News - Berwick Star News - 6th June 2024

youth

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Vaughn Williams, a Youth You Program mentor, spoke to a crowd of over 150 people on his journey with addiction, mental health struggles and his triumph, emphasising the importance of surrounding oneself with a community that will continue to support and push you in the right direction.

For more on the story turn to page 8

Disney World bid

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Disney World for the open spaces of Casey or Greater Dandenong has been proposed by South Eastern Metropolitan MP David Limbrick.

In response to reports that Disney had $60 billion to spend on new theme parks and resorts, the Libertarian MP told State Parliament on 30 May that he’d narrowed down three “po-

tential outstanding locations” of Dandenong, Cranbourne or Frankston. “They are so good I cannot easily split them.

“Unlike in other parts of Melbourne, Disney would be welcomed with open arms in SouthEast Melbourne. “We have tens of thousands of families with kids who are looking for things to do and a great workforce who would love to live and work close to home.”

Mr Limbrick said the proximity to Moorabbin Airport and abundance of open spaces connected to Mordialloc Freeway made it the “only logical place for the happiest place on Earth”.

“A Disney resort would attract millions of visitors to the South-East of Melbourne, and we would welcome every single one of them.

“My request for the Minister for Tourism is to contact Disney Company and let them know

every assistance would be given to them if they were to establish a theme park.”

Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti agreed that Dandenong was an ideal site. As mayor in 2014, Cr Memeti supported a Chinabased developer’s idea for a giant theme park at a Green Wedge site on Frankston-Dandenong Road, Bangholme.

Continued page 8

Ethan Benedicto

Vaughn Williams on the night of Friday 31 May, speaking to a large crowd on addiction and mental health.

Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO

Local book lovers

By Ethan Benedicto

The monthly book sale for Berwick Library is fast approaching, with the event on Friday 7 June not just a way to maintain upkeep but also foster community togetherness and opportunities for visitors to broaden their personal collections.

What could easily be considered part of Berwick’s historical fabric, the library, officially known as the Berwick Mechanic’s Institute and Free Library, was erected in 1866.

A team of volunteers runs the library itself, and Judith Dwyer with roughly 20 years under her belt said that the book sale is like stepping into the past and giving others the same chance.

“I think the fact that people, you know, [with] what they’ve collected over the years, you really don’t want to just throw them out, and it’s nice to find someone else that can borrow them,” she said.

According to Ms Dwyer, the book sales themselves have gone through some changes in the last few years, where pandemic lockdowns and the temporary closure of op shops such as Salvos andVinnie’s saw locals donating to the library instead.

“They’ve kept donating them, and we get so many and people are very generous [but] we can’t put them all in our collection so what we usually do is re-home them.

“A lot of them are collections from people that are downsizing, sometimes it’s people who’ve passed away or other people just decluttering,” she said.

Beginning on Friday and operating at regular hours, the sale runs until the end of Saturday, pauses on Sunday and finishes off on the afternoon of Monday 3 June.

All of the funds acquired from the sale go directly towards the library’s catalogue, and according to Ms Dwyer, “we’re always

adding new books”.

“We’re buying all the time as well as getting the donations, and often we’re actually discarding books that have been read out here because we want to keep the book collection right up to date with the latest that everyone’s reading,” she said.

The library’s original activities in the 1800s included weekly events called Penny Readings, where people could share stories and readings for entertainment.

It also houses a local history collection with

a focus on the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire, with books, maps, photos and newspaper articles; as well as a heritage collection with hand-written minute books, catalogues, and membership records, with the earliest visitor book dated on 1890.

Prior to the sale, books that are to be sold are examined carefully to ensure that they are on par with the library’s standards, and those that aren’t sold throughout the weekend are put out at a “very bargain price” according to Ms Dwyer, and would eventually sell out with-

in the next month or so.

For Ms Dwyer, keeping the local fever for books alive is a must, noting that “it’s quite a few people that obviously just come in for the book sale and collect up”.

“I know one lady that brought in books from her father’s collection and she said he’d be so pleased that it was going to come here, she said he really loved that the books were going to come here and find a new home,” she said.

Judith Dwyer, who has volunteered at the Berwick Mechanic’s Institute and Free Library for the last 20 years, is standing next to a cart of books bound for sale.

Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO

Nurses keep on fighting

By Ethan Benedicto

Victoria’s nurses and midwives recently rejected a proposed pay increased with the State Government, despite ANMF union leadership having reached an understanding with the in-principle agreement.

The decision was made by 3000 public sector nurses and midwives due to ongoing proceedings with the Fair Work Commission and aged care nurses, and the lack of clarity of the proposed wages moving into the future.

A Narre Warren South resident and an enrolled nurse at Frankston Hospital, Casey Collier said that “what we were all angry about was that it was handled so poorly”.

“We wanted to be informed prior to the meeting what the offer actually was, none of us actually knew what it was so we went to this meeting having no clue at all,” she said.

The meeting, which took place at Festival Hall on Monday 20 May, began around 2pm and was just held three days after stage two industrial action - which included closing one in four beds and cancelling one in four elective surgeries with exemptions - was suspended on Friday 17 May.

“They kind of dumped it on us and they explained it in a very confusing way, because it is very complex, it’s not as simple as what’s being presented in the media, and so we didn’t have any time to process it.

“Basically by the end of the meeting, they were like, ‘do you want it or no?’ and people had questions and they weren’t satisfied or we weren’t getting definitive answers.

“In the end well, we’re not going to vote for something that’s not in black and white, and we weren’t really happy with it in the end,” Ms Collier said.

According to a statement by the ANMF released on 20 May, the initial four-year agree-

payment, plus wages policy in the third and fourth year as well.

It also provided a new wage percentage outcome which was subject to Fair Work Commission justice Adam Hatcher and his panel’s decision on the aged care work value case for nurses, which was expected to be between 5.5 and 13 per cent.

This would mean wage increases between 18 and 23 per cent over the four-year proposed agreement; however it was complicated by the mentioned pending FWC aged care work value case, in which a wage offer outcome relied on.

Having only been an enrolled nurse for a year and a half, Ms Collier feels the weight on not just hers, but every nurse and midwife’s shoulders.

Although not speaking for everyone in the union, she said that while many of the members do appreciate the effort that the ANMF leadership have put throughout the process, she believes that they “don’t feel as though we’re being communicated to properly”.

“I can’t speak for everyone, I’m very new to the industry so I don’t know how it’s progressed over the years, but I think they could do a better job of finding a better offer, not settling for the first offer that’s put on the table.

“I don’t regret being a member at all, [but] I think next time they should just keep their members in the loop before throwing something like that at us and expecting us to vote.

“I would stay with the ANMF, and I trust that they will get something done at the end of the day,” she said.

taken seriously is if we kind of impose that on the government, we don’t want it to affect the general public,” she said.

“We’re often having to work overtime, we’re often expected to show up on our days off, and we’re often expected to have a really big patient action on shift.

“We’re worried to the point where we’re going to get burnt out, and the patients aren’t going to get the care that they need, so ultimately we just want safe working conditions,” she said.

Despite the struggles and times where she “questions whether it’s worth it”, Ms Collier’s passion for being a nurse and its overall role of serving the community remains steadfast.

“It’s literally passion, it’s honestly just love for the job; there are so many rewarding aspects to it and someone’s got to do it at the end of the day.

“I’m both an enrolled nurse and a student nurse at the same time, I’m upskilling and I want to do more - I want to be part of it and it’s something I love doing.

“Don’t get me wrong, I do question it, because how is this going to pay the bills? How am I going to be valued by accepting this?” she said.

However, stage two actions are what she thinks would bear the most fruit, in order to show everyone “that we’re serious”.

“Putting that pressure on the government is really important for us and more action like that is necessary,” she said.

ment proposed by the state government guaranteed a minimum wage and cash benefit uplift of six per cent in the first three months of the first year.

On the second year there would be a government wages policy as well as further cash

Speaking on the stage two protected industrial actions, Ms Collier added that “none of us want to take the action that we have”.

“None of us want to actually close beds and cancel surgeries, but the only way to be

Looking ahead, Ms Collier is encouraging everyone to advocate and be involved, from wearing shirts or apparel in support, or also demanding alongside them for better work conditions and pay.

“Because at the end of the day, we have their back and we just want them to have ours,” she said.

Casey Collier, ANMF member and Narre Warren South resident, who works as an enrolled nurse at Frankston Hospital, hoped for better communication leading up to the rejection of the in-principle agreement in late May. Picture: SUPPLIED

Flu jabs key as cold arrives

By Ethan Benedicto

With 2023 seeing one of the worst flu seasons in Australia since 2019, there is a renewed push for people to be vaccinated against the illness.

Benefits of getting the jab can include flu prevention, less severe symptoms, community protection and lower risk of complications, according to Blooms the Chemist, which is offering free flu vaccinations to some people at their Narre Warren and Cranbourne stores amid a drop in jab rates post-Covid. Experts have attributed the decline to vaccine fatigue.

Federation University professor Stuart Berzins said that the Covid pandemic has altered the way that societies function in many ways, and “part of that was almost a requirement to be vaccinated and to be vaccinated regularly”.

“The immediate severity of the pandemic felt by the people has lessened, along with that has sort of become, a lessening of the urgency to keep up with vaccinations,” he said.

Professor Berzins, an expert in immunology, also added that this reaction to Covid boosters has also been felt with flu vaccinations, considering that they themselves have never been taken up by the community at the same rate the Covid vaccines were.

With vaccinations out of mind, people are “a little bit more relaxed about Covid and getting vaccines in general, which includes the importance of vaccines”.

According to the Australian Vaccine Services, 2023’s flu cases had a 10 per cent increase compared to 2022, with vaccination rates in Victoria down 18.9 per cent and children six months to five years being the least likely to be vaccinated.

While Professor Berzins emphasised the importance of the general public taking their flu shots, he said that “people need to be able to make that kind of decision about whether to be vaccinated being fully informed”.

“I think the last thing we want a society is to give up on sending messages about vaccination because then we run the risk of people just not realising how important it is and how much it reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill from diseases,” he said.

Influenza itself is not a new phenomenon, where in 2019 there were over 300,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease in Australia, according to the Department of Health.

While symptoms for the disease are more often mild than not, the main factor is that “there are different strains of influenza”.

“We’ve all heard of Omicron, we’ve heard of

variations of Omicron that are sort of appearing now with their different strings of numbers and letters and so on, so people are sort of comfortable that there are different viruses out there.

“When you get infected with influenza, it’s correct that if you recover, then you are going to have some immunity built up against that form of the virus - but you don’t know if you’re going to get that form of the virus again.

“In fact the reason we need to get vaccinated every year for the flu isn’t because our immunity is weak and it just disappears, it’s because the variants of the influenza regularly

change from year to year,” Professor Berzins said.

On the subject of delivering the message, the professor encouraged moderation and that “there needs to be a balance”, with different sources such as doctors playing an important role in delivering it.

“It’s important to bear in mind that a lot of people who think they might have had influenza have probably not, they probably had a form of the common cold.

“So people who are immunosuppressed [especially] kids are at a high risk of getting very sick from influenza, so in those sorts of cases it’s even more portent to get as much protection as you can.

“The vaccine is never going to weaken your protection; it’s always going to strengthen it, so why invite the risk of having another form of influenza that might make you seriously unwell?” Professor Berzins said.

A media release by Ambulance Victoria on 31 May detailed that they are experiencing significant demand due to seasonal illness, with flu cases having increased in the state by 65 per cent in the fortnight leading to the end of May.

While reminding the public to save triple zero (000) calls for emergencies, AV director of emergency management, Justin Dunlop added that “this time of year, is a particularly bad time for the spread of illnesses and a busy time for our paramedics”.

“By staying up to date with your yearly vaccinations, it helps you and the people around you.

“It also makes a difference by reducing demand on our paramedics who are facing a busy ahead,” he said.

For Professor Berzins, the best way that the general public can avoid being infected, or seriously ill from influenza is “to be vaccinated where effective vaccines are available”.

Healing heart makes space for mourning miscarriage

By Cassandra Morgan, AAP

At a cemetery set among quiet fields, a glittering heart invites visitors to step inside a womb-like garden and reflect.

The miscarriage memorial garden being built at Bunurong Memorial Park in Bangholme is the first of its kind in Australia, Melissa King says.

The idea came from Ms King’s own miscarriage in 2011 that prompted her to establish the Miscarriage Information Support Service, or MISS, to help others dealing with the loss.

“We were really hoping for a third baby and unfortunately it didn’t go to plan,” Ms King said.

“I found it really difficult to find support.

“I had an ultrasound, went to a GP, and also went to a hospital, and I sort of left there

support service founder Melissa King says.

with nothing but a broken heart.”

Thirteen years after Ms King’s experience, people are more open to talking about mis-

carriage and early pregnancy loss. But space to mourn is still lacking, she says.

Under 20 weeks of pregnancy, there is no birth or death certificate and an estimated one in four pregnancies in Australia ends in miscarriage.

For most there is no service or burial, or a place to mark anniversaries and holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Ms King says.

The MISS founder broached the idea of a dedicated miscarriage and early pregnancy memorial garden in 2020 to the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, which owns the Bunurong cemetery.

The trust and MISS are co-designing the garden, which is shaped like a womb and features a two-metre high heart sculpture made with 18 “healing” crystals and gemstones in a broken mirror mosaic.

The garden is slated for launch in early

2025.

“It would definitely be Australia’s first purpose-built [miscarriage memorial garden]also, that’s available to the public,” Ms King said.

Trust chairVanda Fortunato says it is committed to helping break the stigma around miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, giving the community a unique and purposeful space.

“It will be a tribute to all who have experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage and a symbol of hope and healing for those who continue to carry this burden,” Dr Fortunato said.

The miscarriage memorial garden was funded partly by the federal government, which in the May budget announced Australia’s first ever dedicated funding for miscarriage.

The garden will be a space for mourning miscarriage,

Picture: DIEGO FEDELE/AAP PHOTOS

With winter coming, Professor Stuart Berzins, an expert in immunology at Federation University, is encouraging everyone to get their annual flu shots to prevent illness. Picture: SUPPLIED

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVES

Detox Your Home event is coming to Cranbourne

Do you have unused household chemicals cluttering your cupboards and garage?

Sustainability Victoria invites you to declutter responsibly at a free Detox Your Home event, happening on Saturday 22 June from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm at Chisholm TAFE Cranbourne, located at 2 New Holland Drive.

All collected items will either be recycled, repurposed, or disposed of safely.

Places are limited and registrations are essential— no walk-ins accepted. To register for this free event, search ‘Casey detox your home event’ on our website or scan the QR code.

Join us for National Tree Day

Join us to celebrate National Tree Day on Sunday 28 July at Troops Creek West Wetland in Narre Warren North.

This free event invites families, groups, and individuals to plant trees and enhance our local environment. Enjoy a day outdoors which will include a free barbecue, connect with your community, and make a positive impact.

To book your spot, visit: treeday.planetark.org/site/10029698

Online Solar Savers Information Session

Council has teamed up with Solar Savers to make solar installation easy, affordable, and reliable for residents and businesses. Attend one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about a switch to solar.

Date: Thursday 20 June

Time: 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm

The session is free to attend however bookings are required. To register for this free event, search ‘Solar solutions available for residents and businesses’ on our website.

Supporting residents to reduce energy and water use

Did you know Council has Energy and Water Efficiency Home Audit Kits that can be borrowed for free from our local libraries?

These kits include tools like a power-mate lite, energy-saving thermometer, water flow measuring cup, and thermal imaging camera to help you identify ways to improve your home’s efficiency.

After your audit, you may qualify for a rebate of up to $200 from Council to draught-proof your home. Check kit availability at connectedlibraries.org.au or visit your local library. Start saving money and reducing carbon emissions today!

Want to know more about sustainable living

• Join the ‘Green Living in Casey’ Facebook community group

• Subscribe to the Green Living in Casey e-newsletter on Council’s website

Community Recycling Day at Autumn Place

Autumn Place Community Hub will host a Community Recycling Day on Saturday 15 June from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm.

There will be range of activities where the whole family can learn about waste and recycling including:

• a chance for kids to sit in a recycling truck

• free craft activities

• Recycle Right session at 10.00 am

• Home Composting 101 session at 11.30 am

• There will be free coffee if you bring your own cup.

No bookings required

For more details, search ‘Community Recycling Day’ on our website.

Apply now for Casey’s Biodiversity Incentive Scheme Grant

The City of Casey is offering grants to support conservation projects in our community. Private landowners and volunteer public land managers can apply for up to $2,000 in monetary support or for a donation of indigenous seedlings.

Applications close at 11.00 pm on Sunday 30 June 2024. For more information and to apply, visit the ‘Improving our environment’ page on our website.

Induction cooktop – try before you buy

The City of Casey is pleased to provide two portable induction cooktop kits to help residents start their home electrification journey.

Before installing your own, you can hire a free kit from Connected Libraries branches at Bunjil Place and Cranbourne.

For more information visit the Connected Casey Library website.

Tackling pollution distress

By Violet Li

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria is trialling a tool to measure the psychological health impacts of pollution and waste in the City of Casey, as the municipality ranked the highest number of odour reports in Victoria in this financial year.

The Environmental Distress Index (TEDI) survey, developed by the University of Adelaide for EPA Victoria, features ten questions on how the respondents have been feeling over the past 30 days, the amount of time they feel that way, and the link between feeling and the experience of pollution and waste.

The aim of the survey is to determine whether a particular pollution event is causing mental distress in a community.

EPA Victoria’s chief environmental scientist Mark Patrick Taylor said the organisation currently did not have a standardised measure to assess the psychological impacts of pollution and waste, which was why TEDI survey had been developed.

“The Environment Protection Act 2017 defines human health as physical health and psychological health, but we don’t have any tools to directly address psychological health impacts,” he said.

“We looked at a range of instruments that we used to assess psychological health impacts, and we eventually landed on a tool to use, which was the Kessler Index [the paradigm for the TEDI survey].

“We’ll be the first EPA to have this tool in the world to quantify the psychological health impacts.

“The second phase of this project is taking this tool and applying it to different community situations, trying to understand what the community has to say about it, what sort

of information we can get back, and whether we should actually end up operationalising as part of our tools and instruments to best support the community so we can understand the human health impacts on the population.”

Mr Taylor said in the long run, TEDI would help EPA and other authorities to prioritise

Afghan refugee volunteer giving back

An Afghan refugee who spent almost three decades in exile, much of it without her family, has found a new lease of life through volunteering.

KhadijaWarazgani and her family fled civil war in Afghanistan 33 years ago when she was four.

The family found refuge in Quetta, Pakistan, but were still subject to persecution as members of the Hazara ethnic minority.

“Life was tough in Pakistan. My parents passed away and then my brother and his family came to Australia. I lived with the family of one of brother’s friends,” Khadija said.

“I had some problems. I couldn’t get a visa to join my brother for a few years,” she said.

But Khadija was finally able to come to Australia last year, travelling by herself.

Now living with her brother in Dandenong, Khajida is studying part-time and vol-

unteering with migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia.

“I am enjoying life in Australia. Here there are lots of opportunities and we can move freely without fear. In Quetta we were always in fear of being attacked because we are Hazara,” she said.

Khajida, 37, is now studying English at TAFE two days a week, volunteering with AMES in Dandenong another two days a week and volunteering with her own local Hazara community of Saturdays.

“I work with teachers helping refugee students understand their lessons and the work they are given. They have little or no English language, so I help to explain to them the meanings of new words and phrases,” she said.

“It’s very rewarding work. It gives me a nice feeling to be able to help people.The students

are so happy when I support them. They say they could not do the work and then when I explain things, they are able to move ahead and learn.

“I want to finish my studies and then get a job in community service – working alongside people and helping them.”

Khadija was inspired to volunteer by her experiences as a refugee client with AMES Australia.

“I was a client of AMES, and my case manager was so helpful and so nice to me. She worked hard to support me and help me settle here,” she said.

“That is what inspired me to become a volunteer with AMES in Dandenong.

“Volunteering is a great way to meet people and it’s a way of giving back to your community.”

community needs and support regulatory activities.

EPA has received 1648 community pollution reports in the City of Casey this financial year to 27 May.

Nearly 70 per cent of the reports are from odour, which ranks the highest number of odour reports for any local government area in Victoria.

A diverse range of odour sources is noted in the area, from large waste facilities to small agricultural industries.

“In order to better understand what the complaints are, in terms of the source and the impact of those complaints on the community of Casey, we’ve decided we will pick this as a location for us to trial the tool to understand the capability and limitations and potential for this tool to better support communities,” Mr Taylor said.

The responses to the survey are anonymous.

TEDI survey data is managed by the University of Adelaide, which will provide summary reports to EPA Victoria about the effect of environmental events on mental distress.

The University of Adelaide won’t give EPA Victoria any information that could identify individuals.

The TEDI project operates under the University of Adelaide’s stringent code of ethics.

The survey will take about five minutes. To complete the survey, visit: ua.edu.au/tedi

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To all the big freeze sliders at Garfield.

Thumbs up

To the opening of the Pakenham East train station as well as the new-look Pakenham Station.

Thumbs up

To my team Geelong Cats winning against Tigers.

Thumbs up

To sausage dogs everywhere. They are just ... awesome.

Thumbs down

To the roadworks everywhere that never get finished.

Thumbs down

To how hard coaches are getting off too steep.

EPA Victoria held a community information session in Cranbourne West on the TEDI survey. L-R: senior health risk advisor Kara Fry, principal health risk advisor Antti Mikkonen, researcher at the University of Adelaide Cynthia Barlow, EPA Victoria’s chief environmental scientist Mark Patrick Taylor, authorised officer Atul Sharma, and University of Adelaide’s TEDI project manager Dr Kristine Peters. Picture: VIOLET LI

Hampton Park SFL player Declan Brunell is pumped after kicking a goal against Keysborough last Saturday. 410441

Picture: ROB CAREW

Khadija Warazgani is giving back as a volunteer to Dandenong refugee service AMES.

Meet Rachel Lane at Summerset Cranbourne North

Join us at Summerset Cranbourne North to hear from retirement guru, author, speaker and newspaper columnist, Rachel Lane.

Rachel’s engaging explanations of the ins and outs of financing retirement living and aged care are embraced by thousands of readers of The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times newspapers and she regularly speaks on radio and television. Her ability to break down complex financial arrangements into plain English have empowered people to understand the pros and cons of their options.

Rachel Lane Speaker Event

Thursday 13 June, 10am

RSVP to Lynn by Tuesday 11 June

If you are thinking about downsizing you probably have a lot of financial questions like, what does it cost? What will be the impact on my pension, can I qualify for rent assistance, do I qualify for the superannuation downsize incentive, how do I avoid nasty surprises and what happens if I need care?

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Rachel’s tips and traps and ask questions to help you navigate your downsizing journey. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be time to mix and mingle.

Friends and family are welcome, but seats are limited so please RSVP by Tuesday 11 June.

Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au

Overcoming addiction

By Ethan Benedicto

More than 150 people took a deep dive into personal accounts of tackling addiction and struggles with mental health on the night of Friday 31 May, as the Youth You Program held their latest event at Bunjil Place.

The seminar, which ran from 6.30pm to until just after 9pm, broke down tools that those battling addiction and struggling with mental health could use but also had a strong emphasis on what comes after that fight and the next steps in one’s personal journey.

Glenn Munso, the founder with lived experience of addiction and his own mental health struggles, delivered the first talk of the night, where he said he“started the program because I’d seen so many people through the [other] programs looking and feeling broken”.

“They’d lost hope, they forgot who they were as a person and they kind of just disintegrated and drifted away,” he said.

The Youth You Program is a holistic, 10-month endeavour that aims to help, support and guide young adults from ages 18 to 35 to overcome and recover from addiction.

It incorporates lessons learned from the lived experiences of coaches such as Glenn himself, as well as counselling, private support groups, mindset and life coaching and more.

“If you truly want help, and you truly want to get where you want to be, I’ve got your back,” Glenn said.

“Over the years, people would say, you don’t look that bad, or it would always be about the qualifications - you don’t do this or you don’t do that; we’re starting to recognise mental health seriously now and addiction needs to match up.

“When you remove the addiction, it’s always mental health, we need to look at, like why is that individual masked? What are they running from? What are they hiding?” he said.

Utilising a non-clinical approach is key, as well as using evidence-based techniques that ensure that the mentioned lived experiences from the coaches are relayed to the group in a position of understanding and acceptance.

Vaughn Williams, fellow Youth You coach delivered a strong speech on his journey, and how environment and labels played an important role in his recovery and current position in life.

“I don’t introduce myself as a drug addict or an ex-drug addict, I reckon that’s b******t.

“I introduce myself as Vaughn Williams because what is the benefit of me introducing myself as an ex-drug addict or a drug addict? That’s not who I am, that’s not defined who I am.

“It’s important not to put a label on yourself, because if you’re battling and you’re struggling, [and] people with mental health issues or any addiction issues at all are what you call normal people.

“Drug addicts aren’t just junkies, people are struggling and people have a hard time,” he said.

Vaughn used Bruce K. Alexander’s rat park experiment as his prime example towards the importance of the environment when it comes

to one’s behaviour and the path down to addiction.

“My whole thing of this is, that your environment and community are very important, if you improve your environment and you improve your community and the people around you and get proper connections in your life, that’s how you overcome addiction,” Vaughn said.

Bruce K. Alexander’s experiment challenged the suspicion that drugs themselves were the cause of addiction.

Done through two groups of rats, one in a large, comfortable open space with ample stimuli - the rat park - and the other in an enclosed and standard laboratory cage, they were both presented with options of sweetened morphine-laced water and plain water.

The experiment implicated that environment plays a vital role in addiction, where the rats in the rat park with social connections and comfortable space opted for plain water, while the rats in the cages consumed more of the drug-laced water.

“Are you going to trap yourself in a cage, or are you going to put yourself in that park?” Vaughn said.

Courtney Rigaldi, a member of the Youth You Program, spoke about her spiral into drugs due to loss, the lifestyle that surrounded it and how she eventually broke out of the cycle through a support system.

“I needed to have a support system, which you need to have people in your corner that want you to do better and be better.

“You have to forgive yourself, your past just doesn’t define your future and you have to prioritise yourself, set your boundaries and put your own oxygen mask on first,” Courtney said.

Losing her step-father to pancreatic cancer at a young age took a toll on her mental health, which also put a strain on her relationship

with her mother.

This led to Courtney moving out at 17 to stay with her partner at that time, then settling with her biological father, where living with him she “had all the freedom in the world”.

“I could do whatever I wanted when I wanted, didn’t ask any questions, I was going out a lot, drinking a lot, and then started using drugs,” she said.

Courtney described herself as a “high-functioning” addict, with a full-time position at a company that she had been at for roughly 10 years, she felt that her addiction wasn’t impacting her responsibilities.

The death of a close friend had pushed her further down that spiral, of drugs and mental health struggles, where it was “the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with”.

“I just isolated myself, I spiralled, I was depressed”.

While Courtney realised that she had the program, as well as a circle that supported her every step of the way in her journey towards recovery, it’s the personal decision to take that initial step to ask for help and that “what you put in is what you get out”.

“Stop waiting until you’re 100 per cent ready because the truth is you never will be, so take the leap, trust the process and make the change, don’t let the fear stand in the way of a new chapter,” she said.

Before starting the Youth You Program, Glenn was put into an 18-month intensive corrections order and was given an 85 per cent chance of reoffending; however, he broke that shell and the one thing he urged for those who struggled is to “not let the labels stop you”.

“My blueprint or my guide to helping people that are stuck [is to] find a community that pushes you.

“Find people that are going to push you to the best version of yourself, a community with

the standards that match up with where you want to be,” he said.

For Vaughn, it was about “going back to basics”.

“What brings you joy? What did you love as a kid? What things interest you? Take a step back and write those things down, figure out what you are interested in.

“I went away from all the things I loved and all the things I enjoyed in my life because I put substance first.

“Comparison is the thief of joy, every single person in this room, your story is your story, and nobody can take it away,” he said.

Each speaker spent time delving into their personal accounts with the audience, detailing their struggles and how they eventually brought themselves back to a place where they are content and satisfied with who they have become.

Vaughn Williams is also currently a director for the Victorian Brothers and the vice-president of the Peninsula Dolphins Rugby League Club.

Glenn Munso is a two-time Amazon bestselling author for Drugs Do Not Discriminate and I Quit Drugs - Now What? with the Youth You Program as the core of his work towards providing a safe space to speak on addiction and mental health.

For more information on theYouthYou Program, visit youthyouprogram.com

MP outlines push for Disney World in the South East

From page 1

“I am always interested when there is investment that would create employment opportunities in our city.

“I am also supportive of a theme park in Dandenong as we are the gateway to 1.8 million people in the South East.”

“Who doesn’t love theme parks and why not in Dandenong?”

As for whether the same Green Wedge site would be suitable, that would have to be “decided in due course”, Cr Memeti said.

Defenders of the South East Green Wedge spokesperson Matthew Kirwan said a theme park was “definitely not compatible” with the GreenWedge.

“The Green Wedge is for environmental, agricultural and low impact recreational uses.

“Also a theme park is a use designed for high volumes of people so should be accessi-

ble via public transport, both for accessibility and sustainability.

“As well as being an inappropriate use for the Green Wedge, the Green Wedge is poorly serviced by public transport.”

According to the State Government, amusement parks are a “permit required use” in the Green Wedge and require a planning permit application process.

Major developments in the Green Wedge would also be assessed in light of the local council’s planning scheme as well as impacts on the environment, transport connections and the surrounding area.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said “any proposal will be considered on its merits”.

Both Casey Council and the City of Greater Dandenong were contacted for a statement but declined to comment on the topic.

Glenn Munso, founder of the Youth You Program stands in front of a slide detailing the steps of battling addiction and mental health struggles. Pictures: ETHAN BENEDICTO

Libertarian MP David Limbrick has pitched an idea for a Disney theme park in the South East.

Courtney Rigaldi delved into her past, rife with drugs, loss, addiction and her struggle to remove herself from that environment.

Vaughn Williams also spoke on the importance of labels and the normalcy of battling addiction and mental health struggles.

Trapped in the NDIS gap

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

People with mental illness are being forced into aged care and homelessness due to ‘falling through cracks’ in the NDIS system, a South East provider says.

Sarah, 47, of Keysborough, is finally enjoying a secure home after gaining the support of Pakenham-based NDIS provider Sunrise2Sunrise.

With schizoaffective and bipolar disorders, she had been enduring recurrent homelessness and in and out of Dandenong Hospital for 30 years.

“I felt abandoned, like my needs were too complex for the system to handle,” Sarah said.

In what she calls a happy “accident”, she met Sunrise2Sunrise chief executive Ravi Bhatt who was visiting her friends in a Secure Extended Care Unit.

After talking with Mr Bhatt, he was able to help Sarah into a new house with support staff in Keysborough.

For the past 18 months, Sarah now enjoys the fruits of a ‘family-like’ home life.

She is seeing her parents regularly, cleaning, cooking, shopping, gardening and visiting church. She hasn’t been admitted to hospital since.

“It was a miracle to finally have a beautiful home,” she says.

Mr Bhatt says it’s been a challenge getting people with mental illness onto the “right NDIS plan”.

He said there was urgent need for a more compassionate and inclusive system.

“For people with mental health issues, there is a gap.

“It is getting better but it must encompass the often-overlooked individuals facing

complex challenges.”

Over the past two years Sunrise2Sunrise have had at least 22 discharges from SECU, all with varying lengths of admissions.

At least four were thought to be unable to be reintegrated to the community, and 16 would have ended up homeless or in aged care.

Keeping people in hospital rather than living a meaningful life was a financial cost to the Government. And a great cost to the patients’ quality of life, Mr Bhatt says.

“In a hospital setting, you can’t pursue those simple necessities of human life like cooking, cleaning, shopping and pruning the roses.”

As of 31 March, the NDIS was supporting 63,469 participants with psychosocial disabilities.

A recent NDIS review found several shortcomings in the scheme’s dealings with people with mental illness.

It recommended several reforms – including a greater focus on personal recovery and greater independence.

A spokesperson for the National Disability Insurance Agency said it was implementing a Psychosocial Disability Recovery-Oriented Framework to better support participants, their families and carers.

“The NDIA wants all people with psychosocial disability in the NDIS to be supported in their personal recovery and to live a life that has meaning for them.

“The Agency is committed to implementing this framework, and working closely with the disability community, Federal and State Governments, and the Department of Social Services to implement reforms to improve the NDIS, including those arising from the NDIS Review.”

Join the library and you could win a Kmart voucher

New members of Connected Libraries (CL) in June will have the chance to win Kmart Vouchers.

There is $500 in Kmart Vouchers up for grabs for five new members.

Connected Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino said there was not much left in this world that was free and that gave you such fantastic access to resources, events, and programs.

“If you aren’t a Connected Libraries Member, get down to your local library and sign up today,” she said.

Joining is easy, you can join online or by visiting a library.

There are six libraries located across Casey: Bunjil Place, Cranbourne, Cranbourne West, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, and Hampton Park.

With a CL library membership, you can

borrow up to 200 items at any time, enjoy free events for adults, kids, and babies every day at all library locations, place holds using the CL App, get notified when they are available at your nominated location then collect from the holds section which is a great time saver.

You can also download the free CL App to place holds and manage your account 24/7 and access the Library Lockers any time of day to return and collect holds.

Library Lockers are located at Cranbourne West Community Hub, Manna Gum Family and Community Centre, and Orana Community Place. “Entering this competition is easy. Join the library online or at your closest library in the month of June and you will be automatically entered into the competition,” Ms Luppino said. Winners will be contacted and announced on Tuesday 2 July 2024.

Visit connectedlibraries.org.au/competitions or call 1800 577 548 to find out more.

Mum Keisha Mullens with children eight-month-old Malcolm and two-and-a-half-year-old Claire. 410174

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Sunrise2Sunrise chief executive Ravi Bhatt with Sarah, who had been overlooked by the NDIS system. 407733

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Youth crime fighters cut

By Sahar Foladi

Two crucial frontline workers atYouth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) in Dandenong will lose their jobs after a cut in State Budget funding.

Statewide, YSAS suffered a $1.85 million cut in youth crime prevention funds in this year’s State Budget leaving them short of 11 youth support service workers as of 30 June.

YSAS argues that the impacts will be felt across the community, slashing crucial crime prevention programs amidst a rise in youth offenders.

Its regional crime prevention manager, Katrina Bould says along with the devastating news they’ll expect huge amounts of young people on the waitlist as a result of being under-resourced.

“Those two positions ultimately carry a full case load and would see approximately 40 young people per year and their families on top of that, so we’re talking about 80-plus families impacted in our direct community in the southern region.”

YSAS provides early intervention programs and services to at-risk young people between 10-17 years who either have had encounters with police or had their worried parents calling YSAS for help.

The workers help to divert young people away from crime, support them to integrate back within the community through education, employment, social and recreational activities.

“They are the young people who will ultimately be losing out in the end by not getting a service,” Ms Bould said.

“When young people are ready for action, they are ready here-and-now to get that support. Even two weeks’ (wait) is long, and anything can shift in that time.”

The current estimated wait time to be seen by someone at YSAS is four weeks which is expected to more than double to nine weeks after 30 June.

Over the funding period of four years (20202024) YSAS received 1460 referrals with 75 per cent becoming YSAS clients.

“The complexity of young people coming through is different to what it was pre-lockdown.

“We see lots of school disengagement cases. Schools are screaming out for us to come in and support,” Ms Bould said.

This aligns with official crime statistics of a 26 per cent increase from 2022 in young offenders aged 10-17 in Greater Dandenong.

As reported previously by Star News, this is the second-highest level in eight years with car thefts up by 32 per cent and aggravated burglaries up by 50 per cent.

“Working to support the families is a standard part of our casework. There’s a lot of other things that come through such as family breakdowns, family tensions,” Ms Bould says.

“We see a lot of families struggling out there, but we’ve seen just a little bit of our support can make it go a long way with them. That’s our biggest fear, of who’ll miss out.“

Katra Shumbayaonda, a YSAS senior prac-

titioner, says they receive a range of referralsfrom parents needing support with their child to addressing more serious crimes such as aggravated burglary.

“The police had been active in giving out our flyers to the community as well and we see a lot of changes for good after they do contact us.”

Currently, 90 per cent of YSAS clients have family involvement where youth and family workers also work from “a family inclusive lens.”

Youth support service team manager Cassie Thrower says the impact of the long waitlist will be felt by stakeholders such as Youth Justice Court Diversion (CCYD) which support young people to stay away from the youth justice system as their “final chance.”

“We quite often deter young people from the court system so if we’re unable to service these young people they’re more likely to go into the justice system and possibly into custody.

“With the extra funding we were able to build that position in the community to service so many young people. But to have the referrals continuing and not being able to service them, it really impacts on our stakeholders.”

The Dandenong team will be down from seven workers to five across the Southern metropolitan region forcing them to not just manage their waitlist prioritisation but also prioritise contact methods with clients.

“We’ve just finished some training around our priority mechanism. It will look at our systems internally, how we will allocate our clients according to needs.

“It will have to bring focus on brief interventions versus before we would work with them for six months.”

Youth support service team leader Nathan Lambie spends a majority of his time on case

management which also includes driving on the road to visit clients, working around time constraints now more than ever.

“Some young people may live 45-minutes away so that is two hours travelling time just to see one person.

“It gets difficult especially when dealing with high-risk people with a number of complexities. They need support on top of the brief case work,” Mr Lambie says.

While time spent with each person varies according to their needs, once a fortnight is common. For a very complex case, it could be weekly visits.

YSAS were forced to pull out from taking part in Operation Newstart, an out-of-school recreational program which provided youth support, engagement with local community and educate them about services available to them.

YSAS had been part of Operation Newstart since 2012 where one youth support service worker would attend and assist young people throughout the program.

“Being out there in the community, we still want to have a presence, but it will be quite limited, “Ms Bould said.

“The caseloads will be very high, trying to service young people will be the main focus.

“That’s why we have no option but to look at extra things like Operation Newstart because we can’t service that across the whole geographical region.”

This partnership has seen YSAS youth workers support more than 400 vulnerable young people in the Operation Newstart Casey program.

Operation Newstart Casey program manager, James Seeary says both the program and its participants will not just feel the impact if YSAS is not supported but it places the program’s future in jeopardy.

“In the current environment, where the

growing need to support young people trying to cope with a myriad of issues is obvious, I am dumbfounded that funding has been cut to such a crucial service.”

In question time in State Parliament on 29 May, Premier Jacinta Allan was asked if she would “urgently reconsider its decision to cut funding”.

Ms Allan responded that “it is this one-off funding that has now come to a conclusion.”

“In terms of the allegation made about YSAS, who I do want to acknowledge are an excellent agency who do very good and important work, there has been no change or adjustment to their core level of funding.

“This organisation and many others during the period of the pandemic were provided with some additional one-off funding allocations to provide them with support.

“That was in recognition that during the pandemic many organisations ... needed to be provided with some additional support to be able to work through that period of time and continue their service provision.”

Ms Bould, like many other YSAS workers, disagrees it was just a once-off pandemic funding.

“For us as workers, the government saying that was Covid funding, that’s very untrue.

“There was a lot of advocacy work done for this funding that happened prior to the pandemic and it happened that the pandemic landed, and our funding was instated at that time,” she said.

“It’s absolutely devastating. The last few weeks have been very hard on us taking in this news.

“We’re losing colleagues, losing support to the young people and our community, the morale is down.

“It brings the spotlight onto it, questioning whose jobs are safe at these challenging times?”

Residents urged to take part in shaping Casey’s future

The City of Casey is inviting residents to have their say on how the council plans for the future as part of the 2024 Shape Your City campaign.

Community feedback will help create the council’s next four-year Council Plan and guide Casey’s new incoming councillors on future decisions.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said Shape Your City 2024 aimed to put the Casey community at the forefront of council planning.

“Our community feedback will help ensure our Community Vision and council decisions reflect the priorities and diverse voices of our community,” said Ms Duff.

“I encourage all residents to get involved in providing their feedback – no matter how big or small, we want to hear from all community members and provide them with the

opportunity to shape their community’s future.”

Community feedback will be used to inform the review of the Council’s Community Vision and the development of the new fouryear Council Plan and other key strategic documents.

As well as filling out the survey, residents are encouraged to also participate through an interactive budgeting tool which lets them allocate ‘points’ to council services that they value.

Engagement pop-up events will be held throughout June providing the residents with the opportunity to share their feedback in person with council officers directly.

Visit Casey Conversations for more information. The survey closes on Sunday 7 July 2024.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said Shape Your City 2024 aimed to put the Casey community at the forefront of council planning.

Katrina Bould, front, with YSAS youth support service workers at Dandenong. They say they will lose two of their colleagues due to State Budget funding cuts. 410079 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

IN BRIEF

Factory fire in Lynbrook

Jailed for ‘horrific’ domestic violence

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A man who inflicted what a judge described as among“the most horrific” examples of domestic violence has been jailed for up to sevenand-a-half years.

The 46-year-old man – who can’t be named in order not to identify his victim – pleaded guilty in theVictorian County Court to charges including kidnapping, nine counts of common law assault and two counts of recklessly causing injury.

Sentencing judge Duncan Allen said on 24 May that the man committed numerous acts of “gross” violence out of anger mainly against his now ex-partner in 2020-21.

There were accounts of him smashing her head against walls, a bathroom sink and into steering wheels, using a jet lighter to harm and threaten her, punching her to the face, whipping her with rope to the face, tying her wrists and demanding her to get into a car boot.

“It’s not overstating the situation to describe your conduct as some of the most serious and in some cases horrific examples of intimatepartner violence I’ve seen,” Judge Allen said in sentencing on 24 May.

“It’s something any human being would never get over.”

The kidnapping - accompanied by “appalling“ violence - occurred early on 7 July 2021.

The man drove his vehicle through the roller-door of a friend’s factory in Dandenong South and stabbed his friend with a knife as he angrily sought to find his partner.

He stormed around the factory until he found the victim and then kidnapped her in

‘Deprived’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

her own car.

He drove her down a dark, dirt road in Dandenong South, then dragged her along the road while holding a knife to her throat.

The victim was forced onto a railway line, where her attacker kicked her to the head and ribs and choked her.

She managed to escape, hide and dial triple-0. Police were able to track her due to her phone’s location, and she was transferred to Dandenong Hospital.

She required extensive surgery and more than 50 sessions of therapy for her fractured hand.

The man sped off in the victim’s car during a brief police pursuit.

Her car was found abandoned in Hampton Park, severely damaged with spray-painted insults about the victim.

The man was arrested the next day in Springvale, and has remained in custody for nearly three years since.

He was in breach of bail and a family violence intervention order at the time.

Judge Allen paid credit to the victim-survivor who despite the significant physical, psychological and emotional impact was determined to “leave the darkness behind”.

It was not surprising that she was still being treated with PTSD as a result of the attacks.

Meanwhile, the accused submitted a “genuine” letter-of-apology to the court, expressing his shame and “a level of remorse”.

Judge Allen noted that the man, for the first time, engaged in 58 hours of comprehen-

of parole

A Victorian County Court judge has lashed out at diminishing parole rates while sentencing a serial prisoner who had never been granted parole.

Theodore Alexiou, 54, had pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, burglary and criminal damage over two break-ins at his relatives’ Endeavour Hills home.

An enraged Alexiou had relapsed into ice use and reoffended just 27 days after being released from jail on a community corrections order. At the time, he was living in a motel.

He had been ruminating over what he said was a significantly faulty car that he bought from one of the relatives.

A defence lawyer submitted that Alexiou initially attended the home to discuss the matter but then his “anger got the better of him”.

On 9 October, Alexiou arrived at the address with no one home.

He kicked in the front door, ripped a phone cord from the wall, threw a shelving unit to the ground and used a metal chair to smash a window.

Two days later, Alexiou returned, again wielding a metal chair to indent a resident’s car and smash the driver’s side window.

He then forced in the locked front door, confronting a resident and a hired renovator in the bathroom.

Alexiou yelled at the resident, demanded the whereabouts of her mother and warned the renovator that “if you know what’s good for you, you better not call the police”.

After pacing around, yelling and screaming, Alexiou walked out the front door.

That night on 11 October, Police Air Wing spotted Alexiou erratically driving a BMX X3 in Dandenong.

Police later deployed OC spray while arresting a resistant Alexiou found hiding in a back yard vegetable garden in Endeavour Hills.

A defence lawyer argued that Alexiou’s uncooperativeness was partly due to suffering broken ribs during the arrest.

Alexiou had a “long and concerning” criminal history dating back to 1989, sentencing judge Liz Gaynor noted on 4 June.

He had priors for burglary and criminal damage, at least nine stints in prison and been put on two drug treatment orders.

His rehabilitation prospects were “guarded at best”, Judge Gaynor said.

And it was “entirely unsatisfactory” that Alexiou had never been granted parole despite his list of “personal difficulties”.

Alexiou’s lifelong psychological conditions including PTSD and BPD stemmed from his traumatic childhood, which in turn led to drug addictions and offending, Judge Gaynor noted.

A parole order was not just a form of leniency but also his best chance to break the cycle and essential for the protection of the community, Judge Gaynor said.

It required up to a year of planning to provide a support structure for the prisoner including secure housing and therapy.

“That you and the community have been deprived of that opportunity is to be deplored.”

The judge also said she was concerned that parole numbers seemed to be declining despite increased incarceration.

Without parole supports, Alexiou’s chances of reoffending remained high, she said.

“It is hoped that parole will be granted (in Alexiou’s case).”

Alexiou was jailed for 26 months, with a 16-month non-parole period.

He had already served 237 days in presentence custody.

sive counselling while he was in remand.

“It’s deeply regrettable that this treatment came to an end as a result of the Government ceasing funding (in mid-2023).”

Appropriate psychological treatment in custody and on parole was essential for the community’s protection and the accused’s reform, the judge said.

Especially where there was a clear link between the man’s childhood deprivation, his ongoing mental illness and drug addiction and his offending behaviour.

The man’s issues stemmed from serious sexual abuse as an 11 year old.

Since 12, he’d abused alcohol and spiralled into drugs such as heroin and meth.

“You’ve effectively been a drug addict since you were a child,” Judge Allen said.

According to his family, he had become “institutionalised” and unable to escape the cycle of drug abuse, mental illness, crime and jail.

His significant criminal history included violence, drugs and driving offences, but no prior convictions for violence against a partner.

Judge Allen said there was “some glimmer of hope” that the man would reform, including potentially while on parole.

However, a lengthy jail sentence was “unavoidable”.

The man was jailed for up to seven-and-ahalf years, with a non-parole period of fourand-a-half years.

His term included 901 days in pre-sentence remand.

The CFA was called to a roof exhaust on fire at a factory in Chapel Street at Lynbrook on 1 June at 7.17am.

The shopfitting manufacturing factory was around 100m x 40m in size. The fire involved the dust extraction hopper and ductwork leading into the factory. It was contained to the hopper, ductwork, and rear of the factory. The fire was brought under control at 8.43am and declared safe at 11.06am.The scene was handed back to the factory owners at 12.30pm. CFA had six vehicles on the scene supported by FRV crews.

161km/h, police allege

A 21-year-old Narre Warren South man was allegedly caught speeding at 161km/h on Saturday 1 June. The P-plater’s vehicle, a Subaru WRX, has since been impounded after the incident occurred in Berwick. State Highway Patrol officers intercepted the vehicle on the Monash Freeway around 8pm on Saturday, where police allege the suspect was also driving without his P-plates.

The man was expected to be charged on summons with excess speed, driving at a dangerous speed and failure to display P plates.

The Subaru was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1019.

Truck impound

Victoria Police have issued its first-ever notice to surrender a heavy vehicle after pulling over a truck on Princes Highway, Hallam.

The truck was detected by Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol officers about 2pm on Thursday 30 May. The 33-year-old driver from Berwick was found to have a suspended license due to a prior drink-driving offence.

He was issued a notice to surrender the truck for 30 days at a cost of $675. The surrendering of a heavy vehicle is equivalent to a vehicle impound. Police say the driver will be charged on summons with driving whilst suspended and breaching an alcohol interlock condition.

“Victoria Police will continue to target drivers of heavy vehicles who do not have valid licences,” a spokesperson said.

CARDINIA SMILE

Bassir to run for council

By Violet Li

Founder and chief executive of charity Bahktar Community Organisation, Bassir Qadiri, has launched his campaign for the October election, determined to be a voice for the community.

He will run for the Casuarina Ward which includes Narre Warren, Narre Warren South, and Cranbourne North.

“I never thought about it to run for council. To be honest, a month ago, I didn’t know that I was going to go ahead with this,” Bassir said.

“There is a lot of encouragement from friends, community members, and as well as colleagues. I thought that if I got into it, I might be able to have the opportunity to advocate for a wider community.

“My advocacy can reach a larger scale than just a small community.”

Community safety, stronger and more transparent financial management of rates, and responsive maintenance of parks, roads, and paths are the fundamental pursuits Bassir will strive for.

His long-term involvement with the disadvantaged, isolated, and marginalised communities in Casey and Greater Dandenong has brought him another perspective on the needs of the region: employment.

“I will also focus on increased business and local employment opportunities. Local employment opportunities are very important. In the City of Casey, there are over 6000 jobseekers from Afghan communities only. Imagine the number for all the communities we have,” Bassir said.

“If we see the unemployment rate and the job seeker rate, it is much higher in the area compared to any other places in Victoria.”

Cranbourne had an estimated 7.8 per cent unemployment rate in the December quarter of 2023, almost doubling the average rate in Greater Melbourne, according to Jobs and

Skills Australia.

Working tirelessly on the frontline to support local jobseekers, Bassir is very aware of how hard it could be to secure a job.

“We are working with Wise Employment and other employment agencies. We have put over 300 individuals into employment,” he said.

“We [Bahktar Community Organisation] have this partnership with businesses, we know which business needs what type of workers. We have a list of job seekers who are actively looking for jobs.

“While we are doing this, I’m always wondering where to get employment next.”

As the former Casey Council was sacked following an anti-corruption probe, Bassir said he had formed some strategies to make sure that would never happen again.

“I was on the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee from 2018. The committee was providing strategic advice to the council and the mayor in terms of infrastructure and other projects,” he said.

“I have some strategies that once elected, I will see how that can be achievable. At this stage, I’m not comfortable sharing that, but I have a very clear vision that’s what we can do to achieve all the dot points that I mentioned before.”

Coming to Australia in 2009, Bassir has played a versatile role in the community.

Speaking an impressive number of seven languages, he kicked off as a part-time Dari language instructor at Dandenong High School, then joined the SBS Dari program as a radio presenter, and landed at Monash Health as an interpreter.

“Monash was one of the places that supported me to understand the community,” he recalled.

“As an interpreter, I went to different departments, working with people and patients who suffered from mental health, who had disabilities, and who were at the end of their lives.

“I am not a doctor. I help interpret. But I am dealing with all these scenarios that a doctor could deal with a patient, delivering heartbreaking news to family members

“That (the interpreter job) has helped me to understand the community and its needs.”

Working with multiple languages directed Bassir to multicultural communities, and eventually led to the establishment of the secular organisation Bahktar Community Organisation.

The charity organisation supports migrants and refugees with material aid and other resettlement services in the South East. More than 6000 individuals have been impacted over the years.

He has also been working with theVictorian Multicultural Commission Regional Advisory Councils since 2021.

“I was very much involved in different cultures, and this has encouraged me to stay in this country and do something,” Bassir said

“I see each culture and language as a colour, so I see Australia as a rainbow.”

Bassir is also working as a professional finance manager.

He is the 2020 Casey Citizen of the Year and 2022 Victorian Inclusive Volunteering Award winner.

Coroner probes sparring concussion months before death

By Emily Woods, AAP

A father has cried as he detailed missed opportunities in the months before his 18-yearold son died from bleeding near his brain after collapsing at a suburban boxing gym.

George Diamond, an apprentice carpenter from Pearcedale, was taken to hospital following a sparring session at Sting Gym in Cranbourne, in February 2019.

He was getting back into boxing after taking a break following a concussion four months earlier.

Sadly, the teen could not be saved and he died at The Alfred on 21 February, 2019.

An autopsy found Mr Diamond’s death was caused by an “acute subdural haemorrhage, operated in a setting of martial arts activity”, the Coroners Court in Melbourne was told on Tuesday 4 June.

“There was also evidence of an older subdural haemorrhage,” counsel assisting Gideon Boas said.

“George reportedly sustained a symptomatic head injury in October 2018 during the practice of martial arts.”

Mr Diamond was sparring when his opponent hit him in the groin and repeatedly in the head on 25 October, 2018.

His fatherVic recalled Mr Diamond returning home from the gym that night and not being himself.

“He told me, ‘I got hurt at boxing, the gym checked me out, gave me a Gatorade and he let me drive home 20 minutes afterwards’,” he told the court.

“My question is, why didn’t they call an ambulance? There’s three medical centres a kilometre radius of the gym, why didn’t they take him to one of those medical centres?”

The following day, Mr Diamond went to work but his boss sent him home because he was vomiting, which was whenVic decided to take his son to the doctor.

He told the GP he was vomiting, dizzy, had headaches and back pain, and she sent him away but said to bring him back if it continued.

Mr Diamond’s condition did not improve so they returned to see a different doctor, and were again told to give it a few days before bringing him back,Vic said.

No MRI or CT scans were ordered, but the teen was sent to undergo blood tests.

His symptoms continued, causing the father and son to visit Frankston Hospital on 5 November where he was diagnosed with concussion.

Vic asked the clinician to order an MRI or CT scan for his son, but emergency physician Yigal Reuben said he did not need the scan.

“I asked Dr Reuben twice to do a CT scan, he said I was being over-protective and it was unnecessary,” he said.

The doctor said radiation from the scan would not be good for the 18-year-old, Vic said.

Dr Reuben provided the young man advice about his head injury and returning to boxing, including written information about concussion.

Vic cried from the witness stand as he re-

called a heartbreaking conversation with his son on the way home from hospital.

“I said to him, ‘Georgie, maybe you should give boxing a miss for a little while’,” he said.

“He said to me ‘Dad, the gym owners had said I’m all good, they let me drive home, two GPs have said I’m all good, a doctor at the hospital has said to me I don’t even have to do a scan, we have to put trust in what they’re saying because they’re professionals’.

“That’s a regret I have.” Doctor stands by decision In court on Wednesday 5 June, Frankston Hospital emergency physician Yigal Reuben stood by his decision to not order a CT scan for George Diamond in the months before he died, despite desperate pleas from the teen’s father.

Dr Reuben said he diagnosed the young man with a concussion and provided advice about his head injury and returning to boxing, including written information.

However, he did not believe Mr Diamond’s symptoms - which included vomiting that

morning, back pain, dizziness and headaches - had warranted a CT scan.

“I explained to him why he needed to rest his brain and that he was not to return to sport until he was medically cleared,“ Dr Reuben told the Coroners Court onWednesday.

“My assessment at that point in time was that a CAT scan was not going to alter his management on that day, it was not going to change, he was not going to require neurosurgery on that day.

“I still stand by that opinion ... he did not need a CT scan and he did not need an MRI scan. He did not meet my criteria as an emergency physician to investigate his symptoms with how he presented on that day.“

Mr Diamond was medically suspended from the Sting Gym after the October concussion.

George was signed off by his GP, Pejman Hajbabaie, to return to boxing on 25 January, 2019.

The inquest before state coroner John Cain continues.

Father of George Diamond, Vic Diamond (right) and family members depart after having a photograph taken outside of the Coroners Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Tuesday, 4 June, 2024.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/JAMES ROSS

Founder and chief executive of charity Bahktar Community Organisation, Bassir Qadiri, will run for the Casuarina Ward in the October election. 410504 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

Business finance advocate

Michael Pajar began his career in 2013 with a deep-seated desire to help people manage their financial matters.

During the pandemic, he had the opportunity to assist thousands of small business owners from various backgrounds and industries. By understanding their unique needs, Michael provided long-term financial solutions, whether it was tailoring recommendations such as a safety net, a cash injection, reviewing EFTPOS pricing, or securing funds for equipment purchases.

The pandemic highlighted the critical support that finance providers could offer, including government-backed loans.

Today, small businesses need this supportmorethanevertoprotect,manage,and grow their operations. Michael is committed to supporting businesses at every stage of their lifecycle, from start-ups to debt restructuring, tax obligation payments, and large financing for growth plans.

Michael’s mission is to deliver fast, simple, and cost-effective finance solutions. Michael is a devoted husband and Father to

his two beautiful boys.

He is a passionate guitarist, singer, and aspiring album writer, enthusiastic breakdancer, fitness aficionado, an admirer of Japan, having visited four times, Golden State Warriors supporter, sports car enthusiast, especially fond of the Huracan, and a supporter of Beyond Blue, Push for Better, and an advocate for people with special needs.

For Michael, business is more than just finance.

He ensures that his clients are never just numbers. Working tirelessly from 9am to midnight, Michael is always looking for ways to improve his service. Continuous improvement and customer centricity are the foundations of his success.

For any questions on how Michael can assist with business needs, contact him directly.

michael@caseyassetfinance.com.au

Ph: 0450 622 155 caseyassetfinance.com.au

First-class service

Family owned and operated for 21 years, Taylor & Moore provide nationwide business activity statements (BAS), bookkeeping and payroll services.

Their services include bookkeeping services, such as accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliation, expense and debtor management, data entry, EOFY preparation, and accountant journals; BAS agent services including BAS, IAS, SGC, STP, GST and PAYGW Registrations, FTC and TPAR; payroll services including payroll processing, workers compensation, payroll tax and superannuation; specialised reporting services including cash flow management, budgeting, board reports, file audits, EOM reporting; and Xero software integration and training services.

Taylor & Moore director Sharron Taylor said they are constantly updating their processes to stay up-to-date.

“We are driven by a commitment to accuracy and precision in our work, providing meticulous bookkeeping services to ensure that our clients have reliable financial data to make informed decisions,“ she said.

“The dynamic nature of accounting and bookkeeping means staying updated with the latest industry trends, regulations, and technologies enables us to provide superior services to our clients.”

Ms Taylor said they pride themselves on being an established business.

“We service clients both local and interstate. We have an extensive knowledge base with friendly with accessibility of staff.

“Our approach is to help businesses succeed and we’re proud to provide proactive support to owners and their business.“

Ms Taylor said the enthusiastic and dynamic team, which includes a number of senior staff members with more than 15 years’ experience, works hard to help clients achieve their goals.“It is our mission to help our clients and to give them back their time and alleviate all the bookkeeping pressures and headaches so they can focus on all other aspects of their business,“ she said.

“We offer specialised bookkeeping services tailored to most industries including all trades, medical industry, investment properties and developers, retail, consulting, manufacturing, hairdressing, importer and exports, tourism, engineering, IT, entertainment, education, beauty and more.

“We are preparing our clients and their books for EOFY in preparation of their tax returns with their accountants.”

Accountants regularly refer their clients to use Taylor & Moore for their bookkeeping needs, with 98 per cent of its clients coming from referrals from accountants and other clients. For more information, visit taylormoore. com.au

Taylor & Moore director Sharron Taylor.

Michael Pajar - Casey Asset Finance.

Five charged after brawl

Two men and three teenagers have been charged in relation to an alleged car crash and brawl in Narre Warren North on Wednesday 29 May.

At about 7.30am, members of the public reported an Audi, Maserati and Holden Commodore allegedly driving erratically on Narre Warren North Road, police say.

Shortly afterwards these vehicles were allegedly involved in a multi-vehicle collision on Narre Warren North Road, near Ryelands Drive.

Two groups of alleged offenders associated with the vehicles were said to be involved in a brawl at a service station on Narre Warren North Road.

An 18-year-old man from one of the groups was injured and subsequently transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police say.

A 15-year-old Cranbourne North boy and a 15-year-old Doveton boy were charged with attempted aggravated burglary and theft of a motor vehicle. They were remanded to appear before a Children’s Court at a later date.

An 18-year-old Mulgrave man and a 24-year-old Cranbourne North man were charged with aggravated home invasion, attempted aggravated burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

They were remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.

A 17-year-old Doveton boy was charged with theft of a motor vehicle. He was bailed to appear before a Children’s Court on 31 May.

Two other 16-year-old males, from Cranbourne South and Doveton, are currently assisting police.

An 18-year-old Narre Warren man was arrested and released pending further enquiries.

Record-breaking fundraiser at Pokerface in Berwick

By Violet Li

Berwick local Kirsty Ring’s Biggest Morning Tea grew bigger this year, breaking last year’s already stunning number by raising $33,500.

Held at Pokerface in Berwick on Saturday 18 May, the event saw 120 people turn out.

Kirsty said it was an awesome and successful day.

“I spent probably four months beforehand just going out to everyone I’ve ever met and known and asking for donations,” she said.

“Some people are able to donate new items that we then auction off. We also have a second-hand area where people bring quite good quality but preloved items.”

Unlike most morning tea fundraising, Kirsty’s was in the afternoon.

“There is hot water and tea and coffee and scones, but it’s basically a champagne date,” she said.

“I supply all the food, so we have normal afternoon tea, patty pies, peaches, sausage rolls, cakes, all that good stuff. And I supply champagne, red wine, and wine.”

The event evolved over the years and 2024 marks a seventh-year milestone for Kirsty.

It all began with the loss of a loved one.

“We lost my dad to cancer probably 12 years ago now. A few years after he passed away, my sister was diagnosed,” she said.

The family members then started to do their little fundraisers for the Biggest Morning Tea.

“Each year, they [the fundraising] got a little bit bigger, and then I decided to do something at home with all my girlfriends,” Kirsty recalled.

“But we decided that let’s have an afternoon, and we’ll drink champagne and enjoy the sunshine.

“And then we joined it together with my mum and her friends, so there’s people of all ages.

“I think the youngest person there was probably 13, and the oldest person there would have been 85.”

Kirsty started by raising $500 and gradually aimed a number higher than the previous year’s.

When her sister passed away from cancer in 2022, the event just automatically got bigger, according to her.

“That year it was scheduled to happen about six weeks after her funeral. And people said to me, you probably need to cancel,” she recalled.

“And I’m like, well, I’d like to cancel, but my sister would want me to do it.

“I think because of what had happened,

we raised $15,000 that year, which sort of shocked us a little bit.

“Then we decided in last year, let’s set a target of $20,000, and we raised over $25,000. And this year, we said, well, let’s set a target of $30,000 and we have raised $33,500.”

For Kirsty, the event is all about families and friends.

“There’s always a sad moment in the day, but it’s also not about sitting around and crying,” she said.

“It’s about having a great time and celebrating those people that we’ve lost as well.”

A police investigator outside a Narre Warren North service station on 29 May. 410381

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Police parked in front of a Holden Commodore on Narre Warren North Road. 410381

Jodi Dorrington, Lori De La Rue, Kirsty Ring and Andrea Phillips.Niece Ella Pitkin (left), mother Pam Ring (middle), and Kirsty Ring (right).

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us about yourself and your jobs.

I am Kanu Aggarwal and professionally I am a VIT registered teacher. I taught in special schools and in prison as well. I am now teaching vocational courses to adult students such as childcare and disability courses. What do you love the most about your jobs? Teaching vocational courses to adult students in fields like childcare and disability has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me. I am deeply committed to guiding my students on their career paths, offering support and encouragement every step of the way. The most heart-warming moments are when my students reach out to share their successes. When they call to tell me personally that they’ve secured a job, it fills my heart with immense joy and pride. These moments remind me of the profound impact we can have on each other’s lives and reaffirm why I am so passionate about what I do. Their achievements are my greatest reward, and I am honoured to be part of their journey.

What has been your most memorable moment during your jobs?

I had a student who approached me wanting to enrol in a course. I guided her, and she was initially very enthusiastic about it. However, after a few days, she called me and said, “Teacher, I can’t continue this course”. I was surprised and wondered why this girl, who was so excited to take the course, suddenly wanted to drop out. Taking a personal initiative, I asked her what had happened. She explained that she was facing issues at home. Her partner didn’t want her to take the course and was demotivating her, saying that she wouldn’t be able to do it because she didn’t know how to use a computer. This revelation shook me deeply, almost as if it was a personal attack on me.

with Casey Council candidate Kanu Aggarwal

stacles, she could call or message me without hesitation.

As time passed, she continued her course, and finally, she completed it and received her certificate. She called me, crying, and said, “Ma’am, I received my certificate today”. I couldn’t help but cry with her. It was a moment I will never forget in my life.

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

I would be a fish as I would have the entire ocean to explore, witnessing its beauty and diversity, and connecting myself with nature. What were you like as a kid?

Visiting my grandmother and playing with my cousins.

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

I’d rather go to the future to witness my brother become a successful lawyer and my children achieve their dreams and grow into responsible, accomplished individuals. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

My sister, my brother, my friend who lives in Canada, my grandmother and my cousins. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

I was studious as a child. I liked to spend so much of my time in the library that my friends used to call me “Library”.

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

THREE … ways to contribute to World Environment Day

As World Environment Day was on Wednesday 5 June, here are three ways that you can contribute to keeping nature alive.

1

Promoting sustainable practices, such as engaging with others in local communities on the importance of sustainable living is an effective way to advocate. Conserving water, reducing energy consumption such as turning off lights when not in use, and opting for eco-friendly products and companies are just some of the ways in which everyone can play thier part.

2

Cooking with my family, watching latest movie and sleeping.

Where is your happy place?

My home.

BUSINESS PROFILE

With my encouragement, she called me again after a couple of days and said, “Madam, I’m ready to take the course if you will help me.” I assured her that I would support her. Over the course of a year, I helped her at every step. I even told her that if she encountered any ob-

I told her, “Don’t worry. If you want to take this course, it’s your choice. I’ll help you. I’ll teach you how to use a computer and guide you step by step. Don’t stress about it. I’m ready to help you if you decide to do it. Don’t let yourself be demotivated by thoughts like ‘I can’t do it’ or ‘I’m worthless’. You can do this.”

Exclusive Wine and Dine event

Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar is thrilled to announce an exclusive 5-Course Wine & Dine Degustation dinner event in collaboration with Taltarni Vineyards, set to tantalise palates and elevate the dining experience on Saturday 29 June, 2024. This event will showcase the perfect harmony between exquisite cuisine and exceptional wines, promising an evening of indulgence and sophistication.

The event will be held at Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar within Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park in Scoresby, renowned for its elegant ambiance and modern European cuisine highlighting local produce. Guests will have the opportunity to savour a meticulously crafted 5-course menu curated by Head Chef Nick Kennedy, featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.

Partnering with Taltarni Vineyards, one of the pioneering wineries of Victoria’s Pyrenees region, adds a unique dimension to this event. Guests will be treated to a selection of Taltarni Vineyard’s finest wines, expertly paired with each course to enhance flavours and create a memorable gastronomic journey.“We are excited to collaborate withTaltarniVineyards for this exclusive 5-Course Wine and Dine Degustation dinner event,” said Darshana Prasad, Food & Beverage Manager at Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar. “This partnership allows us to combine our passion for culinary excellence with Taltarni Vineyard’s expertise in winemaking, promising an unforgettable evening for all guests.”

In addition to the culinary delights and exceptional wines, guests will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from Taltarni Vineyards, gaining insights into the artistry and craftsmanship behind each bottle.

“We’re thrilled to bring the essence of the Pyrenees to Melbourne through our collaboration with Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar”, says Dean Smith, National Brand Ambassador. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our coolclimate wines, crafted purely for enjoyment, and offer guests a taste of our home. Paired with the culinary excellence of Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar, it’s set to be an exceptional evening.”

Archie’s Farm Restaurant and Bar presents Exclusive Wine and Dine Event in partnership with Taltarni Vineyards. Pictured: Taltarni Rose poached pear.

Availability for our 5-CourseWine & Dine event is limited, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience for all guests. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in an unforgettable evening of gastronomic delights and wine appreciation. For more information and to reserve your seat, please visit hyattplacecaribbeanpark. com or contact 0423 786 685.

About Hyatt Place Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free flowing social spaces that offer seamless transitions from work to relaxation. With more than 415 locations globally, Hyatt Place hotels offer freshly prepared food around the clock, efficient service and differentiated experiences for World of Hyatt members. For more information, please visit hyattplace.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattPlace and #WhySettle.

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

Malai Paneer (Cottage Cheese with Cream). Where is your dream holiday destination? Mauritius.

3

Reducing plastic use is another effective method of contribution, where according to Accumulate Australia, over 80 per cent of plastic garbage produced in Australia eventually finds its way to the sea and other waterways.

Planting trees can be a bit daunting, but this investment could mean benefits in the future such as biodiversity enhancement, and carbon sequestration.

$500,000

TO OCCUPY AND INVEST

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

For more information or an inspection, please contact:

Shannon Hynd | 0499 980 100

Commercial Department Manager

Todd McKenna | 0418 391 182

Managing Director

Correa Ward candidate Kanu Aggarwal.

Picture: SUPPLIED

WHAT’S ON

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

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 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.

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

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club

Are you newly retired or new to the area or just wanting to enjoy your freedom or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/ chat activities with low-key in line dancing if you want to tap your feet and enjoy an afternoon tea.

Day, short and long trips away via coach and flights, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly evening dineouts, weekly table tennis club, walking groups, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, and more.

· Come along and get to know us by visiting us on a Thursday at 2pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join us on a Wednesday at 10am for a Coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate. For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.

Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre

Located in Cranbourne North, it has vacancies

in the following classes, learn to speak, read, and write in English - all levels, Monday to Thursday; Early Childhood Education classes - four hours on a Friday, government-funded, great to do before enrolling in a Certificate class; Computer classes every Wednesday morning and afternoon and in Hazaragi Wednesday evenings; Crochet and chat every Wednesday morning with a crochet teacher for free.

· Enrol now for our funded three and four-yearold Kinder Program with sessions up to five days a week. 9.30am to 2.30pm every day with structured play.

Seated Movement Sessions (Chair Dancing)

Would you enjoy exercising from the comfort of your chair?

Join the Berwick Activities Group for some seated movement sessions including fun and uplifting songs and different styles and eras of music. An opportunity to get moving and enjoy the company of others.

Timbarra Community Centre, 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick. $8 per session. Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.

· Wednesdays from 10.45am to 11.30am. DnD at Orana

Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is an inclusive tabletop, fantasy, role playing game.

Participants work together with other players to go on adventures in the DnD world. You can act, explore, instigate, solve problems, and tell stories as you bring their chosen character to life within the game world.

Second Saturday of each month, 1pm to 9pm, Orana Community Place, 16/18 Playwright St, Clyde North.

· For enquiries and to book a spot at the table, reach out to Jonathan Whelan at thestoryweaver.dnd@gmail.com

Weekly badminton

Badminton for ladies or retired.

All welcome.

· Mondays 7pm-9pm and Wednesdays 12pm2.30pm at Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.

Wallace welcomed back

By Marcus Uhe

Berwick Cricket Club has secured one of the most prized signatures on the local cricket landscape for the upcoming summer with the confirmation of Michael Wallace joining the club for the upcoming Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 season.

A former junior cricketer at Berwick, Wallace joins the club having departed Victorian Premier Cricket side Casey South-Melbourne after a brilliant Premier Cricket career.

He played in more than 200 First XI games for the Swans dating back to his first season in 2012/13.

He made his Premier Cricket debut back in 2006/07 in St Kilda’s Second XI and finally broke through for his First XI debut in 2011.

He moved to the Swans the following summer where he was selected in the First XI and the end of the season.

He would go on to captain the Swans and establish himself as one of the competition’s premier batters in the following decade.

His best season came in 2021/22, when he hit five 50s and 591 runs at 34 during a season of one-day cricket, when he led the Swans to the grand final.

In his final season in red and white, he was a key figure in the Swans reaching another decider, thanks to 532 runs, featuring a century and two 50s.

His connection to Berwick remained over the years, playing for the club’s T20 side in between 2014/15 and 2017/18.

Berwick coach Brad James said his addition will be “huge” for the club.

“It’s probably a position that we struggled to fill last year, so to add a bloke of his class, poise and experience, he’s going to steady up our middle order as someone of high quality to bat behind Jake (Hancock),” James said.

“A lot of the time (Hancock has) had a lot to do by himself and with the tail, but now I think that by putting (Wallace) in behind him, it’s going to help Jake as well.

“He’s a quality person, he’s always been invested in the club when he’s been away as well.

“He was provided a lot of support when he was coming through and knowing the person that he is, he’ll be more than happy to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with

the younger boys.”

Much of the playing XI that took the field last year is expected to return to Arch Brown Reserve in a push to return to finals for the first time since 2021/22.

The Bears were one of the form sides of the

competition last Summer but lost their last three matches and missed out on a spot in the four.

Hancock enjoyed a brilliant season, making 547 runs at 68.3, and placed fourth in the Wookey Medal vote count.

Brave Berwick lets South Croydon Bulldogs off leash

By Marcus Uhe

A fourth-quarter fade out from a young Berwick side saw them concede its best chance of singing the song for the first time on Saturday afternoon in the Eastern Football Netball League.

Berwick led by six points midway through the third term but conceded eight of the final ten goals of the contest to fall 23 points short against South Croydon, 7.8 50 to 10.13 73 at Cheong Park.

A first half scrap in which only three goals were scored – two for the home side and one for the visitors – gave way to more free-flowing football in the second, with both teams in the bottom half of the table eager for a win.

While Berwick is seeking a win to break the duck and fight to stay in the top flight, South Croydon is hoping to maintain its spot in the top six and qualify for a finals berth.

Sam Hilton-Joyce finished some quick ball movement from the defensive half from Deng Andrew and Lachlan Hollis to close the half-time gap from 14 points to eight early in the third, but the Bulldogs answered back straight away to restore their buffer.

A seven-point play saw Sam Woodward cut the lead to seven, and another shortly after from Majok Puok saw the Wickets tie the scores on the back of repeat entries and forward pressure.

A third on the bounce, from Woodward again, put the Wickers ahead by six, as the prospect of a breakthrough win began to materialise.

South Croydon hit back with the next two, restoring its six-point lead, before a dumping tackle from a Berwick defender saw tensions inflame.

A free kick was awarded against the Wickers in the defensive 50 and sparked a response from South Croydon, unhappy with the treatment its player received.

As players came together to dispute facts, Deng Andrew received a yellow card for a high hit and was banished to the bench, before South Croydon converted the resulting free kick and move 12 points clear in the 23rd minute.

The Wickers believed Elijah Roewer had answered back late in the term, but his running shot on goal from close range was deemed to have hit the post.

12 points was the margin at the beginning of the final term, and with each minute that passed, the significance of the opening goal of the quarter grew.

It was Roewer who stuck first, making

amends for his blunder in the third term by converting a set shot, having won himself a free kick after being held.

South Croydon was working its way back into the contest, but could not convert the chances it was creating and kept Berwick in the fight as a result.

Noah Cannon prevented a certain goal with a desperate diving smother in a scramble back to goal with Bulldogs forward Thomas Taylor, and tension grew with each Bulldog miss.

Woodward had the chance to tie the scores in the 18th minute after the Wickers took the ball the length of the field in a flash, but his long shot on the run from distance hugged the near side and narrowly went the wrong side of the goal post.

Hilton-Joyce was run down with his sights

on goal, and the Bulldogs shifted into protection mode, moving the ball slowly and taking time off the clock.

A slow play the length of the field presented a shot on goal, but AshtonWilliamson came from nowhere to lay a crunching tackle that diffused trouble in his back half.

His defensive handball ran his side into trouble, and a lapse from Tom Brennan at the resulting stoppage allowed Jayden Cass to sneak goal side, and push the lead to 11.

The Bulldogs then goaled from the next centre bounce, adding two goals to the Berwick assignment in the blink of an eye in the 22nd minute.

A further two late in the quarter provided the confirmation, as the lead ballooned to out of reach.

While not the result the Wickers wanted, there were plenty of positives to take the performance.

Andrew’s intercept marking across half back was exceptional, and his absence was felt after his yellow card, while 73 points was the lowest score they have conceded through eight rounds.

Woodward finished with three goals in his return to the senior line up to lead the Wickers in the forward half, with veterans Brennan, Jesse Cirulis and Jordan Roberts among Berwick’s best.

Berwick welcomes Norwood to Edwin Flack Reserve in what presents on paper as their best chance of securing four points thus far in 2024.

Norwood sits ninth, one place ahead of bottom-placed Berwick in 10th, with only a single win to show for their season.

Sam Woodward kicked three goals for Berwick in Saturday’s loss to South Croydon. 403696 Picture: ROB CAREW

Michael Wallace will ply his trade for Berwick this summer in the DDCA. 262690

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Beacy regains a foothold

By David Nagel

Beaconsfield has bounced back strongly from its worst performance of the Eastern Division One season to comfortably down Bayswater by 32 points on Saturday.

An ‘out-of-kilter’ Eagles were pumped by 70 points by reigning-premier Mitcham last week; an effort that stacks up reasonably well now after the Tigers performed a further demolition job on the previously undefeated Park Orchards on the weekend.

Beaconsfield’s 13.14(92) to 9.6(60) victory sees it sit in fifth place – equal on points with third – at the half-way point of the season.

The Eagles were once again without key pillars at either end of the ground, with Jake Bowd and Brandon White sitting on the sidelines.

Coach Mick Fogarty off-set those losses this week with the inclusion of clever forward-mid Darren Minchington, playing his first game since round one, while Jack Docherty returned to backline duties after missing the game against Mitcham.

Kobe Shipp also returned to bolster the backline, while Kade De La Rue would have a huge impact through the midfield in just his third outing in Eagles’ colours this year.

After last week’s belting; the Eagles were keen to start quickly.

But the Eagles looked set for a long day at the office as the Kangaroos had two on the board early.

The robust Bryce Galvin took the first of a handful of strong marks for the day before the classy Paul Hassbroek drilled a long bomb to have a vocal home-crowd on their feet.

The Eagles fought back well heading to quarter time, with Charlie Muley converting a set shot, and Minchington then welcoming himself back to senior footy with a left-foot snap that saw the visitors take a four-point advantage to the first break.

Damien Johnston, Devon Smith, Tylah Stokoe and De La Rue were proving a handful for the home side through the midfield, with the Eagles playing some of their best football in the second term.

Some great in-and-under work from De La Rue set up Myles Currie for the second-quarter opener, before Galvin responded with another strong grab for the Kangas.

Nathan Wright then showed his class with a

fantastic finish from the boundary, before De La Rue once again turned provider; this time setting up Minchington.

Hassbroek and Galvin then cut the secondquarter margin back to five points, before Smith responded with a banana, before De La Rue capped off a brilliant quarter of football with a quality finish after a determined ‘rundown’ tackle.

The Eagles led by 17 points at half time, and extended that to a ‘game-high’ 21 points after Hayden Brough dribbled one through to kick the opening goal of the third.

But Bayswater responded well, kicking four of the next six to cut the deficit to just eight points at three-quarter time.

Despite the disappointing finish to the third term; the Eagles did kick one of the ‘goals of

the year’ during it.

A Lachie Valentine kick out from full back found ruckman Finn Devine on the lead, who handballed to Stokoe who kicked long to centre wing.

Wright brilliantly crumbed a marking contest before kicking long to Brough on the run.

Brough handballed over the top to Muley who strolled in for an open goal.

The ball had travelled from one end of the ground to the other, without touching the deck, in a passage of play that summed out how dangerous these Eagles can be when they run and carry and test the legs of their opponents.

The fourth quarter was all Beaconsfield, who kicked 3.6 to 0.0 in the final term to walk away with the four points.

Brough slotted a set shot, before Lachie Modica capped off a great game on the wing with a long goal on the run; to make it two goals in a minute.

Muley then finished off a good win for the Eagles after a ‘quick-thinking’ switch from Modica.

Muley ended the day with three goals for the winners, while two each to Brough, Currie and Minchington gave the Kangaroos defenders a little too much to think about over the four quarters of footy.

Johnston continued his terrific form around the stoppages with another rock-solid display, while the set-up plays of De La Rue helped his teammates to crucial goals.

Modica’s height and pace were noticeable on the wing, while Shipp provided an important ‘rudder’ down back.

The Eagles now get to rest their aching legs for a week, before heading to bottom-placed Wantirna South on Saturday 15 June.

Bayswater Goals: Bryce Galvin 4, Paul Haasbroek 3, Thomas Maxwell, Chris Rumble. Best: Bryce Galvin, Timothy Castricum, Ben White, Troy Maggs, Christian Poe, Matthew Higgins. Beaconsfield Goals: Charlie Muley 3, Hayden Brough 2, Myles Currie 2, Darren Minchington 2, Kade De La Rue, Lachlan Modica, Devon Smith, Nathan Wright. Best: Damien Johnston, Nathan Wright, Kade De La Rue, Kobe Shipp, Lachlan Modica, Devon Smith.

Other Games: Mitcham 15.8(98) def Park Orchards 3.13(31), Montrose 20.13(133) def Wantirna South 5.10(40), Mooroolbark 15.8(98) def Doncaster 6.8(44), North Ringwood 6.11(47) def by South Belgrave 11.10(76). Ladder R9: Park Orchards 32, South Belgrave 28, Mitcham, Montrose, Beaconsfield 24, Mooroolbark 20, Bayswater 12, North Ringwood, Doncaster 8, Wantirna South 0. Fixture R10 (June 15): Wantirna South (10) v Beaconsfield (5), Doncaster (9) v Montrose (4), Mooroolbark (6) v Park Orchards (1), North Ringwood (8) v Bayswater (7), South Belgrave (2) v Mitcham (3).

Lions make Wandin work but Bulldogs push the button

By Marcus Uhe

An impressive first half from Pakenham in Outer East Football Netball A-Grade netball was not enough to overcome the might of Wandin on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions kept pace in the first half-hour, going goal-for-goal with last season’s runner up, before a 31-17 second half inWandin’s favour resulted in a 16-goal Bulldog win, 59-43.

Pakenham led by one goal at quarter time, thanks in part to an impressive defensive strategy to counter dominant Wandin shooter Emmalia Blake.

With the Lions missing Eliza Molino, Pakenham’s defenders Charlize Reid and Caitlin Cooke opted to double-team the competition’s leading scorer when Wandin looked to enter the goal circle.

Blake’s height, towering over almost anyone that she faces in Outer East A-Grade, allows her to stay close to the basket, catch high passes and convert easy shots, making life tough for her opponents, and netted her an average of 62 goals in the last three weeks.

The double-team came late, with one defender fronting Blake and the other holding ground behind her, and was enough to disrupt a number of attempted feeds to Blake under the post.

Alternatively, the pressure fell to Wandin Goal Attack Jackie Cutting, who was forced to take difficult shots from distance to relieve her shooting partner.

The approach forced Wandin to counter with extra speed on the ball to reach the final third with Reid and Cooke out of position and unable to affect the double-team.

Wandin found a solution in the second half and showed why they’ll be one of the teams to beat, holding Pakenham to its second-lowest score of the season with tenacious defence.

Blake finished with 43 goals, nearly 12 less than her average output of 54.8 prior to the Pakenham clash.

Whether teams follow Pakenham’s approach will be one to observe in the second half of the season.

At the other end of the court, Lions recruit Kelly Cousins nailed 27 goals.

Strategy was irrelevant for Emerald against Monbulk, given the absence of one of the competition’s premier players.

Superstar Kaylah Loulanting, the competition’s third-highest goal scorer, left a huge hole in the Emerald goal circle, as Monbulk snapped the Bombers’ three-game winning streak in a 61-33 result.

33 was comfortably Emerald’s lowest score of the season thus far, and nearly 22 below their season average, while Monbulk’s win closes the gap between fifth and sixth to just two points.

Narre Warren became the first side to reach triple figures in a game this season as they heaped further pain on a disappointing Berwick Springs season.

The Magpie averaged 26 goals per quarter, and kept their opponents to 2.5, in a 104-10

thrashing.

The score read 26-1 at the first break as Narre closed the quarter in the midst of what would become a 31 consecutive goal run, and kept the Titans to just three in the entire first half.

Magpie leaders Brittany Mashado and Gabrielle Dwyer were instrumental for the Magpies in holding the Titans to such a low score with Chelsea Tonna, Grace Ioelu and Erin Bell sharing the scoring load for the reigning champions.

ROC’s defence helped it return to winning ways against Olinda Ferny Creek, conceding the second lowest number of goals in a game to this point in its season.

The 60-36 victory makes it three wins in its last four matches and keeps the Kangaroos within a game of the top six, just two points behind Monbulk in sixth position.

44 goals to Isabella O’Shanassy were crucial to picking up the four points, as was Chloe Bell’s 16.

Elsewhere in Premier Division, Gembrook Cockatoo’s bright start to the season appears long in the rear view mirror having slumped to a sixth-consecutive loss, while Mt Evelyn remains undefeated since round one, thanks to a 26-goal win over Upwey Tecoma.

A blockbuster fixture awaits in round nine, as Narre Warren heads to Mt Evelyn to tackle the Rovers.

Mt Evelyn was one of just two sides to defeat the Magpies last season and the only side to do it twice, before NarreWarren turned the tables in a thrilling preliminary final at Yarra Junction on its way to winning the A-Grade premiership.

Pakenham defender Charlize Reid had her hands full defending Wandin star Emmalia Blake on Saturday. 402294

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Tylah Stokoe was part of a Beaconsfield engine-room that got the better of Bayswater on Saturday. 406516 Picture: ROB CAREW

Howe stuns Titans

By Marcus Uhe

A 10-goal haul from Narre Warren spearhead Will Howe powered the Magpies to a convincing win over Berwick Springs in round eight of Outer East Football Netball’s Premier division football on Saturday.

Coming up against familiar faces in the coaches box, in Hayden Stagg and Chris Johnson, it was Narre Warren at their two-way best in a ruthless display at both ends of the ground, winning 23.18 156 to 3.8 26 at Kalora Park.

Howe slotted his tenth midway through the final term and snatched the lead back from Woori Yallock forward Taylor Gibson at the top of the leading goal kicker chart, now with 35 to show for his efforts in 2024.

It’s the second time at senior level that Howe has reached double figures in the black and white stripes, having kicked 11 against Olinda Ferny Creek almost exactly 12 months ago.

Howe was one of four players to kick multiple goals on Saturday in the hammering, as Sam Toner (four) Daniel Toner (three) and Hayden Dwyer (two) all took advantage of a depleted Titans backline.

A five-goal-to-nil opening term set the scene for a tough day at the office for Berwick Springs, and the pain was compounded by 17 unanswered goals, from early in the second term to midway through the last.

The Titans managed just one goal in the

opening three quarters before Jake Whittingham and Mitchell Gibson registered majors in the final quarter, unable to harness the momentum built through last week’s stirring win over Olinda Ferny Creek.

To put the scoreline into context, 156 points is the highest score of any side in Premier Division this season and 130 points is the largest margin, while 26 points is the second-lowest score of the season - the lowest also came against Narre Warren, from Emerald back in round two.

The offence stands out, but the Magpies back six, led by new captain Joel Zietsman, is conceding a league-best 45.3 points per game, nearly two goals better than the next tightest, in Woori Yallock.

Senior midfielders Tom Toner and Kurt Mutimer controlled proceedings in the middle for the Magpies, while Michael Misso, Matt Soutter-Smith and Aidan Nelson impressed for the Titans on a tough afternoon.

Officer’s first venture away from home in three weeks proved to be an unsuccessful outing, unable to topple Olinda Ferny Creek in Olinda.

The Bloods got home by 23 points, 9.7 61 to 5.8 38, a win set up by a strong second term.

The home side kicked 4.4 to Officer’s 1.1, and in a 23-point game, it will be a quarter that the Kangaroos will come to regret.

Should they mount a run at the finals in 2024, these contests against sides near them

on the table are the ones they need to collect four points from.

Jake Gains and Brenton Hillard continue to go toe-to-toe for recruit of the year supremacy with more strong performances in blue and white, with half backs Kyle Hagger and James Makrodimitris also solid for the visitors.

Emerald, meanwhile, did its chances of remaining in the top division no favours in a 31-point loss to Monbulk at home.

Monbulk entered the contest as the only side yet to taste victory in 2024 and walked away from Chandler Reserve with scratchy vocal chords following the 15.8 98 to 9.13 67 result.

Its win sees them jump Emerald and Berwick Springs on percentage into 10th, and returns all bottom three sides to a level playing field in the wins column.

Emeraldhavebeenperenniallyslowstarters in 2024 and its lethargy out of the gates came back to bite them again in the loss, trailing by 22 points at the first break after conceding five consecutive goals in the first term, as part of a run out eight answered in the first half.

Ben Lewis and Jack McGough each kicked a pair of goals as recruits Jake Cawsey, Steven Kapahnke and Ewan Wadsworth continue to justify their recruitment.

Upwey Tecoma, meanwhile, recovered from an 18-point deficit to defeat Mt Evelyn by 43 points, kicking 13 goals to three after quarter time.

Locals making their mark in VFL football

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Noble Park’s Levi Young made his VFL debut on Saturday night for Sandringham against Frankston after a solid start to the season in the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL).

The key-position teenager is the son of highly-regarded player agent Colin Young, and garnered mild draft interest last year, before signing on with the Zebras after being overlooked.

He showed promise on debut, competing well for a player of his size and age, relieving St Kilda-listed ruck Max Heath, to finish with eight hitouts and five clearances.

Officer’s Cal Porter has continued his strong first season in charge of Box Hill, leading his side to 72-point belting of Essendon at Windy Hill.

Porter has been a bankable contributor in Box Hill’s midfield, averaging a tick under 20 disposals and applying pressure in the Hawks’ midfield.

The 25-year-old has elite stoppage craft and moves away from traffic well, which has been on display for a Box Hill side which currently sits 6-3.

Beaconsfield’s Matt Johnson kicked two goals in a low-scoring one-point loss for Frankston, while Noble Park’s Matt Nelson finished with 17 disposals and four tackles as he continues to develop at the level.

Two-all draw

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Casey’s women were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw on Saturday after a last-gasp short corner couldn’t find the back of the net.

In the last play of the game, SamWagg laid it off to Mikayla Davis, who cleared the goal keeper, but couldn’t find the back of the net after a deflection off an MCC defender hit the post and ricocheted out of bounds.

The Cannons dominated the last quarter against third-placed MCC, having five short corners but unable to score the sealer.

Mikayla McDonald scored both the goals, including one in the first quarter which put the Cannons up momentarily before a quick MCC response.

The visitors took the lead into halftime and started the second half strongly, before Davis evened up proceedings with the last goal of the game just before three-quarter-time.

“Our fitness stood up which is good for the confidence of the players because they put in work in preseason so it is good for them to see the results of the hard work,” said coach Andrew Harris.

“There’s a bit of evidence now that our style is working given we’ve been competitive with all the former premier league sides.”

As well as McDonald, Tegen Hyland and Emma Harris were also strong, the latter creating several second-half short corners in her first game back from injury.

It concludes a tough run of games against the strong sides in the competition, with the next two games decisive in whether Casey make the top six to qualify for finals.

The Cannons currently occupy seventh place, two points behind sixthplaced Monash University, with games against fellow finals contenders West Vic (ninth) and Mornington (10th) to come.

The knockout-style finals format introduced this season has the club confident that it can do damage regardless of where it finishes if it qualifies.

Meanwhile, the men also had a draw, 3-3 against Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation despite missing five first choice players.

The Cannons scored first and held the lead for much of the contest until the late stages when the opposition came hard, with the Cannons able to hold on for a draw.

Craig Moore, Josh Watson and goalkeeper Matt Hollway were among the standouts, while Josh Grant, Ben Hare and David Jensen were the goal-scorers.

The result sees third-placed Knox close in on Casey, with both teams sitting on 14 points, just two clear of sixthplaced Bayside in a logjam Vic League 2 men’s competition.

“It showed we actually have depth in the club now - it was a great team effort to hold on for a draw,” said coach Steve Noney.

“The development has looked good - we’ve got 14-21-year-olds coming through the seconds and four guys in that age group are honing their skills.

“It’s a mater of trying to harness that young talent and get them play a style of senior hockey.”

At Williamstown, Narre Warren’s Jack Toner worked hard in a 60-point loss to Port Melbourne, while Cranbourne’s Corey Ellison had three shots on goal.

Elsewhere, Northern Bullants winger

Casey had a strong performance against a tough opponent on Saturday. 408035

Picture: ROB CAREW

Will Howe loves kicking goals for Narre Warren,nailing 10 in a thumping win over Berwick Springs. 410442

Picture: ROB CAREW

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