other option for them is to start convincing the community to reduce their waste generation, and again if you provide more bins, you’re actually giving [people] an opportunity to produce more waste.“

Casey’s acting manager for sustainability and waste Thomas Johannsen said that the exemption for households of six or more “does not align with the State Government Kerbside Reforms”.

“[It] is also open to misuse as there is no efficient way of confirming eligibility without breaching privacy of residents in the households.

“Residents who are wanting to reduce their waste are encouraged to place food waste loose in the food and garden waste bin - this action will send less waste to landfill and help create nutrient-rich compost which is sent to farms all aroundVictoria,” he said.

According to a State Government website, a new four-stream waste and recycling system is coming, with separate bins for glass, food organics and garden organics, mixed recyclables and household rubbish.

Mr Johannsen added that “discontinuing the new exemptions immediately will prevent the number of services to be cancelled and bins retrieved from increasing by approxi-

mately 1200 services”.

“Fewer waste services will also reduce the amount of waste to landfill per property and therefore generation of greenhouse gases,” he said.

Beginning 1 July 2025, any additional garbage or recycling bins that have been provided free of charge to households with six or more people in one property will be removed.

“Delaying the cancellation of existing services to July 2025 will allow for project planning and communication with affected residents,” Mr Johannsen said.

“The delayed removal of services will also provide ample time for affected residents to

transition to alternate arrangements.

“Council will communicate with all impacted households regarding the policy change and also prior to retrieval of the bins, which will be recycled in the manufacture of new bins,” he said.

However, according to Ms Nikola, this “will not be enough time”.

“I think we’re all just really busy people and it’s really hard to keep up with a schedule or a maintenance schedule, if you will.

“Are people supposed to hold rubbish in their houses for over a week? Especially with the bigger households, you know.”

Ms Nikola also lamented the trial and error phase that all new processes undergo, emphasising the difficulties families like hers, and larger ones, would then have.

“We have two green bins and one blue bin and at times it’s fine, but for whatever reason we have an event, or just simply that everyone has a few extra things this time aroundfor the green bins unless they plan on taking them every second or third day we would not be able to handle it.“

Dr Kandra, while understanding the struggles that larger families would go through, sees this as an opportunity for the entire municipality to reduce its waste.

“There is a lot of opportunity for people to share the waste, learn better practices of waste management from each other,” he said.

“Where the council is saying that we won’t give you an extra bin, [they’re] giving those families an opportunity to re-look at their waste management reduce the waste, recycle and reuse as much as possible - and I think that’s the right step in the right direction.“

Possible positive impacts of this proposed change also move further towards improvement to waste management, with Dr Kandra saying that “if the council has to spend more money on waste management, then obviously ratepayers will also have to pay more rates towards the waste, right?”

“When you reduce your waste, you are actually reusing your resources in a better way, which means that you are actually trying to reduce your cost of living - if you are producing more waste then that means you’re not using your resources properly,” he said.

Further compacting loose bags in garbage bins is one practice he suggested that families take more heed of, as well as ensuring that the right waste goes in the right bin.

“If everyone thinks [of] this as a blessing in disguise, then I think it’s an opportunity to contribute towards Australia becoming net zero,” Dr Kandra said.

190 Princes Highway

Ph: 5941 4888

Cranbourne

6 Brunt Street

Ph: 5996 6822

Drouin

affordable, psychoeducation-based workshops and Q&A style consultations. Workshops are suitable for parents/carers and teachers seeking professional guidance and information to:

• Enhance awareness and understanding

• Improve and develop relationships

• Explore ways to drive positive change

2 Porter Place

Ph: 5625 2571

• Support youth mental health and wellbeing. These sessions are suited for families who may be on waitlists to see a psychologist, or even for families who are looking for more tools for their parenting toolbox. The workshops will run for 90mins a fortnight at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House.

$20 per person | $30 per couple

$10

The first session will be on Sunday 5th of May, 1pm - 2:30pm.

Parenting Workshops with Michelle Macpherson Pakenham

The kerbside policy reforms will see the removal of additional free garbage and recycling bins for households of six or more occupants. Picture: ON FILE

Meagan McPhee with the petition. 403484

Accused hoon to face trial

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An alleged high-speed hoon from Berwick will contest up to 110 charges in a trial lasting an estimated 10 days, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court has heard. Sushant Mittal is accused of speeding up to 262km/h, drag racing on freeways and seat-swapping with a passenger while driving on the Monash. He had rejected a sentence indication in March that included a jail term if he pleaded guilty.

At a contest mention on 30 April, a police prosecutor indicated he’d call 10 witnesses, including three expert witnesses, to give evidence over about 10 days.

The police informant who charged Mittal was expected to present a“substantial number” of exhibits over about two days, a prosecutor told the court. Another two days would be re-

IN BRIEF

Asbestos again

Asbestos has been found for the second time in as many weeks in the City of Casey, with the material found in a mulched garden bed at a Clyde North reserve.

The council identified suspected asbestos from a small sample in a garden bed at Clydevale Avenue Reserve, with test results since confirming the sample was positive for asbestos, council said on Friday 26 April.

Council said it took immediate action and installed temporary fencing to prevent public access to the area.

Clean-up works were set to begin the week commencing Monday 29 April.

The first asbestos sample in Casey was found in Minihans Reserve in Cranbourne in early April.

The City of Casey reported to the EPA that small pieces of bonded asbestos-containing material had been discovered in a mulched garden bed at Minihans Reserve in Cranbourne, following a proactive inspection program that has so far assessed 30 locations. EPA officers attended the site on Tuesday 16 April.

The small pieces of asbestos discovered were in a stable, low-risk form, however, the council stated that it was taking this very seriously.

Council completed clean-up works at Minihans Reserve, and a clearance certificate was issued for the site. The site has since reopened.

Council’s proactive inspection program of parks and playgrounds across Casey will continue over the coming weeks.

Fatal shooting

Police are investigating a fatal drive-by shooting in Hampton Park that killed a Cranbourne man on the morning of Saturday 27 April.

A man was located in a vehicle on Bride Avenue with a gunshot wound at about 12.30am.

The 30-year-old Cranbourne man died at the scene.

Police were told a Ford Ranger Utility was seen driving away from the area.

A burnt-out vehicle was located at Sweeney Reserve in Berwick just after 2.30am and police are yet to determine if it is linked to the investigation.

Detectives are currently on-scene investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Break-in, fire at gym

Police responded to a break-in and a suspicious fire at Narre Warren around 6am on 30 April.

A small fire had been lit inside Skamma Gym in Vesper Drive, which caused some minor damage.

Emergency services attended the incident, with FRV and CFA – which had two units –present at the scene.

An investigation is currently underway, with police urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through their website at crimestoppersvic. com.au

quired for the expert evidence, he said.

Defence lawyer Sean Hardy told the court that he expected to call two witnesses.

He said he had no reason to dispute the estimated length of the trial.

The charges relate to 12 alleged high-speed driving incidents in Hallam, Clyde North, Berwick, Dandenong North, Eumemmerring, Mulgrave, Blackburn North, Glen Waverley, Parkville, MtWaverley, Box Hill North,Wheelers Hill and Melbourne in 2022 and 2023.

They include counts of reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous driving, a Pplater driving a prohibited vehicle, driving at dangerous speed, unlawful assault and driving a vehicle in a race or speed trial on

a highway.

On 5 March, Mittal rejected magistrate Fran Medina’s sentence indication of jail and a community corrections order if he pleaded guilty.

His lawyer at the time had submitted for a three-year CCO and three-year loss of licence with a non-conviction.

On 30 April, magistrate Jacinta Studham told Mittal that the sentence indication would have included a discount for pleading guilty. By contesting the charges, Mittal had lost his entitlement to a discount if found guilty, she said. Mittal, who is on bail conditions including a ban on driving, will appear at a mention hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 21 May.

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Sushant Mittal will appear at a mention hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 21 May.

NEWS Friends recount history

By Ethan Benedicto

As members gathered to recount their past and put the pieces of their extensive history together, the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park Berwick’s high tea on Wednesday 24 April was a huge success.

Held at the visitor’s centre atWilson Botanic Park, Berwick, the event gave members both past and present the opportunity to share and reminisce about their experiences at the park and also have them recorded as a contribution to the Friends’ history project.

Paula Taylor, coordinator of the history group project and a member for over 18 years, said that “everyone enjoyed looking at the display of photographs and posters, reflecting on how much the park and they themselves had changed over the past 30 years”.

“Fond memories of members who have passed away were shared and their legacy was applauded,” she said.

A broad range of entertaining stories were gathered on the day, with Ms Taylor keen on many more to be collected from other members who were unable to attend the event.

“Their immediate response when asked about the biggest changes they noticed over the years was ‘the parking’, which brought a peal of laughter from everyone,” Ms Taylor said.

A highlight of the event was the attendance

“When asked about the state of the park when they first joined the Friends, Margaret and Jim Knowles recalled that the park was bare and muddy but there was plenty of parking.

Record crowd at service

Hampton Park Progress Association had the largest gathering to date at this year’s Anzac Day service.

Guests included Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, Neil Angus on behalf of South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans, Hampton Park Secondary College, Hampton Park Primary School, Hampton Park Fire Brigade, Hampton Park Community House, Family First Victoria Party, Hampton Park Progress Association committee and members, Air League - Berwick Squadron, Hampton Park

OPINION

LENSCAPE

Men’s Shed, Neighbourhood Watch Casey, and members of the public.

Damien Rosario hosted the proceedings and Natalie Pollard played the bugle.

President Luke Delutis made the welcome address.

“We are pleased to see such outstanding attendance at our local Anzac Day dawn service. Our patronage grows each year,” he said.

“We look to keep alive the memories of those who have fallen to protect our freedoms. Lest we forget.”

of Mrs Neloo Kreltszheim, the artist who painted the prize-winning autumnal watercolour of the Visitor’s Centre which hangs in the centre’s foyer.

The Friends’ current president, Mrs Jenny Duncan commented during the closing event how significant the history project was, saying that “it is important that all users of the park, now and into the future, realise that this park was built largely by volunteers”.

“That the park would not be what it is today without their efforts; I hope the Friends’ story is an inspiration to all – working together with the City of Casey – volunteers can and do make a huge difference in the community,” she said.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To the gentlemen who used his own ride on mower to mow along the footpath in Nar Nar Goon from the pub to the roundabout! Shame the council can’t maintain such a small section of grass along the path that we use to walk on every morning along with students/parents using it to go to St James Primary School.

Thumbs up

To the Rotary Club of Casey for a magnificent Holland Festival last Saturday.

Thumbs up

To Cardinia Council for not giving up on advocating for the State Government to duplicate McGregor Road at the railway.

Thumbs up

To The Cornerstone cafe on Anzac Day for the beautiful coffee after the dawn service.

Thumbs down

To the roadworks in Officer.

Thumbs up

To the amazing turnout for the dawn service on Anzac day. It was nice to see the ANZAC spirit still lives on.

Group shot, from left, Damien Rosario, Wayne Smith, Graham Trapnell, Russell and Elaine Barnes, Sanja Dinek, Luke Delutis, Tania Sacco, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas and Holt MP Cassandra Fernando. Picture: SUPPLIED

From left, Matt and Liliea Krafft, Neloo Kreltszheim and Peter Fleming.

Marg and Jim Knowles flicking through one of the many collages during the event.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Triplets Anneke, Roisin and Victoria snuggled into a giant clog at the Holland Festival at Carribean Gardens, Scoresby on Saturday 27 April. 399081 Picture: ROB CAREW

Mother’s reasons unclear

By Violet Li

A State Coroner was unable to determine the reasons behind a Dandenong North mother killing herself and her two children in Cranbourne West in March 2022.

On the night of 24 March, 37-year-old JasmineThomas drove her two children, six-yearold Evlyn and three-year-old Carolyn, to an area along the Western Port Highway in Cranbourne West, parked there, and deliberately set fire to the car the three of them were sitting in. They were found deceased in the car once the fire was extinguished.

CCTV footage showed that before the fatal incident, Ms Thomas purchased a fuel container which she later filled with petrol.

State Coroner Judge John Cain concluded that it was difficult to accurately determine the reasons behind the fatal incident. He presented two conclusions in separate reports for the mother and the children.

In the report on Ms Thomas, he concluded that she suffered an episode of psychosis.

In Evlyn and Carolyn’s cases, he found that

“Ms Thomas was experiencing significant stress in her relationship and there was evidence of a number of relevant family violence risk factors in the lead up to the fatal incident”. During the investigation, the husband James Palakamannil reported to the coroner judge that his wife might have had post-natal depression and during Covid she became paranoid.

It was “a big shame to acknowledge such problems in their community”, Mr Palamannil said.

Judge Cain discovered that in June 2021, Ms Thomas told her mother she was upset about “issues in her marriage” and was diagnosed by her GP with mild depression. She was referred to a psychologist and denied having any suicidal thoughts or intent in the consultation. She said the lack of family support and the stress from balancing her work and caring responsibilities contributed to an increase in arguments between her and her husband.

In January 2022, two months before the fatal incident, Ms Thomas told her mother she wanted a divorce.

As Judge Cain found Ms Thomas’s actions with her children constituted “family violence”, he examined the previous relevant circumstances.

It was found that Mr Palakamannil reported her to the police for property damage in September 2021. He said to the police that he was not in fear, but Ms Thomas had been increasingly physically and verbally abusive since January 2021.

A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) was issued to Ms Thomas in November.

In the reports on the two children, Judge Cain commented: “Whilst it appears that professional services identified Ms Thomas as the alleged perpetrator of family violence, the available evidence suggests that this was not an accurate depiction of the relationship.”

Later in his report, the judge wrote: “From the available evidence, it is difficult to accurately determine what was occurring for this family in the lead up to the fatal incident, however we note that there may have been issues of misidentification in context of family violence. There is insufficient engagement

with services however to conclusively make a determination on this point.”

Mr Palakamannil attended the coroner’s court on the day the report was delivered.

He told the court that he never would imagine laying down all of the most important people in his life at the same time.

“When you see the coffin go down with all of your favorite people, your life changes. You’ll never be the same. You’ll never see them, touch them, feel them again,” he said in tears.

“Suddenly, 10 years of my life just disappeared.”

He said he wished his wife acknowledged and sought help.

“I wish she had people who understood her,” he said.

“She was too lonely. She struggled to connect or engage with people and make friends. When she couldn’t anymore, I believe she thought the end would be a relief.”

· Lifeline: 13 11 14

Unforgettable journey: John reflects on service, war

By Violet Li

John

Goldspink

has a life to tell you.

The 98-year-old Pearcedale resident took the lead in this year’s Cranbourne Anzac Day march as the eldest member who served the country in the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL.

He still treasures a wooden casket from the SecondWorldWar and keeps the physical memories inside: an enrolment form, paperwork, paybook, a will, and several dog-eared yellow pictures from the old days.

The origin of the casket has long been forgotten, but the Japanese characters carved into the lid, “25 wearable machine gun. 80 fuse type”, declare it could be a grenade box.

On the back of the lid, English words finally emerge. Crooked but identifiable, they say “19 Australian Field Ambulance Unit”, where John served during the war.

Growing up in Tumbarumba, a town in New South Wales, John was enlisted in the medical department on 22 March 1944 when he was an 18-year-old teenage boy. It was a voluntary move. Long inspired by his neighbour who returned from the First World War, John felt compelled to defend Australia.

He later had infantry training in Cowra, New South Wales and medical training in Darley, Victoria. On 15 January 1945, he was shipped to Bougainville, a part of Papua New Guinea.

“The Japanese, after the Pearl Harbor incident, have come down through Malaysia and all those other ones. They have started to come down,” John recalled.

“So the Australian forces at the start bolstered or defended the islands, and then the Americans eventually came and helped.

“After that, some Australians went over to Europe, but the main contingency of Australia would have been Malaysia and the islands.

“Papua New Guinea was like the last stand for Australia.”

“I assisted in operating on the wounded diggers,” he continued.

“I can always remember the first three wounds I ever saw. The first was shot through the arm. The second was shot in the stomach and the third was the head.”

John was discharged on 30 April 1947 after

being shipped back to a hospital in Sydney. He lost the hearing of one of his ears during the service due to an infection.

The war imprinted indelible marks on his memories.There were mixed feelings. He still remembers some good times in the army.

“WhenIwasinthehospitalinSydney,they had their own movies and all sorts of things. But we didn’t have ice cream. The Americans used to have ice cream. We didn’t,” he joked.

But grey moments were more of the usual. A black-and-white picture from the time

may have proved that. It was the moment of a volcano erupting in Papua New Guinea. Addressed to an unknown, John wrote a line on the back: “I hope you like it because I am beginning to hate the sight of it.”

“I was lying in the back when I was looking at it. It was a pretty clear night. I was on the ground anyway. I felt the bed shake,” he recalled.

“I was homesick, and with all the stuff that was going on.

“I was homesick for a while, but you would’ve been over that in the end.”

After the war, John returned to his hometown and went back to his old normal job: making boxes.

The army helped him secure a new painting job. After that, he worked for a local builder for a while.

He started a family, created his own business later in his life, and moved down to Victoria. The family lived all around Melbourne: Carnegie, Clayton, Dandenong, and eventually Pearcedale where John went into the cattle business.

He never picked up nursing, his army profession, after the war.

“I thought, I’ve seen enough blood and guts,” he said.

“I just couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t continue doing that on a daily basis.”

But attending Anzac Day has always been a routine and a must.

“The Anzac Day is a good day to remember, trying to get the young people to think about what we all went through,” he said.

“As long as we remember.”

John Goldspink taking the lead in this year’s Cranbourne Anzac Day March. 402226

Picture: ROB CAREW

Integrity drives candidate

By Violet Li

The City of Casey election campaign has kicked off, with a Hallam resident announcing his intention to run as a candidate in the October elections.

A Casey resident for more than 15 years, and from a law background, Ezatullah Alam has worked at the Federal Government, the State Government, and here at his doorstep, Casey Council as an integrity officer from 2022 to 2023. He is also a Labor member.

“I think my experience in the government sector and the skills I have, the general skills and the legal skills, will help guide my decisions and make the best decisions in the best interest of the community,” he said.

“A law background does give you that critical skills. You analyse the situation. You think about the consequences and not just blindly make decisions.”

Mr Alam said his area of expertise was the conduct rules for public servants and he had always been very passionate about the notions of integrity and accountability.

That landed him in the integrity officer role at Casey Council two years ago.

“Integrity is an important part of every organisation, whether it’s a council or it’s any other organisation,” he said.

As an integrity officer, Mr Alam processed Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and looked after privacy breaches.

He took care of the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) reviews and complaints made to the Ombudsman by members of the public in relation to the services the City of Casey was providing.

He ran awareness activities about FOI and privacy breaches within the organisation.

He was also responsible for investigating fraud and corruption.

“Similarly, I was the integrity agency liaison. When I was the acting team leader, I was the responsible person for conflict of interest declarations, personal interest returns, infringement reviews, and so on,” he said.

In addition to his professional pursuit, Mr Alam said he was a very community-based person who had been active since 2013.

He volunteers for cultural events, religious events, and youth events across different associations in the community.

Mr Alam launched his new round of research as early as possible. He started to talk with people in the community to hear the issues a few weeks ago.

“Overall inflation is a big problem. The crime rate has also increased. I’m not only limiting that to Casey. I’m saying overall in Victoria and Australia, and Casey’s part of it,” he said. “A lot of people want improvement to the parks. Everyone wants that.

“In certain streets along the schools, cars

are speeding. Residents are asking for speed bumps to be put on the streets.

“I think I have a really good understanding of the community by now. I know what people think, what people want, what people need, and what might be improved or could be addressed.”

Visitor visa ‘discrimination’ claims amid rejections

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Advocates are calling out a “discriminatory” crackdown against overseas relatives who are being refused visas to visit Australia.

Refugee advocate Wicki Wickiramasingham says “everybody is surprised” that immigration authorities are rejecting visitors en masse from attending family reunions, special birthdays, weddings, religious ceremonies, pregnancies and funerals for up to 3-12 months.

The reason given is that they’re being a perceived risk of over-staying in Australia.

Many applicants are from Sri Lanka who intended to visit citizens or permanent residents from the Tamil community, Mr Wickiramasingham said.

Their hopes to attend were shattered, with a review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal costing more than $3500 and can take up to 12 months – too expensive and too late for many, Mr Wickiramasingham says.

Local residents’ pasts as asylum seekers arriving by boat 15 years ago are being unfairly weighed against them, he says.

“These ‘boat people’ – you have detained them, released them, given them permanent protection, they become citizens and now you stop their family visiting.

“They are being discriminated against, even though they are Australian citizens.

“If they still don’t have equal rights as others, then what’s the point (of being citizens)?”

Dandenong-based migration agent Thayhorn Yim agreed that it seemed discriminatory.

Authorities have been particularly harsh against overseas visitors from refugee hot spots like Afghanistan, Cambodia, Pakistan

and Sri Lanka in recent months, he says..

And it’s a simpler, less expensive process for visitors from countries such as the UK.

“They should be allowed to come here provided there’s no adverse information

against them.

“But the department looks at the history of the family who arrived here for protection as refugees. That history shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing.

“Particularly for a visitor visa, they shouldn’t be applying the policy so strictly.

“It’s causing a lot of grief in the community. Especially after Covid-19 they want to reunite with their families.”

Last year, Star News reported Mr Yim’s desperate fight for a Cambodian teenager’s visa to attend his late father’s funeral in the South East.

He had been initially refused because he didn’t have “strong employment or financial incentives” to return to Cambodia.

“I note the applicant has other relatives residing in Australia, which would further act as an encouragement for the applicant to remain in Australia,” a Home Affairs delegate stated at the time.

It took months of multiple applications, a letter from a senior Buddhist monk in Springvale South to the Immigration Minister and media coverage before Home Affairs relented.

your arrival by boat shouldn’t be relevant for these cases,”

A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said that a key requirement is that the visitor visa applicant “genuinely intends to stay temporarily in Australia”.

“This involves an assessment of the applicant’s personal circumstances, incentive to return home, financial situation and ability to support themselves in Australia.

“Each application is assessed on its individual merits, taking into account any factors relevant to the applicant.

“The decision maker is unable to grant the visa if they are not satisfied that the applicant intends a genuine temporary stay in Australia.”

Wicki Wickiramasingham says Tamil-Australian citizens are being discriminated from having their families visit from overseas. 235665

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Ezatullah Alam is running as a candidate in this year’s local government elections. 404021 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

NEWS Population to guide kinder

By Violet Li

Casey Council says it is financially unviable to bridge the kindergarten infrastructure gap under the State Government’s free childcare reform.

The council has instead endorsed a new service model that will only build kindergarten infrastructure for population growth, not the full demand required under the State Government’s free childcare reform.

The April council meeting dropped the outcome of a recent kindergarten service review. The review was conducted in response to the State Government’s Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) reforms, which outline an increase in hours for three and four-year-old kindergarten in the coming years.

As part of its review, council examined the impact of the reforms, the demand from population growth, and the priorities of Casey’s current and future kindergarten families.

The review found that by 2036, an additional 5800 kindergarten places would need to be provided by the sector, which is more than double the size of the council’s current kindergarten service.

The outcome recommended building infrastructure for population growth only. Demand modelling forecasts six new kindergartens with a total of 28 rooms, which would lead to a construction cost of $48.7 million.

Council believed that the arrangement would “reduce the risk to its financial sustainability” and the BSBL reform was “likely to place Casey in the position of providing infrastructure beyond council’s financial means and prioritise kindergarten infrastructure over other important community infrastructure”.

Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said the council would continue to deliver kindergarten services, however, there would be no increase in staffing levels.

“We will continue to offer services to our community in a way which is within our capacity,” she said.

“While we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done, and that’s offering high-quality kindergarten service delivery, we’ll also have to work with other providers in the sector.”

The new service model will also decrease the number of sites managed by the council in the coming years and procure new early years managers to deliver kindergarten services from sites it no longer manages.

“Council will package groupings of sites and run an Expression of Interest and alternative early year managers will deliver some of the kindergarten services, at various sites from 2026, to cater to the reforms and additional demand,” Ms Duff said.

Ms Duff said as sites move to other providers to manage, all current kindergarten staff will retain their employment, and where necessary, will be relocated to remaining council kindergartens to enable council to provide the additional hours required at these sites.

“Council will work with the Department of Education to find another provider to operate the two kindergartens on school sites that we currently manage. This process will commence as soon as practicable,” she said.

“Given current workforce challenges and taking on the feedback from the market, a staged implementation of the new service model will be needed, to ensure the sector can respond appropriately. It is anticipated that this will take five or six years to fully implement this new service model.”

Ms Duff said council’s priority is to ensure all future Casey families can access highquality and free kindergarten services in their local area, regardless of who is delivering the service.

“Council will continue to play a strong role in kindergarten service through service delivery (within our current staffing capacity), the provision of current and future growth infrastructure, and management of the Central Registration and Enrolment Service,” she said.

“We will also advocate strongly that the State Government, not-for-profit, and private sector also play their part in delivering this reform.”

A Department of Education spokesperson said any further decisions regarding the future of Casey Council’s kindergartens should be made in consultation with the community –including the families who use and value the services the council provides.

“We will continue to work closely with the council as it considers its future role as a service provider,“ they said.

“Victorian Government funding for council-run kinders inVictoria has increased significantly since 2022 – with Free Kinder delivering an average 30 per cent to 40 per cent increase in funding per child compared to average parent fees that were previously charged, on top of existing funding streams.”

Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said the council would continue to deliver kindergarten services, however, there would be no increase in staffing levels. 234014

NEWS Large turnout for service

The Anzac Day dawn service at Bunjil Place this year saw a large crowd paying their respects with about 3000 locals in attendance.

The Anzac Day address and Ode to the Fallen were delivered by the president of the Berwick RSL, Pam Phillips.

City of Casey administrator Cameron Boardman also spoke.

Lysterfield Lake College Choir sang the New Zealand and Australian national anthems.

Following the service, a Gunfire Breakfast was held in the Function Centre at Bunjil Place. About 150 members of the public, including veterans and their families, were in-

vited to have a sit down breakfast, which was donated by the Rotary Club of NarreWarren.

City of Casey administrator Miguel Belmar spoke at the breakfast.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said Anzac Day was a very special day in Australia’s calendar and an important day to commemorate.

“The City of Casey has a long tradition of acknowledging Anzac Day, and we are proud to support our local RSLs and community groups so residents can come together to reflect and remember with pride, the Anzacs and the Anzac spirit that was first forged at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915,” she said.

Large silent crowds. 403554

Berwick MP Brad Battin reflects after laying a wreath. 403554

Lysterfield Lake College Students, conducted by student, Pierre. They sang “Abide by Me” and the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia. 403554 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Berwick RSL president Pam Phillips. 403554

Chris McKenna, Berwick RSL secretary. 403554

Beautifully presented bouquets to individuals who served and died. 403554

City of Casey administrators Cameron Boardman and Miguel Belmar stand at attention after laying a wreath. 403554

Reverend Elwyn Sparks. 403554

Hundreds march in memory

By Ethan Benedicto

Berwick teemed with life on the morning of 25 April as the annual Anzac Day march and service pushed through cold winds and pouring rain, with hundreds gathered to commemorate the service of victims of war.

The march began at 10.40am, at the front of Berwick RSL, where local members, soldiers, cadets, SES and CFA officers, school bands and Scout groups prepared and made their way through Gloucester Ave and down High Street.

Greeted by the applause of many who had crowded the edges of the street, the parade, with heads held high and flags higher, assembled around the cenotaph as the RSL and other speakers soon prepared for the service.

The service began at 11am with a short prayer for past and current conflicts, of peacekeepers and those caught in the crossfire; with the hymn Abide with Me playing after.

Raymond Heathcote, former president of Berwick RSL, addressed the crowd and shared with them what Anzac Day meant to him, saying that “on Anzac Day, my mind is always conflicted somewhat”.

“There are two sides to Anzac Day, on one side there is horrible suffering as the result of armed conflict; the world always says that these conflicts started in the name of peace and for peace to return after those conflicts - has never been the case, that’s one side we have to remember.

“Armed conflict is humanity’s disgrace, but also Anzac is remembering those people who were prepared to answer the call and serve their country, to remember those who did not return and those who returned but had serious injuries, illnesses and disabilities,” he said.

Laying the wreaths came soon after, where local representatives such as La Trobe MP Jason Wood, Berwick MP Brad Battin, Bruce MP Julian Hill, NarreWarren South MP Gary Maas, and Legislative Council Member Michael Galea paid their respects on the monument.

Berwick RSL president Pam Phillips, local police, SES and Berwick fire brigade officers and the Berwick Rotary Club also presented

their wreaths on the cenotaph.

Local schools such as St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, Brentwood Park Primary, Heritage College, Cranbourne East Secondary, and Berwick Fields Primary were also present at the placing of wreaths.

Pam Phillips was the next to take the podium, where she initially spoke on the day’s history and the importance of its roots.

“Our servicemen and servicewomen have left us a splendid heritage, may we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice,” she said.

After her speech, Ms Phillips recited the Ode to the Fallen, which was followed by the Last Post and a minute’s silence.

Both the New Zealand and Australian national anthems were sung, and marked the end of the service, but not the day with people in attendance encouraged to return to Berwick RSL for refreshments and afternoon tea.

Brad Battin MP, who had been one of the local representatives who placed a wreath on the cenotaph said that Anzac Day“has been an opportunity to recognise those that have, from the past, given up their lives for our freedoms”.

“I’m a huge protector of the freedom of the individual, and when I listened to Ray Heathcote it resonated because Ray is a person of principle and character and to hear him speak about those in the past who fought for us I thought it’s nothing but respect for so many people to come out and honour that,” he said.

Jason Wood MP echoed a similar sentiment, where he said that Anzac Day for him was an “acknowledgement of all those who have served and their family members”.

“The one message I want to pass on to the rest of the community is that it does mean a lot if you go up to a veteran and say ‘thanks for your service’, that’s one of my roles today,” he said.

The day came to a close with all who participated in the march and the public congregating around the RSL building, with members selling drinks and the Rotary Club with a sausage sizzle.

The beginning of the march, with cadets leading the way. 403395 Pictures: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

Ray Heathcote, former Berwick RSL president after presenting his wreath at the cenotaph. 403395

A cadet during the service, with the Australian and New Zealand flags flying beside them. 403395

The soldiers in World War I uniforms stood behind the cenotaph, facing the large crowd that gathered for the service. 403395

The Berwick Cenotaph, with RSL members and veterans seated in front of it. 403395

NEWS

MasterChef star at Bunjil

By Emma Xerri

In the 15 years since she first graced our screens in MasterChef, season one winner Julie Goodwin has become a beloved name throughout the country, donning many hats from radio host to Today presenter, contestant on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! and, of course, cookbook author.

Now, Julie Goodwin is bearing all in her memoir ‘Your Time Starts Now’ and making a stop at Bunjil Place in her national book tour, after the support during her return to MasterChef in 2022 inspired her to speak out about her history with mental health more explicitly.

“When I first came out publicly about those struggles - once when I gave up the radio, and again on MasterChef series 14 - the response was quite humbling and informative,” she said.

“There were a lot of people who were thankful for me speaking about it, and who said that me being open helped them to speak about their struggles.

“I’m always looking for purpose in things that happen, and while it was a really crappy thing that happened, if the purpose was to give a voice to these issues, then that’s what I’ll do.”

While the experience of writing the memoir may not have necessarily been a cathartic one for Julie - “the jury’s out on that,” she laughed - it was an experience coloured by many confronting and oftentimes difficult lessons, and one she is now happy to be finished with.

“It certainly brought a few things to light that I could have gone the rest of my life without examining, so I’m not sure if catharsis is the right term just yet,” she said.

“At the moment, I’m just so proud I got the book done.

“It took a year to write, and that included big stretches of time writing, but also long

WHAT’S ON

In Conversation with Julie Goodwin

The 2009 debut season of Masterchef introduced millions of Australians to Julie Goodwin. She battled through cooking challenges and was ultimately crowned the first-ever winner of Masterchef Australia. Your Time Starts Now is the brutally honest and soul-baring memoir of a woman who won hearts across the nation, who lived many highs and many lows, often in the public domain.

Book sales and signings will be available on the night.

Wednesday 8 May, 7pm to 8.30pm, Bunjil Place Library

This is a free event, but bookings are essential. · To book, visit: events.connectedlibraries.org. au/event?id=61009

Narre Warren & District Family History Group 35th Birthday Celebrations

The first meeting of the Narre Warren & District Family History Group was held on 10 May 1989. Past and current members and friends are invited to join us as we celebrate our many achievements over the past 35 years.

· Saturday 18 May 2024, Conference Room enter via Casey Radio Entrance, 1/65 BerwickCranbourne Road, Cranbourne. Formalities will commence at 2.30pm. Afternoon tea will be served from 3pm. Cost: $10. Bookings essential: Eileen Durdin, secretary@nwfhg.org. au, 0439 720 557 by Friday, 3 May. Canteen: A rock and roll night for charity

Come and join us on Saturday 1 June for a night of live music. Band ROUTE 66 playing 50s, 60s, 70s R & R, country rock, and a bit of blues for charity Canteen Kids with cancer.

Location: Scout Hall 24 Mons Parade Noble Park (opposite Noble Park Station car park and ample parking). Doors open 7pm, live music from 7.30pm to 11pm. Only $20 for an evening of great entertainment, dancing and fun. BYO drinks and nibbles. Free tea and coffee. Maybe a dance competition and raffle. Book a table now with family & friends.

Entry $20, pay at door (cash only please). To make booking just call Rob on 0431 511 203 or email robin_wood@optusnet.com.au

stretches to stop and heal before I could go again. But I’m glad that it’s done and I’m so glad that it’s honest.

“I don’t see the point in writing half a story, so I thought I would just put it all out there.

“It was very hard to write down some of those most painful and shameful and hurtful things. But I’ve also written with a lot of honesty about the great things.

“And I’ve learned things I never knew I needed to learn, about the human condition and compassion for other people, but also compassion for yourself.”

And this self love is something Julie is excited to be working into her new self-driven lifestyle, one she credits, in part, to her MasterChef return.

“I was very unsure about going back,” she said.

“I outline in the book that I was only three

Come and support a worthy cause, and have an evening of great entertainment. All proceeds going to Canteen. Not to be missed!!

· Saturday 1 June

Blind Bight Community Centre Programs

FREE HEARING TESTS: Monday 6 May, 9.30am – 1.00pm

With over 75 years of experience, Hearing Australia is the nation’s leading hearing specialist and largest provider of government-funded hearing services. Pensioner Concession Card and DVA Card Holders are just two of the groups that Hearing Australia provides free and subsidised services. The screening itself only takes approximately 5 mins, and those who are screened are given their results immediately. If there is a need for further assessment with an audiologist, we can arrange to refer you to our nearby hearing clinic in the area. For bookings ring Blind Bight Community Centre on 5998 7014

The Magic Of Your Birthdate Numerology (three dates): 23, 30 May & 6 June, 7pm – 9pm

Raising awareness of your super powers. Receive tools to support the challenges all through the gift of the day you were born. Self - Romantic – Family with Anita BeJoyful $20 per class Bookings 0419 150 483 or 5998 7014

Line Dancing: 1pm – 2pm, Every Wednesday

Come line dancing and do some boot scooting. No experience required. All ages and abilities are welcome. $10 per class. For bookings, ring Blind Bight Community Centre on 5998 7014

Art 4 Kids: 4pm – 5.15pm, Every Wednesday

Do you have arty kids aged between 6 – 13 years. Join us for lots of fun activities and experiment with different art techniques, painting, drawing, sculpture and making creative craft. $15.00 per class, for bookings ring Blind Bight Community Centre on 5998 7014

Busy Beans Play Cafe: 10am – 11.30am, every Tuesday

Come along to Blind Bight Community Centres very own pop – up cafe. Lovely play spaces and activities to enjoy in a social environment for both kids and adults. Cost $5 includes tea and coffee. For bookings ring Blind Bight Community Centre on 5998 7014

Intro to Cake Decorating: 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

weeks out of a stay in hospital when I got the phone call asking me to go back on, so it seemed like a very silly idea on the surface. But something felt right about it, so I thought I would prepare and just see what happens.

“And I will never stop being grateful that I did that, it was a big turning point for me.

“I had lost the joy in cooking, and most everything, for a while, but preparing to return to MasterChef brought it back for me, and now it’s back to being a real staple in my life.

“It continues to be my love language and it’s why the book is peppered with a few recipes.

“And now my days look great, they look like whatever I choose them to look like.

“One of my biggest lessons learned is that I get to make choices, and some of them - like leaving the radio show or closing my cooking school - are very hard choices, but making those choices has opened the door to other things.

“So now I’m on a book tour, I do cooking demos and food shows, I play with my granddaughter, and I’ve taken up painting.

“I’m doing things that make me happy, as well as things that provide me with a living.

“There’s a lot more balance and a lot more to look forward to.”

With the release of her book and the commencement of her book tour set to take place on Tuesday 23 April, Julie is overcome with a wealth of emotions, many of which are unlikely to hit until her first signing begins.

But, hoping to connect with her fans, and cultivate an safe environment and supportive environment, Julie is looking forward to the tour and the release of her book, hopeful that, above all else, she can provide a source of comfort and solidarity.

“I’m a bit nervous about the tour, because obviously I’m talking about some really per-

Learn all the tricks to creating a beautiful cake. Skills will cover fondant work, simple modelling and lots more. BYO Cake. Two dates – 20th & 27th May, $25 per class. For bookings ring Blind Bight Community Centre on 5998 7014.

· 42 Anchorage Drive, Blind Bight, 5998 7014, www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au

Women’s group Berwick Neighbourhood Centre

Bring your own craft, bring your latest read or just bring yourself. Pop in for a chat. See what is happening at the centre. Have a cuppa and relax for a moment or two.

· Commencing Monday from 12.30-2pm Community room. Timbarra Community Centre, 20-26 Parkhill Drive off Timbarra Way in Berwick. For more details call 9704 1863 or email admin@berwicknc.com.au

Casey Connect and Learn Welcome Week - Balla Balla Community Centre

Casey Connect and Learn is excited to announce Welcome Week, a week-long celebration of community, lifelong learning, and connection. From 13 to 19 May, our centres throughout the City of Casey will be hosting a series of activities that highlight the diverse range of classes and activities we offer.

For an event calendar and additional information about our Welcome Week activities, please visit our website at caseyconnectlearn.com.au/ welcomeweek. Stay connected and be the first to know about upcoming events by following us on social media @caseyconnectlearn

· 13 to 19 May

BADFolk Club

Berwick and District Folkclub have been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 21 years! We meet on the third Friday of each month. This month we welcome back Maria Forde - she is a classic folk singer and has written some great songs like ’Will You Dance with Me’ which is often played at weddings. We also welcome spot acts - anyone who can play an instrument, sing, share a poem etc. Please note our earlier running times: Doors now open 6:30 and the music runs 7-10pm. Our kitchen sells snack food and a variety of drinks - tea/ coffee/wine/beer/soft drinks. Entry: $15. Web-

sonal stuff, but at the same time I’m excited.

“It’s a real privilege to be in this position where I have a voice and agency, and I’m very aware of that.

“And these kinds of events where I’m face to face with people are the least nerve wracking. You get to have good chats with people, and it’s interactive, which is what I love.

“I hope that if there’s anyone who can relate to the things I talk about, that they can find a fellow human who is going through something similar, and maybe some pathways forward.

“The only reason to do this is in the hope that it might reach someone who needs it, and that it might touch somebody who has experienced something similar and doesn’t know what to do with it.

“Or that it might inspire someone who can see some of the symptoms of an impending breakdown to seek help.”

Inbetweenherpaintingandtimespentwith loved ones, Julie has also been hard at work in the dance studio, set to return to screens on Dancing with the Stars later this year, before a much needed holiday with friends.

But with her newfound sense of control, Julie is living up to the message of her book’s title, relishing in choosing to spend her time doing things that bring her joy.

“Life is a moveable feast,” she added.

“It’s an adventure, and I never quite know what’s around the corner.”

And for Julie, that’s nothing short of exciting.

‘Your Time is Now’ is on sale now, and fans can attend Julie’s event at the Bunjil Place Library on Wednesday 8 May at 7pm.

This is a free event, but bookings are essential via events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=61009

Book sales and signings will be available on the night.

site: badfolkclub.org Contact: Edward: 0418 535 264.

· Meet on the third Friday of each month.

Biggest Morning Tea

The Woodlands Park Retirement Village in Berwick is again raising money for its Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event, which will contribute to raffles, door prizes and auction prizes available on the day and towards cancer research. Resident Colleen Astbury has organised three events towards the initiative, raising a total of $22,486 towards the Cancer Council.

· For more information or to donate, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/ColleenAstbury or contact Colleen on 0422 849 619.

Craft Classes

Do you enjoy craft making? Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat with like-minded people. You will be introduced to a range of papercraft techniques through a new project each week. Casual attendance is welcome. Timbarra Community Centre 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick. $5 per class, all materials supplied. Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.

· Tuesdays from 10am to noon.

Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre

If you are over 55 years old, newly retired, or new to the Casey area and looking for something to do, come and join us.

Narre Warren Seniors is a friendly Club and we can offer you many activities. Our main Club day is on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3pm. On the first Wednesday of the month we enjoy socialising with our members and, on the next three (3) Wednesdays we have live entertainment wherein you can do some line-dancing if you wish and enjoy an afternoon cup of tea.

There are also weekly activities on other days of the week, which include the Garden Group Club, Indoor Carpet Bowls, Line Dancing, Table Tennis, friendly Card games, and a Gentle Exercise class.

· We are located at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Phone us at 9704 0015 or 0426 736 467 or email us at: narrewarrenseniors@gmail.com for more information

MasterChef winner bares all in memoir ‘Your Time Starts Now.’ Picture: ELIZABETH ALLNUTT

NEWS Holland Festival marks 50

By Ethan Benedicto

From the food, games, clothes and rides, the Holland Festival celebrated everything Dutch on Saturday 27 April, as the event marked its 50th anniversary.

While the festival’s last four celebrations were held at Akoonah Park in Berwick, a new venue at the market hall at Caribbean Park was chosen for a range of reasons, one of them being due to “weather insecurities”.

Berwick Rotary Club treasurer, and one of the team of four who had organised the festival over the last five months, Paul Rubens said that “the main reason is that we want to be out somewhere weatherproof”.

“The Caribbean Gardens has 7000 square metres under roof that we can use, and we’ve used every inch of it,” he said.

The festival proceeded without a hitch, with returning attractions such as Dutch soldiers from the Eighty Years’ War - equipped with halberds, pikes and armour - and cultural food galore.

“It was amazing, we filled the place out but at the same time there was a fantastic buzz in there - it was like a big European Munich beer festival,” Mr Rubens said.

“We expected 4000 to 5000 people and we got well over 6000 people.

“We’ve had a lot of Dutch exhibitors there as well, about 100 sites and they were all taken,” he said.

Other attractions included Dutch costumes dating back 150 to 200 years, which were being displayed on mannequins, and Campagne Batavia, the group of steel-clad soldiers who fired their muskets over the lakes.

“They looked awesome, they were an army corps that won the first battle against the Spanish during the Eighty Years’ War.

“We also had a DJ and a saxophonist who came out from the Netherlands, especially for

us and another gig,” Mr Rubens said.

DJ Xtralers and saxophonist Martijn De Jong were the names of the performers, and they were accompanied by other groups such asThe Accordion Accents Ensemble and ZING! Sing in Dutch.

Other performers included young prodigy Indi-Lee, Rudy the One Man Band, Possum on the Roof, TheVan Tongeren Sisters and Shivantha.

Mr Rubens said that the festival, which aligned with the celebration of King’s Day in Netherlands, was catered for families, with children being a focal point in the Rotary Club’s planning.

Tickets were $22 for an adult, $16 for concession and $10 for children, who then had access to all the rides the festival had to offer.

“You work for months and months and you hope it all works out and that people come, but you don’t know until the day,” Mr Rubens said.

The Rotary Club, with Mr Rubens and six others, had been working on the festival’s specifics since November 2023, saying that organising the event had “become a little bit of an obsession”.

“A hundred per cent of the proceeds will go to charity, and everybody was a volunteer.

“Not that money is the important thing, but we probably doubled or tripled the amount we ever made,” Mr Rubens said.

Also present was the Netherlands Ambassador Ardi Stoios-Braken, who visited the festival between 1pm and 4pm.

“The embassy has always supported us in advertising and other ways, and I felt a bit honoured about it,” Mr Rubens said.

The festival was flooded by the colour orange, a traditional nod to the royal Dutch family which consisted of members from the House of Orange, dating as far back as the 1600s to William the Third, or William the Orange.

Two men in uniform as part of the Compagnie Batavia. 399081

Compagnie Batavia from 1600 - 1630 is Australia’s premier 80-year-war history group. 399081

Details of the mechanical musical organ that welcomed visitors. 399081

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Live music, ‘Sing in Dutch’ is their motto. 399081

Teresa Aquino, Jala Felto and Wendy Lale. 399081 Eight-year-old Mia wearing super clogs. 399081

Dutch painter Rembrandt comes to life. 399081

FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S DAY

A run in the name of love

Running for love has turned into running for someone you love, with a surge in registrations for the runners’ waves at this month’s Women In Super Mother’s Day Classic.

Recent trends have seen Australians switching from dating apps to running clubs, and this year participants in the Mother’s Day Classicwith events nearby in Drouin and Lysterfieldwill be lacing up for charity both in the name of love, and in support/memory of someone diagnosed with or having survived cancer.

Australia’s favourite fun run and walk, the Mother’s Day Classic, to be held on Sunday, 12 May, has seen a 20 per cent increase in registrations to date, with 34 per cent of those registering to run, 25 per cent up on 2023.

Since the event’s inception in 1998 there have been over 1.6 million participants, and the Mother’s Day Classic community has donated $44 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to fund life-saving breast cancer research. Their contributions have helped increase the five-year relative survival rate breast cancer patients from 84 per cent to 92 per cent.

In 2024, the Mother’s Day Classic has taken a monumental step by introducing the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) as a second beneficiary of fundraising, aiming to increase the five-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer which is just 49 per cent.

With proceeds from the 2024 Mother’s Day Classic being donated to both the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, participants can choose to support and fundraise for breast cancer research, ovarian cancer research, or both.

One runner taking part is 12-year-old Sam Byrnes from Patterson Lakes, with something

With proceeds from the 2024 Mother’s Day Classic being donated to both the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, participants can choose to support and fundraise for breast cancer research, ovarian cancer research, or both.

special in his stride.

Sam lost his mother Jordy to ovarian cancer in October last year and has taken up running with the goal of tackling the 7km run at the Mother’s Day Classic, and fundraising for research into the disease that took his mum’s life.

Jordy is with Sam in every step of training, as he wears her runners in her honour, his motivation and inspiration to keep on running. Sam has raised more than $3000 so far.

Give mum a taste of Italy

Give mum a gift from the heart this Mother’s Day, with a homemade treat she’ll remember forever!

You may not be able to fly your mum to Italy for Mother’s Day, but you can bake her up a treat that’s the next best thing!

Amaretti biscuits with a sweet desert or bowl of ice-cream and show mum just how much you love her ... and she’ll love you for saying‘ti amo Mamma’ - Italian for‘I love you Mum’ in your own special way!

Amaretti ingredients:

· 125g ground almonds

· 1 cup sugar

· 2 egg whites

· 1/2 tsp vanilla

· 2 drops almond essence

· 20 blanched almonds

Method:

1. Combine ground almonds, sugar, egg

whites, vanilla and almond essence in a mixing bowl.

2. Beat mixture with electric whisk on medium speed for about three minutes.

3. Let mixture rest for five minutes while you prepare baking trays with non-stick baking paper and pre-heat oven to 180C.

4. Spoon mixture into a piping bag with a 1cm plain tube.

5. Pipe mixture onto the baking paper in a circular motion to form a biscuit.

6. Place one blanched almond on top of each biscuit and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until tops are lightly brown.

7. Remove from the oven, leave to cool for a few minutes before placing on a wire rack for further cooling.

Makes 20 biscuits.

Recipe courtesy of the Australian Egg Corporation

Mother’s Day Classic CEO, Zara Lawless, said the increase in registration numbers is a great testament to the timely expansion of the event.

“2024 has already been a big year for the Mother’s Day Classic, with the inclusion of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation as a beneficiary alongside the National Breast Cancer Foundation. And the increase in early registrations is a positive step towards funding vital research for two of the most harmful can-

Since the event’s inception in 1998 there have been over 1.6 million participants.

cers in women,” said Ms Lawless.

“For the last 26 years we’ve been grateful for the contribution from the Mother’s Day Classic community, which has produced a remarkable impact on breast cancer stats. However, the job is not done, and we now look ahead to also making a difference in the numbers of the ‘silent killer’, ovarian cancer.”

Registrations are now open for the 27th Mother’s Day Classic at mothersdayclassic. com.au

You may not be able to fly your mum to Italy for Mother’s Day, but you can bake her up Amaretti biscuits and that’s the next best thing!

FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day gift ideas

For the ultimate Mother’s Day shopping experience, there’s no place like Lazy Frog Gifts in Pakenham.

Call into the store and be amazed at a extensive selection of homewares, candles, jewellery, lotions, prints, fashion, and accessories.

You will have a wonderful time browsing this store for gift ideas for all the Mums in your life. Not to mention beautiful Mother’s Day cards.

Jackie and her friendly team can help you out with the perfect gift, no matter your budget. They are there to guide you through their delightful array of options and ensure you leave with a present that’ll make Mum’s day extra special.

Conveniently located on Main Street in Pakenham, Lazy Frog Gifts is your go-to destination for all your Mother’s Day needs. Telephone 5941 2225.

THIS Mother’s Day, let mum know how appreciated and loved she is.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shower mum with gifts and show her how much she means.

But when there are little ones, even the simplest gesture speaks volumes.

Kids, here are some easy (and cheap!) ways to spoil mum on Mother’s Day.

A thoughtful gift such as breakfast in bed or a homemade card is sure to bring a smile to your mum’s dial.

Start out by making your mum a cup of her favourite beverage - such as tea or coffee.

Then, while she’s relaxing in bed sipping on her drink, get to work on breakfast.

If you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, something simple like fruit with yoghurt or porridge will do the trick.

For something with a bit more effort, whip up a batch of French toast or pancakes, or go all out and make bacon and eggs.

Make your mum a card with a heartfelt message.

If you want to continue the culinary efforts, get the family together for a special Mother’s Day meal, where your mum doesn’t have to lift a finger.

Pick some flowers from your backyard and create a bouquet for a sure-fire winning present.

Channel your inner do-it-yourselfer

and make your mum a painting. Take a walk with mum for a heart-toheart or simply enjoy some quiet time together.

Put on her favourite movie and get her to relax.

And if you want to go all-out with something more extravagant, talk to dad and see if he can chip in for a luxurious spa treatment or some jewellery.And last, but not least, don’t forget to tell your mum “I love you”.

Happy Mother’s Day.

The ultimate Mother’s Day shopping experience - Lazy Frog Gifts, Pakenham.

Capturing the joy at Holi

27 April.

Organised by the Lynbrook Residents Association, the event highlighted diversity and community spirit.

Volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the festival’s success, underscoring the commitment of Lynbrook’s residents to come together and celebrate inclusivity year after year.

Star News photographer ROB CAREW captured the beautiful moments on the day.

Banjo Paterson Reserve was a riot of colours as Lynbrook celebrated its 12th Holi Festival of Colours in perfect autumn weather on Saturday

Sanjani Deo meets mum and son Vicky and Andrew in the Colour Run enclosed area. 402993

Lexi during the beautiful weather. 402993

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Maya (7yo) and Ava (4yo). 402993 Mum Shiwanjah Prasad (left) with her son Aarav and daughter Aanvi. With Sanjani Deo (right). 402993

Finding your ideal role

TAKING CARE

IAN ASH OF BUSINESS

In numerous surveys that Gallup has undertaken over the years in Australia, the UK, US and Canada, a remarkably consistent set of results regarding the level of staff engagement shows up.

The data indicates that between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of staff are typically “disengaged” which means that they’ll go to work, do what they have to do, but derive little pleasure or personal satisfaction from this and hence unlikely to go the extra mile in achieving their objectives.

Worse still, 10 to 15 per cent of staff are “actively disengaged” which means that they are actually working against the best interests of the business. This implies that perhaps as little as 15 per cent of staff are really engaged in what they are doing (and hence more likely to be productive) at work! Imagine what productivity improvements we could achieve with an increase of just a few percentage points in employee engagement!

So why is the situation so bad? Here are some possible reasons for this:

· We have qualifications and/or experience in a particular domain and feel that we aren’t suitably qualified or experienced to do anything else.

· Allied to the above, we have personal and financial commitments which prevent us from taking the risk of making a significant change.

· We have got into a rut and perhaps taken the view “better the devil you know”.

Data indicates that between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of staff are typically “disengaged”, Ian Ash says.

· Perhaps we believe that going to work is what you do to earn money to pay the bills and take the occasional holiday, but actually loving what you do is a luxury that few of us can afford.

The reality, however, is that all the above are

self-limiting beliefs and it is quite possible to love what you do and find you “ideal role”.

Here are some steps to help you do this in practice:

Consider your passion

What do you really love doing? I don’t mean what you are necessarily good at, but rather what gives you a true sense of personal satisfaction, purpose or self-fulfillment? They say that if you love what you do, then you never work another day in your life. You may not be able to apply this directly, but if there is a role that contains a good part of this, then it may be worth considering.

Review what your core skill set really is For example, you may have trained as an electrical apprentice, but if you love solving problems logically, then consider other roles where the ability to problem-solve can also be well applied. Perhaps you love working with people or are good at inspiring others – there are so many roles where demonstrable people skills are so vital.

Understand your core values

Irrespective of whether the job aligns with your skills and abilities, if your core values don’t align with those of the organisation to which you belong, you won’t have an enjoyable longterm engagement with that employer. Values alignment is essential for you to feel that you are doing something worthwhile which is typically the number one reason why people stay in a role. It is worth spending the time to determine what your core values are, these are the things that you hold onto no matter what. Learn how to apply for and get your ideal role

In practical terms, this comes down to having a great resume, being able to write an attentiongrabbing cover letter and nailing the interview. Obviously ,you can’t do the latter unless the former has got you in front of you prospective new employer and so it is worth investing in getting experienced people to help you prepare with all these aspects.

Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au

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Picture: BRETT JORDAN ON UNSPLASH

BERWICK TIP-STARS

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I enjoy doing community work and participating in events. It helps me to promote peace and inclusiveness in the community. A fun fact about me is to strike up a conversation with fellow Australians and have a good chat, share thoughts, enjoy discussing things, and coffee, though I personally love comedy and reading books.

What do you love the most about your job?

I work for a financial institution in Melbourne and enjoy the software and delivering value for the customers which can help them in their daily lives.

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

Kangaroos; very sweet and natural instinct to have love and passion for others.

What was your most memorable moment?

I have many memorable moments working with many community groups, and attending various interfaith meetings. One thing that looks common is the zeal for the peace and unity and connecting humans. We had the Ahmadiyya Holy Quran Exhibition where we happen to meet many people sharing similar thoughts. Peace, love and affection. The most memorable one is one person came to me and said I wish we all would have treated Muslims and others well and in general all humans. It is very heart-touching.

What were you like as a kid?

When I was growing as a kid I was shy and composed and enjoyed every bit of being a kid with support from family, friends and the community where I was raised, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community inculcated basic habits like do not lie, be kind to others, being respectful and helping others.

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

Many events. I happened to travel to London,

Public Notice

City of Casey Proposed Governance Rules

At the Council Meeting on 16 April 2024, Council endorsed in principle the proposed changes to the Governance Rules (Rules).

The proposed Rules considers the recommendations made by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) in its Operation Sandon Special Report, in addition to other matters within Meeting Procedure and Election Period Policy section.

Submissions are now invited on the proposed Governance Rules and must be received by 5pm Monday 27 May 2024.

Where do I view the draft Governance Rules?

You can download a copy of the proposed Governance Rules via Casey Conversations or alternatively you may request a physical copy and collect from Bunjil Place.

How do I make my submission?

Any person affected by the proposals may make a written submission relating to the draft document. Submissions will be received up to 5pm Monday 27 May 2024.

By Email: governance@casey.vic.gov.au

Please include “Governance Rules” in the subject line.

Mail: PO Box 1000 Narre Warren, Victoria 3805. Please include “Governance Rules” as the reference.

In Person: Bunjil Place – 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren 3805. Please include “Governance Rules” as the reference to your submission

with Basharat Ahmed from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

UK many times and visited the current Caliph and leader of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad and witnessed guests of more than 40,000 people. I wish I could do that again and again. And this year I have been blessed to visit Mecca and Medina, the two holy places for Muslims with friends and family I wish I could do this many times in my life. Locally I enjoy going to many events to connect, have fun and increase connection, I wish to continue the present for the future.

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

Definitely my grandparents who must be on this list and my mother too who has passed. I wish I could have a bigger table and more than six to invite my parents, my current leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and other friends.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Passionate, loving and enthusiastic. These are

The land affected by the application is located at: 2 Bemersyde Drive BERWICK VIC 3806 Lot 153 LP 124377

The application is for a permit to: Removal of Covenant created by Instrument H350512

The applicant for the permit is: Nobelius Land Surveyors Pty Ltd

The application reference number is: PA23-0596 - (Chelsea Campos)

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority.

City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN

This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications

THREE … facts about tuna on World Tuna Day, 2 May 1

One of the oldest records of the species could date back to Aristotle’s time when the Greek philosopher mentioned bluefin tuna in his work on the classification of animals in 350 BC.

Authority will not decide on the application before: 16 May 2024

If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of its decision.

very basic tenets of Islam like love, passion for others, helping, caring; the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community helps bring these in kids to older people and we all inculcate such good behaviours that can help us and the community. We live with the motto “Love For All, Hatred For None”.

What would you do on your perfect day off?

Being to the beautiful nature of Australia, having a walk with friends and barbecue. Or having fun with many friends of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on various occasions to conduct a workshop, share learnings and learn from others in an event.

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

Biryani, in our community we do many programs like fasting in my religion, interfaith events and invite many guests to taste our food.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Would like to still visit and holiday in Dubai and Swiss.

2

An endothermic fish, tuna can maintain its body temperature above that of the surrounding water on its migration routes. This evolutionary adaptation gives its meat a characteristic reddish-pink colour and powerful nutritional properties.

3 Tuna can camouflage their skin to blend in with their ocean surroundings.

required for our Dandenong South branch, the ideal candidate will possess confidence, excellent communication skills and the ability to interface with people.

Email: dandenong@cameomemorials.com.au

Basharat Ahmed, second from the left, with fellow members from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Jason Wood MP (middle) and Brad Battin MP (far right) during the Anzac Day Berwick service.

Triple relegation concerns

By Marcus Uhe

The bottom sides on the Premier Division football ladder will be fighting for survival in Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) this season with confirmation of a triple relegation to take place at season’s end, leaving one club president declaring that their club would need to “consider our options” going forward.

Clubs that finish in 10th, 11th and 12th in Premier Division football will be relegated to Division One, with the premier of Division One to earn promotion to the top flight as Premier Division returns to a 10-team competition, after fielding 12 in 2024.

Edging back to 10 teams will ensure an equitable 18-round fixture, with all teams playing each other twice in home-and-away fixtures, in an effort to strengthen the division’s integrity.

In 2024, each team plays each other once, with seven repeat fixtures.

Emerald, Berwick Springs and Officer/ROC were promoted to Premier Division for the 2024 season as a result of OEFN’S Competition Structural Review in 2023.

Three divisions became two, with Premier expanding from nine teams to 12, and Division One from seven teams to 11, with Division Two being scrapped.

Berwick Springs Football Netball Club president Ashley Allison said the club’s committee will need to act in the best interests of its members, eager to avoid playing in Division One in 2025.

“We’d have to consider our options,” Allison said.

“We recruited heavily on the basis of being in Premier Division.

“As a committee we’d have to decide what the right thing is for the club.

“We hadn’t had any pre-discussion (before) the Outer East board decided, there was no prediscussion, from my perspective, that the bottom three would be relegated.”

Division One of OEFN includes teams such as Yea, Powelltown and Alexandra, requiring considerable travel for the Titans, should they be relegated.

OEFN Chief Executive Brett Connell said the intention was “always to revert to the (10) team premier competition,” given it was the preferred structure according to club feedback in the 2023 Review, and said that all clubs were consulted “on numerous occasions” throughout the process.

“The board has settled on this year, for the relegation and promotion piece, to allow clubs to plan for the season, one or two weeks into the season, they will know that if their footy finishes in 10 11 or 12 position, they’ll be relegated,” Connell said.

“To get back to a competition that has nine home-and-away games is a lot easier than working around a 12-team competition.

“It’s not ideal this year because it’s uneven,

but there will be three that are relegated so we’ll get back to 10.

“We certainly need to get back to 10, that’s what the clubs wanted in the competition structure review and that’s what the board agreed to last year in moving to 12, that we’d be moving back to 10 as soon as we possibly could.”

OEFN’s By-Laws state that only the bottom team at the end of the home-and-away season in Premier Division shall be relegated to Division One and the premiers of Division One receive promotion.

However,law8.3statesthat“If,atthebeginningofaseasonthePremierDivisioncompetition has an odd number of teams, or the number of football teams is not ten (10), the Board

shall decide the relegation and promotion structure from each division prior to Round 2 of that season.”

Connell said that clubs were told of the return to 10 teams before Round 2, in accordance with the By-Laws.

“Outer East Football Netball has committed to a larger body of work to benchmark the competitions of football and netball to explore whether there is a better relegation/ promotion system than what currently exists,” Connell said.

“Any bench-marking exercise will take some time to explore and then implement, and for the certainty and stability of the competition Premier Division will revert back to a (10) team competition in 2025.”

Strong second half sees Narre Warren make its mark

By Marcus Uhe

Narre Warren’s win over Wandin in the Outer East Football Netball Premier Division grand final rematch on Saturday has vanquished some demons from last season and sent a stern warning to the rest of the competition.

12 goals to seven in the second half propelled the Magpies to a 38-point win, 16.15 111 to 11.7 73, as they found an answer for everything the Bulldogs threw at them.

Wandin was prevented from kicking consecutive goals at any stage during the second half while the Magpies found a variety of ways to hit the scoreboard.

Most commonly it was forward half turnovers and stoppages that led to rewards on the scoreboard, executing the game plan that Narre Warren coach Steven Kidd asked of his chargers.

“We wanted to apply as much pressure we could when they had the footy we feel like they probably want to play a similar style of game as us,” Kidd said.

“We knew we had to try and get some dominance around the stoppage and then on flip side, when they got it, we needed to pressure them.

“There were times where it felt like we were going to get away from them but they kept coming back.

“We kept reminding the players to stick to what we know and the game will eventually turn in our favour.

”To the guys’ credit, they did that.”

Peter Gentile and Tom Toner assumed extra responsibility in the midfield after the Magpies lost Brad Scalzo in the first half to a foot injury, while Sam Toner’s star continues to rise in his first trio of games at senior level.

Toner provided an assist for Hayden Dwyer

early in the third term and then kicked a pair himself, including making something from nothing with a brilliant front on spoil on an opponent deep in the Magpies’ forward line.

“We just talk to him about his pressure,” Kidd said of his young prodigy.

“We know the other side of his game as far as marking ground balls and how clean he is, but if he’s doing the other stuff like pressuring for us, he mans the mark really well and puts pressure coming out, he seems to be able to create scores for us.

“That’s probably the main thing that we speak to him about week after week and I think, if he does those things, everything else

seems to follow form there.”

Kidd stopped short of declaring his side the team to beat in Premier Division, but was delighted to get the four points over the side that broke his side’s heart last season.

He said he barely made mention of last year’s grand final during the week, fully aware that the players needed no reminding, but mindful of the turnover in the senior 22 from last September.

“I was more focused on, we had nine players that didn’t play in that grand final last year.

“I think the players probably came out with a fair bit of determination because of it, but we didn’t really speak about it all leading

into the game.

“I suppose Woori Yallock’s showing a lot and I think Wandin are building into their season and sometimes that happens with premiership sides, they can take a little bit of time to get going.

“I still expect Wandin to be the team to beat, but they’ll only improve as the year goes on.”

Hayden Dwyer and Tom Russell played what Kidd believed was their best games for the club, with Kurt Mutimer, Hayden Johnson and Corey Bader among other standouts. Wandin looked like threatening at times during the second half and managed to string chains of ‘Wandin football’ of that went so far to winning last season’s flag, showing their skills and dare through the corridor, but failed to shut off the NarreWarren scoring tap.

Aaron Mullett kicked four goals with Chayce Black, Jack Manson and Leiwyn Jones among their best.

Berwick Springs was on the receiving end of a hiding from Woori Yallock, thrashed by 119 points as the reality of life in Premier Diviison begins to take hold.

A 64-6 quarter set the tone for a long afternoon and the pain continued into the final term in the 22.24 156 to 6.1 37 result.

James Misso kicked two goals on senior debut for the Titans while the Tigers had six multiple goal kickers, including Taylor Gibson, who bagged six.

An efficient Mt Evelyn downed Monbulk by 12 points as the Hawks missed a number of chances to kick clear, while Upwey Tecoma recovered from a slow start to get the better of Olinda Ferny Creek by 37 points on Anzac Day.

Steven Kidd declared Hayden Dwyer’s performance in the ruck on Saturday as the best game that he’s played for the club. 403702

Picture: GARY SISSONS

The confirmation of a triple relegation from Outer East’s Premier Division has raised concerns for Berwick Springs Football Netball Club. 402295

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SPORT

Magpies prevail in grand final rematch

By Marcus Uhe

A dominant fourth quarter saw Narre Warren reign supreme in an Outer East Football Netball A-Grade Netball grand final rematch from 2023 over Wandin, prevailing in a 44-41 win at home.

Trailing by three goals heading into the final term, the Magpies showed exactly why they are reigning premiers, winning the final term 11-5 and snatching victory from the jaws of defeat over last season’s runner up.

Remarkably, the final quarter scores repeated the opening quarter, with both sides making nervous starts to the big contest.

Moved to 12.30 to accommodate the broadcast partners and avoiding any overlap with the football, the opening stages featured turnovers on the first two possessions and 90 seconds of play before the opening goal.

Narre Warren jumped to an early 9-3 lead, thanks to some poor ball handling from Wandin and a better path to goal for the Magpies.

Without Emmalia Blake in the Wandin goal circle, the Bulldogs were forced to find other routes to goal, rather than exploit her considerable height advantage over most defenders.

Wandin were grand finalists in 2023 for a reason, however, and showed tremendous fight in the second half to retake the lead late in the term.

Much of the quarter was played in Narre Warren’s half but with its high defensive press, the Bulldogs made a conscious effort to pass over the oncoming pressure and find Lauren Spinks close to goal.

The Magpies responded to take a four-goal lead into the long break, but a five-goal run early in the third term saw the Bulldogs retake the ascendency.

Wandin’s lead reached as many as three goals, the final two of the quarter fighting off a mini-resurgence from the premiers, entering the final term ahead 36-33.

The beginning of the final quarter was going to say plenty about each team, but for Wandin it was a period of the game to forget.

With the first possession of the quarter, they missed two chances to open the scoring, before Grace Ioelu converted at the other end of the court for Narre Warren.

Despite missing Gabrielle Dwyer, the Magpies defenders were extremely effective in keeping Spinks and Jackie Cutting away from the post, and forcing them to shoot long shots that she struggled to convert.

Erin Bell tied the scores at the other end, showing a considerable lack of nerves compared to her contemporary.

She did miss two shots on one possession later in the quarter, but tellingly managed to secure the rebounds on both occasions.

On the second miss, she found Ioelu, who converted on the Magpies’ third try.

Wandin tied the scores at 37, but failed to retake the lead in the remainder of the game, as Spinks missed a number of chances down the stretch.

Ioelu outshone her experienced and more credentialed shooting partner with 24 goals and was critical to the result for the Magpies, filling the breach left by Chelsea Tonna.

Maddy George showed tenacious intensity for Wandin throughout the contest, while Spinks finished with 33 goals.

The return of Eliza Molino to the Pakenham line up played a huge role in the Lions downing ROC by 15 goals in the 54-39 contest to make to two wins from three matches.

Molino helped restrict ROC on the offensive end, holding them to just five goals in the

second quarter, where the Lions nailed 13, to grow the lead from one goal to nine at the long break.

Elsewhere, Upwey Tecoma downed Olinda Ferny Creek 57-34, Woori Yallock kept Berwick Springs to just 16 goals in a 66-16 hammering, and Emerald almost doubled Gembrook Cockatoo’s score in a 60-33 win at Gembrook.

Gembrook Cockatoo had no answer to Emerald captain Kaylah Loulanting, who scored 40 goals on her own to singlehandedly outscore the Brookers, ending the home side’s winning streak in the process.

Monbulk, meanwhile, played Mt Evelyn to a low scoring tie, the scores locked at 46 each.

The Rovers have now started the season with one win, one loss and one draw, in results that could prove consequential when jostling for positions and seeding, come finals time.

Sorry second half sees Berwick banished

By Marcus Uhe

A goalless second half heaped more pain on a winless Berwick side in the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL), thrashed by 73 points at home against Noble Park.

The Wickers downed the then defending premiers late last season on the Bulls’ home turf in what was one of the club’s signature wins since entering into a new era in the EFNL.

While the Bulls aren’t carrying the crown in 2024, Berwick was unable to repeat its heroics in the 19.8 122 to 7.7 49 loss.

It was a tight opening two quarters in which majors were traded, before Noble Park broke free in the second half with all eleven goals after the main break.

Berwick goaled in the opening stages of the second term and added a further three to keep pace with Noble Park before the floodgates opened for the Bulls.

Sam Hilton-Joyce’s major in the 29th minute was the last glimmer of excitement for the Wickers, who once again struggled to keep pace.

By the time the Bulls allowed a Berwick shot on goal in the third term, they had slammed on five of their own in the first 15 minutes of the half.

Defending inside the Bull’s forward 50 was presented its problems for Berwick, unable to cover a spread of goal kicking options in yellow jumpers.

Late-lapse proves costly for Demons

By Marcus Uhe

A fourth-quarter fade out consigned the Casey Demons to a third loss of the season on Wednesday afternoon, overrun by Richmond in a Anzac Day eve clash at Richmond’s Swinburne Centre.

Trailing by two points at the final break, Tom Fullarton kicked the allimportant first goal of the final term to retake the lead in what had been a seesawing affair, before the Tigers kicked the final four of the contest to finish 20-point victors, 15.5 95 to 11.9 75. It was a close contest all afternoon, with the lead never more than two points to either side at each of the three breaks - twice to Casey and once to the home side.

Richmond led for much of the contest, however, with Casey’s biggest lead of the contest only seven points late in the first term.

Taylor Whitford’s side showed resilience time and again to ensure the Tigers’ lead never grew beyond 20 points until the dying stages of the afternoon.

The Tigers kicked the consecutive goals on two occasions in the contest and four also twice, where Casey could only manage one run of each.

Where the Tigers had 10 individual goalkickers, Casey had only five, with debutant Shane McAdam and Josh Schache leading the forward pack with three goals apiece.

Nine players hit the scoreboard for Noble Park, and while Berwick had seven, none of them kicked multiple goals.

Jai Neal soared for a hanger on the grandstand side early in the third quarter and Noah Cannon showed courage in fourth, backing into a marking contest with eyes only for the ball and wearing a heavy hit from oncoming forward Jack Mullen, for which he received a yellow card, giving the Wickers positives to reflect upon and take into next week’s contest with Doncaster East.

Cannon, Jesse Cirulis, Jordan Roberts and Caleb Van Oostveen were among their best on a difficult day.

Only Norwood sits below Berwick on the Premier Division table, due to a poorer percentage.

Norwood lost to Doncaster East in a battle of two winless sides, while Balwyn downed East Ringwood in a likely finals contest.

Bad kicking for goal mired Rowville’s 36-point win overVermont and South Croydon upset Blackburn.

McAdam, in his first contest in red and blue since being traded from Adelaide at the conclusion of the 2023 AFL season had 11 disposals and took five marks, including two in the first half that will be hard to top as the best of the VFL season.

The first saw him climb onto the shoulders of a Richmond opponent in front of him and fully extend from his already elevated position, while the second saw him complete a lead by jumping into the hip of teammate Will Verrall to elevate over the pack.

Adam Tomlinson finished with 38 disposals and 15 marks and Marty Hore took nine as the key posts down back felt the pressure of the repeat entries from the Tigers.

Lachlan Hunter had 23 disposals.

The Demons will welcome Williamstown to Casey Fields on Sunday in what will be just the second time this season that they will take to the field in consecutive weeks, thanks to a bye in round four and a league-wide bye for the AFL’s Gather Round on the opening weekend of April.

Berwick’s Sam Woodward watches his kick go over the goal umpire’s hat in the first quarter.

ROB CAREW

Andy Moniz-Wakefield had 19 disposals for Casey in the Demons’ loss to Richmond. 325648 Picture: ROB CAREW

Abbey Barrientos was critical for Narre Warren in its win over Wandin. 362381

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Saints setting the bar high

By David Nagel

South Belgrave is the proud owner of the Rik ‘Crazy’ Crook Cup after a dominant second quarter steered the Saints to a 33-point victory over Beaconsfield on Saturday night.

A big crowd turned out to witness the battle for a cup named after a legend of both football clubs, with Beaconsfield forced to make two key changes heading in.

The Eagles were missing the imposing presence of key forward Charlie Muley, along with classy winger Lachie Modica.

In their place came two debutants, with Finn Devine and Ben Fogarty getting their chance at senior level after long junior careers at the club.

South slightly had the better of the opening exchanges, with more efficient conversion leading to an 11-point lead at quarter time.

Jafar Ocaa quickly cut that back to five, but the Saints then controlled the second term from that point forward.

And it was their key focal points, Tim Smith and Damian Garner, that did most of the damage.

Will Evans got the Saints rolling with a long bomb from outside 50, before Smith showed his class with two-consecutive majors.

At the 14-minute mark he produced the classic; strong lead, mark and goal, before being the beneficiary of a ruck infringement just four minutes later.

When Garner then took a strong grab at the 22-minute mark of the term, the Saints had booted out to a 32-point lead.

The icing on the cake came when Lachie Benson ran into an open goal to make it 38 points at half time.

The Eagles outscored the Saints - 7.5 to 6.6after the break, but the early damage had been done.

South had many great contributors on the night, with Charlie Peters, Sean Bartels and Cayden Black having the better of the midfield duels, while Tyreece Leiu, Jordan Nuku and Will Bromley were super-effective down back.

Beaconsfield had no answer to the dual

threats of Smith and Garner, who finished with five and three goals respectively.

The Eagles went down fighting in their first loss for the season with Brandon White limiting the damage down back, while Josh Mounter continued his rock-solid start to the season with a fine game on centre wing.

The visitors missed the commanding presence of Muley at centre-half-forward, with Jake Bowd forced to move from his regular spot in defence to provide a mobile option.

Ryan Williamson battled hard in the ruck, while Jack Doherty provided White with some valuable assistance down back.

Bowd finished with two for the third-placed

Binns and Simpson make promising AFL debuts

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong Stingrays graduates Jaxon Binns and Cooper Simpson both made their AFL debuts on the weekend, while Collingwood AFL-listed Harry DeMattia made hisVFL debut for the Pies.

Berwick’s Binns was a late inclusion for Carlton following 12 months of scintillating VFL form running the wing since being drafted. The pick 32 in the 2022 national draft wore the sub’s vest after being presentedwithhisjerseybyMarcMurphy,anddidn’t get on until the last quarter of the Blues’ loss, when he had a couple of involvements.

Simpson, meanwhile, also started as the sub for Fremantle but came on at the start of the second quarter and showed off his poise, maturity and speed.

The six disposals he finished with belied his impact with the footy, with the 2023 Stingrays co-captain thrice putting the ball to teammates’ advantage for direct score assists.

Simpson also finished with the equalmost total sprint efforts (22) and most repeat sprint efforts (six). He set up Bailey Banfield’s match-winner and also laid a big last-quarter tackle.

DeMattia’s Pies VFL debut followed a finger injury sustained in preseason – he finished with 10 disposals playing in the backline.

Williamstown and Narre Warren-listed Mitch Cox was the standout localVFL player, kicking 3.2 including an 80-metre bomb in the Seagulls’ 52-point win overWerribee.

Teammate JackToner was excellent in the second half while Corey Ellison was a typical aerial threat inside 50 forWilliamstown.

Dandenong Stingrays graduate Cooper Simpson made an impressive AFL debut for Fremantle against the Western Bulldogs. 404487 Picture: RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/AAP

Beaconsfield’s Harrison Coe backed up his Frankston debut with 1.1, five marks and seven hitouts on the weekend in the Dolphins third straight win.

Meanwhile, the following current and former Dandenong Stingrays and Gippsland Power boys were in action in the Young Guns v Vic Country match on Sunday: Kane Hurst, Cooper Hynes, Ben Hopkins, Riak Andrew, Kobe Shipp, Kade De La Rue, Jordan Doherty, Julian Callahan, Max Stobie, Tom Hanily, Max Donohue, Asher Eastham.

Hynes, the co-captain for Dandenong this year, was busy in the midfield, working hard to get to plenty of contests, winning clearances and providing run for Vic Country. Berwick’s Andrew and Beaconsfield’s Shipp took two and three intercept marks respectively and were calm figures in the backline for theYoung Guns.

Doherty kicked a nice set shot goal and backed himself in general play, playing as a ruck/forward for Vic Country, while Stobie got some on-ball minutes and showed his quick hands.

South Belgrave Goals: Tim Smith 5, Damian Garner 3, Lachlan Benson 2, Daniel Wynd 2, William Evans, Jack Meyers. Best: Tim Smith, Tyreece Leiu, Charlie Peters, Will Bromley, Jordan Nuku, Tate Laub.

BeaconsfieldGoals: Jake Bowd 2, Declan Curran, Myles Currie, Damien Johnston, Sam Merrick, Jafar Ocaa, Tylah Stokoe, Nathan Wright. Best: Brandon White, Joshua Mounter, Myles Currie, Jack Docherty, Ryan Williamson, Devon Smith. Other Games: Mitcham 12.7(79) def by Bayswater 13.9(87), Mooroolbark 13.8(86) def North Ringwood 9.9(63), Park Orchards 15.18(108) def Montrose 12.16(88), Wantirna South 10.13(73) def by Doncaster 16.13(109). Ladder Round 4: Park Orchards 16, Montrose, Beaconsfield, South Belgrave, Bayswater 12, North Ringwood, Mitcham, Doncaster, Mooroolbark 4, Wantirna South 0. Fixture Round 5: Montrose v Beaconsfield, Mooroolbark v Bayswater, North Ringwood v Doncaster, Park Orchards v South Belgrave, Wantirna South v Mitcham.

Plenty of positives despite Cannons dual defeats

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Casey’s men and women both suffered defeat on the weekend but there were positive takeaways for both outfits, weakened by unavailability.

The men went down 2-0 to ladder-leading Yarra missing key contributors David Noney and Josh Watson and threw the toughest punch Yarra has had to counter all season.

“We made it tough for them strategically, challenging them with the way we played,” coach Steve Noney said.

“We fiddled around with a few positional changes which worked fairly well.

“We were more aggressive on the ball and put them under more pressure earlier.

“There were quite a few opportunities we could have taken.”

The coach was also full of praise for goal keeper Matthew Hollway who saved a penalty stroke, seconds captain Rhylee Johnson who made the step up and teenagers Tadhg McCurran and Prince Bopanna Achandira.

Meanwhile, the women had a 1-0 to reigning premiers Yarra, defeated for the second consecutive week despite dominating general play.

Casey had eight short corners to Yarra’s five but was unable to convert – a worrying emerging trend for the Cannons.

Across the first three weeks of the season, Casey has generated 21 short corners but been able to convert only two of those.

Michaela Bullock was irrepressible at fullback in her return match, while 16-year-old Aleisha Foot’s consistency is helping her establish a permanent position in theVic League 1 team.

The women’s seconds had a strong 2-1 win led by midfielder Rebecca Gregory, while the

Eagles, who face another tough away trip this week when they head to second-placed Montrose.

Josh Mounter continued his solid form for Beaconsfield in a 33-point loss to South Belgrave. 402311

Picture: ROB CAREW

thirds had a 3-0 win, with youngsters Chantelle Calado and Cleo Guastella forming an excellent forward combination.

The men’s seconds and thirds both had wins in a sign of depth given the unavailability across the unit.

Mikayla McDonald will hope her team can do a better job of converting short corners on the weekend. 335961 Picture: GARY SISSONS