News - Berwick Star News - 30th May 2024

Incinerator doubt

By Ethan Benedicto

With World Environment Day roughly a week away, discourse with southeastern councils’ decision to opt for waste-to-energy incinerators is rife, as experts call for more clarity and engagement.

The most recent update for an alternative to the rapidly-growing landfills saw the Greater Dandenong Council pledge $50,000 to being titled as a‘Class A’ participant in the South

East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing (SEMAWP) project, just two months prior.

Formed in 2021, SEMAWP is a consortium of southeast councils and includes Casey, Cardinia, Knox and Bayside City to name a few.

Federation University engineering lecturer Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra said that more clarity was needed, and that “let’s not say that waste to energy is the only solution”.

“For every problem, you have to take a

multi-pronged approach, all of which is driven by data.

“We really need implementation of an integrated and sustainable waste management system, we may not be able to get rid of landfill sites altogether but if we have to go on the path of waste-to-energy, we need to take small steps – calculated and informed steps,” he said.

Fellow Federation University engineering associate professor, Ayon Chakraborty, said

that while he is “totally for it”, he can “understand the apprehensions related to the gasses that’s coming out”.

“I feel like we need to have proper protective gears around it [and] I think we also need to speak with the community, get the community into confidence before jumping into it – that discussion needs to happen before taking a unilateral decision,” he said.

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Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The City of Casey’s Winter Arts Festival is back for 2024, offering an exciting line-up of arts, cultural and entertainment experiences to warm up your winter days and nights.

This year’s festival will run throughout June and July, offering more than 60 events across Casey from interactive experiences and workshops to engaging performances and immersive art installations.

Looking for school holiday options? The program offers dance, songwriting, improv theatre, art and an opportunity to experience Wilson Botanic Park Berwick in a whole new way as Dino Safari transforms the gardens into a prehistoric wonderland.

Detox Your Home is coming to Cranbourne

If you’ve got household chemicals such as bleach, weed killer, cleaning products or old cooking oil sitting unused, here’s your chance to dispose of them safely — and at no cost.

Sustainability Victoria’s drive-through Detox Your Home event will be held on Saturday 22 June from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm at Chisholm Tafe in Cranbourne.

All collected items will either be recycled, repurposed, or disposed of safely. Places are limited and registrations are essential — no walkins accepted.

To register for this free event, search ‘Casey detox your home event’ on our website or scan the QR code.

Casey Live and Local micro-festivals will be popping up in some of your favourite places and spaces as we continue to build a connected and dynamic music scene and celebrate talented local musicians.

Ignite your senses, spark your creativity and beat those cold weather blues by immersing yourself in the Winter Arts Festival.

Search ‘Winter Arts Festival’ on the Casey website to view the full program and book your spot now.

Exhibition: Warm Safe Homes

Everyone deserves a warm, safe home.

To recognise this and to spread the message of respecting older people, community groups and residents in Casey have created their own craft models of what a ‘warm, safe home’ means to them.

The results will be on display in a poignant exhibition between 14 and 30 June at Bunjil Place Library. All Casey residents are invited to visit the library during this time period to reflect on the Warm, Safe Home Project exhibition, for free, in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Casey Business Awards 2024 now open

In celebration of our ground-breaking business community, the 2024 Casey Business Awards are now open for applications!

The awards celebrate local business excellence, while increasing opportunities for growth and partnership across the wider region – plus, winners are also recognised with a cash prize.

2023 Business of the Year, Recovery in Mind, said they were able to capitalise on their win by forming and strengthening relationships with other organisations, attracting new clients, hiring more employees and enhancing their overall reputation.

Applications close Sunday 30 June 2024. Visit the Business in Casey website to find out more and apply.

Casey Conversations

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

• Casey Coastal Framework: provide feedback on the draft Framework, which will help protect Casey’s coastline from the impacts of climate change.

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

Tidal troubles in Tooradin

By Violet Li

TownsalongWesternPortBaywillfaceincreasing flooding hazards, with Tooradin standing out as most at risk, a report commissioned by Casey Council shows.

A model in the draft of the Casey Coastal Framework reveals that Tooradin is projected to suffer alarmingly high risks from temporary inundation in 2070 when the sea level potentially rises 50 centimetres, and the situation will worsen in 2100 with a potentially 80-centimetre rise.

The report identifies the need for an immediate-risk action plan for the area.

The township is already undergoing tolerably high risks of temporary inundation at the present day.

Over 50 per cent of the general residential zone in Tooradin is currently at high risk of inundation, increasing to 84 per cent by 2100, corresponding to almost 500 buildings currently at high risk, to over 800 buildings by 2100.

According to the report, temporary inun-

dation is caused by rising sea levels and more frequent and intense storms.

It will affect all low-lying coastal lands, including large areas of conservation and green wedge zones, principal road networks, commercial services, utilities including drainage, sewer, and electricity, transport networks, and agricultural and residential areas.

Key commercial and industry areas are increasingly impacted as well, with almost all commercial areas at risk by 2100.

Almost all public conservation and resource zones and special use zones within Tooradin are currently at medium to high risk of inundation.

Adding to the damaging inundation risks, coastal erosion due to sea level rise puts conservation zones, public zones, key infrastructure networks, and services at risk in the future.

The report highlights that Tooradin is a priority location for coastal hazard adaptation planning, with hazards already impacting the community.

“A general first principle is to avoid placing new development or assets in coastal hazard areas,” the report suggests.

“The preference is to transition land use in coastal hazard areas to lower-risk uses that still provide economic, social, and environmental value to the region.

“Any new development/infrastructure in coastal hazard areas is designed and built in accordance with state planning policy and ap-

provals requirements and includes necessary adaptation.

“Transformational adaptation may also need to be considered, such as retreat pathways which involve relocating infrastructure and transitioning to alternative land uses in coastal hazard zones.”

Tooradin is also estimated to bear the brunt of the economic impacts.

The report notes that average annual damages (AAD) on assets and infrastructure in Casey’s coastal communities are projected to increase by close to 560 per cent to above $350 million between the present day and 2100.

AAD in Tooradin accounts for the largest proportion of the total AAD across the planning horizon, with more than 88 per cent in the present day and about 84 percent in 2100.

A more detailed adaptation planning, including pathways and actions, will be developed in the next stages of the Casey Coastal Framework.

Priority locations of Tooradin,Warneet, and Cannons Creek will be the initial focus of adaptation planning.

Second tobacco store targeted in Spring Square

Police are investigating a second attack on tobacco shops in Spring Square, Hallam in the past week.

Taskforce Lunar detectives say the rear of an outlet was set alight in a “targeted attack” about 5.20am on Wednesday 29 May.

“There was no one inside at the time of the incident and the fire caused damage to the shop,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“The offenders fled the scene prior to police arrival and investigators are treating the fire as a targeted attack.”

FRV firefighters were called out to the blaze and brought the fire under control within 30 minutes.

A community advice warning about the blaze was issued.

Last week, a vehicle rammed into the front shutter door of another tobacco outlet in Spring Square.

Police described the incident in the early hours of 22 May as an attempted burglary. Letters

Separately, councils recently sent letters on behalf of Victoria Police to landlords warning of the risks involving arson attacks on tobacco stores.

“The purpose of the letter is to highlight to landlords the current risks around businesses operating who are engaged in illicit activity, and the risk they present.

“This includes the risk to current insurance arrangements as well as the potential for nearby businesses and properties to be adversely impacted by the fires and other criminal activity.”

Crime Command’s Acting Commander Jason Kelly said the attacks on tobacco outlets

had run 15 months with a significant number of arrests.

“More than ever, assistance and information from store owners, staff, other shop owners and members of the community is crucial.

“We acknowledge we need to look at innovative ways to target this issue.

“One way of doing this is by speaking to those who own these properties and lease

them to people actively engaging in organised crime.”

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

Police at a tobacco outlet in Spring Square,said to be targeted in an arson attack. 410382

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Mangroves along the Western Port Bay.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Not too late to celebrate

By Ethan Benedicto

A night of laughter, dance and song filled the Fountain Gate Hotel as the South East Zimbabwean Women’s group gathered for a belated Mother’s Day celebration.

Held on the night of Friday, 24 May, people began trickling into the venue shortly after 5pm, and quickly grew just an hour later.

Ravai Makwara, mother of three and local community leader, said that in Zimbabwean culture “Mother’s Day holds deep significance beyond just honouring biological mothers”.

“The celebration extends to all women who embody the nurturing and caring qualities traditionally associated with motherhood.

“We believe [that] communal responsibility for raising children is paramount, we believe that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’,” she said.

What they described as the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’, the philosophy of collectivism over individualism, was present during the night, cultivating “a community spirit of togetherness, a sense of belonging and love”.

For the group, ensuring that every woman is recognised and honoured for their “capacity to nurture, care for, and support others” within the community is essential, and gatherings such as Friday night reinforce interconnectedness and collective support.

Sharing food and communal gatherings was an emphasis of the celebration, with mothers who attended being given the choice to contribute a dish that ultimately created a diverse spread of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine.

Speaking on behalf of everyone, Ms Makwara said that “the act of sharing food symbolises unity, generosity, and solidarity among the group”.

“No meeting is too small for sharing, in ac-

cordance with the cultural belief that no gathering is too insignificant to share a meal, even a modest Mother’s Day gathering is elevated by the presence of shared food.

“It serves not only as a tribute to mothers but also a reaffirmation of cultural values centred on community, sharing and hospitality,” she said.

The night wasn’t just all food and merriment, but also a dive into the exchanging of “insights on raising children and cultivating healthy families, [with] participants [contributing] to the well-being of future generations”.

Ms Makwara had taken the initiative in finding a suitable venue for the event, as well as arrangements for decorations and other logistics management for the location.

However, reaching out to community

members proved to be one of the more difficult tasks of the organisation process, with Ms Makwara saying that “despite setting a due date for bookings and payments, we encountered the cultural mindset of ‘no hurry in Africa’ which made it difficult for people to commit by the deadline”.

Ms Makwara played a crucial role in community coordination, as well as handling last-minute booking requests and venue negotiations, for the strong belief that “these gatherings serve as nurturing spaces where women can connect, share experiences and uplift each other”.

“By fostering a sense of community, you’re not only strengthening individual women but also creating a network of support that benefits everyone involved.

“When women come together to support one another, they can overcome feelings of inferiority and isolation,” she said.

The formation of the South East Zimbabwean Women has played an instrumental role in the formation of smaller subgroups within their community and beyond, such as a young mother’s group, a sewing club and a 50s and over group.

Furthermore, the group is not all leisure, facilitating discussions on mental health and well-being, family violence, education and even just how to meaningfully engage with teachers during parent teacher interviews are initiatives that are being regularly explored.

The night was attended by well over 100 women, which began around 5pm and ran until 10pm onwards.

Car thief behind bars following 37-hour crime spree

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An unlicensed teenager in a stolen Hilux ran multiple red lights and endangered oncoming traffic as he fled from police in Clayton, Noble Park North, Dandenong and Doveton, a court has heard.

Bob Jal, now 19, of Doveton, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to a 37hour crime spree in early June 2023.

The spate included home burglaries in Brighton and Malvern East, stealing four expensive cars, a petrol drive-off as well as dangerous driving while pursued by police.

Jal had said he needed the money for his cannabis and meth habit. He was being paid up to $1500 for a stolen car.

He was also in breach of his night curfew at the time, after only being released on bail seven days earlier.

Jal’s attempted driving escape started with running a red light when police spotted him

in a stolen Hilux on Princes Highway Clayton about 12.30pm on 6 June 2023.

In total he ran seven red lights, crossed at least five solid white lines onto the wrong side of the road and was estimated to speed up to 120 km/h on Princes Highway – including in 60 km/h zones.

He also reached 100 km/h in Clow Street, Dandenong – a 60 km/ zone – as well as 80 km/h in a residential zone.

“You put yourself, emergency services personnel and multiple other road users at risk,” sentencing judge Carolene Gwynn said on 22 May.

“At 18 years of age and unlicensed, you do not present with driving skills.

“It’s more by good fortune than by good management that you didn’t cause greater harm.”

During several of his overtaking manoeuvres, oncoming drivers had to take evasive action to avoid head-on collisions with him

on Jacksons Road and Elonera Road.

Jal took evasive action himself to avoid vehicles as he ran a red light at the intersection of Princes Highway and Gladstone Road.

At the corner of James Street and Princes Highway, Jal tried to get in the driver’s side of a Corolla stopped at the lights.

As the driver struggled to prevent him getting in, the car drifted into the intersection and cut off vehicles entering from James Street. Jal got back into the Hilux and drove on.

At 12.55pm Jal overtook a Toyota Yaris on Clow Street, near Besley Street. Two oncoming drivers veered to avoid him and crashed into the Yaris.

Jal continued east on Clow Street until he got home in Doveton. Police found him there sweating profusely in a change of clothes.

He had been linked to a spate of aggravated burglaries and attempts in the previous two nights.

Head of Campus Talk & Tour

A $75,000 Land Rover and a Range Rover, both stolen during home burglaries, were not recovered.

A stolen $40,000 Suburu Outback was later found torched in Maribyrnong.

Jal seemed to have “limited insight” on the impact on others, with an“extensive” and “unenviable” criminal history.

But Jal was still young, and there was public interest in steering him away from a life of crime, Judge Gwynn said.

He was diagnosed with schizophrenia as well as borderline IQ, substance use disorder and possible ADHD.

A report found Jal was highly impressionable to influence from adult prisoners.

Judge Gwynn opted for a term of two years and two months in youth justice centre detention.

It included 343 days already served in remand in an adult prison.

A small portion of the group of Zimbabwean women that attended the belated Mother’s Day event on Friday 24 May.

Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO

Funds dry up

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An overwhelmed South East community legal centre is facing “tough decisions” due to what it says is chronic underfunding from governments.

South-East Monash Legal Service executive director Kristen Wallwork says the service has no funding certainty beyond mid-2025, even while its phones are running off the hook and appointments are booked out by 10am Mondays.

“Many of those missed calls are women at risk of homelessness or violence.

“With only 13 months of funding remaining and no security beyond June 2025, SMLS faces tough decisions about how we will be able to provide these essential services to our communities.

“The consequences will be felt by individuals and communities alike.”

Underfunding at SMLS – which is based in Narre Warren and Springvale - was already putting its essential services at risk, Wallwork says.

“Ongoing, chronic underfunding is forcing community legal centres around the country to turn away over 1000 people daily, reduce services, and close outreach programs.”

It was also causing burnout to its team of lawyers, social workers, community workers, youth workers and financial counsellors.

Clients rely on the SMLS for help with “basic human needs” such as shelter, protection from violence and financial security, Wallwork says.

They include victims with sometimes a myriad of issues such as family violence, sexual harrassment and assault, unfair dismissal, wage theft, access to housing, health care and debt.

It is also an essential part of the family violence service system, Wallwork says.

“We work to help victims/survivors to navigate the often-overwhelming legal system and rebuild their lives with dignity and security.”

Ahead of the Federal Budget, peak body Community Legal Centres Australia lobbied for an extra, urgent $125 million for the centres in 2024-’25 as well as an ongoing funding commitment beyond June 2025.

The Budget delivered an additional $9.3 million for community legal centres and $8.6 million for Family Violence Prevention Legal Services – as part of a $44 million boost for the legal assistance sector.

There was no announcement on funding beyond mid 2025.

Wallwork said the budget created an “unprecedented level of uncertainty” for the sector.

“Both the State and Federal Budgets have failed to properly address the gap in funding, or provide funding security for future years.

“When it comes to addressing the family violence crisis in Australia, we owe it to victims and survivors - and their children - to do more.”

Jailed for part in drive-by

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Narre Warren South man has been jailed for his part in a nightclub drive-by shooting in 2020.

Michael Alfred, 22, was accused in the Victorian County Court of being in the passenger seat in a stolen Audi SUV, from which a shotgun was fired at a man at the rear of Chasers night club in South Yarra.

Before the shooting, the Audi circled several times around the venue, which was hosting a live performance by Melbourne rap artist Sean Deng, also known as BBG Smokey.

A man outside the venue was struck in the hand by shotgun pellets.

The SUV immediately drove off, crashed at a roundabout and was abandoned by its two occupants.

Prosecutors alleged that Alfred was linked by DNA samples from a straw in a McDonald’s drinking cup found next to the Audi as well as from screws on the Audi’s fake rear number plate.

He was also linked through his phone’s location and step count, which matched the movements of offenders on CCTV footage.

He also owned a similar grey Nike hoodie as a passenger observed in the Audi.

Alfred was found guilty by a County Court jury of theft of the Audi, intentionally causing injury and being a prohibited person possessing a firearm.

Judge Andrew Palmer said the verdict showed the jury was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Alfred was an occupant in the car at the time of the shooting.

“Given the way in which the prosecution put its case, I cannot be satisfied that you were the shooter.”

The judge noted that the prosecution didn’t seek to establish which of the car’s occupants fired the shotgun, who was the driver nor the motive for the shooting. Alfred was either the shooter or had an understanding with the other car occupant to intentionally injure the victim, he said.

The jury didn’t support more serious charges such as recklessly causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, Judge Palmer said.

“Given their verdict, the jury were clearly not satisfied that (the victim) had suffered serious injury; nor did they make a finding that you planned in advance to have with you and to use the firearm.”

Judge Palmer said the firing of a shotgun at a person in a crowded location was “objectively serious”.

“As a result of his injuries, (the victim) spent more than a month in hospital, underwent a number of operations, and suffered irreparable damage to parts of his hand.”

The attack may have been in retaliation for a drive-by shooting at Alfred’s home, the judge stated. The latter led to Alfred’s family temporarily moving interstate.

Alfred was 18 at the time of the nightclub shooting, with a limited prior history of drug possession.

Since the incident and before the trial, he’d made “little progress towards rehabilitation” and committed drug, driving, bail and car theft offences.

However since the trial he’d landed a job as a florist and not committed further offences. This suggested his prospects for reform were “improving”.

Alfredwasjailedfortwo-and-a-halfyears with a non-parole period of 18 months. His term will include 264 days of pre-sentence detention.

Lifestyle Phillip Island Open Day

South-East Monash Legal Service executive director Kristen Wallwork says its essential services are at risk due to chronic underfunding. 363524 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Paramedic joins the team

By Violet Li

Clyde North Ambulance branch has welcomed a new fully qualified paramedic who just completed a 12-month graduate program.

The latest graduates to Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic ranks embraced a ceremony celebrating their completion of the Graduate Ambulance Paramedic (GAP) program on Sunday 19 May in Sunshine.

They are now located at branches in Belgrave, Seymour, Clyde North, Inglewood, Dallas, Sydenham, Hillside, Morwell, Tarneit, Winchelsea, and Point Cook.

GAP is a structured, on-road supervision and learning program for at least 12 months for students who completed their university degrees and want to become fully qualified ALS paramedics.

The program aims to help university graduates transition from the classroom to the “real world”, integrating into day-to-day team responsibilities and activities.

Clyde North’s new paramedic Madeline Green has found her experience with the GAP program challenging but very fruitful, supportive, and exciting at the same time.

“You’ve got a year of essentially practising under supervision. You’ve got different tasks that you have to tick off and different skills that you have to demonstrate,” she said.

“You work with clinical instructors each

month and they help you learn the ropes of everything and teach you how to use all the equipment and things like that.

“You basically consolidate all your knowledge with them across the 12 months.

“There’s so much study still involved. You think that you have finished the university, and

Winter Festival back for ’24

The Winter Arts Festival will be making its return to the City of Casey for the 22nd year, with a line-up of arts, cultural and entertainment experiences for everyone to enjoy.

Running for an entire month between 14 June and 14 July, the festival offers more than 60 events across Casey, ranging from interactive experiences and workshops, to engaging performances and immersive art installations.

Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said that the festival program will offer something for all ages to enjoy.

“In 2024, we are turning the spotlight on our diverse and exceptional local arts and cultural communities across Casey, and we’re also inviting the audience to take centre stage.

“Through various experiences, performances, installations and workshops, the program aims to blur the lines between creator and spectator, transforming every individual into an essential part of the festival,” she said.

Some highlights for the music and performance category include the School of Rock presented by the Windmill Theatre Com-

LENSCAPE OPINION

pany and Queers of Concert; after a sold-out event in 2023 with local drag queen, Brenda Bressed looking to make a return.

Visual arts is also a highlight, with Hybycozo Deep Thought Installation, combining the realms of geometry, maths and science with traditional pattern design.

Also making a return will be the Berwick District Woodworkers Club Expo, as well as People of Pearcedale, a collection of portraits by local artist Christopher Pyett.

“Every offering in the program is by the community, for the community or with the intent to build new connections and shine a light on our incredibly vibrant city, rich with arts and culture,” Ms Duff said.

Dance will also be a major feature of the festival, with Salsa for Seniors, the South East Area Throwdown and the Kids Dancehall Workshop hosted by Jungle City to explore Jamaican Dancehall and Afro Fusion.

“Join us and be more than a spectator; be the heartbeat of an unforgettable celebration of the arts in the southeast,” Ms Duff said.

For more general information on the festival, you can visit casey.vic.gov.au/winterarts-festival

you have everything that you need to know, but there’s still so much study that’s involved in those 12 months.”

Now a week into her new job in Clyde North, Madeline said she really liked treating actual patients.

“It was pretty daunting, but I had a really

good clinical instructor, and she took charge for the first few days,” she said.

“I just got to watch how she did things and then slowly, I started to run the jobs and transition into me doing it.”

For Madeline, being a helping soul is in the family blood.

“Both my parents were nurses, and still are. So we always grew up at the dinner table with mum and dad talking about work and all these random health acronyms were getting thrown around,” she recalled.

“Me and my sister would just sit there being like, oh, this sounds cool, but we have no idea what’s going on.

“I found what they were talking about so interesting, so then I was like, I may as well go and do something similar.”

GAP has also been a gateway for making like-minded friends for new graduates like Madeline.

“I made heaps of friends. I was really lucky,” she said.

“I had a lot of other graduates that were starting. Either they were a few months ahead of me or a few months behind me.

“I’ve got a really good friendship group of girls and guys that I did my graduate year with, or they were my clinical instructors.

“We’re still friends now. It was a great way of meeting people.”

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To the gorgeous autumn weather.

Thumbs up

To the Art Show Pakenham. Thanks toeveryonewhovisited,andthanks to the Pink Hill staff for looking after us so well.

Thumbs up

To the Hills MND Big Freeze crew coming together to help Fight MND.

Thumbs down

To people who don’t know how to drive on the freeway.

Thumbs up

To everyone who was kind and thoughtful today.

Thumbs up

For people donating to the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal.

Thumbs down

To the driver who nearly killed my girls driving 100km/h on the wrong side on the freeway.

Thumbs down

To those honking their horn at new P drivers. Once they drive alone, it’s a whole new experience.

Thumbs down

To the chaos caused by all the road closure/roadworks at the moment. Ridiculous trying to get through most days, even after peak travel times!

A previous performance of the School of Rock, a live rendition of the 2003 film. Picture: SUPPLIED

New paramedic at Clyde North Ambulance branch Madeline Green (second from left) in the graduation ceremony on Sunday 19 May in Sunshine. Picture: SUPPLIED

Net-zero roadmap unveiled

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A joint report has mapped the way to net-zero emissions for councils, businesses and households in the South East.

The Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions report states the potential “opportunities” and “solutions” will achieve substantial cost-savings for residents and businesses.

The newly-released roadmap was produced by the Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) group and South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA).

GSEM spokesperson and Knox Council mayor Jude Dwight said the “practical” document listed implementation timelines, the

Smell that?

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has launched a survey in the City of Casey to understand how odour can impact mental health and it is inviting residents and workers to attend the information sessions to learn more about the project.

As the environment regulator wants to understand how pollution and waste issues affect psychological health, it is now working with the University of Adelaide which has developed a new tool called The Environmental Distress Index (TEDI) to measure the psychological health impacts of pollution and waste.

As a large proportion of odour reports that EPA receives come from the City of Casey, EPA decided to test the TEDI tool in the municipality so that it could better understand how odour impacted psychological health.

People who live or work in the City of Casey are invited to complete a short TEDI survey about odour and psychological health in the last 30 days. The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete. The survey was set to be launched onThursday 30 May at community sessions in the local area. EPA Victoria and the University of Adelaide staff will be there to talk more about their research and the tool.

Marriot Waters Family & Community Centre (morning session)

· Date: Thursday 30 May

· Time: 8.30am to 12.30pm

· Presentation: 10am to 11am

· Address: 25 Boreland Drive, Lyndhurst Cranbourne West Community Hub (afternoon session)

· Date: Thursday 30 May

· Time: 3pm to 7.30pm

· Presentation: 6pm to 7pm

· Address: 4 Flicka Boulevard, Cranbourne West

If you have any question or comments, phone EPA at 1300 372 842 or email contact@epa.vic.gov.au

Time to spell

Vicspell is again up and running.

The competition, which takes a spelling bee format, is open to all students in years 5 to 8. Its aim is to ‘Promote and reward good spelling’. The zone finals are based on shire boundaries.

Importantly, students only compete against their own year level.

Each school pays a one-off annual fee of $20 covering each student participant.This fee has remained unchanged since 2004 thanks to the generosity of Vicspell’s sponsors: Oxford University Press, Bendigo Community Bank –Neerim South and Triangle Trophies.

The zone finals are conducted in August and the State final on September 3. The Casey zone final will be at Berwick Fields PS on Wednesday, August 21.

Schools wishing to enquire about Vicspell can contact Trevor Sowdon at Vicspell@hotmail.com.

barriers as well as advice on “immediately available and cost-effective opportunities”.

“The report found that there are solutions with the potential in coming years to reduce emissions in virtually all sectors to zero and save businesses and households money.”

The climate-change solutions had other benefits such as improving the quality and resilience of the power system, reducing unpredictable fossil-fuel price cycles and lowering noise and air pollution from vehicles and power generators, Cr Dwight said.

According to the report, a“key strategy“ was for Victoria to replace its large dependence on gas with electricity.

This would be supported by “world trends“

such as increasing numbers of electric vehicles including SUVs and trucks, and increasingly efficient heat pumps for homes, businesses and industries.

It also zeroed onto the cost savings of switching to rooftop solar or off-site renewable energy through Power Purchase Agreements.

“We would discourage setting targets for the longer term, for fear of encouraging delay,” the report stated.

“All abatement opportunities that are available and cost-effective today should be implemented as rapidly as possible.

“There is an economic opportunity cost, as well additional climate damage, associated with any delay.”

The report also identifies barriers to change for low-income households and businesses, as well as apartment dwellers with poor solar access. Household renters and business tenants also may not be empowered to change, while landlords may perceive no economic imperative to do so.

Aviation, agriculture and heavy transport sectors face “higher hurdles” for the time being but solutions were being developed such as electrification and hydrogen power.

The Roadmap analyses data relating to Bass Coast, Bayside, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip, Knox and Monash local government areas.

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Have your say on new school names

Clyde North communities are encouraged to have their say on the names of two new schools opening in 2025.

As part of the State Government’s work to open 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026, Clyde North Primary School and Clyde North Secondary School (interim names) are waiting for new names.

In 2023, the government announced that Aboriginal language names would be preferred for new schools in an initiative to further pro-

mote Aboriginal self-determination, language, and culture across the state.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll said embracing First Nations languages in more school names would contribute to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

Traditional Owner groups have been consulted and have provided a shortlist of names for each new school.

The State Government is seeking the community’s input to help find a name for each

school that reflects its unique identity and inspires local pride.

An online survey was launched on 22 May, which will be open for two weeks to give Victorians the chance to nominate their preferred name for their new neighbourhood school.

Consultation closes on Thursday 6 June 2024.

To have your say, visit engage.vic.gov. au/2025-naming-of-new-schools

Essential upgrades for Myuna Farm

Myuna Farm’s pavilion was refurbished and officially opened on Friday 24 May, featuring increased accessibility, inclusivity and functionality.

The works saw the demolition and construction of a new amenities area, a new compliant access ramp system, and a wheelchairaccessible viewing platform and seating area to better cater to the needs of the riders, volunteers and visitors.

Casey’s chair of administrators, Noelene Duff PSM said that “with so many valuable organisations who operate from this space on [a] daily basis, it was important for council to hear the challenges these groups face and how we can support their ongoing operations and address building compliance concerns”.

Located in Doveton, Myuna Farm is the City of Casey’s community farm, which offers annual events, workshops, school excursions and interactive animal experiences for locals and visitors alike.

Myuna Farm is also home to several other programs and services operating from the facility, such as Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) and the Dandenong Learning Centre Campus.

“The upgraded pavilion, particularly the addition of a changing places toilet, ensures that members of our community with a disability and high support needs, have access to suitable bathroom facilities,” Ms Duff said.

Ms Duff was joined by Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Casey CEO Glenn Patterson and RDA president Tanya Twaits at Myuna Farm alongside other representatives involved in the project.

MsWilliams said that“we’re pleased to support upgrades to these popular community facilities so more people can enjoy them now and into the future”.

“I’m thrilled that this funding is making a difference to the families and children who come visit Myuna Farm, giving them the opportunity to interact with animals and learn about Australian farming and sustainability,” she said.

As part of the Myuna Farm Master Plan, the council worked alongside RDA volunteers to identify opportunities to enhance the functionality of the existing pavilion and improve the general experience.

Tanya Twaits also provided an insight into her son’s experience with the program, saying that “I was re-introduced to RDA Victoria five years ago when our son started at our local centre in Daylesford”.

“He sometimes arrives feeling anxious, but once he is on the back of his horse, Titan, all [of] that changes, he’s like a flower opening in the sunshine, he relaxes and talks nonstop to the volunteers,” Ms Twaits said.

The upgrades were made possible through the support of the State Government’s Growing Suburbs fund, with a grant of $351,105 and an additional investment of $30,895 from the council to the pavilion.

The fund itself represents a $440 million state government investment over 10 years to provide critical local infrastructure, with the most recent 2024-25 Budget providing an additional $5 million and administered by the Office for Suburban Development.

Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny said that the fund“supports thriving communities”.

“I’m delighted that this important project, in partnership with Casey City Council, will improve accessibility and deliver enhanced health and wellbeing outcomes for the community,” she said.

Delegation TAKING CARE

IAN ASH OF BUSINESS

Probably the most common issue that I see business leaders struggling with today is an apparent ‘lack of time’.

There are many ways that this can be addressed such as active prioritisation of tasks, good planning and having a welldefined organisational structure.

This last one can be particularly effective if it is supported by Position Descriptions for each role that define clear responsibilities for other staff since it is not unusual for business leaders to choose to undertake work that could be done by others. When managers are under the pump, they may well believe that it is quicker and easier to do something themselves rather than having to explain to someone else what to do.

In the short term, this may be the case but in the longer term, this is not an effective strategy since when similar issues arise then, they will probably still feel they have to take it on again rather than now having someone capable of doing it for them instead.

The belief that ‘it is quicker and easier to do it yourself’ is one reason why leaders may not delegate, but there are certainly others, such as:

· Belief that others are not competent or capable of undertaking the task

· Lack of trust in someone else to perform the task

· Fear of losing control

In fact, delegating turns out to be a great antidote to the above since delegating has multiple benefits:

1. Conveys your trust in an individual to undertake the activity.

2. Can build skills in others.

3. Alleviates the manager’s workload going forward as the task could now be shared and delegated again in future.

4. Builds resilience in the business as there are now less single points of failure.

5. Is a more cost-effective way of getting the task done (the more senior person’s hourly rate will typically be higher than the person that has the delegation). Havinghopefullyconvincedyouofthe benefit of delegation, it is important that this is done correctly otherwise it could be perceived as simply dumping on or off-loading to someone else.

There are a number of key points to remember here:

1. Select the person to whom you are delegating carefully. Since you as the delegator still remain ultimately responsible for the result, you should maximise the chance of a successful outcome by choosing someone that you have confidence in.

2. Be very specific about the outcome(s) you are expecting and the associated timeframes. Defining these using the ‘SMART’ principle will be especially important here.

3. Explain to the delegate why you have selected them. This is a great opportunity to actively demonstrate your trust and build their confidence in being able to discharge new duties.

4. Ensure that the delegate understands what is expected and has the opportunity to question or even push back on the task, if necessary probe for this as t heir fears may be unfounded. Irrespective, alignment on outcomes is essential for any delegated task.

5. Provide the necessary resources to fully undertake the role.

6. Determine how the task will be monitored and agree this with the delegate.

7. Discuss and feedback to the delegate whenthetaskfinisheshowitwent.This is a great chance to recognise if it went well and if it didn’t, then the learnings will be valuable for both parties.

From left to right: Noelene Duff PSM, Rider Sebastian with RDA volunteer, RDA Victoria president Tanya Twaits and Gabrielle Williams MP. 408180 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Tanya Twaits (president of RDA Victoria). 408180

The new access ramp system and a wheelchairaccessible viewing platform. 408180

Noelene Duff PSM, Tanya Twaits and Gabrielle Williams MP unveiled the plaque. 408180

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads and undertaking maintenance works in Melbourne’s south east. We’re also removing dangerous and congested level crossings and building the Metro Tunnel.

What we’re doing

Opening the upgraded intersection of Camms and Narre Warren-Cranbourne roads by early June.

Upgrading the intersection of McGregor and Henry roads in Pakenham.

Placing the top layer of asphalt on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road in Pakenham between Greenhills and Manks roads.

Opening the new Pakenham and East Pakenham stations in June, with trains running over the new rail bridge.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Pakenham Line

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

Until 2 JuneOn sections of the line

8.30pm until last train, 6 June Caulfield to Westall

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East

Ballarto Road, Carrum Downs and Skye

Camms Road, Cranbourne East

Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham

Henry Road, Pakenham

Station Street, Officer

Cameron Street, Cranbourne East

Until mid 2024Between Berwick-Cranbourne Road and New Holland Drive

7pm to 6am, 2 to 3 June

Between Lyall Street and Brindalee Place

Until mid 2024At McCormicks Road with detours and lanes closed at times between Boggy Creek and Dion Drive

Until mid 2024At Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road

At times until late June In sections between Greenhills and Manks roads

Until late OctoberNo right turn onto or from Gippsland-bound freeway ramps

Until early JulyBetween McGregor Road and Heritage Boulevard

From 18 May Permanently at the level crossing

7am to 6pm, 1 to 2 June

Northbound between South Gippsland Highway and Berwick-Cranbourne Road/Sladen Street

Book exchange revamped

By Corey Everitt

A community book exchange on Wilson Street in Berwick has had a revamp thanks to joint efforts with the woodworkers club.

The Little House on Wilson Street has been going strong for five years now. It was started by locals Barry and Glenys Collins.

The use for books only grew as the pandemic hit shortly after Barry installed it in 2019.With so many with little to do but devour books and go on walks, a lot of people discovered the exchange.

Today however, the old bar fridge used for the exchange had ‘seen better days’ in Barry’s words and a new revamp was in order.

Fortunately the Collins knew the people for the job and Barry approached secretary of the Berwick District Woodworkers Club Don Buchanan who was more than happy to help construct a new model.

They both worked on constructing, painting and installing what is not just a replacement, but a “huge improvement”.

It is now inscribed with ‘Little House on Wilson Street - Courtesy of the Berwick Woodworkers’.

Barry said there has been “renewed interest” in the exchange with more donations and many borrowing the books.

Barry and Glenys are most of all grateful to Don and the Berwick District Woodworkers Club.

“The detail in it is just amazing; we have so many comments from people passing by. I wish I could relay them all to Don,” Glenys said.

“It’s just a lovely thing; we are thrilled with it.”

You can see more of the Berwick District Woodworkers Club at their Annual Open Weekend for 2024 which will be held from 12 to 14 July at their clubrooms in the Old Cheese Factory, Berwick.

Barry Collins with Don Buchanan from the Berwick District Woodworkers Club. 409729

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Strength in numbers as tea raises funds for a cause

The Woodlands Park retirement village was a hive of activity, laughter and friendship on Friday 24 May, for the annual Biggest Morning Tea event.

Organiser Colleen Astbury said there were a total of 197 people which attended and supported the event, with the event contributing to a total fundraising amount of $14,711.30.

The event was held in honour of her sister Janette, who died onValentine’s Day last year and her mother Betty.

Colleen’s daughter Trisha said her family had been faced with a significant amount of cancer battles lately, including her own husband and Colleen’s nephew, who is currently undergoing treatment.

Colleen’s granddaughter Tamika and her friend Chloe performed a powerful dance number about the insignificance of one’s personal belongings and physical appearance.

Berwick MP Brad Battin was on hand as the event’s auctioneer, selling off a number of items towards the cause.

Susie Menzel with Berwick MP Brad Battin. 405776 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Eileen, Margaret, Leslie and Catherine. 405776

Cathy and Peter Pater have been married for 63 years. 405776

Jan and Barry Hoey. 405776

Colleen’s daughter Trisha spoke about the pain the family has endured over the years. 405776

Chloe and Tamika embraced during the dance. 405776

Brad Battin entertained the crowd with his witty repartee and rapid auctioneering skills. 405776

Meg was active pouring tea throughout the morning. 405776

Incinerator uncertainty

From page 1

SEMAWP itself is an independent body, with the move backed by the State Government through their 10-year circular economy policy.

Administered by Recycling Victoria, the scheme aims to regulate market-related aspects of thermal waste to energy processing, according to the Victorian Government website.

In addition, Recycling Victoria is responsible for issuing licences to ensure that accredited facilities only accept an approved amount and specific types of residual wastes.

Dr Kandra acknowledged that new and big projects such as these have the opportunity to foster job opportunities and that countries such as the US, Japan and those in Europe have adopted waste-to-energy projects.

An expert in water and environmental management, he also added however, that these three locations have a much higher population density per square kilometre as compared to Australia, and that “if you compare landfill and incineration, both of them are end of pipe treatments”.

“I see them more as a supply management approach, it’s not managing the demand – people want more energy so instead of controlling their energy demands, we are producing more energy so we can meet their demands.

“My question as a community member is that first of all, we’re not that populated, so do we need an incinerator?” he said.

Professor Chakraborty suggested that there are other resources that could be tapped into before jumping towards waste-to-energy incinerators.

“Definitely we [shouldn’t] rely only on one option, we have geothermal, we also have a lot of discussion going around hydrogen and we are aware that it is going to be a clean energy aspect that we are looking at.

“The population is in very centralised locations, so it makes sense to look for other options, cleaner options,” he said.

The state government currently has an industry development plan surrounding renewable hydrogen, with four clusters – members that collaborate on research, deliver pilot projects and building supply chains – in Gippsland, Clayton, Greater Geelong and Mallee.

A similar viewpoint of more bins equals more waste generated was touched on by Prof Chakraborty, saying that “just [because it’s] burning, that does not mean people are going to create more waste”.

“There are two aspects to it, one is waste generation and another is educating people before waste is generated.

“As a circular economy researcher, these are temporary solutions, this is not going to be long-term because you cannot go ahead and keep on burning everything,” he said.

In 2021, the Greens criticised the State Government and Environment Protection Authority’s approval of the incinerators, stating in their Waste to Energy: Greenwash At Its Best fact sheet that they are more polluting than coal and gas-fired power stations for energy output.

They also added that they undermine the overall goal of not just local councils, but also the state’s transition into a circular economy by locking councils into longterm contracts, while utilising the same linear model of resource extraction.

Dr Kandra echoed Prof Chakrabroty’s sentiments in that numerous factors are in the unknown and that transparency with the councils’ respective communities are a must.

“Waste is becoming more complex, our waste is increasing and the type is also changing, so do we clearly understand what kind of waste we are producing and what kind of waste will be burnt?” Dr Kandra said.

“What kind of gasses will be produced, and will they be carcinogenic or not?”

Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra from Federation University wants to see more clarification on the waste-to-energy incinerators, and more observation of current facilities before moving forward. Picture: SUPPLIED

Certain steps need to be taken beforehand, with Dr Kandra adding that “we really need to look at our waste management and the volume of waste per person”.

“Several things that the government can do is improving the segregation system and reducing the volume of the waste, and from a value creation point of view, a waste-to-energy site is more promising compared to putting a new landfill site.

“But again, those balances and checks are [to be] applied properly in terms of the location of that site, in terms of the cost analysis, all of that is required,” he said.

Dr Kandra also added that close observation of Western Australia’s Kwinana waste-to-energy project would be beneficial, not just for Victoria but for everyone when taking those ‘small steps’ towards state-wide implementation of the incinerators.

“If the data can come from Western Australia and if we can understand that, that would be a good thing before we start putting dollars into a real project.

“We’re talking about incineration, but there are some better technologies that have been used and are being used in other parts of the world to produce energy like the process of pyrolysis or gasification.

“Why did we in the first place, sign for incineration when there are other technologies which might be better? Are we taking an outdated technology which was used 30 years ago and bringing it to our backyards?” he said.

With council election just over the horizon, Dr Kandra prompted it to be the perfect time for councillors to touch on the topic, as something for candidates to take a stand on.

“I think it’s an important issue which everyone has to think about, so if everyone is deciding without consulting the community and without being transparent, I don’t think that’s the right approach,” he said.

Casey Council’s move to a circular economy currently involves the goals of eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials within the economy and regenerating natural systems, according to their Circular Economy Opportunities Report in 2022.

Successful fundraiser

By Violet Li

An annual fundraiser for Huntington’s disease was held on Monday 27 May at Selandra Rise Retirement Village in Clyde North.

The event was conducted by Selandra resident Maurice Browne with the help of his friends. Maurice lost his wife and son to the fatal sickness.

Maurice has been organising fundraising for the Huntington community for decades.

A whole room of residents from the village came to support Maurice and the Huntington community on the day and about $3000 was raised after donations, auctions, and raffles.

Huntington’sVictoria chief executive officer Tammy Gardner participated in the day and addressed the public.

An unrivalled location on the corner of Station Street and Rossiter Road in the heart of Koo Wee Rup. The site of 118m2, offers the unique opportunity to occupy one premises, while receiving an income from the other with an established tenancy in place.

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

Commercial Department Manager

Todd McKenna | 0418 391 182

Managing Director

Maurice Brown (middle) with Heather (left) and Gillian (right). 409109

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Chelsea, Mikayla, Tracy, Tammy, Maurice and Lauren. 409109

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I’m a twin, a boy and a girl! Back then there wasn’t any ultrasounds or similar. My sister was born and doctor went off to have some lunch. He was called back as something else was happening. It was at that point Mum knew she was having twins. Poor parents. What are you most passionate about? My family and trying to make a positive impact on others lives.

Do you have any hobbies?

4wding but haven’t been out for way too long. What were you like as a kid?

I grew up as a shy, polite boy but when I got to the teens things changed and I became more confident and let my hair down and liked to clown around. Maybe that’s why I’m thinning on top now!

What would your last meal be?

Medium rare Tomahawk steak with chips. No vegies thanks, it’s my last meal - why not enjoy it!

What was your most memorable moment?

Holding my kids for the first time.

What was your favourite subject in school?

Maths in the early school days until it all got too hard.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

Mum and Dad made us watch it although it was two days before my first birthday. I’d love to watch Armstrong stepping on the moon but to be able to see it like they did back then with the excitement and perhaps fear of the unknown.

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

My Mum and Dad both passed away, Princess Di, Nelson Mandela, Elvis Presley (Mum would love that) and my wife’s grandmother. I never met her but everything my wife has said about

with Shitbox Rally participant Adam Green

her she sounds like a true lady. I get the impression she made a massive difference to my wife’s life - I’d love to meet her.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

Nothing really but I do like 4wd and outback travel shows.

What was your favourite place you visited overseas?

New Zealand, the only place I’ve been to overseas. My wife was from NZ and her family are still there.

What pet or pets made the biggest impact on your life?

Probably our two dogs, both cavoodles. One’s blind, the other is still a pup. I never thought I’d like a lap dog but when they are asleep laying on you it is kind of neat.

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

Toasted sandwich - I hate cooking and can’t cook at all.

What was your first job?

A paper round.

What is one question you have never been able to get the answer to?

Next week’s tattslotto numbers.

THREE … blood cancer facts

While World Blood Cancer Day may have been on Tuesday 28 May, Australia’s blood cancer crisis shows it can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere and the statistics can be scary.

1

According to the latest figures, its estimated that eight per cent of Australians will be diagnosed with blood cancer at some point in their lifetime, meaning that one in 12 Australians will be directly affected by blood cancer.

2

Blood cancer cannot be prevented by changes to lifestyle or behaviours, it’s no fault of the individual diagnosed, nor is there any way to predict that it could happen to you. A blood cancer diagnosis is completely indiscriminate.

3

Improving the quality of life for people living with blood cancer and increasing the survival rates in Australia is at the forefront of the work of the Leukaemia Foundation, with a vision to eradicate blood cancer and see zero lives lost to the disease by 2035.

100%

Helps promote gut health and improved digestion

Adam Green. 409584

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

NEWS Howe joins news board

One of Victoria’s most experienced and senior editors has been appointed to the board of the state’s largest association of news publishers.

Garry Howe joins the Victorian Country Press Association board to fill a casual vacancy following the recent death of Country Press Australia and VCPA life member Bruce Ellen.

Mr Howe has been editor of the Pakenhambased Star News Group for 25 years, hitting that milestone in April this year, and now also oversees editorial operations in subsidiary companies Today News Group in Queensland and SA Today in South Australia.

VCPA chairman Jared Loughnan congratulated Mr Howe on his appointment and said the veteran editor had a broad range of skills and experiences to support the wider organisation and its members.

“Mr Howe enjoys the respect of industry colleagues across the nation as a journalist, editor and outstanding contributor to his community.

“In congratulating Garry, I also encourage eligible VCPA publishers to consider standing for election to the Board at our November AGM.”

He confirmed that while theVCPA constitution allows the Board to elect a member to fill a casual vacancy, the appointment must be ratified at the next AGM.

A working journalist for more than 40 years, Mr Howe remembers attending his first VCPA conference as a cadet reporter in the early 1980s and being inspired by an address by veteran Melbourne Herald investigative reporter Peter Game, who broke the story on the Khemlani loans affair that contributed to the down-

fall of the Whitlam Government.

He began his career as a first-year cadet at the Weekly Trading Guide at Sale and went on to work in Queensland for the Daily Mercury in Mackay and the Gold Coast Bulletin, before returning to Victoria as a sub-editor at the Latrobe Valley Express in 1992.

Mr Howe led a Gazette team that picked up a Melbourne Press Club Quill Award in 2003 for breaking a story on police illegally accessing the files of political candidate Kay Nesbitt and in 2020 received a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the Cardinia Shire community. A devout family man, Mr Howe and wife Gaylene celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary later this year. They have three sons and now three grandchildren, with another on the way.

WHAT’S ON

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 and 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!

CWA 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 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

Woodworking Display and Expo

The Berwick District Woodworkers Club is hosting its annual open weekend and expo in July at the clubrooms at the Old Cheese Factory at 34 Homestead Road in Berwick. The free event will include demonstrations of

wood turning, band sawing, scroll sawing, Dremel toy making, routing, pyrography and wood carving.

Various members produced by members on display with a selection of items for sale. For more information, contact John McMahon on 0437 096 840 or bdwwcsec@outlook.com

· Friday 12 July to Sunday 14 July

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.

Women’s group

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. Mondays 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

Garry Howe OAM.

BERWICK

TIP-STARS

Tipstars Leaderboard

SPORT Titans deliver first blow

By Marcus Uhe

The monkey is finally off the back for Berwick Springs.

It took seven weeks, but the Titans have broken through for a maiden win in the Outer East Football Netball Premier Division, sneaking home by three points against Olinda Ferny Creek, 6.6 42 to 4.15 39.

Executing for four quarters has been the Titans’ Achilles heel in 2024, with each game seeing them drop the ball for a detrimental quarter, resulting in a winless opening to the season.

Two weeks ago on the same venue, they led for the duration of the afternoon before a final quarter collapse saw Mt Evelyn make the trip back up the hill with the four points.

Post-game, a frustrated Hayden Stagg lamented a deviation from the game plan and structures that netted his side the early lead, and delivered some ‘hard truths’.

While back in round one, a 20-point lead as they turned for home against Gembrook Cockatoo finished a stunning eight-point loss, as the fitter Brookers powered home with a brilliant last quarter.

The spectre of heartbreak loomed again, with the Bloods taking a slender lead into the final term, and with momentum at their backs, thanks to a third quarter in which they kicked three goals to Berwick Springs’ one, as the Titans’ forward pressure fell away.

But this game was different, and coach Hayden Stagg refused to let them relinquish this opportunity.

“We said that today’s the day we’re going to play four quarters and stick to the game plan,” Stagg told his troops at three-quarter-time.

“It was very good during the quarter, the boys kept sticking to it, but when there were times that they weren’t going towards the game plan, we got out there and made sure we got to every line to promote our game plan and keep going to it.

“It will be a great stepping stone for the club to show that we can be a part of this league, and we can be not just a rollover team.”

A tense final term saw the visitors kick six behinds, while Kayden Buselli and Jett Kearney held their nerve with two decisive goals that saw the Titans regain the lead twice.

It made for tough viewing for Stagg and his co-coach Chris Johnson from the sidelines, but only intensified the elation upon the final siren.

“I was just thinking,‘don’t kick one, please’”,

Stagg said.

“Some of them were quite good quality shots - on any other day they might have kicked them it would be a different story but on the day it just wasn’t meant to be.

“I think sometimes points can be contagious really, it’s a snowball effect.

“I wouldn’t say we’re lucky, but at the same time, we’re lucky.”

A spate of injuries has forced the rookie coaches to dig deep into their bag of tricks, spinning the magnets and throwing players

into new positions to fill gaps.

Award-winning key defender Riley Hillman was thrown forward, kicking one goal and giving another route to the big sticks, taking pressure of Kearney and Buselli, who kicked one and three goals respectively.

Matthew Soutter-Smith, another lynchpin in the backline, was thrown on ball, in the absence of Stagg, Johnson and Justin Markulija.

Both were critical to the win, and gives the coaching panel another string to their bow later in the season.

“He (Soutter-Smith) was the next name up in that midfield group and he did very well in the Wandin game,” Stagg said.

“He showed some promise as well during the preseason games and it was something we always had in the back of our mind that we could go to if we needed to.

‘Hilly’ (Hillman) was an idea that we toyed with last year but we never executed.

“Now that we’ve done well recruiting down back, it’s allowed us to actually play him up forward.

“We tried that and we all believe it worked quite well.”

Taking a win off a side pushing for a spot in the top four, on the back of Emerald’s victory last week in similar circumstances against Upwey Tecoma, provides yet another reminder of the fine margins in the Premier Division.

Stagg hopes the win will instill belief in the side, and with reinforcements expected after the log weekend, in Johnson and Markulija, there’s optimism for the second half of the season.

“If you look back at the results and the ladder, there’s not much between fifth and the bottom, it’s only one or two games.

“There’s some good teams out there and we’ve still got a lot to work on, but you always want to have that promise and you want to have that belief in the boys, for sure.”

Stagg and his Titans head to Kalora Park on Saturday to tackle Narre Warren.

Gears continue to churn on the Foxes football factory

By Jonty Ralphsmith Fifteen

That’s how many interleague representatives the Narre North Foxes Under-16 Girls Black team has in 2024.

It’s an astounding figure for one club; made more preposterous that the number is from just one team.

It comes off the back of a series of clinics the club ran in 2017 to encourage female participation.

“We’re pretty lucky we’ve got with the quality of girls we have coming through the Foxes,” said coach Greg Brittain, who was part of setting up those initial clinics.

“We set our minds to trying to set up one team eight years ago and it was amazing how many girls took to footy.

“It took off straight away and we now have (approximately) a 60-40 share of males and females so the growth has been amazing to the point where we now field sides in every age group.”

That the team is predominantly made up of bottom-agers jostling with older girls for interleague positions further highlights their quality.

“The girls genuinely want to learn and get better,” Brittain added.

“It’s exciting to watch it now knowing where it has come from.

“I want to develop these players this year so they’re ready to hit it next year because I think there would be no bigger buzz than to see some of these girls make it.”

Below is a breakdown of each of the Foxes’ squad members.

Ella Bologa: A School Sports Victoria and Next Generation Academy member for Melbourne due to her Indigenous heritage, the midfielder’s resume is already looking

stacked. She was also part of the Kickstart Program for young Indigenous talent last season and is expected to push for Dandenong Stingrays in the coming years.

Lilly Brittain – Like Bologa. Brittain is a School Sports Victoria and Melbourne NGA prospect as a midfielder-forward. She also represented the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association in Bendigo in

November, winning best-on-ground. Annie Clish – A midfielder who rotates into the forward line who has is part of the School Sports Victoria Team.

Kiara Harvey: A powerful defender in her first season at the Foxes, Harvey has spent time training with Gippsland Power. First season at the club and she’s in the interleague. Spent time training with Gippsland

Power. Powerful through the backline. Harper Fabien: A genuine utility, Fabien has played just six games of footy in her career and catches the eye with her skills. Total of six games and made the interleague squad.

Wing/back/forward

AlyshaTurfboer: A ruck who rotates into the defence, Turfboer uses her size to her advantage.

Charlee-Jo Bowden: Strong in the contest, Bowden is willing to do the dirty work inand-under, dominant once the ball hits the deck in the backline.

Zoe Poulto: Swings between the forward and backline where she showcases her nice skillset.

Zaalih Robinson: A true centre-half-back, Robinson is a nice size and excellent overhead. She can set up play with her efficient kick.

Maya Gillespie: an outside runner who racks up the footy as an outlet from stoppage Ciena o’Flaherty: A forward who can go into the midfield rotation, O’Flaherty has silky smooth skills and likeable attributes.

Emmersyn Reponen: Another one in her first season of footy, Reponen has made the transition from basketball and taken to the sport well.

Shiloh Little: The Foxes’ second ruck who floats into the backline.

Bridie McIvor: A winger who is improving rapidly. Is coming out of her shell on the wing after playing in a variety of positions in recent years

Scarlet Mills: A centre-half-forward who is hard at the footy, skilful and can find a goal if you need it.

Want your team featured in the Pakenham Gazette? Get in touch at sport@starnewsgroup.com.au

Lilly Brittain and Ella Bologa are among a slew of players making waves for the Foxes. 410029

Picture: SUPPLIED

Kayden Buselli celebrates one of his three goals with his Berwick Springs teammates in Saturday’s win. 409034 Picture: ROB CAREW

Bombers remain in the mix

By Marcus Uhe

A strong win for Emerald over ROC is maintaining its place in the conversation for premiership contention as the Outer East Football Netball A-Grade netball season nears the halfway mark of the campaign.

The Bombers led for the duration of the contest thanks to a blistering first quarter in which their speed of ball movement and height across the court made life difficult for ROC at Starling Road.

Separate runs of seven and eight consecutive goals helped Emerald to a 10-goal lead at the first break, thanks in large part due to quality of shots.

Kaylah Loulanting and Mackenzie Fox were diligent in fostering excellent quality of shots rather than settling for difficult ones from further out from the post.

The lead grew as wide as 27 points midway through the last quarter before settling at 25 in a 69-44 Emerald win.

Loulanting finished with 44 goals to keep pressure onWandin’s Emmalia Blake at the top of the leading goal scorer table, now trailing by just five.

Casey Rhodes-Anderson played a captain’s game in the back half and Krista Tomlinson as excellent in the midcourt.

Isabelle O’Shanassy came off the ROC bench to score 33 goals with Melanie Overdyk and Emily Vidler among its best players.

While Emerald’s defence needs to tighten up in order to fully assert itself as a premiership threat, in the bottom half for goals conceded per game, the offence is keeping them afloat, with a fourth-highest 58 goals per game.

Pakenham’s winning streak came to a grinding halt against Mt Evelyn, ending the run of

consecutive wins at five.

The Lions powered their way into the league’s top bracket thanks to wins against sides largely in the bottom half of the ladder, and was always going to be tested against a true contender like the Rovers.

Pakenham simply couldn’t keep pace, its

Hyland notches 200 games

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Casey Cannons stalwart Tegen Hyland celebrated her 200th game on Saturday in Casey’s 1-0 loss to Toorak East Malvern.

An excellent clubperson whose family is well-connected at the club, Hyland has been a key cog for the Cannons on and off the field throughout her career.

Hyland started in the firsts in 2015 and has since contributed reliably and is consistently looking to improve both herself and her teammates.

“She’s a great player and club representative,” said coach Andrew Harris.

“She plays at right-half and is a really important player to the club.

“She promotes the club in a positive way and is a really good person – she’s always there for people around the club so it was good that we performed well, despite the result, on a big day for her.”

While Casey’s women lost a tight tussle against Toorak East Malvern on Saturday, the battle against a team which was last season competing in Premier League highlighted plenty of positives.

While Toorak East Malvern had more short corners, both teams had their share of the play after a gritty 0-0 first half.

“We definitely held our own,” said Harris. “A lot of the things we were working on at

training around pressuring them when they had the ball came through during the game.”

After Toorak East Malvern scored in the third quarter, Casey immediately responded with ascendancy in general play, though were unable to put it on the scoreboard.

“A lot of the structures we’ve been building towards to compete against the better sides really stood up which was good to see.”

Keeping the second highest scoring team of the season to just one goal was an enormous result for the Cannons, despite not emerging with the points.

The next step for Casey will be bringing the level of intensity they have against top sides in recent weeks when they play in more winnable fixtures.

Despite perennially challenging the top sides and threatening to cause an upset, they have also had to endure several danger games they would be favoured to win with their talent.

The coach highlighted fullback Michaela Bullock and centre-mid Sam Wagg, the latter who was pitted against her old side.

Sitting at eighth spot on theVic League 1 table, the next three weeks will be decisive in the context of their season, given where the sides sit on the ladder.

Meanwhile, the men had a 3-1 win over Bayside and are currently sitting second, but are just five points clear of seventh-place.

Kaitlyn Black, patrolling her opponent’s goal circle like a hawk.

It was Pakenham’s lowest score of the season, and the tests don’t get much easier next week, when they’ll tackle Wandin at home.

Millicent Utber continues to be a wonderful addition for Pakenham this season, with Kelly Cousins scoring 17 goals.

Narre Warren played arguably the most complete game of any side in the netball season to date in a demolition of Gembrook Cockatoo.

Here are some numbers; their lowest scoring quarter was 20 goals, they kept the Brookers to a single goal in two separate quarters, and inflicted the heaviest margin of defeat for the season so far in the 89-15 win.

Even with only four premiership players from last season remaining in Saturday’s side, the Magpies didn’t miss a beat in the thrashing, a performance that will frighten the remainder of the league.

Grace Ioelu shot 73 goals to power her team to the monster score, and Chelsea Tonna added 16 in her first game since round two, as Narre Warren maintained its undefeated streak.

Berwick Springs showed signs of improvement in its contest with Olinda Ferny Creek, but the first win of the season continues to elude them.

plight not assisted by conceding the first 12 goals of the afternoon, suffering a heavy 62-31 defeat.

Not only was Pakenham conceding plenty of goals, but the Lions struggled to score themselves – 10 was the most they managed in a quarter against Jodi Chandler Medal winner

The Titans were outscored 14-5 in the second term and 21-7 in the third on their way to a 28-63 loss, despite the best efforts of Laura Walker, Amy Hocking and co.

Meanwhile, Wandin cruised to a fourth consecutive win since losing to Narre Warren with a 16-goal victory over Upwey Tecoma, and Monbulk scored an impressive 26-goal victory over Woori Yallock.

Inaccurate second term costs the Eagles dearly

By David Nagel

Beaconsfield is still searching for an elusive first victory in the Eastern Division One Women’s competition after a 45-point loss to Knox at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.

The Eagles were slow to start against the Falcons on their way to a 7.11(53) to 0.8(8) defeat.

The Falcons dominated the first term, having six scoring shots at goal to one on their way to a 15-point lead at quarter time.

The Eagles responded in the second quarter, with Naomi Rice, Lauree Metcalfe and Georgia Dunstan lifting their rating around the ground; creating five scoring shots to two.

But Beaconsfield wasted its opportunities, scoring 0.5 in the second stanza, while the Falcons were far more efficient; converting both shots at goal into major scores.

Down by 22 points at half time, the Eagles were never in the hunt for victory, but Nat Taylor, Jess Hartfield and Taylah Griffiths led a spirited second-half performance.

The Eagles reach the half-way point of their season this week with an away trip to fourth-placed East Ringwood.

In other games on the weekend, Donvale and East Ringwood couldn’t be split, ending with scores tied at 3.6(24) apiece.

Results R6: Beaconsfield 0.8(8) v Knox 7.11(53), Donvale 3.6(24) v East Ringwood 3.6(24), North Ringwood 3.8(26) v Park Orchards 1.1(7). Ladder: Donvale 18, North Ringwood, Park Orchards 16, East Ringwood 14, Knox 8, Beaconsfield 0.

Fixture R7: East Ringwood v Beaconsfield, Knox v North Ringwood, Park Orchards v Donvale.

Hannah Gregory pulls in a mark for Beaconsfield. 408032

Picture: ROB CAREW

Tegen Hyland celebrated game 200 for the Cannons on the weekend. 408035 Picture: ROB CAREW

Kaylah Loulanting reels in a catch for Emerald against ROC. 409033 Picture: ROB CAREW

Undermanned for the fight

By David Nagel

Beaconsfield has slipped from second to fifth on the Eastern Division One ladder after the Eagles were taught a football lesson by reigning-premier Mitcham at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.

The Eagles matched motors with the Tigers in the first quarter; kicking two goals to one, but were then held goalless for three full quarters of football on their way to a 13.11(89) to 2.7(19) defeat.

Coach Mick Fogarty was forced to make four changes for the round-eight clash, with key pillars Jake Bowd and Brandon White absent, while Trent Stokoe and Jack Docherty were also missing in action.

Jafar Ocaa and Finn Devine returned, while Patrick Ward was joined by debutant Brady Niezgodka on the inclusion list.

With Bowd, White, Stokoe and Docherty all missing from the back half, the Eagles did well to restrict the free-flowing Tigers in the first term.

It took 14 minutes for Ocaa to open the goal-scoring; dribbling one through off his right foot to give the Eagles a six-point lead.

Jake Parente then answered for the Tigers, after receiving a bullet-pass from Jesse Uren, before Damien Johnston provided a clear firstquarter highlight.

The experienced on-baller hit a forward-50 stoppage at pace, gathering the ball and swinging onto his left foot to give the Eagles a fourpoint lead at quarter time.

No one knew it at the time, but that would be the last Beaconsfield six-pointer for the afternoon.

Things remained tight and compact in the second stanza, with set shots to Jesse Cherry and Parente giving the Tigers a gettable eight-

point lead at the major interval.

But Mitcham then stamped its authority on the contest in the third quarter with a 6.2 to 0.3 display of powerhouse football.

Guy Laughlin started the demolition with an easy goal on the run, while Tom Lovell capped it off with the sixth goal for the quarter.

The Tigers kept their foot on the throat in the final term as the undermanned Eagles failed to raise a response.

A 4.3 to 0.0 final term saw the score blow out to a 70-point margin at the final siren.

Midfielders Johnston, Hayden Brown and Josh Mounter gave their all for the Eagles,

Wickers cop a hammering

By Marcus Uhe

The dam wall has finally burst for Berwick in its season of tough losses, having suffered its heaviest margin of defeat to date on Saturday against 2023 runner up, Vermont in the Eastern Football Netball League’s Premier Division.

The Wickers’ average losing margin through the first six weeks was 62 points but Saturday’s result blew the mean out of the water, with Berwick going down 5.4 34 to 20.12 132.

Vermont slammed six goals in the final 18 minutes of the first term, including four in six minutes to take a 40-point lead in the first break.

Berwick was winning centre clearances and inside 50s but lacked forward targets to kick to ahead of the ball and failed to make an impact on the scoreboard.

Rowville, by contrast, was ruthless, kicking eight straight and nailing its chances when presented, as hulking key forward Daniel Nielson asserted himself on the contest with a handful of opening quarter goals.

Berwick managed to plug some holes in the remainder of the contest but failed to make significant inroads themselves, kicking no more than two goals in a quarter.

The margin crept over the dreaded triple-figure mark late in the fourth quarter before Elijah Roewer slipped the Eagles’ defences and nailed his third goal to draw the margin back to double figures.

Vermont had a number of chances to restore the psychological humiliation but blew them time and time again, including one from the top of the goal square that would have given Nielson a seventh.

Ashton Williamson returned for the first time since round one, with Zach Stewart making his club debut, having moved from Kilcunda Bass.

Dandenong Stingray Coren Giliam also donned the Berwick jumper for the first time at senior level.

Senior heads in Jesse Cirulis and Tom Brennan were among the best in a Berwick

jumper, as was Caydn Lane.

Berwick next faces South Croydon at Cheong Park on Saturday.

Around the grounds in Premier Division, Noble Park was thrashed by Blackburn at home, with the contest unravelling for the Bulls in the second term.

Blackburn kicked six consecutive goals to take a 46-point lead into the long break, going on to win by 63 points at Pat Wright Senior Oval.

It leaves the Bulls with just one win from four matches on their home turf, an issue Steve Hughes will be desperate to rectify.

In positive news for Noble Park, Kyle Martin has missed little time in asserting himself back onto the local footy landscape, kicking two and being among the Bulls’ best.

Balwyn remains undefeated thanks to five goals from former Hawk and Lion Jordan Lisle, powering his team to a win over South Croydon, and 40-point lead at quarter time helped Rowville down Doncaster East by 31 points.

East Ringwood continues to put the heat on the ladder-leading Balwyn, thanks to an 80-point win over Norwood.

while speedsters Sam Merrick and Myles Currie continued their strong recent run of form.

Devine did well in just his second game for the season, while defenders Declan Curran and Lachie Valentine did well to restrict the damage for as long as they did.

The Eagles head to seventh-placed Bayswater this week; before resting their legs with a much-needed league-wide rest across the King’s Birthday weekend.

Mitcham host undefeated Park Orchards in a round nine blockbuster.

BeaconsfieldGoals: Damien Johnston, Jafar Ocaa. Best: Sam Merrick, Myles Currie, Finn Devine, Damien Johnston, Joshua Mounter, Hayden Brown.

MitchamGoals: Jesse Uren 3, Guy Laughlin 2, Jake Parente 2, Nathaniel Barnes, Jesse Cherry, Jack Conlan, Nathan Crampton, Tom Lovell, Lucas Marro. Best: Riley Nicholas, Nicholas Hallo, Joshua May, Jesse Cherry, Danny Baglava, Jesse Uren.

Other Games: Montrose 11.7(73) def North Ringwood (11.5(71), Park Orchards 20.15(135) defDoncaster9.6(60),SouthBelgrave13.10(88) def Bayswater 7.8(50),Wantirna South 14.5(89) def by Mooroolbark 15.10(100).

LadderR8: Park Orchards 32, South Belgrave 24, Mitcham, Montrose, Beaconsfield 20, Mooroolbark 16, Bayswater 12, North Ringwood, Doncaster 8, Wantirna South 0. FixtureR8: Bayswater (7) v Beaconsfield (5), Mitcham (3) v Park Orchards (1), Montrose (4) v Wantirna South (10), Mooroolbark (6) v Doncaster (9), North Ringwood (8) v South Belgrave (2).

Casey Demons come up short in VFL cliff-hanger

By Marcus Uhe

A seesawing fourth quarter saw the Casey Demons come ever so close to snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against Sandringham in the VFL on Sunday afternoon.

The Demons responded to a rough third quarter in which they conceded seven goals and only kicked two of their own, before storming home with an unlikely run in the final term.

A two-point Demons lead at the long break became a 28-point deficit when the two sides turned for home, and despite a stunning late charge from the Demons, they were unable to make up the ground in the 14.14 98 to 17.9 111 loss.

Four goals came in the space of seven minutes as the Zebras stretched the Demons defence as far as they could with a number of avenues to goal, both talls and smalls in the pivotal third term.

Ben Brown’s second of the quarter cut the visitors’ momentum but two more Zebras goals to close the term extended the lead to uncomfortable territory.

Matthew Jefferson’s fourth goal came in the first 10 seconds of the final term following a Jack Billings clearance as the Demons looked to chase down the target.

Tim Membrey answered back to restore the 28-point lead, before Casey threw caution to the wind in the quarter’s second half in an attempt to snatch the lead.

Run, carry and corridor use became the weapons of choice as time ticked away, and with great effect as they piled on scoreboard pressure.

Beaconsfield’s Mitch Szybkowski nailed a shot on the run from just inside the 50, Mitch White kicked a captain’s goal and the Jefferson/Brown duo remained a handful for the Zebras backs.

They came ever so close, with five consecutive goals in the final term, including Jefferson’s fifth, cutting the lead to just one point after 25 minutes.

But a trio of St Kilda-listed Zebras in Brad

Crouch, Dan Butler and Membrey combined immediately following Jefferson’s goal, giving their side a seven-point cushion.

Another late in the term to Sandringham put the result beyond doubt, as Casey failed to kick a major in the final seven minutes following their surge.

Goals were traded in the first half in what quickly became a shootout between the two respective full forwards in Casey’s Jefferson and Sandringham’s Membrey.

Both were too much for their opponents in the first hour of action, with both heading to the rooms at half time with three goals to their name.

It’s the fifth time this season that the Demons have kicked equal or more points than goals in what is becoming a worrying trend for Taylor Whitford’s side in 2024, as is the winless opening to the year at Casey Fields, previously a sanctuary but no longer offering the security of past years.

AFL-listed talent in Jefferson, Brown, Bailey Laurie and Andy Moniz-Wakefield continue to press for AFL selection but Melbourne’s ascension to fourth place on the table makes it difficult for those players to force their way into the senior side.

White stuffed the stat sheet with 38 disposals and two goals, while Moniz-Wakefield had a season-best 33 disposals.

Casey next faces Coburg on Saturday at Pirahna Park.

Matthew Jefferson kicked five goals for the Casey Demons on Sunday. 40803

Picture: ROB CAREW

Jesse Cirulis was one of Berwick’s best on Saturday against Vermont. 335962

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Experienced midfielder Damien Johnston provided the first-quarter highlight for Beaconsfield. 402311 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Sam Merrick played his best game for the season for the Eagles. 402311