News - Cranbourne Star News - 23rd May 2024

Reserve relief

By Ethan Benedicto

The new Kowan Recreational Reserve in Cranbourne North is more than just a welcome addition, but also a hard-fought victory spanning multiple years of community action and legal battles, as its opening was officially announced on Tuesday, 14 May.

The local residents’ struggles initially began in 2019 when the 6.8 hectares of land on 1955 Alisma Boulevard, with the promise to surrounding homes of sports fields, was reneged by developer Konann Pty Ltd.

A Casey Council document stated that Konann applied for a planning permit on 132 residential allotments in 2015, which was met with resistance in the form of more than 1200 signatures by Tulliallan Estate residents at that time.

It was due to a legal loophole that the building of the estate had begun before there was any formal written agreement for a sports field.

Rebecca Hyland, a mum of two and key resident who played a pivotal role in mounting the community effort, expressed her joy on a recent Facebook post, saying that she was “so happy to see the full process”.

“From the beginning with the fight, to all the friends and connections along the way, to the celebrations of when the land was secured by the council,” Ms Hyland said.

The project was part of the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, where Casey received $3.3 million for the project. Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said that they are committed to providing the required infrastructure for all clubs across the municipality, saying that “local sport is such a vital part of our community and something council is very proud to support”.

“The growing Cranbourne North community now has even better access not only to local sport but also for a range of other community activities and celebrations that will no doubt occur in this space,” she said.

Council contributed $1.1 million towards the $10.7 million project, with $6.3 million received through developer contributions.

Going back, the months of May and June 2019 were busy, not just for the residents but for the council and Konann as well.

Konann lodged a claim to the minister of planning and the council for financial loss which were both rejected.

Council then offered to purchase the land for $15.48 million but the developer declined, stating that the value was double according to council documents.

The case then went to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in May 2019, with negotiations between the council and developer bearing no fruit.

Local residents then lodged an application to the ACCC with Ms Hyland commenting to Star News then that “residents are furious with the latest news and want to seek legal advice, as any reduction should not be negotiated”.

Residents sought legal advice from consumer law firm Slater and Gordon, adamant on the fact that the surrounding land was advertised with material that stated a future sports field.

While Ms Hyland confirmed on 24 June 2019 that the ACCC said the case fell outside of the laws that they administer, she told the Star then that her and the residents were “prepared to sit on that land to prevent the bulldozers”.

Both council the Konann Pty Ltd reached an agreement for the former party to purchase the land for sporting facilities in July 2019, with construction that began in the financial year of 2020-21.

The previously undeveloped green field has since been transformed into a sporting precinct, which includes three soccer fields, a cricket oval, cricket practice nets, a playground, shared paths, car parking and a public art piece called Space Knot by Benjamin Storch.

Continued page 7

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Group making own history

A group of passionate volunteers dedicated to helping keep local history alive celebrated a milestone of its own on Saturday 18 May.

The Narre Warren and District Family History Group marked 35 years since 11 people met with a common interest in family history and formed the group in the home of founding president Lorraine Taylor on 10 May 1989.

Unfortunately, Lorraine, who has the group’s research room named in her honour, couldn’t attend the event, having recently broken her arm in a fall. It was the first milestone event she had missed.

Another key player was also missing, with valued member Lyn McGregor losing her battle with cancer only weeks before the event.

Members were thrilled, however, that another of those original members, Val Holland, was able to attend and she joined life members in cutting a celebratory cake made by Abby of Abby Bites, the grand-daughter of life member Anne Blair.

NarreWarren South MP Gary Maas, Cardinia mayor Jack Kowarzik and Star News Group editor Garry Howe spoke at the birthday party and handed certificates of appreciation to its many volunteers.

Current president Jane Rivett Carnac reflected on the group’s achievements over those 35 years, which include Cemetery Walk events across the region and the publication of 17 books., 15 of those related to walks.

She said that in 2004 a small group, led by Eileen Durdin, set out to create the Casey Cardinia Combined Index so they had a fast way to search a name or place in the district and identify all the books and records within them.

“To date we have over 200,000 entries on our searchable database,” she explained.

Another project was the Casey Cardinia Remembers website, led by Lynne Bradley.

“The idea was to photograph and record the many names on plaques, honour boards and memorials in the district and create a dedicated website,” she said.

“The National Library of Australia has deemed our work on this project to be of im-

portance and the website is regularly archived via Pandora and the National Library so it will be preserved for all time.

“Both of these projects began when Eileen and Lynne worked fulltime and held committee positions and participate in many other ways for the groups benefit. I wonder when they found time to do their own family research.”

The group had held occasional walks in local cemeteries in the early days, but in 2011 at Pakenham cemetery produced its first related book and opened another learning avenue of

research and writing the stories.

A cemetery tours group was formed in 2014 for the 100-year commemoration of the Great War and the first walk, coinciding with History Month each October, was held at Berwick cemetery. This year Emerald will complete the tours.

The Berwick tour revealed the unmarked grave of a forgotten soldier and with the help of the RSL, the Cemetery Trust and the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette, Brigadier General C.H.Foott now has a headstone and recognition of his service.

Volunteers acknowledged included John Abbott and Maureen Abbott, David Allen, Heather Arnold, Val Barnett, Anne Blair, Lynne Bradley, John Byrne, Di Christensen, Moreyn Dimsey, Eileen Durdin, Ian George, Gary Glassborow, Penny Harris-Jennings, Robyn Jones, Helen Kemp, Bev Lambie, Kerryn Maxwell, Fay McCoubrie, Rex McFarlane, Mary McGrath, Lyne McGregor (posthumously), Bob Neal and Mary Neal, Judy Owen and Russell Owen, Jane Rivett-Carnac, Tracey Roberts, Cameron Rocke and Marianne Rocke and Barbara Sharp.

Narre Warren MP Gary Maas takes a selfie of the cake-cutting ceremony with life members and guests Cardinia mayor Jack Kowarzik and Star News Group editor Garry Howe.

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Narre Warren and District Family History Group president Jane Rivett-Carnac (left) and vicepresident Fay McCoubrie (right) with original member Val Holland at the group’s 35th birthday party.

Life members join foundation member Val Holland (centre) cutting the cake, from left, Eileen Durdin, Rex McFarlane, Fay McCoubrie, Val, Lynne Bradley, Anne Blair and Jane Rivett-Carnac.

Cardinia councillor Brett Owen with Eileen Durdin and Kerryn Maxwell.

Enjoying the birthday spread, from left, Marianne Rocke, Lynne Bradley, Darryl McWalters, David Allen and Rex McFarlane.

NEWS Clinic director suspended

By Violet Li

The director of Hampton ParkWomen’s Health Clinic has been suspended, following the death of a woman after surgery in January.

Narre Warren South woman and a mother of two Harjit Kaur died shortly after a pregnancy termination surgery in Hampton Park Women’s Health Clinic on 12 January.

The Department of Health suspended the clinic’s registration as a day procedure centre on 29 February.

On 15 March, the Medical Board of Australia suspended the registration of obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Rudolph Lopes, who performed the abortion surgery on Ms Kaur.

Just recently, the authority suspended the clinic director Dr Michelle Kenney.

The reasons behind the suspensions have not been revealed and a spokesperson of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) said they could not comment about matters relating to individual practitioners beyond information already disclosed on the public record, including the register of practitioners.

Prior to the recent suspension, Dr Kenney had conditions imposed on her registration between November 2022 and December 2023 that only allowed her to practise during daytime hours between Monday and Friday and must not exceed three shifts per week of eight hours duration each shift. She was also only allowed to work under the supervision of another registered medical practitioner during the period.

Dr Kenney told Star News in March that it was due to personal health issues.

At the time, she said the clinic did not commit any medical misconduct and the suspension of the day surgeries had something to do with the paperwork and administrative issues, instead of the death of Ms Kaur.

She also claimed that the suspension of Dr Lopes had nothing to do with Ms Kaur’s death.

Dr Kenney said she could not comment on the recent suspension on her as there are legal proceedings in place.

According to the public Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) record, Dr Lopes was found to have engaged in professional misconduct on 19 October 2021.

He was reprimanded over lewd remarks to a patient and long-term sexual harassment of a midwife.

VCAT stated that Dr Lopes must be required to work in a supervised environment under specific conditions and the conditions lapsed in December 2023.

Star News is not suggesting Dr Michelle Kenney, Dr Rudolph Lopes, or any other doctor or staff member at the clinic are responsible for the death of Ms Kaur. A coroner’s investigation is underway into the cause.

Suresh Rajan, a spokesperson for the bereaved family of Ms Kaur, said the husband was still struggling terribly.

“One of the reasons why he’s struggling is that the coroner still has not been able to come up with a definitive reason for her death,” he said.

“They promised that it would be done in the middle of April. Then they asked for more time. Now they’ve come back with a toxicology report, but nothing determines the cause of death.

“They will send the toxicology reports to further experts to get more analysis.”

Mr Rajan also said the problem was they could not apply for probate and get access to entitlements with the workplace of Ms Kaur until they secured a death certificate that showed the cause of death.

“I just think we’re at that stage where we just want answers because that gives us closure,” he said.

“We just want to ensure that no one else has to deal with an issue like this ever again.”

The family also believed that another doctor in connection with the clinic had been suspended.

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NEWS Caring through the years

By Ava Cashmore

An event in August of 1966 changed David E. Allen’s life forever.

His beloved wife, Jean, gave birth to their daughter Linda, but in the process, suffered a brain injury so severe that she lost three quarters of her brain’s functioning.

The doctors told David that Jean would never recover or emerge from a special hospital again.

David refused to believe the doctor, and proceeded to spend every last dollar on speech therapy and treatments for Jean.

They lived in a caravan and he spent every day caring for her, from the day she lost “75 per cent of her brain” at just 23 years old, to the day she passed, at age 71.

For the last 30 years, though he cannot read or write, David has been working on writing down the tragic love story of him and Jean.

Today he has a published book, with the help of writer Barbara McCarthy, titled Waiting for Sunshine, One Day at a Time.

When David was asked, “Why did you choose to look after Jean the way you did?”, he said:“We weren’t even engaged yet and she came across the world for me.”

“Of course I stuck by her. As long as you’re together, you can get through anything.We’ve proved that.”

After four years of speech therapy and treatments, as soon as Jean had the capability to say “yes”, David and Jean were married.

“I want this story to inspire people to stay together and you will get through anything.

“If you can lose 75 per cent of your brain and keep going, anyone can.

“It doesn’t matter about a house or a car, as

long as you’ve got your partner.”

David currently lives in Hampton Park and visits his daughter, Linda, and her own child, two times a week.

He hopes this book will“inspire people do-

ing it tough”, and serve as a loving memory of Jean Allen.

The bookWaiting for Sunshine, One Day at a Time is available on Amazon and for immediate purchase on Kindle.

Program focuses on women in school leadership roles

Quarters Primary School welcomed principals from overseas for a reciprocated women’s leadership learning program on Wednesday 15 May.

In 2023, Quarters Primary School principal Liz Davey along with 11 other Victorian women principals engaged in the Women in School Leadership (WISL) program organised and funded by the Asian Education Foundation, University of Melbourne, and Education Department.

The program is a professional learning platform for women school leaders from India andVictoria, where they can explore opportunities to lead schools for social change, with a focus on learning and wellbeing.

In October 2023,Victorian principals flew to India and met their Indian counterparts spending two weeks visiting schools in and around Delhi and Bengaluru.

In May this year, the Indian principals visited Quarters Primary School as part of theirVictorian immersion visit.

A special assembly was held to welcome their visitors including a Welcome to Country and special performances by our learners showcasing our multiculturalism.

Richa Sharma Agnihotri from Sanskriti SchoolinNewDelhi,RashmiMalikfromSalwan Public School in Gurugram, Aditi Misra from Delhi Public School in Gurgaon, and Swarnima Luthra from ASN Senior Secondary School enjoyed visiting classrooms and chatting with students and families.

A spokesperson of the school said the aim of the WISL program was to strengthen educational and cultural ties with India as Quarters Primary School had up to 50 per cent of families from the Indian diaspora in CranbourneWest.

“The program has provided a wealth of knowledge and experiences to develop a greater understanding of the similarities and differences each school system faces and how we can work together to tackle our challenges,” they said.

“The program has been so worthwhile and successful in sharing knowledge and building relationships.”

for the guests.

Students are singing the Indian National Anthem

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Aditi Misra (Delhi Public School, Gurgaon), Jodie Bray (Clyde Creek Primary School), Liz Davey (Quarters Primary School) and Richa Sharma Agnihotri (Sanskrit School, New Delhi) with students that welcomed the guests and performed for them. 405397

Jean and David. Pictures: FROM BOOK

David Allen with his wife Jean during her final days.

Jean and David as a young couple.

House a haven for women

The Victorian Homeless Fund has delivered a new family house in Casey for a woman and her children who have recently escaped family violence.

Built by volunteer trades and suppliers around Melbourne, the latest family home is one of many that the organisation has helped to build or renovate over its 30-year history.

The organisation seeks land and works closely with the builders to deliver homes for social housing; in particular, for women and children escaping domestic violence. Once complete, the houses will be managed by a not-for-profit organization.

In 2021, it secured a long-term lease on a block of land owned by Homes Victoria, and local builder Hermitage Building Group (HBG) answered the call and commenced construction of a four-bedroom family home. HBG also raised considerable funds for the project.

“In the City of Casey, homelessness isn’t just a crisis; it’s a stark reality that many face daily. The statistics aren’t just numbers — they represent real people struggling for a place to call home. Our efforts to combat this are not just about building homes, but about restoring dignity to people affected by their circumstances,” HBG chief executive officer Michael Oldenhof said.

“Today, as we hand over the keys to this home, we’re not just offering a structure of bricks and mortar, but a sanctuary, a place of safety and new beginnings for a family that deserves security and stability.

“While we know that one home won’t solve the crisis of homelessness, it’s an active step towards addressing the hardships faced by families in turmoil. We are both pleased and humbled to play a role in this important project.”

The new family house has been handed over to The Women’s Property Initiatives, an organisation that provides permanent and affordable homes for women at risk of homelessness along with access to support networks and ongoing advocacy.

The Victorian Homeless Fund chair Colleen May has been delighted by what has been achieved through the generosity of many working collaboratively to seek innovative

ways of helping people in crisis.

“Domestic violence is the single biggest cause of homelessness in Australia. This is such a significant problem, and we can’t solve it by ourselves but if individually we all give a little, collectively, we can change people’s lives,” she said.

“This is a story of generosity, compassion, professionalism, hard work, and extending a helping hand to support those most in need.

“The builders, suppliers, and tradespeople who have donated to this project have been amazingly generous and because of them, a family will have a home and hope and a future.”

Considerable funding for this house was also provided by The Edward Wilson Estate, after whom the house will be named.

The woman and her children will move in in the following weeks.

Monash Health fined $160k over patient’s death

By Tara Cosoleto, Aap

Monash Health has escaped conviction after admitting it failed to ensure one of its most vulnerable patients was not exposed to risk of harm.

Rebecca Victoria Poke died by suicide at Casey Hospital in Berwick in September 2015 after being voluntarily admitted to the hospital’s mental health inpatient unit.

The hospital audited the suicide risk to patients in the unit in April 2015 and flagged a visitor’s bathroom as a potential concern but did not eliminate the risk.

Nurses found Ms Poke unresponsive in that bathroom on 31 August and she died in hospital two days later.

In sentencing Monash Health to a $160,000 fine, Victorian County Court Judge Gerard Mullaly said while the hospital failed in its duty of care, it did not have glaring disregard for patient safety.

The hospital attended to the general risk of self-harm and made appropriate changes to bathrooms that were more readily accessible to patients, Judge Mullaly said.

The bathroom in question was usually locked and could only be accessed by a supervisor’s key but it was inexplicably open for Ms Poke, the judge said.

He said the circumstances were tragic but the failure on Monash Health’s part was at the lower end.

The judge also pointed to the health service’s guilty plea and its otherwise good corporate character as it had no prior convictions.

“That is a matter of considerable weight given the history of this large organisation,” Judge Mulally said.

The judge also noted the victim impact statements made by Ms Poke’s family, who remembered her as a much-loved woman who was dearly missed.

Judge Mulally said the $160,000 fine without conviction was not a reflection of Ms Poke’s life.

“Her life was quite simply invaluable to her and her family,” he said.

After the sentence was handed down, WorkSafe executive director Narelle Beer said the tragic incident could have been avoided.

“Ways to control the risk of deaths by suicide in mental health units have been well understood in the healthcare industry for many years,” Dr Beer said.

“WorkSafe will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action when duty holders are not doing everything they can to protect those in their care, including from intentional self-harm.”

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Concerns around steep prices for school celebrations

By Cameron Lucadou-Wells, Ethan Benedicto

Parents are ringing alarm bells over the cost of Year 12 graduation ceremonies, amid a worsening cost-of-living crisis.

A disgruntled parent reached out to Star News regarding their child’s Year 12 expenses, specifically the $160 on valedictory dinner tickets.

The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern over the fact that it would cost a small fortune for a family of five to attend the valedictorian dinner at Nossal High School.

“Families who can’t afford this expensive meal are not allowed to attend only for the event,” they said.

The official Nossal High School valedictory graduation dinner announcement stated that ticket prices included a three-course meal, soft drinks and would cover presentations and entertainment.

To be held at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park in November, the event itself is optional and is not compulsory for graduation.

Ticket limits were set to a maximum of five per family, with all members, including children, required to pay the full amount.

The parent wanted to shine some light on the “lack of care by taxpayer-funded schools”,

adding that “this is a big day for all kids and families”.

Nossal school administration has also reached out to parents and families who expressed concern over the pricing, giving them a platform to liaise the amount.

Looking at similar events for seniors this year, Narre Warren South P-12 College’s upcoming Year 12 formal at Malvern Town Hall will be priced at $120 a head.

The rising cost-of-living is a central concern, and is acknowledged not just by the parent but also by Lyndhurst Secondary College

principal Eloise Haynes, who said that a growing number of families were feeling the pressure of rising costs.

“We as a school see this with increasing requests for support for uniform, students and families needing additional support with essentials such as food,” she said.

Catering toYears 9-12, Nossal is one of only four academically selective high schools in the state.

According to School Informer and based on 2023 VCE results, Nossal ranked 15 out of 170 schools in the state, with a median VCE score

of 36 and 27 per cent of their study scores being 40 or above.

Under the recent state budget, the State Government will provide $400 per student to government-school families as part of its recently announced School Saving Bonus.

The funds can be utilised to offset the cost of uniforms and activities. There is meanstested relief from the Government’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.

Despite rising costs of its own, Lyndhurst College kept parent payments “as low as possible”, Ms Haynes said.

Upfront fees differ between government secondary school in Casey, ranging from about $200 - $400 plus extras, such as musical instruments and tuition, camps, formals and graduation dinners - with VCE Outdoor Education fees possibly adding an extra $500.

Narre Warren South P-12 also subsidised its Year 12 end-of-year celebration day and worked closely with providers to negotiate the best prices for venues for formals.

For Ms Haynes, “we are still facilitating all the regular and important events, but also looking at best values for families”.

“We ensure the when we ask families to contribute for excursions etc. that these are all designed with strong educational purpose and value for students,” she said.

Concerns rise on senior-level celebrations in local high schools,with valedictory and formal tickets going from anywhere between $100 to $160 per head. Picture: ON FILE.

The Victorian Homeless Fund seeks land and works closely with the builders to deliver homes for social housing.

The new safe house for women and children escaping from family violence in Casey. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Caring for 15 years

By Violet Li

As the country marks NationalVolunteerWeek, Monash Health is celebrating the dedication of one of its long-serving volunteers, Vicky Cooper, who has helped create exceptional experiences for the past 15 years.

The 76-year-old Doveton resident volunteers once a fortnight at Dandenong Hospital and at least once a week at the aged care service Chestnut Gardens.

She used to help more often in the hospital with its library and floral arrangements, and now she focuses on the Chestnut Gardens, where she hosts bingo every week.

She also supports the well-being team on special occasions, including dressing up as Santa for Christmas and cooking on the barbecue on public holidays.

Vicky said the people she met and became friendly with were the reasons she stuck with the volunteering.

“It’s the pleasure you get out of seeing people smile,” she said.

“People are so grateful because they just don’t have time to do all the things with all their workload. It’s sort of boring stuff, but I just sit there and do it, and it’s good, and they’re just so nice and really grateful for it, so that’s why I do it.”

Vicky volunteers alongside 19-year-old Jamie Nhor and 35-year-old Fiona Ly, who are just as passionate about making a positive impact in the community and get great joy from volunteering alongside Vicky.

“I enjoy volunteering at Chestnut Gardens, as I feel that I give back to the community. I have a genuine desire to improve the lives of the people around me and have a positive impact on people, even if it’s a slight one,” Jamie said.

“I particularly admire that not only is a patient’s physical health taken into consideration in aged care, but also their mental health as well. Mental health to me is just as important as one’s physical health.”

Fiona said that she and Vicky were always making each other and the residents laugh, making their volunteering visits together special.

Monash Health volunteer coordinatorVicky Vasilopoulos said she appreciated the work Vicky had contributed to the organisation.

“Vicky attends most of the functions that take place and enjoys dedicating her time to each of her visits. Her commitment over the 15 years has been incredible to both Monash Health sites and I cannot thank her enough,” she said.

Behind bars

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

A bodybuilder who used six knives to stab his partner to death in a frenzied attack in Kassan Gardens, Endeavour Hills has been thrown behind bars for up to 31 years.

Sven Lindemann, 52, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to the murder of Monique Lezsak at her home on 30 May, 2023, hours after she broke up with him. Ms Lezsak’s daughter, known in court under the pseudonym Lily, heard yelling from a bedroom ensuite and ran to see her mother being attacked by Lindemann.

He stabbed his former partner, strangled her and dragged her through the house. Lily tried to stop Lindemann, kicking him and twice pulling the knife out of his hands, but he kept grabbing more weapons.

He used six knives in total, breaking two of them, as he inflicted the fatal stab wounds to Ms Lezsak’s head, neck and chest. Lily also suffered five wounds during the attack.

InsentencingLindemannonWednesday, Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth said Lindemann had killed his partner in a “violent and frenzied” fashion.

Justice Hollingworth said Lindemann was lucky he didn’t injure Lily more seriously, noting the young girl was incredibly brave. The judge found Lindemann had no genuine remorse for his actions and he continued to blame Ms Lezsak.

She jailed him for 31 years but he will be eligible for parole after 25 years.

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THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To Art Show Pakenham’s opening night at Pink Hill Hotel.

Thumbs down

To all the potholes and corrugation on Hobson Road, near Ballarto Road. You’d think that when they sealed McGregor Road/Hobson Road they would do all of it and not leave approximately three metres of gravel road. The cost of upkeep on that bit of gravel road would be enormous, it would be cheaper to seal that bit of road.

Thumbs up

To all the exhibitors and ambassadors at the VAS Central and South Gippsland Regional finals hosted by Lang Lang Show on Sunday.

Thumbs down

To branches on side of the road and trees hanging over as well, extremely dangerous for all users on our roads.

Thumbs up

To the students of St Claire’s and Officer Francis Xavier College, who are walking their bikes across the lights and zebra crossing of Cardinia Road and Princess Highway.

Thumbs down

To Influenza A. It’s horrendous. Get your flu shots.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Doveton resident Vicky Cooper has been volunteering with Monash Health for over 15 years. Picture: SUPPLIED

Becoming citizens

By Violet Li

Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) launched its Citizenship Preparation Classes in Casey on Monday 20 May at the Connected Libraries in Bunjil Place.

The program aims to help students understand Australian laws and ways of living in Australia and connect with the Australian culture.

The classes are also tailored to each student’s pace and cover all aspects of the application as well as the testable citizenship content. Students can get a free membership of the library and access all the resources available.

The organisation has run the classes over the last number of years in the Greater Dandenong and has seen a significant increase in demand in Casey.

Chief executive officer Rakesh Sharma recognised the challenges many newly arrived migrants face in understanding the citizenship application process and the positive impact these classes have.

“It allows new citizens to fully engage in all aspects of life here, from political to personal, strengthening the fabric of our community,” he said.

“Obtaining Australian citizenship is far more than just a legal formality – it’s a pivotal step towards securing one’s future and ensuring long-term stability.

“Citizenship opens doors to employment opportunities, housing, essential rights and protections that safeguard individuals and families.

“It provides a profound sense of belonging toward the nation’s ideals, values, and principles. It signifies a shared bond among citizens and a collective responsibility towards the common good.“

Deputy chairperson Wicki Wickiramasingham said it gave him great pleasure to extend the classes for citizenship preparation.

“I know the difficulties,” he said.

“Many migrants came and approached me. They failed the exam three times, then they can’t sit for the exam. They will have to apply and reapply again, and they need about $500 to pay for the application fees.”

Holt MP Cassandra Fernando attended the launching ceremony and supported the program.

She shared her family’s story of passing the citizenship tests more than a decade ago.

“As a young girl and a boy for my brother, we had to teach my parents about civics,” she said.

“It was very hard for them because the older you get, the more a lot don’t retain.

“I’ll never forget that we got the book, and we went through the book about 1000 times before we did practice tests.

“We were equipped when we went because at that time it was a lot of money, and we couldn’t afford to go two or three times.”

Students spoke out about their difficulties after the ceremony, which mainly revolved around English learning.

“When I read this book, I know all of them in my language. But I can’t translate.This is the problem,” one student said.

Ms Fernando acknowledged that sometimes the test was complicated to confuse the participants.

“That’s something that we’re looking into as a Labor Government, to try to simplify just a little bit so everyone can understand,” she said To enroll in the class, you can send a request to intake@smrc.org.au, or call the reception of SMRC at 03 9767 1900.

Kowan reserve represents hard-fought win

From page1

“The construction of the new reserve and surrounding facilities will increase participation in soccer and cricket, and allow maximum use of this reserve,” MsDuff said.

Ms Duff and council CEO Glenn Patterson were joined by members of the Cranbourne United Soccer Club, the Eastern Rebels Cricket Club and representatives from the Tulliallan Resident Group and Tulliallan Primary School to open the reserve.

With the Kowan Recreation Reserve finally open to all, Ms Hyland said that

her “heart is full”.

“We needed this green space as it’s essential for the wellbeing of everybody.

“This is just wonderful, it’s packed all the time [and] even when it’s raining there are kids playing soccer because they love it so much,” she said.

The new reserve also features a multi-use pavilion, which includes six change rooms, a large community space, a kitchen and other public amenities.

Cranbourne United Soccer Club secretary Navpreet Saini said the club is committed to

Conversion plan for new facility

By Violet Li

A planning application has been submitted to convert an existing dwelling and shop area into a childcare facility in Cranbourne North.

Situated on the corner of Josephine Avenue and Eliza Street, the site is currently occupied by a residential building with three bedrooms and a front shop. The proposed childcare centre will hold three children’s rooms that will accommodate 44 children, an outdoor play space, and other functional rooms.

The facility is expected to operate from 6.30am to 6.30pm between Monday and Friday and shut down during the weekend. A maximum of seven staff is projected, including caretakers and support staff.

About nine parking spaces are required for the application and the site already has seven sealed and line-marked ones. A request for a reduction in the required number of car parks has been lodged for the development.

The applicant notes that the shortfall of two parking spaces could be compensated by the ample kerbside parking in the neighbourhood.

The Transport Impact Assessment submitted shows a total of 43 car spaces in the adjacent streets, and only one car was observed to be parked in those areas between the morning peaking hours.

The peak hours will be between 6.30am and 8am, and 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

The assessment estimates that it is appropriate to add the traffic generation to the existing peak values in the neighbourhood.

The planning application will be advertised until 31 May. Residents are welcome to make a submission via the Casey website.

creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

“Every evening, the kids come to the ground to train and have fun, the parents are also actively involved in club activities and enjoy having a place to meet and socialise,” he said.

For Ms Hyland, “it will always be Tulliallan Sports Fields in our hearts, and seeing all the people in the community using the fieldssometimes it’s so busy I can’t see how any more people could fit; thank you to everyone in my community“.

From left, principal of Tulliallan Primary School Kathy Sharp, Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM, Rebecca Hyland from the Tulliallan Resident Group and her two daughters Georgia and Olivia, Tulliallan Resident Group member Angie Serwecinska, Navepreet Saini from Cranbourne United Soccer Club, and Buddhika Managoda from Eastern Rebel’s Cricket Club. Picture: SUPPLIED.

Student and coordinators from SMRC. 406240

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Coordinators Sodaba (teacher), Najma, Farida and Malahat. 406240

Cassandra Fernando MP, Wicki Wickiramasingham (deputy chairman), and SMRC CEO Rakesh Sharma. 406240

Park for a Doveton legend

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Doveton community leaders are calling for the untitled Autumn Place park to be named after a humble, huge-hearted local legend.

For decades, the late Agnes O’Brien was widely admired for embodying the spirit of Doveton.

Many kids called her ‘Nanna’, some ‘Aggie’ and others ‘Saint Agnes’.

The single mother-of-four was credited for putting countless kids on the right path, bringing them off the streets and into her home and sport clubs.

Some say she saved numerous lives.

The idea to re-name Doveton’s central park came from Doveton Boxing Club’s Ryan Wilson – one of many inspired by her to help the young.

Growing up in the 1980s, he remembers her picking up litter and visiting the schools urging the students to play footy.

She ran the region’s first Vic Kick Australian Rules juniors program, volunteering tirelessly at Doveton’s football clubs.

“She was always around and helping people – she was one of those people who didn’t want the recognition but she impacted a lot of people’s lives.”

Wilson regards it as a travesty that Agnes hasn’t yet been recognised. And the Autumn Place park and playground is a “good fit”, being a place where Agnes would often reach out to a distressed kid.

The recognition would also right a historical wrong – in that none of Doveton’s parks and reserves are named after Doveton residents.

And just as starkly, none are named after women.

“Doveton has a strong sense of community – my parents have lived here since the 1950’s but a lot of that community spirit is dying,” Wilson says.

“Her story might help inspire people to help others.”

Without a car, Agnes famously used to walk everywhere. Often when she ventured into Dandenong, she would get a lift home from police.

Such was their respect for her, she’d ride in the front of the divvy van, and one of the officers would hunch in the back.

Her son Stephen says the police respected her good work helping kids and families in the Autumn Place park – right opposite the former police station.

“That park was a special place for her. It’s where she’d take kids. And if she saw troubled souls she’d spend a lot of time with them.

“She saved a lot of lives in that park.”

While on a single mum’s pension, she would often look after up to six other kids while their parents worked.

“It was always busy at home. Obviously times were also very tough. What we had was

not a lot, but there was a lot of emotional support and love,” Stephen says.

“Right up until her passing, some of those kids still called her ‘Nanna’.”

During the footy season, she’d ask her son to pick a friend who was struggling. And she’d take the two of them to aVFL game.

Agnes was a big believer in sport to keep kids out of trouble. Any kids up to no good would be encouraged to play.

At the footy club, she did it all and often gave up her weekends. Team manager, canteen worker,Vic Kick organiser, vice-president.

“Everything that needed to be done, she would say yes.”

Stephen has followed in her footsteps, coaching and mentoring young charges at Cranbourne Football Club.

“She’s my inspiration. I remember when she passed, someone posted on social media that for a lady who had nothing, she gave her all.

“My sister replied she had more than most.

“She might not have had a car and nice house. She just had the biggest heart, just an ability to help others.”

Born in Portafairy just outside Belfast in Ireland, Agnes was one of 11 children. In her teens, she already showed her immense care for people and trained as a nurse.

At 18, she and her sister took a boat out to Australia for a new life.

After an arduous three-month journey, her sister decided to return home as soon as they reached Sydney’s docks.

But Agnes stayed, married, later left her husband with her four kids and settled in a commission house in Doveton in 1976.

“Doveton was an incredibly hard, tough place and mum loved it,” her son says.

“She loved the people as they were who they were, nothing fake, called it as it was, but were loyal, she thrived and took pride in being a battler.”

When the idea of renaming the park was raised, Stephen said it was“mind blowing” and “humbling”.

“It would be a great way to honour her legacy

“Ryan (Wilson) and the boxing club are getting kids off the streets to see a way out and see a future for themselves.

“It means the world to me – the people who came up with the idea are the ones who are continuing her legacy.”

The proposal has been enthusiastically backed by Agnes’s children, a past police officer at Doveton as well as the Doveton Eumemmerring Township Association (DETA) and Bruce MP Julian Hill.

DETA chair Stefan Koomen said it was disappointing that Casey Council hadn’t responded more than a year after Wilson made his submission.

“The main thing is we want to have our local history recognised.

“Women like Agnes need to be recognised or their contributions will be lost.”

It’s crucial to not only celebrate Agnes’s name, but also to depict her story on a plaque, Koomen says.

“The change is definitely warranted. The playground is literally just called Autumn Place Playground.”

Senior Sergeant Andrew O’Brien, not related to Agnes, also wrote a glowing tribute in support of renaming the park after the “true, selfless local hero”.

“No job was too big or small and they were always done with a smile, a kind word and a real hustle which was a unique characteristic of Agnes. From my perspective it is sad she isn’t here to see it as for too long it was just accepted and acknowledged only by those who knew her. It is never too late to acknowledge great people who made a real and important difference.”

The senior police officer grew up playing

with the

There was no more important or harder-working volunteer than Agnes, he said.

“I was one of many young people who without the support of volunteers at the club may have gone either way with our life choices.

“Working or absent fathers were a regular issue and in some cases these clubs were our most important support system, teaching us team values, respect, discipline and where needed genuine emotional support.”

Bruce MP Julian Hill said Agnes dedicated her life to “uplifting the Doveton community”.

“A truly selfless individual, it is only right that Agnes’ legacy is commemorated in the place that meant so much to her.

“I hope the Casey City Council decide to support this proposal and recognise the outstanding impact of the late Agnes O’Brien on our community.

“It would also be one worthy small step to addressing the dearth of public places named after women in our community.”

Casey Council growth and investment acting manager Nick Felstead said the naming proposal must undergo a review to ensure it complies with State Government guidelines as well as the rules of Geographic NamesVictoria (GNV). “The proposal to name the park at 29 Autumn Place, Doveton after Agnes O’Brien, along with letters of recommendation and a letter of consent is currently under review and we will endeavour to provide an outcome for the submitter once finalised.

“To better support gender equity in our commemorative and place names across Casey, Council has implemented a program and endorsed guidelines in accordance with GNV for the naming of new recreation reserves and community facilities.

“This is part of Council’s commitment to increase gender equity in the naming process to recognise the many people who have left their mark on Casey.”

Seven things that help your business and cost nothing

Most things in business cost money, but there are some things that you can do which differentiate you and your business from the rest and which cost absolutely nothing. Below are just seven that will give a great return and create a positive impression of your business: Avoid ghosting

In recent times the word “ghosting” seems to have become a common part of our vernacular, but I don’t recall hearing this at all even just a few years ago. The term is used to describe a situation in which someone who used to be friendly or connected with you suddenly cuts off all communication without explanation. This may be a symptom of people being ‘too busy’ or uncomfortable with responding back, but whatever the reason it is fundamentally disrespectful and creates ambiguity in the relationship. If you have an issue, say so or if you simply can’t respond in a timely manner, at least provide an indication when you can. Being responsive

Similar to the item above, it’s good to respond back quickly, even if it’s just to indicate that

you can’t provide a full response until later. This is especially important in customer service situations as a delayed response leaves the customer uncertain as to whether their communication has been received. Swift responses to enquiries or tender requests will leave an impression that you are action-oriented and may lead to earlier consideration by the receiver ahead of the competition.

Arrive on time

This is important not just for customer visits but also internal meetings. Keeping people waiting sends a message that your time is more important than theirs and actually costs a business money, e.g. 6 people left waiting for ten minutes for a meeting to start

equates to one hour lost time.

Positive attitude

We know that there will always be problems in business, but how you deal with these speaks volumes about you and your resilience. It is often the case that problems can lead to greater insights (even though it may not seem like it at the time) so viewing issues as potential learning opportunities may make things easier all round and earn you the respect of others.

Great work ethic

People have different views about what this looks like but fundamentally it comes down to taking personal responsibility and ownership so that things get seen through to completion. It means doing the hard yards to ensure that commitments are met and work is completed to a sufficiently high standard. Pressure situations will typically differentiate those with a great work ethic from those that are lacking here and committed people are always highly valued by the company.

Showing respect

Should be a no-brainer these days as everyone deserves to be treated with respect, even if they appear to be doing the wrong thing. Being respectful is validating as it sends a message to the other person that you value them for who they are and improves listening. In business, people do business with those they know, like and trust and respect lies at the heart of these.

Being coachable

This one might seem a bit odd, but as a Business Advisor, I believe that the most successful businesses are lead by managers that are “coachable”.Why? Because coachable people are open-minded to new possibilities and tend to be curious about ways to improve rather than being stuck in their old ways. Doing so opens up the possibility to do things differently since if‘you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you have got’.

football

Doveton Junior Football Club.

Front from left, Stefan Koomen and daughter Frankie, Frank and Jackie Horvath (Agnes’ daughter), Lisa and Steve O’Brien (Agnes’ son) and Ryan Wilson; at back includes Mia Wilson, Didi Wilson, Justin Le, John Turner and Clint Wilson in the currently unnamed park in Autumn Place, Doveton.

Agnes O’Brien is remembered fondly as a big-hearted volunteer who helped kids find the right path.

Oates gets back on campaign trail

By Ethan Benedicto

Former City of Casey mayor and current president of the Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association, Brian Oates is looking to play his hand at this year’s October reelection.

With a drive to make some changes, Mr Oates believes that having the old model of administration, with elected councillors and a mayor, is “a really good step forward”.

“The way I see it there’s an awful lot of stuff that hasn’t been done, I think there’s a lot of things that need to be looked after,” he said.

Casey has been without a mayor and councillors since 2020, when local government minister Adem Somyurek dismissed the council following an IBAC investigation into allegations of developer John Woodman donating money to councillors in order to influence planning decisions.

Bringing council rates down is a key focus in Mr Oates’ overall campaign, with a “look into the structure of council and see why it is that we’re still having to get the highest rate increases every time”.

“There needs to be a lot of work done in aged care, road surfaces, youth violence, domestic violence and so on,” he said.

Casey’s rates arrears peaked in 2023, when in that fiscal year rates were capped at 3.5 per cent, with Noelene Duff PSM commenting in a previous Star News article that the rate was “0.5 per cent below the Essential Services Comission recommendation and less than the rates of inflation [that were] currently being experienced inVictoria”.

Ms Duff also added that the costs were not only influenced by the increase of consumer price index every year,“but also by the effect of increased construction costs for capital works projects”.

Former mayor and current president of the CRRA, Brian Oates, is looking to make a comeback in this year’s October elections. Picture: SUPPLIED

For Mr Oates, it’s all about going “back to the basics of rates, roads and rubbish”.

“When I finished in 2005, I left the place [council] and we were right up at the top of ratepayers’ satisfaction, and we were down the bottom of rate costs but by 2007, it goes up on a 60 degree angle and it’s not stopped,” he said.

According to the Essential Services Commission, the current rate cap for the financial year of 2024-2025 is at 2.75 per cent, a decrease from the previous financial year, with rate figures between the financial years of 2016-17 and 2022-23 averaging at 2.0 per cent.

“Between now and October I’ll be out talking to people, asking what concerns they’ve got, asking about what they think about the fact that some of the former councillors might be getting re-elected because nobody knows who they were,” Mr Oates said.

During the 2020 IBAC investigation, Mr Oates had been listed with four other candidates as a target for donations from John Woodman’s ALP lobbyist Phil Staindl.

While Mr Staindl had initially offered a donation to Mr Oates’ campaign fund, the latter party declined saying that he didn’t“want to be in someone’s debt” and that he wasn’t going to “do what they want me to do on council”.

“I’ve had people saying to me that there’s going to be a lot of new people [and] it won’t change the culture because the council have still got a lot of people who’ve been there for a long time, and that [they] need somebody to actually get in there and [they] can trust.

“We’re going to get some things happening in the city; a lot of people said that to me and I thought, I can go in there and assist people who are getting elected for the first time.

“Council moves very, very slowly, it’s still very much the same and I don’t think the culture is as good as it could be,” Mr Oates said.

Having an early start leading to this year’s council elections is the move for Mr Oates, with more outreach planned, sticking to the notion that “people should [know more] about who their councillors are, and what they really are going to do for the community”.

Sandon report sparks improved protocols

By Violet Li

Casey Council has updated its protocols for councillors’ decision-making on planning applications with additional documentation of communication and enhanced declaration of interests.

Two additions have been introduced to implement recommendations from IBAC’s Operation Sandon report, as reported at the council meeting on 22 May.

The first addition will be in relation to the planning matter determined in front of the council. The proponent and all the parties involved, including the applicant, developer, landowner, and consultant, will be required to disclose reportable donations and other financial arrangements with relevant decisionmakers.

The other addition will require the council to document alternate recommendations for any planning scheme amendment decisions to ensure transparency in decision-making.

Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said at the meeting that the updated version was a must-read.

“This is the how-to guide. This is the whatto-do guide. This is the expectation guide,” he said.

“This is what anybody who sits in this place needs to understand, needs to adhere to, needs to adapt their professional and personal conduct to and ensure that they understand the principles and the requirements in these documents so that they can perform this role professionally, ethically, integrally, and in the best interest of the community.”

He especially pointed out the significance of clause 4.1 that related to the requests to councillors for advice and information from parties.

Clause 4.1 states that councillors should “refer parties seeking information or advice to the website, customer service or office of council”.

Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said at the council meeting in May that the updated version of Protocols for Councillors - Land Use Planning was a must-read.

Tech boost

Chisholm Institute has received almost $2m as part of the Federal Government’s TAFE Technology Fund.

The $1.95 million grant will be used to replace and upgrade existing equipment to include computerised numerical control (CNC) and coordinated measuring machine (CMM) technology.

The tech will be used by Certificate IV Engineering students to learn advanced production and operation skills, and industry 4.0 readiness.

Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said the skilling and reskilling of workers was “critical” for “secure and rewarding careers” and a Future Made in Australia.

“Upgrading TAFEs with world-class resources is essential to ensuring they’re equipped to deliver training to the standards that industry and students expect.”

Victorian Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney said the upgrade was “equipping students with cutting-edge skills for the industries of tomorrow”.

“Together with the Federal Government, we’re removing financial barriers, preparing workers to meet the demands of our evolving economy, and ensuring every Victorian has the opportunity to get the skills they need for the job they want.”

Bruce MP Julian Hill said Chisholm would “remain at the forefront of skills training, bolstering job-readiness for young people and workers retraining for future jobs”.

“A decade of Liberal cuts and neglect of TAFE and higher education, locked Australians out of jobs and created a major skills crisis in our economy.

“Labor’s $50 millionTAFETechnology Fund, alongside Fee-Free TAFE, is reinvigorating training, upskilling Australia’s workforce and boosting productivity.”

The fund, including $8 million in Victoria, is being used to upgrade TAFE laboratories, workshops, new equipment, and simulated learning environments.

The Federal Government is also providing $502.9 million for an additional 320,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places over the next three years.

35yo injured

By William Ton Aap

A 35-year-old woman was stabbed near the Westfield Fountain Gate bus stop at 5.20pm on Sunday 19 May.

A 34-year-old Croydon man allegedly approached the woman with an edged-weapon near Overland Drive.

Police began a search after arriving, and a man was arrested shortly after in Hallam. He has since been charged with intentionally causing injury, possessing a controlled weapon and theft.

The woman was treated by paramedics on the scene, and suffered non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect was set to appear at the Dandenong Magistrate’s Court on Monday 20 May.

Raid failure

Police are investigating an attempted ram-raid burglary at a tobacconist outlet in Hallam.

A vehicle was driven into the shop’s roller-shutter entrance in Spring Square about 2.30am onWednesday 22 May.

“This is one of the issues that came up in Operation Sandon around unsolicited approaches to councilors from developers around specific proposals and other aspects of council administration, where arguably there was conduct that didn’t meet statutory expectations,” Mr Boardman said.

these particularly statutory obligations, what this policy hopefully does is alleviate that confusion by providing clear and absolute clarity around the role and expectations.

“I think that if we’re looking at where councillors in the past have probably got themselves into a little bit of confusion around

“It is something that really does need to be read by any aspirational council candidate and will be an integral part of councilor training moving forward.”

“The offenders were unable to gain access to the premises and drove off leaving the roller shutter damaged,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“The investigation is ongoing and at this stage it is unknown if it Is linked to any other incidents.”

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic. com.au

Diverse support expands

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

LGBTIQA+ asylum seekers and refugees in the South East may be set for more support as part of a funding announcement in Dandenong on Friday 17 May.

Equality Minister Harriet Shing announced recipients from the new funding program LGBTIQA+ Sector Strengthening during a rainbow flag-raising at Harmony Square on Friday 17 May.

It was Greater Dandenong’s fifth year of raising the rainbow flag as part of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Many Coloured Sky (MCS) will use the grant to expand its support for asylum seekers and refugees in outer suburbia and regional Victoria.

Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia were among the front-runners for the expanded service’s three new regions, chief executive Ian Seal said.

Other options were Melbourne’s North, Melbourne’s West, Greater Shepparton and Greater Mildura.

“The core of our work is to have safe, social spaces for members to come together where they can make friends, raise concerns and share their dreams,” Seal said.

“Sadly the majority of our members have become cut off from their own families and broader cultural communities.

“They may not have the means or feel safe to access mainstream LBGTIQA+ services. They’re stuck in a hard place.”

Activities include peer-mentoring sessions and fortnightly drop-in dinners, as well as case-work support.

MCS also liaises with health and housing services which may not fully understand their members’ challenges.

“The kinds of short-term and emergency

accommodation are highly gendered.There’s a set of apartments for refugee women, another for refugee men, another for families.

“But many of our members may not be safe or welcome in these highly gendered spaces.

“For new arrivals who are placed with people of the same cultural backgrounds, that means they’re placed with people of the same cultural beliefs that were persecuting them in their own country.”

Seal said Greater Dandenong was possibly “late” to recognise its LGBTIQA+ residents but “certainly not the last”.

“I want to congratulate City of Greater Dandenong for doing this (rainbow flag-raising), for creating a public event and creating publicity around this issue.

“By inviting us to be part of the event today, they’re recognizing that this intersectional community has needs and that queer people from newly-arrived backgrounds need to feel safe and welcome here.”

Queer asylum-seeker ‘Kye’ – not his real name – says the support from MCS was vital. He originally lived at Mt Hotham then moved to Melbourne to “start over”, meet and

connect with queer people.

However, Kye felt isolated from his Indonesian diaspora in Australia. And doubly isolated from mainstream LGBTIQA+ services due to his cultural background.

The peer support group at MCS instead became his new “family”, he says.

Kye has since joined the group’s advisory committee and taken up a humanitarian scholarship at Monash University.

“Everyone needs family, peers and company. It’s an organization I can go to and be safe.

“Two years later my life is much better. Friends accept me as I am and I never had that in the past.”

The 29-year-old sought asylum after realising during a working holiday in Australia that gay people were safe here.

“I’d never accepted that part of myself. I was conflicted in my beliefs from growing up in a religious boarding house.

“It was the hardest thing throwing away my life in Indonesia and I couldn’t go back. It’s cost me my older life - the people, the places and the culture that I grew up in.

“But otherwise I couldn’t live with the whole of me.

“The people I grew up with – if they found out, they wouldn’t accept it.”

Twelve groups shared $800,000 in grants as part of the new LGBTIQA+ Sector Strengthening program.

“We have always supported LGBTIQA+ communities in Victoria and these new grants are designed to support the growth, vitality and sustainability of the LGBTIQA+ sector for years to come,” Shing said.

“Now more than ever, it’s important we are supporting Victorian LGBTIQA+ groups and organisations to connect and thrive as we continue our work to ensure that in Victoria, equality is not negotiable.”

Sexual exploitation awareness focus of organisation

By Ethan Benedicto

The St Kilda Gatehouse sees a third of the overall number of young people they support hailing from the City of Casey, with similar figures from Greater Dandenong.

With its foundations beginning in 1992, the Gatehouse has since aimed to provide spaces of belonging and connection for women in sex work, and especially those who are young and affected by sexual exploitation.

According to the program manager for the Gatehouse’s Young Women’s Program, Rebecca Roberts, “it’s all about empowering them”.

“To make choices for themselves and [be a] role model to them [on] what positive choices can look like and for them to learn how to put some of these things in place, in their own lives,” she said.

The Young Women’s Program (YWP) began in 2015 and was launched as an early intervention model of girls aged 12 to 25, with the aim of providing insight into the sexual exploitation they experienced, or are currently experiencing in order to make an empowering change.

Gatehouse CEO Nickie Gyomber said that while there isn’t an “internationally recognised definition” of sexual exploitation, it’s “when somebody manipulates somebody into engaging in sexual acts for their own gratification [and] not for the enjoyment of the [other] person”.

“St Kilda Gatehouse works in a relational model, and what that means is we actually spend time getting to know people, some organisations take a case management approach, we don’t, we walk alongside, we journey with people,” Ms Gyomber said.

The YWP team consists of Ms Roberts plus three additional people, with one of their initiatives being school-based group work programs where Ms Roberts works closely with child protection services and police, attending meetings with relevant

Nickie Gyomber is the current CEO of the St Kilda Gatehouse. Ms Gyomber is keen on expanding the not-for-profit’s reach to a statewide level. Picture: SUPPLIED

parties to “look at how we can support and disrupt sexual exploitation for the young people in the community”.

“That includes talking with stakeholders in the community, so it might be workers from other organisations who are working with young people who are facing different issues, and so I just talk with them about how they can support that young person better,” Ms Roberts said.

These conversations range from community-based organisations, to child protection workers, residential care workers, schools and so forth, with wellbeing teams in schools in regular contact with the YWP team to make referrals or ask for support.

“Some of them are highly at-risk young people who are struggling to make positive choices in their lives and might not have a lot of support around them to help empower them,” Ms Roberts said.

She added that it’s all about “the ability to say no if they don’t want something,

the ability to make choices that are safe for them and can provide them with the support they need to move on and be in a space where they can have fulfilling lives”.

In March this year, the Gatehouse released their participants’ outcomes report, which detailed that with a survey of 18 women, 100 per cent reported improvement in being safe and secure.

Additionally, 94 per cent said they had improved in feeling valued and belonging, with 80 per cent saying they felt improvement in things such as having safe relationships, mental health, positive sense of identity, life skills, etc.

A major barrier identified by the survey was labelled under personal issues, with 78 per cent of participants suffering from a range of items that include but are not limited to AOD use or dependence, mental health challenges and negative relationships.

“There’s a lot of risk factors that can contribute to being at risk for sexual exploitation [which] can include disengagement from education, not having positive attachments to a significant adult in their life, previous experience of sexual abuse or negative experiences of sex.

“Also homelessness, living in residential care, having a learning disability and so on, and in our program, we work with looking at those risk factors and trying to to mitigate them, but then also trying to build up the protective factors for the young people,” Ms Roberts said.

These protective factors include notions such as a positive sense of self and having a positive relationship with a key role model, or for that young person to feel connected with their community, have some form of support or being socially engaged in either school or work.

While the process can be difficult, patience is a key factor that plays into the relational model of the program, with Ms Gyomber saying that “it’s not like a sausage

factory where you have this step and then this step, because it’s really about addressing the needs of that individual in that space and time”.

“They may remain involved with us for years, and that’s really important because if you’ve got a young person who is moving between housing or moving in and out of schooling, they may not have a safe, secure and consistent person in their lives - and for some people, the YWP can be that safe and secure person.”

For Ms Roberts, fostering that personal relationship is important, and that building that positive relationship can simply be through “taking them out into somewhere away from their every day”.

“We’ll take them to a park or to the beach or somewhere they can get away into nature and feel safe and just be able to share, and it’s through time and through that relationship - nothing happens really quickly.

“It’s through being patient and proving to the young person that you can be trusted that has the positive difference, it’s listening to them advocating for them,” Ms Roberts said.

Looking forward, Ms Gyomber would love to see the Gatehouse grow into a statewide service, saying that “this is a problem that exists across the state, across the country and the world”.

“The City of Casey is not a risk factor, but the young people there, in Greater Dandenong and in some of the eastern areas as well have access to this service,” she said.

While expansion is ideal not just for the Gatehouse, but for those who require its services, they are still limited by funding. As for now, the organisation will continue to connect with partners in philanthropy, their own fundraising campaigns and liaise with parties in need and the DFFH.

“We’re going to continue all of that just to make sure that we can maximise our impact,” Ms Gyomber said.

Equality Minister Harriet Shing and Greater Dandenong resident Aminui hoist the rainbow colours on IDAHOBIT Day in Harmony Square, Dandenong. 407401 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Knifepoint abduction horror

By Rachael Ward and Emily Woods, AAP

A mother is afraid to leave her home after she and her baby were abducted from a shopping centre by a man armed with a knife.

The victim, known as Kieren, says she was terrified the offender would hurt her sixmonth-old daughter during the ordeal.

She was getting out of her silver Suzuki at Stud Park Shopping Centre car park in Rowville on 10 May when the man approached her with a knife.

He forced her into the driver’s seat before getting into the back seat next to the baby.

The man then forced the mother to drive to three different electrical stores and go inside to buy Apple MacBooks while he waited with the child.

Eventually, he took over driving and pulled up at Robert Booth Reserve where he got out and left with the laptops.

The mother sought help from a nearby kebab shop.

The mother and child were not physically harmed, but Kieren says she was terrified he would drive off with the baby while she was

inside the stores.

“I was just so worried in a panic that he would drive away with her inside and he didn’t, I was thankful for that,” she told report-

ers through tears on Friday.

Kieren tried to de-escalate the situation by being nice to her abductor but felt so sick at one point she had to pull over to vomit.

“All I can remember hearing was my daughter crying, he was trying to get her to calm down and I was trying to get him to calm down, we were both crying,” she said.

Kieren’s husband was able to track her location by her phone and caught up with the car at the second store where he unsuccessfully tried to stop the abduction.

“I just remember yelling at my husband that he has a knife and that I just didn’t want him to get hurt,” she said.

“Then my husband tried to save my daughter, but couldn’t.”

She said the man told her he was a nurse and would not hurt her daughter as she was the same age as his niece.

“I had to believe he wasn’t going to hurt us in the end,” she said.

The mother has only left her house once since the abduction, and is fearful the man knows information about her as he had her wallet in the car.

“I have to tell myself that it’s very unlikely to ever, ever happen again to me and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone else, it’s really hard to feel safe,” she said.

Detective Senior Constable Jonathan Minehan said the abduction was unusual and appeared to have been an isolated incident.

He said the mother behaved in an admirable and impressive way that kept her and the baby safe.

“To put a young family through a protracted and traumatic experience purely for financial gain, it baffles me,” he said.

Anyone who may be able to identify the man, or who has dashcam footage from the Stud Park area between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on 10 May, has been asked to contact investigators.

Detectives have described the offender as being of Asian appearance aged between 20 and 35.

He was wearing a grey hoodie, green fluorescent vest, a dark face covering, black pants and dark shoes.

Police are performing extra patrols in the area and have set up an information caravan.

Bittersweet ‘victory’ in long-running Doveton Pool battle

By Ethan Benedicto

The decision for the City of Casey to remove multiple pools and slides from Doveton Pool in the Park was bittersweet, following the last few years’ worth of campaigning from local residents.

During the special council meeting on Tuesday 28 May, director of city planning and city infrastructure James Collins gave the final confirmation of the “decommissioning of the program pool, the toddler pool, slides and Gambetta room”.

While this decision is not new and had been a riveting topic in 2022, surrounding the ‘Save Doveton Pool’ campaign, Stefan Koomen, one of the half dozen residents who submitted a question on Tuesday’s meeting, said “we did everything we could”.

“So council you know, committed to maintaining the facade, but not keep them as pools I guess; what they did say was, [since] we ran this campaign, we spoke to the administrators and the officers and they’ve committed to have some water play areas at the park and fun activities for little ones.

“That’s positive; we’re pleased with that, our efforts made a difference and if we didn’t run the campaign, the whole thing would have been demolished,” he said.

On 16 August 2022, it was decided that council would endorse the $21.14 million master plan to retain the 50-metre pool.

Mr Collins added during the meeting that “there will be a number of programs offered to ensure the 50-metre pool will provide a service to people of all ages and abilities, in-

cluding young children and their families”.

“The adopted Doveton Pool and Park master plan seeks to balance demonstrated community need, maximise usage for a range of activities year-round and recognise practical realities of funding such assets for

the community,” he said.

The entire campaign and their efforts, is what Stefan considers a “victory”.

“It’s been fantastic to see everyone come together and I just want to thank the whole

community for getting behind the campaign.

“But I guess it shows there’s still more work, we’ve got to be vigilant to make sure that they [council] deliver on what they’ve committed.”

Stefan Koomen was part of the original Save Doveton Pool campaign, and also one of half a dozen residents who filed a question for Casey Council regarding the pool’s status on Tuesday, 21 May.

Picture: SUPPLIED

A man last seen with four computers on the Dandeong Creek Trail, Dandenong is wanted by police for questioning.

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I used to compete in special Olympics and swam for state.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love seeing the kids improve and enjoy themselves as they are learning and also being around water.

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

I would be a seal because I’m fast in the water and slow on land.

What was your most memorable moment? Winning medals in swimming comps.

What were you like as a kid?

I was a very easygoing kid - shy, happy. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

A concert by my favourite artist. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

My family, friends, my partner.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Polite, funny, intelligent.

What would you do on your perfect day off?

I would go to the gym or shop or catch up with friends.

Where is your happy place?

Home such as a place with all my loved ones. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

Some sort of pasta.

Where is your dream holiday destination? Italy or France.

as well as a student at Holmesglen Institute. Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO

with Nikita Rogers

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OCCUPY AND INVEST

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The site benefits from the following features:

• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew

• Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises

• Prominent corner location

• Rear shared car park

Address: 275 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup Floor Area: 118m² | Category: Retail

For more information or an inspection, please contact:

Shannon Hynd | 0499 980 100

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Todd McKenna | 0418 391 182

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THREE … events to expect at

1

Dino Safari, Wilson Botanic Park Berwick

Enjoy interactive experiences such as roving dinosaurs, animatronic displays, and fossil-dig sandpits.

2

School of Rock, presented by Windmill Theatre Company

Based on the beloved film, School of Rock tells the story of Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who poses as a substitute teacher and transforms a class of straight-A students into a rock band. With infectious tunes, energetic performances, and a heartwarming narrative, this production is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

3

Berwick District Woodworkers Club Expo 2024

Once again, the BDWWC will open their doors to the public to showcase the incredible work of members, including furniture, woodturning, carving, pyrography, scroll saw work, rocking horses, toys, and a range of other aspects of woodworking.

NEWS

Free checks for in need

RSPCA Victoria’s first Healthy Pet Day event in Cranbourne will be held at the Cranbourne Community House on Wednesday 29 May, where RSPCA experts will provide free checkups, dog and cat vaccines, pet food, and behavioural advice for local pet owners in need.

RSPCA Victoria community outreach manager Dr Lauren Roberts said the Healthy Pet Days were a great way to provide your furry companions with vital health checks during the cost-of-living crisis.

“Our expert animal care team provides vaccines, pet check-ups, microchipping, flea and worm treatment, along with behavioural advice, resources, and pet food,” she said.

“These services are completely free for local valid concession card holders and would cost over $150 all up per animal.

“We want to keep the local pets happy and healthy for years to come, and pet owners in need will have access to expert advice and the best possible service thanks to our friendly vets, vet nurses and animal behaviourists.

“We’re delighted to run this event at the Cranbourne Community House and meet the locals and their furry friends.”

RSPCA Victoria’s Healthy Pet Days are possible thanks to funding from the Petbarn Foundation, with the Healthy Pet Days having helped 204 animals, saving pet owners around $30,600 across four events.

Speaking about the Healthy Pet Days, Petbarn Foundation Manager Janelle Bloxsom said they could be vital for pet owners experiencing financial strain.

“The Petbarn Foundation is proud to support the RSPCA and help pet owners access free veterinary care, ensuring that pets stay healthy and families can stay together,” she said.

RSPCA partner Royal Canin is also providing take-home pet food for some residents.

For more information or to book your pet’s appointment, please visit: rspcavic.org/ healthypet

To access the free Healthy Pet Day services, attendees must:

· Be 18 years old or over,

· Be a valid concession or health care card holder (e.g., Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Health Care card, Pensioner Concession Card), and

· Have proof of address in the City of Casey.

· Important Information:

· All cats attending the Healthy Pet Day must be in a secure carry cage, and dogs must be on a lead.

· Cat and dog vaccines are available at this event.

· Every animal requires a separate appointment to ensure they receive the care they need.

· Services at this event will not be provided to breeders or litter rearers.

Date: Wednesday 29 May 2024, 10am to 3pm Venue: Cranbourne Community House, 49 Valepark Crescent, Cranbourne

Nikita Rogers spoke on the Barriers to Work Panel at the recent GSEM Jobs and Skills summit on 3 May, working as a student teacher at Monash

RSPCA Victoria’s first Healthy Pet Day event in Cranbourne will be held at the Cranbourne Community House on Wednesday 29 May. Picture: SUPPLIED

WHAT’S ON

Country Women’s Association, Berwick Branch

Country Women’s Association, Berwick Branch warmly invites you to attend an event next month with guest speaker Ms Toni Arfaras from StrokeSafe Foundation, which works to prevent, treat, and beat strokes. Over 450,000 Australians are living with strokes and a stroke occurs every 19 minutes!

Members $2, Non Members $5. Tea/ coffee and supper will be served.

RSVP by Friday 31 May for catering – Kate Azzopardi, president, 0435 863 054.

· Monday 3 June, 2024, Berwick Community Centre, Timbarra Way, Berwick, 7pm CWA Berwick Branch, Wine and Cheese event

Cost - $25 per head or $40 for a couple. A wide variety of paired cheeses will be available. Fundraising for Children’s Disability Services supporting local children and their families. Booking: trybooking.com/CRPJB

· Friday 14 June, 7pm – 9pm, Berwick Neighbourhood Centre, TImbarra Hall, Timbarra Way, Berwick.

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

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

Berwick Springs VIEW Club

Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick

Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.

The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.

Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.

The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.

· For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

Probus Club of Casey Combined

We are hoping to attract new members to our Probus Club of Casey Combined. We are hoping there are retirees out there who would be interested in joining our Club. Meetings finish at noon when many of our members assemble for lunch at one of our local cafes. After morning tea we have an interesting guest speaker. Our Club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Berwick to provide the opportunity to meet and mingle with other retirees. Open to singles.

· We meet at the Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick at 9.45am on the second Tuesday of each month.

Blind Bight Community Centre Programs

The Magic Of Your Birthdate Numerology (three dates): 23, 30 May and 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. Intro to Cake Decorating: 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Learn all the tricks to creating a beautiful cake. Skills will cover fondant work, simple modelling and lots more. BYO Cake. Two dates – 20 and

27 May, $25 per class. For bookings ring Blind Bight Community Centre on 5998 7014.

· 42 Anchorage Drive, Blind Bight, 5998 7014, 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

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. Website: 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

Mental Health Peer Support

Program Cranbourne Group - Free

The program is based on a 12-step program of personal growth, mutual help, and support. Participants share challenges and solutions in a supportive and structured peer-to-peer format within a confidential, caring, and sharing community.

· The meetings are weekly and go for about two hours. 10.30am to 12.30pm Thursday, excluding school holidays, 7/9 Selandra Boulevard (Balla Balla Community Centre), Clyde North. For any enquires contact Grow Victoria on 9528 2977/1800 558 268.

All-natural Sunraysia Prune Extract is

100%

Naturally containing fibre, potassium, vitamin K, magnesium, Boron and Sorbitol

Helps promote gut health and improved digestion

Erosion hits home

To mitigate the effects of climate change on the coastline, the City of Casey has developed a draft Coastal Framework.

The framework, which the community can now view and provide feedback on, will provide information and guidelines as to how the council will manage and adapt to coastal hazards. This includes coastal erosion, temporary inundation, and sea-level rise.

Situated within Victoria’s Western Port Bay, Casey’s coastline encompasses the communities of Warneet, Cannons Creek, Blind Bight, and Tooradin.

The coast is important for the animals and ecosystems that live in this area, particularly the endangered species of shorebirds that reside in native mangroves, seagrass beds and saltmarshes. Not only this, but the coastline is also important for the economic vitality of the Casey community.

Reports have shown an increase in sea levels in Western Port Bay, causing hazards of land erosion and temporary flooding. These hazards continue to negatively impact environmental, economic and social factors of the community.

The framework is being funded through

the Department of Transport and Planning’s Coastal Planning Grants program.

“A changing climate is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events leading to greater damage from storm surges and intense rainfall events. At the other end of the scale, there will be longer and more severe droughts and heatwaves reducing freshwater inflows via Rutherford Creek and other waterways,” the City of Casey wrote.

To have your say, and find more detailed information about the framework, visit casey. vic.gov.au/news/have-your-say-draft-caseycoastal-framework

Three held

Police have charged three men who allegedly evaded police in Cranbourne on Wednesday 15 May.

Of the three men, two, one 24 years old and the other 43 years old, are from Cranbourne North and West respectively. The 24-year-old man was charged with 67 offences, which included the intentional aggravated exposure of an emergency worker to risk by driving, innumerable thefts, and theft of motor vehicle. He was set to appear in court the same day.

Officers first observed a Nissan Patrol allegedly driving erratically on Thompsons Road around 11.50am.

At some point, it was believed that one of the occupants exited the Nissan before allegedly stealing a Mercedes from a dealership in Moorabbin.

With assistance from the Air Wing, both vehicles were followed before the Mercedes rammed a Critical Response Incident Response Team vehicle; the officers inside were not injured.

Later on, the Mercedes then collided with a pole before the driver was arrested. The Nissan Patrol was dumped before the remaining four occupants got into a third vehicle, where they were then arrested by Special Operations Group members on Belgrave-Hallam Road a short time later.

The 43-year-old man was charged with possession of drug of dependence and was bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrate’s Court on 21 June. A 37-year-old Narre Warren man and a 31-year-old Berwick man were released pending further inquiries.

Another 37-year-old man from Dandenong North was charged with carjacking and the theft of a motor vehicle.

Reports have shown an increase in sea levels in Western Port Bay.

SPORT Eagles rally to tie scores

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cranbourne has pulled off a stirring comeback to nab two points off East Brighton in a 13.5 83 apiece draw at Livingston Reserve on Saturday.

East Brighton’s Tom Lamb had a shot after the siren from outside 50 to give East Brighton the lead, but Eagle Jake Stephens laid his fist into it to help ensure the shot fell short.

The Eagles trailed by 23 points at the 13-minute mark of the last quarter, before kicking four goals in eight minutes to claim the lead early in stoppage time.

East Brighton had the territory in the last seven minutes and were able to force a rushed behind as Cranbourne looked to hold on to the one-point lead and slingshot from the backline.

Either side of that stretch of goals, the Eagles will rue a series of poorly directed kicks picked off by the Vampires, who took five intercept marks in Cranbourne’s forward 50 in the last quarter.

Casey-listed defender Andrew Green executed two big spoils late in the game, Brandon Osborne had a crucial one-on-one win and Glenn Osborne also had a critical late involvement as the backline was under enormous pressure.

What presented as an eight-point game finished up with the points split – though East Brighton looked as though it would emerge victorious for much of the day against the inconsistent Eagles.

When the visitors kicked the first goal of the last quarter, they led by 24 points.

A contested intercept mark to Dillan Bass and deep kick to Mitch Tharle’s advantage at the teeth of goal trimmed the margin, but seven minutes later, East Brighton had again

extended the buffer to 23 points.

That’swhenadesperateCranbourneplayed their best footy.

Teenager Tyler Finn’s power and ball-handling won him the crucial centre clearance, which headed to his team’s advantage, Nick Darbyshire setting it up deep where the inventive Tyson Barry snapped a major.

Jake Stephens’ and Finn’s pressure at the next centre stoppage allowed Cranbourne to again go forward despite not getting first hands on the footy.

From there, Cranbourne was able to keep the ball in its half, Stephens, Luke-Bee-Hugo and Finn finding space, eventually hitting up a leading Zak Roscoe who made no mistake from 35.

Back to an 11-point margin at the 18-minute mark.

With Bailey Buntine, Finn and Jarryd Barker roving Stephens, Cranbourne sent it forward straight from stoppage, with Bee-Hugo getting on the outside and finishing from 30.

Stephens’ ruck dominance was instrumental for the Eagles during a procession of stoppages in the corridor following that goal, before Barker won a free kick and 50-metre penalty, dobbing the set shot from 25.

Stephens, named best-on-ground, was enormous in the last quarter, while Finn showed he could stand up in pressure situations.

Barker, Finn, Dylan Cavalot, Buntine and Roscoe went through the midfield, which was cleaner, more accountable and stronger over the footy during that period.

Despite again holding their own in a sturdy test, the Eagles, currently eight points outside the top five, will be seeking the nourishment of a win when it comes up against Bentleigh.

Demons remain relevant with fighting win over Bulldogs

By David Nagel

Kooweerup’s finals hopes are alive and well after the Demons dug deep to score a 50-41 victory over Phillip Island at Denhams Road.

The Demons had one of the toughest draws to start the WGFNC season, with five of its opening six games being played against teams that currently sit in the top six on the ladder.

Kate Sidebottom and her team opened the season with back-to-back losses against high-quality outfits in Dalyston and Inverloch-Kongwak, before recording a crucial win over Nar Nar Goon in round three.

A six-goal loss to Kilcunda-Bass then ensued, before a thrilling 51-51 draw with Tooradin-Dalmore.

The game against Phillip Island on Saturday was basically a test to see which of the two would most likely edge into finals this year.

The draw now opens up for the Demons, who could sneak into the top six as early as next week.

Sidebottom (C), Claise Janssen (WA) and Chantelle Stokkel (WD) set the scene for the Demons with some high-pressure play through the midcourt; creating scoring opportunities with their hard running and causing intercepts in defence.

Ash Murphy (GA) and Jayda McConkey (GS) were typically efficient in the circle, while Mikaela Stokkel (GK) and the athletic Talia Charalambides (GD) gave the Phillip Island goalers plenty of headaches for four quarters.

The Demons, now half a game clear of the Bulldogs, should extend that gap to six points in round seven.

The Dees head to Western Park this week to take on bottom placed Warragul Industrials, while the Bulldogs host reigning-premier Inverloch-Kongwak at Cowes.

Phillip Island players Lexi Walton, Lily Mewett, Maya Huther and Ella Duggan will take good form into the contest.

Nar Nar Goon has scored a huge win in the

context of its season after the Goon girls won the first three quarters on their way to a 60-52 victory over Dalyston.

There weren’t huge margins in each quarter, but four, two and three goal advantages led to a match-winning nine-goal lead at the final interval.

Goal Shooter Kyra Esler capitalised on the great work of Olivia Hamilton (C), Meaghan Winter (WA), Chantelle Dale (WD) and Steph Lee (GA) to score 18 of her team’s 27 goals to half time.

Taylah Boatwood (GK) and Taylah Ellis (GD) were also in great form, holding the dangerous combination of Bella Schmidt (GS) and Britt Thomas (GA) to a losing score. Dalyston faces another tough test this

week, heading to Tooradin-Dalmore, while the Goon makes the short trip to Cora Lynn for a blockbuster top-three clash.

The Cobras rubber-stamped their growing credentials on Saturday with a come-frombehind 48-43 victory over Korumburra-Bena.

This one was tight from the outset, with the Giants leading by a goal at the first break before the Cobras bounced back to take a two-goal lead to half time.

The Giants then responded with a 13-10 third stanza to take a one-goal margin to the final quarter.

Cora Lynn then dominated the last quarter when the pressure was at its highest.

The Cobras outscored the Giants 14-8, with Danielle Cameron (GK) and Annabel

Sheppard (GD) taking care of business at the defensive end of the court, while Gemma Stacey (GS) and Brooke Abu-Jaber (GA) kept a steady hand under the ring.

In other games this week, InverlochKongwak was forced to work hard for its 5138 victory over a brave Kilcunda-Bass, while Garfield banked its second win for the season againstWarragul Industrials.

Things didn’t look good for the Stars early, trailing 10-13 at quarter time, but a dominant mid-period of the match helped them take control of the contest.

Georgia Coleman (GS) and Tyla Redwood (GA) scored 10 goals each in a magnificent second-quarter display, before the Stars shut the Dusties out with a 15-9 third quarter.

The Stars face a tough task in going backto-back this week; heading to fifth-placed Kilcunda-Bass.

And Tooradin-Dalmore has staged a remarkable turnaround to defeat Bunyip at Bunyip.

The Gulls were down by nine goals at half time, but turned things around with 32 goals to 15 in the second half.

Alex Maher made a massive difference when moved to Goal Shooter in the second half; scoring 29 of those 32 goals.

Jess Maher (GK) and Ebony Dolan (GD) also lifted their rating to ‘manic’ in a ruthless defensive display.

A GRADE: Bunyip 44 v Tooradin-Dalmore 52, Inverloch-Kongwak 51 v Kilcunda-Bass 38, Korumburra-Bena 43 v Cora Lynn 48, Nar Nar Goon 60 v Dalyston 52, Garfield 58 vWarragul Industrials 39, Kooweerup 50 v Phillip Island 41.

LADDER: Inverloch Kongwak 24, Cora Lynn, Nar Nar Goon 20, Dalyston, Kilcunda Bass 16, Tooradin Dalmore 14, Kooweerup 10, Phillip Island, Korumburra Bena Garfield 8, Bunyip,Warragul Industrials 0. FIXTURE R7: Warragul Industrials v Kooweerup, Phillip Island v Inverloch-Kongwak, Tooradin-Dalmore v Dalyston, Cora Lynn v Nar Nar Goon, Korumburra-Bena v Bunyip, Kilcunda-Bass v Garfield.

Talia Charalambides shows class and determination for Kooweerup. 408039

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Tyson Barry kicked an important goal to kickstart the Eagles’ comeback. 357900

Picture: ROB CAREW

Great start wasted

By Marcus Uhe

A second half fadeout saw the Casey Demons blow a golden opportunity to notch consecutive wins in the VFL on Saturday, falling seven points short of Brisbane at Casey Fields.

The home side shot out to a 26-point lead at quarter time but could only manage one goal in the second half and two beyond quarter time as they were overrun by the visiting Lions 8.9 57 to 8.16 64.

It took just 10 seconds for the Demons to open the scoring, as Oliver Sestan showed his small forward nous by sharking a lose ball in the forward line following a MitchWhite clearance, snapping truly to give his side the perfect start.

He added another two goals later in the term, with Matthew Jefferson and Jack Bell also hitting the scoreboard in the first term for a 26-point lead at the first break, having kicked with the breeze to the Berwick-Cranbourne Road end of the ground.

Brisbane managed to stem the bleeding in the second half, with Casey only managing

one, a fighting combined effort through a series of hands under pressure finished by Kai Windsor.

Two goals to one in the second term saw Brisbane cut the lead to 19 points at the long break, making small inroads the longer the game went on.

Sestan’s fourth of the afternoon was Casey’s only major in the third term, as Brisbane began to seize the upper hand in the contest.

Wayward kicking from the visitings Lions spared Casey’s blushes, kicking 3.5 in the third term to creep further and further up on the Demons, whose defence was beginning to falter.

Without key pillars in Adam Tomlinson (AFL selection) and Marty Hore (injury), the Demons’ structures were out of sync on a number of occasions leading to simple goals out the back for the Lions.

Brisbane eventually took the lead in amongst a run of 10 consecutive shots on goal spanning across three-quarter-time, courtesy of a Deven Robertson floating snap in the fourth quarter’s opening minute.

The goal gave the Lions a one-point lead,

one they never relinquished for the remainder of the afternoon as the Demons failed to answer back.

Robertson’s goal would go on to be the final of the contest, as Brisbane’s poor kicking for goal continued to keep the Demons in the hunt, but Casey could not grasp the opportunity.

Casey lost the inside 50 count by 10, the tackle count by 29 and overall disposal count by 51 as they were forced to draw on the squad’s depth, with Melbourne taking extra emergencies to Perth for its clash with West Coast on Sunday.

Beaconsfield’s Kobe Shipp made his VFL debut and had nine disposals, while Caleb Lewis and Charlie Peters were in just their second contests at the level.

Shipp’s Beaconsfield teammate Mitch Szybkowski had 16 as Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Roan Steele and Bailey Laurie led the disposal count for the Demons.

Casey stays at Casey Fields next week, hosting Sandringham on Sunday afternoon.

Clyde Cougars unleash a Hayle-storm

Clyde Junior Football Club is celebrating with double the joy at the moment after twin brothers Brayden and Riley Hayle chalked up the 50th games with the club.

The brothers celebrated their achievement on Sunday May 12, but used Sunday’s game against Narre South Saints to showcase their exquisite skills.

Brayden kicked a staggering nine goals against the Saints, while Riley wasn’t far behind with an impressive four-goal display.

Brayden and Riley began their football at Auskick - under the mentorship of coach Clint who has remained their coach the entire way through their footy careers.

From the tender age of six, to now showcasing their skills in the Under 11 age group, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Riley’s outstanding performances speak volumes; graduating from a third-place finish in the best and fairest to runner up a year later, before clinching the coveted award last year.

And let’s not forget his impressive feat of claiming the Anzac Day Medal this year as well. Meanwhile, Brayden’s contributions have been equally impressive, earning him the best and fairest runner up title last year, along with accolades for Best Clubman.

As they’ve evolved on the field, Brayden and Riley have seamlessly transitioned into their

designated roles within the game.

Brayden’s knack for scoring goals was on full display over the weekend, while Riley, known for his versatility across the field as a back and mid, added to his tally of 24 goals.

The Clyde Junior Football Club would like

Stingrays pull off stirring draw

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong’s boys have played out a thrilling draw at Shepley Oval on Sunday against Brisbane Lions Academy.

Trailing by 31 points at the three-minute-mark of the last quarter, the Rays came storming home, kicking the only five goals of the term.

Bottom-aged forward Noah HibbinsHargreaves has made a habit of standing up in big moments this season and did so again on Saturday, calmly slotting a set shot from 40 to kickstart the comeback.

Another bottom-ager, key forward Tairon Ah-Mu, kicked three of Dandenong’s next four to help engineer the comeback.

His first came via a big one-handed contested mark, which got them back within 18, before a Max Lee centre clearance and Cooper Hynes captain’s goal quickly trim the margin to 12.

His next goal came via a Harry Doughton kick to the teeth of goal which Ah-Mu soccered through, and minutes later he was released by Harvey Langford to run into an open goal.

A member of 2023’s Vic Country under-16s program, Ah-Mu has 10.1 for the season, hitting the scoreboard in every game he’s played, in between school football commitments for Haileybury College.

The Stingrays led by a point at the 19-minute-mark, but Brisbane quickly levelled the scores before a frantic final five minutes ensued.

There were several important late efforts as Brisbane pressed:Tahj De La Rue winning a one-on-one running towards the Liokns’ goal; a Kane Hurst spoil and big tackle; intercept marks to Raiden Bergman and Lachie Roe.

Hynes was the clear standout player on the day as his sensational form to start the season continued.

The Stingrays skipper showed his strength and class in gathering 27 disposals and kicking four goals, just a fortnight after combining 23 and five against Gold Coast.

Harvey Langford put forward a balanced midfield performance, Ben Hopkins provided drive and for the second consecutive week, Kane Hurst and Charlie Orchard were key pillars down back.

It was a tougher day for Dandenong’s girls which were consigned to a 1.5 11 to 5.4 34 loss to the same opponent, while Gippy went down 3.7 25 to 1.5 11 in torrential rain against Geelong Falcons.

to congratulate Brayden and Riley for their incredible achievements and unwavering dedication to the game.

The club wishes them many more milestones and memorable moments in the years ahead.

Under-16s player Grace Dillow took another step in her development at the level, Zali Gallagher provided her trademark speed, Luka Butters was staunch in the backline and Jas Sowden continued her solid start to the season.

Twin stars Brayden and Riley Hayle recently celebrated their 50th games for Clyde with a massive banner. 408538 Picture: SUPPLIED

Pat Bloink and the Stingrays nabbed a draw on Sunday. 408850

Picture: ROB LAWSON/AFL PHOTOS

Four goals to Casey Demon Oliver Sestan weren’t enough for his side to topple Brisbane at home. 408033

Picture: ROB CAREW

Cannons trending upwards

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Casey’s women have concluded a brutal block of three games in seven days with two wins and a loss.

After accounting for Knox 3-1 last Saturday, the Cannons went down 2-0 to Melbourne University on Tuesday and followed that up with a 1-0 victory over La Trobe University.

Despite the result, coach Andrew Harris was most satisfied with the hockey the women played in the 2-0 loss to Melbourne University.

Casey’s ability to match it with a team which was last season in Vic Premier League reinforced to the club that the style of hockey they’re playing can match it with the best.

It was an even tussle with Melbourne University’s ability to capitalise on their opportunities influential in the result.

“The team from Premier League play at a higher pace and are used to playing against fitter and more skilful sides,” Harris explained.

“We adapted well and our pressure was at the highest level we’ve seen all season – we didn’t give away uncontested possession.”

Saturday’s game against 11th-placed La Trobe shaped as one Casey needed to bank and they were able to do so but faded as the game went on.

The Cannons got the only goal of the day

via a short corner late in the first quarter after dominatingproceedingsearly,beforeitevened up and the backline was forced to defend a se-

Locals earn VFL call ups

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Beaconsfield’s Kobe Shipp and Berwick’s Sam Frangalas and both made their VFL debuts on the weekend.

Both players were in AFL draft conversations across their time with the Dandenong Stingrays which concluded in 2023, with Frangalas called up amidst Richmond’s injury crisis.

Shipp, the son of former Casey player Andrew, made his debut for the Demons, collecting nine disposals in the seven-point loss.

An intercept marking small defender who was invited to the state combine, Shipp recently was part of the ColgateYoung Gun series,ashowpieceeventforVictorianandTasmanian-based midseason draft prospects.

He is averaging 22 disposals and five rebound 50s in his four games for Beaconsfield, stamping his authority in round 1 when he took six intercept marks.

“I’mrapthegotanopportunityforCasey,” said Beaconsfield coach Mick Fogarty.

“He anticipates really well across halfback, he wins his one-on-ones, usually through his ability to out-position his forward, he’s really strong in the air.

“We encourage him to go for his marks and he’s shown really good offence from halfback, makes good decisions, uses the ball well and good speed out of the contest.

“He’s a ripper for us at our level to the extent that he’s too good to be playing at our level.

“He’s improving out of sight.”

Fogarty also highlighted his ability to translate his ability to the other end of the field, Shipp having three scoring shots in the one quarter he has been swung forward, against Montrose.

“He won groundball, outworked his opponent and had shots on goal – it adds to him being a complete player at our level,” the coach said.

The teenager’s attitude to work hard after being overlooked in the national draft last year has also captured attention.

“He just said ‘you know what, there’s worse things that happen in life, I’ll put my head down and try and get there the long way’,” Fogarty added.

“Kobe is really mature in that way.”

It was a baptism of fire for Frangalas on debut for Richmond, with the Tigers going down by 110 points to Sandringham Zebras, the local lad netting six disposals and four tackles.

Pearcedale goes down in tight battle with Edi-Asp

By Jonty Ralphsmith

An inaccurate last quarter proved costly for Pearcedale as it went down 11.14 80 to 14.14 98 against Edithvale-Aspendale.

Trailing by three points at the last change, the hosts kicked 1.8 to Edi-Asp’s 4.5 in the last quarter, missing a massive opportunity to take a scalp and move to third position on the ladder.

Kaolan Thornton was instrumental despite the result, winning 30 disposals and 12 clearances to go with six tackles in a midfield domination.

Ryan Bastinac was typically busy with 30 touches, while Huw Jones dominated the ruck battle with 43 hitouts and Jake Frawley was an intercepting presence across the halfback line.

Meanwhile, Devon Meadows was far too good for Rye, winning 22.15 147 to 7.9 51.

Joel Hillis cashed in with seven goals, Brendan Hermann carried his strong form from the previous week over, while Patrick Harmes, Nick Battle, Alex Canal and Jack Harmes all scored multiples.

The Panthers dominated every term, showing no mercy in a nine-goal last quarter.

The coach praised the team’s positional flexibility on Saturday and highlighted the ef-

forts of goalkeeper Sarah Sutton-McLellan and midfielders Sam Wagg and Leandra McLauchlan.

Casey currently sit seventh, two points behind sixth-placed Monash University ahead of an enormous test against the undefeated Toorak East Malvern.

Meanwhile, the men had a 5-1 win over Melbourne High School Old Boys, with Tristan Chaffey and captain Craig Moore scoring two each and Vishal Vishal also finding the back of the net.

The Cannons currently sit second on the table, but just two points separates them from seventh-placed Knox in a tight season.

Predators picked off by reigning champion Snipers

By Marcus Uhe

Snipers showed the championship-winning DNA that netted them last season’s SouthWest Gippsland Dart League title in an epic win over Predators in round 11.

Billed as a heavyweight contest, the two sides’ respective main protagonists in Dean and Steve ensured the contest lived up to the hype, as Snipers inflicted Predators’ first loss of the 2024 season in an 8-7 thriller.

Steve threw a remarkable 10 tons, his second consecutive week in double figures, and a fifth 180 of the season, with strong support from Jordan’s six tons and Nathan’s four.

Dean threw six, but it was enough to down the Predators and retake top spot on the table as the only remaining undefeated side.

Theirs was one of three contests decided by a single point in round 11 in a week where the total of the margins across the five games was the second lowest of the season so far.

Dart Vaders just edged Mud Rats to climb from fourth to fifth, while Railway swapped places with Generals in 10th and 11th place respectively after Railway’s tight victory.

Just Social also returned to the winners list after a two-week slump, downing Hoodies 114.

Five tons from Noel, meanwhile, helped Fore cruise to a 13-2 win over Bullseyes.

The upset of the round came from 26ers, who snapped a three match winless run to down Gembrook 10-5.

R11:

Ladder: Snipers 44, Predators

Pearcedale was marginally outplayed by Edi-Asp. 408040 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Results

Dart Vaders 8 v Mud Rats 7, Snipers 8 v Predators 7, 26ers 10 v Gembrook 5, Cheers 14 v Dart Attack 1, Fore 13 v Bullseyes 2, Railway 8 v Generals 7, Just Social 11 v Hoodies 4.

40, Cheers 40, Dart Vaders 32, Gembrook 28, Mud Rats 28, Just Social 24, 26ers 20, Fore 16, Railway 16, Generals 12, Dart Attack 4, Bullseyes 4, Hoodies 0.

Fixture R12: Railway (10) v Bullseyes (13), Dart Attack (12) v Fore (9), 26ers (8) v Generals (11), Just Social (7) v Cheers (3), Mud Rats (6) v Gembrook (5), Predators (2) v Hoodies (14), Snipers (1) v DartVaders (4).

Snipers showed why they were last season’s champions in a win over Predators last round.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Kobe Shipp on debut for Casey. 408033

Picture: ROB CAREW

ries of late circle entries from the visitors.

Jess Rowland was Casey’s goalscorer on Saturday. 408035

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Casey had to defend staunchly late in the game.

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